Over the last several years, we have all learnt the importance of a thoughtfully designed home office.  Winter arrived with a vengeance right before Christmas and, luckily, many of us have the option to work from home and when you do, you need a bright, uncluttered space with some privacy from the rest of the house. Your office can have an enormous impact on your productivity and if you plan to show off your home in the future to potential buyers, a stunning home office is a major benefit to many these days.

Here are some ideas that I am pleased to share with you because investing in a space that’s designed for focus and productivity, you’ll be investing in your career, not to mention the value of your home.

The Need for Natural Light

Natural light is instrumental in any well-laid-out workspace. Getting enough natural light in the workspace provides benefits to both the quality of the work you are able to get done and it could also impact your health. 

To reap all of the benefits of natural light in your home office, consider a window renovation. Whether you’re installing windows where there used to be none or simply enlarging the existing windows, renovating the windows in your home office will bring in more natural light and give the room a polished appearance.  If you don’t get much morning sun in your apartment or home, step outside for a little fresh air and soak up that sunlight and vitamin D before you start your work day. 

Keep it Clean

Things have a habit of collecting in home offices... all kinds of things--especially if you have kids.  They say a cluttered space leads to a cluttered mind, and for most people this saying rings true. Make it a habit to purge your home office of paper piles, coffee cups, garbage and whatever else is taking up space and not serving any purpose.

Keep it Green

Did you know that many houseplants can actually help to purify the air in your home? This is just one reason why plants make a great addition to your home office.  If your office is feeling a bit stale, whether in the air quality, or just the tone of the decor, bringing some beautiful greenery in will definitely give you a breath of fresh air in your space.  Spider plants are a great choice, especially for beginner plant parents, because they’re very low maintenance. 

Think Up and Down

There are some downsides to a home office. One of the problems is that home offices tend to be tiny, even when your office is a dedicated room. When you’re setting up your home office, don’t just think side-to-side. Think vertically to maximize your storage options. A hutch, tall bookcases, or even floating shelves can give you more storage without taking up precious floor space.

Add a Door

Especially if more than one member of your household is working from home, ensuring that you have privacy in your workspace is crucial. Interruptions are the enemy of focus, but a door addition in your home office is an excellent solution.  Consider installing elegant French doors to close off your home office space, or even a sliding door for modern spaces. New interior doors will elevate your home office space while providing practical benefits.

Working from a home office looks like it’s here to stay and in order to work successfully from home, you will definitely need to be organized.  A home office can be anything—and anywhere—you want. In a cozy corner or spread out across the basement, the options are only limited by your space and your imagination.

About Me

 Born in Toronto, Ontario, I have been in sales for over 30 years.  At the young age of 23, I was a successful store manager for a large well known Retail Shoe Company in Toronto, which led me to work for a large Floor and Wall Fashions Distributor in Warehouse Management and Sales. Beginning in 2004, this valuable experience led me to a successful and dynamic career in Real Estate.  I then achieved my Broker's license in 2008 and I am always continuing my education in this exciting field.

I find myself so fortunate to live and work in Lagoon City.  Over the years, I have met so many wonderful people who have become my neighbours and friends.  I truly believe in creating a better community through connecting people with the right homes.  My integrity and honesty will always keep you on the right path and my dedication to finding or selling your home goes beyond expectations.

Richard McGuigan is a professional CENTURY 21® Real Estate Broker at Century 21 B.J Roth Realty Ltd, residing in Lagoon City, Ontario and providing you with the highest quality service possible. His personal knowledge of the Real Estate market in Lagoon City and surrounding areas is combined with the power of the CENTURY 21 brand - the most recognized name in Real Estate today.  Let Richard assist you in finding your dream home in our beautiful waterfront community.  Contact him today for a free home evaluation.

As I reflect on the past year, I am truly grateful to live and work in such an amazing community.  This past April, I joined Century 21 B.J. Roth Realty Ltd. Brokerage, and I am pleased to announce that it has been a seamless transition.  This move has allowed me greater flexibility, independence, and creativity in my work, and the ability to continue to serve you with all your real estate needs and always with satisfactory results.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Hard work also paid off earlier this year as I was awarded with the Century 21 Outstanding Achievement Award of Excellence in Recognition of Exemplary Performance for the First Quarter.  To all of my clients that made this possible, I want to thank you for trusting me with your real estate needs.  I am deeply humbled and honoured.

I would also like to send a huge thank you to Joe & Anna, the owners of our local Italian Eatery - Lanterna Restaurant & Marketplace, as they have been my loyal supporters for years and I appreciate all that they have done, providing advertising, making amazing food for our residents and always providing donations for my giveaways.  Supporting local business within my community is very important to me. 

This year I also took part in the Golden Heart Virtual Challenge for Easter Seals Kids.  Beginning on June 1st, I competed in a 221 km virtual trek in 45 days to support kids living with physical disabilities in Ontario.  I reached my goal of raising $2100 to help send kids to camp and purchase equipment that is essential for mobility and accessibility through Easter Seals Canada.  I am proud to be a Two -Time Golden Heart Award Club Member, knowing that all the money I raise helps children with disabilities.  I also want to thank everyone who came out and donated in support of this very important cause at the Century 21 B.J. Roth Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament this past July at Bear Creek Golf Club.  It was such a fun filled day, all in support of Easter Seals Canada.  

This holiday season, I hosted a 12 Days of Christmas Give Away where all participants had a chance to win baskets full of locally bought items and it was a huge success. 

Are you selling your home during the holidays?  Think clean, cozy and simple. Always remember to create an environment that makes prospective homebuyers feel comfortable and warm the moment they walk through your front door. Outside temperatures can wreak havoc on driveways and walking paths that may be blanketed in snow and ice. Always make sure to keep your property safe for potential buyers by making sure your driveway, front steps and any walking paths are cleared.

I wish you all a safe holiday season filled with peace, joy, and wonderful memories. A sincere heartfelt thank you for your confidence, friendship, and loyalty this past year and I look forward to supporting your real estate needs in 2023.

 About Me

Born in Toronto, Ontario, I have been in sales for over 30 years.  At the young age of 23, I was a successful store manager for a large well known Retail Shoe Company in Toronto, which led me to work for a large Floor and Wall Fashions Distributor in Warehouse Management and Inside Sales. Beginning in 2004, this valuable experience led me to a successful and dynamic career in Real Estate.  I then achieved my Broker's license in 2008 and I am always continuing my education in this exciting field.

I find myself so fortunate to live and work in Lagoon City.  Over the years, I have met so many wonderful people who have become my neighbours and friends.  I truly believe in creating a better community through connecting people with the right homes.  My integrity and honesty will always keep you on the right path and my dedication to finding or selling your home goes beyond expectations.

Richard McGuigan is a professional CENTURY 21® Real Estate Broker with Century 21 B.J Roth Realty Ltd, in Lagoon City Ontario and provides you with the highest quality service possible. His personal knowledge of the Real Estate market in Lagoon City and surrounding areas is combined with the power of the CENTURY 21 brand - the most recognized name in Real Estate today.  Let Richard assist you in finding your dream home in our beautiful waterfront community.  Contact him today for a free home evaluation.

Preparing Your Home for Vacation

It’s the time of year that many residents in our community are starting to plan a winter holiday and many neighbours and friends are also packing up and heading to sunny destinations to escape the cold season ahead. Going on vacation is very exciting but getting ready to leave can be super stressful.  On top of making sure all your travel arrangements are in order, you also must worry about what to do with your house while you are gone.

Preparing your house helps keep it safe so that you can have peace of mind as you travel and it’s essential that you take time to ensure your home is secure.  Here are some steps you can take to prepare your house for vacation.

Lock Up!

 Lock any external doors, windows, and your garage. If you have a security system – make sure it’s working.

Clean out your fridge

Since you won’t be home for a while, you will want to clean out your fridge and remove any foods that will spoil while you’re gone. This is also a great time to wipe down all the surfaces and throw away any condiments or other items that have expired.

Prepare your home for the weather

There’s no way to know for sure what type of weather your home will experience while you’re gone. Be sure to prepare your home to reduce the risk of weather-related damage. If you have patio furniture outside that is subjected to the elements or anything loose in your yard that could move with heavy winds or rain, put it inside your garage or shed to keep it secure.

Take care of your mail delivery

Whether your mail is placed on hold, forwarded or you have asked a neighbor to pick it up, you’ll want to make sure that your mail is taken care of. Make sure you do the same thing for deliveries and put any newspaper subscriptions on hold.

Clean your home

It’s a much more pleasant experience to come home to a clean and de-cluttered house after your time away.

Use this as a quick cleaning checklist:

• Empty your dishwasher and leave the door open so the water dissipates.
• Make sure there are no clothes in the washer or dryer.
• Wipe down your countertops and clean the stovetop to avoid attracting any bugs or rodents in your absence.
• Take out the trash before you leave.

Indoor maintenance.

Check your smoke alarm and make sure it has brand new batteries. To put your mind at ease, go around and do last minute checks on all of your doors and windows. 

Turn off the water in your house

When you are home, you are able to take action and avoid damage. However, when you’re away, a plumbing leak can really wreak havoc on your home.  Locate the main water shut-off valve, and turn it off before you leave. After you turn it off, turn on your kitchen and bathroom faucets until they run dry. 

Unplug most appliances

Ongoing or rapid power outages can impact and damage appliances in your home, including your computer and television. Right before you leave for vacation, go around your home and unplug anything that doesn’t need to be on like toasters, cable boxes, televisions, kitchen appliances, and anything else you won’t be using.

Adjust your thermostat. Do not turn off the heat!

Set your thermostat between 55 and 60 degrees. If the house temperature is too low, your water pipes could freeze.

As you take the necessary precautions to prepare your home while you’re on vacation, remember to give yourself enough time to prepare and finish these tasks. I hope you find these tips helpful and wherever you may be headed this winter, I hope you enjoy your time away, and I wish you safe travels.

About Me

Born in Toronto, Ontario, I have been in sales for over 30 years.  At the young age of 23, I was a store manager for a large well known shoe store chain in Toronto which led me to work for a large Floor and Wall Fashions Distributor in Warehouse Management and Inside Sales. Beginning in 2004, this valuable experience led me to a successful and dynamic career in Real Estate.  I then achieved my Broker's license in 2008 and I am always continuing my education within this exciting field.

I find myself so fortunate to live and work in Lagoon City.  Over the years I have met so many wonderful people who have become my neighbours and friends.  I truly believe in creating a better community through connecting people with the right homes.  My integrity and honesty will always keep you on the right path and my dedication to finding or selling your home goes beyond expectations.

When you leave your home unattended to take a vacation, you want to make sure your home is secure.  It is my pleasure to share informative blogs with you and I encourage you to follow these helpful steps to put your mind at ease while you escape the winter. 

Richard McGuigan is a professional CENTURY 21® Real Estate Broker with Century 21 B.J Roth Realty Ltd, in Lagoon City Ontario and provides you with the highest quality service possible. His personal knowledge of the Real Estate market in Lagoon City and surrounding areas is combined with the power of the CENTURY 21 brand - the most recognized name in Real Estate today.  Let Richard assist you in finding your dream home in our beautiful waterfront community.  Contact him today for a free home evaluation.

Start Planning Your Moving Date Early

Once you’ve found your dream home and know when you’re going to move you should start prepping for your move as soon as possible.

Here are some pre-move tips to get you started:

• Contact your utility providers and let them know when you’re moving and when to stop services.
• Start packing items you don’t need.
• Set a moving budget.

Keep- Give -Gone

Moving is one of the best times to go through your possessions and start to get rid of things you don’t need anymore. After all, who wants to pay to move things you don’t need?

Try your best to sort your things into three categories.  Things you want to keep, things you want to give away, and things you are willing to throw away.

Look For Moving Deals

Moving can get expensive even if you’re moving a short distance from your current home. Looking for good moving deals is a great way to save money, but only if you know what kinds of deals to look for.

For instance, you may not want to look for deals on your movers since you want them to take good care of your belongings while you’re moving. But you can look for deals on moving supplies like boxes, packing materials, and other items that make moving easier.  Reach out to your community to see if anyone has any empty boxes or ask your realtor. 

If you’re looking for a good mover, it’s a good idea to get quotes from several moving services which will allow you to can compare prices.

It’s also a good idea to consider whether you can drive some of your things to your new home yourself, or if friends and family can help. If you have pets, consider having them stay with a friend while you’re moving.

Make Packing Easier

If you’re looking for more ways to make moving easier, think about ways to streamline packing. Remember, the most efficient packing isn’t always best. Sometimes making a box a little lighter and easier to carry is important, especially if the contents are delicate.

Try to pack room by room, and keep items organized when possible.

Prepare a Moving Day Box

Keep one box aside of “essentials” that you’ll need on moving day: cleaning supplies, light bulbs, toilet paper, garbage bags, a change of clothes, your toiletry bag, etc.

Settling into your new home won’t happen immediately but will happen over time.  The more you can do before you move, the sooner your new home will feel like home.  My Team not only knows houses, but we also know our waterfront communities. That means we can help you find a home that you will love offering the benefits and lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of.

About Me

Born in Toronto, Ontario, I have been in sales for over 30 years.  At the young age of 23, I was a store manager for a large well known shoe store chain in Toronto which led me to work for a large Floor and Wall Fashions Distributor in Warehouse Management and Inside Sales. Beginning in 2004, this valuable experience led me to a successful and dynamic career in Real Estate.  I then achieved my Broker's license in 2008 and I am always continuing my education within this exciting field.

I find myself so fortunate to live and work in Lagoon City.  Over the years I have met so many wonderful people who have become my neighbours and friends.  I truly believe in creating a better community through connecting people with the right homes.  My integrity and honesty will always keep you on the right path and my dedication to finding or selling your home goes beyond expectations.

Buying a new home is always exciting, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Moving is never fun and it can be one of the most difficult things to fit into anyone’s busy schedule.  It is my pleasure to share informative blogs with you as I encourage you to follow these easy tips to make moving a lot easier and more organized. 

Richard McGuigan is a professional CENTURY 21® Real Estate Broker with Century 21 B.J Roth Realty Ltd, in Lagoon City Ontario and provides you with the highest quality service possible. His personal knowledge of the Real Estate market in Lagoon City and surrounding areas is combined with the power of the CENTURY 21 brand - the most recognized name in Real Estate today.  Let Richard assist you in finding your dream home in our beautiful waterfront community.  Contact him today for a free home evaluation.