Get your house and yard in order now, and you’ll be ready to enjoy the summer days ahead<h3>With warmer days coming up, there is plenty of incentive to get those outdoor spaces ready to enjoy. From scheduling house painting to organizing your outdoor cooking tools, tick these 11 items off your to-do list so you can get to the good stuff: hanging out around the grill, kicking back on the porch and savouring nicer weather.</h3><h4>Things to Check Off Your List in an Hour or Less</h4>1. Check outdoor lighting. Make sure all outdoor lights are in working order, including porch lights, landscape lighting and motion-sensing security lights. Replace bulbs or repair as needed.2. Give potted plants some TLC. If you have potted plants that stay indoors over winter, bring them out once the danger of frost has passed. To help your plants acclimatize, find a protected spot out of direct sun for the first several weeks outdoors.3. Inspect kitchen and bath fixtures. Keeping an eye on these areas can help prevent costly water damage and repairs later on. Make a plan to re-grout or re-caulk around counters and tile as needed. If you come across any slow leaks, have these repaired as well.4. Check safety devices. Smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month and replaced every 10 years — even if they still appear to be in working order, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries as needed. Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace it if necessary.<h4>Tackle These Tasks Over a Weekend</h4>5. Get ready for grilling season. Giving your grill a deep cleaning before the start of the season will help it work more efficiently and prevent flare-ups. Clean the grates and interior with a grill brush and wash the exterior with warm, soapy water. Clean and organize your grilling tools (tongs, spatula, skewers) and pick up charcoal or propane if needed.If you have a natural gas BBQ, be sure to check the fuel line for cracks and clean out any clogged burner holes.6. Maintain and repair garden paths. Create neat edges, pull weeds, fill in gravel paths with fresh gravel and replace or reposition broken steppingstones.7. Clean walls and touch up paint. Use a dusting attachment on your vacuum or an electrostatic duster to remove dust from walls, paying special attention to corners and baseboards. For a deeper clean, wipe down walls with warm, soapy water after dusting. Rinse with clean water, using a lint-free cloth. Touch up paint as needed on interior walls and trim.8. Clean items on open shelves. Infrequently used items stored on open shelves can get pretty grimy over time. For items with a thin layer of dust, swipe with an electrostatic duster. If there is a thicker layer of dust, of if the items are in the kitchen (where cooking grease can be an issue), wash each piece in a tub of warm, soapy water. Rinse and allow everything to dry before replacing.9. Thoroughly clean the laundry room. Run the washing machine with a specialty tub cleaner (or with vinegar for a natural solution) on a hot water cycle. Wipe the rubber rim inside the washer and dryer doors and remove lint from the dryer vent with a vent brush or vacuum attachment. Clean countertops, mop floors and restock supplies.10. Pressure Wash and re-seal or re-stain your deck. Use a deck cleaner suitable for the type of material your deck is built out of. If you don't have a pressure washer, rent one or borrow one from a friend / neighbour. Ensure you leave enough time for the wood to thoroughly dry on a hot sunny day before re-sealing or re-staining.11. Clean siding / exterior doors / windows etc. While you have that pressure washer out, turn it to the rest of the exterior surfaces of your home. Removing all the winter dirt and grime build up. Leaving your home with a fresh summer ready shine!

To-Dos: Your May Home Checklist

10 important questions you should ask a contractor before signing on.Working with a contractor, in lieu of DIY, can be the difference between a successful home renovation or repair and a botched project. Yet, finding a contractor for your home can be easier said than done. You want to make sure the person you hire has adequate experience, can give you the best value for your buck, and communicates in a clear and transparent way. How can you be sure you’ve made the right choice when hiring a contractor?1. Do they hold a valid license if required in your province?2. Are they insured?3. Do they have sufficient experience for the particular work you need to be done?4. Will they be doing the work themselves or be hiring sub-contractors?5. Are those sub-contractors licensed and insured…<a href="https://www.realtor.ca/blog/speed-date-your-contractor-10-important-questions-to-ask/25337/1363">THIS ARTICLE CAN HELP YOU AVOID SOME OF THE COMMON PITFALLS THAT MAY AFFECT THE OUTCOME OF YOUR PROJECTS AND YOUR WALLET.</a>

Speed Date Your Contractor: 10 Important Questions to Ask (Re-blog from Realtor.ca)

Monetary and tax policy could present risks to the housing market, however(re-Blog From Investment Executive.com)Despite soaring prices, Canada’s housing market is more stable than it looks, a new report says, though monetary and tax policy could upset the balance.The national average home price climbed by more than <a href="https://www.investmentexecutive.com/news/average-home-price-hit-record-816720-last-month-as-supply-began-to-rebound-crea/">20% year over year in February to a record $816,720</a>, leaving many to worry about affordability and whether rising interest rates could spur a correction.<a href="http://download.remax.ca/PR/REMAXUnlockingTheFuture_Chapter1.pdf">A report released Tuesday from CIBC</a>, the Conference Board of Canada and Re/Max noted the anxiety caused by the last two years’ housing market frenzy, but said the market could settle with the appropriate mix of monetary and tax policy.The report looked at various scenarios for housing over the next five years. In the first, the Bank of Canada raises interest rates at “a reasonable schedule” of four times per year to keep up with growth and contribute to a “less heated” market. Housing would remain expensive but price growth would flatten somewhat, the report said, and gradual rate increases wouldn’t affect mortgage payments.“Canada’s housing market is far more stable than many people and industry watchers perceive,” said CIBC deputy chief economist Benjamin Tal in the report.“Yes, there are specific caveats, such as prolonged inflationary pressure, that could upset the balance, but should the BoC stay pragmatic and consistent, the next five years look entirely sustainable for Canadians.”<a href="https://economics.cibccm.com/cds?ID=34860d51-5844-4979-9b0a-d80ca7f551fe&amp;TYPE=E">A separate report from CIBC</a> released Monday predicted rate increases in Canada would stop in the 2.25% to 2.5% range.However, the housing report noted the risk of over-tightening. With inflation at the highest level in three decades, Tal said a more aggressive Bank of Canada that raises rates eight times per year could lead to a recession. In that scenario, housing demand would fall and existing homeowners would have a harder time paying mortgages, he said.Finally, the report examined what could happen if the federal government removed the principal residence exemption. The Liberal government has not said it’s considering such a policy. The report suggested the policy could be introduced as a response to pandemic deficits and the hot housing market.Jamie Golombek, managing director of tax and estate planning with CIBC Private Wealth, said in the report that a capital gains tax on the sale of a primary residence could be applied on a prorated basis, determined by the home’s value or or how long it was owned. Such a move could incentivize sellers and, in the short term, increase inventory.However, it could also have broader economic consequences.“The primary homes of Canadians represent the greatest store of value for most homeowners and removing a significant portion of that value by eliminating the exemption could cool the market in profound ways,” Golombek said.“While it theoretically will improve government coffers, it would be a blunt blow to the net worth of Canadian households, which in turn could dramatically swing the housing market from hot to cold.”<a href="https://www.investmentexecutive.com/news/canadian-parents-gave-kids-10-billion-for-homes-over-past-year-report-says/">A CIBC report last fall</a> found that parents gave their kids more than $10 billion for down payments over the previous year.Removing net worth from older Canadians with a change to the principal residence exemption could disrupt the transfer of wealth and erode affordability, Tuesday’s report said.<h3><a href="https://www.investmentexecutive.com/news/research-and-markets/canadian-housing-market-more-stable-than-many-believe-report/">READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE INVESTMENTEXECUTIVE.COM</a></h3>

Canadian housing market more stable than many believe: report

No, Houses don't sell themselves these days, otherwise our jobs would be easy!We’ve all seen the videos, read the stories, and gasped at the images of people who thought they could conquer a project that would have been better left to the professionals. There are entire Pinterest boards reserved for those who have failed, and compilation videos on YouTube.While we are always ones for instilling confidence in others, we also want to make sure that all options are considered before attempting any DIY project. Especially when this project comes to your home, which is likely your largest investment. The decision to sell your home yourself does sound appealing, but many people who choose this option do not take into consideration all of the risks involved before making their final decision. Below are five questions you need to ask before you decide to sell your home yourself:<blockquote>
Is there enough time in the day? If you already have a full time job, family, or time consuming engagements, finding the time to not only prepare your home for sale, but actually sell it is a large commitment you need to be ready for.</blockquote><blockquote>
How well do you know the market? The real estate market is constantly moving, adjusting and changing. There are trends you need to stay on top of, and information you need to know in order to successfully sell your home yourself.</blockquote><blockquote>
Can you get the exposure you need? If the only thing letting people know your home is for sale is the sign on your front lawn, your pool of prospective buyers is extremely limited. You need to know how to market your listing to create high exposure and gain the attention of many potential buyers.</blockquote><blockquote>
Have you practiced your negotiation skills? One of the many benefits of using a licensed Real Estate Agent is their experience when it comes to negotiating an offer. Just because you have an offer does not mean your job is done. Knowing the things to negotiate to ensure a successful sale will make a big different in the final outcome.</blockquote><blockquote>
Do you understand your legal responsibilities? There is more to selling a home than simply putting a sold sign on your listing. There are many legal steps that need to be considered to ensure both you as the seller and the buyer are covered.</blockquote>If you answered no to any of these questions, or are unsure of the answers, it is wise to consider speaking to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheGordonTeamNiagara">The Gordon Team, RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc.</a>, to discuss how we can assist you in selling your home, and further showcase the benefits of using our full professional service.

What Are The Risks of Selling a Home Yourself?

Pragmatic policy across interest rates, immigration and taxation could deliver a stable, albeit expensive Canada housing market through to 2027<ul>
<li>-RE/MAX Canada launches chapter one of Unlocking the Future: 5 Year Outlook Report in partnership with CIBC and The Conference Board of Canada</li>
<li>This series of reports, done in collaboration with relevant area experts, will be issued through 2022 and will leverage specific “what if” scenarios related to economic policy decisions, climate change, the future of on-premise work and technology, and how they may impact the housing market in Canada</li>
</ul>The Canada housing market reflects more than just a commodity or an investment that is measured month-over-month or quarter-over-quarter. And while it is a key economic indicator, the vast majority of existing and prospective homeowners see their home as a long-term financial, as well as emotional, investment.<h4> </h4><h3><a href="https://blog.remax.ca/canada-housing-market-outlook-to-2027/">READ MORE HERE</a></h3>

Re Blog - RE/MAX - Canada Housing Market Outlook to 2027

CIBC's Benjamin TalBenjamin Tal, deputy chief economist at CIBC, talks to BNN Bloomberg about which homeowners are protects for the next few years against rising rates and which of them are most exposed to the risks. He also talks about monetary policy out for the Bank of Canada from here.<h4><a href="https://rem.ax/37VBPPZ">WATCH HERE</a></h4>

Delayed effect of interest rates carries risk of 'overshooting' on hikes:

Autumn is the golden season – the sun, the foliage, and a great time to sell your home.There are also some fall real estate market myths floating among the leaves. If you’re thinking about listing your home for sale, we dispel some common fall real estate myths and offer useful tips to help turn that “For Sale” sign to “Sold.” ➡ <a href="https://blog.remax.ca/fall-real-estate-selling-myths/">READ MORE HERE</a>

Fall Real Estate Selling Myths

Autumn is almost here, and your lawn will need some care before winter arrives.Among turf care experts, it's a well-known fact that the best way to ensure a thick, green, and healthy lawn in the spring is to give it some well-timed care in the fall—in other words, right now.<h4><a href="https://www.thisoldhouse.com/lawns/21015165/lawn-care-musts-for-your-fall-yard?fbclid=IwAR2m0vQHDe70SUBFH26QzGL4zij35b0CO-pKKTkIAloj7GZix73qOYAZefM">READ MORE HERE </a></h4>

Fall Lawn Treatment: 7 Musts for Your Yard

Use these expert tips to help make the right purchase for your home.Whether you're building a new home or want to renovate your current space, one of the biggest showpieces in the kitchen is your cabinets. As you begin planning your remodel, you'll need to choose from either stock kitchen cabinets or custom cabinets. <a href="https://www.bhg.com/kitchen/cabinets/styles/stock-cabinets-or-custom-cabinets-kitchen-renovation/">READ MORE HERE FROM THE BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS ARTICLE </a>

Should You Buy Stock Cabinets or Custom Cabinets for Your Kitchen Renovation?

In a number of ways, townhouses are a comfortable middle-ground between condominiums and detached and semi-detached houses.Townhouses are more spacious than high-rise condos, but they don’t carry the same maintenance needs or costs as detached/semi-detached houses. In fact, townhouses draw on many of the quality of life benefits of condominiums that condo owners take for granted.It’s this combination of affordability, convenience, and space that has made — and continues to make — townhouses “an increasingly popular option for would-be buyers.” Use our list below to see if the top benefits of owning a townhouse match with your homeownership needs.1. Low Purchasing CostWhile actual pricing will vary with location and size, townhouses generally cost less than single detached houses. As you might imagine, a lower purchasing cost will mean a smaller mortgage and, in turn, lower monthly payments. However, it’s worth noting that many townhouses belong to communities led by Condominium Corporations, which may ask for monthly maintenance fees as well.<h4>2. Minimal Maintenance Needs</h4>But don’t let those maintenance fees detract you from a major benefit: minimal upkeep work.We all know how much of a hassle it is to shovel snow from the driveway each winter. But in a single detached or semi-detached home, you have to do it or pay someone to do it for you, always.That’s not necessarily the case for townhouse owners. Like high-rise condominiums, many townhome communities are managed by Condominium Corporations that will ask for a maintenance fee every month.In exchange, the community will shovel snow, clean the area, conduct general repairs (e.g., to common areas), and other essential services.3. Space &amp; FlexibilityWhile you’ll get the maintenance benefits of high-rise condos, townhouses also offer the benefit of much more space and flexibility than a condo suite.Indoors, you’ll get a multi-level home with multiple, reasonably-sized bedrooms, full bathrooms, a living room, kitchen, and, potentially, a basement.It’s the added space that attracts a lot of new and young families to townhouses. Unlike high-rise condos, townhouses offer room for kids to play and grow and for you to do more at home.Townhouse owners are property owners. Everything within the house as well as the immediate proximity — i.e., the front yard, patio, garage, driveway, etc — is yours. You can set-up a grill for outdoor cooking, a patio, a basketball net, and more.4. PrivacyWhile your townhouse will share walls with neighbouring units, you’ll still get privacy.In fact, because you own the entire vertical, you don’t have to deal with neighbours below and/or above you, which should offer noise reduction compared to a condominium.You can also utilize your garage unit at-will, e.g., house your car as well as store your things.5. Safety &amp; SecurityThough townhouses offer privacy, that doesn’t mean you’re all alone!Because of the close proximity between townhome units, you and your neighbours are going to be quite close. The amenities of many townhouse communities will offer you a chance to make friends and acquaintances as well.You can use those relationships to ensure that someone is always watching out for your home and kids, especially when you’re unable to (e.g., due to work or a trip). This is vital for seniors who may be in need of immediate help in certain situations.6. Quality of Life AmenitiesTownhouse communities managed by Condominium Corporations may offer amenities such as a gym, tennis and/or squash court, swimming pool, and play area for kids (just like many condominiums). In high-end or luxury townhouse communities, you could get even more.Not only do these areas offer an opportunity to meet and interact with your neighbours, but they’re also convenient and improve quality-of-life in terms of health, leisure, and community-building.7. Strong Rent PotentialThe above all apply to those who intend to live in townhouses.However, buying a townhouse doesn’t always mean having to live in one. If you’re intending to buy a townhouse for renting-out, then these benefits will translate over to the rental market.

7 Benefits of Owning a Townhouse

When you work with The Gordon Team you get two agents working for you to help achieve your goals. Whether that is getting the best price for your home, purchasing investment property, buying your first home, downsizing or finding your dream property! Our passion and dedication to help people buy and sell homes is deep rooted in the community. Sisters, Emily Gordon and Kim MacDougald (nee Gordon) are lifelong residents of Grimsby Ontario.&nbsp; Both now residing in Lincoln Ontario we have seen so many positive changes and growth in this region. West Niagara boasts some of the most amazing communities around! Whether you choose to live in Grimsby, Lincoln or West Lincoln all of these communities offer such a unique and welcoming experience. Home to some of the best landscapes, wineries, schools and community services you won’t be disappointed. One of our core statements is to “Love Where You Live”&nbsp; because when you buy a house its not only about the bricks and mortar that you will live inside of. Its about the communities surrounding your life outside of the house, that will truly make you feel at home! That is our goal, to help our clients find their home within the perfect community.

RE/MAX Escarpment

English

Beamsville

Fonthill/Pelham

Grimsby

Lincoln

Niagara-on-the-Lake

St. Catharines

Stoney Creek

West Lincoln

East Hamilton

Buying or Selling a home?  The Gordon Team can help with a low stress experience