Creating a Garden That Endures

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Whether you have an expansive yard or a confined balcony, following a few planting guidelines, will ensure you get maximum enjoyment from your garden.
 
The first thing you need to consider is the foliage that is best suited to your location. Take sunlight, soil, and hydration into careful consideration. Even in a small space, an automatic watering system can give you a wider range of options without the need to worry about being on regular manual duty.
 
Next, consider the effect you want to achieve, in terms of height, shape, texture, and colour. Finally, whether you are planting for an entire yard, or a cluster of containers, make sure your plants are compatible with your overall local environment and hardiness zone.
 
*Morris Marketing*

Sharing the Responsibility of Fences

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There’s an old adage that says, “Good fences make good neighbours”. If you own property that shares a border with another owner’s property, then you know the wisdom of this statement.

So, if you are dissatisfied with the condition, style or position of a fence between your lot and that of another homeowner, it’s important that you understand that there are legal implications to making changes to a barrier or divider that affects both properties.

It’s wise to research your local bylaws before declaring that maintenance is needed, or moving forward with arbitrary
changes that may not sit well with your neighbour or your municipality.

*Morris Marketing*

App for that?

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There seems to be an app for just about everything these days. If you have a smart phone, you know what I’m talking about!

Real estate, however, is different. It takes a skilled professional to help sell your property, find your next dream home, and get you the best deals. An app simply can’t do that.

That’s why I always make myself available to valued clients like you. If you have a question, or want an update on the local real estate market, give me a call anytime.

416-779-8732

All the best!

*Morris Marketing*

New Products for Summer Living

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Waterproof Note Pad: Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, or thinking in the shower, there’s no need to risk getting your tech device wet to make note of your latest ideas. Instead, you can jot them down using a waterproof pen on an environmentally friendly waterproof note pad. So, if your best ideas come to you in the shower, or while relaxing by the pool, they won’t dissolve into nothing.

Wireless, waterproof ear buds: Whether you’re a determined lap swimmer or a poolside sunbather, you’ll appreciate ear buds that deliver your favourite tunes without worry of water or wires.

Small Screen Image Projector: Imagine your favourite downloaded movies and video clips being projected from your smartphone onto the nearest wall or makeshift screen. Share pictures and videos at family gatherings or be ready to present files at an impromptu business meeting.

New Map App: Imagine setting a filter on your smartphone maps to display only what interests you – restaurants, night clubs, concert halls, art galleries, sports venues, distilleries, wineries, breweries, parking lots – you want it, you got it!

*Morris Marketing*

Cool Pillows Promote Greater Comfort

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There is a greater variety of pillows to choose from than ever before. Many of the newer brands are scientifically designed to provide a more comfortable sleep than traditional feather pillows.

Their fill materials may be varied, but most are made from hypo-allergenic synthetics, with many having a composition that can dissipate body heat and moisture away from contact points.

In addition to providing you with a cooler surface, so-called memory foam prevents bunching, and is available in a choice of densities from soft to firm. By addressing a range of factors that affect your quality of sleep, a new pillow could eliminate or reduce discomforts that might otherwise have you tossing and turning.

*Morris Marketing*

Protecting Your Vacation from the Unexpected.

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Protecting Your Vacation from the Unexpected.
There was a time when the only travel insurance most vacationers considered was for flight cancellations.
Nowadays, there are many different policies available
to help cover costs incurred due to a mishap that occurs during a vacation – or even before it takes place.
Anyone who has travelled at length can easily imagine the domino effect that even a simple set-back, such as traffic
congestion or a weather delay, can have on extensive travel plans. In these cases, a highly protective insurance policy can
sound very reassuring. However, such policies are not without specific conditions and extra premiums, so understanding the terminology is critical.
For example, “trip delay”, “trip cancellation” and “cancel
for any reason” may each be defined differently from one provider to another. To determine which policy might serve
your needs best, consult with a qualified insurance broker.
*Morris Marketing*

Understanding How Condos Are Priced

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Whether you plan on putting your condo on the market someday soon, or you’re just interested in how much your unit is worth from an investment perspective, it makes sense to know how condos are priced.
 
When a condo goes on the market, there is an overwhelmingly high probability that it will sell for somewhere close to its market value. So if a two bedroom unit in a neighbourhood sold for “X” dollars, then you can expect a similar unit down the street to sell for roughly the same price. That’s why real estate agents look closely at recent condo sales in the area in order to advise clients on the best listing price.
 
Are there other factors that determine selling price? There are
many. Unit improvements, special features such as a party room or indoor pool as well as the general attractiveness of your condo, can all increase its value to potential buyers. While some of these characteristics may help boost its selling price, others may simply help you sell your unit more quickly.
 
*Morris Marketing*

The Basics of Do-it-Yourself Video-based Home Security

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According to law enforcement experts, a video-based home security system is significantly more effective than a simple alarm system. The reason is obvious. Burglars don’t want their crimes captured on video, which can then be used as evidence in court. So it’s no wonder that many homeowners have, or are considering, video-based security.
 
These days, most video-based home security systems are wireless. The cameras either record to your DVR (just like recording your favourite TV show), or to a cloud-based server provided by the manufacturer.
 
There are many do-it-yourself systems on the market. You simply place the cameras around your property and do some initial setup. Most of these have motion-detection that records automatically when someone comes into the frame of the camera. These are typically installed at your front door, patio door, main floor windows, and garage door.
 
Some systems will even alert you when a camera turns on, and let you see the action on your smartphone or computer. If it’s a burglary attempt, you have the opportunity to call the police. Although most of these products are weatherproof, check and confirm before purchasing. The packaging will say something like, “Suitable for outdoor use” or “Suitable for all-weather conditions”. Also look for night vision capability. Not all security cameras have that feature.
 
*Morris Marketing*

Beware of Over-Downsizing or Over-Upsizing

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Buying a new pair of shoes is relatively easy. Once you find the style you like, all you need to do is try them on and see if they fit. If they do, you go to the cash register and pay. When it comes to size, buying a new home can be trickier! Whether
your intention is to upsize or downsize, figuring out the right size can be especially challenging.
 
Say for example, you’re downsizing from a large two-story home to a smaller bungalow. You don’t want to underestimate the space you need and end up in a place that feels tight. If you’re going the other way and upsizing, you don’t want to end up sinking extra money into a property that’s larger than you really need.
 
So how do you avoid these scenarios?
 
One of the best ways is to start by considering your current home. Do you use all the rooms in your home regularly? Is there a bedroom that’s rarely occupied? Has the recreation room become simply a storage area? If you’re downsizing, subtracting rooms you scarcely use can give you a better idea of what you need in a new home.
 
Upsizing is a bit more challenging because you have to anticipate what you will need in the future. For example, if you have young children, and your place is feeling cramped, then a home with a recreation room or separate family and living rooms may be a good idea. You may also need a bigger
kitchen with a spacious eating area (in addition to a separate dining room.)
 
Think about the extra room you’ll need and how you’ll use that space. When I work with a client, I typically sit down with them and discuss the type of home they want in detail — and, based on needs and circumstance, I make expert recommendations. Bottom line, I help clients find the perfect fit in a new home. Contact me if you’d like to learn more.
 
*Morris Marketing*

Should You Buy the Latest Home Automation Gadgets?

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You’re at work when the thought hits you, “Did I lock the door when I left this morning?” You check your smartphone, see that you didn’t, and click the “LOCK” button. Now your house is secure.
 
That’s home automation for you!
 
But, is home automation a good idea? That depends on a number of factors. On the pro side, home automation can improve your quality of life. There are automation products that will adjust heating/cooling depending on whether or not you’re home, make your morning coffee when you get out of
bed, and the list goes on and on. These conveniences save you time. Home automation can also give you peace-of-mind. It’s comforting to be able to remotely see the inside of your home and check that everything’s okay.
 
Home automation can also make your property more appealing to buyers. Traditionally, buyers like homes with security systems, and will appreciate other automation gizmos, too. The only downside is the cost. Like most new technology, home automation products can be pricey and may become out-of-date within just a few years.
 
Thinking about it? Experts advise you to do your research first. Check out product reviews online. Then, if you determine that a particular product is going to benefit you, go for it!
*Morris Marketing*