(NC) You have completed school, landed a good job, and are looking to move out of the family nest. Or perhaps you are recently married, have bought your first home, and are now expecting a baby. Or maybe you are starting to think about your retirement plans. Whatever life stage you are at or whatever goal you are aiming to achieve, have you mapped out a financial plan to help you get to where you want to go?

November is Financial Literacy Month in Canada, an opportune time for people of all ages to improve their financial know-how to help plan for life’s major milestones, like these:

• The options when buying your first home can be overwhelming, but knowing what you need and want in a mortgage, shopping around, getting pre-approved and making the right decisions according to your needs are just some of the steps detailed in the Owning a Home life event from the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC).

• If you are expecting, the cost of diapers, clothing, baby equipment, and child care can really add up. FCAC’s Having Children life event and budget calculator can help you draw up a plan to financially prepare for a baby and ease the strain on your family budget.

• Whether we retire early or work well into our senior years, we all want to know that we will have enough money to retire comfortably. Early and careful planning is key. How much money will you need? What sources of income will you have? The agency’s Planning Your Retirement life event offers tips and advice on these questions that you can use when planning your retirement.

All FCAC’s life events, resources and information about financial literacy month are available at itpaystoknow.gc.ca/flm.

This question is kind of like another question where people can’t seem to agree on the answer; “Which came first; the chicken or the egg”? Real estate investors all have a different opinion when they are asked whether you should find a deal first or start a buyer’s list and then find a deal.  For me, the answer has always been “the deal.” If you have a great deal, you can always find a buyer for it.

I had someone email me recently that said they had wanted to begin wholesaling houses for a couple of years, but he just couldn’t bring himself to buy that first investment property. He was afraid he wouldn’t be able to sell it. This man had spent a number of years learning the business, but had become paralyzed with fear over this prospect of putting a house under contract that he wouldn’t be able to sell.

If you are just getting started and you find yourself having the same problem, here are 4 tips for you.

1. Know What a Good Deal Looks Like

This is no doubt the hardest part when you are brand new. You almost always pay too much for your first couple of deals. Before you sign on the dotted line, run your potential deal by someone that is an experienced investor. Marginal deals are hard to sell.  If you have any doubt about the numbers or the area where the house is located, just walk away and find another deal. There’s always another one around the corner.

2. Know Where Investors Like to Buy

It won’t do you any good to get a house under contract at a great price if it is in an area where investors don’t like to buy.  Ask experienced rehabbers and landlords where they like to buy. Be sure to find out what types of properties they like, and the price range they prefer. In general, you will be pretty safe in bread and butter neighborhoods; the kinds of neighborhoods for first time homebuyers.  In my area there is a market for more expensive houses, but there are fewer investors in this group.  Buy houses that would work for either a rehab that would be sold to a retail buyer, or a home that would make a great rental and they will always be in demand.

3. Put an Escape Clause in Your Contract

This is vital especially when you are brand new.  Make the deal subject to inspection or partner approval. This is your safety net. It will make it easier for you make offers with confidence.

4. Begin Immediately to Build Your Buyer’s List

There is nothing like having a good buyer’s list to call or email when you have a property you want to sell quickly. It is truly a wholesaler’s secret weapon.  These folks will be loyal repeat buyers if you always have great deals for them, and if you conduct your business with them in an ethical manner 100% of the time.

Implementing these 4 tips will make it easier to make those first offers and get your first few houses under your belt.

Finding a Buyer for Your Deal

There are a number of ways you can quickly find a buyer for the property you have under contract even if you don’t have a buyer’s list.

You can take the deal to your local REIA group where you will find a group of people that are looking for their next house.  At my monthly meeting, we have a table set up for vendors and for folks that want to put out fliers about properties they have to sell. This is usually the first place people head after signing in.

You could list the house on Craigslist. I have sold several properties there, but I would rather much sell to someone at my REIA group; they are usually more experienced investors.  But even if they are brand new, they will almost always be educated to some degree if you find them at this meeting. Most investors are more than willing to help them if they can close the deal.

Concentrate on getting a great deal, and you can be sure you will find a buyer.

Author: Sharon Vornholt

Sharon’s Website: http://LouisvilleGalsRealEstateBlog.com

The master bedroom is the ideal place to take refuge from reality – and when it comes to creating the perfect bedroom and bath, casual and comfortable retreats are more appealing than formal, model-home-like spaces.

But, blissful hideaways are not limited to only one style and feel. Here are some ideas and inspiration to create a serene master suite, no matter what your definition of relaxing may be.

Bathing Bliss

Before choosing a theme or color palette for the bedroom, focus your attention on the bathroom first. This functional room deserves to be updated with elegant and understated features in order to create a haven from the stresses of everyday life. After all, a true master suite escape has the ideal spa-inspired bathroom.

To achieve a charming appearance with soft comforts, start by styling the room with fixtures and accessories that exude a clean style, like the Voss collection from Moen. Voss delivers uncomplicated glamor throughout the entire bath. With a full range of bath fixtures, including rain showers, faucets and coordinated accessories, your master bath can be transformed into a personal sanctuary that will last for years to come.

Cozy Country Flair

An uncluttered room with rustic décor pieces is sure to create a relaxing environment away from the hectic world outside. The simple esthetics of an English country look accomplish this desired feeling by mixing patterns and décor elements comfortably and with a bit of flair.

To create this look, start with a simple color palette – such as blue and white or pink and brown. Patterned wallpaper, borders and curtains in floral or plaid prints are a great way to evoke that welcoming, country feeling. And keep your eyes open for one-of-a-kind antiques and wood furniture to accent your country retreat. A perfect – and often inexpensive – place to start is your local antique store, flea market, or even yard sales. After all, one person’s trash is another person’s vintage treasure.

Coastal Contemporary

There’s a reason why tropical beaches are considered the fundamental escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The rush of the ocean and the feel of sand between your toes can bring anyone a lasting sense of tranquility.

For this laid-back theme, use an upholstered headboard in a soft blue pattern to highlight the focal point of the room – the bed. Use whimsical décor pieces such as glass bedside lamps and palm plants throughout the rest of the room to complete the theme.

Whether your style is more classic, country or coastal – or perhaps a combination – you can create a dream master suite retreat that fits your own personal style.

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

Courtesy of Newscanada

So, you have made the decision to remodel your home. Kitchen remodeling is one of the first rooms that homeowners explore with regard to renovations. The kitchen is the main gathering place in the home for families and friends. It is the area where socialization happens frequently, so it makes perfect sense to choose to remodel this room in your home first. The project can be extremely fun and should be looked upon as such. There are so many small changes that can be made to completely transform this room that it is mind boggling. Let us talk a bit about whether this remodeling project is a sound financial decision.

First, you should look at the long-term picture. Are you remodeling the kitchen for your own preferences, or will you be selling the home at any point in the future? In either case, renovations to the kitchen can help save money in the future, however,  if you are planning to stay in the home, your choices can help save on your monthly utility bills. You can opt for new energy efficient windows that can save you on your monthly electric payments. You can also install low flow faucets to save on water consumption. Buying appliances that are more energy efficient is a great investment and you will also experience personal satisfaction that your new kitchen is more operational and updated.

If you are planning on selling your home in the future, you can expect a very significant return on your investment. If you ask any realtor, they will tell you that one of the first things a potential buyer is interested in is the kitchen. If your kitchen is fresh and updated with contemporary finishes (counters, cabinets, flooring) it will make your home stand out against homes that have a more dated kitchen. You can expect to get a return of at least 40% of your remodeling investment when you go to list your home. 

A home kitchen makeover is a very prudent choice, especially if you can only remodel one room. The kitchen is central to the home and you spend a lot of time there cooking, eating and socializing. The benefits of new and updated appliances, and other elements far outweigh the costs you may incur. You will be surprised at how far you can get on your proposed budget, and you’ll be left with the feeling that it was money well spent.

by: Leonard Simmons
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7310.shtml 

(BPT) – “The bathroom sink drain is clogged!”

Those words strike fear and loathing into a homeowner’s heart. Nothing can ruin a pleasant day faster than the thought of shutting down a crucial room in your home until the plumber arrives. But it’s a fact of home-owning life: At some point, the drains in your home will become clogged. The question is, will you be caught by surprise, or be prepared and possibly avoid the problem altogether?

A little preventive maintenance now can go a long way when it comes to drain-related problems. Plan ahead, and you’ll avoid the all-too-common clogged drain frustrations: an out-of-order bathroom, waiting for the plumber, a bathroom floor covered in water, etc. Believe it or not, all these nightmares can be prevented with a little planning.

What’s the key to preventing a clogged drain? Choosing the best preventative products that allow you to live your life while minimizing those pesky drain issues for you. Choose wisely, and these products will save you from frustration, save you money and save you valuable time. Choose wisely, create a bathroom with a difference, and enjoy a carefree, clog-free life.

Here are few easy ways to avoid clogged drains:

For the kitchen disposal, you can run hot or cold water through the drain. Cold water run liberally through the sink will loosen stuck items, while hot water will help get rid of food residue. Instead of pouring hot grease down the kitchen drain, pour it into another container and then throw it away. Don’t forget to clean the drain pieces regularly to keep them in good working order. If long hair or pet hair is a problem, consider strainers over every drain in the house.

While many companies offer drain-clearing products, we recently came across one with a completely different approach to addressing the issue. PF Waterworks focuses on eliminating the problem with a line of clog-prevention products that reduce the build-up of clogs and the need for drain cleaning products, thereby reducing frustration and saving time and money for the homeowners. For more information, visit http://www.pfwaterworks.com.

PF Waterworks will be introducing a new product: the FlushSAVER Dual Flush Converter reduces water usage by 30 percent or more, even in already low-flow toilets. A unique patented design converts single-flush toilets to dual-flush with easy installation, no tank removal and no tools required. The FlushSAVER could save up to 15,000 gallons of water per year for a family of four.

You can free yourself from the frustration of clogged drain hassles, expensive plumber visits and schedule-shattering plumbing issues by choosing and installing safe, effective products designed to keep money in your pocket, minimize household downtime and make your life much, much easier.

With a little bit of elbow grease, and everyday household ingredients, your kitchen appliances can look (and smell) like new for years to come.

 

Dishwasher: Most homeowners believe that the regular use of a commercial rinse aid is enough to keep a dishwasher clean. Melissa Glover, an appliance specialist for Lowe’s stresses that regularly cleaning the seams and liner of your dishwasher is also imperative to its effectiveness. “Over time, residue and food particles build up, and can affect the outcome of your wash cycle. Bacteria buildup can also cause lingering, unpleasant odours.” Glover recommends using a scouring pad dipped in baking soda to remove residue and stains from the interior surface and crevices of your dishwasher. Next, fill the detergent pocket with lemonade powder (yes, lemonade) and run a regular cycle (or cleaning cycle). The ascorbic acid in the powder will help to safely remove any remaining buildup, and will leave your dishwasher smelling clean and fresh.

 

Oven/ Range: Cleaning an oven can be a tough job. However there are natural and effective alternatives for cleaning even the toughest baked-on spills. Start by loosening any baked-on food inside your oven using a plastic spatula. Next, squeeze the juice from 2 lemons into an oven safe dish, and throw in the lemon remains. Turn on your oven and bake the lemons/juice for 30 minutes at 250 degrees. The citric acid will help to loosen any residue that may still be inside your oven, while releasing a fresh lemon scent. Using the rough side of a scouring sponge dipped in baking soda, scrub away the remaining debris, and wipe the oven clean using a cloth and warm water. You’ll be amazed at how fresh your next lasagna will taste, after being baked in a naturally cleaned oven.

 

Refrigerator: It’s hard to believe that the cleanliness of your fridge can impact the taste and lifespan of your non- perishable foods. Glover further explains that cleaning your refrigerator monthly with natural ingredients can dramatically extend the life and quality of your produce. Start by removing all of the food from your refrigerator and discarding items that are aged or expired. Combine ½ cup of baking soda with 1 tbsp of vinegar and stir to form a thick paste. Apply a small amount of paste to a soft scouring pad, and scrub away any stains that may exist. Follow by wiping the refrigerator clean with a damp sponge (an old toothbrush can be used on small spaces and crevices as well. ) Shelves and drawers should be removed for cleaning if necessary. Don’t forget to vacuum the undercarriage of your fridge, and to wipe down the outside using a cloth with warm water and vinegar. The same steps can be followed to clean your freezer, however you’ll need to work quickly and use hot water to rinse. Keep a small carton or bowl of baking soda at the back of fridge to help keep it fresh.

Courtesy of Newscanada

(BPT) – Bathrooms are certainly among the busiest rooms in any home. But a bathroom can be so much more than just the place where you get ready during your hurried morning routine. One of the hottest trends in home decorating and remodeling is creating a bathroom that serves as a spa-like retreat.

Soothing colors and natural materials are right on trend, but if you really want your bathroom to be an oasis of calm, it also needs to be low-maintenance. If you’re worried about your beautiful new shower leaking, it’s hard to enjoy the experience. Instead, start by taking steps that ensure you don’t have to worry about leaks and the damage they cause.

Whether you’re a DIY expert or hiring the job out to a professional, it’s important to carefully review the plans for a new shower. If you’re bringing a contractor on for the job, ask what kind of materials and practices they’ll be using to ensure that they’re not cutting corners. If you’re up for a do-it-yourself job, carefully consider the materials you’ll use – look for options that make your job easier but don’t skimp on quality. For instance, the new Shower System from USG is designed to streamline installation without compromising on performance.

Keep these tips in mind to ensure that your shower is as durable and leak-proof as possible:

* The shower tray: Having the right base in your shower makes all the difference. There’s a perception that the best way to ensure a leak-proof base is an expensive and labor intensive mortar bed. But there are solutions that can cut down on cost and labor. The pre-sloped, high-density, molded-foam shower tray in USG’s DUROCK Shower System, for instance, has a 2 percent slope that makes it easily compatible with a wide array of tile shapes and sizes, offering comfortable flooring and simplicity of installation.

* Waterproof membranes: No matter how beautiful your tile, it’s what’s underneath that counts. Using a waterproof membrane ensures far better performance long term. A strong (tear-proof) and thin waterproof membrane over a durable backerboard, such as DUROCK cement board ensures that your shower stays waterproof, even beyond what your eye can see.

* The drain: A securely fitted drain will help keep water flowing where it’s supposed to go. If you’re installing a shower system, consider using the proper drain assembly that goes along with it. Systems like the USG DUROCK Shower System offer a versatile drain assembly and wide range of drain grates in 52 designs and finishes. Elegant and functional grates integrate with shower systems but still allow homeowners to choose the style that’s right for them. Keep in mind that grate height might need to be adjusted to match tile thickness and the DUROCK Shower System offers maximum flexibility.

A carefully constructed shower will hold its beauty for a long time. And that means your bathroom will remain a retreat where you can think about relaxing instead of repairing. For more information about waterproof shower installations, visit http://www.durockshowersystem.com.

Courtesy of BPT

(NC)-One thing in life is certain – and it is that there will always be unexpected things that pop up. They can be positive (marriage, new child, promotion, inheritance from a long-lost relative) or negative (job loss, death, divorce) and often have significant financial implications. Women are often the most impacted by life’s unexpected events. According to research conducted for TD’s Women Investor Strategy, nine out of 10 Canadian women will be the sole decision-maker concerning their finances at some point in their lives.

 

Although such life events may be unavoidable, there are steps women can take so they’re prepared financially and more equipped to manage any surprises.

 

“While you can’t predict the future, and the unexpected is – unexpected – being proactive can help you prepare yourself financially for unforeseen events,” says Sandy Cimoroni, President, TD Mutual Funds and head of TD’s Women Investor Strategy. “The best way to be prepared is to have a written, comprehensive financial plan that includes an emergency savings fund.”

 

According to a recent poll by TD Waterhouse, more than half (53%) of Canadian women agree that there are differences in the way women and men approach investing and working with an advisor. Cimoroni provides tips for some things for women to keep in mind when thinking about their financial plan:

 

• Understand your family finances – it’s essential for women, whether married, single, a parent, grandparent or otherwise, to understand their family finances (bank accounts and approximate balances, investments, financial strategy, etc.) so that if necessary, they can continue to manage, or take control, of their family’s finances.

 

• Plan for the unexpected – ensure that if something happens, such as an unexpected expense (car repair, home renovation), significant illness or job loss, you have an emergency savings fund to cover your expenses (a general rule is to have the value of three to six months’ of regular expenses set aside).

 

• Work with an advisor – compared to men, women often seek more education and market information when making financial decisions. Pros can help you better navigate your life and financial goals, and they should also be committed to investing time to educate you about the options available.

 

“What’s most important is feeling confident that your future is financially secure,” Cimoroni adds.

Courtesy of Newscanada

(NC) During winter breaks, keeping kids entertained indoors is a challenge for most parents and caregivers. When it’s too nasty to play outside, why not challenge your children with fun and educational building projects that are guaranteed to develop essential skills?

Mag Ruffman, known as Canada’s tool girl, explains that so many kids today – and even their parents – have never had the opportunity to work with tools. “It’s why we have a growing shortage of skilled tradespeople in this country,” she continued. “Introducing kids to building projects is an amazing bonding experience for both the adult and the child. It’s fun, it instills confidence and new skills, and it helps develop cognitive ability, spatial perception, critical thinking skills, and coordination. Plus you have a really cool handmade project when you’re done.”

In partnership with Lowe’s Canada, Ruffman has produced a series of videos featuring simple, fun projects that parents can do with their kids at home. She feels strongly that if kids can get their hands on tools and materials in the first five or six years of life, it can help their brains develop neural pathways that improve their intelligence and abilities for the rest of their lives.

“It’s never too late, however,” Ruffman adds. “This fall we’re shooting a new Lowe’s series with tweens and it’s amazing how quickly and easily they learn to use power tools. They’re designing and building awesome projects like headboards, beds that rise and descend on pulleys, gaming terrains, and sleepover forts on wheels.”

With the growing trend of online resources and social media sites that feature inspiring projects and crafts, parents don’t have to be DIY experts in order to take part in (and feel proud of) a fun project that they can make with their children.

Some of the many projects (all come with free, detailed plans) in Ruffman’s online series include:

• How to make a regulation junior-size hockey net using simple tools and PVC piping

• How to build a classic puppet theatre, complete with marquee and lighting

• How to make easy, customized bedroom door signs

• How to create a beautiful indoor/outdoor castle with a few simple materials

A variety of projects for kids aged 5-12, can be found in the retailer’s dedicated video series at http://www.lowes.ca/kidsvideos.

Courtesy of Newscanada

Many homeowners are looking to redo and update their homes, but with busy schedules, often only have time on the weekends. While a complete overhaul of the house might be unrealistic for this time frame, a bathroom makeover is completely do-able. The following tips and tricks will show you how to be a weekend warrior without having to hire a professional crew for assistance.

Get Inspired

Home magazines and online resources, such as Pinterest, are filled with all the newest color palettes, design themes and patterns to get your inspiration flowing. Utilize the many beautiful bath photos to find the theme or color scheme that calls to you and run with it.

One-Stop Shop

Heading to only one or two stores is crucial, since your time should be spent renovating, not driving all over town for what you need. Planning ahead will lessen frustrations when you begin scouring the aisles.

Finding the Perfect Products

For a weekend makeover, focus on the following products:

• Paint: Be sure to choose a semi-gloss or bathroom-specific paint, since the steam from hot showers and excessive water flow can make the bathroom a harsh environment.

• Faucets: When selecting your faucet, consider style, finish, coordinating products and quality. The Moen Boardwalk bath collection, for instance, features a blend of vintage design and classic lines for a stunning look in any bath.

• Showering: The shower is a place to escape and relax – so be sure to find products to enhance this space. Today’s showerheads come in variety of designs – wallmount, handheld, multi-function, rainshower – or a combination of all. Find the one that suits your showering style and choose a finish to coordinate with the rest of your bath.

• Accessories: For added safety with style, try designer grab bars with accessories, which combine the safety benefits of a grab bar with one of three common bath essentials – a towel bar, a paper holder and a shelf – making each item functional and fashionable. Adding these discrete safety solutions will keep your bath looking great while still being practical.

• Accents: Once you’ve chosen all the hardware for your bath, you’ll need to think of the softer accents to help pull your design together. A new shower curtain, decorative towels, throw rug and curtains will add the final finishing touch to your new space.

Install and Enjoy

Once you’ve purchased your product selections, it’s time to start your update. Luckily, each of these projects can be accomplished quickly and are simple enough for even a novice DIYer. 

Courtesy of Newscanada