Trusted Tips and Resources

Trusted Tips & Resources

Trusted Regina Shares 6 New Year’s Resolutions for Every Homeowner



6 New Year’s Resolutions for Every Homeowner


Lately we have been spending much more time in our homes than usual. With homes and finances at the forefront of many household conversations, here is a list of 6 things you can do to improve both your home and your finances. 

Pay Off Your Non-Mortgage Debt FIRST!

The general rule of thumb is that you should focus on paying off higher-interest debt before lower-interest debt. You may be paying a higher rate on a credit card or private student loan than on your mortgage, so you'd benefit more by paying those off early.

Don't pay so much toward the higher-interest debt that you risk defaulting on mortgage payments. Yes, credit cards can be expensive, and the issuer may take legal action if you default on card payments. But defaulting on mortgage payments can be an even bigger risk because you could lose your home.

Build A Realistic  Emergency Fund

Owning a home comes with many responsibilities and expenses, some that you can plan for in advance, like property taxes, and some that just pop up unexpectedly. If you haven’t already started saving for those unexpected expenses in an emergency fund or rainy-day fund, the new year is a great time to start! Saving any amount is beneficial in an emergency, but about 3 to 6-month’s salary is usually recommended. A high-interest savings account is a good place for your emergency fund. You’ll still be able to earn interest on your savings, and it’s not entirely locked away in case you need to access the funds quickly.

For some people, work-from-home measures may be in place indefinitely. The lines between your personal and professional life may be blurred during this time. The best way to keep firm boundaries is by trying to maintain a similar routine to when you’re in the office. Ensure you set boundaries to limit overtime work, always take breaks throughout the day, and log off your work computer at the usual end of the workday.


Make Your Home As Energy Efficient As Possible

We live in Saskatchewan, so there's no avoiding heating and cooling costs, and they will only rise as time goes on. Whatever you can do to make your property more energy-efficient is a worthwhile investment! It also makes it more attractive when you decide to sell. 

For tech-savvy homeowners, making your home more energy-efficient with smart thermostats or programmable LED lights can be fun! Even if technology isn’t your thing, minor fixes around the house can help make your home more energy-efficient and save you money. Here are a few things to add to your list:

  • Seal all air leaks around windows and doors
  • Use cold water or energy-saving settings for washing machines and dishwashers
  • Unplug devices and appliances when not in use
  • Lower your thermostat while you’re away from home or in less-used areas of your home
  • Install a low-flow showerhead
  • Opt for energy-efficient window treatments like honeycomb shades

Make Your Home A Space You Love 

Starting off the new year ( or a new week! ) in a clean, organized space is a huge mood booster. With many people working from home now, organized space can also help your productivity. While there’s no right or wrong way to declutter and organize your home, one useful method is to work by room to make the task more manageable. Look at everything you have and split the items into three piles: Keep, Donate, and Toss. Perhaps you could read Marie Kondo's book The Life Changing Method of Tidying Up, she is a Japanese professional organizer with a simple method to declutter your life, from clothes to books to knickknacks. She wants you to answer just one simple question when it comes to any of the items in your house:

Does it bring you joy?

If you answer yes, you keep the item. If you hesitate or say no, you donate it or throw it out. It’s simple, it’s brilliant, and it’s completely intuitive. 

Once you’ve decided what’s staying, you can make sure everything has a designated place to keep things tidy in the long run.

Start A Household Maintenance Checklist 

As with most New Year’s resolutions, it’s easy to start the year off strong, but as time goes on, it may become more challenging. Set yourself up for success and stick to your home goals by creating a household maintenance checklist. Create a recurring calendar reminder so you never forget to handle tasks around the house. For example, set a reminder to change your HVAC filter every three months or clean your eavestroughs twice a year. Proper home maintenance is a good way to prevent having to pay for home repairs over time.

Plan To Pay Off Your Mortgage Sooner

Depending on how much you still owe on your mortgage, paying it off may be daunting but don’t be discouraged. Even small steps now can help you become mortgage-free sooner. Start by increasing your regular payments. For example, instead of purchasing a takeout dinner, put that extra $50 towards your monthly mortgage payment. Keep that up for a year, and you’ve already put an additional $600 towards your mortgage and, over five years, an additional $3,000.

Another simple way to pay your mortgage off faster is to put any additional or unexpected income towards your mortgage. That can be anything like funds from a tax return, a bonus from work or inheritance. Before you make any pre-payments, double-check your mortgage pre-payment options with your mortgage lender so you don’t exceed your allowable limits.



WINMAR® Trusted Regina Disaster Service & General Contractor share how they are making a difference.

WINMAR® Regina performs restoration services for residential and commercial properties across Saskatchewan. Our crews offer prompt and professional services to help our customers get back to pre-loss life with the least amount of interruption and associated costs as possible. . They are the Regina property restoration specialistsWINMAR IS A TRUSTED REGINA DISASTER SERVICES & REGINA GENERAL CONTRACTOR. In their latest tip,  they share how they are making a difference. 



WINMAR® Regina Making a Difference.



WINMAR® is dedicated to operating and growing our business as a responsible corporate citizen, committed to our communities and to sound environmental management.

 

We’re committed to working towards smaller, fuel-efficient and alternative fuel vehicles and completing environmental assessments of our facilities and operations. Reducing the amount of debris sent to landfills is one of our focuses.

 

Working together with our industry partners and members of the restoration specialist community, we’re taking responsible steps to ensure the planet and its resources are healthy for the next generations.

 

Esporta® Cleaning System


The ES-3300 Esporta Wash System is more than just a washing machine. It’s an innovative washing system using a patented system of hydraulic pressure cleaning combined with environmentally friendly detergents to effectively disinfect soft contents. Esporta is used for numerous situations including fire/smoke contamination, sewage contamination and flood contamination. Shoes, outerwear and even sporting equipment can be rescued. Treasured family items that would have previously been destined for a landfill can be returned to their rightful place in your home.

 

Fireline Cleaning Equipment


WINMAR® is proud to implement the FIRELINE SYSTEM® for the processing of contents. This amazing new technology has changed the way hard contents and electronic items are restored. With the use of ultrasonic waves, items can be efficiently and economically cleaned. Valuable items like figurines, dishes, and silverware can now be safely returned. Electronics and appliances built with hard plastics that don’t break down are less likely to be sent to a landfill.


Our commitment for the future includes our Winmar Sustainability Policy. We use revolutionary technology that helps ensure your precious and personal items can be returned to their home where they belong. Not the landfills



WINMAR Regina's experienced and certified staff provide full-service restoration for all types of loss;

With their 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year service they always come through for you.


WINMAR IS A TRUSTED REGINA DISASTER SERVICES & REGINA GENERAL CONTRACTOR



Trusted Regina Drywall Contractors Superior Drywall Explain The 6 Benefits Of Hiring Professional Drywallers'

 In this article, we  explain why you should hire a professional drywall company for your next renovation project!



Finishing building something is a long process and it’s exciting as the end of the project nears. Capping it all off with a quality drywall installation will make or break the overall project.

It may be tempting to save some bucks and install your own drywall. But given the complexity of the process, it’s often wise to look to a  to get it done right. There are many reasons to trust an experienced drywaller.

From the appearance of the finished product to the durability of the board mounting, the quality of the installation is important. You don’t want to ruin the time and money you have invested in your project with a subpar drywall job. Here are six benefits of hiring a professional to complete your drywall installation.

1. No Investment in Drywall Tools

High-quality drywall tools can be a big investment. And knowing which to use and the proper technique is a skill a pro has perfected over time. Saving yourself the time and money to purchase these tools is a great reason to hire a professional.

Your drywall installer will be prepared to provide everything that’s needed to complete the job. Even the most basic jobs require specialized drywall saws and measuring tools. And you may need additional supplies if your job is more complicated. Hiring someone that has access to everything they need to complete the job well takes the guesswork out of it for you.

Installing drywall in high or tough to reach places is extremely challenging and can be dangerous. Professionals have tools like drywall board lifts to make sure the job is completed correctly and safely. They also have the supplies and methods in place to contain drywall dust and ensure cleanliness.

2. Drywall Installation Experience is Valuable

Installing drywall is a technique with a huge learning curve. Save yourself the time and frustration of trying to figure out how to install it on your own. Professionals have often gone through years of trial and error. And you can benefit from their experience.

Professional drywallers know the best techniques for hanging sheets straight so they are perfectly aligned. They also know how best methods to anchor it securely to various types of wall materials. You would be investing a lot of your time researching these methods rather than working to complete your drywall installation.

3. Contractors Are More Efficient

Household projects have a tendency to drag on. Distractions and busy schedules lead to delays. And work seems never to get completed. Hiring a professional can eliminate the stress of a never-ending project.

Professionals will take care of all of your project prep work. They will handle the measuring and steps to get the surface ready for installing the boards. You won’t have to worry about the tedious tasks of gathering supplies. Or the time-consuming trips back and forth to the home improvement store.

Drywall installers work under a contract. You can work together to agree on an appropriate time frame with them to complete your job. And you can set milestones in a contract for large jobs to make sure the work gets completed at a steady pace. Pros want to complete a job and get paid on time just as much as you want the work done quickly.

Professional contractors often work in teams. This makes them much more efficient than an individual. And if they have worked together often, they often have their installation method down to a surprisingly quick science.

4. You’ll Get Sturdy and Long-Lasting Results

With the investment you are making in your drywall, you want the job done proficiently. You don’t want to be making repairs or replacing sheets because of poor installation. A professional can guarantee a sturdy install that will stand the test of time.

Mounting drywall incorrectly can lead to big problems. It can cause the weakening of the entire wall. And it will leave the area unstable and likely to suffer major damage from even normal wear and tear. Poorly installed drywall can be damaged by even minor things like hanging photo frames.

Using the correct technique is important for long-term stability. Professionals are aware of the best techniques to attach drywall boards to tough surfaces like concrete. And know which anchors or screws will work best for each job. This ensures that you will have a solid surface that will stay adhered to the wall.

5. Drywall Pros Create A Seamless Look

The most important part of any drywall installation is finishing. Creating a smooth and seamless wall can be a tough task. You want your walls to look even, polished, and professionally done.

Drywall boards are made to fit together at the edges. But inevitably, a small crack will remain visible between each pair of neighbouring boards. A good drywall installer has a solid seam filling technique to eliminate this. These seams must be taped and covered with a thin layer of drywall mud using a precise method to make them invisible.

The composite materials that make up drywall boards give them a rough texture. This has to be eliminated to ensure a flawless-looking paint job. Your drywall installer will make sure your boards are perfectly prepped.

Any nicks or dents in the wall will be carefully and expertly repaired. Your professional will have a system to make sure the full surface is checked. They will sand the entire wall to a smooth surface. They will also take care of removing dust from the boards, so they are ready to be primed and painted.

6. Drywall Pros Guarantee Their Work

Having a relationship with a drywall professional is helpful long term. One of the most important reasons to hire an installer is that they usually guarantee their work. They also may be willing to give you a good deal should you damage the wall and need repairs on the wall. And they will be more likely to work with you if you have another project in the future.

Opting to do it yourself can be a good way to save money on a project. But cutting corners on drywall can ruin the look of an entire room. And leave your entire project looking sloppy and unprofessional.

Installing drywall is more complicated than it seems. And it’s important to be done correctly for both aesthetic and structural reasons. Making it worth the expense to trust the expertise of a professional.  


Trusted Regina Alarm & security pros at Reed Security Share Their Security Checklist

When you become a Reed Security Group commercial client you will be entering into a relationship - one they want to grow and become long-term. Last year over half of REED Securities business came from word of mouth! REED SECURITY  IS TRUSTED REGINA ALARM and SECURITY expert.

Use this helpful Reed Security checklist to keep the odds of being a victim of break in's in your favour.


1. SHARE INFORMATION 

  • Let your neighbours know if there is unusual activity or crime on your block.
  • Join your local Neighbourhood Group on Facebook and learn about recent activities.
    eg: Neighbourhood Watch
  • Share video and images from your doorbell camera or security cameras.
  • Share information with the Police as it may help with an arrest

 

2. BE SMART

  • Ask all strangers for identification. The person who is “lost” and looking for directions could actually be a burglar checking to see if someone is home.
  • DO NOT advertise on Facebook or Instagram that you are travelling. You may think you’re letting your friends and family know you’re having a great time, but people often forget to change their privacy settings. If you like to post photos - post them after you get back.

3. LOCK YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS

  • Many burglars go door to door looking for targets that forgot to lock their front doors and car doors. Make sure all doors and windows are locked.
  • If you lose a key get the locks changed.
  • A better alternative is to eliminate keys altogether by installing an Alarm.com smart lock with a built-in keypad.
  • Install monitored door and window sensors.
  • When your security system is "armed" an instant alert is sent to your smartphone and our 24/7 Monitoring Stations

4. USE PROPER LIGHTING 

  • Burglars target unoccupied homes so keep your home well lit at night.
  • Install timers that turn lights, radios and televisions on at different times. This gives the appearance that someone is home. 
  • A better option is to install Alarm.com smart lights and smart appliance modules and set them up on an alternating schedule.




 5. INSTALL A SMART SECURITY SYSTEM

  • $0 Smart Security packages range from $34.95/mo. to $79.95/mo. 
  • Protection against intrusion, fire, carbon monoxide, flood, low temperature and more
  • No phone line required
  • Alarm.com smartphone and desktop apps
  • 400% less likely to have a break-in
  • Up to 20% of homeowners insurance - consult your insurance broker

 6. INSTALL SMART CAMERAS

  • Check on your property from Anywhere, Anytime with a doorbell camera
  • Get instant alerts when a person is at the front door
  • Speak to visitors
  • All events are recorded and can be used as evidence
  • Secure your entire property in color 24/7 with our $0 ColorVu Camera Sale 


CUSTOMISE THE PERFECT SECURITY SYSTEM FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS.

Drop us a line and get a FREE SECURITY EVALUATION or skip the form and call us

REED SECURITY 

Reed Security Headquarters

306.653.3200 or 1.844.384.SAFE (7233)

REGINA SECURITY

306.206.0700

When you become a Reed Security Group commercial client you will be entering into a relationship - one they want to grow and become long-term. Last year over half of REED Securities business came from word of mouth! 

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS:

    To see a demo of the Reed HD Video and the AMAZING quality-..click here

 REED SECURITY  IS TRUSTED REGINA ALARM and SECURITY expert.




Trusted Regina Real Estate Lawyers at MacKay & McLean Explain The Duty to Disclose

MacKay & McLean provides the professional services of a large Regina law firm, with the intimate attention of a small firm. The legal process can be daunting and overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. MacKay & McLean is with you every step of the way.

MacKay &  McLean are your TRUSTED REGINA LAWYERS. In Mackay & Mclean's latest legal tip they provide helpful information on the duty to disclose in real estate transactions. 


MacKay & McLean Discusses the Duty to Disclose

Buying Regina and are property? Wonder what the obligation on the Seller is to, to be honest? This is called the duty to disclose. 

When buying property, the rule of thumb is caveat emptor or buyer beware.

For this reason, many buyers obtain a home inspection. However, a home inspection may be a double edge sword, as it can negate potential title insurance claims.

The Seller has a duty to disclose latent defects or defects that are not readily observable. Observable defects are generally referred to as ‘patent’ defects. The problem here is that Sellers disputing the claim often claim that they were ‘unaware’ of the defect. This may permit them to escape liability. It is difficult to establish what they did or did not know.

For practical reasons this relegates many to investing in the fix rather than in a law suit.

The failure to disclose a latent defect may entitle a Buyer to collapse a transaction, have it set aside or damages. Please consult a lawyer with respect to your specific situation.

The Property Condition Disclosure Statements that are often included in transactions are somewhat helpful, in that they at least provide some record of the representations made with respect to the property. The MLS listing or web site advertisement, if bought privately, is also very helpful. Lastly, if you are relying on some specific representation, e.g. the ability to build a garage on the property or that the jacuzzi tub works, then make it a term of the contract.

Please contact MacKay & McLean for a free consultation and to discuss any concerns or answer questions you have on real estate and property law 

Read all of our Regina Real Estate Law articles here 

Buying, Selling or Refinancing Real Estate Property in Regina and area, or need general legal advice?

Being a small Regina, SK firm, the lawyers of MacKay & McLean give personal, professional attention to each of our clients, thus maximizing results while minimizing cost. Our lawyers and front office staff take the time to talk to you so that you are comfortable with the process. More importantly, we take the time to listen to you.

Robert Mackay and the team at Mackay & McLean offer a variety of legal services and are able to represent you in a variety of situations that require counsel. In addition, they offer a free initial consultation. Trusted Regina Lawyers, based in Regina Saskatchewan,  specializing in real estatecriminalpersonal injurycommercial & family law.

 

See more legal tips from Mackay & McLean here 

MacKay &  McLean are your TRUSTED REGINA LAWYERS


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