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Get Your Backyard Ready for a Great Summer
Get Your Backyard Ready for a Great Summer
Now that the days are getting longer, you’ll be spending more time outside with friends and family, enjoying those warm summer nights. Here are some tips to make sure your backyard is ready to go and everyone’s favourite place to make some memories over the next few months.
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Get your patio furniture cleaned up
If it’s been a long winter and you leave your patio furniture out through all seasons, you want to take a moment to give it a once over. Make sure no little pests have made their home in them, give any furniture frames a good hose-down and maybe take a vacuum to any fabric surfaces.
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Bring in some flowers
Nothing brightens up a yard like some flowers, and if you didn’t plant those seeds back during the spring, have no fear! Many local hardware stores and nurseries will be bursting with summer blooms that are ready to be transposed into your backyard. Tall planters can add some great decoration to the side of doorways, hanging baskets are good for shaded patios, or you may want to create a bright flowerbed – as a bonus, these are a great way to help pollinators!
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Add some lighting
Just because the sun sets later doesn’t mean you want to go inside when it’s dark! While many homes have some basic outdoor lighting, it’s often utilitarian and not very ambient, so take the time to research some good lighting options. Strings of Edison bulbs are a popular option that lend form and function or consider using smaller strings of battery-operated lights in mason jars to resemble fireflies. You might want small ground lights staked into the ground to illuminate paths. Before you add any lighting, however, be sure you know where each of your exterior outlets are so that you’re not left in the dark!
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Give your lawn some TLC
If it’s been a rough winter, your lawn may need a refresh. If it’s developed bare patches, this may be a prime spot for weeds, so consider reseeding these spots. You can find a seed mix that matches the rest of the lawn or look specifically for a seed blend that stands up to high traffic areas if you anticipate a lot of people walking over it. Add in some fertilizer and keep things watered until the patches fill in, and you’ll have a lush and healthy lawn to be proud of!
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Invite some feathered friends
A great backyard feature that helps nature is a bird feeder! If you enjoy lounging outdoors and doing some bird spotting, a feeder will help bring in colourful hummingbirds and cardinals (location dependent.) These feeders are great for local wildlife without causing disruption to ecosystems, and it’s a great way to pass the time while relaxing on a peaceful summer day.
Monthly Features
DIY Project: Outdoor Tic-Tac-Toe
Need something to do while the burgers are grilling? This life-size version of Tic-Tac-Toe will keep your guests from young to old entertained!
Recipe: Mediterranean Chickpea salad
This light summer salad has fresh ingredients and lots of flavour, perfect for warm days as a light lunch or side dish at dinner.
How to Incorporate Maximalism Without Adding Clutter to Your Home
How to Incorporate Maximalism Without Adding Clutter to Your Home
Out with the emptiness and neutral tones of minimalism, in with the bold patterns and funky designs of maximalism! In recent years, designers have begun to re-embrace bright colours and eclectic pieces to curate spaces that are overloaded on personality, but there is a fine line between ‘loud and bold’ and ‘crowded and overwhelming’. Follow these easy tips to bring a little more fun into your space without things getting too out of hand.
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Have a colour palette in mind and stick to it
To avoid a clash of colours, make sure that what you do add to a room flows together. Design trends of the past may have encouraged complementary shades, but for a more maximalist feel, go for contrasting walls and bright accents. However, consult a colour wheel to ensure that your shades are properly picked out and stick to two to three main shades so that it’s not harsh on the eyes.
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Layer textiles for an indulgent feel
The different types of textiles you have in a space can make a room seem cozy and it doesn’t have to crowd a space. Think about layering rugs with different textures for a fun look or indulge in some bright curtains in contrasting shades which can add both colour and function. Blankets can make for great accents on a bed or over a sofa and be experimental with patterns!
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More is better – but keep things together
There’s a fine line between a maximalist room and a cluttered room, and a great way to find the right balance is to be intentional about how you choose to use décor items. Instead of having items strewn around on every surface, find ways to group them together and arrange them in ways that catch the eye. Consider using small display shelves or cabinets to better show off collections, the varying heights on your surfaces will add variety to your rooms.
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Gallery walls will display your art at its best
A staple of a maximalist space is a varied and interesting gallery wall! From photos to art prints to mementos, these are a great opportunity to mix and match frame textures and colours, as well as step outside of the box on how you want to display your items. There are no rules here, so be as bold as you’d like!
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Mix your pattern sizes
Maximalism lets you be as wild as you want with patterns, but you don’t want an eyesore on your hands. A good way to avoid this is to vary the size of the patterns you use together. For example, a floral pattern on your accent cushions will clash harshly with a similar size motif on your curtains. You may have to try a few options before you land on something you like but try to keep big patterns with small ones so that it’s not a full onslaught once you walk into a room.
Monthly Features
DIY Project: DIY Confetti Clock
Show off your fun personality with the bright clock that will remind you of a party at all hours of the day. And if you place it to catch the sun, you’ll get a beautiful display of colours once a day!
Recipe: Homemade Gnocchi
An Italian staple, you may be intimidated at the thought of making these at home, but with just three ingredients, you’ll soon impress even the most skeptical Nonna.
CENTURY 21 Granite Realty and the Jump in the Lake Challenge Celebrate Five Years of Supporting Local Food Banks
May 2024, Kwartha Lakes – The force is strong for a Kwartha community fundraiser sponsored by CENTURY 21 Granite Realty Group Ltd. on May 4, sales reps Dean Michel and Jennifer Bacon took to the waters of their local lake for the fifth annual Jump in the Lake Challenge (JILC), raising over $25,000 for food banks in the Coboconk and Haliburton area.
Going with the theme of ‘Stars Wars’ day, Michel donned full Jedi garb for the annual dip, which began as a COVID distanced fundraiser back in 2020 as a way to help their community. It has since grown, with a few hundred generous donors and many brave participants coming together to raise much-needed funds to battle hunger.
“We continue to be amazed how our community has embraced what has now become a fun, annual event,” Michel says. “When you combine brave individuals and generous donors, good things happen to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Over the past five years, the challenge has raised $175,000 for the local community and gone a long way in supporting those struggling with food-related costs. “What a generous and supportive community we live in,” said Coboconk and Area Food Bank chairperson Amy Alfredsson. “With more than $20,000 in cash and food donations collected and more still coming in, the JILC has provided the funds to pay meat purchases for almost an entire year.”
Alfredsson, who jumped into a frigid Balsam Lake herself, added “The funds raised and the food collected will go a very long way in feeding our CAFB families. Thank you for your participation in and donations made to the Jump in the Lake Challenge again this year.”
The hope is that JILC expands beyond Kwartha’s lake shores and spreads to other communities in Canada. “It’s such an easy fundraiser, all anyone needs is social media and something to jump into,” says Michel. “So many charities are willing to help out local fundraisers, so all you need to do to reach out to a cause that you’re passionate about and let them know what you want to do.”
There is still time to donate for this year’s fundraiser, to participate, visit www.kawarthalakeside.com and click “Get Involved”.
CENTURY 21 Bamber Realty Begins New Chapter with Recent Merger
May 2024, Calgary – One of Calgary’s top real estate brokerages is starting a new chapter that opens brand new opportunities for agents ready to dip their toes into property management. CENTURY 21 Bamber Realty has merged with CENTURY 21 Elevate and will now offer property management services through their new sister company.
Broker George Bamber saw this step forward as a natural evolution of his business. “We used to refer property management business opportunities to Andre [d’Abadie, owner of CENTURY 21 Elevate], and when we decided that merging was the best path forward, we chose to keep Elevate Property Management as our sister company. Those real estate agents will move over to us, and it’s all part of the plan to make C21 Bamber Realty bigger, better, and stronger.”
The goal is to attract new agents who have or are interested in a property management license, giving them a rare chance to explore both avenues in one company. “We’re well known in Calgary, but we can always get stronger,” he explains. “I think this is a great opportunity for agents and property managers who also want to grow and see what’s possible.”
Moving forward with this merger was a big step forward for George, who is constantly looking for ways to innovate in his brokerage, a stalwart of Calgary for nearly 40 years. “We’re one of the biggest companies in the CENTURY 21 Canada network, but even then, you always have to find ways to innovate. And when you’re the owner of a company, the only person who’s going to motivate you is yourself and last year I had the thought that I should make the phone call, see if a merger would be possible, and find the growth opportunity I knew was there.”
Andre will stay on to manage the property management side of the business, and both he and George will lend their expertise to CENTURY 21 Bamber’s new business model. “He’s got some really good people coming over with him; and we’ve got a good location, a good team, and a good reputation, our goal now is to attract all the agents who will see what we’re doing and want to work with good leadership.”
“Expanding into property management is just the kind of innovation that keeps our brokerages from stagnating,” says Todd Shyiak, Executive Vice President of CENTURY 21 Canada. “It’s really exciting to see George and Andre work together to expand CENTURY 21 Bamber Realty, and in a market as active as Calgary we know they’re going to have ample opportunities for growth.”
CENTURY 21 Bamber and Elevate Property Management are now operating in the Calgary area. CENTURY 21 Bamber was the #9 office by Production in 2023 in the Global Century 21 system and ranked #3 by Units and #6 by Production in the Canadian network.
Règlement NAR illustre l’importance de la pleine transparence dans le processus d’achat d’une maison
Les consommateurs du marché immobilier canadien sont souvent jetés dans le grand bain de la décision financière la plus compliquée de leur vie, et il est crucial qu’ils exigent une transparence totale de l’agent qui est là pour les guider. Le récent règlement de 418 millions de dollars de la National Association of Realtors (NAR) aux États-Unis a entraîné une plus grande complexité dans le processus d’achat de maison aux États-Unis et, bien que les effets ne se soient pas encore fait ressentir au nord, il agit comme un rappel brutal qu’il y a des points clés que les consommateurs devraient discuter avec leurs agents immobiliers dès le départ.
Aux États-Unis, les acheteurs doivent désormais conclure un accord avant de voir une annonce et préciser la rémunération de leur agent. La rémunération de l’agent pourrait maintenant s’ajouter au budget d’achat, il est donc important de comprendre d’où provient la commission de l’agent acheteur – que ce soit du vendeur, de l’agence immobilière mandataire ou de l’acheteur lui-même. Il existe également un potentiel pour plus de transactions “à double extrémité” par des agents mandataires, ce qui soulève des questions sur les avantages pour les consommateurs, surtout lorsqu’il y a eu une poussée précédente dans l’industrie pour limiter ou interdire l’agence double, ce qui n’est actuellement pas autorisé en Colombie-Britannique.
Et avant que nous ne devenions trop complaisants en pensant que le Canada n’a pas à suivre l’exemple de nos voisins du Sud, sachez qu’il existe au moins deux poursuites similaires au Canada concernant des violations de la loi sur la concurrence et des allégations de fixation des prix. La bonne nouvelle est que le Canada a une longue tradition de transparence en ce qui concerne les taux de commission, et bien que les directives en matière de représentation des consommateurs varient d’une province à l’autre, les accords écrits avec les acheteurs sont courants depuis de nombreuses années. Ces accords expliquent souvent les services fournis ainsi que les détails du paiement, et les consommateurs au Canada sont habitués à ce que les services et les coûts leur soient expliqués par leur AGENT IMMOBILIER. Donc, n’ayez pas peur d’avoir une conversation avec votre agent immobilier pour savoir comment les réglementations peuvent impacter et protéger votre processus d’achat de maison.
Pour l’instant cependant, il est crucial de se rappeler que les marchés immobiliers aux États-Unis et au Canada fonctionnent selon leurs règlements distincts et leurs normes industrielles. Bien que le règlement de la NAR puisse ne pas avoir d’impact direct sur les consommateurs canadiens, c’est une occasion pour les acheteurs de maisons préoccupés de planifier des conversations avec leurs agents immobiliers et de savoir exactement comment ils assurent la transparence et priorisent vos intérêts dans les négociations.
Bien que le règlement de la NAR puisse ne pas finir par affecter les pratiques immobilières canadiennes, c’est une chance pour les consommateurs d’être mieux informés. Lorsque vous travaillez avec un agent immobilier, il est essentiel de connaître les bonnes questions à poser dès le départ. Comment fonctionne la rémunération et de qui est la responsabilité? Quels services allez-vous fournir pour le taux de commission que vous recevrez? Comment m’aiderez-vous dans le processus d’achat et/ou de vente? Obtenez une explication sur les règlements immobiliers canadiens et comment votre agent prévoit de prioriser la transparence.
En restant informés et en posant ces questions, les acheteurs de maisons canadiens, en particulier ceux qui se lancent dans une recherche de maison pour la première fois, peuvent naviguer dans ces changements potentiels et s’assurer de prendre des décisions éclairées dans le marché immobilier en constante évolution.
Todd Shyiak, Vice-président exécutif, CENTURY 21 Canada
Decorate Your Walls with These Alternatives to Basic Frames
Decorate Your Walls with These Alternatives to Basic Frames
You have a lot of décor for your walls, but you’re getting a little tired of using the same old basic black frames. Make sure your favourite photos get the attention they deserve with these stylish alternatives.
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Mounted plaques
If you like the look of gallery walls, turning your photos into mounted plaques is a sleek option that allows you to try different layouts to suit the size of your wall. A few removable strips to the back will also make removal and rearrangement a breeze, no nails or backing wire required.
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Canvas Wraps
If you have a wide wall and a lot of blank space, canvas wraps could be the perfect solution. The texture of canvas can be very forgiving for low-resolution photos, and the process is substantially cheaper than professional framing for a piece of the same size. You’ll have a great conversation piece in your home and a piece that will surely last for years to come.
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Hanging Poster Frame
A modern twist on old-fashioned tapestry hangings, these sleek poster frames are as simple as a wooden strip on the top and bottom of your poster to keep it in place. It’s sleek and unobtrusive, so if you’re tight on space and want to maximize the look of your poster or photo, this could be the best solution. The wooden strips are held together by magnets, so you’ll have no problem switching out the poster to suit your mood.
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Photo light strings
Polaroids are making a comeback, and if you want to display these in a fun way, grab some string lights and a handful of clothespins. Affix your lights to the wall with small hooks or non-marking tape and pin your photos along the line – it’s that easy!
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Floating glass frames
If you want the structure of frames but want to avoid the wood edges and thick mats, floating glass frames are sleek, modern looking and fit in well with any design style. Since the photo or print can sit however you’d like it to in the frame, this is also a great option if you have something that doesn’t fit the standard frame sizes.
Monthly Features
DIY Project: DIY Floral Photo Hoop
A great piece of decoration for an event or just for your home, this cute photo hoop will let you show off your design style as well as your memories.
Recipe: Greek Couscous Salad
A filling and hearty salad that mixes colourful ingredients and bursts with flavour. Throw it together as a dinner side or make ahead for a great weekday lunch.
CENTURY 21 Quantum Realty aims to become a big part of Edmonton real estate
February 26, 2024, Edmonton – One of Edmonton’s top real estate agents has struck out on his own to helm the wheel at his own brokerage. Tushar Bhutani, formerly a RE/MAX agent, has opened the doors of CENTURY 21 Quantum Realty and has big plans for his new path as a brokerage owner.
“I have been in real estate since 2015 and also ranked as one of the top agents in Edmonton for the RE/MAX brand throughout my tenure with them since 2016 to 2023 until I decided to open up my own brokerage and transition myself into C21 brand,” says Tushar. When the time came for him to take his career in a new direction, CENTURY 21 Canada was top of mind and the support he received from the beginning played a large part in his decision to choose the legacy brand as his new home.
“They have such a strong brand presence throughout the province, and I was really impressed by the technology offered to agents to use in their business. The CENTURY 21 Canada team had such a quick response time when I first inquired about opening a C21 franchise, and the support from their management has remained strong to this day.”
Looking to the future, Tushar has big plans to grow his brokerage into a fixture in the Edmonton region. “I want to have the most agents, and the most deals,” he says. “In my past offices and when I was looking for brokerages to work with, I kept finding gaps, especially in supporting agents’ success. Now that I have my own office, I want to implement these systems that will help agents succeed, and I’ve had a great response so far. Now I want to continue this momentum.”
“Tushar has come in with so much enthusiasm and we want to help him every step of the way as he implements his big plans,” says Todd Shyiak, Executive Vice President of CENTURY 21 Canada. “We pride ourselves on standing out amongst Canadian real estate brands because of the level of support we provide our brokers, and they know that our entire head office team is ready to help them succeed.”
A big part of the agent success plan that Tushar envisions is a team atmosphere where every one of his agents can find support and prosper. “I want to hire a mix of new and experienced agents, so that those of different skill levels can find mentorship and support. By thinking of human support first and foremost for my agents, I am sure I will be able to make this office one of the most successful ones with the CENTURY 21 brand.”
CENTURY 21 Quantum Realty opened in December 2023 and already has 13 agents as part of their franchise. Additionally, Tushar Bhutani earned a CENTURION Producer award from the brand for the 2023 fiscal year.
Carl Oake Rotary Swim marks 38 years of a beloved Peterborough tradition
Peterborough, ON (March 2024) – For another year, the Peterborough YMCA hosted a beloved community tradition, the Carl Oake Rotary Swim. CENTURY 21 United Realty and the Peterborough Rotary Club brought the event to life, continuing a 38-year streak of supporting the local community and Easter Seals Canada.
Vanessa Oake Hogan, owner of CENTURY 21 United Realty, took up the mantle of pulling the event together from her father. “[Our Dad] put so much into this event every year, and he built so much momentum that it wouldn’t make sense not to carry it on. It’s great to see the ambassadors from the organizations where the money is donated come out to support the event, and it feels great for all of us to give back to the community.”
This year’s event saw 19 teams compete, including the Special Olympics swim team, which has been participating for five years. In addition to supporting Easter Seals Canada, the national charitable partner of CENTURY 21 Canada, the event raised funds for a literacy non-profit, Breakfast for Kids, and local homeless shelters.
“We’re a close community here in Peterborough, and it’s so important to our company that we support the people around us,” says Oake Hogan. To better include everyone who wanted to participate in the swim, this year saw the addition of the ‘Cannonball’ and the ‘Floating Catwalk’ challenge for anyone who could not join the swim or were supporting the event solo. “It was a great addition, I think it’s definitely something we would want to continue.”
One of this year’s supporters was the local lacrosse team, the CENTURY 21 Lakers, which CENTURY 21 United Realty has been a major sponsor of since 2014. The brokerage recently renewed their sponsorship for another three seasons. “This partnership made sense for a lot of reasons. One being community support and I think there is synergy in partnerships like this. The team benefits, our team benefits and I think the community benefits from this partnership (and) I know it’s valuable to our agents to see us being a part of the community this way.”
The Lakers donated $1000 towards this year’s Swim, and with the funds raised over the history of this event, the total has now reached over $1.4 million.
Make Spring Cleaning a Year-Round Habit
Make Spring Cleaning a Year-Round Habit
The weather’s turning sunny and it’s the perfect opportunity to clear out your entire house – but if you find yourself feeling daunted by the prospect of a marathon cleaning session, why not plan to make spring cleaning an all-season goal? These steps will help you keep on top of your big cleaning chores from spring all the way to winter, so you spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying the sunshine.
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Make a list of your big cleaning chores
You probably have a regular cleaning schedule for your counters and floors, but there are parts of your home that don’t get tackled very regularly. Take the time to list out the places you don’t often get to, such as the top of your fridge or the spot behind your toilet. Think about the chores that are more time intensive, such as changing air filters or deep-cleaning your carpets.
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Track your chores on a yearly schedule
Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to tackle some underserved areas of your home, but it can be overwhelming to tackle everything at once. Instead, spread out the list of your annual or semi-annual cleaning projects so that you only tackle one a month. This way, you don’t get intimidated by your to-do list and you keep a regular eye on the hidden corners of your home, so there are no surprises come spring.
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Plan your time wisely
An often overlooked part of cleaning is thinking about how much time each task takes. When putting your cleaning schedule together, mixing and matching tasks of different time-intensities will keep things even month to month. Or maybe you expect certain times of the year to be busier than the others, in which case you’ll be able to manage your chore list and time as effectively as possible.
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Find your favourite way to stay on track
Now that you’ve got yourself organized, you have to stick to your schedule! But making a plan is one thing and sticking to it can be hard after the first couple of months. Be sure to utilize the tracking system that works for you – you might like a wall chart to easily visualize what needs to be done, or a phone calendar with regular notifications. And if rewards keep you on track, then be sure to treat yourself when you cross something off your list!
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Teamwork makes the dream work
Whether you live with roommates or want to split chores among your kids, having more than one set of hands can make keeping the house clean a breeze. Think about whether it would be better if each person alternated months or if everyone should take a chore – this might be the better option if younger helpers need supervision!
Monthly Features
DIY Project: 8 Homemade Cleaners you can make at home
Get out stubborn stains with ingredients you can find in your own kitchen! Besides being free of potentially harmful chemicals, they’re a cheaper alternative to store brands.
Recipe: Overnight Pineapple Banana Oatmeal
Start your day right with this healthy breakfast packed with protein! Bursting with flavours from the fruit, you’ll have energy to last the whole day.
CENTURY 21 Green Realty renews long-term contract with CENTURY 21 Canada
March 2024, Mississauga – CENTURY 21 Green Realty in Mississauga has chosen to renew their contract with CENTURY 21 Canada long-term, continuing a relationship with the legacy brand that has produced numerous accolades and fifteen years of continued success.
Franchise owner Lakhvir Randhawa joined CENTURY 21 Canada in 2009 as the owner of CENTURY 21 Green Realty, and in its first year, the company achieved Gold Medallion® status. The climb over the next decade would see them epitomize excellence and reach Grand CENTURION® status, the highest honour given to offices within the CENTURY 21 Canada system. CENTURY 21 Green Realty has consistently ranked among the top offices in the Global Century 21 network, most recently as the #21 Office by Production in the world for the 2023 fiscal year.
Randhawa has grown his franchise to 265 strong, including agents and support staff. “Our mission is dedicated to being the premier full-service brokerage,” he explains. “We are committed to supporting, empowering, and guiding real estate agents, buyers and sellers alike. Our unwavering focus on providing unparalleled service, expertise, and personalized attention ensures that our agents achieve their business goals with confidence and success.”
CENTURY 21 Green Realty is also the host of an annual golf tournament in support of Easter Seals Canada, the brand’s national charitable partner, which is now looking forward to its seventh outing later this summer.
“A franchise is only as strong as its people, and under Lakhvir’s leadership, the team at CENTURY 21 Green is stronger than ever!” says Todd Shyiak, Executive Vice President of CENTURY 21 Canada. “We are honoured to have supported their growth and watched them come this far, and our entire head office team is looking forward to being there for their journey for many years to come.”
CENTURY 21 Green Realty’s main office serves Mississauga and the broader GTA. They also operate branch and satellite offices in Mississauga and Milton.
