Posts
How Do I Find The Right Area to Live In?
Buying a Home[VIDEO] Finding the right area to live in can sometimes be a challenge for home buyers. Balancing factors such as budget, proximity to work, family and others can make the situation very complicated.
My Top 5 Villages in Mississauga
Mississauga VillagesClients always ask me where I would live, Would you buy this house? Would you live in this neighbourhood? what do I look for?...etc. When I'm working for someone I try to see the world through their eyes, it's about finding them what is best for them. So today I decided to write this post to answer the question, partly for fun, and also so that you can get a little better sense of who I am, and how I look at the world as a home buyer.
Why You Should Live in Meadowvale
Mississauga VillagesMeadowvale has been experiencing a rebirth and a new energy. Many of the original owners are cashing out and moving away, while hundred of young families are moving in. Over the last 5 years I have watched countless neglected homes receive new love with exterior facelifts and dumpsters placed in driveways while kitchens and baths are being gutted and updated. Prices have risen dramatically but they are still more affordable than the rest of the city, given that it's further north and Meadowvale has only just begun to rise in desirability.
Where NOT to Live in Mississauga
Mississauga VillagesSince the "Great Panic of 2017", every neighbourhood has risen past the once prestigious $1 million mark. But area all villages worthy of equal stature? Let's take a closer look at some villages to learn what's worth the hype and what's not.
Why You Should Live in Lisgar
Mississauga VillagesTake a tour with me to learn about everything Lisgar has to offer. Very few people start their home search here because it is on the furthest edge of the city, far away from Toronto. But because of this, you get the most house for your money, and if you can get over the suburban feel, there's a lot to see and do, especially for families.
Why You Should Live in Clarkson
Mississauga VillagesLet's take you on a tour of Clarkson so you can see all the wonderful things about this Village. Though not perfect, it offers a lot of opportunity, especially for those new to Mississauga, who still need quick commuting access to Downtown Toronto.
Moving to Mississauga from Toronto
Buying a HomeMoving out to the west GTA might not be your dream move; you may not like the idea of the 'burbs and are worried that you'll loose all the great amenities and charm that you have enjoyed in Toronto. The Village Guru takes a lifestyle approach to get you into a new neighbourhood that will make your transition as successful as possible. We think you'll be pleasantly surprised!
Top 10 Upgrades to Increase the Value of Your Home
Selling A HomeHere is THE #1 COMPREHENSIVE list of most effective upgrades to increase the value of your home! It is best if you give yourself the time to get the work done properly. Better yet, you don't have to make these material upgrade decisions alone. Hire us first, and receive weeks and months of advice, planning, sourcing and problem solving at no extra cost to you. This level of service is standard to all clients, no premium fees here.
What to Do if Your Home Buying Budget is Under $500k?
Buying a HomeIf your home buying budget is less than $500k, i am sure you are feeling frustrated. Many recent articles are advocating for you to start anew out in Hamilton or beyond. But what if you have a job you love right here? Or family support is just 10 minutes away? What if you WANT to stay in the GTA but you don't think you can buy anything here? This article is for you.
Let the Kitchen Sell Your Home
Selling A HomeLet the kitchen sell your home! Read more to learn a few simple, economical and universally appealing principles that will get you top dollar.
Expert Series: Advice for Home Buyers
Buying a HomeI was recently interviewed by Point2Homes about the current real estate Market and what advice for Home Buyers I had to offer.
5 Upgrades to Avoid When Selling Your Home
Selling A HomeEspecially in a sellers market, we often see home owners do the WRONG work on their home, in the hopes of maxing the sale price. Find out here the 5 Upgrades to avoid, as well as what work will get better results
The #1 Secret to Finding the Best Real Estate Agent
Weekly Update - Keeping Real Estate RealThe hardest part in starting the process of buying or selling a home is trying to figure out who is the best agent for you. Who can you trust? How can you tell their motives? There is one simple and easy way to do this, and it's not through interviewing 10 agents until your head is spinning with information. This 1 step will save you a lot of trouble and make the process of hiring a realtor that much easier.
Choosing The Right Paint Colour For Selling Your Home
Selling A HomeChoosing the right paint colour for selling your home isn't about personal preferences or current trends. Used strategically, colour can highlight your best features and downplay any negatives of your home. Find out which tried and true colours we recommend for an elegant and contemporary look.
How to Ensure Buyers Love your Bathrooms
Selling A HomeKitchens and bathrooms sell houses. Beautiful bathrooms help sell homes for Top Dollar. Although they are a more expensive room to tackle, we'll show you the most economical tricks to get a huge bang for your buck and make those buyers FALL.IN.LOVE
How To Update a Large Home on a Budget
Home DecorIn this case study, we were working on a large, executive home in Erin Mills. It was full of potential......and a lot of dated 1990's finishes. When you have a lot of surfaces to update, you have to make every dollar work hard, to keep to a proper budget. This is story about how to focus on the most impactful changes to get the best results.
Top Staging Tricks: Refresh your Kitchen & Baths
Selling A HomeIn this case study, we will review some of the most cost effective ways to refresh your kitchen and bath on a very tight budget.
How to Prepare Your Kitchen When Selling Your Home
Selling A HomeIf you want to sell for TOP DOLLAR, start in your kitchen. This is by far the most important room to buyers, and the price you end up with will largely depend on how happy the buyers are with the kitchen. Selling Your Home For Top Dollar - Part 5
Essential Tips for Increasing Your Home's Curb Appeal When Selling
Selling A HomeCurb Appeal matters when selling your house. Tips to preparing your curb appeal and landscaping for selling.
Industry Article: Know Your Village
About The Village GuruThis is a quick link to the Interview I did with Point 2 Homes about the Mississauga Real Estate Market and what buyers need to know to get the home they want and need.
Younger Home Buyers Should Think Like Home Flippers
Buying a Home[VIDEO] Knowing what I know, if I was a first time home buyer I would be looking for something that needs a little work. By a little I don't mean a gut or the need for permits, but something that might be outdated cosmetically because here's what I do know- The majority of today's home buyers are
Osprey Marsh
Mississauga VillagesThis morning I decided to take a stroll around Osprey Marsh in Lisgar and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by how serene and peaceful the area is.
The Home Buying Process in Plain English
Buying a Home[VIDEO SERIES] The Home Buying Process in Plain English is a series of informative and entertaining videos that all first time home buyers should watch!
There are No Deals in Real Estate, But there are Smart Buys
Buying a HomeThere are no deals in real estate, but there are smart buys. The Village Guru, Mississauga Real Estate Blog. Jeffrey O'Leary, Real Estate Broker
What is the Difference Between Real Estate Agents and Other Sales Professionals
Weekly Update - Keeping Real Estate Real[VIDEO] What's the Difference Between Real Estate Agents and other Sales Professionals?
Talk is Cheap in Negotiations
Buying a HomeWhen it comes to real estate, I would say that is true... 98 & 3/4% of the time (I had to throw in the Dr. Zeus line).
The Best Home Staging Articles from 2014
Home StagingJanuary can be a very busy time for home owners who are preparing to list their home for sale later in the spring. With that in mind, here is a list of my best home staging articles from 2014 that will give you some tips and pointers on how to maximize your return on investment.
Why We Should be Concerned About Cheap Lawn Signs
About The Village GuruCheap disposable lawn signs are an eye sore in the Mississauga community and more should be done to discourage businesses form using them.
What Value Does a Real Estate Agent Offer?
Buying a Home[VIDEO] I personally believe that having a good real estate agent is more important than ever before, and while there are many things we do, I think that what is of most value to our clients can be summed up in three broad categories.
Buying a House Yourself Versus Using a Real Estate Agent
Buying a Home[VIDEO] If you are thinking of buying a house yourself without a real estate agent or you have been actively looking for months and are feeling dejected from not having calls returned or having them returned only to find out the perfect home is already sold, this post is for you.
Ready To Buy A Home?
Buying a Home[VIDEO] Have you been bitten by the "Buy a Home" Bug? Nothing is more fun than the thrill of the hunt: Searching homes on the mls, driving around your future neighbourhood, maybe even stopping into an open house. Searching for the perfect home is an exciting time, and there's a lot to learn during the process.
Freehold Town Houses Versus Condo Town Homes: An Honest Review
Buying a HomeGenerally lower in price than semis or detached homes, Freeehold Town Houses offer an affordable alternative for first time homebuyers and people making a move from a traditional condo apartment.
Should You Sell Your Current Home First or Buy First? An Honest Comparison
Buying a Home, Selling A Home[VIDEO] Whether you're thinking of of moving up to a larger house, or downsizing, or maybe just looking for a change, a very common dilemma home owners face is Do I Sell My Current Home First or Buy First?
Should I Stage My House Before Selling?
Home StagingIf you have sold a staged house in the past and were happy with the shorter time spent on market, better offers, less haggling,
and successful outcome congratulations! There's no need for you to read further.
Furniture Rental - Good Investment or Ridiculous Cost?
Home StagingFurniture rental is not cheap, and to most people, it feels very ridiculous. The payoff is there but you have to want to spend money to make money....and this philosophy is not for everyone.
Why do I Need A Home Staging Consultation?
Home StagingAs a Professional Home Stager who has been in business for over 10 years, I have been in more homes than most people will be in their entire lifetime. Having done hundreds of Home staging Consultations has solidified 3 consistent observations
What Does Shopping For a Suit and Real Estate Have in Common?
About The Village Guru[VIDEO] Think of real estate like a suit. Some brands fit you and some don't. They may be all desirable and nice but at the end of the day there is not a, 'one size fits all'.
Putting the Elements and Principles of Home Design to Work
Home DecorThinking about scale, emphasis, proportion, balance, rhythm and colour, to name just a few, is what makes home design outstanding.