Sellers are motivated to get the best price for their homes, but they don't always know what that entails. Real estate agents often meet with sellers who think they need to spend thousands of dollars remodelling in order to market their home, or at the other extreme, sellers who expect a high price but don't want to put in the work. 

While the amount of work you should put into your home before selling depends on your local market, in general, the truth lies somewhere in between these two extremes. To demystify the process, here are answers to five questions that we often hear from sellers, presented by Jason Hafso of MaxWell Challenge Realty.

What Should I Repair?

Begin with any deferred maintenance such as the water heater, a roof tune-up, and crawl space insulation. Most buyers are shopping for a move-in-ready home and don't want to spend time and money on major repairs before occupying the house. That's why it's often recommended to handle major repairs before selling. If you don't, you could end up losing more than the cost of repairs due to low offers and a protracted sale process. If you don't have the time, money or drive to complete major repairs before putting your home on the market, it's important to price your house accordingly. Don't think you can sneak problems past a buyer; if an issue is present, it will be noticed during the buyer's inspection.

Minor household repairs are an easier call. While homeowners grow accustomed to quirks including sagging doors and squeaky floorboards, such issues distract prospective buyers and cause your house to be remembered as “the one with the sketchy railing” instead of “the one with the great family room.”

Should I Renovate Before Selling?

Once repairs are complete, the sellers' next question is usually about cosmetic improvements. Expensive projects like upgrading kitchen appliances usually aren't necessary unless they're majorly outdated. Instead, focus on low-cost, high-impact updates. Which renovations are best for your return on investment are dependent on the local market so defer to your real estate agent on this subject.  

How Much Does Curb Appeal Really Matter?

The one area where it's worthwhile to go above and beyond is your home's exterior. The first step in selling a home is making a great first impression, but that's hard to do without great curb appeal. If your plantings are sparse, potted plants are a quick fix that lets you avoid transplant shock. Container plants near the entrance are also a great way to spruce up your front porch.

Pay attention to driveways and walkways: In addition to washing these surfaces, homeowners should fix unsightly cracks. For concrete driveways, follow instructions from Bob Vila. If your driveway is asphalt, Lowe's will show you how.

Do I Need to Deep Clean?

No one wants to buy a dirty house, so it makes sense to deep clean before showing your home (cleaning service will typically charge between $75 and $125). In addition to keeping floors, windows and counters clean, take note of odours lingering in your home. If carpet and upholstery cleanings fail to eliminate an unpleasant odour, turn your nose to the air ducts. Air ducts and vents can host a variety of odour-causing contaminants such as pet dander and mildew; if your ventilation system is the source of odour, you'll need to schedule a professional duct cleaning to solve the problem. 

Once a home is sold, it's standard to leave it “broom clean” for buyers. However, some contracts may stipulate the house is to be deep cleaned before changing hands. Talk with your agent so you're clear about what level of cleanliness your contract requires.

If your agent instructs you to clean, repair and update your home before showing it, he's not just giving you a hard time. Homes that have been cleaned show better, which leads to less time on the market and higher offers. Unless maximizing your sale price isn't a priority, completing these tasks is in your best interest as a seller.

Jason Hafso of MaxWell Challenge Realty is passionate about helping people buy or sell homes. Call me at 780-964-7335 if you’re ready to get the process started!

Suzie Wilson has been an interior designer for over 20 years. What started as a hobby, turned into a passion for creating soothing spaces in homes of every size and style. Her debut book, The Ultimate Guide to Prepping Your Home for an Open House is COMING SOON to online retailers and bookstores near you!

(NC) The return of warmer weather doesn't just mean the start of summer, it's also the kickoff to home improvement season. Every home deserves a light, airy refresh to embrace a brighter season ahead. Fortunately, transforming your space doesn't mean you need a big budget or a lot of time.

Elevate your home in just one weekend with these easy DIY projects inspired by Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour and design expert.

Go for faux wallpaper
From painting one wall a bold colour or adding interest with a stylish painted arch, there are endless options for creating a focal point in your space with colour. This season, accent walls are going graphic and taking inspiration from wallpaper — with a lot less fuss.

"Whether you choose polka dots, thin lines or an intricate pattern, this transformation is an easy way to give any space personality," shares Grech. "This project is perfect for those looking to get creative — use a stencil for flawless results in no time."

Make a statement with your staircase
It can feel daunting to paint an entire room, especially if you want to do it yourself. Instead, look for small projects that make a significant impact, such as painting your stair risers. Whether you want to add an unexpected pop of colour or take a tonal approach by alternating between shades of grey like Feather Gray 2127-60 and Pike's Peak Gray 2127-50, Advance interior paint delivers a durable, furniture-like finish on wood surfaces so that you can achieve professional results in a weekend.

Welcome with vibrant doors 
Painting your front door is an easy way to boost your home's curb appeal, but who says you can't make an immediate impact by painting your interior doors?

“If you lean towards a neutral palette, painting a door in an energizing hue like Marblehead Gold HC-11 can help you incorporate a splash of colour into your home without committing to an entire wall,” explains Grech. If you're hesitant to introduce a vibrant colour, she suggests Palladian Blue HC-144 for a subtle facelift.

(NC) The pandemic is causing many of us to re-evaluate our finances. If you are thinking of renegotiating your mortgage to take advantage of a lower interest rate, be aware that this could mean having to break your mortgage contract.

If you break your mortgage contract you may have to pay a fee, called a prepayment penalty.

Before breaking your mortgage, make sure the benefits outweigh the costs. Far too many homeowners who have broken their mortgage contracts have been shocked by penalties amounting to tens of thousands of dollars, or other fees required to complete the transaction.

Know the costs

Every mortgage contract contains different terms and conditions. Federally regulated financial institutions must provide you with key information in a box at the beginning of the mortgage agreement, including information about any penalties and fees that will apply if you break your mortgage contract.

As a consumer, you have the responsibility to read your mortgage agreement and understand the penalties and fees associated with breaking your mortgage contract. Call your financial institution to speak to a knowledgeable person for detailed information on prepayment penalties or check out the prepayment penalty calculator available on their website.

Consider other options

Some mortgage lenders may allow you to extend the length of your mortgage before the end of its term to take advantage of a lower interest rate. With this option, you don’t have to pay a prepayment penalty. Lenders call this option the blend-and-extend, because your old interest rate and the new term’s interest rate are blended. Keep in mind that you may need to pay administrative fees.

Depending on the cost to break your mortgage, it may be best to wait until the end of its term and shop around for a new contract that provides a lower interest rate or more flexibility.

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada provides unbiased and fact-based information on mortgages you can count on. You can learn more about the costs of breaking your mortgage at canada.ca/money.

(NC) After a year of working from home for many of us, it’s only natural to be hitting a rut. No matter how great your at-home work setup is, you might need a refresh.

Here are few tips to make working from home so much better:

1. Declutter your workspace
A lot of work-related clutter can build up over time. Take a few minutes to collect any office items lying around the house, such as your video call headphones or your loose papers and sticky notes. Then recycle anything you don’t need and store the rest in a dedicated location. You’ll feel fresher and ready to take on what’s next.

2. Upgrade your workwear
Just because you aren’t going into the office doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to feel your best and look sharp. If you’re keen on business wear, try easing into a new pair of pants or a simple summer dress to find a more relaxed summertime vibe. If you’ve defaulted to pyjamas and sweats every day, consider finding the happy medium with a new pair of sleek joggers, just for a change.

3. Get outdoors
Take advantage of the season and head outside while you can. A quick walk in a local park is a great way to take a break or end your workday. If you have a backyard or balcony, set up a simple internet extender to move the office outside on warm days. The fresh air will lift up your spirits and do wonders for your productivity.

4. Boost online security for your personal devices
According to a recent survey, only 18 percent of Canadians are using online identity theft protection tools, and most of us just don’t know where to start. With so much online activity taking place, including a high volume of info sharing, we’ve become increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks and identity theft, so it’s worthwhile to update your security measures for your personal devices as best as you can.

While no one can prevent all identity theft or cybercrime, using an all-in-one solution like Telus Online Security Powered by NortonLifeLock can help protect your personal devices, online privacy and information. Made for consumers, the comprehensive coverage is available across Canada (excluding Quebec residents) and includes multiple layers of protection that can help protect your identity and provide restoration if your personal information is ever stolen.

Overall, changes like these can help bring peace of mind to your work-from-home life going forward. Find more information at telus.com/onlinesecurity.

(NC) Today, many families are focused on improving their homes instead of spending money on vacations and entertainment outside. With autumn as your last major chance to renovate before the winter, here are some of the best projects to tackle now for maximum enjoyment of your space.

Upgrade your kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of your home, and where you’ll be spending lots of time cooking for the holidays and entertaining your small social circle. So, give it a facelift to make sure it’s a bright and welcoming environment. A great DIY project is painting the cabinets in a bold or warm shade and updating the hardware in a metallic neutral. You can also invest in sleek, energy-efficient appliances for a clean, modern aesthetic and get fresh seasonal linens for your tablescape.   

Finish your basement
A finished basement extends your living space and has an excellent return on investment. It’s also the perfect place to turn into a spacious dedicated home office, so you can finally stop working on your dining table or couch and boost your productivity and comfort. But whether you want to turn your basement into that, a rec room or in-law suite, the first step is installing a high-performance subfloor. The best option for this is Dricore subfloor panels, which are designed with air gap technology to help protect against mould and moisture and keep floors dry, comfortable and cozy all year. It’s an easy DIY project, as the panels are easy to install and a room only takes half a day to do.

Elevate your exteriors
Not only does the exterior of your home make the first impression, it can also extend your living space – which is crucial when we’re working, living and playing at home. Make the most of it with areas you can spend time in even when the temperature drops. For example, you can create a sitting area to relax in or host smaller outdoor get-togethers for your social bubble by screening in your porch or installing an awning over your backyard patio. Laying down Dricore panels can work here too, as they will make cold surface feel warmer, softer and cozier for your feet. Complete the space with a heating lamp and you’ll be able to enjoy your exteriors almost all year-round.

It's always a thrill to be part of helping people sell their home and take an exciting new journey.

We put this home up for sale just 12 days ago. Within hours, we had received three offers, had a pending sale on the house within 11 hours and sold for over list price.

Congratulations to my wonderful clients, and here's wishing them all the best on their new adventure!