SLEEP AND YOUR DREAM HOUSE: INTERESTING FACTS

A good night’s sleep is more important than you might think. While rising early and burning the midnight oil are worn like badges of honor in this “always on” culture of ours, the truth is that sleep is crucial.

Did you know...

Sleep loss can mean the decline of mental skills, including attention span, memory, mood, logical reasoning, and math skills.

Sleep deprived people have trouble recalling pleasant experiences, but can easily recall negative experiences.

Sleep improves your mood and in a recent study of professional violinists showed that a good night’s rest was more important than nutrition!

Sleeping on a decision measurably improves our ability to make better choices.

Fortunately, there are things we can do to improve the quality of our sleep. While a drink or two might put you to sleep, it can actually disrupt sleep later in the night. Other methods are much more effective. Exercise during the day, a cool shower at night (to lower body temperature), and turning the lights lower about 30 minutes before bedtime can help you sleep better. So put those glowing iPads and laptop screens away!

Of course, your home can have a dramatic impact on your ability to catch those elusive Zs. Ambient light, highway noise, or even nearby neighbors can cut into your ability to turn off your mind and start that all-important dreaming.

While this tends to be more of a problem for renters in apartment buildings and those in urban environments, even single-family home owners can find themselves in sleep-negative situations.

Don’t settle for a sleep-deprived life! If your living situation makes a good night’s sleep difficult, consider looking for a new place. Sleep is too important to ignore.

Need a nice, quiet house? I know where to find them. Let’s have a chat today: email me by clicking here: http://www.valeriemcconville.com/contact.html

BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME: SEVEN TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

Now that you've made the decision to purchase your first home, a hearty congratulations is in order!  Becoming a homeowner, especially for the first time, can stir up some feelings of anxiety and excitement.  With the knowledge that you gain through individual research and the help of your REALTOR®, you will soon begin to feel like a seasoned house hunter.

Tip # 1: Do Your Homework

Did you know that there are a number of incentives available to first-time home buyers? In Canada, there is the First-Time Homebuyers' (FTHB) Tax Credit. The Government of Canada introduced a FTHB Tax Credit in 2009 — a $5,000 non-refundable income tax credit amount on a qualifying home acquired after January 27, 2009. For an eligible individual, the credit will provide up to $750 in federal tax relief starting in 2009.

Another incentive is the Expansion of the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP). To provide first-time homebuyers with greater access to their RRSP savings to purchase or build a home, the Government of Canada has increased the Home Buyers’ Plan withdrawal limit to $25,000 from $20,000 per person for withdrawals made after January 27, 2009.

CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) also provides mortgage loan insurance that enables you to buy a home with a minimum down payment of 5% — with interest rates comparable to those with a 20% down payment. Obtain a 10% premium refund, and a premium refund for a longer amortization period (if applicable) when using CMHC-insured financing to purchase an eligible energy-efficient home. This can add up to savings of $688 for a typical $250,000 mortgage with a 5% down payment amortized over 25 years. Ask your mortgage professional about CMHC.

In the United States, there are also some programs to help first-time homebuyers. An FHA loan, for instance, is especially appealing to first-time home buyers. To learn more about a FHA loan, click here: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/buying/loans

Also, various states may have programs to assist first-time homebuyers. Click here: http://www.hud.gov/buying/localbuying.cfm

For more information on buying a home in the United States, click here: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/buying_a_home

The best way to find out what's available, in terms of down payment requirements and interest rates, is to do your homework by comparing offerings from various lenders.

Tip # 2: Save Money

Although many loans are geared toward offering lower down payments to first-time home buyers, it's important to save as much money as possible so that you will have enough to provide an earnest money deposit (if applicable), pay for closing costs and still have the funds to furnish and decorate your new home.

Tip # 3: Get Your Credit Profile In Order

When you apply for a loan, the lender will access a copy of your credit report and will use the information to determine your creditworthiness and/or interest rate.  This means that you will want to make sure that the information contained in your credit report is accurate and up-to-date.  You can do this by requesting a copy of your file from each of the three major credit reporting agencies - Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.

In addition to past credit history, lenders will also look at your current debt ratio in order to determine whether or not you can afford the home.  This means that you may want to consider paying down some of your existing credit card debt and avoid taking on any new debt before applying for a mortgage.

Tip # 4: Start Your Search

With the World Wide Web being what it is today, it's no surprise that many potential home buyers start their search online.  A Realtor's Web site is designed to not only list real estate, but also to educate a buyer as they move through the process of searching for a new home.  In addition, the internet offers a way for consumers to browse through color photos and virtual tours, both interior and exterior, along with information pertaining to the homes themselves.  The convenience of being able to find a home that you like without having to wait is just one of the many benefits to shopping for a house online.  When you are finally ready to meet with a REALTOR®, you will already have one or more prospects in mind.

Tip # 5: Have Patience

Perhaps you will find the perfect house this week, or maybe it will take a little longer.  Some buyers find exactly what they are looking for right away, while others have to do a little more searching to find their dream home.  As a first-time home buyer, it's a good idea to begin the process with an understanding that good things really do come to those who wait.  You may see a number of homes, take numerous photos and may even make an offer or two, but patience may very well be the key to finding your new home.

Tip # 6: Take Notes

If you see a lot of homes, it will be impossible to remember the features of each.  For this reason, you should consider taking a notebook and writing down each unique or defining aspect that you like or dislike about a particular house.  This information, along with any photos that you take, will help you greatly when it's time to make a choice.

Tip # 7: Don't Settle

A home is a big investment and it could, quite possibly, be the largest you will ever make.  For this reason, along with the fact that you will be living in the home every day, make sure that you get what you want.  There could be an instance where you need to make some type of compromise, but you may want to avoid choosing something just because it's within your price range or you feel as though it's your only option.  New houses are placed on the market every day and, as a buyer, the next one listed may just be your dream home. 

For more information on how to buy your first home, please visit my website at: www.valeriemcconville.com.

Or if you prefer, email me at: valerie@valeriemcconville.com

4 TIPS FOR MOBILE SAFETY

The convenience of mobile devices also comes with risk. As you check-in, text, share photos, and increasingly run your life on the go, you may inadvertently expose private information or make yourself more likely to be a victim of a crime. Here are four things you should be aware of as you use new mobile and social technology that might spare you expensive or embarrassing lessons:

1. Beware of how often you "check in" through social media.

Apps like Foursquare and websites like Facebook allow you to "check in" when you're out and about in the world, effectively broadcasting where you are... and where you're not. Be especially sensitive to checking in from airports and locations far from home. Enterprising thieves can use this information to target your home or business.

2. Beware of the photos you're sharing.

If a picture is worth 1,000 words, what are your pictures on Facebook saying to friends, family, and co-workers? Just like checking in when you're out of town, vacation photos posted in real time can inadvertently let people know you're not home. 

3. Remember to log out of public computers

If you've ever checked your email in an internet cafe or hotel computer, did you remember to log out? Closing a browser window isn't usually enough. People who open the browser can often waltz right into your email account because your "session" is still active. Remember to click "log out" or "exit my account" any time you log into private accounts through public machines.

4. Protect your devices

Smart phones now carry the sort of data you used to keep under lock and key in your home office or closet safe. If your devices are lost or stolen, how much of your private information could be exposed through your device?

First and foremost, add password protection to your device in case it is lost. Most have a setting you can activate which forces someone enter a code before access the apps and data on the device.

Second, consider adding an app or service which will track your device via GPS if it is lost or stolen. Depending on your device, there are an array of options to help locate your smart phone if it disappears. To find an app specific to your device, try Googling (without quotation marks): "app tracks stolen [device name]" where [device name] is replaced with your brand of smart phone (iPhone, Android, Blackberry, etc.).

TIPS FOR MAXIMIZING SMALL LIVING SPACES

Clutter driving you nuts? Did you move in with someone only to find you have duplicates of everything from headboards to can openers? 

Here are 7 tips to help you make the most out of small spaces:

1. Weed out the extras. A yard sale will alleviate some clutter and a trip to the local Goodwill even more. A good rule of thumb: Anything you haven’t needed in a year can go.

2. Bookcases are for more than books! Your walls are your vertical friends for storage, and good book shelving can include plants, valuables, artwork and more.

3. Wall-mount entertainment systems. Television / cable / DVD cabinets are so pre-2000! Free up floor space by going with sleek bolt-in mounts. (Just make sure they’re anchored properly!)

4. Don’t pile it, hang it! This is especially true in kitchens where you can use pot racks, hanging baskets, and even wall-mounted shelving units.

5. Maximize cabinets and closets with organizers. Poor use of cabinet space can easily waste more than 30% of usable “hidden” space. There’s great hardware out there to tune up the interior of your cabinets and closets.

6. Go below. A raised bed is a great way to free up storage space equal to the square footage of your bed. Using baskets and drawers can ensure the below-the-bed storage remains tidy as well.

7. Paint light. Dark walls make small rooms feel smaller. For those rooms that feel a little too close for comfort, dial up the brightness with a fresh coat of a light colored paint.

Remember: Organization and smart storage can turn a tiny home into a cozy abode.

Of course, if you’re ready to upgrade your home rather than squeeze the last few inches out of your existing space, get in touch! I’d be happy to help you search for a new home today.

You can write to me at: valerie@valeriemcconville.com or visit my website at www.valeriemcconville.com

REDUCING THE DAMAGE OF DRAFTS

Can a draft through a window or door cause damage? It can. 

Damage to your bank account! A single, seemingly minor, draft through a window can increase your energy bill by as much as 3%. In addition, a damp draft can make a room feel colder than it really is, while a dry draft can cause dry throats and skin.

So it pays to pay attention to drafts in your home.

Drafts are most commonly found at windows and doors, but they can also occur through walls with poor or old insulation.

Ideally, a draft should be eliminated through a repair or renovation (such as replacing old windows.) When that's not possible, there are a variety of products available that will help you stop drafts in the short term – such as replacement insulation strips for doors.

Visit your local home improvement center. They can recommend products and solutions that can help your particular issues. 

IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO BUY A HOME?

Wondering when the time is right to buy your home? How about now? Low interest rates and affordable housing make it a great time to buy now. Call me today at (780) 700-8638 to get me started in finding the right home for you!

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR WINTER SHOWINGS

There is no doubt about it! Even if the weather is relatively pleasant, your home won’t show as well in the winter as it would in the summer, especially from the outside. Fortunately, there are many ways to make your home look more attractive and appealing to buyers during the winter season.

First, before showing your home to a potential buyer, clear your front walkway. Make sure fence doors and gates open freely. Also, clear off the backyard deck or patio area. You want buyers to be able to explore around your property without any obstructions.

In short, do everything you can to make the experience of walking up to your front door and around your property as pleasant as possible.

Second, clear away any boots, shoes and other outerwear from the front foyer. You want buyers to focus on your beautiful home, not a cluttered entranceway. Also, have mats on both the outside and inside of your main entranceway. This will give buyers – as well as you and your family – a chance to wipe their boots and shoes.

Next, adjust your thermostat. You want your home to feel warm, cozy and comfortable for potential buyers.

Finally, remember that in the winter, homes show much better during the day. In the evening, it may be too dark to fully appreciate your property. So work with your REALTOR® to schedule viewings during the day whenever possible. If you can, also have pictures of your property available that showcase what it looks like in the summer. That takes planning. So if you're even just casually thinking of the possibility of selling your home, take some good "summer" pictures.

Want more advice on how to sell your home in the winter? Call me today!

MAKING YOUR KITCHEN MORE ATTRACTIVE TO BUYERS

What's one of the most important rooms in your home? When it comes to selling your property quickly, and for the best price, the answer is clearly the kitchen. In fact, one of the most common explanations a particular buyer gives for not making an offer is, "I liked the house, but I wasn't too keen on the kitchen."

That doesn't mean you must do a major renovation. However, you should do what you can to make the kitchen as attractive as possible to buyers.

Here are some ideas:

First, clear the counter tops. Put away the toaster and other items. You want to make the entire counter top area seem as spacious as possible.

If the cabinetry is old, you can spruce it up by installing new knobs, handles and other hardware. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling can also make the kitchen look like it has had a major renovation – and it will only cost you a few hundred dollars. According to an article on the website HDTV.com, "The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new cabinet hardware."

Replacing the counter tops is a more expensive renovation, but it may be worth it if the current counters are old and worn.

Finally, when preparing your kitchen for a viewing, make sure it's clean and tidy. The garbage and recycling bins should be empty. Buyers will open cabinets so make sure items on shelves are neatly organized with the front labels facing forward.

There are many other ways to make the most important room in your home look great to potential buyers. Contact me for more ideas.

FIVE WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY IN THE COLDER MONTHS

November is a great month-the holidays are fast approaching, we get to visit more often with family and friends, and colder weather makes us feel like getting cozy in our homes.  

Since you'll want to keep warm in the coming months, I'm including a list of tips for you this month that will help you to save money on your energy bill, while still staying warm and cozy!

Set the timer: Program your thermostat to reach lower temperatures while you're sleeping or out of the house.  This simple action can save you a lot of money-and will ensure that your house stays at a comfortable temperature at all times.

Open and shut: During daytime hours, keep your blinds, draperies and other window coverings open.  This will enable your home to absorb the warm afternoon sunshine and will effectively add heat to the entire house.  Close all window coverings at night to keep the heat in!

Installation time: If you have a window or two that feels drafty no matter what you do, consider installing tight, insulating shades to those particular windows.  You'll be surprised what a little bit of extra insulation can accomplish!

Light a fire: A fireplace is an easy solution to add extra heat to your home without adding to your energy bill.  Capable of warming the entire room, you and your family can relax at home while keeping the thermostat at a lower temperature.

No leaks allowed: Check doors and windows for drafts and places where air might escape.  Weatherizing windows and doors is a simple task that you can perform; your local home improvement warehouse will have all of the materials you need!

I hope these tips help you as much as they've helped me.  If you have any home or real estate questions, please feel free to call me at (780) 700-8638 at any time or visit my Web site at www.valeriemcconville.com!

BUYER BEWARE: 3 HOME BUYING MISCONCEPTIONS

I’m here to save you pain, buyers. There are myths about the home shopping experience that must be addressed. I like to make the home buying experience as stress-free as possible, so please hear me out on these three big myths about home buying:

Myth #1: “That house has been on the market so long I bet we can work the seller down easily.”

Not necessarily. Exceptionally high days on market could mean almost anything. The seller could be bullheaded about their price. The seller may not be particularly motivated to sell for emotional or other personal reasons. Don’t forget: A sales-weary seller isn’t likely to respond to your host of rational reasons why their house should be a bargain.

Myth #2: “I want to look at foreclosed homes because they’re a real bargain and the banks need to unload them.”

Banks, like entrenched sellers, don’t always make decisions which seem rational based on obvious information. You can have a hard time divining the reason a bank chooses to reject an offer for a foreclosed or distressed property, and their decision may be based on financials which seem counterintuitive. The truth is, many distressed sales can be longer and more fraught than regular sales.

Myth #3: “I liked this house a lot, but with this market, I bet it will still be there if I decide to buy it.”

It’s very, very painful to see a client love a home but fail to make a move to purchase that home. If you fell in love with it, why wouldn’t someone else? Just because a property has been on the market a little while doesn’t mean it will stay on the market. The bonus myth in this one? Your “perfect” home is probably going to be a home with some small compromises. If you don’t make an offer on a home, you’re effectively saying, “I’m comfortable losing this home.”

My job as an agent is to represent your interests and do my best to protect you along the way. If you’re pursuing a home purchase in the near future, please get in touch. There are many other ways I can lower your stress and help you find a great home.

For more information, you can contact me

by clicking here: http://www.valeriemcconville.com/contact.html