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Fixture Fever

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You have chosen your cabinets, your colours, your counters and your sink – you’ve even chosen the lighting for your new Toronto kitchen, but, what about the hardware fixtures for your cabinetry? Although seemingly functional and nothing more, the right fixtures can add tremendous functionality and visual interest to your culinary setting.

IWhen going about choosing the right hardware for your Toronto kitchen, it is best to keep certain two key elements in mind – your theme and your finishes.

Your theme will guide you in deciding on the size, shape and finish of your hardware. For instance, if you have rounded handles on your appliances and curves in your light fixtures, then you might want to keep that theme going with your cabinetry hardware. On the other hand if everything in your home is rectangular then those same curved handles would look odd.

TThe finish of your hardware is also very important. Although it is possible to have your kitchen stand alone, most designers prefer to keep the same finish used in the rest of the home. Brushed nickel is a perennial favorite while copper and bronze add a striking accent to country-style kitchens. Lately, designers have been using brushed gold fixtures as striking accents in more contemporary kitchens.

A good rule of thumb is to match fixtures to the colour of the kitchen cabinets as well as the sink. For instance, if you have a copper sink, then you should probably stay away from chrome fixtures. Making sure that all of your colours meld together is a good way to create a harmonious environment for cooking and entertaining.

Consideration should also be given to whether you install knobs or pulls. If you tend to catch yourself on fixtures, then you are better off using pulls. If you do choose pulls make sure that the family member with the largest hands in the family is able to easily insert their hand into the pull to use it. Pulls should be convenient to use.

On the more premium-end of the scale are copper sinks. These beauties last a very long time and retain their good-looks for generations – however, they are sensitive to acids, heat and harsh cleaning agents and are also susceptible to dings and scratches, which often end-up adding to their cachet. However, be prepared to pay for their elegance and to spend more time maintaining them.

Lastly, be sure to purchase good quality hardware. While it might be tempting to stock up on the cheapest handles you find, those handles might not last as long in such a high-use area. It is better to buy something that has a guarantee and will retain its look and finish long-term.

Choosing the right sink

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In any Toronto house, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It is where family and friends automatically gather. Since the kitchen sees so much use – it is only natural to want good finishes and amenities included in it. One of those crucial elements is the sink. A solid, serviceable sink is essential for so many reasons – it must handle temperature extremes, pots and pans, kitchen implements and everything you want to wash in it.

In the past sinks were rather basic and utilitarian – either stainless steel or enameled cast iron. But today, there are a number of very interesting options including granite composite, copper and stone. Your ultimate choice will depend on design, your cabinets and also on how you work. Do you require a double sink, an extra deep bowl, a triple bowl, a drain board? Before rushing out to buy the first sink you see, you should carefully weigh your options and choose based on your lifestyle and needs.

Overmount vs undermount

The first thing to think about is whether you want an undermount or overmount sink. Overmount sinks are easier to install as you simply drop them into the precut hole in your countertop. The lip of the sink forms a seal that prevents water from leaking underneath it. Undermount sinks have become trendy because they expose more of the counter creating a better visual. They can be trickier to install as the edges need to be sealed from underneath to prevent water damage.

Materials

Yes, you can stick with stainless steel, but unless it is a high gauge of steel, these sinks tend to get scratched up easily and will look worn quite quickly. However, they are a tried and true option that have served very well for generations.

Enamel cast-iron sinks are another stable option, however, unless properly cared for, the enamel can wear off, which can leave the coating dull and discoloured.

Granite composite sinks are newer but get very good reviews since they are tough, they don’t scratch easily and they don’t stain. They can also be found in a number of colour variations to suit your design needs.

On the more premium-end of the scale are copper sinks. These beauties last a very long time and retain their good-looks for generations – however, they are sensitive to acids, heat and harsh cleaning agents and are also susceptible to dings and scratches, which often end-up adding to their cachet. However, be prepared to pay for their elegance and to spend more time maintaining them.

Bowls and drainboards

Choosing the correct number of bowls is very important. If you wash a lot of large pans or pots, then one bowl might be more convenient than two because you will be able to fit them in completely. On the other hand, if you wash a lot of dishes, then you might want two sinks so that you can wash in one and rince in the other. The depth of the bowls is also important. They usually range between seven and twelve inches. Although very convenient, the deeper the sink the harder it can be to wash in the corners – unless they are rounded.

Finally do you need a drainboard or not? Drainboards are not as popular in Toronto as they are in Europe but they are convenient no matter where. If you wash your dishes and dry them on a drainboard on the side of your sink, then having an integrated board might be the right option for you. Having them built in means easier clean-up and fewer chances of water spilling over.

With the number of sink options on the market today, it is easier to choose the model that will most suit your needs and design preference.

Keeping it cool – the best ways to lower the temperature in your home without air conditioning

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Summer has hit Toronto. The heat is palpable and perfect for barbecues, swimming and heading to the beach – that’s under normal conditions. Due to the pandemic most people are staying put and sticking close to their home. Keeping cool on hot days doesn’t necessarily have to include air conditioning. For those who don’t have an air conditioner at home, here are some handy ways of staying cool even at the peak of a heat wave.

Close your blinds! Yes, having beautiful sunlight streaming in through your windows can cheer up any room, however that sunlight is increasing the heat in your Toronto home by 30%. One of the simplest ways of keeping the heat down is by closing your blinds – even better, invest in black out blinds. Blackout blinds can actually lower temperatures inside your house by upto 20 degrees.

Open your windows at night. Temperatures naturally drop at night when the sun goes down, making it the best time to get the heat out of your house and let in that fresh night air. It is best to open windows on opposite ends of your home to encourage a crosswind to blow to really get the air circulating. Then just before the heat of the day starts to increase, close your windows and lower your blinds or close your curtains.

Another good way to keep the temperature in your house down is to keep rooms that are rarely used closed. By closing the doors to rooms that aren’t used on a daily basis, the heat from that room doesn’t spread to other areas of the home and conversely, any coolness in the house doesn’t need to be shared with that extra room.

Use your fans wisely! Did you know that ceiling fans have two settings? In the summer, they should be set to turn counterclockwise to create a cooling wind. If you only have pedestal or table-top fans, try setting up a bucket of ice in front of the fan – as the wind blows and the ice melts, it will send a refreshingly cool breeze into the air.

Another good hack to staying cool in the dog days of summer is to cook outside on your grill. Using your grill is fun, easy and will keep the heat outside. If you don’t have a grill, then avoid using your oven. Use the stove top sparingly and avoid the oven altogether. The heat from an oven can dramatically increase the temperature in your home, so keep the cakes on hold until the temperature dips.

Staying cool during a heat wave can be done – by following just a few of these tips, you can control how hot your home gets.

Proper seating for a home office

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If you have been forced to work from your Toronto home because of the Covid 19 situation, you have likely realized that having a proper work space is crucial to your productivity. And, one of the main factors when setting up a home office is having a good work chair. When you consider that you will be sitting for about 8 hours every day on your chair, it becomes clear that having the right support and proper cushioning for your needs is necessary for maintaining a healthy body while you work.

First off, what should you look for in a chair? Simple, your chair should have:

Adjustability: you should be able to adjust every part of the chair from the arm rests to the recline tension to get the optimal settings for your physique.
Lumbar support: get a chair that provides adequate support for your lower back. If you are able to adjust the amount of support you get, even better!
Base: get wheels! Unless you want to scratch up your floor, wheels are very important in an office chair. And, if your floor is carpeted, wheels will also make it easier to move around.
Swivel feature: being able to swivel at your desk will give you a greater range of motion and will make reaching for various items on your desk that much easier.
Breathability: sure leather chairs look great – but having a breathable fabric will be more comfortable over the long run and over long periods of time.

Now let’s look at what your posture should be while you are sitting. Your chair should allow your feet to be planted flat on the floor so that your knees and hips are in line. Your hips should be as far back on the seat as possible and the back of the chair should be slighting reclined, so that you are not sitting at a ninety degree angle. Your keyboard and monitor should both be directly in front of you. Your monitor should be slightly higher than eye level, as this will relieve pressure in your neck. Your shoulders should be relaxed. If you catch yourself rounding them or raising them, get up and shake them out before sitting down again. Rounding or raising your shoulders can result in injury.

Now you can go out and get yourself the perfect chair for your Toronto home office.

CMHC tightens mortgage rules

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The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation announced last week that as of July 1 they would be tightening the lending criteria for anyone wishing to purchase a property. The government-backed agency made the move amid growing concern that housing price continue to increase rapidly despite many Canadians being out of work due to the Covid 19 crisis.

As of July 1st, the CMHC plans to increase the minimum credit score required from the current 600 to 680. It will also strictly enforce the 35% of annual income limit of gross debt servicing ratio as well as the total debt servicing ratio of 42%. Right now those ratios can go as high as 39% and 44% respectively.

The biggest surprise about the announcement last week was that the minimum downpayment required for homebuyers has remained at 5% of total home cost as many analysts believed that it would be increased to 10%.

They are also disallowing any non-traditional sources of down payment that, in their words, “increase indebtedness”.

The housing market has continued to see price growth despite the levelling off of buying/selling activity, driven mainly by a lack of inventory making available homes worth more than ever. However, the CMHC does not believe that this growth is sustainable and is introducing these new measures to dampen price increases despite the on-going Covid pandemic.

Sources:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/cmhc-rules-1.5599987
https://www.canadianmortgagetrends.com/2020/06/reaction-cmhcs-new-restrictions-insured-mortgages/

How to be productive while working from home

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Since Toronto was locked down in March, many people have been asked to work from home. Working from home comes naturally to some people, and can be a real struggle for others. The way to ensure efficient and productive time in your home office requires just a little effort. With the right structure in place, you can get just as much done while working at home as you could in an office. Here are a few guidelines that will help you maximize your time and get the most out of your work-at-home experience.

Create routine
Just because you don’t have to get dressed in the morning, doesn’t mean you should indulge in wearing pyjamas all day. Getting up at your usual time and getting ready just as you would if you were leaving the house will get you mentally prepared to work. It will also make your home feel more like an office. Make sure to schedule in your breaks, including a lunch hour, and stick to them. Don’t let housework, kids, and friends distract you.

Set boundaries
It is very easy for family members to see you working from home and assume that you are free to make them lunch, do laundry, drive them to a friend’s house, mail a letter, etc… A good way to prevent these interruptions – especially if you have important calls or meetings to attend is to alert everyone to your schedule. Let your family know that between XX time and XX time you are “at work” and should not be disturbed. You can also create a system that signals when you can be interrupted (emergencies) and when you can’t. It can be as simple as hanging a “do not disturb” sign outside your office.

Prioritize your work
Having a schedule of what needs to get done each day, will give you a clear goal to reach and will help you focus. Without a good schedule, it is very easy to lose track of important deadlines and priorities.

Have a dedicated workstation
Designating one spot in your home as your office is the best way to ensure success while working from home. Make sure you have a large enough desk or table, plenty of light and a comfortable, supportive work chair.

Keep in touch with boss and coworkers
Working from home can be isolating, so it is good to keep in touch with your boss and your coworkers daily. Touch base with them frequently during the day.

Working from home definitely has its advantages. As long as you are able to create that workspace that helps you concentrate and you stick to a routine, you’ll find that you can be just as productive – if not moreso, from the comfort of home.

Creating a functional home office

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The corona virus has forced many Toronto employers to modify how they operate. Social distancing has required greater numbers of people to work from home. However we are not all set up for efficient and productive working from home. If you find yourself in this situation, we will cover a few ideas to help you create a comfortable and functional workspace until you are able to return to an office full-time.

Your needs
Write down exactly what you need from your office space. Do you need a large surface for reference material or files? Do you need quiet? Do you require a window or would that distract you? How susceptible are you to distraction? Do you need to elevate your feet? What kind of lumbar support do you require? Knowing what the functional needs of your office space are will help you decide on where and how to set your space up.
Find inspiration
The internet is a great place for finding ideas for your own home. However, bear in mind that sometimes what works well in a photo might not be the most functional when it comes to actually working. For instance, if you work with a lot of files, documents or reference material, then opting for a small but attractive antique desk might not be your best option. Colour is another essential component to any successful office space. Unless you work well with a lot of stimulation, then opting for a tranquil and subdued palette is a better option than a bright, primary hue. No matter what designs you find that inspire you, it is best to adapt them to suit your personality and needs.
Lighting
Lighting is a very important element of any office space. While natural light is crucial to your well-being, having some form of table lamp is necessary to supplement the darker hours of the day or to brighten up regular household lighting, which tends to be designed for ambiance instead of work.
Comfort
It is impossible to work if you are uncomfortable. If you don’t already have a good office chair, then you might want to invest in one. Being well supported is necessary if you are going to spend long hours of the day sitting down. If you need to elevate your feet, then having a good foot rest is crucial to acquire as well.
Storage
Find good ways of storing your work implements. If you are a messy worker, then you might want to invest in a desk that can be closed up at the end of the day to hide your mess. Otherwise you can get colour coordinated boxes that can be stored away neatly until you need them again. Whatever you choose, find a solution that matches your work habits.

If you have to share a workspace with someone else in your home, it might be a good idea to find alternate space in your home to work. If that is not possible, you can create an easy room divider to help delineate your respective spaces. Another idea is to try working at different times of the day so that you don’t interrupt each other.

Remember that creating a routine is also very important to successfully working from home. Getting up, getting dressed and following the same schedule you would if you were leaving the house for work, will help you be more productive and keep you happier over the long run.

You can be productive and efficient while working from home – as long as you plan your space properly and follow a routine.

What will a post-pandemic real estate industry look like

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The Toronto real estate market has seen sales drop by 69% in the last four weeks according to
Canadian Mortgage Trends. The impact of social distancing and self-isolation have clearly taken their toll on the once vibrant property game. In fact, at the beginning of 2020, it was poised to have a stellar year with prices heating up to levels not seen since 2016. What, given the current situation and possible future of continued social distancing, will the Toronto real estate market look like once we turn the corner on this pandemic?

Should directives for social distancing remain in place, it is evident the technologies that facilitate virtual home visits will see an uptick in popularity. Virtual home tours and 3D tours are one of the best ways to showcase a property so that potential buyers get a real sense of what the home has to offer and what it is like to walk through it. The advantage of these “virtual” open houses tours is that buyers can ask questions about what they are seeing and get immediate feedback. Agents can also give commentary and point out highlights as they go along.

Another technological innovation that has come into use recently is the virtual open-house using platforms such as Zoom or Messenger. Buyer’s either join a scheduled open house and can “walk-through” the property with the agent in real-time along with other buyers or they can request a private walk-through just for themselves.

With the start of social distancing, many brokerages and agents have also ceased accepting checks as payment – moving forward, you can expect these measures to remain in place and for all monetary transactions to be done electronically.

After the pandemic, agents who wish to go back to conducting open-houses will likely have to schedule time slots for their buyers so that listing agents can minimize the number of visitors to the home at a time.

It is clear that things will have to change following the pandemic, however, there will always be a way around whatever safeguards are in place for our health. Agents and brokers will find the tools necessary to assist buyers in finding the right home for their families.

Rules for hosting an open house during a pandemic

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Toronto residents are being asked to social distance, to avoid gathering in groups and, if possible, to find alternatives to open houses when showcasing a new property on the market. While agents are being encouraged to use virtual tours and online galleries to display the homes they have listed, if your agent does want to hold an open house for a limited number of very select and serious buyers, then finding a way to to make the situation work for you is imperative at this time.

Here a few guidelines to follow if your agent insists on an open house:

1. Provide gloves and masks at the door that anyone who enters has to wear before setting foot in your home. Don’t forget to put a bag-lined garbage bin outside your home so that prospective buyers can discard the gloves and masks on their way out. And, have a pump bottle of hand sanitizer available as well so that people can disinfectant their hands before leaving.
2. Have a welcome mat at the foyer where people can remove their shoes so that they don’t track any potential germs around your home.
3. Insist that only one couple at a time be allowed into your home – it would be best to set-up meeting times at 20-minute intervals so that people don’t all come at once.
4. Ask your realtor to minimize the number of people touching your fixtures and handles by pre-empting and opening closets and doors for prospective buyers and closing things after they have looked inside.
5. Allow only those buyers who have a serious interest and/or intent on your home to visit. They should be prequalified for a loan and ready to make an offer if they want to attend the open-house. By insisting on intent, you will weed out the serious buyers from those who just want to look around.

After the open house:

– Wear gloves and a mask to dispose of the garbage containing used gloves and masks.
– Spray the hand sanitizer with disinfectant spray if you want to keep it or discard entirely.
– Roll up the welcome mat and store outside for a few days to kill any germs before bringing it back inside.
– Disinfect all door/cabinet handles, light switches and any other surfaces that would have been touched during a visit.
– Mop floors with a disinfectant.
– Open windows to air out rooms.

If you follow these simple precautions, you should be able to protect your home from any unwanted germs being tracked in during an open house. However, the first and best alternative is a virtual tour of your home. When done properly a virtual tour can be as realistic as being there in person. Contact Imaginahome for more information on how a virtual tour of your properties can work for you.

How the covid 19 pandemic is affecting the Toronto real estate market

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Toronto is currently under orders to distance socially and to self-isolate. Naturally, such measures will impact the hottest home buying season of the year. In fact, although real estate agents and brokers have been deemed essential services and can continue working, authorities have asked them to cancel any planned open houses and to prioritize virtual showings and meetings. But, will buyers and sellers actually want to venture into the market at this time?

According to a recent Global News report February home sales were up nearly 27% from a year ago and the average home price had risen by 15%. However, recently agents and brokers are witnessing a lack of enthusiasm from buyers and sellers who are not keen on either listing their homes or visiting homes at this time. Even with measures in place requiring agencies to disinfect doorknobs, railings and other often touched surfaces, and, despite measures asking agents to stand at least 6 feet away from sellers or buyers, there is a lack of motivation right now.

The only people who are likely on the market are those who had already bought a house and desperately need to sell theirs in order for the financing to fall into place or those who have sold their house and need to find another one before being forced to vacate. Those who don’t need to buy or sell right away are putting their plans on hold – especially now with the uncertainty of where the economy is headed and whether all those who have been temporarily laid off will be rehired or will have to look for new work.

There are too many uncertainties currently to truly understand the long-term impact of this situation on the housing market. We can only hope that it will be minimal and that once the self-isolation requirements have been lifted that we will be able to get back to a normal sales season.