Susan Hawke : February 2013

Thursday, 28 February 2013

My Current Listings Catalogue

Enjoy my current listings catalogue here and be sure to share my BIG BIG March Special with everyone you know! Thanks!

Like A Hawke,
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them!

You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative

Image Source via Desire to Inspire

Wednesday, 27 February 2013

FREE Professional Home Staging March + April 2013

Hello!

I hope all is going well for you in 2013 and that this will be a fabulous year for you.

Thank you for reading my new blog and LIKEing my Facebook page. They are filled with lots of great info!

Each week local2.ca is featuring my website/blog. (I am very excited about this!)

Important news for you and others:

If you are considering selling your home - Everyone who lists their Sault Ste Marie, Ontario home with me in the month of March and April 2013 will receive

FREE PROFESSIONAL HOME STAGING

I will pay a home stager to come into your home and help stage it for sale. Homes that look their best sell quicker
and for a higher price.

Please share this fabulous offer with your friends and family.

I can be contacted by email, phone, Facebook or Twitter.

Have a great day!
http://susanhawke.blogspot.ca/

Susan Hawke
Sales Representative
REMAX Sault Ste Marie Inc., Brokerage
CELL: 705 971 0918
TOLL FREE: 1 866 597 3629
WEBSITE: http://www.susanhawke.com

Like A Hawke,
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them!

You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative

Tuesday, 26 February 2013

Home Staging Guide and Resources

As the first spring flowers bloom on front yards, so too do a fresh crop of “For Sale” signs.

And as homeowners strive to sell their homes faster — and for more money — than their neighbours, they’re seeking ways to set their home apart.

Home staging is the act of preparing a private residence for sale in the real estate marketplace. The goal of staging is to make a home appealing to the highest number of potential buyers, thereby selling a property more swiftly and for more money. Staging techniques focus on improving a property's appeal by transforming it into a welcoming, attractive product that anyone might want.

A family home is a very personal space, crafted over the years to suit your own tastes and needs. These tastes and needs, however, are not necessarily identical to those of the potential buyers.

Click here to learn about the definition and benefits of staging.

Home Staging 101 can be enjoyed here.

Click here to learn about how to 'de-clutter' every room and making small repairs.

Click here to learn all about 2013 wall paint trends.

Click here for excellent 'Home Staging Tips'.

and finally enjoy these tips right here!

Get Your House Ready to Show to Buyers

A house that "sparkles" on the surface will sell faster than its shabby neighbor, even though both are structurally well maintained.
From experience, REALTORS^® also know that a "well-polished" house appeals to more buyers and will sell faster and for a higher price. Additionally, buyers feel more comfortable purchasing a well-cared for home because if what they can see is well maintained, they assume that what they can't see has probably also been well maintained. In readying your house for sale, consider:

how much should you spend to prepare your house for sale?
exterior and curb appeal
interior appeal

Before putting your house on the market, take as much time as necessary (and as little money as possible) to maximize its exterior and interior appeal.

How Much Should You Spend to Prepare Your House for Sale?

In preparing your home for the market, spend as little money as possible. Buyers will be impressed by a brand new roof, but they aren't likely to give you enough extra money to pay for it. There is a big difference between making minor and inexpensive polishes and touch-ups to your house, such as putting new knobs on cabinets and a fresh coat of neutral paint in the living room, and doing extensive and costly renovations, like installing a new kitchen.
Your REALTOR^® is familiar with buyers' expectations in your neighborhood and can advise you specifically on what improvements need to be made and which improvements are most effective. Don't hesitate to ask for advice.

Maximizing Exterior and Curb Appeal

When preparing to put your home up for sale, your first concern is the home's exterior. If the outside, or "curb appeal" looks good, people will more than likely want to see what's on the inside.
Here are some tips to enhance your home’s exterior and curb appeal to buyers:

Keep the lawn edged, cut and watered.
Regularly trim hedges and weed lawns and flowerbeds.
Be sure your front door area has a "Welcome" feeling.
Paint the front door.
In spring and summer, add a couple of pots of showy annuals near your front entrance.
In snowy areas, keep walks neatly cleared of snow and ice.
Check foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and deterioration, and fix any problem areas.
Remove and repaint any peeling paint on doors and windows.
Clean and align gutters.
Inspect and clean the chimney.
Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking.
Reseal old asphalt.
Keep the garage door closed.
Store RVs and old cars elsewhere while the house is on the market.

Maximizing Interior Appeal

You want your home to look as spacious, bright and clean as possible. Also the home should look neutral – without a lot of your personal and sentimental objects - so buyers can begin to imagine living there.
Here are some tips to enhance your home’s interior appeal to buyers:

Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning and remove all clutter. This alone will make your house appear bigger and brighter. Some homeowners with crowded rooms actually rent storage garages and move half their furniture out, creating a sleeker, more spacious look.
Use a professional cleaning service every few weeks while the house is on the market.
Remove the less frequently used, and even daily-used items from kitchen counters, closets, basement and attic to make these areas more inviting.
Make sure that table tops, dressers and closets are free of clutter.
Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms: they should look as modern, bright and fresh as possible. It is essential for them to be clean and odor free.
Repair dripping faucets and showerheads.
Buy showy new towels for the bathroom, and put them out only for showings.
Spruce up a kitchen in need of more major remodeling by installing new curtains and cabinet knobs, or applying a fresh coat of neutral paint.
Clean walls and doors of smudges and scuff marks.
If necessary, repaint dingy, soiled or strongly-colored walls with a neutral shade of paint, such as off-white or beige. The same neutral scheme can be applied to carpets and linoleum.
Check for cracks, leaks and signs of dampness in the attic and basement, and fix any problem areas.
Seal basement walls if there are any signs of dampness or leakage.
Repair cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint and tiles.
Replace broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings and other woodwork.
Inspect and repair the plumbing, heating, cooling and alarm systems.

Monday, 25 February 2013

Real Estate Terminology

When it comes to real estate, there is no shortage of terminology and plenty of room for confusion. From mortgage types and periods to title searches and conditions, there are countless variables to consider in every real estate transaction.

Ron Abraham, president of the Ontario Real Estate Association says that buyers and sellers needn't be overwhelmed by any of the terms, rather, they should focus on the big picture and let their realtor work through the details.

"For both buyers and sellers, the sheer volume of information and options can be a little overwhelming. However, it's important that both buyers and sellers focus on the larger picture. If you have a clear idea of your needs and go in with realistic expectations, the whole process will be very rewarding."

Here is a cheat sheet of a few common and (commonly misunderstood) real estate terms:

Fixed-rate Mortgage: A set amount is paid each month. The interest payable is predetermined and fixed at the time of taking the loan, and holds for the entire term. Buyers are protected from any increase in prime lending rates in future.

Variable-rate Mortgage: An adjustable interest rate, which can be altered depending on the market situation. These loans may be beneficial if there is a sudden fall in lending rates, but higher interest rates mean greater monthly payments.

Amortization: The number of years it takes to repay the entire amount of the mortgage.

Title/Title Search: Title is the legal evidence of ownership in a property. A Title Search is a detailed examination of the ownership documents to ensure there are no liens or other encumbrances on the property, and no questions regarding the seller's ownership claim.

Conditions: Sometimes called a "Subject-to" Clause. A statement of a condition to be fulfilled before the contract will become firm and binding, must include a specific deadline for removal.

Multiple Listing Service (MLS): A current and comprehensive listing system for relaying property information. This service offers the widest exposure to properties listed for sale.

Realtors: Real estate professionals licensed by the Real Estate Council of Ontario who are members of the various Real Estate Boards and the Ontario and Canadian Real Estate Associations.

Please talk to me about the best way to get equipped with the information you need to make a buying or selling decision that is right for you and your family. I look forward to providing you with professional service!

Friday, 22 February 2013

Oscar-Inspired Decor

Lincoln

Anna Karenina

Les Miserables

The Oscars are here! This Sunday many people around the world will tune in to see who wins the gold statue. I thought it might be fun to share some ideas I've gathered from around the net. Oscar-inspired decor. Perhaps not the best advice for 'home staging to sell your home', but for the odd touch in a well-edited home - these ideas may be just perfect - and - it allows you to show your true personality! Enjoy!

Please visit my FB page for more inspired ideas and real estate news/info.

Like A Hawke,
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them!

You can follow me on
Twitter: @susanhawkesells
Instagram: @susanhawke
Pinterest: @SusanHawke
Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative

Thursday, 21 February 2013

Reasons To Love Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

This place we call home. Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. An amazing place to live, work and play! Check out our tourism site!

More photographs here.

Image Source: Tumblr Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Like A Hawke,
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them!

You can follow me on
Twitter: @susanhawkesells
Instagram: @susanhawke
Pinterest: @SusanHawke
Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative

Wednesday, 20 February 2013

Dream Kitchens

It is the epicenter of the home. Where families meet and friends greet. Buyers are looking for a great kitchen. A place where they can cook, entertain, work, hang out..do homework....Let me help you find the perfect kitchen for you! I have access to the best listings in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and beyond!

Before shopping for a new home, it’s common — and advisable — to create a “wish list” of the features you desire most.

When you make your wish list, don’t be afraid to dream big. You might not be able to find a home that includes everything you desire, but you may be surprised by just how close you can get.

Here are some wish list items to consider:

• Distances to places you visit regularly – work, schools, parks, recreation centres, restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping centers.

• Specific home features – a backyard tree, large closets, a fireplace, a two-car garage, a beautiful view.

• Neighbourhood characteristics –parking, sidewalks, nearby public transit, playgrounds, the neighbours.

Want to find out which homes on the market fit your wish list? Call Me Today.

Like A Hawke,
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them!

You can follow me on
Twitter: @susanhawkesells
Instagram: @susanhawke
Pinterest: @SusanHawke
Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative

Tuesday, 19 February 2013

Feels Like Home

One of the tricks of home staging is to make a room 'feel like home' for the potential Buyers. If they 'feel' like they could live in the room, we have done our design job correctly. Make it comfortable, uncluttered - mixing old with new - dark and light - pops of a beloved colour - blue being the world's most loved! Adding a touch of plants or flowers brings life to a space as well.

Monday, 18 February 2013

Nordic Northern Ontario Mecca

"It’s easy to see why the communities surrounding Lake Superior are home to more people of Finnish descent than anywhere outside of Finland. The lush boreal forest and rolling granite hills resembles the landscape of northern Europe. Thunder Bay has its own little Finland and so does Sault Ste. Marie; in both communities, diehard cross-country skiing roots have developed some of the best trails in Canada—all within city limits.

The Hiawatha Highlands are barely a 10-minute drive from my house in Sault Ste. Marie. Finnish-Canadian skiers conceived Hiawatha’s 45 kilometres of groomed trails half a century ago, and the area remains home base for the ever-vibrant Soo Finnish Ski Club today. For my wife and I, skiing at Hiawatha is a daily event. I never get bored of skate-skiing the advanced terrain of the Crystal Creek system; each uphill is a battle, and the long, winding descents are pure joy. The 10-kilometre-long Pinder trails are beginner-friendly, with just enough moderate ups and downs to break a sweat. The slightly longer Red Pine system has more of a wilderness feel, with old-growth pines punctuating the ridge tops." - Conor Mihell

Based in the cross-country ski mecca of Sault Ste. Marie, Conor Mihell skis thousands of kilometres each winter at the Hiawatha Highlands and Stokely Creek Lodge. He writes for Cottage Life, Canoe & Kayak,explore and The Globe and Mail, and won a 2010 Northern Lights Award for travel writing excellence. His first book, The Greatest Lake, is a collection of adventure, profile and environmental non-fiction set on Lake Superior’s Canadian shore, and will be published by Dundurn Press in the spring of 2012.

Like A Hawke, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them!

You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative

Image Source

Friday, 15 February 2013

House Hunting Heartbreak

Click on above image to see this listing.

This being Valentine's week, I thought it might be fun to talk about how to avoid having your heart broken while house hunting. Here are 3 great tips to get you through:

1. Prepare to get your feelings hurt by the Seller. They do not have to sell to you.

2. Don't obsess over one home. Most buyers begin their home search with a list of wants, needs, must-haves and nice-to-haves as well as deal-breakers. You will never get it all, so it’s important to know when to compromise.

3. Don't fall too hard. It’s no longer a done deal once the contract is signed. Many times a buyer and seller come to an agreement on terms and price, even sign a contract, only to have a series of issues come up in the closing and inspection phase. Don’t fall hard once you have a signed contract.

To read the full article, go here and know that I can be your matchmaker - creating 'House Hunting Heaven'!

Like A Hawke,
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them!

You can follow me on
Twitter: @susanhawkesells
Instagram: @susanhawke
Pinterest: @SusanHawke
Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative

Wednesday, 13 February 2013

Cozy Modern Style

Chic modern simplicity wrapped up in a soft blanket - a decadent mug of high quality cocoa shared with your best friends around a candlelit dark wood table - modern, not stark - clean design with soft edges. See more here.

Tuesday, 12 February 2013

Small Space, Big Impact

No need to fear bold statements in a small space or room. Keep the accessories to a minimum. Go for a few punchy walls and colours. Stay true to neutral with a kiss of your favorite colour. A clean, well staged home is so important no matter what size it is! Have fun with it. More small spaces here.

Please contact me any time to discuss your real estate needs.
Like A Hawke,
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them!

You can follow me on

Twitter: @susanhawkesells
Instagram: @susanhawke
Pinterest: @SusanHawke
Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative

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