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.

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.

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. 

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.