Posted on: March 31st, 2025 by Chris Scott
In a market where buyers are being choosy and inventory is picking up, it’s more important than ever for your home to stand out. You don’t need a full HGTV-style overhaul—but thinking like a house flipper (even if you’re just selling your personal home) can mean more money in your pocket and fewer days on the market.
This is the moment to flip your own home—and we’re here to show you how.
Start with Strategic Renovations
You don’t have to gut the kitchen or tear down walls to make a big impact. Small updates can go a long way. Think: updated light fixtures, modern faucets, refreshed cabinetry (hello, new hardware!), and swapping out that tired old vanity in the powder room. Focus on areas where buyers’ eyes go first—kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. We have had clients paint their cabinets this year and the results were amazing. All of the stuff that we suggest would be at least a 5x return plus you would be able to sell your home faster.
Staging: Help Buyers See Themselves There
Staging isn’t just for vacant homes—it’s about creating a lifestyle that buyers can picture themselves stepping into. That might mean rearranging furniture, adding cozy layers, or swapping out personal items for a more neutral, magazine-ready vibe. We work with professional stagers who know exactly how to make a space shine. This is part of our value proposition!!
A Fresh Coat of Paint = Instant Refresh
There’s nothing like a fresh coat of paint to breathe new life into a space. Stick to warm, modern neutrals that photograph well and appeal to the widest audience. In some homes, we have our painter just freshen up some baseboards, while at other times it is more extensive. If you could only do one thing, painting is usually the best return on investment.
Don’t Forget the Outside
Curb appeal still matters. Trim the hedges, power wash the siding, and add a couple of fresh planters by the front door. If your mailbox has seen better days or your house numbers are falling off—those little details can make a big difference. Mulch in the front gardens can also make a huge difference!!
Clean Like You Mean It
A spotless home shows better, feels more cared for, and photographs beautifully. From baseboards to windows, it’s worth investing in a deep clean (and yes, we know amazing pros who can help).
We’ve Got You Covered
This all might sound like a lot—but the good news is, you don’t have to do it alone. We’ve built an amazing network of painters, stagers, contractors, cleaners, and landscapers who we trust with our own homes. Whether you need help picking paint colours or someone to haul away old furniture, we’ve got the resources to make it happen.
Posted on: October 7th, 2024 by Chris Scott
Ever wonder what a HHT (House Hunting Trip) looks like? Every year we help dozens of families relocate into ottawa on their house hunting trips. With only five days to spend in a new city looking for a house it is very intense! We had so much fun documenting our most recent experience.
Day One: Stittsville and Barrhaven
We kicked off the first day by exploring homes in Stittsville, where the neighbourhood’s charm immediately stood out. The friendly atmosphere and tree-lined streets made a strong first impression. However, while the overall vibe of Stittsville was appealing, the home we toured felt too dark for their taste, quickly ruling it out.
Next, we shifted our focus to Barrhaven, where most of their top choices were located. The proximity to recreational centres, shopping, and the well-established community made Barrhaven an appealing option. While some of the homes we visited were a bit older or showed signs of wear, that didn’t affect their final picks. By the end of the day, they had narrowed it down to two or three homes that really stood out and were worth keeping in mind as we continued the search.
Day Two: Richmond, Orleans, and Findlay Creek
We started the day in Richmond, focusing on a few homes Chris had picked out as they aligned perfectly with our client’s criteria. These homes were all new built or constructed within the last few years, offering a bright and modern feel. Several of them backed onto green space, which was a key feature our clients were looking for. While Richmond’s growth and development were appealing, there was some hesitation about whether the current infrastructure would keep pace with the rising population.
After wrapping up in Richmond, we made the hour-long drive to Orleans to check out a few homes that had been high on their favourites list. However, it was clear upon arrival that these homes were significantly older and more lived-in compared to the newer properties we had seen earlier. On the plus side, the larger yards were a hit, but ultimately, the homes didn’t meet their needs.
Toward the end of the day, we managed to squeeze in a last-minute showing back in Richmond. This home ticked many of the right boxes and quickly rose to the top of their list. Meanwhile, Colin took them to see one more property in Findlay Creek, a last-minute opportunity since it was in his area. Unfortunately, this home didn’t fit their needs either, and that wrapped up Day Two.
Day Three: New Listings and Final Visits
After some reflection, our clients realized that while they liked the homes in Richmond, they couldn’t quite picture themselves living there long-term. However, a few new listings had come on the market since we originally booked their showings, and they wanted to explore those before making a decision.
We started the day in Kanata, arriving just as the for-sale sign was being installed. The home featured a pool, which caught their attention, but the small rooms left them wondering how it would work with their growing boys. Despite the hesitation, it earned a spot in their top three choices.
Next, we headed to another new listing. The clients were impressed by both the home and the yard, but with multiple offers already on the table and the tight time frame of their house-hunting trip, entering a bidding war just wasn’t a feasible option.
From there, we revisited their two top picks from Barrhaven. As the day came to a close, they faced a tough decision between the two favourites in Barrhaven and the new contender in Kanata. To feel confident in their choice, they decided to return to the Kanata home with Chris for one final look that evening.
Pros & Cons of the Top Three Picks
Day Four: Decision Day
After much deliberation, our clients were finally ready to make their decision. They chose their top pick and we quickly submitted an offer. After a bit of negotiation and back-and-forth with the sellers, we successfully secured a conditional agreement!
Fortunately, we had already arranged for a home inspection, which took place just two days later. Everything went smoothly, and the conditions were met by the following week, officially securing their new home. It was a perfect way to wrap up an exciting and productive house-hunting trip!
