Tuesday 9 December 2014

5 Unusual (but effective) Home Staging Ideas


"Staging" your home is all about making the space in your home as appealing as possible to buyers. Many people think staging has to be expensive. It doesn't. Most of these tips are very simple, and cost effective. Even if you aren't selling, these can help make your home more comfortable for you. You really don't have to blow the budget to make a room more comfortable. Don't underestimate the small things! You may already know the basics, such as eliminating clutter. Here are some other tips that are less well known yet very effective:

  • Chandeliers. Surprisingly, these are one of the simplest ways to make a foyer, dining room or living room dramatically more eye-catching. You can buy a good-looking chandelier for a few hundred dollars.

  • New linen. This is something many home sellers don't consider, but should. Replace any worn linen – sheets, coverings, towels, and even oven mitts with new ones. Believe it or not, new linen makes a big impression on buyers.

  • Pedestal sinks. It may not be practical for you to replace a bathroom sink. However, if you are doing a renovation, keep in mind that pedestal sinks – especially in small washrooms – are a big hit with buyers.

  • New appliances. A brand new fridge, stove and dishwasher are motivating selling features to buyers. That's because new appliances make the whole kitchen look brand new.

  • Avoid multi-use rooms. Have a spare bedroom that doubles as a home office? That's a turnoff to buyers. Whenever possible, stage each room so that it has a singular purpose. A guest bedroom, for example, should be only that.


 Want more tips on how to stage your home so that it attracts buyers? Call today.

Wednesday 24 September 2014

House vs Condo: Where Should You Be?


So, you’ve decided to make a move. Maybe it’s your first time, maybe you’re just
ready for a change. There are so many questions to go through. Needs vs. Wants lists
to make. Where do I want to live? What do I want to be close to? Who do I
want to be close to? Should I hire a professional? (Yes, you should!)
Today I want to address a question some people may not even think about right away:
Should I buy a House or a Condo?
We’ve all seen the huge increase in condo construction in our fine city, they are
popping up everywhere. Why? Because there is a real market for them! Everything from
small, one bed room “studio” style, to massive, luxury penthouse suites. So, could a
condo be right for you? Let’s find out.
I’ll admit, when I first started home shopping, and before I got into the business of Real
Estate, the idea of a condo never really appealed to me. It just seemed like I’d be living
in a glorified apartment, and paying, in some cases as much as I would for a home. My
thinking was, if I’m going to pay that much, why wouldn’t I want to get a yard and a
basement in the package?
But, after having seen so many, and really learning what they are all about, and what
goes into owning one, I can really see the appeal in them, for a few market
demographics. They certainly aren’t for everyone. If you have a family, or are planning
to soon, condo living likely isn’t right for you. The same goes for someone who loves 
having a yard and/or garden to play with. If you love growing things, you may not enjoy a condo.
However, maybe you’re a young, single, working professional, with long hours and
crazy schedules, (or even a young “power couple”!), or perhaps you’re an “empty
nester” looking to enjoy your retirement years travelling. These are just a few of 
the people that can really benefit from the condo lifestyle. 
There are several advantages - Security: Just lock your door and disappear! No one
will notice your long term absence, and, if it’s properly managed, someone is keeping
an eye on the building. No maintenance: You’ve got no yard to mow, and, in the winter,
no snow to shovel. If you have to be gone long term, or if you keep odd hours, you don’t
need to ask others to cover it, and your property won’t “get away” from you. Insurance:
Your insurance costs will be much lower, as the rules are different for condos.
Utility costs: You’re heating only the space you’re using, and it will
generally only have one or two exterior walls.
Having said all this, you still need to be careful. There are numbers and “features” to
consider: Should I go apartment or townhome style? What’s the difference? Do I get covered/heated parking, or will I be parking outdoors all winter? Is there a storage unit?
What are the monthly condo fees, and what do they cover for that money? Do they
include utilities? Is there a rec area, like a gym, or a common room, or even a pool? And if there is, am I actually likely to make use of those spaces? Does it have in-suite
laundry? If not, are they “coin-operated” machines?
I’d also like to go back to my point about getting more for your money in a home. Lets
do a quick comparison, using rough numbers. (These numbers are by no means
indicative of current market trends, in homes or condos!) Lets say you are paying $200k
for a 900sf house, with full basement and a single garage, vs paying the same $200k for
a 900sf apartment style condo. At first glance, you are getting more “space” for your
money in the home. But think about this: are you likely going to use that (possibly
unfinished) basement? Because if you aren’t, aren’t you really just paying for dead
space? Not to mention the ongoing costs of maintaining and heating/cooling all that
space? And the ongoing maintenance of the yard/property. That can really start to add
up over time. Yes, in a condo you may be paying monthly fees for this. But in many
cases they will be lower in the long run. And yes, some of your fees are going to be
paying someone else, but at the end of the day, it can be a small thing for the
convenience you get. What about equity? Isn’t there more to be gained in home
ownership? Sort of. A home is more likely to appreciate a little faster, and likely sell
faster as well. But condos do give you equity! They are not “throwing money away”.
Again, it will come down to how the numbers play out, and exactly what you want in
your life. Yes, there is a lot to consider, but, with expert help and guidance, the decision
doesn’t have to be scary. 
This post is by no means comprehensive or exact, but if you have any questions or
comments, or if you, or someone you know, is thinking about a move but doesn’t know
where to start, please, get in touch with me, lets look at your options, and talk about
what you’re after. Your home is a huge part of your lifestyle, and it’s worth the
discussion. I’m always happy to sit down and go through any questions or concerns!
(204) 990-3467, lukevberg@gmail.com.

Wednesday 13 August 2014

Understanding the "Paper Trail"

When you make or receive an offer to buy a property, it's important that you read and understand every clause. It is especially important to understand any conditions or any changes that are made to the standard offer.

An offer may contain several types of conditions. The most common are "conditional upon arranging financing" and "conditional upon passing a professional home inspection." However, there may be other conditions as well.

You should be aware of – and fully understand – all of them.

In addition, the wording of an offer may change during the back and forth negotiations that often happen. Aside from changes to the price, other clauses may be added, removed or reworded as well. 

A good agent will always ask you to initial changes. This is done primarily to ensure you know and approve of what you're signing.

A recent newspaper article tells the story of a buyer-seller legal dispute that resulted in a six-figure judgement against the seller. This was due, in part, to a lack of understanding of one of the clauses in the agreement.

You don't want that to happen to you. Take the time to carefully review and understand an offer. And never EVER be afraid to ask your REALTOR (me!) any questions you may have. When it comes to something as important as a home purchase/sale there really is no such thing as a "dumb" question! I'm here to help you!


Want to make sure everything goes smoothly with your next move? Call today. (204) 990-3467, lukevberg@gmail.com.

Wednesday 16 July 2014

Be Sure to Plan for the “Pet Issue”

If you have pets, you probably adore them. They're part of the family! But when you're preparing your home for sale, you need to think about how you're going to deal with the "pet issue".

Some potential buyers who view your property may love pets as much as you do. However, others may be turned off by the tell-tale signs of pet ownership – such as kitty litter, dander, and smells.

So be sure to make a plan for how you’re going to deal with your pets.

It's a good idea to keep pets out of the house during viewings. Even if your dog or cat is friendly, some buyers will be uncomfortable around them. So, you'll need to decide where your pets will go when buyers view your property. Consider a local kennel or "pet day camp".  Or at least in a kennel, where they aren't loose to get "underfoot".

"Can't I just take my dog out for a walk?" you might be asking. You could, however, you may not always be available to do that during a viewing. So have alternate plans available.

You should also consider how you will deal with pet dander and everyday pet odours. You're probably used to them. Unfortunately, some buyers will be turned off or even be allergic. So, in addition to cleaning your home before a viewing -- especially in those areas where pets spend time like a favourite cushion or scratching post – consider using specialty air sprays available on the market that will neutralize pet odours.

Finally, it's a good idea to advise buyers that they're viewing a home with pets. That way, they'll be more forgiving if they catch a whiff of cat dander. 


Need more tips on preparing your home for sale? Call today. (204) 990-3467, lukevberg@gmail.com.

Monday 7 July 2014

102 Melrose Ave West

Welcome to 102 Melrose Ave West. Right in the heart of Transcona, you can't beat this location for convenience! You'll be close to everything you need.
  As you drive up, you can't miss the charming curb appeal of this home. The yard, and the home are very well maintained. The fully fenced back yard is a great place to entertain, or to let the little ones run around, and still leave some room for a cute garden. With a single garage, and a pad, there is ample parking back there too.
  The care taken outside continues as you enter the home. The back entry and hallway with brand new flooring lead to a stunning, modern kitchen with plenty of (custom!) countertop space for all your cooking and baking, as well as loads of storage. All the appliances will stay as well. Just off the kitchen you'll find one of the three bedrooms.
  At the front of the house is the large and comfortable living room, with more than enough space to have the family and friends over! Beside the living room is the dining room (could also be used as a great office space?) with loads of natural light coming in through the two large windows. The main level is completed by the updated full bathroom.
  Going upstairs leads you to the other two bedrooms. Both are spacious and roomy, and have newer windows.
  The basement has a workshop, spare room, and a smaller rec room. It's great space, and could easily be re-arranged for whatever suits you the best. There is a brand new, high efficiency furnace too!
  With all the updates and conveniences, this home is not one you want to miss! Come and check it out. Call me today, (204) 990-3467.



Monday 9 June 2014

353 Robinson Ave, Selkirk

New listing! Spacious starter in the city of Selkirk! 1181 square foot 1 and a half storey, 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home on a quiet corner, but still close to everything in the beautiful town of Selkirk. The Marine Museum and Selkirk Park are just at the end of the street, and shopping is not far away. If you're into golf, you'll love the Selkirk Golf and Country Club too! 
 As you approach the home, the first thing you'll see is the fantastic yard, complete with a storage shed, and room for gardens. While outside you'll also want to check out the huge double detached garage, and parking area, with room for all your toys. On those nice spring, summer, and fall evenings, why not spend sometime sitting around the fire pit on the perfect patio?
  As you enter the home through the back door, you walk into the kitchen, which has a good amount of work and storage space, and nice countertops, with glass tile backsplash. You'll also see the great eating space. from there, down the short hall you'll find the main floor laundry, and the well appointed bathroom. Entering the living room, you'll notice how warm and comfortable it is, due in part to the large window, and in part to the awesome laminate flooring. That flooring carries into the two main floor bedrooms, both nicely sized, with good closets.
  Heading up the stairs, you enter the huge master loft space. With warm carpet under your feet, and plenty of natural light, it's a great place to wake up every morning! And there's a nice big closet, so there's no shortage of storage.  
The partial basement is also a great place to store all those seasonal items you don't use all the time. As an added bonus, all the appliances are included, and just about all the furniture you'll see in the home is negotiable as well. If you like it, ask for it! If you're looking, you don't want to miss this one! Call me anytime, (204) 990-3467, email lukevberg@gmail.com.












Tuesday 27 May 2014

4 Home Hazards You May Not Know About

You have smoke detectors. Your doors have good locks. The bathtub has a slip-free pad. By all accounts, your home is a safe and secure place for your family to live.

However, there are some hazards that many homeowners don't consider or even know about. For instance:

  1. Blocked eavestroughs. Eavestroughs clogged with leaves and other debris can cause rainwater to overflow next to your foundation and create a basement leak.

  1. Clogged dryer vents. High temperature air combined with lint is a near ideal condition for a fire. Check and clear the dryer vent at least once a year.

  1. Dirty faucet heads. Kitchen and bath faucets often have built-in screens to spray the water evenly. Unfortunately, dirt and other contaminates can build up on these and, possibly, affect the quality of the water. Clean faucet heads regularly.

  1. Tripping hazards. You could step around a loose section of carpet for years and then one day, in a moment of distraction, trip over it and fall. When you see a potential tripping hazard in your home, don't ignore it. Fix it.
Being diligent about home safety takes a little more time. But, if it prevents one injury or illness, it's worth the effort.



Tuesday 6 May 2014

Taking the "scary" out of real estate

Even homeowners who have moved a few times can be intimidated by the real estate market in general, and the buying and selling process in particular.

First of all, making a decision to sell your home can be difficult. There are so many questions, such as:

  • Is "now" a good time to list? 
  • How much can you expect to get for your property? 
  • How long will it take to sell – and what if it doesn't?

Then there's the buying and selling process: 

  • How do you prepare your home for sale? 
  • How do you find homes that meet your criteria and are within your price range? 
  • How do you prepare your home for viewings?

Yes, there's a lot to think about. That's why finding a good REALTOR® who is an expert on the local market is so important. 

A good REALTOR® will help you understand the market, the current market value of your home, and what you can expect should you decide to list. 

A good REALTOR® will also walk you step-by-step through the home selling and buying process, and work hard to make sure everything goes smoothly, before, during, and after the sale and/or purchase.

So if you're considering buying or selling a home, take the time to find a good REALTOR®. It makes all the difference. 


Looking for a good REALTOR®? Call today. (204) 990-3467, lukevberg@gmail.com.

Wednesday 2 April 2014

Bathroom Updates

Bathroom upgrades using overlays

If you're considering a bathroom update, you're probably familiar with the typical approaches, such as replacing a countertop or toilet, or removing all the fixtures and finishes to complete a floor-to-ceiling renovation.

However, there is another, far less expensive way to make an older bathroom look brand new: using overlays.

An overlay is simply a new surface applied over an existing one. For example, instead of replacing an old and worn bathtub – which is costly – you can purchase an overlay system (called a tub liner) that fits on top of the existing bathtub. It's a little like giving your tub a facelift! 

You can do the same thing with your bathroom countertops and floors. 

Overlays come in a wide variety of styles and finishes – some of which can make your bathroom look significantly more upscale. Compared to a major renovation, the installation of overlays is relatively straightforward. A tub liner installation, for example, can be done in a day.


You can learn more about overlays at your local home improvement centre and at specialty bathroom showrooms. Or give me a call, and I can put in touch with some great people. For this, and all your Real Estate needs, I'm only a call or email away! (204) 990-3467, lukevberg@gmail.com

Tuesday 11 March 2014

Foods that boost your energy

Foods that boost your energy

Many people order an espresso or reach for an energy drink when they need a boost. However, there are other foods that 

can give you a similar increase in energy and are, arguably, a lot healthier. Here are a few examples:


Coconut oil. It contains high quantities of medium chain fats, which are a quick source of energy.

Honey. It tastes sweet because it's a natural form of sugar. As we all know, sugar gives you a quick boost.

Iron containing foods. Lack of iron in your diet can leave you feeling sluggish. Adding more beans, spinach, and lentils to your diet – perhaps in salads – can help boost your iron levels. 

Nuts. Almonds, cashews and other nutrient-rich nuts are the ideal quick snack for an energy boost.

Dark chocolate. It’s great news for chocolate lovers, but keep the portions small.


Finally, not drinking enough water can also rob you of energy. In fact, water may be the best energy-boosting "food" of them all.

Let's hope with the return of some warmer weather, the sun will give us a little boost as well! Stay healthy everyone!

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to call or email, (204) 990-3467, lukevberg@gmail.com.


Tuesday 18 February 2014

Watch for these electrical hazards in your home

Electricity in the home is so commonplace that it's easy to forget how dangerous it can be. According to the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, an electrical shock can knock you unconscious, cause a serious burn, or even stop your heartbeat.

Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to reduce the risk.

Install safety plugs in outlets that young children can reach.

Never plug in anything with a frayed or otherwise damaged power cord.

Never use a plugged-in computer, hair dryer, or other electrically-powered item near a filled sink or bathtub. This includes phones with power cords.

Never touch anything electrical with wet hands or while standing in water. (Water is a remarkably efficient conductor of electricity.)

Always turn off the appropriate breaker before doing any electrical work, such as installing a new light fixture.

When replacing a broken light bulb, turn off the breaker first. Although the glass is broken, the filament may still be conducting electricity.


Finally, unless you're an expert or an electrician, never do any major electrical work on your own. Hire a professional. If you don't know a good professional, give me a call, I can connect you with someone! (204) 990-3467.


Thursday 6 February 2014

Making Sense of a Crazy Market


Unless you're a real estate expert, you probably look at the market and think things are pretty confusing. Even a bit crazy! You hear news about “bubbles bursting”, “higher or lower home sales in a particular month”, “new home starts” that are up or down, and on and on it goes.

It’s a lot of news and a lot of jargon. 

If you're thinking of selling your home within the next year or two, you will want to understand what's happening in the market so you can make the right decisions and get a clear sense of what to expect. So, how do you make sense of it all? 

That's where a good REALTOR® can help.

Even if you don't have any definite plans to move in the near future, a REALTOR® who is an expert in the local marketplace can help you understand what homes in a particular neighbourhood are selling for, and what you can expect to get should you decide to list your property.

Getting to know a REALTOR® also means you’ll have a trusted expert to talk to from time to time, when you have real estate-related questions. 

You’ll have someone you can think of as "Your REALTOR®".

Plus, when the time comes to sell your property, you won't have to deal with a stranger. Instead, you'll be able to work with a REALTOR® that you know well -- and who knows YOU. Overall, that will make the buying and selling process go more smoothly and more successfully.

You never have to feel like you might be wasting my time just because you don't plan to move in the next weeks, or months. Why not start a relationship now? It's always nice to know someone new!

Looking for a good REALTOR® who wants to get to know you? Call today! (204) 990-3467, or email, lukevberg@gmail.com. 


Friday 17 January 2014

Thinking About Wood Flooring?

Wood floors can add value to your home. They continue to grow in popularity, but as they do, so too do does the list of options available to you. As with anything, it's important to do your homework. Here is a very brief outline of the basic types available. From here, there are still things to think about: colour, board size, actual type of wood, etc. As with anything, your best bet to consult a professional.

Unfinished. This type requires you or your installer to sand and apply a finish. If you want a specific colour or style, or you're trying to match existing flooring, this might be the best option for you.


Factory finished. As the name suggests, this is flooring that has its finish applied in the factory. Although it is more expensive, factory finished flooring can be installed faster and can be walked upon immediately.


Solid. This is flooring that is made from a solid piece of wood, top to bottom. The advantage is that it can be sanded and refinished many times over the years, or even decades.


Engineered. This is flooring that is made of thin layers of wood pressed together. It can be engineered to be very durable and expand and contract less than solid flooring.

The type you choose depends on your needs. Talk to your dealer or contractor about your specific application.



Tuesday 7 January 2014

When is it time to talk to a REALTOR®?

Many people only see a doctor when they're sick or have some other health concern. On the other hand, some people visit a doctor regularly for check-ups, to ask questions and get advice, and to maintain good health.

Which do you think is the better approach? Obviously, the second one!

The same thing is true when it comes to real estate. Even if you have no current plans to buy or sell a home, there are many reasons to talk to a REALTOR® regularly in order to maintain your good "real estate" health. For example, you can:
  • Get an assessment of the current market value of your home, so you can make an informed decision about whether to stay or move.

  • Ask about the state of the local real estate market (which may be vastly different than what you hear on the national news.)

  • Find out what homes are currently selling for in the area.

  • Learn what's currently available on the market, especially in neighbourhoods you would like to live in and that are within your budget.

  • Ask for a contractor recommendation. Or for any other various number of home related services. Your trusted REALTOR can be your link to a whole web of home care services!

In fact, it's a good idea to have a chat with your REALTOR® once or twice a year, even if it's just to say hello. 

You want to build a relationship with a good REALTOR® who understands (and cares about) you and your needs. That way, when it does come time for you to make a move, you're dealing with a REALTOR® you already know and trust.


Don't have a good REALTOR®? Call today! (204) 990-3467, Email lukevberg@gmail.com.