TEAM WEIR NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 2024

DAVID'S UPDATE

Unquestionably, there has been a downturn in the market place in the last 2 years since the covid pandemic subsided. While the prices have certainly dropped or levelled off, the number of homes sold are at 2008 levels.


Three consecutive .25% Bank of Canada interest rate cuts since June are slowly having an impact on bringing the real estate market back into a more balanced position. In other words, it’s not as much of a buyers market in some price ranges or locations.


Organic growth with Millenials reaching an age where they are ready to get into a home, combined with the large influx of immigrants, indicate the market is poised to get stronger in the coming months.


The level of activity will certainly pick up steam if there is another rate cut or two before the end of 2024.


The Spring 2025 market may kickoff early due to pent up demand. For example, perhaps we’ll see more activity before spring break instead of the usual post-spring break uptick.


If you aren’t ready to buy or sell now, it may still be a good idea to get information on your specific situation sooner rather than later.


Do you know we are still seeing multiple offers in certain price ranges here in Quinte?


Call anytime. We love to talk real estate!

David Weir BA, CD

AI

HOME

MAKEOVER


With AI rapidly infiltrating every area of our lives, home design inspo is no exception. There are a variety of AI interior design programs or apps to choose from, many with free versions or trials, and for a fee, you can access advanced features.

So how can you use AI for home decorating? It depends on the program you are using, but with some, you can upload a picture of your existing room, select a design style you like, and it will provide you some renderings for idea.


With some programs, you can also visualize a specific piece of furniture in a room, or get suggestions for furniture layout, lighting, paint colours, and space optimization.


To get other fellow human opinions, some programs have community boards where you can post your designs to get feedback and suggestions.


Just remember, AI capabilities are brought to their fullest potential if used properly, meaning:


  • Be as specific as possible with your prompts.
  • Have measurements, photos, and links to the current furniture.
  • Experiment with different AI design programs for different ideas.
  • And, of course, don't forget human creativity. Since AI relies on pre-existing data, it's best used as a supplementary tool to human imagination.

HOW TO CREATE A FUR-FRIENDLY HOME

A living space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing requires some

creativity, especially if you have four-legged family members, but with some thought it

can be done. Consider these tips:

Petproof your home. Keep electrical cords, medicines, and cleaners out of reach, trash cans covered, gate off “no-go” areas, and put childproof latches on cabinets.


Choose scratch a stain-resistant flooring such as hardwood, laminate, vinyl and tile. Avoid carpets, which can trap odours and are prone to stains. As for rugs, choose options that are washable, or are forgiving of stains and per hair.

For storing pet paraphernalia like toys and grooming supplies, think stylish bins or baskets, or an ottoman with storage. For cats, you can hang a sisal scratch pad cover over the arm of a sofa for a stylish option .

Seamlessly incorporate pet furniture into your decor. Think litter boxes hidden with custom cabinetry or a room divider, a bench with a pet bed underneath, or a pull-out kitchen drawer for pet dishes. Pet furniture that mimics regular furniture, like a mini sofa is also an option.

As for your furniture, opt for machine-washable slipcovers or fabrics resistant to stains, fur, and odours like leather, velvet, microfiber, and canvas. Protect fabrics with spray-on stain guard.

Finally whenever you like to sit in your home, the resident fur babies probably do too, so include throw blankets for them, or place their pet bed nearby.

3 LISTS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME WITH


When you put your property up for sale, you want to ensure that potential buyers get all the information they need on the features of your home and its surrounding area. For example, if a buyer doesn’t realize a great school is just around the corner, they might just walk away.

An effective way to make sure something like that doesn't happen is to create these three lists:


#1: The "bittersweet goodbyes" list

Chances are, there are things about your home or neighborhood that you're really going to miss when you move. It may be the spacious living room, ideal for entertaining. Or maybe it's the nearby park with scenic trails, prefect for walking and biking, or the large deck with just the right combination of shade and sun. Whatever you'll miss, add it to the list. Those are features that will probably pique the interest of potential buyers too.


#2: The "just the facts" list

What are the facts about your property that buyer needs to know to consider purchasing it? Such items may include total square footage, number of bedrooms and washrooms, property taxes, size of yad, etc. This list should also include special attributes, such as upgraded kitchen features, and the local golf course.


#3: The "news and improved" list

Buyers are interested in the state of repair of your home, and in any improvements you have made to it. On this list, include all repairs completed during the past 3 years and, if possible, attach receipts. It's especially important to include anything that's been replaced, such as a furnace or roof shingles. If you've done any major remodeling or renovations include those details too.


  • Spider webs were used as bandages in ancient times.


  • Cotton candy was invented by a dentist.


  • All mammals get goosebumps.


  • One-quarter of your bones are located in your feet.

TEAM WEIR GIVEAWAYS!

Throw your hat in a draw for a pair of tickets to see the Belleville Sens AHL Hockey Team.


HOW TO WIN


Like, comment and share! Be sure to follow our social media channels where we regularly announce these giveaways - and MORE!

Your chances are way better than the 649!

We invite you to send us an e-mail to david.weir1@me.com and tell us what you'd like to see more of on our channels.

Based on gross closed and collected commission or units sold from 16 November – 15 November

* Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract

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