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10 Easy Interior Decoration Tips that No One Will Ever Tell You

When it is about interior design and decoration, the popular phrase “the devil is in the details” holds particularly true.

In order to create attractive and balanced interior spaces, you will need to focus on the intricacies and subtleties of decoration. Here, we have put together really cool tips and tricks to revive the look of your house in Waterdown – some of which are so simple that they might seem counter-intuitive. Having said that, they can help make a huge difference in the overall appearance of your rooms.

Experiment with Patterns:  If you don’t want to stick to a single pattern in a given room, you can consider mixing two or more prints seamlessly without putting in much effort. Pay special attention to the scale of the patterns. Smaller, close-packed prints appear great on compact surfaces like floor rugs, table clothes, and cushions. Whereas, conspicuous, large patterns go well with focal elements, surrounded by white space.  

Bring in Plants:  Whether you want to fill an empty corner of your room or add a piece of statement, indoor plants have the potential to add considerable character and depth to any type of room. Not only can plants add the necessary colour to some specific rooms, but they can also bring freshness to industrial-style decor. You can consider placing your favourite plants in either cups, terrariums, earthen pots, or mason jars, based on the kind of look you want to create with your selection of  

Use a Small Painting: Many times, a single, large painting may overwhelm the entire space of your room. In such a case, going for a selection of smaller paintings, which you can place in small groups, is a better option. If you have some paintings over a couch that appear too small, consider hanging them on both sides, rather than putting them in the centre. You will be totally amazed by this easy decor trick as it works really well, visually.

Use Multiples of the Same Decorative Element:  In comparison to a single piece, groups of smaller items are more attractive, visually. This is especially true for nearly all interior decor elements; from paintings and decorative lamps, to vases and cushions. Such pieces aren’t necessarily required to match completely, but they only need to appear more or less similar. For instance, you could arrange multiple pairs of cushions in different design patterns, place groups of earthen pots in varying sizes, and so forth.

Bring Some Soul to the Room:  To create a uniquely captivating space, consider displaying things that you actually like. Your room will be incomplete if it doesn’t have items that can interact with you. Such items could be anything from family photographs and vintage heirlooms, to keepsakes and souvenirs. These items will make your room appear interesting while providing you with a space that reflects your persona.

Concentrate on Negative Space:  Bringing too many items into a room often results in a “visual” mess. Empty sections actually help highlight focal points within a room. Organise your furniture in a way to give ample breathing space to every piece. This will allow every piece of your furniture to shine in their own unique ways while making the whole arrangement appear just great.

Follow One-at-a-Time Approach:  In the attempt to finish decorating your interior spaces as soon as possible, it is easy to get tempted to purchase all possible accent pieces and accessories in one go. Such an approach often leads to elements that do nothing, but just fill up your space – and that too without going well with your decor. The best approach is to select carefully only 2 to 3 accessories first, and then continue adding to this more pieces – but only the ones you like – slowly and steadily.

Layer Furnishings in Small Rooms:  This easy-peasy interior decoration tip helps impart a feel of intimacy to any rooms, particularly smaller ones. You can use mirrors, wall shelves, or paintings to create an alluring Your seating furniture and tables will create the next layer that generally looks great if placed close to each other. Finally, use rugs, throws, and bedspreads to elevate the sense of warmth and comfort, and make the whole space connected.

Mix It Up:  Oftentimes, people find themselves being caught up in the limiting dos and don’ts of interior decor. This can make your space look dull or uninteresting, particularly when you try really hard to stick to a single style of decor. Instead, consider experimenting and showcasing your creative skills by mixing different pieces of furniture and interior decor styles. Such out-of-the-box ideas and non-traditional ways of pairing different elements often help create original spaces that truly represent your style.  

Click a Picture:  While decorating your new home in Oakville, it’s important to take a step back and analyse certain things. Usually, when you are too much involved in doing something, you miss to notice the bigger picture, particularly when it is about interior decor. Clicking a few pictures of such areas will aid you in identifying weak spots easily while having a better idea of what you may need to do next.

Conclusion

Whether you have bought a new home in Burlington or a house for resale in Waterdown, these simple interior decor tips will help you create cosy, cohesive, spaces for you and your family to live in!

Recently looking to buy or sell your home in Mississauga or the Halton Region? Contact Roland Hack, Real Estate Agent Broker to buy or sell your house at the best price possible.

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Repairs You Should Consider Before Selling Your Home in Canada

If you are planning to sell your house in Waterdown on the market, you may be wondering what things you should do before listing it on the market. Obviously, every home seller wants to do their best during the home selling process in order to maximise their returns. You might be wondering if the list of repairs to be done prior to selling your house is worth considering.

So, if you think that it is worth making some home repairs, you should know the essential ones before you sell your home.  

Do You Really Need to Make Home Repairs Prior to Selling Your House?

Before discussing things that you may need to fix prior to selling your home, there could possibly be one question on your mind: “Is it worth repairing your house for sale in Waterdown, depending on the current real estate market situation?

This is where you need to be extra cautious. It has been widely known that many homebuyers in Canada are forced to forego the home inspection process in order to buy a property. Hence, when there are several offers on your Oakville house for sale, you have to do everything possible to make sure that the bid goes through so as to secure your chance of becoming a homeowner in a highly competitive market.

So, you, as a regular homeowner, might not be quite concerned about problems with your home, since your property is still having multiple offers, irrespective of its condition.

Here are some reasons why it is important to invest in home repairs before selling:

You can demand a higher price for the your home with particular repairs

You may not wish to raise any red flags with prospective homebuyers related to apparent repairs that you did not manage

Home sellers are legally required to disclose any problems that may render the house for sale in Mississauga inhabitable or come with a huge repair  

Homebuyers may also ask for access to the property during the period between deal acceptance and the formal date of possession. While at this point, it might be tough to back out of the agreement, you may still not want any hassle.

Your home was possibly the most significant investment you have made, so you may want to get the highest possible money when you sell it.

For major home renovations, the general rule of thumb says that every $1 spent on your home should add $1.50 to the value of your property. Here’s what needs to be fixed before you sell a house, regardless of the existing market condition.

Four Repairs You Should Make Before Selling Your Home

There are substantial house upgrades and repairs that you would need to concentrate on prior to entering the selling phase. This will help avoid raising any potential red flags with prospective buyers.

Taking Care of the Roof:  A new roof is generally costly, but this specific investment quickly makes your home for sale in Waterdown more attractive to prospects since they will know that they won’t require worrying about any major roof repairs or replacement for at least 10 years. You may want to repair your roof at least to make sure that there are no potential signs of a leak or damaged tiles.

Fine Tuning Your HVAC:  You may want the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) to function optimally and be in great condition. To ensure this, you can consider hiring an HVAC technician to examine the system. Buyers often ask for a warranty on the HVAC system, so it is good to ensure beforehand that it is functioning appropriately.

Fixing Plumbing issues:  You may also want to make sure that your home’s plumbing system is in working order. Clogged drains or leaky pipes could impact the value of your Oakville house for sale considerably since such problems, if left unattended for a longer duration, usually result in mould. Plus, water damage itself is quite tough to manage. Plumbing-related repairs may include:

Leaking pipes

Clogged drains

Damage due to a pipe burst

Electrical Repairs: You can consider hiring an experienced electrician to assess all wiring, circuit breakers, and switches in your home to make sure that the electrical system is working appropriately. Since electrical problems may lead to substantial home damage, it is wise to fix them before it is too late.

What Kind of Repairs Can Maximise Your ROI?

While considering things to fix before you sell your residential property, it’s crucial to keep in mind that some specific kinds of repairs are, in general, necessary, while upgrades are usually optional. For instance, you may not want to start a complete kitchen makeover project while planning to sell your house in Ontario.  

However, you should first consider the optional upgrades, mentioned below:

Replacing worn-down windows

Replacing siding

Refinishing hardwood floors

Buying new home appliances

Enhancing the fencing around your property

Home exterior (gates, garage doors, etc.)

Showers and bathtubs

While looking for things to fix before listing your property, it is wise to speak with a highly experienced real estate agent broker like Roland Hack about similar houses in your real estate market. This will help you ensure that you are listing a comparable property in order to have multiple offers on your house.

What Minor Repairs Should You Consider?

If you are not in the position to invest a lot of money into your home renovation, you can still consider simple, minor upgrades that can be done to make your Oakville house for sale appear more welcoming and presentable while planning to sell it.

Getting a Fresh Coat of Paint:  This can make your home’s interior appear fresh as well as spick and span to potential homebuyers at first glance.

Repairing Ceilings and Walls:  Repair dings and nail holes in the wall to make your home appear more appealing.

Replacing Broken Window Glass:  You would surely not want your prospective buyers to see broken glass around.  

Changing Any Old Light Fixtures:  Lighting can significantly change the way a home appears.

Updating the Landscaping:  The exterior of your house for sale in Mississauga would perhaps be the first thing your potential buyers will see during their visit. Some minor tweaks to the exterior can make a huge difference in how your home looks from outside.  

Final Words

We hope that you now have a clearer picture of what needs to be fixed before you sell your house in order to maximise your ROI. The aim is to specifically consider home repairs that can enable you to demand a higher price for your property and make your house appear more appealing to potential home buyers.

If you are planning to sell your home in Ontario, contact Roland Hack real estate agent broker for a free home staging report and to get dedicated assistance on selling your property at the best price possible.

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5 Expert Tips for Negotiating the Price of a Home in Canada

When it is about buying or selling a house in Waterdown, people always aim at getting the best price possible. For a home seller, it would mean trying to keep the price as high as possible. Whereas, for a property buyer, it would mean negotiating the lowest price. This obvious clash between sellers and buyers almost always results in some sort of negotiation in nearly all home purchases in Canada. And, no matter which side of that transaction you are on, you will always try to get the best deal possible.

While you can consider hiring a professional real estate agent in Toronto to help you guide through the process, here are five expert tips to negotiating the price of a house.

Understand the Real Estate Market:   Prior to getting involved into the negotiation process, it makes sense to understand first whether you are in a seller’s market or a buyer’s market. If you are in a buyer’s market to negotiate the price of a house for sale in Mississauga, note that the number of properties for sale will be more than the number of buyers looking to purchase those homes. In such a market, the property buyer enjoys a stronger position to offer below the list price of a property and are in a better position to negotiate, as there are many other new homes in Ontario for them to choose from.

On the contrary, in a seller’s market, the property seller has the upper hand since there are less number of homes than the number of property buyers – and property buyers usually compete against each other to buy a given Oakville house for sale. In such a market, the sellers are in a stronger position to negotiate aggressively as they are usually many other home buyers, who want to make an offer on their houses for sale in Waterdown. Real estate markets are extremely regional in Canada, and what holds true in Toronto might not be relevant in cities like Victoria or Edmonton.

If you want to know what’s going on in your own local market, consider checking out websites like the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) or Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). You can also check out your local real estate board to have a closer picture of your regional real estate market.

Research the Opposite Party:  In any kind of sales transaction, it is always wise to learn about the party on the other side of the deal. Basically, understanding what motivated them to get involved in the deal may help you a lot in the process of negotiating with them – not to mention the extra leverage you get if the other party is extremely motivated.

However, if the party on the other side is experiencing some specific challenges related to their living status, you might be able to customise your offer. For instance, if a property buyer has not sold his/her current house yet, you may benefit from an extended closing period to allow him/her time to meet such a requirement.

Besides knowing the other party, you may also require researching the property in question. Rummage through public records as these can be an excellent source of information related to the property you want to buy. At the same time, property sellers can also benefit from learning about the public information available on their house for sale in Waterdown.

Be Creative While Negotiating with the Other Party:  Negotiating the price of an Oakville house for sale is not only limited to the price. Here are a few terms you can freely negotiate over and above the price:

The duration to close the deal

Conditional clauses, such as financing the home purchase, the sale of an existing house, and home inspections

The time window for a home inspection

The exclusion and inclusion of chattels, such as curtains, home appliances, and smart home equipment

Repairs to fix pre-existing problems in the home or reduction in the home price to compensate for flaws

Closing expenses and any additional fees

Negotiate Via Your Real Estate Agent:  You may think that you could achieve the best outcomes just by wiping out any middle man and negotiating the final price of your Oakville house for sale with the other party on your own, but you may be wrong!

Negotiating exclusively via an experienced real estate agent broker in Toronto is always the best option. Dealing through a third party is beneficial since it prevents you from personalising the party on the other side. This technique allows you to keep the end goal of getting the best price possible at the top of your mind.

Additionally, real estate agents, in essence, are professional negotiators and negotiation is one of their key roles in the home buying or selling process. To negotiate without your real estate agent is similar to representing yourself in court without a lawyer. Hence, it is wise to have a professional to negotiate the best price.

Expect to Move On or Compromise:  In general, you don’t always get what you want. So, when it is about buying a new home in Burlington, it is very unlikely to get that property at the price you initially had in mind. While entering the negotiation process with your licensed real estate agent broker in Toronto, be ready to compromise a bit and work with the party on the other side to make sure the needs of both of you are met. If you have a real estate agent to represent you, make sure they are completely aware of your expectations as well as deal breakers.

It is important to remember that not every home buying deal closes in one go, and it may take several rounds of negotiation in the process. This particularly holds true if the real estate market you are in is highly competitive. Negotiating the price of a house for sale in Waterdown should be considered as a learning experience, and also keep in mind that not every negotiation leads to a sale.

To Conclude

To negotiate the best deal on an Oakville house for sale, you may be required to equip yourself with the right kind of information. This should ideally begin with researching the local market and further extending to getting information about the home in focus as well as the other party involved in the deal. You may also require being a bit flexible with respect to terms and conditions, and trusting your real estate broker in Toronto to negotiate the price on your behalf.

Remember that negotiation in the home buying/selling process is largely about compromise, and you might need to accept several things so as to close the deal. However, keeping the tips above in mind will surely help you negotiate the best price possible.

If you are currently looking to sell an apartment or bungalow, or want to buy a luxury home for sale in Ontario, contact Roland Hack real estate agent broker for end-to-end assistance.

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Direct: 416-543-7348

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Sutton Group-Admiral Realty Inc., Brokerage

 Buying  Renting  Selling

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How to Clean Blinds When Staging Home to Sell!

Imagine that you walk into a superbly staged home; everything is just perfect; you decide to tryout the blinds and when you do, a dozen dead flies fall out onto your head! How impressed are you now!?!

Make sure that your blinds are clean and ready to be tested by buyers. Too many times I've been into homes that look great but have filthy or junky blinds which can ruin the moment.

Before even thinking of cleaning the blinds, first do a functionality test on them. If they are broken, won't rotate, or yellowed, simply through them out! If the blinds are in good working order, then make sure they are clean like the rest of your home.

There are 3 basic types of blinds – vertical, wooden and fabric.  Ensuring your blinds are clean, helps when staging a home to sell.

Use the brush attachment to vacuum the blinds, and always vacuum across the slats, never up and down.

When selecting a duster, a lamb’s wool duster is a much better choice than a plastic duster. Again, dust across the slats and start at the top (obviously).

With vertical blinds; whether dusting or vacuuming, make sure you only work downward to ensure the slats don’t become unhooked.

Another great tool for cleaning blinds is by using a rubber sponge (also known as a dry sponge). They work well to remove dust and residue from vinyl and fabric blinds.

If you need spot cleaning of your blinds, simple spray an all-purpose cleaner onto a dry clean cloth and wipe the area. Do not spray the cleaner directly on the blind.

You can take your fabric blinds to the dry cleaner if they become very dirty.

For wooden blinds, you can get them wet but try not to soak them when cleaning.

Recommended Read : Tips for Cleaning a Ceiling Fan When Preparing Your House for Sale

Using these tips for preparing your home to sell will help freshen and brighten your blinds and make them look almost new again. If it doesn't, throw them out and get new ones.

Roland Hack is a full-time BrokerReal Estate Agent who specializes in coordinating BOTH the Selling and Purchasing side for a Seller. I also specialize in coordinating moves to cottage country!

No Seller should ever feel overwhelmed or confused or uncertain when to sell or where to go.

A 5-minute no-obligation call with me, makes all the difference!

Call Roland's mobile: [phone].

Sutton Group-Admiral Realty Inc., Brokerage

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Best Areas To Investment In Home Staging!

There many different types of homestaging.  For me, staging can be a beautiful vase filled with colourful flowers centred on a table; or ripping out all the hardwood floors in a kitchen and putting in brand new floors and cabinets.  I would consider both of these actions as home staging.  Some may say that ripping out floors and cabinets and upgrading is a renovation, but I'll say it's home staging at its best.  That’s the way most buyers will see it, and that’s the reason they’ll spend more money.

Stage your home for the Home Inspector – who will then help you sell your home!

A big problem that home sellers face is the home inspection report. Even new home builds can have issues. I can guarantee that most home sellers will have a list of issues from the home inspector; electrical being one of the biggest issues.

To avoid these issues:  stage your home for the home inspector!  Buyers may not recognize what a safe electrical system looks like, but the home inspector will.  Remember, the home inspector will spend at least 20 minutes reviewing the two-and-a-half-hour home inspection report with those buyers. It's during this time that your mechanical staging will pay off.

The home inspector will see all the ugliness in unsafe wiring, lead pipes, unmaintained furnace, and everything else you can imagine, and relay this to the home buyers. The home inspector is blind to typical home staging such as furniture arrangement, flowers on display, etc. However, he/she does have excellent vision when it comes to finding issues in your home; and conversely; finding things that work very well.

When a report tells the buyers how well things have been maintained and that the furnace is in perfect working order, that can be equally as impressive as a pretty couch or arm chair staged in the living room.

STAGING your mechanical system may be MORE IMPORTANT when NO home inspector is called!

Imagine the stress and fear of all those buyers who buy homes over asking price without ever having a home inspection. In a hot market with multiple offers, this is the norm. So, to help make your home buyer more comfortable with placing an offer on your home, ensure that your mechanical systems look safe and professionally maintained.

Recommended Read: Quick Steps to Staging Your Home for Sale

Home Buyers can scare easily – make them feel comfortable!

The truth is that a home buyer, especially first time home buyers or second time home buyers who have not bought in many years, are not experts in plumbing, electrical or HVAC. However, when home buyers see two electrical wires sticking out of the wall without any electrical box, they know enough to be worried and may start to wonder what nightmares are hidden within the walls. Also, the real estate agent will also point out this safety issue which may scare the buyer. If there are two similar homes for sale and you were planning to buy without a home inspection, would you buy the one that has obvious safety issues, or the home that has been mechanically staged and looks safe for your family?

Split your house staging budget between decor and mechanical .

Home owners should think carefully before dropping thousands of dollars only on typical home staging that involves flowers, couches, cushions, etc. Think about staging your mechanical systems so that they look great and worry free. Remember: appeal to home inspectorsANDcautious buyers to get the most money out of your home sale!

Roland Hack is a full-time Broker Real Estate Agent who specializes in coordinating BOTH the Selling and Purchasing side for a Seller. I also specialize in coordinating moves to cottage country!

No Seller should ever feel overwhelmed or confused or uncertain when to sell or where to go.

A 5-minute no-obligation call with me, makes all the difference!

Call Roland’s mobile: [phone].

Sutton Group-Admiral Realty Inc., Brokerage

 Selling  Staging

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The Best DIY Tips to Prep Your Home for Sale

Once you've made the decision to sell your home, you'll need to put some real effort into getting potential buyers interested in coming to see it and, perhaps, making an offer.

Every homeowner wants to quickly and profitably sell their house. That unfortunately doesn't happen by accident. The key is to plan and prepare sufficiently to make buyers reach for their wallets.

The likelihood of receiving offers quickly after listing your home will typically increase if you put in some time and effort to get it ready for sale. Consider whether or not the house will appeal to potential buyers before placing the "For Sale" sign in the front yard.

A helpful strategy for doing this is to compare your home with those in the area and consider what those homes offer that your house may lack of. If your assessment reveals that your home already compares favourably, you can concentrate on correcting any flaws that are currently there.

While improvements like cleaning, staging, and repairs might help draw in higher bids, they can also be costly and time-consuming processes. This is where you should consult a specialist such as Roland Hack, a real estate agent broker, who can help you stage your house on a budget.

A few minor adjustments can make a significant difference in how well you are seen by buyers and whether you will receive better offers.

Here are 3 do-it-yourself tips to prepare your home for sale:

1. Clean up and declutter:  Making your rooms appear as roomy as possible might help, since large kitchens, baths, and storage spaces sometimes serve as major selling elements. It is advised by expert home stagers that you remove 50% of your possessions.

Organise and tidy up the places in your home. Don't merely stuff items into cabinets, closets, attics, or basements; buyers will look inside each of those locations. Use storage containers that may be stacked neatly in a basement or closet or tucked under beds. Adding cabinet cubbies or baskets can help keep things look organised and tidy.

Furniture is part of the decluttering process. Buyers should be able to move around rooms without running into furniture. Make sure that no furniture obstructs any doorways, windows, or other architectural features. For instance, you might want to get rid of accent chairs or end tables in a tiny living room. Even though such changes are inconvenient, it’s best to do it anyway.

Think about getting aid from a professional home stager to organise your space. He or she can assist you in deciding which items to store or keep away from sight.

2. Inspect every part of your home:  Consider each aspect from the viewpoint of a visitor.

-Does your house look homely? Is it welcoming?

-Does it make you happy?

-Is there anything that appears to be outdated, dirty, or in poor condition?

Sometimes it helps to look at it with someone else. Choose a person who will be fair and honest with you while remaining objective.

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Home Inspection in Canada: Importance and Checklist

Finding a new home in Burlington is a costly affair. There can be a plethora of costs to consider, which may include a home inspection too. The cost of hiring a home inspector can range from $300 to $700, depending on the size of your Oakville house for sale and the neighbourhood in which your house is located.

While a home inspection can be an additional burden for a few property buyers, it is worth the extra cost, given the dollars it saves in the long run and the stress it alleviates during the process of buying a home.

What Is A Home Inspection and Why Is It Required?

A home inspection is done prior to buying a home to ensure that there are no major problems with the home in question. The cost of home inspection is typically covered by the person looking to buy a new home in Oakville. A home inspection could highlight potential problems with the foundation, heating/cooling system, plumbing, etc. of the house being inspected. A home inspector generally walks through the property to visually analyse different things that need to be either replaced or repaired.

While several property buying contracts require a home inspection to be performed, a few contracts don’t include it as a requirement. However, it should still be conducted, whether or not it is required by the home buying contract in order to provide both seller and buyer with the necessary peace of mind.

A home inspection typically takes place once a purchase offer is made, but prior to signing any purchase contract. Making a home inspection as a mandatory requirement of the home purchase process is perhaps the best way to go about it. Not only does it help discover any possible problems with the property, but it also assists the buyer in deciding whether or not buying the house is a great idea.

Importance of a Home Inspection

Getting a home inspection done is a key component of the entire property buying process. It can save both home sellers and homebuyers a lot of pain since it helps discover any problems with the house for sale in Mississauga while offering the buyers the peace of mind they deserve. Here are some top reasons why you should have a home inspection done before buying a property:

Present or Future Repairs Required:  A home inspection makes property buyers aware of any problems that a house for sale in Waterdown has once the inspection is done. This means that they might get an estimate of the amount of money they would need to spend to fix any issues with the home. It also allows them to figure out whether or not the home is worth the trouble – and if they should consider looking at other houses in Waterdown.

Safety:  A qualified home inspector is expected to be expert in identifying common signs of water damage, mould, and carbon monoxide. This means, they will be able to diagnose such problems better than a potential buyer. However, you should remember that looking for signs of mould is not the job of a home inspector, but they often inform both buyers and sellers should they find any such issues.  

Defective Renovations:  A home inspector can be able to identify any defective renovations done on the property. Such renovations can be expensive for buyers since their taxes and insurance costs might add up. Buyers will also require dealing with such defective renovations on their own, which may include either adjusting them up to code or taking them down altogether.

Negotiation Tool for Home Buyers:  Buyers have higher odds of negotiating a better deal on an Oakville house for sale if they get the property inspected before they choose to purchase it. They can either request for any repairs or replacements as a condition of buying the property, or they may be able to get the home at a reduced price.  

Insurance:  Many times, an insurer denies to insure a property if some specific conditions are not met. A home inspection can help you identify whether or not such conditions exist in a house for sale in Waterdown, so they can be taken care of well before time, for the property to be insured.    

Home Inspection Checklist

While planning to buy a residential property in Toronto, it is crucial to check every section of the home, particularly for issues that might later turn into a headache. So, what actually should you look for? Here, we have put together a home inspection checklist for your convenience.

Inside the House

Ceilings, Floors, and Walls

Check all floors on the house for squeaky tiles or unevenness

Check ceilings, floors, and walls for signs of damage, such as water marks and cracks

Doors and Windows

Check if there are any broken or cracked glass, or damaged screens in the windows

Check if all windows and doors are closing and opening appropriately

Check the weather-stripping on windows and doors for any signs of damage

Bathrooms

Check all bathroom fixtures if they are functioning and draining appropriately, including the bathtub, shower, sink, toilet, and bathtub

Check all faucets for proper water flow and pressure

Ensure that the cabinets and plumbing in the bathroom are in great condition

Check for loose or broken tiles

Kitchen

Check all sink faucets for proper water flow and pressure

See if all appliances are working properly, including garbage disposal and dishwasher

Make sure that there are no leaks in the plumbing

Check all cupboards, sinks, countertops, and cabinets for signs of damage

Ensure that the exhaust system of the range hood is working appropriately

Attic

Check if the attic is ventilated and insulated well

Look at the attic for any signs of water or structural damage

Basement

Inspect for any signs of decay or damage in the structural wood

Check if there are any large cracks or stains in the exposed foundation

Examine the basement for leaks and water damage on the floor and ceiling

Outside the House

Roof

Inspect for any signs of damage to the gutters and chimney

Check for any broken or missing shingles. Also, see if shingles are cracked, rotten, curling, or losing granules

Grounds and Driveway

Inspect if there is any stagnant water on the property, including the back and front yard, and the driveway

Check the driveway to ensure that it doesn’t have any cracks and it is even

Exterior Surfaces

Make sure that all painted surfaces doesn’t have paint flaking off and are not stained

Ensure that there are no cracked or decayed parts of siding

Odds and Ends

See if the exterior foundation is straight and not cracked

Make sure that your garage doors are closing and opening properly

Check if all carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working properly and are installed as per government guidelines

Heating, Electrical, Ventilation, and Plumbing

Heating

Ensure that there is no damage to the air conditioner and furnace, and that they are work properly

See if heat pumps and thermostats are functioning properly

Electrical

Ensure that all wiring is in great condition and that there are no exposed joints

See if the main electric panel is easily accessible

Check if there are ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets in the kitchen and bathrooms

Ventilation

Check if the ventilation system is working appropriately

Make sure that the supply vents are clean

Plumbing

Make sure there is no rust on your water heater

Check for leaking or damaged pipes

Check all water shut-off valves, as you might require turning off the ones supplying water outside during winters to prevent pipes from freezing

To Conclude

While a home inspection may appear like an additional expense over and above the already expensive home buying process, it is totally worth it. A home inspection can help identify a number of issues with a house for sale in Mississauga while enabling you to make a more informed home buying decision.

When looking for a qualified home inspector, hire someone trustworthy and reputable to make the home inspection process as smooth as possible.

Looking to buy a new home in Burlington? Contact Roland Hack real estate agent broker for professional home inspection service and to buy your dream home at the best price possible.  

CALL NOW!

Direct: 416-543-7348

MyRealtorRoland.ca

[email protected]

Sutton Group-Admiral Realty Inc., Brokerage

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How Homeowners Should Prepare for a Home Inspection in Canada?

Providing Easy Access to the Sections that Need to Be Assessed: Ensure that the home inspector has convenient access throughout your house for sale in Mississauga. If they are unable to access a specific area, they won’t be able to inspect that section, which could be a red flag for your potential buyers. Remove any clutter that is restricting access to the systems or areas that need to be inspected, including attics, basements, under sinks, and furnace rooms.

Clearing the Perimeter:  The home inspector will probably look at the home’s exterior, including trims, siding, and caulking around doors and windows. Before the inspection, make your Oakville house for sale clear of plant growth, debris, and unwanted items so that the inspectors can have an unobstructed look.

Checking the Roof:  The roof is a major facet of the overall home inspection, hence, you can’t ignore it. Using a ladder, check for missing or damaged tiles as well as clean debris and moss from the gutters, while making sure that downspouts are in the appropriate place. If you find any roof damage during self-inspection, get it fixed before the home inspection.

Keeping Your Oakville House for Sale Clean: If you are already going through the process of home selling, you must be knowing how important it is to keep everything clean and litter-free. After an accepted offer, do not allow things to accumulate and do maintain the same degree of cleanliness for the home inspector. The cleanliness of your home is not part of the inspection, but a cluttered or dirty home could give an impression that other sections of the home are not managed well either.  

Replacing Non-Functioning Lights:  A bulb that is not working might suggest one of two things to a home inspector: the bulb itself is non-functional or there is a faulty fixture. In such a case, the home inspector will either try to find out if a fixture is defective or they will just note down that there’s a potential fault, without digging deep. Make sure that all the lights in and around your property are in order to avoid any of the two scenarios.

Ensuring that Your Toilets are Working Properly:  If your toilet runs for more than usual time after flushing, you may ignore it as a trivial problem and continue to live with it. However, it is something you would never want the home inspector to come across. A faulty toilet is inexpensive to repair and you can even do it by yourself. So, make sure all the toilets in your home are functioning properly before the inspection.  

Installing a New Furnace Return Filter:  Replacing the furnace filter periodically is important for great air quality and the smooth functioning of the heating system. Replace or clean your existing furnace filter before the inspector finds out that you have not taken good care of the heating system.

Ensuring that the Fuse Box is Labelled Properly:  An unlabelled or improperly labelled fuse box is equally annoying for both property owners and inspectors. Make sure that every switch in the fuse box is labelled correctly and clearly. Also, replace the ones that are tough to read or incorrect.

CheckingEachDoor: Check every door in your house to make sure they are in good condition. All exterior and interior doors must be attached well to the frame, all door locks should be working properly, and all doorknobs should be in place. Many times, heat and cold can deform normally functioning doors, resulting in a number of issues. So, make sure to examine all doors, including the ones you rarely use.

Fixing Defective Cabinets: Hinges on cabinets often get loose, which causes the cabinet doors to close improperly and the doors fail to fit in the frame. If you have a cabinet with a similar issue, you can fix it on your own, simply by tightening the hinges using a screwdriver.

Checking for Water Damage and Potential Leaks:  Your home inspector will certainly look for signs of water damage and possible leaks. Hence, it is wise to fix all water-related problems before the inspection. When searching for leaks, check the area around the faucet; the base of the shower, bathtub, and toilet; and also under the sink and home appliances like a refrigerator and dishwasher. Moreover, check ceilings, walls, and floors for signs of sagging, warping, or buckling. Besides, examine the exterior of your house for sale in Waterdown for signs of water damage or leaks. If you find water pooling at the base of your property, it could be due to possible leaks or water damage.

Getting Rid of Bugs: Spiders and ants are a common sight in most Canadian homes. However, if you have found a wasp nest in your backyard or you often see queues of ants in the kitchen or other areas in your home, it is important to address such issues before the home inspection. Bugs, in general, are not a huge problem, but their presence in the home may turn off possible buyers.

Preparing for the Home Inspection Day:  Before the home inspection day, you should do everything that is necessary to prepare for the day. So, on the day of inspection, it is all about making sure that it happens as smoothly as possible. To ensure this, check there is unrestricted access to all the systems and sections, keep all utilities on, and unlock all electrical boxes, gates, and other things that are usually kept locked. It is good to be ready at least an hour or two prior to the scheduled inspection time. Also, make sure to leave your house for sale in Mississauga with your family and pets (if any) before the inspection begins.

Final Words

Once you have vacated your house for inspection, it’s time to take a deep breath. Remember that the majority of home buyers don’t expect 100% perfection and they just want to be sure that they will not have to put in a lot of effort and money after buying your home.

It is also common for the home inspector to highlight some minor problems in their report, but if you are well prepared for a home inspection, it is less likely for them to detect any major issue that may prove to be a deal-breaker.

Recently planning to sell your house in Waterdown? Contact Roland Hack real estate agent broker for professional real estate appraiser’s service and to sell your property at the highest price possible.

CALL NOW!

Direct: 416-543-7348

MyRealtorRoland.ca

[email protected]

Sutton Group-Admiral Realty Inc., Brokerage

 Buying  Moving  Renting  Selling  Staging