Laurence's Real Estate Blog

Whether you prefer to stay indoors during the chilly winter weather or get outside and get active, it’s nice to have your home be a warm refuge after a long day. As we transition from fall to winter, the air becomes cooler and the humidity begins to drop. While our heating systems in our homes increase the temperature, many do not add moisture to the air. Winter heating costs can vary depending on how you heat your home, so here are some money-saving tips to help keep it cosy all season long:

• Maximize the power of the sun. If you have south-facing windows, take advantage of the sun and leave the blinds or curtains open during the day and closed at night. Attach the edges of your curtains to the wall or window frame using Velcro or magnetic strips. By doing this you can reduce heat loss from one side of your house to the other.
• Raise the humidity in your home. Dry air feels cooler, so try to add some moisture to help bring up the temperature and retain heat. Aside from a humidifier, you can add houseplants and spray them with a water bottle once or twice a week to promote moisture in the air. Dry your laundry on racks indoors or even leave out a dish of water near heat sources, although be mindful of pets and kids when leaving out bowls of water. Even running the shower or bath with the door open if your family or roommates allow it. Sometimes boiling a large pot of water on your stove or kettle will help add more humidity to your kitchen or home.
• Inspect and seal all doors and windows. You can save up to 25 per cent on your heating bill by weather-stripping around windows, doors and air ducts. Cracks that allow cold air to pass through will remove heat and even moisture from your house. Not only do cracks add to the dry skin problem in the winter but it also ups your heating bill. Be eco conscious this season by taking care of your doors and windows with proper weather stripping and sealing. This is one of the most efficient and effective ways to manage your heating costs.
• Keep a steady temperature. Setting a higher temperature on the thermostat won’t heat your home faster. Remember to cool it down at night when you’re going to bed and increase the temperature during the day. Better still, use a programmable thermostat so you can set it and forget it.
• Change it up. Cosy can mean temperature, but also lighting can help make a space cosy. Switch out old bulbs for Energy Star LED lightbulbs labelled warm white or soft white. They have a traditional warm, cosy feel and are best for living spaces. As well, LED lights tend to have a longer life so you’re not only being cost effective, but you are reducing your waste and energy costs in the long run!
• Don’t forget blankets! Blankets of all shapes, sizes and materials can help you stay cosy and warm this season! Whether it’s an electric blanket or grandmas old knitted afghan, blankets can help make a room feel cosy and add more personality to a space. Throw a few extras on your bed at night and you’ll feel much warmer without having to hike up the heat. It’s affordable and fun! 

Visit 17th annual Art in Action Burlington Studio Tour

November 2 - 3

The Art in Action Burlington Studio Tour is a free annual event that occurs November 2 and 3. This is a self-driving tour where you visit different studios and meet some of the most creative artists and artisans in Burlington. While you are visiting each studio, the artists will demonstrate their skills and offer original, one-of-a-kind fine art and crafts for sale.

Visit here for more information: artinaction.ca.

Holiday Wreath Making OR Holiday Decor Piece - Hosted by Kay At Home

November 6 & 13, 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Join host Kay, owner of Kay At Home, and create your own Holiday Wreath or Holiday Decor Piece. They provide the wood, holiday-themed pieces, lights and all supplies. Bring your creativity and get ready for an evening of fun and festivities.

Visit kayathome.com for more information.

FREE Family Movie Night

November 8, 7 pm

Join in on the fun of a free family movie night! Bring your blanket and enjoy a movie among friends this weekend at The Burlington Salvation Army Community Church, located at 2090 Prospect Street. It’ll be a fun night filled with lots of laughs and memorable moments. For more information visit: calendar.burlington.ca.

Join fellow tea lovers at the 4^th Annual Tea Festival at Royal Botanical Gardens

November 9 - 10

Enjoy live performances and celebrate tea’s cultural origins with an authentic traditional tea ceremony. Sample teas from all around the world and learn about the heritage of tea, its deep history and learn from special guests with their educational presentations.

Looking to get a unique gift for someone for Christmas? Look no further than great holiday gifts at this festival. For more information, visit rbg.ca/teafestival.

RBG Speaker Series: Beyond the Trees: A Journey Alone Across Canada's Arctic

November 15, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Adam Shoalts, national best-selling author, renowned adventurer and explorer, will talk about his newest book, Beyond the Trees: A Journey Alone Across Canada's Arctic, and share pictures and stories from his harrowing, nearly 4,000 km solo canoe journey across Canada's Arctic. Shoalts has been called "one of Canada's greatest living explorers," and was named "Canada's Indiana Jones" by the Toronto Star. $18 ($6 for RBG Members). Pre-registration required.

www.rbg.ca/speakers

Aldershot Village Tree Lighting

November 16, 3 – 6 p.m.

Enjoy the sparkle of Aldershot Village’s Tree Lighting ceremony. This all ages family event offers a visit with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, as well as horse drawn carriage rides! Visit aldershotbia.com/event/aldershot-village-tree-lighting.

Santa's Signature Experience at RGB

Wednesdays to Sundays, November 16 to December 22

Visit Santa and his merry elves who have returned to deliver the most joyous holiday celebration yet with a signature experience for all his visitors to enjoy! Includes a ride on the RBG Express, storytelling, crafts and more. rbg.ca/santa#santaexperience

Fest-of-Ales, RBG Centre

November 28 - 29, 6 - 11 p.m.

Celebrate Ontario’s independent craft breweries at the 5^th Annual Fest-of-Ales! For two nights guests are welcome to enjoy the surroundings of the RGB Centre and taste the best beer our region has to offer! You’ll receive your own mug with access to vendors and experts from around the area! This is a 19-plus event! rbg.ca/beer

Burlington Santa Claus Parade

December 1, 2 – 4 p.m.

Santa Claus is coming to town December 1^st! Burlington’s annual parade will be filled with colourful floats, mascots, feature bands, and the jolly man himself, Santa Claus! Downtown Burlington will be filled with festive cheer so be sure to visit and wave to Santa!

Visit https://www.burlington.ca/en/live-and-play/Santa-Claus-Parade.asp.

To learn more about the events taking place this month, visit burlingtondowntown.ca.

Burlington Events

There are plenty of events happening in Burlington this month. Here are some of the events that you won’t want to miss.

The Burlington MADE Foodie Show

October 12

Celebrate the Burlington area's growing independent food scene while meeting and mingling with some of the best local food and beverage makers and shopkeepers. Shop everything from haute cuisine to guilty pleasures, and discover new restaurants, kitchen must-haves, and much more.

Build a Bowl Workshop

October 18

Spend an evening at the AGOB learning how to form a bowl on the potter’s wheel! Absolutely no experience required for this fun, hands-on night of working with clay. The pieces you make will be fired and glazed after the workshop for you to use at home!

Kay at Home

October

Designer and local store owner, Kay Casey, opened Kay at Home on John Street earlier this year. The store offers beautiful home décor creations of her own while also featuring many other local makers. There are a couple recently announced workshops by Kay, including stamped key chains, to custom wood signs, fall wreath making, resin boards, and more – there’s something for everyone! Visit her website to learn more: www.kayathome.com

For more events happening this month in Burlington, visit www.tourismburlington.com.

This time of year isn’t just about books and backpacks – it’s also about giving your interiors an update. Here’s a look at the top trends this autumn and how to try them at home to create beautiful rooms you will love.

Rich, luxurious spaces. After years of the cool, restrained style of minimalism, we are now embracing maximalism with interiors that are bold and dramatic. This trend means spaces that are warmer and richer, as we move to surround ourselves with our favourite things and mix and match elements and aesthetics. Think deep jewel-tones for wall colours and furnishings and layers of cozy, natural fabrics and materials.

Bold and artistic pieces. Similarity is out and incorporating unique, interesting items that tell a story and bring out your own personality is in. This means opting for more handcrafted or statement pieces that create visual interest and are anything but bland and boring. Get the look at home by letting your creativity shine with furniture and décor that inspire you or you’ve always wanted to try, like a traditional clawfoot tub, luxe canopy bed or one-of-a-kind rustic tables made from reclaimed wood.

Conscious consumption. Forget buying something without a second thought as to where and how it was produced. Today it’s all about ethical and intentional shopping for items that are sustainable and well-made. When it comes to fluffy duvets, blankets and pillows, it’s never been easier to find locally sourced, humane and ethical down. However, if that’s not your taste, there are tons of other options that are not only warm but completely natural and plant based, like cotton, bamboo, hemp and silk. Do your research if you’re eco and ethically inclined!

Tidy up landscaping and paint any features that look worn. If it’s in your budget to buy some new items for an even bigger wow factor, consider new garage doors, house numbers, and new light fixtures. Remember to remove all cars from the driveway on the day of the open house.

Keep it clean. Hiring professional cleaners is money well spent, especially if cleaning isn’t your strong suit or you simply don’t have the time. This could include house cleaners, window washers and carpet cleaning services.

Declutter. Make all rooms in the home look as spacious as possible by removing some furniture and knickknacks (pack them away so they’re ready for your new home). A clean, uncluttered space gives buyers a better idea of the home’s features.

Stage the home. Paint in neutral colours and, if possible, replace cabinets and faucets with new hardware. Add in a few small touches such as crisp new towels in the bathrooms, and vases of fresh flowers throughout. No matter the weather on open house day, open up all blinds and curtains to let as much light in as possible. Also remember to hide toothbrushes and toiletries by stowing them under the sink. Remove anything personal. Items such as family photos, certificates and awards should be packed away. This allows homebuyers to visualize their own family in the home.

Keep pets at bay. If you’ve got a dog, it may be as easy as taking them out with you on the day of the open house. Other pets such as cats should be confined to less trafficked areas. Remember to put food bowls away until you return home.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be providing a more marketable home that’s ready to show any and all potential buyers.