Almost there...

As scheduled, all of the renovations are complete as of today!!!  Right on time.  Now it's my turn to go to work and clean the place!  On Monday, I will be going to Smart Choice (http://www.asmartchoice.ca/home-staging.html) to pick out all of the furniture I want to stage my home with.  It looks like a lot of fun.  The minimum "order" is $400 for the month but they move it in, set it up, and move it out.  Totally awesome.  That's what really pulls the place together - nice furniture and nice decor.  It already looks a million times better than it did when we started.  Oh, I forgot, the kitchen is not complete yet.  My cabinets and counter top are supposed to come in next week.  I have my fingers crossed that they come in on time and earlier in the week would be even better :)

The new carpet in the basement family room is so cushy and cozy that we all had to lay down on it today and try it out.  When you walk down the stairs you can't help but want to lie down on the floor and feel how soft it is.  So I did....and some of the contractors joined me.  It's got some seriously cushy under padding.  It's so warm and welcoming for a basement family room.  I usually HATE carpet, but this particular room called for it and it totally works.  When I went to check on the progress of the carpet yesterday evening and pay the guys we all sat down on the new rug and chatted about kids, families and life in general.  I admire how hard these guys work day in and day out.

So there is a promotion at Home Depot where you fill out a survey about your experience at Home Depot and use a code on your receipt for a chance to win a $3000 gift card.  That means that with every purchase you can fill out an entry to win.  You know I'm going to win that $3000!  I have so many frigging receipts I need to hire someone just to fill out surveys for me.  I actually like filling out surveys but I have to say I am tired of this particular one and the skill testing question is always the same.  At least challenge me with a new question each time, would ya?!?!  BTW, it's 16 in case you have a Home Depot receipt and don't feel like pulling out the calculator!  So far, I have 20 receipts and I have entered about 1/2 of them.  I love Home Depot.  I go there on average twice a day to pick up supplies for "the guys".  Most of the staff remember me now and are asking me how my project is going.  The paint department staff always remember me and are even getting close to remembering what colours I am using.  My colours look amazing by the way.  I am going trendy but neutral - beige, brown, grey, and light green (or Celedon as you are supposed to call it).  Looks great!  I also bought a really nice bedding set off Beyond The Rack.com yesterday that I will bring home and use in my own room when I am done staging the house.  Check it out:

The whole bedding package for $99!  Sweet deal.  All the decorative pillows and all.  My husband just can't understand why I decorate the bed with pillows that we don't use....men!!! 

I have purchased a few things from Beyond the Rack...it takes a while to get it but you can get some good deals some of the time.  Be careful though, not everything is a deal.

So I want to create a bidding war on the house.  I plan to list it on a Wednesday and state "No showings, no offers until Sunday Open House"....that way all the agents and home buyers will preview it on the MLS, love it, show up to the open house and then fight over it :)  However, next Sunday is a long weekend so I have been advised by my realtor to wait until the next weekend.  I wanted to do this sooner than later but I think he's right.  A lot of people go away for the weekend, have plans, weddings, parties, etc.  So I will wait another week which goes against my get it on the market quick to stay within the Spring housing rush philosophy but my realtor says one week won't make a difference.  I hope not.

Speaking of my realtor, he has asked me to give him a "shout out" on my blog.  I have to say that I don't think he has to work very hard with me.  2 of my houses have sold in one day and 100% of the time I have found the house I want to buy by myself; however, I am totally crazy and some people just don't get me or know how to handle me but he definitely gets me!  We work well together and we always have a good laugh.  I have been dealing with him for 10 years now - Wow, 10 years...time flies.  I sold my very first house through him and I have dealt with him ever since.  He is a totally sweet guy and he has a great team.  I am buzzing with enthusiasm and he is chill, so he balances me out. 

I have to say I gained a ton of respect for him when I referred him to my mother-in-law.  She asked (well, more like demanded) him to take care of her plants since she had already moved cities when her house was for sale.....AND HE DID!!!  He watered my crazy mother-in-law's plants!  If you're reading Reh, you know I love you!  Now that's a realtor for you! 

Anyway, despite the craziness, he is really nice guy and his team have sold a lot of houses in Ottawa.  Check them out: http://www.kealeygroup.com/about-the-kealey-group/

I will begin the cleaning tomorrow....stay tuned for the finish product.  You won't believe it!