• Why You Should Buy Your Home During Winter

    Why You Should Buy Your Home During Winter,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Since the warmer months are the busy months when it comes to real estate in Canada, you might not think about starting the buying process in the dead of winter, but there are a few good reasons why you should, especially if you’re hoping for a good deal. More room to negotiate the price. Since there […]

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  • 7 Ways to Improve Your Life

    7 Ways to Improve Your Life,Mike McCarthy Realty

    With the hectic life most Canadians lead, many of us have adopted some not-so-healthy habits and get stuck in thoughts that don’t serve us very well. By letting go of some things that might bring us down, we may start to have less stress and more contentment on a daily basis. Following are seven things […]

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  • DIY Staging Tips for Sellers

    DIY Staging Tips for Sellers,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Staging is a pretty big part of selling a home. Buyers are visual, so a space that’s been thoughtfully staged has a much higher chance of being sold faster, and for a higher asking price. Many real estate agencies have in-house stagers, or work with a reputable company they can recommend to you. But if […]

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  • 7 Ways to Update Your Home for Less Than $100

    7 Ways to Update Your Home for Less Than $100,Mike McCarthy Realty

    It’s no secret that most Canadians love to get a deal. We enjoy hunting for things that look like they’re worth scads of money, but were actually bought at a bargain. In the same vein, a home can be updated to look chic and sleek without emptying the bank. These seven ways to update your […]

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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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  • Don't Make These Classic Moving Mistakes

    Don't Make These Classic Moving Mistakes,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Moving can be exciting. Whether you’re downsizing, buying your first home, moving across Canada or just minutes away, a new start holds so much promise. Before you can finally enjoy the fruits of your labour, however, you’ll have to pack up your belongings, haul them to your new place, and unpack them all over again. […]

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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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  • 7 Great Benefits of Cold Weather

    7 Great Benefits of Cold Weather,Mike McCarthy Realty

    To say that Canadians know a little something about cold weather would be an understatement. We know how to bundle up to protect ourselves from the coldest blasts Jack Frost can dish out, even though most of us moan about having to do so. There’s a bright spot though. Studies have shown that there are […]

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  • Tips for Staging Your Backyard on a Budget

    Tips for Staging Your Backyard on a Budget,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Potential buyers are going to get a lot more excited about your home if it has a liveable backyard or patio. When the weather is warm and the days are longer, nothing beats some outdoor living with friends and family. That’s why staging your outdoor space is just as key as staging your indoor space […]

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  • 7 Home Features to Look for During the Retirement Years

    7 Home Features to Look for During the Retirement Years,Mike McCarthy Realty

    As individuals move toward retirement, they may start thinking about what kind of space would be most suitable to meet the needs of growing older. Some may choose to relocate, while others might opt for doing senior-friendly renovations. Following are some things you might want to ponder as you prepare for your Golden Years. Less […]

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  • 4 Things Homebuyers Always Notice in an Open House

    4 Things Homebuyers Always Notice in an Open House,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Homebuyers are pretty observant folks. In fact, it takes only seconds for a prospective buyer to gain a first impression upon entering a home. And while striking staging or expensive features might catch the eye, you would be surprised at what really contributes to a buyer’s first impression. Here’s what they’re most likely to notice […]

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  • 4 Ways to Stay Cozy at Home This Winter

    4 Ways to Stay Cozy at Home This Winter,Mike McCarthy Realty

    It’s cuffing season in Canada, and that means we’re all doing our best to avoid the outside chill. While holidays make the cold weather bearable, the in-between days can be depressing. But if you embrace staying indoors, you’ll find there is plenty to enjoy without taking a step outside your home. Use that streaming subscription. All […]

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  • Watch Out for These Fake Luxury Home Upgrades

    Watch Out for These Fake Luxury Home Upgrades,Mike McCarthy Realty

    There’s a lot of debate about what really constitutes a luxury home, and in some ways, it’s not surprising. There’s nothing to stop anyone from marketing their home as a “luxury property” and, in fact, some homes are designed to carefully mimic upscale finishes and features. So how can you tell these homes from the […]

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  • 4 Tips to Keep in Mind When Downsizing

    4 Tips to Keep in Mind When Downsizing,Mike McCarthy Realty

    While downsizing is a wise move as you get older and need less space, it can also create a lot of additional stress. Suddenly you have to fit a lifetime’s worth of things into a much smaller space. Picking and choosing what to keep and what to get rid of is a challenge, but 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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  • Things to Consider Before Becoming a Landlord

    Things to Consider Before Becoming a Landlord,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Thanks to Canada’s thriving rental market, many homeowners are considering the idea of becoming a landlord. Whether this means buying a second condominium unit as an income property or buying a home with a basement suite to lease out, there are lots of options for rental income. Here’s what you should know before you take […]

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  • Finding the Perfect Real Estate Agent for You

    Finding the Perfect Real Estate Agent for You,Mike McCarthy Realty

    There are a lot of tasks to juggle when it comes to purchasing or selling a property, no doubt about it. From securing financing to finding the perfect neighbourhood for your new investment, buying a home takes resources and some diligent work. One thing that some buyers neglect, however? Shopping around for the perfect luxury […]

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  • What Does it Mean to Refinance Your Mortgage?

    What Does it Mean to Refinance Your Mortgage?,Mike McCarthy Realty

    If most of your money is invested in your home, as is the case for many, there may come a time when you need access to that money. That means your mortgage needs to change too. You might require a change to your payment plan, access to more money or want to lower your borrowing […]

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  • Why 'Wellness' Homes May Help You Live Longer

    Why 'Wellness' Homes May Help You Live Longer,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Everyone today is much more cognizant of their health than they were decades ago. We’re mindful of what we eat and how much exercise we get, and we consider our mental health as important as our physical health. The wellness market internationally is worth more than $4 trillion, and the real estate industry is one […]

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  • What Pet Owners Need to Consider When Buying a Home

    What Pet Owners Need to Consider When Buying a Home,Mike McCarthy Realty

    Buying a home comes with a lot of factors to consider, and it’s easy to get caught up in things like fixtures and amenities and forget about what the furry member of your family might need. If you have a pet, or plan on owning one at some point while living in your new home, […]

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