Three ways to increase your home’s curb appeal this Victoria Day

Victoria Day long weekend is coming up, and is widely celebrated as the first sign that summer is on its way. The snow has finally melted and you can use the first long weekend of the season to add to the attractiveness of your home’s exterior – otherwise known to as its curb appeal.

The outside of your home is its first impression. It is perhaps the most vital aspect of home presentation as it’s the key factor that makes home buyers want to take a look inside instead of continuing their drive down the street.

We’ve put together a list of three easy and low-cost improvements you can make to improve your home’s curb appeal.

Create an inviting entrance. The front door is the focal point of the home. It should look its best with new paint and colour. Reawaken a boring door with a splash of personality. Simply add a wreath or some decorative urns with bright flowers on either side of the door to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Replace outdated house numbers, the mailbox and old light fixtures. New and matching pieces can create a clean presentation.

Brighten up with outdoor lighting. Landscape lighting can quickly create an attractive space. Outdoor lighting can be used to highlight a pathway, trees or the entrance of your home.

Visit our Home Exterior board on Pinterest.com/RoccaSisters for home décor photos that can inspire your next home improvement task this spring. For more tips on how to improve your curb appeal, don’t hesitate to contact us at the Rocca Sisters & Associates office. From our family to yours, we wish you a safe and happy Victoria Day long weekend.

Our top Q&A’s from sellers & buyers just like you

The sale of your home can bring about many emotions and often times our clients have many questions for us when they are ready to sell and buy. We provide detailed answers to ensure they make the best decision on what is often the biggest investment they’ve made in their lives to-date: their home.

Today, we’ve compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions. Perhaps, you’ll find a few of your questions in it! We’re happy to provide you with the answers.

Q: How is it that some people seem to know about a property before I even see it on mls.ca?

A: First a property is listed with the Real Estate Board. Then, the sales representative will likely erect a sign. It can be as long as a week before that property shows up on realtor.ca. By then, it could be sold. To make matters worse, the sale of the property may not be reported to realtor.ca, for as much as another week or month. If you are depending on realtor.ca, lawn signs or newspaper ads to find a new home, you are most definitely going to be disappointed.

Q: How can I find out what properties are selling for in a particular area?

A: When you engage a member of the Rocca Sisters & Associates to represent you as a buyer, you ensure that you are receiving all of the comparable information you need to establish the right price for any property that interests you.

Q: What are the specific infrastructure issues about a property for which I should be watching?

A: The Rocca Sisters & Associates members have spent years developing an understanding of what to look for in terms of the integrity of a home and its systems. How old is the furnace? Are there moisture issues? How much life is left on the roof? These are only a few questions that should be asked before considering a property. While we would never want to take the place of a home inspector, we will save you a lot of time by pointing out the more obvious issues of a home.

Q: What about all the paperwork and legal-eze. Do I really need a realtor to help me with this?

A: The only alternative to using a realtor for preparing and reviewing offers is to employ legal counsel. Realtors have been highly trained in this aspect of the process and will ensure that your offers are prepared in a way that protects you.

3 ways to create a nursery you’ll fall in love with

Photo credit: Melisa Fluhr & Pam Ginocchio for HGTV.com (http://www.hgtv.com/kids-rooms/dreamy-celebrity-nurseries/pictures/index.html?ic1=obnetwork).

Recently, Tanya announced she is expecting a baby girl this September. It’s amazing how quickly life can change and instead of re-decorating the living room, dining room or renovating the bathroom – you find yourself thinking about the nursery.

Nursery design options range from modern, traditional, boy and girl themes, as well as, neutral, so it’s little wonderful that most of us have a difficult time deciding which way to go.

Today, we’ve developed three quick tips that will get you started on creating a stunning nursery, that both you and your little bundle of joy can fall in love with:

Have fun with colour. Use an accent colour within a neutral setting. This will awaken the room, create a sense of theme, and add personality to the nursery.

Maximize space. If square footage is something you’re lacking, use furniture that works overtime. For instance choose pieces with built-in storage, and pick items that are multi-functional such as, a dresser that doubles as a changing table.

Create a space you enjoy being in. Keep in mind you’ll be spending lots of time in the nursery, changing diapers and giving late night feedings. Some parents even sleep in the nursery as their babies transition to sleeping alone. Use colours you can stand and won’t get sick of. Make sure the furniture is easy to use and comfortable.