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7 Tips for Making the Living Room Look Fantastic to Buyers

The living room or family room is often a focal point for buyers who come to see your listing. They’ll look around and imagine relaxing evenings, family get-togethers, and holidays celebrated in that room. So it’s important to ensure it looks its best.

Here are professional staging tips for doing just that:

  1. Neutralize the palette. Consider repainting walls in shades of beige, grey, or off-white. These hues will appeal to a broader range of buyers and allow them to visualize their own décor in the space. These colours will also make the room look bigger.
  2. Strategic Furniture Placement. Position furniture away from walls, if possible, to create a cozy, conversational setting. Keep pathways clear to ensure easy movement and make the space feel more open.
  3. Invest in Key Pieces. A few standout items can elevate the entire look. Perhaps it’s a chic coffee table, an elegant sofa, or a statement rug. And remember – you get to take these with you when you sell.
  4. Add Textural Elements. Incorporate soft throws, plush pillows, or a tactile rug. These elements create a cozy atmosphere that can make potential buyers feel right at home.
  5. Minimize Electronics. While many family rooms are centred around the TV, when staging, it’s advisable to downplay its dominance. Consider a tasteful cabinet or decorative screen to partially hide large electronics.
  6. Greenery and Fresh Flowers. Potted plants, succulents, or a vase of fresh flowers can add vibrancy and a sense of freshness.
    1. Accessorize Thoughtfully. Less is more when it comes to accessories. A few well-chosen pieces – like a decorative bowl, coffee table, books, or elegant candlesticks – can provide the finishing touches without overwhelming the space.
Want more tips on selling your home faster and for top dollar? Call today.
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New property listed in Ambleside, West Vancouver

I have listed a new property at 11043 CONFIDENTIAL in West Vancouver. See details here

Profitable 43-Seat Japanese sushi Restaurant with 1376 sqft, located in the heart of West Vancouver in Ambleside, Full commercial kitchen, sushi bar, liquor license & 2 designated parking spots. In Business since 1999. Low rent, 3.5 years left on current lease + another 5 year option to renew. Showings by appointment only.

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Can’t Show your Home on Weekdays? Consider these Options

Although weekends are a prime time to schedule viewings, many buyers will prefer to see your property on a weekday evening. Buyers might, for example, be interested in your listing but be out of town on the weekend. If you don’t accommodate their request for a weekday evening appointment, you might lose that opportunity.

So, when it comes to scheduling viewing appointments, being flexible and accommodating is always advised.

But, what if you’re going to be away during the week or have another reason why you can’t show your home Monday to Friday?

There are a few options you can consider.

One is to use a Lock Box. This is a secure box that contains a front door key. (You may have seen these when shopping for a home yourself.) Only your real estate agent has access. If a different agent wants to show a client your home, they’ll need to make an appointment and get access from your agent.

A Lock Box can ease any security concerns you have about showing your home while away.

Another option is to not schedule weekday appointments but be VERY accommodating during the weekend. That means allowing a potential buyer to see your property Sunday at 7:00 PM. It’s essentially a trade-off, but it can work.

Finally, if you don’t want appointments during the week because you have such a busy household — kids in school, evening work shifts, etc. — consider making just one weekday available. For example, offer showings on Wednesdays from 5:00-7:30 PM. That might be a slight inconvenience, but it will have been worth it if an interested buyer sees your property and makes a good offer.

Bottom line: Do what you can to make it as easy as possible for buyers to see your home.

Want more tips on selling your home faster and for top dollar? Call me.

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5 Things that Lower your Home’s Perceived Value

Many seemingly small things can be a big turn-off to prospective buyers. So, it’s wise to identify and fix these issues when you list. Here are a few examples.

  1. Outdated or Neglected Exterior: Chipping paint, a tired-looking façade, or uninspired landscaping will impact a buyer's all-important first impression. The solution? Fresh paint, power washing, landscape trimming, or even adding new plants. 
  2. Old or Damaged Appliances: Outdated or broken appliances will get noticed by prospective buyers. The solution? Repair and thoroughly clean them. It might also make sense to invest in new appliances. If you go that route, buy energy-efficient models that look great and they will become a selling point. 
  3. Unpleasant Odours: We become so acclimated to smells in our home that we often no longer notice them. But buyers will! Odours from pets, smoking, perfumes, and exotic cooking are especially detracting to buyers. The solution? Reduce odours by avoiding scent-producing activities (such as cooking) prior to viewing appointments.
  4. Overly Personalized Interior: Buyers want to envision themselves living in the home, not you. The solution: Eliminate as many personal items as possible. Make the style and décor attractive but neutral. 
  5. Old or Poorly Maintained HVAC Equipment: Buyers often ask for the age of furnaces, water heaters, and air conditioning units. They’re concerned about potential maintenance issues. The solution? Get older equipment inspected by a professional. Then have that documentation available to buyers.

As you can see, investing in a few repairs and upgrades can make a big difference in how quickly your home sells – and for how much.

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I have sold a property at 23030 CLIFF AVE in Maple Ridge

I have sold a property at 23030 CLIFF AVE in Maple Ridge on Dec 14, 2023. See details here

This immaculate 5 bed/3 bath home, located on a dead-end street in Maple Ridge, has undergone significant enhancements, including a new kitchen, upgraded flooring, and fresh interior/exterior paint. The kitchen has white shaker style cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and quartz countertops complemented by a eat-up bar. Upstairs accommodates a family room, a living room, and a dining room, providing diverse areas for leisure and entertaining. Downstairs has a recreational area, multiple bedrooms and a den which could serve as a home office. The backyard is beautifully landscaped, with both upper and lower patios for outdoor enjoyment. This property also offers the potential for a secondary suite. The home is close to numerous schools, grocery stores, and malls! ACT FAST!

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I have sold a property at 819 FIFTH ST in New Westminster

I have sold a property at 819 FIFTH ST in New Westminster on Dec 6, 2023. See details here

Attention Developers and Investors - Dont miss out on this sought after Glenbrooke North property. This home is situated on a large 50 x 132 flat lot with laneway access. Its a very quiet area that is on a beautiful tree lined street. This home was built in 1928 and has 3 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom. Enjoy those summer nights in your private and mature garden that is fully fenced. There is loads of parking and storage. Close to all levels of schools, shopping, parks, restaurants and transit.

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Emphasize the “Outdoor Living” Potential of your Home

Outdoor living spaces have become the new heartbeat of homes — even in the winter. They now serve as an extension of the indoors, a place where homeowners can dine, entertain, and relax. So, it’s smart to emphasize the outdoor living potential of your home when you list.

Your garden is the first outdoor element potential buyers see. Well-maintained, colourful plants can make a fantastic first impression, so keep the garden lush and appealing. Include a variety of perennial and annual plants that bloom at different times in the season. Consider planting in containers or raised beds for easy maintenance, and use garden ornaments sparingly to keep the focus on the natural beauty of the space.

Next, your patio or deck can act as an outdoor living room. Consider staging it to make it look that way. Highlight any attractive, weather-resistant furniture you have. String lights or solar lanterns add a touch of warmth and make the space usable even after the sun sets.

And don’t forget about your barbecue or outdoor kitchen. A well-equipped, clean, and functional outdoor cooking area can be a big draw. Ensure grills, burners, and other cooking appliances are in good condition.

Finally, remember that not all outdoor spaces need to be elaborate. Sometimes, simple lawn chairs or a modest patio set can add to the appeal. The key is to make the outdoor space inviting, no matter how small it is.

One last tip: If you plan to list during winter, ensure you have pictures of your outdoor space during good weather, ideally in summer. Those will be a helpful addition to the listing materials.

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New property listed in Ambleside, West Vancouver

I have listed a new property at 10878 CONFIDENTIAL in West Vancouver. See details here

Profitable 40-Seat Japanese sushi Restaurant with 1376 sqft, located in the heart of West Vancouver in Ambleside, Full commercial kitchen, sushi bar, liquor license & 2 designated parking spots. In Business since 1999. Low rent, 3.5 years left on current lease + another 5 year option to renew. Showings by appointment only.

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New property listed in Coal Harbour, Vancouver West

I have listed a new property at 1702 1228 HASTINGS ST W in Vancouver. See details here

Welcome to Palladio built by Amacon in the heart of Coal Harbour.This Bright and spacious renovated Northwest facing unit offers over 1270 sq.ft. in living space with 8'8' ceiling height,open concept floorplan,floor to ceiling windows,2 bedrooms plus den,2 bathrooms,2 underground side by side Parkings and one storage locker.Beautiful view of North Shore Mountains,Ocean,Stanley park,City and Marina. New Hardwood floor throughout.Somfy-Powered Motorized Blinds. Stainless Steel appliances, Gas stove & Granite countertops in kitchen & bathrooms. Walking distance to Seawall, Stanley Park, transit, restaurants and shops. Amenities in the building include exercise room,lounge area,Hot Tub.School Catchments:Lord Roberts Elementary, King George Secondary, Kitsilano Secondary (French Immersion).

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Feng Shui-Inspired Home Staging Tips

When you’re selling your home, you want to make it as attractive as possible to buyers. One compelling strategy that has been gaining traction is the application of Feng Shui principles to home staging.

How?

Embracing Feng Shui staging techniques starts with decluttering. Clutter restricts the free flow of 'chi' or positive energy. Hence, a clean, clutter-free space is crucial. It promotes an open, spacious feel, which in turn evokes a sense of tranquillity and comfort.

Natural lighting, a key element in Feng Shui, is another crucial consideration. Bright spaces are synonymous with positivity and openness. Ensuring ample natural light penetrates every corner of the home helps draw positive energy in and makes the space look larger and more inviting.

In Feng Shui, colours hold significant meaning. For instance, earth tones such as beige and soft yellow can create a welcoming environment, while blues and greens, symbolizing water and wood elements respectively, encourage tranquillity. Incorporating these colour schemes can create a balanced and calming atmosphere, which is sure to appeal to potential buyers.

The positioning of furniture also plays a role in Feng Shui. Furniture should be arranged to promote a smooth flow of energy and should not obstruct pathways. In smaller spaces in particular, strategic furniture placement can make the area appear more substantial and organized.

You don’t have to go full-on Feng Shui to make your home look great to buyers. But, implementing a few of these ideas can pay off if buyers get a more positive and serene feeling when viewing your home.
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Autumn Landscaping Tips when Selling your Home

Landscaping may not be the first thing that comes to mind when selling your home in autumn. However, the outside of your home is still the first thing buyers see, so it’s worth exploring ways to update your landscaping to create a cozy and welcoming feel.

Here are just a few ideas:

  1. Add potted plants: Potted plants are an easy way to make your outdoors more attractive, especially along walkways and around your front door. And, because they’re potted, they can quickly be removed should the weather turn inclement.
  2. Keep it Tidy: As leaves begin to fall, make sure to rake them up and keep your lawn and landscaping looking neat and tidy. This will help potential buyers see the full potential of your outdoor space without being distracted by clutter.
  3. Light it Up: As the days get shorter, outdoor lighting can be a great way to showcase your home's exterior. Consider adding some string lights to your patio or walkway, or installing some spotlights to highlight your landscaping.
  4. Emphasize Outdoor Living: There is a growing trend for enjoying outdoor living well into the fall. So, emphasize your outdoor living spaces by adding comfortable seating or updating your patio furniture to make it suitable for cooler days and evenings.
  5. Add Seasonal Accents: Adding some seasonal accents to your landscaping can help create a cohesive look. Consider adding some pumpkins or gourds to your front porch, or incorporating some autumn-themed decor into your outdoor spaces.

By following these autumn landscaping tips, you can help make your home more attractive to potential buyers. So, embrace the changing seasons and use your landscaping to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that buyers will love.

Want more tips on how to make your home more attractive to buyers?

Call today.

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Simple and Affordable Ideas for Improving Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is important. It’s the first thing buyers see when they drive up to your home — and, often, the first impression they get. Fortunately, you don't have to break the bank to achieve a great-looking exterior. Here are some simple and affordable ideas for enhancing your home's curb appeal:

  1. Add a fresh coat of paint: One of the easiest ways to make your home look brand new is by adding a fresh coat of paint to the exterior. Choose a colour that complements the architectural style and surroundings of your home.
  2. Upgrade the front door: Your front door is the focal point of your home's exterior. Consider painting it a bold colour, replacing it with a modern style, or simply adding a new doorknob and knocker.
  3. Install outdoor lighting: Outdoor lighting not only improves your home's curb appeal but also adds security and safety. Consider adding solar-powered pathway lights, wall-mounted fixtures, or even string lights to your front porch.
  4. Update your mailbox: An outdated mailbox can detract from your home's appearance. Consider upgrading to a modern style or painting your existing mailbox with a fresh coat of paint.
  5. Add landscaping: A well-manicured lawn and some strategically placed plants can instantly improve your home's curb appeal. Plant colourful flowers or add potted plants to your front porch.
  6. Power wash your driveway and sidewalks: Over time, dirt and grime can build up on your driveway and sidewalks, making them look dull and dirty. Rent a power washer or hire a professional to clean them up.
Improving your home's curb appeal doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. By implementing these simple and affordable ideas, you can make your home more attractive to potential buyers and increase its value. Remember, the first impression is the most important one, so make sure your home's exterior looks its best!
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