Team Davidson, Ghada and Sean's blog

Imagine you’re shopping for a new home and come across a listing that seems
ideal. It’s in a great neighbourhood. It has all the characteristics on your “musthave”
list. You can see yourself living there.
However, there are a couple of serious maintenance issues that are likely to
need attention within the next year or two. For example, the roof shingles need
replacing or the wiring needs to be updated.
Those fixes are going to be expensive. Does that mean you should take a
pass on making an offer?
Not necessarily. While it’s nice to buy a home that is move-in ready (or close
to...

The living room or family room is often a focal point for buyers who come to
see your listing. They’ll look around and imagine relaxing evenings, family gettogethers,
and holidays celebrated in that room. So it’s important to ensure it
looks its best.
Here are professional staging tips for doing just that:
1. Neutralize the palette. Consider repainting walls in shades of beige,
grey, or off-white. These hues will appeal to a broader range of buyers
and allow them to visualize their own décor in the space. These colours
will also make the room look bigger.
2. Strategic Furniture...

Imagine you’ve listed your home and get a fantastic offer. The price is VERY
good. The buyers have attached a hefty deposit and a pre-approved mortgage
certificate. The only drawback? There is a condition. The buyers want to sell
their home before the offer to buy yours becomes firm.
Hmm. Should you accept that offer? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.
PROS
• A Bird in the Hand. While a conditional offer comes with a string
attached, it still means a buyer is keenly interested in your property.
• Room for Negotiation. You might be able to negotiate a compromise.
For example,...

Although weekends are a prime time to schedule viewings, many buyers will
prefer to see your property on a weekday evening. Buyers might, for example,
be interested in your listing but be out of town on the weekend. If you don’t
accommodate their request for a weekday evening appointment, you might
lose that opportunity.
So, when it comes to scheduling viewing appointments, being flexible and
accommodating is always advised.
But, what if you’re going to be away during the week or have another reason
why you can’t show your home Monday to Friday?
There are a few options you can...

Imagine you see a home advertised for sale in a desirable neighbourhood.
However, you find out the property is listed well above comparable sales in the
area. In other words, above its market value.
Is that listing still worth seeing?
There are many reasons why sellers might list their property for a price that
seems way above the market. The home might have highly desirable features
that make it worth a premium, such as a spacious backyard or a finished
basement. Or, the seller might assume (often mistakenly) that listing high will
result in higher-priced offers.
In either case,...

Many seemingly small things can be a big turn-off to prospective buyers. So,
it’s wise to identify and fix these issues when you list. Here are a few
examples.
1. Outdated or Neglected Exterior: Chipping paint, a tired-looking
façade, or uninspired landscaping will impact a buyer's all-important first
impression. The solution? Fresh paint, power washing, landscape
trimming, or even adding new plants.
2. Old or Damaged Appliances: Outdated or broken appliances will get
noticed by prospective buyers. The solution? Repair and thoroughly
clean them. It might also make sense to invest...

Painting your home, especially the main floor, is the most affordable way to
make your listing look great to buyers. But what paint colours should you
choose?
Here are a few tips.
When it comes to selecting a palette, neutrality reigns supreme. Bright,
eccentric colours may reflect your personality, but remember, you're trying to
appeal to a wide array of potential buyers. Neutral colours like whites, greys,
and beiges are not only safe but also allow buyers to envision their own
furniture and decor in the space.
However, don't think of neutral as boring. Many subtle shades can...

Outdoor living spaces have become the new heartbeat of homes — even in
the winter. They now serve as an extension of the indoors, a place where
homeowners can dine, entertain, and relax. So, it’s smart to emphasize the
outdoor living potential of your home when you list.
Your garden is the first outdoor element potential buyers see. Well-maintained,
colourful plants can make a fantastic first impression, so keep the garden lush
and appealing. Include a variety of perennial and annual plants that bloom at
different times in the season. Consider planting in containers or raised beds...

When you’re shopping for a new home, you’ll likely have a list of "must-haves"
that are essential to your ideal living space. However, there are circumstances
in which it may be worth compromising on your list of non-negotiables.
Location
While having four bedrooms or a large backyard may be high on your priority
list, a desirable location with easy access to schools, work, and amenities
could outweigh those specific features. Keep an open mind and consider
adjusting your must-haves if it means securing a home in an ideal
neighbourhood.
Budget
Sometimes, your dream home may...

When you’re selling your home, you want to make it as attractive as possible
to buyers. One compelling strategy that has been gaining traction is the
application of Feng Shui principles to home staging.
How?
Embracing Feng Shui staging techniques starts with decluttering. Clutter
restricts the free flow of 'chi' or positive energy. Hence, a clean, clutter-free
space is crucial. It promotes an open, spacious feel, which in turn evokes a
sense of tranquillity and comfort.
Natural lighting, a key element in Feng Shui, is another crucial consideration.
Bright spaces are synonymous...