Rosetta O'Kane

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

The inspirational book by Dr. Seuss, "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" is often gifted to students upon graduation to encourage them to always keep moving forward through life's challenges. Interestingly, the timeless messages contained in the book can also be applied to homeowners as they navigate the ups and downs of today's real estate market.

Dr. Seuss wove wise messages throughout his book about the trials of working toward your goals even when you feel alone, confused, and scared of what's to come. However, there's no reason you need to feel that way when making decisions about buying or selling your home. We're partners in your home ownership goals, and while Dr. Seuss rightly says, "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose," the road will always be smoother with qualified, experienced support and guidance.

The real estate market has shifted from the start of this year to now, and as such, the advice shared with homeowners needs to be updated and modified accordingly. Once you have a clear picture of the direction your local real estate market is going in, you'll be able to make smarter decisions about all the potential opportunities available to you.

If you're wondering about the current value of your property, the latest sales trends, and if it's the right time for you to buy or sell, simply pick up the phone for the latest information and insights.

And now, some final motivational words from the Dr. Seuss book to inspire your next home move: "And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed!"

Different Stages

When staging a home, property owners are often encouraged to aim for the look of a "blank slate" in every room. This approach allows potential buyers to envision themselves configuring each space to their own tastes and needs. However, there is something to be said for the motivational pull of targeted staging that appeals specifically to the demographics in your area.

Young singles/ busy professionals. This demographic is busy … often too busy working their day job to imagine having to spend a lot of time renovating a home. So clean, declutter, paint in neutral tones, and make your property move-in ready. Complete the look with a home office space, plus a few live plants to create a homey and welcoming ambiance.

Families/ young children. Growing families need space. And while you can't just slap on an extra room in time for your open house, what you can do is open the space you do have, by clearing out as much clutter as possible from bedrooms and common areas. Keep only essential furniture in those rooms, and paint and decorate in gender-neutral tones to help buyers envision their own children fitting right in.

Downsizers. Downsizing is the smart thing to do for many empty nesters and aging homeowners, for whom a larger home is unnecessary and often more work than it's worth. Still, downsizers will appreciate storage areas to park some of their treasured belongings until they finally make the decision to let them go, so highlight any available storage opportunities in your home.

Pet owners. While many stagers recommend hiding any evidence of pets in your home, if you happen to live in a dog-friendly area, you may want to show that your home is welcoming to pets. Non-invasive staging tips include hanging a colourful leash by the door, and perhaps placing a small basket of fun dog toys alongside it.

"Declutter, clean, and paint in neutral colours" are the essential staging rules. The magic often happens when you tailor and tweak the staging approach with your target audience in mind.

The Family Home

It's no surprise that as the cost of real estate has skyrocketed, homebuyers have had to get more creative when calculating how to afford a property. In some cases, buyers have joined forces with friends or family to purchase a home together. Here are three important factors to discuss before pursuing this option.

Finances. You'll likely be applying for a joint mortgage, so it's time to lay all your cards on the table. Sit down together with a trusted mortgage advisor to determine how much you all qualify to borrow, based on your incomes, credit scores, loans, credit card debt, and any existing mortgages. You'll also need to agree on how the mortgage, shared utilities, and other bills will be paid, such as by opening a joint bank account.

Ownership Shares. Decide how the property will be divided in terms of ownership. Consult with a lawyer to draft an agreement based on either joint tenancy, where ownership is equally divided among the owners, or tenancy in common, where each owner may own a different share of the property.

Living Arrangements. Establish how the property will be divided in terms of living space. Will yours be a free-range home, with lots of communal areas and shared elements, or will living spaces be distinctly separate? Consider factors like parking and maintenance responsibilities, which will also need to be shared.

Last, but certainly not least, consider the personalities of everyone involved before deciding if a shared arrangement will work for you.

Movin' on Up, While Keeping Costs Down

Whether you're making the leap from a condo to a house or upgrading from a smaller home to a bigger one, you'll no doubt face higher monthly costs. They include potentially higher mortgage payments, property taxes, utility bills, and even home insurance premiums. So how can you balance some of the costs of upsizing?

Maximize your home sale. The higher the selling price for your current property, the more it'll contribute toward your next home purchase. Consider carefully all the advice and tips from your real estate sales representative on repairs, cleaning, painting, staging, pricing, and effective marketing strategies.

Research mortgage rates. Shop around for the best rates, keeping in mind that a difference of even half a point can translate into significant savings over the loan term. Remember, lenders are often open to negotiation, and it costs nothing to ask if they'll waive or discount certain fees. Also, don't let the fear of costs associated with breaking your current mortgage hold you back from perusing a new one, as in some cases it may be worth paying a one-time penalty now to enjoy a lower interest rate and lower payments moving forward.

Reconsider location. If your family has outgrown your current home but larger properties in your current neighbourhood are beyond your budget, broaden your search to include other areas. You may find a location that offers the space you need without the higher price tag.

Let's talk about these and other suggestions to help you navigate the financial aspects of moving to a larger home more effectively.