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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
What It Takes To Be A Successful Realtor
What skills do successful Realtor’s have?
- Communication skills
- Understanding of real estate
- Knowledge of your local market
- Time management skills
- Negotiation skills
- Marketing skills
Communication
Being able to communicate with your clients is the #1 key to being a successful Realtor. Whether it be a verbal conversation, a written document, or simply being able to actively listen to their requests or concerns, communication is extremely important.
Communication skills can be broken down into 4 categories:
- Verbal Communication: How you speak to your clients and the terminology you use will impact your level of verbal communication. Speak with confidence and avoid using technical or overly complicated language.
- Nonverbal Communication: Body language and eye contact are very effective forms of communication. It is key to ensure that your clients feel important and that you care.
- Active Listening: Listen to your clients will ensure that you understand your clients. Listen, ask questions, and repeat their answers so your clients feel that you understand.
- Written Communication: Being professional in all written communication is necessary in real estate.
Understanding of Real Estate
Similar to most other industries, keeping up with the latest trends and continuing to educate yourself will make you more confident and comfortable in your career. Utilize local or national news sources to keep up with the latest market updates.
Knowledge of Local Market
Local knowledge of the market makes all the difference in real estate. Your clients want to know the neighbourhood information including schools, taxes, public transportation, and more.
Time Management
A career in real estate offers plenty of flexibility but being able to manage your time effectively is imperative given the lack of structure. Scheduling showings, meeting with clients and any other day-to-day activities can be very sporadic and can often involve working on weekends or outside normal working hours.
Marketing
Being tech and social media savvy acts as an advantage in today’s real estate market. Using social media, personal websites and other digital assets are great ways to market your listings and you! Having a digital presence will help you get found and will show your clients that you truly are an expert in your field. Social media has been a huge advantage for individuals in not only real estate, but business in general. It has allowed people to build a business and generate income from the comfort of their home.
Do you have what it takes to be a successful Realtor?
Information referenced from:
https://www.theceshop.com/agent-essentials/real-estate-agent-encyclopedia/real-estate-skills
Source: What It Takes To Be A Successful Realtor by Bailey DeRudder
Staging Tips to Sell Your Home This Spring
Whether on television, at an open house or on the pages of a magazine, we’ve all seen stunningly outfitted estates that deliver a true wow factor – and listing price – that properties without staging just cannot match. Buyers quickly fall in love with homes that have a strong character while wordlessly conveying the lifestyle they would enjoy if they lived there. Before listing your property, consider that proper staging is one of the most important factors in enhancing your home’s appeal and most flattering features.
First Things First
In order to entice potential buyers, you must think outside the box – but to start, examine what needs to be done to get your home in showplace shape. Check under older carpets for lovely hardwood, survey the ceiling for cracks or leaks to seal, consider having the pool or tennis court resurfaced and focus on boosting your curb appeal. Once your home is a clean slate, you are ready to begin.
Neutral Rules
When using achromatic tones on painted walls and furniture, ensure that the staging pieces do not distract from the form of the home. When staging for luxury, color psychology can signal buyers that they’re working with a discerning seller who has elevated the home to its full, indulgent potential.
In the world of interior design, fashion and luxury vehicles, neutral colors have always made a recognizable statement of power, sophistication and confidence. Once you’re prepared to stage your home, you’ll want to highlight those qualities with the crème de la crème of design – blacks, grays and whites.
While buyers will always notice houses with splashy displays, that doesn’t necessarily mean they will find them appropriate for their tastes. Staging experts often use furniture, rugs and paint in neutral hues (also consider beige and pale, cool colors) to help buyers overlay their own creations onto the scene and more easily discover the home could be the perfect fit.
Character Is King
Often, a seamless introduction to the home involves pairing décor with architectural personality. Envision how Old-World pillars and stonework are beautifully complemented by gold-framed art and Turkish rugs, and contemporary interiors effortlessly show off leather, wool or velvet furnishings and unique accents as statement pieces. When hiring an interior designer to get the job done, seek out a professional with not only expertise, but also an imaginative mindset.
Now to address spatial issues. For smaller sitting rooms, offices or charming nooks, instead of cluttering the area to make it appear as if much can be done with the layout, take a more minimalist approach to ensue that each individual piece has room to breathe and directs attention to the space itself.
On the other hand, if you have a cavernous room, think about creative ways to section it off and separate it into more manageable areas with rugs or furniture in unique arrangements. The same approach can be applied to unusually shaped rooms.
Attractive Accents
While a visually busy room is an easily avoided faux pas, keep in mind that going completely neutral is not the answer either. In order to strike that oh-so-delicate balance between sensible furnishings and handsome décor, decorate with stylish accents that lend a perfect finish to any lifestyle.
Any artwork on display should be minimal and tasteful, so buyers can easily picture how they will customize the space on their own, and personal items like family pictures, sports memorabilia and other personal items should be stored.
When a buyer enters your front door and explores the home room by room, they’ll be thinking about how they will personalize it with their own touches, and how much of a transformation might be needed to get it suited for them. With beautiful furnishings in place and just the right level of flair, they won’t have to work very hard to visualize their new life – and that gets them one step closer to making your house their new home.
Source: Staging Tips to Sell Your Home This Spring by Gustavo Gonzalez
Curb Appeal: A Fresh Façade Makes a Statement
Maybe your perfect house was “new” a few years ago and it’s time for a refresh, or perhaps you’re just ready to mix things up a bit. Whatever your motivation for a mini home makeover, it’s always smart to begin by focusing on the façade. Go beyond a fancy mailbox or a seasonal wreath and check out these signature upgrades for considerable curb appeal.
It’s the Little Things
Maintaining the strongest and most attractive qualities of your home should be a priority. So before making any major alterations, take a good look at your front yard, walkway and façade, and figure out what could use some reimagination. Are the doorknobs losing their sheen? Could your off-white front door use a boldly hued coat of paint? And there’s no need to stop there – adding a graphic rug, piece of cozy porch furniture or tasteful planters are simple yet surprisingly effective ways to alter the front yard vibe.
Add a Splash of Color
Speaking of greenery, a quick online search of gorgeous home exteriors almost always includes those with pert and perfect plant life. Dressing your home with its own corsage is a simple and often lasting way to beautify it. You don’t need a botanical wonderland like the gardening enthusiast down the street, but manicured landscaping can make all the difference. Spruce things up by planting shrubs and perennials instead of annuals and zone-picky florals. Select bushes that will fill empty spaces, trees that will accent your home’s peaks and native flowers that will add a dash of pizazz.
It’ll Be Worth It
Now for the big stuff. Even if you ignore all the above and prefer a more minimalist landscape design, maintaining a clean, presentable front is of utmost importance and ensures your home will always be a welcome sight. If you’re short on time, consider hiring a landscaper for routine lawn and yard maintenance. You can also make the exterior more enticing by pressure-washing the driveway, front walk and patio, using either a professional service or buying or renting a power washer. Your brick, wood or stone will thank you.
Let It Shine
Why not highlight your home’s new style with landscape lighting? Check your local home improvement store for street posts, mountable lamps, and garden or walkway lights. While abundant lighting is the natural answer to nighttime, don’t overdo it – you don’t want to rival your hometown stadium, do you? Depending on the size, prices range from $10 per item and up, so do your research to find a great outdoor lighting business near you, or get into the DIY mood to set up your home for a show at dusk.
Making small updates and investments will ensure your home looks, feels and is well taken care of. Go ahead and use these tips, and if you continue to challenge yourself to improve your home’s first excellent impression, your neighbors may feel challenged to match it!
Source: Curb Appeal: A Fresh Façade Makes a Statement by Jennifer McGuire
Tips to Help Buyers Make Every Open House Count
There’s never been more ways for motivated homebuyers to view properties, but no matter how efficient or convenient virtual property tours can be, nothing beats seeing a home in person. Open houses are the perfect opportunity to learn vital details about a home that will help you narrow your property search. Here are a few savvy tips for making the most your open house tour.
Get Pre-Approved
If you’re serious about buying, then getting pre-approved for a mortgage will save you time and help streamline your open house process, so you only tour homes that are in your budget.
Know What to Avoid
Before heading into an open house, research common home issues in your area so you’re able to watch for potential problems. Beware of interior red flags such as water stains, leaks beneath sinks, cracks in the ceilings or walls, uneven floors and evidence of mold or pests. On the exterior, check if the roof has any missing tiles and for any damage to outer walls. Speak to your agent, home inspector or local contractors to learn more about what to avoid.
Ask Plenty of Questions
Be sure to ask the listing agent questions during the open house. They will be privy to any relevant details about the home that may not be noticeable. Depending on the state you’re in, you should also obtain a property disclosure on the home (they’re not required in every state), as it will have important information about the condition of the roof, age of systems, any known plumbing issues and more.
Have Your Poker Face Ready
Learn as much as you can at each open house but remain non-committal with the listing agent and avoid sharing any details about your home search or budget. At this stage, appearing too eager and disclosing those details can put you at a major disadvantage, especially if you wind up in negotiations with that listing agent. Likewise, it’s best to avoid discussing the home with your fellow attendees until after you’ve left the viewing.
Make A Good Impression
When visiting open houses, you’ll find there are typically requests from the owners, such as removing your shoes and not taking photos or videos. Always respect the rules, as it’s in your best interest to make a positive impression with the listing agent, especially if you’re serious about making an offer on the home. Be memorable by introducing yourself and making a genuine effort to learn about the property.
Find the Right Agent
When you’re ready to buy, it’s advantageous to find an agent that will represent your best interests. Do your homework before committing to an agent. Be sure to read their bio and client testimonials for a better look at their service and personality. The right agent will have invaluable insights to share and make the process more seamless.
While being mindful of these tips, remember to relax and enjoy the experience. You can use whatever you learn as a means of getting closer to the home of your dreams.
Source: Tips to Help Buyers Make Every Open House Count by Jennifer McGuire
Why Women Are Natural Realtors
In honour of International Women’s Day this month, we wanted to touch on the impact that women have within the real estate industry. Women everywhere are influencing the real estate industry! In fact, in most countries throughout the world, more than 50% of Realtors are women and here in Canada, roughly 60% of Realtors are women.
Real estate careers for women have been growing in popularity as women are searching for more meaning in their careers and are seeking opportunities that promote a work-life balance. Workplace culture has become a top priority, especially among younger women. Some are leaving jobs where they feel undervalued or are experiencing a lack of culture, and are choosing careers in real estate or becoming entrepreneurs to have more flexibility or even work part time.
What It Takes to Be a Successful Realtor
Realtors benefit from having certain soft skills including communication, active listening, negotiation, high attention to detail, and patience. Every client is different, therefore the skills you need to work with each client need to be different.
What skills do successful Realtor’s have?
- Communication skills
- Understanding of real estate
- Knowledge of your local market
- Time management skills
- Negotiation skills
- Marketing skills
Why Do Women Make Great Realtors?
By nature, women tend to possess the skills that are required to be a successful agent. They are often good communicators, active listeners, and masters at managing their time. Women tend to have a passion for architecture and design, along with creating a space that feels warm and inviting. They also have the ability to empathize and listen intently, which are highly valuable skills when it comes to buying and selling homes. These skills allow for a relationship of trust which helps buyers to feel they are in good hands and that their needs are taken care of.
Why Do Women Choose Real Estate Careers?
We asked some of the women of Coldwell Banker Canada what motivated them to choose a career in real estate. The majority of responses were focused on the freedom and flexibility of business, income potential, and the ability to help people buy the home of their dreams.
A career in real estate allows women the freedom to work around their commitments and obligations, while building a career they are passionate about. With virtual showings, virtual tour features and everchanging technologies, being a Realtor brings a much more flexible work schedule than it has in the past.
Advice from other women in the industry?
- Build your own personal brand as a Realtor.
- Decide on the type of Realtor that you want to be and build it into your identity.
- Find mentors and allies.
- Utilize technology and adapt.
- Be authentic and be yourself.
Areas for Improvement
Even though women in real estate have come a long way, there are still areas that need improvement. While approximately 60% of Realtors are women in Canada, there is still a lack of women in leadership roles. Commercial real estate has a much lower ratio of women in the industry. Gender pay gaps still exist for women in real estate so don’t be afraid to negotiate commission percentages or salaries.
What can you do?
- Determine how your brokerage promotes inclusivity
- Are there equal opportunities for training and mentoring?
- Are reward and recognition given fairly and equally?
- Talk to other females at the brokerage
- Read reviews!
To all woman in real estate, we celebrate you and support you! Let’s all do our best to close the gender gap and promote diversity and inclusivity in the industry.
Information referenced from:
https://www.realtrends.com/articles/opinion-she-sells-more-real-estate-than-he-sells/
https://www.repmag.ca/news/what-is-the-average-age-of-a-realtor-334931.aspx
https://ottawamommyclub.ca/women-in-real-estate-dominating-canada/
https://www.theceshop.com/agent-essentials/real-estate-agent-encyclopedia/women-in-real-estate
https://storeys.com/real-estate-careers-women-work-life-balance/
https://www.theceshop.com/agent-essentials/real-estate-agent-encyclopedia/real-estate-skills
Source: Why Women Are Natural Realtors by Bailey DeRudder
