You don't have to wait for Spring to do your spring cleaning. If you were considering a move in the new year, now is as good a time as any to start to de-clutter and get your home ready to show. If you are already on the market and haven't done this yet....then now is the time to get that done.

In my house "If you haven't used it, worn it or even thought of it in the last 6 months...then it's time to get rid of it!" and we aren't moving any time soon. It is a good habit to get into. Stuff always seems to accumulate faster than we think and before too long we have piles of junk hidden everywhere.

When you are thinking of putting your home on the market you really need to use similar guidelines...you will realize just how much you can get rid of or at least start to pack away. I always tell my clients you are moving anyways, so why not start to pack things up.

Working with buyers there is nothing more refreshing and inviting than a home that is free of clutter and where the stage is set to entice a buyer to make a purchase. People naturally think with their senses and if there isn't a warm feeling the majority won't even consider it. First impression will be showcasing your home with great photos, you can't get good photos when your home is full of clutter.

If your home doesn't show at its best...then you will likely pay the price. Especially in a Buyer's market when there are so many other homes to choose from. Don't let yours be missed!

Looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend? Come out to downtown Cloverdale for a safe and fun way to take your kids Trick or Treating in the Cloverdale Halloween Costume Parade this Saturday from 12:00-3:00pm. Stop by the HomeLife table to say hi and get some of our yummy chocolate treats! Or come out just to see all the cute little kids in their adorable Halloween costumes.

For more details and where to go to register visit the following link:

http://www.cloverdalebia.com/cgi-bin/itsmy/go.exe?page=13&domain=1&webdir=cloverdale

For some other great Halloween events for adult and family fun visit the following link:
http://www.vancouversun.com/Dare+check+these+Halloween+events/7444133/story.html

I came across a great company that provides clothing, toys, linens, books, movies, music, footwear, personal and household items FREE to those in need.

In these tough economic times, there are many people who find themselves in need that may or may not have ever been in this position before. There aren't many solutions to help and even less that are FREE like this. In a post I read it makes perfect sense how Clothes2u would be beneficial. If money is tight people have to prioritize their needs and usually shelter and food rank 1st. Leaving behind all the other essential items because even thrift shops can cost people more than their budget will allow.

We missed Clothes2u in Cloverdale this past weekend, but they will be holding an event to accept donations and help provide clothing to those in need. 

Saturday Oct.20 Sp0oktacular in North Delta @ North Delta Evangelical Church, 11300 – 84 Ave. 10 AM to 12:30 PM.

Check out their website for more details.
Clothes2u

One of the goals my husband and I have had since we started the Insanity program was to do the Grouse Grind. It's been a number of years since we attempted it the last time and it was a struggle then. Probably would have been again, had we tried at the beginning of the summer. Which is why we planned to make the climb near the end of the summer. My husband's goal is to do it in an hour or less, I'm just looking forward to the hike. :) 

I was amazed to see the record on the website as just under 24 minutes. But I was probably more amazed by the number of people we know that do the Grouse Grind quite often. From what I have heard some people actually use it as their daily workout. People of all ages. I remember the 1st time we did it with our eldest and she kept going up ahead anxious for us to catch up. Then when you see an older person pass you on the path, you think if they can do it...so can I! No doubt one of the many things that keeps them young.

Now I am off to get my rest before my alarm awakens me for our exciting day to come!

If you haven't done the Grouse Grind before...I highly recommend checking out there website and trying it at least once!

http://www.grousemountain.com/grousegrind

For some people working out is like a drug, gives you that adrenaline boost and leaves you wanting more.... Well I enjoy working out, I cannot say I have enjoyed the Insanity program...but it has definitely shaped my body.

Anyone reading this and those that know me have wondered why do I need to do a workout like this. I certainly wasn't doing it to lose weight and in fact I have gained in muscle mass. I did it primarily to support my hubby and for myself to get in shape health wise. I have been bugging him to do something and have always told him I would join him in whatever it was that he wanted to do. ( I really only thought he would suggest swimming or something a few times a week, not full out, heavy duty workout 6 days a week for 60 days straight.)

I have always eaten well, but wow this has really made me eat even better. Never realized just how hard it is to eat 2500 healthy calories in a day. I struggle to get over the 2000 mark.

So as we near the end of the Insanity 60 day challenge with just over a week to go, we have just committed ourselves to another 30 days of craziness. LOL My husband hasn't quite reached his goal, although has been doing amazing. But since he isn't where he wants to be has has suggested we go to the next level and try Insanity- Asylum. I am so very proud of him, to have gone from never working out and hating it (not that he enjoys doing it, but I figure if this is his mid life crisis.. I will take it. LOL) I am very proud of him making the decision to be healthy, not only by working out but by eating healthy too! I love him but had my doubts that he would make it, simply because I know how much he hates to work out. But he has not only made it but has sought out where we go next with this and how he wants to maintain once he reaches his goals. I will gladly join him for the ride....although I have to say I'm not too sure if I can handle Shaun T say "Dig Deeper" too much longer...:)

If you want to see just how crazy we are and where we go next with our workouts click on the following link

Insanity - Asylum

You know you're getting older when... My 16 year old started her driving school today and will soon start her in car lessons.... Watch out everyone...just kidding.

I still can't believe she's old enough to drive. It's good to hear her say that everything she's learning is common sense, lets hope she uses her common sense while driving when she finally does. Unfortunately so many people don't and that's how accidents happen.  

I won't promote the school until she's done a few lessons and I feel she's actually learning something. :)

I remember when my daughter was little always looking for neat little things to make her room special. I came across these toddler bed ideas and thought a couple of them were pretty cute.

http://blogs.babble.com/toddler-times/2012/07/30/12-toddler-beds-that-might-keep-your-toddler-in-bed/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=babbleeditors&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=post#nest-bed

If you are a parent you know once you have kids they seem to get all the cool new stuff. :)

For Christmas my eldest really didn't ask for anything...which of course as parents we were very proud of her for that. (Looks like we did something right! LOL)

But she was saving up to buy herself a camera to take with her on her trip to Europe later this year. So we thought we would go out and get her a new Canon EOS Rebel T3. We managed to get it for a really great price and couldn't pass it up. We'd done our research and it was one of 2 highly recommended for beginner photographers. She's not planning on becoming a photographer. But we knew she would learn all the details on how to use it and at least now she would be able to take some really great shots.

Well, I have wanted a camera like that for a very long time and have come to the understanding that I will get to use it at least for a few years until she goes off to college. The things we do for our children. :)

Looks like I might be able to at least share her lenses and turn my iPhone into a DSLR. You have to check it out, it's a mount that you attach to your phone so you can then attach a lense.

http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/iphone-slr-mount/

Very cool! Share with us your experience if you've tried this with your iPhone.

Intro - A little about me ( Kara Berman)

A quick hello to the cyber world. This video is a little info about myself (Kara Berman) and what it is that I do. One thing I forgot to mention is generally working with a buyers agent you don't pay a commission, it usually comes from the seller. Important to know if you are on the fence about using a realtor this may help aid in your choice.

I hope you enjoy the video and I plan on making more with Real Estate related topics.

So please feel free to send topic ideas or questions to kberman@homelifebc.com and remember to visit our website https://www.balancerealestategroup.com/


Cheers!


Kara