Feb 2021 Monthly Mortgage Newsletter - Selling Your Home In The Winter!

IN THIS ISSUE

Hi Scott

Welcome to the February issue of my monthly newsletter!

As we round the corner into February, we have some great tips on selling your home in the winter! Plus, make sure to check out our fun list of Family Day activities to do during a pandemic and learn about the benefits of using a mortgage broker!

Thank you for your continued support and introductions!

While you might think selling your home in winter is harder, with the right considerations it doesn’t have to be! When selling your home during warmer months, the focus is typically on curb appeal and gardening, as well as having bright colors and patterns to draw out different rooms. While curb appeal should not be forgotten in winter months, the focus should be centered on creating a warm, comfortable and welcoming space. Below are some tips on how to do this:

• Curb Appeal:If you live in an area that receives high amounts of snow, be diligent about keeping your sidewalk and driveways clear for visitors, and to keep your home looking clean for the viewing. Always make sure to sweep any fallen leaves or debris.
• Keep it Cozy:Ensuring your home is sufficiently heated during showings will also go a long way to making it feel more comfortable; a steady 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during showings is ideal.

• Light and Inviting:With days being shorter and darker during winter, ensuring your home is well-lit and inviting can make a big difference. In some cases, you may consider repainting the walls before listing your property.
• Declutter: When selling, it is important to declutter your home so that it looks its best and gives room for people to imagine their own belongings in your space.
• Define Property Boundaries:If you are showing your home in the middle of snow season, be sure to mark the four corners of your property so that potential buyers can see exactly what they are getting.

While there is some extra work with selling your home in the winter due to the weather conditions, it can pay off! Buyers tend to be highly motivated and often there is less competition for sales during this time giving more focus to your home.

Family Day was first introduced in Alberta in 1990, and has since grown into a beloved holiday occurring on the third Monday in February. While Family Day might look a little different this year, it is rooted in the value of family and fortunately, there are many ways to spend time with our loved ones and celebrate our family units. Below are a few ideas of some activities you can do with your family this year:

• Build a Blanket Fort:With the winter chill not quite lifted yet, building a blanket fort is a great way to spend the day with your family and watch movies, share laughs and enjoy some yummy snacks!
• Cook a Meal Together:From making mini personalized pizzas to cooking up a brand-new recipe or baking something delicious, the kitchen is a great space for family time and making fun memories!

• Try an Online Exercise Class:Want to enjoy your family and get a little exercise while you’re at it? Try an online workout class! Not only is this a fun activity you can do with your kids from home, but it is a great way to teach them about health and start setting up healthy habits for life.
• Do a Virtual Tour:A number of museums worldwide are offering free virtual tours! So even if you can’t travel somewhere, you can still enjoy new cultural experiences as a family.
• ZOOM with the Family:While you might not be able to have the entire family together, in person, we live in a digital world, which allows us to access the people we love at all times - no matter how far away they are! Call up your parents or grandparents, do an activity over the computer, have a story time session, or simply take a moment to ‘check-in’.

No matter how you spend it, I hope you have a wonderful Family Day this year and a chance to celebrate your loved ones!

In a world with an abundance of options, it can be hard to know which way to turn to ensure that you make the best decision for your future. Fortunately, that’s where I come in. As your dedicated mortgage professional, I have access to 90+ lending institutions and a vast array of available mortgage products.

Whether you are a first-time home buyer, up for renewal, looking to refinance or want to discuss reverse mortgages or other options, I can help. As a one-stop-shop for your mortgage needs, I can not only save you time by shopping the market for you, but often I can save you money too. When it comes to mortgages, not all products are created equal. Fortunately, my access allows me to review all of your options and find you the best mortgage product terms and rate.

Unlike a bank specialist, I am not tied to any single lender. This allows me to focus on helping YOU achieve your dream and provide you with unbiased advice and work with you to make the best decisions for your family, and your future.

Whether you are looking for mortgage assistance now, or in the future, I would be happy to help answer any questions you have and shop the market to find you the best solution. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me anytime, or pass my information along to any friends or family you think would benefit from professional advice.