What You Need to Know About Lots

When shopping for a new home, one of the most important considerations – yet one most people don’t pay enough attention to – is the lot type. Selecting the right one can significantly increase your enjoyment of the home. Picking the wrong one can have the opposite effect.

There are three special types of lots that homeowners tend to find most desirable. Yet, even though they are considered desirable, each has its pros and cons.

Here’s the rundown on each one:

1. Cul de sacs
   These are lots located on dead end streets that often feature homes positioned around a large circle of roadway. For obvious reasons, a cul de sac is a popular choice for buyers with children. There’s less traffic and often, the only cars on the street are those of neighbours. However, homes on these lots often come with a higher price tag than other comparable properties in the area. But, from a lifestyle standpoint, that extra price may be more than worth it.
2. Quiet streets
   Who doesn’t want a home on a quiet street? The benefits are obvious. However, don’t dismiss properties located on or near a busy street. They often sell for less and the noise from traffic may not be as bothersome as you might expect. In fact, some neighbourhoods in these areas feature special soundproof fencing. If the home is otherwise ideal, schedule a viewing to judge the noise level for yourself.
3. Corner lots
   These are often larger and therefore provide you with more space. Plus, with the look of two front lawns, there’s twice the potential for curb appeal, and therefore the opportunity to increase the property’s value. On the downside, kids may shortcut across your front lawn to get to the adjacent sidewalk.

Want more tips on what to look for when shopping for a new home?
Call Marina 416-843-1515 today!

Your Real Estate Connection:
Marina Gavrylyuk
Real Estate Agent with Sutton Group Summit Realty
www.MarinaG.ca
Marina.Realtor
RentListingService.com – Condos and Houses for rent
CondoName.com – New and Resale Condos and Towns from Developers

Marina Gavrylyuk
Sales Representative
Sutton Group-Summit Realty Inc. Brokerage
1100 Burnhamthorpe Road West #27
Mississauga, Ontario, L5C 4G4

Cell: 416-843-1515 Tel.: 905-897-9555
Email: Marina@MarinaG.ca
Web: www.MarinaG.ca
Marina.Realtor

Pretend You’re A Buyer

An effective technique to help you sell your property quickly and for the best price is to put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer. Don’t just visualize this. Actually do it!

Drive to your property and imagine that you’re seeing it for the first time. What’s your impression? Is the landscaping attractive? Are the walkways clear? Is the front door welcoming?

Now walk up to the front door, open it, and step inside. Does the foyer seem neat and uncluttered? Is there anything unsightly from that vantage point?

Take a walk through your home, starting in rooms that a potential buyer would predictably view first: the kitchen, living room and bedrooms. Do you notice anything you could change or improve, that would make those areas more appealing?

Next, check out the washrooms, closets and basement. Are they clean and tidy?

Finally, think about the price you want for the home. As a buyer, would you be enticed to make an offer at that level? Are there any nagging doubts about the property that would hold you back?

Understanding the impression your home will make on potential buyers will help you sell it faster.

Looking for a good REALTOR®?

Call Marina 416-843-1515 today.

Your Real Estate Connection:
Marina Gavrylyuk
Real Estate Agent with Sutton Group Summit Realty
www.MarinaG.ca
Marina.Realtor
RentListingService.com – Condos and Houses for rent
CondoName.com – New and Resale Condos and Towns from Developers

Reposted from: http://www.marina.realtor/ixact-pretend-youre-a-buyer/

Marina Gavrylyuk
Sales Representative
Sutton Group-Summit Realty Inc. Brokerage
1100 Burnhamthorpe Road West #27
Mississauga, Ontario, L5C 4G4

Cell: 416-843-1515 Tel.: 905-897-9555
Email: Marina@MarinaG.ca
Web: www.MarinaG.ca
Marina.Realtor

Sell Your Home Faster With An Outdoor Makeover

When you put your home on the market, it’s important that you make the indoor living space as attractive as possible to potential buyers. The foyer should look spacious and inviting. The bedrooms, neat and uncluttered. The basement, clean and well lit.

All good advice.

But don’t forget the outdoor living space. That too has a significant impact on how quickly your home sells and for how much. You want to make the area around your property, from the front walkway to the backyard deck, as attractive as possible.

How do you do that? Here are some tips for sprucing up your outdoor living space that can be easily implemented.

• Trim the hedges. Like a haircut, it gives your landscaping a clean, styled look.
• Place flower pots in strategic locations, such as next to the front steps and on the deck or patio.
• Fix anything that’s loose or squeaking, such as fence gates, shutters and deck railings.
• Remove anything unsightly, like garbage bags and piles of garden cuttings.
• Sweep all walkways, especially the one leading to your front door.
• Wash the outsides of your windows. (No need for ladders, buckets and scrub brushes. Most home improvement stores now sell window washing kits that hook up to your garden hose.)
• Check to make sure everything works: water taps, electrical outlets, exterior lights, etc.

You can probably get most of this work done in a single weekend. It’s worth it. Making your outdoor living space look great will dramatically increase your home’s appeal to potential buyers.

Looking for a good REALTOR®?

Call Marina 416-843-1515 today.

Your Real Estate Connection:
Marina Gavrylyuk
Real Estate Agent with Sutton Group Summit Realty
www.MarinaG.ca
Marina.Realtor
RentListingService.com – Condos and Houses for rent
CondoName.com – New and Resale Condos and Towns from Developers

Reposted from: http://www.marina.realtor/ixact-sell-your-home-faster-with-an-outdoor-makeover/

Marina Gavrylyuk
Sales Representative
Sutton Group-Summit Realty Inc. Brokerage
1100 Burnhamthorpe Road West #27
Mississauga, Ontario, L5C 4G4

Cell: 416-843-1515 Tel.: 905-897-9555
Email: Marina@MarinaG.ca
Web: www.MarinaG.ca
Marina.Realtor

The #1 Ingredient Needed To Sell Your Home Quickly

There’s a long list of ingredients needed to sell your home quickly. Obviously, you want to make your home as clean and uncluttered as possible. You should also make sure any outstanding repairs are done. And, of course, all the little things you can do to make your home “show” well are important, too.

But the number one ingredient needed to sell your home quickly is the right price tag. If you set the price of your home just right, buyers will come to see it, and there’s a good chance you’ll get some good offers. If you price your home too high, however, few buyers will take an interest in your property and it might languish on the market for months. Worse, it might not sell at all.

So how do you determine the right price at which to list your home?

One of the best ways is to do an analysis of what similar properties in your area have sold for recently. What people are actually paying for homes like yours — in communities like yours — is the best indicator of the true market value of your home.

Looking for a good REALTOR®?

Call Marina 416-843-1515 today.

Your Real Estate Connection:
Marina Gavrylyuk
Real Estate Agent with Sutton Group Summit Realty
www.MarinaG.ca
Marina.Realtor
RentListingService.com – Condos and Houses for rent
CondoName.com – New and Resale Condos and Towns from Developers

Reposted from: http://www.marina.realtor/ixact-the-1-ingredient-needed-to-sell-your-home-quickly/

Marina Gavrylyuk
Sales Representative
Sutton Group-Summit Realty Inc. Brokerage
1100 Burnhamthorpe Road West #27
Mississauga, Ontario, L5C 4G4

Cell: 416-843-1515 Tel.: 905-897-9555
Email: Marina@MarinaG.ca
Web: www.MarinaG.ca
Marina.Realtor

Dealing With A Home Inspection Issue

As you may know, it’s common to include a home inspection as a condition of an offer you make. It protects you from issues that you might not otherwise see during a viewing.

What do you do if the home inspector finds something wrong? The inspector might find a leak in the foundation, or windows that are old, drafty and need replacing.

Must you pass on a property that you otherwise like?

Not necessarily. Just because the home inspector discovered a deficiency doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t purchase the home. You should, however, bring the issue up with the seller.

Your REALTOR® will do that on your behalf, and look after your interests.

In many circumstances, your REALTOR® will be able to negotiate an agreement that is satisfactory to everyone involved. This will usually be in the form of a reduction in the sale price to cover some or all of the costs of the repair, or a requirement to have the seller get the repairs done before you move in.

So don’t worry if the inspector finds something wrong. Chances are you can still get the home and have any issues dealt with to your satisfaction.

Looking for a good REALTOR®?

Call Marina 416-843-1515 today.

Your Real Estate Connection:
Marina Gavrylyuk
Real Estate Agent with Sutton Group Summit Realty
www.MarinaG.ca
Marina.Realtor
RentListingService.com – Condos and Houses for rent
CondoName.com – New and Resale Condos and Towns from Developers

Marina Gavrylyuk
Sales Representative
Sutton Group-Summit Realty Inc. Brokerage
1100 Burnhamthorpe Road West #27
Mississauga, Ontario, L5C 4G4

Cell: 416-843-1515 Tel.: 905-897-9555
Email: Marina@MarinaG.ca
Web: www.MarinaG.ca
Marina.Realtor

Home Shopping And The Four-Legged Stool

What kind of stool is most likely to keep you from toppling over when you sit on it? Of course, two-legged stools won’t even stand on their own. Three-legged stools are okay, but still unstable. Four-legged stools are rock solid.

What does that have to do with shopping for a new home?

Well, if you want to find the right home quickly and for the best price, you need to have four things in place – the four legs of the stool. They will help ensure the experience goes smoothly.

The first leg is your wish list. You need to have a clear picture of the type of home you want. A bungalow or two stories? How many bedrooms? A large deck? Don’t forget about the neighbourhood. Need to be close to major highways for ease of commuting? Need good schools and playgrounds within walking distance?

The second leg is a pre-approved mortgage. Getting the financing handled upfront takes the guesswork out of what you can afford. Sellers and their REALTORS® are more likely to take any offers you make more seriously too.

The third leg is realistic expectations. Of homes that sell, 99% sell at or near their current market values. That doesn’t mean you can’t find a good deal. It does mean you’re unlikely to find a “steal”. Fortunately, there are likely several wonderful properties available within your price range.

The final leg of the stool is a great REALTOR®. Choosing the right real estate professional is crucial to making your home shopping experience less stressful and more productive.

So when you’re hunting for a new home, make sure you start with a stable “four-legged stool”. It will dramatically increase your chances of finding a home that fits your needs and budget.

Need help with that? Looking for a good REALTOR®?

Call Marina 416-843-1515 today.

Your Real Estate Connection:
Marina Gavrylyuk
Real Estate Agent with Sutton Group Summit Realty
www.MarinaG.ca
Marina.Realtor
RentListingService.com – Condos and Houses for rent
CondoName.com – New and Resale Condos and Towns from Developers

Marina Gavrylyuk
Sales Representative
Sutton Group-Summit Realty Inc. Brokerage
1100 Burnhamthorpe Road West #27
Mississauga, Ontario, L5C 4G4

Cell: 416-843-1515 Tel.: 905-897-9555
Email: Marina@MarinaG.ca
Web: www.MarinaG.ca
Marina.Realtor

5 Secrets To Selecting Interior Lighting

Lighting is, perhaps, the most important element in decorating. The right lamp, chandelier or ceiling fixture can instantly make a room more attractive and inviting. The wrong lighting, unfortunately, can have the opposite effect.

Here are five secrets to making the right choice:

1. How much lighting is required in a room? To calculate, simply multiply the square footage by 1.5. Therefore, a 12′ x 16′ living room would require 288 watts of lighting (12 x 16 x 1.5 = 288).
2. How big a chandelier do you need? Simply add the dimensions of the room together. So a 12′ x 16′ area could accommodate a chandelier that is 28 inches in diameter (12 + 16 = 28).
3. How far apart should lighting fixtures be installed in a hallway? Experts say that ideally a light should be positioned every 8 to 10 feet.
4. How do I create ambience? In the dining area for example, select a light fixture that can accommodate a dimmer switch. The ambiance of the room improves if you can soften the lighting during meals or when entertaining.
5. Using floor lamps? The bottom of the lampshade should be around 42 inches from the floor.

Call Marina 416-843-1515 today.

Your Real Estate Connection:
Marina Gavrylyuk
Real Estate Agent with Sutton Group Summit Realty
www.MarinaG.ca
Marina.Realtor
RentListingService.com – Condos and Houses for rent
CondoName.com – New and Resale Condos and Towns from Developers

Reposted from: http://www.marina.realtor/ixact-5-secrets-to-selecting-interior-lighting/

Marina Gavrylyuk
Sales Representative
Sutton Group-Summit Realty Inc. Brokerage
1100 Burnhamthorpe Road West #27
Mississauga, Ontario, L5C 4G4

Cell: 416-843-1515 Tel.: 905-897-9555
Email: Marina@MarinaG.ca
Web: www.MarinaG.ca
Marina.Realtor

Increasing Foyer Appeal

You’ve heard of curb appeal. It refers to the good impression buyers tend to get when they first see your house “from the curb”. The greater the curb appeal, the more enticing your house will seem.

But there’s another type of appeal you may not be aware of: Foyer appeal. That’s the impression buyers get when they first walk in the door.

Think of what happens when someone visits your house for the first time. Chances are, they stand in the foyer for a few moments, look around, and take in the view of your house from that perspective.

That’s why, if you’re preparing your property for sale, it’s important to make the foyer look as attractive and inviting as possible.

Obviously, you want to make sure it’s clean and free of clutter. You don’t want potential buyers to trip over shoes or catch a glimpse of an over-stuffed coat closet.

If you have a welcome mat, make sure it’s clean and in good shape. Or, better still, buy a new one.

Finally, make sure that the rooms that can be seen from the foyer look attractive.

The impression you want to make is, “Wow. I can’t wait to see the rest of the house!”

Call Marina 416-843-1515 today.

Your Real Estate Connection:
Marina Gavrylyuk
Real Estate Agent with Sutton Group Summit Realty
www.MarinaG.ca
Marina.Realtor
RentListingService.com – Condos and Houses for rent
CondoName.com – New and Resale Condos and Towns from Developers

Marina Gavrylyuk
Sales Representative
Sutton Group-Summit Realty Inc. Brokerage
1100 Burnhamthorpe Road West #27
Mississauga, Ontario, L5C 4G4

Cell: 416-843-1515 Tel.: 905-897-9555
Email: Marina@MarinaG.ca
Web: www.MarinaG.ca
Marina.Realtor

When the Home Inspector Finds Something Wrong

You shop for a home. You find one you like. You make an offer — conditional on a satisfactory home inspection.

Okay so far.

Then the inspector discovers a problem with the home that may require an expensive repair or renovation. Perhaps the frame in the front door is cracked; or there’s a leak in the roof; or the furnace is due to be replaced.

What do you do?

You don’t want to pass up an opportunity to purchase what could be your dream home. On the other hand, you don’t want to have to deal with potentially costly repairs.

First, keep in mind that you did the right thing.

It’s always a good idea to get a home inspected by a professional before the offer is finalized. A qualified home inspector will go over the property with a fine tooth comb, top to bottom, inside and out, inspecting the structure, electrical systems, HVAC systems and more.

It’s their job to find any deficiencies in the home and alert you to them.

If a deficiency is found, your next best step is to discuss the issue with your REALTOR®, and go over your options. Those options may include amending the offer price to cover some or all of the costs of the repair, or requiring the seller to get the repair done before you move in.

Don’t worry. This is a normal part of the negotiation process. Chances are, an agreement can be reached that is satisfactory to both parties — and gets you the house you want!

And, because you had a home inspection done, you’ll know the true condition of your home when you buy it. That’s peace of mind.

Call Marina 416-843-1515 today.

Your Real Estate Connection:
Marina Gavrylyuk
Real Estate Agent with Sutton Group Summit Realty
www.MarinaG.ca
Marina.Realtor
RentListingService.com – Condos and Houses for rent
CondoName.com – New and Resale Condos and Towns from Developers

Reposted from: http://www.marina.realtor/ixact-when-the-home-inspector-finds-something-wrong/

Marina Gavrylyuk
Sales Representative
Sutton Group-Summit Realty Inc. Brokerage
1100 Burnhamthorpe Road West #27
Mississauga, Ontario, L5C 4G4

Cell: 416-843-1515 Tel.: 905-897-9555
Email: Marina@MarinaG.ca
Web: www.MarinaG.ca
Marina.Realtor

Lighting Matters When Selling Your House

Remember the last time you were in a furniture store or other major home retailer? Remember the fully decorated displays of furniture, appliances and other products? Some of those may have even been organized as model rooms.

What did most of those displays have in common?

Chances are, they were well lit.

In fact, in the retail industry, there are professionals who specialize exclusively in display lighting. It plays such an important role in showcasing and selling home products successfully that the stores are willing to absorb the expense.

And the same holds true for your house.

If you want to show your house well, and sell it quickly and for the best price, make sure every room is well lit.

There are probably some rooms in your house where the lighting is adequate, such as the kitchen and bathrooms, and perhaps the foyer. But there are other areas where the lighting may be mediocre. Take a close look at:

• Closets
• Storage areas
• Bedrooms
• Laundry rooms
• Hallways
• The garage

If there are areas in your house that are dark or shadowy, the solution may be as simple as installing higher wattage bulbs, provided your fixture can accommodate them. Keep in mind that brightness can vary significantly from one type of bulb to another. For example, a 40-watt energy efficient bulb may not give off as much light as a comparable standard bulb. So do some experimenting. Your goal is to make the room feel bright yet comfortable on the eyes.

Also, don’t forget to open drapes and blinds. Often the best and most pleasant source of light for a room is the sun shining through a window.

Want more tips on showing your house well?

Call Marina 416-843-1515 today.

Your Real Estate Connection:
Marina Gavrylyuk
Real Estate Agent with Sutton Group Summit Realty
www.MarinaG.ca
Marina.Realtor
RentListingService.com – Condos and Houses for rent
CondoName.com – New and Resale Condos and Towns from Developers

Marina Gavrylyuk
Sales Representative
Sutton Group-Summit Realty Inc. Brokerage
1100 Burnhamthorpe Road West #27
Mississauga, Ontario, L5C 4G4

Cell: 416-843-1515 Tel.: 905-897-9555
Email: Marina@MarinaG.ca
Web: www.MarinaG.ca
Marina.Realtor