Daniel Kiekens | London, Ontario Sales Representative

School Savings: Budget-Friendly Back-to-School Shopping Tips

Sat, 09 Sep 2023 00:40:00 GMT

As summer rolls on and September approaches, we move ever-closer to the first day of school, an annual event loved by parents and loathed by school-aged children. Although the global pandemic has significantly disrupted in-person schooling over the past year and a half, the age-old ritual of back-to-school shopping remains an important tradition. With that in mind, read on for our top five list of budget-friendly back-to-school shopping tips!

The bill for back-to-school shopping can quickly add up, especially if you have more than one child! The first step towards a budget-friendly back-to-school shopping adventure is setting a budget. Start by making a list of all the items you anticipate needing, then allocate a reasonable cost for each, and then provide a bit of wiggle room in the budget. Consider whether the total budget is reasonable, or if you will need to find efficiencies somewhere. If you need to make cuts to the anticipated expenditure, read on for tips on how to accomplish that!

Yard sales can be a fantastic place to find essential items for back-to-school. From clothing and school supplies to toys and sports gear, you might be surprised at the variety of things you can find at a great price! It’s also an easy way to get out and meet some of your neighbours!

It may be tempting to start with a completely clean slate for each new school year, but there are many benefits to reusing and recycling. Binders, pencil cases, and lunch boxes are all re-usable items that provide better value if saved for a second year. Even expendable items like pencils, markers, and erasers can find life in another year. In addition to saving money, it’s also beneficial to instil in children the importance of reducing waste and making environmentally friendly choices by reusing everyday items where possible.

In the words of Hamilton, Ontario band Arkells, “Ain’t no shame in some hand-me-downs.” Hand-me-downs are a great way to save money on back-to-school shopping. The classic source for this clothing is older siblings, but don’t overlook family members and even neighbours with children slightly older than your own.

Many stores and online retailers offer discounts for students. Take some time to research these potential discounts, and if you don’t find any information on a discount, it doesn’t hurt to ask! There are also dedicated programs recognized by retailers; for a small fee you may be able to purchase a student discount card, and then use it at different stores to enjoy savings.

If you are looking for a home in a reputable school district in or around London, Ontario, don’t hesitate to reach out to Daniel Kiekens at dan@dkre.ca . As a licensed real estate professional, Daniel can help you find your perfect home.

MAKING THE CUT: Local Options for Christmas Tree Cutting

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 18:52:00 GMT

Russ Griswold: “Dad, that thing wouldn’t fit in our yard!”

Clark Griswold: “It’s not going in our yard, Russ. It’s going in our living room.”

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

If you choose to go out and embrace the time-worn family tradition of cutting your own Christmas tree, we sincerely hope it goes better than the Griswold’s frostbite-inducing expedition in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation! So to make sure your outing doesn’t end with your car flying through a snowbank, your eyes frozen open from extreme cold, or a very sappy, too-large tree breaking all the windows in your living room, here are some excellent choices for local tree farms that will allow your family to safely cut your own tree. Just don’t forget to bundle up!

1. Sloan’s Christmas Village (Bothwell)
Sloan’s Christmas Village is a 250-acre farm near Bothwell, Ontario a little to the east of Chatham. The farm is owned and operated by the Sloan family, who have maintained the forest and farmed Christmas trees on the surrounding farmland since 1950. Over 4,000 families come each year to cut their own trees. You can also make a day of the trip by taking some time to enjoy more than a dozen activities at Sloan’s, including campfires, a tree maze, a mini train, pony and wagon rides, and cookie decorating, and more.

2. Country Christmas Trees (Dorchester)
Country Christmas Trees is in Dorchester, between London and Ingersoll. The tree farm sells a variety of Christmas trees including spruce, blue spruce, fir, white pine, and Scotch pine, for those with very particular taste in Christmas trees! Country Christmas Trees also sell adorable evergreen gnomes who would love to take up residence on your porch or in your flower bed. If you would rather not head out in the old front wheel drive sleigh like the Griswolds in Christmas Vacation, Country Christmas trees also offers delivery. For those heading to the farm, the site is dog-friendly (leash required) and is a cash only operation.

3. Tree Lane Farms (Ilderton)
Don’t have an appropriate saw to cut down your perfect tree? No worries! Tree Lane Farms in Ilderton will provide one for you! You can of course bring your own saw, so long as it isn’t a chainsaw! Pre-cut Fraser fir, Koreana fir, balsam fir, and Canaan fir are available, as are white spruce in the u-cut section of the farm. U-cut is available until December 19th . The whole family will enjoy taking a wagon ride, warming up next to a campfire, visiting the
alpacas, and spending time at Activity Acres. And just in case you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping yet, the store might have just what you’re looking for!

If you are looking for a home in or around London, Ontario don’t hesitate to reach out to Daniel Kiekens at dan@dkre.ca. As a licensed real estate professional, Daniel can help you find your perfect home!

Choosing Wisely: Top Reasons to Buy Rather Than Rent

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 17:48:00 GMT

Making the decision to purchase a home can be complicated, stressful, and time-consuming. However, there are many good reasons owning your home can be a wise choice. For many homeowners, the initial emotional investment in the process pays dividends in numerous ways. If you are trying to decide whether to continue renting or jump in with the purchase of a home in southwestern Ontario, read on for our top four reasons to buy rather than rent!

1. Be the king or queen of your own castle
Most of us have lived under our parents’ roof or rented at some point in our lives. Anyone who has done so has dreamed of being free from the constraints of that arrangement. Owning your own home provides the freedom you seek. It is a place where you are in control. You can take pride in it. You have an emotional attachment to it. Unlike a rental home or apartment, you are invested in making it the best it can be by maintaining it, upgrading it, and customizing it for yourself. And in many cases, that care, attention, and investment will pay off in more ways than one!

2. Build your personal wealth
Real estate has traditionally been one of the safest assets to invest in. While there may be housing price dips and corrections, over the life of a standard mortgage (25-30 years) housing prices have consistently risen. The rate of increase of residential housing prices is frequently greater than the rate of return on savings accounts, bonds, or other low-return savings vehicles and can be a good hedge against inflation as well. This makes owning a home an excellent way to build wealth, both in the increase in the value of the property, as well as the ability to use the home as collateral.

3. Provide yourself with long-term financial stability
One of the benefits of having a mortgage is that you pay it down over time and eventually reduce your amount owing to $0.00, unlike the never-ending way there is always another rent payment on the horizon. Once you pay down your mortgage balance, your monthly financial burden for providing shelter will be significantly reduced. This can make retirement significantly more feasible at a younger age. Just imagine for a moment the quality of life you could provide for yourself with whatever amount you currently pay towards rent or a mortgage instead being devoted to personal enrichment, travel, or anything else you desire!

4. Unlock opportunities for passive income
There are a variety of ways home ownership can be used to earn passive income. You may choose to buy a multi-unit home and rent out one or more of the units to earn rental income. Or you may purchase a home that you initially use as your residence, but eventually rent out when you move to your next home. Or, you may buy a dwelling solely as an income property. Whatever the strategy, owning a home can be leveraged to put your money to work for you and build a steady incoming stream of wealth. You do, of course, need to be willing to accept the costs and potential risks of being a landlord.

If you are looking for a place of your own around London, Ontario don’t hesitate to reach out to Daniel Kiekens at dan@dkre.ca. As a licensed real estate professional, Daniel can help you find your perfect home, whether it is strictly for yourself or as an income property!

Get Pumped for the Best Local Pumpkin Patches!

Sat, 30 Oct 2021 11:53:00 GMT

The air is brisk, the fall crops are coming off the fields, and the unmistakable scent of pumpkin spice everything is beginning its annual invasion of our senses. Fall is here, and one of the most enduring family traditions for many is the annual trek to a pumpkin patch to find the perfect specimens to be turned into frightful jack-o’-lanterns. If you live near London, Ontario, you are lucky to have your choice of fantastic pumpkin patches to choose from. Whether you like to pick your own or take advantage of a ready-to-go pumpkin, there is something for you! Read on for our four favourite pumpkin patch picks within a half hour drive of London.

Kustermans Family Farm

Kustermans is the place to be on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October! There is something here for everyone, from rambunctious toddlers to moody teens! Located between London and Strathroy, Kustermans offers over two dozen attractions including a pumpkin patch, two corn mazes, wagon rides, haunted barn, petting zoo, corn cannons, and so much more! Don’t delay, though! This is a happening place, so if you’d like to enjoy the adventure farm portion, you need to buy tickets in advance. Don’t fret though if all you’re looking for is the perfect pumpkin; tickets to the pumpkin patch can be purchased separately!

Apple Land Station

Apple Land Station is located to the east of London just south of Dundas Street. If you reach Thamesford, you’ve gone too far! This family-friendly orchard features pick your own apples, a corn maze, a massive pumpkin patch, train rides, farm animals, and so much more! Covering 50 acres, it is a great place to let your little monsters run wild! Don’t forget to bring a wagon or stroller for the littler ones. The wheeled transportation can also double for pumpkin duty if needed!

Ferguson Berries and Vegetables

Ferguson Berries and Vegetables is a prime location to go for all of your pumpkin needs! Located on Wellington Road just north of St. Thomas, Ferguson’s Scarecrow Festival runs every weekend in October. Take your choice of pre-picked pumpkins or strike out and find your own still in the field! There are plenty of decorations to be seen as well, like ghosts dancing around cornstalks, painted pumpkins, and other seasonal decorations! If you have some time to spare, you might consider getting lost in the corn maze. Once you find your way back, don’t forget to check out the beautiful porch kits on offer to help your house give off those Autumn vibes!

Clovermead Adventure Farm

Clovermead Adventure Farm is located just to the north of Aylmer and features a month-long Pumpkin Festival every Saturday in October, as well as Thanksgiving Monday, each year. You can launch walnuts from a mini-blaster or a giant slingshot, take a ride on a wagon or the bee train, visit farm animals, get lost in the corn maze, and enjoy the fall decorations and family photo spots. There are also the Pumpkin Rolling Show and the Pumpkin Cannon Show to take in! For those not afraid to get down and dirty, there is also a 1-acre pick-your own pumpkin patch!

If you are looking for a home in close proximity to some of the fantastic pumpkin patches around London, Ontario, don’t hesitate to reach out to Daniel Kiekens at dan@dkre.ca . As a licensed real estate professional, Daniel can help you find your perfect home within easy reach of a variety of fantastic Autumn spots!

Giving Thanks for Thanksgiving

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 02:33:00 GMT

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s good to step back for a moment and consider all that is wonderful in our lives. It has been a difficult 18 months for many, and I know that all of us have been affected in some way, whether large or small. But despite the global pandemic, there is still much to be thankful for.

Over the past year I have helped dozens of individuals, couples, and families find the right home for them. Some have needed more space to accommodate their growing needs, others were looking for that special place that was “just right” for them, and others still experienced the thrill of buying their very first home. Being in real estate has not always been easy during the pandemic, but home buyers and sellers alike have been incredibly kind, patient, and adaptable. Despite the challenges, I was reminded time and again of the reasons I chose real estate as my career; to help others, to help build the community I am a part of, and to grow personally and professionally. For this I am thankful.

It probably doesn’t need to be said, but no real estate agent operates alone. Every day I interact with a variety of wonderful professionals. From other real estate agents to mortgage brokers, lawyers to home inspectors, I am thankful to be part of such a fantastic network of people who collectively work to ensure my clients are well taken care of, whether that is adapting to new regulations or restrictions, going out of their way to serve one of my clients, or taking a moment
out of a hectic day to recognize the effort of a colleague.

And of course, I cannot forget to express my thanks for those closest to me. For my wife, Casey, who always provides exactly the kind of support I need and my son Cam, who reminds me daily of the positive effect a ridiculous smile can have. And last but certainly not least, my fantastic administrative assistant Jules, who shares my passion for serving our clients and does so much to make my professional life less hectic. I am extremely thankful to have these special
individuals in my life!

So to conclude, I hope that you are able to take a few moments to reflect on all that is good in your life, and that you are able to share that positivity with those around you during this Thanksgiving season.

Home Grown Options: Where to Get Local Produce for School Lunches

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 00:33:00 GMT

Kids are now back at school, and top of mind for many parents is the challenge of providing
healthy, nutritious, tasty lunches and snacks for their little learners. Luckily, London and its
surrounding region are home to an abundance of local produce vendors that provide fresh,
flavourful fruits, vegetables, and other tasty things year-round. There is no shortage of options
when it comes to where to shop. In fact, the variety of choices can be a bit overwhelming! That’s
why we’ve selected a handful of our favourite local places to get your hands on amazing local
produce. Unfortunately, we can’t list everywhere, so we have focused on highlighting local
vendors that provide excellent selection and value, so you can keep your hungry students from
pre-school to high school well fuelled!

1. Covent Garden Market
Covent Garden Market is conveniently located in downtown London right across from
Budweiser Gardens. It has indoor produce vendors that are open year-round and features
outdoor stalls in the summer and fall months. While prices might not be as affordable at the
Market as some of the other locations featured below, you will find unmatched selection at this
bustling and well-organized hub at the heart of the city. You can also grab a bite to eat from one
of the numerous restaurants that operate within the Market and check out other locally produced
gifts and items as well!

2. Western Fair Market
One of the highlights of London’s Old East Village is the Western Fair Market. Conveniently
situated on Dundas Street between Adelaide Street and Highbury Avenue, the market operates
on weekends year-round and is home to a solid selection of local vendors. You can find staples
from Ontario here such as apples, blueberries, peppers, carrots, potatoes, and a whole host of
other nutritious foods! In addition to the local produce vendors, the Western Fair Market also
features a number of local meat, cheese, and fish vendors, not to mention local artisans. There
is truly something for everyone!

3. Howe’s Produce
This local produce vendor and bakery is located on Highbury Avenue south of London, just
north of St. Thomas. The family-run market operates in the spring, summer, and fall months.
They have a good variety of locally grown produce, especially in the summer months, and
plenty of tasty jams and sauces available as well. It may be hard to focus on healthy options
though as the enticing smells of the in-house bakery’s pies, cookies, dessert loaves, and tarts
waft throughout the store!

4. Trails End Market Farmer’s Market
Trails End is a unique farmer’s market located a few minutes to the east of London on Dundas
Street past Veterans Memorial Parkway. The market features a variety of vendors offering fresh
locally grown produce from across southwestern Ontario, as well as local meats and cheeses.
The market also houses vendors selling furniture, housewares, and jewellery, so it might just be
your one-stop shop for a Saturday afternoon of shopping!

The availability of local produce is certainly one of the best parts of living in and around London,
Ontario. If you are looking to find a home in London or the surrounding area, don’t hesitate to
reach out to Daniel Kiekens at dan@dkre.ca. As a licensed real estate professional,
Daniel can help you find your perfect home within easy reach of a variety of great local produce
shops!