New blog page!

Good morning everyone,

I want to thank you all for reading my posts and for following me. I guess you have noticed that I have not posted here for a while.

That is because I have moved my blog page. Here is the link to my new page. Sorry for the inconvenience. Please follow me on my new page!  http://blog.stevesicard.ca/

Have a super day!

Thinking of updating your bathroom!

Bathroom or powder room make overs can be done to accommodate most budgets. They don’t have to blow the bank.

I have attached a link to an article that goes through bathroom renovations from complete make overs to modest updates.

In the article, the lower cost range shows a minimum cost of $6,000. That is the one area I don’t agree. You can pick up quality vanities, lighting, faucets, floor tiles and toilets and have them installed for less. It is very important to shop around, and take advantage of sales!

If you have questions or would like more information about bathrooms or something else, please let me know. I would be happy to get the information for you.

Perhaps you are thinking of updating your home in preparation to sell it. I would be happy to provide some feedback as to what would give you the best return on your investment.

http://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/bathrooms/remodel-a-bathroom/

Come one! Come all!!

Please stop by my booth and say hi!

http://www.stevesicard.ca

steve@stevesicard.ca

Selling your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming

When some people think about selling their home, they imagine all the things they will have to do: paint the kitchen, clean closets, prepare for viewings, find another home, arrange financing, start packing, etc. It can all seem very overwhelming very quickly.

In fact, the long to-do list you imagine you’ll have to deal with may dissuade you from making a move!

It doesn’t have to be that way.

There are many ways to make selling your home and buying another relatively simple and easy.

Sure, there will be some work to do. You may need to prepare your property so that it looks appealing to potential buyers – cleaning, decluttering, doing some repairs, etc. Of course, you will also need to view some properties for sale in order to find your next dream home.

But those activities may not be as time-consuming or difficult as you had imagined. In fact, you and your family might actually enjoy the experience – and see it as an adventure.

The trick is to work with the right REALTOR®, someone who can guide you through the process, show you the shortcuts, and generally make things easier for you.

It’s a little like baking your first cake from scratch. The task seems daunting, unless you have a master baker by your side to guide you step-by-step through the process. Then it’s a lot easier, and even fun!

That’s what a good REALTOR® can do for you. Looking for one? Call today. 613-853-5807

Stop renting and get your home when you need it. This may be for you!

Do you really want to buy a home? Are you tired of renting? Sometimes life can throw us some pretty nasty curve balls and we need some help to get to where we want to be!

There are alternatives to renting that would let you move into your “own” home now, and allow you to become the owner
down the road.

Rent to own, when done through an ethical and reputable company can be the answer to get you into your home sooner rather than later. There is a company here in Ottawa than can help you! You will still need to follow some of the same processes you would if you were to buy on your own. You will need to speak with the mortgage specialist, and they will help you with a plan and to qualify you, to get you into the home. You get to “shop” with a Realtor and choose the house you want!

Contact Scott or Robyn for a no obligation consultation. They will explain the whole program to you!

http://whyrentcanada.com/

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Please help me make a difference and grant a wish to a child! http://ow.ly/x3OsA

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Bathroom upgrades using overlays

If you’re considering a bathroom update, you’re probably familiar with the typical approaches, such as replacing a countertop or toilet, or removing all the fixtures and finishes to complete a floor-to-ceiling renovation.

However, there is another, far less expensive way to make an older bathroom look brand new: using overlays.

An overlay is simply a new surface applied over an existing one. For example, instead of replacing an old and worn bathtub – which is costly – you can purchase an overlay system (called a tub liner) that fits on top of the existing bathtub. It’s a little like giving your tub a facelift!

You can do the same thing with your bathroom countertops and floors.

Overlays come in a wide variety of styles and finishes – some of which can make your bathroom look significantly more upscale. Compared to a major renovation, the installation of overlays is relatively straightforward. A tub liner installation, for example, can be done in a day.

You can learn more about overlays at your local home improvement centre and at specialty bathroom showrooms.

http://www.stevesicard.ca

 

 

 

 

Getting the most from an Open House

Have you ever attended an “Open House” advertised in your area or in a community you like? Most people have. Even if you’re not serious about moving, viewing a few properties in a neighbourhood you like is a great way to get a sense of the market.

 Who knows? You might stumble upon your next dream home! 

To get the most out of an open house, follow these guidelines: 

• Most open houses will have a handout available containing the list price and other property information. Be sure to keep a copy.
•  Don’t just view the rooms. Explore the entire property, including the backyard.
•  Don’t be shy about asking the listing agent (or whoever is hosting the open house) questions about the property.
•  Ask about the area. Are there schools nearby? Where is the nearest park or playground located?
•  Ask about potential required repairs and renovations. For example, if the furnace is more than 15 years old, it may need to be replaced soon.
•  Walk around the neighbourhood. Try to get a sense of what it’s like to live there. If possible, chat with a neighbour.

 Finally, if you become interested in the home, be sure to advise the listing agent that your own REALTOR® will be following up. Otherwise, the listing agent might assume that he or she will be representing you.

 Looking for a good REALTOR® to have by your side? Call today. 613-853-5807  steve@stevesicard.ca  http://www.stevesicard.ca

 

 

Making sense of a crazy market

Unless you’re a real estate expert, you probably look at the market and think things are pretty confusing. Even a bit crazy! You hear news about “bubbles bursting”, “higher or lower home sales in a particular month”, “new home starts” that are up or down, and on and on it goes.

 It’s a lot of news and a lot of jargon.

 If you’re thinking of selling your home within the next year or two, you will want to understand what’s happening in the market so you can make the right decisions and get a clear sense of what to expect. So, how do you make sense of it all?

 That’s where a good REALTOR® can help.

 Even if you don’t have any definite plans to move in the near future, a REALTOR® who is an expert in the local marketplace can help you understand what homes in a particular neighbourhood are selling for, and what you can expect to get should you decide to list your property.

 Getting to know a REALTOR® also means you’ll have a trusted expert to talk to from time to time, when you have real estate-related questions.

 You’ll have someone you can think of as “Your REALTOR®”.

 Plus, when the time comes to sell your property, you won’t have to deal with a stranger. Instead, you’ll be able to work with a REALTOR® that you know well — and who knows YOU. Overall, that will make the buying and selling process go more smoothly and more successfully.

 Looking for a good REALTOR® who wants to get to know you? Call today!