Saskatchewan

According to a recent survey by Coldwell Banker Real Estate, women make up their minds faster than men when looking to purchase a home. When asked how long it took before they knew the home was a good match for them, 70% of women made up their mind the day they walked into a house, while only 62% of men did. Also, 9% more men than women needed two or more visits to a house in order to make their decision.

Additionally, some other differences between men and women were that women would rather live closer to their extended family than their job, men would prefer to be closer to their work. And, when considering how to use an extra 12 x 12 room for anything they wanted, besides office space, men were four times more likely to want an entertainment centre than their counterparts.

Men and women aren’t always different in their home buying approach, however. The study also revealed that both genders are becoming increasingly concerned with having office space in their homes (which is a relatively new trend), and both men and women say that having insecurity about the home’s safety is a deal-breaker.

This study underscores the importance of considering your mate’s needs when purchasing a home together. Assuming your needs will be the same as your partner may add some bumps to the road of home ownership, so be sure to discuss all of your wishes ahead of time. Also, be sure to communicate your needs clearly to your real estate agent, who can help you determine the most important factors for you in your home search as a couple.

If you’re ready to begin the journey toward owning a home, I’d love to give you my professional advice and assistance! Check out my website and free buyer’s guide, then give me a call! I look forward to working with you!

Let’s face it - pets can enrich our lives beyond measure, but they can also be messy. Potty training accidents, spills, dirty paws, and other pet inspired stains can leave a permanent mark (and odor) in your home. If you’re one of the thousands of Regina residents who love their pets and want to live in a home that is beautiful and fresh-smelling, follow some of these tips and your house won’t go to the dogs. Well, unless you want it to! And, if you want to sell your Regina home, you'll want to be sure to take some action to avoid having your pets (and their odors) keep your home from making a great impression to buyers.

First of all, take potty training seriously. If your beloved Fido has begun having accidents when he was previously well trained (or you are still working through training the first time), you will need to focus on re-housebreaking him. To do so, you’ll have to clean your home and clean it well. The key is to avoid using ammonia based cleaning products, as urine smells like ammonia and will only encourage pets to mark wherever it is used. Your best bet? Use one part white vinegar to three parts water to cover any wiped up mess. Let it soak in, then blot it up. If you can smell the spot, but can’t see it - try using a black light, it will make the urine glow.

Secondly, think about the flooring in your home. Hard floors like hardwood and tile are easiest to clean, but some wood floors are easier for claws to mark up. Carpets are comfortable and warm, but tend to trap odors and stains. If you must have carpet, choose a shade that matches your pet’s fur, or one that will easily hide the fur - not reveal it. Also, stay away from berber carpets, as claws can catch in the loops and unravel the rug.

When choosing furniture and bedding, if you allow your pet to lounge with you, be sure to choose fur-friendly fabrics, like Crypton (a synthetic stain-bouncing fabric available online at www.cryptonfabric.com). Leather couches and chairs are easily wiped clean and do not hold on to fur, but be careful of claws accidentally puncturing expensive leather furniture.

Finally, keep all pet toys and chews in a basket or bin that your pet can get to himself. Also, put pet treats in a nice cookie jar or canister that is airtight to lock in the smell. A little organization can go a long way toward helping your home to look its best.

Whether you’re looking to buy your first home for yourself and your pet, or want to change your residence to better suit your needs, give me, Clair Whittington, a call. I’m an expert in the Regina neighborhoods of Albert Park and Grand Coulee, and can help you and your beloved pets find the right home in any area of our great city. I’d love to work with you!

While we are emerging from an economic downturn, many homebuyers are concerned with saving money and the environment. Buying a condo can meet both needs, and more. First time home buyers and suburban residents are also attracted to condo units in many Canadian cities’ downtown areas, including Regina’s downtown. Having access to the amenities offered downtown (shopping, cafes, public transit) is a major selling point.

Another selling point is the potential for a greener lifestyle and smaller carbon footprint of homeowners in a condo versus a detached single family home. Living in a smaller space is one way to live greener, and having the ability to walk to shopping and other services can also make for a greener lifestyle. Beyond that, there are many other ways condo owners can save money and be eco-friendly at the same time.

Consider that condo owners do not have to worry about exterior painting (and the VOCs from the paint), mowing a lawn (and the emissions from a gas lawn mower), and may be able to live without more than one family car (or even none!) because of the proximity to downtown. The time savings from eliminating a commute, alone, can be astounding, if you happen to live near your workplace, too. In addition, the extra walking or biking condo owners typically do contribute positively to their overall fitness level and health.

As the trend is catching on across major cities in Canada, some condo developments are having multi use residents (residential and commercial) work together, sharing heating/cooling and collecting rainwater for various uses and savings, as well. Some of these projects, like Vancouver’s 37-storey Jameson House building and Montreal’s 28-storey Louis Boheme tower are setting the bar high for new developers to think green.

If you’re in the market or considering purchasing a condo or green home in Regina, give me, Clair Whittington, a call and visit my website for tips on home buying. Backed by Canada’s first eco-broker, Exit Realty Fusion, I am well equipped to be your real estate expert and help you begin to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle!

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Those in the know say that September and early October are the perfect times to plant bulbs for springtime beauty here in Regina. Typical heavy rains at this time of year tend to soften the ground and make it damp enough to receive the earliest bulbs to bloom - like snowdrops, dwarf iris, snow and Dutch crocus, glory of the snow, winter aconite, and tulips. This time of year, you can also plant daffodils and Narcissus to give them a head start on rooting, which they like. If you want springtime beauty, but prefer pots, now is the right time to get those prepared, too. Potted flowers are perfect for adding some color to doorways and patios.

If you are a garlic fan, the best time to plant is through early October. Garlic, whether planted in the ground or in a pot, is a very easy bulb to plant and maintain - it requires a sunny site with well drained soil and needs very little care - except for weeding in the spring and removal of the curly flower stems in late June.

In addition to bulbs, it is also a good time to buy container roses, and plant them while you can still see (and smell) just what you are getting. Peonies like to be planted in the fall, too, so they can be settled before the first frost. When planting peopnies, place the growing points on top of the root mass no more than a few centimetres below the soil surface, and be sure to supply rich soil with compost or manure.

It is important to be watching your existing patio and houseplants for the right time to bring them indoors. Be especially mindful of hibiscus, tibouchina, and abutilon, as they are the most cold-sensitive. Christmas cactus can stay out until just before the first frost to allow time for bud formation, which is promoted by the natural day length through late September and early October.

Do you have any other questions about fall planting? Then, be sure to visit these links on the government's site dedicated to gardening in Saskatchewan. And, have fun!

As fall sets in, you may also be thinking about making a move or purchasing a home here in Regina. If that is the case, in addition to planting everything in containers to take with you, give me, Clair Whittington, a call. I’m an expert in Regina homes and I’d love to help you find your dream home!