Mike Giesbrecht

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Imagine you’ve listed your home and get a fantastic offer. The price is VERY good. The buyers have attached a hefty deposit and a pre-approved mortgage certificate. The only drawback? There is a condition. The buyers want to sell their home before the offer to buy yours becomes firm. Hmm. Should you accept that offer? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons. PROS A Bird in the Hand. Whi ...

Although weekends are a prime time to schedule viewings, many buyers will prefer to see your property on a weekday evening. Buyers might, for example, be interested in your listing but be out of town on the weekend. If you don’t accommodate their request for a weekday evening appointment, you might lose that opportunity. So, when it comes to scheduling viewing appointments, being flexible ...

Imagine you see a home advertised for sale in a desirable neighbourhood. However, you find out the property is listed well above comparable sales in the area. In other words, above its market value. Is that listing still worth seeing? There are many reasons why sellers might list their property for a price that seems way above the market. The home might have highly desirable features that ...

Many seemingly small things can be a big turn-off to prospective buyers. So, it’s wise to identify and fix these issues when you list. Here are a few examples. Outdated or Neglected Exterior: Chipping paint, a tired-looking façade, or uninspired landscaping will impact a buyer's all-important first impression. The solution? Fresh paint, power washing, landscape trimming, or even adding n ...

Painting your home, especially the main floor, is the most affordable way to make your listing look great to buyers. But what paint colours should you choose? Here are a few tips. When it comes to selecting a palette, neutrality reigns supreme. Bright, eccentric colours may reflect your personality, but remember, you're trying to appeal to a wide array of potential buyers. Neutral colours ...

Outdoor living spaces have become the new heartbeat of homes — even in the winter. They now serve as an extension of the indoors, a place where homeowners can dine, entertain, and relax. So, it’s smart to emphasize the outdoor living potential of your home when you list. Your garden is the first outdoor element potential buyers see. Well-maintained, colourful plants can make a fantastic fi ...

  When you’re shopping for a new home, you’ll likely have a list of "must-haves" that are essential to your ideal living space. However, there are circumstances in which it may be worth compromising on your list of non-negotiables. Location While having four bedrooms or a large backyard may be high on your priority list, a desirable location with easy access to schools, work, and amenities ...

  When you’re selling your home, you want to make it as attractive as possible to buyers. One compelling strategy that has been gaining traction is the application of Feng Shui principles to home staging. How? Embracing Feng Shui staging techniques starts with decluttering. Clutter restricts the free flow of 'chi' or positive energy. Hence, a clean, clutter-free space is crucial. It promot ...

By all accounts, remote working is here to stay. In fact, according to a survey by McKinsey & Co (a research institute), 58% of workers say they can work at home at least part of the time. So, highlighting the remote working potential of your listing can be a major selling point. One thing you can do is stage your home by creating a home office space of some kind. It doesn’t have to take u ...