9 January 2023

5 MISTAKES FIRST TIME BUYER MAKE

by Tina Dixon

5 Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make

As a first-time homebuyer, it can be easy to make mistakes. Here are five common pitfalls to avoid:

Not budgeting properly. Determine how much you can afford to spend on a down payment, closing costs, and monthly mortgage payments.
Failing to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This helps you know how much you can borrow and narrow your search to properties within your budget.
Skipping the home inspection. This helps identify any potential issues with the property.
Not negotiating effectively. The seller’s initial asking price is often negotiable. Work with a real estate agent or trusted adviser to make a fair offer.
Not considering long-term costs of homeownership. Factor in property taxes, insurance, and maintenance to ensure you can afford them in the long term.

Avoiding these mistakes can increase your chances of a successful home buying experience. Seek advice from a real estate agent or trusted adviser, and do your research before making any major decisions.

Uncategorized • 5 January 2023

Why a Home Inspection is a Must-Have for Any Home Buyer

by Tina Dixon

The Benefits of a Home Inspection for Home

Are you in the process of buying a new home? If so, you won’t want to skip the home inspection.

A home inspection is a crucial step in the home buying process. It’s a thorough examination of the condition of a house, conducted by a professional home inspector. The purpose of a home inspection is to provide you with a detailed report of the condition of the home so you can make an informed decision about whether to purchase it.

But the benefits of a home inspection don’t stop there. It also:

Identifies any potential issues with the home, such as structural damage or problems with the plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems. This can save you money in the long run, as you can negotiate with the seller for repairs to be made before the sale is completed.
Gives you peace of mind. Knowing that the home has been thoroughly inspected and any potential issues have been identified can give you confidence in your decision to purchase.
Can help you negotiate with the seller. If the inspection report identifies issues with the home, you can use this information to negotiate with the seller for repairs to be made before the sale is completed.

It’s important to note that a home inspection is not the same as a building code inspection or a municipal inspection. These inspections are often required by local governments and focus on ensuring that the home meets certain safety and building codes. A home inspection, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive examination of the overall condition of the home.

However, a home inspection is not a guarantee that the home will be free of all issues. The inspector is not required to dismantle anything or move personal property in order to inspect the home, so it’s possible that some issues may not be identified. Nonetheless, a home inspection is still a valuable tool for identifying potential issues and giving you an overall sense of the condition of the home.

In conclusion, a home inspection is an essential step in the home buying process. It helps you identify potential issues with the home, saves you money, and provides peace of mind. Don’t skip this important step and protect yourself and your investment.

3 January 2023

5 Tips to Ensure Your Home Showing is A Success

by Tina Dixon

5 Tips to Ensure Your Home Showing is A Success

Show off a clean and clutter-free home: This will help buyers envision themselves living in the space.
Repair and fix any issues: This shows buyers that you have taken good care of the property.
Stage your home for maximum appeal: Hire a professional or use your own furniture and decor to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Boost curb appeal: Make the exterior of your home attractive and well-maintained to make a great first impression.
Be flexible with showings: The more showings you offer, the more likely you are to find a buyer. Consider offering evening and weekend showings.

30 December 2022

“10 Simple Ways to Boost Curb Appeal and Increase the Value of Your Home”

by Tina Dixon

“10 Simple Ways to Boost Curb Appeal and Increase the Value of Your Home”

Curb appeal is the first impression that your home makes on visitors and passersby. It’s the combination of your home’s exterior features and landscaping that creates a welcoming and attractive appearance. A home with good curb appeal can increase its value and make it stand out in the neighbourhood. Here are a few simple ways to boost curb appeal and increase the value of your home:

Clean up the exterior of your home. This includes washing windows, power washing siding and driveways, and removing any cobwebs or debris.
Repaint or touch up the exterior. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the appearance of your home. Choose a colour that complements the style and surroundings of your home.
Add some plants and flowers. Adding some greenery to your front yard can add colour and make your home feel more welcoming. Choose plants that are appropriate for your climate and easy to maintain.
Install new house numbers. This is a small detail that can make a big impact on the overall appearance of your home. Choose numbers that are large and easy to read from the street.
Replace old or damaged windows. Old windows not only look bad, but they can also be energy inefficient. Replacing them with new, energy-efficient windows can improve the look and value of your home.
Update your front door. A new front door can make a big impact on the appearance of your home. Choose a door that is in keeping with the style of your home and add some fresh paint or a new doorknob to finish off the look.
Add lighting to your front yard. Proper lighting can make your home feel more welcoming and add some security. Consider adding some landscape lighting or solar-powered path lights.
Repair or replace any damaged or outdated features. This includes fixing any broken or missing shingles, repairing any damaged siding, or replacing old gutters.
Add some outdoor seating. A bench or some chairs on your front porch or in your front yard can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Consider adding some curb appeal details. This could be anything from a new mailbox to a decorative front gate. Choose something that fits the style of your home and adds some personality.

By following these simple tips, you can boost the curb appeal of your home and increase its value.

A-Frame in the woods

by Tina Dixon

Located just 10 minutes North of Gimli, Manitoba in a quiet wooded area and only a short walk to the beach, this super cute unique stay is available for short term rental, so weather you would like a week or a weekend this would make A great staycation. Nothing is missed from a wood stove for the cooler nights, cozy reading nook, large deck with ample entertaining area, fire pit and a hot tub…yes a hot tub! Not gonna lie, I was tempted to jump in for a soak while taking in the aromas of mother nature, but I was there strictly to bring this blog to you. The sacrifices! 😀 As I stood admiring this cute A frame I was captivated by the peppery earthy smells of fall in Manitoba and honestly as much of a summer lover that I truly am, I think fall takes the cake to stay here. On this day there wasn’t a breath of wind and I could here all the little birds and some geese overhead, while no deer came for a visit this area is loaded with them. Actually this was the first time in the area that I didn’t see any.

Standing proud, as it should in the wood this cottage offers so many comforts such as large parking area, Wheel chair accessible ramp and loads of fire wood for those cool nights and lazy days. And come on…the mirror glaze upper windows rock!

This A Frame comes with 3 bedrooms and one and half baths. Enough room for an entire family to make wonderful memories.

This kitchen!! Wow, complete with everything you need for a comfortable stay in the event that you want to cook your own dinners and not partake in some of Gimli’s wonderful spots to eat. Stainless steel appliances, coffee bar area and dishwasher. Kitchen table has enough seating for six.

Check out the birds eye view of the cozy living room from the loft area. I could totally see myself taking in a movie here. Some people say that A Frames are not very spacious…I can tell you first hand that every room here had ample space.

The second level comes complete with a loft area, primary bedroom with its own two piece bath and calming views of the woods. It’s a getaway in a getaway!

If you would like to book your very own getaway please check it out HERE

Please follow me on my Instagram page HERE to see more behind the door on this A-Frame in the woods.