Almonte, ON - Blog

Spring Market Slow

charlotte.leitch@century21.ca — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

With the warm weather, we are all hoping that the real estate market gets "hot'.....or even...."warm". I am beginning to see some activity in the lower end housing market which will eventually filter up to the higer end homes. Patience is the key in this market !

Boost Your Home's Value: Curb Appeal Campaign & Contest Launches!

laura.keller@century21.ca — Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The CENTURY 21 Canada System is launching a Curb Appeal campaign and contest on May 8, 2013 due to the incredible consumer excitement surrounding the recent CENTURY 21 Canada Open House Weekend Blitz contest! Enter to win a landscaping consult and curb appeal blueprint from celebrity outdoor designer Carson Arthur by visiting century21.ca/CurbAppeal.

"Homeowners are seeing the true value of their green spaces," Arthur said, regarding the response. "Curb appeal is a buyer's first impression, and everything from trees to decks adds assets to a home."

Throughout the contest, Arthur will be providing curb appeal improvement tips on the CENTURY 21 Canada Facebook and Twitter pages along with proven statistics to help homeowners make informed landscaping choices.

The educational side of the Curb Appeal campaign helps homeowners discover the true value in upgrading their green spaces. Who better than the CENTURY 21 Canada local experts to provide curb appeal insights, from both their markets and consumer feedback, to the buyers and sellers they assist every day?

Good luck to all entrants! The contest closes on May 31, 2013 at 11:59pm PST. Visit century21.ca/CurbAppeal for complete contest details, terms and conditions.

***originally posted by Century 21 Canada***

Help the Cause! What an Incredible Story!

elizabeth.laplante@century21.ca — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

My friend / colleague Allison McBrine is a Mortgage Broker here in Ottawa. I have known her for more than a decade and have been part of her life through many trials and tribulations. Not only is she a great Mortgage Broker, but she has a huge heart, looking out for the better interest of her clients and willing to lend a hand to those in need.

A couple of years ago she lost her beloved Mom. Her mother was diagnosed with Cancer and a short few weeks later passed on. This blog is not about sadness, this is about a person using their loss and sorrow in a better way. Allison has been part of The Butterfly of Hope Team for years (to help end Women's Cancer's). She is a fundraiser extraordinaire. She has thrown parties, raffles, held different at home parties to raise funds for the cure. This year, She is part of Alice's Angels walking in the Epic Walk for Women's Cancers.

When you are raised by a Woman that has such drive and compassion, it's hard not to have some of that selflessness enter your DNA. This brings me to the important part of my blog today!

(Before) (A short time ago)

Meet Alex Mallette. This is Allison's youngest child.

Two years ago, Alex's Grandmother (Allison's beloved Mother) was diagnosed with Cancer and succumbed to the disease within a few short weeks. Alex started to grow his hair at that point with the plan to grow it long enough to donate it to make a wig for those fighting this horrible disease.

He also wants to raise some funds for the Cure. He has decided to sell tickets $10 each and the winner of the draw will be the one to cut his hair off!!!!! What a fantastic idea. In Alex's own words,

"Tired of all of those people with Long hair?? Well here is your chance to get back at all those "long haired hippies"!!

On May 17th, if you have the winning ticket...you can chop of my long locks!!

Now remember...this will be help in so many ways.....first, you get to cut my hair.....2nd.....the hair will be donated to the Cancer Centre to be made into a wig for Cancer patients and also....the money raised will be donated to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation benefiting the Queensway Carleton Hospi...tal and the MapleSoft Centre.

2 years ago, my Grandmother was diagnosed with Cancer. I watched as a woman who was a very big part of my life go from a stong, energetic woman to a frail lady breathing her last breath in 20 days!

I vowed then and there to do something to make a difference.....I started growing my hair then and there.

It's taken me two years, but my hair is now ready to be cut...so...together, let's make difference.

Buy a ticket( I will send you your ticket number) and sharpen the scissors.....let's CUT CANCER!!"

To Help Alex in his quest (and to make this as profitable as we can for Cancer), please go to the Event and sign up. Message for tickets and donate some money.

To Help Allison Achieve her fundraising goal, go to Her Fundraising Site and read her story and help as generously as you can! Remember, every penny counts!

It's people like Allison and her Fabulous Family (son Alex included) that make the changes in our world! Remember that we can make a difference!

How to Care for Granite Countertops

laura.keller@century21.ca — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Have you moved into a new home that has granite counters in the kitchen and bathroom? If you didn't install them, you likely didn't get any care instructions when you took possession of your house. Here are some simple maintenance instructions to make sure you keep your kitchen and bathroom looking beautiful!

Washing:

wipe counters with simple dish soap and water on a clean rag (**too much soap may cause streaks, so be mindful**)
rinse the counters with a different clean rag and water
dry with a soft cloth

Do:

dust frequently
wipe acidic spills (lemon juice, red wine, tomato sauce, etc) and oil immediately
dry excess water from surface (after cleaning or spills from washing dishes) to prevent water stains, especially if you have hard water
seal your counters every year or so (or sooner if you notice wear and tear)

Dont:

let stains set
use vinegar to clean
use chemical cleaners that contain acid and/or ammonia (sprays, Lysol wipes, etc)
use abrasive sponges
sit or stand on the counters

You can also buy stone polish that can really make your counters shine. I use this when we're having company to make our counters look extra shiny! Stone counters are a real investment, and they require more maintenance than laminate, but you can't argue how great they look, and how durable they are.

You can also watch this video!