Elizabeth LaPointe
5055 Plantation Place L5M 6J3 Mississauga, ON, Canada

New Decking Options When you decide it’s time to install or replace a deck surface, you may find there are more choices than you had expected. There are many new materials and installation options that have come to the market over just the past few years. For example, in addition to traditional wood decking, there are contemporary synthetic and composite materials that possess properties that are remarkably similar to natural wood species in terms of texture, appearance, de...nsity and workability. However, these materials offer superior durability in tough weather conditions and a wider range of colours than natural surfaces. In addition, manufactured decking surfaces provide barefoot comfort without worry of splinters, as well as water-shedding properties that help improve traction after a rainstorm. Synthetic materials are also very popular when it comes to railings and steps thanks to innovative installation systems that are easy enough for most industrious homeowners to tackle. Many offer pre-cut and/or interlocking pieces. As well, certain aluminium installations are enjoying renewed popularity thanks to new options that are clad in vinyl for extended protection and reduced maintenance. Not ready to tackle the job yourself? Give me a call and we can explore your options. Elizabeth LaPointe 416-710-2657

I'm so excited to be able to finally announce that I am on the steering team for the new 100 Women Who Care Mississauga chapter! Our soft launch is today and our website is live! 100 Women Who Care Mississauga is a group of women who are passionate about local community causes and are committed to community service. 100 Women Who Care chapters gather a few times a year, for just one hour, to raise money for a local charity. You can find out more about this wonderful group he...re: * On the website https://100womenwhocaremississauga.com * FB page 100 Women Who Care Mississauga * IG https://www.instagram.com/100womenwhocaremississauga * LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/100womenwhocaremississauga/. We're looking for new chapter members as well as sponsors (all donations at the events go directly to local charities so our sponsors help cover the expenses of running the chapter). Let me know if you're interested in either one! I can't wait to see the impact we can have together in Mississauga!

March completed the GTA’s 2021 Q1 real estate story with results consistent with January and February record sales numbers, price appreciation and market pace. Comparing March 2021 numbers with the same month last year is, of course, somewhat problematic given COVID-19’s market-halting impact mid-March 2020. Looking at the activity for the quarter, the story has solidly been about inventory and pace of sales. February 2021 reported a record fast absorption rate of only 3.5 ...weeks of inventory in the GTA. Despite a 57% increase in new listings coming on market, March 2021’s absorption was even faster. With an average of 3,612 units selling per week, there was less than 3 weeks of available inventory. Add on a five-year Days On Market low of 10 DOM, and the speed of the market has never been faster. Finally, a quick word on Condos. Anyone looking for a bargain, won’t find it in the GTA. The very brief softening of condo prices in Toronto has passed and with sales activity surpassing even that of March 2017 the previous high watermark for the month it’s fair to anticipate renewed price acceleration for condos in the months ahead. See more

Should You Worry About Competition? Buying a home is different than purchasing most other products in one important respect: agreeing to the price tag doesn’t guarantee you’ll get the property! There may be competing offers. Fortunately, there is plenty that can be done to increase your chances of getting the home you want. ... The most effective strategy is to be proactive. Get alerted to and go to see properties that match your criteria the moment they come on the market. That way, you’ll get a jump on competing buyers. When you find a home you want, go in at the right price. You don’t want to pay too much, but your offer does need to signal to the seller that you’re serious. Effective offer presentation and negotiation also play vital roles. Having your offer presented with expertise and skill will maximize your chances of getting the deal. Yes, competing offers can make you anxious. But, if you have the right expert working on your behalf, you can breathe a little easier. Want more information? Give me a call and we can explore your options. Elizabeth 416-710-2657

Be Prepared for Power Failures We are all vulnerable to unexpected power disruptions, but with a few advance preparations, potential inconveniences and dangers can be avoided or at least minimized. As a starting point, every home should have emergency supplies that include basics such as candles and matches, flashlight(s) and fresh batteries, a first-aid kit, and at least one large jug of fresh water.... If possible, it is advisable to have an even more extensive emergency kit. Consider keeping a stock of dried foods and/or canned goods, all-weather emergency blankets, waterproof clothing and footwear, as well as cash for consumables such as fuel and food supplies. Anyone requiring medications should always renew them before running too low to ensure sufficient supply. Likewise, all battery-powered devices should be kept charged including computers, cell phones and mobility vehicles. For some, the inconveniences of a power-outage outweigh the cost of installing a gas-powered generator. Whether you’re ready to incur that expense or simply plan to stock up on supplies, it’s always wise to take steps that will see you and your loved ones through a power failure.

My new reading space!. Do you have a space just for you?

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. Helen Keller #achieve

When it Comes to Offers, its Not Always about Price When considering which of two or more competing offers to accept for your home, there is no doubt price will play a huge role. After all, if Offer #1 is $10,000 higher than Offer #2, thats an enticing difference that puts thousands of extra dollars in your pocket. However, price isnt the only thing you should think about when comparing multiple offers. There are other factors you need to consider too.... For example, youll need to think about the impact of any conditions that are in the offer. If Offer #1 is conditional on the buyer selling their current property, then what happens if they dont? You could end up with an offer that dies and be forced to list your home all over again. In that circumstance, accepting the lower offer may be your best move. Theres also financing to consider. Most sellers will attach a certificate from their mortgage lender to show that they can afford the home and will likely secure financing with little difficulty. If you get an offer where the ability of the seller to get financing is in doubt, thats a red flag. The closing date is another important factor. Offer #2 might propose a closing date thats perfect for you, while Offer #1 is four weeks later. If youve already purchased another home, you might require a month of bridge financing if you accept Offer #1. Theres nothing wrong with that per se, but the costs and additional hassle are factors you should consider. As you can see, assessing competing offers isnt as easy as it looks. Still not clear on how multiple offers are handled and what it means to you as a buyer or seller? Give me a call and we can discuss. Elizabeth LaPointe 416-710-2657 #buyer #seller #sellersmarket#bue#seller

Clean or Replace Air Filters and Fan Screens Its a good idea to clean or replace your homes air filters and screens at least once a year to help keep your indoor environment safe from mould, dust mites and other allergens. But dont stop at your heating, ventilation and cooling/air-conditioning systems. Think of all the other filters and screens that need cleaning, such as those in humidifiers, range hoods, bathroom fans, and windows. Unfortunately, homeowners often neglect... to clean or replace their range hood filters. This can lead to a thick buildup of greasy residue that could easily compromise the important function of removing cooking gases, odours and humidity from the stovetop area. The result can be unhealthy air trapped in your kitchen, not to mention an accumulation of a thin film on your walls, ceilings and countertops. Likewise, bathroom fans and window screens can trap layers of dust over time that will hinder the free flow of air to and from the rooms you want to be well ventilated.

My daughter moved out a few weeks ago. This is now my office . What would you do with your adult kids room if they moved out? Shelley Foster And Julie Armstrong. Thanks for the artwork

Rent is even more expensive now! Thinking of buying? Lets explore your options! Give me a call Elizabeth LaPointe 416-710-2657

Looks like fall is in the air!! Are you looking forward to the cool crisp days or wishing summer continues?

Thinking of selling your home but overwhelmed by the jargon? Let me translate it into easy to understand terms. Give me a call Elizabeth LaPointe 416-710-2657

So sad to see this majestic place in this condition what would you do with this house if you got the opportunity? Renovate it? Tear it down? Or Restore it to its former glory?

Want to Sell Your House Faster? Make it Anonymous What do you notice when you visit a model home in a new development? Often, you will find wonderfully furnished and decorated rooms that anyone could live in. The operative word here is anyone.... Sure, there might be a computer screen on a desk in the den, or a childs doll sitting in a corner, but for the most part, all the rooms are anonymous. There is a sense of family, but no specific family the feeling of personality, but no specific person. The professionals who set up a model home make it anonymous for a reason. They want buyers to view it as their potential home, not someone elses. These professionals know - based on decades of experience - that this strategy helps sell houses faster and for a better price. Why not use this same strategy when showing your home? Its easy. Just put away that soccer trophy, take down the wedding photo, and box those souvenirs from the family vacation at Disneyland. No, you dont have to completely empty your closets and drawers. Just pack those personal items that can be seen when a potential buyer views a room. Put away toothbrushes, collectibles, even unopened mail. Dont forget to clear the fridge door, which is often a mosaic of personal items in family homes. If you have lots of personal items, consider renting a storage unit for the few weeks that your house will be on the market. Its worth the investment. You wouldnt think of buying a birthday cake with a strangers name on it. Keep that in mind when you show your home. Make it anonymous! Need more ideas for selling your house faster and for the best price possible? Call today. Elizabeth LaPointe 416-710-2657

Another record breaking month in real estate sales! Curious about what your house is worth? Give me a call. Elizabeth LaPointe 416-710-2657

Selling your home is a big decision at the best of times. However, this year, with all its turbulence and uncertainty, many homeowners are understandably nervous about the process. Most of that anxiety is simply the result of not having the information you need. If youre thinking of selling for example, you might be wondering: How does it work these days? How do buyers see my home? How long will my property take to sell? How much will it likely sell for?... The more good information you have, the less nervous youll be. In fact, when you have all your questions answered and you know what to expect, you might even feel enthusiastic about moving forward with your plans to list. So, dont let unanswered questions hold you back from selling your home. Give me a call. Id be happy to fill you in on whats happening in the local market, answer your questions, and give you the advice you need. Elizabeth LaPointe 416-710-2657

Michelle Anns home almost ready

Do you have an adult child still living at home? Maybe its time for them to find tgeir own place. I can help!! Update: Moving day was last weekend!!! My daughters townhouse before and after. Thanks to Ted of Dom Painting for the great painting of the whole house and Alex of AG Construction for the fabulous flooring installation and changing the stairs from ugly carpet to beautiful hardwood and all the little details like replacement of most of the light fixtures etc.

If people knew how hard I had to work to gain my mastery, it wouldnt seem wonderful at all. MichelangeloIf people knew how hard I had to work to gain my mastery, it wouldnt seem wonderful at all. Michelangelo

Give Outdoor Furniture a Facelift As the summer stretches on, and your patio furnishings start to show the signs of use, you may want to try these simple ways o...f restoring them to their original lustre. Before trying any of these techniques, always test in an inconspicuous area first. For vinyl cushions and fabrics without specific instructions for upkeep, try a mixture of water and mild detergent with an oxicleansing additive for stains. Avoid chlorine bleach that can corrode stitching and cause discolouration. Rinse thoroughly and dry without direct sunlight. Furniture frames require specific care, depending on the material. Wicker should be vacuumed and/or brushed before a gentle washing and rinsing with a garden hose (not a power washer). Aluminum frames will keep their appearance longer if you apply and buff a coating of car wax after wiping clean and drying. Natural woods fare well when scrubbed with commercial oil soap (not detergent), and can retain their integrity longer with a weather-resistant stain or urethane treatment. To help your outdoor furniture last from season to season, invest in weather-resistant slip covers. Looking for other maintenance tips? Check here often! Or give me a call. Elizabeth LaPointe. 416-710-2657

Took a stroll through Port Credit tonight to check out these beautiful classic cars. In the area? They will be there every Thursday in August. Come down for a stroll and support the local businesses

Cheap Ways to Improve Curb Appeal Lets face it. If youre selling your home, you probably dont want to spend the time or money on a complete landscaping project. Luckily, you probably dont need to. There are a number of affordable ways to improve curb appeal and impress buyers who drive up to your home. You can make a big impact by creating a more welcoming entrance. For example, paint the front door and frame, and place potted plants on either side.... You can also significantly improve your curb appeal by not only mowing the lawn, but also pruning trees and shrubs. Use a power washer to clean the walkways and driveway. A good cleaning can make them look almost new. And, dont forget the front windows. Make sure window coverings look just as good from the outside as they do inside. Thinking about selling or just have some real estate questions? Give me a call and we can explore your options. Elizabeth LaPointe 416-710-2657

Afternoon walk at Rattray Marsh in South Mississauga. What a beautiful peaceful place. I would love to see your favourite walking spots in your neighbourhood. Share in comments

Staging a Kitchen that Wows Buyers If you havent heard of staging, its a fairly straightforward concept. It simply involves cleaning, organizing and preparing your home in such a way as to make it look its best to potential buyers. One of the most difficult rooms to stage is the kitchen, because its one of the most used. You cant just set it up to look nice for a viewing and then never go back in! Yet, an effectively staged kitchen can help sell your home, because its ...the room that buyers often scrutinize and remember the most. Here are some basic kitchen staging tips: Be relentless when decluttering your kitchen. Stow or get rid of any unnecessary items. Clear the countertops. Leave no more than two appliances in view. This will give the impression that theres a lot of counter space available. Make sure the sink shines. If regular cleaners dont work, there are a number of specialty products available for cleaning sinks of all kinds, including stainless steel. Consider making upgrades. You could do something as simple as replacing cabinetry hardware, or go as far as installing a new countertop. Paint or stain cabinetry. One of the most affordable and impactful improvements you can make to the kitchen is painting. A new coat of paint or other finish can make older, worn cabinets look like new. Add some fresh flowers in a vase. Flowers brighten up any room, especially the kitchen. Need more tips on making your home show well, so it sells faster and for the price you want? Call today. Elizabeth LaPointe 416-710-2657

I went to a home inspection with my client yesterday. All went well. Sellers took great care of their home. They even set the table for us

I was out with a client showing properties last week. Each time putting on socks and a disposable mask. So on Saturday she gave me a little gift of socklets and reusable mask. So thoughtful

Samira Walli. Wow !!!! You are my 500 th page like. THANK YOU SO MUCH .

Always grateful for clients who become friends.

Does Your Home Insurance Cover Everything? When you suffer damage to your home or its contents, you expect your insurance company to help you out. And, most do a good job of doing just that.... Still, its a good idea to review your policy with your insurance advisor and find out whats covered and what isnt. For example, you dont want to discover that your policy will not cover the cost of repairing the damage caused by a flood in your laundry room. Pay particular attention to coverage in the case of water damage. Some insurance policies dont cover floods and sewer backup unless an additional rider is purchased. Also, check liability limits. Ask your advisor to recommend an appropriate level. Finally, make sure you know exactly how much your home is insured for. Are you covered for the full replacement cost? Are you comfortable with that coverage or would you rather only insure for the actual cash value? Having the right insurance policy gives you peace-of-mind and is an important part of enjoying your home.

According to the Royal LePage House Price Survey and Market Survey Forecast, the price of a home in Canada rose 6.8% year-over-year to $673,072 in the second quarter, due to low inventory levels and pent up demand. As a result, Royal LePage has revised its Canadian home price forecast with the national aggregate price expected to end 2020 up 2.3% to $663,000 in the fourth quarter compared to the same period in 2019. To read more, please visit: rlp.ca/Q2-2020-hps-release

BBQ Maintenance that Can Save Your Life According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than 160 people are injured each year in BBQ mishaps. That doesnt sound like a lot considering the number of people who flip burgers on their backyard grills each year. But, you certainly dont want to be one of those who get injured! The best way to prevent fire and injury is maintenance. Remarkably, few people are even aware that BBQ maintenance is necessary. It is.... Every summer, experts say you should clean out the venturi tubes. Those are the little metal pipes that carry propane or natural gas. Pipe cleaners work well, although hardware stores also carry specialized tools for this purpose. The goal is to clean out any built-up dirt and debris. Dont be surprised if you find spider webs inside a venturi tube! Your BBQ grills should also be cleaned with soap and water each year. Just scraping them before barbequing isnt enough. Fat and oils from cooking can build up on grills and harden. If youre getting a lot of flare-ups, this may be the cause. Finally, make sure nuts and bolts are tightened regularly, and replace any rusty hardware. Regular use, heat and weather can loosen or weaken bolts, particularly on the frame. Several fires each year are caused by BBQs tipping over or collapsing.

The greatest mistake we make is living in constant fear that well make one. John C. Maxwell

Happy Canada Day!!! How are you celebrating today?

My vegetable garden is doing well and so is my flower garden. Who has planted vegetables for the first this year?

I love my garden at this time of year. Do you love a garden to work and relax in or do you prefer the convenience of a condo? Share your favourite outdoor space in the comments.