Community Corner

Help Us Spread Warmth! Blanket & Toy Drive this Saturday November 16, 2024

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:54:11 GMT

As we head into the colder months, there’s no better time to come together and spread a little warmth! 🧣❤️ We’re excited to announce that our office is hosting a special Blanket & Toy Drive on Saturday, November 16th, from 10 am to 3 pm, and we would love to see you there!

Here’s how you can help:

Bring your donations of new or gently-used blankets, warm clothing, toys, or gift cards for teens to our office on the 16th, and as a thank-you for your generosity, we’ll be serving up complimentary hot chocolate and fresh popcorn. It’s our way of making this a cozy and enjoyable event for everyone involved!

Can’t make it on the 16th? No problem!
We’re also a proud drop-off location for the Realtors Care Blanket Drive, running from November 12th to 19th. You’re welcome to swing by anytime during those dates to leave your donations. Office hours are Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm.

By giving just a little, we can make a big impact for families in need this winter. Let’s come together to bring warmth and joy to our community!

Event Details: 📅 Date: November 16th
⏰ Time: 10 am – 3 pm
📍 Location: #103 5830 176a Street, Surrey BC V3S 4H5
🍿 Enjoy hot chocolate and popcorn with your donation!

blankets, sleeping bags
warm clothing - coats, jeans, pants, sweaters
scarves, gloves, mitts, hats
NEW socks
NEW underwear
NEW unwrapped toys
gift cards for teens

Thank you for your support and generosity. We’re looking forward to seeing you on the16th!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Our Families to Yours

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 00:01:30 GMT

IMG_3391 2 from Bettina Reid on Vimeo.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our families to yours...from All of Us at the Bettina Reid Group!

The above video is the 1st of a series of memories I wanted to share. Please bare with me! Each video is less than 30 seconds, so promise it won't take up too much of your time if you decide to invest in this particular blog.

This is our 27th Reid Family Christmas so there are lots of memories to share. This one is from our 3rd Christmas but the 1st one my husband and I had in our 1st home together. As a young couple we didn't have a lot of money, so we cherish the cheesy homemade ornaments still to this day! I have always wanted a fancy themed tree...but just can't quite go that route with so many special ornaments to put up.

Reid Family Christmas Part 2 from Bettina Reid on Vimeo.

2nd in my series. Love my 1st ever disney ornaments! They've become a big part of our Christmas Tree every year, so much so my eldest daughter keeps claiming that she gets to take one of them with her when she moves out on her own one day! I think not!

Reid Family Chirstmas Part 3 from Bettina Reid on Vimeo.

Even though all the ornaments hold a special place in our hearts. These are the ones we get to cherish forever! There's nothing like the decorations your kids make for you.

Reid Family Christmas Part 4 from Bettina Reid on Vimeo.

When our daughter was little I ran a daycare and each year I would make ornaments for all my kids including my daughter! I wanted them to have their own decorations for when they grew up. This was the start of us building her collection. All of my kids are grown up now and they tell me those ornaments are still a part of their family tradition...which warms my heart.

How Seniors Can Find the Perfect Home for Aging in Place and some COVID tips for staying safe

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT

We posted this article back in 2019 and thought it would be worth sharing once again. With the pandemic this last year there is concern that seniors may be driving more and we found this great guide...although American based still relevant for Canadians. A guide to help senior drivers and passengers travel more safely amid the pandemic.

How Seniors Can Find the Perfect Home for Aging in Place

More and more seniors are choosing to age in place - growing old in their homes as opposed to an assisted living community. Modern technology and higher standards of in-home care are making this an option for more people. However, some seniors can’t age in place in their current homes for a variety of reasons. Here is a great link to why many shouldn't stay in their homes alone: Should a Senior live alone. Here are some great tips on how to find the perfect new home in which to age in place.

Choose a home in a friendly neighborhood

One thing that an assisted living facility does provide seniors is built-in socialization. Many seniors struggle with isolation and loneliness, and living in a special community can often alleviate this. If you want to age in place in your own home, however, it’s vital that you move to a neighborhood that gives you the most options to be social. Talk to the neighbors around any potential home buy. Are they friendly? Ask them if the neighborhood is tight-knit, and if there are any neighborhood associations that sponsor parties, cookouts, and other get-togethers. Try to find a neighborhood where you will find new friends and activities to keep you occupied.

Choose a home that will require minimal modifications

As a senior, there are plenty of specific house features that you may require for comfortable, independent living. It depends on your level of mobility, but you could want anything from a walk-in, no-ledge shower, to non-slip flooring like textured tiles in bathrooms and kitchens, to low or adjustable level countertops, or even reinforced grips and railings throughout the home. You want a home that you can live in for the rest of your life, so it should not only be accommodating for you now but for you in the future as well. You can save money on modifications if you focus on finding a home that will require as few as possible.

Choose a home that requires little upkeep

The answer to the question Why not just age in place in your current home? is almost always because it’s too large/requires too much upkeep. Seniors moving to a new home are most certainly downsizing, as this helps streamline their entire existence and gets rid of superfluous possessions and space that only serves to tie them down and prevents true independent living. Start downsizing as soon as possible so that you will have a better idea of home much space you’ll need in your new home. Refusing to downsize is a major pitfall for seniors looking to age in place.

Also, it’s probably not wise to choose a new home with a ton of outdoor upkeep either. Many seniors love to garden, and having enough space for a modest garden is likely all you’ll want. Otherwise you will be working too hard to maintain a large yard - and you’ll most likely have to pay someone to do it as you age. Find a home with a modest yard or work to create one yourself.

Buy within your means

The perfect home for you is the one you can afford. If you’re a senior living on a fixed or tight income, make sure your mortgage payment doesn’t overextend you. Always be wary of “hidden costs” of homeownership like insurance costs, taxes, maintenance and repair fees, and neighborhood association costs.

The perfect home for a senior looking to age in place is one they can afford, that accommodates their mobility issues (both present and future), and is in a location where they can be social with friends and neighbors.

If you are caring for a senior loved one or have considered a career in senior care, Gradschool hub offers a great guide.

CONGRATULATIONS to our Halloween Contest Winners Mia and Addison

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Addison

Congratulations to both of our Halloween Colouring Contest winners. Thank you to everyone that entered. We wish everyone could win, it is always so hard to choose the winners. Be sure to watch for our next Colouring Contest to come in the Mail in time for Easter 2021. Best of luck next time!

Mia

How to Boost Your Curb Appeal for a Quick Sale

Sun, 23 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT

How to Boost Your Curb Appeal for a Quick Sale

If you’re preparing your home for the market, pay special attention to your curb appeal. An attractive home exterior and front yard will make an amazing first impression on potential buyers—and may even influence how they view the rest of your home! Upgrading your curb appeal is also one of the easiest and most affordable improvements you can make to your home. But where do you start? Here are some great tips and tricks for instant curb appeal!

Why Does Curb Appeal Matter?

From reducing the length of time your home sits on the market to increasing your sale price, curb appeal will play a very important role in your home sale success.

Curb appeal is especially important for attracting house-hunters in a buyer’s market.
Improving your curb appeal is a quick way to increase your home appraisal value.
From mowing the lawn to cleaning your porch, curb appeal upgrades can help you get the price you want for your home.
Balance Real Estate Group can help you learn more about the importance of curb appeal when selling your home!
How to Marie Kondo your outdoor space

Fix Up Your Home Exterior

With a couple of DIY tools and a good ladder, your home exterior will look like new in no time!

Clean your gutters and downspouts.
Hand wash your siding to drive away dirt and grime.
Brighten up your home exterior with a fresh coat of paint. Here is a guide to approximate cost of paint a house.

Redecorate Your Porch

Your front porch is the gateway to your home, so you want it to look attractive and inviting to potential buyers.

Paint your front door a bold, eye-catching color.
Repaint or replace worn house numbers.
Add some greenery with a couple of elegant planters.

Do Some Simple Landscaping

A few simple landscaping tips will turn your front yard into a welcoming outdoor oasis.

Remove clutter from your yard and mow the lawn.
Plant a few fresh flowers or shrubs to liven up your yard.
Mulch your garden beds to keep everything looking neat and tidy.
Consider illuminating your pathways with landscaping lights.

Sellers on any budget can afford to make a few improvements to their front yard and home exterior. It doesn’t take much to boost your curb appeal! Whether you decide to go all out with a new landscape design or keep things simple with a fresh coat of paint on your front door, the upgrades you make outside are bound to capture the hearts of your potential buyers.

Kitchen Cabinet refresh

Much like the simple things you can do to improve your curb appeal there are also cost effective tips to refreshing your kitchen cabinets without breaking the bank.

Empty Nest

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT

As I write, I am flying home to BC from having just left my eldest daughter to start her residency in Ontario where she will officially start her life. She keeps telling her Dad and I that she has been on her own for years already. She has while she was at school abroad, but this is different and one day she will understand what we mean….Home will always be where we are, but she will always go back to her home now, the home she is building on her own.

It is a right of passage, we all go thru it I know….but it doesn’t make this day any easier for us. She would laugh and say why are you writing this Mom, it is just making you cry and I will see you again in less than 3 months when we are back in Ontario again…but it isn’t just that we won’t see her smiling face every day…it isn’t that we won’t hear her non stop chatter…its that she has officially flown the coop to make her way on her own…without us. We are now just spectators in her story now.

My tears are bittersweet, as we are so proud of her…but knowing she is on her own now….its official she no longer needs us the way she always has. I get it she will always need us. They always do in some way or another and we will always be there for both of our girls. But we can no longer shelter her from harm, she will have to figure out the many challenges life brings her way on her own.

When you are young and starting a family, everyone always tells us to cherish every moment because before you know they will be all grown up. When we were young, I don’t know how much we truly understood the truth to those words. Somehow time goes by faster and faster the older we get and now we are telling the people we know those same words.

Somewhere along the way, life gets in the way and you find the years have gone by…where did they go? It seems like only yesterday we were her whole world. There was nobody more important than her Mommy and Daddy. Then slowly as she ventured out into the world, her world started to grow and she gathered friends and experiences along the way. In the beginning they are so dependant on us, that just being held in our arms soothes them. They are small enough we can kiss all their fears away and rock them to sleep. Now she must find her own way, it is no longer our job to protect her….It is her job to find out what the world has in store for her.

We are so proud of you Shantelle for reaching for the stars and never giving up even when things seemed so impossible. You made it and your journey is only just beginning.

We taught our children, how to become strong, independent women as my husband always says. We can be proud that is exactly what we did!

I leave you with these words, like so many before me and so many will say one day when their children have grown….”Cherish EVERY moment, put away your phone and work, turn off the TV and just be with them…listen to what they have to say. No matter how unimportant you may think it is or how busy you are. Little ones can talk about the silliest of things, make them feel important. Wrap your arms around them and hold them tight because one day they will grow up and you will never get those days back again!” Hug your little and not so little ones…every day! Don’t forget to not only tell them you love them, but show them you do.

If you haven't tried Cartems donuts ...you definitely should!

Thu, 14 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Supporting local as I mentioned last week is something we are trying to really promote. Saturday night date night was ordering from Zythos greek restaurant in Walnut Grove. As self proclaimed foodies…I think we are probably greek food snobs too…because we are very picky with what we consider good greek food. We usually first judge good Greek food by their tzaziki, if its not fresh and tasty then it likely means the rest of the food won’t be either…Nine times out of ten we are right. Even though the tzaziki was not our absolute favourite (we are hard to please, I know) it was still pretty good. The rest of the food from Zythos was pretty good too. We will definitely order from them again and hopefully one day soon get to eat in their dining room.

Then for Mothers Day my request was to order and pick up Cartems donuts and Earnest ice cream. What a treat too. We had been wanting to try Earnest Ice Cream and when we saw that Cartems was helping to support another local business we of course couldn’t help but get them both. It was Mothers day and OMG those donuts were delicious we shared a little bite of each one. If you are looking to order curbside pick up you will need to order in advance as they have been booked up a few days out.

I realized I think I like the yeast donuts best and the salted caramel from Earnest Ice Cream was my favourite. My daughter loved the oatmeal brown sugar. We couldn’t order just one…bet you can’t order just one flavour too.

Bettina

Happy International Nurses Day 2020

Tue, 12 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Happy International Nurses Day to my beautiful niece who just graduated from nursing school, to all of our clients that are nurses working on the front line during these very difficult times and to all the amazing nurses out there.

My niece has a spirit like no other and will be that nurse that makes you smile when she walks into a room. We are so very proud of her and all the nurses out there.

Happy Mother's Day from all of us at Balance Real Estate Group

Sun, 10 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms, Grandmas and mother figures in our lives...even the pet moms. From a team of women at the moment, we want to wish everyone a day full of Happy memories with our loved ones...however that may be.

As I went for a walk today with my husband I came across this beautiful bunch of tulips that a very sweet family put out in honour of their mother that recently passed away. I had to snap a photo to share the amazing generosity displayed by a family looking to brighten someone else's day...asking them to take a bloom. I did not take one...but it did brighten my day and put a smile on both of our faces. Our warmest wishes go out to that family and all the families that cannot spend Mother's Day with the special women in their lives.

Shout out to Cactus Club in Langley

Fri, 08 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT

We are trying to support the restaurant industry on the weekends…so each week we pick a different place to order from on Saturday nights. Used to be our date night, well now it is an in night but with no cooking. We have had some not so great meals though and are really looking forward to some semblance of normalcy so that we can go back to enjoying a meal freshly made in a restaurant. But for now, we order in….

Last weekend once again it was looking like our order was not going to make it in a timely manner which would have meant for a terrible meal. Instead of dealing with the delivery company we called Cactus Club Langley directly. Sure enough our meals had been sitting there for quite some time. I let the manager know I did not want the meal if it hadn't been picked up. She assured me that they were going to remake our meals and then if the driver was not willing to wait for our order to be ready ..that they would arrange another driver or one of their staff to deliver it to us. Not only did she assure me that she would get us fresh meals, she even followed up to let us know when it was on its way. They even popped in a couple cookies for the wait.

Reason for this blog is to give a shout out to Cactus Club Langley for going above and beyond to make sure our order was done well. My family was not very hopeful and we were all very pleasantly surprised. We encourage you to pick up or see if the restaurant you are ordering from actually delivers themselves instread of using the delivery companies. Small businesses are losing money because of the delivery companies and when business is already down, this is likely hurting their bottom line quite a bit.

I won't name the delivery company as we have had back luck with them all.

Bettina

Why Use a Woodchipper Shredder?

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Do you have pieces of wood left over from a renovation project that you just don’t know how to get rid of? Maybe you have numerous bags filled with yard clippings and tree branches that were removed during your backyard cleanup. It’s a good chance that you have these kinds of things just lying around, taking up valuable space, but you simply don’t know what to do with it. You could have a bonfire for sure (if you live in an area that allows them) but that only makes a bigger mess of ashes and waste to get rid of. Plus, you would need to have a decent sized backyard bonfire to get rid of an accumulation of wood.

That is why you should look at investing in a wood chipper shredder or at least renting one to clean up around your yard. You’re probably asking yourself why you would need a wood chipper shredder to get rid of the wood you have built up considering it only makes a different kind of wood product, but these chips are actually easier to get rid of in the long run. How? Well that’s the purpose of this post – to let you know exactly how you can get rid of and use wood chips in future endeavors.

Garden Mulch and Compost

It is no small secret that making your own compost and mulch for your garden beds will save you money and provide valuable nutrients to your plants. Compost is made from decayed organic matter that ferments to grow nutritious bacteria that seeps into the soil of your garden beds and encourages flowers, fruits, veggies and even herbs or shrubs to grow big and strong. The use of mulch is similar but instead of providing nutrients, it acts as the protector of the garden and becomes a buffer between your plants and temperature changes, wind speed changes and even pests that could destroy or harm your garden.

One of the key ingredients in compost and mulch is wood chips. Wood chips for this purpose can be purchased at your local garden center or nursery but why not instead make your own out of wood scraps and tree trimmings that are laying around your backyard? With a few simple steps, all the scrap lumber left over from replacing the back patio is reduced down to chips and can be used in both the making of compost and mulch.

Pets Love It

Most indoor pets that are in the critter family – think hamsters, gerbils, mice, etc. love a snug warm bed of wood chips. Most times, this style of wood chips can be purchased at any pet store, but it can be expensive in the long run. Using your own personal wood chipper shredder eliminates this expense and helps you eliminate clutter around your yard.

Look at a wood chipper shredder with various attachments to change the size of the wood chips so that you can get a contrast in terms of size for your furry friend’s cage. Also, having a stock of wood chips on hand, dried out and ready to go, means that whenever it’s time to change the bedding their cage? You are on it and ready for action. They had a couple of bathroom accidents or their water container got knocked over and soaked right through? On it.

Bonfire Season and Cold Temperatures

Wood chips, while they won’t heat an entire home or create the type of bonfire needed for s’mores, can still act as a Firestarter in terms of bonfires and home fuel. People have been using wood chips for generations as the base for a warming fire throughout the cold winter night. They don’t burn as long as pieces of wood or lumber, but they are easier to light, start, and maintain a flame with than trying to start a fire from scratch.

Once the pile of wood chips has smoldered and burned, you are left with a glowing bed of coals that will heat and allow the bark of the full chunk of wood to catch. Voila! Your house is toasty, or your s’mores are hot.

Hunting Season

Those who are hunters in terms of moose, bear, deer, or even rabbit meat have been using wood chips for years to smoke their catch and keep it from spoiling. Using clean wood chips that have not been dried out will provide a hunter with a smoldering, smoking fire that penetrates the meet and seals the juices inside for a tasty snack year-round!

Conclusion

Wood chipper shredders can be pricey but if you are planning to use one on a fairly regular basis, it would be cheaper in the long run than renting one from your local industrial equipment warehouse. If you only need a wood chipper for the present – then renting is the way to go! Whatever your usage of a wood chipper shredder may be, you now know why it is important to use the wood chips over scrap pieces of lumber.

With the numerous uses of wood chips that were outlined in this post, from fuel to gardening to pet maintenance; it is no wonder that more people are looking into a wood chipper shredder and updated models make them more portable than before. Want to know how they work? Then learn more here.

Our 2020 Easter Colouring Contest Winners

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

We shared our winners on Instagram but forgot to share on our website.

Every year we get so many amazing entries for our Colouring Contests. We wish we could choose them all to win, but we can only choose 2. Our first winner is 12 year old Rachel. She has entered our colouring contest many times over the years, she was definitely due for a win. We are happy she tried one more time. We loved Rachel's creativity this year and knew she had to be one of our winners. She even included our team branding on one of the easter eggs. Thank you again for your entry and Congratulations Rachel, have fun spending your prize.

Our next winner is from Sophia, she also did an amazing job. We love all the pink. Congratulations again Sophia....have fun spending your prize. For everyone else, please watch for our fall newsletter and enter to win our annual Halloween Colouring Contest.

Shop local with store to door delivery services

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT

In these difficult times we are seeing a lot of our favourite businesses big and small having to close their doors for good. Once life gets back to normal, many of our favourite businesses may not be able to reopen.

Steve Nash Fitness World (a BC business) is rumoured to be filing for bankruptcy. Lush Cosmetics after laying off employees like so many others due to the pandemic, recently announced they are looking at a "future as “a much smaller business.” All of Oils (one of my family's favourite local shops) just closed their Abbotsford location. We will likely hear of many other businesses in the coming weeks that will have to make changes to their business models in order to survive.

Which brings me to why I am sharing today's blog....we are all trying to cut back on our spending...but if you are going to spend...consider your local and Canadian businesses like All of Oils and Lush Cosmetics

All of Oils is offering delivery for orders over $25 and within 20km of their 2 store locations in Langley and South Surrey. Just ordered our family's favourite Savoury butter olive oil for curbside pickup.

Lush Cosmetics is offering FREE shipping on orders over $40.

Surrey has created a link for businesses offering store to door services. Store to Door
If your business would like to be added to the list visit the link Store to Door and scroll to the bottom to have your business benefit from being listed in their directory.

Let’s all support our local businesses!

Creating a Safe Haven

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Creating A Safe Haven

There’s a general sense among the population that crime is on the rise and that the world is becoming a more dangerous place. But despite popular perception, both the overall crime rate and the rate of home burglaries in Canada have declined in recent years.

It’s not a big leap to connect the decline in burglaries with the growing accessibility and popularity of home security systems. Chances are, if you’re buying a new home, you’ve considered installing a system in your own home. But there are umpteen home security products and even more system installers out there. How do you know which is the best home security system for you? Here are some of the factors you should consider before you decide.

What are you protecting?

Depending on whether you’re protecting a single-family home or an apartment-style dwelling, your needs will vary. If you live on the 17th floor, alarming your windows might not be of paramount concern. On the other hand, second-floor windows are entirely vulnerable to resourceful burglars. Some condo associations frown on members drilling holes in the walls and messing with electrical equipment. But today’s wireless systems can solve that problem for you. Do you often leave your children home alone? A system that incorporates cameras that alert you whenever someone approaches your property might give you even greater peace of mind.

How much do you want to know and control?

Once upon a time, the role of a home security system was to alert you and your community’s first responders in the event of a security breach. You simply set it and hoped to be able to forget it. But today’s systems can provide much more information if you want it. Many integrate with other smart home equipment. You can unlock the door for the plumber while you’re at work, open the garage for your landscaper, and even turn up the heat before you come home, all from the comfort of your smartphone or tablet. Ask yourself, “How comfortable am I with technology?” and perhaps more importantly, “Do I need all those bells and whistles?” before selecting a system.

What’s your budget?

Home security systems run a wide price gamut. Feature-laden smart systems naturally come with a higher price tag. But smart systems that offer simple DIY installation often provide wide-ranging functionality at a lower price. Of course, the cost of the hardware itself is only a portion of what you’ll need to pay for full protection. Your system will only be as effective as the entity monitoring it, whether that’s you or a professional monitoring service.

System monitoring often represents the lion’s share of a home security budget. Some security system companies offer month-to-month service. Others require that you sign a long-term contract and assess heavy fees for cancellation. Another cost to bear in mind as you plan your budget is the false-alarm fees that most communities assess when a home’s security system summons first responders in a non-emergency. False alarms can happen for a wide range of reasons, from operator error to faulty electronics. Systems that are subject to a lot of false alarms can cost you a bundle. Do some research and read reviews of various security system brands and installers. Frequent complaints of false alarms should cause you concern.

On the positive side, installing a home security system can reduce your homeowners’ insurance premium. Check with your insurance company to learn whether you can factor those cost savings into your calculus. Here is a great article although US based, but still with valuable information on how security system can save you money on your Insurance premiums each year: Home Insurance Companies that offer discounts for Home Security Systems

Regardless of whether you decide to install a home security system, there are simple measures you can take to decrease the likelihood of being burglarized. In interviews with law enforcement officials, convicted burglars have shared some of the most effective burglary deterrents. Keep trees and shrubbery neatly trimmed to avoid creating hiding places for crooks. Install exterior lighting so burglars can’t operate under the cover of darkness. Keep blinds and shades closed when you’re not home so thieves won’t be tempted by expensive electronic equipment and other highly prized items. And by the way, a big, noisy dog can’t hurt either.

The Ultimate Guide to Securing your home offers many great tips. Not every single option suggested in this guide is necessary. But it’s worth considering. Especially if you feel as though your home could use some extra security measures.

Why is a Title Search Important?

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Why is a Title Search Important?

First time homeowners in Canada will hear many different terms throughout the home buying process that they may not be familiar with. There are a lot of documents to be signed and processes to be completed. One of the most important steps in the home buying process is a title search, which will identify any issues that could prevent the buyer from taking possession of the property.

What is a Title Search?

In Canada, ownership of land, including the title registered to the owner, is publicly recorded at the Land Title Office (LTO). A title search is a process in which all documents relating to a piece of real estate property are gathered and examined to make sure that:

The seller has the legal right to own and sell the property.
There are no third parties with a claim to the property that the current owner may be unaware of, such as liens, unpaid taxes, or pending lawsuits.

The title search is critical because it confirms that there are no issues that could affect the transfer of ownership, and the buyer will be the sole owner of the property once the purchase is complete.

When Does a Title Search Happen?

The title search is performed during the due diligence period of any real estate transaction in Canada. Due diligence is the fact-finding portion of the home buying process in which the buyer investigates the details of the property to make sure the transaction is sound. This process varies depending on the property, but some things that may be involved in the due diligence period other than the title search include:

Physically inspecting the property, including environment and structure inspections.
Checking the property’s zoning and land use laws to make sure it can be used for the buyer’s intended purposes.
Checking the seller’s covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) relating to the property.
Reviewing leases to confirm information on any tenants in the property, if applicable, such as their term length and income.

How Long Does a Title Search Take?

The title search can take as little as a few hours or as much as five days to complete, depending on a few factors:

The amount of documents that need to be reviewed and how readily available they are.
The age and history of the home.
The presence of any unresolved liens or other title issues.
The nature of the property and the transaction.
The schedule of the title company or freelance title searcher performing the search.

What Information Can Be Uncovered in the Search?

A title search will uncover the following information on a property:

The legal owner’s name and address.
Information on the type of ownership, including whether there are any tenants in the property.
The date of title registration.
Information regarding taxes on the property.
An official legal description of the land.
Information on any third party interests in the property, including but not limited to:
- Mortgages
- Leases
- Liens, such as builder’s liens or tax liens
- Legal judgments against the property
- Restrictive covenants
- Easements

Do I Need Title Insurance?

Your home is likely to be your biggest expense and investment, and title insurance is an important step in protecting it. For a one-time cost, your property rights to your home will be protected from unforeseen problems for as long as you or your heirs own it.

Title insurance protects your property from any potential unknown defects or problems that may arise in the future. This includes issues that even an extensive title search would not uncover, including:

Forged, falsely executed, or improperly recorded legal documents, including deeds, mortgages, or wills.
A previously unknown heir or a former owner of the property claiming ownership of the property.
Errors in tax records.
Any legal action pending against the property.

While a title search may seem like another step in an already complicated process, it will give you the peace of mind of knowing that your property is truly yours once the purchase is complete.

Kevin McTigue of JSMT Media is a copywriter for several websites in various industries, including Scott Title Services, a New Jersey based title insurance company.

Winner for Day 11 of our 12 Days of Christmas

Sat, 21 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Congratulations to the winner of Day 11 the Indigo Prize pack - Renee Snow

Please contact Bettina to arrange for pick up of your prize 778-998-9645

Winner of Day 10 of our 12 Days of Christmas

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Congratulations to our Day 10 Winner of Italian Cooking Class with Marzia of Bella Cibo - Denaye Dorge

Please contact Bettina to arrange pick up of your prize 778 998 9645

Winner for Day 9 of our 12 Days of Christmas

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Congratulations to our Day 9 Winner of the Oxygen Yoga Walnut Grove Certificate and the Half Moon Yoga Mat -Mike Dirk

Please contact Bettina to arrange pick up of your prize 778 998 9645

Winner for Day 8 of our 12 Days of Christmas

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A little late in the day...but never too late to announce a winner.

Congratulations to Brittany Plummer ....all your efforts paid off and you are the winner of our pair of snowmen!

Pleae give Bettina a call to arrange to pick up your prize 778-998-9645.

Winner for Day 7 of our 12 days of Christmas

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Congratulations to our Day 7 winner of a Home Depot Gift Card Liane Bisaillon

Please be sure to give Bettina a call to arrange pick up 778 998 9645

Winner for Day 6 of our 12 days of Christmas

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Congratulations to our Day 6 winner of a Sugar'd Cloverdale gift card Carina Jansen-Styner

Please be sure to give Bettina a call to arrange for pick up 778-998-9645

Winners for Day 4 and 5 of 12 days of Christmas

Sun, 15 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Day 4 gift card from Emilio Finatti's Pizzeria is Nick Swain

Day 5 Deep cleaning from Mistress of Clean is Linz Nagata

Winners for the first 3 days of 12 Days of Christmas

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Sorry for the delay here are the first 3 winner of the 12 Days of Christmas Contest

Day 1 Wine Package from Domaine De Chaberton Kristie Pavle

Day 2 Apple Barn Apple Cider Joanne Moran

Day 3 Gift Package from La Belle Vie Kirsten Fisher

Congratulations to the winners!

Please contact Bettina Reid to claim your prize 778 998 9645

3 Steps to Protect, Prepare, and Repair Your Home From Weather Damages

Sun, 17 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

3 Steps to Protect, Prepare, and Repair Your Home From Weather Damages

Would you know what to do if your basement flooded tomorrow? Inclement weather can lead to a variety of problems for homeowners. Those problems can be costly, not to mention stressful to deal with, which is why being prepared is important for anyone who owns a home. So before the next storm hits, be sure to take care of these steps to keep your home protected:

Inspect Your Roof After Storms

With inclement weather, roof damage can be common. Deciding whether to repair your roof before you sell your home, or selling it with a damaged roof, all depends on whether or not you want high dollar offers on your home. By repairing a roof ahead of time, your home’s value can increase by $2,800, plus you may receive more offers on your home. Some signs that your roof has been damaged by weather, or other elements, can include leaking in the attic, buckling shingles, and growing moss, all of which may warrant a roof replacement. When deciding whether to replace your roof, you should also find out if your homeowner’s insurance covers damages. Weather-related roof damages usually qualify for coverage under most homeowner’s insurance policies, so you should be able to get help with repairs to your roof or any other parts of your home damaged by snow, ice or hail. Just be sure to take photos of any weather-related issues and file your claim ASAP to increase the chances of your claim being approved and any repairs being taken care of right away.

Check Your Flood Insurance Coverage

Recent reports show that flooding is becoming an increased risk throughout Canada, and the prevalence of floods is predicted to grow as time passes. This means that now more than ever, Canadian homeowners need to be prepared to weather the potential home damages that floods can cause. According to Allstate, flood waters can wreak havoc on electrical systems, damage structural elements and even cause toxic mold developments throughout affected homes. Worst of all, homeowners who fail to purchase additional overland flood insurance could be left paying for flood-related damages on their own. That’s because most homeowner’s insurance policies do not provide benefits for damages related to flooding, whether that flooding is caused by the weather or other factors. You can protect your home from flooding by getting appropriate overland flood insurance, but you can also use damage prevention steps to minimize the effects that floods have on your home. Make sure electrical systems are mounted high enough to avoid being impacted, and then be prepared to use other measures when a flood approaches.

Prepare Your Home for Other Weather Risks

Severe weather in B.C. can range from blizzards to high winds to thunderstorms, so the potential for weather-related damage to your home always exists. Since the winter season can bring the most risks for severe weather, taking steps to properly winterize your house can help mitigate the need for repairs after winter storms hit. Insulating your attic, clearing rain gutters and trimming dead tree branches are all simple home maintenance tasks you can complete to help protect your home. Staying safe from winds can require other measures as well. In the event of a wind storm, a tornado or a hurricane, be sure to securely close shutters or place protective layers over windows. If you happen to live in a mobile home, it’s also a good idea to seek shelter elsewhere until the weather passes. Dealing with storm damage after a wind event is never pleasant, but if you find damages to your roof or other property areas, you should also be prepared to ensure that any repairs are taken care of properly and in a timely manner.

Knowing how to protect and repair your home from weather damage can save you a lot of time, stress, and money. So be a responsible homeowner by preparing your property ahead of time, and taking the right steps to repair problems whenever inclement weather strikes. Above all, know how to keep your family, including pets and people, safe during a weather disaster. Because at the end of a storm, property can always be repaired or replaced.

Here is another great article written by a company in the US GH Clark on how to repair a roof from beginning to end: GH Clark They show you the varipus types of roofing to choose from.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Should I use a moving company?

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Ah, moving. It is the worst. Moving is hard, stressful and expensive. If it weren’t because we had to look forward to a better place to live, it would be pretty much intolerable.

Yet, many of us might scoff at the idea of hiring a moving company. We prefer to do it ourselves with the help of unsuspecting volunteers who can be bribed with “free” food and drinks. Now all you need is a good friend with a pickup truck, and you have everything you need to start your DIY moving plan, right?

If only it were that easy. Though it is true you can save some money if you go the DIY route, it will still be an expensive process. Add to that the planning and stress of the whole experience, you might find yourself regretting your decision.

Other things to consider before opting to DYI your moving plan are safety and insurance. Picking up huge boxes and moving furniture might be too strenuous on your body, especially if you are not used to that kind of work. It would be troublesome if you or one of your volunteers injured themselves. Insurance is also an important thing to consider. If something happens to any of your property or the truck, it will be insured if you decided on a reputable mover. (Regarding insurance, customers need to discuss the details with the mover of their choice beforehand.)

The good news is there you can hire a moving company for a multitude of things. You can pick and choose the services you need and decide on a moving company that best fits your moving plan.

Different types of mover services include:

Van lines: These are the traditional movers. They will load your stuff in the trailer and drive to their destination.
Moving Containers: They will leave a trailer in your house so you can load all your stuff. Later, you can call them and they will take the trailer to the destination of your choice.
Full-service movers: They will do everything for you, including packing, loading, moving, and reassemble furniture.
Moving helpers: If your issue is not transportation, you might reach out to a team to help load all your stuff.

With all the options available, we are sure you will find the services you need. And, hopefully, make your moving experience a lot more enjoyable. For more information and tips on moving and how to choose moving companies, click here.

How Seniors Can Find the Perfect Home for Aging in Place

Fri, 24 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT

How Seniors Can Find the Perfect Home for Aging in Place

Choose a home in a friendly neighborhood

Choose a home that will require minimal modifications

Choose a home that requires little upkeep

Buy within your means

2019 Chilli cook off - we need your help!

Fri, 17 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT

May in Cloverdale means its time for the Cloverdale Rodeo which runs from today - May 17 to May 20. Each year our team has had so much fun participating in the Chilli Cook Off one of the warm up events for the annual Cloverdale Rodeo ...this year will be no exception. We are looking forward to defending our 1st place Chilli and kicking it up a notch as we do each year.

Make sure to come by today May 17th and try our "Chilli Squad" Chilli from 4:30pm -6:30pm during the 22nd annual Chilli Cook Off Be sure to come early so you get to try everyone's Chilli.

And of course, don't forget to vote our Chilli and help us keep our 1st place title.

We get to keep our 1st place title for best Chilli 3rd year in a row!

Fri, 17 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT

We want to THANK everyone that came out to participate in this year's Chilli Cook Off, without such amazing support we wouldn't have made #1 for the 3rd year in a row. Technically 4 years in a row. 2016 we were MLA's 1st choice.

Thank you to our clients, friends and family that made it out as well. We appreciate the support.

As always, we have so much fun making the chilli and then serving the community our delicious Chilli.

Everyone was there for the cooking and most of the event, but Kara and Rachael missed the official part. Susanne and Bettina accepted the plaque in honour of all of us at Balance Real Estate Group. We look forward to seeing everyone out again next year!

Happy Rodeo long weekend to everyone!

Winner of our 2019 Mother's Day Contest is.....

Mon, 13 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT

We want to thank everyone for entering and sharing pictures of the Mom's in your lives. We hope Mother's Day was a special one for all the Moms out there.

Please keep your eye on our Facebook page and website for upcoming contests throughout the year. The next one will be for Father's Day in June.

Congratulations to Carina Jansen - Styner for winning the Mother's Day basket, generously donated by Tracy LaChance from Verico Dreyer Group Mortgages . Please contact us to arrange for picking up your gift.

Mother's Day Giveaway 2019

Wed, 08 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Mother's Day is fast approaching, only a few days away and we wanted to do another giveaway in honour of all the Moms out there.

A very big Thank you to one of the mortgage brokers our team has worked with for generously donating this beautiful gift for the Mom in your life. Tracy LaChance is a mortgage professional with Verico Dreyer Group mortgages. Be sure to follow Tracy LaChance on Facebook for great mortgage tips.

Tracy has been in the Financial, Mortgage and Real Estate industries for 27 years offering a diverse range of financing and investment advice.

Living in the White Rock/South Surrey area for 14 years, Tracy is very familiar with the local markets and community and is enthusiastically involved in many charities and events. Previous to being an independent mortgage professional with Dreyer Group, Tracy worked in the Northern BC area in which she continues to maintain her personal and business relationships offering mortgage services and keeping up to date on those community changes and growth.

Tracy believes in going above and beyond for her clients and this is demonstrated in her long lasting client relationships. Tracy will guide you through the Mortgage process from beginning to end to make your experience an enjoyable one.

We invite you to contact her anytime for a personal mortgage evaluation, call her directly at 604.218.8364

Clayton Community Farmers Market 2019

Fri, 03 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT

We are proud to be sponsors for this year's Clayton Community Farmers Market which opens this Sunday May 5th at 10am - 3pm.

This year is even bigger than last years event with over 50 great vendors. Our team is looking forward to seeing the community at various Clayton Community Farmers Market days. Be sure to stop by and enter our contests with a canned food donation in support of local food banks.

Located at Clayton Heights Secondary in the parking lot! 7003 188 Street.

Here are the upcoming market days which will be held from 10am - 3pm

May 5 -- May 19 -- Jun 2 -- Jun 16 -- Jun 30 -- Jul 14

Jul 28 -- Aug 11 -- Aug 25 -- Sep 8 -- Sep 22 -- Oct 6

Visit the following link for more details: Clayton Community Farmers Market

Why Should You Install a Pergola in Your Backyard?

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 05:02:00 GMT

Why Should You Install a Pergola in Your Backyard?

Are you wondering the benefits of installing a pergola in your backyard? Perhaps you’ve seen a pergola at a friends house or heard they can be a way to make your home more saleable. There are many benefits to a pergola, and we are exploring them in this article. As well as providing shelter and making your garden look better, a pergola can even boost the value of your property.

Increasing Home Value

One of the main benefits of installing a pergola, gazebo or other outside structure or feature has the potential to make a big impact on the perceived price of your home. Check out this well-researched guide that includes value-boosting maintenance tips. It has a whole section dedicated to building garden structures. The guide mentions an ASLA (American Society of Landscape Architects) survey in which pergolas ranked number two on the list of most desirable outdoor structures.

If the home value is boosted by the pergola being in place, it can mean that it is an investment, not just an expense.
If you spend money on a pergola and invest wisely, or do the work yourself, you can make the money back when it comes to time to sell your property. This doesn’t mean that you have to install one while you are thinking of selling. There is no reason you can’t take advantage of owning the pergola and the benefits it brings to your garden first.

Sheltered Seating Areas

Having a sheltered area in your backyard is always very beneficial. You may live in a space where it is hot and sunny a lot of the time and you are looking for a cooler area with shade from the sun (and potential sunburn). Alternatively, if you are in an area prone to showers then this can be a way to stay dry. An example such as this home, where there is a pergola area with seats, a table, and even a fire pit just under the shelter it provides. This is a perfect place to sit and have food and drink or to entertain guests. Gazebos can do a similar job, but a pergola can provide a more permanent structure with a higher perceived value.

A Design Feature

Sometimes the pergolas are in place for design purposes more than anything else. This beautiful home is an example of a pergola which is in place as it has a quirky design and brilliantly sets apart an outdoor dining area. A pergola allows you to do so much in terms of design. You can choose from a number of different woods and other materials, and decide whether you want full coverage or just a partially sheltered area.

One of the most popular uses of a pergola is to grow vines and other climbing plants around them. Sprucing up your yard with plants is one of the top tips for selling your home. This can give a really luxurious feel to your backyard and create a classy ambiance. If you are green-fingered, a pergola can be another place for your gardening experiments.

Privacy

A lot of people don’t spend a huge amount of time in their backyards as they are worried about privacy. If you have other homes nearby which overlook your yard then it can often be the case that you don’t feel as comfortable with your privacy as you would in your own home.

Your backyard should feel like an extension of your home in terms of being another private area when you can relax, safe from prying eyes. A pergola can help you to create that. Whether you have prying neighbors or not, it is good to feel like you are relaxing in an area where nobody can see you.

An Outdoor Room

A pergola can give the illusion of four walls, and the fact that it provides a roof area means that you can treat it as another room. There are examples of people using their outdoor space for all sorts of things. Some people have installed outdoor grills and cooking areas with pizza ovens, BBQ grills, smokers and of course seating areas.

If you are a serial entertainer, you could think about using your pergola ‘room’ as a bar and having space for your friends to gather. Other people have even installed televisions outside and made outdoor tv theatre areas in their pergolas or gazebos. If you are confident with electronics then this can be a good, fun reason to install a pergola.

Other creative uses we’ve seen including shelter for a hot tub or just as a beautiful dining space.

Conclusion

Have you enjoyed our post on installing pergolas? Can you think of other benefits? Here are more great tips on How to Increase the Value of your Home as well here are some great tips on modernizing your home. How To Modernize Your Home

Feel free to share your thoughts by emailing us at info@BalanceRealEstateGroup.com, or share our article with your friends if you think it can be helpful for them.

Happy 1st day of Spring - can you believe it is finally here?

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 05:05:00 GMT

It is hard to believe after such a long and unusual winter here in the lower mainland and Fraser valley that Spring has finally arrived and with it spring temperatures. Hopefully it won't be a teaser and that winter truly is over. Although it was just over a week ago that we had a little bit of snow come down.

The picture of those beautiful crocuses was from many years ago when I had a garden at our old house in Cloverdale. They were so beautiful and one of the first signs that spring was on its way when the crocuses started to come up. I drove past the other day and the bulbs are still coming up. Looking forward to seeing all the cherry blossoms soon.

International Women's Day

Fri, 08 Mar 2019 05:09:00 GMT

Today is International Women's Day and how a propos is it that this year's theme #BalanceforBetter seemed to have been made for our team the way it is today and who we are in general - Balance Real Estate Group. We are a team of women, of all ages...even though we haven't always been a team of women and we may not always be a team of women. We are proud to work together and want to recognize International Women's Day to celebrate working together as women.

This year's theme is #BalanceforBetter with a goal to build a better working world...a gender balanced world.

The following excerpt is taken from the International Women's Day website....something my husband and I strongly believe in. So much so, my husband proudly works for a very forward thinking company in Vancity Credit Union. Where their CEO is a strong woman, his immmediate boss is a strong woman and the company in general believes strongly in the equality of women in the workplace.

"Let's build a gender-balanced world

Balance is not a women's issue, it's a business issue. The race is on for the gender-balanced boardroom, a gender-balanced government, gender-balanced media coverage, a gender-balance of employees, more gender-balance in wealth, gender-balanced sports coverage ...

Gender balance is essential for economies and communities to thrive."

Happy International Women's Day! To all the amazing women on our team, we wouldn’t be successful without them. To the women we are raising that will one day change the world! To all the amazing women in our lives! Mothers, Grandmothers, Sisters, Aunts, Cousins, Friends any and all the women that have touched our lives.

Bettina

Laundry Closets - whoever thought they were a good idea!

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Ok, so today's blog is going to be a little rant.

I don't think I ever truly appreciated a real laundry room more, than when I had to pull out my stacker washer/dryer yesterday to re-attach the dryer vent. We noticed on the weekend that there was a little too much lint accumulating around the machine. Since we didn't get time to deal with it over the weekend, I figured since I had some time on my hands before work that I would tackle it. It couldn't be that difficult right?

WRONG! I do not know how anyone is even able to repair these machines jammed into these little closets. I pulled out the machines and of course in the process the hose in the drain came out...Now there are a couple things wrong in this picture. Not sure why in a building that is less than 10 years old that the water hoses are rubber and not metal braided hoses. Especially when if they fail it can affect our neighbours below...so we are going to get those changed. But how does it make sense that the drain is half way up the wall (the area I have circled below) and of course the hose that comes from the machine is not a long one.....

So now, I not only have to re-attach the dryer vent hose, but now I somehow have to figure out how to direct this short hose down the drain. The only way to get in behind was to pull the machines out and squeeze between the door frame and machines because there is not only very little room to pull them out, but with all the cords and hoses you can only pull it out so far. I managed to get the lint cleaned up and re-attach the hose...but then I had to figure out how to get that drain hose into the drain....That is where the real fun began...at this point I am starting to build up a sweat as I realize I have to push the machines back in somewhat and climb up on top of the machine. Of course, I decide to do this while my husband is at work...I mean come on I should have been able to do this no problem right. Again wrong, and of course he calls as I am in the middle of it all and laughs when I explain what I need to do in order to get it working. Needless to say I kept my phone close in case I got stuck in behind the machines that I climbed up and over. (Not that I would have liked to make that call..."PLEASE HELP I"M STUCK BEHIND MY LAUNDRY MACHINES....") I could have waited for him to come home, but by this point I was determined to get this fixed. Crazy I know.

As I climb up on the machines, I realize it is a long way down in behind....so I decide to climb down and then hoist a step stool over and lower it behind. Which worked out perfect...until I had to get it back out. I had pushed the machines back enough to get the hose in and fit the stool back there, but hadn't really thought about how I was going to get the stool back out. So I climb out and end up taking my house coat strap and an hanger to help me hook the stool (thank goodness it was a 2 step stool with a handle). I must have been a sight to see, a grown ass woman lying on top of stacking laundry machines reaching down behind to try and rig a housecoat strap in order to lift up a stool. All while praying I don't end up head first falling behind the machines. 6' from the top down is a long way when you are upside down.

I won't be repeating this anytime soon, going to call in the experts next time. I will gladly defer to them in the future, that is for sure. Let them figure out how to deal with these situations. They deserve the money they charge for a service call. But as a realtor I truly get it when people look at these tiny closets and dread having their laundry in a closet. I might even know more than them why they shoudln't like having a laundry closet.

Bettina

How a Professional Chef Would Remodel Your Kitchen

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Watch any TV cooking show, and you’ll notice that a chef’s kitchen looks quite a bit different than what you’d find in most homes. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t have one just like it in your home! With a little remodeling, and splurging on some new items, you too can have a kitchen worthy of Gordon Ramsey, Jamie Oliver, or Rachel Ray.

Chefs love counter space. So, when remodeling, plan to create as much as possible. If you have an existing island, for example, you can replace the countertop with a larger one. Just adding eight inches in both directions will make a big difference.

Most chefs have more than one oven. If that’s impractical for you, consider buying a double-oven stove. Also, chefs prefer gas burners for quicker heat- up times and exacting control of cooking temperature.

One thing you’ll notice about chefs is they love stainless steel.
That’s because it’s easy-to-clean, hygienic and durable (assuming you take care of it).

Finally, because chefs spend so much time in the kitchen, they want the space to be attractive and comfortable. So, when remodeling, keep decor in mind.

Even if you’re just an amateur chef, creating a chef-worthy kitchen will make the foodie in you smile.

Pink Shirt Day - Let's put an end to bullying

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 05:26:00 GMT

Today is Pink Shirt Day in support of efforts to Stop Bullying of all kinds. Whether it be in the workplace, schools, home or on the internet. By wearing something pink you are supporting the efforts to STOP bullying of any kind.

As social media continues to expand and become a part of our daily lives, so does bullying...unfortunately. Many of us grew up in a time where it was ignored or brushed off as being no big deal. We were taught - "Sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me." I was never a big fan of that saying, names do hurt...no matter how much you try to tell someone not to let them. Today it is so much worse than it ever was back when I was a child. Because there is no safe place for people to get away from the bullying. It enters the privacy of your home, whether you like it or not the minute you open up your computer or phone. You can't get away from it! The only way to try and make it stop is to keep putting emphasis on days like today but to be conscious of it everyday!

In Richmond a few years ago on Feb.26th 2012, 500 students took part in a flash mob at the Aberdeen Centre. It brought tears to my eyes back then and it brought tears to me eyes once again as I watched the video that has now had over 131,000 views. I know I'm sappy but it was great to see kids of all ages taking part to help stomp out bullying. I wonder where those kids are today. Take a peak at their youtube video:

http://youtu.be/oJ1A_IBi01E

For more information here's a website set up for the day to share your pictures and thoughts. We'd love to hear from you too!

http://www.pinkshirtday.ca/

Support anti-bullying by wearing PINK! Let's help those without a voice be heard! Let's show them we care!

Ozzie's Deli and Meats - Tsawwassen

Thu, 21 Feb 2019 05:30:00 GMT

Today was a beautiful day in the lower mainland. The sun was shining bright bringing a little warmth to the cold winter air that we have been having. It was the prefect day to take my grandmother out for a walk to grab a bite to eat at her favourite deli around the corner.

Ozzie’s Deli and Meats ….its an unassuming little place. The kind of deli that is quintessential for a small town like Tsawwassen. You wouldn’t think much of it from the outside. But inside, it is the heart of the community and you can feel it beat every time you walk in the door.

Every time we go for lunch, there are so many regulars like my grandmother, that many people greet each other like old friends. Today my grandmother told me a story about a local woman she knew that now lives in Australia, she ran into her one day where she had literally just returned home for a visit and the first place she wanted to go was to Ozzie’s Deli and Meats.

Ozzie’s has been around for a few decades and the present owner Anya took it over close to 20 years ago. I have no idea what it was like originally, but Anya and her staff have impressed me time and time again with their warmth and compassion. They not only dote on my grandmother but many of their regulars. You can tell each one of their customers holds a special place in their hearts. So much so, my grandmother wasn’t doing well last fall and hadn’t been in for lunch in months. When we finally made it in for lunch they brought tears to my eyes when they shared how concerned they were and so happy to see she had come in. Greeting her with hugs all around.

Ozzie’s serves deli sandwiches, salads, homemade soups, shepherds pie, schnitzel, burgers and so much more, not to mention fresh baked cookies for dessert.

It is not just a local place to grab a bite to eat. It is a local place to meet and greet.

Next time you are in Tsawwassen stop by for lunch but be sure to bring cash as they are old school restaurant with no debit or credit cards.

1557 56 Street, Tsawwassen

(604) 943-7511

Bettina

Relocating to a Different Town or City

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 05:35:00 GMT

Relocating to a Different Town or City

Moving around the corner or even across town is relatively simple because you are likely familiar with the various neighbourhoods and you can access them anytime. If there's a listed home you want to view, you can simply go see it.

Relocating to a different town or city, however, is much more challenging. It may not be possible for you to make multiple visits to see homes for sale. You may also be unfamiliar with the various neighbourhoods.

So what do you do if you want to move out-of-town or need to relocate due to work?

Your first step is to get the information you need. You'll want up-to-date data on the neighbourhoods so you can pinpoint the ones that are the best fit for your needs and lifestyle. You'll also want to get a sense of the types of homes for sale in those neighbourhoods — style, size, features, listing price, etc.

Your next step is to schedule a day to view homes. This visit must be carefully planned so you only see those properties that are likely to be of interest. You don’t want to travel all that way only to end up seeing properties you wouldn't likely buy. What a waste of time!

So, if you’re relocating, you’ll need help. Give us a call. We can help make the relocation go smoothly for you.

Happy Valentine's Day from all of us at Balance Real Estate Group

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Today's blog will be short and sweet!

We hope everyone has a Happy Valentine's Day, give your special someone a Kiss and a Hug and cherish every moment as though it is your last. That's what memories are made of. We hope you find love erveyday not just on Valentine's Day!

Pacific Titans Athletic Program

Wed, 13 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

As I have mentioned before I do like to promote local businesses in the Fraser Valley. So I want to use today's blog to promote my Aunt and Uncle's hockey program - Pacific Titans Athletic Program.

They have helped many kids from pre-school to adult by training and helping them to develop not just hockey skills but life skills too. They are very well respected within the community, I am proud to promote their business.

Craig Sherbaty (proud to call him my Uncle) is the Director of Player Development for the Pacific Titans Athletic Program Program. He has been coaching for 27 years. Some of his many accomplishments and endeavours include: working with BC Hockey and Hockey Canada, to running his own successful hockey player and coach development programs throughout the lower mainland, including international players. Presently he is the lead instructor for Lord Tweedsmuir's High School hockey academy and has been since 2005. The Coach Mentorship Coordinator for BC Hockey, and Director of Hockey for North Delta Minor Hockey. Sandra Sherbaty is the Administrator, Fitness and Nutrition Coach for the Pacific Titans Athletic Program Program. She has been training the fitness Beginner to Pro athletes for 18 years. Something that means a lot to them is their community and in 2009 they partnered with Surrey Schools Community Partnership after school programs offering floor hockey skill development, nutrition and cooking skills. Just recently Sandra has partnered with the YMCA Surrey Schools Community Partnership after school programs.
YMCA Surrey Schools Community Partnership Sticks and Stars
YMCA Surrey Schools Community Partnership Clubhouse 36

As we are a team that loves to give back to our community, I am proud of the work that they do and how they continue to give back to their community. To see more of their impressive resumes and that of the rest of their staff, as well as learn how your child can have an opportunity to learn from phenomenal coaching visit their Pacific Titans Athletic Program website at the following link:

Pacific Titans Athletic Program

If you or your child has had the opportunity to train with Craig, Sandra and or their staff, we would love for you to share with us and our readers!

Thermostat Wars - seems to be a household problem

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 06:30:00 GMT

Driving home the other day i heard about BC Hydro's study when it comes to heating the home. It looks like "4 out of 10" couples tend to argue over the temperature in the home. But 5% of those 4 describe it as an "all out thermostat war".

Well funny enough this is definitely true in our household. My eldest and I love to sleep in a cooler room...not my husband he likes the house to be an insulated oven 24/7. Not even a month ago we had a very heated argument about how cold he thought the house was...so much so we went out and purchased a thermometer as we have electric heat with no gauge on how hot or cold the house actually is. He insists that room temperature should be 21/22 degrees so when we set up the thermostat and proved that in general our house sits at 21 degrees celsius and when we do laundry or cook it gets even hotter. Guess who was right. :) It isn't cold in our place.

Living in a condo, we have been pretty lucky and actually don't have to turn the heat on all that often. With the temperatures dipping below zero, we have had to turn the heat on a bit when we first get home at night. But overall, it is usually fairly comfortable in the home. Well according to me that is. :) If you asked my husband he seems to be cold all the time. When we lived in our homes with forced air heating it was definitely a battle between us, one turning the heat up and the other turning it down. I loved when digital thermostats came out, because then I could at least set it so that once he was asleep we could turn the heat down and only have it come back on to heat the house up for when he woke up in the morning.

"BC Hydro found that British Columbian couples will go to great lengths to get their way when it comes to the temperature of their home, and twice as many are motived by comfort than cost savings. More than 60 per cent admitted to adjusting the thermostat when their partner was not looking and 50 per cent say they have waited for their partner to leave the home before adjusting the dial. There are also the 20 per cent that admit to turning the temperature up or down just to annoy their partner." I am pretty sure we both have adjusted the heat up or down the minute one of us leaves the house. I definitely have and usually it is down.

I have to say I have never adjusted the heat just to annoy my husband but thought it funny to see that 20% did. Although its no coincidence that when my husband read the article that he later read out to me....he left out the part where BC Hydro recommends the temperatures to set your home at for when relaxing as 21 degrees. But to actually lower it to 18 when you are cooking and then even lower to 16 for when you are sleeping or away.

As I was looking up thermostat wars, it is also funny to see just how big a problem this actually is...its not just in our house. Work place wars seems to be quite common as well. Which when I think about it, makes sense. Many of the staff in our office like the heat turned up as they are always cold....whereas most of my team find it too hot and we look to sneak turning it down all the time. :)

The article does offer tips on how to reduce your heating costs at this time of year. To read the full article visit the following link:

BC Hydro Thermostat wars: How the battle over household temperature is turning up the heat on relationships

Why Balance Real Estate Group?

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 05:49:00 GMT

It’s been a year now since we made the change to become Balance Real Estate Group. Overall the feedback has been positive. Although many people ask why Balance?

We aren’t Balanced Real Estate Group…so we aren’t professing to be a team of realtors that have figured out how to fully gain balance in our lives. More that Balance is something that resonates with everyone….because we are all trying to achieve some sort of Balance in our lives everyday. It doesn’t matter whether you are a man or a woman, a realtor or someone in any other profession, a spouse, parent or even a child. We are all looking for our own sense of balance. Balance means something different for everyone.

I recently read a blog written by a local Vancouver business woman that resonated with me. “Finding a Balance” Of course the word Balance is what caught my eye and prompted me to read further. But then a lot of what the author Christine Bergeron had to say related to my life and that of our team. As realtors we are always trying to balance not only our lives, but the lives of our clients. That is why we are Balance Real Estate Group. Everyday we are juggling family expectations, personal expectations, expectations of our sellers on where the market is and the value of their homes and the expectations of our buyers on what kind of home they want and can afford. Not to mention a myriad of other things in between. It is how we handle each of these expectations that will gain us some sense of balance.

Christine was very right everyone’s sense of success is different and it is each of our own perspectives that will help to guide us in having a sense of balance in our lives which is what leads us all to success. She included this quote from Emerson that I thought was also worth including in my post. We could all use this reminder once in a while.

“To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or redeemed social condition, to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded”. No truer words have been spoken.

I highly recommend reading her post…it is a quick read but worth it.

Click the following link:

Finding a Balance

Hawksworth Nightingale Restaurant Vancouver

Sun, 10 Feb 2019 05:52:00 GMT

I am back, with our market back to normal I have committed to blogging regularly again. With our website glitches finally fixed, I can feel good about blogging and sharing my experiences as well as tips on just about anything and everything. If you read my blogs in 2012...I wrote one everyday for 365 days of the year or pretty close to it....well I am not sure I can do that but I will average 5 blogs a week for the rest of 2019. I figure put it out there and well I will commit to it.

So my first real blog back is foodie related. As many of you know my husband and I are self professed foodies. Since we aren't drinkers (well my husband doesn't drink and I only drink once in a while) we tend to enjoy going out to good restaurants and enjoying a meal. We can probably spend what many will spend on food and alcohol on just food alone. To be honest, I do drink once in a while as I mentioned...but I just cannot justify spending money on drinks at a restaurant....the cost alone is ridiculous. (This is where my husband would call me cheap...so be it then I am cheap... :)

Working downtown Vancouver my husband gets the luxury of frequenting many of the local restaurants with his colleagues and for work functions. Last year he took me to Hawksworth's Nightingale restaurant for the first time and I fell in love with their food and ambiance. So when we were looking for a place to eat last minute we headed downtown for dinner and decided on Nightingale.

One of the things I like about the restaurant is being able to walk in on a Saturday night and actually get seated...even if we have to wait a bit. It is definitely worth the wait. In order to reserve we would have had to go at 4:30 or 10pm...well neither times we were interested in having dinner. Not many places hold aside a few tables for walk ins....either that or that is all they do which tends to make the wait that much longer.

Nightingale has 2 floors and a ton of staff. We sat downstairs in the main part of the restaurant this time and the service was impeccable. Their food is designed for sharing and would be a much better place to visit with friends so that you can try more of the dishes...as we always order way too much because everything is so delicious and hard to decide. We were attended to by a number of staff, from hostesses to our server and many others throughout the meal. Because of this they give you small plates that are replaced often throughout the meal. Serving utensils are set out on the table for the various dishes that you order and staff are quick to remove the finished dishes to allow room for the next ones to arrive. I was mentioning to my husband the various reasons I enjoy this type of dinner out....the variety of foods to try for one, but it is also a good thing for the restaurant too as they can serve things as they come up instead of having to coordinate dishes. The chance of sitting for long without food is pretty slim.

A few of the dishes we recommend, we started off with a salad - Apple, walnut, celery, tarragon, avonlea cheddar, lemon vinaigrette...which was delicious...although I was expecting it to have lettuce. I enjoy celery but felt it could have done without the celery.

Then we enjoyed the fried chicken the last time so had to get it again - Buttermilk fried chicken, spiced maple syrup, sumac, pickles....the chicken was so tender and not greasy at all. You can never go wrong with pickles as an added touch...not sure that I enjoyed the sumac sprinkled over top...I don't believe they served it that way the last time. But still overall we ate every last piece...so it couldn't have been too bad.

Then we had a pasta special - I do like pappardelle pasta....this was done with a pork ragu...delicious...no need to say anything more. This is not a small plate....easily we could have shared with another couple. Needless to say we had some leftover to take home.

Then we had - Grilled hanger steak, red onion agrodolce, gorgonzola butter, horseradish with Roasted mushrooms, madeira, rosemary butter, pickled red onion...
The steak with so tender we could cut it with our butter knives and even though we aren't fans of gorgonzola we were assured it was a very mild taste and sure enough it was.

Now I could have done with one or 2 less dishes, my husband's eyes are always bigger than his belly...but one of the main reasons I wanted to have dinner here was the dessert I remembered so fondly. Even though I was full...I couldn't leave without having their -Salted caramel pot de crème, whipped crème fraîche, butterscotch, vanilla breton....I would have been happy with a small bite or 2...but the one thing my husband will not share is his dessert. Ask any of our friends, they think it is hilarious....but dessert is off limits.

For more details about the restaurant check out the following link: Nightingale

Adding Curb Appeal: How to Boost Your Home's Value

Sat, 09 Feb 2019 05:54:00 GMT

Adding Curb Appeal: How to Boost Your Home's Value

Most homeowners look for ways they can make their homes look more appealing, but for some, it’s not just about aesthetics. Adding certain things to both the exterior and interior of your home can boost its value, meaning that when you’re ready to sell, you’ll get the maximum price without having to pay for costly updates. There are many things you can do to add to the value of your home, from DIY projects to fixing the landscaping, so it’s important to know where to start.

The best way to prepare is by setting a budget. Look at how much you can afford to spend in total and allot a certain amount for each task, keeping in mind that you may have to pay for materials as well as labor if you hire a contractor. Do some research before making any decisions, and keep reading for some great tips on how to get started.

Make the Entrance Enticing

The entrance to your home should be appealing on many levels. It’s the first thing potential buyers see, so it should be inviting, open, and well-lit. Consider painting the front door, changing out the screen or storm door, painting the trim, adding a new light fixture, or planting colorful flowers. If your house is set back away from the road, placing large items -- such as oversized planters or decorative elements -- is a good idea because it sets your home apart from others on the street. Make sure you have the right tools for the job anytime you work outside, including a great pair of garden gloves.

Fix Up the Landscaping

The landscaping around your home will play a large part in adding to its value and ensuring a quick sale once you’ve put it on the market, so look for ways you can improve it. You might make your lawn more eco-friendly to conserve water, prune trees, add paving stones, mulch, or landscaping rocks, or spruce up the grass itself by laying sod. Do some research to find out the cost and figure out whether you can complete these tasks yourself. In some cases, you may need the help of a landscaper. For some great tips on how to get started, click here.

Have Your Siding Washed

Every time you mow your grass, every time it rains, and every time a muggy day comes along, the exterior of your home takes a bit of a hit. In spring, after the last of the winter snow has melted, consider pressure washing your siding or even the bricks of your home to remove dirt, grass stains, mold, and mildew. Not only will this make your home look like new again, it will add to the curb appeal in a major way. It’s also a good idea to wash your windows, both inside and out, to make them sparkle.

Plant a Tree

If your home is in a fairly new neighborhood, there may not be many trees around just yet. Adding greenery around your home -- as long as it’s not an invasive species -- will definitely boost its appeal and will make buyers sit up and take notice. Not only do they provide much-needed clean oxygen and help in the fight against global warming, trees give us shade on hot days and can help cool your home once they’re big enough to block the sun’s rays.

Adding curb appeal to your home sounds like a big job, and in some cases, it can be, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful undertaking. With a good plan in place, you can bump up your home’s value and give it some appeal at the same time, ensuring an easy sale when you’re ready.

Guest Blogger Seth Murphy

Bell Let's Talk Day 2019

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 06:32:00 GMT

Help support mental health here in Canada by supporting Bell Let's Talk today!

It doesn't matter what walk of life you come from, mental health issues can affect just about any one of us. The stats are that 1 in 5 of us will suffer some form of mental illness in their lifetime. Bell is not only trying to bring awareness to mental health but help to remove the stigma that always seems to follow. I know from my own family...if there was ever any issues it was better not to talk about it and hope that it will just go away instead of dealing with it. Which likely only makes the problem worse as people ignore that the family member needs help or makes the family member feel ashamed.

At this time of year when it is cold and wet or snowy outside depression seems to hit even the least likely of us. If Bell Let's Talk can help spread the word I am all for it. For every text message*, mobile and long distance call*, Bell Let's Talk Day video view on social media, tweet using #BellLetsTalk, use of the Bell Let’s Talk Facebook frame or Snapchat filter, Bell will donate 5¢ to Canadian mental health initiatives....it's easier than doing just about anything and it's a way to make a difference. So help us support Bell Let's Talk day!

For more information on Bell Let's Talk visit their website at the following link:

Bell Let's Talk

Winners of Halloween Colouring Contest 2017

Fri, 03 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Thank you to everyone for your amazing pictures. The whole team loved seeing them all come in. Below are our two winners. Please watch for our next colouring contest Easter 2018. Check out our Facebook business page to see mini videos for all of our entries.

Lily was so excited she won and can't wait to go shopping.

Madison was more excited to show me how yummy her giant suckers were. But Mom and Dad said she will have fun shopping.

Happy 150th Canada Day from all of us at the Bettina Reid Group

Sat, 01 Jul 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Happy Canada Day from all of us at the Bettina Reid Group. Happy 150th birthday Canada! Proud to be Canadian, there's no greater country in the wrold to live!

Happy Mothers Day from all of us at the Bettina Reid Group

Sun, 14 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT

We wnat to wish all the Moms in our lives...clients, friends and family as well as all the other Moms out there a very Happy Mothers Day. Hopefuly you have a wonderful day with your family making memories to cherish for years to come.

Exciting changes coming for the Bettina Reid Group...starting with welcoming a new team member

Sun, 30 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT

There are a lot of new and exciting things to come for the Bettina Reid Group over the next couple months. The first of which is a new addition, we are proud to be growing again and welcome Gurjit Liddar to our team! Kara, Erinn, Lisa and I are all looking forward to working together.

Here is a little bit about Gurjit:

My name is Gurjit Liddar I was born in England and emigrated to Canada in 2009. This whole experience has been amazing for myself and my family. This was a dream come true, coming into a country where you can view beautiful mountains from your home.

I love helping and serving the community and what a great way to do this by helping our clients find their prefect home, just like we did when we moved here. This is when I found a passion in Real Estate.

When I told my daughter about my new real estate career, she made a slogan for me:

“ Let me take you through a journey in finding your dream home !”

Becoming a realtor is one of the most rewarding careers I ever had. Watching client's smile with joy as you hand over the keys to their perfect home, makes you feel you have achieved one of the most important things in life.

I have brought many smiles to clients as they enter either in their First Home or moving into their next stage of life.

Recently, I had a great opportunity when I was asked to join Bettina Reid, Kara Berman and Erinn Mate. This hard working dedicated team who achieved the Top 10% of Realtor Award with the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board for 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. For 2017 they are now in the top 1% of all Fraser Valley Realtor, I sure did not want to miss out on this opportunity.

Real Estate has become my passion and goal, so when you connect with me I am not just your Realtor but a friend for LIFE!

Community Corner

Help Us Spread Warmth! Blanket & Toy Drive this Saturday November 16, 2024

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Our Families to Yours

How Seniors Can Find the Perfect Home for Aging in Place and some COVID tips for staying safe

CONGRATULATIONS to our Halloween Contest Winners Mia and Addison

How to Boost Your Curb Appeal for a Quick Sale

Empty Nest

If you haven't tried Cartems donuts ...you definitely should!

Happy International Nurses Day 2020

Happy Mother's Day from all of us at Balance Real Estate Group

Shout out to Cactus Club in Langley

Why Use a Woodchipper Shredder?

Our 2020 Easter Colouring Contest Winners

Shop local with store to door delivery services

Creating a Safe Haven

Why is a Title Search Important?

Winner for Day 11 of our 12 Days of Christmas

Winner of Day 10 of our 12 Days of Christmas

Winner for Day 9 of our 12 Days of Christmas

Winner for Day 8 of our 12 Days of Christmas

Winner for Day 7 of our 12 days of Christmas

Winner for Day 6 of our 12 days of Christmas

Winners for Day 4 and 5 of 12 days of Christmas

Winners for the first 3 days of 12 Days of Christmas

3 Steps to Protect, Prepare, and Repair Your Home From Weather Damages

Should I use a moving company?

How Seniors Can Find the Perfect Home for Aging in Place

2019 Chilli cook off - we need your help!

We get to keep our 1st place title for best Chilli 3rd year in a row!

Winner of our 2019 Mother's Day Contest is.....

Mother's Day Giveaway 2019

Clayton Community Farmers Market 2019

May 5 -- May 19 -- Jun 2 -- Jun 16 -- Jun 30 -- Jul 14

Jul 28 -- Aug 11 -- Aug 25 -- Sep 8 -- Sep 22 -- Oct 6Visit the following link for more details: Clayton Community Farmers Market

Why Should You Install a Pergola in Your Backyard?

Happy 1st day of Spring - can you believe it is finally here?

International Women's Day

Laundry Closets - whoever thought they were a good idea!

How a Professional Chef Would Remodel Your Kitchen

Pink Shirt Day - Let's put an end to bullying

Ozzie's Deli and Meats - Tsawwassen

Relocating to a Different Town or City

Happy Valentine's Day from all of us at Balance Real Estate Group

Pacific Titans Athletic Program

Thermostat Wars - seems to be a household problem

Why Balance Real Estate Group?

Hawksworth Nightingale Restaurant Vancouver

Adding Curb Appeal: How to Boost Your Home's Value

Bell Let's Talk Day 2019

Winners of Halloween Colouring Contest 2017

Happy 150th Canada Day from all of us at the Bettina Reid Group

Happy Mothers Day from all of us at the Bettina Reid Group

Exciting changes coming for the Bettina Reid Group...starting with welcoming a new team member

Jul 28 -- Aug 11 -- Aug 25 -- Sep 8 -- Sep 22 -- Oct 6

Visit the following link for more details: Clayton Community Farmers Market