BATHROOMS, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, KITCHENS

Countertops can make a huge difference!

granite-counter-tops

Today our granite counter tops arrived!

As I mentioned in my previous blog posting, I am living in a renovation zone but things have picked up and starting to really come together.
 
This afternoon our granite counter tops (kitchen and bathroom) were installed and I cannot get over the difference! We had laminate counter tops in both rooms, the kitchen counter top was a solid grey which was probably not the best choice as it does not hide stains very well and every scratch is seen from a mile away; the bathroom counter top was a laminate but in aqua, white and peach speckled design. My husband and I were looking for a more modern look but we also love the natural look of granite and stone.

Looking for granite Counter tops….

 
We went to a few granite showrooms but everything we saw was quite typical, since our cabinetry was so plain we really wanted something special! We actually went to a granite supplier and had the opportunity to peruse their slabs and select ours directly from their supply. We found the perfect counter tops for our home and now that they are in the transformation is truly incredible.

Granite Counter tops made a huge difference….

What difference can a counter top really make? In our case we selected a slab of granite that was lighter in colour from the original laminate and now our open concept kitchen look enormous. Our stone back splash really stands out and the stainless steel accents add some sparkle. The whole kitchen comes together and is a true show stopper! The bathroom renovation was a complete overhaul (bye bye Barbie bathroom) but my husband was really worried about how the white wall tiles, grey floor tiles and blue glass accent tile would all come together – the ‘biano antico’ granite counter top was the key element for bringing all the pieces together.
 

When it comes to selecting your kitchen counter tops there are no right or wrong

choice but here are some tips:

 

1 – Colour –

 
Typically you want to choose a counter top that on the opposite side of the colour wheel from your cabinets, for example a dark espresso stain looks best with a lighter counter top but if you are selecting from granite you have some flexibility because granite has some many colours and fishers that you can choose from a variety of cabinet colours. But light can absolutely work with light but I always like something to ground the room so it could be the floors, paint or backsplash.

2 – Stay away from a single colour laminate.

 
A solid coloured laminate counter top does not stand the test of time very well, stains and scratches are nearly impossible to hide with this type of counter top. If granite is too pricey, keep in mind that there are many laminate options that look (and can feel) like a granite counter top.

3 – Looking for something different?

 
Try exotic granite or other natural stone such as marble or soapstone or even more cutting edge – concrete. With the increased popularity of granite certain colours are seen more frequently but there is a lot to choose from, so look around at other options.
 

Here are the after photos of my bathroom and kitchen :-

I can’t get over how different the house looks with these new counter tops!
1 comment
Share:
INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

Surviving your renovation

surviving-your-renovation

I have not been posting on my blog lately because we have been very busy with the final stage of our renovations. We purchased our home almost 2 years ago and took care of some easy renovations in our first year of living in our new home. Paint throughout, new tiles floor, sand and stain the hardwood, new back splash and landscaping the front yard – it was a lot of work but worth it! So this summer we decided to take on the remaining projects in our home – new bathroom, new kitchen counter tops, paint the exterior and landscape the backyard – and our home will be the home we have been dreaming of!

Although the end result is worth it, the transformation is amazing to see but living through renovations can be messy and stressful –

here are some tips for surviving your renovation.

1 – Let your neighbours know what’s going on.

A dumpster can be an unpleasant sight but if your neighbours know you are doing home improvements they will appreciate your honesty and how your improvements will help increase the property values of the neighbourhood.

2 – Work with your contractor.

Remember you are a team. Check in daily on the progress and discuss issues and concerns you have with your renovation. It is easier to fix problems while they are occurring and much more costly after they have occurred.

3 – Have a timeline.

Make sure your contractor provides you with a timeline. There are situations which may put you behind time but at least there is a rough outline of what to expect and when.

4 – Plan ahead.

Make your tile, granite, cabinet selections even before the work starts (and do your best to stick with those choices) as materials can take time to order, deliver etc… and that can delay your renovation.

5 – Think of your family.

Renovations can disrupt family routines so try and keep everyone entertained and occupied, so not to frustrate everyone too much. Take your little ones to the park to play instead of the backyard, plan excursions while the demolition is taking place (that part is the messiest), visit your friends (and maybe your little ones can take an afternoon nap there) taking a break from the renovation is good for everyone.

6 – Get out.

If the renovation will have your life completely upside down for months, maybe look into the possibility of a short term furnished rental apartment for you and your family, it might be way more comfortable and stress free.

7 – Before and after.

Even though you may not be on a TV show or in a magazine, take some before, during and after photos so you can see the transformation – it’s pretty amazing and you don’t fully appreciate it while living in the construction zone!

Remember, renovations done between January 27, 2009 and February 1, 2010 are eligible for the Home Renovation Tax Credit. Check out this link for more details. http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/hrtc/

Renovation are stressful but planning ahead and thinking ahead can help manage that stress…

 

0 comment
Share:
HOME STAGING

The 5 F-words of home staging

5-f-words-of-home-staging

 

Home staging is a MUST in any real estate market. If you are having trouble remembering what needs to be done when staging your home? Follow the 5 F’s of Home Staging.

1 – FLOORS

Hardwood flooring is the most popular and therefore the best option for your flooring choice. The floors are beautiful, they add warmth, value and are preferred especially with the increase of allergens in the home – hardwood is much easier to clean. Have as few types of flooring as possible in one home, as multiple materials can make a home look small and choppy.

 

2 – FOCAL POINT

Create a focal point in each room such as a fireplace, a bay window. Make sure the focal point in obvious and highlighted for the buyer to see. this is where staging and furniture placement really work in your favour. As the owner of the home, circulate and take notes of what you feel are the best features/focal points of each room – this can really help your stager, since you bought this home you probably fell in love with some of the features.

 

 

3 – FUNCTION

Make sure the function of each room is clear. If the space is not defined, buyers are left wondering what to do with a certain room. Doubling up functions of a room is not always recommended but in smaller spaces it is often necessary but again be clear, if the room is a sitting room plus an office make the room tidy and organized so the buyers can tell it apart from a catch-all space. For example, in a open concept place an area rug in the living room can help to define the living room apart from the dining room without building walls and blocking the flow

 

4 – FLOW

The house must have good flow in order to attract an offer. You can achieve this through paint (keep each room more or less in the same colour palette). Other tips – allow 3 feet for pathways in and out of a room; chairs and sofas should be no more than 8 feet apart and allow 18 inches between sofa and coffee table. These tips helps create a free flowing space with good energy and a space that feels large but still inviting.

 

 

5 – FURNITURE PLACEMENT

Make sure the furniture highlights the room’s best features and doesn’t obstruct or cramp a room. Look at the room and pay attention to features such as the dining room fixture, it will tell you where to place the table. Create conversation groupings no larger than 10-12 feet square. Create a focal point such as a tall vase by the fireplace or pillows in the window seat. An appointment with a home stager can help you put together a great furniture plan offering flow and presentation to buyers

 

Don’t FLIP OUT – FOCUS on these 5F’s and your home be ignored on the real estate market – stand out from the crowd with home staging!

 

 

 

 

0 comment
Share:
HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

Living large in small spaces

living-large-in-small-spaces

 

The first rule of real estate might be location, location, location but the second must be storage, storage, storage! This holds true especially now. Small spaces are back in style – mainly because buyers don’t want to be stuck at home maintaining large homes.  They want to enjoy the amenities around them and live life to the fullest!
In Ottawa, the condo market is really just at the beginning stages of taking off, cities like Toronto and Vancouver have experienced their condo booms already. Condo sales are on the rise in Ottawa – statistics show that 323 condos were sold in April 2009 as compared to 318 condos sold in April 2008. Average sale price was $216,502 in April 2009 as compared to $210,661 in April 2008; A 2.8% increase.

The reason for this increase and interest in condo living? Downsizing.

 

As the baby boom population ages, they are seeking a maintenance free lifestyle which will allow them to live luxuriously and live practically. Condo living could be in a low or high rise building or in a townhouse or semi detached but usually it consists of less maintenance but also a smaller living space. Many downsizers feel very anxious about selling the family home and purging their most precious pieces but this does not have to be if you plan ahead and use your space wisely.

You will want to invest in some multi-functional pieces or some pieces that can give the illusion of a large space.

Furniture choices are a huge factor when downsizing but you are in luck – there are lots of options!

Storage furniture:

In the living room – look for storage options such as a storage ottoman – this can serve as a coffee table, extra seating for entertaining and storage. One on wheels can easily be moved around the room. If you prefer a solid coffee table, look for one with some open shelving for books, or other pieces and use storage cubes as end tables. Another option is a glass table, it disappears but is still functional and practical.

 

For your entertainment unit, look for a lower piece and/or one with cupboard doors to hide your stuff. You do not want a piece that is too bulky as it can take over the room. Look and see if your existing unit comes in two pieces, often they do and use the lower piece only.

TV:

If you are looking to upgrade your television set, opt for a flat one, as it will also take less space.consider wall mounting your TV this will free up surface space and give a clean look in your space.

 

Seating:

For a sofa and /or occasional chairs, find apartment size furniture, now available at most retail stores. Also look for arm-less options, they are less bulky but if you must have arms on your furniture look for a more streamlined style like a tuxedo style which can also be very comfortable not just pretty to look at.

 

A very modern look for occasional chairs, is the ghost chair. It is a smooth and curved chair that is made of a clear plastic. It’s a very sleek look and versatile, too.

Dining room:

most couples have a dining set that they love and could not imaging replacing. You can still use your set just re-purpose it. Remove the leaves and keep a table for 4 and just add the leaves and chairs when needed. Your additional chairs could be tucked in either corner of the room and add a decor pillow for a splash of colour this will also draw the eye to the outer corners of the room, again making the space appear large.

 

Your china cabinet /buffet likely comes in two pieces, keep the bottom and put the top portion in storage. This will make the room feel larger. Add a long mirror above the buffet, mirrors let light bounce around the room and make it seem bigger than it is.

 

 

Area rug:

If your space is very open concept and the rooms are not solidly defined, add an area rug in the dining room. How big should it be? Big enough so when the chairs are slid out from under the table, all 4 legs are still on the carpet. Go neutral in colour, especially if your furniture is dark and rich like a cherry wood or mahogany.

 

Bedroom:

Again storage is key. If you are in the market for a new bedroom set, look for one with storage, likely drawers under the box spring, this is perfect to store blankets, sheets and other linens. Keep the bed linens light and neutral in colour. Add side tables that have drawers for storage.

 

In a guest room, a Murphy bed is a great option, especially if you do not have regular guests. Use that room for a multitude of purposes, craft room, sewing room, home office etc…Keep it clean and clear and it can serve multiple tasks. Too many downsizers are used to having extra space to have unused rooms such as a guest room.

 

Accessories:

Do not overpower your new space with too many pieces. If you have a lot, go through your items and determine which ones are the most important to you and put the others in storage or pass them along to your children.

 

Other tips:

  • Clutter makes any space no matter how big or small, feel tight and crowded.
  • Flat surfaces are not designed to be used as storage areas they should be clear except for decor or function items (example, vase of flowers, candy jar or a phone).
  • Keep other items in drawers, baskets or other storage containers.
  • Use mirrors whenever possible but don’t have your place look like a fun house (a mirror above a fireplace mantle is a very classic look but it also adds light in the room).
  • Keep your walls light in colour and for a bold look (if that is your taste) paint your ceiling in a bold colour this looks great in a well lit space and one with high ceilings.
  • Use punches of colour in your artwork, pillows, blankets and keep the main pieces of furniture neutral.

 

 

Downsizing is an exciting time! A time to start over and really enjoy a new lifestyle. If you are looking to take the next step contact the Bennett Real Estate Pros (http://www.bennettpros.com/) for more information on condos in Ottawa. . Call them today and take advantage of this new time in your life!

 

Small spaces open up big opportunities for home decor and for living life,

2 comments
Share:
HOME STAGING

The benefits of staging your home

benefits-of-staging-your-home

 

The spring real estate market is here and real estate agents are on the move!
The spring market is also very competitive, so how can you set your home apart from others?
By staging it. Staging is a process that includes cleaning, eliminate clutter, removing, re-purposing and presenting.

A professional stager will see your home the way a buyer would want to. When you stage you should be featuring the selling points of your home such as high ceilings, large living space, beautiful neighbourhood, natural light etc…

Stagers will simplify or streamline the furniture in a room for better traffic flow and to enhance its spaciousness. They may neutralize a too-personal color scheme or add touches of color or accessories where needed. Staging helps exhausted buyers “mentally move in” and feel that when they move in for real, they’ll be able to kick back for awhile and relax.

Staging helps your buyer fall in love with your home. Certain personal objects, pictures,and furnishing layouts can confuse and deter buyers; having a stager will help avoid common pitfalls sellers make. Selling at the best price involves more than hiring an agent and placing a sign on the lawn.

Statistics are showing that staged homes can sell up to 50% faster and for an average price increase of 7%. Staging your home prior to listing is the best way to ensure the highest return on your valuable investment.

When a potential home buyer enters your home you really only get one chance to make that all-important first impression; many buyers actually make up their minds about whether or not they like a house within the first 10 seconds. Home staging is a simple and cost effective way to “present” your home for the buying audience so you create a great first impression, stand out from other listings, and linger in the mind of the buyer.

Real Estate Agents will make some suggestions on how to present your home but a real estate team such as The Bennett Real Estate Pros (http://www.bennettpros.com/) work exclusively with a staging company to help their clients present their home in the best possible light and maximize on their most important asset.

Set yourself apart from the competition and get ready to sell!
0 comment
Share:
HOME STAGING

Open House Tips and Tricks

open-house-tips-and-tricks

 

Well it’s almost spring and the market will be heating up! Want some great open house tips? If you are selling your home you will notice throughout the city open house signs everywhere. You have a beautiful home in a great neighbourhood but how can you make your home stand out from all of the others?

 

 

Here are 8 simple open house tips and tricks :

1 — Aromatherapy.

 

Make your house smell inviting to your guests. You can use scented candles and sprays but some people are allergic and/or feel uncomfortable leaving lit candles unattended. Some great alternatives to creating a welcoming atmosphere – you can bake cookies (the pre-made cookie dough is easy to clean and achieves the same outcome), who doesn’t like the smell of homemade goodies? Or, if you can’t bake, chop up some apples and put them in a casserole dish with some water, cinnamon and sugar. Place the casserole dish in the oven and keep it at a low heat. You do not want to over-scent the home so just use one of these ideas to create that warm and cozy feeling in your home.

2 — Light and fresh air.

 
Open all the blinds and curtains so the house is full of natural light. This is also a great tip if you have a spectacular view such as a beautiful park or maybe even a great panorama of the city. If it’s a nice day open the windows to let fresh air into the house. Wash all windows, especially those where the light will show dirt and streaks. Unlock all the doors and windows so people don’t have to struggle with a lock they aren’t familiar with. Something as small as a difficult lock could deter a prospective buyer.

3 — Selling features.

If you have ever toured a show home, builders often have feature sheets to bring attention to certain details in the home. Why not do the same? Place small sticky notes or typed up signs on things that are unique or may be an incentive to buy your home (i.e. trash compactor, tile imported from Italy, large-capacity washer and dryer included). Make sure your realtor is aware of these features but if there is a rush of people walking through the home, your realtor may not have enough time to connect face-to-face with everyone, these sticky notes will help bring focus to selling features of your most precious asset, your home.

 

4 — A sign-in book.

 
Hopefully your realtor will have one but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. A sign-in book can give you an idea of how many people have toured your home, it is also an opportunity for potential buyers to offer comments and it is also a great method for you and your realtor to gather some information and contact them later for feedback on your home. Make sure it is placed in a visible area such as the kitchen island.

5 — Signage.

 
Make sure your signage is clean and visible – so brush off the snow or make sure if it has fallen down, you put it back up. Have a topper attached to your lawn sign a few days before the open house ( on Wednesday or Thursday). The day of the open house, make sure to place your a-frame signs in high traffic areas, directing potential buyers to your open house. Put the a-frames out in the morning so people who are out and about notice the signs and hopefully plan to stop by later that day.

6 — Check the calendar.

 
Plan your open house around the lives of your potential prospects. Look to the calendar and the sports schedules to make sure that your planned open house will not conflict with your prospective buyer’s other interests and activities. For example, an open house on Superbowl Sunday is a sure way to not have any traffic through your open house.

 

7 — Temperature control.

 
Make sure the house is not too hot or too cold. Either temperature can make an uncomfortable setting and make potential purchasers head for the door. If your open house is during the winter, have the fireplace on. It warms up the house, sets an inviting atmosphere and draws attention to a wonderful selling feature. If your open house is in the summer, have the A/C on so the house is less humid and again draws attention to the A/C unit in the home.

 

8 — Be prepared.

 
Make sure your a-frames are out and directing people in the proper direction. Arrive early to the home. Sweep or shovel the front walkway. Put your cookies or apples and cinnamon in the oven and turn it on. Open the curtains and blinds. Turn on all of the lights. Set up your sign-in book and get ready for a successful open house!
An open house is a great way to create local buzz about your home.  Neighbours, friends and family can be a great way to spread the word about your home. So if you get a lot of ‘locals’ at your open house don’t get discouraged – they could be a great advocate and indirect sales person for you…
2 comments
Share:
HOME STAGING

What is Home Staging?

what-is-home-staging

 

What is Home Staging?Home Staging is the un-decorating or de-personalizing of your home in preparation to sell.

When you first move in to your home you want to make it yours. You paint it the colours you like, you add personal photographs and your furniture is positioned to suit your lifestyle. But when it comes time to sell your home, you need to think about presenting your home’s best features and assets and to make it appealing to as many potential purchasers as possible.

 

Here are the top tip to make your home looks its best before your first open house:

 

1. Clean up!

Make sure the house is clean. Bathrooms, the kitchen and floors. It might seem like a lot of work but if you want top dollar for your home you cannot afford to “turn off” the guests at your open house. It is also really important to deodorize  your house especially if you have pets!

 

2. De-clutter!

Throughout our daily life we all accumulate clutter – the pile of bills, our bottles of vitamins on the bathroom countertop, small appliances on the kitchen countertop and stacks of papers and files in our home office, but it is so important to remove all of this clutter. Clutter makes any space feel much smaller and seeing as purchasers are likely looking for a larger space or at least a space that appears larger, you want to make sure your home feels spacious.

 

3. Repair!

It is important to fix any repairs in the home. A cracked tile or a leaky faucet can tarnish the image of your home. Remember you want to present your home at its absolute best! A buyer will pay top dollar for a property that has done the ‘leg’ work on getting the home in tip-top shape.  Small repairs send a message to the buyers (and their agent) that there could be bigger issues beneath the surface and it will impact their offer (if they make one).

 

4. Colour!

It is not necessary for everyone to re-paint their home before your realtor takes photos for the listing but you might want to consider painting if…your house has not been painted in about 10 years, if your home is currently painted in really bright or intense coulours such as deep reds or bright lime green, or if your walls are in bad shape. A fresh coat of paint can make a home feel clean and if you select the right tone, larger. Tones to look at should have a LRV (light reflective value) of 50 or higher. Stick with neutrals – a home stager can help you pick the right colour of paint.  Yo want one that will lighten and brighten but also one that will work with the light and the existing finishes in the home.

 

5. Furniture!

You want to make sure your furniture is clean so remove or cover stains and get rid of the pet hair – it just looks so much better. The positioning of the furniture is also very important and this is where you might want to get the help and advice from a professional. Just re-positioning or re-purposing your furniture pieces can make a huge impact. The way we place our furniture pieces can make a room look large or small and remember when it comes to selling your home, bigger is better!

 

6. De-personalize!

This can be the toughest tip to follow especially if it is your family home you are leaving. When people come to tour through your home at the open house, it is important that they can see themselves living in your home and that can be hard with your family photos and memories all over the home. Just think of this part as pre-packing for your move and you’ll see your photos again soon in your new home.

 

How do I get in touch with a home stager? Some real estate teams have stagers on staff, such as the Bennett Property Shop, offer the services of a stager to their clients. They will even have the stager prep your home for the professional photographer so your listing photos look their absolute best!

 

The process of staging can seem like a lot of work but it is worth it. Staged homes sell faster and for more money!

0 comment
Share:
HOME STAGING

Statistics don’t lie!

statistics-dont-lie

 

If you ever wondered if staging your home to sell was worth it, here are some

statistics that should convince you! 

Staged homes SELL 50% faster than unstaged homes

Staged homes sell for (on average) 6 to 10% more than unstaged homes

94% of staged homes SELL in one month or less

98% of staged homes SELL for more than asking price

77% of home buyers view homes first on the internet before booking a showing

63% of buyers are willing to spend more money on a house that is move in ready

87% of buyers said that the overall home presentation was a major factor in their decision to buy

Home staged PRIOR to listing SOLD in 42 days (on average).

Homes staged prior to listing SOLD 79% faster than those staged some time after being listed.

Homes staged post-listing SOLD in 189 days (on average)

Once staged, homes spent 73% less time on the market.

Over 95% of ‘Buyer’s agents’ say that home staging has at least some effect on the buyer’s view of the home.

Over 81% of buyers find it easier to visualize the property as their future home when it’s staged.

Only 10% of Real Estate Agents believe that staging “has no impact” on the dollar value of a home.

Bathroom renovations may net you 75-100% return on your dollar. Kitchens renovations may net you 50-75% return on your dollar.

79% of buyers indicated they would be willing to pay a premium for a home with an updated kitchen.

Storage space–86% ranked it 7out of 10 or higher and 43% ranked it 10 out of 10

Top three interior features for selling were — freshly painted, organized storage and current flooring (from HGTV)

Your investment in staging costs less than the first price reduction.

Buyers only know what they see, not the way it could be!

0 comment
Share:
1…646566