Yard Sale: Do it!

If you need to declutter to get your house ready for sale, and even if you're just thinking about moving or downsizing, you really should consider holding a yard sale.

We had our first yard sale last summer, and it was quite an experience! 

There's a lot of advice online about how to hold a yard sale. People will tell you how to price stuff, how to display things, warn you about theft and early birds, and suggest where to buy supplies. You can make it as simple or complicated as you want. Google 'yard sale', search Pinterest, or do whatever you like to research, and you'll find all the information you need and more. I'll give you just a few words of advice. 

1. Make your signs clear. Keep it simple and big. You really just need the words Yard Sale and an arrow. Don't make it complicated. 
2. Let your neighbours know in advance. It's common courtesy, since your street will be busy early on a weekend morning. Plus, some of your neighbours might want to do a yard sale too, and you'll get more traffic. 
3. Be prepared for the weather. Have shade and cold drinks for yourself and your visitors if it's hot, and coffee for a cold morning. We had a very hot day and sold cold drinks for a good profit. Tarps are a good idea if rain is in the forecast. 
4. Talk to people. Say hello, and talk to people when you have a chance. You'll have great stories to share afterwards.

A yard sale takes some planning and a full day of work, but you will make some money and you will get rid of a lot of things. You'll spend some time with your neighbours and meet lots of interesting people from all over the place. You'll be surprised to find out how far people travel for yard sales. The best part will be how great your house looks with less stuff in it! You'll feel ready to sell, and you'll feel better about moving. 

Downsizing can be Great!

Families grow and they buy bigger homes, and that's exciting and positive. But, later, when the children go off on their own, and start their own families, it's time to downsize. Downsizing is difficult but it doesn't have to be negative. It can be great. 

Many couples are excited to move into a bigger house when the family is growing. Needing more bathrooms and space for kids to play is thrilling. It's scary to take on more responsibility, and usually more debt too, but it's a very positive experience. It's also fun to buy more stuff to furnish the house and entertain the family. It's pretty easy to fill up a big house when you have a family.

When the family grows up, and the kids move away, the next stage is much more difficult. It's much harder to downsize.  It takes more than a garage sale to get rid of all the stuff you accumulated over the growing years. It takes courage and determination and thick skin. You'll be attached to things that you really don't need. You'll be attached to your big house that you really don't need. You know that moving to a smaller space makes sense, but it's hard to do. In fact, many people avoid it until it's too late. Their kids end up with the job of getting rid of all of Grandma's stuff and selling her house after she's gone.

You've got to try to stay positive in this new stage of life. Downsizing can be great! Consider the environmental footprint of your smaller home, a small house or a condominium. You'll be saving money and helping the planet. You can start a new "greener" life. Think about how giving away and selling your extra furniture will benefit a young family. Even your stuff will live another life. Your big house will be full of people again. Your little home will feel less like an "empty nest". Your little home will take less time to maintain. With less time spent at home, you can be more active in the community. There are tons of reasons to celebrate this smaller, simpler time.

When you decide to take the big step, when you decide it's time for you to downsize, call Harry, Your Friendly Realtor. 

The reason I'm one of the best Realtors in Newmarket, York Region, and the GTA, is that I care about my clients. I'm not #1. My clients are #1.

I will not rush you or pressure you during this difficult time. I have helped seniors move -I have personal experience in addition to my experiences as a Realtor- and understand the emotions involved. We will work together to get you the best deal for your house and will take all the time you need. We will work together to find you the right home in the right location for you. I will do my best to make it a happy experience, so that when you downsize, it will be great!

Spring Home Maintenance

These warmer days remind us homeowners that it's time for some important Spring Home Maintenance, and I've got a checklist for you.

As soon as the snow melts, it's time to check on your real estate investment, to see how it survived the winter. Your house and property need your attention.

Furnaces and fireplaces will soon be out of commission for a while, and air conditioners will need to be put into service. They will need some attention. Look at the exterior of your house and around your property to see if anything needs to be repaired or replaced. Plan a project for a nice weekend or for the summer. Will you need a new deck or fence, should you add an awning or a gazebo for some shade? You'll want to do your Spring Garden Maintenance too.

Here's a checklist of things you can do for your house in the spring:

Spring  Home Maintenance

Taking Care of Your Investment

(adapted from CMHC by Harry Naghavi, Your Friendly Realtor)

 Have fireplace or wood stove and chimney cleaned and serviced as needed.

 Shut down, drain and clean furnace humidifier, and close the furnace humidifier damper on units with central air conditioning.

 Switch on power to air conditioning and check system. Have it serviced every two or three years.

 Clean or replace air-conditioning filter, if applicable.

 Check dehumidifier and drain — clean if necessary.

 Turn OFF gas furnace and fireplace pilot lights where possible.

 Have well water tested for quality. It is recommended that you test for bacteria every six months.

 Check smoke, carbon monoxide and security alarms, and replace batteries (when clocks “spring forward”).

 Clean windows, screens and hardware, and on older homes, replace storm windows with screens. 

 Open valve to outside hose connection after all danger of frost has passed.

 Examine the foundation walls for cracks, leaks or signs of moisture, and repair as required.

 Ensure sump pump is operating properly before the spring thaw sets in. Ensure discharge pipe is connected and allows water to drain away from the foundation.

 Re-level any exterior steps or decks that moved as a result of frost or settling.

 Check eavestroughs and downspouts for loose joints and secure attachment to your home, clear any obstructions, and ensure water flows away from your foundation.

 Clear all drainage ditches and culverts of debris.

 Repair and paint fences and decks as necessary — allow wood fences to dry adequately first.

 Undertake spring landscape maintenance and, if necessary, fertilize young trees.


You can find a version of this checklist and more helpful information on my website:  www.harrynaghavi.com


Harry Naghavi, Your Friendly Realtor, is one of the best Realtors in Newmarket, in York Region, and in the GTA.

Canada Day Moving Deal

Moving is stressful.

I can help. 

I've got lots of experience with this, having physically moved myself and friends and family, and having moved many wonderful clients. When you choose me as your Realtor, you will have less moving stress. 

First of all, I've got a tip sheet for you here on my Blog.

And, best of all, I've got a deal for you.

Here's the deal: Any time you buy or sell your house with me:

• I'll pay for your moving van* 
• I'll take care of your moving day pizza**

Moving day is usually on the first of the month. Often, you end up moving out and in on the same day. Talk about hectic! I can help make it a bit less stressful. 

Everything needs to be booked and planned in advance, or you end up in trouble. Lawyers get booked-up, trucks get booked-up, elevators too. Have you got your boxes, your tape, lots of help, your friend with a pick-up? Are the dog-sitter and baby-sitter ready? A checklist will help. I've got one for you. 

There's so much to worry about and so many extra costs. I'll take away one more worry. I'll pay for your moving van. All you have to do is find a few friends to help fill it up and carry things out.

Once you're in your new home, and everything's unpacked, you'll be hungry. I'll provide pizza for you. 

The busiest time to move is Canada Day Weekend***, so I've got a special treat for you if you buy or sell your house with a Canada Day closing. 

I'll send over a yummy Canada Day Cake!

My job as a Realtor is to take care of my clients, to help them through the process of buying and selling their homes. In my opinion, that goes right through to Moving Day. 

Harry is a proud Canadian. Happy Canada Day!

* Harry will arrange for cube van to be at your disposal for the whole day

** Harry will have a pizza dinner delivered to feed your family

*** For 2014, this offer is valid from June 27- July 6

Some conditions apply.

Location? Price? Size? What's most important?

There's that old Real Estate story that everyone knows: When asked to state the top 3 factors in determining the value of Real Estate, a British tycoon said: "Location, location, location!"

I think it might be different when you're in the market for a family home. Sure, it's an investment. But, it's your home. Home is a powerful thing. Home is a powerful word. It conjures up all kinds of feelings, emotions, memories, associations that have nothing to do with dollar value. Location is a big factor, but I don't think that it's related to dollar value when it's considered. It's more likely to be in relation to other family members or work or school. If it's thought of in terms of cost, then it's likely about cost of travel to work.

Here is one possible list of Top 3 Factors in Home Buying

Price:
What can you afford? What are you willing to pay? This is where you have to start, really. How much do you have and how much of that are you willing to pay for your home? Will spending more on a home mean fewer holidays? Will spending less on a home mean more travel time, or will it just mean more travel-to-work time, commuting? You'll have to look at your finances and you'll have to talk to your family to see what they value. First, you have to determine the bottom line.

Location: 
Where would you like to live? What has value for you? Do you want to be close to or far away from family, parks and schools, work, nature, urban amenities, fishing holes? How far are you willing to go from your workplace? How far from Mom do you want to be? You'll need to think about the cost of your commute in terms of time and dollars. It might be a question of space vs time. In any case, the bottom line will be the determining factor.

Size/ Fit:
How much space do you need? Is your family growing or shrinking? Do you need an in-law suite, rooms for the grand kids, a fenced-in yard for your dogs, spaces for entertaining, space for your car, space for storing your boat, a wine cellar or a man-cave? When you consider how much room you need, the easy measures are the number of bedrooms and parking spaces, lot-size, and square feet (or metres). The numbers alone can't measure how your family will fit into those spaces. You'll have to walk through and visualize yourselves using the space. In the end, the cost might make you change your mind about what you "need."

You can use these 3 factors, Price, Location, and Size, in your preliminary home search, on my website. You can indicate a price range, a location, and the number of bedrooms or square feet, for example.

Other variables available on the property search are: garage spaces, bathrooms, acres, year built, and number of stories. Variables you can't type in: style, colours, smell, landscaping, does it feel warm and homey, will you fall in love with it?

You don't have to do an online home search at all. You can call me (416-716-3112) or email me (harrynaghavi@gmail.com).

Call me and I'll make it easier for you. We'll meet and discuss your needs and your desires. We'll talk about all the things your family has to consider in your specific circumstances. And, then I will search for you and provide you with lists of possibilities. I'll send you emails of listings, and we can meet and look at listings too if you prefer. I'll make appointments to go and see the houses you like. When you choose, I'll get you the best deal possible!

I will save you time and money.

And, buying a home will be as stress-free as possible. 

We'll find you a house you'll love, a house to call  home. 

Get Ready to Sell! Do Your Own "Staging"

You're thinking about moving. You're getting ready to sell your house.

First of all, call me, Harry, Your Friendly Realtor (416-716-3112).

I'll pop over to your place, give you a free evaluation, and we'll look at what you need to do to get the house ready to sell for the best price possible. Don't worry, you probably won't have to do much "staging".

There is a ton of information on the internet about staging homes to get the most money. There are companies who will do it for you. Get a quote and see what they'll do. Sometimes they do amazing things. But, you might not have the money to hire a staging company and you might not have the time and money to invest in a big DIY project either right now, and that's okay. You have to consider the cost to yourself in terms of time and money in relation to the effect on the selling time and price. Will it be worth it?

You might end up just doing a major cleaning and just change things around a bit. Maybe you'll have a weekend to do some painting. Even if you have a good-sized budget and a fair amount of time, I believe that you can do it yourself if you can think like a buyer. It's a bit difficult to look at your home and your stuff and think of it as someone else's. But, that's what you've got to try to do. And, I can help you with that.

Here's a link to a blog post that has some good common-sense ideas for things to do before inviting buyers in to your house. You won't have to spend too much time on the projects that they recommend. It's on a Blog called The Sweet Spot Blog.

The most important thing is also the easiest to do: declutter and clean. 

Have a yard sale to get rid of things you don't need, give things away, recycle, and then throw things out. Pack away stuff that you won't need until after your move. Store it, and maybe even a few pieces of furniture that are crowding your spaces, at someone else's house or rent a storage space.

Then, clean thoroughly. If you hate cleaning, then you can easily hire people to do it for you.

Don't forget the outside of your house! Curb appeal is actually a big deal. People do judge based on appearances, on first impressions.

The next blog post in the series on the Sweet Spot Blog is about getting the outside of your house ready for sale. I recommend that one too if you want to see some good tips.

I can also help you decide what you need to do to boost your curb appeal, if you need to do anything at all. 

You've been taking care of your investment all along, right? I'll tell you what it's worth "as is". You might be surprised at how little you really need to do.

I will help you make your move as stress-free as possible.

And, you'll save money: you'll get the best deal selling and buying with my help!

Focus on Kitchens and Bathrooms

Bathrooms and Kitchens: 

Keep these spaces up-to-date and clean to take care of your investment. 

Never underestimate the importance of bathrooms and kitchens. If they're tired and dirty, you'll turn buyers off. If you've been neglecting these areas in your home, you'll want to spend some time and money here before putting your house up for sale. 

At the very least, clean thoroughly and clear the counters and all surfaces of clutter. Pack away some of your stuff so that storage areas look organized and spacious. 

A weekend project can have a big impact. Some paint can do wonders, and there are tons of great ideas for fast fixes for kitchen cupboards and bathroom vanities. 

I love sitting around the kitchen table with my sellers figuring out what they can do to get the most for their homes. If you're thinking of selling. Give me a call. I'll come over and we can talk. 416-716-3112

Where do you want to live? What kind of home do you want?

If you're thinking of moving, unhappy with your house or apartment, how do you decide where to move and what kind of house you want?

How do you decide? This is an especially frustrating question for first-time buyers. 

The possibilities seem endless, and there are always more questions: 

• country or city
• commute or live close to work
• house or condo
• new or resale
• more house or more land
• modern or traditional
• close to family or farther away
• do you need to be close to schools or hospitals
• do you need public transit
• will you need room for guests
• will you need space for your family to grow
• can you do some renovating
• do you like yard work
• how many cars do you need
• what do your pets need
• what about your dreams 

The biggest and first question is always "How much can I afford?" 

The bank will tell you something, and so will friends and family. There are formulas for calculating mortgages and debt to income ratios, and there are always surprises, hidden expenses. Sit down with your bank information and your Realtor. I will help you to understand all the costs involved and I will also help you to see beyond the basics. Numbers don't always tell the whole story. Personality and individuality play a part, so you might need to look outside the box.

After you figure out approximately what you can pay, you need to narrow down your search. I can help you with that too. 

Sometimes it's easier to eliminate what you don't like first. Decide where you don't want to live. Think about what you're not willing to do, features you don't like, and anything else you want to avoid. Sometimes this direction of thinking will open up the ideas about what you do want too. This is a good time to write things down. Make a chart with 2 sides: Like/ Don't Like or Want/ Don't Want. Jot things down as they come to mind (and be prepared to change your mind). 

Go to my website and use the interactive search tool there. That will help. 

Most importantly, go and see homes with your friendly Realtor, me, Harry Naghavi. 

Wherever you are in your decision-making process, give me a call (416-716-3112). It will help to have a professional on your side to help you decide. I can take you to see all kinds of homes and we can take your list with us. When you actually step in to the homes that are available, and drive around the neighbourhoods, you will learn more than you can by sitting at a computer screen. 

We will choose a bunch of places to go and see and decide on a couple of dates that you're available. Then, I'll make appointments to go and see them. I'll set up a route, and we'll go and check them out. Remember to wear comfortable footwear that you can easily take off and put back on again. We can see as many homes as you need to, and take as much time as you need to. 

Signs of Spring: "Open House Today!"

It's finally Spring. And, you know what that means. 

The signs of spring:  

Open House signs!

Now that we can see the houses that were hidden behind the snow banks, people are ready to move. They've been indoors for a few months, cleaning and packing and sprucing up their houses. Now, they've got the signs up.

There's one on your street.

And you're wondering, 

"What does it look like inside?" and 

"What did they do with the basement?" and

"What does a house like ours cost?".

So, you pop over during the open house. 

You avoid making eye contact with the Realtor there. You rush through, and go back home. 

But, now you're thinking:

"Our house is better than that. We could get even more!"

You drive around and pop in to a bunch of other open houses. Problem is, there's always a Real Estate Agent there, and they're trying to sell you the house. No thank you. You're just curious, right?

Wait! 

Stop! 

Call Harry! 

Call me, text me, or email me now. 

If you want to know what your house is worth, I'll give you a free home evaluation, no strings attached.  

If you're looking at other houses, you might be thinking that you could get a better house. 

Call me and I'll sit down with you and together we'll figure out what it is that you don't like about your present house, and what it's worth, and what else you can afford. 

As your Buyer Agent, I'll take you to see homes that are within your budget, that have the number of bathrooms and bedrooms you want and all the features you need. And, we can go any day. And, we don't have to deal with a sales pitch. We can objectively view and discuss homes that we already have information about. And, when you find something you like, I'll negotiate for you. I'll take the pressure off. You'll get the best deal. 

I'll take the pressure off.
You'll get the best deal. 

Your Most "Prized Possession"

Here's another reason to choose me, Harry Naghavi, as your Realtor.

Harry Naghavi respects your most prized possession and understands that it is more valuable to you than any dollar amount can express.

The Wikipedia entry for "home" says:

A home is generally a place that is close to the heart of the owner, and can become a prized possession.

It is often a house, apartment, or other building...

It is certainly the most expensive thing that most people own. But, your house or condo is really valuable because it's your home. It's close to your heart. You've put effort into keeping it well-maintained. You've renovated it and decorated it so that it reflects your personality and your values. It holds all the things that you love and the people you love best, too.

When you buy or sell a house, you need to do it right. Get the best, most professional help. Get someone kind and understanding who will respect your home, your needs, and your heart: Harry Naghavi, Your Friendly Realtor, me. Contact me today! 416-716-3112    harrynaghavi@gmail.com

So Many Newmarket Realtors: Choose Harry Naghavi

Why choose Harry Naghavi?

There are so many Realtors in Newmarket, so many Realtors in Aurora, Realtors in Richmond Hill, everywhere! How should you choose? How do you know what the best choice is?

1. First of all, make sure you do have a Realtor to represent you when you sell and when you buy. Real Estate is complex and mistakes can have huge, costly consequences. Get professional help. This is no place for DIY. Harry is an experienced and knowledgeable professional.
2. Think about what success means to you. I'm not a pushy Realtor whose success is the result of making fast deals. Some people are out for fast money, the fancy car. That's not what success means to me. My success is in getting the best deals for my clients, giving them the best service, not turning houses around for my profit. If you're in a hurry, we can sell your house fast, but fast is not always best. I have represented clients in fast-and-fierce bidding wars in Toronto, and I've spent years with families holding on to investment properties, waiting for the right buyer with the right price.  I'm not a rich Realtor. Happy clients define success to me. Harry Naghavi is a successful Realtor. 
3. Selling your home with a local Realtor is a good idea. I would make sure my neighbour's house sold well, darn sure. A sale in my neighbourhood affects the value of my home, so I'd have a personal interest in that sale, beyond a paycheque. Harry is your best choice for a Newmarket Realtor or a York Region Realtor.
4. Buying your home with a local Realtor is also a good idea. A Newmarket Realtor can tell you all about Newmarket. That being said, your Realtor is a professional who will research an area for you. I have bought and sold homes and businesses far from my home all over Ontario. Whether I'm working in my backyard or far afield, I do a thorough job to get the best deal for my clients. Harry is hard-working, and does a thorough job.
5. Work with someone you can trust and feel comfortable with. This is probably the biggest and most important purchase of your life. Make sure you're comfortable and don't feel pushed or bullied. You need someone honest and friendly on your side. Sure, Real Estate can get tough and stressful, but it's your Realtor's job to get tough on your behalf and deal with the stress for you, not to be tough with you and give you stress! Harry is "Your Friendly Realtor". 
6. Work with someone who understands you, takes the time to get to know you, and puts you first. You are the most important factor, not the property and not the paycheque. I will get to know you so I can help you best. Let me help you. Harry is not #1. You are #1!

 

Brrrr... It's so HOT

Yup! The lakes are frozen solid and ice-fishing is in full swing here in Ontario! Hockey talk is also going strong these days and many of us have skis, snow-shoes and skates ready for action :) In this wonderfully frigid wonderland that we live in, the real estate market is also really HOT these days!

You see, people who want to move by April, need to list their homes in mid to late January, giving themselves plenty of time to sell and then shop for their next place of residence.

So, keep your sticks on the ice and make sure you have warm undergarments and extra mitts for that day outdoors; but don't forget to contact your Friendly Realtor (ME!!!) to Talk Real Estate!

Best time to buy or sell

As a real estate agent, I’m always getting asked about when the best time to buy or sell a house is.

·         Is this a good time, or should I wait?

·         How is the market?

·         Is it a buyer’s market or a seller’s market?

·         Will interest rates go up or down?

·         Will my house be worth more in the spring?

·         Will my house sell faster if I renovate the kitchen first?

       

Some people think I’m a fortune teller! But, seriously, it’s hard to predict the market. I will honestly tell people what I know, what people in the real estate market are saying and what the newspapers say. It’s my job to keep up to date and knowledgeable about my industry.

But, I’m the friendly real estate agent, “Your Friendly Realtor” -and the honest real estate agent. I will also tell you:

The best time for you to move depends mostly on you!

The best indicators for the best time to move are your needs and wishes.

·         Do you want to be in your new home before Christmas?

·         Do you want to be in your new home before the school term starts?

·         Will you need to take some time off from work to move?

·         Do you want to move before it starts to snow?

·         How long will it take to sell your present home?

·         How fast can your home be ready for me to take pictures, and ready for an open house?

People buy and sell homes all year round, every day of the year. Someone might need to move because of a job transfer. Someone has to move because of a death or illness. Some retirement homes and nursing homes have waiting lists that don’t give folks much time to respond (It’s now or never, as Elvis sang.).

You could be just thinking about moving when a perfect house comes on the market. If you really want it badly, you might be willing to agree to a closing date that’s not at a perfect time and puts you under pressure to sell your present home quickly. But, if getting that perfect house is what you really want, then you’ll do what you have to do to get it. If it’s the best home for you, then it’s the best time for you.

When we work together to sell and/or buy a home, my first priority is to find out what your needs are. You are the most important factor, not the economy. I can help you to determine what those needs are, as people aren’t usually aware of all the variables. I’ve got experience that will help to guide you.

If you need to move quickly, I’ll do what I can to make it fast and smooth, and get you the best deal possible. But, if you want to take your time, I will wait with you. We can look at houses for as long as it takes to find you that perfect house- the one that fulfills your needs.