Everyone deserves to live without the fear of violence. For women and their kids who are trying to leave an abusive home and start fresh, the transition can be incredibly difficult. Here in Ottawa, there are a number of shelters that help, including Harmony House.

Harmony House is Ottawa’s only transitional 2nd stage shelter for women and children. They help families by providing medium-term housing and support services that allow women and their kids the chance for a fresh start after leaving a dangerous home environment.

This year, Royal LePage Team Realty has pledged a matching donation for Harmony House throughout the month of November.

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Beyond the Sign: Inheriting property the smart way – It can be difficult to know what to do with an inherited property. Whether you choose to keep it or sell it is often a complicated emotional and financial decision.

Jason Ralph, Broker of Record for Royal LePage Team Realty, gives some valuable advice about dealing with a property inheritance.

Read the Full CityNews Article Here

Beyond the Sign: How Realtors Determine List Prices. – There are a number of factors that go into the successful marketing and sale of a home. Even before the ‘For Sale’ sign goes up, the professional REALTORS® at Royal LePage Team Realty are working hard to make sure that all of the elements are in place. One of the most important aspects of a successful sale is a correctly priced property.

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5 Tricks for a Smooth Transition with the Kids

Moving can seem like a daunting task. There are so many things to think about, plan and organize with many strict deadlines that need to be met. Not to mention the added stress of having to do it all with the kids in tow. But don’t despair – we’ve got you covered. In this article, we cover some tips and tricks to help make moving with children a breeze.

Create a timeline.

One of the most important things you can do when you move in general, let alone with little ones, is to create a timeline of everything that needs to be done. This will help you stay organized and on top of things, and will ensure that nothing gets forgotten. First, create a checklist of everything that needs to be taken care of from the old house to the new one. Then, add in important dates such as when the movers will be coming, when utilities need to be switched over, etc.

This can not only give you a comprehensive view of the process, but putting these dates on a calendar and referencing them frequently can reduce some of the confusion and chaos in the lives of little ones who may not fully grasp what’s going on.

Involve your kids.

Involving your children in the moving process can actually help to reduce stress for them. As they see you packing up their things and getting ready for the move, it can be helpful to talk to them about what’s happening when, and why. If possible, take them to see the new house many times before you move so they can start to get familiar with the new space and neighbourhood.

On moving day itself, let them help out however they can. This can range from simple tasks like supervision while you pack boxes, to bigger responsibilities like helping carry small items to the car. Giving them a sense of ownership and responsibility can make the whole thing a lot less scary for them as they feel they’re helping guide the process rather than being dragged behind.

Keep routines intact.

This is admittedly easier said than done, but it’s important to keep your kids’ usual routines as intact as possible throughout the moving process. This means keeping mealtimes, nap times and bedtimes as close to regular as you can. There will be some unavoidable disruptions and changes, but if you can keep much of their normal routine in place it will help them feel more comfortable during what can be a confusing time.

Prepare for the first few nights.

One of the hardest parts of moving with kids can be the first few nights. You’re likely to be both physically and emotionally exhausted from the move itself, and may not have had a chance to fully unpack and set up your new home. This can make it difficult for the little ones to settle in, so to help ease the transition, pack an overnight bag for each child with some of their favourite toys, games, books, stuffies or blankets. This will help them feel more grounded in unfamiliar surroundings, and will give you a chance to get the rest of the house in order.

Be open to questions.

Lastly, if your children have any questions about the process, make sure you’re open and honest. The more they understand the change that’s taking place in their life, the less scared they’ll be of what’s to come. 

We’re also open to questions! If you have any further inquiries about the moving process, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Tiny Homes are a Big Deal

What are Tiny Homes?

Tiny Homes are exactly what they sound like: small, custom homes that may be built on wheels. They’re becoming increasingly trendy, mainly for singles and young couples as a method of downsizing and reducing living costs. Buying a regular size house or apartment is too expensive, and renting provides little to no future benefit.

Although this lifestyle doesn’t suit everyone’s needs, it could potentially be the solution to some of your real-estate concerns in the current market. After all, Tiny Homes are a Big Deal.

Why should I choose a Tiny Home?

They’re customizable: As the trend continues to rise in popularity, many Tiny Home “design + build” startup companies are seeing massive success. These hyper-customizable houses can be contoured to fit your every need, while looking exactly how you’d like. Having design freedom like this is typically very expensive in a regular size, cookie cutter home built by a developer.

They’re relatively inexpensive: Although they’re built in many shapes and sizes, most fall between $40,000 – $80,000 to build. Compared to the average price of a house in Canada, ($816,720) a tiny home is a very inexpensive alternative. Many use Tiny Homes as a way to circumvent inflated markets & live in areas that are out of their budget. 

Tiny Homes also generally require less maintenance than a full-sized home, which makes them inexpensive and less complex in that regard as well. Since most are custom built, you likely aren’t paying for any features that you don’t need.

Tiny Homes often come on wheels, making it easier to move location if you wish. If your Tiny Home is built with this feature, selling your property without selling your home is a viable option when the time comes for a change of scenery.

Why wouldn’t I choose a Tiny Home?

They’re… Tiny: As the name suggests, these homes are pretty small, typically being around 250 square feet. If you’re a person, couple or larger family who needs space and personal privacy, this may not be the right fit for you.

They also have limited storage space, meaning you’d likely either have to keep fewer possessions, or pay a fee to have them stored elsewhere.

They aren’t profitable: Although the construction or purchase of a Tiny Home is significantly less expensive than that of a full-sized home, the resale market is nowhere near as successful. Most people looking into this market choose to build their own custom home, rather than buying one second hand. This poses challenges for those looking to upscale, or those with a growing family. It may leave you slow-moving sale process, so planning is necessary if selling is your intention down the road.

Mortgaging can be a challenge: Many major financial institutions have a minimum limit you’re allowed to borrow when taking on a mortgage. Some tiny homes may fall into the lower end of this range, many though falling short. This is something you should research and consider when buying, as you may need to have the cost up-front. Buying a tiny home is a big deal so it’s important to have the financing in order.

Ultimately, the choice is yours!

Buying a Tiny Home is a trendy way to downsize and cut buying costs. If you’re a single or young couple looking for either of these upsides, this may be something to consider. But do be cautious as the resale market can be challenging to navigate as a seller. 

Home Staging: How to Make Your Home POP on a Budget. When it comes to selling your home, the process can be emotional,  time-consuming, and at times may feel overwhelming. After all, this is the house that you have spent years transforming into the perfect home, a safe place for you and your family. Now, you’re inviting the world in to see it, judge it, with hopes it will be seen for all its worth and purchased at a generous price. While it all can feel a bit much at times, the bonus side of selling is beginning a new chapter, continuing to grow, and capitalizing on the equity in the home that you have taken such good care of. 

To get the most out of the sale of your home, however, creating a blank slate, staged for buyers’ appeal is an excellent marketing tactic that all sellers should consider. Preparing your home perfectly and padding your listing with captivating photos of your space can get your house the attention it deserves and sway the odds of a higher sold price in your favour.  

Fortunately, staging your home doesn’t have to come at too high of a cost. There are many ways that you can make your home “pop” on a budget. Here are some tips and tricks to get the staging of your home started for minimal cost in 2021. 

Create a Blank Slate

While buyers are typically encouraged to look past possessions and aesthetics and focus on the bones of the home, for some this task is easier said than done if the home is filled with clutter. This is why it is important to begin all home staging by decluttering, depersonalizing, and essentially creating a blank canvas for potential buyers to envision their new lives.

Below are some ways to ensure this is done effectively.

• Declutter: Recycle, donate, pack or get rid of your items accordingly. Not everything in your home needs to come with you. A general rule of thumb for decluttering: if you haven’t used it in a year, remove it.

• Depersonalize: Remove all photos and wall hangings that are unique to your family.

• Store: Place as many items as possible into storage to help your home appear less lived in. Buyers want to be able to envision themselves in your home, which can be difficult when your possessions fill up each room.

• Fresh Paint: Once you have decluttered, depersonalized, and removed as many unnecessary items as possible from your home, paint your walls in a fresh coat of neutral coloured paint. This will brighten up your space and completely transform your home. 

Deep Clean

When it comes to selling your home, nothing feels better than when the pride of ownership shines through. While you have likely kept your home clean and tidy throughout your residency, completing a big deep clean before your home is listed is a great idea to help your listing shine a bit brighter. You may want to consider a cleaning company to get all the corners and crevices that you may have missed, or are unable to reach.

Special attention should be paid to bedrooms, with clothes and personal belongings tucked away neatly, and bathrooms where the porcelain should be shining. If you have pets, it would be beneficial to remove as much pet hair as possible, and keep flooring washed and polished.

Invite Ample Lighting

For your listing photos and for any open houses or walk-throughs, you should ensure that your home is filled with light to avoid looking dull or dark to potential buyers. Having the right amount of light in your home can generate positive attention and allow your space to feel larger and more welcoming. To do this, invite in as much natural light as you can; keep your curtains open, and your windows clean allowing the sun to shine effortlessly into each room. For any dark corners that remain, use your home’s light sources to create the bright and airy look you desire.

Hire a Staging Expert

If you are interested in getting assistance with your staging, or for more elaborate staging, hiring a professional stager can have major benefits. With all home sales, Royal LePage Team Realty offers a complimentary staging consultation. Not only do professional stagers have a keen eye for design, but they are also experienced in modifying space to accentuate a home’s full potential. This can not only help your home stand out and sell faster, but it could also bring in more money from your sale and allow for a high return on investment. 

Use A Professional Photographer

While photographers aren’t exactly stagers, their experience, techniques, and equipment can also work well to make your home stand out to potential buyers. Real estate photographers are excellent at highlighting important features of the home, and they have the right equipment to make your home look bright and spacious, helping to pique the interest of prospective buyers. Using a professional photographer can positively influence the sale of your home, and is a strong recommendation when you are ready to launch your listing.

If you are planning on selling your home, get in touch with one of our Royal LePage Team Realty agents today. There is nothing more comforting than a full-service brokerage that has your back and is ready to help you navigate this journey as you move on to the next chapter of your life. 

Have you noticed the gradual shift in terminology in MLS listings lately? If you’re wondering when the term Primary Bedroom made its way into the home, and why, the short version is that it has become time to ditch the dated and discriminatory terms that have been normalized in our society. As an industry, we are working hard to create positive experiences for our clients, and this means making necessary changes to ensure we stop using language that can be found offensive or that works to further oppress minority groups. 

As society evolves and we work to learn more about black history, the derogatory connotations entwined in our vocabulary are coming to light. Fortunately, this is helping to invoke positive change across many different industries and avenues. People are learning and taking into consideration that some of the words and phrases we use need to be adjusted to be more inclusive and compassionate, and in real estate, this is essential to ensure we can positively serve the beautifully diverse communities that we do. It was with a helpful nudge from concerned groups that many of us working in the business were able to take a good hard look at the term “master” when referring to the main bedroom and bathroom in our homes and realize something was not sitting right.

Master

Ma·str

1. 1. someone (especially a man) who has a servant or slave

• someone (especially a man) who owns a pet (such as a dog)

• formal: the male head of a household

The terms “Master Bedroom” or “Master Bathroom” underscore a relationship to both slavery and male centricity, which clearly carries with it a lot of baggage. As a local brokerage and in the industry as a whole, we have a diverse team filled with men and women of all different backgrounds who are working to serve a community that is even more multicultural. It is so important to us to make real estate inclusive, safe, and accessible to everyone. While the term “master”, when used in real estate, was deemed non-discriminatory in practice, it was easily recognized among industry professionals that the time for an adjustment in language was here. Today, the term has been replaced with something more suitable to describe the main bedroom and bathroom: “primary”.

As time passes, it can happen that we become immune to the terminology and language we use. But words hold great influence, they evoke emotion and feeling and have the power to either hurt or help the masses. As their meanings are subject to change over time, we are afforded the opportunity to change as well, to grow and better ourselves both personally and professionally. Being mindful and willing to question, learn, adapt, and strive to be better will ensure this industry remains a comfortable, safe place for everyone.