Homes By Lei – Where Dreams Come Home

Step 3 To Selling Your Home: Conduct a Pre-List Home Inspection

alysonv — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 19:49:17 +0000

Step 3 To Selling Your Home: Conduct a Pre-List Home Inspection

We’re strong advocates for pre-list home inspections, especially for single-family homes. This involves hiring an inspector to evaluate your home before listing it for sale, typically costing between $400 to $700. It’s a smart move because it allows us to address any issues identified in the inspection report before putting your home on the market. If there’s a major concern that will involve a huge investment, we can factor that in when you price your home for sale and we will note that in our listing.

Interestingly, some buyers may even forgo conducting their own inspection if they can review your inspection report. If you’re interested in arranging a pre-list home inspection, just let us know, and we’ll take care of the arrangements. We can even attend the inspection on your behalf so you don’t have to take time off work.

Step 5 To Selling Your Home: Deep Clean

alysonv — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 19:43:06 +0000

Step 5 To Selling Your Home: Deep Clean

Selling your home is a major undertaking, and it involves more than just putting up a “For Sale” sign in your yard. One crucial step that many homeowners overlook is deep cleaning their home before listing it on the market. In this article, we’ll explore why deep cleaning is essential, what it entails, and how it can help you sell your home faster and for a better price.

Why Deep Cleaning Matters: First impressions matter, especially when it comes to selling your home. A clean and well-maintained home not only attracts potential buyers but also gives them confidence that the property has been well cared for. Here are several reasons why deep cleaning your home is important before selling:

Curb Appeal: A clean exterior, including a well-maintained yard and sparkling windows, sets the stage for a positive first impression when potential buyers arrive.
Enhances Photography: Professional real estate photos are crucial for attracting buyers online. A clean and clutter-free home photographs better, making it more appealing to potential buyers browsing listings on the internet.
Highlights Features: Deep cleaning your home allows its best features to shine. Clean floors, countertops, and fixtures make the home feel inviting and spacious, showcasing its full potential to prospective buyers.
Reduces Odors: Lingering odors from pets, cooking, or musty areas can be a major turn-off for buyers. Deep cleaning helps eliminate odors and creates a fresh, inviting atmosphere throughout the home.
Creates a Blank Canvas: Buyers want to envision themselves living in the home. A clean and neutral environment allows them to imagine their own furnishings and personal touches, making it easier for them to connect with the space emotionally.

Steps for Deep Cleaning Your Home: Now that we understand the importance of deep cleaning, let’s walk through the essential steps to ensure your home is in tip-top condition before listing it for sale:

1. 1. Declutter: Start by removing any unnecessary items and clutter from each room. Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need to create a more spacious and organized living environment.
  2. Dust and Wipe Down Surfaces: Dust all surfaces, including countertops, shelves, light fixtures, and ceiling fans. Wipe down walls, baseboards, and trim to remove dirt and grime.
  3. Clean Floors: Vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly, paying attention to corners and edges. Mop hard floors with a gentle cleaner to remove dirt and stains, and consider professional carpet cleaning if needed.
  4. Deep Clean Bathrooms: Scrub and sanitize all bathroom surfaces, including sinks, toilets, showers, and tubs. Pay special attention to grout lines, faucets, and fixtures to ensure they sparkle.
  5. Refresh Bedrooms: Launder bedding, curtains, and window treatments to remove dust and allergens. Vacuum mattresses and upholstered furniture, and tidy up closets to create a neat and organized space.
  6. Tackle the Kitchen: Clean and degrease all kitchen surfaces, including countertops, cabinets, and appliances. Pay extra attention to the oven, stovetop, and refrigerator, as buyers often scrutinize these areas.
  7. Don’t Forget the Exterior: Sweep walkways, clean windows, and pressure wash exterior surfaces to enhance curb appeal. Pay attention to outdoor living spaces, such as patios and decks, and ensure they’re clean and inviting.
Deep cleaning your home before selling is a crucial step that can significantly impact your selling experience. By presenting your home in its best possible condition, you’ll attract more buyers, generate higher offers, and ultimately sell your home faster. Follow the steps outlined in this article to ensure your home shines and stands out in a competitive real estate market.

Step 6 To Selling Your Home: Staging For Success

alysonv — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 19:42:51 +0000

Step 6 To Selling Your Home: Staging For Success

To ensure a smooth and efficient staging process, it’s important to prepare your home before our staging team arrives. Here are some practical tips to get your home ready:

1. Declutter and Clean

Remove Personal Items: Pack away family photos, personal collections, and any items that might distract buyers. Remove any valuable item that is breakable (we realize that item can be replace but the sentimental value isn’t). Keep your jewelry away from prying eyes.
Deep Clean: Make sure your home is thoroughly cleaned, including floors, windows, and surfaces.

2. Organize Spaces

Tidy Up: Clear out unnecessary items from countertops, shelves, and tables.
Storage Solutions: Use storage bins or rent a storage unit for items you want to keep but need out of sight.

3. Repair and Refresh

Fix Minor Issues: Repair leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and any visible damage.
Touch Up Paint: Apply fresh paint to walls, especially in high-traffic areas, using neutral colors.

4. Maximize Light

Open Curtains and Blinds: Let in as much natural light as possible.
Replace Light Bulbs: Ensure all light fixtures have working, high-wattage bulbs.

5. Enhance Curb Appeal

Quick Landscaping: Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and plant fresh flowers.
Clean Exterior: Power wash the exterior walls, driveway, and sidewalks.

6. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere

Fresh Scents: Use air fresheners or bake cookies to create a pleasant aroma.
Set the Temperature: Make sure your home is comfortably warm or cool.

7. Prepare Key Rooms

Living Room: Arrange furniture to highlight space and flow.
Kitchen: Clear countertops and ensure the sink is empty.
Bedrooms: Make beds with clean, neutral bedding and clear nightstands.

8. Remove Pets

Pet-Free Zone: Arrange for pets to be elsewhere during staging to avoid distractions and ensure the home is clean and allergen-free.

9. Gather Important Documents

Property Information: Have any relevant documents about your home ready for the stager, such as floor plans or renovation details.

10. Be Ready to Communicate

Stay Available: Make sure you’re reachable in case our team has questions or needs your input during the process.

By following these steps, you’ll help us work efficiently and effectively, ensuring your home is presented in the best possible light to potential buyers.

Step 9 To Selling Your Home: Order Condo Status

alysonv — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 04:42:34 +0000

Step 9 To Selling Your Home: Order Condo Status

Condo status certificate is a crucial document that tells about the financial health and legal standing of the condo corporation. This document is required by financial institution (bank/mortgage lenders) and the buyer’s lawyers. Order this as soon as you decide to sell your home right after you have signed the listing agreement as this takes 10 days to get and the buyer’s lawyer will review this before a buyer can decide to purchase your property. Let your Realtor (that’s us!) know if there are some special assessments pending in your building. This can make or break the buyer’s desire to purchase your property so we need to address and resolve this as soon as possible.

a) Did you have renovations that were not approved by the condo board or you secretly do without consulting the condo board? Tell your agent about this ‘cuz this will affect your sale.

b) If there’s pending assessment or lawsuit, they will see it in the condo status. Better declare it now before it’s too late so your agent will know how to address these issues beforehand.

Step 7 to Selling Your Home: Stunning Photography That Captures The Buyer’s Eyes

alysonv — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 04:06:01 +0000

Step 7 to Selling Your Home: Stunning Photography That Captures The Buyer’s Eyes

After the staging is completed, it’s essential to maintain the pristine appearance of your home for photography. Here’s a practical guide to ensure your house looks its best:

Maintain Cleanliness: Keep surfaces free of dust and floors sparkling clean. Regularly vacuum carpets and mop floors to eliminate dirt and grime.
Minimize Clutter: Store away personal items, such as family photos and knick-knacks, to create a clutter-free environment. Clear countertops and shelves of unnecessary items to make rooms appear more spacious.
Organize Spaces: Arrange furniture and decor in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Pay attention to the flow of each room and ensure there’s ample space to move around freely.
Maximize Natural Light: Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light, which can make rooms appear brighter and more inviting. Consider removing heavy drapes or replacing them with sheer curtains to maximize sunlight.
Enhance Artificial Lighting: Turn on all lights, including overhead fixtures and lamps, to illuminate dark corners and create a warm ambiance. Replace burnt-out bulbs and consider using bulbs with higher wattage to brighten dimly lit areas.
Pay Attention to Details: Tidy up small details, such as arranging pillows and throws on sofas, straightening rugs, and fluffing cushions. These minor adjustments can make a significant difference in the overall appearance of your home.
Spruce Up the Exterior: Don’t forget to pay attention to the outside of your home. Sweep walkways, trim hedges, and plant flowers to enhance curb appeal. Remove any clutter from the yard and ensure outdoor furniture is clean and well-maintained.

By following these practical tips, you’ll ensure your home is photo-ready and poised to make a great impression on potential buyers.

Dirt to Dollars: Transforming Your Home for a Quick Sale

alysonv — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 03:58:52 +0000

Dirt to Dollars: Transforming Your Home for a Quick Sale

Preparing to sell your home involves many tasks, but one essential step is deep cleaning to ensure your property looks its best and appeals to potential buyers. Here’s a guide to help you tackle deep cleaning in an easy and efficient way:

Start with a Plan:
- Before diving into cleaning, create a plan of action by making a checklist of areas that need attention. Divide your home into sections such as bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living areas, and outdoor spaces.
Declutter First:
- Begin by decluttering each room to remove unnecessary items and create a clean and spacious look. Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need or use. Clearing clutter will make the cleaning process easier and more effective.
Gather Cleaning Supplies:
- Assemble all the necessary cleaning supplies and tools before you start. This may include all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, disinfectant wipes, microfiber cloths, scrub brushes, vacuum cleaner, mop, and bucket.
Work from Top to Bottom:
- Start cleaning from the top of each room and work your way down to the floors. Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and crown molding first, then move on to walls, windows, and surfaces. Finally, clean floors last to avoid spreading dirt and dust.
Focus on High-Traffic Areas:
- Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas such as entryways, hallways, and living spaces. These areas tend to accumulate more dirt and grime and make a significant impression on potential buyers.
Deep Clean Kitchen and Bathrooms:
- Give special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms, as these are key selling points for many buyers. Clean countertops, appliances, sinks, and faucets thoroughly. Scrub grout, tile, and shower doors to remove any built-up residue.
Don’t Forget the Details:
- Don’t overlook small details that can make a big difference in the overall cleanliness of your home. Wipe down baseboards, door frames, and switch plates. Clean inside cabinets, closets, and drawers to showcase storage space.
Freshen Up Outdoor Areas:
- Extend your deep cleaning efforts to outdoor areas such as the front porch, patio, and yard. Sweep walkways, clean outdoor furniture, and remove any debris or clutter. Enhancing curb appeal will attract buyers from the moment they arrive.
Consider Professional Help:
- If deep cleaning feels overwhelming or you’re short on time, consider hiring professional cleaners to tackle the job. They have the expertise and equipment to deep clean your home efficiently and effectively.
Maintain a Clean Environment:
- Once your home is deep cleaned, make an effort to maintain a clean and tidy environment for showings and open houses. Regularly touch up cleaning as needed to keep your home looking its best until it’s sold.

By following these easy steps, you can deep clean your home effectively and prepare it for a successful sale. A clean and well-maintained home will appeal to buyers and make a positive impression, increasing your chances of selling quickly and at a favorable price.

Step 4 To Selling Your Home: De-clutter, de-clutter, de-clutter!

alysonv — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 03:32:11 +0000

Step 4 To Selling Your Home: De-clutter, de-clutter, de-clutter!

As you prepare to sell your home, you want to ensure that it makes a lasting impression on potential buyers and stands out in a competitive market. While many homeowners focus on cosmetic upgrades and renovations, there’s one crucial step that often gets overlooked: decluttering. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the importance of decluttering for increasing your home’s value when selling and provide actionable tips to help you streamline the process.

Creating a Spacious and Welcoming Environment: One of the most significant benefits of decluttering is the creation of a spacious and welcoming atmosphere within your home. By removing excess belongings and organizing your space, you can make rooms appear larger and more inviting to potential buyers. This sense of openness allows buyers to envision themselves living in the space and can significantly impact their perception of your home’s value.

Highlighting Your Home’s Best Features: Clutter has a way of hiding your home’s best features and detracting from its overall appeal. By decluttering, you can showcase the unique aspects of your property, such as architectural details, beautiful flooring, and natural light. Clearing clutter allows these features to shine and can help buyers see the full potential of your home.

Improving Visual Appeal in Listing Photos: In today’s digital age, the majority of homebuyers begin their search online, making professional listing photos essential for attracting potential buyers. A clutter-free home photographs better, with clear, unobstructed views that capture buyers’ attention and encourage them to schedule a showing. Decluttering your home before listing it can significantly enhance its visual appeal in online listings and increase the likelihood of attracting qualified buyers.

Simplifying the Moving Process for Buyers: Moving can be a stressful and time-consuming process, and many buyers are looking for homes that are move-in ready. A clutter-free home signals to buyers that the property has been well-maintained and cared for, alleviating concerns about hidden issues or the need for extensive cleaning and organizing after moving in. By decluttering your home before listing it for sale, you can streamline the moving process for potential buyers and make your property more desirable in the eyes of prospective buyers.

Practical Tips for Decluttering: Now that we’ve explored the benefits of decluttering, let’s discuss some practical tips to help you get started:

Begin by decluttering one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Sort items into categories such as keep, donate, sell, and discard.
Maximize storage space by investing in storage solutions like bins, baskets, and shelving.
Create a maintenance plan to keep your home organized and tidy while it’s on the market.

Decluttering is a simple yet effective strategy for increasing your home’s value when selling. By creating a spacious and welcoming environment, highlighting your home’s best features, and simplifying the moving process for buyers, decluttering sets the stage for a successful sale. Follow the practical tips outlined in this blog post to declutter your home effectively and attract buyers who are eager to make your house their new home.

In addition to the tangible benefits of decluttering, such as increased home value and faster sale times, there are several other factors to consider when preparing your home for the market. Here are a few additional considerations to keep in mind:

Emotional Detachment: Decluttering can be an emotional process, as it often involves letting go of items with sentimental value. Take the time to reflect on what truly matters to you and prioritize the items that bring you joy and serve a practical purpose in your new home.
Professional Assistance: If the thought of decluttering your entire home feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. Professional organizers and stagers can provide valuable insights and expertise to help streamline the decluttering process and optimize your home’s appeal to potential buyers.
Market Trends: Familiarize yourself with current market trends and buyer preferences in your area. Understanding what features and amenities are in high demand can help you prioritize decluttering efforts and make informed decisions about staging and showcasing your home.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Selling a home is a dynamic process, and flexibility is key to success. Be open to feedback from your real estate agent and potential buyers, and be willing to make adjustments to your decluttering and staging strategies as needed.
Long-Term Benefits: While decluttering may initially be motivated by the desire to sell your home, the benefits extend far beyond the sale. Adopting a minimalist mindset and maintaining a clutter-free home can lead to improved mental clarity, reduced stress, and a greater sense of peace and contentment in your daily life.

By embracing the transformative power of decluttering and incorporating these additional considerations into your selling strategy, you can position your home for maximum success on the real estate market. With careful planning, thoughtful preparation, and a commitment to creating a welcoming and inviting space, you can attract the attention of potential buyers and secure a profitable sale for your home.

8 Practical Tips for Decluttering Your Home Before Selling

alysonv — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 03:30:46 +0000

8 Practical Tips for Decluttering Your Home Before Selling

Preparing to sell your home can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially when it comes to decluttering. A clutter-free home not only looks more appealing to potential buyers but also creates a sense of space and openness that can help your property stand out in a competitive market. In this blog post, we’ll explore some practical tips to help you declutter your home effectively and efficiently before putting it on the market.

Start Early: Begin the decluttering process well in advance of listing your home for sale. Trying to tackle everything at the last minute can be overwhelming and stressful. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to declutter different areas of your home, starting with the most cluttered or high-traffic areas.
Take a Systematic Approach: Rather than trying to declutter your entire home all at once, break the process down into manageable tasks. Start with one room or area at a time, such as the living room, kitchen, or master bedroom, and work your way through each space systematically. Create a checklist or plan to keep track of your progress and stay organized.
Declutter Room by Room: Focus on one room at a time and declutter systematically. Begin by sorting items into three categories: keep, donate/sell, and discard. Be honest with yourself about what you truly need and use regularly, and don’t be afraid to let go of items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy.
Prioritize High-Traffic Areas: Pay special attention to high-traffic areas such as entryways, hallways, and living spaces. These areas are often the first impression for potential buyers and can significantly impact their perception of your home. Clearing clutter from these areas will create a sense of spaciousness and make a positive impression.
Maximize Storage Space: Make the most of your existing storage space by decluttering and organizing closets, cabinets, and drawers. Invest in storage solutions such as bins, baskets, and shelves to help maximize space and keep items neatly organized. Clearing out excess clutter from storage areas will give buyers a better sense of the available storage space in the home.
Minimize Personal Items: While your personal belongings add character to your home, they can also distract potential buyers and make it difficult for them to envision themselves living there. Minimize personal items such as family photos, personal collections, and memorabilia to create a more neutral and universally appealing space.
Consider Renting a Storage Unit: If you have a large amount of excess clutter or personal belongings that you’re not ready to part with, consider renting a storage unit temporarily. This will allow you to safely store items off-site until your home sells, freeing up valuable space and reducing visual clutter.
Seek Professional Assistance: If decluttering feels overwhelming or you’re not sure where to start, consider enlisting the help of a professional organizer or home stager. These experts can provide valuable insights, expertise, and hands-on assistance to help you declutter and stage your home effectively for sale.

Decluttering your home before selling is a critical step in preparing your property for the market. By following these practical tips and taking a systematic approach to decluttering, you can create a clean, organized, and inviting space that will appeal to potential buyers and help you achieve a successful sale. Remember to start early, prioritize high-traffic areas, and seek professional assistance if needed. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can declutter your home with confidence and set the stage for a successful sale.

Step 2 to Selling Your Home: You’ve Hired a Realtor. Now What?

alysonv — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 02:24:38 +0000

Step 2 to Selling Your Home: You’ve Hired a Realtor. Now What?

You’ve chosen a Realtor (us!). Yay! So, what’s next? Now we need to get your home ready for the market. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Complete the Paperwork Selling your home involves a lot of paperwork. Click here to download our listing packet, complete the forms, and return them to us.

2. Create a Top 10 List Write a top ten list of reasons you love living in your home. Focus on unique features that buyers wouldn’t easily notice, like beautiful sunsets visible from your living room, friendly neighbours, the nearby farmers’ market every Tuesday, or how the train is quieter than expected. Click here for examples of a Top 10 List. We’ll use this list in our marketing efforts.

3. Set Your Listing Date Let us know when you want your home to go live on the MLS®. We need about one week’s notice. Before listing, de-clutter, fix any necessary items, and clean your home (or have it professionally cleaned). If your home isn’t going on the market within 48 hours, you’ll need to fill out an Exempt MLS® agreement to avoid a $1,000 fine.

4. Update Your Facebook Privacy Settings Change your Facebook privacy settings so only friends can see your posts. We don’t want potential buyers discovering personal details like a job promotion, a cross-country move, or a new baby, as this can affect negotiations. While you can mention that you’re selling your home, avoid sharing the reasons why.

Once you’ve completed these steps, let us know, and we’ll guide you through the next phase.

Step 1 to Selling Your Home: Hire a Realtor®

alysonv — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 02:07:26 +0000

Step 1 to Selling Your Home: Hire a Realtor®

Many homeowners start the selling process by browsing online sites to see what similar properties have recently sold for in their neighbourhood to determine their home’s current value. While this is a good starting point, keep in mind:

Incomplete Listings: Online sites often miss out on listings that were never on MLS®, such as pocket listings or For Sale By Owner properties.
Outdated Information: The data on these sites can be outdated or inaccurate. Many Realtors® don’t regularly update their listings from Active to Sold, so a property might still appear active on sites like Zillow even though it sold months ago.
Professional Appraisals: Appraisers only consider homes sold within the last 90 days in a particular neighbourhood. Online sites don’t always allow you to filter by recent sales, making it hard to find the most relevant comparisons.
Missing Details: Many listings don’t include square footage, making it difficult to compare similarly sized homes, which is crucial for determining accurate value.

So, the first step in selling your home should be to interview Realtors® who can represent you and ask them to provide a CMA (comparable market analysis).

Find a Realtor®

How do you find a good Realtor®? We hope you’ll contact us at (647)888-9999 or leivillarre(at)gmail(dot)com to see if we’re the right fit for you. Remember, not all Realtors® are suitable for every client. You need someone who is excellent at their job and someone you like and trust since you’re entrusting them with a significant part of your financial future.

Ask friends and family for referrals and set up initial phone screenings with those Realtors®. Notice how quickly each Realtor® responds to your call or email. They should get back to you within 24 hours; if not, that’s a bad sign. Real estate moves fast, and deals can be lost if your Realtor doesn’t respond quickly to showing requests, offers, inspection negotiations, etc.

Initial Phone Screening

During the initial phone screening, find out if the Realtor® knows your neighbourhood and if they’ve helped clients buy or sell property there before. Ask about their experience. If you feel they might be a good fit, ask them to do a CMA (comparable market analysis) on your home and set up a time to meet in person. Be prepared for the Realtor® to ask questions about your home, your mortgage balance, and any necessary repairs to create an accurate CMA.

Meet In Person and Review the CMA

When you meet with the Realtor® in person, ask them detailed questions to assess if they’re the right fit (click here for interview questions). Review the CMA together (click here for tips on reading a CMA). Discuss what they think your home is worth and the average days on market in your area. If the Realtor® doesn’t know this, it’s a red flag. Also, discuss their fees, closing costs, and what you might net if you sell your home for a specific price.

Be honest with each Realtor® about your financial goals and timeline. This transparency helps them develop the best strategy for your situation. Lastly, trust your gut feeling about who will best represent you.

Sign the Paperwork

Once you’ve chosen a Realtor®, you’ll need to sign a listing agreement (click here for an example of a listing agreement and disclosures) authorizing them to represent you. This initiates the process to get your home on the market.

We are here when you need us!