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Featured Property – 159 Bowen Drive, Peterborough
Looking for the perfect blend of maintenance-free living and the benefits of a fully detached home? Look no further than 159 Bowen Drive, which offers hardwood and ceramic throughout, as well as a fantastic open-concept kitchen, dining room, and living room that is perfect for entertaining and spending quality time together.
The kitchen is equipped with modern stainless steel appliances, plenty of storage and counter space, as well as a breakfast bar. Whether you’re whipping up a quick breakfast or cooking a gourmet meal for friends and family, you’ll love the convenience and functionality of this space.
The main floor of this property also features a 4 piece bathroom, complete with shiplap finishing, as well as a bright and airy freshly painted primary bedroom with plenty of closet space. With large south-facing windows and sliding glass doors that lead to the covered patio, private backyard, and two-car garage, plant lovers will appreciate the abundance of natural light and the opportunity for indoor greenery.
But the perks don’t stop there! The lower level of this home boasts 8-foot ceilings and above-grade windows, bringing in even more light and adding to the spaciousness of the property. With another full bathroom, bedroom, and cozy rec room that can easily be converted into a third bedroom, you’ll have plenty of space for guests, a home office, or a home gym.
And with the added bonus of being within walking distance from local trails, green space, playgrounds, schools, shopping, and more, you’ll love the convenience and accessibility of this location. Plus, with the pre-inspected status of this home, you can rest assured that you’re making a sound investment in a property that has been thoroughly assessed and evaluated for quality and safety.
Experience the best of both worlds with this incredible property, offering the perfect balance of low-maintenance living and detached home benefits. With a spacious and modern interior, private backyard, and unbeatable location, you’ll love calling this property home. Schedule a showing today and see for yourself why this property is the perfect place for you!
Visit 159bowen.com for full details, photos, floor plans and 3D walk-through.
This property is listed with Team vanRahan of CENTURY 21 United Realty Inc Brokerage. Reach out to Catherine Hanrahan, REALTOR at 705-933-6218 or catherine@teamvanrahan.com for more information or book a private showing.
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- Front Elevation
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- Front porch
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- Foyer
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- Open concept
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- Living Room
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- Kitchen
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- Dining Area
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- Primary Bedroom
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- Primary Bathroom
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- Rec Room
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- Bedroom
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- Bathroom
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- Rear Elevation & Deck
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- Rear Yard & Garage
What to do when your basement floods
Peterborough is no stranger to flooding and with all the rain coming up in this weekend’s forecast you’re sure to be on alert for water damage to your home and yard!
Dealing with a flooded basement can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Not only can it damage your personal property, but it can also pose a serious risk to your health and safety. In this blog post, we’ll review some essential steps you should take when your basement floods.
- Turn off the Power: The first and most important step when dealing with a flooded basement is to turn off the power to the affected area. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, and turning off the power will help prevent any potential electrocution. If you’re not sure how to turn off your power, contact a licensed electrician to do it for you.
- Assess the Damage: Once you’ve ensured that the power is off, you’ll need to assess the extent of the damage. This will help you determine how much work needs to be done to get your basement back to its pre-flood state. Take pictures of any damage to your property, as they may be needed for insurance claims.
- Pump out the Water: The next step is to remove the water from your basement. You can do this by using a submersible pump, which can be rented from a hardware store. Be sure to wear rubber boots and gloves when handling the pump, as the water may contain harmful bacteria.
- Dry Out the Area: After you’ve removed the water, you’ll need to dry out the affected area to prevent mould and mildew growth. Open windows and doors to increase airflow, and use fans and dehumidifiers to help dry out the space. You may also need to remove any wet carpeting or flooring to help dry out the area.
- Sanitize the Area: Once the area is dry, you’ll need to sanitize it to prevent any harmful bacteria from growing. You can do this by using a mixture of bleach and water, or by using a commercial disinfectant. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask when handling any cleaning products.
- Prevent Future Flooding: To prevent future flooding, you’ll need to identify the cause of the flood and take steps to fix it. This may involve sealing cracks in your foundation or installing a sump pump to prevent water from entering your basement.
Dealing with a flooded basement can be daunting, but following these steps can help make the process a little easier. Remember to always prioritize your safety, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
How to choose the right Brokerage as a new REALTOR®
This is the second blog post in our New REALTOR series. To read the first post, “How to get your Real Estate License in Ontario” go here.
As a real estate agent, choosing the right brokerage to work with is crucial to your success in the industry. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to narrow down the choices and make a decision. While it may be tempting to focus on what your commission splits will be and what fees you’ll be paying, don’t let that dictate your end decision.
To help you navigate this process, here are some important questions to ask potential brokerages when choosing where to “hang your sign”.
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- Does your management team sell?
While a management team with a background in real estate sales can offer valuable insights and guidance to their agents, you take into account whether or not the brokerage’s managers still actively sell real estate as well. If yes, they may not always be available to you to answer questions or provide help. There may also occasionally be conflicts of interest to be aware of. - Do you have in-house marketing?
A brokerage with an in-house marketing department can provide valuable resources and support to their agents. This can include professional photography, graphic design, and social media marketing. - Do you offer in-house coaching?
A brokerage that offers in-house coaching can help new and experienced agents develop their skills and achieve their goals. Look for a brokerage that provides regular coaching sessions and support so you can grow your skills and your business. - Do you have a new agent training program?
If you’re a new agent, it’s important to choose a brokerage that offers a comprehensive training program. Starting into this business can be daunting and hard to know where to start. A new agent training program can include training on industry regulations, marketing, and sales techniques. - Do you have multiple meeting spaces that make clients feel welcome?
Meeting spaces that are inviting and professional can help you impress clients and close deals. Look for a brokerage that offers multiple meeting spaces and amenities such as refreshments and technology. - Do you hold regular sales meetings with usable content and timely updates?
Regular sales meetings can help you stay up-to-date on industry trends and changes. Look for a brokerage that offers frequent meetings with useful content and timely updates. - Do you give back to the local community?
A brokerage that is involved in the local community can help you build your network and reputation. Look for a brokerage that sponsors community events and charities. - Do you have an experienced and dedicated commercial team that can support me?
If you’re interested in commercial real estate, it’s important to choose a brokerage that has experienced and dedicated commercial support. Look for a brokerage that can offer you the support and resources you need to succeed in this niche. - Do you have admin available to place my listings on the MLS or to help with my listing paperwork?
Admin support can be invaluable to a busy agent. Look for a brokerage that has a dedicated administrative team that can help you with your paperwork and listings so you can concentrate less on paperwork and more on selling. - How long has your brokerage been operating in the market?
A brokerage with a long history in the market can offer valuable insights and connections. Look for a brokerage with a proven track record of success and deep roots in the community. - What kind of ongoing training do you offer, if any?
Training at the beginning of your career is just one piece of the puzzle. Ongoing training throughout your real estate career can help you stay competitive and advance your career. Look for a brokerage that offers regular training and development opportunities. - What are your office hours?
Office hours can affect your ability to meet with clients and access resources, as well as outside agents and clients looking to book appointments outside of standard office hours. Look for a brokerage with extended office hours that fit everyone’s needs and schedules. - What is your brokerage’s productivity per person?
Productivity per person can give you an idea of how successful the brokerage’s agents are. Look for a brokerage with a high productivity per person ratio. - What is your brokerage’s market share in the region?
Market share can give you an idea of how well the brokerage is established and respected in the market. Look for a brokerage with a strong market share in your region.
- Does your management team sell?
Choosing the right brokerage is an important decision for any real estate agent. By asking the right questions and doing your research, you can find a brokerage that aligns with your goals and helps you achieve success in the industry.
If you have questions for us or would like some more guidance as you embark on this new career we’re always happy to help. Just reach out to our Broker/Owner, Vanessa Oake Hogan, to set up a meeting to get you started!
Getting Your Real Estate License
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in real estate in Ontario, you’ll need to obtain a real estate license. In this blog post, we’ll cover the steps required to get your real estate license in Ontario, as well as some information about Humber Real Estate College.
Step 1: Meet the Requirements
Before you can obtain a real estate license in Ontario, you must meet several requirements. These include:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Pass a criminal background check
Step 2: Complete the Pre-Licensing Course
To obtain your real estate license in Ontario, you’ll need to complete the pre-licensing course. This course covers the fundamentals of real estate and is designed to prepare you for the licensing exam. You can take the pre-licensing course through Humber Real Estate College.
Humber Real Estate College offers both in-person and online courses, making it easy for you to complete the pre-licensing course on your own schedule. The course covers a range of topics, including:
- Real estate law
- Property ownership and transfer
- Financing and mortgages
- Property appraisal and valuation
- Real estate marketing and sales
Step 3: Pass the Licensing Exam
After completing the pre-licensing course, you’ll need to pass the licensing exam. The exam is administered by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) and consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. You’ll need to score at least 75% to pass the exam.
Step 4: Find a Brokerage
Once you’ve passed the licensing exam, you’ll need to find a brokerage to work with. A brokerage is a company that employs real estate agents and provides support and resources to help them succeed. You’ll need to complete a registration form and pay a fee to register with a brokerage.
(Stay tuned for our next blog post – How to choose the right Brokerage for you!)
Step 5: Register with RECO
Finally, you’ll need to register with the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). RECO is the governing body for real estate in Ontario and is responsible for regulating the industry and protecting consumers. You’ll need to pay a fee and provide proof of insurance to register with RECO.
Good luck in your journey to becoming a licensed real estate agent in Ontario! If you have questions for us or would like some more guidance as you embark on this new career we’re always happy to help. Just reach out to our Broker/Owner, Vanessa Oake Hogan, to set up a meeting to get you started!
Prepping Your Garden For Spring
The weather has been beautiful this week, with summer-like temperatures bringing out the buds and blooms in our yards. And now is the best time to start prepping the yard and gardens for the season ahead. It’s important to remember that in Ontario it’s best to wait until mid to late April before cutting back perennials and clearing garden debris. Some bees that have been hibernating in our gardens may not emerge until late May, so it’s best to avoid disrupting their habitat for as long as possible.
While it may be tempting to tidy up your garden as soon as the snow melts, it’s essential to be patient and allow nature to take its course. The longer you can tolerate a “messy” garden, the better it will be for the bees and other pollinators that rely on it for food and shelter.
By waiting until the appropriate time to clean up your garden, you can help to ensure that it remains a healthy and thriving habitat for all the creatures that call it home.
Once ready to dive in, here are some tips on how to prep your garden for spring:
- Clean up the garden: Remove any dead leaves, branches, and other debris that may have accumulated in your garden over the winter months. This will help to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease in your plants.
- Prune trees and shrubs: Spring is the best time to prune your trees and shrubs. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to encourage new growth.
- Prepare the soil: Test your soil to determine its pH level, and add any necessary amendments, such as compost, peat moss, or lime. Loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches to allow for better root growth.
- Add fertilizer: Apply a slow-release fertilizer to the soil before planting. This will give your plants the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.
- Plant your seeds and bulbs: Choose the right plants for your climate and soil type, and plant them according to the instructions on the seed packets or plant labels. Water your plants thoroughly after planting.
- Mulch your garden: Mulching helps to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth. Spread a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves, straw, or bark chips, over the soil around your plants.
- Water regularly: Water your plants regularly, especially during dry periods. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
In addition to preparing your garden beds for spring, it’s also important to take care of your lawn. One way to do this is by aerating your lawn. Aeration is the process of creating small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots.
To aerate your lawn, you can use a manual or motorized aerator, which can be rented from your local garden center. Alternatively, you can use a garden fork to create holes in the soil, spacing them about 2-3 inches apart.
Aerating your lawn can help to improve its overall health and appearance, as well as reduce soil compaction and thatch buildup. It’s best to aerate your lawn in the early spring when the grass is actively growing and can recover quickly from the process.
Spring garden maintenance is not only important for the health of your plants and the well-being of pollinators, but it can also have a significant impact on the resale value of your home. A well-maintained garden can greatly enhance the curb appeal of your property and make a positive first impression on potential buyers. Investing in spring garden maintenance can be a cost-effective way to increase the resale value of your home, as it can often provide a high return on investment. By making your garden a top priority, you can ensure that your property stands out in a competitive real estate market and appeals to a wide range of potential buyers.
Real Estate Market Analysis: March 2023
Our latest market statistics for March 2023 are now available for Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Much like last month, it’s important to note that the number of home sales is almost half what they were last year, and there is a significant increase in active listings from last year. While the average sale price has slowly risen each month this year, there is a continued notable decline in the average sale price compared to the previous year.
Highlighted below are some of the major areas covered by our stats:
Need help to decide your next move? Don’t know what these numbers mean for you? We always have an agent on duty to help you. Call our office at 705-743-4444 and we will be happy to direct you to a REALTOR® to answer your questions.
*All data from ITSO. InfoSparks®© 2023 ShowingTime MLS® Resale Residential. Information deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
Easter Crafts for the Kids
It’s the Easter long weekend starting tomorrow and the kids will be off for 4 days! We’ve compiled some fun crafts to keep the little ones busy while the Easter bunny does their thing…
- Easter Bunny Masks
Kids love dressing up, and what better way to get them in the Easter spirit than by making bunny masks? All you need is some paper plates, paint, glue, and some cotton balls. Paint the plates pink, white or brown, cut out ear shapes from construction paper and attach them to the top of the plate. Then, glue on some cotton balls for the bunny’s nose and pipe cleaners for the whiskers. - Easter Egg Wreath
Decorating eggs is a popular Easter tradition, but this year why not take it a step further and create an Easter egg wreath? You’ll need some colourful plastic Easter eggs, a wreath frame, and some ribbon. Attach the eggs to the wreath frame with glue and tie a ribbon around the top to hang it up. - Chick Finger Puppets
This craft is perfect for younger children. All you need is yellow felt, googly eyes, glue, and scissors. Cut out a simple chick shape from the felt, glue on the googly eyes, and then cut a small hole in the bottom to make a finger puppet. - Paper Plate Easter Basket
Easter baskets are a must-have for Easter egg hunts, and you can make your own with just a paper plate, some ribbon, and some decorations. Cut the plate in half and then fold up the sides to make a basket shape. Punch holes in the sides and attach ribbon to make handles. Decorate with markers or stickers. - Easter Egg Suncatchers
Cut out egg shapes from colourful tissue paper and glue them to clear contact paper to create a colorful Easter decoration.
These are just a few examples of fun and easy Easter crafts for kids. They are a great way to get children excited about the holiday and to spend quality time together as a family. So get creative, have fun, and Happy Easter!
Featured Property – 508 Bolivar Street, Peterborough
Enjoy downtown living with this month’s featured property, 508 Bolivar Street. Conveniently located just steps to Sherbrooke Street, between Monaghan Road and Park Street N, walk to downtown shops, restaurants, schools and local parks.
This charming three-bedroom home boasts an updated open-concept living space for seamless entertaining and relaxation. The living room boasts ample natural light and provides plenty of room for seating, making it the perfect place to host a game night or movie night with your loved ones.
The kitchen is equipped with all the modern amenities you need to whip up a delicious meal, including a refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher. Plenty of counter space for meal preparation, and the cabinets offer ample storage for all your cooking essentials.
Upstairs, you’ll find three cozy bedrooms that provide plenty of space for rest and relaxation.
The unfinished loft adds even more potential living space, allowing you to customize the area to fit your unique needs.
This property is located in a convenient and desirable location, just a short distance away from all the shops, restaurants, and entertainment that downtown has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or an active lifestyle, this property has something for everyone.
Floor plans and a virtual walk-through can be found here: 508bolivarst.com
For a private showing or more information contact Listing Agent, Jessica Yates REALTOR® at 705-743-4444 or email jessica.yates@century21.ca
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- Front Elevation
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- Foyer
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- Living Room
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- Eat-in Kitchen
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- Kitchen
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- Central staircase
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- Bedroom
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- Bathroom
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- Bedroom
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- Bedroom
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- Main floor laundry
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- Loft space
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- Rear yard
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- Rear yard
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- Rear yard
Best Home Renos to give you the highest Return on Investment
There are several home renovation projects that can give you a high return on investment (ROI) when it comes time to sell your home. Here are a few:
- Kitchen Updates: Updating your kitchen can give you one of the highest ROI of any home renovation project. Consider upgrading appliances, countertops, cabinets, and flooring for a fresh, modern look.
- Bathroom Updates: Renovating your bathroom can also yield a high ROI. Upgrades could include new fixtures, tiles, lighting, and mirrors. Consider installing energy-efficient appliances to add value to your home.
- Outdoor Living Space: Creating an outdoor living space such as a deck, patio, or screened porch can add value to your home. This can be especially appealing to buyers who enjoy spending time outdoors.
- Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Adding energy-efficient upgrades to your home, such as insulation, windows, and heating and cooling systems, can not only save you money on energy bills but also make your home more attractive to buyers.
- Adding a Room: Adding an additional bedroom, bathroom, or living space can also add value to your home. This can be particularly appealing to buyers who are looking for more space.
- Basement finishing: Turn an unfinished basement into a livable space, such as a bedroom, office, or entertainment area.
It’s important to remember that the ROI of a renovation project can vary depending on factors such as location, the condition of the property, and the current real estate market. It’s important to consult with a professional before making any major home renovation decisions.
If you don’t have a REALTOR®, give us a call at 705-743-4444. We always have an agent on duty that can help you out. We’re also happy to recommend professional contractors and specific upgrades that would be best for your home.
Spring Cleaning Tips
It’s officially Spring at 5 pm today! The changing seasons are a great excuse to declutter your home and create a more organized and fresh living space. Here are some tips to help you get started:
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- Make a plan: Before you begin, make a list of all the areas in your home that need cleaning and prioritize them based on importance. Set achievable goals and breakdown the tasks into smaller ones to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
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- Declutter: Go through all your belongings and get rid of anything that you no longer use or need. Donate or sell items that are still in good condition, and throw away anything that is damaged or beyond repair.
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- Clean room by room: Focus on cleaning one room at a time, starting from the top (e.g. dusting ceiling fans and light fixtures) and working your way down (e.g. vacuuming or mopping the floors).
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- Use natural cleaners: Consider using natural cleaning products instead of harsh chemicals to reduce your exposure to toxins and create a safer environment for you and your family.
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- Organize: Use storage containers and organizers to keep your belongings neatly arranged and make them easier to find. Label boxes and shelves to make it easy to identify what is stored where.
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- Don’t forget the small details: Clean overlooked areas like light switches, doorknobs, and baseboards. Don’t forget to wash your curtains, throw pillows, and bed linens.
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- Head outside: Clean outdoor furniture, sweep the porch or deck, and tidy up the yard.
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- Get everyone involved: Spring cleaning can be a fun and rewarding activity for the whole family. Assign tasks to each member and work together to achieve your goals.
Remember, spring cleaning doesn’t have to be done all at once. Take your time and work at a pace that’s comfortable for you. And after decluttering and cleaning your space you realize you need a bigger home — or maybe a smaller one! — reach out to us, we always have an agent on duty to answer your questions or to provide up-to-date market stats about your home and neighbourhood. Call us at 705-743-4444!
