Toronto Condo and Real Estate Blog

Design Tip for September - Choosing Effective  Lighting

When attempting to choose the proper lighting to complement a room, the task is often difficult for the uninformed consumer. Lamps and overhead light fixtures come in a variety of shapes, colours and sizes and are designed to co-ordinate with any room decor. It is not only important that the light source looks good, but it also has to serve a very definite purpose. Knowing a few basic guidelines will guarantee greater success in making the right light decision.

Remember when placing lamps in the living room or family room that the bottom of the lamp shade should be at eye level when you’re sitting (40 - 42″ from the floor). This is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also serves to eliminate glare and offers adequate light for reading.

In the bedroom, the bottom of the lamp shade should be at shoulder level when you’re sitting up (about 20″ from the top of the mattress). If you have only one lamp that is ornamental and not used for reading, it can be taller.

The bottom of the shade of a floor lamp or desk lamp, in an office space, should also be at eye level for maximum efficiency. If your existing floor lamp is too tall to meet this requirement, simply move it away from the chair about 10″, behind your shoulder, to change the angle of the glare. When sitting at a desk, the same rule applies in that the bottom of the shade should be at eye level thus determining the size of the lamp base.

Simple mathematics in a dining room helps when selecting the proper dimensions for overhead lighting. Simply measure the width of the room and then multiply the number by two. (Example: a room that is 12′ wide would require a fixture that is 24″ in diameter). Another way to calculate the proper diameter for an overhead fixture is to calculate 1/3 the length of the dining room table (Example: A table that is 6′ or 72″ long - a logical size for a 12′ room - would require a calculation of 72/3 or 24″). A dimmer switch is essential to create the desired effect in a dining room and control the functionality of the light source.

Why Agents Often Choose to Pay for Staging Services

It is not uncommon for clients to ask agents how to prepare their home for sale. Experienced brokers often suggest using a professional staging company or decorator to advise their clients on what to do. The fee for this service is very low compared to the thousands generated in a transaction, it is a tax write off, and it maximizes the opportunity for the house to sell for top dollar.

Good stagers make a house sparkle and look more spacious. There are many statistics available to show that staged houses sell faster and for more money. And who benefits from this? You do - the seller. That is why it is vital that every home is staged. Wise agents make a talented staging team a permanent part of their marketing plan.

Let us help you sell your house.

Home STEPS
Decorating / Staging / Downsizing
C. & R. Heimpel
416-686-9943
carolann@consultant.com

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Contact the Jeffrey Team for more information

Don’t throw money out the window

From Pillar to Post

With heating and cooling costs continuing to rise, it makes sense to look at one of the leading causes of energy inefficiency in the home: windows. Installing energy-efficient windows can mean increased comfort as well as savings on utility bills in any climate.

The transmission of air and light is generally the most important function of windows. However, this can mean heat loss in the winter, overheating in the summer, and higher energy bills. A typical home may lose up to 30% of its heat or cooling through windows. Properly installed, energy-efficient windows can go a long way toward improving this situation.

There are many factors that affect a window’s energy efficiency. Whether they are single- or double-paned, gas filled, Low-Emittance (Low-E) coated, and even the material of the window frame all contribute to a window’s performance. Online resources such as this and this provide detailed information on these specifications and how to select windows appropriate for various climates. An experienced window contractor can also be a good source of information and recommendations.

Homeowners should check with their local utility to find out about possible rebates and other incentives for the purchase of new, energy-efficient windows.

Of course, replacing windows is not always a viable option. There are steps homeowners can take to improve their energy savings without replacing windows. Making sure windows are properly caulked, keeping weather stripping in good repair, and using storm windows will help. Window coverings are another good way to reduce heat loss in winter and avoid overheating in summer.

Improving energy efficiency throughout the home means cost savings to the homeowner. Energy-efficient windows are a significant step toward that goal.

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Contact the Jeffrey Team for more information

Torontonians deserve thoughtful and fair approach to City’s financial challenges: Toronto real estate agents

In response to recent City of Toronto announcements regarding the City’s fiscal situation, Toronto’s real estate agents are calling on Mayor Miller, City Councillors and provincial politicians to consider thoughtful and fair options preferred by Torontonians, instead of just new taxation or cuts to core services.

Toronto real estate agents have been watching the actions of City and Provincial politicians since Toronto City Council decided to defer consideration of a second land transfer tax, which would mean a 100% increase, or over $4,000 in extra costs for the average Toronto home buyer, if approved.

“The public has been clear that a second land transfer tax is simply not a fair way to address the City’s budget shortfall. It discriminates against homebuyers by forcing them to shoulder a disproportionate and unfair burden,” said Donald Bentley, President of the Toronto Real Estate Board “The second land transfer tax should be taken off the table immediately and the public should be given thoughtful choices instead.”

The Toronto Real Estate Board points out that a second land transfer tax will impact average people. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, in Toronto’s condominium market, where most investment activity occurs, approximately 80% of units are owned by people who live in them. Investment activity is even lower when all residences are considered.

“Toronto real estate agents know first hand that the Toronto real estate market is dominated by people buying homes to live in them, not by investors or speculators,” added Bentley. “A second land transfer tax will be felt the most by real, hard-working, people with the dream of home ownership. In today’s market, it is not uncommon for these people to move every five years or so; they will feel the sting of the second land transfer tax many times”.

Toronto real estate agents believe that a fair approach to addressing Toronto’s fiscal situation should include immediate and adequate provincial action, prioritizing the City’s core services, and making sure services are delivered efficiently.

“The choice isn’t simply between new taxes or cuts to core services. The public knows better and they deserve better. There are other options. The City has to get its house in order and all provincial politicians have to step up to the plate with firm, adequate and immediate commitments,” said Bentley. “The recent announcements from the Provincial Party leaders regarding municipal finances show that public opinion is having an impact, but the public is expecting and demanding more.”

While the Toronto Real Estate Board believes that provincial action is a key part of the solution, Toronto real estate agents are also calling for an impartial third-party review of the City’s budget so that the public can have an accurate understanding of the City’s fiscal situation.

“The public has the right to demand openness so that they can truly understand what makes up the City’s shortfall. The City shouldn’t be hesitant to ask for a second opinion on where savings can be found and other options,” added Bentley.

Toronto real estate agents are also questioning the City’s current approach to cost containment, noting that the City’s Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer is currently in the process of determining what the City’s core services are.

“Frankly, it’s shocking that the City would choose to pursue new taxes before identifying discretionary services. The public know their priorities and they expect the City to focus their existing tax dollars on those core services, while finding savings in discretionary areas. The City’s recent cost containment efforts seem to have ignored various options that may be preferred by the public”, said Bentley.

The Toronto Real Estate Board plans to continue opposing the unfair second land transfer tax. More information is available at www.NoHomeBuyingTax.com.

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Contact the Jeffrey Team for more information