Leanne Drolet

Royal LePage Sterling Realty

Office 604-421-1010

Cell 778-840-7211

Email: Leanne@realtygal.ca

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Should you buy a home that will need a major repair or upgrade in the near future? Here’s what to consider:

Should You Buy a Property that May Need Expensive Repairs or Upgrades?

Imagine you’re shopping for a new home and come across a listing that seems ideal. It’s in a great neighbourhood. It has all the characteristics on your “musthave” list. You can see yourself living there. However, there are a couple of serious maintenance issues that are likely to need attention within the next year or two.

For example, the roof shingles need replacing or the wiring needs to be updated. Those fixes are going to be expensive. Does that mean you should take a pass on making an offer? Not necessarily!

While it’s nice to buy a home that is move-in ready (or close to it), it can be advantageous to purchase a property that needs some repairs and upgrades!

Depending on market conditions, a home with such issues may be priced lower than comparable properties. So the money you save can be put towards the work. In addition, other buyers are seeing the same issues and, as a result, may not make an offer. That means fewer buyers and less competition! On the other hand, you need to weigh those advantages with the estimated cost of the required repairs and upgrades. Will you have room in your budget to get the work done when the time comes? How much will that work likely cost?  Do you need to do all the repairs immediately?  Chances are, you can get a rough estimate of the cost of the repairs and upgrades required before you make an offer and possibly some of the repairs can be completed over time! 

The bottom line is, you need to get all the information you can and then make a strategic decision. Often, it is worth purchasing the property.  Have questions?  Give me a call!  

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What to Fix Up in your Home before You Sell!

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 or the gas not on for a gas fireplace. 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 and getting the best price when you sell? Give me a call!

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Simple ideas to Boost Curb Appeal!

You've likely heard of the term "curb appeal"...


It refers to the initial impression buyers get when they first see your property from the street. If the impression is a good one, it sets the right tone for the rest of the home viewing and can even get you more money on the sale of your home!  


Here are some proven ideas and simple solutions that you can do to your home to help with the first impressions!


• Sweep the walkway leading up to the front entrance. Add a new welcome mat and a flower pot. Also, wash down the front door. 


• Wash both the inside and outside of the front windows. You'll be amazed at the difference that can make.


• If possible, remove cars from the driveway. Let buyers imagine their own cars parked there!


• Mow the lawn. Lightly trim the hedges. Weed flower beds.


• Remove anything from inside window sills that may look unsightly from the outside. Try putting a couple of flowering plants there instead.


• Place any trash bins out-of-sight. For example, put them in the garage or neatly at the side of the house.


• If the entrance door hardware is old and worn, change it. New hardware can make a bigger difference than you might think.


• Make sure the outdoor lights are working, especially if you're showing your home in the evening.


• Add some flowering plants to flower beds, or buy a couple of portable potted plants and place them strategically.


• If you have a power washer, give the walkway, driveway or stair rail a quick blast! 


These simple improvements may seem minor, but anything that helps buyers form a more positive first impression of your home is worth the effort!  


If you would like more ideas, please feel free to contact me!  I'm always here to help!

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Imagine you've found the perfect home. You love it. You've made an offer that's been accepted. So far so good!  You've wisely made the offer conditional on a professional home inspection. The only catch?  What happens if that home inspection reveals a major issue?


First, you should know that, depending on the age of the property, a home inspection will typically turn up at least a few areas of concern. The inspector might find loose insulation in the attic that is thinning out or roofing shingles that will need replacing in two or three years. Issues like those are not usually deal-breakers.


However, if the home inspector finds a major issue — such as old wiring that's worn and presents a safety concern — then you're facing a potentially high cost of repair should the deal go through. In a situation like that, as your real estate agent, I can address the issue with the seller, usually through the seller's agent. The seller often agrees to get the repair done at his own expense or, have some or all of the estimated repair cost deducted from the sale price.


Will the deal be in jeopardy? Usually not. In most cases, if you have a real estate agent like me working in your best interests, we can work it out to your satisfaction!

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9 Steps to Finding your Next Dream Home!

 If you're thinking ahead to your next dream home, the road you need to take to get there may seem confusing.


Do you search for listings online? Drop by Open Houses on the weekends? Call the number on For Sale signs?


Let's me break it down! Here are the specific steps you need to take to ensure you find a home that fits your wants, needs and budget.


1. Find out how much your current property will likely sell for on today’s market.

2. Arrange for financing, so you know what you can afford.

3. Select neighbourhoods you'd love to live in. (That may involve some fun exploring!)

4. Decide on the type of home you want to buy. (For example: detached, three-bedroom, close to schools, transit etc.)

5. Prioritize the property features you want most, so you can be flexible if a feature is missing from a home listed on the market that is otherwise ideal.  Your must haves vs your wants...

6. View properties on the market that closely fit your criteria, particularly new listings that may not yet be posted online. (Tip: Arrange to be immediately notified of new listings that are a good fit for you.)

7. When you find a home you want, work with a realtor to make a competitive offer designed to get the property — without overpaying.

8. Negotiate until you secure the deal. You should expect that this may involve counter-offers.

9. If the negotiation is skillfully done and all goes well, the home will be yours.


As you can see, there isn't a lot of mystery in finding your next dream home. You just need to take the steps and get the professional help you need along the way.


Looking for a real estate agent that can get you to the finish line? Call me - Leanne Drolet, Royal LePage Sterling Realty!  I'd love the opportunity to help you!

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For some people, the thought of listing their home for sale is very stressful! They worry about all the things they have to do — and all the things that might go wrong.  It's sometimes very overwhelming... Luckily, it doesn't have to be that way. Here are some tips for making your home sale go smoothly:


Give yourself time to prepare. If you're thinking of selling six months from now, start preparing your property now. Ask for assistance!  Ask family or close friends to assist if need be.


Do any necessary staging, and get it looking its best before listing your home. Avoid doing these tasks at the last minute.  Set the right price.


Pricing your property too high will likely result in few, if any, buyers coming to see it. You might end up having to lower your price later, causing your home to linger even longer on the market. That's stress you don't need!


Have a flexible viewing schedule. If you make it too difficult for buyers to see your property, they might lose interest or simply choose to buy another home. Be as flexible as possible when a buyer wants to view your property. Plan get-away activities. When a buyer comes for a scheduled viewing, it's best to leave your home. Plan some fun activities for your family while the showing is happening. Think: playground, shopping, cycling, the zoo, etc.


Accept the ups and downs. Prospective buyers might say they love your home and plan to make an offer, and then we don't hear from them again! It happens! Sometimes buyers book appointments to view your home then cancel!  Accept the inevitable ups and downs of selling your home.


Get help with repairs. You'll probably have things that need to be fixed around the home, like a dripping faucet that needs repair or a room that needs painting. If possible, hire a professional to do some of that work.


Finally, work with a great real estate agent. That will make the biggest difference in ensuring your move goes smoothly and stress-free.


I have many professionals that I can refer if you need help!  If you're looking for a real estate agent that is willing to provide advice and recommendations if need be and have stagers, cleaners & repair people available, please call me as I'd love to help you or someone you know!

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If you're working with a landscaping contractor, you want to develop a good working relationship with that professional, so you can avoid delays, stress and other issues. After all, the last thing you want is a tree planted in the wrong spot because of a misunderstanding!


The same holds true when working with a real estate agent. Whether you're buying, selling, or both, you want the process to go smoothly and successfully. Creating an ideal working relationship with your agent is an important step toward making that happen.


How do you do that you ask? First, ask your agent to go over the process with you. If you're selling your home, you want to understand the steps the agent is going to take. That way, there will be fewer surprises. In particular, you’ll want to discuss how viewings will be handled. You'll need to come to an agreement as to when your home will be available for viewings, how short-notice viewings will be handled, and whether or not "lockbox access" will be needed.


Don't be afraid to ask questions!  No question is dumb!  You don't want to have unanswered questions or concerns between you and your agent.Also, know that misunderstandings and mistakes can happen in any relationship with a professional. So if an issue does comes up, discuss it right away. Don't let it fester.  


Finally, remember that your agent should be a professional like me, with expertise in buying and selling in this market and with experience!


When I make a recommendation regarding pricing, prepping your home, viewings, etc. remember that I am working in your best interest. I want to sell your property, quickly and for the best possible price!


Looking for an agent that has your best interest in mind? Contact me today! 

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Beware of Over-Downsizing or Over-Upsizing!

Buying a new pair of shoes is relatively easy. Once you find the style you like, all you need to do is try them on and see if they fit. If they do, you go to the cash register and pay.


When it comes to size, buying a new home can be trickier! Whether your intention is to upsize or downsize, figuring out the right size can be especially challenging.


Say for example, you’re downsizing from a large two or three-story home to a smaller rancher style home or condo. You don’t want to underestimate the space you need and end up in a place that feels tight. If you’re going the other way and upsizing, you don’t want to end up sinking extra money into a property that’s larger than you really need.


So how do you avoid these scenarios? One of the best ways is to start by considering your current home. Do you use all the rooms in your home regularly? Is there a bedroom that’s rarely occupied? Has the recreation room become simply a storage area? If you’re downsizing, subtracting rooms you scarcely use can give you a better idea of what you need in a new home.


Upsizing is a bit more challenging because you have to anticipate what you will need in the future. For example, if you have young children, and your place is feeling cramped, then a home with a recreation room or separate family and living rooms may be a good idea. You may also need a bigger kitchen with a spacious eating area (in addition to a separate dining room.) Think about the extra room you’ll need and how you’ll use that space.


When I work with a client, I typically sit down with them and discuss the type of home they want in detail — and, based on needs and circumstance, I make recommendations. Bottom line, I help clients find the perfect fit in a new home!


Contact me if you’d like to learn more. 

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Buyers are using the internet to search for properties more than ever before!  In fact, they can even go and see a “virtual” tour of a home using their smartphone or desktop computer.


So, you might be wondering if the old fashioned Open House still works these days? Well, the answer is yes!  If Open Houses didn’t work, no one would be doing them! No matter how good the internet gets, it can’t compete with a buyer being able to visit a property in person, walk through the rooms, stand in the backyard and imagine him or herself BBQ-ing with the family, stroll the area, and meeting neighbours at neighboourhood pot lucks!  An Open House makes it easy for buyers to do just that. It’s an open invitation for them to come by at a specific date and time, to see the property and chat with the REALTOR®. It’s a casual environment, which many buyers prefer. Some buyers, in fact, are more comfortable going to an Open House before scheduling a private viewing.


Will you need an Open House to sell your home? That depends on a lot of factors...but mostly how serious the Buyer is.  If a Buyer is really serious about buying a home they will already have been in contact with their REALTOR® and will set up a time to view your home!  


When I work with clients, I put together a marketing plan designed to sell the property quickly and for the best price possible.  Depending on yours and other circumstances, that may or may not include an Open House however I always ensure your home gets maximum exposure!


If you have questions about what would be involved in a quick and successful sale of your home, contact me. I’d be happy to chat and answer your questions.  


Leanne 

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You’ve no doubt noticed the occasional news report about a product being recalled for safety reasons. For example, a car model with a brake problem, or a children’s toy that, under some circumstances, may cause injury.


You may not know that these news reports are merely the tip of the iceberg.  For each product recall you hear about in the media, there are dozens that get little, if any, publicity.


That means there may be products in your home that have been recalled — and you don’t even know about it. It’s a scary thought.


How do you find out about recalled products that may affect you? Here are two tips.


1. Always complete the registration that comes with many products.  This is typically done by mailing in a registration card or filling out an online form. When you register, you’ll be alerted by the manufacturer if the product is recalled for any reason.


2. Both Canada and the United States have agencies that list recalled products on their websites. In Canada it’s the Healthy Canadians website at www.healthycanadians.gc.ca. In the United States it’s the Consumer Product Safety Commission at www.CPSP.gov. It’s a good habit to check these sites every season.


If you discover that a product in your home has been recalled, contact the manufacturer immediately. Never assume that the reason for the recall won’t apply to you.

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There are many hidden sources of moisture in your home that can lead to serious problems, such as mould. To keep moisture levels in check, consider these tips:


• Bathrooms are an obvious source of moisture build-up. Contractor and TV personality Mike Holmes recommends keeping the fan going for at least a half hour after a shower.


• Check regularly for water infiltration around window and door sills, as well as other intakes into the home, such as dryer vents and cable wiring.


• Determine the humidity level in your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it should be 30-60%. (Keep in mind that humidity may vary greatly from room to room.)


• Regularly inspect caulking around sinks, tubs and showers. Even a tiny break can cause water to leak gradually into the wall or floor, causing damage you may not notice for months.


• Clean up wet spills as soon as possible. On hardwood floors especially, water can seep through and become trapped.


• Repair leaking faucets, toilets and pipes immediately. A drip can quickly become a shower.


Being mindful of moisture today can help you avoid potentially high repair bills later on! 


If you are thinking of buying or selling a home and you would like a Realtor that will look out for you, call Leanne today!

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