Whether you’re in an apartment or your new home is lacking in square footage, you know the struggle of trying to create the illusion of it being bigger than it actually is. There are plenty of tips and tricks out there that we have found that can help you on your quest of creating a more calming, open and functional home.

1. Contrast - Use very light colors or very dark colours to give a room depth - or use paint dark-to-light low-to-high, this strategy draws the eye upwards.

2. Dual Purpose Furniture - Utilize hidden storage or multi-functional furniture. To keep your floor, walls and surfaces as clear as possible you have to find a somewhere to put all of your stuff!

3. Less Is More - Use a few large decorations rather than a lot of small decorations, which can start to feel like clutter. You want the space as open and free as possible - opt to display one large wall accent or piece of art instead of a bunch of smaller pieces, it’s okay to leave some walls blank. Use the cantaloupe rule - if the decorations are smaller than a cantaloupe, don't keep it, it’ll just crowd a room. 

4. Lighting - Use a few lamps to spread light evenly instead of just relying on one overhead light - especially in rooms with limited natural light. Multiple light sources in a smaller room can make it feel more expansive. You could even ditch the overhead all together, or, maybe consider an interesting or unique ceiling light fixture that draws the eye up.

5. Rugs - Use a rug to give a room a finished or pulled together feeling, as well as creating an illusion of more square footage - but keep it small and simple. It could also be a good tool to separate a room into smaller spaces. 

6. Accenting - Opt for a large statement piece of furniture, it’s more effective to have 1 accent chair than four. Go big - use a few large pieces of furniture in place of several smaller pieces; with open and large blocks of color, the room will appear calm and comfortable.

7. Mirror Mirror - Using a large sized mirror makes a space seem much bigger than it actually is, and if the placement is just right it will reflect light and a view back into the room. Pick a tight entrance area or rooms with dark colours or with little natural light. 

8. Show some leg - Get furniture with exposed legs to make the room feel less "boxy". Chairs, sofas, bed, etc. with exposed legs gives the illusion of more space.

9. Declutter declutter declutter - Too much clutter makes a room feel full, even when it's a bigger sized room. Clean unnecessary stuff off countertops, shelves, coffee tables, end tables, dressers etc.

10. Emphasize on the vertical - A tall shelf , some vertical shiplap, floor to ceiling curtains or some element that emphasizes the height of a space opens it up. 

11. Break some rules - Having an unexpected piece of furniture gives a space personality and makes it  fun. Maybe a beanbag or swing for a chair... Maybe even both? Go crazy.

12. Above all, keep it simple - the more pieces, possessions and patterns you have in a room the more cluttered it will feel. Consider an accent wall if you want wallpaper or keep the crazy colors to a door. Keep a balance and you’ll be just fine!

Selling your home is typically about making a profit. However, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t come without costs. Here is an overview of some of the major costs you’ll be responsible for paying.

Mortgage Balance

This is the remaining balance on your original home loan. You will need to pay off your mortgage in its entirety when your home is sold.

Home Equity Loans (2nd, 3rd Mortgages)

Any loan against the value of your home will also need to be paid in full after the sale of your home.

Payment Penalties

The bank or lending institution that currently owns your mortgage title may access a prepayment penalty. You should speak to your lender now, ask if they plan on assessing a prepayments penalty, and figure exactly how much that amount is. You may be able to negotiate with your lender to reduce or waive the prepayment penalty, if there is any. You’ll also want to submit a formal prepayment notice to your lender.

Pre-sale Preparations

In most cases, it’s not advisable to make major investments in your home right before a sale. There are, however, a few things that can be done to increase your home’s curb appeal, fix minor problems, and otherwise make your property more attractive. Together we can identify what items should be addressed and create a budget for these pre-sale preparations that are sure to show a significant return on investment.

Closing Costs

All closing costs associated with the sale of your home will be listed for you and for the home buyer in the Closing Disclosure form. Listed below are some of the closing costs:

• The real estate broker commissions

• Title costs (examination and insurance)

• Legal documents and service fees

• Recording/filing fees

In some cases, buyers make a request for you as the seller to cover their closing costs as part of their purchase offer. We will negotiate these requests if they are made and we will help you understand why it would be advantageous to cover the buyer closing costs (if it is) and what limitations we can set to make sure we know the exact net on your home sale before closing.

Moving Costs

Moving isn’t only a hassle, it can also be very expensive. Whether you’re moving to a new house in your neighbourhood or across the country, it’s important to estimate and plan for the full cost of moving for your home once it’s sold. If you’re working with a moving company, you’ll want to get a full idea of what you’ll be charged for what service. If you’re moving yourself, you’ll most likely need to rent a van. And don’t forget the packing materials including boxes and tape. The more preparation you do in your moving planning, the less likely you are to avoid overpaying for your move expense.

Moving is an emotional process. It can represent growth and new beginnings, but the strain of making a life changing decision is often fraught with mixed emotions. This is especially true if you’re moving as a family with younger children or moving a long distance.

Here are a few ideas on how you and your family can help mitigate the stress of your move.

Understand that the jitters are normal.

You’ve just made a major commitment. Ask questions throughout the process. Part of my job is to provide you with information and keep you informed so that you are confident about your decisions.

Get better acquainted with the new place.

Let us help you ease the transition to your new environment. I can provide you with information on your new neighbourhood, school districts, and more. If you’re moving with children, it’s always a great idea to familiarize your kids with the new neighbourhood a few times before moving day. Be sure to emphasize the positive aspects of the move and explain your reasons for relocating. You can also contact the school your child will be attending and arrange a time to visit.

Don’t get blindsided by expenses.

The more you plan your move, the less likely it is that you’ll encounter unexpected and unbudgeted expenses. That being said, it’s always a good idea to be ready for the unexpected. Keep an emergency fund for unexpected costs that may crop up during the move or as you set up your new household.

Don’t wait until the last minute to pack.

Whether you’re hiring a moving company or planning to do it all on your own, you should start to plan a pack for your move now.

You should look to book a moving company six to eight weeks before your move if at all possible. You’ll also want to interview a few moving companies and ask lots of questions to make sure you understand all the potential costs.

As you’re working on packing up your stuff, remember that one of the best ways to save your time and your money is to bring less. Remember that moving is a great opportunity to clear through the clutter, and anything that you don’t need or don’t want should be donated or disposed of now.

Making a moving plan for kids and/or pets.

Plan to have a friend or family member take care of younger children and/or pets on moving day. It will make the day much easier!

We offer mortgage services here in our office through Richelle Rogers, who is a licensed mortgage broker through The Mortgage Group. She would be one of the mortgage professionals you could call here in melfort to assist you in any of your mortgage needs. And if you need any convincing on why you should contact someone like Richelle, here are 10 great reasons to use a mortgage professional:

1. Get independent, objective advice on your financial options.

Mortgage Professionals are not restricted to any one bank or range of products. They work for you and can make objective recommendations on financing solutions through hundreds of lenders.

2. Save time with convenient one-stop-shopping. 

Mortgage Professional do the research and shopping for you so there’s no need for you to waste time organizing appointments with competing mortgage lenders when you could be house-hunting!

3. Negotiation on your behalf. 

Negotiating to secure competitive rates and terms that makes sense for you.

4. More Choices.

With a network of major lenders and products to choose from. Mortgage Professionals can source your ideal mortgage options from banks, credit unions, non-traditional lenders, and more.

5. Assurance that you’re getting the best rates and terms. 

Mortgage Professionals have the negotiating power because lenders compete for their business. To you that means the best rates and terms for your individual needs.

6. Access to special deals and add-ons. 

Many financial institutions offer incentives including retail points programs or appliance discounts. Mortgage Professionals can tap into the perks and savings you deserve.

7. Fast and Efficient. 

From initial assessment of your unique situation right through the closing process, transactions move quickly when working with a Mortgage Professional.

8. Expertise. 

Mortgage Professionals are specialists providing expert advice and guidance on mortgage products, interest rates, and current housing market conditions.

9. No cost to you. 

Mortgage Professionals are paid by lending institutions which in the vast majority of cases means there’s no cost to you and no surprise.

10. Ongoing support. 

Even after your successful mortgage transaction, Mortgage Professionals are a great resource for advice, queries or future referral needs.