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Why is making a big change in life often so difficult?


According to psychologists, maintaining the "status quo" is one of the most powerful motivations we have. If things are "okay", even making a change for the better can be difficult. Our brains resist.


You may have experienced this if you’ve thought about selling your current property and finding your next dream home. Your house may be "good enough" for you now and the neighbourhood might be "okay" too. So, even if your dream is to get into a better home that's more suited to your family and lifestyle, you may be hesitant.


That's just the way the psychology works.


One way to get around this psychology is to get your dream out of your head and on to paper. Write down the kind of home you'd love to live in next. For example, you may want a detached home, with 3-bedrooms in a family-oriented neighbourhood. Also jot down the specific features and characteristics of the property and neighbourhood such as a goodsized backyard, family-size kitchen, and an easy commute to work. That will help you see the real possibilities.


Next, find out whether getting into a home like this is doable for you right now. Avoid making assumptions. Get the facts. Find out what you can expect to get for your current property, and what you'll need to spend for the new home.


If you discover that moving to your next dream home is something you can swing this year, your hesitancy will likely vanish!


We can help you get the information you need to make the best decision. Call us.

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Bathroom Staging Tips from Professional Home Stagers

There's a reason why there are "kitchen and bath" stores, and even design magazines devoted to these rooms. A well-staged kitchen and bathroom can make the entire home look better. So, it's no surprise that professional home stagers pay particular attention to these spaces.


What do these pros have to say about bathrooms?


Professional stagers advise that you start by taking a picture of the room. Looking at that picture will give you a better sense of how others see your bathroom and reveal what needs to be changed.


Then, de-personalize it. When you’re showing your home to buyers, you want the bathroom to resemble a guest bathroom. So, no shaving kits, toothbrushes, sticky notes to self on the mirror, etc.


Stagers also recommend that anything worn be replaced. This will likely include the shower curtain and mats, which tend to wear and stain quickly.


Hang fresh new towels on the rack. (If you’re buying new towels for this purpose, choose white.) Put an unused bar of soap or hand cleaner next to the sink. Make it look like a freshly stocked hotel bathroom.


If required, paint the walls. Off-white colours, including beiges and light greys, work well. As you can see, it doesn't take much to stage your bathroom and make it look its best for buyers.


Looking for more staging tips? Call today.

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6 Affordable Ways to Boost your Home's Curb Appeal

When buyers come to see your home, the first thing they notice is how your property looks from the curb. That first impression is powerful and lingering. If buyers don't like what they see, it can influence how they judge the rest of your property, regardless of how great it looks on the inside.


You definitely want to do whatever you can to boost curb appeal. Here are six affordable ideas to consider:

  1. Driveway sealing. This makes the pavement look darker and less faded. It also helps cover up some of the cracks. Sealing won't give you the "brand new" look of repaving, but it's close — and significantly less expensive.
  2. Exterior window washing. Washing the front windows makes them look clean and bright. In fact, the effect can be stunning. There are window washing products that connect to your hose to make this job easier. Check your home improvement retailer.
  3. Maintaining shrubs, hedges and flower beds. Trimming the hedges, shrubs and other evergreens can make a big difference in how your property looks from the street. It's like giving them all a haircut! Flowering plants can also brighten up the look.
  4. Front door painting. From the curb, a buyer's eye is naturally drawn to your front door. If your entry system looks old and worn, consider a fresh coat of paint. It can make the entrance look almost new.
  5. Garage door painting. This is a bigger project that can take a day or two, but the effort might be worth it. For many homes, the garage door is the biggest item in the curb appeal panorama. Making it look better will have a big impact.
  6. Removing unsightly items. Look at your home from the street. Are there items in your field of vision that take away from the curb appeal? For example, are there garbage cans and other items stowed along the side of the property and visible from the road? If so, move them.

If you're selling your home, making the best first impression is crucial. You don't want buyers to drive by simply because they don't like what they see from the outside. Use these tips to boost your home's curb appeal. 

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Ideally you should have a week or two available before you list your property in order to stage your home and make it look its best for buyers. But, what if you listed quickly and within hours of the For Sale sign going up a buyer wants to view your property?


In that scenario, you need to do some quick "staging" to get your home ready. Let's assume your property is already clean and tidy. Here are some other things you can do.


· Open the curtains, even at night. This will make each room seem brighter, more appealing and more spacious.

· Pull out some boxes or storage bins. Put away personal knick-knacks (like that bowling trophy) and other personal       items to reduce clutter on shelves and countertops.

· Clear countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms. Put the old toaster oven out-of-sight.

· Make sure lighting throughout the house is bright and comfortable. In darker areas, plug in a lamp.

· Clear away as much as you can in the foyer. Make that space look open, uncluttered and welcoming.

· Move cars out of the driveway. Give the buyer a convenient place to park!

· Make the beds. Fluff pillows on sofas.

· Clear away as many items as possible from the closet floors (such as shoes.)

· Open a window and air out the kitchen, especially if you just finished cooking.

· Make sure your pet is in a crate or, if possible, out for a walk. Not everyone loves pets.


These staging tips take only a few minutes each, but can make a big difference in the impression your home makes on a buyer.


Want more home selling advice? Call today.

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For some people, the thought of listing their home for sale is stressful. They worry about all the things they have to do — and all the things that might go wrong.


Luckily, it doesn't have to be that way. Here are some tips for making your home sale go smoothly:


· Give yourself time to prepare. If you're thinking of selling six months from now, start preparing your property now. Do any necessary staging, and get it looking its best. Avoid doing these tasks at the last minute.


· Set the right price. Pricing your property too high will likely result in few, if any, buyers coming to see it. You might end up having to lower your price later, causing your home to linger even longer on the market. That's stress you don't need!


· Have a flexible viewing schedule. If you make it too difficult for buyers to see your property, they might lose interest or simply choose to buy another home. Be as flexible as possible when a buyer wants to view your property.


· Plan get-away activities. When a buyer comes for a scheduled viewing, don't be home. Instead, plan some fun activities for your family. Think: playground, shopping, cycling, the zoo, etc.


· Accept the ups and downs. Prospective buyers might say they love your home and plan to make an offer. Then you don't hear from them again! It happens! Accept the inevitable ups and downs of selling your home.


· Get help with repairs. You'll probably have things that need to be fixed around the home, like a dripping faucet that needs repair or a room that needs painting. If possible, hire a professional to do some of that work.


· Finally, work with a great real estate agent. That will make the biggest difference in ensuring your move goes smoothly and stress-free.


Looking for a real estate agent like that? Call us!

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If you're working with a landscaping contractor, you want to develop a good working relationship with that professional, so you can avoid delays, stress and other issues. After all, the last thing you want is a tree planted in the wrong spot because of a misunderstanding!


The same holds true when working with a real estate agent. Whether you're buying, selling, or both, you want the process to go smoothly and successfully. Creating an ideal working relationship with your agent is an important step toward making that happen.


How do you do that?


First, ask your agent to go over the process with you. If you're selling your home, you want to understand the steps the agent is going to take. That way, there will be fewer surprises. In particular, you’ll want to discuss how viewings will be handled. You'll need to come to an agreement as to when your home will be available for viewings, how short-notice viewings will be handled, and whether or not "lockbox access" will be needed.


Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if you're worried about seeming to be naive. (You won't!) You don't want to have unanswered questions or concerns between you and your agent.


Also, know that misunderstandings and mistakes can happen in any relationship with a professional. So if an issue comes up, discuss it right away. Don't let it fester.


Finally, remember that your agent should be professional like us, with expertise in buying and selling in this market. When we make a recommendation regarding pricing, prepping your home, viewings, etc. remember that we are working in your best interest. We want to sell your property, quickly and for a good price, just as much as you do!


Looking for an agent you can trust? Contact us today! 

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3 Not-So-Obvious Indicators it's Time to Sell

There are many good reasons to put your property on the market. Some examples include a relocation, the kids leaving the nest, the need for something bigger or smaller, and the list goes on and on.


However, there are also some less-than-obvious indicators that it may be time to sell.


Consider the following:


1. Your Property is no longer a Good "Fit"


Your home may have been perfect for you when you bought it. But things change. Families grow. Needs evolve. For any number of reasons, your property may no longer be a good fit for you. If that's the case, it makes sense to at least take a look at what's available on the market. Who knows? Your next "perfect" home may be for sale right now — within your price range!


2. The Neighbourhood is Changing


You may have been in love with the neighbourhood when you first moved in. But, over time, the characteristics of any area can change. Those changes don’t necessarily mean the neighbourhood is getting worse. In fact, it may be changing in a positive way; perhaps becoming more urban. But, "more urban" may not be what you want. So take a look at the direction your neighbourhood is heading. Ask yourself, "Do I still want to be living here in two years?"


3. You're Ready for Your Dream Home


Remember when you purchased your current property? Did it have every feature you wanted? Was it your dream home? Or, did you have to compromise on a few things, such as the size of the kitchen? If you had to make some tough choices back then, it might be time for you to finally get the home of your dreams.


Those are just three indicators it may be time for you to make a move. Of course, there are many others. 

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For some homeowners, the process of listing, showing and selling their home can be stressful. Fortunately, there is plenty you can do to make it much less nerve-racking—and even exciting and enjoyable. Here are some ideas:

  1. Make a plan. Decide when you’re going to show your property, search for a new home, view listings, etc. Block out these times in an agenda book or calendar. That way, you and your family can see what’s coming up.


  2. Be flexible. Few things go exactly as planned! So, it’s important to build in flexibility. For example, you may plan to see homes for sale on Saturdays, but if an opportunity comes up on a weeknight, give yourself room in your schedule to jump on it.


  3. Eat well. There are numerous studies that connect poor nutrition with increased stress. When people are selling and moving, there’s a tendency to rely on quick fixes, such as hot dogs and pizza! Try to plan more nutritious meals that will keep everyone healthy and energized.


  4. Get stuff done early. Doing things last minute, such as finding a real estate lawyer or getting rid of clutter, can quickly lead to stress and frustration. Whenever possible, get tasks done early. That way, you won’t have to worry about them.


  5. Hire the right professionals. By far, the surest way to a stress-free move is to get the right professionals working for you: everyone from contractors to mortgage brokers to movers.

By the way, a big part of what we do for clients is help make every aspect of buying, selling and moving go smoothly. Contact us to learn how we can help you. 

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Spring is upon us and now it's time to look at the exterior and interior of your home. 
 
Here are a few suggestions on what to look for and maintain.
 
Outside
 
  • Clean out the gutters and remove any debris.
  • Inspect & repair siding and any peeling paint.
  • Check downspouts and ensure they are pointing away from the house.
  • Check for loose or damaged roof shingles and repair if needed.
  • Look to see if tree branches aren't too close to the house.
  • Clean outside - your deck, porch, driveway, etc.
 
Inside
 
  • Check basement for water damage and look for any foundation cracks. Also a good time to look for any pests.
  • Clean air filters and vents and replace furnace filter.
  • Clean out dryer vent and clean behind the washer and dryer too.
  • Check washing machine and dishwasher fill hoses to make sure there are no cracks developing.
  • Inspect the attic and make sure no critters came in during the winter. Check for mold as well.
  • Inspect caulking around doors and windows.
 
These are a few points to consider. There are more that can be done but the main thing is just get started!
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Watch any TV cooking show, and you’ll notice that a chef’s kitchen looks quite a bit different than what you’d find in most homes. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t have one just like it in your home! With a little remodeling, and splurging on some new items, you too can have a kitchen worthy of Gordon Ramsey, Jamie Oliver, or Rachel Ray.


Chefs love counter space. So, when remodeling, plan to create as much as possible. If you have an existing island, for example, you can replace the countertop with a larger one. Just adding eight inches in both directions will make a big difference.


Most chefs have more than one oven. If that’s impractical for you, consider buying a double-oven stove. Also, chefs prefer gas burners for quicker heat- up times and exacting control of cooking temperature.


One thing you’ll notice about chefs is they love stainless steel.


That’s because it’s easy-to-clean, hygienic and durable (assuming you take care of it).


Finally, because chefs spend so much time in the kitchen, they want the space to be attractive and comfortable. So, when remodeling, keep decor in mind.


Even if you’re just an amateur chef, creating a chef-worthy kitchen will make the foodie in you smile. 

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Have you ever considered renting out a room to a student or renovating your basement into a self-contained rental apartment?


It’s a big decision. There are many pros and cons to consider.


On the pro side, renting can provide you with additional income. An extra few hundred dollars a month can go a long way towards paying down your mortgage or splurging on an exotic summer vacation.


Creating rentable living space in your home — for example, an “in-law suite” featuring a kitchenette and bathroom — may also increase your property’s market value.


On the con side, you’ll have more costs and responsibilities as a landlord. For example, you might need to purchase extra insurance because basic home insurance policies typically do not cover rental units, even if you’re just renting out a room. You’ll also be responsible for dealing with repairs sometimes in the middle of the night.


Also, if you’re not careful about the renter you choose, you might end up with a “problem tenant”. For example, you could have a tenant who is consistently late on rent payments or simply stops paying. That can be stressful.


If you’re deciding whether or not to rent, be sure to check local laws and regulations. Many jurisdictions have very strict rules regarding renting out space in a residential property, and those rules change frequently. Make sure you get the latest information. 

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Imagine you were selling your car, and a prospective buyer was on the way over to see it. What would you do? You would probably make your vehicle look as clean and shiny as possible, inside and out.

 

The same holds true if you’re selling your home and there’s a potential buyer on the way. You want the buyer to be wow’d by your property. Here’s a handy checklist to follow:


  • Clean every room. Make your entire house look as “guest ready” as possible.


  • As much as is feasible given the time, reduce clutter. Consider packing some items into boxes and storing them in the basement or garage.


  • Get pets out of the house. You can take them for a walk, have a neighbour watch them, or take them to a good kennel.


  • Turn on the lights, even during the day. You want each room to look bright.


  • If there are any maintenance issues, such as a dripping faucet, let your Realtor know. Often, it’s best for buyers to be told rather than discover such issues themselves.


  • Open the curtains, except in those rooms where the sun will be uncomfortably strong during the viewing.


  • Move your vehicles from the driveway so the buyer can park there. (That can help them imagine living there, which is what you want!)


  • Make sure your foyer is especially clean and uncluttered. It’s the first “room” the buyer visits.


  • Avoid cooking just before a viewing. Even if the meal is wonderful, the aroma may linger. (Some people don’t like the smell of certain dishes, such as fish.)


  • Freshen up the outdoor space. Mow the lawn. Sweep the walkway.

     

    This viewing checklist will help you prepare your home quickly, so when the buyer comes in your front door, there’s a much better chance he or she will be impressed. 

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Is selling your property the furthest thing from your mind? Well, here are some reasons for listing your property that you might not have considered.

  1. Your property may be worth more than you think. (It’s difficult to determine market value on your own. We can calculate it for you. Give us a call.)
  2. You might qualify for a better home than you anticipate.
  3. Perhaps you are tired of your current property and want a change.
  4. There may be homes on the market in a neighbourhood in which you’ve always wanted to live.
  5. Your current property may no longer meet your needs.
  6. Your neighbourhood may have changed in ways you don’t like.
  7. You might be ready to downsize or upsize and you no longer want to put that off.
  8. You may want to sell in the fall, so you can have a fresh start in a new home in the new year.
  9. Depending on the type of home you’re considering, you could end up with lower mortgage payments or no mortgage at all.
  10. You might want to move to a home that’s more conveniently located near work, family and hobbies.

Of course, you may have your own reasons for listing this month. Why not discuss them with a real estate expert? We can answer your questions and explain the options available to you. 

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You might naturally assume that it is most important to talk to a Real Estate Agent when you’re selling or buying a home. But there are many other circumstances in which it makes sense to give us a call. Here are a few examples.

 

1. When you’re at the “thinking about it” stage


If you’re just thinking about selling your home, and haven’t made a firm decision yet, you might feel uncomfortable calling a Real Estate Agent. Don’t be. In fact, we welcome your call. We can discuss what your current property will likely sell for on today’s market, and determine the type of home you qualify to buy. That way, you’ll have some clarity and be able to make a more informed decision.


2. If you’re nervous about the selling process


If you haven’t sold a home before, you might be concerned about what’s involved in the process. You might even worry that putting your home on the market is going to be a lot of work and create a lot of turbulence for you and your family.


Fortunately, selling your home doesn’t need to be scary. In fact, a big part of our job as Realtors is to make the process as smooth and trouble-free as possible.


So if you have concerns about selling your home, give us a call.


3. If you have questions


You likely have questions about the local real estate scene from time to time. You might have questions like: “How much did that home around the corner sell for?”; “Is now a good time to make a move, or should I wait until the market changes?”; and, “How much is my current home worth?”

 

When you have questions like those, you don’t need to dig for answers on your own. You can give us a call. As experts in the local market, we can give you the answers you need. 

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Imagine there’s a neighbourhood you’d love to live in someday, but, every time you drive through, you rarely, if ever, see a For Sale sign. It’s as if homes get gobbled up by buyers the moment they get listed.

 

It’s true, properties do tend to sell quickly in desirable, in-demand neighbourhoods. Does that mean you’re destined to either hope for a lucky break or miss out on ever living there?


Fortunately, no. There are practical things you can do to increase your chances of getting into that neighbourhood.

Your first step is to find out the kind of new home you can afford. You want to get your financial ducks in a row so when a listing does come up in the area, you’re able to respond quickly. Find out the average price range of homes in the neighbourhood. Then, if necessary, talk to your lender or mortgage broker.


The second step is to get your current property ready for sale. You don’t necessary need to list it now, but you want to be in a position to do so quickly, if necessary. You may need to clean up and declutter, get repairs done, and spruce up your home in other ways.


The third step is to talk to us.


You see, listings in popular neighbourhoods often move fast. By the time you see them advertised on the internet, they may be gone. We can closely monitor listings in that area for you, so the moment one comes up that meets your criteria, you can be alerted. This greatly increases your chances of getting that home.


So if there is a dream neighbourhood you’d love to get into, give us a call. 

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Imagine buying a product from a store, taking it home, and then discovering there’s a problem with it. Disappointing, yes, but not a catastrophe. You can simply take it back for repair or exchange.


But, what if it’s moving day, and you discover there’s a problem with your new home? Whoa. A house isn’t so easily returned!


What are the most common problems encountered on moving day?


  • A delay in getting the keys.


  • The seller not having completely moved out.


  • An item expected to be included with the property is missing. (For example, the window blinds.)


  • Something needs repair that was not disclosed by the seller, nor did it come up during inspection. (For example, the dishwasher not working.)


  • Damage to the property caused by the seller. (For example, a heavy item dropped during the move and cracking a floor tile.)   

 

Fortunately, these are rare events. In most cases, you can expect no serious issues when you move into your new home.

 

But, if something is wrong, you have options. So, call us immediately. In all likelihood, we will be able to quickly resolve the issue.

 

So don’t worry. Let the professionals handle it. You can just enjoy your new home! 

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SURREY, BC – The Fraser Valley saw a much-needed increase to new housing inventory entering the market in May, supporting growing demand for residential properties in the region. Last month marked the highest level of sales for the Fraser Valley since June of last year, and the second-highest level for a May historically.


The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 2,707 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in May, a decrease of 7 per cent compared to the 2,911 sales in May of last year, and a 21.4 per cent increase compared to the 2,230 sales in April 2017.

 

Of the 2,707 sales processed last month, 620 were townhouses and 609 were apartments. Attached home sales combined continued the 10-month trend of surpassing detached sales in the region.

 

“The further we get into this year’s market, the less 2016 looks like an anomaly in terms of demand and sales activity. If it wasn’t clear before, the Fraser Valley is now a prime, highly sought-after destination for home owners of all types," said Gopal Sahota, Board President.”

 

In May the total active inventory for the Fraser Valley was 5,203 listings, a decrease of 9.5 per cent year-over-year, and an increase of 5.9 per cent compared to the available inventory in April 2017.

 

The Board received 3,712 new listings in May; a 1 per cent increase from last year’s 3,674 new listing for the month, and a 25.8 per cent increase compared to April 2017’s incoming listings.

 

"We’re very happy to see the bump inventory we were looking for in April. I think sellers will certainly be glad that demand hasn’t let-up since the start of the spring market and more options for potential buyers is always a good thing.”

 

For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell a single family detached home in May 2017 was 23 days, compared to 16 days in May 2016.

 

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity


• Single Family Detached: At $915,800, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Valley increased 3 per cent compared to April 2017, and increased 9.8 per cent compared to May 2016.

 

• Townhomes: At $458,900 the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 2.9 per cent compared to April 2017, and increased 25.7 per cent compared to May 2016.

 

• Apartments: At $295,000, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 3.4 per cent compared to April 2017, and increased 31 per cent compared to May 2016.

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When you suffer damage to, (or the loss of), your home or its contents, you expect your insurance company to help you out. And, most do a good job of doing just that.

 

Still, it’s a good idea to review your policy with your insurance advisor and find out what’s covered and what isn’t. You don’t want to discover that your policy will not cover the cost of repairing the damage caused by a flood in your laundry room.


Pay particular attention to coverage in the case of water damage. Some insurance policies don’t cover floods and sewer backup unless an additional rider is purchased.


Also, check liability limits. Ask your advisor to recommend an appropriate level. Finally, make sure you know exactly how much your home is insured for. Are you covered for the full replacement cost? Are you comfortable with that coverage or the actual cash value?


Having the right insurance gives you peace-of-mind and is an important part of enjoying your home.


Keep in mind that experts advise you to review your insurance with your advisor. Ask lots of questions. Make sure you understand your coverage fully.


By the way, if you’re looking for an insurance advisor, we are well-connected in the local “home” industry. We may be able to give you a couple of names of good, reputable professionals. Give us a call. 

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Imagine finding the perfect home, only to discover there is serious interest from at least a dozen other buyers. It’s like scrambling for the last piece of cake at a buffet!

 

Fortunately, there are things you can do to help get the home you want, even in a highly competitive market. Here are just a few ideas:


  • Only view a few ideal properties at a time. If you see too many, and thus spread yourself too thin, you risk homes slipping through your fingers.


  • Be realistic about price. Focus on finding a great home that you can afford, rather than trying to find a bargain.


  • Consider homes that need some work. They get less interest than perfectly staged properties, yet can turn out to be a dream home.


  • Be prepared to make an offer with as few conditions as possible. An offer conditional on passing inspection is usually fine, but in a competitive situation, offers with other conditions will likely be turned down flat.


  • Make your decisions quickly. If there are likely to be other interested buyers, you want to get your offer in early.


  • Make the right offer. To win the deal, you want your offer to be as enticing as possible to the seller — especially when it comes to price.


Yes, it can be tough finding an ideal home in a hot market, but we can help. Give us a call and we’ll show you how. 

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Decorative moulding is one of the most eye-catching ways to upgrade a room. You’re probably accustomed to seeing standard baseboard moulding installed where your floor meets the wall. But, there are many other types.

 

For example:

  • Crown moulding for ceilings.

  • Panel moulding for a southern colonial look.

  • Chair rail moulding, which is very distinctive on walls.

  • Apron moulding for window sills.
  • Entablature moulding for above doorways.

 

Decorative moulding comes in a dizzying array of styles. Interior designers recommend taking home samples, just as you would take paint swatches, to test out ideas.

 

In addition to style choices, you also need to select the material you prefer. Moulding can be made of wood, plaster, laminate, composite, fiberboard, vinyl and other materials. There are pros and cons to each. Generally, the higher-priced options are more attractive and durable. (If you select wood, you typically have the additional option of “finished or unfinished”. If you choose unfinished, you of course, will be painting it yourself.)

 

Choosing the right moulding for the look you want is the toughest part of the job. Installation is a lot easier and most people with DIY experience have no problems.

 

So if you want to add some magic to your walls, consider decorative moulding. It can turn a room from standard to stunning. 

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Reciprocity Logo The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.