1. DEEP DUSTING: Make sure you deep dust.  With the furnace on and a lot of activities indoors now dust from the summer and fall get stuck in small areas.

Wipe down your light switches, dust your lamps and give your baseboards a solid dusting.

2. CHECK OUTDOOR LIGHTS: 

Make sure all of your outdoor lights are working. It gets darker earlier and the weather conditions can be treacherous. 

Make sure you can see your walkways clearly.  Check your outdoor garage lighting.

3. CHAULK YOUR SHOWER: Caulk your shower. Mold and grime get into the crevices and pose health dangers.

Check to make sure your showers and bathtubs are adequately caulked to prevent water damage.

4. CLEAN RANGE HOOD: The stove and oven are getting a lot of use during the holidays. Your range hood funnels out fumes and odors out of your home.  Not only is a dirty hood unsightly but it can be dangerous.

5. CHAULK TOILETS TO THE FLOOR: Caulking your toilet to the floor minimized odors.  It also keeps your toilet secure.

6. CHECK FLASHLIGHTS: Winter is known for power outages. Now is a good time to check all your flashlights and batteries.  Make sure you have plenty of extra batteries on hand.

With nightfall arriving early in the Winter make sure you're prepared for those extra hours of darkness.  Keep a few extra flashlights on hand. 

7. STORE WATER: Now is a great time to stock up on drinking water.  Winter time pipes freeze.  If you're in a warmer climate you still want to ensure you have plenty of drinking water on hand in the event of an emergency.

Be prepared and keep water on hand.  Most grocery stores have water dispensers that allow you to fill your own jugs.

8. STORE CANNED AND DRY FOOD: Winter brings with it storms, power outages and nature can interrupt our daily life.  Make sure you have canned and dried food on hand in the event of an emergency.

9.CHECK ATTIC INSTALLATION: 

Make sure your home is well insulated. Proper insulation can help lower your heating bill.  One of the biggest culprits of a high heating bill is inadequate attic insulation.

Take a moment and check your attic for these 10 common attic insulation defects.   You can also hire a professional to assess your attic.  It's a great investment for peace of mind.

Taking measures to adequately insulate your attic can pay you great dividends.

Unrelenting demand for Fraser Valley detached and townhomes continued in November SURREY, BC – For the fifth consecutive month, demand for real estate in the Fraser Valley showed no signs of waning. Overall property sales for the month of November again set a new Board record.  Sales records were also broken in September and October; and since July, all activity including new listings, has continued to be inordinately high.  The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 2,173 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in November, an increase of 54.7 per cent compared to the 1,405 sales in November of last year, and an 8.3 per cent decrease month-over-month compared to the 2,370 sales in October. The Board received 2,217 new listings in November, a 28.0 per cent decrease compared to October’s intake and an 18.1 per cent decrease compared to the 1,877 new listings received during the same month last year. For November, it was the second highest volume of new inventory in the last decade. Chris Shields, President of the Board, observes, “We’re running out of superlatives. We expected November activity to moderate due to the season, but the desire for family-sized homes and their benefits continues to dominate. Since the summer, we’ve seen the strongest demand in our Board’s 99-year history specifically for single-family detached and townhomes."   "For example, in Cloverdale, demand for detached homes exceeded supply; and in four of our communities the sales-to-actives ratio for townhomes was 50 per cent or more. Meaning, for every 100 active listings, 50 were selling."   November finished with 5,847 active listings, a decrease of 14.9 per cent compared to October and a decrease of 13.2 per cent year-over-year. November’s total inventory was the fourth lowest for the month in the last decade.   Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, adds, "It’s impressive how consumers – in very high numbers, the highest ever – have adapted to the shifting realities and appreciate our industry’s adherence to strict safety measures. REALTORS® are working very hard currently serving their buyers and sellers using technology and innovation and the numbers clearly show that it’s working."   For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell an apartment in October was 34 days, and 25 days for townhomes. Single family detached homes remained on market for an average of 32 days before selling. MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity Single Family Detached: At $1,061,500 the Benchmark price for a single-family detached home in the Fraser Valley increased 1.4 per cent compared to October and, increased 11.5 per cent compared to November 2019. Townhomes: At $570,100, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 0.2 per cent compared to October and increased 5.8 per cent compared to November 2019. Apartments: At $435,900, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased by 0.3 per cent compared to October and increased 4.6 per cent compared to November 2019.

Sales volumes remain exceptional in the Fraser Valley Ongoing demand for Fraser Valley real estate saw overall sales reach the highest point for the month of October in the Board’s history. This is the fourth consecutive month of record-breaking or near-record activity for sales and new listings in the region. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 2,370 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in October, an increase of 48.9 per cent compared to the 1,592 sales in October of last year, and an 6.2 per cent increase month-over-month compared to the 2,231 sales in September. The volume of new listings received by the Board in October dipped compared to September, however still ranked the highest for the month in the last decade and the fourth highest of all time. The Board received 3,081, a 12.3 per cent decrease compared to September’s intake and a 29.3 per cent increase compared to October 2019. Chris Shields, President of the Board, observes, "The situation is unprecedented. We are in the middle of a pandemic and in many of our communities we are seeing a strong seller’s market for townhomes and single-family homes priced correctly. For example, in Langley, our current supply of detached homes would sell in 1.4 months if no new listings became available. And for Mission townhomes, we have zero months of inventory.   "If you’re thinking of buying or selling, seek expert advice because every neighbourhood and property type is unique."   October finished with 6,872 active listings, a decrease of 6.8 per cent compared to September and a decrease of 7.1 per cent year-over-year. Last month’s active listings were 11.9 per cent below the ten-year average for October.   Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, adds, "As our region faces a current surge in cases of COVID-19 and gatherings are being further restricted, it’s important to emphasize that the real estate industry – one of the first to adapt successfully to the necessary safety requirements – continues to be vigilant in order to contain the spread. REALTORS® are strongly encouraging their clients to embrace technology and avoid in-person activities."   For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell an apartment in October was 36 days, and 27 days for townhomes. Single family detached homes remained on market for an average of 30 days before selling. MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity Single Family Detached: At $1,046,900 the Benchmark price for a single-family detached home in the Fraser Valley increased 1.4 per cent compared to September and, increased 9.9 per cent compared to October 2019. Townhomes: At $569,200, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 0.3 per cent compared to September and increased 5.0 per cent compared to October 2019. Apartments: At $434,600, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley decreased by 0.5 per cent compared to September and increased 4.2 per cent compared to October 2019.

What are the top kitchen updates to sell your house?  This question is posed often to real estate agents.

This is a great question and a very important one when deciding what kitchen updates to consider when selling your house.

The kitchen is the main focal point for buyers when looking at homes.

  Consumer demand for real estate in the Fraser Valley remained robust for the fourth consecutive month, with overall sales and new listings reaching record‐breaking numbers in September.  

  The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 2,231 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in September, an increase of 66.1 percent compared to the same month last year and an increase of 9.4 percent compared to August 2020. This is the highest recorded sales for September in the history of FVREB. 

  In the last three months, Fraser Valley has seen a defined shift in demand towards single-family detached homes with sales from July through to September garnering 47 percent of the three main residential types, compared to 43 percent during the same period last year.   Chris Shields, President of the Board, observes, “Our homes have never been more important. Across the Fraser Valley, we’re seeing a trend towards buyers looking for more space and livability in both single‐family homes and townhomes. 

   “For many existing homeowners and first‐time buyers, their buying power is greater than it’s been in a long time. Interest rates are very low, people have saved money over the last few months, and they’re choosing to invest it in their most important asset. Sellers are also recognizing that with lower than normal inventory, this is a smart time to list.” 

   The Fraser Valley Board also received a record number of new listings for September: 3,515, a 6.2 percent increase compared to August’s intake and a 26.9 percent increase compared to September of last year. September finished with 7,377 active listings, a decrease of 0.4 percent compared to August, and a decrease of 7.2 percent year‐over‐year. Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, adds, “Our industry is a leading example of how business transactions can be conducted efficiently and effectively while following stringent safety requirements as laid out by our province and provincial health officer. 

  “This is particularly important given the uncertainty ahead for us and the need for everyone to remain vigilant.” 

In September, the average number of days to sell an apartment was 35; 25 for townhomes, and 28 for single family detached.  MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity Single Family Detached: At $1,032,700 the Benchmark price for a single-family detached home in the Fraser Valley increased 1.3 per cent compared to August and, increased 8.7 per cent compared to September 2019. Townhomes: At $567,300, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 0.6 per cent compared to August and increased 4.0 per cent compared to September 2019. Apartments: At $436,900, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley decreased by 0.1 per cent compared to August and increased 4.7 per cent compared to September 2019.

Source: Fraser Valley Real Estate Board

September is a catch-up month! It’s a time to finish projects begun in the summer that was never completed. And it’s an excellent opportunity to see what can be improved, replaced, or repaired while the weather is still nice enough for outdoor projects. This is is also the perfect month to begin your fall home maintenance checklist, add seasonal color to your garden, and bring organization to your home—and your life.

1. GET A JUMP ON FALL HOME MAINTENANCE

Conducting a routine house fall checkup will tip you off to little problems before they become nasty mid-winter surprises. The easiest way to do it is to check from top to bottom. Start with the roof—are your shingles worn? Check for leaks around skylights, vents, and chimneys (and have that chimney cleaned). Clear out your gutters and check for leaks there, too.

During cold winter pipes can freeze, drain your outside hose spigots. Switch your screens for storms and seal any drafty windows or doors. The same goes for paint and siding: Make sure you caulk or repair any gaps, cracks, or holes and re-point any brick surfaces that need it. Paint over your repairs while the weather’s still warm enough to do it, so you’re not looking at them all winter. In the basement, check for dampness, change filters, and have your heating system serviced. Also, check for cracks in the foundation.

August is a busy time of year getting ready for back to school. Take some time out to care for your home and yourself.

Carpet Cleaning: With the warm weather now is a good time to give your carpets a good cleaning so they'll dry quickly.

Keep your windows open, let the warm breeze flow through your home, and freshen your carpets.  Clean, fresh carpets are a great way to get ready for the next season, fall.

Clean Bathroom Exhaust Fans: Cleaning your bathroom exhaust fan is important to home maintenance and good air quality in your home.

Your bathroom fan helps remove odors, excess moisture, humidity, and airborne pollutants. A dirty fan covered in dust doesn’t work efficiently. And if your exhaust fan is on the fritz, excess moisture has nowhere to go—which eventually will lead to mold and mildew. So don’t neglect that fan. Give it a good cleaning every six months.

Prune Bushes, Plants, and Dead Limbs: Dead tree limbs and branches pose a danger in the winter.  Ice, the weight of snow, and winter storms cause havoc and can cause these to break off. While it's warm and dry, right now is a good time to get outside and get rid of the dead tree limbs and overhanging branches. Clear away dead bushes and shrubs. Prune your shrubs and bushes now and have your yard ready for Spring's growing season.

Check Your Roof: August is a good time to inspect your roof before fall and the cold weather arrives. Check your roof for integrity issues, loose shingles, damaged roof flashing, rust, and other issues that could affect your roof.

BC Day Long Weekend in 2020

BC Day takes place on the first Monday of August each year, so in 2020 the August Long Weekend runs from the evening of Friday, July 31st, until end of day on Monday, August 3rd.

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Information in this article includes the following topics:

Happening events …

Abbotsford Agrifair | Playland | A Taste of the PNE

Events with in-person and online activities …

Pride Parade & Festival | Powell Street Festival

Events happening soon (but not quite yet) …

Chilliwack Sunflower Festival

Cancelled events (which would normally be happening this weekend, but aren’t) …

Celebration of Light | Harmony Arts Festival | White Rock Sea Festival | Squamish Days | Fort Langley Brigade Days | Tsawwassen Sun Festival | Maple Ridge Caribbean Festival | Other BC Day Events

Click any of the above links to jump to information about a specific event, or continue reading to learn all about the Lower Mainland’s top BC Day Long Weekend events.

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The Abbotsford Agrifair is a community fair that normally includes agricultural displays and amusement rides. In 2020 it’s happening on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of July 31st to August 2nd at its usual Exhibition Park venue in Abbotsford. And yes, it’s still happening, despite COVID-19, although in a modified format.

The Agrifair is a popular event. In a typical year it features everything from Canadian wrestling to pig races, logger shows, farm animals to look at and live music.

In 2020 the Abbotsford Agrifair is operating as a “Drive-Thru Safari.” For just $15 per carload (including all taxes and fees), guests can drive in to the fairgrounds and see buffalo, goats, sheep, donkeys and other farm animals, plus military vehicles, a demolition derby car display, antique tractors and other interesting things. Cars can also drive up to food vendors and buy mini donuts and other popular fair food.

For further details see our article about the Abbotsford Agrifair.

Playland is Vancouver’s amusement park with rides and games. It takes place from May until September most years (although in 2020 from just mid-July until September).

The attraction isn’t a special event specifically for BC Day as it takes place all summer. Playland is special in 2020, however, as it is one of the few live in-person events actually happening on the August Long Weekend! Yes, you can still enjoy the rides this summer! Isn’t that great news!

Playland is open with over 20 rides on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the August Long Weekend. Tickets cost $29.50 for access to the little kid and family-friendly rides, or $39.50 for all rides including the most extreme ones. Prices also include a complimentary souvenir face mask. Admission capacity is limited, however, so book your passes sooner than later to avoid disappointment.

The PNE is also hosting a special Drive-Thru event on the BC Day Long Weekend. For details, see below.

For information about the attraction see our article about Vancouver’s Playland or see the PNE/Playland website.

In addition to Playland and its rides, the Pacific National Exhibition is hosting a “Taste of the PNE” event on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday of August 1st to 3rd.

Tickets cost $49.50 and specific time slots need to be reserved and paid for in advance. Admission includes access to the site, entertainment, a tour of the PNE’s 2020 Prize Home, festival food and a drink. Bonus perks include a pair of tickets to the 2021 PNE Fair and a coupon for $10 off Playland passes.

For people just wanting access to the festival food, there is also a Drive-Thru Food Truck area. Admission to that is free – you just pay for your food. Advanced registration and food orders are required.

Click A Taste of the PNE: Best of BC Celebration for tickets and more information.

A Taste of the PNE on the BC Day Weekend

The Chilliwack Sunflower Festival ran from August 1st until September 15th in 2019, so the BC Day Long Weekend was the event’s opening weekend. The festival is happening in 2020 – which is great news – but it isn’t starting until mid-August.

See our article about the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival for more details. You can’t see the flowers on the August Long Weekend this year, but at least you’ll still be able to see them later in the summer!

Chilliwack Sunflower Festival

The Saturday of the long weekend is when the final night of the Celebration of Light international fireworks competition usually takes place. All afternoon and evening there is music and festivities at Second Beach in Stanley Park. Then later, just off English Bay Beach, the fireworks start at 10 o’clock.

The Celebration of Light is one of Vancouver’s premier events and in the evening hundreds of thousands of people turn out to enjoy the pyrotechnics from the beach and surrounding region.

In 2020, the event, unfortunately, isn’t happening because of concerns about the coronavirus. Hopefully it will be back better than ever in 2021!

See Celebration of Light for further information about the event in general, or click Fireworks Viewing Venues for a list of best places to watch the pyrotechnics from (at least in years when they do take place).

The Harmony Arts Festival is a 10-day arts festival that usually starts on the August Long Weekend. The event features live music, free nightly movies, art displays and all sorts of things for people of all ages to see and do.

General admission to the Harmony Arts Festival is FREE and it takes place in West Vancouver along the water between Ambleside and John Lawson Park.

Last year the Harmony Arts Festival ran from August 2nd to 11th. In 2020 the event has been cancelled due to concerns about the COVID-19 virus.

The seaside resort town usually celebrates its Sea Festival on the August Long Weekend. The FREE event includes children’s activities, fireworks, a torchlight parade and tons of live entertainment.

Most years the festival takes place on the Saturday and Sunday of the first weekend in August. In 2020, because of the coronavirus, it has been cancelled.

Here are some tips to keep in mind for the event in 2021:

TIP #1: If you can’t stay all day and evening, but you really want to enjoy the beach during your visit, try to be in White Rock at low tide when the sand seems to go out forever.

TIP #2: If you go on the Sunday combine your trip with a visit to the White Rock Farmers Market which is a great market at 15154 Russell Avenue between 10 am and 2 pm.

Click White Rock Sea Festival for more information.

White Rock

The Powell Street Festival is a free festival celebrating Japanese-Canadian culture and heritage on the BC Day Long Weekend. It usually takes place around Powell Street in East Vancouver from 11:30 am to 7:00 pm on the Saturday and Sunday.

In 2020, because of the coronavirus pandemic, the live event has been cancelled. In its place, however, there is an online telethon featuring performances and cultural activities.

Festival venues most years include Oppenheimer Park (in the 400 block of Powell Street), the Firehall Arts Centre (at 280 East Cordova Street), the Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall (at 475 Alexander Street), and the Vancouver Buddhist Temple (at 220 Jackson Avenue).

In years when it does take place, at the Powell Street Festival expect to see Japanese art and cultural displays, tasty Japanese festival foods, martial arts demonstrations, Taiko drumming, tea ceremonies, ikebana flower-arranging workshops and all kinds of Japanese activities and things to buy.

The festival usually takes place on the Saturday and Sunday of the BC Day Long Weekend. Hopefully the festivities will happen in their usual format again in 2021. Until then, we can still look forward to 2020’s telethon activities on August 1st.

TIP: In years when the live event does take place, while in the area, if you’re interested in picking up some cheap fruit and vegetables, then drop by Sunrise Market at 300 Powell Street. It often has some of the best produce deals in Vancouver.

For more information see the Powell Street Festival.

The Powell Street Festival

The Squamish Days Logger Sports Festival is a small-town community event featuring logging industry-related activities and other fun stuff including a chair carving contest and bed races through the town. Squamish Days usually runs from the Thursday of the August Long Weekend until the Holiday Monday (although not in 2020).

Last year Squamish Days ran from August 1st until the 5th. In 2020 the festival was going to run from July 30th until August 3rd. Because of COVID-19, however, this year’s event has been cancelled.

In years when the festival does take place, on the Saturday there is usually a Kids Festival downtown at the O’Siyam Pavilion Park at 37978 Cleveland Avenue during the day and a Logger’s Stomp Dance at Chances Casino starting at 9 pm.

On the Sunday there is usually an early morning 8 km run, a pancake breakfast at Chieftain Centre Mall at 1301 Pemberton Avenue, a parade at 11 am, and the Open Loggers Sports Show and Rotary BBQ in the afternoon at Al McIntosh Loggers Sports Grounds.

And on the Monday, BC Day, there is usually the community picnic from 11 am to 4:30 pm at O’Siyam Pavilion Park which is a free event with outdoor concerts and food trucks.

TIP: The Squamish Farmers Market is an exceptional market on Saturdays at the corner of Victoria Street and Cleveland Avenue from 10 am until 3 pm in Squamish. It’s worth visiting any weekend in the summer but especially when there are other activities also going on in town.

For more information, click Squamish Days.

Brigade Days at Fort Langley is an annual event that runs all weekend – from the Saturday until the Monday. In 2020 the event was scheduled to run from August 1st to 3rd. Due to the coronavirus, however, it has been cancelled for this year.

In years when the event does take place, from 10 am to 5 pm each day at the National Historic Site there are usually historical re-enactments and interpreters in 19th-century-period costume. In addition to regular summer fort activities, highlights of the weekend also include demonstrations of fort-related activities and historic weapons.

On the BC Day statutory holiday Monday there’s the main event – the re-enactment of “The Arrival of the Fur Brigades” where characters in period costume paddle to the fort with their cargo.

For more information, click Brigade Days at Fort Langley.

Historical Re-Enactment at Brigade Days

The Tsawwassen Sun Festival is a three-day community event that features a slow-pitch tournament and a range of other sports and family-friendly activities.

The main day of the festival is definitely the Holiday Monday, That’s when the parade takes place as well as the pancake breakfast, classic car show, Kids Fun Zone, Antique Fair and Main Stage performances.

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival won’t be happening in 2020. The same as many other major events, it has been cancelled for this year.

Click Tsawwassen Sun Festival for more information.

The Tsawwassen Sun Festival

The Maple Ridge Caribbean Festival is a fairly large music festival that takes place on the Saturday and Sunday of the BC Day Long Weekend at the Albion Fairgrounds in Maple Ridge.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and government orders that gatherings of 50 or more people not take place, the festival won’t be happening at the beginning of August this year.

In years when it doesn’t get cancelled, the festival features dozens of food trucks, market vendors and two stages with fabulous outdoor music.

Click Maple Ridge Caribbean Festival for more information.

Maple Ridge Caribbean Festival

In addition to the above major events, there are many other great activities going on throughout the Lower Mainland on the BC Day August Long Weekend. Some are special events just for the holiday weekend, while others are some of Vancouver’s best events that take place every weekend in the summer.

The following events took place in 2019 (and will likely happen again in 2021):

Friday Events

• Music at the Cannery – live music in Steveston Village at 6:30 pm outside the Gulf of Georgia Cannery at 12138 Fourth Avenue.
• North Vancouver Summer Concert Series – free outdoor concerts at Lynn Valley Village, Deep Cove’s Panorama Park and Edgemont Village from 7 to 9 pm.
• Musical Nooners – a free concert at noon outside the CBC Building in downtown Vancouver at 700 Hamilton Street.
• Shipyard Night Market – free live music and summer night market activities at North Vancouver’s Shipbuilders’ Square from 5 until 10 pm.

Shipyard Night Market

Saturday Events

• Bard-B-Q & Fireworks – a special dinner and pyrotechnics night at the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival starting at 5 pm. (Note: The full season of Bard on the Beach has been cancelled for 2020.)
• Shipyards Summer Sessions Concerts – free live music at Shipbuilders’ Square in North Vancouver in the evening.
• Saturday Farmers Markets – in Abbotsford, Burnaby, Fort Langley, Haney (Maple Ridge), Lonsdale Quay, Squamish, Trout Lake and the West End. (Note: Most of these are happening in 2020.)

Sunday Events

• Robson Square Salsa – free salsa lessons and dancing in downtown Vancouver from 3 to 7 pm.
• Summer Sundays – free live music at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody starting at 2 pm.
• Sunday Farmers Markets – at Ambleside, Coquitlam, Kitsilano, Mt. Pleasant, Steveston Village, Whistler and White Rock. (Note: Most of these are happening in 2020.)

Monday Events

• BC Day at Burnaby Village – special activities at Burnaby Village Museum from 11 am until 4:30 pm.
• Kitsilano Showboat Concerts Series – live entertainment at Kitsilano Beach from 7 until 9 pm.

Other All Long Weekend Events

The following events take place either every day or most days of the BC Day Long Weekend:

• Richmond Night Market – market activities and dinosaur displays all weekend in the evenings at 8351 River Road in Richmond. (Not happening in 2020.)
• Theatre Under the Stars – outdoor musical theatre in Stanley Park. (Note: The full season of Theatre Under the Stars has been cancelled for 2020.)
• Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival – Shakespearean theatre at Vanier Park. (Cancelled for 2020.)
• Playland – amusement park rides and midway activities.

Other Information

For a list of other great things to do later in the summer, check out Vancouver’s August Events Calendar. Or, for a list of major events throughout the year, see the Festivals & Events Calendar.

Article courtesy of https://vancouversbestplaces.com/

If you are thinking of making a few renovations, some upgrades have a better ROI then others. Here are 9 upgrades that are sure to make your home feel more luxurious without breaking the bank.

Large Showers: Great bathrooms sell houses and a large shower looks elegant. 

Accent Tile: If you can't go big.... Go Bold! Add a design for the floor and soap dish

Add extra color in the kitchen with a colorful tile pattern on the island

Save some money on the backyard...backyards are important to buyers, but sometimes investing a bunch of money in the yard can be a waste. Why spend on a patio or pool when the next owner may want something different?

Skip the high-end backyard features and simply make sure that it looks presentable. Some new grass and mulch, will provide a fresh look and a clean slate for the next owner to work with.

Have a 2 story home? Why not make the stairs a great feature: Replace an outdated banister and railing with something new and modern and replace the carpet with hardwood.

Everyone loves an open floor plan. Smaller rooms feel cut off and make the house feel cramped and small.

Add a bit of drama: By add some dark tile for an accent or in the shower is an easy way to add a luxurious spa feel.

Wallpaper has long shed its reputation as fussy and outdated. Adding some fun wallpaper is an easy and inexpensive way to give any room an accent feature that you and buyers will love.

The fireplace is often the focal point of a living room, so he loves to make it stand out.

Some fireplace designs include modern, patterned tile and clean marble slabs, both of which look amazing in a modern home, and can really increase its value. The perfect fireplace can often be a big selling point.

* images from HGTV

May is electrical safety month.  It's a good time to ensure you're home and family are adequately protected from electrical hazzards.

1. CHECK FOR ELECTRICAL SAFETY: Take this time to check your electrical cords for damage. Be sure to check your power strips and make sure they're not on overload.  Make sure your power strips have a power surge protector. Cover your unused outlets to prevent small children and pets from accidentally shocking themselves.  Covering unused wall outlets also helps to keep debris and dust from interfering with the sockets.
2. PATCH PATHWAYS: Cracks and potholes in your pathways and walking areas can pose a dangerous hazard. Repair concrete cracks and inspect outside areas for tripping hazards.

3.  CHECK OUTDOOR LIGHTING: Check your outdoor lighting.  Ensure all your lights are working and check to see if any repairs are needed. Keep you, your family and your guests safe.

4. CHECK AND REPAIR FENCES AND GATES: Now is a good time to check your fences and gates.  Clean and make repairs as needed.

5. TEST YOUR WATER HEATERS PRESSURE VALVE: Routine testing of your water heater's pressure relief valve can prevent a possible explosion and help reduce the chance of a leak caused by mineral and corrosion build up. A buildup of minerals and rust can cause a valve to freeze up and become nonoperational.

6. GIVE YOUR GRILL A GOOD CLEANING: After a long winter we're ready for outdoor cooking and entertaining.  Take some time and get your grill in tip top shape.Give it a good cleaning and let the barbecuing begin!

7. CHECK FOR LEAKS UNDER YOUR KITCHEN SINK: Slow water leaks can wreak havoc on your home.  Catching leaks early and making the necessary repairs can prevent serious water damage later.

   Take a moment and check under your kitchen sink for signs of water leaks.

8. CLEAN YOUR EXTERIOR DOORS: Dirt and grime tend to accumulate on exterior doors and garage doors every few months.  Take a nice day and give them a  good cleaning.

9. WASH YOUR DECK: Grime and dirt can build up on your deck.  Take some time and give your deck some TLC.

Here are some fun, affordable ideas to get you started…

• Have a campout in the yard.  Pitch a tent and barbecue outside.
• Have a spa day.  Get nail polish, glitter and lotions from the drugstore and give each other manicures and make-overs.
• Make bird feeders.  
• Bring spring inside. Plant flowers in little pots that the kids have decorated.
• Feed the ducks.  Find a local pond and bring some bird seed.  Don’t forget the camera!
• Make some Top 10 lists.  Give the kids some topics: 10 things to do before the end of spring break; 10 things that make them happy; 10 things that make them grumpy. 10 favorite songs or books? Have them write them down or dictate them to you, then bind all the lists into a book.
• Make up a story together.  Have your children illustrate it.
• For a Spring learning adventure, take a hike in a nature area and learn to identify birds, trees, plants, and flowers. Spring is a natural time for kids to explore science and nature.  Use google to help!
• Have a board game day. 
• Set up an obstacle course in the house or backyard.
• Messy Fun.  Set the kids up in the backyard with some inexpensive shaving cream and some food coloring. Let them go to town.
• Let the kids use washable paint to create a masterpiece on your sidewalk or backyard fence!
• Movie night, PJ's Popcorn, Netflix, Disney plus or an old DVD
• Build a fort.  Hide the breakables and let the kids use every pillow, blanket and piece of furniture in the living or family room to create a giant fort. Let them eat lunch or dinner in it.
• Spring is the perfect time for a tea party. Bake some cookies or brownies together and line up the stuffed animals!
• Have an outside work day to get the yard in shape. Gather the materials needed for a special outdoor project with your kids, such as a kid-sized garden or building a birdhouse.  Plan a special treat afterwards for everyone’s hard work.