Bo Kauffmann Real Estate Speaker and Presenter for your group

Real Estate presentation for your group, organization or association

Real estate issues in Winnipeg are a popular topic of discussion at home, at the office or at social events. Issues are reported by the news media (sometimes wrong) and often reflect national trends and statistics. We, however, live in a LOCAL market, and things that happen in other cities often do not affect our real estate market here.

Live real estate presentations

As a local expert on real estate matters, I would like to offer my services to speak to your group, association, organization or club on any real estate related topic. That way, you (and your group) will receive the relevant information first hand.

All groups welcome

What kind of Winnipeg group or association to you belong to? For example:

Social Club

Employee Group

Community Club

Sports Team

Retirement Club

Business Association

….any other group of a half dozen members or more

You chose the real estate related topic

With a little notice, I can prepare a presentation on any real estate related subject, such as:

First Time Home Buyers

Buying an Investment Condo

Selling your house or condo

Buying a Luxury Home (upsizing)

Downsizing to a smaller home or condo

Current market conditions in Winnipeg

….any other real estate related topic

You chose the length of presentation

Presentations can be as short as 5 minutes, or include question and answer periods up to 1 hour. You chose the date, time and presentation length and I will prepare the presentation to suit your needs.

Please e-mail your questions or topic requests to [email protected]

About the Publisher

Bo Kauffmann is a residential real estate agent with over 18 yrs experience in helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals. Inducted into the REMAX Hall of Fame in 2010 and receiving the REMAX Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, Bo has sold over 500 houses and condos in the Greater Winnipeg market. He is an accredited buyer representative (A.B.R.) and a Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. Bo provides exceptional service to First-Time Home-Buyers, Seniors looking to downsize and Home Sellers of all ages. He can be reached easily By E-Mail or call/text him Call/Text Here

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Latest Posts Luxury Homes Winnipeg Home Buying News & Tips

Preparation before buying and moving into a larger home

Preparing for your move to a larger home

If you have been living at a rented apartment or a small house, moving to a large home may seem to be a completely new kind of experience. So, you may have to start planning for this. In fact, the day when you will have to move is going to be the most busy and occupied day for you. You need to have every other detail at your fingertips otherwise the situation can turn worse. May it be a large home or small, it is important for you to be aware of what you need and how you want your home to look like. Just as it is important for you to use a home mortgage calculator while buying a home, it also is important for you to consider various other things while moving into your new home.

Moving to a larger home

It is not only about the day you are going to move into your new larger home. You will have to consider the days ensuing your ‘move in’ too. However, some of the most important things you need to do if you are moving up to a large home are:

Note down the details while taking a tour of the home – In order to avoid mistakes it would be important for you to note down all of the possible details, while you will be touring the home. This would help you in planning your move in the right way.
Make a mental picture of how you are going to set things up – It would be better to make a mental picture of how you would like to set up your things. Based on that, you can start jotting down a proper plan.
Determine the items you will be taking along with you – Determine which are the items you are going to take along with you while moving. There must be numerous such items which won’t be of much use. So, it would be better to do away with these. If you can sell those off, you may be able to make some extra money. This money can come in handy in case of emergencies, while on the move.
Decide if you would need to buy a few essentials before moving – Decide if you would at all be required to buy a few items, as you are moving into a new home.
Try to have lots of supplies to make things easier – Make sure that you have lots of supplies and boxes, before the actual day arrives. Boxes are going to make it easy for you to move the required items into the new home.
Get help of professionals if you are unable to decide on certain things – It is better to get help of professional movers and packers. This is going to ease up the situation. This also ensures that none of your things are either broken or lost.
Write details of the items contained within (on the boxes) – To make things easier for you, it would be wiser of you to write down the details of what the boxes contain. Do this on the upper side of the box. This is going to help while you will be unpacking.
Start unpacking in a planned way while moving into the new home – After you move into the new larger home, start unpacking but do that in a planned way yet again. Examine what is to be unpacked and divide the task among your family.
Try getting prior access to the home for making it pest free – It is better to make sure that the home is pest free. So, request the lender or the person in charge for prior access.
Get people to clean up the large home before moving into it – As it is a large home, it would be better to get help of people in order to clean it up.

So, these are the 10 most important things which you need to do if you are moving to a new and larger home.

This article has been contributed by Sam Stokdale, a financial writer specializing in mortgage. Immersing himself with the financial sector, he has covered topics including real estate investment, mortgage refinancing, lending and borrowing, managing finances and credit advice.

And when you’re ready to make a move to a larger, luxury home, call Bo Kauffmann of Re/Max Performance…. (204) 333-2202

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Latest Posts Winnipeg Home Buying News & Tips

Tips for first time home buyers

Tips for buying your first house or condo

When searching to purchase your first home, it’s difficult to know what you really should be looking for. First time homeowners have an abundance of questions that they need to have answered before they can take the leap into the #realestate purchasing pool. Here are some tips for making that leap easier.

Be patient

The first, and maybe the most important tip, is to be patient. Buying a home is not something a first time homebuyer should rush into. You want to ensure that the home has all of your requirements and amenities that you desire. You are going to see a large amount of different homes, some in which you will love but are out of your budget, and some that you just could not stand to see yourself living in. A home is a huge investment, one that is going to require you to live in for many years to make it worth the purchase, so finding one that you truly can see yourself living in is going to benefit you greatly.

Find a REALTOR® you can trust

Another tip is to find a realtor that you trust. Your realtor should be willing to tell you up front when a house has an issue with it, and should also guide you on homes that are within your budget while keeping your necessities in mind. A realtor is your guide to all of the homes in the area you’re looking in, and they have all of the inside scoop. They will also handle the price of a home and can negotiate for you, doing all of the tedious work.

Check your finances

Look at the big picture. You don’t want to get yourself into a financial bind when you purchase a home, so be sure that you can make the down payment, all of the fees associated with the home, monthly payments, and the costs of owning a home. It is suggested that buyers spend no more than 28% of their income on housing costs. Purchasing a home is a financial and time committal situation. As a first time homeowner, you will want to ensure you can afford to buy a home with your current budget, while keeping in mind all of the costs associated with buying real estate. Having a realtor that you trust will help you find the home of your dreams while keeping it in your budget. Being patient is key in making sure you don’t buy out of budget or buy the home you do not want. First time homeowners should be confident in their real estate purchase.

About the Author

Coldwell Banker Mountain Property is pleased to bring you this article on tips for first time homebuyers. Coldwell Mountain Property deals with primarily Winter Park Colorado Real Estate, and Grand County Real Estate. If you are interested in learning more, check out their website today.

Home Buyer interview with Remax Agent Bo Kauffmann

https://blog.winnipeghomefinder.comNovember 8, 2012 8:53:46 AM CST

Home-Buyer Interview with Real Estate Agent Bo Kauffmann . When I start working with a new buyer, whether its a home-buyer or condo-buyer, I like to start the process with a personal meeting, during which we discuss a number of topics relating to the real estate buying process in Winnipeg. We start by taking a […]

The post Home Buyer interview with Remax Agent Bo Kauffmann appeared first on Winnipeg’s Real Estate Blog published by Bo Kauffmann

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Going green has never been more high tech

Going%20green%20has%20never%20been%20more%20high%20tech

Think going green will cost too much or take too much time? You might be surprised at how much time, energy and money you can save by making a few changes in your home to make it more energy efficient. And don’t worry that it will be too much work because some new high tech tools are making it easier than ever.

Green living expert Megan McLendon is the executive producer at www.doyourpart.com, and she recommends several options for making a powerful impact.

Take stock of the situation

Do you really know how much energy you use to run your household? Think about everything you run or turn on during the day. Consider your heating and cooling systems, appliances and electronics. The average single-family household racks up more than $2,000 in energy bills each year. Home electricity monitors make it easy to see how much energy you use and what you spend on it. A device called The Energy Detective can monitor the energy your home consumes in real time and the exact amount it’s costing you. You can chart 10 years’ worth of data and even review your information remotely. The basic model costs around $200. Then, there are free ways to help you see what’s using the most energy at home and help you target those hot spots. MyEnergy.com compiles information directly from your utility companies and is able to compare your usage to that of some of your neighbors. You can also earn reward points for using less energy.

Hit the energy hogs

Now, that you know how much energy you’re really using at home, it’s time to hit those energy hogs hard. Start with making your heating and cooling systems more efficient. So-called “smart” thermostats are now available and are easy to use. The Nest thermostat is one such device that actually learns from your family’s behavior. Soon after installation, it will automatically begin to lower or increase the temperature when you go to bed or leave the house. It even allows you to look at its daily energy use and access the thermostat from your computer or smartphone.

There are also other intuitive devices to help you reduce your energy consumption at home. A power strip for sale by Belkin will shut down power going to a series of electronics by simply turning off one of the components. This is a great solution for home offices and entertainment centers. And here’s another smart tip: For those items at home which run off batteries, invest in reusable ones. They will cost a little more than regular batteries but more than make up for that cost in the long run. A gadget that will easily help you make the switch is the Energizer Universal Charger. This device will charge AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V batteries, so you also reduce clutter by only having one charger for all of your battery charging needs.

Put it all together

Once you have the information you need, you can easily put it all together to analyze. EnergyHub has a product that works as a command center for your home. You can access all your energy information in one place so you can control your thermostat, lights and appliances from a central home location or remotely. General Electric is also rolling out a hub system called the Nucleus that does the same thing and is compatible with smart meters.

Knowledge is power. When you know how much energy your home is using, it’s easier to come up with strategies to lower your energy usage and lower your utility bills. It’s another important way to do your part without wasting your energy.

IMAGE CAPTIONS:

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Caption 1: Reviewing your energy consumption regularly can help you see how much energy you use and where you can cut down.

Caption 2: Intuitive devices like this advanced power strip and battery charger help you reduce your energy consumption at home.

Courtesy of BPT

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How to create the perfect kids room

Creating the perfect kids room

Nurseries and playrooms on television and in magazines might have you thinking your child could use a more playful environment. Some of the more elaborate designs undoubtedly cost more time and money than you may want to spend, but don’t let that discourage you. Creating a space your kids can call their own doesn’t need to break the bank or require too much of your time. With a little creative thinking, you can transform any space into the perfect kid-friendly retreat.

Color the walls

Children are drawn to bright colors that stimulate their creativity. And, though you don’t want them taking matters into their own hands when it comes to wall art, there are other great ways to create a beautifully colorful environment. With Dutch Boy’s Crayola palette, a more fun and playful kids room is just a few paint strokes away. Featuring vibrant shades that match your kids’ crayons, this palette offers an easy way to bring life into your child’s hideaway. Whimsical colors like Inch Worm, Cream Soda, Little Princess and Tropical Rain Forest will instantly transform your child’s room into a fun-filled, lively space. You don’t need to stick with one shade, either. Paint an accent wall or even do custom designs or stripes. With a few hours and a little creativity, you can quickly and easily turn the kids room in your home into a magical, youthful escape.

Fun-size furniture

Adult-sized furniture can leave your child feeling like Goldilocks, so bring in some pint-sized pieces to make them believe the room is specially meant just for them. Even if your budget is tight, there are plenty of options for fun-size furniture available. Kids’ chairs and tables are great additions to help them comfortably color, read books, do crafts and exercise their creativity. And there is no need to spend a fortune. Garage sales commonly offer kids furniture, which can easily be restored. Even if a find appears worn, a fresh coat of white paint and some bright chair cushions will instantly make it good-as-new – for a fraction of the price. Let kids help choose the furniture, fabrics and color to give them the feeling the space is their own and turn the restoration into a fun project.

Dreamland bedding

Making sure your little one has a cozy, restful space to sleep is important, and balancing comfort with creativity is easier and less costly than you might think. There are endless bedroom options to suit every style and age, and letting children choose bedding or a quilt cover they love can make their bedtime routine go more smoothly. Matching pillows can help create a cohesive look, and fun cushions or bright body pillows can help kids sit comfortably on the floor with a book or game. Whether they choose polka dots, bright patterns, cartoon images or solid white, a new design that’s all their own will make bed and naptime something they may actually look forward to. Don’t worry about matching the bedding to other decoration in the room – dreams are fun and unpredictable, so let your child’s preference lead the way.

Storage

Crayons, and teddy bears, and games, oh my! Storing all of your child’s precious belongings can be challenging, especially if the room is small. To avoid the “warzone” look, invest in a few storage options that will improve the look of your child’s room while teaching him to clean up after himself. Closed cabinets and clear tubs are great for storing stuffed animals, craft items and action figures, while open bookshelves work well for books, games and puzzles. Open cubby systems are also a good way to teach young children organization skills while keeping their favorite toys easily accessible. Color-coded bins can help keep kids rooms bright and youthful while keeping their things off of the floor.

With a little time and minimal cost, you can help transform your child’s room into the perfect place to learn, dream and play for years to come.

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Thoughtful design in everyday spaces

https://blog.winnipeghomefinder.comFebruary 28, 2013 9:40:20 AM CST

Thoughtful design in everyday spaces . Have you ever stopped to consider how much thought and effort went into the design of the spaces you visit every day? You may not realize it, but your favorite restaurants, neighborhood grocery store and go-to movie theater follow some very specific design principles in order to create a […]

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New siding improves a home’s curb appeal

New siding improves your home’s curb appeal

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Nowadays, many are choosing to live in their homes longer. As a result, a growing number of homeowners are investing in home improvements they can enjoy themselves.

One of the best home improvements homeowners can make is replacing tired, old, faded siding. According to the National Association of Realtors, replacing your siding offers an 80 percent payback or return on your investment.

One reason that new siding is such a solid home improvement investment is it instantly enhances the curb appeal of your home. There’s nothing quite like the warm feeling of driving up to your home every day and admiring its beauty.

Siding also is a critical link to the well-being of your home. Siding is the first layer of defense against the elements, protecting the walls and interior of your home from moisture, heat and cold.

From wood clapboard and brick used widely to side homes decades ago to today’s innovative materials, such as patented Ultrex pultruded fiberglass used in APEX siding and trim, siding materials have evolved to deliver higher performance, more cost efficiency and enhanced aesthetics. With so many choices available to homeowners today, it’s important for homeowners to do their homework when shopping for home siding. Here are seven tips to consider when shopping for home siding:

1. Do your homework. Not all siding options are created equal. There’s a huge difference between lower cost vinyl siding products and high-performance fiberglass siding. Lower priced options often come with tradeoffs, such as a higher risk of damage in a severe storm from hail or wind, faster color fading, or lots of maintenance (repainting, caulking, etc.). Premium siding products may cost more initially, but may be far less expensive and hassle-free over the course of homeownership.

2. Have a plan. Now is the time to coordinate other exterior elements with your new siding and trim to give your home a more contemporary, updated look and feel. Consider new energy-saving windows, such as Integrity windows, a new garage door, new roof shingles and enhance your landscaping through the use of pavers, wall systems and perennial plants and shrubs.

3. Get referrals. Ask your neighbors, co-workers and friends for referrals of remodelers who specialize in replacing siding. Interview several remodelers and always get detailed estimates before committing to any remodeler.

4. Visit homes. Replacing siding isn’t like replacing an appliance. You may only do this once or twice in your lifetime. To make sure you get exactly what you want, make sure to visit homes that have recently been resided by your contractor or remodeler. This will help you compare how different types of house siding actually look on a home.

5. Take your siding green. When replacing your siding, use siding material that is made from sustainable materials, such as sand, which will reduce the use of harmful chemicals and paints needed to manufacture and maintain it.

6. Select your colors. Choosing a color for your new siding may be the most difficult decision you’ll have to make. The good news is that today’s top-of-the-line siding offers a wide variety of bold colors from which to select. In contrast to traditional wood and fiber cement siding that requires painting and caulking every few years, new pultruded fiberglass siding offers an acrylic finish that is thicker and more durable than paint, and it resists chipping and fading. This allows homeowners to enjoy the satisfaction of their new siding with virtually zero maintenance.

7. Better moisture management. The number one thing you should expect of your new siding is it should protect your home from the elements, especially moisture. Unfortunately, some types of siding, such as fiber cement, wood and stucco, are more prone to moisture because they trap or absorb moisture behind the siding material. Instead, look to a siding that is inherently resistant to water. Then, look to how that siding will manage moisture – behind the siding, when it’s up against the wall of your home. A siding system that provides a continuous, natural drainage plane (moisture drains harmlessly away), and allows air to circulate to provide natural evaporation is critical to decreasing trapped moisture, which creates rot and mold.

Bring new life to your kitchen on any budget

blog.winnipeghomefinder.comFebruary 13, 2013 9:06:12 AM CST

Kitchen Renovation on any budget . Kitchens are a reflection of personal style. Just as you add new pieces to your wardrobe when the seasons change, kitchen updates keep spaces fresh and current. The following three tips, inspired by fall/winter interior design trends from design duo Blazys Gerard, offer splurge versus save ideas to bring […]

The post Bring new life to your kitchen on any budget appeared first on Winnipeg's Real Estate Blog.

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Interior Design Tips to create a timeless look in your home

Interior Design Tips for your home

Like fashion, interior design trends change with the seasons. Each month, different colours and patterns become the new “it” look, inspiring us to overhaul our home décor.

Keeping up with the latest looks can be challenging, not to mention expensive. That’s why it’s important to remember that keeping your home décor modern isn’t so much about buying trendy furniture as it is about being practical. Invest in timeless pieces that are suited to your lifestyle and create a calm environment.

Delta Faucet, a leader in beautifying home interiors, offers the following tips to make sure your space will always feel fresh:

Choose multi-functional products with hidden technology and beautiful design to create a modern feel. Think televisions hidden in cabinets, speakers mounted behind the wall, and sleek kitchen faucets with a hidden sprayer. Technology that seamlessly blends into a space will always feel new.

Consider incorporating accessories in shades such as clean green, saffron, ocean blue, and magenta to create a soothing atmosphere that will never feel tired.

“Adding sleek pieces in a colour that you’ll always love – rather than a trendy colour – makes your style timeless, not to mention wallet-friendly,” says Jo Alcorn, a Toronto-based interior design expert.

Update fabrics to those that feature timeless geometric designs, overlapping layers, or stripes. All of these can instantly make a home more contemporary without a large investment.

Sleek and simple architectural details add maximum design impact and can become the focal point in any room.

“Paying attention to your hardware including cabinet handles, light fixtures and even faucets can play a huge role in making your place look more modern,” says Alcorn. For instance, the strong, angular lines of the Vero lavatory faucet bring a sense of urban sophistication to the bathroom. See more at deltafaucet.ca. When considering furniture, look for pieces with glass or painted wood, and materials like coloured acrylic, fibreglass, and chrome. These features will ensure your choices stand the test of time.

Nothing dates a space like clutter. Organize and store – or even neatly display – magazines, newspapers, and books. Electronic cords should be off the floor and not visible to keep your room looking neat and clean.

Bring new life to your kitchen on any budget

blog.winnipeghomefinder.comFebruary 13, 2013 9:06:12 AM CST

The post Bring new life to your kitchen on any budget appeared first on Winnipeg’s Real Estate Blog

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Keep the home fire safe: Fireplace safety

5 steps for fireplace safety

During crisp, cold evenings, a warm blanket and well-equipped fireplace are all you need for a cozy night in.

However, a fireplace brings more than comfort. According to Fire Prevention Canada, fire kills over 400 people a year nationwide with residential fires causing 73% of those deaths. With winter in a deep freeze, it’s important to be aware of fire prevention and what your insurance policy offers.

“Fireplaces create a nice setting for homeowners to relax with loved ones,” says Wayne Ross, insurance expert at Aviva Canada. “Unfortunately, they can also add to serious fire risks, but taking simple measures can help avoid traumatic situations.”

Ross offers the following pointers to ensure that your fireplace remains a place of enjoyment in your home:

1. Get it ready: To avoid fire and smoke damage make sure that the damper opens and closes properly. If your chimney hasn’t been cleaned in a while, call a chimney sweeper.

2. Remove flammable materials: Clear the area next to your fireplace of all flammable items including newspapers, carpets and fabrics. Even a small spark of fire can quickly spiral out of control.

3. Stay equipped: Install smoke detectors throughout your home. Time is of the essence when dealing with fires and a smoke detector can help avoid major disasters.

4. Fireplace accessories: Invest in a few tending tools. These can be used to rotate logs, ensure oxygen flow and clean up ashes-small steps that go a long way in fire prevention.

5. Check your insurance policy: Know your insurer’s guidelines and coverage so there are no surprises if you need to file a claim for damage. For example, many companies only cover fire damage if fireplaces are installed professionally.

Following these simple tips will ensure that your fireplace only leaves your family with pleasant memories this season.

Courtesy of Newscanada

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Benefits Of Phoenix As A Winter Vacation Home

Florida and Texas have long been favorites among Canadian investors, looking to purchase investment properties or winter vacation homes. Here, I would like to give you 10 reasons to consider Phoenix, Arizona for your vacation home purchase.

1) Weather

Boasting 330 days of sunshine per year, Phoenix’ weather can best be described as ‘predictable’. Summers are scorching hot, routinely hitting 110 to 115 degrees F (yeah, but it’s a DRY heat). December and January daytime-high averages are around the 70 F (21C) mark, making for beautifully temperate sunny days. Nights do get cold, and can in fact dip below freezing. But for Canadians escaping -25 degrees, it’s all good!

2) Excellent roadways

Much of Phoenix is laid out in a square grid system, with major roads running north-south, and east-west thru most of the city. Larger arteries are 3 or 4 lanes each way, with major highways boasting 5 and 6 lanes. Roads are in fantastic shape, clean and and great repair. Such a system not only makes it easy to get around, but nearly impossible to get lost….(and THIS is coming from a guy who once got turned-around in an elevator).

3) Property Values

Local REALTORS® tell me that they’ve seen increases of around 10% last year, and many believe that Phoenix has seen the bottom of the market near the end of 2011. One article I read indicated that Phoenix was actually seeing a bit of a sellers market, largely due to …wait for it: Canadian Investors!

4) Great Shopping

Major shopping malls and Outlet malls appear to be everywhere. Check out the upscale Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Square, and the stunning Fashion Mall in Scottsdale. Men….drop your wife off at the Scottsdale Square mall, and check out the IPIC theatre, where you can watch a movie and get pizza and beer served right to your seat. For deals, check out the Outlets at Anthem, about 20 minutes north of the city. And we like the Desert Ridge Marketplace, with over 100 shops, restaurants and theatres in an open-air mall, featuring free outdoor concerts by local musicians every Friday and Saturday evening.

5) Cost of Living

With major stores like Albertson’s, Wal-Mart and Fry’s competing for your grocery dollar, you’ll find deals like this: watermelon at 3-lbs for a buck, Milk at $1.67 per US gallon and fresh, boneless skinless chicken breasts at $1.90 a lb. “Sure,” you say, “but what about the necessities?” With stores like ‘Total Wine & More” and ‘Costco’, you’ll find a bottle of Beringer Zinfandel for 3 bucks, a 1.75 litre of spiced rum for $16, and a 24 of Stella Artois for 22 bucks.

6) Super-friendly people

While harder to quantify, this is real nonetheless. Perhaps its the 330 days of sunshine, or the cheap liquor (just kidding) but folks here are friendly. From the strangers you meet on the street, (nearly everyone says ‘hello’ or ‘good morning’), to the clerks and sales staff in the malls, people here are seriously NICE!

7) Restaurants and Happy Hours

An abundance of restaurants probably means that folks here love to eat out. And these restaurants compete for the business with excellent Happy Hours. Two of our favorites became the ‘Mellow Mushroom’, with it’s half price drinks and appetizers, and T.G.I.Fridays, which serves a 20 oz beer for 3 bucks….and features Happy Hour ALL DAY SUNDAYS.

8) Walking, Biking and Hiking

Want to say (or get) active? Sidewalks are extra wide, nice, flat and super clean. Most major roads feature bicycle lanes and for those interested in hiking, there are dozens and dozens of trails in and around Phoenix. For example, 15 min. north of the city you will find Pinnacle Peak. Park your car, and tackle a well-groomed trail which runs up and down two mountain tops, for a total length of 4 miles (there and back). …. all FREE.

9) Clean

The areas we’ve seen are exceptionally clean. No blowing garbage, dirt or sand on the streets, and the freeways look more like jet runways. I didn’t wash my car in 7 weeks…..simply didn’t have to! And Scottsdale is a car-lovers mecca: you’ve probably heard of the Barrett-Jackson auction, but over that same weekend, there were 5 other car shows and auctions in the Phoenix area.

10) Location

If all the shopping, restaurants and hiking isn’t enough, there is NFL, NHL, ML and NBA action. Still want more? Visiting the Grand Canyon and Sedona is only a 2 hour car drive north. 5 hours will get you to San Diego to the west, or to Las Vegas to the north. Don’t want to drive? Airlines offering $140 return flight to Las Vegas (plus taxes)….

Disclaimer: I’ve only been a visitor to the Phoenix area, and am far from an expert in the subject. In fact, my visit was limited to the northern Phoenix/Scottsdale areas. Suffice it to say, we were very impressed, and would highly recommend that anyone, who is looking for a winter vacation home, takes a closer look at this lovely area. If you are thinking of investing in real estate, e-mail me a [email protected], and I will put you in touch with a local real estate agent.

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Easy Storage Solutions for your bathroom

Easy Storage Ideas for Your Bathroom

Clean up your bathroom with these simple storage tricks for organizing towels, toiletries and more. First, stretch the storage and function of your bathroom prep area by removing cabinet doors from your vanity and adding decorative bins. By doing this, you can add a laundry hamper, storage for extra toiletries and bath towels. Look beyond the vanity for storage and add wall-mounted shelves. Organize items in jars and bins to keep clutter under control. Save even more space by lifting your dental care items off the countertop. Stash them in wall-mounted containers. With a few clever tweaks, you can more storage from your bathroom and cut clutter in the tiny space.

Investment Condo: 4 things to look for when buying an investment condo

blog.winnipeghomefinder.comNovember 22, 2012 7:38:54 AM MST

Buyer Info,Condos,Latest Posts

Buyer Info,Condos,Latest Posts Buying an Investment Condo? 4 things to look for! . A friend of mine had called me some time ago, and asked me to give him a Market Evaluation on his investment property. Turns out he had purchased a small condo about a year ago, and had done so ‘privately’, without the […]

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What to do on a Date Nite in downtown Winnipeg

Date Night in Downtown Winnipeg

Downtown Winnipeg is the place to be on Date-Nite”…..with so many options, you can do something different every week.

Here are a few tried and true ideas for having fun on date night in downtown Winnipeg:

1) Dinner and a movie. Downtown Winnipeg is a hub of restaurants and theaters. The Line Up in the Exchange District has a good deal for dinner with a movie pass at your choice of a couple movie theaters in the area. The Peasant Cookery boasts fresh food in a sit-down atmosphere.

Cinematheque is an entertaining theatre to go to for films produced and directed by local filmmakers, as well as for artsy films that you normally can’t find at a regular movie theatre. Towne 8, the Globe and IMAX are all in the area as well, giving you your pick of any of the latest releases.

2) Drinks before the theatre. Blufish and Sensi are both right around the corner from the Manitoba Theatre Centre. The ambience in both of these restaurants will make you want to stay for “just one more drink,” so be sure to give yourself enough time before the theatre! The Concert Hall, MTC Warehouse and Prairie Theatre Exchange all offer unique shows as well which are sure to please.

3) First Fridays. Supporting your local artists, exploring heritage buildings and admiring beautiful works of art is what you’ll get if you partake in First Fridays. On the first Friday of every month, artists from all around downtown Winnipeg display their art in several buildings in the Exchange District. Admission is free. It’s a great opportunity to wander through countless rooms in the heritage buildings and to discover talented new artists living right here in Winnipeg.

4) A stroll along Waterfront. Walking along the river on a quiet evening is a beautiful way to pass the time. Summer is the perfect time to go with the sun staying up later into the evening. Paths meander alongside the river; you can walk from downtown Winnipeg to the Forks at any time of the year. During flood season the river walk is closed between the Forks to Osborne Village, but it can also be a lovely walk later in the year for those who wish to get in a little bit more exercise.

5) Watching live music. You need only be in the streets of downtown Winnipeg to hear bands practicing in heritage buildings, but seeing a live band is even better. Grab a bite at Deseo Bistro before catching a show at the Albert (in the same building); the King’s Head and the Lo Pub are equally enjoyable for music that you can dance to or simply sit back and enjoy.

For those who want to get out there and party, there are a number of clubs in the Exchange District and the Theatre District to check out. Stop by the Fyxx or the Mondragon if you prefer a cup of coffee in the evening. When in doubt, go exploring – there’s always something new and interesting going on in downtown Winnipeg to enjoy!

Sagan Morrow owns an open-concept condo in Winnipeg’s Exchange District and loves downtown living. By night she writes the blog Living Healthy in the Real World and is the Executive Director for The Food Label Movement; by day, she coordinates the Dig In local food campaign for Food Matters Manitoba. She enjoys taking in the theatre and art culture of downtown Winnipeg during her spare time.

Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg

blog.winnipeghomefinder.comNovember 1, 2012 7:13:02 AM CDT

Winnipeg

Latest Posts,Winnipeg museum, tourism, Winnipeg Canadian Museum for Human Rights will be a hot attraction in Winnipeg . Downtown living is especially exciting in Winnipeg at this time because of the new Canadian Museum for Human Rights that is currently being built, expected to launch in 2013. Although it is still in the construction phase, […]

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Home Staging Tip #2: Curb Appeal

The old saying “You never get a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression” is especially true in real estate. Whether you’re selling a house or a condo, in a hot or a slow market, as the seller you want to make a great first impression. Home Staging can help with this, and improving curb appeal is a vital part. Quite often, buyers will do a ‘drive-by’ of your property, to gauge whether they want to call their own agent and invest their time in viewing your house or condo further. If during this drive-by they see things they don’t like, the buyers may just decide to keep drivin’.

Home Staging your Curb Appeal

At the very least, home sellers should make sure that the exterior of the home is well repaired. Shingles are in good shape, no damaged siding and no flaking paint. And home staging should not stop with the house itself. Shrubs should be manicured, lawns cut, fertilized and weeded and sidewalks cleaned.

Winter Staging

In the winter, sidewalks should be shoveled to the front and around the side of the house. If you have a deck or patio, it should also be cleared of snow, so that buyers can see what they’re getting. Take down any decorations (Christmas, Halloween, New Years etc) as soon as that particular festivity is over.

Enjoy the Home Staging Video #2: Curb Appeal.

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Kitchen of the Week: Stirring Up Two Styles in San Diego (5 photos)

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Home Improvements Latest Posts

Home Renovations: Which home improvements give the best r.o.i.

Which home improvements give the best return on investment?

Home Owners often ask: ‘Which home renovations increase the value of my house, and assure that I get ‘top-dollar’ when selling?’ While there is no hard-and-fast rule, here is a sobering statistic from the Appraisal Institute of Canada:

The Appraisal Institute of Canada compared typical costs for renovations versus the impact on a home’s selling price to come up with a “payback range” for common projects.

Bathroom reno: 75% to 100%
Kitchen reno: 75% to 100%
Installing a deck: 25% to 75%
Exterior siding: 50% to 75%
Flooring upgrade: 50% to 75%
Basement reno: 50% to 75%

Why do I say “sobering”? If you look closely, you will see that none of the estimates exceed 100%. In other words, they are suggesting that if you spend $5,000 on siding, your home’s value would only increase by between $2,500 and $3750 (50% to 75%). On the surface, it would not seem a worthwhile investment to improve your home for the purpose of increasing it’s resale value. So does it make sense to improve before selling? Maybe…. depending on your answers to two major questions!

Those two major questions are 1) What is the current condition of the item which you are thinking of improving, and 2) Can you do some of the labor yourself, thereby saving money. Lets take a look at what I mean:

1) Current Condition

On this topic my advice is “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Lets use the example of a furnace. If your home has a 10 yrs old, mid-efficient furnace, it should be working fine. Replacing THAT with a brand new, $3500 H.E. unit will in most cases, not increase the value of the house by an equal or greater amount.

On the other hand, if your furnace hums and howls and is the size of a sub-compact car, buyers might be turned off from making an offer. Installing a new, energy efficient unit would probably we a worthwhile home renovations project. Much the same applies for most other home renovations projects: Is the current item in good condition, or will it detract from the home? Is the kitchen falling apart, or merely ‘dated’ in appearance. Are carpets just a little worn, or can you see the sub-floor and notice every spot where “whiskers blew chunks”?

2) Home Renovations D.I.Y.

I am going to assume that the Appraisal Institute used, for its calculations, prices that included professional labor. So the question is: how much (if anything) can you do yourself. If you’re fairly handy, painting the interior of your home is probably one of the best home renovations projects you can tackle. Another high-value/low-cost improvement is modernizing the lights. Go with bright, modern lighting, such as halogen, and keep the twisty florescent bulbs for your next home. They might save money in electricity, but their slow start-up and dim lighting don’t help sell a house. In any case, completing home renovations by yourself will drastically improve the return-on-investment numbers, provided the renos are done well. Buyers and their agents can spot poorly done D.I.Y. home renovations, and the result is lower offers and a slower selling home.

So, keeping the above rules in mind, Home Renovations done right can and will improve your sales price.

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Home Renovations: Which home improvements give the best r.o.i.

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Home Staging Tip #2: Curb Appeal

Home Staging your Curb Appeal

Winter Staging

Enjoy the Home Staging Video #2: Curb Appeal.

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Which home improvements give the best return on investment?

1) Current Condition

2) Home Renovations D.I.Y.

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