Headwaters 2012 Equine Forum

 

Real Estate Agents and Restaurant Owners aren’t the only ones who have first-hand small business experience. What some have stopped noticing is that our farms all across Canada have succeeded as small businesses and partners in many corporations. Just last week, I went to join some very interesting professionals who either own or operate small businesses. They are a part of the Hills of Headwaters Destination Development & Equine Forum. What they do is support the dream of making Headwaters a hotspot for tourism and development. Shelley Peterson was one person that really caught my eye. A successful author and actress who owns a stable that is home to over twenty horses. She is not only an attraction herself, but as is her barn, Saddle Creek, which is the setting in two of her more recent published novel. She spoke on video to us about the focus of keeping money in the local economy.

There was also John Downey. He and his family own a dairy farm which has been operated by them for three generations. His story is inspiring, hearing how his parents were able to build the farm and make it run, later having John join the work after college and now having his kids help him out. They have attractions such as home-made ice cream and a bakery. They also host parties and school trips.

Key note speaker John Nicholson, a well known man who has been the Executive Director at Kentucky Horse Park since 1997. He has completely turned Kentucky Horse Park upside down in every good sense of the saying. His knowledge and assertiveness has KHP being known as the finest equestrian competition facility in the world. He has convinced the USA to allow the World Equestrian Games and was the President for the competition in 2010. He has been awarded the Special Eclipse Award which is the highest honor in the Thoroughbred industry, on behalf of the Park and in 2010, the Prestigious Equine Industry Vision Award from the American Horse Publications for “outstanding leadership, creativity and meritorious contributions to the equine industry” and many more.

These great people succeeded and continue to succeed because of their contributions to the community. They bring in tourists to our towns which keeps the economy going. We will flourish because of our willingness to work together and brainstorm great ideas on how to keep the countryside an attraction. Not many see places and farms with rolling hills like ours anymore. Now, with the help of the Headwaters Horse Country Movement, the Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association and our regional residents we can keep the Hills of Headwaters growing as a destination for years to come.

Just Around the Bend

When buying a home, you want to make sure you’re searching in ideal areas. An average family, for example, will look for areas that have short commutes, parks, and schools that are in the area of the home that they are touring. An average older person, however, would be looking for places that are nearby places of worship or recreational centers for their quieter lives. Things like these make all the difference in your home buying choice that can also add on to the price of the homes. Making small sacrifices will most likely be a part of your overall decision but will be completely worth your while, assuming that they would only be small sacrifices.

There are also certain things that you should avoid when buying. Areas that surround water treatment plants aren’t too great, the smell can be too overwhelming some days. Being too close to train stations and yards including subway underpasses can be noisy and dangerous for anyone. You’ll probably want to avoid Fire Houses, Hospitals, and Police Stations as well. Even though they are keeping us all safe, it’s not very appealing to live where sirens will be sounding. Busy highways and streets are a huge factor when you’re making a home buying decision. If it makes you’re commute a little less dreadful then that’s ok, but you really shouldn’t live near them when you have smaller children. The streets are not regulated with “Watch For Children” signs and they’re bad news for many accidents. Searching in slummier areas should be something else for everyone to avoid, too. You never know what types of people are lurking in alleyways and on quiet streets so avoid being near clinics and bars.

Another factor is weather. Does it rain a lot? Are there worse storms that blow through this area? Do Tornados come through here? Depending on the lifestyle and home that you are looking for, weather can be very important to avoid or strive for in an area. You could be looking at a very nice home with a really ideal price but did you ever stop and think that weather might hit this area very hard? Lots of rain can affect your basement and sewage. If the home floods too much due to weather conditions, it’s not really worth the buy.

You will also want to avoid looking in places that make you go over budget, staying at least $10,000 under your budget should allow a little wiggle room for any possible changes that might need to be made. Looking in newly renovated homes will not please you in price so look at home that could have the carpet torn up to reveal a rustic hardwood or kitchen cabinets that could be painted over easily.

I found a checklist the other day that will be useful when looking at homes. You can print it off or you can hire me as your agent to get as many as you need and as you tour homes, you can write down what applies to the homes.

You’ll want to make several copies of this checklist and fill one out for each home you tour. Then, comparing your ratings later will be easy: http://www.sarahlunn.com/account/3fb6b08b597d28e4/pdfs/checklist.pdf

Renovations

How you present your home is how others will perceive it. When selling, you’ll have to do a bit of tinkering here and there and not just mowing the lawn or cleaning the sink. Home buyers want to know that you took good care of the home; they want to know that they can trust their decision if they buy your home. Small things like a splashy faucet or old carpet can set people off. Remember, they have a price range and if your home’s price doesn’t leave much leftover money for them to renovate, they will not be interested. Of course, doing a renovation such as tearing up the carpet can add value to your home. Carpet absorbs stains and smells much better than hardwood or tile.

If you do so choose to “update” your home after ten or twenty years of living there, your money will always get paid back in the end. The home value goes up because it is newly updated, taken care of, and it appeals to a wider range of buyers; older buyers would probably be looking for small, carpeted apartments. The money that you will get from selling your home will be like the renovations paying for themselves.

Also, as a home buyer, you should be asking all the right questions. Here are a few examples:

How old, approximately, is the home?

When was the last renovation done?

What appliances will be sold with the home?

Can we take a look at the gas meter?

Just by asking these types of questions will allow you to unravel the story of the home. You don’t want a home that floods too often, right? So ask about issues like that. However, don’t overbear the agent with these questions, the home owners may not have wanted to tell the agent about any issues. That alone plus any spotted issues that you saw during your showing, should tell you that this particular home is not for you. Unless, of course, you’d like to do a bit of work to the home or if it is too perfect of a price to pass on.

So, if you ever in the neighborhood, either wanting tips like this or you’re wanting to get more for your money on a home, just call me and we can set up an appointment as soon as possible!

 

-Sarah

September's Final Weekend Events

This weekend will be featuring a few small events that the whole family might enjoy. First up, there is the Pumpkin Festival which will be hosted at Chappell Farms in Barrie on Penetanguishene Road, Just off of Hwy 11, next to the 400. Next, is the Culture Days event, where you can choose to spend this weekend to celebrate your culture, like going to see a Bollywood movie or eating in a Tavern. You can also tryout for under 17 rep soccer teams in Innisfil on the 30^th in Innisfil Beach Park. Please see schedules below for more details on all of these events.

Pumpkin Festival

HOURS OF OPERATION
9:00am - 5:00pm

ADMISSION
Weekdays:
$6.00 per person, which includes HST
Children under 2 are free
Weekends & Holidays:
$11.00 per person, which includes HST
Children under 2 are free

ATTRACTIONS
Farmyard animals - Hay Maze - Corn Maze - The Boo Barn

Trike Track - Sand Diggers - Play Area
Pick your own Pumpkin

Added attractions on weekends and holidays:
Magic Shows - Live Entertainment - Jumping Castle (weather permitting)

The Haunted Barn "theme changes yearly"
Agile Canines Performance Team Information

 

Innisfil Rep Soccer Tryouts

Innisfil S.C. Competitive Tryouts for 2012/2013

Age based on 2013 Location Time Dates

Under 9 Boys & Girls Select Born 2004 Innisfil Beach Field 1 9am - 10:30am

Sept 29, 30 & Oct 6

Under 10 Boys & Girls Select Born 2003 Innisfil Beach Field 2 9am - 10:30am

Sept 29, 30 & Oct 6

Under 11 Boys & Girls Rep Born 2002 Innisfil Beach Field 1 10:30am - 12pm

Sept 29, 30 & Oct 6

Under 12 Boys & Girls Rep Born 2001 Innisfil Beach Field 2 10:30am - 12pm

Sept 29, 30 & Oct 6

Under 13 Boys & Girls Rep Born 2000 Innisfil Beach Field 1 12pm - 1:30pm

Sept 29, 30 & Oct 6

Under 14 Boys & Girls Rep Born 1999 Innisfil Beach Field 2 12pm - 1:30pm

Sept 29, 30 & Oct 6

Under 17 Boys Rep Born 1996 Innisfil Beach Field 1 1:30pm - 3pm

Sept 29, 30 & Oct 6

Under 17 Girls Rep Born 1996 Innisfil Beach Field 1 1:30pm - 3pm

Sept 29, 30 & Oct 6

One Time-$10 Tryout fee - Location: Innisfil Beach Park, Innisfil ON
Innisfil Club Office: 7328 Yonge Street, Innisfil, ON L9S 4B9 info@innisfilsoccer.ca 705-431-4516

 

I hope that everyone has an excellent weekend with their families and friends! Please call me at any time if you spot a property that you like that is for sale while going to these events.

In The Heart of BC

 

Nanaimo is a city in British Columbia that features gorgeous waters and “bathtub” racing, which is an annual event. You can also get a good taste of a Nanaimo Bar and great views of the Pacific ocean. And you should see the cute homes out here! This week I am visiting BC for a conference and what better place to visit than right here in Nanaimo. Houses range from Detached to Apartments and then to small boats which are in Vancouver!

“Nanaimo is officially known as Harbour City for good reason. Stretched like a long, lean finger along the east coast of south-central Vancouver Island, British Columbia's sixth-largest city gets its identity, history and a wealth of recreation from a lovely, island-sheltered harbour right in the heart of town. Hiking, boating, kayaking, biking and world-class scuba diving and snorkeling are everyday activities at the bustling waterfront, as seaplanes take flight from sparkling blue waters.

Today, Nanaimo is a fast-growing urban centre that is no longer merely the premier gateway to Vancouver Island. A boldly revitalized downtown core, delightful harbour front walkway, sparkling new museum, affordable art galleries, and a wealth of cool shopping and dining alternatives are good reasons to park the car, find accommodations and stay awhile.”

-Tourism BC

So, if you ever want to travel within Canada or your family is trying to get you to go on a trip, take the opportunity to escape to Nanaimo or Vancouver! You won't be disappointed.

-Sarah

Take Charge

 

Have you ever had a person speak down to you, as if you were lesser? Has it ever been done to you by a real estate agent? Some agents may think that they know a lot more than others and can control how you sell your home or what you buy. If you won’t buy something that doesn’t look good on you from Le Chateau or H&M, then why should you buy a home that just doesn’t feel right?

I support the knowledge of the client. If you brush up on your real estate knowledge and current real estate sales, no real estate agent should get in your way. As a client, you are entitled to opinion, suggestions, or even changing your mind about buying or selling your home.

Unfortunately, there are adult bullies that think that their own opinion matters most.  You should never let someone push you around and force you into hastily making a very big decision. If there’s ever an issue will your agent, whether they’re lazy or just plain rude, you can always seek refuge with me. All you have to do is search for homes that you like and if they’re off the market or a bit out of price or commute range, I can give you some suggestions on other houses that fit your criteria. We can look for as long as you need to, there is never any rush and I am always just a phone call away. There will always be an answer.

Never let someone bully you into making big decisions way too fast. If you aren’t satisfied then don’t keep in touch with them. When buying a home, find a real estate agent that fits you and a home that will cater to all of your needs. And, if you ever want a place in the area, just let me know!

 

-Sarah

Winter's Checklist

Another winter is headed our way. It’s about that time again to start cleaning up the yard and putting our summer tools away. Farms have a very big job with this, too. Combines, silos, barns; they all have to be constantly kept up and farmers have to make sure that their livestock don’t catch something from the deep freeze. We want you to have the best winter possible so we put together a checklist for preparing for the winter.

·         Clean and store patio/deck furniture, umbrellas/awnings, and kids’ summer toys.

·         Touch up paint on trim, railings and decks. Use a wire brush to remove flaking paint; prime wood before painting again.

·         Check caulk around windows and doors. Follow manufacturer's recommendations to re-caulk if needed.

·         Inspect external doors and garage doors. Do they close tightly? Install weather-stripping, door thresholds if needed.

·         Wash exterior windows.

·         Drain and store garden hoses. Install insulating covers on exterior spigots. In hard-freeze areas, have sprinkler systems blown free of water.

·         Check gutters and downspouts. Clear of debris if necessary. In cold-weather areas, consider installing heating cable to prevent ice dams.

·         Have chimneys and flues inspected and cleaned if necessary.

 

As for all the Friendly farmers:

-         Cover up your machinery

-         Cozy up the livestock

-         Set up rat and other rodent traps when the try to hibernate in the barn

-         Stock up on hay and grains

-         Lock up the silo

-         Put rain or snow repellant on leather saddles

-         Put a heater in the barn

-         Start thinking about next year’s finances

 

We really hope this helps everyone! Winter is tough on us and a few tips here and there couldn’t hurt anyone. So enjoy the cool air. And if your ever in need of a quick move, call me and book a meeting today!

 

-Sarah

 

What’s a House and What’s a Home?

Last week, we purchased a stick-on wall banner from a dollar store that simply states “A House is Made of Walls & Beams, A Home is Built of Love & Dreams” and it made me think, that is something that means a lot to the clients. A home is a place to relax and you want to go see homes that are delicately furnished and plain but still have whimsy. Unless, you know, you like to live under a rock. Anyways, “A Home is Built of Love & Dreams” is a very good quote to live by.

When selling your home, you want others to feel the comfort and relaxation that you had in that home. These buyers are looking for a renewal in life, for a short daring adventure for a lovely home. Whether you’re selling a mansion or just a small piece of land, you should try to keep the property healthy and comfortable; a soft place to land.

If a house is empty, it’s just a house. It has no personality, no interest…it essentially has nothing going for it. But, you choose a professional such as myself who offers home staging services; we can get creative with your décor after moving out all of your important furniture. Don’t get rid of your old things that you’ve hidden away just yet! They’ll be useful in this project. People can get a better idea for size and for ability to arrange their furniture when you leave an old couch with a cover on it, a small table, and a fake bed made of an air mattress, setting milk crate under it, and an old bed sheet set. It’s true when they say a little goes a long way.

Some professionals say not to leave any personal pictures anywhere. It’s a very good suggestion, but instead of personal photos, find landscape photos, print them off the internet, and put them in the frames. In fact, take pictures of your area! That way, they’ll know what’s right around the corner, like parks or a cute boutique. And every time you buy a new frame, keep the production photo, just in case you sell again. Cards are okay to put out, too.

The difference between a house and a home, in my opinion, is a house can be bought; traded or sold. A home is a place where the welcome always feels warm. Memories completely trump an empty space but a buyer won’t know that unless you hint at the good times you’ve shared and the happy beginnings they will have in the home you once had.

-Sarah

Rainy Days and Real Estate

We all know that a nice looking car can seem so much more appealing when water runs down the side of it and washes all the dirt off. Question is; how can rain benefit the real estate business? Houses that have siding instead of brick tend to look a lot cleaner in the rain. Make sure, however, to always clean the siding when selling your home. No one wants to move into a place that always looks dirty. Rainy days also hit a home with a certain natural light. Your home needs to look good in both the sun and in the rain.

If you’re interested in gardening, take advantage of that on the warmer, sunnier days! Small flowers and trees along with statues can make a house look so much more inviting. Rain gives gardens plenty of water which makes plant life look much livelier. As for statues, like cherubs and engraved pathway stones, they become cleaner and stand out more on a gloomy day. Just like today!

Not to mention, the interior must also look good in the rain. You want a feeling of softness and warmth, not an empty, harsh lighted head ache. Try getting a light dimmer or put some lamps in a few rooms to give more variety for a buyer to look at. On rainy days let the lamps be the winner, not the overhead fixture. This goes for both light and dark rooms. Darker rooms need a yellower light to tone it up but in a lighter room setting, they look good in anything, just make sure it looks inviting. The lighting inside should not overly clash with the sun outside, whether it’s rain or shine. Let the lights blend and the house might as well sell itself!

So, if you’ve got a couple of buyers coming in for showings or you’re out looking at homes, both you and them should be able to stop by a place that looks happy in the rain and enjoy your once gloomy day!

Realtor.ca

Look what I found in my mail today! It is an ad promoting the launch of Realtor.ca’s iPad app and reminding iPhone users that there’s an app for them too! Check out realtor.ca, find a home and call me. Let’s get going on your dream home hunt with the help of Realtor.ca.

“Q: Knock, knock! Who’s there?

A: The new REALTOR.ca iPad app which is now available FREE to download from the iTunes App Store!

The new iPad app will provide users with the same functionality and detail they get the REALTOR.ca iPhone app, while taking advantage of the larger screen size and unique user experience of the iPad.”

Seems simple, does it not? Everyone needs comfortability and ease in their lives, especially when finding a home. That’s where I come in. You can go on Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook to find me, I’m literally just clicks away from you! The letter continues on to say…

“The iPad’s built-in GPS, allows users to get up-to-date property information, photos and driving directions for properties “Near Me”. Users can also find “New Listings” and if it's a weekend, they can find “Open Houses” based on their GPS location. Properties can be viewed on the map, in list format and either landscape or portrait! Other new features include an expanded search filter for power users.

Just like the REALTOR.ca iPhone app, users can:

Search by location, by MLS number, or through the property search where they can specify the property type, features (number of bedrooms and bathrooms) and the price range for properties anywhere in Canada.”

We can find these homes together easily on my site also. Just go to the LISTINGS tab above us and we can get started.

“Create a custom “Property Tour” whereby users select the properties they would like to see, pick a starting point and allow the app to plot the most efficient route.

View their list of “Favourites” and “Recently Viewed” properties.

Contact their agent through the “My Agent” feature, or the listing agent, for more information about a specific property. Agents can also be added to the device’s contacts list.

The REALTOR.ca iPad app makes it easier for users to connect with REALTORS® to view, buy or sell a property.

Should you have any questions, please contact

helpdesk@crea.ca.”

So, what are we waiting for? Get the app downloaded and when we get together, we can start looking for your ideal home. Call or click as soon as you can!



Sarah Lunn