Happy Father’s day to all you Dads, Step-Dads, Big Brothers & positive role models…
enjoy your special day!
Maximize Your Exposure
The key to selling quickly and getting top dollar is exposure. The more people who see your home, the sooner you will find a willing buyer.
How do you get the most exposure?
If you sell the home yourself, you will get some exposure by putting up a sign, running some ads, and telling your friends. On the other hand, if you work with a REALTOR you will get instant and mass exposure to a large number of prospective home buyers.
A REALTOR has access to the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®). This service, a computerized system operated by the local real estate board, compiles information about listed properties in the area and makes it accessible to member companies. As a result, when a REALTOR lists your home, REALTORS from other companies learn about your home and try to match it with buyers with whom they are working. These buyers may include people from out-of-town who are trying to relocate to your area.
It’s exciting to put your home on the market, but getting it sold can be a challenge. As stated above, you want to make sure as many potential buyers as possible are aware of your property. Once you’ve made the commitment to sell your home contact Bill Brandsma Real Estate at 403-253-5678.
“You will get unmatched commitment to turning your dreams into reality.”
– Bill Brandsma
Does your home have curb appeal?
It’s not necessary to shell out a lot of money to boost your home’s marketability. On the outside (curb appeal), it may be as simple as mowing the lawn or moving a car out of the driveway.
Since your home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers will see, take a hard look at the house from all angles.
- What’s good about it? How can you make the most of these features?
- What’s not so good about it? What can you do to correct the problems?
Some suggestions:
- Overall landscaping – don’t let untrimmed hedges, overgrown grass, or clutter in the front yard detract from your home.
- Siding – unless there is damage, usually a good washing will spruce up the look of siding.
- Shutters, screens, windows, and doors have the effect of drawing you into the house. They should be clean, well fitted, and in good repair.
If you’re getting ready to sell your home and are looking for current Calgary Real Estate information or tips and tricks to boost your home’s marketability, contact Bill Brandsma Real Estate at 403-253-5678.
Bill Brandsma Real Estate, specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area.
May 2015 Calgary Real Estate Stats
Market being pushed to more balanced conditions
“…more stability for both buyers and sellers…”
If you like to stay up to date on what’s going on in the Calgary real estate market so that you can make informed decisions, click the link below for an excellent overview of CREB’s summary of Calgary’s residential monthly statistics:
http://www.creb.com/~/media/Public/Statistics%20Package/2015/May%202015.pdf
For more information about the current market or for details about the May Calgary Real Estate Monthly Statistics, get in touch with Bill Brandsma at 403-253-5678.
Bill Brandsma Real Estate – specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area.
Does your home have open house appeal?
Showings and open houses are part of the marketing plan to sell your home. Follow these tips and your home will always be ready for potential buyers.
Remove:
- Pets – your visitors may not like them and strangers in your house may stress your best friend!
- Safety hazards – extension cords are a common problem.
- Valuables, fragile items, and cash.
- Clutter – organize counters and tabletops.
Clean:
- Surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen.
- Walls and windows.
- Carpeting – and be sure to fix worn spots.
Add:
- Fresh flowers.
- Low wattage light bulbs for areas you’d like to feel cozy.
Remember, there are two kinds of open houses – public and REALTOR – and it’s important that your house looks great for both!
If you’re getting ready to sell your home and are looking for current Calgary Real Estate information or tips and tricks to boost your home’s marketability, contact Bill Brandsma Real Estate at 403-253-5678.
Bill Brandsma Real Estate, specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area.
The Calgary International Children’s Festival
Mark MAY 20 – 23, 2015 on your calendars!
If you’re looking for something creative and inspiring to do with your kids this weekend visit the Calgary International Children’s Festival!
The Calgary International Children’s Festival is a five-day performing arts festival featuring family-friendly shows, activities and performances for kids and young-at-heart audiences! It includes outdoor activities, live music, crafts, entertainment, magicians, jugglers, musicians and acrobats!
And, you definitely won’t want to miss out on the magical performance of Alice in Wonderland at the Max Bell Theatre…a wonderful way for your kids to learn more about theatre.
For a full schedule of all the amazing festival shows, attractions and activities click www.calgarykidsfest.ca/shows
For information about or to book your tickets click www.calgarykidsfest.ca/tickets
Don’t miss out! It’s going to be unforgettable fun ; )
Happy Mother’s Day!
“Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.”
– Anonymous
Wishing all the Moms out there a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend.
– The Bill Brandsma Team
It’s spring again – yay!
Time to get those much-needed home improvements done so you can savour all those summer days outdoors that are just on the horizon!
From paint touch-ups to cleaning windows, here’s a list of ideas to get your interior/exterior facelift started!
1) Interior Paint – walk through your home and make note of any spots where the paint is scuffed or chipped, especially walls, doors and trim. If you have leftover matching paints, touch up those areas. Just a little clean-up makes things feel fresh and new again.
2) Kitchen – spruce up the space without blowing the budget! Replace the hardware with something interesting and updated. Change the light fixtures to create a more contemporary look. Invest in new counter stools. Add some fresh flowers to add colour.
3) Bathroom – give it a lift with a new carpet, a fresh shower curtain, fluffy new towels, and even swap out the light fixtures and mirror for something updated and stylish.
4) Smoke Alarms – now is also a good time to test the smoke/fire alarms in your home. If your alarms are not hard-wired, change the batteries at least annually. Only a working smoke alarm can save your life!
5) Exterior Paint – it’s a good time to paint in the spring because the weather is milder. Improve your curb appeal instantly by freshening up doors and trim. If you’re not into a DIY project, hire a pro, but remember to check references beforehand.
6) Windows – the one thing that it is easy to neglect (or purposely avoid!) is cleaning your windows, but there’s nothing like the sun shining through sparkling windows to lift your spirits!
7) Shed/Garage – clean them out! When these two things are organized, you’ll save yourself valuable time. Instead of spending time digging around hunting for items, a tidy shed/garage will give you breathing space and more time to spend doing the things you love.
8) Landscaping – yard maintenance and upkeep can add value to your home. Spring is the time to consider aerating, power raking and fertilizing. Personalize your yard with flowers, trees and shrubs to immediately add beauty and curb appeal.
Don’t be overwhelmed by your long to-do list. Just tackle one thing or small section at a time and before you know it you’ll be ready to kick back on the deck and enjoy the view!
Bill Brandsma Real Estate, specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area.
April 2015 Calgary Real Estate Stats
New Listings Drop & Downward Price Pressures Ease
“While conditions continue to favour the buyer…both the months of supply and the sales to new listings ratio tightened.”
If you like to stay up to date on what’s going on in the Calgary real estate market, click the link below for an excellent overview of CREB’s April summary of Calgary’s residential monthly statistics:
http://www.creb.com/~/media/Public/Statistics%20Package/2015/April%202015.pdf
For more information about the current market or for details about the April Calgary Real Estate Monthly Statistics, get in touch with Bill Brandsma at 403-253-5678.
Bill Brandsma Real Estate – specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area.
Do I Really Need a Home Inspection?
Home inspections are becoming an essential part of the buying process. One of the best ways to understand about a home’s condition, habitability and safety is to hire a professional home inspector. Inspections are intended to provide the client with a better understanding of property conditions, as observed at the time of the inspection.
Home inspectors should make every effort to conduct the most thorough inspection possible.
A properly trained home inspector will review your house as a system, looking at how one component of the house might affect the operability or lifespan of another. Home inspectors will go through the property and perform a comprehensive visual inspection to assess the condition of the house and all of its systems. They will determine the components that are not performing properly as well as items that are beyond their useful life or are unsafe. They will also identify areas where repairs may be needed or where there may have been problems in the past.
Ensure you are hiring a qualified, experienced home inspector.
There is presently no requirement for home inspectors to take any courses or to have passed any tests. Anyone can say that they are a home inspector. That is why it is important to choose an inspector wisely.
Reputable home and property inspectors generally belong to a provincial or industry association. In Canada, there is generally one recognized association for home inspectors in each province. To become a member of these associations, an inspector must meet professional and educational requirements followed by a review. Members of these associations are also required to have errors and omission insurance, just as other professionals are required to.
Don’t know where to start your home inspector search?
Bill Brandsma can recommend several home inspection companies. Give him a call at 403-253-5678 today.
Bill Brandsma Real Estate, specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area.