Keys and Closings

04/27/2026

Hidden gem or local favourite… you tell me 👀🌿

Tucked inside Riverside Park, this little waterfall feels like a quiet escape right in the middle of the city. The sound, the greenery, the way the light hits the water… it’s one of those spots that makes you slow down without even realizing it.

Have you been here before?

04/13/2026

It’s official!

After patiently waiting for all the fun paperwork to push through after our wedding last November, I’ve officially changed my name to Dominika Chorley.

Surprisingly it took a very long time (3+ months) to receive my marriage certificate from Service Ontario, which I submitted online back in December.

Running a business and changing your name is no joke, and I had to first get my ID, then request to change my name with the real estate council of Ontario, and now the fun part of changing it evvverrryywhere else.

You can find me at my desk for the next 3-5 business days, going through all of my subscriptions and accounts 😜

04/08/2026

There’s something about homemade pizza that just hits different 🍕✨

Crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside… and honestly way easier than you think.

Here’s the dough I’ve been making on repeat:

• 587g bread flour
• 352g warm water
• 3g yeast
• 11g salt
• 11g sugar (optional)
• 7g oil

Start by combining the water, sugar and yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes. Add flour and salt, mix until shaggy, then add oil and knead until smooth and stretchy.
Form into a ball, tuck it under itself, and divide into two.

Pop into an oiled bowl, cover, and refrigerate overnight (we left ours for 2 days and it was even better 👌).

When you’re ready, let it rest for a few hours, then gently stretch it out on a floured surface.
No rolling pin… just use your hands and let the dough do its thing.

Top it with Rao’s marinara sauce, freshly shredded mozzarella (trust me, it melts so much better), and whatever toppings you’re feeling.

Bake at 450°F on the top rack for that perfect crispy base (learn from me… don’t forget to move the rack first 😅).

Simple ingredients, a little patience, and you’ve got restaurant-level pizza at home.

Save this for your next cozy night in 🤍🍷

cookathome pizzaovenvibes

03/07/2026

Some homes check the boxes.
Others give you options.

This Colonial Acres home offers a little more flexibility than most.
✔ Heated saltwater pool for summer living
✔ Legal accessory suite for multigenerational living or rental income
✔ Solar panels generating ~8600 kWh per year
✔ Nearly 3,000 sq ft of finished living space above grade
✔ Massive 66 × 171 ft lot

Whether you’re looking for a family home with room to grow, space for extended family, or an opportunity to offset your mortgage, this one is worth seeing in person.

📍 255 Normandy Ave, Waterloo
🕑 Open House Sunday 2–4 PM

Stop by and take a look.
—
Dominika Calhoun
Realtor®️
Royal LePage Royal City Realty

03/03/2026

Many current homes of Guelph are still reminiscent of this era, and this is one of my favourite aspects of living in a city that places so much focus on heritage preservation. As they say, "they just don't make them like that, anymore"

01/08/2026

2025 marked a huge transitional year for me.
From joining Royal LePage and Guelph Trillium Rotary Club, to getting married and building a new foundation, friends and neighbours in a new city.

As I’m reflecting on the year that was, I’m ready for the year that will be!

This year the major themes are family, meaningful connections, health, hobbies and business.

Let’s get after it! ✌️

01/06/2026

Most homeowners don’t replace things because they want to... they replace them because they didn’t plan ahead.

Here’s a clear, realistic snapshot of how long the major parts of a home typically last 👇

🏠 How Long Do Home Systems & Materials Usually Last?

ROOFS
• Asphalt shingles: 15–25 years
• Architectural shingles: 25–30 years
• Metal roof: 40–70 years
• Cedar shake: 25–40 years
• Slate: 75–100+ years

HEATING & COOLING
• Furnace: 15–20 years
• Air conditioner: 10–15 years
• Heat pump: 10–15 years
• Boiler: 20–30 years

MAJOR APPLIANCES
• Refrigerator: 10–15 years
• Stove/Range: 15–20 years
• Dishwasher: 8–12 years
• Washer & dryer: 10–13 years
• Hot water tank (standard): 8–12 years
• Tankless water heater: 15–20 years

EXTERIOR & STRUCTURE
• Wood deck: 10–15 years
• Composite deck: 25–30+ years
• Windows: 20–40 years (depending on quality)
• Siding
– Vinyl: 20–40 years
– Wood: 20–40 years
– Fiber cement: 30–50 years

INTERIOR FINISHES
• Hardwood floors: 25–100 years (refinishable)
• Carpet: 5–10 years
• Laminate flooring: 10–20 years
• Interior paint: 5–10 years

Knowing this helps you:

✔ Budget smarter
✔ Avoid surprise repairs
✔ Time upgrades before selling
✔ Negotiate more confidently when buying

If you’re thinking about selling, buying, or planning future upgrades, understanding what’s nearing the end of its lifespan can make a big financial difference.

If you want help assessing your home or a property you’re considering, reach out — happy to walk through it with you.

12/26/2025

Merry Christmas from the Chorleys! 💚❤️

A jam packed week is filled with family, friends, pets, curing colds with spiked egg nog and a genuine reaction to getting a vacuum from Santa.

Who knew a Dyson with a laser would be so satisfying 😆

Hope everyone is enjoying the spirit of the season!

12/16/2025

Another day, another party!

Celebrating Blake’s holiday party with the talented photographers from at the always impressive and stunning

The cake, sushi station, violinist and vibes were on point!
(Not pictured because I was having too much fun 😝)

12/13/2025

It’s the holidaze, baby!
Kicked off the season with several parties this week.

Happy holidays from Royal LePage! ☃️🎄🎅

11/07/2025

Well this is an exciting collection we are about to receive!

We have exciting news to share! Robert Munsch has donated his archives to the Guelph Public Library and will be made available to visitors, researchers, educators, and collaborators at the new Central Library in 2027.

The collection will include original drafts of his stories, notes from publishers, fan letters, photographs, published works in various formats, and artifacts spanning his 40-year career, offering a rare glimpse into the creative process behind classics like The Paperbag Princess, Love You Forever, and Mortimer.

“Robert Munsch captures the hearts of young readers and embodies the essence and importance of storytelling in the early years of learning and literacy,” says Eleni Hughes, Supervisor of Archives and Records Management at the Library. “The Library is honored to house and provide access to Munsch’s archives to foster a deeper understanding of the stories that shaped many of our childhoods and the man who created and brought them to life.”

Read the news: https://shorturl.at/SLmLF