Laurence's Real Estate Blog

Preparing Your Luxury Home for an Open House

Hosting an open house for a luxury property is about more than just unlocking the front door and welcoming visitors. In the competitive world of high-end real estate, first impressions can make or break a sale. When prospective buyers walk into your home, they need to be captivated by the elegance and potential of the space. This is where careful preparation becomes crucial. Whether you’re selling a sophisticated estate in Oakville or an elegant condo in Burlington, making your property stand out requires a strategic approach to attract interested buyers.

In this guide, we’ll share 10 tips for preparing your home for an open house. From enhancing curb appeal to perfecting the interior ambiance, these strategies will ensure your property shines. By following these steps, you’ll not only increase buyer interest but also set the stage for a successful sale.

Top 10 Tips For a Successful Open House

Selling a luxury property is no small feat, especially when you’re targeting the tastes of high-end buyers. A successful open house can make all the difference, helping potential buyers fall in love with your home at first sight. However, preparing a property for an open house requires a strategic approach to ensure that your home truly shines. We hope the following 10 tips will help you prepare your home for a successful open house. 

1. First Impressions Matter: Perfect Your Home’s Curb Appeal

The outside of your property sets the tone for the rest of the potential buyers visit, so make sure it’s in pristine condition. Start by refreshing the landscaping—trim the bushes, mow the lawn, and plant seasonal flowers to create an inviting atmosphere. A freshly power-washed driveway, clean windows, and a polished front door can make your home feel welcoming even before potential buyers step inside. Consider adding tasteful outdoor decor, such as a chic seating area or elegant potted plants, to enhance curb appeal.

2. Clean and Declutter: Let Your Home Shine

A spotless home is crucial, especially when you’re selling in the luxury market. Potential buyers will have high expectations, so it’s worth investing in a professional deep clean to ensure every surface sparkles. Decluttering is equally important—remove excess furniture, personal photos, and knick-knacks to make rooms feel spacious and allow buyers to envision their own belongings in the space. Don’t forget to tidy up closets and storage spaces; buyers often check these areas, and a well-organized closet suggests ample storage.

3. Stage to Impress: Highlight the Home’s Best Features

Staging is a powerful tool to showcase your home’s potential, especially when targeting luxury buyers. Highlight focal points such as fireplaces, large windows with scenic views, or high ceilings with carefully chosen furniture and decor. Create a natural flow between rooms to guide visitors effortlessly through the property. Using a neutral colour palette and high-quality furnishings can create an inviting, elegant atmosphere that appeals to a broad range of tastes.

4. Illuminate Your Space: Maximize Natural and Artificial Lighting

Lighting can transform the look and feel of your home. Start by opening all curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. For evening open houses or rooms with limited natural light, strategically use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Upgrading old fixtures to modern designs can also elevate the ambiance of your home, making it feel more luxurious and inviting.

5. Neutralize the Décor: Appeal to a Broader Range of Buyers

When preparing a home for an open house, it’s best to keep the décor neutral. This allows buyers to focus on the home’s architectural features and envision their own style in the space. Stick to soft, calming colours like beige, taupe, or soft gray for walls and accents. Removing personal items such as family photos, bold artwork, or unique collectibles can help create a blank canvas that resonates with buyers looking for a fresh start.

6. Enhance the Atmosphere with Subtle Scents

When hosting an open house, the scent of your home can leave a lasting impression. However, it’s important to keep fragrances subtle. Light, natural scents like vanilla or citrus can make your home feel welcoming. Avoid strong, artificial air fresheners which may be off-putting to some buyers. For a homey touch, consider baking fresh cookies or brewing a pot of coffee right before the open house.

7. Provide High-Quality Marketing Materials

After viewing your home, potential buyers should leave with more than just a positive impression—they should also have something tangible to remember it by. High-quality brochures with beautiful photos, floor plans, and descriptions of your home’s standout features can keep your property top-of-mind. Highlight recent upgrades, energy-efficient features, and any smart home technology to showcase the added value of your home.

8. Protect Your Valuables

With multiple people walking through your property, it’s essential to safeguard your valuables. Store jewelry, electronics, and personal documents in a secure location, or consider removing them from the home entirely. This extra step ensures peace of mind during the open house.

9. Offer Elegant Refreshments to Make Visitors Feel Welcome

Adding a touch of hospitality can make your open house experience more memorable. Providing light refreshments, such as sparkling water, a selection of fine cheeses, or freshly baked goods, can make visitors feel at ease and encourage them to spend more time exploring your home. Thoughtful touches like these can leave a lasting positive impression.

10. Leverage the Expertise of a Real Estate Professional

A successful open house benefits from the guidance of a knowledgeable real estate professional. Their market insights, home staging advice, and ability to attract the right buyers can make all the difference. Choose someone with a strong understanding of your local market and experience in showcasing properties to their full potential.

Work with Laurence Mongeau for Your Real Estate Needs

If you’re preparing to sell your luxury property, there’s no better choice than Laurence Mongeau. Her deep understanding of the local market, combined with her professional staging expertise, ensures your home will stand out.

Ready to take the next step? Contact Laurence Mongeau today for a personalized consultation:

• Phone: 905-320-0773
• Email: homes@laurencemongeau.ca 
• eXp Realty Brokerage, Inc.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Laurence’s commitment to exceptional service and attention to detail ensures a seamless real estate experience. Don’t leave the sale of your luxury home to chance—partner with an expert realtor who truly understands how to showcase the value of your property.

Luxury Interior Design Tips: Bedroom

Your bedroom is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a sanctuary, a retreat from the world, and a space that should reflect your personal taste and style. When it comes to luxury interior design, the goal is to create a balanced blend of elegance, comfort, and personality. With the right design elements, you can elevate your bedroom from a simple living space to a luxurious haven.

In this blog, we'll explore luxury design ideas for your bedroom, from creating stunning art gallery walls and layering rugs to incorporating bold wallpaper and floral patterns. These tips will help you transform your bedroom into a sophisticated and inviting space that radiates both comfort and style.

Create an Art Gallery Wall

A major trend in luxury bedroom design is the inclusion of an art gallery wall, which instantly adds depth and character to the room. Instead of limiting artwork to common areas, use your bedroom walls to showcase your personality through a curated selection of art.

• Curate your collection: Choose pieces that inspire you, whether it’s modern art, photography, or framed textiles. A cohesive theme, such as a colour palette or subject matter, will keep the gallery wall looking sophisticated.
• Experiment with frame styles: Mix and match frames—metal, wood, or acrylic—for added vibes.
• Perfect your layout: Arrange your gallery in a balanced composition by using a mix of sizes ensures the wall feels curated but not cluttered.

An art gallery wall serves as a stunning focal point, offering a personal and stylish touch to your bedroom. Next we’ll talk about layering rugs and how they can bring both texture and warmth to your room.

Layer Rugs for Texture and Warmth

Layering rugs is a design technique that adds both texture and warmth to any bedroom, instantly creating a cozy, luxurious feel. By combining multiple rugs, you can play with patterns and materials to enhance the overall aesthetic of the room.

• Start with a large base rug: A neutral-colored, oversized rug can anchor the space and provide a soft surface underfoot.
• Add a smaller accent rug: Layer a smaller rug on top to introduce colour or pattern. Popular options include vintage rugs, geometric prints, or textured materials like jute or faux fur.
• Mix textures: Combining materials such as wool, cotton, and synthetic blends adds depth and visual intrigue.

Layering rugs not only enhances comfort but also adds dimension, making your bedroom feel more inviting and luxurious. Another trend that we’ve noticed over the past few years is the use of wallpaper, adding sometimes a bolder aesthetic to your space.

Embrace Bold Wallpaper

Wallpaper is back, and it's bolder than ever. For a truly luxurious bedroom, consider using wallpaper as a key design element. Whether you go for a full room makeover or just an accent wall, wallpaper can instantly elevate the room.

• Choose a statement wall: Select one wall, such as the one behind your bed, to make the focal point of your design.
• Play with texture: Opt for textured or metallic finishes to add depth. Velvet, silk, or embossed wallpaper patterns add a sophisticated, tactile quality to the room.
• Go bold or go home: From intricate florals to geometric patterns, bold wallpaper allows you to express your style while creating a dramatic impact.

A well-chosen wallpaper can transform your bedroom into a luxury space that’s full of character and charm. Another way to add luxury and elegance to your bedroom is to incorporate the use of floral patterns, learn more about this technique in our next section.

Incorporate Floral Patterns

Floral patterns are making a significant comeback in luxury interior design. Whether used on bedding, curtains, or furniture upholstery, florals add a touch of nature and elegance to your bedroom.

• Opt for floral bedding: A floral duvet cover or throw pillow can instantly freshen up the space without a long-term commitment.
• Choose floral drapery: Light floral curtains in breezy fabrics like linen or silk can introduce subtle elegance.
• Accent furniture: Consider a floral-patterned armchair or bench to create a statement piece that ties the room together.

By thoughtfully incorporating florals, you can achieve a balanced look that feels classic, refined, and luxurious. You will also want to consider the lighting as a major focal point, lighting can change the mood of any space. 

Set the Mood with Proper Lighting

Lighting is key to any luxury bedroom, as it directly affects the room’s ambiance. By combining ambient, task, and accent lighting, you can create a versatile and comfortable space that suits your mood and activities.

• Statement lighting fixture: A chandelier or pendant light adds drama and sophistication. Look for crystal or metallic finishes for an extra touch of glamour.
• Task lighting: Place wall sconces or use bedside lamps with warm bulbs for practical, yet stylish, lighting that enhances the coziness of your bedroom.
• Dimmable lighting: Install dimmable switches so you can control the brightness, ensuring your bedroom feels intimate and relaxing in the evenings.

Proper lighting elevates the room’s overall feel, making it a luxurious space to unwind and relax in. All of these design tips are aimed to help you create the perfect luxurious and well thought out bedroom possible. 

Bringing It All Together

Designing a luxury bedroom is about more than just high-end furniture—it's about the thoughtful combination of elements that create a harmonious, stylish, and comfortable retreat. By incorporating an art gallery wall, layering rugs, experimenting with bold wallpaper, adding floral patterns, and paying attention to lighting, you can create a bedroom that feels both luxurious and uniquely yours.

Luxury bedroom design is all about creating a space that feels both stylish and deeply personal. Whether it’s the bold statement of a gallery wall, the cozy texture of layered rugs, or the refined touch of floral patterns, these design tips will help you transform your bedroom into a luxurious retreat. By focusing on thoughtful details like lighting and wallpaper, you can achieve a bedroom that exudes elegance and comfort—your perfect sanctuary.

Work with a Local Expert: Laurence Mongeau

Are you're ready to explore real estate opportunities? Laurence Mongeau is here to guide you. With over 20 years of experience in Burlington and Oakville, Laurence blends deep local knowledge with an exceptional eye for design, shaped by her Montreal roots.

As an Accredited Staging Professional Realtor® (ASP), Laurence specializes in helping clients showcase their homes with maximum appeal. Her strong negotiation skills, backed by her Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE) and Certified Home Marketing Luxury Specialist (CHMLS) credentials, make her a powerful advocate in the real estate market.

Fluent in both English and French, Laurence’s commitment to her clients is reflected in her attention to detail, clear communication, and passion for providing the best real estate experience possible.

To learn more about how Laurence can help you achieve your real estate goals, contact her today:

• Phone: 905-320-0773
• Email: homes@laurencemongeau.ca 
• eXp Realty Brokerage, Inc.

Whether you're buying or selling, Laurence’s attention to detail and passion for elevating the real estate experience ensures you’re in the best possible hands!

Moving from a Large Two-Storey Home to a Smaller Single Family Home

Are you considering downsizing from your large two-storey home to a more manageable, single-family home? While many think downsizing automatically means moving into a condo, many homeowners prefer the charm and independence of detached homes. Downsizing to a smaller house doesn’t mean giving up luxury or comfort; it can be a strategic move to simplify your life while still enjoying the privacy and outdoor space of a detached home.

In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits and challenges of downsizing from a large two-storey home to a single-family home, with a focus on the luxury home market in Burlington and surrounding areas. We’ll also discuss the importance of home staging, preparing your home for sale, and how an experienced REALTOR® can help you navigate this transition.

With almost 20 years of real estate expertise in Burlington and a refined design eye rooted in her Montreal upbringing, Laurence Mongeau is the ideal REALTOR® to help you make the most of your downsizing journey. Her unmatched local knowledge, prestigious credentials, and personalized service make her an exceptional advocate for her clients.

Why Downsizing to a Smaller Single Family Home Makes Sense

Downsizing is about more than just reducing space — it’s about creating a home that suits your current lifestyle. Here are some compelling reasons why moving from a large two-storey home to a smaller detached house can be beneficial:

1. Lower Maintenance and Utility Costs

Maintaining a large two-storey home can become expensive and time-consuming. Between high utility bills and constant upkeep, it can feel like a never-ending task. Downsizing to a smaller, more efficient home means lower energy bills, less maintenance, and more time to enjoy life.

2. Simplified Living

A smaller home means fewer rooms to clean and maintain. Downsizing offers the opportunity to declutter and focus on the things that truly matter. This simplified lifestyle is particularly appealing to empty nesters and retirees who no longer need the space that a large home provides.

3. Financial Benefits

With the demand for luxury homes at an all-time high, selling your two-storey home could result in a significant financial gain. The equity gained can be used to invest in a new, smaller home that fits your current needs while providing extra funds for other investments or experiences.

4. Accessibility and Aging in Place

For those considering long-term living arrangements, downsizing to a single-storey home can offer easier accessibility, eliminating the need to navigate stairs and making the home adaptable for future mobility needs.

Preparing Your Home 

Selling a large, luxury home requires more than just listing it on the market. Strategic preparation, including professional staging and targeted marketing, ensures that you attract the right buyers and achieve the best price for your property. Laurence Mongeau’s experience and credentials as an Accredited Staging Professional Realtor® (ASP) make her uniquely qualified to prepare your home for sale.

1. Home Staging: Highlighting Your Home’s Best Features

Home staging is one of the most critical aspects of getting your home ready for sale. Professionally staged homes tend to sell faster and for higher prices because they help potential buyers envision the home as their own. Laurence’s background in advertising and marketing, combined with her strong design sensibility, ensures that your home will be staged to perfection. The right staging can emphasize your home’s luxury features and make a lasting impression on buyers.

2. Marketing to the Luxury Buyer

Luxury homes require a specialized marketing approach to ensure they attract the right audience. Laurence’s deep experience in sales and marketing, along with her Certified Home Marketing Luxury Specialist (CHMLS) designation, ensures that your home will be marketed effectively to high-end buyers. Her approach includes professional photography, virtual tours, and targeted digital marketing campaigns to maximize visibility.

3. Expert Negotiation and Pricing

Setting the right price is key to attracting serious buyers. Laurence’s prestigious Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE) credential allows her to skillfully negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the best possible offer. Whether you’re selling a luxury home in Burlington or Oakville, Laurence’s deep market knowledge will guide you in setting a competitive price that reflects your home’s true value.

What to Look for When Downsizing

When downsizing, your focus will shift to finding a smaller home that still offers the luxury, comfort, and features you value. Here’s what to consider:

1. Location and Community

The appeal of downsizing doesn’t mean you have to compromise on location. Whether you want to stay in Burlington or explore neighbouring communities like Oakville, Hamilton or the surrounding areas, Laurence’s local expertise will help you find the right area for your new home. Her extensive knowledge of the Halton area will guide you in choosing a location that fits your lifestyle, whether you prioritize proximity to amenities or a peaceful suburban setting.

2. Smart Layout and Functionality

Smaller homes should be designed with smart space utilization in mind. Open floor plans, efficient storage solutions, and modern design features are essential for making the most of a smaller space. Laurence’s refined eye for design, influenced by her Montreal roots and her marketing background, ensures she’ll help you identify homes that offer not just space, but comfort and functionality.

3. Outdoor Space

Just because you’re downsizing doesn’t mean you have to give up outdoor living. Many single-family homes come with patios, decks, or backyards, offering you the ability to enjoy outdoor activities without the extensive maintenance of a larger property.

Why Laurence Mongeau is the Right REALTOR® for Your Downsizing Journey

Downsizing can be a complex decision, but with the right REALTOR® by your side, the process can be seamless and rewarding. Laurence Mongeau’s experience in Burlington, Oakville, and the Halton area, combined with her prestigious credentials, make her an invaluable partner in your downsizing journey.

With over two decades of sales and marketing experience, Laurence’s background allows her to bring a unique perspective to the real estate process. Her expertise in staging, marketing, and negotiation ensures that your home is not only prepared for sale but positioned for success in a competitive market. Fluent in both English and French, Laurence prides herself on her clear communication and commitment to her clients' needs.

Laurence’s dedication to elevating the real estate experience is reflected in her clients’ loyalty and trust. She approaches each transaction with energy, warmth, and a deep understanding of what her clients need to create a smooth, successful real estate journey.

Ready to Downsize? Let Laurence Mongeau Guide You to Success

Downsizing from a large two-storey home to a smaller, more manageable single-family home can offer tremendous benefits, from reduced costs to simplified living. Whether you’re looking to sell your current home or purchase a new one, having the right REALTOR® makes all the difference.

With almost 20 years of experience and a deep knowledge of the Burlington and Oakville markets, using an experienced REALTOR® like Laurence Mongeau brings the expertise, professionalism, and personal touch that you need to make your downsizing process seamless. From preparing your home for sale to negotiating the best deal, Laurence will be with you every step of the way.

Contact Laurence Mongeau today to discuss your downsizing goals:

• Phone: 905-320-0773
• Email: homes@laurencemongeau.ca 
• eXp Realty Brokerage, Inc.

Take the first step toward a simpler, more luxurious lifestyle with Laurence’s trusted real estate guidance.

How to Remove Mould From Your Home

In this blog post, we explain how to identify, remove, and prevent mould in your home, which can impact indoor air quality and health. Learn how to safely clean small mould areas and when to call a professional for larger issues. Prevent mould growth by fixing water leaks, improving ventilation, reducing humidity, and keeping your home clean.

Whether you like it or not, you probably have mould quietly lurking in your home. When it finds a damp place to grow, it can contribute to poor indoor air quality and health problems.

To eliminate mould, clean affected areas that are less than the size of a standard large garbage bag folded in half (1 square metre). Put on protective wear including a long-sleeved shirt, appropriate and properly fitted dust mask, safety glasses or goggles and rubber gloves. These items are generally available in local stores.

Prepare a bucket with water and a bit of dish detergent (preferably unscented) and another with clean water. If you’re cleaning drywall, you can use baking soda instead of dish detergent. Use this solution to clean the surface.

Prevent Mould from Growing in Your Home 

Follow these simple steps:

1. Look for damp spots. Check basements, closets, windowsills, roofs and around sinks, tubs and pipes.
2. Fix damp spots right away. Repair any water leaks as soon as you notice them. Clean up immediately after any flood.
3. Keep your home well ventilated. Open windows in dry weather or use fans as needed and turn on your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans when cooking or showering. Let the fan run for a few minutes after you’re done. Make sure your clothes dryer, stove, kitchen and bathroom fans all vent to the outdoors.
4. Seal tubs and sinks. Make sure the seal is tight, so water doesn't leak into the walls.
5. Throw out basement clutter. Cardboard boxes and old clothes are great places for mold to grow.
6. Reduce humidity. Keep humidity low, about 50 per cent in summer and 30 per cent in colder weather. If needed, use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to reduce humidity levels. You can use a hygrometer – an inexpensive tool available at most hardware stores – to measure humidity.
7. Clean often. Regularly clean and disinfect anything that holds water, like humidifiers, dehumidifiers and air conditioners.

If you have a lot of mould, (greater than 1 square metre), if it comes back after repeated cleanings or a family member suffers from asthma or other respiratory problems as a result of mould, consider hiring a professional to clean it up. Remember, a large amount of mould is often the result of a bigger problem, like a leak in the foundation or a major flood, which you may need a professional to help fix. Find more information about this topic at canada.ca/healthy-home. (NC)

Contact Laurence Mongeau

Looking to buy or sell luxury homes in Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, Milton, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Waterdown, or Grimsby? Contact Laurence Mongeau, your trusted REALTOR® with over 20 years of experience, for expert advice on listing your home and strategic real estate solutions. Call 905-320-0773 or email homes@laurencemongeau.ca today!

Maximize Your Investment on a Basement Reno Project

In this blog post, we explore how finishing your basement can offer a high return on investment. While some tasks like painting and flooring are DIY-friendly, it's best to hire professionals for specialized work like HVAC and electrical. Protect your investment by installing a quality subfloor to prevent moisture issues and improve insulation. To maximize value, consider adding features like a kitchen or bathroom, which increase functionality and appeal to potential buyers or renters.

Next Steps to Finishing Your Basement

A great home improvement project is finishing your basement. That’s because research shows it gives you a major return on investment, providing you great value for your money. Here are some pro tips to make the most of your makeover:

Know When to Hire a Professional

It can be tempting to DIY many basement reno jobs to save on costs and maximize your investment. Some tasks are simple for you to do, such as painting and flooring installation. But be careful—for specialized tasks such as HVAC and electrical it’s much better to make the investment and hire a professional to save yourself headaches and money in the long run.

Protect Your Investment 

A basement reno can be expensive, so you want to make sure you’re building on a base that allows the natural moisture in your concrete foundation to evaporate and not seep into your finished floors.  This starts with a quality subfloor which creates an air gap and barrier between concrete and your flooring, which allows the moisture to naturally evaporate without touching your floors, helping to protect them from mould and mildew, and even small water leaks. 

It also insulates against cold, hard concrete to keep your floors feeling warmer and softer to walk on. A quality subfloor that helps protect against the ever-present moisture a concrete basement floor emits, is a critical step in your basement renovation, and it can help you enjoy a comfortable basement year-round.

Plan to add Value 

When deciding on your new layout and what to include, prioritize spaces and projects that give you the best ROI. For example, adding a kitchen and three- or four-piece bathroom will make your basement much more functional. These updates are also huge draws during resale for buyers looking for a multi-family home or to use the space as a rental property. (NC)

Contact Laurence Mongeau 

Looking to buy or sell luxury homes in Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, Milton, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Waterdown, or Grimsby? Contact Laurence Mongeau, your trusted REALTOR® with over 20 years of experience, for expert advice on listing your home and strategic real estate solutions. Call 905-320-0773 or email homes@laurencemongeau.ca today!