September is typically a busy month for homeowners.

Kids go back to school. Work increases at many businesses as the fourth quarter looms. Major home renovation projects are in the midst of wrapping up, and smaller projects may be about to start!

If there’s anything we can do to help with questions, contractor referrals, advice, or information related to real estate, give us a call.

In fact, that’s the reason we stay in touch with clients on a regular basis and share my monthly Real Estate Update. We want to continually remind you that my services don’t end once we’ve helped you buy or sell a home. In the months and years in between transactions, we’re dedicated to helping you enjoy your home and understand your real estate options.

So, if you need help or advice, get in touch with us. That’s why we’re here!

View the August 2019 Market Statistics for Caledon, Toronto West, and Simcoe. If you have any questions about how the numbers may affect you, give us a call.
 
Your friend in real estate,
 
Jeff Belisowski
Sales Representative
iPro Realty Ltd., Brokerage
Cell: 647-992-6262
Email: jeff@jeffbelisowskicom.staging.wpmudev.host
Website: www.jeffbelisowski.com

5 Unusual (But Effective) Home Staging Ideas

“Staging” your home is all about making the space in your home as appealing as possible to buyers. You may already know the basics, such as eliminating clutter, and removing personal photographs. Here are some other tips that are less well known yet very effective:
A chandelier. Surprisingly, installing a chandelier is one of the simplest ways to make a foyer, dining room or living room look dramatically more eye-catching. You can buy a nice chandelier for only a few hundred dollars.

New linen. This is something many home sellers don’t consider, but should. Believe it or not, new linen makes a big impression on buyers. Before listing, replace any worn linen – sheets, coverings, and towels – with new ones.

Pedestal sinks. It may not be practical for you to replace a bathroom sink. However, if you are doing a renovation, keep in mind that pedestal sinks – especially in small washrooms – are a big hit with buyers.

New appliances. A brand new fridge, stove and dishwasher are motivating selling features to buyers. New appliances can make the whole kitchen look brand new, or at least much fresher.

Avoid multi-use rooms. Have a spare bedroom that doubles as a home office? That’s a turnoff to buyers. Whenever possible, stage each room so that it has a singular purpose. A guest bedroom, for example, should only be for sleeping.

Want more tips on how to stage your home so that it attracts buyers? Call today.

Will the Neighbourhood Go Up in Value?

When you purchase a home, you hope it will continually go up in value – just like a good investment.

However, there’s something else that you also want to see increase in value: the neighbourhood. In fact, the neighbourhood plays a key role in what the home will be worth in the years to come. If the neighbourhood goes down in terms of desirability, so will the market value of the home.

So, when you’re shopping for a new home, get a feel for the value of the neighbourhood, and whether or not it’s on the upswing.

How do you do that? One way is to simply take a walk. Look at the properties. Are they well maintained? Is the landscaping groomed and attractive? Those are signs of “pride in ownership” – a clear indication that owners value their homes and the neighbourhood.

Another way is to do some research. Has crime gone up in the neighbourhood? Are there improvements planned, such as new parks? Is the neighbourhood attracting the kind of people you want as neighbours? How do the neighbourhood schools rank?

Some of this information may be difficult to get on your own. As your real estate agent, I can help. Call today.

Being Safe with the Chemicals in Your Home

You would have to visit your local pharmacy or science lab to rival the number of potentially dangerous chemicals in the average home. You likely store everything from fertilizers and acidic cleaners, to gasoline and corrosive drain openers.
Obviously, it makes sense to ensure that everyone in your home uses and stores these items safely.

For example, laundry detergent packs – which have become popular recently – are attractive to children. Be sure to keep the lid locked and the package out of sight. Do the same with all laundry products. Even exposure to fabric softener pads can cause skin irritation, especially to a child.

Always read and follow the labels on household chemical products. Use and store them as directed. Make sure the labels remain affixed to all packaging.

Keep corrosives, such as harsh cleaners and drain openers, separate from other chemicals and in a place where, should they leak, they will cause minimal or no damage.

Also, never put a chemical in anything other than its original container. You don’t want to take the chance that, for example, paint thinner stored in an old water bottle is mistaken for water!

Your friend in real estate,
 Jeff Belisowski
Sales Representative
iPro Realty Ltd., Brokerage
Cell: 647-992-6262
Email: jeff@jeffbelisowskicom.staging.wpmudev.host
Website: www.jeffbelisowski.com