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[bc_video video_id="6275538632001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] The Real Estate Market can leave us in a state of frenzy a lot of the time. Should I buy a condo in the coming year? Should I sell my home right now? What is the Market forecast like? Here to answer your burning questions is Real Estate Expert Monique Johnson.

Question 1: "I want to get into the market, what do I need to do in the next two months if I want to purchase?"

This is a great question … in short, you must get ready right now. Key questions to ask yourself, is your employment & income secure to qualify for a mortgage? This is a must. Do you have a down payment saved? You’ll need at least 5% of the purchase price if you’re a first-time homebuyer. Next, align yourself with a reputable realtor who will hold your hand and take you through the process – your realtor should be able to get you a great mortgage broker who can pre-qualify you and ensure you’re in a strong position to buy. Once you’re approved, the fun begins – house shopping!! But in this seller’s market prepare yourself as it won’t be all roses – competition is still very intense right now, so be prepared to bid on more than one home and compromise on the type of home and location where you will buy-in.

Question 2 from Angela & Adel: "We are friends and co-workers and can't afford to buy an investment property on our own and want to do it together? What are the advantages and disadvantages?"

This is definitely an unconventional way of buying real estate that is becoming more and more popular. As prices have soared in parts of the country, there are people who are totally priced out and can no longer do it on their own. So, what’s the next best option, partner or friend and buy with someone you can trust. The advantages are:

1. you can split the down payment so you’re not putting as much cash down if you were buying alone…and if that amounts to 20% that means you’re saving on CMHC mortgage premiums.
2. You can use both of your incomes to increase your buying power meaning qualifying for a higher mortgage, which may mean a better property
3. And also have the added benefit that you can split expenses relating to the property. Replacing a roof at a cost of $5000-$10,000 may be more bearable by splitting those costs in two.

The disadvantage is:

1. If this joint venture doesn’t go as planned, be mentally prepared this could ruin your friendship if you’re not able to find common ground on issues that may arise, so we advise clients to get an iron-clad contract in place to spell out, who’s responsible for what.
2. Questions that can arise are: What happens when one party wants to sell and the other doesn’t? What happens when it’s time to pay for repairs and your friend doesn’t have the funds to pay? What happens if one party wants to refinance and take out their portion of equity and you don’t?
3. Just as banks evaluate you based on credit history and income and if they are reliable candidates for a loan, I’m sorry to say, you have to evaluate your friend in a similar way to ensure you are aligned and share similar values around finances

Contracts between friends need to be clear and protect each of your interests…after all, this is business.

Question 3 from Samantha: "My sister has been looking for condos in Toronto for a long time with no success. Do you think the market will be changing at all in the next year?"

Right now, that the city is back to business and resuming some type of normalcy, the condo market is making a comeback. Now, sales are up, and prices have stabilized. But there are still varying factors that may impact the condo market again.

• Will there be a 4^th wave? More lockdowns to come. Depending on the results of the election, each party has a platform with policies that may or may not impact the market and it’s just too soon to tell
• And on the flip side, we are still in a low-interest-rate environment, vaccine passports/certificates are here & a large segment of the population is vaccinated
• So, we can see timing the market can be a challenge – we don’t know how the market will react to the potential factors I’ve just mentioned.

What I would offer to Samantha is if your sister is serious about buying real estate and investing for herself, make her move now and at least capitalize off the low borrowing rates. She should consider buying something out of the city; consider areas poised for further growth like in Barrie, Bowmanville, Innisfil, Clear View, keep it as a rental property for 2-3 years, if she’s renting continue to rent. Once her investment has appreciated to a level where she can either sell to have enough to buy in Toronto or leverage that same property and buy another – she very well maybe in a position to buy in Toronto then. Take baby steps…be smart … the key is to get in and then let the market work your money for you.

Question 4 from Steve: "I'd like to sell my home in February, but would it be worth it to wait for the warmer months to get better offers?"

There are key times of year we advise our clients to sell, such as the Spring/Early Summer market, & Fall markets, depending on the week, homes typically sell for more and faster. February is 5 months from now, that’s a long time in the world of real estate. What we know right now is that the market is hot, and we are in a seller’s market as we speak. If your home is desirable and in a great area, capitalize on the low-inventory environment we are experiencing right now, capitalize on the demand, capitalize on the buying frenzy happening right now, driven by low-interest rates. If you’re thinking of selling, now’s a great time to do so. That’s what I did.

Question 5 from Aurélie: "Is Real Estate investing easier since I already own a property?"

I love this question because we are seeing most clients who have bought one existing property with us in the last 1-3 years, are already calling us to buy their second! If you’re fortunate enough to own a property in high-performing & appreciating markets like the ones in Toronto and BC this practice has become quite popular & easier because real estate appreciates so quickly, opening up the opportunity to leverage that asset. For our clients the equity they’re tapping into, they wouldn’t have otherwise been able to perhaps save within the short period to be able to afford their next property. So, in short, yes, once you’re in the market, you’re in! As long as you have your first property that has appreciated enough to leverage, the income and down payment to support another purchase, yes, it definitely becomes easier!

[bc_video video_id="6275541238001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] Throughout the pandemic, we all experienced social isolation and loneliness, but seniors, whether they live at home or in a care community, were extra isolated due to the higher risks associated with COVID-19. Gerontologist and Caregiver Advocate Dr. Lakelyn Hogan shares ways that we can help with the impact of loneliness and isolation on older adults. Loneliness and isolation among the older adult population existed before the pandemic and they will continue to exist as we get back to our everyday lives. Isolation is when we physically don't have enough people to come in contact with, while loneliness is more of a subjective term and you don't feel as if you are having quality interactions. It is important that as we assess our loved one's needs that we are having quality interactions and they are feeling connected. We are seeing the negative impacts of isolation and loneliness among the older population in the areas of mental, physical, and emotional health. Isolation is as detrimental to our health as smoking 16 cigarettes a day. Isolation increases the risk for things like heart disease, stroke, dementia, even increased mortality. Signs to watch out for in your loved ones: 

• Dietary issues (eating less or more)
• New aches and pains
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Changes in appearance
• Low energy and sleep issues

It is important for all of us to be aware of those signs so that if we see them in our loved ones we can address them promptly. With World Mental Health Day on October 10th and Thanksgiving approaching, there are numerous ways to give back to the seniors in your life and in your community. Ways to give back:

1. Home Instead has so many programs that can help: Ready to Care is a Pen Pals program that allows you to write a letter to a senior and share your contact information to stay in touch with your pen pal.
2. Hire a professional caregiver who can provide some much-needed companionship and be your eyes and ears if you live far away and aren’t able to visit with your senior loved one often.
3. Schedule a time to check in regularly with your senior loved one – whether in person or on the phone/video chat.
4. Help your senior loved one connect to community or hobby groups that do activities/cover topics they are interested in.

[bc_video video_id="6275536310001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] Looking for new toys for your little one? Look no further. Here are the 8 hottest toys for fall.

1. Pixicade (Bitogenius)

• We know that kids love video games, now they are going to play the video games they make!
• Download the Pixicade app, take a picture of what they draw and it will come to life in seconds.
• Kids can share the games that they make in the Pixicade arcade and send the games they make to others!
• Builds self-esteem, fosters creativity and teaches skills like problem solving and literacy.
• Set includes two QR codes for more than 1500 games with seven different game types, three activity books that are loaded with ideas and examples, 30 instructional activities, more than 100 example games, one exciting avatar sticker sheet, and five specially designed game markers that represent different actions or avatars.
• Ages: 6+
• MSRP: $29.99 CAD
• Available: Amazon.ca

[caption id="attachment_245049" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Pixicade Transform Creative Drawings to Animated[/caption]  

2. Coding Critters Magicoders: Skye the Unicorn and Blaze the Dragon (Learning Resources)

• The all-new Coding Critters MagiCoders are the most fantastical Coding Critters yet!
• Coding Critters are a kid’s first coding friend and introduce them to early STEM concepts through 100% screen-free coding activities.
• Kids can follow the storybook adventures of Skye the Unicorn and Blaze the Dragon to cast cool coding spells without the need for a phone or tablet. Allows kids to build skill sets such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and sequential logic.
• Includes a fantasy playset with magic wand controller and full-colour coding spellbook with fun activities.
• Requires 5 AAA batteries (not included).
• Ages: 4+
• MSRP: $49.99 USD
• Available: LearningResources.com
• CANADA: LearningResources.com delivers to Canada

[caption id="attachment_245051" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Coding Critters Magicoders: Skye the Unicorn and Blaze the Dragon (Learning Resources)[/caption]

3. Blockaroo Windmill (Blue Marble)

• Blockaroos was developed by teachers and are the easiest construction toy for preschoolers ever developed!
• Blockaroo Blocks are a new way to build. These soft foam magnetic blocks click together like magic, rotate 360-degrees, and always attract each other, creating a multi-sensory experience.
• They also float which means that this unique construction toy doubles as the ULTIMATE bath toy!
• Because they’re water safe, Parents love that they can easily sanitize these blocks in the dishwasher!
• Blockaroo Builders give toddlers the chance to explore shapes, colours, and frustration-free stacking with soft foam blocks that are safe, easy to handle and connect like magic.
• Ages: 18 MOS+
• CANADA:
  • MSRP: $69.99 CAN
  • Available: Amazon Canada

[caption id="attachment_245050" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Blockaroo Windmill (Blue Marble)[/caption]

4. Sort & Recycle Ride-On Truck (Vtech)

• Kids will learn good habits and about taking care of the environment with this truck made from more than 90% reclaimed plastic.
• They can pick up blocks or use the scoop to arrange them by shape and colour, and then put them in the shape sorter to practice recycling.
• Ages: 18 MOS+
• CANADA:
  • MSRP: $51.99
  • Available: Amazon Canada

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="250"] VTech Sort and Recycle Ride-On Truck[/caption]

5. Magic Mixies (Moose)

• Magic Mixies brings to life the wonder of real magic.
• Includes a sparkly cauldron, magic wand, potion ingredients, and everything needed to create a magical creature.
• This interactive experience will captivate kids with its imaginative play.
• Special ingredients combine to make the potion and create real mist, revealing a surprise Mixies creature.
• The Mixie responds to touch, lights up, grants wishes, and helps cast endless spells.
• Kids can repeat the fog and Mixies reveal as well as create their potions using household items for limitless imaginative play.
• Ages: 5+
• CANADA:
  • MSRP: $99.99 CAD
  • Available: WMT, TRU, Indigo, Mastermind, Amazon

[caption id="attachment_245054" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Magic Mixies – Magic Cauldron Pink[/caption]

6. Gumball Machine Maker (Thames & Kosmos)

• Build your own gumball machines and learn physics lessons in the process.
• Move the track segments around on the base to create an almost limitless number of different gumball machines. As the gumballs roll down the track, they perform cool stunts and tricks. Stunts include a pulley lift, pendulum, funnel, trampoline, variable-slope ramp, pinball launcher, and domino slide.
• Each segment of the track teaches a different lesson in mechanical physics, allowing users to explore topics including simple machines, force, motion, momentum, gravity, Newton’s laws, energy transfer, and more.
• Includes a small supply of gumballs to get started.
• Ages: 6+
• CANADA:
  • MSRP: $56 CAD
  • Available: Indigo

[caption id="attachment_245055" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Gumball Machine Maker - Super Stunts and Tricks[/caption]

7. Rainbow Fraction Measuring Cups (Hand2mind)

• Kids can study volume fractions through this visual approach.
• Rainbow Fraction Measuring Cups provide a unique 3D representation that helps connect volume and fractions.
• Children see and experience measuring, comparing volumes and capacity and learning fractional relationships through transparent, color-coded cups matching the Rainbow Fraction teaching system.
• Includes a set of nine measuring cups, one activity guide, and a storage container.
• Ages: 8+
• MSRP: $21.99 (set of 9) USD

[caption id="attachment_245057" align="aligncenter" width="257"] Rainbow Fraction® Measuring Cups, Set of 4[/caption]

8. Disney Doorables Multi Peek Series 6 (Just Play)

• Behind every door, a surprise is in store!
• Features special edition jewelled Disney princess characters and introduces the Discover Magic Key.
• Discover the Magic Key to reveal a secret image behind the door.
• Kids can use the key to search and find how many Hidden Mickeys are in the image. The number of Hidden Mickeys will reveal how many figures are inside.
• There are 45 figures to collect across Series 6
• Series 6 features characters from the stories of Raya and the Last Dragon, The Little Mermaid, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse, and Minnie Mouse.
• Ideal for collecting and trading.
• Ages: 5+
• CANADA:
  • MSRP: $14.99 CAD
  • Available: Walmart Canada

[caption id="attachment_245059" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Disney Doorables Multi Peek Series 6[/caption] All of our product suggestions are independently researched and sourced by Cityline. However, if you purchase something through cityline.tv, we may earn commission. Thanks for visiting us!

[bc_video video_id="6275536017001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] No matter what virus, bacteria, or other infectious agents you’re trying to avoid, prevention is the first line of defence, and keeping your immune system on “alert”. One of the biggest ways to avoid illness is prevention. Avoid touching your face (especially eyes, nose, and mouth). We touch our face on average 16 to 25 times an hour! Some up to 50 times an hour! We brush the hair from our eyes, scratch our noses, rest our chins in our hands, and put on and take off our face masks.

6 Tips to Stop Touching Your Face:

• Choose an essential oil you like the least / find very strong and add it to your hand sanitizer / place a few drops on your fingers. This will serve to quickly alert you to stop touching your face/mask
• Carry Kleenex and become habitual at using that vs your hands to wipe your eyes / pick your nose
• Wear gloves
• Occupy your hands with something to fidget with such as a pen or a marble
• Set occasional random reminders on your smartphone: “don’t touch your face” and ask others around you to interrupt if they see you about to touch your face
• If it’s really bad, sit on your hands to help retrain / re-pattern this habit

Even if you are excellent at not touching your face, you still need to wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently, especially if you go out in public. Since touching your face is a habit, there will still be times you fall back into old ways. Do your best but keep washing those hands!

For immunity, you don’t want to supercharge or boost your immune system all the time.  Your immune system loves it “just right” like the Goldilocks principle. Scientists call this balance “immunomodulation”. A suppressed immunity puts the body at risk of infection. An overactive or overly “boosted” immune system puts the body at risk of heightened inflammation and tissue destruction and can even lead to autoimmunity (the body attacking its own tissues and organs). 

 

Here are some examples of where and how this plays out:

Body temperature

• Too cold: viruses replicate quickly especially in the nose. This is because it protrudes away from the head and can remain a few degrees cooler than the body - a perfect temperature for viruses to replicate. Then… sniff!… and down into the lungs goes a snoogie loaded with viruses
• Too hot: skin and mucous membranes can dry out and without proper hydration, an infection can more easily set in (when really hot such as a fever, your fighting something)
• Just right: 97-99F or 36-37C (due to emerging research on average temperatures going down due to lower metabolisms and better thermometers). So doctors don’t consider you to have a fever until your temperature is at or above 100.4F. But you can be sick if it’s lower than that.

Solution: grandma was right, cover your face on cold days.  Also, recent studies show that because the viral load plays a role when you’re out in the cold, you can use natural oral echinacea spray to lessen the viral load in the oral cavity and keep your immune system on alert   

Exercise:

• Too little: poor circulation, low energy, immune suppression
• Too much: tissue injury, inflammation, immune depression
• Just right: excellent energy, boosted metabolism, better mood, improved sleep, all of which enhances immunity, circulation, detox, and lymphatic flow

Solution: your body is meant to push, pull, jump, squat, lift, and walk. Find 30 mins for weight-bearing exercise 5x/week and 25 mins for a walk every single day. 

 

Stress

• Too little: boredom, sluggish, lack of alertness
• Too much: fatigued, run-down, “tired but wired” sleepless, immune depressed and sick
• Just right: balanced life, the immune system remains on alert

Solution: get optimal sleep, practice mindfulness, practice deep breathing  

Infection

• Too little: this is a thing! Your immune system is like a muscle: underused, it gets weak and deflated
• Too much: chronic infection causes chronic inflammation and disease and untimely death
• Just right: ya!… nothing at all wrong with a few uncomplicated colds or the occasional flu if you’re otherwise healthy. COVID is an exception as it seems to come with an elevated risk of complication. But when you have no/very few infections annually, your immune system gets lazy.

Solution: purposefully getting infected a-la chickenpox party isn’t advisable. However, one of the ways PRObiotics seem to work is to keep the immune system in our gut on alert. Besides conferring many health benefits and keeping the bad bacteria at bay, they also engage parts of our immune system in the gut at just the right level so as to lower toxic levels of inflammation and keep the rest of the immune system on alert against viruses! [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="250"] Genuine Health Advanced Gut Health Probiotics[/caption]

Nutrition:

• Too little: whether it’s calories or nutrients, the body can’t function and the immune system doesn’t work
• Too much: whether it’s calories or nutrients, the body becomes obese and there can be side effects from over-consuming certain nutrients
• Just right: a healthy, energetic, and highly functioning immunity

Solution: ditch the sugar and refined carbs and any other high-calorie, nutrient-deficient food. Consider intermittent fasting (16 hrs fast and 8 hr feeding window). Supplement your diet with extra vitamin D, C, Zinc, Quercetin, and NAC - ingredients you need to keep a robust yet balanced immunity, yet you can’t get them from a healthy diet. All of our product suggestions are independently researched and sourced by Cityline. However, if you purchase something through cityline.tv, we may earn commission. Thanks for visiting us!