Preparing Your Home for Photographs

 

When you put your home on the market, your Realtor® will hire a photographer to take photos of your home to put on MLS and for other advertisements.  People say that photos are worth 1000 words, and real estate is no exception.  However, it is important to realize that the photographer can only take pictures of what is there.  It is not their job to stage your house and prepare it for photos, it’s yours.  To ensure good photographs, consider the following staging ideas.

Bedroom

·         Remove all photographs and knick knacks

·         Make sure bed is made perfectly

·         Remove everything from the floor other than major furniture such as heaters, clothes, toys, stuffed animals, toy boxes, clothes hampers etc. – set it aside for the photo and then you can move it back

·         Remove all items from on top of dressers and side tables other than lamps

Kitchen

·         Remove any items from the top of fridge

·         Remove any items on the fridge such as magnets or pictures

·         Put away any towels that may be hanging from the oven

·         Put away all appliances!  This one makes a huge difference for photos.  All toasters, blenders, crockpots etc. need to be put in the cupboards for the photos

·         All pots, pans, knife racks, and food items need to be put out of site

·         Remove dish racks, sponges, soap, paper towel, clothes and put in cupboards for photos

Living Room

·         Remove all family photos and knick knacks

·         If you have a throw, make sure it is neatly folded and consider putting it away for the photo

·         Clean off coffee table

Dining Room

·         Clear off dining table

·         Make sure chairs are neatly tucked in

·         Remove any knick knacks and family photos

Bathroom

·         Everything needs to be put away

o   Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, scrubbies, need to be put away for photos

o   Hair brush, make-up items, soap, sponges need to be removed for photo

o   If you have a bath mat, consider removing it for photo

Although this seems like a lot, it will make the world of difference.  In addition, you need to clean, clean, clean.  All closets should be neat and tidy and everything needs to be put where it belongs.  Also consider picking up a couple of bouquets of flowers to brighten the place up – or ask your realtor® to.

I hope this helps with the prep and lets your house sell faster.  If you would like any more tips or are looking for a realtor® to assist you in the sale of your home, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  I am happy to assist you in all of your real estate needs.

Sincerely,

Astra Mulawka
Sales Representative
Better Homes and Gardens
Real Estate Signature Service

Tips on Furnishing your Home

 It’s always exciting buying new furniture, whether it is for a brand new place or you just want to spruce up where you already live.   However, it can also get expensive quick and get a bit out of control.  Consider the following tips when you are looking to buy new home furnishings.

1.    Shop Around.  Although a store may have exactly what you are looking for, another might have the same item (or something better) at a lower costs.  Go to a few different places to compare prices (don’t forget about prices of delivery etc. too, if you need it) and quality of products and warranties.

2.    Read Reviews.  Some discount and no name stores may have great deals on what you are looking for, but do your research.  Look at reviews for the business.  Make sure they are reputable and professional.  Ask the stores about their policies are for refunds, exchanges, and delivery etc.

3.    Make sure you have seen it and felt it before you buy it.  Always insist on seeing floor models.  This way you can test it out and check the quality of the product.  You can also see the actual colour of it as sometimes colours don’t translate very well in pictures.

4.    Read the contract.  As with anything you sign, take the time to read the contract to ensure you understand what you are agreeing to.

If you feel you were wrong done by in any way or want to know your rights as a home furnishings purchaser, go to www.sse.gov.on.ca/msc/en/Pages/Home_Furnishings_Rights.aspx to learn your rights when buying home furnishings.

Sincerely,

Astra Mulawka
Sales Representative
Better Homes and Gardens
Real Estate Signature Service

How to handle a dispute with your landlord

 Almost every renter and every landlord you come across will be able to tell you stories about having to deal with each other.  It can be a complicated relationship even on the best of days.  When disputes arise between tenants and landlords, as they often do, it is important to keep calm and deal with it properly and responsibly.  Keep the following tips in mind if this ever happens to you or someone you know:

1.       The first step in handling a dispute is deciding exactly how big the issue is.  Don’t sweat the little stuff.  Make sure any problems you come across are worth creating any dispute.

2.       If you decide that the dispute is worth your time and effort, start recording everything.  Make sure you keep notes, take pictures, record dates, and keep copies of any contact between you and your landlord.  Once a dispute starts, you never quite know where it will end up.  You may just end up needing this paper trail.

3.       Check the Law.  It makes everything a lot less stressful and gives you leverage when the law is on your side. 

4.       Talk to them!  They are just people.  Arrange a meeting and stay calm.  Listen to what they have to say.  Make sure you know each other’s expectations and create a follow up plan.

5.       If the meeting didn’t help, decide how far you want to go.  Perhaps you can both agree to terminate the lease and both go your separate ways.  If not, check the local laws and procedures for housing court. 

I hope these tips help you resolve any issues that may come between you and your landlord.  If you need help looking for a new place to live, please contact me and I will be happy to assist you in finding your new home.

Sincerely,

Astra Mulawka
Sales Representative
Better Homes and Gardens
Real Estate Signature Service

Mortgage Helper

Tired of paying rent?   Have enough money saved for a down payment?  Why not buy a house and let someone else pay your mortgage?

Whether you are just starting out, want to pay your mortgage off faster, or would just like some extra cash in your pocket, creating a second apartment within your home is a great option.

The first step is ensuring that you have a proper space to rent out.  Many people spend a little extra money finishing their basements and once it is rented they get that money back quick, add value to the house, and then start to make extra money.

Keep in mind, being a landlord isn’t always as easy as it seems.  Finding the right tenant or tenants is key.  If you have a good tenant, your home will be kept in good shape, your rent cheques will be on time, and other than that you will barely even notice that they are there.  However, if you get a bad tenant, your home could endure severe damage, they could be noisy and annoy your neighbours, and getting your rent could be a hassle.  Sometimes it is hard to tell what type of tenants people are when you meet them.  Therefore it is important that you do your homework, or get a realtor® to do it for you.

Using a realtor® in renting out your home is a great option that keeps it simple for you.  They will market the rental to ensure it will be promptly filled, will prepare a detailed contract that protects you as a homeowner and landlord, and will screen any applicants for you.  Your realtor® will verify employment letters, credit checks, bank statements, references, and talk to their previous landlords to try and find you the best tenant possible.

If you would like to rent out your house or part of your house as a mortgage helper now, please don’t hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

Astra Mulawka
Sales Representative
Better Homes and Gardens
Real Estate Signature Service

Colours and Moods - What to consider when painting your home.

We all know that some colours make us feel some emotions while other colours make us feel others.  When thinking about painting your home, consider the studies on moods and colours.  Here is a quick overview on colours and the moods and emotions they often evoke in people.

 

 

Red:  Red is known to raise blood pressure, increase respiration, and speed up your heart rate.  For this reason it raises a room’s energy level.  It is good in dining rooms and living rooms to stimulate conversation but should be avoided in places like bedrooms.

Yellow: Yellow is great in small doses.  In small doses it makes people cheerful and offers a welcoming feeling.  However too much yellow has been known to make people lose their tempers and get frustrated easier.  In studies, babies cry more when in a yellow room.

Blue: Blue is known to lower blood pressure, slow respiration and slow heart rates.  Lighter shades offer a calming, relaxing, and serene sense, while darker shades of blue are linked to sad feelings. However, be warned that large area of blues can bring a chilly feeling effect.

Green: Green, being a mix of blue and yellow creates feelings of restfulness as well as happiness.  Green is suited for most rooms in the house as it relieves stress.  Some people believe green is great in the bedroom as it helps with fertility.

Purple: Purples such as eggplant offer feelings of luxury and create a rich and dramatic effect.  It is a good option for the bedroom as it has a restful effect.

Orange: Orange is a nice and bright colour that brings the feelings of excitement, enthusiasm, and energy.

I hope this helped if you are trying to decide what colours to paint.  Have fun with it!

Sincerely,

Astra Mulawka
Sales Representative
Better Homes and Gardens
Real Estate Signature Service

Modern Versus Contemporary Design - What is the difference?

Since people often use the words modern and contemporary interchangeably, it fools people in to thinking that they mean the same thing; Even the thesaurus recognizes them as synonyms!  In this article I will explain the differences and some of the similarities between Modern and Contemporary Design.

When someone says modern, we think up to date.  However it is actually the opposite, modern design is quite old.  Modern design refers to “the modern style” from the modernism movement and mid-century modern.  This style of design offers simplicity and function.  It usually uses open floor plans, strong lines, and natural or neutral colours.  Modern design is a style that doesn’t change but stays the same as it is from a different time period.

Contemporary design style belongs to the present.  Therefore it is ever changing.  Contemporary designs blend many different design styles and mirror whatever is “new and in style”. In contemporary design, you will often see extreme colour schemes and “futuristic” designs that reflect the current and ever-changing times.

These two different design styles are often confused with one another because they both seem to reflect simple, uncluttered spaces that have clean lines.

I hope this helped clear up the confusion!  If you have any questions or still aren’t sure if your home is modern or contemporary, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Astra Mulawka
Sales Representative
Better Homes and Gardens
Real Estate Signature Service

Feng Shui

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art and science that helps create good energy flow and balance in your home. Some believe that it also helps improve relationships, allows your health to flourish and brings good fortune.  Feng Shui involves the placement of furniture and other objects and their directions and anything to achieve positive energy flow and balance. I am no expert, but it is said that to increase the Feng Shui in your bedroom, you should:

 

·         Ensure your bed is not in line with any doors – make sure your feet aren’t pointing to any doors, may they be balcony doors, closet doors, or the room door

·         Do not put any mirrors facing the bed

·         You should have a good headboard and a solid wall behind your bed

·         Avoid putting your bed underneath a window

·         Have equal space and placement of furniture on either side of your bed

o   Make sure you can access the bed from both sides

o   If you have a night table on one side, put one on the other side to maintain balance

For More information on Feng Shui, there are many classes you can take and a world of information. Good luck and have fun with it.  I hope it creates some better energy in you home and life.

Sincerely,

Astra Mulawka
Sales Representative
Better Homes and Gardens
Real Estate Signature Service

Plants that are Great for Indoors and Easy to Keep

Plants are a great way to brighten up a space and give it a fresh new look.  Some plants however are easier to keep than others.  In addition, certain plants offer other great benefits such as filtering the air and making it smell fresh.

For all of you that don’t have a “green thumb” (myself included), there are some plants that are hardier than others.  I recommend the following plants for indoor use:

 

• Aloe: Aloe is great to have around for its medicinal properties and it is also very easy to take care of.  It likes room temperature, can survive on low to bright light and doesn’t need frequent watering.  It doesn't get much easier than that!



•     Spider Plants:  Despite their unappealing name, Spider Plants have stayed in style as they are nice looking and work great as hanging plants.  They thrive at room temperature with moist soil and medium to bright light.

•         Jade Plants: These are great looking plants that can range from tiny to quite large and can live for a very long time.  They don’t require much water, are happy at room temperature and flourish in bright light – so put it by a window!


•       Peace Lily:  Peace Lilies are very elegant looking plants.  They like low light, moist soils, and flourish at normal room temperatures.



•       Areca Palm:  This is a great option if you are looking for a large focal piece and want a tropical feel.  It does well in indirect light with the soil somewhat dry.

If none of these interest you, there are many many other options.  Just look online or ask at the plant store!  Have fun plant shopping J

Sincerely,

Astra Mulawka
Sales Representative
Better Homes and Gardens
Real Estate Signature Service

Real Estate Agents - What do they do?

If you have never worked with a realtor® you may wonder what exactly they do and what they get paid for.  Realtors® will make the experience of buying or selling a home smooth and stress free.  They have been through the process time and time again and you can feel confident that things are being done professionally, right and by the law.

As a home seller, your realtor® should:

• Answer any and all questions you have about the home selling process and be available at all times.
• Ensure that your rights as a home seller are protected in selling what is most likely one of your biggest assets.
•  Evaluate your home and give you home staging advice to help you net more for your home.
• Prepare a CMA (comparative market analysis) telling you what price range your home should be listed at and why it should be at that price point.
• Take good quality photographs that highlight the best features of your home or hire a professional photographer
•   Ensure that your home is marketed right to attract as many potential buyers as possible.
• Upload your home to MLS so that all realtors® have access to your home.
• Once you have received an offer, go through it step by step with you so that you understand it and negotiate on your behalf.
•  Handle all the details once you have an accepted offer including hiring other professionals such as home inspectors and lawyers if you need them.
• Keep in touch to ensure you are happy with your sale.

As a home buyer, your realtor® should:

•  Answer any and all questions you have about the home buying process and be available at all times.
•  Find homes for you that fit your wants and needs.
• Show you homes.
• Offer you expert advice on home values.
•  Prepare any offers that you want and ensure you are satisfied with all the terms and understand it completely.
• Present the offer on your behalf.
• Negotiate (if required) on your behalf.
• Handle all the details once your offer is accepted and ensure the deal goes through.
• Recommend and hire any addition professionals such as home inspectors or lawyers if needed.
•  Keep in touch to ensure you are happy with your purchase.

Many realtors®, myself included, go beyond these basic duties.  If your realtor® is not meeting your needs, consider finding one that will.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in or around the GTA, please don’t hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

Astra Mulawka
Sales Representative
Better Homes and Gardens
Real Estate Signature Service

Common Home Seller Mistakes that Cost You in the Long Run

If you have decided to sell your home, consider the following mistakes often made by sellers.  By noting these it will make your home selling process much smoother and less stressful.  It will also probably get you more money for your home in a quicker amount of time.

1.       Mistake: Not getting a pre-listing home inspection done.

Many sellers pass this off, saying that there is nothing wrong with their home and therefore they don’t need a home inspection done.  However, home inspectors are professionals who are trained at looking at both the immediate and future repairs as well as any possible issues the home may have.  They also note easy problems that you can address on your own time before negotiating with a buyer over repair costs.  In the end, getting this pre-inspection done can save you both time and money.

2.       Mistake: Not prepping your home.

Some sellers don’t want to prepare their home for sale, but instead want to try and sell it as is.  This is a big mistake and I can’t emphasize that enough.  By putting your house on the market unpainted with things needing repairs it is going to stay on the market and if you get an offer, it is most likely going to be below asking price.  By sprucing it up with a new coat of paint and fixing the little things, buyers will be much more willing to consider the house. You will find that the house will sell quicker and for a higher price.

3.       Mistake: Choosing the wrong realtor.
Instead of looking for a well-known realtor® that has good reputation for listing houses, some people tend to go with realtors® that are close to the family or are friends of friends.  Don’t make this mistake.  Pick a realtor® who you know will market your home correctly and get you the most for your home in the least amount of time.

4.       Mistake: Not thinking about curb appeal.
The first thing a potential buyer sees is the outside of your home and as we all have heard before – first impressions are everything.  If a buyer doesn’t like the look of the outside of your home, they may not even want to go in it.  Consider taking the time or hiring someone to pull weeds, paint the front door, and clean windows.

5.       Mistake: Not disclosing information.

Not disclosing information is a mistake that you will end up paying for down the road.  If you don’t disclose the information the buyers will find out before or after the sale. If they find out before, you will end up in repair negotiations.  If they find out after, you could end up in court with a lawsuit.  Neither situation is good, so it is always better to disclose all information about your home.  To clarify disclosing information it is telling potential buyers information such as a leaky roof in winter or a pest problem.

6.       Mistake: Overpricing your home.

When you price your home, you ultimately determine who will and who won’t look at the house.  You have to remember that the real estate is competitive and if your home is overpriced, buyers will go on to the next one without second thought.  Listen to the advice of your realtor who can give you a comparative market evaluation for your home to make sure it is listed at the correct price.

7.       Mistake: Not preparing for a showing.

One major part of selling your home is having showings.  Once you list your home on the market, expect showings at all times.  Make sure you and everyone else living there keeps the place clean and presentable.  Also, if you have pets, consider locking them up for the showing.   In addition, try to make your home as neutral looking and smelling as possible.

Now that you know some of the major and costly mistakes that home sellers make, you can avoid them.  If you are looking to put your home on the market, please don’t hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

Astra Mulawka
Sales Representative
Better Homes and Gardens
Real Estate Signature Service 

Improving Curb Appeal

When your home is for sale, the outside is what all prospective buyers see first.  Whether they are driving by and see the sign out front or are brought by a realtor, it is important that your home makes a great first impression.

If you can’t tell what needs improving consider asking a friend or neighbour for an objective opinion of what needs to be done.  In addition, ask your realtor®.  They will be able to tell you what prospective buyers want to see and what will help your home sell quicker and for a higher price.

For starters, consider the following:

1. Remove all clutter - let’s face it, whether we have kids, a pet, or are just plain messy, we all have too much clutter in our homes.  Make sure any toys or tools are put away in their proper location so that they are out of sight when buyers arrive.
2. Make your lawn look manicured and well taken care of.  Repair any bumpy spots in your drive way.  Make sure any walkway surfaces are clear and slip free.  What about your lawn?  Does it need a top dressing?  Consider having your trees and shrubs pruned to remove all of the dead wood and buying some flower filled planters to brighten the place up and increase appeal.
3. Take a look at your house.  Are your windows clean and cobweb free?  Is your front door clean or does it need a new coat of paint?  Is your gate squeak free and easy to open?  Are your eaves and downspouts clean?  Does your deck look good or could it use a new coat of paint or stain.  Is your entrance easy to access?
4. Make sure your home looks bright and inviting.  Ensure all outside lights are working and are clean and clear of dirt.  Is it still dark? Consider increasing the lighting or trimming the bushes.  You want your home to look as bright and welcoming as possible.

Although this will take some time, you will be happy you did it.  Curb appeal is what makes people decide whether to stop at an open house, pick up a feature sheet, and call an agent to go see it.  Its importance should not be overlooked when you decide it is time to put your house up on the market for sale and will set you above the other homes on the market.

If you are thinking about listing you home for sale, please don’t hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

Astra Mulawka
Sales Representative
Better Homes and Gardens
Real Estate Signature Service

Home Inspections - Why they should always be made a MUST when buying or selling a home

Home inspections can be requested by sellers and buyers alike.  A home inspection is a thorough and in comprehensive examination of the condition of a house.  Home inspections are done on-site (at the house) and assess any issues or problems that the structure of the home may have.  An inspection will make the sellers and buyers aware of any repairs that need to be done on the home.

Home inspectors will typically check the following elements of a home:

•          The foundation
•          Windows and doors
•          Roof
•          Exterior walls
•          Attic
•          Plumbing
•          Electrical systems
•          Insulation
•          Ventilation systems
•          Drainage systems
•          Structural integrity

I always recommend that the buyers and sellers attend the inspection while it is in progress so that they can ask any questions they may have about the phone.  However, if you are unable to attend, your realtor® will.  Also, the home inspector will complete a report detailing their findings about the property’s condition and any repairs that need to be done at the time of examination.

A Home inspection generally costs between $350 and $600, but this can vary depending on the inspector and company and the size and condition of the house.  Although this may seem high, it could save you thousands of dollars in the long run and may help you negotiate a lower price on the home.

In Ontario, Home Inspectors are not required to be licenced or have any qualifications.  Therefore, you must be sure that the home inspector you hire is experienced, knowledgeable, and professional.  Ask for quotes and references from a couple different inspectors and check their references. You can also ask your realtor which inspectors they have had good experiences with.  Most inspectors have experience in similar fields such as engineering, architecture, or construction.  Ask them about this to be sure you find one that knows exactly what they are doing and what to look for to give you the best possible detailed report.

If you are looking at purchasing or selling real estate, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to assist you.  I have a number of different home inspectors that I use and that do great jobs and reports.

Sincerely,

Astra Mulawka
Sales Representative
Better Homes and Gardens
Real Estate Signature Service

Buying a Home that has been a Rental Property

Most of the homes that are for sale are occupied by the owners, but a fair amount of them are occupied by tenants.  This can happen if it was used as an investment property or if the owners had to move before their home sold.  Although it doesn’t really matter who was living in the home before you, renters are often harder on the home they are living in than the owners are and therefore you should keep in mind the following points and tips.

Check the condition of the home

Some rental properties have amazing tenants and are in perfect shape.  The tenants have kept up with the maintenance and maybe have even made some improvements on the place.  Other rental properties have bad tenants and are hard on a house creating additional wear and tear and not keeping up with the maintenance.  Also, keep in mind, if the tenant does not want to move, they may make the place look bad during the showing.  Try to keep in mind that you are looking at the house…not its contents.

Make sure to get a Home Inspection

No matter what kind of house you buy, tenant occupied or other, it is always important to get a home inspection.  The home inspector will be able to tell you exactly what shape the home is in and any repairs that need to be done now or in the future.  This can help you in negotiations.  If there was an unexpected problem with the house, you can often offer a lower price for the home.

Think Money

Sometimes a home is both owner and tenant occupied.  This can sometimes be a great aspect, especially if you are trying to make some money.  Renting out a part of your home (most often the basement) is a great way to make additional income.  If the tenant staying there looks like they have taken good care of the place and pays their rent on time, consider renting it to them after you have bought the place.  This lets you not have to worry or look for more tenants.

If you are ready to start looking for a home, don’t hesitate to contact me and I am happy to assist you.

Sincerely, 

Astra Mulawka
Sales Representative
Better Homes and Gardens
Real Estate Signature Service