Elizabeth For Homes

Avoid These 8 Staging Mistakes!

Esquared Homes — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:45:00 GMT

You may love your home, but that doesn’t mean that everyone coming through the door will feel the same way. What may be “charming” to the seller may seem off-putting to a prospective buyer. Many sellers attempt to stage their home themselves and, in doing so, create mistakes that can actually sidetrack the sale of their homes. Here are some of the biggest staging mistakes, according to professional home stagers.

1. Getting too personal: Home staging is meant to create a neutral canvas that will appeal to the majority of buyers. Staging is all about de-personalizing the space, and creating more of a luxury hotel or a model home look that will appeal to most everyone. This is not the time to bring in your unique style and create a look that appeals to just you.

2 . Using dark colors: If painting, you should choose a nice, neutral and warm color, such as beige tones, grey tones, or light blue or pale greens. You’ll be amazed at the transformation a few coats of fresh paint will make on your home.

3. Not taking advantage of natural light: People love natural light, so blocking off any light with heavy curtains or furniture can hurt your sale, especially if the home has attractive views. Anything dated in a home is a turn-off to a potential buyer and window treatments are one of them.

4. Thinking more is better: Scale down your furniture. The size of the furniture needs to be in balance with the scale of the room and the other furniture in it. Remember that the purpose of furniture when selling a home is to define the purpose of the room and to show what will fit where. It is not meant to show that you can provide seating for 15 in your living room and every seat has a side table to rest drinks on.

5. Leaving pets at home: You need to remove all traces of animals from the house and make sure “Fido” or “Sunshine” is away during showings. Having a pet could kill a sale before someone even steps into a house.

6. Neglecting the outside: People care about the outside space just as much as the inside, so add flowers, make sure the lawn is mowed, the yard is tidy and add a few backyard accessories for the kids.

7. Only dealing with “main” rooms: People are quick to stage living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms, but don’t forget to spruce up the garage, basement and closets as well.

8. Forgetting fixtures: When staging a home, it’s important to ensure all lights are burning with fresh bulbs, and that all fixtures are working.

Remember, staging a home means showcasing the property’s many features, not concealing its flaws. Make sure your house is in good condition and use staging to cast the home in the best light.

Come Visit Us Sunday

Esquared Homes — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:16:00 GMT

Roseland, Burlington - We invite everyone to visit our OPEN HOUSE at 414 Pine Cove Road on January 29 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

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New Listing in Roseland, Burlington..Beauty, Warmth, Value...

Esquared Homes — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:49:00 GMT

• 1 bath, 3 bdrm 1 1/2 story - MLS®

One and a half storey, 3 bedroom home situated in the prime Roseland area of south Burlington. Fabulous curb appeal. Backing onto greenspace. Large deck ideal for entertaining. Upgrades include high efficiency furnace, air conditioning, tankless hot water heater, renovated kitchen and bathroom, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors. Main floor laundry, main floor master bedroom. No wasted space! Tuck & Nelson school district. A great find for the most discerning buyers!

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Never too late to change...

Esquared Homes — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:50:00 GMT

At any time, you can decide to change the road you're on in life, take a new direction, follow a new trail. You are the only one who really knows what you want from life and if you're on the right road for you. You are the only one who can fulfill your dreams and receive the joys and happiness that come from reaching those aspirations and goals.

Don't expect others to be responsible for your happiness and your success. You must take control and be in charge of your destiny and day-to-day situations. Take advice (most of the time it's free) and listen to what others have to say and what concerns they have; it's important to have different points of view. But always validate those words of wisdom with your own set of standards and make sure that the advice has meaning to your sense of reality.

You must understand yourself enough to know what you want in life and what desires you believe are worthwhile for your future. You need to depend upon yourself and your talents. Appreciate others for their personal skills and abilities, but always continue to focus on your own strengths and energies. Life is much too short to spend it worrying about someone else's accomplishments or expecting someone else to be responsible for making your life better.

If you have dreams, then you have a purpose. You have something to believe in and work towards obtaining. Dedicate yourself to yourself. Promise yourself a life filled with love, and then whatever roads you travel will be the roads you want them to be.

Fireplaces Provide A Warm Glow to a Home on the Market!

Esquared Homes — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:47:00 GMT

With winter weather gripping most of the country the fireplace takes on greater importance in the sale of a home.

The National Association of REALTORS^® recently conducted a survey that found nearly two-thirds of homebuyers had a fireplace on their wish list. The fireplace has become a coveted amenity and homes boasting this feature see its benefits during resale. “The fireplace is a focal point when people come to see your home,” said Hillary Staats, an interior designer for Sanctuary on Church in Vienna, Va.

That’s why it’s important to make sure that the look of your fireplace has been updated and is working properly. An older looking fireplace that seems an eye-sore can be easily updated. “There is a lot you can do to enhance the fireplace before a sale. A lot of times, if it has older brick, I will re-stone a fireplace. Other times it could be as simple as changing mantels, adding a fancier screen or placing a beautiful piece of art above it.”

Transformation materials that are inexpensive and easy to work with are tile, manufactured stone, granite, marble and wood. Sometimes even painting over old, ugly brick will make a huge improvement. “A masonry fireplace can really set a home apart from the rest and significantly improve resale value,” said Larry Kett, owner of Kett’s Hearth and Home in Grand Rapids, Mich. “Adding a mantel also helps. An engaging fireplace and mantel can provide grandeur for an otherwise ho-hum room.”

Keeping the mantel clean and uncluttered is also a must. “You want the fireplace to look inviting but not cluttered, so keep the mantel clear of all photos and knickknacks,” Staats said. “It’s fine to decorate with accessories, but they shouldn’t distract from the fireplace itself.”

If you want to add a fireplace to improve your home’s resale value, consider an electric fireplace as it’s often the least expensive option and reasonably easy to install.

Gas fireplaces are more common today and easy to use, plus they can be installed just about anywhere. There is no need for a chimney, wood or even matches with this type of fireplace and there is no mess to clean up either. Ceramic log kits are efficient and look like the real deal, without ashes to clean up.

Finally, regardless of the season, a fireplace should be kept clean and in working order. “You want your buyer to go home feeling really great about that room and knowing they can move in and sit in front of that wonderful fireplace and hearth,” Staats said. “There are few things as warm and inviting as a burning fire on a wintry day.”

Be our guest at 669 Carmen Court, Sunday!

Esquared Homes — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:20:00 GMT

669 Carmen Court, Burlington - We invite everyone to visit our open house on Sunday January 15 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

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New Listing! Perfection Plus...

Esquared Homes — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:19:00 GMT

Finished on all levels!

• 1,773 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm - MLS® $458,000

Gorgeous 4 level side-split on a quiet kid-friendly court. Double garage converted to Dining Room and heated workshop. Spacious principle rooms include Family Room with gas fireplace & French doors to the back patio, separate formal Dining Room, Living Room with gas fireplace and built-in window seat on the bay window overlooking the front yard. Generous sized Master Bedroom with lots of closet space. Updated 4 piece bathroom. Lower level Recreation Room is perfect for the kids to play or as a games room. Hardwood floors throughout. Beautifully finished on all levels. Backyard is an entertainer’s delight offering many different seating areas with a patio, deck and gazebo plus space for a pool. Many updates are evident through-out the home. Call now to book your personal tour!

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Sweep Your Heart Clean for 2012!

Esquared Homes — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:03:00 GMT

By Forgiving...

You hear people say this all the time: “I have a right to be upset because of the way I’ve been treated. I have a right to be angry, hurt, depressed, sad, and resentful.” Learning to avoid this kind of thinking is one of my secrets for living a life of inner peace, success, and happiness. Anytime you’re filled with resentment, you’re turning the controls of your emotional life over to others to manipulate.

Removing resentment and blame from your life means never assigning responsibility to anyone for what you’re experiencing. It means that you’re willing to say, “I may not understand why I feel this way, why I have this illness, why I’ve been victimized, or why I had this accident, but I’m willing to say without any guilt or resentment that I own it. I live with, and I am responsible for, having it in my life.” Why do this? If you take responsibility for having it, then at least you have a chance to also take responsibility for removing it or learning from it.

First, you have to get past blame. Then you have to learn to send love to all, rather than anger and resentment. Just as no one can define you, neither do you have the privilege of defining others. When you stop judging and simply become an observer, you will know inner peace. With that sense of inner peace, you’ll find yourself free of the negative energy of resentment, and you’ll be able to live a life of contentment. A bonus is that you’ll find that others are much more attracted to you. A peaceful person attracts peaceful energy.

At the root of virtually all spiritual practice is the notion of forgiveness. Think about every single person who has ever harmed you, cheated you, defrauded you, or said unkind things about you. Your experience of them is nothing more that a thought that you carry around with you. These thoughts of resentment, anger, and hatred represent slow, debilitating energies that will disempower you. If you could release them, you would know more peace.

You practice forgiveness for two reasons: to let others know that you no longer wish to be in a state of hostility with them and to free yourself from the self-defeating energy of resentment. Send love in some form to those you feel have wronged you and notice how much better you feel.

Start 2012 with a clean heart and see how great it feels and through good feelings what amazing opportunities lie ahead for you!!

Have a safe & Happy New Year's!!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from e2!!

Esquared Homes — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:13:00 GMT

Wow, this has been a fast year, it's hard to imagine that Christmas is only days away. Are you done shopping? Are you prepared to embrace the festivities? I know all the little children are excited for Santas visit, and the bigger children excited to get all their gifts too!

2011 has been a year of ups and downs, most definitely a year of positive change. That's how life is in our world...I'm an avid believer in if something doesn't work, change it. If people are negative and bringing you down, get them out of your life...because, as we can see from 2011 alone, time flies by and truly, what is the point in staying in a situation that makes you entirely miserable or what's the point of being around people who are selfish or negative or simply suck the energy out of you.

The Christmas season and heading into the New Year is a great time to reflect on your immediate past and figure what you want, who you want to spend time with, prioritize how you want spend your time in your life for it to continue to grow. What changes (either physically or mentally) do you need to make in your life.Of course, it's mainly a time to spend with loved ones and family members you may or may not often see through out the year...It's a great opportunity to sit down over that wonderful turkey dinner and actually share some laughs, communicate with each other and find out how everyone else's year has been. Perhaps even ask them about their goals and what changes they'd like for the New Year.

So after the gift giving and merriment, and as we focus on 2012 take time to think about what you actually want. Do you still want to be where you are now? In the same job? In the same house? Are you happpy? Would you like to make changes but scared to? Do the people in your life fulfill you? Family, friends etc. Things to ponder and ask yourself.

On a lighter note we would simply like to wish all of you amazing people a very Merry Christmas!! May 2012 be filled with peace, love and prosperity in abundance!!

Our Best.

I believe...

Esquared Homes — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:06:00 GMT

I believe-
That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I believe-
That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I believe-
That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them

I believe-
That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I believe-
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I believe-
That regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.

I believe-
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I believe-
That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time!

I believe-
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe-
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I believe-
That just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

I believe-
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe-
That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe-
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe-
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe-
That two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I believe-
That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I believe-
That the people you care about most in life are the essence of life. Tell them today how much you love them and what they mean to you.

Renovations...Is It Worth The Cost?

Esquared Homes — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:09:00 GMT

A stressful part of putting your home on the market is trying to figure out what to fix and upgrade to get the very best price. An experienced agent will recommend projects to consider and ones to avoid. After all, just because you put money into a renovation project doesn’t mean you will recoup the money in a sale.

You may also want to consult Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report for a breakdown of typical returns on renovation projects large and small. The 24th annual edition published earlier this year contains input from some of the country’s top remodeling professionals and ranked 35 remodeling projects for highest returns.

In many cases, smaller-scale renovation projects recoup more of their initial cost than larger, pricier ones, according to the report. For example, a minor $20,000 kitchen upgrade returns 72.8% of renovation costs, but a more expensive $58,000 kitchen remodel only retains 68.7% of its value on resale.

Surprisingly, the report noted that exterior upgrades recoup more of their costs than interior renovations -- a trend that’s been building for the past five years. What’s the hottest exterior upgrade according to this year’s report? Replacing the front door with a steel entry door, which typically returns more than 100% of its cost. The report also lists garage doors as a wise investment, returning up to 83% of their original cost when the home sells. Other prudent outdoor renovations include siding and window replacement, returning 80% and 72.4 %, respectively.

Interior improvements retaining the most value include attic renovations and basement remodels, recouping 72.2% and 70%. “Just like an addition to the home, an unfinished space—such as the attic or basement—will instantly add value and livability to your home, as it increases the square footage and changes the way your family lives in it,” said Will Tomlinson, owner of greyHouse Inc. Renovation and Remodeling. “You will be transforming a space that likely gets very little use into a fully functional area for your family to enjoy.” The report also notes that non-essential features have less resale value. Sunroom additions recoup only 48.6% of renovation costs; home office remodels, 45.8%; and backup power generators, 48.5%.

Of course, homeowners’ needs and budgets dictate their choice of home-improvement projects. Still, it helps to know projects’ cost vs. return ratio when making the final decisions.

What is Real Success?

Esquared Homes — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 23:28:00 GMT

Everyone wants success, and yet they often don't know when they have it. Do you know? What's your definition of success?

For most, it is the maddening chase toward a better way of life or more of something. More fame, power, recognition, money, or material stuff. For some, it is the understanding of a loving partner, the love of their child, or the people that they can count on when life throws them a curve.

I am, personally, coming to believe that success is not more material wealth, but peace, happiness, contentment, and love.
Most of all love.

Real success is not to be sought after in the outer world, but discovered in your inner world. I am not condemning the stuff of life. We all want the things that life offers.

But we don't need as much as we think we do. Sooner or later you will discover that real success is friends, strangers, and anyone who crosses our path. It is kindness shared, support given and received, listening, giving, and caring.

These will endure while your car rusts, your toys break, and you tire of the temporary gratifications that bring you what you think is real.

What matters is people. What lasts is love. What counts are true friends, and if you treasure these you can count yourself a success.

Focus on being grateful...

Esquared Homes — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:18:00 GMT

From Postive Thoughts (my daily inspiration) here are five little things we can do each day to nourish our sense of gratitude:

1. Choose your friends wisely.

If you want to be more grateful, spend time with grateful people. Spend time with positive people to be more positive; joyful people to be more joyful. If you strive to be spiritually strong, supportive, empowering, intelligent, energetic, and positive, seek those characteristics in others.

Help your friends develop more positive traits by living those positive traits yourself. Know what kind of friends will help you nurture your soul, and set out to find some.

2. Help your friends cultivate gratitude.

Before you say anything about a friend's situation, remember that everyone's situation is unique. I've seen it happen to myself and to my friends. They'll be perfectly happy until someone tells them they're being mistreated. Suddenly, they're upset.

Don't let your friends wield such power, and work to avoid wielding such power yourself.

Day by day, hour by hour, make a goal to avoid complaining about your life. Make a pact with your friends to cut the complaints from your conversations.

3. Give the gift of gratitude to your children.

Help your children to be satisfied and grateful for simple, everyday things by giving thanks aloud. Keep a Gratitude Journal in which, each day, you record five or ten things for which you are grateful, and ask your children for contributions. Give your children a journal of their own or keep a family Gratitude Journal.

4. Say "Thank You."

Whom in your life do you appreciate? Let them know, whether it's your mom, your kids, your friends, your husband, your child's daycare provider or the helpful woman behind the cosmetics counter.

Write thank you notes regularly - not just after a gift exchange - and be mindful of all the ways you show your appreciation by the things you do in return.

Tell your kids how thankful you are for them. Jot a note to each of your children in which you tell them how much you love them, why you're thankful for them, and all the ways they have enriched your life. This can be something you give them now or after they have grown.

5. Be mindful of the little things.

Today, strive to be aware of all the aspects of your personal, professional, and family life for which you are thankful.

Take a few minutes today to appreciate nature. Go for a walk and notice only those things that are beautiful. Whether you focus on the stars above, a distant mountain range, or the cottonwood tree in your backyard, try to notice the details. Give thanks for the beauty that surrounds us.

Regardless of whether you record these items, spend some time each day to focus on the little things in your life that make each day special. Perhaps it's your child's toothless grin. A warm home. Delicious food enjoyed with family.

Together, let's work on focusing on what we have--not on what we don't have-- and all the ways we can help one another have more gratitude for the gift of life.

As We Remember...

Esquared Homes — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:11:00 GMT

Tommorrow is such an important day to the world. It's 11/11/11...It's "Poppy Day"...I love poppies...one of my favourite flowers as well as my favourite colour, red! It's also known as Veteran's Day or Armistice Day...but for me personally it is simply Remembrance Day, the most important of all.

This is a day observed in many countries around the world to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty since World War 1. While I personally do not know of anyone who has died in the line of duty I have many family members, even presently, who continue to serve in the armed forces. Remembrance Day is observed on this date (November 11th) to recall the official end of World War 1 on that date in 1918, and hence the significance of tomorrow being 11/11/11...we note that the hostilities formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.

The significance of the Poppy is due to the poem "In Flanders Fields" (which I have shared with you before and will again below). These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War 1, with the red colour being an appropriate symbol for the blood spilled in the war. "Lest we forget"...

In Flanders Fields...

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Researching the Perfect Neighbourhood!

Esquared Homes — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:55:00 GMT

There’s an episode of the hit TV series “How I Met Your Mother” where the characters of Marshall and Lily decide to buy a home in a neighbourhood they are unfamiliar with, only to learn later that it sits downwind from a sewer plant. The message is obvious: A buyer must do his or her due diligence on prospective neighbourhoods to make the best real estate decisions.

For starters, investigate the local school district as good schools boost your property value. Research the closest parks and community centers and consider how busy streets impact the neighbourhood.

Profiling the perfect neighbourhood also involves meeting prospective neighbours. Walk through the area and say hello to people, and ask them for their impressions of the neighbourhood. While you’re at it look around. Are there lots of kids on the block? Do people walk or jog through the neighbourhood at night? A neighbourhood can speak volumes by itself.

Don’t forget to map out stores and restaurants in the area. You may be used to a five-minute drive to the local grocery store, only to find out that your new home is 25 minutes away from the nearest place to buy milk.

Of course, find out if your potential new home is part of a neighbourhood association bearing regular fees, and if your community has lawn or construction restrictions.

A good agent can furnish you with a wealth of local information, and will take you on a tour of the closest commerce centers, restaurants and shops. With a little groundwork you can help ensure that your dream house is surrounded by a dream neighbourhood!!

A trick or a treat??

Esquared Homes — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 02:12:00 GMT

The "trick" was getting home in enough time, get organized with pumpkins lit and placed outside for the little ones to know we were participating in handing out candies...and of course the "treat" was all the little ones in their fabulous little costumes asking most politely "trick or treat, trick or treat, give us something good to eat'.

Our youngest visitor of the evening was 11 months old and dressed as a bunny rabbit...I suspect her Mommy wanted the candy but still happy to share. I had a 2 year old pirate who belted out a perfect "arrghh"...I had elephants, princesses, jokers, super mario brothers, a sumo wrestler, a pig, a bumble bee, a couple of fairys', a flapper girl. As the evening progressed however the costumes got a tad stranger..needless to say the "teenagers" had arrived...and they were pretty much dressed in football gear, hockey eqipment and the odd mask. The most interesting of them was one dressess as Abraham Lincoln. In terms of requests I had one teen ask for treat & vodka...funny but my answer was an emphatic NO (but the nerve!).

All in all a fun, albeit exhausting, evening of spooktacular costumes!!

Hope to post some photos of our pumpkins from the carving contest hopefuls and see if I can get your feedback on them!! Have a great night everyone!!

Elizabeth & Elizabeth

Great new listing in Wedgewood Creek!!

Esquared Homes — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 22:11:00 GMT

NOTHING TO DO BUT MOVE IN!

• 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $748,000

Wedgewood Creek, Oakville - Stunning newly renovated home, on a premium mature lot, backing on greenspace (parks & miles of hiking paths), offering privacy to enjoy the backyard featuring in-ground pool, patio & deck, ideal for summer entertaining! Upgrades are abundant through-out. Double front doors lead to a gracious foyer with oak staircase to all levels. Spacious kitchen is newly updated with Granite, porcelain tile floors/backsplash, light fixtures, fawcets, hardware & stainless appliances. New oak hardwood through the main level. Main floor office. The second floor offers new broadloom. The sizable master bedroom has walk-in closet, amazing views from picture window, ensuite w/soaker tub and separate shower. Three more bedrooms, 4-piece bath & linen closet. Lower level is a cozy escape with a good-sized rec room with gas fire, bar, games room, cold room and workshop, perfect for the DIY enthusiast. All major reno's such as new furnace, a/c, windows, pool liner/filter, chimney, roof & professionally painted in through-out. Beautiful landscaping gives the home great curb appeal is perfectly located on a quiet street with access to all major highways, schools and shopping!

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JOIN US FOR OUR FREE PUMPKIN GIVEAWAY & CONTEST

Esquared Homes — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:10:00 GMT

DATE/TIME: OCTOBER 22, 2011 11AM - 2PM

LOCATION: Palladium Park in Alton Village (On Palladium Way… in between Appleby & Walkers, North of & Parallel to Thomas Alton).

INFORMATION: Bring your kids, swing by and grab your free pumpkin! Carve your pumpkin and email us a photo for a chance to win a free Dinner and Movie Passes for Four.

We look forward to seeing you!

Sponsored by:

Elizabeth Novoa & Elizabeth St. Cyr (Real Estate Brokers) @ E-squared Homes and Tara Wilkins (Mobile Mortgage Specialist) @ TD Canada Trust!

Keeping the Kids at Bay When Selling Your Home!

Esquared Homes — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:41:00 GMT

Homeowners with young children face a common challenge when their house is on the market: How do you keep the home clean and ready for prospective buyers while maintaining a kid-friendly and safe environment?

Keeping that “staged look” as the kids create instant messes can be overwhelming. Your primary focus should be the kids’ bedrooms, according to two home stagers.

“Children’s bedrooms are often problematic when getting a home ready to sell,” said Külli Yee, founder and president of Ilus Design Home Staging and Re-design, Port Coquitlam, B.C., Canada. “They tend to have more clutter than most rooms in the form of toys and activities, and out-of-season and hand-me-down clothes and toys are often stored in the child’s bedroom.”

Ye suggests limiting the number of toys and activities that children play with each week and adding and subtracting as the kids get bored. “Most kids only actively use three or four favorite toys at a time and the rest just sits there collecting dust,” Yee said. “Pack away extra toys, stuffed animals and books. Organize the remaining toys neatly in baskets, boxes and bins and display only a few items on the shelves.”

Alice T. Chan, a Fremont, Calif.-based home stager and author of the book 8 Steps for Creating an Irresistible Market Ready Home that Sells, recommended keeping a child’s bedroom floor and closet free of clutter by lightening the load. “Reduce the amount of items stored in the closets,” she said. “Pack, store or give away anything that the child doesn’t need for the next two to three months. This is also the perfect time to get rid of unused or broken toys and old clothes.”

For those with infants, a nursery should be kept tidy with all extra diapers, wipes, lotions, baby bottles and clothes hidden away in a dresser. Make sure that the diaper pail is emptied frequently.

Moreover, remove any furniture that doesn’t serve a purpose in the nursery. Anything beyond a crib, dresser, rocking chair, changing table and small accessories should be packed away.

If your kids have their own rooms, consider asking them to share a room for a couple of months until the home sells. This allows you to set up the other bedrooms as a guest room or home office, adding extra value to your home.

Unlike pets, you can’t simply pack up the kids and send them away for weeks at a time. Remind your children that once your current home sells, the new home will bring them exciting new adventures. If that doesn’t make them more cooperative in helping keep the place then there’s always plan B: bribe them with ice cream, outside!

Selling an Ugly Home!

Esquared Homes — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:34:00 GMT

Let’s say that you inherited an old house in a distant location and want to put it on the market. You may not have the time, resources or energy to make it perfect and just want a quick sale. Or, maybe you had renters at your property who did substantial damage and you don’t have the money to make necessary renovations.

Fear not. Just because the house needs work doesn’t mean you can’t sell it. Many homebuyers today are shopping for deals and want to see the potential in your home. In that case, leave brochures for new cabinets in the kitchen, color palates around the bedrooms and even create computerized images of what updates could look like. In addition, secure bids from licensed contractors on necessary fixes and provide them to your potential buyers. People may overestimate the cost of a new roof, shower stall or drywall repair and fresh paint. Estimates will bring the home into clearer perspective.

Work with your real estate agent to make the home as presentable as possible for the least amount of money. Make a room or two inviting so you have the photos that will attract buyers to what you can call “a fixer upper.”

Of course, nothing is going to attract people more than a low price. Obviously, it would be wise to discount the sales price to gain an advantage over comparables in better condition.

A down-and-out house doesn’t mean you’re stuck. With small repairs, research and practical pricing, you can turn that “Ugly Betty” into a sale.

Green Tips!

Esquared Homes — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:54:00 GMT

When it comes to preparing your home for sale in an environmentally friendly way, Kermit the Frog had it wrong. It is easy being green. With so many homebuyers seeking green features in the homes they consider, sellers should create an eco-friendly atmosphere for the buyer, and that doesn’t always mean costly fixes.

It’s always nice for a homebuyer who’s been touring houses all day to find water or a snack waiting for them in your kitchen. Instead of leaving the customary bottled water, go the eco-friendly route and have a pitcher of filtered tap water at the ready. Add some organic fruits and vegetables and keep trash minimized. Also, use glassware and plates instead of plastic cups and paper plates. This practice is not only green, it shows class.

Talk with your agent about using recycled paper for all your brochures and advertisements around the neighborhood. Someone who is environmentally conscious will appreciate the effort.

Another way to act “green” is during your de-cluttering stage, when you remove furniture and other items from your home prior to the home’s listing. Instead of simply throwing out all those things you no longer want or need, you can recycle, resell at a garage sale, donate to a charity, or give away the items at the popular website Freecycle.com.

Big fixes around the home can go a long way, too. In this age of global warming and high-energy costs, more buyers are looking for houses that embrace energy conservation. The simplest upgrade is to replace all the light bulbs in the home with CFLs (compact fluorescents), which use a quarter of the electricity as regular bulbs.

To help with heating, make sure cracks are tightly caulked and leaks are sealed. Doing so can reduce your annual heating bill by $100, according to Department of Energy figures. Justin Barnes, a policy analyst for the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency, funded by the Department of Energy, said some of the easiest green fixes deal with appliance replacement. Most of today’s appliances are highly efficient and will reduce your energy bills. They’re also more attractive than their worn-out predecessors. Barnes also suggests replacing doors and windows if the budget allows, and looking for better ways to insulate the home.

Also consider tankless water heaters, which are energy efficient and ultimately use less water during the heating process.

Don’t be afraid to boast about your green home and any recent enhancements. Working with your agent to highlight your eco-friendly features may just be what makes the difference in completing the sale.

Summer's End?

Esquared Homes — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:41:00 GMT

Happy parents are everywhere today and yesterday...not so much happy children as they head back to school for the 2011/2012 school year...and thanks to Staples, "It's the most wonderful time of the year" is the song buzzing about in the heads of said happy parents as they grin from ear to ear. It truly feels like summer has flown by in a flash...yet 9 weeks (yes, NINE whole weeks) off seems like a very long time. In my wildest dreams could I only imagine a 9 week vacation...in Bali perhaps??! By the end of summer vacation children are getting bored and parents are tearing their hair out...I may even add this hair tearing may be a little more intense should you be the parent of teenage children!

Real estate wise it's been a fairly quiet summer, certainly in our market, perhaps not all. Realtor's locally are complaining of the same dilemma..."Lots of buyers, nothing to sell them". Some homes are taking a little longer to sell while others are flying off the shelf in days! There are definitely a lot of people "thinking" about selling their homes, given the interest we've had from people, however it would appear waiting to see how things go in the fall.

Here's hoping the fall market helps those thinking of selling to make a decision to do so and put their home on the market so the poor buyers lacking in inventory can have something to buy!

More than anything, let's hope that the chilly weather we've been experiencing in the last couple of days goes away and is replaced by a nice Indian Summer to fill the rest of September...Homes photograph so much nicer on sunny days!!

If you would like a market update for your area please don't hesitate to contact esquared!

Exective Home in Joshua Creek

Esquared Homes — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 19:13:00 GMT

Executive Living!

• 3,600 sq. ft., 4 bath, 4 bdrm, 2-story - MLS® $1,178,000

Joshua Creek, Oakville - Elegant executive Ballantry "Lancaster" model in prestigious Joshua Creek, approx 3600 sq.ft. on a generous 50 x 154 ft. "pool-sized" lot. Double door entry into the Foyer leads to the glorious two-story sunken Living Room overlooking the Dining Room with coffered ceiling. Extended upgraded cabinetry in the eat-in Kitchen gives an abundance of space, oversized centre island, pot lights, butlers pantry & walk-out to the 16' x 40' TREX deck with 7 person hot tub. A sizable Family Room with corner gas fireplace, Office, 2-pce Bathroom, 9' ceilings, maple hardwood floors & staircase complete the main floor. On the upper level you'll find the large Master Bedroom with walk-in closet & 5-piece ensuite with double sinks, whirlpool tub, oversized glass shower, two bedrooms share a 4-piece bath and fourth bedroom has ensuite privileges to main 4-piece bath and convenient laundry room on this floor too. The Stucco exterior and pot lights in soffits add to the amazing curb appeal. This home has too many features to mention you have to see for yourself. Move-in ready for your family and located close to schools, highways & shopping. Call for your personal tour!

Property information

The Psychology of Colour on Your Home

Esquared Homes — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 17:35:00 GMT

Agents frequently suggest that homeowners paint before placing their homes on the market. Don’t be offended! Agents understand “colour psychology,” which focuses on colour’s effect on human behavior and emotion. Since people’s reaction to colour is immediate, colour has a tremendous influence on the choices they make every day.

“Colour choices are very personal and when selling your home, it’s critical to appeal to the greatest number of potential buyers,” said Allegra Dioguardi, president of Styled and Sold Home Staging in New York. “With so many people beginning their search for a home on the Internet today, your home and listing photos must stand out from your competition. Colour is one very simple way to do this.”Added Eric Brown, one of the authors of House Selling for Dummies: “Painting your house’s exterior before you put it on the market will give the biggest bang for your fix-up buck, as long as you are using colors that conform to the neighborhood’s decorating norm.”

Colours affect human beings in many ways, and by using the principles of colour psychology, you can make your home stand out from the competition, sell more quickly, and at a higher price. In short, the stimulus and effect of colours normally cross cultures. Blues will feel cool, reds and oranges feel warm. Deeper shades of colour imply intimacy and serenity.Your home’s exterior colour is the first thing most potential homebuyers see when they drive up or inspect the property on the Web. The correct colour may be the most powerful and cost effective design tool at your disposal.

What is “correct” these days? Brown’s research shows that homes painted in pale yellows with cream or beige accents have sold fastest during the past few years. In general, lighter colours are favoured for exterior as they make the property seem larger. Conversely, painting your sideboards with a darker colour will make the house seem smaller; though dark colours can draw more attention to home’s details. For those painting an older home, you may want to consider historical accuracy, as this could be a big selling point as well.

When choosing interior colours for the home, consider the purpose of each room. Kitchen and dining areas painted in “food colours” such as coffee browns, celery greens and scrambled-egg yellows will make the rooms feel more natural. Hallways are a great place to bring in the exterior colours for overall harmony. According to Jeanette Fisher’s book Joy to the Home: Secrets of Interior Design Psychology, since, deeper shades of colour imply intimacy and serenity, she recommends painting master bedrooms a medium shade of green or blue for warm selling seasons, and rouge red for cooler weather. Other bedrooms can be painted in creamy tones of green, blue, or a pale shell pink. For your bedroom and bathroom, cool colours can form a relaxing atmosphere with paint. Consider shades of blue, green or even lavender.

Of course, common sense should help you with any colour choices. You need to match other things in your home and keep a comfortable environment as well.

The Backyard Oasis...

Esquared Homes — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 17:04:00 GMT

Today’s prospective homebuyers are increasingly interested in a property’s outdoor living space as they are its interior. Savvy agents understand this powerful trend and are staging homes on two fronts – the terrific indoors and the great outdoors.

The following tips will help ensure that your backyard is as distinctive at your home itself.

Ø Make your Backyard Homey: Create a conversation area with some furniture. The area needn’t be elaborate; just two chairs pulled close together with a table between can make even the most basic concrete patio special. Just the idea that an outdoor eating option is possible makes a property more inviting. Adding accessories like a small table, an inexpensive outdoor rug or a few pots filled with flowers will make the area even more attractive.

Ø Remember the Kids: If you have an old tree house, fix it up and paint it bright colors or add sporty designs that will make other kids fall in love with it. Just make sure the tree house is safe. Add a tire swing to a tree and keep an orderly basket of balls, flying disks and a jump rope so kids dragged along on the showing can play in the yard. Swing sets that are old and unsightly should be removed or refurbished to look new.

Ø Fire is Hot: There’s nothing like sitting around a fire and enjoying the company of friends and loved ones, which explains the growing popularity of fire pits and outdoor hearths. Few home improvements create the “wow” factor that a backyard fireplace will, and many homeowners are adding a fireplace to their outdoor landscape to recreate all the appeal of their home’s interior outside in the backyard.

Ø Simple Fixes: You needn’t go overboard with the changes in your yard. Sometimes, the easiest fixes will create a look that people will remember. Do a thorough inspection and replace any damaged boards on your deck or fence, and apply a fresh coat of paint, stain and sealant if the finish requires it. You should also weed and groom your garden and add some perennials for color.

Creating a backyard sanctuary is one of the smartest things you can do to make your home stand out, so make your outdoor space a destination to remember.