Expert Real Estate Tips

How Ebooks Can Help Create Your Home’s Design Plan

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:32:20 GMT

Home design planning is a crucial step in the construction of a house. It requires careful consideration of various factors—namely space utilization, aesthetics, functionality, and many others. To ensure that all these requirements are met, it is essential to have reliable sources for research. Some that can provide great aid are ebooks. Aside from being an easily digestible form of content, ebooks also have the distinct benefit of providing access to a vast range of credible and relevant materials. To illustrate, WordsRated reports that nearly 13 million ebooks were published in 2022 alone. In addition, an article entitled Why are Ebooks Important? states that these resources are money-saving, time-saving, and accessible—factors that are invaluable for busy homeowners.

Where to access ebooks on home design planning

Ebooks on home design are available on various online platforms. That said, digital libraries can make finding relevant design ebooks even more convenient. Ebooks on Everand make up an extensive collection in a single repository, all of which can be accessed for a low monthly fee similar to the cost of one physical book. They can be viewed on desktop websites and are free to download on mobile as an app. Among Everand's many different titles and genres, they feature a lot that is relevant to home design planning. This includes works from reputable authors like Amy Azzarito, a design historian and expert on decorative arts, and the editors of Creative Homeowners, with helpful titles like The Elements of a Home and the Ultimate Book of Home Plans.

Ebooks are also available in cooperation with local learning institutions. For instance, there's the Libby application, which includes titles from public and university libraries. It allows patrons to borrow and download a diverse range of home design resources for free, including popular titles like Home Extension Design by Julia Owen and Design a Healthy Home by Oliver Heath.

With their numerous benefits of diverse content, practical advice, and accessibility, it's clear that ebooks are essential companions for anyone looking to create their ideal home design. As such, below are some aspects in which ebooks can help home design plans.

Aspects of home design planning that ebooks can help with

Design inspiration

One of the main advantages of ebooks for home design inspiration is the sheer volume of content available. From basic information like Elements of Style by Erin Gates to themed decorating guides like Cozy Cottage & Cabin Designs by Design America Inc., there are ebooks covering every aspect of home design. With the overwhelming number of things to accomplish based on our post Things to Do Before Moving Into Your New Home, ebooks can help address one of them by helping create a general design plan.

The digital format of ebooks ensures quality images and illustrations, making it easier to visualize design ideas. Instead of having to rely on vague descriptions or small, low-quality pictures in traditional books, ebooks offer stunning visuals that can spark ideas and ignite creativity. Additionally, many ebooks allow for annotations and note-taking, which can be useful for keeping track of ideas, creating mood boards, or making design plans.

Budgeting costs

Ebooks on home design cover a wide range of topics, including tips for budgeting and cost-saving strategies. These ebooks can provide valuable insights on how to plan and prioritize expenses, as well as how to get the most out of your budget. Homeowners can learn about different ways to cut costs without sacrificing style or quality by reading titles like First-Time Home Buyer by Scott Trench or Home Buying 101 by Jon Gorey.

The frequency in which ebooks are published and updated compared to physical books also allows them to better provide insights into the latest trends and innovations in home design. By staying informed about the newest materials, technologies, and design ideas, individuals can make informed decisions about where to allocate their budget for the best long-term value. This can ensure that money is spent wisely on elements that will stand the test of time.

Technical aspects

Ebooks provide in-depth technical information in a clear and concise format, from titles like DIY Home Improvement Manual by Jackson Bennett to Fundamentals of Residential Construction by Edward Allen. Unlike traditional print resources, ebooks can offer interactive features that can help users visualize and understand technical concepts. This can be especially beneficial for homeowners who may not have a background in technical design but still want to be informed and involved in their home improvement projects.

Moreover, ebooks are often updated regularly to reflect the latest industry standards, building codes, and best practices. This ensures that readers have access to the most current and relevant technical information, enabling them to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in home design.

Article written by Rosalie Jaen

Exclusively for

Balance Real Estate Group

Get Your Home Move-In Ready

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT

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!

Benefits of Owning Rental Properties

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

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!

Aging in Place, How Can Seniors Upgrade Their Homes?

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT

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

The Importance of a Home Foundation Inspection

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

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.

Tips for a Military Move

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT

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.

Simple Air-Conditioner Cleaning & Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT

As heat waves hit various parts of Canada, locals are trying to protect themselves by staying indoors and cooling themselves down. Due to the extreme weather, many people are relying on their air-conditioning units to be able to beat the heat. Unfortunately, some homeowners are experiencing problems with their own air-conditioning units, causing local air conditioning service providers to be busier than normal.

The extreme heat and the need to have air-conditioning units on at all times is causing more units to break down. To prevent experiencing this problem in your own home, here are some simple cleaning and maintenance steps that may benefit you in the short and long-term:

Clean the AC unit regularly

One of the most common mistakes that homeowners make is not cleaning their air-conditioners on a regular basis. Over time, dust and debris can build up in the air filters, evaporators, condenser coils, or cooling fins. This build-up may make it harder for your air conditioner to produce its usual temperatures.

When cleaning air-conditioners, experts emphasize that air filters need to be attended to every one to two months, while the entire unit must be cleaned at least once a year. Although you can do the cleaning on your own, the removal and installation of the parts can be tricky so it’s advisable that you leave it to the experts.

If you do decide to clean your unit yourself, you can start by switching off and unplugging your unit before removing it from the wall. Take off the front panel so that you can vacuum any dust or grime attached to it. Straighten the bent cooling fins with a fin comb then clean the unit casing with a solution. Use the same solution to clean the front panel, condensation drain pan, casing, and window fins. Gently scrub all the parts and wipe away the excess debris before letting it dry. Make sure that the parts are spotless and dry before reinstalling the unit.

Replace the air filters

Is your air conditioner still releasing warm air or taking longer than 30 minutes to cool the room even when you’ve cleaned the unit? This is an indication that it’s time to change the air filter. But before doing so, turn off the unit first. Open up the air vent to remove your old air filter. Make sure that the airflow arrows on the filter are directed towards the unit before you place the air filter inside. Close the vent and turn the unit on to check.

Keep the unit’s area clear

Because your air conditioner is releasing hot air, it’s important to keep the surrounding area clear from any blockages. Any obstructions, like plants or furniture, can block the airflow and cause your unit to malfunction. Though the condensers may be a little bulky and unsightly, it’s important to keep the area clear so you can keep the pressure down and improve the lifespan of your air conditioner.

Set the thermostat properly

It’s convenient to leave on your air conditioner all day long, even when your house is empty. Entering a cool room is refreshing after a long day under the warm sun. However, leaving the thermostat at a low temperature for too long can damage your unit and increase your electricity bill.

Extend its lifespan by adjusting the thermostat every time you leave your home. You can also invest in a programmable thermostat, which adjusts the temperature during scheduled hours.

At the end of the day, you need to maintain and clean your air conditioner so that it can work optimally. However, make sure that a professional gets to check your unit regularly so that they can help you extend its lifecycle and keep it working at a high standard.

For more home maintenance tips, be sure to check our blog here.

Specially written for Balancerealestategroup.com

By: Rosalie Jaen

6 Things You Can Do to Help Future You

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Many of us fall into the habit of putting things off for a later time — procrastinating and saying, “That’s future me’s problem.” In fact, a staggering 20% of the population actively engages in habitual procrastination, and psychologists claim that it’s because we have a tendency to try and avoid doing things that we deem unpleasant.

Unfortunately, procrastinating and leaving things up to future you can have a massive impact on you, especially when it’s about your health. Procrastination has been found to be linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension, and could trigger anxiety, depression, and rumination when done in excess.

Instead of putting things off for future you, why not do future you a favor? There are a number of things you can start doing today that will help you down the line — and they don’t even have to be all that involved or unpleasant! Here are just some of the things you can do to help future you:

Get enough sleep

You’d be surprised how much impact getting enough sleep can have on not just your body, but your mood as well. About 1 in 4 adults reportedly fail to get enough sleep every night, often due to poor sleep hygiene, chronic stress, and a more sedentary lifestyle. Getting enough sleep is easier said than done, of course — we live busy lives, and we may often
find that we don’t have enough hours in the day to do everything that needs to be done and get enough sleep. Practicing proper sleep hygiene — avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine
before bed; reducing noise in your sleeping environment; and maintaining a regular bedtime – can be a huge help in accomplishing this.

Declutter

Clutter — and mess, generally — can have a negative impact on your mental health. Clutter can annoy you, distract you, and cause feelings of stress, fatigue, and depression.

Decluttering may be something that you’ll want to put off for a later, but getting over the initial unpleasantness can help future you a lot. Decluttering reduces stress and leads to better sleep, too! However, it’s a long process that you’ll want to slowly chip away at. Take things one step at a time and slowly declutter your space. Future you will thank you for it!

Be more cautious with money

You may not realize it, but money (and worrying about money) can be a huge source of stress for many of us. By setting aside money for emergencies, managing spending, and making good investments, you can slowly ease financial anxiety.

A good rule of thumb is to build an emergency savings pool that can cover 3 to 6 months of essential expenses, and to make smart, cautious investments that are sure to pay off in the long run. Invest in a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) and don’t withdraw the funds until you actually retire. This is to avoid the fees that are a result of withdrawing your RRSP early, such as higher taxes and administrative fees. Purchase a house when you can, but make sure that your housing payments don’t exceed 35% of your gross monthly income. This way, you can build better financial habits that future you can benefit from.

Don’t stop learning

The best thing you can invest in is yourself, and if you want to secure your future, you should never stop learning.

This doesn’t necessarily mean getting a post-graduate degree — although higher educational attainment has been found to lead to lower unemployment rates. After all, learning can be
achieved everywhere. From reading new books to experiencing new things, or even just engaging in conversations with different people, it’s possible to learn something new every day.

Go natural

It may be more convenient to rely on products made with harsh chemicals, but these can have long-term effects for both you and the environment!

Always opt for natural solutions whenever you can. Eat organic food and shop sustainably, as this can also help support local farmers. Choose natural cleaning solutions for your home, as using store-brand chemicals could wear on your furniture much faster than natural alternatives. Use natural beauty and skincare products too -- they may seem more expensive at face value, but the long-term savings and effects they'll have will have future you thanking you for making the switch!

Maintain your property

The importance of maintaining your home can't be emphasized enough. Whether you plan to live in it or are intending to sell it at some point in the future, a well-maintained home can
make all the difference.

Don't put off repairs when the need arises. Always clean out your gutters, fix leaking pipes, and unclog your bathroom drain. There's nothing more frustrating than realizing that you could
have averted disaster had you spent a few minutes repairing something when you first noticed it was broken. Maintaining your home, furniture, and appliances not only increases the value of your home, but also saves you headaches down the line.

By doing these things and tackling things as they come instead of putting them off for later, future you can enjoy the benefits of all your hard work.

Specially written for balancerealestategroup.com
By: Rosalie Jaen

Tips On Finding The Best Moving Company

Sat, 24 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Are you planning to move house in the near future? If so, you likely feel a mixture of excitement and stress.

Indeed moving house can be a wonderful time in life, a new chapter, new beginnings, and many prospects ahead. Yet getting from A to B can feel more than a little overwhelming. Of course, many factors can make the move less stressful; however, one of the major ones lies in choosing the right moving company. If you make a good choice, you can alleviate lots of worries and concerns, and if you choose the wrong one, you will only add to those already high-stress levels. So, how do you make a wise choice? Read on, and we will be happy to advise you!

Know Your Needs

The first step in making a good choice is knowing your needs. Do not be tempted to rush this step. Instead, sit down with a pen and paper and write down the rooms in your home and what you need to move. This will highlight any items that are going to need specialized equipment or skills. Things like an acoustic piano, large or awkward pieces of furniture, wall art, and the list go on; all of these need to be highlighted to a moving company, and you, as the homeowner, need to feel that the company you choose can suitably care for your belongings.

Decide Whether You Are Happy To Do The Packing Yourself

This is going to be a significant factor in helping you choose the right company. Some companies offer a full packing and moving service, while others only provide moving service. You may be happy to pack up your home yourself and have a company arrive on the day to move your things from A to B. Of course, this will be a cheaper option; however, you do need to consider whether you have the skills and materials to pack everything securely. Sometimes the extra cost is a good investment in ensuring that everything makes it to your new home safely.

Get Recommendations

Next up, it's time to get a few good recommendations within your local area. Since moving house is a common occurrence, this step should not be a difficult one. Once your friends, work colleagues, and neighbors know of your plans, you are sure to get recommendations, even if you don't ask for them! Please take note of names that seem to come up a few times, and don't forget to ask the people recommending the company why they liked them and whether there was anything they felt disappointed in.

Get Quotes Of Different Moving Companies

By now, you should have narrowed your search down to cheap moving companies nearby that have been recommended and that cover your needs (such as skilled in handling specific items or companies that offer a packing and moving service). Now, it is time to get a few quotes. Ensure that you provide a full brief of your needs to each company; this will help you accurately compare quotes on a like-for-like basis.

It's Not Always A Case Of Cheap And Cheerful!

Of course, when you are moving house, there seem to be ongoing expenses that keep rolling in. This can make it very tempting to opt for the cheapest choice for the moving company; however, this could be a decision that you live to regret. While you do not want to pay an excessive amount for a moving company, you also should expect to pay a reasonable fee for a good service. If a company seems to be offering a rate that looks too good to be true, there is every chance that you will end up with the result that was exactly that; not what you expected and for all the wrong reasons!

Check The Insurance

It is easy to presume that all moving companies have the best insurance, but unfortunately, this may not always be the case. Please do not be embarrassed to ask a moving company about the insurance that they have. If a company seems a little hesitant to provide you with full details on their insurance, you should swiftly move on. Remember, you are entrusting all of your belongings into the hands of a moving company, so making sure that they have the best insurance is an absolute must.

The Bottom Line On Choosing A Great Moving Company

There is no doubt that moving house can be a stressful time in life; however, making a good choice for the moving company can make a huge difference. Granted, it does take a little time and effort to make a good choice; however, it does not need to be a mission impossible.

Firstly, take the time to sit down, understand your needs, outline these with pen and paper. Next, decide if you are happy to pack up your house yourself or want a company that can care for this. Then move on to getting recommendations and once you have a shortlist, go ahead and contact the companies to get accurate quotes based on a full brief. Once you have decided on your top picks, make sure that they have the right insurance. After that, all that's left to be done is enjoy getting settled into your new home and the next chapter in your life.

5 Methods for Composting at Home

Sat, 27 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMT

It’s always beneficial to look for ways to make your home more eco-friendly. From conserving water to limiting food waste, reducing your carbon footprint is essential and easy to do while spending more time at home!

Each year, Canadians produce 31 million tonnes of garbage and almost half of all food produced is lost or wasted. Food that is thrown away ends up in landfills and creates methane, which is a harmful greenhouse gas.

You might be asking, what can you do to reduce your household’s contribution to food waste? By incorporating different green methods into your home, you can help reduce food waste while also discovering self-sustaining projects that can benefit your garden.

Composting is an easy and effective way to convert kitchen scraps and other materials into fertilizer that you can use to tend your garden and house plants. If you’re new to composting or you have been previously turned off by the idea of decomposing materials, don’t fear! In our guide, we will show you all the different ways to compost and limit food waste whether you have a small apartment or larger space to work with.

What You’ll Need to Compost

Before getting started, let’s discuss what you’ll need to compost. There are four ingredients required to successfully compost.

Air: Organisms in your pile need oxygen to survive.
Water: Water helps keep the pile’s temperature regulated.
Brown Materials: Adds carbon to your pile.
Green Materials: Adds nitrogen to your pile.

Adding brown and green materials to your pile such as dead leaves and grass help balance the nitrogen and carbon needed to compost. A good rule of thumb is that each time you add a batch of green ingredients, add roughly four times that amount in brown ingredients. Next, let’s cover what kinds of kitchen scraps you can add to your compost pile.

Greens

There are many different green materials that can be composted. This includes spoiled vegetables and fruits, grass clippings, tea and coffee and old flowers.

Browns

Brown materials that can be composted include eggshells, vegetable peels and skins, nut shells, newspaper, dead leaves, cardboard and even wood shavings. Just avoid adding any weeds and plants that died of unnatural causes as they could spread diseases in your soil.

Since not everyone has the space to compost in their backyard, we’ve provided a few methods that you can use to compost in a small space or apartment.

How to Compost at Home

There are several great methods to compost at home that are easy to learn and try. To help you get started, we’ve listed a few below.

Method 1: Create a Worm Bin

Worm bins are exactly as they sound...bins of worms! Also called vermicomposter, this process of composting includes using worms to break down and process food waste. This allows you to make fertilizer without needing to turn the pile since the worms are able to move freely mixing your compost for you.

When creating a worm bin, make sure you provide the worms with proper living conditions. They need to be kept in a location that is 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit so keeping your bin under your sink or in a closet works best. You can either purchase a ready-made worm bin or create your own worm composter yourself.

Method 2: Use a Compost Tumbler

Compost tumblers are larger than worm bins and are fully sealed to preserve the heat generated by your compost. Tumblers can decompose kitchen scraps quickly and turning is easy since they tend to come with a handle on the side.

Method 3: Try the Bokashi Method

Bokashi is a two-step composting process that begins by fermenting food waste in a sealed container. With this method, you can compost meat and dairy, however, since there are no worms, you don’t want any moisture in your Bokashi bin.

Method 4: Use a Food Digester

Food digesters are electric and tend to be the size of a bread-maker. They can easily sit on your counter and won’t take up much space. Food digesters are free of any odour and use aeration and heat to reduce the volume of waste.

Method 5: Donate Food Waste

For those who don’t have the time or interest in composting, donation is always a viable option. Many local farmer’s markets or community gardens will accept food waste and will do the composting for you.

We hope this at-home composting guide inspires you to limit your household’s food waste and incorporate eco-friendly hacks into your home. For even more ideas on composting, check out this guide to urban composting.

Looking Into Renovating Your Place? These Are the Essential Tools to Own

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

All across the world some of us are living in lockdown, confined in our homes due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, it might be a good idea to deal with those projects that we are always making excuses for postponing.

If you find this relatable, this article will help you get through the basics of home renovation. Here, you will find a list of tools that any beginner should have if they want to renovate their house. Why spend large budgets on contractors when you can have all the fun?

So, grab your shopping list and pen - let’s get started!

Safety First

You must be aware that this type of work can cause serious injuries, and that is why it is essential to provide yourself with protecting material to avoid accidents that might happen.

Safety Glasses

These are essential to every kind of task that you might do. Eye protection is fundamental to prevent possible damage caused by dust or some tool. Besides, you should get more than one pair as they get dirty, fogged, and can get broken or even lost.

Hearing Protection

Safety Ear Muffs are a crucial tool if you are planning on doing loud works such as operating a shop vacuum or drilling.

Protecting Mask

This one should be easy to find in every home (due to the actual pandemic situation). In case you have to sweep a lot of dust or work with tools that when in contact with some materials produce a lot of dirt, you should have a mask or even a cartridge respirator for more protection - your lungs will thank you!

Match the Tool to the Job

If you aim to complete each task with high-quality results, plus save yourself some time and money, you should find the right tool for each job. Beyond the well-known supplies - hammer, ladders, lighting, tapes, saw blades, and pliers - some tasks may demand the efficiency of a power tool.

Floor Drum Sander

Floor sanding is a hard, long, and challenging task. If you don’t own the proper machine, not only the job can take days to complete when it could have been finished in hours, but the results will be far from what you’ve expected.

A great example of this type of machine is the Clark’s Az-8 Floor Drum Sander - this is a professional machine that can take on huge surfaces quickly while also being comfortable to work with. Best of all: it delivers an exceptional finish. You can also check some other models at SanderScore.

Cordless Drill

These are helpful tools with the feature of not having a cable to connect to the electricity, which can be easy to manage. When using this kind of machine, you can drill holes and drive screws but, the only downside is that it takes from 15 minutes up to 3 hours to charge. But faster isn’t always necessarily better.

Jigsaw

Jigsaws are ideal gifts for people that love solving puzzles, but they are also power tools that can create a rounded shape cut in materials like sheets of wood. They come in a vast range of prices, but none will break the bank - these are actually the cheapest kind of power tool that money can buy. If you are planning on manually contouring some cuts, you should think about getting a jigsaw.

Clean Everything at the End

Besides ensuring all safety measures and choosing the best tool for each job, to complete the task we must guarantee that the place is well cleaned and organized. For that, we will need several objects, such as brooms, shop vacuums, and coveralls.

Do It Yourself

I hope that at the end of this article you will feel motivated to move forward with the projects that you may have at home. As you can see, remodeling is so much more than a hammer and a few nails: become a DIYer and make the best of your time at home!

Moving? Replace These 5 Kitchen Items

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Almost everybody moves at some point in their lives.

I’ve always been fascinated at how most humans, myself included, adapt our belongings to fill our living spaces. Everyone has a unique threshold for this, of course, but even a functional minimalist is likely to uncover forgotten junk and gems when packing up for a move.

As much of a hassle as moving can be, I’ve always appreciated how the experience of moving challenges me to evaluate which items I value, and those I don’t.

Preening during a move has greater utility than just space saving or exercising personal preference. It can also be a matter of health and hygiene.

Here are 5 common kitchen items that you should consider closely before packing them up for transit to your new place.

Cooking Oil

Most cooking oils are expensive, and it can feel conflicting to toss out a mostly full bottle(s) you just discovered at the back of a tall cabinet.

Think twice before bringing old oil into a new home. Cooking oil has a shelf life, and it can be dangerous to consume once it has expired.

As an example of this, extra virgin olive oil has up to a 2 year shelf life from the month it was picked and pressed. Once you've opened a new bottle of olive oil, use it within 60 days.

Many people buy a bottle of fancy olive oil, use it sparingly, and then stash it away for a special occasion. Once you open it, the oil will never be as delicious as it is today.

Unfortunately, the downside of old oil isn’t only off-peak flavours. It is unhealthy too. The unsaturated fat in most cooking oils oxidizes with exposure to light, heat and oxygen. Oxidized fats can disrupt cellular function across trillions of cell membranes in the human body.

Pots and Pans

Take stock of your cookware when moving.

Some pots and pans are built for a lifetime, perhaps several lifetimes. For example, our kitchen uses a cast iron fry pan that is a century old and 3 generations deep.

We also use a PTFE-coated nonstick pan periodically, when we’re searching for a fast cleanup. Like most nonstick pans, we are 5 years in and this one is past ready for recycling.

If your cookware is warped, flaking or otherwise not performing properly then perhaps it’s time to trade up. Consider picking up a clad steel cookware set for the replacement. It will last a lifetime like cast iron while being more responsive and lighter weight like nonstick aluminum.

Cutting Boards

Your cutting boards weren’t meant to last forever.

They pick up nicks and grooves with regular use, and these cavities can become the perfect places for bacteria to grow like E. Coli or salmonella.

Even with regular cleaning, it’s smart to be aware of when a plastic, wood, or glass cutting board is past its prime.

Plastic cutting boards may be the easiest material to clean. You can toss them in the dishwasher. Unfortunately, they also groove out very easily and may require replacement in only a few months.

Wood cutting boards are more limited in how you can clean them, because several common cleaners will damage the wood. Unfortunately, porous wood boards also absorb liquids like juice from meats cut atop them. This means they can become fertile ground for bacteria growth.

Glass cutting boards may be the most durable and easiest to clean, but they will dull your knives quickly. They are also very loud.

Perhaps the best overall solution is to rotate plastic cutting boards for cutting meat, and a wood board for everything else. When the wood becomes cut and grooved, sand it down.

However you upgrade your cutting board collection, be sure that you are cleaning them regularly and in a way that best suits the base material.

Sponges

As you might expect, sponges are an incredible collection point for bacteria.

Virtually every person with a kitchen uses a sponge, dish cloth or bristled brush daily. Sponges are typically the most affordable option, and can be durable without disintegrating for much longer than you should actually use them.

Sponges are porous, which makes them effective at their primary job. This material property also creates an environment where liquids and food particles linger. Such an environment is fertile ground for bacteria to grow.

It’s good practice to replace your sponge periodically, with many cleanliness experts recommending as often as once per week. Others say that with an excellent sponge maintenance routine, which is a high bar, that you might consider replacing monthly.

You’ll get no judgement from me if you’re still using a sponge from last year. We’ve probably all been there before, and I certainly have on several occasions.

To level up your sponge cleanliness routine, be sure to rinse and remove any food debris after each use. Wring out the sponge in its entirety, and store in a place where the sponge can easily air dry.

If you don’t have a routine in place, during a move is a great time to start.

Cooking Utensils

When moving you should always take stock of your spoons, spatulas and other cooking utensils.

Similar to cutting boards - cuts, cracks and crevices can be a breeding ground for bacteria to grow. This is especially true with wooden or silicone spatulas, and any cooking utensils that fasten two materials at a loose or removable joint.

Cracks and joints are typically spaces that handwashing and even dishwashers can’t reach. Old oil and sauces may clog the gaps and become rancid. You can often pick up on this fact with a simple smell test. If something smells “off,” it probably is.

Wooden spoons will collect cuts and cracks, and silicone spatulas will sometimes melt or split. From a pure functionality standpoint it can be helpful to upgrade periodically as well.

If you’re not moving.

Even if you’re not moving, it’s smart to build a kitchen hygiene routine.

Nobody plans to accumulate rancid old oil, or to use a sponge until it has diminished to nearly nothing.

Still, we get busy, life continues to move onward, and one day you may realize that the back row of your cupboard is full of items that expired last year. It happens, and often we only discover when we are packaging up our lives for transit to a new abode.

Taking account of your cooking oil, pots and pans, cutting boards, sponges and spatulas is a great spot to begin. You can start today, and it will probably take less than 10 minutes to familiarize yourself if you need to make any of these changes.

Set a reminder in your calendar or phone to alert you again in 6-months. Make the robots do the work of remembering so you don’t have to.

Healthy living often starts with awareness. You may also find this practice has a positive impact on your health and the evolution of your personal preferences.

Whether you’re moving, or just cleaning up, I hope these tips have helped you find easy actionable ways to get started.

Author Bio

Top 5 Ways to Keep Your Home Clean Without Chemicals

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

It’s so difficult to find natural ways to clean your home these days. Everyone seems to go for the easy solution of just scrubbing down every surface they can with some store brand cleaner.

Little do they know strong chemicals may wither away a lot of surfaces, and wear on them so much faster than natural ways of cleaning.

So let’s get out of the lazy habit of letting harmful cleaners do all the work, and check out these 5 completely natural ways to keep your home clean.

#1 Clean Your Oven/Stove With Baking Soda

First, you’ll want to mix some baking soda and water and form a paste that you can spread all over the oven or stove.

Then let it sit there for a few hours or overnight while you’re asleep. Finally, wipe it clean with a wet cloth and your stove will look nice and shiny!

Be sure to remove all of the baking soda because if baking soda gets really hot, it can make an even bigger mess than what you started with.

#2 Scrub Your Toilet Using Vinegar

Pour about 1/4 to 1/2 cup vinegar into the toilet, and if you can add 1 or 2 drops of essential oils as well. Something like tea tree essential oil will work just fine.

Then you scrub like usual and let it sit for 1 hour. Set a timer if you’re the forgetful type, and once it goes off go back and scrub again then flush.

You’ll not only have a wonderfully clean toilet, but the vinegar will help mask any smelly bathroom odours, so you can even save on scented sprays too!

#3 Use Steam Mops to Clean Your Floors

For fantastic looking floors without the need for chemical cleaners, steam mops are absolutely a worthwhile buy.

Steam mops use hot steam to remove grime from floors and work well without the need for those harshly smelling chemicals. Instead they just use air to get out all that messy dirt from your floors!

They will remove tough, dried-on stains as well, they really are a do it all kind of mop. Plus, because the steam reaches high temperatures, these mops can sanitize and disinfect germy areas like bathroom floors and pet spaces, all you need are a few slow passes over them.

#4 Clean Your Fridge With a Baking Soda and Water Mixture

Begin this mixture by adding about 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 4 cups of warm water.

Then, remove everything from your fridge and use the baking soda mix and a soft cloth to clean all the surfaces inside.

Finally, remove all the drawers and wash those either with the baking soda mixture as well and be sure to dry all the surfaces before putting your food back in the fridge.

#5 Use Baking Soda or Vinegar to Clean Your Carpets

If you’re looking for a simple, quick clean, start by mixing baking soda with a few drops of an essential oil like lemon, lavender, or peppermint.

Then, sprinkle that over your carpets and let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes and then vacuum all the spots where you left it.

If you’re trying to steam-clean your carpets, use a mix of equal parts vinegar and water instead of the chemical cleaner and you’ll get the same results without putting all those harmful chemicals into the air!

Conclusion

Now that I’ve wrapped up these top 5 ways to stay green while you clean, I hope you got some great ideas to keep those chemicals off your surfaces.

You’ll find your house will be just as clean, and what’s even better, is you’ll save money by not buying all these cleaning products too! There are so many great cleaning hacks out there you just have to look for them before looking to buy harsh chemicals.

Here's another great guide for how to find the perfect cookware.

Author's Bio: Nora Mitchell is a stay-at-home mom, always trying to maintain a healthy balance between taking care of the home and having fun. She contributes with her household tips in householdadvice.net.

Things to Do Before Moving Into Your New Home

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT

When moving into a new home, there are several things you must do to help you settle in fast. The entire process will be tedious, time-consuming, and will involve money to buy new household products. But what is important is being patient and organized about it. You may need to have a moving checklist to guide you in every step of your moving journey.

With all the hassle, you need a new home to do list because packing and unpacking may take a few days to complete. Fortunately, in this digital age, it isn't hard to do anything because the internet is right at your fingertips. That is why we wrote this piece to help you understand the things you need to do before moving into your new home.

So here’s what to do:

Update Your Address

The first thing to do when moving to a new home is to send in a change of address form with Canada Post; otherwise, your parcels and letters will land in the wrong hands. Also, ensure you change the address on running subscriptions, with the CRA, at the bank, on correspondences that come to your home, and more.

Inform your family and friends about it because you do not want your holiday cards to get to the wrong destination.

Inspect and Do Repairs

Walk through the house to see if the conditions meet what was in agreement, and if there are any additional repairs, fix them right away. If you find flaws that the previous owner ought to have fixed, do not hesitate to contact your realtor to follow up.

Check the plumbing works to ensure that there aren't any leaks on the piping. You can invite a home inspector to do a professional job for you.

Confirm Availability of All Utilities

A home is only habitable when all the utilities are running well. So, ensure you check that the electricity, water, and gas connections are functioning as required. Do not forget to set up internet and phone connections and reach out to the city for new waste bins if possible.

Conduct Thorough Cleaning and Extermination of Pests

Cleaning is the most important thing to do when moving to your new home because it is the only way to eliminate dust, germs, molds, and other agents that can cause disease. You will have peace knowing that the toilet area is clean and free of germs. And by extermination and fumigation, you rid the house of pests that can be dangerous to your health and those of your loved ones.

Create a General Design Plan

Once done with cleanliness, it's time to think about your house's plan, especially the living room. Plan the design and arrangement of furniture and consider which new home upgrades are worth the money you have planned for a home makeover. You may consult an interior designer to help you out with the best arrangements and new home essentials.

Check for Child and Pet Safety

Childproofing is inevitable if you live with young ones at home. Remove hazardous materials from the kid's play area and fix hanging cables that could strangle them. As for pets, ensure their health safety by keeping harmful or spoiled food away from their sight, train them to keep off electric cords to avoid electric shocks.

Find the Electric Panel and Water Valve

Electrical safety is a priority when moving to a new home; therefore, locate the electrical panel and fuse box for easy access whenever there is an electrical hazard. Besides, you should test to see if the smoke detectors and alarms are working as required. Also, locate the water valve position to know where to turn it off when there is a malfunction on the taps.

Find Social Amenities

Before you start moving, check for the availability of social amenities like schools, hospitals, and entertainment spots. Even before completing the buy of a home, notify your kids, let them contribute to the moving decision, and identify their favourite schools. Do a check on the available health care providers and see if they accept your insurance coverage?

Register your Motor Vehicle and Update Insurance

If you are moving to a new province, you may be required to do a new registration for your motor vehicle. Consequently, you also have to renew your driver's license. Another thing in the spotlight is the home insurance that you have to update to have a peace of mind if something unthinkable ever happens.

Know Your Neighbours

Finally, you have to connect with your neighbours because it is a human thing to do. Your immediate community will come in handy in times of need, so do not ignore them. They are the ones to familiarize you with the new environment.

Moving into your new home won't be a hassle if you have a checklist on what to do to get ready. The things we stated in this article are a good start point to make moving life easier for you. Also, consult home inspectors for help to identify flaws in the attic and edifice. For new home decor ideas, work with interior designers who will offer amazing tips to improve your house's overall outlook.

Have more tips? Do not hesitate to drop your comment, and we will be glad to respond.

Author’s Bio:

Archie was a builder for more than 40 years. Mainly after his retirement the enthusiastic electrical works in garden and writes for a blog Homemakerguide.com to keep himself occupied. His many years of experience can get you the right tool reviews whether it is a drill, welding machine or so. An impressive fact to note about him is that almost everything in his house is a representation of his skills made by his hands.

Cheap Items to Upgrade Your Bathroom

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Cheap Items to Upgrade Your Bathroom

The bathroom is undoubtedly an essential room in the house. It’s that part of the house where you destress with a cold shower. It’s also the room where you get all your beauty regimen, and makeup is done. The entire place is synonymous with beauty, and you need to take care of it too.

Apart from serving you well, you’ll find that many people who want to purchase houses pay attention to the bathroom and how it looks. So, if you’re planning to sell the house anytime soon, upgrading the bathroom space will help you to get a top price for your home.

With that in mind, here are some cheap materials you could use to help spruce the bathroom up:

Floating shelves

Floating shelves aren’t for the kitchen alone. They provide a classy and straightforward way of storing your toiletries– especially those you don’t necessarily use daily.

While no one will recommend that you keep the more unsightly bathroom products on an open floating shelf, you could always opt to keep things like towels, creams, and others, in there. There’s the obvious space-saving benefit that they provide, as they allow you to keep more items in the bathroom by collecting some of the items and keeping them enclosed.

Apart from their ability to free up space, however, floating shelves are also great with improving the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom. Functional and good-looking, floating shelves are a win-win for anyone.

Get new lighting

Lights might not necessarily be a bathroom item, but they do help provide an awesome upgrade nonetheless. By upgrading your lighting, you’re providing a great, modern spin to the bathroom and improving that homely feeling, thus making the bathroom more comfortable.

Lighting can make or mar a room. So, if you’ve got that overhead fluorescent lighting option still in your bathroom, it’s time to replace it with a set of can lights. If the ceiling in your bathroom is a bit high, then you could go for a chandelier too.

However, optimal lighting will involve installing light sources on the two sides of your vanity. Just measure your height and have them installed at eye level, so you get the best possible lighting when you do your makeup.

Get a new vanity

Speaking of vanity, it might be time for you to get a new one too. If you’ve got an older vanity and you feel some sentimental attachment to it (maybe it’s a family heirloom or something), then you could get a fresh coat of paint, and some new components like drawer pulls and cabinet knobs.

The vanity is one of the most prominent parts of any bathroom, and if you want to upgrade the entire room, you should look into upgrading that piece as well. So, if you see that you can’t possibly redeem the vanity with a pimp, then it’s time for you to get a new one. You can easily get a vanity from the different sizes available to fit the cabinetry in your bathroom.

However, whether you want to repaint or buy a new one, it’s always recommended that you get something with a high-gloss white color. This provides a dramatic statement and a more contemporary look.

A toilet paper holder

When it comes to the bathroom, the little things are just as prominent as the larger ones. So, while you could get a chandelier and change your vanity, you should also not forget about the smaller things – like the toilet paper holder. Seemingly inconsequential things like the toilet paper holder can play significant roles in making or marring the entire look of the bathroom, so make sure to pay attention to it too. You could always try IKEA for a new one.

New faucets

Speaking of the little things, it might be the perfect time for you to get new faucets. While you could spray-paint existing faucets to look better, we all know that there are some that are simply beyond redemption. If yours has crossed that point, then just like the toilet paper holder, it’s time to get a new one.

Smart and Easy Tips for a Flawless Open House

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Image via Pixabay

When you are selling your home, you want it to look as clean and attractive as possible. A home that is well-staged is going to sell for a higher price than one that is cluttered and overflowing with the owner's belongings. So, follow these tips to declutter your home for photos and open houses, to ensure that you are putting your best face forward!

Ask a Real Estate Agent

To get started on this seemingly monumental task, take some time to discuss your options with a real estate agent. In addition to helping put your home on the market, a real estate agent will have the knowledge and experience to see your home through the eyes of the buyer. They will ensure that you stage your home perfectly for a successful sale.

Nix the Clutter

When showing a new home, the first rule of thumb is to make sure that the house is clean and clear of clutter. When you are living your life from day to day, it is easy to overlook things that you use on a regular basis, and it’s these things that you need to keep out of sight. If something on the counter or tabletop is functional rather than decorative, place it in a cupboard or drawer before an open house or photo session. The idea is to offer a clean visual that allows potential homeowners to visualize the home with their own belongings in it.

Everything Has a Place

One excellent way to maintain your home clutter-free is to ensure that everything on the floors and flat surfaces has a specific place that’s out of sight. Organize your cabinets and drawers so that each item belongs in a particular place. This means washing your dishes as they are used and doing your laundry in frequent small batches so that it doesn't pile up.

If you have children or pets, sealed storage containers or cubbies are an excellent way to organize their belongings. Then, when you are prepping for a next-day showing, you don't have to scramble to find a place to put everything. After a day or two, it will become a habit to have everything where it belongs, saving everyone time and stress.

Wide Open Spaces

Remember, your open house should appear as clear and spacious as possible to allow the potential homebuyer to imagine how they will fit in. This means less furniture is more. Consider renting a temporary storage unit for unnecessary tables, chairs, and other furniture. Think of your house as a blank canvas waiting for the imagination of the new homeowner.

Clean, Clean, and Clean Some More

Your house will sell largely based on appearance, so cleanliness is key. In addition to containing the clutter of daily life, be sure to keep your house looking spick and span. The cleaner your house looks, the more attractive it is to your potential homebuyers.

Once you've done the job of clearing the surfaces, have a cleaning service thoroughly clean your counters, cupboards, floors, baseboards, and windows. After the cleaning, it will be easier for you to maintain your home's cleanliness for the next open house or photo op.

Wash your windows thoroughly, both inside and outside. Can't reach the higher levels? Hire a professional window washer to do the work for you. Clean windows are a must to make your home sparkle! You want your home to have as much natural light as possible, and it is amazing how clean windows make the space feel more open!

The Devil's in the Details

Finally, be sure to complete minor repairs, such as repairing loose doorknobs, replacing old or mismatched cabinet handles or smoothing and repainting chipped surfaces. Small details can have a big impact on the way your home is viewed by a potential homeowner. Fix the little problems now to ensure that your home is in the best possible condition for your showings.

Keep your house clean and clutter-free, and see what a difference it makes. With your sparkling clean home good repair, your house is guaranteed to be at the top of the market!

The Dirtiest Places in Your Home: Top Cleaning Tips

Fri, 04 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Cleaning. It’s not a task that we all enjoy, but it is one that has to be done. After all, if we let ourselves get too behind, then our homes end up full of bacteria and germs; potentially making us sick. However, when searching for the dirtiest place in your home, you might end up surprised by the answer. I can assure you; it’s not the room you think. Below, I’ll tell you exactly where that place is, as well as provide you with some seriously handy cleaning tips.

Where is the Dirtiest Place in Your Home?

Before you say the bathroom shower or toilet, let me stop you right there. The dirtiest place in your home is actually the kitchen, and when you think about it, it’s not that much of a surprise. There are so many places for bacteria and grime to gather and fester, and therefore it is easier to get sick if the cleaning is neglected.

Sponges, chopping boards, counters; all of these are prime places for bacteria. Spending some time each day washing the dishes, countertops, and chopping boards will keep germs at bay, as well as changing your sponge on a regular basis. Additionally, you should also try switching to a steam cleaner instead of a mop and bucket as these are actually much more effective at killing bacteria.

Where are Popular Places That Dirt Gathers?

What about the rest of the home? Dirt and germs like to gather everywhere, but what are some of the more prominent places? Here’s a quick list to show you some of the top locations you should be prioritising when you clean:

- Bathrooms

- Mattresses

- Couch cushions

- Pet beds

- Carpets

- Light fixtures

- Doorknobs

It’s so easy to overlook these locations, especially things like light fixtures. However, it is these little features in our home that gather the most dust. Similarly, a mattress should be cleaned once a month to get rid of bed bugs, dander, and any germs that are lingering in the material.

Most of these things only need to be cleaned on a weekly basis, and carpets are much the same. If you have pets, you will need to vacuum them more regularly, something I’ll look at in the next section.

Top Cleaning Tips for Your Home

I have got some fantastic tips and tricks for keeping your home clean with minimal time and effort. The first is that you should invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner; one that works for your home. If you have pets, you need one that has been designed for animal hair. If you only have carpets or hard floors, you will need a model that is able to cope with them. You also need to think about the attachments, as they can come in handy for things like stairs and tight spaces.

White vinegar will become your best friend, and that’s no exaggeration. Bleach is massively overrated, and natural products actually work just as well; if not better. White vinegar can be used neat, diluted with water, or with baking powder, and it can do the following (as well as more):

- Deodorise clothing in the wash

- Remove stains from various surfaces

- Work as a disinfectant

- Clear limescale from taps and showerheads

Steam cleaners are also amazing, and you need to invest in them. Not only are they inexpensive and easy to use, but they are much more hygienic than a traditional mop and bucket. The steam kills 99.9% of bacteria and removes grime quickly. The pads are usually washable as well, saving you even more money in the long run. Some can even be used with carpet for those that want it.

To Conclude

It can be shocking at first when you realise where the most dirt gathers in the home. However, it doesn’t take long to ensure that it is nice and clean at all times. All you need to do is take a little time out of each day so that you can prep and cook in a hygienic environment. Want to learn more about the germs in your home and how to combat them effectively? Will Tottle has written an excellent and detailed guide on the topic that you can read here

21 tips about how to save money on your AC

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

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.

9 Steps to Finding your Next Dream Home

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 05:28:00 GMT

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.

Find out how much your current property will likely sell for on today’s market.
Arrange for financing, so you know what you can afford.
Select neighbourhoods you'd love to live in. (That may involve some
fun exploring!)
Decide on the type of home you want to buy. (For example:
detached, three-bedroom, etc.)
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.
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.)
When you find a home you want, make an offer designed to get the
property — without overpaying.
Negotiate until you secure the deal. This may involve counter-offers.
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!

Most Common Moving Mistakes - Tips to consider

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 06:02:00 GMT

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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

Not refiling important medications.

Better be safe than sorry on this one.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Fri, 15 Feb 2019 06:08:00 GMT

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

Bell Let's Talk Day January 31st - Tips From your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Wed, 31 Jan 2018 06:19:00 GMT

Help support mental health here in Canada by supporting Bell Let's Talk today!

For every text message sent, long distance call made, tweet and Instagram post using the #BellLetsTalk orFacebook video view and use of Snapchat geofilter share of the Bell Let's Talk image - Bell Canada will donate 5 cents to help fund mental health initiatives across Canada.

Clara Hughes as the face of Bell Let's Talk gives people a sense that if an Olympic athlete who always seems to have a smile on her face can have mental health issues and be okay...than so can anyone. It also goes to show that it doesn't matter what walk of life you come from, mental health issues can affect just about any one of us. The stats are that 1 in 5 of us will suffer some form of mental illness in their lifetime. Clara and Bell are not only trying to bring awareness to mental health but help to remove the stigma that always seems to follow. I know from my own family...if there was ever any issues it was better not to talk about it and hope that it will just go away instead of dealing with it. Which likely only makes the problem worse as people ignore that the family member needs help or makes the family member feel ashamed.

At this time of year when it is cold and wet or snowy outside depression seems to hit even the least likely of us. If Bell Let's Talk can help spread the word I am all for it. Whether you tweet, make a call send a text, post on snapchat and instagram or share the image on facebook...it's easier than doing just about anything and it's a way to make a difference. So help me support Bell Let's Talk day!

For more information on Bell Let's Talk visit their website at the following link:

Bell Let's Talk

Dine Out Vancouver 2018 - Tips from your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Sun, 28 Jan 2018 06:21:00 GMT

I almost forgot to blog about Dine Out Vancouver this year. There may still be a chance to reserve one of your favourite restaurants or try one of the ones I recommend below. You have 1 week left, be sure to check out some of my favourites. Here is last years blog with a few new ones and a couple restaurants that aren't participating this year. Francesco's Ristorante Italia , Lombardo's Restaurant and Mangia e Scappa don't seem to be participating, but I kept my reviews in for you to read.

Dine Out Vancouver 2018 started January 19th and runs until February 4th.

Dine Out Vancouver 2018 boasts 17 days of culinary excitement with delicious meals at fabulous restaurants for great prices!!!
The catch is that you must make your reservations sooner rather than later.

My husband and I are really big foodies, over the years we have made it out to quite a few of the restaurants that take part in Dine Out Vancouver 2018. Some of the restaurants we have been to, but not always during Dine Out Vancouver 2018. As you can see we obviously love Italian food...in fact that is probably our go to, especially when we don't know what or where we want to go. In such cases, we will often opt to head to one of our favourites. There are a few more restaurants that we love that do not participate in Dine Out Vancouver 2018 but we will leave those for another blog.

In all honesty not everyone in the list is a favourite or even one we would frequent again or at least not often. I will give them all a mini reivew for your reference and then let you decide. If you click on any of the restaurants, you will be taken to their website to decide for yourselves. Even if you don't like the Dine Out Vancouver 2018 menu options, most restaurants will still offer their regular menu. We have often went in during Dine Out Vancouver but decided we preferred something else on the restaurant's main menu. Either way you can't go wrong.

Italian
-CinCin Ristorante & Bar - one of our favourite Italian restaurants, the service, the food, the ambiance...all Top Notch!
-Cafe Il Nido - quaint little place tucked away with a nice courtyard patio in the summer, delicious food and great service
-Poor Italian Restaurant - excellent place to take the family, our girls love this restaurant
Francesco's Ristorante Italia - one of our go to places over the years, food is always delicious
-Federico's Supper Club - usually a stop during the Italian Cultural festival in the summer on Commercial Drive
-Frankie's Italian Kitchen & Bar - not really one of our favourites, food was ok...more of a chain style restaurant, lacks the ambiance of a finer Italian restaurant
-La Terrazza - visited them for the 1st time during Dine out last year and very nice restaurant, not our favourite but still good food
Lombardo's Restaurant - delicious pizza and another great stop during the Italian Cultural Festival
Mangia e Scappa - Fort Langley - they don't have a website, only real italian restaurant that we have in Langley, pizza is pretty good done in a stone oven

Steak and Seafood
-Black + Blue - we have been for dinner and then my husband has been for functions. Wasn't the best experience in a large group, but we did enjoy our dinner the few times we had been before. Wagyu steaks and macaroni sticks are delicious!
-The Boathouse Restaurant - been to a few locations, excellent place to take the family for a seafood dinner...we have been a few times...which is funny because my husband does not eat seafood...he usually finds something else on the menu.
-Chop Steakhouse & Bar - Richmond restaurant near the airport right off the highway, been there a couple times and a decent restaurant. Nothing exceptional to boast about, but good nonetheless
-The Keg Steakhouse & Bar - we have been to a few, usually because there was either nowhere else to go or because friends suggested it....always found Keg restaurants to be a little over-rated (again my opinion, would rather spend that kind of money in a fine Italian restaurant or non-chain style restaurant)
-Joe Fortes Seafood and Steakhouse - great ambience and delicious food..although not a big fan of theri lobster infused oil for dipping bread

Casual Fine Dining
-Dockside Restaurant - great place to grab a bite to eat before a show or after a stroll through Granville Island...if you book ahead or go early try to get a seat near the window...the views are stunning.

Asian cuisine
-Hapa Izakaya any of their locations are good and it is one of my husband's go to places with his colleagues for lunch downtown. They offer great tapas style Japanese dishes as well as delicious entrees. Never had a bad meal there. Their "Kalbi" beef short ribs are delicious and usually one of our favourites and my husband loves their Ishi-Yaki stone bowl dishes.

Casual
-Dunn's Famous Restaurant's known for their Montreal Smoked Meat sandwiches...although the best outside of Montreal we have found is "Estrella's " in Langley
-Cactus Club Coal Harbour has some great views of the North Shore Mountains and Stanley Park, when we want something we know we head to Cactus Club..in Langley that is usually our go to place for a chain restaurant.
-Moxie's Grill & Bar - they are part of Dine Out...but in all honesty we have not been to a Moxie's in years...Food is ok, usually a place we go for a quick bite before dropping our daughter off at the airport when she's heading back to school...but haven't even done that in a while.
-The Old Spaghetti Factory - ok, so they are part of Dine Out Vancouver....used to be a favourite when we were kids...(kids do not have any taste...) it's a family style restaurant so maybe great if you don't want to take your kids to a nice restaurant. Every few years we give them a try...but only to be disappointed each time. They are supposed to be Italian...but I couldn't bring myself to include them in that category...just seemed wrong. Sorry Old Spaghetti Factory...but its true.
-Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. - Delicious flat bread and they even offer pizza making parties. How fun is that! Love too that they support local by keeping their ingredients local and organic.
-Romer's - My husband has been to a few of their locations (hazzard of working downtown Vancouver, he gets to visit a lot of amazing restaurants and I insist he take me every once in a while to some place new) Their burgers are delicious! I believe I had the Magic Mushroom burger...I mean how can you go wrong when you put Boursin cheese on it...yum!
-Tap & Barrel any location...I have been to the North Shore and Olympic village locations. Lots of fun, vibrant atmosphere, great place to grab a bite wih friends. The pretzel with cheese sauce is a great starter to share with friends and family.
-The Flying Pig - We have been to the Olympic Village and Yaletown locations and enjoyed happy hour and dinner there a few times.

Mexican
-Las Margaritas Restaurante y Cantina - Unfortunately, the last couple times the food was just ok. But whenever we are in Kits, I always insist on stopping by and picking up a tub of their delicious Salsa and large bag of tortilla chips to go!

Not only are there great deals at many of your favourite restaurants but many hotels are offering special pricing during this time too. I never realized they also have some great events during Dine Out Vancouver 2018 and wish I had time to check them out. Events like Brunch crawls, Craft beer and Taco Tours (not for us because we don't drink beer...but what a great idea with Craft beer being such a craze right now), Secret Soiree sounds like fun and so many more....definitely going to plan to check the events out for next year.

For more details on the participating restaurants, events and hotels visit the following link:

Dine Out Vancouver 2018

Cloverdale Starbucks Meet and Greet - Tips from your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Fri, 21 Apr 2017 06:27:00 GMT

Have you ever had a real estate question, or just wanted to know what the market was like? Well Kara will be on hand at one of the Starbucks locations in Cloverdale - 17967 56th avenue (Hwy.10 beside the RBC branch) to answer as many questions as we can this coming
Saturday April 22nd from 1-4pm.

We started our Meet and Greets in January, they have been such huge success that we are running one a month over the next few months.

We will be offering FREE Starbucks Regular Coffee and treats. It's an opportunity to ask us questions about what the market is doing in your neighbourhood, or maybe something you heard in the news. There is the new BC partnership program that came into affect in January for First Time Home Buyers...maybe you were wondering how this might benefit you as a First Time Home Buyer.

Maybe you have been thinking of selling your home and/or buying a new home...but you don't know where to start, or who to call. Come by and meet us! We would be happy to help you with your next move!

No pressure, no sales pitches, no obligation! Just a chance to meet a local team that has been helping homeowners for over 10 years. We come with lots of experience and knowledge to share.

Attached home sales thrive as overall inventory remains scarce - Tips from our Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Tue, 04 Apr 2017 06:29:00 GMT

Attached home sales thrive as overall inventory remains scarce

SURREY, BC – Propelled by significant activity in attached categories, March housing sales in the Fraser Valley reached their second highest point in ten years, trailing only last year’s extraordinary market levels.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 2,213 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in March, a decrease of 26.4 per cent compared to the 3,006 sales in March of last year, and a 58.5 per cent increase compared to the 1,396 sales in February 2017.

Of the 2,213 sales processed last month, 526 were townhouses and 638 were apartments, representing over half of the region’s total sales of all property types for the seventh straight month.

“Inventory levels aren’t where we’d like them to be, especially with demand picking up as we move deeper into the spring season," said Gopal Sahota, Board President. “However, that being said, it’s great to see more buyers turning to our bourgeoning apartment and townhome markets and taking some of the pressure off of detached homes.”

Last month the total active inventory for the Fraser Valley was 4,808 listings, the lowest level seen for a March in ten years. Active inventory increased by 3.5 per cent month-over-month, and decreased 12.3 per cent when compared to March 2016.

The Board received 3,072 new listings in March, a 41.5 per cent increase from February 2017, and a 24.3 per cent decrease compared to March 2016’s 4,057 new listings.

"We've never seen sales like this for our attached category homes. Whereas buyers may have had a more relaxed experience looking for a townhome a few years ago, things have certainly changed: competition is up, and listings are moving fast”, added Sahota.

“Talk to your REALTOR® to help you understand what’s happening in your community. The support of a local expert goes a long way when navigating a busy spring market here in the Valley.”

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $869,000, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Valley increased 1.1 per cent compared to February 2017, and increased 17.3 per cent compared to March 2016.

• Townhomes: At $432,100 the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 2.3 per cent compared to February 2017, and increased 25.5 per cent compared to March 2016.

• Apartments: At $276,900, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 3.7 per cent compared to February 2017, and increased 27.5 per cent compared to March 2016.

Full package:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201703.pdf

Important Things to “Fix Up” before Selling - Tips from your local Cloverdale real state specialists

Fri, 10 Mar 2017 06:32:00 GMT

When you’re preparing your home for sale, it’s not unusual to need to fix up a few things around the property. After all, you want your home to look its best to buyers, so that you get good offers, quickly.

What do you need to fix? Here are three categories that will help you create and prioritize your list.

1. Anything that squeaks or creaks.

Is there something in your home that makes a noise it shouldn’t be making? Perhaps it’s a rattling closet door or a creaking floor board? You may be so used to it you no longer notice the sound. But buyers will. Be sure to get those items fixed.

2. Anything that’s unsightly.

You don’t have to make your home look perfect. However, things that are unsightly will likely get buyers’ attention. You want them to focus on the terrific features of your property, not the scuff on the wall.

Take a walk through your property, including the yard. Pretend you’re the buyer. Do you notice anything that doesn’t look good? If so, tidy it up, fix it up or replace it.

3. Anything that’s broken.

If there’s anything that needs repair — an outside tap that’s not working, or a sliding door that regularly careens off its runner — call the contractor or fix it yourself.

Getting these items fixed will go a long way toward making your home appealing to buyers.

Want more tips on preparing your home for sale? Call today.

How to Cut Your Electricity Bill in Half - Tips from your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Fri, 03 Mar 2017 06:37:00 GMT

You don’t have to freeze in the winter or start reading by candlelight to reduce your electricity bill. There are many simple ways to use less power with little, if any, impact on your lifestyle.

A good place to start is with your electronics.

According to the David Suzuki Foundation, “Any gizmo that has a clock, digital timer, remote control or standby mode is sucking energy when it's not being used (it's called 'phantom electricity' — and it's scary how much of it there is).” So keep them unplugged as much as possible. Also, unplug charger cords for phone and computers when not in use. Even when not connected to the device, they still suck power.

Another easy change to make involves your lights. Switching to compact fluorescent (CFL) or LED light bulbs can save you a lot of energy. They’re 75% more efficient.

Finally, the old-fashioned method of insulating doors and windows can work wonders for lowering your electricity bill. In fact, some particularly drafty homes can lose up to 40% of their heat. Check for drafts regularly and repair or replace insulation as needed.

None of these ideas will impact your day-to-day living. Yet, they could potentially save you a bundle.

Fraser Valley enjoys healthy market in February - Tips from your Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Thu, 02 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Fraser Valley enjoys healthy market in February

SURREY, BC – The Fraser Valley housing market returned to more typical levels in February, with sales and new listing intake on-par with the 10-year average for the month.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,396 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in February, a decrease of 41.5 per cent compared to the record-breaking 2,387 sales in February of last year, and a 43 per cent increase compared to the 976 sales in January 2017. The 10-year average for February sales is currently 1,288 transactions.

Of the 1,396 sales processed last month, 369 were townhouses and 391 were apartments.

“This is the kind of February we like to see. Last year at this time, the incredible demand created a market that was difficult for consumers. Now, we have sales moving upward from the winter months at a typical, healthy pace and a growing inventory to support it," said Gopal Sahota, Board President.

The Board received 2,171 new listings in February, a 0.3 per cent decrease from January 2017, and a 33.9 per cent decrease compared to February 2016’s 3,283 new listings.

For February the total active inventory in the Fraser Valley finished at 4,645 available listings, increasing by 5.5 per cent month-over-month, and decreasing 9.4 per cent when compared to February 2016.

"While the pace of the market has returned to more normal levels, pricing is still heavily impacted by the activity and demand seen throughout 2016. Understandably, this can create a challenging environment for consumers. If you’re struggling finding the right home or buyer, talk to a REALTOR® who can help guide you towards success in the market.”

For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell a single family detached home in February 2017 was 38 days, compared to 21 days in February 2016.

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $859,300, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Valley increased 0.4 per cent compared to January 2017, and increased 20.4 per cent compared to February 2016.

• Townhomes: At $422,400 the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 0.5 per cent compared to January 2017, and increased 25.2 per cent compared to February 2016.

• Apartments: At $267,000, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 1.8 per cent compared to January 2017, and increased 26.5 per cent compared to February 2016.

Making an Offer in a Competitive Market - Tips from your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Thu, 23 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Imagine finding a home you love, making an offer, and then finding out there are other competing offers on the table. Ouch.

If you’re looking for a property in a competitive market, it is likely that there will be multiple offers. Even just one can create the risk that you’ll lose the home. So how do you make sure your offer is enticing enough to win over the seller? Here are some ideas:

Don’t make a low-ball offer. If you do, it might be dismissed and you probably won’t get another chance to bid — especially if the other competing offers are near the listing price.

Have a pre-arranged mortgage and include that with your offer. This reassures the seller there won’t be any money issues. (Most lenders will provide you with a pre-arranged mortgage certificate for this purpose.)

Go in with a price high enough that the seller will be interested, but not so high as to be leaving money on the table. This is tricky and requires a savvy knowledge of the current market.

Have a REALTOR® present the offer on your behalf. A REALTOR® will know how to do so professionally, and in a manner that gives you the best chance of getting the home.

In a competitive situation, working with a REALTOR® who is an expert on the local market — and a skilled negotiator — is crucial.

Looking for a REALTOR® like that? Call today.

Starbucks Meet and Greet with the Bettina Reid Group - Tips from your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Wed, 22 Feb 2017 06:48:00 GMT

Have you ever had a real estate question, or just wanted to know what the market was like? Well Kara, Erinn and myself will be on hand at one of the Starbucks locations in Cloverdale - 17967 56th avenue (Hwy.10 beside the RBC branch) to answer as many questions as we can this coming
Saturday February 25th from 1-4pm.

We held our first Meet and Greet last month and it was such huge success that we are running one a month over the next few months.

We will be offering FREE Starbucks Regular Coffee and treats. It's an opportunity to ask us questions about what the market is doing in your neighbourhood, or maybe something you heard in the news. There is the new BC partnership program that came into affect last month for First Time Home Buyers...maybe you were wondering how this might benefit you as a First Time Home Buyer.

Maybe you have been thinking of selling your home and/or buying a new home...but you don't know where to start, or who to call. Come by and meet us! We would be happy to help you with your next move!

No pressure, no sales pitches, no obligation! Just a chance to meet a local team that has been helping homeowners for over 10 years. We come with lots of experience and knowledge to share.

Happy Valentine's Day from All of us at the Bettina Reid Group - Tips from your local Cloverdale Realtors

Tue, 14 Feb 2017 06:37:00 GMT

Hopefully today and every day you cherish the moments you have with your significant other. We wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day! May it not be about flowers, chocolates and gifts....but about moments you will always remember!

Taste White Rock - Tips from your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Sat, 28 Jan 2017 23:08:00 GMT

A couple weeks ago I blogged about Dine out Vancouver starting their Dine Out Vancouver Festival and completely forgot about White Rock's very own food festival "Taste White Rock" formerly known as "Bite of the Rock".

It's another great opportunity for people living south of the Fraser River in the Valley, instead of heading to Vancouver they can try some of the fabulous restaurants in White Rock. The festival starts tomorrow January 18th and runs through February 5th, there will be select White Rock restaurants offering set menus from $10, $20, $30 or $40. Many of which are also offering entertainment.

This annual event is presented by the White Rock Business Improvement Association. Taste White Rock promises to be an excellent opportunity to try a new restaurant or an old favourite for very reasonable prices.

For details on participating restaurants and their menus visit Taste White Rock

I thought I would do the same thing I did in my last blog for Dine Out Vancouver and give mini reviews of the ones we have been to for your reference and then let you decide. If you click on any of the restaurants, you will be taken to their website to decide for yourselves. Even if you don't like the Taste White Rock 2017 menu options, most restaurants will still offer their regular menu. I am not sure we have ever been to Taste White Rock but we have been to many of the local restaurants in the past.

Bin 101 Wine & Tapas In all fairness we have only been once, it wasn't very busy...strange for a Saturday night. But we were looking for something different and thought we would pop in last year. But we weren't ovely impressed. Perhaps we need to try them again before I can give a better review. We love to share different thigns when we go out...so Tapas you would think would be a godo idea. Not a big fan of their bruschetta as they put way too much into it and I do not liek Gorgonzola cheese.

Five which used to be known as Five Doors Down...I haven't been since they changed names and I believe ownership. But I have been for lunch and dinner and enjoyed both meals. Another place I think my husband and I need to make it back to.

Uli's Restaurant They have the best hamburgers ever. First time I tried a burger that wasn't well done. Because they grind their beef fresh, they can cook it to your desired temperature. I was a little skeptical when we went a few years back, but they really did make a delicious burger. Unfortunately, I can't really comment on anything else...since we haven't been back. Not because we didn't enjoy our meals, but because we usually head down for dinner and I would rather have a burger for lunch than dinner.

Onyx Steakhouse nothing but good things to say about Onyx. We have had their prime rib dinners on the weekend and steak at other times. Wec love Burrata cheese and their salad is delicious..I wouldn't expect anything less. If you love cheese, you have to try this salad.

The Hemingway We tried them for the 1st time this past summer. Every one of the Joseph Richard Group locations is slighlty different then the next. We went knowing what to expect and knowing we would get a decent Townhall type meal. Great place for a casual affair. Again you cannot go wrong with any one of their locations.

Cosmos Greek Restaurant Ok I have mentioned many times that my husband and I are big foodies. He grew up working in a Greek restaurant and we have had Greek friends. So we finally tried this place last summer and were disappointed. We always judge a Greek restaurant by their ambiance and most of all by their "Tzaziki" if they don't make good Tzaziki then they don't make the cut. Sorry Cosmos we likley won't be back. We may have been tainted by the mediocre Tzaziki but it made the rest of the meal mediocre too.

Bell Let's Talk Day January 25th - Tips From your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Wed, 25 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

My Shanti and Vikram Vij - Tips from your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Sun, 22 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Saturday nights' are typically date night for my husband and I. Which usually means dinner and a movie or dinner with friends. Last night we tried to get into a local restaurant for an early dinner...but they were all booked up until 8pm. But that didn't work since our movie was to start at 7:30. We decided to head to White Rock to see what we could find along the strip. Along the way we decided we should check out My Shanti again. It's been 2 years since our last visit, we were due.

Being the foodies that we are and that we love Indian food, we can't figure out why we haven't been back. Unfortunately there aren't many places in the Fraser Valley that we love to frequent, so we end up heading to Vancouver most times....we forgot all about My Shanti.

We were pleasanty surprised to see Vikram Vij working when we walked in. We have followed him on Dragon's Den and even before. Still haven't had the pleasure of trying his Vancouver location "Vij" but were excited when he opened "My Shanti" a couple years ago. Even more excited we got to meet him during our visit this time.

I admit I "fangirled" and wanted to get this photo taken with him, I was honoured to meet him. But more importantly I was impressed with his presence in the restaurant. He's become a Canadian celebrity, but you could tell he was a restauranteur first and foremost. There wasn't a single table that didn't get his attention more than once. He wanted to ensure that everyone was enjoying their "My Shanti" experience to its fullest. The table beside us the woman looked as though she was cold and he wanted to ensure she was comfortable. Then he visited our table a short time later and commented on how he liked my nose ring. As he recently had his nose pierced with his daughter. He took her to get hers done and decided why not get his done too when she said it didn't hurt...well he disagreed...IT HURT!

We have often visited a busy restaurant and never understood why the owner or manager wasn't pulling up his sleeves and helping out when things were falling behind. Either in the dining room or the kitchen. But not at My Shanti, Vikram Vij barely stood still the entire time we were there for dinner. He was quite happy to have his photo taken with me, without hesitation. Then helping to serve a table or even visiting our table again while we ate our dinner insisting on giving me more sauce to eat with my roti. We couldn't have had a better host. We will surely be back, the servers were attentive and the food was delicious!

I don't usually take photos of my food. But I wanted to share the delicious dishes we enjoyed. When we first sat down we were served an array of tasty seasoned light chips. Then we wanted to try a few things that we hadn't tried before. We started with Vikram's Favourite Snack (which was crisp naan bread with a creamy cashew sauce and pieces of portabello mushroom...Similar to a small flatbread).

For dinner we ordered Paneer (which is Indian cheese served with vegetables...slightly spicy flavour). Chicken Korma (chicken in a cashew garlic sauce)...probably our favourite dish....the chicken was so tender and moist and the sauce it was in was delicious! So delicious there was only a very small piece of chicken left but enough sauce to dip naan in...so we had them wrap it up and we brought it home. The last dish we shared was the beef dish, short ribs in coconut milk with curry leaves and saffron. To help soak it all up we ordered roti and the meal was rounded off with jasmine rice.

My Shanti is not your typical Indian restaurant, it is a fusion of the various regions Vikram has travelled throughout India. The decor is colourful and inviting. The staff friendly and attentive. We highly recommend visiting their restaurant if you haven't yet!

Today is National Popcorn Day - Tips from your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Thu, 19 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Ok don't laugh this really is a thing! I saw something come up online and had to check it out.....and guess what January 19th is National Popcorn Day. Not only that but there's also a National Popcorn Month, but that is not until October. Who comes up with these things I wonder....

Since Popcorn is probably one of my favourite if not my favourite snack, I thought I would blog about it..A healthy snack too, that is until you put all kinds of stuff on it. I admit I do like a little butter on my popcorn sometimes...I am a sucker for "Kernels" popcorn with Salt and Vinegar on it and of course who does not love Caramel corn.

Hope everyone enjoys a little popcorn today in honour of National Popcron Day!

Bettina Reid Group Meet & Greet at local Starbucks - Tips from your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Wed, 18 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever had a real estate question, or just wanted to know what the market was like? Well Kara, Erinn and myself will be on hand at one of the Starbucks locations in Cloverdale - 17967 56th avenue (Hwy.10 beside the RBC branch) to answer as many questions as we can this coming
Saturday January 21st from 1-4pm.

We will be offering FREE Starbucks Regular Coffee and treats. It's an opportunity to ask us questions about what the market is doing in your neighbourhood, or maybe something you heard in the news. This week the new BC partnership program came into affect for First Time Home Buyers...maybe you were wondering how this might benefit you as a First Time Home Buyer.

Maybe you have been thinking of selling your home and/or buying a new home...but you don't know where to start, or who to call. Come by and meet us! We would be happy to help you with your next move!

No pressure, no sales pitches, no obligation! Just a chance to meet a local team that has been helping homeowners for over 10 years. We come with lots of experience and knowledge to share.

BC Home Partnership Program started today - Tips from your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The BC Liberal government's Home Partnership Program starts today. The program is intended to help First time home buyers with their 1st home purchase. With housing prices having climbed so much over the last year, this is supposed to be a measure to help alleviate some of this concern. For Buyers that have saved some money but not quite enough as prices have climbed, this loan will help bridge that gap.

The BC Home Partenership Program is a loan to assist First Time Home Buyers with their minimum 5% down payment. It is not designed to be their only source of downpayment. The loan will be interest free and payment free for 5 years and registered on title as a 2nd mortgage.

In order to qualify you must have been a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for the last 5 years.
- have lived in BC for a year
- Of course have never owned a home anywhere in the world
- qualify for a high ratio mortgage
- Home purchase $750,000 or less
- combined gross family income cannot exceed $150,000
- the home purchased must be the principal residence for 5 years

At any time during the 5 years you can repay this loan without a penalty. In the 6th year interst will then start to accrue and payments will be required to be made on the principal and interest amortized over 20 years.

To read more about how to qualify and how to apply visit the following link or speak with your mortgage broker:

The BC Home Partenership Program

Dine Out Vancouver 2017 - Tips from your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Sat, 14 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Dine Out Vancouver 2017 starts January 20th and runs until February 5th.

Dine Out Vancouver 2017 boasts 17 days of culinary excitement with delicious meals at fabulous restaurants for great prices!!!
The catch is that you must make your reservations sooner rather than later.

My husband and I are really big foodies, over the years we have made it out to quite a few of the restaurants that take part in Dine Out Vancouver 2017. Some of the restaurants we have been to, but not always during Dine Out Vancouver 2017. As you can see we obviously love Italian food...in fact that is probably our go to, especially when we don't know what or where we want to go. In such cases, we will often opt to head to one of our favourites. There are a few more restaurants that we love that do not participate in Dine Out Vancouver 2017 but we will leave those for another blog.

In all honesty not everyone in the list is a favourite or even one we would frequent again or at least not often. I will give them all a mini review for your reference and then let you decide. If you click on any of the restaurants, you will be taken to their website to decide for yourselves. Even if you don't like the Dine Out Vancouver 2017 menu options, most restaurants will still offer their regular menu. We have often went in during Dine Out Vancouver but decided we preferred something else on the restaurant's main menu. Either way you can't go wrong.

Italian
CinCin Ristorante & Bar - one of our favourite Italian restaurants, the service, the food, the ambiance...all Top Notch!
Cafe Il Nido - quaint little place tucked away with a nice courtyard patio in the summer, delicious food and great service
Poor Italian Restaurant - excellent place to take the family, our girls love this restaurant
Francesco's Ristorante Italia - one of our go to places over the years, food is always delicious
Federico's Supper Club - usually a stop during the Italian Cultural festival in the summer on Commercial Drive
Frankie's Italian Kitchen & Bar - not really one of our favourites, food was ok...more of a chain style restaurant, lacks the ambiance of a finer Italian restaurant
La Terrazza - visited them for the 1st time during Dine out last year and very nice restaurant, not our favourite but still good food
Lombardo's Restaurant - delicious pizza and another great stop during the Italian Cultural Festival
Mangia e Scappa - Fort Langley - they don't have a website, only real italian restaurant that we have in Langley, pizza is pretty good done in a stone oven

Steak and Seafood
Black + Blue - we have been for dinner and then my husband has been for functions. Wasn't the best experience in a large group, but we did enjoy our dinner the few times we had been before. Wagyu steaks and macaroni sticks are delicious!
The Boathouse Restaurant - been to a few locations, excellent place to take the family for a seafood dinner...we have been a few times...which is funny because my husband does not eat seafood...he usually finds something else on the menu.
Chop Steakhouse & Bar - Richmond restaurant near the airport right off the highway, been there a couple times and a decent restaurant. Nothing exceptional to boast about, but good nonetheless
The Keg Steakhouse & Bar - we have been to a few, usually because there was either nowhere else to go or because friends suggested it....always found Keg restaurants to be a little over-rated (again my opinion, would rather spend that kind of money in a fine Italian restaurant or non-chain style restaurant)

Asian cuisine
Hapa Izakaya any of their locations are good and it is one of my husband's go to places with his colleagues for lunch downtown. They offer great tapas style Japanese dishes as well as delicious entrees. Never had a bad meal there. Their "Kalbi" beef short ribs are delicious and usually one of our favourites and my husband loves their Ishi-Yaki stone bowl dishes.

Casual
Dunn's Famous Restaurant's known for their Montreal Smoked Meat sandwiches...although the best outside of Montreal we have found is "Estrella's" in Langley
Cactus Club Coal Harbour has some great views of the North Shore Mountains and Stanley Park, when we want something we know we head to Cactus Club..in Langley that is usually our go to place for a chain restaurant.
Moxie's Grill & Bar - they are part of Dine Out...but in all honesty we have not been to a Moxie's in years...Food is ok, usually a place we go for a quick bite before dropping our daughter off at the airport when she's heading back to school...but haven't even done that in a while.
The Old Spaghetti Factory - ok, so they are part of Dine Out Vancouver....used to be a favourite when we were kids...(kids do not have any taste...) it's a family style restaurant so maybe great if you don't want to take your kids to a nice restaurant. Every few years we give them a try...but only to be disappointed each time. They are supposed to be Italian...but I couldn't bring myself to include them in that category...just seemed wrong. Sorry Old Spaghetti Factory...but its true.
Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. - Delicious flat bread and they even offer pizza making parties. How fun is that! Love too that they support local by keeping their ingredients local and organic.
Romer's - My husband has been to a few of their locations (hazzard of working downtown Vancouver, he gets to visit a lot of amazing restaurants and I insist he take me every once in a while to some place new) Their burgers are delicious! I believe I had the Magic Mushroom burger...I mean how can you go wrong when you put Boursin cheese on it...yum!
Tap & Barrel any location...I have only been to the North Shore location. Lots of fun, vibrant atmosphere, great place to grab a bite wih friends

Mexican
Las Margaritas Restaurante y Cantina - Unfortunately, the last couple times the food was just ok. But whenever we are in Kits, I always insist on stopping by and picking up a tub of their delicious Salsa and large bag of tortilla chips to go!

Not only are there great deals at many of your favourite restaurants but many hotels are offering special pricing during this time too. I never realized they also have some great events during Dine Out Vancouver 2017 and wish I had time to check them out. Events like Brunch crawls, Craft beer and Taco Tours (not for us because we don't drink beer...but what a great idea with Craft beer being such a craze right now), Secret Soiree sounds like fun and so many more....definitely going to plan to check the events out for next year.

For more details on the participating restaurants, events and hotels visit the following link:

Dine Out Vancouver 2017

Your Exit Plan in Case of a Fire - Tips from your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Wed, 11 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

In almost every movie featuring a house on fire, the actors seem to be able to move around the house and see just fine, while beating back flames with a shirt or coat. Of course, that’s not what happens in real fires.

When there’s fire in a home, there is typically complete darkness (because the power goes out) and a cloud of spreading thick, black smoke makes it difficult to see and breathe.

That’s why knowing how to get out of your house — fast — is crucial.

Experts recommend rehearsing what to do in case there’s a fire. Make sure everyone in the family has an exit plan. Each should know exactly how to get out, including primary and secondary exits, and where the family will meet once safely outside.

Never attempt to take anything with you. It may seem like you have plenty of time to grab a coat or purse, but the characteristics of a fire can change in seconds.

As a failsafe, in case you can’t exit through a door, you should determine in advance which window has the safest exit. Make sure that the window opens easily and everyone knows how to remove the screen or any other obstruction.

Finally, don’t call the fire department from inside your house. Get out first, then make the call.

BC Government increases Home Owner Grant Threshold - Tips from your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Tue, 10 Jan 2017 23:18:00 GMT

The BC government announced today that they will increase once again the BC Home Owner Grant threshold from $1.2 million to $1.6 million. Which means if your home is valued less than $1.6 million then you may qualify for a $570.00 grant and must apply online to receive this grant.

Earlier today I had to take my car in for an oil change and one of the mechanics was asking about the market and had mentioned that his son just received his BC assessment and he no longer qualifies for the home owner grant as his home is now assessed at $1.4 million dollars. I shared the news and he was pleased to hear and will share with his son that he in fact does now qualify since the threshiold has been increased.

The $570.00 will help to reduce the total property tax amount owing and in order to qualify this must be your principal residence. To learn more about how you may qualify and how to apply for the BC Home Owner Grant visit the following link:

BC Home Owner Grant

If you forgot to apply for the grant last year, you can also find a retroactive form to fill out in the same link that allows you to apply some of it to this years property tax bill.

If you live in Northern BC or rural areas you may qualify for as much as $770.00, once you apply online whichever amount is showing is the amount your community allows.

Property taxes are due this year on July 4, 2017 and you must apply for the BC Home Owner Grant before July 2, 2017 in order to benefit from the total of $570.00 afterwards penalties may apply reducing the amount of the grant.

Will an Open House Help Sell your Home? - Tips from your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Mon, 09 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

You’ve probably seen signs around the area for Open Houses. You may have even attended a few. These are open invitations for potential buyers to drop by on a certain day and time, to check out the property and get more information.

When you’re listing your home for sale, you might wonder whether you’ll need to have an Open House.

To answer that question, you’ll need to consider the pros and cons. Planning and hosting an open house isn’t as easy as it may seem. There’s a lot of preparation involved. In addition, you’ll likely spend hours making your property look its best and you’ll need to be away from your home for a good part of that day.

That being said, an Open House has many advantages.

It helps showcase features of your property that may not come across well in advertisements and listing descriptions.
It attracts potential buyers who, for any number of reasons, might not otherwise call to view the home.
It generates a buzz and publicity about your listing.
However, an Open House might not be necessary if there is high demand for properties like yours and you’re likely to get multiple offers.

I blogged about the Bettina Reid Group Open Houses last year because I want people to know that we value their homes and want them to know that when you work with the Bettina Reid Group we are committed to protecting you and your home at all times. I felt it was worth adding to this topic and once again letting people know how we run our Open Houses. We typically will run an Open house with a minimum of 2 people. But if we do not we will only allow one group of Buyers through the home per Realtor at a time. Which means if there are 2 licensed agents there then 2 groups of buyers will be given a private tour of the home. If you show up and cannot get in, we ask that you be patient as we are showing the home and will give you your own private tour as soon as we are done. If you show up with your own realtor in tow, then we will be happy to allow your realtor to give you that tour so that we can walk other groups through at the same time.

We had a bit of flack from people when the market was at its busiest. People in general do not like to wait....and it was out of the norm. In general people are used to being able to walk through an Open House on their own freely while other people are milling about. We at the Bettina Reid Group have never done things in this manner, for 2 reasons - our own personal safety and the safety of our clients homes and their belongings. During the crazy market where we could have from 20-100 people or more walking through an Open House we felt it was even more imperative that we only allow a certain number of people through at one time. Overall this was well received, but more importantly our clients appreciated it!

It is our promise that we will continue to run our Open houses in this manner as long as we are practicing real estate. Our committment to you the public, that we have your best interests in mind!

How to Watch Out for Poisons in Your Home - Tips from your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Fri, 06 Jan 2017 23:21:00 GMT

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 90% of exposures to poisons occur inside the home. Almost all are preventable, if you follow some simple guidelines.

Look for the poison label on products you buy. Visually, it’s a skull and cross bones, often (but not always) with the word POISON above it.
Don’t make assumptions. Sometimes a seemingly innocuous product, like a shampoo, can contain poison or other ingredients which are harmful if swallowed.
Avoid mixing different cleaning products together. When chemicals are combined, they change. Combining some cleaning products can even create toxic fumes.
Keep all medication, even the non-prescription kind, out of reach of children. Never leave medicine on the bathroom counter.
Never use pesticides inside the home unless the product is clearly labeled for indoor use. Then, use only as directed.
Never use a charcoal grill or barbeque indoors, no matter how well ventilated you think you’ve made it. Doing so can easily cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
One final tip. Pay attention to the expiry date of products, especially cosmetics and cleaning liquids. As chemicals age, they change and can emit harmful fumes.

Paint Nite - Tips from your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Wed, 04 Jan 2017 23:23:00 GMT

I keep getting posts in my facebook feed from friends that live in other provinces regarding having fun at a Paint Nite event. These posts usually display their artwork that was created during these paint nite events. So I thought I would check out and share what all the fuss is about.

I was impressed to see that Paint Nite is actually quite the Global Community with Local artists offering this all over North America, South America, Africa and growing. The idea behind it is to spend 2 hours with friends and other locals creating "painting masterpieces" while socializing at a local bar or restaurant. I put the masterpieces in parentheses because you don't have to have an artistic bone in your body to take part and have a good time. The idea is to get out and socialize while doing something fun and different!

Dan Hermann and Sean McGrail are the founders of Paint Nite which started up in 2012. They were inspired by a party they had in a paint studio where alcohol was served. Their goal is everything local, by supporting local artists, bars and restaurants willing to host the Paint Nite events.

I first thought this was a new trend...I do think it is a fairly new trend. Seems to be very popular on the American east coast but there are quite a few venues here in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. I was quite surprised to see how many upcoming events were already sold out.

What a great idea to do with a group of friends! To find out more about Paint Nite events in your area visit their website in the following link: Paint Nite

Record-setting year for Fraser Valley real estate - Tips from your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Tue, 03 Jan 2017 23:27:00 GMT

SURREY, BC – Fraser Valley real estate experienced the strongest year in its history in 2016, with record-setting numbers seen in both total MLS® transactions and overall dollar volume sold.

The Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) processed 23,974 sales in 2016, 13.6 per cent more than the 21,095 sales in 2015, and 12.6 per cent more than the previous record of 21,282 sales in 2005. The total dollar volume of MLS® sales was a record setting $16.2 billion, four billion more than the previous record set in 2015.

Of the total transactions for the year, 5,369 were townhouses sold and 5,069 were apartments, the highest each category has reached in the Board’s history.

Charles Wiebe, President of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, attributes this year's extraordinary market activity to a strong provincial economy and the diverse inventory available to consumers entering the Valley. "Our region boasts a vast range of homes available at all price points, which made it a very enticing option for buyers of all types last year."

For inventory, a total of 34,768 new listings were received by the Board’s MLS® system during 2016, the second highest in the Board’s history and only 883 behind the 35,651 received in 2008.

In December the Board processed 966 sales, a decrease of 37.4 per cent compared to December of 2015, but level with the ten-year average for the month. December’s total inventory in the Fraser Valley was 3,930 active listings; 29.8 per cent fewer than were available in November 2016 and 8 per cent fewer than December 2015.

Wiebe adds, “The Fraser Valley market was consistently strong throughout 2016, and at times tremendously active. However, at year’s end, we see sales returning to more typical levels and low overall inventory.

“Moving into 2017 and the spring market, would-be sellers are in a great position to take advantage of strong pricing and, depending on the area, a limited selection for buyers. Talk to a REALTOR® who can help you kick-off the New Year with incredible opportunity.”

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $856,700, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Valley decreased 0.5 per cent compared to November 2016, and increased 27.4 per cent compared to December 2015.

• Townhomes: At $416,600, the Benchmark price for a townhouse in the Valley decreased 1.8 per cent compared to November 2016, and increased 29.5 per cent compared to December 2015.

• Apartments: At $259,000, the Benchmark price for an apartment in the Valley increased 0.2 per cent compared to November 2016, and increased 26.4 per cent compared to December 2015.

Full package:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201612.pdf

2017 BC Tax Assessments are in - Tips from your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Mon, 02 Jan 2017 23:30:00 GMT

It's that time of year again where everyone in British Columbia will be getting their BC Tax assessments in the mail over the next few days. If you still haven't received yours by the end of next week, you may want to contact the BC assessment office at 1-866-valueBC (1-866-825-8322). You can also check online now at BC assessment where you can find your own BC assessment as well as compare to your neighbours or other homes in the area.

This year's assessments across the province will be considerably higher than last years assessments after the market we went through in 2016. Here in the Fraser Valley owners are expected to see property assessment increases anywhere from ana average of 30% to as high as 50%. South Surrey/White Rock approximately 50% where areas East of Abbotsford on the lower end approximately 30%.

Already we have clients concerned about how high their assessments have increased especially if they purchased early in the year when the market was climbing. With inventory still at an all time low, it hasn't changed all that much in a year and a half. Owners need to remember BC Tax assessments are based on market value as of July 2016. Market values were and are still quite high.

An interesting fact - over 98% of property owners accept their property assessment without proceeding to a formal, independent review of their assessment.

Having trouble trying to figure out how to compare your home with others in your neighbourhood? Click the following link for a how to video: BC assessment e-valueBC - How to Use

For more information on your BC assessment and how to file a complaint visit the following link:

BC assessment

I wrote about this in January 2012 and shared some advice I had received from a colleague that used to work for BC assessment, if you are concerned about your tax assessment it might be worth a read:

BC tax assessments blog January 2012

Just remember if you are considering an appeal you must file your appeal by January 31st, 2017.

What Does a Property Surveyor Do? - Tips from your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Wed, 07 Dec 2016 05:15:00 GMT

Property Surveyors, sometimes referred to as land Surveyors, play a vital role in the real estate world. They are the professionals who determine or confirm the exact boundaries of a property.

Will you need to deal with a Property Surveyor when selling your home? You might.

Sometimes the mortgage lender will ask for a land survey, especially if your property is older and hasn’t changed hands in many years. You might also be asked for one by the buyer if there is any confusion about the size and boundaries of your property – or if significant changes have been made to it in recent years.

This is nothing to be concerned about.

A qualified Property Surveyor will do the appropriate inspection and measurements on your property and issue you the survey. (It looks a little like a blueprint.)

Property Surveyors are highly trained and licensed. In the United States, the profession is represented by the National Society of Professional Surveyors, with each state having its own governing body. In Canada, Professional Surveyors Canada (PSC) represents the profession nationally, and most provinces have their own professional associations.

Before getting a new land survey, make sure you don’t already have one. Hopefully, you’ve stored the paperwork that relates to the purchase of your home. Look through it. A valid land survey might be right there.

If you have questions about land surveys, call today.

Gandy heating and air conditioning - Tips from your local Langley Real Estate Specialists

Tue, 06 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

I have been meaning to post about this for over a month now and figure it was about time, especially with this cold snap we are experiencing this week....Very thankful for the service we received from all the staff at Gandy Installations....happy to have heat tonight!

The second week in October it was starting to get cold and I caved and decided to turn the furnace on. But when we did, we found the house was actually getting colder not warmer. Only the fan was blowing....After trying to source the issue ourselves to no avail, the following morning I called Gandy Installations and they were quick to get us a fact finding service call. The technician was very polite and found that the inducer assembly was shot which meant they needed to order the part and come back for another service call.

We were going away for a week, so we scheduled it for the Monday after we returned. But I tell ya, you don't realize what you take for granted until you are without. When we returned the Saturday before the service call, it was almost the end of October and temperatures were between 0-10 degrees...we walked into a very cold house. The only saving grace was our gas fireplace and cooking meals in the oven, otherwise it was pretty cold in our house. We were definitely snuggling underneath big warm duvets at night to keep warm.

Thanks Gandy for your prompt and courteous service from everyone we came into contact with. We would highly recommend Gandy Installations to anyone.

Local unique storage and organizers - Tips from your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Wed, 30 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

When we come across a good local business, we like to show our support....as we know how important referrals are to anyone's business. Quality work is worth mentioning. Above were cabinets installed in a family members laundry room by Adam Hill from Unique Storage and Organizers. Below are pictures of their master bedroom closet nicely organized after the new shelving and drawers were installed.

If you are in need of some storage and/or organizers give Adam a call at his office: 604-576-6496 or on his cell: 604-612-8158
Visit their website in the following link: Unique Storage and Organizers

Unique Storage and Organizers specialize in the custom design and installation of all types of storage organizers for closets, pantries, laundry rooms and garages.

See below for more photos from recent work they have done for family and Erinn Mate.

Before being filled with clothing.

Organized closet and drawers with sturdy shelves for more storage up top. Everyone wishes their closet was this neat and tidy! :)

Every closet should have one of these...shelving for all of our shoes.

Erinn was missing a pantry in her home and Adam built her a beautiful cabinet....money well spent as she LOVES her new pantry!

Knock, Knock. How to Avoid Door-to-Door Scams - Tips from your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Wed, 23 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

It’s early in the evening and there’s a knock on the door. You answer and are greeted by an official-looking man who claims he needs to see your utility bill to confirm you’re getting your energy rebate.

Do you let him in?

While he may be legitimate, he may also be using deception to sell you something you don’t want. Here are some suggestions for finding out:

Ask for a business card. Then, check if it has an address, phone number and website. If the salesperson refuses or just shows you his ID card (which anyone can fake), that’s a red flag.
Ask for the name of his employer. Sometimes salespeople will say they “represent the phone company”. That doesn’t mean they actually work for it.
Ask if you can call his company to confirm details before buying. If he refuses, or says the office is closed, shut the door.
Ask if you can consider the offer and call the office the next day to place your order.
If you’re really suspicious, ask him to come back later. Then, call the non-emergency police number. Police are aware of common scams in the area.
Most importantly, use your common sense. Door-to-door salespeople can be pretty persuasive, but if something doesn’t seem right to you, trust your gut. Say, “No thanks.”
Of course, if everything checks out with the salesperson, and the offer is a good one, consider taking advantage of it.

Are You Ready to Buy Up? - Tips from your local Cloverdale Real Estate Specialists

Tue, 22 Nov 2016 05:27:00 GMT

No matter how much you love your current property, you may be dreaming of the day you can buy up into a better home in a better neighbourhood.

Is that day today, or, is it a few years down the road? Here’s a quick way to make that assessment.

First, make a list of all the practical reasons why it might be time to move up. Those reasons might include features such as: more bedrooms, proximity to work and school, a larger backyard with trees, nearby parks and walking paths and better access to things you enjoy like theatre.

Next, make a list of the emotional reasons for making such a move. Those reasons might include memorable get-togethers with friends on a more spacious deck, an easier and less stressful commute to work, more family time with the kids and enjoyable Saturday golf at a nearby course.

Finally, take a financial snapshot to determine if you can afford to move up. You’ll need to get a good idea of what your current property will sell for in today’s market, average price of homes in your desired neighbourhood, and how much mortgage you’ll need.

Once you have all that down on paper, you’ll have a clear picture of your readiness. If the practical and emotional reasons for buying up are compelling, and you can afford to make the move, then you have your answer.

The time is now!

By the way, if you need help in making this determination – especially figuring out what your home will likely sell for, call today.