A good short article on the need for disclosure, the difference between patent defects, and latent defects, as well as the need for a home inspector.

Buying a home is the most important investment you will ever make. There are many reasons why you may want to move. Whether you’re looking for a bigger home, downsizing, or looking to change neighbourhoods, the spring season is the perfect time to buy a home. Here’s why:

Ready for Summer

Imagine buying a home in late fall, and having to wait months upon months until you can enjoy your new backyard retreat, tend to that nice garden, or take a dip in the pool. When you buy a home in the spring, you have time to get settled into the house and get fully prepared for the fun experience of summer in your new home. By the time the closing date rolls around, you’ll be all set for a summer of fun in your new digs.

Less School Disruption

Late spring is one of the best times to buy a home if you are looking to minimize school disruption for children. Especially if you will be changing neighbourhoods, which necessitates changing schools, moving at other times of year can be quite problematic. A late spring home purchase means your children will be close to summer vacation by the time you move in. The whole family will be completely settled in and comfortable in your awesome new home by the time the next school year comes around.

Easier Access to Services

Do you want to rent a moving van on July 1st or try hiring movers for a September 1st move? Good luck! These are peak times for moving services, with university students and apartment renters driving up demand. Fortunately, when you buy a home in the spring you don’t have to compete with this high demand. Rates are more affordable and schedules are more open in the spring, with everything from moving companies to carpet cleaning to appliance delivery. Save yourself time, stress, and money with a spring move.

Financial Incentives

This spring is a great time to buy a home in Ottawa. Interest rates are excellent right now, and you’d be wise to take advantage while it lasts. There is also a lot of variety on the market right now, meaning you are more likely to find the right home for you and your family at a reasonable price.

Better Weather

Moving in the winter is no fun at all. From attempting to park the moving van next to head-high snowbanks to having to carry in boxes in freezing temperatures, the whole process can be quite miserable. When you buy a home in the spring, you avoid these problems all together. Have a more pleasant move without the snow, frigid temperatures, and dangerous driving conditions of winter.

Find your dream home by beginning the search for a home this spring.

If you want your home to move quickly and return the best purchase price, there are many things that you can do to help make this happen. Ottawa realtors recommend making your home stand out with this home preparation checklist:

Ask for Outside Eyes

When you’ve lived in your home for an extended period of time, it can be difficult to see your home from the perspective of a buyer. Enlist outside help (whether a friend, neighbour, realtor, or home staging expert) to tour your house through the eyes of a potential buyer. They’ll point out things you may not notice. Take their advice and prepare the home to impress potential buyers during a showing.

Declutter

Since you’re preparing to move in any case, now is a great time to declutter and make rooms, closets, and storage spaces appear cleaner and clutter-free. Not only will this help the “feel” of your house, but it will also make rooms and spaces appear larger. You can quickly learn what items are essential and what’s just taking up space in your home, and this will have the added bonus of keeping your new home clutter-free as well.

Spring Cleaning!

Cleaning is a cost-effective way to improve the look of your home. If you’re not one for deep cleaning, enlist the help of professional cleaners. Ottawa realtors recommend giving extra care to things that you may skip on regular cleaning days – we’re talking baseboards, walls, and doors. Bathrooms and kitchens, in particular, should be spotless. The last thing you want to do is turn an excited buyer away because of grease spatter on kitchen tiles or dust on blinds.

Small Repairs

There are many small repairs you can do which won’t take much time or money, but which will improve the appearance of your home. Make sure all light bulbs are functioning, fix that leaky faucet, and tighten that wobbly banister. If there are big repair issues (especially with the roof, foundation, or electrical issues), consult a professional for an estimate. You may be able to get a good return on investment, especially if you address the problem early.

Depersonalize and Beautify

When a potential buyer walks into your house, you want to them to feel like this could easily be their future home. You want them to happily picture living in the home. You can better help them visualize the space by removing especially personal items and knickknacks, like your wind chime collection. Beautify the home by adding a fresh coat of paint and mowing the lawn.

Ottawa realtors recommend these easy steps to prepare your home to sell. Improving the look of your home and amazing potential buyers as they walk in the door is that easy!