With numerous personal moves, a couple of major home renovations and preparing homes for sale, I have gained invaluable skills in planning, organizing, packing, moving and relocation just to name a few. One area in which I have particular interest and success is in the staging of a home. My spouse is an architect with specific focus on art and design. As a former teacher, I have always had an interest in art and although not professionally trained, was referred to as the unofficial "resident art instructor" at the elementary schools where I taught. My husband and I had to unexpectedly relocate from Chicago, Illinois to Winnipeg, MB. We had been living in our home for only 11 months and therefore, had not done any renovations or upgrades. We still had some college furnishings and the master bedroom did not even have furniture. My husband and I were sleeping on a mattress on the floor while we hopefully tried to save some money for new furniture in the near future. Being fairly recent college graduates and sinking our funds into our dream home we did not have a lot left over for extras. So on a shoestring budget of $500 we went to work to decorate and stage our home. A little paint, a few key items and a whole lot of creativity resulted in an appealing, tasteful and universally desirable looking home. The first potential purchasers through the home loved it and it sold in under a week! Subsequent renovations and home staging experiences resulted in the same results. We are now putting our knowledge and expertise to work for others. We provide guidance and advice to home sellers who are following the direction and/or having us personally prepare their homes for sale by assisting in the staging resulting in their homes selling with mulitple offers in under a week! A recent home sold with an offer of 40k over list price!  I LOVE helping people and seeing the look on the homeowner's face when they see the final results. The risk is to do the job so well that the home seller falls in love with their "new staged home" and thinks twice about selling.    

It's always good to keep up with information that benefits my buyers. Today I thought I would post the self-service process changes that the City of Winnipeg made back in 2018. A reminder to new homeowners that being informed can save you $$$. 

SPECIAL ALERT

Re: Education Property Tax Credit (EPTC) Self-Declaration Form

The City of Winnipeg has recently changed their administration process with respect to the provincial Education Property Tax Credit.  In previous years, this credit was automatically “transferred” to the new purchaser(s) of the property as long as their mailing address was the same as the property address.  Basically, the City of Winnipeg assumed that it was the purchaser(s) principal residence and automatically applied the credit on the tax bill for the future tax years.

As of December 27, 2018, we have noted that the City of Winnipeg has posted on its website that its administration process has changed requiring all purchasers to complete and return a Self-Declaration form to the City of Winnipeg in order to have the credit added to the property tax statement.  In order to apply to have the credit added to your property tax bill, you need to complete and return the form to the City of Winnipeg, Assessment and Taxation Department by March 15^th.  

In order to qualify for the Education Property Tax Credit Advance on your property tax bill:

1. The property must be your principal residence.
2. The property must be assessed as a single residential dwelling.
3. The homeowner cannot be receiving the credit on another home elsewhere in the Province.

If you do not receive the Education Property Tax Credit on your property tax bill and you are eligible for the credit, you can claim the tax credit on your income tax return.

If you have any questions with respect to the Education Property Tax Credit, please contact the City of Winnipeg Assessment and Taxation Department by telephone at 311 or email at 311@winnipeg.ca.

Summer's heating up and so is the real estate market, especially for sellers.  This lovely 1913 home filled with original stunning, architectural detail sold in less than a week over list price with multiple offers. I along with some colleagues from Realty Executives First Choice in Winnipeg, MB had the privilege of bringing this iconic home to market. This well-appointed home was a pleasure to show as I met friends of former owners and those seeking the unique character of a historic home. Not only did visitors reflect on the architectural character but they mused on the character of past residents... what was their story? How would the rooms have been used and who may have been the occupants over 100 years ago? Whether to choose an older home with history or a brand-new home is an individual choice. The benefits and experiences are as unique as the residents who occupy these dwellings. I LOVE the fact that I have the tools available to help people in this important and often emotional process of buying and selling a home. Whether it's a door opened with anticipation by an excited buyer or a door closed with fondness by a sentimental seller, I  am glad to help you move on to the next new and exciting adventure that lies ahead. #realestateinwinnipeg #soldovermarket #soldoverlist #realestatemarket #winnipeghomes

The phrase "unprecedented times" has become common place but also the best way to describe this new normal in which we now find ourselves.I have a glass head on my entry table affectionately named "Ursula". Ursula serves as our family mascot. My spouse likes to have Ursula hold his sun glasses for him, she has donned Santa Hsts and sported ball caps. In the midst of the Covid-19 lockdown I felt it only appropriate to have her wear my I-95 mask. Over the past few months my spouse worked from home and I was home on a leave from real estate. Spending so much time at home made me fully realize how much I LOVE where I live. Home represented more than just four walls and a roof it was indeed a peaceful refuge from the storms of life. A place to unwind, relax and rejuvenate in both mind, body and spirit. My husband is now back at work and I am now back to real estate with an increased appreciation and understanding of the significance of home and the importance of the unique fit of personal space to taste, lifestyle and culture. I have come out of this experience with the desire to help others find their own unique and perfect place. Perhaps these past months have caused you to realize that you need a change of scenery, a smaller home, a bigger home, a patio, a finished basement or bigger yard ....Whether it's buying or selling it would be my pleasure to help you make that sale or find that perfect fit.

What to expect once your home is on the market

By Todd Lewys