While you may not be seriously considering selling your home or looking for a new one, you might still be interested in what’s going on in the marketplace. After all, it’s nice to see “what’s out there” and find out more about some of the homes that are currently listed on the market.

There’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, it’s a good idea.

Keeping up with what’s going on in the local market, will help you make better decisions about your own home, especially if you anticipate selling within the next year or so.

Many people do this by reviewing listings online, ads in the real estate section of the local paper or dropping in on open houses. While these techniques are helpful, they don’t always give you the best picture of what’s really going on.

A better strategy is to talk to me. I will give you the best information about properties available and where the local market is headed.

As your REALTOR®, I can also satisfy your curiosity about how much particular homes have sold for in the area – which will give you a clearer idea of what your own home might get if it was listed today.

Speaking of price, I can provide you with a free assessment of your home’s current market value, which will give you an even clearer idea of what you’re likely to get.

Clearly, by working with me, you’ll have a source of advice and information that will help you make the best decision when the time comes to consider making a move.

You’ve probably heard the term “curb appeal”. It refers to how your property looks when a potential buyer first sees it from the curb. Curb appeal plays an important role in the first impression a buyer gets of your home.

There is another type of appeal you should also be concerned about – “foyer appeal”. Foyer appeal is all about the impression a buyer gets when he or she first walks through your front door.

Think about it. What do you do when you enter a particular home for the first time? You probably take a quick look around while you’re removing your jacket or shoes. In fact, a lot of the impression you form about a home comes from the first look you get while standing in the foyer. Home buyers do the same thing.

So when preparing your home for sale, it makes sense to make your home look as attractive as possible from the perspective of the foyer. There are many ways you can do that. Make sure the area is clean and uncluttered. Don’t have shoes and boots lying around. Make sure there is nothing obvious and unsightly in the foyer.

Fair or not, buyers form lasting impressions from the foyer. So make sure that the first impression is a good one!

It would be ideal if you could hire an interior designer and completely remodel your living room. But, let’s face it, that could be very expensive.

That doesn’t mean you can’t make your current room look a lot better. Here are some simple, low-cost decorating tips that will accomplish just that.

• Put a covering over your worn sofa or chair. A simple throw blanket placed at an angle can make a dramatic difference.
• Plants, real or artificial, make just about any room look better. Just don’t overdo it.
• Don’t try to hide problem areas. Instead, accent them. For example, if the window sill is worn and aged, place a couple of antique-looking ornaments on it!
• Re-do the walls. Move pictures around. Consider adding other wall decor, such as plates and mini-shelves.
• Place your favourite hard-cover books around the room. Add illustrated books in the living room and cookbooks in the kitchen or dining room.
• Lamps, especially interesting looking ones, can go a long way toward enhancing a room.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Be daring. Sometimes just moving a picture or a piece of furniture can make all the difference.

“The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas.”

Linus Pauling

“All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing.”

Edmund Burke

“Dreams are the touchstones of our character.”

Henry David Thoreau