Friday 30 May 2014

10 before-and-after projects you can do this weekend (really!)


Domino has a fun post today! 
You can find it here.

I have an Open House too.

Enjoy your weekend!

Susan




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

Thursday 29 May 2014

All hands on deck


(NC) Summer is here and you are looking at your deck or patio and wondering how much longer it's going to last.
Is it starting to splinter? Are the stones rough and painful to walk on? How are you going to find the time or money to fix it without cutting into your free time or without blowing the budget? It's no secret that a deck replacement is a big investment – one many of us like to avoid where possible. So, before you dig into your wallet or get out the sledge hammer, make sure you've explored your options.
First, start by checking your deck or patio carefully to make sure the structural integrity is sound. Improving the look of a deck that is damaged won't extend its life. The same goes for a path or patio that has heaved excessively over the winter or is full of puddles after it rains. In those cases, a more significant repair, or replacement, is needed.
A Small Repair
Sometimes the entire deck isn't in need of an update, just certain trouble spots. In this case, there's no reason to do an overhaul – just a simple touch up is needed. For example, if you're experiencing cracks in cement or divots in your wood, there are a number of filler solutions available today that can help combat these issues.
A Fresh Look
If your wooden deck is still structurally sound but visibly in need of help, it may be time to consider a fresh stain. When taking on a stain project be sure to properly prep and finish your surfaces – cleaning and sanding prior to staining, and using a quality clear coat or sealer following application, will provide the best results and longer-lasting protection.
A Firm Fix
If your deck is beyond simple beautification, but structurally sound, the answer may be to 'restore' it.
New products available on the market such as Restore (by Rust-Oleum) are allowing homeowners to update the look and durability of their decks without having to replace. And what most people love is that it's thicker than most other deck coatings, allowing it to be applied right onto existing surfaces without stripping or sealing.
“Restore is an advanced coating designed to reinvigorate your wooden decks, concrete patios and even vertical surfaces such as retaining walls,” says Lawrence Genga, the senior director of marketing and research and development at Rust-Oleum Consumer Brands Canada. “Its thick application fills in imperfections, locks down splinters, and provides lasting protection against moisture and the damaging effects of the sun. It's also slip-resistant.”
With product options like this, you can be sure that a deck or patio restoration will be at the top of every 'honey-do' list this summer.


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

Wednesday 28 May 2014

HOW TO PAINT KITCHEN CABINETS


The steps in this post make this decorating project a whole lot easier!


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

Tuesday 27 May 2014

My Current Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Region Listings


NEW listings! Here they are! 


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

Blend up a refreshing smoothie to start your day


(NC)—This summer, discover the joy of growing berries in your backyard, and you'll be sure to see your whole family thrilled with the fruits of your labour. A light, fresh smoothie packed with in-season berries is a tasty way to brighten up any morning. Combined with organic almond milk, creamy yogurt and a splash of orange juice, this smoothie is a breeze to make, and is easily customized with any of your favourite berries. Additional recipes can be found at www.sonice.ca.
Almond Berry Smoothie
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients:
1 cup (250 ml) fresh strawberries (or any other in-season berries)
2 cups (500 ml) So Nice Almond Original or Unsweetened organic almond beverage
1 cup (250 ml) plain yogurt
½ cup (125 ml) orange juice
1 handful ice cubes (if using fresh berries)
Directions:
Blend all ingredients together and serve, garnished with fresh berries.
Tip: If berries aren't in season, you can also use frozen berries and leave out the ice cubes.


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

Friday 23 May 2014

Full Service Full Fees: Consumers value a trusted advisor. That's why REMAX is #1


Consumers today more than ever need a trusted advisor to facilitate an effective real estate transaction. As exciting as the home buying and selling adventure may appear, solid representation and advice from your team at RE/MAX is critical to your success.

RE/MAX sales representatives are consistently ranked as the most productive agents in the industry. The 2014 Real Trends Top 250 Canadian Brokerage report shows that RE/MAX Agents are 35% MORE productive than their nearest competitor and head and shoulders above the industry average.

Choose RE/MAX to take you home.

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

Thursday 22 May 2014

do-it-yourself wall art ideas








Domino Mag has some great ideas today...check it out!


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

Tuesday 20 May 2014

17 Cool Feminine Closets You Will Want To Have Them Immediately


















A new house with an extra bedroom equals a fabulous closet!  I can find that home for you.

Source

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

Friday 16 May 2014

An annual checkup for your home—and your energy use


(NC)—Your doctor insists on seeing you at least once a year. But have you considered the same sort of schedule for your home's general health?
After the coldest winter in the last 35 years, this spring and summer make the perfect time to go through an annual checklist of items, ensuring your home's overall energy efficiency. According to the Ontario Natural Gas Alliance, investing minimal time can translate into maximum savings on household bills. In 2013, average natural gas residential customers in Ontario saved about $500 on their bills, compared to 2008.
According to ONGA, a simple checklist every year can identify wans to potentially save money and keep your home humming, energy-wise. Keeping natural gas' affordability in-mind is another way to help achieve cost savings.
Light it Up
Check all light sources to ensure that you're using energy efficient bulbs, and replace wherever possible. Compact fluorescent and LED bulbs may cost more at the outset, but they will often last at least 10 times as long vs. standard filament bulbs, and use up to one-fifth the energy.
Get Down Low
Baseboards and vents are prime spots for air leakage. And when you spend hard earned dollars heating and cooling your home, the last thing you want is to see that money flow outside. Check that baseboards are caulked properly, where the trim meets the wall and the floor.
Seal the Deal
Like baseboards, improperly sealed windows and doors can be a source of leaked energy savings. Ensure that trim work is caulked and weather-stripped on all sides. Consider replacing a mail slot with an exterior mailbox.
Switch for savings
If natural gas is available in your area, consider taking advantage of the fuel to heat your home and for items such as your water tank and even your clothes dryer. With natural gas prices expected to remain low and affordable for decades to come, a natural gas-powered dryer can help save up to 75 per cent compared to models that run strictly on electricity.
For more information, visit www.cleanandaffordable.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

Wednesday 14 May 2014

Keep energy efficiency on your house hunting radar


(NC) If you're getting ready to buy a new home this summer, energy efficiency is an important element to keep in mind. While it may not be as a glamorous as planning the new paint colour or décor, energy costs should be on the list of items you evaluate at any potential new property.
You may think the only utility consideration is providing advance notice to open or update your account, but energy costs can vary significantly depending on the size of the home, your family and usage—and the type of fuel.
In Ontario, natural gas is most commonly used for home and water heating and while it is a cost-effective option over alternatives like electricity and oil, the costs are still an important factor in your monthly budget planning.
If you get a sense of the costs early it can prevent unwanted surprises later – and fortunately there are a few ways to estimate and understand your energy costs before you sign on the dotted line:
Estimate your average monthly bills. Ask the seller for past utility bills or amounts.
Consider the appliances. What stays and what will be replaced? Energy-efficient equipment is an investment in the value of your home, and the cost may be reduced through energy rebates – search online for details and current offers. Also, ask about current rental equipment and the terms of existing agreements.
Find out if an energy audit has been done: This will provide useful information on the home's energy efficiency. It may also provide a list of things to help keep energy costs as low as possible. If an audit has not been done in a while, schedule one in advance to help you make an informed decision. The details on incentives for qualifying home buyers and sellers can be found at www.knowyourenergyscore.ca.
Once you've made your new home selection, visit your local utilities' websites to find not only additional energy efficiency information, but also instructions on how to ensure your service is set up properly.
Most companies require at least three days' notice of the move and you'll likely have a few online forms to fill out. At the same time, you can see if they offer a paperless billing option to help avoid cluttering your new home with paper mail.


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

Tuesday 13 May 2014

23 Incredible DIY Outside Bar Ideas


























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