Hopefully, this will never happen to you. But, there are circumstances – a fire, for example – when you and your family would need to exit through a window.  It pays to be prepared!

Your first step is to determine which windows are safe to use as an exit. There should be at least one on each level. The windows you select will need to provide enough space for a person to climb through (at least a 20 inch opening). Make sure everyone knows which windows are “safe exit” windows, and how to open them.

Keep in mind that windows may have screens, so ensure everyone knows how to remove those as well. For a second floor window, consider purchasing a portable escape ladder. These are compact and easily stowed in a closet or under a bed. When you need it, it hangs off the sill and expands into a ladder all the way to the ground. It’s not designed for everyday use, but it will get you and your family out!

Rehearsal is also a good idea. You want everyone to know how to get to the nearest “safe exit” window – especially in the dark.

Finally, keep your windows in a good state of repair. According to the National Fire Safety Association, windows should open easily for everyone, and should not have anything in front of them that will prevent or delay a quick exit.

Checklist for WOW-ing a Buyer during a Viewing!

Imagine you were selling your car, and a prospective buyer was on the way over to see it. What would you do? You would probably make your vehicle look as clean and shiny as possible, inside and out. The same holds true if you’re selling your home and there’s a potential buyer on the way. You want the buyer to be wow’d by your property. Here’s a handy checklist to follow:

• Clean every room. Make your entire house look as “guest ready” as possible.

• As much as is feasible given the time, reduce clutter. Consider packing some items into boxes and storing them in the basement or garage.

• Get pets out of the house. You can take them for a walk, have a neighbour watch them, or take them to a good kennel.

• Turn on all the lights, even during the day. You want each room to look bright!

• If there are any maintenance issues, such as a dripping faucet, let your Realtor know. Often, it’s best for buyers to be told rather than discover such issues themselves.

• Open all the curtains, except in those rooms where the sun will be uncomfortably strong during the viewing.

• Move your vehicles from the driveway so the buyer can park there. (That can help them imagine living there, which is what you want!)

• Make sure your foyer is especially clean and uncluttered. It’s the first “room” the buyer visits.

• Avoid cooking just before a viewing. Even if the meal is wonderful, the aroma may linger. (Some people don’t like the smell of certain dishes, such as fish.)

• Freshen up the outdoor space, walkway/garden area to the front door! Mow the lawn. Sweep the walkway.  If possible, have some fresh flowers in a pot at the front doorway!

This viewing checklist will help you prepare your home quickly, so when the buyer comes in your front door, there’s a much better chance he or she will be impressed.

If you need further tips, contact me at Leanne@Realtygal.ca

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 

 When you suffer damage to, (or the loss of), your home or its contents, you expect your insurance company to help you out. And, most do a good job of doing just that.

Still, it’s a good idea to review your policy with your insurance advisor and find out what’s covered and what isn’t. You don’t want to discover that your policy will not cover the cost of repairing the damage caused by a flood in your laundry room.

Pay particular attention to coverage in the case of water damage. Some insurance policies don’t cover floods and sewer backup unless an additional rider is purchased.

Also, check liability limits. Ask your advisor to recommend an appropriate level.

Finally, make sure you know exactly how much your home is insured for. Are you covered for the full replacement cost? Are you comfortable with that coverage or the actual cash value?

Having the right insurance gives you peace-of-mind and is an important part of enjoying your home.

Keep in mind that experts advise you to review your insurance with your advisor. Ask lots of questions. Make sure you understand your coverage fully.

By the way, if you’re looking for an insurance advisor, I’m well-connected in the local “home” industry. I'm able to give you a couple of names of good, reputable professionals. If you have any questions, give me a call!

A shortage of residential property listings coupled with strong demand, particularly for condos and townhomes, continued to impact Metro Vancouver’s housing market in March.

Residential property sales in the region totalled 3,579 in March 2017, a decrease of 30.8 per cent from the 5,173 sales recorded in record-breaking March 2016 and an increase of 47.6 per cent compared to February 2017 when 2,425 homes sold.

Last month’s sales were 7.9 per cent above the 10-year sales average for the month.

“While demand in March was below the record high of last year, we saw demand increase month-to-month for condos and townhomes,” Jill Oudil, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) president said. “Sellers still seem reluctant to put their homes on the market, making for stiff competition among home buyers.”

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver totalled 4,762 in March 2017. This represents a decrease of 24.1 per cent compared to the 6,278 units listed in March 2016 and a 29.9 per cent increase compared to February 2017 when 3,666 properties were listed.

This is the lowest number of new listings in March since 2009.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 7,586, a 3.1 per cent increase compared to March 2016 (7,358) and a 0.1 per cent decrease compared to February 2017 (7,594).

The sales-to-active listings ratio for March 2017 is 47.2 per cent, a 15-point increase over February. Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below the 12 per cent mark for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

“Home prices will likely continue to increase until we see more housing supply coming on to the market,” Oudil said.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $919,300. This represents a 0.8 per cent decrease over the past six months and a 1.4 per cent increase compared to February 2017.

Sales of detached properties in March 2017 reached 1,150, a decrease of 46.1 per cent from the 2,135 detached sales recorded in March 2016. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,489,400. This represents a 5.0 per cent decrease over the past six months and a one per cent increase compared to February 2017.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,841 in March 2017, a decrease of 18.3 per cent compared to the 2,252 sales in March 2016.The benchmark price of an apartment property is $537,400. This represents a 5.2 per cent increase over the past six months and a 2.1 per cent increase compared to February 2017.

Attached property sales in March 2017 totalled 588, a decrease of 25.2 per cent compared to the 786 sales in March 2016. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $685,100. This represents a 1.3 per cent increase over the past six months and a 1.4 per cent increase compared to February 2017.

Courtesy of the Vancouver Real Estate Board 

*Editor’s Note: Areas covered by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver include: Whistler, Sunshine Coast, Squamish, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and South Delta.

Nothing makes me happier than a happy client!  Check out my newest testimonial!  

Leanne won my trust when she listened to my needs and concerns addressing each one as much as was needed so these seemingly obstacles took a back seat to my goals of selling.  

I felt respected and heard by how Leanne partnered with me to sell my condo.  I especially appreciated her balance of professionalism and being personable.  Her flexibility combined with knowledge in real estate was evident when we negotiated and accepted an offer even while I was overseas.  

I would recommend Leanne if you're loking for someone to help you with your real estate concerns..

Ivy  - March 17,2017

Imagine finding a home you love, making an offer, and then finding out there are other competing offers on the table. Ouch.

If you’re looking for a property in a competitive market, it is likely that there will be multiple offers. Even just one can create the risk that you’ll lose the home. So how do you make sure your offer is enticing enough to win over the seller? Here are some ideas:

•Don’t make a low-ball offer. If you do, it might be dismissed and you probably won’t get another chance to bid — especially if the other competing offers are near the listing price.

• Have a pre-arranged mortgage and include that with your offer. This reassures the seller there won’t be any money issues. (Most lenders will provide you with a pre-arranged mortgage certificate for this purpose.)

• Go in with a price high enough that the seller will be interested, but not so high as to be leaving money on the table. This is tricky and requires a savvy knowledge of the current market.

• Have a REALTOR® present the offer on your behalf.

A REALTOR® will know how to do so professionally, and in a manner that gives you the best chance of getting the home. In a competitive situation, working with a REALTOR® who is an expert on the local market — and a skilled negotiator — is crucial.

Looking for a REALTOR® like that? Give me a call today!

The real estate board of Greater Vancouver reports that home sales and listings trends are below long-term averages in the Metro Vancouver* housing market. This is due largely to reduced activity in the detached home market.

Residential property sales in the region totalled 1,523 in January 2017, a 39.5 per cent decrease from the 2,519 sales recorded in January 2016 and an 11.1 per cent decrease compared to December 2016 when 1,714 homes sold.

Last month’s sales were 10.3 per cent below our 10-year January sales average.  “From a real estate perspective, it’s a lukewarm start to the year compared to 2016,” Dan Morrison, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) president said. “While we saw near record-breaking sales at this time last year, home buyers and sellers are more reluctant to engage so far in 2017.”

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver totalled 4,140 in January 2017. This represents a 6.8 per cent decrease compared to the 4,442 homes listed in January 2016 and a 215.5 per cent increase compared to December 2016 when 1,312 properties were listed.

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver is 7,238, a 9.1 per cent increase compared to January 2016 (6,635) and a 14.1 per cent increase compared to December 2016 (6,345).

The sales-to-active listings ratio for January 2017 is 21 per cent. This is the lowest the ratio has been in the region since January 2015. Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below the 12 per cent mark for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

“Conditions within the market vary depending on property type. The townhome and condominium markets are more active than the detached market at the moment,” Morrison said. “As a result, detached home prices declined about 7 per cent since peaking in July while townhome and condominium prices held steady over this period.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $896,000. This represents a 3.7 per cent decline over the past six months and a 0.2 per cent decrease compared to December 2016. 

Sales of detached properties in January 2017 reached 444, a decrease of 57.6 per cent from the 1,047 detached sales recorded in January 2016. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,474,800. This represents a 6.6 per cent decline over the last six months and a 0.6 per cent decrease compared to December 2016.

Sales of apartment properties reached 825 in January 2017, a decrease of 24.7 per cent compared to the 1,096 sales in January 2016.The benchmark price of an apartment property is $512,300. This represents a 0.3 per cent increase over the last six months and a 0.4 per cent increase compared to December 2016.

Attached property sales in January 2017 totalled 254, a decrease of 32.4 per cent compared to the 376 sales in January 2016. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $666,500. This represents a 0.4 per cent decline over the last six months and a 0.7 per cent increase compared to December 2016.

When it comes to offers on your home and considering which of two or more competing offers to accept for your home, there is no doubt that price plays a huge role! After all, if Offer #1 is $10,000 higher than Offer #2, that’s an enticing difference that puts thousands of extra dollars in your pocket. However, price isn’t the only thing you should think about when comparing multiple offers. There are other factors you need to consider as well.

For example, what conditions are in the offers? If Offer #1 is conditional upon the buyer selling his/her current property for a specific amount, then what if that doesn’t happen? You could end up with an offer that dies and be forced to chase down the previous buyers that were interested in hopes that they haven't bought already!In these circumstance, accepting the lower offer may be your best move.

There’s also financing to consider. Are the buyers fully approved? If you get an offer where the ability of the buyer to get financing is in doubt, that’s a huge red flag.

The closing date is another important factor. Offer #1 might propose a closing date that’s perfect for you, while Offer #2 is four weeks later or possibly they want a really quick close and that may not work best for you. If you’ve already purchased another home, you might require a month of bridge financing if you accept Offer #2. There’s nothing wrong with that per se, but the costs and additional hassle are factors you would want to consider.

Assessing competing offers is where I come in!  Fortunately, as your REALTOR®, I will guide you toward making the right decision.  If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling a home, I'd be happy to help!

 As this was our first time selling a home, Leanne made us feel very comfortable throughout the whole process and was always so kind, patient, and very knowledgable.

 She was a dream to work with from start to finish and even got us more than we had anticipated for our home!  We will definitely be recomending her services to anyone we know selling a home in British Columbia!

C Burris  August 29, 2016

You’ve seen fire extinguishers in commercial environments, such as schools, stores and workplaces. Does it make sense to have one in your home?

According to the experts, absolutely YES!! In fact, a fire extinguisher can quickly put out a blaze that would otherwise quickly grow out of control. There are several types of fire extinguishers that are made especially for residential use. That means they put out the most common fires that occur in the home (Class A, B & K fires), and they are easy to handle and use. Since most residential fires happen in the kitchen, that’s the best place to keep your extinguisher.

You should also make sure everyone in your household knows where it is and how to use it. This seems like a silly thing to say, but many people purchase a fire extnguisher but don't explain how to use it or where it's kept to their spouse, kids or teens!  

Keep in mind that a home fire extinguisher is meant for small fires that are easy to put out, such as a pan of vegetable oil igniting on the stove.  However, there are different types of fire extinguishers for different fires!  YES, many people do not know this - check this out!

If you find you can’t control the blaze within a few seconds with the extinguisher, get everyone out of the home and call the fire department immediately!

Also, NEVER attempt to fight a major fire yourself. Leave that to the professionals!

Lets talk about Depreciation Reports!  

First, I just want to say that I love these reports!  They give a buyer an excellent idea of what is going on in the strata complex and the anticipated maintenance, repair and replacement costs projected over 30 years!

Depreciation reports came into effect December 14, 2011.  Strata Corporations need to obtain these reports every 3 years unless they hold an annual meeting and 3/4 of the owners vote to waive the report, or unless there is 4 or fewer strata lots.  Once a strata corporation obtains a report they have 3 years to obtain a new report.

This Depreciation Report includes a number of different parts to help the Strata Corporation manage their complex, and to help owners understand the true long term cost of ownership. The Depreciation Report includes:

- an inventory of the common property components;

- an opinion of budgets for CRF (Contingency Reserv Funds) projects related to these components;

- an estimated time frame for when we expect those repair/replacement costs to occur;

- the cycle at which we expect those costs to reoccur; and

- funding scenarios to help the Strata decide on how they are going to fund the CRF projects.

Every year the Strata Council puts together a budget that lays out contributions to your Contingency Reserve Fund and your Operating Fund. These two contributions are typically what make up your maintenance fees.

The Strata Property Act defines the CRF as a fund for common expenses that usually occur less often than once a year or that do not usually occur, relating to the common property or common assets of the Strata Corporation.

Before Depreciation Reports were required, many Stratas were not following a long term repair and renewal plan, resulting in poorly maintained buildings. Without such a plan, many Owners did not fully understand the true cost of repairing and maintaining a building.

Stratas were making minimum CRF contributions towards the repair of the complex, and as the buildings aged, owners were facing large special levies as there were insufficient funds in the CRF to cover the cost of these expenditures.

Depreciation Reports cover the CRF related expenditures (e.g., replacing windows, replacing roofs, etc.), and not the day-to-day expenditures that are dealt with through the Operating Fund (e.g., janitorial cleaning, common area hydro fees, common property insurance fees, etc.).  Most reports give buyers a very clear idea of how the strata is running and what the upcoming expenses are.

These reports have really identified that many, if not most strata complexes are underfunded!  

When I work with a client that is buying into a strata complex, no matter how well the complex is maintained, I always recommend opening an extra bank account for "upcoming levies" and saving money each month.  Owning a condo, townhome or bareland strata home is no different than owning a house.  There WILL be upcoming work such as roof, siding, decks, gutters and home interior (common property) upgrades that will be needed and you won't be caught off guard having to come up with the money, if you're prepared.....

For decades, Alberta's identity was completely intertwined with its oil industry.  The same thing could happen to B.C. and its real estate market, if the latest economic data from Statistics Canada is anything to go by.

Read this Huffington Post Article for insight on this possibility!

Next to a major kitchen renovation, replacing appliances is the most expensive way to upgrade the space. So if you’re purchasing a new refrigerator, stove or dishwasher in order to make your home more attractive to buyers, you want to make wise purchasing decisions. The most important consideration is how the appliances will look in the kitchen. Ideally, they should match in colour and style. They should also be the right size for the space. The last thing you want is a fridge that’s so large it dominates the room, or a stove that’s a completely different style and looks out-of-place. Appearance is important, but so are the features. Buyers viewing your home will scrutinize the appliances. They’ll notice if the fridge has a cold water and ice dispenser. They’ll ask if the dishwasher has noise-reduction features. Double ovens and quick-heating burners (which are now available on electric stoves) will also get a buyer’s attention. Power consumption is also a big issue these days. Increasingly, buyers are interested in the energy efficient features of a home — appliances included. So, as your REALTOR® I would point out appliances with energy-saving features, such as a dishwasher with a slow-run cycle that saves power. Kitchen appliances may seem minor compared to the overall appeal of your property, but they do make a difference. Purchase wisely!

Comedian George Carlin’s most memorable routine was, “A place for my stuff.” In it, he talked about dealing with the increasing quantity of items we accumulate throughout life. George was funny. The problem is not. Here are some low-cost ideas for quickly creating storage space for your stuff. • Attach a cloth pouch or thin plastic basket to the inside of cupboard doors. This is a great way to store Tupperware lids, cosmetics, etc. • Install hooks inside the foyer closet for loose items such as hats and scarfs. • Use egg cartons to make effective storage inserts in drawers. • Fashion stores often put purchases in stiff, high-quality boxes. Placed on their sides, these make effective storage compartments. (Especially shoeboxes.) • Consider using suitcases for out-of-season clothing. In addition to storage, they also provide protection. • Never throw out an old wine rack. There are numerous ways these can be used for storage. (Example: for tools.) By thinking creatively, you can probably come up with many other simple ideas for creating more storage. The reward is a home that looks neater and more spacious.

Housing demand remains strong despite diminishing supply...

Home sales reached near record levels in November even as home listings began the traditional year-end decline.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Metro Vancouver reached 3,524 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in November 2015. This represents a 40.1 per cent increase compared to the 2,516 sales recorded in November 2014, and a 3.3 per cent decrease compared to the 3,646 sales in October 2015.

Last month’s sales were 46.2 per cent above the 10-year sales average for the month and rank as the second highest November on record for residential property sales.

“November is typically one of the quietest months of the year in our housing market, but not this year,” Darcy McLeod, REBGV president said. “The ratio of sales to home’s available for sale reached 44 per cent in November, which is the highest it’s been in our market in nine years.”

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver totalled 3,392 in November. This represents a 12.5 per cent increase compared to the 3,016 new listings reported in November 2014.  The total number of properties listed for sale on the real estate board’s MLS® is 8,096, a 35 per cent decline compared to November 2014 and a 15.4 per cent decline compared to October 2015.

“Demand remains strong and there are housing options at different price points throughout the region,” McLeod said. “It’s important to work with your REALTOR® to understand your options before you embark on your home buying journey.” 

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $752,500. This represents a 17.8 per cent increase compared to November 2014.

The sales-to-active-listings ratio in November was 43.5 per cent. Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio declines below the 12 per cent mark, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it reaches 20 per cent, or higher, in a particular community for a sustained period of time. 

Sales of detached properties in November 2015 reached 1,335, an increase of 31.9 per cent from the 1,012 detached sales recorded in November 2014, and a 44.2 per cent increase from the 926 units sold in November 2013. The benchmark price for a detached property in Metro Vancouver increased 22.6 per cent from November 2014 to $1,226,300. 

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,553 in November 2015, an increase of 47.6 per cent compared to the 1,052 sales in November 2014, and an increase of 60.3 per cent compared to the 969 sales in November 2013. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 14 per cent from November 2014 to $435,000. 

Attached property sales in November 2015 totalled 636, an increase of 40.7 per cent compared to the 452 sales in November 2014, and a 49.3 per cent increase from the 426 attached properties sold in November 2013. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 11.3 per cent between November 2014 and 2015 to $536,600.

*Editor’s Note:  Areas covered by Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver include: Whistler, Sunshine Coast, Squamish, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and South Delta.

Courtesy of the Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board

If you take care to price your home correctly — that is, at a price that is in line with what similar properties in the area have sold for recently — then you have a good chance of selling it at or near your asking price.  That doesn’t mean you won’t get a low-ball offer. You just might. So what do you do when that happens?

First, understand that the buyer may not necessarily be trying to steal away your home at a bargain-basement price. He might simply be mistaken about its true market value. Of course, he might also be coming in at a low price in the hopes he’ll get lucky.

You will never actually know the buyer’s motives. So it would be a mistake to get angry or dismiss the offer out-of-hand. That low-ball offer might end up being the beginning of a negotiation that results in you selling your home at a good price.

Your first step is to work with your REALTOR® to determine:
• How serious the buyer is.
• How qualified the buyer is. (For example, does he have a preapproved mortgage?)
• How amenable the buyer is to a counter-offer that reflects the true market value of your home.

• What that counter-offer should be.

This isn’t an easy process. It takes knowledge and experience to get it right.

Working with a good REALTOR® is essential.  Call me today if you're thinking of selling!

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.

When you put your home up for sale, you want it to look its best to potential buyers. That’s why you clean, tidy and de-clutter every room.

Some sellers, however, miss the backyard. You need to pay just as much
attention to that space as you do to the interior of your home. The backyard
is as important a living space as the family room. To some buyers, even
more!

Buyers want to see an attractive backyard space, with the grass cut and the
hedges trimmed. The more neat and tidy you can make it, the better. If you can create an oasis, even better! 

Be sure to sweep walkways and wipe down patio furniture.  Also, watch out for the following things that buyers do not want to see:

• Bags of garage and other waste.
• Doggie do-do. (Be sure to stoop and scoop!)
• Rakes and other tools piled in the corner.
• Cluttered and disorganized or poorly maintained storage sheds, pool huts and other backyard structures.
• Weeds in the flower beds.
• Items stored underneath the deck.
• Hoses not stowed neatly.
• Electrical outlets and water faucets that don’t work.

These are not difficult issues to fix. Doing so will positively impact the impression the buyer gets of your backyard.

Do you have a backyard that shows particularly well in the summer? Here’s
a tip: Take pictures when things are in bloom and looking their best! Those photos will help buyers be able to appreciate how beautiful it looks in the summer, should you list your home in the winter.

Want more tips on making your home show well so that it sells fast? Call me, I'd be happy to help!