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Fall Home Maintenance: Prepping Your Home for Winter
As the vibrant colours of autumn start to fade, and the air becomes crisper, it’s a clear sign that winter is just around the corner. Before the snow and frigid temperatures arrive, it’s essential to ensure that your home is prepared to withstand the harsh conditions of the Saskatchewan winter season. Fall home maintenance is a crucial step in safeguarding your property and keeping it warm, comfortable, and energy-efficient during the winter months. Here are some tasks to help you get your home ready for winter.
1. Inspect Your Roof
Your roof is your home’s first line of defence against the elements, so it’s vital to make sure it’s in good shape. Check for damaged or missing shingles, and repair any issues you find. Remove debris like leaves and twigs, which can trap moisture and cause rot. Ensure that your gutters are clean and functioning correctly to prevent ice dams and water damage.
2. Seal Gaps & Cracks
Inspect the exterior of your home for gaps and cracks in the foundation, siding, and around windows and doors. Seal these gaps with weatherstripping or caulk to prevent drafts and keep your home warm. Like our parents always used to say—”We’re not paying to heat the whole neighbourhood!”
3. Service Your Heating Systems
If it has been a while since last time, have your heating system professionally serviced before the cold weather sets in. Change the filters, clean the ducts, and ensure everything is working efficiently. If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, clean the chimney to prevent hazardous creosote buildup. These proactive steps can prevent heating breakdowns during the winter and improve energy efficiency. And servicing early will prevent frosty wait times should you wait for a problem to arise!
4. Check Insulation
Proper insulation is crucial to keeping your home warm and energy-efficient. Inspect your attic, walls, and basement for any gaps or missing insulation. Consider topping up insulation if necessary to keep the warm air in and the cold air out.
5. Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
When winter sets in, no one thinks twice about cranking the temps to stave off the cold. With heaters and fireplaces in use, though, it’s essential to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working correctly. Replace the batteries and test them to ensure your family’s safety.
6. Winterize Your Plumbing
Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your plumbing, and water damage is one thing no homeowner wants to deal with. Drain and disconnect outdoor hoses, shut off exterior faucets, and insulate pipes in unheated areas of your home to prevent freezing and bursting. Consider investing in a smart thermostat to monitor and control your home’s temperature remotely.
7. Clean & Store Yard Equipment
As the gardening season ends, clean and properly store your yard equipment. Drain gasoline from lawnmowers, trimmers, and other tools to prevent fuel degradation and damage to the equipment. Store them in a dry, sheltered area. Tidy up your outdoor space to prevent having to dig anything out of the show—especially if you are selling your home this winter!
8. Prune Shrubs & Trees
Fall is an excellent time to prune trees and shrubs to keep them looking sharp for next season! Trim dead ends and any overhanging branches or those close to your home to prevent potential damage from heavy snow and ice.
9. Stock Up on Winter Supplies
Lastly, remember to stock up on winter essentials like salt, snow brushes, and shovels. Having these items on hand will make dealing with snow and ice much more manageable when the first storm of the season hits.
Preparing your home for winter is a simple way to ensure that it remains a warm, safe, and energy-efficient sanctuary throughout the cold season. These steps will not only keep you comfortable but also save you money on energy bills and potential repair costs. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your tools, and get your home ready for winter and surviving the holiday season ahead.
Spring Into Indoor Plant Care
Hey, plant-loving people!
It’s springtime, and you know what that means – it’s time to dust off those green thumbs and prepare your indoor plants for the season! Here are some tips that will help your plant babies bloom and thrive:
Brighten up their day:
Just like you, plants need their daily dose of sunshine. Find a bright spot in your house where they can soak up some indirect sunlight without getting scorched. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, rotate them occasionally to keep them growing evenly.
Give them a drink:
Your plants may be thirsty, but don’t go overboard with the H2O. Remember that drowning them is just as bad as leaving them thirsty. Check the soil every few days and only water them when the top inch is dry. And don’t forget to drain any excess water from the pot to avoid root rot!
Feed them some love:
Spring is the perfect time to show your plants love with a little plant food. You can pick up some organic fertilizer or try a liquid fertilizer for a quick boost. Just be sure to read the instructions and follow the recommended dosage.
Keep them cozy:
As the temperature fluctuates, ensure your plants aren’t feeling the chill. Keep them away from drafty spots and avoid placing them too close to the heater. You don’t want your plants catching a cold, do you?
Give them a haircut:
Like your hair, your plants need a trim every now and then. Pruning helps keep them healthy and encourages new growth. Grab sharp scissors and snip away any dead or dying leaves or branches.
Give them room to grow:
If your plants are feeling a bit cramped, give them some more space by repotting them. This will help them stretch out their roots and get some fresh soil to play in. Plus, it’s always fun to pick out a new pot, right?
Pamper those leaves:
Dust can accumulate on your plant’s leaves, which can make it harder for them to breathe. Give them a spa day by wiping them down with a damp cloth or a soft brush. They’ll thank you with some extra-pretty foliage.
There you have it, folks! With these tips, your indoor plants will flourish in no time. Happy planting!
If you need a great new home to display your plants in, contact me today!
9 Tips for Surviving the Holidays
Every Holiday season is stressful, with the busyness between meeting up with friends, family and even those Christmas work parties. The feeling of being stretched out thin is inevitable—with the help of these 9 tips, I hope your holiday season can be as stress-free as possible.
Online Shop
Skip all the lines and circle the parking lot, and shop online. Not only is everything you could ever want at the tip of your fingers—but it also conveniently arrives at your doorstep. Frequently online shopping allows for gift-wrapping options. Take full advantage of that service!
Celebrate Minimally
Try to alleviate stress by planning fewer get-togethers and easier ones to host—even better yet, try to avoid hosting altogether and be a guest. If you are hosting, go to the fancy dining and centrepieces, and opt for guests to bring their dish, potluck style and keep decor to a minimum.
Only Buy for the Kids
Purchasing gifts for people can be a huge challenge, from deciding what to get everyone to the financial burden. Skip the adults and only buy for the kids of the family. Children will appreciate the gifts more, and it is more fun to buy and watch them open them. Speaking of gifts, opt for gift bags and tissue paper to save time wrapping.
Minimal Christmas Decorations
A Christmas tree is all you need to set the Christmas mood. Try not to go overboard with too many decorations. If you want to change things up, make your own decorations, from popcorn garland to paper snowflakes—get the whole family involved.
Prepare in Advance
Preparation is your best defence to combat holiday stress. Up until Christmas, pre-bake and pre-cook as many things as possible for the big day. Make lists, plan all your meals, and stock up on extra snacks for drop-in guests. Consider getting some chocolate boxes and small monetary gift cards to have on hand if you’ve missed a gift here or there.
Stock Up in November
The end of November is quickly approaching, so hopefully, you already have some things stockpiled and prepared. Surviving the holiday season means gathering everything you need before the holidays are in full swing—stock up on the essentials like gifts and beverages before the store madness begins. You can easily do this before the start of December.
Call People vs Christmas Cards
Instead of taking time out of your busy schedule to write and order Christmas cards—give those essential people in your life a call before the holiday craziness begins. You may not have talked to friends and family for a while, now’s your chance, even sending off a Facebook message might spark a delightful conversation.
Make Plans in Advance and Re-confirm
Plans are the key to a successful get-together. Make plans days or weeks in advance with your expected company. Re-confirm several times if certain people require it, and re-confirm a few days in advance to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Plan Ahead for DownTime
Regarding schedules, incorporate some quiet downtime into your busy schedule—whether a walk together or alone, a fun family activity like skating or building a snowman, or a drive around the neighbourhood to look at the Christmas lights.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Nothing in life is perfect, and if you expect everything to run smoothly and go as planned, you are sadly mistaken. Don’t let the little things get in the way of your enjoyment of the holidays. Keep plugging away bit by bit until it’s over.
There you go. I hope you are ready to combat the holiday season with these 9 helpful tips. All we can try is our best and make it through to January.
If you need a home to celebrate the holidays in, contact your local REALTOR®.
Discover How Winter is the Best Time to Sell Your Home
Unlike popular belief, winter can be a perfect time to sell your house. Please keep reading to find out how it is advantageous to list your home as it gets colder.
Winter Spawns Serious Buyers
As the snow falls and temperatures start to plummet, people start to leave their homes less. In spring and summer, it’s easy to attract people to view your home, but how many of them are serious about purchasing it?—verses when you host an open house or a showing in winter when people show up, you know they are serious buyers.
Winter weeds out the tire kickers from the dedicated clients.
Less Competition
In winter, fewer homes are on the market, reducing the competition significantly. As long as the demand is there, you could sell your home faster than in warmer months because fewer options are available.
Highlight Your Homes Energy Efficiency
If you have lived in your property for a few years, you might have significantly upgraded your home. These improvements might include energy-efficient upgrades like a new furnace or windows. When selling in winter, highlight these investments in your listing that could save the new owner money in the long run.
Other key features to show off in cold weather, such as a hot tub or fireplace, are lovely ways to beat the winter chill and have buyers wanting to feel cozy.
The days are getting shorter, and the snow has started to fly, making it the perfect time to sell your home. I hope this blog has sparked your interest to list your home in winter to get in on the hot seller’s market.
BONUS TIPS :
Check out these other sure-fire ways to attract home buyers.
5 Local Places to try in Saskatoon this Summer
Summertime is here, which means one thing…it’s time to get outside and enjoy all Saskatoon has to offer. There are many places to eat in Saskatoon, and choosing one to meet up with family and friends can be challenging. Here are five local restaurants to try in Saskatoon that will win anyone over.
Indigenous Cuisine
Bannock Express
Bannock Express is a locally owned indigenous restaurant. It started as a Farmer’s Market stall and now has a restaurant on Avenue B, shared with Botte Chai and Dulce Bakery. The menu features bannock-centric offerings, which all look delicious. If you need to cool down this summer and are downtown, the menu also features various lemonades! The Co-op also sells the restaurant’s signature bannock—so stop in there if you can’t make it downtown. Inside the business is a pinboard that encourages people to donate and provide meals to feed the less fortunate.
Burgers
Ace Burger
Ace Burger began its life as a food truck and transitioned into a restaurant that is located on Broadway. The patio is perfect for summertime meetups with family and friends to enjoy great burgers, hot dogs, poutines, chicken sandwiches and out-of-this-world fries. Modern and cozy vibes fill the space. On your way out, pick up an Ace Burger shirt and hat! They also offer take-out—a nice break from cooking on a hot Friday night.
Farm-to-Table
Odla
Odla is another restaurant gem found on Broadway. The owners of Farm One Forty started the place with their holistic approach to farming and food. The menu consists of high-end meals made with products from local farmers and producers—featuring a vast list of wines and unique cocktails. The atmosphere is casual, yet sophisticated. Check out their patio to relax and enjoy a fantastic meal. If dining in isn’t for you, they also have an extensive selection of “market items” that you can purchase to cook or reheat meals at home.
Korean & Japanese Fusion
Sticks & Stones
Sticks & Stones has a delicious menu with an array of Korean and Japanese fusion eats. It has a casual, yet modern vibe, conveniently located downtown. Stones is the perfect place to enjoy a warm bowl of Ramen and a tasty ice cold drink—exclusively open in the evenings, offering table reservations or ordering online.
Pizza
Thirteen Pies Pizza + Bar
Thirteen Pies is open only in the evenings and is located downtown. The pizza is self-described as “Brooklyn style”—definition: it has a thin crust and is foldable to go down quickly. Their white sauce pizza is terrific, the drinks are divine, and the atmosphere is an upscale pub. If you are wandering downtown on a summer night and are looking for some late-night eats, pick this place—they offer delivery too.
From sushi to pizza, there is something for every taste bud in Saskatoon. Even better is supporting local businesses, producers, farmers and families. I hope that a few of these places spark your interest and you try them out this summer!
If you need help finding real estate close to any of these hot spots, contact your local REALTOR® today!
Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
Though the blustery winter weather we’ve been seeing over the last few weeks in Saskatoon might have us thinking spring is still months away, we’re actually only a couple of weeks out. Soon enough, the longer days will bring warmer weather, and the long-anticipated seasonal thaw will begin. And with that thaw comes some essential home maintenance that will need taking care of!
Check & Clean Eavestroughs
With the wind and snow blowing around all winter long, things are bound to end up on the roof and in our eavestroughs. These little valleys are not only preventing water damage during spring and summer rains but are particularly important in helping the thawing snow and ice find their way to the ground as they melt. That means, even when it’s still a little chilly out, a trip up the ladder may be to ensure they are working at 100%.
Check the eavestroughs and downspouts for any blockages and clear them away. Secure any loose joints to prevent drips, and make sure the downspouts point away from your foundation. The last thing anybody wants to wake up to is a flooded basement!
Change Filters
After working hard to heat your home from the famous Saskatchewan winter chill, your furnace is bound to need a little TLC. Change out the furnace filter to keep it in good working order for those chilly spring evenings. Change out the range hood filter while you’re at it, and clean out your heat recovery unit, too!
Inspect Entryways & Windows for Gaps
Sure, warmer weather means enjoying more time in our outdoor space, breathing in the fresh air, but it also means the return of every homeowner’s nightmare: pests. Take some time to check your doorways and windows for any gaps or holes where bugs or rodents could sneak through. If you find any, seal them off to keep unwanted guests out. (The insect and rodent variety, of course…)
Check Soil Settlement at the Foundation
The one thing the winter thaw is particularly good at is washing away soil where we might actually want it to stay. One place that can often get hit pretty hard: around your home’s foundation.
Once the snow has cleared enough for you to see, take a walk around your home and see how the soil is settled. If it looks more like a moat a prince would have to cross to get to the castle, water damage may be on the way as the water drains toward your foundation. To combat it, simply fill it in until you see a nice, gentle slope that will encourage water to drain away from the house rather than into it.
Other Spring Home Maintenance Tasks
Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors – If you’ve got littles, spring is also a great time to run fire drills with them to prepare them in case of emergency!
Inspect the Roof – Once the snow has melted away through your sparkling clean eavestroughs, break out the ladder again to check your roof for any repairs that may need to be done. You can also use this time to inspect the siding around the house for any spots that may need to be re-secured.
Clean Fireplaces & Chimneys – If you’re lucky enough to have an incredible, fully-functional wood-burning fireplace, chances are it’s been working double-time over the past few months. Before retiring it for the season, clean it out and consider having it serviced if you haven’t had it done recently.
Check Sump Pump – If you have one, make sure it works correctly and pushes water away from your foundation, not toward it.
Spring Cleaning – While the weather’s not too cold and not too hot, take some time to give your home a spring makeover! Clean windows inside and out, wash off window and door screens and consider spraying off your siding, deck, and siding for some added curb appeal—especially if you’re thinking of selling your home.
Though we may feel like hibernating until the hottest days of summer, don’t sleep on these essential spring home maintenance tasks. Not only will they keep your home in tip-top shape, but they’ll also set you up for that easy-breezy, worry-free summer you’ve been waiting so patiently for!
Making the Most of Your Outdoor Space
Well, Saskatoon, it looks like we’ll be spending another summer close to home. With the real estate market as hot as it is right now, it’s evident that some people are taking the opportunity to upgrade their living situations. Imagine finding a home with a great outdoor space—kids’ playset included. Or what if it has a pool? How amazing will your summer be with access to your very own backyard oasis?
If it’s possible to change your primary residence to suit your desired lifestyle better, that is a great option. If you are unable to find your family’s perfect home, what can you do to improve your outdoor space? The good news is, there’s plenty you can do to enhance the outdoor area you do have while you are waiting to move!
Furnishings: Need a place to relax and enjoy your outdoor space? Purchase hardy outdoor furnishings that stand up well to our climate.
Heat It Up: A fire pit or fire table can turn your outdoor space into an inviting gathering place. Adding a heat source to your outdoor space will also increase the amount of time you can enjoy it.
Spruce Up Your Gathering Space: If you have a deck, consider sanding and restaining it to freshen it up. If you have a patio, use a pressure washer to make your blocks look new again and take care of weeds or grass growing between the blocks.
Light It Up: Not only can lights transform the look of outdoor space, but they can also add nighttime safety and security.
Add a Water Feature: A water feature can be a great focal point, easy to install and maintain and come in many affordable options and sizes. Choose from tabletop fountains to large rock features. A successful outdoor space takes all senses into account, including sound. And there is no sound more relaxing than moving water!
Make a Walking Path: Use mulch, stones slabs, or paving stones, to lead to a bench or chair in your favorite spot.
Create Privacy: There’s nothing better about living in Saskatoon than the friendliness of familiarity you’ll feel with your neighbours. But sometimes, you just want to relax without worrying that Wilson next door will hassle you the moment you open the patio door! Adding a fence can help create privacy from neighbors and boundaries from other areas of your home. In urban climates, you may want to add a privacy wall to your deck or patio as well. Creating privacy will give your outdoor space a sense of coziness.
Add Potted Plants: Simple, yet effective, adding potted plants adds an extra touch of green into your outdoor oasis, whether you’re working with a full backyard or cozy condo balcony. Plus, if you’re thinking about selling, it can be an easy way to boost your home’s curb appeal for sale, too!
Create a Shady Place: When the sun is too hot to handle, have a place you can go to escape. A pergola, canvas pole tent, curtains, or a taut piece of canvas will do the trick.
No matter what your outdoor space may look like, there are plenty of ways to boost its appeal while you are waiting to move. And if you find it still just doesn’t feel right, we can always, of course, speed up the timeline and start your home search sooner!
