After the Christmas tree, stockings and string lights come down, the house can look a little ... lackluster. Add a bit of cozy cheer to your home with these wintery — but not Christmassy — decorating ideas.

How to Decorate After the Holidays
We get it: It can be hard to part with your Christmas decorations at the end of the holiday season. Once they’re taken down, it just feels like there’s something missing from your home, doesn't it? If you’re experiencing some post-holiday blues, try these simple decorating tips that’ll help you transition into winter. Start by putting away anything overtly Christmassy: Think Santa figurines, stockings, candy canes, bows and — of course — the Christmas tree. Then, replace those items with more subtle color and texture in the form of fresh greenery, plush fabrics and metallic accessories. Some of your existing holiday decor may fit the bill, but if not, we’ve got easy and inexpensive ideas for every room.

First up
After you’ve taken the Christmas tree down, consider adding some unadorned greenery to your home for a burst of fresh color and scent. You may even be able to forage it from your backyard! A pair of potted pine trees and tree cuttings hung on the wall lend a wintry feel to this dining room.

Add Plush Faux Fur
Decorating for winter is all about layering cozy textures, and faux fur is one of the coziest options of all. Add a couple of faux fur throw pillows to your accent chairs or a perfectly draped blanket over your sofa to create a space you’ll want to snuggle up in all season long. Gray or brown fur will lend a rustic touch to your decor, while white fur will look more modern and call to mind a snowy landscape.

Take a Cue From Winter Clothing
Think about your favorite winter clothing — like a thick, warm cable-knit sweater — and try to capture its look and feel in your home decor. Incorporate cozy, sweater-like texture into your space with pillows, throws or even ceramic vases like the ones seen here. You can make your own cable-knit-inspired vessels by cutting old sweaters to size and adhering them directly to glass or ceramic vases with spray adhesive or starch.

Repurpose Holiday Lights
You don’t have to pack up the string lights as soon as the holidays are over; put them to use in creative new ways to give your home a warm glow all winter long. Try hanging string lights, a sheer curtain and faux ivy from a curtain rod to create a dreamy backdrop behind your bed, like YouTube creator Karen Kavett did here.

Spruce Up the Mantel
After the Christmas stockings come down, the fireplace mantel can look a little bare — but it doesn’t have to. Dress it up with some simple, seasonally appropriate decor; greenery and a grouping of candles is a can’t-go-wrong look that’s easy to pull off. Here, designer Brian Patrick Flynn piled eucalyptus on the mantel in lieu of the more typical pine or spruce garlands.

Introduce Metallic Accents
Bring a few metallic accessories into your home to replace some of the shine that your Christmas ornaments previously provided. Candles, vases and glassware in gold, silver, copper or bronze will add just the right amount of sparkle to your space.

Hang a Wintry Wreath
Swap your Christmas wreath with an understated door decoration that can stay up all winter long. Stick with natural elements like greenery and pinecones, and steer clear of anything too Christmassy like bows, ornaments or jingle bells. This DIY wood slice wreath is a great option; you can make it with fresh greenery and replace it as it dries out, or use faux greenery that’ll last year after year.

Go Mad for Plaid
Buffalo check, tartan and other plaids are staples of holiday decor, but they can also be used year-round to give your home a classic, cozy feel. Adding plaid pillows and throws is an easy way to incorporate the pattern into your home, but if you’re ready to make a larger commitment, look for furniture upholstered in plaid fabric or even plaid wallpaper.

Put Blankets on Display
A blanket ladder serves two purposes: It instantly cozies up any room and frees up storage space elsewhere for the new goodies you got for Christmas. Build this easy DIY blanket ladder to fill a bare wall with your fluffiest blankets, or shop our favorite blanket ladders.

Pretty Up With Pinecones
Like greenery, pinecones are a popular holiday decoration that don’t scream “Christmas,” so they can be reused throughout the season. Simply fill a clear vase or candleholder with pinecones for an easy table centerpiece, or make a pinecone wreath. If you can’t find the pinecones in your yard, you can purchase them from a craft store.

Store Firewood in Style
Keeping a stash of firewood inside not only makes it convenient to build a roaring fire any time, but it also serves as a warm, rustic accent for your space. Try storing firewood in a woven basket for even more inviting texture, or shop our favorite firewood storage options.

Go All in on Green
While red and green is a decidedly Christmassy color combo, using green on its own can create a woodsy atmosphere in your home that works all winter long. Spruce up your home with accessories in forest, hunter or pine green, or paint your walls in one of these rich hues if you're up for a larger project. A small powder room, like this space designed by Kate Marker Interiors, is a great place to experiment with bold, moody color.

Showcase Winter Sports Gear
Make your home feel like a rustic ski lodge by incorporating winter sports gear into your decor. In this bedroom, designer Brian Patrick Flynn created a unique gallery wall by hanging vintage snow shoes behind the bed.

Create a Coffee Station
A hot cup of coffee, tea or cocoa is so comforting on a cold winter day. Make your beverage routine a little more special by setting up a coffee station on your kitchen countertop or dining room sideboard. Set out a few of your favorite mugs, and organize stirrers, creamers and other essentials in pretty containers. Arrange everything on a nice tray to pull it all together.

Pick Cold-Hardy Plants
Don’t forget your outdoor spaces. Brighten up your porch, deck or patio with cold-hardy potted plants like thread-branch cypress (pictured), Japanese yew or cast iron plant. To ensure your plants will thrive all winter long, pick varieties that can survive a climate one or two zones colder than where you live.

Styling a shelf with vignettes of prized possessions is a prime opportunity to convey your style and personality. Shelves are not only home to books, but family heirlooms, art, photographs and travel mementoes. We’re sharing 10 shelf styling tips that will upgrade how you show off your favorite books and accessories. 

1. Read The Room
Styling a shelf with objects that mirror the textures and color palette of your room creates a cohesive look. This home’s workspace bookshelf has a soft, neutral palette, sculptural shape, natural materials and earthy colors that suit the zen wood shelves and white walls.

2. Add Art
On this Paul McCobb wall unit, art is layered in alongside a TV monitor and coffee table books for color and personality in this Toronto condo.

3. Make Room For Collections
Using a shelf as a platform for a curated collection of artwork and decorative ornaments creates a mini gallery and an intentional viewing arena within the home. In this condo shelf, Debra Campbell displays her collection of limited-edition Barbies, including a Hudson’s Bay Company version (complete with a poodle dressed in a matching coat).

4. Stack Books Horizontally And Vertically
Stacking books in two directions add visual interest. In the two-bedroom Toronto condo of Alessia De Gasperis-Brigante, the singer-songwriter known as Kai, she switches up the orientation of her collection.

5. Add A Little Green
Wood, ceramics, glass and a green plant inject a calming note. For a quieter look, designer Nyla Free turned the book spines inward and removed the covers in this home.

6. ive Objects Room To ‘Breathe’
Resist the temptation to cram shelves so your shelf design doesn’t feel cluttered or overwhelming. Leave some negative space between the groupings.

7. Try Color Blocking
Not only can you color block books, take a chromatic approach to the shelves themselves and paint the interior a contrast hue that highlights the contents. In designer Nathalie Tredgett’s London townhouse, she uses peach as a foil for the dark lavender built-ins.

8. Vary The Height Of Objects
Grouping objects in an array of heights, size, and shape keeps shelves from looking too uniform and creates variety for an appealing design. Include taller objects like large vases or candle sticks.

9. Curate!
The beauty of shelves is that they elevate the everyday object, so treat couture and designer accessories for the art pieces they are. In the wardrobe of this Montreal apartment, iconic fashion finds like Chanel’s quilted bag and cap-toe pumps are easy to access — and appreciate — behind a glass door.

10. Finally, Stand Back
To get an overall sense of compostion, pull back and see how objects balance big items like art or TV monitors. Taking a photo can help reveal if items need to be added or removed, or walk away from the bookshelf and come back later to assess the composition.

Resource: https://houseandhome.com/gallery/re-do-your-shelves-with-these-10-style-tips/#image-11

For most people, buying a home will likely be the most significant investment of their lives. With the emotional and financial aspects tied to purchasing and/or selling a home, it’s important to complete all due diligence to ensure your investment is protected.

This article will explore what conditions are, typical conditions you’ll encounter during the offer process, how they can affect the sale, and what happens if they’re not met.

What is a conditional offer and who benefits from one?
Simply put, “a conditional offer is when a buyer makes an offer on a property that contains conditions,” explains Duncan McDougald, REALTOR® with RE/MAX Executives Realty in Whitemouth, Manitoba. “Conditions are put in place to protect the buyer or seller as both have the right to include them in an offer to purchase. Realistically, conditions can be anything, as long as both parties agree to them. As a REALTOR®, it’s important to know what conditions to recommend to buyers and sellers in various scenarios.”

“Conditions don’t have to be accepted by either party, but if they’re reasonable and there’s no better offer on the table, it’s a very typical part of an ‘accepted conditional offer’, which is the status of a sale when the public sees it as ‘pending,’” he continues.

More often than not, conditions are put in place by the buyer because it facilitates a safety net for them.

“If a buyer’s condition(s) can’t be satisfied, they’re no longer under any legal obligation to move forward with the conditional deal,” explains McDougald.

In an offer, a buyer will include a time frame for their condition(s) to be satisfied. If they’re not satisfied by the end date, the deal becomes null and void unless both parties agree to extend the timeframe or the buyer gives notice that the condition(s) won’t be satisfied. In most cases, the buyer is entitled to a return of their deposit money if the conditions aren’t satisfied, but do keep in mind that there is an obligation to make an effort to satisfy the conditions.

It should also be noted here that “a condition made by either party is for the benefit of that specific party and they’re entitled to waive their condition any time before the condition’s deadline if they feel it’s no longer required,” emphasizes McDougald.

One of a seller’s favourite offers to receive is an unconditional cash offer. If they like the terms, they sign the acceptance and the property is legally sold.

“There are times, however, when an unconditional cash offer is made as part of a lowball offer in hopes it’ll tempt the seller into signing. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t,” shares McDougald. “As a REALTOR®, it’s also our job to advise in those situations, but it’s ultimately up to the seller as to what they’ll accept.”

Common conditions

There’s a lot to consider beyond the price point of a home, and agreed upon conditions help ensure protection and a smoother sale. These are some of the more common conditions you’ll encounter during a home sale, though they won’t all be present in every offer.

Appraisal contingency

Buyers have the right to request an appraisal of the home to compare its true value to the asking price. If the home is appraised for less than what the seller listed in the contract, the buyer may not be approved for the mortgage asking price, re-negotiations may commence, or the buyer may walk away with their deposit.

Home inspections

While not a legal obligation, one of the most important and highly recommended conditions to include is a home inspection to ensure the property is structurally sound. Though sellers will occasionally foot the bill, home inspections are usually paid for by the buyer with an inspector of their choosing so they feel confident in the results.

Financing

A financing condition or clause lets a seller know the buyer’s offer to purchase the property is conditional on obtaining their financing. The condition affords the buyer time—usually five to seven business days—to confirm their ability to obtain mortgage approval. This protects the buyer in the event the home appraisal comes in low and they’re not approved for the amount offered.

Escape clause

Usually stipulated by the seller, this clause allows the seller to “escape” or terminate the agreement based on a condition. A common use of the escape clause is when a seller has accepted a conditional offer on their home whereby the buyer requires 10 days to secure their financing. If the seller is receiving better offers during this time, the escape clause allows them to provide the original conditional offer 48 hours to complete the sale and if they can’t, the sellers have the right to go with a new buyer.

Land survey review

A survey review differs from a home inspection by way of surveying the grounds the property is on and again, while not required, it’s strongly advised to pay for a qualified, chartered professional to survey the property.

Cleanliness

Who doesn’t want to move into a clean home? This condition specifies the requirement for the home to be professionally cleaned before you move in.

Fixtures and chattels

If you expect to have appliances when moving into the new home it’s important to write it in the contract so you’re not met with an unexpectedly bare home on moving day. Make sure everyone is aware of what’s staying and what’s going.

Always consult your REALTOR®

During the negotiation period, most buyers will have at least a few conditions they present to a seller.

“Buyers and sellers should always discuss conditions with their REALTOR® for their specific purchase or sale and if uncertain, they should never be afraid to obtain sound legal advice from a lawyer,“ insists McDougald.

The conditions you include in your offer will vary depending on your situation, but with the help of a REALTOR® you can make sure you include the ones that make the most sense for you.

Source: https://www.realtor.ca/blog/typical-conditions-youll-encounter-during-a-home-sale/32326/1363

When you buy a home, you’re probably not thinking too much about where life will take you five, 10, or 20 years from now. At the time, you’re more preoccupied with getting moved in and settling into your new space. But as your personal, professional, and financial situations change over time, you might need to re-evaluate your mortgage, too. That’s why it’s smart to consult a mortgage expert every few years to find out how you can optimize your payments as your lifestyle evolves. Here’s what to keep in mind throughout the amortization period of your mortgage.

Why are regular mortgage check-ins important?

Reviewing your mortgage frequently, especially if your financial needs, personal circumstances, or homeownership goals change, is a good idea, says Craig Howie, Durham Region Mortgage Agent for Dominion Lending Centres in Whitby, Ontario.

During these check-ins, your mortgage specialist will review your finances, income, employment status, debts, and personal life events, such as divorce or illness. They’ll also want to discuss your short- and long-term homeownership goals. This can help you decide whether to change your mortgage strategy or structure, such as paying a lump sum, negotiating interest rates, or increasing your payment frequency.

What happens when your mortgage is nearing renewal?

You can renew with your current lender without the need for a credit check or income verification, but that’s not always the best financial move, says Howie.

“Lenders often don’t send out their best rates in a renewal letter because they know people are busy or their credit situation could have changed,” he explains. “Somebody who lost their job or has extra expenses will value the idea of paying a slightly higher rate without another credit or income check.”

You could switch to another lender to get a better rate, but if you’ve made big purchases (car, vacation, taking out loans, etc.) your debt-to-income ratio increases, and that can affect your ability to get another mortgage.

“Once you have a mortgage, you’re only qualified for that mortgage; if you take that mortgage to another lender, they view it as a completely new one,” says Howie.

Five years into your mortgage: kids and jobs can factor in

Five years in, homeowners may have started a family, which impacts your finances, says Howie.

“You can often end up in higher debt due to maternity or paternity leave and daycare expenses, so we can look at a potential refinance and consolidating credit card or line of credit debt and adding it to the mortgage at a much lower rate,” he explains.

Amortizing those costs over a longer period lowers your monthly expenses and increases your cash flow, he adds. Or, if you’ve changed jobs and boosted your income, you may decide to change the frequency and size of your payments.

“When rates were 1.5%, nobody was really itching to pay their mortgage off quickly, but if interest rates stay where they are now—in the 5% range—it does make sense to pay it off faster by changing monthly payments to biweekly, taking advantage of lump sum payments, or doubling up your payments,” says Howie.

These are the things your mortgage expert can walk you through, identifying what makes the most sense for your personal situation. Mortgages shouldn’t be a “set it and forget it” situation. It’s important to keep on top of things to see where and how you can optimize your payments.

10 years into your mortgage: time for some TLC around the house

After 10 years of living in your home, you may be thinking about renovations or repairs. You may want to add the cost of a remodel or a new roof onto your mortgage, or switch the home equity you qualified for over to your mortgage. Reviewing your mortgage with an expert will help give you the bigger picture so you can see what your options are.

15 to 20 years into your mortgage: tapping into your equity

Fifteen to 20 years into your mortgage, you might have kids who are learning to drive, getting ready to go to university or may want to travel for a year—all things parents often help support financially. Or maybe you long to buy a vacation property or retirement.

“Although previous generations had a mentality of paying off debt as fast as possible, for the past 20 years, we’re seeing more people refinancing their mortgage to use funds as investments,” says Howie. He has many clients who leveraged their mortgages to buy rental properties or condos for university-aged children—who then charge rent to their roommates to help pay the mortgage.

“Some people are also thinking about retiring and wondering how to use the equity in their home to buy a cottage or help their children purchase a home.”

After spending the time to build equity in your home, you should be exploring all the options on how it can work best for you. You can also take this time to look at your long-term goals and consider what your priorities are as you near retirement.

Into the home stretch

A mortgage specialist will guide you through your final payment and advise you of any paperwork to be done along the way. Right up to the end, it’s important to maintain good credit so you can have an option to requalify if you need to, advises Howie. He adds that many mortgage brokers reach out to their clients annually to make sure things are going smoothly and any questions are answered.

“We make sure to address any questions or concerns ahead of time, so when the mortgage comes up for renewal, they don’t just sign the renewal; we always see what else is out there.”

Once you’ve paid your last mortgage payment, you still have a few things to do. This process, called discharging a mortgage, also involves your lender and provincial land title registry office. First, you’ll request confirmation from your lender that your mortgage has been paid in full. Then, your notary or lawyer sends these documents to the land registry office so changes can be made to your property’s title. There are fees involved, which vary depending on where you live. Find out what’s required in your province to be sure you’ve followed all the steps.

Your situation in year one of your mortgage is almost guaranteed to be different from your situation in year five, 10, or 20. Regularly looking at your mortgage options—with the help of a mortgage expert—can help save you money in the long run and even achieve some of your goals sooner. If you’re not sure where to start, your REALTOR® will be able to point you in the direction of other trusted professionals.

Source: https://www.realtor.ca/blog/checkpoints-you-should-consider-over-the-course-of-your-mortgage/31638/1361

Having a fall cleaning checklist seems a little bit like getting tricked into some kind of second spring cleaning. Didn’t you just wash the curtains and wipe down those ceiling fan blades?

But hear me out: Giving your home some extra attention before cozying up inside it for fall and winter means you’ll enjoy that special time at home more than ever. Whether it’s movie night on the couch snuggled in warm blankets or turning on the fireplace and cranking up the music as you sip cold-weather drinks, home is such a big part of the season, and working your way through a fall cleaning checklist is the most straightforward way to get your home ready for it. 

So before you transition to spending more time indoors — especially if you’re hosting guests during the holidays — get your home ready for increased habitation with this ultimate fall cleaning checklist.

Kitchen and Bathroom

• Clean your kitchen grout.
• Clean your bathroom grout.
• Clean your refrigerator coils, if applicable.
• Clean under your refrigerator.
• Clean the inside of your dishwasher.
• Clean and condition the wood of your bathroom and kitchen cabinets.
• Clean your oven.
• Wash and disinfect all the garbage cans.
• Seal and/or polish granite countertops.
• Wipe down kitchen mats.
• Wash bath mats.
• Wash the shower curtain.
• Deep clean microwave.

Bedroom (and Closet)

• Refresh bedding that isn’t regularly washed (comforters, pillows, etc.).
• Vacuum and flip mattresses.
• Put cold-weather linens on the beds.
• Switch out seasonal clothes.
• Dust your bed frame. Vacuum or lint roll if it’s upholstered.
• Clear off and clean your nightstands.
• Vacuum under the bed.
• Lint roll lampshades and dust light bulbs and lamp bases.
• Polish wooden furniture.
• Dust blinds.
• Wash curtains.

Living Areas

• Vacuum upholstered furniture.
• Vacuum under your upholstered furniture cushions.
• Polish your wood furniture.
• Wash artificial plants.
• Dust living plants’ leaves.
• Wipe down your screens (TV, computer, etc.).
• Clean all keyboards and remote controls.

All Around the House

• Wash your walls.
• Wash your windows, window sills, and all the window groves.
• Clean your washer and dryer.
• Clean your doorknobs, doors, and lightswitch plates.
• Vacuum under all beds, couches, and other furniture.
• Dust the tops of doors and door frames.
• Spot clean carpets and rugs.
• Clean floors underneath area rugs.
• Wash curtains or have them cleaned.
• Remove and rinse your window screens.
• Wash your washable vacuum cleaner filters.
• Clean your baseboards.

Tackle Some Seasonal Maintenance

• Change your HVAC air filter.
• Replace your fire alarm batteries.
• Condition your leather furniture.
• Dust your ceiling fans and set them to turn so air circulates upward.
• Sweep the chimney and/or have it checked.
• Clean out rain gutters.
• Check weather stripping and replace as necessary.

Source: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/39-ways-to-your-deepest-clean-yet-the-ultimate-fall-cleaning-checklist-235949

Buying a new home is exciting, but depending on where you are on the property ladder, you may not be getting a move-in ready property. Although it can be tempting to jump right in to transform your space, it’s not always a good idea to rip down walls as soon as you close the sale. Here’s why you should put down that sledgehammer and take your time instead.

1. You’ll learn about your home and its pain points

Whether you buy a total fixer-upper, an older home that needs minor updates, or a newly built place you want to personalize, it’s smart to play the waiting game before embarking on major renovations, says David Stevens, a REALTOR® with Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty in Victoria, British Columbia.

“I tell my purchasers I’d like to see them in the house for 12 months before they start renovations, so they get to know the house and the property inside-out. It’s like buying a car: you always test drive a car to see if you like it,” says Stevens.

After living in your home and seeing how it functions during all four seasons, you’ll figure out your priorities. Maybe you’ll notice you need more lighting or realize you have plenty of storage and don’t need custom-made built-ins.

2. You’ll have more time to plan your project

The key to making smart home improvements is in the planning. Allow yourself the chance to meet with several architects, designers, and contractors without the rush to complete a project before you move in.

More planning also helps you stick to a budget, because you can ask questions, compare quotes, speak to references, and figure out what you really need. Working too quickly can lead to poor decision-making and doing things over.

3. You’ll have a better grasp on your finances

Living in your house before ripping it apart also lets you see what you can afford—and what you can’t—because you’ve been paying your mortgage and expenses for a while, says Stevens. After forking out cash for your down payment, closing costs and moving expenses, it’s wise to get back on your feet financially before committing to anything else.

Getting all the work done before you move in comes with huge costs: you could end up having to rent somewhere if there are delays in your renos. Doing things slowly gives you—and your savings account—some breathing room.

4. You’ll probably change your mind (a few times)

You may have thought gutting the kitchen was your top priority when you first bought the house, but once you’ve lived in it, you might end up liking the older wood cabinets and decide to paint them instead of demolishing them. Or, you might see that having a finished basement with a family room and guest suite has become more important to you than redoing the bathroom.

Your perspective will shift once you move into your home, because it’s hard to know how your family will use each space until you actually live there. While test-driving your house, take note of which rooms you spend the most time in and whether there’s something you want to do but can’t—such as entertaining outside or working out in a home gym.

5. You’ll need a break

Buying a home can take its toll: from qualifying for a mortgage to house-hunting to negotiating with the sellers and handling closing costs, the homeowner journey can be a stressful, exhausting one. Maybe after all this—plus packing and moving—you don’t also need the headaches that can accompany a major remodeling project.

Taking time to revive yourselves after purchasing your property can help you think more clearly when you’re ready to make the next set of big decisions: picking what to renovate.

Your REALTOR® can help guide you through these decisions and more, as you enjoy your new home.

Source: https://www.realtor.ca/blog/heres-why-you-should-live-in-your-home-before-renovating-it/28881/1367

From creating a warm, inviting space in your home, to clearing your driveway for potential viewers, to making sure any essential home renovation and repair is complete, we’ve compiled some ways to prepare your home in the winter and help maximize your selling potential.

If you think selling your home in the winter is the same as selling your home in the summer, well, that’s a cold take. Each season has its distinct benefits when it comes to listing a home, so how can you take advantage of the snow and frigid temperatures?

“There’s less competition on the market during these slower months,” she says. “As a seller, you have the focused attention of all the buyers hunting for a home in your area, or even outside your location. When supply is low, demand for your property can be high simply by being the only option.”

If you’re thinking about selling your home in the winter, here are some tips on how to prepare for a successful sale.

Make the most of the outdoors

Landscaping

Despite not being able to appreciate the lusciousness of your garden or lawn in the winter, landscaping shouldn’t be neglected.

“Landscaping is your ultimate first impression,” said van den Broek. “A buyer makes their initial decision of like versus don’t like in approximately 60 seconds, so the walk up or drive by shouldn’t be underestimated. A buyer will feel confident that seasonal maintenance has likely been completed, and that you’ve taken care of your home inside and out.”

As a rule of the proverbial green thumb, remove anything that’s unlikely to survive the winter so there aren’t dead plants in the garden. If you’d like to add plants and shrubs, be sure they’re the evergreen kind such as Blue Holly or Winter Heath. If you have pets, ensure you’ve removed any droppings and yellow snow before potential buyers show up. Even if your area doesn’t get much snow, make sure your front yard is well-kept, with any dead leaves raked up and thrown away.

Clear your driveway and pathway

Shovelling snow is twofold in terms of safety and removing the thoughts buyers conjure up of having to do it themselves. Consider installing solar-powered lights to help illuminate the path and be sure to salt/sand any walking paths to lower the risk of a fall for potential buyers.

Lessen the chances of icicle formation

Icicles are very pretty to look at, but they can wreak havoc on your home. Melted snow from your roof contributes to ice dams being formed in gutters, which in turn can cause water to back up into your home. The formation of icicles can also indicate issues with your roof or ventilation, which could be a red flag to potential buyers. While you can remove small icicles yourself—make sure to take all safety precautions if you need to venture onto the roof–it’s best to leave the removal of larger ones or hard-to-reach icicles to the experts.

Winter-resistant furniture in the front and backyard

Create a welcoming first impression by staging your front porch with durable furniture and winter-resistant blankets and rugs. Warm lighting provided by lanterns that can withstand the cold will also add to the charm. The backyard is just as important, so be sure to shovel patios and decks, and set it up in a way that highlights how the space can be used year-round.

Cleaning the front entrance

This is technically an inside task, but it does involve elements from the outdoors. Salt, dirt, and snow all get tracked into your front entrance in the winter months, which isn’t visually appealing to potential buyers. You only get one chance at a first impression! Clean up any salt and dirt from your front entrance, and keep coats, mittens, boots, etc. in a closet so there’s no clutter when people come in.

Highlight the cozy indoor appeal

Create a warm and inviting space

“Selling in the winter months gives home sellers an opportunity to create a very welcoming, cozy vibe to their space,” van den Broek explains. “Staging works, and winter is certainly a time to get creative. Ensure the home is at a comfortable temperature, and if there’s a fireplace, make sure it’s turned on, or lit if it’s wood. We always use candles at our open houses in the winter time, nicely scented like gingerbread, baking, apples, or pine.”

“Having a tray of treats always makes buyers feel at home, and if it’s closer to the holidays some decorated cookies or candy canes for kids. The more your house feels like a home, the more a buyer will start to feel AT home!”

Did you know the World Health Organization recommends a range of 20 C to 22 C as the ideal temperature in your home to maintain overall good health and wellbeing? Aim for this temperature during an open house to keep things comfortable. No need to go too warm—people will likely be wearing jackets!

Round off any essential renovations

Be proactive with ensuring cosmetic renovations such as chipped paint and drafty windows are complete prior to listing your home. For van den Broek there are some common red flags buyers look for when purchasing a home in the winter. These include:

• leaking window seals;
• condensation inside the window panes, which can indicate humidity is too high in the house;
• drafty windows and doors;
• temperature differences in basement rooms;
• no snow on the roof, which could indicate insulation issues in the attic;
• back drafts of a smoky ash smell from a wood-burning fireplace; and
• cracked corners of the foundation which can indicate a structural issue.

Sealing windows to reduce air leaks, adding further insulation where required to prevent drafts, ensuring the weather stripping around your front door has no leaks, checking the insulation levels in your attic, and updating old furnaces can be beneficial upgrades for homeowners and enticing for potential buyers. If possible, consider having your furnace serviced by an HVAC professional to be certain everything is in tip-top shape.

Certain provinces are currently offering rebates to improve your home’s energy efficiency, which could help with the costs of some of these repairs or updates. For example, Enbridge is offering Ontarians “up to $5,000 in rebates for insulation, air sealing, new windows/doors, water heaters, boilers, furnaces, and home energy assessments.” British Columbia has a similar program through BetterHomesBC for up to $6,000. Check with your provincial energy provider to see what’s available to you!

Embrace neutral seasonal décor

If you’re planning festive celebrations, it’s best to avoid flashing lights and large decorations that could shrink the size of your space, as well as overtly religious ornaments.

“For outside it’s nice to have some winter décor welcoming buyers to the property—a simple wreath, flower pots with birch branches and twinkle lights, solar powered walkway lights, and pay attention to overall lighting outside.”

Showcase your home’s versatility

Even when you’ve succeeded in transforming the exterior and interior of your home to be both charming and inviting, if possible, show photos from other seasons in your listing because, the more guesswork you take out of the equation, the more a buyer can make an informed decision they feel comfortable with.

Source: https://www.realtor.ca/blog/selling-your-home-in-the-winter-how-you-can-make-the-most-of-it/29038/1363

First impressions are always important! From handsome new house numbers to charming patio lights, here's how to boost your home's curb appeal—without breaking the bank.

1. Add some lights

Outdoor lighting can make a world of difference when it comes to boosting your home’s curb appeal. Add some solar lights along the front walkway or some low-voltage lights near your front flower bed.

2. Paint the front door

A fresh coat of paint on your front door can give your home a whole new look, and better curbside appeal. Try red for a classic look or a bright orange for something a bit unexpected.

3. Add flower pots

A couple of well-placed flower pots on your doorstep will make for a cheery front entrance. Potted plants offer a much more welcoming environment.

4. Update house numbers

Give your house number a makeover. People look for your address more than you may think as they drive by. Replace your old numbers with an updated metal or wood design to update the curb appeal.

5. Plant shrubs or a tree

A couple of shrubs or a new tree will instantly enhance your curb appeal. Much like potted plants, trees and shrubs will add a welcoming quality to your home.

6. Keep your lawn tidy

One of the easiest ways to maintain curb appeal is to keep your lawn tidy, and that includes the edging around your walkways and flower beds.

7. Attract Some Birds

Humans aren’t the only things you want to find your home attractive. Appeal to a variety of birds to your yard with a birdhouse or bird feeder.

8. Update your mailbox

Give your mailbox an update with a colourful paint job, or replace it entirely with these DIY instructions for building your own mailbox.

9. Add window boxes

Window boxes will bring a splash of colour to the front of your home and add quick curbside appeal. Plant perky pansies or cascading flowers such as petunias. You can even use the boxes to grow herbs.

10. Paint shutters and trim

When was the last time you painted your window shutters? What about your exterior trim? A simple update will add plenty of curb appeal.

11. Hang a wreath

Welcome guests to your home with a wreath. Whether you purchase a wreath or make it yourself, wreaths allow you to change the look of your front entryway as often as you like.

12. Put down new mulch

Mulch is an inexpensive way to tidy up flower beds and shrubs while also reducing evaporation and slowing weed growth. Get a couple bags of mulch to freshen up the area around the front of your home.

13. Install a porch light

Look for a pretty light fixture to hang at the front door. You could also mount a couple light sconces near the entryway.

14. Tidy up hoses

A tangled garden hose is not only frustrating, but it looks messy, too. Nobody wants to see your gardening equipment thrown all over the yard.

15. Update door hardware

Does your door hardware need a makeover? Add curbside appeal by replacing old door knobs and knockers or give it an update with stain or paint.

16. Add some seating

Create a welcoming spot to relax by adding a couple chairs to your front porch or yard.

Source: https://www.readersdigest.ca/home-garden/home-improvement/budget-friendly-curb-appeal/
Photo: pexels.com

If your family home lacks space but you don’t want to move, you’ll be joining thousands of other Canadians who have chosen to renovate their properties. Whether you’re adding an extension, overhauling your kitchen, or knocking down walls to create better flow, you can likely count on one thing: you’re about to embark on an expensive project. Don’t fret if your dreams are bigger than your budget—there are a lot of ways to finance home renovations. While it may be tempting to borrow money, just remember you’ll have to pay that loan back, so be sure to make a plan that factors in the potential of further interest rate increases. Here’s how you can pay for upgrades to your property.

1. Take out a personal loan or borrow from family and friends

Generally, a personal loan carries a lower interest rate than a credit card. You can borrow a lump sum, repaying it over a set period. Typically, you’d pay monthly installments over one to five years, but it all depends on your lender and the terms you agree to. After you’ve repaid the loan, you’ll have to reapply if you want to borrow more money.

Borrowing from family and friends might seem easy, but it can cause stress if you don’t have a detailed and firm repayment plan. It can make it easier to get the money right away with few strings attached, but be aware of the strain it could end up putting on your relationship if both parties have differing opinions on what the repayment plan should look like. Oftentimes, people will put together a sort of “contract” that lays out the repayment terms and takes a lot of the emotion out of borrowing from family.

2. Refinance your mortgage

With a better interest rate than a credit card or personal loan, some homeowners seek to finance their renovations by refinancing the terms of their existing mortgage. This way, you can borrow more money and pay lower monthly installments over a longer term. Refinancing your mortgage means adding more money to the total you have already borrowed from your bank or lender. It has a lower interest rate because your mortgage is secured by the equity in your home.

While it’s fairly easy to qualify for mortgage refinancing, it’s best to do it when your mortgage is up for renewal. Otherwise, you may be charged fees.

3. Open a line of credit

For a long-term renovation project, you can open a personal line of credit through banks or credit unions, which lets you access money as you need it. You only pay interest on the funds you withdraw, and interest rates are lower than on a credit card. You may borrow funds multiple times up to the line of credit’s limit, as long as you keep making regular payments. If you have good credit, you can qualify for a line of credit with your lender.

4. Get a home equity loan

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) offers a flexible, low-interest loan option. Here’s how it works: You can borrow a sum that totals up to 80% of the assessed value of your home when it’s added to what you have left on your mortgage principal. This means if you still owe $250,000 on your $500,000 home, you can qualify for a HELOC of up to $150,000. You’re tapping into your home equity to access funds.

You can use these funds for anything—including renovations—and, as you pay off the HELOC, that credit is replenished. Just be careful not to keep withdrawing money as if it’s a bank account. You can also ask your lender to limit the available funds—just because you can access $150,000, doesn’t mean you should if your renovation project will cost less than the amount available. To get the most competitive interest rate, you may want to work with a mortgage broker. Since HELOCs are tied to your home’s equity, you’ll pay set-up costs and legal fees.

Other ideas

Municipal, provincial and federal governments also offer a range of home renovation tax credits, grants and incentives, allowing you to deduct part of your remodeling expenses from your taxes. There are also rebates available for energy-saving renovations.

Talk to your lender to figure out which financing option is right for you. They can explain how much you can borrow and go over the process to pre-approve your renovation financing. Your REALTOR® may also have recommendations and contacts who can provide insight into your situation. Remember, while remodeling can cost a lot of money, it can boost your property value while also allowing you to better enjoy your home.

Source: https://www.realtor.ca/blog/4-options-for-financing-your-home-renovations/26166/1363
Photo: pexels.com