#owensound

October is Fire Safety Month, and if you haven’t recently, there are a few things you should do to ensure you and your loved ones are safe and protected from the risk of a house fire. 🧯✨

It’ll only take about 10 minutes to knock out this list, but the payoff could be lifesaving.

1️⃣ Test your alarms - smoke and carbon monoxide. 2️⃣ Ensure your space heaters have space to operate effectively and ensure every adult knows how to safely use a space heater. 3️⃣ Inspect your electrical cords to ensure they’re intact and free of frays. Replace as necessary. 4️⃣ Practice safe cooking. Keep oven mitts and towels away from open flames, and always turn pot handles towards the back of the stove. Consider purchasing a fire blanket for ease of putting out sudden flames. 5️⃣ Have a fire escape plan and review it with the members of your household.

Stay safe, and let me know if you have any additional concerns or questions after reading this post. For serious concerns, please contact your local fire department. 🚒

For more information, contact:

Susan Moffat | REALTOR® 📲 519.377.5154 📧 [email protected] 🖥 susanmoffat.com 🏢 Century 21 In-Studio Realty Inc., Brokerage

Forget what HGTV told you — the first step in buying a home is NOT touring cute houses for Instagram content.

It’s getting pre-approved.

Here’s why:

1️⃣ You’ll know your real budget. Online calculators? Fun. But they don’t include taxes, insurance, or your unique financial situation. A pre-approval gives you an exact number so you’re not falling in love with homes you can’t actually afford.

2️⃣ You look serious to sellers. In today’s market, sellers want proof you can actually close the deal. A pre-approval letter makes your offer 10x stronger.

3️⃣ You can move FAST. That dream house? It’ll be gone if you’re still “waiting to talk to a lender.” Pre-approval means you can make an offer the same day you find “the one.”

4️⃣ It can uncover surprises early. Maybe there’s a credit hiccup you didn’t know about. Better to fix it before you’re under pressure.

Buying without pre-approval is like showing up to the airport without a ticket and hoping for the best.

Get the pre-approval ➡ tour homes with confidence ➡ make moves before everyone else.

Need a recommendation for a mortgage agent? I can refer you to a trusted local pro who make the process quick and painless.

Looking to buy, sell, or invest in Grey Bruce? As your REALTOR®, I’ll guide you every step of the way. Contact me today to schedule a consultation and let’s turn your real estate dreams into reality! 🏡☀️

For more information, contact:

Susan Moffat | REALTOR® 📲 519.377.5154 📧 [email protected] 🖥 susanmoffat.com 🏢 Century 21 In-Studio Realty Inc., Brokerage

Not intended to solicit parties under contract.

Unexpected home expenses can catch you off guard…

Here are three practical ways to ensure you're financially prepared for any curveball:

💰 Build a safety net. Setting aside a small amount each month, even as little as $50, creates a financial cushion for those unforeseen home-related challenges. Set up an auto-draft to a high yield savings account (HYSA) and earn some interest while you save!

🏡 Review your insurance. Take the time to review your homeowners insurance to ensure it adequately covers your needs.

🔨 Plan for replacements. Understand the remaining lifespan of major items like your roof, water heater, and appliances. This allows you to budget for future replacements, preventing unexpected financial strain.

Looking to buy, sell, or invest in Grey Bruce? As your REALTOR®, I’ll guide you every step of the way. Contact me today to schedule a consultation and let’s turn your real estate dreams into reality! 🏡🌟

For more information, contact:

Susan Moffat | REALTOR® 📲 519.377.5154 📧 [email protected] 🖥 susanmoffat.com 🏢 Century 21 In-Studio Realty Inc., Brokerage

Not intended to solicit parties under contract.

Seeing those dollars on a screen is one thing; but actually shelling out for them every month on a mortgage bill?

That's a whole other ball game. 🏡💰

Here's a tip I often share with folks eyeing a home purchase: "practice" making mortgage payments. It might sound a bit unconventional, but it can really get your mind in the right place.

If your new payment exceeds your current one (be it rent or a mortgage), start tucking away the extra cash each month. Does your budget still fit? If not, it could be a sign to rethink the type, location, or size of the home you're eyeing.

This exercise helps you accurately imagine the new expenses of owning a home within the boundaries of your current budget - genius!

Have questions about home budgeting? Let's chat! I also work closely with some fantastic local mortgage agents and would be happy to connect you. Contact me to schedule a free, no-obligation buyer consultation. 📲

For more information, contact:

Susan Moffat | REALTOR® 📲 519.377.5154 📧 [email protected] 🖥 susanmoffat.com 🏢 Century 21 In-Studio Realty Inc., Brokerage

Not intended to solicit parties under contract.

📊 December 2024 Housing Market Update 📊

Grey Bruce and Owen Sound's real estate market ended 2024 with a bang! 🚀 Here's a snapshot of the exciting developments:

Sales Activity soared by 81.3% compared to December 2023, with 116 homes changing hands. This surge outpaced even pre-pandemic levels, showing a 11.5% increase from December 2014.

💰 The total Dollar Volume reached an impressive $73,344,999, up 71% from the previous year. This reflects a robust market with significant investment flowing into real estate.

🏡 New Listings skyrocketed by 75.2% year-over-year, giving buyers more options to choose from. With 1,055 Active Listings, we're seeing a 49.2% increase in available properties compared to last year.

📉 The Average Price settled at $632,284, showing a slight decrease of 5.7% from December 2023. However, this still represents a substantial 183% increase compared to a decade ago.

⏱️ Homes are spending a median of 56 days on the market, up from 41 days last year.

🎯 The Sale to List Price Ratio remains strong at 96.4%, indicating that sellers are still achieving prices close to their asking amounts.

Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or invest, now is an exciting time in our local real estate market. Let's connect and explore how these trends can benefit your real estate goals! 🏡✨Contact me for a no-obligation consultation!

For more information, contact:

Susan Moffat | REALTOR® 📲 519.377.5154 📧 [email protected] 🖥 susanmoffat.com 🏢 Century 21 In-Studio Realty Inc., Brokerage

Not intended to solicit parties under contract.

My clients use this monthly prep plan to get ready for the spring market. 👇

JANUARY: Declutter & Sort 📦

Focus on one room at a time

Make "Keep/Donate/Trash" piles

Start packing non-essentials

Go through closets & cabinets

FEBRUARY: Assess your interiors 🎨

Add fresh paint where needed

Fix minor repairs

Update fixtures & hardware

Deep clean or replace carpets

MARCH: Curb appeal 🌿

Clear yard debris & plan landscaping

Pressure wash exterior areas

Touch up exterior paint

Clean windows & sweep porch

APRIL: Final polish (your REALTOR® will help here!) ✨

Hire a deep-cleaning company

Stage each room

Prep for professional photos

Run through a pre-listing inspection

MAY: Showtime! 🪩

Share this checklist with someone planning to make a move in 2025.

I'm @susanmoffatc21 – a Grey Bruce local, wife, mom, animal lover, and real estate advisor. Looking to buy, sell, or invest? Let me help you find the true value in your real estate. Contact me for a complimentary, no-obligation property valuation! 🌟

For more information, contact:

Susan Moffat | REALTOR® 📲 519.377.5154 📧 [email protected] 🖥 susanmoffat.com 🏢 Century 21 In-Studio Realty Inc., Brokerage

Hosting family and friends is all about creating a welcoming space that feels like a 5-star experience! 🌟 Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned my list of guest room essentials to make every stay unforgettable

✓ Visible WIFI password ✓ Phone charger ✓ Luggage rack ✓ Q-tips ✓ Makeup wipes ✓ Lotion ✓ Body wash ✓ Full-length mirror ✓ Wastebasket ✓ Tissues ✓ Extra towels ✓ Extra hangers ✓ Clothes steamer ✓ Sound machine ✓ Jewelry dish ✓ Wall or door hooks ✓ TV remote ✓ Extra blankets

✨ Want to go above and beyond? Add a handwritten welcome note and a list of local spots for coffee, breakfast, and shopping! Your guests will feel extra special — just be warned, they may never want to leave.

The only downside? With this list, your guests may never want to leave!!

Save this post for your December holiday hosting or share it with someone ready to upgrade their guest room game!

Susan Moffat | REALTOR® 📲 519.377.5154 📧 [email protected] 🖥 susanmoffat.com 🏢 Century 21 In-Studio Realty Inc., Brokerage