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Showing posts from June, 2025

How Much Can You Rent Your Home For?

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If you're having trouble selling your home in today's market, renting it out may be worth considering. I've had conversations with homeowners who are sitting on a property that isn't getting the offers they expected. Sometimes the problem is the price. Sometimes it's the market. And sometimes, the best move is simply to stop trying to force a sale and look at the numbers from a different angle. Could renting your home out for a year or two make more sense than selling it today? Maybe. But the first question I usually get is: "How much can I rent my house for?" The answer isn't always as simple as looking at what your neighbour is asking. Getting the right rental price is important. Price it too high and your property could sit vacant. Price it too low and you're leaving money on the table. Here's how I would approach it. Start With the Market, Not Your Mortgage One of the biggest mistakes I see homeowners make is basing their rental price on wh...

Living Waterfront in Kingston: Dream or Money Pit?

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There’s something undeniably magical about living on the water—coffee on the dock at sunrise, a kayak always at the ready, and those peaceful, soul-soothing views. In a city like Kingston, with Lake Ontario on one side and the Rideau Canal and Cataraqui River winding through it, waterfront dreams are alive and well. But before you trade your snow shovel for a paddleboard, let’s take a closer look: Is living waterfront in Kingston really the dream—or could it be a money pit in disguise? The Dream 1. Unbeatable Views & Lifestyle Kingston's waterfront properties offer some of the best vistas in Ontario—sunsets over Lake Ontario, sailboats gliding by, and maybe even the Wolfe Island ferry chugging along. If peace and nature are high on your priority list, it's hard to beat. 2. Private Access to Adventure Imagine launching your kayak or boat from your own backyard. Fishing, swimming, paddling—it's all right there. No trailer, no lines, no launching fees. Just you and the wa...

Your First Home in Kingston? Here Are 5 Neighbourhoods That Won’t Make You Cry Yourself to Sleep

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Let’s be honest—buying your first home can feel like a blend of hope, caffeine, and mild financial panic. But fear not, brave homebuyer! If you’re looking to put down roots in Kingston (where even the squirrels seem friendlier), here are five neighbourhoods that won’t break the bank or your spirit. 1. Kingscourt – The Underdog That’s Winning the Race You know that friend who used to be a bit rough around the edges but suddenly got a good job, cut their hair, and started bringing salad to lunch? That’s Kingscourt. Affordable homes, a growing young family vibe, and proximity to downtown make this neighbourhood a smart move. Plus, the houses still come with enough yard for a barbecue and a questionable attempt at gardening. Vibe: Up-and-coming meets “I swear we’ll fix the sidewalk next year.” Bonus: You’re 5 minutes from downtown, and maybe 7 minutes from regretting that downtown parking job. 2. Rideau Heights – A Neighbourhood on the Glow-Up Yes, yes—Rideau Heights used to have a repu...

Meet the People Behind the Progress

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If you're one of the many Kingstonians wondering who exactly is steering the ship of our fine city—you’re not alone. Municipal government can feel like a distant machine humming in the background of our daily lives. But in reality, it’s the heartbeat of Kingston’s future. From filling potholes and shaping new developments, to zoning decisions and affordable housing—our local government holds the power to Make Kingston Great. Kingston is governed by a Mayor and twelve City Councillors, each representing one of our city's unique districts. Together, they form City Council, where decisions are made on everything from transit and infrastructure to parks, libraries, and housing. It’s where vision meets budget and where your vote becomes action. Council operates on a four-year term and holds regular public meetings, giving residents a chance to stay informed—and get involved. So who are these people we've entrusted with the city’s future? Let’s take a closer look: Mayor Bryan Pat...