Your Home Winter Checklist

by Karen Juskiw

You need a winter checklist. It’s now the season to prepare your home for the oncoming winter. Being ready for what the weather will throw at you is essential to protect your home. Start your winterizing process with this checklist below!

Clean out your gutters! You want to ensure that your eaves trough is not clogged. When doing this you can make sure you have proper water flow and drainage.

Get your gardens ready for the spring! Plant your fall bulbs. Take this opportunity to put away your garden tools and hoses, and empty your rain barrel. Be sure to flip your rain barrel upside down so no unwanted water can get in and freeze.

Service your furnace and your fireplace. You don’t want to hit the cold weather and find out your furnace is not up to par. Call your trusted HVAC professional to get your heating systems ready to handle winter.

Check on your roofing and siding. Make sure that your roof is in good condition to handle the weight of snow accumulation. And has no water leaks saving you grief over the winter months.

Move your lawnmower and other lawn maintenance equipment to the back of the garage. Then while you’re doing this, bring forward your snow shovels, salt and snowblower.

Inspect the insulation in your attic. Your home may be lacking insulation that you didn’t even know about. Adding more insulation to your attic can help to prevent heat loss, in the end saving you money from extra heating costs.

I hope my winter checklist can help you to prepare your home for the oncoming colder weather.

Check out this previous post for a few more tips to have your home ready in the fall!

Events • October 27, 2023

Family Fall Pies!

by Karen Juskiw

This past Thanksgiving weekend, we held one of our favorite client appreciation events, handing out amazing pies for my clients’ family celebrations! Fall pies are a delightful way to bring warmth and joy to any gathering, and it’s a tradition I eagerly look forward to each year.

Supporting local businesses is certainly something that I love to do. So, what’s better than showing my appreciation to my clients by ordering delicious pies from a local bakery and gifting them to my clients? It’s a wonderful way to support our community while bringing a smile to my clients’ faces.

In this case, this is just one of the many ways I like to say a big ‘thank you’ for continuing to do business with me or referring my name to friends and family. It’s important to me to give back and show my gratitude for the trust and support I’ve received over the years.

I am always looking for new and meaningful ways to express my gratitude and make my clients feel valued and appreciated. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful journey with me! Enjoy your fall pies!

Check out another blog post here! Your Home Winter Checklist

October 12, 2023

Making Your Home Inviting

by Karen Juskiw

Making Your Home Inviting

When you have your home listed for sale, creating an inviting space is crucial. Buyers want to envision themselves starting the next chapter of their lives in your home. A welcoming foyer serves as the first impression. When buyers walk in, they’ll immediately note how the home makes them feel, setting their outlook and expectations for the rest of the viewing.

Using warm colours for a fresh coat of paint on your walls can make buyers feel cozy and comfortable. Enhance this warm feeling by placing cozy throws and flannels around your home. Small touches like these make a big difference in creating a welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, consider adding scented candles or fresh flowers to bring in a pleasant aroma and a touch of nature. Soft lighting with table lamps or fairy lights can also contribute to the cozy ambiance, making potential buyers feel right at home.

Keeping most of the lights on during showings brightens up your space and allows buyers to see all the unique characteristics of your home. Additionally, keeping the interior doors to rooms open creates an invitation for buyers to explore every part of your home. By focusing on these details, you can create a positive and memorable experience for potential buyers, increasing the chances of a successful sale.

Check out another blog post here: Halloween Safety

September 22, 2023

Fall Decor For Your Home

by Karen Juskiw

Fall decor. red, orange, yellow, green leaves on a string

Fall is here and it’s time for fall decor! The vibrant shades of reds, oranges, and yellows are soon to make a splash all around! Join in on the fall festivities by adding some decor to your home! Think about pumpkins, cozy throws, and autumn wreaths to bring the season’s charm indoors. Embrace the warmth and beauty of fall by transforming your space with these delightful touches

Getting flower pots of fall flowers can make your home pop with many options to choose from
Visit the dollar store for inexpensive, reusable decorations that you can add to your existing fall favourites.
Try using natural elements for decor like corn stalks, small hay bales, gourds, fall leaves, and more!
Incorporate your porch by adding fall-themed throw pillows to outdoor furniture, and change out your welcome mat for an autumn-themed one!

For us, Fall is a short season. And it is one that many love. After a hot hot summer, it gently eases us into a cold long winter. Appreciate this time of warmish temperatures; not too hot and not too cold! So take the time to add beautiful and vibrant fall colours to your home!

Check out another blog post here: Finding the Right Neighbourhood

Another Month Gone.... • Another Month Gone.... • Another Month Gone.... • September 22, 2023

Fall is Around the Corner

by Karen Juskiw

Fall is around the corner! In autumn typically there is a seasonal peak in the Real Estate market among both sellers and buyers. Committed buyers return to the market once the ‘back-to-school’ routines settle. They have the intention of making a move before the holiday season. Sellers experience accelerated results compared to the dog days of August and late summer.

That’s not the only reason I love fall! This time of year seems to offer fresh new starts and opportunities. The crisp air and changing leaves bring a sense of renewal and excitement. It’s also sweater weather, which means cozy layers and comfortable fashion are back in style. Plus, everything pumpkin season is in full swing, from delicious pumpkin spice lattes to festive pumpkin patches. Fall offers a perfect blend of nostalgia and new beginnings, making it a truly special time of year. I look forward to the unique experiences and warmth that this season brings, both in everyday life and within our community.

It’s also the time of the year to show my sincere appreciation to my clients. For your business and continued referrals to your friends and family for me to help in the real estate journey. Once again, I have partnered with an award-winning bakery for my clients to get a fall family pie! After all, fall is just around the corner.

Check out another blog post here: Fall Decor Ideas For Your Home

Real Estate Education • August 25, 2023

What is Curb Appeal?

by Karen Juskiw

Curb appeal refers to the attractiveness of your home as viewed from the street or sidewalk. It is the first impression your property makes on visitors, neighbours, and potential buyers. Essentially, it is how your home looks from the curb, encompassing everything from the front yard and driveway to the exterior of the house and the entryway.

How to improve your home’s Curb Appeal?

You can make the improvements that you feel best benefit your home. A few easy ideas for improvement are…

Clean up your front gardens or put in a new one
Power wash your siding to bring it back to life
Put a fresh coat of paint/stain on your columns, porch, railing, or stairs
Get your driveway resealed if possible
Hang some flower baskets

When enhancing your curb appeal, it’s important to infuse your personal sense of style into the exterior design of your home. Your home should be a reflection of your unique taste and personality, creating a welcoming atmosphere that is distinctly yours. Whether you prefer a modern look, a classic charm, or a rustic vibe, let your style shine through in your choices of colours, materials, and decorations.

Check out another blog post here: Waterfront Maintenace

August 25, 2023

Waterfront Maintenace

by Karen Juskiw

canoe in a like at sunset with trees in the background of the waterfront

Owning a waterfront property is a dream come true for many. Offering stunning views, tranquil surroundings, and endless opportunities for relaxation and recreation. However, along with the joys of waterfront living come a number of responsibilities and maintenance tasks that are essential for keeping your property in top condition. While the excitement of waterfront life can sometimes overshadow the more mundane aspects of property upkeep, it’s important to stay on top of these tasks to ensure your home remains beautiful and functional for years to come. Listed below are some things you might need to keep an eye out for when doing maintenance on your waterfront.

Regularly inspect your dock for any signs of damage or rot, and lubricate any moving parts.
Check your shoreline for erosion and your sea wall for signs of damage – take the appropriate steps to repair!
Landscape the area around your dock and enjoy the waterfront views from your beautiful yard.
Be sure to watch for any invasive species. They may be on your dock or on the underside of boats or toys sitting in the water.

Being able to keep your waterfront area clean and damage-free means your family can enjoy the property to its fullest potential. And by sticking to your checklist you can help keep the environment healthy too!

Check out another blog post! Fall Decor Ideas For Your Home

August 17, 2023

Summers Winding Down

by Karen Juskiw

Watermelon slices on a green background. Summers here

As we savour the last drops of summers warmth to enjoy the fun days of August. Let it bring excitement and fun in the sun activities for you and the family. few more weeks for more activities and adventures with family and friends.

Our recent adventure at Rocky Meadow Lavender Farm during the Client Appreciation event in July was an absolute blast! The talented photographer captured some incredible moments, and it was truly wonderful to connect with my past clients who have bought or sold in the past year. I am looking forward to hosting this event again in the future!

And hey, if you’ve been toying with the idea of making a move within the next 6 months or so, now is a fantastic time to have a chat. Getting plans in place for when you’re ready can make the process go much more smoothly.

We can kick start the process by gathering some valuable market information together. Feel free to reach out – I’m here to help make this journey as smooth as possible for you and your family!

Now enjoy what is left of summers day with your family and friends! Making new memories this year, and getting ready back to school!

Check out another blog post here! What is Curb Appeal?

Tips and Tricks • June 23, 2023

Summer Activities

by Karen Juskiw

Summer is here in full effect! The kids will be done with school in the coming weeks which is always exciting for them! Now you might be starting to think of ideas to keep them occupied. Below are a few fun activities that all involve water!

Create a water obstacle course in your yard by setting up a sprinkler, slip and slides, water dumps, and more!
Do some water science experiments – let your kids learn about surface tension, absorption, buoyancy and more fascinating qualities of water.
Set up a water painting station and let the kids use paintbrushes and sponges to ‘paint’ the sidewalk, driveway, or patio! After they are done, watch as their designs slowly evaporate.
Make DIY sponge bombs by using colourful sponges and elastic bands, then place water buckets around the yard to reload your water-soaked sponges!

Take this summer opportunity to let your kids learn and have fun exploring with water. It is also very important to be teaching about water safety as well. Be mindful of kids who don’t have a pool at home or who haven’t taken swim lessons. Water is a fun but powerful force of nature.

Check out another blog post! Fall Family Pies For My Clients!

Another Month Gone.... • June 23, 2023

So Long Spring!

by Karen Juskiw

White flowers in rope baskets. spring has sprung

So long spring, hello summer!

As the last few weeks of spring gracefully come to an end, I find myself reflecting on all the wonderful celebrations and experiences that this season has brought. Spring has been a time of excitement and joy, filled with concerts, recitals, proms, and graduations. It’s been a pleasure to witness the culmination of so many achievements and milestones. And to cheer on friends, family, and loved ones as they mark these special occasions. A heartfelt congratulations to everyone for your successes—your hard work and dedication have truly paid off!

Now, as we say goodbye to spring and welcome the arrival of summer, I am filled with anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead. Summer offers a refreshing change of pace, bringing longer days and warmer temperatures. And a plethora of opportunities for outdoor fun and relaxation. I’m especially excited about the chance to spend a week at our family cottage, where I can immerse myself in the beauty of nature and enjoy the serene ambiance of being by the water. There’s something so rejuvenating about lounging by the lake and simply savoring the peaceful surroundings.

Check out this blog post! Fall is Just Around the Corner