The challenge of flat screen televisions, especially those hung on walls and above the fireplace is what to do with all the cables.  You will have the electric cord, the cable cord and maybe the DVD player cord.  Okay, maybe there is the satellite cord with a PVR.  It is not a pretty sight.  Those cords dangle down from the TV cross the wall and snake over to the machines and outlets.  Depending on your budget, the solutions include wireless cable, covering the cords by running them through a channel mounted on the wall, drilling into the wall and running the cords behind the wall or, if on brick, digging out a bit or mortar and wedging the cables in between the bricks (I don't like this option).  You may need a combination of these.  All of them cost a bit of money and or effort but... 04/17/2011

Some Home Sellers do not want a "For Sale" sign in front of their homes.  It might be that they are private people and don't want the neighbours to know their business.  It might be that they don't want to mow around the sign or have their view blocked.  It could be any reason but....  I highly encourage Sellers to agree to a sign.  It is cheap, visible advertising.  It lets neighbours and passers-by know that your home is available.  Some of the best prospective Buyers are the friends and relatives of the neighbours.  Why?  Because they already know the area and know people in the 'hood'.  When you are selling, use every form of marketing available It is spring.  For Sale signs should pop up on the lawn like dandelions. 04/12/2011

It is spring and you are thinking of putting your house on the market or your home is on the market but not selling.  Buyers are out there driving by listings and determining if they are going to call their agent for a showing.  Your curb appeal, all year round but especially in the spring, is vital to getting people in the house.  Here are three things you can do, right now, to improve your sale. Remove all the debris in your yard including the dog poop.  Even if you don't have a dog, the dog walkers in the neighbourhood may not have done a stoop to scoop every time their dogs stopped.  Wash all the windows.  They will sparkle from the street and let more light into the house. Sweep the steps and sidewalk and remove the old "Welcome" mat which isn't that welcoming after a hard winter.... 04/02/2011

You wear only 20% of what you own.  When selling your home, you will want prospective buyers to think that your closets are big enough for them and their clothes.  It is imperative that your closets not be jammed to the rafters.  I am sure that you have seen those decluttering shows where the person has gone from being unable to see into the closet to having a closet with clothes on hangers and neatly organized.  How on earth did they go from a bazillion items to so little.  Here are a couple of tricks that were used and that you can apply yourself.  You wear only 20% of what is in your closet on a regular basis.  That means that you can safely eliminate 80% of your closet and not go naked in the streets.  In the 80% there may be a couple of items that you have to save for sentimental ... 12/09/2010

Everyone knows that the Buyer is not buying the furniture and decorations.  Sellers will often argue that there is no payback in "staging" their home.  The hope and feeling is that Buyers can look beyond the owners' decorations and personal items.  In fact, there is a payback.  Look at the picture above of how a hotel bed is made.  What does a bed that looks like that, with crisp linens and fluffy pillows, say?  To a buyer, who is spending time imaging themselves living in your home, a bed like this will have the Buyer saying: I can see myself sleeping in this room. This bedroom is a retreat where I can go at the end of the day. Look honey, we can put a lock on the door and keep the kids out. If the bedroom is any indication, the rest of the house must be as neat and clean. Well, the b... 11/11/2010

Paint your door.  What?  Paint wood?  Most men will think that you will be struck dead from painting a wood door (or any wood in the house for that matter) but... Consider painting your front door. When I was in Ireland I fell in love with the doors painted in high gloss primary colours.  What a treat!!!!  You are going to or living in the house with the yellow (or red, or green or blue) door.  From a long line of homes on a street, it will be apparent which one is yours by the colour of the door. Where the same builders have built every house on the block or in the neighbourhood, you might want a way to distinguish your home from others. Get together with your neighbours and think of painting each door a different colour.  Imagine the impact!  Think of what fun it would be to take your... 10/13/2010

Getting to you know your real estate representative (RER) is very important - most people just call the agent on the sign in front of a house that might be of interest to them.   Who do you think that RER is working for?  If your answer is "The Seller" you are right.   Her responsibility is to represent the Seller and look after his best interest.  You, the Buyer, will be provided with the facts about the property and you are basically on your own.  So before you start looking for a house, I would suggest that you do some research and interview a few RERs and find one that will do the job for YOU.  One that makes you feel as you are number ONE.   She must represent your best interests and get you the best deal possible.  Your RERs job is to show as many properties  on the market that me... 12/27/2009

This gorgeous "Log Home" has many beautiful features you won't want to miss your chance to call this place home! Take a look at the many inclusions: Fridge, stove, hood fan, dishwasher, microwave, auto garage door opener + remote(s), drapes, hot water tank, HVAC, all existing light fixtures, window coverings, high efficiency furnace and hot water tank, humidifier, electronic air cleaner, 2 electric fireplaces, Murray riding lawn mower ‘08' with 42 inch cut & 12.5 horse power, gas BBQ ‘09', home theatre (projector, Panasonic surround sound XFM, 5CD changer, HDMI connections), central air, and much more! Now $399,900 10/09/2009

A Custom Built Home in Chesterville 13424 County Road 9 (Chesterville) $399,900 Gorgeous Log Home wrap around porch, nestled in quiet Village fully serviced.Quality construction,3 3/4" hrdwd thru-out,attention to energy efficient/green lifestyle.Open concept,breathtaking stairs,cathedral ceiling,2 bdrms on main,master w/luxury ens,loft+4th in p/fin. bsmt.Thomasville gourmet kit w/ SS gas appliances,breakfast nook,walk in pantry, PP drawers.Deck 20x16,detatched garage 24x30.Including mower,gas bbq,home theatre,cat5. Taxes: $4000/2009 Virtual Tour: http://www.Obeo.com/557082 For More Information On A Custom Built Home in Chesterville Please Click 09/14/2009