Real Estate Ugly Ducklings
A few years ago, I left my pie the sky (a 720 sq. ft. condo on the 50th floor in the heart of Toronto) and purchased a house in the east end of the city. I was a little uncertain as to what I could afford and what I really wanted, but I knew I was ready to venture back to a lifestyle minus elevators and a little away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. After seeing a number of homes, I finally stumbled across a house that was… Read the rest
Sellers: Thinking of Renovating To Sell?
Thinking of renovating before you sell to fetch a higher sale price? Potential home buyers are often searching for properties that are in “move-in” condition, not wanting to incur added costs or take on the inconvenience of renovating their new homes.
The top two renovated rooms for the highest return are the kitchen and the bathroom. Not to be overlooked are flooring and wall finishes. There are a few simple ways to improve and enhance these areas for the most impact without breaking the bank.
The Kitchen
The kitchen… Read the rest
The 10 must-have features in today’s new homes
Paul Cardis, CEO of AVID Ratings Co., which conducts an annual survey of homebuyer preferences, said there are 10 “must” features in new homes:
1. Large kitchens, with an island. “If you’re going to spend design dollars, spend them where people want them—spend them in the kitchen,” McCune said. Granite countertops are a must for move-up buyers and buyers of custom homes, but for others “they are on the bubble,” Cardis said.
2. Energy-efficient appliances, high-efficiency insulation and high window efficiency. Among the “green” features touted in homes, these are… Read the rest
