When Someone is Upset with You:  It may be a co-worker who feels slighted because of something you said at a meeting, a driver you inadvertently cut off on the way to work or a neighbour who's upset because your tree has branched too far into his yard. It's almost impossible to go through life -- or even a week -- without someone becoming upset with you. It happens. So how do you deal with it? There's an easy technique recommended by de-escalation experts called the balloon technique. It works like this: Imagine the other person's anger is like a balloon filled with air. If you get angry back, all you're doing is adding more air to the balloon. Instead, simply let the person vent until he has communicated his frustration completely. (If he asks questions, say you prefer to hear him out fully before answering.) Letting the other person vent with little or no interruption will help to "deflate the balloon" thereby de-escalating the tension. Then you'll be in a better position to deal with the situation. 

Homeowners are “happy with the decision to buy their home,” feel confident they can weather a downturn in the housing market and they consider mortgage debt to be “good debt.” Their attitudes are the same whether they live in Toronto, Calgary or Vancouver where prices continue to rise, or in areas where home prices are stabilizing, says a new consumer survey report by the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals (CAAMP).

“From the consumer perspective we have a picture of a very confident, healthy mortgage market,” says Jim Murphy, president and CEO of CAAMP. “Key to the current stability in the mortgage market is the fact that Canadians continue to pay down their mortgage debt faster than they are required and they continue to take out five-year, fixed-rate mortgages. Canadians who renew their mortgages are seeing their interest costs reduced, which is boosting their personal financial circumstances and this will continue to be a positive force during the coming year.”

The survey says:

* 55 per cent of homes purchased in 2013 were bought by first-time buyers.

* Most Canadians say they have no regrets taking on the size of mortgage they did and that real estate is a good long-term investment.

* 66 per cent agree in some degree that mortgages are a form of “good debt”.

* House prices in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver have increased by a year-over-year rate of 8.2 per cent, compared to just 2.9 per cent in the rest of Canada.

* More than 80 per cent of homeowners in Canada have 25 per cent or more equity in their homes.

* The average mortgage interest rate is 3.24 per cent, a drop from the average of 3.5 per cent found in the fall 2013 survey.

---

---

Canadians are reducing their mortgages by negotiating lower interest rates, making lump sum pre-payments and repaying their mortgages at, on average, two-thirds of their contracted amortization periods, says the report.

“Across Canada the housing market is slowing and has been on a downward swing since the mortgage policy change in 2012,” says Will Dunning, CAAMP’s chief economist. “While the national market may look healthy, activity in the Greater Toronto Area (including Hamilton), the Greater Vancouver Regional District and the Calgary area is skewing the numbers high. In the rest of Canada sales activity has weakened and house prices are flat and even falling in some communities. Housing has played a key role in driving economic growth and job creation in Canada. But looking ahead, decreased starts and slower price growth will throw off the balance between the housing market and the overall economy.”

The report urges policy makers not to confuse rising home prices in the Toronto area and Vancouver, where urban land shortages are driving prices, and the Calgary area, which currently benefits from strong job creation, with the slowdown that is evident in other communities across the country.

For a full copy of CAAMP’s spring survey report, visit www.caamp.org. 

Be Sure to Plan for the “Pet Issue” If you have pets, you probably adore them. They're part of the family! But when you're preparing your home for sale, you need to think about how you're going to deal with the "pet issue". Some potential buyers who view your property may love pets as much as you do. However, others may be turned off by the tell-tale signs of pet ownership – such as kitty litter, dander, and smells. So be sure to make a plan for how you’re going to deal with your pets. It's a good idea to keep pets out of the house during viewings. Even if your dog or cat is friendly, some buyers will be uncomfortable around them. So, you'll need to decide where your pets will go when buyers view your property. Consider a local kennel or "pet day camp". "Can't I just take my dog out for a walk?" you might be asking. You could,; however, you may not always be available to do that during a viewing. So have alternate plans available. You should also consider how you will deal with pet dander and everyday pet odours. You're probably used to them. Unfortunately, some buyers will be turned off or even be allergic. So, in addition to cleaning your home before a viewing -- especially in those areas where pets spend time like a favourite cushion or scratching post – consider using specialty air sprays available on the market that will neutralize pet odours. Finally, it's a good idea to advise buyers that they're viewing a home with pets. That way, they'll be more forgiving if they catch a whiff of cat dander. Need more tips on preparing your home for sale? Call today.

Consumer Trends:Buy-cotting and Up-Cycling

Environmental concerns and scrutiny of corporate ethics have led many shoppers to think twice about what they allow into their homes. Here are two examples of significant trends among consumers:Buy-cotting is the opposite of boycotting. Consumers choose to purchase products manufactured by companies that have made a commitment deemed virtuous by the shopper – such as contributing to a charitable organization, abiding by a fair-trade practise, or adhering to a particular human resources policy. In fact, this trend isnow supported by an app that allows shoppers to instantly scan a bar code with their smartphones to discover a company’s and its subsidiaries’ ethical track record before making a purchase decision. Up-cycling is an extension of the “reduce, reuse, recycle”mantra. Consumers who have become intent on avoiding the purchase of newly manufactured items (particularlyfurnishings and decor) will rely on finding stylish or funky items cast off by others. The idea is to repurpose what you have but don’t need, or trade it in for something better – but always with an electric sense of fashion or design in mind.To avid up-cyclers, a tasteful mish-mash of retro styles is considered the ultimate in chic upscale decor.

This can be the worst time of year for annoying insects such as mosquitoes. However, many families are reluctant to rely on chemical sprays or products for protection. Fortunately, there are natural alternatives that some claim provide surprisingly good results. Essential oils are a particularly popular choice, with lavender, citronella, lemon eucalyptus, peppermint and/or clove often being identified as the most effective. However, these oils may need to be applied more frequently than chemical solutions. Inside the home, a drop or two on a light bulb (or your pillow) has been considered a successful deterrent against buzzing intruders. Different potencies or combinations may have different effects, so ask an herbalist or pharmacist before experimenting.

Items that remind us of special people, events, milestones and interests are an important part of what makes a home a home. Pictures on the fireplace mantle, for example, showcase family and friends that are important to us. You might also have trophies, certificates, greeting cards, and other mementoes on display in key places. Of course, all of those things add warmth and meaning to your home. However, if you're preparing your home for sale, it's a good idea to pack those memories away - at least until you've sold your property and moved to your new home. Why? Because those pleasant mementoes that mean so much to you may actually turn off potential buyers. You see, when buyers view your property, you want them to be able to clearly picture themselves and their families living there. That's difficult to do if everywhere they look they see reminders that this is your home! So, to help sell your home quickly, make it look great, but not personalized. Think of the showroom displays you see set up in furniture stores. Those displays are most appealing when they enable you to easily picture yourself, with that furniture, in your home. You probably wouldn't feel that way if it looked like the furniture belonged to someone else. Of course, buyers will know you currently live in your home. But helping them imagine themselves living there will help you sell your property faster – and possibly for a better price. Need more tips on preparing your home for sale? Call Today!

Does your spouse like to practice the drums in the evening? Does your teenager like to play video games, with the volume turned up high? Are there other sources of noise you'd like to minimize? There are many ways to soundproof areas of your home to reduce noise.
 Here are some ideas: • Furniture placement. Surprisingly, where you place furniture can dramatically reduce incoming noise. For example, a bookshelf covering a third of a wall can muffle sound from an adjoining room by 25%.
 • Noise harmonization techniques. Soft music, air fans, and other sources of rhythmic noises can actually reduce the unpleasantness of incoming sounds.
 • Area rugs. Adding an area rug, even on top of existing carpeting, can significantly reduce noise coming from the floor below.
 • Acoustic tiles and panels. These are special ceiling tiles and wall coverings that are designed to diffuse and reduce sound infiltration. There are some products on the market that are remarkably easy to install. 

Heavy storms and burst pipes are next to impossible to predict yet they can do significant damage to your house or condo. Here are some key precautionary steps to take into consideration:
1. Read the details of your home’s insurance policy to understand the water damage coverage included, and to confirm your deductible.
2. Check municipal policies about storms and flooding, and know the legal jurisdictions for drainage/sewage and water supply. Find out where your municipality’s main supply and drain pipes connect to your property, and what/where the lines of responsibility are located.
 3. For condo owners, ask your corporation to identify the point at which responsibility and liability is transferred to individual owners.

You can discourage flies from buzzing around the kitchen by placing a basil plant on the counter. Apparently, flies hate basil and will avoid going anywhere near it!

Your windows can lose their efficiency over time, so it’s wise to check that the seals between the glass, frames and rough openings are intact. To do so, hold a candle flame near the edges while your air conditioning unit blower is off. If the candle flickers noticeably, it could indicate a draft that needs proper insulation – or a crack that needs repair in order to prevent further loss of expensive “conditioned” air. Other problems that may indicate you need new windows include moisture-damaged or rotted frames, condensation or fogging between double glazed panels, rattling or sticky operation, and poor noise filtering.

In Real Estate, it’s understood that personalized service really makes a difference. That’s why you are entitled to expect value-added, cost-free information and advice on real estate subjects that interest you. Here are a few examples of topics you might find worthwhile:

• Financial and market trends
• Neighbourhood property activity
• Renovations and décor ideas
• Taxation and other municipal issues

If you want to be kept “up to speed” on a particular real estate issue, just call to make an appointment to set up a monitoring program that’s right for you. Here’s how it works:

• You define the issues that are most meaningful to you.
• We discuss the best approach to address your questions and concerns, and determine the most appropriate method of reporting.
• We review your options on a regular or “as needed” basis, and you determine the information and response method you prefer.

Simply put, if you express personal interest in the Real Estate market, you deserve to receive the information that is most valuable to you.

4 Home Hazards You May Not Know AboutYou have smoke detectors.

Your doors have good locks. The bathtub has a slip-free pad. By all accounts, your home is a safe and secure place for your family to live.However, there are some hazards that many homeowners don't consider or even know about. For instance:1. Blocked eavestroughs. Eavestroughs clogged with leaves andother debris can cause rainwater to overflow next to your foundationand create a basement leak .
2. Clogged dryer vents. High temperature air combined with lint is anear ideal condition for a fire. Check and clear the dryer vent at least once a year. 
3. Dirty faucet heads. Kitchen and bath faucets often have built-in screens to spray the water evenly. Unfortunately, dirt and other contaminates can build up on these and, possibly, affect the quality of the water. Clean faucet heads regularly.
4. Tripping hazards. You could step around a loose section of carpet for years and then one day, in a moment of distraction, trip over it and fall. When you see a potential tripping hazard in your home, don't ignore it. Fix it. Being diligent about home safety takes a little more time. But, if it preventsone injury or illness, it's worth the effort.

Taking the "scary" out of real estate Even homeowners who have moved a few times can be intimidated by the real estate market in general, and the buying and selling process in particular. First of all, making a decision to sell your home can be difficult. There are so many questions, such as: • Is "now" a good time to list? • How much can you expect to get for your property? • How long will it take to sell – and what if it doesn't? Then there's the buying and selling process: • How do you prepare your home for sale? • How do you find homes that meet your criteria and are within your price range? • How do you prepare your home for viewings? Yes, there's a lot to think about. That's why finding a good REALTOR® who is an expert on the local market is so important. A good REALTOR® will help you understand the market, the current market value of your home, and what you can expect should you decide to list. A good REALTOR® will also walk you step-by-step through the home selling and buying process, and work hard to make sure everything goes smoothly. So if you're considering buying or selling a home, take the time to find a good REALTOR®. It makes all the difference. Looking for a good REALTOR®? Call today. 

4 Home Hazards You May Not Know About You have smoke detectors. Your doors have good locks. The bathtub has a slip-free pad. By all accounts, your home is a safe and secure place for your family to live. However, there are some hazards that many homeowners don't consider or even know about. For instance: 1. Blocked eavestroughs. Eavestroughs clogged with leaves and other debris can cause rainwater to overflow next to your foundation and create a basement leak.  2. Clogged dryer vents. High temperature air combined with lint is a near ideal condition for a fire. Check and clear the dryer vent at least once a year.  3. Dirty faucet heads. Kitchen and bath faucets often have built-in screens to spray the water evenly. Unfortunately, dirt and other contaminates can build up on these and, possibly, affect the quality of the water. Clean faucet heads regularly.  4. Tripping hazards. You could step around a loose section of carpet for years and then one day, in a moment of distraction, trip over it and fall. When you see a potential tripping hazard in your home, don't ignore it. Fix it. Being diligent about home safety takes a little more time. But, if it prevents one injury or illness, it's worth the effort. 

"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door." I love that quote by Milton Berle!

Taking the "scary" out of real estate Even homeowners who have moved a few times can be intimidated by the real estate market in general, and the buying and selling process in particular. First of all, making a decision to sell your home can be difficult. There are so many questions, such as: • Is "now" a good time to list? • How much can you expect to get for your property? • How long will it take to sell – and what if it doesn't? Then there's the buying and selling process: • How do you prepare your home for sale? • How do you find homes that meet your criteria and are within your price range? • How do you prepare your home for viewings? Yes, there's a lot to think about.

That's why finding a good REALTOR® who is an expert on the local market is so important. A good REALTOR® will help you understand the market, the current market value of your home, and what you can expect should you decide to list. A good REALTOR® will also walk you step-by-step through the home selling and buying process, and work hard to make sure everything goes smoothly. So if you're considering buying or selling a home, take the time to find a good REALTOR®. It makes all the difference. Looking for a good REALTOR®? Call today. 

If you're considering a bathroom update, you're probably familiar with the typical approaches,such as replacing a counter top or toilet, or removing all the fixtures and finishes to completea floor-to-ceiling renovation.However, there is another, far less expensive way to make anolder bathroom look brand new: using overlays. An overlay is simply a new surface applied over an existing one. For example, instead of replacing an old and worn bathtub – which is costly – you can purchase an overlaysystem (called a tub liner) that fits on top of the existingbathtub. It's a little like giving your tub a facelift! You can do the same thing with your bathroom counter top sand floors. Overlays come in a wide variety of styles and finishes – some of which can make your bathroom look significantly more upscale. Compared to a major renovation, the installation of overlays is relatively straight forward. A tub liner installation, for example, can be done in a day.You can learn more about overlays at your local home improvement centre and at specialty bathroom showrooms.

Have you ever attended an "Open House"advertised in your area or in a community youlike? Most people have. Even if you're notserious about moving, viewing a few propertiesin a neighbourhood you like is a great way to geta sense of the market.Who knows? You might stumble upon your nextdream home!To get the most out of an open house, followthese guidelines:• Most open houses will have a handout availablecontaining the list price and other propertyinformation. Be sure to keep a copy.• Don't just view the rooms. Explore the entireproperty, including the backyard. • Don't be shy about asking the listing agent (orwhoever is hosting the open house) questionsabout the property. • Ask about the area. Are there schools nearby?Where is the nearest park or playgroundlocated?• Ask about potential required repairs andrenovations. For example, if the furnace is morethan 15 years old, it may need to be replacedsoon.• Walk around the neighbourhood. Try to get asense of what it's like to live there. If possible,chat with a neighbour. Finally, if you become interested in the home, besure to advise the listing agent that your ownREALTOR® will be following up. Otherwise, thelisting agent might assume that he or she will berepresenting you.Looking for a good REALTOR® to have by yourINside? Call today.

Here’s a surprising statistic. In several surveys, upwards of 60% of people surveyed listed “bedrooms” as one of the reasons they decided to purchase a particular property. So don’t overlook these rooms when preparing your house for sale. You need to make sure they appear roomy and attractive to potential buyers.


The first step is to make sure every bedroom actually has a bed. Otherwise, you might inadvertently give the impression that your home has fewer bedrooms than it really does. To a potential buyer, a bedroom is often more valuable than the home office or storage room you may have converted it into.

You can’t change the number of bedrooms your home actually has, but you can make sure that each one shows well. Consider the layout of each room carefully. Is the bed and other furniture placed in a way that makes the room appear as spacious as possible? Can buyers easily walk around the bed? Are the curtains, bedding and other décor items clean and attractive?

Finally, buyers will understand that a kid’s room may be somewhat cluttered and may even have an eclectic style, but you need to make sure it’s as clean and tidy as possible.

Have questions about how to prepare your house for sale? Call today.