'Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to spread holiday cheer than by adding a personal touch to your Christmas decorations? This year, let your creativity shine with these delightful and budget-friendly DIY decorating ideas. From handmade ornaments to festive wreaths, these crafts will not only bring warmth to your home but also create lasting memories for you and your loved ones.

  1.     Personalized Ornaments: Start your DIY Christmas decorating adventure by creating personalized ornaments. Gather clear glass or plastic ornaments and fill them with items that hold sentimental value. Consider using small photos, snippets of old Christmas cards, or even tiny trinkets that represent special memories. Seal them up, add a ribbon, and voila…

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When you start out your home search, you’ll want to first create a list of “must-haves” for your new home. Are you buying a new home because you need more space? Then “3 bedrooms” might be on your “must have” list. Are you buying a new home because you need to move for work? Then you might have a very specific neighbourhood in mind.

Taking the time to make a list of what’s important to you in a home will help guide your search, but once you get out and start touring homes, this may start to change. It might turn out that a 3-bedroom home in your top choice location is out of your price range. You’ll have to decide what you’re willing to sacrifice—location, or number of bedrooms?

 

Here are 7 things you won’t want to compromise on when buying a…

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When you’re shopping for a new home, you’ll likely have a list of “must-haves” that are essential to your ideal living space. However, there are circumstances in which it may be worth compromising on your list of non-negotiables.

 

Location:  While having four bedrooms or a large backyard may be high on your priority list, a desirable location with easy access to schools, work, and amenities could outweigh those specific features. Keep an open mind and consider adjusting your must-haves if it means securing a home in an ideal neighbourhood.

Budget:  Sometimes, your dream home may exceed your price range. In such cases, it can be beneficial to explore properties that may lack a few desired features but offer the potential for customization or…

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Purchasing a home is typically one of the largest financial decisions the average middle-class individual will make. What happens when the excitement turns into something else? 

 

It’s hard to imagine ever falling out of love with your home, it does happen though. Whether you outgrow your home, or it becomes too much home or that fixer-upper gets the best of you, it’s hard to let go but owning the wrong property can be financially, emotionally, and even physically draining. Read on if you believe you could be holding on to the wrong property and recognize the signs it’s time to sell:

 

You’re Wasting Time and Money on Repairs

Are you spending money month after month on home maintenance? People are often stuck in their old homes because…

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Buying a house is one of the biggest decisions in most people's lives. Not only is it a massive financial commitment, but it's also a long-term investment. Given the weight of this decision, it's vital to avoid certain pitfalls and mistakes that could potentially affect the value of your investment and the quality of your life. Below are some common real estate mistakes that buyers and investors should avoid.

 

 

1. Not Getting a Professional Inspection:  A professional inspection will provide you with a comprehensive view of the home's condition. An inspector checks every nook and cranny, and his detailed report will highlight potential problems such as structural damage, plumbing issues, electrical concerns, etc. Ignoring a professional…

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By all accounts, remote working is here to stay. In fact, according to a survey by McKinsey & Co (a research institute), 58% of workers say they can work at home at least part of the time. 

So, highlighting the remote working potential of your listing can be a major selling point.

One thing you can do is stage your home by creating a home office space of some kind. It doesn’t have to take up an entire room. It could simply be a nook with a desk and chair. Just be sure the space looks comfortable and functional.

 

If possible, add shelves. And make sure the lighting is adequate for working

Consider adding a couple of plants and other attractive decor.

 

If you have an existing home office, declutter it as much as possible and…

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The summertime real estate season is as hot as the weather, but there are amazing benefits to purchase in the fall

For the first time in recent history, October surpassed June as the most popular month to get married. And these autumn-loving brides may be on to something: Although the spring months are notoriously the best time to buy real estate (as well as have a wedding), fall may be the new ideal season to buy a home.

1. There’s less competition

Competition for houses drops off in the fall, a time many people consider to be off-season in real estate. But there are still homes for sale — and in some cases, there’s just as much inventory as there was during the spring and summer.

2. Sellers are worn-out

Some sellers who put their…

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Fall splendor got off to an early start this year, with splotches of yellow dappling the River Valley as early as Labour Day weekend. A quick start likely means an early exit, so it’s best to take advantage of the colours while they last.

So, instead of watching the leaves fall from the branches outside your office window, get outside and see the beauty for yourself. Here are the 5 best viewing points in the city, in our opinion

Victoria Park hill

Near Le Marchand Mansion (11523 100th Ave.), and down the hill you can see the river valley for miles. Look down and all you can see are reds, oranges, and yellows with a view of the river meandering down the middle.

Kinnaird Ravine

Drive east on Jasper Avenue to 82 Street and turn east on…

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Landscaping may not be the first thing that comes to mind when selling your home in autumn. However, the outside of your home is still the first thing buyers see, so it’s worth exploring ways to update your landscaping to create a cozy and welcoming feel.

Here are just a few ideas:

1. Add potted plants:  Potted plants are an easy way to make your outdoors more attractive, especially along walkways and around your front door. And, because they’re potted, they can quickly be removed should the weather turn inclement.

2. Keep it Tidy:  As leaves begin to fall, make sure to rake them up and keep your lawn and landscaping looking neat and tidy. This will help potential buyers see the full potential of your outdoor space without being…

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If you’re thinking of selling, you’re probably planning to make a few minor improvements to make your property more appealing to buyers. That’s a smart idea.

So, what are the best small improvements to make? Here are a few ideas:

  1.        Cabinet hardware: Upgrading the hardware on kitchen and bathroom cupboard doors and drawers can have a surprising impact on the look of those rooms. The best part is, that this improvement is about as DIY-friendly as it gets!
  1.        Cover plates:  If you have older light and electrical switches, replacing the cover plates with something more stylish can make a difference. It’s probably the simplest way to give a room a more modern look
  1.        Countertops: Replacing kitchen or bathroom countertops…

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