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Hamilton, ON Real Estate News

By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
How should I prepare for showings and open houses?Your house should be ready to show at all times. Make sure it is kept clean and clutter-free. And, those last minute touches before someone comes to look at your home can make all the difference:Turn on all the lights, even during the daytime, including outside entrance, closet, basement, and attic lights. Open all the drapes and blinds. Turn off the television, stereo, and radio (easy listening music is OK). On cold days, light a fire. If not in season, make sure the fireplace is clean. Put pets in a fenced yard. Better still, ask friends to look after them. Some people may be allergic, others may be afraid of animals. Clear any pet odours. Clean the kitchen and bathrooms. Leave windows and mirrors sparkling. Set out fresh flowers, hang...
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
 What should I do to the interior of my property, before I list it for sale?Every room should look as spacious, bright, and warm as possible. Wash walls, ceilings, and trim. Consider painting with light, neutral colours. Repair cracks. Tighten loose knobs, towel racks, switch plates, and outlet covers. Fix tight doors and windows, squeaky floorboards, and loose stair banisters. Clean and repair caulking around tubs and sinks. Fix leaky faucets; remove water stains. Clean and organize the basement and attic. (This is a good opportunity to throw out all the bits and pieces you don't want to move.) Organize closets. Get rid of the clutter. Limit the number of items stored overhead or on the floor. Clean out kitchen cabinets, and remove clutter from countertops. Clean drapes, blinds, and cu...
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
Why is listing my property at market value so important?A realistic competitive price means: Your property will sell faster. People don't bother looking at over-priced homes. Your home doesn't lose its "marketability." Offers are higher when a property is closer to market value. A well-priced property can generate competing offers. Realtors will be more willing to present your property to buyers (and be more enthusiastic when they do so). Want to know what your home is worth? FREE! Home Evaluation on-line, Please Fill in all required fields for a more acurate evaluation.Lisa Tollis, Sales RepresentativeRoyal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.www.LisaTollis.ca Marketing Your Home For All Its Worth!
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
Fifty-eight per cent of buyers surveyed revealed that they were willing to make a decision after viewing 10 homes or less, while only 11 per cent of buyers thought they would have to view over 20 homes in order to feel comfortable making a decision. An overwhelming majority of people (83%) surveyed said that they would regard their Realtor's assessment of the home as somewhat or very important. As such, sellers need to impress both potential buyers and Realtors, who are local market experts. This dynamic raises the bar for everyone selling a home. When asked which room of the house had the most significant impact on their purchasing decision, 52 per cent of buyers said the kitchen and 25 per cent said the living room.  A surprisingly low five per cent of buyers thought the bathroom had ...
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
First impressions are key in real estate as buyers often make up their minds about a home within the first few minutes of entering the front door. A combination of the right renovations with modern and tasteful décor is the best way to do that.A contemporary and minimalist space with neutral coloured walls and a limited number of personal items appeals to most buyers and ensures the best results when selling a home.Too much empty space can work agaist you as an empty room allowsbuyers to focus on negative details instead of overall space and the flow of each room to the next.While a home should be clean and tidy befor showing, it's essential to also pay attention to eliminating smells. According to the poll, 53 per cent of buyers believed strong odours such as pet and cigarette smells h...
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
The 2006 Royal LePage House Staging Poll (conducted by Maritz Research) revealed that renovations can often boost a home's value but sometimes too much of a unique style can be detrimental when it's time to sell.  Thirty-six percent of potential buyers said that they would be willing to pay a premium for a home with updated décor. Surprisingly, more men than women viewed décor as a necessity with 41 per cent of men versus 30 per cent of women claiming they were willing to pay a premium for this feature."First impressions are key in real estate as buyers often make up their minds about a home within the first few minutes of entering the front door," said Dianne Usher, senior manager, Royal LePage Real Estate Services. "As the real estate market begins to moderate in many markets across t...
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
Since mid April, all you need is just 20% down to avoid mortgage insurance fees.  The old law was 25%, and it's been around for 40 years.This change should save you about $2500, for example, on a typical $300,000 home.  The savings includes the mortgage insurance fee itself and the interest you pay to borrow for the fee.  The savings will apply to both new purchases and refinances.The only ones not celebrating this new law are CMHC, Genworth and AIG insurance.  They're about to lose a nice chunk of insurance premium revenue.  Fortunately, according to Jim Rawson from Invis (as quoted in The Star), competition among Canada's mortgage insurers should prevent them from raising premiums to offset this revenue loss.Key Point:  Jim also notes that it doesn't always make sense to defer buying ...
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
"One might think that the money value of an Invention constitutes its reward to the man who loves his work. But, speaking for myself, I can honestly say this is not so. I continue to find my greatest pleasure, and so my reward, in the work that preceded what the world calls success."-Thomas Edison One of the Greatest Inventors of the World (1847-1931)Have a Great Day!Lisa www.LisaTollis.ca
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
Canada's housing market got off to a surprisingly strong start in 2007 with average house prices rising in all major markets surveyed, according to a first quarter report released by Royal LePage Real Estate Services.  The combination of resilient consumer confidence, moderately low interest rates and improved affordability across most of the country led to greater than expected activity during the typically slower first quarter. While national average house prices experienced robust appreciation, significant regional differences continue to characterize the market.  Fuelled by the energy sector, Alberta's economy continued to show extremely high price appreciation, while more moderate levels were noted in the central and eastern regions of the country.  A notable ripple effect from the...
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
As the weather gets warmer, there's nothing more fun than taking the party outdoors. Whether you're having a backyard bash or an intimate gathering on your condo balcony or rooftop, here are some tips for a simple, sophisticated summer ‘do.Be deliciously different.Think outside the burger, and try something like marinated vegetable skewers or grilled pizza. If you plan to barbecue something that falls apart easily, like fish or veggies, use a grill rack. Put a sprig or two of fresh rosemary on the coals while you're grilling. Not only will the food taste great, but your party will smell wonderful.Serve a signature cocktail.Set up a margarita or mojito station. Set out rimmed glasses, slice some limes, then serve the drink in pitchers with lots of ice and let guests help themselves. Be s...
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
With a chequebook firmly in one hand and a hammer confidently in the other, single female homebuyers of all ages continue to knock down barriers by purchasing real estate and tackling home repairs.Currently, 30 per cent of single, never-before married women own their own home, while 45 per cent of divorced or separated women and 64 per cent of widowed women are homeowners, according to the Royal LePage Female Buyers Report. When current female homeowners and renters who intend to purchase in the next three years were asked, "When searching for your home, which type of home would you be looking for?"  25 per cent said that they are looking for a ‘fixer-upper' and plan to do the work themselves, while only nine per cent will hire a contractor."The notable upswing in real estate activity a...
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
Good Morning Everyone!!I thought I would share a cup of Timmy's with everyone this Morning, this Pic was sent to me by a friend and I would like to share it with all my friends across the Country. Nothing like a Tim's coffee on the way to work every morning, EH! Share it with your friends.Cheer'sLisahttp://www.lisatollis.ca/
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
Upper Paradise, Hamilton Mountain  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 42 Milano Court on SATURDAY, June 23, 2007 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Property information Call Lisa Tollis for your personal tour of this Wonderful Home.Ask Me How You Can Purchase This Home With ZERO DOWN.Call Lisa Tollis Today at 905 574-4600 Visit http://www.lisatollis.ca/ for more great Information about Real Estate and Listings."The Realtor On The Move"  "List with Lisa"
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
Westcliffe, Hamilton Mountain  -  Announcing a price reduction on 748 Garth Street, a 2 bath, 3 bdrm 4-level split "Back Split". Now $229,500 CAD - NEW PRICE. Property informationCall Lisa Tollis for your personal tour of this Wonderful Home.Call Lisa Tollis Today at 905 574-4600 Visit http://www.lisatollis.ca/ for more great Information about Real Estate and Listings."The Realtor On The Move"  "List with Lisa"
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
Selling your home is an involved process that affects your family and your future.  Before you begin this process, you'll want to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information.  When should you sell?  How do you get the best price? What kinds of renovations should be made prior to the sale?  These home selling reports will assist you in answering the many questions that arise during the home selling process.  When you're armed with the right information, and an experienced real estate professional, you'll be closer to reaching your goal - selling your home fast, and for the best price. To read these reports Click here These reports will help you make informed decisions prior to selling your home.Need help? Call me today! Call Lisa Tollis 905 574-4600 or Visit My Wesite for more I...
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
Find out about your mortgage options before you start looking. There's nothing more frustrating than falling in love with a home, only to find out you can't afford it.Pre-qualifying for a mortgage is the best way to find out how much you can afford. Your financial institution will look at your income, expenses and debt to determine how much they will lend you. Combine that amount with the money you have for a down payment, and that's your budget.Need Help with a Mortgage? Call me and I can help you with your mortgage with one of my Mortgage Consultants to get you started in the home buying process.Call  Lisa Tollis Today! 905 574-4600 or Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more Information. 
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A qualified, competent real estate agent will help you navigate the myriad of decisions that arise when buying and selling a home. An agent provides value to the homeowner in many ways: Pays for all marketing and advertising costs. Adds experience and expertise in all aspects of the sales process including marketing, financing, negotiations and more.Handles all showings. Brings a network of known, trusted real estate professionals. If your agent doesn't have the answer, he or she likely knows someone who does. Always has your interests in mind so you always have someone on your side. Can handle and advise on all price and contract negotiations. Provides you with all the possible options and opportunities without holding back. Gives an unbiased, realistic view of your home and your optio...
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
Over time, some renovations can practically pay for themselves, especially if they result in savings on utility bills or a higher selling price. Here are someadditional payback ranges, according to the Appraisal Institute of Canada:   · Finished Basement: 50 - 75%· Interior Painting: 50 - 100%· Exterior Painting: 50 - 100%• Main Floor family Room: 50 - 75%Looking to buy a "Fixer Upper" to renovate?Call me and I will help you find a home as an Investment or If you are Planing a move.Call Lisa Tollis at 905 574-4600 or toll Free: 1 877 574-7441Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more Information about Real Estate and Listings
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
Thinking of selling your home soon?Follow some of these tips to help you make an easy and possibly a quick sale of your home.To prepare your property for listing, take a look at your home with the eyes of a potential buyer. What's your first impression? What needs to be cleaned, painted, repaired, or tossed out to make your house as attractive as possible? A small investment in repairs, decoration, and organization can add thousands of dollars to your property value. Experts such as, Home stagers and Home Inspectors can give you a quick assessment of your home to give you an idea of what changes or repairs need to be taken care of prior to listing your home.To find out the best ways to get your home ready for sale, take our Homeowner Quiz. It's a quick, fun quiz that will analyze your h...
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
More than 5 billion crayons are produced each yearMore than 100 billion crayons have been produced so far. The first crayons consisted of a mixture of charcoal and oil. In the early 1900s, cousins Edwin Binney and Harold Smith developed a nontoxic wax crayon. Binney's wife, Alice, attached the French word for chalk, craie, with "ola," from oily, to form the Crayola name. Their first box of Crayola crayons were sold for a nickel in 1903.The first Crayola crayons came in a box of eight colours: black, blue, brown, green, orange, purple, red and yellow. By 1957, 40 new colours were introduced. Today there are more than 120 crayon colours, including Atomic Tangerine, Blizzard Blue, Mango Tango, Outrageous Orange, Laser Lemon, Screamin' Green and Shocking Pink. Over 5 billion crayons are pro...
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