• 5 Benefits to Buying in Up-And-Coming Neighbourhoods,Terry Kruse

    5 Benefits to Buying in Up-And-Coming Neighbourhoods

      There is an old adage in real estate. It’s all about location, location, location. Those looking to purchase a home likely have location at the top of their list when looking for their dream property. Here are five things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing the next neighbourhood you’ll call home. There are trade-offs. If you’re thinking of purchasing a home in a less popular area (but one that shows promise of becoming trendy), you might have to compromise. Buying property in a neighbourhood before the values increase is what you want to do, but at the same time, you might have to come to terms with less-than-stellar attributes, such as perhaps a higher crime rate or lower-rated schools. Don’t compromise on safety, but talk to your agent about resources for finding neighborhood information. New builds. When there are new houses popping up in neighbourhoods, it’s a sure sign the area is getting popular. You might want to pay attention to social media about the shopping, restaurants, bars and entertainment in the area to give you an idea of whether this may be an up-and-coming spot. Flipping frenzy. Investors have a sixth sense when it comes to areas that are soon to explode in popularity. They’re going to buy and flip homes in places from which they will gain financially. Buyers who purchase flipped homes don’t want to take on renos themselves, but these purchases can create some trendiness in neighbourhoods. Millennial and Gen-Z interest. The younger set are often the trendsetters and when they start moving into an area, it’s for a reason. Younger people move into neighbourhoods that are still affordable, but where they have access to shops, bars, cafes and the like. Once businesses get the word that young people are moving to the neighbourhood, they will soon follow. These are the neighbourhoods to watch. Near the city. Neighbourhoods develop outward from city centres. As cities grow, so do outlying areas. If an area starts to initiate cleanups or starts building more parks, it might be a sign of expectant growth. When a municipality invests in an area, developers take notice and may view the area as a solid investment. Perhaps you might do the same.

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  • 5 Peaceful Paint Colors,Terry Kruse

    5 Peaceful Paint Colors

    If you plan to repaint your interiors this year, don’t forget to pick a hue that will positively impact your mood. While bright red or neon green may be fun, they can subconsciously create stress in the body. Below are five peaceful paint colors to up the “ahhh” factor of your favorite spaces. VioletA dusty purple can promote balance and inner peace. Make sure to pick a shade with more blue tones and less black for a relaxing vibe. GreenWhile a neon green can be alarming, a less bright shade (think forest or grass) can be calming and refreshing. GrayWhile some may think gray is dull, it actually has been shown to be a soothing, stress-free color. Plus, it goes with nearly any accent hue, so you can get creative with accompanying colors. BlueChoose a gentle ocean blue in the bedroom for a restful night’s sleep. Known to reduce tension, opt for a lighter shade when choosing your blue. YellowA rich, buttery yellow can brighten your spirits. Perfect for bathrooms and kitchens, paint your whole space or a singular accent wall and soak up that sunny disposition.

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  • 5 Fall Interior Design Trends for Staging Your Home,Terry Kruse

    5 Fall Interior Design Trends for Staging Your Home

      If you’re staging your home for sale in the fall, you might feel obligated to move away from the tropical, breezy decorating style of the summer months, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Fall’s new staging trends are sophisticated, cozy and surprising. Try these to give your space a pop. A Cozy Forest VibeNo more lush summer botanicals, but greenery and nature are still in for the fall. Try using accessories with rich forest, earth or ochre tones reminiscent of Canada’s national parks. Cushions or textiles that mimic natural textures like moss or lumber are a great way to usher in the autumn season. Bringing the Outdoors InThink you have to spring for pricey accents to set the mood? Think again. Natural elements of the season can be a great way to accessorize even a minimalist home for sale. Think one or two decorative pinecones or a glass bowl full of acorns. Capture All the SensesDon’t forget that fall has its own scents too! Create a cozy feel in your newly-staged space by using candles or oil diffusers with traditional scents of autumn, such as pine, cinnamon or amber. Pro tip: Never overdo it with the scents when you’re hosting an open house or preparing for a showing, as astute buyers might suspect you’re covering something up—like the smell of pets or mould. Swap Out the Breezy TextilesWarmer seasons often call for textiles made from linen, lace or other lightweight material. Fall is a great time to bring in some textures that are cozy and evocative, like velvet or chunky knits. A Different Kind of NeutralTaupe, beige and other neutral tones can still be used if you’re staging in the fall, but to give them a seasonal twist, use slightly more season-appropriate textures. Think oversized wheat bouquets, jute or other natural-fibre rugs, or neutral-hued fur throws.

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