Things Ottawa Buyers May Notice #5 & #6 – Clean Dishwasher and Dirty Oven

CLEAN DISHWASHER and DIRTY OVEN 

As I go out with Buyers looking at houses and host Open Houses on Sundays, there are things buyers seem to repeatedly notice.  This series looks at the good and the not-so-good things that buyers have noticed.

Good – Clean Dishwasher.  On a weekend buying trip, a buyer and I saw nine homes.  In every home we opened the dishwasher door.  In almost all cases there were dishes in the dishwasher and that was not a problem.  We noticed that a number of people had kept the dishwasher door clean all around the inside edges. This was an indication of people who cared about cleanliness and was seen as an indicator of good housekeeping and maintenance around the rest of the home.

 Not so good - Dirty Oven.  In this day of self-cleaning ovens, it is hard to believe how many people do not clean their oven before putting their home on the market.  If the oven is included in the sale, a buyer will always open the door to see inside.  Sometimes it is disgusting and a potential fire hazard with how much dirt and grease have been left in the oven.  Before going to bed tonight put on the self-cleaning oven feature and let technology do its thing.  In the morning, all you have to do is wipe out the ashes and clean the door. 

BE PROUD OF THE HOUSE YOU ARE SELLING

Photo credit: New Dishwasher (inside)  @  http://www.flickr.com/photos/noricum/40157838/

Valerie Zinger ~ Ottawa, Canada ~ Ph. 613-723-5300 ~ Email vzinger@royallepage.ca

 

Ottawa House Hunting On Sunday

Sunday is Open House Day in Ottawa.

Seek and ye shall find.   There are several sources for you to find out where Open Houses will occur.   The Ottawa Real Estate Board site provides a list of all scheduled open houses for homes listed through MLS®.  This table can be sorted by each category so that you can narrow your Sunday Shopping by price, location, street, etc.  Other sources include the Saturday edition of the Ottawa Citizen and listings in the Real Estate Guide, a free publication available in many real estate offices and 700 locations around the city.  While most Open Houses are held on Sunday from 2:00 – 4:00 PM, there are a few held on Saturdays and some that are held at other times on Sunday.  Look for the listing and for the signs in your shopping area.

Knock and the door shall be opened.  This is your opportunity to view an number of homes in a two hour period by yourself or with me, your REALTOR®.  Most often, clients will view homes on their own and return for a more thorough look with their REALTOR®.  It is amazing how many homes you can see in 2 hours.  If you are going for the first impression, the real “Can I live here?” inspection comes later.  Make notes on those places you want to see again.

Ask and it shall be given.  The hosting REALTOR® most often represents the seller.  He or she is there to help answer your questions about the house, the local market and community.  You can buy directly from this REALTOR®, if you do not have your own.  If you do not have a REALTOR® (which should be me, now that you have seen my website and know a bit about me), going to Open Houses provides you with an opportunity to meet a number of people and decide who you would like to represent you in buying a house, selling your current home or both.  Ask me for my business card and we can set up an appointment.

I encourage you to view Open Houses.

Photo credit:  door knocker @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/robinelaine/41695199/

 Valerie Zinger ~ Ph. 613-723-5300 ~ vzinger@royallepage.ca

 

Things Ottawa Buyers May Notice #3 & #4 – Kitchen Counters and Freezers

KITCHEN COUNTER TOPS and OVERSTUFFED FREEZER 

As I go out with Buyers looking at houses and host Open Houses on Sundays, there are things buyers seem to repeatedly notice.  This series looks at the good and the not-so-good things that buyers have noticed.

Good – Kitchen Counter Top.  The kitchen counter top is important.  Buyers want to know if there is enough space for them to prepare food.  Show them that you can put a kettle/toaster/coffee maker on the counter and still have room.  Do not take everything off the counters and think that buyers will be fooled into thinking there are miles of preparation space.  Keep the counter spotlessly clean.

Not-so-good –  Overstuffed Fridge Freezer.  If the fridge is included, buyers will open the fridge and freezer compartment doors.  On one recent buying trip, a ziplock bag of frozen chicken breasts fell out of an overstuffed freezer and almost got my Buyer on the toe.  Either eat some of the frozen food or move it to a freezer in the basement.  The buyer wants to think there is room in the fridge freezer for his or her things. 

BE PROUD  OF THE HOUSE YOU ARE SELLING

Photo credit: DIY facelift. @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/75976921@N00/2374855021/

 

Valerie Zinger ~ Ottawa, Canada ~ Ph. 613-723-5300 ~ Email vzinger@royallepage.ca

The Ottawa House – Knob-and-Tube Wiring

Wired in Ottawa.  When moving to Ottawa, many people are attracted to the older neighbourhoods and older homes.  One reason, of course, is the proximity to the downtown area, especially for Federal Government employees as many of the government office towers are in the downtown area.   Look at the wiring when looking at a home.  Yes, even buyers can see knob-and-tube and not be surprised when the house inspector tells you it is there.

What is it.  This type of wiring gets its name from the ceramic knobs that secure the wire and the ceramic tubes that are used to pass the wire through joists and other wood framing. 

Insurance Issue.  More and more, insurance companies are hesitant or refusing to insure a home with knob-and-tube wiring.  This type of wiring, in itself, is not dangerous but because of the age (installed pre-1950s) there could be insulation breakdown.  Also, during that construction period, most homes had 60 amp service.  With our increased use of electrical appliances and gadgets, there are an increased risks of overload.  If knob-and-tube wiring is in the basement near heating ducts and copper plumbing pipes,  it will probably have to be replaced. 

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Be cautious when looking at any home to purchase.  Don’t let the home inspector surprise you with the news of knob-in-tube.   Look wise.  The hidden or future cost may be an electrical upgrade for the home. 

Photo Credit:  Knob, Tube at http://www.flickr.com/photos/editor/117327462/

Valerie Zinger ~ Ottawa, Canada ~ Ph. 613-723-5300 ~ Email vzinger@royallepage.ca

Things Ottawa Buyers May Notice #1 & #2 – Hardwood Floors and Sloppy Paint

HARDWOOD FLOORS and SLOPPY PAINT JOBS

As I go out with Buyers looking at houses and host Open Houses on Sundays, there are things buyers seem to repeatedly notice.  This series lists the good and the not-so-good things that buyers have noticed.

Good - Hardwood floors. Hardwood floors that are clean and in good condition are always noticed.  Sometimes, when the wood is not oak, the Buyer will want to know what type of wood was used.  Make sure you have this on your feature sheet or in your house binder.

Not-So-Good – Sloppy paint job.  You watch the home selling shows on TV and know the importance of putting on a fresh coat of paint.  Did you also know that if you did it in a hurry and were not careful, the buyers notice you also painted spots on the ceiling, left paint drops on the railings, and didn’t tape off the baseboards?  If you are going to paint, it is worthwhile to take your time and do a good job.  A sloppy job indicates that there may be something hidden or less than professional in other areas of the house.

BE PROUD OF THE HOUSE YOU ARE SELLING

Photo credit.  New Floors @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/maxpower/1332463002/

Valerie Zinger ~ Ottawa, Canada ~ PH. 613-723-5300 ~ Email  vzinger@royallepage.ca

The Ottawa Home Inspector – Five Questions

Hire a home inspector before signing on the dotted line.

Who?  I think the only person who should not hire a home inspector when buying a house is – a home inspector.  Even if you are buying a brand new house and the company has indicated that it will walk you through the final inspection, it is to your benefit to have an objective third party, the home inspector.

What?  According to the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors ”a qualified Registered Home Inspector will examine the home’s major systems including…

The home inspector will not make the buying decision for you.  An inspector will provide you with the information you need to help make that decision wisely.

When? Normally a house inspection is one of the conditions attached to your Agreement to Purchase.  In Ottawa, the normal period for these types of conditions is 5 days so….  Hop to it and call House Inspectors until you get one at a mutually convenient time during the five days.  The sooner you have the inspection report, the longer you have to decide if you want to continue with the purchase or to go back to the seller and ask for repairs to be made or the selling price to be adjusted.  In many many cases, there is nothing to negotiate.  The house is fine in its current condition.

What will it Cost?  Costs will vary.  Budget between $300 – $450 dollars with the low end being a townhome and the higher end being a large older single family dwelling.  Depending upon the size and age, prices vary. 

Why?  A professional registered home inspector will be able to give you an indication of the condition of your home – from the visible clues.  If this is going to be your first house, then the home inspector is going to be extra valuable to you as he or she will discuss home maintenance and repairs with you. 

You will benefit most from your inspection if you can be at the house during the inspection.  The home inspection is the perfect opportunity to become familiar with the house.  Do not hesitate to ask questions.  A good inspector will be glad to take the time to explain proper maintenance and operating procedures for many of the building components.

Invest in your decision.  Hire a Home Inspector.

Valerie Zinger ~ Ottawa, Canada ~ Ph 613-723-5300 ~ Email vzinger@royallepage.ca

The Home Inspector’s April Fools Joke

On April 1, I was with a Buyer and the house inspector looking over a property that had a condition on it for inspection.  During the inspection, the house inspector looked out the basement window.  Both the Buyer and I had already looked out the same window during a previous visit but the snow was so deep it was impossible to see anything.  We were not expecting any problems as the house was in very good condition. 

As the inspector raised the blinds and looked out he said in a shocked voice ”Oh my god, this is not good.”   I looked at the Buyer and the Buyer looked back at me in horror.  The perfect house was not so good? The inspector then turned to us with a big smile and said “April Fools!” 

I think you can only get away with doing that one day a year and with a Buyer that has no heart problems and a good sense of humour.  It was a good joke and we all laughed, especially as I had already pulled one on the Buyer on the way to the inspection when I had said that the inspection was cancelled and the Sellers were not letting anyone in the house. 

BE CAREFUL ON APRIL FOOLS DAY

REALTORS® AND INSPECTORS HAVE A WEIRD SENSE OF HUMOUR

Valerie Zinger ~ Ph 613-723-5300 ~ Email vzinger@royallepage.ca