home improvement: How to Clean Various Gadgets Around the House - 11/02/22 08:17 AM
We all know our world is full of germs, but it’s likely you don’t really know what’s hanging out on your electronic devices. In fact, you probably don’t want to know.
 
These devices carry and spread germs like nobody’s business, so it’s time to get scrubbing. Below, we give you safe and effective ways to clean the various gadgets you use in and around your home every day.
Cleaning Supplies
Microfiber cloths Cotton swabs Distilled water Isopropyl alcohol Dish soap Compressed air  Tablets And SmartphonesLike everyone else, you’ve probably taken your tablet or phone into the bathroom with you. No need to be … (2 comments)

home improvement: Conquering Cottage Kitchen Clutter - 03/21/22 09:44 AM
Cottage-style kitchens are an increasingly popular option when it comes to creating an attractive yet functional kitchen layout. These cottage kitchens usually rely on an open layout so that everything is easily accessible regardless of what you need. In lieu of bulky cabinets and endless drawers, these kitchens make heavy use of open shelving and pegboards to hold everything. It can be a very attractive look for your kitchen and a pretty functional layout as well, but if you’re not careful, it’s also an invitation for chaos.
The ugly truth is that cabinets and drawers became popular because they keep all of … (3 comments)

home improvement: Is This the Year You’ll Add a Home Gym? - 01/27/22 08:47 AM
Winter and early spring are typically great times for construction projects around the house. Not only do materials tend to be a bit cheaper due to reduced overall demand, but some labor costs may be reduced as well. Because of this, some homeowners tend to start looking for add-on projects or major remodels to undertake so that they can take advantage of lower prices and faster project starts.
One popular home project in recent years is adding a home gym, often converting a largely unused basement or garage space into an area for a wide range of workouts. It’s possible that you’ve … (0 comments)

home improvement: My POV on Home Improvements is Different - 01/25/22 10:44 AM
I was in a conversation with a friend about home improvements and it wasn't until then did I realize that I view doing home improvements on my own home to be so different. I didn't know! 
Being a real estate agent changes how I view my home and the decisions I make about it. How about you?
(1 comments)

home improvement: Home EV Charging Stations: The Basics - 01/24/22 01:41 PM
Electric vehicles are increasingly popular, and many EV owners enjoy the fact that they don’t have to hit the gas station every week to stay on the road. These cars still need fuel, however, and that means that access to a charging station is very important. While there are adapters available that let you charge an EV using a standard outlet, the charge takes a significant amount of time because the adapters provide current at the lowest level that the cars are able to accept.
Because of this, an increasing number of EV owners are installing their own charging stations in their … (1 comments)

home improvement: Choosing a Walkway De-Icer - 12/09/21 09:14 AM
Choosing a Walkway De-icer
As the threat of winter ice and snow increases, many homeowners start stocking up on deicer and other products to try and keep their walkways safe and clear throughout the winter. Not all deicer products are created equal, however, and some can actually do some harm around the home. Not only can some deicing compounds harm plants around your walkway, but they can even cause some damage to your walkways as well if you aren’t careful.
Obviously, damage to your lawn or property isn’t ideal when trying to use a product to keep yourself and your family safe during … (3 comments)

home improvement: Metal Roofs for Beginners - 07/29/21 12:05 PM
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your house, as problems with your roof can end up causing damage to a variety of other parts of your home. While most people are familiar with shingle roofs when it comes to home roofing options, there are actually a few different roof types available. One that is gaining a significant amount of popularity in recent years is metal roofing, due in part to its extreme durability and resistance to environmental factors that can damage traditional shingles.
Once upon a time, metal roofing was largely made up of flat panels which … (2 comments)

home improvement: Improve Your Home’s Organization! - 07/22/21 11:51 AM
Organization is an important part of keeping your home clean and tidy. Unfortunately, organization doesn’t always come easy to homeowners. It may be that your home just lacks the storage solutions that you need to effectively organize, or your house simply isn’t large enough to effectively contain all your family’s stuff. Maybe there is enough room, but the way your rooms are laid out makes things a bit difficult. Whatever the reason, you might feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle with organization and that it never lasts as long as you’d like.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to getting your house … (1 comments)

home improvement: Does Your Tree Need a Trimming? - 07/12/21 11:35 AM
For some homeowners, trees are a major component of their landscaping. Trees can bring a lot of beauty to your yard while also providing shade and habitats for birds and other animals. Unfortunately, unkempt trees can be kind of ugly and in some cases may even be dangerous. If you’ve got trees on your property that are looking a bit shaggy or that have simply seen better days, here are a few things to consider when trying to decide if they need a trim.
 
Cosmetic Issues
When you’re trying to decide whether to trim your trees, the first thing that you should do … (1 comments)

home improvement: Thinking About Upgrading a Skylight? - 06/28/21 09:28 AM
Skylights can be a great way to add natural light to your home. This can be especially useful for rooms that lack windows or that are otherwise blocked from getting much natural light. Unfortunately, skylights sometimes fall victim to the ravages of time and climate. This may leave you wondering whether you should upgrade or replace those skylights that have been in place for years. In some cases, this can be a pretty big undertaking, so here are a few things to consider before jumping into a skylight upgrade.
Reasons to Upgrade a Skylight
There are a number of issues that can arise … (1 comments)

home improvement: How Much Paint Do I Need? - 06/03/21 10:14 AM
Paint, paint, glorious paint! It’s one of the least expensive materials you can buy for your house that delivers one of the biggest visual punches. It also fixes a myriad of problems. Got a tired exterior? Paint. The interior of your home feels like it’s closing in on you? Paint. Bought a couch that you love, but clashes with everything else? PAINT.
In all seriousness, paint is a great way to brighten, enliven, and give your home a serious face lift – inside and out. But once you’ve picked a color, what comes next? How do you choose the right paint and … (4 comments)

home improvement: 20 Home Gadget Gift Ideas to Fit Any Budget - 12/11/17 08:52 AM
20 Home Gadget Gift Ideas to Fit Any Budget
Looking for the perfect present for a loved one this holiday season? Here are 20 of my favorite gift ideas. And since I work in real estate, they are items that add enjoyment, comfort and, in some cases, major value to your home.
 
Approximate Price Ranges
$ - under $100
$$ - $101 to $300
$$$ - $301 to $700
$$$$ - Splurge
 
LET IT SNOW
 Keep your loved ones cozy all winter with these gifts that add warmth and a touch of luxury.
 
Tabletop Fireplace - $
On cold nights, nothing beats the comfort and glow of a fire. Whether you’re … (0 comments)

home improvement: 8 Smart Home Technology Trends that Can Save You Money - 09/09/16 02:12 AM

8 Smart Home Technology Trends that Can Save You Money
The ‘smart home’ is the new ‘internet of things’, or objects that can serve you better by communicating with each other or directly with you through apps on your smart phone. In the ideal version of the wired future, all of our appliances and gadgets talk to each other seamlessly.
What could living in a smart home look like? Picture something like this:
The lights in your bedroom slowly illuminate to quietly awaken you in the morning, replacing the typical blaring alarm. The aroma of fresh brewing coffee drifts in … (2 comments)

home improvement: Energy Efficient Houses: Where to Look for Leaks - 02/22/10 12:26 AM
Potential homebuyers are increasingly interested in buying houses that are energy efficient and are willing to pay a little more for them.  But more importantly, having your hard-earned money going out a leaky door or window is frustrating. Not only is it costly, it also increases the carbon footprint and contributes to global warming. With our provincial and federal governments and Sustainable Housing leading the cause of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it is getting easier to see where effective, quick building upgrades can be made.
The following is a list of areas around your home to look for leaks:
Attic hatch Ceiling … (0 comments)

home improvement: Retrofit Grants to Continue until March 21, 2011 - 02/22/10 12:18 AM
Although the Home Renovation Tax credit ended on February 1, 2010 the ecoENERGY Retrofit grant and the Nova Scotia EnerGuide for Houses grant will continue until March 21, 2011.
Homeowners can receive up to $450 in grants by doing simple things like caulking and weather stripping around windows, doors and attic hatches.  A homeowner can also qualify for up to $70 per replaced window or door.  Heating, cooling and ventilation system upgrades can qualify the homeowner for grant monies of up to $3,500, while insulation upgrades are eligible for grants of up to $3,000. 
If you are interested in finding out … (0 comments)

home improvement: Cost-effective Reno Solutions - 02/17/10 11:36 PM
Completing a renovation project is now affordable for all your home renovation needs. Natural Resources Canada is offering ecoENERGY rebates, as well as additional provincial grants, to offset your home renovation costs for 2010.  If you have been delaying renovation costs due to a lack of time and budget, now you can ease your worries and finish projects to help increase the value and comfort of your home.
If you want to take advantage of these grants, but are wondering which renovation project to tackle first, consider home upgrades that will increase your home's energy efficiency.  The next post will feature several … (0 comments)

home improvement: Need advice: Advertised as granite countertops - but it's really tile - 09/10/07 11:12 AM
I just returned from a consultation where the counter-tops needed to be changed.  The homeowner was adamant she could get them replaced with granite tile for less than laminate counter-tops.  She is supported by Realtors who say that it would be a good move and they'll be able to advertise, "granite counter-tops"
I tend to believe granite tiles would be a let down for anyone going to view a $500,000 home (in Halifax, that's big bucks!)  I can't help but feel it is "false advertising" as well.  Am I wrong?  Since it doesn't happen very often, (LOL)  I would greatly appreciate any and … (16 comments)

home improvement: It's a trend here... is it there? - 09/08/07 10:21 AM
I am making changes to a workbook I wrote to help homeowners, stagers and agents through the process of staging a property and transition of moving.  I have been thinking about including trends in home improvement as a separate chapter but it's been brought to my attention that trends aren't the same in the US as it is in Canada.
How can that be?  I thought most trends come through the US then to Canada. 
Sure I agree weather differences would influence some trends but I am surprised that home design could be so different.  For example, the big thing in Canada right now and is … (3 comments)

home improvement: No Carpet, No Hardwood Floors, No Laminate - What's a girl to do? - 01/25/07 11:10 AM
Help! 
I am trying to decide what to do with the flooring on the top floor of my home that I am preparing to sell in the Spring.  Right now it is carpet, which I know carpet is being removed from houses and is not being installed in a lot of new homes. 
Hardwood floors are too expensive to install in this average priced home in an average neighbourhood, so I can't invest too much in the house for the neighbourhood will not support a house above $250. 
Laminate flooring was popular for the past couple of years but now declining in popularity … (8 comments)

 
Tina Parker, Managing Associate Broker (EXP Realty Canada Inc.)

Tina Parker

Managing Associate Broker

Halifax, NS

More about me…

EXP Realty Canada Inc.

Address: 102-7071 Bayers Road, Bedford & Dartmouth, Halifax, NS

Mobile: 902-229-5799

Office: 902-453-1700

As a designated Certified Negotiation Expert, Certified Real Estate Digital Marketing, Seniors Real Estate Specialist & Certified Staging Professional REALTOR®, Tina will combine proven home staging techniques with over 25 combined years experience in design and marketing strategies, using insight into the minds of potential buyers to produce an effective marketing approach. Effective strategies to help with your real estate goals!


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