For many people, the shower is an escape from reality … perhaps the only ‘me time’ in an otherwise hectic day. But if your current shower isn’t living up to your relaxing expectations, it may be time for a facelift.- Don’t think you have the time or money? Don’t throw in the towel just yet – an improved shower is within your reach. Simply follow these four quick and easy fixes that will make an amazing improvement to the everyday enjoyment of your shower.

Curves ahead

Shower curtains may keep water where it should be, but they also have a tendency to make a shower feel smaller, dark and cramped. An easy solution to this problem is to install a curved shower rod. These unique rods add an elegant and luxurious look to the room while also moving the curtain away from your body, creating a more comfortable experience and adding up to 7 inches of elbow room. –Moen offers a variety of styles, including a double curved shower rod that can be used to separate the decorative curtain from the liner – or to provide an additional bar to hang towels. Whatever curved shower rod you choose, be sure to coordinate the finish to match the rest of your bath fixtures.

Downsize and organize

Fewer people are living alone these days, reports the National Association of Home Builders, which means you likely share your shower with others. A shower shelf is an ideal solution to provide adequate storage and keep everyone’s everyday essentials neat and easily within reach. The Moen Home Care Designer Grab Bar with Shelf adds the storage capabilities of a straight or corner shelf with the safety of a grab bar – all with a stylish design in the latest finishes.

Chance of showers

A simple showerhead update can dramatically improve your showering experience. With several styles available, the only difficult part is figuring out which one will suit your needs the best.

Rainshowers – If you’re looking for relaxing, full-body coverage, a rainshower is the right choice for you. These showerheads are often larger than their standard counterparts, allowing the user to receive all-over coverage rather than a concentrated spray.

Handheld showers – With a handheld shower you’re able to bring the water flow directly to you. This type of shower allows for any family member – no matter the size or age – to safely and easily shower.

Standard showerheads – Standard showerheads are far from basic. With many collections offering multi-function spray settings, it’s easy to create a personalized showering experience.

Hang it up

The final step to a fabulous shower experience is to ensure you have a place nearby to hang a warm robe and towel. Adding a robe hook or towel bar just outside the shower is a simple solution that can also add a stylish accent to your bathroom. If you currently have a Moen faucet, be sure to select the matching Moen accessories to ensure complete coordination throughout your bath. Moen also offers several non-matching collections, such as the Parlor Collection, which coordinate with a variety of bath faucet styles.- The Moen Parlor Collection features a unique pullout robe hook, which allows each hook to be used traditionally, or extended to hang multiple items. And, once you’ve added new accessories, finish off the renovated space with a plush robe and matching towel set.

By following these simple and inexpensive fixes, your shower can become an everyday retreat for relaxation and enjoyment. For more information visit http://www.moen.com.

Older Canadians work longer, live longer and consider retirement as their life’s reward to be relished, not as a time to slow down. They want the financial freedom to do the things they love, and they want to remain independent and active as long as they can.

The first set of Canada’s baby boomers turned 65 in 2011; by 2026, the number of seniors is expected to reach about 7.8 million. This means changes for the real estate industry as more boomers downsize and the number of residents living in active retirement or age-restricted lifestyle communities rises.

Anne and Bernie Bruneau have been living in one such lifestyle community since 2009. Country Meadows in Wasaga Beach, ON is a land lease community open to residents age 50 and older owned by Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities Inc., the largest residential and recreational land lease community operator in the country. “Land lease allows those who are retiring or downsizing the opportunity to own a home at a much reduced rate,” says Andrew Blair, Parkbridge President and CEO. “Homes in Wasaga Beach tend to cost 22% more than a home in one of our communities, which frees up more disposable income to spend or save however they wish.”

The convenience of community living is another benefit. Anne and Bernie retired in 2002 and became part of the “6 and 6” set – spending six months in Canada and six months in South Texas. After seven years, they decided it was time to put down roots and buy a permanent home so they returned to Ontario and began the search. “Our number one priority was to have a community atmosphere because we had gotten used to living that way in Texas and we enjoyed it,” says Anne. “You’ve got a built-in social life and we had no doubt that we’d make a lot of acquaintances, but even more long term friends. If you knocked on anyone’s door, most of them would say that they like community living, that they’re glad they moved.”

Residents of Country Meadows share amenities such as the clubhouse, pool and 9-hole golf course, while organized activities include every type of card game imaginable, yoga and ladies fitness, pool and snooker, shuffleboard and once or twice a month, dinner entertainment. And impromptu events are always springing up. “We have a front porch and a rear deck and the private deck activities have become fabric of the social life,” says Anne. “It’s a great way to enjoy the fruits of your labor, after the 35 or 40 years you’ve put in working hard.”

(BPT) – The real estate market has improved across much of the country, but homeowners thinking about listing their homes this summer need to stay competitive to attract buyers. Buyers are looking for long-term homes, ones they want to stay in for years while raising their children, or settling down and retiring.

To prepare your home for listing – or simply to enjoy it a few years longer – check out these top five home improvement projects you can do yourself to make your home more attractive to buyers:

1. Give the front door a new look – The front door sets the tone for your home’s curb appeal and security, and it signals how well you maintain everything else. Buyers will be walking into your home via the front door, so be sure to give them a good first impression. If your door is in good shape, you might just need to give it a refreshing new coat of paint or new hardware. But if it’s seen some wear and tear over the years, consider replacing it with a steel door – one that will show buyers your home is safe.

2. Update the most-used entryway – While the front door needs curb appeal, the garage door is traditionally the most-used door in the home. Old wooden garage doors will start to sag and the paint will peel, giving your home a run-down look. Replacing this door with an insulated steel door will not only improve the exterior look of your home, but also keep the garage space warmer. Finishing off the garage can also be a big draw for buyers, but you probably won’t be able to recoup as much of the expense as you would by replacing only the garage door.

3. Add additional living space – You might not think about adding a deck as the same thing as adding an extra room to the house, but if you’re selling your home during the warmer months, that’s how buyers will see it. They’ll be able to picture themselves enjoying breakfast and picnic dinners outside, or curling up on a lounge chair with a good book on a summer afternoon. To make your deck a good selling feature, consider using ProWood Dura Color, a color-treated wood that retains its color for years. This means your buyers can easily move into your house and can enjoy the space without the annual chore of staining. Realtor.com estimates that homeowners can recoup 87 percent of the investment of adding a deck when they sell.

4. Create a bathroom retreat – As the smallest room in the house, the bathroom tends to cost the least to remodel. If you have a guest or master bath that can use a little help to transform into a relaxing oasis, take the opportunity to replace the flooring, add cushy rugs, paint the walls and replace the accessories with more modern styles. Faucets, showerheads, the mirror and even the toilet can all be upgraded with water-saving and stylish designs. Buyers will take note of a maintenance-free bath, making your home one they’ll remember as move-in ready.

5. Turn the backyard into a private paradise – Buyers will be visualizing themselves in your backyard when touring your home. They’re looking to see how quiet and secure the space is. Consider adding a beautiful wooden fence to enhance the privacy. It will make the home attractive to families with children and pets, and for couples who aren’t interested in having a conversation with the neighbors every time they go outside. To make your fence an attractive selling feature of the home, consider using ProWood Dura Color fence pickets or pre-built panels. The cedar-tone or redwood-tone colorant driven deep into the wood fibers will stand up to the sun’s harsh rays and won’t gray out over time, unlike cedar fencing. You can match it to the deck coloring for a beautiful accent look that connects the colors in your backyard.

 

(NC)-Air conditioning is wonderful to have on hot summer days, but sometimes one would like to have more cooling in some areas of the home and less in others. In a multiple-story home, the top floor may require more cooling than the main floor, which in turn requires more cooling than the basement. As well, different people have different comfort levels. A comfortable temperature for one person might be too warm or too cool for another.
 

Balanced air conditioning is achievable today due to a technology called “zoning”. Any central air conditioning system can be zoned. Dampers are installed in the ductwork to automatically open and close to direct the cooling where it is needed. If your home has one of the new ductless or “mini-split” systems, a separate indoor unit would be installed in each zone.
 

One of the common reasons for zoning today is to save energy. It makes sense to cool only those rooms that are actually in use – the living room or family room and kitchen during the day; the bedrooms at night. A programmable thermostat can be set up to automatically change the cooling emphasis through the day and night.
 

While it is possible to create a separate zone for every room in a home, the result would be an extremely complex and expensive system. A more common approach is to divide a home into individually cooled zones by floor.
 

In a two-storey house, the basement, main floor and upper floor would each have their own thermostat or programmable control. Your professional air conditioning contractor can explain how zoning your air conditioning system will make your home more comfortable and energy efficient
 

More information is available online at http://www.hrai.ca.
 

More information on finding qualified contractors is available from the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada online at http://www.hrai.ca or call 1-877-467-4724.

(NC) We are all at risk of being targeted by fraud, and since November is Financial Literacy Month in Canada, it’s an ideal time to improve your money management skills, which includes brushing up on how to identify and prevent financial scams-and especially, what to do should you or someone you know become a victim.

Your Financial Toolkit is a financial resource developed by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, the Investor Education Fund and the Autorité des marchés financiers and it offers tips on protecting yourself. Available at itpaystoknow.gc.ca, this toolkit warns about offers that seem too good to be true. Other suggestions include refraining from giving out personal or financial information by phone, email or online; or accepting offers when you’re feeling pressured or made to feel guilty for refusing.

If you believe that you or someone you know may have encountered a potential scam, contact your local police and the Canadian-Anti Fraud Centre to report the incident and get advice. Also, warn your family and friends about the attempted fraud to help them stay safe.

When you want to improve the value of your home, get the most out of the money you spend on renovations with a few easy remodeling tips from Sally Morse, director of creative services for window fashions company Hunter Douglas:

• An Updated Kitchen – Gone are the days of the purely utilitarian kitchen. Today, kitchens require a balance between functionality and personal style. Invest in a new kitchen table that is both serviceable and aesthetically pleasing. Ever wondered what to do with that dining room you never use? A lot of families are doing away with the tradition of having a separate dining room by joining the two rooms. That way you get added space and value in the room that you are using more often.
   
• Storage Space – A stuffy old attic or basement that hasn’t been cleaned out in years is a waste of valuable space. Start by clearing out your storage areas and organizing their contents. Uncluttering your home will instantly make it look bigger and cleaner.
   
• Window Shutters – One of the best ways to add value is at the window. The refreshed, fashionable Palm Beach polysatin shutters with the DuraLux finish by Hunter Douglas are virtually indistinguishable from finely painted ones – making these shutters an excellent investment choice for your home.
   
• Modern Bathrooms – Just by making a few changes in your bathroom you can create a more attractive and comfortable space, as well as increase the value of your home significantly. Updating simple fixtures such as your faucet and sink, or adding in a bath, can give any outdated bathroom new style.

More information is available online at http://www.hunterdouglas.ca.

Consider these top five color trends for kitchen and bath spaces:

1. Gray reigns king

The NKBA Trends Report names gray the coveted color of the year. According to the report, use of gray color schemes in both kitchens and baths has dramatically increased, particularly over the past year. The hue is currently used in 55 percent of kitchens and 56 percent of bathrooms.

“I regularly work gray into my projects because it instantly elevates the design and adds depth to the palette,” says senior interior designer Travis Rotelli, who works at the Kohler Design Center in Kohler, Wis. “I love incorporating it with Kohler enameled cast iron sink – there are five different shades of gray to choose from, which makes it easy to find one to complement the other colors in the space and then echo that shade through the backsplash tile or paint color.”

2. Bold and beautiful hues

Neutrals are classic, but pops of strategically placed color add life to kitchen and baths. “Emerald and varying shades of green are hot pops of colors, and the color will be all about cobalt,” states Rotelli. While he says “it” hues are fun, he encourages homeowners to identify colors they personally enjoy. “We all have one color we’re always drawn to; the one that repeats in our wardrobes and home decor. That is the color to use as an accent in the kitchen or bath. Color trends come and go, but one that resonates with your design aesthetic and reflects you as an individual you’ll always love,” Rotelli says.

3. Evolve from white

Neutral no longer simply means white. Homeowners are eagerly embracing other colors in place of white, like Dune from Kohler, available for sinks, baths, shower bases and toilets. “Dune is a subtle balance of beige and gray that brings a cool tone to the space – a true neutral that works well in place of white and adds a nuance of sophistication to the room’s color palette,” says Rotelli.

4. Colors that evoke emotion

“Color psychology is a powerful thing,” Rotelli says; restaurants use appetizing hues to stimulate hunger, and stores harness its influence in hopes that you’ll shop more. “Certain colors can evoke certain emotions throughout the home, as well.” Homeowners who keep the emotional aspect of color in mind during the design process reap the reward of a truly personalized space. “Blues and greens are popular bathroom choices for good reason: both evoke a soothing sense of calm and healing.” When it comes to kitchens, Rotelli says people are often drawn to colors from their past, because it evokes fond memories from their childhood.

5. Unexpected color

When it comes to color, sometimes you need to break the rules. Some of the best kitchen and bath designs incorporate color in unexpected ways. Remodeling projects provide the perfect opportunity to incorporate color beyond a fresh coat of paint or new window treatments. “Glass tile in kitchens or baths make it easy to introduce new color and texture,” Rotelli says. For those looking to create a more cultivated color scheme and palette, he also suggests thinking outside the box by considering a new faucet finish or incorporating new materials, such as metal. “I always encourage clients to have a little fun in the bathroom, and the sink provides a perfect opportunity, whether it’s a cast iron sink in a bright color, or a vessel sink that serves as functional art and a focal point for the space.”

If you’re ready for color, but still feel a little unsure, Rotelli has one final piece of advice: “When you do select a color, bring samples, swatches and chips home. Let them sit in the space and observe them at different times of the day. Materials can look much different in your home than how they appear under the bright lights of a showroom,” he says.

Manufacturers are always looking for solutions to help consumers complete their paint projects quickly and easily with long-lasting results. The latest innovation that is a big hit with homeowners is Behr Premium Plus Ultra Interior, a high-performance product that allows consumers to paint, prime and protect all in one with a new advanced stain-blocking formula. It’s the ideal product for everyday use or even for tough, challenging conditions.

“The new formula is an example of our commitment to deliver the highest quality products at competitive prices, giving do-it-yourselfers the power to achieve their vision in every room,” said Aimee Desrosiers, Director of Marketing at Behr Paints.

Formulated for the homeowner looking to paint and protect with the added benefit of keeping stains from bleeding through, it is targeted for high-traffic spaces such as family rooms, kids’ rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and hallways. Other added benefits include a shorter dry time and increased film hardness offering even better durability and a long-lasting appearance.

In addition, the paint is a low VOC, 100 percent acrylic formula with a mildew resistant finish for increased ease-of-mind when painting. “It offers excellent adhesion and ensures outstanding stain, scuff and mar resistance for long-lasting colors and easy-to-clean surfaces,” explained Desrosiers.

For more information on the latest paint trends and a robust how-to section visit http://www.behr.com.

The biggest challenge facing most real estate investors is making acceptable offers, especially when buying properties is the basic foundation of real estate investing.

Unless you buy properties, you cannot make any money.

Here is how to make offers that get accepted.

The offer you make depends on the type of property you are buying.

1) Buying from motivated sellers

If you buy houses from motivated sellers, it is necessary to have the following pieces of information:

a) Market Value

Do your due diligence to find out conservatively how much the house would be worth in perfect condition. You must have this information before you can make any offer.

b) Mortgage balance

You must get this information before you can make an offer. A seller who is not willing to disclose this information is not motivated enough. Move on to a motivated seller.

The mortgage balance must allow you to buy the house and still leave you with a profit. It must allow you to make a profit and own it free and clear.

c) Repairs needed

It is possible to estimate repair costs with the information provided by the seller.

You must know how much you need to fix up the house before you can make an offer. Of course, I like to see the house and do my own repair estimates.

d) Asking price

If the owner is asking for too much money given the above 3 pieces of information, the deal might never happen.

A good asking price must take into account the market value, mortgage balance and repairs. You can then make an offer based on the asking price. Make an offer if the mortgage balance allows you to make a profit.

Even though it is necessary to consider the seller’s needs, no offer can be too low. If they are facing foreclosure, then they probably need some money to move, or their asking price might be just enough to get away from the property.

If the mortgage balance is too high compared to the value of the house, it does not make sense to make an offer. Move on to the next deal.

There is no bad offer, except the one you have not made. Always make the offers that make sense to you. You’ll be surprised how many get accepted.

2) Buying foreclosed properties

The asking price and repairs are the only important considerations to make in this case. Banks selling these properties are willing to negotiate.

Most REOs are listed below market value. Depending on your exit strategy, if the numbers are close to making sense, by all means make an offer.

Lastly, remember to make your offer lower than the asking price.

by: Simon Macharia 

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6984.shtml 

(NC) Teaching kids about money is as important as teaching them to read and write. But how can parents start early to develop their children’s financial know-how?

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) suggests that as soon as kids can count, parents can introduce the basics about money, such as the value of different bills and coins, where money comes from, and how to use jars for savings and spending. As kids grow older, parents can add concepts like income, expenses, budgeting, and defining financial goals, for example, saving for a special purchase.

Talking about money when children are present allows them to become familiar with financial terms, and helps them understand household expenses that are part of the family budget and the difference between needs and wants. Lessons they’ll need as adults to make smart financial decisions.

The Manitoba Securities Commission’s Make it Count resource helps teach these basic lessons. FCAC’s life event, Teaching Children about Money, shows parents how to provide basic money management skills as children grow. An interactive online resource developed by FCAC in collaboration with the British Columbia Securities Commission. The city teaches young people financial skills that will serve them throughout their lives. It can be taught in a classroom or used individually. All these resources can be found through itpaystoknow.gc.ca.

November is Financial Literacy Month and presents opportunities for Canadians of all ages to enhance their financial knowledge. Organizations across the country will host events that help build money management skills and knowledge. You can find events in your area on the calendar of events at itpaystoknow.gc.ca/flm.