Anshu Arora LLM, MSc, PMP

1.) Summer is Over, Why Bother with Curb Appeal?

In a few weeks, summer will come to a screeching halt, but that doesn’t mean the extra attention the exterior of your home has been receiving has to come to an end as well. Make sure your fall curb appeal is exactly where it needs to be by ensuring walkways and gutters are free of leaves and debris, and ensure your lawn is always mowed. With unexpected weather the fall months can bring, keeping your trees neatly trimmed will ensure fallen branches don’t make your yard appear messy and unkempt.

2.) People Spend More Time Indoors, So Focus Your Attention There

Just because fall doesn’t have the heat of the summer, doesn’t mean people stay indoors. With the beauty the changing leaves and crisp fall air has to offer, some people actually enjoy spending time outdoors in the fall more than they do in the summer. Celebrate the season with seasonal home décor around the holidays that will attract potential buyers by making your house feel more like a home.

3.) The Weather is Cold, and So is Your Home

When summer inevitably comes to an end, the first sign will be the plummeting temperatures outdoors. Just because it’s cooler outdoors doesn’t mean your home décor needs to reflect that! Consider a fresh coat of paint in a warmer shade, and don’t be afraid to bring the temperature up a couple degrees to make your guests feel comfortable. If you don’t want to make a large change, a few additions like cozy pillows or throws can go a long way in cozying up your home décor for the cooler months.

4.) The Price Doesn’t Have to be Quite Right

The biggest mistake you can make when selling in the fall is pricing it incorrectly. The first thing you should do is understand the importance of working with a real estate professional, and from there, how to choose the right one for you. Working with a professional will help you ensure your home is priced correctly for the fall market.

5.) Once It Sells, You’re Done!

The paper’s are signed, and the deal is done, so all you have to do is pack up and move, right? Not quite! Leading up to the holidays, everyone is very busy which means you may have issues finding time to pack, finding a company to help you move, or even finding family and friends who would normally be able to lend a helping hand. To eliminate these issues, plan ahead! Make sure your moving date is scheduled firm in everyone’s calendar, and plan ahead to ensure you aren’t left without a solution if someone is forced to back out. A stress free move will make the world of a difference in the first couple days in your new home.

Now that you know the common myths about the fall real estate market, you may have a bit more to think about this summer! Take this time to enjoy everything summer has to offer, but tackle small projects on this list to ensure there are no surprises when fall roles around and the iconic red, white, and blue for sale sign is standing proudly on

There is a fencestyle for every need and desire. Aside from the basics, such as material, type and height, you’ll also want to consider style.

Material

Fences can be made from a variety of materials, including concrete, stone, tree limbs and bamboo to name a few. Here are the most common materials you’re likely to encounter while fence shopping.

Wood

Woodfences are traditional, aesthetically appealing and, depending on the style, can blend into a natural environment. However, they require yearly maintenance, such as staining and waterproofing, as well as repairing broken rails or slats. Cedar, pine, redwood and spruce are all common woods for fences. The pricing varies greatly depending on the wood used, construction type, design, and other factors. Redwood and cedar are the most expensive woods because they are durable and often treated to withstand the elements.

Vinyl

Vinyl fencing is a popular option for many reasons. It’s easy to install in solid panels, and comes in many colors, including a wood-like finish. Caring for a vinyl fence is easy; it only requires an occasional power washing. Vinyl fencing is not ideal in climates with heavy winters as it can buckle in snow

Metal

Metal fences are sturdy, secure and require little maintenance (it needs to be sanded and re-painted every few years to avoid rusting). Metal fence pricing varies considerably. Standard chain-link fencing is the cheapest option

Style

Fence styles are nearly endless — there is a style to coordinate with any kind of home exterior. Here are a few of the more typical styles you will see.

Wood Panel Privacy Fence

The wood panel privacy fenceis commonly used for backyards across the country. There are no spaces between the wood panels, so it provides total privacy. If privacy is more loosely defined for you, an open panel fence is another option.

Shadow Panel

With shadow panel fencing, the rails are sandwiched between off-set panels, which allows for some but still limited visibility. Shadow panel fences are more expensive than privacy fences, and are considered more formal and decorative. This style of fencing is ideal if you want a wooden fence that will look nice on both sides.

Picket Fence

A picket fence is a charming and quaint addition to a cottage or traditional home. They are often white and have an old-fashioned look. Picket fencing can be made of wood or vinyl and comes in a few different shapes.

Chain Link

Chain link fences are great for large backyardsor spaces to enclose pets and add extra security for children’s play or sport areas. Chain link is always metal, left as plain galvanized steel, or covered with a weather-proof, rust-proof coating in black or dark green. It can be combined with wood posts to soften the look.

Purpose

Different fences serve difference purposes. Keep in mind what various fencing styles and materials offer, such as safety, security, privacy, and aesthetics. Picket fences are neighborly and attractive to delineate yards and gardens, but offer little privacy or security. Wooden fences are pleasing to the eye and, depending on their construction, can meet many different needs. Metal fences are ideal for security and safety.

Height makes a difference, too. Four-foot fences are a sociable height and great for gardens and around the front yard. Six-foot fences are the most common, and offer both privacy and security. An eight-foot fence is all about security and safety; it’s useful around pools or for corralling animals, and depending on the style and material, can offer total privacy.

Do Your Research

Call Before You Dig: Make sure to call cable, water, gas, power and telephone companies ahead of time to have them mark where underground lines are located. The free national “Call Before You Dig” number is 811, dialed from your phone, which will route to a local call center. They will help notify utilities to mark your property before you begin your project.

Check the Rules: Many municipalities have zoning codes on fence heights and styles. Call to check ahead of time. If you have a neighborhood or homeowner’s association they may also have additional regulations regarding fence installation and appearance.

Canada’s most expensive market for homes shows no signs of slowing down as June results even outpaced a torrid May. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver said it was the best June on record for existing home sales and price increases are escalating on a year over year basis. All this comes as listings continue to rise, just not at a pace fast enough to satiate buyers in British Columbia’s largest city. “While we’re starting to see more properties coming onto the market in recent months, the imbalance between supply and demand continues to influence market conditions,” said Dan Morrison, president of the board, in a statement. “Since March, we’ve seen more homes listed for sale in our market than in any other four-month period this decade.”

The board said there were 4,400 property sales in in June, 2016 — a 0.6 per cent increase from a year ago but a 7.7 drop from a month ago. June sales were still 28.1 per cent above the 10-year average for the month. In the apartment sector, prices rose 25.3 per cent in June from a year ago as sales jumped 18.8 per cent during the same period. The sales-to-active listings ratio for June was 56.3 per cent, which the board said is a seller’s market. However, the ratio was the lowest it has been since February.

The market is changing rapidly. New rules, regulations and law are being made weekly and monthly.

It is not easy being a Buyer, Seller and Investor in this market. Whether you are a seasoned investor or a novice buyer, you need someone who is up-to-date on all the changes and can guide you and help you maximize your return on investment. I have the experience and expertise, and the team to get you what you want - whether it is that First House, First Investment property or your 10th investment property.

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