The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Poor workmanship which can impede your sale By Diane Black More and more homeomners are upgrading their properties with an eye ta sell quickly and for top dallar."Today's buyers are artracted ta move-in ready homes - especially those who lead hectic lises and are accustomed ta upgrades. The days of buying a home to fis up have fadled," explains Greater Toronto Area realtorJackie Peifer. "When selling two virtually identical properties, n my experience the upgraded home cas sel for up ta 10 percent more and sametimes higher, depending on price point." Still, Peifer advises home sellers sot rush upgrades without first seeking professional advice. "You need to, do your homework. It's important to understand which upgrades generate the highest resale value, how much ta, invest, potential impact on your list price and competitive home sale factors." She advises you choose materials and colours with mass buyer appeal -even if they don't match your tastes. Alsa beware that hurrying renovations can increase the patential for poor workmanship which cas impede your sale. Don't rush contractor selection, says Holmes Canada's most recognized renosation expert, Mike Holmes, says rushing any renovation carnes consequences. Holmes cautions you resist the urge to select the first contractor yos come in contact with. "There are no short-cuts to getting the right contractor on board.You need ro, start by asking the right questions: how long have you been in the business, what do you specialize in, can 1 cali homeowners you've done this work for?" Holmes advises you caîl every reference you're given. As added safeguards, he says you should ask to see proof of certification and insurance, and question the need for a permît. "Don't assume someone who's done work for you in the past is equipped for biggest jobs -even if you can get them on board quickly. Whoever you choose must demonstrate they are qualified to do the work, without exception," says Holmes. Staging helps to seli your home "Homes that present as move-in ready have strong buyer appeat in taday's market," explains Jackie Peifer, a realtor mith 20 years experience. "These properties selI more quickly which helps protect them from price reductions." They worry the stager will be critical of their belongings," explains Diane Black, a home staging expert. "If they've tived in their home for years, t becomes difficutt to view the space with fresh eyes, from a buyer's perspective." Before listing, consider staging StI, some sellers resist the idea According toi Black, sellers often your home to gise it a competitive of home staging. "Sellers often equate stagers with furniture and art adsantacie. confuse decorating with staging. placement. "Experienced stagers knom that helping sellers attend to home preparation basics to make their property move-in ready is our first order of business." Peifer agrees."To selI for top dollar, 1 can't stress enough the value of a freshly painted, dlean and orderty home, with upgraded flooring if needed." - News Canada tYo ~oUuwTkHME Li.RM4HH0 11minmaxx.com 11207 Mihey 25 (EU"I Si hIUVU.U5SUS4eI imtutssmt5B Imm) Checks ou thin :3 BR Bungalow on 1.27 actesi Bright 4 ktctren w sirong laminaie tinors. HW In Lit. untinînhea ____ asuement, AwaOting vouit personal touches! US'Y*1U e w.eaitorca MLSI5 # 208945 or W1692502. Barbara Sales a 905-877-8262 21 ACRE HORSE PROPERTV 1.6Và8 4 bedroom expFtive home. Main floor omoý master. 5 stail customn stables' new wvLLm paddocks. 5 mins. from the 401- L *"= Guelph Line. MLS#W1650545 63Fre er2447 Valleyridge Or MAXXIMUM SERVICES 6 Lindsay Mi Fabulous bungalow wllott & huge This tabulous Mattamy "Tall Pjf "moeloet *LS LISTING 11DICTED AENT athwood's upscale 'Traditions' concept home feat. lrgdinîng/îvn rm, over sized *ASNG OUsIE 4 PONMESBOIG e Barclay' model elevation 'B' lot, hw tirs, 4 bdrms, taster ensi & spacous ktn *NEWSPO.PER ADS * csLOsAFUL FSATsRE SEETS &MOsE' ThScdmi.qMTn=*snsi Sutsts;SOWS ncIde. DasallosOlelrste ssneerMlnaueallnCPe8E I il sc Muedn Br5oeres Elizabeth DoelI RerSeale INCREIJIBLE PACKAGE - HEATED SHOP Rpsett'5 Gorgeous Bungalow with massite oen concept kit.. 905-877-5165 protansîeaaitp tîaîshed toesr ansil vv/games reeu. ados ltttabsacom bar, media reoffi gym, niais fleurs and tîraplacal Hugo w«.ituiisitoom.om aiment 1600O sq. ft HEAD SHOP wtth office space, -Prteate tresd 1 acte lot even has a pettieg grass. Att titis wîthîe min, et Milton. Georgetown, Guelph & M 1majnr hîghwayunn Cati Elizabeth Doeii betats il's seid, 171Open Nous. coming up? Cati Dieu le book your listing i thie Friday Wsatwd Sptotit C on IEIEE SO