With summer around the corner, and a milder-than-expected winter behind us, many of you might be considering sprucing up your property to take advantage of the impending upswing in the real estate market in the coming months.
Summer is typically peak time for home buying and selling, but after record-breaking market activity during the pandemic, real estate sales have cooled off and are yet to rebound to the same levels.
Nonetheless, pent-up demand for housing in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and across various urban pockets in Canada, along with better borrowing conditions, is expected to drive home sales in the second half of 2024. If you are a prospective home seller, now is the time to start planning for or undertaking any renovations that might be needed to improve the saleability of your property for prospective buyers.
We continue our series on sharing information on the different kinds of upgrades homeowners can undertake to attract more buyers and get a better price for their homes. Today, we will focus on fences.
Good Fences Make Great Home Sales
Your home’s fence—be it the perfect white picket or plain wood with an earthy hue or an artistically wrought metal or iron frame—can significantly boost your property’s resale value and improve your chances of drawing more buyers. For houses built on corner lots, a beautifully landscaped outdoor space bordered by an attractive and well-maintained fence can make a big difference, come open house day.
In addition to its aesthetic value, a good quality fence also offers privacy and safety. This is especially a great feature to highlight for prospective buyers who have children and/or pets, or if your home is situated near a busy street or major thoroughfare.
Post-pandemic, and with working from home having become the norm instead of the exception, a thoughtfully installed fence can help create the right ambiance for a secluded yet comfortable home office.
With the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market predominantly made up of urban residential neighborhoods; fences, especially those installed for privacy and safety, are in great demand and a top-selling feature for buyers if well-maintained and in good condition.
Repairing/Upgrading or Installing a New Fence
Summertime offers the perfect opportunity to make repairs or upgrade the protective perimeter fences provide around your home. The cost of doing so can vary dramatically, starting from a couple of thousand dollars to more, and is based on the following factors:
- Length and height of your fence perimeter (measured in linear feet)
- Type of material you plan to use for the fence
- Time frame for getting the necessary permits from your city or municipality
- Are you hiring a professional for the job or doing it yourself (DIYing)
Commonly Used Fencing Materials
- Wood: Moderately priced and good for privacy
- Vinyl: Expensive, decorative, and low maintenance
- Aluminum: Expensive and low maintenance
- Wrought Iron: Expensive, decorative, and higher maintenance
Amp Up Your Fence’s Visual Appeal
- A Coat of Fresh Paint: Choose between a classic white or a bold hue to instantly boost your home’s curb appeal.
- Embellish with Outdoor Ornaments: Hang outdoor art or string lights. Add pops of color with decorative planters filled with flowers.
- Damage Repair: Fix any loose boards or broken pickets to ensure your fence looks well-maintained and sturdy.
- Vertical Garden: Create a green oasis by installing planter boxes or trellises for climbing plants, which also enhances privacy.
- Decorative Screens: Install decorative bamboo or metal panels for added privacy and style.
If you are a prospective seller with a property in need of upgrades and need information or guidance for the same, do get in touch with RE/MAX Royal Team Sachdeva Realty for more information.
Have a good weekend!