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Moving into a new home? 🎉 Before you start unloading boxes and planning where the couch goes, make sure these three essential tasks are checked off your list. They’re easy to overlook — but skipping them could cause real trouble on day one.

🔌 1. Set Up Utilities Before You Move In

Imagine arriving at your new home… and there’s no power. No water. No Wi-Fi.
It happens more than you'd think.

Before move-in day, call your utility providers to transfer or start service for:

• Electricity & gas

• Water & sewer

• Internet & cable

• Trash & recycling

✅ Pro Tip: Schedule installation a few days early to ensure everything’s working before you arrive.

🐜 2. Check for Pests or Get Preventative Treatment

Empty homes are a playground for pests — think ants, spiders, or even mice.

If the home was vacant for a while or you’re in a bug-prone area, it’s smart to:

• Do a walk-through for signs (droppings, webs, holes)

• Schedule a pest control treatment before you move anything in

✅ Bonus: It’s way easier (and cheaper) to treat a house that’s empty.

🔐 3. Change the Locks and Reprogram Keypads

You may have the keys — but how many copies are floating around?

Previous owners, contractors, cleaners… you never know.
Always:

• Replace or rekey exterior door locks

• Reset garage codes and smart locks

• Update any security system access

✅ Peace of mind starts with knowing you’re the only one with access.

🎯 Final Thought:

These three steps — utilities, pest check, and new locks — are quick wins that make your new home safer, cleaner, and more comfortable from day one.

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October is the golden window to prep your yard for winter while setting the stage for a lush, healthy spring. As the leaves fall and the temperature dips, your garden and lawn need a little TLC. To help you stay on track, here’s a list of essential do’s and don’ts every homeowner should know for fall landscaping success.

✅ Do’s: What Your Yard Needs This October

1. Rake Up Fallen Leaves

Leaves may look pretty, but letting them sit on your lawn can smother your grass and invite mold. Regular raking keeps your yard healthy and looking tidy.

2. Aerate the Soil

Fall is a great time to aerate compacted soil. Aeration improves root development, boosts nutrient absorption, and preps your lawn to survive the cold months ahead.

3. Plant Spring Bulbs

Now’s the time to plant bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. They’ll lie dormant through winter and reward you with vibrant color come spring.

4. Trim Shrubs (Before the First Frost)

Lightly prune your shrubs to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased wood. Avoid heavy pruning, which can stress the plant before winter.

5. Feed Your Lawn

Apply a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer before winter sets in. This boosts root growth and ensures your lawn comes back strong and green in the spring.

❌ Don’ts: Common Fall Yard Mistakes to Avoid

1. Don’t Over prune Trees

Hold off on major tree pruning until they’re fully dormant in winter. Pruning too early can encourage new growth that won't survive the frost.

2. Don’t Leave Hoses Attached

Disconnect hoses and drain outdoor faucets before freezing temps hit. This prevents burst pipes and costly repairs.

3. Don’t Skip Mulching

Mulch helps regulate soil temperature and retain moisture. Apply a 2–3 inch layer around plants, especially perennials, to protect roots from the cold.

4. Don’t Stash Dirty Tools

Before storing your tools for the season, give them a good clean. Sharpen blades, oil metal parts, and store them in a dry place to prevent rust and extend their life.

📌 Final Thoughts

By following these October yard care tips, you'll not only protect your landscaping investment but also make spring gardening much easier. A bit of effort now leads to beautiful rewards later!

Don’t wait for the frost to hit!
Get out there and give your yard the fall care it deserves. Need more tips or professional lawn services? We can help!

📞647 560 9377
📧[email protected]
👩🏽‍💻claudiawrightrealestate.com

🧭 Reflecting on Truth and Reconciliation Day

September 30 marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada—a day to honour the children lost to residential schools, support Survivors, and acknowledge the deep, lasting impact on Indigenous communities.

This is not just a statutory holiday. It’s a call to listen, learn, and act. It's a moment for all of us—individuals, businesses, and communities—to reflect on the truth of our shared history and commit to reconciliation.

🔍 Why This Day Matters

The legacy of residential schools is still felt today. Recognizing this painful history is a first step toward healing and justice.

Whether you're attending a local event, wearing orange, or taking time to educate yourself, every action counts.

💬 Let's Keep the Conversation Going

🧡 Today is about more than awareness—it's about responsibility.
Let’s stand with Indigenous communities not just today, but every day.

👉 Learn. Reflect. Share. Use your voice to amplify Indigenous stories and truths.

Here’s a fun fact you probably didn’t hear during your last showing:
The term “real estate” comes from the Latin word “res,” meaning “thing.” That’s right — when you're buying a home, you're literally securing your thing.

And in the legal world, it’s even cooler:
“Real property” refers to something permanent and immovable — like land and buildings — and it’s protected in ways most other “things” aren’t.

👉 Translation? That house you've been eyeing isn’t just square footage…
It's a legally recognized, Latin-rooted THING that could be yours.

🔑 Ready to make a move?

Let’s find the “thing” that feels like home.
📲 Contact me today for showings, listings, or just a chat about your goals.

📞647 560 9377
📧[email protected]
👩🏽‍💻claudiawrightrealestate.com

You've signed the papers, picked up the keys, and stepped into your new home. Congratulations! 🎉
But before you get too comfy on the couch or start hanging artwork, there’s one important task that should be top of your move-in checklist:

👉 Change the locks.

🔒 Why Changing the Locks Is a Must

Even if you’re buying from trustworthy sellers, there’s no way to know how many copies of your house keys are floating around—or who might have them.

Think about it:

• Previous homeowners may have given keys to friends, family, neighbors, or contractors.

• Spare keys might still be hidden somewhere outside.

• Keys could be duplicated without anyone’s knowledge.

For your own peace of mind and security, it's smart (and simple) to start fresh with brand new locks.

🛠️ What Are Your Options?

You don’t necessarily have to replace the entire door handle. Here are a few solutions:

• Rekeying the existing locks (cheaper and quick)

• Installing new locksets

• Upgrading to smart locks for keyless entry

• Adding a deadbolt if one doesn’t exist already

Hire a locksmith or, if you’re handy, it can be a simple DIY project.

✅ Bonus Tip:

Don’t forget to:

• Change locks on all exterior doors (front, back, garage, basement, side entry)

• Update your garage code if applicable

• Replace or remove any hidden spare keys

Just moved or thinking about buying? 🏠
Make sure your move-in checklist covers more than just boxes. I help clients with every step—from finding the perfect place to settling in securely.

📲 Let’s connect and make your move a safe, smooth one.

📞647 560 9377
📧[email protected]
👩🏽‍💻claudiawrightrealestate.com 

As autumn rolls in and the temperatures drop, trees across the world begin a beautiful transformation—leaves shift from green to glowing shades of red, orange, and yellow. But what actually causes this magical change?

🌿 It’s All About Chlorophyll

During spring and summer, leaves appear green because they’re full of chlorophyll, a pigment that helps plants absorb sunlight for photosynthesis. But as days get shorter and cooler, trees start preparing for winter.

They stop producing chlorophyll, and as the green fades away, other pigments that were always present in the leaf—like carotenoids (yellow and orange) and anthocyanins (red and purple)—start to shine through.

✨ Nature’s Seasonal Signal

This process isn’t just beautiful—it’s practical. As trees enter dormancy, they conserve energy by dropping their leaves. It's nature’s way of protecting itself from harsh winter conditions.

So next time you’re walking through a golden forest or driving past a fiery red maple, you’ll know: the colors were always there—just waiting for their moment to shine.

Just like the seasons, life brings change—and sometimes that means a change in where you live.
🍁 If fall has you dreaming of a fresh start, a cozy space, or a new neighborhood, now’s a great time to explore your options.

📲 Let’s connect and find a home that fits your next chapter.

📞647 560 9377
📧[email protected]
👩🏽‍💻claudiawrightrealestate.com