TEAM WEIR NEWSLETTER - FEBRUARY 2023

DAVID'S UPDATE

Well as you all probably know the real estate market in Canada, and in a lot of the US, has quickly changed from a crazy Seller’s Market to an amazing Buyer’s Market. Great for Buyer’s if you can afford the mortgage payments given the 8 mortgage rate increases over the last few months.


If there was ever a time for real estate buyers and sellers to consult a Realtor, before making a large financial decision, it is now. Weir here 24/7.

David Weir BA, CD

QUINTE REAL ESTATE NEWS

Here are some stats that will help give you an idea of what has happened in the last 12 months.


January 2022 vs January 2023*


  • 47% less properties sold in January 2023 vs January 2022
  • The average sale price is down 19.3% in 2023 vs 2022
  • Active residential listings have more than doubled in January 2022 vs 2023 - good for buyers


*based on local MLS Statistics from QDAR

BREAKING NEWS

DOES YOUR HOME STILL MATCH YOUR LIFESTYLE?

When you purchased your current home, chances are it was a good match for your lifestyle. It had the space you needed, the features you wanted, and a location that worked for you.


But for most people, lifestyle and needs evolve through the years. Kids get older. Jobs or careers change. People take on new hobbies and other interests. As a result, the home that was ideal a few years ago may not fit with your current lifestyle.

That doesn't necessarily mean you need to shop for a new home! However, it may mean that it's worth taking a look at the market and seeing what's possible.

Think about the kind of home that would support your lifestyle today. Ask questions like:


  • How many bedrooms do we need?
  • How easy is it to travel to work each day?
  • What special features do we want in our home? (Big backyard? Rec room? Quiet neighborhood?)
  • What do we want nearby? (School? Playground? Walking trails? Shopping? Entertainment? Golf?)
  • What else does our home need in order to support or lifestyle?

After asking yourself some of these questions, ask other family members for their opinions too.

You may, in fact, find that the property you have now is still ideal for your lifestyle.

If, however, your home is no longer a good fit, you have options. You can stay in your current home despite it no longer being ideal; you can make some changes (a renovation, perhaps); or, you can see what's available in the housing market.

If you need help with any of these options, contact us today.

LIGHTING MATTERS

Remember the last time you were in a furniture store or other major home retailer?


Remember the fully decorated displays of furniture, appliances and other products?


Some of those may have even been

organized as model rooms.

What did most of those displays have in common? Chances are, they were well lit.


In fact, in the retail industry, there are professionals who specialize exclusively in display lighting. It plays such an important

role in showcasing and selling home products successfully that the stores are willing to absorb the expense, The same holds

true for your home.


If you want to show your home well, and sell it quickly and for the best price, make sure every room is well lit.


There may be areas in your home where the lighting may be mediocre. Take a close look at:


  • Closets
  • Storage areas
  • Bedrooms
  • Laundry rooms
  • Hallways
  • The garage

If there are areas in your home that are dark or shadowy, the solution may be as simple as installing higher wattage bulbs,

provided your fixture can accommodate them. Keep in mind that brightness can vary significantly from one type of bulb to

another. Your goal is to make the room feel bright yet comfortable on the eyes.

Also, don’t forget to open drapes and blinds. Often the best and most pleasant source of light for a room is the sun shining

through a window.


Get in touch with us here at Team Weir for more tips on showing your home in its' best light.

  • Venus is the only planet to spin clockwise.

  • Vacuum cleaners were originally horse-drawn.

  • Bubble wrap was originally invented as wallpaper.

  • "Strength" is the longest word in the English language with just one vowel.


TEAM WEIR GIVEAWAY!

If you would like to enter to win a $100 gift certificate to the small business of your choice (regardless of where you live) there are just 2 easy steps:

  1. Follow us on Facebook and/or Instagram.
  2. Find our "Did you receive our Newsletter?" post on either of our social media channels and give it a "Like", "Comment" or "Share"

Each new follow and reaction is an additional chance to win.

Your chances are way better than the 649!

One $100 gift certificate to your local business of choice will be awarded to a lucky Team Weir subscriber once

per month. February's winner will be announced on our Facebook and Instagram channels on February 28th.