Top 6 Home Renovations in 2019

 Top 6 Home Renovations in 2019

What are the most common home renovations you think will add value to homes in 2019?

We reached out to our RE/MAX Influencers – a panel consisting of RE/MAX Sales Associates throughout Canada – to put together some of the home renos they think will come before the rest in 2019.



First Impressions Are Everything
Exteriors are quite literally the first thing that people see when they come to your home. Fresh landscaping, new exterior paint, cleaning and/or painting the siding, or upgrading the outside doors are all good places to start. Outdoor space renovations and covered porches are also high up on the list of must-haves.

Utility Upgrade
Sometimes the less “sexy” upgrades are the most important ones. In this market, people seem to be more concerned with things like the life of the furnace and hot water tank. It’s also important that the utilities are highly efficient. Upgrading to heat pumps instead of the traditional forced air systems that deal more efficiently and economically with changing outdoor temperatures are becoming more important.

Basement Suites
Whether it’s to bring in supplemental income or to enjoy themselves, extra space is becoming a priority.

“Secondary suites or in-law suites.  With rising interest rates many homeowners may need to bring in additional income to afford their housing costs.” – Loni Hamer-Jackson, RE/MAX Real Estate, Kamloops, BC

Kitchens & Bathrooms 
“Kitchens and bathrooms for sure – that never changes regardless of what year it is!” – Lisa Salt, RE/MAX Vernon, Vernon, BC 

Kitchen renovations are always a good place to start to add value to your home. Removing walls to design open floor plans in older homes is always good value. Adding an extra bathroom also goes a long way.

New Flooring
New floors is a good starting point as well when trying to refresh the place.

“Removal of carpets for cleaner air” – Judy Gray, RE/MAX Mid-Island Realty, Ucluelet, BC

It’s all in the Details
Most people would know that painting of the inside of the home can help with a sale, but pay attention to the little details. Shortcuts won’t help in the long run!


“When a home is freshly painted, but a buyer opens a closet door to find it has not been painted, buyers start to ask themselves what else has been “looked over”. Don’t miss the small stuff!” – Denise Gallup, RE/MAX Camosun, Sidney, BC


Article Courtesy of RE/MAX 

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CONDO FEES: Here’s what you need to know

CONDO FEES: Here’s what you need to know

Condos have become the home of choice for urban dwellers, as first-time buyers and increasingly, move-up
buyers seek affordability and liveability. In fact, a recent RE/MAX report reveals that condominium
apartments and townhomes now account for 37 per cent of residential sales in the Greater Toronto Area.
In fact, condos were the only property segment to make gains throughout the 2017 housing market
correction. What’s driving the trend

Affordability is a big factor behind the boost in condo living, but it’s certainly not the only one. Condo living 

comes with many other benefits, including urban conveniences, public transit, employment and 

entertainment close to home, as well as a lock-n-leave lifestyle for when life takes you further abroad. 

Part of the package, is condo fees. What exactly are condo fees, how are they calculated, and what do 

they cover? Here’s what you need to know.

Every condo owner pays a regular, non-negotiable condo fee. This fee is calculated based on your share

of the condo building – the larger your unit, the greater your fee. This fee is adjusted annually based on

the condo’s operating budget.

Your condo fees are divided into three main categories: utilities, common areas and the reserve fund. 

Let’s take a closer look.

A chunk of your condo fee goes to utilities such as water, hydro and sometimes heat – but this isn’t always

the case. Most brand-new condominiums are now being built with individual heat pumps that are controlled 

by, and paid for by individual owners. Make sure you’re clear on your condo fees before you buy.

We’ve already mentioned that condo ownership means less maintenance on your to-do list. But 

somebody’s gotta do it, right? Your condo fees cover that expense as well.

And remember those awesome amenities that your family and friends come over to use? You have to 

contribute to their upkeep. The more amenities your condo has, the higher your condo fees will be. 

Think pool, gym, hobby rooms, sports courts, an in-house theatre, indoor and outdoor areas. Ask yourself 

if you’re going to actually use all of the amenities offered by your condo, because you’ll be paying for them.

Condo fees also pay for snow and garbage removal, cleaning and minor repairs of common areas, exterior

window washing and the like.

A portion of your condo fee is set aside in a reserve fund, which every condo board must maintain as a 

savings account for big-ticket items that inevitably arise. A roof replacement can cost upwards of half a 

million dollars, so this fund is essential.

Then there’s the Special Assessment. In the case that the reserve fund doesn’t quite cover the bill, each
condo owner will be required to pitch in their proportionate amount to cover the cost.

If you’re considering condo ownership, make sure you incorporate the condo fee into your budget. Make 

sure to leave a buffer in case your condo fees increase, which tends to happen as condos age. Any 

increases are at the discretion of the condo board.

Before you make an offer, get a copy of the condo’s status certificate, which contains important info about 

the condo’s financial status. Review it and make sure you understand it. The document will include things

like the condo’s budget, any legal matters the condo may be facing, information about the reserve fund, 

current maintenance fees and whether any increases are planned in the near future.

The fee for the status certificate? $100. The information? Potentially worth a great deal more to your 

investment.

Courtesy of RE/MAX Commercial 

Gelderman.ca Real Estate Team
RE/MAX Aldercenter Realty

www.gelderman.ca

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everywhere!!

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