Garage and Carport Tips

Looking to sell your house? Here is a series of tips to make sure your Garage or Carport makes the right first impression.

Your Goal: Organized, spacious and clean. If the garage is not being used for storage, keep cars in the garage and not in the driveway. For an open house park extra cars away from the house

Really Clean

Garages must be completely cleaned and cleared out
Garage floors swept and hosed down
Light switches and fixtures
Windows and doors sparkling
Shelves
Garbage cans inside and out
Organizing the contents on shelves or in containers (if the garage is being used for storage everything must be neat, tidy and away from the walls)

Remove or Store

Anything you would not normally see in a garage
Use bins and containers for supplies and storing – stack and label
Extra tools and paints, dispose of appropriately

Replace or Repair

All doors that do not swing/slide smoothly
Light fixtures that do not work, are dated, too small or are broken

Review & Details

Keep garage doors down at all times
Be sure there are no deterrents stored in the garage (Insect removals, rodent products, etc.

If you're looking for more information about buying or selling in the Ottawa Real Estate market visit Ottawa Moves. This website has some really great tips to get you started. Visit Ottawa Moves today!

In the Bedroom ...

If you're looking to sell your house, staging can be very important. Here some tips for making your bedroom look its best:

This room should be relaxing, peaceful and spacious. It is important to present a calm space to create a feeling of rest. Buyers buy the way they want to live – not how they actually live. No laundry or work space – we are selling a bedroom. Keep only absolute necessities on night stands and dressers. Review, sort and organize your closets. Remove any items which could be donated to free up space. Buyers will be looking in the closets.

Really Clean

* Carpets, walls and baseboards
* Light switches and fixtures
* Windows and doors until sparkling
* Electronics
* Make the bed everyday

Remove or Store

* All personal and family photos (clear shelves and bedside tables)
* All knick knacks, collections and personal items
* Laundry hampers and dirty clothes – put in washing machine
* Clear end tables of all unnecessary items – including medication
* All signs of pets, including water dishes and toys
* Ashtrays
* Personal hygiene products
* All valuable items to protect them (if necessary, take them to a safety deposit box)
* Clearing off of drawers
* Use space under the bed to store extra books, magazines, larger blankets and lines if necessary
* All off-season clothes. Reduce the amount of clothes stored in the closets by half. (Buyers are mentally moving their clothes into your closets during open houses – make room so they imagine their belongings in your closets.)

Replace or Repair

* Doors that do not swing/slide smoothly
* The bedspread or duvet if necessary or if it is dated
* Light fixtures that do not work, are dated or are too small
* Carpet if necessary
* Trim or edging that may be damaged

Review & Detail

* Spaces are spotless and clutter free
* Wall hangings and pictures need to be at eye level
* Window treatments should not distract from any potential view, should not be dated or dominate room
* Open up the blinds/drapes for every open house
* Play soft, relaxing music that is easy on the ears, while showing
* Add neutral pillows and throw rugs for a comfy feel

If you want more Real Estate information visit Ottawa Moves. This website is a great resource for anyone looking to get into Ottawa Real Estate.

Home Exterior Tips

When selling your home, it is very important to consider all of the details on the exterior. The exterior of your home is the first impression you will be giving to potential home buyers so it is very important to create a positive first experience.

Here are some tips to consider for the exterior of the home:

* Ensure house numbers are easy to read from the street
* Check eaves troughs and downspouts are in good repair
* Clean and tidy the garage/carport
* Pick up any litter or garbage on the property
* Repair or replace any cracked or broken windowpanes or doors
* Cut and trim lawn and hedges. Weed and edge the garden flower beds
* Ensure walkways are shovelled and salted during winter
* Ensure doorbell and door hardware are in good repair and functioning
* Repaint the front door if necessary
* Remove the front screen door if possible
* Put away any children’s toys or bikes
* Pick up any animal waste off the lawn
* Move any boats, RVs, snowmobiles watercrafts, etc. to a storage facility or to a neighbour’s house (several homes away – not right next door!)
* Sweep all decks, walks, porches and patios. Keep them swept, sanded/salted
* Remove any moss from decks, walks and patios
* Decks may need to be power washed and stained
* Reduce clutter on decks, porches and patios so they look bigger
* Remove: Old flowerpots, barbecues charcoal, planters, toys, construction materials, excess furniture
* Create a simple outdoor room with outdoor furniture to help remind buyers of the usefulness of this space
* Clean all debris and moss from roof and gutters
* Repair broken fences and paint if necessary

For more great Real Estate information, visit Ottawa Moves. This website is a great resource for new home buyers and new home sellers.

Back to School

Ok ... I know, most kids are already back to school. But I really like this commercial!
Besides, some universities are just starting up this week so its still in season.

I just wanted to point out that CBC has put together a really good online segment for back to school tips which can be found here.

Lots of really good things from the Food you could be feeding your kids to a Q & A on the Academic Life of the Modern student to decoding the RESP. All important things to take a look at.

Also, if you're considering buying a rental property for students you may want to read these tips:

If you're considering buying an income property to use as a student residence, here are a few tips to keep in mind that may help you maximize your investment with a minimum of headaches:


• First, make sure that you limit your lease to the term of one school year. That gives you the option of now renewing if you'd prefer to rent to another the following year.


• Secondly, make the lease agreement with the parents of the student, as they are the individuals who will be responsible for paying you the rent.


• Ask that the post-dated cheques for the full term of the lease be provided at the time the lease agreement is signed, and a security deposit.


• In addition to the common key to the front door lock, ensure that each student's bedroom is also equipped with its on individual lock and key.


• Ensure that your lease calls for the lessee to be responsible for the cost of changing locks and issuing new front door keys to every house resident each time a tenant loses their house keys.


• Designate at least one cupboard in the kitchen area for each resident; add a latch that can be locked with a padlock supplied by the student.


• Buy an erasable bulletin board and markers, set up a chart with househould duties and mount it on the kitchen wall to help tenants get organized.


• Provide a reasonable supply of cleaning products as part of their rental fee.


• Prepare a list of house rules (e.g. no smoking, no cooking in rooms, etc.) and provide a copy to each student and their parents before move in date.


• Install a working smoke alarm on every floor of the house and outside of the bedroom areas to conform to this year's new fire code regulations.


• Prepare a fire escape plan including location of all exits and fire extinguishers and post a copy in each bedroom and in the kitchen.


• Shared expenses, such as utilities and a flat fee internet service (with an outlet in every bedroom) should be included in your rental fee (don't leave it to the students to collect from each other and remember to pay the bills.)

Finally, if you're still looking for a Real Estate property for the kids (and perhaps some of his or her friends) you may want to visit Ottawa Moves. This is a really great real estate resource and should not be missed either.

Home Staging: For the Kitchen

One of the key “buying centres” of a house. The buyer should be able to visualize preparing meals and following a daily routine within the kitchen. Buyers do not want to think of everyday drudgery – they want to imagine good events, holidays or having guests over for dinner. They don’t want to think about washing dishes – they want to think about family time in the space. In this example, there were several great ideas for adding a little extra detail to the kitchen.

Really Clean

Stove top, oven and burners, fan, light and any detachables
Microwaves, fridge and freezers - inside and out
Floors, walls and baseboards
Garbage containers - empty daily and wash out to prevent odours
Windows and glass cupboards (including patio doors)
All cupboards and counter tops
Light switches and fixtures
Faucets - shine them up
Rust deposits at drip points if its porcelain
Applying orange oil to unpainted or unvarnished wood
Keeping the kitchen sink clean and empty on a daily basis
Stained tile grout with bleach

Remove or Store

All cleaning supplies hidden and out of sight
All family photos, collections and personal items – pack away
Tables, window ledges and counter tops free of all miscellaneous items
Dirty towels, oven mitts
Extra TVs, Radios and electronics
Coffeepots, toasters, kettles, utensils, pots, and knives out of sight
Fridge magnets and notes
Condiments, spice racks and shakers
All pet items, including water dishes and toys
Check the tops of cupboards for items
Keep floors bare or use one large rug to distract any unsightly floor patterns
Identify what items you use on a daily basis and pack everything else
Clear, clean and pack your cupboards of items seldom used
Any extra shelving or storage units in the kitchen – these storage units may highlight the fact that there is not enough cupboard space
Store kitchen knife block – safety
Replace or Repair

Faucets for leaks and grit
Sliding doors out to patios that do not slide easily
Any tile or counter tops for damage
Trim or edging that may be damaged
Detachable parts of the stove including exhaust fans, filters and hoods

Review & Detail

Remove leaves in tables to create more space if necessary
Add a fresh flower arrangement or bowl of fruit
Lighting is all on and light bulbs at maximum wattage
Open up the blinds/drapes for every open house

If you're looking to buy or sell a real estate property visit Ottawa Moves. This website has everything you need for your next real estate transaction.

Ottawa Travel Guide

Here is a great video with some neat facts about our wonderful City of Ottawa. Now that the Fall is almost here, don't forget to be a tourist in your backyard and see what Ottawa has to offer.

Also, don't forget to visit Ottawa Moves for some awesome tips for new home buyers or new home sellers. Get started with your next Real Estate transaction today!

Staying Safe Online for Kids

This a great video posted by the YouTube staff about safety on the Internet. Its a great video to show your kids at any age who are using or about to start using the internet.

The video has three simple, yet very important messages:

1. Don't share personal information online
2. Don't be a bully or put up with bullies
3. Be cautious with new people you meet online.

I really enjoyed the animation in this video as well. It was very well done. I hope they keep up the good work with promoting responsible internet use for kids.

Tips for Parents: Your Kids and the Internet

This is a very good video by Google in the UK. Now that the internet is becoming such a key part of daily life it is important to show kids how to use the internet, but in a safe way. By using tools such as the Google Safe Search and constantly talking to your kids about the types of sites they are visiting, you can ensure that your kids have a strong understanding of using the internet properly. Not only will you have peace of mind, knowing that your child is visiting safe sites, but it can also be fun to see where your child likes to go online and what they find interesting.

I really liked the idea from the parent in the video about having 30 minutes of excercise for every 30 minutes spent on the computer. It is a great way to develop body and mind at the same time to ensure the child stays well rounded.

Don't forget to visit Ottawa Moves as well for some great tips for Real Estate. This website has some valuable information for home buyers and home sellers. Don't miss out!

BCE to buy CTV

This is by far the business story of the day. CBC is reporting that BCE will spend $1.3B to buy CTV. The deal is still pending approval by the CRTC and the Competition Bureau, but it would give BCE some of the largest communications holdings in the world.

However, despite the deal, BCE`s share price went down about 13%. You would think with such a highlight deal it would at least experience some sort of a jump.

Either way, its interesting story which will be sure to be talking about for some time to come.

For more interesting success stories visit Ottawa Moves, your one stop shop for Real Estate information. This website is perfect for new homebuyers or homesellers, so get started today!

How Realtors Help: Part II

Ok ... so maybe you won't act like this guy. But, it can be really frustrating to shop for house and find the perfect one ... only to discover that it is directly under a flight path. The trouble is, without a professional who works in the business and who knows the area, this can be difficult information to obtain. This is precisely why a Real Estate professional is your best option for ensuring a smooth transaction.

Real Estate professionals can help you find a home which best meets your needs and price range, as well as provide information about a given area or property. For peace of mind, always choose the Real Estate agent. You shouldn't go it alone.

For more information on how to get started with your next Real Estate transaction, visit Ottawa Moves. This website has great information on how to get started with buying or selling a house or condo. Get started today!

Planning Your Retirement: Part III

This is the 3rd and Final chapter in Ben Stein's series of short videos on planning for retirement.

This is a really important conversation to have with your Financial Planner. Variable Annuities are well worth looking into.

However, if finance really isn't your thing, you can still use the investment that always appreciates ... Real Estate. Get information on the Ottawa Real Estate market from Ottawa Moves. This is an excellent website for new home buyers or home sellers. Check it out today!

How Realtors Help

HowRealtorsHelp.ca is a great resource for buyers and sellers looking to have the first experience in the Real Estate world. For many new buyers or sellers this can be a very stressful and difficult time as it could represent the most important financial transaction of life. Therefore, shouldn't you get the help and information you need? It could make all the difference in making sure you're close to all the places you're looking for and to protect against any unwanted surprises.

If you're looking for that perfect Real Estate representative or if you're just curious about the Real Estate market, visit Ottawa Moves. It has some great tools to help you get started.

Planning Your Retirement: Part II

In this video, Ben Stein explains the value of Index Funds.

In case you don't know, an Index Fund is almost like investing in the entire stock market or ... at least part of the stock market. The idea is that if you spread your money out overall several stocks, you will reduce the risk. Inevitably, some stocks will fail and some will succeed. So, instead of trying to throw darts at a board and pick stocks by yourself, you're essentially investing in the entire market. So, if the market has a good year and goes up by a certain percentage, your portfolio will most likely grow at the same rate.

However, if stocks and bonds really isn't your thing, don't worry. Real Estate almost always appreciates at a constant rate as well and can be a great investment opportunity. Visit Ottawa Moves for some great information on how to get started with your next Real Estate sale or purchase.

Planning Your Retirement: Getting Started

You either like Ben Stein or you don't. Either way, he has a very important and potent message. The sooner you begin thinking about your retirement, the better. Yes, it can be a headache at times ... but it can be fun too.

Studies are showing that we are living longer and longer, giving us more time to do things we want to do. In fact, you can start to plan a whole other career after you retire. Imagine that, working on the things you enjoy as opposed to the things you have to do.

As Mr. Stein said, the best way is to start by consulting a Financial Planner. Make sure to do a thorough background check before selecting a Financial Planner but then, work with that person to create your retirement plan. It will give you peace of mind knowing that you are taking steps for that pivotal time in your life.

Finally, if you're looking for a great investment opportunity, don't forget to visit Ottawa Moves. This site has some great tips for your next house purchase or sale. Don't wait, start looking into Real Estate today.