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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.
Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight – Serge Normand
In this episode of the Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight Series, we’re proud to feature Serge Normand of CENTURY 21 Nord-Sud. With a wealth of experience and a passion for real estate, Serge has built a reputation for excellence in his market through dedication, professionalism, and a client-first mindset.
Throughout the episode, Serge shares the strategies that have helped him build and sustain a successful career—from cultivating strong client relationships to staying consistent in a changing industry. His story is a testament to the power of hard work and adaptability in real estate.
Whether you’re an established agent or just starting out, Serge’s journey offers valuable takeaways for achieving long-term success.
Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight – Matt Glen
In this episode of the Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight Series, we feature Matt Glen, a Sales Representative from CENTURY 21 Assurance Realty Ltd. in Kelowna, BC. Matt joined CENTURY 21 in 2020 and has already earned CENTURION® award status, proving that success in real estate doesn’t have to take decades.
A passionate advocate for innovation, Matt embraces technology to enhance client experiences and streamline his business. He’s also the co-host of the Kelowna Real Estate Podcast, where he shares industry insights and trends with a broader audience.
In this episode, Matt talks about his rapid growth, the tools and mindset that helped him achieve it, and how agents can use tech and media to amplify their business.
Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight – Corina Baldwin
In this episode of the Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight Series, we’re excited to introduce Corina Baldwin, a dedicated Sales Representative with CENTURY 21 Seller’s Choice Inc. in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. With over a decade of experience at CENTURY 21, Corina has built a successful business by blending her own systems with the powerful tools provided by the C21 network.
Specializing in repeat and referral clients, Corina has earned a reputation for consistency, authenticity, and forward-thinking. She’s also a strong advocate for video marketing and real estate tech, using innovative strategies to stay ahead in a competitive market.
In this episode, Corina shares the key habits, tools, and techniques that have helped her grow a sustainable and thriving real estate career—perfect for agents looking to modernize their approach and boost client loyalty.
Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight – Harp Khela
In this episode of the Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight Series, we’re thrilled to introduce Harp Khela, the #1 producer by production in 2023 across the entire CENTURY 21 global network—an extraordinary accomplishment among over 135,000 members worldwide!
Harp began his real estate journey in 2007 with CENTURY 21 Coastal Realty in Surrey, BC. Since then, he’s built an exceptional career rooted in off-market opportunities and a powerful repeat and referral business. His ability to consistently deliver results and build long-term client relationships has made him one of the most respected and successful agents in the industry.
In this episode, Harp shares the mindset, systems, and strategies that helped him rise to the top. Whether you’re a seasoned agent or just getting started, his story offers rare insight into what it truly takes to build lasting success in real estate.
Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight – Brad Miller & Kieran McCourt of the Goodale Miller Team
In this episode of the Real Estate: Real Success Spotlight Series, we’re proud to feature Brad Miller and Kieran McCourt, leaders of the Goodale Miller Team—the #1 team in all of CENTURY 21 Canada for 2023! Based in Oakville, ON, with CENTURY 21 Miller Real Estate Ltd., this elite team has held the top spot for an impressive four years in a row.
Brad and Kieran open up about what it takes to consistently perform at the highest level. From strategic leadership and team culture to client-first philosophies and long-term planning, they share powerful insights that can elevate any real estate career.
Whether you’re building your brand, growing a team, or just starting out, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice from two of the best in the business.
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
