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How To Get Your Home Ready To Sell, A Valentine Wish For Everyone, And A Demographic Shift
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February, 2023

Conversation With a Seller


"Hey, Curtis, can you add to the listing comments that we replaced all the springy door stops? We had to buy 10 of them, took me all afternoon!"


"Sure, I can do that." 


"Fantastic, I just thought a potential buyer would be interested to know."


"Of course, the internet will light up when they see this. Your listing will probably go viral."



Ok, not a real conversation—but not far off. I'm using it to make a point.


Some improvements make your house more valuable, some make it more saleable, and some do both.


Upgrades vs Updates


Upgrades include new windows, shingles, plumbing, electrical service, major landscaping, a complete bathroom or kitchen remodel, or similar improvements to the systems that operate your home.


Updates include paint, new lino in the front entrance, a new faucet in the kitchen, a new backsplash in the bathroom, or similar "small" projects.


Upgrades make your home more valuable. When a home has had many upgrades over the years, it indicates a well-cared-for home. Buyers like well-care-for homes and will pay for them.


Updates make a home more saleable but not necessarily more valuable. If you spend $2500 on a painter (maybe get rid of the forest green like your kids have been moaning at you about), you've helped make your house more saleable. A buyer might choose yours over a competing listing with some '90s decor. 

If you're sitting on both updates and upgrades, congratulations, it means your home will set the price mark in your area.

You should always do updates before going to market. Cleaning, touching up paint, repairing a leaky faucet, raking the lawn. That is unless you don't care how much you get for your house.

You should (just about) never do a bunch of upgrades. There too costly and you won't get your money back. If you've let it go this far, it's too late.

Adjust your price to reflect that your bathroom has a seashell sink and cut 'er loose. 

Unfortunately, You can't ask more money because you replaced your springies.

Regina is Changing

Here is something that caught my eye recently. According to CMHC, in a recent report, between 2016 and 2021, close to 15,000 new international migrants settled in Regina. That's a significant number and the way of the future for our city.

Here is a link to download the full REPORT. Regina is on page 44

Just Sold

#110 3630 Haughton Road

Tossing out some love this Valentine month to Kim and Nick on their sale. Ideal clients and ones that every realtor hopes to work with. Engaged, ready to learn, and easy to talk to. We had some stress, some ups and downs, and a few nervous nights, but the condo sold for the best possible price, and they've moved to a house. Best of all, Marvin 🐕 can howl at the moon in a yard of his own.

Listing Pic Fail of The Month!

With Valentines Day finally in the rearview mirror (VD day happens to be my birthday as well), I thought I'd send out a message to those who didn't get any special attention this year. 

I call this one "Happy Valentine's Day, I'm Your Biggest Fan"

If you're asking, I didn't crop the picture—it was on Sask MLS just like this. That's a nice fan, but I'm not sure buyers will be queueing up with full-price offers.

Talk to you again soon!

CB

BEFORE YOU GO...

Thanks again for reading this. My list of subscribers has been steadily growing since I started this 19 months ago. I've had some nice feedback from some of you, I'm grateful. If you know someone that might be interested here is a link you can send them to subscribe, and the archive.


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