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5 Advantages of Selling Your Home in the Fall
While spring and summer are traditionally considered prime real estate seasons, the advantages of selling a home in the fall are often underestimated. Here are five compelling reasons why autumn might be the best time to list your property and make a big change.
Reduced Market Competition
Unlike the bustling real estate seasons, the fall landscape typically experiences less competition. With fewer properties vying for attention, your house could stand out more prominently, attracting serious buyers actively looking to make a purchase. This reduced competition can lead to a quicker sales process and even multiple offers. Active buyers in the fall can also be more motivated – their sense of urgency could work to your advantage.
Accelerated Transactions
With this cyclical lull, you’ll find a unique advantage in expediting your closing process. Mortgage lenders, attorneys, home inspectors and appraisers with reduced workloads can focus on ensuring your transaction glides along seamlessly. These factors often mean a swift and efficient closure, alleviating stress and providing a harmonious experience for all parties involved.
Favorable Timing
Aside from striking a balance between summer’s energetic buzz and winter’s slower pace, this period also offers a sweet spot for buyers who want to settle into their new homes before the holiday festivities kick in. Potential buyers can be eager to start the new year in a new home. By listing your house in the fall, you align with the natural rhythm of many people’s schedules, increasing the likelihood of attracting committed buyers.
Optimized for Comfort
In the cooler months, you can lean into your home’s cozy and inviting aspects in a way that might not work as well in summer. In addition to all-season staging tips, fall is a great time to make a fireplace the focal point of a room and style your interior to emphasize warmth and coziness. And no matter when you decide to sell your home, a fresh coat of paint is always a good idea, but in the coming months, consider a rich chestnut glow on an accent wall or a neutral cream with warm undertones.
Enhanced Curb Appeal
After the heat of summer, cooler weather can also provide a vibrant backdrop for showcasing your home’s curb appeal. Along with thoughtful staging inside, optimize the exterior for maximum interest. Seasonal landscaping and tasteful decor in moderation, such as pumpkins or an autumn-inspired wreath, can further accentuate your home’s charm and help potential buyers envision themselves living there. It’s also beneficial to run through a fall maintenance checklist for any updates needed before your house hits the market.
Yes, it’s true – the fall season presents many home selling advantages! From seasonal curb appeal to motivated buyers, this time of year offers unique opportunities for a highly successful transaction as you prepare for your new adventure.
Source: 5 Advantages of Selling Your Home in the Fall by Jennifer McGuire
Irresistible Pumpkin Recipes for a Flavorful Fall
As temperatures drop, the kitchen spotlight turns to a humble and versatile ingredient – the pumpkin. Delve into the delicious world of pumpkin-infused dishes that celebrate both flavor and creativity with comforting classics and innovative creations. Most of these pumpkin recipes call for canned pumpkin, but if you feel like making your own puree, look for sugar or pie pumpkins at the store – leave the large jack-o’-lantern types for carving.
One Bowl Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
Pumpkin and chocolate are a perfect match, as demonstrated in this take on muffins from The Kitchn blog. Warm pumpkin pie spices combine with semi-sweet chocolate chips for the perfect afternoon snack or brunch side. Take care not to overmix the batter before pouring it into the muffin cups – this, along with the pumpkin puree, helps keep the muffins moist. Plus, the scent as these beauties bake will make your home smell better than a pumpkin spice latte.
Pumpkin Lasagna with Ricotta and Swiss Chard
When you crave something baked and cheesy, look no further than Food & Wine magazine’s unique take on a classic comfort dish. Instead of the traditional tomato sauce, a pumpkin cream sauce ties everything together and complements the tender swiss chard and creamy ricotta cheese layers. Want to plan ahead? This lasagna can also be made ahead of time and stored overnight in the refrigerator. It’s meat-free, too, making it a great company dish for vegetarian friends and family.
Pumpkin Pancakes
Start your morning with a taste of autumn’s finest – a fluffy stack of flavorful pancakes. This breakfast favorite from King Arthur Baking Company combines the seasonal flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg and the ease of canned pumpkin puree. They are fantastic with maple syrup or whipped cream, or why not both? Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch or seeking a quick weekday treat, these pancakes are a delicious invitation to savor the comforts of the season.
Pumpkin Soup with Bacon and Thyme
This savory soup, also from Food & Wine, calls for roasting and pureeing a fresh three-pound pumpkin, but you could also substitute the same amount of butternut or acorn squash to mix things up a bit. While prepping your pumpkin or squash, save the seeds, and roast them for a delightfully crunchy topping. The garlic, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg and cayenne pepper add just the right touch of herb, heat and pumpkin spice warmth to this earthy and smoky pumpkin soup.
Best, Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe
What fall pumpkin recipe list would be complete without a pumpkin pie? This classic recipe from Country Living magazine promises big rewards from a manageable culinary effort. Use either store-bought or homemade pie dough and canned pumpkin. While fresh pumpkin is fantastic in some recipes, it can sometimes be stringy after roasted, which is not ideal when your goal is a velvety pumpkin pie filling. So, for this recipe, it’s recommended to stick to the canned puree. The burnt sugar brulée topping is a true showstopper and well worth the investment in a small kitchen torch. But even if you leave that detail off, this is still a pumpkin pie you’ll make year after year for your holiday table.
Whether you’re already a pumpkin fan or merely pumpkin-curious, these recipes give you a solid start to filling your home with fall’s comforting spices and flavors.
Source: Irresistible Pumpkin Recipes for a Flavorful Fall by Jennifer McGuire
Things to Do During Fall in Manitoba
As the leaves begin to change and the temperatures start to drop, Manitoba transforms into a beautiful autumn wonderland. From the vibrant colors of the falling leaves to the bountiful harvests of local farms, there’s no shortage of reasons to get outside and enjoy the crisp autumn air.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the best activities and events that Manitoba has to offer during the fall season. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or just looking for some fun ways to spend time with friends and family, we’ve got you covered.
Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches
Experience the best of autumn with a trip to a corn maze, accompanied by pumpkin spice lattes and the satisfying crunch of leaves beneath your feet. Get lost in the twists and turns of a corn maze, then find your way to the perfect pumpkin to take home and carve up some Halloween magic. Looking for a-maize-ing adventures? Make sure to add these 5 must-visit mazes to your list.
- A Maze In Corn – Saint Adolphe
- Deer Meadow Farms – RM of Springfield
- Boonstra Farms – Stonewall
- Secord Corn Maze – Dauphin
- Schwabe Pumpkins – St. Andrews
Harvest Moon Festival
The Harvest Moon Festival is a 3-day event that celebrates the harvest season and local food production, while connecting rural and urban communities. The festival promotes the Harvest Moon Learning Centre, showcases local artistic talents, and features delicious produce from local farmers. It also offers workshops, music, and other fun activities, taking place in the beautiful Pembina Valley. The festival aims to bring together people from diverse backgrounds and provide a platform for them to learn from each other and appreciate the richness of local culture.
When: September 15 – 17, 2023
Nuit Blanche
On September 23rd, Nuit Blanche Winnipeg will transform the city’s Historic Exchange District and Downtown into a vibrant playground for art enthusiasts. From 6 pm to late, artists, performers, galleries, cultural organizations, and independent curators will come together to present a variety of FREE events that celebrate contemporary art. So mark your calendars and get ready to embrace the magic of Nuit Blanche Winnipeg – no sleep, just art.
The Dark Stories of Saint-Boniface Tour
Looking for a frightful way to spend an evening this fall? Get ready for a spine-tingling adventure this fall as you explore the haunted streets of Saint-Boniface. Brace yourself for a chilling journey through the community’s dark past, uncovering secrets and tales that will leave you shivering in fear.
When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in the Fall, starting September 22nd.
Boo at the Zoo
Experience the zoo like never before as it transforms into a magical and mysterious realm during Boo at the Zoo! Encounter a diverse array of enchanting creatures, enjoy thrilling rides and games, indulge in tasty treats, and marvel at captivating performances and displays. A must-visit event for all ages, Boo at the Zoo promises to deliver unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out on the 21 nights of spooky fun from October 6-29!
Witchy Wonderland
Attention all enchanters, sorcerers, and mischievous creatures! Prepare yourselves for the enchanting spectacle of Witchy Wonderland, making its eerie appearance at Exhibition Park this October. This magical event promises a delightfully eerie experience for the entire family, featuring a bewitching array of rides, spellbinding shows, engaging activities, and much more. Deck yourself out in your favourite Halloween attire and embark on an adventure into a world of enchanting activities and spectacular Halloween festivities that will leave you and the little ones wearing ear-to-ear smiles. Plus, enjoy free candy every day!
When: October 13-15, October 19-22, and October 26-31.
The Wonderful World of Green – Tips for Hydrating Plants
You may not know it, but there are proper methods to watering your plants that involve more than just pouring water on top. Plant size, soil type, weather, sun exposure and time of year all factor into how much water is needed. Timing and frequency are also important. So how do you effectively manage your dampening strategy? Consider:
- Watering in the Morning – Water can penetrate the soil where the plant’s roots can reach, absorbing and drying in the cooler hours of the day. Watering during other times of the day could cause you to boil the roots, sunburn the leaves or grow mold spores and rot.
- Increasing Drainage – Excessive moisture around the root zone can lead to stagnant water and root rot, according to Deep Green Permaculture. To prevent this add a coarser material to the bottom of the pot to vary the potting medium and water retention.
- Soaking Deeply – Dampen the soil at least eight inches below the surface so the roots are encouraged to grow deeper and are not sitting too close to the surface.
- Optimizing Your Soil – Clearing out rocks and debris, loosening the soil and adding organic matter can affect how your plants absorb water. Adjust your planting strategy based on the soil type and how you apply compost.
Since there are so many different aspects of an effective watering system, there are also many opportunities for blunders. Here are a few common missteps to avoid:
Watering Too Frequently – Adding too much could kill your plants because it drowns them and cuts off the oxygen. Each plant is different, but you could look out for yellow, wilted or dropped leaves, brown spots, mushy stems and molding soil to understand if your plant is being overwatered.
- Using a Sprinkler – Plants absorb most of their water through the soil, and sprinklers tend to moisten the top foliage.
- Relying on Rain – There isn’t always enough rainfall for plants to thrive, so don’t count on it to keep them alive. You should test your soil for the amounts of water and adjust your watering methods as your plants need it.
There are also regional variations and differing needs of specific plants, so check with your local gardening center for more information. Paying attention to your plant’s moisture and developing a watering strategy will have your garden flourishing in a wonderful world of green in no time.
Source: The Wonderful World of Green – Tips for Hydrating Plants by Jennifer McGuire
First Impressions Matter – Get Your Home Market Ready
If you are considering selling your home, there are several things you can do now to make the best first impression on potential buyers. Taking the time to declutter, deep clean and make simple repairs will show buyers that your house and property are well-maintained and ready for a new owner.
Increase Curb Appeal
A clean and attractive exterior is crucial, as it creates a positive first impression and sets the tone for the rest of your home. Spruce up your outdoor space by removing overhanging tree limbs and branches, applying a fresh coat of exterior paint, mowing the lawn, adding plants or flowerpots, power washing, painting patio and deck areas and repairing or replacing damaged screens and doors.
Take Care of the Obvious
While grooming your outside space, you’ll need to address any glaring concerns. Check and fix loose or damaged roof shingles, bricks, wood and trim. Clean out septic systems to ensure your property is in top working condition. With these projects completed, you’ll also reduce maintenance stress while your home is listed.
Make the Interior Shine
Create an inviting and welcoming atmosphere by cleaning, decluttering and organizing your home, which shows buyers that there’s plenty of space. Freshen up your indoor areas by painting walls, removing outdated rugs or furniture, polishing kitchen appliances and deep cleaning hardwood floors, sinks, tiles and showers.
Remove the Clutter
You’ll also want to check that any clutter is cleared by organizing closets with shelves and storage bins, storing everyday items like paper and toys in cabinets and closets, and removing personal items like picture frames and your kid’s tee-ball trophies. While you’re thoughtfully arranging, you could take advantage of this opportunity to get rid of any paperwork that is no longer needed while gathering documents potential buyers may need to review in in a handy folder. These papers could include HOA information, appliance manuals, warranty information, records of repairs (especially if it involved electrical, plumbing or contractor issues) and the survey of your property.
By increasing the outdoor appeal, creating a warm, appealing indoor space and gathering all the information upfront before listing your home for sale, you’ll be well on your way to smooth, stress-free transaction – and seal the deal with a great first impression.
Source: First Impressions Matter – Get Your Home Market Ready by Jennifer McGuire
Summer Activities in Manitoba
Summer is here, and the fun never stops! Whether you’re in Winnipeg or exploring outside the city, keep reading for awesome things to do.
World Police & Fire Games
Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated World Police & Fire Games, taking place from July 28 to August 6, 2023! Prepare for ten action-packed days as athletes from across the globe showcase their talents in over 60 sports. Exciting events will be held at various venues in and around Winnipeg, with some taking place at our very own facilities. The best part? Admission is completely free for all events, so don’t miss out on this incredible sporting spectacle!
Assiniboine Park’s Summer Entertainment Series
Experience the magic of musical performances at the Lyric Theatre and the enchanting outdoor Performance Garden at The Leaf. Enjoy Movies in the Park, rejuvenating wellness classes, and fantastic entertainment for the kids. And the excitement doesn’t end there – Jazz in the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden makes a triumphant return this summer! For further details on their schedule, click here.
Folklorama
Come join the festivities at Folklorama from August 6th to August 19th, 2023, and celebrate the heart of Manitoba – its amazing people! Explore various Pavilions in Winnipeg, taste delicious new dishes, enjoy outstanding ethno-cultural performances, shop, and show your support for our multicultural communities. Plan your experience now at Folklorama.ca.
Movies Under the Stars
For the fourth consecutive year, the Conseil de développement économique des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba (CDEM), along with Cinémental and the Alliance Française du Manitoba, proudly presents Cinéma sous les étoiles (Movies Under the Stars). Experience the magic of free outdoor screenings of French-language films with English subtitles, delighting Manitoba audiences from June 1 to August 31 this year. Check their line up here.
Summer Markets
Show your support for the local community! Enjoy local vendors, live music, and much more.
- St. Boniface Summer Market on Thursdays, June 1 to August 31, 2023 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- South Osborne Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Downtown Winnipeg Farmers’ Market on Thursdays | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Transcona BIZ Summer Community Markets on Thursdays, June 29 – August 24 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Wolseley Farmers Market on Tuesday and Thursday, June – end of October | 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Source:
Bank of Canada Interest Rate Hike
July 12, 2022
The Bank of Canada has increased its key policy interest rate to 5.00%—a jump of 25 basis points from June and the latest of 10 rate hikes in the last 16 months.
If real estate is about location, location, location, the central bank’s rationale is about inflation, inflation, inflation.
“While CPI inflation has come down largely as expected so far this year, the downward momentum has come more from lower energy prices, and less from easing underlying inflation,” the Bank of Canada said in a statement.
“With three-month rates of core inflation running around 3½-4% since last September, underlying price pressures appear to be more persistent than anticipated. This is reinforced by the Bank’s business surveys, which find businesses are still increasing their prices more frequently than normal.”
Inflation in Canada has fallen from a peak of 8.1% last summer to 3.4% in May.
The Bank of Canada expects inflation to remain at about 3% for the next year before declining gradually to its 2% target by the middle of 2025, six months later than expected.
Housing prices received some of the closest attention from the Bank as it explained its decision.
Housing prices and inflation
“The previously unforeseen strength in house prices is likely to persist and boost inflation by as much as 0.3 percentage points by the end of 2023, compared with the January outlook,” the Bank said its newly published Monetary Policy Report.
The upward revision to the inflation outlook is due in part to those higher-than-expected house prices, the Bank said. House prices increased in May for the second straight month. Increases in both prices and resales have been widespread across the country and stronger than predicted in January.
Courtesy of Bank of Canada.
Time to reconsider short-term rate approach
Shaun Westlake, Vice-President, Sales, for Guiding Star Mortgage Group joined the chorus of experts not expecting rates to come down anytime soon.
The Bank of Canada’s extended timeline to 2025 for inflation reaching its target of 2% caught his attention.
“This is a slight change to earlier commentary and expectations which leads me to think we are going to see rates well above 5% for a much longer period than we had previously expected,” he said. “Many were previously banking on rates starting to come down in early 2024. I no longer see that happening.”
Guiding Star Mortgage Group’s Shaun Westlake suggests reconsidering short-term mortgage rate strategy.
Consumption levels and demand for housing will continue to rise and a growing population will mean more supply but also more demand for goods, all of which contributes to pressure on inflation rates, Westlake said.
“I expect that the interest rates we see today are going to be here for quite some time to come, so anyone who has been thinking short-term rates are the way to go should perhaps reconsider that approach,” he said.
A wallet wallop is around the corner for some Canadians, he said.
“We are getting into prime summer vacation time, people are still travelling, and spending,” Westlake said. “With inflation continuing to run above 3%, with interest rates not coming down any time soon, housing continuing to be in high demand, I do expect that this latest rate increase will start to really impact Canadians’ wallets.”
What impact does this have on home owners and home buyers?
The immediate impacts for home buyers are increased borrowing costs, which determines how much home a first-time home buyer can afford. With increasing home sales and lower-than-normal supply, buyers had been feeling the pressure once again during the spring market.
Source: Bank of Canada. RATESDOTCA.
The good news? Supply is opening up. According to CREA’s national statistics released on June 15th, the number of newly listed properties rose 6.8% month-over-month.
Current homeowners with a variable mortgage will also see another increase to their mortgage payments, and those looking to renew their mortgage may be in for quite a shock if they were able to lock in rates around the 2% levels seen just a few years ago.
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Should You Buy or Rent a Home?
In today’s competitive real estate market, you may wonder if it’s better to rent a place or buy a home. Purchasing a residence can provide more privacy and future investment potential, while renting allows for more flexibility and less maintenance. Both options have a myriad of pros and cons, but it ultimately will depend on your financial situation, lifestyle needs and long-term goals. Here are a few factors to consider.
Costs and Maintenance
When you rent a home, you typically pay a flat monthly rental fee plus utilities and insurance, and any repairs or maintenance are the landlord’s responsibility. However, when it comes time to renew your lease, you may find that your monthly rent goes up. When purchasing a home, your monthly mortgage payment remains constant and there’s always the option of refinancing if interest rates drop. Of course, you will also be responsible for your own maintenance and repairs.
Building Wealth
When you own your own home, you build appreciation and equity as the value of your property increases over time. In recent years as property values have appreciated across the country, owning a home has proven to be a smart investment. When you rent, your monthly housing costs go straight to the landlord.
Customization
For renters, landlords often have specific rules about the surrounding property and limit things like growing gardens, decorations, painting interiors and more. But when you own, it’s yours to do what you like. While your HOA may have some restrictions on exteriors, you are generally free to customize your property to suit your personal style. You can also add amenities and make upgrades like new appliances, light fixtures, flooring and other features that can increase its value and your future financial prosperity.
Flexibility
Rental agreements often span a year or go from month to month, which allows you to make quicker adjustments for lifestyle changes or new job opportunities. However, when it’s time to renew your lease, there is no guarantee that the property will continue to be available. When you own a home, adapting your living situation is a process and involves finding a buyer, as well as the transfer of taxes, title insurance and other legal documents. However, it will give you the stability needed to build long-term success.
In many markets, it’s cheaper in the long run to own a home than to rent, as rent prices have risen steeply across the country.
Insider Tips to Buying a Home in Today’s Market
It’s always hard to predict the future, especially with the housing market. But one thing is for sure – real estate remains a sound investment. If you’re looking for your dream home, here are some tips to help set you up for success and guide you through this buying season.
Assess Your Financial Health
Before you fall in love with your dream home, make sure you’re prepared to purchase it. Take a look at your bank accounts along with your monthly spending, so you have a clear and realistic picture of your finances. This will also help you figure out how much you can afford to put toward a down payment. It’s also a good time to check your credit score. Most importantly, you’ll want to meet with a loan officer to get pre-approved, so sellers take you seriously and you’re in a better position to make a strong offer.
Tip: A pre-approval gives you more negotiating power because it tells the seller and real estate agent that your funding is in place and ready to go.
Stay Flexible
Whether it’s time or money, be prepared to give a little more. Say for instance, there’s competition on a house and you’ve been outbid, but you have the flexibility to give the seller the extra time they need to close and move out. That can make a huge difference and could even put you ahead of the competition. Showing the seller that you’re willing to go the extra mile to purchase their home could earn your offer a second glance, especially if it helps make their life easier.
Tip: Try to refrain from asking for favors. This is not the time to ask the seller to give you the refrigerator or washer and dryer, part with playset or paint the front door.
You Found the One
You found a home that meets all or most of your wish list, it’s within your price range and you’ve stalked the neighborhood to make sure it’s right for you. Now’s the time to make an offer. Keep in mind that your opening offer should be based on two things: what you can afford and what you really believe the property is worth. Sure, there’s always a possibility that there will be other offers, regardless of the time of year and the market, but try not to let that influence you to pay more than you should.
Tip: Offer more earnest money. While it’s not always required, it could help you stand out in this competitive housing market. Sellers like buyers that make these good faith deposits because they want assurance that the sale won’t fall through.
Buying a new home is an exciting time and can also be a stressful time, but if you’re prepared and keep these tips in mind, you should find it a much smoother process. And finally getting the keys to your new home makes it all worth it!
Source: Insider Tips to Buying a Home in Today’s Market by Gustavo Gonzalez
Summer Safety Tips for Outdoor Play
When school lets out for the summer, kids will be heading outside more often to climb and swing on the playset, run around in the yard and splash in the pool. But regardless of the outdoor activity, make sure they always use sunscreen and stay hydrated. Of course, while summer is a great time for backyard fun, injuries can end the fun fast, so consider taking some simple steps to make your backyard safe for hours of endless entertainment.
Safeguard playsets
- Make sure swing sets and other play equipment are on level ground and the legs are properly anchored with hardware that doesn’t pose a tripping or gouging hazard.
- Inspect swing sets to ensure bolts and screws are secure and replace rusty parts.
- Put wood chips, shredded rubber or other soft landing material underneath the set.
- Ensure 6 feet of clearance on all sides and check that swings are at least 8 inches apart.
By the pool
- Make it a rule that an adult must be present whenever children are in or around the pool.
- Install a fence that’s at least 4 feet high with a self-closing and self-latching gate.
- Be sure drains are covered and your suction system has an automatic shutdown; suction entrapment can lead to drowning.
- Make sure pool slides, stairs and diving boards are secure and in good condition.
- Place pool chemicals in a secure area where kids and pets can’t access them.
- Empty kiddie pools after every use.
In the yard
- Be on the lookout for dead trees or branches that could fall and hurt someone.
- Fill in any holes that could cause tripping or a twisted ankle.
- Scan your yard for poison ivy or oak and, if you find some, treat the area and alert kids to stay clear.
Guard the grill
- Establish a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around the grill.
- Never leave a grill in use unattended.
- Place the grill well away from siding, deck railings and overhanging branches and a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.
By taking these steps you can ensure a safe summer for the kids.
Source: Summer Safety Tips for Outdoor Play by Jennifer McGuire
