As the saying goes, don’t judge a book by its cover – except, of course, when we’re talking about Real Estate, we all know Buyers do that exact thing! When buyers are home hunting, curb appeal can be a major factor on whether or not they want to take a closer look inside. Here are 3 easy curb appeal tips to set your listing apart from the others on the block.
Dazzle Your Buyers With Lighting
From taking the perfect selfie to making your home brighter, we can all agree that lighting is important. Not only should you ensure all light bulbs are working correctly, but make sure that your lighting fixtures are clean, stylish, and in good condition. If you have it in the budget, updating your light fixtures can have a large impact on your curb appeal.
Keep Your Lawn Trimmed
There is nothing like an unkempt lawn to turn away buyers! Tending to your lawn is important whether you’re selling or not, but ensuring your grass is healthy and regularly cut will be a big key to your success. If your lawn isn’t quite as green as you would like it, you can also spray your lawn with a green spray paint that is created specifically for grass and is both non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
Groom Your Bushes
Not everyone has a green thumb, but even if your gardens aren’t the envy of the neighbourhood, you can still ensure they are clean and well maintained. Overgrown flowers and bushes can be unappealing and turn away potential buyers, and taking care of them is simple. All you will need is a pair of garden shears and a little elbow grease and your yard will be in tiptop shape in no time!
Don’t forget!… The easiest thing you can do is to keep your driveway clean and clear. Make sure those recycling bins are put away and keep the driveway clear of garbage and debris including weeds.
The best part about summer curb appeal is it doesn’t need to be an annoying task you put off for weeks. Wait for a weekend where the sun is shining bright and the air is warm, and start checking these items off your list.
As we move into the Summer Market, as expected we have begun to see the next phase of growth and market recovery. For the fourth month in a row, over 200 properties were sold in our community during the month proving that there are plenty of opportunities for both Buyers and Sellers alike. The average sale price is up around 6% compared to 2022 however, it’s also worth noting that compared to pre pandemic numbers, we’re still seeing a 77% increase.
In our local communities, we saw prices rise in Tay and Tiny whilst the needle didn’t move in Midland. We are still seeing more than 10% increases in Active Listings which is helping the prices continue to even out after the highs of the market in the spring/summer of 2022. There’s lots of opportunities for everyone so give us a call today!
Summer has arrived on Georgian Bay, and many Canadians consider this a great time to buy recreational property – especially in our beautiful communities.
The Canadian real estate market had record-breaking activity during the coronavirus pandemic, but now market conditions have normalised again, with many markets shifting into balanced territory. Consumer confidence is improving, and with “cottage season” in full swing, the recreational property market is hot.
Statistics show that nearly 11 per cent of Canadians own a cottage, and around the same number of people aim to purchase one in the coming years.
The biggest motivator to purchase a recreational property? The quality of life many believe these properties offer. Another major motivator is the belief that homeowners can pass these recreational properties down to their families for future generations to create memories. In addition, another notable reason for considering the purchase of recreational property is to earn rental income.
The Canadian real estate market is showing signs of renewed life – especially in our community. Home sales increased 5.1 per cent month-over-month in May, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Moreover, the number of newly listed properties increased by 6.8 per cent. While property prices have somewhat stabilised compared to the high prices during the pandemic, the market is fairly stable.
However, supply for recreational properties can still be challenging as the number of buyers during peak season can make prices more competitive for buyers.
To Buy or Not to Buy a Cottage
Whatever the reasons, people who spent winter days itching to spend some quality time with their loved ones can now start looking for the ideal recreational property.
There are many possibilities:
Beachfront properties located along beautiful waters and offer easy access to beaches, water sports, and coastal living.
Lakefront properties situated near lakes provide opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and other water-based activities.
Cabins that are nestled in beautiful locations and are perfect for hiking, biking, and wildlife exploration.
Golf course properties are ideal for avid golfers.
Put simply, there is a lot to choose from.
If you are serious about purchasing a recreational property, this is the time to get into action as demand is usually very high this season, and availability and prices could be competitive depending on where you want to buy such a property. Industry observers typically recommend considering your interests and activities that you prefer so that you can find the best property that aligns with your recreational pursuits.
At the same time, ensuring you have the financial means and stability to take on such an initiative before jumping into this major buying decision is imperative. You should consider a broad array of factors, such as interest rates, financing options, and your ability to handle the additional expenses associated with owning a recreational property.
If your primary goal is to purchase recreational property for personal use, these factors become even more significant. If you are looking for an investment property, it is vital to consider which type of property and location would give you the most value.
In most cases, the most important factors when evaluating a recreational property would be proximity to desired activities (boating, swimming, or golfing). Another component might be the infrastructure and amenities of the neighbourhood, which can also make a big difference. Safety and security are always worthy criteria for buyers.
Must Haves and Nice to Haves
Ultimately, the best type of recreational property is the location, activities, and prices that suit you and your family. Indeed, for those interested in recreational properties, this might be the right time to study the market trends, visit different neighbourhoods that match your vision, and find a trusted real estate agent to help you achieve your goals.
With cottage season in full swing, there will likely be more buyers than the available supply. Contact your For Sale On Georgian Bay agent and start your search now.
