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Nisha Muire

Freshen Up Your Toronto Home after Winter

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Spring is always a great time to freshen up your home. During the winter we tend to keep our windows and doors closed and we don’t necessarily get rid of all those things that cause clutter and dust to build up in your houses and lives. However, the warmer weather and the sunshine are the perfect signal that it’s time to get back in control and to freshen up, lighten up and renew your home, and at the same time, your spirit.
 
Here are a few very easy steps to help you shake off winter’s mantle.
 
Open up!
Spring is the perfect time to throw open your windows, let in a cross breeze and air out your house. After a long winter, there is nothing better for getting rid of stale air.
 
Clean up!
Giving every room a deep, thorough cleaning will help to get rid of dust, cobwebs and the fine dirt that can build up throughout the year. Wash your walls, floors and ceiling. Put cloth curtains and pillows in the laundry and change your linen.
 
Lighten Up!
Lightening up means getting rid of all the clutter in your home. Spring is a great time to weed through closets, drawers, storage areas and your garage to get rid of everything you no longer need. Whatever is still in good condition can be sold at a garage sale or donated to charity.
 
Spruce up!
Spruce up your surroundings by swapping out heavy winter throws and pillows for lighter fabrics. Add splashes of vibrant colour to dull settings and use plants to enliven a dull corner or an empty bookshelf.
 
Touch up!
Touching up paint that has been chipped or damaged will make your home look brand new regardless of how old it is. In fact, for a quick pick-me-up, just paint all of your frames, baseboards and crown mouldings in a bright, glossy white to make your wall colours pop and to make your trims look fabulous.
 
Organize!
Getting organized is paramount to creating a fresh new reality in your home. Use organizers, shelves and boxes to give everything it’s own proper spot – and then make sure it goes back in that spot every time you take it out to use it.
 
Getting your Toronto home ready for summer doesn’t take much – just a little time and effort, and the rewards are well worth the price.

Zen Life

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Zen spaces are the latest trend in Toronto home interior design. The reason for these tranquil settings is clear – they are the best way to escape the rigors and stresses of everyday life. In fact, every home should have at least one space where all cares and worries can melt away. Whether it is the ensuite, a den, a sunroom or even a basement, the way a space is set-up can mean all the difference in the world to its draw and the way it makes your feel.
 
There are certain elements needed to accomplish a Zen setting. By following a few simple rules you also can create either a whole home serenity retreat or just an oasis of tranquility in the room of your choice.
 
1. Natural materials
 
Using natural materials is one of the best ways to create a calm space. The texture and composition of natural woods, stones, wicker, cottons, wools, etc… contribute immensely to a purer aesthetic and to Zen setting.
 
2. Earthy colours
 
Keeping things neutral and earthy will help you to induce a sense of relaxation in any space. If you choose to go the monochromatic route, you can add accents of darker shades/hues of the same colour to produce contrast but to remain basically within the same palate.
 
3. The right furniture
 
Serene space require clean lines and uncomplicated design – this should naturally be reflected in the furniture that is chosen for your room. Avoid intricate patterns and a lot of detailing as these will distract from the overall theme of the space.
 
4. Natural light
 
Play up the positive attributes of natural light in the space you are designing as your Zen oasis. If you don’t have a lot of natural light, then make sure that the light you do have is indirect, soft and diffuse. If you have plenty of sunshine spilling into the space, use sheer blinds and/or other translucent materials to help diffuse the amount and intensity of the light entering the room.
 
5. Simple accents
 
Keep accents in the room simple – basically it means not to clutter up the space with knick-knacks, odds-and-ends and other bric-a-brac. Keep ornaments simple and to a minimum. Instead use plants and greenery to enhance the setting.
 
6. The nose knows
 
Lastly, any tranquil setting should smell as inviting as it looks. Eliminate pet odor and other unpleasant smells by including some sort of potpourri, scented candles or other odor diffuser in your design.
 
Once you have completed your serenity inducing space, the only trouble will be having to leave it!

Off-Grid Living

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Living off the grid in Toronto is possible – but only for those who are truly committed to a green lifestyle. The phrase “living off the grid” refers to living without dependence on utility companies including electricity, water and sewage. Although still a marginal lifestyle, it is attracting larger numbers of people – especially millennials who are eschewing materials trappings for a more paired down, simplified lifestyle.
 
Alternate energy
One of the biggest ways of unplugging is literally to pull the plug on the electrical company by providing your own energy. The most common forms of energy include solar and wind. Although, where possible, geo-thermal energy is also used. Most people who choose to switch to solar or wind power for their energy needs remain hooked to the power grid and even sell their surplus power back to the electric company. If you want to live completely off grid, then you would not be tied in with the electric company at all. Any energy you produced through solar or wind power would be stored in large batteries as D/C power, which is converted into A/C power when you need to use it.
 
Heating
Many new home constructions are being built using passive heating/cooling principals. All this means is that the home’s design and construction make full use of sun, wind and shade to heat and cool the residence along with top-notch insulation for a reduction in heat-loss. If you have an existing home, then the best ways to heat without recourse to any utility companies is through wood-burning fireplaces or stoves. Stoves have the added benefit of being a great place to cook as well.
 
Water
When it comes to water, some people opt to drill a well onto their land ensuring an always fresh supply of water. However, if you choose to go this route, you must be sure that the water is tested periodically to ensure that it hasn’t been infiltrated by contaminants. Another means of getting water is to collect it in cisterns. Rain water is great for use in toilets, washing clothes (unless there is very elevated levels of population in your area), water plants and general, non-potable use. Not have a hot water tank is another effective way of reducing your dependence on electricity. Tankless-hot water options are all very viable choices that would greatly contribute to a greener existence.
 
Sewage
The best option for being off-grid where sewage is concerned is using compostable toilets. However, as they are not for everyone, the next best thing is having a septic tank. Septic systems breakdown wastewater into three layers – the floating scum on top, the sludge at the bottom and the liquid in the middle. A septic tank needs to be emptied and serviced at least once a year.
 
In short, it is possible to live off the grid in the city, but it is not very popular or practical. Since off-grid living is the antithesis to consumption, changing a city-life outlook is key to making such drastic transition work for you.

Tiny Home Trend

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The latest trend in home ownership is that of small or tiny homes. The new fangled fad is gaining momentum among people who are opting out of the rat-race and the need for large dwellings that often leave them with little or no money left over at the end of the month. Instead, a tiny house allows people to live rent and mortgage-free. At the same time it forces people to pare down their belongings and to re-evaluate their lifestyle.
 
Tiny homes are naturally not for everyone. Ideally they work best for those who are single or for more adventurous couples. The restricted footprint of these small dwellings means that you must find ways to compromise and to make-do with less.
 
Those who espouse this lifestyle tout the freedom that they feel in not having monthly rent or mortgage payments and also the serenity they get from a simpler existence without as much “stuff” to clutter up their lives.
 
Here are some of the advantages to living in a tiny home:
– Cost savings – being able to pay off a small home frees up a lot of monthly income
– Energy efficiency – smaller homes require less heating, water and electricity to operate
– Less maintenance – there is less cleaning and less maintenance in a small property
– Smaller environmental footprint
– More time to yourself
 
If you are seriously considering buying a tiny home keep in mind the following things:
– Make a short list of what you deem essential in a home.
– Research! There are so many models from which to choose, you should be well-versed in what is available and what you want.
– Decide on whether you want to live off the grid.
– Be ready to compromise as a small house will naturally entail giving up certain items
 
Regardless of the reasons you might choose to live in a tiny house, one thing is certain – you will likely find it liberating and a life-changing experience.

Fun with Flooring

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Flooring can make all of the difference in a room. Regardless of your style or decor, the right material underfoot can dramatically alter the look and feel of your room. Along with conventional flooring materials, there are some fun options that most people are unaware exist. Opting for something a bit out-of-the box can really help create the space that speaks to your personal style and taste. Here we will look at some fun options that are starting to catch on!
 
End grain wood tiles
Yes, you read that correctly – end grain. All this means is that the wood is cut against the grain instead of with it, creating a distinct look for your floors. Ideal for cottages and cabins, given the right treatment this kind of tile can look great in a formal setting as well.
 
Moroccan wood tiles
Moroccan wood tiles come in several shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common – they evoke the exoticness of a Moorish palace. Curvy and classic, these beautiful tiles will add refinement and grace to any space.
 
Bamboo
Sustainable, attractive and inexpensive, bamboo flooring is all the rage for so many reasons – not the least of which is how good it looks! Given how quickly it grows and the abundance of the material, bamboo is one of those hip flooring ideas that it both good-looking and environmentally friendly.
 
Cork
Not just for keeping your wine fresh or pinning up notices in your office – cork is a great material for flooring as well. Easily renewable, cork is also a naturally resistant to mold and mildew, is a great insulator and sound dampner and is very durable – it is also long-lasting since the color of the cork goes right through it.
 
Given all of the fun choices in flooring currently on the market, it is not always easy choosing the right one for your needs. However, with a bit of inspiration you just might find that the right materials is not what most convention dictates and something a bit more you.

Budgeting For Renos

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Budgeting for renos in your Toronto home can be a difficult thing to do. Most people are unaware of what materials and labor cost and therefore, aren’t sure exactly how much to set aside for their projects. Depending on the kind of materials you choose for your project and whether you plan on doing part or most of the work yourself will greatly influence your costs.
 
Here is a basic overview of materials for a kitchen, what they cost and how much you should budget for them.
 
Counters
Depending on the materials you choose for your counters, the size you need, the thickness you choose and the design involved will definitely change the price you pay. However, basic costs are as follows:
Natural stone (marble, granite): $100/square foot
Man-made stone (Quartz, Corian): $75-$100/square foot
Butcher block: $60-$80/square foot
Laminate: $25-$50/square foot
Stainless steel: $125/square foot
 
Flooring
Flooring prices really run the gamut from $.59/square foot to $30/square foot. Your price will depend entirely on the kind of material you choose for your floor. Just remember, that if you go cheap and pick out a laminate, what you might save upfront, will be taken from your bottom line if you ever decide to sell. Keep in mind that when it comes to kitchens and bathrooms, you should put in the best you can afford, while still keeping in mind your neighbourhood and what it will support in resale.
 
Cabinets
Again here, depending on what material you choose and the size of your kitchen, you can get decent looking presswood cabinets for a 10’x10’ kitchen for around $5000 or you can spend nearly $40,000 on a custom built wood kitchen. What you want, your neighbourhood and what you can afford will naturally play a role in what you choose.
 
Fixtures
Sometimes inexpensive cabinets can be made to look regal and rich with the right fixtures. Look to pay anywhere from $.99 to $20 per fixture depending on design and the material used.
 
In the end a simple kitchen renovation including labor will cost you anywhere between $10,000 and $30,000 depending on the materials you choose.

Flipping that first property

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Flipping homes in Toronto and across the rest of Canada is currently derigeur. With the increase in property prices and the spike in the number of reality television shows glamorizing house flipping, it is no wonder that people are tempted to try their hand at making what looks like “easy money.” The truth is a lot more complicated and much tougher than what it would seem to be on tv. However, if done properly, there is money to be made in property flipping.
 
Area
The first thing to keep in mind is that you need to know what you are doing – which means, research potential areas in which to flip a house. Find out what homes are going for in that area and then try to find that diamond in the rough that you can get for way under valuation – it won’t be easy, but it is possible. Just remember, that you can’t expect to buy a house in a low-income neighbourhood, renovate it to high-end standards and then expect to flip it for more than the area can handle. You have to always take into consideration what property values are worth in the area and the potential return you will make from a flip.
 
Money
So you’ve scouted neighbourhoods and found the perfect property to flip. Now you need the money. Not only do you need the funds to buy the home, but you need the money to maintain it while the work is being done and the funds to renovate it – and remember always overestimate what you will need to invest. Another crucial element is having back-up cash available if/when your own funds run-dry. Renovations will always cost more than anticipated and you have to be prepared to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
 
Expertise
Unless you have a contracting background, have always been very handy around a house or just have a burning interest in home renovations, it is good to have reliable and trusted contractors lined-up to help you execute those repairs that you can’t handle on your own. However, it is necessary to find contractors who won’t overcharge you and eat into whatever profit you might make during the resale of the residence.
 
Lifestyle
The last and most important thing to remember about flipping houses in Toronto, is that people will pay for lifestyle far quicker than they will for a finished basement or a guest bedroom. If you can sell a certain kind of lifestyle, people will be more willing to spend those extra few dollars – especially when they will be getting a perk that speaks directly to their image of the perfect life.

Social Media and Real Estate

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Social media is rewriting the way people interact, socialize and the way they buy things – this is as true for real estate as it is for anything else on the market. Social media and real estate have a very symbiotic relationship and the best realtors know how to leverage the power of their social circles to expand their presence, broaden their brand awareness and increase their sales potential.
 
Let’s take a look at what social media and real estate involves.
 
There are several social platforms on which realtors should be active if they want to really hit their target demographics.
 
Facebook
Naturally, Facebook remains at the top of the heap when it comes to social platforms. The majority of users are at that ideal 18-35 demographic and it is a great place for posting text, pictures and links to other sites. While there is still potential to reach your audience organically, the only way for a company to truly make an impact is to pay to promote their posts. In the past this used to be free, but in order to monetize the platform Facebook changed their business model and now any publicity you want must be paid for in order to get the visibility that will really boost numbers.
 
Twitter
Twitter is a conversation that never stops. In order to best leverage the power in Twitter, companies must invest in engaging with their audience – this means posting a minimum of once a day. However, posting once a day isn’t enough. It is best to also retweet other people’s tweets and to tweet interesting articles that fall into your company’s area of business.
 
Pinterest
Pinterest can be an interesting platform if your business is highly visual. For instance, if your business is landscaping, then posting pictures of the jobs you’ve completed would be ideal for Pinterest. Just remember, that along with your pictures, you should link back to your website.
 
Google+
If you want the power of Google behind your business, then this is where to engage with your audience. Bear in mind that the Google+ audience skews older and more male than on Facebook. The Google name also means that SEO will rank very high on this platform.
 
Instagram
Instagram is another highly visual medium similar to Pinterest. As long as you post often enough, you will be able to maintain a steady presence on the platform, but again, it is not for every business. If you are able to communicate your business visually then it might be a good idea for you.
 
Linkedin
Linkedin is an excellent source for professional networking. While it is a social media platform it isn’t as versatile or dynamic as the other platforms discussed above. The one thing going for it, is that you can create a story for yourself and your business and you can get endorsements from your clients right on your home page.

Becoming a Brand

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Brand building in the Toronto real estate market is one of the most important aspects of any successful realtor’s business. Although not new, the weight given to brand consciousness is a rather recent phenomenon based on the mega successes of globally identifiable brands such as Apple, Microsoft, Google and Amazon, to name just a very few. In your own way, it is important to establish yourself or your business as more than just an individual and a service – you have to pitch yourself as an all-encompassing brand that stands for exactly what your target audience needs/wants.
 
Becoming a brand needs an investment in time and effort.
 
1 – The first thing you have to do is to establish yourself or your business as an expert in its field. If you are a realtor, then pick a few neighbourhoods and become the go-to person for information on what to do, where to go and what to see in those areas. Know the schools, the services, the community leaders and get involved. Promote yourself and/or your company as being the source for information on that area.
2- The next thing you should do is to have a cohesive identity created – this basically means that you have to create an easily identifiable logo that people will automatically associate with you and your service/company. In order to create something truly representative of who you are or what you do, it is best to put down on paper what your brand voice is, what your values are and what your mission statement is – establishing these things will ensure that you always have a consistent communications strategy across all of your marketing mediums.
3 – Another key component to establishing your brand is to be active on social media and in other promotional areas where your name and service will be seen and heard. Remember that the goal of these activities is to establish yourself as an expert in your field and not necessarily to solicit business. You have to create a forum of trust where people feel comfortable consuming your information. When your community of followers sees that you are helping them, they will be more inclined to go to you for services when they are ready.
4- Target the people who are most likely to consume your product or service. There’s no point in joining groups or communities that are not likely to ever be interested in what you have to offer. Instead, concentrate your efforts on those whom you know will one day likely becoming a loyal client.
5- Networking is key to establishing your brand. Without visibility, there is no way that you will be able to reach the heights of success to which you aspire. Be sure to shake as many hands as possible, to attend events and to talk with people who can further your success.
 
Without a brand, it is hard to get traction in today’s hyper-competitive marketplace. To really make a splash you have to work at it – but once you’re established, then you will certainly reap the benefits of being a brand.

Should You Act as your Own Agent?

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Most people who are thinking of either buying or selling property have thought about being their own agent. While the thought seems sound and can make sense in some ways, the fact is real estate agents are an essential part of the home buying/selling process. You can certainly do the work by yourself, but you must then be prepared to take on a lot of work and to do your homework so that you know exactly whether you are getting a good deal or not.
 
Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to handle if you act as your own agent when selling your home:
 
Researching the property marketing in your area
Listing your home online with the MLS and other sales websites – bear in mind that while you can pay to have your home listed, you won’t have access to the full range of tools that realtors have on the MLS.
Taking proper pictures of your property
Fielding phone calls from interested buyers
Setting up appointments
Organizing open houses
Negotiating the best deal
Knowing what to include in the sales contract to protect yourself from liability
 
An experienced real estate agent will take care of all the items listed above as well as recommend trusted notaries, home inspectors, stagers, etc… to ensure the sale of your home goes as smoothly as possible.
 
Although acting as your own agent will save you money, you have to weigh the cost versus your personal investment in time and stress.
 
In the end an experienced real estate agent is an investment in your property, as they will ensure the highest price in the quickest turn-around, which is what every seller wants.