debrhodes – Page 16 – Deb Rhodes Chatham-Kent

My Hometown

Welcome to my Chatham-Kent Blog! As a lifelong resident of this area I thought it would be a wonderful idea to begin a blog about this great community and all it has to offer.

I have been selling real estate full time in the area since 1989. During that time I have grown to know almost all of the 2,458 square kilometres that make up Chatham-Kent. I hope to share with you information about the towns, villages, waterways, recreation, arts and more. I hope in doing so that you will begin to understand the history, geography and culture of my home town.

If you have any questions about along the way just give me a call!

Thanks, Deb

Tips For A Successful Open House

You are about to list your home and you have been debating whether an Open House is something you should do. Every in-law and friend has an opinion. Some will tell you it’s the only way to sell, while others may try to convince you of the the labour and time involved to prepare. If you have conflicting feelings, then it is a discussion you should have with your real estate agent. An experienced listing agent will be able to answer your questions. So have them ready. Once you have the answers, you can balance the pros and cons for yourself, and then determine if an Open House meets your needs as a home seller. This decision is one that only you, and your agent can make.

I have prepared some of the steps and tasks required for a successful Open House. Reviewing these may help you understand better what’s involved. These tips may also bring to mind some of the questions you have for your agent.

Sell Your Home Faster In The Fall

**Sell Your Home Faster this Fall with Great Curb Appeal!**
**Clean It Up, Fix It Up, Dress It Up**
If you are listing your home this autumn remember to clean up, fix up and dress up your outdoor space. First impressions are important. Ensuring your home has great curb appeal this autumn, can have perspective buyers fall in love with your property before they even go inside.

The appearance of the outside of your home can be key to get those home buyers in the door. An attractive exterior, that is well maintained, will help your home stand above the competition.
Here are some key things to consider when you are preparing your home for a fall sale. First, you must clean it up. Then it’s important to fix it up. Lastly, remember to dress it up! These aren’t costly suggestions. In fact, most of them rely more on elbow grease than cash.

How To Decide When To Sell The Family Home

The kids are grown and have children of their own. You and your partner have both recently retired and after many years of hard work you are ready to enjoy some of that bucket list you have created over the years. You both agree, intellectually, that your current four bedroom, three bath house is much larger than you need. You no longer want to spend your weekends pruning shrubs, mowing the lawn or washing all of the floors. In fact, you would much rather be enjoying wine tours, travel, community events and day trips BUT what about when the children and grandkids visit? What about all of the memories? Where will the family gather for holiday dinners and events?

Will You Be A Good Neighbour?

You just purchased your first home and you are overwhelmed with all the planning you have to do to make the move. You have checklists everywhere to ensure that you don’t forget anything. You have little time to think of anything except all of the tasks you must complete for a successful move. However, the move is just the first step in your journey as a new homeowner.

Once you have made the move and are somewhat settled into your new home it will be time to meet your neighbours. Having great connections with others in your neighbourhood can improve the quality of your day-to-day life.

Make Greener Choices At Home

10 Tips to Go Green and Save Money

I have compiled a list of some simple things you can do around your home to not only help the planet, but to also save you a bit of money. If you just use a few of these ideas as part of your daily routine, you will have a greener home with a little more green in your pockets!

Children’s Books About Moving

Moving is a stressful time for everyone in the family. If you have found a larger family home, or have to relocate because of a recent job offer, getting ready for the move can be overwhelming. So before you make all the arrangements and get all the boxes packed take the time to prepare your children for what’s ahead. Books are a great way to get the conversation started!

Winter Weekend Projects For Homeowners

The winter is the perfect time to clean, organize and decorate your home. Often people associate spring with cleaning, but why not get a head start during the often drab and dreary winter days. This way when spring appears you can spend time outside perking up your yard, garden or window boxes.

Simple Tips To Secure Your Home

Making your house secure and keeping your family safe may be easier then you think. Start securing your home by answering this question:

“How would I break into my home if I lost or forgot my keys and had no way to contact anyone?”

Did something come to mind? Well, that is your starting place. If you thought of one or more ways, so can a burglar. So address that issue first and foremost. Then review the tips below to add further protection for your home, property and family.