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Easy Ways to Prepare for Overnight Guests

Make them feel welcome by treating them the way you’d want to be treated in someone else’s home.

 NOV 23, 2021

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Expecting overnight guests soon? Don’t fret – preparing for them isn’t as time-consuming as you think! A good rule of thumb: Treat them the way you’d want to be treated in someone else’s home.

Here are some quick and easy ways to get ready and make them feel welcome.

Corral the clutter. Tidy up and eliminate clutter in the main living areas to free up more space for increased foot traffic and make your home look its best.

Make space for unpacking. Your guests will appreciate having a place to unpack their suitcase, so clear some space in the guestroom closet and provide hangers. If there’s a dresser, set aside a couple of empty drawers for their belongings.

Provide bathroom essentials. In addition to a set of towels for each guest, offer a selection of basic toiletries in case visitors forget something like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, even a disposable toothbrush. Another extra you’ll find in every hotel is a hair dryer, so let them know ahead of time you have one so they don’t need to carve out space in their suitcase.

Bedroom must-haves. Provide extra pillows and blankets, just in case, and a nightstand or table near the bed for their phones, glasses and a bottle of water. Everyone needs a place to charge their phone, so if an outlet isn’t nearby or is hidden behind furniture, provide an extension cord. Another thoughtful touch: Leave your Wi-Fi password on a notecard and place it on the nightstand or dresser so they don’t have to ask for it.

Stock the kitchen. Buy a variety of extra snacks and beverages and show visitors where everything is in the fridge and pantry so they feel comfortable grabbing a bite to eat or drink whenever they want.

Whether close family members or first-time visitors, guests will feel welcome when you take the time for these quick and easy preparations. You’ll all be able to focus on having fun and enjoying your time together.

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4 DIY Built-ins You Can Do This Weekend

4 DIY Built-ins You Can Do This Weekend

Built-ins are showstoppers in any room. Whether used to surround a fireplace, turn a window into a cozy reading nook, add extra storage to an otherwise underused wall, or create the home library of your dreams, built-ins bring the grandeur.  

But that grandeur can come with a grand price if you order custom built-ins. Luckily, they’re not the only option. DIY built-ins don’t have to be expensive, require a full renovation, or take longer than a weekend to complete. Paint, moulding and prefabricated bookcases, wardrobes, and cabinetry are all you’ll need to create the classy, custom looking built-ins of your dreams.

The secret to DIY built-ins is paint and trim. To make your project look like custom work, paint the built-ins to match your room colour and use trim to finish the edges.  

Image by Pixabay via Pexels.

Dramatize your fireplace

Fireplaces are often the focal points of the room they’re in, but if you’re wondering how to make the most of the empty space on either side, built-ins are a great answer. If you don’t have a fireplace, but really want one, or want to remodel your current fireplace before building the DIY built-ins, you can create your own using some of  these hacks.

To add depth in the room, and more curiosity for the eye, bring out the built-ins so they recess the fireplace. If that’s not your style, you can measure the depth of the mantel and find bookcases to match, so the whole feature is flush. Keep in mind anything that’s done around your fireplace should be done so with extreme care. Always be sure you’re aligned with any fire or building codes, and be aware of any electrical systems within the wall before you start drilling. 

Bookcase built-ins are excellent if you want to display books and other decorative items but doing half cabinetry with short bookcases stacked on top allows you always-useful closed storage space.

Create a window seat

You might be able to transform a window in your house into a cozy oasis with a few kitchen cabinets. If you have a recessed window, you’ll be able to create a built-in window seat with some sturdy, ready-made kitchen cabinets and a few 2x4s or 2x6s as a base. Light demolition is necessary as you’ll need to remove the baseboards in the area to ensure the cabinets are flush with the wall. 

Image by Home Decor Interiors via Pexels.

Maximize your storage

Framing a window, desk, or TV with built-ins adds instant gravitas to the room—and gives you heaps of storage. As with the fireplace, open bookcase built-ins will allow you plenty of space to display sentimental or decorative items. If you have things to hide, or prefer to keep things out of sight, try using woven or wooden baskets. Prefab wardrobes can be a great option if you have larger or longer objects like coats and vacuum cleaners that you want to store.

If you have dead space, a nook, or a gap around an architectural feature, but not enough room for a full bookcase built-in, take advantage of floating shelves for a DIY built-in look without any reno and only a little bit of measuring.

A divine home library

If you’ve ever admired the wall-to-wall bookshelves of a beautiful home library on Pinterest, you’re not alone. Bookcase built-ins bring an opulence to the room that’s hard to beat but can be attained through a few matching cases.

As with the window seat, remove the baseboards first so the bookcases can sit flush to the wall on all three sides (that is, if you’re doing one entire unbroken wall). Make sure everything’s secured and isn’t at risk of toppling by drilling a few screws through the back of the case into the studs. This is a vital step for all tall built-ins, especially the half-cabinetry, half-bookcase ones.

To make sure it doesn’t look like you’ve just aligned several bookshelves along the wall, fill in all the little holes with caulk or putty, use trim to cover the joins between cases, and then get out your can of paint and paint the entirety of the shelves to match your wall colour. 

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3 Simple Design Ideas for a Zen Outdoor Space

Amidst lockdowns and times of uncertainty, many of us looked inward to our homes to provide calming and safe spaces, including our outdoor areas. That’s why, in today’s post, we’re going to be sharing tips on how to create a zen outdoor space, however you like to relax.

The following is a guest post by Suhayl Laher

Amidst lockdowns and times of uncertainty, many of us looked inward to our homes to provide calming and safe spaces, including our outdoor areas.

As a result, many gardens became like a ‘fifth room’, offering the perfect area for relaxation and spending quality time outdoors – and this trend seems to be here to stay.

That’s why, in today’s post, we’re going to be sharing tips on how to create a zen outdoor space, however you like to relax.

So, whether your idea of unwinding is soaking up the sun, chilling with pals on warm summer evenings or pottering, planting and pruning, we have garden design ideas to suit everyone.

1. The wild and whimsical

 Relax to the sounds of wildlife with a wild and whimsical garden design that allows nature to be the star of the show.

The key to a successful wild garden is to accept the imperfections that come with natural habitats, seeing them as beautiful traits. This means letting things grow their own way, simply pruning them back from time to time to keep paths clear and to help promote regrowth.

For flower beds and planters, opt for a mixture of species to create a striking sea of color – a wildflower seed blend can be an easy option here. Also, embrace longer grass and weeds, as some species can be very pretty.

You may also want to include a water feature like a pond to attract a wider variety of wildlife and boost that sense of serenity.

When it comes to practical additions like furniture and hardscaping materials, opt for a rustic theme with wood and stone elements aplenty to give your wild wonderland a cohesive finish.

2. The simple and serene

If clean lines and a simple design is more your style, there’s plenty of scope for carving out a calm and soothing outdoor zone for reading, meditating or socializing.

In large gardens, this may look more like a defined relaxation zone, while smaller backyards may benefit from a full minimalist makeover.

Achieving your pared-back haven requires a carefully curated balance of texture, decoration and color. To start, lay a solid and versatile foundation with a grounding neutral color palette.

Durable stone effect outdoor tiles in beige or a pale gray are ideal for floors and walls, bringing both texture and a soothing hue.

Pair with darker wood or metal to create crisp color and texture contrasts for furniture and structural elements like a pergola or trellis.

When it comes to plants, avoid fussy florals and instead use big, bold leafy species. Ideally, you want a mixture of fauna and green shades here to help boost your mood.

For decorative touches, a simple water feature is a must. Set amidst a blend of soft-touch fabrics for furnishings and a few modern ornaments, you’ll have all the ingredients for the perfect serene sanctuary outside.

3. The practical and sustainable

 With evidence to suggest that the act of gardening itself can help to improve mental and physical health, zen outdoor spaces aren’t just about creating relaxing seated areas.

Having a practical and sustainable outdoor space where you can grow your own can provide the perfect escape and a chance to practice mindfulness.

Creating a practical and sustainable garden doesn’t always need lots of room – even modest spaces can yield a decent crop with the right design and plants that utilize vertical space.

To keep maintenance low and optimize the functionality of your outdoor space, opt for raised flower beds that make it easier to weed and pick your produce.

If you like to keep things orderly, plant vegetables and fruits in groups. For instance, keep root vegetables like carrots, beetroots and potatoes together, while other species like lettuces, herbs and edible flowers can go in another area.

Also, make sure sprawling plants like pumpkins, butternut squash, courgettes and cucumbers have plenty of space to grow, as well as vertical support to keep them from taking up too much ground space.

You can also make better use of space and make crops easier to pick for things like peas, beans, raspberries and blackberries by using growing frames along walls.

Whatever you choose to grow outdoors, you can help to promote sustainability and keep the zen vibes going by using organic, eco-friendly materials, pesticides and fertilizers.

With these ideas and practical tips, we hope you find all the inspiration you need to give your outdoor areas a zen makeover this spring. Whether you prefer to soak up the sun with a good book or get your hands dirty planting, there are plenty of ways to create your very own outdoor haven.


Author bio:

Suhayl Laher works at Tiles Direct, one of the UK’s largest independent tile distributors and retailers – bringing design inspiration to homeowners, architects and developers.

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When Is the Right Time to Move?

Ainsley Smith

Deciding whether or not it’s time to move—either across the country, province, or within the same city—is a difficult decision to make. Are you ready to uproot your life and leave your friends, family, and job behind? Are you ready to either sell your home, end your lease, or move out of your parents’ home for the first time? Regardless of your situation, deciding to move is a momentous life event and one that doesn’t often come easy.

If you’re unsure whether or not moving is the right call right now, read on to learn about some of the different reasons why people often choose to move to a new home.

Photo by Dillon Kydd on Unsplash

Common reasons people choose to move  

There are, of course, the obvious reasons why you might consider moving. Perhaps you’re starting a family and you need a bigger home with a fenced-in backyard where the kiddos can play. Or, maybe all of your children have moved out and you’re ready to downsize. 

But other common reasons could be:

  • you’re growing tired of your commute to and from work; 
  • you have safety concerns in your neighbourhood;
  • you aren’t getting along with your neighbours; or 
  • you’ve received a job offer in a new city.  

To get a better understanding of why some homeowners have recently decided to move, we spoke to James Strathy Warren, a REALTOR® and salesperson for Chestnut Park Real Estate Ltd. Brokerage, who revealed some of the frequent themes he’s seen from his clients. 

Future planning

Warren says a change in interest rates can be a factor. When people find out interest rates are going up, they’ll look at moving beforehand to lock in on a competitive mortgage to save money in the long run. Not everyone moves when the interest rates change, but it’s something that can trigger people to start assessing the market and whether they’re happy where they are. 

Bang for your buck

Finding a renovated house in a “move-up” market can be a big deciding factor for many people. Warren suggests this can be less expensive than finding a home that requires a substantial renovation, which is appealing to those who don’t want to go through the process.

“There’s also the time factor of a lengthy renovation as well as the associated costs,” he explained. “So, essentially you’re buying your new home at a slight discount.”

Market trends

For those looking to move up, Warren explained sometimes in a market that tends to pull back in price increases, the spread can be less between the sale price of their existing home and the one they’re purchasing. For people scaling down, such as empty nesters, when the market is moving up, it can be a great time to sell.

“It’s always good to try and time the market, this is very important for people moving up,” said Warren.

Time of year

When moving out of a home, Warren said historically, the best months to sell for the highest sale price are usually February and May.  

“February, because January is usually hit with snow and there is so little [on the market], so appetite gets pent up,” he explained. “May, because everything is geared to the school year and people want to settle prior to summer vacation and the beginning of the school year. Sometimes we do see a good market in late September and early October when there is generally less supply.”

How can a REALTOR® help you make your decision?

Ultimately, when it comes to deciding if you should move, it’s up to you and your family to make the call. A REALTOR® can guide you through the decision process to ensure you’re making the move for all the right reasons, providing current market trends and conditions, and asking the right questions to help you feel informed in your choice.

A REALTOR® can also share properties available in your price range and desired location; answer any questions you have about different local neighbourhoods and property values; and they can help you decide whether or not it’s the right time to buy based on the market. 

Warren says being aware of the market and how homes are performing in the areas you’re considering is very important when it comes time to decide whether or not you should sell your home. 

“I think to be successful in a purchase, or when you’re selling your home, you should view houses first and get an idea of the houses available to you and watch their movement—their days on market and their sale prices. If you’re comfortable, then jump in and buy first, but make sure your home is looking its best and well-priced before putting it on the market,” said Warren. 

Working with a REALTOR® also gives you a better understanding of what’s happening in the market and if it’s the right time to make moves.

“It’s all about ‘reading the market’ and hopefully connecting the pieces of the puzzle,” added Warren.

While the prospect of moving might be daunting, there are different factors and indicators to help make your decision. If you’re thinking about embarking on a home buying journey, be sure to speak with a REALTOR® today.

The article above is for information purposes and is not legal or financial advice or a substitute for legal counsel.

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5 Ways to Transform Your Kitchen Island

Wendy Helfenbaum

Kitchens aren’t just for cooking and eating; they’re gathering places, homework stations, and the spot where parties always end up. This room always tops homeowners’ remodelling wish lists, but if a major overhaul isn’t in your budget this year, there’s another way to maximize your space, while adding style and function: install a kitchen island or elevate the one you already have.

Islands provide more storage and prep space, extra seating, and they add character and a focal point to your kitchen. We asked a design expert for creative, affordable hacks to create fabulous kitchen islands.

Image courtesy of Rebekah Higgs

1. Repurpose what you can 

When Halifax-based interior design consultant and TV host Rebekah Higgs—also known as DIY Mom—began renovating her home in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, building materials were scarce and costly, so she decided to reuse as much as possible from her original kitchen. 

“The previous homeowners had done an extremely expensive galley kitchen renovation with solid cherry wood cabinets, so we measured, removed, and labelled every door and cabinet, and then reconfigured them,” says Higgs. 

She used leftover cabinets, drawers, and plywood to build a 12-x-5-foot island, within which she integrated her sink and dishwasher, plus room for five stools.

“The original cabinets were traditional with a beveled edge design, but when you flip a cabinet door, it’s typically Shaker on the other side. We made them flush with the cabinets and painted them, which modernized the space,” she explains.

Since Higgs saved a lot of money by reusing her cabinets for the island, she splurged on Silestone countertops with a waterfall edge on either side.  

“On the back, I nailed leftover pieces of painted plywood and cherry. I didn’t throw out a single piece of wood,” she says. “Some people add tile or stone on the back; it’s an inexpensive way to finish it off.”

Image via threeriversDIY on Instagram

2. Source materials online 

Not ripping apart your kitchen? Upcycle someone else’s cabinets, suggests Higgs.

“Look for high-quality, solid wood cabinets you can refinish; they’re going to hold up over time more than melamine,” she says. “The options for refinishing a nice piece of vintage wood furniture are almost endless. Then, just add a butcher block or stone counter on top.”

Image via Kreating Homes

Bookshelves are a great solution as well, especially if you’re in need of additional storage. You can find a DIY Kitchen Island from Kreating Homes, or flip wooden bookcases on their sides as a base for your island, then purchase doors at a big-box store. 

Higgs also suggests choosing a statement piece of furniture with turned legs that contrasts with your cabinets.

“We’re seeing more and more of this,” she says. “If you have a white kitchen and you want it to be more fun and cheerful, paint the backside of the island, or add shiplap.” 

3. Beef things up 

Have a functional island that’s not big enough? Add more storage if you have enough space in your kitchen and put a larger countertop on, says Higgs. You’ll need between 91 and 107 centimetres of clearance between your island and your cabinets so you can open and close your fridge, oven, or dishwasher.

“I’ve seen people do a second level to chair height to create seating around the island,” she suggests.

Image via Eddy Lee on Unsplash

4. Make it portable

For smaller spaces, consider a free-standing island: add locking caster wheels onto a square table or shelving unit so you can move it out of the way when you’re not prepping meals. It can do double-duty as a serving station in another room when you’re entertaining, says Higgs.

You can also repurpose a dining or slim console table by raising it up to counter height—91 centimeters—to make meal prep a breeze, or to bar height, 107 centimeters. Many big-box stores sell compact islands with integrated drawers and shelves, if you don’t want to go the DIY route.

5. Dress things up  

Adding woven or colourful stools, vibrant placemats, and a large bowl with fresh fruit can make your island look updated, says Higgs. 

“You could also change out the light fixtures hanging above the island—you can get really fun pendant lights from $50 or $60,” she suggests. “You’re only limited by your own creativity and where you want to go with your space.”

Transforming your kitchen island doesn’t always require a full tear down. You can make this central hub more functional—and unique—with some minor changes and some major inspiration courtesy of DIY Mom. If you’re curious as to how a kitchen island could affect your resale value, a local REALTOR® can share insights on what’s currently trending and what buyers are often searching for.

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Cost-Effective Exterior Renovations that Could Help Sell Your Home

Ainsley Smith

Investing in the exterior of your home is important. Not only can exterior home renovations like adding a new roof, windows, or doors add immediate benefits and curb appeal, they have the potential to increase the value of your home and give you a greater return on investment (ROI) when you decide to sell. 

A 2021 Canadian Real Estate Renovation Trends report from RE/MAX, which used data collected by Leger marketing firm, said more than half of Canadians renovated their home during the pandemic for personal or “non-ROI” purposes. According to the report, 29% chose to renovate for non-essential “lifestyle” reasons, such as recreation-inspired projects, while 16% of Canadians renovated to increase the market value of their home to sell within in the next one to three years. 

Similar to interior home renovations, not all exterior renovations are created equal, with some costing  much more up front, while others are relatively more cost-effective. If budget is a concern, read on to learn about some of the most cost-effective exterior home renovations that could help increase your ROI when it comes time to sell.

Photo by Zac Gudakov on Unsplash

Why is curb appeal important?

The way your home looks from the outside—or its curb appeal—gives potential home buyers their first impression of the property even before they step inside. This is why exterior renovations that help boost curb appeal are important, as the aesthetic look of a home’s exterior can give the buyer a sense of what they can expect to find once they walk through the front door. In other words, if your home presents itself well, the yard is nicely kept, the paint is vibrant, the siding is aging well, and the roof is in good shape, prospective buyers could be more inclined to look inside if they like what they see on the outside. 

Photo by Bernard Hermant on Unsplash

What are the current trends in exterior renovations?

If you’ve been thinking about completing an exterior home renovation project this year, My Design Home Studio suggests while “farmhouse vibes are here to stay,” five other exterior design trends will gain popularity in 2022, including “a shift toward natural textures, a stronger connection to the outdoors, and a minimalist approach to architecture.”  

These trends are: 

  • Natural textures: Blonde woods, hand-sawn beams, and aged brick are popular, but you can recreate these looks at a lower cost with wood-like siding or stone-like accents.
  • Dark exteriors: Pairing lighter siding and brick with moodier blacks and charcoals is becoming a trend, so if you’re looking to sell soon it might be worth the investment now. 
  • Black accents: External features—like door handles, door frames, locks, shutters, etc.—are being swapped out for matte black instead of classic brass or silver. It’s a more modern look without requiring a total overhaul.
  • All-season outdoor entertaining: Adding a patio or deck to your yard can help increase curb appeal, especially when equipped for year-round usage. Covered areas for places with a lot of snow, or lounge areas with an outdoor fireplace (depending on your municipal bylaws) for places that remain relatively dry during the winter, are great additions to help extend patio season.
  • Natural light: Large panoramic windows that will flood your home with natural light are definitely a bigger investment than say, a door handle, but they’re a hot commodity as buyers are looking for homes with more natural light. 

Top exterior renovations to help your ROI

While trying the latest renovation trends is a great way to ensure your home fits the modern look, there are tried and trusted exterior renovations that are not only cost-effective, but also known to help increase a home’s ROI.

According to Alex Obradovich, a REALTOR® and sales representative with Chestnut Park® Real Estate Limited Brokerage in Toronto, the best cost-effective exterior renovations would be “functional over the cosmetic.” 

“Taking a good look at what’s necessary to fix will be the most important when it comes to selling your home in the future,” explained Obradovich. “Common items may be drainage, grading, deteriorated items or heating/cooling efficiency problems like making sure windows and chimneys are sealed properly.”

However, once the functional exterior renovations are complete, Obradovich says cost-effective and cosmetic upgrades to improve your home would be painting and tidying up landscaping.

“Plus, both of those can be done yourself inexpensively,” he added.

Other things to look at would be your roof, garage door, front door (steel and fibreglass are becoming popular materials), and siding. The average cost to install an asphalt roof in Canada is around $4,750 (depending on the scale of the project), while replacing a double-car garage door can cost between $1,300 and $3,500. If you’re trying to stay on budget, you can also revamp your home’s exterior by swapping out old furnishings for newer pieces and adding potted plants and annual flowers for a pop of colour. 

The best way to assess what your home needs is by enlisting the help of a REALTOR® who will be able to give you insights into what buyers are currently looking for in your neighbourhood and what renovations may help sell your home quicker—and for a better price. 

Your REALTOR® can also provide you with contacts for roofers, painters, contractors, etc. to help you find the best person for the job.

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Grab your board, sunscreen, beach towel and a floppy hat! Surf is up in this coastal paradise called Dominical, Costa Rica. Dominical has a refreshingly relaxed vibe with incredible surf, local craft breweries, and some of the most amazing local artisanal coffee products. The sleepy but vibrant coastal town of Dominical is the beach-lover’s hidden gem in Costa Rica. Situated in the South Pacific region on the lush Costa Ballena, Dominical can be described as the perfect balance between wild nature and modern comfort.

Grab your board, sunscreen, beach towel and a floppy hat! Surf is up in this coastal paradise called Dominical, Costa Rica. Dominical has a refreshingly relaxed vibe with incredible surf, local craft breweries, and some of the most amazing local artisanal coffee products. The sleepy but vibrant coastal town of Dominical is the beach-lover’s hidden gem in Costa Rica. Situated in the South Pacific region on the lush Costa Ballena, Dominical can be described as the perfect balance between wild nature and modern comfort.

Due to the peaceful nature of this town, you are sure to encounter on wildlife, such as iguanas and maybe even a sloth hanging above. If you spot a monkey, hold your belongings tightly … they are the adorable bandits of Dominical! Although the most popular activity in Dominical is surfing and relaxing at the beach as you watch the ocean’s waves crash onto the rocky shore, there are also plenty of other activities to entertain as well. Spend your day zip-lining through Manuel Antonio National Park, or head for a relaxing view and a dip in the Nauyaca Waterfalls. Whether you end the day winding down at the world-class yoga studio in town or with a cocktail back on the beach, you are doing it right! Read more about the uniqueness of this blissful beach town, straight from our Costa Rica expert Daveed Hollander!

Where do you live: Where the mountains meet the deep blue Pacific Ocean along one of the most majestic coasts lines of Costa Rica, the Ballena Coast

What is the perfect weekend day like: We start by walking up to some of our local coffee shops. Dominical is home to some of the most amazing local artisanal coffee. From there, we normally head out for a morning walk along the sandy beaches of Playa Dominical or Playa Chaman, known to be the annual breeding grounds for many varieties of whales. After a short hike, we paddle board or surf depending on ocean swells in the small cove of Playa Dominicalito. After the morning surf, we usually head to the mountains, about 20 minutes away, to eat at one of the many local spots that are along the rivers and offer swimming holes and waterfalls to cool off in. From there, we head back to the house and spend an afternoon with family— enjoying the cool breezes of the Pacifica and listening to the abundance of wildlife from the mountainside. When night falls, we head downtown for drinks at the local brewery or one of our favorite local spots on the beach. Depending on whether you have kids or not, you may continue to have a few drinks at the local bars but with kids you may head to the beaches to enjoy the sunset and a summertime bonfire on the sand.

What are the common modes of transportation there: There are numerous means of transportation but the most common for locals and tourists alike are the amazing and easy to use bus systems. Though cars and off-road vehicles are a huge part of the culture and during the summer months is it very common to see tourists and locals riding 4 wheelers and scooters from beach to beach. 

Tell us about the foods your area is known for: Costa Rica is filled with amazing food, but the Ballena Coastline has a rich food culture with so many different international flavors.

What is your favorite meal? At home or at a restaurant: One of my favorite meals is the fresh curry veggie bowl with Seared Ahi tuna at Scala. For a great Pad Thai and glass of wine, check out Citrus on the weekends.

Where do you recommend someone vacation in your region, why: There are so many amazing areas to choose from. The hills sides are scattered with amazing rental homes and boutique hotels. The beaches of Uvita are amazing and will never disappoint. While the white sand of Manuel Antonio is great for families. There are several marinas and waterfalls to frequent.

What is your favorite recreational or leisure time activity: Costa Rica is known for the waves and surf, deep-sea fishing, and hiking. I frequently surf with my son and daughter. There is so much to do in a small radius.

Is there a specialty your area is known for: Costa Rica and especially the southern zone of Costa Rica is known for having some of the best coffee and chocolate coming out of the valleys of San Isidro. You have to find small chocolate makers and boutique coffee farms scattered along the hillsides.

Share a little known but interesting fact about the area/region: In 2018, Costa Rica will mark its 70th anniversary since it abolished its military, and that seems to suit the population. It ranked first in Latin America and 12th in world in happiness, according to the 2017 World Happiness Index. The Happy Planet Index ranked it No. 1 in the world.

If you were to live in any other region where we have a Coldwell Banker presence, where would it be and why: If I was not here along the amazing coast of Ballena, I would live in the snowy hills of Chile’s Patagonia, with roots in California and Costa Rica always.

Territory Summary:

“The pleasant town of Dominical is relatively small but offers the beach-lover a wide variety of nearby beaches to choose from. Playa Dominicalito is just south of Dominical and is a great spot for beginner surfers and swimmers. At Punta Dominical, on the southern end of Playa Dominicalito, you’ll see the lush green land merge with the rich blue Ocean. It is a great spot to watch the ocean’s waves crash onto the rocky shore below and see a near perfect sunset almost year-round. Other activities include treks to nearby waterfalls including the Nauyaca Waterfalls (7.5 mi from Dominical on Hwy 243), canopy tours, horseback riding, deep sea fishing, sea kayaking, scuba diving and snorkeling. For attractions in the surrounding areas you can access Chirripó National Park by traveling along Hwy 243 towards San Isidro about 31 miles (50 km). Access to Manuel Antonio is possible by traveling 23 miles (37 km) north along Hwy 34. To the south 95 miles (152 km) lies Golfito and access to Corcovado National Park.”

Key Facts:

  • Population: Puntarenas Province: 410.929
  • Language(s) Spoken: Spanish
  • Climate: In Puntarenas, the wet season is oppressive and overcast, the dry season is muggy and partly cloudy, and it is hot year-round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 77°F to 97°F and is rarely below 74°F or above 99°F.
  • Currency: Colones

Industry Facts:

  • Types of Architecture: Organic architecture style in luxury properties
  • Price per Sq. Ft/Meter: $169
  • Average Sale price: Average Asking Price (New Listings): $654,000
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Wendy Helfenbaum


When inventory is low and buyer demand is high, chances are you’ll receive at least one cash offer—a promise to purchase your property that doesn’t depend on the buyer acquiring a mortgage. Buyers figure paying cash might help them stand out among multiple offers, but what’s in it for you as the seller? Here’s what sellers need to know about all-cash offers.

What is a cash offer?

Most offers on residential homes typically include three conditions: financing, an inspection, and a review of documents. When an all-cash offer is submitted, the buyer is telling the seller they have enough cash and investments to purchase the property, says Rochelle Cantor, a REALTOR® and broker with Engel & Völkers in Montreal.

“A cash offer doesn’t mean someone is going to go to his bank and pull out a whole bunch of cash,” she says. “In the eyes of a vendor, the buyer is showing you they’re good for the money and they’re a very strong buyer.”

Cash buyers can be investors purchasing homes in poor condition that wouldn’t otherwise qualify for a mortgage, or buyers who don’t need financing because they’re wealthy or have lots of equity after selling their own home.

Sales may close faster with cash offers

To sellers looking for a quick transaction, an all-cash offer is especially enticing, says Cantor.

Before a buyer’s mortgage approval is finalized, lenders require an appraisal—banks need to ensure the property is worth the purchase price before securing the loan. 

“In this market, even with a mortgage pre-approval letter, it can take 14 days to get financing approval, which locks up your house and can take away the momentum of the property being new on the market,” says Cantor.

However, with an all-cash offer, no appraisals are required, because the buyer isn’t borrowing money from the bank.

How buyers prove their all-cash offer is viable

With cash offers, the promise to purchase will include a clause noting the offer is conditional on providing proof of funds, notes Cantor.

“I suggest my buyer clients ask their bank or investment advisor for a signed letter on their letterhead, stating how long they’ve been a client of that institution, they’re in good financial standing, and they have cash and/or investments in excess of X amount of dollars for the purchase,” she explains.

Most sellers will give a buyer several days to obtain this proof, but savvy buyers show up with an offer and a proof-of-cash letter in hand in excess of the amount they’re initially offering. 

“For example, if somebody’s buying a property for $1 million, we don’t know where we’re going to end up after negotiating, so it’s better if you provide a proof-of-funds letter exceeding what the actual offer is. Then, the seller knows you’re really good for the money. Proof of funds is a very powerful thing for a buyer and it’s a wonderful thing for a seller.”

Of course, just because buyers can show they have a lot of money doesn’t mean they’ll spend that much more on your property, she adds.

Should sellers ever refuse cash offers?

“Giving an all-cash offer doesn’t mean the buyer is a criminal trying to launder money,” says Cantor. 

That said, FINTRAC’s Operational brief: Indicators of money laundering in financial transactions related to real estate does list “unusually large cash amounts used to fund any financial aspect of a real estate transaction” as a possible indicator of a suspicious transaction. If the offer doesn’t make sense in light of what you know about the client and the transaction, you may wish to file a suspicious transaction report.

Further, be aware buyers may come in with a lower offer, using the cash-only incentive as leverage. 

“I recently gave an offer that had basically no conditions and proof of funds, and I told the broker, this may not be the price your client was hoping for, but it’s done, and the covenant of the buyer is as solid as you can get, which is really important.”

If you’re about to list your property on the market, it’s smart to work with a REALTOR® who understands how to navigate all-cash offers. Together, you can decide the best path to selling your home.

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REALTOR.ca Team

The last two years have had many Canadians feeling like they’re stuck in Groundhog Day, as two stories continued to dominate headlines: COVID-19 and Canada’s housing markets.

The year 2021 was another record-breaker for both home sales and price growth, according to data from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).

This trend kicked off in January as the sales-to-new listings ratio hit an all-time high of 90.7%. Home sales started strong, 35.2% higher than January 2020. By April 2021, home sales skyrocketed a whopping 256% compared to the same time in 2020 (which was when most of Canada was under some kind of lockdown).

Markets seemed to be calming down as we welcomed summer’s warmer weather back. Home sales fell 8.4% in June on a month-over-month basis but were still up 13.6% on a year-over-year basis.

In August, markets continued to stabilize. While levels were more normal compared to earlier in the year, they were still quite active compared to any other point in history.

By the end of October, Canadian home sales had set a new annual record.

National home sales remained historically high in December 2021, yet Canada’s housing supply hit an all-time low, meaning home buyers were left feeling the squeeze heading into the new year.

CREA recently reported the actual (not seasonally adjusted) number of transactions in December 2021 was the second-highest level on record for the month, with only December 2020 coming in higher.

(Click the image to download the high-resolution PDF)

Because of short supply and high demand, the actual (not seasonally adjusted) national average home price climbed to $713,500 in December 2021, up 17.7% from the same month last year. Excluding the Greater Vancouver Area and the Greater Toronto Area, which heavily affect Canada’s national numbers, the national average price comes in closer to $560,000.

The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI), which uses more than 15 years of MLS® System data and sophisticated statistical models to gauge a neighbourhood’s home price levels, rose 2.5% month-over-month in December 2021. This is on top of similar gains to the MLS® HPI seen in October and November.

“Those are big gains,” said CREA’s Senior Economist and Director of Housing Data and Market Analysis Shaun Cathcart during CREA’s monthly housing market report. “Taken together, that’s about a $60,000 increase on the national benchmark price just in those three months.”

The MLS® HPI was up 26.6% on a year-over-year basis in December.

Overall, home sales increased 20.7% across Canada in 2021, compared to 2020. Meanwhile new listings were down 8.9%.

“With the housing supply issues facing the country having only gotten worse to start 2022, take any decline in sales early in the year with a grain of salt because the demand hasn’t gone away, there just won’t be much to buy until a little later in this spring” said Cliff Stevenson, Chair of the Canadian Real Estate Association. “But when those listings eventually start to show up, the spring market this year will almost certainly be another headline grabber. If you’re thinking about jumping into the market as either a buyer, seller or both, your local REALTOR® has the information and guidance you’ll need to navigate the market in these unprecedented times,” continued Stevenson.

Stay tuned for our monthly Housing Market Snapshot to keep a pulse on the market.

Remember, contact a REALTOR® for detailed information about your neighbourhood and its price trends.

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The spring housing market is often regarded as one of the busiest and most important times to buy or sell a home. 

With increasing inflation, rising property prices, and record-low housing supply, the 2022 spring market could be a challenge to navigate without the skills and knowledge of an experienced REALTOR®.

Today, we speak with Davelle Morrison, a Toronto-based REALTOR® and broker with Bosley Real Estate and Alex Yao, a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Select Properties in Vancouver to hear what they predict  home buyers and sellers could expect this spring.

Image via Pexels

What we can generally expect from a spring market

Some may consider the spring market to occur between March and May. However, Morrison points out the spring market can start as early as January after home buyers have spent holiday downtime surfing REALTOR.ca and evaluating their plans for the new year. 

“If I were advising a client who has a listing, I would say get out there in January and February, because that’s when there really aren’t a lot of listings, but there’s a lot of demand,” she said. 

The COVID-19 pandemic knocked the market out of its regular seasonal patterns in 2020, capsizing the spring market to seasonally low sales levels and pushing transactions into the summer and fall markets. 

Yao explains affordability and the work-from-home movement will continue to play a role in influencing buyer activity in spring 2022.

A large part of the Vancouver market is made up of families with children seeking more space for greater affordability, Yao said. Many households are moving to the outskirts of the region to communities such as Coquitlam, Surrey, and Maple Ridge, which can be more affordable than metro Vancouver. 

Image via Unsplash

The timing of the spring market and how it coincides with the school year will also be a convincing factor for families to move. 

“Spring has always been a family type of moving period because as they’re getting ready to move—going to make a purchase or sale of a home—they’re lining up the move around the summertime when the kids are out of school,” said Yao. “Typically, that purchase or sale has to happen in the spring to line up for a move in the summer.” 

For those living in outer-city communities who may be required to return to their downtown office, Morrison says busy road traffic and long travel times may persuade buyers to pick up a pied-à-terre condo to make their commutes easier. 

Housing supply has been hovering around extreme lows for some time. In its December 2021 housing market update, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) reported there was just 1.8 months of inventory available nationwide. 

“Unless something drastically changes, I don’t believe we’re going to see a lot of supply in the market,” she said. “I think we’re still going to go down this path of lots of demand, not a lot of supply.”

What does the spring 2022 market look like for buyers?

Given the predicted ongoing housing supply shortages, the best strategy for prospective buyers is to be as prepared as possible. 

“The first thing you usually need to understand as a buyer is your own financial circumstance,” said Yao. “You have to talk to a mortgage broker, you have to know exactly the area you want to be in. You need to know your price range. You need to know the details of the property that really matter to you before actually going and looking.”

Image via Pexels

Once you’ve consulted with your mortgage broker and you’re ready to begin touring homes, Morrison and Yao both agree it’s essential to move on new properties quickly once they become available. 

For instance, Morrison says you’ll want to ensure your bank allows you to access deposit funds swiftly in the event of an offer. You’ll also want to view properties within the first day or two they’re listed on the market so you can get ahead of competing purchasers. 

“The more days that go by, the more time people have had the opportunity to see [the property], and if you’re the buyer, you don’t want other people to see it,” said Morrison.

What can sellers and investors expect for spring 2022?

Compared to buyers, sellers have the upper hand in the current market with more purchasers compared to listings. However, this doesn’t mean those putting their home on REALTOR.ca can slack off on any of the important setup steps. 

As homes are heavily viewed and marketed online like any product, Morrison explains professional photography, staging, and cleaning is crucial to getting your listing off on the right foot. It’s also beneficial to consider including a home inspection report for added transparency and knowledge.

Image via Unsplash

Yao explains, thanks to the efficiency of technology and the current competitive market conditions, buyers will often narrow down their choice of homes online before making a showing request to visit them in person, hence the importance of a good online presence. 

“People are used to seeing a place before going into it. They want to understand things even more so now. Especially with the multiple offer situations,” said Yao. “You don’t really have the time to go around to 20 houses and then pick one and go for a second showing and so forth.”

For property investors looking for cash flow, Morrison expects the rental market will continue to strengthen into the new year as people return to downtown areas for work. 

If you are thinking of buying, selling or renting a home in spring 2022, consult the help of a local REALTOR® for expert advice and guidance on the market.

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The market remains hot, but it’s still important to make sure your property appeals to buyers before listing. Check out a few easy steps you can take to help your home stand out and sell quickly.

 
 

If you’re thinking about listing your home in 2022, there’s no reason to wait until the spring, as low housing inventory and high demand continue in many parts of the country. Winter typically has been a slow time for real estate sales in most parts of the country, but as we kick off the new year, serious buyers likely will pick up where they left off in 2021, facing stiff competition for properties that are selling quickly and for high prices.

Despite the hot market, it’s still important to make sure your property appeals to buyers before listing. Here are a few easy steps you can take to make sure your home stands out.

Sort through holiday decorations. Make the dreaded annual ritual of taking down decorations more productive by using it to begin clearing out unwanted items as well. Before stuffing all your trimmings into plastic bins, take stock of everything you have – lights, ornaments, wreaths, figurines – then toss or donate those you no longer want.

Declutter and depersonalize. Decluttering is the key to making your house appear more spacious. Go through each room and decide which pieces of furniture and other things to keep, donate or put in storage, and remove family photos and personal knickknacks.

Boost curb appeal. You get only one chance to make a positive first impression. To make the exterior enticing, paint the front door, pressure-wash the driveway and patios, clean out gutters, trim shrubs and trees, and add greenery and fresh flowers to your entryway and front porch.

Deep clean. A spotless house will show buyers your property is well taken care of. Clean from top to bottom, including windows, window treatments, ceiling fans, baseboards, countertops, cabinets, flooring and appliances.

Repaint in neutral colors. A fresh coat of paint can make the interior feel new. To appeal to a broader audience, choose warm neutral colors, such as beige, tan, gold or gray.

These easy steps will make your property stand out, appeal to more buyers and sell quickly.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has paved an unexpected path to homeownership for many young Canadians. Sure, mortgage rates fell to historically low rates, but a severe lack of supply and highly competitive sellers’ markets meant many Millennials and Gen Zers were left watching from the sidelines.

As restrictions loosened and life returned back to “normal”, demand for housing increased, pushing prices up in the process. As of November 2021, the average price for a home in Canada was $720,854, a 19.6% year-over-year increase according to data from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).

So what exactly does homeownership currently look like for younger generations?

Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

When it comes to where and how younger generations are choosing to live, it turns out they’re forced to be more practical. Austin D. Titus, real estate broker for Century 21® First Canadian Corp based in London, Ontario, explained while he hasn’t noticed “too much” change in terms of homeownership preferences, he has observed younger demographics are more flexible and understanding of what they can actually afford in current market conditions. 

“Often, first-time home buyers or younger generations are less likely to feel comfortable doing renovations and want more of a move-in ready option. I would also say younger generations don’t want much yard work or maintenance,” explained Titus, who added condo living can be an attractive lifestyle for this generation of buyers. 

Titus also said as a result of the pandemic, young buyers are looking for homes with additional office or outdoor spaces—a trend that wasn’t as popular before.

Photo by Alexandra Gorn on Unsplash

Regardless of age, getting into the housing market is a lengthy process requiring a lot of patience, time, and money. But understandably, it can be even more challenging for younger generations if they don’t have adequate savings to compete in today’s market. 

Titus says he thinks it’s extremely difficult for younger generations to get into the housing market because they’re dealing with much higher housing prices compared to two or three years ago. Wages aren’t increasing at the same rate as inflation and there are high expectations of first-time home buyers from parents. 

“Unfortunately, I also feel buyers are expecting their dream home as their first property,” explained Titus. “In our initial consultation, a lot of what is discussed is actually breaking down the barriers of expectations versus the reality of the market. Parents often put the expectations on their children of what is acceptable versus not in a home and it’s often my job to paint a very different picture.”

 

Want to hear about how different generations are rocking Canadian real estate? Austin joined a panel of REALTORS® for Episode 17 of CREA’s REAL TIME podcast to talk about trends and a redefined landscape.  

Current programs available to first-time home buyers and younger buyers

Purchasing a home can be both exciting and overwhelming. The Canadian government does have a number of financial programs in place to help Canadians during their home buying journey, including incentives for first-time buyers, tax credits, and rebates.

“There are options for the Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP) program where buyers can take from their RRSP and use it as a portion of their down payment,” explained Titus. “This amount currently sits at $35,000, however you must repay it in a 15-year period.”

He also explained first-time home buyers who are permanent residents and Canadian citizens are able to use the land transfer tax rebate, which rebates up to $4,000 of the land transfer tax. 

“The $4,000 rebate caps at $368,000. Any amount over that, and you’re left paying the difference,” said Titus. 

There is also the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, a shared-equity mortgage with the Government of Canada that offers 5% or 10% (depending on the type of home) of the home’s purchase price to put toward a down payment. There are stipulations, however, such as the borrower’s household income must be less than $120,000 a year ($150,000 if the home you are purchasing is in Toronto, Vancouver, or Victoria).

How parents are helping their kids

In today’s housing market, many younger buyers might find themselves struggling to afford a down payment and meet strict mortgage requirements. As a result, some assistance from parents has become increasingly common. Having the means to be able to help your children buy their first home is a luxury, ​but before you sign on the dotted line, consider the best way to do so. 

“Parents assisting their kids on the down payment wouldn’t have any tax implications for either party,” said Titus. “Co-signing on the mortgage where the parents would be equally responsible for the mortgage would have the largest impact when it comes to selling the property in the future.”

However, Titus says there are ways in which this can be avoided, and it’s best to have either a REALTOR®, accountant or lawyer advise you on the best route to take.

Parents assisting their children can also consider having a 1% ownership in the property, which would allow them to avoid taking high capital gains. But keep in mind, the first-time buyer incentive gets cut in half if there is a co-signer on the mortgage who already owns a property. 

If you’re a parent thinking of using the current RRSP program to help your child, parents aren’t eligible to do so. The current Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) allows you to withdraw funds from your RRSPs to buy or build a qualifying home for yourself or for a related person with a disability. However, the Canadian Real Estate Association has been advocating for changes to the HBP since 2017, allowing for “intergenerational use of RRSP funds by one child or more for the purchase of a home.” The goal is to help close the gap for young Canadians when it comes to homeownership.

So if you’ve been thinking about entering Canada’s housing market, meeting with a REALTOR® can help you get the answers you need when it comes to programs available and options that would best suit your lifestyle and budget.

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