By Johanna Pigeon, Broker

I was just reading an article on tips on how to look great in photos and realized…those tips completely apply when taking photographs of your home when selling!  Most buyers “pre-shop” online so your pictures better catch their eye or they’re off to the next one! 

Here are my home interpretations of those tips!

Practice!

Snap some photos, step back, take a look and see if what you’ve captured is what you’re trying to portray.  Things will stand out in a picture that you never would have noticed other wise.  Move the furniture around.  Edit some more.  If you have a professional photographer coming in, do this exercise beforehand so that everything is in place before she arrives!

Wear the right color

Plan your color scheme so that it‘s all co-ordinated, just like an outfit.  Keep your base neutral then add accent colors with accessories such as cushions, hand towels, a beautiful shawl in lieu of a throw or a well placed bouquet of flowers to lift the room!  Create a natural flow from room to room.

Get your make-up right!

Start with a clean palette! Do a good cleaning so that everything shines! Follow up with a fresh coat of paint as your “foundation“ and keep it fresh…It’s amazing how these two simple tasks make your home look fabulous. Add the finishing touches with strategically placed art work.

Strike a pose

Every room will have its best “side”.  Just as the first tip, practice and see what looks best.  Look at the room from every angle, including high and low!

Look thinner

Ok.  This might be the one time you want your “subject” to look spacious!  Showcase how much room you have…a wide angle lens helps in capturing the smaller rooms.  The pictures should accurately represent your home so please do not stretch the photos…no one will believe your front door is ten feet wide!!!

Find the light

Let in the natural light to make your home feel light yet warm.  A proper flash will also make a great difference to really give you that crisp, clear shot and light up dark corners.  Avoid taking pictures at night unless you have an amazing city view.

By Johanna Pigeon

It you crave unique, creative, open space you‘re likely a loft kinda gal.  Once sought after by artists due to it‘s affordability, loft living has become a very popular choice for those seeking something less traditional which now commands a premium.

A loft typically offers you something a little different from the more “conventional” condo.  Generally, lofts will have higher ceiling height, unconventional layouts and some sort of industrial feel. 

So what’s the difference between “hard” and “soft” lofts??  

The “hard” loft is where a warehouse or industrial type building is converted into residential units with as much of the original features and essence left intact.  A true, “hard” loft is a large open space with no partitions (except for the bathroom!) exposing  original brick, wooden beams, pipes, ductwork, concrete and pillars. They are typically very minimal, raw and the open concept gives you the freedom to create your very own unique space.  Every unit has their own character throughout the building so rarely are two units identical.  Look into noise transference in the building if this is of concern to you.

A  soft loft, is where a builder builds new from ground up but gives you that loft like feel. They are typically much more refined but still offer the high ceilings, large windows and perhaps some concrete feature or exposed ductwork. These lofts give you the sense of light and space while having the comfort and quietness of a new building with distinctly separate rooms.  

Now there are also lofts where a builder keeps the shell of an industrial building but then completely guts the interior offering more “soft” like interior finishes. You have the hard exterior look but a more refined interior.  The jury is still out but purist are hard pressed to call them Hard lofts!

Which one suits your lifestyle??

By Johanna Pigeon

Let’s face it…moving is just not fun! If you plan it right you can make it that much less stressful.

The very first thing on your list is to hire movers.  Just trust me on this one! The cost of hiring the pros is really not much more that renting a van and doing it yourself.  The time you save alone is priceless and you keep peace with your friends.  Make sure they are insured, get a couple of quotes and inquire about additional costs (like if travel time is included?).  Be accurate when discussing the amount of stuff to be moved or better yet, have them come by to see for themselves and get a more accurate figure.

Second, do a thorough edit of what you will actually use in your new place and donate the rest.  This accomplishes two things…you’ll have less to move and gives someone else the pleasure of acquiring your gently used goods.

Contact your health insurance, bank and newspaper/magazine subscriptions

Register your change of address with the postal office

Arrange for the change over of utilities and services….gas company, hydro, cable, phone, etc

Co-ordinate the elevator(s) if necessary.  Call well ahead to get the date you want… Sundays are often out of the question.  Keep in mind a deposit may be required.

Do your last bit of laundry the day before.

Pack and move any valuables yourself.  Mark them as “do not load – for car”

Gather all the keys for the new owners.  Don’t forget the garage and shed keys! Leave the code for the security system if you have one.

Empty the freezer and retrieve your condiments from the fridge!

Make a list of your inventory. Check against the list when the movers unload the truck. Note any damage.

Do you have a moving tip, or a story to share? Post Here!

By Johanna Pigeon

Buyers today are much more savvy and have certain expectations when viewing properties….and sellers are taking note!  Sellers realize that staging their home gives them that edge needed to outshine the competition.  The investment, whether of your own time or financially by hiring a pro, the end results are well worth it!!  The main goal is to the give the buyers a sense of a space with a neutral palette allowing them to envision themselves and their furniture in the home.  Who knows…it might look so good you may not want to move!!

CLEAN!! Get that vacuum and duster out and get at it. Don’t forget the upper cabinets and drapery panels/rods.

Clear out any furnishings that aren’t necessary or blocking hallway/closet access. Give a sense of space not only for living but for storage!

Tidy up countertops, shower stalls, dressers, leaving only necessary items pleasing to the eye.

Touch up paint or repaint if colors are outdated or too loud.

Give your draperies, carpetand bedding a good wash. Keep your laundry out of sight and your beds nicely made.

Rent a storage unit to house extra belongings. There are companiesthat will deliver a storage unit to your address. When all packed up they will return and then store itat a facility until you’re ready to collect.

Take care of minor repairs (caulking in kitchen and bathrooms,install new bulbs, etc) and replace any outdated fixtures.

Curb appeal! Clear pathways, prune bushes and move garbage bins if possible. Add color and dimension with planters.

Afragrant bouquet of flowersis alwayspleasant!

Pay close attention to the front door and your entryway. Leave a lasting first impression…you only get one shot!

One IMPORTANT last step: Take pictures and have a good look.  Would YOU buy this house?

By Johanna Pigeon, Broker 

It is imperative to find the right real estate professional that will understand and listen to your needs.  You will be spending a lot time together, discussing short term and long term goals and going through the stresses that come with such a large decision!  You will want to be completely comfortable with your agent, have total confidence in their skills and maintain clear lines of communication. 

 So where to start?

Ask around…friends, family members or co-workers who can highly recommend a salesperson from positive past experience.

Search the internet with key words that describe the type of home you wish to buy.

Visit open houses in the neighbourhood you want to purchase.  The Salesperson hosting the open house will likely be knowledgeable on surrounding home values and nearby amenities.

Drop in the local Real Estate office and jot down a couple of names.

Look for someone who will take the time to meet with you for a home buying/selling consultation.  You’ll want a real estate professional who will be a consultant, who will get to know your needs, lifestyle and be able to walk you through the buying or selling process.

Ask if they have a list of reliable services such as home inspectors, mortgage brokers and real estate lawyers.

Once you have a short list, set up an appointment and interview them.  You are in fact hiring them so ask your questions and see if you are compatible.

 A good real estate professional takes pride in their work and provides high value service.

Johanna Pigeon, Broker

Mortgage Pre-Approval…Down payment…Deposit…Mortgage Insurance…Closing Costs…Land Transfer Tax…huh?  Are you ready?! Here’s a quick guide to help get your finances in order before you start shopping!

Don’t end up house poor, before you take the plunge find out what you can afford.

• Visit your bank or mortgage broker.  They will pre-qualify you which will determine your home buying power. 
• If you have less than 20% of the purchase price, the mortgage will need to be insured. The premiums can be rolled into your mortgage however the GST on the premiums will need to be paid on closing. 

What happens with your money?

• The ‘deposit’ accompanies your offer of Purchase and Sale and will be held in the listing brokerage’s trust account until you take possession. It will then be credited against the purchase price. 
• Typically a 5% deposit of the purchase price is a sign of good faith (Yes, it might very well be your entire down payment! The deposit amount may differ by city).
• Your deposit should be readily available; if you need a few days to access your funds be sure to arrange for this before you start your search!

Factor in closing costs which are in addition to your down payment. 

• This includes lawyer fees and associated disbursements such as mortgage and deed registration.
• Any adjustments such as prepaid water or property taxes.
• Provicial and City of Toronto land transfer taxes (See here for first-time home buyer rebates)
• Title Insurance.
• Count on roughly 2% of the purchase price for a first time buyer in the city of Toronto, 3% for previous home owners.

 

 Have a question about whether you are ready to buy a home? Post here?

By Johanna Pigeon

Today’s current real estate market conditions may very well present that perfect opportunity for you to move on up!   Love your “starter” home but feel the need for bigger space…getting married, having your first child, craving for that garage parking or simply inching closer to your “dream home”?  With mortgage rates so low you may be pleasantly surprised what you can afford.  By using the equity in your current home, your carrying costs may not be much large than what you’re use to paying! 

Entry level homes are still in demand as first-time buyers are on the prowl… your home may be in their sights!  Depending on where the next home you intend on purchasing is located, that area may have had a more substantial price adjustment over the last few months.  Perfect timing!! 

Sell first or buy first?!  Ah yes…what to do!  Arm yourself with as much information as possible.  Every situation is different! 

Have an in depth conversation with your chosen Real Estate Salesperson to determine the current market value of your existing home (most will be more than pleased to give you a complimentary evaluation). They will also educate you on local market activity and help factor in related costs. 

Contact your bank or mortgage broker and find out how much they will lend you for the next home. Go over different scenarios with them so there are no surprises!  Are you able to carry both properties if your home does not sell in time?  Are there large penalties to be paid in order to discharge the mortgage on closing if you have not yet purchased? 

Being well informed makes for good decision making.

Good luck!