The Role of Technology in Real Estate

As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, it has become increasingly important for those in real estate to keep up with the latest innovations that affect the industry. However, familiarizing yourself with the ever-changing landscape of real estate technology can often be a challenge, even for the most tech-savvy of individuals. 

By working with a trusted brokerage like Royal LePage Team Realty, you’ll be able to make the most of the opportunities available to you, allowing you to succeed with confidence and ease. After getting to know you and the situation that you’re in, our knowledgeable agents can identify the most promising tools and applications for your specific needs. Our industry experience and expansive professional network can provide you with a wealth of resources, allowing you to streamline your process and achieve your goals, no matter if you’re a buyer or a seller.

Promotion / Awareness

In the age of the internet, digital promotion is a must. On the one hand, sellers can rest assured that their home is being promoted to as wide an audience as possible.

• Through the MLS® system, your home is exposed to a large number of buyers browsing online.

• Team Realty’s websites, a resource to showcase our client’s listings and any scheduled open houses, in addition to introducing our team of professional real estate agents.

• REALTOR® social media platforms are great for promoting listings and virtual tours.

• Many individual REALTORS® also have websites for promotion of their listings.

On the other hand, it helps buyers find a home that truly checks all of their boxes. Buyers no longer have to wonder if they’re looking at the best option available. Because of the above-mentioned services, it’s much easier than it’s ever been to find a home that meets their short and long-term goals. Through the MLS® system, buyers can filter results by location, price, beds, baths and many other features.

Staging / Showing

The process of staging and showing a home has also become more essential. This was especially true throughout the global pandemic, as many REALTORS® have adapted their practices to include virtual tours and showings, allowing buyers to experience another home from the comfort of their current one. Digitally or virtually staging a home, without materially altering the main components or the perspective of any given room, can be a useful tool for presenting a vacant home online.

Professional photography has always been an effective tool for promotion, and this is especially true now. With advanced technology like 3D cameras and the use of drones, professionals can take incredible shots of the home and property from angles otherwise impossible with a regular camera.

Data Gathering / Analytics

Another strength of digital promotion is that it is often trackable, allowing sellers and their REALTORS® to document any successes or shortcomings the listing may have across various platforms. Many platforms allow us to see how many people have looked at a listing, as well as information on how other competitors in your area may be doing.

Here’s what data analytics may reveal, depending upon the site:

• Number of Views

• Time on Page

• Bounce Rate (How many people left quickly after viewing the listing)

• Location of Visitors and where they originated from

• Conversion Rate (How many took action after viewing the listing)

Documents

There are now many technology services being used by our team of real estate professionals, such as DocuSign, that allow for legal/financial documents to be completed online. This allows:

• The ability to review and sign documents from where and when it is convenient for you.

• Any easy way to organize and access your important files.

• Cloud-based technology which keeps your documents backed up, preventing loss.

• Less of an environmental impact.

Networking

We have access to a vast network of experienced professionals from a wide variety of industries — a network that technology has only strengthened. This makes it easier to help you every step of the way. If you would like to streamline your real estate process as much as possible while also finding the best results, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll be glad to answer any questions you may have.

Preparing Your Home for a Spring Sale

As a homeowner and future seller, it’s important to be aware that the real estate market will fluctuate with the changing seasons. The springtime is typically regarded as the most ideal time for buyers to begin their search due to a variety of factors, such as weather conditions, the school year cycle and the number of homes available. If you’re planning on listing this spring, you’ll need to ensure that your home will stand out and attract more potential buyers, no matter how competitive the market is. To do this, there are a few important actions that need to be taken — well before the snow melts.

Fresh Coat of Paint

There are quite a few touch-ups and repairs that can help your home go the distance in terms of curb appeal and overall attractiveness to potential buyers. For starters, you should consider applying a fresh coat of paint. This not only pertains to the walls and ceilings inside of your home, but the windows, doors, sheds, fences and any other large surfaces found outside. It may not be immediately visible to the naked eye, but the effects of time can wear away at the brightness and boldness of your chosen colours, taking away from your home’s appeal, and ultimately its value.

You don’t always need a drastic change in paint colour, but sometimes one is recommended if your current colours aren’t buyer-friendly. Remember that since your goal is to sell, you should typically paint your home something more neutral, like a white or a cream colour. This way, it’s easier for potential buyers to view the home for what it is, without any bias if they don’t like your stylistic choices.

Upgrade Energy Efficiency

When it comes to the value of your home, energy-efficiency is a significant factor in this day and age. Buyers are more financially and ecologically conscious than ever before, leading to an increase in demand for homes that check off these boxes. Energy efficiency isn’t strictly about appliances, either. This has to do with your home’s ability to keep itself warm in the colder months and maintain healthy airflow in the hotter ones — without running an expensive power bill. Keep your HVAC appliances well-serviced, but also make sure to patch any gaps in your insulation and seal any cracks around your windows and doors where heat may escape.

The use of smart devices, such as smart thermostats, can also help minimize excess energy use. They can be easily customized and pre-programmed to suit your needs, and some can even detect the temperature in your home to optimize power usage accordingly. Through Enbridge, detached, duplex and row townhouse homeowners who heat their home with natural gas may qualify for a $75 discount on the purchase of a smart thermostat. This can help you save now, and in the long run.

Renovations

Renovations can play a large part in the sale of your home. Yes, it’s true that any medium or large-scale renovations require a significant budget — but strategic upgrades can prove to be extremely rewarding as they often provide a healthy return on investment. If your budget is relatively low, consider one of these low-cost, high impact home upgrades.

Kitchens and bathrooms can be a great focal point for your upgrades, as they provide you with many different angles of approach. These spaces are used regularly, providing both visual appeal and functional value to the household. Replacing your appliances can be a great place to start, as they come in great variety and different levels of performance to suit the look, feel and budget you’re aiming for. If you’re going the full distance and remodeling the whole room from scratch, remember to leave some extra wiggle room in your budget for any unforeseen circumstances.

Finishing your basement can also be a great direction for your renovation budget. A finished basement can take on many different functions, such as a home gym, home theatre, home bar or games room. The possibilities are endless, but please note that finished basements will often carry the best return on investment if they’re designed for miscellaneous use. This way, the basement will still look visually appealing, but the purpose of the space will be up to the buyer’s discretion.

Make sure not to go too far with renovations though, as you could risk too much of a visual mismatch between the interior and exterior of your home, or one between rooms. This can lower the value, ultimately reversing any effort you’d put in.

Landscaping & Gardening

Proper landscaping and gardening are effective ways to boost your curb appeal and give a strong first-impression. Not only that, but well-kept outdoor spaces often imply that the home is also in equally good condition. This is incredibly helpful when potential buyers are doing their initial online searches, as it will catch their eye, likely putting you high up on their list of places to visit. A nice-looking property can also pique the curiosity of those passing by, leading to an increase in listing traffic and sometimes more offers coming your way.

• Dethatch your lawns. This involves raking away any dead grass, allowing your grass to absorb sunlight and other critical nutrients for its growth and overall health.
• Aerate your lawn. Aerators are often available for rent or offered as a service by most landscaping companies, depending on what works best for you.
• Consider applying fertilizer. Fertilizer can improve the strength and fullness of your lawn, allowing it to resist the elements better.
• Plan colour coordinated garden spaces in both your front and back yards. Make use of both annuals and perennials to create some diversity. This can help tie your property together visually.

Contact a Skilled Agent

It’s always good to contact a skilled REALTOR® well in advance, as there are many best practices and fine details that need to be addressed ahead of time. In addition to helping recommend which items you should address prior to listing, Royal LePagers have access to an extensive network of experienced professionals from a wide variety of industries (legal, financial, construction, inspection, etc.) to help you close on a successful sale. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.

How does location influence desirability and value?

Location, location, location. You’ve heard it a thousand times when it comes to real estate, and you likely understand what it means. But which aspects of your location are of most influence when it comes to determining the desirability of your property and ultimately affecting its value? In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at which factors play the largest roles in raising or lowering your home value.

Education

The most pressing questions on the minds of young families surround the future and wellbeing of their children. Quality education checks both of these boxes, drastically influencing their decision making. If your home is close to a school with a positive reputation, this can influence  the value of your property upward for those buyers. (Here is a site where you can search for nearby schools.) This is even more the case if your home is within walking distance of the school, as their children won’t have to endure long bus rides. On the flip side, if your home is far from quality education, this can push families away.

Development

If the neighbourhood or community in which you live is currently expanding outward, this can increase the value of your property. People see this as a way to “buy low”, as the value will generally increase as the area develops. As more shops, schools, recreation facilities and other locations open nearby, it becomes a more desirable place to live. Many properties in the downtown core were first purchased for a mere fraction of what they’re worth now, and the same applies to anywhere else.

Businesses, Services, Amenities

Nearby businesses, services and other amenities are a factor in determining property value. Not only is it a matter of convenience, but long commutes and burning gas can add up in a hurry. Similarly, lack of access to public transit can be a dealbreaker, especially if you’re dealing with younger buyers who would prefer to save each dollar they can by taking the bus, train, etcetera.

Parks, Trails

Close proximity to vast outdoor spaces can heavily influence a buyer’s decision. Spaces like these are valuable to those with children, or pets who require frequent exercise. They’re also an ideal spot to meet others in the area with similar interests, growing their social network once they’ve moved in. Parks and walking trails can also function as the perfect recreational space for the buyer if they have an interest in running, hiking, biking or any other outdoor activities.

Noise, Light Pollution

As they expand, noise and light pollution are unfortunately increasingly common in well-developed areas. In a world as loud, busy and chaotic as the 21st century, a sense of peace and escape from the noise and commotion is incredibly desirable for some buyers. If your home is in a suburban or rural location with little to none of either kind of pollution, this is a key feature worth promoting.

Any questions?

If you have any further questions, or would like your home appraised for its value, don’t hesitate to reach out. We have an experienced, qualified team with a network of industry professionals to help you sell your home, or find the next one.

Should you redo your floors?

Floors have a dramatic effect on your home’s decor. If you think about it, they’re some of the largest surfaces inside of your home – meaning they take up quite a lot of the space, visually. Your floors serve a functional purpose too, meaning they may have taken quite a beating over the years. Scuff marks and scratches will slowly start to eat away at the surface as time passes. 

They can be a great place to focus your home upgrades, no matter if you’re looking to transform a room, or the whole level. But what will be the budget? What options do you have in terms of material and style, and what are the pros and cons of each? In this blog, we’ll cover maintenance options, as well as a few different ways you can redo your floors.

Hardwood

Hardwood floors are incredibly popular from both a functional and stylistic perspective. 

Hardwood is often quite durable and low maintenance. It’s a long-lasting option that’s easy to clean, making it a great choice for any household – especially families with children who may cause a mess from time to time. It can also carry great resale value, seeing as it’s generally the most desired finish for buyers. This is compared to something like carpet or tile that may cost time and money to remove.

Hardwood is incredibly versatile in terms of style. The wide variety and different finishes available allow your hardwood floor to fit with almost any decor you would like. In future endeavors, it will allow you to change things up without having to make costly alterations to your floor in order to match. Be aware that not all hardwood floors are the same; some are solid wood and others are pre-engineered wood. Learn the difference prior to setting out on a project of refinishing because the process may be quite different.

Tile

Tile floors are generally found in the bathrooms and kitchens. This is because of their water resistance and durability. But this doesn’t mean you can’t put tile floors in the other spaces of your home. Tiles can come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and styles, allowing you to match a room’s decor with a unique pattern or colour scheme that you feel suits it best. They’re generally very affordable, bearing in mind that it would also depend on quality and availability. 

Like hardwood, this can boost your resale value, since they can generally be labeled as an “upgrade” due to their functional use. They’re also generally made from natural, eco-friendly materials, giving you some added peace of mind.

Concrete

Concrete floors are the ultimate candidate for low maintenance, durability and resistance. It’s a great option for open spaces, especially rooms with lots of running water like kitchens and bathrooms. Like tile, concrete floors can come in a wide variety of style and patterns, allowing you to take them in any direction you’d like.

Do keep in mind that concrete floors are prone to developing cracks with changing temperature, which is especially relevant in our diverse climate. They’re also incredibly hard, which may not be friendly to young children or seniors, or for standing upon for long periods of time.

Marble

Marble floors are incredibly stunning, there’s no doubt about that. They create a sense of luxury and elegance, perfect for large spaces. In terms of functionality, marble carries many of the same benefits and drawbacks as concrete – durable, but incredibly hard. Marble floors are also often very expensive, requiring a high or flexible budget.

Cork

If it fits your budget, cork flooring is chosen when searching for a comfortable flooring alternative, or for its hypoallergenic and eco-friendly characteristics; however achieving these will come at a cost. It is often more expensive that other flooring materials.

Carpet

Carpet floors are a great option for the communal living spaces of the home, like the living room. If you’re looking to create a soft surface or a cozy atmosphere, carpet can be a great choice. Carpeting can also be applied to stairs, which can be helpful as a sort of safety feature if you have any little ones or seniors around regularly.

Do bear in mind however that buyers are not currently keen on carpet floors. If you’re looking to sell, consider removing them and replacing them with something more versatile, like hardwood for example.

Any questions?

If you’re making upgrades to sell, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. We have countless agents with expansive networks to help you streamline your process.

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.