Cambridge, ON

The African Lion Safari located at RR#1 Cambridge, Ontario NIR 5S2 has been open since 1969. That's right...1969. And they started with just 40 lions in 3 reserves.

Today they have over 1000 animals of over 100 different species. I'd say they've grown!

Their objective: "maintaining self-sustaining populations of species in decline". And since they've successfully bred 30 species that are considered endangered, and 20 or more species that are considered threatened, I'd say they have been successful.

What have they done so far in 2010? "Jake" an Asian Elephant was born as a result of artificial insemination - the first ever in Canada.

What is their mission? On their web site (http://www.lionsafari.com) they say:

"Our Mission is to provide an entertaining and educational environment in which to display and propagate animals in a safe manner that gives a unique viewing opportunity to all of our visitors."

Now I haven't been there for years, since my kids were small, but I had a great time. It might be time to go again. How about you? You want to Go Wild!!

Last year, we were called in by a savvy home owner to do a consult on her home before she put it up for sale. The home itself was impressive from the start and we knew with some simple changes, fresh paint and staging that house couldn't fail to wow buyers!

Today we staged the home and we are thrilled with the results!

Living Room - Before & After Shots - In the bottom shot I do apologize for the fact that my camera did not capture the beautiful seafoam hue of the chairs and the corresponding hues pulled out in the pillows. The lamp as well has a seafoam shade with a gorgeous polished silver base. Yummy!

Living Room - Before & After Shots - We recommended that our client find a light fixture to further define the dining area and she found one (can you believe it was only $35?). We removed four of the eight chairs, added artwork and complimentary table centerpiece/runner combo to draw the colours through the connecting spaces.

Family Room - Before & After Shots - This is a fabulous room with soaring ceilings, wonderfully tall windows which we wanted to highlight. This space was also connected to the living room/dining room area so again we chose to pull the same accent colours through the space. We had our client take off the window coverings and we used their furniture, adding end tables/lamps and accessories to make the most of this impressive space.

Master Bedroom - Before & After Shots - Our client took their sleigh bed out of storage at our recommendation and we utilized a rich gold/chocolate brown theme throughout the room. By adding matching lamps, accessories and art the space comes together beautifully.

2nd Bedroom - Before & After - We actually took the bed in this room and used it in the empty third bedroom. We utilized a double bed in this space and dressed it with contemporary bedding and art.

Third Bedroom - Before & After - We love how this bedroom turned out and we even managed to use our favourite (and suddenly trendy) colour turquoise!

This was a huge project and both Alana and I agreed that this was one of the first times where we took home less than 10% of all the accessories/art we brought with us. We always bring extra possibilities because even with the best of planning the design plan does not come out as expected. Our clients are thrilled with the transformation and were overheard saying that now they didn't want to move! That is one of the best compliments we can think of!

Here is a true story, a lesson in fact, in the importance of working with a mortgage specialist to get an accurate picture of your present financial situation. It's not enough to sit down with your standard bank representative, and chat for 5 minutes about the key details of your income and expenses.

You need someone who asks all the pertinent questions, because this sort of investigative work is in your best interest. It can help protect you from the burden of taking on a loan that would stretch you to your last penny, and leave you unprotected should some unforeseen events arise. It can also prevent the awful situation of falling in love with a home; negotiating the price to something you are comfortable and happy with, only to find that you are unable to secure the necessary financing to complete the purchase.

These mistakes are completely avoidable and can lead to a more enjoyable experience, especially for first time home buyers

Who else do you need? Call me now to learn how to build your complete team!

Selection assistance? I also do that. The highest offer on table is not always the best offer, and I help you understand why. Consider an ESA inspection clause, that could cost you several thousand dollars in electrical repairs/updates, or a Sale of Buyers Property clause that could take your home off the market for several weeks. All of a sudden, the offer at a few thousand dollars below asking price is looking pretty good...

We had the opportunity to work with some great sellers at a stunning home in Branchton. After doing a consultation for them, we advised them on everything from paint colours to new lighting for the dining room and powder room. We then came in and staged last week with some great rental furniture, our home decor accessories and combined them with the seller's existing furniture.

The results? Spectacular! I have created a great slideshow on Flickr for anyone who wants to view it and here is the link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/roomsinbloom/sets/72157619783432236/

And the backyard is simply to die for ... I'm trying to convince my husband we need to buy this home! LOL! Its one of the downfalls when you work in the real estate industry and can appreciate beautiful homes that every once in awhile you tumble into love with a property. Well this one's "it" for me! We'll see ..

Here are a few pics below to give you an idea of the home:

UPDATE: This home sold in 3 days for 99.4% of the asking price! The sellers opted, against the advice of their Realtor to list it $30K above the suggested listing price - and boy did that pay off! The buyer loved the home so much she stretched her budget by 100K to buy this home! The sellers are so thrilled that they have asked us to redesign their new home!