Introduction: Embarking on DIY home improvement projects can be a thrilling journey, offering the promise of enhancing your home’s aesthetic and functionality while potentially increasing its market value. However, the path is fraught with pitfalls that can transform what should be a rewarding endeavour into a costly and time-consuming nightmare. For homeowners and real estate…
Launched in April 2023: The First Home Savings Account in Canada The First Home Savings Account in Canada is an innovative approach for first-time homebuyers, blending features from RRSPs and TFSAs. This comprehensive guide explores how this account can be a key element in achieving homeownership. Understanding FHSA: Contributions and Tax Benefits The First…
Windsor, often overshadowed by larger Canadian cities, is a hidden gem with a lot to offer. This comprehensive guide explores ten reasons why relocating to Windsor can be a life-changing decision, especially for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle. From its cost-effective living to a burgeoning job market focused on future-proof industries, Windsor is…
We all agree stoves are an essential appliance in our kitchen. They have the important job of cooking our meals and are often, the first thing anyone sees when they walk into your kitchen. For this reason, it should stay looking fresh and new, but over time it can get dirty and grimy, filled with…
The task of selling a home For Sale By Owner (FSBO) can be challenging, particularly if you’re undertaking it solo. Nonetheless, given appropriate preparation and strategy, it can result in a gratifying and triumphant experience. Here are five tips for listing your home yourself and getting the best possible price: 1. Price Your Home Right…
Cris Kambouris Interviews Alba Giglio from Girard & Co. Flowers & Gifts located at 1371 Grand Marais Rd W, Windsor Getting to know your business neighbour’s – Episode 2 – Windsor, Ontario Transcript: In this installment of “Getting to Know Your Business Neighbors,” we’re delighted to introduce you to Alba from Gerard and Company Flowers.…
With housing prices as high as they are, many people are wondering whether they should build their own home rather than buy an existing one. There are many pros and cons to building and buying houses, so it’s essential to evaluate the major factors before deciding. Here are a few of the most important considerations…
Let’s get real, shall we? The vast majority of us don’t exactly love going to the dentist. It can hurt, everything has that strange clinical smell, and your wallet is usually significantly lighter after you visit. That being said, regularly visiting a dentist in Windsor, Ontario, is vital to maintaining the health of your teeth…
Renting vs Owning, what’s best for your wallet? This question can be answered in various ways depending on who you ask and when. The truth of the matter is that there’s no right answer – it all depends on the individual’s financial situation, how they think interest rates will move over time, and what their…
Did you know that exposure to plants and elements of the natural world is clinically proven to make humans happier? While in the loop, scientists may break it down in a much more science-y way, but the bottom line is, being around plants makes us happy. Ergo, having fresh-cut flowers in your home or office…
We’re well and truly knee-deep in the Winter season, which for many Ontarians means we’re already looking ahead to warmer weather and making Summer plans to go camping in Windsor, Ontario. If you live in, or near, Windsor year long, we don’t need to tell you that the Winters can be brutal. And that when…
Sweating, pumping, grinding-no, this isn’t the makings of that dusty VHS tape your Grandpa refuses to get rid of for some odd reason, but in this case, the makings of one of the thriving gyms in Windsor, Ontario. So, if you’re here, it’s probably because you’ve decided you want to get your butt moving (literally)…
Now, where we come from, no weekend is complete without at least one visit to the bakery. And we think it’s pretty safe to assume that the people of Windsor would agree with us, based on the number of bakeries we found throughout the city. So, if you’re on the lookout for a bakery in…
The real estate market in Ontario, Canada, has been a challenge to predict lately, and it shows no clear signs of what might come next. Experts predict that housing prices could continue to see a decline, making it a perfect time to buy your next home but the worst time to sell your valuable asset.…
Ok, if you’re reading this, it means you’re likely on the hunt for a professional and trustworthy notary public in Windsor. So, if you just typed that into google and are looking for some business recommendations, stick around because we’ll get to that. But before we do, we’re actually going to give you a layer…
Laser hair removal in Windsor is on the rise, and it’s not just for locals. Over the past fifteen years, laser hair removal has become significantly more mainstream and more accessible than it once was all over the world. As a result, there are a lot of great reasons to consider getting laser hair removal…
If you’re a dog owner who works long hours away from home, you probably asked yourself: What should I do with my dog while I’m at work? Eventually, you begin to think that sending your dog to daycare in Windsor is likely the best solution for you and your fur child. But it’s not a…
What have you got on the agenda this weekend? If your mind is already swimming with visions of your pajamas, couch, and Netflix remote, it’s time to mix things up. We know we aren’t the only ones that have spent an excessive amount of time inside our own homes over the last few years. And…
Cris Kambouris Interviews Sarah Rivard of Stillwater Skin Centre & Medspa located at 5970 Tecumseh Rd E. Windsor Getting to know your business neighbour’s – Episode 1 – Windsor Ontario Transcript: Welcome to Stillwater Medical Spa, situated in East Windsor. Today, we’re in conversation with Sarah Rivard, the owner, to uncover the essence of her…
We hope you have some food in your stomach because if you don’t, we’re about to make you really hungry. Because in this article, we’re going to guide you through some of the most popular restaurants and eateries in Windsor, Ontario. Whether you’re on the hunt for a hot new date night spot or a…
Who’s ready to have some fun!? We are, and we certainly hope you are locked, loaded, and ready to party. Because in this article, we’re going to take you to some of the best and most popular bars in and around Windsor, Ontario. Before we get into it and plan your next big night out,…
Making the decision of hiring an experienced realtor for the purchase of your new home is just as important as buying the home itself. Are you in the process of purchasing a new home, or perhaps considering doing so in the near future? If that’s the case, then you might be struggling with an important…
What’s that one element of your house that instantly grabs the attention of your visitors? The grandeur mirror that you have hung in your foyer? No! The breathtakingly beautiful chandelier in your dining room? No! It is your homes paint colour that can make or break your guests’ first impression. Obviously, no one wants to…
Previewing homes in person during a pandemic can be pretty challenging. Although many places have opened up, we still have to take precautions when outside our residences. Here are some things to know about showing houses safely during the COVID-19 crisis. Follow Your Province or City’s COVID-19 Regulations All provinces have particular guidelines for business activity at…
The ever-changing condition of the economy continues to bring many changes that affect the market price of all items—there is no exemption! Whether you are planning to purchase food, amenities, or equipment, you will likely run into a price tag that has unsurprisingly increased since the last time you’ve seen it. One of the significant…
A gorgeous, well-maintained lawn does more than make your home look awesome. It’s a place for you to sit back, relax, enjoy a refreshing iced tea, and bask in the stunning vistas in your neighbourhood. Such a lawn requires considerable effort and upkeep, but it’s important to note that putting in more effort doesn’t always translate…
Imagine entering an outdoor space with a swinging hammock, sparkling garden lights, lush flowers, and the sound of a fountain running. Can you already feel the vacation mood? With a few design tweaks, your garden may become a daily pleasure. Your backyard can be transformed by adopting furniture and landscape ideas from high-end resorts to…
While it pains to see a loved one pass away, getting an inheritance property thereafter is such a wonderful blessing. While some choose to stay in their beloved properties, others take the route in selling their houses. No matter your decision, assessing the value of inherited property is imperative. Even if you choose to stay,…
It’s always challenging to make your home stand out from the competition of other homes selling in your city, town or neighbourhood. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to increase the value of your property and make it more eye-catching for potential buyers. Adding space-saving storage solutions, smart-home technology, upgrading the kitchen, bathroom, and more…
When it comes to selling your home, you would want to pocket as much money as possible. So, how much is your home worth? After all, if it isn’t worth much, you wouldn’t want to overprice it, but if it is worth a lot, you wouldn’t want to lose out by pricing it to low,…
Retirement should be exciting. After years of putting in your time, building your career, and making something to be proud of, you get to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour. However, seniors retiring today have a lot more on their plates than they probably anticipated. With the COVID-19 crisis causing dramatic changes…
Selling a home can be quite a difficult task to do for any homeowner out there. Every homeowner has one common goal, and that’s to sell the home at the highest price possible. What can they do to enhance the house’s value? What should they do to attract customers to pay more? If you’re one…
If you’re a home buyer, the process of negotiation in a seller’s market can be quite tricky. Most people generally have little interest in the real estate market unless they plan on purchasing a new home. It’s easy to get caught off guard as to what the market entails and how you should go about…
The real estate trade can be a confusing and complicated ordeal, which is why it’s almost always a good idea to have a real estate agent on your side. In this article, we’ll talk about what constitutes an “experienced” real estate agent so that you can choose the right one. How Experience Helps a…
When selling your home, you might think it’s easy to do it all on your own, until you realize it’s not. That’s why realtors exist. A Realtors’ main job is to sell your home, but they can do more than that, such as make you get more from it than your original asking price. Here…
Homeowners often strive to increase the value of their homes. However, the reality is that the home’s value depends highly on what buyers are willing to pay because there isn’t a one-price-fits-all. No buyer is the same, and each of them will value your home differently based on different factors. In this article, we’ll talk…
Getting ready to sell your house won’t be as straightforward as it seems. Despite renovating your property until it looks like a cut-out from a magazine, there are many factors that prevent you from reaching the value you desire. Additionally, the following factors play no part in crunching the numbers for your house to sell:…
Welcome to historic Walkerville, Windsor Essex, the trendy, hot spot in Windsor Essex that is perfect for young business start-ups. Walkerville was once was a city of it’s own called Walker’s Town. It was founded in 1890 by and was home to Hiram Walker, owner and producer of Canadian Club Whisky. Hiram Walker’s vision was…
All good things come to an end, and that, unfortunately, includes your home. Most people do not plan to live in their first houses forever, but knowing when to post their house on sale can get tricky. To some, it can feel like breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend. Deep down, you know…
With the papers all signed, the final price agreed upon, and the moving arrangements in order, you probably think that every step you’ve taken to buy a home is enough to keep you out of trouble. However, if you’re working with a real estate agent to make your dream home a reality, there are even…
Like switching from one phone to another, you may want to switch your real estate agent to another, and the reasons for change differ. The reasons for switching phones might be screen size, battery life, and many more. When you want to switch agents, it might be because they cannot answer your questions or does…
Is your current home no longer giving you joy that you once had? Have you been entertaining the thought of moving out and finding a new home? Even if the desire has crossed your mind, perhaps you, like many homeowners, are deterred by the fact that it may not be a financially sound decision.…
People are often reluctant to make too many changes in a house they are about to leave. When you are trying to sell your home, however, change can be welcome. A few updates may make it easier for you to find a buyer in no time. That said, don’t jump right into a renovation. Just…
Getting ready to sell your house or buying a new home is one of the many reasons why you need to figure out how much your home is worth. Unfortunately, when coming up with an amount – what the seller spent on renovations, the number they need to get even, the buyer’s budget, the…
Although it is as an industry that appears to constantly be in flux due to uncertainty, real estate has proven itself to be an area in which where trends can quickly emerge. With technology taking every industry by storm, it should come as no surprise that there are a whole new set of trends taking…
Moving can be a very stressful event, next to losing a loved one or a job. Once you’re in your new home, you can relax and have a lifetime of enjoyment. Moving can be stressful, but it’s also possible to have a flawless move, with the proper organization and planning. You can have a smooth…
Regardless of how many times you’ve gone through the process of purchasing a home with a real estate agent, there’s no denying the fact that working with an inexperienced or unknowledgeable agent can be frustrating. Not only will you end up wasting time and energy doing your own research, but if you don’t recognize their…
The weekend is fast approaching, and you’re wondering what kind of kid-friendly get-aways someplace not-so-far-away. Great news! Windsor, Ontario, is situated perfectly for just that kind of trip! Three awesome cities within a 2-hour radius are sure to please the whole family! Get-away #1 is Sandusky, Ohio, only about 1-1/2 hour southeast of Windsor. It…
Regardless of the reasons you may have to sell your home fast, you want to have your home in South Windsor or the surrounding area sold as soon as possible, and here are some ways to help make it happen! 1. Set the right price for your home Although you are in a rush to…
Windsor Essex own phone & internet service provider, MNSi Telecom is not only growing fast but providing THE FASTEST internet available in our community at more affordable rates than phone company giants! MNSi Telecom has offered internet service to our community since 1995 but only a small fraction of Windsor residents had been using the…
The process of selling a property isn’t as easy as you might think, as you have to make sure that you can get the best price for your efforts that you’ve put into the home. That’s a process that is quite difficult to attain, as you have to control for many factors that will require…
Your home holds a lot of cherished memories, and if you’re planning on selling it, you want the next homeowner to fall in love with it as much as you did. You want to convince them to see it’s potential through photos, words, or the experience as you give them a tour around the property…
Selling a property is not as easy as you may think. If you have never gone through the home selling process before, then you should be prepared for an extremely stressful experience. To make the process as smooth as possible, you need to make sure that you take proper preparation and make smart decisions along…
If you are planning to sell or buy a house, then having a good real estate agent to guide you through this complicated process can be extremely helpful. A real estate agent can also help you negotiate to make sure that you are getting the best deal possible. This article will expand on how to…
The seasons have finally turned the corner and we’re spending more and more time outside. How does the exterior of your home look after this long, cold winter? Let’s focus specifically on your home’s aluminum and vinyl siding. Has the winter left it dirty and grimy? Can surface dirt be easily washed or wiped off? …
The Cris Kambouris Team had the pleasure of participating in the 2nd Annual Keller Williams RED Day in Windsor, Ontario. Keller Williams Windsor office, founded in 2019 has grown to house (how many) real estate agents and has not taken very long to make a huge impact on the YQG community. KW RED Day in…
On April 30, 2019, The Cris Kambouris Real Estate team partnered with Meridian Credit Union to participate in an amazing Habitat for Humanity Windsor Essex project! Along with my wife Nancy and assistant, Janine, we proudly represented Team Cris Kambouris on site. We were responsible for clearing out old drywall and cleaning up. We assisted…
Do you like to clean your home? Of course you don’t! Daily household chores seem to be the most dreaded task in life. This is especially true after a long day of work. Nobody wants to come home after a hard day of work, only to find they need to clean their home! According to…
You are looking to beautify your home on a very small budget. Your home is going up for sale. Soon, you will find out how your home is perceived by others. You will receive advice from experts, like your real estate agent. Avoid taking this advice personally though. Constructive criticism will prove to help your…
Now that the long winter is over, it’s time to prep your home for spring. These are tasks you want to complete before it gets too hot outside to work. You’ll want to complete all the tasks in the spring so that you have the summer to spend with your friends and family, enjoying everything…
Moving day is rapidly approaching, and you’re still not sure whether to hire a professional mover or take on this move yourself. I don’t know about you, but I like to have full control over situations dealing with my personal belongings. Even when I have hired a professional moving company, I was there every step…
If you’ve found the house of your dreams, then you must do one more step before it’s actually yours. This is negotiating the purchase offer. A purchase offer is also called the purchase agreement, and it can be one of the most stressful steps in the buying process. You may think that it’ll be accepted,…
Anita Riccio-Spagnuolo, wife and mother of two beautiful children, seems to be a Windsor, Ontario household name. If you have not heard of her, you soon will. Anita has just transitioned into politics, being recently elected Lasalle, Ontario’s Town Councillor. Her great name is attached to an excellent long-standing reputation built on years of non-profit…
Windsor Essex has quite a few up and coming areas with wonderful, new neighbourhoods “wowing” homebuyers today. Our world-class homebuilders seem to be concentrating on three regions: Lasalle, Kingsville and Lakeshore. Check out these great new neighbourhoods that are being built and the amenities nearby that are making these neighbourhoods so desirable. LaSalle’s Amenities Malden…
History, a caring spirit hovering over a space, nudges us to not repeat mistakes and connects us to our ancestral pasts. St. Mary’s Academy, a tremendous piece of Windsor, Ontario’s history, is not only close to home but is my home. The Universe Aligned Windsor in 1864-65 was the new home of many refugees from…
Have you just had your house purchase offer accepted? Congratulations, your dream home awaits! But wait, you’re not done yet. You must first “seal the deal” and tackle the closing and land title transfers. The official real estate closing takes place when the possession of the property is transferred from the old owner (the…
Bell workers were busy bees, recently installing the new fibre optic cables in Windsor’s Walker Gates (bordered by Provincial Rd., Sixth Concession and Dougall Parkway). Walker Gates will be the first area in Windsor, Ontario to be offered the internet service called Fibe by Bell! This means…. 1. All of Windsor can eventually look…
15 clever hiding spots to be sure to outsmart your kids and spouse this Christmas! We all have at least one person in the family who cannot wait until Christmas morning! Here are some tips to help you win the battle and keep this gift hidden! Hope you get some great ideas from these fabulous tips!…
Canadians have an inherent love for nature and the environment. This is most likely because they live on a land that is one of the least densely populated places in the world. Canada is a natural resource begging to be preserved, and Canadians realize and respect that. So they are innovative in its preservation methods,…
Winter is here, and you probably have your furnace running right now! These 7 tips will help you get started! Be sure to follow these 7 steps to make sure your furnace is ready for winter long heating. Many of these steps you can do yourself, but a good maintenance plan from your local service provider…
If you’ve been holding out on that furnace, chances are your significant other is nagging you to turn it on by now. Winter is swiftly nearing, and homes with ceramic or hardwood floors have been feeling the chill for weeks now. Oh, and that dreaded heating bill! You can dread it a bit less knowing…
Your fall and winter will be more pleasant when you complete this simple fall home maintenance checklist. If you see any issues, you can quickly have them fixed before the bad weather starts. You can also start a maintenance list for the following spring, for those items which can wait a few months. INDOOR…
WE Harvest Growing up watching It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown made me feel extremely sad for Charlie, who missed out the whole Halloween experience year after year. Go out and find your own great pumpkin and have a ton of fun doing it! (and you don’t have to miss trick or treating either!) Here…
The winds of change are in the air in Windsor Essex … that eerie feeling of fall-time… It is the perfect time to get spooked! Is it madness or fun? Check out some of the area’s attractions and events to find out! Spine-Chilling Stops this Spooky Season! Windsor Essex is ScaredEvil as the…
Kids Are WE! – Things to do for Kids in Windsor Essex Windsor Essex is a family-oriented community. Essex County towns are labeled among the safest in the country by Statistics Canada. Naturally then, WE has responded with a growing number of the world’s top activities amongst kids today! WE really do have it all!…
If you’re planning on selling your house then it’s important to clean it and make it appear as brand new as possible. You may not have time to do full renovations, but you can at least declutter and make it a more welcoming space for open houses and potential homebuyers. With a bit of effort,…
There are many different tax credits and tax rebates for Canadians who are purchasing their first home in Canada. The land transfer tax rebate is just one that can benefit you. To qualify for the land transfer tax rebate, you must live in either Ontario, British Columbia, or Prince Edward Island. This rebate is to…
When we are getting ready to move we get overwhelmed and often times forget to call or do certain things to get ready for the big move. Here are some local numbers we put together for the Windsor- Essex area to help your transition of moving. We also included a checklist that can help as well. Numbers…
Should I hire a home inspector? What should I be looking for in a good home inspector? Even though you can do your own visual inspection, unless you work in the industry, you’re going to be missing a lot of things that do need to be checked by a professional. It is recommended to find…
At some point, all Homeowners have to prepare for an open house, but most of us do not know where to start! Here are a few tips to help out. If you’ve decided to put your house on the market, your real estate agent may wish to begin with an open house. It can be…
Locating the right neighbourhood is a crucial step to finding the perfect home There are nearly limitless options for buying a new house. Many people may focus on a house with plenty of room or one that doesn’t need many renovations. However, selecting the right neighbourhood to live in is also important. If you’re uncertain, begin with…
The Government of Canada offers a special program to help first time home buyers with the purchase of their first house or condo. This is in the form of the FTHB—First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit. The tax credit basically offers a $5000 income tax credit at tax time. This is a credit that is…
That’s Why They Call Them Comfort Keepers! In the eyes of a child, parents are invincible, beacons of physical and emotional strength, but as they age, the roles truly do the reverse, and the children become the caretakers. But how do we give the best care to our aging parents when we lead such busy…
Will blockchain and cryptocurrencies really be used for real estate? Last week the Miami Herald posted an article that the future of cryptocurrency in real estate was already here. It’s difficult to tell just how many transactions have taken place—exchanging real estate for bitcoin or vice versa—until someone brags that they completed a successful real estate deal.…
If you See Something…Say Something! I first met my good friend Julia Kelly-Dion when my father passed away a couple of years ago, working at the funeral home we had chosen. Julia did not hesitate to give of herself, going above and beyond required service, giving myself and my family wonderful encouragement and words of…
Left to right – Mark Shimoon, Financial Service Rep / Depika Dhaliwal, Financial Service Rep / Rolonda Taib, Branch Manager / Nina Furtado, Financial Service Advisor / Dilva Soulliere Financial Service Advisor / Gerry Bois, Financial Service & Small Business Advisor Meridian Credit Union – Banking As It Used to Be The difference between…
Photo by: Joe Symchyshyn The Mother-Daughter Green Kitchen Duo that is The Cabinet Studio! The word “green” is used so often today, its message has faded and the importance of its concept seems to have been narrowed to only a political position or choice of lifestyle. Unfortunately, this issue is more than just a choice,…
Crime Stoppers Windsor & Essex County will be among many groups running at the 40th Annual Detroit Free Press Marathon, this Sunday, October 15th, 7 am sharp! The Cris Kambouris Real Estate Team is honored to be this year’s Team Sponsor. “This was a perfect fit for me as I have many connections on both…
How to Make Your Home the Hottest Buy in the Market! A home is only as good as you make it. In this article, we help you make your home a rockstar listing! When you are preparing to sell your home in Windsor – Essex Area, you should start with the exterior of your home.…
Ask The Expert: Ken Sherman of Sentry Windows & Doors Sentry Windows & Doors – Nothing less than the very BEST! In a sky full of stars, Ken & Tamar Sherman, the Owners & Operators of Sentry Windows and Doors, illuminate Windsor-Essex!” You need only to look outside your own window to find out why! It is because all departments…
YQG Talks, Cultivating with Passion Did you ever hear a great song, then another, and another and realize that one musician was responsible for all 3 and you instantly had a new favorite band? We’ve all been there, and that is what I think of when I think of Cierra Bray. Cierra is a recent…
Windsor-Essex raised over $54,000 for the Crohn’s & Colitis Canada – Windsor Chapter Gutsy Walk 2017! Although rain was expected this past Sunday, June 4, the clouds passed by and it remained sunny for the Crohn’s & Colitis Canada – Windsor Chapter Gutsy Walk! It was a special day for Team “Kambouris Got Guts” as it was our…
A Safe and Fun Outdoor Accessible Playground Area, Coming Soon for Harmony In Action! With so many organizations to support in Windsor-Essex, it makes you wonder how one chooses. I have Director of Fundraising and Marketing, Anita Riccio-Spagnuolo, to thank for opening my eyes to Harmony in Action. I joined the Board of Directors a…
15 Easy Tips To Spruce Up Your Homes Curb Appeal Your home is your castle. You have taken great pride in the design & decor, but when you are preparing to sell your home, you should also consider your home’s curb appeal to be significant as well. A home with great curb appeal will entice potential home buyers. Research…
