Avoiding Second Thoughts On A Second Property (NewsLetter)

We're in the height of the summer holidays – prime vacation time.  Is there a chance you might find yourself sitting on the dock of your rented cottage, daydreaming about one day owning your own vacation or retirement property?  Before making any impulsive decisions, make sure you discuss your plans with your real estate representative first.

If not a vacation home, perhaps you're thinking about purchasing an investment property, or even mulling over housing options for the upcoming school year that would accommodate your out-of-town, college-aged child while serving as a rental unit for his or her roommates.

To avoid the possibility of buyer's remorse later, it's important to first discuss your plans with a real estate representative who understands the particularities of different types of ownership issues for your specific circumstances, and who can advise you on issues that may not have applied to your primary property.

Scheduling an appointment with your bank or mortgage broker prior to getting caught up in the excitement of choosing a second property is also key, since borrowing guidelines are not necessarily the same for non-primary properties as they are for primary properties.

If you have any questions on today's real estate market – in regards to a primary property or a secondary one – please call today for a no obligation discussion.  It's always wise to do your research and get a clear understanding of all the issues surrounding different types of properties before making any decisions.

HGTV article by Gavin Chen (NewsLetter)

Don't forget to check out "Top 5 Renovations To Make Money On Your Condo" by Gavin Chen

Top 5 Renovations To Make Money On Your Condo

Selling In The Summer (NewsLetter)

Making buyers feel comfortable in your home is key to selling it, but that can be difficult when the mercury spikes.  Here are a few tips for showing your home during the hot, hazy days of summer.

• Make sure your home's temperature is comfortable.  Don't skimp on the air conditioning; if you have (quiet) fans, use them.  Have a friend visit and tell you if it's too hot, or even if you've overdone it on the A/C – you don't want buyers to rush through your home without getting a good look at it because they're uncomfortable.

• When the temperature rises, you probably keep your window coverings closed.  If you're tempted to keep them closed during showings too, to help keep things cool, don't: darkness doesn't do when selling your home.  It's natural light (and plenty of it) that buyers want, as well as appealing views.  So keep those window treatments open!

• Home-hunting is thirsty work any day of the year, but especially so during the scorching summer heat.  Leave some cold bottled water out for buyers, ideally in a decorative container full of ice, along with a note on some nice stationary reading "Help yourself!"  It's a small gesture, but one that buyers will really appreciate (and remember!) at this time of year.

• Many sellers bake before showings or even simmer cinnamon sticks for a welcoming aroma.  Opt for refreshing scents during the dog days of summer, and avoid the oven and stove.  Dab citrus essential oil on light bulbs or combine it with water to make a spray; run citrus peels through your garbage disposal or leave them in strategically placed bowls.