Seasonal Archives | Toronto Real Estate Agent Team

What Should You Look for when Evaluating a New Neighbourhood?

Posted on April 21, 2023May 5, 2023 by Trisha Wilson

It can be tough to find the perfect place to live. Each neighbourhood has its pros and cons, and the definition of an ideal neighbourhood can change depending on your stage in life. Young families may want to live within walking distance of great schools, while single Millennials may be more interested in an area in proximity to work and play in the downtown core. We reached out to RE/MAX agents across Canada, for their best advice on what you should look for when evaluating a new neighbourhood.

What should you look for when evaluating a new neighbourhood?

When looking for a home, it’s important that you consider your top priorities in terms of location.

One RE/MAX agent put it best: “I always advise my clients to consider distance to work, desired schools and kids’ activities. You can change anything about a home, except its location.”

If a big yard is important, consider shopping an older neighbourhood, before high-density developments became the norm. If a newer home is important, you may have to live with the fact that the yard will likely be smaller with less privacy, due to the lack of mature trees.

Driving times to places you frequent – work, recreation, shopping and services – are also factors to consider before choosing a neighbourhood to buy and live in.

Your budget will impact on your decision as well. Several RE/MAX agents noted that they often remind their clients to consider resale value.

You may also want to consider air and water quality, street traffic, and even how much snow accumulates on average during the winter (and the municipality’s snow-clearing strategy!).

Explore the neighbourhood

Do your due diligence as a buyer and explore the neighbourhood before you buy, to gauge how “liveable” it is. Google is a great resource, but nothing beats first-hand experience. Visit the neighbourhood at various times of day and night, during rush hour, to get a sense of how busy (or quiet) it can be. Reach out to some local residents and ask them if what they like and dislike about their community. Check local crime rates. Finally, check municipal plans for the area to determine if there are any major changes planned, and take a look at recent values, to ensure they’re trending upward, and property taxes.

Work with an agent who understands your needs

It’s important that you are working with a real estate agent who understands what’s important to you. Your agent should be asking questions to understand your needs as a buyer, so they can help guide you through the process.

“I need to know what’s important to my clients, so I can help with the particular neighbourhood choices. The perfect neighbourhood is different for each client,” said a RE/MAX agent.

Think long-term

Although it’s important to think about your immediate needs, it’s also vital that you think about what your needs may be five or 10 years down the road.

If your child has one more year of elementary school before he/she graduates to junior high, the proximity of the middle school to your house is equally, if not more important, than the distance to the elementary school.

“I tell my clients to keep in mind that they will likely be in their new home and neighbourhood for at least 5 years. They should consider what their needs may be within those five years.”

Ready for the next step in the home-buying process? Contact us!

Courtesy of REMAX.ca

Does Your Credit Score Impact Your Mortgage Rate?

Posted on April 14, 2023May 5, 2023 by Trisha Wilson

It takes credit to build credit – most of us have heard this at some point in our early years of adulthood. Some of us heard it when we got our first credit card; others when they went to apply for a loan of some type and realized they didn’t have a credit score. The crux is that while it takes credit to build credit, it also takes credit to destroy credit. So, what exactly is “credit” when it comes to finances, and does your credit score impact your mortgage rate?

Credit is essentially a numbering system that gauges how likely you are to repay borrowed money. The higher your score, the ‘safer’ you seem to lenders, and the lower your score, the ‘riskier’ you are.

The first step to building your credit is to get a credit card. Credit cards typically carry a high interest rate and can be a bit of a risk if you use them too freely without considering that you have to pay it off afterwards. However, by having and using a credit card and then paying off your balance in part or in full each month, you show the lender that you are likely to repay your debts. This helps to increase your credit score. In addition to making payments on time, it is essential to keep balances low as this shows the lender that you aren’t spending more than you’re able to pay back.

What if you pay rent?

You can also improve your credit score by paying rent. There are several programs that use your monthly rent payment to boost your credit rating, as long as you pay your rent on time. These programs typically either require landlord verification, or that you make rent payments via their platform. Some may even verify rent payments using electronic bank records. These programs can help demonstrate a positive credit history, as a cost as low as $5 per month.

What if you have student loan debt?

Debt is debt, and as long as you’re making payments on time, your credit rating shouldn’t suffer. With that said, carrying too much debt will impact the amount of mortgage you qualify for. Here are a few things you can do when applying for a mortgage with student debt:

Pay off other debt. Even seemingly minor credit card debt will impact your debt-to-income ratio. Paying these off ASAP will improve your mortgage affordability.
Restructure your student loan. Debt ratios are based on monthly payments. By restructuring your student loan to extend payments over a longer period of time, you’ll reduce your monthly obligations and positively impact your debt ratios. However, it’s worth noting that you’ll pay more in interest over time.
Make regular student loan payments. Showing you’re responsible and can handle your debt responsibilities will improve your credit score.
Get pre-approved. If you aren’t sure about whether you will be able to get a mortgage with student loan debt, apply for pre-approval. This will give you a set mortgage amount and interest rate so that you know what you can afford.

Next, it is important to understand your credit score. In Canada, a credit score ranges from 300 to 900. A higher score is always desirable, but any score between 743 and 789 is usually considered good, and anything over 790 is very good. A score between 693 and 742 is considered ‘fair.’ Anything below 692 is considered ‘poor,’ which means you may have a more challenging time getting lenders to loan you money. These ranges are different when applying for mortgages and getting a reasonable interest rate, as you will read more of below.

In Canada, a credit score is determined by multiple factors: payment history, used vs available credit, credit history, public record, and inquiries. These factors are weighted at different amounts, with payment history usually carrying the most weight and the number of hard credit inquiries carrying the least weight.

Does your credit score impact your mortgage rate?

Many wonder if and how their credit score affects their ability to buy a house. The simple answer is yes; it absolutely affects your mortgage interest rate. The higher your score, the lower the interest rate you will usually get – and when you’re talking about a loan that is hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars, a percentage or two makes a big difference.

Generally, a credit score of 760 or higher will give the borrower access to the best mortgage rates – as long as they have consistent income and meet the lending criteria such as the mortgage stress test. A credit score between 650 and 759 will moderately impact the mortgage rates available to you, but you may still have access to all mortgage rates available on the market. This is especially true if you have other factors on your side, like a hefty down payment.

As your credit score drops, so does your access to better interest rates. While in the past, a score above 680 was the minimum credit score requirement, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) dropped the minimum credit score requirement from 680 to 600 as of July 5, 2021. While this is good news for those who may be rehabilitating their credit score or those just starting to build credit, it doesn’t guarantee they will have access to the best mortgage rates. In fact, with a score below 680, the borrower will see rates incrementally increase. Typically, borrowers with a credit score of 600 would be considered “non-prime,” which means their mortgage rate would normally be about two percentage points higher than a “prime” borrower.

With a credit score of less than 600, it is almost impossible to get a mortgage from a bank in Canada. This is where B lenders and private mortgage lenders come into play. There are plenty of private mortgage lenders across the country with no minimum credit score requirement – this isn’t necessarily the best thing if you’re looking for a reasonable mortgage rate. Many private mortgage lenders will charge an interest rate substantially higher than the prime rate or even the non-prime rate that a bank will offer. These lenders may also tack on extra fees due to the borrower having poor credit as it gives them a type of insurance in the instance that a loan is defaulted on.

If you are thinking of buying a home soon, it’s a good idea to track your credit score and start working toward improving it, if necessary.

When you’re ready to buy, ensure you work with an experienced, professional real estate agent who can help you navigate the market. Contact us today!

Sources:

Courtesy of REMAX.ca

Tips for Selling a Tenant-Occupied Property

Posted on April 7, 2023May 5, 2023 by Trisha Wilson

There is a lot to think about when you’re in the process of selling your property. There are moments of uncertainty as you hope to sell for the best possible price within a reasonable amount of time. The process can also be stressful for your tenant, who may be concerned about where they will live after the sale. We reached out to RE/MAX agents across Canada, to get their best advice on selling a tenant-occupied property.

Tips for Selling a Tenant-Occupied Property

Offer incentives

Several RE/MAX agents suggested that it’s a kind gesture to offer some sort of incentive to tenants during the time while the house is being listed.

A slight reduction in rent could mean a lot to your tenant if you’re in a financial position to offer the discount. Other options may include offering maid and cleaning services free of charge, giving your renter gift cards for restaurants, local shops, or movie theatres, or even throwing in a nice bottle of wine. These gestures may be of minimal cost to you but can go a long way to making the process smoother.

A happy tenant is far more likely to be cooperative and helpful during the listing process.

Respect their time

Until your property is sold, it is important to respect the fact that it is still the place your tenant calls “home.” It’s important to be open and honest with showing timelines and schedules.

One tip is to determine days and times of the week for showings that are most convenient for your tenant. Once those times are determined, advise your real estate agent to book during that schedule.

“When people feel heard and are a part of the process, they are much more likely to work with you rather than against you.”

Above all, don’t forget to respect laws about giving adequate notice to your tenant before a showing.

Work together and communicate

By working together, the situation may end up being a win-win for both yourself and your tenant.

Coach them through how to show potential buyers they are great tenants so that the new buyers may want to keep renting to them. The more cooperative, clean, and tidy the tenant is, the more likely they won’t have to move if an investor is purchasing the home.

It’s a good idea to have your real estate agent introduce him or herself to your tenant early in the process so that they can explain what will be happening and how the renter may be impacted. In some cases, real estate agents may be able to act as an intermediary to keep the flow of conversation going.

“Try to make your tenant feel part of the team. Have all documentation available regarding the legal positions of all involved. Manage expectations proactively.”

Help them out

Do your best to find someone who will either continue to be a landlord for your tenant or be sure to give your tenant more than the minimum notice required by law. Some sellers take this a step further by waiving the rent payment for the final month of the renter’s occupancy if they are helpful during the selling process.

In situations where the tenant is forced to move out following the sale, you may want to offer assistance in helping them locate a new place to live.

By helping your tenant, he or she will feel more positively about the situation and will likely return the favour by being more cooperative throughout the time your property is listed.

Consider your legal options

Nobody will contend the fact that selling a property that is occupied by a tenant can be challenging. But it is not impossible. Indeed, there are plenty of legal options at landlords’ disposal to sell rental properties.

Unsure what legal options are available? Here are some tips for selling a tenant-occupied property:

The first is to communicate with your tenant as soon as possible and keep the person regularly updated. During your communication – and have it in writing! – offer them information that you are planning to sell, how it might impact their living conditions, and requests for specific times for showing and inspections.

Another proposal from industry experts is to provide incentives to your tenant so that you can incentivize cooperation. This could include everything from waiving last month’s rent or reducing rent. If possible, you might even think about selling the residential property to the tenant, which could save time, hassle, and money.

Consider an early termination clause or cash for keys. Put simply, if your lease agreement contains an early termination clause, you can end the lease before the expiration date as long as you have the common courtesy to give proper notice. You could always provide a cash incentive to move out voluntarily prior to the end of the lease.

Ultimately, combing your local housing laws and regulations is crucial to ensure that you are not violating the law. The best option is to consult with a real estate attorney or real estate agent who specializes in tenant-occupied properties.

If anything goes sideways, you may need to pursue a judgment through your provincial landlord & tenant board or tribunal. However, this can be a lengthy process – in Ontario, it can take as long as a year for a hearing.

Courtesy of REMAX.ca

What Is the Difference Between An Exclusive And Non-Exclusive Listing Agreement?

Posted on April 1, 2023May 5, 2023 by Trisha Wilson

Whether you’re looking at a condo in the city or a detached home in the suburbs, the search for your dream home is an exciting time! For many prospective buyers, the period between the decision to buy and the day you get the keys to your new home takes a back seat to your dreams of the exciting times ahead. As a buyer, you need to be informed and educated through every step of the process. It can be challenging to set aside your search for the perfect window treatments when your agent is asking you to sign a document you don’t understand: the Buyer Representation Agreement (BRA). To help you tackle this, we are going to give you the short and sweet explanation of what a Buyer Representation Agreement is, so you can get back to the decisions you’re excited about making!

What is a Buyer Representation Agreement?

This document is a written contract that defines the relationship between you and the brokerage, and how the agent will represent your best interests. It outlines the services your real estate agent provides and what they expect from you, including:

The agent’s duties and obligations to the buyer
Agency relationships
The scope of the agent’s duties
Buyer obligations

Homebuyers will sign a BRA when they’re working with a real estate agent and are ready to make an offer on a home.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a BRA?

By signing a BRA, you enter into an agreement in which your real estate agent will represent you in the home buying process. Advantages include:

Representation – A BRA ensures that your real estate agent works in your best interests and abides by the services listed in your contract. They can handle much of the home-buying process on your behalf, including negotiating, inspecting, and paperwork.
Clarification – A BRA formalizes your professional relationship by clearly laying out what your real estate agent expects from you and what you can expect from them.
Negotiable – Most of the terms in a BRA can be negotiated with your real estate agent.

Disadvantages of a BRA include:

Locked term – By designating a real estate agent as your representative, your real estate agent will always receive a commission if you purchase property during the contract term.
Exclusivity – With an exclusive BRA, you will not be able to use another real estate agent. If you are unhappy with your current agent, there are steps you can take to break your agreement and engage another agent.

How is a BRA presented?

While the agreement can be written, oral, or implied, it will ultimately be required by law to be reduced to writing with your signature in order to protect everyone involved.

When should you sign a BRA?

Like anything else you place your signature on, it’s important to fully discuss and understand the services provided, the cost related to the services, and that the written agreement is clear. Typically, a BRA is signed before you begin working with the real estate agent.

What will happen if you don’t sign?

According to the Code of Ethics, the broker and salesperson must protect and promote your best interest as their client on top of being fair, and honest. While you can choose to be a customer rather than a client, be aware that there could be some differences in how you are represented.

What is multiple representation?

Multiple representation means that a brokerage represents both the buyer and the seller of a property. There are no standard terms of service for multiple representation, so you need to consult the representation agreement before any offer is submitted. Multiple representation must be consented to in writing, so make sure you ask questions and are comfortable with how it may affect the services provided to you.

What is a holdover clause?

A holdover clause is an optional clause in your BRA. It means that once your BRA expires if you purchase a home after a certain number of days (usually 30 to 90 days) that came to your attention during the BRA, you must still go through the agent to purchase the home, and they will still receive a commission on the home purchase or lease.

Learn more about the many other important home buying steps so you can spend time where it really matters! Are you ready to take the next step? Contact us!

Courtesy of REMAX.ca

Move-Up Buyers Want to Make Their Move. Here’s How.

Posted on March 22, 2023April 11, 2023 by Trisha Wilson

According to a recent RE/MAX Canada survey, 16 per cent of Canadians said they want to enter the housing market, or sell in order to “move up.” The high cost of real estate has made entering the market a challenge for many first-time homebuyers, but thanks to well-timed purchases and considerable equity gains, move-up buyers are in a great position right now, making shopping for a “forever home” feel like less of a stretch.

When you bought your first place, chances are you were young, strapped for cash, and prepared (or at the very least, warned) to make some concessions. “You can’t have it all,” they said. “So where will you take the hit – price, location, home style?” Move-up buyers, on the other hand, typically have some savings and equity to work with, making their next move less of a compromise and more of a thoughtful selection.

But move-up buyers face their own set of challenges that call for a carefully considered strategy. Here are three options for the smart move-up buyer with a plan!

Sell First, Buy Later

This strategy is ideal for the move-up buyer who doesn’t want to get stuck paying two mortgages simultaneously. Selling the existing home eliminates the risk of having to carry two mortgages if you don’t sell your existing home in time. It also reduces the chances of having to reduce your asking price if the sale isn’t happening quite quickly enough for your liking. This is a good option for move-up buyers who are banking on the proceeds of their sale to fund their new (and likely more expensive) property. By selling first, you’ll know exactly how much money you have to purchase your next home. Click here to get some tips on determining the right asking price.

Buy First, Then Sell

If homes in your area of choice are selling faster than the “For Sale” signs can hit the front lawn, also known as a seller’s market, the “buy first” strategy might be the way to go. By buying your new home before selling your old one, you won’t feel rushed into settling for a sub-par property or having to seek alternative temporary accommodations while you shop the market. This move-up buyer still lives in their existing home, allowing them the flexibility to shop around and continue looking until they find that perfect place, without any added inconvenience or pressure. This move-up buyer typically requires a bridge mortgage. Click here to read more about different types of mortgages.

Time and Align Your Purchase and Sale

When all is said and done, this move-up approach is the most ideal, but getting there is another story. Aligning your purchase and sale closing dates can be tricky. Remember that there are three dancers in this tango – you, the person you’re buying from, and the person you’re selling to. You’ll also have to move out and move in on the same day. In this scenario, time is your best friend and flexibility your saviour. This means you’ve planned ahead – you’ve researched neighbourhoods, gotten pre-approved for a mortgage, and you’ve started the organizing and de-cluttering process well in advance.

Your move-up strategy will depend on a number of factors, such as your financial situation, current housing market conditions, and your personal comfort level. Plan ahead and get the right advice from a knowledgeable, experienced real estate team, to ensure a smooth transaction at both sides of the offer table – We’re here to help!

Courtesy of REMAX.ca

What is a Buyer Representation Agreement?

Posted on March 15, 2023March 13, 2023 by Trisha Wilson

What is a Buyer Representation Agreement?

The agent’s duties and obligations to the buyer
Agency relationships
The scope of the agent’s duties
Buyer obligations

Homebuyers will sign a BRA when they’re working with a real estate agent and are ready to make an offer on a home.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a BRA?

By signing a BRA, you enter into an agreement in which your real estate agent will represent you in the home buying process. Advantages include:

Representation – A BRA ensures that your real estate agent works in your best interests and abides by the services listed in your contract. They can handle much of the home-buying process on your behalf, including negotiating, inspecting, and paperwork.
Clarification – A BRA formalizes your professional relationship by clearly laying out what your real estate agent expects from you and what you can expect from them.
Negotiable – Most of the terms in a BRA can be negotiated with your real estate agent.

Disadvantages of a BRA include:

Locked term – By designating a real estate agent as your representative, your real estate agent will always receive a commission if you purchase property during the contract term.
Exclusivity – With an exclusive BRA, you will not be able to use another real estate agent. If you are unhappy with your current agent, there are steps you can take to break your agreement and engage another agent.

How is a BRA presented?

While the agreement can be written, oral, or implied, it will ultimately be required by law to be reduced to writing with your signature in order to protect everyone involved.

When should you sign a BRA?

What will happen if you don’t sign?

What is multiple representation?

What is a holdover clause?

Learn more about the many other important home buying steps so you can spend time where it really matters! Are you ready to take the next step? Contact us!

Courtesy of REMAX.ca

How to Save for a Down Payment While Renting

Posted on March 8, 2023March 13, 2023 by Trisha Wilson

Renters across Canada have been struggling with rising rent costs and wondering how they will be able to save for a down payment while renting. With some money management tricks and adjustments to your daily living, you can save for a down payment. It might go slowly, but every little bit helps. Here are some tips to save for a down payment while renting.

1. Make a Budget and Stick to It

Making a budget is the easiest way to make your financial goals happen. When you have a plan for where your money is going, it puts the power back in your hands and gives you an idea of how long it will take to save for a down payment.

To make a budget, write down your monthly income. Then, list your monthly expenses, including your savings goal. Your expenses should always be less than your income; otherwise, you are going into debt. Track your spending to ensure your budget is accurate. But the trick is that if you want to save enough for your down payment, you must ensure you stay within budget as much as possible.

2. Get Rid of Your Existing Debt

Qualifying for a mortgage does not end with saving enough for a down payment. Mortgage lenders will also look at your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), the percentage of gross income used to pay minimum monthly debt payments. If you have a high DTI, you are a risk to the lender, who will be less likely to approve you for a mortgage. However, if you work to cut down your existing debt while saving for your down payment, you can get approved for the house you want.

3. Cut Unnecessary Spending

Another way to boost your down payment savings is to cut back on a few luxuries. For example, consider buying groceries and making meals instead of ordering in, working out at home for free instead of paying for a gym membership, or taking public transit. Then, take the money you would have used on those splurges and put it into your savings account for the down payment.

Some people might be willing to sacrifice just about everything to have their house sooner, but most of us would rather not sacrifice our quality of life. Make a line in your budget for fun things like a night out with friends, and ensure you don’t go over budget. Saving for a down payment is not worth sacrificing your mental health.

4. Lower or Eliminate Rent Costs

Your most considerable monthly expense is likely your rent, so an effective way to save for a down payment is to cut your rent costs. Although moving is not fun, it can save you thousands of dollars annually. Renters who work from home can choose a location with a lower cost of living, while those who work in an office can find a cheaper apartment closer to their work, saving them expenses for both housing and transportation. Then, take the difference in your expenses and put it in your savings account for your down payment.

5. Add Extra Income

While cutting expenses is an effective way to create room in your budget to save for a down payment, another way to save is to take on a side hustle. There are many opportunities for part-time work, such as driving for Uber or Skip the Dishes or becoming a tutor. You could also start your own home business cleaning houses, pet sitting and dog walking, or doing yard work. It doesn’t have to be fancy if it earns you extra money for your down payment.

6. Immediately Save Any Bonuses or Gifts

If you receive regular bonuses at work or a tax return each year, these can easily be contributed toward your down payment savings without sacrificing your quality of life. To take it up another notch, ask for down payment contributions in place of gifts for your birthday or Christmas. If you feel you are missing out on fun for yourself, set aside a predetermined percentage or amount to use as you want, and put the rest in savings.

With these tricks, you can save up for a down payment while renting. Set up a savings account dedicated solely to your down payment and watch as your efforts pay off – literally!

Courtesy of REMAX.ca

Address Change Checklist

Posted on March 1, 2023 by Trisha Wilson

There is nothing like receiving a handwritten note from a loved one, delivered the old-fashioned way directly to your mailbox. Sure, bills, letters, cards, and more can easily and more efficiently be accessed online, but where is the fun in that?

You have nearly reached the end of your home-buying journey, and although the road has been long and winding, you have reached the final stage! Your fingers are itching to dive into unpacking and settling into your new home, but first, you need to let your family, friends, companies, and government agencies know where they can reach you.

For family and friends, you can easily send a change of address card via mail or email, but there are a few more steps when it comes to informing government agencies. Nowadays, most services enable you to easily change your address online, which can be completed in a matter of hours. However, a few, like your registry, will require you to visit in person to complete the paperwork. Here are the main services for which you need to change your address:

Canada Revenue Agency – It is very easy to update your address online. Click here to change your address with the CRA and ensure your tax information is accurate.

Canada Post – Use Mail Forwarding to forward any personal or business mail from your old address to your new one so that you don’t miss any important information. This should be completed a few weeks before your moving date to ensure nothing gets missed.

Local Registry – Known as Service Ontario in Ontario and by other names in other provinces, this is where you can update your driver’s license and health care cards. If you are moving to a new province, you will also need to get a new license plate.

Bank and credit card company – Any information that proceeds through your bank, such as accounts, loans, or lines of credit, will need to be updated with your new address. If you have bought a new home, then your mortgage will already have the address.

Insurance broker – All home or rental insurance will need to be updated to reflect your new address. You will also need to update your auto insurance so that your new address is printed on your card. You should know that insurance rates often change based on address.

Employer – If applicable, it is important to change your address for the purpose of tax information and your Employment Insurance.

Medical Personnel – Your doctor, dentist, and any other medical practitioners that you see will need to be updated with your new address. This also includes the veterinarian.

Memberships and subscriptions – If you are a member of a place such as a gym, it will be necessary to change your address information.

Utilities – Assuming that you have not done so already, all utilities, including internet and TV, will need to be switched over to your new address.

Education institutions – If you have children that will be attending the same school as before the move, you will need to notify their school that you have moved and provide your new address.

This may seem like a daunting task, but fortunately, once everyone has been informed, you can go back to unpacking and organizing and can rest easy knowing that your friends and family will be able to easily find you to wish you well in your new home.

Courtesy of REMAX.ca

Tips to Enhance Your Curb Appeal This Winter

Posted on January 31, 2023January 18, 2023 by Trisha Wilson

The grey and lifeless winter landscape can leave your home’s curb appeal… lacking. If you’re selling your home and are hoping to channel your inner Norman Rockwell in a cozy, welcoming scene, take it from the experts: it is a lot simpler than you think! Homeowners who want to give their front yard a facelift or prepare their homes to sell during the winter season should be aware that it does not require too much of an investment. From a fresh coat of paint to a modest bird feeder, it is the little things that count and can add the most charm to your home’s exterior. We have compiled a list of tips from real estate experts on how you can enhance your curb appeal this winter.

6 Tips to Enhance Your Curb Appeal This Winter

Give Your Numbers an Update

How old are the numbers on your house? Better yet, can delivery drivers even see them as they try to drop off your pizza (or the signature brown boxes holding the evidence of your 2020 online shopping addiction)? Whatever state the numbers on your front porch may be, consider investing in some new numbers for an easy, affordable, and striking outdoor refresh.

Investing in a new mailbox can also instantly upgrade your exterior aesthetic. So, scrap that rusty eyesore and trade it for a sleek, metal letter box that can usually be affixed to the wall with a couple of screws.

These simple updates can do wonders for your curb appeal during the winter months.

Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint to Your Door

Oftentimes, the best way to spruce up any part of your humble abode is with a fresh coat of paint.

Your door is usually the first thing that appeals to somebody’s eye. Many homeowners might choose to fully replace their old door with a new one that has a lovely glass insert. But if you are on a tight budget, all you need is some paint and colour that suits your home.

As an added tip, bold primary colours can look extremely striking set upon a white winter backdrop. But take note, you may want to proactively paint before the cold winter weather hits or during a window of unseasonably warm temperatures, as most paints need at least three days of 12-degree weather to properly cure.

Install a Bird Feeder

What better way to liven up your front yard than by hanging a well-placed and colourful bird feeder to attract some feathered friends? Winter provides us with plenty of gray days, so placing a bird feeder can show some colourful signs of life like blue jays and cardinals.

Add Functional Lighting

Exterior lighting offers a myriad of benefits. The first thing homeowners will point out is the safety aspect of light installations, providing added visibility during the shorter and darker days of winter. Opt for downward soffit lighting to create a warm glow that makes your property look inviting and cozy.

Clear the Snow and Clutter

The snow certainly looks nice after a fresh snowfall, but the longer winter continues without proper up-keep, the more unkempt your home will appear. While it is perfectly alright to let the snow accumulate on your lawn, aim to shovel the front walkway and the driveway to keep paths clear and safe. Remember, if you are hosting an open house, you want your home to be accessible and safe for prospective buyers.

Plant Some Seasonal Greens

Like a colourful bird feeder, cold-weather plants can liven up your front entrance. Unsure what to plant? Here are a few recommendations from our wintery green thumbs:

Evergreen trees and shrubs for all year long.
Winter berries, which will attract hungry birds.
Winter-flowering shrubs, such as jasmine and daphne.
Early spring bulbs that will flower in late winter or early spring.

Winter Brings New Decorative Opportunities?

Many homeowners typically think about what they can do to add seasonal holiday touches to the interior of their home but tend to neglect outdoor winter décor, which can create a bold, inviting statement to elevate your curb appeal. Whether a wreath or planter made of cold-hardy perennials or a faux fur blanket draped over your porch-side Muskoka chair, there are so many ways to bring the beauty of the season to your home’s exterior!

Courtesy of REMAX.ca

How to Prepare Your House Before You Go on Vacation

Posted on January 24, 2023January 18, 2023 by Trisha Wilson

Most people have watched the movie Home Alone or at least know the storyline. To summarize, a family goes away for Christmas vacation, and two robbers scope out the house and decide to break in and steal everything. However, the family forgets their youngest son, who spends his days pranking the robbers and keeping them at bay. While this makes for an amusing movie plot, being in this situation in reality is not what anyone wants – especially when they are out of the country. Now, if you’re wondering how to prepare your house before you go on vacation this winter, read on!

While the likelihood of you forgetting one of your children at home when you leave for a winter vacation is next to none, the chances of someone breaking into your home while you’re away is not out of the realm of possibility. We’ve compiled a list of ways to keep your house safe while you travel to warmer temperatures during the winter months.

How to Prepare Your House Before You Go on Vacation

Snowbirds will be quick to tell you that going away for a weekend or even a week is nothing compared to leaving for months at a time. Preparing your home for an extended absence is vital to ensure that everything remains status quo while you are gone. We will detail some key things below, including turning off water valves, adjusting your thermostat, and having someone check on your home regularly.

Turning off the Water

Turning off water valves while you leave for the winter is one of the most important things and should be kept at the top of your list of things to do before you go. Water is one of the biggest threats to your home, and even just a tiny leak can cause thousands of dollars in damage. In the winter months, the risk of your pipes freezing is real, and when pipes freeze, they eventually burst, and this isn’t something you’ll want to come back to after your vacation. Before leaving, we suggest turning off any water valves you can, including outdoor taps and laundry. Some people even turn off the entire water supply to the house before slipping away for the winter. Others prefer to keep some water flowing and have the person checking in on their home flush the toilets and drains occasionally to prevent odours from coming up the drain.

Turn Down the Heat

There’s no point in keeping an empty home warm and toasty, but you still need to keep the heat on while you’re away. This will prevent your indoor pipes from freezing and condensation from building up inside your electronics. Turn the heat down, but not off.

Pause Unnecessary Utilities

Some of your utilities like cable and internet can be paused while you’re away for a small, one-time fee. If you’re planning to go away for just a couple of weeks, this may not make sense, but pausing these utilities can save you hundreds of dollars if you’ll be away for a few months. That saved money is sure to come in handy while on vacation!

Find a Trustworthy Neighbour to Keep Watch

Having eyes and ears on your home while you’re away can make you feel much more comfortable leaving your home empty for weeks or months. This is where having great neighbours pays off. Ask or hire someone to bring in the mail, turn on lights occasionally and shovel the snow to make your home look lived-in and less inviting to thieves. Have them look around for anything out of the ordinary and immediately bring it to your attention.

You should also be aware that your home insurance terms may require you to have someone check on your home regularly if you are away for more than a few days. For example, some insurance companies will not cover pipes that burst during your absence, unless a competent person checks on the interior of your home every few days.

Leverage Technology While You’re Away

Thankfully we have the technology to give you some peace of mind while away. Installing security lights and cameras outside the entrances to your home is a great way to ensure that your house is kept safe. Most security cameras can be viewed using a smartphone, and these apps can also control lights giving you the ability to turn lights on and off while you’re away, further giving off the illusion that someone is home. An alarm system is also a great idea to keep your home safe from intruders.

Many Canadians head south for the winter months. Now that working remotely is so popular, it is expected that the number of “snowbirds” may increase, and the term will no longer be reserved for those who have retired. If you’re planning to escape the harsh Canadian winters in favour of a warmer climate, follow these tips on how to prepare your house before you go on vacation, so you can relax and enjoy yourself worry-free.

Courtesy of REMAX.ca