HANDLE WITH CARE: MOVING TIPS

Don’t let your move become more expensive than it already is! Check out these tips for protecting your valuables during your next move. Some of the techniques might surprise you.

Moving isn’t cheap. And really, it shouldn’t be. If it is, you might find out how expensive it can get when all of your valuable possessions have been destroyed in the move! Whether you’re hiring a company to help you relocate, or you’re planning a DIY (Do It Yourself) adventure, keep these handy tips in your pocket to protect your goods.

Use the right-sized boxes. Small boxes are ideal for heavy, dense objects (see: books), while larger ones are preferable for lighter items such as pillows and comforters. A large, heavy box is more likely to split or crush other items, so keep an eye on each boxes’ size-to-weight ratio.

Fill until it’s still. If a box is rattling around, you’re risking damage. Fill in the empty space with towels, padding, or other cushioning items to isolate the valuable contents from stop/start or shaking motions.

Pad and side-load dishes. Place bubble wrap or packing paper between dishes and wrap bundles of four or more with extra padding. Be sure to pack dishes on their sides, not flat. This will mitigate the hazard of shattering from accidental side impact! Padding in the bottom and top of the box will provide an additional layer of insurance, too.

Don’t flatten out your flat-screen. Spend the money on a special packing box for your flat-screen LCD and/or plasma TV. Having the original shipping box is best, but an aftermarket die-cut, foam-supported kit will save you the hundreds (if not $1000+) in replacement costs. (Also: Don’t lay the TV flat or stack any boxes on top.)

Tape in the reinforcements. Taping all the way around the top and bottom edges will provide additional support to the areas where most of the load is distributed.

Keep tiny things with big value to yourself. Anything that’s small and irreplaceable should be set aside and kept with you during the move. This might be your grandmother’s heirloom necklace, vital financial/legal documents, or special family photo collections.

I want all of the items that make a house a home to get there in one piece. Hopefully these tips will help that happen.  Need an agent to help you find that perfect home for your valuables? Get in touch with me today! Email me at: valerie@valeriemcconville.com

BUYING A HOME LONG DISTANCE

The process of purchasing a home can be a complicated and stressful experience, but if you have to purchase a new home in another city the experience can become even more complicated.  

Whether you are relocating for a job, retiring to a dream location, or are just looking for a change, purchasing a home long distance has a whole separate to-do list on top of the already long list of things that need to be done to purchase a new home.  Here are some tips to make purchasing a home long distance a little easier, and still get the home of your dreams!

The Internet Is A Powerful Tool!

The internet is a powerful research tool for learning more about virtually any topic, and purchasing a home is no exception.  From finding a REALTOR® to searching properties, the internet is a great aid in finding a home.  It is also a great resource for finding information about potential lenders, home inspectors, and all the other extras involved in buying a home.  Though the internet is a great resource in the real estate market, like any information you find online, it is always important to be sure it is coming from a reputable source.  Finding Web sites that are run by professional REALTORS® or real estate organizations is your best bet for reliable information.

Hire A Local REALTOR®

Your best approach is to be sure you have an agent in your prospective area on your team early on.  They can certainly direct you to some great online resources and help you determine which are accurate and up-to-date.  They are also a great resource for finding out which neighborhoods would be a good fit for you and your family, and the local amenities that are available to you.

In general, buying a home long distance can have its obstacles, but with a little research on your part and the help of a professional REALTOR®, you can make the transition to both a new home and a new city easier and stress free.

Planning on making the move long distance? If you are considering Alberta, Canada, email me at: valerie@valeriemcconville.com to learn more about what I can do to help make your move as smooth as possible.

ALWAYS CHECK YOUR LISTING PHOTOS FOR MURDER STAINS, CREEPY DOLLS (I'M NOT KIDDING!)

Before you hire a real estate agent, be sure to ask to see sample photos from their past listings. Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand warnings. (See 8 terrible photos here!)

When you’re thinking about hiring an agent to help you market and sell your home, it’s probably a good idea to ask to see listing photos of homes they’ve represented in the past. 

A true real estate professional will go the extra mile to make sure there are plenty of high-quality, detailed photos to help market your home online.

At the minimum, the photos should be well-lit, the homes should be tastefully presented, and the photographs should appear to be taken by a professional. Less than that, and you might want to consider looking for a new agent.

There are, of course, major red flags you’ll want to look for in sample listing photos. Consider some of the following:

-   No owners sunbathing in the pool in Speedos.

-   No attic rooms cluttered with personal massagers and ashes/dust.

-   No master bedrooms with lingerie models lounging in a red velvet four-poster bed.

-   No bathroom shots in which the photographer appears in her bra in the mirror.

-   No pics featuring the owners engaged in questionable activities in the background.

-   No creepy dolls by the fire place.

-   Seriously, no creepy dolls anywhere, not even in the living room!

-   No stains of murdered bodies on the bare floors.

Now, it may sound like I’m joking, but I’m being 100% honest when I say these are flaws seen in actual listing photos represented by real agents. What’s more, I can prove it.

See every single one of the above listing photo disasters in this slide show:

http://blog.sfgate.com/ontheblock/2012/03/05/what-not-to-do-when-selling-terrible-listing-photos/

Incredible, isn’t it?

Please, whatever you do, be sure to hire an agent who takes their listing photos seriously. After all, you home is your largest investment! I’d be glad to treat it with the respect it deserves. Let me help you market your home the right way: email me at valerie@valeriemcconville.com

DECORATING FOR SMALL SPACES

If you live in a smaller home or condo, you face some particular decorating challenges.  

Getting comfort and style while reducing clutter in a small home can be done with a few smart furniture choices and a good understanding of colors and placement in small rooms.

Keep It Light And Bright

Dark colors make a room look smaller, so stick to lighter choices for small rooms.  If you absolutely love dark red or chocolate brown, there is no reason you can't make it a part of your room, just use it as an accent color instead of painting the walls in that color.  Try to choose lighter tones for flooring, wall paint, and the largest pieces of furniture in the room.

Darker, more vibrant colors are perfect for things like throw cushions, place mats, candles, and decorative vases and other art pieces.  They will bring those richer colors into the space without overwhelming it and making it feel dark and cramped.

Choose Furniture That Does More

Save space by making your furniture multi-task for you.  Look for coffee and end tables that include storage for books, remote controls, and magazines.  Choose storage ottomans where you can stash extra blankets and other items.  If you occasionally need a larger dining room table, pick one with a butterfly leaf that can easily be tucked away when not in use.

Look for an all-in-one entertainment unit for your television and home theater components that will allow you to tuck things away out of sight to prevent clutter.  A unit that includes storage for DVDs and CDs provides even more use-but watch that the piece is not so large as to dwarf the room.

Simple Walls And Windows

Putting too much on the walls contributes to the clutter feeling, so keep it simple.  Choose a few favorite paintings or carefully placed floating shelves showcasing your favorite vase or candles.  Keep framed photos simple; avoid fancy frames and don't hang too many photos in one place.

Choose sheer or semi-sheer window coverings in light colors to allow more light into the room.  Dark, heavy curtains will contribute to the small and claustrophobic feeling small spaces can too easily have.

Small spaces can be just as elegant as large ones, and feel a lot bigger than they are if you make smart decorating choices.  Make the best use of all your square footage, and keep it light and airy for the best results.

ON PRE-LISTING INSPECTIONS

If you’re thinking about listing your home, one thing you might be nervous about is the home inspection. Some of my clients are curious about pre-listing inspections. 

Perhaps you’d be interested in the pros and cons of the decision, too:

Part of my job as a real estate agent is educating and protecting my clients. Many of my clients get nervous about home inspections. They often ask: “Should I have a home inspection before I put my home on the market?” Here’s my take on the pre-listing inspection:

Knowing what you're in for when it comes to selling a house is always better than getting a nasty surprise down the line. In the event you find repairs that need to be made, they can be done in a reasonable time frame.

The pre-listing inspection is also useful in situations down the line when you suspect the buyer's home inspection reflects wildly inflated estimates for repairs.

Also keep in mind that if you fail to disclose a problem found in the inspection, you could be in big trouble down the line.

You also need to know the difference between maintenance repairs and home upgrades. Buyers have a reasonable expectation that the home has been properly maintained. Making necessary maintenance repairs doesn't mean the you can up the price on the listing. You can't cover the cost of your new roof by pumping up the sale price. You might be able to use it as an effective marketing point over other listings in the area, but it's not a fabulous kitchen renovation!

If you don’t want to make the repairs, understand that not making repairs can have a disproportionately negative impact on your sale price. For example, if you want to dump a $1,000 plumbing repair on prospective buyers, the buyers are not going to equate that to $1,000 off the asking price. Instead, they're going to think about the time, inconvenience, and the cost of the repair. A $1,000 repair might translate to a $3,000 hit to the asking price. Buyers will want to be well-paid to handle a seller's headache.

There’s a definite benefit to the pre-listing inspection, but it’s important to consider the pros and cons with your agent.

I’d be glad to have a conversation with you about the specific concerns you may have about your home if you’re preparing to list it. Please contact me today: valerie@valeriemcconville.com

VALENTINE'S DAY

What a wonderful day Valentine's Day is!

It's the only holiday set aside just to tell all the special people in our lives how much they mean to us.  So here's wishing you and your family a very Happy Valentine's Day.  May your day be filled with all the warmth and joy your heart can hold!

These are three of my favorite poems for you to clip and enjoy or share!

Love is like a cabbage

Divided into two

The leaves I give to others

The heart I give to you

Author Unknown

O, my love's like a red red rose

That's newly sprung in June

O my love's like a melodie

That's sweetly played in tune

Robert Burns

Through all eternity to thee

A joyful song I'll raise

For oh!

Eternity is too short

To utter all thy praise

Joseph Addison

HOW TO MAINTAIN A BALANCED VIEW OF LIFE

I thought I’d share this simple exercise that helps me maintain a positive outlook every day. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or stressed, try it out and see if it improves your view, too.

"Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted."

-Aldous Huxley, (1894 - 1963) English writer

Do you have a practice for dealing with daily stress? I thought I’d share a simple and surprisingly effective exercise you can do each day that will not only boost your spirits, but lighten the perceived burden of “the daily grind.” No running shoes required! You can do it without breaking a sweat, right from the comfort of your car, your desk, or even the line at Starbucks.

It sounds simple, but it’s quite powerful: Each day, think of five things you're grateful for. They don't have to be big things. In fact, it's great to start with the little things. It helps get you in the flow.

Start with one or two basic things you take for granted, for example: "I'm grateful for a hot shower in the morning." Or: "I'm grateful for a safe neighborhood."

Come up with five new things each time you practice. You might find this challenging at first. There should be a little struggle, but push through it. "I'm grateful for the smile of the guy at the bagel shop." Or: "I'm grateful for my family dinner on Sundays."

It might seem silly at first, but you'll notice that the more you express your gratitude, the more you'll connect to a general feeling of benevolence for others and well-being. Really take a moment for each simple gratitude to sink in. Visualize what you're grateful for and recall experiencing it.

This gratitude exercise connects you to the world in a positive way. It makes the trivial annoyances in life sting less, and reminds you to note what it is in the world you truly appreciate. When your focus shifts to gratitude, your attitude improves.

Give it a try this week and see what you think. Waiting in line, stuck in traffic, killing time between appointments... they're all great windows to practice a little gratitude.

Sometimes my clients ask me how I keep my cool when dealing with a difficult real estate deal. Well, this is one of my tricks to keep everything in perspective. If you’re looking for a stress-free home buying or selling experience, I can help. 

Please visit my website today at: www.valeriemcconville.com

CREATIVE WAYS TO SAY "I LOVE YOU" ON VALENTINE'S DAY

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and every year, Valentine's Day serves as a celebration of love, happiness and a commitment to those that you cherish.  

We all know that roses and chocolates are the traditional Valentine's Day gift, but what if there were other ways to be especially creative and still express your love?  

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Give Him/Her A Fortune

A fortune cookie, that is.  If you want to tell someone that you love them in a truly unique way, place a customized message in a fortune cookie that reads, “When I found you, I found a fortune.  I love you.”

Name A Star In His/Her Honor

Through the years, the novelty gift of a star personally named after someone special has become an increasingly popular tradition.  Most star-naming services allow you to customize the naming with a date, which means you could indicate Valentine's Day as the date a star was named if you choose.  What better way to say “I Love You” than with a gift and card that says, “You are my shining star.”  Another possibility is, “When I look at you, I can see forever.”

Get Creative With Engraved Jewelry

The gift of jewelry is a very personal one, and it shows a lot of thought has gone into the occasion.  If you really want to let him/her know how much you care, engrave it into precious metal (gold or silver) so that it will be with them forever.  If your gift of choice is a watch, you can engrave “Now is the time to say I love you” on the underside of the watch.  Rings, bracelets and even pendants can also be engraved.

Design A Photo Collage

If you have been with your sweetheart for some time and have shared many precious moments together, some of which have been captured in images, create a photo collage that tells the story of your romance.  At the end, leave an open space with a caption that reads, “I love you and look forward to many more memories in the years to come.”

Create A Homemade Video

If you have special moments captured on video, take snippets and turn them into a film honoring the one you love.  Add some background vocals, such as a song with special meaning or a narration by you, and watch as the one you love falls in love with you all over again.

Renew Your Wedding Vows

If you're already married, there's no better way to say “I Love You” than by renewing your wedding vows.  Take a second honeymoon and remember all of the things that made your first wedding so special.  Valentine's Day is a wonderful day for weddings, but it's also the perfect day to renew your promise to love one another forever.

Here is my special Valentine's Day edition of my newsletter. To download it for free, click the following link: https://www.thewiseagent.com/news/?newsid=34383

LATEST MARKET REPORT

Local housing sales and inventory up in stable market

The residential home inventory on the Edmonton Multiple Listing Service® (MLS® System) rose 16% in January. Typically just over 1,800 homes in the Edmonton CMA (census metropolitan area) come onto the market in January. 

Last month’s listings of 1,842 were higher than the 783 listed in December. Sales figures (adjusted) of 885 properties (820 reported) were higher than a typical January and higher than sales in December and January 2013. The increased inventory of 3,537 (up from 3,049 in December), kept prices stable in all housing categories.

Compared to December, the all-residential average price of $347,847 was down just $1,226 or -0.16%. Single family detached (SFD) home prices were down 1.5% at $416,344. Condominiums were priced on average at $230,463 (down 1.5%) and duplex/rowhouses showed the biggest movement and were down 5.3% at $336,220.

“Price stability and more property available for sale results in a balanced market,” said REALTORS® Association of Edmonton, President Greg Steele. “Right now both buyers and sellers have time to consider all their options and housing needs. More homes are listed every day and your REALTOR® can advise you of a suitable property as soon as it comes available.”

The residential sales-to-listing ratio was 45% and the average days-on-market was 61 days in January compared to 73 days in January 2013. There have been four property sales over a $1 million already this year but half of the SFDs sold in January were sold at or below the median price of $385,000.

“Strong economic indicators such as low unemployment, higher hourly wages and positive in-migration all support an optimistic view of the Edmonton and area housing market,” said Steele. “Consumers are confident in their economic future and prepared to risk a first-time or move-up purchase. Low rental vacancies and the potential for higher rental rates are also attracting investors into the market.”

There are 3,200 REALTOR® members of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. Consumers can view all the properties listed on the Edmonton MLS® System at www.REWedmonton.ca and review advertised properties in the Real Estate Weekly.

HOW DO ODORS FACTOR INTO HOME STAGING?

Occasionally clients ask me about little extra tips and tricks to improve the appeal of their home while it’s on the market. This is especially true when it comes to open houses or showings. Below I answer a common question about home odors.

Q: Is it a good idea to add pleasant odors (cookies baking, cinnamon, fresh flowers) to a staged home for showings?

A: Not necessarily. Odors do matter, but assuming you know what "a nice smell" is to your buyers could be trouble.

If anything, your house should smell freshly cleaned, but not "chemical." Your best bet is to focus on eliminating foul or dominant odors.

If the house smells stuffy or "closed up" (you know, that "back of the closet with coats from 1974 smell"), concentrate on circulating fresh air first and foremost. Replacing air filters in forced heat/air systems is a good place to start.

The problem with adding odors such as baking cookies or fresh coffee is one of preference. How do you know what sort of associations buyers will have with the smells you think are attractive? A bright, Spring smell might come across as annoying to your visitors. (Floral scents may even set off allergies!)

Also consider this: Are you adding a "good smell" in an effort to cover up a bad smell? We all know how well that works out. The mix is pretty awful.

Finally, many buyers are aware of the "sweet smell" tactic associated with open houses. While your intentions may be good, some savvy prospects may be thinking, "I wonder what that smell is supposed to distract us from?"

Need a sniff test before hand? Ask a few neighbors or friends to give you their opinion when they walk in the door fresh, prior to the main open house or showing.

I love to work with clients to prepare their home for a top-dollar sale. Need more ideas for staging or improving the curb appeal of your home? Let’s chat! 

Get in touch today: valerie@valeriemcconville.com

SHOPPING FOR THE BEST HOME LOAN

Finding the perfect home is a task, but shopping for the best home loan can be even more tedious.  With so many lenders promising low rates, closing costs and little or no down payment requirements, it's often difficult to know which way to turn.  

Luckily, there are several steps that you can take to find the right lender for your individual needs.

Assess Your Situation

Do you know what your credit score is?  If not, you should.  Most lenders rely on this triple digit number to determine both your creditworthiness and interest rates.  If you have excellent credit, you can probably work with almost any lender.  If you have severe blemishes in your financial past, however, finding the right lender may require a little more footwork.

How much money do you have for a down payment?  If you are on a budget, you will need to choose a lender that can help to get you into a home with a minimal down payment.  Knowing where you stand will give you a good idea as to which lender you need to work with.

Compare Rates

As is the case with anything in life, it pays to shop wisely.  Because a home is the largest investment that most people will ever make, it stands to reason that comparison shopping is a must.  As you speak with various lenders, ask about their rates, loan terms, qualification process and down payment requirements.

Interest rates change often, which means locking in your rates when they are low can save you a bundle of money.  Because there are so many lenders competing for your business, you will be greeted with plenty of appealing offers, including low rates, closing costs and down payment requirements.

Demand The Best

You are the one buying the home, so you should be the one to choose the length of your loan term.  With the exception of a situation where payments are simply unaffordable, it's up to you to decide how long you want to pay for a house.  Many homebuyers prefer a longer loan term to keep the payments low, while others want to get the home paid for as quickly as possible with a shorter term.  It's important to keep in mind that the longer you pay for a home, the more money you will end up spending in interest.

It's a good idea to talk to your lender about their willingness to accommodate your needs.  If you're in doubt about which lender to choose or are new to the area and need a little guidance, ask your REALTOR® for a referral.  He/she knows the business and will be more than happy to assist you in making your dream of home ownership become a reality.

FIVE FUN HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

February is a great time to accomplish simple tasks that will add to the value and appearance of your home.  

I hope that you are enjoying the unique experience of being a homeowner!  I've done a little research and have compiled a list of quick, easy projects that you might enjoy!

FIVE QUICK AND EASY HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

Go green: A few changes to the landscaping of your home can make a world of difference!  You might want to consider planting some fruit trees in the backyard, adding a touch of color with some bright and unusual flowers, or perhaps finally starting the vegetable garden you've always dreamed about.

Add a touch of color: Feeling creative?  Why not give the family room, bedroom or bathroom a whole new look?  By focusing on the improvement of one room at a time, you'll find that what can seem like an overwhelming job becomes fun and simple.  Repainting a single room can be inexpensively completed over a single weekend.

Bright and beautiful: Replacing the light fixtures in your house with personally selected pieces can drastically increase your home's beauty and value.  Choose a cohesive look for the entire house, or decorate room by room!  The installation of new fixtures is generally a quick do-it-yourself task.

Tile it up: While it might seem like a daunting task, installing new tile in a kitchen or bathroom can be easily accomplished with a little know-how and the right supplies.  Your local home improvement warehouse will have everything you need to revamp and personalize the flooring of your choice!

The beauty beneath: Always dreamed of having beautiful hardwood floors?  Choose a room, pull up the carpet, and you'll be on your way to accomplishing just that!  Repairing, refinishing, and staining the floor is a simple step-by-step process that you can achieve without the heavy expense of installing new wood panels.

If you need additional tips or advice, please feel free to email me at valerie@valeriemcconville.com.  I'd be happy to hear from you and would love to offer any guidance that I can!