Buying a Home
APPS TO KEEP YOU CALM
Emotional and physical illnesses can oftentimes be attributed to stress.
Instead of being the source of your stress, your smartphone can actually help you relax with some apps designed to relieve stress and anxiety.
Meditation is a huge stress reliever and apps such as Headspace are great at guiding you through the process.
Being grateful also reduces stress and increases happiness so check out Delightful which allows you to easily record the highlights of your day.
Finally, exercise is a great stress reliever but it can be hard to find the time. The 7 Minute Workout app contains various bodyweight-resistant exercises that can be done anywhere to pump up your endorphins and help you feel great!
HI-TECH PET PRODUCTS
You’re now able to watch, talk and play with your pets from anywhere!
Our pets are finding it hard to be alone now that we’re heading back into the office but it’s easier than ever to check in with Fido or Fluffy to see what they’re up to.
There are a variety of interactive, hi-tech pet gadgets to help keep our pets entertained. Here are a few of the popular features to look out for:
Treat Time
Reward your pet by dispensing a treat (or two) with the click of a button.
Pet Play
Relieve your pet’s boredom with a laser pointer that you’re able to control remotely.
Eye Spy
Check-in to see if your dog’s secretly jumping up on the couch for a snooze.
Phone Home
Transmit your voice and/or video to the TV to help alleviate your pet’s anxiety.
Fido’s Calling
There are now video-calling cameras where your pet can tap a button to call you!
It’s hard leaving our best friends alone at home all day long but now, no matter where you are, you can check in on a sick pet, keep tabs on a mischievous pup or simply give your pet some love while you’re away.
CONDO CONUNDRUM: FREEDOM VS. FREEDOM
It’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons before purchasing a condo.
Condos appeal to everyone from young urbanites who want to be in the heart of the action to seniors who look forward to enjoying their golden years playing tennis and relaxing by the pool.
Families are also starting to gravitate towards condos as they’re an affordable way to escape the suburbs and move to a more vibrant atmosphere where an endless array of amenities are only steps away.
Aside from being affordable, condos are low maintenance as you don’t have to spend your weekends cutting the grass and cleaning the gutters. They also offer enhanced security features which are perfect for those who like to travel.
Convenience, however, comes at a price in the form of condo fees which vary depending on the amenities offered by the complex. That said, condos are often very affordable compared to single-family homes, especially for those who are downsizing.
When you buy a condo, you don’t own the land beneath you but instead, you share a common interest with others in the complex. This means you’ll be subject to rules and regulations that can dictate anything from the type of planters you’re allowed to display to the kinds of blinds you can hang.
You’ll also be in close contact with your fellow condo owners. Some people love the sense of community offered by condos but for those who value their privacy, it can be a difficult adjustment. Pets are another key consideration as Fido may not be welcome in certain buildings.
If your real estate vision includes extensive renovations, condo living may not be for you as your options may be limited.
On the other hand, if you’d rather spend your time relaxing by the pool instead of painting shutters, the low maintenance factor may be just what you’re after. It’s really a choice of freedom vs. freedom.
GREY BRUCE REAL ESTATE UPDATE – February 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!
CHILD’S PLAY GUIDE TO DECORATING
Decorating your kid’s room will be child’s play with these easy tips!
Designing and decorating your child’s bedroom is a great way to spend quality time together.
It’s also a great opportunity for them to express their thoughts and opinions with you but with so many options available, it can be a bit overwhelming.
One way to keep things fun is to design the room around a theme. Remember though that a child’s interests can change rapidly so try and keep things simple and flexible.
There are plenty of ways to add fun and creative touches once you’ve decided on the perfect theme. Here are a few ideas to help you transform your kid’s room into their own personal sanctuary:
Stick ‘Em Up
Wall stickers are a great choice as they’re inexpensive, come in a variety of themes, cover large areas and are easy to put up and take down.
Chalk It Up
It’s time to read the writing on the wall! Creating a chalkboard wall is easy as chalk paint doesn’t require any sanding or priming.
Bedded Down
A nice new comforter with themed sheets and pillowcases is a great way to mix comfort and style.
Family Frames
Framing family photos or your child’s artwork in colourful frames will add a nice personal touch.
Basket Case
Attractive storage baskets that match your theme are a great addition as they make tidying up a breeze!
A child’s vision of a perfect room isn’t usually as complex or as costly as you’d expect. With a bit of enthusiasm, you can make your child’s day by decorating their room with a few simple touches that won’t break the bank.
Whatever you decide, make sure to involve your child in the process so that it’s a meaningful and enjoyable experience that you’ll both remember for years to come 🙂
BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO YOUR HOME
When it comes to indoor air quality, it’s best to “air” on the side of caution.
The term “air quality” is usually associated with outdoor air pollution created by bumper-to-bumper traffic or from factories that pump out clouds of smoke.
The truth is, we should be equally concerned about the toxins and irritants in our homes such as pet dander, dust mites, formaldehyde and fungi.
Fear not though as there are a variety of ways to improve your home’s air quality. Here are a few easy ways to breathe new life into your home:
Unwelcome Mat
Stop dirt and other irritants from entering your home by placing doormats at each entrance.
Green Clean
Try to use homemade cleaners with natural ingredients such as lemon juice, vinegar and baking soda.
Air Spray
Make your own air fresheners by mixing up water, rubbing alcohol and essential oils.
Plant Purifiers
Houseplants such as peace lilies and spider plants soak up toxins and naturally purify the air.
Free the Fur
Brush your pets outside and wash their beds on a regular basis to control hair and dander.
It’s Exhausting
Ventilate your home with exhaust fans and open up your windows whenever possible.
Humid House
Monitor and adjust your home’s humidity levels to prevent the growth of mould and mildew.
Do the Ducts
Have your air ducts cleaned every few years to prevent irritants from travelling throughout your entire home.
When it comes to indoor air quality, it’s best to “air” on the side of caution, pardon the pun. We focus so much time and effort decorating our home for aesthetic appeal but nothing in life is quite as precious as the air we breathe.
It’s easy to improve your home’s air quality though as implementing just a few of the ideas above will turn your home into a breath of fresh air!
BANK OF CANADA RATE UPDATE
The Bank of Canada increases interest rates and continues quantitative tightening.
The Bank of Canada started its 2023 schedule of rate announcements by increasing its target for the overnight lending rate by 25 basis points to 4.5%, while at the same time continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.
The Bank indicated that global inflation remains high and broad-based but is beginning to retreat in many countries driven mainly by lower energy prices and supply chain improvements.
The Bank also cited that financial conditions have eased in recent months but continues to remain restrictive along with the Canadian dollar remaining stable relative to its US counterpart.
In Canada economic growth has been stronger than initially expected amidst excess demand and a tight labour market.
Notwithstanding, restrictive monetary policy is contributing to a slowdown in economic activity as evidenced by the recent decline in household spending and the steep decline in housing market activity.
Rising interest rates are also expected to negatively impact business investments, while weaker foreign demand will likely dampen on exports.
The Bank estimated that the Canadian economy grew by 3.6% in 2022. Looking ahead, the Bank expects GDP growth to slow to about 1% in 2023, followed by a slightly stronger pace of growth of around 2% in 2024.
Inflation has eased in the second half of 2022, declining from 8.1% in June to 6.3% in December, driven mainly by lower prices for gasoline and durable goods.
The Bank acknowledged the hardships being faced by many Canadians as food and shelter costs continue to rise.
Despite short-term inflation expectations remaining elevated, indications are that core inflation has probably peaked as evidenced by the recent decline in the 3-month measures of core inflation.
Overall, the Bank projects a significant pullback in CPI inflation this year, which is expected to come in at around 3% by mid-2023, then further retreating to the Bank’s 2% target by 2024.
Lower energy prices, supply chain improvements, and rising interest rates are all expected to be the main contributing factors to lower inflation this year and next.
Looking ahead, the Bank noted that should future economic developments evolve in line with their expectations it might pause its rate hikes and assess its monetary policy stance.
The Bank also cited that it is committed to restoring price stability and will increase rates further if needs be in order to return inflation to its 2% target.
The Bank of Canada’s next scheduled interest rate announcement will be on March 8, 2023.
GREY BRUCE REAL ESTATE UPDATE January 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!
TAKE IT TO THE BANK!
The demand for food donations in the Grey Bruce area will be greater than ever this year.
Local charities, such as food banks, have struggled to keep up with a strong demand that has continued to increase over the last few years.
During the holidays, most people are in a very giving mood but when the new year rolls around, donations usually slow down to a crawl.
To make matters worse, food prices rose sharply during 2022 and are expected to continue rising in 2023 according to Canada’s Food Price Report which means that even more people will have to rely on food banks this year.
There are so many people who struggle to afford nutritious meals during these difficult times which is why our Grey Bruce Food Banks are in desperate need of non-perishable food donations along with diapers, toiletries and cleaning supplies.
In addition to food and toiletries, financial donations are especially important as they offer the flexibility to buy fresh food or to load up on items that are in short supply.
Thanks so much to the amazing people who continue to volunteer their time at our local food banks – your work is truly invaluable!