With spring (hopefully) right around the corner, it’s time to start preparing for your annual garden maintenance. Proper garden care can help increase the quality and longevity of your plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. One of the most important aspects of plant maintenance is knowing what level of care is needed for each of your plants. We have put together a few tips we hope will help you maintain your gardens this season. 

1. Treat your soil. The soil in your garden will degrade over time and needs to be replaced every so often. A great way to retain moisture in the soil is to cover it in mulch. Mulching helps to keep weeds from growing and supplies organic matter to the soil as it begins to degrade. Depending on the type of plants in your garden, fertilizer can also be a great option to maintain your soil. It is important to be using the correct type of fertilizer to be sure you are not overstressing your plants. Make sure to check on your soil from time to time and get a sense of when it needs to be replaced to keep your garden healthy.

2. Make a maintenance checklist. There are many tasks to complete when maintaining a garden. To help you keep organized, create a checklist including tasks such as, removing old flower blooms to encourage new growth, cutting back the branches to control growth and make room for more, cleaning up the unhealthy bits to create more space for the garden to flourish. Making these a habit in your gardening maintenance can help promote growth, clear out any possible hidden pests, and increase room for your garden to grow. 

3. Destroy weeds and stake your plants. Weeds will suffocate the roots of your plants and harbour pests. Weeding your garden can ensure the health and growth of your plants. To promote additional growth, staking your plants is a great way to save space in your garden. This involves fixing sticks into the ground and tying the flower stems using cloth or thread. Staking your plants helps to reinforce the stems and keeps them from bending or breaking.  

Overall, taking care of your garden regularly will help promote the health and growth of your plants. We hope these tips will help you with your maintenance this season. We would love to see photos of your gardens and chat about any tips you may have!

Painting a home can feel like a massive undertaking; however, with the right tools and help you can paint like a pro! Whether you are painting one room or one wall, you may not want to bring in a whole painting team. Regardless, you’ll still want it to look professionally done and cohesive with the rest of your home. These tips can help you prepare for painting your space. 

1. Buy High-Quality Materials. Using high-quality paint and tools is very important. Good brushes and rollers will make all the difference when applying the paint. It will save you time not needing to reapply multiple layers due to streaks and patchiness. Additionally, consider using high-quality painter’s tape to avoid bleeds. It may seem that regardless of the painter’s tape used it will have the same effect, however, some do not provide a proper seal, meaning you risk the chance of paint bleeding onto your baseboards and ceiling. 

2. Box your Paint. If you are painting a whole room or more, your first instinct may be to purchase one or two cans of paint and later assess how many more you will need to finish the space. Instead, consider boxing your paint—meaning, when you go to the store, ask the salesperson how much paint they think you will need based on the size of your room and purchase all the paint at once. As opposed to using one gallon at a time, add them all into one container and mix together. In doing so you will ensure that your paint colour will remain consistent for the entire room. 

3. Inspect and Prepare your Space. Before you even begin, pay close attention to the weather. If it is a particularly humid day, you may want to consider rescheduling your painting plans. Humidity creates drips and a slower drying process, meaning if you do not wait long enough between coats it may cause visible imperfections. Next, you will want to check for any cracks, flaking, or peeling on the walls. If you come across any imperfections, be sure to sand them down so that you have a smooth surface for your primer. Finally, you will want to prime your wall; this will help your paint apply smoothly and ensure the colour is vibrant.   

While hiring a professional team to paint every room in your home is very quick and efficient, it may not always be the solution when you only have a room or so to touch up. If you are planning a paint refresh ahead of spring, we hope these tips will help and we would love to hear what tips you have!

If you’re thinking of selling your home this spring, there are a few things you might want to consider ahead of listing. After long winter months, spring is the perfect time for a home refresh. Giving potential buyers a great first impression is important when selling your home, so here are a few tips to help you prepare for the upcoming spring market.

1. Flood each room with natural light. Spring is almost here, and with spring comes the sun! Open your curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. If your curtains are starting to look outdated or worn, consider removing them completely to brighten up the space even more. 

2. Upgrade what’s outdated. There are several things in a home that need a little updating once in a while; for example, light fixtures, faucets, towel racks, and more. These elements can easily be updated and instantly elevate your space. Full renovations aren’t necessary, as in many cases updated cabinet doors or reglazed bathtubs can make everything seem as good as new. The one aspect of your home that you should consider spending more time on is the outside. Ensuring your landscaping is well done and your garage is in good shape helps increase your overall curb appeal. 

3. Freshen up with paint. A fresh coat of paint will instantly give your home a facelift. The colour of your walls can make a room feel smaller or darker than it is. To showcase your space, consider painting your walls in white or neutral tones to help brighten and open up your home. 

The spring real estate market is fast-paced and full of opportunities. Preparing your home for selling ahead of time will give you peace of mind that you are ready for showings and open houses. If you are thinking of selling your home this spring, please do not hesitate to reach out!

When done right, a bathroom remodel can help increase the value of your home. It is important to work with a contractor that you trust and be aware of what can go wrong and what to expect. We have put together a few of dos and don’ts for your next bathroom renovation.

1. Do Waterproof the Bathroom. Waterproofing your bathroom may seem like an obvious task; however, it can be overlooked and done incorrectly. It is important to remember that water can get everywhere in a bathroom, even on ceilings. When planning out renovations with your contractor, be sure to talk about plans to waterproof and ensure that walls from floor to ceiling are going to be covered. Improperly waterproofing your bathroom can cause mold to grow which can aggravate your allergies or asthma. 

2. Do Budget for the Unexpected. A bathroom renovation can become pricey, especially if there are any surprises along the way. When renovating an older home, it is important to remember that improper ventilation or hidden water damage could result in some extra work. It is always a good idea to leave a cushion in your budget of at least 10-15% in case there are any unexpected and serious repairs.

3. Don’t Install Hardwood. When choosing the flooring for your bathroom, there are many quality tiles to choose from. One flooring option that is never a good idea in a high moisture environment is hardwood flooring. With hardwood floors, you risk the chance of capturing moisture which can ruin the hardwood and cause mold growth. Porcelain tiles are highly recommended as they are very durable and have a very low moisture absorption.

Remodelling your bathroom can be quite a challenge, especially if beginning the project unprepared. If you have a strong plan, a great contractor, and these tips your remodel should go as smoothly as possible. What remodelling plans do you have soon? We would love to chat with you about any tips and tricks you have.

The Engel & Völkers End of Year Market Report for 2021 has been released, highlighting notable trends, changing buyer and seller preferences, economic factors, and more. We have put together our top three takeaways that we believe are indicative of what we can expect in the year ahead. 

1. Interprovincial Migration Fueled by Canadians ‘Going Home’. In 2021, there was a major influx of Canadians returning to their hometowns amid COVID. Over the last year, more people have shown that they want to be closer to their families–so much so that the trend of multi-generational living is rising. According to Statistics Canada, multi-generational households have become the fastest-growing segment in the housing market. 

2. Interest Rates Should Hold Until Mid-2022. Over the last couple of years, the Bank of Canada had historically low-interest rates leading to buyers being able to leverage their assets and move up in the real estate market. The Bank of Canada announced in the fall of 2021 that it would be raising interest rates, however, in light of the recent wave, they have put a pause on this increase. Now the Bank of Canada does not anticipate raising the interest rates until mid-2022.

3. Supply Crisis in Canada. The shortage in supply in homes throughout 2021 caused some unforeseen trends to emerge. Many buyers began to settle for homes that did not meet their hopes and expectations. This caused many bidding wars, some in areas where it is less common. Some premium homeowners opted for transformational renovations to meet their needs as opposed to looking for something new. The supply crisis has been the leading cause of rapidly increasing home prices, and it will continue to do so until the supply and demand equalize.

Overall, we have seen many changes in the real estate market over the last year and we will continue to monitor developments in 2022. If you would like to read more on these findings, we would be pleased to send you a copy of the Engel & Völkers End of Year Market Report. If you have any other questions or would like to chat about Ottawa’s real estate market we would be happy to connect with you!

Trends are continuously changing, and since we are spending so much time in our homes, it is time to refresh our spaces. The days of decorating at the bare minimum are gone; in 2022 we’re aiming for functionality. Having the perfect space to meet your everyday needs has become essential. To help you get started, we have put together a few home design trends we should expect for the new year.

1. Create a Designated Room. The need for a home office skyrocketed in the last couple of years and now homeowners are looking to have more designated spaces for their everyday activities. It has become more common to have a recreational room, gym, spa, etc. The need to have a space dedicated to a hobby or to create entertainment value has become a need as more people are staying home and buyers appreciate this already in place.
   
2. Elevate your Kitchen. As we move into 2022, we are seeing more homeowners invest in showstopping kitchens. The use of luxury materials and bold finishes is increasing in popularity. While a completely white kitchen is still common, more are exploring rich colours for their cabinets, countertops, and backsplash. Most of us spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and it is the heart of the home, so why not make it a space that you are excited to live in?
   
3. Utilize Antique and Vintage Furniture. In the last year or so, we have seen quite the delays in production and delivery of furniture. As an alternative, many have been opting for antiques and vintage, which add interest. We have always enjoyed the pieces we have procured, and we never tire of them. It is readily available to purchase from a variety of reputable dealers and ready to be shipped, and it also brings charm into your home. 

The task of making your house a home can take some time. We hope these trends will give you some inspiration. We are always ready to chat with you about your ideas!

Winter can be a difficult time to sell your home, especially in a cold and snowy climate. There are several ways to help make your home more appealing this time of year. Here are a few tips to help with your winter showings.

1. Keep your home warm and cozy. Be sure to keep your home at a warm temperature for potential buyers as they may be deterred from a cold home during a particularly chilly month. A buyer may begin to wonder if the home has a proper heating system or if it is strong enough to withstand the Ottawa winter.

2. Clear paths of snow and ice. Before potential buyers arrive to view your home, make sure to thoroughly clear any paths and the driveway from snow and ice. If you are able to maintain salting and shovelling over time, it will help avoid a large build-up of snow before a showing. 

3. Turn on all the lights. It can get dark in the winter, and it is important to have light throughout the home during a showing. If the showing begins before sunset when there is no need to have many lights on, a great option is to have lamps on timers. This way you ensure that potential buyers have light the entire time they are there. 

The main thing to remember is to make your house feel like a home, so that any potential buyer can imagine themselves living there. We hope these few tips can help prepare your home for any winter showing. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to talk more about selling your home in the winter.

As the winter season is quickly approaching, there are a few important things to consider as a homeowner. In our lovely city of Ottawa, the winter brings cold air and a lot of snow. Because of this, it is important to prepare your home to avoid any potential damage from the weather conditions. We have put together this checklist to help you get started on your winter home maintenance. 

1. Prepare your plants. Now is the best time of the year to take care of your plants ahead of the winter. Not only will it protect your plants in the colder months, but it can also protect your home. Be sure to trim any branches so they are at least 3 feet from your house. This will ensure the moisture accumulated on them won’t cause damage to the roofing and siding. Additionally, you might want to cover any plants that cannot handle excessive amounts of snow and can break under the weight.
   
2. Take a look at your fireplace. Winter is the time to start enjoying your beautiful fireplace; however, before you start getting cozy by the fire, you might want to be sure everything is working properly. First, take a look inside to be sure that the damper opens and closes properly. Check for any bird nests, branches or leaves obstructing the chimney. You should be able to see daylight coming through the top. Additionally, check the firebox for any cracks or missing bricks.
   
3. Declutter your gutters. Throughout the year, your gutters can accumulate a lot of leaves, twigs and grime. Ahead of the winter, it is important to make sure that your gutters are clean, properly tightened, and free from holes or cracks. When checking your gutters, be sure that your downspout is at least 5 feet away from your house to prevent any potential damage to your foundation. 

Heading into the winter can be daunting; however, if you make sure to be prepared ahead of time, the season is bound to be a breeze. What are some of your home winter-proofing tips? 

Selling your home comes with a lot of paperwork, showings, and stress. Part of that stress is figuring out what you can do to make your home presentable and appealing to potential buyers. Everyone has different tastes and your home buyers may not share your personal preferences. However, there are ways to prepare your home to please the masses. Here are some tips we recommend to get your house ready for listing:

1. Get it ready to show. It is important to be sure that your house is ready for showings at all times. This means making sure the landscaping is done, rooms are decluttered, and any minimal repairs are completed. Homebuyers are looking around with a fine-toothed comb to be sure everything is in top shape, and it could be a turn-off for some if they are walking into an unprepared home. 

2. Take the “home” out of your “house”. An important step in preparing your home for selling is taking out anything personal, which includes photos, memorabilia, keepsakes etc. The more personal items in your home, the less likely a potential buyer will be able to picture themselves living there. 

3. Lighten it up. When preparing your home, remember to brighten it up and maximize the light in each space. Prior to any showings, keep blinds and drapes open, turn on all the lights and ensure all lightbulbs are working. Anything that you can do to make your home bright and cheery will instantly catch the eye of the potential buyer.  

There are many ways as a seller that you can prepare your home for listing and showings. Although these are just a few, we have many more that we would be more than happy to share with you over a cup of coffee. Please give us a call.