I’m proud to announce that I’ve joined Coldwell Banker Beaver Realty. As I step into my second decade in real estate, I’m excited to begin this next chapter with a boutique brokerage that values community, collaboration, and a sense of fun.
I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to the Beaver Realty team and working alongside like-minded professionals as we continue to build what’s next in our industry.
For my clients, nothing changes. You’ll continue to receive the same client-first service and dedication I’ve always provided. That commitment remains at the centre of everything I do.
I’ll be sharing more of this journey along the way, so I’d love for you to follow along as this new chapter unfolds.
To my previous brokerage, thank you for the mentorship, support, and opportunities throughout my first decade in real estate. I’m truly grateful for the relationships and collaborations that grew from that time.
And to my new Coldwell Banker Beaver Realty team, I’m looking forward to building something great together!
Spring housing market is here!
If you’re thinking about making a move this year, I’d love to help. New brokerage, same great service!
📞 Call/text me anytime — I’m here to help you make the most of your real estate goals.
Looking Back at 2025 & Moving Forward with Confidence
2025 was a year of both challenges and opportunities in the real estate market. We saw interest rates trend downward, inventory increase, and the market begin to shift closer to balance, giving buyers more options while requiring sellers to be more strategic.
Like any industry, real estate has its ups and downs, and I’m grateful to have helped my clients confidently navigate every step along the way.
To wrap up the year, I shared 12 Days of Real Estate Tips across social media. If you missed them, or want to bookmark them for the year ahead, here they are all in one place.
12 Real Estate Tips to Set You Up for Success
1. Get Your Finances in Order
Buyers: Review your credit score, set a realistic budget, and get pre-approved for a mortgage. Sellers: Consider both market value and your personal financial goals when pricing your home your realtor should guide you here.
2. Look for (and Make) Needed Repairs
Buyers: Test items like taps, doors, and handles during showings and note any concerns in your offer. Sellers: Fix anything that could impact value or turn buyers off, such as chipped paint, leaky faucets, or worn flooring.
3. Stage & Showcase
Buyers: Think about how your current lifestyle fits the space — not just today, but a few years down the road. Sellers: Declutter, deep clean, and stage to highlight space, natural light, and key features.
4. Choose the Right Realtor
Buyers: Interview agents, compare strategies, and work with someone who knows your neighbourhood and aligns with your goals. Sellers: A strong pricing and marketing strategy makes all the difference — expert guidance is key.
5. Get a Professional Home Inspection
Buyers: Include a “must-pass home inspection” condition to avoid surprises after closing. Sellers: A pre-inspection can help uncover issues early and strengthen negotiations.
6. Communicate Clearly
Buyers: Be upfront about your timeline, expectations, and deal-breakers. Sellers: Discuss offers, negotiation limits, and acceptable adjustments before listing.
7. Protect Your Investment
Buyers: Review homeowner’s insurance options and inventory your belongings before moving. Sellers: Keep your home insurance active until all closing documents are finalized.
8. Understand the Hidden Costs
Buyers: Budget for legal fees, closing costs, taxes, and insurance. Sellers: Factor in realtor fees, taxes, and moving expenses when planning your next step.
9. Factor in Taxes
Buyers: Keep all closing documents and receipts, they matter later. Sellers: Understand capital gains, land transfer taxes, and available exemptions.
10. Know What’s Included (and What’s Not)
Buyers: Do a thorough final walkthrough to ensure everything agreed upon is in place. Sellers: Clearly outline which fixtures, appliances, and upgrades stay with the home to avoid surprises.
11. Compare Mortgage Options
Buyers: Explore fixed vs. variable rates, different lenders, and term lengths. Sellers: If you’re buying again, understand what you can comfortably afford next.
12. Stay Grounded
Buyers: Buying a home can be emotional — remember your “why” and don’t rush decisions. Sellers: Be realistic, know your goals, and stand firm on what matters most.
Ready for a Fresh Start in the New Year?
If you’re thinking about making a move, I’d love to help. Let’s make 2026 a memorable year — for all the right reasons.
📞 Call/text me anytime — I’m here to help you make the most of your summer real estate goals.
Summer isn’t just for BBQs, beach days, and sipping iced coffee on the patio — it’s also the perfect season to give your home a little TLC. Whether you're planning to sell soon or just want to enjoy your home to the fullest, summer maintenance keeps everything running smoothly (and looking fabulous!).
I’ve put together a fun list of summer home maintenance tips to keep your space in top shape, especially if you’re thinking of selling in the near future!
🌬️ Show Your A/C Some Love
Your air conditioner is the real MVP of the summer. Clean or replace filters, clear debris from around outdoor units, consider a quick professional checkup. A well-maintained system keeps you cool and can be a great selling point for buyers.
🌿 Tame the Jungle (aka Your Yard)
Curb appeal starts at the curb — literally. Trim bushes, mow the lawn, weed flower beds, and add a few colorful plants or planters for instant charm. A neat yard says, “This home is loved!”
🕶️ Let the Sunshine In
Wash those windows inside and out. You’ll be amazed how much more light streams in! Sparkling windows brighten up your interior and make rooms feel bigger — a win if you’re showing your home.
🏠 Check the Roof
Summer storms can be sneaky. Look for missing shingles, cracks, or signs of wear. It’s much easier (and cheaper) to fix small issues now than deal with leaks later.
🚪 Power Wash = Instant Glow-Up
Driveways, patios, and siding collect grime fast. A good power wash can make your home look years younger.
🔥 Grill Check
Planning to entertain? Give your grill a scrub, refill the propane, and make sure it’s in good shape. Even if you're not listing, hosting a summer get-together is one of the best ways to enjoy your home.
🪟 Inspect Doors & Windows
Seal up any gaps or cracks. Not only will this keep cool air in (and bugs out), but it also helps with energy efficiency — something buyers definitely ask about.
🧯 Safety First
Check smoke detectors, clean out dryer vents, and make sure your fire extinguisher is up to date. It’s not glamorous, but it’s important!
Thinking of Selling This Summer?
These quick updates can add value, charm, and market appeal. If you’re curious about what your home might be worth or want tips on getting market-ready, let’s chat!
📞 Call/text me anytime — I’m here to help you make the most of your summer real estate goals.
Last month we featured spring cleaning tips for apartment living. This month we'll focus on houses! Spring cleaning can feel overwhelming, especially when tackling an entire house. The key is to break it down into manageable zones and tackle it bit by bit. Create a checklist to keep track of your progress and stay organized throughout the process.
Wipe Down Walls
Walls can accumulate dust and cobwebs just like any other surface in your home. Use a microfiber cloth or a damp sponge to gently wipe them down, paying attention to corners and baseboards.
Focus on Floors
If you have carpets, consider renting or buying a carpet cleaner to really get the dirt out. For hard floors, polish them to restore their shine. Don’t forget to vacuum thoroughly in all areas, including under furniture.
Thoroughly Clean the Kitchen
When was the last time you cleaned out your pantry? This is a great time to go through it, toss expired items, and reorganize. Also, give your oven, stove, and small appliances a deep clean to remove built-up grease and grime.
Refresh Bedding
Rotate your mattress to ensure even wear and tear, and wash all bedding—including comforters, pillowcases, and sheets. If you have a winter comforter, now’s the time to flip it over for spring. Don’t forget to freshen up your pillows too!
Tackle the Closet Overhaul
Spring is a great time to reorganize your closets. Donate or toss anything you no longer need, and re-organize clothing for the season. Consider storing away bulky winter clothing to make room for lighter, spring options.
Clean Windows and Doors
Give your windows a thorough cleaning, both inside and out. Check for drafts, and inspect weather stripping to ensure your home is energy efficient. Clean the doorframes and handles while you're at it!
Organize Storage Spaces
Your garage, basement, or attic could probably use a good spring cleaning. Take the time to clear out and organize these spaces, tossing anything that’s no longer useful.
Inspect and Clean Your HVAC System
Spring cleaning is the perfect time to check your HVAC system. Change the filters and ensure the vents are clean and free from dust. This will help maintain a clean air environment and improve system efficiency.
Clean Outdoor Areas
Don’t forget your outdoor spaces! Tidy up the backyard, rake up any debris from the winter months, and take care of yardwork. Clean your gutters, and consider pressure washing your deck or driveway to remove any built-up dirt or grime.
Get the Family Involved!
Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to get everyone in the family involved. Dedicate a weekend to cleaning together and divide tasks by zone. It’ll make the process faster, and it’s a fun way to spend time as a family.
Spring cleaning is a rewarding way to refresh your home and make it feel new again. Tackle it step by step, and before you know it, your home will be sparkling clean and ready for the warmer months! If you're thinking about shifting from apartment living to a home, give me a call! I'm happy to help guide you in this crazy market.
Last week, I had the opportunity to chat with Mortgage Agent Carina DeMedeiros about some of the significant changes happening in the real estate industry. Here's a breakdown of some key takeaways from our conversation:
First-Time Homebuyer Benefits
Several new initiatives put in place will help first-time homebuyers:
Extended Amortization: The amortization period has been extended from 25 years to 30 years, providing more flexibility for buyers.
First Home Savings Account: This new account allows Canadians to save for their first home with tax advantages.
RRSP Withdrawals: First-time buyers can now withdraw up to $60,000 tax-free from their RRSP to help with their home purchase.
Land Transfer Tax Credit: Homebuyers may also be eligible for a Land Transfer Tax Credit of up to $4,000, which can help offset some of the upfront costs.
Capital Gains
Capital gains have been a hot topic in the last year. In 2024, the federal government announced plans to increase the capital gains tax inclusion rate from 50% to 66.67%. However, this change has been delayed and is set to take effect in 2026. Only time will tell whether the government will follow through with this timeline.
CMHC Updates
Did you know that the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has made adjustments to its minimum down payment requirements? CMHC, the primary mortgage insurer in Canada revised the criteria for insured mortgages:
Mortgages under $500,000: A minimum 5% down payment is required.
Mortgages between $500,000 and $1,500,000: A minimum 10% down payment is required. Note: This threshold has been raised from $1 million to $1.5 million.
Mortgages over $1,500,000: A 20% down payment is required.
These changes may impact how homebuyers plan for their down payments.
Variable vs. Fixed Mortgages
The age-old question: Fixed or Variable mortgage? The choice depends on a variety of factors, and it's important to work with your mortgage agent or bank to determine what's best for your financial situation. Here are some important points to consider:
Bank of Canada Prime Rate: The Bank of Canada announces changes to the Prime Rate every two months. The most recent announcement on January 29th revealed a decrease to 3% for the Prime Rate.
Variable Mortgages: Variable mortgages are directly affected by changes in the Prime Rate. If the rate changes, so will your payments.
Fixed Mortgages: Fixed mortgages, on the other hand, are not impacted by the Prime Rate changes and are tied to the bond market. Your payments will stay consistent over the term of your mortgage, but they may change when it’s time to renew.
The current market is constantly changing. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn for all the most recent updates. If you're looking for more advice on the London real estate market contact me today!
