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Dreaming of buying your first home? Here are five ways to financially prepare for this major milestone!

You get what you give. #MondayMotivation

Wishing you and yours health and prosperity this year!

F O C U S #MondayMotivation

As we approach the new year, it's a great time to FOCUS on what we want for our future. What’s your word of the year or goal for 2021? Try to only pick one!

With the holidays looking very different this year for most of us, we're letting our minds wander. From a house full of family and friends to a couples' retreat on the beach - what does your dream holiday vacation look like? Here's hoping that dream comes true next year!

Welcome to our new weekly series that highlights the essential parts of a real estate transaction, along with how we approach each piece of the puzzle. This month, we'll be highlighting the selling experience and what you'll need to consider on your journey to SOLD. First up, pricing. Pricing it right is a key factor in finding the right buyer for anything, especially one of the largest transactions of your lifetime - your property! Information is key to determining a numbe...r that you're not only comfortable with, but that also aligns with market expectations. Sell the way that suits you best. https://propertyguys.com/sell

#TipTuesday - Snow Thank You With showing requests possible at any time, try to stay on top of the clearing (and salting!) of all drive and walkways outside of your home. Nothing will lower the excitement for a potential buyer faster than if they’re forced to shuffle-skate to your front door!

Staging Tip Scale: Furniture that dominates space can be visually (and physically) overwhelming. Anything too big should be moved into storage or complemented by smaller accent pieces to create a sense of balance. #TipTuesday

#MondayMotivation

Keep moving! #MondayMotivation

Wishin you a wonderful holiday!

Need a change? Go big! By choosing to add or replace items that take up the most space (i.e. rugs, curtains, walls, even light fixtures) you can create a major instant update to any room. #TipTuesday

While we had fun chatting with our friends at Aha Insurance for this spooky piece, home disclosures can certainly haunt buyers and sellers. Check out the list of what to shed light on and what's better left in the dark!

Open concept - yay or nay?

Do you have any family traditions this time of year? From Christmas Eve pjs to volunteering in your community, we want to hear what you look forward to every year.

Great advice #MondayMotivation

#TipTuesday - Stick to your budget It can be tempting to look at houses at the top of your pre-approved mortgage amount but resisting that urge could lead to prolonged financial stability. By purchasing a home that you can comfortably afford if something goes wrong, you’ll have a better quality of life (less stress!) and be able to invest additional income into other long term financial goals. This is especially true in a hot market - you’ll want to look at properties below your price limit to give you wiggle room in negotiating a deal among potential competing offers.

#TipTuesday: Get the best mortgage rate A mortgage rate is the interest rate you pay to borrow money to buy a home. That means that the lower the rate, the less money you will pay over the length of your mortgage. But how do you find the best rate? Mortgage brokers have access to more lenders than simply one bank so they can help present you with the best options for your unique situation and lifestyle. Connect with an experienced mortgage broker, get pre-approved, or get a second opinion at https://propertyguys.com/mortgage

Where is your dream winter destination? We can still dream!

What’s a movie that you always watch over the holidays?

One at a time. When it comes to furnishing your home on a budget, it's best to play the long game. Focus on one big investment piece per year and before you know it, you will have a home full of quality pieces that move with you. #TipTuesday

We interrupt your regularly scheduled real estate related #TipTuesday feed to address any holiday stress you might be feeling. With last-minute shopping, plans up in the air, and this season looking different for many families, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed by it all. Take a deep breath, you’ve got this. And you know what they say - when life gives you lemons... smell them! According to researchers at Ohio State University, lemon scents instantly boost your mood. It won’t solve the world’s problems, but it’s a simple trick to maybe save some of your sanity through a stressful time. Bonus: buy a bunch and display them in a bowl on the counter to add a splash of colour to your kitchen.

Editing is key! #MondayMotivation

#TipTuesday: Lights on! Before a showing, you want to ensure that prospective buyers will feel welcome - that includes turning on lights in the main rooms. It's a bit awkward to flick them on and off while giving a tour, so turning them on a few minutes before will make the process as smooth and inviting as possible.

Another fall maintenance checklist, in case there’s still a few tasks on your list (or you got overwhelmed and threw the last list the garbage). You’ve got this!

Sometimes the #MondayMotivation you need is found in a Disney character.

Remember #MondayMotivation

Which is your favourite?

#MondayMotivation

#TipTuesday: Hire an Inspector Home inspections are an important part of the buying process and shouldn’t be ignored. Inspectors help you identify any issues with the condition of the property and protect your investment by ensuring that you have all of the information to feel confident in your purchase. They can point out repairs or potential problems in their report that you can then decide if you are fine with addressing once you’ve taken possession, or if it’s something you want to negotiate for the homeowner to take care of prior to closing. In any case, information is power and a home inspection will ensure that you have the complete picture of the property you’re excited to soon call home!

Myth: Agents have ALL the buyers Fact: We hear this one all the time and in reality, many agents only wish this was true. More and more buyers today seek properties independently online - especially this past year with virtual tours taking centre stage. Today's savvy buyers are "property-centric" not "agent-centric" meaning they are likely to navigate the buying process with or without an agent. In keeping their options open (including working with open-minded agents), they have more flexibility to find the property that's right for them. Many private buyers are searching for their next home online right now!

Keep moving. #MondayMotivation

Summer is the most anticipated and busiest season to try to tackle home projects, with most of our weekends spent doing fun activities! Enter fall, the season where we take a breath and maybe (finally) complete the improvement to-do list. Here are a few of our favourites to add value to your home.

Start now. #MondayMotivation

While you know we’re partial to BRIGHT colours, we are loving Foggy Morning and Aegean Teal to spruce up our space in 2021 What’s your favourite from Benjamin Moore’s 2021 colour trends collection?

What's your pumpkin personality?

#TipTuesday - See it in person While technology has made the search for your future home easier than ever before, it’s still important to see a property in person before you buy it. If that’s not possible due to distance or timing, try to have a friend or family member check it out for you. There are simply a few things that you can’t get from photos. For example, the layout of the property might be confusing through pictures (is that bathroom off of the kitchen?), the neighbours or neighbourhood might leave something to be desired (is there a train in the backyard?) or perhaps there’s a strong odour in the home that you’re not aware of (you must know about musty smells!) While virtual tours can provide an online open house, nothing beats the real thing when making your final decision.

#TipTuesday - Turn Up the Heat With the colder months officially upon us, ensure that you are keeping the temperature inside your home inviting and warm especially during showings. A frigid house could alarm potential buyers and have them thinking there may be a larger, underlying issue at hand. In addition to that, a buyer is way less likely to linger and really appreciate your home if they can’t feel their toes! Bonus points if you have a cozy fireplace to add even more warmth to their home tour.

Considering selling? Don't make this mistake!

Who else could use a coffee break on this deck today?

Own the day! #MondayMotivation

What are your favourite family-friendly fall activities? Say that 10 times fast! But seriously, please share your top local spots to visit with us - we want to make a bucket list (or maybe a bingo card ) to do them all this year!

#TipTuesday: Fall Clean-Up! Some years we're on the ball, and others we forget half of our important fall clean up duties! That's why it's handy to have a list to check off all the chores we need to do in order to prepare our properties for the winter months. Print off this handy to-do list from our friends at Hunker and get busy! We know what we're doing for the next few weekends https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com//1aa23d67cf4b463d908a0d

#InternationalDayofPeace #MondayMotivation

You've just received an offer... now what? We've got your back. Check out the top three things to keep in mind when negotiating.

We still love to carve and illuminate a spooky pumpkin. If you’re the same, here are some free templates to get you started!

When we say that real estate is broken, here's one of the reasons why: the average commission has become way too expensive for Canadians. We speak with people every day who struggle to find value in the cost of the traditional model. Especially in a recession, buyers and sellers are looking to maximize their money. If you find yourself needing to make a move in the near future, send us a message! We're here to explain and explore the options available to you so that you can buy and sell on your own terms. Find the way that suits YOU best.

What is the most important feature of your house hunting wishlist? Is it the neighbourhood? Outdoor space? Ceiling height? School district? Let us know!

We have to admit, sometimes things get shoved in a closet (or under the sink) without a second thought to functionality. Out of sight, out of mind - right? Well, we recently discovered these organization tricks that we had to share. We've already bought a shoe-organizer for our paper towel rolls #TipTuesday https://www.thekitchn.com/costco-organizing-hacks-on-pinter

Can you think of anything?

Keep going! #MondayMotivation

What's your outdoor holiday decor personality? White lights or coloured? Do you go all-out or is maybe a simple wreath on the door where you draw the line?

Today we are throwing it back to February (which feels like a lifetime ago) when we were face-to-face with our entire PropertyGuys.com family in Canmore, AB. We were able to attend our national conference just a couple of weeks before the pandemic. We are SO grateful for this time together earlier this year, especially since we've already moved our 2021 conference to a virtual event. Until we can hug again, guys!

Myth: You Will Be Alone When it comes to private sale, there are still some myths flying around that we are happy to clear up for today's modern buyers and sellers! One common misconception about selling your home yourself is that you will have to do it BY YOURSELF. While that may be true in the traditional "For Sale By Owner" approach, we prefer to do things differently. What you may not know is that each PropertyGuys.com franchise location is independently owned and op...erated, which means that you get local expertise and support throughout your journey. In addition, our proudly Canadian corporate office is fully-staffed with knowledgeable private sale specialists who are ready to answer your calls and questions - 7 days a week! We are here for you. #TruthTuesday

Do you ever avoid tasks for weeks or months that would realistically take less than 15 minutes to complete? We can relate! Let's cross those off once and for all before the fall! Fill in the blank

We LOVE clearing out clutter, especially as the seasons change. And who doesn't enjoy having some extra money in the bank? Whether you're planning a move or preparing to hibernate - a yard sale can help you get rid of unwanted items and restore a sense of order to your home. Here are some great tips for pulling off a successful yard sale. (Spoiler alert: it takes more thought and planning than dumping everything on a table the day of) https://unclutteredsimplicity.com/stress-free-yard-sale-ti/

Make it worth your energy! #MondayMotivation

In honour of Labour Day, we dedicate this #MondayMotivation quote to our employees, franchisees, customers, and team members from coast-to-coast. We hope you always enjoy your work and thank you for everything you do to contribute to The Future of Real Estate. #TeamWork #LoveWhatYouDo

Meet Chantille. With help from our team in Moncton, NB, she was able to sell her property this fall and keep more money for her family's next chapter. What would you do with an extra $50,000 in the bank?

We're feeling very grateful today and wanted to share the love with you! A huge THANK YOU to all of our local customers as well as the hundreds of buyers and sellers from coast-to-coast who have trusted us with their moves over the past 6 months. We know that this has been a tough year, and we're happy to have been able to alleviate some stress during the uncertainty. We look forward to continuing to serve you from near and far, from 6ft apart and virtually, whatever way that suits you best. #OneSizeDoesntFitAll #TakeControl

The age-old debate: real tree or artificial tree? We'll save our preference for now, so tell us what your family likes best!

#TipTuesday: ‘Tis the Season Take advantage of the holiday season and add extra warmth to your home by selecting a decorative wreath for the front door and tasteful (not excessive) decor inside. Buyers want to picture themselves living there and making it their home - so what better way to pull at their heartstrings than to help them imagine the holidays with their own family?

Many of us use the change of the seasons to make changes in our daily routines. Do you use fall as a time to reset? How? #LevelUp

"Can you believe it's already September?" - Everyone (at least once) today This #TipTuesday we're hoping you can share YOUR best tips. With back to school looking very different for many students this year, what have you learned, heard, or done to make the transition easier? Share your best #BacktoSchool2020 tips with us in the comments!

It's worth it. #MondayMotivation

Lean into it. #MondayMotivation

Ah, the age-old office debate - what's your favourite season?

#TipTuesday: The "Go" Bag Selling your home with kids to keep busy can be stressful, so it’s best to be as prepared as possible in advance. Have a bag by the door and fill it with: snacks, water, crafts and toys to keep the little ones occupied while your home is being shown to potential buyers.

Which would you rather: a built-in fireplace or fish tank?

In case you didn't realize...

#TipTuesday: Don't be afraid to go dark. There's a common misconception that black makes a room feel smaller when the opposite is more often the case! Black recedes, which makes it a great choice to incorporate into your decor, especially as an accent wall. Not to mention that it's a colour that is associated with timelessness and luxury - proving that the absence of light doesn't mean the absence of style!

Depending on the heat, this seems like a no-brainer - but homeownership with a pool does come with additional maintenance. What do you think?

Help us out - what's the worst part about moving? Packing? Lifting? Unpacking? Switching your services and address? Let us know below!

#TipTuesday: Every room should have a purpose. If your home has a spare room or two, try to make the best possible use out of them by showing potential buyers what they could be. Ensure any spaces you’ve used to store odds & ends (AKA junk rooms) are cleaned up and cleared out before any showings. If you have to, borrow or rent furniture to create a welcoming atmosphere in otherwise empty or undefined rooms. It will pay off!

Commit to putting in the work. #MondayMotivation

Did you know? In 2007, hotelier and real estate magnate, Leona Helmsley (the Queen of Mean), passed away and left $12 million in her will to her dog, Trouble.

#TipTuesday: Clear the Cobwebs! A quick and easy rule-of-thumb when you’re getting ready to put your home on the market is to LOOK UP! We can often become desensitized to certain areas of our own home but remember, your buyers are looking at your space with fresh eyes and are usually (and rightfully) going to be critical. Set some time aside to give your ceiling fans and light fixtures a little extra TLC by clearing away any cobwebs, dead bugs and grime. There’s a very good chance your buyer will also want these fixtures included in the sale, so get a head start and shine ‘em up!

Dream big & help as many people as possible. #MondayMotivation

First-time home buyers - keep these tips handy to navigate your buying journey.

Ever wondered about the ins and outs of home insurance? Ok, maybe that's not at the top of anyone's mind, however, it's often as important to have and it is to know what it does for you. Our friends at aha insurance have got you covered.

What's your favourite pet? Why?

Yes, this is a real real estate photo we found on the internet What do you think the description was? Caption below

You can never go wrong with a white kitchen. It's instantly bright and you can add colour through artwork, bar stools, plants and counter essentials (we're looking at you, bowl of beautiful lemons!) Classics never go out of style. #TipTuesday

Today's #TipTuesday is all about BUYERS! When you’re buying a home - you’re also buying into an entire neighbourhood! If it’s feasible, take a drive out to the home(s) you’re interested in and get a lay of the land first. Are you as close as you want to be to the local amenities? Is the local school reputable? Are the surrounding homes well taken care of? Spend some time driving around and getting a feel for the streets you will be taking every single day. If you can’t do that, take a trip through the neighbourhood online by using tools such as Google Streetview or Google Earth to map things out. You may be surprised by how much time you can save and how many homes you can eliminate off of your list by using this method.

Make it happen! #MondayMotivation

If you have the day off today, we hope you're taking advantage of recharging your batteries. Rest is just as important as hard work. #MondayMotivation

Get your home show- (and photo-) ready with these five simple steps

What is one thing you wish your current property had? #QOTD

#TipTuesday: Keep it fresh We spend a lot of time in our homes and therefore we can become desensitized (i.e. nose blind) to its old, familiar scent. The last thing you want is for your buyer to be turned off as soon as they walk through your door by an overwhelming smell they aren’t used to. It’s always a good idea to take some extra time before putting your home on the market to eliminate or clean out anything that may be causing unpleasant smells like wash bins/drains, carpets and pet accessories. Open your windows as often as possible to allow fresh air in and try filling your home with natural fragrances such as fresh flowers or brewed coffee before showings.

Find balance. #MondayMotivation