This Saturday we will be hosting an open house at #204-15070 Prospect Ave, White Rock

1-3pm

Come check out this warm 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home.

For more information about this listing, clcik here.

Knowing where to invest money into home improvements to increase value is important. Spending money strategically can mean a better return on investment for you when you go to list your home. Just because you spend some of your hard earned money on renovations doens't necessarily reflect in a higher asking price or increased buyer interest. Knowing what areas to focus on is key.

Here are 10 tips to help you get the most bang for your buck.

Some of these suggestions may seem obvious while others  will surprise you. 

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When you go to sell or buy a home there are many terms you may not be familiar with. Understanding real estate vocabulary can help ensure you don't miss a thing. Here are the definintions of several common terms from realestateabc.com you may encounter throughout the process.

Adjustible- Rate Mortgage (ARM):

Mortgage in which interest rate changes periodically according to corresponding fluctuations in an index; all ARMs are tied to an index

Appraisal:

Written justification of the price paid for a property; primarily based on an analysis of similar sales in the area

Appraised Value:

Opinion of a property's fair market value, based on an appraiser's knowledge, experience, and analyisis of the property

Assessed Value:

Valuation placed on property due to changes in market conditions, inflations, or other causes

Biweekly Mortgage:

Mortgage in which you make payments every two weeks, resulting in reducing the time it takes to pay off a mortgage compared to monhly payments

Broker:

In the mortgage industry, the term usually refers to a company or individual that does not lend the money for the loans themselves, but brokers the loans to larger lenders or investors

Closing Costs:

Non- recurring costs are any items paid just once as a result of buying a property or obtaining a loan; pre- paid items are items recur over time, such as property taxes

Contingency:

Condition that must be met before a contract is legally binding

Deed:

Legal document conveying title to a property

Depreciation:

Decline in the value of property

Down Payment:

Part of the purchase price of a property that the buyer pays in cash and does not finance with a mortgage 

To view more terms, click here.

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What is your favourite local warm weather activity? Tell us what makes where you live so special! Check us out on Facebook & leave a comment!

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Now that the warmer weather & longer days are here, it's time to start giving your home some TLC. It's important to maintain it for yourself, and especially important if you are considering listing for sale in the near future. Here are some home improvements tips from NH Magazine to help you get started. 

IN THE YARD

1. Clear debris

2. Add compost & mulch

3. Start seeds

OUTSIDE THE HOUSE

4. Give your house the once- over

5. Check for roof & gutter damage

6. Clear the deck

7. Check doors & windows

INSIDE YOUR HOUSE

8. Let the sunshine in

9. Clean up rugs & carpets

10. Update your kitchen & bathrooms

For more in- depth advice & to view the original article, click here.

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When buying a home, it is a good idea to have it examined by a qualified home inspector. Not only can they help identify areas of concern, they can help you determine if the offer you have presented needs to be adjusted to compensate for work needing to be done.

When viewing a home, have your realtor point out specific items they think should be addressed during the inspection- this can help you make an accurate, informed offer, and arm you with negotiating power if there are improvements needed.

Here are some tips to help you select a home inspector:

- Hire an inspector based on reputation & experience; ask friends & family for referrals

- Avoid inspectors who use generalized checklists; reports should be specific/ customized to the property being looked at

- Do not sign a contract with an inspector who's liability is limited to the cost of inspection

- Ensure the following areas are addressed:

attic structure, ventillation, & insulation

chimney & flashing

roof & gutters

siding & masonry

windows

ceilings

walls & doors

stairs

heat distribution

fireplaces 

floors

electrical service

water heater plumbing

heating system

foundation & grading drainage

walk & driveways

Choosing the right home inspector can save you money- and stress- if they help identify concerns that may have otherwise been overlooked. Using an inspector can help ensure you get what you pay for and avoid headaches post sale. 

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Each week we'll be highlighting some of our listings and providing information about upcoming open houses on our blog. Check our Properties Page to view current listings and make sure you come back to the blog page throughout the week for great market info, resources, recipes, DIY project ideas, and the latest updates on our open houses. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, where we'll make sure to share new information to keep you up to date.

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Family life can be busy. Trying to balance everything and offer healthy & delicious meals can be a challenge. To help, check out below for a great take on a popular classic: Home Made Pizza. Sure to be a crowd pleaser for the kids & adults alike.

We all have people we turn to for various needs. When you need health advice you visit your doctor, if you need financial advice, you speak with your accountant. The same applies for when you need advice about real estate. In addition to the services they provide when you buy and sell your home, realtors can provide advice and guidance in a variety of other areas within the real estate market.

This includes:

- Answering questions about the local real estate market

- Finding out what homes are selling for in your area

- Researching the cost of homes in areas of interest

-  Determining the current market value of your home and/ or property

- Helping you decide if it is the right time for you to move based on the above considerations

If you are trying to enter the real estate market, are considereing a move or acquiring additional property, contact us today and we will be ahppy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. Everyone's situations are different and we offer personalized service and guidance based on your individual needs.

Contact us today at drew@drewsteeves.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, & LinkedIn to stay in- the- know with Team Steeves.

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