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There are many hidden sources of moisture in your home that can lead to serious problems, such as mould. To keep moisture levels in check consider these tips:

 

-Bathrooms are an obvious source of moisture build up.  Contractor and TV personality Mike Holmes recommends keeping the fan going for at least half and hour after a shower.

 

-Check regularly for water infiltration around window and door sills, as well as other intakes into the home such as dryer vents and cable wiring.

 

-Determine the humidity level in your home.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it should be 30%-60%. (keep in mind that humidity may vary greatly from room to room)

 

-Regularly inspect caulking around sinks, tubs and showers.  Even a tiny break can cause water to leak gradually into the wall or floor, causing damage you may not notice for months.

 

-Clean up wet spills as soon as possible.  On hardwood floors especially, water can seep through and become trapped.

 

-Repair leaking faucets, toilets and pipes immediately.  A drip can quickly become a shower.

 

Being mindful of moisture today can help you avoid potentially high repair bills later on.

 

Image result for mould in a home  Image result for mould in a homeImage result for mould in a home

 

 

 

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There are unwelcome guests that most homeowners dread. They come into your house, eat, sleep, make a mess, and never leave willingly. Each one has at least six legs and sometimes flies.


They are, of course, insects. They’ve been freeloading in homes since homes were invented.


Here are some practical ways to keep these unwelcome guests out:

  • Find out how they got in. Look for gaps around windows and doors, and cracks in the basement. If you find a spider web, there's likely an insect entryway nearby.

  • Watch out for standing water near the foundation of your home. Make sure rain gutters drain water well away.

  • Eliminate clutter. Insects love warm, cluttered, moist areas.

  • Check the seal around dryer vents and other vents, pipes and cable

    wires going through the wall. Reseal if necessary.

  • Rinse recyclables before putting them into a bag or bin. Few things are more tempting to a bug than the dark, moist, sweet insides of an un-rinsed pop can.

  • If you do end up with a serious insect problem, call a professional exterminator.

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Your home at a glance


Have you ever driven up to a restaurant and your first impression was disappointing? Perhaps the windows looked dark and gloomy, the façade was worn and unattractive or for some other reason it just didn't look like a tempting place to eat. It could still be a fantastic restaurant – a real gem--but, your first impression has soured your anticipation. If you still walk through the front door, it will likely be with the expectation of being disappointed.


This scenario often plays out in the real estate market as well.


A buyer drives up to a home for sale and quickly forms an impression based on what he sees "from the curb". That's why you'll hear real estate experts talk about the importance of "curb appeal". It's one of the most important selling points of a property.


If you plan to put your home on the market, you obviously want your home to look as attractive as possible from the street. Fortunately, there are many simple things you can do to improve curb appeal.  For example, you can trim shrubs and hedges, plant flowers, clean the walkway and driveway, paint the front door and garage door, and clean the exteriors of the windows. All these projects are relatively easy and inexpensive yet each can make a dramatic improvement to how your home looks at first glance.


Don't be like the great restaurant that’s hidden behind an unkept façade. Make sure your curb appeal reflects the overall value of your property.


Looking for more advice on selling your home quickly and for the best price? Call Lisa today @ 778.242.3616. 

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We are renovating our house--ugh! (more about that in another post)-- and I am taking a course towards a double certification as an Interior Staging and Redesign Professional™ so I've been doing a lot of reading and dabbling into a world extremely unfamiliar to me.  In my career as a real estate agent I've helped sellers tweak their living spaces, rearrange furniture, remove clutter, paint walls etc and I know when something looks right...but I don't really know WHY.  That lead to me, with my eternal thirst for knowledge, to not just learn about the WHY's of design, but since I am also reward based, to acquire a designation and certificate for my wall.  

The topic currently on the table is curb appeal and some of the information I learned I shared in a previous post.  What I want to share with you today is a very objective method for spotting problem areas that affect the curb appeal of your home.  As you know when you live in a home after awhile your eyes stop seeing the deficiencies and it's only when you have company coming over that you begin to see your home through someone else's eyes.  Am I right?  When I have guests coming over suddenly I notice the paint chips in the wall, the marks on the carpet, and the clutter in the corner--and that's only on the inside!  What about the cracked driveway, the dying plants (I'm horrible at remembering to water them!), and the rotten fascia boards?  Do you see those?  Your guests might not because they're thinking about whatever wonderful dinner you're serving them, but I can guarantee you that a potential buyer is going to see them.  And not only will he see them, they will settle in his mind as part of his first impression.  And, as you know, you never get a second chance to make a first impression!

So what can you do, especially given that you're so familiar with the home that you're likely overlooking things?  The answer--get a camera.  Go outside and take a ton of pictures of your home from every angle.  Go across the street and snap a shot of the house in it's entirety.  Walk around the side and the back of the home and take photos.  Close ups, wide shots, different angles. It's amazing how much you'll see as you begin to look with different, more objective, eyes.  But that's just the start.  Take those photos and load them up on your computer and then enlarge sections of it.  See those cracks in the stucco?  See that slant in the walkway?  Notice how much moss is on the top of the roof?  See how that fascia board is rotting on the end? Ugh, what about those weeds in the cracks of the driveway?  Had you noticed those before?  Thanks to this exercise you now have an idea of some of the little fixes you need to make to ensure that your home looks perfect.

One more thing.  That kiddie pool and swing set.  Looks okay to you, right?  How does it look in the photo?  Junky?  Yep, it does. If it absolutely must stay, make sure the swing set is clean, has all it's parts, and if possible has a fresh coat of paint applied to the chipped parts.  Seems a bit excessive, no?  Yes, it does.  Buyers will chose to view or drive by your  home based on a picture.  It's not entirely fair but that's life. If your exterior picture looks cluttered with either unsightly yard furniture, broken swing sets and kiddie pools, rusted trampolines, or overgrown foliage then a potential buyer will likely pass it by and go on to the next listing--the one with the groomed yard, clean roof, and weed free driveway.

After you've identified the issues, go ahead and make the necessary repairs.  Hire a handyman if you need to.  It may cost you a bit of money but you'll get that back in the end when you sell--in less time and at a higher price!

If you have any questions, please feel free to comment in the box below or email me at lyasuda5@gmail.com and I'll do my best to get you answers.  

Take care of yourself and have a lovely weekend!

Lisa

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Property Transfer Tax and the First Time Buyer Exemption

What is Property Transfer Tax?


This is a provincial tax (BC)  that the BUYER pays and it is calculated on the purchase price of the home. The tax is charged at a rate of 1% for the first $200,000 and 2% for the portion of the fair market value that is greater than $200,000. For example, if the fair market value of a property is $350,000, the tax paid is $5,000.   Ouch!--that's a lot of money and for the young person gathering their pennies (ahem, loonies) in order to scrape together a down payment this Property Transfer Tax (PTT) can put the brakes on the dream of home ownership!  

The government decided to be nice guys and help out those First Time Homebuyers.  What?  How?  Well, my friends, read on...

What is the First Time Homebuyer's Exemption?

Recognizing that the PTT would be an obstacle to home ownership, the provincial government provided an exemption for 'first time' home buyers.  Being a 'first timer' isn't the only qualification though, read on for more information.

Do I qualify?

Here are some of the major criteria for qualifying for the exemption but please remember that I'm only a mere human, not a lawyer or government agent, and so you can't rely on this information 100%  (that's my legal disclaimer) so please access the website (see links below) for more information, and talk to your notary or lawyer.

1. You have never owned a principal residence anywhere in the world.

Yes, you read that correctly...anywhere in the world...but the key words here are 'principal residence,' which is defined as a place where an individual normally resides.  If you are, or have been, a registered owner of an investment property; or if you've been on title to your parent's home and in either case didn't occupy the home as your principal residence then you still qualify.

2.  You have lived in BC for 12 consecutive months immediately before the date you register the property, or you have filed 2 income tax returns as a BC resident during the 6 years before the property registration date.

Darn, you're so close to being here for a whole year...only 2 more months and you'd qualify.  No problem, you can still shop for and buy a home but just make sure that you delay your closing date of purchase for 2 months (which is a typical closing period anyway).   

3. You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

If you're not sure if you're a permanent resident, see the Immigration and  Refugee Protection Act (Canada),

4.  You have never received a first time home buyers’ exemption or refund.


What price range qualifies for the exemption?

What matters is not what kind of home you buy --an attached home (like a condo, townhouse or duplex), or a detached home (such as a freestanding home)-- but rather what price you pay.   The fair market value of the home you purchase must be less than $475,000.00.  That can be a tough one in high priced areas like Vancouver but if you move out towards the valley (become a Valley girl or boy--um, like you would totally love it in the Val!)  it's possible to get you into a detached home for that price, and most definitely a really nice townhouse or condo!   In order to receive a full exemption on your PTT, the purchase price must not exceed $475,000.00, but don't despair if you've paid a little more than that as there is a partial exemption for properties valued between $475,000.00 and $500,000.00.  Yay!  If you go over $500,000.00 though, I'm sorry, you're out of luck and will have to pay the PTT.  

How do I apply?

Your lawyer or notary will complete the First Time Home Buyers’ Property Transfer Tax Return as part of the conveyancing/legal work and you will sign the appropriate documentation when you meet with him/her.

At the end of the first year after your purchase you'll receive a letter from the government asking you to confirm that you moved in within 92 days of transfer of title and that you occupied the property as your principal residence for the remainder of the first year.  If you did not move in within 92 days, you will be charged the tax.  If you moved out within the first year you will be charged for a pro-rated portion of the tax.  If, heaven forbid, you pass away or the property is transferred pursuant to a separation agreement or court order, you still keep the exemption.  

What happens if I fib a little?

Yeah, so that's not a great idea.  If the government finds out that you made a false declaration about previously owning property anywhere in the world at any time, or about previously receiving a  BC first time home buyers' tax exemption or refund, then they are going to slap your wrists. HARD!  Be prepared to face a penalty of an amount equal to double the tax (the tax you owe plus a penalty equal to the exemption or refund you claimed).  

I had a situation where a client, a first time homebuyer here in Canada, had a question about whether or not she qualified for the exemption based on the fact that she was on title (only briefly) in a foreign country, and only occupied the home for two weeks.  We discussed this situation with a representative of the Property Transfer Tax division and his advice was: "When in doubt, pay it out."  

What if I forgot to apply when I purchased?

Well then, lucky you, you might qualify for an exemption!   If you met all the  criteria but didn't apply when you registered your home, you can apply for a refund as long as you do it within 18 months of the date that you registered the property ('registering' means the day that title transferred into your name).   Also, if you  became a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident within 12 months of the registration date and, on the registration date, you met all the other qualifications for the exemption. Contact (250) 387.0604 to apply.

What else?

Property TRANSFER tax is not property tax. You pay property tax on an annual basis for services you receive from your local government.  

Websites for more information:

First Time Homebuyer's Program
Immigration and Refugee Protection Act

 

 

 

Thanks for reading, I hope you found this information helpful!  Remember to use a REALTOR® whether buying or selling --we can make the process much nicer for you!

 

Take care!  Next week's topic: Renovations (ugh, gag me with a spoon--or a kitchen, a bathroom, or flooring)

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With Halloween just around the corner I wanted to give the little ghosts and goblins in your home a fun free contest to enter:

 

  • This contest is open to children ages 12 and under.
  • A $25.00 Gift Card to Toys R Us will be given to one lucky winner.
  • Winners will be announced on November 5th!
  • The contest closes on October 31st.

 

 

To print out colouring sheet CLICK HERE.

 

Please scan and email your artwork to lyasuda5@gmail.com  OR  Mail / Drop off at: Lisa Yasuda – RE/MAX LifeStyles Realty, #8-8880 202 Street, Langley, BC V1M 4E7

 

Good Luck!

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Are you in the market for a new home?  Are you thinking of putting your home on the market?  If so, here are some tips to keep in mind.

 

5 Tips for Buyers

 

1. Get your credit in shape.  If you plan to finance your home, check your credit history, especially if you're a first-time buyer.   Doing this gives you the chance to correct any errors or take measures necessary to boost your credit score.  You can order your free credit report in writing from Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada.

 

2. Get pre-approved for a mortgage.  Early in your search, meet with a mortgage lender who will take a look at your credit history, your savings and investment statements and your current financial situation, and give you a better picture of what you can afford and the financing options available.   

 

3. Establish your budget.  Whether you're financing your purchase or paying cash, it helps to establish a budget.  This will help you focus your search on great homes within your price range.

 

4. Make a list.  Buying a home is a process of elimination, not a process of selection.  Make a list of your ideal home's must haves and deal breakers.  This will help you to narrow your search so that you can find a home that fits your current and future needs.

 

5. Think about resale.  While you make purchase your home as a long-term investment, keep in mind that you may need to sell it one day.  Conside the homes resale value when you're looking at properties.

 

 

 

5 Tips for Sellers:

 

1. Clear the clutter.  Before you put your home on the market, clear the clutter that's accumulated over the years.  Tackle one room at a time, and divide your items into three piles:  keep, donate and toss.

 

2. Get packing.  Although you don't want to pack up all of your belongings, it helps to start boxing up the items that you want to keep, but won't use for a while, such as out of season clothing or sporting equipment.  Also, think about packing away sentimental and valuable items.  Packing up  your belongings will help potential buyers picture themselves living in your home and also prevent your valuables from damage.

 

3. Research the local market.  Knowing how much the homes in your neighbourhood are selling for and how long they stayed on the market can help you guage your home's value and estimate a time frame for the sale.

 

4.  Repair and improve.  Boost your home's curb appeal by doing minor repairs and improvements inside the home and out.  Tackle any necessary repairs, paint your walls a neutral color and replace light fixtures or appliances that are damaged or out of date.  And, don't forget to clean--potential buyers can't enjoy the views if the windows are too dirty to see through.

 

5.  Be realistic.  While it's good to get a feel for the local market, be realistic about the selling process.  Having realistic expectations for your home sale willhelp to relieve some of the stress of selling.

 

 

Final last words?  Trust your realtor...and let him/her guide you through the process.  

 

Good luck!

Lisa

 

 

(taken from @ 2014 Buffini and Company)

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Realtors often say that pepole decide whther to buy a house within the first 30 seconds of seeing it.

 

 

What is Curb Appeal?


The first glimpse at the exterior of your home, and the impression that it creates, is called curb appeal.  Likely as you've prepared your house for sale you've focused primarily on the inside of the house--painting, cleaning, staging etc--but the outside is equally, if not more, important.  This is especially true when you consider that people see the outside of a home before they see the inside.  Curb appeal includes anything that can be seen from the road in front of the house.  This could be the driveway, the front door, the steps, the siding, the roof, or the lawn, to name a few.

 

Why Curb Appeal Matters

 

Picture yourself driving through a neighborhood looking for homes for sale.  You see a FOR SALE sign in one yard but the house is completely hidden from view by a row of tall hedges.A few blocks later you see another house for sale.  The lawn is brown, the driveway is full of cracks, and the front door is painted a garish color and is flaking.  Finally, you drive by a house that looks promising.  The yard is neat and tidy.  The landscaping is pleasant with some well kept annuals and perennials, the house has been  power washed and looks clean and shiny, the driveway is level and free of oil spills and stains, and the roof is free of moss and broken tiles or warped shingles.  Immediately this home grabs your attention.  This is the first impression that you don't get a second chance to make...and it's crucial! 

 

Sweat the Small Stuff

 

The little things have a bigger impact than you can imagine.  Small flaws tell people that a house hasn't been well maintained (even if that's not the truth that's the perception it gives).  Small cracks in the driveway, cobwebs in the corner, broken door handles, untrimmed foliage, and chipping paint are immediate turn offs.   Take a bit of time to brush away those cobwebs, sweep the steps, paint the trim and trim the trees before putting your house on the market.  Not sure what else you should do?  Stand at the end of your driveway and take some photographs to give you an objective view.  Look at the four major areas: basic landscaping, repairing, creating a relaxing atmosphere with plants and flowers, and creating ambience through lighting--and you'll get a good idea of where you need to add (or sometimes subtract--remember 'less is more') in order to create the stage for a home that cries out 'come see me!'

 

Good luck!

Lisa

 

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H. R. MacMillan Space Centre

 

The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, founded 1968, is an astronomy museum in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, that is located at Vanier Park in Vancouver.  The Space Centre is named for H. R. MacMillan, a British Columbia industrialist and philanthropist.

 

Inside the building, there are live demonstrations on science in the GroundStation Canada Theatre, exhibits and games in the Cosmic Courtyard, and shows about astronomy in the Planetarium Star Theatre.

 

Source: Wikipedia

 

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Kitsilano Beach


Kitsilano Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Vancouver, especially in the warm summer months. Located at the north edge of the Kitsilano neighbourhood, the beach faces out onto Burrard Inlet.

 

The beach is home to the longest swimming pool in Canada, the salt-water outdoor Kitsilano Pool, operated by the Vancouver Park Board and open during the summer.  Toward the northern edge of the beach is a playground and a number of beach volleyball courts.

 

Source: Wikipedia

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Shuswap Lake

 

Shuswap Lake is a popular summer time destination located in South-Central BC, where you can choose from many activities like outdoor adventures, golf, water activities, family fun, shopping, arts & culture, and culinary experiences.

 

The name "Shuswap" is derived from the Shuswap or Secwepemc First Nations people, the most northern of the Interior Salish peoples, whose territory includes the Shuswap.

 

Source: Wikipedia

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Queen Elizabeth Park

 

Queen Elizabeth Park is a municipal parklocated in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  Its enclosed tropical garden houses 500 exotic plants and flowers and more than a hundred free-flying tropical birds. 

 

There are several other attractions in the park including: Arboretum, Celebration Pavilion, Bloedel Floral Conservatory, Fountains/Plaza, Quarry Gardens, Painters' Corner and Sculpture.

 

Activities at Queen Elizabeth Park include: Pitch and putt golf course, Disc golf course, Tennis courts, Lawn bowling Club and Tai Chi.

 

Source: Wikipedia

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