Category: Home Maintenace

Easy Ways To Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Post author By cindycody
Post date April 3, 2023

Let’s talk curb appeal for a minute. You’ve probably heard the term. It’s the first impression buyers get of a home when they see it from the street.

Why is curb appeal important?

That initial reaction a buyer has to a property can have a lasting impact.

Not only is that first impression formed as they walk up to a property, but it can also be started before beginning their in-person home viewing. If you’re selling your home, think about how it will present itself in photos online.

If you’re thinking of selling your home, we’d love to talk to you about your home’s curb appeal and how you can make a great first impression on buyers.

If you’re not planning on moving anytime soon, curb appeal still applies. Think about when you invite friends and family over to your home. Create an inviting aesthetic for your guests, but also for yourself. How awesome is it to walk up to a beautiful home and know it’s yours!

If you’re looking to make some improvements to your home’s curb appeal before buyers (and photographers) hit your driveway, here are some small changes that will make a big impact.

Curb Appeal Improvements In Under 60-Minutes

Check that nothing in sight is visibly broken and that light fixtures are in working order
Close the garage door and tuck away any potential eyesores (garbage bins, yard tools, toys, etc.)
Clear the driveway of your cars
Wash the front windows (inside and out) and garage door windows if there are any
Sweep the driveway, walkway and front entrance of any debris, leaves, etc.
Tidy up the lawn and gardens
If anything is really worn out, such as a welcome mat, consider replacing it

Put yourself in buyers’ shoes. Stand in front of your home and try to look at it with new eyes. Scan the property for any areas that could use sprucing up.

Need more inspiration? Check out these Jaw-Dropping Curb Appeal Makeovers

Get More Advice

Need help? We’re here to offer you professional real estate advice. If you’re thinking about selling your home now or even in a year or two, we’d be happy to connect with you about your goals. We’ll take a look at your home and offer advice on any upgrades that would add value to your home.

Home Maintenace House & Home

Spring Cleaning Guide: How To Dispose Of Different Types of Waste

Post author By cindycody
Post date March 9, 2023

It’s that time of year again! After a long winter indoors, it’s time to give your home the refresh it deserves. For some spring cleaning is just that; cleaning. But others take on decluttering tasks and spend time reorganizing their homes for the year ahead.

If you’re in the latter category, you might find yourself with a number of items to get rid of. Here’s a quick guide to help you determine where and how to dispose of different types of waste (or non-waste items).

Garbage and Recycling Items

If most of your waste is smaller items that fit into your garbage and recycling bins, you should be able to rely on your regular garbage and recycling pickup. Here is a Region of Waterloo guide to help you determine how much waste you can put out for pick-up, the types of items you can include, and how to properly and safely bag your waste.

Yard Waste

If your spring cleaning extends into your yard, you’ll likely have a pile of yard waste to dispose of. Seasonal yard waste collection runs from late March until November or December. Acceptable items include: branches, leaves, pine cones and plant waste. Review this resource to learn how to prepare your yard waste, what is accepted, collection schedule and rules, and other details.

Bulky Items

If you have larger items that don’t fit in the Region’ of Waterloo’s approved garbage containers, mark your calendar for the bulky items collection days (every second week).

Bulk items may include: appliances, rugs or carpets, scrap lumber, furniture, or mattresses.

Use the Region’s Waste Whiz tool to determine how you can recycle of dispose of a specific item.

If your items are too large or you have a large load of waste, look into the drop-off waste management sites.

Clothing & Donation Items

If your spring cleaning tasks include decluttering and getting rid of excess clothing, you’ll likely end up with a pile of items that aren’t waste. Don’t throw away any items that are still in good condition. There’s always someone who would appreciate them. This is the “Reuse” element of recycling!

Consider selling or donating these items. Donated clothing can go to local drop-in centers, clothing donation bins, and second-hand stores.