Dan DaCosta Real Estate Group

Fall in Kingston is gorgeous — red maples, pumpkin spice everything, and that brief sweet spot before winter arrives and reminds us why snow tires are a thing. But before you curl up with a butter tart and Netflix, it’s time to get your house ready for the season. Here’s how to do it without feeling like you signed up for a second job. 1. Check Your Heating System (Because January is Not the Time for Surprises) Nothing says “romance” like a furnace tune-up. Book a professional inspection now so you’re not shivering under three blankets in February, Googling “DIY furnace repair” at 2 a.m. Pro tip: if you have a fireplace or wood stove, make sure your chimney is clean — squirrels don’t count as insulation. 2. Seal Up Drafts (Your Hydro Bill Will Thank You) Downtown Kingston is full of beautiful old limestone homes… and beautiful old drafts. Walk around with a candle or an incense stick — if the flame flickers or the smoke dances, that’s a draft. A little weather stripping now means fewer...

Kingston’s rental market has been heating up for years, with rising demand from students, military families, and professionals all competing for limited housing. For investors, that makes Kingston an attractive city to buy rental property—but success depends on more than just picking up the first building that comes on the market. Here are the key things to consider before you buy in Kingston. 1. Run the Numbers First In Kingston, the average cap rate for multifamily and apartment buildings generally ranges between 5% and 6% . That means investors need to carefully calculate whether the property’s income justifies its price. Look beyond gross rent: factor in property taxes, insurance, utilities (especially if they’re landlord-paid), and maintenance. Always include a reserve fund for unexpected costs like a roof replacement or furnace upgrade. 2. Financing Matters Mortgage terms can make or break a deal. Rising interest rates have squeezed cash flow for many Kingston investors, so it’s ...

1. Kingston Fall Fair — Sept. 11 to 14 One of Kingston’s most beloved traditions, the 193rd Annual Kingston Fall Fair kicks off today and runs through Sunday. Held at the Kingston Memorial Centre, the fair brings together agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, games, and lively entertainment for all ages. Kingston Fall Fair 2. Harvest Homecoming at the Memorial Centre Farmers’ Market — Sept. 7 (ongoing) The local farmers’ market celebrates the harvest with live music, vendors, a petting zoo, craft offerings, a corn boil, and warm apple cider. A delightful way to embrace the local bounty and community spirit. Kingstonist 3. Kingston WritersFest — Sept. 18 to 21 For literature lovers, Kingston WritersFest returns mid-month with a rich lineup of readings, author Q&As, workshops, and stage sessions. It’s a creative highlight for readers and writers alike. Facebook 4. Intercultural Arts Festival & Princess Street Promenade — Sept. 14 & 20 Intercultural Arts Festival , taking p...

  Choosing the right high school in Kingston often goes hand in hand with choosing the right neighborhood. Here’s a guide to the city’s main high schools, paired with a snapshot of the communities they’re located in: 1. Bayridge Secondary School Neighborhood: Bayridge (West Kingston) School: A public high school with modern facilities and a reputation for community involvement. Recently updated spaces make it attractive for local families. Area Summary: Bayridge is a classic suburban neighborhood with quiet, family-friendly streets, established homes, and easy access to shops and parks. It’s one of Kingston’s most popular west-end communities. 2. Loyalist Collegiate and Vocational Institute (LCVI) Neighborhood: Calvin Park (West-central Kingston) School: Known for its wide range of programs—AP prep, arts enrichment, skilled trades, and international options—LCVI serves a diverse student body. Area Summary: Calvin Park is centrally located, close to shopping, the Kingsto...

Selling your home can be both exciting and stressful — especially when the offers don’t come as quickly as you hoped. If your Kingston home has been sitting on the market longer than expected, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Many sellers face similar challenges, but understanding the common reasons can help you make smart moves to get your property sold. Here are the top reasons homes aren’t selling in Kingston right now — and what you can do about them. 1. Pricing Too High for the Market One of the most common reasons a home stalls on the market is pricing it above what buyers are willing to pay. Even in a seller’s market, buyers have clear expectations based on recent sales and comparable properties nearby. What to do: Work with a proper Kingston real estate expert ( like me!!)  who knows your neighborhood well. They can help you price competitively by analyzing recent sales, current listings, and market trends. 2. Poor Online Presentation Did you know that over 90% of buyers sta...

Buying a fixer-upper can be a smart way to get into a desirable neighborhood or build equity fast — but it’s not always as simple as TV makes it look. Before you grab your hammer and vision board, here are five key things to consider if you're thinking about buying a property that needs some work. 1. Condition of the Property Fixer-uppers come in all shapes and sizes — from simple cosmetic updates to full gut jobs. Knowing what you’re walking into is crucial. You’ll need to either have (or hire) skills in project management, budgeting, and construction to tackle the renovation successfully. If you’re not hands-on, make sure you have a team you trust — and a realistic sense of how much time and effort is involved. 2. Renovation Costs & Budget One of the most common mistakes buyers make is underestimating renovation costs. Before you even make an offer, get rough estimates on major upgrades — kitchen, bath, roof, electrical, etc. And always build in a 15–20% contingency for unexp...

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...