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We have placed PLATINUM (First Place) in the 2024 Community Votes Awards!!WOW. BLOWN AWAY. THANKFUL. BLESSED.Thank you to everyone that took the time to vote for us. We really appreciate each and every client, friend and family member for your ongoing support of us and our real estate business. We look forward to extending our award winning real estate services to all of you and your referrals throughout the Hamilton area.~ Lenore &amp; John

Community Votes - Platinum Award Winner

Are you selling your parents home?It’s emotional, time-consuming and closes a chapter in your lifeNo one ever looks forward to selling their parent’s home. But at some point, this task may be yours to tackle. Perhaps a parent is moving to a care facility, in with you or has passed away. Selling their home is a lot of work and often more complicated and emotional than parting with our own homes. For those families who get along, agree on most things and work together as a team, consider yourselves the lucky ones. Others are not so fortunate which makes the process of listing and showing the house or condo harder than ever.It helps to be mindful that the selling of a parent’s home often leads to a form of grieving. Perhaps it is fond childhood memories, the loss of what used to be, or knowing that your parent has lost some of their abilities or passed away. It’s the closing of this chapter in your families’ life which makes this milestone even more physically and emotionally taxing for some of us. Before you make a plan of ‘next steps’ to prepare the home for sale have you reached out to the professionals to know what your rights are?Call your parents/family lawyer? Are your parents of sound mind to sign any paperwork? Who is the POA? If your parents have deceased, is the Will in probate? Times like this can put the best of family relationships to the test and your siblings may be your business partners. Agreement on what updates or repairs (if any) are needed, when and if the house should be sold and the selling price. Deciding on what to do with valuable possessions or decades of miscellaneous “stuff” can also be overwhelming and cause distrust and tension between siblings. There are so many points to consider during this process but here are a few to help get you started. • Secure the house. It needs to be safe and still maintained. Change the door locks (you never know who your parents gave keys to), put the lights on timers and keep the heat, AC and water going.  You don’t want to deal with frozen pipes in the middle of winter or mold growing in the summer because the AC was turned off. • Decide which repairs to do pre-sale and agree to the budget.  Document everything that has been repaired, replaced and added, including all upgrades such as new lighting, flooring and appliances. • Clean up…who does what and when? Decide and document each person’s responsibilities and try and find as much common ground as possible when it comes to clearing out the home. What to do with the things from both her parents and grandparents that are stored there is challenging. This is a tough one because it brings back a lot of memories tangled up with the practical need to empty out the house and to divide everything up.  KEEP, SELL, DONATE, RECYCLE OR TOSS. • Declutter. Reducing the amount of stuff in the house will make it look bigger and not so dated. • What’s that smell? Stinky houses don’t sell. There could be cigar, cigarette, pet urine and old musty furniture smells in the house. Try your best to eliminate the sources of the odors and when possible, open windows, bake some cookies and add a few scented candles.  The house has been decluttered, cleaned, repairs (if any) have been completed and all family members are in agreement with the next steps to list the home.Perfect, its time to call us. The Lennox Team are personally and professionally very familiar with the process of selling a parents home when they have been placed in a retirement home or have deceased. Our experience and knowledge will help guide you throughout the entire process. From preparing your home to list, answering questions, explaining the process, options and strategies on preparing/selling your home etc. Helping others and building relationships is our priority.

Are You Selling Your Parents Home?

Buying your next home first before selling your current home has become a very popular option for many home owners for a number of reasons. For example:You will move when you find the perfect home.You don’t want to sell your home if you haven’t found anything to purchase.You will only move if a home gets listed in a specific neighborhood.You will move when you find the perfect house in your price range.Whatever your reasons are, waiting for the perfect home and then finally finding it can be stress-free. Time is on your side and you are in control.Now let’s say we have found you the perfect home that checks off all of your requirements and we are putting an offer together. One of the conditions in the offer will be Sale of Buyer Property. This condition may state we have 30 days to sell your home to be able to firm up on the one you wish to purchase. The clock is ticking….ARE YOU READY TO SELL? This is where the importance of being ready to sell is invaluable. Our recommendation.Once you have decided to sell your home and begin looking for a new home, you should start preparing your current home to be listed.Don’t wait until you find the perfect home to purchase before you begin tasks around the house that need to be completed.Let’s repeat this recommendation (because it’s so important)!!!Don’t sit idle at your home, get moving on those Honey Do Lists NOW so you are ‘List Ready’. We cannot stress the importance of this during these offer situations. Paint, declutter, update flooring whatever it is start working on them immediately. You never know the current owners of your perfect home to-be could be doing the same thing and getting ‘List Ready’ as you’re reading this article. Contact us any time for a complimentary in-home consultation on how to get your home ‘List Ready’.

You have decided to move BUT is your house ready to list?!

As the days get warmer and the winter chill finally fades away, the spring season can signal a fresh start for the housing market. With potential homebuyers feeling more rejuvenated and typically starting to search for a new home in the months of April, May and June, spring can be an ideal and optimistic time for you to list your home for sale.Here’s how you can spring into action and prepare your home for the spring real estate market. <h2>De-Winterize the exterior of your home</h2>When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are crucial. Enhancing your curb appeal can make a big difference in how potential buyers view your property. Take advantage of the blooming flowers and sunny weather by freshening up your outdoor space with landscaping or gardening. By making your home look its best from the moment a potential buyer lays their eyes on it, you can increase your chances of a successful sale. <h2>Refresh the interior of your home</h2>When it comes to showing your home, creating an inviting and fresh space is crucial. This can be achieved by decluttering and doing a deep clean. Give your carpets and curtains a thorough clean, scrub or repair cracks or stains, dust off and disinfect surfaces, and create more space by clearing away any unnecessary items. Keep the decor simple and highlight your home’s best features. You don’t have to take on big renovation projects if it’s too expensive. You can spring clean your way into boosting the value of your home and make it stand out in the market. <h2>Stand out by working with The Lennox Team</h2>Spring is a busy time for the real estate market with many homes being listed for sale. Given the competition, it’s important that your home stands out and is marketed effectively. We can help you understand all the changes with interest rates and the real estate market, and also assist you with marketing and ensuring that your home looks amazing.

How To Prepare Your Home For The Spring Market

Selling a home during a divorce can be an emotionally taxing and daunting experience for many, but the right professional can help. <h1>What We Offer In This Situation</h1>We attend ALL appointments together. We are fully transparent with ALL communication (everyone is on a group chat/email). We are non-partial to either side so everyone is treated equally and is heard!We want what is best for the BOTH OF YOU. But sometimes we get asked this question...Q: Can we hire separate real estate agents?A: Yes, you can. Generally, it’s simpler if you can both agree on one real estate agent. However, if that is not feasible, then you can go about it two ways. <h2>Option 1</h2>The first option is working with two brokerages to list your property. This is known as a co-listing agreement, also occasionally called a co-brokerage agreement.This approach can work very well in helping both individuals work through the sale of their home while also protecting their interests. In this scenario, each party has their own designated agent from a different brokerage.When entering into a co-listing agreement, it is important to note that while the two brokerages will provide their services separately, they will still need to work closely together.So, give some thought to how you would like the brokerages to divide the services necessary for the sale, and have it documented. For instance, maybe one brokerage can manage the showings while the other will take care of advertisements. They both will review offers with your interests in mind.The agreement should specify the services each brokerage will provide including the total commission you have agreed to pay (and whether it’s 50/50 or some other split), and how that will be divided between the two brokerages.When picking agents, we would encourage you to inquire about how the brokerages will handle the co-listing. Some things to ask are how they will list, market, and show the property; review the offers, and negotiate the closing date of a sale and other terms of the agreement, including price and conditions. Ideally, seek an agent who has experience with co-listings that involve the disposition of a matrimonial home. <h2>Option 2</h2>Another option you may wish to consider is having two separate agents who work for the same brokerage. From an optics perspective, this will look like a typical sale to prospective buyers. It will also be more convenient for the agents to talk with each other. This in turn will make it a smoother and possibly quicker experience for you.That said, it should be made clear in writing that each agent will communicate exclusively and directly with the spouse they are representing and that spouse’s lawyer would be included in the process. However, please bear in mind that if the divorce is not amicable, one brokerage may not be able to effectively represent both spouses due to conflict of interest. Regardless of how you decide to proceed, please keep your lawyer in the loop and note the fundamental steps to selling a home remain the same.

Selling Your Home Because Of Divorce

As the season begins to change, it's time to prep your home for falling leaves, cooler weather, and, eventually, winter storms. Tackling a few fall home maintenance tasks now can ward off issues later in the season, so you can enjoy everything you love about autumn worry-free.Most of the tasks listed below are well within the average homeowner's ability and it can be well worth the expense. You'll save money in the long run by preventing costly (and potentially dangerous) damage to your home. September:Check exterior finishes for signs of deterioration (peeling paint, loose siding, cracks)Check garage door tracks and lubricate bearingsCheck caulking around windows and doors for air and water leaksSeed the lawnInspect fireplace and chimney dampers, clean if necessaryCheck basement or crawl spaces for leaks or moisture Have humidifier, furnace and (heat recovery ventilator) HRV servicedClean and test clothes dryer ventCheck and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. October:Check windows and screens for cracks or separationsDrain exterior water linesCheck roof including shingles and flashing and ensure vents are sealed properlyCheck weather stripping for damage or wearCheck sealing around windows and doors for air or water leaksTest septic system and clean if necessaryWinterize landscaping and remove leavesClean or replace furnace filterCheck and clean the heat recovery ventilator (HRV); wash or replace the filter; Clean water heaterShut off exterior water supplyCheck eavestroughs and downspouts for debrisClean humidifier and check for condensation and proper humidity levelsCheck and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. November:Check attic, basement and crawl spaces for leaks or moisture Inspect floor drains to ensure trap is filled with waterClean or replace furnace filterCheck and clean the heat recovery ventilator (HRV); wash or replace the filter; Check for condensation and humidityCheck and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Fall Maintenance Checklist

Buying a home as-is can be enticing. For those who’ve been struggling to get into the market, the price point can be more affordable. For others looking to buy when housing supply is low, it can present a viable avenue to explore. However, it’s important to bear in mind the decision to buy a home as-is works for some, but not for all.Buying a home as-is means the homeowner is selling the home in its current condition, and will make no repairs or improvements, before or after closing. Essentially, what you see is what you get, but what you don’t see is also what you get.When the correct steps are taken, buying a home this way could be a calculated and worthwhile risk that pays off, but not everyone will have the same experience, because the seller isn’t warranting anything about the home and they are not going to be making any fixes or repairs.Buying a home as-is comes with its own unique set of benefits and challenges, some of which we’ve outlined below. <h2>When buying as-is could be a good idea</h2>There are several reasons why the property may be sold as-is. Homes sold in as-is condition doesn’t necessarily mean they’re faulty. Sellers may want to sell a home as-is because they want a smoother transaction with less hassle, or they may be a beneficiary (selling the home as an estate sale) and are in no position to warrant anything as they’ve never even lived in the home before.As-is properties offer opportunities to buyers, and some of the pros include the price because it allows a buyer to enter the market they may not have been able to otherwise. Timelines are also appealing as the majority of these properties are vacant and prefer a quick closing, allowing the buyer the opportunity to acquire the property relatively quickly. For those who are handy and have contacts to assist in the renovations, this could be a chance to increase the value of the property and look to refinance and engage in the next project or investment, with the equity.Additional circumstances where buying as-is could be the best move could also include when a buyer is in a multiple offer situation and they really want to win, knowing their plans are to gut and fully renovate the property. In that case, having the seller warrant any repairs or guarantee everything is in working condition is unnecessary.There are specific instances when an as-is sale is advantageous, but knowing exactly what’s being bought is crucial. The only way for the buyer to ensure they’re “in the know” is by setting up a home inspection so there aren’t any avoidable surprises down the line. <h2>When buying as-is might not be a good fit</h2>It’s actually a very wise decision to have a home inspection done so there’s a clear understanding of exactly what the buyer is getting into. Knowing what repairs are required upfront, as well as the cost, is a must. As-is properties tend to have an attractive price point, but that doesn’t mean potential buyers should blindly launch themselves at the opportunity. Refurbishments can add up and become costly, especially if upgrades have to be made at a structural level. The mindset of the buyer is also very important. If they’re not handy, tackling DIY projects that could jeopardize their safety and that of others around them could end up costing more money in the long run if or when professionals need to be brought in to rectify the problem. <h2>Is buying a home as-is for you?</h2>As they say, there’s a home for everyone, but not every home is the one. Despite the compelling price point, buying a home as-is can become a financial burden, but it’s certainly not all doom and gloom when it comes to these types of properties. Secure an inspection and build a clear understanding of the work and costs of what the purchase will entail. Work with The Lennox Team to find out your personal boundaries when it comes to taking risks and if you find an as-is property you’re interested in, have John or Lenore research why the seller has listed it that way. For some, it may be worth the potential payoff. For others, the stress and headache could be big deterrents. We can help determine what’s best for your situation and make sure you land in a home you love.

What Home Buyers Should Know About Buying a Home As-Is

There are so many agents out there to choose from that it can feel so overwhelming, but we knew that we made the right choice with The Lennox Team. John and Lenore are so knowledgeable and they really put you first unlike many other agents. They go above and beyond the call of duty and work tirelessly to get your home sold for top dollar.  We cannot say enough good things about them, and would recommend them to anyone looking to buy or sell a home. They helped us find our dream home and we know that they can help you find yours.

Jennifer & Marcel

Redoing your bathroom can be a challenging, yet rewarding experience. As with any remodeling job around the home, there are many things to consider beyond your favourite features and finishes—changes that could seem to be a great idea now, but end up affecting your resale value in the future. Below are some points of consideration before the construction begins. ﻿The Tub vs. Shower DebateDespite the relaxation and coziness of settling into a bath, the convenience of jumping in and out of a standing shower has taken precedence over outdated tubs in recent years. Where whirlpool and jacuzzi pools were once all the rage, spacious standing showers, doorless showers, and statement showers with thoughtfully placed features like shelves, benches, or storage nooks and niches are trends that could appeal to buyers if you’re selling soon. However, if your home is more suited towards a larger family, the absence of a tub could be a red flag for potential buyers, particularly young families.FlooringThe days of carpet in the bathroom are thankfully gone!! The idea of that warm and fuzzy feeling under your feet have been replaced with staining, mould and GERMS (oh the germs)!!People are opting for inexpensive vinyl, porcelain or ceramic tiles that will likely add more long-term value. Non-slip flooring is also something to consider in your bathroom, especially for buyers with young kids or senior family members. Part of the flooring conversation also includes whether or not to add in heated flooring which can be a toasty way to start the day.VanityMany homeowners are after twin or double-sink vanities at a comfortable height. If not close-grained, solid hardwood plywood and granite are fast becoming popular options. Vanities that include extra storage are always a plus, too. AccessibilityAccessibility in the home shouldn’t be an afterthought. Often, planning an accessible space at the start of a renovation can be more affordable than having to retrofit later on.These are some common options for a more accessible bathroom:<ul>
<li>
Wide shower entry—Expand the shower entry to accommodate a wheelchair and add a non-slip shower mat.</li>
<li>
Shower seat—This could either be built into the shower or a free-standing option.</li>
<li>
Handheld shower—A sliding arm handheld shower can easily be adjusted.</li>
<li>
Frames around the toilet—These grab bars should also be drilled into the studs of the wall and placed on either side of the toilet to help mitigate the risk of a fall.</li>
<li>
Easy-to-use faucets—Lever handles that don’t require gripping or turning; don’t forget about placement, too – consider where they’re installed and how easy they are to access.</li>
<li>
Non-slip flooring—Reduce the odds of slips and falls with non-slip flooring and mats</li>
</ul>Keep storage solutions in mind when remodelingOne of the key details that will dictate an appropriate storage solution is how the bathroom will be used. Is it the main bathroom? The kids’ bathroom? Or perhaps it’s a guest bathroom. The answer to this question should be your foundation and it will help determine how much, as well as what type of storage you’ll need.Here are some quick ways you can add storage to your bathroom:<ul>
<li>use your vanity space;</li>
<li>add floating shelves;</li>
<li>install a medicine cabinet;</li>
<li>put cabinet nooks or alcoves in the wall; </li>
<li>add a linen closet;</li>
<li>place baskets or hanging baskets;</li>
<li>create cubbies; and</li>
<li>use wall racks.</li>
</ul>Bathrooms are one of the busiest rooms in the home and there are many elements to bear in mind before remodeling. Hopefully we’ve inspired some bathroom reno ideas to help you end up with your perfect spot!

Elements You’ll Want to Consider When Renovating Your Bathroom

Our vision working together is to share our ideas and expertise to create the best possible experience for the clients we represent when it comes to selling their home, or finding them their new home.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our combined personal and professional attributions allow us to put our clients in touch with relevant business partners that will help make their selling and buying experience as seamless as possible.We've built our business on trust and building sound relationships by putting our clients first above anything else and by doing so have created many lifetime friendships along the way.

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Contact John & Lenore for all of your real estate needs in Hamilton and the surrounding area.  We're your RE/MAX agents and trained professionals to assist you with buying or selling your home.