Mistakes to Avoid While Selling Your Home

Mistakes to Avoid While Selling Your Home

Selling your home is a big deal. With all the steps involved, it can be overwhelming and cause you to overlook important elements, resulting in some big mistakes. In order to help you avoid doing this, here is a list of some of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when selling their home:

  1. Misunderstanding the costs of selling. Most people are comfortable with the percentage allocated towards the agent’s commission. However, the total cost to sell a home can amount to more than that because you have to consider other costs associated with closing, including repairs and other concessions to the buyer, which can increase the total cost. 
  2. Setting the home at the price you want, which can be very different than what the market will pay. Setting an unrealistic price comes with consequences because if you ask too much, then your home may not sell and will just sit on the market for a very long time. If you ask for too little, then you’re not getting full value, meaning you run the risk of leaving money on the table. Setting an appropriate listing price is tricky but it’s important that you do it right and the price may be different than what you had in mind.
  3. Failing to complete major repairs. A potential buyer is not going to be impressed if the home comes with a long list of things they need to repair after moving in. Remember that major issues will turn up during a home inspection, which most buyers require and that can decrease the value of your home. Make sure nothing is broken or in such poor condition that it may affect the structure or functionality of your home. This will be sure to turn buyers away. 
  4. Not caring about the appearance of the interior or exterior. Preparing your home for sale is a very important step and the cleaner, less cluttered and well decorated a home is, the better your chances are of selling it. Making sure both the interior and exterior of your home are in good condition will make it more appealing to a buyer because they will be able to picture themselves living there.
  5. Failing to be flexible for showings. You must be accommodating to the agent, even if the timing is inconvenient. You may have to vacate your home for several hours, even on weekends, but keep in mind that the person coming to see your home during dinnertime can potentially be the one to buy it, so cooperate and be flexible, even when the timing is not ideal.   

If you’re planning on selling your home, Norm Merz is who you need to call! He has access to all of the houses for sale in the Hamilton area and his experience with selling homes means your house will not be on the market long. Contact him today for a free home evaluation!

Taking Care of Your AC

Taking Care of Your AC

Hot, sticky summers can be more bearable by cooling off at home with air conditioning (AC). To keep it running efficiently and properly, it’s important to observe proper maintenance. This will help you save money and increase its lifespan. With some regular attention, you can increase the efficiency of your AC unit. Here are a few ways to make sure it runs at its best for you this summer.

Professional inspection
Keep on top of maintenance and inspection. Having a professional inspect the unit will help find any problems to keep it working in perfect condition. You can also check for common problems yourself, such as weak airflow and leakages which could indicate that there’s a blockage in the unit itself or the filter is clogged.

Clean & clear
Clean the unit and keep the area around it clear. To clean the unit turn off the power and then remove the fan cage to clean away the debris from the interior by hand or with a vacuum. Next, clean the fins by using a brush attachment or a Shop-Vac to remove dirt. Then rinse the outside with a hose. Clear the area around the condenser unit by removing any debris that could be obstructing airflow from the condenser fan. Rake back leaves and cut back branches at least two feet in all directions.

No filter
Check the filter every three months and either clean or replace as needed. A clogged air filter can make the unit work harder, waste energy and shorten the compressor’s life.

By doing these easy steps you’ll keep your AC running smoothly all season.

November events in Haldimand County

November events in Haldimand County

Get set for holiday fun in Haldimand County If you’re looking for something fun to do this month, you’re in luck. There are some exciting events coming soon to Caledonia and surrounding area that are sure to get you feeling festive, so mark your calendars and take advantage of all the city has to offer!

A Soldier’s Christmas At the Front Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre will have this exhibit on display until February. Explore and discover more about the experiences had by soldiers battling on the front during the holiday season. Admission is by donation. Call 905-765-3134.

Craft Show and Sale – November 5 More than 40 vendors will be in attendance at the Caledonia Lions Hall offering the perfect opportunity to shop local! Find that one-of-a-kind gift for someone special on your Christmas list. Sale will run from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Remembrance Day Parade & Services

Selkirk: November 4 – Parade will commence at the Selkirk Firehall at 12 p.m. and travel to Selkirk Park. Dunnville: November 11 – Service and parade will take place at Central Park beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Caledonia: November 11 – Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m.

Along the Grand Christmas Tour of Homes & Bazaar – November 17 – 18 This 18th annual event is presented by the UCW of Grace United Church. Guests will be able to tour three distinctive homes professionally decorated for the holiday season. Start or end your tour at Grace United Church and enjoy refreshments, a silent auction, shopping the many handcrafted items and more. Tours will take place Friday from 1 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. Tickets are $12. Call 905-765-2686.

Christmas in Caledonia – November 23 -25 The holiday festivities kick off at the gazebo in Kinsmen Park on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. with the annual light-up event! Walk to Santa’s Village at the Fairgrounds and be sure to stop by the Old Town Hall at Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre for surprises and a mystery guest! Local merchants will offer deals all day Friday and Saturday and a Santa Claus breakfast will happen on Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. After breakfast, find your spot curbside to enjoy the Santa Claus Parade beginning at 11 a.m. It’s going to be an incredible weekend for everyone in the family!

Don’t miss all the action this month in Haldimand!

Don’t miss all the action this month in Haldimand!

It’s hard to believe that June has arrived already. With a season of sunny, warm days on the horizon, it’s the perfect time of year to get out and enjoy all that the area has to offer. Take a look at some of the upcoming events:

Dunnville Mudcat Festival June 8 – 11

‘Celebrating Canada’s 150th Birthday’ is the theme of this year’s Mudcat Festival! Highlights of this fun-filled weekend include a parade, children’s entertainment, live musical acts, amusement rides, a car show, street dance, vendors, a perch fry, food trucks and a fabulous fireworks show. Don’t forget to wear your red and white!

Blast to the Past Workshop for Kids – June 9

Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre will host this crafty workshop for kids. Creative Kids Blast to the Past is a fun way to spend the day painting, drawing and enjoying traditional games and crafts. Suitable for kids 6-10. Call 905-765-3134 to preregister. Cost is $24.95 per child per day.

Caledonia’s Diner’s Club – June 13

Head to Riviera Retirement Lodge at 339 Argyle Street on June 13 for the Caledonia Diners Club. Lunch will happen from 1 – 2 p.m. Call 905-765-0877 for more info.

16th Annual Fire & Ice Auction Night & Soiree – June 17

You’re invited to enjoy this special fundraising evening at Dunnville Community Lifespan Centre.  There will be a performance by Jace Martin, a live auction of award winning artwork, live glass working demos and an amazing array of donated silent auction packages! Appetizers and a light buffet will be provided by Deb’s Cuisine, and a cash bar is available. For more information call 905-772-7000.

High Tea: Downton Abbey Style – June 17

Enjoy a lovely afternoon at beautiful Cottonwood Mansion! Don your finest Victorian costume (not required) and relax in this Cayuga landmark with a pot of tea, sandwiches, sweets and more! Reservations required by June 10 – call 905-776-2538. Cost is $20 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under.

Make a great first impression on buyers!

Make a great first impression on buyers!

When selling your home, the exterior shot you use for your online listing is so important as it will likely be the first photo people see. Great curb appeal is something people look for, even during the winter months. A fantastic exterior shot can make the difference whether or not your property warrants a visit. Take outside photos on an overcast day to avoid dark shadows on your home. Touch up garage doors and paint eaves troughs if necessary. Clean windows and make your front entrance welcoming. Have your driveway, porch and walkway neatly shoveled. Add some winter greens to empty window boxes and make sure recycling/garbage bins are out of sight.

Coming this month to Haldimand County!

Coming this month to Haldimand County!

There’s no reason to stay cooped up at home this winter with so many exciting events taking place. Check out what’s coming up this month in Haldimand County and make the most of the season!

Public Skating – February 4, 11, 18, 25
Help the whole family stay active during the winter months with a weekly skate at the Haldimand County Caledonia Centre. Public skating is offered every Saturday from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Tracing Your Family Roots – February 8
Always wondered about the history of your ancestors? Visit the Haldimand County Museum and Archives from 1 – 3 p.m. and learn to use the microfilm and other sources to discover more about the history of your family. Admission is by donation. Call 905-772-5880 to register.

Caledonia Afternoon Book Club – February 8 at 2 p.m.
Make your way to the Caledonia Public Library for good company and lively conversation! The book club takes place on the second Wednesday of every month and all are welcome to attend. February’s discussion will be about the novel, Circling the Sun by Paula McLain. For more info, call 289-674-0400.

Family Time Capsule Project – February 18 at 10:30 a.m.
It’s going to be an exciting year celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday! Head to the Caledonia Library branch for a fun morning making family memories. Bring photos and mementos to add to your personalized time capsule. Box, decorations and memory activities for all ages included. Program is free, registration required. Call 289-674-0400.

Family Day Fun – February 20
Celebrate your mid-winter holiday at the Caledonia Fairgrounds! It’s going to be a day of fun and excitement filled with bouncy castles, games, lots of tasty food, a vendor marketplace, live performances, story times and a selfie booth! Event will run from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cost is $10 for children, $5 for adults.

Crafternoons: Book Flowers – February 24
Turn recycled books into a variety of beautiful handmade flowers! This is an adult craft program hosted by the Hagersville Library. Cost is $2 and registration is required. Contact 289-674-0400 for more info.

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