When you think about home safety, you likely think of smoke detectors and security systems. But for homeowners in New Brunswick, there is a silent, invisible threat that often goes unnoticed: Radon gas.

Radon is a "silent risk" that every homeowner should have on their radar. Here is the breakdown of why radon testing is essential for your family’s health and your property’s value.

What is Radon Gas and Why is it in New Brunswick?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium in soil and rock. Because of our local geology, many areas in New Brunswick have higher-than-average levels of uranium in the ground.

As the gas rises, it can enter your home through:

• Foundation cracks and construction joints.

• Sump pits and floor drains.

• Gaps around service pipes or window casements.

Because you cannot see, smell, or taste it, radon can reach dangerous concentrations inside your home without you ever knowing.

The Link Between Radon and Lung Cancer

The health risks associated with radon are significant. Health Canada identifies radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, trailing only behind smoking.

When inhaled, radioactive particles from the gas can damage lung tissue. Over years of exposure, this damage can lead to the development of cancer. This is why testing isn't just a recommendation, it's a critical step in preventative healthcare for your family.

How to Get a Radon Test in Moncton

The only way to determine your home’s radon level is through a professional test. Experts recommend a long-term test (at least 3 months) conducted during the heating season (winter). This provides a more accurate reading of your average exposure when the house is sealed tight against the cold.

Steps to take:

1. Test: Purchase a long-term test kit or look for local programs offering a FREE Radon test. (The Moncton Library offers free Radon tests with your library card.)

2. Analyze: Send your kit to a certified lab to determine your Bq/m³ (Becquerels per cubic metre) levels.

3. Mitigate: If your levels are above the Health Canada guideline (200 Bq/m³), you should contact a professional for mitigation.

Protecting Your Home and Your Investment

If you are buying or selling a home in the Moncton area, radon levels can also impact your real estate transaction. Being proactive about testing and mitigation ensures your home remains a safe sanctuary and a solid investment.

Ready to secure your home? If you have never tested for radon or are unsure where to start, reach out to me here for guidance on how to get tested and what your mitigation options are.

Ashley's take:

"I am currently testing my home for Radon and it's extremely simple to do. We picked up a free kit from the Moncton Library.

Radon devices vary in size but the one we picked up is a little larger than a toonie that sits in the basement. While you can return it after 3 months, you can leave it up to 12 months for a more accurate reading.

Safety isn't up for negotiation. That’s why I make sure education surrounding Radon is a standard part of my buying and selling process. I want the families I serve to be fully prepared, protected and informed of their options.

Test today! It's sooo easy!"

• For more information, check out Ashley's Instagram Reel about Radon Gas

If you've been watching the Canadian Real Estate Market, you know the headlines: Sky-high prices and cooling markets in the major hubs. But while the rest of the country navigates housing uncertainty, one province is standing out as a beacon for homeowners.

In New Brunswick, owning a home isn’t just a dream. Here is why this province currently boasts one of the highest homeownership rates in Canada and why it might be the right move for you.

The "Affordability Gap" is Narrowing

In many Canadian cities, renting is often seen as the "cheaper" alternative to a mortgage. In New Brunswick, that logic is flipped. With some of the most competitive housing prices in the country, your monthly mortgage payment is often significantly lower than what you would pay in rent for a similar space.

• Buying vs. Renting: In markets like Moncton and Dieppe, the cost of entry for a first-time homebuyer remains accessible compared to the national average.

• Equity Building: Instead of paying off a landlord’s mortgage, New Brunswickers are building personal wealth at a record pace.

The Allure of Rural Charm Meets Urban Growth

One of the biggest drivers for the local market is the "best of both worlds" lifestyle. New Brunswick offers:

• Space to Breathe: Larger lots and rural charm are available just minutes outside city centers.

• You’re never far from nature, work, or local amenities.

Why Move to New Brunswick Now?

Over the last few years, we've seen a shift in how Canadians view "home." It’s no longer just a place to sleep. Most people have home offices, and with the rise of remote work, more people are choosing the high quality of life that the Maritimes offer.

Top reasons buyers are choosing NB:

1. Lower Cost of Living: Beyond the mortgage, and daily expenses often provide more breathing room in your budget.

2. The sense of community here is unmatched.

3. Investment Potential: As more people migrate East, property values in key areas continue to show healthy, sustainable growth.

Ready to Start Your East Coast Journey?
Check out Ashley's Instagram reel that was taken in the heart of Moncton.

Need more convincing?

See why snow in Moncton is a good thing!

As a homeowner, your house is always "talking" to you. The problem? Most of us don't know how to listen until there’s a foot of water in the basement.

In the world of real estate, we often focus on the "fun" upgrades (new countertops, trendy paint colors, or curb appeal), but the most important part of homeownership isn’t just about the aesthetics, it’s about prevention.

If you want to save thousands of dollars and avoid the nightmare of an insurance claim, there are two simple steps you need to take this weekend.

1. The "Expiry Date" Check: How Old is Your Water Heater?

Most people never look at their water heater until it stops providing hot water or starts leaking. By then, it’s often too late.

Every water heater has a lifespan (typically 15 years if rented through NB Power). To find yours:

• Locate the manufacturer’s sticker on the side of the tank.

• Look for the manufacture date.

• If the sticker is faded or uses a serial number code, a quick Google search of the brand and serial number will tell you exactly when it was made.

If your heater is pushing the 15-year mark, you are living on borrowed time. Replacing it on your schedule is much cheaper than replacing it during an emergency.

Bonus: If your tank is rented through NB Power, they will replace your tank for free if it's over it's life expectancy. You just need to call them.

2. The $20 Hero: Install a Water Sensor

This is the single best piece of advice for any homeowner. You can purchase inexpensive, battery-operated water sensors (or "leak detectors") that sit on the floor next to your water heater, sump pit, or pro tip: under your dishwasher!

How they work:

• The moment moisture touches the sensor, it sets off an alarm.

• Some newer devices will send a notification to your smartphone.

Prevention vs. Renovation

Homeownership is a journey, and protecting your investment should be your top priority. No one wants to deal with the stress of an insurance claim or the health hazards of mold.

Ashley's take:

"We installed a water sensor under our new hot water heater that sits close to our sump-pit (so it does double duty) and one under our dishwasher.

Coming from an Insurance background, I've seen the destruction that even a small amount of water can cause... And call me paranoid, but this one saved us thousands of dollar in repairs.

If you do nothing else this weekend, PLEASE check the date on your water heater.

1. Order a water sensor online or pick one up at your local hardware store."

Check out Ashley's water tank (ALMOST HORROR) story here.

And for more information on your water heater here.

Whether you're moving across Moncton or planning a "Coast to Coast" journey across Canada, the secret to a successful move isn't just about how many boxes you have, it's about how you pack them.

Here is your ultimate guide to packing like a pro in 2026:

1. The "First In, Last Out" Strategy

The biggest mistake homeowners make is packing everything at once. Instead, treat your packing like a countdown:

• 8 Weeks Out: Start with "deep storage"—the attic, the shed, and the back of the guest room closet. These are items you clearly don't need daily (like holiday decor or out-of-season sports gear).

• 4 Weeks Out: Pack your books, specialty kitchen gadgets (looking at you, air fryer), and extra linens.

• 1 Week Out: This is when you pack the bulk of your home, leaving only enough for a week of "camp-style" living.

2. Pack an "Essentials Box" (The First-Night... Or Week Kit)

Don't let your first night in your new home be spent digging through 50 identical boxes looking for a toothbrush. Pretend like you're going on vacation and pack a dedicated suitcase or clear plastic bin that stays with you in the car, containing:

• Toiletries: Soap, towels, and medications.

• Tech: All phone and laptop chargers.

• Documents: Passports, birth certificates, and your new house keys.

• The "Mornings" Kit: Coffee maker, two mugs, and some filters.

3. The $0 Padding Hack

Save money on bubble wrap by using what you already own. Wrap your breakable plates in dish towels, use socks to cushion glassware, and pack your pillows around mirrors or artwork. Not only does this protect your valuables, but it also means you're packing your linens and kitchen items at the same time!

4. Digital Labels: A Modern Move Trick

Instead of just writing "Kitchen" on a box, take it a step further:

• Color Code: Assign a color to each room (e.g., Red = Kitchen, Blue = Master Bedroom).

• The Photo Method: Before you tape a box shut, snap a quick photo of the contents. If you’re looking for your specific blender three weeks later, you can scroll through your photos to find exactly which box it's in.

5. Don't Take it All with You

One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to declutter before you box. Every bag of old clothes or broken electronics you donate or toss is less packing and moving.

Check out Ashley's best moving hack, from a client who moved across the country.

We’ve all been there... You’re trying to sneak to the kitchen for a midnight snack, and CRACK—the floorboards announce your presence to the entire house.

While we often associate squeaky floors with charming old Victorian homes, the truth is that creaky floors can happen in brand-new builds, too. I know that sound can be more than just a nuisance; it can be a sign of how your home is handling the environment.

Here is why your floors are talking to you and what you can do about it.

The Humidity Factor (The Most Common Culprit)

In New Brunswick, our homes go through extreme seasonal shifts. Wood is a porous material that acts like a sponge.

• In the Summer: High humidity causes wood to expand.

• In the Winter: Dry air from your heating system causes wood to shrink.

When floorboards shrink, gaps open up. When you step on them, they rub against each other or the nails holding them down, creating that classic "creak."

The Fix: Maintaining a consistent humidity level in your home (ideally between 35% and 55%) using a humidifier or dehumidifier can often silence these "seasonal squeaks."

Subfloor Issues: The Silent Problem Below

Sometimes the sound isn't the hardwood itself, but the subfloor beneath it. If the plywood subfloor wasn't glued down properly or the nails have loosened over time, the subfloor will rub against the floor joists when you walk over it.

This is why even a brand-new home can have creaks if the construction was rushed or if the house is still "settling."

Improper Acclimatization... Yes that's a word.

If you just installed new floors and they started squeaking immediately, they may not have been acclimated. Before installation, wood flooring should sit in the room where it will be installed for several days to adjust to the home's moisture levels. If it's installed "dry" and then expands, it will bind and squeak.

When Should You Worry?

Most squeaks are harmless and just a part of a home’s "personality." However, you should take a closer look if:

• The floor feels spongy or soft when you step on it.

• You see significant gapping or "cupping" (where the edges of the boards turn upward).

• The squeak is accompanied by signs of water damage nearby.

Pro Hack: The Short-Term Silence

If you have a pesky squeak and aren't ready for a full repair, try a little graphite lubricant. Dust it into the cracks between the boards in the noisy area. This reduces the friction between the boards and can often quiet the noise instantly!

Check out Ashley's Instagram reel on Wood Floors.

When you walk into a potential new home, it’s easy to get distracted by the beautiful staging, the modern light fixtures, or that perfect kitchen island. But as a buyer, you shouldn't just be buying a look, you’re buying a structure.

My job as a REALTOR® (and former Insurance Pro) during a showing is to look past the "pretty" and identify the "priority" items that could cost you money down the road. Here are the five critical areas I investigate the moment we walk through the door.

1. The Foundation: Looking for the "Red Flags"

A small hairline crack in a basement wall can be normal settling, but certain patterns are warning signs. I look for:

• Horizontal Cracks: These can indicate soil pressure against the foundation.

• Large Gaps: Anything you can fit a coin into warrants a closer look.

• Efflorescence: That white, powdery substance on concrete walls is a sign of past or present moisture penetration.

And my personal favorite, that most people miss: If there's swelling within the basement walls, look up!

• Are gutters installed? 

• If so, are they sloped properly? 

• Are the downspouts installed and sloped far enough away from the house?

2. The Roof: Age and Condition

Replacing a roof is one of the most expensive maintenance items for a homeowner. While we don't climb onto the roof during a showing, I look for signs of wear from the ground:

• Curling or missing shingles.

• Granule loss (check the bottom of the downspouts!).

• The "Layers": In older Moncton homes, I check to see if new shingles were laid over old ones, which can impact the lifespan of the roof.

• As mentioned above, are there gutters?

3. The "Eyes" of the Home: Window Types

Windows are about more than just a view; they are about energy efficiency. New Brunswick winters are no joke! During a showing, I check:

• Are they vinyl, wood, or aluminum?

• Is there "fogging" between the panes? This indicates a broken seal, meaning the window is no longer insulating properly.

• Operationality: Are they painted shut or warped?

4. Uneven Floors: What’s Underneath?

I'm very sensitive to changes in flooring. If you feel like you’re walking slightly uphill in the living room, it’s rarely just "character." Uneven floors can point to:

• Structural sagging in the joists.

• Past water damage that has caused the subfloor to swell.

• Settling of the center support beam in the basement.

5. The "Big Ticket" Mechanicals: Furnace and Water Heater

I always head straight for the utility room. We need to know the age and fuel source of the heating system.

• Oil vs. Electric vs. Natural Gas: Each has different insurance implications and monthly costs.

• The 15-Year Mark: If the water heater is over 15 years old, it's a "ticking time bomb" (as we've discussed before!).

Why This Matters

Finding these issues doesn't always mean you shouldn't buy the house. It simply means you can go into the deal with your eyes wide open, using the information to negotiate the price or request repairs before closing.

Check out Ashley's Instagram reel about why gutters are so important on any house in New Brunswick.

With the rise of short-term rentals in New Brunswick, many homeowners are looking to turn their spare bedroom or basement suite into a rental or an Airbnb. It’s a great way to offset a mortgage, but there is a massive risk that most people don’t realize until it’s too late: Your standard home insurance policy likely doesn’t cover it.

If you are renting out your property without notifying your insurance company, you aren't just "bending the rules"—you are potentially voiding your entire policy.

The "Material Change" in Risk

In the insurance world, everything is based on risk assessment. When you signed your homeowner's policy, you were rated as a "primary resident." The moment you start charging guests to stay in your home, your property transitions from a residential use to a commercial use.

Insurance companies view short-term renters differently than they view you. Guests:

• Are less familiar with your home’s safety features (stoves, fireplaces, etc.).

• Are statistically more likely to cause accidental damage.

• Increase the risk of liability claims if they trip, fall, or get injured on your property.

What Happens if You Don't Tell Them?

If a guest causes a kitchen fire or a pipe bursts while a renter is staying there, and your insurance company discovers you’ve been "Air-B-and-B-ing" on the side, they can deny the claim. Even worse, they could cancel your policy for "misrepresentation."

Once you have a cancelled policy on your record, finding a new provider in New Brunswick becomes much more difficult and significantly more expensive.

3 Steps to Protecting Your Short-Term Rental

1. Call Your Broker Before You List

Before you take those beautiful listing photos, have an honest conversation with your insurance broker. Ask specifically about Short-Term Rentals. Some companies allow a certain number of days per year, while others require a specific commercial add-on.

2. Don’t Rely Solely on "Host Protection"

Platforms like Airbnb offer their own "Host Protection" insurance, but these policies often have major gaps. They are secondary to your primary insurance and may not cover things like mold, certain types of liability, or structural issues unrelated to the guest's stay.

3. Review Your Liability Limits

In a rental scenario, you should ideally have at least $2 Million in Personal Liability coverage. If a guest is seriously injured, legal costs and settlements can easily exceed the standard $1 Million limit found on most basic policies.

Buying a Property for Airbnb in Moncton?

If you are looking for investment properties in Moncton specifically for short-term rentals, you need a REALTOR® who understands the local bylaws and the "hidden costs" like specialized insurance.

Check out Ashley's Instagram reel about renting out your property.

If you’re currently renting an apartment or a house in South-Eastern New Brunswick, you’ve probably seen a line in your lease requiring "Tenant Insurance."

Many renters view this as just another monthly bill or a way for the landlord to protect their building. But here is the thing, your landlord’s insurance doesn't cover you.

Here is why skipping tenant insurance is the biggest financial risk a renter can take.

Your Landlord’s Policy is Not Your Safety Net

There is a common myth that if the apartment building burns down or a pipe bursts, the landlord’s insurance will pay to replace your belongings.

This is 100% false.

• The landlord's policy covers the structure.

• Your policy covers your stuff. Without your own coverage, you would be responsible for replacing every piece of furniture, every clothing item, and every electronic device out of your own pocket.

The Power of "Additional Living Expenses"

This is the part of tenant insurance people often forget about until they need it. If a fire or major water leak makes your apartment uninhabitable, where do you go?

• A hotel for two weeks?

• A short-term rental while repairs are made?

If you have tenant insurance, your Additional Living Expenses coverage helps pay for those relocation costs. Without it, you are stuck paying for a hotel while still potentially being on the hook for your life's expenses.

Liability: The "Kitchen Fire" Scenario

Tenant insurance isn't just about your property; it’s about liability.

• Imagine you accidentally leave a pot on the stove and cause a fire that damages three other units.

• Imagine your bathtub overflows and ruins the ceiling of the neighbor below you.

In these cases, the landlord’s insurance company may come after you for the damages. Personal liability coverage (usually starting at $1 million) protects you from these life-altering financial lawsuits.

It’s Cheaper Than You Think

In New Brunswick, basic tenant insurance is incredibly affordable, often costing between $15 and $30 a month. That is less than the price of a couple of pizzas or a few months of Netflix.

Ashley’s Quick Checklist for Renters:

• Don't just get the minimum: Make sure your "Contents" limit actually reflects what it would cost to buy everything you own new.

• Check for "Sewer Back-up": Just like homeowners, renters need this endorsement if they are in a basement or garden-level suite.

• Bundle and Save: If you have car insurance, call that same provider first. Adding tenant insurance often triggers a "multi-policy discount" that makes the second policy nearly free!

Dreaming of Turning that Rent into a Mortgage?

Renting is a great way to get to know New Brunswick’s neighborhoods, but if you’re tired of paying someone else’s mortgage, let’s talk. I can help you create a plan to transition from tenant to homeowner when the time is right.

You’ve spent weeks decluttering, the house is spotless, and your Moncton real estate agent has a line of buyers out the door. But as the first group walks through, they flip a switch in the hallway and... nothing happens.

They reach for the switch in the kitchen...darkness. They try the pendant lights over the island...nothing. By the time they hit the third non-working switch in the hallway, they aren't thinking about lightbulbs anymore.

When one light is out, it's an accident. When multiple lights are out, it’s a pattern. In a buyer's mind, the narrative shifts instantly from "aesthetic" to "Is there an electrical issue?"

"Is the wiring outdated? Is this an old fuse box issue?"

"If I have to rewire this house, that’s a $15,000 expense I didn't budget for."

"If the owner didn't fix the lights, what else is hiding behind these walls?"

Pro Tip: Buyers in New Brunswick are increasingly wary of older electrical systems (like knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring). Don't let a few dead LEDs make them think your home is a fire hazard.

3 Reasons Multiple Dead Lights Kill Your Sale

1. It Triggers "Inspection Anxiety"

Most buyers are already nervous about the home inspection. When switches don't work, you are essentially giving them a "to-do list" for their inspector. You want the inspector to find nothing; don't give them a head start by leaving the house in the dark.

2. It Ruins the "Flow" of the Showing

A showing is a choreographed experience. If a buyer (or their agent) has to fumble in the dark or keep clicking switches back and forth to find a working light, the "magic" of the home is lost. They become focused on the malfunction rather than the crown molding or the open-concept layout.

3. It Signals "Deferred Maintenance"

In real estate, how you do the small things is how buyers assume you do the big things. If the "easy" task of replacing bulbs was ignored, they assume the "hard" tasks like water heater maintenance or foundation care were also skipped.

Your "Pre-Showing" Checklist

• Walk through every room and flip every switch. If a fixture has four bulbs and only two work, replace them all so the light is even.

• Check the "Hidden" Spots: Closets, basements, and attic lights are the ones most often forgotten. They're also the ones that look most suspicious when they don't work.

• Tighten "Loose" Bulbs: Sometimes the bulb isn't burnt out; it’s just loose. A flickering light is even scarier to a buyer than a dead one!

• Leave the Lights ON: Don't make the buyer flip the switches at all. Have the home fully glowing before they arrive to show off your Property Spotlight features.

Selling your home in New Brunswick is about presenting a lifestyle, not just a building. Don't let a $5 bulb put a damper on a six-figure deal.

Check out Ashley's Instgram reel about burnt-out bulbs.

As a homeowner in New Brunswick, you’re likely used to our unpredictable weather—from heavy spring thaws to intense autumn rainstorms. But there is one household disaster that is as expensive as it is stomach-turning: Sewer Back-up.

Drawing from my background in the insurance industry, I can tell you that this is the most common "hidden" gap in home coverage. Here is why you need to call your provider today to ensure you’re protected.

What is Sewer Back-up Coverage?

Most people assume that "Water Damage" is a blanket term in their insurance policy. It isn't. Standard policies often cover sudden pipe bursts, but they frequently exclude water that comes back up through your drains, toilets, or sump pump.

Sewer back-up coverage is an "endorsement" (an add-on) that protects you if:

• Public sewers overflow into your basement.

• Your septic system backs up.

• Your sump pump fails during a heavy storm.

Why Moncton Homeowners are at Risk

With the increase in urban development and more frequent "flash" weather events in South-Eastern NB, our municipal infrastructure is under more pressure than ever. When the main sewer lines can't handle the volume of water, that pressure has to go somewhere and unfortunately, it often finds the lowest point in your home.

The Cost of Being Unprotected

The average cost of a sewer back-up claim in Canada is now over $40,000. This isn't just about the water; it’s about:

• Category 3 "Black Water": This is highly unsanitary water that requires professional biohazard remediation.

• Structural Damage: Drywall, insulation, and flooring usually have to be completely stripped and replaced.

• Loss of Personal Items: Keepsakes stored in your basement are often unsalvageable.

3 Ways to Prevent a Back-up (Besides Insurance)

While insurance handles the aftermath, prevention keeps your basement dry:

1. Install a Backwater Valve: This one-way valve allows water to flow out but closes automatically if water tries to flow back into your home. (Bonus: Some insurance companies offer discounts for this!)

2. Maintain Your Sump Pump: Check it every spring. If yours is older than 7–10 years, consider a replacement or a battery-powered backup.

3. Watch What You Flush: Grease, "flushable" wipes, and paper towels are the leading causes of localized blockages in your own lateral lines.

How to Check Your Policy

Don't wait for a storm to find out if you're covered. Call your Insurance Broker and ask:

• "Do I have Sewer Back-up coverage?"

• "What is the limit of my coverage?" (Some policies cap it at $10k–$20k, which might not be enough for a finished basement).

Ashley's Take:

"I can't tell you how many times I've heard customers say: 'I live in the city, so I don't need it' or 'I'm on a septic and have never had issues before'.

It's never a problem... Until it is...

It can happen on both municipal lines/basements, and rural. No one is immune to it."

Check out Ashley's Instagram reel about Sewer Back-up.

When you’re walking through a potential new home or looking over blueprints for a build, it’s easy to focus on the finishes. You’re looking at the flooring, the cabinet colors, and the layout.

In a climate like ours in Moncton, where we face freezing winters and humid summers, the orientation of your glass isn't just about the view. It’s about energy efficiency, natural light, and your quality of life. Here is the breakdown of what each direction means for your home.

South-Facing Windows: The "Superstars"

In the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing windows are the gold standard for Canadian homes.

• Winter Warmth: Because the sun sits lower in the sky during our NB winters, south-facing windows act like a natural heater, capturing "passive solar gain" that can significantly lower your heating bill.

• All-Day Light: These rooms stay bright from sunrise to sunset.

• The Summer Catch: While great in winter, south-facing rooms can overheat in July. High-performance glazing or strategic deciduous trees (which lose leaves in winter) are great ways to manage this.

North-Facing Windows: The "Artist’s Light"

North-facing windows never get direct sunlight, which might sound like a downside, but it has specific benefits:

• Consistent & Soft: You get even, diffused light all day with zero glare. This makes north-facing rooms ideal for home offices (no screen glare!) or art studios.

• Summer Cooling: These rooms stay naturally cooler during heatwaves.

• The Winter Trade-off: These windows provide the least heat, meaning these rooms can feel a bit "chilly" or dark during the peak of winter.

East-Facing Windows: The "Morning Person"

If you love a bright start to your day, look for an east-facing kitchen or master bedroom.

• Morning Glow: You’ll get beautiful, bright light for your morning coffee.

• Afternoon Shade: By the time the hottest part of the day hits, the sun has moved on, keeping these rooms cool in the evening.

West-Facing Windows: The "Golden Hour"

West-facing windows are famous for beautiful sunsets, but they come with a warning:

• The Afternoon Heat: West-facing glass catches the "intensity" of the late-day sun. In the summer, these rooms can become heat traps if you don't have proper blinds or UV-blocking films.

• Cozy Evenings: They provide a warm, golden glow for living rooms and dining areas right as you’re winding down for the day.

Why This Matters for Your Wallet

According to Natural Resources Canada, strategic window placement can reduce a home's heating costs by 10% to 15% annually. In a place like Moncton, that can equate to hundreds of dollars saved every year just by choosing the right lot or the right house layout.

Check out Ashley's Instagram reel about why window direction matters.

In the whirlwind of a real estate closing, there is a million-item to-do list. You’re packing boxes, signing mortgage papers, and setting up utilities. But there is one critical mistake that could stop your closing in its tracks: canceling your current home insurance before your new policy is fully secured.

As a REALTOR® with an insurance background, I saw this happen all the time. Here is why a "gap" in your insurance history is more than just a paperwork headache.

No Insurance = No Closing

If you are financing your home, your mortgage lender (whether it’s a big bank or a local New Brunswick credit union) has a massive stake in your property. Because of this, they require proof of insurance (often called a "binder letter") to be in place for the closing date.

If you cancel your old policy on Monday thinking you'll "figure out the new one" by Friday’s closing, and there is a delay in the new application, your lawyer may not close the deal and the bank may not release the funds for an uninsured asset.

You Become "High Risk" to Insurers

Insurance companies love one thing above all else: continuity. They want to see that you are a responsible homeowner who maintains constant coverage.

If you have a gap in your insurance history, even for just a few days, many standard insurance providers will label you as "high risk."

• Higher Premiums: You may be forced into the "non-standard" market, where rates can be 2–3 times higher.

• Denial of Coverage: Some companies will flat-out refuse to write a new policy if they see a lapse in your history.

The 24-Hour Danger Zone

Many people think, "It’s just one day, what could happen?" Statistically, moving day is one of the highest-risk days for a property. Between movers carrying heavy furniture, doors being left open, and appliances being disconnected, the chance of a liability claim or a sudden water leak is at its peak. If a fire or a flood happens during that "gap," you are 100% personally liable for the loss.

How to Properly Switch Policies

To avoid the "gap trap":

• Secure the New Policy First: Get your new policy approved and confirmed with a clear Effective Date that matches your closing or move-in date.

• Confirm the Binder: Ensure your insurance broker has sent the necessary paperwork to your real estate lawyer.

• The "Overlap" Method: It is always safer to have one or two days of overlapping coverage (paying for both policies) than to have a single hour of no coverage. Once the new house is officially yours and the keys are in hand, then you can call to cancel the old policy.

Pro-Tip for New Brunswickers

In our province, winter storms and sudden thaws can cause damage in the blink of an eye. Don't leave your biggest investment unprotected for even a second.

Check out Ashley's take on cancelling your Home Insurance prematurely.