Having a calm and clean bathroom is important for several reasons:

Promotes hygiene: A clean bathroom is essential for maintaining good hygiene. Bacteria and other germs can easily accumulate in a dirty bathroom, which can lead to infections and illness. A clean bathroom reduces the risk of illness and promotes overall health.

Reduces stress: A cluttered or disorganized bathroom can be stressful and overwhelming. By keeping the bathroom clean and tidy, it can become a calming and relaxing space where you can unwind and de-stress.

Creates a pleasant atmosphere: A clean bathroom with a pleasant smell and a calming ambiance can help create a more enjoyable and peaceful experience for users. This is particularly important for individuals who start or end their day in the bathroom and need a peaceful environment to prepare for their day or unwind after a long day.

Enhances the bathroom's functionality: A clean and organized bathroom can help improve its functionality. By keeping countertops and drawers clear of clutter, you can make it easier to find and access the items you need.

Conveys a sense of respect and hospitality: A clean and well-maintained bathroom reflects positively on the homeowner or establishment and conveys a sense of respect and hospitality to guests.

Overall, a calm and clean bathroom is essential for maintaining good hygiene, reducing stress, creating a pleasant atmosphere, enhancing functionality, and conveying a sense of respect and hospitality.

Helping the environment at home can have a significant impact on the overall health of the planet. By making small changes to our daily habits and routines, we can help reduce our carbon footprint and preserve natural resources for future generations. Here are some ways we can help the environment at home:

Order from local farms: By purchasing produce and other goods from local farms, we can support sustainable agriculture and reduce the environmental impact of shipping and transportation.

Start composting: Composting is a natural process that turns food and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil. By composting at home, we can reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help promote healthier soil.

Open windows instead of using air conditioning: On mild days, opening windows can help cool your home without using air conditioning. This can reduce your energy consumption and save money on your utility bills.

Turn down water heater: Lowering the temperature on your water heater can help reduce energy consumption and save money on your utility bills.

Give appliances a break: Unplugging appliances when they're not in use can reduce the amount of energy they consume, which can help save money on your utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Reduce, reuse, and recycle: Reducing the amount of waste we produce, reusing items whenever possible, and recycling materials that can't be reused can help reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Helping the environment at home is an important step towards reducing our carbon footprint and preserving natural resources for future generations. By making small changes to our daily habits and routines, we can help create a healthier planet for all.

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McConachie is a relatively new community located in the northeastern part of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Here are some of the things that make McConachie a great place to live:

Access to amenities: McConachie is close to several shopping centers, including Manning Town Centre, which offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The community is also close to schools, parks, and recreation centers, making it a convenient place to live.

Proximity to transportation: McConachie is well-connected to the rest of Edmonton, with easy access to the Anthony Henday Drive, which is a major ring road that connects the city's neighborhoods. Additionally, the neighborhood is served by several bus routes, making it easy to get around by public transportation.

Green spaces: McConachie has several parks and green spaces, including McConachie Park, which features a playground, a skating rink, and sports fields. The community is also close to the North Saskatchewan River Valley, which is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.

Family-friendly community: McConachie is a family-friendly community with many young families and children. There are several schools in the area, and the neighborhood has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Affordable housing: Compared to other neighborhoods in Edmonton, McConachie offers relatively affordable housing options, making it an attractive option for first-time homebuyers or those looking to downsize.

McConachie is a great community to live in, with easy access to amenities, transportation, and green spaces, a family-friendly atmosphere, and affordable housing options.

If you're looking to move into the McConachie area, reach out to me to view the 8 Bed | 5 Bath 2-Storey available! 

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Ready to sell your home in the vibrant Edmonton or Sherwood Park area? Here's why I can help you achieve a successful sale:

Market Expertise: My in-depth understanding of local trends, pricing strategies, and buyer preferences will be leveraged to position your home competitively and attract the right buyers.

Strategic Marketing: Selling a home requires a strategic approach. Together we'll establish a tailored marketing plan that highlights the unique features and selling points of your property. From professional photography to captivating descriptions, your listing will stand out in the crowd.

Wide Network: Over the years, I've built a vast network of buyers, agents, and industry professionals in Edmonton and Sherwood Park. Through targeted outreach and networking, I'll connect your home with interested and qualified buyers, maximizing exposure and generating buzz.

Pricing Precision: Accurately pricing your home is crucial for a successful sale. Using comprehensive market analysis and my expertise, I'll determine the optimal listing price that attracts buyers and ensures you get the best return on your investment.

Effective Negotiation: Negotiating is an art, and I excel at it. I'll skillfully represent your interests, working to secure the highest possible price and favorable terms. From offers to counteroffers, I'll guide you through the negotiation process with confidence.

Smooth Transactions: I understand that selling your home can be stressful. That's why I'll handle all the paperwork, coordinate with potential buyers, and ensure a smooth transaction from start to finish. I'll navigate the complexities, allowing you to focus on your next chapter.

Let's make your home-selling journey a resounding success! Reach out today, and together we'll navigate the real estate market. Call/text (780) 982-1589, send me a DM, or email craig@craigfinnman.ca.

Translucent doors, which are doors made from materials that allow light to pass through but are not completely transparent, can offer several benefits in a home:

Privacy: Translucent doors can provide a level of privacy while still allowing natural light to flow through. They can be a great option for spaces like bathrooms or bedrooms where privacy is important but you still want to allow light to enter the room.

Style: Translucent doors can add a unique and stylish touch to a home. They come in a variety of materials, such as frosted glass or acrylic, which can add an interesting texture to a room.

Sound insulation: Depending on the material used, translucent doors can also provide some sound insulation. This can be helpful in reducing noise from adjacent rooms or outside.

Space-saving: Sliding or pocket translucent doors can be a great space-saving option in smaller homes or apartments, as they do not require the swing space that traditional doors do.

Energy efficiency: Similar to see-through doors, translucent doors can also help improve the energy efficiency of your home by allowing natural light to enter, which can reduce your reliance on artificial lighting.

Overall, translucent doors can be a great option for homeowners looking to add privacy, style, and functionality to their home.

What do you think? Are you into translucent doors?

Having a top-notch garden can provide a variety of benefits, including enhancing the beauty of your outdoor space, providing fresh produce or herbs for your meals, and improving your mental health through the calming effects of gardening. However, achieving a top-notch garden requires effort and attention to detail, including defining the space, plucking the weeds, spreading mulch, remembering to water, and ensuring enough sun exposure.

Defining the space of your garden can help create a clear and organized layout, making it easier to plant and maintain your garden. This can be done by creating borders with fences, hedges, or other types of physical barriers. Defining your garden space can also help keep unwanted plants or pests out, preventing them from damaging your plants.

Weeds can compete with your plants for resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight, which can lead to stunted growth or even death of your plants. Plucking weeds regularly is crucial to prevent them from taking over your garden, and this can be done manually or with the help of herbicides.

Mulching can help regulate soil temperature and moisture levels, which can improve plant growth and reduce water usage. Mulch can also suppress weed growth and prevent soil erosion. Choosing the right type of mulch for your garden, such as organic mulch like shredded leaves or pine needles, can also improve soil quality over time.

Watering your plants regularly is essential to ensure they have the necessary hydration to grow and thrive. However, it's important to avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot and other problems. The amount of water your plants need depends on the type of plant, soil type, and climate, so it's important to research the specific needs of each plant in your garden.

Finally, ensuring your plants have enough sunlight is crucial to their growth and health. Different types of plants have different light requirements, so it's important to select plants that are appropriate for the amount of sunlight your garden receives. Monitoring your garden throughout the day can help you determine the best spots for different types of plants.

Creating a top-notch garden requires attention to detail and regular maintenance, but the benefits can be well worth the effort. A beautiful and productive garden can improve the overall appearance of your home, provide fresh produce, and promote a healthy lifestyle.

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The Fraser community is located in the northeastern part of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It is a relatively new neighborhood that offers a mix of residential and commercial areas. Here are some of the things that make Fraser a great place to live:

Access to amenities: Fraser is close to several shopping centers, including Manning Town Centre, which offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The community is also close to schools, parks, and recreation centers, making it a convenient place to live.

Proximity to transportation: Fraser is well-connected to the rest of Edmonton, with easy access to Anthony Henday Drive, which is a major ring road that connects the city's neighborhoods. Additionally, the neighborhood is served by several bus routes, making it easy to get around by public transportation.

Green spaces: Fraser has several parks and green spaces, including Fraser Park, which features a playground, a skating rink, and sports fields. The community is also close to the North Saskatchewan River Valley, which is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.

Family-friendly community: Fraser is a family-friendly community with many young families and children. There are several schools in the area, and the neighborhood has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Affordable housing: Compared to other neighborhoods in Edmonton, Fraser offers relatively affordable housing options, making it an attractive option for first-time homebuyers or those looking to downsize.

Fraser is a great community to live in, with easy access to amenities, transportation, green spaces, a family-friendly atmosphere, and affordable housing options.

If you're looking to move into the Fraser area, reach out to me to view the 5 Bed | 4 Bath 2-Storey available!

780-982-1589⁠
craig@craigfinnman.ca ⁠

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As any parent knows, having kids means making sure your home is a safe and comfortable place for them to play, explore, and grow. But small renovations are a great place to start if you want to go beyond the basics of childproofing and creating a genuinely family-friendly space. Here area few simple yet effective child-friendly home renovations.

Install Carpet:  carpet can be a great way to make a home more child friendly. Carpet provides a soft and comfortable surface for children to play on and is safer than hardwood or laminate floors, as it reduces the risk of slipping and falling. When selecting carpet for your home, consider using softer materials such as nylon or wool that are more comfortable for crawling and playtime. Also, be sure to choose carpets with a low pile that won’t trap crumbs or pet hair. A low-pile carpet also makes it easier to clean up spills and messes. If you are concerned about allergies, look for carpets with hypoallergenic properties.

Invest in Sturdy Furniture:  when it comes to child-friendly home renovations, investing in sturdy furniture is essential. Kids are curious and full of energy, and their furniture needs to be able to handle that. Look for pieces made from durable materials like wood, metal, or plastic that won’t easily break when your little ones are playing. Choose furniture with rounded edges, so there are no sharp corners to injure them. Ensure any upholstered pieces have tightly woven fabric that won’t rip or snag easily. For more budget-friendly options, consider pieces that can grow with your kids, such as adjustable-height desks and chairs. These will last years and save you money in the long run. Finally, look for pieces that are easy to clean and maintain to make it simpler for you when accidents do happen.

Install Padding on Sharp Corners: Sharp corners can be dangerous for curious toddlers just learning to crawl and explore their environment. To ensure the safety of your little ones, consider adding padding to sharp corners in your home. This can easily be done by purchasing corner protectors or creating homemade solutions. Corner protectors come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours, so it’s easy to find something that fits your style. You can also make your own with felt, foam rubber or even cardboard! Simply measure the size of your corner and cut the material to size, then attach it with glue or double-sided tape. This is an inexpensive and easy way to make sure your little ones stay safe from sharp corners.

Install Baby Gates:  baby gates are essential for protecting your child from hazards and keeping them from accessing areas that may be off-limits. Installing baby gates can be a great way to add an extra layer of safety and security to your home. When it comes to installing baby gates, you’ll want to look for ones that are easy to use, adjustable, and sturdy enough to provide a secure barrier for your little one. There are a variety of different styles available, so you’ll need to decide which one is best suited for your particular needs. If you have stairs in your home, you’ll want to make sure you invest in a gate designed specifically for stairways. These gates have special features designed to keep your little one safe and away from stairs. You’ll also want to consider any gaps or doorways you may need to block off and get the right type of gate for each area. Once you’ve installed the gate, take a moment to double-check that it’s secure and safe for your child. If you have any questions or concerns about installing baby gates, consult a professional to ensure you’re doing it correctly. With the right gate installed in the right places, your home will be much safer and more secure for your little one.

Add Storage: creating a child-friendly home often requires making changes that may seem small but can make a big difference. Adding storage is an integral part of ensuring that your home is safe and comfortable for your children. Storage can help keep toys, books, and other items organized and out of the way, making it easier for your children to find what they need and for you to keep track of things. Storage options range from large built-in cabinets and shelves to smaller bins or toy boxes. Smaller options like baskets and crates can also work well if you don’t have room for large built-in storage. When selecting storage solutions, look for durable items that will stand up to everyday use by your children. If you have small children, avoid storage with small pieces that could be choking hazards, and opt for storage with smooth edges and rounded corners instead. Adding storage to your home can make a big difference in creating a safe and comfortable environment for your children. With a careful selection of the right storage solutions, you can ensure that your home is both child-friendly and organized.

Install Cabinet Locks:  installing cabinet locks is an essential step to making your home safe and secure for children. These locks will prevent children from accessing potentially dangerous items in cabinets, drawers, and other storage areas around the house. Cabinet locks come in a variety of styles, so it is essential to consider which option is best for your home.

From adding safety features to updating the look and feel of your home, these small renovations can have a big impact on the comfort and safety of your family.

P.S. If you’re ready to tackle some bigger renovations, don’t hesitate to reach out. I'm happy to provide recommendations to trusted professionals who can take on anything from mechanical to electrical, to plumbing.

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Open kitchen shelves have become increasingly popular in recent years for several reasons. Here are some of the main reasons why open kitchen shelves are considered great:

Easy to Access: With open shelves, everything is in plain sight, making it easy to find what you need without having to dig through cabinets or drawers.

Aesthetically Pleasing: Open shelves provide an opportunity to showcase beautiful dishes, glassware, and other kitchen items, creating an attractive and visually appealing display.

Creates a Sense of Space: By removing the visual barriers of cabinets, open shelves can create an illusion of more space and light, making a small kitchen feel larger and more open

Budget-Friendly: Open shelves are often less expensive than cabinets, making them an affordable way to update your kitchen and give it a fresh look.

Easy to Install: Open shelves are relatively easy to install and can be a DIY project for those with basic carpentry skills.

However, it is important to note that open shelves may not be the best choice for everyone. Since they don't have doors, they require more maintenance to keep items dust-free, organized, and looking neat. Open shelves also require a bit of planning to ensure that they are functional and don't become cluttered.

Nonetheless, for those who appreciate the benefits of open shelving, they can be a great addition to any kitchen. What do you think? Are you into open shelving?

Outdoor home improvements can have a significant impact on the look and feel of your property, and Spring is an excellent time to undertake them. Here are a few reasons why these particular improvements are important:

Front Door Makeover: Your front door is the entryway to your home and the first thing guests see when they arrive. A fresh coat of paint, new hardware, or even a new door can make a big difference in improving your home's curb appeal. This can create a positive first impression and even increase the value of your property.

Sprucing up Windows: Clean and well-maintained windows not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also allow natural light to come in, which can make your home brighter and more inviting. This is particularly important during the spring months when natural light is abundant, and you want to enjoy it as much as possible.

Resealing the Driveway: Winter can be harsh on your driveway, causing cracks, potholes, and other damages. Resealing your driveway in the spring can prevent further damage and improve the overall look of your property. It can also extend the life of your driveway and save you money in the long run.

Illuminating Landscaping: Adding lighting to your outdoor space can create an inviting and safe environment, particularly during the darker months of the year. Illuminating landscaping features such as trees, shrubs, and pathways can create a visually appealing outdoor space and make it easier to navigate in the dark.

Upgrading Front Walkway: The front walkway is another area that can significantly impact your home's curb appeal. Upgrading the walkway by replacing old pavers, installing new ones, or adding decorative elements can add character and charm to your home.

Overall, these outdoor home improvements can improve your home's curb appeal, make your property more inviting, and increase its overall value. So, if you're looking to make a positive change to your property this spring, these improvements are an excellent place to start.

Reach out if you need a referral to a great contractor, electrician or landscaper!

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Sitting down and planning a home renovation can quickly become overwhelming when costs start adding up. Even with a budget, you’ll likely find yourself going over which is why it’s crucial to add in that 10-20% contingency fund. It’s totally possible to renovate affordably if you invest a bit of time and effort. Here’s how to renovate your home on a budget without sacrificing quality.

Increase Efficiency, Not Size

Storage can be a problem and needing to renovate to gain more can be costly. Recognizing and equipping the room for maximum utility will save you from having to remove walls entirely. If it’s vital to enlarge the size of the room, inquire if it’s at all possible to remove a wall instead of creating an addition. This helps will that brand-new feeling and improves flow without costing a ton. Be sure to check if the wall you want to remove is wall-bearing (if so, it will be more difficult to move and will cost you).

Refinish Instead of Replace

As a homeowner, it’s easy to get caught up on the cosmetics and when something looks worn down and old, instinct is to rip it down and start over. There is, however, ways to refresh a space without completely redoing it. A fresh coat of paint goes a long way; you can add an accent wall with a splash of a fun colour or keep things neutral throughout with lively décor.

Kitchen backsplashes have become increasingly easier for homeowners to install themselves which would help revamp the space. A runner down the hallway or on stairs can hide large marks and give new life to high-traffic areas. Fresh caulking around a tub can go a long way in making your bathroom look new and old furniture can be spruced up by refinishing the wood or reupholstering the material. The possibilities truly are endless.

Reuse and Recycle

What you’re tired of in one space might refresh another. Kitchen cabinets can be used in a basement kitchenette or in the garage and knobs and light switches are easily interchangeable. Simple rearranging can completely change the look and feel of a room without costing a dime.

If you are willing to put in a little time, to reap big savings, search online or thrift stores for items at a fraction the price.

Are there disadvantages of recycling? Several contractors will not work with salvaged items, or homeowner-supplied items in general, because they don’t want to assume the liability if something goes wrong. However, if you are doing most or all of the work yourself, you can find plenty of materials simply by looking around a little bit.

DIY When Possible

It’s always worth doing at least some of the work yourself. There are plenty of jobs that can be done, such as demolition, painting, sanding, or insulating to save yourself some money.

But before you begin, make sure you have a plan. If you are not specific about what you want both with yourself and any contractors, you will end up costing yourself more money by potentially performing renovations that you don’t end up loving.

Reach out with any questions anytime! It would be a privilege to serve as your Realtor.

Craig Finnman ⁠
Re/Max Elite ⁠
craig@craigfinnman.ca ⁠
780-982-1589

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Source: How to Renovate Your House on a Budget | Re/Max | February 17^th, 2023

The real estate market has changed so much over the past 2 years and continues to do so! This month I am sharing details on some of the interesting trends we are seeing for 2023.

If you have any questions on these or any other real estate-related concerns, please feel free to reach out to me. I’ll be happy to help you out!

Craig Finnman ⁠
Re/Max Elite ⁠
craig@craigfinnman.ca ⁠
780-982-1589

For homeowners, a historic home is a unique opportunity to live in a local piece of history. They do, however, have issues that newly constructed homes do not have. Committing to a historic home is a big decision and you should be informed of the care that will be required.

What is a Historic Home?

They’re 50+-year-old residential buildings with some sort of heritage value and include private homes, commercial buildings that consist of residential units, landmarks, and entire districts or neighborhoods depending on criteria. The criteria is at least 50 years old (with some exceptions) and meet 1 of 4 criteria:

- It is connected to significant historical events.
- It is connected to the lives of one or more significant individuals.
- It is considered an embodiment of a particular master or historic style.
- It has provided or is likely to provide important historical information.

Historic buildings can be found everywhere and some neighborhoods are even designated as historic areas. They can be a competitive market so as a homebuyer you’ll want your finances in order prior to house hunting.

Benefits of Owning a Historic Home

1. You’ll be the owner of a piece of history and for some homebuyers, it’s an emotional investment.
   
   
2. Passion for history, architecture, and one-of-a-kind features is appealing to some.
   
   
3. You’ll be a part of a community committed to preservation. Buying a home in a historic area means joining a community of homeowners aiming to preserve the character and history of the district, even with costs and certain limited property rights.
   
   
4. Financial assistance is available for renovations. There are programs available to help fund them
   
   
5. Look into a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), purchase plus renovations mortgage, a second mortgage, or refinancing your mortgage.

Things to Consider Before You Buy

1. Get ready for hard work! The older the home, the more often than not means it was built before modern construction techniques. Lots of love, care, and regular maintenance will be necessary.
   
   
2. Get ready to pay more! Historic districts have higher price tags and even higher prices when modern amenities like central air conditioning have been added; even at a good price, you’ll likely invest in upgrades and renovations and materials will be more expensive.
   
   
3. Restrictions on Renovations. Historic homes have their own real estate laws and regulations designed to preserve local history, such as not changing the interior layout, preserving outdoor spaces, and only using certain materials on the house’s exterior. With the stipulations, you may find it more difficult to do maintenance and renovations.
   
   
4. You Can’t Modernize Everything. Historic homes have lasted through numerous decades and owners, there will often be a clash of décor elements inside the house. Preservation laws that impact interior and exterior elements often don’t apply to décor.

In recent years, home sellers have had the advantage but since the market conditions are expected to shift, questions may be arising about what a balanced market is. During the peak of the pandemic, cities across Canada experienced extremely high home prices, from single-family residential properties in highly populated areas to townhomes in rural communities. Homebuyers had to overcome bidding wars which resulted in some buyers ditching best practices, including home inspections. The market swiftly changed to a seller’s market due to unprecedentedly low mortgage rates.

The Bank of Canada (BoC) continues to raise interest rates and the housing market in Canada is moving towards a balanced market. So, what does this mean?

Craig Finnman ⁠
Re/Max Elite ⁠
craig@craigfinnman.ca ⁠
780-982-1589

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Source: What Is A Balanced Market | Re/Max | January 14th, 2023

"The RE/MAX 2023 Canada Housing Barometer Report examined average price and new mortgage values published by CMHC-Equifax Canada in 12 major markets from British Columbia to New Brunswick, to compare loan-to-value (LTV) ratios between Q3 2012 and Q3 2022.

The report found that LTV ratios had declined in 67% of markets (8) over the past decade, with the greatest drops noted in London and Moncton (21%), Halifax (15%), Hamilton (14%), Toronto (10%) and Ottawa-Gatineau (9%). 4 markets, including Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Regina, were up over 2012 levels, a trend that is set to reverse in the years ahead as Alberta and Saskatchewan’s economic engines gain momentum and drive home-buying activity.

The lowest loan-to-value ratios were found in the most expensive markets, including Vancouver (50%), Toronto (53%), and Hamilton (54%) while the highest loan-to-value ratios were found in Regina (88%) and Edmonton (83%). Nationally, loan-to-value ratios hovered at 57%."

Craig Finnman ⁠
Re/Max Elite ⁠
craig@craigfinnman.ca ⁠
780-982-1589⁠

Read More | Canada Housing Market Risk Low, Despite Short-Term Contraction | Re/Max

Most home sellers have two main objectives: to sell quickly and for the highest price. The beauty of owning real estate (whether it’s a principal residence or an investment property) is that historically, it has yielded solid returns to Canadians who are in it for the long haul. Indeed, equity gains in Canadian real estate have been notable in some particularly hot markets, with the proceeds used to fund everything from the purchase of a bigger and better home, to retirement, travel, an investment strategy, or life’s next big milestone – whatever that may be.

A number of major cities across Canada have experienced tight market conditions over the last few years, but a slew of interest rate increases in 2022 have eased demand, prompting a market shift in many Canadian regions. In fact, balanced conditions are expected to occur in 60% of Canadian housing markets this year. This means sellers are unlikely to see the same frantic buyer competition that defined Canadian housing markets during the pandemic.

There are many possible reasons houses don’t sell, ranging from broader economic and market conditions, right down to the condition of the property itself. Here are some of the most common reasons houses don’t sell, and how to avoid them.

Reasons Houses Don’t Sell

1. Wrong Listing Price

To you, your home may be priceless. After all, you have an emotional attachment to the place you call “home.” However, to a buyer, that is not the case. Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter what the homeowner, or even the listing agent, thinks a house is worth. The only thing that matters is what the buyer is willing to pay.

The right listing price will likely be a combination of a few factors, such as the market conditions, the home’s condition and the seller’s circumstances. Home Value Estimators are readily available online and are a great resource to give you a ballpark idea of what your home is worth. I will pull recent sales of comparable homes in the same neighbourhood. Then, based on the condition of the home and how desperate you are to sell, I will recommend a listing price.

The listing price is the first impression homebuyers will have of your home. When a buyer decides to start shopping for a new home, step one is creating a budget. With this number in hand, step two is to browse online listings. Within that price range. Success can come down to a few dollars over or below that specific threshold. This is why it’s important to be realistic when it comes to pricing the home.

While overpricing a home is a concern, so too is underpricing it. Buyers may wrongly assume that a home priced well below market value has something wrong with it, or that the seller is hoping for a bidding war – both turn-offs for homebuyers.

2. Bad Listing Photos

Believe it or not, bad listing photos can be a reason that your house is not selling. Although many homebuyers will still drive around on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon in search of “Open House” signs, most shoppers today take a more targeted approach to their home hunt. They hit the streets armed with a budget, their list of liveable locations, the features their future home should have, and specific addresses of homes for sale that are worth an in-person tour. So, how do you get on that list?

Enter the real estate photographer and this adage: a picture is worth a thousand words. I will arrange for listing photos that will show your home in the best possible light.

On the flip side, don’t be a catfish. Nothing is worse than falling in love with the listing photos and taking the time to attend a showing, only to discover that it isn’t as it's presented. Good and honest listing photos are a critical part of your selling strategy.

3. Didn’t Stage the Property

While it’s important to showcase your listing in a realistic way, it never hurts to do a little primping before putting up the “For Sale” sign. Some buyers have trouble seeing past what a home is and visualizing what it could be. Staging a home can help highlight its best features, minimize the worst, and give prospective homebuyers some inspiration as to how they can use the space.

Remember that as a home seller, you’re not only selling the property but you’re also selling the idea of “home.” This is why putting an empty house on the market can be a big mistake. An empty house may leave the impression that it is smaller than it actually is, or that it’s uncared for.

4. Unfavourable Market Conditions

When it comes to selling your home, there are many things within your control. Others are wild cards, as far as the seller is concerned. Factors such as a growing or declining population, economic conditions, interest rates, housing demand and supply, and even the weather can all be reasons why a home is not selling.

What you can control, however, is when you choose to sell your home. I can help you time the market. I have the market experience to speak to what is happening in the real estate landscape, and to predict what may happen down the road.

While you can’t control things like the job and housing markets, these are still important factors to consider when deciding if now is a good time to sell. Determine when your house is most appealing to homebuyers. The return of spring tends to rouse homebuyers out of hibernation. Similarly, keep your ear to the ground for other circumstances that may affect home-buying trends, such as an upcoming employment boom or new developments in your area that may increase housing demand.

Sometimes it can be tough to pinpoint why a home isn’t selling. At other times, it’s painfully clear. I'll provide important insight into what you’re doing (or not doing) that may help or hinder the sale.

5. Didn’t work with a professional.

Selling a home can be complicated, even under favourable market conditions. Know that market conditions can change quickly, impacted by everything from local, national and international economies, to population fluctuations and even the weather. Especially in uncertain times, a little professional help can go a long way.

While most homebuyers and sellers will only have a limited number of transactions under their belt, an experienced listing agent has handled hundreds of home sales under a variety of market conditions. Let me guide you through the twists and turns of the housing market. 

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Download Home Staging Guide  

Craig Finnman ⁠
Re/Max Elite ⁠
craig@craigfinnman.ca ⁠
780-982-1589⁠

Source: 5 Reasons Houses Don't Sell | Re/Max | January 20th, 2023