All in the Family Room: Creating the Perfect Space

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Why a dedicated family room?

Many home buyers and families want to have more than one living space in their homes. It's not uncommon for families to seek out homes with two living rooms, if not three in some cases.  This space is typically the most comfortable [room] and has become an essential part of the home. The key advantage of a dedicated family space is sheer functionality. Most homeowners enjoy entertaining these days, and with open concept living and dining areas, it's easy for clutter to take over (especially with the modern trend of hoards of childrens' toys in the home). It's great to have a dedicated space for family entertainment where the kids can have their toys, so when—not if!—toymageddon occurs, it's generally contained.

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Layout and space

Carefully consider your space. If you have a larger room, you might dedicate areas for specific purposes like seating, playing, reading, or other activities. A sofa placed midpoint in the room can serve nicely to separate entertainment and play or activity areas. This is a good time to get some input from the kids—they love drawing. Their imaginations can come up with some creative ways to map out these spaces. 

If you only have room for a few furniture pieces, then consider the best orientation for your room. A smaller coffee table or wall-mounted television can go a long way in freeing up space which helps make the room feel larger and more open. Modular furniture is also a great way to maximize seating and optimize the space, as it can be reconfigured periodically to freshen the room's layout and adapt to your family's evolving needs.

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Make yourselves comfortable

Must-haves for any family room are throw pillows and blankets. Pillows add extra support for grownups when sitting on chesterfields, and make excellent floor seating for children in a pinch. Plus, with a selection of blankets, cozying up together is a cinch. Pssst. They also make great building materials for forts to defend from marauding goblin hordes.

A cool way to unleash your children's creativity while also injecting their personality into your space is to make your own tie-dye throw pillow covers. It's a fun activity to do together as a family! 

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Lighting

Different activities call for different types of lighting. If movie nights are a regular feature in your home, consider theatre lighting which can include strip lights, recessed pot lights, or wall sconces. The important thing is that you can lower their intensity without overly dimming, which can cause eye strain. 

Daytime glare on your television can pose a problem, and blackout curtains or blinds make it easy to control the amount of sunlight entering the room, which is perfect if you enjoy recreating the matinée experience. 

If you find yourself on the smart home bandwagon, then smart lighting is just the thing to elevate your family room experience. You can easily set different light scenes depending on your activity, and control your lighting from your mobile device or voice-activated hub. You can also create lighting effects that match the tone of the program or movie you're watching on the television!

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You can even create your own mood lighting with the kids using LED light strips. The kids will love placing LED lights in mason jars along with shells from your last vacation or coloured ornament balls.

Stand lamp combos are excellent for overall lighting, plus the secondary reading lamp is perfect for story time, lighting up an activity area, or just curling up with a good book on a rainy day.

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Storage

Keeping clutter at bay calls for storage solutions. Hollow ottomans perform double duty as foot rests and sneaky storage for blankets or toys. Stacked coloured toy bins for your play area will keep toys out of the way and organized, while cubby units with cloth bins work well for toys or activities, and gaming devices and components.

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Express yourselves

Because this is your space, you'll definitely want to express your personality to set the tone. Go to the paint store and let your children help you choose colours that express your collective personality. Then consider making gallery walls with photos of memorable things you've done together as a family, and layer in some of your children's artwork for an extra kick.

Keep things fresh by cycling through your child's latest masterpieces! Used frames can be found for reasonable prices at second-hand and thrift stores.

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Entertainment

Give your family room the modern treatment with an epic entertainment system. With the popularity of bluetooth technology, it's easy to place wireless speakers around the room for a surround sound movie experience. Having an eye-catching wall unit to display your well-curated Blu-ray or video game collection also keeps these items easily at hand.

You also can't go wrong with a gaming system that suits your family. If motion-sensitive games or VR is a thing in your household, be sure to plan for plenty of clearance in front of the television. If space is an issue here, then consider ditching the coffee table in favour of an end-table, or maybe adding one on wheels that can be moved easily when needed. 

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When things get messy

Spills happen, especially when you have small children, so it's best to choose textiles strategically. Selecting a durable, spill-and-stain resistant fibre can save you money on cleaning costs down the road. According to Forbes, some indoor-outdoor acrylics are well suited for indoor use, both for their strength and cleanability.

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You also can't go wrong with a natural fibre like leather, thanks to its durability and ease of cleaning. It may carry a hefty price tag but will stand the test of time, children and pets. If animal welfare is important to you, faux leather makes a fine substitute. Microfibre, wool and vinyl are also durable choices that resist spills and stains for easy cleanup.

Flooring

While wall-to-wall carpet has its perks, it's best to go with laminate flooring. It's cost efficient, easy to install, durable, and stands up to the most voluminous of spills. Softening floor space with area rugs is a great way to create contrast, add depth to the room and they can be cleaned more easily than carpet, especially with liquid spills that often seep through carpeting to soak into underpadding. Interlocking foam playmats are also perfect for softening the floor in play areas while adding a fun pop of colour to your children's space.

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What about pets?

Don't worry, we didn't forget about Rufus or Whiskers. Some coffee and end table designs incorporate pet beds! It's also possible to buy mini pet sofas that fit right in with your existing furniture. It's also easy to make room for a regular dog or cat bed, or keep a basket of toys handy under an end table, plus other ways to incorporate pet-friendly design into your home. 

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However you choose to make your family room perfectly suited to your family, and no matter your layout, purpose, or how you decorate your space, the most important thing is that you make the most out of your time together. Life is precious and as long as you are happy doing it together, that's what matters most. 

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area!   604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

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      This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

10 Clever Hacks for Small Kitchens

1. Ditch the fruit bowl

Many people have the token fruit bowl—or basket—that takes up prime real estate on their counter. Try placing small bins inside a deep drawer to store fruit and vegetables that don't need to be refrigerated.

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2. Store on the door

With just a little paint and some hooks, you're all set to make your own measuring station and conversion cheat sheet on the inside of a cupboard door. Just think, no more searching on your smartphone or tablet with sticky, food-covered fingers.

3. The great shelf recession

Installing shelves between inner wall studs is an efficient way to maximize space and an eye-catching way to store pantry items. 

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4. Up your pegboard game

Pegboards are a fantastic way to make use of vertical space in your kitchen. Pegboard kits and components can be found at most hardware stores and adding a coat of paint will make them blend or pop with existing kitchen décor. Try using different styles of pegboard hooks (straight, curved and multi-tool) to hang your cookware and utensils in an organized and tidy fashion.

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5. Spice things up

Clean up that jammed spice and baking cupboard with some magnetic spice canisters. Not only handy for spices, but also smaller baking ingredients like baking soda, baking powder, sprinkles or coloured sugar. They sit easily on the side of the fridge or metal strips on the sides of or underneath cabinets. Label them with a personal flair by using chalkboard paint or custom labels.

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6. Sliding with style

An ingenious way to make use of extra space around your fridge is to build a sliding cabinet for smaller items like canned goods, spices and kitchen tools. Not only do they look good, but your guests will be all over your space-age kitchen design. 

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7. Space with a repurpose

Small kitchens require getting spatially creative when cooking. A DIY stove cover means extra counter and prep space. Consider using a  beautiful wood cutting board or something personalized. 

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8. Tip-out below your counter

If your kitchen has false drawers in front of the sink, you can convert them into handy tip-out trays that store sponges and scrubbers- keeping them off the counter and out of the way. 

8. Plain sight, on the side

A rail rack is a superb solution to avoid cluttered drawers by allowing you to conveniently hang utensils on the sides of your cabinets, within reach yet out of the way. They are usually low-cost to either purchase or make yourself.

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9. File folders—more than just office supplies

These low-priced office supplies make great holders for things like food wraps, sandwich and freezer bags, container lids or cutting boards. Mounting them on the inside of a cupboard door keeps them within easy reach. 

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10. The window of opportunity

If your kitchen has a window, consider making use of that space by installing curtain rods across it and using hooks to hang pots and pans. You could also consider adding a floating shelf or two across your kitchen windows, too.

It's amazing how much space you can find in a small kitchen by changing the way you approach storage. Plus, having a clutter-free space makes cooking more enjoyable. You might even be ready to host the next family holiday meal—a feat long considered impossible, until now.

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area!   604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

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      This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

5 Easy Children’s Bedroom Projects to Tackle with Your Extra Day in February

Your tween has been complaining about that toddler-style bedroom and thanks to the leap year, you have an extra day this February. It's the perfect time to revamp the space! If you don't want to spend fistfuls of cash to gut the room, there are plenty of creative ways to swap out the kiddie look for a more grown-up, sophisticated vibe your child will love bringing friends to. Bonus: Your kid can help, too!

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Start with art

Refreshing and updating your child’s bedroom doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.  For example, colourful prints add instant character to a space. 

There are loads of free or very inexpensive printables on Etsy, Ikea, Indigo and Pottery Barn all have good framing options.

Encourage your child to create a gallery wall over a dresser by gathering photos of friends, souvenirs of family trips, or their own drawings that can be popped into a frame and grouped together. Hanging the first print four to six inches above the top of the dresser, and then spacing them about three inches apart. Use painters tape to map out the wall before hanging anything.

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Perk things up with paint

Transform rooms with budget-friendly paint. 

There are loads of ways, such as painting a half-wall–either on an angle or straight across–which is a great way to add colour.

Or, roll on a coat of chalkboard paint, and let your tween change up the décor with coloured chalk anytime. You can also add a pop of personality by having your kid paint a graffiti mural. Choose from dozens of online printable stencil templates and spray-paint whatever elements you want. 

To add dimension, pair up with your child to hang wallpaper. 

Wall decals are also really fun, and companies are coming out with new designs weekly.

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Let there be light

Lighting is one of my favourite ways to elevate the ambience in a space. Whether that’s getting rid of the night-lights or the kiddie lamps with animals on them, lighting makes a huge difference. You can update it with an overhead chandelier that works right all the way through to adulthood.

Floor lamps near a chair provide task lighting and create an overall mood, while wall sconces add a high-end look and are great space-savers. Draping string lights in tween and teen rooms, because they come in all kinds of styles and colours and at rock-bottom prices.

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Upcycle old furniture

Scrounge around your basement, the grandparents' house or a weekend flea market to find a vintage dresser that can be reinvented with a coat of paint and funky new hardware. Or, if you can find an old door, there are plenty of ways to upcycle them into a new piece that could make a great addition to any bedroom!

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Add interest with accessories

Drape a cozy throw over an armchair set up in a corner of your child's room to add warmth and texture to the space. Repurpose a rustic door by turning it on its side to become a headboard. A boho-style shag rug made of natural fibres like wool instantly lifts a space. 

Also adding a plain linen pin board for tween and teen rooms, which provides a fun and creative way for kids to add pictures and mementos to make it their own.

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Move things around

Shake things up by playing with a new layout for the room. Center a new double bed under the window flanked by funky nightstands (and make sure they don't match — it's more fun that way!). Swap out the desk that matches your tween's dresser and put in a large floating one instead along a different wall. If the closet is big enough, fill half of it with shelving and ditch the dresser, leaving more room to set up a lounge area for friends to hang out in.

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area!   604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

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      This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

50 Shades of Selling: Use Color Psychology to Market Your Home

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From seeing red to feeling blue, color plays a big role in our emotions. Some colors make us feel happy or relaxed, while others can make us feel anxious. When you’re selling your home, the colors you choose can play on potential buyers' memories and emotions, changing the way they see your home.

Choose wisely, and the next color you might see is green.

Yellow

We associate yellow with happiness and light, making it the ideal shade to make windowless spaces such as hallways feel sunny, or to create the feeling of joy in family-gathering areas such as the kitchen. But choose the shade with caution.

Yellow is such a statement color. People either love yellow or they hate it. If you want to use it in your home, I’d stick to soft yellow shades in a warm buttery base.

Blue

Blue’s different hues can conjure up a range of emotions. Light hues create a feel of tranquility.

Spa blues are reminiscent of the ocean and water in general, which are both relaxing and peaceful.

Separated dining rooms are the perfect place to try out a deep navy or dark gray, because they are supposed to feel cozy and inviting instead of open and expansive.

Green

Green is commonly associated with nature, so it naturally gives off a soothing and calm vibe.

That vibe makes green a perfect complement to almost any room in your house. For example, paler greens like sea foam or sage have a calming effect best suited to bathrooms, while darker, earthy shades of green such as moss or evergreen create a sense of quiet and peace––perfect for a cozy den space.

Gray

Gray is much more than a neutral color. Most shades pair well with other colors, making this an ideal choice for connecting spaces such as hallways and entryways. But the right shade of gray can play on some powerful emotions. Light hues have a softness, making us feel calm and relaxed, while darker hues feel warm. Selecting the right hue isn't always an easy choice, though.

Gray is a tricky, tricky color. There are so many different hues of gray that if you’re not careful you can end up with an icy cold room instead of a warm retreat.

The key is choosing a gray with the right base color. For example, a beige-based gray will create warmth, while a blue-based shade will have more of a cooling, icy effect.

Brown

At first glance, brown might not seem like the most exciting––or inviting––color, but brown hues are also part of the palette of colors we associate with nature's calming effects. Richer hues create a sense of coziness and quiet, making them perfect for a den or entertainment space where potential buyers could imagine spending time with their family. Lighter shades such as beige are quite and calming, perfect for a formal living room, study, and hallways.

What not to use

Not all colors will create the positive emotions you want buyers to feel.

I usually suggest to clients to avoid oranges and reds in any type of space. They make people feel anxious and angry.

Instead, focus on creating a neutral palette that buyers will associate with "homey" feelings.

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area!   604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

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      This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

5 Financial Benefits Only Available for Homeowners

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There are many financial incentives available to homeowners not available to renters

Sure, renting has its perks, but did you know there are some great financial incentives only available to homeowners? If you currently own or are thinking about buying, make sure you take full advantage of these.

1. Possible Tax Breaks and Benefits are Attractive Incentives

Everyone loves a tax break! Although most tax benefit programs are specific to each province, there is a National Program called the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (HBTC). The purpose of the HBTC is to give you back a small portion of the purchase price considering that one of the biggest challenges for first-time home buyers is the down payment. This tax credit can give you a non-refundable $5,000 when you file your tax return the year after you purchase. This translates to roughly $750 extra in your pocket. Great for those new home expenses that may pop up.

Provincially, there are many different tax breaks and benefit programs available across the country. Exclusive to British Columbia, for example, is the First Time Home Buyers’ Program. It exempts first-time home buyers from the property transfer tax by reducing or eliminating the amount of tax paid. There are certain stipulations so make sure you check the qualification criteria

BC has some of the most expensive real estate in the country, and with that comes some of the steepest property taxes. With the Home Owner Grant, you may be eligible to reduce property taxes on an annual basis with the amount of  tax relief dependant on where you live. For example, if you are living in Vancouver you might be eligible for a $570 grant, whereas outside of the Capital Regional District, Greater Vancouver, or the Fraser Valley District, you may be eligible for a grant of $770.

BC also has a tax incentive for home buyers who are not first-time home buyers necessarily but are purchasing a newly built home. The Newly Built Home Exemption helps lower or eliminate the property transfer tax you are required to pay. This exemption applies to newly built homes only and can save you up to $13,000 in tax exemptions. 

Similarly, Ontario offers a refund on all or part of your land transfer tax. But you need to be an eligible first-time home buyer. This program can save you up to $4,000 in taxes. Prince Edward has a program as well with a maximum of $2,000 refund.

2. How Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Helps with Home Ownership

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is a Crown Corporation of the Government of Canada. It exists to help make housing affordable to everyone in Canada and has developed several programs to help homeowners and first-time home buyers find more affordable options.

The First-Time Home Buyers Incentive Plan offers five to 10 per cent of the homes’ purchase price to put toward a down payment. These additional funds added to your down payment help lower your mortgage carrying cost.

The Government of Canada, essentially, partners with you in a Shared Equity Mortgage, taking a share of the increase or decrease in your property’s market value. There are specific criteria to qualify. 

3. Home Buyers Plan Helps You Leverage RRSP Investment

Another great Federal Program is the Home Buyer’s Plan (HBP), which allows you to use a $35,000 Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) withdrawal to put towards your new home purchase. It is specifically designed to assist first-time home buyers in saving funds to purchase a home.

Normally, when you withdraw funds from your RRSP, you’re taxed on those funds. Under the HBP, you can withdraw up to the $35,000 amount in a single calendar year to put towards a down payment of your first home. 

4. GST/HST New Housing Rebate Can Put Money Back in Your Wallet

It’s true! By buying a home you may qualify for a rebate on part of the GST or HST you paid on the purchase or cost of building your new home. In addition, you could save on the cost of substantially renovating or building a major addition onto your existing home, or on converting non-residential property into a house. There are multiple rebates you can claim, and the value of this rebate will vary based on which category your home purchase falls. Your accountant or tax office and point you in the right direction on this one. 

5. Building Equity and Credit Gives Financial Benefits

Beyond the provincial and federal programs available, another key financial benefit to buying a home is to build equity. Not only will you own “more” of your home (a.k.a. equity), you also build a line of credit. This is a significant asset you can use for almost anything. A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is essentially a secured form of credit. The lender uses your home as a guarantee that you'll pay back the money you borrow. You can borrow money, pay it back, and borrow it again, usually up to a maximum credit limit. 

If you have been renting because home ownership seemed out of reach, look at the requirements to qualify for these programs. You may be surprised at what you can save as a homeowner!

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area!   604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

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How to Save for a Down Payment: 7 Tips

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Home ownership is closer than you think

We understand, saving for a down payment for your first home can seem overwhelming. You may wonder how you are ever going to transition from being a renter to a homeowner when all your money is going towards someone else’s mortgage. But there’s no need for despair. There are many things you can start doing today that will help you save for tomorrow’s home purchase.

You should first look at how much you are going to need. Knowing your goal upfront will save you from disappointment later.

How Much Should You Really Have for a Down Payment for a Home?

In Canada, the minimum amount you will need for your down payment depends on the purchase price of the home you want to buy. 

• For amounts under $500,000, you will need five per cent down. 
• For amounts between $500,000 and $999,999, you will need five per cent for the first $500,000 and 10 per cent for the portion between $500,000 and $999,999. 
• If the home is more than $1 million, you will need 20 per cent of the purchase price. 

What if You Don’t Have the Minimum Requirement for a Down Payment? 

No need to worry. You may qualify for a High Ratio Mortgage which will allow you to borrow up to 95 per cent of the cost of the home. Because this is considered a higher risk loan, you will need to purchase mortgage insurance and without the minimum down payment, you may be left with less options on interest rates and terms. 

As you know, the amount of money you put forward as a down payment is subtracted from the total price of the home so the more the better in reducing your monthly payments. Map out how long it is going to take you to save the required amount. It is common for it to take two to three years. Keep this in mind before you start your search.

When looking for how much you will need, you will undoubtedly discover what you can afford. Setting your down payment goal goes with what you can afford. Most experts agree you should stick with less than 25 per cent of your monthly take-home pay – including the mortgage payment, private mortgage insurance, possible Homeowners Association (HOA), property taxes and home-owners insurance.

Keep in mind, you may need additional mortgage insurance if the bank feels your down payment is too low or you may find making payments challenging. In other words, the more you can put down, the better.

With Your End Goal in Mind, Let’s Look at Some Creative Ways to Save

1.  Pay-off High-Interest Loans and Credit Cards

Entering the home buying arena will be less stressful if you don’t have a pile of debt hanging over you. Debt will influence what you can afford and how quickly you can get into your own home. Take the extra time and get out of debt. While you are at it, have a small emergency fund set aside too. Once done, you are ready to start putting funds towards your down payment.

2.  Automatic Transfer of Funds Equals Automatic Savings

Having a budgeted amount withdrawn automatically from your pay check and redirected to your savings will be a great step. You will get used to this lower pay and adjust spending accordingly. Before you know it, you will have substantial funds in your savings account.

3.  Find an Income Booster

Consider taking on a part-time job or side hustle. Turn a hobby into some extra income. Perhaps dog walking on the weekends or becoming a weekend referee is within your realm of interests. Regardless, choose something you enjoy, and it won’t feel like extra work. Remember to put this extra income into your savings.

4.  Move to a More Modest Rental and Cut Expenses

Look at your current expenses, develop a realistic budget, and then start living within those means. You might have to look for a less expensive rental property until you are ready to buy or reduce the number of dinners out. You will be surprised at how those little expenditures add up. Remember to take the extra money you are saving and redirect it to your savings account. Otherwise, it will disappear on morning drive-thru coffees.

Download a budget tracker app to help you stay on track. Mint.com and everydollar are great choices, but there are many out there to suit every style.

5.  Have a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)

When you put money away in a savings account you are taxed on the interest generated on that money. With a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), the funds are not deductible for income tax purposes. Any amount contributed as well as any income earned in the account is generally tax-free, even when withdrawn.

TFSAs are also a way to keep your savings out of reach. The money will be kept separate from your regular savings and you can set it up so automatic withdrawals are made from your primary bank account. Your money gets set aside before you have a chance to spend it. It’s also motivating to see your TFSA balance growing!

Be cautious when depositing savings in Money Markets if you are buying a home within a short period of time. Money Markets funds are great for having access to your money quickly, but the value fluctuates and you may not be able to wait for the market to rebound.

6.  Borrow from Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)

In March 2019, the amount you can withdraw from your RRSP for a down payment without being taxed increased to $35,000. Keep in mind, this money must be repaid within 15 years or you will need to pay income tax on it.

It is a great way to get your hands-on significant down payment funds quickly.

7.  First-Time Home Buyers Program

Another great option to consider is the First-Time Home Buyers Program. This incentive makes it easier for you to buy a home and lowers your monthly mortgage payment. This program is a shared equity mortgage. Meaning, you are sharing the ups and downs of your property value with the government. The program offers five to 10 per cent of the homes’ purchase price to put toward a down payment. These additional funds will help you lower your mortgage carrying cost. You pay back the same percentage of the value of your home when you sell it or within a 25-year window, whichever comes first.  

In addition to the federal FTHB program, check out similar programs in your city. Often, cities will offer additional incentives to first-time home buyers. Sometimes it is to revitalize or redevelop a neighbourhood that has become less popular over time. These programs usually have very specific requirements so check out city hall to see if they are the right fit for you. 

Decide what you can afford, determine your budget, start saving, and look to provincial and federal programs that exist for the purpose of helping first-time home buyers save for their down payment. With these things in mind, you will be well on your way to drinking your morning coffee in your own home!

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area!   604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

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