Have you ever considered renting out a room to a student or renovating your basement into a self-contained rental apartment? 

It’s a big decision. There are many pros and cons to consider. 

On the pro side, renting can provide you with additional income. An extra few hundred dollars a month can go a long way towards paying down your mortgage or splurging on an exotic summer vacation. 

Creating rentable living space in your home — for example, an “in-law suite” featuring a kitchenette and bathroom — may also increase your property’s market value. 

On the con side, you’ll have more costs and responsibilities as a landlord. For example, you might need to purchase extra insurance because basic home insurance policies typically do not cover rental…

2860 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Hopefully, this will never happen to you. But, there are circumstances – a fire, for example – when you and your family would need to exit through a window.

It pays to be prepared for that eventuality.

Your first step is to determine which windows are safe to use as an exit. There should be at least one on each level.

The windows you select will need to provide enough space for a person to climb through (at least a 20 inch opening). Make sure everyone knows which windows are “safe exit” windows, and how to open them. Keep in mind that windows may have screens, so ensure everyone knows how to remove those as well.

For a second floor window, consider purchasing a portable escape ladder. These are compact and easily stowed in a closet or under a…

3542 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Imagine you were selling your car, and a prospective buyer was on the way over to see it. What would you do? You would probably make your vehicle look as clean and shiny as possible, inside and out. 

The same holds true if you’re selling your home and there’s a potential buyer on the way. You want the buyer to be wow’d by your property. Here’s a handy checklist to follow: 

  • Clean every room. Make your entire house look as “guest ready” as possible.
  • As much as is feasible given the time, reduce clutter. Consider packing some items into boxes and storing them in the basement or garage.
  • Get pets out of the house. You can take them for a walk, have a neighbour watch them, or take them to a good kennel.
  • Turn on the lights, even during the…

2838 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post




*New Listing at 38 Cooperstown Court* $1,475,000 MLS # C4146183 
 Prestigious home located in the heart of Coopers w/uncompromising attn to detail, design & craftsmanship throughout. Be instantly in awe from the open, sprawling floor plan incl extravagant kitchen, serene living rm, screened in deck, spacious den & dining rm w/built in ca...binet. Butlers pantry w/beverage fridge+large pantry leads to rear entry w/built in lockers & pet rm. 4 car garage w/in floor heating & dog run. 1 stairway leads to luxurious theatre rm. Use the 2nd staircase or elevator to retreat upstairs: 2 master bdrms+3rd bdrm all w/ensuites. Substantial master bdrm w/3 closets & spa ensuite w/heated floors. 2 laundry areas. In floor heated bsmnt w/2 bdrms, full bathrm, family rm,…

2508 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post