613-618-4082

Michael Arthur: November 2018 Real Estate Ezine

 

November, 2018
News From Michael Arthur

The winter season has started early than expected in November in Ottawa. Thankfully, I was able to put my winter tires on my vehicle just in time to prepare for this inclement weather, which I am not a big fan of. I hope you have your winter tires on your vehicle at this point in time of the year.

I would like to share with you some proven tips that I found useful when it comes to selling your home for top dollar:

  • Pricing it the right way:  Determine how much your home is current worth, then reduce around 15 to 20 per cent off the price. This will lead to multiple offers from buyers, who bid up the price over what it’s worth. This is useful in a sellers’ market which the Ottawa real estate market is currently experiencing.
  • Increase lighting in your home: It is essential to maximize the amount of light in your home. Good lighting is one important factor that every buyer is looking for in a home. For example, remove the drapes, clean the windows, change the lampshades, increase the wattage of your light bulbs and cut the bushes outside to let in the sunshine.
  • Avoid the over-upgrade of your home: Quick minor repairs before selling your home always pay off compared to large renovations.  You may not significant return on your investment when you complete a huge improvement project before you put your house on the market. Instead, do updates that will sell your home for top Here are some practical and proven tips for selling your home for top dollar, such as getting a new fresh coat of paint on the walls, cleaning the curtains or buying some inexpensive new ones and replacing door handles and cabinet hardware. Also, make sure your closet doors are on track, fix leaky faucets from your sinks and clean the grout on your kitchen and bathroom tiles.
  • De-personalize your house: It is essential that you make every effort to make your home neutral when selling it in the market This means removing your personal belongings. The more personal stuff in your house, the less potential buyers can imagine themselves living there. To avoid this situation, remove one-third of your personal items, such as family photos, memorabilia collections and other personal items and place them in storage in your basement and/or closet spaces. You may want to consider hiring a home stager to maximize the full potential of your home by arranging your furniture to best showcase the floor plan and maximize the use of space your house will offer.

Recently, Anita and I had a great dining experience with a good friend at the Dome located along the Rideau Canal. This one-of-a-kind restaurant provided a cozy ambience along with a delicious selection of healthy cuisine. If you have not been to the Dome, I highly recommended it! You will not be disappointed     

Enjoy reading the newsletter!

Best Regards,

Michael Arthur.
 

Quote of the Month

 
 

A Laugh or Two for Good Measure!

 

A top producing real estate agent was strolling down the beach when he found an old lamp. Ever the optimist, he started rubbing the lamp and lo and behold a genie appeared before him.
“I will grant you three wishes, but since you’re a real estate agent and need to learn humility for every wish you are granted, your biggest rival agent will get double whatever you wish for.”

The agent thought long and hard and finally accepted the genie’s offer.
“I wish for $10,000,000!!”
“Your wish is granted. You now have $10,000,000 and your rival now has $20,000,000”

“I wish for a vintage Ferrari!”

“Your wish is granted. You now have a vintage Ferrari and your fiercest rival now has two vintage Ferraris”.
“You have now used two wishes and only have one left. Choose wisely. What is your final wish?”
“I wish I could donate a kidney!”

 

Helpful Life Hacks and Cartoon of the Month

 
              


Capital Gains

       How would you like an investment where not only can you make a great return on your money, but you also pay less taxes on your profits?  That’s what happens with real estate.  When it comes to the capital gains you make on your properties, you are only charged tax on ½ of it.  Compare that to interest you generate in a savings account… first of all, it’s miniscule and secondly, you are going to get whacked with taxes on the full amount that you earned

Another big PLUS on the side of real estate as an investment.

About Michael Arthur:

Who are we? Creative Real Estate Ventures is a real estate investment company. We have been actively involved in Ottawa area real estate investing for a number of years. Our mission is to provide quality housing for quality tenants, while at the same time providing an above average return on investment (R.O.I) for our investor partners and ourselves. It is truly a win-win-win way of investing!

And if you are ready to find out more about our investment program, I invite you to contact me directly, and I will be happy to show you exactly how it works, either in person, by phone, or on-line.

You can email me at:
michael@michaelbarthur.com
or give me a call at 1-613-618-4082