Susan Terry
About Susan Terry
Posts by :
TIRED OF TOSSING AND TURNING?
Perfecting your pillow time can transform your days from blah to bliss.
If all you’re dreaming of is a good night’s sleep, you’re not alone.
Lack of sleep can take a massive toll on our mental and physical health. The following tips will help you get the sleep you need:
It’s a No-Glo
Hide all light sources in your bedroom, no matter how faint, and turn off your phone at least 30 minutes before hitting the hay.
Just Be Cool
Keep the bedroom temperature on the cool side and wear socks to bed to help evenly transfer heat to your extremities.
Like Night & Day
Take in all the sunshine you can during the day as it changes the melatonin levels in your body which helps you to sleep better when darkness falls.
Regular Routine
Your body has an internal clock (circadian rhythm) that thrives on routine so try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
Stay Fit
Exercise during the day can help you sleep better, but avoid working out at night. Instead, ease muscle tension with some light stretches before climbing into bed.
No Worries
Make a to-do list before going to bed so you don’t end up lying there worrying about all of the things you have to do the next day.
Write On
Keep a pen and paper beside your bed in case your mind starts racing so that you can easily flush out all of your thoughts.
Embracing healthy sleep habits is key to enhancing both your physical and emotional well-being.
By following the tips above, you’ll be able to effortlessly transition into sleep every night, waking up in the morning with a new level of energy that will give you a positive and productive mindset. Sweet dreams!
THE COLLEGE CRIB ADVANTAGE
Buying a college crib for your kid could be a great investment opportunity!
It’s an exciting time as your child prepares to pack up and set out on their college journey, but this new chapter also comes with its fair share of financial obligations.
If your child is spreading their wings and leaving the nest to study away from home, accommodation will be a significant expense but this financial challenge can present a unique real estate investment opportunity!
By purchasing a property for your child to live in while attending school, you’re not just securing a roof over their head; you’re opening the door to a financial future with benefits that will extend well beyond graduation.
Here are just a few points to consider when weighing the options of whether or not to buy a crib for your college-bound kid:
Smart Moves
Instead of sinking endless amounts of cash into rent or dorm fees, your monthly payments will go towards building your net worth.
Cover the Costs
Use the rent collected from roommates to help cover the mortgage payments while your child pitches in to take care of general property maintenance.
Life Lessons
Managing a property can teach your kids valuable life skills that will help prepare them for future management situations as well as homeownership.
Expert Advice
Partner with an experienced real estate agent who’s familiar with the area so that they can help you get acquainted with the local market.
Ownership Options
Discuss ownership options with your financial planner and mortgage advisor to determine whether or not it’s best to list your child on the property’s title.
Planning Ahead
Research local vacancy rates and zoning laws to make sure your investment will continue to pay off once your child hangs up their cap and gown.
Investing in student housing by purchasing a property for your child can be a strategic investment opportunity that will provide them with a sense of independence and financial savvy as they transition into adulthood.
If you’d like to explore this opportunity but aren’t sure where to start, I can point you in the right direction by referring you to an out-of-town agent who can guide you through every step. Just reach out – it’d be great to hear from you!
BANK OF CANADA RATE UPDAT
The Bank of Canada continues to hold its policy rate at 5% for the fifth time in a row.
In a scheduled announcement on March 6, 2024, the Bank of Canada decided to maintain its target for the overnight lending rate at 5%. This was its fifth consecutive hold after two interest rate hikes last summer.
With the spring season traditionally seeing increased housing market activity, the Bank of Canada was wary of cutting rates, fearing it could exacerbate housing affordability issues by stimulating demand further.
High interest rates have already put a lot of pressure on households, contributing to a cooling economy as it seeks to align supply and demand.
However, inflation is nearing the Bank’s 2% target, with a notable impact from shelter costs, including mortgage interest and rent prices. While a rate cut could alleviate these expenses, it might also risk overheating the housing market.
Real estate professionals and potential buyers are closely watching for any rate changes, indicating that a decrease could lead to a surge in market activity and prices.
The Bank of Canada’s next scheduled interest rate announcement will be on April 10th.
GREY BRUCE REAL ESTATE UPDATE – February 2024
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 place down the road sold for – it’d be great to hear from you!
PAYING DEBT PAYS OFF
Climbing out of debt can feel like an uphill battle if there aren’t any footholds to follow.
Debt management is a topic that’s usually avoided but openly discussing this awkward subject with your loved ones can help them avoid a lifetime of financial woes. Here are a few of the basics:
Budget Crunch
Make a complete list of all fixed expenses such as rent/mortgage, car payments, utilities and groceries. Next, list variable expenses to see what can be reduced or eliminated.
Your Best Interest
Prioritize your debts so you can focus first on paying off high-interest, non-deductible debt such as credit cards and unsecured loans.
Consolidate
Monthly payments can be lowered by consolidating debt through a secured line of credit as the interest rate will usually be much lower.
Double Down
When unexpected money falls your way, put it towards paying down the principal of your debt as it will dramatically reduce the length and expense of your loan.
Reach Out
Getting ahead of debt is key so be proactive and reach out to creditors before things get out of hand as they’ll often be willing to work with you to help make things more manageable.
Discussing debt can be uncomfortable, but doing so can help your loved ones avoid a financial crisis that could devastate their credit rating and prevent them from borrowing money at attractive rates.
Almost everyone feels the credit crunch at some point, but with the proper game plan in place, you can shake off the shackles of debt and pursue a path to financial freedom!
AVOIDING HOME BUYER’S REMORSE
If you’re looking to make a move, a bit of planning will help you dodge the uneasy feeling of post-purchase regret.
Buying a home can be an emotional roller coaster which can cause people to make mistakes as they get swept up in all the excitement. Here are a few common buyer blunders to be aware of:
List to Last
Make a list of essential features you can’t live without. It’s easy to be dazzled by amazing curb appeal or an inground pool but don’t be taken in if it lacks the essentials.
Stick to Your Budget
Buyers who overextend themselves may be forced to sell if their circumstances change so avoid temptation by only viewing homes that are in your price range.
Location, Location, Location
Choosing a location that suits your lifestyle is crucial, so determine how far you’re willing to be from public transit, shops, restaurants and other amenities.
Getting Schooled
If you’re looking to lay down roots and start a family in the next few years, it’s important to consider how close you’ll be to parks, playgrounds and local schools.
Master the Market
The home you fall in love with today could be gone tomorrow. It’s therefore important to get acquainted with the market ahead of time so you’ll have the confidence to act swiftly when the home of your dreams hits the market!
Inspect the Unexpected
Having the home inspected by a professional home inspector will provide you with peace of mind as you’ll have a better idea of any potential issues.
Professional Advice
The real estate process can be an emotional roller coaster so it’s important to have a knowledgeable agent by your side to help you navigate the twists and turns you’ll face along the way.
House hunting should be a fun and exciting experience but it’s important to stay grounded so that you don’t jump into a long-term commitment that you may later regret.
As long as you conduct your research ahead of time and are well aware of your wants and needs, you’ll be able to move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
If you ever have any questions about the Grey Bruce real estate market, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – it’d be great to hear from you!
BANK OF CANADA RATE UPDATE
The Bank of Canada holds the policy rate at 5% in its first decision of 2024.
In a scheduled announcement on January 24, 2024, the Bank of Canada decided to maintain its target for the overnight lending rate at 5%. This was its fourth consecutive hold after two interest rate hikes last summer.
The Bank noted that Canada’s economy had performed sluggishly over the second half of 2023 and anticipated no growth over the first quarter of 2024 before picking up in the second half of this year.
The Bank also stated that “spending by governments contributes materially to growth through the year,” suggesting they will be waiting until the federal government tables the next budget before revising their projections.
The Bank once again cited shelter costs as the largest contributing factor to above-target inflation due to rising mortgage interest and rents, which it does not expect to return to its 2% target until next year.
Although many components of the CPI are showing signs of normalizing, with the Bank noting in its Monetary Policy Report that monetary policy is working as intended to slow growth, core measures are still running higher than the Bank’s preferred range.
The Bank is still concerned about risks to the outlook for inflation, particularly underlying core inflation, and would like to see “further and sustained easing” in this regard while it focuses on economic and other inflationary factors.
The Bank of Canada’s next scheduled interest rate announcement will be on March 6, 2024, and will publish its full outlook for the economy and inflation in its next Monetary Policy Report on April 10, 2024.
GREY BRUCE REAL ESTATE UPDATE – January 2024
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!
WANNA BE STREET SMART?
If you’re wondering what the house down the street sold for, just reach out with the address and I’ll send you off all the details!