About Ottawa's Blackburn Hamlet

I was recently doing a walk through on a potential listing. The owners had a wonderful collection of little statues in a specific theme. These were located on coffee tables, end tables in the living and family rooms and on the shelf in the kitchen. I thought they were delightful but was worried on the owners' behalf that these would be too tempting for visitors, especially when those with children in tow.

In trying to convince the owners to pack these and all little ornaments and souvenirs, I said "Don't leave anything out and available that could fit in a purse or pocket." It is not that the people house hunting are thieves. In fact, so few things are stolen that one forgets that this could happen. But..... there is always a first time and no home owner wants this to happen to them.

I also advise clients to put away anything of extreme value whether it is sentimental of financial. Buyers like to touch things. Why risk any damage to your valuables?

My clients asked if I would be able to follow every visitor during an Open House. I explained that this is not always possible. When more than one visitor arrives, it is better to be centrally located. Often, visitors roam freely while agents locate themselves near the only exit. Certainly where children are involved, I follow closely. It would be difficult to miss a TV going out the door but I have no rights to inspect purses or pockets of visitors. I do ask them to leave big bags by the door.

Why risk it? Pack up your worries.

Photo credit: My sister's S&P Shaker Collection

Why do psychics have to ask you for your name?

Buyers use all of their senses when searching for their new homes. 'Looking' at homes goes way beyond sight. Appeal to all five of the buyers' senses. Each sense provides input to the Buyers' perceptions of your home.

Your home is enhanced by leaving an Ipod, satellite radio or CDs playing. Pick background music. You don't want the Buyers to stop to try to remember the tune and the words. Who cares? I like almost anything done by the Marsalis family, Ottmar Lieber, Kenny G, or any light classical/ instrumental music. I would stay away from those spa CDs that have rain forest sounds or tropic birds chirping or wind blowing. Look for something smooth and mellow.

When selling a home this summer, the owner included his built in music system. (Of course, how could he take it with him?). At each viewing and for a Sunday Open House, he left the system on for Buyers to hear and see. It ended up being one of the selling features. When I do an Open House and know that it is without the central system, I take a radio and find a station of easy listening music. I leave it on the whole afternoon. I take my own radio because I am a bit of a techno phobe when it comes to my and other people's equipment. I never put the television on because it is too distracting. Buyers will stop and watch a game on the TV without seeing the house.

Make your sale come alive with the Sound of Music.

Photo credit: The Sound of Music

If your yard is covered by 3 feet of snow, how can a buyer know what it looks like? Draw a plan of the yard with the location and names of as many of the trees and perennials as you can remember. Did you ever have the green house draw up a plan of the yard or a landscape architect come in and do the work? Having these plans will add incredible interest in your property. Having the contract and receipts if further validation for the professional work done.

If you are planning to sell next year, make sure that you take some photos of your yard with things in bloom and the lawn cut. I once showed a house to a client where the Seller found photos from a big family picnic and left these on the dining table to show off the yard. Well, the yard of course was barely visible, the photos out of focus and what we could see did not look good. While I recommend taking photos, bad ones or ones where your yard is not clean and clutter free are worse than nothing.

Leave (every pun intended) the plan for buyers to see.

Photo credit: new plans

Location, Location...Welcome to 2433 Innes Rd. in desirable Blackburn Hamlet. 2 story home with in-law suite situated on a fantastic corner lot. Fully fenced yard Roof /07, front addition /09, mostly newer windows, Wall has been removed between 2 bedrooms making one large bedroom (it can be replaced if requested to return to a 3 bedroom). Please allow enough notice for showings to notify tenant in lower unit. Main flr currently daycare.

Don't miss it! Come fall in love with this Home for Sale in Blackburn Hamlet!

Call Roch St-Georges for your personal showing. 613-889-7732

Listing Price: $299,900 | 2443 Innes Rd, Ottawa, Ontario | 3 bed | 3 bath

Directions: CORNER OF INNES RD AND TAUVETTE IN BLACKBURN HAMLET

Looking for a home or condo in Ottawa? Want to sell your current home or condo? Find Condos in Ottawa at www.rochstgeorges.com

Direct: 613.889.7732 | Office: 613.627.4141

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