'Tis the season of joy, warmth, and the comforting embrace of home. This time of year, it holds a special place as we gather with loved ones, share laughter, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Home is where these cherished moments unfold, and I feel privileged to have played a part in helping many of you find or sell your homes this year.

It's not just about the transactions with me but rather the stories behind the doors I open, the dreams that find a place to flourish, and the warmth that a home brings during the festive season.  In every transaction, I witnessed the unique stories of those seeking a place to call home. Each property held dreams, aspirations, and the promise of a new chapter. It's a humbling experience to be entrusted with such a significant part of your lives, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be your Realtor.

Whether you were buying, selling, or investing this past year, your confidence in my services is the driving force behind my success. I strive to provide not just a service, but an experience. Your satisfaction is my goal, and I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and excellence. 

I am sincerely thankful to have achieved Master’s Ruby award from Century 21 BJ Roth for 2023. It is truly an honor to be recognized for my efforts in the real estate industry. I am humbled to be among such talented and dedicated professionals and would like to express my appreciation to all my colleagues, clients, and everyone who has been a part of my real estate journey. Your support and collaboration have played an integral role in my success. I am truly grateful for the relationships we have built.

Every summer, I always look forward to participating in the Golden Heart Virtual Challenge for Easter Seals Kids and this year I was pleased to reach my goal of raising $2100 for Easter Seals Kids to Camp.  From June 1^st – July 15^th, I completed a 221 km virtual trek to support kids living with physical disabilities in Ontario. 

I am proud to be a 3-Time Club Member, knowing that all the money I raised will help children with disabilities. I also want to thank everyone who came out and donated in support of this wonderful cause and for all who supported the Century 21 B.J. Roth Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament on July 5th at the Bear Creek Golf Club. It was such a fun filled day, all in support of Easter Seals Canada.

I would also like to take a moment to express my gratitude to a recent endeavor with Lagoon City Life.  Excitement radiates as we come together in collaboration, turning visions into reality and each month, I will be sharing my Realtor Blogs as well as tips in their monthly Community Bits Newsletter which will be published in their Realtor Corner.  Lagoon City Life  is a unique platform that introduces our community to the faces and dreams behind the businesses and so much more, and I am so thrilled to be a part of it!

Real estate is more than a business to me.  It’s a passion for creating relationships where memories are made, families grow, and dreams come true. To those who found their dream homes, congratulations on your exciting new chapter.  For those who sold their properties, thank you for allowing me to be a part of the process. Your trust has been the cornerstone of my success, and I look forward to continuing this journey together in the coming year.  Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or considering a change in your living situation, I am here to guide you with expertise, dedication, and a genuine passion for real estate.

From my home to yours, I wish you Happy Holidays, a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with happiness, prosperity, and health.

About Me

Born in Toronto, Ontario, I have been in sales for over 30 years.  At the young age of 23, I was a

 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.

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 neighbors 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

me assist you in finding your dream home in our beautiful waterfront community.  Contact me

 For a free home evaluation.

Selling Your Home in the Winter

Just because it’s winter and the holiday season, doesn’t mean your window of opportunity for selling your home has passed.  Winter can still be a good time to sell a house, but you may have to work a little harder to make the space appear cozy, warm, and inviting. 

The Internet Has No Seasons

You are probably already aware that most buyers go online to search for homes, no matter what the temperature is outside. While spring is known as the hottest home-buying season, serious home buyers are always on the lookout, so even though the weather is changing, always remember that it will not stop home buyers from shopping. 

Less Sellers

In the winter, you have a limited number of sellers on the market. Quite possibly you may have less competition on the market if you list your home during the winter. Buyers have fewer homes to choose from, which means you could sell your house faster.

Buyers Mean Business

Most people want to curl up under a blanket next to a warm fire on a cold winter’s day. If a buyer is trudging around in freezing weather or breaking away from their holiday schedule to look at your home, they must be serious. 

Time Off

You may think people are less likely to see your home due to a hectic holiday schedule and that can be true. But keep in mind, many people also have more time off around the holidays. That means more time dreaming about their new home and even scheduling home showings.

Nothing says welcome quite like walking out of the cold into a nice, warm, cozy home. 

It’s easy to make a house feel like home in the wintertime. 

Here are a few tips to help you set the buying mood:

• Keep it simple. If you are selling around a holiday and have decorations up, make sure not to overpower a room. Less is more.
• A Place for Shoes.  You do not want potential buyers walking through your house with snowy shoes or boots.  Place area rugs or mats for them to place their boots on.  It’s also a great idea to have a bench or chair if there is room to use one, so a potential buyer can sit and easily change their shoes or boots.
• Shine a light outside. Winter days get dark early. Brighten your home’s exterior when you are expecting to show your home.
• Avoid winter wonderland.  Buyers want to see details of the house, not a blanket of snow. During the winter months, curb appeal becomes less of an issue. If you don’t have your landscaping in top shape, it’s no longer a potentially costly task that it might have been. Remember, the nicer your home looks, the more likely it is to sell.  Don’t forget to clear the driveway and walkways!
• Be Flexible.  Winter can be a busy season with so many holiday obligations and events going on. This may mean that home buyers might request a showing earlier or later in the day than they might in other seasons. If you are serious about selling, then it is wise to be flexible with your schedule so that as many house hunters as possible may visit your home.

Selling a home in the winter months may seem daunting, but with the proper preparation and strategy, you can attract serious buyers.  Keep your driveway and sidewalks clear of ice and snow for safety reasons and be flexible when potential buyers want to tour.

It would be best if you also worked with a local real estate agent who understands how to market and price your home for winter, and I am more than happy to assist you.  If you are ready to sell your home this winter, I am highly experienced and can be reached anytime at 705-323-7781 or feel free to email me [email protected].  

About Me

Born in Toronto, Ontario, I've 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 2005, 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 neighbors 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 A professional CENTURY 21® Real Estate Broker  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.

Fall Maintenance Tips for Your Home

Watching the leaves change and enjoying cooler weather are great, but fall is also a good time for home maintenance.  Autumns can be enjoyable, but the winter typically brings extremely cold temperatures and lots of snow and ice.  One of the most important fall home maintenance tips is to plan ahead.

Here are some tips for some basic maintenance to get ready for the changing of the season and to ensure your home is in shape for the winter.

CLEAN THE GUTTERS

We all know what happens in the fall—our yards become filled with leaves. While that’s one of the first things most homeowners will clean up, you can’t forget about cleaning your gutters. Before winter comes, it’s important that you clean out your gutters and inspect them to ensure they’re draining properly and away from walkways and driveways.

INSPECT YOUR ROOF

There’s nothing worse than finding damaged shingles or a leaky roof during the winter season. During the fall, you should check your roof to ensure there are no problems. If you find cracks or damage, you should call a professional as soon as possible to get it fixed.

DRAIN ALL OUTDOOR FAUCETS

Before the first freeze, you should make sure there is no water in any of your faucets or hoses. While you’re at it, you could also bring your hoses inside from the cold to help extend their life.

COVER YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE

If you have any outdoor furniture, you have two choices—cover it or bring it inside. Most homeowners may not have the extra space to store their furniture, so covering it is likely the most viable option. 

CLEAN YOUR DRYER VENT

Make sure the dryer vents are clean. Static electricity can build up in the cold, dry months, and can cause the dryer lint to catch fire. 

INSPECT YOUR DRIVEWAY AND WALKWAYS

Review the condition of your driveway and any walkways. If you notice cracks, you should seal them to prevent more damage from winter snow and ice. 

CHANGE YOUR FILTERS

Before you turn on your furnace, you should make sure it’s running efficiently and each fall, you should change your furnace’s air filter. 

CHECK FOR DRAFTS

While you check the heating system, you should also check around the house for any drafts. You can caulk windows, replace weather stripping around doors, and do all you can to improve your heating efficiency to keep your costs down throughout the winter. Because our winters can often be harsh, even new constructed homes should be checked for drafts in the fall for the upcoming winter months of cold weather.

CHANGE THE BATTERIES IN SMOKE DETECTORS

Before winter comes, it’s best to change the batteries on all your detectors to be safe. Once you’ve changed the batteries, check them all with the test button to ensure they’re working properly. 

CHECK DECK AND PORCH

Loose or warped boards are hazardous. Check all outdoor stairs and railings for stability. Damaged walkways, driveways or steps can be dangerous when the weather turns icy. Fix problems now so you can prevent expensive bills later.

We all know how harsh our winters can be and, by following just a few maintenance chores can save you money while keeping your home in good repair.

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 with  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.

Without a doubt, one of the most important aspects of homeownership is hosting. Whether you are hosting overnight guests, hosting a holiday celebration or hosting a dinner with friends, hosting is truly one of the most rewarding parts of owning a home.  One of the greatest rewards of helping clients find their new home in the fall is the opportunity it presents for them to host family and friends for Thanksgiving.  

Hosting Thanksgiving can be quite stressful – especially for the first time. Many new homeowners aren’t sure where to begin when it comes to planning their dinner, as there are so many elements to consider. From the food, to the entertainment, to the decorations and beyond, effectively planning a good Thanksgiving Day takes a lot of work and preparation. Here are some tips to help you organize and plan a great first Thanksgiving in your new home.

Plan Ahead

Early planning is the key to a stress-free Thanksgiving.  Invite everyone far enough in advance. Even if your friends and family are spur-of-the-moment types, they may still make Thanksgiving plans early, so get the word out as soon as possible.  

Think about the space in your home. Where do you want guests to sit? Where do you want to set up the food? Sit down dinner? Buffet style? Everyone together in one room / at one table? Children in another room / another table? Do you have enough tables & chairs? 

Be Organized

Planning and organizing is crucial for hosting a successful dinner.  It will ensure that you don’t find yourself with missing ingredients, a messy home and three hours of cooking when your guests arrive.

• Make lists of everything you need to do for your dinner.
• Prepare a schedule for the week leading up to dinner.
• Write shopping lists before you head to the store for ingredients and supplies.

Curate Your Thanksgiving Menu Early

Thanksgiving is a big tradition and the foods that you serve say a lot about where you are from.  People all around the country celebrate with different dishes on Thanksgiving.  From the mashed potatoes, homemade stuffing and the debate on canned or fresh cranberry sauce, you will have a lot of decisions to make when planning what you and your guests will have.  It’s your first Thanksgiving, so why not start your own tasty tradition?  Also, try not to stress by cooking everything on Thanksgiving Day. Create a timeline, and figure out what can be made ahead of time.  Don’t forget that casseroles can be premade and vegetables can be chopped ahead of time.

Consider Your Seating

While you will likely figure out your guest list early, it’s important to think about where all of your guests will sit.  While folding chairs make setting the dinner table fairly easily, you also need to consider how many seats you have in other areas of your house.  While Thanksgiving dinner is the focal point of the day, it’s likely that your guests will spur off at some point to socialize in a smaller setting.  Taking time to think about your seating options is crucial as you want to make sure that your guests always have a place to sit.  Set the table the day before.  Not only will this give you major peace of mind when everyone shows up at your house and your table is ready to go, but it’ll give you a chance to identify if you’re missing any flatware, glassware, plates, etc. Most importantly, it’s one less thing to think about on the actual day, so you can focus on food, drinks, and spending time with your people.

Offer Snacks Before Dinner

Tasty appetizers benefit the cook as much as the guests. Guests can get busy munching while you finish up in the kitchen! 

Becoming a homeowner is a significant life event and sharing that moment by hosting Thanksgiving Dinner can be memorable.  While preparing for your first Thanksgiving can be daunting, it’s important to remember the central point of Thanksgiving and that your guests are thrilled that you have invited them into your new home.  Take advantage of the gathering and take time to relax and enjoy it.

I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with wonderful memories.  

This Thanksgiving I am grateful for your confidence and friendship.

About Me

Born in Toronto, Ontario, I have been in sales for over 35 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 at 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.