It’s amazing the difference a coat of paint can make on a space. Whether you just want a fresh coat of paint on a room you already love, or you’re looking to completely transform a room with a new colour, there are a few things you should know before you get started. (This advice is helpful for anyone who just moved into a home, or is starting to prep a home to sell). The experts at HGTV gave their list of painting tips for homeowners. Here’s Everything You Need to Know Before Painting Your Space Source: hgtv.ca Primed and Ready While you may be really excited to get those new colours on the walls ASAP, do not skip the primer – it preps walls for pigment and hides any discolouration. For panelled or super-stained walls, opt for an oil-based primer, while walls with new drywall should get a coat of water-based primer instead. All in Hand Painting walls is a lot of work, so you won’t want to lose momentum once you’ve started. To cut down on hardware-store runs, make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need beforehand, especially the less obvious items such as a paint can opener, stir sticks, and a roller extension pole. Tough Mudder Before you buy any paint, think about the area where you’re putting it and what its needs are. Walls and trim in high-traffic areas, such as the mudroom or entryway, are going to have to contend with muddy boots and dog paws, so having a product made to withstand wear and tear makes sense. Roll Tape To help protect architectural features you’re not planning on painting, pull out a roll of painter’s tape. Stick it along baseboards, wall trim or sconces to keep drips from going where they’re not welcome. Tip: fully remove power outlet covers rather than taping them. Colour Wheel If you really want to see how a paint colour will look in a room, it’s best to test it out directly on the wall. Pick up at least three sample pots of different shades of the same colour family – your favourite might surprise you. Tip: Check out the room throughout the day to see how the light changes the colours. Squeaky Clean To avoid getting dirt, fluff or cobwebs stuck in the paint, make sure the walls are super clean before starting. Use a vacuum or thick cleaning cloth, paying particular attention to the kitchen and bathroom, where you should wash the walls with a soapy solution to breakdown built-up grime.

Fall is the most beautiful time of the year in Waterloo Region. There’s no doubt about it. With all the changing colours, our community becomes a picturesque place. If you’re a lover of all things Fall, here are some ways you can enjoy Fall in Waterloo Region. Sip On A Warm Fall Beverage Of course, the first thing on many people’s minds is a certain fall beverage. Rather than running straight to a big chain, check out what our many local cafes are offering in terms of spiced lattes, ciders and more. You’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for. Try A Local Brew Not only are there lots of great local breweries creating seasonal brews, we have cideries producing sweet or hard ciders. Grab A Pumpkin At A Local Farm We’re lucky to have so many family farms close by. This time of year, they host lots of family activities and are a great place to pick up some pumpkins (whether you’re carving them or just using them for seasonal decoration). Check out these local farms: Pick Your Own Apples Apple picking is a fun day activity for the family, plus you can take a bag home and make some delicious treats. Here are some nearby places where you can pick your own apples: Enjoy the Fall Foliage On A Trail Let’s be honest. We could all fill up our phones with thousands of pictures of vibrant trees this time of year. It’s the perfect time to check out the changing leaves and get some exercise on any of the Trails in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge. End your walk with a seasonal beverage from a local cafe! Wellesley Apple Butter & Cheese Festival Need I say more? Here’s what you can expect from future festivals. KW Oktoberfest Parade & Festivities Oktoberfest is a unique time in Kitchener with all sorts of events going on. Check out the Oktoberfest event calendar to find open ceremony details, celebrations and more. Happy Fall!

Royal LePage surveyed 2,000 baby boomers across Canada to uncover real estate trends and thoughts on purchasing within this key Canadian demographic. With the findings, three blogs have been produced, covering a variety of topics and results. Here’s a short overview of each of the articles, key stats and where you can read each in full. 2021 Royal LePage boomer trends survey unveils real estate intentions of powerful demographic “The survey, conducted by Leger, found that 35 per cent of boomers were considering buying a home within the next five years and 45 per cent believe that now is a good time to sell. More than half (57%) of boomers said they would purchase a detached house if they were to buy, while 19 per cent said they would prefer an apartment/condominium. Fifty-two per cent of boomer homeowners said they would prefer to renovate their existing home rather than purchase another, and an additional 24 per cent said they would consider it. “The boomer generation appears to have no intention of slowing down,” said Phil Soper, President and CEO, Royal LePage. “Fully vaccinated, and turning a cold shoulder to retirement, the typical member of this huge demographic is enjoying an empty nest and believes real estate is a good investment. Millions of boomers are expected to wade into the market over the next five years.” Key Stats Read the full article to find out how boomers feel about affordability in their region, the state of their mortgage, and more about their children. See the chart data Closer to being mortgage-free, Canadian boomers get real estate to work for them (and their kids) “Boomers have greatly benefitted from real estate price gains over their lives. When asked if they believed homeownership is a good investment, nearly four out of five (78%) Canadian boomers answered yes. It comes as no surprise that some 40% of them report having at least half of their net wealth in real estate.” Key Findings: Read the full article. When it comes to real estate, Canadian boomers have time and space on their side. “In a year that saw housing demand increase at rates not seen in modern history, when young Canadians in compact spaces suddenly found themselves using their homes for anything from work to school to gym, and everything in between, boomer homeowners seem to have been virtually unaffected by the swift and incredible need for more square footage. “ Key Findings: Read the full article. Are you looking to make a move in the next 5 years? I’d love to connect with you and help you make a plan to get your current home ready for sale, and help you determine what your next home looks like.