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.

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

We are so honoured to be ranked #2 & #10 in our office for 2018. Kara and I have been a team for almost 9 years now. We’ve been through a lot and the team has grown, we look forward to helping Susanne and Rachael reach the top 10 with us. We are so thankful to all of our clients, friends and family. We wouldn't be here without you. 

We look forward to what 2019 has to bring us....so far we are off to a pretty amazing start! 

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

A very big Thank you to all of our clients. We couldn’t have done this without you. And a very big thank you to our spouses and families who support us while get to go to work each day doing a job we love! A hashtag I find myself using all the time is #lovewhatyoudo because we truly do love what we do. For the 4th year in a row we’ve achieved not only in the top 10% of real estate teams but the top 1%. We are so honoured to be among the top 1% once again. Tonight we we get to celebrate this amazing achievement at our Fraser Valley Real Estate Medallion Awards Gala. 

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.

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!

If you're thinking ahead to your next dream home, the road you need to take to get there may seem confusing. Do you search for listings online? Drop by Open Houses on the weekends? Call the number on For Sale signs?

Let's break it all down! Here are the specific steps you need to take to ensure you find a home that fits your wants, needs and budget.

1. Find out how much your current property will likely sell for on today’s market.

2. Arrange for financing, so you know what you can afford.

3. Select neighbourhoods you'd love to live in. (That may involve some

   fun exploring!)

4. Decide on the type of home you want to buy. (For example:

   detached, three-bedroom, etc.)

5. Prioritize the property features you want most, so you can be flexible

   if a feature is missing from a home listed on the market that is

   otherwise ideal.

6. View properties on the market that closely fit your criteria, particularly

   new listings that may not yet be posted online. (Tip: Arrange to be

   immediately notified of new listings that are a good fit for you.)

7. When you find a home you want, make an offer designed to get the

   property — without overpaying.

8. Negotiate until you secure the deal. This may involve counter-offers.

9. If the negotiation is skillfully done and all goes well, the home is

   yours.

As you can see, there isn't a lot of mystery in finding your next dream home. You just need to take the steps and get the professional help you need along the way.

Looking for a real estate agent that can get you to the finish line? Call today!

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

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.

Most Common Moving Mistakes

Moving can be one of the more exciting phases of our lives, especially if you are moving to the Vancouver or surrounding area! Whether you are relocating to a different residence in the same area or to a different city or province altogether, moving is both an exciting and arduous process. There are literally thousands of meticulous steps that can be taken to ensure the smoothest possible transition. However, taking each step is overkill and it is best to take a more subtle approach and prioritize. Due to the deluge of moving information, tips, blogs, YouTube videos etc, sometimes it’s best to know what not to do in preparation for a move.

Nine Weeks Before

1. Failing to do adequate research.

By this time you should really be sifting through the web and all of its valuable information regarding any queries you may have about moving. 

2. Hoarding.

Use it or lose it! There is no need to keep old stuff that you will no longer have use for. Old possessions can be easily replaced. If you are overloaded with trash, there are multiple junk removal services that can help you get rid of your trash fast!

3. Not making copies of important records.

Due to the chaos that can be moving homes. It’s highly recommended that you make copies of any important archives that you may have such as medical records, financial statements, birth certificates, and school records.  

Six Weeks Before

4. Not ordering supplies in advance.

By ordering all the bubble wrap and boxes in advance you will be able to cross one more task off your list making things just a little less stressful as moving day approaches.

5. Wasting food.

Limit the groceries. There are exceedingly high chances that your freezer holds a lot of food that you may not have been aware about. Try to clean out the pantry and freezer one meal at a time.

6. Not keeping a detailed expense record.

Moving is expensive! Some employers will provide relocation packages that may help cover the cost of moving. Whether it be a flat rate or percentage, make sure to pay extra close attention to your expenditures. 

Three Weeks Before

7. Not booking a high quality moving company in advance.

Moving companies tend to be the busiest during the beginning and end of the month so if your moving day is planned around one of these time frames make sure to book well in advance!

8. Failing to notify important parties.

Obviously you may want to let your utility, cable, and water provider know that you will be relocating and/or no longer needing their services. In addition, it is important to notify banks, schools, and any emergency contact of your upcoming move.

9. Not separating the “valuables.”

Any type of valuable that is easily transported and has significant value should be accounted for and transported personally with you. 

One Week Before

10. Not refiling important medications.

Better be safe than sorry on this one. 

11. Not packing a personal suitcase.

Sometimes your belongings will become shuffled in the fray of moving. Thus, having a personal suitcase is absolutely essential to the process. 

12. Not confirming with the moving company.

For a high quality moving company it would be rather unlikely for them to either forget or omit your reservation, save an unforeseen emergency. Therefore it would be best to double check just to be safe. 

One Day Before

13. Not defrosting the freezer.

This is one of the more common mistakes that can be made during any move and it can be a time delaying, therefore costly nuisance as movers are typically hired by the hour. 

14. Being unprepared for the movers.

It’s considered kosher to provide at least 10% tip and as they are lifting heavy objects around it would be nice to have some refreshments for them. 

15. Not taking inventory again.

Channel your inner accountant. The more meticulous you are, the greater the probability that you will be able to have a successful move and not leave anything behind!

Good Luck!

Six Simple Solutions to Help You Sell Your Home 

Looking to sell your house and get the most out of the deal? You may want to take a good look around before you start your listing. Home repairs and improvements may seem pointless when you’re looking to sell, but even small tweaks here and there can increase the appeal of your property and increase the value of your home. Here are six steps that can help you get the most out of your sale:

Set reasonable goals

When you’re thinking of selling your home, one of the first items on your agenda should be to establish a goal selling price. Try to determine just how much you need to get from your home to be satisfied with the sale. Look at selling prices of similar homes in your area to start and connect with a licensed realtor or home appraiser before settling on a final figure. A realtor can complete a walk-through of your home to determine a realistic goal, while also suggesting repairs and improvements to increase that number. Are you on a budget, but still want to make updates? There are plenty of small DIY projects that can mean big returns. 

Freshen up paint

A fresh coat of paint is one of the most simple and affordable fixes you can make to increase the appeal of your home. Painting helps your space look more polished and put together, and light colors can help small spaces look airy and open. Neutral shades tend to appeal to more buyers, and some studies suggest that certain colors can add thousands to your home’s final selling price. With a few rollers and buckets of the right color, you can update your home in as little as a few hours. 

Two rooms matter most

If you can only choose one room to update make sure it’s either a bathroom or the kitchen. Most realtors will tell you these are the rooms potential buyers look at first when viewing a home. Even the smallest improvements can mean a bigger return. Replace outdated wallpaper, change out old fixtures, and don’t forget about lighting. Lighting can make or break a sale in some cases. If you have a little more time and resources, consider updating appliance to energy efficient options. 

Spruce up the yard

The first thing anyone sees when looking at a potential home is the front yard, so make sure yours is in good shape. Treat any problem areas in your lawn and pick up any debris or trash. Flowerbeds should be freshly mulched and clean, and any dead or dying plants discarded. Yard lacking a little luster? Spend a weekend planting some flowers or plants that compliment your home’s exterior or even plant a tree or two.  Spending some time shaping up your yard can add curb appeal and attract more potential buyers. Here is a great article on how to bring great lanscaping to your home: Landscaping Here are some great tips we found on a UK site to help revamp your garden with new garden furniture even though the shops are in the UK the tips are universal. If you are not moving until the fall, why not plant a vegetable garden to enjoy before you move, just be sure to keep it looking neat to show potential buyers the possibilities of how they can grow vegetables. 

Don’t forget the roof

When viewing a home, prospective buyers will also pay close attention to the exterior of a home, which includes the roof. If your roof is looking shabby or is older than 15-20 years, you may want to consider replacing it before beginning to show your home. Replacing the roof can increase energy efficiency and cut cooling and heating costs while increasing the look and value of your home. 

Some studies suggest a new roof can increase your home value by as much as $12,000. Not sure if your roof is in good shape? It’s worth the time and money to have it checked out by a professional. Home inspectors pay attention to this part of the house first as well, and the last thing you want is a cancelled sale because of a bad roof.

Making updates to your home may take some time and resources, but they will be well worth it when it comes to reaching your selling goal. Pay attention to the outside of your house and make any needed repairs before you list your home. Remember, small improvements can mean big results, so invest in updates that count with buyers. By doing so, you can sell your home faster and put more money in your pocket in the process. 

Guest Blogger Seth Murphy 

Photo via Pexels