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QuEstrON: I have spent thousands of dollars in upgrades and improvements both inside outside my house. Several Realtors have told me that realistically I shouldn‘t expect to recover more than a small portion of these costs, if any. Is this true? ANSWER: The Realtors you have talked to have told you the facts. Upgrades and improvements are definitely desirable features that enhance the home and sell it faster than other properties that are sparsely appointed in comparison, But don‘t do the upgrades just to sell. A healthy prospective to have is to improve your home for your family‘s own comfort and pleasure and enjoy the benefits while you live there. Remember, homes that show well have more negotiating power, obtain more rewarding offers and sell faster. Contact me for an overview from the Ontario Association Appraisal Institute of Canada that suggests an anticipated return on household improveâ€" ments. Please call me anytime to discuss your current or upcoming real estate needs. I‘m approachable. RECOVERING HOME IMPROVEMENTS AND UPGRADES The Very geSst Way To Sell Your Property ONLY A REALTOR IS QUALIFIED TO HANDLE THE MOST IMPORTANT FINANCIAL TRANSACTION OF YOUR LIFE. MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE Call one of our Broker members Call IAN LINDA at 845â€"9498 FOR A FREE INFO PACKAGE including * Where to find the best buys * 3 ways to get the best financing * Maps, info sheets on the market details of specific homes 24 Hour Pager â€" 338â€"3737 Sales Representative Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd. 251 North Service Road West Oakville, Ontario. LGM 3E7 C T 842â€"7000 BUYERS / i 10111 Royel LaPige n Eaje Sevow Li Bc TIan or Linda A18â€"2 North Service Rd. E about to ; â€" put your ** house up for sale? If so, then you will want your home to look its best for the What shows well, sells well ... 251 North Service Rd. W. Oakville JACUZZLI TUB + INâ€"LAW SUITE $182,500. Dynamic 3+2 bedrooms on quiet street close to schools in North East. RICHARD WEIMA** $49.â€"3348 NNN $182,500. 2+1 bedrooms on mature lot. Super financmg avaialable. Call for details. RICHARD WEIMA** $49â€"3348 WEST END BEAUTY it )"I Direct Line * | Voice Mail following reasons: * That it will show well; * That your agent will be anxious to show it often; * That it will sell faster; Assicuate Broker Market Vaiue Appraiser * Make rooms appear more spacious by either removing or rearranging certain pieces of furniture. Potential purchasers like the feeling of larger open spaces. * Consider spongâ€" ing or ragâ€"rolling badly damaged walls to conceal imperfecâ€" tions. You will find doâ€"itâ€"yourself videos in many paint stores i" you are unsure hew to apply paint in this * Make sure all wall surfaces and woodwork are clean and free of dirty finâ€" ger prints. It may be necessary to do paint touchâ€"ups or: to repaint certain walis or parts of woodâ€" work, which cannot be easily cleaned. * Get rid of clutter, i.e. â€" knick knacks, personal memorabilâ€" ia, extraneous items, etc. These things may be important to you, but potential buyers prefer a clean, unclutâ€" tered look. Since you are planning to move eventually, pack these items away in boxes in advance. * That it will fetch as high a price as possiâ€" ble. Here are some tips to help your home look its best for the marketplace: * Introduce some HOURS: Daily 1lam to 6pm Sat., Sun. Holidays _ 12 noon to 5pm. * Emphasize your front vestibule by means of intense wall color, eyeâ€"catching wallpaper, an unusual piece of sculpture or painting, or perhaps, an antique hall stand. It is the first room the potential buyer sees when entering your house. It, therefore, creates the first impression and first impressions are very often lasting impresâ€" sions. If you don‘t have an item to serve this purpose, borrow something from famiâ€" ly or friends. bright colors if you have not already done so, and if your budget allows it. Paint a few rooms . in strong intense colors (certain hues of purple, green or red are excellent choices), or introduce some brightly colored accessories. Strong colors make rooms stand out because they are eyeâ€"catching. *« Broken floor tiles are an eyesore. If your budget allows, replace these tiles and also any shag carpetâ€" ing which went out of fashion in the early ©80s. * Rather than reâ€" sand a hardwood floor, you might conâ€" * Introduce a few large plants to fill voids, but don‘t overâ€" do it. sider buying that new area rug for your new house and use it now, as you can take it along with you when you move. By doing this, you will feel inat you are not putting out all these expenses just for the house you are about to sell. * Give your finest pieces of fumniture or accessories promiâ€" nent positions, so thei they stand out and become the focel points of rooms. * Spruce up the exterior of your home by painting your front door a bright color. Plant flowers along the walkway. Yellow is an enticing color (it also makes yor feel you are getting value for your money), so consider providing a real show of daffodils or marigolds, dependâ€" ing on the season. Of course, make your entire garden is neat and _ well trimmed, boih in the front and rear of your house. * It is preferable not to leave your home empty. A house devoid of furâ€" niture does not show as well as a furnished one. If it becomes necessary for you to move from your home before selling it, consider renting some furniture to fill up those empty spaces until the house sells. There are a number of furniture rental companies around which provide such a service. The preparations you make for putting your home up for sale do not need to be expensive. Don‘t embark on major renâ€" ovations; only cosâ€" metic upâ€"dates are i m p o r t a n t . Remember, _ that when you home is shown to potential buyers, you want them to say "WOW"! If you are about to put your house up for sale and are not sure how to go about sprucing it up to make it look its best, call an interior designer. A designer will help assess the work that needs to be done and will recomâ€" mend the best ways , Cont‘d. on Pg. 21 ., Just prior to an appointment to show your home, light a fire in the fireplace, turn on a few lights in all rooms, add a bouâ€" quet or two of flowâ€" ers, set your dining room table with your best china; these little details all help to creâ€" ate a warm and welâ€" coming ambiance.