Audrey Harder

Spring has  finally sprung and it is time to get the fresh air inside and out with the old man winter.

With no need to go to the gym! 

I have10 steps that I like to do to get the work done fast.

1.  Open up the windows and crank up the music. 

2.  I like to  start at the far end of the house and work my way to the door.  Whatever I can not find a place for gets put at the door.

3.  I will dust with a microfiber cloth.  Especially great around T.V's, and other electronic components.

4. I do the windows next.  Using a combination of water and house hold vinegar in a spray bottle.  Using newspaper to wipe the windows reduces streaks.

5. Get the vacuum cleaner and suck it up!   Don't forget to aim your vacuum up and get the corners of  the walls and ceiling.  There's always a spider web or two hiding.

6. I like to have two mops (both with squeeze triggers) with two buckets of  hot water.  One mop and bucket for the walls, the other for the floor.  Then it's on to the next room.

7. Bathrooms are the smallest room in the house, but often takes the longest.  I like to take my shower curtain down and send it through the washing machine.  For  cleaners in the bathroom again I use vinegar and water for the mirrors, taps.  For the tub surround I like to use Method bath tub cleaner, mmmm smells great.  For the toilet bowl it's good old fashioned Pine Sol

8. Once the house it done, and there is a pile of stuff at the front door, I go through that.  If it is in good shape and still usable, I will take it to my local second hand store, M.C.C. in Carmen, Maniotba.

9. Then it's the outside of the house.  I will hose off the siding using the garden hose and an extension car wash brush. and scrub the siding clean.

10. Finally the outside of the windows.  More water and vinegar.

You will stand back with pride and the fresh smell of spring has been welcomed into you home,

Have a fantastic summer, you deserve it!

Wondering how to save up for that down payment?

You've decided you want to buy a house, Congratulations!

Have you saved for your down payment & closing costs?

That can and does sound daunting, how are you going to do that?  After all it takes time and we live in a world of instant gratification. Here are three ways we save that money:

1. Get a part time job or a side hustle. Do you have a talent to help you make some extra cashola?
2. Sell the stuff you don’t want, don’t need any more.
3. Mailbox money.  Mail box money is money you receive for Christmas, birthday, tax returns, etc.

Set up a separate bank account to put the money you are saving.  Label it HOUSE FUND!, arrange the account that  you don’t have immediate access to it.  Watch it grow!!!!

Mindset & sacrifice is a huge part of getting to your home ownership goal.

Sacrifice comes in so many ways, travel, shopping.  Think about what you want, what you need.  What is most important to you!

To help your mindset, make a vision board as a reminder.  Put it up everywhere, on your bathroom mirror, fridge, screen saver on your phone & computer, on the visor in your car.

If you have any questions, concerns about getting on the path to home ownership, don’t hesitate to contact me directly!

I would love to help and be of service to you.

Have a legendary day

Audrey Harder

Century 21 Bachman & Asosicates

A combination of Christmas outings, winter vacations and short days can make your home a target for thieves.

I should know it happened to me a few years ago and it was three days before Christmas.

We were out in Winkler at Christmas concert when I got the news.

Luckily I had friends that were arriving at my place to stay the night & they had keys.

The snow on the floor hadn't melted yet, we figure my guests spooked them.  It was along drive back to Winnipeg to assess the damage.

Here are five simple things you can do,so this doesn't happen to you:

1. Don't advertise or boast on social media about your upcoming party,or travel plans & do not post photos while on your vacation.  You  maybe excited about your party or vacation, be aware of those looking for opportunity.

2.  If your leaving the house during the day, coming home at night, leave a light in different rooms, it will look like some one is home. 

3.  Invest in light timers.  They are reasonably priced & easy to use.  Very handy for extended time away from home, whether it is for a weekend or several days.  Again, use them in different rooms of the house, and set them to turn off and on at various times, just as if someone was home.  Use them on your T.V. as well.

4..If you can leave a vehicle in the driveway.  If you have two vehicles leave one outside, again giving the perception of someone is home.

5. If you are going to be away for an extended time, get a friend, family member or neighbor to keep an eye on you home.  Pick up any mail that has come, go into the house and make sure nothing has happened (busted pipe, leaking hot water tank).  Also, if it has snowed while you were away, seeing tracks up and down the drive will make it look as if someone is there.

I hope this helps and gives you  a few more tools to help you keep your home safe over the holidays.

If you can think of anymore, email them to me.

Have a very Happy Holiday Season.

Thinking of selling your house over the Holidays? Quick 6 reasons you should.

Are you thinking of selling your home and wondering if over the holidays is a good idea?

Here are 6  reasons why you should.

1-  People that are looking for a home this time are year are serious buyers.

    Buyers are as busy as you at this time of year.  

2-  Houses show better then decorated for the holidays. Not worry if your home is a bit of a mess....It's a happy mess!

3-  January is traditionally the month for job transfers.  Since this group of buyers can't wait until spring to purchase, this is an opportunity for you.

4-  If you are on the market during the holidays, you can opt to have restrictions on showings.

5-  You can have a longer closing date. 

6- Less competition  for you, then if you are in the spring market.