First impressions are everything when it comes to real estate

Before a buyer even steps through your front door, you’ve created a first impression. Keeping the outside of your home clean and tidy improves your home’s curb appeal and will make a difference when you’re looking to sell. Here’s a few ways you can make your home look great and improve its resale value without spending all your money.

Replace old hardware

Replacing old hardware like the door handle, house number, mailbox, and overhead light can add interest to your entrance. If they’re out of date or in bad condition, they may take away from the aesthetic you want to create. Make sure the hardware forms a cohesive look.

Tidy your garden

Tackle those wild weeds and overgrown shrubs. Cut back any overgrowth that keeps light out of the house. Choose colorful plants with different growing seasons so your garden looks great in both spring and summer. 

Spruce up your entrance

Place large pots filled with bright blooms at your front door - nothing is more welcoming than fresh flowers. If you’ve got space, place a chair and small table to the side of the door. A comfortable spot to take off your shoes or enjoy a warm summer day will appeal to buyers.

The best way to sell your home quickly and at a good price is to make it appealing. Pretend you’re the buyer when you look at your home. 

Contact us to find out what you can do to increase your home’s curb appeal.

Getting your place ready to sell entails decluttering and cleaning to make it feel as big as possible. We've put together a list of items that you should put away prior to listing your home, or at least hide during showings: 

1. Family Photos 

While those pictures of last summer's trip to Paris or camping in Tofino are memorable to you, they aren't helping buyers envision themselves living in your home. So instead, put up pictures of beautiful landscapes or sunsets to create a sense of tranquility and warmth. 

2. Kid's Items

Children's toys can take up a lot of space, and make a room look "too lived in" to potential buyers who want to imagine themselves in the home with their belongings. 

3. Valuables and Medication 

Jewelry, watches, electronics and even medication can go missing during house showings. So, put it all away in a secure spot.

4. Cleaning Supplies

This is all part of staging your home to make it look as clean and clutter-free as possible. Most homes have certain spaces to keep such items such as closets, or even a shed, so long as it's not cluttered.

5. Religious or Political Decor

Any kind of religious or political décor should be avoided. The last thing you want to do is to turn off a buyer because of a difference in political or religious views.

If you’ve been thinking about selling your home and want more tips, we’d be happy to talk!

How to spend a fall day in Victoria, BC.

1. SHOP LOCAL ALONG LOWER JOHNSON

This little shopping haven of downtown Victoria is known for its colourful facades and boutiques full of local goods and beautifully curated clothing, home wares, art, and gifts. Pop into Market Square and check out the eateries and do some vintage shopping.

2. COZY UP WITH A HOT DRINK AND A GOOD BOOK AT ONE OF VICTORIA’S MANY  CAFES

Spend a morning browsing the unique selection of books at Russell Books on Fort Street. Pick the perfect book and bring it to one of the many nearby cafes. The perfect activity for a rainy day. Your tummy and your mind will thank us. 

3. ESCAPE TO NATURE AT GOLDSTREAM PARK

Located just outside of the city, Goldstream Provincial Park is our favourite place in Greater Victoria to escape for a walk in the woods. Rain or shine, this park is a sight to see with its forest of massive evergreens, winding river, and striking waterfalls. 

4. TAKE A TRIP BACK IN TIME AT CRAIGDARROCH CASTLE

Craigdarroch Castle is an exquisitely restored mansion that was originally built by the coal baron Robert Dunsmuir. Stepping inside is like stepping back in time, giving visitors a peek into privileged life in the 1890s. 

5. TAKE A WALK IN BEACON HILL PARK

Explore over 200 acres of beautiful gardens, charming duck ponds, shoreline trails, playgrounds, and the lovely Beacon Hill Children’s Farm. It’s a must visit for locals and visitors alike.

With winter soon approaching, Now is the time to take advantage of the little time left in fall. Here are a few of the must do activities for all true Victorians and visitors alike.

We could go on and on about the many things Victoria and surrounding areas have to offer. Come see for yourself.⠀

Congrats to all the top producers!

We are so grateful and proud to be recognized as one of RE/MAX Camosun’s top producing teams for the month of October! It was was another busy month with many happy clients! An extra bonus to be recognized as a top producing team.

Thank you to all our friends, family and clients for your continued support, it means the world!

What’s the cost to buy a house?

It’s not just the listing price of a home; you’ve also got to factor in closing costs, an umbrella term for all types of fees and costs associated with buying a home, including, for example, loan origination fees, the cost of a home inspection, attorney’s fees, and account for property taxes and homeowner’s insurance. Typically, they’re an additional two to five percent of the home’s purchase price. One thing you will not have to pay as the home buyer, is the realtor commission. The realtor commission is paid for by the seller.

If you're thinking of buying and would like some tips or assistance, reach out to us!

Career Day!

Community outreach and education is an important part of what we do as Real Estate Agents. 

Our very own David Silletta was at career day this morning to speak with students at Oak Bay High School, discussing the ins and outs of being a realtor.

If you have any questions about Central Vancouver Island real estate or are considering a purchase or sale in the near future, our team would welcome the opportunity to connect.

Client Testimony!

Thank you Ron, Leslie and Kathleen for the glowing review! We love to hear feedback from our clients. It was such a pleasure working with all of you. 

So happy to help guide such great clients through the selling process. It’s crucial you go with an agent that you like and trust.

Your agent should be the quarterback behind making sure your property looks absolutely perfect when it hits the market to give it the best chance to sell for the highest possible price. 

Happy we could come up with a plan, execute, and find the right house!

Contact us if you are looking to Buy or Sell.