Briar Hill Group Blog

What to Watch for when Viewing an Older Home

The Latest in Kitchen Fire Prevention – What You Need to Know

More fires start in the kitchen than in any other room. These fires can be expensive; since even a minor incident, with no injuries, can result in significant damage. That’s why it’s important to keep up with the latest in fire prevention.

 

Finding the List Price “Tipping Points”

Setting the right list price for a home is a mystery for many sellers. How do you begin to determine what buyers are likely to pay for your property? After all, no two homes are exactly alike.

 

Single Story For Sale in Fernwood, Victoria

•  883 sqft , 1 bath , 1 bdrm single story – FOR SALE  CAD395,000 .
MLS® 882925

in Fernwood, Victoria

Centrally located condo has been RENOVATED from flooring to bathroom and kitchen! Situated on the Oak Bay Border where Pandora meets Fort, enjoy the luxury of this LARGE, one bedroom RENTABLE condo with 1 PARKING SPACE. The owner updated this condo in 2018, with permits, including brand new flooring, paint and trim. The bathroom was gutted down to the studs and includes updated bath tub, bath surround, a very nice silestone vanity and flooring. The kitchen is also gorgeous with updated cabinets, silestone counter tops, stove, range hood and dishwasher. This bright and airy condo has a large bedroom and huge living room with floor to ceiling patio doors opening up to the large deck and overlooking the greenspace. The building has many upgrades as well including a courtyard, workshop, pool, hot tub, gym, sauna, library, games room and secure parking. It’s also on bus routes to UVic and Camosun. Available immediately.

Property information

Beyond Boxes: Packing Materials You May Need for your Move

One Hour Ideas for Boosting Curb Appeal

Buyer Tips: Getting Ready for a Winning Offer!

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Should You Reclaim the “Lost” Bedroom?

Do you have an extra bedroom that you’ve converted into a home office, arts and crafts room or other non-slumbering use? If so, you may be wondering if you should convert it back into a traditional bedroom before you list.

According to home staging experts, that may be a good idea.

Although buyers will know the space was designed as a bedroom, there will be a psychological response to seeing it used otherwise. For example, say potential buyers view a property with a master bedroom, a second bedroom, and a third bedroom converted into a child’s playroom. Logically, they’ll know it’s a three-bedroom home – but the impression that will form will be of “two bedrooms and a playroom”, not a “three bedroom home.” This is especially true if closet doors have been removed. They may even start wondering whether there is anywhere else for a child to play.

So, when you’re selling, consider changing the bedroom back to its original purpose. You don’t necessarily need to put in a bed and dresser (although for staging purposes, that would help.) Just make the bedroom look like a bedroom for showings.

Keep this in mind: It’s easier for buyers to imagine a bedroom as a potential home office, playroom, etc. than the other way around.

The Latest Options in Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting has come a long way from the days of patio lanterns and strings of lightbulbs. These days, there’s an exhaustive array of options available to illuminate your outdoor space, and make it more appealing and comfortable, particularly in the evenings.

Here are just a few ideas:

Solar garden lights. These lights are on stakes that can be easily inserted throughout the garden. Powered by the sun, they generate enough energy to cast a soft, pleasant glow along walkways or in flower beds in the evenings.

Deck post lights. These are easy to install because they’re designed to sit on top of a standard 4×4 wood deck post. Most are solar powered.

Street-style lamps. As the name implies, these look similar to old-fashioned street lamps. Installation is a little more complex, but still DIY-friendly. They’re eye-catching and have a dramatic impact on the look of your outdoor space.

Portable lantern lights. These are outdoor lights that are portable and often made to look like a decorative fixture for a coffee table or side table. They can be placed anywhere.

LED walkway lights. These are small lights that fit neatly and almost invisibly under stairs and around walkways. Walkway lights not only look good but also improve safety. Most are battery powered.

Planter lights. This is one of the most interesting options. Each one is both a flower pot and a light in one! The pot itself is translucent which allows the light inside to shine through.

Design experts say you should treat your outdoor space as you would any room in your home. Lighting it up for evening comfort and enjoyment is a good place to start.

One Hour Ideas for Boosting Curb Appeal

You’ve heard of the term “curb appeal”. It refers to the initial impression buyers get when they first see your property from the street. If the impression is a good one, it sets the right tone for the rest of the home viewing.