What does a home inspector look for?

 

Scheduling a home inspection is an often crucial step in the home buying process. No matter how nice a home looks to the untrained eye, there are sometimes nasty surprises and unforeseen costs that can easily be avoided through an inspection. During the global pandemic, it became less common to hire inspectors due to sellers’ demands, social distancing and the robust “Seller’s market”. But now we’re starting to see a resurgence, and for good reason. In this blog, we’ll cover some of the significant focal points in a home inspection.

 

Structural

 

There are many kinds of damage that can happen to the structural features of a home, especially in our diverse climate. The winter’s cold can have a significant impact year over year, and the large melts and heavy rainfall can both cause water damage. Inspectors will check the roof structure and foundation for any immediate or potential concerns, as far as it’s safe for them to do so. They will check the ceilings and walls (both interior and exterior) ensuring that there are not any cracks, weak points or other hazards impacting the structural integrity.

 

Electrical

 

Home inspectors will check the electrical systems to ensure that wiring is in proper working condition and that there are no obvious hazardous issues. They are unable to check wiring hidden behind walls or ceilings, as it would be destructive to the home. Inspectors will also ensure that the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.

 

Plumbing / Water

 

Checking for sources of potential water damage can be an extensive process. This is because there are numerous places from which it can originate, both in and around the home.

 

During an inspection, inspectors will check the pipes and plumbing systems for cracks, rust, and any other current or potential sources of damage. Inspectors will look for any issues or inconsistencies with the water pressure, as they could point to other hazards throughout the home. They will also look at any cabinets, walls, floors and ceilings which surround the appliances and systems to verify that no damage has been caused over time. Inspectors will ensure that the drainage is working properly, otherwise, it could pose a potential flood hazard. They will point out any deficiencies in the type of piping, both for supply and drainage. If there is a sprinkler system installed on the property, they will likely recommend that you have someone operate them to verify that there aren’t any leaks or blockages.

 

Mechanical

 

Home inspectors will check the operation of furnaces, air conditioners (weather dependent) and other mechanical equipment to assess their condition, and potential for maintenance or repairs. Sometimes inspections of this type of equipment will result in a recommendation for further investigation by a qualified HVAC contractor.

 

Property

 

Your inspector will want to take a look at the driveway and any walkways or paths surrounding the home. They will also check any outdoor structures like porches or gazebos for damages, breaches of code or potential hazards they may pose. On the surrounding property, inspectors will likely take a close look at any standing or running water, as it could pose issues or come with maintenance responsibilities for the homeowners. 

 

Limitations

 

As with anything, there are limitations to an inspector’s responsibilities and capabilities. As previously mentioned, inspectors generally are unable to check plumbing or wiring hidden behind walls, ceilings or floors if it would be destructive to the home or property. This means that they will not always be able to identify potential hazards, such as asbestos, because it may be hidden from their line of sight. They also possess the right to refuse any unsafe work, including things like up-close roof inspections. It is not uncommon for an inspector to refer a buyer to a component-specific contractor for further detailed investigation.

 

Any questions?

 

At Royal LePage Team Realty, our agents have access to a vast network of industry professionals — such as home inspectors — to help streamline your buying process. If you have any further questions about home inspections, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Professional Photographers Make a Difference

 

Browsing listing options as a buyer can be intriguing and exciting, but it can quickly become overwhelming and exhausting. There are many options to choose from, each listing with their own set of unique benefits and areas for improvement. Buyers can’t tour them all, so what will set them apart? 

 

Quality professional photography can create the ultimate first impression for those browsing the market. Not only are their cameras capable of capturing well-lit, high-resolution images of your home, but the photographers themselves are also well-equipped with advanced techniques and editing skills. This, combined with a skilled agent, can create the listing that best represents your home. In this blog, we’ll cover some of the many advantages of hiring a professional photographer.

 

Technology

 

At a base level, photographers carry high-resolution cameras that can capture crystal clear photos of your home. But beyond that, there is an ever-expanding variety of advanced technology that can give your home an edge over the other listings.

 

This technology can vary from hardware to software. With the rapid advancement of drone technology, professional photographers can often take stunning aerial photos and virtual flythroughs or tours of your home and property. This can be advantageous if your home has a large lot, beautiful green spaces, or sits in an ideal location. Drones themselves are rather expensive, but professional photographers will often put them to use if owned. In terms of software, editing tools like Adobe Photoshop can be used by photographers to add an extra layer of beauty to the photos of your home, always ensuring that the original subject is not being misrepresented.

 

Presentation

 

If you’ve used a professional photographer, it’s clear to buyers that you and your agent have put effort into your listing. Upon first impression, buyers will generally infer that your home and property are both well-maintained. If potential buyers decide to pay the home a visit, they won’t feel duped or cheated since the photos will be well-representative of the space.

 

This can be a real game changer when your listing is compared online to others where photos were taken by the seller or the agent themselves. Lack of quality photography can be a deterrent if other listings in the area are consulting the professionals for their services.

 

Technique

 

Professional photographers are often experienced having captured a variety of homes and properties. This gives them the technique required to capture the best angles and most important qualities of your home. Working together with your agent, strategy can be implemented to make sure your listing attracts as much interest as possible.

 

Reach out!

 

If you have any questions about the buying or selling processes, including who to contact for services like these, Royal LePage Team Realty will be of eager assistance. We have access to a vast network of industry professionals that can help promote your listing.

Make Your Home Feel the Cozy This Winter

 

It’s wintertime in the nation’s capital! We hope you’re enjoying the festivities and sights around town. While the winter months may provide us with this beautiful landscape covered in snow, they’re also quite cold and gloomy at times. One of the best ways to combat the winter blues is to put an emphasis on cozy decor, creating an escape from the harsh outdoor weather. In this blog, we’ll cover some great ways to create the coziest interior possible this season.

 

Colour Palette

 

The use of a warm colour palette for your indoor decor will immerse you, giving you the feeling of warmth and contrasting the outdoor landscape. Now, when we say “warm”, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should go so far as to plaster your home with warm colours. Try to use browns, beiges and burgundy accents where you can. Add throw pillows, blankets and other pieces to your spaces that match this colour scheme and add to the feeling of warmth. 

 

Textures

 

The use of textured furniture, blankets and throw pillows can go a long way to compliment the spaces you’re decorating. You can use a variety of textures and consider faux leathers, sheepskins and other soft textures to give the feeling that you’ve stumbled across a cabin in the woods. Consider adding a rug or a carpet to your living spaces if they don’t yet have one. Try using dark green plants and greenery to complement the warm tones and other seasonal decor.

 

Furniture

 

Consider wooden furniture or furniture with wooden textures to decorate your spaces. Wooden furniture is well-complemented by the textures and warmer tones mentioned above. Consider buying used or sustainably-made furniture, as it can achieve the look you’re going for and lower your budget while doing good in the community.

 

Lighting

 

Lighting is everything, especially during the late afternoon and evening hours of the winter. The sun goes down much sooner, meaning much more of your time is spent in the dark. We would recommend using warm tones in your lighting, or using additional lighting appliances like lanturns or candles. If you have a fireplace, it can be a great way to brighten up your spaces while providing cozy functional warmth to your household.

 

Music

 

Just like lighting, music can trick your brain into a cozier mindset. You would be surprised how much of an effect music can have on the feeling in the air. Consider buying a small speaker and try to find a relaxing playlist that matches what you’re going for. If you don’t know where to start, try soft piano music or jazz.

 

Any questions?

 

We hope that you’re able to create a cozy escape by using one or more of the above-mentioned ideas. If you have any unanswered questions about home decor, feel free to reach out!

Protect Your Home From Winter Damage

 

We can agree, for the most part, that the wintertime is beautiful. As the seasons change, our world becomes blanketed in a snowy landscape covered in festive lights and other seasonal decor. Although it’s a gorgeous time of year, the winter cold, snow and ice are not only hard on us living beings, but also our homes. This is why it’s important to do your best to care for your property this winter, both indoors and outdoors. In this blog, we’ll cover some common sources of winter damage and how to prevent them this season.

 

Exterior Maintenance

 

You’re going to want to make certain that you keep your property well-maintained throughout the winter. Not only for the sake of your outdoor spaces, but also for the inside of your home. If any trees, shrubs or other greenery on your property have long or hanging branches close to the structure, they could become covered in ice and pose a hazard. If a stray gust of wind were to pick one up, it could easily damage a window or leave dents and scuff marks on your walls. Not to mention, it’s common for weaker branches to snap and break during the colder months, so look for anything that could be dangerous and make sure to trim them before too long. 

 

Detach and store any hoses connected to your home, and make sure to turn them off for the season. Water left in the pipes could freeze and cause damage internally, even the non-freeze hose bibs have been known to freeze. Any damaged pipes can cause flooding and other problems beyond the pipes themselves. For this same reason, make sure that your eavestroughing, gutters and drainage systems are clear of snow, ice and other debris,  otherwise, they could become blocked and create flooding during a storm or a big melt.

 

Keep your driveway and walkways well-salted or covered in sand, not only to prevent slipping and sliding, but also to prevent packed snow and ice from building up and creating a hazard in the longer term.

 

Interior Maintenance

 

Before we’re too far into the winter months, you’re going to want to have your furnace, fireplace and other heating systems inspected. With the time you’ll be spending gathered indoors, these systems are going to come under heavy use. Make sure they’re working properly, as large-scale malfunctions could lead to heat loss or fire hazards in extreme circumstances. 

 

Look around your home for any cracks or gaps in the caulking that surrounds your windows and  doors. Any small breaks could be letting cold air in and making your heating system work much harder, racking up a hefty energy bill over time. Make sure your home is well-insulated — not only to keep the heat in, but also to prevent ice buildup on your roof.  Allowing heat to rise through the attic can cause the snow on the roof surface to melt and re-freeze, potentially causing damage and small floods inside your attic or top floor.

 

Keep a keen eye out for any mould growth. Mould prefers growing in warm, dark and humid environments. To remove any mould you may find, consider purchasing a chemical mould remover, or try following an online guide to create one yourself with ingredients found around the home. Remember to wear protective clothing and face protection when dealing with any toxic substances, such as mould.

 

Any questions?

 

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Looking to sell? We have a vast network of experienced professionals to help you keep your home in tip-top shape until you close.

Houses are bought and sold all the time in the Ottawa area, but have you ever thought of what goes into a successful real estate transaction?

The REALTORS® at Royal LePage Team Realty work diligently with the support of their leadership team to make sure that every transaction goes as smoothly as possible.

“We have a management team that is extremely knowledgeable. They each have a passion, not only for our company, but for organized real estate in general. They serve on professional standards boards, government relations committees, and they’ve been presidents of organizations,” says Jason Ralph, Broker of Record and President of Royal LePage Team Realty. “The amount they give back, not only to our company and agents, but to the profession as a whole is incredibly generous and incredibly heartfelt. We can’t thank them enough for their service.”

Read full CityNews article here.

What Could be Lowering the Value of Your Home?

 

If you’re looking to sell your current home, you’re going to want to receive the highest value you can from the eventual sale. There are many elements of your home that could be increasing the value, but there are also equally many factors that could be lowering it. In this blog, we’ll go over some of those factors and how to prevent or overcome them.

 

Location, location, location.

 

Location is arguably the most important factor when it comes to the value of any home. Where you are can be a deterrent for many reasons, including lack of nearby businesses, services, activities, trails or parks. Long commutes anywhere generally aren’t desirable, so your proximity to other communities will matter. On the flip side, being too close to something or somewhere, such as a convenience store / gas station or a highway, can lower your home and property value. Understand whether the nearby schools are highly-rated, as most families that could be looking at your home will prefer a high quality of education. Also keep an eye open for any nearby foreclosures in your area. The circumstances of a foreclosure can vary, but they can be an immediate red flag for anyone looking in and around your neighborhood.

 

Your home is out of date.

 

It may be the case that your home has become out of date, either functionally or stylistically. If your budget permits, try to upgrade or install at least one or two features in and around your home. You can generally get significant ROI (return on investment) from upgrading your kitchen or bathrooms. If you feel your backyard could use a boost in functionality or personality, consider installing a deck or another outdoor structure to create a more appealing space. Be careful not to upgrade your home too much, as a visible mismatch between the inside and outside of your home may deter possible buyers. If your home has too many outdated stylistic features like stippled ceilings or carpeted floors, this can also deter buyers from giving your home a chance, as they imagine having to conduct the renovations themselves.

 

Your home could use a good cleaning.

 

A little elbow grease can go a long way to improving the saleability of your home. A clean home generally indicates a well-maintained home. Don’t be afraid to move some of the furniture to get into those hard to reach areas, they can stand out the most when buyers are having a look around. Unclean windows are definitely a turn off for buyers who are trying to look through them to the view beyond. 

 

Your property and/or the exterior of your home are not well-maintained.

 

Don’t neglect your curb appeal in favour of your interior spaces, as curb appeal can be a very important factor when it comes to the value of your home. Make sure to put a focus on outdoor property maintenance while you’re looking to sell, as a well-maintained property indicates an equally well-maintained home. Your front yard and entryway are most people’s first impression, both online and in person. Avoid a bland or barren front porch and make sure that your home stands out visually. If your property is already well-maintained and decorated, consider the exterior features of your home such as doors, windows, roofs and walls. Over time, they’ve likely developed wear and tear, prompting a refinishing, reinstalling or simply repainting of the surfaces. Taking these measures will motivate more potential buyers to look further into your listing, possibly reaching out and/or making an offer.

 

Any questions?

 

If you have any further questions about selling, or would like to schedule an appraisal, feel free to reach out and let us know!

Low-Budget, High-Impact Home Updates

 

If you’re looking for a low-budget, high-impact home upgrade or renovation, there are luckily quite a few that can give your home a boost in terms of decor and functionality. In this blog, we’ll cover a few quick renovation tricks for a variety of rooms and spaces in and around your home. No matter whether you’re selling your home or staying for a while, we’d recommend adding at least one of these upgrades to your “to-do” list this year.

 

Kitchen Upgrades

 

Kitchen upgrades are a great choice because there’s so much to choose from. When you’re assessing your options, consider both functional upgrades and decor-centric ones. They can both be incredibly beneficial in the long-term because of how frequently you’ll spend time in space, and how often you’ll use the appliances. 

 

If you’re looking for something simple, try adding a backsplash or a fresh coat of paint. You can also play around with adding smaller indoor plants and low-maintenance succulents to freshen the look and feel of the space. Countertops would be a mid-range update, but are very impactful on the overall look of the kitchen. For something a bit more large-scale, consider modifying or updating your kitchen storage. If your home has an eat-in kitchen, consider replacing the table and/or chairs with something more modern or stylized. You can play with the idea of different shapes and sizes to fit your dining needs.

 

Living Space Upgrades

 

Most low-budget, high-impact updates for your living spaces are decor-centric, as purchasing a bunch of new furniture can add up and become very expensive. This is why we would recommend looking at what’s available in terms of used or recycled furniture, just in case you’re able to find something that fits your stylistic needs for a reasonable price. 

 

As with any room in your home, a fresh coat of paint can drastically change the overall look and feel. In addition, try adding some matching throw pillows or blankets to your couches and chairs to tie everything together. These spaces could also likely benefit from indoor plants. They come in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes to fit your decor, all while improving overall air quality. If you don’t have time to take care of them, consider faux plants or other low-maintenance options, such as succulents. 

 

If you’re looking to add more space, try hanging a mirror on a relatively empty wall to make the room feel much larger. Mirrors can come in many shapes and sizes with different frames to perfectly match your decor. Taking down a non load-bearing wall can also increase space, but you must plan carefully as it can become very expensive if any complications present themselves. Consider electrical and plumbing components inside the walls, ceiling and flooring repairs before settling on this option.

 

Bathroom Upgrades

 

Bathroom upgrades give you some added versatility since there are often multiple bathrooms in your home. As with other spaces in your home, consider a fresh coat of paint or a change in colour. Also consider adding plants to your bathrooms that benefit from high moisture, especially in your master bathroom or bathrooms that feature a shower. Try implementing stylized rugs or mats to add some diversity to the floor. If you can, find towels that complement them and tie the room together.

 

Questions?

 

If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! We have a vast network of qualified experts to help you achieve your real estate goals.

 

 

Preparing your Home for Sale

 

Getting your home ready to hit the market is a critical step in a successful sale. You want to make sure that you’re putting your best foot forward. In this blog, we’re going to cover a few quick tips and tricks to make sure your house is one to remember.

 

What should you be doing?

 

First, make sure to depersonalize your spaces. This is because you want prospective buyers to imagine their own living space, rather than feeling like they’ve intruded on yours. Then, declutter your home and rearrange furniture to create more space for visitors to relax and explore. Decorate your home so that it highlights the unique features and selling points which others of the same vintage or in the same area may not have.

 

Lighting is a crucial step when you prepare for an open house. Making your home brighter can be a great way to show off your kitchen, foyer or other communal spaces in your home. Consider replacing your lighting or adding lamps to darker rooms. Draw back curtains, blinds and take measures to brighten your spaces to make them feel more inviting and welcoming. If there are any spaces that could benefit from natural light, let it in.

Make sure your outdoor spaces have been maintained as well as possible, measures being different depending on the season. During the warmer months, make sure to keep your lawn cut, trees trimmed and your gardens pruned. During the colder months, remember to salt your driveway and walkways frequently to keep visitors safe. Also make sure to create an inviting front porch to attract more potential buyers and welcome them to your home.

 

What shouldn’t you be doing?

 

Don’t leave a mess! Any dust, stains or other small messes can leave a bad impression on your guests. Don’t leave anything personal like documents, medications or fragile items sitting on shelves or behind cupboard doors. Guests sometimes like to open cabinets and drawers to see how much space they provide.

 

Any more questions?

If you have any further questions about preparing your home for sale, feel free to reach out and ask away! We’ll be happy to help you with your needs.