Welcome Spring with a splash of colour

At a time when many of us are spending more time at home than ever before, it’s a great time to perk up your surroundings with a fresh coat of paint. Keeping your décor neutral, with soft, light colours will create a feeling of spaciousness. Strong colours can then be introduced on a limited basis, such as on just one accent wall to add drama.

Starting with a more neutral backdrop, you can welcome Spring with a splash of colour. Introduce colourful accents like throw pillows, area rugs or artwork in bright shades to make your room ‘pop’. Your accents can easily be changed with the seasons to refresh your look throughout the year.

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Canadian April 2020 home prices remain stable

As expected during the pandemic, Canadian MLS® home sales fell sharply in April, according to statistics issued by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). But while the number of transactions declined last month, sale prices have held relatively steady in markets across the country.

The national average price for homes sold in April was $488,000, down only slightly by 1.3% from the same month last year. Excluding Canada’s most active and expensive markets, Greater Vancouver and Greater Toronto, the national average reduces to $392,000, says CREA.

Of course, this is just ‘the big picture’ on the national front. Home prices can vary dramatically between regions, within neighbourhoods and even on the same street. For a detailed look at resale prices in your area, contact Earl Taylor – Broker, your local Coldwell Banker professional.

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Virtual house hunting

In today’s stay-at-home environment, some prospective home buyers have put off their search, at least for now. It may surprise you to know that real estate activity is continuing, while keeping a safe distance. You can get a head start on your home search with some help from technology and your local real estate professional.

Responding to the constraints of the pandemic, more homes are now being promoted with virtual tours, offering a 360° view of every room. Some listings even offer live virtual walk-throughs by the agent, with the questions answered in real time. Other ground-work, such as researching the neighbourhood to locate schools and shopping, or investigating future developments that may impact resale value can go forward now.

The safety and comfort level of our customers is our priority. Contact Earl Taylor – Broker, your Coldwell Banker professional to learn what options are available and choose what’s right for you.

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Home sales and prices to rise in 2020

Canada’s real estate market is expected to edge higher next year, according to the latest industry forecast. The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) predicts national MLS® home sales will rise by 2% in 2020, to reach 459,400 units.

Prices are also expected to edge slightly higher next year, to reach a national average of $490,800.

Of course, this national overview is the ‘big picture’. Home prices can vary between communities, within neighbourhoods, or even on the same street. For a closer look at sales and prices in your area, contact Earl Taylor – Broker, your local Coldwell Banker real estate professional at earl-taylor@coldwellbanker.ca

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Welcome spring with a bright entry

Your front door is the focal point of your home’s exterior, so what better way to welcome spring than with a new look for your entrance. Your home can put on a bright new face with some inexpensive improvements, such as a repainted front door, urns and planters with a show of colour, a new welcome mat and perhaps even an upgrade to your exterior lighting.

Improving your home’s curb appeal is an important factor in resale value. Prospective buyers looking at your listing often make their decision to buy in the first few moments. To learn more about how to show off your home to its best advantage, contact Earl Taylor, your Coldwell Banker professional today at earl-taylor@coldwellbanker.ca

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Positive National Forecast for 2019

The Canadian real estate market is predicted to hold steady in 2019, with national sale prices on the rebound, according to the latest industry forecasts.

The latest Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) MLS® sales forecast predicts that national sales activity will remain little changed from 2018 levels. Residential sales activity in Canada is expected to reach 456,200 units this year.

The national average price is forecast to rebound by 1.7% in 2019 to reach $496,800, says CREA.

Of course, this is just ‘the big picture’ on the national front. Home prices can vary dramatically between regions, within neighbourhoods and even on the same street. For a more detailed look at sales activity and resale prices in your area, contact Earl Taylor – Broker – I’m your  local Coldwell Banker real estate professional. call or Text me at 519-670-9223 or email earl-taylor@coldwellbanker.ca

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Tips For Winter Home Showings

The business of real estate doesn’t stop in the winter months, especially for those who want to get in ahead of the busy spring market. If you’re thinking of listing your home for sale this winter, here are some tips to keep in mind to show off your home to maximum advantage.

• Safety first. Keep your driveway, steps and walkways free of ice and snow at all times.
• Clear the decks! If your deck or patio is snow covered, clear a large enough portion so viewers can see its condition. Mark perimeters if not easily visible.
• Let there be light. Ample lighting inside and out, should be left on even for daytime appointments. Your showing may not conclude until dark.
• Memories of summer. If you have photos of your garden or backyard in summer, consider displaying them near walkouts to help visitors imagine the effect.
• Create a warm atmosphere. Show your fireplace works with a welcoming fire.

For a more ideas on how to showcase your home during the winter months, talk to Earl Taylor – Broker, I’m your local Coldwell Banker professional. Call or Text me anytime or email me at earl-taylor@coldwellbanker.ca

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Colour says curb appeal this winter

Whether you’re preparing to put your home on the market or just want to give your property a fresh new look, nothing says “look at me” like a burst of colour this winter. Planting flowers is impossible but a adding a nice basket of greenery with a red bow on your front steps will certainly help to make buyers take note of your home.

What else can you do? A lack of sunshine over the winter month’s is a given. So why not add a few LED garden lights along the front of your gardens or down the walkway. These lights are pretty fancy these days and will set your home apart.

It’s too cold to repaint the front door but bringing the front porch bench back from storage will add a friendly feel. Set an old pair of skates, skies or even a snow shoe beside the bench as another eye catcher.

Want some helpful advice about which improvements will add to enjoyment and your home’s resale value? Contact Earl Taylor, your local Coldwell Banker professional today.

Visit my website at www.realestateinstthomas.ca or call/text me at 519-670-9223 today

@earltaylorcb

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What’s worth improving?

One of the questions most asked by homeowners when renovating is “What’s worth doing?” The answer depends on what you want to get out of it. Is your main goal to improve your property value, or increase your enjoyment of your home? How long you plan to stay in the home should also be considered.

If you’re thinking about your home’s resale value, be aware that the cost of professional improvements don’t necessarily translate into adding that same figure onto your resale price. A home’s list price is essentially a reflection of the demand from buyers for a home’s features and location.

Kitchens and bathrooms are frequently the deciding factors in buying a home, so they can be good areas to focus on. Even if you’re not planning on selling just yet, contact me today at 519-670-9223 and I’ll be happy to talk to you to discuss what features are in demand by buyers in your area, and to advise you on where to get a good return.

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433 – 435 TALBOT STREET in DOWNTOWN ST THOMAS with a VAULT

FEATURES OF THIS FINE PROPERTY:
For more information visit http://www.433talbotstreet.ca
– Are you looking for a prime business space in #DowntownStThomas? Then checkout this great location? This property is a former bank and still has a working VAULT ready to store your valuables!
– This well maintained 2 storey building, in the heart of Downtown St Thomas is in move-in condition with a full south facing front display window and a level accessible entrance, a convenient level rear entry for deliveries and 3 parking spaces
– The main level features approximately 2000 sq ft of retail / office space an Office, a Storage space and even a useable bank vault
– Plus there’s a full dry storage basement with two – 2 piece Washrooms
– The retail space is heated by a gas fired boiler that feeds a forced air system plus a newer roof mounted central air conditioning system.
– The upper level is currently 1 large apartment, with a separate front and rear entry, but can be easily changed into 2 separate apartments by closing up a single doorway
– The front 1 bedroom apartment features an eat-in Kitchen, an open concept Living area with a cozy gas Fireplace and a Bedroom area plus a 3 piece Bath with a dressing / closet area. This unit is heated by a gas fireplace with hi-efficient electric heaters as a backup and shares the water meter and gas meter with the main level retail space
A Refrigerator, Stove, Dishwasher and stackable Washer and Dryer are included in the front apartment
– The rear 1 bedroom apartment features an open concept Kitchen*, Livingroom and Dining area, a Bedroom and a 4 piece Bath. This unit is heated by electric baseboard heaters with a separate hydro and water meter. * Note: the kitchen needs to be reinstalled but all of the plumbing and wiring is easily accessible to do so.
– This building was a former bank, has working #VAULT and is in excellent condition with recent upgrades that include most wiring and plumbing
– Free 2 hour on street parking and municipal parking lots make it easy for your customers to visit your business
– The City of St Thomas offers a Community Improvement Plan that allows grants and interest free loans for façade improvements and grants for residential development.
– Lot Size – 23.48′ x 120′ Irregular,  Taxes – $ 5,433 for 2018

Looking for more information?
Call or Text Earl Taylor at 519-670-9223 today or visit http://www.RealEstateinStThomas.ca

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