An Easter Colouring Contest for Local Kids

After what feels like the longest, coldest winter, I think it’s safe to say we’re all ready to welcome spring with open arms. And what better way to invite the sunshine than by filling our neighbourhood with colour, creativity, and community spirit?

This Easter, I’m hosting a Colouring Contest for the kids of Gorham College Manor—and it’s all about fun, imagination, and connection.

Whether your little ones love to doodle, design, or simply splash some colour on the page, they’re invited to create their own version of the Easter Bunny. That’s right—no rules, just creativity! 🐰🎨
Is the Easter Bunny fluffy? Sparkly? Wearing shades? Let them dream big!

What’s Up for Grabs?

Winners in each age category will receive a freshly baked DIY cookie decorating kit, generously provided by local talent @michie_makes_and_bakes. These kits are not only adorable—they’re delicious and make for a great family activity!

🏆 Age Categories:
🥕 Ages 3–5
🥕 Ages 6–9
🥕 Ages 10–13

How to Enter:

Kids (with a little help from the grown-ups) can submit their finished masterpieces by 5:00 PM on April 18th in any of the following ways:

✅ Email a scan or photo to [email protected]
✅ Upload it via the linktree in my bio
✅ Post it to Instagram or Facebook, tagging @beckybrinnrealtor and @michie_makes_and_bakes and using the hashtag #BeckyBrinnRealtorCommunity

Need the colouring page?
You can grab a copy:

• From the linktree link in my bio

• In the files section of the Gorham College Manor Neighbours Facebook Group

• Or just send me a quick DM!

Why I’m Doing This

Community matters. And while I spend my days helping families find the perfect place to call home, it’s these kinds of shared experiences—festive, creative, joyful—that help make our neighbourhoods feel like family.

Whether your child is entering, or you’re just cheering them on, I hope this little contest brings a smile to your face and a touch of spring to your heart.

Thanks for being part of what makes Gorham College Park such a special place to live.
—Becky 💛

📩 [email protected]
📱 416-333-5079
📸 @beckybrinnrealtor

Written by Becky Brinn

December marked the 4th Annual Fill the Sleigh Holiday Food Drive, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible generosity of our community! Thanks to the amazing support of the Sawmill Valley neighbourhood, we delivered an entire trailer full of food to the Newmarket Food Pantry, helping families in need during the holiday season.

From canned goods to non-perishable essentials, every single donation made a difference. It’s heartwarming to see how neighbours come together to spread kindness and joy, making "Fill the Sleigh" an annual tradition that truly embodies the spirit of giving.

Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped make this food drive a success. Your generosity ensures that local families have the support they need during the holidays and beyond.

Stay tuned for more community initiatives, and let’s keep the spirit alive as we continue to make a difference together!

Written by Becky Brinn

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it’s easy to make missteps along the way. As a real estate professional, I’ve worked with many first-time home buyers, and the most common mistakes I see typically boil down to two key areas: financial preparedness and guidance. Here’s how you can avoid these pitfalls and set yourself up for success.

Mistake 1: Skipping Pre-Approval

Mortgage pre-approval is one of the most critical steps in the home-buying process. Pre-approval gives you a clear understanding of how much you can borrow, what your monthly payments will look like, and what you’re realistically able to afford. For a deeper dive into the differences between pre-qualification and pre-approval, check out my blog post here. Knowing your budget helps narrow your search and ensures you’re not falling in love with homes outside your financial reach. Pre-approval also strengthens your position when you make an offer, showing sellers that you’re a serious buyer.

How to Avoid This Mistake: Take the time to speak with a mortgage broker or lender before you start house hunting. They’ll help you understand your financial situation and provide a pre-approval letter that sets you on the right path.

Mistake 2: Not Planning for the Deposit and Additional Costs

Many first-time buyers focus solely on the down payment but overlook other financial aspects, like the deposit, closing costs, and post-purchase expenses. The deposit, typically due shortly after your offer is accepted, is a critical part of the process.

In addition, closing costs—such as legal fees, land transfer taxes, and adjustments—can add up quickly. Don’t forget to budget for repairs, upgrades, or even new furniture. These unexpected costs can catch you off guard if you haven’t planned for them.

How to Avoid This Mistake: Work with your real estate agent to understand what’s required upfront and what additional expenses to expect. Having a clear financial plan ensures you won’t face unpleasant surprises when it’s time to finalize your purchase.

Mistake 3: Not Choosing a Good Agent Early in the Process

Choosing the right real estate agent early in your home-buying journey is critical. A skilled and knowledgeable agent will guide you through each step, help you understand the real estate market, and ensure that important details are not overlooked. They can also connect you with trusted professionals, such as mortgage brokers and home inspectors, to make the process as smooth as possible.

How to Avoid This Mistake: Begin your search for an agent as soon as you decide to start house hunting. Look for someone who takes the time to understand your needs, communicates clearly, and educates you about the process.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Buying your first home doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By securing mortgage pre-approval, planning for all financial aspects of the purchase, and working with a knowledgeable real estate agent, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and make the process much smoother.

If you’re thinking about buying your first home, I’d love to help. From finding your dream home to guiding you through the process, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Let's Talk!

Written by Becky Brinn

When buying a home, two key terms you'll come across are pre-qualification and pre-approval. While they sound similar, they represent different stages in the mortgage process.

What is Pre-Qualification?

Pre-qualification is an initial, informal step where you provide basic financial information to a lender. They may conduct a soft credit check to estimate how much you might be able to borrow. However, the information is not verified, so it's just an estimate.

Pros of Pre-Qualification:

• Quick and easy
• No hard credit inquiry
• Gives a rough idea of your borrowing capacity

Cons of Pre-Qualification:

• Less accurate due to unverified information
• Not as reliable in competitive markets

What is Pre-Approval?

Pre-approval is a more detailed process. You’ll need to submit documentation (proof of income, credit history, etc.), and the lender will conduct a hard credit check. After reviewing your financials, they’ll provide a letter stating how much you’re approved to borrow.

Pros of Pre-Approval:

• More accurate estimate
• Stronger position in a competitive market
• Faster approval when making an offer

Cons of Pre-Approval:

• Requires more paperwork
• Involves a hard credit check, which can impact your credit score

Why It Matters

The main difference is that pre-qualification is a general estimate, while pre-approval is a more thorough and reliable process. In today’s market, a pre-approval gives you a competitive edge, especially when making an offer.

Which Should You Choose?

If you're just starting, pre-qualification is a great way to gauge your finances. But if you’re serious about buying, pre-approval is the better option, as it strengthens your position and speeds up the buying process.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval helps you navigate the mortgage process. For a competitive edge and peace of mind, pre-approval is the way to go.

If you’re looking to buy in York, Durham or South Simcoe, feel free to reach out for advice on getting pre-qualified or pre-approved. Let’s make your home-buying journey a success!

Let's Talk!