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CEO Tim Hudak visits Royal LePage Niagara

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Ontario Real Estate Association – CEO Designate Tim Hudak met with Brad Johnstone, Ryan Johnstone and Barb Sukkau at our offices in St. Catharines today to have a chat about issues that matter to Ontario Realtors.

After thanking Tim for the work they are doing increasing  the Land Transfer Tax Rebate for first time home buyers, we also spoke about OREA’s plans moving forward on Personal Real Estate Incorporation, RECO’s discipline process, communication with members and professionalism in general. It was a great meeting and we wish Tim Hudak much success as he takes over the role as CEO of OREA on December 1st, 2016.

 

The post CEO Tim Hudak visits Royal LePage Niagara appeared first on Royal LePage Niagara Realty.

Fun Winter Activities in the Niagara Region

With the winter season fast approaching, now is a great time to plan fun activities with

your loved ones. Luckily, the Niagara Region has many fun and exciting late fall and winter activities for people of all ages. Here are just a few of the winter festivals and events that the whole family can enjoy this season in the Niagara Region.

Falls Illumination

Every evening beginning at sundown, the majestic Niagara Falls are illuminated in a variety of bright and beautiful colours. Since the sun begins to set early during the winter, you can enjoy the stunning display for a number of hours each day.

The Winter Festival of Lights

The Winter Festival of Lights takes place in Niagara Falls and the nearby Dufferin Islands from November until January. The Festival illuminates an eight kilometre path around parts of the Niagara Region in a series of beautiful patterned lighting designs, including a lighting display of Noah’s Ark and the world’s largest illuminated Canadian and American flags. This festival, which attracts over one million visitors each year, also includes a number of fireworks displays throughout the season.

The Butterfly Conservatory

Take a break from the cold by visiting the beautiful butterfly conservatory in Niagara Falls. Open all year round, this indoor wildlife conservation park is great for children and anyone who has an appreciation for nature. Featuring over 60 different species of butterflies and a lush garden of exotic plant life, The Butterfly Conservatory is a great way to spend a winter’s day.

Winter is never dull in the Niagara Region. With a number of outside and indoor cultural events and activities, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s interest during the colder months. If you or your family is thinking about relocating to the Niagara Region, or if you’re looking for new property in the area, trust Kathy and Dave at Royal LePage Real Estate for all your house hunting needs. Contact us today to learn all about our real estate services and how we can help you locate the Niagara home of your dreams.

How to Prepare For an Open House as a Buyer

As with any major purchase, buying a home takes careful planning and foresight. Part of that preparation includes going to open houses. Open houses are a great way to explore potential new homes and see first-hand if they’re right for you. Going to multiple open houses can be a daunting experience, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Here is some more information about how to prepare for an open house as a prospective buyer.

Explore the Neighborhood

Before attending an open house, explore the neighborhood to get a feel for what it’s like in the area. Your surroundings are almost as important as the house itself, so it’s a good idea to be as informed about the area as you can before committing to a purchase. Do your research and find out about all the nearby attractions and services—are there schools close by? Grocery stores? Shopping? Think about what you would like in a neighborhood. Do you want something livelier, or a quieter, more residential area? If you can narrow down the kind of neighborhood you want to live in, you’ll make your house hunting much smoother.

Pay Close Attention to Details

One of the most important things to remember when attending an open house is to pay close attention to the structural details of a home. Many home buyers forget to look out for maintenance issues that may give them trouble after they’ve signed the deed. Water stains, mold, cracks in the wall or ceiling, and musty smells are all warning signs of structural damage that you should look out for during an open house.

Going from open house to open house can be difficult, especially for first time home buyers. Luckily, with the help of Kathy and Dave at Royal LePage Real Estate, you can find the perfect home for you and your family in the Niagara Region. Kathy and Dave are experienced real estate agents with a long-standing knowledge of the Niagara Region, so they’ll be able to answer any questions you have about the area or the home buying process. Contact Kathy and Dave today at Royal LePage Real Estate for more information about their services.