Don’t forget to look up (and around) at the trees before buying your home

At a recent dinner party at a neighbor’s home, the new homeowners started talking to me about their woes with a tree in their backyard. The couple purchased their home in the early spring and spent this summer in their backyard doing major landscaping renovations. It was during this yard work when they started looking more closely at their beautiful (and HUGE) oak tree that is situated very close to their home and noticed a large cavity at the base of the trunk, among other visual warning signs.

The home I bought didn’t have a tree on the property so I wasn’t sure if this was covered under a home inspection. So I asked if during the home inspection the trees, especially this gigantic oak, were looked at and learned this is not something that falls under a home inspection. Most home inspections are a visual review of items related to the physical structure of the home, typically not things like trees, pools or appliances, as these are more specialized types of inspections.

This particular couple ended up having a professional arborist inspect the tree. Their hunch was accurate: This tree was dying and needed to be removed. If you have a large tree on the property you are thinking about buying, here are some things to look out for. If you notice any of these issues with the tree, you should hire a professional arborist to inspect the tree and your Fort McMurray Realtor can help put you in touch with a local tree specialist.

Bathrooms are still one of the most important rooms in a home when it comes to making the best impression on potential buyers. Outdated bathrooms are simply a turn-off to millenials. Whether sellers decide to stage their bathroom by adding simple upgrades to give a more modern look or completely remodel to update features and add functionality, each will have some impact on resale value.

According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2015 Cost vs. Value Report there is an overall return of confidence in the value of remodeling (since 2005 when it last peaked). For bathroom remodels, the national average price spent is $16,000 with 70% of the costs recouped. In general, the simpler and lower-cost home projects deliver a higher return in value.

The following are some tips to keep in mind when staging or remodeling a bathroom:

Painting and Removing Outdated Wallpaper Is A Must. If you don’t have the time or money to invest in a complete remodel, removing dated wallpaper and adding a fresh coat of neutral paint will provide a boost with instant universal appeal to buyers who are not interested in a dated bathroom.

Let There Be Light. New light fixtures can add an immediate update to an outdated bathroom. Not only will they look more attractive when paired with complementary accessories, they will also highlight the most important features in the room.

Access Condition of Cabinets. If your budget is limited and cabinets are in good condition, you may opt to refinish or paint them. Either way, there are many price levels for vanity, cabinets and counter top materials to choose from when replacing.

Replace Hardware and Add Fine Details. Better quality faucets, towel bars and vanity hardware are a simple way to add a high-end look. If you are remodeling and can fit it in your budget, consider adding a bathtub tile surround, tile backsplash, new flooring, frameless shower doors, a freestanding tub or radiant heating for a spa-like feel.

Add Depth With Accessories. Elegant accessories that complement the room’s style are an inexpensive way to update the bath. Hang a new shower curtain in a unique pattern paired with a plush bath mat. Layer soft, thick hand towels on racks paired with framed wall art. Place flowers in vases and splurge on special bottles of hand soap and candles.

For more examples of interior decorating and home staging, visit www.pjstagingdecorating.com.

If you are looking to buy a home in Fort McMurray then use our comprehensive Fort McMurray MLS search tool or contact with one of our Fort McMurray Realtors.