Choosing Your Mortgage Broker

There is a little doubt that the biggest purchase of your life will be your home. When embarking on your homeownership journey, having the right support and information will make all the difference. Fortunately, a mortgage broker can help!

With access to more than 230 lending institutions including big banks, credit unions and trust companies, mortgage brokers are experts in mortgages. These connections allow them familiarity with a vast array of available mortgage products, and also ensures that the advice they offer is unbiased. Unlike banks focused on signing you for profit reasons, a mortgage broker is a third-party service who gets paid no matter which bank they sign you with. This means they can provide the best rate AND unbiased advice because they are focused on helping you achieve your dream.

It is estimated there are nearly 20,000 mortgage professionals in Canada. With so many choices, it is important to find a mortgage broker who works best FOR you.

With so much information at your fingertips on any given broker, it is easier to help narrow down the search. Especially with tools like the Dominion Lending Centres exclusive My Mortgage Toolbox app. Available on Google Play and the iStore, My Mortgage Toolbox makes it easy for potential homeowners to find a mortgage broker nearest them!

“The idea behind My Mortgage Toolbox was to make it simple for Canadians to manage the mortgage process by putting all the information they need into the palm of their hand,” noted Gary Mauris, Founder and CEO of Dominion Lending Centres.

Some features available through this application include a variety of calculators to help clients determine:

1. What they can afford
2. The minimum down payment required
3. Closing cost estimates
4. Total monthly ownership costs

Click here to download my app today!

While online tools and apps can give you pretty good insight into a potential broker, there are a few other things you might also want to consider to help make that decision a little easier.

While it is never a bad idea to go with an established professional with an abundance of clients and years of experience, you should also open to considering newer, hungrier brokers who are striving to make their mark in the mortgage space. At a busy firm, it is easy for you to feel like a small fish in a big pond, especially with a smaller portfolio, whereas a smaller brokerage can likely provide you more attention.

While brokers spend a lot of their time neck-deep in mortgages and tend to use industry jargon, a professional broker will understand if you are a first time homebuyer and will do their best to explain the terms and the process to you. Understanding is vital in your homeownership journey  so make sure to seek out a broker who is going to keep it simple for you and be honest, allowing you to understand exactly what you’re getting in your mortgage.

Ultimately, it comes down to the mortgage product but don’t be blinded by interest rates. It is important that your broker explains everything to you from term conditions to penalties, as well as why you qualified for the rate you need. It is also important to use caution if a broker is selling you on a rate and making promises to pay for fee; this is a red flag. If they say they’re going to pay for everything, they’re desperate for anything.

Of course, the rate matters, but the characteristics of your mortgage matter more and could end up costing you in the long run. You want a broker who’s going to listen to you and ask you about your needs and future goals. What are your plans five or ten years from now? Why are they so important to you as an individual? When looking at any mortgage product, consider that nearly 70 percent of mortgages are broken within three years. Even if you’re sure of today, life happens and tomorrow could be different. Therefore, you must consider the penalties for ducking out of your mortgage earlier and you should know if it is portable.

The best mortgage brokers in the business will make sure all of your bases are covered, and you’re fully aware of what you’re signing onto. The right broker will make the process easier for you, whether it’s buying your first home, shopping for a better rate, or even jumping into investment properties. No matter what stage of life you are in, we’ve got a mortgage product – and a broker – for that!

I am always happy to answer any questions you may have, discuss rates with you, and dive into helping you purchase your dream home.
Don’t hesitate to send me an email gillians@shaw.ca or call my office @ 250-716-1930!

I look forward to chatting with you!

Published by DLC Marketing Team

Roll With It.

Fitness trainer Mandy Gill makes the case for Summer Salad Rolls!

Call them spring rolls, summer rolls, salad rolls, fresh rolls—the common denominator is that we’re certain these are the only kind of rolls you’ll want this summer.

This easy-to-make recipe, bursting with flavour, can be served as a side dish at a sunny barbecue or enjoyed as a full meal on its own. The cost to make rolls at home is a fraction of what you’d pay in a restaurant or grocery store—plus you can add in whatever ingredients you’d like.

I choose to order nearly all the items below directly to my doorstep from Vitasave.ca, which has options for free shipping across Canada and a commitment to make healthy living easy and affordable for everyone. It’s also vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free.

Summer Salad Rolls

Serving: 8-10 rolls

Total Time: 30 min

• 1 package spring roll rice paper wrappers (found in the Asian section of your local grocery store; go for the option with little to no added sodium)
• 1 head romaine lettuce (finely chopped)
• 4-5 large rainbow carrots (peeled into thin ribbons)
• ¼ cup chia seeds
• ¼ cup hemp seeds
• ½ cup fresh mint (this completes the flavour)
• » ½ cup Thai basil (sub cilantro if needed)

Instructions:

1. Take a rice paper and dip it into warm water. Immediately pull it out of the water, letting it drip off for a second before placing it onto a clean surface with a bit of grip (a cutting board works well).
2. Lay carrots side by side in the center of the rice paper. This is where the colour will come from.
3. Layer lettuce, mint, Thai basil, hemp and chia seeds on top.
4. Pull up the bottom of the rice paper wrapper like you would to wrap a burrito, tucking the sides, and meeting at the top edge.
   1. *Tip: use the first roll as an experiment (and the one you eat), seeing as it likely won’t be your prettiest!
5. Cut in half with a sharp knife and serve with the Lemon Garlic Tahini sauce.

Lemon Garlic Tahini

Serving: 2/3 cup

• ½ cup tahini (from raw or roasted sesame seeds)
• ¼ cup warm water, plus more as needed
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tbsp Flavorgod, lemon & garlic
• Squeeze of lemon, salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add tahini, avocado oil, Flavorgod lemon & garlic, and a squeeze of lemon into a small mixing bowl. Combine together.
2. Add water a little at a time, continuing to whisk, until you have a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
3. If you have any leftover sauce, it can be kept in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. It’s delicious on salads, falafel, veggie burgers, and much more!

Published By DLC Marketing Team

Throw the Perfect Summer Social!

There’s something magical about summer and no matter where you live in Canada, backyard BBQ season is the perfect opportunity to spend a little time with family and friends. Nothing says party vibes more than food on the grill and summer drinks flowing. Whether you live in a country house, a suburban townhome or a city condo, gather your crew and these few essentials.

GOOD EATS & COLD DRINKS

The best parties start and end with good food and refreshing bevies. To have the most success with your backyard party, you must pre-plan!

If you are not hosting a spontaneous gathering, take a few hours the night before and meal prep. This includes planning an easy menu with bite size snacks, easy salads and flavour packed protein options to keep your guests satisfied. While burgers and hot dogs are pretty standard fare for any barbecue, consider an elevated menu that can include flank steak, grilled veggies or plank salmon. You’ll also want to make sure to assign anyone who likes to be behind the grill as your designated griller. And don’t forget to make sure the barbecue has plenty of propane!

Depending on your guests, you can either have a cooler full of pop and water bevvies or, if it is a more adult affair, add a little alcohol to the mix! Boozy lemonades or spiked ice teas are pretty easy to make and very fun to drink. Craft beer and ciders are other fun options to add that different taste. Chilled white wine is also another fan favourite on a hot day!

If you’re planning an all-day affair, you might want to keep some quick and easy desserts or snacks on hand for the evening. Homemade ice cream bars, fruit kabobs or a veggie platter, or even a couple bags of kettle chips can make great options for any peckish guests. And as the sun sets, you can break out the marshmallows and get your S’mores on in front of the fire!

DECOR & AMBIANCE

Any party-goer can tell you that ambience matters. For those suburban hosts, it seems obvious that your backyard party would include, well, a backyard. Likely with a sitting area, maybe umbrellas to offer some shady spots and some water fun! But, if you find yourself in smaller city digs, that doesn’t mean your party still can’t be one for the ages. If you’re in a townhome with a small green space or a deck, you just need to make the inside and outside flow. So keep your doors open and use all the space possible.

Don’t forget about décor! While it doesn’t have to cost much, a little effort can go a long way to turning your space into a dream zone. Throw pillows, paper patio lanterns and plastic glassware are all available at your local big box stores for cheap. While music can set the ambiance, you need to know your guests. It’s not easy to pick a playlist that will appease all ears, but streaming services like Spotify and Apple iTunes have plenty of mixed playlists that should do the trick.

ENTERTAINMENT

Once your guests have eaten their fill, you’ll still need to keep them entertained. Backyard games such as a bocce ball set, Frisbee and even a football can keep the fun and competition going for hours! If you’re looking for a more chill hang, consider setting up a card table or some board games for those who want to partake.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

Depending on the temperature and time of day for your party, you might want to remind guests to bring sunscreen, hats and/or bug spray to make sure their visit is as comfortable as possible!

FOR THE KIDS

A backyard party is generally quite different when little ones are involved. To ensure you are able to keep everyone happy – big and small – there are a few things to keep in mind!

If your party involves kids, you’ll want to keep the food simple and easy to eat with hands, so burgers, hot dogs, chips and some watermelon are the way to go. You’ll also want to keep the kids occupied, which could include simple games or more active options (once they’ve digested their food) such as a soccer ball, mini trampoline or even a sprinkler hose to run through and keep them cool. You’ll definitely want to keep on hand as much plastic dishware as possible because accidents and spills are bound to happen!

When daylight starts to fade, you can set up a backyard movie or camp-out with some tents to settle the night down. It never hurts to tire the young ones out so the grownups can have some chill time for themselves! Most of all, have some fun! These are the kinds of nights that create lasting memories.

The Mortgage Financing Process.

The number one question for any potential home buyer or someone new to the mortgage process is “what does this process entail?”. The following is a simple outline to give you an idea of the process and help you understand what to expect as you embark on your home buying journey!

STEP 1 – BE PREPARED

Having the following information on hand before meeting with your mortgage professional will help them determine what you qualify for and help them determine the best mortgage product for you:

• Contact information for your employer and your employment history
• Proof of address and your address history
• Government-issued photo ID with your current address
• Proof of income for your mortgage application
• Down payment proof (amount and source)
• Savings and investments proof
• Details of current debts and other financial obligations

STEP 2 – GET PRE-APPROVED

One of the best things any potential homeowner can do when starting the home buying process is to get pre-approved. Mortgage pre-approval requires submission and verification of your financial history and can help you determine your price range, understand the monthly mortgage payment associated with that price range and provide the mortgage rate for your first term.

It is important to note that pre-approval does not mean that a lender has fully reviewed your documentation and you may still need the approval of a mortgage insurer. However, it does have a lot of benefits that can give you a “leg-up” in your search!

BENEFITS OF PRE-APPROVAL

Getting pre-approved not only makes the search easier by helping to determine your price range and budget, but pre-approval also guarantees the interest rate for 90-120 days while you search for that perfect home. Plus, the rate will automatically be adjusted down with any market reductions. Another benefit to pre-approval is that, when it comes time to purchase, pre-approval lets the seller know that securing financing should not be an issue. This is extremely beneficial in competitive markets where lots of offers may be coming in.

Quick Tip: Being entirely candid with your home-buying team throughout the process will be vital! Hidden debt or buying a big-ticket item during your 90-120 day pre-approval can change the amount you are able to borrow. It is best to refrain from any major purchases (such as a new car) or life changes (such as changing jobs) until after closing and you have the keys to your new home!

STEP 3 – HIRE A REALTOR

In today’s competitive real estate market, it can be very difficult to acquire property WITHOUT the help of a realtor. One of the reasons realtors are integral to the home buying process is that they can provide access to properties that never even make it to the MLS website. Realtors also gain access to information about homes that may come onto the market before a listing is even signed.

Most importantly though, a realtor understands the ins-and-outs of the home buying process and can tell you how to be successful in your endeavors to purchase a home by guiding you through the process from the first viewing to having your bid accepted.

To start home shopping today, contact your local Royal LePage office, they are great realtors!
Click HERE to get in touch with one!

STEP 4 – SHOP THE MARKET & MAKE AN OFFER

Once you have found the property that meets your needs, you’ll put in an offer that’ll be accepted or countered. This may go back and forth until you reach an acceptable price with the vendor.

STEP 5 – OFFER IS ACCEPTED

Once your offer is accepted with the condition of financing, you will need to do a few things to finalize the sale:

• Ask for a realtor intro between your mortgage professional and realtor.
• An appraisal may be required, which will be determined and arranged by your mortgage professional.
• Send in any remaining documents required for financing (income confirmation, down payment confirmation, etc).
• Arrange a home inspection.
• Receive the lender’s approval on property and final approval letter.

STEP 6 – REMOVE CONDITIONS

At this point, your financing is in place and you’re ready to proceed with the purchase of the property.

Looking for great home insurance? Look no further, my personal insurance company Insureline Island Living is here to help you with all of your insurance needs! Click HERE to get in touch with one of our representatives, based out of Parksville, BC!

STEP 7 – LAWYER’S OFFICE

You’ll be asked to provide any money that’s to be used as your down payment, which is not already on deposit with your realtor. Typically, you’ll go in 1-2 days prior to the completion date.

Before you start on your home buying journey, be sure to take advantage of the expert advice that DLC Mortgage Professionals can offer. As experts in mortgages, brokers can help walk you through the process and find you the best mortgage product to suit your unique needs! The best part? It won’t cost you a penny! Mortgage professionals are paid out by the lender when they register a new contract. Therefore, all that matters is finding YOU, the client, the best possible mortgage.

Published by our DLC Marketing Team.

Are You Ready for Home Ownership?

While most people know the main things they need to buy a home, such as stable employment and enough money for a down payment, there are a few other factors that may help you realize you’re ready – perhaps even earlier than you thought! In fact, there are four main things that can help you determine if you are ready for home ownership:

YOU CAN AFFORD YOUR DOWN PAYMENT AND ONGOING COSTS

It is easy for potential homeowners to get wrapped up in focusing on having enough money for the down payment and then forget about afterwards. It is important that you are not only financially able to afford the down payment, but that you can manage the monthly mortgage payments and ongoing maintenance as well. My Mortgage Toolbox app from Dominion Lending Centres has some great calculators to help you determine what you can afford on a monthly basis before you get in too deep. If you have enough funds in the bank for a down payment and are able to manage the monthly costs associated with the size and price range of home you would need, then you may be ready to start house-hunting!

YOU HAVE GOOD CREDIT

As most people know, credit score plays a major role in qualifying for financing to purchase a home. If you have a good credit score, which should now be at least 680 to qualify, then you have nothing to worry about! However, if your credit score is below this, it is more likely that you will be paying higher interest rates (and therefore have higher payments), or that you could be denied all-together. Before you begin your home buying journey, it is vital to have your credit score in order to ensure you can get the best mortgage product and rates. Working with a mortgage professional can help you get on the right track in the shortest time possible. Sometimes all that’s needed are a few subtle changes, or debt consolidation, to improve your credit score within a couple months.

NO OTHER LARGE, UPCOMING EXPENSES

Do you plan on buying two new vehicles in the next two years? Are you thinking of starting a family? Are you considering going back to school? Although you may think you can afford to purchase a home right now, it is vital to be honest about your future plans. What does your life look like in 1 year? 5 years? 10 years? If you know that you aren’t planning on incurring big expenses that you need to factor into your budget anytime soon, then that’s something that may help you decide to buy a home.

YOU ARE DISCIPLINED

One of the most important factors for purchasing a home is budgeting. You have to know what you can afford – and stick with it! It is easy to be tempted by a gorgeous 6 bedroom home or a backyard pool or private community, but at what cost? If going all-in is going to leave you scrambling each paycheck or derail any plans of future financial stability, it is worth rethinking. Understanding what you NEED in a new home, versus what you WANT, is a good step towards determining what you’re looking for and planning a budget that suits your needs so that you can continue to live comfortably.

These are just four signs that you may be ready to purchase a home. If you’re seriously considering buying or selling, talking with a Dominion Lending Centres mortgage professional can help ensure you have the best experience when it comes to buying a home!

Published by our DLC Marketing Team

Sugar-Free & Dairy-Free Fudgesicles.

“These are so lusciously creamy, sinfully rich-tasting – the kind of thing you put in your mouth and kind of can’t believe what’s happening. Vegan, almost raw, and full of whole food ingredients, they are also downright filling! They make a fabulous mid-morning or afternoon pick-me-up, especially with the raw cacao component, a deliciously effective, energy-boosting food. Dress them up with your favourite add-ins, or keep it simple and enjoy them as the five-ingredient bliss bars that they are!”

See more on www.mynewroots.org

5-INGREDIENT VEGAN MAGICAL FUDGESICLES

Makes 4 cups / 1 Liter / 10 fudgesicles

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup / 75g unroasted, unsalted cashews
• 1 14-oz can / 400ml full-fat coconut milk
• 1 large, ripe avocado
• 1 cup / 250g pitted, packed soft dates
• 1/2 cup / 55g raw cacao powder (cocoa powder will also work)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place cashews in lightly salted water and let soak for 4-8 hours (overnight is fine).
2. Drain the cashews and rinse well. Add to a blender (a high-speed blender is highly recommended) with the remaining ingredients (and any flavourings, if using) and blend on high until as smooth as possible. Add water only if necessary – you want to mixture to remain quite thick.
3. Spoon the mixture in popsicle molds. Firmly knock the molds on the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles. Insert a popsicle stick into each mold and place in the freezer until set – at least 6 hours. To remove popsicles, run the mold under hot water until you can easily pull a fudgesicle out.
4. If you want to decorate your fudgesicles, dip or drizzle them with melted chocolate and sprinkle with desired toppings. Eat immediately, or place back in the freezer to set until ready to enjoy.

OPTIONAL ADD-INS

• A pinch of Sea Salt
• Vanilla (seeds from 1 pod, powder, or extract)
• Food grade essential oils (a few drops of peppermint, orange, almond etc.)
• A pinch Cayenne Pepper
• Espresso powder
• Finely chopped toasted nuts (cashews, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios etc.)

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS (as seen in photo)

• Melted Dark Chocolate
• Cacao Nibs
• Finely Chopped Toasted Nuts (Cashews, Hazelnuts, Almonds, Pistachios Etc.)
• Dried Fruit
• Citrus Zest (Lemon, Orange, Lime)
• Hemp Seeds
• Unsweetened Desiccated Coconut

Published by our DLC Marketing Team

Moving on UP!

Life is constantly changing from your career to your family as we climb up the ladder of life. With these life changes, your current home may no longer be working for you. Whether you’re cramped in your tiny apartment or have a little one on the way, it may be time to look at moving on up!

Before considering the move to a larger home, there are some things to consider. For instance, whether or not you can afford to make the move and buy something bigger.

If you are wanting to upsize, and are doing so during your current mortgage cycle, you will be breaking the mortgage. As a result, you will have to go through the entire qualification process again. Keep in mind, there may be penalties depending on the term in your mortgage. Some are portable, which would make the transition smoother but you would need to check your mortgage agreement.

If you are unable to port your mortgage, you would need to re-qualify for a new mortgage. This would be done at the current rates offered by lenders and would be subject to government changes, including recent “stress test” rules.

If it has been a while since you bought your first home, you may be unfamiliar with the “stress test”. It was introduced in October 2016 for insured mortgages (down payments of less than 20%). Then, as of January 1, 2018 was updated to include all mortgages, regardless of down payment percentage. This test determines whether a homebuyer can afford their principal and interest payments, should interest rates increase. It is based on the 5-year benchmark rate from Bank of Canada or the customer’s mortgage interest rate plus 2% – whichever is higher.

The next thing to consider aside from re-qualifying, are fees and taxes. There may be large Property Transfer Taxes and you would also pay realtor fees on the sale of the home you are leaving behind. These fees are typically between 2-5% percent of the home’s selling price.

Beyond the costs associated with the sale of your current home and purchasing a larger residence, the costs of home ownership rise in proportion to the home you live in. If you are moving up from a condo or apartment to a single-family home, you will save on strata but will become responsible for all of the maintenance of your home. As a rule, it is best to save 1% of your new home’s purchase price, per year, for maintenance. For instance, if you purchase a $600,000 new home then you would want to ensure $6,000 a  year in savings.

Making the move to a larger home is both exciting and daunting! However, it is entirely doable with the right preparation! No matter what stage you are at with your home, a mortgage professional can help. Not only can they offer expert advice, but guidance as you move on up the property ladder. They also have your best interests at heart and will work to ensure future financial success so you can continue living the life of your dreams!

Published by DLC Marketing Team

5 Approval Roadblocks.

When in the process of buying a home, there is nothing worse than having your mortgage broker or lawyer call and say “there is a problem”.

If you have found your dream home and negotiated a fair price, which was accepted, and you have supplied all the documentation to your broker, you probably assume everything is fine. The reality is that your financing approval is based on the information the lender was provided at the time of the application. If there have been any changes to your financial situation, the lender is within their rights to cancel your mortgage approval.

To ensure that you don’t encounter any last-minute issues on your home buying journey, there are five major approval roadblocks to be aware of and avoid for a smooth transaction:

EMPLOYMENT

When submitting a request for financing, whether a mortgage or car loan or to handle personal debt, one of the most important aspects the lender looks at is employment. If you were working at Company X for five years at $50,000 a year and – just before your deal is finalized – you change jobs, the lender will now require proof from the new job. This can include proof that probation for this new job is waived, or new job letters and pay stubs at the very least. If you change industries, they will want to see more proof that you are capable of keeping this job. For any employment involving overtime or bonuses, the lender often requests a two-year average, which you would not be able to provide at a new position. Another employment change that could hurt your financing approval would be if you decide to change from an employee to a self-employed contractor.

When it comes to financing, it is best to wait to make any major employment or life changes until after the deal has gone through.

DOWN PAYMENT SOURCE

As mortgage financing is based on the initial information provided, you will most likely need to do a final verification of the down payment source. If it is different than what the lender has approved, it could spell trouble for your financing approval. Even if you said that your down payment was coming from savings and, at the last minute, mom and dad offer  you the funds as a gift, it could affect your approval. This is an acceptable source of down payment, but only if the lender knows about it in advance and has included this in their risk assessment, but it can end a deal.

DEBT

A week or two before your possession date, the lender will obtain a copy of your credit report and look for any changes to your debt load. Since mortgage approval is based on how much you owed on that particular date, it is important not to increase your debt before the deal is finalized. Buying a new car or items for the new home must be postponed until after possession; even if they are “do not pay for 12 months” campaigns because you will need to fulfil those payments, regardless of when they start.

BAD CREDIT

One of the biggest roadblocks to mortgage approvals is credit card payments. When you enter the financing process, it is important that your credit score remains positive. If your credit score falls due to late payments, this can cause major issues with your financing. Even if you have a high-ratio mortgage in place which requires CMHC insurance, a lower credit score could mean a withdrawal of the insurance and removal of any financing approval.

MISSING IDENTITY DOCUMENTS

Before a deal is finalized, the lawyer must verify your identity documents and see that they match the mortgage documents. You may not think it needs to be said, but it is important to use your legal name when you apply for a mortgage. Even if you go by your middle name or a nickname, all legal documents should match.

Keep in touch with your Dominion Lending Centres mortgage professional right up to possession day. Make this a happy experience rather than a heartbreaking one.

Published by DLC Marketing Team

10 Steps to Home Sweet Home.

Congratulations! There is nothing more exciting than moving into a new home. Whether a new building or re-sale property, there are a few things you can do as soon as you take possession in order to make it your own. Invest a weekend or two into warming up a featureless space or refreshing someone else’s old homestead.

Here are 10 things you can do to really own your new space and turn it into home sweet home:

1. Change The Locks: Secure your home by changing the locks as soon as you take possession. Even DIY beginners can change a deadbolt lock. A replacement deadbolt set can be installed in place of the current lock with just a screwdriver— no drilling required. Another option is to rekey the lock. Purchase a rekeying set from the same manufacturer as the existing door lock, and reset it for a new key

2. Consider a Professional Deep Cleaning: Hiring a professional cleaner to deep-clean and detail your home before you move your possessions in can make your new home feel that much more YOU! It will be easier without any furniture to work around, allowing them to access to every nook and cranny. Yes, you’ll have to clean again after moving day, but the heavy lifting will have already been done!

3. Clean Out Your Pipes: Years of dust, pet dander and detritus collect in the hidden workings of any home. One of the most effective ways to refresh a new home is to get right into the guts of it! Have your ducts, furnace and air conditioning unit professionally cleaned and be sure to change the filters as required to maintain that clean, fresh air.

4. Apply a Coat of Paint: Painting provides the most bang for your home-improvement buck! Whether the walls of your home are dingy or you’re simply not feeling the magic of beige, it only takes a few hours to repaint your space with a colour that makes you feel at home.

5. Freshen Up Your Floors: Much like worn-out walls, old floors can really put a damper on that new-home buzz. If your hardwood has seen better days, you can consider hiring professionals to re-do it or tackle the project yourself by renting a floor sander and varnishing over a weekend. For carpet, a deep steam clean can do wonders! For laminate, you can get that extra shine with a special laminate floor cleaner. Although if any of your floor coverings are lifting or have holes in them, you may want to replace it. You can further personalize your new space by adding floor runners or area rugs!

6. Neutralize Odors: Any re-sale home can benefit from a deep-clean refresh to eliminate any lingering odors from previous tenants. While some of the above steps will dramatically reduce any lingering smells, stubborn aromas require spot treatments such as:

• Putting dishes of activated charcoal (also known as activated carbon) in a musty, damp basement. These can be found at aquarium stores.
• Running a dehumidifier during the spring and summer.
• Placing a sock filled with dry coffee grounds or baking soda in closets, refrigerators or freezers to absorb stale odors.
• Pouring white vinegar down a stinky drain.

7. Enjoy the View! Dirty windows and screens can make rooms feel dark and dingy. A thorough cleaning will have your windows shining, and your indoors will feel brighter and fresher too. If your home came with the previous owner’s window coverings, be sure to clean or launder them; it’ll remove allergens as well as reduce any lingering odours. Or consider replacements with colors and patterns more suited to your style!

8. Lighten Up! A well-lit home is immediately warmer and more inviting than its darker counterparts. If your rooms feel dim, replace the existing bulbs with bright, energy-saving LED or CFL bulbs for more light and cost-savings! Dated lighting fixtures can also foil your redecorating efforts, so consider replacing them with something more your style.

9. Time for a Switch: Replacing your switch plates only requires a screwdriver but you would be surprised how much swapping out old lighting switch plates can refresh your space. With a little DIY expertise, screwdrivers, pliers and a voltage tester, you can install energy saving dimmer switches instead.

10. Display Your Art: Once you have deep-cleaned your new home and organized it to your heart’s content, it is time to dress up your walls with your favourite artwork and family photos! Get your kids’ kindergarten masterpieces onto the fridge and deck out your mantel with family photos.

Moving into a new home is one of the best times to make your space perfect for you! With a clean slate and empty floor space, now is the time to include all the things that make your house a home – to you! Unpack your knick-knacks and personal items and add a splash of color with throw pillows or rugs to brighten things up.

Published by DLC Marketing Team.

According to a report by Mustel Group and Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, 86% of Canadian baby boomers and older homeowners want to live in their home for as long as possible. However, given the challenges associated with aging – such as reduced mobility and memory loss – many question whether they may be better off in an assisted living or nursing facility.  There are, however, a number of unique advantages to staying in the home you love as you age, which we’ll explore below

1. Maintaining your independence

As you get older, it’s natural to become slightly less independent – you may need help doing the grocery shopping or with certain household tasks. But if you stay in your home as you age, you’ll likely be able to maintain more independence than if you move into a residential facility. At home, you’re in control of your routine, your meals, and your surroundings, while in an assisted living facility, you usually have less control over these things.

2. Staying close to your community

When you’ve lived somewhere for a long time, you’ll likely have friends and neighbours within walking distance. Having regular social interactions is especially important as we get older, it’s good for your mental health and will help stop you from feeling lonely. More importantly, having a flourishing social life as we age has been connected to a 70% reduction in cognitive decline compared to more isolated individuals. This is a huge benefit to aging in place. At home, you’ll be able to easily visit neighbours as well as having friends and family over whenever you want.

3. Keeping your home comforts

For most of us, our house is a place of familiarity, security, and peace. It’s the place we’ve spent years building into a home and where we’ve made many cherished memories. The emotional benefit of aging in place is therefore huge. On the other hand, moving to a facility can take an emotional toll on a person’s wellbeing, putting them more at risk of stress and depression. Furthermore, there’s evidence that familiar smells and surroundings can help trigger memories of those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

4. Staying healthier and safer

Many people chose to move into a nursing home or assisted living facility believing it to be the safer and healthier option. And while this may be true for those with severe needs, there are other factors that need to be considered. Feeling homesick can lead to stress and depression, which in turn can lead to greater cognitive and physical decline. Residential facilities also carry a greater risk of infection, which can spread much more easily when living at close quarters with others.

5. Saving money

There’s no denying that aging in place has its expenses. You may need to pay someone to help you with household chores, grocery shopping, or personal care. You may also need to adapt your home for mobility. Despite this, aging in place is typically less expensive than an assisted living facility or nursing home.

Deciding whether to age in place or move into an assisted living or nursing facility is a personal choice that should be made after careful consideration. If you decide that staying in your home is the right option for you, the CHIP Reverse Mortgage can help you with the associated costs.

The CHIP Reverse Mortgage allows you to access up to 55% of your home’s value in tax-free cash. What’s more, the loan isn’t repaid until you leave your home, meaning there are no required monthly repayments. What you do with the money is up to you. You could use it to adapt your home, purchase mobility aids, or pay for an in-home caregiver – helping you stay as independent as possible in your own home.

Written By: Agostino Tuzi
Post Sponsored by HomeEquity Bank