I know….It’s a big step to make the decision to downsize from a home you have perhaps lived in for a long time. We have been there, done that ourselves! It’s definitely a step that can be daunting but can also be looked forward to with optimism…and much easier if you have help. ACCREDITED SENIOR’S REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST DESIGNATION My focus is on counselling seniors, not selling to them. I will help you determine your needs and wants before commencing the activities as your agent. From taxation to legal issues, an Accredited Senior Agent can recognize problems and has the resources to refer y ..read more

Always read the fine print when you rent home equipment like furnaces, A/C, HVACs and water softeners.  Home owners may think they are buying a furnace, air conditioner or water softener on a payment plan. Be sure that the document is NOT in fact a rental agreement with a payment stream totalling huge amounts over its lifetime. In March, 2018, the Ontario government banned door-to-door sales of certain equipment, but it did not prohibit the registration on property titles of liens known as notices of security interest. As a result, when the registered notices are discovered, usually at ..read more

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Fixer Upper House. Buying a fixer-upper home is a popular choice for those seeking customization and cost savings. However, it comes with challenges. Let's explore the key pros and cons to help you make an informed decision. Pros: Customization: You can tailor the renovations to your particular preferences. Lower Purchase Price: Potential savings compared to move-in-ready homes. Equity Building: Renovations can increase market value. I call this “sweat equity”…profit for your effort. Sense of Accomplishment: Transforming a rundown property into a beautifu ..read more

When was the last time you reviewed your Coverage, as well as any special Riders? Home insurance Policies usually renew annually – have you taken the time to review the Renewal? — to balance the coverage against updated needs? A few areas to spotlight: Payment schedule: Is there a payment plan that works for you? Or, is there a discount for a one time up-front payment? Deductible: Can you increase the deductible amount? That’s the amount you’ll need to pay if you make a claim. Increasing the deductible amount should reduce the premium. Coverage on belongings: How much will it cost to re ..read more

Which is the right choice for you? If you’re a homeowner who’s thinking about moving, then you’ve probably pondered the age-old question — should I sell my home before I buy a new one, or buy my next property first? Whichever option you choose, it’s an intensely personal decision that should take into account individual finances, risk tolerance and current market conditions. Some homeowners who have a strict timeline or budget may take comfort in selling their current residence first, while others who have more flexibility will opt to buy their next home before selling. If you’re on the fence ..read more

Is your lawn filled with more weeds and bare patches than grass? Does nothing you do help to grow a better lawn? It might be time to give your lawn a fresh new start, especially if you’re thinking of selling your home. 1. What’s The Problem? Figuring out the problem with your lawn is the first step in fixing it. Is there any area that’s simply too shady to grow grass properly? Perhaps add a landscaping feature where grass struggles to grow. Is your lawn plagued with grubs? Are you using the right type of grass for your soil and climate type? Addressing these issues first will help you improve ..read more

When it comes to putting money away to buy their first home, the federal government’s ‘tax-free in, tax-free out’ First Home Savings Account aims to give Canadians a helping hand. As of April 1st, Canadians aged 18 or older who are purchasing their first home are eligible to enroll in a tax-free First Home Savings Account (FHSA). Introduced in the 2022 federal budget, the FHSA combines elements of a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) and a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), allowing users to make tax-deductible contributions and tax-free withdrawals from the account for the purposes of s ..read more

Do you have a ventless gas fireplace? What about tankless hot water heater, that's unvented? Ventless appliances have real flames. They can provide the ambiance of a traditional fireplace, and they can release unburned combustion by-products directly into the living space because there is no chimney to the outside. It’s always a good idea to crack open a window when a ventless fireplace is in use. Humidity can be another factor introduced by ventless appliances. Some ventless fireplaces produce up to 1 gallon (almost 4 litres) of water vapour for every 100,000 BTU of heat, so a 30,000 BTU appl ..read more

Whether you’re contemplating selling your home, or just looking to give your space a refreshing facelift, the beginning of a new year is a great time to start thinking about making some interior upgrades. According to designers and home experts, 2023 is the year to bring the outdoors in and to make a statement with bold colours, among other trends. Here are five top interior design trends for 2023 to consider this year: Organic interiors Plant parents will adore 2023’s obsession with bringing the natural world indoors. Biophilic interiors, which started gaining popularity in 2022, focus on br ..read more

Photo by Nadine Shaabana If you are thinking of downsizing to a condominium or are preparing to step into the real estate market for your first purchase, condominium living might be your answer. However it is important to know what to expect. The Governing Documents of a Condominium outline the powers and responsibilities of the Condo Corporation, an owner’s rights and obligations, as well as what is and is not permitted in the condo. Standard municipal zoning applies, but condos can, and often do drill-down further into details. Declaration. Description. What Are They? The Declaration and ..read more