The home-hunting process is exciting, but it can also come with its fair share of stressors. For many buyers, one of the biggest is setting a budget. There are many factors that will impact how much home you can afford, which is why getting started can seem so daunting. Fortunately, by breaking the process down into steps, you can narrow down your price range—and take a big step toward securing your ideal property.

If you're preparing to buy a home, here are a few tips you can use to figure out what you can afford...

Create your criteria 

Before you can determine how much square footage you're able to afford, it's important to narrow down your criteria. You probably already have strong preferences when it comes to whether you'd prefer a

Home is more than just the space between four walls. It's also about community, and choosing the right one can make for a happier and more fulfilling family life. Fortunately, those of us who are lucky enough to live in Vaughan have some pretty amazing options. 

If you're looking for a family home in 2020, here are three communities where you should consider putting down roots...

1) Vellore Village 

Once you visit Vellore Village, it's bound to be high on the list of neighbourhoods you'd like to call home. This idyllic corner of Woodbridge is perfectly planned—from its schools and parks to its beautiful residential properties. Whether you're looking for a townhouse or single-family home, you'll find a living space that meets your needs here.

For Vaughan home buyers seeking the ideal neighbourhood, Maple should be near the top of the list. This charming community is all about affordable real estate, fantastic schools, easy commutes, and amenities galore. If that weren't enough, Maple is also steeped in natural beauty (just visit one of its many parks for proof). Given the incredible benefits of living in the area, it's no wonder so many families decide to settle down here.

If you're considering a move to Maple, here's what you should know about the community...

 Top-notch amenities

 If it's a convenient lifestyle you're after, you'll find it in Maple. Living in the area means having everything you need in your own backyard, so you can forget about driving halfway across the city

The holidays are fast approaching, and you may be looking for ways to spend quality time with the family. While your homemade dinners and gift-giving sessions are bound to be joyful, they probably won't fill the days you have with your kids. Why not make the most of the season together by getting out of the house for some Christmas fun? It's the perfect way to stay active over the holidays—and make plenty of new memories.

If you're looking for things to do with your kids in Vaughan, here are five events you'll want to check out this season...

1) Christmas at Kortright 

On December 19th-21st, enjoy some outdoor holiday festivities at Kortright Centre for Conservation. Take in the wonder of this gorgeous woodland preserve as it fills

It's no secret that Vaughan is a wonderful place to live, and the city's neighbourhoods are part of what make it so special. Woodbridge is the perfect example. In this thriving community, you'll find an abundance of beautiful homes, tons of family-friendly amenities, and an ultra-convenient lifestyle. With so much to offer, this part of Vaughan is one of the hottest areas for home buyers in the York Region.

If you're thinking of making the move to Woodbridge, here's what you should know...

 Top-Notch Amenities

In Woodbridge, residents have all the amenities they could ask for—from grocery stores to pharmacies to big-box retailers. When it comes to shopping centres, locals are especially fond of Market Lane. This popular mall features a mix of

Between the freezing temperatures and heavy snowfalls, winter may not seem like the best season to sell a home. Fortunately, that couldn't be further from the truth. The market is less competitive now than it is in spring or summer, which means sellers have an opportunity to make their homes truly stand out—and attract more interest from buyers in the process.

 If you're planning to sell your home during the winter, try these five tips for making a great first impression...

 1) Winterize your property 

 Buyers who visit your home want to know that it's going to stay comfortable and run efficiently no matter the season. One of the easiest ways to assure them that your living space is winter-ready is by sealing any drafty windows and doors.

Let's face it: buying a home can be complicated. Challenges are bound to arise during the process, and how you deal with them could mean the difference between a highly-successful purchase and one that leads to regret. Luckily, there are steps you can take to pave the way towards a great outcome. Some of the most crucial involve knowing what not to do.

If you're ready to buy a home, here are five major missteps you should avoid...

1) Forgoing pre-approval

In an attractive housing market like Vaughan, sellers often receive multiple offers. To make an impression, you need to ensure your bid stand out. While offering a sizeable chunk of change is usually the key to success, steps that highlight your dependability can also work in your favour.

October is here, and we all know what that means—Halloween is right around the corner! This is the time of year for spooky costumes, special treats, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Of course, every kid loves carving pumpkins and collecting candy. But along with these annual favourites, why not mix things up by taking part in some of the festivities planned across the city? 

If you're looking to celebrate Halloween with your little ones, here are five Vaughan events you simply have to check out...

1) Kreepy Kortright 

On October 18th, head down to Kortright Conservation Centre for an evening of outdoor Halloween fun! These gorgeous woodlands are the place to be on one of the spookiest nights of the year. Check out the haunted house, or

If you're ready to sell your home, you may be excited to move on to the next chapter in your life. But before you do, you'll need to navigate the selling process. Unfortunately, doing so can be tricky. The steps involved are complicated, and sellers frequently make blunders that wind up costing them big. The good news? By knowing what not to do, you can set the stage for a smooth and successful sale!

If you're putting your home on the market, here are five common mistakes to avoid...

1) Pricing incorrectly

When it comes to selling your home quickly and profitably, setting the right price is key. List too high, and you may find yourself in a no-offer situation. Too low, and you'll get less than your property is worth. But who decides what the

Family Day-Trips & Activities In The Greater Toronto Area

Summer may be behind us, but that doesn't mean it's time to hibernate, because fall is a wonderful time to explore Vaughan.

From our gorgeous parks and trails to our lively seasonal celebrations, Vaughan is brimming with things to do during the fall months.

Many of these activities are great for families spending the day together, and attract visitors from the Greater Toronto Area and the whole of Ontario as well.

So grab a friend or family member and pull those wooly sweaters out of storage, because it's time to get out and enjoy the season!

Here are our top five family-friendly activities to enjoy this fall in and around Vaughan...

1) Watch the leaves change at