by Gitta Levi, Broker, Century 21 Heritage Group, Thornhill, Ontario
Rantings of late, from the Competition Bureau and it's proponents, seemed to have died down for the time being. At least, the media isn't bombarding us on a daily basis, with talks of computerized services which can take the place of the "normal" Thornhill Realtor, and do just as good a job at selling your home.
Commissions are being challenged. What could your Thornhill Realtor possibly do for you to warrant the $$$ they get? You're right to think that way, if putting a sign on the lawn and downloading your listing to MLS is all you think your professional Thornhill Realtor does for you! But the reality of the job is very different.
In the REAL world, a professional Thornhill Realtor spends time reviewing all the activity in your Thornhill neighbourhood-what's been listed, what's sold, so that they can see the "market trends". The Thornhill Real Estate market literally changes on a daily basis, and a professional has to be up to date, because they're selling your most valuable asset. There may be viewings booked to see other properties, open houses to attend, interaction with the Thornhill realtors whose listings you're competing with, as well as calls to agents who have shown your property for feedback. Once your Thornhill agent has all this, then time is spent reporting back to you, the Seller, so that you're not left in a vacuum .
The internet is a very important tool, so your Thornhill home has to be prepared for showings, either through a stager, or in my case, myself, so that the most important features of the home will be highlighted. A professional photographer is hired to "showcase" your Thornhill home in photos and virtual tours, which are then downloaded to a variety of websites to ensure maximum exposure for your real estate.
The day is filled with calls and emails-prospective buyers from all the marketing efforts, other agents with questions about the property, financing queries, dealing with "tire kickers" and probing to see if they can really afford your home. And if you have family problems, or financial problems, or just need some "hand holding", your Realtor is there for you, because selling real estate is a personal, "people" service, with no set hours in the day, or weeks in the month.
And if that isn't enough, in the Thornhill Realtor's "spare time" they attend seminars and courses to improve their professional knowledge and marketing skills, because it's the marketing that gets the offer.
Offer day-how exciting! Once an offer is "registered" , your professional Thornhill Realtor goes to work in calling all the Agents who have shown your property, to let them know that there's an offer and see if they can solicit another offer for you-the more , the better. Your Thornhill Agent is working for you and wants to get you the best price possible. Even if you only receive one offer, it's the Agent's negotiating skills that help you with the bottom line-what you Net in your pocket, once the sale is completed!
After you have "sold" the Thornhill property, there are usually conditions which have to be satisfied, i.e. financing, home inspection or status certificate. Your Agent is the one that is in charge of making sure these conditions are all met, and that all the paperwork is received, liasing with your Solicitor and Bank, as well as making sure that the certified deposit cheque is received. Up until closing date, the Thornhill Agent is still representing you, and deals with numerous calls , more paperwork, emails, etc.
When everything is complete, your Thornhill Realtor receives a small percentage of the sale, and you reap the financial benefits of having dealt with a professional. Can a computer service replace all this? I don't think so, because this is, and will remain, a "people" business.
If you want to reap the benefits of a THORNHILL REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL , then call GITTA LEVI , BROKER, CENTURY 21 HERITAGE GROUP, Thornhill at 416-587-8222 (direct line), or 905-764-7111 x 1226 (office), or email Gitta at gitta@gittalevi.com. I'm never too busy for you!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Century 21 Air Miles Reward Program --details from Gitta Levi
Century 21 is the only real estate company to be associated with the Air Miles Reward Miles programme.
How does this programme work for you when buying or selling your home with me?
Century 21 is the only real estate company to be associated with the Air Miles Reward Miles programme.
How does this programme work for you when buying or selling your home with me? For every thousand dollars of the sale price when you buy in the GTA, Greater Toronto Area Real Estate, including North Toronto, Thornhill, Richmond Hill and Newmarket, I will purchase two air miles, i.e. if your home sells for $575,000 your reward will be 1150 air miles ---a round trip ticket to New York! This is my "house warming" gift to you, and my way of saying "thanks for the business"!
Other Rewards are also available. They include Gift Certificates. Some of the most popular of these are:
Alamo Rent a Car------------------325 reward miles for Canada, and 425 for the U.S.
Best Western Travel card----------- 375 reward miles
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort-----------1,200 reward miles
Hilton Family Canada Gift Certificate-----400 reward miles
Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide---700 reward miles
How does this programme work for you when buying or selling your home with me?
Century 21 is the only real estate company to be associated with the Air Miles Reward Miles programme.
How does this programme work for you when buying or selling your home with me? For every thousand dollars of the sale price when you buy in the GTA, Greater Toronto Area Real Estate, including North Toronto, Thornhill, Richmond Hill and Newmarket, I will purchase two air miles, i.e. if your home sells for $575,000 your reward will be 1150 air miles ---a round trip ticket to New York! This is my "house warming" gift to you, and my way of saying "thanks for the business"!
Other Rewards are also available. They include Gift Certificates. Some of the most popular of these are:
Alamo Rent a Car------------------325 reward miles for Canada, and 425 for the U.S.
Best Western Travel card----------- 375 reward miles
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort-----------1,200 reward miles
Hilton Family Canada Gift Certificate-----400 reward miles
Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide---700 reward miles
10 STEP PROGRAMME TO BUYING A HOME IN THE NORTH TORONTO COMMUNITY OF THORNHILL
1. Get a pre-approval
In the hot North Toronto Thornhill real estate market, pre-approved home buyers get preferential treatment when negotiating home purchases. Why? Because pre-approved buyers are financially qualified to purchase the North Toronto Thornhill home, and are considered more serious than buyers who are not. Nothing feels worse than finding the ideal North Toronto Thornhill real estate in the perfect area, and then not being able to get the financing to close the deal. A pre-approval will provide as a reality check prior to mapping out your life in a detached house, semi, townhouse, condominium or luxury home that you cannot afford.
2. Meeting with your Century 21 North Toronto Thornhill agent for a home buyer's consultation
Also a very important step in the process, this is when you and your North Toronto Thornhill agent prepares each other for exactly what to expect along the way. The following points should be covered and fully understood during this meeting:
Exactly what your needs are (number of bedrooms, baths, etc.), in which areas you're looking, what price range you are comfortable with, and what your time line is. It takes generally takes 30 to 45 days from purchase to closing.
How often you are available to look and what you expect from your Century 21 North Toronto Thornhill agent in terms of availability and communication (e-mail, phone updates either daily or weekly).
Your Century 21 North Toronto Thornhill agent should give you copies of all the paperwork you will be expected to sign throughout the process and briefly explain what each form is for.
Your agent should explain buyer brokerage vs. seller's representation, and you should sign a buyer broker agreement.
3. Look at North Toronto Thornhill properties
This is the fun part. It is important to limit the number of North Toronto Thornhill homes you're looking at in a day. If you look at too many houses, they begin to run together, and you can't remember one from another. It's a good idea to use a checklist form to help you track the properties you have seen. It is also helpful to actually begin to narrow down the real estate after each visit. For example, if house #3 was better than house #2, immediately eliminate house #2. Remember, communication with your Century 21 North Toronto Thornhill agent is crucial. It's important to let your Century 21 agent know which houses you like and why, as well as which properties you don't like and why. Sometimes it takes going out and looking one time before you and your Century 21 North Toronto Thornhill agent really have a good grip on exactly what you're looking for. Call Gitta Levi , and have her do the research on any advertised real estate that looks interesting to you. That's what agents get paid for. If you should become interested in a for-sale-by- owner, ask Gitta Levi to contact the seller before you do, to see if he/she will cooperate (pay a commission) with a buyers' agent.
4. Select a North Toronto Thornhill home
Once you've narrowed your search down to one or two North Toronto Thornhill homes that you really like, Gitta Levi will do whatever research necessary to help you make your decision, but the decision will ultimately be yours. And surprisingly enough, it's going to be a pretty easy decision to make. Buyers are welcome to call the local chambers of commerce for any statistics in which they might be interested. Local zoning and planning offices are a good source for future road plans, etc. Once you've selected one home to focus on, Century 21's Gitta Levi will do a comparative market analysis on that property. This involves determining "fair market value" by looking at what other buyers were willing to pay for real estate similar to yours in the same neighborhood or area.
5. Making an offer & negotiation
When making an offer on a property, it is important to decide ahead of time how much you are willing to pay at what terms for the North Toronto Thornhill detached house, townhouse, luxury home or condominium. You already know what fair market value is. Now you have to decide what price you will offer; how much deposit you will offer; what personal property you wish to have convey (everything is negotiable); when you plan to close; and what inspections you plan to have conducted.
When negotiating with any seller, it's best to remember not to take anything personally. Also, try to put yourself in the seller's shoes. Figure out what's not negotiable to you, and be willing to give a little on the things that are negotiable. Gitta Levi of Century 21 Heritage Group will be able to give you tons of advice about how to structure your offer. Once your offer has been presented, the seller will either accept your offer outright, reject your offer outright, or counter your offer. The counter process can go back and forth many times. It's important for all parties to keep their cool and focus on the goal.
6. Get inspections & remove conditions
If, as part of your offer, you asked for time to be allowed to have inspections conducted on the property, you should have written what is called a conditional offer. Offers can be conditional upon financing, inspections, the receipt of acceptable condo status certificates, the sale of property, and many other conditions. It is important that all deadlines be met and that all conditions are removed exactly the way the contract describes. Gitta Levi of Century 21 will be responsible for making sure this is done correctly.
7. Select a notary
If you do not have an attorney already then Gitta Levi of Thornhill's Century 21 office can help you find one that specializes in real estate transactions at a very reasonable price.
8. Walk-through
Most sales agreements will give the buyer the right to one pre-closing inspection. This is your last chance to find any problems and have the North Toronto Thornhill real estate seller correct them. Read the contract carefully, but most contracts read that all electrical systems, plumbing, appliances, heating, and air conditioning need to be in working order at the time of closing. These are the items you're checking for at walk-through of the North Toronto Thornhill real estate that you're buying.
You are also checking for any other items the seller previously agreed to fix or replace. If anything is found to be defective or missing, you have several options: The North Toronto Thornhill real estate seller can remedy the problem prior to closing; the seller can credit you the amount of money it would take to hire someone to remedy the problem; or the seller can promise to correct the problem and place into escrow with the attorney the amount of money you will need to pay someone else if the seller does not perform as promised.
On new-home real estate purchases in the North Toronto community of Thornhill, the process is a little different. The builder will generally do a walk-through with you approximately one to two weeks prior to closing, resulting in a "punch-out list." Hopefully, they will get everything on the punch-out list completed prior to settlement. If not, most new-home contracts allow the builder to complete whatever minor items have been noted in a "reasonable" period of time.
9. Closing on your North Toronto Thornhill real estate
This is the day you "sign your life away," as most clients say. Not really. You will be signing all of the mortgage documentation, which can seem never-ending. The lawyer conducting the settlement should be able to explain every document to you in a satisfactory manner. Do not ever feel intimidated. If you don't understand, don't sign. Your lawyer will help your understand everything. If you like, you can request blank copies of the documents you will be signing in advance so that you can carefully review them. You will have to present whatever down payment and closing-cost funds you were expected to pay. This check must be certified; personal cheques usually are not accepted.
10. Moving day
This is the last and probably the hardest step in the North Toronto Thornhill real estate home-buying process. A little bit of planning and forethought, though, will make for a much smoother move. You will want to make arrangements with a moving company as soon as you can. Call at least two in order to get competitive quotes. They will usually ask to come to your home, condo or townhouse to get an idea of how much they will be moving and the distance they will need to travel. Be sure to change your address with the post office, your banks, and any creditors at least 30 days in advance. To avoid late payments, it's a good idea to actually call and verify receipt of the address change whenever possible. Call to order your utility hook-ups approximately 10 days prior to your move. Be aware that some utility companies will keep you on the phone for a long time.
In the hot North Toronto Thornhill real estate market, pre-approved home buyers get preferential treatment when negotiating home purchases. Why? Because pre-approved buyers are financially qualified to purchase the North Toronto Thornhill home, and are considered more serious than buyers who are not. Nothing feels worse than finding the ideal North Toronto Thornhill real estate in the perfect area, and then not being able to get the financing to close the deal. A pre-approval will provide as a reality check prior to mapping out your life in a detached house, semi, townhouse, condominium or luxury home that you cannot afford.
2. Meeting with your Century 21 North Toronto Thornhill agent for a home buyer's consultation
Also a very important step in the process, this is when you and your North Toronto Thornhill agent prepares each other for exactly what to expect along the way. The following points should be covered and fully understood during this meeting:
Exactly what your needs are (number of bedrooms, baths, etc.), in which areas you're looking, what price range you are comfortable with, and what your time line is. It takes generally takes 30 to 45 days from purchase to closing.
How often you are available to look and what you expect from your Century 21 North Toronto Thornhill agent in terms of availability and communication (e-mail, phone updates either daily or weekly).
Your Century 21 North Toronto Thornhill agent should give you copies of all the paperwork you will be expected to sign throughout the process and briefly explain what each form is for.
Your agent should explain buyer brokerage vs. seller's representation, and you should sign a buyer broker agreement.
3. Look at North Toronto Thornhill properties
This is the fun part. It is important to limit the number of North Toronto Thornhill homes you're looking at in a day. If you look at too many houses, they begin to run together, and you can't remember one from another. It's a good idea to use a checklist form to help you track the properties you have seen. It is also helpful to actually begin to narrow down the real estate after each visit. For example, if house #3 was better than house #2, immediately eliminate house #2. Remember, communication with your Century 21 North Toronto Thornhill agent is crucial. It's important to let your Century 21 agent know which houses you like and why, as well as which properties you don't like and why. Sometimes it takes going out and looking one time before you and your Century 21 North Toronto Thornhill agent really have a good grip on exactly what you're looking for. Call Gitta Levi , and have her do the research on any advertised real estate that looks interesting to you. That's what agents get paid for. If you should become interested in a for-sale-by- owner, ask Gitta Levi to contact the seller before you do, to see if he/she will cooperate (pay a commission) with a buyers' agent.
4. Select a North Toronto Thornhill home
Once you've narrowed your search down to one or two North Toronto Thornhill homes that you really like, Gitta Levi will do whatever research necessary to help you make your decision, but the decision will ultimately be yours. And surprisingly enough, it's going to be a pretty easy decision to make. Buyers are welcome to call the local chambers of commerce for any statistics in which they might be interested. Local zoning and planning offices are a good source for future road plans, etc. Once you've selected one home to focus on, Century 21's Gitta Levi will do a comparative market analysis on that property. This involves determining "fair market value" by looking at what other buyers were willing to pay for real estate similar to yours in the same neighborhood or area.
5. Making an offer & negotiation
When making an offer on a property, it is important to decide ahead of time how much you are willing to pay at what terms for the North Toronto Thornhill detached house, townhouse, luxury home or condominium. You already know what fair market value is. Now you have to decide what price you will offer; how much deposit you will offer; what personal property you wish to have convey (everything is negotiable); when you plan to close; and what inspections you plan to have conducted.
When negotiating with any seller, it's best to remember not to take anything personally. Also, try to put yourself in the seller's shoes. Figure out what's not negotiable to you, and be willing to give a little on the things that are negotiable. Gitta Levi of Century 21 Heritage Group will be able to give you tons of advice about how to structure your offer. Once your offer has been presented, the seller will either accept your offer outright, reject your offer outright, or counter your offer. The counter process can go back and forth many times. It's important for all parties to keep their cool and focus on the goal.
6. Get inspections & remove conditions
If, as part of your offer, you asked for time to be allowed to have inspections conducted on the property, you should have written what is called a conditional offer. Offers can be conditional upon financing, inspections, the receipt of acceptable condo status certificates, the sale of property, and many other conditions. It is important that all deadlines be met and that all conditions are removed exactly the way the contract describes. Gitta Levi of Century 21 will be responsible for making sure this is done correctly.
7. Select a notary
If you do not have an attorney already then Gitta Levi of Thornhill's Century 21 office can help you find one that specializes in real estate transactions at a very reasonable price.
8. Walk-through
Most sales agreements will give the buyer the right to one pre-closing inspection. This is your last chance to find any problems and have the North Toronto Thornhill real estate seller correct them. Read the contract carefully, but most contracts read that all electrical systems, plumbing, appliances, heating, and air conditioning need to be in working order at the time of closing. These are the items you're checking for at walk-through of the North Toronto Thornhill real estate that you're buying.
You are also checking for any other items the seller previously agreed to fix or replace. If anything is found to be defective or missing, you have several options: The North Toronto Thornhill real estate seller can remedy the problem prior to closing; the seller can credit you the amount of money it would take to hire someone to remedy the problem; or the seller can promise to correct the problem and place into escrow with the attorney the amount of money you will need to pay someone else if the seller does not perform as promised.
On new-home real estate purchases in the North Toronto community of Thornhill, the process is a little different. The builder will generally do a walk-through with you approximately one to two weeks prior to closing, resulting in a "punch-out list." Hopefully, they will get everything on the punch-out list completed prior to settlement. If not, most new-home contracts allow the builder to complete whatever minor items have been noted in a "reasonable" period of time.
9. Closing on your North Toronto Thornhill real estate
This is the day you "sign your life away," as most clients say. Not really. You will be signing all of the mortgage documentation, which can seem never-ending. The lawyer conducting the settlement should be able to explain every document to you in a satisfactory manner. Do not ever feel intimidated. If you don't understand, don't sign. Your lawyer will help your understand everything. If you like, you can request blank copies of the documents you will be signing in advance so that you can carefully review them. You will have to present whatever down payment and closing-cost funds you were expected to pay. This check must be certified; personal cheques usually are not accepted.
10. Moving day
This is the last and probably the hardest step in the North Toronto Thornhill real estate home-buying process. A little bit of planning and forethought, though, will make for a much smoother move. You will want to make arrangements with a moving company as soon as you can. Call at least two in order to get competitive quotes. They will usually ask to come to your home, condo or townhouse to get an idea of how much they will be moving and the distance they will need to travel. Be sure to change your address with the post office, your banks, and any creditors at least 30 days in advance. To avoid late payments, it's a good idea to actually call and verify receipt of the address change whenever possible. Call to order your utility hook-ups approximately 10 days prior to your move. Be aware that some utility companies will keep you on the phone for a long time.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Congratulations Gitta, from our Thornhill Office
Pamela Prescott, owner of Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd.,with offices in Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Newmarket and Schomberg, is pleased to announce that Gitta Levi has been inducted to the Century 21 Canada"HALL OF FAME'. Congratulations Gitta!
Afters years of being a successful Realtor, specializing in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) including North Toronto,Thornhill, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, and Newmarket, Gitta has consistenly achieved every top producer award in the Century 21 System, putting her in the top 15% of the Century 21 Agents WORLDWIDE!!
Afters years of being a successful Realtor, specializing in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) including North Toronto,Thornhill, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, and Newmarket, Gitta has consistenly achieved every top producer award in the Century 21 System, putting her in the top 15% of the Century 21 Agents WORLDWIDE!!
What The Thornhill Seller Sells, What The Thornhill Buyer Buys
Putting your house on the market in Thornhill? Fine. But, for a few good reasons, be sure to engage the "right" real estate agent. First, one needs to put some distance between the prospective Thornhill buyer and Thornhill seller. When prospective buyers come to see your property, they're not looking at YOUR house. What the see is THEIR home; what THEY can make of it... how THEIR furniture will fit and how THEIR family will use the space. That would-be buyer isn't really interested in how you live in your Thornhill home but in how HIS or HER family will.
Gitta Levi, as a top selling Thornhill real estate professional, qualifies each prospect before she shows your home. Gitta does not show the house to just anyone who calls. She meets the prosective purchasers in her Thornhill office and qualifies them as to their interest and ability to purchase. You'll only see those prospective buyers who really need and want a Thornhill house or condo like yours. And Gitta knows how to show the property, emphasizing the features the buyer wants, not those the seller thinks are important. Part of the qualifying process is communication; the ability of the agent to separate what the Thornhill purchaser expresses from what he/she actually means. It's the skill, experience and talent of Gitta Levi to communicate effectively and get precise insight into what the Thornhill buyer is actually looking for that will determine how quickly and effectively a match can be achieved.
A sad truth that experts can point to regarding real estate advertising in Thornhill is that only about three percent of the people who call to inquire about a property are really interested in it. Some can't afford it. Some really want something else. And some are "just looking".
Other than the technical know-how required in selling real estate: marketing, financing, legal matters, etc., its "people skills", the understanding that Thornhill sellers and Thornhill buyers are individuals with their own specific needs and aspirations, that deifferentiate one agent from the next. And, while it may appear that all agents can deliver the same service and performance, it is that undefinable quality of being sensitive to and astute in "reading people" that makes Gitta Levi a more effective go-between than another.
Gitta Levi, as a top selling Thornhill real estate professional, qualifies each prospect before she shows your home. Gitta does not show the house to just anyone who calls. She meets the prosective purchasers in her Thornhill office and qualifies them as to their interest and ability to purchase. You'll only see those prospective buyers who really need and want a Thornhill house or condo like yours. And Gitta knows how to show the property, emphasizing the features the buyer wants, not those the seller thinks are important. Part of the qualifying process is communication; the ability of the agent to separate what the Thornhill purchaser expresses from what he/she actually means. It's the skill, experience and talent of Gitta Levi to communicate effectively and get precise insight into what the Thornhill buyer is actually looking for that will determine how quickly and effectively a match can be achieved.
A sad truth that experts can point to regarding real estate advertising in Thornhill is that only about three percent of the people who call to inquire about a property are really interested in it. Some can't afford it. Some really want something else. And some are "just looking".
Other than the technical know-how required in selling real estate: marketing, financing, legal matters, etc., its "people skills", the understanding that Thornhill sellers and Thornhill buyers are individuals with their own specific needs and aspirations, that deifferentiate one agent from the next. And, while it may appear that all agents can deliver the same service and performance, it is that undefinable quality of being sensitive to and astute in "reading people" that makes Gitta Levi a more effective go-between than another.
Century 21 How to Get Top Dollar from Your Thornhill Home or Condo--ask Gitta Levi!
Every Thornhill property owner wants to receive the maximum profit from a home or condo sale. Although your property may already look great and represent a super offer to potential buyers, here are a few tips from Gitta Levi , one of Century 21's top Thornhill Broker, that can help to bring out its best features.
1. Emphasize your Thornhill property's curb appeal, as you work on your home’s external appearance. Trim the lawn and eliminate weeds. Dress up the porch or front door with a fresh coat of paint and hanging plants or a wreath. Set out a couple of cozy chairs, and pick up all the kids’ toys around the yard. Your Thornhill property's front entrance will welcome or repel guests, setting the tone for their overall basic impression.2. De-clutter the interior. Remove junk like stacks of newspapers or magazines, pet toys, and stray blankets or mail. Store unused furniture in the attic or basement of your Thornhill home. Your rooms should look comfortable and lived in without feeling crowded. Cover worn spots in furniture with a nice "throw". Vacuum draperies for a fresh feel. Have the beds made, and decorated with throw cushions, and all clothes put away or out of view. Leave plenty of walking space within each room, and when possible, open drapes and blinds to let in sunshine and provide an overall open feeling.3. Clean your property thoroughly before the Thornhill Open House. Dust furniture, scrub floors, polish wood, sweep steps, and do whatever else it takes to show your house at its best. Trim dead leaves from plants, replace burned-out light bulbs, and keep counters clear of dishes or debris. Try to remove spots on the carpet.4. Make it smell nice. Open the windows and air out your home. Burn potpourri or candles before potential Thornhill buyers come to see your house, which will help to reduce unpleasant cooking or pet odors. Clean the bathrooms, and run the whole-house fan or air conditioner to circulate air and enhance ventilation. Put ferns in some rooms, as they help to absorb odors and add a natural green touch.5. Keep animals out of the way. Some Thornhill homebuyers don’t like the idea of purchasing property from pet owners. They worry about fleas, stains, shedding, and odors. Make sure none of this is evident, if you have pets. In fact, keep your pet locked up, crated, or out of view during an open house or when potential buyers in Thornhill come through.Many of us take our property for granted. But like anything else, when it goes on the market, a house or condo needs to look its best. Take a couple of hours to put your property in its best light before Thornhill buyers come calling. Gitta Levi has "dressed" many a house and condo in Thornhill, and uses these successful techniques, for maximum selling price for her sellers. She can do the same for you!
1. Emphasize your Thornhill property's curb appeal, as you work on your home’s external appearance. Trim the lawn and eliminate weeds. Dress up the porch or front door with a fresh coat of paint and hanging plants or a wreath. Set out a couple of cozy chairs, and pick up all the kids’ toys around the yard. Your Thornhill property's front entrance will welcome or repel guests, setting the tone for their overall basic impression.2. De-clutter the interior. Remove junk like stacks of newspapers or magazines, pet toys, and stray blankets or mail. Store unused furniture in the attic or basement of your Thornhill home. Your rooms should look comfortable and lived in without feeling crowded. Cover worn spots in furniture with a nice "throw". Vacuum draperies for a fresh feel. Have the beds made, and decorated with throw cushions, and all clothes put away or out of view. Leave plenty of walking space within each room, and when possible, open drapes and blinds to let in sunshine and provide an overall open feeling.3. Clean your property thoroughly before the Thornhill Open House. Dust furniture, scrub floors, polish wood, sweep steps, and do whatever else it takes to show your house at its best. Trim dead leaves from plants, replace burned-out light bulbs, and keep counters clear of dishes or debris. Try to remove spots on the carpet.4. Make it smell nice. Open the windows and air out your home. Burn potpourri or candles before potential Thornhill buyers come to see your house, which will help to reduce unpleasant cooking or pet odors. Clean the bathrooms, and run the whole-house fan or air conditioner to circulate air and enhance ventilation. Put ferns in some rooms, as they help to absorb odors and add a natural green touch.5. Keep animals out of the way. Some Thornhill homebuyers don’t like the idea of purchasing property from pet owners. They worry about fleas, stains, shedding, and odors. Make sure none of this is evident, if you have pets. In fact, keep your pet locked up, crated, or out of view during an open house or when potential buyers in Thornhill come through.Many of us take our property for granted. But like anything else, when it goes on the market, a house or condo needs to look its best. Take a couple of hours to put your property in its best light before Thornhill buyers come calling. Gitta Levi has "dressed" many a house and condo in Thornhill, and uses these successful techniques, for maximum selling price for her sellers. She can do the same for you!
Century 21 FIND THE PERFECT POOL IN THORNHILL TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS
A swimming pool in Thornhill is the perfect way to entertain the kids and spend quality time with your family or just to relax and enjoy the outdoors. But before you head out the door to your Thornhill pool store, take the time to learn about the different types of pools available. Here is an overview of what you can choose for your Thornhill backyard.
Vinyl-lined pools are the most popular type of pool in Thornhill,Canada. Constructed of steel walled panels supported by steel braces, this type of pool features a vinyl liner placed over the steel panels and the pool floor and is held in place by coping around the pool perimeter.
Poured-in-place concrete pools use concrete that is poured over a rebar grid (steel rods for reinforcement) between prepared forms, while wet mix shotcrete uses pre-mixed concrete that is sprayed onto a steel reinforced grid through a hose nozzle. The walls of the pool are then finished in plaster or other coating products and then painted and decorated with tile or stone accents. Concrete pools are more labour-intensive than vinyl-lined pools and can take several weeks to build - but they do offer unlimited design potential for your Thornhill pool.
Another option is a fiberglass pool. This type of pool is prefabricated and is shipped to the site on a trailer and lowered into the ground by a crane. The fiberglass shell is then plumbed and backfilled, with installation taking about one week.
The most affordable of all pool types is the above-ground pool, which consists of a vinyl liner attached to an above-ground metal or resin frame in a round or oval shape. Above-ground pools average 1.2m - 1.3m (4 - 4.5 ft.) in height and offer contemporary colours and accents on the outside walls and uprights that allow them to complement any Thornhill home or landscaping design.
Onground pools - also called semi-inground pools - are made of rigid steel or aluminum walls that are partially lowered into the ground. Ideal for Thornhill backyards with uneven terrain, onground pools are also perfect for yards with limited space and come in round and oval shapes.
More information on this topic is available online at www.poolcouncil.ca or toll-free at 1-800-879-7066.
Vinyl-lined pools are the most popular type of pool in Thornhill,Canada. Constructed of steel walled panels supported by steel braces, this type of pool features a vinyl liner placed over the steel panels and the pool floor and is held in place by coping around the pool perimeter.
Poured-in-place concrete pools use concrete that is poured over a rebar grid (steel rods for reinforcement) between prepared forms, while wet mix shotcrete uses pre-mixed concrete that is sprayed onto a steel reinforced grid through a hose nozzle. The walls of the pool are then finished in plaster or other coating products and then painted and decorated with tile or stone accents. Concrete pools are more labour-intensive than vinyl-lined pools and can take several weeks to build - but they do offer unlimited design potential for your Thornhill pool.
Another option is a fiberglass pool. This type of pool is prefabricated and is shipped to the site on a trailer and lowered into the ground by a crane. The fiberglass shell is then plumbed and backfilled, with installation taking about one week.
The most affordable of all pool types is the above-ground pool, which consists of a vinyl liner attached to an above-ground metal or resin frame in a round or oval shape. Above-ground pools average 1.2m - 1.3m (4 - 4.5 ft.) in height and offer contemporary colours and accents on the outside walls and uprights that allow them to complement any Thornhill home or landscaping design.
Onground pools - also called semi-inground pools - are made of rigid steel or aluminum walls that are partially lowered into the ground. Ideal for Thornhill backyards with uneven terrain, onground pools are also perfect for yards with limited space and come in round and oval shapes.
More information on this topic is available online at www.poolcouncil.ca or toll-free at 1-800-879-7066.
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