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Getting your home ready to sell can feel like a full-time job — and if you share your space with pets, you know the challenge doubles! Whether your household includes a playful pup, a curious cat, or even a hoppy little rabbit, keeping your home fur-free and fresh for potential buyers can seem like an impossible task.

But don’t worry — it’s totally doable! With a little preparation and the right tools, you can create a clean, welcoming space that makes buyers feel right at home (pets or no pets). Here are three smart, pet-friendly spring cleaning tips to help you get started!

1. Say Goodbye to Odors with Enzyme-Based Cleaners

Let’s face it — accidents happen! When they do, most of us reach for paper towels and whatever all-purpose cleaner is under the sink. But here’s the thing: while that might clean the surface, it often leaves behind lingering odours and bacteria. And trust us, buyers will notice.

That’s why enzyme-based cleaners are a total game changer for pet owners. These cleaners are designed to break down the proteins in pet waste, eliminating both the smell and the root of the problem, not just covering it up. If you’ve got a young puppy, a senior cat, or any pet prone to accidents, investing in a good enzyme cleaner is a must. Your nose (and your future buyer’s!) will thank you.

2. Clear the Air with a HEPA Filter

Keeping the air in your home fresh and clean is just as important as sparkling floors and clutter-free countertops — especially when pets are part of the family. One of the best ways to tackle airborne pet dander, dust, and allergens is by using a HEPA filter.

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters can capture 99.97% of airborne particles, including pet fur, dander, and even bacteria. Not only will this help your home smell fresher, but it also gives your HVAC system a break by preventing those pesky particles from circulating through your air vents.

Pro tip: during shedding season, swap out your filters every 1-2 months. This simple step can make a huge difference, especially if you want your home to feel clean and breathable the moment buyers walk through the door.

3. Stop Muddy Paws in Their Tracks

Ah, springtime — the season of blooming flowers, warmer days… and muddy paw prints. If your furry friend loves to explore the great outdoors, those adorable little paws can track dirt and mess right back inside.

Before your pet heads back indoors, keep a towel or pet-friendly paw cleaner by the door for a quick wipe-down. Even better? With a bit of training, you can teach your dog to pause at the door and wait for a wipe or even learn to “wipe” their own paws on a mat! Not only does this protect your floors, but it keeps your space looking tidy for last-minute showings.

A Clean Home Makes a Lasting Impression

Selling a home isn’t just about square footage and paint colors — it’s about making potential buyers feel at home the moment they step through the door. Pet hair, dander, and lingering odors can be an instant red flag for some buyers, especially those with allergies or sensitivities.

By taking a little extra time to tackle pet-related messes, you’ll create a fresh, inviting environment that appeals to everyone — whether they’re animal lovers or not. This could even mean a quicker sale and a better offer!

And remember: you don’t have to go it alone. If you’re getting ready to sell your home and want advice on navigating the process with pets, your For Sale On Georgian Bay agent is always here to help.

With a little planning and these easy tips, you can make sure your home stands out from the pack — and leaves buyers wagging their tails (figuratively speaking, of course).

Our community has been in the grip of a classic winter lately. With plenty of snow, harsh winds and frigid temperatures, there’s nothing like coming home to a nice warm, inviting house. With the cold weather looking set to stay, it’s important to find ways to keep your home cozy but the costs down. 

We’ve compiled a list of 5 ways to help you stay toasty through this winter wonderland!

1. KEEP COLD AIR OUTSIDE AND WARM AIR INSIDE

Check for areas in your home where drafts are allowing cold air in and warm air to escape. Check windows and doorways for drafts. You may be able to add simple insulation in the form of weather stripping to reduce the loss of warm air and better insulate your home.  If your home is an older home, a further investigation on your home’s insulation status may prompt you to consider better insulation in areas such as attics or ceilings.

2. USE THE SUN FOR FREE HEAT

Open curtains on south-facing windows on sunny days. Streams of sunlight will gently warm those areas. Close window treatments when the sun goes down and on overcast days.

3. USE CEILING FANS IN THE WINTER

During the summertime, ceiling fans are most efficient when their blades rotate in a counterclockwise or forward direction. Did you know you can switch the direction of your blades with a toggle, typically located near the motor.

As winter approaches, optimizing your ceiling fan for the season is essential. For colder months, adjust your fan’s blades to rotate clockwise (or in reverse). This clockwise direction helps draw room air upwards, guiding warm air towards the ceiling and then gently forcing it down and towards the walls.

4. REFRAIN FROM HEATING UNUSED SPACES TO CONSERVE HEAT

If you have rooms in your home that are unused, don’t waste heating energy and money by heating them. Consider reducing heat sent to guest rooms, laundry rooms, or storage areas. Close and seal off vents in those rooms, close doors, and conduct the flow of warm air to rooms that you use more regularly.

5. SUPPLEMENT YOUR HEAT SOURCE TO HEAT YOUR HOME

You may want to consider adding additional heat sources (such as a space heater or using your fireplace) to warm key rooms while you are inhabiting them. Using additional heat sources can help you to better control specific rooms in your home – keep the temperature in those rooms toasty without adding heat to the whole house.

Which techniques have you been using this winter to keep your home warm? Let us know! 

Whether you’re enjoying a Turkey, a Ham or even a Meat Alternative this Christmas, I think we all agree that a staple of Christmas Dinner is roast potatoes! As simple as roast potatoes can be, there’s a handful or tiny, but important details that when combined give you this ultimate recipe… please enjoy these luxury “For Sale On Georgian Bay Roast Potatoes” – you can thank us later!

Ingredients:

• 2.5kg of medium sized Maris Piper potatoes
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• Olive Oil
• 1 bulb of garlic
• 1/2 a bunch of fresh sage

Prepare The Day Before

1. Peel the potatoes, keeping them whole, and ideally all about the same size (8cm). Parboil them in a pan of boiling salted water for 15 minutes – this will ensure that the insides become really fluffy.

2. Drain in a colander and leave to steam dry for 2 minutes – this will help the butter to stick to the potatoes. Give the colander a few light shakes to rough up the edges of the potatoes, giving you maximum surface area for a crispy exterior as they roast.

3. Place the butter and 1 tablespoon of oil in your largest roasting tray. Tip in the potatoes, add a good pinch of sea salt and black pepper, then toss to coat, and spread out in one fairly snug, even layer but with small gaps between them.

4. Cover and place in the fridge overnight.

On The Day

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F

2. Squash the garlic bulbs, then lightly crush each unpeeled clove and add to the tray – this gives you sweet, caramelised garlic and adds a gentle perfume to the potatoes.

3. Roast for 1 hour, or until the potatoes are crisp and golden all over.

4. Remove the tray from the oven. We’re nearly there, but we’ve got one last application of love and care, which is the game-changer. Gently half-squash each potato with a fish slice or masher so they kind of push into each other and fill the tray.

5. Pick the sage leaves and – importantly – toss with a little oil (this will transmit the flavour and make them deliciously crisp). Sprinkle the sage over the potatoes and roast for a further 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden and amazing.

6. Let us know just how good these potatoes are!

Share you thoughts with us on your favourite Christmas Day food traditions and recipes!