30-Day Decluttering Challenge   Good morning, Marilyn! Sometimes the hardest part of starting a new challenge is the starting. We get overwhelmed, either by the complexity of the task at hand or by I don’t know what the fuck that that the amount of effort we think it will take. It’s especially hard when we’re trying to start a task we think we should do, rather than really want to do. So instead of starting, we stall.  This is such a familiar scenario with... [read more]

Making Changes that Last   Good morning, Marilyn, and happy new year once again! I love this time of year and the fresh start it provides. The opportunity to tuck away the previous year, with all its joys and disappointments, happiness and struggles, and embark on setting (and achieving) new goals for myself. I make detailed plans, print off tracking sheets, and remain diligent in my execution for…about three weeks. Then slowly my motivation wanes, my old ways slip back in,... [read more]

Best Renovations For ROI   Good morning, Marilyn Selling your home is a lot like selling a used car. I came up with this analogy because I am in the process of selling my very stylish and posh used Chrysler Pacifica minivan. While I could absolutely choose to sell it “as is” without worrying about the dents and scratches, there’s one thing that would really suffer: the sale price. The used car market, like the real estate market, is a beauty contest, and by... [read more]

Welcome, January 2025! By Sharon Parenteau, MA SRES ASA Preview: January Special Offer, Upcoming Events, Real Estate Market Report, Month in Review Highlights, Last Month's Zoomer Radio Blog Posts                                                                                   ... [read more]

Annual Equity Review   Good morning, Marilyn. I once heard someone say, “It’s time for a check up from the neck up, and get an attitude of gratitude.” Gratitude is a great way to start the day, the week, the year! I’d encourage anyone to pause, look around themselves, and count their blessings.  Taking care of our blessings is frequently on the agenda in the new year. We schedule our annual physical with our family doctor, prepare for the upcoming tax... [read more]

Webinar Wednesday   Good morning, Marilyn We are just a few days away from ushering in a new year. Time to turn over a new leaf, write a new chapter, a fresh start. I am deliberately not using the term “new year’s resolution,” because for me that term carries with it all the emotional baggage of past failures to lose that 20 pounds or get back to the gym, or start a new hobby. Instead, I am focusing my attention on setting my intentions for the year ahead. I... [read more]

Why Selling you House in Winter Could Be the SMART Move For Seniors Downsizing   When most people think of selling their home, they picture spring or summer. However, selling your house in winter, especially for seniors looking to downsize, offers unique advantages that make it worth considering. Whether you're moving to a smaller home, an independent living community, or closer to family, Winter can be a surprisingly strategic time to make the transition. Cozy Staging... [read more]

Holiday Decluttering Guide for Downsizing Seniors   As we age, simplifying life often becomes a priority. Holiday decorations, while treasured, can take up significant space and require energy to maintain. Here's a step-by-step guide tailored to seniors who want to downsize their holiday decor without losing the festive spirit: Step 1: Reflect on what matters most Identify sentimental pieces  Start by setting aside the decorations that hold the most sentimental... [read more]

Clutter-Free-Holiday Gift Ideas- Part Two   Good morning, Marilyn. Are you starting to get excited about the holidays? I know I am. The best part will be taking time from the busy workaday world and spending it instead with the people I love. We’ll get to renew our connections around food, a bit of drink, and hopefully a lot of spontaneously-created music. Of course, there will also be a gift exchange as is our tradition. Increasingly, however, I am less about “stuff”... [read more]

Welcome, December 2024, By Sharon Parenteau, MA SRES ASA, Preview: December Special Offer, Upcoming Events, Real Estate Market Report, Month in Review Highlights, Last Month’s Zoomer Radio Blog Posts                                                                                   ... [read more]

CLUTTER-FREE HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS- Part one   Good morning, Marilyn! The sudden dip in temperature reminds us that the holidays are indeed around the corner. If your listeners are anything like me, the LAST thing I need is more stuff cluttering up my space at home.  This year I am making a conscious effort to only ask for things that do not take up physical space. Furthermore, this is going to be my shopping strategy for the seniors I love and buy gifts for this holiday season as... [read more]

What Comes after the Decision to Downsize?     Last week we discussed timing the decision to downsize based on your age and stage. We discussed the “Go-go,” and the “Slow-go,” and the “No-go” phases of retirement and the corresponding financial needs that each stage can present. Today, I’d like to continue the conversation to address what comes after the decision to downsize. Mentally, you have acknowledged that your home... [read more]

Planning for the Go-go, Slow-go, and No-go Stages of Retirement   Good morning, Marilyn. According to a study a few years ago, Canadian seniors struggle with two common worries: fear of losing autonomy, and fear of out-living their retirement funds.  Fear of losing autonomy is a vague kind of worry that somebody or something will take away your ability to choose for yourself.  Fear of out-living their retirement funds, however, is a very tangible kind of concern. You... [read more]

Making Order from Chaos   Today’s topic about chaos really hit home for me today, pardon the real estate pun. I feel like I have been trying to create order from chaos my whole life.  When I was a stay-at-home parent of four children it was a never ending cycle of cooking meals, doing dishes, tidying up…rinse and repeat for more than a decade.  And as an elementary school teacher, I quickly learned that having a solid lesson plan helped to keep the lid on... [read more]

Hello, November 2024! Preview: Free November Giveaway, Special Events: Upcoming and Past, Real Estate Market Reports, Last Month’s Zoomer Radio Blog Posts                                                                                               ... [read more]

Downsizing and Common Sense   If I told you that I was going to pay 100% of the cost of something but I only used 30% of it, you’d think I was crazy… If you had a friend that was choosing to continue living in an environment that is hazardous for slips and falls, you’d tell them they were being foolish.  If you heard a story about someone who continued to procrastinate on doing a difficult task even though by delaying it just got more difficult,... [read more]

Hiring a Mover   I recently had the privilege of helping a downsizing client sell their long-time property that had just. Too. many. Stairs. and purchase a big, bright, beautiful condo that was closer to family. They had not moved in decades and were understandably concerned about hiring a moving company. They had heard horror stories about shady operators taking advantage of seniors and wanted my advice about how to protect themselves.  Here’s the guidelines I came up... [read more]

You can't buy your way out of clutter   Good morning, Marilyn. Today I would like to share an observation I have recently made about people like myself who struggle with clutter:  We have a tendency to believe that buying more storage containers or shoe racks or shelving units or other gadgets and doo-dads will help us finally get organised. But my personal and professional experience has taught me that you don’t need more shelves or cabinets or closet organisers,... [read more]

Fall is a terrific time to sell your home! Everyone has heard of the Spring selling season, but some listeners may not know that Fall is also an ideal time for seniors looking to downsize and sell their homes.  The Fall season offers a combination of favourable market conditions and lifestyle benefits for both buyers and sellers.   Motivated buyers For starters, buyers who are searching in the fall tend to be more serious. Families often want to settle in before the... [read more]

Managing the Stress of Downsizing   The Holmes and Rahe stress scale (/reɪ/)[1], also known as the Social Readjustment Rating Scale, is a list of 43 stressful life events that can contribute to illness. The test works via a point accumulation score which then gives an assessment of risk. It ranks major holidays as scoring 12 points, while retirement is given a whopping 45 points, divorce 73 points, and the death of a spouse the highest point ranking of 100. This scale has been... [read more]

Welcome, October 2024! By Sharon Parenteau, MA SRES ASA Preview: October Special Offer, -Shredding Event (Last Call), Real Estate Market Report -GTA -Regional reports -Neighbourhoods -Buyer Success Story, Upcoming Events -Decluttering Battle Plan at Aurora Seniors Walking Club -Free Brunch & Learn! Best Renos for R.O.I in Aurora -Fall/Winter Speaking Opportunities, Check us out on Zoomer 740 am Radio                         ... [read more]

Dealing with Paper Clutter   Managing paper clutter can feel overwhelming, especially for seniors who may have accumulated decades of paperwork. However, reducing clutter can help create a more organized and peaceful environment. Here are some practical tips to make the process easier: Start Small Don’t try to declutter everything at once. In our workbook, “The Decluttering Battle Plan,” we suggest chunking the task into 25 minute sessions on a regular... [read more]

World Gratitude Day    Good morning, Marilyn. I love your topic this week: taking the time to remember what we are grateful for.  Personally, I have a ton of thankfulness for my healthy, happy personal relationships that bring me such fulfillment and joy. My daughters, my family and in-laws, and most of all my partner all add “the seasoning to the sauce of life” that is sometimes sweet, sometimes salty, and occasionally spicy. Lol Professionally, too, I... [read more]

The Things I would Never do if I was Selling my Home   Good morning, Marilyn!  This time last year I was listing my own home for sale. I can tell you that I gained a lot of insight into what my clients go through, and the process definitely made me more empathetic to the work, stress and worry that can occur when selling your home, even when you are in the hands of an excellent realtor.  Last week we covered how to hire that excellent Realtor™ and today we are... [read more]

Tips for Hiring a Realtor™   Hiring a Realtor™ is an important decision, especially for seniors who may have specific needs or concerns when buying and selling a home. Here are some tips to help seniors find the right realtor:   Look for experience with Seniors   Choose a Realtor™ with experience working with Seniors. Look for designations like Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) or Accredited Seniors Agent (ASA) which indicates... [read more]

Hello September, 2024! By Sharon Parenteau, MA SRES ASA Preview: September Special Offer, Real Estate Market Report, -GTA, -Regional reports, -Neighbourhoods, -Buyer Success Story, Upcoming Events, -Aurora, -OSSCO, -Decluttering Battle Plan, -Fall/Winter Speaking Opportunities                                                             ... [read more]

Top Buyer Questions   Good morning, Marilyn. It’s so hard to believe that this is the last official Saturday of the summer! It’s been such a privilege to share ideas and advice for homeowners to help them prepare for the busy fall selling season.  Today we switch our attention to answering buyer questions. Not surprisingly, a lot of listener questions about buying a condo were submitted, especially about rules and regulations and maintenance fees. So let’s... [read more]

Top 5 Seller Questions   Good morning, Marilyn. Last week I put forth the offer to “Ask me anything” real estate related, and boy, did the listeners ever come through! I’ve chosen the top five seller questions to answer this week, and next week I will be dealing with the top five buyer questions. Thank you to everyone who participated by submitting a question.   So here we go! The top five seller questions submitted by listeners and clients: Number 1:... [read more]

The Roadmap to Downsizing "From start to SOLD!" Part2   Good morning, Marilyn. The last few weeks I have been sharing my “Realtor’s eye view” of the downsizing process. From the kinds of home improvements that can add to resale value, to the actual sale process itself. Last time I shared part one of “The Roadmap from Start to SOLD!” If it’s been literal decades since you last bought or sold a property, a lot has changed. Consider this... [read more]

The Roadmap to Downsizing "From start to SOLD!" Part1   Good morning, Marilyn. Last week I shared six signs it’s time to downsize. If listeners missed it, they can visit our website at smartrealtysolution.com for the full blog post. Today, I’d like to continue the theme by giving an overview of the home selling process. I’m calling today’s segment, “The Roadmap to SOLD!” 1.Consultation: During our initial consultation, we gather... [read more]

Sign it's Time to Downsize   Good morning, Marilyn. Downsizing your home is not an easy decision to make. But as we age, our needs and priorities evolve, and our living arrangements often need to adapt accordingly. You might have chosen your current home 20, 30, 40 years ago or more, and what met your needs then likely doesn’t meet your needs now. But how do you know when it’s time to make the move? Here are some key signs that it’s time to... [read more]

Hello August, 2024! By Sharon Parenteau, MA SRES ASA Overview: Market Reports, York Region Stats, Neighbourhood Reports, What This Means For, Buyers And Sellers, Upcoming Events, August Offers: Win a $25 Gift Card!, Congratulations!                                                                           ... [read more]

Flooring Options / Summer Photography Offer   Good morning, Marilyn! Over the last few weeks I have been sharing my realtor’s-eye-view of the home improvements to maintain and increase resale home value. Lest you think I don’t follow my own advice, I decided to redo all the floors in my 1930s Leaside bungalow. The process of picking the right product has been quite an education, which I thought our listeners might enjoy hearing about. BBC FC B by B First, let me say... [read more]

Tips for hiring a contractor   Good morning, Marilyn. Over the past few weeks I have been suggesting to listeners that summer is an excellent time for home improvement projects. While some projects are simple enough to fall within the DIY category, others are going to require homeowners to call in the professionals. Hiring a home contractor can be a significant decision, especially for seniors. Here are six tips to help ensure a smooth and safe process: Check credentials and... [read more]

6 Common Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid   Good morning, Marilyn. Over the last few weeks I have been talking a lot about home improvements that will maintain and improve resale property values. I’ve provided my top suggestions for what to do to make sure your home sells for top dollar when the time comes. These “to do” lists can be downloaded for free at my website, smartrealtysolution.com, if listeners happened to have missed them. Today, I am going to switch... [read more]

Welcome July, 2024! By Sharon Parenteau, MA SRES ASA Overview: Real Estate Market Update, York Region Stats, Neighbourhood Reports, Seller Success Story, Buyer Success Story, Upcoming Events, Special Offers, Blue Jay Tickets Giveaway                                                                       ... [read more]

Inside Home Improvements that add resale value   Good morning, Marilyn. We’ve been enjoying some spectacular weather lately. Summer is a great time to tick outside maintenance chores off the “honey do” list. Last week I shared my perspective as a Realtor on the exterior home improvements that pay off big time at sale time. If you missed it, visit our website smartrealtysolution.com and go to blog posts to find this and other SMART seller solutions.  Today... [read more]

Summertime Home Improvements - Part One    Good morning, Marilyn, and happy Canada Day weekend! Did you know that Canadians are amongst the most home-owning people in the world? According to the 2021 census, more than 66% of Canadians own their own homes; this despite having some of the least affordable housing in the world. Among Canadians, fully three quarters of Zoomers (people in the age range of 55 to 75) own their own homes. Pride of homeownership has to counted among one of... [read more]

Timing the Real Estate Market- Is that even possible?   You know, one of the questions I'm asked a lot is about timing the real estate market. My clients ask me, “Should I try to wait for a good time to sell my house?” And I'm going to say, kind of, sort of, maybe, but it's not the most important part about the decision to downsize, because truth be told, none of us has a crystal ball. We want to make a wise decision that is going to maximize the outcome, but... [read more]

Common objections to downsizing- Part 2 of 2   Good morning, Marilyn. The decision to downsize isn’t an easy or quick one. This week I listed a property for sale with a client I first met in 2018! With the Covid shutdown and changes in their personal circumstances, they waited until this year to finally pull the trigger on moving from their oversized home. Between our first contact and now, my job was simply to keep in touch periodically, and to provide useful information as... [read more]

Common objections to downsizing - Part 1 of 2   Good morning, Marilyn. I thought for a bit of fun today, I’d share my top ten most common objections to downsizing. These are the real-life air quotes - “reasons” - I hear from empty-nesters why they are choosing to stay in their oversized homes. 10. I don’t have the money to renovate my home for sale. Truth be told, Marilyn, I rarely recommend renovating a property for the purposes of selling. Renovation... [read more]

Hello June, 2024! By Sharon Parenteau, MA SRES ASA Overview: Real Estate Market Update York Region Stats Neighbourhood Reports Seller Success Story Special Events Giveaway                                                                                             ... [read more]

A picture is worth a thousand words... Good morning, Marilyn. In polling my clients, I have found that there are a few common categories of surplus items that people battle with. Clothing, books, papers, and photos. In past segments we have given resources for donating surplus clothing and books, and twice a year, we help our clients by providing a free paper shredding event. So that takes care of the first three, but what to do with the boxes and picture albums full of photos? In our... [read more]

The best time to sell your home   Canada is known for having four glorious seasons, but in real estate there are two best times to consider selling: Spring and Fall. Historically, there are more transactions and higher sale prices during April-May-June and then again in September-October-November. If you were to graph the annual price and activity trend, it would look like a two-humped camel, with a Spring hump and a Fall Hump. Since we’re in the middle of the Spring hump,... [read more]

Dealing with multi-generational clutter   Good morning, Marilyn! I love your topic today: visit a relative day. And I was thinking that while you’re visiting them you could take back to them all the things you borrowed, or the stuff they left behind at your house. Or as the joke goes, you can declutter by taking your junk to their house and hide it in their closets.  Obviously I’m not serious, but I can tell you that when it comes to clutter, it can be a... [read more]

More Canadian Seniors are Downsizing to Help Adult Children   Good morning, Marilyn.  With tomorrow being Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day just a few weeks from now, I thought I’d give some advice about a sure-fire way to win the “Parent of the Year” award… help your kid get their first home.  You know that I am only partly joking, right Marilyn? Homeownership is a very serious issue right now, and many empty-nesters I talk with wonder... [read more]

Hello May, 2024! By Sharon Parenteau, MA SRES ASA,Overview: Real Estate Market Report, York Region Stats, Neighbourhood Reports, Seller Success, Story, Special Events Giveaway                                                                                           ... [read more]

Strong Social Connections Linked to Longevity in Seniors Happy Saturday, Marilyn. “May the 4th be with you!” There is a powerful, albeit often-overlooked, force that predicts the longevity of our seniors. It’s community.  Strong social connections and a sense of community have been shown to have a positive impact on senior’s physical and mental health. Being part of a supportive community can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are risk... [read more]

Good morning, Marilyn. In my work as a downsizing Realtor ™ I encounter clients who have amassed boxes and boxes of papers over the years. Sometimes they keep papers out of an abundance of caution, worrying that their accountant or the tax man (or woman!) will require documents of some sort in the future. Sometimes they keep papers out of nostalgia, receipts and certificates and school notebook, as souvenirs of the happy past. And sometimes, they keep papers because they have simply... [read more]

Good morning, Marilyn. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, condo apartments can be the perfect SMART move for seniors looking to SMART size their living arrangements. They are safe, convenient and affordable. I am working with several clients right now searching for the perfect condo apartment, and here are my top 6 things I look for in senior-friendly condos:  1. Ground-floor units: I love finding my downsizing clients a condo apartment on the ground floor. They... [read more]

From Lifestyle to Legacy Today’s segment, Marilyn, comes from a revelation I had about aging. Yes, we are all getting older - as the old joke goes, it sure beats the alternative! - but aging doesn’t look the same for different people, nor does it look the same for the same person as time goes on. This is the idea behind “concierge real estate services.” Depending on the person, and their age and stage, their needs and drivers are going to be different, and... [read more]

When Clutter Descends Into Chaos Good morning, Marilyn. Today I would like to share information on a topic that has been on my heart for a while now: seniors and hoarding. Virtually every older adult I know would admit to having more stuff than they need or want. If you’ve been listening to me over the last few months, you know that I call clutter the enemy that holds seniors in homes that no longer serve their health, financial or lifestyle needs. People don’t downsize when... [read more]

Welcome April, 2024! By Sharon Parenteau, MA SRES ASA Overview: Real Estate Market Report, York Region Stats, Neighbourhood Reports, Seller Success Story, Special Events, Giveaway                                                                             ... [read more]

Waste not, want not…   Good morning, Marilyn. Thank you for bringing our attention to the waste crisis our world is facing today. I wholeheartedly endorse your efforts to inspire listeners to careful consumption.  If you’re like me, and grew up hearing, “Waste not, want not,” the message was to hang onto what we’ve got to protect against future scarcity. We often carry this message into adulthood, setting us up to keep accumulating, preparing,... [read more]

Pricing Strategies for Home Sellers   Last week, Marilyn, I shared my top 10 things to do before selling your house. Today I’m going to share more valuable information in celebration of the spring selling season.  When selling a home, I like to discuss the four Ps: preparation, pricing, presentation and promotion. To recap last week, we discussed the money-making home improvements that pay off at sale time. This information is all outlined in our booklet, “Best... [read more]

Hello again, Marilyn, and “top o’ the morning to ye.” Like they say, on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish. Your listeners may not know it, but if they are homeowners in the GTHA, they are sitting on (or in!) a pot of gold. Their homes they own are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, which by anyone’s account makes them rich. There’s only one problem: they can’t access all those riches since they’re tied up in literal bricks and... [read more]

Good afternoon, Marilyn. You know how much I LOVE this week’s theme of letting go. We gain so much personal power by loosing the ties that bind, whether they are emotional, relational, or in my area of interest, material. Eventually we all will leave everything behind because, as someone famous (it’s either Billy Graham or Denzel Washington, depending on your source) said, “There’s no Uhaul behind the hearse.” If we can’t take it with us, then why do we... [read more]

Welcome March, 2024! By Sharon Parenteau, MA SRES ASAOverview: Real Estate Market Report, York Region Stats, Neighbourhood Reports, New You Can Use, Special Events, Giveaway                                                                                         ... [read more]

Clutter is an enemy that can be conquered!   Good morning, Marilyn, and thank you for the opportunity to dovetail so beautifully with your topic of decluttering. As you know, this issue of clutter is close to my heart. It’s something that I encounter every day, both professionally and personally. Every one of my downsizing clients has to do some degree of decluttering before they can list their homes for sale. Even I had to face this task when I sold my home late last year.... [read more]

“Show me the Money!”   Hard to believe, Marilyn, that it was more than 25 years ago that Tom Cruise’s character, Jerry Maguire, famously screamed, “Show me the money!” in the movie that bore his name.  Today, Marilyn, I want to make an unusual offer to your listeners. I am going to show them the money, the money that they are sitting on, or rather, sitting in,  that is tied up in the real estate they own. So many of my downsizing clients are... [read more]

"Concierge” Real Estate Explained   Good morning, Marilyn. Chances are every listener remembers moving house at least once. Maybe it was as a newlywed, and friends from college did the heavy lifting for pizza and beer. Or maybe it was to your first home with a yard and room to grow a family. Or maybe you’ve always enjoyed the single life, so the work of moving fell much more on your shoulders.  Whatever your experience moving, it’s safe to say that it... [read more]

  “Love Your Life Again” Today’s spot with you, Marilyn, is more personal than usual because it tells the story of someone very special to me, my grandmother, or Nanna, as we grandkids called her. My Nanna lived in the same tiny bungalow in Agincourt that she raised her 5 children in for over 50 years. That house was the first - and only - home she and my grandpa ever owned. At one time, my grandpa had huge flower and vegetable gardens, but as time passed, they... [read more]

Hello, February 2024! By Sharon Parenteau, MA SRES ASA Overview: Real Estate Market Report, York Region Stats, Neighbourhood Reports, Annual Equity Review Offer, Special Events, Speaking Series, Upcoming Holidays                                                                                 ... [read more]

Good morning, Marilyn. It’s great to be reminded that at heart, all people want the same things. Our common humanity binds us together in ways that extend well beyond the International Day of Fraternity. We all want to feel heard, respected and supported, especially when we are going through times of major upheaval. Maya Angelou famously said, “People don’t always remember what you say or even what you do, but they always remember how you made them... [read more]

Downsizing Property Options: Not Just Condos   Good morning, Marilyn. Anybody who knows me, knows I love my morning coffee. Recently I was at a Starbucks and the person in front of me was clearly not initiated in the secret code of ordering a coffee from there. “I just want a medium black coffee!” they declared with frustration. There were so many choices, macchiato, latte, venti, grande etc. they were overwhelmed. Some of the options, like a tall half-caff flat white,... [read more]

To renovate or not to renovate…’Tis the question Good morning, Marilyn. After the topic of decluttering, the next most common question I am asked is whether potential home sellers should renovate their homes before selling. I’ll give you the politician's answer: “It depends.”  Deciding whether to renovate depends on your priorities: do you want convenience or money? If you want to push the “easy button,” I assure you that every... [read more]

Good morning, Marilyn. I’m not sure whether you and your listeners know, but everything we have developed at SMART Realty Solutions is designed to address the real-life challenges our clients face.  We’ve spoken lately about the nearly-universal need to declutter prior to downsizing. Our program, “The Decluttering Battle Plan,” is practical advice that anyone can apply to start living a lighter, brighter life in preparation for a move one day. Similarly,... [read more]

Welcome, 2024! By Sharon Parenteau, MA SRES ASA Overview: Real Estate Market Review and Analysis, The Year in Review, Prognostications, Client Success Story, Upcoming Events, January Giveaway!                                                                           ... [read more]

“Downsizing doesn’t have to be ‘Ruufff!’” In a world with so much bad news, Marilyn, I thought I would take this opportunity to share with your listeners a good news story of recent clients. What makes this particularly noteworthy is that their plan to downsize actually resulted in not downsizing. Here’s a bit of the backstory: My lovely clients, Cathy and Steve, had already moved once from a house with a large yard, with plenty of upkeep and... [read more]

A Decision deferred is a decision made… Have you ever heard the saying, “A decision deferred is a decision made?” No? That’s because I may have made it up. (Just joking)  Regardless of its origins,psychologists recognize that deferring, or delaying, important decisions is an innate human tendency. Experts tell us that when we push off decision-making - even when making a decision would benefit us - it’s likely because we are actually hoping to avoid... [read more]

A transcript of our podcast: Thank you, Marilyn, for raising awareness about such an important topic as human rights. It may seem like the problems in this world are too big for one person to solve. But then I’m reminded of your message: that it’s up to each of us to do what we can to make the world a better place. Last week I spoke about small acts of kindness like donating our surplus clothing to charities so that they can help people in need. We can also practice mindful... [read more]

Welcome, December! Overview: GTA REALTORS® Release October 2023 Stats, Neighbourhood Reports, New Blog, Special Events, News You Can Use, December Giveaway                                                                                     ... [read more]

Conquer Clothing Clutter by Donating By Sharon Parenteau, MA SRES ASA Realtor and Founder of SMART Realty Solutions   Decluttering your home, especially to prepare for downsizing one day, isn’t a “once and done” event, but an on-going process. Throughout the year we should be looking for opportunities to reduce the overall surplus, and live lighter, more carefree lives. Right now, as the weather changes, is a fabulous time to purge your... [read more]

Join us with Marilyn and her team and continue to be empowered to make informed decisions. Listen to our second air here! A transcript of second air: What better day than national housing day to get SMART Real Estate Solutions from realtor Sharon Parenteau. Good morning, Sharon. What do you have for us today? Good morning, Marilyn. I have to say that I love the many valuable ideas you shared about our current housing shortage. I have a few of my own. You know, back in 2017, the... [read more]

S.M.A.R.T Strategy.Marketing.Attitude.Resources.Team   Sharon Parenteau is a resale specialist helping downsizers transition from their oversized homes to comfortable downsizing living options. Downsizing can be a sensitive and challenging transition for many, she takes pride in understanding the challenges my clients face and focus on finding living options that can support their individual needs.   As a gifted communicator, lateral thinker, and effective... [read more]

Welcome, November! Overview: GTA REALTORS® Release September 2023 Stats, Neighbourhood Reports, New Blog, Seller Success Story, Upcoming Events, News You Can Use, November Home Maintenance Checklist                                                                       ... [read more]

How does SMART Realty Solutions contribute to well-being as we age or support healthy, safe aging? At our real estate team, we understand that downsizing can be an emotional and challenging process, particularly for seniors who have built a lifetime of memories in their homes. Our approach prioritizes the wellbeing of our clients throughout this transition. We offer personalized assistance, ensuring that each step of the downsizing journey is managed with care and empathy.  Firstly,... [read more]

Welcome, October! Overview: GTA REALTORS® Release August 2023 Stats, Seller Success Story, Upcoming Events: Decluttering Battle Plan, Community Shredding Event, NEW: First-time Home Buyers, October Home Maintenance Checklist                                                                         ... [read more]

By Sharon Parenteau, MA SRES ASA   Have you ever wondered why some homes sell almost immediately, while others sit on the market for weeks, or even months? There is a new reality that home sellers need to be aware of: inventory is up, days on market are increasing, and buyers have more properties to choose from. The real estate market right now can be likened to a beauty pageant, with only one “winner” selling in each neighbourhood at a time.  Statistically,... [read more]

Welcome, September! Overview: GTA REALTORS® Release July 2023 Stats, Seller Success Story, Just Listed, Coming Soon, Upcoming Events                                                                                                   ... [read more]

What do onions and tomatoes have to do with decluttering??   With harvest time upon us, some of my friends and family will be using this weekend to do big batches of canning, “doing down,” as my grandma called it.   This started me thinking about the connection between onions, tomatoes and decluttering. (Don’t ask…it’s just the way my brain works! Stick with me for a moment.)    When you peel onions, you know to expect... [read more]

Sunny August Overview: GTA Realtors® Release June 2023 Stats, August Home Maintenance Checklist, Upcoming Events, Additional Articles Chosen Especially for SMART Subscribers                                                                                         ... [read more]

  Buyers face a lot of competition in today’s overheated real estate market. They frequently find themselves in bidding wars for the few acceptable properties for sale. Being priced out of the market is a definite reality for buyers, unless they are working with a Realtor who knows the secret to finding value in an overheated market. Here are my tips:   Consider properties that have been on the market for a while. If a property has been sitting for... [read more]

Hello, July Overview: Market Report- GTA, York Region, Community Reports Monthly Maintenance Tips SMART Seller Success Stories- Case Study: Sell & Lease New Blog Post: Top Picks for Retirement Communities in Ontario Booking Fall Speaking Series                                                                       ... [read more]

Buying a Home Outside the GTA There's no doubt that due to the housing development history of Toronto, the further one ventures from the city core, the lower- real estate prices become. Many downsizing seniors look to the outskirts to provide greater housing value. It's a win/win situation: They get to maintain their lifestyle goals while pocketing the difference between the value of what they sell versus what they buy.  Another advantages is that by relocating outside the... [read more]

June in Bloom! In this edition: Real Estate Market Report, Just Listed!, Staging Secrets On A Shoe String Budget (Sat June 10th at 10:30 AM At Revera Glynnwood In Thornhill, Past Events & Announcements                                                                                   ... [read more]

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]