Easy but Effective Home Staging Tips

Easy but Effective Home Staging Tips

There are many things you need to as homeowner when you are trying to sell it. The most important among this is to prepare your home before listing. Your aim should be to create a create impression on potential buyers so that they are encouraged to make good offers. Here are some very good tips to make your home look beautiful, big, and inviting to the visitors during staging.

Begin with cleaning

The biggest impression that you can make on the visitors is through a house that is sparkling clean. This cleaning should cover everything from floors and the walls to carpets, furniture, and furnishings. Do not forget to clean the fireplace also. Clean the windows so that the visitors do not spot any dirt or dust on the glasses. It also helps in increasing the natural light inside your home.

Get rid of clutter

If you are trying to sell the house when still living in it, make sure that you can remove most of the furniture and other items that make your rooms look smaller than they actually are. Rooms packed with furniture not only look small but also leave little room for imagination for the visitors. Pack and move all items that you can live without for a while.

Go for a paintjob

The smell and appeal of freshly painted house is unmatched and very inviting. Go for bright and vibrant colors and use different shades of the same color in adjacent areas to highlight features of your house. Painting of a house is quick and inexpensive and it helps in creating a warm and vibrant look that looks very attractive to the potential buyers.

Set up the place

Put yourself in the shoes of the potential buyer. He comes over in search for his dream home. You have to think according to his perspective to create the scene inside your house. Place logs in the fireplace, decorate the dining table with cutlery and flowers, and place newspaper and magazines on the centre table to create a beautiful living atmosphere. Pay special attention to your bathroom and kitchen to make them look clean, organized, and appealing to eyes. Add new shower curtains, dry towels, and new soaps inside the bathroom to make it look inviting. Your aim should be to capture his imagination so that he envisions living inside your home along with his family. And yes, do not forget to spray room fresheners and burn scented candles to make the ambience alluring and inviting.

Clean and beautify the area approaching the entrance

Many owners work hard to clean their homes from inside but forget or ignore the area outside the entrance of their house. You will be surprised to know that many visitors have more or less made up their minds about buying a property even before setting foot inside. The trick lies in creating a great impression on them by making the approach clean and beautiful. Remove the dad leaves, trim the hedges, place pots with flowering plants, and place a new doormat in front of the entrance.

Tips for Getting the Best Mortgage Deal

Tips for Getting the Best Mortgage Deal

If you feel that the time has come when you should buy a home, you also need to arrange the money for this big real estate transaction. Unless you are very wealthy, you have to depend upon financing of your project by a lender. Yes, interest rates are still low and the banks are also making available money to home buyers. But how do you make sure that you get the best mortgage deal that is perfect according to your circumstances.

Check your credit

For the loan officer, the most important document when deciding your mortgage loan application is your credit report. Check your credit report by obtaining a fresh report from one of the credit bureaus. Do not rush to apply for a loan if your score is average or poor. You are perceived as a risk if you have a mediocre score of 650-699. You are also awarded a mortgage rate that is higher than the lowest rate advertised by the bank. It is better to work on your credit in a  bid to improve it before rushing to apply for mortgage loan.

Present your financial records and salary stubs

Do not approach a lender until you have gathered all the important documents that prove your credibility and trustworthiness. This is where the role of a mortgage broker comes into play. He is a professional who deals with loan officers on a daily basis and also knows the papers that are most important for them in deciding mortgage approval. If you can prove steady employment through salary stubs of last 2 years, chances of obtaining a good mortgage deal increase considerably. For self employed, income tax returns and balance sheets of last 2 years are a must.

How much of a down payment you are willing to pay

Most buyers expect banks to finance maximum money for the purchase of a property. It is true that banks can finance 90% of the value of a home but they do it only when they are sure of income and trustworthiness of the borrower who has a high credit score. To get a great mortgage deal, be ready to cough up as high a percentage of the home value that you can pay out of your own pocket. Lenders like borrowers who show sincerity by paying a high amount as down payment.

Do your homework

Just because a bank is ready to finance your project does not mean you should jump on to the first offer that you receive. There are dozens of lenders with varying mortgage rates and repayment plans. You should study these mortgage plans and make a comparison to find out which mortgage deal suits your circumstances the best. Also, you have the right to negotiate with a bank for lower interest rate if you have a high credit score and feel you deserve a lower rate of interest.

Consider using the services of a Mortgage Broker

Mortgage brokers study the market to connect you with the right rates and the right terms for your circumstances. They do it with patience, plain language, and superior market expertise.

Remember that mortgage is a financial product sold by lenders and they look for customers like you. Grab the deal that is most attractive as ultimately you will be repaying the money in a long time period.

When looking to buy a home, sell your home or build a new home, we can help!

Not your typical realtor

When it comes to experience, Victor has earned over 17 years in the construction industry. Not only is he knowledgeable in the mechanics of home construction, he also understands warranty standards; mastering everything from the foundation to finishes and space design. He has spent the last 15 years building custom residential homes across southern Manitoba. Trikor Builders has boasted exceptional quality and customer service standards with its countless new construction and renovation projects. 

 

Having recently joined the Century 21 Bachman & Associates team, Victor has leveraged his experience by adding a strong network to scout the best of the real-estate market.

 

Whether buying or selling your home, you want a Realtor that has the knowledge and resources to reach the best deal for you as fast as possible. Realtors are trained and licensed to keep customers well informed on their options as they make important buying and/or selling decisions.

 

Want to put your house on the market? Looking to buy your first home? Want to know more about building a new home? 

Get in contact with a full-service agent - contact Victor Giesbrecht @ 204-782-0908 or victor.giesbrecht@century21.ca

Carbon monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, non-irritating and odorless gas, so can not be detected by smell.

Those qualities have earned it a reputation as "the silent killer," said Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service public education coordinator Marc Proulx. The gas results from combustion any time fuel is burned in heaters, stoves, lanterns, charcoal grills, portable generators, fireplaces, gas ranges, furnaces or idling car or truck in a garage or enclosed space. Other sources include gasoline-powered tools such as leaf blowers, lawn mowers, high-pressure washers, concrete cutting saws, power trowels, and welders.

Everyone is exposed to small amounts of carbon monoxide daily. However, inhaling too much of it can result in CO poisoning. Different people and populations may have different tolerance levels. CO can increase to dangerous levels when combustion fumes become trapped indoors, poorly ventilated or enclosed space. Inhaling these fumes causes CO to build up in your bloodstream, which can lead to severe tissue damage in people and animals who breathe it. When this occurs, you can become unconscious. Death may occur in these cases.

Common causes at homes
i. Collapsed vent cover on the chimney that prevent the deadly gas from escaping.
ii. Idling automobiles with the exhaust pipe blocked by snow.
iii. Winter season when people use their furnaces and fireplaces more aggressively and spend more time indoors.

Most common symptoms
The most common symptoms of CO poisoning is dull headache. Others are;

i.   Nausea                       ii. Dizziness                           iii. Difficulty breathing
iv. Weakness                   v. Chest pain                          vi. Feeling like the world is spinning
vii.Stomach upset          viii. Flu-like effects ix. Vomiting

Possible complications
Even minor cases of CO poisoning can cause serious complications. These may include;
i. Brain damage      iii. Heart damage
ii. Organ damage    iv. Death

How to prevent CO poisoning

i. Household carbon monoxide detector. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has stated, "carbon monoxide detectors are as important to home safety as smoke detectors are," and recommends each home have at least one carbon monoxide detector, and preferably one on each level of the building. These devices, which are relatively inexpensive and widely available, are either battery- or AC-powered, with or without battery backup.
ii.  Have your heating and air conditioning systems checked twice a year (Spring & Fall)
Ensure there’s plenty of ventilation in areas with appliances that burn gas, wood, propane, or other fuel.
iii. Don’t fall asleep or sit for a long time in an idling car that’s in an enclosed space.
iv. Don’t sleep near a gas or kerosene space heater.
v.  Don’t ignore symptoms of CO poisoning.

Exposed to carbon monoxide?
i. Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know shows signs of CO poisoning.
ii. Shut off the fuel burning appliance, if you know what it is.
iii. Open doors and windows to air the building out.
iv .Call your gas provider, whether it's natural gas or propane, and request an emergency inspection.
v. Those who are unconscious may require CPR on site.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_monoxide_poisoning

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/carbon-monoxide-poisoning-death-1.3899934

http://www.healthline.com/health/carbon-monoxide-poisoning

http://www.libertysecurity.ca

Spring 2016 Parade of Homes

Presented by Manitoba Home Builders' Association

 

"Welcome to the 2016 Spring Parade of Homes, the largest and best Parade of Homes anywhere in Canada. The Manitoba Home Builders' Association is proud to present this year's version of our annual showcase of new homes. March is an exciting time of year because it means that spring is just around the corner. The new neighbourhoods throughout our city and province come to life with these fabulous new homes. We are proud and delighted to showcase 32 different builders who will be presenting 123 homes in 30 unique

Crystal Lake Development in Oakbank, MB

 

Welcome to the Crystal Lake Development, in Oakbank, Manitoba. Situated only minutes outside of Winnipeg, Oakbank is a wonderful bedroom community which includes the privacy and solitude of country living with

Trikor Builders Teams Up with Maximum Realty

In December of 2015, Trikor Builders General Manager attained his professional REALTOR’s® licence and joined the team at Maximum Realty Ltd. Created in 1994, Maximum Realty Ltd. is a locally owned and operated independent real estate company. Our 50+ agents provide professional real estate services in Residential, New Homes, Condominium, Vacant Land and Investment Properties in all of Winnipeg and surrounding areas.

 

“I am proud to be a RELATOR and pleased to announce Trikor's commitment to work with Maximum Realty to further our sales efforts. Maximum Realty has been in business for over 20 years, and will bring a greater level of real estate knowledge and guidance to Trikor, and will greatly add to the value that Trikor can bring to their customers”

-Victor Giesbrecht

 

Stone Ridge Meadows in Stonewall, Manitoba

For those who are looking for quiet country living while still having all of the amenities available in a thriving community, Stoneridge Meadows is just the place for you. Stonewall is just 25 kilometers north of Manitoba's capital city, Winnipeg. Stonewall offers its residents

Changing Seasons

Trick-or-treaters have come and gone, the leaves have fallen from the trees, and the cool crisp breath of winter is upon us. As the conditions change and temperatures drop, it is now time to prepare our homes for the oncoming winter.

A new home comes with a number of components that homeowners must take responsibility for in order to ensure efficient and effective performance. Here are some tips and advice to help you in preparing your home for the change in seasons.

Holiday Safety

Tis the season for family, friends, food and cheer! While enjoying the holidays, it is also extremely important to keep safety top of mind.

Unfortunately, statistics show that home incidents including fires and electrical accidents increase during winter months. 

 Here are a few tips and reminders for maintaining a safe home and ensuring the holiday season goes with as little home incidents as possible.

Why Hire a Designer?

Designers don't just make things pretty! The help you translate your vision into a design that maximizes the functional use of space, desired resources and budget!

Trikor is partnered closely with Design Shop Interior Design to offer our customers a design experience that ensures the home they move into is not only functional, but also has a well thought out floor plan and that the materials palette is tailored to individual clients.

Trikor on CTV Morning News

Watch Debbie Golub from Design--Shop Inc discuss key design concepts of our two show homes in Stone Ridge Meadows (Stonewall, MB)on CTV Morning News' segment: Help for Your Home.

7-Step HRV Maintenance Schedule

With routine preventative maintenance, you can avoid unnecessary problems, ensure the effectiveness of your HRV, and prolong its life.

For additional specific instructions, refer to your HRV operating manual or ask the contractor who installed or services the HRV to demonstrate the proper maintenance procedures.

1. Clean or replace air filters. Filters, which are located within the HRV should be cleaned every two to three months. Washable filters should be vacuumed first, then washed with a mild soap and water. Most washable filters will last several years before needing to be replaced.

2. Clear the exterior intake and exhaust vents of obstructions. Check the outside vents regularly to ensure that the screen openings are not obstructed by grass, bushes, leaves, snow or other debris.

3. Clean the heat-exchange core. Inspect the heat-exchange core twice a year and clean it as required (consult your owner’s manual for instructions on inspecting and cleaning the core). A build-up of dust and dirt can restrict airflow and reduce the efficiency of your HRV. After inspection and cleaning, make sure the core is replaced right-side-up.

4. Clean the condensate drain and pan. Twice a year, check the condensate drain (and tubing to ensure that they are open and free-flowing. The tubing can be disconnected for cleaning. The condensate drain must have a “trap” in the tubing that traps a quantity of water – to prevent air from entering the HRV via this tubing.

An Investment in Lifestyle

Written by Mike Moore of the Manitoba Home Builders Association (MHBA)

When we say in this column that a new home is a good investment, it often only gets taken one way. Unfortunately, some people see the word investment and only think of it in terms of money. We invest in stocks, bonds or precious metals to make money, so naturally, many people think that an investment in a new home has a goal of making money.

Recent years in our local market has proven that to be true, but also limited in scope. Real estate reports indicate that in eight of the last ten years, values in the resale home market have increased by double digits. That is to say that house prices have increased by 10% per year or more. Couple that with the fact that Winnipeg has less than half the listings per capita than either Calgary or Saskatoon and again one could not be faulted for buying a new home for the expressed purpose of seeing it appreciate in value before selling it in a local market that has tremendous demand.

However, most of us are also investors in lifestyle and our own personal well-being. A new home is more than just money; it’s where we want to live; where we want to develop life-long friendships with our neighbours; where we want our children to go to school; where we want to shop; and where we want to raise our family.

A new home can be a new beginning.

2014 Spring Parade of Home Awards

Trikor Builders was again honoured to be the recipient of multiple awards at the 2014 Spring Parade of Homes Gala Dinner. Our winning homes this year include:

• Gold for 87 Stoneridge Drive under the new special awards category for "Quality and value".
• Silver for 87 Stoneridge Drive
• Bronze for 2 Heather Street

The Gold award for 87 Stoneridge Drive was especially rewarding as it's a people's choice vote that we feel is a strong vote for the quality and value of our homes.

Spring Maintenance - Snow & Ice

It looks as though spring has finally arrived after a long, cold, snowy winter. This winter has been one of the most difficult winters on record, with both cold temperatures and snowfall hitting record levels.

Excessive snow on and around our homes can create all sorts of problems, and we urge you to ensure the following maintenance items are completed.

CLIMATE CONTROL - HEATING / COOLING

In order to maintain safe and efficient operation of the furnace and HRV, ensure snow and vegetation do not cover or impede the flow of air through either the air intakes or exhaust vents. Shovel snow away from all intakes and vents after each snowfall. This includes intakes and vents for your furnace, HRV, fireplace, hood fan, etc.

ROOF VENTS

It is essential that roof vents are kept clear of snow to allow proper ventilation from the attic. Snow build up on top of the roof vents will prevent the ventilation of warm humid air from the attic, and contribute towards the formation of ice dams and frost build up in the attic. Keep vents clear of excessive snow.