Spring is here, and you may be wanting to put your home on the market! To ensure you stand out from the crowd and attract the right buyers, here are some essential tips to get your home ready for a successful spring sale.

1. Boost Your Curb Appeal: First impressions matter. Buyers will form an opinion of your home the moment they pull up to the curb, so make sure the exterior is inviting. Here’s how:

• Freshen up the lawn: Mow the grass, trim the bushes, and remove any dead plants.

• Plant some flowers: Brighten up flower beds with spring blooms like tulips or daffodils.

• Clean the driveway and walkways: Power wash any dirt or grime off your driveway, walkways, and porch to make everything look crisp and clean.

• Paint the front door: A fresh coat of paint on the front door can give your home an instant facelift.
  

2. Declutter and Depersonalize: Buyers want to imagine themselves living in your space, which can be hard to do if your home is filled with personal items. Now is the perfect time to declutter and depersonalize:

• Clear out excess furniture: If a room feels crowded, remove any unnecessary pieces to create a more spacious feel.

• Pack away personal photos and memorabilia: This will help potential buyers visualize themselves in your home.

• Organize closets and storage spaces: Buyers love to see that a home has ample storage, so make sure these areas are neat and tidy.
  

3. Make Minor Repairs: Spring buyers are often looking for homes that are move-in ready. If there are any lingering repairs you’ve been putting off, now is the time to fix them. Consider:

• Touching up paint: Fresh paint on walls and trim can make a huge difference.

• Fixing leaky faucets or plumbing issues: Ensure all faucets work properly, and there are no signs of water damage.

• Repairing or replacing broken appliances: If your refrigerator or oven is on the fritz, now is the time to replace it.

• Check the roof and gutters: Ensure the roof is in good condition, and gutters are clean and functioning.
  

4. Deep Clean Your Home: A clean home is a welcoming home. Before listing your property, give it a thorough cleaning to ensure it shines for showings:

• Clean carpets and floors: If your carpets are looking worn, consider getting them professionally cleaned or replacing them with new flooring.

• Wipe down windows: Clean windows let in more natural light and create a bright, airy feel.

• Tidy up bathrooms and kitchens: Pay attention to detail in these high-traffic areas by scrubbing grout, polishing faucets, and cleaning appliances.
  

5. Stage Your Home for Success: Staging your home can help buyers envision how they could use the space, ultimately making your home more appealing. Here’s how to stage effectively:

• Create a welcoming entryway: A tidy, well-lit entry can set the tone for the rest of the house.

• Use neutral colours: Neutral colours make it easier for buyers to imagine their furniture and style in the space.

• Add inviting touches: Fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit, or a cozy throw can make your home feel warm and inviting.
  

6. Price It Right: Pricing your home correctly from the start is critical to attracting the right buyers. Overpricing can result in your home sitting on the market longer than necessary, while underpricing may leave money on the table.

• Research the market: Talk to a real estate agent who knows your area well. They can help you understand comparable home sales (comps) and determine the best price for your property.

• Consider the spring market: Spring buyers often have more flexibility with their budgets, so it’s important to find that sweet spot where the price reflects the market demand.

7. Professional Photos Are a Must: With most buyers starting their home search online, high-quality photos are essential. Don’t settle for amateur shots. Hire a professional photographer to capture your home in its best light. The better the photos, the more likely you’ll grab a buyer’s attention.

8. Be Flexible with Showings: The spring market tends to be busy, and you’ll want to accommodate as many potential buyers as possible. Being flexible with showings can increase the likelihood of receiving offers quickly.

• Offer weekend and evening showings: Many buyers may have busy work schedules, so giving them the flexibility to view your home outside of traditional business hours can be beneficial.

• Keep the home ready for showings: Make sure the house is tidy and ready to go at all times. A quick last-minute showing could be the one that results in an offer.
  

9. Highlight Outdoor Living Spaces: Spring is the perfect time to show off your outdoor areas. Whether it’s a spacious backyard, patio, or balcony, outdoor spaces are more appealing when the weather is nice.

• Spruce up the garden: Planting fresh flowers or adding a few potted plants can create a beautiful outdoor space.

• Furnish the patio: If you have a patio, set it up with outdoor furniture to show its potential for relaxing and entertaining.

10. Work with a Local Real Estate Agent: A seasoned real estate agent who knows your local market can be one of your best assets. They’ll guide you through the process, offer market insights, and help you price your home correctly. Having a professional on your team can make the selling process much smoother and more successful.

Final Thoughts: Spring is an exciting time to sell your home, but getting it ready for the market requires a bit of work. By following these tips, you’ll position your home to attract more buyers and secure a successful sale. Whether it's through improving curb appeal, staging, or making necessary repairs, each step will help ensure you put your best foot forward this spring. Happy selling!

How my client bought her first home for under 400K - Read below for their success story. 

One of my favourite parts of my job is helping first-time buyers enter the market. I met my client last year at a rental property. She was initially thinking about renting, but after our first meeting, she mentioned that her goal was to buy rather than rent. She had great savings and had just landed a new job in the Region, making her a perfect candidate to get into the real estate market. I told her that the first step before making any decisions was to explore all her options. I connected her with mortgage brokers, and she ended up choosing a mortgage agent who came highly recommended by her friends and family. She did a fantastic job submitting all the necessary paperwork.

Once her pre-approval was in place, we started looking at properties within her budget. I meet so many people who believe it’s impossible to purchase a home under $400k, but the truth is, with patience, an open mind, and the right agent, nothing is impossible. She was starting to feel discouraged as we saw more properties, but I recommended expanding her search to other areas she hadn’t originally considered - this meant looking in St. Catharines. This opened up more options and helped her find something that ticked almost all of her boxes.

The moment we walked into what is now her home, we knew it was the best fit for her. I had worked with the listing agent on past transactions, which helped establish a great rapport—this is why it’s so important to work with local agents who have strong connections throughout the Region. She received an accepted offer for $397,000, we fulfilled all her conditions and the countdown to closing began. She was an absolute pleasure to work with, and I look forward to helping many more amazing first-time buyers like her. She will be my client and friend for years to come. Congrats, J! I’m so happy for you and your pup, Stevie.

Niagara Horticultural Society - Garden Classes

The Niagara-on-the-Lake Horticultural Society will host a series of Saturday morning gardening classes, available to our members and the public. They will be facilitated by Joanne Young starting on March 1, 2025 and they will run for 12 weeks. You may take one or two classes or all of them!

 Joanne is very well known in the region as Niagara-on-the-Lake's Garden Coach. With more than 30 years of gardening experience, she brings her great humour and teaching skills to the classroom making learning even the most complex garden techniques easier to understand and fun to learn.

 EVENT DETAILS:

• CLASSES ARE HELD EACH SATURDAY FROM MARCH 1 TO MAY 31, 2025

•   (Skipping Easter weekend and the NOTL Hort. Society's Plant Sale) 

• THEY WILL RUN FROM 10:00am to 11:30am EACH SATURDAY

• Held at Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre, 14 Anderson Lane Niagara-on-the-Lake

• Parking is Free

• Tickets are $20 per class  

• (A processing fee is charged at time of purchase by Niagara Tix)

• CLICK THIS LINK FOR MORE INFO.

Community Initiative for Animal Rescue

• Bake sale and Spring floral + We Love Pets Bracelets by Coconut Quartz

• Location: 456 Line 2 rd, Niagara on the Lake

• Date: Saturday, April 12th

• Time: 9am - 2pm

 P'awp-up Shop: Pet + Vendor Market

When: Saturday, April 12, 2025 , 10:00am-4:00pm

Where: The Niagara Falls Exchange

Description: The Niagara Falls Exchange is thrilled to announce the return of the Paw'p-Up Shop: Pet + Vendor Market! This unique event allows pet lovers and families to explore local vendors specializing in pet-related products and services. Admission is free!

Crystal Beach Drag Show: Join Gather Tasting Room for a Night of Elegance & Entertainment!

• When: Saturday, April 12 · 9 - 11pm EDT

• Location: 395 Derby Road Fort Erie, ON L0S 1B0

  Indulge in an evening of spectacular performances, fine wine, delicious food, and extravagant olive oils at Gather!

  Featuring Performances By:

• Inita Dior

• Shadee Dame

• Johnny Onlaspot

• Tanya King

  Don’t miss this unforgettable experience! Secure your tickets now! Ticket Price: $27.96 - More info here: Click Here

Dev’s Indian Dinner Experience

Saturday, April 19 — The Gate House

Experience an extraordinary evening as Treadwell Cuisine’s Sous Chef, Devvrat Pai and team present an exclusive menu celebrating the rich flavours and vibrant spices of India. This tasting menu blends traditional techniques with our farm-to-table approach. Join us for an unforgettable culinary journey filled with bold aromas, exquisite ingredients, and an expertly paired selection of local wines. Reservations in advance are required and highly recommended, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

The cocktail hour and tasting menu is $115++ per person, and the wine pairing is an additional $75++ per person.

PLEASE NOTE: This event is being held at The Gate House (142 Queen St, Niagara-on-the-Lake), a short walk away from Treadwell Cuisine.

Purse Bingo

• Saturday, April 26, 2025 , 6:00pm-10:00pm

• Location:  Royal Canadian Legion Branch 479 - 5603 Spring Street, Niagara Falls, ON - Directions

  Price: Click this link for ticket info. 

  Description: Support the Niagara SPCA & Humane Society at our first ever purse bingo fundraiser!

TULIP EXPERIENCES IN NIAGARA

Tulip season is back and Niagara offers three different experience options. Click the links for more info on each experience. 

SARAH GREY: Tickets Here

TASC NOTL

JP TULIP EXPERIENCE

A Day For Mothers - May 4th, 2025

6 hours @ CA$150.00

Welcome to A Day For Mothers!

Fitness, spirituality, healing, creativity, relaxation, and community all packed into one morning focused on motherhood. Fenwick, ON. Limited spots available, so make sure you follow the registration steps to secure yours. We cannot wait to have you on Sunday, May 4th.

Registration deadline APRIL 27TH 2025. Payments accepted through e-transfer or cash.

More info and to book click the here

Community Highlight

The Grand Canal Retirement Residence

As a realtor, I love working with seniors, so much so I have my SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist Certificate). It allows me to guide them through such an important chapter in their lives. Helping them find a comfortable, safe, and welcoming home where they can thrive brings me joy, and I cherish the relationships I build while making this transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.

I have built strong relationships with Senior Retirement options and wanted to highlight one of my favourites in Welland-the newest senior’s retirement residence.

 Now is the time to live your life with purpose! Their wellness services and programs aim to promote not only an active way of life, but a lifestyle with your interests in mind.

 Start your day with a cup of tea, or coffee, in the Bistro watching the sun come up and tip your hat to the day with a nightcap in the Pub! At The Grand Canal Retirement Residence, you have the freedom to spend your days however you’d like.

Contact me for more info!

The Niagara real estate market is experiencing notable changes, with a slight increase in average home prices, while sales activity has declined compared to the previous year. It's important for buyers, sellers, and investors to understand these trends to navigate the current housing market effectively.

Home Prices in Niagara See Small Increase:
In February 2025, the average sale price in Niagara rose to $680,181, a 2.05% increase from last year. This indicates that while demand has slowed down somewhat, home prices are still stable and showing gradual growth.

Sales Drop, But Homes Are Selling More Quickly:

• Homes Sold: In February, 381 homes were sold, representing a 46.26% decrease compared to the same time last year.

• Days on Market: The average time it took to sell a home was 48 days, which is 6.67% faster than the previous year.
  Despite fewer sales, the slight price increase and quicker selling times suggest that buyers are more selective, but desirable properties are moving off the market faster than before.

Lower Number of New and Active Listings:

• New Listings: 1,084 homes were listed in February, down by 25.50% from last year.

• Active Listings: 2,488 homes remained on the market, a 4.31% decrease.
  With fewer homes being listed, the market remains competitive, and buyers have fewer options to choose from.

Price Trends by Property Type:

• Detached Homes: The average price of detached homes was $706,054, reflecting a 2.68% increase from last year. This shows that single-family homes continue to be in high demand.

• Semi-Detached Homes: The average price dropped to $575,805, a 5.37% decrease from last year. This may be due to buyers focusing more on fully detached homes or affordable condos.

• Townhouses: The average price of townhouses was $704,171, a slight 0.53% decrease, suggesting that townhouses remain a solid option for families and first-time buyers.

• Condos: Condos saw the largest price decrease, with the average price dropping to $431,464, down 6.04% from last year. This shift may present opportunities for buyers seeking more affordable homeownership or investment properties.

Bank Of Canada Slashes Interest Rate To 2.75% As Trade War Develops

Click the link to read more: Click here

Things to Consider as a Buyer:
-  You have more leverage to negotiate due to fewer sales.
- With fewer new listings, there are fewer homes to choose from.
-  Homes are selling faster, so if you find a property you like, be prepared to act quickly.

Things to Consider as a Seller:
- Detached homes are holding steady or seeing price increases.
- It’s crucial to price your home competitively in this slower market.
-  Properties are selling faster than last year, indicating strong buyer interest in well-priced homes.

These are the 4 steps it took to get the home sold for full asking price, under all my clients terms in only 2 short weeks!

Initial Meeting: 

1. I met my clients in September of 2024. They knew they wanted to list in February so we got all exterior photos and videos completed. This was important because they have a pool and wanted to show the backyard in its best light. This ensured prospective buyers could truly envision themselves in their very own backyard oasis.

Price + Marketing Strategy: 

2. We established a price. We priced it to SELL. I see so many sellers stretching their listing price, which ultimately doesn’t look good - they then have to make many pricing corrections or the house just sits stale on the market. We also discussed a marketing strategy. We again highlighted the backyard, ran many social media posts and created buzz around the listing with a “coming soon” video. High quality images and drone shots were also very important. I created personalized feature sheets and the home was always presented beautifully. My clients did an amazing job at putting things in storage and making the home look its best.  I hosted 3 open houses the first 2 weeks of listing (1 was cancelled due to a snow storm). This generated roughly 30 buyers from the open houses alone - they were the busiest open houses I have ever hosted.

Showings + Home knowledge:

3. We accepted every showing and I knew the home inside and out. If there were any questions that needed to be clarified the sellers got back to me right away and I ALWAYS provided answers ASAP. I  had all documentation on hand incase potential buyers were curious on pool info, pool costs, hydro/gas bills etc. We worked as a TEAM!

Offers + Negotiation:

4. Offers flooded in. We received a total of 4 offers. My clients stayed firm with their terms. Price and closing date were extremely important & we stuck to that. My clients received full asking price with very little conditions. I am so thankful they trusted me to get their home SOLD. It is a home that will truly be missed. I look forward to now helping them find a new home to make memories in. 

If you are looking for results like this, please reach out. It is never too early to start preparing a home to sell or simply getting the conversation started. I look forward to hearing from you!! 

The Niagara Falls Exchange.

 Click the link to view all of the events held by The Niagara Falls Exchange in the month of March: https://nfexchange.ca/events

Stained Glass Butterfly Workshops

Sundays March 9 and 16 | 9 a.m. – 12 noon | Garden Café, Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens.

Let your creativity take flight during one of our Stained Glass Butterfly Workshops at the Garden Café! Guided by expert Gord Maretzki from Urban Tractor Farm Winery, you’ll craft a vibrant Blue Morpho stained- glass butterfly with a wingspan of about 6 inches.

Tickets are $85 plus HST, which includes all materials and on-site parking as well as a light brunch. Enjoy a BLT Egg croissant with a side of fruit and a choice of juice or warm drink. Upgrade your juice to a mimosa for an additional $5. This workshop is open to ages 14 and up. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Spots are limited—reserve your place today!

Info and Tickets here: Click here

Rural Routes Paint Night

March 21 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Rural Routes Paint Night Fri Mar 21st 7-9pm at Meridian Community Centre in Fonthill. Bring your friends! Easy to follow step by step instruction is live, in person and viewed on a large screen. A canvas is pre-sketched for your convenience and all materials are included. Whether or not you have painted before, this is a fun event. The Meridian is fully licenced so stop by Mike’s Place and down the hall and bring your refreshment with you. Register now. Can’t make it? Book a private group Paint Night with co-workers, family or friends!

You can also register by pre-arranged phone call with a credit card or by E-transfer (include HST and contact info and event choice) Sorry, no refunds.

Text or call 289-990-8130 or email info@beverlysneath.com

Winter Jazz Night:

March 21 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm  Winter Jazz Night - Winter Jazz Night

Kame & Kettle Beerworks 25 Pelham Town Square, Fonthill, Ontario, Canada. A little live jazz and a lot of cold beer! Featuring the Pelham Street Combo, reservations are encouraged.

Home Sweet Hive: Where Do Bees Live?

MARCH 30, 2025 - Lincoln Museum & Cultural Centre - Noon - 3 p.m. - All By Donation

Ever wondered where bees live? Join us on March 30th, 2025, at 12 p.m. for a fun-filled event where we’ll build and paint our Air BeeNBee, a cozy new home for solitary bees, right here at the Lincoln Museum & Cultural Centre!  Whether you're a bee lover or just curious about these incredible pollinators, this event is a great way to learn and help support local bees!

What’s Happening:
Noon - 1 p.m. Paint the Bee Hotel Frame: Help us paint the frame of our Air BeeNBee—a bee hotel designed specifically for solitary bees, which need safe, dry places to nest and raise their young. All ages can join in on the fun and add their own colorful touch to this important project!

1 - 2 p.m. Learn About Bee Homes: Discover how Honey Bees live in large colonies and how they’re different from the solitary bees that will make their nests in our permanent Air BeeNBee. Learn why providing a safe home for solitary bees is so important! 

2 - 3 p.m. Install the Air BeeNBee: Be a part of the installation process and watch as we set up the new bee hotel for our solitary bee residents. 

Why Attend?
Family-friendly: A great way to get kids and adults involved in creating homes for local bees.

Educational: Learn where bees live, the difference between solitary bees and honey bees, and how you can help protect their habitats.

Hands-on: Paint, install, and create something special for the bees that live in our community.

Let’s help create homes for bees and protect our pollinators this spring! 

Business of the Month: 416 Coffee Co.

 At 416 Coffee they know that great accomplishments come after great coffee. Their mission is to create incredible coffee experiences that blend tradition and innovation; to impress, excite and fuel winners.

LOCATIONS: 

ROASTING FACILITY

• 36 Wright Street, St.Catharines, ON, L2P 3J4

• Call: 416-910-5354

COFFEE BAR:

• 1412 Pelham Street, Fonthill, ON, L0S 1E7

• M - S | 8AM - 5PM

• Call: 416-668-5288

COFFEE BAR:

• 17 Lock Street, St.Catharines, ON, L2N 5B6

• M - S | 8:30AM - 5PM

• Call: 416-910-5354

COFFEE BAR:

• 2-2 Main Street West, Grimsby, ON, L3M 1R4

• M - S | 8AM - 4PM 

• Call: 416-668-5288

Visit their website: https://www.416-coffee.com/

Community Spotlight: Royal Lepage Shelter Foundation 

25 Years of Making Home a Safe Place for Everyone.

Royal LePage® professionals understand that a house is only a home if the people who live there feel safe. That’s why, 25 years ago, we unanimously agreed that helping women and children find safety from domestic abuse should be where we channeled our big hearts and charitable efforts. Since its founding in 1998, the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation has proudly grown to become the largest public foundation in Canada dedicated exclusively to funding women’s shelters and domestic violence prevention. Royal LePage is the only Canadian real estate company with its own charitable foundation.

The Shelter Foundation has raised more than $46 million to-date and currently supports 200 local women’s shelters and national partners. Our agents donate a portion of their commissions, and Royal LePage offices across Canada host local fundraising events. Our brokers, agents and staff also volunteer and provide in-kind goods to benefit the women and children residing in their local shelters. Every dollar raised goes directly to helping the more than 50,000 women and children who are served each year by the shelters and support programs we fund.