So, you’ve decided to put your house on the market? Selling your home is no easy feat. Real estate is a competitive market. If you want to sell your home quickly and at the best price possible, you need to provide your listing with an edge. There are many things you can do to set your listing above the rest, but for now let’s focus on professional photography.

Some homeowners or real estate agents may try to save money by skimping on a professional photographer. By saving a couple dollars here, you can put your listing at a great disadvantage. Let’s look at some of the reasons why professional photography is essential when selling your home:

The Dangers of Using a Cellphone Camera

Finding someone who doesn’t own a cellphone these days is like finding a needle in a haystack. And with these devices comes a camera. Although the quality of most cellphone cameras has greatly improved over the years, they simply won’t provide you with the same kind of professional quality that a high-end DSLR camera, lighting equipment and home staging expertise provides. These benefits come along with a real estate photographer.
With a cellphone camera, you can end up with photos that are:

⦁ Low-quality
⦁ Grainy
⦁ Backlit
⦁ Out of focus
⦁ Blurry
⦁ Unedited

By hiring an experienced real estate photographer, such as the team of photographers that Woolcott Real Estate works with, you can feel confident that you will be provided with high-quality, professional results. Results that can truly help improve the quality of your listing.

Lack of Experience

Most do-it-yourself (DIY) home photographers lack the basic skills to properly photograph the various rooms within a house. There are many rules that professional photographers follow and techniques that they utilize to help enhance their results. This can include the kind of camera used, staging of the room, time of day the pictures are taken, angles of the photographs, and the editing process that follows the photoshoot.
One basic rule that all professional interior photographers should follow is to shoot the room in landscape. Landscape photography can help enhance the size of the room in the photo and capture everything in one shot. Shooting in portrait mode will do the exact opposite, cutting out vital aspects of the room, ultimately not providing potential buyers with a complete idea of each rooms layout and overall composition.

Difficulties of Shooting Indoors

Photographing the interior of a home presents many challenges. Experienced real estate photographers are well-aware of these issues, and are fully-equipped with the knowledge and equipment to overcome these obstacles.
Some of these challenges can include:

⦁ Poor results due to low-quality camera equipment
⦁ Time of day and lighting
⦁ Composition of a room and lack of staging expertise
⦁ Images that require professional editing software
⦁ Vertical lines and distorted-looking results

Of course, there are many more obstacles that can arise during a photoshoot. The expertise that comes with hiring a professional real estate photographer is what will help your photos overcome those challenges. A professional has the experience necessary to work quickly and efficiently, even in the most unique or challenging of situations.

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Real Estate Photographer

There are many benefits that come along with hiring a professional real estate photographer.

For starters, they come with their own equipment. This usually includes a high-quality DSLR camera, tripod, drone, lighting, and editing software. They are the experts when it comes to home staging and taking a photograph that captures the entire room. The most experienced photographers can capture an image that not only looks pristine, but also showcases the welcoming and warm atmosphere of the home.

Professional real estate photographers tend to also have a great turnaround time. They understand that the real estate industry is competitive and truly never sleeps. They have the experience of working with many realtors and real estate teams, so they understand the importance of fast, high-quality results and presenting themselves in a professional and respectful manner.
There are truly so many benefits to working with a real estate team and real estate photographer, these points are only the beginning.

To learn more, contact our team of experts today. Woolcott Real Estate would be happy to discuss current listings with you, help you get started with selling your home, or discuss our real estate photography process.

The appearance of your home is so important while it’s on the market. Both the interior and the exterior need to be arranged in such a way that enables potential buyers to mentally picture themselves living there. To achieve this state of mind, your home must be staged perfectly. Of course, the assistance of a professional home staging company is always recommended, but there are a few things that you can do on your own to get the process started.

Here are 10 favourite décor tips for staging your home to sell:

1. Flowers and Greenery

Who would think that something so simple could be so effective when staging your home. Fresh flowers and greenery can add a burst of colour, act as an accent piece, add personality to a room, enhance the lovely fragrance, and can even be used as a focal point.
Boost the curb appeal of your home by adding fresh potted plants to the porch. Not only can this improve the aesthetic of your home, but it can create a more welcoming atmosphere too.

2. Colours

The colours used within your home can really make or break the appeal of a room as it’s crucial that potential buyers can envision themselves living in your house. This becomes increasingly difficult for them to do when there is a combination of colours that simply don’t go together, or an overwhelming amount of a very bright colour.
Instead, opt for neutral or soft, muted colours throughout your home. Colours such as grey, taupe, beige, pearl, and pastel-based colours work extremely well, especially with accent pieces like throw pillows, blankets, and rugs.

3. Lighting

Any realtor will not hesitate in saying the right lighting can truly bring a room to life. Try opening the curtains and allow the natural light to flow throughout the room. As for lighting fixtures, update anything that is outdated or dingy. These very small upgrades can really go a long way. Most potential home buyers love to see that even the smallest details, like light switches, are modern and updated.

4. De-Clutter and De-Personalize

A cluttered house is most often unappealing to home buyers. Clutter can make it difficult for them to see all aspects of the house. It can even give your home a less inviting atmosphere and leave the impression that it’s messy and not regularly cleaned or maintained.
By getting rid of clutter and keeping your personal items to a minimum, not only will potential buyers be able to envision themselves living there, but they will appreciate the clean, modern aesthetic that your home has to offer.

5. Updated Furniture Arrangements

If you have any old, ragged furniture, now is a good time to give it the boot. There are many options to upgrading your furniture when on the market, whether using a professional stager who has their own inventory, renting from a furniture company or even borrowing from a friend.
Take this time to really look at the arrangement of your couches, tables and chairs. Pulling couches away from the walls can help the room appear bigger, resulting in a more welcoming atmosphere and creating walkways throughout the room. You can create smaller sitting areas or decorative table areas too.

6. Modern Artwork

Simplistic and modern artwork can really complete a room. You can coordinate the artwork to match the overall décor within a room, and style it just right so that the room is complete. You never know, you might just find the perfect addition to your new home while you’re at it.

7. Fresh Coat of Paint

You’d be surprised at how effective a fresh coat of paint can be when you’re trying to improve a room. A simple Homestyle Painting job to cover up any marks on the walls or simply to provide a fresh and updated look and feel. Not only can it help boost the appeal of a room and your home, but it’s cost-effective too!

8. Accessorize Each Room

The right accessories can complete a room. They can help add character and personality to each room, while offering an inviting atmosphere.

Try including some of the following throughout your home:

⦁ Decorative pillows
⦁ Plants
⦁ Flowers
⦁ Books
⦁ Lamps
⦁ Throw blankets
⦁ Decorative bowls and plates
⦁ Artwork
⦁ Area rugs
⦁ Seasonal décor
⦁ Candles

Of course, these are just a start. How are you going to accessorize your home?

9. Styling Tables

The dining room table is an essential part of your kitchen and dining area, but it can be often overlooked. If you plan on doing a little kitchen remodel to help sell your home you could start with decorating your kitchen with a subway tile backsplash. Use this area to showcase the character, style and décor within your home. Neutral placemats, plate settings, floral arrangements and napkins can really bring a dining room table to life.

10. Deep Cleaning

Last, but most certainly not least: cleaning. Before you have potential home buyers come to your home, you need to give it a vigorous, deep clean. Think about how immaculate a hotel room is, and clean it better than that.

Future home buyers are going to be looking at every nook and cranny, so it’s important to clean every last inch. This includes under the kitchen sink, below the beds, scrubbing the trim, inside closets, everywhere in the bathroom and, of course, emptying garbage cans once you’re done.

For more tips and tricks for selling your home, take a look through our online blog. We are always up-to-date on the latest trends, advice and news in real estate. To get in touch with the Woolcott Team, contact us today. Our team of realtors can help you find houses for sale in Burlington, Waterdown, and more.

With many different types of housing options available in today’s real estate market, bungalows are often overlooked. However, these single-story homes offer plenty of advantages that may have you looking twice at buying a bungalow you see that’s for sale!

Greater Accessibility

Because they are built on only one story, bungalows are the perfect layout solution for home buyers with reduced mobility. Due to the lack of stairs, people with joint issues or breathing problems do not have to constantly struggle with moving throughout a bungalow. In addition, interiors are highly customizable; for example, features like doorways can be altered to more easily accommodate a wheelchair.

Bungalows Offer a Larger Parcel of Land

Because of the nature of the bungalow’s foundation, the overall property size is normally larger than a more conventional home. Having more land comes with more options to extend or remodel a bungalow in the future. You could even add a second story in future if desired – and if planning permits are approved.

Because bungalows are often detached or semi-detached, residents often have more privacy than others. Planting shrubs and trees around the property can help create even more privacy. Keep in mind that since all rooms are on one floor, some bedrooms or bathrooms may be more visible than usual.

Bungalows Offer Open Plan Living

It’s surprising what a home can be transformed into by knocking out a wall or two! Because of the reduced number of supporting walls found within a bungalow, open plan living becomes more possible. Open plans are amazing at creating a light, airy space. An open plan not only works great as a family home, but also for a home that doubles as a design studio or simply for a family that wants more flexibility with their home’s design.

Renovation Options within Bungalows

If you’d like to add on to the current size that is offered in a bungalow, consider completing a renovation. Ensuring planning permission is available is especially crucial if you are planning on buying a bungalow with the intent of already extending or rebuilding.

Some Considerations when Buying a Bungalow

If interested in purchasing a bungalow, keep in mind that they are typically more expensive than other options, considering the cost per square metre. This is because their one storey structure offers fewer rooms for the same size plot. In addition, since their windows are easier to reach, security protection should be considered when purchasing this type of home.

Because of the high cost to floor space ration, bungalows will likely have fewer rooms and storage space than conventional homes. However, if you have no problem with fewer ‘spare rooms’ that can be converted into guest rooms or offices, bungalows are still a great option!

Partner with the Woolcott Team to Buy/Sell Your Bungalow!

The realtors at the Woolcott Team are experts at buying and selling all types of homes, including bungalows. Let our professional staff expertly handle your next real estate transaction!

Contact us today to find out more about our services.

If you’ve been sitting on the fence about selling your home, it’s just about time to hop off. The fall is when we typically see a number of buyers coming out of the woodwork after summer holidays. This year, we have more buyers than ever looking, which, when combined with low-interest rates, less competition, and other factors, makes it an ideal time to sell for maximum dollar.

Here’s 4 reasons you should list your home in the fall:

1. There’s less competition: A healthy real estate market typically has approximately six months of inventory for sale. However, according to the REALTORS Association of Hamilton-Burlington, there is just shy of three months inventory. This means there are not enough homes to satisfy the number of buyers looking at this time of year – making it an ideal time of year for properties to stand out from the noise.
2. Interest Rates: With the Bank of Canada expected to raise interest rates again in 2018, many buyers are looking to take advantage of still-historic low rates in the fall market.
3. Landscaping: With fall comes beautiful scenery as foliage turns to brilliant colours. Many homes look their best in fall, with fall mums and stunning leaf colours acting as natural outdoor stagers.
4. Pre-Holiday Buyers: Many buyers that are looking at homes right now are very serious, as they are hoping to close in late November so they can be moved and settled before busy holiday season sets in.

If you’re considering selling, give the Woolcott Team a call at 905-689-9223 to learn what your home worth and more about the advantages of selling in the fall.

Homeownership is sometimes viewed by those looking to enter the market as expensive and rife with hidden costs. However, owning a home shouldn’t be a scary experience, as there are many Canadian government grants designed to help Ontario homeowners.

What many potential buyers and current owners don’t realize is that there are a lot of different Canadian government grants designed specifically for them. Whether to assist in buying a first home, help with energy costs or make a renovation possible, there’s grants for almost anyone who either already owns or is entertaining the idea of buying a home.

The First Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit

This government grant can give buyers a tax credit relief of up to $5,000 from the federal government and applies to first time home buyers and anyone with a disability buying a home that has special conditions to help them with their disability.

The RRSP Home Buyer’s Plan

This is another great way to enter homeownership. Facilitated by the federal government, it allows first-time home buyers to withdraw up to $25,000 in a calendar year from their RRSP to help finance the downpayment on the home. The advantage to using the Home Buyer’s Plan is that the withdrawal is not taxable so long as it is repaid within 15 years.

For current homeowners:

There are a number of options we recommend but before we do, we want to stress the importance of proper AC preventive maintenance as a means to save globally on electricity and resources. Through the Save on Energy program, qualified owners can receive a rebate up to $600 on a new ENERGY STAR® certified central air conditioner, getting the air conditioning installation Brisbane. Enbridge also offers its customers a $100 rebate if they purchase and install a qualifying Smart thermostat. If you just need to repair your A/C contact Oak Island Air Conditioning heating and AC service San Diego.

Other options include free winter proofing for some homes built before 1980 or a rebate of up to $5,000 through Union Gas’ Home Reno Rebate.

If you want to find out more about other advantages of home ownership, contact us at the Woolcott Team today at 905-332-9223!

When beginning your home search, there are many factors to consider. One thought that is consistently top-of-mind for many buyers is location.

“A lot of buyers come to us, either from the area or out-of-town, wondering what area is the best for them to buy in,” says Drew Woolcott, broker of record, Re/Max Escarpment Woolcott Realty Inc. “The fact is each buyer is different and no one neighbourhood works for each buyer as they are all in different stages of life.”

Woolcott recommends buyers sit down and write out the features that are necessary and work with their real estate agent to determine which neighbourhoods meet their criteria most closely.

Below are a few of Woolcott’s top items for buyers to consider when selecting their dream home location:

Family Friendliness: “Many buyers often begin their search when they’re recently married or thinking about children,” says Woolcott. He recommends looking into available parks, what schools are in the area and public transportation.

Walk Score: A Walk Score is a number between 0 and 100 that measures the walkability of any address. If being able to talk to get coffee, go to the gym or pick up groceries by foot is important to you, select an address with a high walk score. Walk Scores for all Canadian addresses can be found at www.walkscore.com.

Amenities: “We tend to see buyer’s forget about the importance of having amenities nearby,” says Woolcott. “It’s often once they move in that they begin looking for the closest library or grocery store, only then realizing it may not be as close as they’d like.”

If you are planning on buying this fall, contact us at the Woolcott Team today at 905-332-9223 to learn more on how to find your dream home location!