<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
    <channel>
        <atom:link href="https://www.c21able.ca/blog/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <title>C21 Life Hacks</title>
        <link>https://www.c21able.ca/blog/</link>
        <description>Our blog is a collection of tips, advice and real estate knowledge to make your life as a homeowner, home buyer or home seller an easier one! </description>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.c21able.ca/blog/homeowner-safety-vacation-season/</guid>
    <link>https://www.c21able.ca/blog/homeowner-safety-vacation-season/</link>
        <author>jonathan.bueckert@century21.ca (Admin Staff)</author>
        <title>Homeowner Safety: Vacation Season</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Taking precautions to ensure your home is safe while you're away is important - be it for a week or for a few months. Many of the following tips are simple tasks that you can do to prevent break-ins and minimize damage:












For long vacations, unplug all electronics and shut off the main water valve. This will significantly reduce your utility bills while you're away.


Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors before leaving. Replace batteries if necessary. 


Make sure all of your windows and doors are properly closed and locked. This includes basement windows, garage doors, and shed doors. 


Avoid leaving any valuables out, where one could see them by peering in the window. Closed curtains and blinds are an obvious choice, but windows without privacy shades are commonly visited by those looking to *ahem* assess a home's appeal. 


Never leave spare keys in hiding places Thieves know where to look, and they keep an eye out for fake rocks or disturbed landscaping. It's a better idea to leave the spare with a trusted neighbour, friend or family member. This way, they can check up on the house while you're away - collecting mail, watering plants, mowing the lawn, etc. With this kind of activity, it'll look like someone is still home - one of the biggest deterrents to break-ins. 


If you have a smart lighting system, place your lights on a timer. With a natural cycle, this will also look like someone is home. 


Install motion sensor lights near your front, back and garage doors. Shining a light on movement evokes an immediate retreat response, an excellent deterrent for suspicious characters. 


Repress the urge to post about your vacation WHILE you're still on vacation. If you're with friends and tag them, you compromise their safety, too. Wait until you're home to share photos and videos on social media. Safewise, a safety initiative based in America, released survey results earlier this year which stated that 60 of burglary victims were active on social media daily or several times a week while away. Canadians have similar online habits, so it's important to take note of this alarming statistic. 





Extra:




Install an alarm system, security cameras, and/or a doorbell cam. 





And that's it With these tips, we hope you have peace of mind on your summer vacation.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 26 Jul 2022 00:36:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.c21able.ca/blog/dealing-with-multiple-offers-for-buyers-and-sellers/</guid>
    <link>https://www.c21able.ca/blog/dealing-with-multiple-offers-for-buyers-and-sellers/</link>
        <author>jonathan.bueckert@century21.ca (Admin Staff)</author>
        <title>Dealing With Multiple Offers - For Buyers and Sellers</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Deciding which offer to take when presented with multiple offers takes more than just picking the highest bidder. Every seller has to consider a number of factors about the potential homeowners they're dealing with, such as their financing and offer commitment. On the opposite side of the transaction, buyers need to weigh things like conditions in fine print - even blind bidding. So, how do you begin to even deal with a multiple offer scenario? This week, we look at five considerations for both buyers and sellers:


 







1) Priorities


First and foremost, discuss priorities with your Realtor. While you might have to compromise on some things, your Realtor will do what it takes to check off as many of your goals/priorities as possible. 


Buyers - This will be nailing down your must-haves in and around your next home.


Sellers - This will be discussing the situation you are or will be facing when selling. For example: if you need to sell your home as fast as possible, you may be looking at losing out on four to six per cent in additional capital gains.



2) Strategy - Stick To It 


Once you have your priorities sorted out, you and your Realtor will work out the best strategy to achieve your goal. It's crucial that you stick to it Once you veer off course, it's anybody's guess where you'll end up.


Buyers - You might find a home with a gorgeous walk-out basement, or a home with a hot tub included that'll make you want to throw caution to the wind. You want to beat other potential buyers by getting in your offer as quickly as possible...maybe even skipping an inspection to get the home ASAP. However, it may not be in the location you need, or it has a leakage issue that you won't be able to fix once you've moved in. Distance yourself from your emotions in that moment, and remember your strategy. 


Sellers - Getting multiple offers makes you focus on the highest offer a) because you want to get the most money for your home, and b) it's easier to organize items based on numbers. However, the highest bidder isn't always the best bidder. They may be trying to compensate for less-than-stellar financial security, or for another reason altogether. Your Realtor can help you determine which offers are serious, genuine, and of course will help you get the most value from your sale. This determination will be based off of your strategy.



3) Offer Quality  


Should the first offer be accepted because it was first, or does a seller wait until a certain date, or do they wait until they receive a certain number of offers? Housing experts agree that you should weigh the quality of the offer. Certain qualities should match up for an amicable transaction (Ex. Seller needs to relocate for work quickly, so they need a quick home sale. Buyer brings an all cash offer, and is flexible enough to accommodate the sellers schedule) 


Buyers &amp; Sellers:


Quality 1 - Finance. What is the buyer's financial position? Pre-approval? Earnest deposit? All cash offer?


Quality 2 - Concessions. Is the buyer waiving inspection? No appraisal? 


Quality 3 - Flexibility. Is the buyer able to adjust their schedule if something comes up? How strict do they want the closing date to be?



4) Competitive Perks


When buyers compete, sellers win. Buyers will do what they deem necessary to stand out from the crowd of other offers. 


Buyers - Some common things that buyers include in their offer to entice sellers are: paying some of the closing costs, include an escalation clause that offers to outbid others by a certain amount, and improving their flexibility when it comes to move in/move out dates.


Sellers - Keep an eye out for the perks listed above, as well as others. If your financial situation could benefit from a buyer offering to pay a portion of the closing costs, take it. If you need a buyer with a flexible schedule because it aligns better with your strategy, go for it. A competitive, genuine offer is what you're after



5) Conditions


Buyers - In a hot market, lots of buyers feel the urgent desire to act quickly. While you shouldn't wait too long, don't waive conditions that are important to you. For example, foregoing a home inspection because it motivates the seller more is not a good idea. It may win you the bid now, but it could cost you tremendously when you move in. There are always other options, even if it means you have to wait a bit longer for it to hit the market. 


Sellers - Take advantage of good offers, not buyers. Understand that conditions exist for a reason, and be fair.  
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2022 16:08:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.c21able.ca/blog/real-estate-market-outlook-2022-2023/</guid>
    <link>https://www.c21able.ca/blog/real-estate-market-outlook-2022-2023/</link>
        <author>jonathan.bueckert@century21.ca (Admin Staff)</author>
        <title>Real Estate Market Outlook 2022-2023</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Is the pandemic housing market finally slowing its pace? A report by TD Bank gave the scoop to CTV news a week ago.





Key Takeaways 




Rising borrowing costs (interest rates) will affect housing activity


A forecasted &quot;23 annual average decline in Canadian home sales in 2022 and a 12 pullback in 2023.&quot;


After this small decline, home prices are likely to grow &quot;modestly&quot; thereafter, with some recovery in buyer demand.


The places that will likely see the most decline are highly populated areas such as B.C. and Ontario.


Home prices in the Prairies will hold up better than anywhere else in Canada, alongside Newfoundland and Labrador. 





What it Means 


Rising interest rates are going to slow down the extremely active housing market, understandably. It's not predicted to be a large decline, so we're going to see this market that favours sellers right now cool down into a more balanced market over the course of this year. Multiple offer scenarios and competitive, higher-than-market-value home sales will begin to decrease, and the supply of home inventory will start to increase. Here in the Prairies though, we may not see those conditions begin for a while yet. We've seen interest rates begin to rise, but buyer demand is still quite high. In addition, homes out are are more affordable than the rest of the country. The current interest rate will affect mortgage payments of a BC home (avg price = $740,000) more than a SK home (avg price = $271,000). So, it makes sense that our situation isn't likely to slow down right away.




Don't let the news of the overall outlook for Canada trouble you. Our provincial situation will provide a nice cushion for the upcoming year. That's all for now  



 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2022 12:41:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.c21able.ca/blog/things-to-do-this-canada-day/</guid>
    <link>https://www.c21able.ca/blog/things-to-do-this-canada-day/</link>
        <author>jonathan.bueckert@century21.ca (Admin Staff)</author>
        <title>Things To Do This Canada Day</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Just because we don't live in the nation's capital doesn't mean we can't celebrate this beautiful nation's birthday There are more than a few ways to get out and get festive for Canada Day 2022. Here's your lowdown on what's taking place in and near Yorkton this July 1st.










Have a Picnic at the Museum


The Western Development Museum in town is hosting the beloved Canada Day Picnic and Celebration this year From noon until 4 pm, you and your family can come out to the green space in front of the museum and take part in food, live entertainment, displays, music and fun activities. There's a scavenger hunt this year, so be sure to check the front desk for everything you'll need 



Venture Out to a Provincial Park


Good Spirit Provincial Park will be hosting some fun activities for families this year Crafts, floatie races, cake/cupcakes, trivia games and park ventures with clues and directions are all in store from 1:30 pm until 8:30 pm. Aside from that, setting up camp is a great way to disconnect from society and reconnect with what really matters - nature. Having the nearby sounds of the lake lap up against the sandy shore mixed in with the rustling of tree leaves will help you remember what O Canada truly means. Check the Events Page on the Parks Sask website (it's the third one listed) to see the full list of activities for the day.



Go for a Swim


Nothing celebrates the beginning of summer better than a dip in water. Whether it's out at the beach, lake or the pool, you can celebrate Canada's 155th birthday with a splash Sun is in the forecast this Friday, July 1.



Hit Up the Nature Trail


You don't need a special day for this one, but traversing the ecological ravine to the West of the Gallagher Centre can deepen your experience this Canada Day. The 2.8 km walking trail winds its way through a few different habitats, from aquatic to Parkland. Protecting wildlife and preserving their habitats is something hugely important in Canada - you won't find as many protected places in other parts of the world. From small spaces like those in Yorkton, all the way up to large forests in B.C. and marine waters up in the North. 



Go for a Walk


Even just getting outside is a way to celebrate Canada Day. With all of the walking paths we have throughout the city, you and/or your loved ones can take a stroll and enjoy the weather outside. Appreciating the open space, clean air and community we have here is a simple but powerful thing you can do on Canada Day. The land that sprawls out before us is your land, is my land, is her land, is his land. Urban and rural, this is our Canada.



Light Up the Night


By far the most popular activity of this holiday, watching fireworks light up the vast, night sky is truly spectacular. This year, the City of Yorkton is hosting fireworks once again at the Exhibition grounds near the Gallagher Centre. Weather permitting, they're set to take off at 10:30 pm. Depending on how close you are, you'll definitely be able to see these from your own backyard 



Happy Canada Day to friends, family, clients and readers of our blog
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 28 Jun 2022 18:09:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.c21able.ca/blog/re-think-your-lawn/</guid>
    <link>https://www.c21able.ca/blog/re-think-your-lawn/</link>
        <author>jonathan.bueckert@century21.ca (Admin Staff)</author>
        <title>Re-Think Your Lawn</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Who has time to continuously care for that carpet-like, green grass almost everyone longs for? Cultivating a lush, green lawn takes time, can be expensive, and is a mainstay on weekend to-do lists - Spring through Fall. Now that’s a serious commitment 


Traditional turf lawns require a lot of maintenance. You must mow and remove weeds often, plus the amount of water usage can be staggering. The average Saskatchewan household uses 353 litres of water per day, with about 35 -40 of that total devoted to outdoor uses, according to the Government of Saskatchewan's most recent water metrics (2018). With an increasing population, as well as more rural to urban movement, water conservation is becoming increasingly important.











It’s about time to rethink the obsession with turf grass lawns and take a page from the past; clover can help create a great-looking lawn Several decades ago, clover was considered so essential for lawns that it was a standard component in lawn seed mixes and wasn’t considered a weed. Clover was branded a weed when agricultural chemical companies created herbicides to rid lawns of broadleaf plants. The herbicides had no effect on grass, but killed everything else, clover included. It became known as a weed due to association. It’s not too late to renovate your lawn and reintroduce the springy, soft, green carpet of clover back into your lawn. It’s fluffy on the feet, aids in both weed and erosion control and, when used to overseed existing lawns, fills in bare spots fast.


Today, as interest grows in more natural, eco-friendly ways to care for grass, you might consider totally replacing your lawn with an option like Miniclover (not to be confused with invasive Dutch clover).





“Miniclover is about one-third to half the size of white Dutch clover, producing a thick, carpet-like appearance that blends well with turf. It’s especially attractive, cost effective, eco-friendly and can help you get that thick, lush, green lawn your neighbours will envy.” -Troy Hake, president and owner of Outsidepride.com. 






In addition to providing weed and erosion control, the fluffy lawn alternative offers a variety of benefits:


Nitrogen Fix


Miniclover takes nitrogen from the air and “fixes” it in your soil, eliminating the need to apply nitrogen plant food because it does the work for you, keeping lawns green and growing while adding natural nitrogen to the soil.


 


Drought Tolerant


Miniclover has longer, deeper roots than turf grass, reaching down into the soil for the moisture they need, so you won’t need to water as much during normal weather conditions. Plus, it stays green year-round, is resistant to drought and tolerates wet conditions.



Controls Weeds


Its dense structure and growth habits help suppress existing weeds and the establishment of new weeds, as it grows via stolons (stems that grow horizontally along the ground).



Low Maintenance


You can mow Miniclover – the more it’s cut, the smaller the leaf size – or simply let it grow, as it only grows 4-6 inches tall and doesn’t get unwieldy, making it an ideal lawn alternative or healthy addition to your lawn.



Thrives


Unlike some turf grass types, Miniclover does well in partial shade that receives at least some direct sunshine daily.



Weathers Foot Traffic


It has superior wear tolerance over turf grass, does well in compacted soil and fills bare spots quickly.



Excellent Groundcover


Grow it alone or, because of its adaptability and ability to grow in a wide variety of conditions, combine it with other groundcover plants, like creeping phlox, ivy and thyme.



Rethink typical lawn turf and try an eco-friendly alternative this summer
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2022 22:37:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.c21able.ca/blog/pet-friendly-home-renos/</guid>
    <link>https://www.c21able.ca/blog/pet-friendly-home-renos/</link>
        <author>jonathan.bueckert@century21.ca (Admin Staff)</author>
        <title>Pet Friendly Home Renos</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
It's time to make some long-awaited changes to your home, but wait...is there anything you can do to make your home more of a home for your pet? Absolutely The number of renovations centered around pets only continues to rise, and an American poll conducted back in 2017 found that 33 of first time home buyers in the 18-36 age range were driven to purchase directly because of their pet(s). This topped marriage (25) and birth of a child (19). So, if you're selling, you know your pet reno will be beneficial to the next owners


Taking into account the health, age, needs and patterns of your pet, your plans will go a long way in making your home a safer, healthier and more accessible place for your furry bros Let's kick off this list:


 







1) Ramp it Up


For aging pets, the addition of a ramp near your bed is most welcome. They can be installed elsewhere too, typically placed where they commonly jump (like near the couch or even alongside stairs). Of course, depending on the space you have in your home, ramps may not be a sensible option. If that's the case, you can still make things easier on their joints by strategically stacking storage boxes or other household items beside each other in increasing heights. This makes it functional for both you and your pet






2) Leave the Mud in the Mudroom


If you have an active pet that enjoys the outdoors, you're all too familiar with the mess that comes with outdoor fun. Many homes have a mudroom or front entry area made to withstand the weather that we bring inside...consider upgrading yours to include a convenient wash station A dog shower/tub is built as a step-in shower with a half-wall surrounding it, allowing humans to spray and wash their pet from above. This is great for housing your large dogs while they get cleaned. For smaller pups and domestic cats, a wide sink is the way to go. During wet and/or cold months, your optimized mudroom will be a better situation than rinsing them outside (or hauling them to the bathroom). 






3) Relax on the Catio


Nope, it's not a typo...it's a real thing Catios are cat patios, designed to give your kitties exposure to sunlight, and the opportunity for exercise that they deserve. They are gated or fenced, usually placed on the side or to the rear of a home. A hole is made through your exterior wall, so your cat can access it at their leisure. With it being closed off, you have peace of mind knowing your cat won't run away, get stolen, or have outdoor pests make their way inside. There should also be a &quot;you&quot; sized door from the outside, in case you need to get in there in the event of an emergency. Ramps, balconies, scratching posts, toys and beds are all things utilized in catios. It's also a good idea to never leave food in the catio - pests will be attracted by the smell. If you want to leave an area inside for eating, only leave an amount that your cat can consume in one sitting. 






4) Install the Classic


This is the most common addition you think of when making your home more accessible for you pets - a doggy door A flapped door leading from your mudroom to your backyard gives your dog or cat independence when it comes to using the bathroom or frolicking around outside. Lockable flaps are available, a better option for times when your pet shouldn't venture outdoors, or to prevent unwanted entry by pests and burglars while you're away on vacation. 






5) Bring the Heat


This one sounds pricey, but keep in mind that this floor renovation is for you too, and can help with home heating in general. First, a heated floor or a section of heated flooring provides a soothing and comforting environment for pets of all ages, but mostly for senior pets. Arthritic limbs and stiff joints benefit from the relaxing warmth. This heated hug can make the day to day difference in your pet's mobility. For you, a heated floor is easy on your foot's joints as well as being a welcome feeling to an otherwise chilly shock. Finally, since heat rises, you'll have a bit of extra warmth rising into your home. This makes turning the thermostat down a couple of degrees easier, potentially lowering your home heating costs.






These are just a few pet friendly renovations you can place in your home Getting the help of a professional can ensure that you don’t run into costly or unnecessary obstacles, such as improper installation, which may interfere with other aspects of your home.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 14 Jun 2022 16:22:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.c21able.ca/blog/spruce-up-your-deck/</guid>
    <link>https://www.c21able.ca/blog/spruce-up-your-deck/</link>
        <author>jonathan.bueckert@century21.ca (Admin Staff)</author>
        <title>Spruce Up Your Deck</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Here in the Prairies, we know summer is fleeting. With less than six months of warm weather, we take full advantage of the heat So, it's no surprise that we want our living space to extend outdoors during this time. A few modifications to your backyard deck will improve its aesthetic and functionality, as well as increasing your comfort.










1) Install a Pergola


A Pergola turns an exposed deck into an inviting room, providing partial shade and comforting structure. The angled slats shade most of the area during peak sunshine hours, all while still remaining open.





 


2) Re-stain


A gorgeous outdoor space starts with great wood. Sand and power wash the surface, then stain or paint with the colour of your choice. Not only will it look amazing, but the prep work will ensure everything to fully adhere. You'll be protected from mould, rot and water damage for a lot longer.






3) Lay Down A Rug


Continuing with the idea of an outdoor room, a rug helps tie everything together. There are all sorts of great all-weather options available, which also help cut down on the amount of dirt that gets tracked into your home. If you have a large deck, rugs can visually separate eating areas from sitting areas.





 


4) Choose Privacy


If you want to block out wandering eyes, but keep the cool breeze, try lattice. For stronger privacy, check out structured deck screening options, or even use a green wall. A green wall is a type of privacy fence that vertically places flowers and vegetation. It can be beautiful and functional as a garden





5) Incorporate Fabrics


Evolution in outdoor fabrics has transformed the way we think about shade. The patio umbrellas and overhead sun shades available today come in a variety of styles and colours, standing up well to weather conditions.






6) Think About Your Furniture


What will you be using your deck for? Entertaining? Relaxing? Creating Art? Select furniture that will suit your space. For entertaining, same-height furniture keeps the focus on conversation and allows for easy snacking. A deck built for relaxation should incorporate furniture that accommodates laying down, curling up and sitting conventionally.



7) Illuminate Your Space


Extend your time outside by installing lights. For safety's sake, brighter lights are encouraged by all stairs and steps. Overall though, nighttime illumination shouldn't be the same as interior illumination. Mimic the light levels associated with a full moon for optimal ambience.






8) Enhance Your Railing


Beauty doesn't have to take a backseat to function. Instead of ordinary railings. consider integrating materials that match your home's style/exterior. Contemporary homes often choose glass or textured glass panels to match their large windows. You can also get artsy by repurposing old shutters
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jun 2022 01:46:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.c21able.ca/blog/new-homeowners-i-just-moved-in-what-do-i-do-now/</guid>
    <link>https://www.c21able.ca/blog/new-homeowners-i-just-moved-in-what-do-i-do-now/</link>
        <author>jonathan.bueckert@century21.ca (Admin Staff)</author>
        <title>New Homeowners: &quot;I Just Moved In. What Do I Do Now?&quot;</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
You've just bought a home, and you're getting ready to move. Before possession day, your daydreams consist of floor plans, furniture arrangements and interior design. Are we right?


It's absolutely normal to focus on the fun things right now, even though you know moving day will be hectic. In fact, we encourage ALL the daydreams and small celebrations right now. What we also encourage is taking the time to set up safety measures, take care of small maintenance tasks and check up on your new home's systems. This will solve the question of, &quot;what now?&quot; that new homeowners often have after moving in. Let's go over these tasks, and when the best time to complete them is:


 







Before Closing


Included in your Agreement of Purchase and Sale should be a walk-through (or two) before the deal goes through. Use these appointments to measure for window coverings and appliances, so that you know your things will definitely fit. Assess the home with fresh eyes, like you're seeing it for the first time - all over again. During these walk-throughs, you'll see what the home looks like when it's properly lived in... as opposed to when you saw it staged during its showing.


Pre-move tasks: 




Measure for your existing furniture


Order appliances, furniture, decor, etc


If you're planning a reno, having the materials ready and/or the labour scheduled well in advance of possession day is ideal. That way, the work can begin as soon as you have possession.


Notify your health service providers of your new address


Update Canada Post and the CRA on your new address


Update or transfer homeowner's insurance, vehicle insurance or any other policy you have


Update your driver's license and license plate info


Set up and/or transfer utilities and internet for the new place


Organize and label your belongings by room for easy packing/unpacking


Learn how property taxes will be paid at the new place


Learn how you will be receiving the keys on possession day, and the time when you can enter


Make yourself a list for all of these tasks, it'll save your sanity by keeping you on track





After Taking Possession


Renovations/Painting


With no furniture or decor to get in the way, you can complete any painting or renovation project in no time


Change the Locks


This is the smart thing to do. You don't know who had spare keys, who lost their keys, or the type of people that used to have access to the house. 


Change the Batteries in the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors


Unless you know the seller(s) just changed the batteries, you won't know how long those batteries will last. For peace of mind and safety's sake, replace them with new batteries and test.


Change the Filters in the HVAC System


Anything circulating through your home’s Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning system gets breathed in over and over. Install a fresh filter and vacuum your home’s cold air returns. This will also reduce allergens, particularly pet dander if the previous owners had pets. You might even consider getting your ducts cleaned to improve your new home’s air quality.


Inspection Report


Did you have an inspection at the time of sale? Your report can turn into your maintenance to-do list over the following months/years. If you didn't have one completed for whatever reason, get one done now. It's crucial that you know what condition your home is in, and the potential expenses you'll need to deal with. 



Moving is chaotic and exciting If you take the time to learn how your new home works, and the tasks required to keep it in tip-top shape, you're going to be a great homeowner If you take care of your home, your home will take care of you for many years to come.  
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 24 May 2022 17:26:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.c21able.ca/blog/tips-for-single-home-buyers/</guid>
    <link>https://www.c21able.ca/blog/tips-for-single-home-buyers/</link>
        <author>jonathan.bueckert@century21.ca (Admin Staff)</author>
        <title>Tips For Single Home Buyers</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Purchasing a home is an exciting milestone in life. At the same time, it's stressful and seems like such a daunting process. For single individuals, this stress is amplified. This week, we're giving out our top tips to make any bachelor or bachelorette a savvy home buyer:










Be Aware of Your Finances


It's hard enough to qualify for a mortgage as a couple Qualifying for a mortgage while solo carries more stress, amplified further by the fact that interest rates are on the rise right now. It's essential for the singles out there to know where their credit stands, since the higher your credit score is, the more favourable your interest rate will be. If your score is lower than you'd like it to be, check out our surefire ways to improve it.  For additional help, check out our tips on saving money.


Take a look at your financial future, and the potential it can hold. While your mortgage will be based on your history, the home that you get can be a way to ease your financial burden. For example, an extra bedroom or a basement suite creates the opportunity of rental income.



Don't Compromise


Without another person in the picture, you don't have to compromise on home features because you don't have their needs to consider Also, if your job is flexible or you work remotely, you can expand your search into more locations. 



Be As Flexible As Possible


You get to search with your needs as the 1 priority, but don't be too rigid. What we're talking about here is the flexibility of an open mind. So for example, let's say you have a must-have list and a strong idea of what neighbourhood those must-haves will be in. If it turns out that the homes available in your desired area do not have what you're looking for, keep an open mind to other neighbourhoods or even different locations that do have what you're looking for. The flexibility to shift where your dream home will be focuses you on the overall theme of your dream. 



Consider Your Present and Future


If you're focused on your immediate needs and circumstance, you won't need much. However, buying a home is an investment - there's a future involved here. This means that you should also be buying a house for your future self. We obviously don't know the future, but we can make an educated guess based on trends happening in our lives right now. Perhaps your interest isn't in having kids, but instead on the growth of your career. What about finding a home with more space? It can be utilized as a simple office, or if you've started your own business, it can be your base of operation. Think about the bigger and longer-range picture before putting in an offer, but prioritize what’s realistic and within your budget. Basically, dream your dream - all while being rooted in reality. 



Trust Yourself


Sometimes, this advice (and the process as a whole) can seem contradictory. It's easy to second guess yourself, get stuck between budget and dream, feel like you're not getting what you need or want, etc. The beauty of buying a home by yourself is that other opinions don't really matter. Your opinion matters. Your approval is the only thing needed to get your home. This blog post is advice, and you can choose to use all, some or none of it. You'll know what will work for you and what won't. You'll know how much you want, how flexible you'll be, etc. Trust those gut feelings. 



Before starting your house-hunting search, connect with a C21 Able Realtor and a financial advisor. This way, you can get a clear idea on what you can afford based on your financial history and current income. You'll be able to stay in the know and have first dibs on any homes that come on the market which fit your buying parameters.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 16 May 2022 18:43:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.c21able.ca/blog/helping-your-adult-child-buy-a-home/</guid>
    <link>https://www.c21able.ca/blog/helping-your-adult-child-buy-a-home/</link>
        <author>jonathan.bueckert@century21.ca (Admin Staff)</author>
        <title>Helping Your Adult Child Buy A Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
When it comes to purchasing a home, many millennials and Gen Zers have insurmountable worries. When mom and dad were buying their first home, housing prices were significantly lower, lending guidelines weren't as rigid, the cost of living was comparatively better, and the debt to income ratio wasn't large. A 20 down payment was an attainable financial goal in the 70s and 80s - now, not so much. For these reasons, many young people are turning to the Bank of Mom and Dad to turn their real estate dreams into reality. What options are available to you, as the parent of a to-be homeowner?


 







Can You Afford It?


Anything you contribute in this matter will be significant, so it's important that you consider your finances before making any decision. Consider how any of the below options will affect you when you are no longer working, affecting things like health costs, effects of inflation, rising costs of providing for in-home services, a retirement home facility and/or reno costs of the current home. This isn't cold, hard advice. This merely provides you with a realistic foundation from which to base your decision. Money is a sensitive subject, but approaching it realistically is the quickest and most logical way to make financial decisions. 



Option A - Gifting


This is the first option that comes to mind when thinking about your kids. Gifting your adult child with a portion or all of the down payment will certainly solve the issue of funding, and if you have the means to confidently do so without damaging your financial future, by all means - gift away However, there are some scenarios that you should be aware of.


For example, if your child is moving in with their significant other and they end up splitting/divorcing...that gifted money is part of the home, meaning that it's subject to division. 50 of that gift would go to the ex-spouse. Another outcome to consider is the mindset of the child. Is gifting in their best interest? Will they come to expect this of you? If you have more than one child, will they expect the same gift? These are just some things to consider.



Option B - Loaning 


If you have money to contribute, but are wary of straight-out gifting, perhaps loaning is a better option for the both of you. Make an agreement that the money you're providing is to be paid back possibly without interest, in small payments here and there, in larger payments monthly or annually, and/or payable in ten years. Whatever the stipulation(s), this option allows you to help your child while still letting them learn life's lessons and appreciate the value of a dollar.  



Option C - Downsizing


If you're at the stage in life where you're thinking of downsizing while your adult child is looking to buy, your move can free up your home's equity to use for your child's needs. Moving from your home into a condo may absolve you of a mortgage payment altogether, freeing up some money to pass along. Again, consider how you would pass this money along.



Option D - Living Back at Home


 If a lump sum is out of the question, you can invite them to move back home in order to save money quickly. Letting them rent from you at a reduced cost will help them save money a lot faster than them being out on their own and renting. This could be the break they need in order to enter homeownership. Obviously, you'll have to go over how this option will affect the relationship with your child, and what household rules will change when they begin renting from you. 



Option E - Living With Your Child


Alternatively, living with your child/your child's family may be the option for you. Usually, this happens with parents in their advanced years, and/or parents that have lost their spouse. Your money goes towards both your home and your child's home because it's one and the same. It gives your kids the push into homeownership, it gives you peace of mind knowing you're not alone - all while retaining independence for both parties. This will, of course, need to be pondered on. Who will hold the property title? Who is financially responsible for all or certain responsibilities? Who is responsible for care around the home? What are the pros and cons to mixing family with real estate?



Option F - Refinancing


Some people may look into refinancing - tapping into their home’s equity as a way to help their children purchase a home. Particularly in today’s market where home prices have surged, this could be a viable option. However, with interest costs on the rise, this could end up being a detriment to you. Use extreme caution with this option.



Overall, buying a home is an exciting time for anyone. When it comes to helping your child achieve this milestone in life, it's heartwarming (to say the least). There are options available to you in order to help your child with the process, options dependent on your financial status, your stage in life, the market environment where you live, the market environment where they are looking to buy, their financial status, and their stage in life. Choosing how you help your child will also go towards deciding how your retirement years will unfold, so it's important to be mindful of your choices and decide with intention. Checking with your lender, broker and preferred Realtor about what option works best for you is highly encouraged 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 10 May 2022 16:22:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
    </channel>
</rss>