Mike Giesbrecht

When potential buyers tour a home, bathrooms can have a big impact on them. An outdated or neglected bathroom can quickly sour their impression of your property overall. The good news is, you can spruce it up without breaking the bank. Here's how: Modern Hardware: Switching out old cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, or faucets can instantly modernize the room. Sleek metallic finishes such as b ...

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 “must-have” 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 ...

The living room or family room is often a focal point for buyers who come to see your listing. They’ll look around and imagine relaxing evenings, family get-togethers, and holidays celebrated in that room. So it’s important to ensure it looks its best. Here are professional staging tips for doing just that: Neutralize the palette. Consider repainting walls in shades of beige, grey, or o ...

Click here to view the article.

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 ...