Refined Realty, Brokerage / Laura Plant Real Estate

Refined Realty, Brokerage / Laura Plant Real Estate Full-service boutique real estate firm serving municipalities of Simcoe, Dufferin, Peel and beyond.

Lighting is so impactful - not just when selling a home but also in how it aids you and comforts you in your own life. O...
08/20/2026

Lighting is so impactful - not just when selling a home but also in how it aids you and comforts you in your own life. Of course brightness is important, but choosing colour temperatures (kelvins) depending on your needs, preferences and overall lifestyle, can really make a positive difference in your spaces. Can't figure out which bulbs to buy and try (and don't want the hassle)? Try these convenient temperature-selectable ones I found that allow you to try out different levels in your spaces and set the ones you like! Then you can always move them between spaces and/or change the levels as your needs change!

You've probably heard many claims about what's allowed and not allowed when it comes to leasing. What tenants can and ca...
08/11/2026

You've probably heard many claims about what's allowed and not allowed when it comes to leasing. What tenants can and can't do. What landlords can and can't do. I hear and read many widespread beliefs that are either sometimes true and other times not true. There's not one simple answer. Other things I hear or read are completely false.

I am very experienced in leasing transactions and am very well-versed in the RTA. Let me help you navigate the laws, expose the myths, and protect yourself when getting into a lease contract. There can be a lot of push and pull in negotiating leases. It's better to have an agent representing you on your side only, rather than having one agent represent both sides.

Navigating a challenging market for sellers requires patience, determination, communication, strategy and confidence - w...
08/11/2026

Navigating a challenging market for sellers requires patience, determination, communication, strategy and confidence - which both realtor and clients had all the way. Proud of this one, and thrilled that these VIP clients get to move on to their next exciting chapter!

Just sold! Moving on to it's next chapter bringing pride, joy and comfort to some first-time buyers! 💗
08/10/2026

Just sold! Moving on to it's next chapter bringing pride, joy and comfort to some first-time buyers! 💗

The writing is on the wall. 😉This is what I aim for - and it's not hard, because I love what I do and I care to make sur...
07/30/2026

The writing is on the wall. 😉

This is what I aim for - and it's not hard, because I love what I do and I care to make sure I do it well.

I'm honoured when someone not only trusts me with one of life's biggest transactions but also raves about the experience thereafter!

What does this image represent? It's a sign of a failed 'holding offers' attempt by a seller/agent. I see them all the t...
07/15/2026

What does this image represent? It's a sign of a failed 'holding offers' attempt by a seller/agent. I see them all the time lately. The original low price was meant to incite a bidding war. They didn't get the desired result. The new price is the price they feel it's actually worth and that they're now expecting to sell close to. Unfortunately this usually backfires.

If you're a seller listing your home and deciding with your agent what your pricing strategy is, think twice and think hard about this tactic. It worked wonders in the sellers' market of a few years ago, but now...not so much. We're in a buyers' market. They know it and they're not willing to play games. They're not only very patient and very selective, but they're also watching and monitoring.

If your agent feels you can pull this off (depending on the demand for your location and property type) and you're game to try it, have at it. It can sometimes work. Keep your expectations realistic though and list at a lower, but not too far-fetched, price. You will likely have better results.

But if your agent just insists it's the way to go and you're not so sure, err on the side of caution. This can hurt you in the long run. As I said, buyers don't want to play games. They have choice and they aren't desperate because supply is greater than demand. They also then see that the property was nothing to jump on. It ends up staying on the market longer and usually ends up fetching less than it would have, had you just priced it at a competitive market value at the outset.

I even saw a case recently in which the seller kept the low 'bidding war' price rather than raising it to market value and it still didn't sell after a matter of months. Likely because even that price was too high in a market of declining prices. At this point a property is often assumed to be less-than-desirable by potential buyers and becomes 'market stale'.

Remember that realtors are definitely not all created equal. A good agent will know the local market inside and out. They will know what strategies will work or not work. An agent that tries a tactic in one small town because it may have worked in another large city is doing their client a major disservice. Choose who represents you based on knowledge, expertise, professionalism and commitment; not advertising gimmicks, success claims, or discounted commission offers. You will definitely lose more than you could possibly gain.

What does ‘AS IS’ mean in a property listing?Simply put, the seller is not offering any guarantees or warranties where a...
07/14/2026

What does ‘AS IS’ mean in a property listing?

Simply put, the seller is not offering any guarantees or warranties where an item, or even the whole home, is concerned. They also aren’t willing to undertake the work or cost of any repairs or replacements. You are to accept the item (or home) exactly as it is in its current condition. This doesn’t mean you can’t still include a home inspection and ensure you are satisfied with its state before finalizing the purchase.

Why would a property (or an item within a property) be listed and sold ‘AS IS’?

It’s important to note that listing an item or home in ‘as is’ condition sounds scary – as though things are falling apart. Yes, a seller could definitely be aware that a piece of equipment doesn’t quite work 100% as it should. However, more often than not, it’s because a seller simply does not have the knowledge to guarantee or warranty something. One reason may be that they’ve never used the item (ie. a central vacuum system). In theory it may very well work fine, but as they didn’t use it, they can’t say for sure. Another reason may be that the seller was not the occupant of the home, as in the case of an estate sale. Again, things may work fine, but the seller doesn’t know for sure and doesn’t want to get in legal hot water if they don’t. In these two cases, the ‘as is’ disclaimer is more for seller protection than it is to say that something does not function properly or that the home is a 'fixer-upper'!

New on the market! MLS #: N13544842Looking for a home with character, in an area that surrounds you with tranquility? T...
07/10/2026

New on the market! MLS #: N13544842

Looking for a home with character, in an area that surrounds you with tranquility? This enchanting home on a nearly half-acre lot is one that rarely becomes available. Tucked away on a peaceful loop where most neighbours are original owners, you'll enjoy the perfect blend of rural charm and community, all while being just minutes from Alliston, Angus, Borden, Barrie and Hwy 400. Inside, soaring 10-ft ceilings and oversized windows fill the home with natural light, while the open-concept living space flows beautifully into the elevated kitchen and dining area overlooking the lush backyard. Step outside onto the double-tier deck from either the kitchen or family room and enjoy the privacy of mature trees surrounding your own outdoor retreat. Offering 3 spacious bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a bright 2-bed 1-bath basement apartment with a separate entrance, this home provides exceptional flexibility for extended family, guests or income potential. Thoughtfully updated throughout with brand new stainless steel appliances (2026), driveway (2026), garage door with smart opener, newly renovated upper bathrooms, newer windows and doors, roof shingles, hardwood flooring, updated kitchen countertops and backsplash, smart thermostat, annually serviced septic tank and much more - leaving little to do but move in and enjoy.

Open House: Sat & Sun 1-4pm

Contact for more info or personal tour:

Naomi Nielsen-Falls, Realtor
Refined Realty, Brokerage
[email protected]
Direct: 647-863-0732

Your Market Statistics for June: Upper-Tier Municipalities📊 # of new listings held virtually steady across the board📊 ...
07/08/2026

Your Market Statistics for June: Upper-Tier Municipalities

📊 # of new listings held virtually steady across the board
📊 # of sales fluctuated up and down a little across different areas
📊 # of active listings continued slightly upwards across the board
📊 avg sales prices varied up and down a little across different areas
📊 sale-to-list-price ratios continued to hold steady
📊 DOM fluctuated up and down a little across different areas

Your Market Statistics for June: Lower-Tier Municipalities📊 # of new listings continued to fluctuate up and down across...
07/08/2026

Your Market Statistics for June: Lower-Tier Municipalities

📊 # of new listings continued to fluctuate up and down across local areas
📊 # of sales continued to fluctuate up and down across local areas
📊 # of active listings continued upwards to various extents
📊 avg sale prices continued to fluctuate up and down across local areas
📊 sale-to-list-price ratios continued to hold virtually steady
📊 DOM continued to fluctuate up and down across local areas

Address

Alliston, ON

Telephone

+14168828700

Website

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