new-versus-established-neighbourhoods-imageDeciding where to look for a new home is one of the biggest decisions you will make as a future homebuyer. Unlike virtually everything else about a home, one thing you can never change is the neighbourhood where the home is located. Therefore, it’s important to make an informed decision about where you want to live and to visit several possible areas. After narrowing your search down to neighbourhoods that are convenient to your work, or to your child’s school, or are just places you would like to live, one of the first questions you must ask yourself is whether you would prefer to live in a new neighbourhood or an established one. There is no easy answer; there are pros and cons to both.  

Established Neighbourhoods

If you have ever…

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summer-recipes-hummus-imageNothing says summer better than a backyard party with tons of food, friends and outdoor fun. For your next bash, why not incorporate recipes featuring locally grown produce and meats? For example, residents of Sudbury can celebrate all summer long with homegrown, organic and farm-fresh produce. The annual Sudbury Blueberry Festival puts the spotlight on blueberries, but throughout the season you can find plump, juicy strawberries; organic chickpeas; pastured pork; and hand-picked herbs and greens like cilantro, baby spinach, kale, and garlic. Sounds yummy right? The following summer recipes are sure to make your backyard party a family and friends favourite.  

Homemade Hummus with Garlic Toasted Pita Chips

Before firing up the grill, make a…

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updating-your-living-room-budget-main-imageYour living room is the centre of all of the action in your family, and it's probably where your family spends the majority of their time. If you are like many Canadian homeowners, you probably enjoy the idea of freshening up the appearance of your living room from time to time, but you don't want to have to spend a fortune to do so. Take a peek at our five ideas for updating your living room on a budget.

Get Creative With Plants

Houseplants are an important part of your living room's décor, but no one ever said that you have to leave them sitting out all alone. There are plenty of ways that you can make more of your greenery, and these include planting them in unique pots or urns that complement the colours you choose for your living room. Another…

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Sudbury-events-for-August-2015-kid-with-clapperDesigning a small room can be a tricky task, especially when you want to create the illusion of a much larger space. While the right furniture and accessories will make a room appear more spacious, the colour of the walls will make a huge difference its appearance. Paint is a powerful tool, and with a few tricks, it can help you to visually expand any cozy space. Here are 10 tried and true tips for making a room look bigger with paint.  

Use a Light Colour Scheme

Light colours will enhance the illusion of a larger space. (Dark colours absorb light, which can make the room feel smaller.) Colour groups that work well in light schemes include:

  • neutrals
  • pastels
  • white/creamy tones
  • cool sea shades

These colour groups are…

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Sudbury-events-for-August-2015-concertIt's still summer, and the community schedule is alive and well. August brings more interesting and fun events to Sudbury. We put together a list of just some of the activities happening in our city. You don't want to miss anything!

"Fiddler on the Roof"

August 6-9

The Sudbury Theatre Centre will present this classic story from Thursday through Sunday. Times are 8:00 pm Thursday through Saturday nights plus 2:00 pm matinees on Saturday and Sunday. This play won nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964 and addresses threats to a minority group which is an issue we still see in our current society. It is also includes humour and a glimpse of a significant historic era. Enjoy some local culture at 170 Shaughnessy Street in Sudbury. 

Vale Summer…

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things-to-know-before-you-buy-a-home-green-mainSo you have decided to buy a home, and you have identified one that you love and you want to make an offer. You need to prepare yourself for the task ahead. The way you prepare yourself will make the process either a success or a failure. Here are three things to know before you buy a home and jump into the fray.

Determine What You Can Afford

You need to understand the home you can afford. The first thing to do is to determine your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, which is the ratio of your expenses to what you earn at the end of every month. The aim is to help you understand how much you can pay in terms of monthly mortgage payments and remain with enough cash to survive on. Most lenders require you to have a DTI of less than 50%. Lenders understand how…

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2015-08-Living-in-Sudbury-MagazineIn this month's issue:

  • Sudbury Events for August 2015
  • 5 More Great Sudbury Neighbourhoods: Community Spotlight
  • 4 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Home Purchase
  • New Versus Established Neighbourhoods: Which is Right For You?
  • Paint 101: 10 Tips for Making a Room Look Bigger
  • and more!

Plus, we have more highlights of some gorgeous homes that are listed for sale in and around the Sudbury area.

To read this issue, just click on the front cover below:

 

 

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ways-to-use-wallpaper-main-image-collageYou've purchased your new home, and you want to make it your own without spending too much extra money. The answer may come from an unexpected place -- wallpaper. With a little creativity, you can take a few rolls of wallpaper, a good pair of scissors and some craft glue and turn them into something fabulous.

Kitchen Flourishes

Does your kitchen need a bit of a brightening? You can add colour and whimsy without making any permanent changes, thanks to wallpaper. Find a wallpaper you enjoy that has a bold print or a vibrant pattern. Cut out the design and you can attach the decal to bottles or white dishes or tiles with just a bit of glue on the back of the decal. You can even add them to appliances with flat surfaces such as toasters for a splash of…

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save-money-on-your-next-home-luxury-houseIt's likely your home will be the most expensive thing you'll have to buy, but that doesn't mean there aren't ways to ease the burden for your wallet. By taking a few extra steps of preparation, you'll have the tools needed to save money on your next home purchase. 

Know What You Want - Do Your Homework

You don't want to waste time with a home that doesn't have what you need, so start with your must-haves and deal-breakers. In real estate, a value item is one that adds property value. You might have your own personal preferences that add extra personal value, such as heated floors, but don't necessarily add property value. Still, if it's something you want, add it to the list for the time being.

You'll need to do some homework on the market as…

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fail-a-home-inspection-inspectorThe point of a home inspection is to uncover any issues that the home may have. Obviously, it's very important for both a home’s seller and prospective buyer that the property pass the inspection. Passing means no serious issues have been discovered. A house inspection is simply a visual evaluation of its condition. Think of it as being similar to an annual checkup. A failed inspection is kind of like uncovering something bad during your physical. Just like your doctor, the inspector will point out all the things that need to be repaired or replaced.

What is Covered in an Inspector's Report?

This will vary depending on the inspector; however, most inspection reports will tell you about the condition of the following areas:

  • The heating and…

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