Christy Properties - Real Estate Inc.

03/19/2013

10 FREE home selling tips ................

Easy ways to make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
If You follow these steps, the house will bring the buyers to your door.
Getting ready to sell? Move your property fast – and for the highest selling price possible – with these easy, affordable staging tricks. These deal-sealing changes will make your home attractive to the largest pool of potential buyers, and the best part is, you can start at any stage in the game. Who knows – you may love your home’s new look so much that you decide not to list after all!

1 Paint!
Dollar for dollar, a fresh coat of paint gives you more bang for your decorating buck than anything else. Even if your current palette is relatively new, any scuffs or wear marks will channel an unkempt vibe. And an unusual colour choice – even if the height of fashion – may limit your home’s appeal. So break out that roller and slap on a couple coats of crowd-pleasing warm white or sand paint.

2 Improve the lighting
Replace any dated light fixtures ASAP. How can you tell if it has to go? If it’s over 15 years old and looks it – yet isn’t a vintage (50-75 years old) or antique piece (older) – it should probably go. “Retro” is not something most homebuyers are looking for. You don’t need to break the bank, just head to IKEA or Canadian Tire.

3 De-clutter
Take the collectibles off the mantel, put the mismatched armchair into storage (or better yet, donate it) and pare your closets down to what you’re actually wearing this season, packing away the rest. Ideally, all this extra stuff would head to charity (if in good, saleable condition), the garbage dump, or into storage. The more you store onsite, the more cluttered and small your home appears.
4 Give dated bathrooms a facelift
A nice bath helps sell a house but, don’t invest in a total renovation. Renos are costly, and you won’t recoup your costs unless you find your exact décor doppelganger. Bring an out-of-date bath up to speed with gleaming white walls whether via a fresh coat of white bath and kitchen paint or ceramic tile and new lighting (Home Depot excels at affordable, stylish bathroom vanity lighting). Buy neutral new shower curtains, a simple new bath mat and vanity set, and have fresh flowers in the room during open houses.
5 Take down curtains
Dated window treatments need to come down, pronto (if it’s over 10 years old, get rid of it). If privacy isn’t an issue, just leave the windows bare to maximize natural light and make the room’s dimensions seem more generous. Otherwise, buy basic-issue cotton or linen drapes from Linens ‘N Things or another well-priced retailer. Always tie drapes back during viewings and open houses.
6 Put up mirrors
Make small rooms appear bigger and dark rooms seem brighter by adding an attractive wall mirror. A boxlike dining room will benefit from a leaning floor mirror (Lowes sells well priced ones, and HomeSense often has great deals) and an entranceway more welcoming with a console mirror.

7 Update porch hardware
Increase your home’s curb appeal by updating the hardware on your front porch. Buy a doorknocker or bell, mailbox, kick plate, doorknob and lockset in a set or in complementary styles. Brushed nickel is a neutral finish that will never date, while oil-rubbed bronze is another favourite.

8 And the porch light
Update your porch light to coordinate with the new hardware, if needed. They don’t have to be an exact match or even come from the same period, but the finishes and styles should look pleasing together.

9 Spiff up the front yard
Refresh your front yard according to the season. In spring, summer and fall, trim back dead plants and foliage and plant attractive annuals or perennials in flowerbeds. In winter, keep the walkway shoveled and cut back any tree or shrub branches damaged by heavy snowfall. A pair of planters flanking the front door and filled with seasonal arrangements instantly conveys pride of ownership.

10 Tend the backyard
Simple fix-its will make the most of your existing yard layout. Replace any damaged boards on your deck or fence, and apply a fresh coat of paint, or stain and sealant if the finish needs it. W**d and groom your garden and add some perennials for colour when in-season. If kids’ toys are taking over the space, put some in storage. Think “tidy,” “update” and “refresh”: never do anything costly or major like adding a swimming pool or pond, which may put off potential buyers.

03/18/2013

LOOKING to Buy?. Let's do some home works First.
Ten FREE tips for a First time home buyer

Looking for a first home is exciting, but it can also be stressful. If you are ready to start your journey into home ownership, here are 10 tips to help you get started:

1. Know how much you can afford
Banks and other lenders have formulas to determine how much you can afford to borrow. But they don’t always have your best interest in mind. Crunch the numbers yourself to make sure that you feel confident that you can afford the payments. Don’t forget to factor in child care expenses, retirement savings, and the cost of your lifestyle.

Even though your dream might be to purchase a character home in an established neighbourhood, you might only be working with a budget for a condo. Don’t overbuy on your first home. You’ll end up being better off with smaller +payments on a starter home. You can always move up later on.

2. What’s on your wish list?
Before you start seriously shopping for your first home, you should determine what your needs and wants are. Create a list of features you are willing to compromise on, and ones that you need to have. By doing this, you will be able to narrow your house search down to properties that really fit your needs.

3. Aim for a 20% down payment but it is not mandatory. Even 5% down payment will do Depending on credit and good Income.
Your down payment should be at least 5 per cent of the price, but it is highly recommended that all first time home buyer aim to put down 20 per cent of the value of the home in order to qualify for a conventional mortgage. If you have money in your RRSPs, you can use up to $25,000 towards the purchase of your first home.

Also it is crucial to remember that what you have saved for a down payment isn’t necessarily the amount you will end up using. You might want to keep back a little cash for closing costs, minor repairs or furniture for your new home, and moving expenses.

4. Don’t forget about closing costs
Closing costs can range anywhere from 1.5 to 3.5 per cent of the total cost of your home. You might be expected to pay for some or all of the following:
• Home inspection fee
• Legal fees
• Property transfer tax
• Appraisal fee
• Land transfer tax
• Title insurance
• Interest adjustment
• Property and fire insurance

5. Get pre-approved for your mortgage
After you’ve figured out how much you can afford for a down payment, decided what you must have in a property, and budgeted for closing costs, the next step is to contact a bank or mortgage broker in order to get pre-approved for a mortgage.

Getting pre-approved for your mortgage gives you an edge over other people who might be interested in the same property as you. The seller will know that you are a serious buyer, and you are able to confidently negotiate the purchase of a home.

6. Understand the different payment options
You can pay for your mortgage in a variety of ways, including monthly, bi-weekly, and weekly payment options. Paying off your mortgage sooner will save you thousands of dollars in interest costs, while a longer amortization period will reduce your regular payments and frees up cash in your budget. You can use this online mortgage calculator to help you decide what payment schedule is right for you.

Some mortgages also give you the ability to make extra lump sum payments, or the option to skip a payment. Make sure you understand what your options are, and that you are comfortable with the terms.

7. Calculate your moving expenses
Moving can be expensive – especially if you hire a moving company if you’re traveling a long distance. Create a moving budget, and remember to consider all of the hidden costs of moving.

8. Furnishing your new home
I’ve gotten by without having much “grown up” furniture. It wasn’t until last year that I finally owned a couch of my own. I know that when it comes to buying my first place, I will need basic items like a coffee table, dining room set, computer desk, dresser drawers, lamps, and a bed frame. Instead of spending thousands of dollars buying new, most of these items I will purchase second-hand, and then refurbish to fit my own style.

9. Buy with your head, not your heart
Think logically and realistically with the biggest purchase of your life. Letting your emotions overtake common sense might result in paying more for your home either at the point of sale, or over the long run – and you might never recuperate your losses.

10. Once you find your home, stop looking
It’s the golden rule for choosing anything from a car to a wedding dress to a life partner – once you’ve found what you are looking for – stop looking! The same goes for a house. Once you’ve gotten the keys to your home, instead of looking for something better than what you have, focus your energy on making the space your own.

Good Luck

03/13/2013

Attention Newly Weds or Nearly Weds,
This is a special deal that I have created just for you. Let me help make the process of finding the perfect home less stressful and rewarding. For more information; call or email.
Cheers
Christy J. Emmanuel

03/12/2013

Dream come true.

03/12/2013

03/12/2013

LUXURY HOME, luxurious & Elegant! This Magnificent Builder's Home Is Abutting Pebblestone Golf Course On 1.20 Acres Lot. Over 5000 Sq Ft Of Lavishly Finished Above Ground Space. Over $200K Spent On Recent Renovations. Oak Hardwood Floors Throughout, Marble Flrs, Custom Kitchen With Wood Stove Bbq, Granite Tops, Centre Island And Top Of The Line Appliances. 8 Jet Double Shower & Separate whirlpool bath With Enormous View From Master Ensuite

03/12/2013

Canadian Housing market is still stronger and growing.
Canadian home sales edge higher in January
Ottawa, ON, February 15, 2013 - According to statistics[1] released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national home sales activity edged up on a month-over-month basis in January 2013. National sales activity has held fairly steady after gearing down last August in the wake of tightened mortgage lending rules.
Highlights:
• National home sales rose 1.3% from December to January.
• Actual (not seasonally adjusted) activity came in 5.2% under levels in January 2012.
• The number of newly listed homes rose 1.6% from December to January.
• The Canadian housing market remains firmly in balanced territory.
• National average sale price was up 2% year-over-year in January.
• The MLS® HPI rose 3.1% in January, the smallest gain since April 2011.

03/11/2013

Spotless Amberlea Beauty! Modern Reno 3 Bed Bungalow W/Double Car Garage! Stunning Open Concept Bsmt In-Law Suite! 2 Renovated Kit W/Granite Countertops & Glass Tile Backsplash, 3 Totally Renovated Bathrooms Including Stunning Master W/Glass Shower And Soaker Tub. Bright Above Grade Windows In In-Law Suite, Sparkling Hrdwd Upstairs & Modern Dark Laminate In Bsmt. W/O To Deck/Vaulted Ceilings In Bedrooms. All Just Steps To Schools, Parks, Transit & 401/407

03/11/2013

03/11/2013

LOOKING to Buy?. Let's do some home works First.
Ten FREE tips for a First time home buyer

Looking for a first home is exciting, but it can also be stressful. If you are ready to start your journey into home ownership, here are 10 tips to help you get started:

1. Know how much you can afford
Banks and other lenders have formulas to determine how much you can afford to borrow. But they don’t always have your best interest in mind. Crunch the numbers yourself to make sure that you feel confident that you can afford the payments. Don’t forget to factor in child care expenses, retirement savings, and the cost of your lifestyle.

Even though your dream might be to purchase a character home in an established neighbourhood, you might only be working with a budget for a condo. Don’t overbuy on your first home. You’ll end up being better off with smaller +payments on a starter home. You can always move up later on.

2. What’s on your wish list?
Before you start seriously shopping for your first home, you should determine what your needs and wants are. Create a list of features you are willing to compromise on, and ones that you need to have. By doing this, you will be able to narrow your house search down to properties that really fit your needs.

3. Aim for a 20% down payment but it is not mandatory. Even 5% down payment will do Depending on credit and good Income.
Your down payment should be at least 5 per cent of the price, but it is highly recommended that all first time home buyer aim to put down 20 per cent of the value of the home in order to qualify for a conventional mortgage. If you have money in your RRSPs, you can use up to $25,000 towards the purchase of your first home.

Also it is crucial to remember that what you have saved for a down payment isn’t necessarily the amount you will end up using. You might want to keep back a little cash for closing costs, minor repairs or furniture for your new home, and moving expenses.

4. Don’t forget about closing costs
Closing costs can range anywhere from 1.5 to 3.5 per cent of the total cost of your home. You might be expected to pay for some or all of the following:
• Home inspection fee
• Legal fees
• Property transfer tax
• Appraisal fee
• Land transfer tax
• Title insurance
• Interest adjustment
• Property and fire insurance

5. Get pre-approved for your mortgage
After you’ve figured out how much you can afford for a down payment, decided what you must have in a property, and budgeted for closing costs, the next step is to contact a bank or mortgage broker in order to get pre-approved for a mortgage.

Getting pre-approved for your mortgage gives you an edge over other people who might be interested in the same property as you. The seller will know that you are a serious buyer, and you are able to confidently negotiate the purchase of a home.

6. Understand the different payment options
You can pay for your mortgage in a variety of ways, including monthly, bi-weekly, and weekly payment options. Paying off your mortgage sooner will save you thousands of dollars in interest costs, while a longer amortization period will reduce your regular payments and frees up cash in your budget. You can use this online mortgage calculator to help you decide what payment schedule is right for you.

Some mortgages also give you the ability to make extra lump sum payments, or the option to skip a payment. Make sure you understand what your options are, and that you are comfortable with the terms.

7. Calculate your moving expenses
Moving can be expensive – especially if you hire a moving company if you’re traveling a long distance. Create a moving budget, and remember to consider all of the hidden costs of moving.

8. Furnishing your new home
I’ve gotten by without having much “grown up” furniture. It wasn’t until last year that I finally owned a couch of my own. I know that when it comes to buying my first place, I will need basic items like a coffee table, dining room set, computer desk, dresser drawers, lamps, and a bed frame. Instead of spending thousands of dollars buying new, most of these items I will purchase second-hand, and then refurbish to fit my own style.

9. Buy with your head, not your heart
Think logically and realistically with the biggest purchase of your life. Letting your emotions overtake common sense might result in paying more for your home either at the point of sale, or over the long run – and you might never recuperate your losses.

10. Once you find your home, stop looking
It’s the golden rule for choosing anything from a car to a wedding dress to a life partner – once you’ve found what you are looking for – stop looking! The same goes for a house. Once you’ve gotten the keys to your home, instead of looking for something better than what you have, focus your energy on making the space your own.

Good Luck

03/11/2013

10 FREE home selling tips ................

Easy ways to make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
If You follow these steps, the house will bring the buyers to your door.
Getting ready to sell? Move your property fast – and for the highest selling price possible – with these easy, affordable staging tricks. These deal-sealing changes will make your home attractive to the largest pool of potential buyers, and the best part is, you can start at any stage in the game. Who knows – you may love your home’s new look so much that you decide not to list after all!

1 Paint!
Dollar for dollar, a fresh coat of paint gives you more bang for your decorating buck than anything else. Even if your current palette is relatively new, any scuffs or wear marks will channel an unkempt vibe. And an unusual colour choice – even if the height of fashion – may limit your home’s appeal. So break out that roller and slap on a couple coats of crowd-pleasing warm white or sand paint.

2 Improve the lighting
Replace any dated light fixtures ASAP. How can you tell if it has to go? If it’s over 15 years old and looks it – yet isn’t a vintage (50-75 years old) or antique piece (older) – it should probably go. “Retro” is not something most homebuyers are looking for. You don’t need to break the bank, just head to IKEA or Canadian Tire.

3 De-clutter
Take the collectibles off the mantel, put the mismatched armchair into storage (or better yet, donate it) and pare your closets down to what you’re actually wearing this season, packing away the rest. Ideally, all this extra stuff would head to charity (if in good, saleable condition), the garbage dump, or into storage. The more you store onsite, the more cluttered and small your home appears.
4 Give dated bathrooms a facelift
A nice bath helps sell a house but, don’t invest in a total renovation. Renos are costly, and you won’t recoup your costs unless you find your exact décor doppelganger. Bring an out-of-date bath up to speed with gleaming white walls whether via a fresh coat of white bath and kitchen paint or ceramic tile and new lighting (Home Depot excels at affordable, stylish bathroom vanity lighting). Buy neutral new shower curtains, a simple new bath mat and vanity set, and have fresh flowers in the room during open houses.
5 Take down curtains
Dated window treatments need to come down, pronto (if it’s over 10 years old, get rid of it). If privacy isn’t an issue, just leave the windows bare to maximize natural light and make the room’s dimensions seem more generous. Otherwise, buy basic-issue cotton or linen drapes from Linens ‘N Things or another well-priced retailer. Always tie drapes back during viewings and open houses.
6 Put up mirrors
Make small rooms appear bigger and dark rooms seem brighter by adding an attractive wall mirror. A boxlike dining room will benefit from a leaning floor mirror (Lowes sells well priced ones, and HomeSense often has great deals) and an entranceway more welcoming with a console mirror.

7 Update porch hardware
Increase your home’s curb appeal by updating the hardware on your front porch. Buy a doorknocker or bell, mailbox, kick plate, doorknob and lockset in a set or in complementary styles. Brushed nickel is a neutral finish that will never date, while oil-rubbed bronze is another favourite.

8 And the porch light
Update your porch light to coordinate with the new hardware, if needed. They don’t have to be an exact match or even come from the same period, but the finishes and styles should look pleasing together.

9 Spiff up the front yard
Refresh your front yard according to the season. In spring, summer and fall, trim back dead plants and foliage and plant attractive annuals or perennials in flowerbeds. In winter, keep the walkway shoveled and cut back any tree or shrub branches damaged by heavy snowfall. A pair of planters flanking the front door and filled with seasonal arrangements instantly conveys pride of ownership.

10 Tend the backyard
Simple fix-its will make the most of your existing yard layout. Replace any damaged boards on your deck or fence, and apply a fresh coat of paint, or stain and sealant if the finish needs it. W**d and groom your garden and add some perennials for colour when in-season. If kids’ toys are taking over the space, put some in storage. Think “tidy,” “update” and “refresh”: never do anything costly or major like adding a swimming pool or pond, which may put off potential buyers.