The CENTURY 21 Miller "Klean Up for the Kids" event for Easter Seals was a huge success!
The May 12, 2012 Oakville event raised funds through a car wash, document shredding and clothing drop off, Mother's Day flower sales, and a raffle, and helped raise hundreds of dollars to help send disabled kids to camp this summer!
We had a perfect day for the event with lots of sunshine and warm breezes. The event turned into a real party with everyone pitching in and enjoying the music: we had great team work and a lot of fun! More importantly we raised over $1500 to help send disabled kids to Easter Seals camps!
CENTURY 21 Miller would like to thank everyone who supported this event
Our major sponsor, The Oakville Home Leisure Centre very graciously provided the venue. We want to thank all our wonderful volunteers who came out on the day and the members of the CENTURY 21 Miller Easter Seal Fundraising committee for all their hard work in putting this event together. A big thank you also to everyone who donated cash, prizes and equipment.
Amongst all your financial investments your home is one of the most valuable asset. It holds a monetary, as well as an emotional value to you. Who is taking care of your most valuable asset? Who is your Real Estate Advisor?
Every quarter or sometimes annually we receive a statement of our investments from our Financial Advisor, detailing what our proposed investments are worth now. Some go as far as to offer advice on your next steps to grow your investments. If your home is one of the biggest investments in your life, why is there no valuation update provided annually? What are your resources in ensuring you maintain and grow the value of your home? Who tells you what is going on in the real estate market and more specifically your geographical area? What should your next recourse be? These are all valid questions that you should be asking and my goal is to answer all these and any other questions that you may have regarding your real estate needs, neighbourhood updates, community events and developments.
Below are some ways to stay on top of your home investment:
Home Maintenance
Stay on top and in control of your home repairs these tend to creep up on you. Whether it is a simple replacement of a fused light bulb or an extensive roof job, organize yourself and get it done as it appears. It will hurt your wallet less as well.
Home Renovations
Do not drain your money in extensive renovations. Start with small, achievable tasks:
fresh coat of paint
new light fixtures
change the hardware on your cabinets
a new vanity in the poder room for more pizazz
paint your kitchen cabinets
upgrade to granite countertops
backsplash
new flooring
Be Informed
Keep yourself up-to-date on the real estate market. What are homes selling for in your area? What are their key features? What makes your neighbourhood a special place to live? This information should be available to you through a qualified real estate professional and will be valuable whether you decide to sell your home or not.
Always get Professional Advice
When hiring a contractor for repairs and renovations, get at least three quotes and make sure you hire a qualified professional. You have enough in your daily life between juggling work, family and other obligations. Leave the sale of your home to a traine expert. Speak to a qualified mortgage specialist, an expert real estate lawyer and most importantly, a dedicate real estate sales representative.
You and your home have survived another winter! Congratulations!
Now is the time to handle these 5 critical spring maintenance activities, not only for your own comfort and enjoyment, but also to maintain and/or improve the value of your home!
Check The A/C
Have a qualified HVAC contractor – preferably one that belongs to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America – come out to give your air-conditioning system a tune-up. To help lower your energy bills, do this every year to ensure the system is running at its manufacturer-rated efficiency. Also make sure to inspect your system’s condensate drain hose, especially if you live in a humid climate. This hose could become clogged with algae and sediment, and your contractor may charge you more to clean it out. Avoid this extra cost by checking the hose periodically yourself. Use a wet-vac to suction any blockage out from it.
Roofs And Gutters
The hot summer sun can quickly damage a roof’s shingles, so you may want to call a contractor if you haven’t inspected your roof in several years. Clean out the leaves and other debris that have collected in them. Then check to see if the gutters are safely attached and haven’t sprung any leaks. Also, make sure that downspouts direct water away from the house’s foundation, to prevent a potential basement flood.
Right The Foundation
For further basement flood protection, inspect the foundation around your house before the spring rains. Look for cracks or imperfections, and seal them or call a contractor if necessary. Also look for low areas in the yard near the foundation that might pool water during a heavy rain. Level these yard depressions by filling them with compacted soil. Tend to any other “ponding” areas around the yard, too, because after a hard rain, standing water can develop. These puddles can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Seal The Deck
If you have a patio deck, inspect the wood for stains, discolorations, or warping. If you find any, consider resealing the deck. To verify that your old application still works, pour some water onto the dry deck and check to see that it beads up. Most deck-sealer manufacturers recommend resealing annually, but if there are no immediate problems worth addressing, you can likely wait until the following spring to reseal. Check for any sharp edges, splintered wood, or rotting wood. Also look for rusting nails or any nails that are coming out or weakening their connections. And be sure to check the railings and stairs to make sure they are secure and not wobbly.
Ready The Soil
Spring is the season to prepare for new growth in your garden. Rake beds of leaves and other leftover winter debris. Use a hoe to churn and loosen the soil, and mix in compost for nutrients. If you’ll be planting new seeds, follow the instructions provided on the seed packet for the best results.
You may also want to consider having a professional home inspector perform a Seasonal Maintenance Inspection. This is a great idea particularly in spring or fall! Your Century 21 professional can refer you to some trusted professionals!
CENTURY 21 Canada was at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver this week to unveil our sponsored Terracotta Warrior sculpture. The 7 foot fiberglass Warrior is a part of Easter Seals' newest art project in British Columbia. Our Terracotta Warrior will be one of many being displayed in locations around Vancouver, Burnaby and Richmond. One Warrior will actually be on display in the Yukon for the summer.
The CENTURY 21 Canada Terracotta Warrior, named David Chin, will be standing in front of the Sutton Place Hotel in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. If you're in the area, make sure to take a photo with him and share it on our Facebook page.
David Chin was named and designed by local artist, Juma Wu. She was very familiar with the story of the Terracotta Warriors before starting on this art project. Juma 's inspiration for the CENTURY 21 sponsored Warrior is one of tradition and transformation. In the design titled 'I Through the Space Time', Juma has created a story of how David came to be. From being a guardian of the imperial mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, David has now traveled through time and space to be in Vancouver along with a new body for everyone to see and enjoy.
Terracotta Warriors were originally created around 220 BC to guard the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Thousands of Terracotta Warriors were discovered in Xian province along with chariots, horses and birds in 1974. To this day, only a fraction of the Terracotta Warriors have been excavated from the emperor's tomb.
The Terracotta Warriors were chosen by Easter Seals as a symbol of the multiculturalism of BC. Each sponsored Terracotta Warrior is unique in design, partnering local artists with sponsoring individuals or organizations.
After the summer, on September 27, each Terracotta Warrior will be auctioned off during the Great Terracotta Warrior Banquet & Auction. All proceeds from the auction will go towards supporting children with disabilities in BC through Easter Seals initiatives.
This limited edition art project is the fourth of its kind by the BC Lions Society and Easter Seals. Past projects included Orcas, Bears and Eagles.
When you show your home to prospective buyers, there is probably a long list of things you’re hoping they’ll notice. For example, the beautiful chandelier in the foyer, or the spacious backyard and large deck, or the kitchen with the island big enough for a family to sit down for breakfast.
But what about those things you’re hoping buyers will not zero in on?
Every home has some features that are less than enticing to the typical buyer. You may not be able to do much about an unfinished basement or a home backing onto a noisy main street. However, there are several things buyers don’t want to see that you can change.
Here are five of the most common:
Clutter: Back rooms in basements filled with boxes and other items. Closets stuffed full of clothes. Rooms crammed with too much furniture. Clutter of any kind makes buyers feel uneasy – and gets in the way of showcasing the wonderful features of your home. It also can make your home seem smaller than it really is.
Maintenance issues: Buyers definitely don’t want to see a lot of things needing repairs or replacement. Dripping faucets, faded or chipped walls, or overgrown lawns and shrubbery can make a buyer think twice about putting an offer on your property.
Smells: You can’t see smells,but it really does affect the experience of a buyer when they view a listing. Smells like exotic cooking aromas, cigarette smoke, and pets can be quite a turn off. As mentioned in a previous blog post on Talk 21, smell is the only one of our five senses that is directly hardwired to our brains and connected to our memories and emotions. Personal items: Buyers will, of course, understand that a family is living in the home they’re viewing. However, constant reminders – in the form of vacation pictures, bowling trophies, or scattered children’s toys – can make a buyer feel like an intruder. Don't forget to put away your laundry! The site of laundry hanging in a basement makes your home look cluttered and messy.
The goal is to get buyers to imagine themselves living in the space and making it their own. The good news is, all these things can easily be dealt with before you show your home.
Jorge Branca is with CENTURY 21 Leading Edge Realty Inc. in Scarborough, ON.
As I browse realtor.ca, the sale of smaller living spaces is pretty apparent. This has been the trend for quite a few years and is expected to continue as urban areas grow denser. According to the National Association of Home Builders in the U.S., the average completed home in 2010 was 2,377 sq ft, down 3% from 2009. This is coupled with the decrease in household sizes. A study done by the Canadian Home Builders Association shows that household sizes have fallen from 3.6 to 2.5 persons between 1971 and 2006. Household sizes are expected to trend down as more baby boomers head towards retirement, which will lead to more developments catering to empty nesters and retirees.
Though homes are getting smaller, the use of space is becoming much more useful. Many homeowners are now more willing to forego space for functionality. There is less focus on separate rooms for a specific purpose. Living rooms will blend into the family room and the dining room is being replaced by a multi-functional eat-in kitchen and entertaining space. Master bedroom suites may double as a home office as well.
Living in a smaller place can really reduce your cleaning and maintenance, making it more affordable. You may also be using less energy, leaving less of a carbon footprint. Make your "cozy" home work for you.
Floor Plan: The layout of your place will determine the usefulness of the space and how you can arrange your furniture. Make sure you buy a place with a floor plan that works for you. I have friends who love entranceways and some who love walking into an open space instead. If you're buying a new development, conceptual photos and floor plans can be deceiving and make a room look much larger than they actually are in reality. It might not hurt to view similar listings with the same layout to really get an idea of what you are getting.
As builders create more multi-functional spaces, it'll be important to figure out what you want each space to do. Will you be dining in your kitchen or is there space for your home office in the master bedroom?
Furniture: Furniture is key to making a space look roomy or cramped. An oversized couch could cut the space in half or an old armour will look overbearing in the corner or a room. Look for pieces that are versatile and can play various roles in your living space. For example, some ottomans can help you store pillows or throws, while acting as an extra seat or side table.
An option is to have pieces customized to fit the nooks you have. This way, you know that it will fit perfectly and maximize the space you have.
Storage: Living in a small space means being creative with how you store your things. Exploit wall space to maximize storage. Consider hanging your pots and pans on the wall or even your most used kitchen utensils - just make sure you find hanging accessories that are strong enough to secure your items. You can also add shelving on your walls for books and items.
Also, spaces above or below your furniture will become extra storage. If you look at any home accessory store, you'll find a plethora of storage items for under the bed or for hanging on a door.
It is possible to create your own dream home in the city. Let your creative side come out as you decide if a smaller space is right for you and your family.
When your mortgage comes up for renewal, your lender will send you a letter suggesting you renew at their current offer. If you do, you’ll be renewing your mortgage with your eyes closed!
This is your moment of opportunity to negotiate the best possible deal, either with your current lender or with a new one. Do you know if the same lender remains your best choice? If you don’t, you aren’t alone.
At the end of 2011, Manulife Bank of Canada released the results of their latest consumer debt survey. They found that two-thirds of homeowners (65 per cent) did not compare products from several different lenders to make sure they were getting the best deal the last time their mortgage came up for renewal. Twenty per cent stayed with their current lender and did not negotiate, while 45 per cent stayed and negotiated but did not shop the market. Interestingly, the youngest age group surveyed (30-39) were the most likely to shop around (41 per cent) but also the most likely to stay with their current lender and not negotiate (24 per cent). This age group is in the most hectic period of balancing work and children, which often causes things to be left to the last minute and it’s easier to follow the path of least resistance.
You could save a considerable amount of money if you renew at a lower rate. A half percent difference on a $225,000 mortgage with a 20 year amortization can mean over $5,200 in interest savings over five years. Wouldn’t it be better to put that amount towards reducing your mortgage principal?
You also need to consider that your mortgage needs may have changed. This may be a good time to roll your high-interest credit cards and other debt into your mortgage to get one lower payment, boost your cash flow and save on interest costs. Or you may want to take some equity out for renovations, a second property or for investing.
Keep in mind that there are some administrative details and costs when switching your mortgage to another lender, but don't let this discourage you from finding out more. It doesn’t cost you anything to investigate your options or get a second opinion. When you switch your mortgage to a new lender, you will go through an approval process similar to when you took out the original mortgage. You can either assign your existing mortgage or you can apply for a new one should you want to borrow a larger amount to consolidate your high interest debt or complete some renovations.
Your lender may charge a discharge fee, and you may need to pay legal and appraisal fees if you are getting a completely new mortgage instead of switching your existing one. At that point, you should assess if the money you will save by switching to a better interest rate offsets those costs. The cost for you mortgage life insurance may also change. You won’t have to pay for your mortgage broker’s service (oac) because the lender selected pays compensation for the services and mortgage solution provided to you.
If a renewal is in your financial future, bring your renewal notice to a mortgage broker four months prior to your renewal date. There are some great options out there and they can help you look around.
The future is bright for kitchen design. Even today we can turn on a faucet with a simple tap, perform a Google search from the fridge door and open a drawer from a slight touch. So what can we expect in the kitchen of the future? Just about anything you can imagine....
The new Samsung RSG309 fridge, is an industry first. Equipped with a Wi-Fi enabled 8’’ LCD screen on the front of the appliance, you can access recipes on Epicurious, check the weather, post notes for family members and even review the family’s Google calendar, check the latest headlines or enjoy a photo slide show.
Samsung does it again with the new Flex Oven. The Flex is the world’s first 30” freestanding electric range with an oven cavity that can be divided into two separate cooking chambers. So you can cook dinner and dessert simultaneously without compromising smells or tastes!
In the not so distant future, kitchen cabinets will be subject to high-tech upgrades. The cabinets of future kitchens will be made of glass, will change colour, even play a movie and will open from a slight touch. Smooth glass cabinets will feature LED wallpaper that can change pattern by the use of a personal computer, and because we will use glass instead of wood for cabinetry, the surfaces will be scratch resistant, ant-viral and recyclable.
Speaking of green design in the kitchen, countertops will also be made of glass. “Glass 2” countertops are already available in the United States. Glass 2 is 99% recycled glass, stain-resistant, virtually scratch-resistant, maintenance free, cold and heat resistant, has permanent coloursand unlike granite, which takes 325 million years to form, Glass 2 contains no radioactive elements.
Glass countertops will also allow for induction technology, another energy saving technology. With induction cook tops, you will be able to move your cook top anywhere on the counter top or island by the easy sweep of a hand.
Wireless electricity in the kitchen is also in the cards. Imagine a kitchen where there are no plugs and no cords to get tangled up in. Our future kitchens will have wireless electricity, thanks to transmitters hidden under the counter.
We will also have a high tech system that will help us keep tabs on our grocery needs,
expiration dates and food usage. Now all that’s need is the trusty kitchen robot!
Check out this video that shows what our kitchens could look like in the future
Years ago, I was finishing my degree in Vancouver with one co-op term left before graduating. There were some really good positions in Vancouver to choose from, but the one that caught my eye was a one-year term in Victoria with the Government of British Columbia. It had all the work opportunities that I was looking for, so I packed my bags and ferried over to Victoria.
Picking up and moving to a different city was challenging to say the least. Many people have done it and are doing it, but the decision is a big one. Though I was only moving a short distance, there were a lot of considerations I had to take in.
Prepping for a Move
At the time, I was still renting an apartment, so I needed to make sure I gave enough notice to my landlord. Then, I had to pack up my place, prioritize what I wanted to bring and put the rest in storage. If you own your home, you should create a checklist of what you’ll need to do to list your home. It’s a good idea to speak with a Realtor to help arrange the sale of your home. They can help get your property ready to be listed and handle many of the details to alleviate the stress. Trust me; you’ll have enough to worry about with the move already.
I had been to Victoria on vacations, but I didn’t know the neighbourhoods well enough to know where I wanted to live. I started my search online to see the location of my new workplace and had decided that I wanted to be within walking distance. From there I looked at the municipality’s website along with other sources. Google Street View is a fantastic way to preview a neighbourhood online. Also, check out our Community Websites, which will give you some insights into different neighbourhoods in Canada.
Again, a local Realtor will be able to give you knowledgeable information about new neighbourhoods and help you find a good location based on your needs.
Financial Costs
For some, the company they work for will pay for their relocation costs. For others, like myself, the cost of moving was strictly on me. I was surprised at the cost to move to Victoria. Moving costs can be high if you have to travel large distances. Do some research on moving companies as they can vary in price. I also found that I had to buy small pieces of new furniture, and accessories like a rug and lamps. It all adds up.
Some costs associated with moving can be deducted on your tax return. Check with an accountant on what those could be and save your receipts.
Starting Fresh
I really had no support system in Victoria when I arrived. People I worked with were much older and I was starting to feel a bit lonely after a month away. Moving to a new city is exciting, but it can also take an emotional toll. I made an effort to try things on my own, like watching a movie in the theatres or eating at a restaurant. I also looked at community centre classes and hobby clubs to join.
Growing Your Network
Being involved in community groups and learning to live on my own really helped me make friends that had similar interests. Through various means, I ended up with some really good friends that I could count on. For me, moving to a new city was an amazing adventure.
Today, I’m back in Vancouver contemplating another move (locally this time). The experiences I gained in previous moves will hopefully translate to a smoother move next time.
Do you have any advice on relocating for work? Share them here in the comments.
CENTURY 21 Broadway Park Realty was a proud Platinum Sponsor at the 2012 Easter Seals™ Snowarama in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. The CENTURY 21 Broadway Park Realty team was on site volunteering their time and energy serving food and beverages to hungry participants during the Beer and Wing Night. CENTURY 21 Sales Representative, Shelby Wilk also spent many hours helping as a Snowarama committee member, making the event a success.
Easter Seals Snowarama is an annual event that combines winter activities and community spirit in support of Easter Seals Saskatchewan. Held this year on February 10 and 11, the event promoted snowmobile rides through various groomed trails along with breakfast and lunch for riders. Unfortunately, there was a lack of snow and the rides had to be cancelled. In spite of this, the event raised $120,000 for Easter Seals Saskatchewan, which is managed by the Saskatchewan Abilities Council.
The funds raised through this event go towards supporting programs like Camp Easter Seals, Summer Fun, and Adaptive Technology Services. They provide recreational opportunities for children with disabilities in Saskatchewan and aim to enhance their self-confidence and independence.
The team at CENTURY 21 Broadway Park Realty knew they were participating in a worthy cause. Some have seen first hand the joys that Camp Easter Seals can bring to those who get to participate and were eager to give back to their community.
In Saskatchewan, Camp Easter Seals is located at Manitou Beach near Watrous. It’s surrounded by wooded slopes where kids can swim, go horseback riding and have cook-outs. Camp Easter Seal is completely wheelchair accessible and specially designed for adults and children with disabilities.
CENTURY 21 Broadway Park Realty plans to continue their support of Easter Seals Saskatchewan so keep your eyes open for more CENTURY 21 Sales Professionals at local fundraising initiatives.
Congratulations to everyone who participated in Snowarama!
CENTURY 21 Sales Professionals all over Canada help to fundraise for Easter Seals. In 2008, CENTURY 21 Canada created the Kids to Camp program where every $2100 raised can send a child with disabilities to an Easter Seals camp.
CENTURY 21 Heritage Group Ltd., Brokerage, Independently owned and operated. ® ™ Registered Trademarks of Century 21 Real Estate LLC Used Under License. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.
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Have a qualified HVAC contractor – preferably one that belongs to the 
Ready The Soil
CENTURY 21 Canada was at the 
As I browse 
Furniture: Furniture is key to making a space look roomy or cramped. An oversized couch could cut the space in half or an old armour will look overbearing in the corner or a room. Look for pieces that are versatile and can play various roles in your living space. For example, some ottomans can help you store pillows or throws, while acting as an extra seat or side table.
At the end of 2011, 
Prepping for a Move
Starting Fresh
The team at CENTURY 21 Broadway Park Realty knew they were participating in a worthy cause. Some have seen first hand the joys that Camp Easter Seals can bring to those who get to participate and were eager to give back to their community.