Create an inexpensive sofa table

We have an open floor plan in our home, as do many of the houses in our neighbourhood. I've found it challenging to find a way to display some mementos, lighting etc. in our living room.  Our future plan includes building some custom built in shelves around our fireplace.  However in the interim I wanted to find an easy and inexpensive way to display items that wouldn't get knocked over while the kids were playing.  Enter Pinterest!  I saw a post at about building a sofa table….perfect!  

Before

After

The project only took an afternoon to complete and cost us less than $20.  I chose white MDF as the table isn't visible.  I measured the height and width of the couch that the table would be placed behind.   If you don’t have a saw you can have the wood/MDF cut at Home Depot at no charge.  We used “L brackets” to attach the table to the legs.  Two coats of paint later…..Voila!  What do you think?

Should You Buy the "Less Than Perfect" Home?

When you’re shopping for a new home, you want to find a property that has all the features and characteristics you want. A large deck surrounded by picturesque landscaping ... a beautiful kitchen with gleaming marble countertops... a cozy finished basement with fireplace....

You should look for the ideal home. You deserve it! But some home buyers make the mistake of becoming fixated on finding the "perfect" property, and passing too quickly on those homes that don't quite measure up.

Why is that a mistake? Because some of those less-than-perfect properties have the potential of becoming your next dream home.

First of all, a home that is lacking some desirable features, such as a finished basement, will probably cost less. Those savings may be more than enough to cover any needed upgrade or renovation.

Secondly, if you look at a home in terms of its potential, rather than the features it happens to have now, there will be more properties available on the market for you to consider.

If you're determined to have a large wrap-around deck for entertaining, for example, don't cross homes that don't have this feature off your list. At least not yet. Instead, view these properties with an eye on potential. Is the backyard big enough to accommodate a large deck? How would a deck like that look if added to this particular property? How much would such a renovation cost?

There's no doubt about it. You want to find a home that has all the features and characteristics you want. If you work with a good REALTOR®, there is a good chance you'll find a property that has most of them.

But keep an open mind. Sometimes a "diamond in the rough" can – with an upgrade or renovation – become a home you'll treasure for years.

photo by oatsy40

When is it time to talk to a REALTOR®?

Many people only see a doctor when they're sick or have some other health concern. On the other hand, some people visit a doctor regularly for check-ups, to ask questions and get advice, and to maintain good health.

Which do you think is the better approach? Obviously, the second one!

The same thing is true when it comes to real estate. Even if you have no current plans to buy or sell a home, there are many reasons to talk to a REALTOR® regularly in order to maintain your good "real estate" health. For example, you can:

·         Get an assessment of the current market value of your home, so you can make an informed decision about whether to stay or move.

·         Ask about the state of the local real estate market (which may be vastly different than what you hear on the national news.)

·         Find out what homes are currently selling for in the area.

·         Learn what's currently available on the market, especially in neighbourhoods you would like to live in and that are within your budget.

·         Ask for a contractor recommendation.

In fact, it's a good idea to have a chat with your REALTOR® once or twice a year, even if it's just to say hello.

You want to build a relationship with a good REALTOR® who understands (and cares about) you and your needs. That way, when it does come time for you to make a move, you're dealing with a REALTOR® you already know and trust.

Don't have a good REALTOR®? Contact me today!