http://slightlyviral.com/getting-the-best-deals-at-costco/

People happy with and without children.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/the-hot-button/does-having-kids-ruin-your-life-scientists-weigh-in/article16366017/

Canadian Mortgage Rates

Rate drop: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/mortgages/royal-bank-quietly-cuts-mortgage-rates/article16402627/

Just downloaded the Polarbear App for BB10. Looks good so far!

Winter in Toronto: How to be efficient!

Winter has most definitely arrived in Toronto and we'll all have to grin and bare it for at least a few months. What are some things you can do to stay warm inside your home - and reduce your Toronto Hydro and Enbridge Gas costs at the same time? Another Toronto winter topic: if you are hoping to find a warm deal in Toronto Real Estate winter can be a very hot time to buy.

To keep warm and reduce household costs and energy usage you can do some or all of the following:

1. Check the furnace. Change/vacuum the filter. A dirty filter reduces the efficiency of your furnace and can significantly raise your energy bill.

2. Run the ceiling fan downward. This pushes warm air down from the ceiling and allows it to recirculate.

3. Check for air leaks. If there is cold air coming in from a door, the windows or the foundation, seal it off. If you can't spend the money on a permanent fix, use towels, blankets or electrical tape to seal the leak off. Preventing and sealing leaks will help keep your energy bill under control.

4. If you use the fireplace, which can be a good way to keep energy costs lower, make sure the chimney is clean and the flute is closed when not in use.

5. While many of us have the comfort of just turning up the thermostat, never underestimate the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of your favorite warm blanket!

Now, to one of the most common questions asked of me this month: is winter a good time to buy or should I wait until Spring?

It is nearly impossible to "time" the market - especially in Toronto - a market driven by a base in consistent immigration but fluctuations based on interest rates and periodic tax policy changes.

Currently interest rates are still close to historical lows.  Inventory in the winter months is always lower than in the Spring, however there are always less buyers which means less demand for the good properties that are on the market. Also, sellers who have to sell and do not have the luxury of waiting until spring generally have to take a hit on price to get their home sold in the winter months. Of course there are exceptions to every rule, but the key is being able to spot a good deal when you see, which is where a good agent comes in.

That doesn't mean I don't look forward to the plethora of choice that the Spring real estate market offers - it does make my job – and a buyer’s journey - a lot easier! However, when winter deals are struck it warms the hearts and homes of a lucky few, brave, bundled and well informed buyers.

This winter, stay warm, efficient and smart.

Cheers!