Routines.

Here we are, getting into late September and the schedules are starting to fall into place. If your homes are anything like mine, those schedules are BUSY!

And when it comes to managing the routines, and being prepared for the week’s activities, it’s important to have a central hub where it all comes together. Where everything has its place, it’s always organized, and everything just runs smoothly.

HAHAHAHA!

If that’s your house, well done!

It can be a lot – and having a home base that checks off most of those boxes does help.

I mean, for me, let’s see what we have going on… 3 volleyball teams, 3 hockey teams, some cattle shows, school activities, and the every day stuff that pops up. The white board calendar – oh it’s full!

That’s where the central hub can help. When you get back from the day’s “stuff”, it certainly helps to have a home to put things away where they need to be, have room to organize for the next day, and a place to put your feet up and relax.

If that doesn’t sound like your current situation, I’d love to help you find a place that helps your routines function better. After all, you work hard to make it all happen, and if I can help make that easier for you…

I’m in.

Derby Time!

This weekend, the St Jean ATV Derby is happening once again! For over 20 years, outdoor enthusiasts have converged into St Jean Baptiste to meet up with their ATV riding friends, check out some amazing river-side quad trails, and play in the MUD!

There is really nothing like Red River gumbo (especially when it dries)!

This event started as a small community gathering and has evolved into the largest event of its kind in Canada! Some years have had nearly 2,000 riders take to the trails to enjoy 40 kilometres of scenery that winds along the banks of the Red River.

Most enjoy the trail riding and others, well, they are just there to get as muddy as they possibly can!

And OH, they do!

I have been involved with this event over the years from being part of the crew that extended the trails twenty years ago, to being part of derby operations when I was a fire fighter in town, to volunteering with registration and canteen operations, and more recently as a proud derby sponsor in partnership with my wife Emma.

It’s amazing to see the community come together to pull this enormous event together and have it run so smoothly. Over 100 people give of their time to welcome visitors to the area, and ensure they have a great time, while fundraising for important community causes.

Here’s a big thank you to them, and even bigger shout out to the committee that does the heavy lifting, trail clearing, park set up and bring it all together!

So, if you’ve got a quad in the yard, and looking for some fun on Saturday, come check it out!

I’ll see you there!

Friends.
Where would we be without friends? And yes, that could be actual people you hang out with, or if you’re a TV binge-watcher for 90s shows, F•R•I•E•N•D•S! Either way, sometimes we just want to enjoy the company of those that help us relax, and likely make us laugh.

Life gets busy, and sometimes it feels as though weeks and months go by without seeing some of our friends. Whether it’s work, kids activities, projects we have on the go, there’s always something that fills our schedule and makes it tough to make plans or even keep plans that have been made.

But certainly, when time does allow, and we can finally find an evening to have people over, we definitely want to be able to host in a space that reflects our personality, our style, and that we are proud to showcase.

Does your home reflect your personality and style?

If not, and you kind of prefer when someone else hosts because you don’t feel like your place has the feeling you’re hoping for, let’s chat. Maybe there’s house out there that is perfect for you and your style and you can proudly call it home.

And then host ALL the parties!

Speaking of friends I haven’t seen in a while, earlier today I bumped into a friend of mine that I’ve known for over 20 years now (time does fly by!). Well, here’s a shout-out to you, my friend! It was great seeing you and glad you enjoy these Thursday Thoughts!

Hopefully you all get a chance to catch up with a friend you haven’t seen in a while, and maybe, just maybe, find time to sit down for a coffee with them!

If not, enjoy the sitcom reruns, or if you just need to smile, Google “Ross Geller” and click on the couch 4 times…you can thank me later!

Chiefs vs Ravens.

The 2024 NFL season has kicked off. Yes, I’m a football fan. I wouldn’t say I’m over the top, but I enjoy watching and enjoying the production that is NFL football.

But hold up! Don’t worry, I’m also a CFL fan, and pretty happy the Bombers have figured out some of their early season issues and put together a pretty good run after a shaky start.

It’s safe to say that my TV would tell you that most of what I watch is sports. So, when a new season kicks off, (hockey season is around the corner), you can likely find me kicking back in my recliner and enjoying.

If you’re a sports fan like me, you know how important it is to have your “spot” to settle in and watch the magic happen. I don’t have a fancy man-cave, but I do have my trusty, nearly 20 year old chair that’s starting to show its age.

That fancy man-cave could be fun though!

If you are tuning into the new football season, and wishing you had that “spot” that could be perfect for you, or to have your family and friends to come over and enjoy your favourite teams, let’s connect.

Maybe that “spot” comes with a new kitchen to prep all the appys, the man-cave that fits that big sectional, and if you’re lucky, there’s a hot tub outside to relax in after the game. Whatever you’re looking for, I’m sure there’s a home out there that would fit the bill - I’d be happy to help you find it.

This first game of the season is a close one – hope you got to enjoy some of it too. My fave NFL team isn’t playing today… and I’m excited to see how they’ll do when they hit the field on Sunday.

SKOL Vikings!

Hockey?

Yes, it’s still August. But yes, hockey. In August.

Here we are, in our shorts and flip flops, bringing our kids to the rink to shake the beach sand off, tie up those skates that hopefully still fit, and get back into the sport that will keep us busy until spring!

After all, hockey season is only about 6 or 7 weeks away.

Yes, time flies.

If you’re like me, you’re already wondering where the hockey equipment is gonna spend the winter drying out after every practice, every game. Maybe there’s a new player in the family, or as they grow, they just take up more room.

Wouldn’t it be great to not trip over shoulder pads and gloves going into the laundry room, or as you step into the garage?

Great news! Maybe we can find a home that has a dedicated sports room? Or even just a little extra space so you’re not tripping over the equipment (or just to keep the scent at bay, lol)!

Might even be able to make it happen before the season really ramps up!

If you’re running back and for th to the rink this week, and when you get home, you have those thoughts that a little extra space would be great… give me a call – maybe we can solve that little problem together.

But when the weekend rolls around, hang up the skates and head to the beach or the lake – it’s gonna be amazing SUMMER weather!

1095.

No, not just some random number. It is, in fact, the number of days in 3 years. And while three years sounds like a long time, it actually goes by pretty darn fast!

Last week, I celebrated my 3 year anniversary of becoming a Realtor. When I look back, there were some days that were amazing and flew by, and I certainly had some long days where things weren’t going well, and wondered if the ball would actually start to roll.

The hard fact is that over half of all real estate agents don’t make it past the first year!

But here I am, 156 weeks later, still rolling. So once again, I’m grateful.

I feel privileged to get to serve those who begin as strangers and often turn into good friends during an emotional and stressful but also super exciting and fun time in their life. I’m thankful to those who have asked me to be the trusted expert in buying or selling their homes. It is a great experience to celebrate a successful sale, or hand over the keys to that new home and new chapter of life.

Sometimes, it doesn’t always work out. The house doesn’t sell, or we can’t find the right home to buy…I’m blessed to have learned from those experiences as well, as frustrating and disappointing as it may have been at the time.

I don’t take this journey alone – it takes the support of many to make it all happen.

So, a big shout out to my wife, who encourages me every day… and the amazing team at Coldwell Banker Steinbach – we work hard, we support each other always, and always strive to do the best for our clients every day.

Here’s looking forward to another 1095 days!

The summer sprinkler.

It’s been so hot, that I hope some of you have gone old school and set up the sprinkler in the back yard to cool off. And, if you’re fancy, you slide it under the trampoline, and create your own mini water park for the kids.

It’s a great way to cool off, and have fun, and beat the heat!

The fun summer sprinkler.

Earlier this week, I had my own summer sprinkler. Mind you, it was my hot water tank deciding that it had lived its best life, and cried with emotion all over my utility room. Ok, that may be a tad bit dramatic, but it’s a reality of home ownership – appliances fail.

The not-so-fun summer sprinkler.

While frustrating, I didn’t have that much damage, and after a bit of clean up, and a call to the plumber, we’re back in business. Shout out to Jody at Jablonski Electric Plumbing & Heating – had me back up and running within 4 hours!

It’s a reminder that home maintenance is one of those important things to be mindful of. While we can’t predict when some of these things may happen, it’s important to prepare for them, and be aware of items that may require attention.

Some of those items will sneak up on you, but some we can be ready for. Maintaining the systems that make our homes comfortable and safe is important and when it comes time for another family to make it their home, well maintained homes fetch more in price every single time.

May your sprinklers be outside this summer, and for the next couple days while it’s HOT, set one up for the kids (and the kids at heart!) – they’ll be thankful for it, and getting outside is a great thing!

Family Time.

It’s so important. So last week, Emma and I took some time away with our kids to really just relax, enjoy summer time, and connect with those kiddos.

I know, I know – some of you may have wondered where these amazing insights were last week – well, they were on vacation too!

Sometimes we overlook doing those family things like that as we’re busy, we’ve got other commitments, or we may just feel like we see our family all the time as it is!

But getting away, and having time together in a place other than home is good for everyone. Whether that’s time on the water, tubing down a river, or sitting around the campfire – there’s something about being away from home that really helps us all connect.

Summer is short. It flies by.

I encourage you to take some family time. A day at the beach. A weekend camping. A road trip to somewhere new.

It will do a world of good for everyone.

And coming home after being away… it always feels that much sweeter.

Enjoy!

Costco.

I found myself there yesterday, needing some essentials, of course. But you know how that goes - all of a sudden your cart has a bunch of things you didn't need and certainly didn't expect to buy, and, boom, that bill is inching up towards 500 bucks! Dang!

Budget blown.

Most of us go to Costco with a list - written down or in our heads. But as much as we try to stick to it, the allure of the displays, the idea of a great deal, the thrill of a new gadget can get to us.

Slap it on the Mastercard, and we'll deal with it later!

Now, when it comes to house shopping, the budget piece becomes incredibly more important. Knowing what your price point is, having that pre-approval in place, is very helpful in narrowing down our shopping list of needs/wants.

The tricky part in this (and most things in life), is sticking to that budget.

It's very easy to look at all the listings or go to open houses and see all the fancy stuff that we'd love to have. The reality for most of us is that the cost of the list of wants, usually exceeds that darn budget.

Maybe you need some help figuring that all out?

If you're looking for someone to review your house shopping list, and find a home that checks off the boxes, but still fits into the budget (even with some wants thrown in there!), I'd love to be that guy for you.

Heck, while we're at it, I might even throw in a few free food samples!

Juggling.

To be clear, I have never been able to actually juggle anything physically. I’ve tried. I’ve failed. I used to help my cousin with magic shows way back when, but I guess we never made it to that part of the training.

Now, doing mental juggling, deadline juggling, schedule juggling – I have my fair share of experience in that domain. Over the summer, there seems to be an endless amount of activities happening, requests from the kids to go places, and fitting in that other stuff… like, you know, work.

Juggle, juggle.

Ground control for all of these “things” is, of course, your home. It’s where we wake up, where we dream and plan, and where we hope is the central hub of all the stuff life throws at us.

At times, we realize that life has shifted and we’re spending more time in a different community or a new neighbourhood where more of our life happens. That central hub may feel a bit disoriented and inefficient.

A few years ago, I found myself in that place, when I made the decision to move five minutes down the road to a different town simply so my kids would have their circle of friends & their activities closer to them. And me. Smart move, papa.

How’s your juggling act going?

Is it like a Vegas performer who moves with grace and awe? Or is more like you’re on a unicycle, and trying to keep 15 balls in the air with only one arm? If it’s more like the last one, call me, maybe considering a different location for that central hub will make the circus just that much easier for all of you.

After all, a day without juggling is like…um…just kidding – I have no idea.

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.