Does Your Home Insurance Cover Everything? When you suffer damage to, (or the loss of), your home or its contents, you expect your insurance company to help you out. And, most do a good job of doing just that. Still, it’s a good idea to review your policy with your insurance advisor and find out what’s covered and what isn’t. You don’t want to discover that your policy will not cover the cost of repairing the damage caused by a flood in your laundry room. Pay particular attention to coverage in the case of water damage. Some insurance policies don’t cover floods and sewer backup unless an additional rider is purchased. Also, check liability limits. Ask your advisor to recommend an appropriate level. Finally, make sure you know exactly how much your home is insured for. Are you covered for the full replacement cost? Are you comfortable with that coverage or the actual cash value? Having the right insurance gives you peace-of-mind and is an important part of enjoying your home. Keep in mind that experts advise you to review your insurance with your advisor. Ask lots of questions. Make sure you understand your coverage fully. By the way, if you’re looking for an insurance advisor, I’m well-connected in the local “home” industry. I may be able to give you a couple of names of good, reputable professionals. Give me a call

The Magic of Decorative Moulding Decorative moulding is one of the most eye-catching ways to upgrade a room. You’re probably accustomed to seeing standard baseboard moulding installed where your floor meets the wall. But, there are many other types. For example: • Crown moulding for ceilings. • Panel moulding for a southern colonial look. • Chair rail moulding, which is very distinctive on walls. • Apron moulding for window sills. • Entablature moulding for above doorways. Decorative moulding comes in a dizzying array of styles. Interior designers recommend taking home samples, just as you would take paint swatches, to test out ideas. In addition to style choices, you also need to select the material you prefer. Moulding can be made of wood, plaster, laminate, composite, fiberboard, vinyl and other materials. There are pros and cons to each. Generally, the higher-priced options are more attractive and durable. (If you select wood, you typically have the additional option of “finished or unfinished”. If you choose unfinished, you of course, will be painting it yourself.) Choosing the right moulding for the look you want is the toughest part of the job. Installation is a lot easier and most people with DIY experience have no problems. So if you want to add some magic to your walls, consider decorative moulding. It can turn a room from standard to stunning.

How to Cut Your Electricity Bill in Half You don’t have to freeze in the winter or start reading by candlelight to reduce your electricity bill. There are many simple ways to use less power with little, if any, impact on your lifestyle. A good place to start is with your electronics. According to the David Suzuki Foundation, “Any gizmo that has a clock, digital timer, remote control or standby mode is sucking energy when it's not being used (it's called 'phantom electricity' — and it's scary how much of it there is).” So keep them unplugged as much as possible. Also, unplug charger cords for phone and computers when not in use. Even when not connected to the device, they still suck power. Another easy change to make involves your lights. Switching to compact fluorescent (CFL) or LED light bulbs can save you a lot of energy. They’re 75% more efficient. Finally, the old-fashioned method of insulating doors and windows can work wonders for lowering your electricity bill. In fact, some particularly drafty homes can lose up to 40% of their heat. Check for drafts regularly and repair or replace insulation as needed. None of these ideas will impact your day-to-day living. Yet, they could potentially save you a bundle.

Famed racer Jimmy Johnson points out, "The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra."

Are You Ready to Buy Up? No matter how much you love your current property, you may be dreaming of the day you can buy up into a better home in a better neighbourhood. Is that day today, or, is it a few years down the road? Here’s a quick way to make that assessment. First, make a list of all the practical reasons why it might be time to move up. Those reasons might include features such as: more bedrooms, proximity to work and school, a larger backyard with trees, nearby parks and walking paths and better access to things you enjoy like theatre. Next, make a list of the emotional reasons for making such a move. Those reasons might include memorable get-togethers with friends on a more spacious deck, an easier and less stressful commute to work, more family time with the kids and enjoyable Saturday golf at a nearby course. Finally, take a financial snapshot to determine if you can afford to move up. You’ll need to get a good idea of what your current property will sell for in today’s market, average price of homes in your desired neighbourhood, and how much mortgage you’ll need. Once you have all that down on paper, you’ll have a clear picture of your readiness. If the practical and emotional reasons for buying up are compelling, and you can afford to make the move, then you have your answer. The time is now! By the way, if you need help in making this determination – especially figuring out what your home will likely sell for, call today

How to Watch Out for Poisons in Your Home According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 90% of exposures to poisons occur inside the home. Almost all are preventable, if you follow some simple guidelines. • Look for the poison label on products you buy. Visually, it’s a skull and cross bones, often (but not always) with the word POISON above it. • Don’t make assumptions. Sometimes a seemingly innocuous product, like a shampoo, can contain poison or other ingredients which are harmful if swallowed. • Avoid mixing different cleaning products together. When chemicals are combined, they change. Combining some cleaning products can even create toxic fumes. • Keep all medication, even the non-prescription kind, out of reach of children. Never leave medicine on the bathroom counter. • Never use pesticides inside the home unless the product is clearly labeled for indoor use. Then, use only as directed. • Never use a charcoal grill or barbeque indoors, no matter how well ventilated you think you’ve made it. Doing so can easily cause carbon monoxide poisoning. One final tip. Pay attention to the expiry date of products, especially cosmetics and cleaning liquids. As chemicals age, they change and can emit harmful fumes.

Knock, Knock. How to Avoid Door-to-Door Scams It’s early in the evening and there’s a knock on the door. You answer and are greeted by an official-looking man who claims he needs to see your utility bill to confirm you’re getting your energy rebate. Do you let him in? While he may be legitimate, he may also be using deception to sell you something you don’t want. Here are some suggestions for finding out: • Ask for a business card. Then, check if it has an address, phone number and website. If the salesperson refuses or just shows you his ID card (which anyone can fake), that’s a red flag. • Ask for the name of his employer. Sometimes salespeople will say they “represent the phone company”. That doesn’t mean they actually work for it. • Ask if you can call his company to confirm details before buying. If he refuses, or says the office is closed, shut the door. • Ask if you can consider the offer and call the office the next day to place your order. • If you’re really suspicious, ask him to come back later. Then, call the non-emergency police number. Police are aware of common scams in the area. Most importantly, use your common sense. Door-to-door salespeople can be pretty persuasive, but if something doesn’t seem right to you, trust your gut. Say, “No thanks.” Of course, if everything checks out with the salesperson, and the offer is a good one, consider taking advantage of it.

Should You Worry About Moisture on Windows? You’re standing by your window admiring the view. Then you notice it. Moisture has built-up around the edges of the glass. Should you worry? It all depends on the reason for the build up. Assuming you have traditional double-pane glass in your windows, there are a few things to look for if you notice moisture. Often, moisture at the bottom of the windows is simply caused by too much humidity in your indoor air. If that’s the case, simply adjust your humidifier. If the moisture is on the exterior of the window, typically there’s also no problem with the window itself. It may have rained recently or the outside humidity may have spiked causing the accumulation. Generally, there’s no reason for concern. However, if the moisture is in between the two panes of glass, the seal has broken and surrounding air – along with its water content – has made its way in. This disrupts the thermal barrier of the window, reducing its energy efficiency. In fact, the glass might feel noticeably colder than your other windows on chilly days. In that case, you’ll need to replace the pane. Similarly, if the moisture is coming in through only one spot — the bottom right corner, for example — then you might have a leak. If you have a wood frame or sill, you may also notice a growing water stain. It’s important to get leaks fixed quickly. There may be water damage occurring within the frame that you cannot see.

Creating a Pantry, when You Don’t Have One! A pantry is the ideal nook for storing extra food and other items ordinarily crammed into the kitchen. It’s also a nice design feature, as it harkens back to the days of country kitchens with spacious pantries. You might be thinking, “That’s nice, but our home doesn’t have a pantry.” That’s okay. These days, there are many ways to create a pantry in your home – even if it doesn’t have one! Here are just a few suggestions: • Add shelves to the laundry room. If you have the space, this is the ideal place to create a mini-pantry. • Purchase a portable pantry. There are many available on the market. Some are even disguised as cabinets you’d expect to see in living and dining rooms. • Purchase a movable pantry. These units are on wheels and can slide in and out of the kitchen with ease. Some are short enough to slide conveniently under a kitchen table. • Make use of an unused closet. These are rare in most homes, but if you have a closet that isn’t being used, it can easily be converted into a pantry. As you can see, there are plenty of options available. You don’t necessarily need to build an extra room!

Creating a Pantry, when You Don’t Have One! A pantry is the ideal nook for storing extra food and other items ordinarily crammed into the kitchen. It’s also a nice design feature, as it harkens back to the days of country kitchens with spacious pantries. You might be thinking, “That’s nice, but our home doesn’t have a pantry.” That’s okay. These days, there are many ways to create a pantry in your home – even if it doesn’t have one! Here are just a few suggestions: • Add shelves to the laundry room. If you have the space, this is the ideal place to create a mini-pantry. • Purchase a portable pantry. There are many available on the market. Some are even disguised as cabinets you’d expect to see in living and dining rooms. • Purchase a movable pantry. These units are on wheels and can slide in and out of the kitchen with ease. Some are short enough to slide conveniently under a kitchen table. • Make use of an unused closet. These are rare in most homes, but if you have a closet that isn’t being used, it can easily be converted into a pantry. As you can see, there are plenty of options available. You don’t necessarily need to build an extra room!

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Should You Own a Fire Extinguisher? You’ve seen fire extinguishers in commercial environments, such as schools, stores and workplaces. Does it make sense to have one in your home? According to the experts, yes. In fact, a fire extinguisher can quickly put out a blaze that would otherwise quickly grow out of control. There are several types of fire extinguishers that are made especially for residential use. That means they put out the most common fires that occur in the home (Class A, B & K fires), and they are easy to handle and use. Since most residential fires happen in the kitchen, that’s the best place to keep your extinguisher. Make sure everyone in your household knows where it is and how to use it. Keep in mind that a home fire extinguisher is meant for small fires that are easy to put out, such as a pan of vegetable oil igniting on the stove. If you find you can’t control the blaze within a few seconds with the extinguisher, get everyone out of the home and call the fire department. Also, never attempt to fight a major fire yourself. Leave that to the professionals.

Can New Kitchen Appliances Increase the Value of Your Home? Next to a major kitchen renovation, replacing appliances is the most expensive way to upgrade the space. So if you’re purchasing a new refrigerator, stove or dishwasher in order to make your home more attractive to buyers, you want to make wise purchasing decisions. The most important consideration is how the appliances will look in the kitchen. Ideally, they should match in colour and style. They should also be the right size for the space. The last thing you want is a fridge that’s so large it dominates the room, or a stove that’s a completely different style and looks out-of-place. Appearance is important, but so are the features. Buyers viewing your home will scrutinize the appliances. They’ll notice if the fridge has a cold water and ice dispenser. They’ll ask if the dishwasher has noise-reduction features. Double ovens and quick-heating burners (which are now available on electric stoves) will also get a buyer’s attention. Power consumption is also a big issue these days. Increasingly, buyers are interested in the energy efficient features of a home — appliances included. So, as your REALTOR® I would point out appliances with energy-saving features, such as a dishwasher with a slow-run cycle that saves power. Kitchen appliances may seem minor compared to the overall appeal of your property, but they do make a difference. Purchase wisely!

I just sold this House at 447 200 STREET, Langley, BC Campbell Valley.

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CLAYTON COACH HOME. This is the coach home you have been waiting for. Positioned directly across from park. Pride of ownership radiates through this amazing home. Huge kitchen, oversized granite island, S/S appliances, gas range and built in Microwave. Heat pump with A/C. Cupboard space abounds. Large master bdrm with double sinks, walk in shower and jetted tub. Custom covered deck out back and private Veranda out front overlooking park. Legal couch home with great tenant & 2 bdrm suite downstairs as well. Décor colours throughout. Home is immaculate and a treat to show. Open House Sat and Sun 2-4.

Not-So-Obvious Reasons to Meet with a REALTOR® When is the best time to meet with a REALTOR® like me? Chances are, you would say, “When I’m thinking of buying or selling a home.” You’d be right, of course! However, there are many other good reasons to meet with me. Here are just a few: • You want a professional opinion as to the current value of your property, so you know what it would likely sell for in today’s market. • You notice a home listed for sale in a desirable neighbourhood, and you’re interested in learning more — even if you’re unsure you want to make a move. • You’re thinking of moving within the next couple of years, and you want to find a REALTOR® like me, that you can get to know and trust. • You want some recommendations for preparing your home for sale and especially determining what repairs and other work needs to be done. • You want an honest assessment as to the state of the local market, and the best time for you to buy or sell. • You have real estate-related questions and you want to talk to an expert who knows the local market well and can provide you with answers. As you can see, there’s a lot of value you can get from talking to me as your REALTOR®. Call today.

Should You Move or Renovate? Three Things to Consider Determining if you should buy a new home or fix up your current one isn’t easy. In fact, the decision can be steeped in so much drama they make reality TV shows about it! So if you’re considering whether to move or improve, here are three things to consider. 1. Will a renovation truly fix what you don’t like about your property? If you’re tired of a small kitchen, for example, it might not be possible, given the layout, to make it any bigger. On the other hand, if you’re craving a spacious rec room with a cosy fireplace then a renovation could make that happen. Of course, there are some things you may want that aren’t specific to your house, such as an easier commute or nearby park. Those are features you may only be able to get by moving. 2. How much will a renovation cost? How does that compare to the cost of moving to a new home? It’s important to get accurate estimates of each so you can make a smart decision. This is where a good REALTOR® can help. Keep in mind that renovations have a habit of costing more than you originally anticipate. As mentioned earlier, the final result should be a home you want to stay in for quite some time. 3. Beware of compromising versus settling. Whichever decision you make — renovate or sell — you can expect to have to make at least some compromises. That’s normal. For example, consider adding an extension to your house. That’s a major renovation. Is it the ideal way to get the extra room you want? Do the benefits of renovating outweigh the benefits of finding a new larger home designed to include the space you need?

How to Reduce the Chance of a Burglary by 90% No one wants to deal with a burglary. How do you reduce the chances of one happening? Fortunately, burglaries are a well-studied phenomenon — especially by law enforcement. These studies have identified specific things you can do to cut the risk dramatically. Here are some ideas: • 34% of home break-ins occur through the front door. Experts recommend investing in a door with a top-quality locking mechanism. (The best are those that lock at three points of contact.) • 50% of burglars will be deterred if your home has some sort of video monitoring system. A thief doesn’t want his face on YouTube! • Unfortunately, signs and window stickers warning of an alarm system do not deter thieves. However, 62% of burglars will immediately run away when an alarm goes off. Always turn on your alarm system when you’re not home! • 22% of burglaries occur through a sliding glass door or patio door. Make sure it’s locked and also use a solid metal jammer. • Some thieves use frequency scanners to gain access to garages. Police recommend changing your remote entry code regularly and putting blinds or curtains on garage windows so thieves can’t see (and be tempted by) any valuables inside. As you can see, there are many simple things you can do to reduce your chances of a burglary dramatically. The effort is worth it.

I just sold this House at 19917 72, Langley , BC Willoughby.

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Extending the Life of Cut Flowers There are few things more beautiful than cut flowers in a vase. They instantly brighten any room. That is, of course, until they wilt and die. So how do you make cut flowers last as long as possible? Here are some ideas: • Cut the bottom of the stems before you put the flowers in the vase. An angled cut is best as this will enable the flower to draw in more water. • Add a fertilizer to the water. Most flower shops include a pouch with the order. Follow the directions carefully. Don’t use too much. • Make sure the vase is high enough to support the flowers. Too much strain on the stems will cause the flowers to die sooner. • After a couple of days, re-snip the stems. This will add an additional day or two to the life of the flowers. • Flowers last longer if you put them in the fridge (in water) overnight. That’s why florists store cut flowers in cool rooms. Finally, watch the water level and top off as required. Older cut flowers will die quickly when starved of water — even for just a couple of hours.