The Rocca Sisters Team write a weekly article in both the Burlington Post and the Oakville Beaver - watch for our latest article about YOUR community in your local newspaper each and every week!
Below you can also find the Rocca Sisters Team monthly reports that bring great tips for house sellers and buyers as well as articles from Home By Design Magazine
We represent a new age of expertise with traditional values and the highest professionalism. Our skyrocket to success began as top performers in our office and rose up to be a Nationally Ranked Top Producing Team in the Top 1% for Royal LePage in all of Canada. Attaining this success has set the stage for us as trail blazers in the Canadian real estate industry.
Being leaders and innovators in the industry is the key to success for our clients. Taking pride in being genuine, and original, distinguishes ourselves from the competition and is a core value in our day-to day activities including our hands-on approach with clients and community. One of the many areas this can been seen in our business is the STAGED and SOLD system, and brand, that we not only developed but also industry trademarked. This is often imitated by many, new and seasoned, colleagues but often have difficulty delivering on – that is when we’re also called in!
As a result of our core values, we recently, were approached to be featured speakers for the sought-after Richard Robbins industry conference in Toronto, and interviewed on a “Meet the Experts” panel. Joining us was a small, hand-selected group of Top Producing agents from across North America. Our personal interview focused on providing an extraordinary customer service approach.
We have an exciting opportunity we'd like to share with you. As most of you may know, our roots stem from the Maritimes, specifically Saint John, NB. Having grown up with our Father in the development business, we have had the opportunity to share in a lot of fantastic projects ...
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We have an exciting opportunity we'd like to share with you. As most of you may know, our roots stem from the Maritimes, specifically Saint John, NB. Having grown up with our Father in the development business, we have had the opportunity to share in a lot of fantastic projects all over the Maritimes, Eastern States and Ontario. Our family’s latest project is a unique opportunity that we wanted to share with our community.
The Harbourfront Residence At Three Sisters Saint John, NB is a waterfront community that offers the charm of the Maritimes, with the sophistication of a habourfront lifestyle. Nestled in the heart of the city, offering theatre, sports, restaurants, nightlife and a waterfront of vistas and sunsets that you can enjoy as you watch the cruise ships sail in and out. This residence targets a variety of people looking for an elite residence, not an investment property.
Having firsthand experience with the empty nestor, retiree and relocation markets, we know what a desirable location and opportunity this is.
We invite you to visit the website at www.harbourfrontnb.com and to contact us directly if you have any questions. We would be happy to put you in touch with our family. Don't wait too long, there are only 15 luxury suites left - an opportunity as unique as this won't last long!
Giving back to the community is a desire, and passion, held by many and sometimes it takes a life changing personal experience to move that passion and drive to a deeper level of giving – being “called to a cause” close to your heart redefines your true gift of giving.
Giving back to the community is a desire, and passion, held by many and sometimes it takes a life changing personal experience to move that passion and drive to a deeper level of giving – being “called to a cause” close to your heart redefines your true gift of giving.
As part of our initiative we began going into families homes who have a loved one suffering from cancer and who needed to create a peaceful santuary that boasted all the things they love. We worked with families to create this special space and to make their treatment and journey comfortable.
We reached out to family, friends and clients for their help and we were truly touched by their responses. We received generous donations of many things including hand knit blankets. One of our clients wrote a book on living with cancer and gifted us several copies for the people we have had the opportunity to meet.
We know first hand how important family is. We also know how difficult it can be to see a loved one suffering. We remember bringing the sweet simple pleasures of life alive and creating a light in our Mom that had sometimes seemed dim.
We're appealing to anyone in our community who could use our assistance or who knows someone who could. You may simply want more info or wish to become involved. We encourage you to visit our website, read our story and contact us directly at roccahomes@royallepage.ca or 905-335-3042.
It was crystal clear that the community enjoyed the Crystal Ball Gala in support of our very own Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital in Burlington. Both Tanya & I are so proud to be a part of a community that really cares. When it comes to healthcare, the Burlington and surrounding ...
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It was crystal clear that the community enjoyed the Crystal Ball Gala in support of our very own Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital in Burlington. Both Tanya & I are so proud to be a part of a community that really cares. When it comes to healthcare, the Burlington and surrounding communities know how to step up to the challenge of raising much needed funds for the hospital and this year was no different. With an impressive turn out, this year’s Gala also fell on the 50th anniversary of the hospital making all of the donations that much more special for everyone including the Rocca Sisters team.
The Gala was held this past Saturday, May 14th at the new Burlington Mercedes-Benz dealership and featured dinner and a silent auction. We had a fantastic time, and it was wonderful to see so many members of our incredible community band together for such a great cause.
Since 2001, the Crystal Ball has raised over $2.5 million dollars to support our local healthcare. The proceeds that were raised from this year’s function will go towards the purchase of new patient monitors for the Intensive Care Unit, the Post Anesthetic Care Unit for surgery recovery, the Progressive Care Unit for patients stabilizing after the I.C.U, and Emergency & Telemetry for cardiac patients. Thanks to the money raised for this program, Joseph Brant Hospital will be one step closer to providing even better care for our family and friends.
These patient monitors are a critical component of patient care and will provide vital information to our healthcare workers that will allow them to respond more quickly and accurately. The state-of-the art patient monitors that Joseph Brant hopes to obtain will help to enhance the safe and efficient care of the very sickest of patients and will help to save lives.
The cost of this project is over $2 million, and the Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital is asking for your support. As government funding does not cover equipment upgrades, the hospital is asking the community for help. By donating to the Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, you are making a contribution to not only your community, but to the healthcare of your family and friends. For more information or to make a donation to the Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital Foundation, please visit www.jbmhfoundation.com .
Everyone has a story. Our story is about our Mother, Joan Rocca.
Having raised us in a strict Italian Irish Roman Catholic home, our mom's mission was to bring up three happy, loving and successful children – she succeeded. She committed her life to us and we were blessed ...
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Everyone has a story. Our story is about our Mother, Joan Rocca.
Having raised us in a strict Italian Irish Roman Catholic home, our mom's mission was to bring up three happy, loving and successful children – she succeeded. She committed her life to us and we were blessed to be part of our parents' loving devotion for their 45 years of marriage.
Joan was a remarkable role model, putting others ahead of herself, always giving and less concerned about the return. She loved people, taking time to make their day special. Her smile and bubbly personality was contagious. She saw the world through unique eyes and her passion for nature and animals was defined by a rare understanding of God's miracles in all of this. She was fascinated with exploring and enjoying the simple things in life, and in this, found her peace. She was an inspiration to those who knew her and that inspiration still lives on.We cherish the years we had with our mom and like everyone who loses a loved one, our time was cut much too short. We yearn to embrace her each and every day
In May of 2004, our mom was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer by chance during a routine check-up. Like most women who suffer from Ovarian Cancer, even when detected early, only 50% of them have a year to live. Mom's cancer was already at stage 3 to 4. In true character, with her great determination and strong faith she fought hard for five years and gave us her best.Our love for our mom, and her courage, has inspired us to reach out to those in our community who have lived with, or are living with cancer. Women like our mom, families like ours.
On Saturday, April 16th, 2011 the Rocca Sisters Team hosted a client appreciation Easter event for our wonderful clients and their families. Along with having an Easter egg hunt and a pizza party, we also were privileged to have Ovarian Cancer Canada attend our event, and we thank all of our clients for their generous donations to this cause.
The Rocca Sisters Team has proudly founded an Ovarian Cancer Initiative in which we fight to bring awareness to the disease. Through our mom’s fight, we have learned a lot about the disease, and we want to be able to pass on the important lessons we have learned. Our mission is not only to help fund research for a cure, but to help provide support and inspirational stories to those currently suffering from Ovarian Cancer in the community, as well as their families.
We all have a story, and our stories should inform our course in life. If you would like to join us in our desire to educate others, raise awareness and help continue research for a cure, please contact us at 905.335.3042 or roccahomes@royallepage.ca. For more information on our Ovarian Cancer Initiative, please visit our website at www.roccasisters.ca .
From our family to yours, we would like to wish all of the amazing mothers in the world a very happy Mother’s Day.
That gentle spring rain is great for your garden, but it's not so nice when you're dealing with a leaky roof. If you've noticed peeling wallpaper, cracked paint, stains on the ceiling or actual drips that you have to catch in buckets or pots, you need to think about fixing ...
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That gentle spring rain is great for your garden, but it's not so nice when you're dealing with a leaky roof. If you've noticed peeling wallpaper, cracked paint, stains on the ceiling or actual drips that you have to catch in buckets or pots, you need to think about fixing your roof.
A few things you should know about roof repairs:
The best-case scenario is that a section of your roof will require patching or repair. The worst-case scenario is an expensive recovering or replacement of your entire roof. When determining which scenario applies to your roof, interview some quality roofing professionals and consider these facts:
- A roof needs to be replaced every 20 to 30 years, on average, depending on materials, installation, weather and maintenance
- Finding the source of a leak can be challenging, even for roofing pros, and repairs can get pricey if you have to keep calling them back for additional fixes
When a new roof is your only option:
Your chosen roofing professional has advised you need a new roof. Now, you have a number of new questions to answer:
1. Replace or recover? Outright replacement means tearing off the roof and installing a new one. Recovering involves installing new shingles over an existing roof. Depending on building code in your area, you may not be allowed more than one roof recovering before a complete replacement is necessary
2. What materials do you want to use? While most people choose cost-effective asphalt shingles, which come in a variety of grades and colours. You can also choose shingles made of wood, ceramic, slate, metal, or synthetics made to look like slate or wood
3. How's your attic ventilation? Proper ventilation can save energy, prevent structural damage caused by moisture, prolong the life of your roof, and make your home more comfortable. Have your roofing professional check it out before any works begins
Once your new roof is installed, maintain it diligently. Inspect it every spring and fall, as poor maintenance is the leading cause of damage and leaks. Replace damaged shingles and take note of sagging or other damage. Careful maintenance of a new roof will keep you and your family leak-free and happy - at least for the next 20 to 30 years.
If you are planning to put your home up for sale, you should strongly consider repairing or replacing a damaged roof. Home buyers tend to shy away from purchasing a home that will need the roof replaced. It will also greatly improve the curb appeal. For more tips on how to prepare your home for sale, don’t hesitate to contact us here at The Rocca Sisters office. We are always available to help you achieve top dollar for your most valuable asset.
It's springtime, and for many homeowners, the lawn battle is starting to begin. We weed it, we mow it, we water it. All to get that perfect green carpet that looks so great on the golf course but is so tough to achieve at home.
It's springtime, and for many homeowners, the lawn battle is starting to begin. We weed it, we mow it, we water it. All to get that perfect green carpet that looks so great on the golf course but is so tough to achieve at home.
With the recent passing of Earth Day and the incredible achievement of 100 Million Acts of Green, we thought it would be fitting to help our community do our part in helping the environment. Here are some useful tips to help you get a great-looking lawn... naturally.
Start with the soil
Check the quality by taking a handful and squeezing it. If it crumbles, add some nutrient-rich compost in spring and fall. If it's sandy, add some humus to help it hold water. Check the pH too. Most garden centres offer this service. If it's less than 6 or 7, add some lime.
Use the right grass
Clover and fescue are good for dry summers, and bluegrass and ryegrass are ideal for areas that get lots of sun. For shady spots, try fescue or a groundcover like periwinkle or pachysandra.
Feed it
Fertilize every spring and fall, and when you mow, leave clippings where they fall for added nitrogen, phosphate and potassium. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deeper root growth. Set up the sprinkler and let it do the watering for you every four to seven days.
Just a little off the top, please
Weeds can't grow in the shade of tall grass. Setting your mower blade to about 3" is an easy way to keep your lawn dense and healthy.
Give it some air
To improve drainage and help oxygen get into the soil, aerate by walking around in golf shoes. A spiked roller or aerator works too.
Free the soil
Your lawn gets clogged by tangled dry grass, roots and dead leaves that get between the soil and the living grass. Cut through it every fall with an inexpensive dethatching rake so your lawn gets the nutrients it needs.
Think beyond the blade
Add some clover next time you seed, and you'll get a thicker, more richly textured lawn. Plus, if you get a few larger-leafed weeds growing, they won't be as noticeable.
No room for Grass?
Fill a few pots on your balcony or patio with decorative grasses, flowers or herbs. It's easy to take care of them naturally; use quality soil, water deeply every fourth day, and take advantage of the growing number of natural and organic products available at your local garden centre.
Whether you want a nice lawn, a pretty garden or some attractive landscaping, a great-looking exterior helps you enjoy your home and boost its value. If you would like any more tips on how to prepare your home for sale, don’t hesitate to contact us here at The Rocca Sisters office. We are always available to help you, your friends and your family get top dollar for your most valuable asset.
Home improvements increase your home enjoyment, but they also affect your home’s value – adding or upgrading a deck or patio can yield a 50 to 75% return on investment at resale*. These tips will help you plan for your deck and patio improvement needs with a focus on resale ...
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Home improvements increase your home enjoyment, but they also affect your home’s value – adding or upgrading a deck or patio can yield a 50 to 75% return on investment at resale*. These tips will help you plan for your deck and patio improvement needs with a focus on resale value:
Assess – Decide what the main purpose of your deck or patio will be: for entertaining, relaxing, or simply to improve the look and landscape of your yard. This will help determine the size, layout, and need for things like eating areas and built-in seating.
Research – Understand whether you require a building permit to meet fire and structural safety standards, even if you’re just upgrading an existing deck or patio. Contact the zoning department to help locate any underground utilities if you plan on doing any digging.
Materials – Determine the right kind of deck or patio to fit your needs. Wood is ideal for design flexibility, vinyl is durable and low maintenance, and composites look great and are eco-friendly. For patios, brick, flags, cobbles, and concrete all offer durable and cost-effective solutions.
Shape – Create a deck or patio that looks like an extension of your home. Right angles convey a strong, sturdy look while soft or round angles help create a casual, relaxed atmosphere. For patios, allocate space in your design for gardens or flowerbeds.
Location – Situate your deck or patio adjacent to an entry door of your home as this will make traffic flow easier when serving a meal or entertaining outdoors. Decrease the elevation of the deck or patio from the door threshold approximately 10cm to allow for snowfall.
Enclosure – Consider building an enclosure for your deck or patio. Enclosures made of mesh, glass, or aluminum can help provide shade, protect against insects, and allow you to enjoy your space in the rain and in colder temperatures.
Accessorize – Complement your deck or patio with stylish accessories like wicker chairs, cedar benches, hammocks, wind chimes, and lounge chairs. Install outdoor electrical outlets so you can enhance the mood with lighting and music, or utilize other electrical devices as desired.
Maintain – Replace rotting boards and rusty nails, and treat wood decks with a water seal each year. Use a polyurethane compound to minimize the appearance of cracks in your patio and apply a concrete sealant to protect against moisture and UV rays.
A deck or patio is like adding another room to your home. They’re a great way to expand your living space, get a little closer to nature, and entertain outdoors. Depending on the quality of installation, materials and maintenance, your new deck or patio carries a minimum life expectancy of 15 years. For more information on how to prepare your home for sale, don’t hesitate to contact us here at The Rocca Sisters office. We are always available to ensure that you, your family and your friends have the most comfortable and profitable real estate experience possible.
One of the easiest and relatively inexpensive ways to give your home a makeover is to update it with new interior doors. Doors can provide privacy, control noise, and manage heating and air conditioning flow. Combined with the right hardware, doors can also enhance your home’s décor and make it ...
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One of the easiest and relatively inexpensive ways to give your home a makeover is to update it with new interior doors. Doors can provide privacy, control noise, and manage heating and air conditioning flow. Combined with the right hardware, doors can also enhance your home’s décor and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
Formulate the Flow
Whether you’re replacing an existing door or adding a new one to create a quiet spot for reading, doing homework, or just sitting with friends, you need to consider how you want the space to work and interact with adjoining rooms. For smaller rooms, consider options that include bi-fold, sliding and pocket doors to minimize the space needed by a regular hinged door. French doors, which can open into or out of a room, let you retain the light and open look, while also adding architectural interest. If you feel doors interfere with the flow of your home, pocket doors which slide into the adjacent wall preserve flow while also adding the option for privacy.
Select a Source
There are doors to suit every budget and design scheme, from rustic tongue and groove to contemporary panel styles. Materials in wood and MDF are the most common, both of which can be painted to match any colour scheme. Glass and mirrored doors reflect light and space, and the former can be frosted for privacy. If you want to consider an environmentally friendly source of material, bamboo has gained considerable attention in sustainable design because it is a hardy, durable product from a renewable resource.
Pull it Together
No matter what interior doors you choose, ensure they maintain a design consistency with other doors in your home. For example, French doors can be complemented by paneled doors in bedrooms and hallways. Replacement doors should have the same measurements as the old doors and for new doors, measure the width of the doorway at the top, middle and bottom and use the smallest measurement to determine the size of door required. Top it off with hardware that reflects the door’s design and enhances your home’s décor.
If your doors are looking tired or are out of step with your decorating tastes, update them and be amazed at the difference they make. This is a home improvement that will make your living space more enjoyable and more appealing to potential buyers. For more information and tips on how to successfully prepare your home for sale, please don’t hesitate to contact us at The Rocca Sisters office. We are always available to help you, your family and your friends to achieve top dollar for your most valuable asset.
Home improvements increase your home enjoyment, but they also affect your home’s value – upgrading your flooring can yield a 50 to 75% return on investment at resale*. These tips will help you plan for your flooring renovation needs with a focus on resale value:
Home improvements increase your home enjoyment, but they also affect your home’s value – upgrading your flooring can yield a 50 to 75% return on investment at resale*. These tips will help you plan for your flooring renovation needs with a focus on resale value:
Identify – Familiarize yourself with all the flooring options available for your home. Some of the more popular surfaces include carpet, hardwood, laminate, ceramic, stone, slate, cork, and bamboo.
Select – Base your flooring renovation decisions on three factors: style, function, and cost. Gather samples and layout your flooring as a dry run to test against your furniture, paint or wallpaper, and room design.
Consult – Seek advice from designers or installers as they can provide you with ideas and options for flooring that you may not be familiar with. Work with a company that offers free, in-home appointments and ask them to provide samples of past projects.
Diversify – Choose a variety of surfaces if renovating flooring in more than one room to break up spaces and create warmth. A mixture of carpet and hard surfaces with a neutral colour scheme can help make your flooring more stylish, functional, and comfortable.
Personalize – Make it unique while keeping an eye on resale potential. Apply stains and finishes to natural woods, design your own concrete floor with different colours and textures, or create original patterns using ceramic, slate, or stone tiles. Add your touch but ensure it is transferable.
Renew – Repaint an old hardwood floor if it’s not in your budget to replace it. Staining or refinishing an aged hardwood floor can help repair cracks and scratches, make your floor easier to clean, and accentuate its natural wood colour.
Maintain – Keep your surfaces clean. On harder surfaces use natural soaps made from animal and vegetable oils that leave a protective film behind for repelling soil. Make sure to steam clean your carpets or rugs regularly.
Prevent – Avoid future wear and tear on your new flooring by using an entrance mat on the inside and outside of every doorway leading into your home. Always keep towels or a wet/dry vacuum on hand in case you need to get rid of water quickly.
Flooring upgrades are always a worthy investment for increasing the value of your home. A great looking floor adds quality and character to your space and provides a great first impression for buyers. Depending on the quality of installation, materials and maintenance, your new flooring carries a minimum life expectancy of 11 years. If you would like any more tips on how to prepare your home for sale, don’t hesitate to contact us here at The Rocca Sisters office. We are always available to help you, your friends and your family get top dollar for your most valuable asset.
Did you know that your home can sparkle this spring without using any chemicals? Choose from a wide array of eco friendly cleaners on the market or simply make your own with household ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. Here are a few tips to help you ...
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Did you know that your home can sparkle this spring without using any chemicals? Choose from a wide array of eco friendly cleaners on the market or simply make your own with household ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. Here are a few tips to help you become a natural when it comes to spring cleaning:
The Bathroom:
Want to bring out a natural shine to your sinks, toilets, and tubs? Create a gentle scouring paste by mixing 4 tbsp baking soda with 1 tbsp water. Generously sprinkle either table salt or baking soda into the sink or tub and use the cut end of half a fresh lemon as a scrubby-pad. Rinse with hot water and your ceramics will be gleaming! Undiluted lemon juice can also be used to dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits.
The Kitchen:
Vinegar, a natural antibacterial, has a high acid content which makes it an effective alternative to caustic cleaners for the kitchen. Mix together 1 part water to 1 part vinegar in a new spray bottle and you have a natural solution that will clean stovetops, appliances, countertops (except marble), and floors. For troublesome stains, add a touch of baking soda to the mix.
To help remove finger marks from stainless steel appliances use a microfibre cloth or try a dab of baby oil on a clean cloth. For microwaves, put a few slices of fresh lemon in an uncovered bowl of water and cook on high for about three minutes. Grease and dirt should wipe away easily.
Windows:
Let the sunshine in by washing away winter’s grime. Fill a bucket with 25 per cent vinegar and 75 per cent warm water. Put on rubber gloves and soak an old cotton towel in the solution. Rub on windows, and then scrunch up some old newspaper to buff up a shine. If there are any streaks, simply finish off with a dry cloth.
Fabrics and Carpets:
Have a stubborn fabric stain? Dab white vinegar onto the stain followed by a mild soap solution such as all natural dishwashing liquid and water. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and blot with a dry towel. Salt can also be used to soak up fresh carpet stains such as red wine, coffee or ink. Simply pour salt on the wet stain, let dry, and then vacuum. Natural ingredients can not only get rid of stains, they’ll help eliminate odours from fabrics too!
A little elbow grease can go a long way in increasing your home’s value. A spotless house is the best way to communicate to potential buyers that you take very good care of your home. If you would like more tips on how to accomplish this as simply as possible, please call us at The Rocca Sisters Team office. We are always available to help you, your family and your friends increase the value of your most important asset.
