Back to basics

Forgoing fancy options can reduce a home's price significantly

As anyone who's bought a new home knows, it can be -- to say the least -- a challenging process. One of the biggest challenges (if not the biggest) is staying on budget. After watching all the shows on HGTV, it . . .

Posted: 2015-02-07

Realistic real estate

Home is priced to reflect a balanced market

With today's balanced real estate market, it's critical for sellers to list their homes at a realistic price. Why? It's simple. If a home -- no matter how good it is -- is overpriced, it might sit on the market for . . .

Posted: 2015-02-07

MLS home sales strong in January

The new year is off to a strong start for Winnipeg’s resale-homes market after it posted its third best January for sales of properties through the Multiple Listing Service. A total of 588 properties changed hands last month through the local . . .

Posted: 2015-02-05

Hearty heritage

Seed collectors are helping to keep crops alive for future generations AND THEY'RE READY AND WILLING TO SHARE

What are the benefits of growing plants from seed? Sure, it's more economical to start your own plants but isn't the extra work unnecessary when you can just buy ready-to-go plants at the greenhouse in late spring? Browse through one of . . .

Posted: 2015-01-31

Economist bears good news for home sales

Winnipeg Realtors recently held a breakfast session featuring respected economist Benjamin Tal. Tal spoke to a sold-out audience about the economy in general and, more specifically, the housing market. His message was good news mixed with some caution. He noted the lower . . .

Posted: 2015-01-31

Avoid the dryer when dyeing jeans

QUESTION: My problem was one that you mentioned in the paper about dyeing jeans. I tried on three occasions to dye faded jeans using RIT dye, (Royal Blue) and I got the colour I wanted. Then I tried setting the . . .

Posted: 2015-01-31

Watch out for extra moisture in sun tunnels

Question: In a previous edition of the Winnipeg Free Press, you addressed the question relating to the removal of skylights. You highlighted general concerns about the installation of skylights, such as condensation and leakage. These are concerns I share. There . . .

Posted: 2015-01-31

Get creative with blank wall canvases

Here I go again, telling you how easy it is to create your own art canvases for your home. Well, if you haven't tried it yet, why not? If you've priced out any paintings or prints recently you will realize . . .

Posted: 2015-01-31

Batt insulation can lead to mould grief

An uninsulated basement can account for up to 30 per cent of the total energy loss of a house. This chilling statistic has motivated many homeowners to reduce their monthly electric or gas heating bills by insulating their basements with fibreglass . . .

Posted: 2015-01-31

Relationship between contractor and homeowner is a partnership

Sometimes when I speak to homeowners they're confused about what they think a contractor is responsible for versus what they need to cover. Homeowners sometimes think a contractor will take care of everything during a renovation. The truth is the . . .

Posted: 2015-01-31