Louise Côté Mississauga Real Estate
Royal LePage Signature Realty, Brokerage 30 EGLINTON AVE WEST #201 L5R 3E7 Mississauga, ON, Canada

For some people, selling a home can be an emotional roller-coaster ride. In addition to the process of selling your property, buying a new one, and moving, you’re also saying goodbye to a neighbourhood and a home. But there is plenty you can do to smooth out the ups and downs. Here are some ideas: Make sure you know all the steps involved in the selling process. Don’t overschedule. You don’t want to become exhausted, so don’t try to do everything at once. Talk to family membe...rs about how they feel about selling and moving. Allow concerns to be aired so they can be addressed. Young children, especially, can feel emotionally attached to a home. Think of ways to make the transition easier. For example, have them draw pictures of how they’d like their new bedroom to look. Selling and moving can, at times, be disruptive to the household routine. As much as possible, try to remain consistent with mealtimes, family events, etc. If possible, get the help you need. Consider hiring a cleaner, home stager, contractor or other professional. Yes, it costs money, but it will help make things less stressful. As with any large project, knowing the steps involved in selling your home and planning for them appropriately will make the process more enjoyable and less stressful.

Avoiding Moisture Problems in the Home There are many hidden sources of moisture in your home that can lead to serious problems, such as mould. To keep moisture levels in check, consider these tips:... Bathrooms are an obvious source of moisture build-up. Contractor and TV personality Mike Holmes recommends keeping the fan going for at least half an hour after a shower. Check regularly for water infiltration around window and door sills, as well as other intakes into the home, such as dryer vents and cable wiring. Determine the humidity level in your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it should be 30-60%. (Keep in mind that humidity may vary greatly from room to room.) Regularly inspect caulking around sinks, tubs and showers. Even a tiny break can cause water to leak gradually into the wall or floor, causing damage you may not notice for months. Clean up wet spills as soon as possible. Be particularly careful with hardwood floors, as water can seep through and become trapped. Repair leaking faucets and pipes immediately. Even a small drip can add significant moisture inside a vanity or kitchen cupboard. Being mindful of moisture today can help you avoid potentially high repair bills later on.

Happy St. Patricks Day!

Next to a major kitchen renovation, replacing appliances is the most expensive way to upgrade the space. So, if you’re purchasing a new refrigerator, stove or dishwasher in order to make your home more attractive to buyers, you want to make wise purchasing decisions. The most important consideration is how the appliances will look in the kitchen. Ideally, they should match in colour and style. They should also be the right size for the space. The last thing you want is a frid...ge that’s so large it dominates the room, or a stove that’s a completely different style and looks out-of-place. Appearance is important, but so are the features. Buyers viewing your home will scrutinize the appliances. They’ll notice if the fridge has a cold water and ice dispenser. They’ll ask if the dishwasher has noise-reduction features. Double ovens and quick-heating burners (which are now available on electric stoves) will also get a buyer’s attention. Power consumption is also a big issue these days. Increasingly, buyers are interested in the energy efficient features of a home - appliances included. Kitchen appliances may seem minor compared to the overall appeal of your property, but they do make a difference. Purchase wisely!

For Canadians, every change of season brings with it around-the-house chores to check off your to-do list. To help you get the outside of your home ready for the summer, we’re sharing eight tasks you can manage to do in a weekend or two. Do the whole list and you’ll be ready to kick off summer with a clean and tidy outdoor space ready for enjoying the warmer days to come!