Selling a house is an involving affair for both experienced sellers and newbies. The process should not be taken lightly, and the seller should be well prepared. Selling a house in most cases is accompanied by anxiety, stress, and a sense of uncertainty.

However, all this can be mitigated by making the right decision and also preparing well for the process. As such, before you decide to put your property up for sale, there are things you should consider.

Here are 5 things to consider before listing your house for sale:

Hiring a Realtor

When it comes to selling houses, most individuals tend to ignore the role of a realtor. This should not be the case, and every seller should consider using a real estate agent in the process. To hire the best agent, the seller should interview at least three agents. The interview will ensure that you differentiate talkers from top negotiators. A real estate agent can help you sell your house.

While interviewing the agent, one should strive to know their negotiating style as well as their opinion on the condition of your property. The answers gained should help you understand what to expect from the sale.

Things to Consider Before Selling Your Home

The Price

In most cases, the price at which you are willing to sell the house is dictated by property value and personal finances. As such, one should consider their financial situation before the listing is done. For instance, if one chooses to move to an apartment after selling, they should be prepared to pay both rent and mortgage at some point. This might prove to be too much if no proper planning is done.

Usually, sellers try to improve their financial situation by charging the property above the market rate. Such scenarios should be avoided if one wishes not to put off potential buyers.

Paperwork

The process of selling a house involves a lot of paperwork. Hence, if you are looking to sell it quickly, you should have its complete paperwork with you. As such, any issue that might delay the process should be streamlined beforehand. For instance, if the house value is less than what you owe, one should talk to the lender, and have them approve the price.

When to List the Property for Sale

Real estate markets differ from each other. Some periods within the year have proved to be best when selling a property and others not so much. For example, most sellers manage to receive higher prices for their houses between March and May (spring months). As a rule of thumb, one should list their property around the said time.

However, one should look to list their property for sale when it is most convenient for them. Before selling, one should consider both the positive and the negative sides of selling the house at a particular time frame.

Preparing the House for Listing

Unfortunately, for a person to sell a house, it will take more than just visiting your real estate agent. Several things should be in order before one considers kick-starting the process. One should seek their agent’s advice on what they need to do to have the house in top condition. Decluttering, painting, and all other low-cost preparations should be carried out before the process begins.

When it comes to selling a house, the first impression matters. Poor preparation should be avoided as it might put off buyers, or cost you a lot of money in the long-run.

It is paramount that every seller should learn the above tips before any listing is done. Learning these tips will help the seller to understand the ways through which they can manage to attract the right prices for their properties. Additionally, one should prepare adequately for the process to reduce any unwarranted feelings. The outcome of the process is determined by learning the tricks and knowing when to make the right decision.

Shawarma is the staple of Ottawa cuisine. The O-town boasts about having at least 2 shawarma spots within 2 miles. Everybody from Ottawa has their own favourite Shawarma place. Here are the top 5 places where you can get amazing shawarma in Ottawa:

1.  Osmow’s

347 Dalhousie St

Osmow’s is a fast-casual restaurant which uses the highest quality of ingredients to deliver delectable recipes while giving their customers the luxury of customizing their meals. The best thing about Osmow’s is that the food is freshly made and their chicken shawarma is never frozen. Their menu is vast ranging from Shawarmas platters to a plethora of appetizers such as Taboule, Baklawa, etc.

Here’s a review of Osmow’s:

“Ottawa is pretty dry in terms of quality fast food, since I am not a big fan of the rest of the restaurants. Osmow’s is a combination of traditional and modern food and this location is a must visit in Ottawa. Make sure you add it in your list of places to go to in the city.  Best option for all the students in the area, hands down. The staff is super friendly and the place is spotless clean. Great job guys.”

Best Shawarma in Ottawa

2.   Shawarma Garlic & Onion

200-1465 Richmond Rd.

Shawarma Garlic & Onion is one of the perfect dining spots. Their vegetables and toppings are freshly made making you want more. Their beautiful and bright interiors make it a great place to eat and enjoy the ambience if you don’t feel like taking-out.

Here’s a review of Shawarma Garlic & Onion:

“I will drive out of my way to go to get this shawarma. Price good and portion sizes generous. Family owned and they remember regulars.”

3.  Shawarma De Roza

1896 Prince of Wales Dr.

This family-owned spot is a one-stop destination where you can get the best shawarma in town! The portions are big enough to keep you full for the whole day. Their service is incredibly quick and friendly and you can even try some chicken and hummus before ordering your meal.

Here’s a review of Shawarma De Roza:

“We came from Vancouver and we’re so pleased with the delicious food! Roza was so kind and gave us a wonderful experience!”

4.  Yalla Yalla Bakery & Lebanese Foods

2010 Trim Rd.

The best thing about Yalla Yalla Bakery is their sandwich platters! Nothing in the world compares to their juicy chicken and crispy falafel wrapped in freshly made pita bread. Are you craving for their food right now? Well, you gotta rush to that place and try their amazing meals. And if you don’t feel like going out, you can order it through their website and can pick it up once it’s ready so you don’t have to wait.

Here’s a review of Yalla Yalla Bakery & Lebanese Foods:

“I had the chicken fatoush salad and it was really good. The best chicken i had from any place. Very moist. I’ll definitely be back again.”

5.  3 Brothers Shawarma & Poutine

Various locations

3 Brothers Shawarma & Poutine is a Lebanese and Canadian fusion eatery known for their delicious and high-quality poutines and shawarmas at a surprisingly low price. They are located in Rideau(2 locations) and Sandy Hills.

Here is a review of 3 Brothers Shawarma & Poutine:

“Awesome Shawarma, I go out of the way just to get a shawarma from this place.  Why not 5 stars? there is often no place to sit, there is only one small table and 3 seats by the window.  Sometimes I have had to eat standing.  I wish the place was more welcoming because their shawarmas are awesome!”

Achieving a more energy-efficient home is a task that must be done to lower your energy bills, improve the level of comfort within the house, and help to reduce the level of fossil oil used to generate power on the global level. If you want to have a more energy-efficient home, read the guide below.

Enhance your Hot Water System Efficiency

Your hot water system is one of the appliances that consume energy in any home. As a result, make your hot water system more energy efficient by insulating the hot water lines so that they do not cool off quickly between uses. Also, use low-flow fixtures for baths and showers to reduce heat loss. You can also consider installing “on-demand” hot water circulating system in your home – it works with low-flow fixtures. This will reduce the amount of energy that your hot water system uses.

Boost Your Home’s Insulation

Effective insulation reduces heat loss at home in the winter or into the house during the summer. As a result, your HVAC will require less energy to heat or cool the house. Have your home assessed for effective home insulation – checking your walls, attic, and windows. Insulate your walls by caulking and blocking the cracks and holes and installing stud walls. Upgrade the insulation of your attic or loft. Boosting the home’s insulation is a wise investment that will save you money in the long run.

5 Effective Ways to Have​ a More Energy Efficient Home

Replace Incandescent Bulbs

Another way to have a more energy-efficient home is to replace all the incandescent bulbs in your home with LED bulbs, which use less energy and offer long-lasting, bright light. You would be able to save on energy use in your home.

Window Replacement

The first solution to having a more energy-efficient home is to undertake a window replacement project. Windows have always been found to be the leading culprit for homes without energy efficiency. Damages to window frames, warped and cracks in window glass allow draft into the house and make your home less energy efficient.

There is an extensive collection of energy-efficient windows on the market. Installing these windows will let you have a more energy-efficient home.

TuneUp the HVAC System

You need to ensure that your heating and cooling system is well-maintained to run efficiently at a peak level. This will save you money. Call an expert to service and tune-up your HVAC system for optimal and efficient performance without using more energy than necessary. Replace any appliance that cannot be tuned up for efficiency.

If you are a homeowner and do not know the benefits you can derive from basement waterproofing, this article is for you. Below are the reasons why you should consider waterproofing your basement.

Reduces Power Bills

Waterproofing your basement helps to lower the amount you pay monthly for electricity or power. During basement waterproofing, all the holes and cracks in the basement get sealed as well as any crevices found. This process ensures effective blocking out of the moisture and cold.

Besides, basement waterproofing prevents cold or warm air from getting out of the house because there will not be holes or cracks available any longer.

Why you Should Consider Waterproofing your Basement

Prevents Stores Item from Damage

If you use your basement mainly for storing items and materials, it can be an ideal store only if it is waterproofed. A leaky and moisture-filled basement would ruin items such as clothes, books, electronics, beddings, albums, toys, etc. By waterproofing your basement, you are ensuring that the items and properties stored in your basement would be preserved and in good condition. If your basement is flooded, it’s best to call a water damage restoration company to help clean up the mess.

Waterproofing your basement helps to lower the amount you pay monthly for electricity or power.

Curtails Long-term Health Risks

Water and moisture are crucial to the growth of potentially toxic moulds growing in the basement. Mould and mildew can cause damages to the respiratory system, headaches, itchy skin and eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing.

Why you Should Consider Waterproofing your Basement

The side effects could be mild or severe. When you waterproof your basement, you are doing a lot of good to yourself and family because you would be able to avoid health risks that moulds and mildew could cause due to a wet or damp basement.

Reduces Insurance Costs

Waterproofing basement is one of the ways by which you can reduce your monthly insurance premiums, especially if you have a policy that covers water damage, mould growth, and other related damages. Basement waterproofing would reduce these risks, and the insurer would offer discounts based on your basement waterproofing.

Protects the Foundation

In addition to protecting the interior of your home, basement waterproofing will also protect the foundation of your home against damage. The absorbed moisture is capable of cracking the foundation of a building. By waterproofing your basement, there will not be any inlet for water to compromise the structural integrity of the foundation of the house. The impact and financial consequences of a damaged foundation.

Know that seemingly little moisture in your basement is capable of causing big problems, waterproofing your basement is the best project to prevent all forms of problems that water seepage causes.