With more and more of us figuring out physical distancing requirements and starting to adjust to the new normal, we might be getting back to the to-do list that was temporarily stowed away. If you're in the market for a new home, chances are you still want to see the property in person, and that's where open houses come in! A majority of homes will still be inhabited by the sellers, so what does open house etiquette look like?

CHOOSE YOUR OUTFIT ACCORDINGLY

While it's not necessary to go all out with a professional suit, how you present yourself in this setting is just as important as any other event. You may gain admittance to the home if you're dressed in sweatpants and flip flops, but you risk not being taken as seriously if you're actually invested in buying. Beyond that, proper attire shows both the sellers and real estate professionals involved that you're respectful and mindful of their living and working space.

BUYERS WITH AND WITHOUT REPRESENTATION

If you're already working with an agent, feel free to inform the agent holding the open house with something as simple as a business card. Realtors may forget to ask about this information in advance, but won't try to solicit you once this information is brought to attention. If you are without agent representation, open houses are a great way to find an agent since you get to witness them in live action and engage in face-to-face conversation. Feel free to ask for their contact information and set up a followup interview.

PRETEND ITS A GALLERY

Although homes are much less intimidating than display cases under harsh light in a museum, try to keep your hands and curiosity stowed away, especially if you have children in tow. Ask the agent whether shoes are preferred on or off, and avoid opening closed doors, drawers, and cabinets, especially if the home has yet to be vacated. Treat the home as respectfully as you'd like others to treat it, including asking about whether pictures are allowed.

All the best and happy browsing!

Chances are, the attic isn't the most popular room in your home, but that doesn't mean it needs to sit there gathering dust and cobwebs! Especially given the current work/study/play from home situation at the moment, a little bit of extra space can go miles, whether it be a quiet study nook or children's playroom that you're looking for. Updating your attic look also has the advantage of transforming your resale value! 

 A HOME OFFICE ABOVE ALL THE HUBBUB

Are you constantly trying to find a blank wall to serve as the background for a video meeting? Is it impossible to get a few minutes of peace and quiet to find your focus? A little bit of remodeling and redecorating can transform your attic into a private space designated for work. If you've got students in the house, this can double as a cozy study spot free from distractions. 

A PLAYROOM FOR THE YOUNG ONES

Horror movies tend to do attics a little dirty, but they can be just as inviting as any other space in the home with a little love and care. With the entire family at home, it might be tedious to have to constantly transform communal spaces from playroom to home gym all the time. By providing an established space for playing, studying, and learning, children can benefit from having their own allotted spaces and even begin to take on certain responsibilities. 

A GUEST SUITE FOR YOUR VISITORS

If you have a large family or enjoy hosting, a studio apartment is a popular way to create a hospitable space for any guests while increasing privacy for all parties involved. For longer stays, including a bathroom and kitchenette is the smart way to go to ensure everything necessarry is covered. During quieter times of the year, you'll also have the option to rent out the suite for additional income. Definitely something to think about!

No one likes to think about disasters. Severe weather, fire, theft—or even a seemingly small issue like a broken pipe—can wreak havoc on your home and result in thousands of dollars in damages. Fortunately, a good homeowners insurance policy can offer you peace of mind that you and your family will be financially protected if disaster strikes.

PRIORITIZE SERVICE AND VALUE

When choosing an insurance provider, ask around for recommendations. Check with neighbors, friends, and family members, particularly those who have filed an insurance claim in the past. Find out if they had a positive or negative experience. Read online reviews. Ask your real estate agent for a referral to a reputable insurance broker who can help you compare your options.

Don’t just choose the cheapest policy. Instead, search for one that offers excellent client service and provides the best coverage for the cost.

CONSIDER A HIGHER DEDUCTIBLE

A deductible is the amount of money you are responsible for paying on a loss before your insurance company will pay a claim. Opting for a higher deductible can reduce your premiums.

Note that in some cases, your insurance policy may have a separate or higher deductible for certain kinds of claims, such as those caused by floods, windstorms, hail, or earthquakes. While a higher deductible can save you money on your premiums, opt for one that is still affordable given your current financial situation.

TRY BUNDLING YOUR COVERAGE

Combining your home, automobile, and other policies under one insurer can often result in a significant discount. And some insurers offer additional benefits, such as a single deductible if property insured by multiple policies is damaged. For instance, if a fire destroys your home and your car, you may only have to pay the higher of the two deductibles. Bundling can also make payment and renewal of your policies more convenient.

However, bundling isn't always the best or least expensive option. In some cases, you may find better coverage options, service, and/or pricing if you split your policies between multiple insurers. So be sure to consider all of your options before making a final decision.

Have you recently put your property on the market or are thinking about selling your home in the near future? With buying and selling activity exceeding historical levels, how can you stand out with just a little bit of work? Check out advice from home stagers about undesirable features that could turn away prospective home buyers, and replace them with strategies that will increase the chances of selling your home.

CLUTTER HAS NO PLACE

Crowded rooms not only look less visually appealing, they can also give off the impression that cleanliness and hygiene are not prioritized. Be consistent throughout the home; just because one rooom looks magnificently put together, it will be altogether forgotten when your home buyers stumble upon the disorganization across the hall. Even with spaces that are less commonly accessed or out of sight, buyers may form their own judgments based off of first impressions and assume that what's present in one room extends to the rest.

MOULD IS A RED FLAG

No matter how beuatiful the rest of the home is, or how impeccably it's been staged, the smallest signs of damp stains, stained ceilings, or crumbling plaster work can easily turn a prospective buyer away. Apart from the fact that it's visually unappealing, this also signals potential problems down the line and a more expensive investment than what might have been envisioned.

OVERGROWN GARDENS NEED SOME WORK

Landscaping, yardwork, and garden maintenance can take up a lot of your attention, particularly if you have a sizeable property. Gardens surrounding the home itself form a significant part of first impressions, which can negatively downplay your chances of selling if the buyer is already turned off by knee-high weeds or the leaves stuck to their shirt. A well-kept exterior does an amazing job of signalling to buyers that the interior is just as likely to be equally well cared for.

If you're thinking of selling, the bottom line is to put yourself in a potential buyer's shoes, and think about what would put you most at ease and most willing to commit to a large investment.

If you're getting the recommended 7+ hours of sleep every night, you're spending a significant amount of time in your bedroom. Add in our pandemic-affected reality, and you might be only leaving it for water or food breaks!

Despite the fact that your bedroom is often much more secluded compared to other rooms that guests will frequently occupy, there are certainly trends that aren't meant to stay, and some to keep an eye out for! 

1. DOUBLING AS MULTIFUNCTIONAL WORK SPACES

With many of us adjusting to the new normal of working from home, bedrooms might not just serve as sleeping quarters anymore, which makes space and lighting enormously more important. Some people may have opted for a make-shift work station with the assumption that this is more temporary than not, but many are are starting to realize that built-in work spaces might make the best use of bedroom space that is otherwise unoccupied. if you'e going to be spending hours at a time holed up in these spaces, make sure it's properly lit and functional enough to be both productive and comfortable.

2. DOUBLING AS WELLNESS SPACES

It's hard to sit at your desk for hours on end, especially with high levels of caution prompted by going to the gym or even a walk in the neighborhood. Try getting creative by opening up some space for a mini yoga corner, or some free weights you can easily access. Alternatively, set up a mini spa section where you can take a midday break to pamper yourself. Given that there aren't too many external choices right now, it's important to create a sanctuary for you to take care of yourself.

3. LIVE PLANTS REPLACING ARTIFICIAL ONES

Although they may both end up collecting lots of dust, artificial plants are much easier to manage than their living, breathing counterparts. Counterintuitively, this may actually encourage plant owners to redirect their attention to live plants, especially since we now have fewer opportunities to access nature itself. Spending time at home with live, air-purifying plants can really benefit your mood, and watching them flourish in your care is a great way to pass any extra time you may have on your hands.

4. TURNING TOWARDS BALCONIES

Sometimes, balconies can just end up as a visually appealing addition or extra storage space. More and more people are realizing the benefits of having your own outdoor space to use at your leisure. Sip your morning coffee admiring the early morning glow or spend an afternoon working in the warmth of the sun. Keep your eyes out, this feature might not be reserved for just the master bedroom in the future!

There's just something about waking up to a clean and crisp bedroom design, or seeing the way your guests' eyes light up when they take in the flawlessly modern decor you've outdone yourself with. Whether you're looking to do a complete renovation project or just wanting to test out select changes here and there, here are some ideas for designs that will truly make a statement!

1. DRAW ATTENTION TO A FOCAL POINT

Sometimes smaller rooms can be harder to be creative with, especially with the perception that there's not a lot of space to play around, However, these spaces, such as a bathroom, den, or storage space often lead to the most surprising transformations with the right amount of thought. Test out monochromatic murals that span the width or length of a wall, which will create a lengthening effect while drawing all the attention to a specific point of your choosing. 

2. INCORPORATE NATURAL MATERIALS

Ever thought about how the simplicity of nature is really the essence of its beauty? It's undeniable that there's something ethereal about being surrounded by the cool tones of the great outdoors, or the fresh scent of minimally processed materials. Try highlighting neutral colours and a simplistic but tasteful room with wooden accents here and there. 

3. CHOOSE ATMOSPHERIC LIGHTING

Many of us may immediately turn to bright lights when we think about a modern look, but lighting is actually the best way to create an authentic atmosphere that balances the sharp and clean edges with a sense of comfort. Since you most likely want your home to be an inviting and relaxing space, avoid overpowering white lights, and consider warmer lighting scattered throughout the room for an even and comforting feel.

4. HIGHLIGHT MINIMALISM

Our current take on what's modern is really centered around the idea of minimalism and zero clutter. Achieved very often through built-in storage, this strategy makes the most of the space that's available, and leaves your rooms feeling put-together and streamlined. This is especially helpful with medicine cabinets, shelves, and even some kitchen storage!

Source: https://www.realhomes.com/au/design/modern-bathroom-ideas

Millennials, or anyone born between 1981 and 1996, are now a dominating force in the real estate market, making up the largest cohort of homebuyers at 37%. Perhaps due to the fact that many entered adulthood following the repercussions of the 2008 financial crisis, this generation is looking for qualities that drastically differ from what their parents valued in a home. With a higher regard for minimalism, as well as frequent travel prompting plenty of moving around, some considerations that stand out are that of being health conscious, practical and and experience-based.

CENTRAL AND SMART LIVING

With the delay in marriage age and the attractiveness of frequent travel, it's not a surprise that condos are doing much better than mansions or detached properties in the luxury segment. It becomes increasingly impractical to own a huge space when most activities take place outdoors, and more socializing can take place in communal areas, which also offer close proximity to popular attractions and the hustle and bustle of the city. 

PRACTICALITY AND DESIGN

Visualization is key, and these homebuyers will fare much better if they can get a clear sense of what each room might be used for, as well as whether these functions may overlap. Virtual or physical staging can enlarge the space, as well as provide inspiration about how an office can easily be transformed into an art room, or yoga studio.

HEALTHY LIVING AND COMMUNITY

Healthy living is extremely important, so make sure to point out all the amenities offered by the building, or the opportunities that lay in the neighbourhood, such as the seawall, parks, gyms, recreation centres, etc. Very closely tied to this is the sense of community, so it may be smart to bring attention to popular events, celebrations, or shared activities that are specific to the area.

Source: https://rismedia.com/2020/07/15/millennial-home-buying-trends-2020-luxury-market/

When deciding on whether you want to go ahead with investing in a property, some key factors to take into consideration include affordability, financing and the expected return on investment. One question to always keep in mind is, "How much can I make on the investment?" There are plenty of costs that might cut into your potential profits, especially ones that aren't obvious right from the start.

The budget you're comfortable with should include the purchase price and all costs of the acquisition, from initial renovations, maintenance and tax rates to vacancy period losses and rental management if that applies.

You can leverage the property at low risk by using financing in a low interest rate environment. This allows you to keep more of your cash and diversify your investment portfolio in the long run.

It's important to identify your own goals and how they might be affected by the fluctuating market. If generating income for a long time frame is your main purpose, purchase price isn't as significant compared to making sure that cash flow is positive and trending upward. On the other hand, if you're looking to maximimize proft, the price you pay upfront makes much more of a difference.

If the neighborhood you're looking in has a high risk of change, this can easily cost you the value of your investment. Conduct your own research or work with real estate professionals to identify a location that has, and will likely continue to remain desirable.

When the cash flow being generated is not needed immediately, reinvesting the income from the property into a market-based investment or additional rental properties can significantly maximize your wealth for long-term gains.

Overall, investment properties are an avenue for diversifying your portfolio, especially if you don't need to rely on it for liquid assets and can afford to own for a long period of time. Just like with any other investment, the importance of doing your due diligence in understanding the commitment and effort that is required cannot be overstated.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/07/15/how-decide-if-property-is-good-investment/

Feeling sluggish from being stuck at home all day long? Physical health is something that needs to be consciously monitored regardless of what's happening around you. While Yaletown offers an array of outdoor options, from the renowned Seawall to pockets of lush scenery right in the city, here are some alternative fitness options you can make use of right from home!

Barre Fitness

1038 Mainland St

(604-669-6906)

Virtual Sessions

Barre Fitness Yaletown is Canada’s original barre based workout studio! Located in the heart of Yaletown and only minutes away from the Canada Line Yaletown Skytrain Station, our beautiful flagship studio offers a variety of classes for all levels.

Fit to be Healthy

1038-1020 Mainland St

(604-620-0040)

Virtual Sessions

Fit to Be Healthy specializes in providing individualized one-on-one training to women from all walks of life, of all shapes and sizes, and with all different fitness levels. Available as early as 6AM to as late as 9PM, they can train with you in the comfort of your own home/work or in the relaxed atmosphere of their private Yaletown training studio at times that are convenient to you. 

Form Body Lab

310-1152 Mainland St

(604-687-6870)

Virtual Sessions

Form Body Lab is a rehabilitation focused Vancouver pilates studio specializing in an integrated, client-focused approach to wellness. Their team includes physiotherapists, registered massage therapists, and pilates & yoga instructors who collaborate to provide the best possible care for you!

Pure Barre

1128 Homer St

(604-695-9507)

Live Streaming Sessions

Pure Barre is the largest, most established barre franchise in the nation, with more than 375 studios across the country, and more opening every month. Pure Barre is a total body workout that utilizes the ballet barre to perform small, isometric movements, which burn fat, sculpt muscles and create long, lean physiques.

Rize Fitness Inc. 

188 Smithe St

(778-709-8483)

Virtual Coaching

Rize Fitness is a Vancouver-based company built by a team of elite strength and conditioning coaches. Whether clients are looking to get strong, start weight-lifting, or improve their current workout regime, Rize Fitness can create a program tailored to their specific needs. Their goal is to help clients improve physical strength and mental well-being.

YYoga

280-1050 Homer St

(604-684-3334)

Virtual Sessions

Located in the heart of Yaletown is one of their founding studios offering a variety of yoga classes. Enjoy the support of an incredible community, intimate space and historical vibe.

Source: https://yaletowninfo.com/takeyaletownhome/

2020 so far might not be the year we envisioned counting down to midnight on the 31st of December, but when we look back at this extraordinary experience in half a year's time, how do you want to feel?

Getting started on whatever your goal is can often be the biggest hurdle to overcome, but staying motivated and disciplined day in and day out despite uncontrollable circumstances is a skill only the strongest of us will learn to master. Think about that DIY home project that you embarked on in the spring, with all the materials now laying somewhere in the shed. Think about that new diet you promised yourself to stick to a few weeks ago, before all the restaurants started offering amazing discounts on delivery and takeout. Think about that personal development course you were so excited about, skimming through the first few minutes of the video, before pausing it for the newest episode of your favourite TV show. It's almost impossible not to get sidetracked by everything else life has to offer, but here are some practices to get you re-started on the path to success.

1. DON'T EXPECT PERFECTION

It's almost impossible not to hold ourselves to a higher standard than the people we care about, but that can often do more harm than good when it comes to building the confidence and momentum to get going. If you want to try something completely out of your comfort zone, don't expect results similar to someone who's been practicing for ages. Instead, expect mistakes, and expect a lot of them, because they're the ultimate sign of growth.

2. START NOW

Perhaps you've successfully convinced yourself that you'll start the next month, the next week, or the next day even. How many times have you actually stuck to those deadlines? If there's something you want to accomplish, take a small step as soon as the thought occurs to you, otherwise it'll remain just that, a thought. Momentum builds as you take action, and soon you'll be well on your way to achieving success without a hint of desire to pause for a break.

3. LEISURE CAN WAIT

There's a difference between self care, and mindlessly robbing yourself of valuable time, time that will never come back. Figure out which activities are most effective as a reset button for yourself, make you feel better, and further invigorate you. A tip to follow is that these activities should renew your enthusiasm for getting back to work, rather than induce dread at the idea of it stopping. Schedule start and stop times for breaks, so that a 10 minute pause doesn't snowball into 3 hours of scrolling on your phone.

4. SAY YES

One takeaway we should all have in response to current events is that time and opportunities are limited. Think about all the projects, activities, and hobbies that you would usually say no to, and reflect upon the reason behind your reluctance. Patterns and habits are great for maintaining routine, but if you're finding your day-to-day a little dull and discouraging, sign up for something spontaneous or agree with no questions asked the next time your friend extends a questionable invitation.

There are so many ways to spearhead change if you're finding yourself butting heads with internal or external resistance. Keep in mind that nothing is permanent, and you have all the power you need to make a difference. Cheers to the second half of 2020!