You might not like the idea of calling your book collection clutter because of the special connection many of us make to books. But when you consider the space books take up, the challenges they present when moving, and just the sheer number of volumes we amass, there really is no other word that better describes surplus books  than clutter. Treating too many books like clutter can also help us apply some basic decluttering rules of thumb, too. For example, why not consider purging... [read more]

GTA 2023 REAL ESTATE UPDATE The housing market in the first months of 2023 performed as expected, according to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB). Activity was down in comparison to January 2022 when historically low interest rates fuelled a buying frenzy. Prices remain stable from December 2022. There are signs that the market is fundamentally strong and will start its bounce back. Paul Baron, TRREB President stated,... [read more]

Open any presents this Christmas you weren't so sure on? Didn't want to seem ungrateful so gave the obligatory 'Wow, thanks!' reaction? You're not alone, as more than 62% of Canadians receive at least one unwanted gift every Christmas, costing roughly $1.2 billion in total – not very economical in the current climate. But while the largest group of people politely keep presents they dislike (23.20%), according to a recent survey, regifting follows as a close... [read more]

Thank you to everyone who came out to support our Fall Community Shredding Event and CHATS Fundraiser! We had more than 35 people register to bring their unwanted documents for secure, on-site shredding and raised $912 for CHATS of York Region. What a great feeling to know that we could help our clients, serve seniors and protect the environment by recycling a ton of waste paper.     A big shout out to our sponsors, and Ian from Carbon Neutral Shredding! Next... [read more]

Understanding Your Home’s Value   Part One: Factors Influencing Property Values Ever wondered what determines the value of your biggest asset,  ie: your home?  While there are a lot of complex factors influencing property values, they fall into two broad categories:  “Unchangeables” These include the larger economic conditions dictating buyer affordability; factors like rates of unemployment, immigration and bank interest all having... [read more]

Senior-Friendly Holiday Gift Ideas that Won’t Add to Clutter     Buying holiday gifts for the special Senior in your life who seems literally to have it all already can be a challenge, especially if you know downsizing is in their future. The last thing you want to do is add to clutter, a.k.a. the gift that keeps on giving.   So how can you spread holiday cheer without spreading clutter? Think of these clutter-free categories to find the perfect, personal... [read more]

The Decluttering Battle Plan: How to Win the War on Too Much Stuff   As a Downsizing Specialist, I regularly encounter homeowners who feel overwhelmed by the task of decluttering. The physical work seems daunting and the possible emotional upheaval unpleasant. Sometimes they simply don’t know where to start. In the end, they push it off into the “someday” future. Clutter becomes the enemy that holds them, prisoner, in a home that no longer suits their needs, goals,... [read more]

Pin-point Price Analysis Our Exclusive “Triple-Check System” Ensures Accurate Property Evaluation   Knowing the value of your largest asset, your home, is a big part of responsible financial stewardship. And determining the likely selling price of your property is among the most valuable services I can offer as a Realtor.* Too high and the listing sits on the market; too low and the seller can leave money on the table.   My approach is to triple check the... [read more]

I Really HATE this Word   I really hate the word, “Downsizing.” Ok, maybe hate is too powerful but I strongly dislike it because it implies a loss, decline, diminishment and that is not my client’s experience.   When they sell the big family house they talk about freedom. Freedom to do interesting things. Freedom to visit family. And of course, freedom from financial concerns. Virtually all say their only regret is that they didn’t get free from the... [read more]

Four Reasons to take care of those Repairs BEFORE selling your home:   In today’s hot “Seller’s Market” you might be tempted to list your home for sale as is, with items on the to-do list left undone. However, I have four reasons to take care of these repairs before selling your home.       1. Undone repairs will cost you money at the offer table. If Buyer’s see your home as a “fixer-upper” they are likely to... [read more]

 Four signs its time to Downsize     1. You're spending 80% of your time in only 20% of your house. But paying for 100%! Are you an empty-nester with more house than you need (or want)? If you are like most "Sterling Generation" homeowners, you have an extra 2.2 bedrooms, a finished basement, and a formal dining room that are rarely if ever used. Why pay the taxes and utilities to keep a house that no longer meets your long-term needs?   2.... [read more]

Market Report - May 2021          The historical trend report for York Region dramatically shows the recent increase in property values despite the shut-down of other aspects of the economy due to COVID-19. The temporary downturn in prices at the beginning of the pandemic has been regained, plus more! We have surpassed the peak of the 2017 seller’s market by a fair proportion.         The charts below show the number of sales, the... [read more]

Three things that instantly add value to your Home   As a Realtor® who works with long-time homeowners, I get asked, “What should I do to increase the resale value of my home?”   My first tip is to declutter. This is free AND it adds value by allowing buyers to actually see what they’re buying, and not be distracted by your stuff. Decluttering also maximizes the sense of spaciousness which also appeals to buyers. After all, most people want to buy the... [read more]

Two things Seniors should look for in a Realtor®   Downsizing Seniors have a lot of choices when it comes to Realtor®. More than 50,000 in the GTHA to choose from, actually. So how to pick the right Realtor® for Seniors?   First, hire a Realtor® who specializes in working with the 55+ crowd. Boomers, Zoomers and Gen Xers have very different needs, communication preferences, and challenges than their less “experienced” counterparts. Although... [read more]

Aren't Condo Fees Really Expensive?   First, "Condominium" refers to a type of ownership and not a style of building. Condo owners buy their individual units plus pay a portion of the cost associated with running the common areas. Whether buying a condo apartment, townhouse, semi-detached or detached, new construction, or resale. Downsizing Seniors are often attracted to the convenience, affordability, and lifestyle that condo living... [read more]

Selling in Spring 2021 just makes good sense!   Most people know that Spring is a great time to consider selling your home, and this year is no exception. Let me give you my top reasons why selling in Spring 2021 just makes good sense. 1. Not enough homes for sale There are simply not enough properties for sale to meet buyer demand. This means that when new properties are listed, they usually sell very quickly, and sometimes for an over-the-list price. Many properties... [read more]

You’ve Decided to Sell…Now What? The 3 Major Activities before launching to the MLS*     You’ve decided to sell your house - terrific! But now you’re probably asking, “What’s next?”   Here’s what to expect when you hire the SMART Realty Solutions Team:   1. Listing Agreement documents are signed.   We provide all our clients with a plain English version of all contracts in our... [read more]

 Top 5 Signs it's Time to Downsize Homeowners ask me, "How do know it's time to downsize?" Although every situation is different, there are some common indicators that moving houses might be in order. Here are my "Top 5 Signs it's Time to Downsize." 1. You're spending 80% of your time in only 20% of your house. Are you an empty-nester with more house than you need (or want)? If you are like most... [read more]

Five Reasons Townhouses are the PERFECT Transition Property   between Detached Houses and Condo Apartments    Townhouses are the unsung hero of the real estate market. They offer convenience, affordability, and a variety of lifestyle options that make them perfect for the downsizing senior or the condo owner ready for a move up.     1. Townhouses can be freehold. Like detached houses, townhouses can be freehold, meaning there are no... [read more]

Interested in a FREE Property Evaluation? Reach out today! Prepare to sell tomorrow! START HERE   [read more]

What Renovations should I do to Sell my Home?          Homeowners thinking of selling frequently ask me what renovations they should do before selling to ensure the highest sale price. “Should we replace the carpet on the stairs? What about the ducky wallpaper border in the family room?” Or, “How about a new granite kitchen?” But before you lift a hammer, or pay someone else to, here’s my Top 5 Best Renos for... [read more]

SMART Realty Solutions announces new “2 Weeks 2 Market” Concierge Service       Do you (or anyone you know) really want to sell your home but are completely overwhelmed by all that’s involved?   SMART Realty Solutions' "2 Weeks 2 Market" Concierge Service takes the work out of selling.     Week One: We get your home ready for sale:     As real estate Marketing Experts, we know that... [read more]

Five Reason to Sell your Home in Winter        Most people are familiar with the seasonal nature of the real estate market. The proverbial “Spring Market” is fast approaching but there are some solid reasons to consider listing your house for sale now, during the so-called, “offseason.”   1. Buyers are serious, motivated, and ready for an opportunity.      Potential buyers who are willing to bundle up, load everyone... [read more]

  Interested in your Specific Neighbourhood's Market Stats? Contact us Today! [read more]

    Interested in selling your home? Contact Sharon Parenteau today!   [read more]

  Interested in learning more? Register for our Declutter Battle Plan Webinar. Reserve your Spot Today!  Click Here to Join! [read more]

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  From the statements above. Tally up your number from each color to understand  what your Downsizing Motivations are.   What Each Color Represents: Interested in learning more? Register for our Get Ready To Downsize. Reserve your Spot Today!  Click Here to Join! [read more]

  Interested in learning more? Register for our Best Renos for R.O.I Webinar. This is a two-part series that focus' on understanding what Reno projects you should do and which to avoid before the sale of your home. You will be provided with a workbook and resources that will help you better understand the topic. This Webinar is held on the 3rd & 4th Wednesday of every other month from 1:00-2:00 PM via Zoom.  Reserve your Spot... [read more]

Staging is a worthwhile investment: On a $1,000,000 home 50% of Realtors expect to achieve between $10,000 and $200,000 difference! Would you spend $2000 to make $20,000? Before & After: Simplify and brighten the living room with lighter paint and furniture, expose the handsome windows, and remove more personal items for a fresh contemporary look. Staging helps your home to stand out from the crowd. It ensures that your home is shown in its... [read more]

Staging is done just before a house is listed for sale. It strives to transform the property so that it photographs well, and can be presented at it's best in a variety of visual marketing formats. At it’s most successful, staging creates the “wow effect” that motivates potential buyers to leave their homes and come visit yours! Staging can mean renting a house full of furniture and/or accessories, but it does not always have to be that... [read more]

You’re reading this because either your home has become more of a burden than a blessing, or you anticipate the time when that will be the case. You wonder whether its time to start planning to downsize? This is commendable because the truth is everyone will eventually downsize. It is simply a matter of under what circumstances and who will be calling the shots. Will you downsize proactively in order to realize retirement dreams or will you downsize reactively because of a crisis... [read more]

Deciding what improvements to do to before selling your home is the second most frequently cited challenge after decluttering that downsizers mention. Should you sink thousands (or tens of thousands!) into renovations in the hope that their house will fetch a higher sale price? Where is the best place to spend that money? What can be done on a limited budget? “What about free improvements, we really like those!” While there are some things that should be taken care of,... [read more]

Of frequent concern to downsizing homeowners is the task of decluttering. It’s often described as “overwhelming,” mainly because people are unsure where to start. The physical work involved seems daunting, and the potential emotional upheaval unpleasant, so many homeowners reluctantly decide to stay put rather than face it. They push off dealing with it until, “Some day....” Clutter is the enemy that holds them prisoner in a home that no longer suits their... [read more]

Why do some Home Sell While others Sit…and Sit…and….   You’ve no doubt noticed that some homes come to market and BAM! they are SOLD in days or a few weeks while others just stagnate on the market. Why? And what can you do to make sure your home sells in a timely manner? First, properties that do not sell all have one thing in common: they are overpriced. The buying public has seen, evaluated and moved on. Veni, vidi, verti. From their point of... [read more]

You want to downsize, you know you should downsize, yet you delay. Why? You have a bad case of “affluenza,” or too much stuff to sort through, dispose of, and pack upbefore you move.It can seem overwhelming! And more than any other issue affecting long-term homeowners, the abundance of STUFF holds would-be downsizers captive.That’s the diagnosis, but what is the remedy? It’s simple (but not easy): T.O.T. or “Time on Task.” Your commitment to set aside a... [read more]

The news has been filled with sensational and often-contradictory headlines regarding the real estate market. While it is certain that the sky-high prices of 2017 are no longer the reality, buyers and sellers alike are left wondering what’s ahead. The answer depends greatly on the product, the price range and the neighbourhood. There is not one market to speak of. Detached homes vs condos, the 416 vs the 905, and under or over $1,000,000 -- all have different market forecasts.... [read more]

So, you want to sell your house. Sure, you’ve been cleaning, fixing and staging your house to impress buyers, but here’s a reality check: by the time they walk through your door, it might already be too late. Remember the law of first impressions: you never get a second chance to make one. Maximizing your home’s curb appeal is a critical step to instantly grabbing the buyers’ attention. Put yourself in the place of someone who’s never seen your... [read more]

It is important to have an idea of what your home may sell for before you make any decisions. When you sell, you want to get as much value as you can for your home. So you might want to consider the timing of the sale because it definitely has an effect on the value. You don’t want to sell when it’s a “buyer’s market,” when too many homes are for sale and there are not enough buyers. Seasonality is something to consider as well because typically more homes... [read more]

          Moving into a smaller home may feel like a step down, but a closer look reveals quite a few upsides: saving money, saving time and having less clutter in your life. Advantages of Home Downsizing: Increased Cash Flow. If you're spending less on your mortgage payment, you are likely to have money left over every month to allocate for other needs or desires. Or perhaps you could pay cash for a smaller home from the proceeds of your... [read more]

Expertly staging your house could be the difference between whether or not a buyer is captivated by your house. Here are six ways to make sure that your house makes an outstanding impression and is staged for success: Store Personal Items: As your real estate team, our goal is to make sure your house appeals to the largest segment of likely buyers in order to secure the best possible price. In order to do this, it's important to make sure the buyer can picture themselves in... [read more]

Good Decisions are Based on Good Information. 5 SURPRISING HOME BUYER TURN OFFS... [read more]

 Today, there is a much broader continuum of possibilities and options for seniors who want to live in a more communal setting. Today’s “retirement villages” offer co-housing for seniors who want to save on living expenses by living with smaller apartment homes and larger shared public spaces, or gradually increasing the level of assisted living help and medical care that is available onsite at the home. It’s possible to retire and move into a... [read more]

There are more than 2,500 registered condominium corporations in the City of Toronto. While those condominiums may range from skyscrapers made up of apartment-style units to blocks of townhouses, one thing that every condominium corporation has in common is the obligation for unit owners to pay common expenses. Maintenance fees will often be several hundred dollars per month or more, so unit owners want to know how are they're calculated and how they're... [read more]

Keep Your Home Current with Small Investments 1. Curb-Appeal Kick that rusted mailbox and ragged welcome mat to the curb! Add a splash of colour with a pimento-red or teal-blue front door. A new door-knocker adds class. Small changes make a big impact.   2. Lighting Think "bling" for today's interior lighting choices. Co-ordinate  chic chandeliers in Master & ensuite. Exterior lighting should be... [read more]

One of the biggest choices many older homeowners will face when deciding to downsize is choosing to sell and rent or sell and buy a smaller home. Empty nesters are thinking, “ Our 5-bedrooms house is to big for us now, not to mention the money drain. It’s time to move.” Downsizing retires should take some time to compare all of the options before making a final decision. Given that housing can be your single greatest monthly expense, it pays to put some thought... [read more]

  We all know a little staging or sprucing up can go a long way when you’re trying to sell your home. One way to make a big transformation easily is with paint. Here are some insider tips on how to use paint to stage a home for selling! 1. Buyers get a feeling as soon as they pull up to the curb.That’s why it’s essential that your house exterior looks its best. Your driveways, walkways and landscaping should be tidy and well-kept. Your front... [read more]

Looking to increase your home's property value? Here are four of the best renovations you can do to your home to increase property value. These four renovations can sometimes have a return on investment 5-6 times what they cost. When considering any renovation it is important to first determine the R.O.I. (Return on Investment.) Spending more may not necessarily net you more. Plan carefully and make each dollar count! [read more]

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For many home buyers, the outdoor area of a home is just as important as the interior. Lots of people love to entertain outside or just relax out there. That’s why it’s important to make your home’s outdoor spaces appealing to buyers to help you sell it faster. Staging outdoor spaces has never been more important than it is now. By creating a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living spaces, you not only increase the value of... [read more]

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It may have been a while since you last sold a property, or perhaps even you have never sold. Regardless of your experience level, one elusive seller “holy grail” remains the notion of timing the market. This is particularly of interest now that the real estate market has returned to something closer to a “balanced market.”    So the question remains, can you time the Market to maximize your sale price?    No one can say for certain what... [read more]