Top 6 Home Design Trends To Watch in 2023
Top 6 Home Design Trends To Watch in 2023
Over the past few years, many of us have spent extra time at home—and that means we appreciate the personal design touches that make a house cozy and comfortable more than ever. Some of us have adapted our dwellings in new ways, from creating functional home offices to upgrading the appliances we use most.
But while it’s important to make your home your own, it’s also smart to think about the long-term impact your renovations could have on its value. Choosing highly-personalized fixtures and finishes can make it harder for future homebuyers to envision themselves in the space. Even if you don’t plan to sell your home soon, investing in popular design choices that are likely to stand the test of time will make things easier down the road.
And if you’re in the market for a new home, it’s wise to keep an eye out for features that might need to be updated soon so you can factor renovation costs into your budget.
We’ve rounded up six trends that we think will influence interior design in 2023, as well as ideas for how you might incorporate them in your own home. Remember, before taking action, it’s always wise to consult with a real estate professional to understand how specific updates and upgrades will affect your property’s value in your local market.
1. Separate Kitchen, Dining and Living Areas
For years, home design has been dominated by open-concept floor plans, particularly for kitchen, dining, and living areas. However, as the pandemic forced families to work and study from home, many struggled to find the privacy and separation they needed. As a result, designers report that more families are choosing to bring back walls to break up the space and create quieter areas.1
That doesn’t mean that we’re returning to an era of dark and cramped spaces, however. Even as walls make a return, it’s important to take care to retain a sense of flow and openness within the home and to prioritize natural light.
If you’re buying or building a new home, consider how you will use the space and whether or not an open floor plan will suit your needs. If you already live in a home with an open floor plan and it isn’t working for you, try rearranging furniture and strategically placing pieces like bookshelves, room dividers, or rugs to create distinct areas within the home and reduce noise.
2. Nature-Inspired Design
In the past few years, we’ve seen the “biophilia” trend explode, and there are no signs that it will be any less popular in 2023. This trend is all about bringing the outside in by adding natural touches throughout your home.2
This year, design experts predict that natural, sustainable materials like bamboo, cork, and live-edge wood will lend character without being overwhelming. Natural-wood cabinets and accents are also back in vogue.3 Designers emphasize that you shouldn’t be afraid to mix contrasting tones, like white oak and rich walnut, to create a custom and inviting look.1
Colours inspired by nature (think mossy greens and desert hues) will also play into this trend and will blend seamlessly with wood tones. We’re also seeing a return to natural stone countertop materials like quartzite, marble, and soapstone.4
If you’re planning to add new shelving or redo your kitchen, consider turning to these materials to embrace the biophilic look. Or, incorporate elements of the trend by choosing nature-inspired paint colours and adding to your houseplant collection.
Photo by Savant Design Group – More living room ideas
3. Lighting as a Design Feature
Spending more time at home has shown us the importance of having the right lighting for specific tasks and times of the day. As a result, many homeowners are reconsidering the ways they light their homes and using light fixtures to change the usability and mood of their spaces.
In particular, homeowners are rejecting bright, flat overhead lighting and replacing it with lamps and task-specific options. A layered approach to lighting—such as using a combination of under-cabinet, task, and ambient lighting in a kitchen—enables homeowners to tweak the level of light they’re using based on the time of day and what they are doing.4
In 2023, we expect to see more statement chandeliers, pendants, and wall sconces in a variety of shapes and materials.5 Thinking about switching up the lighting in your home? Start by adding floor or table lamps and swapping out fixtures before you invest in rewiring your space. Take note of what works and what doesn’t and watch how the light in your home changes throughout the day. You can then use that information to make lighting decisions that require a bigger investment.
Photo by The Brooklyn Studio – Search living room design ideas
4. More Vibrant Colour Palettes
After the long dominance of whites and grays, more vibrant colours are coming back as a way to add character and dimension to homes.
This year, warm and earthy neutrals, jewel tones, and shades of red and pink are particularly popular.6 If your style tends toward the subtle, consider options like light, calming greens, blues, and pastels.
Major paint brands have responded to these homeowner preferences with their newest releases. Sherwin William’s 2023 colour of the year, Redend point, is an earthy blushing beige, while Dulux is embracing jewel tones with Vining Ivy, a rich teal.7,8 Behr’s choice of the year, Blank Canvas, is a creamy off-white that’s a warmer version of the stark whites that have been trending over the past few years.9
If you’re planning to put your home on the market soon, it’s better to play on the safer side and avoid extremely bold or bright colour choices when it comes to paint or fixed finishes like tile and countertops. Instead, try incorporating pops of colour through throw pillows, art, and accessories.
Photo by Touch Interiors by Bronwyn Poole – Discover bedroom design ideas
5. Curved Furniture and Architectural Accents
Goodbye, sharp corners. In 2023, arches and curves lend a sleek feel that draws on classical design and retro trends while remaining modern.6 Rounded corners feel more relaxed and natural than sharp edges, lending more of a sense of flow and comfort to a home.
If you want to incorporate the trend into your new build or remodelling plans, curved kitchen islands and bars and arched alcoves are all good options—or you can take it a step further with arched windows and doorways. You can also carry this trend through to your light fixtures by incorporating a bubble chandelier or globe pendants.
It’s easy to embrace this look without renovations, too. Look for a softer feel in furniture, with sofas, chairs, and tables that showcase curved edges. Or, break up your space with an arched folding screen and a circular rug.
Photo by Wilson Lighting – Look for living room pictures
6. Art Deco Revival
Art Deco, the architecture and design style that took hold in the 1920s and ’30s, is enjoying a resurgence.1
As a style, Art Deco is marked by bold geometry, textures, and colours, as well as an emphasis on art. But the 2023 interpretation of this style is likely to be a bit less splashy than its historical roots. Designers predict that instead of incorporating all of the elements of the style, which could feel overwhelming, homeowners will pick bursts of colour or bold accessories to bring some whimsy to their space.
Keep an eye out for vintage mirrors, lamps, or vases that bring a touch of Art Deco glam to your home, or embrace bold colours and fabrics like velvet. Choose pillows and throw blankets in bright colours and geometric patterns to nod to the look without diving in all the way.
Photo by Favreau Design – Browse living room photos
DESIGNED TO SELL
Are you thinking about remodelling or making significant design changes to your home? Wondering how those changes might impact your future resale value?
Buyer preferences vary significantly based on your home’s neighbourhood and price range. We’re happy to share our insights on the upgrades that will make it easier (or more difficult!) to sell your home. Give us a call for a free consultation!
The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.
Sources:
1. Realtor.ca –
https://www.realtor.ca/blog/design-trends-to-watch-out-for-in-2023/29256/1367
2. Sudbury.com –
https://www.sudbury.com/village-life/15-major-interior-design-trends-for-2023-6301745
3. Home Builder Canada –
https://www.homebuildercanada.com/news/news221123-Kitchen-trends.htm
4. Realtor.ca –
https://www.realtor.ca/blog/8-kitchen-trends-to-watch-for-in-2023/29442/1367
5. The Spruce –
https://www.thespruce.com/2023-lighting-trends-6891412
6. HGTV.ca –
https://www.hgtv.ca/2023-home-decor-trends/
7. Sherwin Williams –
https://www.sherwin-williams.com/content/colorforecast/colormix-2023/color-of-the-year-2023
8. Dulux –
https://www.dulux.ca/pro/colour/2023-paint-colour-design-trends
9. Behr –
https://www.behr.com/consumer/inspiration/2023-coty/
MLS® home sales in Nova Scotia return to pre-pandemic levels during the month of December
Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS®
Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® MLS® home sales in Nova Scotia return to pre-pandemic levels during the month of December
Homes Sold
The number of homes sold through the MLS® System of the Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® totaled 592 units in December 2022. This was a substantial decrease of 29.5% from December 2021.
Home sales were 17.7% below the five-year average but only 3.1% below the 10-year average for the month of December.
On an annual basis, home sales totaled 12,491 units over the course of 2022. This was a large decline of 21.6% from 2021.
Average Homes Price
The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) tracks price trends far more accurately than is possible using average or median price measures. The overall MLS® HPI composite benchmark price was $369,000 in December 2022, a gain of 6% compared to December 2021.
The benchmark price for single-family homes was $362,100, up by 5.7% on a year-over-year basis in December. By comparison, the benchmark price for townhouse/row units was $478,400, an increase of 19% compared to a year earlier, while the benchmark apartment price was $423,800, a modest gain of 6.4% from year-ago levels.
The average price of homes sold in December 2022 was $362,966, decreasing by 1.5% from December 2021.
The more comprehensive annual average price was $411,726, advancing 14.8% from all of 2021.
The dollar value of all home sales in December 2022 was $214.9 million, retreating 30.6% from the same month in 2021.
New Listings
The number of new listings fell 13.2% from December 2021. There were 505 new residential listings in December 2022. This was the lowest number of new listings added in the month of December in more than 15 years.
New listings were 15.5% below the five-year average and 22% below the 10-year average for the month of December.
Active Listings
Active residential listings numbered 2,200 units on the market at the end of December, a notable gain of 27.8% from the end of December 2021.
Active listings were 34.5% below the five-year average and 60.8% below the 10-year average for the month of December.
Months of inventory numbered 3.7 at the end of December 2022, up from the 2 months recorded at the end of December 2021 and below the long-run average of 10.5 months for this time of year. The number of months of inventory is the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity.
2023 Real Estate Market Outlook (And What It Means for You)
2023 Real Estate Market Outlook (And What It Means for You)
Last year, one factor drove the real estate market more than any other: rising mortgage rates.
In March 2022, the Bank of Canada began a series of interest rate hikes in an effort to pump the brakes on inflation.1 And while some market sectors have been slow to respond, the housing market has reacted accordingly.
Both demand and home prices have softened, as the primary challenge for buyers has shifted from availability to affordability. And although this higher-mortgage rate environment has been a painful adjustment for many Canadians, it should ultimately lead to a more stable and sustainable real estate market.
So what can we expect in 2023? Will mortgage rates continue to climb? Could home prices come crashing down? While no one can forecast the future with certainty, here’s what several industry experts predict will happen to the Canadian housing market in the coming year.
MORTGAGE RATES WILL EVENTUALLY STOP CLIMBING
Over the course of 2022, we saw the benchmark rate rise at a record pace—a whopping 400 basis points in just nine months. Fortunately, there are signs that the central bank’s series of rate hikes may be coming to an end.2
After last month’s half-point rate increase, Bank of Canada officials struck a noncommittal tone about future rate hikes, prompting economists to speculate that the central bank may pause hiking rates by early spring, if not sooner.3
According to Stephen Brown, a senior economist at Capital Economics, the central bank is likely to hike rates at least one more time before it shifts gears. “We would not rule out a final 25 basis point interest rate hike in January,” said Brown in a client note. “But the Bank is very close to the end of its tightening cycle.”3
What impact will this have on mortgage rates? Variable mortgage rates could finally stabilize. However, buyers hoping for a big drop later in the year may be disappointed. Although some market analysts are betting on lower rates, CIBC economist Benjamin Tal thinks that’s unlikely as long as inflation remains a factor. “I think that the Bank of Canada is determined to make sure that they will not touch interest rates in terms of cutting them before inflation is totally dead,” said Tal in an interview with Canadian Mortgage Professional.4
Fixed mortgage rates, on the other hand, could continue to trend lower as bond yields crumble.5 James Laird, co-CEO of Ratehub.ca, predicts that Bank of Canada’s benchmark rate will hold steady through 2023, but fixed mortgage rates may tick down because of bonds. “Bond yields will decrease throughout the year, allowing fixed rates to follow suit,” said Laird in an interview with Canadian Mortgage Professional.6 However, those rate decreases may be fairly muted as long as banks’ borrowing costs stay higher overall.
It’s also possible that rates on both variable and fixed-rate mortgages will climb instead. Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem has made clear that the central bank is prepared to keep hiking rates aggressively if inflation fails to dissipate. “If high inflation sticks, much higher interest rates will be required to restore price stability,” said Macklem in a recent speech to business leaders.7
What does it mean for you? While no one can predict the future of mortgage rates with certainty, an end to interest rate hikes could bring some much-needed relief for borrowers. If you have plans to buy a home or renew your mortgage in the coming year, you’ll want to weigh your options carefully when deciding between a variable or fixed rate. Reach out for a referral to a mortgage professional who can help.
BUYERS WILL RETURN TO THE MARKET
The pace of home sales fell steeply last year as higher mortgage rates priced would-be buyers out of the market. However, some industry experts predict that the Canadian housing market is poised to turn a corner.
Although many buyers and sellers are currently in a stalemate over housing prices, market dynamics may shift this spring as more homes go up for sale.
“Zooming in on demand and supply conditions, the drop in unit sales has been the steepest on record, but the pace of the decline is starting to slow,” write CIBC economists, Benjamin Tal and Katherine Judge, in a recent forecast.8 Douglas Porter, chief economist at BMO Capital Markets, projects that existing home sales will fall through the first half of 2023 and then reverse course and begin to rise in Q3.9
Victor Tran, mortgage expert at Ratesdotca, also speculates that a stabilization in mortgage rates will bring home buyers back out. He told the Financial Post in a December interview: “We may be seeing the bottom of the housing market trough before buyers begin to enter the market in spring of 2023.”10
Buyers’ purchasing power will still be constrained by higher mortgage rates, though, as well as by a stringent mortgage stress test for uninsured mortgages and a hefty monthly payment for insured ones. So a buyer’s ability to participate in the market will depend, in part, on a seller’s willingness to negotiate.
What does it mean for you? If you’re a buyer who has been waiting for conditions to normalize, now may be an ideal time to start your home search. As more buyers begin to enter the market, you’ll face steeper competition and reduced negotiating power.
And if you’ve delayed selling your home, this could be the year to make a move. Reach out to schedule a free consultation and home value assessment.
HOME PRICES WILL STABILIZE LATER THIS YEAR
Canadian home prices have fallen roughly 10% from their peak, and analysts expect they could fall further before moderating in the second half of this year.11
A Reuters poll of industry experts found a wide range of predictions. But on average, the analysts surveyed project that home prices could fall another 7.5% or so. However, the majority report that the risk of a market crash is low.11
A nationwide housing shortage is expected to prop up prices even as sales volume falls. According to Robert Kavcic, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets, “We have a unique situation where demand has cracked and buyers can’t qualify for, or afford, early-year prices. But, outside some areas, there’s not a bounty of listings to choose from, and sellers are still able to say ‘no thanks.’”11
Economists at CIBC speculate that home prices will hit a floor in the coming months: “A lower 5-year rate and pent-up demand amplified by demographics will work to establish a bottom in prices by the spring of 2023,” write Benjamin Tal and Katherine Judge.8
RBC Assistant Chief Economist Robert Hogue offers a similar projection: “We expect prices will keep falling until a bottom [this] spring. Our forecast calls for the national benchmark price to drop 14% from (quarterly) peak to trough.”12
What does it mean for you? It can feel scary to buy a home when there’s uncertainty in the market. However, real estate is a long-term investment that has been shown to appreciate over time. And keep in mind that the best bargains are often found in a slower market, like the one we’re experiencing right now. Contact us to discuss your goals and budget. We can help you make an informed decision about the right time to buy.
And if you’re planning to sell this year, you’ll want to chart your path carefully to maximize your profits. Contact us for recommendations and to find out your home’s market value.
RENT PRICES WILL CONTINUE TO CLIMB
While home prices have fallen, rent prices have surged—rising around 12% year-over-year, according to data from Rentals.ca.13
The average monthly cost to rent a home in Canada is now higher than ever and some analysts are growing increasingly concerned that renters won’t be able to keep up with the higher payments. “We’re getting close to a point where rents are just simply becoming unaffordable for renters,” said Urbanation president, Shaun Hildebrand, to CBC News.14
But that’s not stopping landlords from collecting higher rents. In 2023, affordability challenges for would-be buyers, inflationary pressures, and an overall lack of housing are expected to continue driving up rent prices in much of the country.
“Interest rates are actually working to elevate rent inflation because many people are not buying, so they are renting more,” CIBC Economist Benjamin Tal told CBC News.13
And according to Tal, the higher rates have also disincentivized builders and developers from investing in rental properties. That, in turn, has exacerbated the undersupply of available units.13
It’s possible rent prices could ease if Canada’s economy deteriorates, says Urbanation’s Hildebrand. “But over the medium and longer term with aggressive immigration targets and rental construction that’s been stalling recently due to high costs, it’s pretty clear that rents are going to continue to rise higher.”14
What does it mean for you? Rent prices are expected to keep climbing. But you can lock in a set mortgage payment and build long-term wealth by putting that money toward a home purchase instead. Reach out for a free consultation to discuss your options.
WE’RE HERE TO GUIDE YOU
While national real estate forecasts can provide a “big picture” outlook, real estate is local. And as local market experts, we can guide you through the ins and outs of our market and the issues most likely to impact sales and drive home values in your particular neighbourhood.
If you’re considering buying or selling a home in 2023, contact us now to schedule a free consultation. We’ll work with you to develop an action plan to meet your real estate goals this year.
The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.
Sources:
- CP24 News –
https://www.cp24.com/news/the-bank-of-canada-has-raised-rates-again-here-s-a-timeline-of-how-we-got-here-1.6125268# - Reuters –
https://www.reuters.com/markets/bank-canada-set-hike-rates-may-signal-it-is-near-end-tightening-cycle-2022-12-07/ - CBC –
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/bank-of-canada-1.6677004 - Canadian Mortgage Professional –
https://www.mpamag.com/ca/mortgage-industry/market-updates/bank-of-canada-could-be-done-on-hikes-for-now-cibcs-tal/430005 - Reuters –
https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/bank-canadas-inflation-fight-made-harder-bond-yields-fall-2022-12-15/ - Canadian Mortgage Professional –
https://www.mpamag.com/ca/news/general/whats-the-bank-of-canada-rate-likely-to-be-in-2023/430755 - Global News –
https://globalnews.ca/news/9341825/bank-of-canada-tiff-macklem-speech-dec-12/ - CIBC Capital Markets –
https://economics.cibccm.com/cds?id=6f402711-69b3-46a5-afc8-91ede34fe1fd&flag=E - BMO Capital Markets –
https://economics.bmo.com/media/filer_public/04/01/040155ce-0cb2-49ac-b63e-def8e66d4c05/outlookcanada.pdf - Financial Post –
https://financialpost.com/real-estate/mortgage-rates-soar-higher-interest-rate-increase - Financial Post –
https://financialpost.com/real-estate/canada-house-prices-to-tumble - RBC Special Housing Reports –
https://thoughtleadership.rbc.com/quiet-fall-housing-market-across-canada/ - CBC News –
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/rent-inflation-november-1.6650777 - CBC News –
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/rental-costs-canada-1.6685602
Home for the Holidays: How To Stretch Your Budget in a Season of Inflation
Home for the Holidays: How To Stretch Your Budget in a Season of Inflation
You don’t have to break the bank to celebrate the holidays in style—even in this season of inflation. Prices may be higher on everything from food to gifts to decorations, but there are still plenty of opportunities to eke out extra savings.
For example, you can trim your energy bills by up to 20% just by sealing air leaks in your home.1 Other small fixes—such as swapping old light bulbs for LEDs and plugging electronics into a powerstrip—can boost your yearly savings enough to pay off some of your holiday budget.
And thanks to a pandemic-era boom in online shopping, it is easier than ever to find deals on new and pre-owned furniture, thrifted gifts, DIY decor, and more. Even secondhand stalwarts like Goodwill have joined the digital fray, making it a cinch to score gently-used treasures at extra-low prices.2
You won’t be the only one bargain-hunting your way to a more financially-stable New Year. Multiple surveys have found that inflation is not only chilling people’s spending, it’s also prompting shoppers to search for better deals and creative ways to reduce their bills.3
Here are some strategies you can use to boost your holiday budget by trimming household expenses:
1. Hunt for Deals on Groceries
If you’re finding it harder than it used to be to serve your family dinner on a budget, you’re not alone. With grocery prices rising at a record pace, many families are struggling to control costs on food staples, such as meat, dairy, produce, and grains.4
That’s made pulling off holiday gatherings especially stressful lately. But don’t despair: Even with inflation, retailers are still giving motivated shoppers plenty of opportunities to whittle down their bills.
The key is to pay attention to the cost of each item on your shopping list—not just the most expensive—and look for easy swaps and discounts. For example, try buying non-perishable items in bulk, especially when they’re on sale, and only in-season produce. Or trade name-brand goods for less expensive options from a store’s private label. As you tap into your inner bargain hunter, you could be surprised by what you save when you’re more mindful of your selections.
And unlike in the old days, you no longer have to clip your way through paper flyers to snag a bargain. Instead, you can save both time and money by scouting for deals online, digitally clipping coupons, and earning cash back through special apps and browsers. For example, coupon aggregation sites, like Flipp, and shopping apps—such as Checkout 51 and Rakuten—make it easy to score discounts and cash back on a variety of purchases, including groceries.
Also, check to see if your neighbourhood grocer posts their weekly flyers online or if Save.ca has published flyers from other nearby stores. If you’re hosting a holiday party, the markdowns you find can help you narrow your food and recipe choices, based on what’s currently on sale.
2. Prep Your Home for Holiday Guests With Pre-Owned Finds
You don’t have to sacrifice style for the sake of preserving your holiday budget either. If you’re expecting company this year and would like to add some festive flair to your home, you can do so inexpensively—especially if you’re willing to decorate with items that are secondhand.
Thrifting is back in vogue, with an increasing number of shoppers preferring pre-owned furniture and home goods. The number of Canadians who shop secondhand has grown.5 In fact, one study found that nearly three-quarters of Canadians now buy pre-owned goods of some type. 6 Plus, buying used isn’t just a great way to save money, it also helps the environment by keeping reusable items out of landfills.
Fortunately, it’s become easier to score secondhand deals online. For example, you can scout consumer marketplaces on Facebook and Kijiji. Or you can take advantage of neighbourhood freecycles and “Buy Nothing” groups. And a number of thrift shops now have e-commerce sites, including major chains, like Goodwill.
If you’re handy with a paintbrush or have some basic carpentry skills, you can also modernize some of your existing furniture by upcycling it yourself. Or, if you enjoy crafting, search through your own recycling or sewing bin for raw material to make one-of-a-kind decorations.
Don’t stress yourself out, though, if you don’t have the time or money to dress your home the way you hoped. Your house can still feel festive and inviting, even if it’s not completely done up.
3. Forgo Major Renovations in Favor of DIY Home Improvements
Holidays are always a tricky time to undergo big renovations. But with ongoing worker and material shortages, now is an especially bad time to commit. Inflated costs can add thousands to your reno budget—and unnecessary stress to your holiday.
Instead of suffering through an ill-timed remodel, you’re better off saving this time of year for simpler, less expensive projects you can do yourself.
One winter-perfect upgrade to consider: Build a DIY fire pit so that you and your guests can roast marshmallows and relax in the cozy comfort of your backyard. You can also add some extra ambiance by hanging energy-efficient LED outdoor string lights that change from white to colourful. These are festive enough for the holidays, but also versatile enough to use year-round.
Or, if you’d rather curl up by an indoor fire, channel your DIY energy into a fireplace upgrade. Adding a wooden beam to the top of your mantel can add an extra layer of coziness. Alternatively, re-tiling or painting your fireplace surround can lend contemporary flair.
Just be sure to stick to DIY projects that you know you can do a quality job on—especially if your changes will be difficult to reverse. Feel free to reach out for a free assessment to find out how your planned renovations could impact your home’s resale value.
4. Invest in Home Maintenance Projects That Cut Your Utility Bills
You can save money by completing basic home maintenance tasks, such as swapping your furnace filter and updating your lightbulbs. But if you really want to lower your bills this winter, consider projects that make your home more energy efficient.
Research by the trade group NAIMA found that most homes in Canada are under-insulated, which wastes energy and money.7 The group estimates that Canadians can potentially save hundreds of dollars per year just by retrofitting their homes. Luckily, there are plenty of DIY insulation projects that you can complete in just a few days. For example, some projects you can do relatively quickly include:
- Insulating your attic or basement crawl space
- Weatherstripping doors and windows
- Sealing areas around the house that may be leaking air, including electrical outlets and fireplaces
The savings you get from these projects can really add up. Natural Resources Canada estimates that walls alone account for roughly 20% of heat loss in homes, so they’re a rich target for tackling costly sources of air leakage.8 And thanks to the Canada Greener Homes Initiative, you can also save a bundle this year by investing in certain energy-efficient upgrades and claiming a tax rebate.9 Be sure to check with us about any municipal or provincial rebates and incentives that may be available, too, before getting started on a project.
5. Use Expense Tracking to Boost Your Holiday Budget
To avoid overextending yourself during the holidays, one of the best things you can do is track your income and expenses. If your monthly budget is usually tight, you may need to make some adjustments to free up cash for holiday expenditures.
For example, here’s a sample budget worksheet that we created. Start by adding in your expenses: Under the “Typical” column, you can list your standard expenses, and under the “Adjusted” column, list any areas where you could cut back on spending.
Then consider how your standard wages may be adjusted this month by extra shifts, additional tips, or an end-of-year bonus. By decreasing your spending and/or increasing your income, you can build room in your budget for holiday gifts and gatherings.
| HOUSEHOLD BUDGET WORKSHEET | |||
| Typical | Adjusted | Difference (+/-) | |
| HOUSING | |||
| Mortgage/taxes/insurance or Rent | |||
| Utilities (hydro, water, gas, trash) | |||
| Phone, internet, cable | |||
| Home maintenance and repairs | |||
| FOOD | |||
| Groceries | |||
| Restaurants | |||
| TRANSPORTATION | |||
| Car payment/insurance | |||
| Gas, maintenance, repairs | |||
| OTHER | |||
| Health insurance | |||
| Clothing and personal care | |||
| Childcare | |||
| Entertainment | |||
| Charitable contributions | |||
| Savings, retirement, college fund | |||
| INCOME | |||
| Salary/wages | |||
| Bonus, tips, other | |||
| MONTHLY TOTALS | |||
| Total Adjusted Income | |||
| Total Adjusted Expenses | – | ||
| EXTRA SAVINGS FOR YOUR HOLIDAY BUDGET | |||
Feel free to utilize this worksheet as a template that you can customize to your needs, or ask us for a PDF copy that you can print out and use right away.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
We would love to help you meet your financial goals now and in the year ahead. Whether you want to find lower-cost alternatives for home renovations, maintenance, or services, we are happy to provide our insights and referrals.
And if you’re saving up to buy a new home, we can help with that, too. This is the perfect time to score a great deal because only the most motivated homebuyers and sellers are active in the market right now. So reach out to schedule a free consultation. We can fill you in on some of the exciting programs and incentives we’re seeing that help make homeownership more affordable.
The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.
Sources:
- CTV News –
https://www.ctvnews.ca/lifestyle/8-tips-for-saving-on-your-home-heating-this-winter-1.6116384 - CBC News –
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/goodwill-online-store-1.6605808 - MoneyWise –
https://moneywise.ca/news/economy/canadians-plan-to-spend-less-as-retailers-brace-for-shopping-season - Statistics Canada –
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/62f0014m/62f0014m2022014-eng.htm - Statista –
https://www.statista.com/statistics/998634/consumers-who-have-shopped-at-thrift-stores-canada/- - Retail Insider –
https://retail-insider.com/retail-insider/2022/08/resale-going-mainstream-in-canada-with-consumers-particularly-valuing-brand-owned-resale-report/ - NAIMA Canada –
https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2016/10/27/1263857/0/en/New-Study-Reveals-Most-Homes-in-Canada-Are-Significantly-Under-Insulated.html - Natural Resources Canada –
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/homes/make-your-home-more-energy-efficient/keeping-the-heat/chapter-7-insulating-walls/15641 - Government of Canada –
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/homes/canada-greener-homes-grant/start-your-energy-efficient-retrofits/plan-document-and-complete-your-home-retrofits/eligible-grants-for-my-home-retrofit/23504
7 Tips to Maximize Your Home’s Sale Price
7 Tips to Maximize Your Home’s Sale Price
Over the past few years, a real estate buying frenzy bid up home prices to eye-popping amounts. However, as mortgage rates have risen, buyer demand has cooled.1 Consequently, home sellers who enter the market today may need to reset their expectations.
The reality is, it’s no longer enough to stick a “for sale” sign in the yard and wait for buyers to bang down the door. If you want to net the most money possible for your property in today’s market, you’ll need an effective game plan and a skilled team of professionals to implement it.
Fortunately, we’ve developed a listing strategy that combines our proven approach to preparation, pricing, and promotion—all designed to help you get top dollar for your home. But you will play an important role in the selling process, as well.
Here are some crucial steps you can take to set yourself up for success as a home seller in this market:
1. Make Strategic Repairs and Improvements
When you sell something, it’s important to consider what your customer wants to buy. And according to a recent survey, 83% of Canadians view “affording necessary renovations” as a major hurdle to buying a home.2 If you can present buyers with a move-in-ready option, they will feel more confident in making an offer.
Before your home goes on the market, we’ll conduct a thorough walk-through to identify any problems that could prevent it from selling. In some cases, we may recommend a professional pre-listing inspection. Finding and addressing issues like leaks, rot, and foundation problems up front can pay off in the final sale price. Plus, it prevents sales from falling through because of a red flag on the home inspection, a scenario no seller wants to face.
Beyond repairs, we’ll also help you identify the simple upgrades that offer the highest return on your investment. For example, new paint can give your home a fresh look at a reasonable cost. And according to a recent report, it’s one of the top renovations for return at resale.3 Similarly, minor landscaping improvements can pay off in a major way. A healthy lawn offers an estimated 256% ROI.4
2. Declutter and Depersonalize
When buyers look at a home for sale, they’re trying to envision themselves living there. That’s hard to do if it’s chock-full of the current owner’s family photos, children’s artwork, and souvenir collections. Plus, cluttered homes look smaller, and older items can make them feel dated.
Decluttering before you put your home up for sale will help you in the long run—after all, you’ll need to move all your things to your new home eventually. Now is the time to shred, digitize, or organize old documents, donate old clothes, or move bulky furniture into storage. At a minimum, you’ll want to pack away excess items neatly before potential buyers view the home. Remove personal photos and other trinkets to create a blank slate that viewers can imagine decorating with their own prized possessions.
If you feel overwhelmed by this process, we’d be happy to make recommendations or refer you to a local service provider who can help.
3. Stage Your Home for Success
Just as you take care to dress professionally for a job interview, you should always ensure your home looks its best for potential buyers. Home shoppers today are used to scrolling through Instagram and Pinterest, and they want to see the same wow factor when touring a home.
The process of making your home look its best and appeal to potential buyers is called staging, and it can be a game changer. According to the International Association of Home Staging Professionals, an average priced staged home sells 5 to 11 times faster than its unstaged counterpart. Even better, the majority of staged homes sell for 4% to 20% over list price!5
Some sellers hire a professional stager, who may bring in furniture and decor to increase the home’s appeal. Others choose to stage their homes themselves. We can help advise you on which route to choose and how much to invest in the process.
It’s also important to consider what buyers in your neighbourhood are likely to be looking for in a home. We can help guide your staging choices with our local market insights. For example, in neighbourhoods where a large share of residents work from home, it may be effective to stage one room as an office space so potential buyers can envision their day-to-day routine.
4. Prep for Each Showing
Most of us don’t live picture-perfect lives, and our homes reflect that (sometimes messy) reality. But when your home is on the market, it’s important to ensure that it is always ready for viewers, even on short notice. A missed showing is a missed opportunity to sell your home!
Before your home hits the market, it may be worth hiring professional cleaners to get in all the nooks and crannies. After, try your best to keep things spic and span. Just a few minutes a day wiping down counters, sweeping the floors, and vacuuming can make a big difference.
It’s also worth noting that most buyers will open cabinets, drawers, and closets—so try to make sure everything is as neat and organized as possible. Keep toiletries and small appliances off countertops, and secure valuables and sensitive documents in a safe or off-site.
Want help finding a cleaning service to make your home shine for buyers? Reach out for a referral!
5. Price Your Home Correctly From the Start
In the past few years, you may have seen homes in your neighbourhood sell for shocking amounts and wondered if you could get a similar price for your property. The temptation to list your home on the high side can be strong, but it’s best to be realistic from the start. Even in a strong market, some homes will sit for months. And the longer a property is listed, the more buyers worry that something is wrong with it.
Of course, you also don’t want to set your price too low and lose out on potential profit. That’s why it’s essential to work with real estate agents (like us!) who know the ins and outs of our local market and what buyers are willing to pay today. In a quickly-evolving market, comparable sales from a few months ago can lag the current market reality.
Fortunately, if you’ve owned your home for several years, chances are good that it’s worth much more today than you paid for it. That means you stand to walk away with a handsome profit.
6. Avoid Acting on Emotion
The past few years of over-asking-price offers with few conditions have set certain expectations for many sellers. It’s only natural to feel hurt or even offended if an offer comes in lower than what you think your home is worth.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that those market conditions were unprecedented, and we are now returning to a more typical market. Home sellers who act rationally, rather than emotionally, are going to get the best results.
Remember: You can always counter a low offer. The same goes for repair requests and conditions—everything is negotiable. However, it’s important to accept that the market is adjusting and flexibility is key. Keep your expectations reasonable, and remain open-minded. And you can rest assured knowing that we’ll be by your side every step of the way to help you navigate the process and negotiate a great deal.
7. Work With a Local Market Expert
The economics impacting mortgage rates may be national, but real estate markets are hyperlocal. That’s why working with a professional agent who understands your neighbourhood’s dynamics is essential. Through our experience, we’ve gathered insights that can help us position your home for success in this market. Plus, we have the resources to connect with qualified buyers searching for a home like yours.
Working with a knowledgeable agent is also the secret to getting as much money as possible for your home. We have access to extensive data on recent sales in your neighbourhood, which we will use to price and promote your property. That’s one reason why homes sold by agents draw much higher prices than those sold by their owners alone. The U.S.-based National Association of Realtors found that for-sale-by-owner homes went for a median price of $260,000 in 2020, while the median for homes sold by agents was $318,000.6 That’s a difference of $58,000—and money you don’t want to leave on the table.
YOUR AGENT AND ADVOCATE
Selling a home in a fast-changing market can be stressful. You’re likely to hear conflicting advice and opinions from people in your life, and decisions like what colour to paint your front door or how much to list your home for can be overwhelming.
That’s where we come in. The market may be adjusting, but we’re here to help you make the most of it. We’re listing experts in our area, and we know what steps you need to take for a smooth, profitable transaction.
If you’re considering buying or selling a home, we invite you to reach out to schedule a free consultation. We’re happy to talk through your specific situation and goals and help you identify your next steps.
The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.
Sources:
- Global News –
https://globalnews.ca/news/8833692/canada-housing-prices-bidding-offers/ - Chartered Professional Accountants Canada –
https://www.cpacanada.ca/en/news/canada/housing-survey - RE/MAX Blog –
https://blog.remax.ca/renovations-that-pay-off-on-resale-according-to-re-max-brokers/ - Angi –
https://www.angi.com/articles/smart-landscaping-tips-can-increase-home-value.htm - International Association of Home Staging Professionals –
https://pages.iahsp.com/home-staging-statistics/ - National Association of Realtors –
https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers#purchased
