You often don’t realize you’re using them but whether you’re renting a car, asking for a raise or trying to get your kids to clean up their room, strong negotiating skills are an essential part of life. Thankfully, negotiating is a skill that can be easily learned and eventually perfected! Your success is partly based…
A house fire isn’t something anyone wants to think about but it’s important for you and your family to have a fire escape plan. One very affordable and easy-to-use item that’s often overlooked are fire escape ladders. This compact yet fully functional ladder will protect you and your family by providing a safe and reliable…
Did you know that dryers are responsible for over 15,000 fires in North America each year? Most people aren’t aware of the danger clothes dryers can pose which is why dryer maintenance is often overlooked. Fires can occur when lint (a highly combustible material) builds up in the dryer or more commonly, in the dryer’s…
If you’re a current homeowner who’s thinking about making a move, you’ll have to decide whether to sell your existing home first or risk carrying two homes at once. Selling first means you’ll know exactly how much you’ll be able to put towards your next home. It also allows you to present a much stronger…
When your kids eventually pack up and leave home, you’ll be presented with a newfound freedom along with a variety of unexpected emotional challenges. While some parents are glad to see their children spread their wings and fly the coop, other parents experience “empty nest syndrome” which refers to the sadness parents feel when their…
Bringing home a new bundle of fur is an exciting time but it’s also a lot of work. The first thing you’ll need to do is puppy-proof your home. Start by getting on your hands and knees so you can see things from their perspective and put everything away that a pup might chew on…
If you’re having an open house, it’s important to dress your home for success! Open houses are slowly starting to make a comeback in Kitchener-Waterloo, but they’re not always necessary as they can sometimes attract unqualified buyers or those who are just curious. There are instances though where an open house can lure that perfect…
A few small changes can drastically transform your home’s first impression! In today’s busy market, the key to getting top dollar for your home is to create huge demand. To get as many people through the door as possible, your home has to stand out from the competition. There’s no need to completely overhaul your…
Think of how amazing it would be to have a spot to escape to so that you and your family could get away from it all and just relax. There’s been a huge increase in cottage sales during the pandemic as lockdowns prevented travel and offices shut down and shifted to remote work mode. It’s…
It’s easy for homebuyers to get frustrated, especially in this market, so it’s important to start off with a solid plan and a positive mindset. Here are a few points to consider before you head out hunting for homes: Finance Forward Get pre-qualified for a mortgage so you’ll know exactly how much you can afford…