Home Staging Isn't an Expense, It's an Investment

When it comes to selling your home, you obviously want to get the most money that you possibly can for it. You also want to make sure that the listing doesn't sit around for weeks without any interest from potential buyers. A lot goes into getting a property ready for the market in order to be able to make it appear as attractive as possible, and to be marketed to the masses of buyers shopping in your area.

Although it has been something of a seller’s market in Toronto, the homes that sell above list tend to be in great locations, well priced and move in ready. While you can’t do anything about location, the list price and condition of the home is under your control.

Part of this process in selling a home involves prepping the home's interior and exterior to improve its esthetics so more people are more likely to put in an offer. This preparation should be done before the home is listed. Home staging is a key part of this process. Yet many home sellers are hesitant to spend money on this service because they don't want to spend more on a home they are about to leave. The good news is that it's not money lost at all - rather, it's money gained.

Home Staging Actually Puts Money in Your Pocket!

Of course, you'll have to spend a little bit of money up front to actually pay your professional home stager for his or her services. But this money comes back to you - and then some - when your home is finally sold. Statistics show that homes that are professionally staged sell for more money and sell faster than properties that are not staged by an expert. The money that you spend on home staging services is given back to you in a quicker, pricier sale of your home, putting that money back in your pocket and more! Think about it this way - the cost associated with home staging services is less than the first price reduction you'll have to make on your listing to garner more attention on your home!

Call the Experts in Home Staging Today!

You don’t want to have to settle for a mediocre price offer on your home, nor do you want it to take what seems like forever to get a decent offer. You will want to work with an experienced home stager who can make the most of what you already have – rearranging furniture and rooms, giving you a list of items to fix or clean, offering paint color suggestions to make your home more marketable, etc. Home stagers can also arrange furniture and accessory rentals if a property is empty – since vacant properties are generally harder to sell.

A highly recommended home staging Oakville Burlington company is Divine Home. Call the experts in home staging, like Suzie of Divine Home, by calling their office at (905) 466-2503 today to book a consultation! Many clients are so pleased and amazed by the results that they get their new home staged when they move in – so they can enjoy its maximum potential right from the beginning.

Learn more about the home staging and decorating services at DivineHome.ca. They can also do interior design with 3d drawings to help you remodel, finish a basement or make other decorating choices. Get professional design assistance to help you get your home off the market quickly to save money, make more money, and get on with your move.

Picking the Perfect Mattress

Getting a good night's sleep cannot go under-valued. Lack of sleep can affect every area of your life, leaving you feeling lethargic and emotionally drained. While there are many components that go into getting a good night's sleep, one of the most important is a good quality mattress. A mattress that's old or poor in quality will do nothing for your sleep. When it comes time to buy a new one, make sure to keep the following in mind when picking the perfect mattress.

Innerspring Mattresses

These are the most widely used, and support the body with coil springs.  There are several options available including the more economic continuous coil, or the preferred individual pocket coils (especially if you sleep with a partner). A number of materials can be used on top of the coils, including pillow, latex and memory foam, to make the bed comfortable and to adjust to your body positions. The benefits of innerspring mattresses is that there are a wide range to choose from, including firm, soft, medium firm, and so forth. The downside to these mattresses is that the cheaper ones features less coil density, which means they can be harder on your back or wear out easier.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam is growing in popularity, and features a number of layers of foam that accommodate your weight. These are great because they conform to the precise shape of your body, which helps to reduce pressure points throughout the night. However, one of the biggest complaints about these mattresses is that they can make you feel very hot throughout the night because they are temperature sensitive.  Many manufacturers are adding cooling gel or other features that help to solve this problem.

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are constructed from natural or synthetic rubber, and provide a firm, bouncy surface. The benefit to these is that they offer plenty of support because the material pushes back from the weight, providing plenty of comfort. The downside to this type of mattress is that they are not well suited for those who do not want firm support.

Adjustable Beds

These are fabulous for providing flexibility, and providing simplicity in getting in and out of bed. They're also great for taking pressure off the lower back. The only downside is that they can be difficult to use and require a learning curve.

In addition to finding the proper mattress, you should have a bed frame for support and to keep the mattress off the floor.  Buying a mattress protector can help prolong the life of the mattress and keep it safe from dust mites, bed bugs or allergens.  A proper pillow is also part of a complete sleep system, so you want to be sure you get the right one - whether you are a stomach, side or back sleeper.  Since buying a mattress is a big investment, you don't want to go to a general furniture retailer where they have limited selection and no specially trained staff.

When it's time to buy a new mattress, visit the best mattress store Mississauga, Ontario to learn more about the types of mattresses available within your budget in sizes from crib to California King.

The Sleep Factory in Mississauga offers a great selection of the best quality mattresses from all the major manufacturers including Simmons, Sealy, Serta, iComfort and their own brand, Sleep Factory.  They have highly trained staff that can help you choose the right mattress for your best nights' sleep and even offer a Sleep Guarantee.  Get low prices, delivery anywhere in Ontario and expert advice.

They also offer Sleep Now - Pay Later financing so you don't have to wait to get the sleep you deserve! Visit www.SleepFactoryWest.ca for more information and tips on how to prepare for your visit to their store to get your perfect mattress!

Save Money and Gain Ambience With an Electric Fireplace!

Everyone knows that a fireplace adds a certain element of sophistication and warmth to a home. Whether it’s in the living room, master bedroom or in the basement, a fireplace is definitely a feature that not only adds warmth to a space, but is also a wonderful decor focal point for the room.

But what if your home doesn’t have a built in fireplace? What if you don’t want to go through the hassle of installing one, or don’t want to spend the money on it either?  Perhaps you can't add one because you are in a condo or a rental unit.

The good news is, there are other options, including choosing an electric fireplace.

Why Choose an Electric Fireplace?

There are many reasons why this option is the best for many homeowners:

Location - No matter if you live in a huge house or a tiny apartment, an electric fireplace is ideal for all spaces and locations. You don’t need any special permit or permission to have an electric fireplace in your home. 

Cost - Electric fireplaces are typically a lot cheaper than gas fireplaces. There really is no installation required, except to plug it in!

Simplicity - An electric fireplace is simple to use - usually just the touch of a button or a remote control unit (no logs to chop or hearth to clean!)  You can also buy units where you get to choose if you want light only, heat only or both  - and set the levels for the perfect temperature and ambience in the room.

Portability - You can move your fireplace anywhere in the home that you like. If you place it in the bedroom, then change your mind, no problem. If you move from one home to another, you can take it with you!

Safety - There are no gas fumes or open flames to worry about, especially if you’ve got little kids running around or curious pets.

Design - You can choose from a wide range of designs, styles and colors to suit the decor of your home.  There are wall mount fireplaces, which are great space savers and very modern looking.  You can also go with a traditional mantel fireplace or a corner unit to fit the room.  Another option is the entertainment console, where you can combine your electric fireplace with a TV or other electronics.

Choose the Best Electric Fireplace Superstore in Canada!

When you're in the market to buy an electric fireplace, there's no need to look any further than Simply Electric Fireplaces. With the myriad of styles and designs of fireplaces to choose from, everything you need is right here. Rather than limit yourself to a couple of floor models at a furniture store, you have the advantage of getting great prices, seeing all the top manufacturers and choosing from a wide selection.  Shop from home at your convenience and have it delivered straight to your door!

From the convenient shopping experience, to the affordable prices, to the experienced and knowledgeable staff, you've found the best electric fireplace superstore Canada with www.Simply Electric Fireplaces! 

Use a Mortgage Broker To Get The Lowest Rates For a Mortgage Renewal Alberta

Home owners who have a mortgage on their home will most likely renew their mortgage at least four or five times during the life of their mortgage. Since many of the people have their original mortgage with their bank, their first option may be to just continue on with their bank, and renew their mortgage with them. They may do this perhaps because it is the easiest option for them. However, what some home owners do not realize is that these banks are not necessarily offering their clients the best rate out there. They may just offer them a posted or non-discounted rate upon their mortgage renewal, perhaps hoping that their clients do not realize that there may actually be better rates available to them elsewhere.

That’s where independent mortgage brokers come in. Mortgage brokers are able to get home owners the best and lowest mortgage rates possible. These professionals get to know their clients, and understand their individual needs, and therefore shop around keeping these factors in mind. Obtaining a first mortgage with a mortgage broker is your best bet. But even if you have been paying your mortgage through a bank since you first bought your home, when it comes time for your mortgage renewal in Alberta or elsewhere, you can always transfer your mortgage over to a lender who will provide you with a lower interest rate.

How Does a Mortgage Broker Provide Lower Rates For a Mortgage Renewal Alberta?

Independent mortgage brokers have a relationship with many different lenders, banks and trust companies that they know and trust and work with on a regular basis. Because of such a large selection of lenders available to these mortgage brokers, this allows them to get you the lowest mortgage rate, thereby providing you with a lower monthly mortgage payment and often better terms. A lower monthly payment means you can have more extra money for other things, or you can take that opportunity to pay the house off faster and put more equity into the home quicker. Your certified mortgage professional can do all the calculations and explain your options so you can reach your financial goals quicker.

Does It Cost Anything To Use A Mortgage Broker?

The simple answer is, no! The services of a mortgage broker are completely free of charge! Independent mortgage brokers who deal with new mortgages and mortgage renewals are paid through the lender that you choose, at no added cost to you.

Mortgage brokers are a fantastic asset in that they are able to not only save you money, but they also save you time since all the shopping around for the lowest rate is being done by them. You do not have to spend countless hours investigating all institutions trying to find the best rate for your mortgage renewal Alberta. There is also less paper work since you only have to fill out one application and have one credit record pulled.

Does It Cost Money To Transfer My Mortgage To Another Lender?

Some lenders may insist that you pay to move your mortgage upon mortgage renewal, but usually if your current mortgage is up, there is no charge. It is wise to start shopping around 6 months before the term ending date. Your new lender may pay for any expense related to having your mortgage moved from the bank to their lending institution. Any costs, such as legal fees, title insurance, or transfer fees, may even be covered by many of these lenders. That’s why it’s great to have a mortgage broker working for you, because they will find a lender that will cover these costs for you upon your mortgage renewal in Alberta.

In most cases, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to get as low a rate from your traditional bank as you would from a lender that deals with independent mortgage brokers, and some bank rates are not available to the general public. Since mortgage brokers deal with high volumes of new mortgages and mortgage renewals, these brokers are able to get better deals for you as well as great terms and conditions.

Buying a Newly Constructed Home? Get Mortgage Guidance From the Experts

Are you in the market to purchase a new home? Your best bet is to start off by narrowing down your price range in order for you to be sure that you can qualify for the new home mortgage Oakville or other area in Greater Toronto, that you need to finance your new property. Buying a new house is slightly different than purchasing a resale. Not only is the purchase process different, but so is the mortgage lending process.

Get the Guidance You Need

With all the mortgage products and packages available on the market these days, home buyers need the assistance and guidance of a seasoned professional to help them find the most affordable rate and the most convenient package and conditions for their particular situation.

Getting a mortgage for a house that you are either having custom built or are buying directly from the builder varies from other types of mortgages. Although new homes seem very attractive to many buyers because of their updated conveniences and modern design, many buyers fail to understand many of the hidden closing costs that can cost them a lot more when everything is said and done. After taking possession of the home, there are other things that will have to be financially covered, including lighting, fencing, window treatments, landscaping, and so forth.

Call the Experts in New Home Mortgages

For this reason, it’s in your best interests to get in touch with a mortgage broker who understands the mortgage process for new home builds. Mortgage brokers work for you – not the banks, to offer you expert, unbiased advice – at no cost to you! Lee Anne Taylor of Home Loans Ontario is a mortgage agent who has helped many home buyers purchase their new home. With Home Loans Ontario, they gather all information pertinent to your financial situation, get you pre-qualified so you know how much you can afford, secure a low interest mortgage rate to hold through the building phases and walk you through the entire mortgage process. Lee Anne makes sure you understand all the important facts, including closing and carrying costs, and can let you know your options for all your home loan needs – including a secured line of credit for all the finishing touches.

When you’re in the market to purchase a new home and need a new home mortgage Oakville, call Lee Anne at Home Loans Ontario at 905-336-8948 or visit her website: www.homeloansontario.ca

The Mortgage You Need For a Newly Constructed Home

There are plenty of advantages to building a new home for you and your family. New houses come equipped with the latest innovations and conveniences, they’ve got updated designed and features, they are much more energy efficient than older homes, and require much less maintenance for the first few years since everything is brand new. There are plenty of great neighborhoods throughout Alberta to build a new home in, like Calgary, Red Deer, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. But before you put a shovel in the ground, one of the first things you need to think about is the financing you’ll require to have your home built and paid for. This is where a seasoned mortgage specialist comes into the picture.

Jim Black, AMP, is an independent mortgage specialist with years of experience helping Albertans secure mortgages for various types of properties, including a new build home mortgage. With the right team of professionals behind you, can make the process of obtaining a mortgage and making payments on your hew home much less stressful.  For instance, you can get pre-approved for a mortgage so you know how much you can afford to spend on the home.  Your interest rate can be locked in for the construction phase and you will have peace of mind for closing – knowing the financing is in place.

Finding the funds to pay for a new build is somewhat different than obtaining a conventional mortgage for a resale. With a newly constructed home, there are up to three potential loans associated with the property – one for the land, the construction phase, and the financing required for finishing touches (landscape, furniture, basement finishing) once the home has been fully built. Although this may seem complicated, it really isn’t, as your mortgage broker will deal with lenders who essentially combine all three loans into one mortgage.

Why Should You Choose Jim Black?

Jim runs Home Loans Alberta, which is a mortgage firm that is part of Dominion Lending Centres with lenders all across Canada.  Jim and his team have been assisting families in various communities across Alberta get the mortgage they need to buy a home. He is an accredited mortgage professional, and comes backed with plenty of experience in all sorts of branches of the mortgage field, including a new home mortgage. You’ll get personalized service form Jim and his team, helping you and explaining everything to you every step of the way.

When you’re considering building a newly constructed home, call Jim and his team today at (877) 394-9422 and see how they can help turn your dreams into reality.

Why an Electric Fireplace Is Your Best Choice!

Among the many appealing attributes of a home is the presence of a fireplace. Whether it’s in the living room, master bedroom, basement, or any other room the house, the addition of a fireplace always provides a focal point, heat, light ambiance.

While traditional fireplaces were the wood-burning type that required a chimney, today there are more options. Aside from gas fireplaces, there are also electric versions that you can choose. So why should you opt for the electric version?

No Special Wiring Needed

There’s no other version of fireplaces that’s as easy as electric. Just plug it in, and you’re good to go! There are no special permits, wiring or installation needed for this type of fireplace.

No Chimney or Venting Needed!

Unlike wood-burning or gas fireplaces, there are no special vents or chimneys needed for electric fireplaces. Just plug it into a standard wall outlet and your unit is ready for operation.

It’s Safe

The hazards of a wood-burning fireplace are obvious. The burning heat and fire poses a hazard, especially with little kids or pets around. Gas fireplaces can also be a danger for little ones who plant their hands on the glass pane. Electric fireplaces, on the other hand, are not hot to the touch.

They’re Easy to Operate

Since most units come with a remote control, all it takes is the press of a button to get the unit going. Within a couple of seconds, you can create the perfect ambiance within your home, and fill the room with the right amount of heat you’re looking for!

They’re Portable

No matter where you place your fireplace, you can always move it if you change your mind or move. You don’t have to worry about the permanence that typically comes with installing a gas or wood burning fireplace.

They are Flexible

You can put an electric fireplace in rooms where you could not put a traditional fireplace.  Condos and apartments are perfect examples, but people add them to bars, man caves, restaurants, cottages, basements – even boats!

Many Style Options

There are a variety of models available – including wall mounts, traditional mantel and entertainment center – so you can get one that suits your needs and décor.

They’re Affordable!

There are many models of electric fireplaces,which means there is sure to be one that matches your budget! And if you buy electric fireplaces online Canada from Simply Electric Fireplaces, you experience even greater savings!

For the widest selection of high quality, affordable electric fireplaces online Canada, visit www.SimplyElectricFireplaces.ca today!