Laurence's Real Estate Blog

Moving from a Large Two-Storey Home to a Smaller Single Family Home

Are you considering downsizing from your large two-storey home to a more manageable, single-family home? While many think downsizing automatically means moving into a condo, many homeowners prefer the charm and independence of detached homes. Downsizing to a smaller house doesn’t mean giving up luxury or comfort; it can be a strategic move to simplify your life while still enjoying the privacy and outdoor space of a detached home.

In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits and challenges of downsizing from a large two-storey home to a single-family home, with a focus on the luxury home market in Burlington and surrounding areas. We’ll also discuss the importance of home staging, preparing your home for sale, and how an experienced REALTOR® can help you navigate this transition.

With almost 20 years of real estate expertise in Burlington and a refined design eye rooted in her Montreal upbringing, Laurence Mongeau is the ideal REALTOR® to help you make the most of your downsizing journey. Her unmatched local knowledge, prestigious credentials, and personalized service make her an exceptional advocate for her clients.

Why Downsizing to a Smaller Single Family Home Makes Sense

Downsizing is about more than just reducing space — it’s about creating a home that suits your current lifestyle. Here are some compelling reasons why moving from a large two-storey home to a smaller detached house can be beneficial:

1. Lower Maintenance and Utility Costs

Maintaining a large two-storey home can become expensive and time-consuming. Between high utility bills and constant upkeep, it can feel like a never-ending task. Downsizing to a smaller, more efficient home means lower energy bills, less maintenance, and more time to enjoy life.

2. Simplified Living

A smaller home means fewer rooms to clean and maintain. Downsizing offers the opportunity to declutter and focus on the things that truly matter. This simplified lifestyle is particularly appealing to empty nesters and retirees who no longer need the space that a large home provides.

3. Financial Benefits

With the demand for luxury homes at an all-time high, selling your two-storey home could result in a significant financial gain. The equity gained can be used to invest in a new, smaller home that fits your current needs while providing extra funds for other investments or experiences.

4. Accessibility and Aging in Place

For those considering long-term living arrangements, downsizing to a single-storey home can offer easier accessibility, eliminating the need to navigate stairs and making the home adaptable for future mobility needs.

Preparing Your Home 

Selling a large, luxury home requires more than just listing it on the market. Strategic preparation, including professional staging and targeted marketing, ensures that you attract the right buyers and achieve the best price for your property. Laurence Mongeau’s experience and credentials as an Accredited Staging Professional Realtor® (ASP) make her uniquely qualified to prepare your home for sale.

1. Home Staging: Highlighting Your Home’s Best Features

Home staging is one of the most critical aspects of getting your home ready for sale. Professionally staged homes tend to sell faster and for higher prices because they help potential buyers envision the home as their own. Laurence’s background in advertising and marketing, combined with her strong design sensibility, ensures that your home will be staged to perfection. The right staging can emphasize your home’s luxury features and make a lasting impression on buyers.

2. Marketing to the Luxury Buyer

Luxury homes require a specialized marketing approach to ensure they attract the right audience. Laurence’s deep experience in sales and marketing, along with her Certified Home Marketing Luxury Specialist (CHMLS) designation, ensures that your home will be marketed effectively to high-end buyers. Her approach includes professional photography, virtual tours, and targeted digital marketing campaigns to maximize visibility.

3. Expert Negotiation and Pricing

Setting the right price is key to attracting serious buyers. Laurence’s prestigious Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE) credential allows her to skillfully negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the best possible offer. Whether you’re selling a luxury home in Burlington or Oakville, Laurence’s deep market knowledge will guide you in setting a competitive price that reflects your home’s true value.

What to Look for When Downsizing

When downsizing, your focus will shift to finding a smaller home that still offers the luxury, comfort, and features you value. Here’s what to consider:

1. Location and Community

The appeal of downsizing doesn’t mean you have to compromise on location. Whether you want to stay in Burlington or explore neighbouring communities like Oakville, Hamilton or the surrounding areas, Laurence’s local expertise will help you find the right area for your new home. Her extensive knowledge of the Halton area will guide you in choosing a location that fits your lifestyle, whether you prioritize proximity to amenities or a peaceful suburban setting.

2. Smart Layout and Functionality

Smaller homes should be designed with smart space utilization in mind. Open floor plans, efficient storage solutions, and modern design features are essential for making the most of a smaller space. Laurence’s refined eye for design, influenced by her Montreal roots and her marketing background, ensures she’ll help you identify homes that offer not just space, but comfort and functionality.

3. Outdoor Space

Just because you’re downsizing doesn’t mean you have to give up outdoor living. Many single-family homes come with patios, decks, or backyards, offering you the ability to enjoy outdoor activities without the extensive maintenance of a larger property.

Why Laurence Mongeau is the Right REALTOR® for Your Downsizing Journey

Downsizing can be a complex decision, but with the right REALTOR® by your side, the process can be seamless and rewarding. Laurence Mongeau’s experience in Burlington, Oakville, and the Halton area, combined with her prestigious credentials, make her an invaluable partner in your downsizing journey.

With over two decades of sales and marketing experience, Laurence’s background allows her to bring a unique perspective to the real estate process. Her expertise in staging, marketing, and negotiation ensures that your home is not only prepared for sale but positioned for success in a competitive market. Fluent in both English and French, Laurence prides herself on her clear communication and commitment to her clients' needs.

Laurence’s dedication to elevating the real estate experience is reflected in her clients’ loyalty and trust. She approaches each transaction with energy, warmth, and a deep understanding of what her clients need to create a smooth, successful real estate journey.

Ready to Downsize? Let Laurence Mongeau Guide You to Success

Downsizing from a large two-storey home to a smaller, more manageable single-family home can offer tremendous benefits, from reduced costs to simplified living. Whether you’re looking to sell your current home or purchase a new one, having the right REALTOR® makes all the difference.

With almost 20 years of experience and a deep knowledge of the Burlington and Oakville markets, using an experienced REALTOR® like Laurence Mongeau brings the expertise, professionalism, and personal touch that you need to make your downsizing process seamless. From preparing your home for sale to negotiating the best deal, Laurence will be with you every step of the way.

Contact Laurence Mongeau today to discuss your downsizing goals:

• Phone: 905-320-0773
• Email: homes@laurencemongeau.ca 
• eXp Realty Brokerage, Inc.

Take the first step toward a simpler, more luxurious lifestyle with Laurence’s trusted real estate guidance.

How to Remove Mould From Your Home

In this blog post, we explain how to identify, remove, and prevent mould in your home, which can impact indoor air quality and health. Learn how to safely clean small mould areas and when to call a professional for larger issues. Prevent mould growth by fixing water leaks, improving ventilation, reducing humidity, and keeping your home clean.

Whether you like it or not, you probably have mould quietly lurking in your home. When it finds a damp place to grow, it can contribute to poor indoor air quality and health problems.

To eliminate mould, clean affected areas that are less than the size of a standard large garbage bag folded in half (1 square metre). Put on protective wear including a long-sleeved shirt, appropriate and properly fitted dust mask, safety glasses or goggles and rubber gloves. These items are generally available in local stores.

Prepare a bucket with water and a bit of dish detergent (preferably unscented) and another with clean water. If you’re cleaning drywall, you can use baking soda instead of dish detergent. Use this solution to clean the surface.

Prevent Mould from Growing in Your Home 

Follow these simple steps:

1. Look for damp spots. Check basements, closets, windowsills, roofs and around sinks, tubs and pipes.
2. Fix damp spots right away. Repair any water leaks as soon as you notice them. Clean up immediately after any flood.
3. Keep your home well ventilated. Open windows in dry weather or use fans as needed and turn on your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans when cooking or showering. Let the fan run for a few minutes after you’re done. Make sure your clothes dryer, stove, kitchen and bathroom fans all vent to the outdoors.
4. Seal tubs and sinks. Make sure the seal is tight, so water doesn't leak into the walls.
5. Throw out basement clutter. Cardboard boxes and old clothes are great places for mold to grow.
6. Reduce humidity. Keep humidity low, about 50 per cent in summer and 30 per cent in colder weather. If needed, use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to reduce humidity levels. You can use a hygrometer – an inexpensive tool available at most hardware stores – to measure humidity.
7. Clean often. Regularly clean and disinfect anything that holds water, like humidifiers, dehumidifiers and air conditioners.

If you have a lot of mould, (greater than 1 square metre), if it comes back after repeated cleanings or a family member suffers from asthma or other respiratory problems as a result of mould, consider hiring a professional to clean it up. Remember, a large amount of mould is often the result of a bigger problem, like a leak in the foundation or a major flood, which you may need a professional to help fix. Find more information about this topic at canada.ca/healthy-home. (NC)

Contact Laurence Mongeau

Looking to buy or sell luxury homes in Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, Milton, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Waterdown, or Grimsby? Contact Laurence Mongeau, your trusted REALTOR® with over 20 years of experience, for expert advice on listing your home and strategic real estate solutions. Call 905-320-0773 or email homes@laurencemongeau.ca today!

Maximize Your Investment on a Basement Reno Project

In this blog post, we explore how finishing your basement can offer a high return on investment. While some tasks like painting and flooring are DIY-friendly, it's best to hire professionals for specialized work like HVAC and electrical. Protect your investment by installing a quality subfloor to prevent moisture issues and improve insulation. To maximize value, consider adding features like a kitchen or bathroom, which increase functionality and appeal to potential buyers or renters.

Next Steps to Finishing Your Basement

A great home improvement project is finishing your basement. That’s because research shows it gives you a major return on investment, providing you great value for your money. Here are some pro tips to make the most of your makeover:

Know When to Hire a Professional

It can be tempting to DIY many basement reno jobs to save on costs and maximize your investment. Some tasks are simple for you to do, such as painting and flooring installation. But be careful—for specialized tasks such as HVAC and electrical it’s much better to make the investment and hire a professional to save yourself headaches and money in the long run.

Protect Your Investment 

A basement reno can be expensive, so you want to make sure you’re building on a base that allows the natural moisture in your concrete foundation to evaporate and not seep into your finished floors.  This starts with a quality subfloor which creates an air gap and barrier between concrete and your flooring, which allows the moisture to naturally evaporate without touching your floors, helping to protect them from mould and mildew, and even small water leaks. 

It also insulates against cold, hard concrete to keep your floors feeling warmer and softer to walk on. A quality subfloor that helps protect against the ever-present moisture a concrete basement floor emits, is a critical step in your basement renovation, and it can help you enjoy a comfortable basement year-round.

Plan to add Value 

When deciding on your new layout and what to include, prioritize spaces and projects that give you the best ROI. For example, adding a kitchen and three- or four-piece bathroom will make your basement much more functional. These updates are also huge draws during resale for buyers looking for a multi-family home or to use the space as a rental property. (NC)

Contact Laurence Mongeau 

Looking to buy or sell luxury homes in Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, Milton, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Waterdown, or Grimsby? Contact Laurence Mongeau, your trusted REALTOR® with over 20 years of experience, for expert advice on listing your home and strategic real estate solutions. Call 905-320-0773 or email homes@laurencemongeau.ca today!

Improve Indoor Air Quality

In this blog post, courtesy: NewsCanada, we’ll discuss the various ways to improve the air quality in your home. We’ll also discuss the benefits of creating an environment that provides cleaner air for your home. 

At the end of this blog we’ll provide contact information so that you can contact Laurence Mongeau, a REALTOR® with over 20 years of experience. Laurence offers not only 20 years of experience but also a strong understanding of the real estate industry with an understanding of the luxury market in Oakville, Burlington, Milton and other highly sought after areas. 

Create a Healthy Environment with These Tips

Creating healthy environments in our homes is important for our families. Rest easy when you enjoy a cozy night in with these helpful tips for better indoor air:

Keep on Top of Maintenance 

You can save yourself many headaches and problems down the road by sticking to a maintenance schedule. Replace your air filters regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure your furnace, fireplace, gas stove and water heater are serviced once a year by a qualified expert.

Ventilate Your Home 

Even if it’s cool outside, it’s important to have fresh air throughout your home, especially if you are renovating or using chemical products. You can open windows, but also be sure to check that your mechanical ventilation is working properly. That includes fans, ducts, or more complex ventilation systems. 

Don’t forget to turn on exhaust fans that vent to the outside when cooking, especially if you’re frying food or using a gas stove, or when showering. This can help eliminate pollutants and remove moisture that can eventually cause harmful mould. 

Have a Smoke-Free Home and Car

Many of us try to limit our exposure to chemicals in household and beauty products. But all those efforts could be in vain if you still smoke in your home or car, as the burning of a cigarette releases over 7,000 chemicals, 70 of which are known to cause cancer. The best way to reduce your risk from smoking-related diseases is to stop smoking. 

If you’re trying to quit, there are many options to help you, like counselling, a quit coach, self-help books, nicotine replacement therapies, medications and other less harmful sources of nicotine. Making your home and car smoke-free will help  protect your entire family and may even help you quit smoking from the dangers of tobacco smoke. Find more information at canada.ca/tobacco.

Contact Laurence Mongeau 

Looking to buy or sell luxury homes in Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, Milton, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Waterdown, or Grimsby? Contact Laurence Mongeau, your trusted REALTOR® with over 20 years of experience, for expert advice on listing your home and strategic real estate solutions. Call 905-320-0773 or email homes@laurencemongeau.ca today!

Article courtesy: NewsCanada

Five Common Roof Problems

When it comes to roofing, little problems often go undetected until they become major issues, costing a lot of time and money to resolve. An annual roof inspection each spring is the best way to catch any problems before they cause serious damage. 

In this blog post, courtesy of: NewsCanada, we’ll review five of the most common problems that can occur each year and why you should have regular inspections of your roof. At the end of this blog we’ll provide contact information should you want to reach out to Laurence Mongeau for expert advice on buying or selling your luxury home in Halton, Hamilton and surrounding areas. 

Here are Five Common Problems to Watch Out For

1. Broken Gutters

Failing to repair or replace broken gutters could cause serious issues, especially after a big rainstorm. When your gutters are not properly attached to your roof, they are not able to do their main job: divert water away from your home. This can lead to costly property damage and flooding.

2. Defunct Downspout

Downspouts can become dislodged, causing water to flow directly around the foundation of your home. This can lead to foundation cracking, mould growth, and the potential destruction of any renovations you’ve already done. Have your downspouts checked to ensure they are connected and positioned correctly.

3. Chimney Deterioration

The older the chimney, the more likely it is to have cracks in the crown (top). When water gets into these cracks during the winter it freezes, which pushes the mortar and bricks further apart and makes the cracks larger. When the ice eventually melts, these cracks can cause your roof to leak and could even result in your chimney falling off your house.

4. Visiting Pests

Loose flashing, rotten fascia boards and dormant chimneys all make great homes for raccoons, squirrels, birds, bats and wasps. If you hear strange sounds, or you’re concerned something could get inside, call in a wildlife or pest removal company to get rid of any unwanted house guests and protect the areas where they are entering.

5. Leaky Roof

When snow melts and refreezes, it can act as a wedge under shingles. Once the weather begins to warm up, these ice wedges melt and can leak through your roof. Your roof may look fine as you look up at it from the ground, but a professional will be able to determine any issue and how to fix it.

Inspecting your roof for these common problems is very important and hiring a professional to take on this task is always recommended. 

Contact Laurence Mongeau 

Looking to buy or sell luxury homes in Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, Milton, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Waterdown, or Grimsby? Contact Laurence Mongeau, your trusted REALTOR® with over 20 years of experience, for expert advice on listing your home and strategic real estate solutions. Call 905-320-0773 or email homes@laurencemongeau.ca today!

Article courtesy of: NewsCanada