Liz Gallagher, RESA member.

THE Perfect Time To PURGE!

As winters' end draws near and signs of spring are evident by the buzz of activity in your neighborhood, you realize you are not alone in the required duties of owing a home. There's nothing better than a warm spring day to get a jump start on yard detail...specifically taking down Christmas decorations. We all know there will be enough time spent on mowing the lawn and maintaining the pool in the days ahead. But you can be better prepared the next time the decorations are needed by taking the time now to do these few simple things.

Inspect the quality of your decorations and decide now if they really should go back into storage. Are they dated, worn, or unable to be repaired, then now’s the time to toss them. There's nothing worst than putting up a string of lights to find that half of them have burnt out! If you have hung onto things because they were "donated" to you by a relative but you don't really like them "donate" them to someone else. They are not worthy of your precious storage space for another year. Try to replace items in their original boxes for storage and if you don't plan to re-use the boxes send them packing. Once you have pared down your collection think about purchasing a few large storage containers, which can be found at Canadian Tire, Zellers or the local hardware store. They can properly protect and extend the life of your decorations, especially if there are stored outside in a lawn shed or cabana. Remember to label your containers with a permanent marker so when you go to pull them out in the Fall you will know exactly which ones to handle. It's also a good idea to put a few moth balls into the container to discourage little critters from setting up home in them for the summer. I strongly recommended not to use moth balls for indoor decorations...I know from experience...it won't be smelling like Christmas so much as it will be moth balls!

Lastly, it’s not always evident where to put everything and you may be overwhelmed with having to deal with organizing and storing it all. There are professionals that can help simplify your life , make the necessary decisions and be an extra pair of hands to help pack away and lift heavy containers.

So, remember the time will soon be at hand, the warmer days will bring yet warmer ones with it. Help is just a phone call away.

In the past Home Harmony has done promotions with local agents by Staging "Before and Afters" for Realtor caravans. It is a great way to meet with agents and have them meet the Stagers behind the scenes. They too can put a name to the face and see what staging really is and they have an opportunity to talk with us one on one at their convenience. We address any concerns they may have about staging and we provide all the info they may need to contact us in the future. We have met well over 200 agents this way...

I would like to know if anyone can tell me how they have gone about getting visibility from doing such a stunt ... I am always looking for new ideas.

Thanks for sharing

Liz

Angents we are always open to your suggestions...feel free to contact us with your ideas.

A little vacation has been long over due, this being spring break in Quebec I decided to spend some time with family away from my post as Stager

It is hard to disconnect when everything I do on a daily basis revolves around the business...while I should have been miles away body and mind my thoughts were on my team working to stage not one but two properties today! I was not concerned that they wouldn't do an outstanding job, they are more than capable of preforming " Home Harmony Magic " three fold( Michelle, Louise , Ruth) ...I was feeling like I was missing out on the action...I just love what I do so much! How many people can say that.

Signing out from our Nations Capital.

Liz

Today’s society is largely made up of 2 working parents or a single parent working multiple jobs. We often work excessive hours to provide our children with a good life…to give to them the things we never had …but really, we didn’t turn out that bad…did we?

When we are not working we are busy transporting multiple children to after school activities such as soccer, ballet, music or art lessons…those activities are not limited to one per night or week nights only.

Little “Free time” actually exists to properly maintain a functional household and still enjoy our family. So, things get left undone for awhile and then another little while …we promise to get to it in our free time and so the piles get bigger and start to spread till they crop up everywhere in our home…yes CLUTTER begins to grow out of control!

Well, if you have been staying on top of it you might be considered modern day HERO, a rarity, quite possibly one of a dying breed. If you wadding through, and climbing over piles of paper, clothes, toys and unorganized is your everyday life, don’t despair there is help to achieving “HERO” status!

Companies exist that will help you de-clutter and organize your home. They are sensitive to the situation and can help you make decisions on purging, donating and throwing out broken or damaged items. Sounds easy right? Well, some of us are more sentimental than others and have trouble tossing the ancient dried flower arrangement from our second cousin once removed. That’s ok too because with time those decisions become easier. With each drawer ,closet, and room that you reclaim the weight and emotional baggage you carry (sometimes unknowingly) will begin to lighten.

You’d be surprised how something as simple as an organized pantry will save precious time…YOUR time.

There are so many worthy organizations that will sell or donate your discarded items. The local bunker will gladly make room. You might also consider having a garage sale to profit from your purging…turn it into a fun family activity.

Bottom Line … CLUTTER isn’t healthy for your mind or your body. You become stressed and short tempered because the responsibility for missed placed homework, work assignments, clothing, lunch boxes etc falls on you.

No need to live the unorganized lifestyle anymore help is just a friendly phone call away!

This Home Sold in 15 days! It was dressed for success.

Like most of us, an occasion to get all dressed up can be an opportunity to pamper ourselves and have a little fun doing it. We may spend the morning at the spa (schedule permitting) for massage, manicure and getting our hair done. Probably another half day was spent at the mall (factory outlets) finding that perfect dress or pantsuit to wear. Once the makeup has been carefully chosen and applied we select the perfect jewels to complement and finish the look. A hint of perfume and you’re all set...because your feeling good about you and it shows....you are now ready to conquer the world!

Think about this now...your house (or clients') is going to receive guests, potential buyers, people that will be looking for possible flaws and reasons not to buy. Your home should be treated no different and like you requires special attention for the big event. It needs be polished and shined and painted if necessary. The bedding, curtains, towels are to be crease-less and crisp for they are the outfit(s) chosen to make the house special. The flowers and candles are the jewels to complement and finish look. Add a delicate fragrance to the air for the finishing touch. Now your home is ready to take on the world (of potential buyers)!

Did anyone happen to notice the run in your stockings? I would be willing to bet they didn’t. Because you looked stunning everyone failed to notice the slight imperfection, instead they were captivated by your beauty and seemly flawless appearance right? And it went unnoticed.

Same is true of your home...people will see past those tiny imperfections because they are overwhelmed with the beauty of your home. You have given them a reason to see past them and envision themselves and their family living in your home. They have made an emotional connection and that is what you set out to do! You have captured the world...or in this case the buyer.

So, before calling in a Realtor or if you are the Realtor listing the home, think first about calling in a Stager. Stagers are the spa for your home specialists|. With a trained eye we will tour your home and give you advice on what is needed to give your home the advantage on the market. Often requiring as little as a few hours and for a lot less than you would think. Take your home from BLAH to BEAUTIFUL! And bring in the BUCKS!

Remember Realtors you are people too. Your first impression of the home is very important and will reflect how you market the home…think about using a Home Stager as a marketing tool for potential or existing clients.

Give us a Call …it’s cheaper than a day at the spa!