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Winter on the Lake: Fort Erie Living at the End of January
The end of January has arrived with heavy snowfall and extended cold, a familiar pattern for those of us living along Lake Erie and throughout Fort Erie and the Niagara Region. Lake-effect snow, shifting winds, and colder temperatures are part of winter life here, especially in waterfront and lakeside communities.
What’s notable this year is that, despite the weather, the local real estate market has shown a small but clear burst of activity. Showings are still happening with properties that are priced appropriately, buyers are still watching closely, and listings continue to attract interest but it is a price sensitive market where overpriced listings will sit. In a lakefront community like Fort Erie, winter conditions are something residents expect and adapt to—plowed roads, winterized homes, and a rhythm that doesn’t stop when the snow arrives.
Living near the lake in winter offers its own experience: quiet streets, frozen shorelines, dramatic views, and a slower pace that many homeowners value. From Crystal Beach to Ridgeway and along the Niagara waterfront, winter is simply part of the lifestyle—and so is moving through the market with it.
Foodie Friday — Dinner at @lakehousedining
Foodie Friday — Dinner at The Lakeshore 🍽️
Do you have a place you keep coming back to… no matter the season?
Alex was parking the car while I grabbed a quick clip —
we were heading in for dinner at The Lakeshore Restaurant & Grill, one of our long-time favourites here in town.
We had gift certificates from Christmas,
and this felt like the perfect night to use them.
Easy decision.
Familiar menu.
Comfortable setting.
It’s one of those places that never needs a special occasion —
just good food, consistent service,
and a relaxed night out by the water.
If you haven’t been in a while — or if you’ve never been —
it’s definitely worth checking out.
Do you have a local spot you save your gift cards for?
👇 I’d love to hear.
#foodiefriday #forterielife #forterie #forterieliving
#niagararegion #niagaraeats #supportlocal
#simplejoys #balancedliving #lifeinbalance
#joyinthejourney #datenightideas
#realestatelifestyle #lakeerielife
This Weekend: Open Houses in Fort Erie and Niagara Region
Come check out the open houses in Fort Erie and surrounding area this weekend – Saturday Jan 31st and Sunday, Feb 1st!
Weekend Open Houses in Chippawa & Beyond
This weekend, I’m hosting two open houses featuring well-maintained bungalow properties.
On Saturday from 12:00–2:00 PM, visit a new Chippawa listing. This bungalow includes an attached workshop, an additional office, and a separate rear entrance. The home is tastefully renovated and well presented throughout.
On Sunday from 12:00–2:00 PM, I’ll be hosting an open house at an almost-new custom bungalow, fully finished on both levels. The property has been relisted with a $100,000 price improvement.
All are welcome to stop by and view these homes in person.
Thirsty Thursday
Thirsty Thursday 
And today, we’re doing something a little unexpected…
Meet the Indigo Orange Martini —
also known as the Jasmine Cocktail.
Citrusy. Slightly bitter.
Soft pink in the glass,
with just enough edge to keep it interesting.
This one surprised me.
Campari usually isn’t my go-to,
but paired with gin, lemon, and a hint of orange…
it works.
A beautiful cocktail for a dinner party,
a slow evening at home,
or when you want something that feels just a bit elevated.
As always, made from my kitchen —
meant to be enjoyed in yours. 
Cheers,
Barbara
#ThirstyThursday #IndigoOrangeMartini #JasmineCocktail #NiagaraLiving
#NiagaraRealtor #BarbaraScarlett #CocktailAtHome #GinCocktail
#HomeMoments #EverydayLuxury #LifeInNiagara #EntertainingAtHome
Have you ever tried something at home and thought… why didn’t I do this sooner? 🧈
Have you ever tried something at home and thought… why didn’t I do this sooner? 🧈
This was my first time making homemade butter —
and honestly, I couldn’t believe how simple it was.
A few small mishaps along the way (to be expected),
but once it came together, it really did cut like butter.
After letting it rest overnight,
I decided to experiment a little.
Nothing complicated — just maple syrup and a pinch of flaked salt.
Cream it together, taste as you go, adjust, repeat.
No fancy setup.
No perfect measurements.
Just curiosity and a cracker standing in for bread.
There’s something really satisfying about realizing
you can make everyday staples yourself —
simple, fresh, and exactly how you like them.
Have you ever made something at home that surprised you with how easy it was?
👇 I’d love to hear.
#forterielife #forterie #forterieliving #niagararegion
#homecooking #simplejoys #balancedliving #lifeinbalance
#slowlivingmovement #kitchenexperiments #learningbydoing
#everydaymoments #joyinthejourney #realestatelifestyle
⏳ Why waiting for spring doesn’t always speed things up
⏳ Why waiting for spring doesn’t always speed things up
Longer market times have changed how timing really works.
A common belief I hear is:
“I’ll just relaunch in spring and things will move faster.”
But waiting doesn’t shorten market time —
it often just shifts it.
Spring brings more listings, more comparisons, and more competition.
With more options, buyers take longer to decide and apply more pressure on price.
Progress doesn’t always feel fast.
That’s true in learning, and it’s true in real estate.
Just like growth unfolds chapter by chapter, selling in today’s market requires steady positioning.
Staying active through winter allows sellers to move forward during a period of lower competition, rather than restarting once the noise returns.
📌 Progress may feel slower — but it’s still progress.
👉 Follow for clear, practical insight on today’s market.
#forterierealestate #niagararealestate #sellereducation #sellandbuy #marketclarity #realestatestrategy #fearofmissingout #knowledgebroker #barbarascarlett #c21heritagehouse
🇮🇹🍝Do you ever forget how lucky we are living so close to Buffalo?
🇮🇹🍝Do you ever forget how lucky we are living so close to Buffalo?
From the time I was young, I always knew what a privilege it was to live in Fort Erie —
with easy access to Buffalo and beyond.
Sometimes it’s just as quick (and just as easy) to head over the bridge
as it is to drive to another Niagara city.
One spot Alex and I love returning to is @marcositalian.buffalo
It’s right on Niagara Street and always feels like a little escape —
classic Italian, warm atmosphere, and consistently good food.
We popped in recently and I forgot to take photos (it happens),
so these are a few favourites from past visits.
If you haven’t been yet, it’s well worth adding to your list
next time you’re looking for a change of pace.
Do you have a go-to spot across the border that never disappoints?
👇 I’d love to hear your @visitbuffalony favourites.
#foodiefriday #buffaloeats #marcositalian #niagaraontheriver
#forterielife #forterie #forterieliving #niagararegion
#crossbordereats #italianfoodlover #simplejoys
#balancedliving #joyinthejourney #realestatelifestyle
Friday wrap-up in Fort Erie! 🗝️
Friday wrap-up in Fort Erie! 🗝️ From entry-level bungalows to sleek new-build bungalofts, here’s what’s hitting the market this weekend.
🏠 The Weekend Lineup:
* 801 Burwell St | $489,900 (New)
Modern Ashton Homes bungaloft. 3 beds, main-floor primary, and a covered porch.
* 690 Bridge St | $349,900
Detached bungalow on a massive lot. Perfect starter or investment near the border.
* 397 Garrison Rd | From $599,000
Luxury towns in Peace Bridge Village. 9’ ceilings and main-floor laundry.
* 15 Malkin Ave | $579,900
Updated side-split near the lake and Friendship Trail.
* 427 Williams Cres | $525,000 (New)
Stylish bungaloft with a flex loft space.
🗓️ Open House Schedule:
📍 Sat, Jan 24
* 690 Bridge St: 12–2 PM
* 397 Garrison Rd: 2–4 PM
📍 Sun, Jan 25
* 15 Malkin Ave: 12–2 PM
Ready to tour? DM me for full details or to book a private showing! 📩
#FortErie #NiagaraRealEstate #PeaceBridgeVillage #NewListing #OpenHouse #FortErieRealEstate #HomeHunting #NiagaraHomes #BarbaraScarlett
A Busy Week and This Weekend’s Open Houses
It’s Friday, and it’s been a busy week in real estate. I listed several new properties and negotiated on a number of luxury listings. This weekend I’m hosting four open houses:
-
690 Bridge Street — January 24, 12:00–2:00 PM
-
397 Garrison Road (all units) — January 24, 2:00–4:00 PM
-
15 Malkin Avenue — January 25, 12:00–2:00 PM
-
427 Williams Crescent — January 25, 2:00–4:00 PM
You can also visit my website every Friday to see a full list of upcoming open houses.
