5 Things Neighbours' Houses Can Tell You

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record
Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
Direct: 519-495-1541
Email: richardthyssen@kw.com
www.thyssengroup.com

You don't notice it - but most buyers will

Imagine you're viewing a potential new home. You walk in the front door
and are instantly impressed. You explore the property room by room and
like what you see.

Then there's something you notice that's not quite right. An odour. You
realize that it's likely cat dander and, now that you've identified it, you smell
it everywhere. Suddenly the home doesn't seem as attractive as it did just
moments earlier.

The owner of the property is probably so used to the smell that he doesn't
even notice it. Neither does anyone else in the household.

So, when marketing your home for sale, be scent sensitive. Think about
the odours that you may have become used to but others are likely to
notice.  Even odours you think are pleasant, like the strong scent given
off by some house plants, may not be pleasing to everyone.

An odour can easily distract a buyer from appreciating the good qualities of your property.  Pay particular attention to garbage bins
(which can smell even when empty), pets, kitty litter (even when fresh and unused), the kitchen (especially after cooking), perfumes and closets.

The smell of cigarette smoke is particularly unpleasant to many people. Its
odour can linger even on an outside deck or patio.

Bottom line? Don't assume buyers won't notice certain smells. They will.

Need more advice on selling your home quickly and for the best price?

Call us at 519-495-1541 today.

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record
Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
Direct: 519-495-1541
Email: richard@thyssengroup.com
www.thyssengroup.com

Invite Nature into your Home

What do you love most about nature and the outdoors? Is it the first sign of spring blooms, the colorful autumn foliage, or maybe the smell of fresh cut grass on a warm summer day? Do you enjoy the soothing sound of a trickling creek or a bright blue sky on a sunny day?

Incorporate these organic elements into your décor and invite nature into your home.

Don't Block Natural Views

One of the easiest ways to invite nature into your home is to ensure a direct connection through glass doors and windows. Leave them undressed to welcome in sunlight and enjoy unobstructed views of the outdoors. When safety and privacy are concerns, dress windows in airy, natural fibers that allow daylight indoors and can be easily opened. Ensure that windows are operable so that you can enjoy fresh air and relaxing breezes.

What Is Your Natural Color?

Choose a natural color palette for your home interior that represents your connection to the outdoors. Warm browns or hues of gold will evoke a hotter, arid climate. Shades of blue or green will remind you of the sky, water, tree foliage and grasses.

Incorporate Natural Elements

It is important to pull in natural elements for capturing an organic look and feel in your home design. Varieties of stone can work well for counter tops and flooring. A stone hearth would make a fantastic addition, and consider incorporating an entire accent wall of stone or simply adding detail to archways.

Wood is another natural material that can provide a direct connection to the outdoors. Wood makes an excellent flooring option and is also durable and easy to maintain. Plan early to incorporate wood beams into your design, and leave rafters exposed for a rugged, organic look.

Nature-Inspired Décor

Another easy way to invite nature into your home is through natural décor. Consider furniture, window treatments, pillows and throws made from natural materials and fibers such as wood, cotton, wool, rattan or natural grasses. Stick to an earthy color palette.

Display items that are found in nature such as sea shell varieties, birdhouses made from bark, or hurricane vases filled partially with river rock and topped with candles. Add beloved animal figurines and photos exhibiting some of your favorite outdoor scenes or personal memories.

The easiest way to add a touch of nature to your home is with houseplants and flowers. They also improve air quality, so be generous and add them throughout your home. Decorative terrariums in beautiful glass containers are an elegant option. For an eclectic look, create vases using glass jars and bottles in varying sizes, shapes and colors, and use them to hold seasonal flowers or even sprigs of ivy.

Stimulate your senses by adding scented candles to mimic your favorite natural scents, such as lavender, basil or pine. Consider purchasing or constructing a water feature if you enjoy the sound of a trickling creek or a rushing waterfall.

To bring your relationship with nature into your home, create an indoor environment that represents your most beloved outdoor experiences.

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record
Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
Direct: 519-495-1541
Email: rthyssen@rogers.com
www.thyssengroup.com