Presentation counts!

Even a home in good condition needs to be prepared to sell at the best price. Clients often tell me they wish they had gotten to some “preparation” projects sooner just for their own enjoyment. So whether you’re selling or not, here is a basic list of what you can do to make your home more appealing:

• CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN. Wash down walls, door frames, baseboards and cupboards; clean windows inside and out; power clean the outside of the house if needed. Have carpets, curtains and upholstered furniture professionally cleaned.

• CLEAR CLUTTER from counters, cupboards, closets and floors, including your basement. Adjust or remove furniture if a room seems overly full – you want things to look as spacious as possible. Purge aggressively. Give clothing and household items to charity, have a garage sale or, if you’re inclined, sell more valuable things on e-bay. Shred personal and financial documents – if you don’t already have one, electric paper shredders are very affordable and readily available at places like Office Depot. For Toronto garbage disposal schedules and guidelines check http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/garbage/index.htm

• PAINT or stain, indoors and out as needed. If you’re staying in your house, choose the colours you like. If you’re getting ready to sell, it’s best to go with neutral colours

• REPAIR everything you can – leaking taps, cupboard hinges, electrical fixtures, windows and such. Complete any stalled renovation projects.

• CHECK THE LIGHT in each room. Add lamps or higher wattage bulbs and adjust window coverings as needed to make sure each room is bright.

• GARDEN – Weed, plant, trim, add planters, or re-sod - whatever is needed to have your yard and garden look inviting and healthy.

• ADD DECORATIVE TOUCHES such as window coverings, pillows, rugs, candles, plants and flowers where needed. Be bold with accent colours.

• While it’s hard to say exactly what sells a property, I would say that proper preparation and presentation of a home can add as much as 5 per cent or more to the selling price. And if you’re staying put, you might increase your current enjoyment by as much as 100% or more!

Whatever sells a house, it’s working in Toronto:

Best Month in History! 9275 Sales

Tuesday, July 6, 2004--The Toronto resale home market's incredible string of record-breaking performances continued in June, with an all time high of 9,275 sales reported through the TorontoMLS system. "This extraordinary sales figure is up one per cent from last month, our previous record period, and up 15 per cent over June of 2003," incoming TREB President Ron Abraham announced.

"It is also the fourth month in a row during which TREB's previous all time record has been broken."

Meanwhile, affordability increased as June sale prices moderated. "The average fell to $316,510, a three per cent decline over May, while the median fell one per cent to $275,000," Mr. Abraham noted. "Luckily, a healthy supply of listings (22,484 at month's end) is keeping a cap on price increases."

Prices were up seven per cent over June of 2003.

(Source: The Toronto Real Estate Board)

A place for everything and everything in its place!

If space or clutter is an issue in your house, have a look at Neoset. They have basic, stylish, reasonably-priced modular furniture from Greece - and they design, deliver and assemble. Check www.neosetcanada.com for exact locations – there are only a few here in Toronto.

Less is more…
If you have clothing or small household items to give away, the Canadian Diabetes Association is a worthy taker. You can call 1-800-505-5525 to schedule pick-up at your house. www.diabetes.ca

Need professional help?
If you need help with anything – window cleaners, carpet cleaners, professional organizers, tradespeople, let me know. I will happily provide any good contacts I have. And if you have someone to recommend, please let me know.

August in TO - With Labour Day Monday falling on September 6th, the month of August will seem extra-long this year. Be sure to make the most of it. Here’s just a tiny bit of what’s on in Toronto this month – enjoy!

Thank you for your feedback!
Thanks so much for all of your positive comments about the launch edition of this newsletter last month. If there is anything you want to see in future issues, please send your suggestions and ideas in a reply message.

Know someone on the move?
If you know someone who is looking to buy or sell a house or condominium in Toronto, please have them call me, or let me know and I will contact them with your introduction. Most of my clients come through referrals from people like you! Thank you for your confidence!