4 Reasons Why Landlords Should Want to Work With Real Estate Agents

In the real estate industry, landlords and real estate agents work together on a daily basis. It’s important that they both understand each other’s roles in order for them to be effective partners. If you’re a landlord, then here are four reasons why you should want to work with a real estate agent when it comes time to sell or lease your property.

You Are More Likely to Get The Best Price.

When you have an agent working with you, you will receive more offers than if you were selling your home yourself. This is because most buyers have seen ads online or through flyers, which means that there are many potential buyers who may not even know about your listing. Agents know where to find these potential buyers, so they can give you a much better idea of what price you can expect to get from an offer.

Agents have a lot of experience when it comes to pricing homes, so they can help you figure out how much money you can realistically expect to make when you sell. They also know how to negotiate with prospective buyers, so you don’t need to worry about getting stuck with a lowball offer. For example, if you ask an agent how much he thinks you could get for your house, chances are good that he/she knows exactly how much you can expect to get. This helps you receive the best value for your property.

Your Listing Will Reach More People.

Your listing will be listed on multiple websites, including some that are specifically designed to list rentals. If you are trying to sell your house quickly, then having it listed on sites like Zillow.com and Trulia.com could be beneficial to you. These sites allow people to search for properties based on location, size, number of bedrooms, and more, which makes it easier for buyers to find your rental or property.

But with a real estate agent, landlords can reach thousands of potential renters. Many people who are interested in renting in your area won’t necessarily be looking at online listings only. When you use an agent, they will send out postcards, emails, and direct mailers to advertise your property. Once they start receiving inquiries, they will show the property to anyone who is interested. Some agents even offer virtual home tours for clients to view online. As long as they are able to generate enough interest, they can put your property in front of hundreds of potential tenants.

You Can Rely on a Real Estate Agent’s Experience.

Real estate agents have years of experience when it comes down to selling houses. They know all of the tricks of the trade, and they know how to market your property effectively. They also know how much to charge for your property, so they can set realistic expectations for what you can expect to get when you sell.

If you try to do everything yourself, you run the risk of overpricing your property and not being able to attract any serious buyers. On the other hand, you may also not charge enough for your property, which results in less money in your pocket. With an agent, you can rest assured knowing that they have your best interests in mind.

In addition, real estate agents know how to handle the nitty-gritty details of selling a house or renting a property. They know how to prepare a home for sale, how to stage a house properly, and how to prepare the contracts and everything in between to close a deal. This means that you don’t have to deal with the tedious paperwork involved with buying or selling a house. Instead, your agent will take care of everything for you. From signing contracts, to closing your deals, an experienced real estate agent will make sure that everything happens seamlessly for both parties. And if something doesn’t happen exactly right, they will help you figure out how to fix it.

You Can Build Relationships in the Industry.

Working with a successful real estate agent can help you build more relationships in the industry. Agents have connections all across town, and they often know the ins and outs of the local housing market. Because of this, they can introduce you to many different types of sellers and buyers.

They can also help you connect with professionals in the field, such as mortgage lenders, inspectors, lawyers, and more. The more people you know in the industry, the better off you are when it comes time to buy or sell a house.

Bottom Line

It takes a lot of hard work to find a good real estate agent. But once you find one, you’ll see why working with them makes sense. With the right partnership between agent and landlord, you can save time and effort while still getting top dollar for your property.

Kat Sarmiento

Author

Your At-Home Cleaning Questions Answered

There are three types of people in this world: those who hate cleaning, those who pretend they enjoy the process, and those who have mastered enough house cleaning hacks so they can do the job efficiently and effortlessly.

Temina McCormack, owner of Ottawa-based Temina and the Cleanas, belongs to that third group. Luckily for everyone else, she loves sharing the knowledge she’s accumulated over the years. The expert is here to answer your questions and share her cleaning tips––from getting rid of pet hair off your furniture to removing tough stains from your kitchen walls. Check out Temina’s answers below, and remember to send your cleaning questions to crea-comms@crea.ca to be featured in an upcoming article.

My kitchen walls are covered in airborne grease, what’s the best way to clean them?

“You’re not alone!” says McCormack. “The easiest way to tackle this airborne grease (often in the form of orange and sticky drip-like stains) is with a store-bought kitchen degreaser. Spray enough product to cover the stains, let it sit for a few minutes then wipe away. I use the Method Heavy Duty Degreaser, which is a non-toxic cleaner that’s also safe for paint.”

If you’re looking to make your own solution, it’s a simple process.

“Combine a few drops of dish or castile soap (a Temina and the Cleanas must-have) with hot water then spray it on the wall,” she explains. “Give it a minute or two to break down the grease before you wipe.”

I inherited my parents’ house and they were heavy smokers. How can I clean nicotine stains off the walls?

“Nicotine-stained walls are no joke,” admits McCormack. “So many people have had to paint over their walls because the stubborn stains won’t budge.”

But, with some patience and hard work, McCormack says there are ways to fix your problem.

“You’ll need a flat headed mop, a bucket filled with very hot water, vinegar, and dish or castile soap,” she explains. “Mix the liquids together, then use the dampened mop to wipe down the walls and ceiling. Be sure to get into the corners, around the light switches, and all the baseboards. The hot water combined with the soap will help lift the stains while the vinegar disinfects the walls, kills bacteria, and neutralizes odours.”

I have a water stain on my ceiling from a flooded toilet, is there a way to get rid of this?

“You can certainly improve the water stain on your ceiling if it’s fresh and covers a small area,” McCormack shares. “Put on some heavy-duty gloves, then mix one part bleach and three parts hot water. Soak a cloth or flat-head mop in the mixture, carefully squeeze the excess liquid and pat it onto the stain. You may need to alternate between holding the cloth or mop in place and wiping gently, being careful not to scrape the ceiling paint and worsen the damage.”

McCormack does caution even though visually the problem may be solved, that doesn’t mean it is structurally.

“Remember, reducing the stain’s visibility or getting rid of it entirely doesn’t fix the possible damage from the flooded toilet,” she stresses. “You should call a professional to assess the ceiling and make sure there are no wiring, mould, or structural damages.”

What’s the best way to wash my hardwood floors? I don’t want to use anything that will ruin them.

“Your hardwood floor’s cleaning needs depend on the type of finish (there are many different types),” McCormack explains. “If you know the finish on your wood floors, pick a product that’s safe for use on it. Personally, I use Murphy’s Oil for hardwood floors. Not only does it smell great, but it is also 98% natural. To get your floors as shiny as new, mop with hot water and a 1/4 cup of Murphy’s Oil. This treatment is best done no more than once a month to avoid build up on your floors. For the rest of the time, use a mixture of vinegar and hot water. You can add a splash of dish soap for good measure.”

My cats are always shedding and my couch is covered in fur! Is there an easy way to get the hair off without hauling out the vacuum?

“Although vacuuming is the quickest and easiest fix, I know it can be a hassle to haul a large item around the house,” admits McCormack.

She does offer some alternatives however, such as:

using a fabric-based lint brush to gather the hair into one area then wipe it off;
getting packing tape and cutting afew foot-long pieces you can place over the fluff to lift it off the couch; and
wearing plastic gloves and using your hands to wipe the fur off.

I love my microfiber sofa but I’m always worried about cleaning it. What’s the best way to do so?

“The great thing about having microfiber upholstery (besides the comfort) is the easy clean up,” shares McCormack. “The fabric is stain-resistant! You don’t have to worry about cleaning your couch too often, and when you do you can try a few options. For a gentle clean, use the furniture attachment of your vacuum. If you need to wash anything off the couch, spray some rubbing alcohol and blot it carefully. Avoid water-based cleaners. Finally, use a soft-bristled or plastic brush to restore the softness of the fibres.”

My kids never cover food in the microwave and now it’s caked in gunk. Is there a quick way to clean it without having to scrape it down?

McCormack has a favourite tip to cleaning your microwave, and it came early in her cleaning career. A client shared it with her and now she uses it all the time.

“This hack not only eliminates the need for scrubbing, but it’ll also leave your microwave smelling fresh,” McCormack shares. “Put five to ten drops of lemon juice (lime juice or vinegar will also get the job done) in a bowl of water. Heat the liquid in the microwave on high for three minutes. Don’t open the door when the timer beeps. Let the bowl sit for three more minutes to steam. You can then remove it and wipe down the surface. The gunk will come right off. If you’re someone who is sensitive to certain scents or needs a quick cleaning fix, you can just heat up the water on its own and follow the same steps.”

Thanks to

REALTOR.ca Team

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20 Unique Home Gifts For Every Person On Your List

01 Dec 2021 by Mariana Cowan

Every year, it seems the holidays sneak up on us—and every year, that brings with it the dreaded-last minute gift panic. Finding a present that hits all the right notes can be surprisingly stressful, even when it comes to people you’ve known for years.

But have no fear! We’ve lined up a list of gifts for every “type” on your list. And since we work in real estate, they’re all centred around home life. From the coffee snob to the sports enthusiast, these presents are the perfect way to bring beauty, function or a touch of whimsy to your loved one’s home this holiday season.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE ALWAYS IN THE KITCHEN

We all know someone whose kitchen is their happy place—but once all the basics are covered, it can be hard to find the perfect present. These gifts will be a treat for the chef, baker, or food lover on your list, no matter how well equipped they are.

1. The Coffee Snob
Glass Pour-Over Coffeemaker – $75
Have a java lover on your list who just can’t get their brew right at home? This high-end pour-over system makes a smooth brew that can even be refrigerated and reheated so your recipient can enjoy a perfect cup at any time.

2. The Foodie
Pink Oyster Mushroom Growing Kit – $65
Help your favourite gourmand create restaurant-quality meals with this kit, which allows them to grow delicious mushrooms right in their cupboard. All they’ll need to do is soak the package and then mist it with water for a few days, and voila—delicious organic mushrooms!

3. The Baker
Vintage Etched Cake Stand – $87
If you’re lucky enough to have a fabulous home baker on your list, give a gift that reflects the joy their treats bring to others. This lovely glass cake stand is the platform that a beautifully decorated dessert deserves.

4. The Tea Aficionado
Flowering Tea Set – $35
Your favourite tea lover may have tried all of the herbal blends out there, but we bet they haven’t seen tea like this. This set contains two “blossoms” of tea leaves hand-sewn around flowers that bloom when you place them in the included glass teapot and add hot water.

FOR THOSE WHO WOULD RATHER BE IN THE BACKYARD

For many of us, time outdoors is the ultimate source of rejuvenation. The nature-lover on your list is sure to appreciate these presents that help them maximize that joy in their daily lives.

5. The Gardener
Large Garden Tote – $66
Dedicated gardeners all need a great bag to carry their gear. This tote is attractive and sturdy and will help them keep their home’s exterior beautiful and welcoming.

6. The Flower Lover
Monthly Flower Subscription – starting at $60/month
If your loved one prefers to enjoy their flora without all the work, delivery of farm-fresh flowers is sure to surprise and delight. And you can keep the joy blossoming year-round with a weekly, semi-monthly or monthly subscription.

7. The Environmentalist
Reusable Stainless Steel Straws – $14
Know someone who is trying to bring less plastic into their home? This set of reusable metal straws means they’ll never have to buy a box of plastic straws again. And the assortment of sizes ensures that they’ll work with anything from a tall glass of water to a to-go mug.

8. The Outdoor Adventurer
Solar Phone Charger – $50
Have a camper or adventurer on your list? This solar-powered phone charger, which comes with a built-in flashlight and compass, is a must-have. It will also make a great addition to their home emergency kit.

FOR THOSE WITH THEIR NOSE TO THE GRINDSTONE

Like it or not, most of us spend a good chunk of our lives working—whether at a job or on projects and chores around the house. These gifts are designed to make that work a bit easier and more enjoyable.

9. The Remote Worker
Home Office Lap Desk – $45
Working at home can be great—in part because you can work from anywhere in the house. The remote worker on your list will appreciate this lap desk with a built-in mouse pad and phone slot, which will allow them to work comfortably from the couch or the bed without overheating their computer.

10. The Back-to-The-Office Worker
Bento Lunch Box – $35
If your loved one is heading back to the office, it doesn’t mean they have to give up the healthy habit of a home-cooked meal. Send them to work with this stylish lunch box packed full of nutritious food.

11. The Do-It-Yourselfer
Laser Measure – $35
The handy person on your list can say goodbye to unwieldy tape measures with this nifty device. It’s perfect for DIY projects of any size.

12. The Clean Freak
UV Sanitizer and Charger – $70
In the COVID-19 era, we’ve all become a little germaphobic. This UV smartphone sanitizer kills bacteria while it charges. Plus, its clever design enables you to hear your phone notifications while the device is in use.

FOR THOSE MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT THEIR HOBBIES

Of course, there’s a lot more to life than work. If you’re gifting a friend or family member who really lights up when they talk about their hobbies, we’ve got you covered.

13. The Sports Enthusiast
Hockey Stick BBQ Set – $61
Looking for a gift for the sports enthusiast in your life that isn’t another jersey? These BBQ tools made from repurposed hockey sticks are a great pick. Perfect for cooking up food to watch with the game!

14. The Bookworm
The Book Lover’s Journal – $19
Know someone who loves to curl up on the couch with a good book? This journal will help the book-lover on your list keep track of what they’ve read, as well as their ever-growing “to-read” list.

15. The Runner
Marathon Map Hydration Bottle – $49
Help the runner you love to stay hydrated (and motivated) with a water bottle inscribed with their favourite race route. It’s perfect for runs around the neighbourhood or just toting around the house.

16. The Tourist|
Travel Backpack – $120
Make it easy for the travel lover on your list to bring back souvenirs. This lightweight backpack folds flat so it’s easy to pack but sturdy enough to carry their new treasures all the way home.

FOR THOSE WHO PUT FAMILY FIRST

For many of us, the greatest joy in life comes from our relationship with our family. Help your recipient strengthen and celebrate those all-important connections with these thoughtful gifts.

17. The New Parent
4-in-1 Baby Food Maker – $230
It’s hard to know what to buy for new parents once their registry is cleared out, but if they’re interested in making baby food at home, this tool is a must-have. It makes the process, from steaming to mixing, fast and easy.

18. The Genealogy Fan
DNA Kit – $129
Know someone interested in reconnecting with their ancestral home? This DNA kit can help them trace their geographical heritage and uncover their family history.

19. The Dog Person
Custom Printed Socks – $28
Is your friend’s dog their favourite family member? These adorable socks are sure to put a smile on their face as they cozy up on the couch with their pup. And since you can feature up to two pets on each pair of socks, no one needs to feel left out.

20. The Documentarian
Mini Link Printer – $130
We all have that relative who snaps a million photos at every family event. Help them capture each precious moment with this unique gadget that essentially transforms a smartphone into a Polaroid camera. It makes it easy to customize and print out snapshots to display around the house or insert into a scrapbook for posterity.

READY TO GIVE YOURSELF THE ULTIMATE GIFT?

We want to be your real estate consultants through every season of life. So please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or to ask for recommendations or referrals any time of year. And when you’re ready to give yourself the gift of a new home, contact us to talk about your options. From finding the right neighbourhood to identifying the amenities that will make the biggest difference to your quality of life, we’re always eager to help.

4 Reasons Why Landlords Should Want to Work With Real Estate Agents

4 Reasons Why Landlords Should Want to Work With Real Estate Agents

You Are More Likely to Get The Best Price.

Your Listing Will Reach More People.

You Can Rely on a Real Estate Agent’s Experience.

Bottom Line

Kat Sarmiento

Author

Your At-Home Cleaning Questions Answered

My kitchen walls are covered in airborne grease, what’s the best way to clean them?

I inherited my parents’ house and they were heavy smokers. How can I clean nicotine stains off the walls?

I have a water stain on my ceiling from a flooded toilet, is there a way to get rid of this?

What’s the best way to wash my hardwood floors? I don’t want to use anything that will ruin them.

My cats are always shedding and my couch is covered in fur! Is there an easy way to get the hair off without hauling out the vacuum?

I love my microfiber sofa but I’m always worried about cleaning it. What’s the best way to do so?

My kids never cover food in the microwave and now it’s caked in gunk. Is there a quick way to clean it without having to scrape it down?

REALTOR.ca Team

20 Unique Home Gifts For Every Person On Your List

01 Dec 2021 by Mariana Cowan