Graham Ogden : RE/MAX River City : Real Estate Blog : page 13

Some Spring Tips...and don't forget about Mom!

Posted on April 26, 2019 by Graham Ogden

Spring Yard Clean Up

Tackle a little early spring maintenance now to get your yard ready for the growth spirt.

April is notoriously unpredictable. Shrubs can be crusty with snow on the first of the month, and then, a couple of weeks later, temperatures can warm up enough for flower and leaf buds to show signs of life.

Still, some early spring cleanup tasks are sure things this time of year. So go ahead and remove burlap from trees and shrubs as the weather warms. Prune away winter-killed branches to make room for new growth. Cut back spent perennials and pull up old annuals if you didn't get around to it last fall. Then look around. "March is a good time to take stock of your yard and see if it's time to thin out crowded beds and do some transplanting to fill in bare spots," says This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook.

Here, a spring yard clean up checklist to tackle now to give your green patch a clean start.

1. Trees & Shrubs - Prune away dead and damaged branches.

Where tree or shrub branches have been damaged by cold, snow, and wind, prune back to live stems; use a handsaw for any larger than ½ inch in diameter. Shaping hedges with hand pruners, rather than electric shears, prevents a thick outer layer of growth that prohibits sunlight and air from reaching the shrub's center. At right, Roger neatens up a yew by pruning wayward shoots back to an intersecting branch. Prune summer-flowering shrubs, such as Rose of Sharon, before buds swell, but wait to prune spring bloomers, like forsythia, until after they flower. Trim overgrown evergreens back to a branch whose direction you want to encourage.

2. Perennials & Grasses - Cut back and divide perennials as needed.

Prune flowering perennials to a height of 4–5 inches and ornamental grasses to 2–3 inches to allow new growth to shoot up. Where soil has thawed, dig up perennials, such as daylilies and hostas, to thin crowded beds; divide them, leaving at least three stems per clump, and transplant them to fill in sparse areas. Cut back winter-damaged rose canes to 1 inch below the blackened area. On climbers, keep younger green canes and remove older woody ones; neaten them up by bending the canes horizontally and tipping the buds downward. Use jute twine or gentle Velcro fasteners to hold the canes in place.

3. Beds & Borders - Clean Up Around Plants.

Next on the spring yard clean up checklist, rake out fallen leaves and dead foliage (which can smother plants and foster disease), pull up spent annuals, and toss in a wheelbarrow with other organic yard waste. Once the threat of frost has passed, Roger also removes existing mulch to set the stage for a new layer once spring planting is done. Push heaved plants back into flower beds and borders, tamping them down around the base with your foot, or use a shovel to replant them. Now is a good time to spread a pelletized fertilizer tailored to existing plantings on the soil's surface so that spring rains can carry it to the roots. Add a 5-10-10 fertilizer around bulbs as soon as they flower to maximize bloom time and feed next season's growth. Use pins to fasten drip irrigation lines that have come loose and a square-head shovel to give beds a clean edge and keep turf grass from growing into them.

4. Composting - Compost Yard Waste.

Dump collected leaves, cuttings, spent foliage, and last season's mulch into your compost pile, or make a simple corral by joining sections of wire fence (available at home centers) into a 3-by-3-by-3-foot cube like the one above. Shred leaves and chip branches larger than ½ inch in diameter to accelerate decomposition, or add a bagged compost starter to the pile. Keep the pile as moist as a wrung-out sponge, and aerate it with a pitchfork every two weeks. Just don't add any early spring weeds that have gone to seed—they might not cook completely and could sprout instead.

5. Lawn Care - Prep Damaged Lawn Areas for Spring Seeding.

In colder climates grass starts growing in April, but early spring is a good time to test the soil's pH so that you can assemble the right amendments. Remove turf damaged by salt, plows, or disease to prepare for the seeding that should follow in a few weeks. Work in a ½-inch layer of compost to keep the new seed moist, increasing the germination rate. Begin seeding once forsythia starts blooming in your area. In warmer climates, March is a good time to add the first dose of fertilizer and crabgrass treatment. Remove dead turf with a square metal rake, then flip it over to spread compost.

6. Paths & Patios - Neaten Up Hardscape Surfaces.

Rake escaped gravel back into aggregate walkways and patios, and order more gravel to spread in large depressions, which often form near the driveway's apron. Refill joints between flagstones by sweeping in new sand or stone dust; water with a hose to set it, then repeat. If the freeze-thaw cycle has heaved pavers out of place, remove them and replenish the base material as needed before setting pavers back in. Use a pressure washer with a low pressure tip to remove slippery algae spots or leaf stains from patios and walkways.

7. Fences & Trellises - Patch or replace and paint worn wood.

Remove badly rotted or damaged pickets, boards, or lattice, then scrub wood structures clean with a mix of 2 gallons water, 2 quarts bleach, and 1 cup liquid soap; let dry. Patch rotted sections with wood epoxy; install new wood as needed. Check wobbly fence posts to see if they need replacing.

Celebrating Mother's with These Fun Activities

Sure, Mother's Day gifts are always a nice surprise, but this holiday isn't about spending a ton of money—it's about spending quality time with one of the most important people in your life. Instead of (or in addition to) a flower delivery or a sweet message, treat Mom to a day that's all about her. Whether she likes to get out and explore or stay in and relax, our fun activities and ideas for things to do together will make this Mother's Day one she'll remember forever.

Sign Up for a Cooking Class - Considering Mom probably taught you everything you know in the culinary department, taking your cooking skills to the next level together couldn't be more fitting.

Visit a Museum - The art or history buff will loving having a Mother's Day museum buddy.

Sweat It Out - Kick off Mother's Day on a healthy note by trying a new workout class together. Not only is this an incredible bonding activity, but you'll both feel energized and ready to tackle more activities.

Treat Her to a Meal Out - Everyone should get a break from cooking on Mom's special day. Whether it be breakfast or brunch, lunch or dinner, take Mom out for a meal at her favorite restaurant.

Host a Happy Hour at Home - Show off your bartending skills by making delicious drinks at home. If your mixing skills are minimal, just pop open a bottle of bubbly and get the celebration started!

Go Antiquing - There's nothing more exciting for collectors than discovering a beautiful future heirloom. Take Mom to different antique stores around town and help her find some treasures.

Serve Breakfast in Bed - Start off Mom's special day with a tray full of her favorite breakfast goodies delivered right to her bed. As she's enjoying her meal, clean up the kitchen to really impress her. She'll feel like a queen!

Explore the Great Outdoors - Get outside and enjoy the fresh air with your mom leading the way. Whether you go for a long hike or a short walk, it will feel great to get up and get moving—especially before you enjoy plenty of Mother's Day desserts.

Craft Away the Day - Set up Mom's craft room with new supplies to surprise her and spend the day creating memories and art to last a lifetime.

Make Dinner Together - If Mom loves to cook, join her in the kitchen by making a delicious dinner together, like these chipotle chicken fajitas. If you really want to treat her, keep her out of the kitchen and treat her to a homemade meal—complete with a Mother's Day cake, of course!

Go on a Road Trip - Nothing is as therapeutic as the open road, and road trips are a great way to get away from the distractions of every day life. It's a time to have some heart-to-heart conversations or blast your favorite tunes.

Plan a Picnic - Skip the noisy, pricey restaurant and instead lay out a picnic in a quiet corner of the park. The beautiful outdoors, a loving family, and delicious food make for lasting memories.

Visit a Farmers' Market - If your mom enjoys fresh produce and local goodies, she'll love walking around a bustling farmers' market on a nice spring day. As she's enjoying the market, you can treat her to some last-minute Mother's Day flowers.

Host a Brunch - Who wouldn't love waking up to the smell of a delicious brunch made just for you?! Recruit the rest of the family to help make a fabulous brunch spread that will be sure to impress your mom.

Spend Time in Her Garden - Visit the local nursery and have mom pick out some new flowers or vegetables for her garden, then help her plant them with you get home. Pitch in with weeding or watering while you're at it—she'll appreciate the gesture.

Schedule a Massage - Treat your hardworking mom to some well-deserved time with a massage therapist. She'll leave feeling completely rejuvenated.

Throw a Tea Party - Mother's Day falls during that magical time of year when the weather is pleasantly warm (but not hot) and the trees and flowers are blooming once more, so why not move the party outside? A garden tea party is a special and elegant way to honor mom, and it's an excuse to make fancy finger sandwiches.

Bake Something Together - If your love of baking comes from your mom, enjoy one of your favorite activities together by baking a gorgeous cake for the whole family to enjoy. We love this strawberry limeade cake with cream cheese frosting—and if you go berry picking too, you can even use those strawberries you collected.

Take Her to a Movie - It sounds simple, but how often do you go out to watch a new movie with your mom? Share a bag of popcorn and enjoy talking about the film afterward.

Treat Her to a Manicure - Freshly trimmed nails and a flawless new color will make her feel like a million bucks.

Modern Windermere Condo $289,999 SEE MORE	Close to Rogers Place $268,000 SEE MORE
Amazing Investment Opportunity $410,000 SEE MORE	Double-Wide Mobile Home $120,000 SEE MORE
Starter Home with Great Potential $269,000 SEE MORE	Stunning Upgraded Condo $314,000 SEE MORE

...

Read

No Bank of Canada Rate Change

Posted on April 24, 2019 by Graham Ogden

The Bank of Canada announced today that it is keeping its key rate unchanged, downgrading the economic forecast and no longer referencing the need for future rate hikes. The Bank noted that low oil prices and transportation constraints continue to affect the energy sector. Trade policy uncertainty and the global slowdown are also weighing negatively on other sectors. Weaker housing and consumer spending have also contributed to slower growth.

Even though the economy is expected to improve, the Bank...

Read

February 2019 Statistics

Posted on March 14, 2019 by Graham Ogden

Edmonton Market Report for March 2019

Unit Sales and Average Prices Up in February

When compared to January 2019, unit sales across all categories increased, with single family home sales increasing 23.31%, condo sales increasing 26.05% and duplex/rowhouse sales increasing 17.53%. Year over year sales are down in all major categories, with single family homes sales decreasing 2.73%, condo sales decreasing 6.62% and duplex/rowhouses sales decreasing 9.60%. Year to date sales for all residential categories were down 11.01% compared to February 2018.

Average unit prices rose from last month, but are down from February 2018. The average price of a single-family home was $430,000, which was an increase of 6.36 % compared to January 2019 but down 2.73% compared to February 2018. The average price of a condo was $222,267, an increase of 1.64% from January 2019 but a decrease of 6.62% year over year.

Duplex/townhouses saw a small decrease from January 2019, with the average price falling 0.24% to $321,288, and a 9.60% drop relative to February 2018.

“February tends to see the start of an increase in unit sales in the real estate market following the sluggish winter months, and this year is no different,” says REALTORS® Association of Edmonton Chair Michael Brodrick.

“Inventory remains high and compared to last year the market is still lagging, but we are hopeful the traditional upward trend for spring holds true this year.”

Inventory has risen 4.89% higher compared to January 2019 and 4.31% over February 2018. However, listings continue to decrease, slipping 5.64% month over month and 8.55% year over year.

Days on market decreased for all home types compared to January 2019. Single family homes spent an average 70 days on market, condos averaged 76 days, and duplex/rowhouses averaged 80 days. Overall, the average days on market for all residential properties was 73, which was 11 days shorter than January 2019 and nine days longer over February 2018.

Click here for more information on the Edmonton Market Repor t or to view the complete stats package

Modern Windermere Condo $289,999 SEE MORE	Close to Rogers Place $278,000 SEE MORE

...

Read

Bank of Canada Holds Key Rate

Posted on March 11, 2019 by Graham Ogden

The Bank of Canada announced today that it is keeping its key rate unchanged. The Bank noted that while a slowing economy was anticipated in late 2018 and early 2019, the slowdown was in fact "sharper and more broadly based" than expected. While there was growth in employment and labour income, consumer spending, the housing market, exports and business investment all fell short of expectations. As a result, the Bank is now pointing to increased uncertainty about...

Read

Tax Time!

Posted on February 26, 2019 by Graham Ogden

Tax Tips for Canadians

No Canadian likes taxes, but if you do a little tax planning and claim all the credits and deductions available to you, you may just change your tune. These helpful articles provide tips on how to reduce the tax you pay so you keep more of your money, answer the most common Canadian tax questions, and tell you where to turn for tax help.

Top 5 Tax Return Questions

When should you file your Canadian tax return? How do you get missing tax forms from the Canada Revenue Agency? These are just a couple of the common questions that arise at tax time. This article gives you the answers you need to eliminate tax-time stress and worry.

Where do I file?

If you choose to paper-file your return, the address where you send your tax return depends on where you live. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) sends you mailing labels in your tax package each year, but if you’ve misplaced them you can visit the CRA Web site to obtain the address of the tax office where you should send your return. You can also call 1-800-959-8281 to request this information.

When is my return due?

Your income tax return is due on April 30 each year, or June 15 if you or your spouse ran a business in the year, although if you owe tax your payment is due on or before April 30). If you owe taxes, make sure your return is transmitted or postmarked before midnight on the due date to avoid late-filing penalties and interest.

What happens if I file late?

If you file your return late and you owe taxes, you’ll automatically be charged a penalty of 5 percent of your balance owing. On top of that, you’ll face a penalty of 1 percent of the balance owing for each month your return remains outstanding, to a maximum of 12 months. And don’t forget the interest: the CRA charges interest, compounded daily, on outstanding balances and penalties. At the time of writing, the interest rate on overdue taxes was 5 percent, but this could change quarterly.

Can I change my return if I find a mistake?

Yes, you can file a T1 Adjustment using form T1-ADJ, “T1 Adjustment Request,” to amend your return for any mistakes you may find after the fact. You can also request changes online under the “My Account” option on the CRA Web site.

Where can I get missing forms?

The majority of the CRA forms are available for download from the CRA Web site. To order forms by phone, call 1-800-959-2221. If you’re missing the package and guide sent to you by the CRA, you can pick up a copy at your local post office.

Top Tax Reduction Tips for Canadians

Just about every Canadian wants to pay less in taxes. This article spells out the best ways to reduce what you owe the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), from Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) contributions to pension income splitting. Follow these four tips and you will lower your taxes!

Save in tax-efficient accounts.

When you have extra cash to invest, make sure you invest it in a way that allows you to pay the least amount of tax possible. When you are working, that means contributing to your RRSP every year since you get a tax deduction for the contribution made. In addition, all investment income earned is free from tax. You don’t pay tax until withdrawals are made. And everyone in Canada over the age of 18 should set up a TFSA to their maximum ability. Why? You pay no tax on investment earnings and all withdrawals are tax free. Why pay tax on investment earnings if you don’t have to?

Income split for family tax savings.

There are many ways to share your tax burden with others in your family. For seniors receiving pension or Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) payments, pension income splitting between spouses means you can now cut your tax bill and potentially reduce the impact of the Old Age Security (OAS) clawback! You can also share your Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits for more tax savings. For those with investment assets, and family members taxed at lower rates there are many strategies such as a prescribed rate loan that can help share the tax burden. The key is to know when income splitting is legally possible.

File your tax return on time.

While filing your return on time won’t technically reduce your tax liability, it will help you avoid costly penalties and interest. If you don’t file on time, and you owe money, penalties are charged. In addition, if you don’t ante up on your tax bill, the interest payments can be huge. You might be better off taking out a bank loan to pay the tax if you can secure a lower rate than the CRA will charge you. File and pay by April 30 to avoid these costs.

Take advantage of tax-free perks at work.

Employees often think there is nothing they can do to reduce their tax burden; however, there may be many perks offered at work that you can take advantage of and not pay any additional tax. Some items to ask for include RRSP or pension contributions paid by your employer, employment related moving costs, personal counselling, up to $10,000 of death benefits, education costs, in-house fitness facilities, in house daycare services and merchandise discounts, among others.