The land of mortgages is big, and Ryan Boughen, a multi-award-winning Regina Mortgage broker with TMG The Mortgage Group, understands how confusing it can be with new rules, rates and information appearing regularly in the market. There are also dozens of lenders with thousands of mortgage products available. Ryan Boughen is a Trusted Regina Mortgage Broker, and in his latest mortgage tip, he touches on the subject of mortgage renewal. 

Your mortgage is probably the single most considerable expense. Unfortunately, most people give it little thought. Here are the most expensive mistakes you must avoid when you renew your next mortgage.

Active Electric are Trusted Regina Electricians and they get it right the first time, delivering all electrical services including installation, upgrade, and repair solutions.

Active Electric are your TRUSTED REGINA ELECTRICAL EXPERTS

Active Electric Shares a Tip About Home Electrical Safety for Winter

We all know in Saskatchewan the winter season comes with difficulties and hazards. Winter brings weather that can create further dangers in the form of electrical hazards. Active Electric wants to ensure that everyone is equipped with the right licensed electrician tips for home electrical safety for winter to keep them safe and warm.

Electrical Winter Safety Tips

When winter comes around, it is important to be prepared for the difficulties that can come with the cold, wet weather. Some tips to keep in mind to make sure that you and your home stay safe this winter include:

Heater Safety

If you are using a space heater in your home, make sure you place it at a safe distance from furniture, walls, rugs, curtains, and other belongings. Space heaters are a great way to keep specific rooms warm without ramping up monthly heating bills but, because of the high heat output of electrical heaters, it is important to keep them away from flammable material. If you feel objects around the heater becoming hot, move the heater. Fires can easily be started by an unattended heater. Always turn off the heater when it’s not in use.

Prepare for Power Outages

The increase in snow and icy weather can cause downed tree branches and car accidents, which can damage power lines and cause electrical outages. In the event that there is a power outage, you should be as prepared as possible. Sometimes power can be out for hours; other times, it can be out for days. If an outage occurs at night, you cannot rely on space heaters to keep you warm. Be prepared for extended power outages with an emergency kit. 

The emergency kit should be readily accessible and contain batteries, flashlights, blankets/sleeping bags/warm clothes, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, and sufficient water for your family. This will help to keep your family warm, fed, and safe during an emergency.

If you have a backup generator, ensure that it is ready to go. The start of winter is a good time to have regular maintenance and check-ups done on your generator. Have a professional inspect it to ensure that oil and gas levels are correct and that the connection to the home or business is safe and secure. If a power outage occurs, you want to be confident that you can rely on your backup power supply.

Avoid using candles during power outages. Many people use candles to light their rooms during power outages and, while this can deliver a nice ambience, it is very dangerous. If the candles are unattended or wax drips and causes build up around the candle, it can result in a fire. Instead, use flashlights or LED candles.

Preparing Your Home’s Electrical Setup

Power outages can do damage to your home, and harsh weather can be a hazard to many of your home’s electrical components. There are a few ways you can defend your home’s electrical setup against winter:

Be aware of water and exposed wires. With freezing and thawing occurring repeatedly, it is possible for water to find its way into some of the nooks and crannies of your home. Walk around your home’s interior and exterior walls and look for any exposed wires that could come into contact with water. Make sure any problems are addressed quickly.

Having a home surge protector will help suppress surges to prevent electrocutions and damage to appliances and electronics.

You can also protect your appliances and electronic devices in your home with surge protectors. Review your home setup to check if surge protectors are active and still functional.

During an extended power outage, unplug your major appliances (oven, fridge, freezer, television) and turn off light fixtures (although you can leave on some lights so that you know when the power returns). This can prevent power surges from occurring and damage the appliances when power returns.

Keep Away from Downed Power Lines

If an icy tree branch knocks down a power line or if a car hits a power pole and the electrical wiring falls down, keep at least three metres or 10 feet away at all times. Power lines are very powerful and can cause serious electrocution if you are not careful. Keep your family and children educated, as they could come across a downed power line during their daily commute. 

Always call 911 when you see a power line down.

If you are interested in finding out more licensed electrician tips for home electrical safety for winter, or If you are ever uncertain about a potential electrical issue in your home please Contact Active Electric.  and one of their qualified professionals would be happy to help.  They also provide Free quotes! 

ACTIVE ELECTRIC is a TRUSTED REGINA ELECTRICIAN -  Check out his listing here in REGINA ELECTRICIANS on the Regina Directory of excellence!

Bergens Auto Body is a local family collision repair business and from the moment you walk in the door you will be treated like family! 

They are proud to have an amazing 80 Years Auto Body Experience, and they have been serving Regina Auto Body needs for over 30 Years....they have a loyal customer base that simply wouldn't think of going anywhere else. Bergen's Auto Body are a  Trusted Regina Auto Body Shop, they offer courtesy cars to their clients and they specialize in foreign vehicles. In their latest Trusted Regina Auto Body Tip they share information on paint matching. 

BERGEN'S AUTO BODY SHARE A HANDY BACK TO SCHOOL VEHICLE CHECKLIST

Back to school checklists aren't just for school supplies of books and papers.  Bergen's Auto Body also wants to remind you that your vehicle needs to be back to school ready as well. 

Are you sending a son or daughter off to University with a car? Or will they be driving to and from high school?  Is your carpool schedule starting up, with your kids in the car, plus a few extras? Make sure you have our Back-to-School checklist for your vehicle completed as part of your school preparation this year, you’ll be glad you did!

Just a reminder to make sure all maintenance and safety items are checked and ready to go.  Look over this checklist and make sure your (or your child’s) car is ready to go!

• Check your oil level and condition. You have heard it before, but we all need a little reminder to keep up the maintenance on our cars (myself included!)  This is the most basic maintenance item to check off.  If you let go too long, having little to no oil can cause extreme engine damage (often requiring total engine replacement!).  All cars need adequate oil to keep moving parts lubricated and to keep engine friction to a minimum, so keep up on your oil changes!
• Headlights and brake lights. Be sure your lights are operational – brake lights that are burned out are a ticketable offence.  For safety, you need to be able to see and be seen.
• Brakes. Do they stop your car quickly and immediately?  Are you hearing any grinding during braking?  Brake pads or shoes (and the rotors or drums that they press against) are a “wear” item and are intended to be replaced when they become thin.  Extremely hard brake pads may last a long time, but they can be squeaky and noisy and could wear drums and warp rotors prematurely.  Brake pads should be replaced, and rotors machined, periodically to keep them wearing evenly and braking smoothly. Make sure you have them checked by an expert auto technician.
• Tires are your vehicle’s only contact with the road. Will they provide the traction you need to corner and stop in rain or slick road conditions and are they appropriate for the road conditions where you or your student will be driving?  Check the tread. If your tread is less than 2/32” the tire should be replaced. Check for correct tire pressure
• Not sure where to find your tire pressure? Look on the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb or in your owner’s manual.

•  Check your windshield wiper fluid. Visibility is vital to driving safety – be sure you are able to clean your windshield quickly if you are hit by a big bug or run into dust or (oh no!) snow.
• Fluid levels and condition. Coolant and transmission fluid keeps your engine and transmission cool and lubricated.  Levels should be checked periodically to make sure there is adequate fluid with no leaks in the system.  Coolant should be changed every 50-100,000 miles (or every 4-5 years).  Transmission fluid should be flushed and filled every 40-60,000 miles (please check your Owner’s Manual for recommendations specific to your vehicle).  Brake and power steering fluids should also be monitored and topped off or changed as needed.
• Test and clean the battery. Is the battery adequate to start your vehicle consistently, and run all of the electrical systems in your car?  Batteries may need to be replaced every 3-5 years and offer little to no warning that they are failing.  Check the date of the battery (located on top). Corrosion should periodically be cleaned off battery posts and cables to maintain an amperage level and a good electrical ground.
• Proof of insurance.  Make sure your student has the current auto insurance card inside the vehicle or in their wallet or purse.  You may want to add Roadside Assistance to the policy if they will be going to University out of town.
• Emergency kit for the car.  Get one inside the vehicle if you don’t already have one.  Find one with a set of jumper cables included in case a battery fails.  Many kits also include instructions printed on the bag for the cables.  Or if you have a kit already, be sure that it is updated with any medication, and other first-aid items that may have been used previously.  Be sure it is well stocked and with items needed for the part of the country you or your student will be taking the vehicle.

• Jack and spare tire.  Be sure they are in the vehicle and the spare is in good shape.  You don’t want to need either and find them missing if you have a flat tire. Also, make sure everyone driving  knows HOW to change a tire ( and where to find the spare)

Bergen’s Auto Body & Collision Centre, treat you like family and that means w work hard to give your vehicles back to you properly and most importantly safely!

In life, few events match the stress of moving. In this busy time of new beginnings and major changes, Rays Moving & Storage appreciated that their clients place a great deal of trust and responsibility with them.

Moving everything you own is a very personal experience and something that they do not take lightly... Moving can be an especially stressful time for families, whether it is across town or across the country. Having a true professional like Rays handling your possessions is the key to alleviating all of your worries! In their latest tip Rays share 5 tips for a dress free move. Rays are Trusted Regina Movers & Storage Pros.

Move-in day excitement shouldn’t be overshadowed by moving day anxiety. Some smart preparation can go a long way towards making moving a little more uplifting (and a little less heavy lifting). Here are 5 things you can do leading up to your move to make for less stress on moving day.

Tip 1. Consider Your Move Date

Like apples and pumpkin spice lattes, there is a peak season for moving. Considering that the first and last weeks of the month can be particularly popular, a mid-week, mid-month move is your best bet.

Having access to the widest array of dates and times means that you’ll be able to plan your move when it’s most convenient for you. 

Tip 2. Have a Packing Plan

Less stuff equals less stress when it comes to packing. Take stock of what you actually want to take when you move. It is time for a purge?

This meticulous approach keeps you sane and helps you plan—knowing exactly what you’ll be moving and how unwieldy those items is key for deciding what kind of moving company you’ll need.

Tip 3. Do Your Research

Options can be overwhelming, but having the right information will make you feel confident that you’re hiring the right team for your move. When it comes to moving companies, they generally fall into 3 major categories: full-service, self-service, and specialized. How much you have to move, what kind of items you’re moving, and your budget will determine which category of moving company makes the most sense. In broad terms, a full-service moving company handles every part of the move—from packing to transporting to unloading at your final destination. A self-service company generally handles only the transportation part of the move (meaning that packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading the truck are up to you) and specialized moving companies are trained in proper techniques for moving unique items like antiques, art, appliances, or pianos.

Ensure that movers you select are properly licensed and insured professional movers like Rays.

4. Budget Accordingly

Expenses can add up quickly, especially when you’re moving long-distance, so keeping track of your budget is a crucial step in your pre-move plan. Your moving quote will be a powerful tool to help you budget.

5. Think About Moving Insurance

When you’ve taken care to pack only your most meaningful belongings, the last thing you want is to worry about them being damaged on their way to your destination. Moving insurance can give you peace of mind. You can ask the moving companies giving you quotes what expanded coverage they may offer, or, if your items are particularly valuable, you may want to consider carrying your own third-party moving insurance policy as well.

List of Rays Moving Services: 

• Local & Long Distance Moving
• Container Services
• Commercial & Office Moving
• Storage
• Full Packing & Crating Services
• Do it yourself Packing
• International Relocations

Rays are Trusted REGINA MOVERS & STORAGE EXPERTS

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 TRUSTED REGINA LAWYERS

When looking to buy, sell, or refinance a property, you need to hire somebody who is not a stranger to addressing the real estate needs of individuals and families. 

Canadian Home Prices Could Drop as Much as 5% Due to Coronavirus

Trusted Regina Real Estate Lawyer Robert MacKay shares some insight on the potential future of the Canadian Housing market.

Canadian home prices could fall a “relatively modest” five per cent by July as some owners are forced to sell in the face of the economic hardship brought on by COVID-19, Capital Economics said Monday.

While sales activity and price gains were firm in the first half of March, real estate boards from across the country are reporting a near halt in activity as government shutdowns and physical distancing have people staying home.

As April unfolded, it became innately clear that COVID-19 had already impacted the local housing market, with Toronto home prices declining for the first time in nearly two years.

But the pandemic isn’t just going to have an impact on a local level but on a national level as well, with some experts already predicting that Canadian home prices could fall in the months to come.

Capital Economics said Canada’s house price inflation accelerated to a nearly two-year high in March, but given the disruption already caused by the coronavirus outbreak, prices are set to decrease in the coming months.

Capital Economics senior Canada economist Stephen Brown said April will see “an even steeper fall” in sales activity to a “small fraction of their normal levels.”

“New listings also fell sharply in March, which meant the sales-to-new listing ratio continued to point to strong house price inflation ahead,” said Brown, however, he said 

“given the huge rise in unemployment and the cashflow problems that restrictions on tourism have caused investors in the short-term rental market, it seems likely that there will be some forced sellers in the coming months. Those sellers will inevitably have to accept lower bids from the few people willing to buy in the current environment.”  said Brown.

Last week, the Canadian Real Estate Association reported a 14 per cent drop in sales volume from February to March. New listings were down 12.5 per cent from February, while average prices were flat month-over-month and up 12.5 per cent year-over-year.

That dynamic has Capital Economics “penciling in a relatively modest fall in house prices of five per cent in the coming few months.”

Source: Greg Bonnell - BNN Bloomberg - April 20 2020 - https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/home-prices-could-fall-5-amid-pandemic-capital-economics-1.1424090 
Source: Ainsley Smith - Toronto Storeys - April 20 2020 - https://torontostoreys.com/canada-home-prices-coronavirus-decline/

For more questions and help with any legal property issues consult with our Trusted Regina Real Estate Lawyer Robert MacKay