Christina, Author at Lets Talk Real Estate Team

Christina, Author at Lets Talk Real Estate Team - Page 7 of 19

This summer marks the return of an important annual event.

Royal Reach is back for a second year and the goal in 2023 is to help the youngest in our community, raising funds for the Children’s Foundation of Guelph Wellington and Food4Kids Guelph.

Royal Reach was founded in 2022 by Christina FitzGibbon and Morgan Dundas to target a younger demographic than is traditionally seen on the charity circuit. The pair want to entice more young people—the next generation of leaders in the Guelph community—to give back and support local charities in a new and different way. Anyone with the means to help is welcome.

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Every year a new local charity is chosen to feature, to help spread support among the many hardworking organizations here in Guelph. Their first-ever event in July 2022 sold out and raised an incredible $32,000 in support of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Guelph.

The May 6, 2023 event will be held at beautiful Cutten Fields.

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About the charities

“I’ll never forget hearing from one of our Food & Friends student nutrition program coordinators about a Grade 6 child who kept asking for more and more breakfast egg wraps until finally he stopped eating and said he thought he was full. He went on to say that he had never felt this way before, like he couldn’t eat another bite, and he realized that must be what it means to feel full,” says Emma Rogers, CEO of the Children’s Foundation.

“One thing I know for sure is that no child should be experiencing chronic hunger. Prior to the pandemic, we know that 1 in 5 children were living in food insecure homes, and that number is now closer to 1 in 3 children. Given that heartbreaking statistic, it’s more vital than ever that our schools are a haven for kids to have access to the food they need to fill their bellies and set them up properly for a day full of learning.”

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Terrie Jarvis from Food4Kids Guelph adds, “While many children rely on getting free food at school Monday to Friday thanks to the Food & Friends program, schools told us that some children struggle through weekends and school holidays with insufficient food at home. The Food4Kids Guelph program aims to close the weekend gap by providing nutritious food bags for the most food-insecure children to take home from school on Fridays, and by providing grocery gift cards to their families when schools are closed.

Since the start of COVID in 2020, Food4Kids has seen a 100% increase in the number of children registered in this program, from 200 to 400 today. Together, Food & Friends and Food4Kids Guelph are complementary programs feeding local children year-round, on school days, school weekends and during school holidays.”

Royal Reach 2023

“The Royal Reach is so excited to be partnering with Food4Kids Guelph as well as the Children’s Foundation in an effort to help reduce food insecurity for children in the Guelph community. We believe every child should be able to nourish their bodies with healthy foods! We are really passionate about tackling hunger for kids 365 days out of the year and the potential to have such a great impact in our community. Through the Royal Reach, we will be able to help close the gap of the 3-4% of children who are in the severe food insecurity bracket,” says Dundas.

“We are so proud of what the Royal Reach has become. We have been able to bring our peers together in an effort to support our community today and in the future. Rethinking and reimagining the ‘charity gala’ has created a vehicle bringing awareness and support to valuable causes throughout Guelph,” says FitzGibbon.

“Our goal, by selecting a new charity each year, is that our guests will get attached and excited about reaching out to organizations that they hold close in their hearts and make their own lasting impact. The future of giving is in our hands.”

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The local community has been quick to embrace the concept and is clearly eager to help families in Guelph fight food insecurity.

While tickets have already sold out for this year’s event, donors and sponsors are always needed and welcome. Your generosity can greatly increase the impact the success of this event and help feed the youngest among us.

To learn how you can donate or become a sponsor, visit the donations page of the Royal Reach website.

SPONSORS

Presenting Sponsor: Afya Skin and Body
Band Sponsor: Tricar
Drink Sponsor: Sleeman Breweries and Spring Mill Distillery
Cocktail Hour Sponsor: Coldwell Banker Neumann Real Estate
Wine Sponsor: Nick FitzGibbon Let’s Talk Real Estate
Decor Sponsor: Woods Development Group
Hors D’Oeuvres Sponsor: Hybrid Financial
Late Night Food: Harveys

In Kind Sponsors:

Platinum Sponsor:

Gold Sponsor:

Silver Sponsor:

ABOUT FOOD4KIDS GUELPH

Food4Kids provides packages of healthy food for children with limited or no food during weekends and grocery gift cards to help their families during school holidays. Started in 2018 by the four Rotary Clubs of Guelph, Food4Kids currently supports 400 children in Guelph, 52 weeks a year.

Website: www.food4kidsguelph.ca

ABOUT THE CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION GUELPH WELLINGTON

The Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington believes in a community where every child and youth has the opportunity to participate, learn and grow to reach their full potential. CFGW empowers children and youth by connecting families with opportunities to build hope for lifelong change through four core programs: Adopt-A-Family, Food & Friends, Free to Grow and the Scholarships Program.

Website: www.childrensfoundation.org

Facebook: @childrensfdngw

Twitter: @childrensfdngw

Instagram: @childrensfdngw

ABOUT ROYAL REACH

Royal Reach was born in an effort to give back to the local community by creating a platform that encourages and facilitates next-generation philanthropy. 2022 marked their inaugural fundraising event, where they partnered with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Guelph. Each year a new local charity will be selected, bringing awareness, new volunteers and financial support to a well-deserving cause.

Website: www.royalreach.ca

Instagram: @aroyalreach

It’s not every day you get a phone call from your insurance broker saying they have a better home insurance policy for you that will save you money while still being well covered. Luckily, this happened to me a few months back and it got me thinking about how little I know about the home insurance world and if homeowners should be paying closer attention to their insurance situation,” says REALTOR® Nick FitzGibbon.

The real estate agent sat down with Zac Sutherland, VP at Sutherland Insurance, to discuss the biggest factors that influence the cost of home insurance, how the rebuild value of a home is determined and why you’re definitely doing yourself a disservice if you only get one quote.

NF: Where should people start when they’re looking to set up their home insurance?

ZS: Strong advice is the most important factor with any insurance purchase. Home insurance continues to become more complicated in terms of different coverage options available in the market.

I would suggest looking up and calling a local broker who not only has an understanding of the general risks of the area, but also has access to multiple markets to provide a quote for your home.

NF: Can you share a quick breakdown of the different coverage options available?

ZS: A home policy is fairly standard across companies, however each one offers slight variations to the coverages available; this can be the difference in receiving coverage, or not, in a claim scenario.

Each policy should be set up uniquely for your home and your needs. A few coverages I would recommend discussing with your insurance provider to make sure they are on your policy include: Guaranteed Replacement cost, Sewer back-up and Overland water.

Also, one of the biggest misses we see these days are clients not disclosing certain items that are limited on most policies, including: jewelry, bikes and instruments, to name a few. There is a cost to add the proper coverage to certain items, but it is essential to understand that this needs to be done before a claim is made—and not afterwards when it’s too late.

NF: What are some of the biggest factors that will influence the cost of home insurance?

ZS: Your credit score would be the biggest factor in most insurance companies’ rating systems. They also have incredibly detailed flood and water data that will rate the individual homes on their likely exposure to a flood.

The easiest example of this would be that a home at the top of a hill would likely see a lower water-related premium than the neighbour down the hill. Your distance to a fire hydrant determines the rate and for those rural properties it’s the distance to the closest firehall. Another key is the updates to your roof, electrical, plumbing and heating.

Each insurer is different, but a general rule is if these weren’t done in the past 25 years and are not done to current standard code, it will drastically impact your options, which naturally inflates the price. Many insurers refuse to write homes without updates.

NF: How do homeowners determine the rebuild value of their home? Is there a standard rule of thumb or industry recommendation that applies?

ZS: The key difference between insurance valuations and real estate valuations is insurance only looks at the cost to rebuild the existing structure. This is why you will often see a much lower number for your building value on your policy than what you paid for the property. I

n terms of determining that value, all brokers and agents have a valuation tool that given the factors disclosed by the client about the building will help them come back with a replacement cost value. This number is essential to determine the rating and allow the client to qualify for guaranteed replacement cost in certain scenarios.

The easiest way to be comfortable is to be as transparent as possible. Leverage your realtor and the previous owner to get all the answers possible around the year and the materials used to update the roof, electrical, plumbing and heating.

NF: Everyone wants to have ample protection in place, but at the same time they don’t want to overpay. How can homeowners know they’re getting the best rates? What should they be asking?

ZS: As noted above, the key rating metrics have less to do with the home itself. And gone are the days of asking your neighbour what they pay as a reasonable barometer.

Our industry has shifted to what is known as individualized rating, which means they are assessing your individual profile and the home, not just the structure you purchased. Given that, the easiest way to determine if you’re getting the best possible rate is to be transparent and answer as many of the questions as possible, while making sure you are asking to see multiple quotes.

To illustrate this, I ran a quote today on my home. Amongst our seven major providers with identical coverage, the quotes ranged from $1,200 to $3,500, with each company believing they priced my unique situation the right way. If I only got one quote online, who knows where it would have fallen in that range.

NF: Thanks so much for your time, Zac! This was very helpful—lots of great information here for homeowners.

Reach out to talk real estate with Nick Fitzgibbon when you’re ready to buy, sell or invest.

Connect with Zac at Sutherland Insurance to discuss the best coverage for you

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REALTOR® Nick FitzGibbon sits down with Craig Sheardown of AV Haus to talk about the latest in home security and entertainment

Listen to this article

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The technology available today is pretty amazing, especially when it comes to custom home automation. You can enhance several aspects of daily living—and your family’s comfort—by implementing any one of the many recent innovations.

REALTOR® Nick FitzGibbon recently met with Craig Sheardown, Owner and Managing Partner of AV Haus Incorporated in Guelph. They talked about artificial intelligence, the increased interest in smart energy monitoring and one of their all-time favourite requests from clients.

NF: How would you describe the services you offer and how long have you been a local business?

CS: AV Haus is in its second year of operation, and it has been non-stop since the day we started!

Our area of focus is to work with our clients, typically custom home builders and homeowners, to design customized home automation systems that both enhance the client’s lifestyle while blending seamlessly into their space.

NF: What are some of the most popular smart tech/home automation features homeowners ask you for?

CS: Because we offer custom solutions for every client, no two projects are ever identical, though there are definitely common requests—namely, being able to enjoy music throughout the home.

Our projects usually include architectural speakers throughout the home and can even include them in outdoor living spaces. This allows for various family members to enjoy their own music in their own spaces, or the same selection throughout the home. This is a key feature for families and for clients who entertain.

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NF: Are there any interesting trends you’ve been noticing lately, either in terms of what people are asking for or in the technology itself?

CS: Yes, there are a few we’ve noticed, namely an interest in voice-controlled automation and advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. We offer some really impressive and exciting options from brands we’ve partnered with that actually let you speak to your home naturally. (i.e., “Okay, I need you to turn on the television, set the lighting scene to ‘cinema’ and lock the front door.”)

We’re also seeing an increase in requests for smart energy monitoring. Consumers are more conscious than ever before of their energy usage and consumption. We offer products that provide a visual representation of energy production trends and help our clients to optimize their energy usage.

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NF: How would you separate home automation/smart technology features into those you’d consider essential and ones that are nice to have?

CS: The technologies we provide that make our client’s lives easier, safer and generally more enjoyable are what we consider essential.

Our list would include security features (i.e., video doorbells, smart locks and cameras), reliable networking capabilities—especially with the number of home devices that connect to the internet, as well as the increase in the number of people working and learning remotely, and energy consumption solutions, like motorized blinds and smart thermostats.

We’d also include advanced home theatre systems on our “Essential” list as well, because if you’re going to work hard all day, you deserve a great system to come home to and relax with. Our “Nice to Have” list is long but would definitely include one of our favourite requests: Theatre Rooms.

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NF: Many might not realize that lighting design is also something that you do. What are the benefits of customizing and automating the lighting in your home?

CS: This is such an underappreciated aspect of home automation, and one we recommend in all of our projects because of the many benefits it offers!

Lighting is an important feature in our daily lives, in fact it’s essential. It’s not only aesthetically pleasing, but it actually helps your body to stabilize your circadian rhythm, which contributes to a better night’s sleep and improved mood and productivity! We also recommend installing smart lighting features as a means of safety and security.

One feature we program regularly into our projects is used in conjunction with video doorbells. When the doorbell detects motion, which can be up to 30 feet away, it signals the lights in the front entryway of the house to turn on and then off 5 minutes later. This is a great solution for two reasons:

it means no more walking into a dark house at night, fumbling around for a light switch with your hands full and
it gives the impression that your home is occupied, even when you’re away.

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NF: Is there a particular feature or application you can’t live without? Or perhaps an underrated one you feel most homeowners would benefit from having?

CS: Personally, our family’s most used smart features would include lighting and music. We enjoy setting our lighting “scenes” during different parts of the day, depending on what we might be doing. In the evenings we enjoy a warm, dim ambiance with low audio volumes to promote rest and relaxation. During the day, we’re able to set a scene that mimics daylight—perfect for these dreary winter days or for the basement.

With three young children at home, we’ve also benefited from customizing scenes unique to each bedroom. These customizations include individualized lighting aspects (brightness and colour) as well as preferred audio playlists in each room. The scenes are also programmed with a self-shut-off timer, because as any parent will tell you, you never want to risk sneaking in and waking your sleeping children after they’ve finally fallen asleep!

The key to these features working together is ensuring we use a reliable application that not only allows these scenes to be set, but can also be accessed remotely. Forgot to lock the door? Want to make sure the house is the perfect temperature upon returning home for the day? No problem, the systems we work with allow you to do that remotely from your smart device, wherever you might be.

NF: Is there anything else you might want readers to know?

CS: We have been blown away by the way our community has both supported and embraced us.

As a business we take great pride in the immense levels of trust that our clients put in us when designing their automation systems. We do not take that responsibility lightly; it’s an honour to be invited into houses and help make them homes. We are proud to not only be part of but serve Guelph and surrounding communities.

We also want to ensure that we thank everyone who has supported us while we’ve gotten up and running—our family, friends and valued clients. We could not do what we do without you. And to those who are being introduced to us here for the first time, we can’t wait to meet you!

NF: That’s fantastic, Craig. Thanks for sharing so much great information and showing us all what’s possible for our homes.

Learn more about the services AV Haus offers and contact them online here.

Buying, selling or investing in real estate? Connect with Nick Fitzgibbon online here.

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Link to video: https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/books-for-kids-campaign-helps-share-the-gift-of-reading-in-guelph-4810831

GuelphToday is once again sharing the gift of reading this holiday season.

Each year, GuelphToday collects book donations in support of the Salvation Army at a Guelph Storm home game with its Books for Kids campaign.

The campaign, which GuelphToday has spearheaded for the last five years, calls on the Guelph community to donate new, unwrapped books that are suitable for children.

The books are then distributed through the Salvation Army’s Christmas hamper program, which supports families in need.

The program helps to ensure that all children have access to opportunities to develop their literacy skills and unlock the full potential of their imagination.

Over the weekend, Guelph Storm fans attending the Storm vs. Eerie Otters game at the Sleeman Centre showed their support for the cause. We are thrilled to announce we collected 600 books from the fans who attended the game.

These 600 books are in addition to the $6,000 worth of books donated to the program by Guelph’s ‘Book Angel.’

The anonymous donor buys $6,000 worth of books at The Bookshelf, which are then distributed through the hamper program. The Bookshelf discounts the purchase so that even more books can be donated, extending the reach of this important community initiative.

“The program is important to the community, now more than ever, because so many families rely on the hamper program to help make Christmas special,” said Liz O’Donnell, General Manager at GuelphToday. “Last year in Guelph, over 1,000 children received hampers and every single child got at least one book, that’s pretty cool!”

At GuelphToday, we strive to strengthen the communities that we serve. Programs like this and support from our community members and partners help us to do just that.

From all of us at GuelphToday, we would like to say thank you to the community for making this program so successful year after year.

GuelphToday would also like to give a special thank you to Michael Kalu for doing our Books for Kids video

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e you the parent of a child who will be attending the University of Guelph?

If so, there’s a trend in local real estate you may want to know more about.

“As we launch into 2023, there is a trend we see forming in the investment property market. Parent investors (investors purchasing for their child who attend the University of Guelph) have become a popular pool of buyers so far this year,” says REALTOR® Nick FitzGibbon.

Thanks in part to the large increase in demand for rentals—as well as the enormous jump in rental rates—many parents are shifting gears, from helping their child find rentals to finding a REALTOR® who can help them purchase housing instead.

“From an investment standpoint, buying a property with the intent to hold it for years has always been a smart and lucrative strategy. To hold a property in an appreciating market can lead to some financial gains while creating some stability for their child’s housing situation during their time at the University of Guelph. Being the landlord guarantees your child will not be uprooted by a landlord who is looking to sell their unit or move into the property themselves. It also eliminates the fear of rent hikes or another big jump in the rental market,” he explains.

“All this while you are paying down your own property instead of paying the mortgage for someone else.”

If you are having trouble affording or finding a rental for your child, you might want to try reaching out to your mortgage specialist to see if purchasing may be a better strategy for your situation. FitzGibbon recommends speaking to Paul Gazzola of Guelph Mortgage Architects or Dylan Furlong of Champion Mortgage.

The following listings, for example, are currently available.

They’re fantastic properties for investors who are looking for a great product and who want to invest in the strong Guelph real estate market. “They are all in great locations for students, depending on what they are looking for,” says FitzGibbon.

“One is close to downtown, one the bus route and close to all of the South End amenities and 401, and the final one is in close proximity to the Stone Road Mall and of course a short bus ride to the U of G.”

201-1440 Gordon Street is a spacious, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo in South Guelph.

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This corner unit has 916 sq ft of living space and receives lots of natural light. It comes with granite countertops, a 2-piece primary ensuite, high-efficiency front loader laundry machines and a parking spot.

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The building includes a great party room, secure underground parking and a tasteful lobby and common area. The Grandview on Gordon is well located in a family-friendly neighbourhood, with easy access to schools, restaurants, grocery stores and shopping; everything you could need can be found within a few kilometres. With bus routes and bike lanes along Gordon Street it would make the ideal home for a young university student.

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Take the virtual tour to learn more.

408-5 Gordon Street is a 1-bedroom and den, 1-bathroom, 673 sq ft condo in downtown Guelph.

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Loaded with great features, this unit boasts concrete countertops, laminate flooring, stainless steel appliances, a Juliet balcony and tons of closet space. The condo has a warm and airy feel and is south facing, so there is lots of natural light.

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There is a built-in Murphy bed in the den, making it a great second bedroom and spot for guests. The unit also comes with its own underground parking spot.

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There is a coffee shop built into the building and you’re just steps from the local farmers market, as well as everything else downtown has to offer: shops, restaurants, bars, grocery stores, art shows and community events. The area is known for its historic charm and walkability.

Discover more with this virtual tour.

33 Koch Drive

Coming Soon: This home in South Guelph is perfect for university parents, first-time buyers looking for a mortgage helper or investors. It has 4 bedrooms upstairs and a 1-bedroom legal basement apartment, approximately 1,300 sq ft of living space and 2.5 bathrooms.

The home backs onto conservation land and is tucked away on a quiet street.

for lease for rent guelph guelph real estate parent investor purchase student rentals rent rates rentals available student housing student rent rates u of g university of guelph

We asked for your help to spread holiday cheer this year, and once again, you’ve delivered!

Reader-submitted photos in the gallery above show the holiday spirit is alive and well in our community. Check them out!

And the contest?

The lucky winner of the Share Your Holiday Moment and Spread a Smile contest presented by Nick FitzGibbon Let’s Talk Real Estate is Michelle Meier. Michelle will enjoy a $200 Downtown Guelph gift card just in time for the holidays.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Nick FitzGibbon Let’s Talk Real Estate for helping spread more smiles in our community this holiday season!

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What are the latest trends in home renovations? What can we expect to see growing in popularity in the new year and beyond?

REALTOR® Nick FitzGibbon sat down with Dean Fair, a talented General Contractor who has worked in construction for many years. Recently, he took over his father Tom’s business, Tom Fair Construction, which is now known as Fair Slope Construction.

The pair discussed the most popular requests Dean gets from clients, whatever happened to the old kitchen table and why 2023 may just be the year of “less is more”.

NF: Dean, can you describe for readers what your construction company does? Do you specialize in any particular areas?

DF: First, I want to thank you, Nick and Tina of Coldwell Banker, for allowing me the opportunity to share some of the things we do. At Fair Slope Construction, our main focus is to bring clients’ dreams and visions to reality. We specialize in bathrooms and kitchens, along with many other household projects.

We are determined to bring our projects in on time and on budget. We realize that going through any kind of home renovation can be a daunting task, so our biggest objective is to make it as seamless as possible. We achieve these goals by communicating with our clients on a daily basis, working with reliable trades and always respecting the budget that has been laid out in detail at the start of the project.

To put it as bluntly as I can, I wouldn’t allow anyone in your home that I wouldn’t have in mine.

NF: How long has Fair Slope Construction been in business and can you share a bit about the company’s history?

DF: Fair Slope Construction is a new business; we have been operating for only a few months, but I have been in the renovation business for the past 15 years. I have been operating as a General Contractor for the past 6 years, with plenty of experience in the residential and commercial construction industries.

Our latest project was an ensuite bathroom that included heated floors, custom millwork, and a 6 ft shower with a floating bench, along with other features.

NF: What do you love most about this kind of work?

DF: The thing I love the most about this business is creating and designing. Once we have made the final selections and outlined the specifications with our clients, the demolition begins, and I cannot wait to have our clients see their visions and dreams go from concept to reality.

NF: Homeowners are always interested to know about the latest trends in home design and construction. Have you been noticing any changes in what people seem to want? Can you share some examples?

DF: The one thing I am constantly being asked is, “Can this wall come out?”

Open concept is a huge part of the projects I am involved in. Making things brighter and more open seems to be one of the biggest trends in home renovation projects; the other trend I am seeing is my clients getting further away from “off the shelf” designs and becoming more interested in custom pieces, such as vanities and kitchen millwork. The difference in quality is hard to describe until it is installed, and the client has had the opportunity to work with it.

NF: What do you get asked for most often when it comes to kitchens?

DF: The biggest question that comes up when it comes to kitchens is, “How big can we make the island?”

Kitchen islands have taken over as the everyday kitchen table and with a growing family, space becomes harder to find. So having a big kitchen island to accommodate families and friends is a must in any kitchen.

NF: What are some of the most popular features in bathrooms these days?

DF: Some of the most popular features in bathrooms that we’re seeing are heated floors, larger shower niches, curb-less showers (if construction allows) and custom vanities and storage spaces. Storage is one of the biggest things we take note of when trying to design bathrooms, so having a design implemented at the start of the project is a must.

NF: You’re uniquely positioned to see upcoming trends before the rest of us. Are there any unique features or finishes we can expect to see more of in our homes in the near future?

DF: One of the biggest trends is simplicity within the home. The old motto “Less is more” has never been so true. Decluttering the mind can start by decluttering the home, which can have a profound impact on our overall well-being.

To achieve this, we are seeing ample storage space, easy-to-use drawers and pantries, organized front entryways and a more open concept design to bring family together.

NF: Have there been any particular projects you’ve worked on that stand out to you—and if so, what was it about them that made them special?

DF: One of my most recent projects I have been working on is a house renovation that will include a kitchen, main bath, custom millwork and relocating the basement laundry to the second floor.

Our goal here is to create a flow within the space that is functional for the family, without them feeling like they need to relocate to a new home.

NF: Thank you so much for your time today, Dean. Great talking to you.

Connect with Nick Fitzgibbon to talk all things real estate online here.

View more of Dean’s projects and contact him online here.

buying contractors general contractors guelph guelph renovations home renovations home upgrades renovations selling

GuelphToday.com and Nick FitzGibbon Let’s Talk Real Estate want to spread some holiday cheer this season with a little help from you!

Send us a photo of a special holiday moment, past or present, before December 21, 2022, to be featured on GuelphToday.com. Plus, your submission will automatically enter you for a chance to win a $200 Downtown Guelph gift card just in time for the holidays.

What are we looking for?

Festive family and pet photos, shots of you enjoying winter activities, pics of your favourite decorative displays and other ways you’re making memories this season.

Once the final photo submission date passes, we will create a festive photo gallery that will be published on GuelphToday.com.

One lucky photo submitter will be chosen randomly to win the $200 gift card. Some restrictions apply.

ENTER HERE!

“The Holiday Season is a great time to connect and recharge with family and friends. We love seeing and hearing about people’s stories and traditions that makes this time of year so special. From our family to yours, Happy Holidays!” – Nick FitzGibbon

FULL ARTICLE:

https://www.guelphtoday.com/spotlight/share-your-holiday-photo-for-a-chance-to-win-a-200-gift-card-6185901

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COATS FOR HOPE: Annual Coat Drive is under way!

November 7- Dec 9th Please drop off your donations to the Guelph Coldwell Banker Neumann Real Estate office located at 824 Gordon St Guelph.

Alternatively you can email christina@cbn.on.ca to arrange a porch pick up!

Thank you for your donations- please see below of the list of most needed items

coat drive coldwell banker donate guelph donations guelph gives hope house

We all know what a huge difference thoughtful design can have on a space.

And yet, if you’ve never worked with an interior designer before, the process can seem a bit daunting.

REALTOR® Nick FitzGibbon sat down with Interior Designer Rachael Aiken, owner of Delve Interiors, to discuss why design should be accessible to everyone, the importance of getting outside your comfort zone, and what it takes to make a house a home.

NF: Rachael, for those who haven’t had the pleasure of working with you yet, can you share a little bit about your background? When did you start Delve Interiors and what was your motivation?

RA: Great to see you again, Nick! I’m so excited to be doing this and ‘delving’ in with you! (Yup, I’m totally cheesy.) As you know, I am the lead designer and founder of Delve Interiors.

Delve Interiors came to life in January 2020, after I had worked in the design business for a few years—I also had a lifetime of passion for all things design. My school background is actually in the sports and recreation world, but I soon realized after working in the industry that design was my true passion and aligned better with my growing family. Although I loved working for other designers and learning from them, I really had the desire to start a design business from scratch and have my hand in every decision that was made. I wanted it to be a true reflection of myself and have the ability to get super creative… Thus, Delve Interiors was born!

NF: Do you have a particular design philosophy or approach?

RA: I don’t know if I have a particular design philosophy; I think I have many. I really try to push clients outside of their comfort zone because that’s where all the magic happens.

I want to design for clients living in the present moment; too often I hear about ‘resale’ and if they will like their choices 10 years down the road. If I’m being honest, 10 years down the road, more often than not, your design will be ready for a refresh and your taste will have evolved.

Unless you’re flipping your house or planning to move very soon, why would you design a space based on unknown future occupants?

I want to design for YOU. Don’t get me wrong, I do believe in having some classic elements that stand the test of time, but that will never stop me from using colour, a bold textile, or some awesome wallpaper. That’s why I ultimately chose the name ‘Delve Interiors’ because I really want to dive in and learn so much about my clients so that I can create a space that is truly reflective of them and their needs.

NF: Tell me, how does the process usually work? Is it helpful for you if homeowners have collected photos (on Pinterest or Houzz) of spaces they like? Do most clients do this before reaching out to you or do they approach you as more of a blank slate—open to hearing your ideas for their space?

RA: Our client inquiry process begins with prospective clients filling in our Contact Form via our website.

Here we ask a bunch of curated questions to allow us to get to know you better and get a handle on the scope of their project and determine if we would be a good fit for one another. After the inquiry is sent and our team decides to proceed, we would set up a discovery call to chat further and narrow down if it still feels like a good match. I want both parties to want this relationship and have a good feeling about it.

From there we book our first in-home consultation, get into contracts and payment, and make it official! We always then ask our client to send us their Pinterest or Houzz boards so we can further ‘delve’ in and get a solid understanding of their design taste and aesthetic. We use these platforms as inspiration BUT we really like to create a custom space that is unique and specific to our clients.

living-room-before — Delve Interiors living room project: Before

living-room-after — Delve Interiors living room project: After

NF: What’s the typical scope of your projects? Do most clients hire you to design the interiors of their entire home or do you take on smaller projects as well?

RA: Our scope of projects varies from full spectrum design to conceptual design only. This is a piece of the business that keeps evolving as we grow and figure out where our sweet spot is. We have done everything from a single room in a house to designing an entire home top to bottom. I do know that our best results always come from taking design from concept to implementation, all the way to the finish line.

NF: What have been some of the most fun projects you’ve worked on? Do you have a favourite?

RA: I have been honoured and blessed to work with some incredible people thus far and so many clients have truly become my friends. There have been many great projects, it’s hard to even narrow it down.

Some highlights for me were working with Sarah Landry (@thebirdspapaya) on her principal bathroom where we installed a custom pink vanity. This job garnered some really great attention because of Sarah’s insane reach and her very kind words. I’m very thankful to her and Shane for believing in me and trusting me.

before — Sarah Landry bathroom redesign: Before

after — Sarah Landry bathroom redesign: After

NF: I love that your aim is to make interior design more accessible—easy and affordable—and to lower the barrier to interior design services. How did this come about and why is this important to you?

RA: I really do strive to make design more accessible even though it’s considered a luxury service.

Our team curates accessible content for anyone to access by sharing tips and tricks, sourcing and showing lower-price items through our social platforms (Instagram, TikTok & Pinterest), sharing our favourite vendors and local artisans, creating guides based on frequently asked questions, and providing more detailed design information for our ‘Delve Insiders’ who have subscribed to our newsletter.

I am not a fan of secrets, I love to share and collaborate, we even share our design studio with another design firm called Studio Kin. We talk openly with one another, share resources and truly want nothing more than to see each of our separate businesses thrive. Another way we strive to be more accessible is by offering a two-part design service (conceptual vs. full service).

If full spectrum design isn’t in your budget but you still want the help and insight of a designer, you can hire Delve Interiors for conceptual design only. We essentially create the blueprint of the design for our clients to then execute themselves.

before-1 — Delve Interiors bathroom re-imagined: Before

after-1 — Delve Interiors bathroom re-imagined: After

NF: Are there any misconceptions people have about working with an interior designer?

RA: There are lots! Where do I begin?

I think one of the biggest misconceptions are probably geared around cost and what our role actually is as the designer. Oftentimes a renovation is a huge investment for the homeowners, and they want to be smart about where their money is spent, but I think how the money is distributed can be askew.

Design should always be a part of the budget (perhaps I’m biased, lol), but having a plan and investing in a designer upfront will save you money, save you time, and save your sanity. I can go on and on about the benefits of hiring a designer so if you’re still unsure, reach out and ask us, we are happy to delve into it further; we care about your investment too!

NF: What are you seeing as the next big trends in interior design? Is there anything interesting coming around the corner?

RA: Oh gosh, next big trends… I love that I’m seeing more colour and patterns being used in design. I’m seeing more moody spaces with so much depth and warmth. I think we will continue to see the creation of multifunctional spaces because of the work from home era the pandemic created. I hope we also continue to see the rising trend of eco-friendly design: repurposing, reusing, and refurbishing.

I also love some seasonal curb appeal! I usually stick to a straightforward formula each and every season, then change and build from that. There are three areas I focus on:

Front door,
Door mat(s),
Planter(s).

If you can change out those three areas to reflect each season you are off to the races. For the fall I like to use grasses, cabbage, dried florals, and mums in my planters, a natural jute door mat or one with fall plaid colours, and a cute and simple fall wreath on the door. Oh and we can’t forget the pumpkins—all different shapes and sizes. Don’t be scared to get creative and paint some of them as well.

At the end of the day, design is about people and connection, about bridging the gap between a house and a home. To us, that comes from intentionally curated design plans that showcase you and the things you love. When you come home at the end of the day you deserve to walk into a space of comfort and a true reflection of yourself.

If you want to ‘delve in’ with us more, please reach out! We would love to become friends and learn all about the things that home means to you. You can find us on Instagram and TikTok @delveinteriors and on Pinterest @delveinteriors_.

For a more detailed look into all things Delve Interiors and to meet our team, visit our website—we cannot wait to get to know you!

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Author: Christina

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