Are you worried you’re paying more than necessary to keep your home cool? Do you think you’re getting the best out of your air conditioning unit? There are many ways to keep your house at a comfortable temperature and get more out of your AC without spending a lot of money.

Our infographic is designed to show you 21 actionable tips for keeping your home cool whilst using less energy. In the process, you can save money and also reduce your carbon footprint by using less energy. Most of our tips are relatively simple to implement.

The tips on our infographic cover maintenance and smart usage of your AC and other devices to cool your room. 

For instance, did you know that a simple filter cleaning done that is every month can save you up to 15% of the running costs of your unit? Also, using fans to cool when it isn’t hot enough to demand air conditioning can use just 10% of the power of an AC?

Check out our original article on saving money on air conditioning for more tips. For an even quicker overview, 21 of the top AC energy-saving tips can be found simply by checking out the infographic below.

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. 

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!

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 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 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

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

Thank you to everyone that entered our Easter Colouring Contest. We were finally able to reach both families and drop off their gift cards. We always have so much fun seeing how creative everyone can be. 

Congratulations to Clara and Kerala for colouring such beautiful pictures. The answer to the number of Eggs in the picture was 10. 

Be sure to keep your eyes on the mail in October for our annual Halloween Colouring Contest. 

Thank you to everyone that entered our contest and a very big THANK YOU to Luxury Lawns for donating the Wine basket!   


Mention Balance Real Estate Group if you are looking for that low maintenance backyard by having artificial turf installed to get 10% off your installation. 


For all those that didn't win, please watch our page for more contests in the upcoming months.


CONGRATULATIONS! to Denaye Dorge please reach out to me to arrange for pick up of your wine. Bettina 778-998-9645

Now that Spring is here and Easter is over, you might be planning your gardens and landscaping. If you are looking for a low maintenance plan, then artificial turf is the way to go. This weeks blog features a local artificial lawn install company Luxury Lawns Inc. 

A long time client of ours started up his business a few years ago now and his business has been thriving ever since. We definitely can see why, the quality of his work is outstanding. Luxury Lawns Inc. installs artificial turf across the Fraser Valley from Surrey to Chilliwack. Creating low maintenance yards and water conservation are a couple of great reasons for investing in artificial turf. 

Visit their website to get a quote for your lawn transformation Luxury Lawns Inc. Mention where you heard about them and they will offer you 10% off. Here is one of the homes they did in Abbotsford.

Fall and winter are commonly believed to be challenging times to sell a home, though early spring can often be just as difficult. However, with a few basic principles in mind, you can capitalize on this time of year. Here is how to prepare your home (or a home you’re flipping) for a smooth, quick, and successful sale during the spring.

Embrace the Advantages

You might be surprised to hear you could enjoy some advantages by selling your home during the first few months of spring. One of the best benefits to sellers is reduced competition. There are often fewer homes listed for sale as winter gives way to warmer weather, so your home is more apt to quickly draw the attention of shoppers. What’s more, during this time of year, the house hunters tend to be serious buyers. There are frequently upcoming first- and second-quarter job relocations, meaning companies are bringing buyers to the area that need to find a home. That can mean a fast turnaround on your listing, and it also translates to the ability to price your home the same as during other times of the year.

Are you thinking of transitioning into a nicer neighbourhood, or maybe a bigger home for a growing family? Some experts feel the off-season, as well as the first of the year, is the prime period to upgrade to a more expensive home as well, so if that is your goal, the time is ripe. Do some investigating into local trends and learn what the housing market is like where you live.

Create Great Curb Appeal

Fall and winter can be dreary months, which means you’ll have some work to do when it’s time to put your house on the market come spring. To help create excellent early-spring curb appeal, make the most of both your home’s features. For instance, put down some fresh mulch, address your flower beds (including removing any plants that may have died during the winter months), clean up your sidewalks, and, weather permitting, power wash your exterior. Also, make sure your landscape is especially tidy, as you can’t hide much when your trees are still bare. Some experts suggest cutting back trees if they overhang your home since they can make your home’s interior seem dimmer, which might turn off some buyers.  

Use Photos to Your Advantage

Thanks to the digital age, you can amp up your home-selling strategies regardless of the season. Keep in mind that most buyers start house hunting by viewing online listings these days, and as Dave Ramsey points out, this is especially true when weather is disagreeable. Take images that show your home’s best features, even if it means doing your sprucing up in advance. In fact, it doesn’t take long to stage your home for photos or a showing on short notice; all you need to really do is do a quick tidy-up, make sure you have great lighting, and clean up areas that get a lot of daily traffic (kitchen and bathrooms, for example).

Make Needed Repairs

Time points out that buyers are especially particular about home maintenance concerns after months of cold weather. Make sure you tend to any routine services, such as for your HVAC system and furnace. Since utilities are often on home shoppers’ minds during the colder months, if your home could use an energy-oriented upgrade, this is a good time to complete it. Energy-efficient windows or added insulation can be pivotal in making sales.      

Make the most of listing your home as the year transitions into spring. Smart planning is the key, and you can enjoy success no matter what time of year it is. Buyers will find your home irresistible with the right preparations and a little planning.

It might be a good time to start your Spring cleaning in order for your home to show its very best inside and out. May be a good idea to do some minor renovations but be sure to talk to your realtor first before doing too many renovations before selling your home. 

Guest blogger Suzie Wilson 

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.