A U.S. study shows that some 70% of Gen Zers say they'd go over budget for a house with green upgrades - and solar panels are near the top of their wish lists.

Members of Gen Z (those born between 1997 to 2012) and millennials (between 1981 and 1996) are 27% more likely than Baby Boomers to buy a green home, according to a new survey from Payless Power, which provides prepaid energy in Texas.

According to the survey of more than 1,000 respondents, sustainable-home shoppers are clamoring for energy-efficient appliances (with 54% of respondents calling them a top choice); solar panels or LEED/Energy Star certification (49%); LED lighting (46%); and energy-conserving insulation (46%).

While demand for green features is increasing, Payless Power CEO Brandon Young said most homes are priced using comparables that don't fully consider such improvements, "thus reducing the incentive to make the investments."

"I challenge the housing industry to rethink how homes are valued to give proper consideration to improvements that reduce energy consumption, dependency on fossil fuels and, ultimately, ongoing costs for power," Young said.

Looking at more than 70,000 properties nationwide on the real-estate listing site Redfin, Payless Power found that residences tagged with a "green home" designation went for an average of $828,955, 41% more than the $589,227 brought in by comparable homes without the designation.

In some cities, eco-friendly features draw an even greater premium: In Detroit, green homes sold for an average of $321,989, or 180% more than traditional residences. Prospective buyers are also seeing green in Chicago, Philadelphia and Montgomery, Alabama.

Light up the night with these savvy ways to use string lights in your outdoor space. 

Decorative string lights are one of the easiest updates you can bring to your porch or backyard. Patio light strings provide a cozy place to read a book in the summer and bring extra light to the party when the fire pit runs low. Plus, patio string lights set the mood and provide a little twinkle, rather than illuminate a space for functional reasons. Consider using them in conjunction with other outdoor light sources, such as candles on a dining table or pathway lights, to help keep people sure-footed. 

Decorative string lights also come in many different designs, including vintage-style Edison bulbs, sleek orbs, and even lanterns, so it's easy to find a strand (or several!) that fits your style. String lights are an inexpensive solution for giving dark patios a little extra twinkle. See all the different ways you can incorporate these fun outdoor light fixtures into your backyard. 

How to Hang Patio String Lights:
Before you can turn your backyard into a cozy oasis, you'll need to know how to hang outdoor string lights. First, look for battery-operated string lights or invest in a few extension cords if an outlet isn't within reach. Always be sure to use lights, extension cords, and other lighting equipment that is graded for outdoor use. When you're ready to hang string lights, drill screw eyes into a post, tree, or wall. Then, use small metal carabiners to attach the string of lights to the screw eyes. This will keep the lights from slipping off a simple hook in the event of wind or storms, and protect your patio from broken bulbs.

Choosing Outdoor String Lights:
There are dozens of varieties of outdoor string lights, so they aren't a one-size-fits-all decor item. When shopping for string lights, there are two main things to consider: Length and style. If you aren't sure how many strands you'll need, it's helpful to string a piece of yarn around the patio to get an exact measurement before you order anything. If you're lighting a small area, you might be able to use just one strand of long outdoor string lights. There are also many different styles of string lights, including clear bulbs, mini tin-can lights, and woven lanterns. There are also long-lasting LED versions so shop around to find a size and style that fits your space perfectly.

Read more

Investing in new windows is a big decision. It’s a large investment, after all. But if your home’s windows are showing signs of age, the cost of replacing them will go a long way for both the efficiency and value of your home.

Here’s how to tell if your windows need replacing:

Uncomfortable Drafts and Poor Efficiency. Drafts may be more evident in the winter when you can feel cold air seeping through; however, drafty windows are also letting heat in during the summer.

Visible Damage. Damage to windows isn’t always as obvious as cracked glass. Check the window frames for signs of water damage, mold, condensation or cracks.

Difficult to Open. Opening your windows shouldn’t be a Herculean task. Levers and cranks should move with ease.

Noise Pollution. Windows can’t provide total silence, but excess noise may be a sign that your windows are lacking insulation.

Is your home in need of upgrades? I can connect you with trusted local companies to get the job done. Get in touch!

Read More

The newest bakery on Main Street has officially opened its doors and wait until you try their yummy baked goods.

This trendy spot offers a counter full of freshly baked goods (you gotta try the babka!), gorgeous cheeses and charcuterie along with some beautiful retail. Oh, and don’t forget @metropolis.coffeebar is also opening with a new addition to this space.

Stop by and check out all of the yummy treats or pick up something special for family and friends!

Address:185 Main St. S., Newmarket

Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Toronto's Real Estate Market continued to get busier in May. The April statistics noted that resales jumped 27 percent from March (seasonally adjusted). A 6.5% rise in new listings gave buyers more option to bid on, but new Sellers only met rebounding demand partway.

Demand is up and inventory is still very low. Demand-supply conditions tightened for a fifth-straight month and now look as firm as they were before the market's downturn. This helped push the price recovers upward.

The GTA's MLS Home Price Index rose for the second consecutive month by 2.4% month-over-month in April and Robert Hogue, assistant chief economist RBC Economics, expects further increases will likely follow if conditions remain this tight. Good news for Sellers that have been waiting for the market conditions to pick up.

Sellers hold the key to the market's trajectory, according to Hogue. Much will depend on the number of new listings this Spring and if listings increase then we may see more balanced market conditions.

At this point in May, it's a very active Seller's Market in most areas. Buyers on the other hand are realizing now that prices are increasing that now is the time to Buy before prices increase further. There is definitely a more optimistic and positive outlook for both Buyers and Sellers and the Spring Market is busier than ever.

It's a great time to sell your house now that market conditions have finally turned the corner. If you are thinking of selling then please don't hesitate to reach out to us for a market analysis and to find out about our proven Marketing Strategy.

Best,

Jill Renshaw