Home Improvements interior decorating Latest Posts

Make the most of one’s living space

Maximizing your living space

Is your living space a place for show, only utilized when you are entertaining? Living rooms, as their title suggests, should not only reflect who you are towards the outdoors world, but they should also be lived in. Here are some recommendations for getting your living space warm and inviting for visitors as well as functional and comfy for household members.

In case your living space is large, divide it into smaller locations through the positioning of furnishings. You would like the “conversation pit” to become cozy – a couch and loveseat and a couple of chairs close to a large cocktail table will seat many people, yet they’ll all have the ability to hear what the others are saying. A great place for household meetings as well as for entertaining. Make certain all seats are within reach of a table – someplace to arrange those drinks and chips!

Face the couch to an architectural focal level, something like a fireplace or a large window that looks out to your garden or even the city lights. If you don’t have an architectural component to work with, produce one by hanging large photos or a mural on a wall. This allows people to admire the artwork and it’s safer than hanging something large over the seating (especially in locations susceptible to earthquakes!). Hang cloth wall hangings or little photos on the wall behind the couch. Don’t, however, hang a mirror where people will see their reflection all of the time. Not everyone is thrilled by his or her picture.

If you divide your living space in two or 3 seating and/or eating locations, use rugs to outline the talking space, another beneath the eating table, and another space to exhibit the Buddha you brought back from Thailand, or a wall of bookcases that not only maintain your books but additionally display your assortment of antique toys. Area rugs work well, more than waxed hardwood floors or neutral, wall-to-wall Berber-style carpeting.

An ornamental space divider, like Japanese shoji screens, can be utilized to separate a large space right into a living space and a Tv space. In a smaller place, face the couch to a wall unit that holds the television – it’s certain to turn out to be a preferred gathering spot for the household.

The days of covering the “good” living space furnishings with plastic are over! Leather or even the new microfiber fabrics are simple to clean, look great, and can survive visitors, children, and pets. If the furnishings are in neutral colors, add colorful ornamental pillows. Remember to keep a couple of throw blankets close to stay cozy on cool nights.

In case your living space walls are painted in mild neutral shades, you’ll have the ability to change the furnishings and ornamental touches easily. Other ways to change the look of one’s living space are by including tall plants or a silk tree, a permanent flower assortment in a basket or tall vase, and even a fountain or little pond in a sufficiently large area.

Don’t overlook lighting! Floor lamps, especially in darkish corners, can brighten large locations, while desk lamps can provide good light for the preferred reading/knitting chair. An assortment of candles on the mantelpiece or a desk adds ambiance to your living space. Now go ahead, live inside your living space.

And, if after all of these efforts, you find your place is STILL too small, call Bo Kauffmann of Re/Max to help you find a large home…. Call direct (204) 333-2202

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 Winnipeg Condo Buyers, Sellers & Owners

Winnipeg Condominiums: By-laws – Reserve Funds – Condo Fees & more

Condominiums: By-laws, Reserve Funds, Condo-Documents

In part 1 we examined the different types and styles of Winnipeg condominiums. Now lets look at some of the more common questions buyers have about condominiums in general:

What do Condo-Fees pay for?

All condominiums (and there are hundreds in Winnipeg) have different arrangements. With some, your condo fee only pays for the very basics, such as snow-clearing, grass cutting, management fees and common-element insurance’. With other condominiums, the fees might include water, cable-vision packages, heat and an on-site caretaker.

What is a ‘common-element’?

Basically it is any area where all residents have access. In an apartment style condominiums, that would be the entrance and the hallways, as an example. In a townhouse, or bungalow styles, it would be the roadway and the visitor parking lot. The ‘common-element insurance’ basically protects the owners from any lawsuits by visiting guests, whether invited or uninvited, but that is a subject all to itself.

What is a Reserve Fund?

Featured Condo: Chimney Ridge Condos on Pembina Hwy. Winnipeg https://t.co/q87oBfD4mL via @bokauffmann

— Ultimate Social Blog (@Ultimate_Social) December 13, 2016

Every month, a small portion of the condo-fee goes into a special savings account, called a “Reserve Fund”. Again depending on the type of condominiums we are looking at, this reserve fund might pay for any building repairs such as a new roof, new windows, painting and re-carpeting of hallways, etc. Basically the maintenance and repairs of areas which are common to all owners, and which effect all owners. So for example, if you own a stand-alone bungalow condo, you might be responsible for your own roof repairs, new windows etc etc.

Special Assessments?

If the condo requires extra maintenance or improvements, and the Reserve Fund does not have sufficient funds to cover these costs, owners are faced with a Special Assessment. Here is where knowing your specific “percentage of ownership” comes in: When you bought the unit, you are actually buying a small percentage of the entire building…. for example, 0.75%. So if a special assessment is required of, let’s say, $1.2 million dollars, you will have to submit 0.75% of that….. Owners and buyers are, understandably concerned about this, but here is a way to look at it: If you owned a HOUSE, you might face an unexpected bill for furnace repair/replacement, or roof repair, etc etc.

Bylaws for Condominiums:

When a condo-project is first created, the builder usually sets up a set of ‘by-laws’, which would govern the use and rights of the individual owners. The initial set of by-laws are quite often very simple, such as “No Laundry to be hung from windows” of an apartment style condo. Bungalow condominiums might have a rule that states “No Outbuildings or Sheds or Fences to be erected”.

As owners settle into the Winnipeg condominiums, they establish a board, and can then write their own by-laws. In order to change a current law, or to create a new one, the owners need to approve such changes by a 75% margin. In short, majority rules.

Taxes:

Unfortunately, in our fair city and province, Winnipeg condominiums are taxed at precisely the same rate as regular houses. Considering that many condos, especially high-rises, uses a lot less services (i.e.: street cleaning, garbage pickup which is often paid for by the condo fees, snow clearing, etc etc) this current system is not considered fair by many. Fair or not, condos offer a unique lifestyle, and definite value in a time when it is becoming more and more difficult to find a house in a similar price range.

Check out the 7 reasons for buying a condominium in Winnipeg.

If you’re looking to buy a condo in Winnipeg, please call me first: Bo Kauffmann (204) 333-2202

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TelPay Building in downtown Winnipeg: Featured Historical Building

TelPay Building: Featured Historical Building in Downtown Winnipeg

Characterized by its dazzling dusty rose sandstone facade, the TelPay building at 298 Garry Street has an attractive gleam to it and is arguably one of the best-preserved historical buildings in Winnipeg both indoors and out, while still being in use for everyday business transactions.

From the street view, the TelPay building is a lovely sight to behold. Its vivid colour contrasted with the handsome balcony, striking rounded corner, and fine architectural details lift the viewer’s eyes upward. And the aesthetic appeal of the building just keeps getting better as you move indoors.

Walking in through the entranceway itself gives you a taste of what you will see in the rest of the building, with a lovely domed ceiling being one of the first details that might catch your eye. It portrays the classic rusty pinks and clean whites with minute ornamental carvings that are used to decorate the entire building.

Featuring marble walls and pillars, high ceilings, artistic wreath details, and a mosaic patterned floor, the inside of the TelPay building is something to marvel at. The banking hall is an impressive room with an air of reassurance and plenty of stunning marble.

There is a wonderful feeling of grandeur as you walk throughout the building, admiring the frosted glass, rich mahogany woodwork, and pristine white Corinthian columns. The frosted glass in the office walls in particular is a clever feature to bring even more natural light in through the many big windows, while still maintaining the privacy of personal office space.

Even the staircase maintains a certain majesty, with an intricately carved bannister and dark, dignified panelling. The original vault is still in place for visitors to take a peek at and is a draw for many touring the building.

Both the concrete vault and the cage elevator from this 1909-building are still in use today. The three-story building was originally erected for offices of the Canada Permanent Trust Company, and much of the architectural design and details (both in terms of aesthetic appeal and fireproof construction) were included in the building of it to ensure a public image of a secure, trusting organization. The structure depicts this beautifully.

Be sure to visit the TelPay building during the next Doors Open Winnipeg event – you will be able to get a tour of the building and learn more about the history and see the architectural work for yourself!

Sagan Morrow owns an open-concept condo in Winnipeg’s Exchange District and loves downtown living. She writes the blog Living Healthy in the Real World, is the Executive Director of the Food Label Movement, and is the Dig In Coordinator and Development Coordinator for Food Matters Manitoba. Sagan is a freelance writer and editor as well as a Certified Holistic Nutritionist. She enjoys taking in the theatre and culture of downtown Winnipeg during her spare time.

Bank of Montreal in downtown Winnipeg

https://blog.winnipeghomefinder.comFebruary 10, 2013 8:38:33 AM CST

Bank of Montreal one of many beautiful buildings in downtown Winnipeg . Portage and Main sees neo-classical architecture at its best The Bank of Montreal in downtown Winnipeg is one of the most compelling heritage buildings in the city. Located at 335 Main Street, the heart of Portage and Main, this iconic building was erected […]

The post Bank of Montreal in downtown Winnipeg appeared first on Winnipeg’s Real Estate Blog published by Bo Kauffmann

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Latest Posts Winnipeg Home Buying News & Tips

Top 5 things home buyers look for when buying a house (Survey)

Which top 5 features do YOU want in your next house?

What are the top features home buyers look for? What do YOU want in your first or next house? This is a self-adjusting, updating list of things home-buyers want in their next house. Some buyers focus on a nice kitchen, updated bathrooms, modern windows and furnaces, while others are more focused on the location, style or bedroom sizes. What do YOU need in your next home? You can help shape the results of this article by voting for your favorite 3 or 4 “must-have” items.

How this list works

Please select the 5 most important things YOU would look for when buying a house. Only 5!

Here are 11 of the most common options and features. Please select your favorite 5. Over time, as other people add their top 5 choices, the list will adjust and the most-wanted items will rise to the top.

Want to add your own feature?

Sure thing: Just click the “Add Item” and fill in the spots…. I will moderate, and once added to the list, other people can vote on your addition. Let’s have some fun.

[listly id=”3ic” theme=”light” layout=”full” numbered=”yes” image=”yes” items=”all”]

Houses for sale listed by Re/Max agents in Winnipeg

https://blog.winnipeghomefinder.comFebruary 22, 2013 8:22:46 AM CST

Active House Listings in Winnipeg, listed on MLS® by Re/Max agents . Re/Max is HUGE in Winnipeg, representing nearly 40% of all property buyers and/or sellers in our city. Being a Re/Max agent, allows me to display all active listings of house (and condos) in Winnipeg. This is an ‘active’ list, changing dynamically as new […]

The post Houses for sale listed by Re/Max agents in Winnipeg appeared first on Winnipeg’s Real Estate Blog.

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Home Improvements Latest Posts

Quick fixes for a swift home sale

Quick Fixes to help you sell your home faster

First impressions are everything when it comes to selling a home, and peeling paint, stained carpets and unpleasant odors can be an instant turn-off for buyers. Fortunately, you can take simple and inexpensive steps to prep your home for a quick, top-dollar sale.

Freshen up:
Paint is an easy, cost-effective way to improve any interior, and a new coat can make all the difference in selling your home. Cracked or peeling paint will repel potential buyers, and faded or boring walls can create a lackluster overall appearance.

Make your home stand out with a fresh coat in a vibrant color, such as those found in Dutch Boy’s Crayola palette. Perfect for showcasing a finished basement, kids’ room or accent wall anywhere in the home, these bright shades will make any space pop. With 96 colors to choose from – from Marshmallow and Ice Pop, to Wild Strawberry and Inch Worm – you’re sure to find a shade to help make your home memorable. And as you are updating walls with new color, use a paint that not only adds beauty but also reduces odors. Along with the exceptional coverage Dutch Boy is known for, Refresh features Arm & Hammer Odor Eliminating Technology to rid your home of unwanted odors, leaving your home smelling clean and inviting. Available for walls, trim and ceilings, use Refresh throughout the home to create a pleasant walk-through experience. Add a few scented candles or potpourri to make the home even more appealing to buyers’ noses.

Little fixes:
The little things can make a big difference when it comes to the appearance of your home. Many buyers are looking to make as few improvements as possible, and even tiny cosmetic repairs can seem like a huge project. The more move-in-ready your house appears, the faster it will sell, and more likely buyers will be willing to pay the asking price. Some easy fixes include replacing broken counter and floor tiles, patching holes in any surfaces, making sure all lights work properly and doors open and close smoothly.

Organize and de-personalize:
To give your home a spacious showroom feel, take time to remove any superfluous stuff. Show off your kitchen countertops by storing unnecessary appliances, clear the sink and dishwashing machine, and organize refrigerator contents. Keep the bathroom vanity clear of personal items, neatly fold or hang clean towels, and clear or cover clothing hampers. Organize your cupboards, closets and drawers to maximize the appearance of your home’s storage capabilities.

Clearing your home of visible clutter will not only make it seem more spacious but also make it easier for potential buyers to picture it as their own. Minimize family photos and personal items to help visitors more easily see themselves – and their things – in your home.

Curb appeal:
First impressions can make a world of difference, so don’t neglect your home’s exterior as you prepare to sell. The mailbox should be in good condition and the house number easily visible from the street. Keep exterior doors, including garage doors, free of flaking or fading paint and freshen the trim around windows and shutters. A fresh coat of paint on the front door can add to your home’s curb appeal and affixing a seasonal display of flowers or a festive wreath on the front door also makes a warm, welcoming statement.

A few simple projects can vastly improve your home’s overall appearance, and with these tips, your home will be sold in no time.

And once you are ready to sell your house (or condo) call Bo Kauffmann for a free market evaluation… direct call (204) 333-2202

New siding improves a home’s curb appeal

https://blog.winnipeghomefinder.comMarch 6, 2013 11:34:16 AM CST

New siding improves your home’s curb appeal . 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 […]

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Home Improvements Latest Posts

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 […]

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Home Improvements interior decorating Latest Posts

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 unique space that is both visually appealing and user-friendly.

Much like home designers, commercial architects and interior designers think of spaces in their totality. To a commercial designer, every area – from the entryway to the public bathrooms to the behind-the-scenes storage areas – must be considered when working on a new project. One way commercial designers help create a unique look and feel throughout public spaces is through the use of repetition. Repeating a pattern, color or texture in more than one area of a space lends a feeling of continuity.

According to Judd Lord, director of industrial design at Delta Faucet Company, this attention to detail makes commercial environments a great place to look for design inspiration.

‘Highly-designed commercial spaces allow people to get a sense of what their own home may feel like in terms of color palette, textures, combination of materials and accents prior to actually committing to a design,’ Lord says. ‘For example, visiting high-end hotels can provide a great way to ‘live’ in a particular design aesthetic to see if it suits you.’

The next time you stay at a hotel, look for hints of repetition. You may find that the orange sofas in the lobby, for instance, carry through to your guest room pillows or decorative accents. Or, perhaps the wrought iron door handles match the window hardware perfectly. The small touches that regularly go unnoticed help to create a distinct sense of place in commercial spaces. When deciding what design elements to incorporate into a commercial building, designers consider not only how certain aspects can enhance overall design aesthetic, but also how they can be used to promote functionality in the space. For example, when designing an entryway, commercial designers must think about who will be using the space and for what purpose. While a banquet hall designer may prefer curving staircases to help create the feeling of grand luxury suitable for weddings and debutante balls, it is likely that they will also incorporate an elevator to ensure the space is accessible to all guests.

The important role functionality plays in commercial buildings is perhaps demonstrated most readily when taking the public bathroom into consideration. For instance, a single-room bathroom with a plush sitting area and vanity mirror may enhance the shopping experience for customers at a high-end boutique, while busy shoppers at large malls may prefer multiple stalls to help avoid long bathroom lines. For both of these spaces, innovative products can help enhance the bathroom experience through increased functionality. For instance, on Delta faucets that feature Proximity Sensing Technology, the entire faucet acts as a sensor, activating the flow of water instantly and effortlessly when it detects the presence of your hands. Faucets that employ this type of technology are more dependable than traditional infrared sensors – which can be unreliable in low-light or when wearing dark clothing and are more susceptible to vandalism that can impair the functionality of the faucet and make the bathroom experience a little easier for consumers in public spaces.

Building materials must also support the overall purpose of a space. Residential building materials are often chosen solely to help portray a specific design aesthetic, while materials used in commercial developments must be chosen with both durability and esthetics in mind. Everything, from the floorboards to the light switches, must be able to withstand the wear and tear of repeated use as these spaces may be visited by thousands of people per day. While a small amount of wear in a private home may make the environment feel more welcoming and warm, the public tends to regard the same amount of wear in a commercial space as being aged and out of date.

The next time you are out shopping at the grocery store, try to appreciate the smallest design details, such as the layout of shopping aisles that make it easier for you to navigate the store and return home more quickly. Attention to these details not only helps a business operate efficiently, but also creates a better experience for you, the consumer.

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Latest Posts Winnipeg Home Selling News & Tips

Getting Top Drawer Value for your Home

Getting top dollar for your home

This article was submitted by Daniel Watson, who is a journalism student at the University of Toronto

If you’re selling your home and want to get top drawer value for it, you need to create a dream home. Anyone who walks up needs to be in awe of its meticulousness before they even get through the door. There’s nothing worse than a house that needs a little work. Even if it’s true, you’re more likely to get top dollar for a completed home than one that looks like a project.

With companies like Kanetix making it easier for people to shop around for mortgage rates, and get pre-approved online, buying a home has never been easier. Everyone’s in search of the perfect home. You were once. Now you may have to spend a little getting the house in shape. On the other hand, there’s the idea that the better looking and condition of the house, the greater its value. So should you end up repainting or redoing tiles, that cost could ultimately be added to the final sale.

Not surprisingly, let’s start with the front. The first impression begins here. There has to be no doubt that this is a long cared for property by people that loved living here. Neaten everything until it looks like you scrubbed it with a toothbrush. Fresh paint, trimmed trees and shrubs and if necessary, new house numbers and mailbox. Have the best curtains on the windows. A little window and door renovation can go a long way.

If the home doesn’t need a fresh coat of paint, wash it down. Rent a power washer, or use a broom, dishwashing cleanser and hose. Put away the lawn ornaments. Not everyone loves leprechauns and swans. Make sure the grass is nothing short of perfection. Tuck any garbage cans away. No cracks in the ground. Barbeques should be clean, the yard furniture inviting and comfortable. Buyers should see your yard as a great place to spend the weekend.

Before showing the property, take note of what work to do. Review real estate listings and magazines. See what these homes have in common. Pay specific attention to the major areas. That’s the bathroom, the master bedroom and kitchen.

Shine furnishings and appliances. Minimise content on all the countertops. Clutter is clutter regardless of how much of it you need or how nice it looks. What you want is to avoid distractions that are going to take away from the property. The floors should be pristine. No pet dishes and litter boxes. Clean blinds, curtains and windows, as well as fan blades and shelves.

The kitchen is probably the most important room in the house. It’s the one that we put so much energy into with the best stoves, microwaves, refrigerators and accessories. Make sure anyone that sees it is wowed. Spit shine it all. Add a fresh backsplash or coat of paint.

While painting rooms that need it is required, repainting the entire house might be a good idea. Use a neutral, soft color, the same color, throughout. That actually makes the property look bigger. Avoid white. It can leave an impression that the house needs to be painted.

When it’s time to start showing the house, always have it aired out. Take a fabric softener sheet and stick it behind the air conditioning filter. Take advantage of the best possible lighting. Try showing the home during daylight hours. Sunlight produces a natural, appealing look. If you are showcasing in the evening, utilise energy efficient bulbs. They resemble natural lighting.

Before anyone buys your home, it will be inspected. If the property’s in the best condition, the inspector has to agree it’s worth every penny you ask. A broken handrail can impact their conclusions.

The best way to get the best dollar for your home is to create a dream home. People are observant. Your job will be ensuring everything they see is positive. If that requires hiring landscapers and handymen, do it. At the end of the journey, it’ll be worth it. The better the property’s appearance, the more the property’s worth.

Last, if you’re selling your home and want to get top drawer value for it, partner with a good real estate agent. Did you know, on average, a sale done through a real estate agent usually nets the seller 20 percent more than if they’d sold the house on their own? A solid agent will not only represent your best interests. They have the ability to reach an audience that will never see your ‘For Sale’ sign or local newspaper ad. You’ll never waste your time as these agents will see that only serious buyers ever come through the door. They have resources and networks that the rest of us don’t even know about.

Daniel Watson is a journalism student at the University of Toronto. He is passionate about real estate and plans to get his license upon graduating to learn about the ins and outs of the business. His true goal upon graduation is to educate the general public about real estate to help them along with the home buying and selling process.

Winnipeg Real Estate Market Update for January, 2013

blog.winnipeghomefinder.comJanuary 16, 2013 10:43:03 AM MST

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Home Energy Saving Tips for your house or condo (Video)

Home Energy Saving Tips for your Winnipeg home

When you are a homeowner, energy costs can be one of the biggest wallet draining expenses. Using these tips, save on those bills and most importantly save energy.

Drafty windows and doors are a big source of heating and air leaks. Use a candle flame to see if a window or door has a draft. For exterior doors, use a bead of paintable caulk around the edge of the door to form an air tight seal. Use a caulk finishing tool to smooth out the caulk. Insert a door sweep on the bottom of exterior doors to keep the air in! Electric outlets are another source of air leaks. Install an outlet sealer to close the gaps.

When it comes to light bulbs, use compact florescent lights or CFL’s. They not only last 10x longer than a normal bulb, but they save energy at the same time.

To conserve water, use a slow flow shower head. Finally, insulate the pipes in your home. The insulation will keep the water in the pipes warm.

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8 excellent restaurants in downtown Winnipeg

Eight super restaurants in Downtown Winnipeg

Trying to choose a restaurant, café, pub, or bakery? These eight are some of the best in downtown Winnipeg!

Sensi Wine Lounge

Located above Tre Visi in the Theatre District, Sensi is a chic restaurant with fantastic décor. Sensi offers small sharing plates with Italian flavours and an impressive wine list complete with “wine flights,” or selections of three wine samples. Must-haves: Gnocchi al pesto (gnocchi with creamy pesto), pepperoni farciti (ricotta and mushroom stuffed pequillo peppers), mandorle dorate (roasted almonds with sea salt).

Peasant Cookery

The Peasant Cookery features “real food from the land,” with a mix of European- and Canadian-inspired fare sure to please any crowd. The heritage building itself is beautiful, and as you wait for your meal to arrive you can admire the jars of pickled items lining the huge windows. Must-haves: Charcuterie (a selection of meats and pates), beet salad (with goat cheese and arugula), poutine (made with Bothwell cheese), cornmeal-crusted pickerel, French 75 (champagne cocktail).

The Fox and Fiddle

Taking up residence in an old bank, this pub is worth a visit just to see the marble pillars and black-and-white photographs on the walls. But it also happens to have an extensive (and delicious) menu, and it’s a popular place for locals to stop by after a busy day at the office. Must-haves: Spinach / cheese / bacon dip, chicken and cheese quesadilla, famous wings.

Mondragon

The place to be for vegans and vegetarians, Mondragon is a bookstore, grocery store, and coffeehouse all rolled into one. It also frequently hosts a variety of events, from book launches to music shows and more. Must-haves: Hummus platter, BLT (made with tofu), roti.

Cake-ology

Arguably serving the best cupcakes in the city, Cake-ology is a tiny bakery where you can order to-go. This bakery uses local ingredients and makes everything from scratch. Stop by Cake-ology for some dessert after having dinner at any of the nearby restaurants in the Exchange District! Must-haves: Red velvet cupcake, any cupcake flavour-of-the-day, vanilla cakette.

Charisma of India

This is reasonably-priced, tasty Indian cuisine at its best! The atmosphere at Charisma is very comfortable and there are countless options to choose from. Be sure to check out the lunch buffet for a little sample of many dishes. Must-haves: Palak paneer (spinach and home-made cheese cooked in cream and spices), channa masala (chickpea curry), butter chicken.

Stella’s Café and Bakery

A classic breakfast spot for many, Stella’s offers all-day breakfast as well as lunch and dinner options. Enjoy healthy meals cooked with local and sustainable ingredients at this café, and purchase a loaf of bread to take home with you when you’re finished your meal. Must-haves: Café breakfast, house salad, vegetarian sandwich (with hummus, cream cheese and veggies).

Elements: The Restaurant

Another restaurant focusing on local, sustainable ingredients, Elements is located at the University of Winnipeg but serves the wider downtown community. This is an ideal place to go for a lunch meeting or after-work drinks and nibbles. Must-haves: Nachos, green salad, the burger (with locally-raised beef).

Sagan Morrow owns an open-concept condo in Winnipeg’s Exchange District and loves downtown living. She writes the blog Living Healthy in the Real World, is the Executive Director of the Food Label Movement, and is the Dig In Coordinator / Acting Youth Outreach Coordinator / Development Coordinator for Food Matters Manitoba. Sagan is a freelance writer and editor as well as a Certified Holistic Nutritionist. She enjoys taking in the theatre and culture of downtown Winnipeg during her spare time.

Top 6 reasons to live in Winnipeg and LOVE it

blog.winnipeghomefinder.comDecember 16, 2012 11:28:26 AM MST

Readers’ Choice: The 10 Most Popular Home Offices of 2012 (10 photos)

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Whether you have a small corner, a blank wall or an entire room to work with, setting up a home office that works well for you takes some planning. In 2012, Houzzers went for spaces that kept things simple, saving these photos to their ideabooks more than any others of workspaces. See which home offices…

8 excellent restaurants in downtown Winnipeg

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Latest Posts Winnipeg Home Selling News & Tips

Preparing your Winnipeg home for showings by real estate agents

Making sure your home shows it’s best

There is an old saying that goes: “Your home is never more exciting than the first couple of weeks on the market”. So when you put your home on the market (and I mean the REAL MARKET, by LISTING IT with a REALTOR®), make sure that your home shows it’s best. Because here is a bit of reality: About 80% of your total showings are going to happen in the first 5 days…… Here is why:

When you put your house on the market, there are any number of potential buyers who have been waiting for YOUR HOME. And they will rush in to see your home in the first few days, checking it out to see if it’s worth competing for. If the buyers find fault with your home, they simply move on to the next one and MAY NEVER RETURN.
So it’s very important to have your home as ‘show-worthy’ as possible. Here are a couple of simple tips to get you started:

1) Clean Clean Clean

Counters, bathrooms, carpets, lights, windows. Kitchen cupboards, sinks and the garage. Clean everything. Don’t leave buyers with a bad impression.

2) Declutter

Kitchen counters should be empty, except for perhaps those Tea-Sugar-Flour-Coffee canisters. Less furniture is better than too much. Box up everything you don’t need. You could designate a room in the basement as the ‘junk room’ and move extra stuff into there.

3) Paint

If there are any areas where the paint is fading or flaking, paint it. Stay away from the wild colors and stick to earthy, neutral tones. That “Bright Red” kitchen wall looks funky in a magazine, but is not everyone’s cup of tea.

4) Be out of the house (or condo)

During the showing, try to be out of the house. Many buyers feel uneasy about really looking at your house, opening cupboards and looking in closets, with the home owner standing over them. Even in this hot market, the home owners should make sure that the buyers feel comfortable and at ease.

5) Remove Pets

Not everyone loves pets….in fact, some people are allergic to them. So its best to remove them, and in fact try to remove all evidence of them. If you can have them stay at relatives for a few days, thats even better.

When you buy a home, it’s the visuals that count. To sell your home faster you may want to stage your furniture and belongings to help give your home more personality. Generally, a less cluttered space is more appealing when you’re selling a home.

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Please select the 5 most important things YOU would look for when buying a house. Only 5!

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And once you are ready to sell your house (or condo) call Bo Kauffmann for a free market evaluation… direct call (204) 333-2202

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Sensi Wine Lounge

Peasant Cookery

The Fox and Fiddle

Mondragon

Cake-ology

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Stella’s Café and Bakery

Elements: The Restaurant

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Making sure your home shows it’s best

1) Clean Clean Clean

2) Declutter

3) Paint

4) Be out of the house (or condo)

5) Remove Pets

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