School’s out for the summer!!

Firstly, apologies. I know that song is now in your head, and if it wasn’t yet, it certainly is now! It’s not even really a good one, but it’s one we ALL know! Ha!

Secondly, hats off to all those students who just finished up another year of school! And a big shout out to those having just celebrated their grad! You all worked hard, made it through the stress of exams and year-end tests, and deserve the time off of studying and homework!

Thirdly, let’s be serious…

Now is the time every year where we really evaluate our homes – the kids are all at home, their friends are popping in and out, the pantry is always empty, and then you gotta figure out where you’re going to put all the stuff you need to pack into the camper without it getting in the way!

I want a bigger house!!!

It may also be the time when the last of the kids is leaving the nest, and all of a sudden that 5 bedroom home with the huge yard just seems like a bit much. And who wants to clean more bathrooms then we really need to, right?!

I want a smaller house!!!

The good news – for those looking to make a switch before the next school year – there’s still time! There are homes hitting the market every day, that may fit your needs. If you’re looking to upsize, downsize… heck, even glamourize… let me know, I’d love to help you find that next place to call home.

Happy Canada Day everyone! Enjoy your summer!

Pizza!

Is it perhaps the most versatile and favourite food out there?? I mean, if you’re craving something good and quick, I have to believe the most popular answer is pizza!!

The great thing about ‘za, is that you can make it your very own. Crust, sauce, cheese, toppings… we all have our preferences. The interesting thing, as we get older, those things we love on a pizza change, don’t they?? Believe me, I would have never put spinach, pesto or goat cheese on a pie years ago, but today, I find it pretty darn good.

So, think of your home like a pizza. Wait – what?!

There’s lots of home out there that are your typical pep & mush, right? Then there’s some of those fancy homes that could be associated with some gourmet pizza name like the Saucy Southeast Special.

The beauty part is, just like pizza, you can make your home your very own – add the finishes and unique touches that makes your home stand out among those on the street – and be more like the Special than the Pep & Mush. Just be prepared that as you get older, those preferences will change and the features you desire may surprise you.

The good part when it comes to your home – the fancy (gourmet pizza) homes fetch you a higher price than the regular (pep & mush) homes do. So, I encourage you to go the extra mile, use desirable finishings of quality, and when it’s time for someone to buy that gem, it will get the most attention, and the best return for you!

If you find yourself peeking at the homes version of the pizza menu, and thinking now might be a good time to sell the Pep & Mush and order up the Special, give me a call, and I’ll help you navigate that menu to find you exactly what you’re looking for.

In case you’re wondering, my go-to is chicken, bacon & onion on a… wait for it… cauliflower crust (not by choice LOL!)

Oh, I’m on Team Pineapple too.

BBQ!

Don’t we all love a good BBQ? Sometimes, we enjoy taking charge of the process ourselves – prepping the food, setting up the grilling station, taking our time perfecting our craft, perhaps even sipping on a cool bevvie.

Other times… well, I’ll get to that.

How’s your grilling station at home? Is it a BBQ on some classic concrete blocks that have sit on a slight angle as we forget to take the time to fix it? Is it a magazine worthy set-up with the propane bbq, a couple smokers, the mini fridge – the works? Or is it somewhere in between?

Regardless, I think most of us enjoy the process of grilling, some more than others. And by some, I mean those among us that have it so figured out that most of their meals end up on Instagram – you know who you are!

If you don’t love your home bbq set-up, I’m more than happy to help you look for a better one – there’s home on the market currently with amazing backyard spots!

The great thing about grilling is that it brings people together. Having friends or family over & serving up some burgers and ripple chips just feels good. It feels even better when we are proud of our outdoor space and everyone can just relax.

As for those other times that I mentioned earlier, specifically to those of you that prefer that someone else does the cooking… I have great news!

Swing by our Coldwell Banker office in Steinbach TODAY between 4-7pm while our agents and staff serve up hot dogs, chips and drinks to say thank you for being a part of our “family”. It’s a great way to give back to our clients and the communities that have been the reason for our successes.

If that doesn’t work for you – check out Main Street in town this weekend, and find some great street food (& rides for the kids) at Steinbach Summer in the City!

Yum!

The learner’s permit.

My daughter recently took the first step to teenage driving freedom – the learner’s permit. Sure, she’s all smiles and confidence, but papa has had that moment of worry when the gas pedal gets pushed instead of the brake.

We’ve all been there – that’s why it’s called the learners permit.

Things have changed since I got mine 30 years ago (gosh, could it be that long ago?!?)… the process takes a little longer and there now seems to be endless amounts of information and videos online for them to watch and learn.

All of which is a good thing, the more we are aware as drivers, the better.

One thing that hasn’t changed though– having a drivers ed instructor take them on the road to teach them all the rules. I mean, I have a pretty good handle on things, but I bet there’s a few items I may forget from time to time.

The same can be said for buying or selling a house! The process has changed over the past 30 years, it can take a little longer, and sure, there’s plenty of information out there to try and figure it out for yourself.

But it can be complex and like the rules of the road, you may forget a detail or two. The good news – I’m more than happy to be your “driver’s ed instructor” and take the wheel when it comes to figuring out the small details of your next real estate move, buying or selling.

Let me be your guide, and keep you out of the ditch while you get to your destination – home.