Selling Your Home in the Winter

Just because it’s winter and the holiday season, doesn’t mean your window of opportunity for selling your home has passed.  Winter can still be a good time to sell a house, but you may have to work a little harder to make the space appear cozy, warm, and inviting. 

The Internet Has No Seasons

You are probably already aware that most buyers go online to search for homes, no matter what the temperature is outside. While spring is known as the hottest home-buying season, serious home buyers are always on the lookout, so even though the weather is changing, always remember that it will not stop home buyers from shopping. 

Less Sellers

In the winter, you have a limited number of sellers on the market. Quite possibly you may have less competition on the market if you list your home during the winter. Buyers have fewer homes to choose from, which means you could sell your house faster.

Buyers Mean Business

Most people want to curl up under a blanket next to a warm fire on a cold winter’s day. If a buyer is trudging around in freezing weather or breaking away from their holiday schedule to look at your home, they must be serious. 

Time Off

You may think people are less likely to see your home due to a hectic holiday schedule and that can be true. But keep in mind, many people also have more time off around the holidays. That means more time dreaming about their new home and even scheduling home showings.

Nothing says welcome quite like walking out of the cold into a nice, warm, cozy home. 

It’s easy to make a house feel like home in the wintertime. 

Here are a few tips to help you set the buying mood:

• Keep it simple. If you are selling around a holiday and have decorations up, make sure not to overpower a room. Less is more.
• A Place for Shoes.  You do not want potential buyers walking through your house with snowy shoes or boots.  Place area rugs or mats for them to place their boots on.  It’s also a great idea to have a bench or chair if there is room to use one, so a potential buyer can sit and easily change their shoes or boots.
• Shine a light outside. Winter days get dark early. Brighten your home’s exterior when you are expecting to show your home.
• Avoid winter wonderland.  Buyers want to see details of the house, not a blanket of snow. During the winter months, curb appeal becomes less of an issue. If you don’t have your landscaping in top shape, it’s no longer a potentially costly task that it might have been. Remember, the nicer your home looks, the more likely it is to sell.  Don’t forget to clear the driveway and walkways!
• Be Flexible.  Winter can be a busy season with so many holiday obligations and events going on. This may mean that home buyers might request a showing earlier or later in the day than they might in other seasons. If you are serious about selling, then it is wise to be flexible with your schedule so that as many house hunters as possible may visit your home.

Selling a home in the winter months may seem daunting, but with the proper preparation and strategy, you can attract serious buyers.  Keep your driveway and sidewalks clear of ice and snow for safety reasons and be flexible when potential buyers want to tour.

It would be best if you also worked with a local real estate agent who understands how to market and price your home for winter, and I am more than happy to assist you.  If you are ready to sell your home this winter, I am highly experienced and can be reached anytime at 705-323-7781 or feel free to email me rmcguigan@rogers.com.  

About Me

Born in Toronto, Ontario, I've been in sales for over 30 years.  At the young age of 23, I was a successful store manager for a large well known Retail Shoe Company in Toronto, which led me to work for a large Floor and Wall Fashions Distributor in Warehouse Management and Sales. Beginning in 2005, this valuable experience led me to a successful and dynamic career in Real Estate.  I then achieved my Broker's license in 2008, and I am always continuing my education in this exciting field.

I find myself so fortunate to live and work in Lagoon City.  Over the years, I have met so many wonderful people who have become my neighbors and friends.  I truly believe in creating a better community through connecting people with the right homes.  My integrity and honesty will always keep you on the right path and my dedication to finding or selling your home goes beyond expectations.

 Richard McGuigan A professional CENTURY 21® Real Estate Broker  Century 21 B.J Roth Realty Ltd, residing in Lagoon City, Ontario and providing you with the highest quality service possible. His personal knowledge of the Real Estate market in Lagoon City and surrounding areas is combined with the power of the CENTURY 21 brand - the most recognized name in Real Estate today.  Let Richard assist you in finding your dream home in our beautiful waterfront community.  Contact him today for a free home evaluation.

Fall Maintenance Tips for Your Home

Watching the leaves change and enjoying cooler weather are great, but fall is also a good time for home maintenance.  Autumns can be enjoyable, but the winter typically brings extremely cold temperatures and lots of snow and ice.  One of the most important fall home maintenance tips is to plan ahead.

Here are some tips for some basic maintenance to get ready for the changing of the season and to ensure your home is in shape for the winter.

CLEAN THE GUTTERS

We all know what happens in the fall—our yards become filled with leaves. While that’s one of the first things most homeowners will clean up, you can’t forget about cleaning your gutters. Before winter comes, it’s important that you clean out your gutters and inspect them to ensure they’re draining properly and away from walkways and driveways.

INSPECT YOUR ROOF

There’s nothing worse than finding damaged shingles or a leaky roof during the winter season. During the fall, you should check your roof to ensure there are no problems. If you find cracks or damage, you should call a professional as soon as possible to get it fixed.

DRAIN ALL OUTDOOR FAUCETS

Before the first freeze, you should make sure there is no water in any of your faucets or hoses. While you’re at it, you could also bring your hoses inside from the cold to help extend their life.

COVER YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE

If you have any outdoor furniture, you have two choices—cover it or bring it inside. Most homeowners may not have the extra space to store their furniture, so covering it is likely the most viable option. 

CLEAN YOUR DRYER VENT

Make sure the dryer vents are clean. Static electricity can build up in the cold, dry months, and can cause the dryer lint to catch fire. 

INSPECT YOUR DRIVEWAY AND WALKWAYS

Review the condition of your driveway and any walkways. If you notice cracks, you should seal them to prevent more damage from winter snow and ice. 

CHANGE YOUR FILTERS

Before you turn on your furnace, you should make sure it’s running efficiently and each fall, you should change your furnace’s air filter. 

CHECK FOR DRAFTS

While you check the heating system, you should also check around the house for any drafts. You can caulk windows, replace weather stripping around doors, and do all you can to improve your heating efficiency to keep your costs down throughout the winter. Because our winters can often be harsh, even new constructed homes should be checked for drafts in the fall for the upcoming winter months of cold weather.

CHANGE THE BATTERIES IN SMOKE DETECTORS

Before winter comes, it’s best to change the batteries on all your detectors to be safe. Once you’ve changed the batteries, check them all with the test button to ensure they’re working properly. 

CHECK DECK AND PORCH

Loose or warped boards are hazardous. Check all outdoor stairs and railings for stability. Damaged walkways, driveways or steps can be dangerous when the weather turns icy. Fix problems now so you can prevent expensive bills later.

We all know how harsh our winters can be and, by following just a few maintenance chores can save you money while keeping your home in good repair.

About Me

Born in Toronto, Ontario, I have been in sales for over 30 years.  At the young age of 23, I was a successful store manager for a large well known Retail Shoe Company in Toronto, which led me to work for a large Floor and Wall Fashions Distributor in Warehouse Management and Sales. Beginning in 2004, this valuable experience led me to a successful and dynamic career in Real Estate.  I then achieved my Broker's license in 2008 and I am always continuing my education in this exciting field.

I find myself so fortunate to live and work in Lagoon City.  Over the years, I have met so many wonderful people who have become my neighbours and friends.  I truly believe in creating a better community through connecting people with the right homes.  My integrity and honesty will always keep you on the right path and my dedication to finding or selling your home goes beyond expectations.

 Richard McGuigan is a professional CENTURY 21® Real Estate Broker with  Century 21 B.J Roth Realty Ltd, residing in Lagoon City, Ontario and providing you with the highest quality service possible. His personal knowledge of the Real Estate market in Lagoon City and surrounding areas is combined with the power of the CENTURY 21 brand - the most recognized name in Real Estate today.  Let Richard assist you in finding your dream home in our beautiful waterfront community.  Contact him today for a free home evaluation.

Without a doubt, one of the most important aspects of homeownership is hosting. Whether you are hosting overnight guests, hosting a holiday celebration or hosting a dinner with friends, hosting is truly one of the most rewarding parts of owning a home.  One of the greatest rewards of helping clients find their new home in the fall is the opportunity it presents for them to host family and friends for Thanksgiving.  

Hosting Thanksgiving can be quite stressful – especially for the first time. Many new homeowners aren’t sure where to begin when it comes to planning their dinner, as there are so many elements to consider. From the food, to the entertainment, to the decorations and beyond, effectively planning a good Thanksgiving Day takes a lot of work and preparation. Here are some tips to help you organize and plan a great first Thanksgiving in your new home.

Plan Ahead

Early planning is the key to a stress-free Thanksgiving.  Invite everyone far enough in advance. Even if your friends and family are spur-of-the-moment types, they may still make Thanksgiving plans early, so get the word out as soon as possible.  

Think about the space in your home. Where do you want guests to sit? Where do you want to set up the food? Sit down dinner? Buffet style? Everyone together in one room / at one table? Children in another room / another table? Do you have enough tables & chairs? 

Be Organized

Planning and organizing is crucial for hosting a successful dinner.  It will ensure that you don’t find yourself with missing ingredients, a messy home and three hours of cooking when your guests arrive.

• Make lists of everything you need to do for your dinner.
• Prepare a schedule for the week leading up to dinner.
• Write shopping lists before you head to the store for ingredients and supplies.

Curate Your Thanksgiving Menu Early

Thanksgiving is a big tradition and the foods that you serve say a lot about where you are from.  People all around the country celebrate with different dishes on Thanksgiving.  From the mashed potatoes, homemade stuffing and the debate on canned or fresh cranberry sauce, you will have a lot of decisions to make when planning what you and your guests will have.  It’s your first Thanksgiving, so why not start your own tasty tradition?  Also, try not to stress by cooking everything on Thanksgiving Day. Create a timeline, and figure out what can be made ahead of time.  Don’t forget that casseroles can be premade and vegetables can be chopped ahead of time.

Consider Your Seating

While you will likely figure out your guest list early, it’s important to think about where all of your guests will sit.  While folding chairs make setting the dinner table fairly easily, you also need to consider how many seats you have in other areas of your house.  While Thanksgiving dinner is the focal point of the day, it’s likely that your guests will spur off at some point to socialize in a smaller setting.  Taking time to think about your seating options is crucial as you want to make sure that your guests always have a place to sit.  Set the table the day before.  Not only will this give you major peace of mind when everyone shows up at your house and your table is ready to go, but it’ll give you a chance to identify if you’re missing any flatware, glassware, plates, etc. Most importantly, it’s one less thing to think about on the actual day, so you can focus on food, drinks, and spending time with your people.

Offer Snacks Before Dinner

Tasty appetizers benefit the cook as much as the guests. Guests can get busy munching while you finish up in the kitchen! 

Becoming a homeowner is a significant life event and sharing that moment by hosting Thanksgiving Dinner can be memorable.  While preparing for your first Thanksgiving can be daunting, it’s important to remember the central point of Thanksgiving and that your guests are thrilled that you have invited them into your new home.  Take advantage of the gathering and take time to relax and enjoy it.

I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with wonderful memories.  

This Thanksgiving I am grateful for your confidence and friendship.

About Me

Born in Toronto, Ontario, I have been in sales for over 35 years.  At the young age of 23, I was a successful store manager for a large well known Retail Shoe Company in Toronto, which led me to work for a large Floor and Wall Fashions Distributor in Warehouse Management and Inside Sales. Beginning in 2004, this valuable experience led me to a successful and dynamic career in Real Estate.  I then achieved my Broker's license in 2008 and I am always continuing my education in this exciting field.

I find myself so fortunate to live and work in Lagoon City.  Over the years, I have met so many wonderful people who have become my neighbours and friends.  I truly believe in creating a better community through connecting people with the right homes.  My integrity and honesty will always keep you on the right path and my dedication to finding or selling your home goes beyond expectations.

Richard McGuigan is a professional CENTURY 21® Real Estate Broker at Century 21 B.J Roth Realty Ltd, in Lagoon City, Ontario and provides you with the highest quality service possible. His personal knowledge of the Real Estate market in Lagoon City and surrounding areas is combined with the power of the CENTURY 21 brand - the most recognized name in Real Estate today.  Let Richard assist you in finding your dream home in our beautiful waterfront community.  Contact him today for a free home evaluation.

Fire Safety Begins at Home

Whether you are a renter, a first-time homeowner or someone who has lived in your home for decades, fire safety is an important aspect of home ownership.  Here are 11 fire safety tips that you should follow to keep your home safe.

Install Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are the first line of defense in a fire emergency. You should install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, and in every bedroom. Make sure that they are functioning properly by testing them regularly and replacing the batteries annually.

Plan an Escape Route

In the case of a fire, it is so important to have a clear escape route that you and your family are familiar with. Plan two ways out of every room, including windows and doors. Make sure that all exits are easily accessible and that windows and doors can be easily opened.

Keep Flammable Items Away from Heat Sources

Items such as curtains, paper, and alcohol should be kept away from heat sources like stoves and fireplaces. If you have a fireplace, make sure that the chimney is cleaned regularly.  Flammable liquids like gasoline, kerosene, and propane should be stored in a cool, dry place that is away from heat sources. 

Be Cautious While Cooking

Cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires. Never leave cooking food unattended, and always keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

Never Leave Candles Unattended

Candles can be a great way to relax and set the mood but you should never leave them burning for too long or leave them unattended. Make sure to blow them out when leaving a room, especially when you are going to sleep.  Try and cut the wicks short once they are cool to avoid high flames and always keep them in sturdy candle holders.  If you have children or pets, keep all candles, matches and lighters away from reach.

Avoid Electrical Hazards

Electrical hazards like overloading outlets, frayed wires, and old electrical appliances can be fire hazards.  Avoid overloading outlets and always use a surge protector to protect your electronics.

Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy

A fire extinguisher should be easily accessible in the event of a fire. Make sure that everyone in the household knows how to use it, and that it is in good working condition.

Outdoor Fire Safety

Always clear away any dry or dead vegetation from around your home and remove any leaves, branches or other debris from your roof and gutters.  Trees and bushes within 10 metres of your home should be kept trimmed and deadwood removed.  Also, make sure your outdoor grill, smoker, or fire pit is in a safe location away from your home and not surrounded by dry vegetation. 

BBQ/Grilling Safety

Your BBQ should be located away from fences, overhangs and combustible materials.  Be sure to keep the grills clean and clean the grease trap regularly to prevent a build-up.  Never leave a BBQ unattended as the outcome could be disastrous.

Smoking

Never discard cigarettes in terracotta pots and planters. Remind your guests that although it may seem like a harmless place to butt out, ashtrays are much safer.  Make sure all cigarettes are out before disposing of them.

Outdoor Fires

We all love nightly gatherings with friends and neighbours, and roasting marshmallows on an open fire but flying sparks can endanger not only us but our surroundings as well.  Outdoor Fireplaces and Dire Pits should be placed at least 10 feet away from your home or anything that can burn.  Closely watch children when your fire pit is in use and always put out fires before you leave the backyard.

Stay Informed

Stay informed about fire safety by signing up for local emergency alerts and following your local fire department on social media. Make sure to check what fire level your town or city is as you could be under an outdoor fire ban.

By being proactive and taking these simple steps, you can help to protect your family and your home in the event of a fire. Remember, a little bit of preparation can go a long way in keeping your home safe and secure.

About Me

Born in Toronto, Ontario, I have been in sales for over 30 years.  At the young age of 23, I was a successful store manager for a large well known Retail Shoe Company in Toronto, which led me to work for a large Floor and Wall Fashions Distributor in Warehouse Management and Sales. Beginning in 2004, this valuable experience led me to a successful and dynamic career in Real Estate.  I then achieved my Broker's license in 2008 and I am always continuing my education in this exciting field.

I find myself so fortunate to live and work in Lagoon City.  Over the years, I have met so many wonderful people who have become my neighbours and friends.  I truly believe in creating a better community through connecting people with the right homes.  My integrity and honesty will always keep you on the right path and my dedication to finding or selling your home goes beyond expectations.

 Richard McGuigan is a professional CENTURY 21® Real Estate Broker with  Century 21 B.J Roth Realty Ltd, residing in Lagoon City, Ontario and providing you with the highest quality service possible. His personal knowledge of the Real Estate market in Lagoon City and surrounding areas is combined with the power of the CENTURY 21 brand - the most recognized name in Real Estate today.  Let Richard assist you in finding your dream home in our beautiful waterfront community.  Contact him today for a free home evaluation.