Mud room makeovers

(NC) No matter the season, your mud room is the hardest working room in your house. Whether it's hats, gloves and boots…or cleats, shin guards and duffle bags, everyone in your family finds something to keep in the mud room. All those items can lead to clutter, so now is the time to try a few quick and easy DIY projects to add order to mud room mayhem.

Space to Hang

Feel like you never have enough space to hang jackets or a place to hang laundry to dry? If you have an old straight ladder, here's a solution. A coat of spray paint can give new life to the ladder and provide an excellent solution for hanging items or creating shelving in your mud room.

Simply sand and clean the ladder surface and spray paint in the colour of your choice. Next, using hooks and chains suspend the ladder from your ceiling to create an instant hanging rack. For added flair, spray paint the hooks and chain to match your ladder or choose a contrasting colour.

Space to Call Your Own

Assigning a space for each family member to store their belongings is the start to excellent organization…and the end of excuses for lost items. A canvas wardrobe organizer, the kind used to store sweaters, can be the perfect solution to create cubbies for each person to keep smaller items neat and tidy.

Try stenciling labels along the outside of the organizer to ensure everyone knows what goes where. Whether labeling with each family member's name or initials, school or sports activities, or simply days of the week, Krylon ColorMaster Enamel spray paint works wonders on fabrics to label each compartment and ensure that you stay organized.

If there's a mess in your mud room, a couple quick and easy DIY organization and storage projects, like the ones described above, can give you and your family order over the chaos. For information on these and other Krylon products and projects visit www.krylon.ca.

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Susan 

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Historical Photographs of Sault Ste. Marie Ontario

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Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

French-Inspired Bedroom Makeover

I found a lovely article on a makeover. Here's how to get this look.


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Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Pride of Home Ownership

Pride of home ownership is the number one reason why Canadians desire their own home. There is no landlord looking over your shoulder. You are able to make home improvements knowing that any appreciation that results, will be to your benefit. Home ownership gives you and your family a sense of stability and security. It's making an investment in your future.

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Susan


 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Location Location Location

• How far will you be commuting and what is the traffic like? Factor in cost of fuel.
• Where will your children attend school and how will they commute?
• Are there recreational facilities and parks close by?
• Are you close to family and friends?
• Is safety or high crime an issue?
• Is the property close to an obstacle or negative influence? (i.e. an apartment building, shopping centre, school, radio tower, power lines, LRT or railroad track, highway, airport or commercial project).
• Access to schools, work, recreation, shopping centres, public transportation, cultural attractions, libraries, churches and hospitals
• Adjacent undeveloped land - what is proposed for this or other green space?
• Heavy traffic can be noise nuisance and hazard for children
• Distance from the unit to amenities, parking, walkways, roads, public transit
• Does the neighborhood reflect positively on the value of the condo and your lifestyle choice?
• Does this neighborhood, for any reason, have a poor reputation? 
• Is the future economic climate for the area good? Are businesses moving in? Is there government investment?
• Are people moving in or out of the neighborhood? What is their age, income level, family size?
• Are there plans for this neighborhood that you may be unaware of (i.e. a future highway, a commercial development or a new housing development) that will provide competition on resale?

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Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

White Kitchen? Yes!

Why White Kitchens Stand the Test of Time (Read the article in the link below) Do you like white? 

Read more: 

http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/kitchens/why-white-kitchens-stand-test-time/#ixzz2tsGVSeCh

Like A Hawke,
Susan


Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

6 Mistakes Home Buyers Make

Mistake #1.  Not Getting Pre-Qualified for a Mortgage

Before looking for your next home take the time to get pre-qualified by the bank or mortgage broker you choose.  This can save you hours of searching for homes in the wrong price range or worse, purchasing a home and then finding out you don’t qualify for financing.  Pre-qualifying gives you peace of mind, helps narrow your search criteria and most importantly, gives your RE/MAX agent a negotiating edge by being able to alleviate the sellers concern over financing. The latter is especially important should a competing offer surface.

Mistake #2.  Not Shopping For Mortgage Terms

Rates are negotiable! Banks will sharpen their pencils to get your business especially if you have a good credit rating and bring other business to them e.g. RRSP’s, general account, savings etc. Posted rates should viewed as a starting point. You need to know what the best rate is and this is usually done by get competitive quotes. Also, ask whether the bank will cover appraisal fees, and about buy-out fees, penalties, payment options, portability etc.  The time spent can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the mortgage.

Mistake #3.  Not Getting Professional Inspections

Nobody wants to purchase a home only to find out later there are defects, latent or otherwise.  Ensure you obtain inspections where needed e.g. home inspection, structural engineer, insect, radon etc.  If the inspection identifies deficiencies you may be able to negotiate the purchase price to cover required repairs or make your satisfaction of the inspection subject to the homeowner remedying the problem. Your RE/MAX agent can advise you on inspections you should consider.

Mistake #4.  Not Using A Professional Real Estate Agent.

Your RE/MAX agent can help you make a purchase with the least amount of problems.  He or she can ensure the price you pay is market value.  They can offer expert advice on what to look for, conditions to include, negotiation strategy etc. After all, they work for you.

Mistake #5.  Buying First Before Selling

If price is important you should always sell your present home before buying another.  It has the advantage in letting you know exactly how much money you will have available for your next purchase.  Selling your home first allows you to place fewer conditions on your purchase which makes your offer more attractive to a seller.  They often will demand more money to take a “subject to” offer which takes their home off the market.  The other advantage is if you find a terrific house, chances are others will also find it attractive and you stand to lose it if you can’t make an unconditional offer.

Mistake #6. Not Knowing The Full Cost Of Home Buying

Know all the costs associated with your purchase.  Consider the following costs:   legal fees, transfer tax, property taxes, new home landscaping, fencing, appliances, window coverings.

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Susan 

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

How Can I Inexpensively Increase The Value Of My Home?

You would be amazed at how basic it can be to protect your home investment without spending a lot of money. Here are some basic tips for you to follow.

1. DECLUTTER AND ORGANIZE

Your home will look more spacious by getting rid of unnecessary items. Knick-knacks, piles of paper and magazines, old furniture. If you can bring yourself to permanently get rid of these things, while you are trying to sell, put them in a storage unit.

2. DEEP CLEAN

Room by room, do a deep clean from floor to ceiling. Walls, baseboards, corners from top to bottom. Windows, window sills, door frames, doors, door handles. Furniture and drapes too. A house that is spotless shows better and sells for more.

3. PAINT

A coat of fresh paint goes a long way in making your home look updated.

4. LIGHT SWITCHES AND PLUGS

Replacing light switches and outlet covers to a modern "Decora" style switches give your home a more modern appeal and can give the impression that the electrical system is updated.

5. LIGHT BULBS

Be sure you have a bright home. It is worthwhile investing in bright, modern light bulbs so that your home looks fresh.

6. HEATING SYSTEM

If you heat with a forced air system, but sure that everything is in good working order and clean. Having a regular maintenance plan for your furnace is a good idea. Potential buyers will see the label and inspection dates. If you have electric heat, be sure your baseboards are modern and clean. If you have very old baseboard it can be worth updating them to modern, energy efficient baseboards.

7. CLEAN OUTSIDE

If your home is siding, be sure it is clean. Wash all the outside walls. With brick or wood, give it a good sweeping to get rid of any cob webs etc. Sweep and wash the driveway, walkways and deck. Go the extra mile - curb appeal does matter.

8. SEASONAL DECORATIONS OUTSIDE

If it is spring, summer or fall, be sure to have flowers outside. If you are not much of a gardener, purchase some potted plants. In the colder months you can have a couple of welcoming seasonal decorations to set the mood.

9. YARD

Be sure there is no clutter in the yard. Old lawn furniture and junk should be removed. Make sure the lawn is mowed and raked. The first thing a buyer will see is your front yard. They often will decide whether the house is worth buying at top dollar from the first impression they get.

Susan Hawke, Sales Representative with REMAX, Sault Ste Marie Brokerage Inc. is dedicated to offering clients the best possible service. For more insight and tips visit: http://susanhawke.blogspot.ca/. If you are thinking or buyer or selling in the Algoma region, or know someone who is, contact Susan Hawke, Sales Representative today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Hawke

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8315753

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Susan

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Healthy Homemade Crock Pot Ketchup With No Sugar (Bonus Recipe Added)

I have become an advocate of whole foods. One day I will experience the amazing health benefits that my husband has experienced through our diet change in the past year. I have always thought we were eating well, but this past year has been an amazing journey.

I am excited to share some recipes and from time to time I will add bits and pieces of our story along with the recipes. If your family enjoys ketchup - this is a MUST TRY. It is so good, and without High Fructose Corn Syrup, Natural Flavours (what are they anyway) and mass manufacturing, this is good for you as well.

Healthy Homemade Crock Pot Ketchup/BBQ Sauce (NO PROCESSED WHITE SUGAR)

This recipe is absolutely delicious and tastes even better than processed Ketchup.
I emptied a bottle of ketchup, used a funnel to fill a bottle with my ketchup, then used the balance in the crock pot to make healthy BBQ sauce.

Ingredients
1 (28 oz) can organic tomato puree (I try to by Eden brand for canned - it is BPA free)
2 small cans organic tomato paste
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (use good quality such as Braggs)
3 tablespoons raw, organic honey
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
sea salt to taste
fresh ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
Place all ingredients into medium sized crock pot. Stir well. Cover and turn on high for 2 - 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Remove the lid and puree with an immersion blender, or use a food processor to blend until smooth. Cook in crock pot for another ½ hour or so, until thick in consistency.
Cool and transfer to storage container, leaving about 1 - 1 ½ cups in the crock pot.

Healthy Homemade BBQ Sauce

Ingredients

Remaining ketchup in crock pot (1 - 1 ½ cups)
1 can organic tomato paste
1 cup organic apple cider or apple juice
2 tablespoons organic molasses
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon raw, organic honey
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 tablespoons, dry yellow mustard
¼ teaspoon cayenne papper
Ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chili powder

Instructions
Place all ingredients in crock pot, stir well. Cover and cook on high for about 1 hour. Stir well, adjust taste as needed. Cook for another ½ to 1 hour with lid off until sauce thickens.
Pour into storage container. The best BBQ Sauce you have ever had and it is all healthy!

Susan Hawke is a Sales Representative with Remax Sault Ste Marie Brokerage Inc. One of her many interests in life is eating clean, developing and sharing recipes. You can follow her recipe club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/143031055882563/ and connect with her at susanhawke@blogspot.ca

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Hawke

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Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Home Staging - How Much Does It Cost and Is It Worth It?

If you are going to be selling your home and want to maximize the value, I think it is a great idea to get out to a few open houses first. That will give you an idea of how your home compares to others around. You will probably see some homes that look clean, orderly and very appealing and some that don't look quite so good. Think about those homes and your home. Which homes would you be more inclined to seriously consider purchasing? Would you pay more for the home that looked appealing? Buyers who want a move in ready home will! Buyers who want a deal will not mind paying less and then have to do some work.

Depending on the condition of your home, staging does not have to be a huge undertaking. On the other hand, it may take quite a bit of effort. Many people have a difficult time looking at their home objectively. When we see the same things every day there is a tendency to not notice details. For this reason it is good to have an objective person stage for you, or give you ideas of what to look for.

Here are some simple tips:

Declutter
Do not have piles of anything anywhere. Mail, magazines, newspapers, pictures, dishes, laundry, food, toys, trinkets etc. I think you get the picture. You may even have to rent a storage unit, pack items in bins or boxes and store them off site. Even your china cabinet should be trimmed down. Don't forget cupboard, drawers and closets - potential buyers will look into your cabinets and closets. Remember, you want your home to appear more open and spacious and that may require storing things away.

Clean 
Your house should be spotless. Part of cleaning may be painting, or at least paint touch ups. Clean everything! Doors and door frames often have finger prints, windows inside and out including screens, and yes - your basement should be clean too - even the furnace and hot water tank. I recommend that you use natural cleaning products in case potential buyers have allergies. Also, avoid using artificial scents in your home. Natural cinnamon, vanilla etc are great, but stay away from chemical scents. If you have pets, be sure there are no pet odours.

Modernize
You may need to spend a few dollars on modern pictures for walls, plants etc. Today's buyers like a home that looks fresh and modern. You can modernize older furniture with modern throw cushions and modern accessories.

Don't forget these rules for the outside of your home as well. The yard should be well groomed, weeded and appealing. If the winter walkways and the driveway should be clear of snow. The front door is crucial. Make sure it is clean and welcoming. Remember, that first impressions matter. You want potential buyers to be excited to walk in your house. If the entrance way is dismal, you have probably already lost a buyer, or at the very least the offer will be less.

It does not matter whether your home is an expensive home in a wealthy neighbourhood, or a modest home in a modest neighbourhood. By making your home shine, you will sell your home for more. Some Realtors, such as myself provide free home staging services to qualified sellers. Ask your Realtor and happy selling!

Susan Hawke, Sales Representative with REMAX, Sault Ste Marie Brokerage Inc. is dedicated to offering clients the best possible service. For more insight and tips visit: http://susanhawke.blogspot.ca/. If you are thinking or buyer or selling in the Algoma region, or know someone who is, contact Susan Hawke, Sales Representative today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Hawke

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8303045

****

As a local resident, I have a love for and life experience of Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding areas. I am familiar with all the positive amenities, neighborhoods, rural side roads and commercial districts.

I look forward to helping you throughout your life with all your family's real estate needs.

Please take a moment to LIKE my Facebook page.

My Twitter is @susanhawkesells

Buying or Selling in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario?  Know anyone who is?  I can help.  705.971.0918

Like A Hawke,
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Decorating With Houseplants

Houseplants are not only healthy.

They give your home personality and style.

Learn about winter plants here

and decorating with houseplants here.

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Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

RE/MAX - 5 Top Reasons to Hire a Selling Agent

Like A Hawke, Susan Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Signs that show you're ready to buy a home

(NC) If the thought of the reawakening real estate market excites you, you may be ready to buy a home. Aspiring homeowners will need to have a few things locked down before taking the plunge.

“Above all else, homeownership needs to make sense financially,” says Phil Dorner, president of the Ontario Real Estate Association. “Market conditions, mortgage rates, investment opportunities – all of these factors are important, but they should not be the only reasons for buying a home.”

According to Dorner, you'll know you're ready to buy a home when:

You're familiar with the market – You've discussed options with your Realtor and you're familiar with home prices in the neighbourhoods you're considering.

You know how much you can afford – You've worked out how much is required for the down payment and closing costs, as well as monthly mortgage payments and other expenses like utilities, insurance, property taxes and maintenance.

You have the money for a down payment – You have at least five per cent of the property value saved and ready to put towards a down payment.

You have a reliable income – You have consistent cash flow to cover monthly expenses.

You have emergency savings – If your income is unexpectedly interrupted, you'll be able to make your mortgage payments.

Your debts are under control – Your debt-to-income ratio is where it needs to be in order to secure a mortgage through a lender.

Your credit history is in good shape – You've spent the last several months, or years, building or perfecting your credit in order to help secure a lower interest rate on your mortgage resulting in a lower monthly payment.

You are prepared for the responsibility – You are familiar with all of the maintenance that a home requires and you're prepared to deal with it.

“If you checked all or most of these points, you may be ready to buy a home,” says Dorner. “It's a big step, but it's also an enjoyable and extremely rewarding one.”

More information is available at www.wedothehomework.ca.

Like A Hawke,
Susan


Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Tips For Maintaining Your Sanity While Selling Your Home During Separation or Divorce

Divorce can be a difficult time. Even in a situation where both parties involved agree that moving on in life is the best choice, the complications of doing so can leave you, angry, confused and stressed. In addition to how you are feeling, if there are hurting children involved the situation can become even more overwhelming.

Not everyone has to sell the home in a divorce. Some buy the other out and sometimes the home is part of a settlement agreement, but most often the home is sold and proceeds are split between the two parties involved. How do you get through this process and keep your sanity?

As someone who has gone through this process personally, and as a realtor who has worked with many couples going through this I have a few tips to help you ensure the sale goes as smoothly as possible.

1. If you can afford it, you should each have an appraisal done. This way you will not be arguing over value. At the very least, be sure to get at least one, and a market evaluation from a realtor.

2. Chose a realtor who is experienced in dealing with divorces. An experienced realtor will sit down with you and work out a framework for dealing with communication, showings, and offer negotiations. Depending on how you get along with your ex or soon to be ex spouse, you may deal together with these issues, or the realtor may need to deal with you separately. It is always best to have the parameters for this set in advance.

3. Decide on your asking price, and your bottom line. Also discuss the best closing date in advance.

4. Your realtor will have some advise on what you should do to stage your home to get it ready for sale. If you and your partner can work together on this that is best, but if the circumstances do not merit that, decide who will do what and when. If there any expenses to be incurred, decide in advance how that will be handled.

5. Try and avoid the 'he said/she said' talk with your realtor. Remember your realtor is working on behalf of both of you to make this as smooth as possible.

6. When it comes to showings, be flexible.

7. When it is time to negotiate an offer, remember it is not the buyers fault that you are going through this transition.

8. Remember - there is life after divorce. No matter how things may feel right now, it will get better.

Susan Hawke, Sales Representative with REMAX, Sault Ste Marie Brokerage Inc. is dedicated to offering clients the best possible service. For more insight and tips visit: http://susanhawke.blogspot.ca/. If you are thinking or buyer or selling in the Algoma region, or know someone who is, contact Susan Hawke, Sales Representative today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Hawke

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8289760

Like A Hawke,
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Finished basements save energy and deliver more living space

(NC) By finishing your basement, you can gain more living space while reducing the amount of energy loss from downstairs. Basements that are not fully finished typically do not have insulated walls or covered flooring. This can result in heat loss and cause your furnace to work overtime.

A renovated basement offers more than additional storage space. It can provide a lot of extra room for a growing family, such as space for a gym, home theatre, office, guest suite, or a playroom for the kids.

To ensure a comfortable and inviting basement, there are a few project components to consider:

• Insulation will make sure your space is warm and comfortable. For the best results, install a stone wool insulation product, a measure that can be done easily with the Roxul ComfortBoard IS. This combo is mechanically fastened or adhered to the concrete foundation wall, offering you a higher R-value and better acoustics.

• Drywall will help define the space and make it feel like a part of your home. If you haven't tackled drywall before, consider hiring a pro to ensure your walls are seamless.

• Flooring should be water sealed and covered with an insulated material. There are many products on the market, but consider laying padding before carpet or in-floor heating before tiles.

• Personalize it with finishing touches. Select furniture that can fit down a typically steep staircase and choose items that complement the rest of your home's décor.

***

As a local resident, I have a love for and life experience of Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding areas. I am familiar with all the positive amenities, neighborhoods, rural side roads and commercial districts.

I look forward to helping you throughout your life with all your family's real estate needs.

Please take a moment to LIKE my Facebook page.

My Twitter is @susanhawkesells

Buying or Selling in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario?  Know anyone who is?  I can help.  705.971.0918

Like A Hawke,
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Spring Décor Trends: Bring the beach house home

(NC) Why wait any longer for the full colour of spring?

While the trees thaw and the sun is shining earlier in the mornings, most of us admit we are eager for more. So why not a fresh coat of paint inside your home? It might just be the quickest way of banishing the winter doldrums to give you a fresh start to spring.

Though do-it-yourself painting is one of the least expensive options to spruce up your home, choosing the right colour palette can be a daunting and nerve-wracking task. Not all homeowners have access to a professional designer's eye, so for ease with choosing colours, Para Paints has released what they call their Colour Trend Palette Postcards for 2014. This tool is formatted as a handy passport and all of the trends evoke a sense of escape from the icy cold winter.

One palette, or colour trend destination is called Beach House, which suggests leading with a cheerful and sunny yellow, like Para's chosen colour of the year, Plantain Chips (PF52), and matching it with grey neutrals. Adding accent colours of bright blues and greens provides the perfect complement to create an overall seaside inspired room.

Another tropical option can be found in Island Escape, a palette built around Tahitian Pearl (PF65), a dark and vivid South Sea teal. This colour made a strong showing last year and continues into 2014, especially when paired with bright berry shades and vibrant oranges, while offset with a neutral white.

These newest palettes provide the inspiration for refreshed and rejuvenated rooms without the guesswork of choosing complementary colours.

”It can be expensive to completely redo a room, so the trick is to find a starting point for a colour refresh in your existing décor scheme,” says Garry Belfall, the senior brand manager at Para Paints. “The 2014 Colour Trend Palette Postcards are designed to help people see how vibrant colours and complementary neutrals can work together.”

It can be as simple as switching out one or two of your colour choices from an accent wall, rug, or even couch cushions. It can make a world of a difference.

***

As a local resident, I have a love for and life experience of Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding areas. I am familiar with all the positive amenities, neighborhoods, rural side roads and commercial districts.

I look forward to helping you throughout your life with all your family's real estate needs.

Please take a moment to LIKE my Facebook page.

My Twitter is @susanhawkesells

Buying or Selling in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario?  Know anyone who is?  I can help.  705.971.0918

Like A Hawke, 

Susan 

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Moving? Don't forget to pack your insurance

(NC) Moving doesn't happen every day and this makes it a stressful experience when trying to remember all of the requirements, big and small. Protecting one's belongings with insurance, for example, is often overlooked and it could lead to unforeseen costs if any of our valuables are lost or damaged.

“Insurance may be the last thing on your mind during a move,” says Ryan Michel, spokesperson for Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. “But you need to make sure your items are protected both in transit, and when you arrive.”

It's important to consider whether your insurance will protect you at both your current residence and new residence, and whether your policy covers your items while they're on the move. If you're considering moving some items to temporary storage for a period of time, remember that coverage provided by these facilities is limited and your items may only be protected for 30 days. It's best to ask your personal insurance provider about what to do in specific circumstances.

If you're moving in the near future, consider these tips from Allstate Canada:

• Set up your home insurance in advance so that you are protected as soon as you take possession of your new home. You might also need to consider insuring your home during the final stages of construction.

• Make a checklist of all your belongings. Note both the condition and value of each item and even take photos if you can.

• If you are using professional movers, confirm the company has insurance in case your belongings are damaged during the move.

• As you're unpacking, check that items have not been lost or damaged. If they have, contact your insurance company right away.

Additional advice is available at www.allstate.ca/learningcentre.

As a local resident, I have a love for and life experience of Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding areas. I am familiar with all the positive amenities, neighborhoods, rural side roads and commercial districts.

I look forward to helping you throughout your life with all your family's real estate needs.

Please take a moment to LIKE my Facebook page.

My Twitter is @susanhawkesells

Buying or Selling in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario?  Know anyone who is?  I can help.  705.971.0918

Like A Hawke,
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Get To Know Susan Hawke REMAX Sault Ste. Marie Ontario

Susan is a person who has a passion for life. There are just not enough hours in the day to do the things I enjoy. A few key things to know about me:

Whole foods advocate, cook and researcher Health freak of sorts - always reading, researching and analyzing - Yoga gives me peace, strength, flexibility and a youthful attitude - Travel lover- Real Estate agent with a passion for serving her clients - I don't believe in settling for 2nd best - I love to laugh, enjoy a glass of wine and a good book. I love the beauty of nature.

****JOIN my Recipe Club here

Serving Blind River, Thessalon, Sault Ste. Marie, Iron Bridge and Wawa Ontario, I know the region inside and out and I have helped numerous clients from first-time buyers to Investors!.

As a full-time Remax real estate professional, I am passionate about providing caring and knowledgeable real estate services; for prospective home buyers by helping them find a home to meet their needs and financial goals and; for sellers by helping them with staging, pricing, marketing and selling in order to sell quickly and for maximum market value.

Buying or Selling in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario?  Know anyone who is?  I can help.  705.971.0918

I utilize the power of social media to compliment my professional services, knowledgeable market commentary, statistics and winning strategies. I found a way to be everywhere for my clients so they may experience greater results.

As a local resident, I have a love for and life experience of Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding areas. I am familiar with all the positive amenities, neighborhoods, rural side roads and commercial districts.

I look forward to helping you throughout your life with all your family's real estate needs.

Please take a moment to LIKE my Facebook page.

My Twitter is @susanhawkesells

Buying or Selling in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario?  Know anyone who is?  I can help.  705.971.0918

Like A Hawke,
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

NEW Article I've Written

Please see my new article on selling your home in Winter here. 

Like A Hawke,
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada