Real Estate Blog - homeowners

Home Maintenance 101: Heating and Cooling Systems

For most, the extent of our heating and cooling system knowledge is as follows: when it’s cold out, turn on the heat and when it’s hot, turn on the air conditioning. However, as homeowners, it’s important to know how these systems work, what maintenance is required, and when it’s time to look at updating your system.

The basics of HVAC systems

Your home’s temperature control system typically includes three basic components: 

1. a source for warm or cool air such as an air conditioner or furnace;
2. a means of distributing the air throughout your home such as ducts or vents and 
3. a way to regulate the temperature, such as a thermostat. Fuel or energy is used to make the system run – everything from electricity to natural…

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Upcoming Patio Trends for 2023

Sure, there may still be snow on the ground in most parts of the country, but it’s never too early to start thinking about how you’re going to spend the summer. In fact, it’s actually recommended you start thinking about any patio and landscaping plans you have ahead of time so you can be ready to go once the ground is thawed! If you’re looking to spruce up your backyard space by adding a patio, or just updating the one you have now, you’ll want to be in the know about the upcoming 2023 patio trends for this spring and summer. 

We spoke with Calumma Creative Landscapes, an award-winning landscape design company in North Vancouver run by husband-and-wife duo Taylor and Noemi Fifield. Taylor gave us his best tips and advice for what’s going to be hot…

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DIY - Laundry Room Makeover

If you're looking for a DIY project that can transform your home, a laundry room makeover is a great place to start. Not only will it improve the functionality of the space, but it can also make laundry day a little more enjoyable. Let's look at what's needed for a DIY laundry room makeover.

Step 1: Plan and Prep

Before you start any DIY project, it's important to plan and prep. Take some time to envision what you want your laundry room to look like. Consider factors such as storage, lighting, and color scheme. You may also want to make a list of supplies you'll need for the project, including paint, shelving, and organizational tools.

Once you have a plan in place, it's time to prep the space. This may include cleaning, removing any existing…

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Five Ways to Make a Small Space Feel Bigger

From using light and neutral colours to incorporating multifunctional furniture, this post covers various ways to create an illusion of space in a small room. We emphasize decluttering and storage solutions, as well as the strategic use of lighting and mirrors to reflect light and create depth. Get an idea of how to maximize space in a small room and make it feel more open and inviting.

Use light and neutral colours

The use of light and neutral colors can make a room feel bigger in a few ways. First, lighter colors reflect more light, which makes a space feel brighter and more open. This is especially true for white, which reflects almost all light that hits it. Darker colors, on the other hand, absorb light and can make a room feel smaller and…

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Five Ways To Save Money When Moving

Moving can be a stressful and expensive process. Between hiring movers, buying packing supplies, and renting a moving truck, the costs can quickly add up. However, there are a number of ways to save money when moving, without sacrificing the safety and security of your belongings. In this blog, we will explore five tips for saving money when moving.

Declutter Before You Move

One of the easiest ways to save money when moving is to declutter your belongings before you pack them. The less you have to move, the less you will have to spend on packing supplies and moving costs. Take the time to go through your belongings and sell or donate anything you no longer need or use. This can also make unpacking easier and more efficient in your new home.

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What to Consider When Choosing A REALTOR®

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial transactions most people will make in their lifetime, and choosing the right REALTOR® is crucial to ensure the process goes smoothly. With so many REALTORS® out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are some tips on how to choose one that's right for you.

Do your research
Start by researching REALTORS® in your area. Look at their online presence, read reviews, and ask for recommendations from friends and family. You can also check with your local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints or negative reviews.

Look for experience
When choosing a REALTOR®, it's important to look for someone with experience in the type of property and…

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What To Do If You Suspect Your Windows Are Leaking

Windows are an essential part of any building as they provide natural light, ventilation, and insulation. However, over time, windows can become damaged or lose their effectiveness, leading to air and water leaks. Leaking windows can cause discomfort and damage to the interior of the building, as well as increase energy bills due to the loss of heating or cooling. Here are some signs to look for to know if your windows are leaking:

1. Drafts - One of the most obvious signs of a leaky window is feeling drafts of cold air coming through the window frame. This can be especially noticeable during windy weather or when the temperature drops.

2. Moisture - Water stains or moisture on the window frame or sills can be…

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How to Heat Your Garage in Winter

If you have a workshop and a job or hobbies performed outside during the winter, you may find it challenging to stay warm sometimes. A space heater working alone will not do much to keep you and your tools warm. Here are a few tips for heating your garage to a comfortable temperature in winter and keeping it there.

Add Insulation Where Possible

No matter how much power any of your heat sources have, it won’t be easy to maintain any warmth without proper insulation. Many garage walls consist of just the studs, covered on the outside with sheathing and siding. Fiberglass insulation will go a long way in allowing your garage to retain heat and is an easy enough project for most homeowners to do themselves.

Garage doors are another culprit for…

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The Best Home Renovations for the Biggest ROI

Pandemic living has changed how Canadians think about renovations: according to the RE/MAX 2021 Renovation Investment Report, more than half of Canadians renovated their homes during the year. While only 16 per cent explicitly renovated to increase their home’s market value, nearly 60 per cent said they still considered the return on investment.

Prepping your house for sale can often require an investment to bring it up to current standards and help it compete in the hot real estate market. Especially if you’ve lived in the house for several decades, you may be blind to your home’s shortcomings. Here, we examine the top home renovations to ensure your return on investment.

Paint

…

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Preparing to Sell Your Home in the Spring Season

Spring is here, and for many homeowners, it’s the perfect time to sell their homes. The warmer weather and longer days make it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves living in your home, and the blooming flowers and greenery add curb appeal to your property. Buyers are more likely to be out looking for their next home. Additionally, the spring market is typically more active than the winter market, which means that there are more buyers looking to purchase a home. If you’re thinking about selling your home this spring, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your sale.

Declutter and stage your home

Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to declutter and stage your home. Get rid of anything you no longer need, and…

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