Don't FALL Behind!

Home Maintenance TIPS

Just because you're set to sell your home doesn't mean that you can neglect to maintain it, especially with winter fast approaching. Not only can prepping for the winter season help showcase some of the features which make your home unique (like a cozy fireplace), but the failure to adequately prep it for the season can result in home hazards that could impact the sale of your home, even after you've accepted an offer.

Here are some winter maintenance tips that you need to be thinking about this fall:

Plumbing Prep:

Your home's pipes can be a big issue during the cold winter months, so blow out your sprinkler system and take any outdoor hoses indoors. Don't forget to shut off the water to…

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DIY: Paint Like A Pro

Want to know the secrets to painting a room like a pro? Look no further! Here are some tips to help you achieve a flawless finish:


Tip #1 - Start with a clean slate:


Remove all furniture and decor from the room, and give the walls a thorough cleaning.

When it comes to painting a room like a pro, the first and most important step is to start with a clean slate. This means removing all furniture and decor from the room, and giving the walls a thorough cleaning.

Why is this step so important? Well, for one thing, it ensures that the paint will adhere better to the walls. If there is dust, grime, or other debris on the walls, the paint will not stick as well, which can result in a less-than-satisfactory finish.…

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In The News

IN THE NEWS

A quick look at the stories that are affecting our local real estate market. [June 30th, 2022]


OSFI makes real estate loan changes aimed at reducing lender risk

June 28, 2022 - cambridgetoday.ca

Canada's banking regulator is tightening requirements for some types of real estate loans to protect homeowners who may be at greater risk from higher interest rates.

The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions says changes affect combined loan plans like reverse mortgages or loans with shared equity features, which have grown in popularity in recent years but may be riskier for lenders.

For borrowers who owe more than 65 per cent of the loan value, a portion of their payment must to go toward the loan principal…

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Are You Worried About Buying and Selling in Today's Market?

Perhaps the most common concern that I've been hearing from homeowners lately, is that of uncertainty in regards to finding a new home after committing to the sale of their current one. "Where will we go, and what if we can't find a new home in this market?" The fact is true that the market has been interesting to navigate over the last two years, but that should never prevent you from your real estate goals.

Thinking about selling your current home, but worried about buying your next one?

- The Purchase -

The market has been a bit crazy over the past two years, but things have started to settle down. As more homes hit the market this Spring and average selling prices begin to…

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Home Selling Mistakes to Avoid:
OUTDOOR EDITION

Home selling mistakes to avoid outdoorsOne of our most popular blog posts was about home selling mistakes to avoid. Since this post was so popular, we thought it was a good idea to make a similar post, this one dedicated to the home selling mistakes that happen outdoors. You know, the cluttered lawns, unkempt gardens, and peeling paint-type of outdoor problems. Read on to make sure you don't make these common mistakes when selling your home!

Leaving Out The Trash

One common thing that sellers often overlook is keeping their outdoor garbage areas in good shape. If your garbage bins are overflowing with trash and your recycling bins are scattered with empty soda cans, it might make people think you've neglected the rest of your home too.…

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Home selling mistakes to avoid Home Selling Mistakes To Avoid

Selling your home can be an overwhelming process but that’s why I’m bringing you my list of the top home-selling mistakes that people often make. Keep this list in mind and you’ll be able to avoid some of the most common home-selling mistakes and make yourself thousands of dollars or more!

1. Pricing Your Home Too High

I've mentioned this before and it’s worth mentioning again. A home that is priced too high will discourage people from making an offer. Even if you think that the granite countertops you installed should allow you to raise your price, if it’s drastically over-priced compared to other houses on the street, it won’t bode well. It’s important to remember that your home is only worth what people are…

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Seller's Budget Worksheet: FREE Download

Selling your home is a big event that most people only ever do once, if at all. This can create a huge list of questions, and at the center it usually comes down to money.

If you are wondering what to budget and where it should go, I've got you covered! I've put together a Seller's Budget Worksheet for you to download for free. Just click the link below and you'll be able to save the PDF file and print it out.

Download free Seller's Budget Worksheet

Any questions about it? Contact me today and I'll help you out. 

Contact Dewar Realty

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How To Know When It's Time To Downsize Your Home

Retired couple enjoying a glass of wine at home - Is it time to downsize your home - Dewar Realty - The Real Estate Blog

As a realtor, I help people in all stages of their lives buy and sell their homes. One common question I get is when it’s time to downsize your home. While you are the best judge of whether or not it is the right time to downsize, here are some things to think about to help you make your choice.

Do you have extra, unused space in your home?

If you are an empty nester whose children have moved out, you're probably faced with a few extra rooms that don't get the same use that they used to. Maybe you don't need that third bathroom or second family room in the basement. As your children move out and start their own families, it's a good time to think about downsizing. Getting rid of that unused…

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You Have Received an Offer! Now What?



You never truly know what buyers are thinking when they make an offer, but, the ease of negotiations will be directly linked to the amount of preparation you've put into listing your home.

Below are your main areas of focus.

Working with the Price

If you get your asking price, or even over it, that's fantastic! If you don't find the price appropriate you can sign the offer back. This means you're refusing the offer and would like to make changes. One thing to remember is that buyers ultimately decide what your house is worth. If the showing feedback & offer history shows that your price may be high, then be flexible. There may be other ways to save money.

Working with the Closing Date

When do you…

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Increasing Curb Appeal and Getting Buyers In The Door

Before you put money in to your home, the exterior should be taken care of. The first impression is made when potential buyers drive by your home or pull into your driveway. If it doesn’t look good, they are approaching with skepticism or they may just keep on driving!

While exterior improvements may not have a large ROI, compared to Interior improvements, they are essential. Anything on the outside of your home that needs improvement or replacement could significantly affect an offer price or the desire to place an offer at all. Some exterior items can have large price tags to fix and the average buyer won't be willing to assume major repairs. I know everyone has a different budget when…

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