10 Productive Homeowner Tasks To Do While Staying Home During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.04.2020

Even if you are not planning on selling your home, you always want to protect your investment and keep it in its best condition. Alternatively, if you plan on selling your home this year, take advantage of the added time you are spending in your home and help it look its best for when the time comes to put it on the market. Many of the following tasks can be done with minimal to no supplies. If supplies are needed, they can be delivered to your home. 

1. Deep Clean – Many surfaces build up dust and grime easily over time which could make your home a hotbed for germs. Take this time to remove dust from all edges, disinfect all crevices, and remove all grime buildup on fixtures or doors (vinegar works great on doors!).
2. Replace Batteries – It is always good to ensure the nuts and bolts of your home are running properly. Whether it is on your smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, alarm system, or thermostat, check those batteries! These items would also be identified in a home inspection.
3. Replace Filters – Filters are like the lungs of a home. Check your furnace filter, humidifier filter, range hood filter, and any other filters in your home that might need addressing. You may have to just wash some of those filters but be sure to do your research on which ones cannot be washed. 
4. Check Grout – Tile can often be found in bathrooms and kitchens not only for aesthetics but also functional reasons. You will want to make sure to always repair and clean the grout as it will prolong the life of tiled surfaces and it just looks so much better. 
5. Check Caulking – You will find the bulk of this in any bathrooms and the kitchen too. Run your finger along the caulking and if you find any open spots, strip and replace. Caulking is very inexpensive but a leak could cause hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in replacements. 
6. Tighten Up – After a long winter, doorknobs, railings, and racks may be sitting loose. Take out a screwdriver and tighten things up! The entire house should take 15-30 minutes and prevent a full replacement in the future. 
7. Tape, Mud, And Sand – If you have a few quarter sized dents in your walls that you have been walking by for months, now could be a good time to try your hand at repairing them. Larger sections are not recommended as this project can produce a lot of dust and prompt the need to clean your ducts which is something you would want to avoid right now.
8. Paint – Whether you are painting a discolored room or just to change the vibe in the room, now is a great time to take on this smaller project as there are many non-toxic paint options available. Many people also find painting therapeutic which would be beneficial during these times of uncertainty. 
9. Wash Window Treatments – If you have horizontal blinds, it is worth the time and effort to thoroughly clean the dust off of these. If you have drapes, take them down and wash them, you might be surprised at the original color! 
10. Yard Work – As long as you are still adhering to the physical distancing regulations, feel free to get those yard tools out this spring, just take a break if your neighbor comes out to tackle their yard. Don’t forget your gutters! 

If after this thorough comb-over of your home, you find that it does not suit your needs as much as it once did, contact Tanya LaRose at 306-380-7325. You will receive a free Homeowner’s Counselling Session completed remotely from the comfort of your own home. 

The 7 Most Common Items Needed For Your Mortgage Pre-Approval Appointment

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 02.03.2020

1. Government Issued Photo ID – Ensure it is not expired and has your current address.
2. Proof Of Address – You may need your address history, depending on your current living circumstances.
3. Proof Of Income – T4, pay stubs, child tax, etc.
4. Contact Information For Your Employer – A longstanding employer is always best but your employment history might be required.
5. Proof Of Down Payment – It should reflect the exact amount and where it came from (gifts are allowed as well).
6. Any Outstanding Current Debt – You will need to include all financial obligations and anything that may have damaged/ing your credit.
7. Proof Of Assets – Other real estate, savings, vehicles, investments, etc.

Disclaimer: Mortgage pre-approvals vary from person-to-person and financial institution-to-financial institution so other items may be needed. It is also important to note that you may get a rejection from one mortgage specialist and an approval from another. Call or text Tanya LaRose at 306-380-7325 for a highly-skilled mortgage specialist contact.

7 Ways To Control Your Emotions In Order To Successfully Sell Your Home

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 03.02.2020

Selling your home can be a very emotional time in life. Hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of days spent in your home can inevitably build a complex emotional bond that can be difficult to identify and even more difficult to break. Here are some tips on how to get ahead of your emotions so you can successfully get a sold sign on your lawn:

1. Journal – Buy a $2.00 notebook and dedicate it entirely to your home selling journey. It will allow you to organize your thoughts, reflect upon your progress, and document your successes for the next time you have to sell a home. Not a fan of writing? Start a vlog and post it to YouTube, you may be able to help others facing the same task.
2. Set Your Intentions – Identify the reason you are selling your home and commit to it as a positive experience. Perhaps you have an incredible new job opportunity that requires you to relocate or you are expecting a new baby and need more bedrooms. Setting the intention for selling your home will provide the fuel required to continue with sale of your home regardless of any obstacles that may arise during the interim.
3. Keep Yourself Accountable – If you find yourself feeling discouraged often, with a delayed sale or negative feedback from a showing, confide in your real estate agent and use them as a touchstone for staying on track in achieving your goals.
4. Visualize Your Home As A Stock – Real estate is one of the most popular types of investments in the world, and much like stocks, the value goes up and down. The most successful stock investors buy low and sell high, according to the larger financial situation. Reflect upon your financial situation and remember that sometimes you need to take risks for long-term diversification.
5. Focus Your Emotions On The Next Home – Distract yourself from your emotional ties to the past and embrace the potential in your next home. How can it better accommodate your new life circumstances? What kind of house warming party can you welcome your friends and family with? Where are the nearest walking-trails for you to explore your new neighborhood?
6. Objectify Your Home – Think of your home from the perception of a consumer. For example, a product on a grocery store shelf must be presented nicely, priced correctly, and be in front of the right buyer to get sold. It is easier to not allow hurt feelings to influence a potential sale, if a few buyers pass without being attracted to your home, if you think of it from the perception of a consumer who has a variety of variable needs.
7. Remember Memories Do Not Equal Value – The daughter may have had all of her birthday parties in your kitchen and then went on to get married in your beautifully landscaped backyard but that does not mean the price tag increases by $20,000 more than your neighbour’s house which is almost the exact replica of your home.

4 Major Problems That Can Happen When Your Home Is Not Properly Sealed

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.11.2019

High Energy Bills – The first sign home owners can watch for are unusually high energy bills in the winter. If heat is slipping through doors that have old weather stripping on them, it is only sensible to take the steps for resealing at the doors and any other potential areas that might be losing heat so you can save more money in the long run.

Pest Problem – Regardless if it is an insect issue or something larger like rodents, it is easier to take preventative measures instead of reparative measures. Once the pests have infested the home, it can cost hundreds of dollars to remove them and possibly thousands to repair any damage they may have caused.

Dangerous Radon – Radon is a radioactive, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is present in the vast majority of houses which can be especially dangerous if gas levels are high. It often enters the home through the basement. The best practice is to caulk all cracks in the basement and if there are additional concerns a Home Testing Kit can be purchased for added peace of mind.

Mold Damage – If the humidity in a home is not moderated properly, mold can completely destroy a home. It would be an especially high risk if the home IS properly sealed and the occupants cook and/or shower often without running the fans. Once the mold sets in, it is also a health hazard for the current occupants of the home and a potentially large cost to remediate which would complicate any possible resale.

Five Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying A Home

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.10.2019

#1. What is the cost of using a buying REALTOR®?  It is a common misconception that you save money by not using a buyer's agent. However in residential real estate, the commission is usually paid by the seller regardless if a buyer's agent is involved or not. Therefore you might as well take advantage of the free benefits an experienced real estate professional will bring to the table. Note that there are rare scenarios where a buyer is required to pay their REALTOR® out-of-pocket, but this would have to be fully disclosed and agreed upon in a signed document.

#2. Do you know what kind of buying REALTOR® you would like to work with?  It is important to research REALTORS® before working with one. What kind of credentials do they have? Do they have positive reviews from helping other buyers purchase their homes? What are they able to contribute to your home search process?  Don’t be afraid to ask your potential buying REALTOR® what sets them apart from the others.

#3. What kind business are you supporting by giving your REALTOR® business? In a generation that represents responsible consumerism more than ever, a thorough understanding of your REALTOR® should be mandatory. Do they give back to the community, therefore allowing you to give back through your purchase? Are they known for ethical practices within the real estate industry? Do they have kids which means, in turn, your support is helping with sports teams or college funds? Do they have a giant comic book collection and your support will help them double that collection? It is your responsibility, as a responsible consumer, to support a REALTOR® whose values align with yours.

#4. Can you trusts your REALTOR®? If you’ve done your proper due diligence as a future real estate consumer, you can rest assured that your REALTOR® will carry out their fiduciary duties to the best of their abilities. If your agent is a REALTOR®, and not just a real estate agent, they are bound to a code of ethics. It essentially stipulates that REALTORS® legally owe their client a list of fiduciary duties such as honesty, protecting your best interest and confidentiality. The code of ethics is strictly enforced and discrepancies can lead to serious REALTOR® penalties such as thousands of dollars in fines or lengthy suspensions from practice.

#5. How does your buying REALTOR® protect you? In Saskatchewan, REALTORS® are required to keep full files of all documents in all transactions for seven years. Consequently if you have any questions or lost paperwork for your home for resale or refinancing, which often happens, you can count on that safety net. Secondly, your buying REALTOR® has access to all MLS® data which can protect you from overpaying for a property, which is especially common when purchasing “For Sale By Owners”. REALTORS® are also heavily insured by Errors And Omissions so if for some reason a mistake is made, you could be shielded by this. Lastly, with a skilled REALTOR®, you are protected from being manipulated and/or blind-sighted during negotiations.

How To Buy Your First Home (April Fool’s Edition)

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.04.2019

1. Look At Your Bank Account – If the current balance is anything but zero, you’re ready to buy.
2. Hire 7 Real Estate Agents To Help You Evaluate Homes – Why? Because 7 is lucky!
3. Compile A List Of Interesting Homes – Be sure to include acreages, condos, fixer uppers, and new builds. No buying strategy? No problem. Looking at 50+ homes is great exercise.
4. Schedule Your Showings – You want to only book your showings directly with the listings agents, never mind the agents who have been putting in several hours helping you evaluate homes.
5. Put In Your Offer – You will want to put in more than one offer, at one time, through several different agents. How else do you expect to increase your odds of getting a home?
6. Back Up Plan – If none of your low ball offers are accepted through an agent, that doesn’t matter. You can do it better yourself! Find a “For Sale By Owner” and get them to give you a lower price by offering to proceed without a home inspection.
7. Save On A Lawyer – Did your 70 year old uncle practice law 20 years ago? Perfect! You can hire him to close the sale on your home for a fraction of the price.

 

• DISCLAIMER: The preceding is entirely fictional and could have disastrous repercussions, please do not follow any of these steps.

9 Nightmarish Home Reno’s with a Horrible Return on Investment

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 31.10.2018

 

1. Swimming Pool – A luxury item that, for the cost of installation, will definitely not improve your home value dollar for dollar. Plus those maintenance costs might be viewed as a deterrent as well.
2. Faux Grass – Niche items like faux grass are not popular enough for buyers to equate a higher property value than an immediate comparable with regular grass.
3. Sunroom – Another niche item but this one is highly dependent on climate and demographic justify the value in its presence.
4. Garage Re-model – Man caves are very popular these days but are considered superfluous to most buyers, especially large families.
5. Custom Closet Re-model – Closets may seem like a small project but can get away on you so approach this one with severe caution.
6. Master Suite Addition – Although it would probably bring the home to the top of the list among most house hunters, the cost may not be substantiated as a benefit over having not completed the addition at all.
7. Home Theatre – A theatre is luxury item that may not speak to the majority of buyers, especially in towns or cities with a smaller population.
8. Combining Bedrooms to Enlarge One – In this scenario, empty nesters may opt for this but it does not improve your home value in the slightest and often ends up lowering property value.
9. Chasing Trends – Shag rugs and stipple ceilings are a great example of accents to your home that may repulse buyers in a few years so choose wisely.

How To Differentiate The 3 Values Attached To Your Home

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.06.2018

1. Comparable Market Analysis

Source: REALTOR®

Description: The current fair market value of your home. It is a detailed report that compares your home to similar homes based on several different factors including age, location, size, condition, amenities, etc.. The CMA also takes into consideration active, expired, and sold listings. It is then interpreted by your REALTOR® into a price range, often with a marketing plan to support higher or lower pricing.

Use: In preparations to put your home on the market for a successful sale. It can also be used as a benchmark when planning to raise home equity.

 

2. Property Assessment Value

Source: The City Of Saskatoon

Description: A mass assessment completed every four years that is based on property characteristics The City has on file such as, permits, maps, land titles, and sales data. The exact formula is calculated for tax determination only and is not a reflection of what the property would sell for.

Use: To allow the city to configure each properties annual taxes and equitably distribute the tax load. Furthermore, it is used to budget and distribute funds to the city, library, and school boards as needed to operate.

 

3. Appraisal

Source: Appraiser

Description: An inspection and report often utilizing three different approaches in factoring value.

1. The cost approach which identifies current building costs, labour rates, and material prices to determine how much it would cost to build this house today.
2. The income approach which forecasts the amount of income the property will produce in the foreseeable future.
3. The sales comparison which considers other similar properties that have sold, neighborhood statistics, etc..

Use: Your lender may require an appraisal prior to approving a mortgage in order to verify the collateral for the loan. Other scenarios may also include asset division during a divorce, to pursue a reassessment of property taxes, or during estate planning.

Savvy Spring Buyers & 5 Reasons They Are Winning

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 01.05.2018

1. Effective Investing – With holiday expenses far behind and possibly a generous tax return under your belt, it would be wise to invest extra funds into an appreciating asset such as a new home or rental property instead of heading to that car dealership lot.
2. Better Quality Home Inspections – When the perimeter of a house is covered by four feet of snow and the shingles are completely covered, home inspectors cannot identify those future costs for any potential repairs. Without snow, the thoroughness of the exterior inspections can save a buyer huge costs down the road.
3. Higher Supply – For everyone who did not want to move in -40 Celsius weather or for those families who need to move by the end of the school year, a new set of homes consequently hit the market and an overall seller competitiveness is raised.
4. Motivated Sellers – As the new set of homes hit the market, the older listings tend to become frustrated and overlooked. It is an opportune time for your agent to delicately negotiate an excellent deal you.
5. Enjoyable Experience – Packing up all of your belongings to move to your new home can be 10X more enjoyable in the spring. You may already be doing some spring cleaning, you can purge any unneeded items, the warm sun will be on your face when you load the truck, and a lush green backyard will be waiting at your new home - just in time to fire up the BBQ for your first house warming party.

Honey Do List: 7 Spring Starting Tips For Homeowners (Interior Edition)

Tanya LaRose 0 comments 02.04.2018

1. General Cleaning – Time to deep clean! Wash walls, floors, light-fixtures, underneath appliances, above cabinets, windows, window coverings, and carpet. Removing any dust, mites, and allergens will make for a healthier spring.
2. Investigate Thoroughly – Houses change over the years so you will want to investigate every corner and crevasse to ensure there is no mould growth, dampness, or openings that might be an access point for any insects or rodents.
3. Observe Plumbing – You will want to take a look at all of the plumbing in your house from bathrooms to the kitchen and mechanical room alike. Make sure there is no sweating, bulging, or leaks on any of the pipes. If you find something irregular – call the plumber.
4. Touch-Up Caulking – If the caulking is in rough shape, you may want to skip the touch-ups and completely strip and re-caulk to ensure your doors and windows look their best for spring.
5. Air-Filter Replacement – Replace those dirty air filters or if you have a re-usable filter, take it out for a good vacuum and wash.
6. Dehumidify – Depending on your mechanical space, you may be able to manually lower the humidity in the house. If you are in an older house, buy a quality dehumidifier for those higher temperatures.
7. Complete A Safety Inspection – Check all of the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning properly. Also be sure to include a fire distinguisher in the kitchen.