When you’re putting your property on the market, you want to make it seem as big and comfortable as possible. After all, buyers are attracted to space. However, you probably have at least one room in your home — and perhaps even more — that feels small and a little cramped. Of course you don’t want the buyer’s first impression of the room to be its size. Since it isn’t practical to be knocking down walls and renovating, what should you do? Here are some ideas for making small spaces seem larger and more comfortable: Remove any items and extra furniture that make the room feel smaller than it really is. Remove any obstructions near the entranceway. You should be able to open the door fully and walk in without bumping into a desk or bookshelf. Don’t use heavy curtains on the windows. Let the light in. Use soft light bulbs with enough wattage to fill the room with full and pleasant (but not blinding) light. Less is more. Keep knickknacks, pictures and other décor items to a minimum. Keep the door fully open during viewings. Make sure there’s enough space for two people to walk in and move around without bumping into each other. Give the room a purpose. “This is the home office.” Or, “This is the comfy reading nook.” If a small room doesn’t have a reason for being, it will seem like wasted space. Want more ideas for preparing your home so that it will sell quickly and for the best price? Call today.

If you’re planning on moving, you’re probably focused on how much your new home is going to cost. However, it’s also a good idea to understand the real costs associated with selling your current property. In fact, there are some costs and expenses you may not have anticipated. Here are a few examples: Home inspection. You might think you’ll only need a home inspection for a home on which you’ve made an offer. However, it might also make sense to have a home inspection completed on your current property in order to identify potential issues that might get in the way of a sale. Buyers feel more confident when considering a home that has had a recent professional inspection. Cancellation costs. There may be extra expenses associated with canceling internet services, newspaper subscriptions, home security systems, and even lawn care services. Repairs. You should budget to get any maintenance issues, such as a broken door handle, dealt with before your home goes on the market. Staging. Tasks like getting rid of clutter, arranging for the carpets to be professionally cleaned, having the hedges trimmed, and doing other things to make the property look attractive to buyers all fall under the umbrella of “staging”. You can do much of this work yourself, or hire a professional. Moving. It’s a good idea to budget for the costs of moving. Even if you’re using a friend’s truck and planning to do most of the packing and hauling yourself, there may still be costs, such as packaging materials, gas, and perhaps even pizza for your crew. At the end of the day, these costs may turn out to be negligible when compared to the value of your property. As your REALTOR®, I can help you understand all the costs and help make the selling process go smoothly.

Courtesy:  Brandon University News Release BRANDON, MB. — When Westman’s Isabela Onyshko competes in the women’s all-around gymnastics finals this Thursday, she’ll know that she has the support of friends and family cheering her on as they watch live across the country — and here at Brandon University. Onyshko, who earned a spot in the finals after a top-10 performance during Sunday’s qualifying round, will attend BU in the fall to study in the Faculty of Science. And this Thursday afternoon, BU will be rallying behind one of our newest students as Brandon University hosts a public viewing of the Olympic broadcast from Rio de Janeiro. The gymnastics finals will be projected onto to large screens in Harvest Hall, the dining area at BU, for the public viewing. The show is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11, with doors open at 1:30 p.m. Public parking will be available for free in Lot 10 at BU, which is south of Louise Avenue beside the Healthy Living Centre. Signs will direct people to Harvest Hall, with the best entrance through the residence link north of Louise Avenue, near 20th Street. “I am so excited for Isabela, and I am thrilled that everyone here at Brandon University is so excited and supportive as well,” says BU Associate Professor Kelly Saunders, who is also board president at the Brandon Eagles Gymnastics Club where Onyshko trains. Saunders says the Eagles quickly realized a bigger BU location was needed for viewing the finals, after more than 70 people showed up for Sunday’s qualifying round, which they streamed at the club. Harvest Hall fits the bill, with seating for well over 200 in view of the screens, plus plenty more standing room. Brandon University will also be providing complimentary punch, popcorn and chips. “It’s an exceptional honour to welcome an Olympian to Brandon University this fall,” said BU President Gervan Fearon, who says he’ll be in Harvest Hall, glued to the competition. “More than 700 new students will be joining BU at our Orientation in September; Isabela Onyshko will be amongst them and her participation in the Olympics is part of her amazing experience, helping make up the special community here at BU.” Onyshko will perform routines on the balance beam, floor, vault and uneven bars during Thursday’s all-around competition. She’s also qualified for the balance beam final, next week. Saunders says that Onyshko, known by her nickname Bela, will continue her gymnastics training while studying at BU. “She’s unbelievably talented, intelligent, and most of all, she’s a lovely, lovely young woman,” Saunders says. “It’s one of the great things about BU, that we have such amazing people in our midst.” BU has another connection at the Rio Olympics. Two former BU Bobcats, Steve Baur and Shawnee Harle, are on the coaching staff of the Canadian women’s basketball team. Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, and educates students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. For More Information:   Kelly Saunders Associate Professor 204.727.9746 SaundersK@BrandonU.ca Grant Hamilton Marketing Communications Officer 204.571.8542 HamiltonG@BrandonU.ca

For people who own pets they realize that going to the vet for their dogs or cats can be stressful for them. This is where Brandon’s Petmobile and Dr. Liana Mawer comes to the rescue. BDNMB – Basically walk us through this. Do people call or Email to set up an appointment and you will come to their home with basically a Vet Clinic on wheels? Dr. Liana Mawer – Yes that is correct we can perform most routine tests and examinations. BDNMB – So would you look after or help anything other than cats or dogs? Dr. Liana Mawer – No just basically cats and dogs. BDNMB – How long has the Petmobile been in existence in Brandon? Dr. Liana Mawer – We have been in business now for over one year and many people do not know we exist. BDNMB – What makes you different? Dr. Liana Mawer – Low stress handling techniques using minimal restraint and trying to do things in a manner that will reduce pet stress. Plus we use Feliway sprays that are products that have a scent that smells like a lactating mom and has been shown to reduce stress. BDNMB – How can people reach you? Dr Liana Mawer – Cell 204 573 7266 or http://www.drlianamawer.ca/or https://www.facebook.com/Petmobile-Vet-Clinic-Inc-180692631987170

You put your home up for sale. You work hard to make it look attractive to potential buyers. Then, you finally get an offer. But there’s a catch. The offer comes with a string or two attached… a couple of “conditions”. Should you be worried? First of all, don’t panic. It’s common for offers to come with a condition or two. Sometimes an offer is conditional upon the buyer securing appropriate financing, or your property passing a home inspection. These types of conditions are usually dealt with in just a few days and then the offer becomes firm. (In other words, you’ve likely sold your house!) However, there are some types of offers that can be worrisome. For example, a buyer may make an offer to buy your home “conditional” upon him selling his current home for a specific price. Of course, there is the concern that the buyer won’t sell his home. Then the deal will fall through and you’ll have to put your home back on the market. As your REALTOR®, I can help you decide if a particular offer is worth accepting.