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

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?

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Day 5 Deep cleaning from Mistress of Clean is Linz Nagata 

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 

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