1) Furnace Inspection:
• Have your furnace serviced and ducts cleaned (every 2 years)
• Stock up on furnace filters and change them frequently. It is good practice to write the date changed on the furnace filter for a reminder – Move the dial on your humidifier from Summer to Winter, make sure the humidifier filter is clean or replace it.

2) Check the Exterior, Doors, and Windows:
• Inspect externally for exposed entry points around windows, doors, pipes etc and seal them.
• Inspect and replace (if needed) weatherstripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home.

3) Prevent Plumbing Freezes:
• Winterize all external faucets and drain via the bleed valve, keep off until spring.
• Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency. It is always good practice to turn off water when on vacation.
• Turn off the power and cover your air conditioner unit.
• Insulate exposed plumbing pipes.

4) Clean Gutters and Siding:
• Prevent "ice dams" - clean out gutters, remove all debris trapped in gutters.
• Pressure wash siding - use low pressure to avoid damage to paint and siding.

5) Leaving your home in winter:
• Turn off the main water supply to the home.
• Have a friend/fay member go into the home to check every 2/3 days or as per your insurance requirements.
• Keep the heating at a minimum of 16 degrees at all times.

5 Tips To Help Achieve Your Homeownership

(some creative planning and resourcefulness)

1. Reduce your overall debt load beforehand: Outstanding car loans, credit cards and lines of credit will reduce the mortgage amount you qualify for. Eliminating these debts first will increase the mortgage you are able to obtain.

2. Increase the amount of your down payment: The more money a borrower has available upfront, the less of a mortgage they need to qualify for.

3. Consider joint ownership: Buying a home with a trusted friend or family member who wants to invest in real estate or get into their own place can lessen the purchase burden. Two (or more) people with income on the application equates to a higher mortgage that you can qualify for.

4. Take in a roommate to prevent being house poor: If you qualify for the mortgage amount you need, but are concerned about ongoing maintenance costs, then income from a roommate(s) can provide a solid emergency fund. Set the rental income aside so that the money is available for upgrades or the inevitable repairs every homeowner faces

 5. Get rid of your car: If you want to own a home in the city, you can free up room in your budget by eliminating your vehicle costs. Owning a vehicle is a significant financial investment, consisting of much more than a monthly loan or lease payment. There are also the added costs for insurance, parking, maintenance and repairs.

These projects will infuse life into largely empty or under-utilized office buildings by converting empty office space to new residential units. It’s one way we’re moving beyond the traditional 9 to 5 business district towards a vibrant city centre people enjoy 24/7, with a balanced mix of residential, office, retail, entertainment, tourism and culture.

 Palliser One (125 9 Avenue SE)

The Palliser One project is a conversion of approximately 200,000 square feet of office space to 176 apartments, featuring a mix of one- and two-bedrooms. In addition, this project will include an amenity lounge located midway through the building, providing residents with a modern common floor featuring games areas, a workspace area, a kitchen/bar area, lounge seating, and an outdoor BBQ space, as well as a rooftop patio.

 205 9 Avenue SE

The 205 9 Avenue SE project is a conversion of an estimated 110,000 square feet of vacant office space, into a mixed-use residential tower. The building’s office space would be converted to 113 new homes, along with a full floor of amenities to serve the residential units.

 909 5 Avenue SW

The 909 5 Avenue SW project is a conversion of ~104,000 square feet of office space, into a mixed-use residential tower. The final building will include approximately 112 pet-friendly apartments across eight floors. The main floor will include retail and amenities for residents and the surrounding community, while the second floor will be built out into a coworking space for small businesses

During last year’s election campaign, the Liberal party proposed a ban on “blind bidding” for homes. In the current system used across the country, the buyer's offer are kept secret during the bidding process.

Blind bidding has been partly blamed for accelerating price gains in a hot market, with properties sometimes selling for hundreds of thousands over the asking price. Some argue that secret bidding forces each potential buyer to offer as much as they can.

The industry body for Canada's real estate agents has now backed away from its defence of the practice.

The Canadian Real Estate Association announced a pilot project to display offers in real time on properties listed on its own listing website, realtor.ca.

“Multiple-offer scenarios have become an increasingly commonplace in today’s real estate environment,” Michael Bourque, the association’s chief executive officer, said in a statement. “Canadian property buyers and sellers seek greater confidence in the process.” The press recently announced that the pilot test will begin in select markets in the summer of 2022.

What the future holds for blind-bidding in this country, we are still unsure. But Canada could soon adopt a new way on the way we buy and sell real estate.