Author: evergreen

Ready to make a move? When searching for your dream home, cottage or cabin in Bruce Peninsula, due diligence is key. Taking the plunge without asking essential questions can lead you down an unexpected path – that’s why having a reliable local realtor who knows the area well is so important!

Septic systems

Investigate the past of your septic system to ensure it’s adequate for your property. Remember that when creating a water system, you need to consider where the source is coming from and if it’s safe for drinking purposes – both factors are determined by number of bedrooms instead of bathrooms.

Road access

Before investing in a property, consider how easily you can access it – whether via public roads or privately-maintained routes. When opting for the latter, always factor in winter weather too; snowfall could significantly affect your journey and leave you exposed to hefty maintenance costs should extra clearance be necessary.

Water access and conditions

Boating enthusiasts need to be aware of potential access restrictions, as well as the water level. Is your lake spring-fed? Or is it affected by dams or other large-scale conditions? Seasonal changes in the water levels can catch boat owners off guard when winter comes and docks are left high and dry – make sure you have a good understanding before investing!

Other Considerations

• Electrical systems
• Dock condition and management 
• Property lines, bylaws, and zoning
• Garbage collection
• Maintenance by previous owner

With the real estate market ever-evolving, it can be hard to know where to begin when purchasing your
first home. Look no further than Grey Bruce County! Whether it’s a complicated or straightforward
transaction, let an experienced buying agent help guide and advise you through each step of the process
for finding that perfect place. Let these ABCs provide insight on how to successfully buy in any real
estate market – essential tips from those in-the-know!

A) Finding the Right Realtor

When it comes to finding the perfect home, having a knowledgeable ally on your side is
essential. A professional realtor can help you navigate the market and better understand your
neighbourhood of interest while looking out for YOUR best interests with no added cost –
because their commission is covered by the seller! With an experienced real estate agent in tow,
you’ll have confidence that all aspects are handled so that when closing time arrives (and
beyond!) everything will be stress-free as settling into your new residence begins.

B) Figuring out Financing

If you’re searching for your dream home, make sure to secure financing before making any
offers. A pre-approval letter from a lender will help you determine what budget works best and
provide peace of mind when negotiating with potential sellers. Your real estate agent can
recommend reliable mortgage professionals who are looking out exclusively for your interests –
not the other way around! With a pre-approval in hand, you’ll have an edge over the
competition. Sellers respond to offers that are real and concrete – your pre-approved mortgage
gives them assurance of seriousness on your part. So get wise about all available options for
financing your dream home – and then start exploring!

C) Build your Budget and Stick to It

Purchasing a home is an exciting yet daunting venture. To ensure you find the perfect property,
it’s crucial to set and stick to your budget beforehand – factoring in essential costs like closing
fees, utility bills, insurance premiums and moving expenses. Work with a real estate agent who
will help you decide how much money they should allocate while also informing of other factors
such as areas that are flexible on price or when to walk away due diligence-style so there’s no
buyer’s remorse down the line! With flexibility comes opportunity; stay open minded
throughout this process for all possibilities come across within your range – leaving you feeling
confident enough bidding once finding ‘the one’.

D) Write Your Wish List

A successful house-hunting experience starts with a wish list. When creating yours, be sure to
include details about your absolute necessities, deal breakers and desired extras. Doing so will
help you narrow down potential options quickly! Plus, it’s important to take into consideration
the timeline of when you need (or want) to move – this can have an impact on what properties
available for viewing or purchasing that fit within your criteria. Lastly remember: location and
square footage are aspects that won’t change after moving in; things like bedrooms may require
renovations if they don’t suit your needs perfectly right away!

E) Perfecting your Property Search

The perfect property is out there, waiting for you – and a reliable buyer agent can help you find
it! With an experienced team member as your ally in the search process, not only will they
understand all of your must-have criteria but also be able to recognize potential hidden gems.
Plus when the time comes to submit an offer on that dream home, their expertise ensures that
your bid is well crafted and strategic — because having someone in your corner pays off.

F) Make Moving Easy

Make the moving process smooth sailing with a comprehensive checklist! Your agent can be an
invaluable resource in helping you stay on top of all necessary items. These items on your
checklist can include: arranging a final walk-through of your new home, completing forms for
any changes in address from IDs to schools and utilities, and reminders to change the locks in
your new home. Your agent is here as an expert guide – they’ll help you stay organized
throughout the process so everything goes off without a hitch!

Thinking about selling your home? If so, you’re probably wondering about what you can do to gain top dollar. Do you invest in finishing the basement bathroom? What about building a back deck? Or getting rid of that 80s wallpaper that’s still up in your laundry room? There’s probably a list of things that you’d like to do, but at this point you might be wondering if they’re worth the time, money, and effort.

Budget Extra

Costs will vary depending on where you live, what room you’re updating, and the extent of the renovations. If you’re going that route, make sure that you give yourself some extra time and wiggle room in your budget. Often renovations take longer than originally planned and cost more than expected. So before you start taking down walls, talk to Laura Lisk, Realtor® about which projects will give you the best returns.

In the meantime, here are five ways to freshen up the house without breaking the bank.

1. Go Neutral

A fresh coat of paint goes a long way on a limited budget, just make sure you choose from a palette of cool, neutral tones. Some people find it hard to look past all the red in a room or other vibrant colours, so beige, taupe, grey, or white will help take the focus away from the walls and into the space. These colours also help to brighten up dark rooms and make smaller spaces look larger.

2. Declutter

Have you grown out of your closet and into the spare bedroom’s? Has your garage become a storage container? Things collect over time – we get it. But if your stuff is taking over, it’s time to declutter. To help you decide what should stay and what should go, think about the last time you used the item and why you’re saving it. Then think about how much time it’ll take to pack everything up – only to store it somewhere else. It’s easier to travel light, so get rid of what you can before your house goes on the market. Donating is a feel-good way to share with others. You’ll enjoy the extra breathing room and you’ll be surprised by how much bigger your house looks.

3. Provide a Blank Canvas

You’ve created great memories in your home, and you’ll cherish them wherever you go, but now’s the time to help potential buyers imagine their own good times in this space. As a seller, that means creating a welcoming feel without being too personal. Pack up sentimental items ahead of listing. This will maintain your privacy during showings, while giving buyers a blank canvas to visualize an exciting fresh start.

4. Fix What Needs Fixing

There might be some things that you need to fix, and they might not be so obvious. You can be proactive by getting a home inspection before putting your house on the market, so you can find out what needs repair and what’s cosmetic. This will give you some peace of mind and ensure there are no surprises before negotiations start with a buyer.

5. Boost Curb Appeal

First impressions are everything, right? This goes for houses, too. Create an inviting experience that makes buyers feel like they’re coming home for the first time. Look neat and tidy with fresh-cut grass and pruned shrubs, create warmth with a well-lit entry, and add a splash of colour with some cheerful potters. Curb appeal shows buyers that you love your home – and they will too.  

For more tips on how to boost your home’s value, call Laura Lisk, Realtor® at 519-379-2624.