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Tips for Winter Showings

We all know that winter is not the optimal time to be selling your home in Canada. However, there are a lot of ways you can still make your home look more appealing for the buyer to help close the deal. Spruce up your home’s appeal with 7 tips for winter home showings.

Clear Snow and Ice

Clear snow and ice from the pathway, sidewalk and driveway. Even if the snow is still falling, keep on top of your driveway and front walkway with regular shovelling, sanding and salting. No potential buyer wants to “fall” in love with your home due to an icy patch!

Allow as much light as possible into your home

During the winter, there is not as much daylight as the other seasons. Therefore, it’s imperative that you make your home look warm and inviting by keeping it well lit. Make sure all of the lights are on, including appliance and closet lights. During the day, draw the blinds and drapes. All televisions and computers should be turned off, and darker rooms can be made brighter by adding spotlights behind furniture.

Keep your home a cozy temperature

Potential buyers should not be deterred from your home because they are freezing, so make sure the home is nice and warm to encourage them to linger. We suggest that you turn the thermostat up a little higher than normal so that the furnace does not kick in when potential buyers are in the home.

Make your home look inviting

Toss warm blankets across the couch, place wintry flowers around the home and set up your dining room table for a fancy dinner for two. Help potential buyers envision themselves living here!

Don’t use heavy scents

Many people have allergies or sensitivities to strong perfumes, candles or scents, so avoid spraying air deodorizers or using candles and plug-ins. Also, think twice about cooking or baking right before potential buyers come to tour your home so that the smell does not fill the home.

Keep your home clean

Even though it’s winter, make sure your windows are clean. Other tasks to keep on top of include: dusting furniture, ceiling fans and ceiling fixtures, re-caulking tubs, showers and sinks, polishing faucets, cleaning out the fridge, emptying the garbage and recycling bins and bleaching dingy grout. If you have regular showings, keep the carpets and floors clean with daily vacuuming and washing.

Use automatic timers

Connecting lamps to a timer will ensure that proper lighting is consistent throughout your home, regardless of when a showing is scheduled for. Installing a motion sensor for when buyers approach the front door is another great idea. In addition, if you use an answering machine, make sure the volume is muted prior to showings.

Selling a home during the winter versus the rest of the year does not come without some challenges. Improve the chances of a successful, quick sale with the above advice.

7 205 LeBleu Street Coquitlam

Welcome to Place LeBleu in historic Maillardville. Rare 3 bedrooms with 2 full bathrooms in over 1050sqft. Open living & dining area w/cozy gas fireplace & in-floor radiant heat, spacious kitchen with lots of storage & eating area. Freshly painted and laminate flooring throughout. King Sized main bedroom w/balcony & 4 piece ensuite. Building is SOLID w/ New Roof (2020), Boiler (2019) and Fire Panel (2019). Centrally located near IKEA, Superstore, Shopping, SilverCity Cinema, Schools, Parks with a bus stop right in front taking you straight to BRAID Skytrain, Quick access to HWY 1 and Mins to Lougheed Mall. Well maintained complex, Pets and Rentals allowed with restrictions. Gas, Hot water & heating included in strata fees. Open House Sat/ Sun 2-4pm.

List Price $529,000

Listed by Maureen Seguin Personal Real Estate Corporation | Century 21 In Town Realty

505 9250 University High Street

Pride of ownership radiates throughout this immaculate 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom corner sub-penthouse by reputable builder MOSAIC. Enjoy your morning coffee on one of two patios overlooking lush greenbelt and peekaboo mountain/ocean views. Bright and airy, 9’ ceilings with oversized windows create a tranquil oasis. House-size kitchen with upgraded S/S appliances including induction range, quartz countertops, soft-close cabinetry, wine rack and more. Custom built-ins and millwork include two work from home office/study spaces and closet organizers. Gorgeous laminate flooring with new ultra-plush carpets in bedrooms. Primary ensuite features dual sinks and separate shower. Hydronic in-floor radiant heating included in maintenance fees keeps you cozy in the winter while custom retractable Phantom Screens on windows and doors let the fresh mountain air flow in the summer. Ample storage including a secure locker and one parking spot. A few steps to SFU transit hub, Nestor’s Market, liquor store, elementary school, parks, daycare, and the best restaurants Upper Burnaby has to offer. Building is 9 years young with over 90 years remaining on lease. Healthy contingency and still covered under 10 year warranty. Pets and Rentals are allowed, just no short term tenancy.

Listed for $669,000

Listed by Maureen Seguin Personal Real Estate Corporation | Century 21 In Town Realty

208 2525 Quebec St Vancouver

Welcome to the Cornerstone, One of Vancouver’s most Iconic buildings in East Van. The Cornerstone, a church in 1908 and then uniquely converted into 38 living spaces in 1994. This building is full of charm, character and history. Located steps to Main Street, Breweries, Restaurants, Shopping and Transit (including the future mount pleasant skytrain station). Boasting over 1200sqft this 2 level loft is anything but cookie cutter. The upper level offers a King sized main bedroom with a large walk-in outfitted with California closets, 4 piece bathroom and lots of natural light. Main Floor showcases almost 17 ft ceilings, Gas Fireplace, Radiant floor heating, Beautiful brick wall that frames the oversized windows and a flex space that has a built in Murphy bed with closet and wall panels for privacy. Large kitchen with lots of counter and cupboard space with Fisher & Paykel appliances. In-suite laundry and includes 1 parking and 1 storage. Pets allowed and Rentals allowed with some restrictions.

List Price $1,349,000

Listed by Maureen Seguin Personal Real Estate Corporation | Century 21 In Town Realty

303 2425 Shaughnessy St, Port Coquitlam

One of the Most Affordable Condos in all of Downtown Port Coquitlam. Top Floor, Sunny Eastern Exposure with Mountain Views!! Renovated open kitchen with large island that is perfect for entertaining. Built in wall desk, freshly painted with new flooring. King-sized bedroom with ample closet space. In-suite laundry, 1 LARGE storage locker and covered parking spot. Building is well cared for and has recently updated the roof and boiler system. Less than 5 minutes to West Coast Express, Groceries, Restaurants, Coquitlam River and Community Centre. Close to Schools and direct bus to skytrain. No RENTALS & 1 PET is allowed.

Listed at $329,000

Listed by Maureen Seguin Personal Real Estate Corporation | Century 21 In Town Realty

5 Home Improvements on Your Dog’s Wish list

In honor of National Dog Day, we’ve asked the cutest (or at least the furriest) members of your family what they really want in their home. Your dog may really dig these paws-itively great updates.

Invest in a fetch robot: Is fetch getting a little too repetitive for you? It never gets old to a dog! Save up for a robot that can keep up with your pup’s non-stop energy and love for the game.

Deck out the outdoor dog house: A stylish dog house would not only look great in your yard, but it can also provide much-needed shade for a tuckered out pup.

Upgrade your reward system: Did someone say “treat”? With an automatic treat dispenser, you won’t even have to say the word. Instead, dogs will get a rewarding snack whenever they want one!

Install a crate surround sound system: Dogs shouldn’t miss out on movie night just because they’re in their crates. Set them up with perfectly crafted doggie speakers, so they can really experience the show.

Add a video conferencing unit: You know how excited your dog gets when you get home from a long day at work? It may be because they miss you. Let them call and chat you all day long. Who knows, Fido may share some good advice at your next team meeting. He’s always working like a dog.

Unlimited closet access: Your closet is a wonderland for dogs filled with tasty shoes and handbags. What your dog really wants is permission to chew! Open up your doors and let your dog have free reign, because your dog’s “I’m sorry” eyes are cuter than any new trend.

So throw your dog a bone and indulge in one, or all, of these home improvements. Your pet may just sit, speak, and jump for joy!

For entertainment purposes only. It’s ruff, but some of these things may not exist.

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802 955 East Hastings St Vancouver

Sweet South Facing 1 bedroom Corner suite + DEN at the HEATLEY building in Strathcona Village. SUPER unique container-like exterior draws its inspiration from the Port.. How cool is that? Boasting a bright & open floor plan, floor to ceiling windows, spacious kitchen with S/S appliances, quartz countertops, sleek cabinetry, ultra modern bathroom with soaker tub, laminate flooring throughout, sunny patio with city views. Building offers bike storage, gym, party room & rooftop patio. This suite is also the same level as those wicked amenities too. Take advantage of all the awesome restaurants, coffee shops, & breweries as this home is situated between Main St and Commercial Drive. Direct bus routes are right out front & the Union St bike path is just blocks away. Rentals & Pets allowed.

Listed at $585,000

Listed by Maureen Seguin PREC* and Klaus Rode | Century C21 In Town Realty

*Personal Real Estate Corporation

What Clients are Saying?

About 4-5 years ago, I was wanting to sell my rental property in Yaletown and Maureen was recommended to me by my financial advisor.  I was so impressed by the way Maureen handled a difficult tenant.  She treated them with a lot of patience and respect without being railroaded.  However, I decided not to go through with the sale and Maureen was very supportive of my decision.  Late last year when my tenants left, I decided to sell it again and never thought of calling anybody else but Maureen.  However,  the downtown Vancouver market was so bad that I decided to take it off the market again.  Maureen once again was very supportive of my decision.
Earlier this year, I decided to sell my own residential condo in New Westminster and once again called Maureen.  As usual, she was enthusiastic and raring to go and my condo sold within a week of listing, full list price!
I’ve sung her praises to friends, relatives and anybody who cares to listen.  She goes out of her way to help from pre-listing to after the sale.  She even offered to drive all the way to New Westminster to help me load my stuff and drop them off at the Salvation Army, and then some!
When the time comes to sell my rental property, who am I gonna call?   Maureen Seguin!
Leonor, New Westminster

For Sale 510 13380 108 Ave, Surrey

SMALL but MIGHTY, BEST priced 1 bedroom in the Building and it delivers BIG TIME! Cozy yet Clever layout, with a North EXPOSURE with Mountains and City views. Brand New and Ultra Modern Cabinetry, Stone Countertops, Stainless Steel Appliances and lots of cupboard space. Queen size bedroom with FULL size closet plus Den, In-suite laundry, Open living/ kitchen space and Covered Patio. 11 year old building with a Pro active strata council and includes 1parking and 1 storage locker. LOCATION is AMAZING – Close to Skytrain, SFU, Shopping, Groceries and other Convenient Amenities. Rentals and Pets allowed – No dogs.

Open Houses – Saturday July 17 and Sunday July 18th 1-3pm

Listed for $354,900

Summer Cleaning Tips

Seasonal cleaning is not only reserved for spring; Summer is a great time to give your home a deep clean to prevent heat, humidity, rain, and more from taking a major toll on your home maintenance. We’ve gathered a list of simple summer cleaning tips to keep your home fresh and tidy.

Eliminate Dust

With the beautiful sunshine, dust is far more noticeable floating in the air and accumulating on your pieces. Take the time to fully dust your home, concentrating on your blinds, curtains, and ceiling fans. No duster? No problem! Use an old sock to easily clean between blinds and a pillowcase to sweep dust from ceiling fans while catching falling debris. Plus, to keep your cold air flowing, clean the air conditioner filter with a vacuum cleaner to remove the dust and grime.

Get Spotless Windows

Summer is the perfect time to thoroughly wash your windows and screens. The sun displays the dirty grime well so you’ll be able to easily see your hard work pay off quickly. Depending on how dirty your windows and screens are, you may have to use a combination of cleaning products, vacuuming, scrubbing, and power washing to get them looking good as new. This cleaning tip will be well worth your effort when you get an unobstructed view on a beautiful sunny day.

Eliminate Odours

The warm weather can cause an increase in foul smells. Be sure to clean your garbage disposal, trash cans, and recycling bins to prevent unwanted pests, troublesome mold, and unpleasant odour. Clean your disposal by pouring baking soda and vinegar into your drain, letting it sit for 5 minutes then following with boiling water. Be sure to wash out your bins with bleach and water then sprinkle baking soda on the bottom to absorb any bad odours.

Organize Your Garage/ Storage Locker

With many large and bulky storage items outside for the summer, now is the perfect time to organize your garage and storage area. Start by decluttering and donating any unused items. Then organize your pieces by category (season, tools, etc.). Finally, decide on the best layout, keeping frequently used items in easy to reach areas. Containers, cabinets, and pegboards make great storage solutions and will help you stay organized.

Revamp Your Outdoor Living Area

With the patio, deck, or front porch being a go-to spot for outdoor social gatherings, you’ll want to make sure this area is ready for entertaining. Use an old broom to sweep up rubble, brush away spiderwebs, and dust off debris. Wipe down patio furniture and wash patio cushions (follow washing instructions on the tag). And pressure wash your driveway or concrete patio to ride any unwanted weed growth and make it look brand new. These will help boost your curb appeal and make outdoor entertaining a breeze.

Clean Your Grill

Along with outdoor entertaining comes outdoor cooking, make sure you are properly cleaning your grill to ensure a tasty meal every time. Some quick BBQ cleaning tips are to clean and scrape grates while they’re still warm and give it a quick clean after every use. This will make it easier to clean and save you time and hard work later on.

Wash Your Gardening Tools

After a full spring season of gardening, your tools have seen some wear and tear. Get your gear in tip-top shape so they last you many seasons to come. Remove any dirt or debris, and soak the tools in warm, soapy water, then rinse and dry. This quick and simple cleaning tip is the first step in building a flourishing garden