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Jun 21
0

Virtual Staging: How to Attract Buyers to Your Home

By | For Sellers, Home Staging & Interior Design

Staging is a critical step in successfully selling your home that realtors recommend for a reason. Open houses are on their way out, and with the internet being the primary source of finding homes, virtual staging can make or break interest in your home.

 

What is Virtual Staging?

 

Virtual staging consists of decorating a home to make it more attractive to potential buyers – it’s a great way to get buyers to imagine their own furniture and décor in the space and feel at home.

 

Good photos that buyers can see online can help them cement their decision to see the home in person or put in an offer! A professional stager can use their expertise to create an aesthetic space buyers will love.

 

How is Virtual Staging Different Than Physical Staging?

 

Buyers appreciate staging even if they don’t consciously know it, and while physical staging is still valuable, virtual staging is a time saver. You don’t have to have a busy stager constantly in the home or wait for furniture or décor items to arrive.

 

The ultimate benefit is that stagers can easily make changes and adjust the look of the space more efficiently until it’s perfect. Whether your home is vacant and bare or has older furniture, virtual staging can completely remove older items and transform the space with new ones without lifting a finger.

 

Of course, you don’t have to commit to virtually staging your entire property. Focusing on a few rooms can make a significant impact.

 

Rooms That Benefit from Virtual Staging

 

If you want to limit your virtual staging to only a few rooms, some spaces benefit from virtual staging more than others.

 

Living Room

 

The living room of any house is full of personal items and photos, which makes it hard for buyers to imagine themselves in the space. Experts recommend keeping the virtual staging filled with muted colours and greenery to make the home feel neutral.

 

Kitchen

 

For food lovers and amateur chefs, the kitchen is one of the most central spaces in the home. Some buyers make their entire decision based on the kitchen, so it’s important to stage it to make it appealing. Buyers want to see minimal décor and the storage space – light, fresh paint is necessary to make the kitchen look well-maintained.

 

Master Bedroom

 

Master bedrooms are another critical space that buyers take seriously. This is another room that holds many personal items, and virtual staging can remove them. People also want to see storage and closet space and the ensuite bathroom. Adding texture through textiles during the virtual staging can fill the room beautifully.

FAQ

Pros and Cons of Virtual Staging

 

Pros

 

  • Practical and convenient: With virtual staging, you’re not physically moving things in and out of the house. As a bonus, you don’t have to coordinate schedules with multiple people to stage.
  • Flexible: A top benefit of virtual staging is that you can design the same room with different functionalities. You can turn your spare bedroom into a home office or an exercise space – it leaves you with so many options.
  • Quick: It goes without saying that virtual staging is less of a time commitment than physical staging. You’re not waiting for physical items or furniture to complete the look.

 

Cons

 

  • Physical showings will look different: After looking at the stunning virtual staging photos, the showing will look different in comparison, which can be a little unexpected for buyers.
  • Furnished homes can be more challenging: Vacant homes are easier to stage virtually because they’re a blank slate. Occupied homes are trickier. Designers will have to remove furniture digitally before going back to stage, raising the cost.

 

Is Virtual Staging Right for You?

 

The choice between traditional staging and virtual staging can be challenging. At Sarasota Realty, our professional realtors can suggest the best route for your space to help your home sell faster. Contact Sarasota Realty to help you sell your home and find another one.

Apr 21
0

5 Tips for Buying a Resale Condo

By | For Buyers

Buying a condo is different than buying a single-family home – there are benefits like reduced maintenance for you, on-site amenities, and more. But there are also some drawbacks, like monthly condo fees and condo boards.

Buying a condo is an excellent option if you need less space, want the ease of apartment living while owning an asset, or have enhanced security.

If you’re looking at buying a condo and want to know what to expect when buying a resale condo, here is some information to consider.

 

What are the Benefits of Buying a Resale Condo?

 

Having the opportunity to see what you’re going to get is a valuable opportunity that you miss out on with new-build condos. You can see exactly how the layout is, how functional the space is, and the building’s condition as a whole.

Because it’s an established building, you also have access to other financial information and inspection documents and can recognize any existing patterns in wear and tear of the building.

 

Tips for Buying a Resale Condo

 

What are some action steps to take during the condo-buying process?

 

Understand the Condo Fees and What They’re Used For

 

Condo fees are an essential part of condo maintenance. They go towards snow removal, groundskeeping and landscaping, garbage collection, and more. It’s vital to understand what you’re paying for to accurately compare when you shop around.

Find out if owners experienced an increase in condo fees in years past or if they anticipate fee hikes coming up to factor into your purchase decision.

 

Investigate Whether Special Assessments are Anticipated

 

Special assessments are additional charges on top of condo fees that owners must pay for extra maintenance costs. If the building has to replace the siding on the building, renovate a common area of the building, or any other significant project, it can put a dent in your budget.

 

Check if There is Any Remaining Warranty Coverage

 

Depending on the age of the building, there may still be warranty coverage on the unit. Try to find out what remains on the warranty and what deficiencies it covers. It’s also helpful to know if they have done any repairs under warranty in the past.

 

Have an Inspection

 

Even though you’re not shopping for a single-family home where an inspection examines the whole structure. you should still have a home inspection to check on the unit’s integrity. An inspector will write up a thorough report that indicates every potential repair or maintenance tasks you can expect to do immediately or in the future.

An inspection report is an essential tool to compare to other units you’re considering on your hunt for a new home.

 

What is the Seller Including in the Purchase Price?

 

Check with the seller’s realtor to outline what exactly the seller includes with the purchase of the unit. Will appliances or furniture be included in the sale?

You should also investigate all fees – is there a fee for parking or storage? Is the use of amenities included in the purchase, or do you have to pay separately? It would help if you understood any other charges above the cost of the unit before making a purchasing decision.

 

Bottom Line

 

Purchasing a condo can be complex in different ways than buying a house. These are some tips to help you through the process, but you also need an experienced realtor to help. If you’re in the market for a condo and need an expert to make the process seamless, reach out to our team for help.

 

Mar 23
0

Why Should You Hire a Real Estate Professional?

By | For Buyers, For Sellers

Buying a home can seem straightforward – go to a few open houses, find a home you like, put in an offer, and move in. Or if you’re selling, it could seem like enough to put out an advertisement and find a buyer.

But it’s not so easy. There’s more to buying a home than getting mortgage approval. You and a potential buyer or seller have different interests, and managing a big purchase can be high stakes.

Having a real estate professional on both sides of the selling-buying process helps things run smoothly in several ways.

 

1.    Realtors Know the Market

 

Experienced realtors have a grasp of the ebb and flow of the housing market and can help time your purchase or sale to maximize the benefits. Keeping your home on the market too long without a sale makes the house seem undesirable to buyers. Getting the timing right is an art that realtors are constantly perfecting.

 

2.    Realtors Know How to Negotiate

 

Real estate is all about negotiation – buyers want to spend the least money they can, while sellers want to come out on top. Not only will your realtor advocate for your best interests, but they have superior negotiation tactics that can help you save or make money.

 

3.    Realtors Can Tell You the Fair Value of the Home

 

If you’re selling your existing home, the market could be different from when you first purchased, changing its value. Realtors compare other listings in your area with upgrades and renovations you’ve done on your home and get a fair price point.

If you’re buying without a real estate professional, it can be tough to determine if a home is overpriced. Their eye for detail will notice even small things that can affect the house’s value and get you the best deal.

 

4.     Realtors Can Make Your Home Attractive to Buyers

 

Selling your home is just as much an art as it is a science. Real estate professionals know what buyers are looking for and how to appeal to potential buyers. Whether through staging, virtual staging, simple upgrades to do, or what paint to choose, realtors can help you elevate your property before you sell.

 

Bottom Line

 

Buying and selling a home without a real estate agent is a gamble you shouldn’t make. Beyond vetting buyers and sellers, they’re a sounding board, know all the legalities, and have contacts with lawyers and mortgage brokers to help ease the process.

If you want to discuss the sale or purchase of a home, contact us to start finding the ideal home for you.

 

Feb 20
0

3 Tips for Moving into a New Neighbourhood

By | For Buyers, Lifestyle

Buying a home in a new neighbourhood – especially one you’re unfamiliar with – can be exciting and adventurous. It becomes more than simply deciding room layouts and choosing new paint colours. The world outside your new home can sometimes be wildly different than what you’re used to.

Settling into a new environment can be seamless, and if integrating into your new community is important to you, here are some tips for finding your place in your new neighbourhood.

 

1.    Take a Walk Around Your New Neighbourhood

 

Going for a stroll just for the sake of it can be a great stress reliever, but it will also help you learn the neighbourhood. You could stumble on a walking trail, a man-made lake, or other unknowns, but walking around is the best way to get the lay of the land.

This is also the perfect time to introduce yourself to your new neighbours. Be open and friendly – you don’t need to be best friends, but it’s always a plus to be neighbours who look out for each other.

 

2.    Find the Amenities Close to You

 

Finding your nearest grocery store or gas station is one thing, but your new community likely has nearby shops and restaurants to explore. Dedicate some time finding your favourite coffee spots, take-out places, and recreation centres. Not only can you meet new people, but you will slowly get to know the gems in your neighbourhood.

Whatever your interests or lifestyle, finding small, local shops to support, you’ll learn the history and stories of the people who live there, which is something you can’t get at a big box store.

 

3.    Be a Tourist in Your New Neighbourhood

 

Starting in a new place is the perfect opportunity to explore. Whether you choose to attend local events, visit popular hot spots in your new area, or check out a famous museum, make a list of all the best parts of your new neighbourhood and check them out.

You can use the internet to help you choose or get recommendations from people you meet, but either way, you’ll come away with ideas you wouldn’t get on your own.

 

What’s the Best Way to Get Comfortable in a New Neighbourhood?

 

Outside of your house, knowing your community is what will make you feel most at home. Of course, your home needs to be an escape and a haven for you and your family, but you can’t stay inside forever.

If you’re introverted and shy, start small and know that many other people in your new community are like you. Once you start engaging in the community – no matter how intensely – you’re going to be right at home.

If you’re planning on moving to a new neighbourhood, contact our expert team at Sarasota Realty to help make the process painless and easy.

Jan 25
0

How to Sell Your Home from Another Province

By | For Sellers

Selling your home can be stressful enough, but when you have to do it from another province, it can be an even more daunting task. There are several reasons why you may need to sell from afar, but the process to do it seamlessly is in the details.

Here are some tips for selling your home from another province stress-free.

How Do I Sell My Home From A Distance?

 

1.    Find the Right Realtor

 

The first and most obvious step is finding the right realtor for the job. Having someone who knows the local market, especially when you might not, is the most valuable resource you can have.

Make sure your realtor will be able to keep in touch with you to keep you updated on the status of viewings, offers, and any other essential details.

If you’re unfamiliar with the provincial real estate laws, your realtor will be able to recommend lawyers in the area who can walk you through the local regulations.

 

2.    Be Available to Your Realtor and Lawyers

 

Working with a realtor and lawyers through phone and email can be challenging when you’re local, but factor in time changes and different schedules, and you can struggle to connect with your team.

It’s essential to be available throughout the process, especially regarding time-sensitive decisions. Scheduling check-ins in advance is helpful, but sometimes pressing issues come up that you need to deal with at the moment.

Keep your phone on you and have the email notifications on – it can save you from telephone tag later.

 

3.    Make Sure Your Team Are Familiar With One Another

 

Introducing your team to each other and giving them the go-ahead to talk amongst themselves helps keep the process smooth and reduces any communication issues. If they already have a professional relationship, that’s beneficial but unnecessary.

All the people on your side must be at least aware of each other’s roles and responsibilities. That way, things don’t fall through the cracks. When all the professionals in your corner work together, it will ease your stress and stop endless games of telephone.

 

4.    Give Up the Control

 

Ultimately, you’re not physically there to deal with the ins and outs of the sale process. You need to relinquish control to your team to get the job done effectively. Put your trust in the people you hired to get this done. They’re the professionals, and their expertise will get you the best result you can ask for.

If you’re planning on selling your home from out of province, contact our expert team at Sarasota Realty for the smoothest experience.

Dec 24
0

Advantages and Disadvantages of an Open House

By | Uncategorized

Some real estate professionals stand by open houses as a solid marketing tool, but technology has changed how we buy and sell homes. Holding an open house is a long-standing sales approach. Like anything, there are benefits and negatives to holding an open house – but are the rewards worth it?

 

What Are the Pros of an Open House?

 

In-Person Browsing

Online listings can be a powerful sales tool. With professional photographs and sometimes videographers, you can explore new homes without having to go anywhere. But there are some things you can’t capture virtually. It’s still valuable for buyers to browse without the commitment of a viewing appointment.

 

Open to Everyone

Buyers are not the only ones who might be looking at your home, but brokers who can help sell your home. They have access to the buyer community and can help spread the word about your listing.

 

What Are the Cons of an Open House?

 

Security Problems

When homes are crowded with more than one potential buyer, it’s impossible to keep an eye on everyone. Almost anyone can walk through the door undetected and steal or vandalize your home. If you have anything of value, it can be a target for thieves, and you likely won’t realize what happened until it’s too late to do anything about it.

 

Not Guaranteed a Sale

The quantity of attendees doesn’t mean that a serious buyer will be among them. Holding an open house can have little impact on the sale of your home. The people who come through may not be qualified to buy, and booking a viewing appointment is a more significant show of commitment. By booking a viewing in advance, your realtor can ensure that they are appropriately vetted and see homes within their budget.

 

Bottom Line

 

An open house is not a sure-fire way to get offers. In the past, it might have been a great sales tactic, but with the right realtor, you can get great success in your sale without having to open up your home to everyone.

 

Nov 23
0

How to Prepare Your Home for Sale

By | Uncategorized

The little details matter when it comes to selling your home. You’ve likely heard of the significant steps: declutter, paint, and clean. But some less obvious tasks can help your home sell quickly.

 

1.    To Sell Your Home Quickly, Don’t Forget the Power of a Nice Front Door

 

Potential buyers pay extra attention to details, starting immediately when they pull up to the curb. Make an excellent first impression by combing over everything on your front steps or porch to make it look fresh and inviting.

Here are some ideas of things to pay attention to.

  • Clean or replace your mailbox.
  • Fix squeaky screen doors.
  • Clean cobwebs off the lights, trellis, or porch railings.
  • Give your front door a coat of paint to make it look like new.

You can also take the time to pressure wash your vinyl siding, your garage door and floor, or your roof.

 

2.    Depersonalize Your Home When Selling to Give Potential Buyers a Clean Slate

 

If your walls and mantles are covered with family photos and other sentimental items, pack them up before showings. It might feel foreign and sterile to you, but a neutral environment can help buyers imagine their own things in the house.

 

3.    Remove Features That You Plan to Keep When You Sell the House

 

Are you planning on bringing your window coverings, light fixtures, or appliances with you when you move? Consider removing them and replacing them with temporary fillers instead. The potential buyer may be swayed by a feature that you don’t plan on leaving behind. The best way to manage expectations is by showing only what you’re open to parting with.

 

4.    Open the Curtains and Blinds Before a Home Showing to Let all the Natural Light In

 

No one likes a dark, dreary space. If you open all the blinds, you make the area appear larger and more inviting. If your walls are dark, this is especially important if you can’t paint before viewings. Dark walls make the room appear smaller, so by keeping the windows uncovered, you can counteract those effects.

Bottom Line

First impressions are everything. If you want potential buyers to fall in love with your home like you did, you have to step inside their shoes and make sure you polish all the details.

Oct 22
0

Frequently Asked Questions from First Time Home Buyers

By | Uncategorized

Purchasing a home is a substantial financial investment. You’ll want to go into the process with questions you want to ask and the information you gather. When looking to buy your home, it’s some of the most exciting and nerve-wracking processes, but the benefits are worth it.

Looking at houses and browsing home décor magazines is fun. But some of the most commonly asked questions are about the financial side. Here are some of the most asked questions regarding home buying.

 

1.    Am I Ready to Buy a Home?

Some things to consider before you shop for a home are, of course, your finances. Most lenders have hoops for you to jump through, so it’s vital to ask yourself some questions.

  • Is my current income steady for the foreseeable future?
  • Do I have any long-term outstanding debts, like a car payment or loans?
  • Do I have a good history when it comes to paying bills?
  • Have I saved for a down payment?
  • Can I afford mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, and utilities?

These factors come into play when seeking a mortgage and looking for a house. You should be aware of the status of these questions when you start the home buying process.

 

2.    How Much Do I Need for a Down Payment?

Saving for a down payment can take some time and feel like a huge hurdle when shopping for your first home. Mortgage lenders expect a down payment of somewhere between 5% to 20%.

The amount you will need for your down payment will depend on the lender’s requirements and the length of your mortgage.

The most reliable way to save for a down payment is to make a budget plan and focus on the end goal. Slowly but surely, you’ll get where you need to be.

 

3.    Does My Credit Score Affect Home Buying?

A credit score is a powerful number. It acts as a snapshot into your lending history by numerically calculating your financial standing based on how diligently you pay back your credit. Mortgage lenders use your credit score to determine your mortgage amount and what interest rate you’ll receive.

Having a low score doesn’t mean that buying a home is impossible, but it may take longer to get a loan. Lenders may urge you to try and raise your score by paying off any damaging debt before approving you for a loan.

 

Bottom Line

There are endless questions to ask when you’re looking for a home, and your real estate professional is there to help guide you to the right sources to answer them. Contact Sarasota Realty to jump into your first home buying experience!

Sep 23
0

Questions to Ask Your Realtor Before Buying a Home

By | For Buyers

There is a lot to consider when looking at homes, and it’s easy for things to fall through the cracks. That’s exactly what a good real estate agent is there for. You want them to guide you through the process and think of the things that you may not know.

Your real estate agent is a wealth of knowledge and the best resource you have when navigating the home-buying procedure. Here are some of the fundamental questions to ask your real estate agent during your home buying experience.

What’s the First Step When Buying a Home?

If you’re buying your first home or unfamiliar with the home buying process, it can be confusing to know where to start. Do you begin with a mortgage pre-approval? Do you start by looking at homes to find what you like?

Your agent is there to guide you through the ups and downs and through the proper steps to get where you want to be: in a new home. They’ll be able to give insight on where to start and likely have some contacts to help with the finer details like mortgage experts or lawyers.

How Does the Home Buying Process Work?

Your home is likely the largest purchase you will ever make. You’re going to want to know all the details you need to understand just what you’re getting yourself into. That’s where your real estate agent comes in. They have the knowledge you can use to understand the process and diminish stress about the things you don’t know.

If you’re a first-time home-buyer, it can be a daunting process. The best way to lessen the anxieties is to find a professional you trust and lean on them for their expertise.

What Questions About the Home Buying Process Have I Missed?

Once you have gotten the answers to the questions you’ve asked, it’s time to ask your real estate agent to fill in the blanks. There is a lot to consider, so it’s natural to forget some questions to ask. So, ask your real estate agent what you’ve forgotten.

Buying a property comes with many complicated moving parts – from mortgages to offers and possessions – so let your agent spell out the rest of what you need to know. It will make the home-buying process a lot smoother.

Aug 16
0
3 WAYS TO MEET PEOPLE IN YOUR NEW COMMUNITY

3 Ways To Meet People In Your New Community

By | Lifestyle

Packing up all of your belongings and moving to a new city can be an exciting experience. But it can also be downright terrifying. Not only are you leaving your old home behind, but you’re also moving away from friends, family, and other familiar aspects of your life. Making friends in a new city has its challenges, but it doesn’t have to be hard. In this post, we’ll share some tips on how to meet new people after moving to a new city.

How Can I Meet People in My New Community?

1. Join a Gym

Not only will joining a gym help you stay in shape, but it also puts you in a position to mingle with new people. If you really want to meet new people, consider joining a fitness class. This will ensure that you are seeing the same people on a regular basis, further increasing your chances of building friendships and meaningful connections. There’s just something about working together to achieve a shared goal that is very helpful for making new friends.

2. Attend Community Events

Community-based events are a great place to meet people around your area. If going to events is your thing,  it might be a perfect place to be social. Every community will usually offer a wide variety of different types of events. Choose one that most interests you and you might be surprised at the number of like-minded people you will meet.

Common community events include:

  • Concerts
  • Art Festivals
  • Holiday Festivals
  • Car Shows
  • Cook-Offs
  • Farmer’s Markets
  • Sporting Events

3. Volunteer Your Time

Volunteering allows you to kill two birds with one stone. Not only will you be able to help people in need, but you’ll also have the opportunity to mingle and network with other friendly people in your community. The first step is searching for non-profits in your area online to seem interesting to you. Once you start getting involved in the group you like, it will become very easy to make new friends because you will be bonding over a shared interest.

Some great places to volunteer are:

  • Food banks
  • Animal shelters
  • Hospitals
  • Thrift stores

Our agents work with an exclusive network of experts that will prepare your home for sale and will work to get you the best value. By the end of our concierge process, your home will be ready for listing! Find out what Sarasota Realty can do for you. 

SARASOTA REALTY p. (780) 460 2222 f. (780) 458 4821 25 Carleton Drive St. Albert, Alberta T8N 7K9