Tina Parker and Sylvia Large

So often I'm asked if homeowners should leave lingering scents of coffee, fresh baked cookies or bread for that added feeling of home. Perhaps back before staging became an essential to selling a property as it was an unexpected surprise. It added to the experience. But now that staging has set the stage (pun intended) for a good showing, smelling those items makes one wonder what you may be covering up. The scents send out red flags.

Nothing works best than the fresh scent of "clean" but if you are still convinced fresh coffee, cookies or bread is the way to go then leave out items that will indicate that perhaps you just ran out the door after having baked or enjoyed a cup of coffee.

For example, place a mug with a little coffee in it and put it on the counter next to the coffee maker that has been turned off. Leave the spoon that you may have used to stir it next to the mug. The counter is still clean and clear but with a little hint of home.

Happy staging!

Join me this coming Thursday, May 13th, 7pm at the Tantallon Public Library where I will be disclosing many home staging secrets to help you prepare your property to meet today's high market expectations.

The following are mortgage interests rates available as of May 10, 2010. If there is further information you require that I can help you with in terms of buying or selling real estate, please do not hesitate to contact me.

• 1 year 2.64%
• 2 year 3.45%
• 3 year 3.75%
• 4 year 4.29%
• 5 year 4.49%
• 7 year 5.25%
• 10 year 5.59%

Variable Rate Products

5 year variable: Prime(2.25%) - .50%

Kingswood Ratepayers Association Annual General Meeting will be held 7:00pm, May 4th at the Cornerstone Wesleyan Church at 1215 Hammonds Plains Road.

All Kingswood residents are encouraged to attend or visit the website www.mykingswood.ca to download a proxy form. You can give the form to your neighbour who you know will be attending or to any of the board members listed on the site. I am on the board and will be available to collect if you want to call me at 229-5799 or email me at tina@sojustcall.me

Thank you and see you there!

The Birch Cove Development Plan has been posted on the Halifax Regional Municipality's regional planning page and the PDF file outlining this plan can be found here.

The master plan for Birch Cove appears to achieve the balance of combining a streamlined design vision with cutting edge sustainable technology, blending economic realism and social understanding. This balanced design approach is reflective of Birch Cove's values, meets its needs for future growth, and ensures its longevity as a premiere waterfront destination in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Property values are sure to surpass surrounding areas in the long term as the development plan will bring vitality, growth and beauty to an area that has not been living up to its fabulous potential in recent years.