How do you get started?  Having numerous clients go thru this and having my own mom downsize several times and more recently myself, I have several pointers to make this task more manageable.  It is a task we avoid, especially when we look at the stuffed closets and floor to ceiling stuffed basements we have.   It is something we all put off as long as possible but there comes a time where you can’t any longer.  It is easy to downsize by 10%, but most of us need to downsize or rightsize  by at least 50%.  It is the last 20% that is tough.  Here are some tips to get you on the right track.

1. The most common start is a garage sale.  So start there!  Set a date  that is out by a month and then you will have a starting point.  This is a good time to get rid of that first 10% of stuff that you don’t need. 

2. The purpose of your garage sale is to get rid of clutter.  So start small.  Put aside 15 minutes each day (use a timer if you need to) and start your decluttering now, closet by closet, room by room.  Be ruthless!

3.  Now make  a goal  that you will pack one box every day for two weeks of items you must keep and take with you. You can start by packing 10 to 20 of the most necessary items in that room or closet.  Then tape up the container so it will not be easy to rummage thru it.

3. One of the more difficult things will be to get rid of unwanted or un used gifts from friends and family.  Don’t feel guilty.  Just do it.  They will take up valuable space in your new home.

4. You will also find that younger family members are not interested in your treasured ornaments or china.  So display them on several tables and invite in an antique dealer and get a bulk price for everything.  You will not get close to what they are worth but it is necessary to do.  The secret is to forget about it. You must be determined to live in the present and not the past.

5. Look at all your top shelves.  If it is on your top shelve you have rarely used the items or not at all.  So get rid of everything on your top shelves

6. There are also companies that are more like brokers who will buy less valuables in bulk and they will catagorize them and sell them to flea markets, 2nd hand stores or specialty stores.  There are also numerous charities that will come in and pick up items. I am sure you would feel better knowing your stuff will be used and appreciated rather than have it end up in a landfill.

7. Finally, if you still feel overwhelmed and cannot do this on your own, there are companies that specialize in downsizing and counselling to help you.  They will know when to give you  that gentle push and to help you get organized.  They can also help you put together memory books of cherished items.  It is not always having an item but the story and memories behind them that are important.  If you would like some names please feel free to send me an email.

Spring is just around the corner and it is this time of the year that most of us start thinking about what we can do to our homes to spruce them up a little for a new season.

Start at the front door. When the weather is permitting (45 degrees) paint your front door a fresh new colour. Splurge and buy a couple of new ceramic pots and fill them with lots of spring flowers and moss.

Bright new colours and streamlined decor should be utmost on your mind for the inside. Maybe an accent wall that you have wanted to try. Or perhaps you would like to replace a colour in a bathroom with a beautiful white and give it a spa look with all white accessories. Or, you can add some colour with a new set of towels or sheets.

Try rotating your artwork. Everyone has too much art. Keep some of your favourite pieces and switch them out. You might also think about some rearranging to give your walls an art gallery look.

Try rearranging and regrouping your furniture. Don’t be afraid to eliminate something that you no longer love and open a space for something new and wonderful.

Refresh! Paint all of your window sills and baseboards with a fresh coat of paint. You will be amazed at a difference it willl make for just a few dollars.

Trying to sell your home can be one of the most stressful events in your life. Perhaps you know that you need to sell quickly and are afraid you won’t find the right buyer in time. Or, perhaps you are most concerned with getting top dollar for your home. The right real estate agent will help you through the entire process, and eliminate a great deal of stress for you.

Your agent will be able to evaluate your home and tell you what you need to do in order to get the most value from it. She will make suggestions for simple repairs you can do that can actually dramatically increase the value of your home — or at least the way it is perceived in the eyes of potential buyers.

She will also do all the work of marketing your home. Properly marketing a home is something that not all real estate agents are equal in doing. Since some are far better than others, you definitely need someone who uses all the tools at their disposal. Your goal is to get your home’s listing in front of as many qualified buyers as possible. A good agent will make this happen!

Selling a home can also be tricky because of all the paperwork and communication with the buyer and buyers agent that is required. Your real estate agent, Lea Jensen, will be able to help you through every step of the way so that you don’t have to worry about any of it! What a relief when you’re selling your home in Mississauga.

Many people want to move these days, but aren’t sure if it’s the right time to sell a Mississauga home. Is it the right time for you and your family?

There are definitely a few things to consider. First, it’s important to understand that it can be a tough market out there these days. Mortgage companies have tightened their purse strings and many buyers are having to wait to look for a new home. That can undoubtedly impact how easily you are able to sell your home. Does that mean no one is buying?

Absolutely not! Good real estate agents are in contact with people who want to buy a home every day. The buyers are out there — and it’s more important than ever before to know how to attract them. With that out of the way, you need to decide if the time is right based on your own circumstances.

Consider what your reasons for wanting to move are. If it’s because you or a spouse has found a new job, that’s certainly a compelling reason. Turning down a job is something not many people are willing to do! The time might definitely be right if that’s the case with you. If you want to move because you’re ready for a larger or smaller home, the time may also be right for you.

Along with thinking about how much you might receive for your home, you should also think about what you might be able to buy a home for. There are some truly great deals in some areas right now, and you can definitely come out ahead in this deal!

If you want to sell a Mississauga home, you should contact Lea Jensen today. You need someone who will stand by your side every single step of the way. It’s all about knowing how to market and stage your home effectively to get the absolute best price for it. If you’ve decided it’s the right time for you, don’t delay, because you don’t want that perfect buyer to slip through your fingers!

Choosing when to sell your Mississauga home can be a daunting decision. After all, if you have lived there for any length of time at all, then you’ve probably developed some excellent memories with your family. It can also be intimidating to try and sell on your own these days, since many houses are selling for less than their owners paid for them. It’s important to weigh all of these things in when making your decision.

The first thing you need to know is that if you’re working with a qualified real estate agent, then it is still possible to sell your home for what it’s worth! It’s all about marketing the home properly and knowing where to look for those eager buyers. A qualified agent will work with you to get everything your home is worth so that this process can be a stress-free as possible. No, there are no guarantees in the real estate market, but you can dranatically increase your chances with someone like Lea Jensen.

In addition to knowing how much you might get for your home, another consideration is whether you’re actually ready to move. Some people  will need to move for a job that leaves little other choice. Others might be ready for a larger home due to a growing family. Still others might be ready for a smaller home, such as when all the children are grown and gone. It’s important to speak to all family members who will be involved in the move to be sure this is the right thing to do.

Part of the reason many people hesitate to sell their home is because they think it will be a huge hassle. However, it can be a simple and straightforward process. It is important to understand that this will be a huge change in your lifestyle. You will need to show your home to others, and possibly make some small (or even large) improvements to it so that you can command top dollar for the home. This is something us your Realtor will guide you through every step of the way. Beyond that, the Realtor is earning a commission for doing a good job though selling the home. The rest of the process should be relatively hands-off for you, which is an excellent thing!

Contact Lea Jensen today to discuss whether it’s time for you to sell your Mississauga home, and how you would like to go about doing so. You will love working with someone who is so professional, and who will be able to market your home as efficiently and effectively as possible. The right buyers are out there — you just need to find a way to connect with them.

It may be surprising to know, but the top 3 fixes to a home to get it ready for sale, and get top dollar on your return, are also the least expensive!

1. Declutter your home – Rent a storage space on a short term basis and start the decluttering process now. Sparse is good, not only does it give a potential buyer a feeling of spaciousness and calmness. It also allows a potential buyer to feel they can live in the home because you have made the home anonymous (removing personal photos, knick knacks). Make sure the kitchen and bathroom counters are free of any unnecessary items and personal affects and don’t forget the inside of cupboards and closets. Have you ever looked at pictures of homes for sale that are really appealing. Take a closer look and you will realize the homes with most appeal have no clutter!
2. Cleanliness – This can not be overstated! Buyers will pay thousands of dollars more when a home is sparkling clean, (not just surface clean). If it takes a week, go through room by room and clean every corner or hire a professional. Bathrooms and kitchens are especially important. Re-caulking to remove mildew around tubs and showers is vital. You don’t want potential buyers to get an icky feeling in the most important rooms in the house!
3. Paint – there is nothing better than a fresh coat of paint in a wonderful current colour. If you are not handy and precise do not attempt to paint yourself. Drips of paint and splashes are a turn off. It is important to get the advice of a professional on what are the best colours are for your home and which colours will appeal to the masses. (As a service to my clients I provide a free consultation with a decorator to help chose colours and make other simple suggestions in your home)

Don’t delay. Get started now. The market is hot and it is definitely a sellers market. Who would have thought the middle of the summer would be this strong.

Now is the time to clean up the yard, and edge your flower beds.  Pansies are a great addition and can handle freezing temperatures .  They will  pop right back once the sun comes out and the temperatures rise.  So go out and fill your front planters with pussy willows, daffidils, pansies, tulips and moss.  Buyers will get a great first impression!