Selling your home can get hectic, therefore it’s important to start early by preparing your home to look its’ best when you’re ready to sell. Your Local REALTOR® will direct you every step of the way, however below are a few simple tips to get you started.

Make a good first impression.
What’s the first thing prospective buyers see when they approach your home? Perhaps the front door needs a fresh coat of paint, the mailbox is getting rusty, Christmas lights are still up, or there’s cracks in your driveway. Take a moment to step outside and look at your home from their prospective – are there any imperfections that could use a quick fix?

If it’s broken, fix it!
There may be things in your home that you’ve grown to live with like a squeaky door, burnt out lightbulb, cracked tile or imperfections on a wall – whatever it may be, this is the time to fix it. Especially if it requires professional help, it’s important to book ahead to get the job done.

Declutter!
Clutter can be distracting for prospective buyers. By removing heavy furniture, items on tables and windowsills, decor, etc. you’re allowing your homes’ true characteristics to shine. In addition, buyers will get a good perspective on the size of each room, as often clutter can make a space look smaller. 

De-personalize your space.
To appeal to all buyers, it’s important to remove all items that are personal to you; including: family photos, accent walls, collection items, and busy textiles. The goal is to provide a neutral, but welcoming space. It may help to ask a non-resident to point out anything they may see as personal or distracting.

Let in the natural light.
Walking into a room filled with natural light is a definite plus. Make sure there’s nothing obstructing the windows like heavy curtains, furniture or dark screens. It’s also recommended to clean both the insides and outsides of your windows, so schedule a window-cleaner ahead of time. 

Every small effort goes a long way to ensure your home looks its best. If you’re ready to sell your home or looking for advice, contact a Local REALTOR® today!

For out-of-town buyers looking to purchase in the Southern Georgian Bay region, there are many benefits to using a local REALTOR®, including their understanding of the current and local market. You can depend on a local REALTOR® to know the inside scoop when buying your most valuable asset.

Local knowledge is key!
Trading real estate in the Southern Georgian Bay region may be different than what you may be accustomed to. It’s important to use a local REALTOR® to advise on issues that could affect a property’s value, and can see potential in an investment property with their understanding of municipal permit procedures.

They’ll know the right questions to ask at a home inspection and give you insight on waterfront/shoreline properties, official plans of the local municipalities and counties, water supplies, septic systems and heat sources. In addition, local REALTORS® are knowledgeable about our local politics, environmental issues, local neighbourhoods, schools, and community amenities which could impact your buying journey.

Local REALTORS® network
Local REALTORS® are constantly networking to stay on top of new listings, as well as new and potential residential and commercial developments. You can confidently leave it to your local REALTOR® to direct you during your buying journey and give you comfort knowing your REALTOR® is always on the look-out for potential properties of interest.

If you’re ready to start looking for your dream home in the Southern Georgian Bay region, use a Local REALTOR®.

With Ontario cases on the rise, our Local REALTORS® continue to minimize direct contact by using digital and virtual alternatives where possible and have been urged to stop all in-person open houses until further notice.

If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in the Southern Georgian Bay area, you can depend on our Local REALTORS® to take the necessary precautions to keep everyone involved protected, while still providing the knowledge and expertise you expect.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when in-person safe showings are conducted:
• Maintain a minimum of six feet apart at all times
• Use personal protective equipment and sanitize your hands before and after a showing
• Avoid shaking hands
• Expect a limit number of persons that can attend a showing
• Avoid touching any surfaces in the home, i.e. light switches, door handles, cabinet doors
• Do not use bathroom facilities at the property
• Do not share electronics (i.e. phones, tablets), pens, or other personal property during the showing
• Comply with any requirements of the seller during the showing

With the use of virtual showings or in-person safe showings to show and view properties, your buying or selling journey might be different, but not diminished.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the provincial government to close all non-essential workplaces on March 25th, however, Real Estate was included as an essential service. How our Local REALTORS® conducted business changed drastically as Open Houses were no longer permitted and strict guidelines were put in place to follow the direction of health officials. As a result, our 600+ REALTOR® members converted to digital, basically overnight, with the ultimate goal of continuing to offer services essential to consumers and Ontario’s economy.

Update on the current situation
The Southern Georgian Bay area has entered Stage 3 of reopening, which allows for increased gathering limits. This includes the ability to conduct open houses and in-person showings. While this is a positive step forward, it’s strongly recommended that our REALTOR® Members and their clients continue to use virtual tools to view properties wherever possible, to best protect the health and safety of their clients and communities.

How has the pandemic affected the real estate market in the Southern Georgian Bay area?
The pandemic came into effect just as our Local REALTORS® were preparing for the busy Spring and Summer season. We expected the pandemic to have an impact on the real estate market, and as an industry, we were able to adapt with integrity. With this came positive changes in the business infrastructure as we recalibrated our business for the new norm.

STATISTICS: Home Sales and New Listings in comparison to 2019*

What can we expect?
With increased market activity, we continue to be optimistic for the months ahead as Ontario progresses to re-open. It’s encouraging to see signs of life returning to the housing market and we continue to work closely with our Association as well as the Real Estate Council of Ontario, Ontario Real Estate Association, and Canadian Real Estate Association to maintain our commitment to serving our clients. That said, we remain cautious and focused on a successful recovery of the pandemic.

Stay well,
Mike Scholte

The Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS® represents over 600 Local REALTOR® members. We are dedicated to providing customer service, resources, leadership, advocacy, and support in promoting member success and professionalism.

March 5, 2020