Pipe broke, water flooding kitchen = new kitchen!

We purchased a home on a rent-to-own and the pipe that goes to the kitchen tap came loose and flooded the kitchen. It was literally running out the front of the house! The neighbour ran over to help the tenant figure out how to turn the water off but by that time the damage was done.
What seemed to be something awful turned into something great. Since the cabinets in the kitchen were ruined, as was the floor, we ended up getting a new kitchen and new flooring. While we were doing the renovation, we added some extra kitchen cabinets and made it much more attractive for resale down the line. This is why we have insurance!
Important side note: make sure you have “loss of use” insurance which covers your tenant in case they have to live somewhere else while repairs are being made. Not all policies include that so you will have to specifically ask your insurance agent to include it. It is a small amount with a very good payout if you do have to use it.
#TeamKander
#GoodInsurance
#SilverLining

House prices are dropping by 1% a month!

We were visiting a for-sale-by-owner the other day and they commented that, “we’re in no rush to sell, we can wait”. Bryce shared with them that the stats over the last three years show that, on average, the market is down 30% per year. That roughly means that the market is dropping one percent per month! Theirs was a $400,000 home so that means that it is dropping about $4000 a month. Yikes!! I said, “Well if I were you, I would be in a hurry to save $4000 a month but that’s just me”.

At Team Kander, we specialize in netting people the most money, quickest sale, and fewest problems. You need the expertise to understand how to get that done. Give us a call and we can give you more information on our unique marketing plan.

#TeamKander

#GetItSold

#CostOfWaiting

#Experience

Price is only one factor!

When you are looking at purchasing a home, it is important to look at all the components of the home. Even two homes of the same size may have vastly different value depending on features and qualities.
One home might have a shingles that are good for 15 years and another for 40. One may be more energy efficient than another. One may have higher quality finishings that will last longer. Consider the quality of the fence (vinyl which will last a lifetime or wood which would need upkeep/replacement). High-end appliances will be more energy efficient and will last longer then just regular appliances. One house may be in a better location therefore better for resale.
So when you’re considering homes to purchase make sure to look at all the variables and don’t assume that the one that’s the least amount of money per square foot is the best deal. Consider quality, how it makes you feel to live there, the cost of maintaining that home, and the ease of resale. Ask lots of questions, look at all the details, and then make a well informed decision.
#TeamKander
#EducateYourself
#PriceIsOnlyOneFactor

You only remember the price once!

While meeting with a client the other day, he was reminiscing about when he had sold a property for a little bit less than he wanted. He said “you only remember the price once.” Such a true statement!
If you take slightly less than you wanted for your house, you’re so happy to have it sold that you really only think about that price once and then you signed the offer were free to move forward.
Conversely, if you’re buying a house sometimes you think, “oh I don’t want to pay an extra $1000-$2000 for this house”, but when you look at the fact that you’re going to live in the house an average of 3 to 5 years, what difference is a couple thousand going to make if it’s the house that you want.
Don’t let small barriers keep you from moving forward with your goals and aspirations.
#TeamKander
#ShortTermMemory
#FocusOnTheFuture
#GetOutOfYourOwnWay

Pet fees!

As a landlord, you have the right to charge a pet fee. Often landlords will charge $25/pet per month. It’s a great way to earn extra income and also cover any repairs that a pet may cause.
I always say, pets sell houses and they also rent houses. There are very few landlords that are willing to allow people to have pets. As long as the pet is well behaved and comes with references, then it is something to consider. It will set you apart. Also, it reminds people that they should just go ahead and buy a house and then they won’t have to pay extra pet fees. (Thanks to Claire Rocha for the awesome photo)
#TeamKander
#ExtraFees
#Rentals
#Pets