Well, spring is coming and along with that sees increased activity in the Real Estate market. Maybe it is even time for you to buy your first home. If it is, contact me and I will be happy to help guide you through the process.Here a few Do’s and Don’ts of Buying your First Home
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Family trip to Penticton
Summer came and went. Did it seem to speed by for anyone else? Our final family vacation of the summer was a trip up to Penticton and OK Falls. This destination has many memories for my wife and I. We both have fond memories of vacationing there as children. We would like to make memories there now that we have a family of our own. It was the first time we were able to vacation there with our daughter. We took her to the place where we had our fist kiss, which just happens to be the place of our engagement. Penticton has such a soft spot in our hearts. We enjoyed time on the beach, eating ice cream, touring the farmers market, wine tasting and going for walks. We are looking forward to building many more special family moments in Penticton through the years to come.
Plant Combinations for Low Water Gardens
Summer heat means watering restrictions. It can be discouraging when you plant a garden that you can’t water it to keep it looking nice. Or, maybe you don’t even bother planting a garden because it’s too much work to keep up with watering it at all. Gardens can really make your home look great and enhance curb appeal. So, it might be worthwhile to plant that garden. There are plants that require lots of water and there are some that require very little. Maybe planting a low-water garden can make maintenance easy and keep your yard looking fresh a beautiful during the summer months. You can check out some great ideas on Houzz.com: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/68285884/list/7-stunning-plant-combinations-for-low-water-gardens
Container Gardening
This new trend of container gardening is really something. If you love to garden but are at a lack for space this could really be a great answer. Especially if you are living in a small apartment or basement suit, a container garden may be all you have space for. You can do plants, flowers, veggies, really anything inside a container. Don’t give up on your gardening dreams, just think outside the box and plant your veggies in a box. If you are interested in trying out your own container garden you can check out these helpful tips from Canadian Living.
What’s On Your Must-Have List For Your Dream Home?
Have you ever put together a list of must have’s for your dream home? What is top of your list? Mine is a view. I want a house that has an incredible view with windows floor to ceiling so I can enjoy the sights from every place in the house. There is a show on W network that is called Buying the View. I love watching that show. Some of the homes are stunning and the views are worth the price you pay. Now to win the lottery and make my dreams come true!
You can check out the show here: http://www.wnetwork.com/shows/buying-view
Los Cabos, Mexico Trip
When it feels like January in July I know that it is time for a holiday. It felt more like summer in May than it does now. So, my family and I took a trip to Los Cabos Mexico to seek out some sun. With the market as busy as it is, time with my family is precious because work has been keeping me on my toes. We were able to get away and spend some quality time together. It was the first Mexican vacation for our little babe. We braved a plane ride and 7 days all-inclusive with a 6 month old. She did great. She loved all the attention she got from the people in the resort. We couldn’t get far without someone stopping us to tell us what a beautiful princess she was. I really enjoyed the time I was able to spend with my wife and daughter. Mexico is one of my favourite places to visit and it was a dream come true to share with my girls.
Abbotsford Tulip Festival
April showers bring May flowers, or so they say. If you live in Abbotsford the flowers have already sprung and the sun is shining. One of the first spring flowers to bloom are the tulips. You can see them from the road when you are passing the Whatcom Exit headed east towards Chilliwack. And, boy are they BEAUTIFUL. If you are looking for a fun family outing, you might be interested in seeing these beauties up close and personal. The Abbotsford Tulip Festival is open for business. You can stroll through he fields, take lots of photos, play some lawn games, and if you are there on the weekend you can grab lunch from the food trucks and have a picnic. It might just be the perfect way to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. If you would like prices or more information you can check out their website athttp://abbotsfordtulipfestival.ca/product/admission/
Spring Cleaning
Spring is here, Finally! As the sun shines through the windows you might notice how much dust has collected over the winter. I guess that means it is time to do some spring-cleaning. I love spring-cleaning. It means cleaning out the old, dusting off the cobwebs, de-cluttering the piles of junk, and starting fresh. So, It’s time to get motivated by opening up the windows, letting in the fresh air in, and cranking up the tunes. When I go through the cupboards and drawers I ask myself, when was the last time I used this? If it was longer than a year… it’s time that item found a new home. Why hang on to things that you never use? Maybe your thinking there is a chance you will use it one day. Ok, I have to admit, I have been a victim of this. I have thrown stuff away and regretted it. However, it hasn’t happened enough to change my spring-cleaning ways. Whatever your spring-cleaning style may be, I hope you enjoy a fresh start. If you need some ideas for where to start I have attached some links to some helpful websites. Happy Cleaning.
10 spring cleaning tips http://www.styleathome.com/organizing/organizing-ideas/10-spring-cleaning-tips/a/901
10 Deadly Mistakes a buyer can make when purchasing a home. Continued…
6. Not considering long-term needs.
It’s important to consider whether the home your purchasing will suit your needs in 3-5 years from now.
7. Not examining insurance needs.
Purchase adequate insurance. Advice from an insurance agent can provide you with answers to any concerns you may have.
8. Not buying a home protection plan.
This is essentially a mini insurance policy that usually lasts one year fro the close of escrow. It usually covers basic repairs you may encounter and can be purchased for a normal fee. Talk to your agent to help you find the protection plan you need.
9. Not knowing total costs involved.
There are a lot of costs that come with buying a home. Mare sure you ask your realtor or lender for estimated closing costs early on. Title company and attorney fees should be considered. Pre-pay responsibilities such as Homeowner Association fees and insurance must also be taken into account. Remember to examine your settlement statement prior to closing.
10. Not following through on due diligence.
Buyers should make a list of any concerns they have related to issues such as; crime rates, schools, power lines, neighbors, environmental conditions, etc. Ask the important questions before you make an offer on a home. Be diligent so that you can have confidence in your purchase.
If you have any questions about these mistakes or would like any more information on what to consider when purchasing or selling a home please give me a call and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
10 Mistakes a buyer can make when purchasing a home
You wouldn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to buy your dream home by making a mistake that could easily be avoided. The market is hot right now and houses are selling quickly so make sure that you safeguard yourself from these simple missteps.
1. Making an offer without being pre-qualified for a mortgage.
Taking the time to get pre-qualified can save you from losing out on the home of your choice. It will also help determine what home you can afford and what your price range is.
2. Not having a home inspection
Yes, home inspections can be pricy and who doesn’t want to save a buck or two. But saving money now could end up costing you more in the future. A home inspection will detect issues that you may or may not be able to live with. It will also help to find issues that need to be addressed immediately by the seller before the home is purchased.
3. Limiting your search to open houses, adds, or the internet
Yes it is fun to search the World Wide Web for that perfect home, but these houses are mostly likely already sold. Contacting a realtor is your best chance in finding a home. He will send you the most recent listings and up to date information that isn’t available to the general public.
4. Choosing a real estate agent who is not committed to forming a strong business relationship with you.
A realtor should have your best interest at heart is crucial. They should know what you want and should put your needs first before, during, and after a sale.
5. Thinking there is one perfect house out there.
Buying a home is a process of elimination. New homes come on the market every day so be open to all possibilities. Ask your realtor for a comparative market analysis. This compares similar homes that have recently sold or are still for sale.
To be continued…