Home Trends from Tina Cipllaka

West Real Estate Services

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TINA CIPLLAKA

CREATE THE ULTIMATE WINTER BED

With cold winter nights just around the corner, it’s time to get your bed ready to keep you warm and cozy for the next few months. First up you’ll want to replace your cotton bed sheets with warmer flannel ones. Other sheet options to consider are bamboo and silk as they are breathable and help regulate body temperature. However, if you’re looking for the warmest bed possible, opt for flannel. Next up, follow this trick that hotels use. They often sandwich a thin blanket or quilt between two top sheets to help trap heat in the bed. Plus, with this bonus later, your body won’t be in contact with your comforter as much so you shouldn’t have to wash it as frequently as it can be quite the task to wash and dry especially if you don’t have a large capacity washing machine.

If you don’t have a comforter or duvet or are in the market for a new one (experts suggest replacing them every 10 years), look for one that has a high fill power – 600 or higher. Fill power refers to the amount of space the down (natural or synthetic) takes up and is not directly related to the weight of the comforter itself. Some with high fill powers may be lighter than others with a lower fill power. Finally, opt to cover the bedding with a throw blanket for the extra chilly nights. A heated mattress pad or electric blanket may also be an option for you, but check that they are compatible with your mattress and bedding first.

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TINA CIPLLAKA

LIGHTBULBS – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The lighting in your home is essential to functionality and atmosphere. When shopping for bulbs, it's important to know that different types of light bulbs can suit different needs throughout your home. Knowing what types of bulbs are available, how long they last and what they’re typically used for are important things to know before heading to the store. Incandescent bulbs produce warm light and can be used with a dimmer switch making them perfect for bedrooms and other living spaces where bright light isn't always necessary, like the living room. They should last at least 1,000 hours but are less energy-efficient than other types of light bulbs. Fluorescent light bulbs are bright and emit a slight humming noise. You'll be familiar with these as they're popular in offices, schools, malls, etc. Around the house, they can be beneficial in basements, garages and other places that need bright, overhead light. They

last a long time (about 20,000 hours) and use less energy than incandescent bulbs. Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) are available in a variety of shades (cool and warm) and are ideal for areas where light is vital, like the kitchen, dining area and hallways. They last about 10,000 hours and consume less energy than incandescent bulbs. Halogen bulbs provide light similar to daylight which makes them ideal for home offices, kitchens or recessed lighting. They can last up to 2,000 hours. It’s important not to touch the glass of a halogen bulb when installing it as the oils on your hands can cause the bulb to heat unevenly which could cause the bulb to shatter. LED bulbs are the most energy efficient bulbs on the market, can last over 50,000 hours and come in a plethora of colours, shapes and sizes. They are also environmentally friendly as they aren't made with any hazardous parts.

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TINA CIPLLAKA

AN ODOUR FREE WASHING MACHINE

Front load washing machines are wonderful at washing clothes in less water and more effectively than their top load counterparts, but they are known to be prone to mould and thus an unpleasant odour. Don't despair though, with proper maintenance you can prevent this from happening. Removing your clean laundry as soon as the cycle is finished goes a long way to preventing mould from forming. Also, as soon as your laundry is out of the machine, wipe down the inside of the door with a microfiber cloth and dry around the rubber gasket just inside the door. Mould won't grow in dry environments, so be sure to leave the door open a few inches (if possible) to allow the drum to thoroughly dry out between loads. You can also wash the gasket with hot, soapy water after every few loads if you want

to be extra diligent. Just be sure to dry it thoroughly with a towel and leave the door open for a while to allow it to air dry. Experts also suggest using the right detergent for your washer (high efficiency vs. conventional formula), using less fabric softener (as it can result in residue buildup) and cleaning the interior of the machine with an empty, hot water wash cycle every month. By removing moisture and any residue that may have built up over time, you should have a mould and odour free machine.

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TINA CIPLLAKA

BUYING BAR STOOLS

Step 3 : The width of a stool not only determines how many stools you can fit in your space, but also how much space is needed between stools for you to comfortably get in and out of the space and sit next to someone without bumping them. Narrow stools (under 18” wide) need about 6” between them whereas wider stools need between 8” and 10”. Don’t forget to calculate the same distance of space to the outer edges of the counter as well. Step 4 : Finally, when taking into consideration the depth of the stool, most stools won’t tuck under the counter overhang perfectly as stools tend to be deeper than the average 12” of counter overhang. It’s a good measurement to have though especially if you’re tight on space behind the stools. Consider with an average adult seated in the stool, there will be about 24” from the counter edge to the back of the stool.

Purchasing bar stools for your counter, bar or island can be overwhelming because there are so many options available on the market. Consider stools that can adjust in height as they can be used in more than one setting and that may help cut costs and provide extra seating in the long run. However, if you’re looking for a more permanent solution, here are some tips from the pros on selecting the perfect bar stool. Step 1 : Measure the height of the counter, the width and the depth. These measurements will help you determine how many stools you need and what size will fit. Draw up a quick sketch if it helps you visualize the space. Step 2 : Stool seats should be about 12” lower than the counter height to allow for enough leg room. If the stools have arms, you’ll want to ensure they’re low enough that they will still fit under the counter when not in use. Most counters are between 35” and 39” and bar tables and islands are usually 41” to 43” but can be as high as 47”.

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TINA CIPLLAKA

Maple Ridge Stats Report for September 2023

BENCHMARK PRICE Detached $1,297,200

BENCHMARK PRICE Townhouse $774,800

NEW LISTINGS 400

SOLD LISTINGS 132

VANCOUVER, October 4, 2023 – The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 1,926 in September 2023, a 13.2 per cent increase from the 1,701 sales recorded in September 2022. "A key dynamic we’ve been watching this year has been the reluctance of some homeowners to list their homes given that mortgage rates are the highest they’ve been in over ten years,” Andrew Lis, REBGV’s director of economics and data analytics said. “With fewer listings coming to the market earlier this year than usual, inventory levels remained very low, which led prices to increase throughout the spring and summer months." There were 5,446 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in September 2023. The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 11,382. Sales of detached homes in September 2023 reached 572. The benchmark price for a detached home is $2,017,100. This represents a 5.8 per cent increase from September 2022. Sales of apartment homes reached 988 in September 2023. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $768,500. This represents a 5.8 per cent increase from September 2022. Attached home sales in September 2023 totalled 352. The benchmark price of an attached home is $1,098,400. This represents a 5.3 per cent increase from September 2022. Source: The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver | Market values stated are of the benchmark of Vancouver and surrounding region. Individual home market values will vary and are affected by factors such as location, size, interior and exterior condition. Please call to get an up-to-date evaluation of your home.

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