The Christine Cowern Team

09/10/2026

New Blog Post:

12 Interior Design Elements that Never Go Out of Style

As real estate agents, we’ve seen what seems like an outlandish number of interior design trends come and go. Design is constantly evolving and is influenced by a whole lot of things from technology to eco-concerns and fashion to the economy. Heck even music has a role in interior aesthetics with Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” making homeowners go fringe crazy, running out to buy all things leathery, rustic, and down home ranchy. Goodbye Dark Academia, hello Western Gothic!

Thinking about updating your home? Go for lasting style over passing trends. Here are 12 design elements that never go out of style.

09/10/2026

We’re so excited to introduce you to Lucky Number 8! ✨

Welcome to 8 Ayers Cres. Beautifully maintained townhome offering three levels of bright and functional living.

Featuring gleaming hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, a cozy front porch, second-floor balcony and a private primary retreat with walk-in closet and 4-piece ensuite.

Steps from Warden Subway Station, Family and Pet friendly amenities, Warden Hilltop Community Centre, splash pad parks, shopping and everyday conveniences.

📍 8 Ayers Crescent, Scarborough
🛏️ 2 Bedrooms
🛁 2 Bathrooms

Offered at $599,000

DM us for more information or to book your private showing!

09/09/2026

We're so excited to introduce you to this stunner! It's a statement in scale, design, and craftsmanship in the heart of Orchard Heights.

Welcome to 1445 Skyline Drive - a custom-built residence offering timeless architecture, refined finishes, and beautifully curated living spaces designed for both everyday living and entertaining.

From the dramatic double-height foyer and designer kitchen to the luxurious primary retreat and resort-inspired backyard, every detail of this home was thoughtfully considered. Elegant formal spaces blend seamlessly with warm, inviting family living, while expansive windows flood the home with natural light throughout.

Set on a beautifully landscaped lot in one of Mississauga’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, this is luxury living with both sophistication and soul.

📍1445 Skyline Drive, Mississauga
🛏 4 Bedrooms
🛁 5 Bathrooms

Offered at $2,895,000

DM us for more information or to book your private showing!

09/08/2026

New Blog Post: Semi-Detached Home Vs. Detached House: Which Option Has More Value?

If you’re ready to buy a home in the GTA but aren’t interested in the whole condo or town/row house thing, that basically leaves you two options:

*Semi-detached houses and
*Detached homes

When wondering which has more value, a semi-detached home versus a detached house, it helps to consider the pros and cons of each. Let’s dive into the good, the bad, and the ugly to help determine the better value.

On the fence between buying a semi-detached home vs. a detached house? Here's what you need to know about the value of these properties.

09/04/2026

13 years ago, I started the Christine Cowern Real Estate Team. ❤️

It’s a little crazy to think about how much has happened since then - different markets, lots of changes, plenty of lessons learned, and more houses, condos, offers, negotiations and moving boxes than I could ever count. 😂

But by far the best part has been the people.

The amazing women who have been part of this team over the years, the clients who have trusted us with some pretty big life decisions, and the people who have referred their friends and family to us again and again. So much of our business has been built on those relationships, and I never take that for granted.

Running a business for 13 years definitely hasn’t always been easy (especially in real estate!), but I’m incredibly proud of what myself and taraleecrooks have built and am very grateful that I still get to do this alongside such a great people.

Happy 13 years to us🥂

And thank you to everyone who has been a little part - or a very big part - of the last 13 years. ❤️

09/03/2026

New Blog Post: When is the right time to buy a home with a new partner?

If you found yourself on this page, it sounds like you also found yourself in love. We love love! If it feels like you are MFEO (meant for each other), just like in Sleepless in Seattle, then it could be time to move in together. Today, combining your incomes to reduce costs makes more sense than ever. While we’re no relationship therapists, we can certainly offer some solid advice to help you decide if it makes sense to buy a home with your partner. Here’s what we feel are the most important considerations before making this life-changing, ever-so-romantic decision.

When is the right time to move in with a new partner? New love comes with many new things! But is the time right to buy a home together?

09/01/2026

New Blog Post: How to Make the Most of the Fall Real Estate Market as a Home Buyer in Toronto

One of the biggest mistakes “newbies” to the real estate market make is focusing their efforts on researching the “best” ways to buy a home. If the whack-a-doodle past few years have taught us anything, it’s that AI generalizes the “best” of everything. That’s why we encourage our clients to recognize ways to make the most of their situation, not based on AI searches or what the market is up to, but on what their lives are up to instead.

Old-school views on the fall real estate market tend to focus on the benefits of finding less competition as the summer winds down because buyers typically favour the spring market.

The fall market is just around the corner. Are you ready? Here's how to make the most of the fall real estate market as a buyer in Toronto.

08/27/2026

New Blog Post: Will Home Improvements Increase Property Taxes?

When your inner Jillian Harris or Joanna Gaines has you itching for a change, we always advise our clients to take a step back and consider the pros and cons of home improvements. As real estate agents that have been around a little longer than we care to admit, we’ve seen some jaw-dropping, downright stunning renos and some oh, oh, what happened here renos. We’ve also heard stories of woe from homeowners who didn’t take the time to research their home improvements and paid the price. Whether it’s due to complications with permits that later impact home sales, unwise investments that cut thousands off home value, or even the impact of home improvements on property taxes, it always pays to understand how home renos impact your home. Here we offer a little common-sense info to help you make money-wise decisions on home improvements.

Before channelling your inner Jillian Harris, learn about how home improvements could potentially increase your property taxes here.

08/27/2026

✨ JUST LISTED | 209 Fort York Blvd, Unit 1468

Lake views, city views + a seriously good balcony. 👀

This bright and beautifully upgraded 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo offers 797 sq. ft. of interior space PLUS an incredible 183 sq. ft. covered balcony - with views of Lake Ontario, the CN Tower and Toronto skyline.

Inside, you’ll find a stylish open-concept living space, modern kitchen with centre island, a spacious primary bedroom with walk-in closet + ensuite, and plenty of room for real life.

And here’s a BIG bonus: the building currently allows short-term rentals, making this an interesting option for investors or anyone who loves the idea of earning income while they’re away.

📍 209 Fort York Blvd, Unit 1468
🛏 2 Bedrooms
🛁 2 Bathrooms
🚗 1 Parking
🔐 1 Locker
🌇 183 sq. ft. covered balcony
💰 Offered at $729,000

Steps to the waterfront, Coronation Park, The Bentway, Exhibition Place, Stackt Market + Liberty Village.

Want to see it in person? DM to book a private showing.

08/25/2026

New Blog Post: The Not-So-Handy Person’s Guide to DIY and Leave-it-to-the-Pros Projects

If you’re considering a home renovation project, you’re not alone. Homeowners went renovation crazy during the pandemic. As demand increased, contractors became harder to come by. Many are still spread too thin, making it challenging to find a contractor who can deliver on their promises. This could pose a problem getting your projects underway. You’ll also run into budget issues. Prices are rising thanks to ongoing supply chain issues, increased demand, and inflation. We hate to be a buzzkill, but these factors can make your dream project feel out of reach. Don’t despair! You can modify your plans by either DIYing some of your renovations or doing things on a smaller scale. Here we review when you should and shouldn’t DIY it and make a few cost-saving reno recommendations for the best ROI.

Are you thinking about updating your home? Read our DIY renovation guide to see what you can do on your own vs. when to hire a professional.