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Realty Executives Saskatoon
Realty Executives Saskatoon
If you are planning to buy or sell property in the Saskatoon real estate market, we are one of the most closely-followed Real Estate franchises in the world.
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What is the Purpose of an Open House?
Something that your Saskatoon realtor will bring up will be if you are wanting to have an open house or not. Some people are unsure about the benefits of an open house or may see it as more of an inconvenience. Others may feel stressed about having to be out of the house for a longer period of time than that of a regular showing.
Here are some tangible reasons why you should have an open house. The benefits absolutely outweigh the small inconvenience of having your home open to multiple people at once. It could even help you sell your home faster, and at a higher price. We have compiled several reasons of why you should consider having an open house.
An Open House Can…
Reduce your overall marketing costs
Having an open house is a fantastic way to reduce your overall marketing costs. Hosting an open house costs nothing and the more people you have view your house, the better. Sometimes, however, your local real estate agent might want to put an advertisement in the local newspaper, which might cost a few dollars, but that is about it.
Hosting an open house is a fantastic way to get more people in the door. Selling a house truly is a numbers game and hosting an open house will only increase your odds of selling quickly and at a reasonable price.
Set your house apart from the rest
Potential buyers often view more than one home, or even open houses, in a day. Your open house is the perfect opportunity to showcase what is special about your home. Also, if there are many homes for sale in your neighborhood, it can be difficult to distinguish your house from another one in your neighborhood. Hosting an open house is the best way to show potential buyers what makes your house different from your neighbors. You can highlight special features or amenities and show potential buyers why they should choose your house over another.
Hosting an open house is especially important for homes that may not look ideal on paper. Potential buyers typically have a set of criteria and if your home does not quite stack up, they may never even step foot through the door. Open houses encourage buyers who are on the fence about viewing a property to give it the chance it deserves.
Show your house in its best light at the perfect time
Preparing to put your home on the market can be a stressful time. Between cleaning, fixing issues, and clearing away the clutter, the whole process can seem somewhat daunting. Having an open house allows you to make your home ready to show when it is convenient for you. After selecting a date that is best for you, you can do the deep cleaning and organizing needed to put your best foot forward.
Find out how to improve your listing
Hosting an open house is a great way to receive casual feedback on what buyers do and do not like about your home. If you hold an open house shortly after putting the house on the market, you can take this feedback and try to improve the house where you can. This invaluable feedback can really help you find out what you can do to make your house more appealing to buyers.
Since open houses are more casual than one-on-one viewings, potential buyers may be more forthcoming about their likes and dislikes in regard to your property. After your open house, gather the feedback from your trusted realtor and get to work.
Sell your neighborhood/area
Potential buyers are not just looking for the perfect house, they want a great neighborhood as well. Open houses are a prime opportunity for your realtor to casually discuss the benefits of your location, including restaurants, grocery stores, schools, parks, etc. You may even consider making a map or list of these places that potential buyers can take with them. This is a fantastic way to keep your property fresh in their minds and remind them of all the reasons they should consider purchasing your home.
In addition, you may ask your friendly neighbors to pop in and greet your guests. If potential buyers make a personal connection with your neighbors, it will only increase the chances of them making an offer on your house.
Increase word-of-mouth
As we have said before, selling a house is a numbers game. The more people you have viewing your home, the better. You should consider hosting an agent-only open house. This will allow you to cater specifically to their needs and show them that you value their time and expertise. If you make agents excited about your property, they will be excited to recommend it to potential buyers, saving on marketing efforts.
Depending on your budget, you may consider catering this open house, or providing coffee & dessert if there is another agent open house in the area. Another benefit of hosting an agent open house is that it is another opportunity to get feedback about your listing and some recommendations on improving it.
A relaxed atmosphere equals a better viewing experience
Open houses can provide an opportunity to have many people view your home in a relaxed setting. Viewing a home one-on-one with an agent can be a bit stressful, especially for first-time home-buyers. Allowing multiple visitors to come in to your home, in a low-pressure situation can ease the tension.
Your realtor can casually offer tours, point out some of the key features, and answer any questions your guests might have. Visitors can also choose to walk about the house at their leisure and not have the added pressure of having an agent with them at all times.
Open House Tips
If you have decided to have an open house, and we really recommend that you do, here are some tried-and-true tips for hosting the best open house possible.
We recommend you pay close attention to:
Cleanliness and Clutter – When you decide to host your open house, you need to make sure your house is in tip-top shape. Make sure everything is spotless and free of clutter. This may be the perfect time to pack up a couple boxes of stuff from each room. You want your house to look as big as possible. Clean the inside and outside of the house and empty all garbage cans. If you have an indoor cat, remove the litter box from the house entirely.
The Smell – Just like the smell of freshly-baked cookies can be inviting, a bad smell can actually keep someone from buying a home. Open your windows before the event to get some fresh air in the house and be aware of pet, food, or trash smells that may put buyers off. Your realtor or neighbor can be good assets and help you determine if there are any strange or bad smells you may have gotten used to.
Your Pets – If possible, secure a pet sitter. Some potential buyers have allergies, and some may even have a fear of certain types of pets. If you cannot secure a sitter, try to keep the pet out of the way during the open house.
Music – An open house is not the time to play your favorite rock band. If you would like to add to the atmosphere, some mellow, generic music will do the trick. Also, try to minimize any sounds that might be distracting or annoying, such as noisy appliances or TVs.
Your Presence – Do not be the hovering homeowner. Your trusted realtor will take care of the open house and keep an eye on your property. Trust them to do their job. If you can, try to be out of the home during the open house as it can cause some buyers to not feel comfortable to look around for long, therefore, losing potential buyers.
The Staging – If you have the budget to stage your house, or even a couple of rooms, this will only increase your chances of finding a buyer during your open house. Staging professionals know how to utilize your belongings and furniture, or bring well selected furniture and décor items, to show your home at its absolute best.
The Timing – Have your open house for a couple hours, instead of an entire day. This will have more people in your house at one time, making the listing look more popular. You will also only have to sacrifice a couple hours of your time, which can be very important if you have children or pets.
Keep in mind that although you may not sell your house as a direct result of your open house, you do increase the possibility of guests telling other people about your house. Just because it is not the perfect house for them does not mean that they do not know someone who the house would be perfect for. Hosting a warm, inviting open house and giving your guests a great experience will increase the likelihood that guests will tell other people about their experience.
Although open houses may not seem ideal to you, there are many valid reasons to have one. Whether it is to place a spotlight on what your house has to offer or even getting crucial feedback on how you can improve your listing, homeowners have a lot to gain by hosting an open house. Contact your Realty Executives realtor to schedule your open house today!
The post What is the Purpose of an Open House? appeared first on Realty Executives Saskatoon.
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What Millennials Look for in a Home
Although it was just recent that the years to describe the age of millennials was just confirmed, the oldest would be approaching their mid-thirties. People born from 1981-1996 are considered millennials. They are poised to do many things in the world, not the least of which is to start families and buy homes. In some cases, it would be their first home-buying experience.
There are things that millennials might be looking for in a home and what makes them different from other generations of home buyers that came before them.
Who Are Millennials
This generation of people is different from any other that came before them. They have grown up in the digital age, where cell phones, apps, and social media started and increased as they were growing up which makes them able to adapt quickly to new technological changes. This has led them to be more in touch with the world, having information at hand in an instant.
They also tend to be more educated than previous generations with so much information they are able to access. With that in mind, they know how to use the information available to their advantage and that includes knowing what they want out of buying a home. At least, they understand what they would like and not like to see in a home.
With their school days recently behind them, millennials generally want to stay within their means, not wanting to buy until they have a sufficient down payment. This can be difficult for some, as student debt is a primary issue for many.
When they are looking for a home, they are more likely than any generation before them to seek out advice from friends and relatives before making a decision. They want to make sure they make the right choice and that the home they purchase will be one they live in and raise a family in, for a long time.
What Millennials Consider When Buying a Home
Most millennials believe that buying a home is a good investment. Also, millennials make up 50% of the Canadians who are considering the purchase of a home in the next two years. That is about 16% of the population and that makes for a lot of millennials entering the realm of home-ownership.
Here are a few things that millennials feel are important aspects to their home-ownership which could sway their decisions one way or another.
Home Design Trends
Pre-WWII- From Victorian to bungalows, Colonials to Tudors and Greek Revivals, just about any Old-World style architecture that displays charm and character.
Mid-Century- These are homes built from WWII to 1965. They may have flat or shallow-pitched roofing with angular edges and windows, as well as open floor plans.
Mediterranean- These homes have the look and style of an Italian coastal villa and may include features like stucco and multi-level rooftops, with grand covered entrances.
Out of the Box Homes
Some millennials may be looking for a home that does not fit the mold. These could be small-scale homes, or tiny homes, which have low maintenance and are more affordable. Some may even be portable. As having a small carbon footprint has moved from an ideology to reality in many cases, the idea of living in a tiny home, like a small townhouse or a specially built 500 square foot mobile house, is appealing to a young up-and-comer.
Going green is also a consideration for these first-time home buyers. They are very in tune with the climate change debate and taking the small carbon footprint a step further into a home that has some green features would be advantageous to them. Homes that feature efficient windows and doors, along with the most up-to-date heating and cooling systems or even solar panels could go a long way toward making a decision easier.
With family life just getting started, many millennials are also looking for those child-friendly homes in safe neighborhoods with good schools. These may also include fencing or tree lines to have a more secure and private feel.
Some millennials are not only looking for a live-in home, but they also want the entrepreneurial feel to home ownership. These people might be looking for an investment property that they can repair, flip, or rent out. While others still, might be looking for a home that they can partially rent out while they live in another part of the house. This type of arrangement would be ideal for those who still carry substantial student debt loads with aspirations of owning their own home.
What to Expect Inside the Home
We all want to have a home that has a good layout, interesting design, and overall positive feeling. For millennials, it is no different. What is different is that the living space they are looking for is a reflection of themselves while also being functional in the way that they work.
More and more, people are working on the move or from home. That charge is being led by millennials as new jobs are being created every year to utilize new forms of technology. Automation is making mobile work or remote work more prevalent as well. For that reason, the desired millennial home should have features that speak to this changing work dynamic.
Open Kitchen
While the open kitchen concept is not new, it is on the minds of many millennial home seekers. The kitchen should function as a social place that is versatile when it comes to its uses. It is not just the kitchen, though. It is the entire main floor layout. The fewer dividing walls, the better. The whole floor should flow from one area to the next rather than room to room, combining the kitchen with the family room and dining room. This is a social generation and the home will reflect that in its design.
Office Space
Working from home is a growing trend in all of society. Millennials are actively finding ways to balance their work life and their home life with a blend of both. Having a sufficient private office space away from household distractions ticks a major box for that potential home buyer looking to make their income in their pajamas.
Low Maintenance
Just because they are young and likely working from home or in a mobile environment does not mean millennials have more time to maintain their homes. Just about every home buyer would rather have a completely finished product that requires nothing but a good cleaning every now and then. That is not realistic for the vast majority, however. Low maintenance is almost as good as no maintenance and that is something people think about when making a home purchase. Materials such as granite countertops and hardwood floors go a long way to making a house shine with a modern appeal. They will also be easy to clean with a quick wipe or mopping, allowing time for more important things.
Outdoor Space
Today’s new home-buyer is looking for more than just a backyard. They want those added touches like fire pits, comfortable entertaining areas, or just a quiet place to lounge in a hammock. In the summer months, those who work from home can have the option of working outside on nice days. A complete patio or fresh new deck can turn a backyard into an oasis that will call out to new buyers.
Upgraded Appliances
While not every home needs to be a zero-carbon footprint zone, probably the biggest thing on a millennial’s mind as a first-time home buyer is the appliances. New energy efficient appliances not only lower that carbon footprint but they offer a stylish look that is appealing to most and they are functional. A kitchen equipped with a 6-burner range and convection oven, along with stainless steel refrigerator and built-in dishwasher would certainly not be scoffed at in the least.
Two-Car Garage
This is a generation that thinks ahead, considers every detail, and understands what they want. It is no surprise that a two-car garage is on the minds of many of these first-time buyers. They are planning for the family they want to start and are thinking of staying in the home for the long-haul. A double garage is part of the plan for growth within the home.
It is important to remember that it is difficult to plan for everything and impossible to please every buyer, even in a home that seemingly has everything. Whether you are thinking of selling your home or you are a millennial that is thinking of buying one, hopefully, this has helped direct you accordingly with some insight on what to think about.
As a millennial buyer, perhaps some of the things mentioned here have given you clarity on what you might be looking for. Maybe they have changed your mind about some things you thought you wanted in a new home purchase.
As a seller, you may now have a better understanding of what the millennial generation might be looking for in a home and you can take steps to address some of those desires. In doing so, you can transform your home into something each potential buyer can seriously consider, making both you and them happy.
The post What Millennials Look for in a Home appeared first on Realty Executives Saskatoon.
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Renovations That Add to Your Property Value and Those That Do Not
When considering a home renovation, it can be difficult to decide what to upgrade now and what can wait. There are questions that you should ask yourself about the renovation that can help you determine what to focus your attention on as some renovations will add property value while others will not.
In considering the reason for your renovation, whether it is an outdated or run-down kitchen, a dilapidated washroom, or finishing a basement, you can determine your priorities and work from there.
If you are planning on selling your house within the next three years you may want to add some property value with the right renovations. If you are thinking of staying in your home for the foreseeable future, you may have other priorities, and adding value could be secondary to adding comfort or convenience.
Renovations That Do Not Add To Your Property Value
High-end Goods with Poor Workmanship
Expensive materials and cheap workmanship may sound like a decent deal, however, if the materials that you spent so much for are installed incorrectly or with poor attention to detail, they will look cheap anyway.
If you still decide to go with the expensive items, make sure you follow through with the right installation to make it look as good as possible. If the goal is not high end, it is probably a better idea to go with the less expensive material and get the right person to do the job of installation to maximize the benefits of both your budget and the end result.
With that said, keep in mind that getting professional help with your installation or construction needs is usually going to come out better in the end than choosing the DIY path.
Pools and More
Adding a swimming pool, tennis court, or other outdoor feature is great if you intend to be the one using it but as a feature to add property value, it may be a problem for a potential buyer, especially if the home is in a seasonal location. The cost of operating a pool for three or four months of the year may not be something every buyer wants to incur. There are more people that do not play tennis than people that do. If you do not intend on making use of the additional backyard features, it is best to leave the space open for buyers to envision what they want to put there.
Building Extensions
Overspending on expensive add-on enhancements like extensions or additional stories may sound like a good idea to increase your square footage but doing so may make your home stand out from the rest in the neighborhood. A new buyer might not be interested in owning the biggest house on the street. You may also be pricing your home out of the area which can chase buyers away.
Unseen Renovations
Renovations where a potential buyer cannot see the upgrade will not add any value. New plumbing or HVAC systems, for example, may be what the home needs but for a buyer it may be secondary or might not matter at all. As the new pipes or venting are not at all visible, they are not taken into consideration when an offer is made.
Landscaping
Landscaping to create wonderful curb appeal is great, but an elaborately landscaped yard will mean maintenance to a new buyer. Instead, focus on keeping the yard cut and trimmed. This will show people that the home is easily cared for and still looks good.
Luxury Master Suite
A new master bedroom may be your dream, but a bedroom is often a space that requires personal touches. Showing your style in a bedroom can put off a buyer with different tastes. Do a great closet instead to show functionality.
Poor Flooring Choices
While new flooring is a great idea, the wrong flooring has the opposite effect. Unusual flooring colours or designs can negatively affect the property value as buyers will see a large expense to replace them. Even new carpeting is likely something a potential buyer will simply replace anyway. Making sure existing floors look clean is better than adding the wrong flooring.
Windows
New windows may be welcomed by a potential buyer, but the price of the home will not be affected much. Windows are simply an item that the buyer will see as not having to deal with for a few years rather than a special feature of the home.
Room Conversion
Converting a bedroom to that library you love can cause mental anguish for someone else. Others may see it as an expense to convert the room right back into a bedroom. If you still want to have the library, rather than putting in all that built-in shelving, consider furniture shelving that can be moved out when packing up the house.
Knocking Down Walls
Creating more space by knocking out a wall between rooms can be beneficial but make sure they are the right rooms. If you intend to eliminate a wall between bedrooms to make a grand room, you may be doing yourself a disservice as you are losing the use of a bedroom. Taking a wall down between a kitchen and a dining room, however, can create space and flow that most buyers will love to see.
Renovations That Do Add To Your Property Value
When renovating, many homeowners think they have to upgrade everything when that is simply not the case. The key to renovating is finding the 20% upgrades that will add 80% of the value. Most of these upgrades will be cosmetic in nature and they will be much cheaper than you probably expect.
Flooring
Flooring is a very large part of every home. While adding new hardwood floors can have a great impact on a potential buyer at a large cost, simply refinishing existing hardwood might be just as good. By making existing flooring shine, it will be more profitable than tearing out the old floors and installing new. The same rule applies to floors as anything else though, to add the most value, keep it simple with neutral choices whether it is hardwood or tile.
Fixtures
By simply replacing fixtures like lighting, cabinet hardware, door handles, and faucets, you can cheaply and effectively bring new life to the room or the home overall. The end result will feel fresh and it will add great value for the cost.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are viewed as the second most important room in a home. A newly renovated bathroom can add a lot to the home if done right. Simply rejuvenating an existing bathroom to be more updated and offer a sense of tranquility, will give potential buyers something to look forward to as they consider making a deal for your home.
Bathrooms do not necessarily need to be large, but they do need to be functional and attractive. Using any additional space you can find in the home to create an extra three-piece bathroom, will go a long way to your bottom line.
Kitchens
The most important room in the home is the kitchen. The reason for this is that we spend so much time in the kitchen as a place to eat, prepare for the day, or as a hub to meet with other family members. Done right, a renovation on a kitchen can add a huge amount to the home’s value.
Adding features that are modern, stylish, and unique in function and design can create a kitchen that will be desirable. These kinds of desirable features are what a buyer wants and therefore builds property value for a seller.
Income Suite
The single biggest way to build value in a home is to create an income suite. The idea of renting part of your home, be it the basement or a floor upstairs, is not for everyone. However, it can create not only property value for you, but, also continuous income for the new homeowner. This can be a crucial feature that people look for in an environment of rising home prices, as it can give the buyer an opportunity to rent the space and have part or even their entire mortgage costs covered each month.
Alternative Upgrades For The Highest Return To Your Property Value
If a full home or even a room renovation seems to be out of the budget, there are still some things you can do that will be much less expensive and offer a return that even a kitchen renovation cannot give you.
Steel Door
A steel door entry will cost much less than a kitchen or bathroom but can give you a 91% return on investment while also providing for a better curb appeal and more attractive view on the inside.
Garage Door
Along the same lines, a new garage door can be installed to give your home a new look and provide functionality. Such an addition will result in an average of a 92% return on investment and on a very reasonable budget as well.
Attic Insulation
Probably the best overall average return can be achieved by adding attic insulation. While it is not something that the buyer will initially see, it is not like plumbing in the walls, as a home inspector will ordinarily climb into the attic to check the studs as well as the insulation. Many homes are under-insulated in their attics. By adding insulation very cheaply you could see a return of 108% or more.
There are many ways to add value to your property when renovating. Keeping in mind the renovations that do add value and those that do not can maximize your efforts and create the most return on your investments.
The post Renovations That Add to Your Property Value and Those That Do Not appeared first on Realty Executives Saskatoon.
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Accessible Housing in Saskatoon
Everyone deserves the right to live independently. Unfortunately, this is a reality unavailable to many people with limited mobility due to physical disabilities, as well as the elderly. Across Canada, both the provincial and federal governments are taking the steps needed to ensure that accessible housing is available for all, regardless of age or physical disability.
The push for an increase in homes outfitted for special needs has recently become evident right here in the Saskatoon real estate market, where a new accessible and affordable housing unit was opened earlier this year in the neighbourhood of Mount Royal. However, accessible housing availability is still an issue in Saskatchewan and the rest of Canada, leaving many to live in situations where their mobility is severely restricted by their surroundings or in some cases, are unable to live independently.
Accessible housing is a problem that has steadily been gaining attention nationwide, and it is time that it be properly addressed in order to provide everyone with the same opportunity to live independently in homes that accommodate physical mobility issues instead of compounding them.
The Importance of Inclusion and Accessibility
The ability to live independently is considered a basic human right. For many people without physical disabilities, just how important independent living can be is often taken for granted. Adults forced into dependent living situations or homelessness due to shortages in accessible housing will likely experience a sense of isolation, as well as restricted opportunities and increased vulnerability. Adults who are capable of independent living but are unable to, due to limited accessible housing options, may suffer from mental health depression and anxiety, as well as deterioration in regard to general happiness and accomplishment.
Many who live with others find themselves in what they describe as “reciprocal” relationships, wherein they feel like a burden on those they share a home with. As a result, they strive to strike a reciprocal balance to prevent from becoming bothersome. Living in a home where an individual constantly feels like a problem contributes further to feelings of separation and helplessness, which can predictably worsen over time.
In contrast, being able to live independently in a community of accessible housing can turn everything around. Though they may seem like small things, being able to take a shower without aid or cook dinner without assistance, lend to a sense of contentment in having the freedom to do these things on their own. In a community based around accessible living, individuals will also know inclusion instead of exclusion, which can lessen the feelings of hopelessness and isolation.
Everyone deserves to live in a way that makes them happy, which is why it’s so incredibly important that Saskatchewan – and indeed, the rest of Canada – continues to work towards a solution for the accessible housing shortage.
Understanding the Requirements of Accessible Living
To some, the term “accessible housing” brings to mind a home that is easy to navigate around, be it either with a wheelchair ramp or handles in the bathroom to aid in movement and getting up and down. The actual truth of the matter is that accessible homes require a great deal more attention to detail.
In an interview with The Saskatoon StarPhoenix, Arvid Kuhnle (a paraplegic resident of an accessible housing project) recounts that it is things that most people take for granted that can make all the difference, such as choosing laminate flooring instead of carpet. Carpet makes it far more difficult for anyone in a wheelchair to move around to the point of detriment, which is why a harder, smoother flooring option is a far better decision.
It is not just about flooring, though. In the bathroom, an accessible home would ideally have a “roll-in” shower (one without a “lip” on the floor), a lowered vanity with clearance under the sink, non-slip flooring, and adequate room to move and turn around safely in. Accessible kitchens would need lowered counters as well, along with pull-out work boards, clearance under the counter or sink, and shelves that pull out in substitution for deep cupboards.
In regard to general features required across the entire house, there would be door-less entries with no threshold into living rooms or dining rooms, light switches at an easily reachable height, wider hallways, straight staircases with smaller steps and risers, and an abundance of electrical, phone, and cable outputs to allow for optimization and flexibility when it comes to furniture arrangements.
These are just some of the characteristics an accessible home should have, and some may feature even more depending on the occupant’s individual needs.
Building Accessible Homes Vs. Renovating for Accessibility
For a long time, one of the only options open to people with physical disabilities was to renovate a home in order to better suit their needs. Renovation is hardly ever cheap, and when so many alterations are required, the cost often becomes prohibitive.
As Marisa Sabatino of Disability Credit Canada explains, there are alternatives to these kinds of renovations: universal and adaptable house designs.
With an adaptable house design, the home will have flexible features that can be modified at a small cost in order to suit the changing needs of an occupant over time. Adaptable housing allows people to remain at home even should their mobility continue to deteriorate, making them also ideal for aging occupants. In addition to being easily accessible for people with limited mobility at the outset, adaptable housing allows for modifications to be made at a fraction of the cost of full renovations. Most adaptable homes include elements such as:
Doorways and hallways with enough room to make access and movement easier.
Ample space in bathrooms and kitchens to move without issue.
Relevant construction features to allow for future installation of things such as grab bars.
Initial accessible features such as faucet handles, door designs, and positioning of light switches and outlets.
A universal accessible home design will not require any modifications or renovations at all, as the house will be built with all necessary requirements in place. This will include structural components such as wider hallways, stairways that are easy and safe to climb, doors without thresholds, and the placement of counters and appliances to allow for maximum range of movement. In addition, a universal accessible home design will include sinks, shelves, outlets, and windows that are at adjusted heights and are simple to use and operate.
The Current State of Accessible Housing in Saskatoon
Accessible housing is in short supply across Canada, and it is not different here in Saskatoon. In one of its most recent reports, the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission made note of the fact that though there are accessible homes available in Saskatoon through the relevant housing authority, the number of those homes is limited. However, that problem is one that different organizations are aiming to change. Spinal Cord Injury Saskatchewan, for example, is collaborating with a number of different builders in order to create more special needs homes throughout the city.
While the solution will not be immediate, it is assured that in the coming years more and more accessible homes will become available in Saskatoon. Hopefully this will make it far easier for those with disabilities and limited mobility to find a way to live independently.
Accessible Homes: Better to Buy Than Rent?
Along with the traditional benefits and drawbacks of renting, there are additional concerns to consider when it comes to accessible housing. When renting it may be difficult to find a home that has all the necessary elements to suit individual mobility requirements. What is more, renovating or modifying a home in order to add or subtract these elements can be quite pricey, especially if the home was never originally built to accommodate such features.
Buying a special needs home can eliminate all of those concerns, particularly if purchasing a home designed and built with accessibility in mind. As aforementioned, adaptable homes and homes built from a universal accessible design can limit or even eliminate the need for renovations, and adaptable housing allows for affordable modifications in the future if needed.
Buying a home built for accessibility can set an individual up for life, as everything that is required will already be present in the home (or can be easily added in at a later date). It is very difficult to find an accessible rental property that even comes close to granting that type of convenience.
Realtors and Accessible Housing Options: How We Can Help
As the demand for accessible housing grows in Saskatoon, so does the need for realtors who are knowledgeable and capable in that area. To that end, we have extensive experience in finding accessible homes in Saskatoon that completely meet the needs and wants of any clients with physical disabilities or mobility restrictions.
We keep our fingers on the pulse of accessible housing development within Saskatoon and are familiar with engineers, developers, home inspectors, carpenters, and contractors, all of whom we can rely on to help us find the most ideal accessible homes and modification ideas on an individual basis.
Regardless of whether you are seeking an adaptable home, a retrofitted home, or a home built entirely from the ground up with accessibility in mind, we are willing, ready, and happy to assist in finding the right house for you.
The post Accessible Housing in Saskatoon appeared first on Realty Executives Saskatoon.
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Tips on how to view a property
A simple, quick list that helps you guys make the most of those viewings!
Do not be pushed into a purchase
First and foremost, DO NOT BE PUSHED into purchasing a home if you are not 100% certain that you want to buy. Purchasing a new home is a COLOSSAL decision and it’s, therefore, one that you want to get right. Always listen to what the seller or agent is telling you, however, remember that these people are trying to sell. So weigh up your options appropriately and make sure you go over every detail of the decision.
Double check your location & local area
So, you had a quick look on Google maps and you roughly know the area. The location seems good and it’s relatively priced, I’m all clear, right? Well, to be safe why not go for a short stroll around your new neighborhood and surrounding area, just take a walk through the area and get a greater ‘feel’ for what it would be like to live there. If you feel relaxed and at home, you know you are making a good decision.
Does the home suit all of your personal requirements?
Can I fit my double bed in the master bedroom? Is this close enough to the school? Can we fit two cars on the drive? Is the attic big enough to put all my bachelor memorabilia in; as the wife does not appreciate the singing fish plaque? Questions similar to these will help you to rate the new property on its suitability for your personal circumstances and requirements. It is important that this home is a realistic option for you and you must make sure you have considered all of your options.
The time of viewing
If you view a property during the day, for example, you may fail to notice the noisy neighbor who finishes at 6pm or the pub that serves until 4am. You don’t want to be stuck with a beautiful house that has a noisy neighbor playing music from 6pm-2am. Also, houses can have a different feeling and atmosphere during the day as they do during the night, you want to make sure that you always feel comfortable living there no matter what the time of day.
Give the seller/agent a thorough questioning
We know that you don’t want to be rude, but do you also want dodgy neighbors and a leaky roof? Asking some of the ‘tougher’ questions may seem impolite but it has to be done. You must acquire as much information as possible about the property that you are purchasing; otherwise, you may end up paying for home improvements that may have been a deal breaker when it came to buying the home.
First seen on Tips! Buying Your First House
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Some important information on Title Insurance. https://youtu.be/mlXWfjMSw8Q
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Some things to watch for when house hunting in Saskatoon. https://youtu.be/wTW8hWQq9ug
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Some great tips on finding a qualified Real Estate Lawyer. https://youtu.be/2uR5IrV-fdk
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The deal has gone through! Closing time is approaching, here are some things to think about: https://www.rexsaskatoon.com/buyers-info/closing-home-purchase/
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You are ready to make an offer on your new home? Key these things in mind: https://www.rexsaskatoon.com/buyers-info/making-offer-home/
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There are lots of options when it comes to mortgages. Here are some things to keep in mind: https://www.rexsaskatoon.com/buyers-info/mortgage-considerations/
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If you are thinking of buying you should spend some time thinking about home ownership costs: https://www.rexsaskatoon.com/buyers-info/costs-home-ownership/
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Here are some great tips on preparing your home to sell. https://www.rexsaskatoon.com/sellers-info/preparing-home-sell/
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First time you are buying a home? There is lots to think about, but this should help: https://www.rexsaskatoon.com/buyers-info/buying-first-home/
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Are you ready to buy some property in Saskatoon? We have lots of helpful info for buyers: https://www.rexsaskatoon.com/buyers-info/
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Moving day is just around the corner, here are some helpful tips to smooth out the process: http://www.rexsaskatoon.com/moving-tips/
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The deal is done, but what do you do now for the Closing? https://www.rexsaskatoon.com/sellers-info/closing-sale-home/
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