Home renovations come in two flavours: either homeowners are upgrading homes they plan to live in and enjoy for years to come, or they’re thinking about selling and want to improve their home’s market value.

If you’re renovating to sell your Fort McMurray home, your primary focus should be the return on investment (ROI) of these enhancements. Any upgrades you make while planning to sell should always be done with the bottom line in mind: if major changes, repairs or renovations don’t result in a significantly higher selling price, then you may loose money in the end.

Paint

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a home’s resale value. Consider having your home painted just before you put it on the market and make sure not to forget the baseboards and trims.

It’s important to choose neutral colours when painting to sell; you may love bright orange or lime green, but when prospective buyers are walking through your rooms you want them to easily see their own life against the backdrop of your walls. What’s more, unusual colours or wild wallpaper may actually dissuade buyers and force you to lower your price since they will factor the cost of repainting when writing an offer.

Flooring

Hardwood flooring is extremely popular and becomes an instant selling feature of the home for most potential buyers, but beware expensive hardwood. New flooring does add value to your home, but you’ll barely break even if you pick high end floors or granite tile. Quality mid-grade hardwood in a medium tone at a reasonable price is the best option, but a nice, neutral coloured carpet or simple linoleum installed properly can also boost your resale price.

Kitchens & Bathrooms

Giving your kitchen or bathroom a face lift can definitely increase the value of your home, but be mindful of doing too much. Sometimes all it takes is new light fixtures, plates and updated hardware to make a big difference and get significant ROI. Before you tear apart your kitchen or gut your bathroom, bring a qualified Fort McMurray REALTOR® in for a consult: they can point you in the right direction and save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars by sharing which improvements will have the biggest impact.

Whatever renovations you choose to do, unless you have the expertise, don’t do them yourself: pay a professional. We’ve seen sellers accidentally lower the value of their home by trying to teach themselves how to tile or lay flooring. It doesn’t matter if the floor is new or the paint is fresh: buyers can spot poor craftsmanship a mile away, and if the work doesn’t measure up the price of redoing the work will ultimately hurt your bottom line, not theirs.

Remember: it’s important to do your homework when hiring professional tradesmen and contractors. Always check references and do price comparisons, even if you’ve been referred. Many people will instantly go with the most inexpensive option when it comes to contracted work, but if you’re hiring a professional it’s because you want a professional job done. Always call and speak to the references yourself and make your choice based on both price and quality.

The snow is melting, the sun is shining, and spring has finally sprung in Fort McMurray. If you’re planning on selling your home this spring you should know that curb appeal is never a more important factor than during the early spring months. Your home’s exterior and yard are the first things a prospective buyer sees, and you never get a second chance to make a first impression. A clean, well-kept yard with spring touches can make a huge difference when selling Fort McMurray real estate.

Spending just a little bit of time and money on your yard this time of year can make a big difference when it comes to how quickly your home will sell and how much you’ll get for it. Here are just a few ways you can give your Fort McMurray home for sale a spring facelift.

7 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for the Spring Fort McMurray Real Estate Market

Take down Christmas and winter-themed decorations

Any holiday or winter decor should come down ASAP if you’re trying to sell your home, including Christmas lights. Many people leave their lights up all year round even if they don’t turn them on: if you’re selling, this is the year to take everything down. You have to pack them anyway, right?

Spread the snow around

After a long winter of shovelling, most of us end up with snow piled high on certain parts of our lawns. Grab your shovel one last time to knock these piles down and spread the snow more evenly across the lawn. This will help those piles melt faster and prevent snow mould.

Get a jump on spring yard work

Get your spring yard work out of the way as early as possible. Pick up garbage and debris that has accumulated in the snow over the winter, and make sure your lawn is raked, fertilized and aerated as soon as possible. If you have active children who like to play outside, remember to keep your front and back yard clutter free. Find an unobtrusive place to store bikes, skateboards and other outdoor toys and equipment.

Wash siding and driveways

If your siding looks dirty, cleaning away months of grime can make a world of difference. Rent or borrow a power washer, or have professionals come and pressure clean your siding. Giving your driveways and sidewalks a good spray is also worthwhile: cleaning accumulated salt, oil spots and stains off your pavement can make your driveway look like new again.

Wash your windows

Nothing makes the the exterior — and interior — of your house shine better in the refreshing spring sunshine than crystal-clean window panes. Washing your windows inside and out can give your home a polished, well-kept look that attracts buyers.

Refresh decks and fences

While you’ve got that power washer out, give your deck and fences a good clean and, if needed, a fresh coat of paint or stain. A little bit of work goes a long way, and outdoor wood that looks well-cared for is an immediate draw.

Spring flowers

Nothing says spring better than blooming flowers, so get your flower beds cleaned and planted as soon as you can. If you’re worried about late frosts, plant in hanging baskets and movable pots that can be placed outside in the sun and easily brought in if temperatures drop.

Once you’ve found the right home it’s time to take the next step and work with your Fort McMurray REALTOR® to write an offer to buy. Many buyers — especially first time home buyers — don’t realize how common it is in the Fort McMurray real estate market for sellers to be presented with multiple offers. Writing an attractive, clean offer is particularly important when you know yours won’t be the only one on the table.

But what does a clean offer look like? We’ve put together a list of go-to tips for buyers writing offers in competitive real estate markets like Fort McMurray.

Multiple Offer Buyer Strategies

• Write a clean, concise offer and eliminate as many loose ends as you can. Avoid vague phrases or terms that could be open to interpretation.
• Be specific and clear. Builders in particular don’t like open-ended offers. Be explicit about what you expect and include details of any additional work you want done. Consider buying as-is and hiring a contractor to do additional things like finishing a basement or adding a garage.
• Don’t make your offer conditional on someone else viewing the property unless absolutely necessary. Everyone should view or commit to the property before the offer is made if at all possible.
• Avoid asking for unusual conditions or extras not in the listing, or negotiate for them after the offer is accepted. In particular avoid asking for personal furniture items like tables or grandma’s china cabinet that might trigger emotional responses.
• Be flexible with your closing and possession dates: if you can work with the seller’s preferred dates this makes you a more attractive buyer.
• Do your homework and keep your condition and timelines as short as possible. Get review date commitments from any third parties before making the offer, including lawyers, inspectors, and relocation companies. Eliminate as many of these conditions as you can: sometimes it’s possible to get a building inspection completed prior to making an offer.
• Always get pre-approved for financing and avoid making an offer conditional on mortgage approval or the sale of your current home if at all possible.
• Offer a larger than normal deposit. A willingness to put more cash on the table upfront gives the seller confidence that you’re a serious buyer.
• Be ready to negotiate and compromise. Multiple offer scenarios often result in counter-offers, so know how far you’re willing to move before you submit your offer to cut down on time between negotiation steps.

Pacific Investments and Developments successful in Industrial Land offer. Click here to read the press release

Selling Fort McMurray real estate during the winter months can be trying: the weather is cold and gloomy, daylight hours are in short supply, and there are less buyers looking. It’s important to remember, however, that even though you may have less showings when selling your home in the winter months, house hunters who are keen enough to brave the cold tend to be serious buyers.

Curb appeal and staging your Fort McMurray home for a showing is never more important than it during the winter. Getting the easily-forgotten details right can make the difference between a sale and another week of waiting in the slower winter market.

6 Tips for Showing Your Home During the Winter

Shovel the snow and scrape the ice

Access is important, and the worst first impression is a driveway or sidewalk that’s still covered with snow: a snow-free walk and drive gives the impression lots of prospective buyers have been looking. Watch for icy spots and make sure to keep slick areas regularly salted or sanded. Ensure decks and pathways to sheds or garages are shovelled, and keep a path cleared from the street to the walk through any piles left by snow plows.

Take the Christmas decorations down early

Don’t keep your lights and Christmas decor up for long after the holidays have passed. If you usually keep your lights up but off all year round, take them down this year. You’re selling anyway, so consider it a jump-start on packing! We do encourage clients to keep up any winter-themed decorations they have such as welcoming winter door wreaths or table centrepieces. Think seasonal touches rather than holiday ones.

Mind the wet boots and jackets

Remember every agent and buyer that comes into your home will have thick winter jackets and snow-covered boots. Provide a convenient place to remove wet footwear and hang coats immediately when buyers enter your home: additional thoughtful touches include slippers, a basket for scarves and gloves, and a chair or bench to sit on when taking off or putting on boots. Buyers will appreciate you protecting the floor of their prospective investment.

Keep your home warm

Make sure your home is warm when you know your agent is scheduling showings. In particular be mindful of the temperature of your floors: cold hardwood or tiles on the feet is an immediate turn off. If you’re leaving town for the weekend while your agent is showing your home, make sure to keep the thermostat up: buyers who aren’t comfortable won’t stay long. Keeping the temperature low might mean savings on your utility bill but will affect your final selling price.

Pay attention to the light

Encourage showings during daylight hours and keep your blinds and curtains open to showcase your home in natural light. Make sure your windows are spotlessly clean: the angles of winter sunlight highlight grim on glass. If you’re showing at night turn on every light so agents and buyers aren’t spending time looking for switches, and clean lamps and fixtures to make sure everything looks its best. Set up timers to turn outdoor and select indoor lights on when you aren’t home for prospective buyers doing drive-bys in the evening.

Think cozy

Create an inviting and cozy atmosphere and make your home a retreat from the cold weather. Turn on gas fireplaces and place warm throw-blankets on couches or chairs. Provide warm cocoa or fresh brewed coffee and tea. If you enjoy baking the aroma of cookies complete with a plate of fresh baking to snack on can endear you to potential buyers and make your home a welcome haven from the sub-zero temperatures.

It’s an excellent time to buy a condo in Fort McMurray right now: there’s a great supply of real estate on the market, and many condominium developers are offering fantastic packages with extras and upgrades.

If you’re a first time home buyer on a budget, want to downsize your life or interested in a “lock and leave” lifestyle, Fort McMurray condo real estate might be the perfect fit for you. We’ve put together information about condo ownership, how it’s different from owning a single family home, and some advantages of the condominium lifestyle to get you started.

Condo Ownership versus House Ownership

The biggest difference between owning a condo and owning a single family home is what you own. When you buy a house you own the entire building and the section of land it sits on, but when you purchase a condo you have sole ownership of your condo interior only while everything else is common, shared space. When you purchase a condo you essentially co-invest in the building with your neighbours. Decisions about the exterior, common space and grounds are made by a Condo Owners Association since they are shared.

Condo Owners Associations collect monthly dues that cover the exterior, insurance, landscaping, trash collection and other building maintenance while individual owners are responsible for maintaining their condo interiors. Sometimes your condo fees will also include some or all of your utilities, and the dues often include paying into a reserve fund that can be accessed to help fund more costly repairs such as re-shingling the roof. If the reserve funds are not adequate, additional special assessment fees can be levied on all owners to help pay for needed repairs.

Owner Occupancy Rate

Some people who buy condos have purchased investment properties to rent out, while others buy condos as their own primary residence. In general owners who are also occupants are better neighbours, keep their home in better condition and are more likely to follow the rules and regulations. Many renting tenants are also excellent neighbours, but a building occupied by more tenants than owners typically has more challenges.

Benefits of Fort McMurray Condo Living

Affordability. Condos usually cost less per square foot than single family homes and are often comparable to rental prices: perfect for first time home buyers.

Lock and Leave. Living in a condo has a maintenance-free reputation for a reason: let someone else worry about the yard work and building maintenance.

Security. Living in close proximity to your neighbours is great for a sense of security: there are always lots of eyes to keep watch over the space, and many condos have extra security features like secure parking and exterior doors that must be buzzed open.

Amenities. When condo shopping keep an eye out for the luxurious extras: amenities such as fitness rooms, shared meeting or party spaces, and pools or hot tubs are all potential perks of condo living.

Searching for a Fort McMurray Condo? Check out Longboat Landing, where condos start at $389,000 and go up to 1,332 square feet. Featuring attached garages and underground heated parking.

Longboat Landing: Special Offer!

Get 200,000 Aeroplan Miles or a $10,000 pre-paid Visa when you buy in Longboat Landing.
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Many real estate agents will discourage you from trying to sell your home during the Christmas holidays, but if you’re committed to having your home on the market there are some advantages to the season. Buyers continuing to view homes through December and January tend to be more serious, usually driven by impending life changes or relocation requirements. Since most sellers take their homes off the market over the holidays, there are fewer homes and the competition is less fierce.

If you’re continuing to market and show Fort McMurray real estate over the holidays, here are some tips to help give you an edge at Christmas.

Price your home right
Making sure you have the optimal price is most important during the holidays. With less buyers on the market you’ll want an experienced agent specializing in Fort McMurray homes with the ability to analyze current trends and statistics to make sure your home is priced competitively.

Go easy on the decorations
When you’re selling your home there is such a thing as too much Christmas cheer. If you’re home typically bursts with decorations during the holidays, scale things back as much as possible. Choose a smaller tree and keep the seasonal decor to a strategic minimum.

Pick decorations with broad appeal
Remember not everyone celebrates the same way this time of year, and you want potential buyers to be able to envision their own holiday traditions in your space. Go for winter and nature-themed decorations such as garlands instead of items that are linked to specific religious holidays.

Keep your space clutter free
Instead of a pile of gifts spilling out from under a tree, consider keeping wrapped presents out of sight in a closet until Christmas Eve or stacked neatly and unobtrusively in a corner. Prospective buyers are trying to get a feel for the size and space in your home: the more items you have on display the more cramped and small the space will appear.

Curb appeal over the holidays
Make sure your home looks its absolute best from the outside. Bare trees means more of your home is exposed to the street, so exterior maintenance is key. Scale back the scope of your outdoor holiday decorations: a few strings of lights can make your home look great this time of year, but large inflatable lawn ornaments are a distraction. Also consider safety: make sure to keep the walks and driveways shovelled and ice-free.

Use seasonal ambiance to your advantage
Create a cozy and inviting atmosphere when showing your home over the holidays. Turn on the fireplace, play soft music, and create pleasing aromas with greenery, holiday baking or warm ciders. Set a plate of cookies out for buyers to enjoy while viewing your space.

Be as flexible as possible with show times
Keep your schedule open during the holidays and be extra flexible when it comes to showing your home: Christmas is a busy time of year for everyone, and both buyers and sellers are trying to work around holiday events. The more willing you are to accommodate the buyer’s schedule the more likely you’ll garner goodwill and a good offer.