• 4 Rules for Staging Luxury Interiors

    4 Rules for Staging Luxury Interiors,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Whether you’ve just moved into your luxury home or you’re planning to sell and want to stage it as optimally as possible, there are a lot of elements to consider. We’ve all seen luxury homes so terribly decorated that they did little justice to the home’s stately architecture or premium finishes. Don’t let that be […]

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  • How to Stage Your Extra Bedrooms

    How to Stage Your Extra Bedrooms,Mike McCarthy Realty

    If you’re selling a property, you might have bedrooms to spare. And while you might be tempted to leave them staged as, well, bedrooms, having a surplus of spaces can actually be a great opportunity to show buyers what they could really be used for. A Dressing RoomGot a spare bedroom? Why not turn it […]

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  • 5 Ways to Make the Most of a Small Space

    5 Ways to Make the Most of a Small Space,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Rents are on the rise in Canada’s hottest cities, and as prices go up, the size of living spaces will inevitably go down. But a smaller home doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style and comfort. With the right decorating tips, 500 square feet can feel like a palace. Here’s how you can make the most […]

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  • 4 Potential Reno Ideas Best Left Alone

    4 Potential Reno Ideas Best Left Alone,Mike McCarthy Realty

    If you’re set to do some home renovations, there’s one thing you want to make sure of—that you’ll ultimately get a good return on your investment (ROI). Some Canadians go all out on upgrades of their humble abodes, and that’s terrific if you plan on spending many years in your home. But there are some […]

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  • Behind the Scenes of a Real Estate Transaction

    Behind the Scenes of a Real Estate Transaction,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Buying a home is likely the largest financial transaction you’ll make in your entire life. It seems like it should be a personal decision for that reason. However, a decision this big requires many people to make it happen; probably more than you realize if you’re a first-time buyer. Here’s who you’ll want on your […]

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  • Should You Buy a Home Near a School?

    Should You Buy a Home Near a School?,Mike McCarthy Realty

    When it comes to buying a home in Canada, the decision to move near a school might not be as black and white as you’d think. Here are a few factors you’ll have to consider before taking the plunge. Do you have or plan on having kids? It’s the obvious question, but one you should always […]

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  • How to Sell a Home on a Busy Street

    How to Sell a Home on a Busy Street,Mike McCarthy Realty

    When you bought your home, the fact that it’s on a busy street obviously didn’t affect your decision. Now that you’re ready to sell, it may be an issue for some purchasers. Just remember, though, that you bought the place even despite the busy street, so know that the right purchaser will come along. In […]

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  • 9 Tricks for Organizing Your Kitchen Counter

    9 Tricks for Organizing Your Kitchen Counter,Mike McCarthy Realty

    For many Canadians, the kitchen is the hub of the home. It’s a gathering place for chats over coffee or tea, catching up on what’s happening in family members’ lives. As such, things could get a little disorganized when it comes to kitchen—kids leaving the peanut butter and jelly out, dirty dishes waiting to be […]

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  • 7 Eco-Friendly Decor Items for Your Home

    7 Eco-Friendly Decor Items for Your Home,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Homeowners are becoming more aware of environmental issues and many are consciously trying to do something to make things better. They are using more environmentally-friendly materials in their homes and are even choosing decor items that meet their environmental goals. If you have been thinking about playing your own part in aiding the environment, here […]

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  • 4 Vitamins You Should Consider Adding to Your Routine

    4 Vitamins You Should Consider Adding to Your Routine,Mike McCarthy Realty

    While it’s easy to just take a multivitamin and call it a day, there are a few vitamins that your body just doesn’t get enough of even if you eat right and take a high-quality multivitamin daily—especially when living in sun-deprived Canada. Here are a few vitamins worth picking up next time you’re at the […]

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  • Condos or Single-Family Homes? Canadians Prefer This

    Condos or Single-Family Homes? Canadians Prefer This,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Recent numbers from the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) are showing certain trends in Canadian homes sales. According to BILD CEO, David Wilkes, these trends show a major shift in what Canadians want and find feasible when it comes to purchasing a home. Here’s what the numbers show: Condo demand is still high. Condos […]

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  • 3 Beginner Houseplants to Freshen Up Your Space

    3 Beginner Houseplants to Freshen Up Your Space,Mike McCarthy Realty

    We’ve all been the person who kills a houseplant (or two…or three) well before their time. With a busy schedule, it can be hard to remember watering instructions, and before you know it, you’re waking up one morning to a wilted plant beyond saving. But don’t despair! There are plenty of plants ready to weather […]

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  • Year-Round Home Decorating Hacks

    Year-Round Home Decorating Hacks,Mike McCarthy Realty

    People spend hundreds of dollars and hours of time decorating for the holidays. Doesn’t it seem silly to do all that for a single month of festivities? Here’s a secret: it doesn’t have to be the holiday season, or even winter, for you to steal some of these cozy decorating ideas. WreathsA wreath with pine […]

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  • Electric vs. Water-Based Heated Flooring

    Electric vs. Water-Based Heated Flooring,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Living in Canada means one thing—for at least half the year, the weather is cold, leaving your home cold. Heated flooring has become a popular option to help deal with cold feet throughout the icy Canadian winter. If you’ve decided to take the plunge and invest in one of the greatest home luxuries of all, […]

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  • 4 Tips for Efficiency During a Remodel

    4 Tips for Efficiency During a Remodel,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Congratulations! You’ve chosen to undertake a remodelling project. Follow these tried-and-true tips to declutter before the renovation to make everything easier once it’s all said and done. Embrace the minimalist within. Even if you bought your fixer-upper in the country specifically because it offers you more space than a high-rise in Toronto, downsizing is always a […]

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  • 3 Tips for Moving in the Winter

    3 Tips for Moving in the Winter,Mike McCarthy Realty

    We all know that the first dusting of snow can come as early as October and the last of it might not leave until March. That means if you’re a homebuyer in Canada, there’s a good chance you might end up undertaking a move during weather that’s less than ideal. Use the tips to tackle […]

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  • 7 Ideas to Up Your Home's Curb Appeal

    7 Ideas to Up Your Home's Curb Appeal,Mike McCarthy Realty

    How your home looks when purchasers pull up to it may actually help them to instantly fall in love. Curb appeal matters to most Canadian homeowners and first impressions can be everything. A home’s exterior may mean the difference between a purchaser stepping on the gas or hesitating from the get-go. Take care of the […]

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  • How to Create a Luxury Spa in Your Home

    How to Create a Luxury Spa in Your Home,Mike McCarthy Realty

    There are few experiences more relaxing and revitalizing than a trip to the spa. An increasing number of homeowners are realizing the benefits of an in-home spa. If you’ve ever dreamed about having a luxurious space all of your own, there has never been a better time to consider integrating a personal home spa into […]

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  • 4 Tricks for Better Sleep Habits

    4 Tricks for Better Sleep Habits,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Getting at least seven hours of sleep a night is imperative, yet many of us get much less and never feel truly rested. There are a few ways to help ensure you fall and stay asleep each night, and they’re not hard to implement either. Keep the bedroom dark and cool. Humans sleep best when the […]

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  • 3 Signs You're Ready to Buy

    3 Signs You're Ready to Buy,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Studies show that buying a home still ranks high on the priority list for Canadians. For many renters, the question eventually becomes not just “should we?” but “when will we?” In the great rent or buy debate, it’s true that there’s a lot to consider. Before talking to a real estate agent about taking the […]

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