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Time to Take That Sentimental Clutter Journey!

Jan 26, 2022

Gifts remind us of memories of friends and family. Over the years we can collect a lot of personal items that have meaning to us. Sometimes we end up boxing away these treasures and it can get out of hand. Let’s take you on a sentimental journey and help you declutter these treasures, so you feel good at what you keep and what you give away.

What’s worth keeping

Look at each piece very carefully. Each item may remind you of a place or time. But remember you don’t necessarily need many items to remind you of one person. However, if you have certain pieces that you can’t part with… then don’t. Try to attach more to the person and not to things.

Don’t burden down with gifts

If you have been holding on to gifts for years and years… it is time to let them go. If you have duplicate wedding gifts that you’ve had in your basement for 10-15 years you need to declutter. Not every person who gives you a gift expects it displayed in your home.

Don’t feel guilty

Often many of us feel guilty if we part with a gift someone has given us. If we keep everything we have been given over many years, our home will be bursting at the seams. Again, which items give you a lot of “joy” then keep these. You can always find a home for some of your other items either through charity or donating to those in need.

Pass on heirlooms to the family

For example, if you have a prized dinnerware set, you can always pass it on to a family member who would love to have that item. They may want to keep it going down the line for generations. You can also look at a museum or archive that would also treasure it.

Keep one out of the bunch

Are you keeping boxes or bags of stuffed animals or records? Time to look at keeping one and donating the rest. If you have been collecting figurines or plates that are stowed away in cupboards. It is time to go through and keep one or two. If you have a collection of plates, you can now showcase these as a feature on a wall. There are many designs and displays that you can do to arrange plates to make them look eye-catching and modern.

Try scrapbooking!

If you have a favourite letter, pictures, or other artwork, display it in a scrapbook. This can be a timeless memory and ease up on the clutter.

These are just some ideas on how you can get through the boxes of items when you are decluttering. We know this can be harder for some people than others. Our Anne Winch Real Estate Team also provides you with some packing boxes when you are ready to sell, to help you pack your specific treasures away.

If you need any ideas on how we can help you declutter before you put your home on the market, give us a call. We can help make this process so much easier for you. Let us help.

 

You Asked Us About Staging – Let’s Help You Get the Right Look!

Jan 18, 2022

If you haven’t sold your home for a while, home staging may seem a little mysterious to some and exciting for others. Who doesn’t want their home to look its best, especially when you want to get your best price possible! If you are uncertain about staging we have provided some questions that you may have wondered about or just want to discover.

Here we go!

How do I make my kitchen look its best?

  • Kitchens are often one of the first rooms a buyer will look at. It is one of the most important rooms for buyers, so you need to make an impression that makes a buyer want to see more of your home. In order to view the kitchen properly really declutter the counters, tables, and cupboards.
  • Get rid of any odors; this can be very unsettling. Whether it’s cooking odors or pet odors, make sure that your house smells clean and inviting.

What colour should I paint?

  • The most important factor is to have continuity throughout and match your surroundings. Buyers usually prefer neutral tones such as grey, white, or earth tones. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a feature wall in a different colour to break up and highlight a wall or fireplace.
  • Colour does affect moods. Red is very dramatic while an all-white kitchen might feel more spacious and bright. Even though you might like a certain bright colour you want to appeal to everyone. If you are not sure, just ask our Anne Winch Real Estate Team. We can tell you what suits your home and what might not be the right fit.

How can my living room look more inviting?

  • Guest often congregate in the living room area. Make it look inviting and most of all relaxing. Like your kitchen, too much clutter can be distracting. Get rid of clutter on the coffee table – too many magazines can be a deterrent to the look. Add some different cushions with texture, a few beautiful plants, or candles.
  • Have a large rug to encompass the floor in a neutral tone.
  • Make sure your windows are clean so you can see the landscape beyond.

How can I make my bathroom look bigger?

  • Many a beautiful spa-like bathroom has sold a home. Depending on your home some bathrooms are spacious; others are not. The use of a large mirror can reflect light and make a bathroom look beautiful. Don’t be afraid to add a larger mirror in a small bathroom. Make it a statement piece!
  • Use white towels, bathmat, or shower curtain. Everyone loves a clean-looking bathroom and various white accessories can accentuate a spa-like appearance.

We hope that some of these questions help you understand why we use home staging to sell your home. Sometimes it is hard to change the look of our home ourselves. That is why we are here to help you get your home looking like it leaped off a designer magazine. Have any questions on staging? We are just an email or text away!

 

Make Your Kitchen Stand Out from the Crowd with These Easy Staging Tips

Jan 11, 2022

Few rooms in the home have as big an impact as a beautiful kitchen. It is one of the rooms buyers look at most. It is important to have the right look to make it stand out from the crowd. Remodelling your kitchen can sell your home only if the rest of your home is in good condition. But good staging ideas can give your kitchen the impact it needs for 2022.

Cleanliness and less clutter

To see all your kitchen in its glory it should be sparkling clean and have clutter-free countertops. Take any magnets and artwork off your fridge.

  • Fill canisters or glass jars with decorative items depending on the season (e.g., pinecones in the winter, lemons, or apples during the summer/fall)
  • If you have glass-front cupboards remove excess glasses or plates – less is best!
  • Add a tray with a French press, earthenware mugs and coffee beans in a canister for an instant coffee bar look.

Breakfast bar

People are always in a hurry! Give your breakfast bar a presence.

  • The right lighting over the breakfast bar can add some needed light and make it feel like a special place to be.
  • Quality barstools can elevate the look. They can be a funky design, shape, or colour.
  • Make sure the colour around you is cheerful. You want to enjoy where you sit to have a coffee or have a quick bite to eat.

Make a splash with a new backsplash!

Adding a new backsplash can be a quick and inexpensive way to add more character to your kitchen. Here are some ideas you might want to try:

  • Subway tile – timeless and goes with most kitchen styles.
  • Modern glass tile can be a stunning option if you keep it neutral.
  • Beadboard is good for a more cottage/country option and can work with many kitchen designs.

Lighting

The right lighting in your kitchen can make it look stylish and modern.

  • Stick to contemporary or modern fixtures.
  • You can also use more rustic or industrial looks if it goes with your home décor.
  • Placement of lighting is also important. Natural light is important but if your home is on the darker side make sure that the lighting you install increases some much needed light in this area.

These are just a few tips we would like to give you to get you started for the New Year. As always, our Anne Winch Real Estate Team is here to help you sell your home.

What we provide for you when we stage your home for free

  • Warehouse of furniture, rugs, curtains, and artwork to give your home
  • Moving package of boxes and material to start packing your valuables
  • Painter on standby to fix any touch-ups or a feature wall that may be needed
  • Mover to help take unwanted furniture and home goods to charity to help make room in your home
  • Mover to stop at local donation centres

Spring is just around the corner so let us help you stage and sell your home to make any of your real estate dreams come true! Give us a call, we would love to hear from you.

 

Staging and Packing up Your Home During the Holidays

Dec 21, 2021

It’s that time of year when thoughts are about celebrating and enjoying the company of your family and friends. It is also a good time to sell your home. Why? Because lots of buyers are looking to purchase before the spring. They are already on holiday, and it gives them time to scout the neighbourhood where they wish to buy.

Here are some tips on how we can help you stage and sell your home for the holidays:

When you sell your home during the holidays you capture the spirit of home and family. This moment in time will entice buyers to buy your home.

Many people this year are looking forward to holiday décor and when they see the pictures of your home, the look of hearth and family can be captured in your photos.

  • Before you get your tinsel in a tangle, make sure that your holiday décor matches your rooms. If you have blue tones in your décor opt for holiday decorations in white and silver; if you have earth tones go for the cranberry, gold, and green tones.
  • Don’t block a beautiful view with decorations. You want to draw attention to your home’s best features.
  • Be “merry” not “tacky” with outside décor and lights. Keep the decorations neutral to attract any buyer.
  • If your room is small, go for a skinny tree. You don’t want to make any rooms small by adding a larger-than-life tree.

Here are some ideas on how to pack up your stuff during the holidays:

Block off about three weeks to a month before your move to be able to pack at a more leisurely pace. Part of getting your home ready is decluttering and getting ready to stage.

Even though you are moving, you still want to celebrate the holiday season. Celebrate with relatives or friends at their home with a promise to host the celebrations at your new home next year.

  • Create one area where you will have your boxes so you will not have boxes scattered throughout your home.
  • Don’t pack all your Christmas decorations. Have a wreath at your door and perhaps a small tree or tabletop decorations.
  • Mark each box with its destination by also adding a specific colour for each room (i.e. red tape for the kitchen; blue tape for the bathroom, etc)
  • Confirm with your mover the date of your move and allow for an additional cost if it is during the holidays.

Even though packing during the holidays can seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be if you pack ahead of time and don’t get overwhelmed with entertaining expectations. Stay organized and don’t forget to spend time with family and friends and enjoy that eggnog by the fireplace!
 

New Home Buyer — Condo Hunting Tips You Need to Know

Dec 14, 2021

Before you go out the door, we have some condo hunting tips you need to know. I am sure there are many questions that you are thinking about and sometimes it is hard to know where to start. If you are a first-time buyer planning ahead just makes sense.

Plan your expenses

Crunch the numbers and find out what you can afford, including the price of the condo and the expenses you have. This should include approximate monthly payment (principal, interest, and taxes), approximate condo fees, deposit, heating, groceries, insurance, etc. Just having a rough estimate will make it all lot easier in the long run as you will have a good idea of what monthly expenses you can afford.

Start your search

Start searching for the location that best suits your needs. Do you want to be close to work, the gym, restaurants, or shorter commute time? Is there an area that you prefer? Do you want a busier location within walking distance of grocery stores, or do you prefer suburbia?

Size and floor plan

A good floor plan will make you happier in the long run. If you will be spending more time in your condo, for example, working from home, you will want a place that has good flow and plenty of light. Here are some tips for choosing a good floor plan: do all the bedrooms have windows? Is there wasted space like narrow hallways, etc.

Price

If you are a new homeowner, the financial aspect of purchasing can be a major financial commitment. Take into consideration if the condo is older and find out if there are any annual repairs scheduled that may increase your condo fees. Check the condo reserve fund to make sure that it is healthy and not lacking in funds.

Again, check with your real estate team to get comparative estimates of condos that have sold in the building. This can give you an idea of what you can expect when you put in an offer.

Condo exposure

This might be one area you might not have thought about. Where will your unit be facing? Is it hot in the summer; does your condo face an eastern exposure? Are you situated near the garbage area? A northern exposure will give you less sunlight for 6-7 months of the year. The best exposure is southwestern with less direct heat but a good dose of natural sunlight.

You might also want to think about what floor you feel more comfortable dwelling on. Some buyers want to be on a lower floor but some like the view and prefer the top floors. Check if higher floors will cost you more money.

Demographic of other owners

Some condos cater to different age groups. Do you want a quieter building with more senior residents, or would you prefer to be with a younger crowd? If you have a young family, you might want a building that has more families dwelling there.

We can help

Our Anne Winch Real Estate Team can help you with the location you desire and will let you know right away if an opportunity comes up that suits your needs. In the last little while, there have been fewer opportunities available to buy so it is good to have a real estate team that has your budget and needs in mind. We would be happy to help you find the best location or condo that suits your needs. Let us help you purchase the condo you would be happy to call home.

 

Need More Space in Your Home? Check Out These Tips

Dec 09, 2021

If you are looking for ways to maximize the space in your home, look no further than your basement. Whether you use it for rental income, man cave, or children’s play area, renovating your basement can be made easier with these tips.

Get professional help

Coming up with a design for your basement can be a bit daunting but with a bit of planning, you can create different areas that will make your space enjoyable for everyone. Consulting a professional can help with design, structure issues, permits or just to help manage the various trades required to finish your project.

A dry basement is a good start

Before you start, look at the structure to make sure you don’t have any leaks or water coming through the concrete walls. Is your basement wet in some areas? Check outside to make sure that your eavestroughs are doing their job and that water is draining away from the house. Add extra earth around your home to grade away from the foundation.

Plumbing and wiring

Purchasing an older home can inspire you with its good bones and a different appeal than cookie-cutter homes. However, if you did not include an electrical inspection, you may not have the best wiring. A plumber can also help you with any drainage or updates that you might need before you start your renovation. Save time and money by having your plumbing and wiring inspected before you start.

Installing a bedroom in your basement

Adding a bedroom in the basement of your home does add value to it. Just be sure you know the building codes for what constitutes a bedroom, for example, window egress, bathroom, or closet. Your professional contractor will know the building code requirements.

If you are thinking of renting out your basement as an apartment, you will need to know what is required before you start. Do you need special permits? What requirements are needed for an emergency exit/egress? Remember to check with the city in your area to see if it is feasible for your dwelling. Remember you will have to add extra requirements for a kitchen, bedroom, and living area with soundproofing.

We can help – Anne Winch Real Estate Team

If you are looking for a home for yourself or your family that has an unspoiled basement, we are here to help. You may want to update the basement for your needs or for rental income. If you need to buy a home with specific requirements for your family, we know listings that will come available right away before they are on the market. Let us help you find the home that your family needs.

 

Plan Now for Spring Renos

Nov 17, 2021

You are probably thinking – What! Spring renos! We are not even into winter yet. But now is the time to start thinking about renovating your home. Due to supply chain issues that have been happening over the past couple of years from lumber supplies to contractors, demand has caused delays for many renovations. So, let’s help you get started with a few suggestions.

Choosing your contractor

This can be one of the most important steps for your renovation. You put your trust in a contractor that can help you to visualize your dream. Make sure you:

  • Check referrals and references
  • Understand the communication style that best suits you
  • Test drive a small reno first before you try a larger one
  • Get a detailed estimate and written contract and warranties
  • Personally interview at least 3 contractors before choosing one

Your design styles

Do you have a good idea of what your renovation will look like? Take the time to find ideas online with pictures of what your style is. If you are planning a new outdoor space, take the time needed to design the type of pool and landscaping around the area too. Do you want decking or stamped concrete? Would you enjoy a fire pit and an area for lounging and entertaining? You want to enjoy your design, but it needs to fit your lifestyle also.

Building permits and blueprints

Some contractors will help get your permits or suggest an architect for a more detailed blueprint design. Make sure you know who is doing what so that there is no confusion or delays. The application process for permits and blueprints can be slow and sometimes delays happen. Build that timing in your project.

Order material now

Some kitchen appliances have a 6-month waiting time. Lumber has now come down in price and more people are ordering their lumber ahead of time to make sure they have enough materials to start. Suppliers have been backlogged since last year and roof trusses, foundation, and building components may take longer than usual to get. You might think ordering now is a little early, but you need to have a contingency plan in place if you are looking to build your home or do renovations in the Spring.

Decide

Once you have finished the planning stage, don’t hesitate too long or you will find your contractor has accepted another contract or supplies have gone up in price. Take the time it does for the planning but once you have decided don’t get cold feet and then expect everything to fall into place. One small delay in decision-making can create a domino effect in delays.

Ask the right questions

Whether you are hiring a contractor, buying materials or designing your new home, ask the right questions to make the best decisions. Make sure that you are on the right page together with your contractor. Check renovations often to make sure what you want to be done is done the way you want it.

We hope that we have made you think about improvements that will add value to your home. If you are in doubt of what renovations will increase the value of your home, check with our Anne Winch Real Estate Team for our professional opinion on what renovations sell and what renos are not a good return on investment.

  

For the Love of Hardwood

Nov 10, 2021

Entering a home with hardwood just gives everyone a very welcoming feeling. Even if you paint your home neutrally throughout, hardwood floors just warm everything up. If you are thinking of renovating or retouching your hardwood, below is some information about why we all love hardwood.

Why hardwood flooring?

Besides the visual pleasure of hardwood, what are the benefits for resale? Do you put hardwood in your kitchen? What are the different types of hardwood? These are all questions I am sure you have asked yourself especially if you are converting from carpeting to hardwood flooring.

ROI – return on investment

Your return on investment for installing hardwood floors is between 70-80%, with a 3-5% increase in the total value of your home. This is actually a very good investment vs. laminate or carpeting. Although it is true that hardwood floors can be cooler in temperature, they can always be warmed up with the addition of rugs or if you want to splurge – radiant heating.

Types of hardwood

There are so many different types of hardwood flooring, from solid to engineered, and a variety of types of wood from oak to pine, narrow to wide plank. Each has its own pros and cons. Some are more durable than others or more resistant to scratching. Make sure that you compliment the rest of your home with your choice. Check with a flooring specialist to choose the correct hardwood flooring for your needs.

Hardwood in the kitchen?

It is no secret that moisture and wood can be vulnerable to damage. Whether you should include hardwood in your kitchen depends on your household. It might be more challenging if your kitchen gets a lot of traffic or your kitchen leads to the backyard or swimming pool, or you have pets traveling in and out. You might also want to consider that it is easier to dent and scratch if utensils or cookware are dropped on the floor. However, hardwood flooring in the kitchen can be a viable option if you take care of it.

Should I refinish my floors before selling?

Nothing will date your home more than floors that are scratched and damaged. If you are refinishing your floors, look for colours that will match your home. Both light and dark wood floors can be stylish, though grey hardwood flooring that has been trending for years is now on the way out. Hardwood flooring can go from formal to rustic, beach house, or country styles.

In a nutshell, if you are looking to increase the value or look of your home, hardwood floors are a great option. If you do decide to add hardwood to your kitchen, make sure that it matches your cupboards and countertops. Hardwood can give your home a luxurious look and feel that is always welcoming to buyers.

If you have any questions about what hardwood can do for the resale of your home, don’t hesitate to contact our Anne Winch Real Estate Team. We can give you an honest value of your home and help you with any questions you may have about the purchase or selling of your real estate. Give us a call!

 

Why Selling in the Fall is Such a Good Idea!

Nov 03, 2021

The fall has such an abundance of colours with the leaves turning scarlet and gold, and it is one of the best times to showcase your home. Now that summer is over many buyers are on the hunt to buy a home. You can still get a good view of the property during this season and purchase a new home before the holidays.

What are the main reasons fall is a good time to sell?

  • Less competition (many sellers wait for the spring/summer)
  • Fall curb appeal – gardens are still brimming with autumn flowers and plants
  • Home repairs can be done while the weather is still good and much cooler
  • More serious buyers
  • Less disruption to get children into new schools

If you are thinking of selling your home, the autumn season is also a good time to get your HVAC system checked and your furnace cleaned. House inspectors often ask about the age and maintenance of your furnace.

Here are some tips also for selling in the fall

  • Take photos that capitalize on the beauty of your home with the fall foliage
  • If you have good schools in your area – make sure you let your realty team know
  • Boost your curb appeal with colourful mums and wreaths to welcome your potential buyer
  • Take this time to make your landscape the envy of the neighbourhood

Prepare your home for showings

During the fall season, you may have showings in the evening when it is darker. Make sure the pathway to your door is well-lit and that you turn all your lights on inside to be more welcoming to potential buyers. Your buyer’s first vision of your home is the exterior. Make sure you interest buyers to see more!

Setting the right price

Nothing makes a listing stagnate more than being overpriced. Our buyers are very savvy, and they know when a listing is overpriced, and they will just walk away and look for something else. Forty percent of buyers will not even look at a home that is overpriced. You need to have a real estate team that is honest with you, even though you may think your home is worth more. This is where we can help. The proof is in the statistics of our home sales. We will do a comparative study of similar homes sold in your area and compare them to your home. We will then have a price range to sell your home.

Staging

Staging your home before you sell can add so much value to your home. We know that homes that are staged usually sell for more and sell more quickly. We also have the following tips when we stage your home:

  • Never have an empty room, an empty room can look sad without furniture and accessories.
  • Using colour, rugs, and furniture placement, we will be able to design specific areas that buyers will understand and can see themselves living in the space.
  • We only use a professional real estate photographer to give your home the best pictures possible.

Just remember, we will be with you every step of the way. Give us a call and let us show you how we can make your home look its best and get sold in no time.

 

The Art of Staging Your Home – What is it all about?

Oct 26, 2021

Not everyone is good at choosing colours for their homes. Sometimes it is hard to visualize furniture placement. When we talk about staging a home, it can be a bit confusing to sellers. What is staging? What colours should I use? Why do I need to stage or what do I need to do?

We have put together some information on why we need to stage your home and why it is important.

Visualization

First, staged homes are depersonalized. Buyers don’t want to buy someone else’s home; they want to purchase a visualization of what their furnishings would look like in a home. This means that we want your home to look its best. It is like your home is getting a makeover by decluttering personal items and sometimes furniture and other belongings.

Colour makes a big difference!

We know from experience that rooms that have neutral paint throughout make rooms appear larger and reflect the natural light. Neutral colours look good in any home. Colour should always be carried throughout to maintain cohesiveness. That is why we sometimes add a feature wall, furniture, artwork, and décor.

It’s all in the stats

A recent survey (2019) of a national realtor’s association found the following:

  • 82% of buyers know where they want to live and what type of home they want
  • 83% of buyer’s agents said that a staged home made it easier for buyers to visualize a future home
  • 22% reported an increase in offer values for staged homes
  • 28% reported staged homes had fewer days on the market

Why is home staging so useful?

  • Furniture placement gives a better flow to rooms
  • Professional photographs are the first look of your home online
  • Gives each room a specific purpose

Our Team knows that:

  • Timing is extremely important
  • Most activity is attracted on a property when it is first listed
  • A listing has the greatest opportunity to sell when it is new and staged properly

It is very important to find the right balance when staging and selling your home. As every home is unique, we make sure that we enhance each home’s individual qualities. We believe everybody should have the chance to have their home staged and therefore we provide this service for free. So, why not take advantage of our expertise and resources? Give our Team a call and find out how we can give your home the competitive advantage it deserves.