More fires start in the kitchen than in any other room. These fires can be expensive; since even a minor incident, with no injuries, can result in significant damage. That’s why it’s important to keep up with the latest in fire prevention.   The most recent research tells us: Never leave cooking food unattended. Doing so is the number one cause of kitchen fires. Make sure cooki...Read More

  “Staging” is about setting up and decorating each room of your home so that it looks as attractive as possible to potential buyers. Studies show that a property is more likely to sell quickly and for a better price if it is effectively staged.   Even if you haven’t heard of staging before, you probably already know the basics, such as eliminating clutter and making...Read More

Lifestyle is an especially important criterion when you are shopping for a new home. After all, a home and its surrounding neighbourhood are the places where much of your lifestyle is going to be experienced.   So, when you consider a new home, think about the kind of lifestyle to which the property needs to lend itself. Ask yourself: How much entertaining do we do? How important is it t...Read More

The real estate market is shifting significantly right now. Before last year, most homeowners would not imagine selling a house for the prices being offered today. Current home sale prices are being compared to the types of returns investors get during stock market surges and crypto- currency spikes. Homes continue to sell in hours and days, rather than weeks and months. Even if you are not think...Read More

Imagine finding a home that is perfect in every way, except for one nagging thing. That “thing” might be a smaller kitchen than you want, fewer closets than you need, or flooring that you dislike. Should you buy it anyway? How do you know if you should take a pass? It’s not an easy decision to make and depends on a number of factors.   Trying to answer these questions migh...Read More

Here’s a quick note to let you know how I can help you or the person you feel comfortable introducing to me.  Our world is all about preparation and implementation, and just like you do an annual tax return, it’s equally important to do an “Annual Home Review”. Your home may be your biggest investment, so it’s critical to keep up-to-date on the answe...Read More

DON’T go over the top. While stylish laundry rooms are becoming increasingly popular, spending a lot of money on a designer laundry room will not get you a very good ROI. DO stick with the basics to get the best ROI. You need a washer, dryer, sink and a bit of storage. Everything else is just a luxury.  DON’T forget about lighting. General, ambient light is...Read More

By: Carina Bonifaz Despite COVID-19, the Oakville real estate market is continuing to appeal to buyers. Like most Canadian cities, Oakville started off 2020 strong. In Royal LePage’s "Upcoming Market Summary" released in late 2019, an increase of 4.75% was expected in the GTA by the end of 2020. However only a couple of months into the year, the global pandemic sent many businesse...Read More

OTTAWA -- The federal government is changing the stress test rate for insured mortgages starting April 6.   The government says the change will allow the rate to be more representative of the mortgage rates offered by lenders and more responsive to market conditions. The new minimum qualifying rate will be the greater of the borrower's contract rate or the weekly median fiv...Read More

    10. The Plank Restobar   Plank Restobar is a moderately priced casual Comfort food resto-bar located in the Oakville area of Halton. Plank features family dining, events, daily specials all in a casual atmosphere. This Valentine's Day, Plank Restobar will be offering a "love" inspired special menu, with some of the  most-loved dishes from their regular men...Read More