INVESTING Turning Your Cottage Into an AirBnB How to turn your summer cottage into a year-round cash cow Posted on October 29th, 2018 Jordan McGregor Sales Representative Ontario is home to some of the most stunning cottage properties in North America. Spending our summers drinking cold beers and enjoying the waterfront has become a rooted…
INVESTING Making Money With Solar Energy?? Is there still money to be made with solar systems in Ontario? Posted on October 5th, 2018 Jordan McGregor Sales Representative If you live in Ontario, you’ve probably heard a lot about solar powered homes in these past couple of years. There have been many discussions, and even…
INVESTING Why Successful People Are Now Investing In Condo Developments Small Subtitle blurb goes here…. Posted on September 17, 2018 Louis Tavakoli Broker “You must spend money to make money.” This age old saying has proven to stand the test of time; and for good reason. Successful people always seem to have the incredible skill…
When it comes to your finding your dream home, you shouldn’t have to settle for anything outside of your standards of perfection. Whether you decide to buy an existing home, or build one from scratch, The Perfect Home is never an unrealistic expectation; however building and buying will take you on very different paths that will require…
Is it time to sell your home? Sometimes, if the price is right and you strike a bit of luck, your home will manage to find the right buyer in a matter of weeks.. Unfortunately it doesn’t always work that way. “You want potential buyers of your home to be able to…
You’re ready to sell your home and must start the interview process to find the best representation. You begin by asking Realtors what they think your home is worth. You will be provided with an abundance of comparables, market data, and most will suggest you schedule an appointment with them to get a comprehensive valuation; but…
Kingston is a beautiful city with blooming opportunities for people of any profession or background. Being a fairly big city (population) 117,210 with an extensive history, Kingston houses some of the finest institutions in Ontario. What is it like to enjoy the finer parts of Kingston and what it has to offer without…
The Real Estate Market in Canada is on the rise; going up 66% since 2008! If you’re thinking about investing some of your hard earned money and building your capital, you are definitely going to want to consider adding Real Estate to your portfolio. Unfortunately investing in Real Estate can prove to be complicated.…
If you haven’t heard already, buying a home using the same agent that you are listing with comes with risk. Dual Representation is often looked down upon due to the potential of misrepresentation & unfair negotiation, and the dual commission streams for the agent. The question often depends on where the agent’s loyalties lie. Is…
Selling your home is one of the biggest transactions of your entire life, and as demand grows for the housing market Real Estate agents have shown up in the hundreds in Kingston alone, but some people wonder if their skills are absolutely necessary to attain the successful sale of their home. Real Estate Professionals exist to ensure that…
Take the noise and clutter out of real estate by keeping it real with RealEstate Reimagined. How to pick the right contractor for your home renovations. How to Plan Ahead How to Avoid Bad Contractors How to Accomplish Your Vision Number one question is: why is a budget so important with renovations? Renovations can get expensive.…
Take the noise and clutter out of real estate by keeping it real with RealEstate Reimagined. When looking into real estate investing, it’s important to know and keep the basics in mind. Investing in real estate is a business and should be treated as such Remember to develop a game plan Have a target and…
Take the noise and clutter out of real estate by keeping it real with RealEstate Reimagined. Curb appeal and first impressions are very important for both buyers and sellers, and an interlocking stone walkway or patio can not only increase property value, it can also suit your needs as the foundation for your patio. Having…
Take the noise and clutter out of real estate by keeping it real with RealEstate Reimagined. When working with mortgage brokers, it’s important to know these three key points. Knowing what a mortgage broker is, knowing the difference between a mortgage broker and a traditional bank, and the language you need to know to make…
Take the noise and clutter out of real estate by keeping it real with RealEstate Reimagined. How to pick a realtor, the do’s and don’ts of real estate, 6 red flags to watch out for One of the most important parts of picking a realtor is trust Picking a realtor is very important, your realtor…
Introduction Williamsville, in the upper portion of downtown Kingston, is home to numerous businesses and residents alike, which in turn gives this neighbourhood its lively atmosphere. Ensuring the voices of all those in the district are heard, the Williamsville Neighbourhood Association was established to hear concerns, implement improvements, and advocate for those in the neighbourhood…
Introduction As one of Kingston’s oldest and wealthiest neighbourhoods, Alwington offers some of the most beautiful and scenic properties in all of Kingston. This historic neighbourhood nestled west of Kingston’s lively downtown core, dates back to the mid-nineteenth century and offers beautiful views of the water coupled with convenient location. A range of housing types…
Introduction Strathcona Park is a pleasant suburban neighbourhood, popular among families looking to settle down due to its convenient location and its proximity to numerous parks, green spaces, and various schoolyards. The community itself is known for its friendly people, safe environment and numerous amenities and services nearby. The neighbourhood itself is quite similar to…
Introduction Kingston’s Inner Harbour encapsulates a wide variety of housing types, local businesses, and various amenities, all while displaying some of the cities most beautiful 19th century heritage buildings, constructed with local limestone. The neighbourhood has seen significant development over the past few years, with an influx of development and renewal into the area, the…
Introduction Portsmouth, often referred to as Portsmouth Village, is known for its rich history and charm. As one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Kingston the area has not only some beautiful homes, but great stories as well. Numerous parks are located within the neighbourhood, along with various local businesses along King Street West. The majority…
Introduction As one of Kingston’s oldest neighbourhoods, Sydenham encompasses not only some the cities most stunning limestone buildings but contains numerous parks and thriving businesses as well. The majority of the neighbourhood is a mixture of permanent homes and various rental accommodations. Ensuring the best interests of the neighborhood is the Sydenham District Association, which…
Over the next few weeks we will be taking a look at the various neighbourhoods that make up Kingston’s diverse housing market. According to the city of Kingston, there are 43 distinct neighbourhoods. Most of these neighbourhoods include five to seven neighbouring blocks with populations of 400 to 700 per block. These blocks are grouped together…
Buying or selling a home is no simple business transaction. It takes a team of experts and professionals you can trust to achieve your goals and protect your interests. Bringing in the right experts at the right time will ensure your purchase or sale goes smoothly and you don’t pay a big personal and financial…
Real estate sections of public libraries abound with books on selling you home privately. In addition to pointers on sprucing up your home for maximum sale ability, they provide homeowners with tips on the “psychology of showing a house.” Yet, most homeowners choose to sell through a REALTOR®. Selecting a REALTOR® Finding the right real…
Buying or selling a home in today’s market requires a lot of work and a lot of knowledge about sales and real estate. It’s one of the largest purchases or biggest business transactions many of us will ever make. It doesn’t pay to depend on blind luck. Whether you are a buyer or a seller,…
More than Just a Sign on the Lawn If you’re thinking of selling your home in the near future, you may think that all that’s required is a “for sale” sign strategically placed on your front lawn — but any real estate professional will tell you there’s much more to it than that. While a…
When you dream of your dream home, what do you see? Each of us has a vision of what it will be, but getting as close to that vision as possible is a practical, step-by-step process that begins with finding a REALTOR®. A REALTOR® is your best ally throughout the home buying process. He or…
When consumers choose a REALTOR® to help them buy or sell a property, they are placing their trust in someone who is knowledgeable and who will protect their interests. A REALTORS® role is to provide clients with sound, effective, timely advice and professional service. More than ever, in today’s fast-paced, high-tech world, REALTORS® are being…
When you are ready to sell your house you’ll want to enlist the help of a REALTOR®. He or she will provide the professional advice and service you need to make the selling process go smoothly. Showing you ways to make your home as marketable as possible is just one of the many ways your…
Homeowners face a double quandary when faced with the prospect of selling their homes: how does one make sure the decision to sell is the right one; and once the choice is made, when is the right time to sell? Traditionally, there have been four major reasons why and when people sell their homes: financial…
There’s little doubt that Canadians are on the move. Whether moving from an apartment to a home, apartment to apartment or home to home, moving is no simple matter. With careful planning, however, your transition can be facilitated in an organized and efficient manner, allowing you the peace of mind you need to settle into…
Getting the maximum exposure possible is a key part of any home sale. That’s why it pays to sell your home with the help of a REALTOR® through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). MLS provides details of your home to all real estate professionals in the area and markets the property to a broad range…
It’s an exciting time. Your offer has been accepted. You can’t wait to move into your new home. But don’t start celebrating yet. There is one final stage involved in purchasing a home — closing the deal. Closing is the point at which ownership and usually possession of the property is transferred from the seller…
Owning your own home has a lot of payoffs, especially these days when mortgage rates are still among the lowest in 30 years. There are also many housing options available in a wide range of prices. Simply put, you can carry a home of your own for no more than what you would pay in…
How to match the home you buy to your pocketbook So, you’ve decided to take the big leap and purchase your first home. Most of us have a “dream home” tucked away at the back of our minds — complete with six bedrooms, two fireplaces and a panoramic view. Before setting off to view properties…
Don’t forget closing costs when buying a home Despite the low cost of carrying a mortgage these days, you should keep in mind “closing costs” in addition to your down payment for that dream home. These various charges can add up, and for the most part they are all legally required payments in buying a…
With today’s low interest rates, deciding to buy a home is one of the best decisions anyone can make. Financing such a big purchase, however, often means combining savings with money borrowed through a financial arrangement, commonly referred to as a mortgage. Mortgages allow you to pay back the principal, or amount borrowed, plus interest,…
Arranging your mortgage doesn’t have to be a baffling experience Buying a home today is an extremely attractive proposition. Interest rates are at their lowest in decades and the housing market is full of homes to suit just about any budget or family requirement. Still, you’ll inevitably have to deal with financing and this will…
Window coverings play a leading role in the interior of home. They can help set atmosphere and can be both attractive and functional. Windows now come in a variety of new shapes and sizes, which has put increased demand on window covering manufacturers to create new products. Many new and custom-built homes have windows that…
Even on the dullest winter day, colour fills our lives. Look around and you’ll see a thousand shades of greens and browns, violets, greys, golds and blues. Colour is also part of our language. Few of us will dispute that it affects our moods and how we feel — red with anger, green with envy,…
Sometimes, all it takes is a few simple fix-ups to improve the look of your home and make it more marketable. Even if you don’t plan to sell in the near future, a change of face can make your home more comfortable and appealing. If your kitchen, bathroom and other rooms in your home look…
If your annual spring cleaning ritual has produced a mountain of unused and unwanted items, you may want to think twice before you simply toss them out. How about a yard sale to turn some of that “junk” into someone else’s “treasure?” Each weekend in spring and summer you’ll find yard sales popping up in…
It’s hard for an avid gardener to put down their spade come winter. That’s why so many choose to garden year-round. Whether it is wintering expensive outdoor annuals inside your home, investing in a small greenhouse or growing miniature indoor gardens on window ledges and in special containers, there are many ways to keep gardening…
To most of us, electricity is simply flicking a switch or turning a dial to light up a room, cook supper or get instant entertainment. We take it for granted — that is, until there’s a power failure and we have to scramble to find flashlights, candles and matches in the dark. Making your home…
They say you can’t judge a book by its cover. But when it comes to houses, the exterior can be just as important as the interior if selling or buying. When selling, it is the outside, or the home’s curb appeal that often determines whether the inside is ever seen. How a house ‘shows’ from…
A heating system converts fuel into heat which then flows through a house. The efficiency of a heating system depends on the amount of fuel consumed to meet heating needs. Using less fuel means your system has increased its energy efficiency. Check your heating system first One way to maximize output using the least amount…
In ancient times, windows were as common as doors in dwellings. But they were merely holes in a wall used to control the amount of light and air that entered a home. Appearance and style were not a consideration. We’ve come a long way since then. Today, windows in most homes combine science and technologies…
One of the easiest, most cost-efficient ways of enhancing your home is with paint. With the advances made in paint over the past decade, there’s not much you can’t do with it indoors and outdoors. Gone are the days of the all-purpose can of paint. Today, there are paints available for specific materials and surfaces.…
Whether it is aircraft overhead, traffic on the street, a neighbour practicing the saxophone, or your own kids at play, often our homes are not as quiet and peaceful as we would like them to be. That’s why taking some measures to soundproof your home has lots of pay-offs. Not only will you reduce noise…
Spring is in the air and the busy gardening season is just around the corner. Not only can gardening be personally satisfying, but well-placed trees, shrubs, flowering plants and an attractive lawn can increase the value of your property. While the earlier you start, the better off you’ll be, don’t be too eager to get…
Just like you take a car for regular tune ups to ensure it continues to run smoothly, your home also needs some special attention. There’s a lot more to keeping up a house than cutting the grass and clearing snow from the driveway. Ensuring your home “looks” good and is in proper working order, not…
For most people the ideal closet is the size of a room with ample space to hang clothing, lots of shelves to tuck and stash away things — a place where you can walk around and assess all your personal belongings. In reality, most people’s closets fall well short of this ideal. And few of…
Today more and more homeowners are directing their energy and creativity towards redecorating the bathroom. Be it the family bath, or the master ensuite, the primary focus is on increased luxury comfort and convenience. Many homeowners are looking for new ideas to make their existing bathrooms larger. Get the most from your space Redecorating a…
A home inspection prior to purchasing a home or condominium can bring peace of mind when you sign the sales contract. Knowing what to expect both inside and out will help you make an informed decision about the value of the home and the future upkeep. A home inspection accomplishes two important goals. First, it…
The one thing about participating in the real estate market that confounds most consumers is the terminology and jargon that must be learned. But, as with any business, in order to be successful as a buyer or seller, it is necessary to become familiar with certain concepts and words. The real estate business is somewhat…
New homeowners often find there’s more to keeping up a house than cutting the grass and clearing snow from the driveway. Tools To start with, a new homeowner needs to have on hand a ‘basic tool kit’. A number of basic tools are a must C a metal hammer, screwdrivers with a variety of heads,…
When buying a home, the neighbourhood you select will not only play a pivotal role in your family’s life, but in the resale value of the property. One person’s ideal neighbourhood however may vary greatly from another’s. But, regardless, there are some needs and wants that generally do not change. The distance from your new…
So you’ve decided you want to stop paying rent and buy your first home. You’re not alone. With interest rates at their lowest in decades, many people have discovered that mortgage payments can be significantly lower or at least comparable to the rent they are currently paying. Making the decision to become a homeowner is…