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Jul
28
The Sins of A Seller
Filed Under HOME STAGING, Uncategorized
Re Blogged with Permission:
I had to post this hilarious but unfortunately oh-so-true blog from Clint Miller. As a Realtor from Missoula MT, Clint must have been in and out of hundreds of homes but his “tell all” story from the viewpoint of a buyer is especially noteworthy.
Listen up sellers – this is what the buyer REALLY thinks but which your Realtor will almost never tell you – they have a relationship with you and they do not want to hurt your feelings and jepordize this relationship. But this is critical information. Buyers are the people with the chequebook. They make the decision to buy or not. They hold all the cards. And they do not cut you any slack at all. If your home exhibits any of these deadly sins – they are out the door and gone from your life forever. No feedback, no second chance, no sale.
As a Home Stager we see this all the time with clients who think their home is just fine the way it is so why would they “waste” all that money on “staging”. Unfortunately, for them, in this situation what the buyer thinks is the only thing that matters. A properly priced, professionally presented home will always sell. They sell fast. They sell for top dollar.
The others? Well, it is a good thing that the seller loves it just the way it is – because they will be living in it for a long time to come.
click here to read THE SINS OF A SELLER
Jul
27
Our NO RISK GUARANTEE
Filed Under HOME STAGING
If you are not completely satisfied with our work after our consultation you don’t pay!
That’s right! NO CHARGE!
Jul
27
Referral Program
Filed Under HOME STAGING
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Refer a friend to any of our services and receive a gift of: bottle of wine, a restaurant gift certificate, or a spa basket.
It’s just our way of saying thanks!
Jul
27
Article in Nanaimo Daily News
July 23,2009
Pam Moreside and Ilona Beedie are popular among Nanaimo’s senior citizens, especially now that the two women have teamed up for a new business initiative that helps people move from independant living to retirment homes……
Jul
14
Moving Planner Checklist
Filed Under MOVING
A general guide to many of the common moving issues.
Written by Alan Skinner
© 2008 North Vancouver / West Vancouver Real Estate
1. Use proper packing materials.
Sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap and packing peanuts can all be purchased at local moving or shipping companies. Wardrobe boxes plus other specialty boxes can also be found there.
2. You can’t move that!
Here is a partial list of common household items most movers will NOT ship:
Acid Charcoal Lighter fluid Gasoline
Ammunition Liquid bleach Aerosols Kerosene
Batteries Propane tanks Weed killer Cleaning fluid
Fertilizer Nail polish remover Loaded weapons Plants
Fireworks Pesticides Poisons Paint thinner
Lamp oil Motor oil Chemistry sets Frozen foods
Open foods Produce Pool chemicals Ammonia
Paints Car batteries Matches Cooking fuel (Sterno)
3. You’ve gotta have tools.
Here is a list of tools and materials to make your packing go more smoothly:
• Razor, knife and/or scissors
• Dark, water-resistant marker
• Packing tape and holder
• Styrofoam peanuts
4. One room at a time.
It’s more efficient and less stressful if you pack one room at a time. Be sure and label each box appropriately (on top and side) with a description of its contents. Boxes containing breakable or sentimental items should always be labeled as “Fragile”. Keep a detailed list of what items are packed in each box to make unpacking easier.
5. Empty your drawers.
Empty all drawers of breakable or spillable items. Also, it’s a good idea to put all furniture knobs, feet, screws, etc. in one container so they won’t get lost or damaged.
6. Flammable goods.
Do not pack flammable goods or heat-sensitive items like candles, records, audio and video tapes, computer disks, propane tanks, aerosol cans, oil based paints and certain cleaning fluids.
7. A little TLC.
Wrap each item individually and always place a layer of crushed paper in the bottom of the box or carton for cushioning. Fill empty spaces with additional crushed paper.
8. Will you be storing anything?
If so, make sure your boxes are firmly packed with the heavier items on bottom. It’s a smart idea to pack according to the season(s) which your things will be in storage and mark the boxes appropriately.
9. A note from the chiropractor.
Put heavy items in small boxes so they’re easier to carry.
10. When packing the truck.
Make sure the items you need first are loaded last (i.e. kitchen items, telephone and radio). Use common sense, keep in mind the size, sturdiness and weight of your boxes.
11. It pays to plan ahead.
Pack a separate bag with toiletries, a change of clothes, etc., for the first couple of days after your move.
12. Sometimes the weekends aren’t so great.
If possible, plan your move to occur on a weekday when banks, utilities and government offices are open.
13. First night survival kit:
If your shipment hasn’t arrived or you’re simply too weary to unpack everything, set aside some essential items you’ll need for the first night in your new place.
Food/Kitchen supplies
• Snacks, sandwiches
• Bottled water
• Plastic plates, cups, utensils
• Can openers
• Paper towels, napkins
• Garbage bags
Toiletries
• Toothbrushes, toothpaste
• Soap, shampoo
• Toilet paper
• Contact lens case, solution
• Towels
• Hygiene products
Medication
• Prescription medicine
• First aid kit band-aids, peroxide
Tools
• Flashlights
• Candles, matches
• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Scissors
• Light bulbs
Clothing
• Enough clothing for a few days
• Sleeping bag, blankets
Children’s items (if applicable)
• Baby food
• Diapers
• Favourite Toys
• Food, treats
• Bottled water
Planning is the key to Success!
6-8 weeks before your move:
What items will make the trip?
Now is the time to determine which items you wish to take to your new residence. Items that you don’t need should either be donated to charity or sold at a garage sale.
Everything has a place…
Think about the layout of your new residence and where you’ll place the furniture. Create a floor plan that will ease the stress of making decisions once the furniture arrives.
What’s it like where you are moving to?
Get familiar with your new community. Request information on schools, community programs, parks and recreation from the local Chamber of Commerce.
Will you be needing any travel arrangements?
Now is the best time to make your travel arrangements (hotel, flights, car rental, etc.). Try to keep your travel plans flexible to accommodate any last-minute changes or delays.
Don’t forget your records…
Insurance, medical and dental records should be placed in a safe, accessible place. Also include prescription, and vaccination records. Plan on taking all vital documents such as: wills, stock certificates and other one-of-a kind items (jewelry, coin collection, photos, etc.) separatel
4-5 weeks before your move:
If you live in an apartment or condo complex, contact your property or building manager and inquire about scheduling your move date and time. Certain buildings may have date and or time restrictions as to when moving can be done.
Contact your Moving Company and schedule your move date, it is always easier to change your move date than to reschedule at the last second.
Fill out a Canada Post change of address form (any Postal outlet will have these).
Close any local charge accounts.
• Notify insurance companies of your move and transfer all insurance on your home and possessions.
• Contact utilities for disconnection or transfer and possible refunds. Since you will want to have your utilities still connected on moving day, arrange to have them disconnected after you are moved out.
• If necessary, arrange for a baby-sitter to watch your children on moving day. You may need someone to keep your children occupied and that they remain safe during the loading process.
• While sorting through your belongings, remember to return anything else you have borrowed.
• Remember to collect items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired.
2-3 weeks before your move:
Call ahead to have utilities connected at your new home (Hydro/Telus/BC Gas/Shaw -or other- Cable).
Make final packing decisions. Start packing items you don’t use often.
Call your bank to find out how to transfer your bank accounts.
Each year people move without clearing out their safety deposit boxes. Don’t be another statistic.
If you’ve hidden any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them before leaving.
Some plants won’t travel well. Consider giving those plants to a friend or local charity.
• Plan meals that will use up the food in your refrigerator and freezer.
• Have your automobile serviced if you’re traveling by car.
• Transfer all current prescriptions to a drugstore in your new town.
• Dispose of flammable items such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, paint, ammunition and poisons such as weed killer.
• Drain all the oil and gasoline from your lawn mower and power tools to ensure safe transportation. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
1 week from your move:
This is the time to tie up any loose ends. Check through this guide to make sure you haven’t missed anything.
Your moving company should have provided you with various labels for your goods. These can include “Do Not Load”, “Load First”, “Load Last”, and “Fragile”. Take special care to label your goods appropriately.
Pack your suitcases and confirm your family’s travel arrangements (flights, hotel, rental cars, etc.). Try to keep your plans as flexible as possible in the event of a change of schedule.
Contact your Moving Company and make sure they have the address and phone number where you can be reached if you are not going directly to your new home.
At least one day before moving, empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator and freezer. If necessary, prepare your stove to be moved. Try using baking soda to get rid of any odours.
Prepare your “First night survival kit”
This kit can contain items such as snacks, beverages and games for the kids to keep them occupied during the move. If you are stopping overnight be sure to pack essentials you’ll need while your belongings are in transit. Make sure you have at least one telephone handy to plug in when you arrive.
Move day:
Strip your beds, and make sure the bedding goes into a “Load Last” box.
Make sure you are on hand when the movers arrive. It’s important to have an adult be authorized to take your place if you are unable to be present at any time while the movers are there. Let the agent know to whom you have given this authority.
Always try to spend as much time with the mover as possible. If you have special instructions make sure it is explained to your mover. Communicate well with the movers.
Once the van operator arrives, review all details and paperwork. Accompany the driver as he or she inspects and tags each piece of furniture with an identifying number. These numbers, along with a detailed description of your goods and their condition at the time of loading, will appear on the inventory.
It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is completed. To insure that nothing gets left behind always do a final inspection of the premises. Do not sign any releases without completing this inspection.
Since you’ll probably want to clean before the furniture is unloaded, make sure your vacuum is packed last, so it can be unloaded first.
After your move:
Check to make sure the utilities have been connected, and follow up on any delays.
Make sure your phone is connected. Ideally, the phone company should hook it up the day before “move-in day.”
Confine your pets to an out-of-the-way room to help keep them from running away or becoming agitated by all of the activity.
Note: To prevent possible damage, televisions, stereos, computers, other electronic equipment and major appliances should not be used for 24 hours after delivery, allowing them time to adjust to room temperature.
Important paperwork:
Nobody likes to mess with paperwork, however, these items are critical to making sure you are entitled to every benefit as well as your savior in case something doesn’t go as planned. Remember, if you have any questions contact your Moving Company or Realtor.
Order for Service…
Moving companies are required to prepare an order for service on every shipment transported for an individual shipper. You are entitled to a copy of the order for service when it is prepared.
The order for service is not a contract. Should your move be canceled or delayed or if you decide not to use the mover, you should promptly cancel the order.
Should there be any change in the dates on which you and the mover agreed that your shipment will be picked up and delivered, or any change in the non-binding estimate, the mover may prepare a written change to the order for service. The written change should be attached to the order for service. You and the mover must sign the order for service.
Bill of Lading…
The bill of lading is the contract between you and the mover. The mover is required by law to prepare a bill of lading for every shipment it transports. The information on the bill of lading is required to be the same information shown on the order for service. The driver who loads your shipment must give you a copy of the bill of lading before loading your furniture.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO READ THE BILL OF LADING BEFORE YOU ACCEPT IT. The bill of lading requires the mover to provide the service you have requested, and you must pay the charges for the service. THE BILL OF LADING IS AN IMPORTANT DOCUMENT. DO NOT LOSE OR MISPLACE YOUR COPY. Have it available until your shipment is delivered, all charges are paid and all claims, if any, are settled.
Inventory…
At the time the mover’s driver loads your shipment, he or she, although not required to do so, usually inventories your shipment listing any damage or unusual wear. The purpose is to make a record of the condition of each item. If the driver does not make an inventory, you should make one yourself.
After completing the inventory, the driver will usually sign each page and ask you to sign each page. It is important before signing that you make sure that the inventory lists every item in your shipment and that the entries regarding the condition of each item are correct. You have the right to note any disagreement. When your shipment is delivered, if an item is missing or damaged, your ability to recover from the mover for any loss or damage may depend on the notations made. The driver will give you a copy of each page of the inventory. Attach the complete inventory to your copy of the bill of lading. It is your receipt for the goods.
At the time your shipment is delivered, it is your responsibility to check the items delivered against the items listed on your inventory. If new damage is discovered, make a record of it on the inventory form. Call the damage to the attention of the driver and request that a record of the damage be made on the driver’s copy of the inventory.
After the complete shipment is unloaded, the driver will request that you sign the driver’s copy of the inventory to show that you received the items listed. Do not sign until you have assured yourself that it is accurate and that proper notations have been entered regarding any missing or damaged items. When you sign the inventory, you are giving the driver a receipt for your goods
Kids:
Looking forward to your new home
• Talk about the neighbourhood, the house, the schools, local areas of interest and the benefits of your new residence.
• Involve your children in plans to decorate their new bedrooms or play areas, including color choices, decoration and arrangement of furniture
• Make new friends and become involved and active in your new community immediately. Your children will follow your example during this transition period
• Encourage your children to keep in touch with old friends while making new friends.
• Let your kids tell the neighbourhood that you’re moving.
• Let them help plan for the care of plants and/or pets during the move.
• Help them collect addresses of their friends and neighbours.
• Involve them with a charity donation of toys, clothing, books etc.
• Consider having a good-bye party.
Pets:
Moving isn’t just stressful for people, it’s equally stressful for pets. When it comes to moving with pets, pre-planning is crucial. Pets, as with humans, are very sensitive to changes in their surroundings. Moving companies will not move living things so if you plan to move with your pets, they are your responsibility. There are numerous ways to help them adapt to their new environment.
• Unless traveling a very long distance, it is recommended that your pets accompany you in your car. It provides more of a sense of security for you and your pet.
• If your pet, especially your cat, isn’t used to car travel, take it on short rides around the block beforehand and then gradually increase the distance. This will help condition your cat to your car and to the motion of the car.
• You may want to consult your veterinarian about medication or sedatives to reduce/eliminate motion sickness, agitation and/or crying.
• Make sure your pet has a proper collar with ID and rabies tag. Also store all health documents in one convenient place.
• If you’re planning to stop at a hotel/motel along the way,call ahead to find out which ones permit pets. Have leashes on hand to move your pet from the car.
• Avoid feeding or giving your pets water for several hours before your drive.
• It is important that you are attentive to your pets’ well-being. If they are uncomfortable in any way, make a stop.
• Plan on making frequent stops for feeding and resting. Plan on feeding your pets either once daily or a couple of small meals during rest stops.
• Never leave your pets in the car alone. It is against the law.
Coping With Moving Day
• While packing and unpacking are in progress, consider having a sitter or a friend watch your younger children.
• Don’t let children distract the moving crew from their work and services.
• Prepare a “ready box” that can be first off the truck; stock it with things you will need immediately, such as snacks, kitchen items, bathroom toiletries, hand tools, etc.
And if just reading this list makes you feel overwhlemed – you are not alone. Solution?
Hire help!
May
14
Professional Downsizing and Organizing
It is official: To meet the growing needs of Seniors in our community and in response to so many requests for HELP we have designed our Seniors in Transition Service.
Moving is hard enough. Parting with cherished items and leaving a home with treasured memories can make this an emotional time. We are sensitive to your needs. We help you prepare for your move in a timely manner with compassion and expert care. We can provide you with as little or as much help as you need. You decide.
Our Qualifications include:
-Professional Interior Designer
-Certified Home Stager/Redesigner
-Diploma in Social Services/ Counseling
-Long Term Care Worker
-Languages: English, Dutch, French, German
-Solid relationships with other service providers
-Have great sense of humour!
The Process:
-Assist with furniture selection for new home
-Arrange appraisals/purchase of valuables/antiques
-Remove all unwanted items
-Purge clothes closets
-Pack items to move or store
-Send out address changes
-Liaison with: landscapers, handymen, painters, cleaners, movers
-Prepare home for most profitable sale
-Includes a personal memory album or DVD
-Arrange furniture and art placement in new home
Our Experience:
-Professional Staging, Redesign, Downsizing services since 2006
-Working with Seniors
-The selling and moving process
Whether moving, staying, redesigning or downsizing – we make it simple and affordable
One call – we take of it all.
Call us today – 250-729-1411
Mar
20
- Retrofit your old showerhead with a Rainhead or add another shower head for a double-ended shower stall
- Update old shower stalls by changing over to the newer all glass walls and doors
- Add heated towel racks
- A simple privacy screen to block the toilet from view
- Wooden benches with accent pillows and lots of storage underneath
- Bring in a palm tree or ficus plant – they love the moisture and help to clean the air
- Have a basket or large shell with a selection of luxury soaps
- Splurge on big fluffy towels – the new bamboo ones are really soft and absorbent
- Add a small CD or Ipod player to enjoy your favourite music while you relax
Mar
20
Making a Fresh Start
Filed Under INTERIOR DESIGN AND REDESIGN, Spring 2009
5 Easy and Affordable Ways to Update Your Home
1. Paint
Nothing can give your house such an instant face lift. For $100 or less and a weekend’s work you can transform your home from out-of-date 1970’s (or any era you may be stuck in) to right-in-step 2009. Today’s colours include: Natural Linen, Citrine, Ecru, Mother of Pearl, Oyster, Honey Beige, and Gulf Winds.
2. Organize
Reclaim your space! Too much stuff, tired old knick knacks out of date displays spell design disaster and actually make us feel stressed. Take a deep breath and several large boxes and garbage bags and get to work. Be brutal and thorough. Remove anything you no longer LOVE. Sell anything of value or give to friends and family or second hand stores. Group like items for a cohesive and new look, organize necessities in pretty boxes or straw baskets and keep table and counter tops clear and uncluttered. You’ll be amazed how free you feel.
3. Modern accessories
Change items that do not cost much for instant but affordable updating. Try new covers on living room throw pillows, fresh bed linens and pillows for the bedroom, and a new centerpiece for the dining room table (asymmetrical pastel orchids look great), and new shower curtain and towels for the bath in fresh spring colours of greens, blues and white. Updated hardware on kitchen and bathroom cabinets make a big statement with a small price tag.
Remove old fussy window coverings – nothing screams 80’s like those moiré pattered balloon valences!! Leave window bare if you can or cover with natural bamboo blinds or try the lovely and elegant opaque blinds or just simple inexpensive fabric panels.
4. If you are really not sure where to start or need help picking colours or co-coordinating styles – hire an Interior Redesigner. They can transform your space in just one day and leave you with a specific shopping list to complete your facelift down to the oh-so-important details.
Mar
20
Baroque is Back
Filed Under INTERIOR DESIGN AND REDESIGN, Spring 2009
Minimalism is in but baroque is back.
While that may seem like a contradiction of terms – todays look is all about contrast. Long smooth horizontal surfaces with recessed cubbies and reflective materials create the modern minimalist look but the latest way to give it the WOW factor is to juxtapose with a splash of baroque.
Brushed gold or brass fixtures, exposed legs on bath vanities, ornate chandeliers and ornately faux-carved mirrors cause a collision of the centuries that adds sparkle and zest.
Mar
20
In the Bedroom
Filed Under INTERIOR DESIGN AND REDESIGN, Spring 2009
It’s all about the tailored look for today’s up-to-the-minute bed. Light coverlets and knit bedspreads coupled with crisp white sheets can be tucked tightly for a clean modern look. Stacked pillows and a fluffy down duvet throw add soft edges and a sexy ambience. Colours that work especially well are: shades of grey or cream paired with lavender or sea foam blue.
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