Getting water damage insurance is a no-brainer. It can cover the replacement of personal belongings. All of these expenses can add up to ten-of-thousands of dollars. Whether or not you’re covered depends on the type of damage and your insurance policy. Read on to learn more about the different types of water damage, as well as what’s normally covered and what’s not. Overflowing water If your toilet accidentally overflows from a clog or your pipes burst all of a sudden,... [read more]

With all this talk of climate change, it’s easy to forget that it’s more than just a catchy phrase. The earth’s temperatures have reached a historic high, and natural habitats, resources and wildlife are experiencing a rapid decline. Here are some environmental upgrades that home-owners and prospective buyers can prioritize when purchasing and renovating, to help create a more sustainable future! What role does Real Estate Play in Global Warming? In Canada heating and... [read more]

A word that is being tossed around in the Real Estate world more and more frequently is STIGMA. Thanks to the internet, Google and for some of us the good old dictionary… the definition can be found fairly easily but how does that apply to Real Estate? According to the Real Estate Council of Ontario it is described as “In the context of real estate a “stigma” is a non-physical, intangible attribute of a property that may elicit psychological or emotional response on... [read more]

If you end your mortgage early, you may get hit with a hefty fee known as a prepayment penalty. While it is hard to fathom why anyone would want to pay this fee, the reality is that breaking a mortgage is very common. Many Canadians break their mortgage because they want to move out to a bigger house, take advantage of lower rates, or because of unexpected changes in their lives such as losing a job, going through a divorce, or having to relocate. According to RateSpy.com, it’s believed... [read more]

Basements have a bad rap for being dark, creepy, and depressing. If you’ve got a basement unit you’re hoping to rent out, then it’s even more imperative that you make it look inviting and livable. One impressive way to do that is to build a walkout. It instantly adds more light to the space and gives tenants their own separate entrance. If you’ve never heard of a walkout basement, it’s essentially a basement with a door that opens out onto the ground level,... [read more]

For people who can’t afford to buy property on their own, there’s co-ownership. This allows homebuyers to split the cost of buying a home with friends, co-workers, roommates, family members, or even strangers. Co-ownership is becoming more common these days as housing prices rise and buyers are looking to share the financial and physical burden of owning a property. Co-ownership may sound like a win-win situation, but there are many legal issues to factor in when going in on a... [read more]

These days it takes more than granite countertops, open concept kitchens, and modern appliances to impress homebuyers. With an aging baby-boomer population and a growing number of individuals who are disabled, more and more Canadians are seeking accessible housing. They want homes with accessible design elements such as wheelchair ramps, pocket doors, wide hallways, large barrier-free showers, floors free of level differences, wheelchair stair lifts, and roll-under sinks. According to the... [read more]

It seems the new trend for a lot of us that can’t afford a multi-million dollar homes, is either moving in with the in-laws or building a brand new building that can house everyone. It’s sort of like an old idea reborn. Do you remember triplex? There’s a new twist on that. A local builder has coined the name Flexplex with a desire to be more green. This case and much what is being talked about is the fact that there are three separate floors; one for each group of your... [read more]

Most of the public is still not aware of these available funds for having KITEC deficient plumbing materials within their home. Set aside for settlements is $125 million dollars throughout North America. For those that do not know what KITEC plumbing is, it’s a defective plumbing material that will deteriorate over time and cause water issues within a home. It was developed to help replace the expensive commodity copper and was found to be easier to install. KITEC was installed... [read more]

Whether you love them or hate them, elevators are a necessary part of condo living. As buildings get taller, elevator manufacturers have been forced to innovate to keep up with modern-day needs. In 1857, Otis Elevator invented the first passenger elevator in a five-storey building in New York City. This innovation ultimately paved the way for the rise – literally – of skyscrapers across the world and changed the face of urban landscapes forever. Despite the fact that elevators... [read more]

If your goal is sell your home faster, renovations can help move the needle. Buyers are attracted to a space that feels new and modern, so even small upgrades can go a long way – especially if it’s been decades since the last home upgrade. If you plan to put your house on the market, consider making these small but impactful updates before you list. FRESH PAINT A fresh coat of paint, both inside and outside the home, can brighten up the space and make it feel new... [read more]

I have always wondered about the layout of the interiors of those homes. They are surely built to be functional. There was no luxury in those times such as designing a house just to accommodate a large table or a flat screen TV. Every room and every hallway was built for function. And it made sense. Heat rises, so the kitchen was actually the family room of the house, the place where the family gathered for eating, games and conversation. The scullery was the room at the back of the house... [read more]

As in any industry everyone wants you to think they have the edge. Often it is a lead to get you to “buy into” what they have to offer and it is often too good to be true. In our changing society when you most certainly can’t judge the book by its cover, this “too good to be true” is increasingly the reality. In the Real Estate industry there are a few one liners you may want to consider more closely. I Have A Buyer For Your Home This is the biggest one... [read more]

  Fill it with variety of votive candles If you still want your fireplace to add a sense of warmth, go for candles. The key wit this look is to use a variety of heights, shapes, and sizes to get that truly cozy effect. If you don’t want to deal with open flames or wax, you can opt for flameless candles that look like the real thing, plus you can simply turn them on with a remote control. Put in a mirror If you love the candle idea, go one step further by... [read more]

Whether you’re renovating your house or searching for your next home, a floorplan with a good flow should be one of your top priorities. An awkward or poorly designed layout could take away from your everyday enjoyment and it could also be wasting precious space, which is something nobody wants. When you’re paying good money for a house, every square footage needs to count, so here are the floor plan layouts you should try to avoid. Lack of entryway When you walk in... [read more]

The majority of borrowers pay off their mortgage in monthly installments. However, it’s not unusual to hear of borrowers who insist that paying bi-weekly is the way to go. Are these people on to something? Most banks offer borrowers the option of paying bi-weekly, but what are the benefits of going down that route? Could it pay off your loan faster? Will you pay less interest over time? Is it something everyone should be doing? Here’s everything you need to know about bi-weekly... [read more]

Tips on How to Keep a Home Safe Change the Locks Changing the locks on all the home’s exterior entry doors is one of the first steps recommended to new homeowners after closing. Re-keying a house is a relatively inexpensive process and one that can bring great peace of mind to new homeowners. Over the years, previous owners may have given keys to various friends, family members, contractors and neighbours, so changing the locks is a safe option that also helps new owners feel more... [read more]

Municipal water systems are required to test and monitor drinking water supplies to ensure safe and good-tasting water. But what happens once that water has been piped into towns, neighbourhoods, and homes? Older homes may still have service lines made of lead going into the home, which can cause lead to leach into the water. The local water supplier should be able to confirm the presence of lead service lines for homeowners. Older fixtures that contain lead, or lead that was used on pipe... [read more]

Some homeowners like to brag about their big backyards or their spacious closets. Some like to boast about their home’s “walkability”. Walk Score is a website developed by urban planning experts that numerically ranks addresses based on how accessible it is by foot to essential stores and services. Scores range from 0 to 100 and yours can be found at www.walkscore.com   These scores don’t just determine the home’s proximity to a grocery store or... [read more]

Every resident has a right to accessible housing, which is why it’s the responsibility of condo corporations to ensure their building is accessible for all residents, including seniors, people who use wheelchairs and those with mobility, visual and dexterity/strength impairments. Accessibility requirements for buildings are set by provincial building codes-which are based on the National Building Code – and are aimed at preventing barriers for people with disabilities. Buildings... [read more]

We all want to have Mr. Rogers as our neighbour, but not all of us are lucky enough to have a picture-perfect neighbour who brings over homemade pies and mows their lawn without being asked. If you unfortunately find yourself living beside a neighbour from hell, then we’ve got some solutions on how you can peacefully co-exist. The course of action you take all depends on what the situation is between you and your neighbour. Are they having parties well into the night? Are they not... [read more]

Every seller wants to get the best deal for their house – especially when you consider that as much as $500,000 in profit can be earned tax-free. So why not just price your house to the moon? After all, you can just bring it down later, right? Well, there are a few problems with that, if you price high and slowly start bringing it down…and down… and down… buyers are going to notice. It makes that home start to seem like it’s in a bargain bin. You want your... [read more]

Keyless/Remote Entry Door Locks Have you ever left the house and worried that you left the front door unlocked? If your home is equipped with a keyless/remote entry door lock – available from multiple manufacturers – you can use an app on your smartphone to lock the door from wherever you are. Some manufacturers make versions that will also send a text or email to your phone when the door opens. Locks that can be programmed with multiple entry codes also allow you to see who... [read more]

Houses of any age will shift over time, resulting in cracks. Cracks may appear in finishes, structural components or both. Though they usually don’t have any structural significance, it’s worth some visual detective work to help homeowners understand the difference between different types of foundation cracks. Shrinking Cracks Concrete shrinks as it cures, so newly poured concrete foundation may develop small vertical shrinkage cracks, which are not structurally significant.... [read more]

Moving house is not something most people look forward to. It’s a huge disruption of your life and it requires endless coordination and organization. We put this guide together to help you remember everything you have to take care of so that you can take care of yourself a little better while the whole ordeal is going on. Old Location Before you start anything, arrange for a professional mover. You can get mover recommendations from friends or review sites. Then think about... [read more]

One of the most common questions in Real Estate is When is the best time TO Sell? Articles and articles have been written by “experts” in their respective fields: Mortgage Brokers, Lawyers, Economists and even Realtors! More often than not and quite typically the answer is the Spring Market. That argument is usually based on the sheer volume of sales that occur during that time period. This idea of spring being the “best” time to sell is not hard and fast rule. For... [read more]

We often think about the BIG reno’s when we think of dated homes, those are easy to spot but heavy on the pocket book to fix. But don’t sabotage all that time, effort and money by forgetting the little items too. It does not take much to put off a buyer! The Top Ten Little Things That Date Your Home: Dirty old switch plate covers and switches. - Old “flip” switches and off colour or faded colour plates are one of those easy to forget or not get around to... [read more]

One of the biggest fears people may have about natural stone is the maintenance it requires. The diamond-like hardness of granite makes it virtually impervious to abrasions, stains and heat. (It’s important to note that granite won’t stand temperature stress such as fireplaces, where the stone expands and contracts in a very short period of time. The seams, however, will prevent cracks.) You’ll find caring for your natural stone easy. Warm water, mild dishwashing liquid and... [read more]

Thinking about adding a gazebo to your backyard? Before you go and make your yard dreams a reality, it’s important to check up on your municipality’s landscaping regulations first. Here’s what you’ll need to know if you plan to embark on one of these backyard projects.   Adding a Structure Whether you’re thinking of adding a gazebo, pergola, storage shed or any other kind of structure in your backyard, you may need to apply or obtain a building... [read more]

In the warm summer months, there’s nothing better than having friends or family over for a fun backyard party or outdoor barbeque. But there’s an art to throwing a great party, and if you don’t keep your guests properly entertained, they might not stick around for long. Whether you have a huge yard or tiny patio, here are three ways to level up your outdoor entertainment game and keep your guests happy this summer. Giant Games Your guests will undoubtedly be... [read more]

While selling your sofa or lawnmower on your own doesn’t take a lot of sales skill, working with a professional real estate agent will help you get the most money in the shortest time when selling your home. Here are some of the top reasons I can help. Increase Your Profit Many people think they’ll make more money if they avoid paying an agent a commission and instead handle their own home sale, but the statistics show otherwise. According to the National Association of... [read more]

Busting clutter is almost always the first recommendation from professional stagers. Why not have a yard sale to clear out the things you no longer use while earning some cash for your move? Follow these tips to help things go smoothly and maximize your profits. Get The Online Word Out  - ​List your sale on the “Garage Sale” section of Craigslist and on any neighbourhood Facebook page groups. Include photos of your more interesting items to attract... [read more]

There’s no better time to refresh your home than the fall. Every season, there are always new answers to the question: what’s in right now? Industry experts and tastemakers have gone out to gather trends from all over the world in order to forecast what colours will be popular in people’s homes and what furniture the masses will be scooping up. If you want to change up your home but have no idea where to start, look to this year’s trends for inspiration and while... [read more]

Buyers and sellers often hear about plumbing upgrades, but just what does this mean? Generally speaking, upgraded plumbing in the context of buying or selling a home refers to both fixtures and/or the plumbing system itself. Here’s our list of the most frequently recommended upgrades: Fixtures New faucets are an easy way to add style to kitchens and baths without a lot of spend. If a home is being prepped for sale, use fixtures that will appeal to the most potential buyers. The... [read more]

Technology has changed a lot of things about the way we live, so it’s inevitable that it will change one of the most used spaces in our homes: the family room. Not to be confused with the more formal living room, a family room is used much more regularly. They’re the gathering place for everyone to convene and socialize, and they’re typically more kid-friendly. Here are some ways technology companies are taking family rooms to the next level. Vibrating Couches Companies... [read more]

Planning that summer vacation? Here are our top tips to give you added peace of mind while you’re away   One of the most effective steps is to make your home appear occupied. Use timers or an app on a few lights throughout the house, scheduling them to turn off and on at various times after dark. Use extra caution when communicating about your vacation dates on Facebook and other social media. And don’t post photos until you’re back. Information spreads... [read more]

A prominent economist has added his name to the growing number of industry pundits who are urging regulators to revisit the B-20 stress test regulations. Benjamin Tal, CIBC Capital Markets Deputy Chief Economist, is calling for a more flexible benchmark for the B-20, which took effect in January 2018 for all uninsured mortgages. Tal feels that the stress test was probably necessary to, as he puts it, “save some Canadian borrowers from themselves”. However he seriously questions... [read more]

MOVING UP TO YOUR “forever home” is exciting. When you bought your first place, chances are you were young, strapped for cash and prepared – if not warned – to make some concessions. The move-up buyer typically has some savings and home equity to work with, making this next move feel less like a compromise and more as a thoughtful selection. But move-up buyers face their own set of challenges that call for carefully considered strategy. Here are three options for the... [read more]

Spring is the perfect time to clean house-both literally and figuratively. As you emerge from winter hibernation, here are some tactics to help both your health and your home get ready for the new season. Do Some Decluttering Clutter on the home has been linked to increased levels of anxiety. No, you don’t have to go full Marie Kondo. But why not get rid of clothes you haven’t worn in years, or donate the miscellaneous kitchen items you never use? Get Healthy Kitchen... [read more]

Innovators are constantly finding new ways for people to live and it’s no doubt that the house if the future will significantly different from the ones we know today. But just how different will it get? For one thing, many experts agree that homes in the future will be made of eco-friendly construction materials, such as the self-healing concrete that was designed in the Netherlands. The cool thing about this bio-concrete is that it uses bacteria to heal any cracks that begin to form,... [read more]

Spring is here, and that means it’s the perfect opportunity to get your home ready for the months to come. Here are our tops tips to get you started: Winter can take a real toll on a home’s exterior. Wood, stucco and other types of siding should be checked for cracks, peeling or chipped paint, and general wear and tear. Have damaged areas repairs and repainted as needed for lasting protection. Clean gutters and downspouts of any debris that may have collected over the... [read more]

You may have noticed a flurry of recent press concerning the “inverted yield curve” that we have recently moved into Canada. An “inverted yield curve” means that the long-term bond rates are actually lower than short-term bond rates. In addition, almost every Canadian government bond is now below the Bank of Canada’s 1.75% overnight rate. That’s pretty rare. What does all of this actually mean for the economy and our real estate market? Typically, an... [read more]

SOME RULES we were never taught. When it comes to home décor, there are decorating basics that many of us are not aware of. How high do you hang artwork on the wall and what about the TV? How big a sofa should you purchase? Should you match your window treatments to the wall colour and what if you really like that fire engine red? Décor expert Karl Lohnes and Sue Rainville, director of marketing for Hunter Douglas, Canada’s leading window fashions manufacturer, offers the... [read more]

IT IS INEVITABLE that at some point in our lives we decide to sell the house. We may have lived there since birth, purchased it not to long ago or maybe we built our dream home and it is time to move on. Either way we will be dealing with one of the biggest investments of our lives! There are three variables in selling a house. One is the market place, how strong is it? Is it a buyers or sellers market? Are things moving? How long is it taking to sell a property in our area? The second is... [read more]

The charms of living in an older home can be many – history, style, craftsmanship, quirks. But there’s no denying that living in such a home has its challenges. Maintenance can be tricky and expensive, especially if certain systems and features have been neglected over the years. Let’s take a look at some common situations found in many older homes: Energy inefficiency is probably the number one issue with older homes. Most older homes were... [read more]

Overhead garage doors may be the largest and heaviest moving object in most homes. For safety and reliability, make sure it’s up to date and kept in proper working order. Safety First Older garage doors can lack some of the safety features required in newer installations. Automatic openers must have sensors, usually a pair of electric eyes, that will stop and reverse the door if a person or pet moves across its path. Power Out? What about getting the door open during a power... [read more]

Smoke alarms are an important defense against injury or death in house fires. Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association show that nearly two-thirds of home fire fatalities occur in homes with non-working or missing smoke detectors. Most building codes now require smoke detectors in all residential structures, which has resulted in a steep drop in fire- and smoke-related deaths. Homeowners should check with their local public safety office or fire department for... [read more]

Canadian consumers have several options when it comes to obtaining their credit score.  They can get their credit scores via the two national credit reporting agencies, Equifax Canada and TransUnion. In addition, they can get them through free credit score providers such as Borrowell, Mogo and Credit Karma. Each provider uses slightly different models to weight credit score factors, which is why consumers can get different results from different providers, even if they requested their... [read more]

Residential fires take their toll every day, every year, in lost lives, injuries, and destroyed property. But many conditions that cause house fires can be avoided or prevented. Taking the time for some simple precautions, preventive inspections, and concrete planning can help prevent fire in the home and can save property and lives should disaster strike. Check holiday lights for fraying or broken wires and plugs. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines as to... [read more]

If you're like most of us, laundry is a chore. We have found that a well organized laundry room is the best way to overcome the thought of laundry being a chore. First all, consider the placement of your washer and dryer. If you have the room, put them side by side and put a counter top on top so you have somewhere to fold or iron (yes people still iron their clothes). If you have to stack your washer and dryer, at least try make them look appealing.  Considering the size of most... [read more]

Is it a small renovation or something much more? Maybe you are considering making some modifications to your existing home or building a new one. I have had lots of experience with both and enjoy them thoroughly. In these types of situations, you need to carefully consider how the space is going to be used. To further complicate the situation, you need to take into account things like property features which may also mean the available views.  Surprisingly not all homes were built to... [read more]

If you have ever tried to sell something you love, it is not an easy thing. If we are emotionally attached to something, how do you put a price on it? It is impossible, or at least impossible if you cannot find a buyer that has the same emotion as you do. That is often the dilemma when it comes to selling your home. A homeowner is far more vested in the property and has far more personal attachment than sometimes money can match.   Even with the shortfalls most homes have, perhaps... [read more]

Prospective sellers likely to spend less than 2.5% of a home’s value on home improvement.   According to a cross-Canada survey of over 750 Royal LePage real estate experts, a kitchen renovation is the clear upgrade of choice with the potential to boost a property’s value by more than 12.5 per cent. Both ranking second, a finished basement or a new bathroom has the potential to increase a property’s value between 2.5 per cent and 12.5 per cent, depending on the... [read more]