We’re quickly closing in on the Ontario Butter Tart Festival taking over our beautiful downtown Midland. Whether it’s your first time or you are seasoned festival pro, there’s always so much to take in and experience that it’s easy to get swept up in the occasion. We’ve put together a mini survival guide to help you prepare for the big day.
Arrive Early! Butter Tarts are the name of the game and if you arrive later in the morning you run the risk of returning home empty handed. The festival officially starts at 9am… but we all know the Butter Tart sales start earlier than that!
Plan Your Parking/Transportation Parking will be at a premium as Municipal lots will fill up quickly so if you have to park, make sure to arrive very early and double check that you are parked correctly as parking enforcement will be in attendance. If you can’t walk to the downtown core, check out the Free Shuttle Bus service which runs from 8:45 until 5:30pm. There’s pick up / drop off spots located all over Midland and also in Penetanguishene.
Stay Refreshed Make sure to bring refreshments for yourself and the family. It’s going to be a warm day with highs of 24 expected. Make sure to visit your friends at For Sale On Georgian Bay, 255 King Street, to enjoy a complimentary Snow Cone, guaranteed to cool you off!
Dress Appropriately We recommend dressing in layers, if you arrive early the weather will be a little cooler in the morning but warming up as the day progresses. As you march your way up and down King Street and line up for those precious Butter Tarts, you’re going to also want to make sure that you’re wearing comfortable shoes.
Stay Entertained! It’s going to be a long day for everyone so make sure you take time to relax and recharge whilst soaking up the sights and sounds of the Dairy Farmers of Entertainment stage. Live entertainment is scheduled from 10am – 5pm.
If you’re looking to put a smile on the faces of the little ones, make sure to visit us at 255 King Street where our very popular professional face painters will be taking requests between 11am – 3:30pm. Face Painting is available for a donation to the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre.
We can’t wait to see everyone as we celebrate our community being in the spotlight!
We’ve seen a strong Spring Market in our communities and as we think about transitioning into the Summer Market we’re seeing more and more active listings every month. So how do you make your listing stand out amongst the crowd?
Staging your home effectively can significantly increase its appeal to potential buyers and potentially result in a faster sale at a higher price. Here are some top tips for staging your home for sale:
1. Declutter and Depersonalize
Remove Personal Items: Take down family photos, personal collections, and anything that makes the home uniquely yours.
Clear Out Clutter: Make the space feel open and clean by removing excess furniture, knick-knacks, and items that crowd the space.
2. Deep Clean
Thorough Cleaning: Ensure every corner of your home is spotless, including carpets, windows, and hard-to-reach areas.
Eliminate Odours: Address and eliminate any lingering smells from pets, cooking, or mildew.
3. Neutralize the Decor
Paint in Neutral Colours: Light, neutral colours make spaces feel larger and more inviting. They also allow buyers to visualize their own furniture and decor in the space.
Simplify Decor: Use simple, elegant decorations that appeal to a broad range of tastes.
4. Optimize Lighting
Maximize Natural Light: Open curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible.
Use Artificial Light Wisely: Add lamps or update fixtures to ensure each room is well-lit and inviting.
5. Highlight Key Features
Focus on Selling Points: Emphasize the best features of your home, such as a fireplace, large windows, or hardwood floors.
Arrange Furniture Strategically: Arrange furniture to showcase the room’s size and functionality. Create clear pathways and conversation areas.
6. Curb Appeal
Landscaping: Trim bushes, mow the lawn, and plant flowers to make the exterior inviting.
Exterior Maintenance: Ensure the front door is clean and freshly painted, and fix any visible issues like broken gutters or cracked sidewalks.
7. Make Minor Repairs
Fix Small Issues: Repair leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and cracked tiles. Small fixes can prevent potential buyers from seeing your home as a “fixer-upper.”
Update Hardware: Replace outdated handles, knobs, and light switches to give the home a modern feel.
8. Stage Key Rooms
Living Room: Create a welcoming space with comfortable seating and tasteful decor.
Kitchen: Clear countertops of all but a few decorative items, and ensure appliances are clean.
Bedrooms: Use fresh bedding, and ensure closets are organized and not overstuffed.
Bathrooms: Display fresh towels, new soap, and clean surfaces.
9. Appeal to the Senses
Sound: Play soft, ambient music during showings.
Smell: Use lightly scented candles or plug-ins, but avoid overpowering fragrances.
10. Consider Professional Help
Professional Staging: We can suggest local professional stagers who can offer an objective perspective and expertise in maximizing your home’s appeal.
Professional Digital Staging: Our in-house professional Digital Stager can provide a multitude of different looks for your rooms. We can showcase how a room can be presented for different uses or even show different layouts.
By following these tips, you can create a welcoming, appealing environment that helps potential buyers see your house as their future home. If you have any questions about staging or would like to see examples of homes that we have staged, don’t hesitate to reach out to your For Sale On Georgian Bay agent!
