It was a hot summer morning.
The kind of morning where you step outside and instantly think, yep… it’s going to be one of those days.

So naturally, I decided to make it hotter.

I walked into my hot yoga class, already sweating before I even unrolled my mat. The instructor looked at our red faces and asked:

“Why would you willingly add more heat to a morning like this?”

Then she smiled and answered her own question:

“Because you like to do hard things.”

And wow—did that land.

From “Can” to “Like”

I’ve always told myself: I can do hard things.

Over the years, I’ve proved it to myself:

• I’ve run a half marathon
• Taught myself to make sourdough bread (if you’ve ever wrangled a starter, you know it’s its own endurance sport)
• Hiked and climbed Mont Tremblant — 875 meters (2,871 feet) above sea level
• Left my safe corporate job to uproot my family and move to the cottage to start my own business

That climb up Mont Tremblant sticks with me.

The first stretch felt endless—steep, rocky, and the kind of uphill that makes your calves and lungs burn at the same time. There were moments I thought, what was I thinking? But then, step by step, the view began to open up.

And at the top, looking out over the mountains and valleys, it hit me: the work was the price of the view.

Real estate can feel like that climb. You start with excitement, then hit the steep parts—decluttering, staging, dealing with paperwork—and wonder if it’s worth it. But when you get to the “top” and see the new chapter ahead, you realize the hard was what made it possible.

I can do hard. I have the receipts.

But liking to do hard things?
That’s a different mindset altogether.

“Can” is survival. “Like” is growth.

“Can” means you’re capable—you rise to the occasion when you have to.
“Like” means you choose the challenge. You lean into it. You see the value in the discomfort and want what’s on the other side badly enough to keep going.

Why We Avoid Hard Things

Here’s the thing—human nature tells us to steer clear of discomfort.

We live in a world that sells us easy at every turn:

• Shortcuts

• Quick fixes

• “Effortless” everything

And sure, there’s nothing wrong with making life easier where you can. But when we avoid anything hard just because it’s hard—we stop growing.

Think about the last time you accomplished something difficult:

• Training for a race

• Launching a business

• Selling a home that held decades of memories

The pride and confidence didn’t come in spite of the hard parts. They came because of them.

Finding Joy in the Hard Stuff

There’s a weird kind of joy in doing something hard.

Finishing a tough workout.
Learning a skill from scratch.
Finally mastering the art of parallel parking downtown.

Hard things demand focus. They stretch our limits. They make us get creative in ways we wouldn’t otherwise.

When we moved from our suburban home to a cottage in the Kawarthas, it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

It wasn’t just packing boxes—it was letting go of the familiar and stepping into a completely new life.

But that “hard” was also exciting. It pushed me to rethink what I wanted in my home, my work, and my daily life.

And now? Years later, I know it was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.

Hard Things in Real Estate

Real estate is full of hard things.

Moving is ranked as one of life’s most stressful events for a reason.

For sellers, the hard might be:

• Downsizing from the family home after decades

• Selling after a major life change

• Preparing for a market that feels unpredictable

For buyers, the hard might be:

• Navigating bidding wars

• Adjusting expectations to reality

• Committing to a long-term decision in an ever-changing market

Here’s the shift:
When you like the challenge instead of just tolerating it, the whole experience changes.

You’re more open to solutions.
You stay engaged.
You see the finish line with anticipation instead of dread.

That’s where I come in—not to erase the hard entirely, but to help you move through it with more clarity, less stress, and maybe even some moments of joy.

How to Start Liking Hard Things

If embracing the hard doesn’t come naturally, try this:

1. Reframe the narrative.
Replace I have to with I get to.

“I have to pack my house” becomes “I get to prepare for my next chapter.”

2. Break it down.
Focus on the next small step, not the whole mountain.

3. Celebrate progress.
Notice and acknowledge the wins along the way.

4. Choose your hard.
Some challenges are unavoidable, but others we choose on purpose—because they lead to something better.

That yoga class reminded me there’s a big difference between I can do hard things and I like to do hard things.

One is about proving you’re capable.
The other is about enjoying the process because you know it leads somewhere better.

And much like that climb up Mont Tremblant, the hardest parts—the steep sections, the moments you want to stop—are exactly what make the view at the top so worth it.

If selling your home, buying a new one, or making a big life change feels like your “hard” right now—lean in.

The climb is worth it.

And when you’re ready, I’ll be here to help make the hard feel a little lighter.

The Bucket List Adventure You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

People dream of the Inca Trail. The Camino de Santiago. The Walk of the Gods in Amalfi.

All stunning. All challenging. All require stamina, planning, and a willingness to share your most unflattering angles in sweaty travel selfies.

But my bucket list adventure?

It’s not one you hike. You cruise it. Slowly, patiently, with one eye on the weather and the other on the depth finder.

Welcome to the Great Loop: a 10,000-kilometre waterway journey that’s equal parts logistics and magic.

This might not be Everest, but it’s no lazy river either.

So, What Is the Great Loop?

The Great Loop is a massive waterway route that circumnavigates the eastern portion of North America.

It winds its way:

• Up the Intracoastal Waterway from Florida
• Into Canada via the St. Lawrence
• Through the Trent-Severn Waterway and Great Lakes
• Then south again via the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers and other inland routes

Complete the loop, and you’re not just a boater. You’re officially a Looper.

And yes, there’s a flag. (It’s gold. It’s glorious. I want it.)

You get a gold burgee when you finish. It might just be a fancy word to say "flag", but this trophy-lover is sold!

Loopers Among Us

Every summer, the Kawarthas quietly becomes a stage for one of the biggest travel stories you’ve never heard.

Spend any time by the locks or local marinas, and you’ll spot them: sun-faded trawlers, sleek yachts, even the occasional houseboat—cruising through our lakes on their way across the continent.

Some of these boaters are retirees chasing a dream. Others are young couples remote-working from the water. I once followed the journey of a young man in a kayak completing the loop. People along the way fed him, offered bunkies, and cheered him on.

We live at the end of a bay—so the only time I see a big Looper boat is when someone takes a wrong turn. But I still go looking.

Thousands of people do sections of the Loop each year. A weekend here, a vacation stretch there. But only about 150 complete the full thing annually.

That’s fewer than summit Mount Everest most years—and Loopers do it with no Sherpas and far more pump-outs.

It’s Not for the Faint of Boat

This isn’t a pleasure cruise. It takes serious planning and nerves of steel (or at least, stainless steel cleats).

Loopers have to:

• Know the specs of their boat inside and out—especially height and draft
• Time their passage through the Trent-Severn, which shuts down in October
• Navigate hurricanes in the south, freezing temps in the north, and the unpredictable moods of the Great Lakes
• Plan around lock breakdowns—Kirkfield and Big Chute have both had issues in recent years

And then there's the cost: fuel, food, docking, maintenance, lockage fees. It adds up.

But so does the joy. Docktails with strangers. Sunrise crossings. Towns you’ve never heard of but will never forget.

Why It’s On My List

I live my summers vicariously through these adventurers.

There’s something romantic about a journey you can’t do quickly. One that requires patience, planning, and a bit of blind optimism.

We’re not on the official route here—our bay is a dead end for Loopers. But every now and then, one finds their way in by accident. And I drop everything to wave like I’m greeting royalty.

Because maybe one day, that’ll be me. Looping through the locks. Timing it just right. Earning my shiny flag.

It’s not about being the fastest or the strongest. It’s about showing up, staying the course, and making it through the locks before they close.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re curious about the Great Loop—or maybe thinking of trying a section yourself—you can find more information at the America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association.

Fast Facts About the Great Loop

• Length: ~10,000 km
• Time to Complete: 3–12 months
• Annual Finishers: ~150
• Official Recognition: Gold Burgee awarded by AGLCA

Thinking About Visiting the Kawarthas?

Whether you're boating, road-tripping, or just dreaming of slower days on the water—there’s something magical about summer in the Kawarthas. Get in touch if you'd like local insights or real estate guidance while you're here.

Let’s find your perfect place to anchor.

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The lake was fogged over again this morning. I was wrapped in a thick blanket. I couldn’t see across to the other side, and all the usual morning sounds...birds, frogs, lawnmowers...were muffled.
It’s pretty common this time of year, when the air temperature is warmer than the water.

Whenever that happens, I feel like I’ve been transported overnight to Amity Island. It gives me the willies. Makes me want to keep my toes on dry land.

I know it’s irrational.

I also know it’s completely out of my control.

Finn, our son, was 7 when he watched Jaws for the first time, and it took all summer to coax him back into the lake. Yes, he may have been a bit young for the movie, but he was going through a shark phase—a pretty common phenomenon among boys that age. I still remember him telling his Zjazja to “keep the salt away from the river—just in case.”

Because he knew sharks didn’t swim in fresh water…

But he also figured if one was really determined—with a serious grudge and a solid map—it could make its way up the St. Lawrence, through the Trent-Severn Waterway, into Georgian Bay and up to the French River… just to find him splashing around.

Technically? He wasn’t wrong.

Just like that early morning fog, the 2025 spring real estate market is messing with people’s heads. It’s responsible for more than a few irrational fears.

Right now, the market feels a little like climbing into a shark cage. There’s hesitation. A healthy dose of fear. You know the reward is down there, but it takes guts to get in. Most people on the boat are backing away quietly, jostling to hide behind the braver ones, hoping someone else will test the waters first.

This isn’t the market we’ve known the past few years.

Tariff threats from south of the border, a new-ish federal government, and the Bank of Canada (BoC) opting to keep interest rates steady aren’t exactly creating urgency. We’re in a classic wait-and-see pattern.

Buyers are afraid of jumping in too quickly and overpaying. Especially with so many listings to choose from. They’re wringing their hands, waiting patiently for the market to hit rock bottom.

Will it? Has it already? How low can it go?

What is this—a limbo contest?

I’ve consulted my Magic 8 Ball.

I’ve crossed my fingers, hoping for answers like “yes, definitely” or “signs point to yes.”

At this point, I’d settle for “ask again later.” But all I keep getting is “outlook uncertain.”

And sellers? They’re in no better position.

They’re watching their home values dip while listings sit idle. Gathering days on market like it’s their full-time job. They have plans, deadlines, and real-life pressures, but this market isn’t cooperating.

They say “fortune favours the bold,” and that’s especially true in Spring 2025. While sideline skeptics clutch their calculators and consult their horoscopes, there are opportunities for those brave enough to raise a hand.

If you’re willing to face your fears, do the research, and step forward, you can make things happen. You may not be able to control the market, but you can work within it. Stand out. Focus on what you can control: curb appeal, staging, and (of course) price. Bonus points if you nail all three—but even one done well can change everything.

And above all else: patience. The market is moving. Just at a sloth’s pace. Due diligence, repeat visits, offers conditional on sales, a day (or a week) to “sleep on it,” and those dreaded lowball offers… this is what a deal looks like right now. It’s not about one side winning. It’s about finding a win-win.

And for some of you, moving on simply isn’t optional. Even if it feels scary. That’s the thing about irrational fears: they don’t disappear just because we know better. They sneak in, settle under your skin, and colour all of your choices.

Whether it’s fog or finances, uncertainty is part of life. And learning to navigate it—without a map, without a guarantee—is how you get to the good stuff.

So yes, some days I skip my swim. 

And some days, a client needs a second showing (or just a call) to work through the things they can’t quite explain.

Because lake life comes with its quirks. And honestly? That’s part of the magic.

Just don’t bring the salt.

3 Crucial Open House Tips

Buying a house is one of the most significant investments you'll ever make, and with that comes the fear of overpaying. In a competitive real estate market, it's easy to get swept up in the excitement and accidentally pay more than necessary. So, how can you protect yourself and avoid overpaying for a house? One key area to watch out for is the open house. While it may seem like an innocent way to browse homes, attending open houses can leave you vulnerable in surprising ways.

In this post, we’ll cover three reasons why you should be cautious at open houses and how to navigate them to avoid overpaying for a house.

1. Talking Too Much to the Listing Agent Gives Away Your Leverage

At an open house, it’s natural to want to ask the listing agent questions about the property. However, oversharing can work against you. Listing agents are working on behalf of the seller, so any personal information you give—such as your budget, your eagerness to buy, or your thoughts on the home—can be used to the seller’s advantage. This can put you at a disadvantage during negotiations, as the listing agent will already know how much you’re willing to pay and how interested you are.

Tip: Walk through the open house quietly. Collect the handouts, but avoid long conversations with the listing agent. Save your questions and thoughts for your buyer’s agent, who can dig into the details for you.

2. The Listing Agent May Assume You’re a New Client

Open houses are not just for showcasing homes; they’re also a way for listing agents to pick up new clients. If you attend an open house without your buyer agent and don’t disclose that you’re already represented, the listing agent may assume they can represent you. This can lead to complications when it’s time to make an offer.

For example, if you attend multiple open houses for the same property, the listing agent may think you’re a serious buyer who might not have representation. When your buyer’s agent eventually steps in, it can create an awkward situation with the listing agent, who might have been hoping to represent both you and the seller. This dynamic can negatively impact negotiations.

Tip: Always let the listing agent know upfront that you’re working with a buyer’s agent. This sets clear boundaries and avoids misunderstandings.

3. The Listing Agent Represents the Seller—Not You

Remember that the listing agent’s primary loyalty is to the seller. Their goal is to get the highest possible price for the property, which may not align with your goal of paying a fair or lower price. In Ontario, while it’s legal for one agent to represent both the buyer and seller, this can create a conflict of interest. It’s tough to advocate for both parties when their objectives are completely opposite—one wants to sell for the most money, and the other wants to pay the least.

Tip: If you’re seriously interested in a property, discuss everything with your buyer’s agent. They will have your best interests in mind and can ensure that the negotiations stay balanced.

Be Careful Even Outside the Home

It's not just what you say to the listing agent inside the home that matters. Increasingly, homeowners are installing video cameras—such as Ring doorbells—that record conversations happening outside the home. This means if you’re chatting with your family or friends about how much you love the house while standing on the front porch, the seller could be listening. This could weaken your position during negotiations if the seller knows you’re emotionally invested. Watch our full video here.

Tip: Keep all discussions about the property inside your car or away from the home. If you have questions, bring them to your agent, who can handle the negotiations without giving anything away.

Final Thoughts

Attending open houses can be a great way to explore homes, but it's crucial to navigate them strategically. By limiting your conversations with the listing agent, making your representation clear, and protecting your leverage, you can avoid overpaying for a house. Remember, your buyer’s agent is there to guide you through the process, so lean on them to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.

For more tips on buying a home and avoiding costly mistakes, contact us today or check out our video on how to navigate real estate showings with confidence!