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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.
Source:
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
Tips for Summertime Outdoor Living
Outdoor living is as important as indoor space, especially in the summertime. Everything in your backyard — whether it’s a fire pit, dining area or theater — should be part of a well-planned, integrated design. Here are a few outdoor accessories that will turn your backyard into another room of your house.
Fire Pits
Fire pits add a warm touch to an outdoor area and can serve as a focal point in landscape design, especially if you live in an area that gets cool at night. You can choose from wood-burning, propane, gel fuel and natural gas fire pits, many of which double as an outdoor coffee table when not lit. If space is a consideration, go with a tabletop model.
Outdoor Kitchen and Bar
Your outdoor kitchen should have everything the chef needs to prepare a backyard feast, starting with a gas, charcoal or hibachi grill. Also consider adding a smoker, warming drawer, stove top and pizza oven, depending on your favored cuisine. For those who like a few beverages by the pool, consider an outdoor bar complete with a mini fridge, sink, ice maker, beer tap, wine chiller, and of course, a blender for margaritas. And don’t forget to make sure the area is well-lit for those evenings of entertaining.
Dining Areas
What good is it to eat and drink outside without a dining area? Make sure it has comfortable chairs with durable cushions and a table for dining with an expansive umbrella for shade and shelter. Styles vary widely, from Mediterranean to Japanese, Victorian, country kitchen and cabana designs, or with whatever stylistic flourishes tickle your fancy. Not interested in contemporary outdoor sets? Comb local thrift shops and flea markets for mismatched country kitchen furniture or bring an elegant dining set outside under a covered awning for a fresh new take on outdoor dining.
Backyard Theater
The next best thing to a drive-in, a backyard theater can entertain family and friends. For a well-designed movie-viewing experience, make sure you have a video projector, a free-standing portable screen, and to top it all off, a popcorn machine. Another outdoor viewing option is a self-contained outdoor TV, which come in nearly every size and incorporate heavy-duty construction, making them resistant to temperature and weather. Some also are resistant to rain.
For more backyard design ideas, check out Pinterest and enjoy outdoor living this summer!
Source: Tips for Summertime Outdoor Living by Jennifer McGuire
How to Prolong the Life of Your Plants During Summer
After a cold and rainy first half of the year, many people thought summer and sunshine would never come. Well, it is certainly here now! While it may be easy for us to beat the heat by staying indoors with air conditioning, visiting the beach, or even taking a dip in our backyard pools—staying cool and alive for plants is significantly harder. A lot of us take pride in our perfectly manicured lawns and gardens and understandably become brokenhearted to see them wilt, discolor, and even die during the tough dog days of summer. However, there are some tips and tricks that can help to prolong the life of your plants this summer.
After a cold and rainy first half of the year, many people thought summer and sunshine would never come. Well, it is certainly here now! While it may be easy for us to beat the heat by staying indoors with air conditioning, visiting the beach, or even taking a dip in our backyard pools— for plants staying cool and alive is significantly harder. A lot of us take pride in our perfectly manicured lawns and gardens and understandably become brokenhearted to see them wilt, discolor, and even die during the tough dog days of summer. However, there are some tips and tricks that can help to prolong the life of your plants this summer.
1. Set a feeding schedule
One of the most common mistakes people make, that actually helps to speed up the deterioration of their plants and lawn, is to water at the wrong time of day. The best time to water your greenery is either in the morning, before the sun comes up, or in the afternoon, when the sun is beginning to go down. The key is to never water when the sun is out and beaming. If you do, the water almost becomes like oil, and it will certainly fry your precious plants. The same goes with lawns. Moreover, aim to use water that is as close to air temperature as possible. Too hot or too cold may send your plants into shock. (Hey, we didn’t say this was an easy job!)
2. Choose wisely
While they may all seem beautiful, be very choosy when it comes to deciding which plants and flowers to grow for your space. Not all are created equal, meaning that not all greenery can survive in all climates. Speak to a professional, or even an attendant at your local plant store to decide together which plants are best suited for your region. If you live in a very hot area, sensitive plants aren’t the best option. Look into some beautiful annuals like Bells of Ireland, Pansies, and Black-Eyed Susans.
3. To Go Organic or Not
Many believe that going organic in the food we eat and the food we feed our plants is pointless. However, there is a point to changing up the diet and going healthier with organic alternatives. In regard to your greenery, using organic fertilizer is better for plants and lawns because it provides sustained nourishment. On the other-hand, chemical fertilizer is more like fast-food–it delivers a quick fix but its results and benefits are not sustainable.
We here at Coldwell Banker Preferred Real Estate hope that these few tips will help you to improve your lawn and garden’s condition this summer. Best of luck! If you have any other tips or tricks, leave a comment below!
Information courtesy of The Daily Green.
Source: How to Prolong the Life of Your Plants During Summer by Lindsay Listanski
Kitchen – The Heart of Home
What magical, gravitational pull does the kitchen hold over us all? It’s a combination of things that we’re unconsciously and instinctively attracted to – comfort, familiarity and fond memories. No matter the time of day, the event du jour or the number of guests who grace your doorstep, most often you’ll find friends and family huddled inside the heart of the home: the kitchen. Its magnetic quality swirls around memory-inducing scents, the sound of flapjacks sizzling on the griddle, the rhythmic clinking of glassware toasting and the irresistible sight of delectable meals being prepared by the hands of loved ones. No wonder it’s where we want to be, and where we often choose to stay.
The ideal modern kitchen is more than a utilitarian food station, it’s everyone’s happy place focused on laughing, sharing and being together. Discover a few simple ways of blurring the lines between kitchen and living space to create the ultimate comfort zone in your home.
Hiding in Plain Sight
Keep it sleek and subtle. When designing a combined kitchen/family room, aesthetics are important. Today’s kitchen appliances go incognito when these workhorses are disguised behind custom cabinetry that hides everything from the fridge to the dishwasher. Ho-hum countertops can be replaced with showstopping surfaces that beg to be touched such as rich marble, honed stone and dramatically veined quartz.
Incorporate the adjacent dining and family room decor into the overall kitchen design by treating it with the same decorating prowess applied to the rest of your home. Introduce intriguing artwork that’s protected under glass, objets d’art to dress up the workspace and reiterate living area fabrics on cushions for a cozier, more cohesive look.
Where the Action Is
Whether you’re into helping with meal prep, witnessing the melding of ingredients into the day’s pièce de résistance or enjoying the hustle and bustle of the kitchen vibes from the sidelines, a comfortable place to sit is a must to make the open-concept ambiance complete. A casual seating chart is preferable.
Start with comfy barstools snugged up to a beautiful stone slab island that offer front-row seats to the chef at work. Add extra seating with a built-in banquette tucked beneath a window, a large farmhouse table with ample chair space, or a couch-and-club-chair combo for even more entertaining options – all within kitchen earshot. When placing furniture and accessories, maintain unobstructed site lines and easy-access pathways to adjoining gathering areas. Flow is of the utmost importance when rooms intermingle.
Let There Be Light
One of the best results of an open-concept kitchen comes from all the light that floods in from the windows of adjacent rooms. In addition to natural light, it’s essential to brighten each of the surrounding sans-walls sections with the proper illumination. The prepping-cooking-plating area calls for bright task lighting, well served by overhead recessed can lights, under-the-counter LEDs and over-the-counter pendants that get the job done efficiently yet stylishly.
Other nearby living spaces require softer options, including general lighting, which is typically derived from a ceiling pendant or chandelier, and ambient lighting – an indirect and often more intriguing glow used to soften harsh shadows and deliver a major impact via wall sconces and torchieres. And don’t overlook unique mood lighting in all its glorious drama. With the brilliant power to set the stage and add theater to a room, its bold effects make it an impressive standout in any space.
Create the perfect gathering hub for sharing daily meals, activities, special moments and living life to the fullest. The open-concept floor plan centered around the kitchen stirs up an elusive energy that radiates out like a star and makes all interconnecting rooms feel like the epitome of “home.”
Unleash Your Personality: 5 Tips to Infuse Authenticity into your Home Design
Does your home feel like you, or does it feel like someone else designed your space?
It’s easy to get caught up in TikTok trends and new design ideas, but it is important to remember that our homes should be a reflection of ourselves.
If you’re struggling to find balance between following trends and being authentic, here are some tips!
Showcase Your Favourite Art
Art is one of the easiest home décor pieces that adds a personal touch to a space. Maybe you’re a world traveler and you collect a new piece of art every time you go somewhere. Or maybe you collect thrifted knickknacks. Whatever it is, showcase it throughout your home to add your personality and flair!
Highlight What You’re Passionate About
Are you a photographer? Do you have a plant obsession or do pottery as a hobby? Highlight these passions in your home! Create a gallery wall of some of your favourite photos. Add plants to every corner of your house. Display your pottery creations!
Paint!
Adding a fresh coat of paint, a feature wall or painting the ceiling can instantly add your personality to a space. Whether you opt for a bold accent wall or a subtle pop of colour, your unique style will make your space feel authentically you.
Only Buy Items That You Absolutely Love!
Sometimes we get tempted by sales and deals and end up buying items that we aren’t in love with, they’re just convenient. In the long run, it’s better to spend a bit of extra money on a piece that you actually love.
Be Creative and Confident!
Search for design inspiration outside of the internet. When you see a design style that you like or an item that you are drawn to- buy it! Trust your instincts and use items that you like to build your own unique style and design.
Information referenced from:
https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-make-your-home-feel-like-you-7094198
Source: Unleash Your Personality: 5 Tips to Infuse Authenticity into your Home Design by Bailey DeRudder
5 Tips for a Healthy Work-From-Home Routine
If you’re looking for ways to improve your 9-to-5 routine, try these five simple ideas.
Higher productivity, less stress, more free time – working from home offers plenty of benefits. It also comes with the challenge of rethinking your daily habits while prioritizing your mental and physical health. If you’re looking for ways to improve your 9-to-5 routine, try these five simple ideas.
- Bring the Outdoors in
We all have an innate need to connect with nature, and organic materials, shapes and colors have been proven to positively affect our mood. If possible, set up your office near a window and incorporate biophilic design elements into the space. A rug made of natural fibers would be perfect to put your desk and chair on. You could hang up artwork or a wall calendar that features outdoor scenes. Plants also help create a calming vibe with the added benefit of improving air quality.
- Get Comfortable
Sitting for long periods of time can lead to serious aches and pains, so you want to carefully consider your office setup. Invest in a comfortable chair that offers lower back and arm support and pair it with a desk that can be adjusted for standing or sitting. You also want to maintain good posture, so position your keyboard at or just below elbow height and parallel with your forearms. Using a mouse pad with wrist support is another easy way to lessen muscle strain.
- Keep Moving
Although your job may require you to be in front of a computer for most of the day, you don’t have to remain totally sedentary. Try swapping your chair for a yoga ball. A balance board allows you to strengthen your core muscles while standing, and an under-the-desk elliptical machine is a great option for light cardio. You could also walk around while you’re on the phone and do some simple stretches during breaks to help shake off stiffness.
- Stay Hydrated
To keep your energy up through the afternoon, you should avoid high-caffeine beverages that temporarily perk you up but make you crash later. Opt instead for mineral water, which comes in a variety of flavors, herbal tea or organic energy drinks. You could also invest in a smoothie blender and create your own delicious combination of fruits, grains and yogurt to enjoy as a late-day treat.
- Relax When the Day is Done
Allowing yourself time to wind down from a busy schedule is very important. When you’ve logged off for the day, go for a bike ride, head to the gym or take your dog to the park. Half an hour of low-impact yoga in a designated “relaxation zone” is another healthy way to destress and mentally prepare yourself for tomorrow’s challenges.
As you continue to improve your work regimen, always keep your mental and physical wellbeing in mind. Establishing good habits ensures a happy and sustainable professional life.
Source: 5 Tips for a Healthy Work-From-Home Routine by Gustavo Gonzalez
