Real Estate Blog - homeowners

Protect Your Garage with DIY Epoxy Flooring

Many homeowners use their garage for more than just parking vehicles. This multi-purpose area is often used as a storage solution, a workroom, a gym, an office, and even an entertainment hub. Whatever function your garage serves, one thing remains the same: you need to maintain the space to ensure its longevity. The process begins from the ground up.

It’s important to pay attention to the health of your garage floor just as much as the doors and walls. The floor takes a beating throughout the years—from car tires and engine grease, to snow shovels and DIY projects. The damage eventually shows in the form of stains, cracks, and pitting, which hurts the overall integrity of the floor. 

Whether you’re proactively trying to avoid the wear and tear,…

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Property Taxes: What to Expect

In Canada, everyone has an opinion about property taxes. Whether city dwellers or rural folk, each side will argue that the other is not paying enough in property taxes, making for a heated and spirited discussion about levies on the residence you worked hard to purchase.

That said, aside from discussions over what the property tax rate should be, this is an important subject since many prospective homebuyers do not consider their annual tax bill as part of their ongoing expenses, whether they own a condominium or a single-family home, which could hurt their wallets in the future.

Planning for annual property tax payments is just as important as researching the rate on your mortgage or determining what your closing costs…

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5 Warning Signs Your Home Has Foundation Problems

The foundation of a house is crucial for supporting your home and keeping it stable, and if it’s well built, it can last a lifetime. Sometimes, foundation problems can have ramifications for the rest of the house. The sooner you know how to look for signs of trouble, the sooner you can address any problems before they escalate. Of course, if you’re on the home hunt, it is always recommended to have it carefully examined by a professional home inspector before you buy it.

Here are five warning signs of foundation problems to watch for:

1. Cracks or warping in the exterior walls. Exterior walls are built to allow for a bit of “give.” But as the foundation settles, the walls can lose support. This can lead to cracks, warps,…

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How Will Higher Interest Rates Affect Me?

Canadians have enjoyed low interest rates for the last decade, but even more so since the onset of the global pandemic, when the Bank of Canada responded with a trio of rate cuts, bringing us to 0.25%. But 2022 has already seen three interest rate hikes in response to soaring inflation rates, which reached a 39-year high in May, at 7.7 per cent. With a fourth increase in the Bank’s interest rate, you may be wondering: How will higher interest rates affect me?

What does an interest rate hike mean if you’re planning to buy a home, if you already have a mortgage, or are carrying any other debt? Let’s take a step back to better understand what causes movement in interest rates and how a higher rate might impact you.

What Causes Interest Rates to…

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Renovations You Should Leave to the Pros

If you’ve spent the last few years binge watching your favorite home renovation shows and looking for #DIYInspo projects all over social media, you’ve probably considered making a few tweaks around your home. 

However, when it comes to home renos, knowing when to hire a professional is essential.

A recent survey conducted by Leger examined how Canadians changed their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey found of the 17% of people who had improved their homes, only one third hired professional help—the rest opting to tackle the jobs themselves.

While it may be tempting to take on home renovation and home improvement projects that don’t appear to present any risks on the surface, there are several instances when the expertise of a…

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Bringing Natural Light into Your Home: The Ultimate Guide

There’s nothing like pulling your curtains open on a bright morning and letting the sunshine flood your room with natural light.

Embracing natural light in your home can make your space feel open and inviting, all while increasing your body’s feel-good serotonin levels. Plus, with “natural light” at the top of many home buyers’ wish lists, this highly sought-after feature has many benefits beyond aesthetics.

“The amount of natural light in a home has become so important, especially with people working from home and home schooling,” says Mark Arnstein, a sales representative and REALTOR® with RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd. Brokerage in Toronto, Ontario.  

Our guide will shed some light on the physical, mental, and economical benefits of natural…

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Alternative Ways to Enter the Housing Market (INFOGRAPHIC)

Call your local RE/MAX Infinity REALTOR® today to see what options are available to you!

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Painting or Staining? Your Guide to Deck Revitalization

Nothing embodies summertime in Canada more than hanging out on your deck, grilling, sipping cold drinks, and making memories with family and friends.

Like other areas of your home, your deck does need to be cared for regularly to ensure it lasts long enough to keep the good times rolling season after season. Keeping your deck in tip-top condition is another way to maintain curb appeal—just ask a REALTOR®! 

In addition to keeping your deck free from dirt and debris, you should consider painting or staining it. The added layer of product protects your deck from moisture, mould, bugs, sun, and other harsh elements. Changing the colour of the wood is also an easy way to revitalize your deck without a total overhaul.

Let’s look at how you can…

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Budget-Friendly DIY Kitchen Renovation Projects

Of all the rooms in your home, you are probably spending the most time in the kitchen. Whether as the place where you prepare meals each day or as an entertaining space, a lot can be done to improve it and to get the most out of this space. The good news is there are lots of DIY kitchen renovation projects that will make a significant impact without breaking the bank. The other good news is that kitchen upgrades are one of the best things you can do to increase your home’s resale value.

The ideas listed below won’t cost a bundle but may bring you closer to the kitchen you have always wanted. Read on to find inspiration for projects to improve the heart of your home.

DIY Kitchen Renovation Ideas

Refacing Cabinets

…

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4 Options for Financing Your Home Renovations

If your family home lacks space but you don’t want to move, you’ll be joining thousands of other Canadians who have chosen to renovate their properties. Whether you’re adding an extension, overhauling your kitchen, or knocking down walls to create better flow, you can likely count on one thing: you’re about to embark on an expensive project. Don’t fret if your dreams are bigger than your budget—there are a lot of ways to finance home renovations. While it may be tempting to borrow money, just remember you’ll have to pay that loan back, so be sure to make a plan that factors in the potential of further interest rate increases. Here’s how you can pay for upgrades to your property.

1. Take out a personal loan or borrow from family and friends 

…

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