Real Estate Update - February 2026

February is traditionally a quieter month in real estate; however, quiet should not be mistaken for inactivity. As renowned author Katherine May said, “Winter is not the death of the life cycle, but its crucible.” In other words, quiet times in our lives are the perfect opportunity to seek clarity and make plans for our next steps.

In real estate, this quiet period is often followed by a flood of properties hitting the market, as spring is just around the corner. It’s also a time when home renovations tend to be more popular. For those considering a move or planning updates to their home in the coming months, now is the ideal time to start making arrangements.

Remember, I’m always here between transactions for any real estate-related questions you may have. Whether you need trusted contractor recommendations or advice on home projects, I’d be happy to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Finally, if you know anyone considering a move in the near future, I hope you will think of me and feel comfortable passing along my name. Your continued trust and support are greatly appreciated, and it means the world to me.

How NOT to Make Your Home Look Tacky

• Faux greenery or artificial houseplants – They do the opposite of providing the “fresh” feel greenery is supposed to offer and undermine refinement.
• Improperly sized or low-quality rugs – These disrupt the flow of a room rather than unify it.
• Matching furniture sets – Lack contrast and careful curation over time. A mix of carefully chosen pieces collected over time adds depth and character.
• Oversized furniture – Bulky sectionals or recliners may overwhelm a space and restrict movement. Incorporating negative space creates balance and visual appeal.
• Insufficient or harsh lighting – Layer soft lighting like floor lamps, table lamps, and sconces for warmth and to highlight focal points.
• Too much clutter – Excess throw pillows or knick-knacks can make a space feel crowded or inexpensive. Pare down with carefully selected, high-quality pieces.
• Curtains that don’t reach the floor or are hung too low – Properly hung curtains create a polished look.
• Generic, mass-produced art – Lacks individuality. Invest in limited-edition or original artwork for a more sophisticated look.
• Builder-grade finishes – Usually lack unique design features and the refined look of designer-grade finishes.
• Plastic picture frames – Elevate presentation with metal or wood frames.
• Visible cords – Hide them behind furniture or with cord covers.

An elevated décor look doesn’t always mean spending more; sometimes it’s simply a matter of making smart, intentional design choices.

Batch It Like a Boss: A Winning Household Chore Hack

Rather than tackling chores sporadically, such as washing some dishes here and a load of laundry there, the batching method encourages you to group household tasks by similarity and by frequency, whether daily, weekly, or monthly. You then schedule these tasks into specific days and times within your weekly routine.

For example, you might designate one day to clean all the bathrooms in your house, another day to do all the laundry for the week, and a separate day to handle grocery shopping and errands.

Essentially, batching tasks is the antidote to multitasking. It helps improve efficiency, saves time, and reduces the mental fatigue that comes from constantly switching between tasks.

Remember to be realistic about what you can batch into one day. Once you have a batching schedule in place, review what’s working and what isn’t, and make adjustments as needed.

Treat your scheduled batching sessions like appointments to help establish a routine. Once you’re consistent with the batching method, you’ll build momentum that turns household chores into a seamless system, giving you peace of mind and a greater sense of control over your time.

Heavenly-Smelling Houseplants

• Meyer lemon or calamondin orange trees for fresh, citrusy scents
• Eucalyptus, which offers a therapeutic aroma and beautiful silvery-blue foliage
• Hoya, which can smell like chocolate, citrus, or vanilla depending on the variety, and features small, star-shaped flowers with trailing, glossy dark green leaves
• Madagascar jasmine, which produces small, sweet-smelling, star-shaped flowers with notes of vanilla
• Mint, which delivers an invigorating aroma
• Rosemary, featuring hints of pine and mint, sometimes likened to the scent of eucalyptus
• Plumeria, a tropical tree that offers spicy, fruity, and vanilla notes, with different coloured flowers depending on the variety
• Cattleya orchids, which emit a sweet scent with a hint of citrus, depending on the variety
• Lavender, known for its calming, powdery fragrance
• Gardenia, which boasts large white, rose-like flowers, deep green leaves, and a strong floral scent sometimes accented with coconut and peach notes
• Sweet alyssum, which produces clusters of small white flowers with a honey-like scent

So whatever scents you fancy, there’s a houseplant to suit your home. Incorporating fragrant plants not only enhances your home’s ambiance but also transforms your living space into a sanctuary of calm and relaxation.

Reach out anytime with your real estate questions.

Jeff Belisowski
Sales Representative
Sutton Group-Admiral Realty Inc., Brokerage
Cell: 647-992-6262