Preparing Your Home for a Successful Sale: Expert Tips from Don Higginbottom

Josh Perez • September 13, 2024

If you're looking to sell your home, expert realtor Don Higginbottom of @revelrealtyhamilton offers key advice. 

"The best advice I can give them right now is making sure they know their comparables. Your pricing is going to dictate your days on market. Buyers are educated, and you really have to be on your mark when pricing that property."

First, declutter and consider a fresh coat of paint to make your home shine—presentation is everything.


Second, know your market by researching comparable properties. In today’s informed market, pricing your home correctly is crucial to avoid extended time on the market.


Lastly, be prepared for longer negotiations, as buyers are focused on every dollar. Patience and cooperation with the buyer's agent will lead to better outcomes.


Ready to sell your home? Book a call with me, I'd love to help set you up for success. 

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By Josh Perez • October 7, 2026
Retirement doesn’t always mean a mortgage-free life anymore. And that’s okay. Between higher home prices, rising living costs, and longer life expectancy, many Canadians are choosing to retire with a mortgage or refinance later in life to create more flexibility. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s having options that actually support the life you want to live. If you’re thinking about how a mortgage fits into your retirement years, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. Why work with an independent mortgage professional? Because retirement financing is not one-size-fits-all. Unlike a single bank, an independent mortgage professional can look across multiple lenders and solutions to find what truly fits your income, equity, and long-term plans—not just what one institution offers. Mortgage options available in retirement Traditional Mortgage Solutions Many retirees still qualify for standard mortgages. Pension income, investment income, and other retirement sources can often be used to support an application. If you have good equity and solid credit, this is often the lowest-cost option. Reverse Mortgages For homeowners 55+, a reverse mortgage can unlock tax-free equity from your home with no monthly payments required. There’s no income verification or medical questions, making it a helpful option for those who want to improve cash flow while staying in their home. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) A HELOC allows you to access your home equity as needed and only pay interest on what you use. Many retirees appreciate the flexibility and like consolidating income and expenses in one place. Private Financing Sometimes life throws a curveball. If timing, income, or credit create challenges, private financing can act as a short-term bridge. It’s not usually the first choice, but it can provide solutions when traditional lenders can’t. If you’re approaching retirement—or already there—and wondering how your mortgage fits into the picture, let’s talk. A clear plan can make retirement feel a lot more secure and a lot less stressful.
Modern two-story house with a garage at sunset, warm lights on and a landscaped front yard
By Josh Perez • October 6, 2026
Self-employed in Ontario and denied a mortgage? Learn how lenders assess business income, documents, deposits, dividends, and alternative mortgage options.