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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.cochranerealestate.ca/blog/2019-07/</link>
        <description></description>
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    <guid>https://www.cochranerealestate.ca/blog/is-selling-a-home-fsbo-a-good-idea.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.cochranerealestate.ca/blog/is-selling-a-home-fsbo-a-good-idea.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>Is Selling a Home FSBO a Good Idea?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


Some may think that doing away with the middle man and taking a chance on selling a home FSBO will pay off for them. However, those who have never sold a home before may be unaware of the amount of work that is involved with marketing and selling a home.


Homeowners already have their hands full in making repairs and getting a home ready to show to potential buyers. Even though a homeowner may not have to pay a commission when selling a home themselves, is it worth the extra time and effort? Understand more about the issues that can arise when selling a home without an agent.


For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.


Considerations when Choosing FSBO


There are homeowners who think that they can shoulder the work performed by an agent and avoid paying commission. However, it can already be hard to sell a home in a buyer's market and it can put more stress on an owner to attempt to go the FSBO route. The seller will not only have to make repairs on a home but at a minimum, learn the basics of marketing a home and what is involved in the home closing process. On the other hand, an agent is licensed, knows the local market and has connections on which to rely on when it comes to selling a home. Lastly, it may not always be a wise decision to choose FSBO, as an owner may not get optimal value for their home or may have it linger on the market.


How to Price a Home


A local agent understands how to best price a home, an important element on a listing for potential buyers. A significant gap can be seen between average FSBO sales prices and those represented by an agent. FSBO sellers often price too low to sell their home. Money is being left on the table and the average seller is losing out on the potential full value of the home. However, pricing too high can turn off buyers and make it harder to garner interest. Working with an agent can help a first time seller get a clear idea of a fair price for their home, based on its condition and the current market.


How to Market a Home


Homeowners can have a hard time being objective about their property. They may not be able to prioritize areas for repairs and updates, or know which minor updates can boost their home's curb appeal. They can easily turn off buyers, such as with a poor paint job or amateur photographs of a home in the listing itself. An agent is in the position to walk a homeowner through the process of getting the property ready to be listed.


Homeowners acting as their own agent for the first time are going to face challenges. Questions will arise such as how to create a listing, what legal forms are needed to sell a home and how to deal with agents. A homeowner can learn what is required in such areas, but it may take up a significant amount of time and lead to unnecessary stress.


Selling a Home Requires Work


Agents have a range of resources available to them. They can easily create, edit and share listings on social media platforms. Tools and networks can be utilized that are not available to the average homeowner. An agent is also responsible for scheduling showings, objectively walking visitors through a home and taking back feedback to the seller. Agents are simply better positioned to get a home seen by the right pool of potential buyers. Selling a Riverview home for a price supported by the market and attract a larger pool of qualified buyers when working with an agent.


For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jul 2019 11:30:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.cochranerealestate.ca/blog/toolbox-items-for-new-homeowners.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.cochranerealestate.ca/blog/toolbox-items-for-new-homeowners.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>Toolbox Items for New Homeowners</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


One of the best housewarming gifts a new homeowner could receive is a basic toolbox for DIY projects. Stock it with easy-to-use tools and a selection of helpful items even a novice can use to make small repairs, troubleshoot potential problems and perform simple tasks. Think about jobs such as hanging art without damaging walls, or replacing doorknobs, rather than more serious renovation projects.   Stocking such a toolbox can be painless, with a little advice from a local hardware store, or a trip to a big box store. Consider the following:


Planning and Measuring Aids




25-foot tape measure


Small speed square


Torpedo level


Carpenter's pencils




Simple Hand Tools




Two hammers, a standard clawfoot, and a smaller ball peen,


A standard screwdriver and a Phillips; or a single screwdriver with interchangeable heads. Additional sizes and types can be added, as a need arises. A battery-operated screwdriver might be helpful for some tasks, but is not necessary in most cases.


Sheetrock knife with retractable blade


A small punch


Pliers, both standard and needle-nose


Heavy-duty scissors, or lightweight wire cutters


An adjustable wrench




Nice to Have




A chalk box


A basic set of Allen wrenches


A small saw


A glass cutter


Knee pads


A notebook and pen, for sketching ideas or making shopping lists




Safety First




A set of goggles


Disposable breathing masks


Heavy-duty rubber gloves


W-D 40, Brasso, and basic cleaning supplies; along with a supply of rags


A basic first aid kit




Keep Tools Organized


Whether the plan is to present a basic tool kit to a new homeowner, or you're outfitting a handy tool kit for yourself, a convenient tote is essential, so that tools don't simply get lost in a drawer. Lightweight canvas totes are convenient for Most Riversong home repair needs, and they require little storage space. 


However, a plastic tackle box, a vintage metal lunchbox, or a versatile handled tin container can work equally well. Graduate to a larger, more permanent tool kit as your needs change, but retain the portable tote for tackling smaller jobs, and for ease of transporting needed tools to the work location. Take proper care of the tools and the basic kit should meet home repair needs for years.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 18 Jul 2019 15:01:00 -0600</pubDate>
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