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How to Protect Your Home from Wildfires: Smart Strategies for Safety and Peace of Mind With hotter, drier summers becoming the norm, wildfires are no longer a distant risk—they’re a reality many homeowners face each year. If you live in a wildfire-prone area, taking action now could be the difference between minor damage and devastating […]
How to Protect Your Home from Wildfires: Smart Strategies for Safety and Peace of Mind
How to Protect Your Home from Wildfires: Smart Strategies for Safety and Peace of Mind
With hotter, drier summers becoming the norm, wildfires are no longer a distant risk—they’re a reality many homeowners face each year. If you live in a wildfire-prone area, taking action now could be the difference between minor damage and devastating loss. The good news? There are concrete steps you can take to better defend your home and prepare for emergencies, both physically and financially.
Here’s a guide to help you fireproof your property, prep for the unexpected, and understand how your insurance coverage plays a vital role in protecting what matters most.
Establish a Wildfire Defense Zone
Creating a defensible space around your home is one of the most effective ways to reduce wildfire risk. Think of it like building a buffer between your home and any approaching flames. Consider this two-step approach:
Wildfire Defense Zone One
- Clear Flammable Materials: Ensure the first 10 meters surrounding your home are free of combustible materials like dry grass, vegetation, firewood, and fuel.
- Use Fire-Resistant Materials: Construct exterior properties, such as decks and sheds, with fire-resistant materials or locate them more than 10 meters from your home.
- Proper Firewood Storage: Store firewood over 10 meters away from your home in a fire-resistant box or under a fire-resistant tarp.
- Non-Combustible Patio Furniture: Opt for metal or other non-combustible materials for patio furniture, or keep it away from your home.
Wildfire Defense Zone Two
- Maintain vegetation. Prune trees so they’re 3–6 metres apart. Remove dead plants and stumps, and keep grass well-watered and trimmed.
- Thin out tree canopies. This reduces the chance of a crown fire, which can spread rapidly from treetop to treetop.
Prepare Your Home for Wildfire Season
Beyond your yard, your home itself needs to be prepared to withstand embers and heat. In addition to establishing a defense zone, consider these preparations:
- Chimney Maintenance: Inspect and clean your chimney regularly, ensuring dampers work properly.
- Air Quality: Invest in a portable air cleaner to maintain low indoor air pollution levels during smoky conditions.
- Roof and Gutter Cleaning: Regularly clear debris from your roof and gutters to prevent ember ignition.
- Fire-Resistant Building Materials: Use materials like metal or treated asphalt shingles and brick siding, as wood and vinyl are highly flammable.
- Window and Door Protection: Install tempered and thermal windows and doors to minimize wildfire heat penetration.
- Safe Storage of Explosives and Fuels: Keep explosive materials like propane and gas at least six meters away from your home, and cover firewood with fire-resistant covers.
Secure Your Home During a Wildfire Evacuation
In the event of an evacuation, these steps are crucial to protect your home:
- Close all windows and doors, and seal vents and openings.
- Bring patio furniture and outdoor items inside if possible.
- Position fuel sources over six meters from your home.
- Water down the roof, exterior walls, and surrounding areas.
- Connect and ready water hoses for use.
- Turn off the gas supply.
- Ensure emergency services have clear access to your property; open gates for emergency vehicles.
Understanding Wildfire Insurance
Navigating insurance coverage is vital for homeowners in wildfire-prone areas. Standard property insurance policies typically cover damage from wildfires, including smoke and water damage. Here are key considerations:
- Coverage Limits: Ensure your policy covers the costs of replacing or repairing your home and valuables.
- Renovations: Reflect any recent renovations in your policy to account for increased home value.
- Additional Living Expenses: Coverage can help with temporary relocation costs, like hotels and meals, during an insured loss.
- Food Spoilage: Coverage may replace fridge or freezer contents if a wildfire causes a power outage.
Importance of a Home Inventory List
A home inventory list can streamline the claims process if your property sustains fire-related damage:
- Document possessions with detailed descriptions, serial numbers, purchase dates, and estimated values.
- Keep and store receipts safely, with digital copies if possible.
- Consider 360-degree videos of your home’s interior and exterior.
- Store the inventory list securely, with a copy kept offsite.
Stay Safe During a Wildfire
- Stay informed of wildfire risks through authorities.
- Be ready to evacuate with an emergency kit and a fueled vehicle.
- Report any wildfires and move to safety without attempting to extinguish them personally.
- Protect against smoke by closing windows and doors, and sealing openings.
- If time allows, move flammable items indoors and prepare your property with water access.
By following these comprehensive steps, homeowners can significantly reduce the risks associated with wildfires and ensure their properties are well-protected and adequately insured. Wildfires are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. With a bit of planning, some simple yard work, and the right insurance coverage, you can drastically reduce your home’s vulnerability and ensure peace of mind during wildfire season.
Being prepared isn’t about living in fear—it’s about taking control and knowing you’ve done everything possible to protect your home, your family, and your future.
3 March 2025
Enhance the Efficiency of Your Laundry Room
Are you spending too much time sorting, washing, and folding laundry? No one wants to waste precious time in the laundry room, regardless of its size. Here are our favorite tips and tricks to transform your laundry space into an efficient and beautiful area that you’ll actually look forward to using.
Effective & Attractive Storage Solutions:
We all know how many products are needed to achieve sparkling clean clothes, but there’s no reason to display mismatched items. Instead, conceal your cleaning supplies in coordinated boxes, baskets, or crates. For frequently used items, like detergent or dryer sheets, consider using clear jars to add a decorative touch. Don’t forget to label the boxes and jars for quick access to what you need.
Time-Saving Sorting:
Utilize labeled baskets to pre-sort your laundry, helping you stay organized and saving time. This simple task can be taught to the entire family, preventing a massive pile of dirty clothes from accumulating. For added convenience, choose sorting baskets with wheels to make transportation a breeze!
Drying Solutions:
While hang drying is essential for certain garments, not all laundry rooms are designed for it. A straightforward solution is to install tension rods or a foldable drying rack. Tension rods can be placed almost anywhere, making them a versatile addition to any laundry space. Alternatively, a fold-down drying rack is ideal for smaller areas, as you can easily tuck it away when it’s not in use.
Check out this DIY drying rack.
Showcase Your Ironing Station:
While wall-mounted ironing boards may be outdated, you can still create a stylish and accessible ironing station. Install an open shelf to store your iron, spray bottle, cloths, and other essentials. Below the shelf, add two small hooks for your ironing board. Transform your ironing station into a decorative wall feature by concealing your iron and supplies in decorative boxes, and updating your ironing board cover to complement your decor.
Establish a Folding Area:
A laundry room can’t function efficiently without a designated space for folding clean clothes. Consider adding a countertop over your front-loading washer and dryer to create a generous folding station. If you have a different setup, incorporate a desk or table that suits your area. For those with limited space, a drop-down wall table is an excellent solution, allowing you to stow it away when not in use.
Check out this DIY folding table tutorial.
Maximize Your Space:
Optimize your laundry room, regardless of its size, by utilizing every inch effectively. Make use of vertical space by incorporating floating shelves or coat hooks to hold cleaning supplies, baskets, or clothing. Don’t overlook your door! Install plastic shelving inserts or over-the-door organizers for smaller items.
Bonus Tip:
Keep a Stool Nearby – This straightforward suggestion will prove useful more often than you might think! Having a small stool (or a foldable step ladder if space is limited) will enable you to effortlessly access hard-to-reach items, saving you both time and energy!
DIY Project: Make Your Own Laundry Detergent
This cost-saving project will leave your clothes clean and fresh with ingredients you can buy at your local supermarket.
Check it out here.
29 January 2025
Home Buyer Rescission Period
Home Buyer Rescission Period
Prepared by Brittany Loney | REALTOR®
On January 3, 2023, the B.C. government implemented the Home Buyer Rescission Period (“HBRP”) for residential real estate transactions. Also known as the “cooling-off period”, this legislation provides buyers with an opportunity to rescind their offer to purchase residential properties up to three days after an offer is accepted. If a buyer chooses to rescind their offer in the time period provided, they must pay the seller 0.25% of the offer price. This rescission period applies to residential transactions of residential real property regardless of whether a real estate licensee is involved in the transaction and cannot be waived by the buyer or seller.
Residential Properties Eligible for the HBRP
Not all properties are included in the HBRP legislation. The rescission period applies to the following types of residential properties:
- A detached house;
- A semi-detached house;
- A townhouse;
- An apartment in a duplex or other multi-unit dwelling;
- A residential strata lot, as defined in Section 1(1) of the Strata Property Act;
- A manufactured home that is affixed to land; and
- A cooperative interest, as defined in Section 1 of the Real Estate Development Marketing Act, that includes a right of use or occupation of a dwelling.
The following property types are excluded from the HBRP:
- Residential property that is located on leased land;
- A leasehold interest in residential property;
- Residential property that is sold at auction; and
- Residential property that is sold under a court order or the supervision of a court.
Important Information for Buyers
A buyer has the right to rescind a home offer within three business days after the offer is accepted, regardless of whether a real estate licensee is involved in the transaction. The three-day rescission period excludes weekends and holidays.
Only buyers can rescind a contract under the HBRP. If a buyer chooses to rescind their offer, they must:
- Notify the seller in writing before the rescission period expires; and
- Pay the seller a rescission fee. The rescission fee is 0.25% of the offer price.
Important Information for Sellers
The right to rescission cannot be waived by the buyer or the seller. The seller will receive a disclosure of the buyer’s right of rescission when an offer is made. The disclosure may be on a separate form, or included in the Contract of Purchase and Sale.
If a buyer chooses to rescind their offer and their brokerage is not holding the deposit, the seller is advised to seek legal advice for options on how to pursue the buyer for money owed.
Buyers do not need to provide a reason to sellers if they choose to rescind the contract.
Helpful Buying & Selling Guides •
2 January 2025
Comparing the BC Home Flipping Tax and Federal Property Flipping Tax
BC Home Flipping Tax & Federal Property Flipping Tax
Starting January 1, 2025, the new BC Home Flipping Tax will add another layer of tax consideration for British Columbians who sell residential property within a short timeframe. This tax will be in addition to the existing federal property flipping tax introduced by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in 2023. The BC home flipping tax applies to the profit you earn from selling a property in British Columbia (including presale contracts) if you owned the property for less than 730 days.
Property purchased before the tax’s effective date may be subject to the tax if sold on or after January 1, 2025 and owned for less than 730 days, unless an exemption applies.
The BC home flipping tax is separate and distinct from the federal property flipping rules and is not harmonized or administered with the federal or B.C. income tax.
Here’s a breakdown of both taxes to help REALTORS® be aware of tax considerations and know when to guide their clients to seek professional advice.
The BC Home Flipping Tax (Effective January 1, 2025)
The new BC Home Flipping Tax will be imposed in addition to the federal tax, specifically targeting short-term property sales within British Columbia. Here’s how it works:
- The tax applies to income from sales of residential properties, presale contracts, or assignments owned for less than 730 days (two years). This includes properties bought before January 1, 2025, if they are sold on or after that date and owned for less than two years.
- The rate is 20 per cent for sales within the first 365 days of ownership, gradually decreasing until it is eliminated at 730 days.
- This tax applies to any person or entity (individual, corporation, partnership, or trust) selling property within BC, regardless of residency.
- Exemptions include certain primary residences, though exemptions are subject to specific conditions and filing requirements.
The Federal Property Flipping Tax (Effective January 1, 2023)
The federal property flipping tax rule, in effect since January 2023, applies to gains from the sale of a property owned for less than 365 consecutive days. Under this rule:
- Gains are treated as business income rather than capital gains, resulting in full taxation at the individual’s tax rate.
- Principal residence exemption generally does not apply if the property is flipped, meaning it is no longer automatically tax-exempt if sold within the short period.
- Certain life events exempt property sales from this rule.
Understanding the Two Taxes
Both the BC Home Flipping Tax and the federal property flipping tax are designed to target income earned from short-term property sales, but they differ significantly in terms of applicability, administration, and exemptions.
| Aspect | ||
|
Effective Date |
January 1, 2023 |
January 1, 2025 |
|
Scope |
Applies to properties held for less than 365 days |
Applies to properties held for less than 730 days |
|
Tax Treatment |
Gains taxed as business income (no capital gains treatment) |
Additional 20 per cent tax on gains within first 365 days, decreasing to 0 per cent at 730 days |
|
Exemptions |
Some exemptions for life events (death, marriage breakdown, serious illness, eligible relocation) |
Certain exemptions may apply under the BC Home Flipping Tax. Some exemptions apply automatically, while others require filing a tax return within 90 days of the sale. |
|
Administration |
CRA |
Province of British Columbia |
The BC home flipping tax applies to the profit you earn from selling a property in British Columbia (including presale contracts) if you owned the property for less than 730 days.
Property purchased before the tax’s effective date may be subject to the tax if sold on or after January 1, 2025 and owned for less than 730 days, unless an exemption applies.
The BC home flipping tax is separate and distinct from the federal property flipping rules and is not harmonized or administered with the federal or B.C. income tax.
Who is subject to the tax?
If a person (which can include an individual, corporation, partnership or trust) sells or disposes of a taxable property on or after January 1, 2025, the profit earned from the sale would be subject to the new tax if the property was purchased less than 730 days before the sale. The seller of the property may be a B.C. resident or a resident anywhere else in the world.
Example: If you purchased a taxable property on May 1, 2023 and sold the property on January 31, 2025, the profit you earn from the sale of the property would be taxable. If you decide not to sell the property until June 1, 2025, then the profit you earn from the sale would not be subject to the tax
A disposition of a taxable property (sale of a taxable property) refers to the execution of a contract by which a beneficial interest in residential property is transferred from the seller to the purchaser in exchange for consideration in money or in kind. Therefore, for the purposes of the BC home flipping tax, a disposition of a taxable property would not generally be considered to include a:
- Deemed disposition under the Income Tax Act (Canada) or other legislation
- Mortgage, charge, or lien on a taxable property
- Lease
- Gift
- Any other transaction or event resulting in a change in legal title but not a change in beneficial ownership
Taxable properties
Taxable property refers to a beneficial interest in residential property, or a right to acquire a beneficial interest in residential property.
Generally, this means the tax will apply to the profit you earn from the sale of:
- Properties with a housing unit
- Properties zoned for residential use
- The right to acquire the above properties, such as the assignment of a purchase contract for a pre-build condo building
- The tax will not apply to exempt property locations or the leasing or sale of a leasehold interest in a property.
Do I need to file a BC home flipping tax return?
The BC home flipping tax return is separate and distinct from the annual income tax filings.
You must file a BC home flipping tax return within 90 days of the sale, if either of the following applies:
- You qualify for the tax, as you sold your property within 729 days of purchasing it and are not eligible for any exemptions
- Your exemption applies only after you file a return
You do NOT have to file a return if one of the following applies:
- You do not qualify for the tax as you sold your property after owning it for more than 729 days
- Your exemption applies without needing to file a return
- You are a developer and you are initially entering into an agreement which establishes a right to acquire a property (for example, when a developer enters into a presale agreement with an initial purchaser)
Exemptions from the tax
You may not need to pay the tax if you are eligible for an exemption. Depending on your exemption, you are either exempt only after filing a return, or can be exempt without filing a return.
How the tax is calculated
The BC home flipping tax applies to net taxable income from the sale of taxable property that was owned for less than 730 days.
The tax rate is 20 percent of net taxable income earned from a property sold within 365 days, and the rate decreases over the next 365 days. At 730 days, the tax no longer applies.
Calculate your tax: Check how much tax you need to pay with a step-by-step calculation.
Days of ownership
To determine whether you owned a property for more than 729 days, start counting with the day you purchased the property and end with the day you sold the property.
The day you purchase a property is generally the date you pay for the property. For most people, this will be the closing date, which is the date that the seller transfers ownership to you and is the time the seller is entitled to receive your money for the sale.
The day you sell a property is generally the date you receive money for the property. For most people, this will be the closing date, which is the date you transfer ownership to the purchaser and is the time you are entitled to receive the purchaser’s money for the sale.
Example 1: If you purchased a property on May 1, 2023 and sold the property on January 31, 2025, you owned the property for 642 days:
- Since you did not own the property for more than 729 days, the BC home flipping tax applies on the sale of the property
Example 2: If you purchased a property on May 1, 2023 and sold the property on May 31, 2025, you owned the property for 762 days:
- Since you owned the property for more than 729 days, the BC home flipping tax does not apply on the sale of the property
Days of ownership are determined differently if you purchased a presale contract or if you purchased from a related person.
Days of ownership for presale contracts
The day you purchase a presale contract is generally the date you pay for the contract, which is also the date you enter into the presale contract.
If you purchase the presale contract directly from a developer, this is generally the date you pay the contract deposit to the developer.
If you purchased or were assigned a presale contract and then purchase the completed property, the date you purchased or were assigned the presale contract is also considered to be the date you purchased the completed property.
Example 1: You enter into a presale contract on June 1, 2025 for a condo that will complete on March 1, 2027:
- If you buy the condo when it is completed on March 1, 2027, you will be considered to have acquired the property on June 1, 2025
The day you sell or assign a right to acquire a property, for example a presale contract, is generally the date you receive money from the purchaser or assignee for the right.
Example 2: A person enters into a presale contract on June 1, 2025 for a condo that will be completed on March 1, 2027. On December 1, 2025, the person assigns the right to buy the property to you:
- If you buy the condo when it is completed on March 1, 2027, you will be considered to have acquired the property on December 1, 2025
Days of ownership if you purchased from a related person
If a person purchases a property from a related person, the purchase date is deemed to be when the related person first purchased that property.
The purchase date is only relevant if you purchase from a related person and sell to an unrelated person. If you both purchase from and sell to a related person, you qualify for the exemption for property sales between related persons.
Example 1: If Michael purchases a property on August 1, 2025, from his father, who originally purchased that property on January 15, 2020, Michael is deemed to have purchased the property on January 15, 2020. If Michael sells the property, he will not be subject to the BC home flipping tax because he is deemed to have owned the property for more than 729 days.
Example 2: If Jennifer purchases a property on August 1, 2025, from her mother, who originally purchased that property on January 1, 2024, Jennifer is deemed to have purchased the property on January 1, 2024. Jennifer will be subject to the BC home flipping tax if she sells the property to an unrelated person on or before December 29, 2025, because she will have owned the property for less than 730 days. However, if Jennifer sells the property to an unrelated person after December 29, 2025, she will not be subject to the BC home flipping tax because she will have owned the property for more than 729 days.
If there is a series of purchases of a property between related persons, and each purchase in the series involves related parties, the last person to purchase the property is deemed to have purchased the property on the date it was purchased by the first person in the series. For this rule to apply, each person must purchase the property from a related person, but each person does not need to be related to every person involved in the series of purchases.
Example 1: John sells a property that he purchased on January 1, 2025, to his brother Steven on April 15, 2026. If Steven sells the property to his son Matthew on December 1, 2026, Matthew is deemed to have purchased the property on January 1, 2025. As John’s nephew, Mathew and John aren’t considered related persons. However, because each sale was to a related person, Matthew will still be entitled to use John’s purchase date of December 1, 2025, as his purchase date and won’t be subject to the BC home flipping unless he sells the property to an unrelated person on or before December 30, 2026.
Example 2: Corporation A owns all of the outstanding voting shares of Corporation B. Corporation B owns 51% of the outstanding voting shares of Corporation C. Corporation A purchases a property on January 1, 2025, and sells the property to Corporation B on January 1, 2026 (Corporations A and B are related persons). Corporation B then sells the property to Corporation C on February 1, 2026 (Corporation B and Corporation C are related persons). If Corporation C sells the property on March 1, 2027, it is deemed to have purchased the property on January 1, 2025, and is exempt from the BC home flipping tax.
Primary residence deduction
If you sell your primary residence and you owned the property for less than 730 days, you may be able to claim a deduction of up to $20,000 from your taxable income if you meet all of the following conditions:
- You owned the property for at least 365 consecutive days before you sold it
- The property includes a housing unit that you lived in as your primary residence while you owned it
A primary residence is defined as the place you lived in longer than any other place during the time you owned the residence. The primary residence deduction isn’t available when you assign a presale contract.
Example 1: Sam bought a house and lived in it for 20 consecutive months as his primary residence before selling the property:
- Sam owned the property for more than 365 consecutive days and the property was his primary residence during the time he owned the property, therefore, Sam is eligible for the primary residence deduction
Example 2: Amrita bought a condo and lived in it for 6 consecutive months as her primary residence before selling the property:
- Because Amrita did not own the property for at least 365 consecutive days, Amrita does not qualify for the primary residence exemption
If you sell a portion of your interest in the property, your primary residence deduction amount will be proportionate to that interest.
Curious what this means for you? Just ask me!
Information collected from BCREA, Government of British Columbia & Government of Canada.
20 December 2024
Faux Fireplaces For Your Living Room
Cozy Fireplaces For Your Living Room
By Brittany Loney | Inspired by C21
If your home lacks a built-in fireplace but you desire the aesthetic, a faux fireplace could be the perfect solution! These decorative facades provide your living room with a timeless, traditional ambiance while allowing room for creativity in texture and color. Create a cheerful atmosphere by choosing a faux fireplace that offers a lovely spot for your stockings, making your home festive and inviting.
1. Create A Mantle Frame With A Shelf
With no need to worry about the mechanics of a functioning fireplace, you can design a straightforward mantle that beautifully frames the space where a fireplace would typically be. The outcome is a seamless blend of a large picture frame and a fireplace—neither too large nor overwhelming, yet sophisticated enough to add charm to any room. Consider adding decorative elements such as candles, vases, or artwork to enhance the visual appeal and make the mantel a focal point. Choose materials and colors that complement the existing decor, creating a harmonious balance within the room. Whether your style is modern minimalist or classic elegance, a well-designed mantel can transform the ambiance, offering warmth and character without the need for a traditional fireplace. This approach not only saves space but also opens up creative possibilities for personal expression, making your living area truly unique and inviting.
2. Cover The Fireplace Interior With A Pattern Or Décor Items
If you choose to construct a complete fireplace façade, remember that it won’t actually be lit. Utilize that empty space inside to incorporate decorative elements. You could opt for vibrant florals in the spring, a collection of candles in various sizes for a warm atmosphere, or embrace a classic look with a stack of faux wood.Another creative idea is to use the space to display a curated collection of artwork or framed photographs, adding a personal touch to your living area. For a more eclectic vibe, consider arranging an assortment of vintage books or antique trinkets, which can serve as conversation starters. During the festive season, you might adorn the space with twinkling fairy lights and ornaments, creating a cozy and inviting focal point. No matter the time of year, your fireplace façade can be a versatile canvas for expressing your unique style and enhancing the ambiance of your home.
3. Want It To Look Real
If you’re unable to install a genuine fireplace but still desire its aesthetic, you can achieve that with a few simple steps. Start by selecting a fireplace frame with depth and painting the interior in a dark color. Next, choose a fireplace screen to cover the front, and add some elegant andirons inside to perfect the overall appearance.Consider placing a collection of pillar candles of varying heights within the frame to mimic the warm glow of a real fire. For an added touch of realism, you might include a few logs or faux log sets to enhance the effect. Additionally, incorporating some twinkle lights or LED candles can provide a gentle flickering ambiance. To complete the cozy setup, arrange a comfortable armchair or a plush rug nearby, creating an inviting nook perfect for relaxation or enjoying a good book. With these elements in place, your space will exude the charm and warmth of a traditional fireplace, making it a delightful focal point in your home.
DIY Project:
Make Your Own Christmas Laundry Wreath
If you want a different kind of wreath, this adorable DIY project will give you a piece of décor and a space for Santa to dry his suit! Stock up on some felt, twine and your favourite Christmas ribbon to pull it all together.
What Is Light Temperature and How Can It Change the Whole Feel of Your Home?
What is Light Temperature and How Can It Change the Whole Feel of Your Home?
If you have a room in your home that just doesn’t work despite the nice furniture and décor, you may be overlooking a key factor. The type of light we use has a huge impact on how we feel in a space, and while you might have taken the time to pick out the right lamps or light fixtures, you might not have considered light temperature. Light temperature refers to the spectrum that light bulbs are available in, ranging from cold to warm, and though each has benefits, here are a few tips to understanding how the light in a room can make the whole space feel different.
1. Understand The Spectrum
Light or colour temperature has a spectrum that measures in ‘Kelvins’. The lower the Kelvin temperature, the ‘warmer’ the light, while the higher temperatures are ‘cooler’ light. Warm light can range from soft orange (like the shade of candlelight) while cool light looks brighter white, the sort you’ll find in a lot of commercial spaces. Most light bulbs are available between 2700K to 6500K.
2. Think About How You Want Each Room To Feel
Lighting temperature can have a huge effect on your mood and productivity, so think about how you plan to use each space. You’ll likely want cool bright light for getting ready in your bathroom each morning, and a nice natural white will make your kitchen feel homey while still making sure you can see what you're cutting. Your bedroom and living room are where you’ll want the most ambient, warm light to make for a relaxing space at the end of the day and improve your rest.
3. Think About Mixing And Matching
You might find that you want to go between a bright top light to see all corners of a room while also having the option of ambient light for when you just want to relax. Bathrooms are a great place to mix temperatures, and if your fixtures are set up in such a way, you can have one bright ceiling light controlled with one switch while the other ceiling light is warmer, for a relaxing soak. If the fixtures are minimal in the living room and you’d like to keep bright lights for when you need them, try bringing in lamps to add décor to your space and cast soft lighting where you’ll be seated most of the time.
4. Use Smart Technology To Get The Best Of Both Worlds
Smart bulbs have opened a whole new world of colour lighting. With bulbs you can control from your phone, you’ll be able to set lights to change between cool and warm, so think about setting wake up routines that help you get out of bed more easily, or consider setting up different parameters based on what you most need the light for – game night is different from movie night!
18 November 2024
Gift Ideas For Homeowners
Gift Ideas For Homeowners
By Brittany Loney
The holiday season is a magical time of year, full of joy, celebration, and the spirit of giving. For homeowners, it's an opportunity to add charm and warmth to their living spaces, making it the perfect time to consider thoughtful gift ideas that enhance their homes. Whether you're shopping for a new homeowner or someone who takes pride in their well-established abode, here are some delightful Christmas gift ideas that are sure to bring a smile to their faces.
Smart Home Gadgets:
Help homeowners embrace the future with smart home technology. Consider gifting a smart speaker like the Amazon Echo or Google Nest Hub, which can control other smart devices, play music, and answer questions. Smart thermostats like the Nest Thermostat or smart lighting systems can also make daily life more convenient and energy-efficient. Additionally, it's important to consider safety options like doorbell cameras or smart locks to ensure your gift recipients feel secure and protected in their homes.
Customized Doormats:
A personalized doormat is both practical and welcoming. Opt for a design that features the family name or a fun seasonal message. It's a simple yet effective way to add a personal touch to their home's entrance. A high-quality doormat gets daily use and continuous foot traffic, continually proving its worth as a long-lasting gift.
Cozy Throw Blankets:
A luxurious throw blanket can add warmth and style to any living room or bedroom. Choose one made from soft materials like fleece or cashmere in a colour that complements their home décor. If you aren’t sure of their home decor choose a serene aesthetic that promotes relaxation, calming blues are best for rest, but cool colors, muted shades, or pale pastels will do. Colours associated with nature, like brown, beige, tan, and green, are associated with feeling grounded and down to earth.
Indoor Plants and Terrariums:
Bring the beauty of nature indoors with a selection of easy-to-care-for houseplants or a beautifully arranged terrarium. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home but also improve air quality. Furthermore, consider certain plants for symbolic meanings such as friendship, love, and prosperity. Houseplants also have staying power, lasting much longer than a bouquet of roses or a bottle of wine, highlighting it as a gift that keeps on giving.
Gourmet Kitchen Gadgets:
Find something for everyone on your list, from the home chefs to the bakers and mixologists. For the culinary enthusiast, consider high-quality kitchen gadgets like a state-of-the-art coffee maker, a spice rack with a variety of exotic spices, or a stylish cheese board for entertaining guests. Other options like a pizza stone, table runner or a cocktail shaker set can be great ideas as well!
Artisanal Candles:
Fragrant candles can create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Choose candles made from natural ingredients with enticing scents like vanilla, cedarwood, or holiday-themed fragrances like cinnamon and clove. Get creative and choose ornamental candles to match the gifting occasion and pair them with a gorgeous pillar plate which will last long after the candle has melted down.
Decorative Wall Art:
Help homeowners personalize their space with unique wall art. This could be a set of prints, a custom family portrait, or even a handcrafted piece from a local artist. Art has this magical ability to ignite sparks of joy and unleash the inner creative in all of us. It adds beauty, character, and a touch of sophistication to any space. Plus, gifting wall art shows that you've put thought and effort into selecting something meaningful and unique.
Subscription Boxes:
Subscription boxes land in a good-gift sweet spot of being thoughtful without requiring too much effort. All you have to do is select the one that best matches your recipient’s interests, and your gift will continue to surprise and delight for several weeks or months. Consider a subscription to a home-focused service, such as a plant delivery service, a wine club, bath bombs and goodies, or a gourmet meal kit.
Outdoor Entertaining Accessories:
For those who love to entertain, outdoor accessories like a fire pit, patio heaters, or elegant garden lights can transform their backyard into a cozy retreat. Furthermore, waterproof outdoor pillows, planters, placemats, or cozy blankets fit to warm up for outdoor spaces can be excellent gift options.
Books on Home Design:
Inspire creativity with beautifully illustrated books on home design and décor. They can serve as both a source of inspiration and a lovely coffee table display. ‘The Minimalist Home’ can be a unique gift that rouses new conversation topics in meetings to come.
No matter which gift you choose, the key is to consider the recipient's personal style and needs. Thoughtful, well-chosen gifts can enhance the joy of the holiday season and make a lasting impression long after the Christmas lights have been taken down. Happy gifting!
Budgeting •
5 November 2024
Loud Budgeting: The New Way to Save for a Home
In the journey towards homeownership, saving for a down payment is just the beginning. Enter ‘loud budgeting’—a transformative approach that’s catching on among savvy savers. Unlike traditional budgeting, loud budgeting involves openly sharing your financial goals and spending habits with your community, whether it’s friends, family, or followers online. This openness fosters a supportive environment, encouraging you to stick to your budget and normalize financial discussions.
Why Loud Budgeting?
Loud budgeting demystifies finances, making money talks more approachable. By sharing your budgeting journey, you not only hold yourself accountable but also inspire others to reconsider their financial habits. It’s about making informed decisions that align with your goals, like declining costly social events to save for a home.
Myths and Misconceptions
Budgeting comes with its share of myths. Some believe it’s synonymous with no fun, but it’s about prioritizing meaningful experiences over unnecessary expenses. Others think budgets are complex, yet numerous tools simplify the process. Remember, a budget isn’t restrictive; it’s a flexible guide to achieving your financial dreams.
Steps to Effective Loud Budgeting
- Define Your Goals: Whether it’s buying a home or building an emergency fund, clarity will guide your decisions.
- Track Your Spending: Utilize tools like the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada’s Budget Planner to understand your financial flow.
- Identify Cutbacks: From unused subscriptions to dining out, find areas to save.
- Start Small: Incremental savings can grow significantly over time.
- Avoid Impulse Buys: Give yourself time before making purchases.
- Share Your Journey: Talk about your goals to build a network of support and accountability.
Loud budgeting is more than a trend—it’s a movement towards financial transparency and empowerment. By adopting this approach, you’re not just preparing to buy a home; you’re reshaping how you and your community perceive and discuss money. In a world where keeping up with the Joneses is passé, loud budgeting champions financial authenticity and smart saving.
Ready to start your loud budgeting journey? Embrace the conversation and watch your savings grow!
Chat with me today.
Lifestyle •
28 October 2024
Updating Your Home With The Seasons – Summer to Fall Copy
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