September 2014

How to Make the Most of Small-

Space Living Living in small spaces is increasingly becoming the norm for Canadians in urban centres like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. As cities become denser and real estate prices increase, square footages often shrink.

Not that this is always a bad thing: small spaces can mean less to clean, less opportunity for clutter, and a cozier home.

But they do require additional creativity and strategic planning. The following ideas offer starting points for small space owners:

Think up and down: Working vertically will maximize your storage space and give it pizzazz. Slide dust-free boxes with bedclothes or clothing under beds for extra storage and place decorative items on shelves above doorways.

Double-duty: Think about rooms and furniture as serving two or more purposes. A living room with a pull-out couch turns into a guest room; some coffee tables transform into dining tables.

Less stuff, more style: A small space means paring down what you own, from clothing to books to knick-knacks. Concentrate not on volume, but on effect. One great piece of art can have more impact than 10 smaller ones.

Mirrors: This old trick is still around for a reason: It works. Strategically placed mirrors help a space feel much larger. Play around with positioning to see where your mirrors have the greatest effect.

Go light and airy: Light colours open up a room; dark colours box it in. Acrylic and glass will add to that airy feeling. Separate rooms or hide storage behind a light-coloured curtain, panel, or screen.

Who’s Sharing and Why: Profiles of Online Sharers

Today, it seems that everyone is sharing. They share selfies and funny stories, political opinions, and restaurant reviews. And they do it online. You are who you follow online, and popular sharers have loads of friends and followers. A recent StatPro infographic published on marketingprofs.com looked deeply into “The Psychology of Sharing” and presented us with profiles of sharers.

Categories of sharers: The Altruist is likely pretty popular: he or she is thoughtful and helpful, and can probably tell you why your computer crashed. Not a fan of social media, the Altruist shares by email. Another popular sharer is the Selective, who uses social media and email and is always very careful to share informative content that is tailored to you. It’s no surprise that the Careerist is business-focused and a networking guru. And it figures he or she shares on LinkedIn.

Boomerangs are usually the first to know things, and their friends and followers are next. They are Twitter and Facebook fans; we might have called them gossipers in the old days. Both Connectors and Hipsters organize their offline social lives online, and both are creative. Hipsters, in particular, are unlikely to share via email.

Why share? Unsurprisingly, 94 percent of sharers do so for entertainment, others promote causes (84%) and nourish relationships (78%), while many (69%) find self-fulfillment in sharing. Sadly, 68 percent define their identity online. True, many sharers are young, but StatPro has some more news for us: The fastest growing demographic on Twitter are sharing boomers; 55 to 64-year-olds.

Thinking of Buying a Home? Get My Free Guide

Page 1

September 2014

Buying a home is a complex process with many factors to consider. Prepare for the decisions you’ll need to make along the way by requesting my free report, “10 Easy Steps to Buying a Home.”

Just call me at 204-333-2202 and I’ll send it right out to you.

Page 2

2013 and April 2014.

It’s not just that young people don’t send messages (and seldom check to see if they’ve had any); many actually don’t know how to leave one. As a result, a flurry of etiquette experts are filling the gap, teaching young adults how to properly record voice messages. As these experts suggest, texting may work with your friends, but the professional world still uses voicemail. And someday soon this generation will have to learn to use it, too, whether they’re anxious about leaving messages (as many people have suggested) or not.

As a result, the etiquette trainers are encouraging their students to write scripts and practice their messages before recording them – a technique designed to make them feel less vulnerable when they hear a beep.

Is voice mail going the way of yesterday’s clunky answering machines?

Talk to any young teen, and you’d certainly think so. Most don’t even check their smartphone mailboxes regularly; they use their phones to text.

A Pew Research Center study found that 12 to 17-year-olds sent an average of 60 text messages daily in 2011. Other studies conducted since have confirmed that this age group is definitely not into voicemail. Nor are their older brothers and sisters; according to a recent Experian study, young adults between 18 and 24 send 2,022 texts a month (67 a day) and receive 1,831.

So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Vonage, an Internet phone company, found the number of voice messages dropped by 8 percent between October

Wondering How Much Your Home Is Worth? How has the price of your home changed in today’s market? How much are other homes in your neighbourhood selling for?

If you're wondering what's happening to prices in your area, or you're thinking about selling your house, I'll be able to help.

Just give my office a call for a no-fuss, professional evaluation.

I won't try to push you into listing with me or waste your time.

I'll just give you the honest facts about your home and its value.

And maybe I'll also give you the “inside scoop” on what's happening in the housing market near where you live!

Just give my office a call at 204-333-2202 to arrange an appointment.

Alternatively, stop by at the office. The address is on the back page of this newsletter.

Quick Quiz Each month I’ll give you a new -question.

Just email me at boknowshomes@gmail.com or call 204-333-2202 for the answer.

What is it called when a new or full moon is in closest proximity to Earth?

Why Not Pass Me to a Friend? If you’ve enjoyed this newsletter and found its information useful, please pass it to a neighbour, friend or co-worker.

And if you have any comments about it, don’t forget to give me a call or send me an email!

Worth Reading 10 Simple Tricks to Make Your Brain Do What You Want By Angela Booth Lifehack.org

You don’t need a neuroscience degree to learn how to re-wire your brain – just some garbage bags, a playlist of positive music, a pair of running shoes, and some carob. Among the tips on how to get your brain up to scratch are the obvious, such as removing clutter and avoiding processed foods, and the surprising, such as scheduling creative tasks for times when you’re tired. More: http://tinyurl.com/Worth-Reading1

Online Brain-Training: Does it Really Work? By Elizabeth Day The Observer

Elizabeth Day wanted to be a better journalist. Or maybe she just wanted to perfect her bartending skills. Regardless, she learned that using online memory-training exercises doesn’t guarantee increased intelligence. Apparently, video games may work equally well. More: http://tinyurl.com/Worth-Reading2

The 10 Best Apps to Train Your Brain By Perry Santanachote The Huffington Post

Curious about which brain-training games are worth your time and money? Consider these apps, which may boost your mental health. Many are free, as they were originally developed as treatment tools, such as the one created to support returning soldiers with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. But the author cautions that an app can never replace a comprehensive mental health care program. More: http://tinyurl.com/Worth-Reading3

Please Don’t Leave a Message … Is Call Answer on Its Way Out?

Increasingly, people are joining the sandwich generation: Raising their own children while caring for aging family members. Among the concerns the sandwich generation faces: A parent’s move from the family home to a condo, retirement home, or long-term care facility.

Moving can intimidate anyone, but especially seniors. They may have lived in their home for decades, making moving emotionally difficult. Diminishing physical and mental health may require special support. And seniors may be more vulnerable to fraud. (Consider recent media reports on rogue movers.)

Fortunately for their families, the burden of helping their older relatives relocate can now be shared. Accredited Senior

Page 3

Agents (ASAs) are real estate professionals who have received extra training in dealing with elderly people. In their role as senior specialists, they are connected to a network of other professionals, from social workers to movers and lawyers to antique dealers.

Their focus is to help seniors and their families navigate this major transition, so one of the first things they’ll do is conduct a needs assessment to determine not only what could be done to sell the property, but also whether there are accommodations that could be made to allow them to stay in their home.

While they may ultimately get the listing, it’s not the focus. Accredited Senior Agents usually are paid a fee for coordinating the myriad of services this

kind of a transition will entail. ASAs have connections to lawyers and accountants specializing in wills, estate-planning, and tax law. They’re also familiar with the retirement homes or long-term care facilities their clients may be considering. And they recognize the sentimental aspect of a senior’s move – like what happens to the treasures they’ve accumulated during the years. So they’ll also advise on antique dealers and can organize a garage or estate sale, if requested. To the seniors and members of the sandwich generation, their services are priceless.

Real Estate Specialists Ease Seniors’ Transitions

Ask the Agent: This Month’s Question

What factors go into a CMA?

Real estate agents use a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to value a property and establish the correct selling price. This is important whether you are selling or buying. Here are some factors we look at:

Active Listings: These are listings for homes for sale in your neighbourhood. It’s important that the asking price not stray too far from them.

Pending Listings: These listings have received an offer, but the transaction isn’t complete. They can show local market trends.

Sold Listings: This all-important factor shows what properties in your area actually sold for.

Cancelled Listings: These are the prices of expired or cancelled listings. For some reason they didn’t sell. It’s important to find out why.

With a CMA, the comparables must be just that: comparable. Agents look for houses with similar square footage, amenities, upgrades, age, and location.

Parking Bingo May Be a Thing of the Past You soon may be able to say goodbye to the competitive sport of finding a parking space. MonkeyParking, a new parking app used in Rome (and currently on hold in San Francisco) allows a MonkeyParker who has a spot but will be leaving soon to announce the about-to-be-vacancy to other Monkey users, who can then offer from $5 for the spot.

For example, you announce that you’re wrapping up your shopping at a busy mall during the holiday season. You start receiving bids for your spot. When you leave, you’re automatically connected to the highest bidder. They park. You get paid.

The app is also very useful for universities or hospitals where you need to be on time. The idea is that you’re exchanging money for space by communicating via smartphone. Except for the phone, it sounds like a parking lot . . . except they’re always full.

Social media loves the new app, but San Francisco officials aren’t quite sure if it’s legal. The app founders are trying to drum up business in other locales, but don’t make plans for MonkeyParking in your city just yet.

The teenage years are described as “that awkward moment between your birth and your death.” Or maybe more . . .

Teenage Angst #5004: Not paying attention. With dire consequences. Like the 9th grader who accidentally transcribed a conversation with her best friend about a boy she liked into the school newspaper’s horoscope section.

Teenage Angst #387: Communication failure. Example: the boy who finally

This Month’s Smile: Teenage Angst

decides to confess his undying love to his secret crush but slipped the note into the wrong locker.

Teenage Angst # 4: Domestic miscommunication: “My parents say it’s their house, but when it’s time to clean, it magically becomes my house too.”

Ah, those awkward but instructive moments!

Page 4

Winnipeg Real Estate

Bo Kauffmann

Recipe: Coconut Braised Spinach and

Chickpeas Serves 4

1 tablespoon oil 1 small onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced ½ cup seeded and chopped red bell pepper 1 large lemon, zest and juice 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained 1 pound baby spinach 15-ounce can coconut milk 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons ground ginger

Directions

Heat oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until it begins to brown – about 5 minutes. Add garlic, pepper and lemon zest and stir for another 3 minutes. Add chickpeas and cook over high heat for a few minutes until everything is coated with the onion and garlic mixture.

Add spinach in several batches until all is included and wilted. Add coconut milk, salt, ginger, and lemon juice. Lower heat, cover, and cook for 10 minutes or until everything is warmed through. If needed, add more salt and lemon juice.

This newsletter and any information contained herein are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial or medical advice. The publisher takes great efforts to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this newsletter. However, we will not be responsible at any time for any errors or omissions or any damages, howsoever caused, that result from its use. Seek competent professional advice and/or legal counsel with respect to any matter discussed or published in this newsletter. This newsletter is not intended to cause or induce breach of an existing agency agreement. Winnipeg Real Estate is brought to you free by: Bo Kauffmann Remax Performance Realty 942 St. Marys Road Winnipeg Manitoba 204-333-2202 boknowshomes@gmail.com WinnipegHomeFinder.com

Sudoku instructions: Complete the 9x9 grid so that each row, each column and each of the nine 3x3 boxes contains the digits 1 through 9. Contact me for the solution!

 

Page 1 of 2Bo Kauffmann Client Buyer Report w/ Map Plus

14 Norcross Crescent , Winnipeg R3X 1H8

MLS® #: Status:1417626 ActiveRoyalwoodNeighbr:Area: 2J

DOM: 44

List Price: $389,900List Date: 07/19/2014

$211.79LP/SQFT:Single Family DetachedType:

Use:Two StoreyStyle:

Year Built: Age: Older1994

Liv Area: 171.03 M2/1,841 SFFin Bsmnt: 0.00 M2/0 SFBasement: Full

Bsmnt Dev: Partially Finished15.24 M/50 FFrontage:

35.97 M/118 FDepth:Lot Area:Gross Tax: Year: 14$4,433.63

BDA: TBD: FB:RMA: 3 38 2 HB: 1 EN:

One-owner, 1840 sq ft. Ladco-built Royalwood home. Spacious entry leads to the living room/dining room with vaulted

ceilings. Large eat-in kitchen, with appliances included, features patio door leading to the patio and gorgeous back

yard. Sunken family room with gas fireplace. Laundry room with sink, plus a 2 pc bath complete the main floor.

Upstairs you'll find 3 bedrooms, including the generously sized Master, complete with 4-piece en-suite. The basement

is mostly finished, with a nice rec room, and a small den which contains the R.I.P. for future bathroom. For upgrades,

this home has had shingles replaced in 07, A/C was done in '12, and most of the tri-pane windows have had their glass

replaced over the years. This home shows extra clean, is well cared for and ready for your family to enjoy. Great

neighbourhood, close to bus, shopping and parks.

Lot Dim:

Fireplace:

Remodel:

Lot Shape:

Pool:Garage:

FP Fuel:

Heating:

# FP:Glass Door

Other remarks

Normal

Gas

Forced Air

Y

Double AttachedParking:

Fenced, Landscape, Landscaped patio, No Back Lane, Public TransportationSite Influ:

Features: Air Conditioning-Central, Exterior walls, 2x6", High-Efficiency Furnace, No Pet Home, No Smoking Home,

Patio, Sump Pump

Alarm system, Blinds, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Garage door opener, Garage door opener remote(s),

Stove, Vacuum built-in, Window Coverings

Goods Incl:

Room L Dimen DimenLRoom DimenLRoom

Approximate Room Dimensions

MLiving Room 11.58X13.00 MEat-In Kitchen 18.50X11.83 MDining Room 11.58X9.50

MFamily Room 15.00X12.83 MLaundry Room 7.83X8.50 MTwo Piece Bath

UMaster Bedroom 16.83X11.67 UBedroom 10.83X9.83 UBedroom 11.83X9.07

U4 Piece EN Bath UFour Piece Bath BRecreation Room 33.50X11.00

# Baths 1PC: 2PC: 3PC: 4PC: 5PC: 6PC: # En 1PC: 2PC: 3PC: 4PC: 5PC: 6PC:0 01 00 01 10 00 0

Information deemed reliable but cannot be guaranteed | Tax Amount includes Education Tax, Improvements, Special Levies | Bo Kauffmann | 09/01/2014 - 10:25AM

Page 2 of 2Bo Kauffmann Client Buyer Report w/ Map Plus

#113 3271 Pembina Highway , Winnipeg R3V 1T7

MLS® #:

List Price:

Status:1420077 Active

$209,900

DOM:List Date: 08/14/2014

18

Area: Neighbr: St Norbert

$139.93LP/SQFT:ApartmentType:

Use:

Style: One Level

Year Built: Age: Older1985

1500 SFLiv Area:Fin Bsmnt: 0.00 M2/0 SF

NoneBasement:Gross Tax: Year: 14$2,925.80

RMA: 7 BDA: 2 TBD: 2 FB: 2 HB: 0 EN:

1Q

No cramped spaces here. This is easily the best Value in South of the Border Condos. 1500 sq ft unit with 2 spacious

bedrooms, 2 full baths, a den (easily used as a 3rd bedroom), insuite laundry, lots of storage space and a new furnace

and c/air unit (no baseboard heat). Upgrades include all-hardwood flooring in bedrooms,den, dining and living rooms

as well as the gorgeous 4-season sunroom. Updated ensuite with all new fixtures, tiled floors and more. Open design

layout, with nice kitchen, (including all appliances) spacious dining room and living room with gas fireplace. Not your

average condo....more space than you might expect. Comes with one parking spot, extra parking avail for rent and lots

of visitor parking. Close to bus routes, shopping and a few minutes from the U. of M.

Corp #:

Name:

Strg #::

Condo Fee: $489.80 Monthly

Unit: % Ownr:

Mgmt Cmp:

# Units:

Reserve:

# Project:

Pool:Garage: N

78

Brydges .. Gil Robin 204-489

1.550 $137,409

South of the Border

182

0

13

42

Fee Incl: Contribution to Reserve Fund, Hot Water, Insurance-Common Area, Landscaping/Snow Removal,

Management, Parking, Water

GasFP Fuel:# FP:Glass DoorFireplace:

Plug-In, Outdoor StallParking:

Remodel: Bathroom, Flooring, Furnace, Other remarks

Public TransportationSite Influ:

Features: Air Conditioning-Central, High-Efficiency Furnace, Jetted Tub, Main floor full bathroom, No Pet Home, No

Smoking Home, Sunroom

Amenities: Elevator, In-Suite Laundry, Visitor Parking, Professional Management, Security Entry

Blinds, Dryer, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Stove, Window Coverings, WasherGoods Incl:

Restrictions: No Pets

Room L Dimen DimenLRoom DimenLRoom

Approximate Room Dimensions

MLiving Room 15.83X13.00 MKitchen 12.00X9.00 MDining Room 12.00X11.00

MSunroom 15.00X13.00 MDen 9.00X11.00 MMaster Bedroom 15.00X12.00

MBedroom 12.67X10.00 MFour Piece Bath M3 Piece EN Bath

# Baths 1PC: 2PC: 3PC: 4PC: 5PC: 6PC: # En 1PC: 2PC: 3PC: 4PC: 5PC: 6PC:0 00 00 11 00 00 0

Information deemed reliable but cannot be guaranteed | Tax Amount includes Education Tax, Improvements, Special Levies | Bo Kauffmann | 09/01/2014 - 10:25AM