The Power to Move You - March 2024

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Dear Readers,

Welcome to the March edition of The Power to Move You, where we’re diving headfirst into the vibrant festivities of the month! March Break, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter are all on the horizon, and we’re here to infuse your days with joy and information that moves you.

Behind the scenes, our dynamic team has been working tirelessly to bring you another issue filled with insights, advice, and a dash of fun. As we kick off, let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible folks making it all happen – our dedicated team at The Power to Move You.

For those contemplating a home sale, you won’t want to miss our exploration of home staging’s advantages on page 8. It’s not just about fluffing pillows; it’s the secret sauce to maximizing your profits. Find out how a well-staged home can make all the difference.

Shifting gears, we tackle the latest on Canada’s foreign buyer ban on page 22. It’s a hot topic in the real estate world, and we’ve got the details to keep you informed and ahead of the curve.

Now, let’s talk about the heart of March – the food! From pineapple-glazed ham to hot cross buns and boozy shamrock shakes, our culinary journey on pages 16, 28, and 32 promises to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your gatherings.

First-time homeowners, fear not! Page 34 is your survival guide to navigating property assessments and taxes. It’s an essential read to ensure a smooth journey into homeownership.

Curious about fractional ownership in real estate? Turn to page 42 for an insightful exploration of this trend that’s catching on. It might just be the answer you didn’t know you were looking for.

Our properties section showcases stunning homes on the market, from the brightwater beauty in Mississauga to the coastal charm of Bonita Springs, Florida. Whether you’re buying or daydreaming, these listings are sure to capture your imagination.

As we delve into culture and lifestyle, we’ve got the scoop on everything from the impact of smartphones to the latest in entertainment and dining experiences. It’s your guide to staying in the know.

So, grab a cup of your favourite beverage, find a cozy nook, and immerse yourself in the March edition of The Power to Move You. From the exciting world of real estate to the flavours of the season, we’re here to empower and inspire you.

Wishing you a March filled with joy, success, and the power to move you!

Warm regards,

About our team

At the TB Realty Group, we take great pride in being a dedicated group of professional realtors who strive to deliver the best possible service to our clients. Our team is passionate about inspiring and sharing the lifestyle that comes along with buying or selling a property, regardless of price point. With decades of combined real estate experience, we have the knowledge and expertise to provide exceptional representation and expert negotiation, all while building the long-lasting relationships and trusted partnerships that set us apart.

As members of the Keller Williams Luxury Brand, we have access to a global network allowing us to reach buyers not only locally but also internationally through our affiliation with Who’s Who in Luxury Marketing. This gives our clients a distinct advantage in the competitive world of real estate.

Our team is there through every step of the real estate process, holding ourselves accountable to the highest standard of integrity and always placing our client’s interests above all else. We ensure that the experience of buying, selling, or investing in real estate is as easy as possible. By prioritizing our client’s needs we work hard to exceed expectations and are committed to going above and beyond to provide an unmatched level of customer service. We are developing relationships that last a lifetime and invite you to take this journey with us!

Elevating Your Home Selling Experience through the Power of Staging

Welcome to the transformative world of home staging, where every detail matters, and every space presents an opportunity to captivate potential buyers. At The TB Realty Group, we recognize the significance of leaving a lasting impression in today’s competitive real estate market. In this article, we delve into the advantages of home staging and its profound impact on the selling process, highlighting why staging your home is in every seller’s best interest.

Home staging transcends mere furniture arrangement and decorative elements; it is an art form that maximizes the appeal of a property, enhances space perception, highlights key features, creates emotional connections, and increases perceived value. Join us as we explore each of these aspects and showcase real-life examples of how staging has helped our clients achieve remarkable results.

Maximizing Appeal: Home staging is akin to creating a visual masterpiece. Witness the magic as we transform ordinary spaces into captivating scenes that resonate with the emotions of potential buyers. From the moment they step through the door, our curated aesthetics and strategic designs leave an immediate and lasting impression, setting the stage for a positive and memorable experience.

Enhancing Space Perception: In the realm of real estate, perception is paramount. Experience the innovative techniques employed in staging to make spaces appear larger, airier, and more inviting. Through clever furniture arrangements, strategic lighting, and thoughtfully chosen decor, we demonstrate how even the most modest spaces can be presented in a way that captivates and expands the buyer’s perception of the home’s potential.

Highlighting Key Features: Every home possesses unique features that make it special. Our staging expertise lies in bringing these features to the forefront, ensuring that potential buyers not only notice but also appreciate the distinct qualities of the property. Whether it’s a charming fireplace, panoramic views, or intricate architectural details, our staging methods

accentuate these highlights, making them impossible to overlook.

Creating Emotional Connections: Buying a home is not merely a transaction; it’s an emotional journey. Home staging aims to create an emotional connection between the buyer and the property. Through carefully curated environments, potential buyers can envision themselves living in the space, fostering a sense of belonging and turning a property into a home before they even make an offer.

Increasing Perceived Value: The financial benefits of home staging are tangible and impressive. By investing in the presentation and appeal of a home, our sellers consistently reap the rewards of increased perceived value, often surpassing the market value and ensuring a lucrative return on investment.

Our Before and After Showcase: Prepare to be amazed as we present a series of compelling before-and-after visuals. Witness how a simple change in furniture arrangement, a fresh coat of paint, or thoughtfully curated decor can elevate a property from average to extraordinary. Our goal is not merely to sell homes; it’s to create an unforgettable experience for both buyers and sellers.

Join us on this visual journey into the transformative world of home staging – where each image tells a story of enhanced appeal, increased value, and successful real estate transactions. At The TB Realty Group, we go beyond merely selling homes; we’re dedicated to curating experiences that make a lasting impact. Welcome to the Power of Staging!

Pineapple Glazed Ham

This old-fashioned Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham is an easy recipe that makes an impressive statement on a holiday table! The Southern baked ham with pineapple and maraschino cherries is the perfect combination of sweet and salty for a delicious dinner that feeds a crowd. There’s a reason this retro classic has been a favourite since the 1950’s!

INGREDIENTS

1 (7-9 lb.) fully-cooked, bone-in ham

1 ½ cups pineapple juice

1 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

1 (20 ounce) can pineapple slices, drained

7-10 maraschino cherries, drained and rinsed

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1 Preheat oven to 325°F.

STEP 2 In a saucepan, stir together pineapple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard and ground cloves. Bring to a boil and then simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture becomes slightly syrupy (about 10-15 minutes). Set aside.

STEP 3 Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil. Place ham in the pan, flat-side down. Using a sharp knife, score surface of ham with ¼-inch-deep cuts in a diamond pattern. Arrange pineapple and cherries evenly on ham; secure with wooden toothpicks. Spoon some of the glaze over the ham.

STEP 4 Bake for a total of about 2 – 2 ½ hours, basting with the extra glaze and pan juices every 30 minutes. Shield the ham loosely with aluminum foil when it reaches the desired colour, to prevent excess browning. The ham is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers 140°F.

STEP 5 Let the ham stand for at least 15 minutes, remove toothpicks, and carve.

Source: https://www.theseasonedmom.com/pineapple-glazed-ham/

Seize the opportunity

Are you ready to elevate your living experience to new heights? The Power to Move You magazine brings you an exclusive opportunity to secure a stunning 3 bedroom townhome in the heart of the highly coveted Brightwater Port Credit development. This remarkable property, spanning 2430 sq ft, is currently under construction and is poised to be move-in ready by the summer or early fall.

Nestled in the prestigious Brightwater community along Lakeshore Road in Mississauga, this townhome offers the epitome of modern living combined with the tranquility of lakeside serenity. The Brightwater Port Credit development is a testament to sophisticated design, thoughtful planning, and a commitment to creating a thriving community.

What makes this opportunity even more special is the chance to participate in an Assignment Sale. This means you have the unique privilege to acquire this exceptional townhome before it is officially completed, allowing you to customize and personalize certain aspects according to your preferences.

Assignment Sale WestPort in Port Credit

Discover the ideal perfect fit within the confines of this exclusive residence, seamlessly blending privacy and community living. Secure your purchase by the end of March to ensure a summer move-in for a one-bedroom unit featuring a private balcony. The building boasts a sophisticated rooftop terrace, perfect for indulging in al fresco dining, barbecues, cabanas, and even fire pits. Elevate your lifestyle with the convenience of a stateof-the-art fitness center, and experience the warmth of a 24/7 concierge in the elegantly designed lobby. Access everything easily in Port Credit from The GO, the restaurants, shops and the waterfront. Reach out NOW and embrace this immediate opportunity.

On January 1, 2023, a temporary two-year measure related to foreign buyers came into effect, which bans certain non-Canadians from purchasing residential property in Canada (with some exceptions). The Prohibition on the Purchase Property by Non-Canadians Act (also commonly referred to as the foreign buyer ban) restricts certain foreign buyers from acquiring residential property until January 1, 2025 in large and small urban centres around the country. While this legislation may limit the direct or indirect purchase of residential property in Canada, there are still opportunities for international buyers who aspire to own property in Canada.

Key Elements Covered in the Regulations

Purchase: The regulations broadly define the term purchase to include the direct or indirect acquisition of a right or interest in Residential Property. However, certain acquisitions resulting from transitional or life events such as death, divorce, separation, or a gift, are excluded.

Individual Exceptions: Many exceptions to the prohibition are permitted for international students, temporary residents, foreign nationals, and refugee claimants, subject to varying conditions, such as tax filing and residency obligations. The ban does not apply to renters or to foreigners with a Canadian spouse. For further details, please consult the regulations and/or ensure the buyer who may fall into one of these exception groups seeks legal advice on their eligibility.

Residential Properties Included and Excluded: Properties located outside of a Census Agglomeration (CA) or Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) are excluded from the ban. To identify if a property is in a CA or CMA, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Cooperation (CMHC) has developed an online tool.

1. Commercial Properties - Non-Canadians can purchase properties, including office towers and grocery stores without dwelling units.

2. Vacant Land: Acquiring vacant not restricted, providing opportunities for investment in underdeveloped areas.

3. Recreatonal Properties: Non-Canadians are allowed to purchase recreation properties located outside of a CA or CMA.

4. Multi-Unit Buildings: Properties containing four or more dwelling units, such as multi-unit buildings, are not subject to the residential property purchase prohibition.

Source: https://member.crea.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Foreign-Buyer-Ban_FINAL_Nov2023.pdf

The residence, a testament to classic beauty, offers a lifestyle characterized by timeless elegance. A tastefully expanded addition at the rear of the home showcases floor-to-ceiling windows that frame breathtaking views of the lake. To learn more about this beautiful property and how we can help you throughout your real estate journey, please reach out to Lindsay or Theresa directly.

Hot cross buns

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 2 hours 25 minutes | ServingsL 12

INGREDIENTS

3 cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

¼ cup white sugar

1 large egg

1 large egg, separated, divided

3 tablespoons butter, softened

1 tablespoon active dry yeast

1 tablespoon instant powdered milk

3/8 teaspoon salt

¾ cup dried currants

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons water

½ cup confectioners’ sugar

2 teaspoons milk

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1 Put flour, warm water, 1/4 cup white sugar, egg, egg white, butter, yeast, milk powder, and salt in a bread maker and start on dough program.

STEP 2 When 5 minutes of kneading are left, add currants and cinnamon. Leave in the machine until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

STEP 3 Punch down dough on a floured surface, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes.

STEP 4 Shape into 12 balls and place in a greased 9x12-inch pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, 35 to 40 minutes.

STEP 5 Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

STEP 6 Mix egg yolk with 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl; brush on dough.

STEP 7 Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from pan immediately and cool on wire rack.

STEP 8 Mix together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Place glaze in a piping bag or a sandwich bag with the corner snipped off; pipe a cross onto each roll.

By Litsters

Source: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/7073/hot-cross-buns-i/

SOLD AND LEASED 206 - 65 PORT STREET EAST, MISSISSAUGA

We are delighted to announce the successful sale of 65 Port Street #206 on behalf of our clients. In a remarkable turn of events, we were able to find the perfect buyer and secure an excellent price along with a quick close, all before the property even hit the market. Following the seamless closing, we immediately collaborated with the new owners to swiftly secure a tenant and finalize a lease agreement in an impressively short period. This outcome truly exemplifies a win-win scenario for all parties involved. We take great pride in our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients, and this transaction exemplifies our dedication to efficient, effective, and successful real estate transactions.

We’re thrilled to announce that this lovely suite sold in just 5 days, achieving a quick closing date and fetching a fantastic price – exactly what the seller had hoped for! As the sellers had already moved all of their belongings out of the suite we chose to have the condo virtually staged to help buyers envision its full potential and highlight its features. Having had the pleasure of working with this wonderful family on multiple occasions over the years, it’s always rewarding to assist them in achieving their real estate goals. Thank you for your continued trust in us and we look forward to working with you again in the future.

INGREDIENTS

3 crushed Mint Oreos, for rimming cups

1/4 c. Fudge sauce, for rimming cups and garnish

9 large scoops vanilla ice cream

1/3 c. Baileys

2 oz. Whiskey

6 whole Mint Oreos

10 drops green food coloring

1 tsp. peppermint extract

Whipped cream, for serving Maraschino cherries, for serving

DIRECTIONS

Boozy shamrock shakes

If you’re like us, you look forward to the Shamrock Shake’s limited-time run all year long. From the end of February through March, you can catch us sippin’ on as many of these mint-flavoured vanilla milkshakes as possible. Since we’ve already perfected a homemade version of this classic shake, we decided it was time to shake things up (no pun intended). This boozy take adds not only Baileys and Whiskey to our blended shake, but plenty of rich, chocolatey additions. Serve these decadent drinks at your St. Patrick’s Day bash, and you just might skip the drive-through from here on out! Looking for more ways to celebrate? Check out our favourite St. Patrick’s Day cocktails, including Irish floats, Shamrockaritas, and the Nutty Irishman. Sláinte!

Step 1 Pour crushed Oreos onto a small plate. Rim 2 glasses with chocolate fudge and dip into crushed Oreos. In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, Baileys, Whiskey, Oreos, green food coloring, and peppermint extract. Blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.

Step 2 Pour shake into prepared glasses, top with the whipped cream, and drizzle with fudge sauce. Top with a maraschino cherry.

Serves 2 | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Total time to make: 10 minutes

Source: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a31024579/boozy-shamrock-shakes-recipe/

A guide for first-time owners navigating property assessments and taxes

A guide for first-time owners: Navigating property assessments and taxes (NC) First-time home ownership is a significant milestone, and with it comes unique experiences, like navigating property assessment and taxes for the first time.

If you’re unsure how your property assessment is determined and how it relates to your taxes, here is what you need to know:

Over 5.6 million properties across Ontario are assessed and classified by The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, an independent, not-forprofit organization.

There are five key elements that affect your property’s value:

LOCATION

The neighbourhood where your home is situated significantly influences its market value. The desirability of the area often plays a crucial role in determining how much a buyer is willing to pay.

Source: https://newscanada.com/en/a-guide-for-first-time-owners-3a-navigating-property-assessments-and-taxes-137832?d=1

LOT SIZE

The area of your lot is calculated by multiplying the frontage by the depth. A larger lot size can positively impact your property’s value.

TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE OF LIVING AREA

The exterior of your home is measured to determine the total area of the building. It’s important to note that this measurement excludes areas like the basement, deck, porch or garage.

BUILDING AGE

Property value is adjusted to reflect renovations or additions, considering the actual condition of the house rather than its original construction year.

CONSTRUCTION QUALITY

The type of building materials used, and the quality of finishes also play a role in determining your property’s assessed value. Property data is collected through on-site inspections, digital imagery and information provided by property owners, including via questionnaires. This data helps inform property assessments which are used by municipalities to help calculate property taxes.

Understanding your property assessment will help you become better equipped to navigate the financial responsibilities of homeownership. Find out more by talking to Theresa and her team.

GTA Realtors® Release February Stats

GTA REALTORS® Release February Stats TORONTO, ONTARIO, March 5, 2024 – Greater Toronto Area (GTA) home sales and new listings were up on an annual and monthly basis in February 2024. Selling prices also edged upward compared to a year earlier. Population growth and a resilient regional economy continued to support the overall demand for housing. Higher borrowing costs kept home sales below the February sales record reached in 2021. “We have recently seen a resurgence in sales activity compared to last year. The market assumption is that the Bank of Canada has finished hiking rates. Consumers are now anticipating rate cuts in the near future. A growing number of homebuyers have also come to terms with elevated mortgage rates over the past two years. To minimize higher monthly payments, some buyers have likely saved up a larger down payment, chosen to purchase a less-expensive home type and/or looked to a different location in the GTA,” said TRREB President Jennifer Pearce.

REALTORS® reported 5,607 GTA home sales through TRREB’s MLS® System in February 2024 – an increase of 17.9 per cent compared to February 2023. Even after accounting for the leap year effect, sales were up by 12.3 per cent year over-year. New listings were up by an even greater annual rate than sales in February, pointing to increased choice for buyers. On a seasonally adjusted month-over-month basis, February sales were lower following two consecutive monthly increases while new listings were flat. Monthly figures can be somewhat volatile, especially when the market is approaching a transition point. Home selling prices in February 2024 remained similar to February 2023. The MLS® Home Price Index Composite benchmark edged up by 0.4 per cent. The average selling price of $1,108,720 increased by a modest 1.1 per cent. On a seasonally-adjusted monthly basis, both the MLS® HPI Composite and the average selling price edged upward.

“As we move through 2024, an increasing number of buyers will re-enter the market with adjusted housing preferences to account for higher borrowing costs. In the second half of the year, lower interest rates will further boost demand for ownership housing. First-time buying activity will also be a contributing factor, as many renters look to trade high monthly rents for a long-term investment in which they can live and build equity,” said TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer. “Population growth has been at a record pace and with the anticipated lower borrowing costs, the demand for housing – both ownership and rental – will also increase over the next two years. Unaffordable housing not only has a financial impact but also a social impact. Recent research conducted for TRREB by CANCEA in our 2024 Market Outlook and Year in Review report underscores the negative impact of unaffordable housing on peoples’ mental health and life satisfaction. It’s comforting to see that there has been some real building happening in the GTA and that the provincial government is rewarding those municipalities that are working to eliminate the red tape and meet those homeownership needs,” said TRREB CEO John DiMichele.

Source: https://www.tbrealtygroup.ca/blog/2024/03/06/Marketstats

Sunday Upcoming Events - March

Daylight Savings Time

March Break At Puppet Festival Mississauga

Ramadan - March 10 - April 10

March Break At Puppet Festival Mississauga

Capture Oakville Digital Submission Deadline Earth's Dinosaur Zoo Live

March Break At Puppet Festival Mississauga

The Rec Room's St. Patty's Party

The Lucky Magic ShowA St. Patrick's Day Event

2024 Easter Egg Hunt

2024 PRLC International Women's Day Celebration

2024 Easter Egg Hunt

31st - Spring Canadian Pet Expo Masterwork Celebrations

Raptors 905 - Catch the future stars of the NBA!

March Break At Puppet Festival Mississauga

March Break Paint and Plant Workshop Mississauga Steelheads vs Oshawa Generals

March Break At Festival Mississauga Lego Free-play!

Puppet Mississauga

Raptors 905 - Catch the future stars of the NBA!

Raptors 905 - Catch the future stars of the NBA!

Clock Tower Lighting: International Women's Day Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show

Toronto FC vs. Charlotte FC Maple Magic Festival Bradley Museum

March Break At Puppet Festival Mississauga Toronto Sportsmen's Show

March Break At Puppet Festival Mississauga

March Break At Puppet Festival Mississauga Harlem Globetrotters 2024 World Tour

Grand Iftar with Ustadha leasha Prime - Mississauga 2024

Raptors 905 - Catch the future stars of the NBA!

Hunt Catch the future NBA!

2024 Easter Egg Hunt

2024 Easter Egg Hunt 31st - Spring Canadian Pet Expo

Raptors 905 - Catch the future stars of the NBA!

2024 Easter Egg Hunt 31st - Spring Canadian Pet Expo

What is fractional ownership in real estate

Understanding fractional ownership

Fractional ownership in real estate is when individuals own a percentage of a property and share usage rights. Fractional ownership splits the cost of an expensive purchase among several people.

Fractional ownership is commonly used for buying vacation homes or luxury items like boats or planes, but is also used for other types of assets such as art, stock and fashion items. Owners are issued a deed representing their fraction of the property.

Fractional owners also take on the benefits and losses that come with ownership: If a vacation home grows in value over 10 years, individual shares appreciate, too. Co-owners share usage rights, income and access to their shared property proportionate to the percentage of the asset they own. Unlike a timeshare, fractional ownership means you own part of the second home itself, not just the time you can use it.

There are a few common fractional ownership structures that we’ll dive into later. One is called tenancy in common and another is via an entity, like an LLC.

Example: Sophie lives in Detroit, Michigan, and wants to buy a second home so she can winter on the West

Coast. Her budget is $110,000, so she’s able to become a 1/4 fractional owner of a beach house valued at $440,000. The home has two other owners: James, who owns 1/4 and the Jones family who own 1/2 of the property shares. A local management company facilitates their renovations and property maintenance.

Takeaways

Fractional ownership is:

• A more accessible way to buy and own than purchasing alone

• When the cost of an asset is divided into percentage shares

• Property that’s owned and shared by multiple unrelated parties

What are the pros and cons of fractional ownership?

The pros include each owner has express ownership of part of the property. Your capital goes further as a part of a collective buying power. You have

greater control over when and how you stay than a timeshare and there are typically fewer owners to share with than a timeshare. You can sell your shares in the property whenever you want and your shares can appreciate over time. The cons are that you aren’t the sole owner of the property. You pay management fees, if you choose an external manager. Your shares can depreciate over time and it can be difficult to sell shares versus a whole property.

What is tenancy in common?

With tenancy in common (TIC), each tenant holds an individual deed for a fraction or percentage of a commercial or residential property. There is one key difference between tenancy in common and fractional ownership: No one person or company is in charge. To be a TIC, individuals must own different percentages of the property while sharing the whole and managing it themselves.

What is fractional ownership through an entity?

Some properties split ownership via a structural

entity like an LLC (limited liability company) or LLP (limited liability partnership). Since a separate legal entity defines the ownership, it’s no longer a tenancy in common. It’s not necessary to have an LLC to make a fractional owner ship purchase.

Can fractional ownership apply to any purchase?

Many major purchases can be purchased via fractional ownership: luxury cars, yachts and boats, aircraft, recreational vehicles and, of course, real estate.

Theresa Baird sells fractional properties

Don’t let your dream of owning a vacation home remain just that. Take the first step towards a life of luxury and contact Theresa at 647-2980997. With her guidance and Pacaso’s innovative co-ownership model, you can start living your best life now. For more information or to see some of the properities available for sale, visit www.theTBrealtygroup.com/fractional_ownership

FOR SALE | 1/8th ownership AVALON, NEW JERSEY

Escape to the East Coast in style at this newly built beach house just a block from the Jersey Shore.

Avalon is a casual yet elegant new construction home on a corner lot just a block from the beach and a short walk to the heart of town. The home has a private pool with a cabana, two outdoor showers and covered decks. The ground level features three spacious bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and a family room with a wet bar, and doors to a covered deck, the pool and cabana. A mudroom, powder room and laundry complete the first floor.

The bright second-floor great room has vaulted ceilings, a wet bar with a beverage fridge, and multiple glass doors that open to a deep wraparound deck with ocean views. The chef’s kitchen features Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, and quartz countertops, backsplash and a waterfall island. Completing the second floor are two quest bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, a powder room and a walk-in pantry.

The third floor is a private enclave. A seating area with a beverage fridge adjoins the spacious primary bedroom. The luxurious en suite bathroom has a two-sink vanity, a lighted makeup area, a toilet closet and an indoor shower with a door to an outdoor shower. This level also has a separate flex area with an internal window that has a view down to the living room. The home comes fully furnished and professionally decorated.

Navigating Multiple Representation in Real Estate Transactions

In the dynamic realm of real estate, the concept of multiple representation is a critical aspect that both buyers and sellers must comprehend before engaging in transactions. This occurs when a designated representative or brokerage represents more than one client, each with distinct interests, in the same real estate deal. The intricacies of multiple representation vary depending on the type of representation agreement in place, and understanding these nuances is paramount to making informed decisions.

This segment of The RECO Information Guide aims to shed light on the intricacies of multiple representation, examining scenarios within brokerage and designated representation. It emphasizes the need for clear communication and mutual agreement among all parties involved before proceeding. Before delving into such arrangements, seeking independent professional advice, such as consulting with a real estate lawyer, is recommended.

Throughout this discussion, we will outline the responsibilities and limitations that come with multiple representation. Both brokerages and designated representatives bear the duty to promote and safeguard their client’s best interests, navigating potential conflicts of interest with utmost care. Recognizing the risks inherent in multiple representation is crucial for clients contemplating such agreements.

Before agreeing to multiple representation, clients are entitled to a comprehensive written disclosure outlining the changes in duties, service disparities, and any associated cost alterations. Until this in -

formation is provided in writing and agreed upon by all parties involved, the brokerage or designated representative cannot proceed with further actions on behalf of any client. Furthermore, the guide touches upon the option to refuse multiple representation, providing insight into alternatives that clients can explore, urging clients to make informed decisions aligned with their specific needs and circumstances.

In addition to exploring the intricacies of multiple representation, this segment also addresses the broader real estate landscape in Ontario. It touches on the open bidding process, offering guidance to both buyers and sellers regarding the sharing of information about competing offers. Clear communication, transparent decision-making, and the protection of sensitive information are key themes emphasized throughout this comprehensive guide.

Join us as we unravel the complexities of multiple representation, empowering you to make informed choices in all your real estate endeavors.

As an ongoing series, we will be exploring how RECO can affect you as either a buyer, seller or investor. CLICK

Smartphones are the new cigarettes

The addictiveness we went through with cigarettes we’re now going through with smartphones. This time, we’re dumber, sadder and less social. In 1965, a year after the U.S. Surgeon General announced, in a Saturday press conference timed to avoid a stock market crash, that cigarettes definitively and unequivocally cause cancer, smoking rates in Canada began, for the first time in the country’s history, to decline.

Before 1966, about half of Canadians 15 and older smoked regularly. (Even more smoked casually or occasionally.) Canadians smoked in the office, at the bar, in their cars and on planes. They smoked in hospitals and in malls. They smoked before meals, before classes, and after just about everything from coffee to sex to playing hockey, even in the NHL. (Guy Lafleur, one of the greatest hockey players of all time, smoked during games, between periods.)

Cigarettes felt like a permanent fact of Canadian life. Everyone knew they were bad for you. Everyone knew they were everywhere. No one thought they were ever going away. And yet, they did. Today smoking is a minor habit in Canada. Barely one in 10 Canadians 15 and older smoked regularly in 2022. Absent a bump in the 1990s, when youth smoking levelled out and briefly climbed (I blame grunge), cigarettes have been becoming more and more marginal year after year for six decades.

The rise and fall of the cigarette industry in Canada is a good reminder that things can seem permanent, in business and in culture, and still shrink all the way out of sight. It happened with mass smok-

ing. It could happen with the fixation that replaced smoking too. The global smartphone market may be worth about $500 billion (U.S.) annually today. But as smoking proved, even industries fuelled by fixations can bleed away.

Cigarettes have been replaced

I lived through the last great cigarette revolution in Canada. When I turned 18 in 1999, smoking was still legal, and ubiquitous, in my hometown bars and restaurants. Going out meant coming home stained with the smell of other people’s cigarettes. By the time I turned 22, that was all over. Today, the idea of lighting up just about anywhere indoors seems like degenerate behaviour. (Except if you’re in Berlin.) Even most smokers tell pollsters they wish they could quit. Smoking was a fixed fact and then it wasn’t. And what’s interesting looking back is that, as a cultural phenomenon, mass smoking didn’t even last that long.

As Allan M. Brandt, a professor at the Harvard Medical School, wrote in his book “The Cigarette Century,” cigarettes moved “from the periphery of cultural practice to its centre” on a wave of business innova-

tion and advertising genius in the early 20th century. Smoking rates peaked in the 1960s. Then tobacco companies spent decades clinging to a shrinking foothold in the face of increasingly overwhelming evidence they were selling perhaps the most harmful consumer products ever made.

Cigarettes seemed like a fixture. But they were a blip. They have, however, been replaced. If you were to take the adoption curve of cigarettes, beginning in 1900, then compress it down into less than 20 years, you’d have something that looked a lot like the growth chart for smartphone use in Canada since 2007, when the first iPhone appeared. Before Apple got into the business, smartphones were for, well, business. Blackberries were only addictive to people who couldn’t live without work (and journalists hooked on the earliest iterations of Twitter.) Like cigarettes before 1900, they were a niche product.

Even my 76-year-old mom has an iPhone

Fast forward to 2024 and smartphones, even more so than cigarettes in the 1960s, are everywhere. In 2022, well over 95 per cent of Canadians between the ages of 15 and 54 used a smartphone to access the internet. Even seniors, long the last holdouts in the smartphone revolution, have started to crumble. In 2020, 27 per cent of Canadians 75 and older used smartphones. By 2022 that number had climbed to 37 per cent. (Even my mother, a 76-year-old native of Galway, Ireland, who is still skeptical of email, let alone texting, now owns an iPhone.)

Perhaps the most interesting revelation in Brandt’s book is that even in the late 19th century, doctors already knew cigarettes were almost certainly lethal. Early studies analyzing the chemical composition of cigarette smoke found it replete with poisons, including carbonic acid, nicotine, carbon monoxide and pyridine. Lung cancer, which barely existed before the 20th century, began soaring in prevalence in the 1930s. By the 1950s, it was the leading cause of all cancer deaths in the United States.

But it wasn’t until the 1960s that smoking rates began to fall, and even then only gradually. Tobacco companies fought the science on lethality for years. They all but invented contemporary corporate lobbying

in the United States to keep antismoking measures down. Well into the 1990s they were arguing that cigarettes aren’t really all that bad, and even if they are, smoking is a personal choice.

That last wall finally crumbled in the 1990s, thanks to revelations on the impacts of second-hand smoke and a flood of leaked insider documents revealing just how much tobacco companies knew about how addictive cigarettes really are. Smoking wasn’t just a personal choice, people began to finally accept. It was deliberately manipulated one, with the potential to kill not just users but the people around them too.

In many ways, we are now living through an accelerated version of that same arc with smartphones. They have so penetrated our lives that it is now all but impossible to imagine living without them. At the same time, just about anyone with a job or a family or a home (let alone a child) knows that ubiquitous smartphone use is making us dumber, sadder, sleepier and less social. And that’s just adults. For children and teens, smartphone use has been increasingly, and more and more definitively, linked to a host of terrifying outcomes on learning, mental and physical health.

Keeping consumers hooked on feedback loops

So far, most of the debate and litigation around harmful smartphone use has focused on the social media companies that make smartphone apps, not on the device makers themselves. Dozens of U.S. states sued Meta, the parent of Facebook and Instagram, last fall alleging the company was hooking children and teens with deliberately addictive products. “Meta has harnessed powerful and unprecedented technologies to entice, engage and ultimately ensnare youth and teens,” the suit said. “Its motive is profit.”

But if apps are the nicotine, smartphones are the cigarettes. As a delivery device, they are perfectly formulated to keep consumers hooked on dopamine-driven feedback loops and coming back for more, hundreds of times every day. That’s why from a corporate perspective, they are the perfect product. (iPhone sales were responsible for more than half of all Apple revenues last year.) They are embedded in everything we do. NHL players don’t smoke in the

locker room anymore, but they sure as hell check their phones. And while it would be a hard thing to track, it’s a good bet that far more people are reaching for their phones after sex in 2024 than they are for a cigarette.

There is a growing social and scientific consensus that none of this is great, exactly. Smartphones, like cigarettes, are built to be deliberately addictive. And like cigarettes they have the potential to cause harm, not just to users but to the people around them, especially on the roads. Smartphones are not as straightforwardly lethal as cigarettes, obviously, although they have been tied to spikes in obesity, anxiety, depression and distracted driving. They can also be undeniably useful and fun. The reason my septuagenarian mother owns an iPhone is so that she can FaceTime her granddaughter, who lives three provinces away.

But none of that obviates the harm constant smartphone usage can cause. The question isn’t whether smartphones are going away entirely. They aren’t. It’s whether social, political and legal pressure will force smartphone makers to change, to make their products less addictive, less targeted, less pervasive, and, like cigarettes, less profitable too.

When I was a teenager, you could still smoke on international flights in Canada. That seems incomprehensible today. In 30 years we may well look back on smartphone use in the 2020s the same way, gaping at an era when we took our phones to school, to bed and to the bathroom, when we allowed them to so completely take over our lives.

Theresa recommends

My Name is Barbra

“Just finished listening to ‘My Name is Barbra,’ the much-anticipated memoir by the iconic Barbara Streisand. As a living legend with a career spanning six decades, Streisand has conquered the realms of stage, screen, singing, and directing. An EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), her unmistakable voice has left an indelible mark on the history of popular music.

In this audiobook, Streisand takes us on a captivating journey, sharing the highs and lows of her life – from her Brooklyn roots to the dazzling lights of New York nightclubs and the breakout moments in Funny Girl. Her storytelling is infused with humor, sharp opinions, and an undeniable charm. Streisand fearlessly delves into her early struggles, the challenges of being a woman director, and opens up about the fascinating men she has loved, lived with, and married. I was particularly moved by her reflections on her son, Jason. For anyone who has missed her enchanting voice, this audiobook is a must-have. Streisand not only narrates her story but treats us to renditions of some of her timeless songs. A solid 5-star experience that offers an intimate glimpse into the extraordinary life of a true legend.

OUR AGENTS FAVOURITES

Lindsay recommends

Spoon & Fork

478 Dundas Street West, Unit 12 in Oakville

Spoon & Fork in Oakville seamlessly blends style with family-friendly dining, offering a culinary adventure for all ages. With a diverse menu that takes you on a global journey, from maki rolls to panang curry to pasta alfredo, there is something to satisfy every craving on their “All You Can Taste” menu. What makes this restaurant stand out, especially for parents, is its fantastic approach to introducing children to new flavours without overwhelming portion sizes. The interactive, high-end menu displayed on iPads add to the excitement for kids, making ordering a fun experience. The casual and welcoming atmosphere eaters to families, providing the perfect setting for dining together. It was a joy to see my children eagerly sampling dishes like escargot, sashimi, curry pad thai, and edamame, expanding their palates with each bite. From the moment we stepped in, Spoon & Fork offered a warm welcome to the entire family, leaving us already eager for our next visit.

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Rate cuts ‘much more plausible’ as inflation takes unexpected dive in January

Inflation rate falls to 2.9 per cent in first month of the year, driven by lower gasoline prices, Statistics Canada reported. Rate cuts ‘much more plausible’ as inflation takes unexpected dive in January Inflation rate falls to 2.9 per cent in first month of the year, driven by lower gasoline prices, Statistics Canada reported. A consensus of economists surveyed by Bloomberg had expected the data to show that the annual rate of inflation was 3.3 per cent in January. Inflation in Canada plunged unexpectedly in January, and economists say it could push the Bank of Canada to cut interest rates sooner than previously thought.

The Consumer Price Index a broad-based measure of inflation was 2.9 per cent higher in January than it was a year ago, Statistics Canada reported Tuesday. A consensus of economists surveyed by Bloomberg had expected the data to show that the annual rate of inflation was 3.3 per cent in January. Inflation was 3.4 per cent in December.

“There is little debate on this one it’s a much milder reading than expected,” said BMO chief economist Douglas Porter in a research note after the data was released.

It’s the first time in seven months that ‘headline’ inflation has dipped below three per cent. Mortgage interest costs were the fastest-rising element of CPI, rising 27.4 per cent from a year ago. Excluding mortgage costs, CPI rose by two per cent the Bank of Canada’s target rate for headline inflation. The fall was so deep, and so widespread, said Porter, that it

could push the Bank of Canada to cut interest rates in the next few months.

“Clearly today’s result makes rate cuts much more plausible in coming months, and we remain comfortable with our call that the Bank will begin trimming in June,” said Porter. Before the January inflation numbers were released, trading on the overnight interest swap market had the odds of a June rate cut by the Bank of Canada at roughly 50 per cent. Shortly after the release, that jumped to just under 70 per cent, Porter noted.

Speaking to reporters on Parliament Hill, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the inflation number “a bit of good news,” and noted that the January rate falls within the Bank’s official target range of one-to-three per cent inflation. “We are optimistic that the Bank of Canada will start bringing down interest rates sometime this year, hopefully sooner rather than later,” Trudeau said “but that is their decision to make.” Bank governor

Tiff Macklem has said repeatedly that the bank doesn’t intend to cut interest rates until inflation is “sustainably” heading to two per cent, the middle of its official range.

The market is now pricing in a 55 per cent chance of a cut as soon as April, up from 33 per cent before the data was released. There’s also a small chance that the Bank could announce a cut March 6. The Bank of Canada has raised its key overnight lending rate 10 times since March 2022 as it attempts to bring inflation under control. The overnight rate is now at five per cent, up from 0.25 per cent when the rate hikes began. The theory is that by making it more expensive to borrow money, consumers and businesses will spend less, driving down prices and slowing the economy.

While inflation has come down substantially from its peak of 8.1 per cent in June 2022, it’s still higher than the bank’s target of two per cent. Pedro Antunes, chief economist at the Conference Board of Canada, said the January report is welcome relief, especially in comparison to higher than expected inflation numbers south of the border released last week.

“This is great news. I was concerned, especially after what we saw in the U.S. last week,” said Antunes. The annual rate of inflation in the U.S. was 3.1 per cent in January, while most analysts had been expecting 2.9 per cent. Antunes and his colleagues at the Conference Board are still expecting the Bank of Canada to start cutting rates “mid-year,” and suggested that a single month’s reading won’t change the Bank’s timelines all that much.

David Macdonald, an economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, agreed that the Bank of Canada probably won’t change its timelines much, if at all, because of the January inflation number. But the rate-cutting should have already begun, he said. “I don’t think this radically changes the picture,” said Macdonald. “I think they should have started cutting months ago.”

The Bank’s rate hikes, argued Macdonald, are now making inflation worse, either directly - through mortgage rate increases - or indirectly, through landlords increasing rents to help cover their own rising costs.“We’re at a point now where shelter is the biggest single driver of inflation,” said Macdonald.

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How ADHD can affect your family

When a child or other family member has ADHD, it can shift routines and relationships in ways that affect the whole family, not just the person who has the condition. Helping the person who has ADHD can be a lot to manage, which can be stressful.

Studies show that when one person in the family has ADHD, it can affect how satisfied parents, siblings, and others in the family feel with their everyday life. For example, children with ADHD create far more demands on parents’ time and attention. That can lead to relationship problems, less family togetherness, and more conflict. Research even shows higher rates of divorce and depression among parents of a child with ADHD, compared with other families.

But you can take steps to keep things going as smoothly as possible for everyone. It’s an adjustment, but there are resources that can help. Part of helping your child with ADHD involves keeping up with your child’s:

A) Treatment If your child takes medicine to treat ADHD, you’ll need to watch for any side effects and make sure your child gets the right dose. Keep up with any other treatment that your doctor recommends, too.

B) School You’ll also need to work with your child’s school, making sure teachers and counselors are aware of the diagnosis and family needs. Kids with ADHD can be highly intelligent, but they can have trouble focusing and can be hyperactive.

C) Self-esteem Praise helps. Tell your child what they are good at and when they have done something positive.

Written by WebMD editorial contributor - medically reviewed by Smitha Bhandari MD

Source: https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/adhd-effects-on-family

PARENTING A CHILD WITH ADHD

Parenting is a big job, and ADHD adds to the challenges. So you may want to sign up for training on how to manage your child’s condition and the stress it can bring. You could also join a support group for families with ADHD. Your pediatrician can help you find training, counseling, and support groups in your area. As a parent, you may also want to try:

Behavior management skills

You use point systems and positive recognition to

encourage good behavior. These techniques can help improve targeted behaviors (cleaning a room, finishing homework), but they do not generally improve inattention and hyperactivity.

Therapy

During a dozen or so sessions with a counselor, parents learn how to help their child who has ADHD and then get progress updates at the next session. Therapy can also be for groups of family members. In therapy, you’ll focus on managing daily life more

than on treating the ADHD symptoms. Mental health professionals can help you learn to manage a family member’s ADHD and help that person, and the entire family, succeed. The goal is to help each person and the whole family stay strong and resilient, so you can all thrive.

If the person in your family who has ADHD is a teen, remember that they will want to be treated like everyone else and like an adult as much as possible. Make sure they know how to do this, and make it clear that taking medication and attending therapy is their own responsibility.

When conflicts come up, stay honest and positive. Focus on behavior, solutions, and doing what you say you will do. And take good care of yourself so you’re ready to be there for your child.

SIBLINGS

Brothers and sisters often feel the added stress if they have a sibling with ADHD. They might feel guilty because they’re well, or wonder if they did something to cause the other child’s ADHD. They also may:

• Make themselves sick with anxiety, or worry they might get an illness

• Try to take attention for themselves

• Get angry because they have to help out more around the house

• Feel embarrassed when non-family members see them with the full family

They’ll need your help to navigate their relationship with their sibling. For instance, they may not know what’s “normal behavior” for any child and which actions are related to ADHD. Resentment and jealousy also can build when a sibling with ADHD seems to get more attention from parents. Or siblings without ADHD may feel that parents demand more from them because they don’t have the condition. In some cases, you may even ask them to watch over a sibling with ADHD. Try to set realistic expectations about what they need to do.

Keep in mind that they might feel neglected, and don’t pressure them to do more than they’re ready to do. To keep a fair balance:

• Spend time with each of your kids, one-on-one.

• Make sure you have a unique relationship with each child.

• Be open and honest about ADHD with them.

If you see troubling signs - for instance, if your children who don’t have ADHD seem depressed, lose interest in friends, and act out to get attention - talk to your children’s pediatrician.

Through it all, try to keep a big-picture view through the daily challenges. Having a child with ADHD may give your whole family the chance to learn positive lessons about empathy, creativity, sharing, and more.

When you put others first, you will never be second

We are on a mission to raise $10,000 for CAMH (Centre For Addiction And Mental Health) and CADDAC (Centre For ADHD Awareness Canada). It is without a doubt that ADHD and mental health issues are common in our community and continue to be a contributing cause of death around the world.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is a psychiatric teaching hospital located in Toronto and ten community locations throughout the province of Ontario. At CAMH, it’s their goal to provide hope and a path toward recovery from mental illness and substance use for anyone in need.

There are approximately 2 million individuals affected by ADHD in Canada. Individuals, families, and parents with children are left scrambling to cope, figuring out how and where to get support for their ADHD. As well, they are trying to figure out how to pay for expensive programs. CADDAC is a national charity that improves the lives of Canadians affected by ADHD through awareness, education, and advocacy.

Our families have been directly affected by ADHD and Mental Health issues so in hopes that one day no one else will have to experience the angst of dealing with ADHD or any kind of addiction or depression, we have chosen to donate a portion of our professional fees to these charities. As well, when you refer a friend or family member to our team not only will they receive award-winning service, but they will also be contributing to these extremely worthy causes. Together we can help calm minds and ensure that everyone gets the support they need.

We encourage you to visit both of their websites at www.camh.ca and www. caddac.ca and check out the incredible work they are doing in our community and beyond!

HappyEaster