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10 Tips When Moving With Kids
Moving is a stressful and uncertain time in your life, and it can be more so for kids, especially when they need to change schools, neighbourhoods or even countries. Informing your children about the move and following these few ideas might alleviate some stress.
Take Your Time
Allow extra time during all stages of the moving process with kids present. Tasks will take longer, and allowing spare time will help make each step less stressful. Moving and packing preparation time will also need extra time to prepare for additional events such as friends dropping by, temper tantrums, and other challenges. It might be a good idea to hire a professional moving company to allow you more time with your kids during the moving period. Not only can the moving company help transport your items, but they can also help with the packing and preparation process.
Transparent Information is Key
Inform your children about the move—don’t keep it a secret. When you know you are moving, tell your kids immediately. Tell them in an age-appropriate way and explain to them where you are moving and why you are moving, and what the new house has compared to this one. The sooner you give them specific information about the move, the sooner they can adapt to the upcoming changes. Give your kids ample time to prepare and absorb the news. Keep them aware of what’s going on during the moving process.
Making Things Concrete
When moving, please remind your children that everyone in the family is coming with them, even the pets. Also, let them know all their treasures and possessions will be moved. Explain that the changes might be challenging but will be a lot of fun. That it’s easy to visit family and friends, they miss from time to time, and video calling and other communication are still available. Describe the new home, bedrooms and fun things to do in it. Share information like what neighbourhood their new school is in, if you are moving closer to family and friends, and describe the home, schools, or the new city or country.
If your children are older, include even more details about the move, such as:
- The new address
- The name of their new school
- The neighbourhood
- The name of your and/or your spouse’s workplaces
Visit The New Home
It might not be possible to visit the new home, but seeing the city or town where you will be living in is a good idea. You can visit the new school and try fun activities to do in the area. When your kids can visualize a new life with you, it will take a lot of stress out of the move. Consider a mini vacation to the new city or country and keep things light and fun. Choose some activities that the kids will enjoy, like different parks, restaurants, and playgrounds. Finding places your kids will like in the new area will make them feel more comfortable.
Plan Fun Things
Before you move, plan to see close friends and family—this allows you to say “see you soon” instead of goodbye. Plan another time in the future when you have already moved to visit family and friends, so there is something to look forward to. When children anticipate seeing friends again, it will comfort them that time isn’t far away. Once moved in, plan for some fun things to do, such as allowing the child to pick a new toy or maybe get that new pet they have been thinking about for a while. A teen might enjoy a shopping trip to the mall in the new area.
Involve Kids in the Move
Involve the kids in the move, bring them to the homes you look at, and ask their opinions on the house and area it is in if they are old enough. Take their thoughts and desires into consideration. Let them pick their bedrooms in the home and help with decorating them. Creativity is a great way to boost their mood and get them excited to be in the new house. Before moving day, let your children help pack boxes. Helping pack their things will help make the move feel real and allow them to feel like they are a part of the process—hopefully making the transition easier.
Keep Their Favourite Items Unpacked
Comfort items like favourite toys, blankets or stuffed animals should be left unpacked. These items are essential to little ones and should be at hand to soothe them during stressful points of the move. The last thing you want is the comfort items to be packed away, and there is a melt down the day of the move.
Be Flexible
On moving day be flexible, and make the day as fun and stress-free as possible for your children. Spoil them with their favourite treats and a fun supper, like pizza. Don’t worry about this “special” day building bad habits. It’s a one-off day that won’t happen often. Toddlers can be especially challenging during moving days with all the uncertainty and strangers in their home. Let them play games or watch extra cartoons on a tablet to distract them from the things happening.
Find a Sitter on Moving Day
Having children out from underfoot during moving is crucial. Moving requires lifting heavy objects and boxes—often, large tools and machines are involved in the move, and it can be unsafe for children to be present. The best option on moving day, and even the days leading up to it, is to let them stay with a friend, have the grandparents take them for a sleepover or hire a sitter to be with your children. Doing this will help you and/or the movers do their job uninterrupted and give your kids a fun, joyous day!
Stay Positive
Not only is it best to stay positive for your mental health, but for your kids as well. Situations can be stressful while moving, and it’s essential to keep your cool. Make this a positive family adventure, and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Consider a few of these ideas about how to make your move less stressful with kids, and remember to let them be involved in every step of the process and keep them informed at all times.
If you need help moving into a new home or selling yours, contact your local REALTOR® today.
Saskatoons Best Pasta Restaurants To Try For Valentine’s
Valentine’s Day is a lovely excuse to get together with your partner for a date night or go out and eat some delicious food with friends. Here are a few fantastic locally-owned restaurants specializing in pasta dishes located in downtown Saskatoon.
La Cucina
La Cucina is a locally owned Italian restaurant that uses elevated simple ingredients. It is located in the heart of downtown. The atmosphere is modern and romantic. The food is delicious, and the servers are super friendly.
Their Valentine’s Special Set Menu is available on Saturday, Feb 11th and Tuesday, Feb 14th—priced at $125.00 a person. See menu below.
Primal
Primal is another locally-owned pasta restaurant. Pasta is handmade with heritage grains and featuring meat forward dishes made with ingredients from locally owned farms—located on 20th street near downtown. The quaint and cozy atmosphere is sure to draw anyone in. Book into this place quickly because the tables fill up fast. The servers know the menu front to back and can help you choose something perfect. The food is fantastic, and I have always had a great experience.
Their Valentine’s Menu is $80.00 a person. See menu below.
Little Grouse on the Prairie
Little Grouse on the Prairie focuses on Italian fusion cuisine and is locally owned. They pride themselves on farm-to-table, locally sourced ingredients. Located downtown on a quiet street, away from the bustle. They have a uniquely classic atmosphere with large windows for people to watch. Their food is exceptional, and I always leave feeling fulfilled.
Their Valentine’s Menu is $95.00 a person. See menu below:
If you are interested in any of these great choices. I recommend booking a table as soon as possible. If you are unable to make it for Valentine’s supper, enjoy fantastic food anytime at any of these restaurants.
Contact your local REALTOR® if you want to move closer to any of these great places!
Townhouses: Pros and Cons
The choice between a townhouse or a detached home can be confusing. Here are a few pros and cons of purchasing a townhouse and if it’s the right choice for you!
What is a Townhouse?
A townhouse is when one or more walls are shared with your neighbour but are independently owned dwellings. The units are well known for ease of living, featuring shared outside maintenance costs such as lawn care and snow removal.
What’s Better: Buying a Townhouse or a Detached Home?
Compared to detached homes, townhouses can offer a more modern look for a better price, and outside maintenance costs are pooled together with other residents, keeping the homes well maintained. Townhouses are typically built in higher-density populations, making them closer to more valuable amenities.
Whereas, in a single-family home, all the maintenance falls on the owner—which can be daunting. The detached house’s location has more impact on the cost, even if it is an older home that needs many renovations.
It is up to you which option you choose and what is best for you and your family. Ensure you also review the rules and regulations of the townhouse complex/corporation. You might discover extra condo fees, a cap on the number of inhabitants in one townhouse or pet restrictions.
How Are Townhouses Set up?
A townhouse can come in three set-ups.
1) A land trustee: only land around the unit is common ground with other owners in the complex. The owner is responsible for the unit.
2) Independent ownership: there are commonly shared property elements between the owners, like walls and backyards.
Or
3) Registered condominium corporation: The property and the building are shared responsibilities of every owner and usually come with extra condo fees.
What Features Should You Look for in a Townhouse?
The biggest perk of purchasing a townhouse is “maintenance-free living.” Ask about the townhouse agreement and any rules and regulations that it has to make sure it fits your needs as a buyer. Also, consider if the townhouse is within your budget and in your desired neighbourhood. Even if the townhouse is a brand new build, always consider getting a home inspector to verify it’s safe to purchase.
Is Buying a Townhouse a Good Investment?
Commonly, yes! Buying a townhouse is a good investment based on resale value. They hold up better value than their apartment condo counterparts. They could also be rented out reasonably quickly for extra income, with no yard maintenance required on your part. Real estate is a considerable investment, and hiring an experienced agent is essential in purchasing a property.
Tips for Purchasing a Townhouse.
Here are a few additional tips that don’t fit in with the above categories:
- Look at many options of townhouses in the areas you desire. Ask your real estate professional about the differences between the ones you view and if a townhouse or detached home is right for you and your lifestyle.
- If you are buying into a condo corporation, ensure that the reserve fund is sufficient for long-term planning. Ask for a copy of the most recent meeting minutes to gain insight into the current property maintenance, plus any additional information.
Should I Buy a Townhouse?
It depends! Buying any property is a lifelong investment, so choosing the right one can be difficult. Weigh the pros and cons of each unit you see and decide if it’s the right choice for you! Work with a trusted real estate agent to provide you with personalized advice.
9 Projects to Do Before Selling Your Home
Selling your home can be stressful. However, doing these nine projects before putting your home up for sale could sell your home faster and for a greater price.
Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint
A fresh coat of paint makes your home shine and smell brand new. Paint the whole home with neutral colours to get buyers to see the home’s potential.
If you have lived in your home for 10+ years, there’s a good chance the paint is dingy, has marks on it and needs a good sprucing up. You may overlook paint peeling in your house daily, but buyers and real estate agents won’t.
Accent walls should be repainted to match the rest of the walls.
Wash the Windows
Cleaning your windows will allow all the natural light you have to flood into the home. Window cleaning is one of those things we seldom do as homeowners. I have never washed the windows on my house so they would need a good deep clean if I were selling!
Think about hiring a professional to clean your windows and exterior before putting your home on the market.
Do a Deep Clean
Clean your home from top to bottom before showing your home from the ceiling fan blades to the picture frames, wall and baseboards. Show off the true potential of your home by cleaning all surfaces thoroughly. Remember to clean the floors under large appliances, like the fridge and stove.
Declutter
Decluttering is a great place to start when thinking about selling your home. Remove personal items, family pictures and anything that makes the room feel smaller. Thinning out some furniture and clearing off table tops and counters will make the house feel more significant to buyers.
Also, remember that not everyone has pets, so remove any trace of your pet and the clutter.
Get Noticed by Updating the Curb Appeal
Landscaping gives the buyers the first impression of what they will find inside the home they are viewing. Your local garden center can help you decide the best way to get the most bang for your buck.
Simple changes such as reseeding the patchy lawn, adding new mulch around trees and adding colourful flowers boost your curb appeal.
Address Pests
Pests can inhabit your home without notice. However, if pests are noticeably present, get pest control to remove them from your home. Cleaning up the mess and initiating the removal of pests is a good place to start.
Upgrade Your Cabinets
Homeowners spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and it is the most viewed photo in the listing. Refreshing cabinets can greatly impact the sale of your home—either repaint or stain the existing cupboards. Replace the doors or drawer facades, then change the hardware to modern knobs and handles. Fix faulty drawers and doors so they all work correctly. If all those things are out of budget, giving the cupboards a good deep clean inside and out will work wonders too!
Add a Backsplash
Another excellent way to update your kitchen is to change out the backsplash. Upgrading your backsplash is a cost-effective way to boost your kitchen’s appeal.
Choose a backsplash that complements the existing countertop, floors, cabinetry or all three! The best part about adding a backsplash is it adds a little personality to the space and protects the paint from water damage and splatters while you are cooking.
These are easy projects that take little time to tackle but are surefire ways to boost your home’s appeal to buyers. Try them out for yourself!
If you want to buy or sell a home, contact your local REALTOR® today!
How-to Organize Kitchen Cabinets
If your kitchen is anything like mine, the cupboards are always in disarray, and you have about three bottles of cumin and two bottles of opened soy sauce. We all could use a little organization when it comes to our kitchen. Here are a few handy ideas to get your kitchen organized.
Start with a Clean Slate
Take out everything in your cabinets and start fresh. Hear me out. Taking everything out might seem like a pain, but you can also clean each cabinet surface thoroughly before putting it all back in. Doing so will also help you visualize how many things you keep hoarding in your kitchen and allow you to group similar items.
Declutter Kitchen Cabinets
- Trash all items that are expired. You will be surprised by the number of forgotten items that linger in the back of cupboards. Donate all the things still in good condition that will go unused.
- Get rid of items you can’t remember opening or that are broken or damaged.
- Mugs, this is the item in my cupboards I have too many of, but can’t seem to part with them. Please take my advice and purge your mug collection. Keep your favourites and a couple for the potential company but donate or regift the rest!
Plan the Layout
- Decide what items you use most frequently and store the less used items out of the way. Then choose what things can go in what areas, and put them near the appropriate places, such as spices and oil near the stove, tea and coffee near the pots, and dishes near the sink and dishwasher.
- Small appliances and lesser-used items like platters can be stored on out-of-way shelves.
- Kids and pets will benefit from ideal placements, like kids’ snacks in a lower cupboard so they can easily reach themselves.
Add Organizers
Once everything is removed from the shelves, begin assessing what sort of containers are needed to store things more efficiently.
- Turntables are great for bottles and condiments—group them, such as oils, dressings, and sauces.
- Pan & Lid organizers are fantastic. I have just heard of these. They will neatly store all those random lids, containers and pans you have.
- Small, shallow bins can easily store sauce packets, bags and small items.
- Pullout shelves and drawers can give instant access to items towards the back of the cabinets.
- Expandable spice racks and shelf rises are ideal for canned goods. They will quickly let you see what you have in your cabinets in a tiered system.
Labels
The ultimate organization system is adding labels to items or bins. Doing so will allow everyone to return items exactly where they were—reducing the chance of the cupboards getting disorganized again. Labelling is only for some. Choose this as a step if you think it will work for you.
Keep Ingredients in Packages vs. Transferring to Containers
Transferring products to containers is another tip that might only work for some, but decanting products from their packages will make the kitchen look even more neat and organized. Decanting in clear jars will allow all your products to be seen and the amounts left. If you choose this method, ensure that you add labels with due dates or recipes to the bottom of the jar.
Keep Kitchen Cabinets Organized
There is no secret to keeping kitchen cabinets organized. No amount of labelling, decanting and cleaning will keep everything organized 100% of the time. Every six months, I suggest going through items and throwing out or donating what isn’t needed. If you have extra time, wipe down the shelves and cupboards while your at it.
Now that you have great ideas for organizing your kitchen, it’s time to put them to good use! My favourite find from creating this blog is the pans and lid organizer—I will purchase one right away! Winter is the ideal time to maintain your home and get organized!
If you need help purchasing a home, contact your local REALTOR® today!
10 Tasks for Winter Home Maintenance
The winter months are long and arduous, not only for yourself but for your home. Here are a few maintenance tips to do and keep in mind over the colder months.
Change Your Furnace Filters
Ventilation is crucial in winter, as we spend most of our time indoors. In frigid weather, our furnaces work harder than ever, and a clean filter can help it immensely. The filters are easily replaced but often forgotten about.
While considering furnace air circulation, check your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to ensure they work correctly and remove moisture from the air. An easy method to check fans is holding a tissue up to it and seeing if it gets pulled into it. If it seems amiss, clean the fan thoroughly or replace it.
Foggy Frost-Covered Windows Means Weeping Windows
If you notice your windows are accumulating condensation or even frost, there could be various reasons. It could be faulty windows, humidity or poor ventilation. Properly investigate windows with these issues because weeping windows can lead to mould and compromise the window’s structure. Purchasing a hydrometer will allow you to check the humidity throughout your home. If the humidity levels are higher in certain areas, buy a dehumidifier. If the humidity is low, invest in a humidifier. Your home’s humidity should be at 40-60%.
A simple fix to try out first is to caulk around windows and doors—remove old cracked caulking and re-apply. Replace the seals and weather stripping around all windows and doors to stop cold drafts from coming in rather than cranking up the heat.
Chimney Inspections
Chimneys should need to be inspected annually, especially if there is a fireplace at the bottom. If you have furnace ventilation out the chimney, it should be through a metal pipe, and fewer issues can arise.
Inspect the chimney for creosote or soot. Both can be serious fire hazards—chimney fires can spread rapidly through your home. Also, make sure there is no damage to the chimney. A block or crack can lead to toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide, entering your home. Even with a gas fireplace, it is essential to ensure air flow is coming in and out.
Check Your Smoke Alarms and CO Detectors
Speaking of fire hazards, check your smoke detectors often to ensure they are in proper working order. Replace the batteries or unit if needed. Check the CO detectors also. Write a reminder on the first of the month to check all units, as it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Plug In Safely
This holiday and winter, check all extension cords and power bars to ensure they are in good condition. If they are in bad shape, with exposed cords or tears, don’t tape them. Throw them away. Be wary of overloading your circuits.
Watch Out For Icicles
Icicles and ice dams should not be ignored. They usually form on the edges of your home where it’s slower to melt, preventing the water from draining off your roof. The backup meltwater can find its way into your home walls and basement. If you see an ice dam forming and cannot remove it yourself, look into hiring a professional to assist you. They can look at the eaves and inside your attic, because you need proper airflow and insulation to prevent ice from forming.
Winterize Your Pipes
Canada has extremely cold winter days. These days can wreak havoc on your pipes. When water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on pipes below insulation or through cold zones. The freezing water in the pipes can cause them to burst and flood your home. If your pipes are outside or close to the outside wall, you can wrap them with insulation. Ensure the exterior hose pipes were drained in Autumn. Invest in non-freeze hose bibs that help prevent pipes from bursting. If you plan to travel this winter, keep your furnace set to at least 18 degrees Celcius to keep your pipes warm while you are away. Call a licensed plumber to fix the problem if you end up with frozen pipes.
Clear Driveways and Walkways
Shovelling driveways and walkways is essential to not only yourself driving and walking but also to pedestrians. Apply pet-friendly de-icer if needed. If you aren’t a fan of burning your grass, apply gravel instead. Cracks in your driveway and sidewalks can be a tripping hazard. Removing snow will help expose them. Snow around the bricks of your home should be removed to prevent flaking and spalling.
Travel Smart
Winter and upcoming Holidays mean many of us are going away to families, friends or hot destinations. Be smart about setting up your home when you are away. In addition to keeping the furnace on, also set up light sensors to come on periodically throughout the day, at different time intervals. Install security cameras or smart locks to be notified if someone enters your home. Smart locks also can let people in remotely while you are away.
Now that you have a good understanding of winter maintenance on your home. You are all set for the winter. There is nothing to do but sit back, relax and get cozy.
Contact your Local REALTOR® to help you find the home of your dreams!
8 Ways to be More Productive in the New Year
As the new year approaches, it’s essential to look for ways to stay motivated and productive. Here are a few great tips and tricks to keep you on track in 2023.
Visualize it
The power of positive thinking can elevate your mood and perception of what’s possible. Visualizing yourself accomplishing a goal and thinking about what you want to achieve will help motivate you to do it.
Chop It Up
Our tasks are never-ending as employees, parents, and regular folks. Some jobs are minor while others can appear daunting—with those vast tasks, break them down into smaller parts. Create a to-do list and feel satisfied to check each task off one by one until the whole job is complete.
Take Breaks
If you are like me, go go go and never take time to breath or rest. We are not machines and can’t keep running on empty. Make time in your schedule to rest and recharge, even if it’s only for a few hours per day. If you don’t rest, it’s much easier to get distracted or feel like you have to multitask to keep things moving. Take a break every hour and reset your mind.
Try and Avoid Multitasking
Multitasking might appear to be a great solution to finish up many things at once, but it divides your focus and detracts from the quality of the tasks you are working on. Try focusing all your time and efforts on one thing at a time, then move on to the next. Overtime habits will form to streamline this process.
Automate and Delegate
Time is something that we never get more of, so use your time wisely. If daily tasks are getting repetitive, see if there is a way to automate them. These might be simple things to make your day easier, like using a coffee maker timer or keyboard shortcuts at work.
If it’s impossible to automate these repetitive tasks, delegate them to someone, whether a partner or co-worker. The takeaway is to prioritize your time to make more of it. Do the essential things yourself. The rest delegate or automate.
Surround Yourself with Success
The people you have around you are critical factors in your success. If you have successful and productive people around you, they will influence you to do the same. Being around success breeds success; naturally, you will become more productive and mimic it.
Become Accountable
Hold yourself accountable to others. Talk about what you want to do with friends and family, and then hold yourself accountable to complete the goal, i.e., I told Jane I was going on a trip by myself, so now I have to try it.
At work, talk to a colleague about what you want to accomplish this week and set deadlines for yourself. Throughout the week, update them with your progress—this will help you remind yourself not to let that person down.
Encouragement from others to keep you motivated will also play an important factor in completing a project or task.
Manage Your Energy
Similar to time, energy is a finite resource. Tired people struggle to focus and have brain fog. Sleep is a crucial part of recovery every day. The more sleep you have, the more productive you will be. Rest and breaks are vital throughout your day, so recharge every hour or so.
Doing a job and activities you enjoy daily will help your motivation and energize you. So keep that in mind day to day. If you are feeling a lack of motivation, it may be time to switch things up.
I hope you enjoyed reading a few ideas to stay happy, motivated and productive in the new year. Remember, these are a guideline. If you already have great tactics to keep on track, keep doing what works well for you.
For all your real estate needs, contact your Local REALTOR®.
My Fave: Jacques Torres Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
I found this Jacques Torres cookie recipe years ago, and I try to make them every Christmas. Not only is it an all-time favourite cookie of mine, I also have family and friends request that I make them.
They are soft, chewy and delicious—a real show-stopper. They take longer to make than standard cookies, but they are worth the fuss.
TOOLS:
Large Bowl
Whisk
Stand Mixer
Baking Sheet
Parchment Paper
Cookie Scoop (if you have one)
RECIPE:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups minus 2 tablespoons (8 ½ ounces) cake flour
- 1 2/3 cups bread flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/4 cups butter, room temperature (I used salted)
- 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ pounds chopped dark or semi-sweet chocolate chunks or disks
- flaked sea salt to sprinkle
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, sift together (or whisk) the cake flour, bread flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment mix the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for 5 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time until mixed, and then vanilla. Continue mixing for an additional minute, scraping the sides as necessary.
- Turn the mixer to low and add the flour mixture until just combined. Fold in the chocolate until evenly incorporated. Cover and chill dough for 24-72 hours.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Allow the chilled dough to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before baking to soften slightly. Scoop out 3.5 ounces of dough for each cookie using a large cookie scoop—approximately 1/4 cup. Place mounds onto your baking sheet, spacing them 3- inches apart.
- Bake cookies for 15-18 minutes until the edges are golden. Turn your baking sheet 180- degrees once, halfway through baking.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with sea salt. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes:
- Instead of chilling the dough in a large bowl, you can scoop and measure it right away and chill it in prepared mounds on a large baking sheet until ready to bake. Baking chilled dough produces a slightly thicker cookie than room-temperature dough.
- Store airtight for up to 3 days. Or put them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer.
Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 Cookie Calories: 222 Sugar: 9.6 g Sodium: 91.4 mg Fat: 12.2 g Carbohydrates: 25.7 g Protein: 2.7 g Cholesterol: 49.1 mg
I hope you enjoy these cookies as much as I have over the past ten years! They melt in your mouth once baked; eating the cookie dough is equally delicious!
If you need a larger kitchen to make these cookies in, contact your Local REALTOR® today!
5 Ways to Save for Your Down Payment
Suppose you are looking to purchase a home soon and need to save up for a downpayment. Here are a few helpful ways to get started and set some goals to make it happen.
How Much Will You Need For A Down Payment?
The short answer is it depends.
There is a minimum contribution of a 5% down payment to purchase a home in Canada if it’s your primary residence.
The exact amount will depend on the listing price. Be aware that this will be one of many upfront home-purchasing expenses. There is also approximately 1.5% more needed to cover closing costs and legal fees.
The higher the cost of the home, the more of a down payment you will need. For example, on an $800,000 home, you will need 6.5% of the purchase price or $52,000 down. If you are looking for a home over $1,000,000, a minimum of 20% down is required, or $200,000.
Purchasing a home that is $999,999 vs. a $1,000,000 home, the difference is significant due to the down payment required by lenders. Speak to an experienced local REALTOR® to find out more.
Ways to Save For A Down Payment
Saving for a down payment might seem incredibly hard, but following these steps could alleviate some of the mystery.
Establish a Savings Goal
Before you start saving, it is essential to know what price range of home you are shopping for and the down payment that is required to do so. Knowing when you want to buy and the percentage you plan to put down upfront will significantly change the plan of putting money away. After figuring out these things, you can decide how much you will need to put away each month to reach your goal by a specific date.
Cut Back on Expenses
The easiest way to start saving is to look at your day-to-day expenses—and see what you can cut out and still live comfortably. Review your last three months of spending. You will often be surprised by how much money you have spent on unnecessary things, like eating out, coffee and subscriptions, to name a few. A coffee here or there might not seem like a big deal, but small purchases add up quickly.
Automate Your Savings
Once you have decided on a set amount of money to save every month, set up a recurring transfer of that amount from your checking account to a high-interest savings account every time you get paid. The savings account should be left alone until needed, so make sure you can live off the amount left per paycheck.
Plan to Save Your Windfalls
Plan to save any extra money you get throughout the year, whether a work bonus or income tax return. Instead of spending the extra cash frivolously, add it to your savings account immediately! It will help boost your savings account to reach that down payment goal faster.
Borrow from Your RRSP
If you have RRSPs, the federal government will let you borrow money from it if you are a first-time home buyer with no penalties when you withdraw. However, you must pay the amount borrowed back within 15 years, and the maximum withdrawal is up to $35,000.
This short list includes a few hints and tricks to get you started saving for a house. There are other ways to acquire extra money, such as an extra side hustle or if you are lucky enough to receive a monetary gift from a close family member.
If you have your down payment ready, contact your Local REALTOR® today!
9 Tips to Keep Houseplants in Winter
Plants are excellent stress relief, and the leafy greenery will brighten anyone’s mood. Winter is a time for staying inside, being cozy and hibernating. Plants also enjoy hibernating and resting in these months. Here are a few tips to take care of house plants over winter to not shock their system.
Cut Back on Watering
Consider watering less frequently depending on your home’s climate and sunlight conditions. However, plants might need the same amount of water if your plants are near heating vents or your home is warmer in winter than summer.
Instead of following a weekly watering schedule, poke the first inch of soil with your finger to check if it is dry or wet, and then proceed with watering. Always plan to under water plants even in winter. You can’t take back water once it is soaked in.
Pay Attention to Sunlight
The seasons change, as does the amount of sunlight plants receive. Think about moving plants to different locations in your home for the best dose of sunlight. If that is impossible, get a grow light from your local garden store! Also, make sure plants on window sills aren’t getting cold drafts. Consider moving them to a different location if they are. To ensure plants grow evenly, quarter-turn them once weekly for a well-balanced plant. I admit I never do that, and my plants are growing lopsided.
Don’t Worry About a Few Dropped Leaves
Winter often brings about cold drafts, and turning the furnace on can change your home’s conditions. Sometimes, the more demanding plants will drop leaves—try not to worry about it too much, as new leaves will grow in their place or above it! Leaves falling just means a plant is preparing for lower light levels.
Avoid Temperature Extremes
Average household temperatures are usually perfect for most plants. Outside air from doors opening and closing can affect plants, so ensure your plants are far away from doors. Also, keep plants away from heating vents and radiators. Sudden changes in heat can negatively affect them too.
Cut Back on Fertilizer
Fertilizing is still great to use in winter. Instead of using it weekly, switch to bi-weekly or even monthly. Another great alternative to fertilizer is Marphyl organic fertilizer. It’s more about providing nutrients to the soil and less about enhancing plant growth. You may stop fertilizing altogether if you think your plants aren’t getting as much sun.
Keep an Eye Out for Pests
Pests will start to spring up in winter, and most enjoy warm, dry soil conditions. Check plants’ leaves, and underneath the leaves every time you water for signs of pests. Some common pests are gnats, scales, and spider mites. Gnats are easy to get rid of with high-quality cinnamon sprinkled on top of the soil. Scale is more challenging to get rid of, and you will want to alcohol swab each brown spot to remove them. The best defence against spider mites is to buy predatory spical mites, microscopic bugs that eat the spider mites and will not harm your plants. Insecticides can also treat pests, but from experience, using them multiple times can damage the plant.
Up the Humidity
Most house plants are of the tropical variety, and the tropics often have high humidity. Consider purchasing a humidifier for the colder months to offset the dryness of your home. Not only will you breathe better, but your plants will too! The second way to keep the humidity up is to cluster plants together. The third way is to put water-filled pebble trays under your plants that require it and/or mist your plants. Before misting them, research to see if they do well with wet leaves. For example, philodendrons, some hoya and calathea (prayer plants) don’t mind if their leaves are wet.
Dust Your Plants
The leaves on a plant use the sun for photosynthesis and air circulation. If the leaves are coated in dust and debris, it makes the plant work a lot harder to live. Use a dry microfiber cloth to dust them gently, top and bottom. A wet cloth works too, but it might re-attract dust.
Resist the Urge to Re-Pot
In winter, plants go dormant and rest. It is best not to disturb them by re-potting them. The shock of re-potting can lead to stunted growth or loss of foliage—wait to re-pot during growth spurts like in spring and summer.
I hope you found these few tips helpful to keep your plants healthy and happy over winter. When in doubt, under water, fertilize less and ensure your plants get as much sun as possible, naturally or through a grow light.
Are you looking for a home this winter? Contact your local REALTOR® today!
