The smarter archives

Peruse past articles related to creating the perfect budget, saving for a down payment, pet proofing your home, vacationing on a budget and everything to do with education, innovation, finance and living smarter.

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6 tips for creating a fun and functional playroom

A playroom is a great way to keep toys out of sight and mind, and encourage independence. Here are 6 tips for creating a fun and functional playroom.

How to prep your home for winter: Part 1 - Indoors

Is your home ready for the winter months ahead? If not, we can help. Check out our six tips on how to get your home winter-ready, starting with the inside.

Your fall home maintenance checklist: 18 things to do every year

Get ready for the cooler months ahead with our fall home maintenance checklist. From sealing your windows to changing your furnace filter, we’ve got you covered. We've even included an infographic you can pin up to help keep you on track! Read on [...]

Need to Know: Single Family Homes

On the surface, Single Family Homes seem very straightforward – however, there are lots of details under the Single Family Home umbrella that can help make the homebuying process a bit more clear!

6 questions to ask before starting a home renovation

A home improvement or renovation project can be incredibly exciting! But, before you start knocking down walls and choosing flooring, there are lots of important questions to ask yourself about what you’re hoping to achieve. After all, it’s a big investment and mistakes can be costly [...]

How to seriously deep clean your home room by room

Most of us have been hanging around the house more than usual the last couple of months, and the dirt and clutter are likely starting to add up. Cleaning, and disinfecting your home is more important than ever right now – and we’ve got some tips on how to give your home a full deep clean [...]

5 tips to stay motivated while WFH

As many of us have recently changed our Monday to Friday status to “WFH” (“working from home”), we thought it would be a good time to share advice on the best ways to do so while staying positive and motivated. Here are some tips to keep projects moving while working from home […]

6 ways to stay busy during home isolation

Given what’s currently happening in the world, things are certainly anything but normal so we’ve put together a list of six ways to stay busy during self-isolation in your home – and even be ahead of the game when we get through it [...]

5 simple home winterization tips to save energy

Winter weather may have already arrived for some of us, but you still have time to prepare your home for colder temperatures. Here are 5 simple changes you can make around the house to keep you warm all season long, while also reducing your energy consumption and saving you some money on your utility bill [...]

Finding a Home: 6 things to know when buying a house

Before you begin searching for your dream home, there are some important questions you need to ask yourself to help you narrow down the choices. Read our 6 tips to help you find the right home in Ottawa.

Why buy a new house?

We might be biased about buying a new house, but deciding between a new construction home and a resale home is important. Here are 12 reasons to buy a newly constructed home instead of resale.

The benefits of home ownership

Owning your own home is a life goal that many Canadians have but is it always the right choice for everyone? If you’re wondering whether you should buy a house then consider some of the many benefits we’ve listed to make the decision a little easier.

Buying a Freehold Home

There are two types of home ownership: freehold and condo. Freehold is a term that many first-time home buyers are not aware of but it is the most popular type of home so it’s important to learn more about it.

Getting “smart” at home

Nowadays everything from light bulbs to your security system to the thermostat can be connected and controlled through your devices. All you need is a little know-how and a Wi-Fi network. Here's a guide to making your home a smart one. Alexa, let’s do this [...]

DIY hostess and holiday gifts

With holiday parties and gatherings galore on the horizon, the number of hostess gifts and presents you’ll need can add up quickly. Whether it’s an office Yankee Swap or a full-blown family get-together, we’ve got lots of great DIY gift ideas that are as thoughtful as they are inexpensive [...]

Smart apps for everyday life

Ever feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day? With our lives getting busier and busier, it’s no wonder we rely so heavily on technology to get by – and our smartphones are no exception! Read on for a roundup of some great apps to assist you in everyday life. Whether it’s to help with budgeting or squeezing in that daily workout – there’s a little something in here for everyone […]

Oh hey, staycay!

While our instincts may tell us to start trip planning as soon as the summer months hit, there’s something to be said for staying put and enjoying what’s around us. We’ve gathered a few ideas to help you have a fantastic staycation – and keep a little dough in your pocket, too. Read on. [...]

Prepping for tax season

How is it possibly tax season again? While it comes at the same time every year, it still has a way of sneaking up on you. Don’t let it stress you out! These tips will help you get organized – and get the most from your tax return. […]

Tips for sticking to your resolutions

Is your “new year, new me” momentum fading fast? We can help! Stay on top of your New Year’s resolutions by reading these helpful tips [...]

How to create the perfect budget

Whether you’re looking to save for a vacation this winter or for a down payment on a home, creating a budget is a good place to start. We’ve got some great tips on how to get started [...]

Tips from the Designer

The way your home is decorated will have a major impact on the overall feeling of the space.

Comfort on a Budget

You don't need to spend a lot of money to make your living space comfortable.

Which Wood is Right For You?

Selecting the right kind of flooring is probably one of the most important decisions for your home.