Susan Terry
About Susan Terry
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THE POWER OF LEMON AID
The lowly lemon can make quite an impact around the house!
Load up on lemons if you’re looking for a powerful, environmentally-friendly cleaner that can tackle virtually any household chore! Here are a few ways they can make your home naturally sparkle:
- use lemon juice to remove stains on countertops
- mix lemon juice with baking soda to create a scouring paste
- soak carpet stains with lemon juice for 20 minutes, then rinse and blot
- heat a bowl of water with sliced lemons in the microwave before wiping it down
A great tip for squeezing as much juice as possible from your lemons is to microwave them for 30 seconds, wait a minute, then cut and squeeze.
Lemons are an excellent alternative to traditional toxic cleaning solutions and they’ll fill your home with a refreshing citrus scent that won’t leave a sour taste behind!
WATER DOWN YOUR RELAXATION
Your backyard’s the perfect place to take a break from the hectic pace of everyday life.
After a long day, picture yourself unwinding in your backyard, reclining on a lounger, and being serenaded by the soothing sound of flowing water.
Adding a water feature to your garden not only transforms your backyard into an oasis of tranquillity, but it may also increase the value of your home!
Depending on the design, water features can also create an environmentally-friendly haven for wildlife such as frogs, birds and butterflies.
It’s important to first plan out your vision to ensure your water feature will seamlessly integrate with your landscape and environment.
Water features can be as simple or elaborate as your budget allows, ranging from a simple tabletop fountain to a full-scale babbling brook.
Solar-powered fountains are an excellent choice for those seeking an environmentally-friendly option. By harnessing the sun’s rays, you’ll lower your electricity bills and you also won’t get tangled up in electrical cords.
If you have small children, safety should be a priority. Also, if you plan on digging, make sure to click before you dig so that you don’t cut through any pipes or cables that are hidden beneath the surface.
There’s something about the flow of water that naturally soothes the soul. Once you’ve put the finishing touches on your new water feature, find a comfortable seat, close your eyes and enjoy your very own piece of paradise!
GETTING YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR
Rental properties can be a great way to get your foot in the door, so to speak.
If you already own a home, purchasing a rental property in the Grey Bruce area may be easier than you think, depending on the equity you’ve accumulated over the years.
However, if you’re new to the real estate world, purchasing a home with a separate rental unit is a great way to get your foot in the door, pardon the pun.
It’s much easier to afford a property if you have someone else paying the mortgage and the best part is, you don’t have to put up with an annoying roommate who leaves the kitchen in a mess as you’ll have your own separate unit.
Maintaining a rental property is also much easier if you live on-site as you’ll be able to cut the grass and keep an eye on things.
Finally, owning a rental property means you can deduct a portion of your mortgage, property taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance costs when tax time rolls around.
It’s important to treat your rental property like a business though to ensure its success. For instance, having an emergency fund is essential as you’ll be responsible for issues that require immediate attention such as a broken furnace or a burst pipe.
Being a landlord isn’t for everyone, especially if you’re not living at the property, but it shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your real estate investment dreams as you can always hire a property manager to take care of things for you.
As with any property purchase, it’s important to seek professional advice to help ensure you buy the right property, in the right location, for the right price.
If you’re a business-oriented person who’s able to think long-term and plan for the unexpected, managing your own rental property might be the perfect fit. Just reach out so that we can discuss your next move!
GREY BRUCE REAL ESTATE UPDATE – May 2023
Please don’t hesitate to reach out for detailed stats that are specific to your neighbourhood, or even if you’re just curious about what the house down the street sold for – it’d be great to hear from you!
HOW TO HOST A CLOTHING SWAP
It might be time for a change – a change of clothes that is!
If your closets are bursting at the seams, you may want to think about organizing a clothing swap! Here are a few tips to ensure its success:
- organize clothing by type and size
- create space for a few private change rooms
- have a few full-length mirrors with decent lighting
- refreshments, a few chairs and music are a nice touch
Hosting a clothing swap is a great way to update your wardrobe and meet new people while also being eco-friendly.
It’ll be a win-win for everyone if you ask attendees to bring a small food bank donation plus any remaining clothing can also be donated to a local charity.
NATIONAL RESCUE DOG DAY
There are so many pets in the Grey Bruce area that need a good home.
For all you dog lovers out there, May 20th marks National Rescue Dog Day which was created to help raise awareness about the huge number of dogs who are currently waiting in shelters for a new place to call home.
There are an increasing number of animals in the Grey Bruce area that need loving homes as many people who went out and got pets during the pandemic have given them up now that they’ve gone back to work.
Thankfully, the Grey Bruce Animal Shelter has been working tirelessly to rescue and care for animals that have been abandoned, abused or neglected.
They’re extremely overwhelmed and under-resourced though due to the increasing number of animals that are in need of help so it’s important to recognize the valuable work they do and to support them in any way possible.
Having a loyal pet by your side can improve your mental health and bring tons of joy to your life but if you’re unable to take on a full-time pet, there are a variety of volunteer opportunities that are less demanding.
If you already share your home with a rescue dog, remember to post a picture on social media on May 20th with the hashtag #nationalrescuedogday along with a short story of how you and your dog have changed each other’s lives!
THINKING BIG IN SMALL SPACES
Living small is all the rage but you can still live large in a small space!
If you live in a small space, it’s important that you don’t feel boxed in. The following tips will help transform your cramped quarters into something that feels much more expansive:
Disappearing Doors
Installing pocket doors is an easy and inexpensive way to create loads of extra space.
Shady Solutions
Paint the walls a soft shade and the ceiling bright white to give the illusion of added height.
Lighten Up
Keep the window areas clear of heavy drapes in order to expand the wall area and to let the sun shine in to brighten things up.
Mirror Mirror
Strategically placed mirrors will create the illusion of added space and they’ll also reflect light into adjoining rooms.
Cut a Rug
Having the same type of flooring throughout your home will make it feel much more spacious so avoid using too many area rugs.
Hide & Seek
Maximize hidden space by hanging storage pockets behind doors or adding bed risers to accommodate under-the-bed storage containers.
Cut the Clutter
Have a place for everything so that the surfaces in your home don’t get cluttered. Storage baskets, for example, are great for hiding remotes and magazines.
Open Up
Arrange your furniture so you can see as much of the floor as possible. Rooms with blocked views can feel cramped so move furniture away from entrances.
Whether you’re getting ready to put your home on the market or you just want to create more space for yourself, these easy and inexpensive tips will help give you a little extra breathing room.
By thinking big and getting creative, you can comfortably live large in even the smallest of spaces.
GREY BRUCE REAL ESTATE UPDATE – April 2023
Please don’t hesitate to reach out for detailed stats that are specific to your neighbourhood, or even if you’re just curious about what the house down the street sold for – it’d be great to hear from you!
