Mississauga Real Estate BLOG

It may be surprising to know, but the top 3 fixes to a home to get it ready for sale, and get top dollar on your return, are also the least expensive!

1. Declutter your home – Rent a storage space on a short term basis and start the decluttering process now. Sparse is good, not only does it give a potential buyer a feeling of spaciousness and calmness. It also allows a potential buyer to feel they can live in the home because you have made the home anonymous (removing personal photos, knick knacks). Make sure the kitchen and bathroom counters are free of any unnecessary items and personal affects and don’t forget the inside of cupboards and closets. Have you ever looked at pictures of homes for sale that are really appealing. Take a closer look and you will realize the homes with most appeal have no clutter!
2. Cleanliness – This can not be overstated! Buyers will pay thousands of dollars more when a home is sparkling clean, (not just surface clean). If it takes a week, go through room by room and clean every corner or hire a professional. Bathrooms and kitchens are especially important. Re-caulking to remove mildew around tubs and showers is vital. You don’t want potential buyers to get an icky feeling in the most important rooms in the house!
3. Paint – there is nothing better than a fresh coat of paint in a wonderful current colour. If you are not handy and precise do not attempt to paint yourself. Drips of paint and splashes are a turn off. It is important to get the advice of a professional on what are the best colours are for your home and which colours will appeal to the masses. (As a service to my clients I provide a free consultation with a decorator to help chose colours and make other simple suggestions in your home)

Don’t delay. Get started now. The market is hot and it is definitely a sellers market. Who would have thought the middle of the summer would be this strong.

To stimulate economic growth and encourage Canadians to invest in improvements to their principal residences. Budget 2009 has proposed a temporary
Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC).

Individuals will be able to claim a 15-per-cent non-refundable tax credit for eligible expenditures made in respect of eligible dwellings.
The credit will apply to expenditures in excess of $1,000, but not more than $10,000, resulting in a maximum credit of $1,350 ($9,000 x 15%).

The credit will apply only to the 2009 taxation year. Expenditures for work performed, or goods acquired, after January 27, 2009 and before February 1, 2010, will be eligible for the credit.
Eligibility for the HRTC will be family-based. Family members will be subject to a single limit based on their pooled expenditures. Two or more families that share ownership of an eligible dwelling will each be eligible for their own credit. Each family’s credit will be determined by their
respective eligible expenditures in excess of $1,000, but not more than $10,000.

Eligible Expenditures

Expenditures will qualify for the HRTC if they are incurred in relation to a renovation or alteration of an eligible dwelling (including land that forms part of the eligible dwelling)
provided that the renovation or alteration is of an enduring nature and is integral to the eligible dwelling. Such expenditures would include the cost of labour and professional services,
building materials, fixtures, equipment rentals, and permits.

The following expenditures will not be eligible for the credit:

• The cost of routine repairs and maintenance normally performed on an annual or more frequent basis.
• Expenditures for appliances and audio-visual electronics.
• Financing costs associated with a renovation (e.g. mortgage interest costs).

Alterations or other items, such as furniture or draperies, and other indirect expenditures for items that retain a value independent of the renovation, such as the purchase of construction
equipment (e.g. tools) will not be considered integral to the dwelling and therefore will not qualify for the credit.

Remember, the money invested in improving your home will not always translate into an equivalent return in the selling price of your home.
Careful planning is important if you want to increase the salability of your home and make a profit from your renovations!
Please be sure to visit the selling tips section of my website to find out which renovations provide the most return on investment.

If you’re like many people looking to buy or sell a home, the chances are good that you are in the market for a Mississauga Realtor. There are a few different things you’ll need to look for if you want to make sure you find the best possible person to help you buy or sell your home.

The first thing you need to be aware of is whether the realtor of your choice is expertly familiar with the Mississauga area. There are different areas around here that will be more or less desirable for you to live, and the realtor should be able to accommodate your needs and warn you of the ups and downs of certain locations. Sugar coating everything is not helpful to you, nor is missing out on the location of your dreams!

Another consideration is how experienced your realtor is. If you want to make sure you have the best experience possible, you should go with someone who has won awards and has been recognized as being a quality Realtor in the eyes of the public.

Of course, you’ll also want to go with someone who has a good reputation. When it comes to choosing a realtor, it all comes down to their knowledge and professionalism. If you don’t like working with your realtor. It will not be the kind of experience you want when you’re trying to buy or sell a home! Work with someone you like and it will be a great experience.

Once you have found the qualities you would like in a Mississauga Realtor, you’ll be amazed at how smoothly the process will go. It really does pay to do your homework and find someone who will meet all of your needs, and more. If you don’t do this, you might have a tough time buying or selling. It is especially true in these economic times that you need a Realtor will accommodate every need you have, and who will work with you.

Finding the right person does not have to be difficult, however it may seem. There are some amazing realtors who will do their best to accommodate your needs and help you buy or sell the home of your dreams. When you have a good realtor by your side, it makes all the difference in the world!

Mississauga is a wonderful place to buy or sell a home. Whether you’re coming or going, Lea is someone who can meet your needs! Contact her today.