We’re in the depths of winter right now, and redesigning your garden so it’s ready for spring is possibly the last thing on your mind – but it shouldn’t be. Creating a wonderful garden that gives you enjoyment and adds substantial value to your home requires planning, hard work and a little patience. In today’s…
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The first sign of the Canadian real estate market turning the corner has come with a 3.6% lift in the number of home sales and national price averages holding firm. It’s the first time since November that the number of homes sold has increased, says the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). The MLS Home Price…
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The warmer days of summer lighten the heart but also promise one of two challenges for your home maintenance, especially if you’re preparing to sell in the current, re-emerging market. Summer storms are always a risk, and you should certainly consider clearing out your gutters and downspouts to make sure any big rains don’t overflow…
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A new report from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) reveals what many homebuyers already know – some parts of the Kiwi economy are more sensitive to a rise in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) than others. RBNZ – Te Pūtea Matua – research found sectors that make or trade goods, as well as…
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Easing concerns around US tariffs and falling interest rates have ignited renewed interest in the real estate market with the sales numbers rising for two successive months. With 86% of exports to America remaining duty-free under the current Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), consumer confidence has rebounded from its March slump. Consumer spending has remained resilient…
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When preparing your home for sale, one element that can undermine your efforts and ambitions of a successful sale is dated furniture. Buyers are definitely focused on the core elements of your home – such as available space, the number of bedrooms and location – but they can be distracted. Clutter, bold color schemes, worn…
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Are we seeing the story of a “tale of two cities” and even a “tale of two islands” playing out in our market as buyers continue to enjoy favourable conditions while many agents now talk optimistically about “green shoots” of value growth? The latest data from the OneRoof-Valocity housing report shows the South Island performing…
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One of the challenges many Canadians face when deciding to buy and sell a home is how to assess the quality of their real estate agent. Exactly what should you expect from someone with whom you’re trusting your largest financial asset? And on what criteria do others make their judgment when appointing an agent? For…
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One of the most important elements of a buoyant real estate market is the participation of first-time buyers. They are the bedrock on which home values continue to grow. If there is less demand at the entry-level end of the market, everyone else suffers. The good news is that property portal Realtor.com is reporting that…
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If you think of prospective buyers as special houseguests, you’ll be halfway towards getting your property ready for sale. Priority should be given to making sure you have fixed all the issues with your home, and there are usually a few. Problems like leaking taps, flaking paint in the laundry or similar small-scale distractions can…
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