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Looking for top insights and stories tailored for condo owners, residents, board members, property managers, and real estate pros? Your wish is granted! Every week, we're here to help you unlock the secrets of condo living, buying, selling, and saving.

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In today’s edition:

• 5 Smart Gadgets Under $100 Tested by Condoroo

• Why Biophilic Design Is the Condo Trend of the Season

• Rising Insurance Rates: What Condo Owners Can Do About It

NO FLUFF NEWS, HACKS AND STORIES

🧠 Level Up Your Condo IQ: 5 Smart Gadgets Under $100 Tested by Condoroo

You don’t need a six-figure renovation to make your condo feel smarter. In fact, with a few clever upgrades—all under $100—you can save energy, boost security, and add just the right amount of “wow” to your space!

Here’s Condoroo’s curated list of wallet-friendly smart gadgets that punch above their price tag:

• 💡Smart Bulbs that Set the Mood from Kasa Smart Light Bulbs (2-pack)
  Change colors, dim lights, or schedule them to turn on before you get home. All controlled from your phone. Under $30 for two!

• 📦 Eyes on Your Entryway from Blink Mini Indoor Camera
  Perfect for watching your front door or keeping an eye on pets. It’s compact, clear, and usually under $50.

• 🔌 Power Down with a Tap from Kasa Smart Plug (2-pack)
  Plug in your coffee maker, fan, or even Christmas lights—and control it all from your phone. Set timers and schedules to save energy. Roughly $25 for two.

• 🔊Tiny Speaker, Big Brain from Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Clock

  Hands-free control for your lights, music, reminders, and more. Small enough for any condo shelf. Around $70 and often on sale.

• 🧯 Stay Alert Without Breaking the Bank with Google Nest Protect Smoke & CO Alarm

  Yes, it's sleek and smart—but more importantly, it’s a safety upgrade that texts your phone when it senses trouble. Often on sale for under $100.

🌿 Why Biophilic Design Is the Condo Trend of the Season

The Scene

You’ve probably noticed it already—this spring and summer, condos across Toronto are going green in the best way possible. From leafy corners to earthy tones, biophilic design is trending hard, and for good reason. It's all about making your space feel calmer, brighter, and just a little more… alive.

And let’s be honest: when your balcony overlooks another high-rise and your living room barely sees the sun after 3 PM, a little nature inside your walls goes a long way.

What’s the Big Deal?

Biophilic design isn’t just a buzzword. Studies show that being surrounded by natural elements can actually improve your focus, mood, and even your sleep. And in condos where space is tight and stress runs high? That’s a win.

What Condoroo Recommends

• 🌿 Level up your plant game (without killing anything).
  Start simple with a snake plant or ZZ plant—both basically thrive on neglect. Tuck one next to your media unit or let a pothos trail across your kitchen shelves.

• 🪵 Ditch the plastic, bring in texture.
  Swap sterile surfaces for warm, earthy materials like jute rugs, linen curtains, or even a reclaimed wood coffee table. The visual warmth adds instant comfort.

• 💡 Let the light in. Then reflect it.
  Biophilic design thrives on natural light. Replace heavy drapes with sheer flax linen panels and place a large mirror opposite your windows to bounce daylight around like an interior designer would.

• 🎨 Paint a mood.
  Biophilic doesn’t mean forest green everything. Think muted moss, dusty clay, or deep stone blue. Want a zero-commitment option? Try removable paintable wallpaper—yes, it exists.

• 🌸 Scent counts too.
  Set the tone with an essential oil diffuser (we love this one by Vitruvi—it doubles as decor). Go for eucalyptus in the morning, lavender in the evening. Your nervous system will thank you.

Why It Matters

Condo living can feel boxy—but it doesn’t have to feel stale. Biophilic design helps blur the line between indoors and out, making your space feel more expansive, peaceful, and just… better.

Whether you’re staging for a spring sale or simply trying to make your unit feel more like home, bringing in a few organic touches can boost your vibe—and maybe even your resale value.

🛡️ Rising Insurance Rates: What Condo Owners Can Do About It

The Scene

Let’s face it—insurance premiums in Canada aren’t exactly getting cheaper. In 2025, rates are up 5.28% nationally—outpacing inflation thanks to climate risks, rising rebuild costs, and more frequent claims.

For instance, 2024 marked the most expensive year for weather-related insurance claims in Canadian history, with payouts reaching $8.5 billion.

For condo owners, this means one thing: if you haven’t looked at your coverage lately, now’s the time.

Key Challenges

• Climate Volatility: More frequent wind, flood, and hail events are increasing claims—and premiums.

• Higher Rebuilding Costs: Inflation and global supply issues have made materials and skilled labour more expensive.

• Limited Shopping Power: Some insurers are pulling back from high-risk buildings altogether, leaving fewer options.

• Underinsurance Risk: Many condo owners are unknowingly underinsured, especially for interior upgrades and personal liability.

What Condoroo Recommends

• 🔍 Know What You’re Actually Covered For
  Not all condo insurance policies are created equal. Your condo corporation typically covers the building’s structure and common areas—but not your personal belongings, upgrades (like flooring or countertops), or personal liability inside your unit.

  
  👉 Ask your provider if your policy includes "unit improvements and betterments"—or if you’re out of pocket when something goes wrong.​

• 🛠️ Lower Risk, Lower Cost
  Small upgrades like water leak sensors or smart smoke alarms can score you insurance discounts.
  Live on a lower floor? Ask if your building has a backwater valve or sump pump—great for flood protection and helpful when negotiating rates.

• 📞 Treat Your Broker Like Your Hairdresser
  Yep—we said it. Be open. Be honest. Ask questions. Let them know if you’ve made upgrades, bundled your car insurance, or are willing to raise your deductible a little to ease your monthly cost.
  You might even find you’re overinsured in areas that no longer apply.

• 🛍 Always Get a Second Quote
  Loyalty is great—but not if it’s costing you. Reach out to a second provider and mention you're a condo dweller. Some condo owners have shaved 10–15% off their annual premium just by shopping around. Look for providers who specialize in high-density or urban housing—they understand the unique risks of condo living better than general insurers.

Why It Matters

Rising insurance costs may be out of your control, but how you manage them isn’t. With a few smart moves and the right questions, you can get better coverage and keep more cash in your pocket—without compromising your peace of mind.​

CONDOROO CRIBS | THIS OR THAT?

Which crib looks pricier? 💸 (Scroll to bottom for Answer)

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OVERHEARD ON SOCIAL MEDIA

"A $20K condo? Not exactly — but @TorontoStar dives into the rise of fractional ownership 🏙️🔍."

CONDOROO CACKLES

“Because nothing says fiscal responsibility like smashing the piggy bank for party snacks.” 🐷🎉

EVERYTHING ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW

Scrolled this far? Enjoy these exciting bonus bits!

📅 Mark Your Calendars: CCI Toronto’s Must-Attend Learning Events for 2025

✨ Inside Jann Arden’s Stunning Toronto Condo

🏢 6 Design Trends for Boosting Resident Retention, Condo Sales

CONDO TYCOON | PIC OF THE WEEK

Bob Gaglardi, Northland Properties (Vancouver, Canada)

THAT’S A WRAP!

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Condoroo Team

Answer: Crib A
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