Your coffee table is a very prominent piece in your home. How you decorate it and use it throughout your day can reflect your personality. Curious to see what your coffee table says about you?

What is a 'stress test'?

We've all been in the spot where something needs to be fixed or tweaked, and we don't have the tools to do so. It's always helpful, especially now with store closures and lock down restrictions, to know a workaround to fix something or at last fix it well enough until you can really address the issue.

When COVID hit Canada in March of last year, the real estate market slowed down until everyone could figure out what was going to happen. Now that we've been managing life during a pandemic, we've seen the real estate market pick back up throughout the rest of 2020; with no indication of slowing down for 2021.

This calls for preparedness when searching for a home! Below are some tips to help you navigate the real estate marketing at the start of 2021.

Moving = stressful. But what if it could be 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 stressful?

Seasonal home maintenance is crucial to keep your home in tip top shape. With harsher weather around the corner, check your home's exterior, appliances, weather proofing, heating and cooling, and electrical systems to help prevent breakdowns and save you money.

September came and with it the pre-Fall weather. If you were caught off guard by the change in temperatures and were hoping to get a few more months out of your garden, here are some tips to help you prepare it for Fall.

Making your home more energy efficient is not only better for your wallet, but for the environment. All the efficient features and elements work together to lower energy consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and shrink the home's carbon footprint.

Purchasing a new construction home may seem like a scary thought, but we promise we work to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. 

Throughout the process, you'll probably hear these terms said but don't worry about trying to remember them to Google at home later; we're identifying some common new construction terms and what they mean!

Whether you're house-hunting or working on updating your current residence, it's important to keep an eye on the important parts of your home and when they are required to be updated.

You may be wondering- who (or what) is Tarion?

Tarion is the is a non-profit, private corporation that protects the rights of new home buyers and regulates new home vendors and builders to ensure we meet a province-wide standard of technical competence. All of this enhances fairness and confidence in Ontario’s new home building industry.

Whether it's being home or the fact that you like to tick things off your list, you're probably looking at taking care of some home maintenance on your own. 

With Spring weather (hopefully) on it's way, you may be thinking about cleaning up and adding to your garden, or even creating a new one!

The kitchen is the heart of every home. It's where you cook your favourite meals, entertain your favourite people and - some say - if you can organize your kitchen, you can organize your life.

Have you heard of the Village of Chippawa? Because if not, we would love to introduce you to the wonderful community that is located within the city of Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Planning for a long-term vacation? We have two questions for you:

1. Can we come?
2. Have you prepped your house?

If you're familiar with Niagara, you know that Jordan is steeped in history and rich in experiences. If you're not familiar with Niagara: did you know that Jordan is steeped in history and rich in experiences? It's true!

Christmastime means two things:

1. It's the perfect time of year to make some hot cocoa, wrap yourself in a blanket, and watch a Christmas movie.

2. Niagara looks beautiful under a blanket of snow.

Applying for a mortgage can be very stressful, but we want to help make the process a little easier for you.

Each season comes with it's signature scents. Whether you prefer candles, diffusers, wall plugs, or room sprays- use these perfect scents to fully immerse yourself in the spirit of each season.

Are you thinking of buying your first home but feel overwhelmed trying to understand all of the new terms you're learning?

Why Legacy? Grimsby's Last Bungalow Community

Legacy is Grimsby's exclusive community of bungalow towns, with price points starting in the mid-$500s.

The ongoing maintenance required for a large home and property is the one of the many reasons homeowners think about downsizing. The desire to live comfortably with added services for your property is why buyers look for condos.

Can't tell if a new build is right for you?

Buying new construction for the first time can be daunting. You're looking at floorplans, various models, elevations and decor options; and you may not be able to walk through a decorated model home...

We're here to help! Keep in mind these five ways to know if you've found the right new build for you.

1. The price is right

You'll know you've found the right new home if the model you want is within your budget.

You should consider any "starting at __" price as the lowest price point available in that development and look at the offered models from there.

You'll also want to consider what the standard finishes are like. You may love them or you may want to upgrade a few things to suit your personal taste. Customization means you'll need room in your budget for upgrading your finishes.  

The builder may also be offering purchaser incentives (extra things you get). If you love the incentives too, you've found the right one.

2. The timing is right 

The right home for you, also has a closing date that works for you. You may be renting, staying with family/friends or need time to sell your current home and you'll want to plan for when you're new home will be ready to move into.

If your schedule matches up with the projected closing date and you'd still be comfortable in the rare occurrence a delay impacts your move in day, you know you can proceed with the home purchase.

3. The floorplan is right

The layout of the rooms and overall flow of the spaces makes sense. You'll know the home is right for you, if the planned layout works for your real life.

Look at the floorplans for storage spaces like linen closets and cabinets, so you know that you'll have room for everything.

- Can you visualize where you'd place furniture?

- Do you know where you'd put your TV?

- If something doesn't work for you, can you change it for the build?

If "yes" to all of these questions, then you've found your ideal home.

4. The location is right 

Location is everything! Since the location of the home is something you can't change, make sure you'd be happy there.

Sometimes with new builds, you'll be part of a growing community where your investment will pay off in the long run. You may need to be close to highway access for your commute or good schools for your children; be sure the area offers all of the amenities you'll need. 

If you can picture yourself living in the neighborhood, you've found the right home.

5. You are excited to move in!

You've had that moment when you are ready to stop house hunting. You should feel excited, after all it's a brand new home, built just for you, with all of your personal selections.

If the home checks off all of the other boxes and you can't wait to move in, you've found the right home!

From Roof Rakes to Weather Stripping: 5 Tips To Maintain Your Home During Winter

There's more to winter home maintenance than keeping the driveway shoveled. Before you start cozying up with some hot cocoa, read our checklist to see if your home is good to go through the rest of the winter.