Getting to Higher Ground Financially

After years of saving and investing in money-market accounts, you may have noticed that your balance is just not growing like you wish it would. Experts advise that you look at investing in stocks and bonds. Recent years have offered enticing performance, up to five times what you earn on savings,
but not guaranteed.

So, how do you take the plunge, when your every dollar is important, and you cannot afford to risk what you have to grow?

One answer might be a stock mutual fund. It’s a form of saving in which your money will be pooled with others, and a professional manager will purchase a diversified portfolio of stocks. Each investor owns a share of the whole fund, so you get diversification you couldn’t buy with your own small investment capital.

Because the fund is managed by a professional, you should benefit from constant attention. Trading of stocks in the account is done so as to minimize the impact of commissions and other trading costs

Container Gardens

Not a lot of space for a garden, but looking for some of the fun of planting and enjoying the beauty of a garden? Try something on a small scale by using a container to plant your bright blooms.

Anyone can grow plants in a container, as it is simple to design and plant, and a snap to maintain. Even apartment dwellers can have pots on a balcony or deck to brighten up the view. Containers have the distinct advantage of being moveable to change the look outside your home. They can also be a handy solution for a yard with poor drainage and soil.

The key to successful container gardening is to use a rich soil with manure and peat added, or use a bag of ready made peat-based growing mixture. Make sure there is plenty of good drainage in any container you use, so the plants don’t become water logged after a plentiful rain or watering.






Try using a 16 inch terra-cotta pot and add larger plants for an immediate flower show. Start in the center by setting the plants that work well together in shade or sun. Don’t forget some vinca vines, or ferns to hang over the edge to add some green. Some good choices for container gardens are the ever popular geraniums and impatients. Add some variety by including some dusty miller, salvia, and verbena. Or start with a geranium and add some ivy geranium and several Dahlberg daisies.

A combination of color can make the planter really fabulous, such as several shades of pink with some purple, or plants that carry out a theme of blue and white.

Use your imagination when selecting pots, making sure all have adequate drainage. Different size pots and crocks or strawberry planters and wooden planters can all be used together. Vary the height for interest.

One more tip, don’t forget to water frequently and pinch back the spent flower. Starting a planter garden is a sure fire way to add some color to your life! Have fun with it.

Sensational Grilled Chicken Salad

Sensational Grilled
Chicken Salad
Marinade
1//4 cup oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 garlic cloves minced
Salad
2 whole chicken breasts, skinned, boned, halved.
4 cups shredded lettuce
1 small tomato, seeded, chopped
1 avocado, peeled, sliced, pitted ripe olives,
Lime wedges

In medium non-metal bowl, combine all marinade ingredients; blend well. Add chicken; turn to coat. Cover; refrigerate 1-2 hours, turning occasionally. Heat grill. When ready to barbecue, place chicken on gas grill over medium heat or on charcoal grill 4-6 inches from medium-high coals. Cook 15-20 minutes or until chicken is fork tender and juices run clear, turning once and brushing occasionally with marinade.

To serve, cut chicken into strips. Place 1 cup lettuce on each of 4 plates. Top each with chicken, tomato, avocado and olives. Just before serving, lightly squeeze fresh lime juice over each salad. 4 servings.

8 Ways to Stretch the Almighty Dollar

1) Cut your car insurance by increasing your deductible.

2) Check into dropping your mortgage insurance if your balance is low enough.

3) If you’re salaried, take your next raise and direct it to an RRSP or other retirement plan.

4) Save for college by having kids earn on their savings,or open a Trust Fund account in their name at your local bank.

5) Spend twenty minutes per week staying up on your financial options.

6) Invest some of your cash in stocks, bonds, or stock mutual funds.

7) If you don’t need it, don’t buy it. If you can’t pay for it, then don’t buy it, and if you don’t understand it, don’t buy it.

8) Analyze your health care plan. You may be driving a Cadillac when a Chevrolet will do.

House Rules: Words to Live By

· If you lay it down, put it away.
· If you eat out of it, wash it.
· If you empty it, fill it up.
· If you lose it, find it yourself.
· If you break it, replace it.
· If you borrow it, put it back where it belongs.
· If it howls or meows, feed it or let it out.
· If you make a mess, clean it up.
· If you turn it on, turn it off.
· If you ask for it, eat it.

· If you open it, close it.
· If it rings, answer it.
· If you wear it, hang it up.
· If you move it, return it.

How Much to Spend to Increase Curb Appeal

When investing in landscaping, try to get the most bang for the least amount of buck. You never want to spend a huge amount of money on a property if you’re planning on selling in the near future.

The idea is to do whatever is necessary to make the yard look clean and efficient. Buyers want a home that is easy to maintain. Prune the shrubs, keep the grass nicely mowed and green, and possibly add colorful flowers near the entry ways.

Make sure that your yard is not extravagant when compared to the other homes in the neighborhood. A buyer will tend to pay only as much as the other homes in the neighborhood are selling for. Therefore, if you overspend, it is unlikely that you will be able to recover your expenses.

Creative Vegetable Gardens

If you wish to have a garden, but don’t feel you have the room, look again. A sloped hill which is hard to mow works great when planted in the wide row method. This strategy means to plant in three foot wide rows of the same or mixed plants.

Consider making a strip garden in the middle of the lawn. A small area around the drive way or deck could be used to plant.

Containers provide an excellent way to grow vegetables. Make sure these plants get frequent waterings.

Think about growing climbing vegetables in a long rectangular box and using the deck railing as a pole support.

Use one of these great methods and you can have a great vegetable garden in no time!

Cateror`s Secrets to a Great Get Together

Do you love the thought of having friends and family over, but cringe at the thought of what to serve? Consider these great tips from the party masters. They’ll make your next get together an even bigger hit with the critics and you!

First of all, think light. More than ever, people are watching their weight and the amount of fat they consume. Use no-fat salsa instead of dips. Use turkey breast, instead of steak. Or for the grill, offer chicken for those watching their weight, and fix barbecued ribs for those who prefer beef, or pork.

Another great tip is to use filo. Butter and stack filo pastry sheets to make exciting wrappers and shells for baked appetizers and foods. The most important rule for any get together is to have plenty of appetizers.

One of my favorite appetizers is stuffed potatoes. Little stuffed potatoes with sour cream and vegetable toppings are a big hit. Another great appetizer, that always goes over well, is Rumaki (bacon wrapped water chestnuts).

One final word of advice, by planning your party you reduce stress and make it fun for you too. That’s the idea!

Selecting a Mutual Fund

Start by selecting a fund that feels right. Money magazine and other financial publications offer dozens of funds, analyzed by performance. You can call the fund directly using their toll free number, or you may wish to talk with a stock broker to get her input.

Funds are available with ‘load’ or ‘no load’ options. The ‘load’ funds have a commission of say 5% paid out of your initial deposit. The alternative is to choose ‘no load’ funds. These funds have to pay the brokers, and it is reflected in overall performance. However, most studies comparing the two find little difference in overall performance.

Different funds have different objectives. Some seek growth with a higher degree of risk and little current income. Others will seek dividend income now, but with less risk. Which is best for you? It depends on your overall objective. Do be sure to look at a minimum of five years past performance though. You are interested in long term.

How to Start a Babysitting Co-op

First, gather a list of interested parents. Invite them to an organizational meeting and discuss the following: the size of the group, membership requirements, election of officers, how often you will meet, dues needed to pay for supplies, guidelines for handling emergencies, sick children and late pick ups.

Next, you will need to establish an exchange system. Consider a ticket system. Authorize an established number of tickets per child, per hour. Determine the number of tickets the average person will need per month and distribute.

It would also be a good idea to appoint a secretary that can establish a system for personal record-keeping for each child. Include allergies, doctor’s name and number, emergency information, etc. Once, the baby-sitting co-op is in place, kick back and enjoy a night out in comfort. You deserve it.

Where do Remodelling Dollars Pay Off the Most

It’s a proven fact that certain home improvement projects pay off when it comes time to sell, while others do not. If you’re looking into doing some remodeling to improve your home’s appeal now, don’t forget to take into account which projects will make a difference if you sell in the future.

Kitchen and bath improvements are high on the list of what buyers are willing to pay more for. Also, additions such as sunrooms are very popular. Try not to do anything that would be considered extreme or outrageous. Homes with very unique tastes are usually hard to find the right buyer for later.

Repainting in more neutral colors almost always pays off, and adding on a new deck is a good investment as long as the costs are not too unreasonable.

If a remodeling project is done by a professional, it is worth more in the long run. Ask your neighbors for recommendations of contractors that they’ve used, or give me a call for my list of people.

A good rule of thumb is to confine your total remodeling expenses to 10% of the homes estimated value. If you stay within this figure and plan wisely, you’ll most likely recoup most of your investment.

Raised Bed Gardening

Do you long for some color around your house, but need a garden without a lot of maintenance? Consider creating a raised - bed garden against the house or near a property line. You will add three seasons of color and some low maintenance landscaping.

You can start small by spreading 12 inches of dirt, holding it in place with rocks. Start by planting from low to high so the bed rises in tiers and every plant shows well. Annuals can be mixed with perennials to keep the bed in flowers. Set the plants fairly close together at the start so the bed fills in fast.

You may need to divide the plants as they grow, but you will have a lot less weeding. You can also reduce weeds by spreading mulch on the new bed. Now just water, fertilize, and pick off the dead flowers and you will have a garden looking its best in no time!

BBQ`d Ribs - A Backyard Favorite

Barbecued Ribs have long been a back yard favorite. Choose one of the ways listed here for succulent hickory smoked ribs your whole family will love.

Start by allowing 1 pound loin back pork ribs or 3/4 pound country style loin ribs per person. Cut into serving pieces; remove any excess fat. Place in large skillet or Dutch oven; pour 1 (3 1/2 oz.) bottle liquid smoke and 2 cups cold water over ribs. Cover and steam over moderate heat 20 - 25 minutes. Drain.

To Grill:
Grill drained ribs 3 inches from moderate coals 20 minutes, turning once. Brush with barbecue sauce (below); continue grilling until ribs are done, 20 - 30 minutes, basting often with sauce.

To Cook on Rotisserie:
Lace or weave drained ribs onto rotisserie rod, balancing ribs for even cooking and turning; secure ends with holding forks. Arrange medium hot coals at back of firebox; place drip pan under ribs. Cook ribs until done, about 1 hour, basting frequently with barbecue sauce.

To Bake
Arrange drained ribs in a single layer in a shallow baking pan. Spread with barbecue sauce. Bake, covered, in a 325F oven until tender, about 1 hour.




Down Home
Barbecue Sauce

1 cup catsup
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/3 cup packed brown sugar

Combine all ingredients in saucepan.
Simmer 15 minutes.

Goal Setting for Every Type of Family

· Establish an emergency fund of cash that is equal to 3-6 months of pay.

· Start saving for college. Any little bit helps. At 7% interest, money doubles every ten years. So by starting when kids are young, you can make one dollar at their birth worth $2 at age 7, $4 at age 14, and $8 at age 21.

· Buy term life insurance for at least twice your mortgage amount. More is better, especially if you have more than one child. A $200,000 policy for a 35 year old male costs about $200 a year. Your objective is to be sure that the mortgage would be paid, that living expenses would be available for a period of transition, and there would be a downpayment made on the children’s education. Some planners suggest much more insurance, knowing that in a one income family the other parent would need time to train, seek a job, etc.

· As your children get to age 14 and beyond, you may wish to encourage after - school employment. Not just for the character building potential, but because they can earn thousands of dollars without paying federal income tax. (see your accountant)

Single / Single Parent
· Set aside three months take home pay for your emergency fund. If you are a single parent you’ll want to strive for six months on hand.

· As you accumulate savings, look for mutual funds or other alternatives to provide a higher return than money market accounts, with measured risk. If you are a single parent, decide when to start saving for college. As little as fifty dollars per month in a savings account can make a big difference. Ask your banker.

· Protect your credit rating. Perfect credit will be helpful in moving, refinancing, or even obtaining a credit line or home improvement loan, when needed. If you have recently divorced you will want to open accounts in your own name with credit cards, department stores, and credit unions.

· Check your homeowner’s insurance to be sure you have sufficient coverage to replace your belongings. “Replacement cost” coverage is preferred.

· Collect child support if you’re entitled to it. For information on your right to child support contact BC Child Support Info Line at 1-888-216-2211 or go to wwwhsd.gov.bc.ca.



Two Income Families
Buy a home or a second home, if appropriate. The wealth created though long term ownership of real estate is unmatched. The tax deductible nature of your real estate payments make for another bonus.

Use and maximize your RRSP’s, or other retirement options. As much as retirement seems far off in the future, it is coming. Anything you can do now can make a big difference in 20 to 30 years.

Empty Nesters
Maximize your savings for retirement

Consider reducing your life insurance if your mortgage is paid off.

Triple check your long-term health care insurance options while you’re still healthy.

Check your Canadian Pension Plan and/or Old Age Security benefits by filling out the proper forms. Call 1-800-277-9914 to get the form.

Fire Safety in the Home

If you haven’t taken the time to discuss fire safety with your family, then you really should. Here are some of the rules of fire safety your family needs to know.

1) Install smoke detectors on each level of your home and outside of each sleeping area.
2) Test batteries in smoke detectors and change them every six months. If you change them when you change the time on your clocks it will make it easier for you to remember.

3) Have an escape plan and practice it. This is the most important thing for all ages. In an emergency you will instinctively do what you know, and you will know what you have been practicing.
4) If you encounter smoke, try an alternate route and crawl on your hands and knees. You should always have 2 ways out of every room.
5) Don’t open a door if it feels hot. If it feels cool, brace your shoulder against it and open it slowly. If you see smoke, close the door and escape through a window or alternate route.
6) If your clothes catch on fire, STOP, DROP, and ROLL.
7) Once you’re out, stay out!

The Scent of Your Home is Important to Buyers

How a home smells when a potential buyer comes to see it for the first time, can make or break the sale. Imagine for yourself the difference between the scent of fresh cut flowers and the smell of a cat’s litter box.

My experience with showing various homes over the years suggests that foul smelling odors do turn off a buyer from purchasing an otherwise perfect home. Even homes that are very attractive, with great curb appeal, can be overlooked by buyers if they fail the sniff test!

It is important when preparing for a showing of your home to do everything you can to eliminate unpleasant odors. Common odors to look out for are cigarette or cigar smoke, strong smelling foods, mothballs, pet odors, and the smell of trash left in receptacles.

Take whatever action is necessary to remove all of the above mentioned odors, and replace them with pleasant scents. Some fresh cut flowers placed strategically throughout the house, or mild potpourri could be used. One more tip, consider baking cookies or something with a cinnamon fragrance before an open house or showing. Everyone loves the scent of Mom’s home cooking!

Carefree Perennial Gardens

Designing a perennial garden to accent your home and bring a bloom of color to the garden is well worth the investment of time and money. A well designed perennial garden can eventually be almost maintenance-free after it is established. What a wonderful reward to have those shoots of green peeking out of the ground after a long cold winter.

Choose perennials that will guarantee a season-long show of color by laying out a design on paper before planting. Consider the size of the garden, taking into account factors such as lawn size, shrubbery, the formal or informal look, and where the garden will be viewed.

You might want to consider a bed which stands alone in a large open area. Most people prefer to plant a border along a house, fence or walkway. The border will soften the lines between building and lawn and lend a dash of color and interest as well.





Choosing which plants to buy can be an overwhelming task if you arrive at the nursery unprepared. The primary requirements of the plants must match the soil, light and climate conditions of your garden. Ask for assistance if you are unfamiliar with the best plants for your area.

If you are a beginner you may want to start with the “cottage garden” look, which is essentially for people who don’t want something highly organized. Plants are added to suit the taste of the gardener.

The most important thing is to choose the plants that you love without regard to right and wrong. The effect will be a kaleidescope of color as the true cottage garden has a casual but charming appearance.

The nice thing is if you plant something and want to change it, you can even move perrenials to a new location the next year. So just get started and begin seeing the rewards in a blooming way!

The 3 Most Important Factors on Your Vacation

It’s not just a real estate truth. The three most important factors are location, location, location. It’s true on your vacation.

When in Orlando, see Disney World, but what about the rest of the state? Naples and Sanibel are as close to the tropics as you can get, all within a few hours drive. The question is, will it cost $300 a night or more for the family to stay in a safe, comfortable, and ‘spacious lodging?’ Not if you go exploring.

One family found that by planning ahead and reviewing a few travel magazines they could come upon a private hideaway for less than $700 per week. When the owner asked them how long they were staying, they said that depended on the price.

He asked them how much they had to spend, and when they answered about $500, the owner agreed to let them stay for a week for just $500.

Granted it took a few phone calls and some detective work, but they were prepared to go without, do without, or do different. As a result they discovered a special place that most of us would miss.
They did their research in the local papers in the destination they wanted to visit, and they started early. If you’re a family that only has a few days and very little flexibility, then

starting early is the best bet, up to one year in advance.

If your time is short, and the trip all of a sudden appears as a possibility, try the ‘accidental tourist’ approach. The movie by the same name made the point that you should pack a big bag with everything you need, and then a small bag for essential items, then leave the big bag behind. Why? Because they have toothbrushes where you’re going, and underwear, and most everything else you’d bring in the big bag.

By keeping your options open, you give yourself the chance to take advantage of little known hideaways and special opportunities like my lucky friends.

Another idea to make your next vacation fun is to identify two or three locations, some loose parameters, and to do the most investigating you can. Then ‘roll the dice.’ Wherever you are, you ultimately are responsible for making your own fun, right?

One experienced traveler said that by planning trips up to a year in advance, the whole family could plan, anticipate, and become enthusiastic about the trip. Afterward, by sharing pictures, diaries, and favorite experiences; they were able to re-live the trip without leaving home.

Consider these ideas to help you plan a great trip, and don’t forget the video camera. Someday these memories will be priceless.

Protect Your Cash

Here are some more great ways to control your finances and keep your cash:

Join a buying club that offers deep discounts. Buy what you need, and have it on hand, saving late night trips to the expensive quick stop shops. How did they ever get by on those wagon trains to California, without a convenience store?

Remember that the Revenue Canada allows you to take a deduction for donations of clothing, furniture, and miscellaneous items. Whatever they would be worth at a thrift shop is a guide. Simply obtain a receipt, and report it on your taxes. You’ll empty the house of cast off items, get more room in your closet, and help someone less fortunate, while lowering your taxes!

Being fit may require joining a health club, but if you joined and don’t go, it’s time to decide, go or quit. As a half step, some clubs offer off peak or alternate day plans that can help cut the fat out of your budget.

Great Quotations to Share With Your Children

· Never look down at anyone unless you are helping them up.
· Be kind to unkind people, they need it most.
· Learn to listen - opportunity could be knocking at your door very softly.
· Joyful thoughts create a joyful world.
· As long as you live, keep learning to live.
· Be ‘for things,’ not against things.
· No one fails who does his best.
· Believe in your dreams.
· Always look for the good in people.
· Do what is right rather than what is popular.
· Rejoice in others’ successes, knowing there is plenty for us all.

How Useful Are Open HousesÉ

Across the country, every Sunday afternoon, open houses are being held. The question is why? Statistics show that less than 3% of buyers who bought property in the last three years bought the property because they saw it at an open house.

Then why are so many open houses still being held? One reason is that sellers still think that agents should hold an open house. Most sellers see open houses as a way to find a buyer for their home. The truth is, open houses do find buyers, but most of the time not for the homeowner that is holding the open house. Buyers meet an agent, and over time, the better agents match the buyers particular needs to exactly the right home.




When a buyer comes through an open house, he may have simply dropped in to take a look without knowing anything about the homes price range or features. Most of the time the house does not fulfill the particular needs of the buyer.

It would be like going to a car dealer and deciding to buy the first car you see, without knowing it’s price, features, or financing options. What’s the chance that you would qualify or that the car would suit your needs? About the same chance that your home would perfectly suit a “drop-in” buyer.

So what’s the other reason open houses are still being held? Open houses are great ways for newer agents to get their feet wet. By holding an open house they meet buyers who might be interested in another property on the market. So don’t be surprised if a more experienced agent refuses to hold an open house on your property. Seasoned agents know what types of advertising and marketing work best, and won’t use your home as an avenue for finding buyers for other agent’s listings.

Garden Beauties

Have you been wondering what’s new? Or, what plants are tried and true? There are many recommendations advised by the experts. Here’s just a few that came in on the top of their list.

Two new roses come in ahead of the rest: ‘Carefree Delight,’ a relaxed 5-foot shrub rose, that covers itself with dainty 1-inch single pink flowers. Also, ‘Liven Easy,’ a four foot tall floribunda, blooms in clusters of two to five salmon-pink flowers, each up to 4 inches across.

Both roses flower steadily from late spring through fall and grow well without any spraying to control leaf diseases.

Also recommended is the ‘Oakleaf Hydrangea,’ a two season shrub. It’s one of the few deciduous shrubs that flower well in the shade. If you’d like more great flower and plant picks, talk to your garden center.

8 Ways to Make an Ordinary Day Special

It’s the little things you do that sometimes make the biggest impression. It’s the special touch that you add that makes the ordinary extraordinary!

Here are a few ideas:

1) Celebrate half birthdays with half a birthday cake.
2) Celebrate your pet’s birthday.
3) Make a tape of a cheering crowd, play it back to a family member that’s done something terrific.
4) Serve sparkling apple juice in wineglasses to toast a family member’s accomplishments.
5) Start a party idea file - refer to it when entertaining.
6) Visit a local farm in the summer and pick your own fruit.
7) Surprise your child by dropping chores for the day and doing something spontaneous together.
8) Plan a ‘this is your life’ celebration for a loved one’s birthday.

Financial Checkup

Look at Money Magazine or other financial publications to get their list of low cost credit cards. Some lower fee and lower interest rate alternatives are available. They’ll help you cut your costs of credit until you can pay off those cards. Some cards carry interest rates in excess of 21%, and require a minimum payment so low that it could take more than 10 years to repay the balance in full. Begin to double your monthly payments on the credit cards with the highest balances.

Open an RRSP or other retirement account to allow you to build your retirement nest egg. If you already have an account, analyze your investments to be sure you’re in the right place for your risk preference, and your goals. An annual checkup is in order.

If only someone had given us a thousand dollars at birth, and we had kept it invested at 12% (high) for 65 years (long time), we could retire a millionaire. It’s true, and it’s not too late. Pick some of these ideas and take action now!

Sell Your Home or Become a Landlord

Renting your home out may seem like a great alternative to selling at a lower price than expected, but make sure you consider the financial implications.

If the main idea in renting the house is to move now and sell later, be sure to factor in the costs which may occur when reconditioning the rental home for sale as a residence. Chances are the aggravation of converting your home to a rental will exceed any contribution to costs or profits.

Most importantly, keep in mind that being a landlord can be difficult. Tenants will demand that repairs and home maintenance be kept up with in a timely manner. Expenses can be quite substantial, so be prepared with funds to cover them. Feel free to ask me for more information on sales or rental, anytime!

Some Guidlines for Selecting a Builder

So you’ve decided that a new home is for you. Make sure you follow some guidelines to make sure you’re happy with the home building process.

Select a reliable builder with a strong reputation in the area that you desire to live in. Try talking to people in the neighborhood about their home building experience. Were they happy with how the process went? Do they feel good about the end result? When you’ve narrowed down which builder you think you’d like to work with, then begin working out the details.

Think through in great detail, exactly what features you would like in your new home. You will prepare a detailed agreement before building, usually referred to as “plans and specifications.” It is easy to have misunderstandings if you are not very specific in this agreement.

Make sure if interest rates are low when the building process begins, that you “lock in” an interest rate. Do not allow any arrangement where the lender may increase the interest rate later if they go up before your home is finished. Also, make sure there is a definite completion date stipulated in your contract.


If there are any improvements or street repairs to be made in the neighborhood, find out in advance whether you or the builder will be responsible.

Keep an eye on how your new home is progressing during the building process. If things don’t seem to be going according to schedule, don’t be afraid to inquire with the builder. If changes are called for that deviate from the original agreement, get a written change order agreement drawn up. This will ensure no surprises at the closing.

If all of this seems like a lot for you to keep track of, call on me first, for help. I can help make sure you are being represented and protected properly. An investment this large deserves special attention to detail.

Flowers that Last

A flower that lasts for two to four weeks, even inside in the winter, has got to be popular. The amaryllis, a bulb that produces large, attractive, trump like flowers, is deserving of its reputation for being the easiest to grow of all the bulbs that bloom indoors.

If you visit Holland during the Christmas holidays, you’ll find the amaryllis standing in for the poinsettia as the Christmas flower. The indoor color and ease of growing make it a favorite.

It’s possible to have flowers last two to four weeks, and some growers have even planted multiple bulbs in order to enjoy consecutive flowers. The plants will produce three to five blooms on two stalks, one to two feet tall. The second stalk shoots up just as the first stalk’s flowers fade.

Unusual varieties are available, including miniatures like Scarlet Baby, with small flowers. Miniatures are especially suited for small sitting areas or anywhere space is limited.






Visit your local garden center and you’ll find amaryllis pre-potted or in planting kits. If you choose to purchase the bare-root bulb, follow these instructions: Before planting, place bulb and dangling roots in lukewarm water for several hours. Then place in a pot at least an inch wider than the bulb, leaving room for watering. Allow about a third to half of the top of the bulb to show.

Water sparingly until part of the stem and bud have developed. Water more liberally through the blooming stage, keeping the soil moist.

Amaryllis like a bright, warm room, about 70 degrees. Direct sunlight and a warmer room speed flowering. A cooler room will prolong the blooms.

If you enjoy flowers, keep the bulb growing outdoors, in the shade. Follow instructions for moving back indoors, and with luck, you’ll have blooms again in 4-12 weeks.

Tips to Share with Your Kids to Keep Them Safe

Many parents think their kids have learned safety rules in the classroom at school. In most cases this is true, but just to make sure they know what to do, take a few minutes to go over these safety tips.

1) Settle disputes with words, not fists or weapons.
2) Turn off the violence (on TV, in movies, etc.)
3) Do not stand around watching when others are arguing; a group makes a good target for violence.
4) Trust your feelings; if you sense danger, get away fast.
5) Stay well out of reach if approached by someone you don’t know.
6) Never go anywhere with someone you don’t know and trust.
7) Have a family “password” for emergency situations.
8) If someone tries to abuse you, say “NO!,” get away, and tell a trusted adult.
9) Run, Yell, and Tell.

Controling Your Finances with a Plan

For most of us the first step to a bright future is to get control of our finances, and to use a plan to achieve our key objectives. As we get busier, and more transactions are electronic, by mail, by phone, or by ATM, we can lose track of where we are on the financial road map.

This list of suggested activities can help you get back in the seat on the way to your financial destination.

Like a diet requires you keep track of what you eat, in order to cut the fat, you must also track your spending for a month to see where it all goes. This will highlight areas to be targeted for savings.

Create a plan to save 10% off the top of your earnings. “Pay yourself first,” and “part of all I earn is mine to keep,” are key phrases to remind you that you’re entitled to save now for your future.

Put together all your insurance statements and policies and offer them to one or two reputable agents in order to either update coverage, or reduce your costs. Many of us carry too much insurance, in some areas, while we’re dangerously underinsured in others.

Driving a car that is getting older and less valuable, without adjusting your coverage could be an expensive mistake.

Nothing Succeeds Like Success

Whether you’re in business, a student, or employed by a business, you need to know what it takes to
be a success. Once you have “arrived” you’ll get kudos from others, get a feeling of pride and
enthusiasm, and you will likely enjoy financial rewards, too.

What does it take to be a success? Thinking of Superman, Truth, Justice, and the American Way
come to mind. Or, ask a Boy Scout and you’ll likely hear a quote from the oath “Be honest,
brave, trustworthy, etc.” If you were asked by a youth, a friend, or a neighbor to give advice on
how to really become a success, what would be your advice?

Top minds have offered suggestions that include what to wear, how to speak, how to overcome
failure and shortcomings, and how to survive in a workplace, public environment, or in a family.

Here are some tips from a father upon dropping his son at college. Here is information we should
all have as a part of our operating manual and life instructions.

1. Be patient with everyone, especially those older than you. When driving, talking, or making
decisions, your elders deserve an extra minute or two. Avoid showing disrespect to your
parents, other people’s parents, and anyone’s grandparents.

2. Know your own shortcomings. Before criticizing anyone’s memory, handwriting,punctuality, or sense of humor, be sure yours are nearly perfect. It’s easy to point our otherpeople’s foibles, but tougher to cure our own. The time you spend improving yourself willreduce the time you’ll spend listening to criticism about you.

3. Never burn the bridges of a relationship or friendship. A disagreement about a few dollars loaned, a birthday forgotten, or a partyinvitation that was lost in the mail should not cause a permanent rift. Forgive now, because you’ll probably forget about it later, anyway. Unhappy families are sometimes more concerned with who was “in the right” than in getting along.

4. Know that you are not a bank. Loaning substantial amounts of money to a friend can result in an unpaid loan, and a lost friend, too.A wise man once suggested that you might loan a friend a small amount that you would be willing to forgive. Otherwise, be prepared to forgive the repayment of a larger amount. Keep your friend, and let them ask someone else for a loan. If you lose your friend because you won’t loan them money, then how good a friend can they be?

5. Be willing to do the things that most important people are not willing to do. Many a business owner in a fine suit has been seen picking up candy wrappers or soda cans in the parking lot of their office or shop. Why? Because no one else did.

6. Be personal and real, even if you don’t have to. Remembering names, birthdays, and taking time to care about people are keys to great men and women. Dale Carnegie said “The sweetest sound in any language is a person’s own name.”

7. Be accepting of other people’s success. Get used to the fact that many people will get promoted, awarded, or complimented. Some of these people may not be as deserving as you are. Support their success, and they’ll be more likely to support yours. Be careful how you handle the people you meet on the way up the ladder, because you’ll meet them again on the way down.

8. Be benevolent. If you have a chance to be nice, do it. If you can be generous, do it. If you have to be tough, give the other person’s
pride a way out. Winners will notice your grace, and everyone will admire your style.



9. Dress for success and to impress. Whatever your customers or co-workers expect, give them that, and a pinch more. Pay attention to your haircut, your shoes and shoeshine, and keep your glasses sparkling clean. Carry a fine quality briefcase, purse, or portfolio and you’ll be glad you did. Your pride and posture will be enhanced by attention to these details. Charles Revson, founder of REVLON cosmetics was known to have dozens of suits in his closet. All navy blue. Why? Because he looked his best in navy.

10. Do as much business by phone or email as you can, and save your meeting time for important issues, or emergencies. Wasting time over coffee, needless meals, or distracted meetings will cut your productivity and your fun factor. Ask if there is a way you can handle an item or decision over the phone or by mail. If you do meet, bring a pen, pad, and your calendar to any meeting so you’re ready to write, schedule, and move on.

11. The more success you have, the more decisions you’ll make. In the process, you’ll make some bad decisions. Accept responsibility for your mistakes, bad decisions, and failures. Boldly admitting your mistakes is the easiest way to be respected. Accept praise, when due. Be appreciative of the recognition. “Thank you” is a good way to acknowledge compliments or praise.

12. When the going gets tough, don’t get going. Stay put. Your resume of work or school experience will be a predictor of future performance. If you jump around at the first obstacle or delay, you will appear to be unstable. Stick it out as long as you can, and give yourself a chance to succeed. Michael Dell made $18,000 selling newspaper subscriptions while a high school senior. If he had failed at that, perhaps there would not be a Dell Computer.

13. Expect to work hard for everything you get. Television and our over-communicated society make it impossible to understand the effort required to earn a living, maintain good credit, and to save or invest for the future. Your impatience with the present has been created by advertising and marketing geniuses. Learn to put in long hours and to get very few easy wins along the way. When you’re given a bonus, a gift, or a promotion you earned, celebrate it! Tiger Woods may be the best golfer in history. However, he’s been playing golf well for over twenty years already. He had talent to start, but discipline, focus and an amazing work ethic are keys for him, and for you.

14. Breathe. Take big breaths when you find yourself stressed, tired, or dealing with a headache. Or take a walk. Whatever is bothering
you will pass. Remember, there are billions of people in the world who don’t even know you exist! Lighten up!

15. Have fun! Success is a journey, not an event! Hopefully your journey won’t be uphill both ways. Keep smiling as you build your career, your family, your hobby, whatever you do!

Top Fixes Recomended By Home Inspectors

Buyers today are more educated and demanding than they were in the past. It should not be surprising to a seller that a buyer would ask for a home inspection before signing a hefty purchase agreement. Therefore, it would be wise for homeowners to look at the areas where most home inspections fail. Start by fixing those areas up in advance, before you’re ready to place your house on the market.

The most frequently found problem area is water in the crawl space or basement. Poor drainage can result in water damage that will be more than apparent to an inspector. This can be an expensive problem to fix.

Start by re-grading the soil around the foundation of the home where water seems to be entering, or invest in waterproofing. It’s also a good idea to invest in a dehumidifier to remove moisture on an ongoing basis.

There are some areas that are more prone to water in the basement than others. Most buyers know if a little water is to be expected or not. If you’re unsure how prevalent the problem is in your area, feel free to call me anytime for advice.

The second most common problem found by inspectors is poor wiring. The wiring in your home needs to be up to code, and has to have sufficient overload protection.





Sometimes the best way to be sure the wiring in your home is in good shape is to hire a home inspector, or electrical contractor to check it out for you. Even if you’re not selling your home right now, you would want to make sure your family is living in a house that is safe from fire hazards.

Another major problem found in certain areas, is termite damage. If you begin to suspect at any time that your home may have termites, it’s urgent that you call a pest control service right away. This particular problem needs to be taken care of quickly.



More Important Home Fixes



Other areas that should be looked at as potential problems are the heating systems of your home, structural damage, such as extensive cracks in the walls or ceiling, or leaky roofs.

When deciding what is important to fix, put yourself in the place of the buyer. If you were considering buying the home you live in now, what would you consider important that the seller fix?

Handle problems in condition or construction with estimates and repair by a reputable contractor. Sooner is better than later, especially when the demands of moving and evaluation of the buyer run high. Do it now!

Anything you can do to make your home more saleable in advance may mean more money and less hassle when you’re actually ready to sell.

Rewards of a Rose Garden

Roses have the reputation of being difficult, fussy plants that require a great deal of attention and time. Although it takes some effort on your part to maintain the beauty and health of a rose garden, the reward of numerous blossoms in wonderful vibrant colors is sufficient reward for most gardeners. A little water, fertilizer, and spray, on a weekly basis, can be a pleasant excuse to spend time in your fragrant garden.

Your rose bed should be planted where it receives full or partial sunshine at least six hours a day. There are varieties of roses that thrive in more shade but they will not be as fragrant as the others. Good drainage is also critical for roses. They like a lot of water, but do not like wet feet, so a raised bed of at least ten to fifteen inches high is a solution. It also makes gardening chores easier. Roses do best in loamy soil with high humus content. Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost, peat moss or cow manure and be sure to test the soil to determine the acidity.

Check with a nursery in your area for tips on when to transplant roses, but generally, any time from spring to fall, or when the plant is dormant and the ground is workable. Water every 3 or 4 days, soaking the soil to 8 inches; and fertilize depending on your type of soil, but usually about once every 4-6 weeks.



Lots of varieties of roses are available. The choices include climbing roses, tree roses, miniature roses, hybrid perpetual roses, grandiflora roses, and antique roses to name a few. Look at your space and the view from the house to determine how you want to define the space for planting. The rose can serve many functions including becoming a fragrant hedge, which provides bouquets of fresh cut flowers to decorate the inside of your home.

Give roses a try. The rewards are many and the satisfaction of seeing a perfect rose that you have grown makes it well worth the effort.

Travel Games for the Road

Alphabet Objects: While riding in a car, look out the windows in search of items beginning with the letters a-z, in alphabetical order, starting with a. These can be actual letters on signs, or license plates, or objects that begin with the letter. The first person to finish the alphabet is the winner.

Find All 10 Provinces and all 3 Territories: A good way to start this game is to make a list of all 10 provinces and all 3 territories. See who can spot all 13 of the license plates first, or who can come up with the most.

Going on a Picnic: One player begins by reciting the phrase, “I’m going on a picnic and bringing _____.” The first player fills in the blank with an item that begins with A. The second player must recite this sentence in it’s entirety and add an item that begins with B. Each turn requires that the previous items be repeated. The winner is the person who is able to complete the longest string of items without making a mistake.

Record Keeping Responsibilities

Here are a few ideas for accounting for the items inside your home, as well as the home itself:

Make a video or photo record and retain receipts for any specific items that are valuable or unique. Remember to add those items, especially jewelry, computer equipment, stereos, etc. to your insurance policy as specifically scheduled items. The additional cost of the insurance is low, and the peace of mind is worth every penny.

You may wish to organize the information about personal property onto a form. This form and the video or photo record will be a perfect partner, if needed, to answer questions in the event of a loss. Organize this information before you experience a loss.

It is important to keep lease or mortgage documents, as well as receipts for all home improvements in a secure place. Improvements are defined as those things which add value, extend the useful life, or adapt to a new use. Replacing a roof, building a fence or deck, or adding a garage are all examples of improvements. By retaining this information you will be able to show future buyers a history of your home.

If you are thinking of adding on to your home, moving up, or moving down, please call us A.S.A.P. Our experience can help you save time and money.

Keeping your important papers, documents and insurance policies in a convenient location, which is known to you, your spouse, and your loved ones, will save time and frustration. You could save thousands of dollars in the event of an emergency, death, or illness.





Here’s a list of the items the organized homeowner should keep together, in a fireproof file cabinet, safe, or strongbox.

· Bank information: Your account numbers, loan documents, statements, and deposits, as well as your most recent canceled checks.
· Car Documents: License, registration, insurance policy, extended warranty, repairs, and other key information.
· Education Records: Official transcripts, report cards, test scores for each student.
· Insurance Policies: Life, homeowners, health, disability, and any others.
· Tax Returns: Revenue Canada suggests you keep your tax returns for three to five years, just in case.
· Official Documents: Birth Certificates, passports, legal papers, deeds, and wills should probably be kept in a safe deposit box.

However, you may wish to keep copies on file at home, with instructions as to their location attached to the file.

Tips From Good Housekeeping on Staying Healthy

Too Much of A Good Thing: Weight Loss Gains Popularity

Chances are you have considered your current physical condition and determined that you need
to do something. As the years go by, a busy life, fast food, a sweet tooth, or an accumulation of
gourmet adventuring can add inches to your waist.

Most diets cut the fats, but load up on carbs. A salad bar looks like a diet plan, until you heap bacon, cheese, and salad dressing on top of those greens. Of course it makes sense to talk to your Doctor before beginning any diet or exercise program. Moderation and a long-term view are important, too.

Consider these tips, inspired by Good Housekeeping Magazine:

Follow one of these daily diet tips each day, and by this time next year, you'll be 10 pounds lighter!

1. Skip the smear of cream cheese (50 calories per tablespoon) or butter (100 calories) on a plain
bagel and try a hot, flavored bagel, like cinnamon-raisin or salt—delicious naked.

2. Forgo regular bottled dressing (2 tablespoons, 135 to 155 calories) for an equal portion of fat-free
dressing (30 to 50 calories). Once in a while, try a little lemon juice and pepper for a no calorie alternative.

2. Resist that 2-ounce glazed doughnut (230 calories) and pop an English muffin in the toaster (135).
Krispy Kreme is not a supplier to the Olympics, right?

3. Swap an ounce of regular tortilla chips with 1/4 cup guacamole (242 calories), for the same
Amount of fat-free tortilla chips and salsa (130). The crunch is different, and the flavor is a little flatter.
However, you'll do less crunches in the gym and your tummy will be flatter, too.

4. Instead of 20 regular-size French fries (274 calories), have a baked potato (7 ounces, 145 calories).
Baked potatoes fill you up and keep you satisfied for hours. Fries give you an energy burst for the
short term and a bulge for the long term.

5. Rather than a cup of canned cream of chicken soup (116 calories), sip chicken bouillon (13). For a no calorie solution,
drink hot tea in a variety of flavors. Apple-Cinnamon with a little Sweet and Low can be a treat you enjoy as often as you wish.

7. Instead of a regular pork or beef hot dog (142 to 180 calories), grill a fat-free frank (40). Don't worry about what's in a hot dog. You can be sure that it's meat, but very fatty meat. Get in the habit of having grilled or baked turkey breast on hand and you'll be able to snack with less than half the fat.

8. Pass up a chocolate bar (1.4 ounces, 210 calories) and soothe your sweet tooth with 10 regular-size jelly beans, 4 to 5 pieces of hard candy, or 10 Life Savers (100 to 110 calories). If you're ready for a real switch, try fresh berries with Sweet and Low. A small bowl of strawberries is satisfying, flavorful, and has the same calories as those Life Savers.

9. Instead of canned creamed corn (186 calories per cup), eat corn on the cob (90 calories). Experiment with Crazy Salt, Lemon Pepper, or Seasoned Salt for a flavor that satisfies without butter.

10. Remove the skin from a chicken breast after cooking, and save 100 calories. If you are a fan of chicken legs or thighs, try switching to the white meat. Less calories, less fat, and less cholesterol are available in the breast portions.

11. If you want bacon with your eggs, rather than 4 regular strips (145 calories), have one slice of Canadian (43 calories, and as filling). If you haven't had a poached egg, give that a try as an alternative to fried.



12. When making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, skimp on the peanut butter: 2 tablespoons equal 190 calories; 1 tablespoon, 95.

13. Hold the regular mayo in tuna, chicken, and pasta salads and use two tablespoons of light mayo (80 to 90 calories versus 200). Experiment with gourmet mustards such as stone ground, horseradish mustards, or white wine blends for flavor without fat.

14. Make a slice of pie more innocent by leaving the bottom crust (and 100 calories) on your plate.

15. If pie is your weakness, pass up the pecan (430 calories per slice) and choose fruit or pumpkin (240 to 300).

16. Keep the premium ice cream (1/2 cup, 178 calories) in the freezer and lick a frozen fruit or juice bar (50 to 90 calories). Look for the Blue Bunny low fat chocolate fudge bars in the freezer. Quick, easy, and low calorie alternatives to Chocolate Chocolate Chip.

17. When you brown or sauté, skip the tablespoon of oil (120 calories) and use nonstick cookware with a spritz of cooking spray. A wine bottle can be filled with chicken stock and kept in the refrigerator to splash on meats or vegetables as they cook. Add flavor and moisture without adding fat and calories.

18. Replace regular soda (8 ounces, 100 calories) with diet soda, seltzer, or water. Buy water in larger bottles and refill at the water cooler or with a filtered system.

When you're hungry try taking a walk, making a phone call, drinking two glasses of water, or exercising. Substituting activity for eating is the secret of thin people. The main goal in watching our weight is to add to our overall health, and to assure that we'll be able to enjoy the good life with friends and family.

Good luck in your daily efforts!

Add Fragrance to Your Home

Potpourri is a great way to add fragrance indoors. Most potpourri is made of lavender and rose petals. Combining different herbs makes a distinct change in fragrance. Here is a recipe for Rose Petal Potpourri.

3 cups dried rose petals
2 cups dried lavender flowers
1 cup dried lemon verbena leaves
1 tablespoon powdered allspice
1 tablespoon ground cloves
1/4 oz. essential oil of rose

Mix all ingredients together and store in an air tight jar for several weeks before using.

What to Look For in a Lawn Care Contractor

Whether you decide to hire a neighborhood teenager, a local company or a national firm, there are certain requirements that you should look for when hiring a lawn contractor.

First you should decide what your lawn care needs are. If you only want the grass mowed and nothing more, than a teenager would be perfect. If you’re hoping to have the most beautiful lawn on the block, than chances are a professional company would suit your needs better. Most professional lawn care companies offer services such as mowing, edging, fertilizing, pesticide spraying, tree trimming, weed control, and shrub maintenance.

Before hiring a contractor set some goals for your lawn, and communicate them in writing. Also, ask for written bids from the companies you are considering, and check out their reputation with the Better Business Bureau in your State.

Ask the company to provide you with proof that they are properly insured. If one of their workers falls out of your tree during a trimming, you’ll want to know the company is insured.

On a final note, make sure the company will be easy to reach and quick to respond to problems. Lawn care is a competitive business so you can expect, and should get, a high level of service.

What to Expect During a Home Inspection

A home inspection is a vital part of the buying process. It protects you from unknowingly purchasing a house that has serious deficiencies-and thereby turning what was initially a dream home into a nightmare.

So what actually happen during a home inspection? Here are a few snapshots of what to expect.

• There is no quick way to properly inspect a house. A thorough examination by a qualified home inspector will take at least two hours, and possibly longer.
  
• Don’t just wait around. Accompany the home inspector during the examination.
  
• Expect the inspector to check the house inside and out;, top to bottom. The inspection should include a trip to the roof, a visit to every room in the house, a crawl into the attic, a look inside electrical outlets, and more. (If all of these are not done, ask why.)
  
• An inspection is a lot like a doctor’s examination. It should check every system of the house for potential problems: structural, electrical. Heating, cooling and roofing. Ventilation, grading (to ensure that water drains away from the house), and plumbing.
  
• Ask questions during the inspection. Learn all you can about the maintenance of the house, what needs to be repaired and other issues. If there are problems, find out if they are serious or relatively minor.
  
• When the inspection is complete, you should receive a comprehensive written report. If you don’t understand something, don’t hesitate to ask.
  

There are several options for dealing with deficiencies, including asking the seller to make required repairs or asking to renegotiate the price based on the cost of repairs.

Selling Your Home? Consider a Pre-Sale Inspection

A home inspection isn’t just useful when buying a home. It can be invaluable when selling one too.

A home inspection can detect previously unknown problems that you may wish to address before putting your house on the market.

For example, let’s say an inspection reveals that there is a small crack in the foundation. Getting this fixed in advance could help prevent the “buyer turnoff” or price reduction that could result if the buyer’s inspector were to discover the problems first.

Selecting the Right Neighbourhood

Choosing the right neighbourhood is just as important as picking the right home. Perhaps it is even more important.

After all, you may be able to renovate a kitchen but you can’t move a nearby bus stop, or make a playground magically appear within walking distance.

The neighbourhood you choose to live in has a huge affect on your lifestyle and that of your family. So it’s important to take as much time shopping for great location as it is a new home.

Hobbies and Hangouts

Imagine that you’re looking for your net home. You drive into a neighbourhood, and it looks beautiful.. There are plenty of trees, well-kept homes, and parks nearby. What more could you ask for?

In addition to the usual characteristics of an ideal neighbourhood, it’s important to make sure it also fits your unique lifestyle – and that of your family. For example, is the area reasonably close to upscale restaurants where you and your spouse can enjoy dinner? Or, is there an indoor recreational center where your daughter can continue her swimming lessons? Or a golf club where you can refine your swing?

The closer a neighbourhood is to hobbies and hangouts, the more ideal it will truly be.

Take a Walk

Once you have toured a house that interests you, take a walk. Explore the neighbour hood. Get a sense of the atmosphere, community an personality of the surrounding area.

Is the street relatively quiet? Or, is it a main throughway for commuters into and out of the neighbourhood?

Stop and listen. Is there a lot of ambient noise from traffic or other sources?

What about local amenities. Find out about parks, playgrounds, community centers, and shopping. These can be very convenient if located nearby.

Do you have kids? Then you’ll also want to learn about the local schools. Are they within walking distance? If busing is required, where do your kids meet the bus?

Ask Questions

If you see any neighbours while exploring the area, chat with them. You could simply say, “Hello, we’re considering buying a home in this area. May we ask you a couple of quick questions about your experience living here?”

You’ll spend as much time in your neighbourhood as you do inside your home. So get to know it, before you decide to make an offer.

Signs of an Improving Neighborhood

Buying a home in a neighbourhood that is on the upswing can be a very good investment. both financially and in terms of lifestyle. As the area improves, the home values will likely increase. In addition, the people who live there will tend to enjoy their properties and surroundings, and continue to invest in them.

So how do you determine if a neighborhood is improving? Here are a few signs to watch out for as you shop for a new home:

• Home Improvements. Look for indications that home renovation or remodelling projects are being done in the neighbourhood-contractor sings on the front lawns...tradespeople’s trucks parked in the driveways... building supplies being delivered. When homeowners spend money to improve their homes. It show that they are happy enough with the neighbourhood to invest in it.
  
• Landscaping. Notice how well the homeowners take care of their home exteriors. Are the shrubs pruned? Are the driveways swept? Are the lawns mowed and relatively weedless? Homeowners who keep their landscaping well-maintained tend to also care about the surrounding area.
  
• Real Estate Activity. Look for “Sold” signs on the lawn. This may mean that the neighbourhood is in demand. By contrast, lots of “For Sale” signs could be an indication that people are trying to move out of the area.
  
• Commercial Investment. When there are a lot of nearby shops and restaurants under development, there is a strong indication that business owners have faith in the area. If, however. You see a lot of “For Lease” signs on empty stores and building, this may mean that these businesses have moved onto greener pastures.
  

All the above signs are l of course, Just indicators. You should research the neighbourhood thoroughly to understand what it may be like in five to ten years.

Mortgage Payments Can be Deceiving

You see a great home. You pull out your mortgage calculator and start punching in the numbers. The estimated monthly payment is displayed on the screen. You think, “Yep we can afford that!”

Can you?

It’s easy to be seduced by a mortgage payment calculation. However, mortgage payments aren’t the only costs of owning a home. You also need to consider:

• Property taxes
  
• Home insurance premiums
  
• Electricity costs
  
• Maintenance (especially a factor in older homes.)
  
• And more
  

If you don’t you could end up spending hundreds of dollars more per month than you originally expected.

Call today for help calculating the true cost of home ownership.

Beware of home hunting Burn Out

House hunting can be a grind. If you’re not careful, it can easily take both an emotional and physical toll on you.

At the beginning, you and your family will be fuelled by excitement, desire and enthusiasm-the raw ingredients of adrenaline. That’s what keeps you going .

After a while, however, along day of viewing homes with fidgety kids and an empty stomach can leave you exhausted. When that happens, even the most ideal home can seem undesirable.

Since you don’t want exhausting to result in a missed opportunity, it’s important to pace yourself. Here are some tips for doing just that.

• When it comes to endurance. Everyone has their limits. If a child or spouse is looking tired, take a break. Just because one person is able to see a lot of homes in quick succession doesn’t mean everyone else in the family will have the same stamina.
  
• Never house shop on an empty stomach. Make sure everyone has a good breakfast. Lunch, or dinner before heading out.
  
• If you have young children, find out where the local parks and playgrounds are located. These are great places to take a break and let the kids play for a while.
  
• Keep some bottled water and perhaps some light snacks in the car. You never know when someone’s stomach will begin to grumble.
  
• During an all-day excursion, avoid the temptation to eat a large lunch at a restaurant. It may make you fell sluggish and tired in the afternoon. If you’ve been house hunting for several weeks, all the homes may start to look alike.

If this happens take a few days off. It will help to restore your perspective.

Using “Conditional Offers” To Your Best Advantage

You find a home that you’re interested in buying. But you have concerns. Is it in a good state or repair? Will you be able to secure the right financing? Can you sell your current home in time?

Any of these issues can prevent you from making a prompt offer and as a result, cause you to lose the opportunity.

The solution? Make a conditional offer.

A conditional offer means just that. You offer to purchase the home so long as certain conditions, which you specify, are satisfied. Here are the most common examples:

• “Subject to financing”. You will buy the home if you’re able to arrange for a suitable mortgage.
  
• “Subject to inspection”. You will buy the home if it passes inspection by a qualified home inspector of your choice. If he or she finds that substantial repairs are required, you can either walk away from the deal or renegotiate.
  
• “Subject to selling my current home”. You will buy the home if you can sell your own home within a set period of time. For example: 45 days. A seller might agree to this if your home competitively priced.
  
• “Subject to the repair of ___.” You will buy the home if the seller makes certain repairs, at his or her own expense. This can range from something relatively minor, such as fixing a crack in the foundation, to major repair like replacing the roof shingles.
  

A Conditional offer will protect you. However, there is always the risk that the seller will say “No.” If you’re in a competitive situation, for example, and another buyer’s offer is unconditional. You may lose the deal-even if your offer price is higher!

So you really need to use conditional offers strategically, in just the right way, under just the right circumstances.

Get It In Writing

As you tour a potential new home, you notice that the carpeting in the living room is stained. “Don’t worry about that,” says the homeowner, who senses your disapproval. “We’re going to get the carpeting professionally cleaned before we move.”

Should you take their word for it?

Regardless of how honest a seller may seem, never rely on a verbal promise.
Will they move that abandoned car in the back yard? Will they fix the crack in the front steps? Is that expensive-looking ceiling fan included with the house?

Don’t assume. Get it written into the offer.

No Income Mortgages – Self employed and commissioned sales people

For years it was almost impossible for self employed or commissioned sales people to get financing for a home. Problems consists of
1) Onerous and Intrusive demands: Years of financial records, tax returns and other paperwork made it difficult, if not impossible, to get a mortgage.
2) Fluctuating incomes: Canadians with fluctuation incomes were treated as high risk clients and the amount of mortgages they were offered were far below what they could afford to pay or wanted.
3) Not a long enough history: Business owners and commissioned sales people that had not been in business for 3-4 years could not provide the required documents whereas employees need only be at their jobs a few months.
4) Taxable Income Too Low: Many self employed and commissioned sales people write off a portion of their gross income with legitimate tax deductible expenses. This can make their net operating incomes look too low for the lenders. The problem then becomes, "If I write off all my legal expenses so I pay the least amount of income tax, the lenders won’t like my net income, and if I don’t claim all my legal expenses I will have a higher income that the lenders will like, but I will pay unnecessary taxes. Either way I have a problem."
Finally there is an answer, No Income Verification Loans
Due to the highly competitive nature of our mortgage market, there are lenders that offer mortgages specifically designed for self employed and commissioned sales people. These lenders were smart enough to realise that there is a huge need for this type of product considering the high number of self employed and commissioned people in Canada.
No Income Verification loans mean exactly that. They resolve the 4 problems mentioned above.
1) They eliminate most of the documents required making it easier, faster and less intrusive to get a mortgage.
2) Fluctuating incomes from past years are not even looked at.
3) A long business history is not needed as years of financial statements are no longer required. Some lenders like to see that you have been operating for 2 years, but do not need a financial history.
4) Taxable income too low; these mortgages are granted on stated income rather than net taxable income. This allows you to continue to use all legal means possible to reduce your income taxes without hurting the possibility of qualifying for a mortgage.
New products - Bigger mortgages
Up to 90% Financing
As more and more Canadians move from traditional employment jobs to self employed or commissioned jobs, the mortgage market is motivated to develop more products.
Up until recently No Income Verification mortgages were limited to a maximum of 75% of the value of the property. Now that GE insurance has joined the market and provided mortgage default to lenders on No Income Verification loans, we are seeing loans as high as 90% of the value and still with No Income Verification.
Finally, self employed and commissioned sales people are being treated with the respect they deserve, fast and easy approvals and good discounted rates.
Please Call and we would be happy to discuss your options with you.

Tips for Checking References

You have no doubt heard this tip before: Always check references before you hire a mover, lawyer, decorator, contractor, or other home professional.

But for some people, picking up the phone and calling strangers to ask for a reference can feel awkward or even intimidating. Here are a few tips that can help:

• Call in the early evenings. This is the most convenient time for most people.
  
• Explain that you are checking references and that the professional or company you are considering hiring suggested you call.
  
• Ask if this is a convenient time to speak.
  
• Ask if they were satisfied with the services.
  
• Ask if there were any surprises with the final bill.
  
• Ask if they have recommended that professional or company to their friends?
  
• Thank them for their time.

How the Buyers Find Listings on Vancouver Island

The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board recently published stats that they had collated from Buyers who have purchased on Vancouver Island in 2007. The question asked that could be most valuable to both Sellers and Realtors is how the property was found or selected by the Buyers. Not surprisingly over 40% of listings were found on the MLS.ca. Secondly, 30% of homes sold were introduced to the Buyers by their Realtor and his or her web site. The study further breaks down the remaining stats as follows, 11% of properties were found via the Yard Sign, 6% of Buyers were told of the listing via friends or family and lastly only 3% of Buyers found a home from the old fashioned newspaper advertisement which is generally the most costly and least effective tool for the realtors. The benefit of having these stats is it shows home sellers how important it is to wisely to choose a Realtor who focuses on giving you maximum web exposure and who strives to make people aware of his or her websites and web presence.

Putting the FUN BACK into Moving Day

Moving into a new home should be an exciting experience. But, unfortunately, that’s not typically the case. In fact moving day is traditionally fraught with such misery that there is even a reality TV show about it.

Your real estate agent can help. He or she can assist you in finding the right movers, provide you with relocation tips, recommend contractors and other home professionals, and advise you on what to expect on closing day.

Some agents disappear after the deal is done. Make sure your agent is available to help make the transition into your new home a pleasant one.

Your House is a Product on the Market

As our Real Estate Market starts to correct itself, homes may have a difficult time selling and are on the market for longer periods of time. With this in mind it is even MORE important that your home has an ‘edge’. The art of Home Staging is that edge. It is always to your advantage to prepare your home for sale and doing it properly is most important.

Your house is now a product and as such it’s not about your taste anymore - it’s about selling that product. It’s that simple. Speed is important when getting your house ready to sell and emotion has no part in this equation. Your home has to now connect with strangers immediately that they walk through your door. People will be positive or negative about your home within a few minutes and spending more time there will only build on that feeling. So making a positive and strong first impression is vitally important.

A detached view is needed when preparing a house for sale and that is the job of the Home Stager. We create a strong first impression by taking out the religious icons, the toys, pet things, personal items. We help to create a neutral environment that appeals to many people but with a generic ‘clue’ to having a life – anyone’s life - there.

A fresh coat of paint in key areas is sometimes all it takes, other times quite a change in color needs to happen. Using bright accent pieces in ‘quiet corners’ will change the appearance of a room…your house needs to appear to be cared for in different and important ways. Flowers and plants on a minimal scale make a home feel fresh, clean and stunning if used in the right ways. Remember that it’s often the ‘little’ things that can make all the difference and step up an atmosphere to a different level. Remember that Staged homes have a proven success rate – they show better than competing homes and they often sell for considerably more money and in substantially less time than non-staged homes in the market place. Photos of staged homes look much better in the advertising and they are recognized as properties ready to sell and are recognized by the buyers as the homes they would most like to see.

Take the market advantage, maximize your property’s sales appeal quickly and affordably. Use the proven set of guidelines of the Home Stager and have your home be the most professional and inviting home on the market in your price range incorporating both interior and exterior enhancements suggested by your Home Stager.

Barbara Milligan
Legacy Re-Design & Interior Decorating
Office – 250-246-2073
Cell – 250-210-0710

Web Marketing: The Wave of the Future

On an average day on Vancouver Island 77 listings are added to the MLS system and the system is being updated virtually every minute of every working day. The minute a listing is entered into the database it becomes available to all members and the general public. All listings on the MLS are given exposure through the www.realtor.ca site. This site is updated each business day with new listings and changes to existing ones. This enable the public to search MLS listings across Canada - (over 80 board listings are included)- and make contacting the Listing Representative easy and convenient from anywhere in the world! Statistics show that the number of Vancouver Island Real Estate Boards property feature sheets viewed on the internet each month is constantly on the rise. This site has grown from approximately 5000 hits in April 1996 to over 1 million page views per month. Proving that doing Real Estate Marketing on line and providing clients with a state of the art Web Site such as our own is obvious direction for the future of home sales in the future.

Local Events

Looking for something fun to do with the whole family?! Why not check out some of these great community events!

September 3,10 Wednesday Evening Market in Waterwheel Park Chemainus Chamber of Commerce (250) 246-3944

September Silent Auction & Garage Sale in Waterwheel Parking Lot Chemainus Rotary Club Shannon (250) 246-2994

September 11 – October 25 The Miracle Worker by William Gibson Chemainus Theatre Festival (250) 246-9820

October 4 Harvest Moon Dance – Chemainus Legion Hall Fraternal Order of Eagles – Craig (250) 246-3947

October 5 Flea Market @ the Legion Hall 9am-2pm Royal Canadian Legion #191 Ann (250) 246-4880

November 2 Christmas Craft Show @ the Legion Hall 9am -2pm Royal Canadian Legion #191 –Ann (250) 246-4880

November 6 – December 28 Having Hope at Home by David S. Craig Chemainus Theatre Festival (250 246-9820

November 24Christmas Bazaar @ the Legion Hall Ladies Auxiliary

November 29Christmas Dinner Dance – Fuller Lake Activity Room Fraternal Order of Eagles – Merv (250) 246-3401

December 2 Golden Brush Community Awards @ the Theatre Chemainus Chamber of Commerce (250) 246-3944

December 6 Christmas Self Guided Walking Tour Gunnell (250) 246-2421

December 6 Chemainus Christmas Carol Ship – BC Ferries- Fraternal Order of Eagles (250) 246-3947

December 7 Flea Market @ the Legion Hall 9am-2pm Royal Canadian Legion #191 Ann (250) 246-4880

December 20 – January 3 KidzPlay Series – Rumpelstiltskin Chemainus Theatre Festival (250) 246-9820 out!

What Should You Expect from Your Realtor?

You probably know that a REALTOR does more than just post a FOR SALE sign on your front lawn, or guide potential buyers through your home. But how much more? What exactly will a real estate agent do fro you?

Taking the time upfront to understanding what you should expect from your agent will help to reduce misunderstandings, and make the selling process less mysterious and stressful. You’ll be able to anticipate what’s going to happen next, be prepared to ask the right questions along the way, and be aware of whether your REALTOR is meeting expectations.

Typically, you should expect that a good real estate agent will:

• Explain the Listing Agreement to you. (This is your contract with the real estate firm.)
  
• Prepare a realistic appraisal based on the expected market value of your home, by comparing it to similar property sales in your area.
  
• Provide you with advice on how to make your home more appealing to potential buyers, especially during showings and open houses.
  
• Create a comprehensive marketing plan to promote your home.
  
• Screen enquiries, schedule appointments, and show your home to potential buyers. Field offers from potential buyers, deal with counter-offers. And negotiate the best terms and selling
• process to make it as easy and stress-free as possible.
  
• Help you throughout the entire selling process to make it as easy and stress-free as possible.
  

These services should be the minimum you expect from a good agent. The best agents will actually do more. They will be there for you in the weeks, months, and even years after the sale to make sure everything continues to go smoothly in your new home.

Make it “Love at First Sight”

Did you know that 95% of buyers buy their new homes on emotion? Your first impression of your home is so important and it needs to be at its very best. You need to be right up front with your best impact for your potential buyer.

As a Professional Home Stager I often find that one of the areas I spend most of my time working with is the furniture, artwork and collectibles to optimize their arrangement. Most people have far more furniture in their homes than is necessary and this is made glaringly obvious once that house is on the market. We ‘live’ in our homes over a period of years and don’t consciously realize that we are filling it up with more and more ‘stuff’. Some of the very best pieces are not used to their full potential because they are hidden by all the other things around them. By using less furniture we can create a sense of breathing space. You need to place furniture correctly to highlight the room’s focal points and maximize the plus’s of your rooms. Replace family photos with scenic pictures that won’t necessarily draw the buyer’s interest. You want them to study the rooms and their space and not your family members!

Many homes need their accessorizing tweaked…for instance their lighting, plants, linens etc. This is individual with each and every home and a professional Home Stager specializes in knowing what motivates potential buyers. We will use those tricks of the trade to help you the Home Seller get your house ready to come out on top of the sellers market.

Many home owners decide that once they move they want me to come and help with their new homes because they don’t want to go back to their ‘old’ way of living. Several people decide that once some of their ‘stuff’ is in storage they don’t actually miss it! They find they want to live in their new fresh, clean and clutter–free environment. After all Home Staging is in fact a cleansing experience and most home sellers very much enjoy the process.

Barbara Milligan
Legacy Re-Design & Interior Decorating
Office – 250-246-2073
Cell – 250-210-0710

Consumer Confidence

The balance of sentiment regarding major purchases has stayed negative for three consecutive quarters, hitting its lowest point in more than a decade. This negative balance of opinion means more households believe it is a bad time to buy a big ticket item such as a home or a car. This indicator is an important factor underlying the housing market. Rising food and fuel cost are continuing to take a large bite of household budgets and households expect finances to dim even further over the next 6 months to reach the lowest point in seven years. For the first time in almost five years more people expect fewer jobs than those who said they expect more jobs. All this leads to a less active housing market and makes pricing a key to turning your home listing into your home sold. The Canadian Real Estate Council and Vancouver Island Real Estate continue to note that there are buyers out there they just want to pay what the market predicts.

Local Events

Looking for something fun to do with the whole family?! Why not check out some of these great community events!

August 6,13 ,20 ,27 Wednesday Evening Market in Waterwheel Park Chemainus Chamber of Commerce (250) 246-3944

September 3,10 Wednesday Evening Market in Waterwheel Park Chemainus Chamber of Commerce (250) 246-3944

September Silent Auction & Garage Sale in Waterwheel Parking Lot Chemainus Rotary Club Shannon (250) 246-2994

September 11 – October 25 The Miracle Worker by William Gibson Chemainus Theatre Festival (250) 246-9820

October 4 Harvest Moon Dance – Chemainus Legion Hall Fraternal Order of Eagles – Craig (250) 246-3947

October 5 Flea Market @ the Legion Hall 9am-2pm Royal Canadian Legion #191 Ann (250) 246-4880

November 2 Christmas Craft Show @ the Legion Hall 9am -2pm Royal Canadian Legion #191 –Ann (250) 246-4880

November 6 – December 28 Having Hope at Home by David S. Craig Chemainus Theatre Festival (250 246-9820

November 24Christmas Bazaar @ the Legion Hall Ladies Auxiliary

November 29Christmas Dinner Dance – Fuller Lake Activity Room Fraternal Order of Eagles – Merv (250) 246-3401

December 2 Golden Brush Community Awards @ the Theatre Chemainus Chamber of Commerce (250) 246-3944

December 6 Christmas Self Guided Walking Tour Gunnell (250) 246-2421

December 6 Chemainus Christmas Carol Ship – BC Ferries- Fraternal Order of Eagles (250) 246-3947

December 7 Flea Market @ the Legion Hall 9am-2pm Royal Canadian Legion #191 Ann (250) 246-4880

December 20 – January 3 KidzPlay Series – Rumpelstiltskin Chemainus Theatre Festival (250) 246-9820 out!

Should you try to “Time” the Market?

If you’re thinking of buying a new home, you might be tempted to wait until “the market is just right.” That might work for professional real estate investors who are willing to take those kinds of risks. But if you’re looking for your next dream home, trying to time the market is usually not a good idea.

Why? Because no one can predict the real estate cycle with any degree of accuracy. Interest rates go up and down, as do housing prices-often a lot less predictably than experts care to admit to. If you attempt to wait until just the right moment, that moment may never arrive. And, you’ll miss out on some great opportunities.

When is the best time to look for a new home? When you’re ready to buy one. Don’t wait. Start your search today.

Take a Close look At Track Record

Why is one major league baseball player paid $5,000,000 while another on the same team, wearing the same jersey, with the same qualifications and experience is pair only $300,000?

The answer is, of course, track record. The player that hits the ball and makes the bases more often than most other players in the league, year after year, is considered the greatest asset to the team-and is therefore paid a significant premium.

Now, you don’t have to be a baseball fan to understand how the importance of a track record applies to selling your home. A real estate agent with a track record of top performance is going to have a much greater chance of selling your home quickly and at the best price.

How do you determine the track record of a prospective real estate agent? Ask. Most reputable REALTORS will share this information with you and many are, in fact, proud of their track records.

Here are some REALTOR “stats” you should consider:

• The percentage of listing the REALTOR actually sold.
  
• How quickly those homes sold (Average number of days on the market.)
  
• The percentage of asking price those homes were sold for.

Keep in mind that, even in the hottest markets, not every home will sell for 100% of the asking price. So if the average for your neighbourhood is 90% and the agent you’re considering consistently sells for 95% of the asking price, then this performance is well above average.

Where do you find this information? Each local real estate board maintains these “market watch” statistics. Visit the board’s Web address or call the board office.

Want to discuss how to sell your home more quickly and at the best price? Call today 250-246-8866

Get Down To Basics

Your house is on the market – it needs to be at it’s best. Now is the time to take a step back and really take a good hard look at your home with objective eyes.

Nothing will turn a buyer away faster than walking into a prospective new home and smelling the odor or a dog or smoke. So be sure to keep your windows open for a good length of time before your house is being ‘shown’. Exchange that smell for the smell of fresh coffee and baking cookies – yes it’s the old standby but it does work. It will help the buyers identify and bond with your house.

A buyer wants to feel that you have taken good care of the home they are thinking of buying – so – make cleanliness your new motto of the day. This will put the buyers mind at ease that you have been mindful of your residence in other ways as well. So take time to clean everything from the baseboards up to the light fixtures. Hire a contractor to power wash windows, walkways and clean out eavestroughs. Fix those leaky faucets, fix the cracked tiles and redo the old caulking around the bathtub if it looks a bit shabby. One of the most important items to get in good shape is the furnace so spend some time making sure it is in good working order and clean and tidy – this will also help to make it look like new.

Remember that staged homes show better than competing homes for sale and are recognized by buyers as the best properties to see. As a professional Home Stager I am in the business of preparing a home for sale in order to help achieve the very best price in the fastest time. Remember that living in a house and getting a house ready for sale are two very different things.

Barbara Milligan
Legacy Re-Design & Interior Decorating
Office – 250-246-2073
Cell – 250-210-0710

Mortgage Information

The Canadian government will guarantee up to 90% of the mortgage amount against insurer default. So, this is security for the lender in the event the insurer defaults. This Government Guarantee is in place for CMHC (Crown Corporation) as well as the private insurers, such as Genworth Financial Canada.

The government guarantee is also a criterion for high ratio loans to be sold into the Canada Mortgage Bond program, which is a relatively new cost-effective funding source for banks and mortgage lending companies. These Bonds are bought up by investors all around the world due to their higher yield than Government of Canada Bonds combined with their “government guarantee”.

So what has changed?

Well, the Finance Minister looked to our southerly neighbours as well as across the pond and noticed some pretty dire scenarios which begged the question: Are we guaranteeing mortgages that are a little too risky? After an analysis of the mortgages that fall within their guarantee, recent trends, and industry consultations, the Minister of Finance decided to cease guaranteeing high ratio mortgages with the following characteristics:
- LTV ratios in excess of 95%
- Amortizations in excess of 35 years
- Non-amortizing mortgages (Interest-Only Mortgages).
- Applications where the beacon score of both borrowers is less than 620.

How does this affect me?

If you are a current homeowner, who is happy in your home and have no intentions of moving in the near future than this probably doesn’t affect you. However if you are a prospective homebuyer, looking for 100% financing and a 40 year amortization then your financing options are becoming a little more limited. Most of the big chartered Banks and many lenders have already pulled the above products. Other lenders, such as MERIX are offering these products until October 13, 2008 (please speak with your mortgage originator concerning rules around this deadline).

Let’s take a closer look at the 40 year amortization phenomenon:

Why is it appealing when borrowers know they are paying many thousands of dollars in interest over the life of their mortgage? Well there are a couple of predominant reasons:

New homeowners are increasingly concerned more with their payment amount than the house price or the interest cost over the life of the mortgage. It’s a decision made largely on cashflow.
The vast majority of people who take 40 year amortizations actually qualify for 25 year amortizations but choose the former and accelerate their payments, which reduce their amortization to 32 years. Registering their mortgage with a 40-year amortization helps protect them in the future should they need to decrease their payment.

From a purely mathematical perspective, according to the Ministry of Finance:
“Reducing amortization from 40 years to 35 years on a mortgage loan of $200,000 with a 6 per cent interest rate results in a $41 increase in a borrower’s monthly payment, but the borrower will save $49,000 in interest payments.”

Looking ahead…

If the decision to take 40 year amortizations is based on cashflow, then we’d suggest $41 per month on its own will not cause any major disruptions in the housing market. The reality is that new mortgagors will have to spend a little more in their monthly mortgage obligations but the impact to the housing market will be isolated to those who needed the 40 year amortizations and 100% financing to qualify for their mortgage. As a replacement for 100% financing, we may see the increase in popularity of Cashback mortgages once again. The 100% financing programs have all but made CashBack offers obsolete, however they may be a decent option for some people once again - even if the interest rate is higher.

In the short term, we may see a small spike in homebuying and refinance activity as people try to accelerate their timelines in order to take advantage of these fleeting offers. This may keep the market relatively strong through 2008. In the medium to long term, we don’t expect these changes to have much of an impact to the housing market. 35 year amortizations are still available and for that matter 40 year amortizations will still be available by some lenders, such as MERIX, for those customers who have the minimum 20% down payment for conventional financing.

Board Stats

The stats for the month of July have just been released by the Canadian Real Estate Council (CREA) for the period ending July 31, 2008 and the stats show an overall decline in unit sales but a huge increase in inventory. The stats released through CREA for the Vancouver Island area show unit sales of 444 units down 28% from last year when unit sales were 616 for the same time period. CREA on a positive note is very firmly stating that properties that are correctly priced are still selling. Listings for July of this year are up 40% from last year but the price increase is very marginal. The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board is made up of over 1200 members and while average sales prices continue to rise slowly VIREB saw monthly average prices come down from the previous month in all zones except Port Alberni. This further shows that consumers are being educated by their REALTORS that properties that are priced right are continuing to sell.

Making a Wish List... And using it Wisely

Depending on how you use it, a “wish list” can either be an advantage or a disadvantage when shopping for a new home. If you use it wisely, a wish list can narrow your search, so you don’t waste time looking at houses you don’t like. This saves you time and stress. However, if your wish list is too long or overly specific, you risk missing the opportunity to view homes that might otherwise be ideal.

So how do you use a wish list wisely?

That’s easy. Simply use your wish list as a guide to point you in the right direction. But build in flexibility so you don’t miss out on homes that are a close fit.

Here are some ideas for your new home wish list:

• In which part of town do you what to live? List your favourite neighbourhoods. Sometimes it’s easier to write down where you don’t want to live.
  
• What price range will you consider? Be realistic here. You might hope for a maximum of $200,000, but be willing to pay an extra $10,000 if the ideal home presents itself.
  
• What amenities do you want nearby? Think about the needs and hobbies of everyone in the family. These may include health clubs, jogging trails, parks, public transit, daycare centers.
  
• What about schools? If you have kids, this is an important question. Distance, quality of education, reputation, and programs will all be important considerations for you.
  
• What type of house do you prefer? How large? How many bedrooms? Size of backyard? A two-car garage? Big kitchen?
  
• How much renovation are you willing to do? Will you consider a house that has a lot of potential, but needs extra work? Or do you want one that is in move-in condition?
  

Of course, there are many other items you may want to put on your wish list. Just be sure to make them realistic and flexible. If you need help matching your wish list to home available on the market, call today!

Putting Your Best Foot Forward

Now that your home is on the market – you need to maximize your selling price with a professional Home Stager. Your home needs to be at it’s very best to make a strong positive impact inside and out for a first impression with a prospective buyer.

When Home Staging a house for sale my services are tailored to the unique needs of each and every client but there are certain enhancements needed that all clients have in common. The most important one is de-cluttering. You want a buyer to be able to ‘picture himself’ living in your home and he won’t be able to do that when it is cluttered with your personality. Quite simply…clutter turns buyers away. So purge your closets, empty cupboards, box up everything that is not needed and if you must - rent a storage locker. Set up boxes for the Good Will, a friend needing some items, some to store and frankly some to just throw away. I can almost guarantee that what you now don’t see you won’t miss while your home is on the market. So be ruthless – “edit” your house and pare it right down. Let the prospective purchaser have a chance to picture himself living happily in your home.

To maximize your sale and to decrease it’s time on the market it is important to hire a professional with the skills to create wonderful environments and inviting atmospheres in your home. Staged homes show better than competing homes for sale and are recognized by buyers as the best properties to see.

Barbara Milligan
Legacy Re-Design & Interior Decorating
Office – 250-246-2073
Cell – 250-210-0710