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.

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.

Monthly "Informer"

Professionalism

"We are drowning in information, but starved for knowledge" - John Naisbitt. I heard this quote the other day and it really got me thinking.
   We truly do live in the "information age". If you want to know something, you can find it in minutes. Seconds even, with your smart phone. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not here to rant about how technology is ruining our lives. That's not what this is. Quite the opposite in fact. I personally love technology. But that is a debate for another day.
  Today I want to talk about the difference between "information" and "knowledge". It's a quote that ties in nicely with my industry's "How REALTORS help" ad campaign, with the line "Why do we think that if we can look it up we can do it?" It's true, you can look up "how to" on just about anything. And if you want to go a little old school, there is probably a "For Dummies" book on it. This would be INFORMATION.
  It's not just real estate. It's plumbing, carpentry, drywall, anything. You can even go online and make your own Will. (Do you really want the security and future of your family left to an online service you did yourself, or a lawyer who will sit with you, find out exactly what you need and want, and make 100% sure that everything will go according to plan, even from a legal stand point?)
  This all sounds great. Save money, do it yourself! But let's sit back and really think about this. Sure, you could read up on it, get step by step directions, and do it yourself. And for some people out there it really can work. But for the average person, what do you really save? Usually it won't be time. It will likely take you a lot longer than it would have a pro. Money? Maybe. What if what you self diagnosed as the problem really wasn't, so when you've paid for the parts and done the work (don't forget, your time is worth something too!) and the problem persists? (Or in the case of Real Estate, you spend a lot of time and your own money on marketing, and it doesn't sell). Now what have saved?
  There is a reason we have "Professionals" in any given field. These are people that have spent time, effort, and money learning. Not just the "step by step" in the books or online. We are talking about all the ins and outs and what ifs and troubleshooting that can (and will!) come up in any given situation. This would be KNOWLEDGE.
 I truly believe that yes, paying a pro can sound expensive, but once you do the math, taking into account the cost of your own time, and the comfort that comes with knowing it was done right (or, worst case, you have someone to go back to!), in my opinion, the costs are well worth it. In any industry. There truly is a difference between information and knowledge. They are so closely related, but in todays world, it is possible to have one without the other. So you have the information, do you know what do with it? Or how to take it to the next level?
  You may say, "Luke, you're biased, you work in an industry that wants people to come to you". That may be true, but I've also been on the other side. And I've seen, both in this industry, and others, perfect examples of a DIY costing more in the long run. And as I said earlier, yes, for some people, it truly can work. But my advice would almost always be, go with a pro! They are called a pro for a reason. They know what to do, they won't panic, and a good one will work WITH you to see that your needs are fully met, and exceeded.
   So, if you're looking for a professional in the Real Estate world, please feel free to give me a call anytime! (I can also connect you with professionals in several other fields, if that's what you need.) Reach me at (204) 990-3467, or email, lukevberg@gmail.com.

The Current Market Trend

I often get asked, "what's the market like right now?" Well, this is really a complex question, with such variables as area, price point, home type, and many others coming into play.
 But most people are just asking, in general, is it a buyers market, or a sellers market? The answer to the more general question, at least in Winnipeg right now, is that it's a buyers market. What causes this? Again, there can be several factors at play. Some of them MAY be (and it is certainly not limited to these):
Seasonal. If you buy a home now, you may be looking at a deep winter move. Not the most inviting prospect in this climate.
Inventory. There may be a lot of inventory "on the shelves" right now. When you give people more choice, they take more time to make that choice.
Mortgage rates. Rates have not risen by as much, as quickly, as some people expected. This is always a good thing for buyers.
Pricing strategy. Some sellers might still think it's a sellers market, and are pricing their homes just a little too high, this means they sit on the market longer, which can give buyers a stronger position in negotiations because sellers need to move their home.
     So what does this mean for each side of the equation? Well, for buyers my advice would be, if you are thinking about buying any time within the next 6 months, now would be a great time to get started. Go to the bank, see what you can afford, and get out there. You are much more likely to save money, by not being in competition for your home. If you wait even a few months, it's a whole new market again, and who knows what that will mean. (I wish I could see the future and tell you, but I can't. All I can say is that spring is TYPICALLY a much busier market).
  For sellers, obviously the advice would be different. If you are thinking about selling, but can afford to wait, it might be worth your time to hold on for a few months and see what the spring brings. Unless the economy crashes, home prices are still doing well, waiting likely won't hurt you. But, if you are in a position that you "have" to sell now, prices can still be strong, but you'll have to be much more careful in your pricing plan, and maybe a little more patient in selling time. A home that is priced well will still sell, but the days of multiple offers, and huge over bids, are, at least for now, not the norm.
  If you have any questions, as always, I would be happy to help you, no matter what side of the coin you are currently sitting on. Call, or email, anytime: 204-990-3467, lukevberg@gmail.com.

39 Spirea Lane, Oakbank

New listing just on the market! This stunning 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home was custom built by Steendam Builders, and really has to be seen to be truly appreciated, but let me give you some idea of what you'll find here.
  The attention to detail is evident even before you get inside, as you are greeted by beautiful, coloured, stamped concrete steps, and overall excellent curb appeal. The exterior is acrylic stucco, detailed with cultured stone. You'll also notice the huge, oversized double garage with plenty of room for your vehicles, and still space for storage. (25X26).
  Once you enter the home, the beauty continues. If you enter through the garage, you'll find yourself in a generously sized mudroom, with plenty of room for all the shoes and coats. You'll also find the main floor laundry, with a sink and storage, right next to the mudroom. If you enter through the front door, you'll notice first the space, and the large front closet. Look down and you can see the high quality flooring throughout the home. Tile in the entryways and bathrooms, wall to wall carpet in the bedrooms (keep those feet warm in the morning!), and a gorgeous "hardwood" laminate throughout the rest of the home.
   From the front door, if you go right, you head to the bedrooms, all of which are nice and spacious, with good sized closets and plenty of natural light. The main bathroom is excellent, with plenty of storage and a full tub. The master bedroom is a real retreat, a big room, with lots of natural light. But the "getaway" really happens in the incredible ensuite. With dual vanities, a glass walled shower, and a huge, jetted tub. All finished with beautiful tile work. And don't forget the walk in closet!
  Left of the front door, you walk into the kitchen. And what a kitchen it is! Quartz countertops, custom, soft close cabinets, an island with built-in induction cooktop, with range hood, a built-in microwave and stove, and fridge included. (all stainless steel). Again, plenty of storage, and you'll even get a built-in computer area.
 The kitchen opens into the dining room/living room area. Here you'll find a beautiful gas fireplace as the centrepiece of the feature wall. Throughout the space you have high ceilings, with custom details, loads of natural lighting, (and excellent light fixtures as well!), and just all around great details. Even a wired in, multi-zone sound system that includes the covered deck off of the dining room.
  The home is situated on a large lot with plenty of space for a pool, trampoline, or whatever you'd like to put there. The front landscaping is done, the back yard is your canvas. (As is the unfinished basement!) If you'd like to view the home, or have any questions, please feel free to call, text, or email me any time at (204) 990-3467 or lukevberg@gmail.com.

Open House 10 Blue Oaks Cove

Hello everyone! I just wanted to let you all know, I will be hosting an Open House this week Saturday (October 5th), from 2-4pm at 10 Blue Oaks Cove. 

  This is an absolutely beautiful, 1974 square foot, open concept bungalow, with a fully finished basement. Its a brand new build, by Paradigm Homes. It is located on a quiet cul-de-sac in the stunning neighbourhood of The Oaks. If you, or anyone you know, is in the market for a excellent luxury home, please, come on down and check it out! It won't be a waste of time. Check it out here: http://beta.realtor.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?PropertyId=13564095. Hope to see you there!