How to Hire a Good Interior Designer

What is interior design? As the name implies, it's all about designing a living area – such as a bathroom or basement – while taking into account your needs, tastes, and budget, as well as the characteristics of the space itself.

If you've ever sketched out an idea for a renovation – to add a wall, install hardwood floors, or paint – then you've done interior design, as least at an amateur level. Home improvement contractors, when they make suggestions about how to renovate a room, are also acting as interior designers.

According to the Association of Registered Interior Designers, "Interior Designers will analyze your needs and budget, prepare and present conceptual solutions and then manage the implementation of the project."

Although hiring an interior designer may seem like a luxury for many homeowners, it can actually be quite affordable. Plus, consider that your interior designer can manage your project from concept and design all the way through to a finished renovation – including managing the renovation work itself.

How do you find a good interior designer?

In Canada, check out Interior Designers of Canada at www.IDCanada.org. In the U.S., visit the American Society of Interior Designers at www.asid.org. Both websites have search tools to find qualified registered interior designers in your area.

A REALTOR® who is an expert in the local market can also give you a recommendation.

When reviewing possible interior designers, take a close look at their portfolios, which are usually in the form of pictures of completed projects. Consider the style of work they've done for other clients, as it is likely that’s what you can expect for yours.

According to an article in The Epoch Times by Lloyd Princeton, it's also important that you get along with the interior designer. You'll be working closely with that person. If you have a gut feeling that you're not going to like him or her, then you won't be satisfied with the result – even if the design is actually good.

The #1 Key Ingredient

In my opinion, the single most important factor in selling your property quickly is setting the right price. If you price the home too high then it's going to linger on the market for a very long time adding stress to the seller and losing potential buyers along the way.

A comparative market analysis will provide a good indication of the price range you can expect to get for yours. If you've just renovated your kitchen or perhaps your home is backing onto a ravine then buyers may be willing to pay a premium for your property.

Call me today for a complimentary no-obligation Real Estate Check Up!

View www.RashnaCares.com or call me directly at 416-554-7253

National Home Show & Canada Blooms

The National Home Show presented by RE/MAX opens its doors on March 16, 2012 for 10 days at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place. It's going to be a fantastic show as Canada Blooms is co-locating with the National Home Show.

Get great renovation ideas and advice from a number of experts in the building/renovation/decorating industry.

For those with RE/MAX VIP tickets, here is the list of confirmed exclusive VIP benefits

• Exclusive RE/MAX VIP Entrance and Complimentary Coat Check



• Front row seating at The Unilock Celebrity Stage presented by HGTV



• Front of the line access to The Dream Home (R House)



• Complimentary Wine Tasting in the RE/MAX VIP Pavilion



• Entry into the Choose & Win with RE/MAX Contest

I'm especially looking forward to this year's show as I absolutely love garden festivals! Perhaps I'll see you there!

Click here for more information on the National Home Show
Click here for more information on Canada Blooms

Condo Buying Tips

Here are some condo buying tips...remember to talk to your mortgage broker first for pre-approval so that you know how much you can spend on your condo and take into account that you will be paying condo fees as well.

1. Look at both low rise & high rise condos and compare amenities


2. Visit the condo during the day and in the evening


3. What kind of view does the unit have? A condo overlooking a ravine or park setting will have higher resale value than one overlooking a garbage dump!


4. Does the unit have a parking spot available. If not, can you rent one?


5. Is there a storage locker available?


6. Understand what the condo fees include


7. Ensure the status certificate is reviewed by your lawyer and that there is a reserve fund large enough to meet the requirements of the condo building.


8. Check the pet policy for that condo building.

If you have questions on your pending condo purchase, call me at 416-554-7253.

View www.rashnacares.com