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Can't Find a Home? Try this

Finding a home in can sometimes be challenging: Supply can be limited, or you can find find yourself up against dozens of buyers, making it hard to snag the home — and at a price you can afford. It’s important not to lose hope, though. Despite the competitive market, there are ways to find (and buy) your dream home.

Are you having trouble with your home search? These tips might help:

Get pre-approved for your mortgage. Having pre-approval is critical in a highly active housing market. It could give you a leg up over other buyers, and it can help you gauge your budget more accurately.

Expand your search area. Branching out a little often helps open up more inventory — and it may reduce your competition. If your lifestyle allows for it, you might even want to try looking in more rural areas.

Change your ideal property type. Rather than only focusing on single-family homes, what about searching for townhouses, condos and duplexes too? If you choose the latter, you might be able to rent out the other half to help cover your mortgage.

Shop under your budget. Looking for properties well under your maximum budget allows you to bid comfortably above list price and beat out other buyers — without risking your financial standing.

Look into building or renovating. Maybe you’d like a new construction home instead of buying an existing house. Or you can look to fixer-uppers and plan to renovate the home before moving. Just make sure you talk to your lender about loan options, as your choice may change what type of mortgage you need.

Do you need help on your home search? Get in touch today.

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Finished Basements: Do They Add Value?

Whether you are an owner looking to invest in your property or a real estate professional working to help a seller, the topic of basement remodeling is sure to come up. Before beginning any project, it is important to understand what you want to get out of the remodel, what is possible on your budget and whether you will receive a return on your investment when you decide to sell your home. Achieving a return on investment can sometimes be difficult. The following are three key considerations for you to keep in mind.

Moisture
If you are taking a basement from unfinished to finished, you will have to take moisture into account. Any leaks, condensation or flooding will have to be dealt with before you start remodeling. This can be a large factor in your rate of return, because the cost to fix these issues can run into the thousands of dollars. If you neglect to deal with these issues first, however, you will pay far more in mold removal, ruined carpets and musty smells.

Labor costs
If you plan on hiring contractors, keep in mind that labor is typically the largest part of the cost. A rule of thumb is that materials are about one-third of the cost to the owner and labor accounts for the other two-thirds. This means that handy homeowners can save significant money by doing part of the remodeling job by themselves. Keep in mind that attempting to do a job that you are not qualified for may end up causing damage or simply look shoddy, which can ultimately mean more expense to pay someone to undo your mistakes. Plumbing and electrical work should always be left to professionals, but installing insulation, hanging drywall, painting and even installing carpet may be within reach.

Egress
Often, for a basement room to be considered a bedroom, building codes will require that a basement have a window large enough for occupants to safely escape in the event of a fire, and for a firefighter to enter wearing full gear. This is important, because adding an exit to your basement's foundation can be expensive if there isn't one present already.

Remodeling a basement can be fun, but to get the best return on your investment, it may take some elbow grease. For those homeowners willing to take the time to do the job inexpensively and effectively, however, there can be a significant payoff.

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6 Housewarming Party Tips

In the process of moving into a new home? Well, don’t forget to christen your new space with a housewarming party! We know, we know, the last thing you may feel like doing when you’re in the middle of unpacking boxes and setting up your new home is entertaining. But you may be pleasantly surprised by how it feels to take a minute, welcome a few friends, meet a few neighbors, and gaze at your new purchase.

And, trust us, when you throw a housewarming party, your friends and neighbors are not expecting your new home to look perfect, but you can bet they are excited to get a first look at your new space! Need some motivation to get your boxes put away and at least a bit of décor up on your walls? Here are five tips for throwing an awesome housewarming party:

1. Get Planning
Decide on a date and time for your party. Once you set the date, determine your guest list and send out your invites. Use regular mail, email, or social media to get the word out. Remember, it is customary for guests to bring a gift to a housewarming party, so if you prefer that your guests just come to have fun, be sure to indicate that in your invite.

2. Choose a Theme
Here is where you can have a little fun before your party even starts. When it comes to housewarming parties, you can host anything from a casual backyard BBQ to a fancy dinner to an unpacking party—yes, you could put your guests to work when they come to the party!

3. Include a Tour
Just as guests pretty much plan to bring a gift to a housewarming party, they also plan on receiving a tour while they’re there. Of course, you can keep it traditional and simply parade guests through your home to show off the new space. But you also have a unique opportunity to add to the fun of your event. Offer up a non-traditional tour by creating a scavenger hunt through your new home. Deciding between a few colors in certain rooms? Let guests weigh in while they’re on tour!

4. Let Guests Help
In addition to asking guests to weigh in on paint colors or décor while they’re in your new home, you also can rely on them to help with the night’s menu. Plan to provide the main course, but let guests bring their favorites when it comes to appetizers, desserts, or drinks. This is a great way to beef up your recipe collection or stock your bar, too!

5. Invite Guests Back
The best way to end an awesome housewarming party? Don’t let the memory-making stop. You can ensure your new home is always full of fun and friends by giving your guests a way to remember how to find you. Send your housewarming party guests home with a memento that includes your new address. Anything from personalized post-its to custom-wrapped candy bars can include your address. Get creative when thinking about how to send your guests home after your party.

6. Don’t stress yourself.
A final tip for hosting a great housewarming party? Don’t stress. House cleaning and care are all a part of being a homeowner. If those tasks don’t get perfectly done before your party, it is OK. Remember, your guests are interested in seeing your home, but above all, they’re there to support you in your new venture!

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Heated Floors: Everything You Need to Know

Picture this – it’s a chilly winter morning and when you step into your kitchen to make yourself a cup of coffee, your bare feet are warmed by the floor beneath you. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? Heated floors are a great alternative to traditional heating methods, and they can keep your home, and your toes, warm all winter.  So whether you are planning your next home remodel in Owen Sound, or considering buying a home with heated floors in Toronto, here is everything you need to know when deciding if heated flooring is the right choice for your home.

What are heated floors?

Heated floors, also known as radiant heating, are a type of heat system that is located underneath the flooring of the home. With radiant heating, the warmth rises evenly from below via heat radiation, so the temperature of the room is uniform from top to bottom, rather than hot air rising from forced-air systems. Although expensive to install upfront, this efficient way of heating is a great alternative to traditional heating methods and may be worthwhile for your household in the long run.

What are the different types of heated floors and how do they work?

There are two types of radiant floor heating systems: hydronic and electric.

Hydronic radiant floor heating: With this type of radiant heating system, hot water is generated from a boiler, which is then pumped throughout the floors via tubes. These pipes snake throughout the flooring, radiating thermal energy through materials like tiles, concrete, or wood. Hydronic heating is more efficient than conventional heating and works best at heating larger areas – more typical for whole-house installations rather than room by room. Since hydronic systems require additional parts like a boiler and a pump, the upfront cost of installation can be expensive. However, you can save up to 30% more in operating costs compared to conventional heating systems.

Electric radiant floor heating: This type of radiant heating system is powered by electric wires located underneath the flooring. Due to the cost of electricity, warming an entire home with electric radiant heating can quickly become expensive. Therefore, this method is most popular for heating individual rooms, such as a bathroom or bedroom, rather than the whole house. Electric installations heat up floors in about 30-60 minutes and can be set to a schedule, heating your floors in the morning at specific hours – or whenever you need it.

How much does it cost to install?

When it comes down to price, hydronic solutions are a more cost-effective alternative in the long run since the operating costs are lower than electric systems. This is because the water conducts and holds heat more efficiently which lowers the operating time. Hydronic heating systems range from $6-$20 averaging at $13 per square foot for professional installation, while electric heating systems range from $8-$15 averaging at $11 per square foot. 

Electric radiant floor systems are cheaper to install because they are composed of electrical wire mats and do not require additional parts that hydronic systems demand. The rate of installation can vary based on a number of factors. For example, if you already have a boiler or a water heater and the floors are already opened, it will be easier for plumbers to install the heating system. If you are remodeling your home and need to open the floors for install, that will add to the cost of installation. If you have some experience wiring and installing pipework, then a DIY radiant floor heating can cut your prices down significantly.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of radiant floor heating?

When contemplating radiant floor heating for your next remodel or home, you’ll want to consider the advantages and disadvantages of radiant floor heating.

Advantages 

Silence: When compared to air forced systems, there is little to no noise with radiant floor heating systems. This is because there isn’t a furnace that turns on and/or vents to push the warm air out. 

Non-allergenic: Radiant floor heating systems depend on conduction throughout the home through systems in the floors and walls. Since there are no vents or ducts, there is no dust being circulated that could worsen allergies. 

Energy efficiency: Without ducts and vents required for the warm air to circulate, radiant heating is much more efficient in keeping your home warm. Traditional heating systems can leak warm air through ducts, forcing you to keep the heat on for longer periods of time. 

Consistent heat: Heated floors radiate heat to objects in a room, and because of this, the air temperature stays consistent throughout the areas of your home rather than rising to the ceiling. 

Maintenance: Minimal maintenance is required for radiant flooring and most companies that install this type of heating system offer a minimum of a 25-year warranty. 

Disadvantages 

Cost: The costs of radiant floor heating systems overall are dependent on the size of the project and which type of system you opt for. Installation can be expensive when compared to forced air systems – especially if you’re remodeling an existing home. Radiant heating can be made more affordable if installed in only one or two rooms – the bathroom is always a popular choice.

Installation: If you’re retrofitting an existing home that currently has a forced-air system, the process of installing radiant heating requires removing the existing flooring so the systems can be put in place, all of which will be costly. If you’re building new construction, see if your contractor can work within your budget to install radiant heating throughout your new home.

What types of flooring work best for radiant floor heating systems?

While there are many different types of flooring options compatible with radiant floor heating systems, which one is the most efficient? The most common materials to use with heated flooring are ceramic and stone tile. There are several reasons for this – they conduct heat effectively, and they are a common flooring material in areas where people are most often barefoot. Other popular flooring materials that can be used include vinyl and linoleum, wood, or carpeting. However, keep in mind that if any flooring material has too high of a degree of insulation, your heating system will be less effective.

So, whether you are ready to start your next remodeling project, or looking for houses with heated flooring as a home feature, consider everything that goes into radiant heating so you can choose the best option that fits your needs and keeps you warm and cozy all year round.

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​How to Wallpaper a Small Bathroom

Yes, wallpaper, its back in style!

Calculate the square footage of the bathroom which was 300 square feet of walls to buy the correct amount of wallpaper. Example: A 300 sqft. bathroom will use about 6 rolls (56 sqft. each) of wallpaper. 

Materials Needed

Wallpaper

Paste brush

Scissors

Level

Adhesive

Utility blade

Metal Spatula

Plastic Spatula

Step 1: Cutting the paper

Measure from the top to the bottom of the walls and add 2 inches on top and bottom. Those extra inches will help when you are putting up the wallpaper and matching up the pattern.

Step 2: Drawing the Plumb Line

This is the line you have to draw vertically all the way around the walls to match up the wallpaper evenly. With a level on the wall draw the width of the wallpaper and the length as well, add one inch to the width.

Step 3: Keeping it Organized

With a pencil name each strip of wallpaper you cut with a letter from A-Z. This order will make it easier to match up the wallpaper. Make sure you are matching the patterns before you put it up.

Step 4: Pasting Wallpaper

Pour the adhesive in a paint tray. With a clean paint brush coat the walls with a thin layer of adhesive. It is easier to work with the width of just one strip of wallpaper at a time so you don’t have to rush.

Step 5: Putting Up The First Sheet

Start from the top and leave 2 inches on top and match the pattern. With a plastic spatula smooth out the wallpaper along with soft hands until all the wrinkles are gone.

Step: 6: Cutting The Extra Two Inches On Top

With a sharp utility blade and a metal spatula place the metal spatula at the edge and run the blade along the spatula so it cannot cut the wallpaper. Do this all the way along the extra paper until it’s all cut off.

Follow this pattern all the way around the bathroom space. If there are walls that are shorter just cut the strips in half to make it easier to move around.

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Fall Gratitude Practice

Fresh off Canadian Thanksgiving it is a little easier to think in terms of gratitude and thankfulness. Fall is a great way to begin a new practice as we shift into the coming holiday season.


1. Commit.

Gratitude is a way of looking at your life that gains momentum over time and gets stronger with practice. Its true, gratitude doesn’t seem to come as easily as grumbling does, and you will likely resist this exercise from time to time, but trust me, just commit to it. Even when you can hardly summon up the energy to shift into gratitude it still has magnetizing power.

2. Begin.

Sit down with pen and paper or at your computer and start with “I am grateful for …” Maybe you will have to stop there for a minute and wait because you just can’t think of anything. But if you wait, surrendering to the moment, something inside you will shift. The words will come.

The power of gratitude that you are tapping into is bigger than you and it is bigger than your problem, no matter how big that is. 

3. Write it down.

There is just something about the energy of writing things down that sets it apart from merely think about what you are grateful for. Its as if it pulls that gratitude into your physical world by training your attention to it in a solid way.

4. Feel it.

Some days you will write without feeling a shred of gratitude. That’s okay. Just do it anyway. BUT when you can feel those feelings of gratitude in your heart, allow them to be present in your body. If you can embody the 'why' of your gratitude with a feeling it will help you on the days you are less connected to your gratitude.

5. Choose a set time of day.

You may want to do this when you first wake in the morning or late at night before you go to sleep. The 'when' isn't so much important as your dedication. Consistency is the key.

6. Practice present-moment gratitude.

As you move through your day, when you remember, think about what you are grateful for in the moment. Moving through your day with awareness and grace will mean that when you do sit down to write your gratitude list those things will come to mind.

7. Share the gratitude.

Partner with someone so you stay at it.Not only will you keep each other going, but that sense of obligation to the other person will give you the push you need to write your list on the days when it feels too hard.




8. Don’t stop once you start to see results!

When you first began to see results, don't take a break from gratitude for a while, keep the momentum. Gratitude builds on itself. The more you notice, the more you will have to be grateful for.

9. Allow yourself to be human.

Grumble if you must. Miss the odd day here and there. Write “I am grateful I am writing my gratitude list” five times if you can think of nothing else. If you miss a day, don't beat yourself up, just get back to it and keep riding!

Seeing life is a positive way awaits you!

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5 Gifts To Leave For Your Old Home's New Owners

Selling a home is an emotional event. You are leaving behind a house filled with memories and venturing off to someplace new. The people buying your home are excited to create their own memories in a home that you loved for so many years. Welcome them with a thoughtful gift that will leave a lasting impression.

Here are some ideas for gifts to leave for your home’s new owners.

  • Personalized Key Rings: Mark this milestone in the new owners’ lives by giving them a special key ring. Engrave it with their initials, the date of the move, or even a special message from you. Not only is this thoughtful, but it’s a practical gift as well.
  • Mailing labels and stationery: Personalized gifts go a long way. Create mailing labels with the owners’ names and new addresses; if you want to go the extra mile, create personalized stationery for them as well. Leave these paper gifts on the kitchen counter with a nice note to surprise the owners.
  • Monogrammed Doormat: Doormats are something that may not be at the top of a new homeowner “to-buy” list. Give them a monogrammed one or one that fits well with the decor of the home. They will surely appreciate this gesture.

Practical Items: If you’re skeptical about buying personalized gifts, stick to practical home items. Things like smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, unpacking supplies, or even a utensil organizer are useful to new homeowners. They’ll be so busy when they first move in, and these are essentials that they should have immediately.

A Neighborhood Guide: Write a detailed list of your favorite places in the neighborhood. Mention your favorite restaurants, boutiques, gyms and more. They’ll love having your recommendations on hand when they start to explore!

 All of these gestures are incredibly kind and memorable. It’s a nice way to welcome new people into the home and neighborhood you have loved for so long.

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9 House Cleaning Hacks (for People Who Hate Cleaning Their House)

Everyone hates getting bogged down with life’s little details. And guess what? You don’t have to! Here are house cleaning hacks for people who hate cleaning their house. Let’s face it, this is everyone.

1. Use old socks to clean blinds

Blinds often have multiple sides and shapes, so they can sometimes be a hassle to clean. But with this simple hack, they don’t have to be. Simply use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water to dampen an old sock, and then swipe the damp sock over each section of the blinds. Embedded dust and dirt will come right off!

2. Dust electronics with coffee filters

Coffee filters are perfect for cleaning dust from TV screens, computer monitors, and any other screens around the home, without leaving behind any fibers like towels do. You can also clean windows without leaving streaks—just clean them with a coffee filter instead of paper towels.

3. Clean your ceiling fan with a pillowcase

Instead of using a rag to clean your ceiling fan, which usually results in dust falling onto your furniture and floors, use an old pillowcase. Slip the fan blades inside the pillowcase, and then wipe each blade one at a time. Then just throw the dirty pillowcase into the washing machine.

4. Use dryer sheets to clean everything

Apparently, dryer sheets have many uses beyond the laundry room. Run a dryer sheet along your baseboards to remove dirt and repel dust. Clean lampshades with dryer sheets as they pull away dust and prevent static cling, which equals less dust in the future. And add a dryer sheet to the bottom of your trash can to absorb odors and leaks. Dryer sheets, either used or unused, are also the easiest way to break down soap scum. Simply scrub fixtures with a sheet and see results immediately.

5. Steam clean your microwave

Everyone hates cleaning the microwave. Instead of scrubbing it down, try putting a bowl with lemon juice and water in the appliance. Microwave on high power for three minutes and allow it to sit for five more minutes. The steam will loosen any food remnants and banish odors, too.  A couple of easy wipes inside and you’ll have a clean microwave with a lemony scent.

6. Grab pet hair with rubber gloves

When your standard vacuum can’t suck up all your pet’s hair, rubber gloves will get the job done. Just slide them on and rub down any areas that need extra cleaning. When rubbed against fabric, the glove generates static electricity, which causes pet hair and lint to stick to it. Rinse the gloves under running water when you’re done, and the hair will come off.

7. Clean with vinegar (and save big)

Distilled white vinegar is one of the most popular, eco-friendly, and versatile cleaning staples around due to its acidity. Plus, it’s cheap so you will save tons of money on cleaning supplies.

It can be used in the following ways:

Shower: Wipe your shower doors with vinegar to prevent soap scum and buildup.

Kitchen and bathroom drains: To help keep drains clog-free, pour a cup of distilled white vinegar down every two weeks. Allow it to sit for a half-hour, and then run cold water to flush it out.

Tile surfaces: Mix a half-cup of distilled white vinegar and a half-gallon of warm water. Use it to clean all tile surfaces.

8. Polish bathroom fixtures with baby oil

Do you have dull bathtub, shower, and sink fixtures? No problem. Get a paper towel and some baby oil. Put a dab of the liquid on the towel, then wipe it on the faucet. You’ll see it shine!

9. Let your dishwasher do double duty

If you only use your dishwasher to clean dishes, you aren’t using it to its full potential. Take a look at this list of things you can safely wash in the dishwasher, and put it to work:

Rubber flip-flops and baseball caps

Makeup brushes

Nonelectrical plastic and rubber kids’ toys

Hairbrushes and combs

Plastic and metal garden tools

Refrigerator shelves

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Do I Need Neutral Painted Walls To Sell My Home?

"If you want to sell your home, paint your rooms beige." That could be the rallying cry of real estate agents across the country, and for good reason. Presentation and first impressions mean everything when selling a home, and neutral colours will generally spark more interest from buyers than bold colours.

Human beings are sensitive to colour on a deep, emotional level. This makes sense: Our earliest ancestors relied on colours to tell them if a plant was ripe or safe to eat, for example. Those deeply ingrained senses of what colours mean in nature stay with us in our cities and suburbs; we may not need to make life-and-death decisions based on the colour of a strange fruit, but we still carry the emotional cues that kept our ancestors safe.

This trait can complicate things when painting a house, however. A certain hue that you think looks perfect in your living room might trigger a deep sense of discomfort in a visitor. The deeper the colour you choose for your walls, the stronger effect it might have on others. Conversely, the closer your home's colours are to pure, neutral white, the less they will emotionally affect visitors -- or potential buyers.

But an all-white home can be dull, not to mention extremely hard to keep clean. With a little awareness of colour theory and some creative restraint, you can have the best of both worlds: a home in which colour brings out each room's best features, and a house that's likely to sell without requiring major repainting.

Colour psychology is the study of the emotional cues prompted in humans by various colors. These can be quite strong: Bold yellow, for example, can upset small children, while light yellow is commonly used as a gender-neutral color for babies' rooms. Blue is often associated with calmness, serenity and cold temperatures. Red, on the other hand, may symbolize excitement, love, anger, warfare or energy. These are useful traits to understand as you plan how to show off your home's best features to potential buyers.

But how do you turn an understanding of colour psychology into an attractive, sellable interior design? The process is easier than you might think.

The Power of Colour

The first step in applying colour theory to your home is to understand what you want each room to say. Is a bedroom used for rest and relaxation for the adults in the home, or is it a bright, happy playroom for the children? Is the kitchen a family gathering place, or is it an area where high-tech styling makes meal preparation fast and efficient? Asking questions like these will help you define moods for your rooms. Compare these moods to the emotions evoked by different colours, and you'll quickly create a list of general hues that are most appropriate for each room of your house. Narrow your colour search further by looking at the paint colours in the middle or lighter ends of these ranges, since this will help you avoid painting too much wall space with a too-bold colour.

Now comes the fun part: designing your rooms with colour and furnishings to capture the moods you've identified. There are countless factors that play into making each room right, including the furniture and decorative items, the flooring, the quality of light through the windows and your desire (and budget) to change these. In general, you can often create stunning effects by choosing one or two items to showcase with bold colour, offset by neutral complementary colours in the rest of the walls and furnishings.

It helps to keep a sense of restraint when choosing colour and design layouts; a bold color can quickly become overwhelming if used too much, and too many complementary colors in one room can make even sparse furnishings look busy and cluttered. Try to limit each room's colour palette to no more than three colours: a bold accent, a middle-tone that can be used to frame the accent and a more neutral colour for the background, like the walls. This will ensure that, while you will be able to break free of the all-beige, neutral-colour blahs, you will still have a home that has a good chance of selling without major changes!

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5 Tips for Getting the Kids Organized and Happy this School Year

​We’ve all been there before. You dash back and forth between packing lunches, making sure the kids are awake and getting dressed, and somehow finding enough time to make yourself a large coffee to help you through the process. It can be absolutely exhausting. But, luckily, there are plenty of tips out there about how to manage and save time!

1. Get the Kids Adjusted to a Consistent Schedule

Children aren’t so different from adults. Like us, children find comfort in routines. Not only does a schedule make them more efficient, but also it gives them a sense of specific, set times to wake up every school day, get ready, eat, and take a breather before darting out the door to school. A morning schedule serves as a great learning lesson in time management, and you’ll find that your kids will be more punctual, awake and happy as their schedules develop consistency. 

2. Prep the Night Before

We understand, there’s hardly enough time in the day to finish today’s to-do list, let alone if you start preparing every night for tomorrow’s busy morning. But nightly preparation by both the parent and child makes it much easier to get out the door the next morning. For children, a few preparations that are key to an easier morning include laying out tomorrow’s clothes, having the backpack loaded and ready to go and making sure alarm clocks are set before bed. For parents, make sure to decide on a healthy breakfast for the next morning, pack all lunches, finish looking over homework and do anything else that can help your child have a more productive day.

3. Make Sure Your Kids Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Depending on your child’s age, they may need anywhere between 8 to 12 hours of sleep each night in order to have the happiest, most productive day possible. Typically, younger children need more sleep. Children ages 5-12 usually need anywhere between 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night, whereas children ages 12-18 may need a little less sleep ranging from 8-9 hours a day. Every child is different, though, so make sure to monitor your kid’s early morning behavior to determine if he or she is getting too little sleep. Reduce electronic use in their bedrooms to ensure they get enough uninterrupted rest.

4. Breakfast is Key

Skipping breakfast has similar effects as not getting enough sleep. It can cause fatigue, irritability and a shortened attention span. After a full night’s sleep, your child’s body needs refueling in order to be productive throughout the entire day, especially during the morning hours before lunch. Make sure to stick with healthy options that are rich with vitamins and minerals, such as bananas, apples, whole grain cereals, eggs or oatmeal. There are plenty of delicious, unique recipes out there, so you’ll never have to worry about your child getting tired of the same breakfast each day.

5. Adopt a Wellness Mantra

Positive mantras are useful at any age. Many adults use affirmations to counteract negative feelings they have about themselves or to diffuse tension and stress throughout the day. Mantras are a great way to set your intention, they can repeated throughout the day to calm the mind and help you refocus. The type of mantras you choose to teach your children will differ based on their age. Young children will benefit from short phrases, whereas older children can remember longer, more meaningful affirmations. 

Here are some simple ones to get you started:

  • I am loved
  • I am kind
  • I am friendly
  • I am brave
  • I am positive
  • I am unique
  • I enjoy new things
  • I make friends easily
  • I am intelligent
  • I am calm

Even though mornings can be the most hectic part of the day for busy parents, these tips will help keep you and your child happy, organized and in a positive frame of mind for the coming school season.

 

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3 Ways to Make a Small Home Office Look Huge

The struggle of the way-too-small home office: a space that needs to be functional often doubling as a guest room and the holding pen for all the random stuff you couldn’t find a home for elsewhere. And did we mention these rooms are often tiny? You spend many of your waking hours in this small, cramped place. So, how can you figuratively supersize one of the hardest-working and smallest rooms in your home?

1. Pick the right-sized furniture

One of the worst home office fails? Furniture that simply doesn’t fit! Just because you want a large work surface (who doesn’t?), it doesn’t mean you want to overwhelm your space with a massive CEO-style desk. Start with the right-sized desk, and orbit other furnishings around it. There isn’t a formula for size; the more compact you can go, the better. The small-home mecca otherwise known as Ikea offers countless affordable desk options. Take measurements of your room before you shop, and don’t forget to account for other furniture that needs to go in the tight space. And maybe factor in a bit of walking space, too. Find a desk that has ample storage and just enough surface space for your computer. If you primarily use a laptop, you can get away with a small laptop desk for tight spaces. For bigger devices, consider a storage-rich desk that’s both stylish and sturdy.

When it comes to your chair, you want comfort, but you don’t need the gargantuan seat on wheels that you’d see in an office building. Pro tip: Go for a stationary chair with style. Standard dining chairs work well because they’re smaller than most office chairs, but they have high backs, so you don’t have to worry about being down too low. Dining chairs are a lot more attractive than office chairs, and they just blend in better.

2. Find a place for everything

On websites, floating, open shelves look amazing. Know why? Because they’re styled for photos, not living. They probably hold about half the stuff you really need. Your pile of crumpled and mismatched paper? It’s not nearly as eye-pleasing as the perfectly stacked piles you see in design books. Here’s a good way to leverage wall space: Use it to hang file holders. You’ll find plenty of options at The Container Store or any office supply retailer. Every item should have a dedicated place that’s not your work surface or the floor.

If you can squeeze another piece of furniture in your room, Petty suggests a closed cabinet. A stylish armoire could be a nice touch. Use bins to store your office wares inside. Purchase cord organizers and tuck away that laptop when you’re offline to make everything look seamless. If you must leave things out, then do it in style.

3. Have fun with decor

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make your work ambiance more Zen is through color. You can paint, but a hued wallpaper looks great, too. The key, productivity-wise: You want a design that’s inspiring but not distracting.

While overhead lighting is the best lighting for task-orientated work, a desk lamp can add a great decorative detail. Don’t opt for one that looks too utilitarian. With practically no effort, you can find options that are stylish, attractive, and affordable (the trifecta!).

One thing to skip: rugs. Chairs are harder to move on rugs and placing them under a desk ends up cutting the rug off awkwardly.


 

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Why Should You Stage Your Home To Sell?

          As the real estate market turns sluggish, 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 undertaking that garners huge rewards! You may be comfortable with just cleaning up your home and removing all the day-to-day items. On the other hand, you may want to consider investing a more substantial amount of time 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 for a long time, although it began on the West Coast of the United States, the concept eventually spread to the rest of the world.

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 have a professional in to do the job for you. 

Ask me how!

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5 Gifts To Leave For Your Old Home's New Owners

Selling a home is an emotional event. You are leaving behind a house filled with memories and venturing off to someplace new. The people buying your home are excited to create their own memories in a home that you loved for so many years. Welcome them with a thoughtful gift that will leave a lasting impression.

Here are some ideas for gifts to leave for your home’s new owners.

  • Personalized Key Rings: Mark this milestone in the new owners’ lives by giving them a special key ring. Engrave it with their initials, the date of the move, or even a special message from you. Not only is this thoughtful, but it’s a practical gift as well.
  • Mailing labels and stationery: Personalized gifts go a long way. Create mailing labels with the owners’ names and new addresses; if you want to go the extra mile, create personalized stationery for them as well. Leave these paper gifts on the kitchen counter with a nice note to surprise the owners.
  • Monogrammed Doormat: Doormats are something that may not be at the top of a new homeowner “to-buy” list. Give them a monogrammed one or one that fits well with the decor of the home. They will surely appreciate this gesture.
  • Practical Items: If you’re skeptical about buying personalized gifts, stick to practical home items. Things like smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, unpacking supplies, or even a utensil organizer are useful to new homeowners. They’ll be so busy when they first move in, and these are essentials that they should have immediately.
  • A Neighborhood Guide: Write a detailed list of your favorite places in the neighborhood. Mention your favorite restaurants, boutiques, gyms and more. They’ll love having your recommendations on hand when they start to explore! 

All of these gestures are incredibly kind and memorable. It’s a nice way to welcome new people into the home and neighborhood you have loved for so long.

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How To Make Your Offer Stand Out

It’s not uncommon to be in competition with several other buyers for your dream home.  When you find that perfect house, with the chic chandelier and the doggy door for your furry friend,  the last thing you want to do is lose it because your offer didn’t stand out to the seller, Taking the time to put forth a well-written offer can work wonders for a buyer. Each seller and agent may have different opinions on what makes the best offer, but here are some that we’ve found are the most consistent:

1. Include a pre-approval.

If you want to show the seller that you’re serious about buying a home,  get pre-approved before you ever sign an offer.   Not only does it show that you didn’t just waltz up, see the for sale sign and throw something out there, but it also alleviates some of the seller’s worries that you’ll back out when the bank finds out your credit isn’t actually as good as you thought it was.  Be sure to include that pre-approval letter from the bank with the signed offer.

2.  Make a decent earnest money deposit.

When you’re sure you can’t picture yourself without this house,  be ready to boost your earnest money deposit. Earnest money shows the seller that you’re putting your money where your mouth is, and you’re prepared to give up that chunk of cash if you back of the contract for any reason other than those allowed under the contract terms.  There is usually a typical amount offered for your area, so if you really want to look good, go above and beyond that amount.

3.  Remove all the contingencies you can.

Having two mortgages while trying to sell the home you’re in now isn’t really a dream that anyone has, but if you have the cash to do it, it’s definitely going to make your offer more desirable.  Anytime you can waive contingencies in the contract, like the sale of your current home,  it gives the seller more confidence that the deal will go through without a hitch.  Another option would be to shorten the typical time periods.  If it’s customary for your inspection period to be 15 days, shorten it to 10 to let the seller know you’re looking to make this happen quickly.

4.  Make it Your Best

When you’re up against multiple offers,  don’t waste a lot of time expecting to negotiate.  Base your offer on solid research of surrounding comparables and really offer what you’d be willing to pay.  If you don’t,  your offer may be tossed aside for others that did. This includes more than the price, too.  Maybe pay out of pocket for some of those extras, like a home warranty or closing costs, instead of asking the seller to contribute.

5. Get Personal

It’s time to let the seller know why you’re dying to buy their house, and be honest.  Is it because you want to raise your family in the neighborhood?  Do you see Fido rolling around in the big, fenced backyard?  Connecting with the seller and creating a sense of relatability can go a long way, but avoid sounding desperate.  The idea is to keep it short, simple, and honest, and don’t forget to have your buyer’s agent proofread it. Don’t hesitate to go out of the box to make your offer standout to the seller. It may end up getting you your dream home.

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6 Space-Saving Secrets to For Your Laundry Room

Let’s face it—when it comes to laundry rooms, most of us are lucky to have a single shelf to hold detergent and a tiny counter for folding shirts. But because doing laundry is a weekly task that will never, ever end, finding more space to deal with it is a big bonus. Here are six smart ways to squeeze extra storage into your little laundry room. Who knows, maybe these tricks will make laundry a little more enjoyable. Maybe.

Stack the units

Need extra inches to treat stains or store supplies? Investing in a stackable washer-dryer set could be your quickest fix. Vertical units help save space and the cost is comparable to side-by-side versions. For a clever hack, consider jacking up your washer-dryer set onto pedestals. Not only do they raise appliances to an ergonomic level, but you can stash a small hamper, soaps, and other supplies in them without taking up floor space.

Get creative with your shelving

Adding more shelves is an obvious storage fix, but there are ways to make these built-ins work harder. Wire or mesh shelves give a unique look and utility. You can gain storage and a place to dry delicates simply by poking hangers into the holes. You should also think vertical: Overhead shelving doesn’t usually extend to the ceiling, so this is an excellent spot for more storage. Adding in custom details can also maximize your space, experts say. Pull-out hampers, U-shelves for sink bases, and roll-out trays make drawers and shelves much more efficient. A large shower caddy also tucks neatly between machines to hold supplies. Or try floating shelves for a clean, airy look. And it doesn’t have to look ugly—you can spruce up your storage space by spray-painting baskets. A single color is trendy and makes your random collection look so much better. Don’t have space for shelves and baskets? Back-of-the-door organizers are also handy. You could install wire, molded plastic, or a hanging shoe holder for supplies.

Lose the doors

Many laundry rooms are made even smaller by doors that don’t open all the way, so remove them to free up your nook. And don’t worry about exposing your appliances for the world to see. The modern washing machine is a thing of beauty. Not OK with no way to hide your machines? Try pocket doors—they’re a space-saving miracle.

Tuck in an ironing board

The iron is likely the biggest item to store in your too-small laundry room. We all struggle with the archaic ironing board, so think about installing an Iron-A-Way to save precious space. Wall-mounted boards or pull-out drawer styles are ideal for a tiny laundry room. It’ll look like a closed drawer, but when it’s open, it expands and rotates as needed.

For drying space, look up

Ceiling space is often underutilized in a small room. Mount a drying rack from hooks for instant storage, air drying, and hanging newly ironed garments. For a clever hack, you can repurpose an old ladder from the garage, which allows you to do away with a conventional drying rack. Another hack is filling overhead space with racks and rods. A pull-down rod allows you to reach up to access hanging clothes and then gently send it back. An adjustable shower rod or a retractable clothesline are cheap, but efficient options. It’s a nice option because it takes up less space and can be hidden away when not in use.

Choose clear storage

Not sure where to put your laundry pods? A wall-mounted fishbowl saves shelf space and looks pretty cool. You can also recycle glass jars to hold detergent and clothespins. Clear jars are practical and decorative in a laundry room. Try placing them on a space-saving Lazy Susan for a hint of style and a smart use of space.

What to Do if You Can't Find a Home

Finding a home in a tricky market can be challenging. Supply can be limited or bidding wars can become.  You may find yourself up against half a dozen of buyers, making it hard to land the home of your dreams — and at a price you can afford. It’s important not to lose hope, though. Despite what is happening in the market, there are ways to find (and buy) a home you will love.

Are you having trouble with your home search? These tips might help:

Get pre-approved for your mortgage. Having pre-approval is critical in a highly active housing market. It could give you a leg up over other buyers, and it can help you gauge your budget more accurately.

Expand your search area. Branching out a little often helps open more inventory — and it may reduce your competition. If your lifestyle allows for it, you might even want to try looking in more rural areas.

Change your ideal property type. Rather than only focusing on single-family homes, what about searching for townhouses, condos, and duplexes too? If you choose the latter, you might be able to rent out the other half to help cover your mortgage.

Shop under your budget. Looking for properties well under your maximum budget allows you to bid comfortably above list price and beat out other buyers — without risking your financial standing.

Look into building or renovating. Maybe you’d like a new construction home instead of buying an existing house. Or you can look to fixer-uppers and plan to renovate the home before moving. Just make sure you talk to your lender about loan options, as your choice may change what type of mortgage you need.

Do you need help on your home search? Get in touch today.

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​How to Paint an Exterior Door So It Looks Brand New Again

Wondering how to paint an exterior door? This home improvement task will not only make a great first impression on visitors, but it will also improve your home’s curb appeal with minimal expense and effort. If the front door is structurally sound, it may need only sanding and a coat of paint or varnish, sparing you the expense of buying and installing a new door. You will also enjoy the satisfaction of keeping one more item from heading to the landfill. Once you’ve selected quality paint in a color that works with your home, following the instructions below will help you achieve a professional finish for your front door.

Warnings: Wear safety goggles and a NIOSH-approved respirator with the correct filter. Properly dispose of rags as they can be highly flammable.

Things you need to paint an exterior door

Hammer and nails

Electric sander

60- and 100-grit sandpaper

Two sawhorses

Mineral spirits or liquid deglosser

Masking tape, marker, and plastic bags

2-inch paint brush

Scraper

Exterior enamel paint


How to paint an exterior door

Remove the door: Scraping, sanding, and painting the door can be accomplished more easily if you remove it from its hinges and place it on a horizontal surface. Tap hinge pins out with a hammer, starting with the bottom hinge. Raise your door slightly to free it from the hinges, and then place it on a workbench or between two sawhorses. Remove door handles, door shoe or kick plate, and any other hardware.

Scrape and sand the door: Inspect the door and scrape off any paint drips, thickly applied coats of paint, or blistering or flaking paint, if present. Using an electric sander, use 100-grit paper and take off the old paint down to the wood. Wipe with a tack cloth and apply mineral spirits or liquid deglosser.

Prime the door: Using a primer that matches your finish coat, prime the entire door. When one side is dry, flip the door over and prime the other side. Follow the primer manufacturer’s directions for recommended drying time before applying the first coat of paint.

Paint the door: Choose a premium-quality exterior enamel. You don’t want to go through the effort of sanding only to apply a paint that will fade or flake off. Paneled doors offer a greater challenge than flush doors because of their details. For a paneled entrance door, begin by using a 2-inch brush to paint the center panels. Paint across the grain and follow up by painting with the grain. Paint at a steady and sufficient pace to keep the paint from getting tacky while working to ensure a smooth surface. After the center panels, paint the rails and then the stiles. Protect the paint from dust and the elements while it dries, and after the first coat has dried thoroughly, sand out any drips before applying the second coat.

Reinstall the door: Put all the hardware back on and rehang the door on its hinges.

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Five Reasons to Replace Your Windows

Replacing your home’s windows can seem like a task that is not your top priority, but the benefits you can gain will make a huge difference.  Over time, windows need to be replaced, just like your appliances or roof shingles. Don’t wait until the weather gets cold, now is a good time to take a look at your windows and determine if they will need to be replaced.

1. Energy Efficiency
If you are starting to notice your energy bills are going up, you might want to take a look at your windows to see if they are the cause of the problem.  Window replacement is a common recommendation among construction professionals as a way to improve energy efficiency. According to a study on the energy performance of residential windows, new windows reduce annual heating and cooling costs by 22%.  Although new windows are an investment, they will save you money in the long run. Now is the time to swap out your old windows with double-pane, energy-efficient windows.

2. Window Defects
If you start to notice any defects in your windows, such as small cracks or chips, it is a good time to replace your windows.  Leaving a crack will only cause more damage in the future. Some problems include air leaks, water leaks, and letting in small insects. Visible cracks also weaken the strength of your window.  Having a crack or broken window can cause a lot of problems down the road. It is a good idea to replace them sooner rather than later to save money.

3. Security
Windows are an entry and exit point to your home so windows that aren't opening or locking correctly pose a security risk. Some signs that burglars might look for to identify vulnerable windows include old or wooden windows, windows with cracks, or condensation in windows.  You also don’t want small critters like bugs or chipmunks getting through window openings. 

4. Curb Appeal
Updating your windows might seem odd to increase your curb appeal, but instead of simply focusing on changing the outer appearance of your home, be sure to incorporate changes that add into your home’s structural integrity and energy efficiency. For instance, if your window frames have rotted then you’re ready for new windows.  They will not only improve the functionality of your home, but the appearance too. Installing new windows will increase the value of your home and make it more appealing.

5. Value
If you’re thinking of selling your home in a few years, replacing the windows can help your home stand out in a crowded market, plus raise its value before you list your home. Some buyers love buying homes that are not only move-in ready, but updated with modern amenities. New windows improve your home’s marketability and help you command a higher selling price.

If you have old windows in your home or are planning on listing your home in the near future, your windows maybe the key to sale success!