Heat Wave Hacks to Keep You Cool

Top tips to keep cool in hot weather

Heatwaves are happening around the world. And climate change means they're getting hotter and longer. Here's how to stay cool in the heat.

1. Be sun smart

It's best to avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day, but sometimes that can't be avoided. When out in direct sunlight remember:

• Wear (and regularly reapply) sunscreen.
• Cover your head with a hat.
• Take regular breaks indoors or in a shady area to avoid getting heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
• Wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing will also help you to stay cool.

• Drenching a t-shirt and keeping it wet can be very effective.
• Buy cooling spray.
• Having a cool shower - not freezing as you should cool down slowly.
•  You can quickly cool yourself down by putting your hands and feet in cold water. Wrists and ankles have lots of pulse points where blood vessels are close to the skin, so you will cool down more quickly

• a dry mouth
• dizziness or confusion
• headaches

Sellers: Don't Let These Two Things Hold You Back

When it comes to selling a home, it's natural to have some concerns or hesitations. However, it's crucial not to let these things hold you back from taking advantage of a potentially profitable opportunity. In this blog post, we'll discuss two common concerns for sellers and provide insights on how to overcome them.

Fear of Market Conditions: One common concern for sellers is the fear of market conditions. You might worry that it's not the right time to sell, or you might be uncertain about the demand for your particular property. While market conditions do play a role, it's important to remember that there are always buyers in the market, regardless of the overall conditions. Instead of focusing on the broader market, consult with a real estate professional who can provide insights into the local market conditions and guide you on the best strategy for selling your home.

Emotional Attachment to the Home: Another obstacle for sellers is the emotional attachment to their home. It's natural to have sentimental value attached to the place where you've created memories and built a life. However, it's essential to separate emotions from the selling process. Remember that selling a home is a business transaction, and your goal is to achieve the best possible outcome. To overcome this hurdle, focus on the future and the opportunities that await you in your next chapter. Keep in mind that by selling your home, you're opening doors to new experiences and possibilities.

Tips to Overcome These Concerns:

Educate Yourself: Research the local market conditions, recent sales in your area, and consult with a real estate agent who can provide you with accurate information and data-driven insights.

Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that the real estate market fluctuates, and the selling process can take time. Set realistic expectations in terms of pricing, timeline, and the overall selling experience.

Work with a Professional: Hire a reputable real estate agent who has experience in your local market. They can provide guidance, market your home effectively, negotiate on your behalf, and help you navigate any obstacles that may arise.

Depersonalize and Stage: To overcome emotional attachment, consider depersonalizing your home by removing personal items and photographs. Additionally, stage your home to showcase its potential and appeal to a wide range of buyers.

Bottom Line
Don't let fear of market conditions or emotional attachment hold you back from selling your home. By understanding the local market, setting realistic expectations, working with a professional, and depersonalizing your space, you can overcome these concerns and take advantage of the opportunities that selling your home can bring. Remember, selling a home is a strategic decision that can lead to new beginnings and exciting possibilities.

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ADD A SPRING TOUCH TO YOUR HOME

Even if the weather isn’t cooperating quite yet - spring is here! Cheering up your home with some spring decor is the perfect way to prepare for warmer days and more sunshine. Here are some options to prepare your home for the next season!

ADD AN HERB GARDEN

While they may not last outdoors with the sporadic weather of spring, bringing potted herbs into your home and letting them soak up sunlight in a kitchen window is the perfect way to add life to your home and have access to fresh herbs while you’re cooking. 

THINK SPRING 

If you are all about DIY-ing, creating simple decorations can add a pop of seasonal color to your home. Take that pair of rain boots you don’t wear anymore and turn them into planters - add bright floral arrangements and use your new decor item as an inviting piece by your front door.

POPS OF COLOuR

Neutral and sleek is all the rage right now, but adding a pop of color in your normal decor can add a cheerful touch to your home. Swap out your kitchen napkins or tablecloth with something a little bit more colorful, like soft blues or pinks. Small changes can do enough to make your home feel different without being overwhelming.

FLORALS ARE ALWAYS THE ANSWER

Whether or not you already include florals in your home decor, take the time to swap out or add something new that feels like spring. While fresh flowers are a great choice, consider picking up some faux florals for the majority of your decor and saving the fresh flowers for a centerpiece. Don’t be afraid to add pops of color, specifically yellows and pinks, to create a focal point for the room. 

TOUCH UP TIME

Is there a room in your home that is just feeling drab? Maybe it is dark and uninviting, or maybe it has white walls that have started to fade. While you are spring cleaning, consider adding a fresh coat of paint to a place in your home that needs a boost of light. Spring is all about being fresh and new, so your home should feel that way too!

May is for Mother's Day

12 quirky fact about celebrating mothers

Mother's Day is a wonderful tradition that goes back over a hundred years. If we are honest, we should celebrate mothers and mother figures every day of the year, not just on Mother’s Day, for all they juggle and do for their families. 

If you are after a creative way to show her how much you care, why not share some quirky and fun facts about Mother’s Day. 

1. THE TERM ‘MUM’ WAS INVENTED BY BABIES

The first and easiest sound a baby can vocalise is the ‘ma’ sound. Consequently, in almost every language, the word for mother begins with the letter ‘M’ and is some version of the ‘ma’ sound. For example, Mother is ‘Mère’ in French, ‘Mutter’ in German, ‘Madre’ in Italian, ‘Maa’ in Hindi and ‘Matka’ in Polish.

2. THE DATE FOR MOTHER’S DAY CHANGES EACH YEAR

While the date changes each year, the timing stays the same – we celebrate this holiday yearly on the second Sunday of May. This year Mother’s Day will be on May 12th

3. MORE CALLS ARE MADE ON MOTHER’S DAY THAN ANY OTHER DAY.

Mother’s Day is the most popular day to place phone calls across the world, registering more calling traffic than any other holiday, including New Year’s and Valentine’s Day.

4. IT’S NOT JUST MUMS WHO GET MOTHER’S DAY LOVE

Around a quarter of Canadians will be purchasing gifts for people who aren’t their birth mother, including mothers-in-law, wives or partners and other family members. Similarly, some opt to celebrate those women who have been mother figures to them in their lives. More love for mums to go around!

5. MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATIONS DATE BACK TO ANCIENT TIMES

Festivals honouring mothers and mother goddesses date back to ancient times. Many cultures celebrated the 'Mother' energy inherent in all things. The Phrygians celebrated a festival for Cybele, the Great Mother of the Gods, as did the Greeks for the goddess Rhea. The Romans adapted the practise for their own cluture.

6. SOME COUNTRIES STILL OBSERVE ANCIENT CULTURAL FESTIVALS TO HONOUR MOTHERS.

Some countries continue to observe ancient festivals. For example, people continue to celebrate Durga-puja in India, honouring the goddess Durga. This is a 1- day festival taking place around September or October and remains an important festival in India.

7. THE MORE RECENT HISTORY OF MOTHER’S DAY STARTS WITH PEACEMAKER ANN JARVIS.

During and following the US Civil War, Ann Jarvis made a dedicated effort to foster community and friendship between mothers on both sides of the civil war. In 1868 she started a committee that established the first glimmer of today’s holiday: “Mother’s Friendship Day.”

8. ANN JERVIS’ DAUGHTER ANNA CREATED THE OFFICIAL HOLIDAY.

Anna Reeves Jarvis wanted to honour her own mother. So she established an intimate day of observance and formed the foundation of today’s holiday with the very first Mother’s Day celebrated in 1908.

9. US PRESIDENT WOODROW WILSON SIGNED MOTHER’S DAY INTO LAW IN 1914.

Anna Jarvis had created the Mother’s Day International Association aiming to streamline the day of observance to the second Sunday in May. US president Woodrow Wilson consequently legitimised the celebration as a nationwide holiday in the USA in 1914.

10. ANNA JARVIS LATER TRIED TO STOP WHAT MOTHER’S DAY BECAME.

Reasonably quickly, Mother’s Day became a commercial opportunity for retailers to sell flowers, chocolates, and cards. Meanwhile, Anna Reeves Jarvis felt that this was detracting from the original idea of a personal and intimate celebration of mothers. She defied this by starting walkouts and boycotts and even expressed her condemnation of first lady Eleanor Roosevelt for using this day as a means of fundraising. Jarvis eventually used all her money on this fight and died in a sanatorium at the age of 84.

11. CARNATIONS AND THEIR SPECIAL MEANING ON MOTHER’S DAY.

Anna Reeves Jarvis used the carnation flowers on Mother’s Day to show whether one’s mother was still living. A red carnation showed she was, and a white meant she had passed.

12. FLOWERS HAVE MANY POSITIVE HEALTH BENEFITS

Flowers have long been a unique way of letting the recipient know how important a role they play in the sender’s life and communicate how they might feel towards them. Certainly, this is true on Mother’s Day. Further, substantial research demonstrates that giving a bouquet of flowers also holds many positive health and psychological benefits.


And lastly, in countries around the world people celebrate the day at entirely different times of the year. Many different traditions are attached to this day too. For example, In Thailand, on Mother’s Day, many mothers day parades  take place, and the Jasmine flower is the flower most commonly gifted to moms. In Serbia, mother's are tied up with ribbon or rope until they give sweets and gifts to their children – quite the opposite of our Mother’s Day traditions!

How ever you celebrate, it's a interesting tradition that spans cultures and centuries.



 

Why Should You Stage Your Home To Sell?

In order to be competitive in the real estate market, you may have to take steps to set your home apart from others.

It won't be enough to just put out a for-sale sign and wait for potential buyers. One way that homeowners can sell their homes more speedily is by home staging, which can have the added benefit of pushing up the selling price of your home.

Basically, staging consists of arranging your home's décor and furniture in such a way as to make the home have more of an appeal to prospective buyers.

In some cases, home staging can be a relatively simple and inexpensive undertaking. You may be comfortable with just cleaning up your home and removing all day-to-day items, or personal family photos. On the other hand, you may want to consider investing a more substantial amount of time and money into your home staging project.

The main benefit of investing in landscaping, painting and new furniture is that a potential buyer will come away from a visit to your home with a better idea of how his or her new home will look.

Home staging has been around since the 1970s. Although it began on the West Coast of the United States, the concept eventually spread to the rest of the country. There's more to home staging than just decorating.

The general idea behind home staging is to depersonalize your home so that a prospective buyer will be able to imagine him or herself living in it. By removing piles of newspapers and family photos, you'll be able to increase your home's appeal.

Another tip is to choose neutral colors for your home's carpet and paint. If it's within your budget, you'll also want to think about buying new appliances. Although many people do a good job of staging their own homes, you can also hire a professional to do the job for you.

If you have any questions about marketing your home and showing it off the best advantage, I'm happy to help!
 

Invest in Yourself by Owning a Home

Investing in yourself by owning a home can bring numerous benefits and opportunities. Here are some reasons why owning a home can be a wise investment:

Building equity: When you own a home, you are building equity as you pay down your mortgage. Equity is the difference between the value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage. Over time, as your home's value appreciates and you continue to make mortgage payments, your equity increases. This can provide financial stability and serve as a long-term asset.

Potential for appreciation: Historically, real estate has shown a tendency to appreciate in value over time. While there are no guarantees, owning a home can offer the potential for your property to increase in value. This can result in significant returns on your investment if you decide to sell in the future.

Stability and control: Owning a home provides stability and a sense of control over your living situation. Unlike renting, where landlords can increase rent or decide not to renew your lease, owning a home gives you the freedom to create a living space that suits your needs. You have the power to make improvements, decorate, and personalize your home to your liking.

Forced savings: Paying a mortgage is a form of forced savings. Each monthly payment goes toward building equity and paying off your loan balance. This can be an effective way to accumulate wealth over time, as opposed to renting where your monthly payments go solely towards your landlord's income.

Potential rental income: Homeownership can also present opportunities for generating rental income. If you have extra space or decide to move but want to hold onto your property, you can rent it out and earn passive income. This can be a valuable source of additional cash flow and a way to diversify your investment portfolio.

It's important to note that homeownership also comes with responsibilities, including maintenance costs and potential market fluctuations.

It's crucial to carefully consider your financial situation, long-term goals, and the real estate market in your area before deciding to invest in a home.

Consulting with a real estate professional or financial advisor can help you make an informed decision.

5 Painting Mistakes to Avoid

DIY interior painting can be a money-saver if you know what you’re doing. While saving a few dollars is definitely worth trying out painting yourself, it is important to avoid mistakes often made in the process. Here is how to avoid them!

Mistake #1: Not Using The Correct Applicator

If you are willing to pay for premium paint, you should be willing to invest in a good applicator. Invest in good brushes or rollers up front to avoid hair on the wall or lumps of roller lint under the paint.

Mistake #2: Not Preparing Correctly

You always want to do repair work first so that your walls are smooth, clean, dry and free of loose debris before you begin painting. A repair will be much less obvious if it is done before a new coat of paint!

Mistake #3: Overextending Your Brush Dips

One of the most frequently made mistakes by DIYers is that they often continue applying a dip of paint until the brush or roller is dry. When you overextend each dip, the paint can dry in the brush bristles, and the fabric on rollers can mat down. You want to maintain a smooth line of paint. Once you can see the paint starting to break up, it’s time to re-dip.

Mistake #4: Breath Interference

Your breathe when painting can impact the steadiness of your hand. When cutting in near edges or other times when you need to be precise, you should hold your breath or breathe out to limit your movement as much as possible.

Mistake #5: Allowing Paint To Dry Out

Touch-ups are not ideal if your paint has dried out. To extend the life of water-based paint, place a piece of clear plastic wrap directly on the surface of the paint, then reseal the container. For oil-based paint, add about a half-inch of water on the surface before resealing.

5 Tips for Getting Your Home Ready for the Spring Market

Spring is the best time to sell your home; homes listed between mid-March and mid-April sell about 15% faster than any other time of year.

To attract buyers, you’ll want the house to be seen in the best possible light. So, if you’ve been toying with putting your home on the market or it’s been languishing without an offer, here aret 5 tips to help you get that SOLD sign.

1. Find the Right Real Estate Agent
A good real estate agent can be your partner through the complicated process of selling your home. They will market it appropriately, negotiate the best price on your behalf, and facilitate the more challenging parts of the sale to ensure things go smoothly. Do your research and ask friends, family or your lender for recommendations of agents in your area.

2. Spruce up Your Curb Appeal
The first, in-person impression any buyer will have of your home is from the curb, so start there. Hire a professional to power wash your house and driveway – or rent a machine to do it yourself. Add a sealant to the drive after it’s cleaned and dried to keep it looking refreshed and new. Are your shutters or mailbox looking a little tired? Cleaning and a fresh coat of paint can work wonders.

3. Prepare Your Yard
How does your lawn look after the cold, wintry months? If there are any brown patches, invest in some seed or sod to begin filling the areas that are thinning or need to be cut away. Don’t forget to pull weeds and trim bushes. If you’ve got bare spots or shabby-looking areas, try adding mulch or pine straw to fill in throughout the garden. Springtime is a season for renewal, so why not hit the garden store to choose some bright, beautiful flowers? Word is, yellow flowers help sell homes.

4. Spring Clean Everything
Your home needs to sparkle and shine to dazzle prospective buyers. They may not love that Little Mermaid bathroom, but they will certainly notice if it isn’t spic and span under the sink or in the tub area. Take some time to deep clean the bathrooms and kitchen, clean out the clutter from drawers, and add new shelf liner in the closets. Don’t forget to dust the blades of your ceiling fan and wipe down your appliances. Consider getting the whole house professionally cleaned, including the carpets. It’s always easier to maintain than it is to start from scratch.

5. Declutter and De-personalize
Clearing out some clutter may help buyers imagine themselves making your home their own – and make less for you to pack when your home sells. Removing refrigerator magnets, kid’s drawings and knickknacks can go a long way in helping to sell your home. Consider removing a piece (or two) of furniture from each room to open it up and show off its spaciousness. De-personalizing may also mean packing up family photos and choosing more generic artwork for the walls.

If you have any questions, or want some expert advice I'm always here to help!
 

Owning Your Home Helps You Build Wealth

Owning a home is not only a place to live but also a powerful tool for building wealth. Here are some key points to cover in a blog highlighting the benefits of homeownership for wealth building:

Equity Appreciation: One of the primary ways homeowners build wealth is through equity appreciation. Over time, real estate tends to appreciate in value, which means that your home can become more valuable than when you initially purchased it. This appreciation builds equity, which is the difference between your home's market value and the amount you owe on your mortgage. As your equity grows, so does your net worth.

Forced Savings: Owning a home is a form of forced savings. With each mortgage payment you make, you are building equity and increasing your ownership stake in the property. Unlike renting, where your monthly payments go towards the landlord's investment, homeownership allows you to build wealth in the form of home equity.

Mortgage Paydown: Another way homeowners build wealth is through mortgage paydown. As you consistently make mortgage payments, a portion of each payment goes towards reducing the principal balance owed on the loan. Over time, this reduces your debt and increases your equity in the property.

Leverage: Real estate allows homeowners to leverage their investment. By putting a relatively small down payment, typically 20% of the purchase price, you can control and benefit from the full value of the property. If the property appreciates, your return on investment is based on the total value of the property, not just your initial down payment.

Home Improvements: Making strategic home improvements can also contribute to wealth building. Well-planned renovations and upgrades can increase your home's value, allowing you to capture additional equity when you decide to sell.

Stability and Generational Wealth: Homeownership provides stability and the opportunity to create generational wealth. By owning your home, you have control over your living situation, and you are not subject to rent increases or the risk of eviction. Additionally, homeownership allows you to pass down the property to future generations, providing a valuable asset that can continue to appreciate over time.

Investing in homeownership is a long-term financial commitment, and it's important to consider various factors such as market conditions and personal financial goals. However, for many individuals, owning a home can be a significant step towards building wealth and achieving financial security.

Valentine's Day Sugar Cookies

There is nothing yummier than sugar cookies!
They're easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any and every holiday. Share these with your loved ones on Valentine's Day, and you're sure to get lots of smiles and hugs.
 
INGREDIENTS
What you need:
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) butter, softened
2 cups (500 ml) Granulated Sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract
5 cups (1.25 L) all-purpose flour
2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder
1 tsp (5 mL) salt
1 batch of Royal Icing
Food colouring
 
INSTRUCTIONS
Valentine's Day Sugar Cookies
How to prepare:
1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
2. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
5. Divide dough into quarters, form each quarter into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).7. Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6-8 mm) thick.
7. Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6-8 mm) thick.
8. Cut into shapes with a heart-shaped cookie cutter. Place cookies on parchment lined cookie sheets.
9. Bake 10 - 12 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.
10. Make up a batch of royal icing, pick your icing colours, and divide the icing into as many bowls as colours. Stir in the colouring to each bowl until you've achieved your desired colour.
11. Decorate your cookies with the royal icing. Be creative and have fun!

How Buying a Multi-Generational Home Helps with Affordability Today

Buying a multi-generational home can be a smart strategy to enhance affordability in today's housing market. Here are a few ways purchasing a multi-generational home can help with affordability:

Shared Mortgage Payments: By pooling financial resources with multiple family members or generations, you can split the mortgage payments, making homeownership more affordable for everyone involved. This arrangement allows you to leverage the combined income and creditworthiness of multiple individuals to qualify for a larger loan or better interest rates.

Shared Living Expenses: Multi-generational homes often feature separate living spaces or additional bedrooms and bathrooms, allowing each generation to have their own private space while sharing common areas. By sharing living expenses such as utilities, maintenance costs, and even groceries, the financial burden is distributed among multiple family members, reducing individual financial strain.

Increased Rental Income: In some cases, multi-generational homes may have separate living areas with private entrances that can be rented out to generate additional income. This rental income can help offset mortgage payments, making homeownership more affordable or even profitable.

Long-term Cost Savings: Multi-generational homes offer the potential for long-term cost savings. With multiple generations living under one roof, you can collectively save on expenses like childcare, eldercare, or even commuting costs. For example, grandparents can help with childcare, reducing the need for expensive daycare services. Similarly, adult children can contribute to caregiving for elderly parents, potentially reducing the need for costly assisted living facilities.

Future Flexibility: Multi-generational homes provide flexibility for changing family dynamics and evolving financial situations. As family needs change over time, the home can be adapted to accommodate different living arrangements. For instance, if adult children move out, their living space can be converted into a rental unit or repurposed for other family members.

It's important to consider the specific needs and dynamics of your family when exploring multi-generational homeownership. Additionally, consult with a real estate professional who can guide you through the process and help you find a home that suits your budget and lifestyle.

Causes of Buyer's Remorse After Buying a House

Buyer's remorse, a feeling of regret or doubt after making a significant purchase, can sometimes occur after buying a house. Here are some common causes of buyer's remorse in the context of homeownership:

Financial strain: One of the main causes of buyer's remorse is financial stress. If the cost of homeownership, including mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, is higher than anticipated, it can lead to regret. It's important to carefully consider your budget and future expenses before purchasing a home to ensure you can comfortably afford it.

Unexpected repairs or maintenance: Sometimes, after moving into a new home, unexpected repairs or maintenance issues arise. These unforeseen expenses can lead to regret if they strain your budget or require significant time and effort. Conducting thorough inspections and getting a home warranty can help mitigate this risk.

Unrealistic expectations: Buyer's remorse can occur when the reality of homeownership doesn't meet your expectations. Whether it's the size of the property, the neighborhood, or the condition of the home, it's essential to have realistic expectations and conduct thorough research before making a purchase.

Emotional decision-making: Making a home purchase based primarily on emotions, such as falling in love with the aesthetics or feeling pressured to buy, can lead to regret later on. It's important to balance emotions with rational decision-making and consider practical factors such as location, future needs, and resale potential.

Buyer's market changes: Market conditions can impact buyer's remorse. If housing prices decline shortly after purchasing, buyers may feel regret about not waiting or negotiating a better deal. However, it's important to remember that real estate is a long-term investment, and market fluctuations are normal.

Relationship changes or lifestyle shifts: Changes in personal circumstances, such as a job loss, divorce, or a desire to relocate, can lead to buyer's remorse. Life changes can impact the suitability of a home and cause regret if it no longer aligns with your needs or goals.

To minimize the risk of buyer's remorse, take your time during the home buying process. Conduct thorough research, seek professional advice, and consider all aspects of homeownership. It's also advisable to work with a reputable real estate agent who can guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions.
If you have any questions regarding any of the information, please feel free to contact me anytime.