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Getting Your Home Ready to Shine: Seller’s Guide to Preparing for a Successful Sale

Tuesday, August 29th, 2023

Selling your home is a significant step, and making a great first impression is key to attracting potential buyers. By preparing your home properly, you can increase its appeal and potentially secure a faster sale at the best possible price. As a seasoned Realtor in Calgary, Alberta, I’m here to guide you through the process of getting your home ready to shine. Let’s dive into some essential tips for preparing your home for a successful sale:

1. Start with a Fresh Perspective: Take a step back and look at your home through the eyes of a potential buyer. Notice areas that could use improvement and address them proactively.

2. Declutter and Depersonalize: Remove excess items and personal touches. A clutter-free and neutral space allows buyers to envision themselves living in the home.

3. Deep Clean Every Nook and Cranny: A sparkling clean home sends a strong message to buyers. Clean carpets, windows, appliances, and all surfaces thoroughly.

4. Enhance Curb Appeal: The exterior is the first thing buyers see. Trim bushes, mow the lawn, repaint the front door, and add potted plants to create an inviting entrance.

5. Tackle Repairs and Maintenance: Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and any other minor issues. Addressing these repairs shows that your home has been well-maintained.

6. Neutralize and Paint: Consider painting rooms with neutral colors. This helps buyers visualize their belongings in the space and gives a fresh, clean look.

7. Stage for Success: Staging can transform your home, making it more appealing and helping buyers imagine its full potential. Arrange furniture to showcase the room’s function and create a warm atmosphere.

8. Maximize Natural Light: Open blinds and curtains to let in natural light. Well-lit spaces appear larger and more welcoming.

9. Minimize Odors: Unpleasant odors can be a turnoff for buyers. Use air fresheners, bake cookies before showings, and keep pet areas clean and odor-free.

10. Highlight Key Features: If your home has standout features like a fireplace, vaulted ceilings, or a stunning view, make sure these are showcased prominently during showings.

11. Organize Storage Spaces: Buyers will open closets and cupboards, so ensure these spaces are tidy and well-organized to give the impression of ample storage.

12. Consider Professional Photography: High-quality photos are essential for online listings. Consider hiring a professional photographer to capture your home’s best angles.

13. Gather Documents: Compile important documents related to your home, such as warranties, manuals, and utility bills. Buyers appreciate having this information readily available.

14. Be Flexible with Showings: Try to accommodate potential buyers’ schedules as much as possible. The more flexible you are, the easier it will be for interested parties to view your home.

15. Consult a Realtor: Enlist the help of a skilled Realtor like myself who knows the local market. A Realtor can provide valuable insights, pricing guidance, and marketing strategies.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to preparing your home for a successful sale. Remember that first impressions matter, and investing time and effort into presenting your home in the best possible light can significantly impact its appeal to potential buyers. If you’re ready to take the next step, don’t hesitate to reach out to me for personalized guidance and support throughout the selling process. Together, we’ll work towards a smooth and lucrative sale in Calgary’s dynamic real estate market.

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Just Listed this beautiful home: 157 Aspen Glen Place SW Calgary

Friday, April 21st, 2023

Just Listed: MLS A2042066

Video: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/u3e3h02flifyu91/AADkdMQbU98KGGCxTFK4CJyUa?dl=0

Full Brochure: https://www.tswrealestategroup.com/for-sale/157-aspen-glen-place-sw–81604885

Just Listed 157 Aspen Glen Place SW Calgary

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Calgary Real Estate Market Snapshot: Jan 2021

Monday, January 4th, 2021

 What is really happening in the Calgary Real Estate Market?

The market is simply a result of Supply and Demand therefore we look at both Supply (inventory) and Demand (Sales) and the relationship between the two.  We also update you on the current benchmark price for all housing sectors.

Following is a graph that shows the months of inventory for each housing sector.  Looking at a 2-year trendline gives you and indication of where things are really heading.

Months of Listing Inventory

Months of Listing Inventory

 

Following is a summary of what I deem to be the most important numbers.  Again, we look at Total Inventory, Sales for the past 30 days, Months of Inventory and of course the benchmark price.  All numbers are taken from the Calgary Real Estate boards monthly stats package.

Show Listing inventory, Sales, and Benchmark prices for all sectors of the Calgary Real Estate Market.

Gord’s commentary for the month (just my opinion).

Listing inventory decreased by 27% in all Sectors combined while sales also decreased but by only 16.5% from November lowering our months of Inventory and putting Detached and Semi-Detached homes into a seller’s market position.

Covid: Even though we are in a similar lockdown situation as we were in March there does not seem to be the same result in the market falling.  I believe that the public is now aware of the many protocols Realtor’s have put in place to keep both Buyers and Sellers safe. On top of that I believe people are seeing that there is a light at the end of the tunnel with the recent Vaccine announcements.

Calgary Listing Inventory

Listing inventory decreased by 27% in all Sectors combined which is a normal trend for this time of year.  How many people really want their home listed during the holiday season.   by which is 100% normal for the Holiday Season.

 Calgary Sales:

Sales in all sectors dropped in December compared to November – again 100 % normal for December as peoples focus turns on Christmas and away from Real Estate.  It is worth noting that compared to last December sales are up by over 40%.

 Sales Compared to 2019:

It is critical to note that in all my other numbers I look at month over month.  This chart below shows us the numbers this year compared to last year.   Although December sales slowed, we were still 343 sales higher than last year or 40.7% higher.

 

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
2019 801 973 1327 1544 1915 1775 1642 1580 1365 1438 1146 858
2020 861 1195 1175 573 1080 1747 1835 80 1702 1764 1437 1199
Change +60 +222 -152 -971 -835 -28 +194 -7 337 +326 +327 +343
% change +7.49 +22.8 -11.4 -62.8 -45.5 -1.6 +11.82% N/A 24.87% +22.67% +25.4% =40.7

  

Calgary Year to Date Sales

2019:  16,344 Sales

2020:  16,152 Sales

Therefore, at the end of the Year sales are down only 1.17% from 2019.

 

Calgary Real Estate Benchmark Sales Prices:

All sectors decreased slightly from last month.  Decreases were from $1,300 to $1,800 so very marginal.

 

Calgary Real Estate Sales Prices Year to Date: 2020

Detached homes increased by $10,400

Semi-Detached homes decreased by $800

Attached Row houses decreased by $2,500

Apartment Condos decreased by $4,800

 

Current Months of Inventory (Absorption Rate): 

The months of Inventory decreased in all Sectors.  December saw a large decrease in listings and saw a small decrease in sales.  We are moving into Sellers Market territory in the Detached and Semi-Detached sectors.  Attached Row and Apartment Condo are still in strong Buyers Market Conditions.

 

It is also important to note that these numbers vary by community, and by price range.  If you would like numbers for your community contact us.

 

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Should I Buy or Sell my home first?

Wednesday, December 30th, 2020

Should I Buy or Sell my home first?

One of the most frequent questions I get as a Realtor is “Should I buy first or should I sell first?   Unfortunately there is no correct answer as it will really depend on your circumstances.  As I cannot simply answer the question for you here I will highlight 3 critical things you may want to consider to help you make your decision.

First is your finances, can you qualify for a  mortgage on a second home? Even if you can qualify for a second mortgage is this something you want to carry?  A catch 22 here is if you want to use the equity out of your current home to buy the new home then financing becomes a challenge as banks will want to sign you up for a full term mortgage. There are other option and this is where you need to speak to a mortgage professional.  Often once clients look at their finances the choice to sell first becomes very clear.

Your second consideration is what is happening in the market?

  •  In a Sellers market you may lean towards buying first as you may have a challenge securing the perfect property with the limited inventory on the market and if priced correctly your home should sell in a very reasonable amount of time.
  • On the other hand if its a strong buyers market then you might lean toward selling first.  In a buyers market homes are harder to sell while buying you have plenty of choice.
  • In a balanced market many will lean towards selling first as this gives you more control of the timing.

Your third consideration is,  how much stress are willing to handle?   In my years of experience there is typically a lot less stress on clients when the sell first and then buy.  You may ask what sort of things might cause stress. Here are just a few:

Having 2 mortgage payments

  • Having to  move twice
  • Your home does not sell as quickly as you thought
  • The market can change in the middle of a transaction

When I have clients asking this question, I first ask them to consider their finances, the market and how much stress they want to manage. If this does not make them 100% clear on their choice here is what we do next.

Knowing the state of the market I will be able to give them a clear picture of what the market is like and how challenging the sale might be.  The other variable is how challenging will it be to find their new home. I will then spend some time probing on the buying side.  Once I get clarity on the specific must haves and like to have in their new home then I can complete a search to determine if there is 1 home that meets their criteria of if there is 100 homes that meet their criteria.  If there are many homes available then I might suggest selling first and if they are looking for something very unique that may be hard to find then for them buying first may be the best strategy.

As there is no answer that is correct for everyone it is important to know whatever choice you make we have several proven strategies to ensure your transaction goes smoothly and stress free.  If you would like a free no obligation consultations simply contact us.

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TSW Real Estate Group Announcement

Tuesday, December 15th, 2020

New Designations 

At TSW Real Estate Group we take our business seriously and understand that the more education we have the better we are able to Serve our Clients.  We are happy to announce that all Agents with TSW Real Estate Group have now received the following 2 new Designations.

SRS:  Sellers Representative Specialist

Seller Representative Specialist

Seller Representative Specialist

ABR: Accredited Buyers Representative

Accredited Buyers Representative

Accredited Buyers Representative

 

This adds to our list of current Designations:

CCS: Certified Condo Specialists

Certified Negotiation Expert

At TSW Real Estate Group – It’s all about you!

 

 

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Dealing with Stress when Selling Your Home

Friday, June 12th, 2020

Let’s face it. Planning events, even exciting ones like an overseas vacation, can be stressful. So, it’s not surprising that some homeowners — even those thrilled about moving — can slip into “worry mode” when putting their property up for sale. Unfortunately, this anxiety can make the process of selling an unpleasant experience. Who wants that? So here are some things you can do to reduce selling stress and enjoy the adventure.

• Understand the selling process. The more you know about the steps involved in selling your home, the less mysterious — and, therefore, less stressful — it will be.

• Give yourself the time you need. Feeling rushed and stressed comes from trying to do too much in too little time. Even if you’re selling quickly, it’s important to block off sufficient time in your calendar for the things you need to do.

• Take care of yourself. As television psychologist Dr. Phil often points out, you can’t give what you don’t have. When it comes to selling your home, that means you need to eat well and stay healthy, so you have the energy you need throughout the process.

• Make your home attractive to buyers. That not only means tidying up and doing a little home staging, it also means setting the right listing price. Nothing eliminates the stress of selling more than having flocks of qualified buyers interested in your home.

• Get the help you need. You don’t have to do everything on your own. That’s why working with us is so advantageous. We take care of the many details for our clients so that they can enjoy the journey. Sure, there are going to be a few stressful moments. However, the process of listing and selling your property, while looking for your next dream home, can be an exciting experience. Let me help you.  Contact us Today.

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Affordable Ways to Boost your Home’s Curb Appeal

Wednesday, April 15th, 2020

When buyers come to see your home, the first thing they notice is how your property looks from the curb. That first impression is powerful and lingering. If buyers don’t like what they see, it can influence how they judge the rest of your property, regardless of how great it looks on the inside. You definitely want to do whatever you can to boost curb appeal. Here are six affordable ideas to consider:

1. Driveway sealing. This makes the pavement look darker and less faded. It also helps cover up some of the cracks. Sealing won’t give you the “brand new” look of repaving, but it’s close — and significantly less expensive.

2. Exterior window washing. Washing the front windows makes them look clean and bright. In fact, the effect can be stunning. There are window washing products that connect to your hose to make this job easier. Check your home improvement retailer.

3. Maintaining shrubs, hedges and flower beds. Trimming the hedges, shrubs and other evergreens can make a big difference in how your property looks from the street. It’s like giving them all a haircut! Flowering plants can also brighten up the look.

4. Front door painting. From the curb, a buyer’s eye is naturally drawn to your front door. If your entry system looks old and worn, consider a fresh coat of paint. It can make the entrance look almost new.

5. Garage door painting. This is a bigger project that can take a day or two, but the effort might be worth it. For many homes, the garage door is the biggest item in the curb appeal panorama. Making it look better will have a big impact.

6. Removing unsightly items. Look at your home from the street. Are there items in your field of vision that take away from the curb appeal? For example, are there garbage cans and other items stowed along the side of the property and visible from the road? If so, move them.  You don’t want buyers to  drive by (and they still do) and eliminate your home simply because they don’t like what they see from the outside. Use these tips to boost your home’s curb appeal.

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What to Fix Up in your Home before You Sell?

Sunday, April 5th, 2020

If you have a home that is overdue for a renovation, you might be worried that it will be difficult to sell as a “fixer-upper”. In fact, you might delay listing your property for that reason. The good news is, you don’t need to fix up everything in your home to prepare it for sale. You can be selective and choose only those projects that are most likely to help your home show well and sell quickly. Here are some projects to consider:

• Repairs. Few things stand out more during a viewing than something in obvious need of repair. That includes minor issues, like a dripping bathroom faucet, as well as major concerns, such as the central air conditioning unit not working. Get these repairs done.

• Painting. Painting is one of the easiest and most affordable DIY projects you can do. Yet the impact it can have on your home is stunning. Some rooms are completely transformed by a fresh coat of paint.

• Kitchens & Bathrooms. Buyers love to see great looking kitchens and bathrooms. In fact, there are even magazines devoted just to those rooms! You don’t necessarily need to do a major renovation of these spaces, but a makeover can be a good idea. Consider replacing sinks, countertops, and/or cabinet hardware.

• Floors. If the floors in any of your rooms have become worn and unsightly, look at options for refreshing them. Consider replacing carpeting, refinishing hardwood, and/or getting tiles professionally cleaned and polished.

• Outdoors. Sometimes you can compensate (a little) for a less-than-ideal interior by sprucing up the outdoor space. Explore ways to improve your deck or patio, walkways, and landscaping. Even if your home is older, you can make it more attractive to buyers with any one of these projects. Want more ideas for finding eager buyers for your home? We offer a free – no obligation home walk through where we will make suggestion on minor improvements you can do to sell your home for the most money in the least amount of time.  Free walk through 

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What’s Really happening in the Calgary Real Estate Market?

Monday, March 2nd, 2020

What’s really happening in the Calgary Real Estate Market?  The market is simply a result of Supply and Demand therefore we look at both Supply (inventory) and Demand (Sales) and the relationship between the two.  We also update you on the current benchmark price for all housing sectors.

Following is a graph that shows the months of inventory for each Sector.  Looking at a 2-year trendline gives you and indication of where things are really heading.

Graph shows the 2 year trend of Months of Inventory for all housing categories in the Calgary Real Estate Market.

 

Following is a summary of what I deem to be the most important numbers.  Again, we look at Total Inventory, Sales for the past 30 days, Months of Inventory and of course the benchmark price.  All numbers are taken from the Calgary Real Estate boards monthly stats package.

Data from Calgary Real Estate Board’s Monthly Calgary Stats package.

 

Gord’s commentary for the month (just my opinion).

 

Current Months of Inventory (Absorption Rate): 

In February our absorption rate dropped quite substantially.  If you look at the graph above Last year (2019) after Jan the absorption rate dropped slowly every month till June.   February dropped significantly is down to the equivalent to May last year.  The highest decrease was in Detached homes which are now in a balanced market at 3.85 months of Inventory.

 

Calgary Listing Inventory

Inventory increased in every sector in February.  The largest increase was in Attached Row Homes at 10.28%.  Inventory increasing at this time of year is expected.  Total Increase was 8.7%.

 

Calgary Sales:

Sales in all sectors increased substantially in February.  Lowest % increase was 32.5% of detached homes and the highest increase was Semi-Detached at 65.88%.  Total Sales increase was 38.7%

Obviously, the sales increase is much larger than the inventory increases thus the months of inventory decrease.

 

Sales Compared to 2019:

Sales in all sectors for January 2020 were 7.6% higher than in January 2019.

Sales in all sectors for February 2020 were 23% higher than in February 2019.

 

 

Calgary Real Estate Sales Prices:

Prices in all sectors declined a little this month.  The lowest decrease was in the Detached home sector at a decrease of .1% and the largest decline was in the Attached-Row Sector with a decrease of .67%

 

It’s also important to note that these numbers vary by community, and also by price range.  If you would like numbers for your community contact us.

 

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Another REALTOR® Says They’ll Buy My House. Should I Be Wary?

Tuesday, February 4th, 2020

Wary might not be the best word, but you do need to make sure you understand the details of the offer. This type of offer is a guaranteed sales agreement, and while there is nothing illegal or wrong with a real estate company offering this kind of arrangement, it is rarely the best option for consumers.

In a guaranteed sales agreement, a real estate brokerage agrees to buy a piece of real estate from a seller at a previously agreed upon price, if it hasn’t sold to someone else before a certain date. Only real estate brokerages can offer these agreements, not individual real estate professionals.

What sellers need to keep in mind in these arrangements is that the real estate brokerage wants to minimize its risk.

For example, it’s rare that a guaranteed purchase price will be based on the property’s listing price or the property’s market value. In most cases, the brokerage calculates the guaranteed purchase price using a formula where legal fees, carrying cost, and commission on the resale are subtracted from the purchase price. This minimizes the brokerage’s risk, but it can also greatly reduce how much that seller receives for their home.

Brokerages that offer guaranteed sales programs are required to have policies for those programs. Those policies should include how the brokerage sets the guaranteed sales price and who is in control of the property’s listing price during the listing period; it may not be the seller. It’s not unusual for a guaranteed sales agreement to include a clause that requires a seller to lower their listing price during the term of the listing. Remember, your real estate brokerage wants to minimize its risk. It prefers to sell your property to a buyer rather than to use the guaranteed sales agreement, and lowering the listing price can sometimes help that happen.

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