How to Take the Best Pictures of Your Home.

Get a good, high-resolution digital camera.Sure, those take-n-toss cameras are cheap and easy, but this task requires a camera with a good flash and different settings to truly capture the essence of a room, no matter what its lighting situation is. Digital cameras are convenient so you may go back and retake the picture as many times as necessary to nail that perfect shot. With a digicam you can quite easily see what you are taking a picture of via the display on the back, whereas a disposable camera will leave you, basically, in the dark. Since most of your photos will likely end up on the web for potential buyers to view, resolution is important. Digicams offer different resolution sizes to take the pictures in. This comes in handy if the pictures need to be scaled down–high resolution pictures will not lose their details or crispness this way. Another point of ease: simply take out the storage card in the digital camera and your Real Estate agent can download your pictures directly from it.

Tidy up the house.When people are looking at pictures of your home, they are envisioning themselves and their family inside of it. They are trying to picture where their furniture will go, and admire the character different rooms offer. When they see your mess, not only is it unprofessional, but the person viewing the photos will go through them that much quicker so they don’t have to see it. This is crucial for rooms that have exceptional features that need to have attention drawn to them–not your personal things lying about. This rule also applies to people; make sure everyone moves out of the pictures completely.

Take photos of the house’s best features. When taking pictures of the outside of the house. Make sure you get a wide shot of the house and yard from the front and from the back. Take photos of good selling points such as garages, shops, porches or water features. It’s really tempting to just point and shoot at the standard rooms in the house, but remember: every house has bedrooms and a dining room and a living room. It’s important to get those shots too, but if your home has exposed beams or wrought iron detailing or fantastic custom tile, be sure to get some snapshots of these things as well. That stained glass window in the stairwell could be just what someone was looking for!Yard shots are also important for the people that have children and pets. Don’t neglect the pool, or that big shade tree in the front of your house. Potential buyers want to know how much property they’re going to have, or if they’ll have to trim hedges, mow lawns, and pay for sprinklers to water the yard. Don’t accidentally mislead the public!

If you don’t think you’re up to the task, get a professional.Most real estate agents are more than glad to take photos of your home if you don’t feel your capabilities as a photographer are all that commendable. In fact, there are probably a lot of folks out there that would rather not have to deal with the hassle and simply want to sell their house as quickly as possible. Just keep in mind when entrusting this task to someone else that they haven’t lived in your house and don’t know its special characteristics as well as you do. Going around with them and pointing out the house’s key features is recommended.

 

Sasktoon Real Estate Review for 2011

Saskatoon MLS Statistics for Jan 1st – Dec 31st, 2011
Houses Listed 7,051
Houses Sold 4,027
Avg Selling Price $309,835
Avg Selling Price on Dec.31st $296,378
Avg Sell Price Increase +4.5%
Avg Days to Sell 39

 

Avg Sale Price Changes in Saskatoon by Area
Area 1 (East of Circle Drive) +4.4%  from $328,976 to $343,470
Area 2 (Eastside between river an Circle Dr) +1.9%  from $317,807 to $324,004
Area 3 (North End and Downtown) +5.1%  from $285,331 to $299,915
Area 4 (Between Idywyld and Circle Dr West) +4.5%  from $191,565 to $200,243
Area 5 (West of Circle Dr) +7.9%  from $274,274 to $296,056
Area 6-9 (Rural) +8.7% from $257,426 to $279,861

8 Common Hot Tub Questions

With winter here, many clients ask us about hot tubs for their homes. We have complied the 8 most common questions about hot tubs.

Will a hot tub increase the value of my property?

It may and it may not, it depends on where you are located and the type of property you are selling. However the most reliable answer would be no. Most people see hot tubs as an added expense, and to be high maintenance.

What is the difference between a hot tub, spa, whirlpool and Jacuzzi®?

A hot tub is an open-topped tank filled with circulated, filtered and chemically treated water. A hot tub is considered portable, as it is a totally self-contained unit that is typically found outdoors. On average, the water in a hot tub is drained once a quarter for regular maintenance purposes. A spa typically refers to an in-ground unit that is constructed on-site, and is most often part of a pool/spa combination. A whirlpool tub is commonly found indoors in the master bathroom or in other indoor facilities. Whirlpool tubs are filled and drained after each use and are not chemically treated. Jacuzzi® is a brand name that describes only those products manufactured by the Jacuzzi Company.

How do I know what type of hot tub to purchase?

Evaluate what the hot tub will be used for. If exercise and therapy will be the focus, consider a hot tub with depth and room for movement. If the hot tub will be used recreationally, choose a model with four or more seats. HotTubLiving.com’s interactive “Your HotTub Profile” program allows users to learn about the variety of hot-tub options and features that are available to best suit their needs.

How should I prepare the location where I plan to install my hot tub?

There is very little site preparation for a self-contained hot tub. Decide on a strong, level area that can support the heavy weight of the unit once it’s filled with water. If you’re placing the hot tub outdoors, do not place the unit within 10 feet of overhead power lines and ensure that the installation meets all city and local safety codes. Homeowners will also require a dedicated electrical outlet (110- or 220-volt outlet) and a nearby garden hose. Many people choose to install tile, gazebos, custom wood decking or flora around their hot tubs to create a private oasis.

If you install indoors, pay close attention to flooring and wall construction as it could possibly cause moisture damage.

Are there any hidden costs?

A local retailer should specify all of the costs associated with the purchase of the hot tub unit, any necessary equipment or parts, installation, shipping and delivery. Ask a local retailer for an estimate on maintenance costs to ensure the hot tub is being kept in optimal condition.

How will the addition of my hot tub affect my electric bill?

While electrical costs vary by region, model and quality of insulation, a recent study found that the average hot tub costs only $10 to $30 per month to operate. A local retailer can provide more specific information.

Will it be difficult to maintain the proper chemical balance in my hot tub?

With just a little reading, users can easily and quickly maintain the proper chemical balance in their hot tub. Most manufacturers recommend chlorine tablets be used about once a week. A local retailer can aid in chemical selection.

I have small children and I’m concerned about installing a hot tub in my home. The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) recommends that all portable hot tub owners have a safety cover that locks. Check to see if such a cover is included in the price of the unit, and make sure the cover meets the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) F1346-91 safety standard. A local retailer can identify options that complement specific hot-tub models. And, always remember that there is no substitute for constant adult supervision when children are around water.

Are outdoor hot tubs limited to certain seasons?

Outdoor hot tubs can be used year-round in any climate. For especially cold climes consider a winterizing kit. A winterizing kit is comprised of insulation for the unit, pipes and equipment, an insulated cover to retain heat and a device that is monitored by a thermostat or timer that will protect the hot tub from freezing.

Are hot tubs difficult to clean or maintain?

How often should I clean my hot tub? In a recent survey conducted by the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, 77 percent of current hot tub owners said they think their hot tubs are easy to clean and maintain.

In addition to quick and easy water testing before each use, hot tub manufacturers recommend using sanitizing or chlorine tablets once a week. The filter should be cleaned at least once a month with a hose and, if needed, filter cleaning solution. The safety cover should also be wiped down about once a month. Drain and refill the hot tub with fresh water once every three months. Wipe down the hot tub skirting with a sponge as needed. To prolong the life of the hot tub follow the manufacturer’s instructions for water and filter maintenance.

Ten Tips to Successful House Flipping.

 

Buying, renovating and selling a house for profit, known as house flipping, is the latest buzzword in real estate. There is no magical formula to ensure success at flipping houses. However, there are essential tips to help investors earn more money.

1. Do not get emotional about house flipping. It is after all a business. If the numbers do not work, proceed to the next property. Some investors commit the mistake of being too attached to the flip that they sell at a high price and end up holding the flip longer thus reducing profit.

2. First impressions count. Pay attention not just to the inside of the house but the outside as well. You cannot show off all the upgrades done inside the house if potential buyers are turned off by the outside appearance of the house and its surroundings.

3. Personal tastes are a no-no in a flipped property. Your flip needs to be attractive to buyers, not you. You should define who your target buyer is and what is his/her preferences. Color is a vital part of flipping houses. Stick to neutral colors especially when it comes to painting and laying the carpet.

4. Spruce up the kitchens and the bathrooms. They will noticeably increase the price of a house. But be sure that fixtures and appliances match the target price range. If the kitchen and bathrooms look clean, sleek and updated, the house will sell faster and for a higher profit.

5. In house flipping, time is money. After making a detailed list of renovations to be done, come up with a timeline. A timeline is an important way to let contractors know when the next group of workers needs to be in a specific part of the house. One rule of thumb is to work from top to bottom and tackle the big work projects first.

6. Hire a good contractor. You cannot be at the job site all the time. This is where the contractor comes in handy. He can keep a close watch on your time line and also the part of the budget that is his responsibility. He can keep track of problems and readily find solutions. The easiest way to find a good contractor is through referrals.

7. Be ready for paperwork. There are loads of paperwork that accompany house flipping. The most important paperwork you will have to attend to are permits. It takes time to obtain permits so you need to apply for them before work begins. Not having the necessary permits can cause work stoppage and this cost money. Contracts and receipts are doubly important. Be sure to keep them. You also need to obtain insurance coverage not only on the property but the workers as well.

8. Keep track of your progress. Throughout the entire house flipping process, you have to constantly monitor your progress. That way, you will know at any given time where you stand on the project. This will help you keep focused. Time is of the essence in house flipping.

9. Start small or simply, and then work your way up. Your first house flipping project should only entail cosmetic work. You may not get a huge return on your investment but you will surely learn valuable lessons and develop experience. 

10. As with any business venture, expect the unexpected. You will certainly encounter something that you simply did not expect. It may be a problem that appears hours before the transfer of ownership. You will almost always run at least a little over budget or hold the flip a little longer than expected.

Happy Flipping!