The season of pumpkin spice is once again upon us, and so are fall decorating traditions. For many of us, the transition from summer to fall is a nostalgic time to break out the spooky decor, unpack the turkey-themed table runner and adorn the front door with our favourite fall wreath. But, if dressing up the house with orange pumpkins and burlap year after year is getting a bit stale over time, there’s no harm in shaking up your fall decorating choices this season.

Here are four new 2023 fall decor trends you can try in your home (sans pumpkins):

Earthy tones

Fall colours are traditionally defined by shades of orange, red and brown. This year, more earth-like tones are making their way into home, including varieties of sage green, warm beige and caramel, rustic brick red and earthy terracotta. You can achieve this softer, more muted fall look through coloured glassware, cushion covers, ceramics, blankets and other housewares that are easy to swap out when the seasons change. If you’re looking to add a contrasting statement piece to your interior this fall, try introducing an eye-catching accent colour with a hint of black, indigo or copper.

Rustic touches

Rustic furniture is a staple in fall design this year. Building off of the theme of warm and earth-inspired interiors, distressed or vintage finds will bring a touch of charm to your home this season. The most economical and environmentally-friendly way to pull off this look is with the help of your local thrift store or online marketplaces, where you’re likely to find an array of second-hand furniture, rugs and trinkets. You don’t need to spend a lot to add a ton of character to your space.

Layered textures

As the temperature drops, we tend to layer up with different fabrics to keep our bodies warm – it’s no different for our homes.

This fall, mix and match different layers of textures and fabrics for an extra cozy feel. Whether it’s your bedding, accent cushions or rugs, get creative with different textiles, such as wool, knit, velvet, satin and cashmere. If your interior tastes are more neutral, you can still achieve this trend with a monochromatic colour palette to elevate your home.

Fruits and flowers

Move aside pumpkins – fruits are all the rage this year. Instead of opting for your typical array of white and orange gourds, fruits are taking centre stage in 2023. Seasonal fruits, such as apples, figs and pears, can be repurposed as place cards or arranged in bowls for a less expected fall centrepiece. Alternatively, you can showcase fruits through decorative flatware and table textiles, such as fabric napkins. If fruits aren’t really your thing, opt for dried florals instead like pampas grass, sunflowers or wheat stalks to add a touch of ‘Cottage Core’ to your living space.

Bonus tip: Give attention to outdoor spaces

Mild weather is known to last into mid-October in some parts of the country, meaning we can use our beloved outdoor spaces for longer periods of time. Show your balcony, patio or backyard some fall decor love too by dressing it up with lanterns, wreaths and seasonal flowers, such as chrysanthemums or hydrangeas. Add a touch of coziness around your outdoor fireplace or sitting area with water-resistant pillows and blankets in your favourite fall colours and patterns.

Warmer weather and sunnier skies are upon us. With the Victoria Day long weekend (aka the unofficial start to summer) on the horizon, thousands of Canadians are preparing to reopen the cottages for the season once again. Of course, you can’t just jump straight into enjoying a weekend away at the cabin without a little maintenance work first. Unwinterized properties that have been vacant for the last several months will need some love and attention to get them up and running again post-winter.

If you’re thinking of re-opening your cottage this weekend or sometime soon, here are a few tips to make the process smooth and simple:

Start the reopening process before you arrive

Before you make the long drive to the cottage, begin the reopening process a couple of weeks before you plan to access the property.

Start by calling your utility providers to turn on the power, internet, gas and any other services you may have paused during the off season. While you’re at it, it doesn’t hurt to schedule a chimney inspection and a cleaning of your septic tank or outhouse to ensure your cottage’s major systems are up to par. Check in with your insurance provider to make sure that the policy for your property, boats, ATVs and trailers are up to date. Don’t forget to pack your reopening essentials too, like batteries, tools, keys and cleaning supplies.

Take a walk around the property

Upon arrival, do a thorough walk about your lot to look for signs of weather damage. Inspect the roof for missing shingles, blocked gutters, leaks or any branches that may have fallen during the winter. On the ground, keep an eye out for signs of rot on your deck or siding, broken windows or wildlife that may have made their way indoors during the winter.

Once inside, inspect your cottage for dampness, pests or unpleasant odours. Get some fresh air running through your cottage and flush out any stale smells by opening all of the windows and doors. This is also a good opportunity to look for any mould or mildew that may be lurking around window sills and entryways. If there is any serious damage to the property, be sure to alert your insurance provider immediately.

Restore the utilities

Once your property looks safe inside and outside, it’s time to boot up the electricity and water again.

When closing your cottage, you likely drained the pipes and shut off the water supply. Before you turn on the taps, inspect your pipes for leaks or cracks that may have occurred from freezing — a burst pipe is not a fun way to start out the cottage season! If pipes were disconnected, be sure to reconnect them before starting your water pump, filling your water heater and replacing the filter. Once you turn your main valve on, allow water to run through one faucet for a few minutes to flush the water lines. Water systems vary by property – some draw from a well while others draw water from a lake – so enlist the help of a professional if necessary.

When it comes to turning your cottage’s electricity back on, inspect your metre and power lines before flipping on the main switch. Go room by room to ensure major appliances, lights and outlets are working as they should.

Restock the essentials

Before you officially break out the Muskoka chairs and settle in, remember to check those smaller to-do items off your list. Ensure that your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries and replace the filter in your central air system if you have one. Don’t forget to refill fire extinguishers and top up the first aid kit with new supplies before you kick back and relax.

Looking for insights into Canada’s most popular cottage country markets? Check out the latest findings in the Royal LePage 2023 Spring Recreational Property Report.

Many Canadians are keen to get a foot on the investment property ladder. For some, that means prioritizing an income property ahead of their own home.

According to a recent Royal LePage survey conducted by Leger,1 21% of investors in the Greater Vancouver region do not own their primary residence (a combination of those who rent and live rent-free) – notably higher than the national average of 15% (14% in the GTA and 15% in the GMA). 54% of investors in the region say that they are likely to purchase an additional residential investment property within the next five years. This is higher than the national figure (51%), and those in the greater regions of Toronto (47%) and Montreal (52%).

The appetite for real estate investment is strong in the Greater Vancouver area. Unlike stocks or other investment types, real estate investing offers the convenience of dual utility – you can live in your home or rent it out as a source of income. There is a positive association between home ownership and the creation of personal wealth in Vancouver. Buying an investment property is an important financial decision for many investors who are looking to take advantage of anticipated long-term price growth in the region. As trusted advisors to our clients, we often guide prospective investors to not just buy the market, but to focus on buying the opportunity, especially during slower seasonal periods and market corrections

According to the survey, 28% of investors in Greater Vancouver say that increased lending rates have caused them to consider selling one or more of their investment properties. When asked about their plans for the future, 28% of investors in the region say they are likely to sell one or more of their investment properties within the next two years.

When the pandemic took hold, many in the industry, including myself, thought there would be a slowdown in investor appetite as buyers moved away from condos and opted for more space in the suburbs. However, those changes never fully materialized – investor confidence has held firm. In fact, it came back stronger than ever with the help of record low interest rates. In today’s post-pandemic era, despite higher borrowing costs, I expect more people will enter the investor segment as rates hold and eventually ease. Buyers will be looking for opportunities in the market.

Continue reading for more insights into the national real estate investor market.

1 An online survey of 1003 Canadians 18+, who own one or more residential investment properties, was completed between March 2, 2023, and March 17, 2023, using Leger’s online panel. No margin of error can be associated with a non-probability sample (i.e., a web panel in this case). For comparative purposes, though, a probability sample of 1003 respondents would have a margin of error of ±3%, 19 times out of 20. N.B

From graduates moving back home after finishing post-secondary school, to elderly parents living with their adult children, more Canadians are choosing to cohabitate with family members.

Although the tradition of generations residing together under one roof is not a new concept, the trend has become more common in North America in recent years. In an effort to communally raise young children and care for elderly family members, as well as share housing costs in an increasingly competitive market, many Canadians are choosing to share their living space with relatives.

Though there are many financial and emotional benefits to living with family, the arrangement can feel chaotic at times if your home isn’t set up to function with multiple families. If you’re weighing the decision to cohabitate, here are a few tips on how to convert your home into a space that supports multi-generational living.

Include separation of space

Everyone needs their own downtime when living together, so it’s important to create a sense of privacy and separation when cohabitating with multiple families.

If space and budget permits, building a secondary unit on the property can offer the ultimate in-law suite or apartment for adult children. Converting your basement into a separate apartment with its own kitchenette, bathroom and living space is also a convenient way to provide separate living quarters within the same household.

If a major renovation isn’t on the cards, try adding some extra privacy through the use of interior soundproofing, room dividers and separate entrances. By building more than one entryway into the home, you can streamline the flow of foot traffic through multiple doors, while giving occupants a greater sense of autonomy.

Before undertaking any major renovation or construction project, contact your municipality’s building department to ensure you have obtained the correct permits and are informed of any additional requirements regarding separate entrances, addresses, utilities, etc.

Mindfully consider your layout

Living with multiple generations under one roof may require some creativity.

Multi-generational households may choose to include one or two bedrooms on the main level of the home in addition to the bedrooms upstairs. This is not only beneficial for elderly occupants who will find it easier to navigate one level, but can also provide some additional privacy by separating the bedrooms over two floors. If you live in a single-floor property, consider converting rooms on opposite sides of the home into bedrooms, if possible.

It’s also important to strike a balance between separation and togetherness. Open concept layouts in shared dining, living and kitchen areas offer a place for families to gather. Larger communal areas can not only accommodate more people, but also lend enough breathing room for wheelchairs, walkers and space for getting around furniture.

When living with many people, it’s important to maximize every square foot for multi-tasking too. Consider converting some of the underutilized spaces of your home – such as the attic, garage or den – into flexible spaces that can be adapted into areas for hobbies, a home office, a kids’ playroom, or extra storage.

Keep accessibility in mind

If your multi-generational household includes older family members, it’s crucial to think about their accessibility needs – today and in the future.

Layouts that include wider doorways and hallways, removing doors where possible and adding ramps or stairlifts, can be beneficial for those with mobility constraints. Consider the amount of space needed for mobility devices to comfortably turn circles in each room. Slip-resistant flooring like carpet, good lighting, grab handles and railings are also important to factor in when retrofitting your home for elderly occupants.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers online guides for designing accessible spaces in the home.

Take advantage of tax credits

If you’re renovating your home for the purposes of multi-generational living, then you may be entitled to a tax break.

As of 2023, the federal Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit is available as a refundable credit towards the creation of a secondary unit that a ‘qualifying individual’ will live in, such as a parent, grandparent, sibling or spouse. The credit is applicable on the renovation of, or addition to, an eligible dwelling that a qualifying individual will reside in. Applicants can claim up to $50,000 in rebates during the taxation year in which the renovation period ends.

1-2381 Argue Street Port Coquitlam $1,595,000.00

Welcome to “Boardwalk”

This beautiful former Liberty Homes display home has a stunning view of the Fraser River from 3 angles.

Imagine sitting on your decks & watching the boats go by. Main floor has 9ft ceilings & large windows.

Elegant living room with gas fireplace & dining room has sliders leading to a large sundeck.

The family room has a tv alcove & bonus shelves. Updated bright white kitchen with stone counters+gas range+SS appliances+breakfast bar+eating area.

Easy care wood flooring + custom blinds.

Sundeck off of family room is perfect for BBQing & people watching. You will spend hours here.

Elegant primary bedroom with walk-in closet & soaker tub in ensuite.

2 other good size bedrooms, all with water view.

Walkout daylight basement with rec room with custom cabinets for storage & 3-piece bath, perfect for the teen + patio.

Great yard space. Air conditioning.

 http://www.listings.360hometours.ca/15800