The Ryan's Blog and Real Estate Information

The REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) reported 2,296 new listings were processed through the RAHB Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System in September, which is 17.2 per cent higher than the same month last year and 16.7 per cent higher than the 10-year average. All property sales were 23.4 per cent lower than the same month last year, and 13 per cent lower than the 10-year average. “The trend to higher numbers of listings and fewer sales through the month has continued,” said RAHB CEO George O’Neill. “This month’s listings were actually the highest we’ve seen for the month of September. Our sales to new listings ratio is down to the 44 per cent range, which is a big change from the 80 per cent-plus it was earlier this year and the 70 per cent range from last September.” Seasonally adjusted* sales of residential properties were 18.9 per cent lower than the same month last year, with the average sale price up 8.5 per cent for the month. Seasonally adjusted numbers of new listings were 24.3 per cent higher than September of 2016.

Moving into your dream home can be a daunting task. Between unpacking, cleaning, and trying to find that stray roll of toilet paper, it may feel like you’ve lost your mind in a sea of Bubble Wrap.

This handful of to-dos walks you through each of those tasks and why you should tackle them first and foremost. 

Let’s get to it!

1.Security is the No. 1 concern for most people in a new environment. You can easily switch out your locks and deadbolts to your new home to protect your valuables and your family. Now’s the time to consider the lockset finish, and the options are endless. When it comes to exterior locks, make sure you choose something that looks timeless and can be cleaned easily.  A new security system is also a good idea. The options for this are endless as well. Systems with online monitoring, smartphone compatibility, thermostat control, and even video monitors for the interior including the baby nursery are super helpful. Even if that room is empty now, it might not be in the future – so go ahead and secure it!

2.Some folks may think it’s unnecessary to replace toilet seats, but my point here is to simply remove them. By removing your toilet seats, you can really deep clean under the bolts and hinges where the “yucks” like to hide. Your goal is to make sure your royal throne is YOU-worthy. You can reinstall your existing seat or opt to shop for a new one. New versions with night-lights, padding, or even child-sized attachments are available. Either way, you’ll know your favorite seat in the house is ready for your entire family.

3.Changing an air filter is a three-minute task, and it should be done right after moving into a new home – even if the previous owners swear the chore was just done. Changing out a filter can help improve the performance of your air conditioning and furnace and help with any allergens in the home. This inexpensive fix can also save you money! The U.S. Department of Energy says that replacing your dirty air filter with a new one can lower your A/C’s energy consumption by 5 percent to 10 percent. 

4.Painting your front door (or freshening it up with a coat of oil if it’s wood) can show your new neighbors that you’ve arrived on the block and are investing in your home. This simple task is so easy! After you do proper prep work, which includes sanding the surface, make sure you pick an exterior-grade paint and use a high-quality bristle brush to give it multiple thin coats for the best coverage. It’s a great time to show off your personal style, and these days any color goes! 

Every day you walk in through your newly made-over door, you’ll feel welcomed into your new home and inspired to keep creating a space you love.

5.Every house has a smell. You know what I’m talking about. It’s that “other people smell” that’s definitely not your own particular brand of aroma. Even if the smell isn’t bad, it just isn’t yours, and that makes you feel like an intruder in someone else’s space. Make your dream home even more dreamy by filling it with your signature scent.  

Don’t have a signature scent? Check out a candle store or the air-freshener aisle to peruse the options, and then regularly use your favorite in your new home. In homes that have particularly distressing odours try getting the carpets cleaned before moving in the furniture. It can eliminate the smell as well as remove allergens, dirt, and stains.