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