January 2, 2024

Finding Your Dream Home: Unconventional Tips and Tricks

Embarking on the journey to find your dream home can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. While traditional home-buying advice may include considerations such as location, budget, and amenities, there are also a few unconventional tips and tricks that can help you uncover the hidden gems in the real estate market. In this blog, we will explore some unconventional strategies to make your quest for the perfect home more enjoyable and successful.

 

Explore Off-Peak Times

Real estate, like any industry, has its busy seasons—most commonly spring and fall. When searching for a home, consider exploring your desired neighbourhoods during off-peak times to minimize competition. Sellers during these periods may also be more motivated, and you might have better negotiating power.

This can also be true for scheduling showings, even during the busy season! Most home buyers angle for evening and weekend viewings to minimize schedule disruption for themselves. However, weekday mornings or early afternoons might reveal a different atmosphere and provide insights into the daily life of the community. You might discover hidden parks and vibrant local businesses or even meet potential future neighbours.

 

Social Media Sleuthing

Harness the power of social media to get a feel for a neighbourhood before physically visiting. Join local community groups or forums to engage with residents, ask questions, and gain insider perspectives. This virtual exploration can offer valuable insights into the neighbourhood dynamics and help you make a more informed decision.

 

Take a Stroll, Not Just a Drive

Instead of simply driving through your most popular neighbourhoods, take a leisurely stroll to get a genuine sense of the area. Walking allows you to notice details that might be missed from a car, such as the friendliness of neighbours, the condition of homes, or the availability of local amenities within walking distance.

 

Speak with Local Business Owners

Strike up conversations with local business owners in the area you’re considering. They often have a pulse on the community and can provide valuable insights into the neighbourhood’s strengths and challenges. Additionally, they may share information about upcoming developments or events that could impact the area.

 

Think Beyond the Obvious Features

When viewing homes, focus on more than just the obvious features. Pay attention to less conventional aspects, like the direction the house faces for natural light, the acoustics of the neighbourhood, or the presence of mature trees that can enhance the aesthetics and value of the property.

 

Finding your dream home involves more than just checking off a list of criteria. By incorporating these unconventional tips and tricks into your house-hunting strategy, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of potential neighbourhoods and increase your chances of discovering the perfect home that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. Embrace the adventure, think outside the box, and let your intuition guide you on the path to finding your dream home—with the help of your trusted real estate team, of course!

BuyingHomeownership April 3, 2023

Canada Foreign Home Buyers Policy and How it Affects Foreign Buyers

As a real estate team that values transparency, we want to provide you with important information about the foreign homebuyer’s policy that is now in place in Canada as of January 1, 2023. This ban aims to make homes more affordable for Canadian residents by limiting foreign investment. This ban applies to residential properties such as detached homes, semi-detached houses, rowhouse units, residential condominium units, and similar premises in census metropolitan areas or core areas. Vacant land zoned for residential or mixed-use and purchasing it for the purpose of development is unaffected.

 

Please remember that recreational properties like cottages, lake houses, and residential properties in municipalities with a core population of less than 10,000 are not subject to the ban. Additionally, non-Canadians can still purchase more significant buildings with multiple units.

 

This ban addresses the housing affordability crisis in Canada, where the average house cost is 67% more than the average Canadian household can afford. This ban is expected to create new opportunities for Canadians to purchase residential properties by opening up the supply.

 

However, refugee claimants, international students who meet specific criteria, and non-Canadians with a spouse or common-law partner who is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, person registered under the Indian Act, or refugee are exempt from the ban.

 

Those who violate the ban can face penalties of up to $10,000 and may be required to sell the property they purchased. Anyone who knowingly assists a non-Canadian with their purchase may also face fines.

 

As your trusted real estate team, we are committed to informing you about the latest Canadian housing market developments. Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions or concerns about this issue.

BuyingLifestyle March 10, 2023

Saskatoon’s Most Popular Neighbourhoods

 

Looking for the most popular neighborhoods in Saskatoon? We’re happy to share our knowledge and experience to help you find the perfect place to call home!

 

Nutana

 

First up, we have Nutana. This charming and historic neighborhood boasts beautiful tree-lined streets, a mix of character homes and newer builds, and a vibrant community feel. With Broadway Avenue at its core, Nutana offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes for residents to enjoy.

 

Riversdale

 

If you’re looking for a trendy and vibrant area, look no further than Riversdale. This neighborhood has undergone significant revitalization in recent years, and now offers a thriving arts scene, including the Remai Modern art museum and a variety of galleries and boutiques. And with its wide range of restaurants, bars, and cafes, Riversdale is the perfect place for foodies and night owls alike.

 

Downtown

 

For those looking for the hustle and bustle of a commercial district, downtown has it all. With a variety of shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities along the Meewasin Valley Trail, there’s always something to do in this lively neighborhood.

 

Stonebridge

 

If you prefer newer amenities, you may want to consider Stonebridge. Located in the south end of Saskatoon, this modern neighborhood offers a large shopping complex, movie theater, and a variety of parks and recreational facilities for residents to enjoy.

 

University Heights

 

Finally, for students and young professionals, University Heights is an excellent choice. Located adjacent to the University of Saskatchewan, this neighborhood offers a variety of housing options, from apartments to townhouses and single-family homes. Plus, with easy access to the university’s facilities and amenities, University Heights is the perfect place to live and learn.

 

No matter your preferences, our team of realtors can help you find the perfect neighborhood in Saskatoon to suit your lifestyle and budget.
So why wait? Contact us today and let’s get started!

 

Buying February 25, 2023

10 Things to Watch Out for When Looking at Homes

 

 

A walk-through of a potential home you might purchase it is crucial to look at it from an objective point of view. Look over the house in detail and jot down any potential outstanding issues. Here are a few things to watch out for when looking at homes.

 

Check the Floors

Floors can tell a lot about a home’s structure and plumbing. Look for sagging and unusual dipping near bathrooms and everywhere else in the house. If there are warps in the floors near bathrooms, it could be a telltale sign that some gnarly plumbing might be underneath. There could be structural issues if dips are present anywhere else in the home.

Notice Cracks in the Walls and Ceilings

Cracks should be considered and carefully reviewed. Some fine line cracks in drywall are usually nothing to worry about, but larger cracks in a brick wall, for example, cause concern. Larger cracks typically are a sign of movement of the walls and are a serious sign of structural problems. I was house hunting a few years ago. There was a large crack we could put our hand in on the basement ceiling by a post, a red flag went up, and we never put an offer on that home.

Pay Attention to Fresh Paint

Fresh paint is sometimes a good sign. If the entire home has been freshly painted, the homeowners want to refresh the home before new people move in. However, if the house appears like it has never been renovated for a while and there are patches of paint in the cellar or basement, it could be hiding something, such as water damage. If fresh paint is out of place, ask why it was done.

Look for Water in the Basement or Dampness

Take extra time to investigate the basement thoroughly. Look for water damage on the floor and near windows. Dampness or humidity might also be cause for alarm in newer homes. However, if the house is older, it usually comes with the territory.

Test the Windows

Open and close every window in the home to ensure they all work correctly. I wish we had tested the windows in our current home we have lived in for 13 years, because only 2 out of 10 windows open, which makes for an expensive air conditioning bill every year. Take note of the age of the windows or if inexpensive windows were installed. Changing the windows can be costly, and not changing them out leads to a lot of heat loss, increasing your energy bill.

Assess the Roof

Ask when it was replaced last and ask to see the warranty documents. Be wary of older homes with multiple layers of shingles, which can potentially have asbestos. Ask a professional for help to assess the roof if there are any glaring issues.

Note the Trees Outside

Trees are lovely to have dotted around the yard but look closely at them. Look for how close they are to the house, how many are there, and what types they are. Trees like elms not only have a lot of dropped leaves to manage but if they ever need to be trimmed, they must be appropriately remediated to prevent Dutch elm disease. Trees close to the home can have their roots grow and push into the basement walls, leading to many problems. If there are many trees on the property, they also have a high chance of growing into your main plumbing pipes, leading to sewer backup and many other issues. Trees can also fall during heavy storms and damage your home.

Look at the Plumbing and Electrical

Electrical and plumbing are hidden. However, there should be some exposed pipes and wires in the mechanical room to help you determine the age. Look at the electrical panel and ask if the homeowner experiences electrical shorts. Be wary if the electrical system hasn’t been replaced for a few decades.

Plumbing is a lot harder to tell if there are any issues. Hire a professional to walk through the home if anything is amiss. There are home water testing kits to test the water to ensure its lead-free or if anything else is in it.

Dig into the History 

Find out how long the previous owner had that home and why they are selling it. A flipped home might be hastily finished, possibly leading to oversights in the future. 

If the owner is present during the viewing, ask them questions about their home. Ask about repairs and who they were done by. When were the furnace and water heater repaired or installed, and are they owned or rented? Ask about all warranties on the repairs and if any are still valid.

After the Walk-Through, Follow-up

Check on permits and violations. If you are ready to put in an offer, work on investigating any open violations or permit issues the home might have. Also, check to see if there are any neighbour complaints against the property or homeowner. This could be a sign of problems with house repairs or sensitive, problematic neighbours. 

Sometimes no permits are pulled for extensions or work done on the home. Be sure to ask the sellers if all the permits are in order, if the renovations look shoddy, follow up with the permit office.

 

When looking at homes, these few things to watch out for will help you in your house-hunting journey. If you are unsure after finding problems with the house, follow up with the homeowner or professionals to gain more insight.

Contact your local real estate expert today to let them guide you through the home-buying process.

 

BuyingBuyingLifestyleLifestyleLifestyleSelling February 10, 2023

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.

 

Homeownership January 20, 2023

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.

 

January 6, 2023

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!

 

Homeownership December 30, 2022

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!

 

Lifestyle December 23, 2022

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®.

 

December 16, 2022

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:

 

  1. In a large bowl, sift together (or whisk) the cake flour, bread flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. 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.
  6. Bake cookies for 15-18 minutes until the edges are golden. Turn your baking sheet 180- degrees once, halfway through baking.
  7. 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!