4 Easy Steps to Becoming a Real Estate Investor
It’s easier to become a real estate investor than you might think!
With a little bit of knowledge about how the real estate industry works, you can become an investor and set yourself up for financial success without needing hundreds of thousands in savings.
Here’s how you can become a real estate investor in 4 easy steps:
1. Buy a home on the low end of your budget.
Make sure that it’s not a fixer upper that you’ll end up sinking a ton of time and energy into. A move-in ready home is the ticket here. You’ll need to work with your buyer’s agent to negotiate on the home and ensure you get the best deal possible so you can keep your mortgage payment low.
2. Get a home loan that will allow you to put 5% down instead of the traditional 20% down payment.
This will ensure that you don’t sink a ton of cash into the property and instead keep your savings liquid.
3. Rent out a room or two (or an entire level if you have a mother-in-law suite!) to cover your mortgage.
You’ll live in the property too, but your renter will cover the mortgage payment, allowing you to live without a housing cost.
4. Save the money you would have been putting towards your monthly mortgage payment and use it to purchase another home.
It’s critical to put the money you’d be spending on your housing payment into savings rather than spending it. I suggest setting up an automatic transfer into a high-yield savings account so you don’t ever have to worry about spending money you should have saved!
This process is commonly called house hacking because you’re hacking the system by living in your investment property while paying next to nothing in housing costs. Once you have enough saved up for another house, you can rent out the entirety of the first property and make even more of a profit! Want to get started on your real estate investment journey? Contact me and I’ll get you the information you need to get started.
Navigating real estate can feel daunting, but with a knowledgeable guide, every step from our first conversation to closing day is made simple and stress-free.
Thrifting has always been one of my favourite ways to shop. For me, it’s not about finding more things. It’s about being intentional. Buying what you actually need, choosing quality over quantity. Thrifting feels like a simple way to shop more responsibly while still enjoying the process. Luck just so has it that Centre Wellington has a few really great spots to practice your thrifting game. Start With Coffee (Then Take Your Time) Before heading out, grab a coffee and breakfast bagel (gluten-free option available) from Lost & Found Café in Elora or The Vault Espresso Bar in Fergus for fuel. Hangry and thrifting aren’t a great match. From there, you can thrift all day at a slow pace and make a day of it. Favourite Thrift Stops in Elora & Fergus One of my favourite stops in Centre Wellington is the Fergus Mission Thrift Store . It’s clean, well organized, and consistently full of quality finds from clothing to home goods. Some of my favourite store sections are: Books! (I’m always looking for beautiful decorative coffee table books), Dishwares (my eyes are peeled for good cast iron, pyrex and beautiful glass pieces) Next up, located right in downtown Fergus on St. Andrew Street, you’ll find a funky consignment store called Echoes Vintage they specialize in 90s and Y2K vintage, are locally owned and put their hearts into sourcing! From collectables and accessories to cute clothing, it’s worth a look. New To You Fergus is a volunteer-run shop in support of Groves Memorial Community Hospital. It’s a true community staple and has raised over $4 million for the hospital while offering gently loved clothing and household items. Over in Elora, Blackbird offers a thoughtfully curated selection of women’s clothing and accessories. It’s a great stop if you’ve got time to spend in the fitting room trying out new styles and fresh looks. Goldie’s is a newer addition to town and has quickly become a favourite. You’ll find a mix of clothing and vintage housewares, and if the weather is warm, you can also treat yourself to a scoop of ice cream while you browse. If you feel like venturing out of town, there are a few noteworthy spots in Guelph that I tend to frequent - The Patch and Wild Rose Consignment . Both offer a wide selection of clothing and accessories while staying pretty current with style trends! Why Thrifting Feels Better There’s so much fast fashion in the world, and thrifting feels like a quiet response to that. Buying secondhand helps reduce waste, keeps items out of landfills, and lowers demand for mass production. More importantly, it encourages you to be more frugal, slow down and buy only what you need. Thrifting isn’t about having more. It’s about choosing better. And around here, it’s an easy habit to love.
Elora is one of those places that makes spending time together feel easy. With its walkable village, thoughtfully curated shops, great food, and beautiful surroundings, date night in Elora works just as well for a spontaneous date day as it does for a planned overnight getaway. With Valentines, Mother's Day and the excitement of Spring approaching, it's the perfect time to start planning yourself a little treat. Come for the afternoon or stay a little longer at one of Elora's charming boutique hotel stays - here you'll find all of my tried and true favourites for a lovely visit to our little town. Whether you’re visiting for the afternoon or staying a little longer, Elora offers plenty of ways to enjoy quality time together without feeling rushed. Coffee & Breakfast in Elora Cute coffee shops are always a hit right? Let's start your experience on the right foot with Lost & Found Café - it is a local favourite! Known for its welcoming vibe, excellent coffee and fresh baked treats, it’s a spot that encourages you to slow down and enjoy before heading out to explore the village. If you spot a cinnamon bun at Lost & Found, I highly recommend snagging it! Another great cafe option is the brand new Wild and Free Cafe over at 58 Geddes St. - not only is Wild and Free Cafe an adorable pit stop, they also donate a portion of all coffee sales to an amazing cause - a purchase you can feel good about!. If a full breakfast menu is your preference, I would suggest trying The Wild Tart or Box Social for a hidden gem experience (Box Social is always busy because the food is quick and delicious - especially the Club Sandwich and Caesar Salad!!) If you get really lucky during your visit you may be able to snag a fresh baked loaf of sourdough or some cookies at Elora Bread Trading Co . before they sell out! Exploring "The Mews" Right in the downtown core at 45 West Mill Street, The Mews is one of Elora’s most charming areas to wander. Often seasonally decorated, the central seating area allows you to peruse and enjoy a sit down between shoppes. One of the standout shops here is Seasons Home & Gift, offering beautiful home goods along with a thoughtful selection of toys and gifts for kids. It’s the kind of shop where you can browse without an agenda, always find something unexpected and the owner is an absolute sweetheart. Another gem in this area is Aria Boutique for trendy clothing and accessories. And just a few steps away you'll find the newest hotspot... Tony's Sourdough Pizza (and yes, it's worth the hype!)
As much as I hate to admit it, the holidays are coming. The leaves have mostly fallen, the air is crisp, and the sun sets earlier each day. While I miss the long summer days, there is something comforting about this season. It is the perfect time to slow down, reflect on the year, and spend quality time with the people we love. This holiday season, my to-do list is long, but one priority always stands out: shopping locally. Supporting local businesses helps our community thrive and makes holiday gifts feel extra meaningful. Elora and Fergus truly embrace the holiday spirit, making it easy to find festive experiences for all ages.
Sweet Treats for Thanksgiving in Guelph, Elora & Fergus
Things to Do in Guelph, Elora, and Fergus This Fall
My Favourite Low-Toxic Skincare Finds in Guelph
This new blog series is all about spotlighting local gems. Whether it’s cozy cafes, charming shops, beautiful parks, or fun community events, there’s so much to explore. And what better time to kick things off than in the heart of summer? Summer in Ontario really is the best, and here in Guelph, there’s so much happening between now and Labour Day. Whether you're looking for something to do with the kids, searching for local treasures, or just want to soak up that summer magic, I’ve rounded up a few standout events that capture the spirit of this amazing city. --- August 7 — Guelph Fringe Festival A full day of creativity featuring theatre, comedy, performance art, and more across venues in the downtown core. If you love supporting the arts, this is a must-see. More info: guelphfringe.ca August 7 — Ward Night Market at The Boathouse (6 to 10 PM) Spend a summer evening along the Speed River enjoying live music, delicious eats, and incredible local vendors. A perfect Friday night outing. More info: Ward Night Market on Facebook August 9 — Mini Makers Market at The Hive From 11 AM to 3 PM, check out this sweet little market where kids (with some grown-up help) run their own artisan booths. It’s fun, educational, and a great way to support young creators. Location: 349 Elizabeth Street Event details: The Hive on Facebook Guelph Outdoor Handmade Market Happening Saturdays throughout August (7, 14, 21, 28) from 11 AM to 3 PM at Royal City Park. This outdoor market features talented local artisans offering handmade art, crafts, and gifts. More info: The Guelph Handmade Group on Facebook
A Perfect Summer Day in Elora: My Favourite Local Spots
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These 5 home upgrades can seriously increase your home’s value, attract value, and return the money you spend on them when you sell your home.
