Susan Terry

Nothing makes me happier than helping my amazing clients find that perfect home! If you’re looking to relocate, reach out so that we can discuss your next move.

Wallpaper used to be all the rage, and it’s starting to make a comeback.

You can now buy peel & stick wallpaper that’s a breeze to put up and just as easy to take down.

This new type of wallpaper is a great way to quickly create a stunning accent wall. It’s also perfect for covering up “problem walls” that are starting to show cracks and other imperfections.

If you’ve got some of the older-style wallpaper hanging around your home that you’re looking to get rid of, here are a few environmentally friendly solutions that’ll help you easily scrape and peel it away:

Hot Vinegar
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and hot water. Use a paint roller or large brush to apply the solution to your wallpaper.

Soften It Up
Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of fabric softener and hot water and spray it evenly on the wallpaper.

Wash It Away
Mix 1 part dishwashing liquid and 3 parts warm water. Make sure to use a dishwashing liquid that includes a degreaser.

Once the wallpaper has been removed, wash the walls with warm water and let them dry thoroughly before painting them or hanging your new peel & stick wallpaper.

If you do it right, that old ugly wallpaper can be easily removed, so if you find the home of your dreams but it’s buried under a layer of hideous wallpaper, don’t let it deter you from putting in an offer!

If you’re having an open house, it’s important to dress your home for success!

Open houses are slowly starting to make a comeback in the Grey Bruce area, but they’re not always necessary as they can sometimes attract unqualified buyers or those who are just curious.

There are instances though where an open house can lure that perfect buyer or perhaps spark a bidding war. It can also motivate buyers to act quickly if they know there’s an open house coming up.

If you and your agent decide that an open house is the way to go, it’s important to get it right so here are a few tips that’ll help dress your home for success:

Lighten Up
Open up the windows and blinds to let in as much fresh air and natural light as possible. Flowers also brighten things up and they’re a great way to draw attention to features such as a bay window.

Nothing Personal
Potential buyers shouldn’t feel as though they’re intruding so remove any personal items such as family photos or the kids’ artwork that’s hanging on the fridge.

Back It Up
Showcasing the beauty of your backyard is important as buyers, now more than ever, are looking for a tranquil outdoor space to relax in so cut the grass, trim the hedges and clear away any clutter.

Seasoning
If you have an open house in the winter or on a dark rainy day, be sure to showcase your garden by displaying photos of your yard during the spring, summer and fall when it’s at its best.

Spread the Word
Tell the neighbours about your upcoming open house so that they can spread the word to any friends and/or family members who might be interested in moving to the area.

The Nose Knows
Baking cookies just before an open house will leave a pleasant aroma that’ll remind people they’re in a loving family home rather than just a house. You can even leave some out for your visitors to enjoy!

Get Out!
It’s always best if the homeowners aren’t around during an open house as potential buyers need to be able to relax and envision themselves living in your home while also feeling comfortable enough to voice their objections.

On the day of your open house, your home should be sparkling clean and completely de-cluttered. You only get one chance to make a winning first impression when you open your doors and showcase your home to potential buyers, so it’s important to take the time and do it right.

For detailed stats that are specific to your neighbourhood, or even if you’re curious about what the house down the street sold for, please don’t hesitate to reach out – it’d be great to hear from you!

Please reach out if you ever have any questions about the Grey Bruce real estate market, even if it’s just to find out what the house down the street sold for – it’d be great to hear from you!

Shopping at the ReStore is a great way to support those in our community!

You’ve probably heard of Habitat for Humanity, the non-profit organization that helps struggling families find affordable housing, but they also operate “ReStores” that sell reclaimed building materials.

The first ReStore was opened in 1991 by five Canadians and there are now more than a thousand locations worldwide!

ReStores are basically an international chain of building supply stores that accept and resell new and used household items and materials to help support those in need.

Aside from raising funds to build houses, the ReStore is a great way for you to save a bit of money now that prices of everything have risen so sharply. It also helps keep millions of tons of materials from ending up in landfills each year.

Every ReStore is different and the inventory is constantly changing. You’ll find items such as windows, doors, paint, hardware, lumber, tools, furniture and appliances – basically everything including the kitchen sink!

The local ReStore is the perfect place to go if you have a passion for restoring and upcycling old furniture as there’s always a never-ending supply of “diamonds in the rough” that are waiting to be transformed into a unique creation!

If you haven’t visited the ReStore yet, you should definitely check it out. It’s always a fun experience because you never know what you’re going to find!

Better still, you’ll be helping to fund future home-building projects for those in need while also doing your bit for the environment – it’s the perfect win-win-win scenario!

A few small changes can drastically transform your home’s first impression!

In today’s busy market, the key to getting top dollar for your home is to create huge demand. To get as many people through the door as possible, your home has to stand out from the competition.

There’s no need to completely overhaul your home’s exterior as it’s often the little details that increase the visual appeal of a property. Here are a few ideas that will enhance your home’s curb appeal:

Face Wash
Making a great first impression on potential buyers is crucial, so scrub down your home’s exterior and clean all of the windows.

Your Number’s Up
Replacing your boring old faded numbers with a fresh new number plate is something you should address (pardon the pun) as it’s the first thing buyers see when looking for your home.

Perfect Porch
A well-lit porch with some comfortable chairs and a few hanging baskets will set a tranquil tone for potential buyers as they enter your home.

Light It Up
Solar lights will add a welcoming glow that will make your home stand out at night while dramatically highlighting your home’s best exterior features.

Peeling Paint
It’s important that buyers are able to tell that your home is well cared for so touch up any weathered or flaky bits of paint to give your home a fresh new look.

Fixture Fix
Replacing outdated fixtures such as your mailbox, door handle and porch light is an easy way to update your home’s appearance.

Green Grass
Cut the grass and trim the hedges. Well-kept flower beds show pride of ownership and a few large pots full of bright flowers will accentuate the entranceway.

Cut the Clutter
An uncluttered exterior is as important as an uncluttered interior so put away tools, toys, bikes, dog bones, garbage cans and gardening equipment.

Apply Pressure
There’s no pressure when it comes to sprucing up your deck, fence or driveway as a pressure washer will instantly wash the grime away!

Watch Your Back
When buyers drive by your home, they’ll usually try to catch a glimpse of the backyard so make sure it also gets top-notch treatment!

Just as people judge a book by its cover, buyers make assumptions about the interior of your home based on how the outside looks.

It’s therefore important to make a great first impression starting from the curb. Your efforts will significantly increase the chances of your home selling quickly and for top dollar!

For detailed stats that are specific to your neighbourhood, or even if you’re curious about what the house down the street sold for, please don’t hesitate to reach out – it’d be great to hear from you!

Peace of mind is priceless.

Starting a conversation with someone you just met can be intimidating.

Over the past two years, our social game has taken a bit of a hit due to lockdowns, social distancing and a lack of events and get-togethers.

Making conversation can be daunting if you can’t think of anything to say but these helpful tips will have you filling up awkward silences and chatting up a storm in no time:

You Name It
When you’re introduced to someone, use their name right away as people love to hear their name and by saying it out loud you’re more likely to remember it.

Mirror Mirror
Always maintain eye contact to show you’re interested, nod your approval every now and then and mirror their gestures to make them feel more comfortable.

Be Open Ended
Ask questions as people love to talk about themselves but try to always make sure that they’re open-ended questions so that the answers aren’t just yes or no.

Listen Learned
Rather than worrying about how to respond, listen carefully to what others are saying so that you’ll be able to provide a more natural response when there’s a break in the conversation.

Common Ground
Try and find similarities between you and the other person and build upon them. It could be as simple as a hobby you share, friends you have in common or the fact that you live in the same area.

Smile & Be Positive
Most individuals are drawn to positive people so stand tall, smile wide and keep your conversation upbeat instead of sharing your worries and woes right off the bat.

Making conversation is actually really easy — you just need the confidence to pull it off. Instead of awkwardly fidgeting when you’re introduced to someone, try to relax, listen carefully and most importantly, just be yourself!