Home Sales

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!

Grilled pineapple is an easy yet delicious finale to any backyard BBQ!

Almost everyone loves pineapple as it’s healthy yet sweet but it’s even better on the BBQ because when you grill it, the natural sugars caramelize which creates a sweet/smoky taste. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pineapple, cored and peeled
• 2 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 2 tbsp. melted butter

Lightly oil the grill and preheat the BBQ to medium. Cut the pineapple into 1-inch slices.

Combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Brush pineapple with butter and then pat on the sugar mixture. BBQ for 5 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re slightly grilled.

This simple yet scrumptious dessert tastes even better with a side of vanilla ice cream – enjoy!

Are you and your home prepared for the adventure of a new puppy?

Bringing home a new bundle of fur is an exciting time but it’s also a lot of work. The first thing you’ll need to do is puppy-proof your home.

Start by getting on your hands and knees so you can see things from their perspective and put everything away that a pup might chew on such as shoes and hats. Here are a few other handy tips:

Think Inside the Box
It’s a good idea to crate-train your puppy right from the start so that both of you can get a good night’s sleep.

Power Down
A teething puppy may try to chew on electrical cords so tuck them away so that they’re out of reach.

Pack Your Poison
Gather up any poisonous items such as chocolate, xylitol, bleach or ibuprofen and put them in a secure spot.

Trash Talk
Keep your garbage can out of reach so that your pup won’t come into contact with bones, plastic bags or other choking hazards.

Champion Chewer
Stockpile a wide variety of puppy-friendly chew toys to help redirect their focus away from your shoes or your couch.

Yard Time
Make sure there aren’t any holes in your fence and look out for poisonous plants such as azaleas and daffodils.

Bringing a puppy home is a wonderful, life-changing experience but it can also be a lot of work. It’s therefore best to prepare your home ahead of time so that you can offer your pup the constant love and attention it deserves.

Having an empty nest when the kids fly the coop can be a bit of an adjustment.

When your kids eventually pack up and leave home, you’ll be presented with a newfound freedom along with a variety of unexpected emotional challenges.

While some parents are glad to see their children spread their wings and fly the coop, other parents experience “empty nest syndrome” which refers to the sadness parents feel when their children move out.

Many empty nesters find their homes are too large once their kids move out and therefore opt to buy a smaller home in order to reduce maintenance costs and gain additional capital for their retirement.

It also means you’ll be able to buy your next home for cash which will give you a bit of extra leverage when it comes to negotiating the purchase price.

Deciding whether to downsize or stay put depends on your unique situation as downsizing isn’t always the right move, pardon the pun.

If you’re facing the possibility of an empty nest, it’s important to closely examine your finances and motivations. Here are a few points to consider if you’re thinking of downsizing:

Clear Intentions
It’s important to be clear about your reasons for moving and also that you have a good idea of what you’re looking for in your new home.

Friendly Reminder
Packing up and selling the family home can be emotional so consider moving to an area that’s close to friends and/or family.

Common Ground
Bungalows are very popular with empty nesters as too many stairs can start to present a challenge as we continue to get older.

Condo Culture
Consider a condo if you plan on traveling as there’s very little maintenance to worry about yet lots of amenities to enjoy.

You Guest It
If you like to host out-of-town guests, it’s important to have room for them to stay. Don’t forget to also save room for your future grandchildren!

When the kids finally fly the coop, it can be a huge adjustment but it also means less upkeep, lower bills and more time to spend doing the things you love.

Whether you decide to sell your home or stay put, it’s a great time to declutter your home so go through every room and get rid of anything you no longer have any use for.

Whatever you end up doing, just be sure to turn your newfound freedom into a positive experience by enjoying some peaceful, relaxing quiet time and focusing on your own needs.

For detailed stats that are specific to your neighbourhood, or even if you’re curious about what the house down the street sold for, please don’t hesitate to reach out – it’d be great to hear from you!

Nothing makes me happier than helping my amazing clients find that perfect home! If you’re looking to relocate, reach out so that we can discuss your next move.

Wallpaper used to be all the rage, and it’s starting to make a comeback.

You can now buy peel & stick wallpaper that’s a breeze to put up and just as easy to take down.

This new type of wallpaper is a great way to quickly create a stunning accent wall. It’s also perfect for covering up “problem walls” that are starting to show cracks and other imperfections.

If you’ve got some of the older-style wallpaper hanging around your home that you’re looking to get rid of, here are a few environmentally friendly solutions that’ll help you easily scrape and peel it away:

Hot Vinegar
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and hot water. Use a paint roller or large brush to apply the solution to your wallpaper.

Soften It Up
Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of fabric softener and hot water and spray it evenly on the wallpaper.

Wash It Away
Mix 1 part dishwashing liquid and 3 parts warm water. Make sure to use a dishwashing liquid that includes a degreaser.

Once the wallpaper has been removed, wash the walls with warm water and let them dry thoroughly before painting them or hanging your new peel & stick wallpaper.

If you do it right, that old ugly wallpaper can be easily removed, so if you find the home of your dreams but it’s buried under a layer of hideous wallpaper, don’t let it deter you from putting in an offer!

If you’re having an open house, it’s important to dress your home for success!

Open houses are slowly starting to make a comeback in the Grey Bruce area, but they’re not always necessary as they can sometimes attract unqualified buyers or those who are just curious.

There are instances though where an open house can lure that perfect buyer or perhaps spark a bidding war. It can also motivate buyers to act quickly if they know there’s an open house coming up.

If you and your agent decide that an open house is the way to go, it’s important to get it right so here are a few tips that’ll help dress your home for success:

Lighten Up
Open up the windows and blinds to let in as much fresh air and natural light as possible. Flowers also brighten things up and they’re a great way to draw attention to features such as a bay window.

Nothing Personal
Potential buyers shouldn’t feel as though they’re intruding so remove any personal items such as family photos or the kids’ artwork that’s hanging on the fridge.

Back It Up
Showcasing the beauty of your backyard is important as buyers, now more than ever, are looking for a tranquil outdoor space to relax in so cut the grass, trim the hedges and clear away any clutter.

Seasoning
If you have an open house in the winter or on a dark rainy day, be sure to showcase your garden by displaying photos of your yard during the spring, summer and fall when it’s at its best.

Spread the Word
Tell the neighbours about your upcoming open house so that they can spread the word to any friends and/or family members who might be interested in moving to the area.

The Nose Knows
Baking cookies just before an open house will leave a pleasant aroma that’ll remind people they’re in a loving family home rather than just a house. You can even leave some out for your visitors to enjoy!

Get Out!
It’s always best if the homeowners aren’t around during an open house as potential buyers need to be able to relax and envision themselves living in your home while also feeling comfortable enough to voice their objections.

On the day of your open house, your home should be sparkling clean and completely de-cluttered. You only get one chance to make a winning first impression when you open your doors and showcase your home to potential buyers, so it’s important to take the time and do it right.

For detailed stats that are specific to your neighbourhood, or even if you’re curious about what the house down the street sold for, please don’t hesitate to reach out – it’d be great to hear from you!

Please reach out if you ever have any questions about the Grey Bruce real estate market, even if it’s just to find out what the house down the street sold for – it’d be great to hear from you!