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Removing Personal Items Creates a Blank Canvas for Buyers

When it comes to selling your home, creating a welcoming and appealing atmosphere is key. One effective strategy that can help you achieve a quicker sale is removing personal items and creating a blank canvas for potential buyers. By depersonalizing your space, you allow buyers to envision themselves living in the house, increasing their emotional connection and making it easier for them to picture it as their future home. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of removing personal items and provide practical tips on how to achieve this.

  1. Boosting Buyer's Imagination: When buyers walk into a home, they seek an environment that allows them to envision their own lives unfolding within those walls. By removing personal items such as family photographs, unique art pieces, and personalized decor, you create a neutral canvas that allows buyers to mentally project their own style and personality onto the space. This blank slate fosters imagination and helps buyers see the true potential of the home, without distractions that might otherwise hinder their vision.
  2. Creating a Sense of Space: Depersonalizing your home goes beyond removing personal photographs and trinkets. It also involves decluttering and organizing your space to create an open and airy atmosphere. Remove excessive furniture, minimize personal collections, and clear off countertops to create a sense of spaciousness. When potential buyers enter a clean and clutter-free home, they can better appreciate the actual square footage and imagine how their furniture and belongings will fit into the available space. This impression of ample room can be a decisive factor in their decision to purchase.
  3. Maintaining Privacy and Security: In addition to promoting buyer imagination and enhancing the perceived space, removing personal items also helps protect your privacy and ensures the security of your personal information. By taking down family photographs, diplomas, and other personal mementos, you prevent strangers from learning intimate details about your life. This precautionary measure not only creates a safer environment during the showing process but also ensures your personal information is not inadvertently shared with potential buyers.
  4. Facilitating Emotional Connection: Depersonalizing your home enables potential buyers to establish an emotional connection with the property. When personal items are absent, buyers can focus on the features and qualities of the house itself, which increases their likelihood of falling in love with the space. By allowing buyers to envision their future in the house, you tap into their emotions and make it easier for them to picture themselves living there. This emotional connection significantly increases the chances of a faster sale and a more competitive offer.

When selling your home, creating a neutral and inviting environment is crucial. Removing personal items and creating a blank canvas allows potential buyers to imagine themselves in the space and fosters an emotional connection. By depersonalizing your home, you help buyers see the true potential of the property, enhance the sense of space, maintain privacy and security, and facilitate an emotional attachment. So, when you're preparing to sell, consider the power of depersonalization as a strategy to sell your home faster.

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Buying A Foreclosure In The Battlefords

There are a lot of benefits to buying a foreclosure… but there are a lot of misconceptions too. If you’re looking into purchasing a foreclosure property based purely on the fact that it may be a “discount” or the bank’s just trying to give it away, you should probably give it some more thought. The bank has already taken a pretty big loss, the homeowners stopped making their payments, and they had to incur legal expenses with the foreclosing of the property. They are most likely now paying the water bill, the electrical bill, the gas bill, and maybe even paying someone to mow the grass. So with whatever loss they’ve taken, they're going to want to recoup their losses as much as they can.

So, is the price always reasonable? No it’s not, however most of the time they won’t be unrealistic with their asking price. They will have the property appraised and they’re going to (hopefully) list it at a reasonable price. But they’re not going to give the property away, and they’re certainly not selling it for pennies on the dollar. Yes… they do want to get these properties off their hands, but they won’t be selling them at the expense of losing an additional 20, 30, 50 thousand dollars. If the property is in good condition, there’s no reason for them to discount it. If the house is a nice house that any buyer would love to have, they’re going to sell it at fair market value - or pretty close to it. If the house has been vandalized or needs extensive repairs, they’ll take that into account when they set their asking price… but the price isn’t just pulled out of thin air, they have the property appraised prior to putting it on the market.

If you are interested in purchasing a foreclosure property be sure to recognize the risks along with the pros. You may be able to purchase the property below market value, although you should know that this may result in you being stuck with the previous owners repairs/maintenance or lack thereof. Plus if any work was done without the necessary permits you may have to pay to get it redone. However if you are a property flipper there is a potential for an investment gain when buying a foreclosed home. The property is usually vacant so possession can be within 30 days, but you may find that there is no electricity or other utilities unless the bank continues to pay for them and/or the home is in a state of poor cleanliness as the previous owners probably didn’t tidy up before vacating the property.

Some other things to consider: • Vandalism isn’t uncommon in foreclosures; thieves will break in and steal anything… even the wiring, so look out for that • Budget properly • Ask if there are any disclosures that the seller needs to make - or any hidden issues • Bring in an expert to do an inspection - but you need to see the house yourself as well • The longer a homes has been empty, the more repairs it’ll require • Find out if the home has been winterized - and ask to see the paperwork

All of this isn’t to say you shouldn’t look into foreclosures, if you are interested in viewing any foreclosure listings or you maybe just have some questions about foreclosures in the Battlefords area, send us a email, leave us a message on Facebook or just give us a call, and we’ll get back to you right away.

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Value Of A Home Inspection

When buying a home, it is important to consider whether or not to invest in a home inspection. A home inspection is a thorough examination of a property by a trained professional, designed to identify any potential issues or defects in the home. By having a home inspection, you can gain a better understanding of the current condition of the property and any repairs or upgrades that may be necessary.

One of the main benefits of a home inspection is that it can provide peace of mind for the potential home buyer. Knowing the condition of the home and any potential issues can help to alleviate any concerns or uncertainties about the purchase. Additionally, a home inspection can also help to negotiate a better price for the property if any repairs or upgrades are needed.

Another benefit of a home inspection is that it can identify any safety hazards in the home, such as faulty wiring or a leaky roof. These hazards can pose a risk to the occupants of the home and should be addressed as soon as possible.

However, it is important to note that a home inspection is not a guarantee that all issues in the home will be identified. There may be hidden defects or problems that are not visible during the inspection. Additionally, a home inspector may not have expertise in specific areas of the home, such as electrical or plumbing systems. In these cases, it may be necessary to hire a specialist to further inspect these systems.

In summary, a home inspection can be a valuable tool for potential home buyers as it can provide insight into the condition of the property and any potential issues. However, it is important to be aware of the limitations of a home inspection and to consider hiring specialists for specific areas of the home if necessary. Ultimately, the decision to invest in a home inspection will depend on the individual's specific needs and concerns when purchasing a property.

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Home Ownership

It’s clear that owning a home makes financial sense. But lately, the emotional side of what drives homeownership is becoming increasingly important.

No matter the living space, the feeling of a home means different things to different people. Whether it’s a familiar scent or a favorite chair, the feel-good connections to our own homes can be more important to us than the financial ones. Here are some of the reasons why.

1. Owning your home is an accomplishment worth celebrating

You’ve put in a lot of work to achieve the dream of homeownership, and whether it’s your first home or your fifth, congratulations are in order for this milestone. You’ve earned it.


2. There’s no place like home

Owning your own home offers not only safety and security but also a comfortable place where you can simply relax and unwind after a long day. Sometimes that’s just what we need to feel recharged and truly content.


3. You can find more space to meet your need

Whether you want more room for your changing lifestyle (think: working from home, dedicated space for a hobby, or a personal gym) or you simply prefer to have a large backyard for entertaining, you can invest in a home that truly works for your evolving needs.


4. You have control over renovations, updates, and your style

Looking to try one of those decorative wall treatments you saw on Pinterest? Tired of paying an additional pet deposit for your apartment building? Maybe you want to create an entire in-home yoga studio. You can do all of these things in your own home.


Bottom Line

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a repeat buyer who’s ready to start a new chapter in your life, now is a great time to reflect on the non-financial factors that turn a house into a happy home.

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What The Lender Looks at to Provide Mortgage Preapproval
What The Lender Looks at to Provide Mortgage Preapproval

In order for the mortgage lender to provide a preapproval letter, they will need to do some due diligence on your financial health. You can expect your loan officer to research the following information:

  • A detailed look at your credit history
  • Your current credit scores
  • Your current debt-to-income ratio
  • Employment history
  • Your present income
  • Assets including savings accounts and liabilities including debts such as credit cards, car loans, child support, and other personal loans.
  • Recent pay stubs
  • Your tax returns
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Is It Time To Move on to a New Home?

If you’ve been in your home for longer than five years, you’re not alone. According to recent data homeowners are staying put much longer than historical averages

Is It Time To Move on to a New Home?

Before 2008, homeowners sold their houses after an average of just five years. Today, that number has more than doubled to over 10 years. It’s important to understand what drives people to make a move.

“People who move for home-related reasons might need a larger home or a house that better fits their needs, . . . Financial reasons for moving include wanting a nicer home, moving to a newer home to avoid making repairs on the old one, or cashing in on existing equity.”

If you’ve been in your home for longer than the norm, chances are you’re putting off addressing one, if not several, of the reasons other individuals choose to move. If this sounds like you, here are a few things to consider:

If your needs have changed, it may be time to re-evaluate your home.

As the past year has shown, our needs can change rapidly. That means the longer you’ve been in your home, the more likely it is your needs have evolved. Several personal factors could lead to your home no longer meeting your needs, including relationship and job changes.

For example, many workers recently found out they’ll be working remotely indefinitely. If that’s the case for you, you may need more space for a dedicated home office. Other homeowners choose to sell because the number of people living under their roof changes. Now more than ever, we’re spending more and more time at home. As you do, consider if your home really delivers on what you need moving forward.

It’s often financially beneficial to sell your house and move.

One of the biggest benefits of homeownership is the equity your home builds over time. If you’ve been in your house for several years, you may not realize how much equity you have.

That equity, plus today’s low mortgage rates, can fuel a major upgrade when you sell your home and purchase a new one. Or, if you’re looking to downsize, your equity can help provide a larger down payment and lower your monthly payments over the life of your next loan. No matter what, there are significant financial benefits to selling in today’s market.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been in your home for 5-10 years or more, now might be the time to explore your options. Today’s low rates and your built-up equity could provide you with the opportunity to address your evolving needs. Reach out to a real estate professional today if you feel it’s time to sell.

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Happy 10th Anniversary
Happy 10th Anniversary

Realty Executives Battlefords celebrates our 10th year in business.  We are grateful to all our clients for allowing us to help with your Real Estate needs.  It is a pleasure helping buyers and sellers achieve their dreams.  Homeownership allows owners to build wealth by investing in a home, building equity in a safe environment.  Thank you for your trust…

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Choosing The Right Offer
Choosing the Right Offer

Once your home hits the market, do your happy dance! You worked really hard to get there. But remember, the show isn’t over yet. Your next big milestone is choosing the right offer.

That won’t be too complicated, right? Not exactly. You can’t always just choose the offer with the highest purchase price. There may be some other important factors to consider, like:


  • Ø Closing period and possession date
  • Ø Personal property allowances, home improvements and closing costs
  • Ø Contingency deadlines for home inspection, appraisal and buyer financing
  • Ø Additional contingencies, such as sale of the buyer’s current home

If all this sounds confusing to you, don’t worry. Your agent should be an expert in negotiating contracts with a radar sense for fishy contingencies. They’ll guide you so you’re confident in what you’re signing when it’s time to accept.

If you don’t have an agent you trust to get you the best deal, it’s not too late.



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Why It's Easy To Fall In Love With Homeownership
It's Easy To Fall In Love With Home Ownership
  • Homeownership provides comfort, stability, and security, and it makes you feel more connected to your community.
  • Your home is something to be proud of and is uniquely yours, so you can customize it to your heart’s desire.
  • If you’re ready to fall in love with a home of your own, contact Susan as your local real estate professional to get you started on the path to homeownership.


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The Do’s and Don’ts after Applying for a Mortgage
The Do’s and Don’ts after Applying for a Mortgage

Once you’ve found the right home and applied for a mortgage, there are some key things to keep in mind before you close. You’re undoubtedly excited about the opportunity to decorate your new place, but before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make any major life changes, consult your lender – someone who is qualified to tell you how your financial decisions may impact your home loan.

Below is a list of things you shouldn’t do after applying for a mortgage. They’re all important to know – or simply just good reminders – for the process.


1. Don’t Deposit Cash into Your Bank Accounts Before Speaking with Your Bank or Lender. Lenders need to source your money, and cash is not easily traceable. Before you deposit any amount of cash into your accounts, discuss the proper way to document your transactions with your loan officer.


2. Don’t Make Any Large Purchases Like a New Car or Furniture for Your New Home. New debt comes with new monthly obligations. New obligations create new qualifications. People with new debt have higher debt-to-income ratios. Higher ratios make for riskier loans, and then sometimes qualified borrowers no longer qualify.


3. Don’t Co-Sign Other Loans for Anyone. When you co-sign, you’re obligated. With that obligation comes higher ratios as well. Even if you promise you won’t be the one making the payments, your lender will have to count the payments against you.


4. Don’t Change Bank Accounts. Remember, lenders need to source and track your assets. That task is significantly easier when there’s consistency among your accounts. Before you transfer any money, speak with your loan officer.


5. Don’t Apply for New Credit. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a new credit card or a new car. When you have your credit report run by organizations in multiple financial channels (mortgage, credit card, auto, etc.), your score will be impacted. Lower credit scores can determine your interest rate and maybe even your eligibility for approval.


6. Don’t Close Any Credit Accounts. Many buyers believe having less available credit makes them less risky and more likely to be approved. Wrong. A major component of your score is your length and depth of credit history (as opposed to just your payment history) and your total usage of credit as a percentage of available credit. Closing accounts has a negative impact on both of those determinants of your score.


Bottom Line

Any blip in income, assets, or credit should be reviewed and executed in a way that ensures your home loan can still be approved. If your job or employment status has changed recently, share that with your lender as well. The best plan is to fully disclose and discuss your intentions with your loan officer before you do anything financial in nature.

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Battlefords Market Report 2020
Battlefords Market Report 2020

Knowledge is POWER. Download your FREE Battlefords Market Report for In-depth information and insights into the 2020 Real estate Market. A comprehensive report of Sales Trends, Neighbourhood Sales, Activity and Sale Prices.


  • Comprehensive In-depth Information About The Local Market
  • Sales To Listing Ratio, % of Sales By Price,Neighbourhoods
  • Insights - Current- History 5 yrs, 10 yrs


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