Preferred Real Estate, Author at Coldwell Banker Preferred Real Estate

HOW TO STICK TO YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION

by Preferred Real Estate

2023 has arrived and with a new year usually comes new goals and resolutions! So, let’s talk about how to create realistic goals and how you can stick to them!

1. DEFINE YOUR GOAL, MAKE IT REALISTIC AND MAKE IT PART OF YOUR IDENTITY

Once you have figured out what your goal is going to be, figure out the best way that you can achieve that goal. For example, if your goal is to run a marathon, your training is going to start small and build up gradually. You’re not going to start Day 1 of your training with a 20km run. If you’re realistic, your goals will be much more sustainable and achievable.

James Clear- entrepreneur and author of the novel ‘Atomic Habits’- says that focusing on the identity that you would like to build is more important than focusing on just the goal itself. So, if you would like to run a marathon, build the identity of a runner. Even if you only run a short distance every day, you are building the identity of a runner, while working towards your goals in a realistic way. This will make it much easier to stick to your goals, but also maintain them even after you have achieved them, as you have now built a new identity and formed new habits.

2. BE MENTALLY TOUGH

Some days, achieving your goals or sticking with your new habits is going to feel too hard or you might experience some setbacks. It is so important to remember that setbacks will occur, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t still moving forward.

James Clear shares his insights about ‘never missing twice’. This means it’s alright to have one slip up or setback but recognize it and don’t let it happen again. If your resolution is to become a runner by running every day, but you miss one day, be mentally strong enough to not miss two days or three days. Making excuses just makes it harder to stick to your resolutions.

3. THINK POSITIVELY

If you can train your brain to think positively, you will learn to stop doubting yourself. James Clear stresses the importance of focusing on the good and ignoring the bad- a habit that can apply to all aspects of life. As humans, we always prefer to be praised and hear good things about ourselves. So, if we start only focusing on the positives when it comes to our family and friends, we’ll start to do this with ourselves as well.

4. BE PATIENT

Building habits takes time, so don’t worry if it feels like you’re stuck or slow going- that’s normal. By being mentally tough, you can tell yourself that making changes takes time and even if you’re 1% better than you were yesterday, that’s still a huge accomplishment! Sometimes half the battle is showing up, even if you don’t feel better, faster or stronger than you did the day before. Just remember, it’s okay to have off days.

5. BE A FORWARD THINKER

Are you picturing what your goals look like in the future? Are you picturing yourself crossing the finish line of that marathon? If you are able to concentrate on what the future looks like, it will be easier to stay motivated. Make sure that you learn from your mistakes and focus on the changes and adjustments that you can make to allow yourself to be better in the future.

When building good habits, results often take time- so, it is important to continue looking forward to what your life will look like in a few weeks or a few months once you have given your habits and goals a chance to show real results.

6. DECIDE THAT FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION

Sticking to your resolution is entirely up to you, but it’s okay if you need to adjust it or modify it to ensure that it’s still serving you and making you happy. If your resolution was to run a marathon, but your body needs time to adjust to becoming an avid runner, maybe you adjust your goals to run a half-marathon. Rather than failing and giving up on your resolution, allow yourself to learn from your mistakes, take breaks when necessary and prioritize building an identity around the goals that you are trying to achieve. Running a half-marathon still makes you a runner and puts you one step closer to being able to run a full marathon.

So, after all of that, do you finally feel ready to build your new identity and finally stick to your New Year’s resolution?!

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Christmas Tree Trends 2022 – Coldwell Banker Canada

by Preferred Real Estate

Now that Halloween is behind us, it’s time to start decorating for Christmas (if you haven’t already, that is). If you’re tired of decorating your Christmas tree the same way you always do- we might have some good news for you! In 2022, we are seeing a few fun and different Christmas tree trends that just might be worth a try. You might want to consider the décor that you already have in your home before deciding on a style, but feel free to get as adventurous as you’d like- there’s no judgment here!

Let’s take a look at some Christmas tree trends that we are seeing this season!

1. BLUE & GOLD

You can expect to have a blue Christmas this year, as all shades of blue are trending this holiday season, but with splashes of gold too (obviously). To add more depth to your tree, try using a few different shades of blue or mixing a darker shade and a lighter shade.

2. FROSTED TREES

‘Neutral and rustic’ has been a trend during 2022, so having a frosted tree fits the vibe perfectly. If you already have a tree, no need to worry! You can create your own frosted tree using snow spray.

3. PASTEL COLOURS

From pastel decorations to pastel coloured trees- the possibilities are endless. You can mix a few pastel colours together if you’re feeling adventurous or stick to one colour and incorporate some gold or silver.

4. DON’T BE AFRAID TO MIX SILVER AND GOLD

On that note- don’t be afraid to mix silver and gold if you’d like! Anything sparkly will do, after all- it is Christmas!

5. OMBRE TREES

Grey specifically is the ombre colour of the season! This is truly a statement piece, so it might not be for everyone, but it’s definitely a unique idea.

6. RAINBOW COLOURS

If you’re feeling EXTRA adventurous, you could try having a rainbow tree this year. Whether the entire tree is rainbow or just the decorations, take the opportunity to use your tree as a form of self-expression!

7. NATURAL

The perfect opportunity for a DIY tree! You can make your own simple decorations using natural materials or choose a minimalist theme.

HOW WILL YOU DECORATE YOUR TREE THIS YEAR?!

Information referenced from:

https://www.womanandhome.com/homes/christmas-tree-color-trends-2022/

Source:

Christmas Tree Trends 2022

5 Tips to Get Your Home Winter Ready – Coldwell Banker Canada

by Preferred Real Estate

With the colder months approaching, it is important to make sure that both you and your home are best prepared for the cooler months.

Here are 5 tips to help prepare your home for winter!

Gather your comfy bedding. With the temperatures dropping, you can ditch your lighter, summer bedding and get cozy with your warm, cotton, flannel or knit blankets
Give your fireplace and chimney a good cleaning! Oh, and gather some firewood now so you don’t have to do it once the temperatures drop.
Give your furnace a good once over and change out the filter.
Tend to your garden. Whether you need to clean up your flower beds or plant bulbs before the ground freezes, now is the time to do it.
Gather your fall & winter tools and put away your summer ones. Have the leaf blower and snow shovel handy and put the lawn mower away until next year!

Information referenced from:

https://www.hgtv.com/design/design-blog/how-to/tips—tricks-to-get-your-house-ready-for-fall

Source:

5 Tips to Get Your Home Winter Ready

7 Tips For Selling Your Home in the Fall & Winter – Coldwell Banker Canada

by Preferred Real Estate

Front lawn of a home with a Coldwell Banker signage

Just because the warmer months are typically the most common for selling your home, doesn’t mean that there aren’t benefits to selling in the cooler months! In fact, buyers are usually more serious in the winter and less inventory means less competition.

Here are 7 tips for selling during the colder months!

Make sure you show potential buyers what your home looks like during the warmer months. Have some exterior photos that show off your yard, flower beds and outdoor furniture.
Clean up the outdoors as best you can. Shovel the snow on the sidewalks and walkways, clean up leaves and tend to any flower beds. It’s even a good idea to clean your siding.
Allow as much daylight as possible into your home. Add the right light bulbs to each room, have brighter bulbs in bathrooms and have softer, warmer lighting in the living area and bedrooms. Use outdoor lighting to help the outdoors be visible to potential buyers.
Make sure your windows and doors aren’t drafty since this will be noticeable when the weather changes. You’ll also want to make sure that your furnace is working well and has been cleaned & maintenanced recently.
Do a deep clean of places you wouldn’t normally think of, including under the sink, the cupboards and pantry, baseboards, appliances, the shower head, and ceiling fans. Also, make sure you dust everything!
Make your home look as cozy as possible and stage it in a way that reflects the seasons. Add cozy throw pillows and blankets to the living space, light some candles, and use your fireplace if you have one!
Keep your home clean between showings- both the inside and outside! Keep the sidewalk and driveway clear.

Follow these tips if you plan on selling your home this fall or winter!

Information referenced from:

https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/real-estate/tips-selling-home-during-fall-winter

https://www.moving.com/tips/the-pros-and-cons-of-selling-a-house-during-the-winter/

Source:

7 Tips For Selling Your Home in the Fall & Winter