Although currently dimly lit and a little rough on the eyes, your unfinished basement still has a lot of potential. With just a little love and the help of the following ideas, you can spice it up in no time and get some great use out of the space.   Add a pop of colour. Give your basement a whole different look without a big renovation by adding some colour to space. Consider painting and sealing the floors, opening up the room by painting the rafters white or a light colour, or... [read more]

For most people, retirement feels like a long way off. But, if you don’t start preparing as early as possible, you may find yourself in a place of financial insecurity when the time does come. To avoid this, consider implementing the following tips. Calculate your target savings. In general, it’s recommended that you save between 10 to 15 percent of your income for retirement. However, you can always use an online savings calculator to determine the amount you need to save for... [read more]

1. Use an Agent - Call me  Researching the current housing market and home prices on your own is a good way to get started, but it is always a smart move to get help with the buying process. I understand how much is at stake for a first-time home buyer and I’m more than happy to share my expertise and guide you through the process.  2. Consider the Costs There are quite a number of costs you need to consider with respect to the type of home you wish to buy. Condos for... [read more]

Ever just feel the need to redecorate? Scouring endless magazines for ideas and still confused? Here are five tips I found to guide you through a new decoration process. Avoid The “Too Small Rug” The ‘too small rug‘ is such a common mistake, but it can throw off the whole room. One rule is to have at least the front two legs of all the furniture on the rug. Vary the Art Configuration on Each Wall What you want to avoid is every wall looking the same and... [read more]

Family is important, and your decision to sell your home may be difficult for those closest to you. Moving can create mixed emotions, and it’s important to help your family understand how and why you made your decision. Whether you are moving up, downsizing, or changing locations due to a new opportunity, including family members in the process can smooth the transition. It may also help alleviate stress and strong emotions that could complicate the sale. As soon as you decide to sell... [read more]

You’ve got more options than ever when mattress shopping these days with no shortage of brick-and-mortar and online-only retailers to choose from. Here are several factors you should consider when you’re shopping for a perfect night’s sleep. Mattress construction: The most popular mattress types are inner spring mattresses, memory foam mattresses, and adjustable air mattresses. Each has pros and cons when it comes to durability and comfort customization. Firmness:... [read more]

For many people, and really with the cost of gas soaring and continued pandemic hurdles to leap when travelling, your backyard is the place you will spend most of your time. It's where you can entertain friends and family or just relax on a hot summer day.  Below are some ideas for creating an outdoor oasis and making your yard work hard for you: Privacy Privacy is just as important in your backyard as it is inside your house. You may not think of your backyard as a place... [read more]

While the value of our homes tend to generally appreciate over time. How much they appreciate will often depend largely on what you do with your home while you live in it. People who make regular upgrades to their homes often enjoy far greater returns on their real estate investments compared to people who just do basic regular maintenance. 1. Finish your basement There is probably no other project that can bring you a better ROI than a finished basement. In many cases, finishing off a... [read more]

What Is Downsizing? Downsizing is de-cluttering your home, selling it and moving into a state-of-the-art condo, so you can enjoy life, travelling and connecting with friends or family, instead of worrying about all the maintenance and hassle of owning a large home. Many GTA seniors downsize to be closer to their children and grandchildren, or to live in one of the city's vibrant neighbourhoods. Others choose to live in areas close to transit and amenities, allowing them to be... [read more]

For most of us, our bedroom is little more than a place to sleep and relax. However, just because it’s always been that way doesn’t mean that we have to settle for drab and dreary. One trend that’s gaining steam these days is converting your current bedroom into a luxury suite (or something comparable). If you want to live like you’re renting a room at the Ritz, then you want to follow these tips. Compartmentalize Your Activities Making your bedroom more... [read more]

Looking for the best hiking trails in Mississauga? Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 65 scenic trails in the Mississauga area. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.   Check out this link and plan your next adventure! [read more]

When getting ready to list your home, it’s in your best interest to ensure you are showcasing it in the best light. Take time to highlight your home’s strengths and remedy any of its possible weaknesses. This can make a huge difference in how fast your home sells. Here are my top recommended repairs to make before selling your home. Walls Freshening up rooms with a fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to spruce up your home, and generally, can be an... [read more]

You’ve found your dream home and now it’s time to cross all your T’s and dot all your I’s before it’s all your own. And one of the first items on your closing checklist the home appraisal. So, what exactly is that? The home appraisal is essentially a value assessment of the home and property. It is conducted by a certified third party and is used to determine whether the home is priced appropriately. During a home appraisal, the appraiser conducts a complete... [read more]

Moving into a new home is an exciting time, and you’re probably daydreaming about decor and paint schemes and new furniture. But before you get into the fun stuff, there are some basics you should cover first. Change the locks Even if you’re promised that new locks have been installed in your home, you can never be too careful. It’s worth the money to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that no one else has the keys to your home. Changing the locks can be a... [read more]

Spring is just around that corner and that means it’s time to get the deck ready for those relaxing nights at home in your own backyard oasis. Hanging out with your family or hosting friends on your old, dingy deck is not very appealing. Lucky for you, refreshing it doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Try your hand at the makeover ideas below! Restore your decking. Depending on the shape it’s in, sometimes all your deck needs is a little love. If it’s... [read more]

Make sure your finances are in order  Use this year to dive into your finances and work on becoming more money savvy! Saving for a down payment can be a lot of work, but chances are you've missed many opportunities to save. When you sit down with your bank statements and make a list of your expenses, you may be surprised to find that you're spending far more than you need to.  This year I really want to work on improving my credit rating A good credit rating can be... [read more]