By Julie Achtermeier
There’s no question we’ve hit the doldrums of winter, but on the positive side, spring is just around the corner. The days are getting longer, and before you know it, we’ll be ready to head out into the gardens. If you’re planning to grow your vegetables this season, start now with seeds and enjoy your gardening practice early.
What to grow?
Decide what plants you would like to grow this year and do a little research. Consider the size of your gardens and how much space each plant will need. For example, planting watermelons in a small garden will crowd out other plants. Zucchini requires several plants to germinate and spreads out horizontally, so you will need a larger area. If space is a challenge, focus on taller plants rather than ground crawlers. Try green beans or cherry tomatoes, which tend to grow tall rather than spread out.
Choose a location indoors
Seeds are usually sown indoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost of the season. You will need a location with good natural light, like a sunroom, or purchase grow lights from a hardware or gardening store. If you are ambitious, you may also want to consider buying an indoor pop-up greenhouse. An indoor greenhouse consists of shelves inside a zip-up plastic enclosure that traps heat and humidity to provide a prime environment for growing seeds. They are relatively small, and most will sit out of the way in a corner.
Prepare your soil
The process of planting does not have to be expensive or complicated. Egg cartons work well as starter pots. Be sure to label them, so it doesn’t become a mystery garden unless you like to live on the wild side. It is recommended you plant seeds in a soilless peat moss mixed with equal parts vermiculite and perlite. This mix is lighter than potting soil, which can be too dense for the delicate seedling roots. You can also purchase ready-to-use pre-formed seed starters to keep the operation simple. Moisten the soil with warm water and follow the directions on the seed packets for planting.
Caring for your baby plants
Once planted, your new seeds will need to be covered to stay warm and moist. You can use a seed tray cover or plastic wrap. Move them to a location out of direct sunlight in a warm room. Ideally, the bottom of the seed tray should stay warm so you can use a heating mat (purchased from any gardening store) or place the tray on top of the refrigerator. Once germination has occurred, remove the cover and place in a location with bright light. You can also purchase a grow light if natural light is an issue. The seeds should be fertilized once a week with an organic liquid fertilizer to keep the roots and stalks healthy as they grow.
Transferring your seedlings
When your new seedling stems begin to grow additional leaves, it’s time to transfer them into larger containers with potting mix and compost. Most garden centers sell an organic potting mix for vegetables, which contains the correct balance of nutrients for food-producing plants. Carefully move each seedling into their new pot filled with soil, and then water well. Keep your seedlings in a well-lit area out of direct sunlight. The seedlings are delicate and need time to get used to their new pots and soil. Check daily to ensure the soil does not dry out but be careful not to overwater. Once the threat of frost has passed and the seedlings are well-established, you can plant them directly in the garden or in pots to take outside.
How long have you been working in real estate?
I just celebrated my 10 year anniversary in October 2020 – time flies!
What attracted you to this business and how did you get started?
Real estate is in my blood. My family has been in the industry for decades, and I have always been drawn to the business from a very young age. After university, I had the great opportunity to join the family business, and had
excellent mentors, which helped me further my education and learn the ins and outs of the industry.
What is it that makes you so passionate about what you do?
Every day is exciting and new, which keeps things very interesting. I have had some
amazing clients over the years, which has made this career really enjoyable – many of these clients have turned into good friends. I love being an integral part of transitional periods in my clients’ lives, and helping these transitions (which can be stressful for some) go as smoothly as possible. I enjoy integrating new technologies and strategies to market my clients’ homes. Treating each transaction and situation as though I’m handling my own personal asset is the way I approach each client and situation.
Is there a particular area you specialize in, either in terms of neighbourhoods, or types of homes, or perhaps the type of clients you like to work with?
I work with all different price ranges, but focus primarily on Burlington, Hamilton (and its many communities), and Haldimand County.
You are one of the Top 35 Realtors under the age of 35 with Royal LePage, and have been for several years now! In such a competitive market, with so many realtors, what do you offer your clients that you think makes a difference?
I am grateful for the recognition, and for the trust my clients have placed in me. It’s hard to put your finger on any one thing other than a lot of hard work, but I would list the following:
· personalized and first-class service
· having a small team of hand-picked professionals
· using cutting edge technology to
market listings
· investing in a diversified marketing
strategy to maximize exposure
· a results driven approach
· and a connection with my clients by genuinely caring about their best interests.
Written By: Julie Achtermeier
In 2020, real estate was among a short list of sectors that saw tremendous growth in the second half of the year after initial lockdowns due to Covid-19 put a halt on most activity in the spring. As people adjusted to working-from-home, the desire to move outside the city to a suburban landscape with larger yards and a bigger floor plan allowed the market in Hamilton to rebound. By the fourth quarter of 2020, agents were dealing with multiple offers and record-breaking sales numbers.
Colette Cooper from Royal LePage State Realty said the time-on-market for a home in 2020 compared to 2019 dropped by almost half – what would typically take 32 days to sell was gone in 18, on average. And there was no slowdown in December.
“Typically, the last quarter is slow due to the holiday season,” says Colette. “But in 2020, December was very successful, and this has set the tone for 2021.” She says that buyers continue to take advantage of low-interest rates and a work-from-home lifestyle, jumping at larger suburban properties that provide additional work and living space as well as amenities such as pools and landscaped backyards.
“We also see an increasing demand for in-law suites,” explains Colette when asked about design trends heading into 2021, “In some cases, elder parents are moving in with families, or young adults are giving up condo life and moving back in with parents.” Along with a larger home, a tremendous amount of redecorating is taking place. “There is a real trend among buyers to find homes with an office, larger bedroom space, in-law suites, rec rooms and finished basements,” says Colette. “Buyers want to create a nice space since they are spending more time at home.”
What remains a challenge for buyers is the lack of inventory, which has become even more pronounced in 2021. “Homeowners in the area are modernizing the homes they are in, so not a lot is going on the market,” explains Colette. “Many are not comfortable listing so they are redirecting their money into renovations.”
The lack of inventory is responsible for pushing prices even higher, making home buying for first-time homebuyers even more challenging. In Colette’s office, average sales prices increased 21 percent over the same period in 2019, with homes selling 10-30 percent over asking.
Martin Mazza from The Mazza Team at Royal LePage State Realty looks at Jan 4th as Day One of the 2021 sales season and says the market has set a new precedent for multiple offers on approximately 80% of listed homes. “We target homes to sell at a price we feel reflects the market, yet are finding that multiple offers (up to 18 for a single listing) are driving prices to well over asking,” says Martin. “And we’re not talking about just one standout offer. In many cases, we have six or more top-heavy offers.” Despite Martin’s belief in target pricing, the market continues to say otherwise. The result was an overall increase of 25 percent in sales prices for May to December 2020, compared to the same period in 2019.
Martin is also seeing a growing trend towards in-law suites. “Families are opting to provide care and housing to ageing parents rather than send them into long-term care,” says Martin. “Children are also moving back home in some cases, and family members want to live independently with separate entrances and their own living space.”
By the end of 2020, the market had rebounded to record levels, with average prices across the GTA and southern Ontario at record highs, and the number of available listings at record lows. With the first month of the year already behind us, the industry shows no sign of slowing down. Sellers continue to benefit from the enormous windfall, and buyers must prepare themselves for bidding wars and making offers on multiple homes before finding the right one. Patience may be a skill that buyers need heading into the 2021 real estate market, but it is also an exciting time for them to redefine what “home” means. And, while we can’t predict what the rest of 2021 will look like, there are no obvious slow seasons in sight. It’s only full steam ahead.
By Julie Achtermeier
Over the past twelve months of lockdowns, restrictions, working from home and schooling from home, the “home” itself has become more than just a landing place. It is where we have three meals a day, work, spend our downtime, and even work out. Whether you are a family of one, two, four or more, most of us have found the year in close quarters to be, well, close.
Every day it becomes more apparent that our mental health is being affected by a year of stress, worry, and restrictions due to the global pandemic. Some days we must dig deep to keep ourselves healthy, mentally and physically. Carving out a new wellness space is a great way to take care of you and your family’s mental health and provide a much-needed escape from the daily routine. The key to remember is that this is for some alone time, so an investment in furniture will be minimal.
Find the Ideal Spot
If you have a family like mine (two teenagers, a husband and a dog), you may have searched for somewhere to escape once or twice over the past year. The key to finding a quiet nook isn’t just about finding extra space. The goal is to find an area of the house that’s quiet and off the beaten path. A cozy reading chair in the family room isn’t going to give you any peace if someone’s watching a hockey game.
Since the area is for one person, only a small space is required. A landing, corner of a bedroom or even a walk-in closet can become a peaceful haven once you re-designate its usage. If space is a challenge, think of unconventional areas like the foyer, an entranceway or even a mudroom. The best way to start is to survey your home and see if your current layout and function suit today’s needs.
For example, in my house, we have a small dining area that had become nothing more than a place to throw papers, homework and mail. We asked ourselves: Is this the best use of this space, given we will not be entertaining anytime soon? We removed the dining set and made the area a second office, moving my writing desk out of the master bedroom. With a now-free corner of the bedroom, we created a quiet place for anyone to use when they need a little recharge. Not only did this create a quiet nook, but it also took “work” out of the bedroom, helping me get a better night’s sleep.
Keep Decor Minimal
Once you have chosen your spot, decorate with one comfortable chair and a calm motif. If you’re looking for a more significant project, you could repaint the walls and change the lighting, but this renovation can be low maintenance and inexpensive for quick results. Keep in mind the functionality of the space and only add items that will enhance the experience. A painting with a peaceful scene, a crocheted blanket, a small table with a reading light, and an essential oil diffuser are all enjoyable items you can add. It could also function as an area to meditate by adding a floor cushion, a salt lamp or some candles. Keep the area clutter-free and set a rule that whoever uses the space, takes their book, computer, teacup or any other items with them when they leave.
The goal is to help you recharge, not become another area to clean.
Set the Mood
This quiet space can be somewhere to close your eyes and rest, or a place to retreat with a good book and glass of wine. No matter how you spend your time here, set the mood first by ensuring your family knows this is your uninterrupted quiet time. Get comfortable and take three big breaths to indicate to your body and mind that you are now slowing down. Avoid bringing work to this area and keep the focus on rest and relaxation.
If in doubt, keep calm and carry on.
How long have you been working in real estate?
We have been licensed Realtors for almost 10 years, but we have been real estate investors for 17 years. Tina and I have been together for 18 years and one thing we have always had in common is our love for real estate, and we have been involved in all aspects of the industry since that time. Tina’s father has been a Realtor for over 30 years and encouraged us to enter the sales side of the business – one of the best decisions we have ever made … aside from the time Tina said, “I do!” (Ha)
What is it that makes you so passionate about what you do?
We are passionate about what we do because we love it! We don’t consider real estate to be a job, it is just something that has always been a part of our lives. Real estate is someone’s most valuable asset and we take great pride in the level of trust and confidence that our clients place with us every time they allow us to represent their best interests.
What attracted you to this business?
Both of our careers before real estate were in the communication, marketing, advertising and technology fields. We were already buying, selling and investing in properties for ourselves, and we love working with people. We also recognized areas of the industry that we felt needed improvement. So, it eventually became a natural progression to get into sales and utilize all of our skills to help our clients reach their real estate goals.
Is there a particular area you specialize in, either in terms of neighbourhoods, or types of homes, or perhaps the type of clients you like to work with?
We build our business based on trusted referrals. Our business model is to do such a good job for our clients that they want to tell all of their family and friends. Our clients often become our lifetime friends and acquaintances, and we want to be their trusted partner in real estate no matter what type of property they are selling or where in our great city it is located. If you look at our portfolio of sales, you will find that we have experience in all areas: from multi-million dollar estate homes to first time buyer townhomes and condominiums. We have also owned and sold multi-residential apartment buildings and commercial or industrial properties.
In such a competitive market, with so many realtors, what do you offer your clients that you think makes a difference?
We believe we have the most comprehensive digital and print marketing package available in the industry. We utilize our years of corporate experience in marketing and advertising, as well as advanced technologies to expose our listings to the widest audience possible, all while studying analytics to focus our efforts on areas with the highest levels of interest. Our buyers can rest assured that we have strong negotiation, communication and customer service skills as well as up-to-date expertise in current market trends. We would love a seat at the kitchen table (or Zoom screen) to demonstrate how we can make a difference!
In a year unlike any other, the real estate market has seen some remarkable twists and turns. While businesses closed, restaurants faltered, and stores relied on online shoppers to survive, the real estate market paused, for a couple of months, and then surged ahead to record sales not seen since the end of 2017. No one quite expected a pandemic to bring house sales back to its peak. Now, as the holidays approach, can we expect a typical “holiday” selling season?
According to Cindy Avis of RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty Corp in Oakville, the holiday season can be a great time to sell your home. “Homes look beautiful, smell wonderful and are picturesque during the holidays,” says Cindy. “And you’re going to attract serious buyers.” Most house shoppers who are merely browsing take a break during the holiday season and spend time with family and friends. Those who are motivated to buy will be out in full force and have more time to shop with less competition.
The dynamic of social gatherings has certainly changed this year, and so it is difficult to predict how this might affect people’s motivation to buy or sell during the holidays. “It’s hard to know what this Christmas season will look like with the pandemic,” says Cindy. “We’ve seen the market rebound to pre-pandemic levels during the summer and fall, and the market doesn’t show any signs of slowing.” Cindy also points out that many snowbirds will not be travelling south to the United States this winter, and it is not clear how that might affect the market. “While we don’t know how the holidays will look this year from a sales perspective, there has been a definite trend towards family spending more time at home with loved ones.”
During a typical year, spring and fall are the busiest seasons, with winter and the holidays seeing less activity. For Jennifer Brazeau-Barg of Royal LePage Meadowtowne Realty, listing during the holidays is not a casual move. “Most people listing in December are motivated to sell,” says Jennifer. “It’s important to understand the motivation of the seller and work with them, so they understand the advantages of selling at Christmas and how to take advantage of this magical time of year.”
Jennifer recommends having photos taken of the home before decorating for the holidays, and once the home is holiday-ready, in case the listing lasts longer than the season.
“We don’t know if this holiday season will look any different than in previous years,” Jennifer explains. “The low interest rates have kept the market going, and many families are choosing this time to move out of the city to find more land, a bigger home with office space, or are making a complete lifestyle change. There are many reasons people are moving during this pandemic.”
Sellers are often reluctant to list during the holidays since it is not always convenient to show their home, but this year with fewer family gatherings, that may not be a factor. Online virtual tours also give buyers a chance to research homes from the comfort of their living rooms before booking a showing, making it more convenient and less intrusive.
With fewer gatherings and family functions due to the ongoing threat of Covid-19, it’s difficult to predict whether homeowners will spend more time looking at homes or will prefer to spend the time at home with their family.
Whether you choose to sell during the holidays or decide to wait, it’s important to consult with a realtor to get the scoop on your neighbourhood and what the trends suggest this year, as well as get some great hints about how to showcase a holiday home.
How long have you been working as a mortgage broker?
I can’t believe it has been 12 years already!
Why Dominion Lending Centres?
I chose to work with Canada’s #1 mortgage company. They have over 700,000 mortgages funded along with the best technology in the business, as well as access to 90+ lenders across Canada including TD, ScotiaBank, Manulife Bank, HSBC, all the Credit Unions, and more…. All of this adds up to a lot of choice along with a solution for any client’s needs.
What attracted you to this business?
I have always had an interest in real estate, and I have found that assisting people in financing their dream home or building their real estate investment portfolio is a perfect fit.
Is there a particular type of financing or mortgage that you specialize in, or are there particular clients you like to work with?
I have access to lenders that can support a number of different challenges and opportunities. I welcome the opportunity to assist any and all clients, big or small.
In such a competitive market, with so many options available, what do you offer your clients that you think makes a difference?
Options and Service! In a competing market where rates change literally daily, working with a broker such as myself will allow you to have the peace of mind that I will secure the best rate/product solution for your needs, with the ability to secure new promotions right up until your closing without the need for you to re-apply or do any of the leg work. I will stay on top of daily promotions to secure you the best solution. Service is something I pride myself on and you can be assured that you will always have access to me directly and will be informed, never feeling like you are missing something.