Manitoba

I've been bitten by the blogging bug and although it's technically past my bedtime I just felt the need to post something since I now have a shiny new Rainmaker account! I just want to start off by saying that I have been 'lurking' on here for a few years now, actually since before I even got into real estate. Though lurking sounds like something creepy one does in the shadows, it was more like I was reading the featured posts everyday and commenting on many of them, albeit without my photo beside my name. Now that's been changed and I've lost my shroud of mystery. Oh well, It's for the best!

I'm going to share a little tidbit of information that is actually a part of my, oh humble am I, extremely useful and helpful buyer's guide. I include a few lines down at the bottom for buyers to add in anything else they think of that they might need and it becomes basically a shopping list to take to Rona or Home Depot.

When transitioning from renting to homeownership it is helpful to have an idea of what types of tools you will require around the home, below is a list of the most commonly used tools that a homeowner needs:

For The Home:

• Hammer
  
• Pair of Pliers
  
• Cordless drill
• Level
• Spackle
• Putty knife
• Measuring tape
• Adjustable wrench
• Extension cord
• Plunger

For The Yard:

• Snow shovel
• Rake
• Lawn Mower

I've gotten some excellent feedback on this and know a few ex-renters who've said they wish they had something like this when they bought their first home. Now don't laugh, some renters really haven't purchased a lot of these items before and may not even think of some of them when they're caught up in the excitement of house hunting and finalizing the deal on their first dream home.

Any more ideas on what could be added to the list would be great, or if you have anything similar that would complement this item to assist renters in transition that would be wonderful to share!

Or 'Why I want to move to Wolseley'

I feel kind of like an umpire at a baseball game cheering for one team. As a real estate agent I know the entire city of Winnipeg really well. I don't feel it's right for me to pick favourites, and it seems especially counter-productive to blog about a neighbourhood that I don't even live in. Especially when there's really nothing holding me back from moving there as my dream condo (see image) is on the market right now at a very reasonable asking price. And especially because I love my current neighbourhood (guess what my next blog is going to be about!) And especially because getting other people where they want to be is my full-time job. But I'm just not in a position to get over there, yet, for a number of reasons. Hopefully that condo stays on the market for a while longer...

According to my research Wolseley is sometimes referred to as Winnipeg's "granola belt", though I've never heard this term, it does seem fitting. This neighbourhood is known for being home to many of the city's environmentally-minded folks. They've successfully stopped the city from mosquito fogging for the past few years in a row.

Some of the local attractions, besides the gorgeous character homes (but maybe that's just because I love, love, love real estate) include access to downtown and the trendy surrounding neighbourhoods, the convenience of being adjacent to Portage Avenue is unbeatable. The neighbourhood has its own arts festival, its own residents association and its own blog. How's that for a close-knit community feel? Apparently eight percent of the residents in this neighbourhood have home offices, compared to four percent in the rest of Winnipeg. No wonder my dream condo includes a den. I work from home (and my car, client's kitchen tables, the odd Starbucks and on very rare occasions, my brokerage office). If everybody in this neighbourhood sits in their kitchen every morning and crunches on granola, then this neighbourhood was made for me. Well actually, I eat oatmeal for breakfast, but it's close enough!

If Winnipeg had Google Street View I'd recommend a virtual walk through here. It's like Wellington Crescent for the rest of us! (Never heard of Wellington Crescent? Stay tuned.)

I thought I'd post these thoughts before one of the five women in my family, or one of the hundreds of agents/brokers in town here point me to a site with them:

With her in the car on the way to anywhere, look deeply into her eyes and say, "Let me pull over and ask for directions."

After dinner, when the candles are still burning, say, "I'll clear the table and do the dishes, honey. You go watch ANTM."

Greet her with a cup of coffee in the morning and let her know you have already taken out the garbage, vaccuumed the first floor, and washed and folded a few loads of laundry.

On Sunday at noon say, "Let's go shopping. We should be able to get a good place to park once the football games start."

Ok, that's enough. Now back to your regularly scheduled man thoughts.

GETTING READY FOR HOME STAGING IN WINNIPEG

Recently, I had the opportunity to complete a Consultation for HOME STAGING IN WINNIPEG for a wonderful family. There are many things to do in preparing to move. Packing up excess items prior to listing a house is very important. As items are pulled out for packing up, it can become very overwhelming and stressful. especially when you have a young family. Taking the time in preparing the house for sale can make all the difference in the world to selling it faster and for increased profit. REMEMBER - buyers want to see the house and all that it offers - not your personal items. It can also make the transition to the new home a little easier.

There are a few tips that can help in the process of packing up:

- Make plans for an off-site storage location, either a rented space, using portable storage containers, storage in the new home, or friends and family. Knowing where all the stored items will be stored gives you a clear plan of what to do once things are packed up.

-Gather boxes from stores or purchase some at the moving and/or storage companies. Another great way to pack up items is using large plastic storage bins with lids. They can also be used after the move to store out of season items. (Plastic bins keep moisture out as well)

-Start in one area of a room. As items are taken out of drawers, cupboards, closets etc., decide to - KEEP (still used, not worn out, not broken) DONATE (not used anymore, don't fit) DISCARD (broken, worn out, missing pieces). Moving items that are no longer needed or used only add energy, expense and time to moving. Be very objective of items not used. (Are there coats, dishes, decorations, or other items that you are hanging onto but don't use - take a breath and decided to let it go). After you complete an area - move to the next area. This system of working through your house will help to keep you focused. Jumping from room to room or area to area will only cause confusion and add to stress AND waste your productive time.

-Keeping items because you want to pass them on to family or friends in the future BUT don't use them now yourself - ask them if they want them. If they want them - give them to them now. Better for them to enjoy them now than later. If they do not want them - rethink where they can go. There are many organizations that will take items for needy families or individuals.

-As you have a collection of items to donate or discard - remove them from the house as soon as possible. It will free up the space - and add to your feeling of accomplishment.

-Label each packed box / container (Marck on the top and 2 sides) with the room that is will be going into. Also mark what the box contains. ie; Kitchen - pots and pans or Family room - games

-For items that are used daily and need to be accessible, pack them up last and keep that pile of boxes / containers grouped together and transported in such a way that they will be accessed first and easily. Place a special marking (either a large coloured paper taped on the box OR marked in RED marker) identifying that it is an essential box/container.

-Use packing paper (if possible) to pack up breakables. Using newspaper is okay - but an extra job of having to wash or wipe off the print could add a step in the unpacking process. Packing paper is available thru storage/moving companies.

This items in this room are in the beginning stages of packing up and moving out. The room is GETTING READY FOR HOME STAGING IN WINNIPEG, MB This room will be the games/playroom.

Stay tuned for the AFTER photo

HOME STAGING COMPANY IN WINNIPEG SHARES TIPS ON ORGANIZING AREAS OF YOUR HOME THAT BENEFIT NOW AND IN THE FUTURE WHEN LISTING FOR SALE

There are many areas of a house that we can store items that have been collect over the years. Items are kept for many reasons ie: seasonsal clothing, seasonal activities, seasonal decorations and changes also happen in our decorating tastes. Many times, new items are brought in to to update the changes, but sometimes the old items get stored 'just in case'. Just in case 'I may need them again', 'Just in case the kids want them', 'Just in case ....?'. The list of 'just in case' could be any number of reasons that items are kept in storage.

Taking a good look around your home and make an honest evaluation of items that are in storage is the first step in the process. Areas that are used for storage vary from house to house. Some commom areas are: drawers, cupboards, closets, spare rooms, basements, sheds, and garages.

Sorting through and getting organized is a job that takes some time and effort. BUT the rewards of chipping away at the process are very rewarding. Creating a space that is relaxing and comfortable as a result of dealing with the excessive items can clear not only the space but improve the well being a person. Walking into an organized area can save time (not having to look for things, because they are easily accessible) and saves money (your not having to go out a purchase another item that you already have).

-86% of those surveyed said 'storage space' is important to potential buyers -effective staging maximizes space and spaciousness' 2005/2006 Maritz Research

Three top interior features for selling were freshly painted walls, organized storage space and current flooring - effective staging will address all three. 2005/2006 Maritz Research

Clarity Over Clutter Home Staging in Winnipeg recommends to start small - pick a particular area such as the cupboards or drawers in the bathroom. Empty out all the items onto a surface. Wash out the cupboard or drawers. Review the items that were in the areas, discarding items that are used up, expired, or not needed any more. REMEMBER - take old prescription drugs and/or medications to a pharmacy for proper disposal. If there are bottles and packaging that can be recycled - take that step as well. When replacing items back in the storage areas group them with like items ie: first aid supplies, hair products, face products etc.

Continue through other areas of the home following the same process as mentioned above.

When you are done, you not only have a clean, organized home, BUT a big part of the work of decluttering can be accomplished for that future time of listing a house for sale.

Moving is a big job and stressful. These suggestions for organizing for living can be very beneficial now and in the future.

A before and after of a closet shows what a bit of time and effort can accomplish.

Taking the time to get organized and declutter now is a great way to invest in preparing a house for sale.

If you have any story about an area of your house that you have been working on, please share it with us - We would love to hear about it.

click here to visit Clarity Over Clutter Website