Category: Owner

Look twice before breaking your fixed-rate deal

If you’re watching Canada’s interest rate tumble faster than anywhere else in the world right now, you’ll either be delighted you have a variable lending rate or annoyed you took a gamble on a fixed rate. For those who gambled and lost, the temptation is to call the lender and immediately ask for a new…
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Is your home pet-friendly? Here’s how to do it

Pets are more than just animals – they’re cherished members of our families. And we want our homes to be havens not just for ourselves but our furry companions, too. Designing pet-friendly interiors goes beyond just minimising hazards. It’s about creating a space that meets their needs while maintaining a stylish and comfortable environment for…
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Release the power of colour psychology in your home

Colour is more than just aesthetics; it’s a powerful tool that significantly influences our emotions and behaviours.  By understanding the principles of colour psychology, you can strategically utilise colour in your home décor to create specific moods and atmospheres, transforming your living spaces into havens of comfort, creativity, and tranquility.   As an experienced real estate…
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How to rejuvenate scratched hardwood floors

Constant foot traffic and the inevitable knocks of everyday living eventually take the gloss from any hardwood floors. Many buyers highly value a beautiful wooden floor. It’s an elegant foundation that sets the tone for the rest of the property. These tips will help restore these floors to their former glory. Return on investment: If…
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Five renovation challenges that make upsizing a great option

If you’re weighing up the pros and cons of selling your home or renovating, there’s a temptation to stay in place, shying away from the commitment of finding a new home in a highly active and competitive market. As an experienced agency, we’ve worked with many clients who began their home-selling journey by renovating. They…
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How your home can ease cost-of-living pain

With a focus on cost-of-living pressures since the post-Covid spike in inflation, many homeowners have been investigating the benefits of downsizing or taking out a reverse mortgage – and sometimes both. The impetus to downsize usually strikes so-called “empty-nesters” – those couples whose adult children are no longer living in the family home. But levies…
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10 ideas to make your home eco-friendly

As more people become increasingly aware of their environmental footprint, sustainable living is gaining momentum.  This translates into a growing interest in eco-friendly home renovations and upgrades. By making conscious choices, homeowners can significantly reduce their impact on the planet while enjoying a comfortable and healthy living space.  And just as importantly, you’ll be adding…
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Gutter tips that come from the top

If you enjoy the occasional bizarre language and statements in the current presidential campaign, try this one – “the most neglected part of homeownership is the gutters. It’s personal for me”. The “me” is Democratic vice-presidential pick Tim Walz, who reckons he has had some bad gutter experiences. “You get your basement wet. You get…
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Regulator eases burden on borrowers seeking to switch lenders

Switching your loan to another provider is never a simple task, but it will become easier thanks to a prospective policy change promised by our banking regulator, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). It has announced it will drop the requirement for a stress test when homeowners renew their mortgage as they…
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If your home feels ‘blah’, give it a dopamine hit

Does your home make you happy? It’s a simple yet incisive question aimed at revealing whether you truly enjoy your sanctuary. If you quietly confess that, actually, you don’t love your house or apartment, then ask why not. What’s the problem? How can you change your mood towards your home? Ambivalence or disappointment are emotions…
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