As the snow melts and the days get longer, spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into your home’s exterior. Whether you’re thinking about selling or just want to be proud when you pull into the driveway, these outdoor upgrades can make a big impact.

1. Refresh Your Landscaping

A well-kept lawn and clean garden beds instantly boost curb appeal. Add fresh mulch, trim overgrown shrubs, and plant vibrant spring flowers like tulips, pansies, or daffodils to make your front yard pop.

2. Upgrade Your Front Door

Your front door is a focal point—make it stand out. A fresh coat of paint (bold colours like navy, forest green, or even cherry red) can modernize your entrance. Add a seasonal wreath or new hardware for an extra touch.

3. …

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Home renovations in Canada have always been a significant investment, but in recent years, rising material costs and supply chain disruptions have made them even more challenging. One of the biggest culprits? Tariffs.

From lumber and steel to appliances and fixtures, ongoing trade disputes and tariff wars have driven up costs and created uncertainty in the renovation market. If you’re planning a remodel, understanding how these economic factors impact your budget—and knowing how to navigate them—can help you make smarter decisions.

Why Are Renovation Costs Rising?

Tariffs are essentially taxes imposed on imported goods, and when they affect key building materials, those costs eventually get passed down to homeowners. Here’s how tariffs are…

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As the holiday season approaches, many of us are busy crafting wish lists for Santa. But instead of gadgets or trendy items, why not consider asking for something that truly gives back—home renovations? Thoughtful updates to your home not only enhance your daily living experience but can also increase your property’s value, setting you up for success in the new year. Here are some renovation ideas that could make 2024 your home's best year yet.

1. Upgrade Your Kitchen – The Heart of the Home

A modern, functional kitchen is a top priority for homebuyers and an excellent investment. Consider upgrades like:

  • Quartz or granite countertops for durability and style.
  • Energy-efficient appliances to save on utility bills.
  • Modern…

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As the days grow shorter and the air becomes crisp, fall is the perfect time for homeowners to prepare their property for the colder months ahead. Beyond the beauty of falling leaves and cozy sweaters, autumn offers the opportunity to tackle important maintenance tasks that will protect your home through the winter. Here’s how you can make the most of this season to keep your home in top shape.

Prepare Your Yard for Winter

Before the first frost hits, give your yard the attention it needs. Rake and remove fallen leaves to prevent mold or damage to your lawn. Trim back shrubs, and prune trees, especially those close to your home or power lines. This will reduce the risk of branches breaking under the weight of snow or ice and causing damage.

For…

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As the vibrant colors of summer fade into the warm hues of autumn, many homeowners find themselves considering whether to list their home for sale. While spring and summer are traditionally busy seasons in real estate, selling in the fall has its own set of advantages. However, preparing your home for the fall market requires special attention to detail to ensure it appeals to potential buyers. Here’s how to get your home ready to sell this autumn.

1. Embrace Curb Appeal with Seasonal Touches

First impressions matter, and fall provides a unique opportunity to enhance your home’s curb appeal with seasonal charm. Here’s how:

  • Landscaping: Keep your lawn tidy by regularly raking leaves, trimming bushes, and maintaining flower beds. Consider…

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As the leaves change color and the temperatures drop, many potential homebuyers may wonder if fall is the right time to make a purchase. While buying a home in the fall comes with several advantages—like less competition and motivated sellers—there are also specific challenges to keep in mind. Understanding what to look for and being aware of potential issues can help you make a confident decision and secure a great deal on your new home.

The Benefits of Buying in the Fall

Before diving into potential pitfalls, let’s first explore the benefits of purchasing a home during the fall season:

  • Less Competition: With the peak home-buying seasons of spring and summer behind us, there are typically fewer buyers in the market during fall. This…

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Gardening is not just about beautifying your space; it's about creating a sustainable environment that supports local ecosystems. For those of us in Durham Region, this means embracing native plants in our gardening projects. Planting with native species not only enhances the natural beauty of our gardens but also provides essential habitats for wildlife and reduces the maintenance and resources typically required. Here’s how you can get started on planting a native garden at your home in Durham Region.

Why Choose Native Plants?

1. Environmental Benefits: Native plants are adapted to our local climate and soil conditions, which means they require less water and are more resistant to pests and diseases prevalent in our area. This reduces the need…

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When it comes to selling your home, the power of first impressions cannot be overstated. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to ensure your home makes a positive impact on potential buyers is through the strategic use of neutral paint colours. Neutral tones are not only versatile and timeless, but they also allow buyers to easily envision their own lives and belongings in the space. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of neutral paint colours for creating a welcoming atmosphere and highlight some top recommendations to help sell your home more swiftly.

The Power of Neutral Colours

Neutral colours create a serene and inviting space, essential for making a strong first impression. They serve as a blank canvas, allowing the…

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Greater Toronto Area home with snow during the winter

Let’s face it—Durham Region winters can be rough. Between temperatures in the double-digit negatives and snow storms that cause traffic headaches, many of us feel like winter is best when we’re inside the house. 

Of course, as the new year rolls around, we also might find ourselves in the process of selling our home, in order to move in by the springtime. What do you do when you have to have an open house in the winter? Here are our tips and tricks for Durham Region winter open houses. 

High Traffic Means Many Messes

When hosting an open house, it is expected that you’ll have a number of people walking through your front door. And, additionally, you’ll have people likely in every room of your house, exploring. 

Even if there isn’t any…

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Woman holding hands over wooden home with candle inside

The Dan Plowman real estate team wishes all of Durham Region a very happy 2023!

The start of a new year means new goals for a better you. While we don’t always stick to our New Year’s resolutions, we do (usually!) focus on something we’d like to improve on over the course of the year. But what about your home? 

This January, don’t forget fire safety! This is an often overlooked aspect when it comes to your property—and it’s incredibly important. Here are our fire safety tips to help you and your Durham Region family safe in 2023. 

The Right Equipment

Safety begins with having the right tools. 

Every home should have working smoke detectors, placed in every bedroom, in every hallway right outside a bedroom, and on every level. It is…

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