Mike & Bernadine Nielsen

Mike: 604-315-3151 |

Bernadine: 604-619-2063 |

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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One of the best things you can do to ensure you get the home you want is to arrange for financing before you go shopping. This is often referred to as getting “pre-approved”.

Getting pre-approved simply means that your lender has calculated how much of a mortgage they’re willing to offer you, depending on your down payment and current financial situation.

There are two advantages to having a pre-approved mortgage. First, you know exactly what you can afford when shopping for a new home. Second, when you make an offer, you’re likely to be taken more seriously.

 

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I just finished uploading this House for sale, 3170 196TH Street, Langley, British Columbia

Completely updated two story home with Two separate residence to fit extended family or joint partnership/Family. Both main floor and downstairs are beautiful full residence and will facilitate all your family needs. 1.2 flat central acres close to all amenities and between Langley and White Rock. Upgrades include, Custom kitchen, S/S appliances, granite countertops, hardwood and slate floors, large kitchen islands upstairs and down. Home features Large deck of kitchen and Large Walk out Patio in basement through French doors. Very Private setting with two car garage and parking for RV, Boat and for 15 + vehicles. BONUS! Small self contained detached home on North of property, rented to long term tenants. Lots of future development potential, from FIVE detached lots to Fern Ridge Multi Family Development. A treat to show with multiple options.

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Avoiding unwelcome guests
There are unwelcome guests that most homeowners dread. They come into
your house, eat, sleep, make a mess, and never leave willingly. Each one
has at least six legs and sometimes flies.
They are, of course, insects. They’ve been freeloading in homes since
homes were invented. Here are some practical ways to keep these
unwelcome guests out:
• Find out how they got in. Look for gaps around windows and doors,
and cracks in the basement. If you find a spider web, there's likely an
insect entryway nearby.
• Watch out for standing water near the foundation of your home. Make
sure rain gutters drain water well away.
• Eliminate clutter. Insects love warm, cluttered, moist areas.
• Check the seal around dryer vents and other vents, pipes and cable
wires going through the wall. Reseal if necessary.
• Rinse recyclables before putting them into a bag or bin. Few things
are more tempting to a bug than the dark, moist, sweet insides of an
un-rinsed pop can.
If you do end up with a serious insect problem, call a professional
exterminator. 
Avoiding unwelcome guests:  There are unwelcome guests that most homeowners dread. They come into your house, eat, sleep, make a mess, and never leave willingly. Each one has at least six legs and sometimes flies.They are, of course, insects. They’ve been free loading in homes since homes were invented. Here are some practical ways to keep these unwelcome guests out:• Find out how they got in. Look for gaps around windows and doors,and cracks in the basement. If you find a spider web, there's likely an insect entry way nearby.• Watch out for standing water near the foundation of your home. Makesure rain gutters drain water well away.• Eliminate clutter. Insects love warm, cluttered, moist areas.• Check the seal around dryer vents and other vents, pipes and cable wires going through the wall. Reseal if necessary.• Rinse recyclables before putting them into a bag or bin. Few things are more tempting to a bug than the dark, moist, sweet insides of a nun-rinsed pop can. If you do end up with a serious insect problem, call a professional exterminator. 
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Your home at a glance
Have you ever driven up to a restaurant and your first impression was
disappointing? Perhaps the windows looked dark and gloomy, the façade
was worn and unattractive or for some other reason it just didn't look like a
tempting place to eat.
It could still be a fantastic restaurant – a real gem. But, your first impression
has soured your anticipation. If you still walk through the front door, it will
likely be with the expectation of being disappointed.
This scenario often plays out in the real estate market as well.
A buyer drives up to a home for sale and quickly forms an impression based
on what he sees "from the curb". That's why you'll hear real estate experts
talk about the importance of "curb appeal". It's one of the most important
selling points of a property.
If you plan to put your home on the market, you obviously want your home
to look as attractive as possible from the street. Fortunately, there are many
simple things you can do to improve curb appeal.
For example, you can trim shrubs and hedges, plant flowers, clean the
walkway and driveway, paint the front door and garage door, and clean the
exteriors of the windows. All these projects are relatively easy and
inexpensive. Yet, each can make a dramatic improvement to how your
home looks at first glance.
Don't be like the great restaurant that’s hidden behind an unkept façade.
Make sure your curb appeal reflects the overall value of your property.
Looking for more advice on selling your home quickly and for the best price?
Call today.
Have you ever driven up to a restaurant and your first impression was disappointing? Perhaps the windows looked dark and gloomy, the façade was worn and unattractive or for some other reason it just didn't look like atempting place to eat. It could still be a fantastic restaurant – a real gem. But, your first impression has soured your anticipation. If you still walk through the front door, it will likely be with the expectation of being disappointed.This scenario often plays out in the real estate market as well.A buyer drives up to a home for sale and quickly forms an impression based on what he sees "from the curb". That's why you'll hear real estate experts talk about the importance of "curb appeal". It's one of the most important selling points of a property.If you plan to put your home on the market, you obviously want your home to look as attractive as possible from the street. Fortunately, there are many simple things you can do to improve curb appeal.For example, you can trim shrubs and hedges, plant flowers, clean the walkway and driveway, paint the front door and garage door, and clean the exteriors of the windows. All these projects are relatively easy and inexpensive. Yet, each can make a dramatic improvement to how your home looks at first glance.Don't be like the great restaurant that’s hidden behind an unkept façade.Make sure your curb appeal reflects the overall value of your property.Looking for more advice on selling your home quickly and for the best price?Call today.
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Being Safe about Chemicals in Your Home
You would have to visit your local pharmacy or science lab to rival the
number of potentially dangerous chemicals in the average home. You likely
store everything from fertilizers and acidic cleaners to gasoline and
corrosive drain openers.
Obviously, it makes sense to ensure that everyone in your home uses and
stores such items safely.
For example, laundry detergent packs – which have become popular
recently – are attractive to children. Keep them locked and out of sight. You
should do the same with all laundry products. Even exposure to fabric
softener pads can cause skin irritation to a child.
Always read and follow the labels on household chemical products. Use and
store them as directed.
Keep corrosives, such as harsh cleaners and drain openers, separate from
other chemicals and in a place where, should they leak, they will cause
minimal or no damage.
Also, never put a chemical in anything other than its original container. You
don’t want to take the chance that paint thinner stored in an old water bottle,
for example, is mistaken for water!
Finally, make sure you have the phone number to your local Poison Control
Center in a handy place, such as your fridge door. (You can find a list of
numbers at www.CAPCC.ca in Canada and www.AAPCC.org in the U.S.)
Being Safe about Chemicals in Your Home You would have to visit your local pharmacy or science lab to rival the number of potentially dangerous chemicals in the average home. You likely store everything from fertilizers and acidic cleaners to gasoline and corrosive drain openers.Obviously, it makes sense to ensure that everyone in your home uses and stores such items safely.For example, laundry detergent packs – which have become popular recently – are attractive to children. Keep them locked and out of sight. You should do the same with all laundry products. Even exposure to fabric softener pads can cause skin irritation to a child.Always read and follow the labels on household chemical products. Use and store them as directed.Keep corrosives, such as harsh cleaners and drain openers, separate from other chemicals and in a place where, should they leak, they will cause minimal or no damage.Also, never put a chemical in anything other than its original container. You don’t want to take the chance that paint thinner stored in an old water bottle,for example, is mistaken for water!Finally, make sure you have the phone number to your local Poison Control Center in a handy place, such as your fridge door. (You can find a list ofnumbers at www.CAPCC.ca in Canada and www.AAPCC.org in the U.S.)
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5 Unusual (but effective) Home Staging Ideas
"Staging" your home is all about making the space in your home as
appealing as possible to buyers. You may already know the basics, such as
eliminating clutter. Here are some other tips that are less well known yet
very effective:
• Chandeliers. Surprisingly, these are one of the simplest ways to
make a foyer, dining room or living room dramatically more eyecatching.
You can buy a good-looking chandelier for a few hundred
dollars.
• New linen. This is something many home sellers don't consider, but
should. Replace any worn linen – sheets, coverings, towels, and
even oven mitts with new ones. Believe it or not, new linen makes a
big impression on buyers.
• Pedestal sinks. It may not be practical for you to replace a bathroom
sink. However, if you are doing a renovation, keep in mind that
pedestal sinks – especially in small washrooms – are a big hit with
buyers.
• New appliances. A brand new fridge, stove and dishwasher are
motivating selling features to buyers. That's because new appliances
make the whole kitchen look brand new.
• Avoid multi-use rooms. Have a spare bedroom that doubles as a
home office? That's a turnoff to buyers. Whenever possible, stage
each room so that it has a singular purpose. A guest bedroom, for
example, should be only that.
Want more tips on how to stage your home so that it attracts buyers? Call
today.
5 Unusual (but effective) Home Staging Ideas"Staging" your home is all about making the space in your home as appealing as possible to buyers. You may already know the basics, such as eliminating clutter. Here are some other tips that are less well known yet very effective:• Chandeliers. Surprisingly, these are one of the simplest ways to make a foyer, dining room or living room dramatically more eye catching.You can buy a good-looking chandelier for a few hundred dollars.• New linen. This is something many home sellers don't consider, but should. Replace any worn linen – sheets, coverings, towels, and even oven mitts with new ones. Believe it or not, new linen makes a big impression on buyers.• Pedestal sinks. It may not be practical for you to replace a bathroom sink. However, if you are doing a renovation, keep in mind that pedestal sinks – especially in small washrooms – are a big hit with buyers.• New appliances. A brand new fridge, stove and dishwasher are motivating selling features to buyers. That's because new appliances make the whole kitchen look brand new.• Avoid multi-use rooms. Have a spare bedroom that doubles as a home office? That's a turnoff to buyers. Whenever possible, stage each room so that it has a singular purpose. A guest bedroom, for example, should be only that.Want more tips on how to stage your home so that it attracts buyers? Call Today
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According to fire officials,
December is the peak month for a
certain type of fire in the home.
If you think the risk involves
candles, think again. Although
candle safety is extremely
important at any time of the year,
electrical fires are the type that
peak during this month.
Why? At this time of year, people
tend to haul out old electronic
appliances, lighting and electrical
cords, as well as other items
— such as electric toys and
decorations. Some of these may
be several years old and have
frayed wiring and other damage
that could cause a fire.
Before using such items, be sure
to check them thoroughly. Look
carefully for tears, frays and other
signs of damage to the cords. If
there is any damage, replace the
item, rather than attempting to
repair it.
Pay particular attention to
portable heaters, which can easily
ignite paper and other flammable
materials that come in contact
with the unit.
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Reduce the Risk of
Indoor Air Pollution
The more time we spend indoors, the more
mindful we should be about the quality of
the air in the enclosed environments we
share. Controlling and improving indoor air
quality can be a major factor in reducing
the risk of exposure to airborne pollutants
such as allergens and other causes of
respiratory illness. Here are four effective
steps you can take:
Remove damp carpeting, toxic solvents,
paints, oily rags and cleaning products
that may accumulate in the house. Seal up
exposed insulation and clean up mould.
Ensure your home is well ventilated by
using proper exhaust fans when cooking,
bathing, showering, or operating any fuelburning
unit. (Note that some furnaces
have built-in venting.)
Regularly dust hard surfaces, vacuum
upholstery and beat/shake out rugs
and drapery.
Take steps to clean your air through
portable units and/or whole-home
HEPA filtration/circulation, and be sure
to change/clean them according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Reduce the Risk ofIndoor Air Pollution: The more time we spend indoors, the more mindful we should be about the quality of the air in the enclosed environments we share. Controlling and improving indoor air quality can be a major factor in reducing the risk of exposure to airborne pollutants such as allergens and other causes of respiratory illness. Here are four effective steps you can take:•Remove damp carpeting, toxic solvents,paints, oily rags and cleaning products that may accumulate in the house. Seal up exposed insulation and clean up mould.•Ensure your home is well ventilated by using proper exhaust fans when cooking,bathing, showering, or operating any fuel burning unit. (Note that some furnaces have built-in venting.)•Regularly dust hard surfaces, vacuum upholstery and beat/shake out rugs and drapery.•Take steps to clean your air through portable units and/or whole-home HEPA filtration/circulation, and be sure to change/clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Imagine you're viewing a potential new home. You walk in the front door
and are instantly impressed. You explore the property room by room and
like what you see.
Then there's something you notice that's not quite right. An odour. You
realize that it's likely cat dander and, now that you've identified it, you smell
it everywhere. Suddenly the home doesn't seem as attractive as it did just
moments earlier.
The owner of the property is probably so used to the smell that he doesn't
even notice it. Neither does anyone else in the household.
So, when marketing your home for sale, be scent sensitive. Think about the
odours that you may have become used to but others are likely to notice.
Even odours you think are pleasant, like the strong scent given off by some
house plants, may not be pleasing to everyone.
An odour can easily distract a buyer from appreciating the good qualities of
your property. Pay particular attention to garbage bins (which can smell
even when empty), pets, kitty litter (even when fresh and unused), the
kitchen (especially after cooking), perfumes, and closets.
The smell of cigarette smoke is particularly unpleasant to many people. Its
odour can linger even on an outside deck or patio.
Bottom line? Don't assume buyers won't notice certain smells. They will.
Looking for 
Imagine you're viewing a potential new home. You walk in the front door and are instantly impressed. You explore the property room by room andlike what you see.Then there's something you notice that's not quite right. An odour. You realize that it's likely cat dander and, now that you've identified it, you smellit everywhere. Suddenly the home doesn't seem as attractive as it did justmoments earlier.The owner of the property is probably so used to the smell that he doesn'teven notice it. Neither does anyone else in the household.So, when marketing your home for sale, be scent sensitive. Think about the odours that you may have become used to but others are likely to notice.Even odours you think are pleasant, like the strong scent given off by somehouse plants, may not be pleasing to everyone.An odour can easily distract a buyer from appreciating the good qualities of your property. Pay particular attention to garbage bins (which can smelleven when empty), pets, kitty litter (even when fresh and unused), the kitchen (especially after cooking), perfumes, and closets.The smell of cigarette smoke is particularly unpleasant to many people. Its odour can linger even on an outside deck or patio.Bottom line? Don't assume buyers won't notice certain smells. They will.Looking for more advice on selling your home quickly and for the best price?
Call today.
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