&REAL ESTATE SEPTEMBER 2017 | ISSUE 11
Murray & Debby * DOLLARD 306.789.7666 www.dollard.com CROWN REAL ESTATE * B us ines s Par tner
RESULTS YOU CAN COUNT ON CALL THE TOURNEY TEAM
WINNERS IN THEIR FIELD!
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&REAL ESTATE SEPTEMBER 2017 | ISSUE 11
Murray & Debby * DOLLARD 306.789.7666 www.dollard.com CROWN REAL ESTATE * Busi ness Partner REG00255764_1_1
1434 HORACE • $227,500
5006 WASCANA VISTA COURT, REGINA • $699,900 Very neat and clean starter, 2 bdrm bungalow, several upgrades. Ash kitchen cabinets,. 2 additional bdrms in bsmnt, Solid concrete basement, no water, no sump pump. Single detached (16x24) garage, garden area, private patio. Additional upgrades: shingles, garage, eavestroughs, upgraded plumbing, windows replaced, interior repainted, water heater replaced, overhead garage door replaced, concrete patio. MLS® #SK617295
Exceptional home, priced under appraised value, completely renovated, like new condition, approx. 2670 sq. ft. backing onto passive park, triple attached garage. MLS® #SK607668
JEROME RINK 306-533-3675
JEROME RINK 306-533-3675 REG00259396_1_1
201 SOUTH FRONT PENSE • $234,900
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RM LAJORD ESTLIN • $689,000 Great end unit 2 bdrm condo located Pense. Completely developed, Maple kitchen cabinets, garden door in dinette leading onto deck overlooking the great wide open space. Main floor laundry room. The bsmnt is professionally developed with a large rec. room, bdrm, 3 pc. bath, furnace & storage room. Single detached garage (12x24) with extra parking on the side of the garage. MLS® #SK602743
Completely renovated 2 storey approx. 1647 sq. ft. situated on 22 acres of land. MLS® #SK602325
JEROME RINK 306-533-3675
JEROME RINK 306-533-3675 REG00259398_1_1
3101 RENFREW CRES $299,900
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RM EDENWOLD PILOT BUTTE • $350,000 Original owner, 2 bdrm, 3rd floor apt. condo. Oak kitchen cabinets with under mount lighting, pantry, combined Living & dining room, garden dr. leading onto patio, hook-up for gas BBQ. 3 pce. ensuite with walk-in closet in master . In-suite laundry. In floor heat throughout with separate temperature controls in all rooms. Additional storage room on 3rd floor for unit. One car electrified parking stall. Extra wash bay in parkade, reserve fund, self-managed condo association. MLS® 703932
Farm near Pilot Butte 142 acres of land for sale. Can be subdivided into 2 parcels. MLS® #SK607842
JEROME RINK 306-533-3675
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Personalize your home with an eye-catching front door At its core, the desire to create a home with curb appeal is a desire to make a home uniquely one’s own. After all, no matter how beautiful they are, rows of homes that look the same inherently fail to capture attention. Using personal touches, people want friends and family to know which home is theirs. Among the dozens of affordable ways you can personalize your home’s curb appeal, the first tip from Better Homes and Gardens is to “dress up the front door.” One way they note to do that is by installing a custom wood door. “Wooden doors are most often used in custom or specialized design situations since they are easiest to manipulate,” explains the DIY Network. “With the countless options ([wood species], side lights, transoms, decorative glass, etc.) you can custom design the specific look you want for your entryway.” To achieve a one-of-a-kind look for your front door, consider these three ways to personalize your wood door. 1. Choose your favourite wood From modern to traditional, doors are available in many different wood species to meet your personal taste. If you like the look of high-end furniture, cherry or walnut might be right for you, while exotic woods like sapele mahogany have distinctive patterns for an eye-catching door. Woods like knotty alder create a casual, rustic look, while Douglas fir provides a timeless appeal. “We’ve built doors out of more than 100 different wood species - everything from ash to zebrawood - so you’re sure to find a wood that’s right for you,” says Brad Loveless, marketing and product development manager for Simpson Door Company. “We will also make doors using multiple wood species, for a look none of your neighbours will have.” 2. Go big If you’re planning a new home, or a remodel of your existing home, replacing the front door with an extra-large door is an impressive way to fashion a grand entry. To make a big impression, wood doors can be custom ordered in virtually any large size. For example, a door that is five feet wide by eight feet high is almost two times larger than the typical front door, and is sure to capture the attention of visitors to your home. Wood door manufacturers recommend that if you have a large door, consider making it 2 1/4” thick, which is a common thickness for a custom entry door.
Homeowners can select from an endless array of design options when opting for a new front door. (Photo: BPT)
“Another attractive quality of wood doors is that they can be custom made to fit any size opening or trimmed to a specific size doorway,” says the DIY Network. “In this regard, wood is a material that is easy to work with and can be made to fit your exact needs.” Compared to other materials like fiberglass and steel, wood doors offer the flexibility to “create virtually any shape, or make just about any door a Dutch door, move design components around and change the door thickness,” says Loveless. 3. Add a touch of class with glass Wood door manufacturers offer a wide range of glass designs to complement your door. Depending on the look you prefer, these range from a full lite door, in which the glass extends from top to bottom, to quarter lite doors, in which the pane is limited to the top one-fourth of the door. Glass is tempered to resist breakage and to help keep intruders out. Additionally, you can choose from options with a wide range of transparency, to ensure the right balance of privacy and natural light for your situation. Some manufacturers, like Simpson, offer easy-to-use design tools for choosing door and glass designs. The company’s online Glass Taste Test tool, for example, enables homeowners to see how different glass types will look in their door, and the degree of privacy the glass provides. Although homeowners can choose from several different materials for their front door, wood allows greater flexibility for customization and creates enduring value. “It’s easy to understand why many of us still like our doors to be made of wood – nothing else matches the material’s warmth and satisfying heft,” says This Old House magazine. (BPT) REG00259410_1_1
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The RIGHT Broker. oker. The RIGHT Mortgage. ortg gage.
&REAL ESTATE SEPTEMBER 2017 | ISSUE 11
please call 306.781.5251 or email advertising@leaderpost.com
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Tackle these easy home improvement projects
Are the high traffic areas of your home showing wear and tear? A quick coat of KILZ Hide-All primer and sealer can make scuff marks and handprints disappear. (Photo: BPT)
During the milder months – like summer and fall – homeowners naturally tend to prioritize working on the exterior of their houses, because the weather is nice. But in the winter, we’re more apt to tackle smaller home improvement projects inside. This seems like a no brainer, right? After all, no one wants to redo landscaping when it’s 35 degrees outside. With that in mind, Chip Gaines, host of HGTV’s Fixer Upper and lead contractor/ owner of Magnolia Homes, offers these three easy home improvement projects to help you make the most of your winter indoors. 1. Repaint your walls While you’re holed up inside the house decorating for the holidays or just escaping the cold, you may start noticing places on your walls in hightraffic areas with one too many scuff marks or kids’ grimy handprints. Whether they come from the kids, the pets or even yourself, erasing them is quick and easy. KILZ Hide-All primer and sealer can take care of these
marks and more. This highhiding product only needs one hour of dry time before you apply your topcoat, so there’s no need to set aside a whole weekend to cross this project off your list. 2. Clear grout of gunk No matter how much cleaning Gaines does at his house, he says there’s one thing that’s hard to keep looking clean: grout. The dirt and grime that turns your grout nasty colours can be scrubbed out, but it takes a little extra TLC. Gaines says he actually enjoys this project and finds it kind of fun because his boys like to join in and help, making it a family affair. To clean grout at your home, he recommends wiping the surface with a wet cloth and mixing up a paste of two-parts baking soda and one-part water. Scrub it onto the grout surface using an old toothbrush or stiffbristled brush, then rinse the area with water. If your grout lines are stained from mildew or kitchen spills, try spraying a mixture of equal parts vinegar and warm water onto the tile. It’ll foam for a bit, but once it’s
done, scrub it well. After a final rinse, the stains should be gone. 3. Seal out the elements If you live in a place where heavy rain or snow are always trying to find a way into your house, know that weather can lead to serious issues in your basement or foundation. To prevent water damage and leakage stains, inspect masonry on the interior and exterior of your home. Fill any defects you find with fast-setting hydraulic cement and clean up the surface. Once the surface is clean and dry, apply two coats of KILZ Basement & Masonry Waterproofer. This interior and exterior product is formulated for waterproofing basement walls, masonry walls, retaining walls, and cinder and concrete blocks. Once the second coat is dry, you’re all set for the winter. When it comes to home projects, wintertime doesn’t have to mean downtime. Start your project season with any of the three ideas listed above and when warmer months roll along, you’ll be ready to step out and make your home’s exterior as beautiful as your interior. (BPT) REG00259409_1_1
EVEN THOUGH YOUR NOT HEATING YOUR HOUSE, IF YOU HAVE AIR CONDITIONING YOUR FURNACE IS STILL RUNNING
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How to choose the right deck material Looking to take on an outdoor patio or deck project as the weather warms up? There are several deck materials to consider, that each have their own unique features and benefits. It is important to weigh these considerations carefully prior to starting your project. Here are a few insights from Steve Trescher, director of merchandising building materials at The Home Depot Canada, to help you get started. Pressure-treated. This wood is among the most popular and cost-effective options for decking materials. A versatile wood, it allows for bending and cutting to accommodate various designs. It also resists rot, decay and termite infestation, and has a limited lifetime warranty. Cedar. If you seek the natural look of a wood deck, then cedar should be high on your list of considerations. This premium decking material is known for its grain texture and rustic appeal. It’s also naturally resistant to decay and insect damage, making it a reliable choice for
the outdoors. Like other wood decking choices, cedar does need cleaning and resealing every few years to maintain its original colour. Composite decking. This exceptionally durable material resembles wood, but does not require painting or staining. It’s the perfect deck to walk barefoot on in the summer – it will not crack, splinter or rot. Composite decking also offers the realistic colour variation of exotic hardwoods, and many boards come with grooves on the edges for easy installation. Heat-treated decking. Durable heatand steam-treated wood is less likely to warp, expand, contract, or attract mildew and mould. This lightweight material – also referred to as thermally modified wood – has a smooth, splinter and chemical-free finish in a deep, even tone that, if left untreated, will age naturally into a silver-grey shade. A reliable option is Thermory heat-treated decking, available at The Home Depot Canada.
When selecting deck materials, it’s important to consider several factors: price, the degree of maintenance required, style and the level of comfort you desire. (Photo: News Canada) Your overall goals. When you’re looking at the pros and cons of each material, make sure to consider your budget, preferred design and future deck maintenance. This will help you get the most out of your newly updated living space as the weather heats up. (News Canada) REG00259411_1_1
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4729 PASQUA STREET
503 18TH AVE E.
APPROX 1354 SQ. FT., DOUBLE GARAGE • MLS® SK617421
APPROX 1280 SQ. FT., SINGLE GARAGE • MLS® SK701786
$299,900
$339,900
135 ST. JOHN STREET
APPROX 800 SQ. FT., 26’X30’ GARAGE • MLS® SK611553
$244,900
1.6 km West of Lewvan Drive on 13th Avenue Regina, SK • 306.525.1352
OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK 8:00 AM TO 6:00 PM
SALE
3756 7TH AVE E.
112 BROADWAY AVE
755 NORTH SEYMOUR CRES
$259,900
$234,900
$259,900
APPROX 1080 SQ. FT., PLUS FULL BASEMENT • MLS® SK607292
APPROX 748 SQ. FT., WITH GARAGE • MLS® SK703367
APPROX 860 SQ. FT., LARGE YARD • MLS® SK615212
FRUIT TREES 30% OFF PERENNIAL 5.99 BUY ONE GET ONE ALL OTHERS PERENNIALS 25% OFF
(NO WARRANTY ON SALE ITEMS)
See www.rickmiron.ca For Extra Pics And Info
((306) (3 3 537-1565 “Working for you and your neighbourhood”
Email: info@plantranch.ca
PLANT RANCH
www.plantranch.ca
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Ten ways to boost your home’s resale appeal by Scott McGillivray
4. Consider replacing worn flooring. Another lower-cost option is to give your Homes that show well and have great floors a makeover by refinishing hardwood or features typically sell faster than their counterparts, sometimes for a premium. If shampooing carpets. you want your home to stand out, a little effort 5. Make simple updates. New light fixtures can go a long way. Try these tips to create an or hardware on cabinetry can provide your enticing first impression. room with an instant refresh. Give cabinets a 1. Clean. A neat, clean home shows new coat of paint if they look tired or dated. pride of ownership and suggests that it is well 6. Let there be light. Replace heavy drapes maintained. with sheer window coverings or valances to 2. Paint. Opt for a neutral colour so flood the home with as much natural light as buyers will feel like there’s one less thing to do possible. before moving in. Grey, beige or the popular 7. Open up the space. Remove excess combination known as “greige” are always a furniture and all signs of clutter. Organize hit. A fresh coat of white paint on trim will closets and pantries. Open windows to allow brighten the rooms. the fresh air in. 3. Highlight your home’s energy efficiency 8. Neutralize décor. Remove personal and green features. This is increasingly a big photos. Add inviting elements like fresh selling point, especially among younger buyers. flowers, throws or toss cushions. New insulation that offers superior thermal 9. Create curb appeal. Clean and pressureperformance and increased fire resistance, like Roxul Comfortbatt and Safe ‘n’ Sound, wash the driveway and walkways. Cut the represent long-term savings and benefits to grass, pull weeds, and trim shrubs. Consider potential purchasers. Smart thermostats and planting annuals for fresh pops of colour. Paint low-flow water fixtures are also coveted. your front door and house numbers, if needed.
With a little bit of prepping and primping, you can increase your home’s resale appeal. (Photo: News Canada)
Stage the patio furniture to create the feeling of an outdoor retreat. 10. Throw down the welcome mat, and let buyers take it all in. Not ready to sell? These tips also work well to revitalize a much-loved older home. Scott McGillivray is host of the hit TV series Income Property and Moving the McGillivrays on HGTV Canada, a real estate investor, contractor, author, and educator. Follow Scott on Twitter @smcgillivray. (News Canada) REG00259412_1_1
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EN P O m TE -4p I SU YS 2 W O DA SH TUR SA
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Pat Dell
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Your dream renovation is underway. You found the right contractor, checked their references, agreed on the plans and schedule, and most importantly signed a contract that includes a warranty. But you’ve just found the perfect lighting fixture or floor tile, and it’s different than what’s in your contract. What can you do?
This is a mini contract that defines the altered or additional work you want done. Change orders describe the changes from what was originally agreed to that you want to make, and include the cost and payment details. Once signed by you and your contractor, these become part of your contract. Always make sure that when you make a change it’s properly documented and signed-off by both parties. Find more information at www.getitinwriting.ca. (News Canada)
Did You Know? Home improvement projects can expose homeowners to hidden dangers. For example, there may be lead paint under the existing paint in older homes. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. It is essential that homeowners control their exposure to lead or other hazardous substances through the use of protective equipment, such as a properly fitted respirator. If lead is discovered, you may require professional assistance. (MNS)
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Even in the best planned renovation, some things may need to be changed after the work begins. Fortunately, there’s a simple way to deal with changes — a “change order.”
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Make the most of outdoor living season Summer is home to many of the year’s most beautiful days, so who can blame you for wanting to spend them all outside? Your yard becomes your living room and your patio the kitchen. It’s your home away from home, which begs the question: do you like your current digs? If your home’s outdoor space lacks the comfort and appeal you are longing for, don’t worry. Now is the perfect time to transform your back yard into the perfect outdoor oasis you can enjoy all summer long. To get started upgrading your back yard without breaking the bank, follow these tips from the experts at Lowe’s. • A place to gather. Think of the parties you’ve hosted in your home. They’ve likely all had a common gathering place such as the kitchen counter, the living room couch or the dining room table. Your outdoor space needs a similar location and a dining set naturally invites guests to relax. Five-piece dining sets from Lowe’s are perfect for more intimate gatherings, while seven-piece sets comfortably accommodate larger crowds. • The focal point of your kitchen. Grilling out is a staple of any summer party, so if your existing grill isn’t hitting all cylinders, it’s time for an upgrade. The Master Forge 5-Burner Modular Gas Grill features four heavy-duty burners, one infrared searing burner and one infrared rotisserie burner, giving you a solution for any menu choice. Plus, its built-in halogen lights can keep your party going long into the night.
Outdoor living season has arrived! Now’s the time to upgrade your patio, with a new gas grill and comfy seating. (Photo: BPT)
gathering. And to keep the awning a hot destination into the evening, look for an umbrella outfitted with LED lights.
• A place to relax. The sofas and armchairs in your living room are popular sitting destinations during any indoor event, and you can create the same environment outdoors with sectional patio furniture. The Garden Treasures Palm City Patio Sectional Furniture features sleek and sturdy black steel frames coupled with tan Olefin cushions that up the comfort level, meaning when you sit, you’ll never want to leave.
• The perfect accents. The difference between a back yard and an outdoor oasis is in the details you add to your space. Island King Garden Torches bring light to any situation. With durable metal construction and a long-lasting fiberglass wick, these lights will keep their look in any conditions. To add a little extra green space to your outdoor entertaining area, consider purchasing raised garden beds. They provide a grand ambiance upgrade to your oasis at an affordable price.
• A little shade goes a long way. An all-day party means plenty of sun, and when guests need a break from the heat, it’s good to provide an area of relief. Patio umbrellas are an affordable option, available in 8-1/2 and 9-foot varieties, providing ample coverage for a large
Summer has just begun! Implement any of the upgrades listed above and you’ll be able to enjoy the season’s greatest days from your brand-new oasis. To find everything you need to remake your back yard, without breaking your bank, visit lowes.com. (BPT) REG00259413_1_1
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September 2017 Our cover photo supplied by: Murray & Debby Dollard
Regina@Home is delivered monthly to 50,000 Regina & area households. For advertising rates and more information, please call 306-781-5251. 1964 Park Street Regina, SK S4P 3G4 Phone: 306.781.5251 Fax: 306.781.5350 Email: advertising@leaderpost.com Regina@Home is published by Regina Leader Post, a division of Postmedia Network Inc., 1964 Park Street, Regina, SK S4P 3G4. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reprinted without written permission. The opinions expressed in articles are not necessarily those of the publisher. Information presented is compiled from sources believed to be accurate, however, the publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for errors or omissions. REG00255765_1_1
Use cleaning products safely We all love a clean, tidy house, but did you know that some of the cleaning products we use every day could be exposing us to harmful substances? In fact, improperly used or stored household and automotive chemical products are among the top products responsible for injuries and deaths in children under the age of five. Even a small amount of a chemical product can be harmful to a child. Bad tastes and odours often do not keep children away from household chemical products. Many of us use household chemical products in and around our homes and garages. These include cleaning liquids and powders (such as laundry and dishwasher pods), polishes, drain cleaners, paint thinners and windshield washer fluids. All these products can be dangerous if not handled or stored properly. Health Canada reminds everyone to use household chemicals safely by following this simple four-step process: 10 regina@HOME
1. Read and understand the label before you buy or use a household chemical product. Carefully follow the directions, paying close attention to hazard symbols and cautionary statements. 2. Use household chemical products carefully. Never mix household chemicals together. Check that child-resistant closures are working properly, but remember that child-resistant doesn’t mean childproof. Make sure containers are closed when they’re put Household cleaning products should be handown or not being used. Teach your children dled with care, especially in the presence of to recognize the hazard symbols and know children. (Photo: News Canada) what they mean. 4. Dispose of leftover household chemical 3. Store household chemical products products safely. Check with your city or town safely in their original containers and make for safe disposal guidelines. Buy only what sure all safety information is readable. Keep you need and never bury or burn household all household chemical products safely locked chemical containers or pour contents down the away where children cannot see or reach drain. Never reuse empty chemical containers. them. Keep flammable products in a separate You can find more safety tips for building if available, such as a shed, or store parents and kids online at Canada.ca/health according to label instructions. (News Canada) REG00259415_1_1
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Can a beautiful lawn help sell your home?
According to the National Association of Realtors, 14% of agents say that a professionally cared for lawn helped close the sale of a property. (Photo: LaurelRock Company/LoveYourLandscape.org)
A lush lawn and beautiful landscape are on virtually every homeowner’s wish list, but a lack of time and knowledge commonly keep people from effectively caring for their own lawns. Homeowners spend an average of just 20 minutes a day on lawn care, according to the American Time Use Survey. What’s more, many don’t know how to properly care for their lawn and landscape, a Harris Poll reveals. Conducted on behalf of the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), the survey found that while nearly seven in 10 Americans said their lawn could be better, nearly one in three didn’t know how often to water their lawns and nearly a third admitted to not knowing how to grow a healthy lawn. “A healthy lawn isn’t just for cosmetic appeal,” says Missy Henriksen, vice-president of public affairs for NALP. “Properly maintained lawns can not only elevate home value but also reduce exposure to weed-induced allergies and help purify the air in communities.” Of the 94 per cent of people with landscaping around their homes, 44 per cent hired professionals to help over the past year. Working with lawn care professionals can help ensure your lawn remains healthy and attractive all year round. NALP offers some advice for getting the most for your money when you work with a lawn care professional: • Put some thought and research into the hiring process. Look for lawn care companies that are members of an industry association, and ask friends and neighbours for recommendations. When you’re interviewing companies, find out how long they’ve been in business and the experience level of staff. If you live in an area that requires lawn care professionals to be licensed, make
sure the one you’re considering has a valid license. Ask for a written, detailed contract that specifies what work the company will be doing in your yard. • Talk with your lawn care professional about your long-term vision for your yard so you can develop a master plan together. For example, if you envision large planting beds in front of your house or a shade garden in the backyard, they can help suggest how to progress in phases that will fit your budget. • Be clear about your budget and expectations before hiring a lawn care professional. Will you want the company to aerate and seed the grass? Manage weeds and troubleshoot problem areas? Your lawn care professional can work with you to include specific tasks in a contract that sets expectations for both parties. • Be open to your lawn care professional’s suggestion about types of grass seed for your landscape. Often, professionals prefer working with grasses and plants that are native to your region since they’re most likely to thrive in your landscape. • Follow your lawn care professional’s guidance for watering and any other lawn care tasks that you’ll be handling yourself. Ideally, your DIY efforts should complement the work your professional is doing, rather than undermine it. For example, if your lawn care professional seeds your lawn to fill in some bare spots, follow his or her instructions for watering the seed to ensure the best possible results. Seventy-five per cent of real estate agents have suggested home sellers do a standard lawn care program before putting their homes on the market, according to the 2016 Remodeling Impact Report by the National Association of Realtors and the NALP. What’s more, 14 per cent say professional lawn care helped close a sale for them. (BPT) REG00259416_1_1
A snapshot of home prices across Canada With the final numbers tallied for 2016, house price appreciation is expected to narrow in 2017, according to a recent survey of Canada’s residential real estate market. “Eroding affordability in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland has reached unsustainable ground,” says Phil Soper, president and chief executive of Royal LePage. “This, coupled with public policy measures introduced last year and lower sales volumes, has put visible downward pressure on home prices. While the cost of a home in Greater Vancouver will remain the highest in the country, a modest price reset will provide much needed relief in the Lower Mainland and help reignite overall buyer activity in the region.” “Unlike Vancouver, where a price correction is underway, there is no relief in sight for the Greater Toronto Area,” he added. “Forward momentum and supporting fundamentals in the region are strong.” With oil prices stabilizing, new capital spending commitments underway and an energy-friendly administration taking office in the United States, there is a growing sentiment that the worst is over for the Alberta economy. During the fourth quarter of 2016, home prices in the region started on
an upward trend, pointing to a resurgence in home prices in 2017.
Economic growth in Saskatchewan is likely to be positive, but slightly below the Canadian average. Home prices are expected to remain relatively flat in the province’s two largest cities. Manitoba is expected to track closely to national economic growth levels, further supporting the housing sector in the province, which is forecasted to see low single-digit house price appreciation throughout the year. Ontario’s labour market strength has translated into consumer income growth that supports the rapid expansion of the province’s housing market – particularly in the GTA. Quebec’s economy showed sound growth in 2016. Success towards eliminating its deficit may result in stimulus spending in the next few years, providing an additional boost for the economy and housing market. The Maritimes are expected to achieve economic growth throughout the year, along with continued residential housing market gains. This contrasts with Newfoundland and Labrador, which were hit hard by energy price declines last year. It is projected to see
Find more information at www.royallepage.ca/MediaRoom. (News Canada) further economic and home price declines in 2017. Nationally, Royal LePage forecasts that the aggregate home price will increase 2.8 per cent in 2017. This is a more moderate increase than the 13 per cent increase seen in the fourth quarter of 2016, which was the highest yearover-year national home price increase in over a decade. REG00259418_1_1
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Planning a home reno? Make a budget first
Before embarking on a major home renovation, it’s important to establish a realistic budget. (Photo: News Canada)
Spring is a time for renewal, and that can mean renovating or buying a new family home. It’s also a good time to review your finances. Before you take on any big spending or more debt, such as a mortgage or renovation, it’s important to set financial goals and manage your existing debt. Many Canadians have various forms of debt. When taking on new costs, whether it’s your home or a trip or something else, you want to look at the big picture. Fortunately, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
has an easy-to-use Financial Goal Calculator to help you create a realistic plan. The tool helps you make a plan to get out of debt or save for other priorities, such as education, a down payment, a house renovation, a vacation, an emergency fund and more. Before you use the calculator, gather some recent information, either in paper format or online. This could include credit card statement(s) for each credit card you have; line of credit statement(s); loan agreement(s), such as those for your car loan, student loan, etc.; and mortgage agreement(s).
“Having a plan gives you the confidence to manage your money and helps you feel in control of your finances. We have many free tools to help consumers,” says Jane Rooney, Canada’s Financial Literacy Leader. These include budget and mortgage calculators, bank account and credit card selector tools, and more. There’s also the Canadian Financial Literacy Database with more than 1,300 resources and events from different organizations to help you budget, manage debt and save. Find more information online at itpaystoknow.gc.ca. (News Canada) REG00259406_1_1
Prepare your home now for aging in place
Is it ever too early to think about aging in place, and making home improvements that will allow you to remain living in the same house well into your golden years? Homeowners in their 60s and 70s are no longer the only consumers investing thought and money into preparing their homes to meet their needs as they grow older – and that’s good news, according to HomeAdvisor’s 2016 Aging-in-Place report. “If homeowners start early, they can spend sufficient time researching and planning to avoid wasted time and suboptimal solutions,” Brad Hunter, HomeAdvisor’s chief economist, says in the report. “Homeowners can protect, and possibly even raise, resale value of the home by making (it) more appealing to buyers in all age groups with modifications that have broad appeal.” The report notes universal design improvements, such as wider doorways and open floor plans, “can enhance the quality of life in a home even as they make the home safer ... and can be just as beneficial to a homeowner in their 30s or 40s as they are to a homeowner in their 70s or 80s.” UNIVERSALLY BENEFICIAL UPGRADES Incorporating universal design principles into your home can facilitate aging-in-place goals, while comfortably addressing the diverse needs of all ages and mobility levels using your home. Features like single-storey design, bedrooms and bathrooms on the ground floor, daylighting through larger windows and skylights, and wider doors and hallways appeal to users of all ages. However, if you’re considering aging-in-place upgrades, making improvements in the bathroom can deliver the greatest return on your investment. The bathroom is often referred to as the most dangerous room in the home for all ages, but especially for seniors with increased risk of falling in showers or bathtubs, or around the toilet area. Upgrades to improve a bathroom’s usability and safety can help people remain in their homes for longer. Here are bathroom improvements to consider: • Replace a step-in bathtub with a walk-in option. Falls send thousands of older people to the emergency room each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For those with mobility issues and muscle weakness, lifting their legs to step into or out of a bathtub can be a fall risk. Tub manufacturers offer a range of solutions with walk-in bathtubs designed to provide enjoyable bathing with safer accessibility. For example, the American Standard walk-in bathtub includes an outward opening door for easier access, molded seating for added comfort, and convenient grab bars for security. Plus, it offers a Quick Drain feature that removes water from the tub in less than two minutes, preventing the user from getting chilled sitting in the draining water. • Shower seating. Showers also present a fall risk that affect people of all ages. Adding seating in a shower – whether a removable chair or bench, or built-in options – can allow you to relax in the shower with less fear of falling. • Chair-height toilets. Standard toilets have a bowl height of about 14 to 15 inches. Toilets with higher bowls at 16 1/2 inches, similar to the familiar height of a chair, make it easier for everyone to stand up without a lot of effort. Water-conserving models like the American Standard VorMax high-efficiency Right Height elongated toilet are not only more comfortable, but they also facilitate cleanliness with powerful flushing action and technology that keeps the bowl cleaner. Toilets with built-in bidets are another smart option for those with dexterity and mobility
This universally designed bathroom suite features an easily accessible walkin bathtub with a convenient outward-opening door, a 16-inch VorMax Right Height toilet for more comfortable use, and a classically styled 36-inch high Town Square pedestal sink for less bending during use, all from American Standard. (Photo: BPT)
The SpaLet AT200 Electronic Bidet Toilet from DXV is the highlight of this bathroom suite. It provides indulgent personal cleanliness, conveniently and easily. (Photo: BPT)
issues, making it easier for them to maintain personal cleanliness without daily bathing. • Pedestal sinks. Standard sinks are about 30 inches high. Installing a higher sink to reduce the amount of bending a user needs to do is another worthwhile bathroom improvement. While you can find vanity sinks set at a higher level, pedestal sinks of about 36 inches high have even more advantages. The slimmer, sleeker profile of a pedestal provides more maneuverable floor space for people with mobility issues or those using wheelchairs or walkers. Plus, the reduced footprint makes floorcleaning easier. • Easy-to-use faucets. Twist faucets can be difficult to manage for people with arthritis or decreased flexibility, as well as for small children just learning to use the facilities. Lever-style or single-handle faucets make controlling the water flow much easier for people of all ages and with varying skill levels. Universal design home improvements can benefit all ages within your home. Making these upgrades at a younger age can prepare your home to meet your needs in your golden years, while allowing you to enjoy the comforts early on. (BPT) REG00259419_1_1