Summer months bring warm weather and fun but they also can end up being the most expensive months out of the year for people. With extra spending going to summer activities, vacations, daycare, higher electricity bills and more, you’ll be spending more money than you usually do. So, this summer follow our money saving tips, so you save instead of spend!

Riding your bike more/only using one car

This really depends on your kind of lifestyle, obviously if this may not be possible for some people, but you're only a couple blocks from work, ride your bike instead. Or if there always seems to be a vehicle sitting in the driveway not being used as much, not to mention it’s better for the environment and you get to save on gas money. Another tip is to wait until there’s a bunch of running around you to need to do, instead of driving around for just one thing you need.

Plant a garden

What saves you more money than growing your own fruits and vegetables? You’ll have to spend a little at the start for seeds and such, but even if you grow basic things like lettuce, tomatoes, herbs, etc. you’ll be spending less on your grocery budget. 

Get rid of your gym membership 

There are a lot of free ways to workout during the summer, especially if you’re barely using it, consider cancelling it and save some money. Consider instead; biking, hiking, swimming, jogging, or any of the numerous at home workouts on youtube. For some people it is worth having a gym membership, but most people are not getting their money's worth.

Learn how to travel on a budget

Start by researching, find out all you need to know about your trip. Eat like a local, buy groceries instead of eating out, try to stay at an Airbnb for more options on accommodations.  Try to find free camping sites, and bring everything you’re going to need with you. 

Take a Staycation

Instead of going somewhere far, go around and visit places where you live where you normally wouldn't. Make a list of popular tourist locations in your area, places you’ve always wanted to visit or just look online for ideas.

Turn your Air Conditioner up a few degrees 

You may be able to save a little on your utility bill, especially when no one is going to be home, or when everyone is asleep, this could save you 10% or more on your next electric bill.

You should also block the sun out by closing your curtains during hot days, this’ll help keep out a lot of the heat. Also, cooking food will heat your house up as well, you could opt for

Invest in a programmable thermostat

There’s plenty of programmable thermostats for less than $50, and if you haven’t bought one yet, a programmable thermostat is something you may want to invest in. With a programmable thermostat, you can set exact temperatures for different times of the day. It automatically changes on a set schedule, meaning you won’t have to think about it. For example, your AC can automatically turn up when you leave for work so that you don’t waste electricity or money cooling a house that no one is in. You can also program it for while you are sleeping, for the weekend, when you are on vacation, and so on.

Stop paying for cable TV

The average monthly cable bill is around $120 or higher. One easy way to save money save is to cut your cable and head outside for less expensive entertainment. There are many streaming services that are great options to help you save money while still watching your favorite shows and movies. 

Here are some services and what they charge per month:

• Netflix. $7.99 to $13.99

• Hulu. $7.99 to $39.99

• Sling TV.  $20 to $40

• Amazon Prime Video.  $8.99 (requires an Amazon Prime subscription, which is $119 per year)

• HBO Now.  $14.99

Start meal planning.

Meal planning helps you eat healthier, save some money and have less food waste.The average person wastes 40% of their food! Have trouble eating at home, then try the $5 Meal Plan. It’s only $5 a month, and you get meal plans emailed directly to you along with the exact shopping list you need in order to create the meals. This allows you to save time because you won’t have to meal plan anymore, and it will save you money as well! 

Buy second hand items.

Think garage sale and flea markets if you are looking for summer money saving tips while also shopping for things you need. This can also be a fun way to time while allowing you to save money in the summer on the things you need or want to buy. Since things are so cheap, it may be worth it for you. 

Find free fun.

Most have lots of fun activities during the summer months. Check out Melfort’s town calendar and website to see what free attractions and events are offered. Even places like museums often have free days. Also, if you live near a national park, you may want to find out when their free entry days are.

The Real Estate Market Has Changed …

Remember not so long ago, when you could make your fortune in real estate.  It was nothing then to buy a home, wait a short while, and then sell it at a tidy profit. And then do it all over again. Well, as you probably know, times have changed.  With the market how it is right now, home prices are still below what they were at their peak.  Buyers are far more discriminating, and a large percentage of the homes listed for sale never sell.  It’s more critical than ever to learn what you need to know to avoid costly seller mistakes in order to sell your home fast and for the most amount of money.

The 7 Deadly Mistakes Most Home sellers Make

1. Failing to analyze why they are selling.
2. Not preparing their home for the buyer’s eye.
3. Pricing their homes incorrectly
4. Selling too hard during showings.
5. Signing a long-term listing agreement without written performance guarantee.
6. Making it difficult for buyers to get information on their homes.
7. Failing to obtain a pre-approved mortgage for one’s next home.

The 9 Step System to Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar

1.       Know why you’re selling, and keep it to yourself.

The reasons behind your decision to sell affect everything from setting a price to deciding how much time and money to invest in getting your home ready for sale.  What’s more important to you:  the money you walk away with, the length of time your property is on the market or both?  Different goals will dictate different strategies.

However, don’t reveal your motivation to anyone else or they may use it against you at the negotiating table.  When asked, simply say that your housing needs have changed.

2.     Do your homework before setting a price.

Settling on an offering price shouldn’t be done lightly.  Once you’ve set your price, you’ve told buyers the absolute maximum they have to pay for your home, but pricing too high is as dangerous as pricing too low.  Remember that the average buyer is looking at 15 – 20 homes at the same time they are considering yours.  This means that they have a basis of comparison, and if your home doesn’t compare favorably with others in the price range you’ve set, you won’t be taken seriously by prospects or agents.  As a result, your home will sit on the market for a long time and, knowing this; new buyers on the market will think there must be something wrong with your home.

3.     More homework.

(In fact, your agent should do this for you).  Find out what homes in your own and similar neighborhoods have sold for in the past 6 – 12 months, and research what current homes are listed for.  That’s certainly how prospective buyers will assess the worth of your home.

4.     Find a good real estate agent to represent your needs.

Nearly three-quarter of homeowners claim that they wouldn’t use the same realtor who sold their last home.  Dissatisfaction boils down to poor communication which results in not enough feedback, lower pricing and strained relations.

5.     Maximize your home’s sales potential.

Each year, corporate North America spends billions on product and packaging design.  Appearance is critical, and it would be foolish to ignore this when selling your home.

You may not be able to change your home’s location or floor plan, but you can do a lot to improve its appearance.  The look and feel of your home generates a greater emotional response than any other factor.  Before showings clean like you’ve never cleaned before.  Pick up, straighten, unclutter, scrub, scour and dust.  Fix everything, no matter how insignificant it may appear.  Present your home to get a “WOW” response from prospective buyers. 

Allow the buyers to imagine themselves living in your home.  The decision to buy a home is based on emotion, not logic.  Prospective buyers want to try on your home just like they would a new set of clothes.  If you follow them around pointing out improvements or if your décor is so different that it’s difficult for a buyer to strip it away in his or her mind, you make it difficult for them to feel comfortable enough to imagine themselves an owner.

6.       Make it easy for prospects to get information on your home.

You may be surprised to know that some marketing tools that most agents use to sell homes (eg. traditional open houses) are actually not very effective.  In fact only 1% of homes are sold at an open house. 

Furthermore, the prospects calling for information on your home, value their time as much as you do.  The last thing they want to be subjected to is either a game of telephone tag with an agent, or an unwanted sales pitch.  Make sure the ads your agent places for your home are attached to a 24 hour pre-recorded hotline with a specific ID# for you home which gives buyers access to detailed information about your property day or night, 7 days a week, without having to talk to anyone.  It’s been proven that 3 times as many buyers call for information on your home under this system.  And remember, the more buyers you have competing for your home the better, because it sets up an auction-like atmosphere that puts you in the driver’s seat.

7.     Know your buyer.

In the negotiation process, your objective is to control the pace and set the duration.  What is your buyer’s motivation?  Does she/he need to move quickly?  Does she/he have enough money to pay you your asking price?  Knowing this information gives you the upper hand in the negotiation because you know how far you can push to get what you want.

8.     Make sure the contract is complete.

For your part as a seller, make sure you disclose everything.  Smart sellers proactively go above and beyond legal requirements to disclose all known defects to their buyers in writing.  If  the buyer knows about a problem, she/he can’t come back with a lawsuit later on. 

Make sure all terms, costs and responsibilities are spelled out in the contact of sale, and resist the temptation to diverge from the contract.  For example, if the buyer requests a move-in prior to closing, just say no.  Now is not the time to take any chances of the deal falling through.

9.     Don’t move out before you sell.

Studies have shown that it is more difficult to sell a home that is vacant because it looks forlorn, forgotten, simply not appealing.  It could even cost you thousands.  If you move, you’re also telling buyers that you have a new home and are probably highly motivated to sell fast.  This, of course, will give them the advantage at the negotiating table.

Don’t Pay Another Cent in Rent To Your Landlord…

It’s a dream we all have – to own our own home and stop paying rent. But if you’re like most renters, you feel trapped within the walls of a house or apartment that doesn’t feel like yours. How could it when you’re not even permitted to bang in a nail or two without a hassle. You feel like you’re stuck in the renter’s rut with no way of rising up out of it and owning your own home.

Don’t Feel Trapped Anymore

It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been renting, or how insurmountable your financial situation may seem. The truth is, there are some little known facts that can help you get over the hump, and transfer your status from renter to homeowner. With this information, you will begin to see how you really can:

• Save for a down payment
• Stop lining your landlord’s pockets, and
• Stop wasting thousands of dollars on rent.

6 Little Known Facts That Can Help You Buy Your First Home

The problem that most renters face isn’t your ability to meet a monthly payment. Goodness knows that you must meet this monthly obligation every 30 days already. The problem is accumulation enough capital to make a down payment on something more permanent.

But saving for this lump sum doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might think. Consider the following 6 important points:

1.      You can buy a home with much less down than you think.

There are some local or federal government programs (such as 1^st time buyer programs) to help people get into the housing market. You can qualify as a first time buyer even if your spouse has owned a home before as long as your name was not registered. Ensure your real estate agent is informed and knowledgeable in this important area and can offer programs to help you with your options.

2.      You may be able to get your lender to help you with your down payment and closing costs.

Even if you do not have enough cash for a down payment, if you are debt free, and own an asset free and clear (such as a car for example), your lending institution may be able to lend you the down payment for your home by securing it against this asset.

3.      You may be able to find a seller to help you buy and finance your home.

Some sellers may be willing to hold a second mortgage for you as a “seller tack-back”. In this case, the seller becomes your lending institution. Instead of paying this seller a lump sum full amount for his or her home, you would pay monthly mortgage installments.

 4.       You may be able to create a cash down payment without actually going into debt.

By borrowing money for certain investments to a specified level, you may be able to generate a significant tax refund for yourself that you can use as a down payment. While the money borrowed for these investments is technically a loan, the monthly amount paid can be small, and the money invested in both home and investment will be yours in the end.

5.       You can buy a home even if you have problems with your credit rating.

If you can come up with more than the minimum down payment, or can secure the loan with other equity, many lending institutions will consider you for a mortgage. Alternatively, a seller take-back mortgage could also help you in this situation.

6.      You can, and should, get preapproved for a home loan before you go looking for a home.

Preapproval is easy, and can give you complete peace of mind when shopping for your home. Mortgage experts can obtain written preapproval for you at no cost and no obligation, and it can all be done quite easily over the phone. More than just a verbal approval from your lending institution, a written preapproval is as good as money in the bank. It entails a completed credit application, and a certificate which guarantees you a mortgage to the specified level when you find the home you’re looking for.

Consider dealing only with a professional who specializes in mortgages. Enlisting their services can make the difference between obtaining a mortgage and being stuck in the renter’s rut forever. Typically there is no cost or obligation to enquire.

There are many important issues you should be aware of that affect you as a renter. Why on earth would you continue to lose thousands by throwing it away on rent when with your agent you could take a few minutes to discuss your specific needs so that you can stop renting and start owning?

This conversation costs you nothing. And, of course, you shouldn’t have to feel obligated to buy a home at the time you review this. But by taking the time to explore your options and learn about the ways you can afford to buy a home, think how prepared and relaxed you’ll be when you are ready to make this important step.

From the day that your house goes on the market, to the day it closes, your property needs to be in “selling shape”. Whether you decide to hire a professional home stager or do it yourself, you and your family will have to cope with some inconveniences and make the transition to thinking about your house as a property and not  a home. This can be frustrating if you’re still living in your house, but the effort is well worth it. 

According to the Real Estate Staging Association, a properly staged home can:

• Increase a property’s perceived value

• Help a listing’s competitiveness in a down real estate market

• Drastically reduce the Day’s on Market (DOM) of a property

In fact, their 2013 study on both vacant and occupied homes showed that staged properties spent 72% less time on the market than non-staged properties.

So how can we work together to get your property into selling shape? Let’s just follow some simple rules.

First. Fix it.

Anything that is in your house that is in despair and can be easily fixed should be addressed before the home goes up for sale. We’ll want to pay particular attention to the front exterior and the most important rooms in the house: The master bedroom, the kitchen, and the living room. 

Having a property that looks well maintained is a huge advantage with motivated buyers.

Next, Clean it.

Clean, clean, clean. From the inside out, a clean listing is a happy listing. This principle is about general cleanliness, but it also requires you to de-clutter your house as much as possible.

If it’s smaller than a grapefruit, it needs to be put away. Get rid of, or pack away anything that isn’t essential. Everything else that is small but cannot be packed should be put away in a drawer or cabinet during showing appointments. This also applies to things that are accumulated on a regular basis like the mail on your dirty clothes.

And remember, it’s not good enough to just put things away potential buyers will and do open closets and drawers throughout the house when they’re looking at your listing. Be sure to keep your personal items that you do not want on display in drawers that are clearly your personal furniture. The more organized you can be, the better.

Lastly, Stage it.

Making your house appear as attractive as possible is largely about allowing potential buyers the opportunity to imagine their lives in your property.

Home staging is essentially the process of using design principles and tricks that emphasize space. Creating the appearance of openness and space is key to getting your property sold. Remember, you’re not selling your stuff!

Furniture

Great staging, either DIY or by a professional, includes choosing furniture that shows the room in its best light. Minimize the amount of furniture you have in each room. If it’s staying in the house, it needs to be in good shape and be visually appealing.

Décor

It’s time to remove anything that could be considered distracting decoration from your home. Importantly, this includes any personal items like family photos or mementos. Any décor that does stay up visible in your home should be neutral as possible.

If you have hanging mirrors in the house, these can be positioned to emphasize and reflect key areas in the home like a nice sunny window.

Beware of Odors

It’s not just stinky stuff you need to pay attention to. There are obvious problem points in a home that can produce smells like the garbage cans and the disposal… but you should consider any strong smell a bad one. Don’t rely on potpourri or air fresheners to mask unpleasant odors. These can be just as offensive to some buyers, instead, be sure to open your windows when possible to keep fresh air circulating in the house.

The only exception to the strong smells rule is chocolate. Baking sweet chocolate treats before showing appointments or open houses can help potential buyers feel at home when viewing your house.

A Good Rule to Follow: Limit the number of items on top of any surface.

Melfort Stats - How is our market really doing? A long, but interesting read.  

Sales in Melfort were down 50.0%, going from 6 in April 2019 to 3 in April 2020, and down 65.0% in the overall region, going from 20 to 7. In Melfort, sales were 58.3% below the 5-year average (and 65.1% below the 10-year average), while in the larger region, sales were 59.8% below the 5-year average (and 66.0% below the 10-year average). Year-to-Date (YTD) sales in Melfort fell 54.5% over last year, going from 22 to 10, while YTD sales in the larger region also fell 32.3%, going from 62 to 42.

Sales volume was down 64.9% in the city, going from $1.1M to $0.4M in 2020 (69.9% below the 5-year average, and 75.8% below the 10-year average). YTD sales volume in the city was $2.0M, a decrease of 54.0% from last year. In the region, sales volume was down 69.2%, going from $2.6M to $0.8M (72.7% below the 5-year average and 76.6% below the 10-year average). YTD sales volume also decreased 29.8% in the region, falling from $8.9M in 2019 to $6.3M in 2020.

The number of new listings in April 2020 fell significantly from the number last year. In Melfort, new listings fell 50.0%, going from 16 to 8 (41.2% below the 5-year average and 52.9% below the 10-year average), while in the region the situation was even worse, with new listings falling 61.1% from 72 last year to 28 this year. Active listings also rose 1.8% in Melfort (up from 56 to 57) and 14.3% in the region (down from 258 to 221). The sales to listing ratio was 37.5% in Melfort and 25.0% in the region suggesting that the market favours sellers in the area.

Homes in Melfort stayed on the market an average of 118 days in April—down 24.8% from 157 days last year (but still above the 5-year average of 93 days and the 10-year average of 91). Homes in the region stayed on the market somewhat longer than homes in the city at 130 days on average in 2020, but also down from an average of 164 days last year.

Median home prices in Melfort went from $222,850 to $130,000 (a decrease of 41.7%) and were approximately 28.6% below the 5-year and 30.1% below the 10-year average median price. Median home prices in the region also fell 11.9%, going from $115,750 to $102,000 which is 34.0% below the 5-year and 34.3% below the 10-year average median price.

The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation released a Housing Market Outlook (HMO) providing the forward-looking analysis of Canada's housing markets. Published annually, this helps anticipate emerging trends in Canada's new home, resale and rental housing markets at the national, provincial and local level. The housing outlook is subject to unprecedented uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following large declines in 2020, housing starts, sales and prices are expected to start to recover by mid-2021 as pandemic containment measures are lifted and economic conditions gradually improve. Sales and prices are likely to remain below their pre-COVID-19 levels by the end of our forecast horizon in 2022. The precise timing and speed of the recovery is highly uncertain because the virus’s future path is not yet known.

 The national and provincial economic outlook is subject to considerable risk given the rapid evolution of COVID-19, the speed at which the global economy and financial markets are reacting, and the unprecedented uncertainty surrounding the severity and duration of the pandemic. Canada will see a historic recession in 2020 with significant falls in indicators of the housing market. This outcome reflects measures to contain the pandemic to protect public health, and cutbacks in economic activity. The global reach of the pandemic lowered demand for oil, aggravating global excess supply, and resulted in falling oil prices, which will exacerbate declines in the economies of Canada’s oil-producing provinces. 

Our range of potential scenarios indicates that Canada could see declines in output, employment and immigration exceeding those observed during the recession of 2008-2009. These declines will in turn drive large falls in housing starts and sales in 2020. House prices will be lower than recent levels by the end of the year. According to our forecast range, Canada’s housing markets could start to rebound by the end of the first half of 2021, once the unprecedented medical emergency abates sufficiently to allow containment measures to be relaxed, and consumer and business confidence to recover. 

However, the exact timing and length of the economic recovery cannot currently be forecast with any degree of certainty since exceptional fiscal and monetary policy measures are being undertaken. Unfortunately, a more severe and sustained recession could also emerge if the pandemic were not contained, delaying recovery. The high uncertainty regarding the path of the pandemic is reflected in our wider forecast ranges. Provincial forecasts are subject to similar variability, although Alberta and Saskatchewan are likely to experience more prolonged downturns due to the additional negative impacts on output and employment from lower oil prices. 

Whether you’re in an apartment or your new home is lacking in square footage, you know the struggle of trying to create the illusion of it being bigger than it actually is. There are plenty of tips and tricks out there that we have found that can help you on your quest of creating a more calming, open and functional home.

1. Contrast - Use very light colors or very dark colours to give a room depth - or use paint dark-to-light low-to-high, this strategy draws the eye upwards.

2. Dual Purpose Furniture - Utilize hidden storage or multi-functional furniture. To keep your floor, walls and surfaces as clear as possible you have to find a somewhere to put all of your stuff!

3. Less Is More - Use a few large decorations rather than a lot of small decorations, which can start to feel like clutter. You want the space as open and free as possible - opt to display one large wall accent or piece of art instead of a bunch of smaller pieces, it’s okay to leave some walls blank. Use the cantaloupe rule - if the decorations are smaller than a cantaloupe, don't keep it, it’ll just crowd a room. 

4. Lighting - Use a few lamps to spread light evenly instead of just relying on one overhead light - especially in rooms with limited natural light. Multiple light sources in a smaller room can make it feel more expansive. You could even ditch the overhead all together, or, maybe consider an interesting or unique ceiling light fixture that draws the eye up.

5. Rugs - Use a rug to give a room a finished or pulled together feeling, as well as creating an illusion of more square footage - but keep it small and simple. It could also be a good tool to separate a room into smaller spaces. 

6. Accenting - Opt for a large statement piece of furniture, it’s more effective to have 1 accent chair than four. Go big - use a few large pieces of furniture in place of several smaller pieces; with open and large blocks of color, the room will appear calm and comfortable.

7. Mirror Mirror - Using a large sized mirror makes a space seem much bigger than it actually is, and if the placement is just right it will reflect light and a view back into the room. Pick a tight entrance area or rooms with dark colours or with little natural light. 

8. Show some leg - Get furniture with exposed legs to make the room feel less "boxy". Chairs, sofas, bed, etc. with exposed legs gives the illusion of more space.

9. Declutter declutter declutter - Too much clutter makes a room feel full, even when it's a bigger sized room. Clean unnecessary stuff off countertops, shelves, coffee tables, end tables, dressers etc.

10. Emphasize on the vertical - A tall shelf , some vertical shiplap, floor to ceiling curtains or some element that emphasizes the height of a space opens it up. 

11. Break some rules - Having an unexpected piece of furniture gives a space personality and makes it  fun. Maybe a beanbag or swing for a chair... Maybe even both? Go crazy.

12. Above all, keep it simple - the more pieces, possessions and patterns you have in a room the more cluttered it will feel. Consider an accent wall if you want wallpaper or keep the crazy colors to a door. Keep a balance and you’ll be just fine!

Selling your home is typically about making a profit. However, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t come without costs. Here is an overview of some of the major costs you’ll be responsible for paying.

Mortgage Balance

This is the remaining balance on your original home loan. You will need to pay off your mortgage in its entirety when your home is sold.

Home Equity Loans (2nd, 3rd Mortgages)

Any loan against the value of your home will also need to be paid in full after the sale of your home.

Payment Penalties

The bank or lending institution that currently owns your mortgage title may access a prepayment penalty. You should speak to your lender now, ask if they plan on assessing a prepayments penalty, and figure exactly how much that amount is. You may be able to negotiate with your lender to reduce or waive the prepayment penalty, if there is any. You’ll also want to submit a formal prepayment notice to your lender.

Pre-sale Preparations

In most cases, it’s not advisable to make major investments in your home right before a sale. There are, however, a few things that can be done to increase your home’s curb appeal, fix minor problems, and otherwise make your property more attractive. Together we can identify what items should be addressed and create a budget for these pre-sale preparations that are sure to show a significant return on investment.

Closing Costs

All closing costs associated with the sale of your home will be listed for you and for the home buyer in the Closing Disclosure form. Listed below are some of the closing costs:

• The real estate broker commissions

• Title costs (examination and insurance)

• Legal documents and service fees

• Recording/filing fees

In some cases, buyers make a request for you as the seller to cover their closing costs as part of their purchase offer. We will negotiate these requests if they are made and we will help you understand why it would be advantageous to cover the buyer closing costs (if it is) and what limitations we can set to make sure we know the exact net on your home sale before closing.

Moving Costs

Moving isn’t only a hassle, it can also be very expensive. Whether you’re moving to a new house in your neighbourhood or across the country, it’s important to estimate and plan for the full cost of moving for your home once it’s sold. If you’re working with a moving company, you’ll want to get a full idea of what you’ll be charged for what service. If you’re moving yourself, you’ll most likely need to rent a van. And don’t forget the packing materials including boxes and tape. The more preparation you do in your moving planning, the less likely you are to avoid overpaying for your move expense.

Moving is an emotional process. It can represent growth and new beginnings, but the strain of making a life changing decision is often fraught with mixed emotions. This is especially true if you’re moving as a family with younger children or moving a long distance.

Here are a few ideas on how you and your family can help mitigate the stress of your move.

Understand that the jitters are normal.

You’ve just made a major commitment. Ask questions throughout the process. Part of my job is to provide you with information and keep you informed so that you are confident about your decisions.

Get better acquainted with the new place.

Let us help you ease the transition to your new environment. I can provide you with information on your new neighbourhood, school districts, and more. If you’re moving with children, it’s always a great idea to familiarize your kids with the new neighbourhood a few times before moving day. Be sure to emphasize the positive aspects of the move and explain your reasons for relocating. You can also contact the school your child will be attending and arrange a time to visit.

Don’t get blindsided by expenses.

The more you plan your move, the less likely it is that you’ll encounter unexpected and unbudgeted expenses. That being said, it’s always a good idea to be ready for the unexpected. Keep an emergency fund for unexpected costs that may crop up during the move or as you set up your new household.

Don’t wait until the last minute to pack.

Whether you’re hiring a moving company or planning to do it all on your own, you should start to plan a pack for your move now.

You should look to book a moving company six to eight weeks before your move if at all possible. You’ll also want to interview a few moving companies and ask lots of questions to make sure you understand all the potential costs.

As you’re working on packing up your stuff, remember that one of the best ways to save your time and your money is to bring less. Remember that moving is a great opportunity to clear through the clutter, and anything that you don’t need or don’t want should be donated or disposed of now.

Making a moving plan for kids and/or pets.

Plan to have a friend or family member take care of younger children and/or pets on moving day. It will make the day much easier!

We offer mortgage services here in our office through Richelle Rogers, who is a licensed mortgage broker through The Mortgage Group. She would be one of the mortgage professionals you could call here in melfort to assist you in any of your mortgage needs. And if you need any convincing on why you should contact someone like Richelle, here are 10 great reasons to use a mortgage professional:

1. Get independent, objective advice on your financial options.

Mortgage Professionals are not restricted to any one bank or range of products. They work for you and can make objective recommendations on financing solutions through hundreds of lenders.

2. Save time with convenient one-stop-shopping. 

Mortgage Professional do the research and shopping for you so there’s no need for you to waste time organizing appointments with competing mortgage lenders when you could be house-hunting!

3. Negotiation on your behalf. 

Negotiating to secure competitive rates and terms that makes sense for you.

4. More Choices.

With a network of major lenders and products to choose from. Mortgage Professionals can source your ideal mortgage options from banks, credit unions, non-traditional lenders, and more.

5. Assurance that you’re getting the best rates and terms. 

Mortgage Professionals have the negotiating power because lenders compete for their business. To you that means the best rates and terms for your individual needs.

6. Access to special deals and add-ons. 

Many financial institutions offer incentives including retail points programs or appliance discounts. Mortgage Professionals can tap into the perks and savings you deserve.

7. Fast and Efficient. 

From initial assessment of your unique situation right through the closing process, transactions move quickly when working with a Mortgage Professional.

8. Expertise. 

Mortgage Professionals are specialists providing expert advice and guidance on mortgage products, interest rates, and current housing market conditions.

9. No cost to you. 

Mortgage Professionals are paid by lending institutions which in the vast majority of cases means there’s no cost to you and no surprise.

10. Ongoing support. 

Even after your successful mortgage transaction, Mortgage Professionals are a great resource for advice, queries or future referral needs.

Owning a home is a lot of work, and it takes a lot of time and effort to maintain a home. So, if you’re a new homeowner or just want a little reminder, here are some things you can do to maintain your house and property to ensure the future safety and longevity of your property. To make it easier for our homeowners in the melfort area, we’ve made a checklist that’ll keep you in the loop on all things home maintenance and upkeep: 

Monthly

• Inspect and possibly change out HVAC filters

• Clean kitchen sink disposal

• Inspect fire extinguishers

Quarterly

• Test smoke/carbon dioxide detectors

• Check water softener

Biannually

• Test water heater’s pressure relief valve

• Give House a deep clean

• Replace batteries in smoke/carbon dioxide detectors

• Vacuum your refrigerator coils

• Clean window screens

Annually (by season)

Spring

• Check the exterior drainage

• Clean out gutters eavestrough

• Inspect the exterior of the house, grating around the house

• Get ready or service air conditioning system for summer

• repair/replace damaged window screens

• Clear dead plants/shrubs from the house

• Check trees for interference with electrical lines

• Inspect roof for damage, leaks, etc.

• Check underground sprinklers

Summer

• Check grout in bathroom, kitchen etc. repair as needed

• Inspect plumbing for leaks, clean aerators on faucets

• Take care of any insect problems you may have

• Clean and repair deck/patio as needed

• Clean out window wells of debris

• Check and clean dryer vent, other exhaust vents to exterior of the home

• Clean Garage

Fall

• Flush hot water heater and remove sediments

• Winterize air conditioning systems

• Get heating system ready for winter

• Turn off and flush outdoor water faucets

• Test sump pump

• Check driveway/pavement for cracks

Winter

• Check for ice dams and icicles

• Test your electricity to the extent that you can

• Tighten any handles, knobs, racks etc. 

• Check caulking around showers and bathtubs, repair as needed

• Remove showerheads and clean sediment

• Deep Clean and inspect the basement

Although there are many aspects to buying and selling homes, an integrated real estate team has an incredible edge over individual agents. There is the technical expertise that goes along with the specialization of team roles which may include buyer's agents, listing specialists, transaction coordinators and marketing personnel but there is also a uniquely human advantage to utilizing a real estate team. 

We believe that when a homeowner is deciding to move, the decision of where to move invariably boils down to community. Young families, for example, look for neighbors with children, parks and lots of child-friendly activities. They will consider the rigor of school systems, local athletic programs and commuting options.

Simply put, when you are trying to buy and sell your home, a multi-person real estate team brings resources, insights and more combined experience  than an individual real estate agent. If you are looking to downsize or change neighbourhoods, we can help you sell your home and find a new one. Interested in purchasing a new home? We can help you track down the perfect family home for your growing family or quiet acreage surrounded by acres of your own land.