Photo Credit: Ketut Subiyanto via Pexel

You’ve just bought a new home—congratulations! Now it’s time to get it clean and ready
for move-in day. Here are some tips from Balance Real Estate Group on how to make
sure your new home is fresh and free of allergens, pollutants, and other unwanted
debris.

Make a Cleaning “To Do” List

First things first: give everything a good wipe-down. This includes all surfaces—walls,
floors, ceilings, windows, doors, cabinets, countertops, appliances—you name it. A clean
home is a fresh start for you and your family. Pay special attention to areas where dust
and pollen can accumulate, like window sills and ledges, air vents, blinds, and curtains.

These areas can be magnets for allergens, so it’s important to keep them clean.
Don’t forget about your floors! Vacuum regularly and mop often, using cleaners
designed to trap dust and pollen. Medical News Today suggests keeping kitchens and
bathrooms clean and free of mould and mildew. These areas are prone to moisture, so be
sure to keep them well-ventilated and wipe down surfaces often.

Last but not least: don’t forget the outside of your new home. Sweep the porch, wash the
windows, trim the bushes—first impressions count! By following these tips, you’ll be
sure to have a clean and fresh start in your new home.

Safety Measures You Can Take While Cleaning

Be sure to wear a mask while you’re cleaning. A mask can prevent you from inhaling
dust, pollen, and other debris while cleaning. What’s more, open the windows while
you’re cleaning to let in some fresh air. This will help to circulate the air and keep your
home feeling clean and refreshed.

Also, consider adding a range hood to vent grease, smoke, and odors from your kitchen
to keep the air cleaner in the home.

Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Whenever possible, use eco-friendly cleaning products. These products are gentle on
the environment and won’t introduce harsh chemicals into your home. Plus, traditional
cleaning products can cause indoor air pollution, which can be harmful to your health.
So, it’s a good idea to switch to eco-friendly products whenever possible.

You can find eco-friendly cleaning products at most supermarkets and home goods
stores. Or, you can make your own cleaning solutions using natural ingredients like
vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. The Good Trade notes that by using eco-friendly
cleaning products, you’ll be doing your part to protect the environment and keep your
family safe from harmful chemicals.

Additional Safety Measures

In addition to wearing a mask, there are a few other things you can do to stay safe while
cleaning your new home:

● Use gloves when cleaning. This will protect your hands from harsh chemicals and
debris.
● Avoid using cleaning products that contain harmful chemicals. Look for natural,
eco-friendly options instead.
● If possible, work in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhaling fumes from cleaners
and other chemicals.
● Take breaks often to rest and recharge. Cleaning can be physically and mentally
taxing, so it’s important to take breaks as needed.
● Have someone else help you with the cleaning if possible. Two people can get the
job done faster and easier than one person working alone.

By following these safety tips, you can stay safe and healthy while cleaning your new
home.

Is Your Home Ready for You?

Now that you know how to clean your new home, it’s time to get started! These tips will
help you get the job done quickly and efficiently, so you can enjoy your new home
worry-free. With a little bit of elbow grease, your new home will be sparkling clean and
ready for move-in day in no time!

Are you still looking for the perfect place to call home? Contact Balance Real Estate Group!

Whether you are just starting as an investor or have years of experience investing your money
profitably, rental properties should be one of the asset classes in your portfolio. Owning rental
properties offers certain advantages that are not available with other kinds of assets.

First, land is a finite resource; land supply will always be inadequate to meet the demand. Due to
population growth, urbanization, and economic growth, humans will always need more land.
Therefore, land is a resource that will never lose its value.

Second, the demand for real estate is based on real human needs. People need land to build
houses. We need land to grow food and build industries. Unlike assets where the demand is
artificial or seasonal, demand for real estate (and rental properties, by extension) will always be
strong.

These are the fundamental reasons why an investment in rental properties is a good choice. Even
if rental property prices fall during certain periods or in specific geographies, in the long run,
investment in rental property always proves to be highly profitable for its owner.

If you still need to invest in rental properties, here are ten reasons why you should.

10 benefits of investing in rental properties

1.  A source of passive income

Photo by PiggyBank on Unsplash

The number one reason to invest in rental properties is cash flow. A rental property in a
good location will produce substantial income on a steady basis for its owner. The rent
from an investment property is often enough to cover the cost of owning the property,
and there can be some money left over for the owner to declare a profit.

2. Access to unrivaled leverage

As the owner of a rental property, you do not have to pay 100% of the value of a property
to own it. This is because real estate investing offers the kind of leverage that is not
available with other investments. Lenders are willing to give you money to buy a rental
property if you can provide just 25% of the selling price of the property.

3. Real estate is diverse

There are two major categories of rental properties: residential and commercial real
estate. Within these two categories, there is a large array of subcategories. Investors in
rental property have the option to choose what kind of rental property they want to own,
and they also have a range of investment strategies to choose from.

4. Investors have control

If you are the kind of investor who likes to be deeply involved in managing your assets,
rental property investing offers you just that. Unlike with stocks and mutual funds, where
the decisions that affect the performance of your investment are out of your hands, with
rental properties, you choose the level of involvement you are comfortable with.

5. A self-sustaining asset

In contrast to stocks, which are self-depleting assets, rental property is a self-sustaining
asset. It would be best if you liquidated the asset to get your profits from an investment in
stocks. This is not the case with rental properties; you do not have to sell them to make
money from them. You can earn from the monthly rent on the property. You can also
benefit from your equity in the property.

6. Profit through capital gain

Two ways investors make money from rental properties are cash flow and appreciation.
Real estate values always go up long-term, even if there are short-term price dips. If you
buy and hold a rental property, you are guaranteed to make a profit when you eventually
sell it. Moreover, you can influence how much money you make on that property by
renovating it.

7. You can tap your property's equity

When you use leverage to buy a rental property and make the monthly payments on the
mortgage faithfully, with time, you will build substantial equity in the property. Lenders
will let you borrow money against that built-up equity. This borrowed money can be a
down payment to buy another rental property to help you expand your portfolio.

8. A slew of tax benefits

As a rental property owner, you can maximize profits through tax-deductible expenses on
the property. The list of tax-deductible expenses is long and includes many everyday
costs you incur in managing and maintaining your property. These tax-deductible
expenses offer you an avenue to boost your profits.

9. A way to diversify your investment portfolio

Savvy investors minimize risk through diversification. By spreading their funds across
several asset classes, they ensure that adverse events in one asset class do not wipe out
their entire portfolio. Buying rental properties can diversify your portfolio further if you
already have significant investments in stocks, commodities, or bonds.

10. You can start building generational wealth

Almost all families with wealth that spans many generations have some of that wealth
held in real estate. Because land is finite and demand for real estate never goes away,
owning rental properties is one of the best ways to hold your wealth and safely pass it on
to your heirs.

If you plan on investing in rental properties, contact Balance Real Estate Group today to see how
we can help you buy your first rental property!

There are many opportunities for older adults to thrive as they age. While
assisted living communities offer convenience with various amenities, there are
still many seniors who choose to age in place in order to continue living
independently. Choosing a home for aging in place already involves the
consideration of various factors such as a friendly neighborhood, responsibilities
for upkeep, and homeownership costs. The process, however, continues after
finding a home and community as the residential space has to be upgraded for
maximum mobility, usability, and accessibility. Here are some of the best ways to
upgrade and modify the lifelong homes of seniors aging in place.

Apply for federal funding

Upgrades that make homes easier and safer to live in require a significant
financial investment. As such, there is a federal funding program dedicated to
seniors aging in place. With the help of organizations experienced in helping and
advocating for seniors, you can access the essential support and services in your
living environment, from health and safety to social connection and engagement.
Eligibility for the funding is offered to organizations that provide direct service
delivery to beneficiaries and plan to expand previously demonstrated services.
The services must address common barriers to aging at home, which include but
are not limited to financial costs, inaccessible rural areas, and inadequate
culturally-appropriate services.

Invest in smart home devices

Technology also plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life. Even if you
don’t consider yourself tech-savvy, there are user-friendly and intuitive smart
home devices that require no permanent change to the home space but still
make your day-to-day life easier.

Voice-controlled technology like Amazon Echo and Google Home can assist with
making calls, setting reminders, and scheduling appointments. When it comes to
home maintenance, a guide to buying robot vacuums emphasizes how this semi-
autonomous device makes cleaning more streamlined and efficient, while also
having specific features for navigation, sterilization, and self-charging. Lastly,
automatic lighting is a small investment that has huge returns for your safety and
convenience since you don’t have to worry about fumbling for the light switch in
the dark.

Set up medical alert systems

Assistive technology can also come in the form of medical alert systems/devices
that offer emergency help with just one click. There are now easy-to-use
smartphone apps where you can pre-set personal contacts and health services in
the case of medical emergencies.

Wearable tech like watches and necklaces are mainly used for tracking your

health-related metrics ranging from heart rate and blood pressure to physical
activity and water intake. But they can also be used as an alarm system and a
two-way communication device between the wearer and the emergency contact.
There are in-home systems that can be connected to WiFi or cellular services for
an expansive signal range wherever you are on your property. While medical
alert systems are relatively inexpensive, they can be a life-saving tool for seniors
who live independently but need immediate assistance.

Safety-proof the home

There are mobility and safety challenges that come with aging, but these can be
addressed through appropriate home modifications. Since slips and falls can lead
to hip fractures, brain injury, and even death, grab bars reduce the physical
hazards in dangerous and slippery spaces like the bathroom. There are also
transfer benches that enable elders to enter and exit the bathtub even

while unassisted safely. Meanwhile, flooring modifications should prevent tripping and
falling, especially when seniors use mobility technologies like wheelchairs,
walkers, canes, or crutches. Safety-proofing should also consider outdoor
spaces; there must be ramps with handrails leading a clear path to the front door.

With the help of Balance Real Estate Group, the process of finding homes for
aging in place and then investing in its upgrades and modification becomes more
seamless and much easier. We utilize a team-based approach to make these
efforts collaborative and perfectly suited to every client's unique needs,
preferences, and lifestyle.

Article written by Rosalie Jaen

Surrey, BC, Canada, is a beautiful city with a rich history, tons of access to nature, and close proximity to Vancouver. Unfortunately, the climate and geology both contribute to foundation damage, so under-home issues are prevalent in and around the city.

Below, we’ll be discussing the most common foundation issues, the underlying problems that cause them, and the most appropriate solutions for each. We’ll also discuss some red flags that indicate foundation problems and the importance of a foundation inspection to identify them.

Common Foundation Issues in Surrey, BC

Unfortunately, there are quite a few foundation problems that frequently occur in Surrey. We’ll explain each of them below, along with the most likely cause.

Foundation Cracks

Every foundation will crack at some point after it’s poured. Most cracks are just superficial and form from the natural settlement of the concrete under the weight of the house above. There are a few different types of cracks you might find, all of which should be remedied with foundation crack repair.

Hairline cracks on the basement floor or running vertically on foundation walls are typical from settling and aren’t structural. In other areas, these could safely be ignored. However, given the excessive rainfall in Surrey, it’s best to have them sealed to prevent water intrusion.

Horizontal cracks on the foundation wall are much more severe. These form when the clay soil that is prevalent in Surrey soaks up water and expands, placing hydrostatic pressure on the foundation wall. Eventually, the concrete gives way to the stress and shifts inward. 

Horizontal cracks almost always indicate structural damage and need to be stabilized immediately. The best solution is typically to install earth anchors, which stabilize your foundation wall against the expanding soil. In Surrey, these can total between $2,000 and $7,500, depending on the extent of the damage and the length of your wall.

Stair-shaped cracks on the foundation wall are just as dangerous in most situations. They develop when the expansive soil around your home swells and shrinks unevenly, leaving sections of your foundation to settle more quickly into the ground than others.

These cracks typically require stabilization with supportive piers placed underneath your home. In Surrey, this solution can total between $5,000 and $20,000, depending on the number and type of piers required.

Water Intrusion

Residents of Surrey are well-acquainted with the above-average rainfall in the area, which typically totals over 100 inches per year. This amount of water falling around your property can easily find its way through your foundation, either through settling cracks or directly through the pores in the material.

The above-average rainfall is problematic enough on its own. However, the risk of water intrusion becomes more severe when coupled with absorbent soil that holds water against your foundation and the hilly topography in Surrey, which can cause pooling near your house.

Water intrusion can damage building material, like sheetrock, floor joists, studs, flooring, and insulation. It can also promote mold growth and make your under-home area more enticing to insects.

One of the most permanent solutions to water intrusion and moisture accumulation is a basement waterproofing system. Your system in Surrey can range from $2,500 up to about $10,000. It may include a French drain system, an interior drainage system, sump pumps, dampproofing, soil gradation, a gutter system, and more.

Foundation Red Flags in Surrey, BC, Canada

Whether you’re buying or selling a home in Surrey or you want to identify and fix issues quickly to minimize repair costs, the below red flags will help you locate foundation damage in your home.

Foundation Cracks

One of the easiest ways to identify foundation damage is to inspect the inside of your basement for cracks. Vertical cracks and hairline gaps on the floor are common and usually of no significant concern. However, you should have a professional waterproof them for you.

Horizontal cracks and stair-step cracks on the walls and wide or uneven gaps on the floor are much more severe. These usually indicate structural damage and should be inspected by a structural engineer immediately.

We recommend inspecting your basement once every few months just to keep track of any changes, including widening or lengthening gaps. Any growth or appearance of cracks years after the home is built should be a red flag.

Water or Moisture in the Basement

Given the prevalence of water problems in Surrey basements, any signs of water or moisture should serve as red flags. Head down into your basement about once a month to look for symptoms of water intrusion.

Note any dampness or musty odors in the air, which are reasonable indications of a moisture problem. Look for mold growth on the walls, as well as a flaky white powder, which is an accumulation of minerals from intruding water that has evaporated into your basement.

Check for water trickling in through cracks, water stains on the walls and floor, and any symptoms of pest infestation.

Damage in Your Living Space and Outside

Finally, you can identify foundation red flags upstairs in your home and your yard.

As you walk through your house, look for signs of foundation movement. These include cracks in the sheetrock around doors and windows, doors or windows that don’t open or close easily, uneven flooring, and cabinets or countertops pulling away from the walls behind them.

When you head outside, look for uneven roofing, a leaning chimney, and cracks in the siding. These symptoms indicate foundation movement in most cases. You can also inspect your yard for areas that pool water, as these can indicate soil expansion below that can be detrimental for your foundation.

Wrapping Up: Why a Foundation Inspection Is Necessary

Home foundations are at severe risk of damage in Surrey, so inspecting your under-home area regularly for symptoms of a problem is crucial.

Foundation problems typically worsen over time because they are under immense stress. Identifying issues early and having them inspected and repaired by a professional will almost always save you money in the long run.

Moving is hard. With a military move, factors to consider don't come with the normal stresses of moving: travel, thousands of miles away from family and friends, new cultures and people, and the deployment itself.

For most, a military move isn't an option. It's a necessity, and there are strategies to make the journey smoother.

Here are some tips for your military move:

1. Prepare

Getting ready for a military move is stressful but necessary. You need to prepare yourself and your family with the right information, so you aren't taken by surprise when it comes time to pack up all of your personal belongings, say bye to loved ones, and head out on the open road.

The first place to start is contacting your unit's Family Readiness Officer (FRO). They can help you know what the process is and how to prepare for all of it. There's a lot to look into with your military move so try not to miss an important date or deadline.

2. Prepare Your Family

Your family will want to take in a new culture just as much as you do. They'll want to participate in the local festivities and explore the new area as much as possible.

For some, this is a viable option; for others, it's not. Below we've listed different scenarios and how to prepare your family if you choose so:

If You're Moving Overseas

This one is a bit different than the normal military move. With an overseas military deployment, your family doesn't have to come with you, but if they decide to, there are some things to consider that might help make their life easier when they arrive in-country.

With this scenario, you and your spouse should explain everything about the culture, local laws, and customs. If you are still confused, here's a military moving checklist which covers most of the points. There will be an abundance of information that you'll need to provide for them, so they are prepared as much as possible for the move and deployment.

Try not to overwhelm them with information but prepare them just enough to know what is going on around them. An example would explain different ways to communicate, types of transportation, local laws, and customs.

Being prepared will help make the transition easier for everyone and put your mind at ease knowing your family is in good hands.

If You're Moving to a Different State/Province or Country

As we mentioned above, most of the time, a military move isn't an option, but when it is, you need to get ready for a new adventure.

A military move to a different state/province or country is very pricey, and depending on the travel distance, it can take you months to get there, even years. The other option is if you're not driving, which most people don't want to do for that long, but if you are, then try to make sure your family understands what's going on.

They are probably scared and nervous about the move too, so again, make sure you or your spouse is a good point person for information.

3. Travel Preparation

Depending on what service you're in, it can take months to get settled into your new living arrangements. This doesn't mean that you have to wait until then to start getting the house ready for your family.

Start as soon as you get word of where you're going, especially if it's overseas. You can't live in base housing, so the sooner you find a good place to live and move into, the better.

Moving is hard on everyone, but it seems that much harder when you're doing it by yourself. But it's not just about you and your spouse. You need to be able to think of your children, too, so make sure you find a good house for them while still allowing your family time to adjust before the move day comes.

4. Local Amenities

As soon as you have an address, tell everyone in your family. They will want to start looking into schools, local things to do, and local laws.

Start making a list of everything they'll need from doctors' offices to clothing stores. Make sure everyone is in the loop, so you don't have any surprises while you're settling into your new home.

5. Shipping Your Belongings

One of the hardest things about moving is that most soldiers don't have the luxury of driving their belongings to their new duty station. Most military moves are made via shipping, so your family might have to start making arrangements ahead of time to get everything they need to be shipped over.

If this, is you, then you're in for a tough road ahead of you? You will have to contact each company individually and find out the cost of shipping everything over.

Not only will it be expensive but also time-consuming, so you might want to start making some arrangements early on before you're given an E-day date.

6. Pet Preparation

Depending on what service you're in, there are some restrictions for shipping your pet. Depending on the branch of service and their regulations, you might be able to take a pet or not.

If you do have a pet, then make sure that you get everything ready so when they tell you that day is the day your pet can be loaded onto the truck and taken with you.

You'll want to keep on top of how everything is going with the paperwork, vaccinations, etc. Upon arriving where you're going, your pets will need a health certificate, so make sure they have had all their shots before being shipped out.

7. What to Do Before You Leave

As you get closer and closer to your E-day, or even when you know that it's right around the corner, there are a few things that you should do just for yourself.

The last thing you want is to be in your new home and miss old friends, so make sure before leaving that you schedule time with them so when you're settling in, everyone can be happy to see each other.

This might be hard on them if you have kids, but it's also nice for them to get some downtime with the friends they've made before starting a new school, so maybe plan a dinner or just something simple where your family and friends can hang out together.

Conclusion

Military moves can be a pain, especially when you're doing it and not your spouse. You are dealing with the family issues and the move itself, so it's important to know what steps to take early on before you even get your E-day information.

It can be not easy but at least make sure that you have someone to keep you in check and tell you what needs to be done as soon as possible.

Make sure that you're not the only one getting prepared for your move because if you are, it will all fall on you, and it might make moving stressful. So, make sure that everyone is on top of their game, so when E-day finally comes around, you can be as relaxed and stress-free as possible.