toronto: Painting - Save Time & Money With Designer Paints? YES! - 08/22/08 03:24 PM
As you likely remember I prepared my house for sale. There were numerous upgrades we put in but the one job we did is the most time consuming as well as providing the most $ROI.
We painted the entire house...well I painted the entire house. Since we were selling I went the cheap route and colour matched a Benji colour using Behr.
What a disaster! The computers can never get the same formula even over 3 cans. Home Depot's paint manager gave me the low down:
After a product (ex. latex flat emulsion base white) goes on the big box shelf … (20 comments)
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toronto: SIF Roundtables...how about spilling the beans with those who participated in the first round? - 08/20/08 11:21 AM
I've been asked by participants from the first RT we held in Ontario and have come to wonder myself as well what has been done with the information we provided from the first round table?
It's nice to see Shell has gotten the ball rolling again to keep the initiative going BTW! Shell definitely gets things done.
As for the past RTs it seems there was no rhyme or reason for all the man hours that went in to documenting the meetings, and the many phone calls/questions etc.
The only information we were given as facilitators was that Craig had a … (9 comments)
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toronto: The Importance of Lighting - Know Your Math Formula For Perfect Lighting In Every Room - 08/15/08 02:55 PM
Everyone is aware when they walk in to a room with the perfect lighting scheme. A room with a well planned out lighting scheme just feels right; it feels welcoming, relaxing and yes even sophisticated.
How do you feel in your home? Do you walk in to your rooms and feel as though you've just entered an operating theatre or a movie theatre during the previews? Are your pets and small children afraid of what could be lurking in the dark corners of your rooms?
Getting the right balance of lighting is an art...but it is an art with it's foundation firmly rooted in science.
Lighting Formula = Layers of … (67 comments)
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toronto: Toronto Buyers Agent Suggests Stagers HIDE & TRICK - my response - 03/12/08 09:09 AM
As a decorator who offers staging I have to comment on Fraser Beach's blog post 'Calling Their Fluff':
I've been to view houses where it was the Listing Agent who put on the Jazz and put cookies in the oven.
I don't do any of that. Tricks, as you call them, are not something commonly happening...when you hire a professional.
I tell my clients if they need to update and what provides the best return on investment. The majority of my clients spend anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000 to bring their homes up to standards. I tell them if they are going to ask … (21 comments)
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toronto: 10 Reasons To Recommend a Professional RE Stylist/Home Stager For ALL Your Downtown Toronto Listings - 01/18/08 06:52 AM
Proof positive to sellers you are a proactive agent who gets properties SOLD not REDUCED!MLS Photos will attract more potential buyers to view your listingsSimply decluttering, cleaning, fresh paint and adding a ficus tree doesn't cut it. Buyers want on trend colours and move in condition. Don't leave the paint colour selections to the seller or home depot!Professional RE Stylists broach the delicate subjects for you. No more talks about the 'dolls', wallpaper, taxidermy, odours, porn mags beside the toilet etc. OR no more ignoring these issues for fear of loosing the listing but having the confidence they will be dealt with and resolved making the … (24 comments)
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toronto: 2 Hounds' Life Lesson of the Week #3 - 01/03/08 03:45 PM
With the new year just 3 days in I thought a timely quote would be in order. After all, are we not now reflecting on our past year with our 2008 business plan in mind?
"Don't let yesterday use up too much of today." - Will Rogers
While it is good to review don't get stuck thinking about regrets or missed opportunities.
Cheers to all and a Happy New Year!
2 Hounds Design + Real Estate Merchandising
… (7 comments)
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toronto: REALTORS: Why You Need A Decorator Stager For Your Sellers...No You Don't Already Do What I Do. - 01/01/08 12:48 PM
REALTORS:
a very good example of why a PROFESSIONAL stager/decorator/color consultant is necessary to help your sellers select paint colors. No, you don't already do what we do...lets work together for a win/win/win (your commission/your clients best price/my reputation) situation in 2008! to weed out the chaff from the wheat this is a good litmus test; a professional KNOWS color theory as well as DESIGN Theory. 3 Day training to be a 'stager' does not teach theory only a minuscule percentage of practical.
Practical:
does not make a professional is what most Realtors already know themselves A Professional Stager/Decorator is your best weapon in … (8 comments)
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toronto: Color (Colour) Theory 101, some basics on TAUPES...a much needed review - 01/01/08 12:33 PM
OK. Seems some of us need a paint color 101 lesson. I just read Kelly Townsend's blog asking for some help with colour suggestions for dated tiles in a bathroom. After reading some comments I see there is a lack of knowledge of color theory.
So for those of us who struggle with color...read on. BTW, I do still struggle with color just not with color theory!
First the primary colors...I'm about to blow your mind here...well some of you!
Yellow, Magenta and Cyan: a more accurate reflection of the artists color wheel than the 'red, yellow, blue' we where taught in … (17 comments)
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toronto: Staging/Stager = trailer-park - 10/02/07 08:45 PM
In my last post about Designers and Decorators starting to offer services to help homeowners prepare their homes for sale I mentioned some of the service 'names' used such as 'Property Presentation', Real Estate Fluffing, etc. I know many don't think any other name will do but 'Staging' and the title 'Stager', but I disagree. I really don't like the term/title - they are just not professional.
Are we stuck with them?
I mentioned in a comment on AR that I thought the term 'staging' was trailer-park. In any other country other then the U.S. and Canada the term staging and stager are not used. The … (31 comments)
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toronto: If You Ignore What Buyers Want You'll Be The Only One To Lose Out - 06/27/07 04:28 PM
Real estate prices are determined by the buyers and Realtors analyze their local markets to determine pricing for listings unfortunately many sellers are deciding their properties value 'be-damned' what the market and their Realtor is telling them.
The percentage of double income households hovers around 60% and personal savings rates are at record lows. As well single women are buying real estate at record numbers. There is a direct correlation between these numbers and residential real estate purchases which is being ignored by the majority of home-sellers and not stressed anywhere near enough by many listing Realtors.
See where this is going?
I'm not talking about the affect these numbers have on … (27 comments)
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toronto: The funniest agent's listings... - 06/21/07 09:51 AM
In a recent Blog I wrote, Hire a 'Naked Stager': Satisfaction Guaranteed!, Paul Viau wrote how we sould all use the word "Naked" more in our advertising.
Well, there is an agent in the U.K., Ralph Bending who does just that! You have to read his listings, they are hysterical. His tagline is 'the most fun you can have with an estate agent'.
Here are some of his current listings:
"Ground floor flat synonymous with the type of person who eats red kidney beans and exhudes certain aromatic gases. Bedroom at the front with en-suite shower room, small sitting room at the rear, brand new kitchen, … (27 comments)
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toronto: Hardware - A Little Bling Never Hurt! - 06/20/07 03:48 PM
If you want your house to stand out among the hundreds for sale, or just want to upscale the image of your house, look at the hardware you currently have.
Hardware includes:
door knobs cabinet/drawer pulls and knobs door bumpers levers faucets hinges push/kick plates hooks switch plates Determine the finish (e.g. bronze, chrome, brass, iron, stainless...) that best complements the house/condo. Ideally you want the finish to be consistent throughout, although some different finishes can complement each other if not overdone.
Old pieces can be restored or purchased at architectural salvage shops, or new hardware can be purchased, the point … (17 comments)
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toronto: Customer Service, Is It A Thing Of The Past? - 06/18/07 07:20 PM
This is the first year we decided to have our lawn treated by a company, rather than by ourselves. We have a hectic life and little time to spend caring for our lawn.
When the company came out the first time, they did a spring 'feed'. This was in May. We were told they would return in a week to aerate and 'weed' the lawn. Well, it is June 18th, and they have not returned. For the past 3 weeks we have called to ask where they were and were told the techs were 'in the area' and would be out within the … (6 comments)
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toronto: This blog is for homeowners - 06/07/07 11:38 AM
There are so many service options that can be offered to clients, by home stagers and re-designers, but I would like to know, as a homeowner who may be considering selling your house/condo, or actually are selling it,what services you would like to receive.
I get many calls from homeowners who are thinking about staging or re-designing their home, but don't know what services are offered and how they are offered.
In terms of home staging in the city of Toronto, my services are pretty much utilized in actual staging rather than consultations for the owners to complete on their own. However, in … (2 comments)
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toronto: Canadian Superbike Doubleheader Weekend - July 13-15, 2007 - Mosport International Speedway - 05/31/07 09:34 PM
Canadian Superbike Doubleheader WeekendParts Canada Superbike ChampionshipCanadian ThunderHindle Pro 600 Sport BikeInternational Motorcycle SUPERSHOW AM 600Suzuki SV650 CupWoman's Cup
Can-Am 125 & 250 GP
Come out and listen to these bikes! Make sure to ride your bike, I will be.
Yep, I'll be there to cheer on the Woman's Cup. I haven't the time to join, but I would love to...these ladies know how to ride! Ontario has some of the best International Women riders...didn't know that did you? Well, now you do.
Don't forget, if you see me there, say hi!
Dane Caldwell is the Lead Design Consultant of Toronto and GTA's 2 Hounds Design and … (0 comments)
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toronto: Archibald's Sparkling Decade - June 24, 2007 - 05/31/07 09:26 PM
What can I say? If there is a wine tasting...I'm in! Archibald's makes some fabulous fruit wines, it is definately worth going. If you see me, bring another sampler, and say hi!
www.2-hounds.com
… (0 comments)
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toronto: Fabulous B&B's of Clarington Open House - June 10, 2007 - 05/31/07 09:21 PM
I'll be out looking at the architecture and design details, so say Hi if you see me!
www.2-hounds.com
… (0 comments)
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toronto: Artists In The Garden @ Bloom Field Farm - June 9, 2007 - 05/31/07 09:18 PM
If you see me at the market or on the tour make sure to say hello and introduce yourself!
… (0 comments)
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toronto: When and How To Hire A Stager - TheTruth They Don't Want You To Know - 05/27/07 09:41 AM
Like service providers in every other profession, not all stagers are created equal.
If your Realtor does suggest a stager, insist on seeing their portfolio. Talk to the stager to ensure they did the work in their portfolio alone.
Many people are jumping in to the staging industry after taking a 3 day training course and 'share'the staging of a house as part of their staging. The work is then provided to them for their portfolio and website, however if they were lucky, they got to place a towel or facecloth.
These classes are filled with up to 30 students. The students did not source any … (21 comments)
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toronto: It's a Good Time To Get Out There and Pull Those Weeds - 05/27/07 09:20 AM
It is a cool spring morning just after a rain. Now is the time to get out and pull those weeds from the lawn. With the ground swollen from the rain, those dandelion roots will come out nice and easy for you. Don't miss this opportunity to improve the quality of your lawn.
Crab grass, clover and creeping charlie are more weeds you need to take care of. By pulling these weeds after a rainfall or heavy watering, you increase your chances of getting all of the roots and stopping these weeds in their tracks.
In today's market, houses are not selling … (0 comments)
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