Prepping Your House for Fall/Winter

With Fall just around the corner and Winter looming, there are many things that you can do to prepare your home for the upcoming cold seasons. These 7 helpful tips and tricks from Reader's Digest will help you get the Job Done easily as the temperature cools and becomes unpredicatable. 1. Clear out the gutters. Remove leaves and other debris from your drainpipe and gutters to prevent clogging. In areas with cold winters, outdoor faucets should be drained in the fall. 2. Clean the fireplace and chimney. You can clear out ash and charred wood from the fireplace yourself, but leave the chimney cleaning to a professional. Have the chimney cleaner check the damper to ensure it can be tightly closed to prevent drafts. 3. Check the heating system. Do a survey of your home’s heating vents to make sure they’re not blocked or covered by furniture, carpeting, or curtains. Dust vents and clean all filters. Make an appointment for an annual heating system check-up. 4. Store air conditioners. If you have removable window air conditioners, be sure to unplug them before taking them down. Dust and clean before covering or storing. 5. Check for drafts. Stay warm, save energy, and reduce your heating bills this fall by examining windows and doors for cracks and sealing them to prevent drafts. 6. Put up storm windows. If you have removable screens, now’s the time to clean, store, and replace them with storm windows. 7. Ready the water heater. Prepare for cooler weather by draining the water heater and clearing out any debris that has settled in the tank. Read more: http://www.rd.com/home/improvement/prepare-your-home-for-fall-and-winter/#ixzz2e2oBUvws

Innovative Cleaning Tips and Tricks for Your Home

If you are looking for easy tips and tricks to get started on Spring Cleaning for your home, then you have come to the right place.

Tip #1 for Cleaning your Toaster:

Use a few drops of water, cream of tartar, and a sponge to get your stainless steel appliances looking brand new again.

Tip #2 for Cleaning your Sink:

Cut a lemon or lime in half. With the water on and garbage disposal running, add the fruit one at a time to the disposal. The fruit will help clean your drain and make it smell good at the same time.

This is also a great way to use citrus fruit that's on its way out.
For the faucets and handles, wipe with a mild soapy solution. The toothbrush can be used to get in the hard-to-reach areas. Again, if spots remain, a cloth soaked in white vinegar can be used. Once you're finished cleaning, thoroughly rinse once more time and dry with a soft rag. Your sink should now be sparkly clean!

Tip #3 for Cleaning your Windowsills:

Dip a q-tip in white vinegar and run it along the track.

Tip #4 for Cleaning your Baseboards:

Wipe a Dryer Sheet along the Baseboards once a month to keep dirt and hair from collecting on the baseboards.

Tip #5 for Cleaning your Candles:

Wiping your candles with cut pantyhose will remove dirt and dust easily from your decorative candles.

For even more Tips and Tricks on how to easily keep your home clean, check out the article here:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/33-meticulous-cleaning-tricks-for-the-ocd-person-i

Bathroom Tiling Ideas

Looking for a challenging but fun renovation project this spring/summer? Re-doing your bathroom not only provides you with a beautiful retreat and living space, an appealing bathroom can add increased value to your home when it comes time to sell.

Here are some beautiful pictures of bathrooms from HGTV that have been thoughtfully and intelligently renovated/updated with different tiles.




Pay Attention to the Details

Portland, Ore., designer Jessica Helgerson believes the little tiling details can make or break a space. For example, she finds it's important to carefully consider where the tile starts and stops. If there isn't a clean way to end the tiling, she'll often take the tile all the way up the wall. This bathroom features one of Jessica's favorite tiles, made by Oceanside GlassTile. Photo courtesy of Jessica Helgerson

 

Play With the Trim Options

In this bathroom, Jessica Helgerson uses a 3 x 6 brick from Pratt and Larson's Simple Solutions, which is chosen for the great variety of trim options. For example, the tile wainscot has a decorative base and top cap, and a different cap is used for the edge of the tub. She then uses black and white marble hexagon mosaics on the floor, creating a decorative border with the white tile. Photo courtesy of Jessica Helgerson

 

Create a Spa-Like Effect

When Cortney was presented with the challenge of a large bathroom, she decided to create a light and airy waterfall-like atmosphere. To accomplish this, she has the glass tiles installed vertically and keeps the grout neutral. Bishop says, "As a general rule, less is more. Using one tile throughout a space gives a cleaner, more consistent look." Photo courtesy of Courtney Bishop.

 

Use Various Tile Shapes in Different Colors

San Francisco Bay-area designer Kriste Michelini uses tile to create a divide between the wet and dry areas of the bathroom. She frequently experiments with unique combinations of tile and uses various tile shapes in the same marble material to create a sense of infinite space. Photo courtesy of Kriste Michelini

 

For more of these great Tile ideas, visit:

 http://www.hgtv.com/bathrooms/high-end-bathroom-tile-designs/pictures/index.html

5 Social Media Faux Pas for Real Estate Pros

Social Media has quickly become one of the most important tools Realtors use to stay connected and communicate with their clients.

It also has the potential to not only stay in touch and promote their listings, Social Media can create legitimacy for some agents who use it to their advantage.

Here are 5 Social Media Faux Pas from the website Next Agent:

1. Don’t outsource your social media. Many real estate professionals want to hire someone to “do it for them.” You wouldn’t outsource taking your best client to dinner would you? Then don’t outsource one of the biggest opportunities you have to connect and build relationships with past, present and future clients.
2. Don’t automate it. Turn off those automatic notifications, they are considered spammy and no one wants to look spammy – especially as a first impression!
3. Don’t sync your Facebook to your Twitter and vice versa. Many real estate pros do this in an effort to save time. Don’t do this – it looks lazy. Plus, the language and conversation on Facebook and Twitter is very different. You can certainly post the same type of content to each channel, but do so separately and make sure to use the right lingo for each network.
4. Don’t just promote your listings. There is nothing worse than only seeing a feed of listings on a real estate professionals Facebook or Twitter feed. To talk about your listings on social media – highlight an amazing photo using Instagram, or take a quick 15 second video of the home or homeowner using an app like Tout, Ptch or Videolicious. Social media is the place to get creative when talking about real estate – not the “same old, same old.”
5. Don’t be a broken record. No one wants to hear the same things over and over from your or your brand. This is where having a content strategy really comes into play. Take the time to brainstorm all of the different things you could talk about on your social channels and then make sure you have a nice balance day to day of content.

For more on this article, take a look at the website here:
http://next.inman.com/2012/11/quick-tip-top-5-social-media-faux-pas-for-real-estate-pros/

What to Expect in the Real Estate Market for Spring 2013

According to the Globe and Mail, the predictions for the Real Estate Market for the Spring of 2013 can be summed up with the word: balance.

Meaning, there is a prediciton that the Real Estate market will be active with Sellers hoping for a 'Spring Rebound' and there will be Buyers, looking for a 'deal'.

But as Bank of Montreal economist, Douglas Porter puts it:

"...Any number of factors could upset the balance, and the tilt could go either way"

The rest of the article goes on to state that so far sales have slumped, with the most recent numbers showing a 19.4% drop in December, compared to a year earlier.

This could be the soft landing that many economists have been predicting.

There is still the risk that the market could spriral down into a 'viscious circle' as the mortgage rules in Canada were tightened last year.

On the other hand, the Market could climb and regain itself as a mirror to the US market as they continue to grow strong.

Still with these two different scenairos, Porter is putting his money on the scenairo that "real estate prices in Toronto, at the end of 2013, will be slightly lower than they were at the end of 2012".

For more on this article, click here:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/real-estate/what-will-spring-bring-for-toronto-real-estate/article7462372/

The Top Real Estate Stories of 2012

Happy New Years to all of my family, friends and clients.

What a year 2012 has been and only more exictement and happines for 2013 is what I wish for everyone!

Here is an interesting article from the National Post on the Top Real Estate Stories of 2012.



1. Why it is better to rent than Own...
2. Canada braces for a housing slowdown
3. What Canadians need to know about buying U.S. real estate
4. Ottawa tightens mortagage rules to avoid housing crisis
5. The 10 year mortgage vs. the 5 year mortgage: Which one is better?
6. Low mortgage rates are not an invitation to rack up debt
7. Home ownership in Canada reaches new heights
8. Are we worrying ourselves into a house crash?
9.Boomers are warned that using house sales for retirement, could backfire
10. As Housing market slows, industry scrambles to paint better picture.

To read these articles more in depth...please visit: http://business.financialpost.com/2012/12/21/top-2012-housing-stories-from-crash-warnings-to-rent-vs-buy/?__lsa=bdf3-0291

Wishing everyone the best in 2013!

Happy Holidays!!

The Holidays are finally Here!

I would like to wish everyone a very Happy, Healthy and Safe Holiday Season, on behalf of the Corcoran Team and myself.

Thank you to my wonderful family, friends and clients for an amazing 2012.

Let's make 2013 even better!

All My Best,
Dan Corcoran

Budget Friendly Holiday Decorating Guide

There is no need to spend  a lot of money on over priced Holiday decorations.

With a little creativity and time, you can decorate your home in a unique way that is tasetful and full of the Holiday Spirit.

From the innovative editors from Readers Digest, these ideas will have your family and friends very impressed with your decorating saavy.

Decorating Tip Number 1: Fill a Martini Glass with old fashioned candy.

Decorating Tip Number 2: Take any old cans and decorate with Christmas Illustrations or Wrapping Paper to make a unique holder or for a gift.

Decorating Tip Number 3: Make Your Throw Pillows into festive pieces

For even more Tips and Tricks, visit the Readers Digest Website:

http://www.rd.com/slideshows/16-easy-and-cheap-christmas-decorating-tips/#slideshow=slide21

Holiday Table Settings for 2012

The Holiday season is just around the corner and we all need some fresh and inspiring ideas for our place settings. At the Turning Houses into Homes blog, The Corcoran Team strives to bring you fresh and innovative ideas to make your comfortable and loving for you and your family.

One great way to make your table fun and unique is to mix and match your place settings which creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests without being too overdone or 'stuffy'.

Another idea is to choose a fun and unique theme for decorating and pick up various pieces from different stores to make sure the look is not to 'matchy matchy'.

Here are some great Table Looks from the experts at HGTV and the style guru herself, Martha Stewart:

http://www.marthastewart.com/274744/holiday-table-settings/@center/276958/holiday-entertaining#202078

http://www.hgtv.ca/blog/3-holiday-table-settings/

Just Listed: Great Opportunity for a Condo Alternative

Modern, updated condo alternative with an open concept renovated kitchen. The kitchen overlooks the light filled back solarium with hardwood floors in the living room and main floor bedroom. The separate detached, one car garage makes parking easy. Conveniently located close to the subway & Taylor Creek Park.

Check out The Tour Here:

http://pfretour.com/10985

Open House is

Saturday November 24th & Sunday November 25th (2-4pm)

Just Listed: Fabulous Home on the water: $1,949,900

Capture The Magnificent Sunrises And Sunsets From The Gazebo Or Balcony Of This Lakefront Property. Grand Kitchen Opens To The Living And Dining Areas. Wall Of Windows Across Across Back Of The Home Offering Unobstructed Views Of The Lake. Within One Kilometre To Brant Street Allowing For Convienence Of Walking To Restaurants, Shopping, Galleries And Local Festivals. Great Opportunity!

Extras: *Second Floor Bedrooms Have Electric Baseboard Heating* Alarm System, Auto Garage Door Opener, Fridge, Gas Stove, B/I Dishwasher, B/I Microwave, Clothes Washer/Dryer. OPEN HOUSE: Thursday November 8th 2012: 10am-12pm OPEN HOUSE: Sunday  November 11th 2012: 2-4pm Please contact the Cocoran Team for more details. 416-465-4545

Unique Decorating Tips for Halloween

Stuck on ideas for how to decorate your home for Halloween in a unique way?

Best to turn to the experts at Better Homes and Gardens for their advice and guidance on to achieve a truly unique look for this Halloween.

One more weekend left, so start looking at these pictures for inspiration and turn your home into a spooky House of Horror! (with a unique a tasteful flair of course).

Which ones do you like the best for your home?

http://www.bhg.com/halloween/indoor-decorating/

Fun with Pumpkins - not your same old Jack-O-Lanterns

Looking for some fresh ideas for your pumpkins? 

Check out Pumpkin Planters and Jack-O-Lanterns with Hair!

Just Listed: 20 Cambrai Ave $299,888

Open House Saturday October 6th and Sunday October 7th from 2 pm until 4 pm. 

Opportunity awaits you here with this detached home! Features include large lot, private drive and double car garage. If you are a handyman, contractor, builder or designer, 

this is the property you've been looking for. 

For more information contact Dan Corcoran at 416.465.4545

www.TheCorcoranTeam.com

Just Listed: 84 Hertle Avenue in Toronto

Open House Saturday & Sunday 2 pm until 4pm  

  

Intelligently and thoughtfully renovated home in Leslieville/Beaches. Gorgeous gourmet kitchen with granite countertops. Open concept living room and dining room with oversized french doors walking out to west facing deck and garden oasis. This house is a true find!

Second tiered flagstone upper deck with separate hobby room (or Man Cave) with Hydro. Separate entrance to basement with working kitchen and bathroom. (Previously Rented)

Extras include: Stainless Steel Fridge, Stove, Built In Dishwasher, Built In Microwave, Clothes Washer And Dryer.

This property features many upgrades including upgraded water service, new furnace in 2009, landscaped back yard, new driveway in 2011, new eaves troughs in 2011,  all the hardwood was replaced or refinished and so much more. 

Open House Saturday July 21st and Sunday July 22nd from 2 pm until 4 pm.     

Fences: Urban Looks and Fence Design Ideas

Thinking about replacing your fence? There are so many fabulous design ideas that can transform a boring fence into a feature that enhances your out door spaces.