Susan Terry
About Susan Terry
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A PIECE OF YOUR MIND
Peace of mind is priceless.
THE GIFT OF THE GAB
Starting a conversation with someone you just met can be intimidating.
Over the past two years, our social game has taken a bit of a hit due to lockdowns, social distancing and a lack of events and get-togethers.
Making conversation can be daunting if you can’t think of anything to say but these helpful tips will have you filling up awkward silences and chatting up a storm in no time:
You Name It
When you’re introduced to someone, use their name right away as people love to hear their name and by saying it out loud you’re more likely to remember it.
Mirror Mirror
Always maintain eye contact to show you’re interested, nod your approval every now and then and mirror their gestures to make them feel more comfortable.
Be Open Ended
Ask questions as people love to talk about themselves but try to always make sure that they’re open-ended questions so that the answers aren’t just yes or no.
Listen Learned
Rather than worrying about how to respond, listen carefully to what others are saying so that you’ll be able to provide a more natural response when there’s a break in the conversation.
Common Ground
Try and find similarities between you and the other person and build upon them. It could be as simple as a hobby you share, friends you have in common or the fact that you live in the same area.
Smile & Be Positive
Most individuals are drawn to positive people so stand tall, smile wide and keep your conversation upbeat instead of sharing your worries and woes right off the bat.
Making conversation is actually really easy — you just need the confidence to pull it off. Instead of awkwardly fidgeting when you’re introduced to someone, try to relax, listen carefully and most importantly, just be yourself!
DREAM HOMES REALLY DO COME TRUE!
House hunting in the Grey Bruce area is supposed to be fun, but it’s important to be properly prepared.
It’s easy for homebuyers to get frustrated, especially in this market, so it’s important to start off with a solid plan and a positive mindset. Here are a few points to consider before you head out hunting for homes:
Finance Forward
Get pre-qualified for a mortgage so you’ll know exactly how much you can afford to spend. It’s important to also set aside money for closing costs such as legal fees and tax adjustments.
Know Your Needs
Make a list of the features your new home must have such as a double driveway and then a separate list of features you’d like to have such as an ensuite bath or walk-in closet.
Future Plans
Think about how long you plan on living in the home and whether or not it has to be in move-in condition or close to schools, transit, shopping, etc.
Keep An Open Mind
In this market, you’ll need to be flexible so when you start your search, try to keep an open mind. When you’ve explored all your options, you’ll be able to narrow things down and focus on your goal!
Location, Location, Location
Determine whether the location of your home is more important than the home itself. You can always update the home but you’ll never be able to update its location.
The Bold & Beautiful
Don’t be put off by the green shag carpet or floral wallpaper as they’re easy to replace. On the other hand, don’t get “taken in” by a well-staged home with expensive furniture.
Ready, Set, Go!
Homes in the Grey Bruce area sell quickly, so when you finally find the perfect place, it’s important to act in a very decisive manner so that you don’t end up with regrets.
Properly preparing yourself before you head out on your house hunting journey will make your experience much more enjoyable so do your best to get everything sorted out in advance.
In the meantime, if you’re thinking about making a move, we can set you up on a custom search to help you get acquainted with the Grey Bruce market. That way, when the perfect home comes along, you’ll be ready to move forward with confidence!
GREY BRUCE REAL ESTATE UPDATE – Feb 2022
For detailed stats that are specific to your neighbourhood or if you’re curious about what the house down the street sold for, please don’t hesitate to reach out – I’m always happy to help!
TORTILLA PINWHEELS: THE EASY APP!
This delicious yet easy-to-prepare appetizer is sure to impress!
If you’re looking for an easy yet delicious appetizer to serve your friends and family, try this simple recipe for tortilla pinwheels. Here’s all you’ll need:
- tortilla wraps
- cream cheese
- grated cheese
- red pepper
- jalapeno pepper
- sour cream
Spread the cream cheese on the tortilla and then dice the peppers and add them on top before sprinkling on the grated cheese.
All you have to do now is roll up the tortillas and place them in the fridge for a few hours. Once they’re chilled, slice the tortilla rolls 1” apart before serving with sour cream. It’s that easy!
The beauty of this app is that you can prepare it well in advance and then just pull it out of the fridge when you’re ready to serve but if you have a bit of extra time, you can also heat them up in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
You can also be creative with the types of ingredients you add as the recipe is very flexible. Just be sure to make enough as it’s the type of snack that people can’t get enough of!
BEST HIKING TRAILS IN GREY BRUCE
Beat the winter blahs by getting out and enjoying the great outdoors!
Most people are sticking closer to home this winter, so it’s the perfect time to get out and explore some of the natural gems that our area has to offer.
Hiking is a great way to get exercise, fresh air and a healthy dose of vitamin D, all while connecting with the great outdoors and beating the winter blahs!
Another big advantage of hiking during the winter is that you don’t have to worry about getting eaten alive by mosquitoes 🙂
Grey Bruce County has plenty of scenic trails in and around the area. In fact, some of the best hiking trails in the province are right here!
If you haven’t visited Grey Bruce’s beautiful waterfalls in winter yet, there’s still time! From Inglis Falls to Jones Falls there’s something very magical about the frozen falls. Please note that accessibility and opening hours are subject to change and that not all of the area’s waterfalls are open during the winter months.
You can also visit Ontario Nature Trails for a full listing of trails in the area, plus details on where to view local wildlife and birds!
If you’re looking to get out for a day trip, there’s a guide that features some of the best trails in Ontario. You can search trails by region and activity, so whether it’s hiking, snowshoeing, geocaching or mountain biking, this guide has you covered.
Whether you’re going hiking on a local trail or heading out further afield, it’s important to be prepared. Waterproof boots and layers will keep you comfortable if the weather changes and don’t forget water and snacks.
Also, always check that the trail is open before you leave and have a look at the conditions as harsh weather can impact the safety of the trail.
Winter can sometimes drag on which is why it’s important to stay physically and mentally active while reconnecting with nature. Whether you’re a walker, hiker or jogger, there’s bound to be an exciting outdoor adventure that will put a smile on your face!
MAKING CENTS OF YOUR DOWN PAYMENT
Buying a home is exciting but saving up for it can be a challenge.
These days, a dream home can seem like just that – a dream. Owning your own home might seem like a daunting goal but with the right strategies, it’s definitely achievable.
A home is probably the largest single purchase you’ll ever make so it’s important to be aware of your financial circumstances and to have a plan of action.
It’s also important to know exactly how much you’ll need for a downpayment and closing costs so that you’re properly prepared and not caught off guard.
Once you figure out how much you’ll need, open up a savings account specifically for homeownership so you can easily monitor your progress. Here are a few ideas that’ll help you save up for a downpayment:
Consolidate Your Debt
It’s impossible to save money if you carry an unpaid balance on your credit card so consolidate it into a line of credit that offers a lower interest rate.
Government Programs
There are a variety of government programs that are designed to help prospective homebuyers with their downpayment. Just reach out for more details!
Room For Rent
Having a roommate will save you a considerable amount of money each month that can go directly towards your homebuyer savings account.
Cut the Car
It’s extremely expensive to own, operate and maintain a vehicle each month so consider selling your car and using public transit instead.
Making Menus
Planning weekly menus means you’ll be less likely to order take-out or overspend at the grocery store.
Lunch Break
Buying lunch even a few times a week costs thousands of dollars a year so pack a lunch instead and skip the fancy morning lattes.
Get a Book Deal
It’s the little things that add up so instead of buying books, check them out from the library. If they don’t have the book you want, they’ll usually order it for you.
Dream Homes Come True
Put a picture of your dream home in a prominent place to constantly remind you of your goal. Visualization combined with good old-fashioned willpower can help you turn your dreams into reality!
Saving up for a down payment requires discipline and patience. Just don’t get discouraged and remember that every little bit you save will help you eventually achieve your dream!
There are various programs available to assist home buyers with their down payment needs so if you or someone you know requires some help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
GREY BRUCE REAL ESTATE UPDATE
For detailed stats that are specific to your neighbourhood or if you’re curious about what a home recently sold for, please don’t hesitate to reach out – I’m always happy to help!
AN APPY LIFESTYLE
The right app can help kick-start new habits that will change your life!
If you’re looking to make some changes this year, your smartphone may hold the answers. Here are a few apps that are worth a look:
Duolingo
If learning a new language is on your to-do list for 2022, the Duolingo app is an absolute must!
Happify
This app is designed to help you overcome negative thoughts by offering a series of games that train your brain and build skills to help increase your happiness.
Done
The Done app is an intuitive and enjoyable way to help you manage your time and focus on your tasks. It displays monthly progress snapshots and also highlights your success streaks to keep you motivated.