Category: Moving

Navigating the 2024 Spring Real Estate Market in Kitchener-Waterloo (and how to get your home ready)

Post author By cindycody
Post date March 14, 2024

As the snow melts away and the vibrant hues of spring start to paint the landscape, the real estate market in Kitchener-Waterloo awakens with renewed energy. The arrival of spring brings a flurry of activity to this thriving region, known for its dynamic blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner, a first-time buyer, or an investor eyeing opportunities, navigating the real estate landscape in Kitchener-Waterloo demands insight, strategy, and a finger on the pulse of market trends.

Let’s explore some strategic steps you can take to make a move in the Kitchener-Waterloo real estate scene this spring. Whether you’re looking to plant roots in a new community, upgrade to your dream home, or capitalize on investment opportunities, this guide will serve as your compass in navigating the complexities of the 2024 spring real estate market in Kitchener-Waterloo.

Timing is everything

Timing is a crucial component in the spring market. If you’re thinking of selling your home, there’s a fine balance between taking some time to get your home ready to show and getting it on the market. Over the years, we’ve learned what that balance looks like (and we’re happy to guide you along the way).

That leads to our next strategy…

Call us sooner than you think

You may not be ready to move today, but if the thought has been on your mind, it’s the right time to call us. The spring market will happen quicker than most people think, so now is the perfect time to talk to us so we can discuss timing and help you have a great strategy.

Don’t wait for the flowers to bloom

Just because it’s called the “spring” market, doesn’t mean you need to wait for the warmer weather to list your home. A lot of people think they should wait for the spring weather before getting started, so it’s a great idea to beat the rush. The amount of inventory available will directly impact how much you can get for your home.

Understand the big 4 year forecast

The big 4 year forecast is a critical piece of information to help you determine when a movie is right for you. Not sure what we’re talking about? Ask us today!

We live and breathe the real estate market, so if you have any questions or concerns about the 2024 spring market, or how to navigate your way through the market, don’t hesitate to reach out!

sold@cindycody.ca
519-746-5136

Getting your home ready for the 2024 Spring Market

Whether you’re planning to list your property or simply want to elevate its appeal, this guide will walk you through the transformative process of getting your home ready to shine in the spring market.

Make a plan. Talk to us before you dive into your home preparation tasks. We can help you prioritize the areas that will benefit you most when you list your home.
Declutter and depersonalize. Start by decluttering each room, removing personal items, and excess furniture. This creates a sense of spaciousness and allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space.
Pack as you go. When you’re diving into decluttering, you might as well box some of your items up instead of tucking them away.
Make repairs. If you have a list of repairs and touch-ups you’ve been putting off for years, now is the time to work your way through that list. Address any visible issues or repairs that could deter potential buyers. A well-maintained home signals to buyers that it has been cared for and is move-in ready.
Clean clean clean. Give your home a thorough cleaning, paying attention to often overlooked areas such as baseboards, light fixtures, and windows. A clean home conveys a sense of care and makes a positive impression on buyers.
Enhance curb appeal. First impressions matter. Spruce up your home’s exterior by mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, planting flowers, and adding fresh mulch. Consider giving your front door a fresh coat of paint and adding a welcoming doormat.
Refresh paint and finishes. A fresh coat of paint can work wonders in revitalizing your home’s appearance. Stick to neutral colors that appeal to a broad range of tastes and help create a blank canvas for buyers to imagine their own style.
Highlight outdoor living spaces. Showcase outdoor areas such as patios, decks, and gardens by adding comfortable seating, potted plants, and outdoor lighting. Create inviting spaces that encourage buyers to envision themselves enjoying outdoor living.

Tags Spring Market

Moving Selling

What To Leave Behind For The New Owners Of Your House

Post author By cindycody
Post date May 4, 2023

As you pack up your house and get ready to move into your next home, you may find it helpful to follow a packing timeline or moving checklist to guide you through the process. But do you pack everything?

How do you know what items to leave for the new homeowners?

First, you want to take everything with you that isn’t either included in the purchase agreement, or important to stay with the home. Don’t leave items behind just because you don’t want them. Think about when you move into your next home. You wouldn’t want to be left with trash, odds and ends, or mystery items.

To ensure you didn’t miss anything before you move out, do a room-by-room walk-through and check every cupboard and closet. Consider having a second person double-check as well.

Here’s a guide to some of the items that you may leave in the house.

Items included in the Purchase Agreement

Anything that the buyers asked for, and was included in the purchase agreement, should be left behind. This may include appliances, light fixtures, window treatments, or any other specific items they requested.

Replacement & maintenance items

Something that may not be in writing, but is usually safe to leave behind is anything tied to the maintenance of appliances, such as warranty information and manuals. A nice way to leave these behind is by organizing them all in a neat pile or folder.

If you have a small amount of extra or replacement supplies, you may consider leaving them as well. This may include a new furnace filter, a small number of replacement tiles that were leftover, extra cabinet hardware, a small amount of replacement stones or bricks for the backyard, etc.

Some people also choose to leave extra paint behind for the new owners. In this case, it should be a small number of cans, and ensure you label them with the room and/or include a paint chip if you still have one. (You might consider having your REALTOR ask in advance if this is something the new homeowners want, as they may be planning on repainting anyway).

A Welcoming Message

This is by no means a necessary item, but as we all know, moving is an emotional time. As you hand over your house to a new family, you may want to write a short note or card letting them know how much you enjoyed the house and welcome them to their new home.

If you’re preparing to move and you have any questions about items that should or shouldn’t be left with the home, don’t hesitate to ask us!

House & Home Moving Selling

What To Do Before You Make A Move | Getting Ready To Sell Your Home

Post author By cindycody
Post date January 26, 2023

Infographic with tips to get your house ready to sell

If you’re planning on selling your home, it’s never too early to start thinking about what needs to be done. When you step back and look at your home, there might be some obvious changes that need to be made, but there could also be some things that you won’t think of or notice.

When we talk to people who are early in the thinking-of-selling position, there’s always one key piece of advice we offer: before you put any effort into getting your house ready, talk to a seasoned real estate professional. Why? A real estate professional with years of experience can have a keen eye for detail and come up with a customized list of the things you can do to get your home ready.

Advice based on your specific home, your neighbourhood, the current market, industry trends and so much more can set you in the right direction so you’re able to get your home ready in an efficient and effective manner.