Making Your Home Buying Checklist

In The Checklist Manifesto: How To Get Things Right, author Atul Gawande explains how checklists have significantly improved everything from air travel safety to surgery survival rates. They help pilots, doctors – and everyone else – remember important steps, criteria, and other details that might otherwise be missed. A checklist can be particularly helpful when shopping for a new home. It will help you focus on what you need to see and know, and then help you make the right decisions.

Have you ever viewed a home on the market and forgotten to check something important, such as the property tax expense or the age of the furnace? By having a checklist, you’ll be sure to get this information – and, at the very least, save yourself some time.

There are many ways to create a checklist. You can make one up on your computer and print copies as needed. Alternatively, there are many checklist apps available for your computer, notebook or smart phone. (The basic versions of most of these are free.)

What should you put on your checklist?
Your REALTOR®, who specializes in this neighbourhood, can help. Call me, Paula Mitchell, at 905-454-8900 today!

But What About the Pets?

If you have pets, you probably adore them. They're part of the family! But when you're preparing your home for sale, you need to think about how you're going to deal with the "pet issue". Some potential buyers who view your property may love pets as much as
you do. However, others may be turned off by the tell-tale signs of pet ownership – such as kitty litter, dander, and smells. So be sure to make a plan for how you’re going to deal with your pets.

It's a good idea to keep pets out of the house during viewings. Even if your dog or cat is friendly, some buyers will be uncomfortable around them. So, you'll need to decide where your pets will go when buyers view your property. Consider a local kennel or "pet day camp". "Can't I just take my dog out for a walk?" you might be asking. You could,;
however, you may not always be available to do that during a viewing. So have alternate plans available.

You should also consider how you will deal with pet dander and everyday pet odours. You're probably used to them. Unfortunately, some buyers will be turned off or even be allergic. So, in addition to cleaning your home before a viewing -- especially in those areas where pets spend time like a favourite cushion or scratching post – consider using specialty air sprays available on the market that will neutralize pet odours.

Finally, it's a good idea to advise buyers that they're viewing a home with pets. That way, they'll be more forgiving if they catch a whiff of cat dander.

Need more tips on preparing your home for sale? Call your favorite GTA Realtors at the Paula Mitchell Group today at 905-454-8900!

Tips to Help You Prepare for a Major Move

Whatever the reason or situation, if you’re planning a move in the foreseeable future, remember that advance planning will make a big difference in how smoothly things go, and how quickly you’ll be able to adjust to your new lifestyle and/or surroundings. Here are a few basic steps to follow:

1. Reduce clutter well in advance of moving day. Sorting early means less packing, moving and unpacking. This is critical when downsizing. Since sorting could involve sentimental items, or belongings of grown children now living elsewhere, it’s best separated from the stress of moving day. If necessary, consider renting storage space for these items.

2. If your next home requires a major renovation, consider bridge financing that will allow you to carry two homes at once, thereby making the transition much easier.

3. In addition to predictable one-time costs, such as legal fees, tax adjustments and movers, consider new long term costs, such as utilities, parking, commuting, and insurance fees, especially when moving to or from a more densely populated area.

Happy moving!