Tis’ the season to start transforming the family living spaces with holiday lights, decorations, trees, candles, poinsettias and more. But the thought of decorating can be stressful – with so many other obligations and things to do – and that’s before you factor in the safety aspect.
So, to help make decorating less stressful, consider these options:
Get a fake tree. Taking care of a real one will just give you more to worry about, and you’ll avoid the mess of a real one. You also don’t have to worry about dry branches posing a fire hazard and boxing up a fake is much easier than hauling a real tree outside. Plus, “fake” trees more than ever look like the real thing.
Stick to simple. Don’t feel pressure to cover your whole house in garland, or your entire yard in lights. Sometimes simple is better. Make the most of lights and ornaments on your trees, and as for other decorations, stick to things that are easy to set up and put away, like nutcrackers, poinsettias and other displays.
And to help minimize the risks from accidents associated with this wonderful time of year, remember the three “Ps”: prepare, prevent and protect.
Prepare. Make sure you have working smoke alarms around your home, ideally ones that are interconnected so that when one sounds, they all sound. Keep a fire extinguisher around as well, especially if you have candles and fireplaces going.
Prevent. When hanging lights, garland and other decorations, use caution when climbing a ladder and enlist the help of someone to hold the ladder and hand you things. Don’t connect more than three light strands together and turn them off when not in use. Finally, keep your tree away from a heat source – one in six tree fires are started when a tree is too close to one.
Protect. Check with your insurance agent to ensure your home is adequately covered in the event of a loss. Most experts recommend a policy with a guaranteed replacement cost provision so you can rebuild to the same quality, regardless of rising material or labor costs.
Holiday decorating is one of the best ways to create a festive atmosphere, but some holiday decorations and the task of decorating a home can pose risks and lead to stress. Fortunately, if you prepare properly, prevent and protect, you will be stress free and safe this holiday season.
SOLD
Over 2 acres of M1-RU zoned land! Endless possibilities with this zoning. This acreage comes with a 2-storey home. The main floor offers a 2 bedrm unit and upstairs is another 2 bedrm unit. There is also an older garage. Perfect for rental investments, business use, or both! $469,800
This custom-built, 6 bdrm 4 bths and with over 3500 square ft. this home has more than enough room for that growing family. Located in one of Sudbury's most sought after areas, and only a short distance to schools, restaurants and shopping, any potential buyer is sure to be excited. $699,900 TEXT RBJCHZH TO 844-928-0132
Want to travel for a few months at a time? No problem! Just turn the key with no worries. You will be more than comfortable in this openconcept condo with upgraded kitchen and bathroom. Many amenities are included with this wellmaintained building, including an elevator, an exercise room with sauna, and a meeting room. $239,900 TEXT RBJKLDW TO 844-928-0132
This 20 acre parcel zoned industrial offers many different possibilities. With great exposure on highway 17 and fielding road, this is an opportunity of a lifetime. The seller will build to suit with a long term lease to accommodate your business or we will sever a smaller parcel of land for your own imagination. $4,000,000 TEXT RBJHHXC TO 844-928-0132
This property features a beautiful, open-concept, 5 bedroom 1 bathroom modern home in a super quiet community. Great-sized, end lot, plenty of privacy away from neighbours with a very large front yard and huge driveway, with lots of space for parking or storage. $199,999 TEXT RBJJKFZ TO 844-928-0132
Bright open kitchen feature loads of cabinet space, a centre island, and patio door that lead to a the outdoor deck. On the second level, you will find the spacious master bedroom with a walk-in closet, and ensuite bathroom. Two more bedrooms and lovely bathroom finish off this second floor. The fully finished basement and garage. $499,900 TEXT RBJKMTY TO 844-928-0132
This 4 bed, 3 bath home has been fully renovated to modern standards. A large open concept kitchen and dining area is perfect for entertaining. With a walk-out basement offering a separate entrance, this home is perfect for investors or first time buyers. $379,700 TEXT RBJGDDC TO 844-928-0132
This fantastic 2-storey home is located in a preferred south end neighbourhood. Walking in, you're greeted with an open-concept design which features a large entrance and updated kitchen, dining and family room area. Upstairs you'll find 3 large bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms including a master bedroom with en-suite. $624,999
TEXT RBJKLNL TO 844-928-0132
The New Year is upon us, which means that it’s time again for resolutions you can stick to. Saving money is often one of the most common New Year’s resolutions, and one that can be easier to do (it’s a lot easier to take care of your finances than get on the stair stepper).
And since owning a home is easily one of the biggest expenses the average person will have in their lifetime, saving money around the home is crucial. Even for those who are able to pay off their mortgage, the cost of annual maintenance - plus the little luxuries we tack on - can really add up. In order to save some money this upcoming year on home-related expenditures, consider these steps:
REFINANCE. Interest rates are still fairly low right now, so take a look at your current mortgage and assess if it would be wise to refinance. Cutting even $100 from your monthly mortgage payment will mean huge savings over the life of your loan. Be sure to understand the terms of the refinance, as sometimes the cost to refinance does not outweigh the savings. Consult your accountant or financial adviser as well before refinancing.
SHOP YOUR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE. We often overlook the cost of homeowners insurance because it is escrowed and paid as part of our monthly mortgage payment. However, you could be greatly overpaying for homeowners insurance, which would increase your monthly mortgage payment unnecessarily. While you’re at it, ask your home insurance agent to package in your car, boat, or other insurance policies to get additional discounts, typically up to 20%.
REDUCE ENERGY WASTE. Take a look at your monthly energy bills to see how much energy you are really using each month. Make efforts to reduce energy usage in the winter cold and summer heat by properly sealing windows and doors that could be susceptible to drafts. Set your thermostat a few degrees cooler during the day when no one is home to save on unnecessary heating and cooling.
Another way to reduce energy waste is by completely switching to LED lighting. LED light bulbs might cost a little bit more in the beginning, but in the long run, they save more money than incandescent bulbs. In-
candescent bulbs aren’t efficient: only about 10% to 15% of the electricity that they consume results in light. The rest is turned into heat, but not enough heat to add warmth to your house, so it’s a waste. Making the switch will also help you fulfil a resolution to be better to the environment!
SKIM DOWN YOUR CABLE, PHONE AND INTERNET. Oftentimes, when homeowners set up their television, Internet and home phone service they get talked into a bigger package than they need. Do you really need the fastest Internet speed? How many of those 245 television channels do you actually watch? See if you can save yourself a few hundred dollars a year by downgrading your service package. A lot of service providers can help you save money by bundling services. At the very least, it’s worth it to give them a call and ask if there are any adjustments that can be made to your bill, since you’re a valued customer. It sometimes works!
GET SMART AT THE GROCERY STORE. We often think of our food costs as a necessity--therefore, we justify the expense. However, a little bit of frugality can go a long way when you’re working the aisles at your local market. Get in the habit of clipping coupons and checking the sale papers to make some smart food shopping choices.
By following these tips and consciously spending wisely, you will be able to sock away more money, which can come in handy, especially if you’re looking to move into a new home!
Incredible
prime
Welcome to 1352 Marcel Street in sought after South End neighbourhood. This raised ranch offers 3 good size bedrooms and a large bathroom on the main floor, mostly new windows (2020), bright, functional floor plan and a walkout to the deck and private fenced back yard.
Attractive 2 storey home in sought after Minnow Lake location. This perfect family home has an abundance to offer with a large entranceway, 3+1 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, functional floor plan, finished lower level, attached garage, main floor walk out to a new deck and good sized yard. Upgraded include deck, furnace, central air, central vacuum, hot water tank, window wells, roc sol insulation and drywall in the garage.
PENINSULA LAKE $3,195,000
Executive estate style waterfront cottage/home resting on a 6.35-acre property on Peninsula Lake! This impressive cottage boasts 5 beds and 3.5 baths across 3 levels of living space showcasing gorgeous highend features and finishes throughout.
PENINSULA LAKE $2,999,900
This stunning year-round cottage or home boasts a total of 4,838 sq ft of living space with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, plus a separated PanAbode log studio offering 2 additional bedrooms + den, 1 bath, private driveway and dock!
This executive home showcases exceptional high-end features & finishes across 3,956 sq ft, boasting a total of 4 bedrooms & 3.5 bathrooms. Fabulous bungalow layout offers a stunning great room, and stone wrapped gas fireplace.
PENINSULA LAKE $3,749,900
Impressive custom-built year-round cottage/home, 2.62-acres and 280' of south and west facing frontage on Peninsula Lake in Muskoka. Breathtaking great room showcasing wood burning fireplace, cathedral ceiling and massive windows.
CRAFTSMAN STYLE $1,695,000
Executive Muskoka craftsman style year-round home or weekend retreat! This immaculate home showcasing high end features & finishes throughout a lovely bungalow layout with finished loft & walkout basement.
EXECUTIVE HOME $2,199,900
Custom designed and built main cottage, plus detached studio for guests, and detached three car garage. The main cottage boasts a fabulous 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom floor plan, bright and open great room with cathedral ceiling.
DOE LAKE $2,199,900
Boasting 3,210 sq ft bungalow featuring four bedrooms, all with their own private ensuite bathroom!
Exceptional curb appeal invites you inside from the covered porch into the spacious foyer opening to the grand principal rooms.
MUSKOKA RIVER $1,649,900
Rare offering of this outstanding two storey dream home with Muskoka River views and dock providing boat access to Lake Muskoka, peaceful farmland views from the rear yard, and detached double car garage with pine lined loft above!
LAKE VERNON $1,899,900
Sunny southern exposure and 180 feet of frontage on Lake Vernon, offering over 40 miles of boating on this 4-lake chain! This solid brick bungalow boasts 4,313 sq ft of finished living space in total including the full walkout basement.
Rideau Centre, LRT station and everything else that the Byward Market has to offer. Text RBJHJXB to 844-928-0132. $529,900
103.7 ACRES IN CHELMSFORD
Upgraded Laurel situated in Cedar Green. Features 3+1 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, double garage, stunning interlock, stainless steel appliances, tiled shower, and much more. Text RBJHJXD to 844-928-0132. $579,900
132.7 acres on Regional Road in Chelmsford. This is a great opportunity priced at less than $3,000 per acre. Text RBJHJXF to 844-928-0132. $390,000
Features 743 feet of frontage (As per Geowarehouse), 2.2 acres, 2 Log Cabin Bunkies, great fishing, and much more. Call James Rollins today! Text RBJHJXC to 844-928-0132. $99,900
Features a maintained paved road, 166 feet of river frontage, great fishing, and much more. Text RBJHJXG to 844-928-0132. $99,900
