John Gaio's blog

The common notion that spring is a better time to sell than winter is being challenged by today’s hot seller’s market conditions. A recent Royal LePage survey found that 79% of real estate professionals say they would advise their clients to sell this winter, rather than wait until spring; significantly higher than the 64% who say they would have given that advice prior to the pandemic citing that current demand is outstripping supply in another year of unusual winter market activity.  

No matter your age, Halloween can be one of the most playful, spirited (and spooky!) times of the year. It only occurs once every 365 days, so why not make the most of it and step into some festive fall fun?! We’ve rounded up five of our favourite, most memorable ways to celebrate the season – from adorning your home with hauntingly boo-tiful holiday decor, to indulging in devilishly decadent Halloween-inspired recipes. 

Before the cold weather sets in, make sure your home is winter-ready. Be sure to check these important tasks off your list. 

If you’re fortunate enough to own a home with a covered garage, you know how handy it can be to store things like sporting equipment, tools, off-season tires and boxes of holiday decorations. But if your vehicle is permanently parked outdoors because your garage has become a disorganized catch-all for countless boxes of unused items, it may be time for an intervention.

For generations, Canadians have been asking themselves this important question: ‘Is it better to buy a home or rent?’ On the one hand, owning comes with more responsibility and higher monthly expenses, but offers more stability and a long-term investment. On the other hand, the money spent on renting will never be recuperated, however, it can offer some flexibility if you’re not sure how long you will live in one place.

For the second time in less than two years – which have been largely defined by an ongoing global pandemic – Canadians will head to the polls in a federal election later this month. While campaigning will last a mere 36 days, there has been no shortage of electrified discussion among engaged voters in the first few weeks of the campaign. 

The cold winter weather shouldn't limit time enjoyed working on the home outdoors. Before venturing outside, ensure proper safety precautions are taken to avoid an accident or injury. Consider the following snow safety tips from The Home Depot Canada to help keep warm and safe all season long.

Consider these safety tips when hanging your outdoor seasonal lighting:

- Power down: Before working with outdoor wiring, turn off the electricity to the supply outlet and unplug the connection.

- Look for the CSA International certification mark: Ensure that light strings, cords, spotlights and floodlights are certified by CSA International and marked for outdoor use or wet locations.

The dramatically rising cost of home heating is a bothersome concern for most Canadians. Heating your home efficiently this winter will be the key to keeping your energy costs under control. Here are some quick, easy and, most importantly, inexpensive ways to maximize warmth and minimize impact to your pocketbook:

Living with stuffiness or asthma? Here are a few simple strategies for reducing allergy-causing problems in your home.

Rule #1: Keep things cool and dry. 
Dust mites and mold love moisture and heat. To keep your air clean:

- Run the A/C. It dehumidifies the air, filters out pollen and discourages mold and dust mites.

- Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels between 30 and 50%.