You have decided to sell your home and have a fairly good idea of what you think it is worth. Being a sensible home seller, you schedule appointments with three local real estate representatives, (or a friend of a friend who has a friend). They set up a time with you and maybe arrive with a “Competitive Market Analysis” and they each recommend a specific sales price.

  Amazingly, two of the REALTORS®  have suggested prices that are lower than what you expected. Even though they have backed up their recommendations with recent sales data of similar homes, you remain convinced your house is worth more.

   When you interview the third REALTOR'S®  figures, his or her numbers are much more in line with what you think your house is worth. Or they may have even suggested to you a higher price. Wow! Now you are happy and an exited home seller, perhaps already counting the money. 

  If you are like most people, you have chosen REALTOR®  number three. This is a REALTOR®  who seems willing to listen to your input and work with you. This is a REALTOR® that cares about putting the most money in your pocket. This is a REALTOR® that is willing to start out at your price and if you need to drop the price later, you can do that easily, right?

    The truth is that you may have just met a REALTOR® engaging in a questionable sales practice called “buying a listing.” He “bought” the listing by suggesting you might be able to get a higher sales price than the other REALTORS® recommended.

    Most likely, he or she is quite doubtful that your home will actually sell at that price. The intention from the beginning is to eventually talk you into lowering the price. 

       After all, everyone else does it! Right?

      Not if you choose a great REALTOR®

       Why do some REALTORS® buy listings this way?There are basically two reasons: A well-meaning and hard working REALTOR®  can feel pressure from a homeowner who has an inflated perception of his home’s value. On the other hand, there are some REALTORS®  who engage in this practice routinely.

The first 10 days are very critical when your home is listed for sale. The first 10 days will give everyone an indication if the price is right.

By reducing the price after 10 days or two weeks, you have just lost the greatest opportunity to sell your home for the most money and the least amount of time 

With recent predictions that energy costs may increase by as much as 40% over the next few years, what percentage of your utility payments equate to your mortgage payment? If you do not have a mortgage payment, bear with me.If your mortgage payment is $1200 per month and your utilities such as water, electrical, gas or oil is on average $360 per month, then you are paying 30% of your mortgage cost to live.

So what, you may ask. With fixed income people, it's a big deal. If you are thinking of purchasing real estate it would behoove you to know exactly what the utility costs are.

If you plan to stay in your present home, it would be wise to concentrate on how you can control your energy costs and yet be comfortable. When you did decide to list your home for sale in London Ontario, your conservation saving improvements will warrant a better price than a home that does not conserve energy.

When buying real estate in London Ontario, do not just look at the price. What is it going to cost to maintain it?

Are you thinking of renovating your bathroom or adding a sun room or re-doing a kitchen? When choosing a contractor, it's important to gather information from several sources. 

 You should ask for recommendations from a variety of sources.  First, verify that they are in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and they have a current contractor's license.  From these qualified applicants, get at least three bids.  Don't automatically go with the lowest bid.  Compare the bids carefully to ensure they have the exact same specifications.  Then check references. 

Ask any contractor you are considering to provide you with names and contact information from previous clients.  Call and/or visit these references and ask questions.  Remember, the chosen contractor will be spending time inside your home.  Be sure you choose someone who is not only competent, but is also trustworthy.

 Once you have chosen a contractor, you need to solidify your specifications in a formal contract.  This contract should describe the work that will be done, a start and completion date, terms of payment, and any guarantees.  It should also specify what type of insurance the contractor is carrying.  If someone gets hurt on your property during renovation and the contractor does not have the appropriate insurance, you could be held liable.

 Don't allow work to be done without the proper building permits and don't make the last payment to the contractor until final inspections are completed.  Never pay a contractor in cash to avoid paying taxes.  This will legally void any agreements if you are forced to go to court about unsatisfactory workmanship.If you are thinking of a renovation and what would be your return on your investment if you did renovate, I can help you with that.

As energy prices keep rising,  homeowners are looking for ways to improve energy efficiency.  These improvements will not only help your home stay cooler in the summer, but they will also allow your home to hold heat during the winter.  Here's a few  tips:

 •· Upgrade your attic insulation.  This is especially important if your home was built before 1980 because the recommended levels have been raised since that time.  Also, check that the insulation around windows and doors is sufficient.  This can either be done yourself or with the help of a contractor.

•· Strategically plant trees and shrubs to reduce heat exposure.  Low-lying evergreens planted close to the foundation of your home can help slow the escape of cool air during the summer and insulate during the winter.

•· Have your cooling and heating units serviced regularly to ensure that they are working efficiently.  Also, be sure to change the filter regularly. For names of quality service providers, give me a call.

•· Weather-strip, caulk and seal around all windows, doors, electrical boxes, and plumbing penetrations.  Check if roof eaves and/or siding are airtight.

•· Close the east/west facing blinds and curtains during the day to minimize heat gain.  Also, close the vents in the guestroom and other infrequently used rooms to allow the flow of air to concentrate on the frequently used rooms.

Install an automatic programmable thermostat.  It will help control your home's temperature around your living schedule.

None of the above is expensive and the return on your investment is huge.