Mike Giesbrecht

Dream homes are often envisioned as being on a waterfront. However, with shoreline erosion, among other effects, shoreline properties can come with major concerns. It’s not uncommon for homes to erode right into the water. Still, that doesn’t prevent some from buying their dream shoreline property. If a home on the water is something you are considering, read on.  Insurance — Do your resea ...

  Do you ever dream of living in style at the top of a building in a penthouse? If it’s something you think you might want to make a reality at some point, read on for some pros and cons to weigh before buying a penthouse.  Pros  Panoramic views with lots of light Often has added features lower floors don’t, such as more square footage and higher ceilings Can be a great investment, esp ...

Dreaming of a Church Conversion? Here’s What You Need to Know Have you ever looked at a church with its beautiful stained-glass windows and thought what a wonderful home it would make? As church attendance declines, more churches are being scooped up by reno enthusiasts. If a church conversion is something you are thinking of, here’s what you should consider: Check what permits or varianc ...

Embracing Wide Open Spaces With ‘Barndos’ In the home design world, the term “open concept” has taken on a new meaning. If you like spacious layouts, the idea of industrial-meets-rustic style, and are looking for an economical home, you may want to consider a “barndo,” aka “barndominium.” These homes have become popular recently, particularly in rural areas, since being featured on a popular ...

Cues It’s Time to Downsize If you are nearing retirement or you are already retired, you may be thinking about downsizing, as it can free up your finances and simplify your life, allowing you to enjoy a greater quality of life.  So, what are some cues that it's time to downsize?  You are having frequent falls or trouble navigating the stairs. If this is the case, you may be safer in a si ...

Prepping Your Home for a Successful Spring/Summer Sale Are you planning to sell your property this spring  or summer? Here are some tips for a successful spring sale.   Price your home competitively — Research comparable properties in your area for what they listed and sold for and use these as a guide. Be prepared to negotiate on price and terms — Think about the lowest price that woul ...

How to Choose a Real Estate Lawyer When buying and selling real estate, besides a good REALTOR®, the person who helps protect your interests the most is a good real estate lawyer. So, what are the top qualities and traits of a good real estate lawyer? Seasoned — 90 percent of their practice should be focused on real estate in your location. A transparent fee structure — Are there hidden ...

Staging Blunders to Avoid When priming your home for sale there are some definite missteps you can make if you just “wing it,” which can affect the sale of your home. So, to prevent this from happening, read on for staging mistakes to avoid. Hodge-podge of styles — Maintain a cohesive style throughout your home to create a harmonious “look and feel.” Personal and bold — Put away your per ...

Selling a fixer-upper property can be challenging, but the process can be made a lot smoother by making some smart decisions: Hire a REALTOR® with a proven track record of selling fixer-uppers. You need a REALTOR® who knows how to market your property to potential buyers. When interviewing agents, ask for past examples of fixer-upper sales. Decide if it’s worthwhile financially and time ...

  It’s a new year, so what better time to practice the art of letting go of your sentimental clutter, to clear your space and mind? Letting go of sentimental clutter can be challenging, so for some tips on making it easier, keep reading.  Ease into it by starting with a small, non-sentimental, decluttering task, such as weeding out a junk drawer, or getting rid of kitchen duplicates, expire ...