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        <title>Maxwell Rockies Realty: Columbia Valley Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.scott.forsale/blog/</link>
        <description>Scott Sauermann - Maxwell Rockies Realty: Columbia Valley Real Estate Blog </description>
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    <guid>https://www.scott.forsale/blog/local-gems.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.scott.forsale/blog/local-gems.html</link>
        <author>scott@scott.forsale (Scott Sauermann)</author>
        <title>Local Gems - Favourite Places, Faces and Getaways of the Columbia Valley, BC</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


It’s no wonder Nipika is rated 8 on USA Today’s Top Ten Best cross country ski destinations in North America* list. 












Boasting over 100 kilometres* of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing, our Rocky Mountain winters are quick to transform Nipika Mountain Resort into one of the continent’s best cross-country ski playgrounds.





Treasured by locals and travellers alike, Nipika treats visitors to breathtaking vistas, made even more spectacular by the fresh mountain air.  Skiers “enjoy varied terrain, from open areas with big mountain views to wooded paths along the Kootenay and Cross Rivers.”* 


For those colder days, warming huts are conveniently placed throughout the trails, ensuring everyone has a comfortable and memorable experience.


Make an evening of it, have dinner or perhaps extend your stay a little longer - the resort amenities are first class and hard to resist As a certified Eco resort, everything is designed to bring you in touch with your experience - from your self-propelled excursions to ecologically sound, locally sourced cuisine.  Need to get back to town? No problem - Nipika is centrally located, only 20 minutes from downtown Radium Hot Springs 





The resort also maintains dedicated fat bike and snowshoe trails, making Nipika the perfect all-round getaway, whether you are looking for something fun for the whole family, a romantic couple’s escape, an adventure destination for the gang, even an ideal setting for the next annual corporate retreat.  And yes, the fur kids are welcome and may hit the trails, too For our bigger four-legged friends, Board n Bale holidays are available for horse owners “looking for a spectacular place for a riding getaway.”  





Not a cold weather fan?  Nipika is a four season destination, with plenty of activities the whole year through.  One experience will keep you coming back, no matter the weather.





Check out my video, the first of many to come in a new &quot;Local Gems&quot; series where I will highlight some of my favourite local destinations - the best food, hidden hot spots, great neighbourhoods, parks, local people, services … and more  





The Columbia Valley is truly a mountain lover’s paradise, one that I am proud to call my home.  If you would like to make it yours, give me a call  





“I Have the Valley Covered”





Stay tuned 





Scott





Scott Sauermann, Owner/REALTOR®


Maxwell Rockies Realty - Radium


“I Live the Valley”





e. scott@scott.forsale


m. (250) 342-5889


w. www.scott.forsale




 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 01 Apr 2023 19:01:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.scott.forsale/blog/century-21-rockies-realty-2021-golden-branch-award-winning-agents.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.scott.forsale/blog/century-21-rockies-realty-2021-golden-branch-award-winning-agents.html</link>
        <author>scott@scott.forsale (Scott Sauermann)</author>
        <title>Century 21 Rockies Realty - 2021 Golden Branch Award Winning Agents</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Century 21 Rockies Realty - Golden Branch is proud to announce the 2021 award-winning agents. Century 21 is internationally recognized for its top-quality agents and world-class service. When you choose to work with an agent from Century 21 Rockies Realty you can be assured that your experience will be incredible.


Without further ado we are thrilled to present our Century 21 Rockies Realty 2021 Award winners, Bill Braisher and Amber Granter:


Bill Braisher - CENTURION® Producer


Bill Braisher has deep roots in the Columbia River Valley with family ties dating back as early as 1909. As a result, Bill has extensive knowledge of the valley and the history behind many of the properties. Over the years Bill has been successful in many ventures and continues his success with his career in real estate. Technology advancements have provided an opportunity for Bill to elevate the high level of service his clients experienced. 


This year Bill Braisher has been awarded Century 21 Canada’s CENTURION® Producer award in recognition of his dedication and ongoing success over his years working with Century 21.  Bill, congratulations We’re very proud to have you as a member of the C21 Rockies Realty Golden branch and look forward to celebrating this and your future successes


Contact Bill Braisher Today


Amber Granter - CENTURION® Producer


Amber Granter brings years of experience working in public service as well as an adventure tourism guide. Utilizing changing technology, social media and a keen understanding of what her clients need has helped Amber adapt her business over the years.  In addition, she brings a concrete understanding of the law and risk management, and confidently negotiates the best terms for her clients. Amber has extensive knowledge of land use in and around Golden, BC as well as recreational pursuits in the area. She understands that real estate is a relationship-based business built on trust and confidence.


Amber Granter is the recipient of Century 21 Canada’s 2021 Centurion award in acknowledgment of her outstanding success. Congratulations Amber Watching you build your network and grow your business has been an honour. We are excited to see what this year brings for you


Contact Amber Granter Today



About the Awards:


Each year Century 21 Canada awards real estate agents across the country for their outstanding performance. This year the Century 21 Rockies Realty REALTORS® received a multitude of awards recognizing their success. 2021 was a challenging year for many people and our team adapted to an environment where the only constant was change. We adjusted our strategies to ensure that our clients and agents could continue to be successful while remaining safe.


Thank you to all of the Century 21 Rockies Realty agents for your continued success. Stay tuned for more awards from our Radium office


Are You Ready To Explore Real Estate In The Columbia Valley? Contact Us Today To Get Started


 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2022 15:02:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.scott.forsale/blog/looking-back-at-2021-and-ahead-into-spring-2022.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.scott.forsale/blog/looking-back-at-2021-and-ahead-into-spring-2022.html</link>
        <author>scott@scott.forsale (Scott Sauermann)</author>
        <title>Looking Back At 2021 and Ahead Into Spring 2022</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Despite the challenges that 2020 and 2021 brought, the local real estate market has continued to thrive. The Columbia Valley saw a number of new residential developments and construction projects which helped increase the number of available properties. With current 2022 listing volumes nearing all-time lows and home and condo prices approaching all-time highs, we expect that as the year progresses, we will see increased competition for available listings.


Notable New Developments


2021 brought the start and completion of several notable new construction developments. This highlights growth and development in the communities we serve as well as future potential for growth as people look for a lifestyle that allows them to connect conveniently with the outdoors.




OSO in Golden, BC is the first development of it’s kind in the province. This award-winning net-zero development includes many features to help reduce its environmental impact while improving your enjoyment of your home.


Highland Mews in Invermere, BC offers residents stunning views of Lake Windermere while being steps from local shops, cafes, and amenities.


Kicking Horse Canyon Phase 4, while not a residential development, is an important infrastructure update that is being completed to help improve the safety and ease of travel along this popular route near Golden.




Despite the challenges that 2020 and 2021 brought, the local real estate market has continued to thrive. With current listing volumes nearing all-time lows and home and condo prices approaching all-time highs, 2022 will continue to experience increased competition for available listings. The Kootenay Association of REALTORS® estimates that there is approximately 2.5 months of available inventory. This number is down significantly from the typical 8.6 months of available inventory for this time of the year. The Chief Economist from the British Columbia Real Estate Association suggests that we’re starting to see the market return to normal after an adjustment for the surge in activity during COVID-19.


In 2021 the real estate market continued to set record-high prices for single-family homes, condos, and townhomes. We have also seen the number of property transactions increase through the year, while the number of days on market has decreased.


The number of new listings is slowing slightly and has been below the five-year average. As a result, home buyers will have fewer listings to choose from. A decrease in the number of listings is common through the winter months, with new listings tending to pick up later in the season.


What does this mean as we head into Spring 2022?


Buyers can expect to continue facing multiple offer situations and increased pressure to act fast or risk missing out. Sellers may continue to see home and condo prices rise with the increased demand from home buyers.


Changes in mortgage rates may help slow the market and allow listing inventory to rebuild, however, this will take some time before we see a healthier number of available listings.


With new construction projects, infrastructure improvements, and a steady demand for homes in the Columbia Valley, the real estate market in 2022 is looking bright.


Have a question? Contact Century 21 Rockies Realty today our local experts are happy to help.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 15 Dec 2021 07:50:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.scott.forsale/blog/buying-a-home-while-attending-a-post-secondary-institution.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.scott.forsale/blog/buying-a-home-while-attending-a-post-secondary-institution.html</link>
        <author>scott@scott.forsale (Scott Sauermann)</author>
        <title>Buying A Home While Attending A Post-secondary Institution</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
 


If you’re a college or university student living away from home, you may be considering buying a home instead of renting. There are many benefits to owning a home, but also many things to consider before you take that leap. 


A home is a big investment, so you want to make sure you do your research before committing to a mortgage and everything else home ownership entails. These are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about buying a home while attending a post-secondary institution.


The Pros of Home Ownership for Students




You'll have a stable place to live throughout your studies. One of the hardest things about moving away from home is finding a suitable place to live. Many colleges have waitlists for student housing. In addition, searching for apartments can be stressful.When you buy a home, you have a stable place to live for as long as you like.


Your mortgage payments may be the same as rent. With rents skyrocketing across the country, you may find that your mortgage payments are similar to what you would be paying in rent. If that’s the case, it makes sense to pay yourself rather than someone else.


You can build equity. The more you pay into your home, the more equity you have. You can also gain equity if your home’s market value increases. That equity can be used to upgrade to a larger home at some point in the future or to borrow against if you need money. 


You can use the home as a rental property. One of the best things about buying property in a college town is that there will always be students looking for housing. For example, there are over 2,100 students enrolled in the College of the Rockies each year, many of whom want to live off-campus. The rent from tenants can help offset your mortgage and other costs.




The Cons of Home Ownership for Students




Getting approved for a loan can be challenging. To be approved for a mortgage you will need to show proof of employment or income, a down payment, a good credit score and proof of your financial situation. This can be tricky for students who are not working or those who haven’t built up a strong financial standing.


The costs may be prohibitive. There are more costs associated with buying a home than just your mortgage payments. You will also have to pay for home insurance, property taxes, and any maintenance costs. In addition, you will have to come up with the down payment for your home.


You may have to move after graduation. As a new graduate entering the workforce for the first time, you may not get to pick and choose where you live. In fact, many students relocate to new cities and towns after university for jobs. You may find yourself paying a mortgage on a house you aren’t living in. 




How a Local REALTOR® Can Help


The best way to determine whether buying a home is a good option for you is to speak to a local real estate professional. An experienced REALTOR® can provide you with valuable information on housing prices and costs, the ideal neighbourhoods for students, and what to expect from the market in the future.  


A real estate agent can also help you with financing options. They can help you put together a budget and discuss options that may be available to you, such as a first-time home buyer loan. This can save you a great deal of money, not to mention energy and time.


If you’re ready to invest in a home, condo, or property in the Columbia Valley, we’re here to help Contact Century 21 Rockies Realty to get started today
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 28 Nov 2021 10:16:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.scott.forsale/blog/get-to-know-invermere-bc.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.scott.forsale/blog/get-to-know-invermere-bc.html</link>
        <author>scott@scott.forsale (Scott Sauermann)</author>
        <title>Get To Know Invermere, BC</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



The Columbia River Valley in the Canadian Rockies is home to many popular destination towns offering great year-round activities from skiing to hiking, enjoying the lakes and rivers, and the interesting attractions of the towns themselves.


At the head of Windermere Lake, between Radium Hot Springs and Fairmont Hot Springs, is the community of Invermere (sometimes known as Invermere on the Lake). This is one of those popular towns, tucked between the Rocky and Purcell Mountains and surrounded by soaring peaks, wetlands, lush forests, and glittering waters.


Invermere is a great place to ski, golf, see North America’s longest continuous wetland, or visit a host of unique businesses, like the nationally recognized Kicking Horse Coffee.


Things to Do in Invermere


Being on the shores of Lake Windermere, many of the activities enjoyed in Invermere revolve around the water. Kinsmen Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming, and the takeoff spot for the longest ice-skating trail in the world known as the Lake Windermere Whiteway which winds its way down the lake for almost 30 kilometers.


Other winter activities include skiing (especially at the nearby Panorama Resort), snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Staying in town is another option, enjoying the many galleries, restaurants, cafes, and stores selling gifts, crafts, and artwork.


Activities and entertainment abound in the summer and later in the fall months as well, including beach days, boating, golfing, fishing, and hiking. There are a number of cultural sites and events to enjoy, like the Windermere Valley Pioneer Museum and Pynelogs Cultural Centre, and Invermere MusicFest in August.


Here are some other places to check out in and around Invermere:




Painted Aspen Studio Gallery


The Artym Gallery


Effusion Art Gallery


Black Star Studios


Bavin Glassworks


Kicking Horse Coffee




Where To Stay In and Around Invermere


If you’re visiting Invermere, the easiest way to get there is via Banff from the east and Calgary, or from the south via Cranbrook or the Canadian Rockies International Airport (AKA Cranbrook Airport). You can also come from the north via Rogers Pass (through Glacier National Park) and down through the Columbia River Valley.


There are of course many towns along these routes to visit or stay in, like Golden, Banff, and Radium Hot Springs. If you’re looking to stay in or around Invermere itself, take a look at one of these accommodation options:




Invermere Inn &amp; Suites - For stylish rooms and an excellent restaurant in the heart of Invermere.


Panorama Mountain Resort - Just west of Invermere this resort has excellent facilities including a golf course and ski runs.


Lake Windermere Pointe Condos - Vacation rentals with pool, hot tub, and fitness centre.


Copper Point Resort - Golf course views and luxury accommodation.


Canterbury Inn - In central Invermere for an easy and convenient stay.




There are many other resorts in the wider area, like Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort, and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.


Golfing


Invermere is a paradise for golfers, home to the Columbia Valley Golf Trail which includes




Copper Point Golf Club


Eagle Ranch Golf Course


Windermere Valley Golf Course




And all of these are just a few minutes from the center of Invermere.


Slightly further afield there are courses like Greywolf Golf Course at the Panorama Resort to the west, as well as others all along the valley and by towns like Radium Hot Springs and Fairmont Hot Springs.


Read more about Invermere and view the most current Invermere real estate listings.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 12 Nov 2021 12:13:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.scott.forsale/blog/best-renovations-for-fall-and-winter.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.scott.forsale/blog/best-renovations-for-fall-and-winter.html</link>
        <author>scott@scott.forsale (Scott Sauermann)</author>
        <title>Best Renovations For Fall and Winter</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



As we move into the fall and winter months, you might be thinking of shelving your home renovation plans until the spring. After all, who wants to be working on long, inconvenient projects when it's cold, dark, damp, and the snow is making it difficult to get anything done.


But, you might be surprised to learn how many benefits there are to taking up home renovation in the winter and fall.


For example, because the spring and summer are usually the busier seasons for home renovations, contractors and supplies are at a premium during these times, driving up prices and limited availability. By contrast, in winter, there will be a lot more contractors and renovators who will be more than happy to pencil you in on their otherwise sparse calendars.


And of course, given the drop in demand, you may even be in for cheaper prices. Companies eager to drum up business in the lean months will be more willing to offer incentives and deals.


Also, since you’re not trying to schedule all this during the summer holidays, you won’t have the kids around so much to get in the way, or you can simply take off to warmer climates and leave the renovators to do their work.


So here are some interior home renovation ideas to undertake during the fall or winter.


Making Spaces


Ever since the modernist surge of the mid-20th century, open-plan interiors have been the mainstay of any list of desirable home features. But, ever since we’ve been spending more time at home, the need for separate, defined spaces has heightened, and now we’re seeing a return to those kinds of designs.


Now it may be a little late to design such a space from the ground up or to invest in getting some extra walls placed around your home, but there are some things you can do.


For example, you can install screens, sliding French doors, or renovate a new space apart from the rest of your home. This brings us to the next big renovation…


Converting an Unused Space


A loft, a basement, even your garage. We all have spaces in our home that have been relegated to storage areas or simply have fallen into disuse and disrepair.


Converting, finishing, or simply sprucing up these spaces is a great way to extend your home and improve your general quality of life. The latter comes in with your decision on what to use these spaces for. Some popular options in recent times include home offices, home gyms, and general hobby or game spaces.


If you’re converting a space into an office or gaming room, think about adding some extra sound insulation. Keeping your music in, and home noises in when you’re on a conference call, are just some reasons to make sure your space is your space, away from the bustle of the rest of the home.


Renovate the Garage


We already mentioned renovating the garage, but there’s more to it than just moving in a sofa or a bar.


You can always optimize your garage space towards its more standard purpose. Add in some heavy-duty shelving, maybe some ceiling-mounted storage racks, improve the lighting, and apply a sealant to the floors. You’ll be amazed at what you can do with a garage, not only making it a more efficient and pleasing space but freeing up space elsewhere by centralizing some of your storage.


Kitchen or Bathroom


The kitchen and bathroom are always candidates for a bit of fixing up. Of course, being without the use of these rooms for some time in the fall or winter will be somewhat inconvenient, but consider the benefits that we mentioned in the introduction.


Of course, you don’t have to do a full renovation. Those can be quite expensive, and not even guaranteed to improve the appeal of your home if you’re ever planning to sell (given people’s specific tastes regarding these rooms), so you may not be able to recoup the cost when that time comes.


So instead, look to see what small fixes and changes you can make to improve the use and look of your bathroom or kitchen. Replace old fittings with new ones, upgrade your appliances, add a pot plant or some new curtains, or even a new layer of paint. Small changes can make all the difference.


If you're thinking about selling, contact us for most information and tips to get top dollar for your home.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 29 Oct 2021 11:41:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.scott.forsale/blog/community-spotlight-golden-2022.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.scott.forsale/blog/community-spotlight-golden-2022.html</link>
        <author>scott@scott.forsale (Scott Sauermann)</author>
        <title>Community Spotlight: Golden 2022</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Golden, BC can be found between the Selkirk, Purcell, and the Rocky Mountains you’re surrounded by natural alpine beauty, mighty rivers, and a certain peace that comes with being removed from the hustle and bustle of big city centres. Find it at the north end just off of BC’s “Powder Highway”.


If you’re looking to escape popular metropolitan centres in exchange for a small-town feel with everything you need, then Golden, BC might just be the right place for you. It won’t take long before the friendly residents are greeting you in the streets, and stores while swapping stories about daily life. In general, you’ll enjoy a warm welcome without being overwhelmed in a highly commercialized setting.


Golden’s economy is fueled by summer and winter tourism. Its close proximity to the RockyMountains makes it an ideal place to stay for individuals and families looking to explore. Staying in Golden allows visitors to day trips to places like Banff and LakeLouise and return to a more quiet place for the night. Interestingly, Golden also offers a number of automotive repair shops, which makes it an attractive option for mechanics to call home.


Summer is an ideal time for hikers, mountain bikers, river rafting adventures, ATVing, skydiving, and many other great activities. You’ll have access to explore and discover beyond provincial and national parks which means that the options for activities are less limited. After a day out exploring parks, trying various activities, and discovering new places it’s time to kick back and unwind. For those old enough, Whitetooth Brewing Company serves up tasty award-winning beverages, check out their medal from the 2020 Canadian Bear Awards.


In the Winter golden attracts ski enthusiasts from across the country. Its location on the Powder Highway connects Golden, BC to many great ski hills including the world-class Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is known for its glorious champagne powder and big mountain terrain.


Year-round, residents can enjoy a selection of local restaurants led by talented chefs.




Eleven22 offers modern comfort food the whole family will enjoy. This place gets busy, so make sure to check for reservations to avoid disappointment.


Whitetooth Mountain Bistro is located in downtown Golden and offers award-winning cuisine including a children’s menu. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is sure to delight.


Turning Point Restaurant is one of the few places that serves up Italian dishes in the area alongside a variety of other delicious options. A spacious sitting area and friendly staff complete your dining experience.




Spring and fall are quieter times for locals, and many residents enjoy volunteering at various festivals and events throughout the year, it’s a great way to be connected to your community. During the summer and winter months, Golden is alive with tourists from all over the world.


Golden was recently honoured with being named one of the top 12 small towns in BC. It's also home to the highest suspension bridge in Canada, the Golden Skybridge.


Golden, BC attracts visitors and residents from across the country and around the world. Many current residents discovered Golden while on vacation, either as a destination or stop along the way. Regardless of how you find it, once you do, Golden will surely keep calling you back.


If you're considering calling Golden, BC home explore some of the great Golden real estate opportunities.


Have you already discovered Golden? We’d love to hear your community highlights.



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    <pubDate>Fri, 15 Oct 2021 12:16:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.scott.forsale/blog/10-tips-to-prepare-your-home--property-for-fall-and-winter.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.scott.forsale/blog/10-tips-to-prepare-your-home--property-for-fall-and-winter.html</link>
        <author>scott@scott.forsale (Scott Sauermann)</author>
        <title>10 Tips  To Prepare Your Home &amp; Property For Fall And Winter</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
There’s a certain crispness in the air, the leaves are starting to change, and school is back in session. We’re a few days into fall and many people are starting to prepare their homes for the cooler, wetter weather that the fall and winter months bring. Here are 10 tips to prepare your home and property for fall and winter.




Clean eavestroughs and downspoutsAfter a long dry summer, it’s easy to forget about the various debris that can gather in eavestroughs and downspouts. Even if there are no trees on your property or near your house, it’s important to check, you never know what birds or squirrels might have hidden up there. This is also a great time to check that eavestroughs and downspouts are in good condition, check for areas where caulking may have worn away, or where they may have come away from your roof or house.


Draft proof your doors and windowsTake some time to check for windows that may need new caulking and exterior doors that need new weather stripping. Over time, you may notice that mold or mildew has set in on caulking around windows, this can be a sign that it’s time to replace the caulking to reseal. Replacing the weather stripping around doors is a quick way to improve your home’s ability to retain heat. These upgrades will help keep the temperature in your home more consistent and save you money on your heating bill.


Winterize your air conditioning systemCentral air conditioning, ductless air conditioning, or portable air conditioning units will all have ways to be decommissioned for the season. To start, ensure that the unit is turned off. For exterior units, remove any grass, weeds, or other debris from the area surrounding the unit. Next cover pipes with some foam tubing to prevent freezing. Some models recommend using a waterproof cover, so it’s best to check with manufacturer guidelines. Portable units will need to be drained, and filters cleaned.


Clean and inspect your furnace, baseboard heatersChances are the last time you needed to use these devices was in the early spring months before the weather heated up. Through the spring and summer months, your heating vents (especially if you don’t have central air conditioning) and baseboard heaters have gathered dust. Vacuum air ducts, or hire a professional to clean them. Vacuum and wipe down baseboard heaters. If you have young children in your home, you may even find a stray toy.


Test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide and replace batteries


Clean and reverse ceiling fan bladesMany ceiling fans have the option to reverse the direction of the blades. Ceiling fans are a great option to keep air circulating year-round. Reversing the blades can help move hot air down from high ceilings in cooler months.


Clean and cover outdoor furnitureOn the patio or balcony, it’s time to clean outdoor furniture, warm soapy water will wash away dirt and grime that has accumulated through months of use. Next, cover or store outdoor furniture when not in use. Doing this can prolong the life of your outdoor furniture and 


Check chimney and fireplaceWhether you have a wood-burning fireplace and chimney or a natural gas fireplace it is important to have it professionally cleaned and inspected regularly, the fall is a great time for this to ensure that everything is in good and safe working order before colder weather arrives. Natural gas fireplaces may need valves inspected and cleaned prior to use to ensure that there are no leaks.


Fertilize lawn and gardenAdding a fall fertilizer to your lawn and garden can help provide additional nutrients to keep your landscaping nourished and ready for the dormant season.


Reorganize Outdoor ToolsRegardless of where you store your summer and winter outdoor tools, it’s time to rotate the fall and winter items forward and check for items that may need to be replaced (think broken rakes and snow shovels).




Cooler weather is right around the corner whether we’re ready for it or not. Most of the tasks mentioned here can be completed over the course of a weekend, or if you’d rather hire someone, we’d be happy to recommend a local professional to get the job done.



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    <pubDate>Fri, 01 Oct 2021 14:28:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.scott.forsale/blog/5-steps-to-improve-your-credit-rating-before-buying-or-refinancing.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.scott.forsale/blog/5-steps-to-improve-your-credit-rating-before-buying-or-refinancing.html</link>
        <author>scott@scott.forsale (Scott Sauermann)</author>
        <title>5 Steps To Improve Your Credit Rating Before Buying Or Refinancing</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
It’s no secret that you need to have a decent credit rating to qualify for a mortgage whether you are getting ready to purchase a property or refinance one that you already own. There are no quick fixes or magic formulas that can improve your credit score quickly, this is something that happens over time as you demonstrate your ability to make your payments on time and use credit wisely.


People with higher credit scores and credit ratings are more likely to be offered lower interest rates, better terms, and enjoy a lower cost of borrowing over the long term.


Here are 5 steps to put you on the path for improving your credit rating:




Get a copy of your credit report It’s hard to fix what you don’t know is wrong. Obtaining a copy of your credit report will show you what outstanding debts you have and who needs to be paid. In Canada, there are two credit bureaus Equifax and TransUnion. It’s best to request reports from both as not every creditor reports to both bureaus. You can request your report by mail or pay a fee for instant online access. If you notice an error on either report, notify the credit bureau right away.


Make all future payments on time If you’ve missed payments in the past, or have a habit of missing payment due dates, it’s time to step up and make a plan to pay on time. Create a list of your monthly bills and mark them on a calendar, or set a digital reminder to pay specific bills at specific times. Paying your bills on time shows creditors that you can handle making regular payments on time and that your finances are in order.


Pay down credit card debt The more you owe on your credit cards the higher your monthly payments will be. The higher your monthly payments on credit cards are the less capacity you have to assume additional payments. Something that surprises many people is that the closer you are to your credit limits, the lower your credit rating will be. Once you exceed 60 of your available credit, your credit rating will be negatively impacted


Build credit with a variety of credit opportunities over time Credit cards are just one of many ways that a person can build their credit rating. Most utility and service providers also report to credit bureaus. If you are offered a line of credit through your financial institution, this is another way to build credit. Taking out and paying off loans is also a way to improve your credit rating. Not all of these options are appropriate to use at the same time for everyone. For example, as a young adult you may have a credit card, then perhaps you took out a line of credit for post-secondary school. Next, it’s time to replace your vehicle, so you take out a car loan. As you use and manage these financial vehicles you build your credit rating.


Avoid credit inquiries in the months leading up to your mortgage approval When lenders view a series of credit inquiries it can raise red flags. It can show that you may be trying to live beyond your means, be in need of additional money leading up to the purchase or refinance.




Whether you are purchasing your first home, second home, vacation home, or investment property it is important to get expert advice from a trusted professional. A mortgage broker or financial services advisor can help you understand your credit report and set up a plan to improve your credit rating and credit score over time.


If you’re ready to invest in a home, condo, or property in the Columbia Valley, we’re here to help Contact Century 21 Rockies Realty to get started today
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 17 Sep 2021 14:29:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.scott.forsale/blog/community-spotlight-radium-hot-springs-2021.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.scott.forsale/blog/community-spotlight-radium-hot-springs-2021.html</link>
        <author>scott@scott.forsale (Scott Sauermann)</author>
        <title>Community Spotlight: Radium Hot Springs 2021</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Welcome to Radium Hot Springs Radium Hot Springs is known as Canada's friendliest town. If you’re looking for a place like no other, take Highway 95 to the junction of the Kootenay Highway and find yourself in Radium Hot Springs. Radium Hot Springs gets its name from the nearby hot springs located in the nearby Kootenay National Park. At only 16km north of Invermere and 105km south of Golden, there are lots of activities to do in and around Radium. 


Located at the headwaters of the Columbia River, nestled among the Purcell and the Rocky Mountains you’ll find the Village of Radium Hot Springs. Immediately to the east,, you’ll find Kootenay National Park. Also known as Radium, the village attracts thousands of visitors each year from across the country. People are drawn to the natural beauty of the area, the peaceful surroundings, and the abundance of activities and local amenities ensures that there is never a dull moment.


Come and explore the friendly streets while discovering the many local shops and eateries.


Things To Do


Fishing


The surrounding area offers countless lakes and streams that are well known for fishing. When the waters freeze over, the fishing continues, just bundle up and grab a thermos with your favourite hot beverage and drop a line below the ice. That’s right, experience ice fishing right here in beautiful Radium.


Golf


Golf enthusiasts will enjoy challenging their skills at the Radium Golf Group’s two courses, The Springs Course, and The Radium Course. With a number of other courses available in nearby communities Radium is a great destination for golfers.


Hiking &amp; Biking


Whether you are looking for a guided wilderness adventure on one of the many trails by foot, bike or segway you’ll find a tour for that. If you prefer to be your own guide, the options are endless.


Places To Eat


Big Horn Cafe


Step inside Big Horn and leave the world behind, you’ll be transported to a tranquil space with gorgeous custom tables, and plenty of space to enjoy your time. Serving up 49th Parallel Coffee and plenty of fresh baked goods, it’s the perfect place to relax.


Conrad’s Kitchen


If you’re hungry for a homemade, scratch-cooked meal then look no further than Conrad’s Kitchen.


Old Salzburg Restaurant


Stop by the Old Salzburg Restaurant and enjoy a hearty homestyle meal in a family-friendly restaurant, with schnitzels, steaks, and spaetzle.


Back Country Jack’s


Do you have a hankering for a BBQ experience? Stop into Back Country Jack’s for all things barbeque.


FireD Up Breakfast and Burgers


FireD Up Breakfast and Burgers was formerly known as Melting Pot Eatery. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with classic North American cuisine.


Radium Sights


In addition to glorious mountain views, and sweeping views of the Columbia River, Radium is well known for wildlife in the area. It’s not uncommon to find mule deers, grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. You may even notice the bighorn sheep roaming through the downtown streets


Where To Stay


Visitors have many accommodations to choose from including a number of hotels, motels, and resorts. The Radium Hot Springs Resort offers tourists a world-class resort experience and is just one of many great places to choose from.



From the great outdoors to unique local shops, and restaurants there's so much to see and do in Canada's friendliest town, Radium Hot Springs


If you're thinking about making Radium Hot Springs home, explore Radium Hot Springs real estate or contact us to get started today


We’d love to hear your favourite things about Radium Hot Springs, leave us a comment below.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 03 Sep 2021 14:15:00 -0600</pubDate>
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