Re-claim Your Space and De-Clutter

Re-claim your Space and De-Clutter

Start with your closets

• Pull everything out of your closet. Breathe.
• Clean closet surfaces thoroughly.
• Install additional storage bins shelving, if necessary.
• Organize all clothes into three bins: 1) Keep 2) Toss 3) Donate. A good rule of thumb is if you haven’t worn it in the last 12 months, you’re likely not going to wear it again. If it isn’t damaged or torn (or an undergarment), then give your clothing new life by donating it.
• Swap over clothes for the season. Trade those winter parkas for cool linens and store last season’s clothing in an air-tight bin in your basement or garage. Don’t forget to label your bins!
• Organize your racks by colour or any other arrangement that makes sense for you—business attire vs. casual, etc.
• Move on to the next closet – repeat above!

The keep/toss/donate exercise is also fun to play with the kids, not to mention a great lesson on giving back to the community and unwanted gently used clothing and coats. 

Next to the Bedrooms

It’s time to say goodbye to chairs doubling as clothing storage and reclaim your bedroom. By decluttering your bedroom, you’re encouraging your body to utilize the space for what it was meant for: rest.

• Remove old bed linens, drapery and pillows. Refresh with soft sheets and neutral bedding and pillows.
• Clear out unnecessary clutter.
• Organize your shelves.
• Now is a good time to clean and dust – Vacuum and mop floors. Don’t forget to clean under the bed and behind all the furniture.
• How do the walls look? Would a fresh paint colour brighten the room?

The Living Room

An organized family is a happy family and we promise a little DIY organization will work wonders for your living area. When your space is decluttered, it feels larger and is much more conducive to quality family time.

• Polish wood furniture and touch up scratches, clean, vacuum and dust.
• Organize books and movies. Sort them alphabetically if you’re feeling inspired.
• Declutter and donate old toys, books, knick-knacks that do not have sentimental value.
• Pump up your accent colour with new pillows and throws for the couch
• Would a fresh coat of paint give the space a new look!

TIP: Add personalized storage bins for the kids. Having their own dedicated place to store toys will help instil a sense of ownership and responsibility in their area.

The Kitchen

This one might be a doozy, but it has to be done. Empty and clean fridge and pantry. Would a new backsplash or lighting help with cleaning and tasks?

• Change your water filter and replace old sponges and dishcloths. Repace the dishrack if it is old.
• Empty and organize cupboards and drawers. We recommend starting with the cupboards hiding your food storage containers and mug collection. Toss any unused or battered cutlery, kitchen utensil pots and pans.
• Clear your countertops of unused stuff and reclaim some counter space.

TIP: If you’re finding a lot of unused spices in your pantry, consider purchasing a spice rack you can add to the kitchen counter or wall—get inspired!

The Bathrooms 

• Organize washroom cabinets.
• Throw out expired makeup, skincare products and outdated medications in the medicine cabinet.
• Bleach or disinfect tubs, sinks and toilets.
• Deep clean grout lines, paying close attention to any mould buildup.
• Clear the showerhead and faucets of buildup.
• Spackle any holes and touch-up paint in high-traffic areas in the corridors and bathrooms. Repaint if necessary.
• Replace old bathmats, shower curtains and remove unnecessary counter stuff
• Splurge on new towels! Use the old towels for rags or drying the car!

The Garage and/ or Storage Shed

• Keep/toss/sell all garage contents.
• Declutter shelving and wipe.
• Sort and store power tools.
• Label storage containers.
• Hang bikes, sports equipment and whatever is not in use for the season.

There is such satisfaction in reclaiming your space and getting rid of the clutter! Try it!

These tips will also help get your home ready for a sale!                    

Enhance your home’s value with some simple DIY de-cluttering.

Contact Janine for more ideas to help you sell your home faster for more money.

The January Real Estate Market Update for Muskoka

Usually, home sales in the dead of winter can be slow to say the least but this January the residential market has seen some good activity in Muskoka. Residential home sales jumped 43% over last year at the same time. The average price for a residential home rose from $410,890. to $445,230, up 8.36% over last year.  Active home listings were down 10.5% over last year. These stats may indicate that the spring market will be early and inventory will be in tight supply due to the demand.

Waterfront cottage sales remained the same as last year. Which is normal because there are fewer cottages listed in the winter in Muskoka.

The spring market looks like it will be robust in the residential market with probable modest gains in waterfront sales. It will depend on whether enough waterfront cottages come to market to fill the high demand. Last year we saw a very high demand for cottages below 1 million dollars with very few waterfront properties listed for sale in that range on any of the lakes. The higher priced waterfront cottages did not sell as quickly and there was less demand.

The trend is that many buyers are leaving the cities and choosing to move north to scenic Muskoka area for their retirement years.  Muskoka is an idyllic lifestyle choice with many housing options in a wide variety of budgets. There are so many recreation activities available year-round.  There are 1600 lakes to explore in the region, you won’t have to search long to find your favourites. Sign up below for the listings alert so you won’t miss any properties that may suit your criteria.

Sellers: Find out what your house or cottages is worth in today’s real estate market Here

Buyers: Join with your email to be sent all the latest new properties listed for sale Here

If would like more information do not hesitate to contact me

Janine Scott ~ Lakes, Town & Country Homes Muskoka

Real Estate Broker Email

janinescott.com

Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc Brokerage  ReMaxallstars.ca

Making The Move To Muskoka

For generations, city dwellers have seen Muskoka as an idyllic weekend retreat or the perfect retirement destination. However, more and more GTA residents are cutting their ties with the city and choosing this locale and lifestyle for year-round living.

Unlike city living, prospective buyers have a wide range of affordable housing to choose from within and around the towns, nearby lakesides, riverside and countryside properties. The lifestyle suits more than just retirees. Many prospective buyers with young families are looking for affordable homes and an active, relaxed way of life out of the city. They are increasingly relocating and working in the Muskoka area or are able to work remotely.

Muskoka boasts communities that offer the natural beauty and the total relaxation of a year-round lifestyle against one of the most picturesque backdrops in Canada.
Homes in the Muskoka communities offer the quiet charm of being surrounded by nature but also the conveniences of living close to amenities without the hustle and bustle of city life.  Best of all, when the weekend comes, there’s no need to fight traffic to get to Muskoka to enjoy your free time — you’re already there!
Muskoka has lively, picturesque towns and villages and is less than two to two and half hours from Toronto. During the spring and summer months, it’s one of the best places to spend the summer in Canada. The town and the surrounding area are both alive with adventure and the area offers a relaxing oasis with plenty of recreational activities. Muskoka has around 1600 lakes to explore and a great place to enjoy swimming, boating, golf, hiking and resort-style living. In autumn, the area is bursting with colour and plenty of fall fairs and activities. And in winter, it’s a wonderland of outdoor fun that includes skating, snowshoeing, fat biking, snowmobiling, skiing or just chill -laxing.

There are many other rich amenities for residents: beaches, cruise lines, waterfalls, parks and trails, camps, clubs and sports organizations, farmer’s markets, libraries, community centres, gyms, public transit, schools and colleges, art shows, galleries and studios.

Unlike city living, prospective buyers have a wide range of affordable housing to choose from within and around the towns, nearby lakesides, riverside and countryside properties. The lifestyle suits more than just retirees. Many prospective buyers with young families are looking for affordable homes and an active, relaxed way of life out of the city. They are increasingly relocating and working in the Muskoka area or are able to work remotely.

Muskoka boasts communities that offer the natural beauty and the total relaxation of a year-round lifestyle against one of the most picturesque backdrops in Canada.

Homes in the Muskoka communities offer the quiet charm of being surrounded by nature but also the conveniences of living close to amenities without the hustle and bustle of city life.  Best of all, when the weekend comes, there’s no need to fight traffic to get to Muskoka to enjoy your free time — you’re already there! Contact Janine Scott, Real Estate Broker for more information about moving to Muskoka! JanineScottMuskoka@gmail.com  Lakes, Town & Country Homes Team – Muskoka  Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc Brokerage www.remaxallstars.ca

View all Muskoka properties listed for sale www.janinescott.com

My BEST advice to give to a First Time Buyer?

My BEST advice to give to a First Time Buyer?

I wanted to share with everyone a list of 4 of the most important things any First time buyer (home, condo or cottage) should do to get on and stay on the right track to buying the right property.

1. KNOW YOUR BUDGET: Get your financials in order. Get pre approved. Lastly to know what amount of mortgage you can qualify for. What price range you should look in. AND stick to your budget.
2. PICK YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: Before you start going to see your first home. Drive through the areas. Know what areas you like and do not like can save a great deal of time and stress. Are schools important? Close to amenities that you require?
3. LEARN YOUR HOMES: Do you want a new home or on older home. A home that is ready to move in or is needing work OK? What style and size? How many bedrooms and bathrooms? Do you need a garage? Break down your needs first. Then break down your wants. Make a list of what you like and what you do not.
4. LISTEN TO COMMON SENSE: Having a realistic budget. Looking in your price range or below! Looking at homes you like and not looking at those you can not afford. Listening carefully to your agent about the current market. What to offer and why. What to ask for and what not to. 

My philosophy is simple: provide more personal, knowledgeable and professional service to guide my clients through each step of the buying or selling process. Those that hire me, find a dedication like no other agent.   Janine Scott, Real Estate Broker  Facebook 

 

What You Need to Know About Buying Waterfront Property, Muskoka

DO YOU KNOW! Know your local waterfront and area rules and regulations! Zoning by-laws have various rules and regulations that specify what a property can be used for and the types, dimensions, and locations of buildings that can be constructed on each waterfront property. For example, there are restrictions around how close a cottage can be to the lake, how large a cottage can be, whether or not a boathouse is permitted and how large it can be, and how many cottages or sleeping cabins are permitted on one lot. Zoning by-laws can be complex and certain properties have specific restrictions which limit development further. If you are seeking to purchase waterfront property in the Lake of Bays, Huntsville, Muskoka Area you need to work with a waterfront specialist. Buy with confidence and knowledge with Janine Scott* Buying a waterfront property and/or cottage is not similar at all to buying city real estate. You need a professional with extensive knowledge of not only the lakes and the immediate area but also the bylaws of the individual township, septic rules and regulations, tree removal bylaws; waterfront setbacks, shore road allowance; just to name a few. Contact Janine Scott*, Real Estate Broker JanineScottMuskoka@gmail.com for local waterfront expertise in Muskoka. Selling beautiful Muskoka waterfront for 23 years! Re/Max North Country Realty Inc, Brokerage

* View the video – Know Waterfront