Buy and Sell Saskatoon Real Estate

Cooler temperatures and pretty soon falling leaves serve as a reminder that the fall season is fast approaching. As the seasons change, so do our activities and home needs. Even though summer is not quite over yet, it’s a good time to do some seasonal maintenance to keep your home running smoothly. The weather can change quickly, especially if you live in a colder climate and you don’t want to be caught unprepared. A bit of attention now will save costly repairs and aggravation later.

Interior Maintenance

1. Check for drafts. Feel for drafts around the edges of windows and doors. A good tip is to use a lighted candle and if the flame flickers, there’s most likely a draft. If necessary, replace seals and repair caulking around window and door frames. Consider buying heavier or insulated drapery for especially drafty windows.
2. Have your furnace inspected. Hire an HVAC professional to test for leaks, check heating efficiency, and change the filter. They can also do a carbon monoxide check to ensure air safety. It’s also a good idea to stock up on extra air filters and change them every few months.
3. Winterize air conditioning. If your home has central air conditioning, (and you live in a climate where you won’t need it any longer,) it may be necessary to cover your outdoor unit for winter. If you use window air conditioning units, remove them or cover to prevent air leaks.
4. Programmable thermostat. Buy a programmable thermostat, if you don’t have one. If you already have one, check the temperature settings. Setting your thermostat to lower the temperature automatically at night and when you’re not home, can result in substantial cost savings.
5. Test home safety devices. Replace the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide devices and test to make sure they’re working properly.
6. Clean humidifiers. Replace old filters and clean inside compartment. Vinegar is inexpensive and works well.

Exterior Maintenance

1. Do a roof check. You should be able to do at least a visual inspection of the roof from the ground. Grab some binoculars to get a closer look or if you’re able and can do so safely, climb on up for a better view. Look for missing, damaged, or loose shingles. If your roof is flat, you may need to remove leaves and debris.
2. Check the chimney and fireplace. If you have a wood fireplace and use it often, have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional.
3. Stock up on firewood. Order enough firewood for the season. If you gather your own firewood, make sure it’s dry and ready. It’s best to cover firewood and store away from the house for safety reasons.
4. Inspect siding. Check home exterior for cracks or holes. Repair them yourself or hire a professional.
5. Clean the gutters. Hire a service to clear your gutters or do it yourself. Remove leaves, nests, and debris from gutters and check for leaks.
6. Check water drainage. Rainwater downspouts need to be clear of obstructions and direct water away from foundations, walkways, and driveways. Add extensions to downspouts if necessary.
7. Reinforce windows and doors. Remove screens and install storm windows and doors if you use them. Check caulk and seals around all doors and windows.
8. Turn off faucets and store hoses. Drain garden hoses and disconnect from the outside spigots. Shut off exterior faucets, and if you have an older home, you may need to turn off the valve inside your home. Store hoses in a dry place so any residual water won’t freeze.
9. Service sprinklers and irrigation system. Depending on your climate, your irrigation system may need to be drained and checked. Have a professional perform any necessary repairs and mark sprinkler heads near snow removal areas.
10. Inspect trees. Check for damaged limbs that may break or that are too close to power lines or the roof.
11. Trim landscaping. Cut back bushes, shrubs, and flowers as recommended for your climate zone.
12. Bring in flowerpots. If you keep plants or flower in pots year-round, bring them inside. If you replace plants every year, empty, clean, dry pots and put away for next spring.
13. Plant bulbs. If you plant bulbs for spring, now’s the time to get them in the ground.
14. Leaf removal. Rake and remove leaves from the yard. Put into a compost pile if you have one. Alternatively, put into yard garbage bags and leave at the curb for community pick up. Check with your local city or town for requirements and pick up schedules.
15. Fertilize lawn. Applying fall lawn fertilizer will help prevent winter damage and spring weeds. Ask a local garden center or check online to find out which type of fertilizer you need and when to apply it. If you have a lawn service, they should do this for you.
16. Put away seasonal furniture. Clean and store seasonal outdoor furniture. Remove and clean cushions. Wash and dry furniture and store in a dry place over winter.
17. Close the pool. If you have a pool and live in an area where temperatures dip, schedule a service to come and close it for the season or if you know how, buy the supplies and do it yourself.
18. Organize the shed. As your shed is filling up with summer items in storage it’s a good time to organize and clean out the shed. Move summer items to the back and winter stuff up front for better access. Also, remove any liquids that will freeze.

In the Garage

1. Service summer power equipment. Empty fuel and clean lawnmower and trimmer. Have lawnmower blades sharpened and oil changed. Have any necessary repairs done now, so that you’re ready come spring.
2. Store summer vehicles. If you have a motorcycle, summer car, ATV or other type seasonal vehicle, now’s a good time to have that serviced as well.
3. Get winter equipment ready. Service snow blower and make sure it is ready to go, especially if you live in an unpredictable climate.
4. Test the generator. If you have an emergency generator for power outages, give it a test, and make sure it’s in good working order.
5. Buy extra gasoline. Purchase extra gas to have on hand for use in your snow blower or generator, so you’re prepared for emergencies. Make sure you store gasoline in tanks away from fire sources and out of children’s reaches.
6. Clean the garage. Since you’re in the garage prepping for fall, you might as well purge, organize and clean it while you’re there!

As you’re enjoying the last bits of summer, make sure that your home is prepared for the coming fall season. Preventative maintenance now will save money on expensive emergency repairs and wasted energy costs. Properly maintaining your home also enhances its value and appeal and is less effort than managing a crisis later. When the chilly weather approaches you and your home will be ready.

Source:  LifeHack

 https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/30-smart-tips-to-get-your-home-ready-for-fall.html

Under normal circumstances, putting your property on the market in the fall can be an overwhelming process, even for an experienced homeowner. This year may feel especially daunting given the unknowns surrounding the pandemic and market stability. 

A slow spring gave way to a promising summer real estate market. In July the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) reported national home sales bounced back from their pandemic-induced springtime lows, rising 26% month-over-month. If this recovery momentum continues, the typically busier fall season could see a wave of homeowners listing their properties with plenty of buyers waiting to snap them up. 

If you count yourself among the owners looking to list before the end of the year, we’re here to provide you with a few key steps you can take to prepare ahead of time. 

Adil Dinani, founder and principal of the Vancouver-based Dinani Real Estate Advisors at Royal LePage West Real Estate Services, shares his plans for getting your home ready to list this fall. 

Keep your finger on the pulse

With markets shifting as a result of the coronavirus, it’s important to continue monitoring what’s going on and to respond accordingly. According to Dinani, make sure your listing agent has a pulse on not only the area they serve, but the overall base market and other emerging trends. For instance, if you’re selling a single-family home, your REALTOR® should be able to pinpoint if there’s a rise in buyers selling condominiums and moving to your neighbourhood, and how your listing should target that audience. 

“We’re seeing new trends now and that movement towards detached [homes] with a yard. [You should] know where the buyers are coming from in the area,” says Dinani. 

At the moment, Dinani says constrained supply may point to a seller’s market in fall 2020, but there’s still too many variables at play to know for sure in advance. In the latest market data released by CREA, the number of newly listed properties jumped 7.6% from June to July.

In June, the national average home price reached $539,000, a 6.5% year-over-year increase, according to CREA. Prices are expected to continue to remain stable and buyers who have been locked down in their homes are likely to be motivated to move to a space that’s more suitable for their needs in the fall. 

Whatever the case may be down the line, REALTORS® should be up to date with the market. 

“Our job, in our position as REALTORS®, is to be on top of everything that is happening, and what’s happening with the data, what’s happening with the stats, sales and prices, and keep our clients apprised as to when is the best time to sell their home,” says Dinani.

Have a plan in place

Don’t fly by the seat of your pants—it’s good to plan ahead for the safety and well-being of everyone. Dinani explains your REALTOR® should set protocol for how each showing and open house will play out according to local public health guidelines. For instance, his team prepares each property for showing by arriving early, providing a thorough cleaning, and opening all interior doors to prevent visitors from touching high-contact surfaces. It’s also recommended to provide visitors with masks and a disinfecting station for use before and after their showing. 

“When we’re outside before the buyer comes in, we prepare them on what we expect and how the showing is expected to go and what the angle of the limitations will be,” he explains.

Dinani says you should have a conversation with your REALTOR® about what measures they’re taking to protect your health as well as the health of the potential buyers who will be coming through your home.

Presentation is everything

Fall is usually a time where more serious buyers come out of the woodwork. Having skipped the spring and summer markets, fall buyers traditionally are looking to make an offer and close on a property before the holidays hit. Nowadays, home buyers are even less casual when it comes to shopping around. 

“Everyone coming through is not just casually looking. There’s the odd one, but the majority of people are actually very serious about entering the market or buying something in the market,” explains Dinani. “I feel like into the fall, that will continue.”

Given the seriousness of buyer motivations, and the social distancing recommendations that have resulted in less frequent in-person showings, it’s important to make first impressions count in the home. This means a clean, well-kept environment showcasing the best features of the property.

“When they come into the home and it’s not presented well, then you may lose them,” says Dinani. “So, we make sure our homes show a ten every single time. That presentation component is very important.”

Leverage technology for your home 

With more buyers spending their time on their phones and computers, Dinani says it’s crucial to take a more aggressive online marketing approach. When preparing your home for listing, he says to ask your REALTOR® about how they plan to leverage technology to give your home exposure. 

“We’ve seen a meaningful change from where activity has gone during the pandemic and how people are spending more time [online],” says Dinani. 

For buyers and sellers that are less comfortable with in-person showings, high-quality Matterport and virtual tours can be a powerful substitute. Instead of sending physical copies of flyers and feature sheets, convert these materials online so they are readily available. A strong presence on social media and relevant real estate websites is also vital. 

“Every one of our listings has a virtual tour attached to it,” explains Dinani. “I think that’s the first touch point that people have to your listing. It’s got to be something that impresses.”

Source: Realtor.ca/blog

https://www.realtor.ca/blog/postpage/14534/1361/steps-for-getting-ready-to-sell-your-home-this-fall

Welcome to the dog days of summer: the hottest days of the season. It’s so hot out your shirt becomes soaked with sweat and glues itself to your skin—and the humidity is so thick you can almost chew the air! The only haven you have is your home and the cool respite of an air-conditioned room. If you have air conditioning, that is… Luckily, homeowners across Canada are finding ways to cool their living spaces without A/C using guidance from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) experts. 

When you can’t control the temperature inside your home, there are certain tactics to help you stay cool. This includes creating a cross-breeze with strategically placed floor fans; exhausting hot air from your home using bathroom fans; and pushing cool air down by turning your ceiling fan counterclockwise. And if you have a small budget for some minor renovations, or you can justify buying a few useful products, you’ll keep comfortable despite the rising mercury.

Don’t let the summer sun melt the days away, be prepared for the next heatwave. Learn how to keep your house cool without air conditioning by employing the following actionable tips, tricks, and cooling techniques recommended by the pros.  

Keeping your home cool during the day

During the day, the goal is to stop the heat from climbing and maintaining the room temperature. This means finding ways to allow hot air to escape, while filtering out heat sources in your home. For example, shuttering blinds, hanging blackout curtains, and applying a heat-reflecting film to your windows keeps you cooler by blocking out the sun’s heat—turning on the vent fan above your oven or in your bathrooms can also help draw some of the warm air out of your house.

According to Allan Mitchell, HVAC technician at R.E.L. Controls Inc., the key to staying cool without air conditioning is to keep the air moving, “Moving air is drier (less humid), so it feels cooler even though you haven’t actually changed the temperature.” This is best done with fans:

• Place floor fans on the opposite ends of a room—one blowing in and the other blowing out—to create a cross-breeze and a constant flow of air entering and exiting the space.
• Turn your ceiling fan counterclockwise to offset hot air as it rises—rather than sucking up and circulating the heat, the fan pushes the air back down, removing the humidity and making it feel cooler in the process.
• Blow the air from your basement—which is cooler—into the main living space by using floor fans to move the air from one end of the room and up to the next level.

Of course, fans aren’t your only option to regulate the temperature of your home. Try closing bedroom doors to minimize the amount of space you need to cool, and don’t feel guilty about putting off activities on the to-do list that generate heat—for example, doing laundry, vacuuming the floor, and cleaning dishes. 

Keeping your home cool at night

As the sun goes down and the balmy, summer night sets in, the outside temperature will eventually dip below the inside temperature of your home. This is your opportunity to take advantage of what’s considered “free cooling.” Let the fresh air in by opening windows, spreading curtains, and widening blinds—position floor fans to draw the outside air in and circulate it through your house. 

Speaking of “free,” learn how to use thermostats to reduce the cost of your heating bill during the winter.  

Open bedroom doors and maximize the air flow down hallways and throughout each room—once again, create cross-breezes wherever possible to keep the cool air moving. And if that doesn’t do the trick, why not make your own air conditioner? Fill a large bowl with ice cubes and place it behind a table fan; set the fan to static and drape a towel over the back covering the bowl. Admittedly, the ice melts quickly, but before it does, you’re graced with a delightfully cold breeze.

When it comes to cooking dinner, a barbeque is your best friend—nothing cranks up the heat in your home like using the oven or turning on the burners. Plus, everything tastes better off the BBQ. If you don’t own a barbeque, consider meals with little prep work and short cooking times, or treat yourself and order takeout from your favourite restaurant occasionally. 

Leigh Henderson, an HVAC Journeyman with more than20-years’ experience, was adamant about reducing the use of electronics. “Read a book or play a boardgame, ” he said jokingly when asked the best way to keep cool without air conditioning, “and don’t leave the fridge door open.”

Surprisingly, your television, computer, laptop, and other electronic devices generate a significant amount of heat, which is only compounded by the sweltering sun. As for the fridge, the longer you keep the door open, the harder the compressor works to maintain the cool temperature—the harder the compressor works, the hotter it gets inside your home.   

Keep your house cool with these 5 investments

Despite keeping your home cool, air conditioners heat up your utilities bill, and the warmer it gets outside, the more expensive it is to stay comfortable. Whereas, a few key renovations end up cheaper in the long run. If you can justify the upfront expenditure, consider the following five investments to keep your house cool without A/C:

1. Install a ridge vent on your roof to allow hot air to escape from your attic—for installation, it’s best to hire a professional to prevent moisture damage to your roof and insulation.
2. Purchase a dehumidifier to keep the humidity out of the air—there are several models available, so do your research to find what’s best for your home.
3. Replace all incandescent light bulbs with LED alternatives—incandescent bulbs use more electricity (generate more heat), while LED lights are more than 75% energy efficient. 
4. Buy a digital indoor/outdoor weather station—track the weather and monitor the temperature to pinpoint the ideal times to exploit free cooling.   Employ passive cooling techniques outside of your home—strategically planting bushes, gardens, and even trees help prevent the sun from heating the foundation of your home.

Source: https://www.realtor.ca/blog/postpage/14372/1363/how-to-keep-your-house-cool-without-air-conditioning

Realtor.ca/blog

From the Realtor.ca Living Room Blog:

Buying a home isn’t necessarily something that you can do on a whim—there are months of preparation involved when transitioning from renting to homeownership.

With so many moving parts in play, from loan approvals to placing purchase offers, navigating home buying for the first time can be an overwhelming task. In the age of the coronavirus pandemic, when some real estate processes have changed, buying a home can seem especially daunting. 

Luckily, we’ve developed this handy 12-month calendar for first-time homebuyers that will help to keep you on the straight and narrow when making your home purchase. From the beginning of the process, down to the final months and weeks, we’ll guide you through what you need to do and when. 

12 months out

One year from the time you hope to buy, it’s important to determine how much house you can afford and how much you might need to save in advance.

An online affordability calculator is a great way to get started. Simply plug in your household income, loan payments and living costs, and you’ll get a breakdown of how much mortgage you could possibly take on, plus how big of a downpayment you’ll need. Based on this information, plan for your downpayment and moving expenses, whether it be devising a savings strategy or rejigging your monthly budget. 

Don’t forget to check your credit score as well—mortgage lenders will be looking at this when you apply for a loan. Be mindful lenders will need to see a healthy score within a specific range in order for you to get approved. If you’re not sure how to improve your credit score, make an appointment with a financial advisor. 

<iframe src=”https://guides.co/g/home-buyers-roadmap&#8221; frameborder=”0″ width=”400″ height=”600″></iframe>

Nine months out

At this point in your home buying journey, envision what your ideal first home looks like. 

Jot down a list of your wants versus your needs. For instance, you want a property with an inground pool in the backyard, but you need a home that has at least three bedrooms and is less than a 45-minute commute to work. Research what neighbourhoods you’d like to live in, and note their characteristics like community amenities, municipal taxes and conveniences. You could even spend some time dropping into virtual or live streamed open houses to get a feel for the homes in the area. If you can’t make it to the neighbourhoods themselves, the map feature will give you a closer look and Google Street View is always a handy tool.

Start budgeting for miscellaneous home buying expenses during this time. Remember, you’ll need to set aside money to cover legal fees, movers, home inspections and other buying-related costs. Begin to contribute to a savings account specifically for home maintenance, and start getting used to contributing to it every month.

Six months out

At the six-month mark, it’s time to start gathering your loan paperwork. 

Lenders will need information on your income, debts and credit history. In advance of getting your mortgage pre-approval, you’ll need to collect your personal tax returns from the last three years, your most recent pay stubs, bank and credit card statements, loan information and your addresses for the past five to seven years. 

Take some time to research mortgage lenders, and start searching for a REALTOR® to help guide you through the next stages of your home buying journey. From negotiating your offer, to providing you with listings that meet all of your ‘must-haves,’ REALTORS® are a crucial source of information and support for first-time home buyers.

Three months out

Now the saving and research groundwork is done, it’s time to get the ball rolling on buying your first home.

With the help of a mortgage professional, apply for a mortgage pre-approval, which will tell you the maximum amount you’re able to borrow from your lender. It’s important to get your loan pre-approval before you start house hunting, so you’ll know exactly what property price point you should be looking at. 

Your REALTOR® will assist with setting up virtual home showings and virtual or live streamed open houses, and will also regularly send you new listings to look at. 

Two months out

If you find your ideal home after a few weeks of shopping around, get ready to place an offer to purchase. 

Following the guidance of your REALTOR®, determine what offer price you’d like to submit to the sellers, along with any conditional clauses and a closing date. Your REALTOR® will walk you through offer submission lingo and processes, and will find the best strategy for presenting and negotiating your purchase offer to the other party.

Once your offer has been accepted, you might opt to conduct a home inspection for peace of mind on any possible repairs or issues with the property. If major flaws are found, you could be in a position to renegotiate the offer price to cover the cost of repairs, or require the sellers to make fixes prior to closing. 

Final month

In the final weeks of buying a home, you’re ready to tie up any loose ends prior to the closing date. 

Triple-check your financial and lending documents are in order, and touch base with your financial institution to arrange a wire transfer or issue a cashier’s cheque for your closing. Be sure to arrange for home insurance too, and hire a professional moving company if needed. Make sure you have a lawyer to help finalize your closing. Finally, you’ll be entitled to a buyer’s visit at your new home prior to closing. Use this appointment to take measurements, inspect any repairs, and check to make sure the home is in the same condition as when you last saw it.

While the journey to becoming a homeowner can be a long one, this 12-month calendar helps to outline all of the necessary steps you need to take along the way. With this guide in hand, along with the professional advice of an experienced REALTOR®, progressing from a renter to a homeowner can be a seamless process.

Source:  https://www.realtor.ca/blog/postpage/13828/1361/a-step-by-step-guide-to-buying-your-first-home-in-a-year

What to expect when you're the buyer!

1. Get Pre-Approved

This is an important first step in the home-buying process. You don’t want to start house-hunting and fall for a home you can’t afford. I’m happy to refer you to a mortgage associate to get started. 

2. What You Want 

Now that we know your budget, let’s talk about what you want in a home. First home? Income property? Fixer upper? Location close to work? Downsizing? Space for family? The information you give helps me to personally select listings that will work for you. 

3. The Fun Part

Looking at houses! This should be a stress free activity for you. I’ll have already found places for you to view, booked the appointments, and will meet you there to give a tour. 

With over 10 years working in real estate, I’ve sold hundreds of properties, spent hours with home inspectors and contractors, and have personally renovated over a dozen homes myself. I’ll be pointing out the positives and also the possible issues with homes we’re viewing, to help you make the most educated decision on your purchase. Have questions about putting in a basement suite? Changing the format of the kitchen? Installing a garage? Just ask!

4. Making an Offer

When you find a home that you’re ready to purchase, we’ll work together on an offer. I’ll prepare all of the paperwork, and send it to you electronically through Authentisign. You can sign these documents right from your mobile device, so you can be anywhere at the time.

I’ll negotiate for you in your best interest, always working to get you the best deal possible. The seller may also want to negotiate and send a counter offer. Be prepared to compromise a little if you really love a home. $4,000 extra on your mortgage doesn’t actually amount to much on your monthly payment - as long as the price is within your budget in the first place.

5. Closing

The sale of a home will often have conditions (financing, an approved home inspection, etc.). You may have more paperwork to complete with the mortgage associate, and this should be completed right away. If you require a home inspection, I will schedule one for you with an approved inspector. You’ll also be required to purchase home insurance for the property as soon as the sale is final (the conditions have been removed and your “to do list” completed).  At that time, you’ll need to finalize paperwork through a real estate lawyer. I can refer you to a lawyer my clients frequently work with if you don’t have one already. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask! As a Realtor, I’m with you every step of the way in your home buying journey. 

6. Check out the Home Buyer’s Road Map!

https://www.realtor.ca/resource/homebuyers_road_map.pdf

For more information, click on the link from the Realtor.ca website. 

Tidy up the garage, clean the patio furniture or finally get around to that DIY project…we all have a list of projects around the house that seems to grow faster than you can finish it.

Now that you might be spending more time around the house, why not use this as an opportunity to start a new project or get around to a few of those chores you’ve been putting off? To help you get started, we’re sharing a list of around-the-house tasks for a quiet or rainy day. 

1. Tidy the garage

The ultimate “I’ll do it one day” project: cleaning out the garage. Start this project on a dry day so you can pull everything out onto the driveway or the lawn. Set aside what you want to get rid of and organize it into three piles: toss, donate and sell. Group what’s left by category (for example, sporting goods, tools, luggage, paint or kid’s items). 

Once the garage is empty, use kitty litter, sawdust or cornmeal to soak up any grease or oil. Sweep it up and then use dish detergent, water and a scrub brush to clean any stains. When repacking the garage, put less-used items on harder to reach shelves or in labelled storage containers, while keeping frequently used items in sight and easy to access. 

2. Soundproof a room

If your house is currently functioning as a home office, classroom and doggy daycare, you’re probably finding out exactly how soundproof each room is. Fortunately, there are some easy ways you can minimize sound travelling between rooms without making permanent changes. Hanging drapes, adding rugs and carpets, setting up a bookcase or investing in new doors are some solutions. Get more tips in our post about six easy ways you can soundproof a room.

3. Boost the Wi-Fi signal in your home

Whether it’s the basement, backyard or corner bedroom, there’s likely a space in your home where the Wi-Fi doesn’t work properly. To improve your online experience around the home, try putting a password on your network, using a router with four or more antennas or getting a signalbooster. To find out more about what might be causing your wireless woes and how to fix them, read our comprehensive guide to choosing the right Wi-Fi for your home.

4. Clean your patio furniture

Whether you store your patio furniture inside, cover it up with a tarp or leave it outdoors to brave the elements, your patio furniture is probably in need of some TLC before the summer season. Use soapy water and a soft brush or sponge to clean dirt and dust off your metal, wicker or wooden patio set (to avoid scratches, be sure to not use anything abrasive). 

If your patio set has cushions with removable covers, follow the washing instructions on the tag. For cushion covers that can’t be removed, use soap and water to scrub dirt and stains and leave cushions outside to dry.

5. Reupholster a chair

You might think that reupholstery projects are best left to a professional, but with some simple instructions and basic tools, you can bring new life to a treasured piece in just a few hours. Plus, you can use up fabric you might already have around the house like an old set of curtains, denim or other scraps. 

To set yourself up for success, start simple by choosing a chair or cushion with straight lines. Next, read our guide to DIY upholstery to find out what tools you’ll need and how to get started.

6. Set up your smart home

Maybe you never got around to setting up your smart washing machine, or maybe you want to be able to turn the kettle on from your bed. Smart appliances or smart add-ons can make those everyday chores easier and safer. Read our guides to smart appliances and smart home hubs and devices, and you won’t have to worry about whether or not you turned off the oven before leaving the house again. 

7. Purge your closet

Does it fit? Do you love it? Do you wear it? If you can answer “no” for any item in your closet, it’s time for a purge. Follow our guide to Kondo-ing your clutter to find out how to clean out and reorganize your closet to keep it functional and organized. If your local clothing donation location (like Goodwill or Salvation Army) is currently closed, fold and pack away clothes in clean, tightly-sealed plastic bags so they don’t get dusty and donate items once it’s safe to do so. 

8.  Refresh your home with paint

If you’re looking for an easy DIY project with a big impact, think about painting a room, touching up the trim or adding a pop of colour by painting a door. Contact your local hardware or building store for information about curbside pickup for painting supplies, or try online paint shop Digby to get supplies delivered to your door. To help you pick the perfect colour, check out our favourite paint colours for spring or this guide to choosing a colour to increase productivity, promote calm or boost creativity levels. 

Whether you spend a few hours or a few days working on projects around the house, you’re sure to enjoy your next Netflix binge even more knowing that you’ve crossed a few items off your to-do list.

Source:  Realtor.ca/blog

https://www.realtor.ca/blog/postpage/13426/1363/8-around-the-house-projects-to-tackle

With summer officially approaching, now’s the time to start creating a blueprint for the backyard reboot of your winter-weary dreams. Make the most out of your outdoor space this summer by bringing your kitchen outdoors and growing your own cocktail ingredients.

Whether you gather around a custom-built fire pit with s’mores or sweat it out in a barrel sauna, a little work now will mean a lot of relaxation in the not distant future. 

Grow your own cocktail ingredients

Hopping on the farm-to-table bandwagon, garden-to-glass cocktails will elevate your reputation and mixology abilities. When it’s safe to host again, you’ll be well-practiced and confident in your bar menu. Whether you choose to get deeply botanical with infusions and “shrubs” or keep it simple with ready-to-pluck mint and Thai basil, cocktail gardens can be as minimal or extensive as your liquor cabinet. 

Take-out pizza: the real deal

If you want to engage in a labour of love that will return the favour, upgrade your outdoor kitchen from a generic barbecue to a showstopper pizza oven. There are several online tutorials that will satisfy all skill levels, budgets and design tastes from rustic to elaborate. For a quick and portable fix, you can order an Ooni Koda. Fueled by propane, the Koda oven reaches 500°C in minutes, and you’ll have a piping pizza pie at the ready in 60 seconds. 

S’mores headquarters

Before you create your vision board, make sure to check with your municipality’s fire regulations and permit requirements. If you live in a wooded area, be mindful fires can burn deep below the surface and ignite tree roots. A 5-inch base layer of crushed gravel is advised. Like pizza ovens, fire pits can be built using natural stone, fire pit blocks or metal fire rings. Hard rocks like granite or lava rock won’t crack under extreme heat. Building centres carry complete kits with palletized stone (pre-sorted stone of uniform size) and DIY divas can learn how to lay capstone and build custom Muskoka chairs for the entire family.

Gas and propane-fuelled fire pit tables are popular for their mess-free instant gratification (no wood! No ash! No smoky clothes to launder!) while freestanding copper fire bowls create a natural and artistic focal point. 

Need help choosing the right fire pit or location for your outdoor space? Check out Your Guide to Outdoor Fireplaces. 

Let off some steam

Outdoor saunas can be a timeless addition to a backyard space. They can be used year-round and the health benefits make them a sound wellness investment. Lady Gaga and much of Finland swear by them. The design options jump from traditional to panoramic to white cedar barrel saunas with miniature porches. However, with a little sweat equity, friends will be eager to join you once it’s safe to do so. And, even more so when your backyard reboot is complete!

Open air shower or cowboy bath?

If you don’t have a lake in your backyard to jump into after cutting the grass, how about building an outdoor shower? It can be enclosed or open-air, making the set-up even simpler. All you need is an accessible water source, weatherproof wood and sufficient drainage away from your house.

Prefer a soak? “Cowboy tubs” are traditionally galvanized livestock water troughs or stock tanks and they are a fun off-grid amenity gaining popularity on Airbnb listings. Copper tubing makes the magic happen and with a little fire-tending patience, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind hot tub to soak in. With a garden-to-glass cocktail in hand, of course!

Backyard reboots can be achieved with any budget and a little ingenuity. Remember, you’re investing in relaxation and serenity, which is priceless!Looking for more ideas on how to transform your backyard into the ultimate retreat? Check out these suggestions for me-time she sheds, and big impact upgrades for your patio, porch and balcony too.

Source: Realtor.ca/blog

 https://www.realtor.ca/blog/postpage/13310/1367/creating-a-backyard-space-that-you-won%E2%80%99t-want-to-leave

As temperatures begin to rise, there’s nothing more rewarding than packing away your winter gear and tackling spring cleaning projects. Plus, now that we’re spending more time at home than usual, it’s the perfect opportunity to check off those often forgotten items on your cleaning to-do list. 

To help you take it step-by-step, we’re sharing 12 ways to deep clean for spring with tips from cleaning expert Melissa Maker. Whether you do two or ten projects from this list, your home is sure to feel fresh and ready for spring. 

In the kitchen

1. Remove your oven racks and scrub them in the sink with soapy water. For a natural way to clean the inside of your oven, mix three-quarters of a cup of baking soda with a quarter-cup of water, spread the paste inside your oven and let it sit overnight before wiping it clean.
2. Clear out your refrigerator, dispose of the expired items and wipe down all the interior surfaces with your favourite cleaning solution. Remove and soak any shelves with stubborn spills.
3. Check the filter at the back of your dishwasher, pop it out and clean it in the sink (check the manual if you can’t find it). Next, put approximately two cups of vinegar in a container on the top rack and run the dishwasher on the hottest setting to make it shine.
4. Tidy and organize the area underneath your sink. “It’s a very forgotten area and a really easy task!” says Maker. “Remove everything, and select only the things that are important to put back. While the area is still empty, wipe out the bottom of the cabinet and place a shelf liner on the bottom. This prevents the base of the cabinet from being damaged.”

Source:  Realtor.ca

Financial Post

March 5, 2020

Purchasing a property with the intention to turn it into an Airbnb can be risky. It's important to do your research and ask the right questions before you invest.

This article was created by StackCommerce in partnership with Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division. While Postmedia may collect a commission on sales through the links on this page, we are not being paid by the brands mentioned.

The rise of Airbnb may have you thinking about potential investment opportunities in the vacation rental market. Airbnb has made the idea of buying a property solely to turn it into short-term housing an interesting proposition. However, that strategy is not without risk. When it comes to Airbnb ownership, there are a handful of important questions you should ask yourself:

WHAT KIND OF INVESTOR DO YOU WANT TO BE?

There are plenty of ways to run a rental property, and they all have their own strengths and weaknesses. Do you want to be an active investor who spends a great deal of time maintaining the property to get those glowing user reviews? Or is kicking back and being a passive investor more your speed? Given how reviews can make or break an Airbnb property on the platform, playing the Airbnb game is much more suited to the active investor.

CAN YOU MANAGE THE PROPERTY?

Going off the importance of reviews, being able to keep a property in tip-top shape is vital for getting users to recommend your property and help it stand out on the platform. Can you keep the space clean and stocked with essentials like toiletries and linens? Can you delight your guests with fun recommendations or a tasty meal on the house? If not, it might be worth hiring a property manager to make sure your space wows your guests, though that will definitely cut into your bottom line.

Source:  Financial Post https://business.financialpost.com/personal-finance/taxes/what-you-should-consider-before-purchasing-a-rental-or-airbnb-property