Home Sales
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!
TIPS FOR A SMOOTH RENOVATION
A little advanced planning will help keep you sane during your renovation.
If you’re thinking about renovating your home, you’ll want to try and consider some of the smaller details before things get underway.
Careful planning will not only allow you to hold onto your sanity during the upheaval but it will also ensure you get the best bang for your buck!
Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help ensure your renovation goes smoothly:
Peace of Mind
Make sure you agree in writing on a reasonable completion date but keep in mind that renovations can sometimes be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances so expect the unexpected.
Clear the Clutter
Take the opportunity before your renovation gets underway to donate any unwanted items to charity so your newly renovated home won’t be full of clutter.
Be Flexible
Accept from the start that you’ll be dealing with a lack of privacy along with dust, noise, mess and disorganization but remember, it’ll all be worth it in the end!
Kidding Around
Set aside a few toys and games to keep the kids occupied and schedule some playdates and local outings so you can escape the construction zone chaos.
Food For Thought
Preparing nutritious meals at the best of times can be a challenge but it’s even harder in a construction zone so prepare a few nice freezer meals for quick and easy dinners.
Stay In the Loop
Misunderstandings between contractors (and spouses) are one of the biggest causes of stress during a renovation so be sure to have an open line of communication and schedule regular progress reports.
Watching your home transform into something new that your family will enjoy for years to come is a very exciting experience but it’s also a major inconvenience.
The secret to making sure you’re not overwhelmed and that everything goes smoothly is to remain calm throughout the process and plan ahead for surprises.
If you go into your renovation prepared with a solid plan of action, your dream home will become a reality before you know it!
GREY BRUCE REAL ESTATE UPDATE December 2022
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!
SELLER MISTAKES THAT COST THOUSANDS
You only get one shot at creating that all-important initial buzz so it’s important to get things right the first time.
When selling your home, it’s important to get it right the first time as mistakes mean your home will sit on the market longer and eventually sell for less.
You really only get one shot at creating that all-important initial buzz that occurs when a new home hits the market, so make a great first impression by avoiding the following seller mistakes:
The Price Is Wrong
Sellers are often tempted to price their home way above market value but this tactic usually backfires. The longer a home sits on the market, the more of a stigma it’ll develop, forcing you to repeatedly drop the price.
Restricted Access
Buyers may skip your home if it’s not easily accessible. The goal is to get as many qualified buyers through your home as possible so using a lockbox is key, pardon the pun 🙂
Hanging Around
Homeowners should always leave before showings so that buyers can look around without any distractions. If a buyer feels comfortable, they’ll be able to relax and make themselves literally feel at home.
Stage Fright
Staging starts with an ultra-clean, de-cluttered and de-personalized home. Buyers should be able to envision themselves living in your home which is why photographs, trophies and kids’ artwork have to go.
Rough Repairs
It’s important to tackle any necessary repairs before your home hits the market as buyers will be turned off if your home appears to have been neglected and they’ll wonder what other hidden issues may arise.
Going It Alone
A real estate agent’s job is not only to market your home to the masses but also to act as a 3rd party negotiator to keep emotions in check and help you get the highest price in the shortest amount of time.
Selling your home can be an overwhelming experience and your home is most likely your biggest asset, so when you decide to sell, it’s important to get everything right the first time.
Setting your emotions aside and viewing the sale of your home as a business transaction are critical elements to ensuring your home sells quickly, easily and for the most amount of money possible!
BAKED BRIE & ROASTED GARLIC
Simple yet tasty appetizers are the way to go during the busy holiday season.
It’s not always easy to impress holiday guests but the delicate, mellow taste of roasted garlic paired with creamy baked Brie is sure to be a huge hit. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese
- 2 whole garlic bulbs
- 2 tsp olive oil
- red pepper jelly
- crackers
Start off by slicing the tops off the garlic bulbs and drizzle them with olive oil.
Next, wrap the bulbs in foil, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
While the garlic bulbs are baking, slice the thin rind off the top of the Brie and place the rest of the cheese in the oven for the last 15 minutes.
When it’s done, transfer the Brie and garlic bulbs to a platter and serve with crackers and red pepper jelly. Enjoy!