home renovations new floor

Pandemic living has changed how Canadians think about renovations: according to the RE/MAX 2021 Renovation Investment Report, more than half of Canadians renovated their homes during the year. While only 16 per cent explicitly renovated to increase their home’s market value, nearly 60 per cent said they still considered the return on investment.

Prepping your house for sale can often require an investment to bring it up to current standards and help it compete in the hot real estate market. Especially if you’ve lived in the house for several decades, you may be blind to your home’s shortcomings. Here, we examine the top home renovations to ensure your return on investment.

Paint

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Curious how to get the kitchen of your dreams within a narrow space? Here’s the skinny: some careful planning, judicious use of storage and small renovations can give a galley kitchen quite a pop.

The long and narrow galley kitchen traces back to tiny spaces set aside for a single cook to feed the onboard crews of waterborne vessels, both small and large. This style was then passed on to long-distance trains of the early 20th century, where a galley arrangement maximized customer seating while retaining a tight and efficient space for food prep—as long as kitchen workers were few and coordinated. 

In a residential home, the galley kitchen often serves as a space saver. Kitchens were often isolated, out-of-the-way functional places prior to the…

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Small space office

Are you working from home but struggling to find the perfect spot to set up your office? If you’re living in a small space, it can be challenging to carve out an area that meets your needs. But don’t worry! With some creativity and strategic planning, it’s possible to incorporate an efficient office into even the smallest of homes or apartments.

The trend of working from home is on the rise. With more companies embracing the remote work lifestyle, more and more people are making their homes their offices. Whether you’re a full-time telecommuter, freelancer, or just need a spot to stay productive, having an office space in your home is essential. But if you’re living in a small apartment or a crowded house, it can be tricky…

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Buying a home as-is can be enticing. For those who’ve been struggling to get into the market, the price point can be more affordable. For others looking to buy when housing supply is low, it can present a viable avenue to explore. However, it’s important to bear in mind the decision to buy a home as-is works for some, but not for all.

Buying a home as-is means “the homeowner is selling the home in its current condition, and will make no repairs or improvements, before or after closing,” says Nick Kyte, a REALTOR® and salesperson in Ottawa, Ontario. “Essentially, what you see is what you get, but what you don’t see is also what you get.” 

When the correct steps are taken, buying a home this way could be a calculated and worthwhile risk that pays…

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Home renovations can be a daunting task, but with the right planning and execution, they can also be a rewarding experience. Whether you're looking to update a few key rooms or overhaul your entire home, there are a few things to keep in mind as you embark on your renovation journey.

First and foremost, it's important to have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish with your renovation. This might involve creating a mood board or sketching out rough plans for each room. If you are not adequately prepared, it can lead to delays and stressful situations. It may also increase the overall expenses. Having a clear idea of what you want to achieve will help you stay on track as you move through the renovation process.

Next, it's important to…

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Prepare the soil

Before planting, make sure the soil is in good condition by removing any debris and adding compost or manure to improve soil fertility. Get a soil test to determine the pH level, nutrient content, and texture. Mix in compost, aged manure, or other organic matter into the soil to improve its fertility. Use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches and smooth out the soil surface and remove any high or low spots.

Know your hardiness zone

A hardiness zone is a geographic area defined as having a certain average annual minimum temperature, a factor relevant to the survival of many plants. In Newfoundland, the hardiness zone ranges from 4a to 5b, so make sure you choose plants that are suitable for…

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Real estate negotiations can be a tricky process, but with the right approach and mindset, you can come out on top. The key to successful negotiations is to be prepared, confident, and flexible.

Do your research

Understand the market and the comparable sales in the area to determine a fair price for the property. Set a budget, and determine your must-have features. It's also essential to have a good understanding of the market conditions in the area where you're looking to buy or sell.

Be prepared

Have all necessary documents and information ready, such as your pre-approval letter and proof of funds. It's also important to consider all aspects of the deal, including closing costs, contingencies, and other terms. The necessary documentation…

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Spring is here, and for many homeowners, it’s the perfect time to sell their homes. The warmer weather and longer days make it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves living in your home, and the blooming flowers and greenery add curb appeal to your property. Buyers are more likely to be out looking for their next home. Additionally, the spring market is typically more active than the winter market, which means that there are more buyers looking to purchase a home. If you’re thinking about selling your home this spring, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your sale.

Declutter and stage your home

Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to declutter and stage your home. Get rid of anything you no longer need, and…

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reasons houses don't sell

Most home sellers have two main objectives: to sell quickly and for the highest price. The beauty of owning real estate (whether it’s a principal residence or an investment property) is that historically, it has yielded solid returns to Canadians who are in it for the long haul. Indeed, equity gains in Canadian real estate have been notable in some particularly hot markets, with the proceeds used to fund everything from the purchase of a bigger and better home, to retirement, travel, an investment strategy, or life’s next big milestone – whatever that may be.

A number of major cities across Canada have experienced tight market conditions over the last few years, but a slew of interest rate increases in 2022 have eased…

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Newfoundland, located on the east coast of Canada, is a province known for its rugged beauty and unique culture. From the stunning cliffs of the Avalon Peninsula to the picturesque fishing villages dotting the coast, the natural landscape of Newfoundland is truly breathtaking.

One of the most unique aspects of living in Newfoundland is the culture. The province has a rich history, with roots dating back to the early 1700s when it was first settled by the English and Irish. Today, the culture of Newfoundland is a blend of these early settlers, as well as the Indigenous peoples who have called the land home for thousands of years.

One of the most popular cultural traditions in Newfoundland is the "screech-in," a ceremony in which newcomers to the…

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