Brampton, ON

When dealing with a small space, such as a student dorm, first apartment or tiny condo you must effectively utilize your vertical living space. Shelving and storage will be your new best friends. Also be sure to look for pieces that are small scale, streamlined and multi-functional.

This can be a fun undertaking for someone moving out on their own for the first time - especially if mom and dad are footing the bill. We all know that Ikea works well for this scenario.

But if you have already acquired a lifetime of furnishings and possessions, downsizing is a daunting task at the best of times. Add to that the stresses or traumas that face us in the latter stages of life and it's difficult to know where or how to begin. Always keep your favorite things - a skilled redesigner can easily incorporate what's necessary and knows how to mix & match the most unusual combinations.

To help with the adjustment, think "Less is More". Downsizing is basically simplifying your life and that in itself can reap huge benefits.

Embrace the intimacy of your small space!

Oh it's sad but true, I've seen all of these things recently. Please do yourself a favour and spring into the current decade.

10 Things to Remove NOW

• doilies
• dusty silk or dried flowers
• macrame plant hangers or wall hangings
• plastic, lucite or cardboard photo frames
• pleated lampshades
• balloon style window valances
• wallpaper borders
• anything brass
• dead or dying houseplants
• forgotten seasonal decorations !

... there, now doesn't that FEEL better?

The Wellspring Chinguacousy cancer support centre in Brampton officially opened its doors on April 8th. I'm very proud to say that I volunteered my time and expertise to choose the paint colours for each room. It was an honour to work with Regional Councillor Gael Miles on this project and to share in her joy of seeing the end result.

Read the full article HERE which quotes that "One of the most noticeable features of the house is the colour palate of marine tones of greens and blues, as well as soft shades of yellows and creams ... wonderful sense of serenity you get when you walk in."

A good first impression is critical, and a house (like any individual) has only one chance to make that important first impression. It takes less than 60 seconds for a potential buyer to decide whether or not they like a home. Sometimes, they won't even get out of the car. Curb appeal is the first step in the staging process. The façade and front entrance of a home must be presented in such a way that the potential buyer is drawn in and wants to see more.

Home buyers are busy people who typically work long hours and they now have little time for those "fix-it" projects. Today's savvy buyer demands "move-in" condition and most buyers actually have little imagination. If the living room walls are pink and the kitchen is done in a country blue theme, they will have great difficulty envisioning it any other way. Potential buyers will start adding up the cost and time of having to make such changes and upgrades and suddenly the home becomes less appealing. A buyer should "feel at home" right away.

An experienced ReDesigner can effectively stage a home - using just the existing furnishings - to attract more buyers.

The main objectives when staging a home are to:

• neutralize the décor to appeal to more buyers;
• create a spacious and flowing interior; and
• highlight the architectural selling features so that buyers will remember them;

Direct the buyer's eye away from a negative element (such as a small room) by highlighting something positive (a gas fireplace). This is achieved by correct furniture placement and careful use of artwork to play up the nicer features, without overpowering them. You want potential buyers to remember the feel of the entire room, not just the things in a room.

What really makes a room look smaller is contrast. Simple window treatments, like sheers or panels in a tone similar to the wall colour, will help to make the room feel larger.

If a home shows like a model suite with warm and inviting touches throughout, everyone will be impressed and it will stand out in the mind of a buyer who has been on the hunt all day.

But don't try to achieve the PERFECT "model home" look, as most people will feel intimidated and think that they'd never get it to look that way when they move in. Instead, strive for a balance between an elegant, uncluttered look while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Here is a March update of Brampton Ontario real estate activity.

(TREB area# W24)

There was 973 active properties for sale in the Brampton W24 area MLS compared to 846 last year in month of March and 245 are sold compared to 285 sold last year in march. Here is the detail view.

- Semi-Detached house prices are up from $278651 to $294010.

- Detached house prices are up from $367194 to $394507.

- Condo Townhouse prices are up from $186703 to $193967

- Condo Apartments prices are DOWN from $155339 to $154315

Like always if you are in the market for a house in Malton, Brampton, Springdale, Castlemore, Mississauga or any other part of the GTA, our team will be able to help you with all your real estate needs like Finding your dream home and negotiating best price for you, Home inspection, Lawyer and Mortgage.

Thinking of Buying?

View our listings in Greater Toronto Area

I AM AT YOUR SERVICE!

Mandeep Bhathal

Call me today at 647-998-8719 or e-mail at mbhathal@gmail.com

Find my website at http://www.luckyhome4u.com/

** Data is taken from Toronto Real Estate Board**