If you’re thinking of buying a particular home, you’re probably aware that you should get a qualified home inspector to examine it. In fact, most offers will include a condition that the property be inspected before the sale becomes final. A good home inspector will go over the property from top to bottom, inside and out. He or she will look for things like cracks in the foundation, o...Read More

  You visit a garage sale on a sunny Saturday morning and find a bicycle that you think would be perfect for your child. You look at the price tag and it’s about twice as much as you would expect to pay. When you question the owner, he says, “That bike has a lot of sentimental value for me. I couldn’t let it go for less.” Chances are, you’ll pass on the bike. T...Read More

When you purchased your current home, chances are it was a good match for your lifestyle. It had the space you needed, the features you wanted, and a location that worked for you. But for most people, lifestyle and needs evolve through the years. Kids get older. Jobs or careers change. People take on new hobbies and other interests. As a result, the home that was ideal a few years ago may not fi...Read More

  When a hotel wants to make a room look inviting, they start with the bathroom. They clean it until it sparkles. They place fresh towels everywhere. They make sure the soap bars and shampoos are new. Some hotels even fold the end of the toilet paper into a nice neat triangle! Why all the fuss? Hoteliers know that if a customer is impressed with the bathroom, they will likely feel the sam...Read More

  When you’re shopping for a new home, it’s a good idea to create a checklist of what you want and what you need. It keeps you on track to ultimately find the property that best fits your requirements — and those of your family. However, there’s a big difference between want and need that is important to understand when house hunting. A ‘need’ refers to ...Read More

  Does your home have a lot of personality? There’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, you may have pictures on the fireplace mantle showcasing happy family memories over the years… or trophies and other awards in the kids’ bedrooms that represent achievements that make you proud… or a fridge door covered with notes, a calendar and other items that make it a de fa...Read More

  You’ve shopped around and attended a few select viewings. Now you’ve found the home of your dreams. It’s yours – as long as you make the right offer! So how do you make the right offer? That’s a very important question to consider. If your offer is too low, you risk the seller turning you down. You may not get a chance to make a second offer, especially if...Read More

  If you’re thinking of making a move within the next few months, there are two important things you need to know. The first is the market value of your current property. That’s the amount your home will likely sell for in today’s market. When you know its market value, you’ll have a better idea of how much money will be available to invest in a new home. The secon...Read More

  How do you select the best moving company for your needs? Ask for recommendations. Beware of fly-by-night operations. They may seem like a bargain, but you get what you pay for. Request a written estimate and contract. (Beware of movers that just give you a price over the phone.) Confirm they are covered by insurance, and clarify their policy regarding lost or broken items. Make sur...Read More

  Looks like Builders and Developers Aren’t the Only Ones Trying To Meet the Demands of the Economy:   The Government of Canada is building strong, inclusive and sustainable communities with more than $180 Billion in new infrastructure funding over the next 12 years. By making historic investments in public transit, housing and social infrastructure, they can create long-term ...Read More