Mike & Bernadine Nielsen

Mike: 604-315-3151 |

Bernadine: 604-619-2063 |

RSS

Clean up Tips for Balconies and Patios

Spring is a great time to repair or restore outdoor surfaces and furniture from damage caused by rust, rot, bird droppings, mould, mildew, etc. Not only does deterioration look unsightly, it can also be unhealthy and dangerous. For example, algae, mould and lichens can trigger allergies, and make wood surfaces, decks, patios and balconies very slippery. You can clean them with a chemical agent (but always test first) or scrub them with a brush and a homemade environmentally friendly solution made of vinegar or lemon juice. To clean vinyl furniture, try a mild detergent/water formula. For metal furniture and railings, use a wire brush to remove rust and paint chips, then coat with a primer before touching up with rust paint
.
Read

Deciding on the discretionary move:
Sometimes we don't have much choice about selling our home and buying another. Circumstances, such as a job relocation, may have made that choice for us. However, most often the decision to move is discretionary. Sometimes people move simply because they think it's a good idea. They feel that "now" is the right time to find their next dream home. So how do you make that kind of decision? There are, of course, many reasons to make a discretionary move. Usually, those reasons fall into one of two categories: need and want. You may need to find a new home, for example, because you've outgrown your current property. Perhaps you have a growing family and require more space. Maybe you're doing more entertaining and need a larger backyard with a more spacious deck. It could be that the commute to work is arduous and you need to move to a place that's closer. Those "needs" may motivate you to move, but sometimes a "want" plays an important role, too. For example, you may want to live in a quieter neighbourhood or in a newly built home that requires less maintenance. Maybe you simply want a change. If you're thinking of making a move, take a moment to write down a list of your needs and wants. Seeing them on paper will help make the decision easier. Looking for expert help? Call today.
Read

Many of us don’t give a second thought to hiring housekeeping, house-sitting, or dog-walking services and often turn over our keys to these “strangers” so they can have easy access to our homes. Have you ever stopped to consider the risks? You could be liable if one of these workers is injured in your home while completing job duties. Alternatively, your pet could become injured due to neglectful behaviour by its sitter. You may even be in a position where you suspect that something valuable is missing from your home, but have no recourse for recovering it or receiving compensation. To avoid such possibilities, experts recommend that homeowners hire such services from a professional, registered business, that can verify the extent of its liability coverage, either through the company’s insurance policy or in accordance with an agreed-upon contract that relieves you of certain liabilities. At the very least, ask that your hire is bonded to protect you, and check with your home insurance policy to ensure that you are protected as well.
Read

Types of lighting for the home, You probably don't think buying a lighting fixture for a room is all that complicated. It isn't. However, it does require you to consider which types of lighting you may need. According to the Lighting Association, there are three types: 1. General lighting. By far the most common, this is the type of lighting that is designed to create a functional brightness that spreads throughout a room. A good example is a main ceiling light. 2. Task lighting. As the name implies, this type provides extra light needed for a specific task, such as working at a desk or chopping onions on a kitchen countertop. A bedside lamp used for reading is another example of task lighting. 3. Accent lighting. This type is designed to set off a particular feature of a room, such as a painting. It creates some practical light, but its main purpose is to add to the overall decor. When choosing lighting for a room, it's important to consider these three types. First, decide how best to light the space generally. Then think about any special lighting you might need for specific functions, such as reading. Finally, consider how accent lighting might add to the overall look.
Read

Deciding on the discretionary move:  Sometimes we don't have much choice about selling our home and buying another. Circumstances, such as a job relocation, may have made that choice for us. However, most often the decision to move is discretionary. Sometimes people move simply because they think it's a good idea. They feel that "now" is the right time to find their next dream home. So how do you make that kind of decision? There are, of course, many reasons to make a discretionary move. Usually, those reasons fall into one of two categories: need and want. You may need to find a new home, for example, because you've out grown your current property. Perhaps you have a growing family and require more space. Maybe you're doing more entertaining and need a larger backyard with a more spacious deck. It could be that the commute to work is arduous and you need to move to a place that's closer. Those "needs" may motivate you to move, but sometimes a "want" plays an important role, too. For example, you may want to live in a quieter neighbourhood or in a newly built home that requires less maintenance. Maybe you simply want a change. If you're thinking of making a move, take a moment to write down a list of your needs and wants. Seeing them on paper will help make the decision easier. Looking for expert help? Call today.
Read
Reciprocity Logo The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.