2010 decorating trends

2010 rings in various household trends that reflect the current economic situation and the desire to live within our means. Preserving the environment is also popular as people continue to purchase eco-friendly products and materials. Here are just a few trends you'll see this year:
*Eco-Decorating - The credit crunch has inspired many of us to decorate a little more creatively. Homeowners are adding charm and character by purchasing used, vintage pieces of furniture and reupholstering old chairs. Using recycled glass and wood are also earth friendly ways of decorating.
*Home Cooking - In order to save money, people are swapping restaurants for home cooked meals. Commercial grade appliances are therefore becoming very popular. Built-in recycling areas and composters make “going green” easer, while bamboo flooring and recycled glass countertops gain popularity.
*Air Quality - Toxins in our homes are often more dangerous than those outside. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are toxic chemicals emitted from building materials such as cabinetry, carpet and paint. Homeowners are now investing in air purification systems that combat airborne chemicals. There are also a wider variety of low VOC products on the market to choose from.
*Green Thumb - Concerns over pesticides coupled with the desire to save money are encouraging homeowners to transform their lawns into vegetable gardens. More and more people are organically transforming their gardens with local plant varieties that use less water as well as using rain barrels to curb water usage.
*Pampered Pets - People consider their pets part of the family so it’s no surprise they’re opting to remodel their homes around Fido and Fluffy. Showers or tubs with hand held sprayers are increasingly popular along with specific ‘pet rooms’ to store food and litter. Hardwood floors for easy clean up, fully fenced yards, heated floors and storage benches are also popular design features.
These trends result from our desire to be eco-friendly; both ECO-logically and ECO-nomically. More and more homeowners are going back to basics -- staying in is the new going out so people are putting more focus on transforming their home and garden into comfortable sanctuaries.

Blackout- dont be left in the dark

A sudden loss of power can be scary – even more so if it drags on for an extended period of time. Don't worry though -- if you’re prepared in advance for a blackout, it’ll be far easier to deal with. Here are some valuable tips that'll help you and your family cope if the lights go out:

Ensure each family member has a flashlight stored in a designated spot.
-Have a battery operated radio on hand to keep up to date on local repairs.
-Keep a variety of batteries along with a multi-bit screwdriver in a central location.
-Purchase a rechargeable 120 volt backup power supply for essential electronics.
-Turn off appliances/electronics to prevent power surges when service is restored.
-Make sure to keep your fridge and freezer shut to help keep food from spoiling.
-The electric garage door won’t work so make sure you know how to open it manually.
-Check on other residents in your community -- especially if they’re elderly or on their own.

Blackouts can catch you off guard but there’s no need to panic if such an emergency occurs. By properly preparing for a blackout, you’ll help keep your family safe and cozy. Who knows -- if you start telling stories by flashlight you might even have some fun

JUST SOLD!TANNING SPA for sale 179,900

Tanning salon providing clients with the safest, cleanest, most relaxing way to tan. First class salon with relaxing ‘bubble wall’ in reception area, flat screen tv’s in each room, tucked-away vanity area for clients after tan touch-up’s. Walnut Grove, Langley. Fantastic anchor tenants including IGA , Shoppers Drug Mart and Colossus 20 screen theatre! tons of traffic in this mall. New condos being built in and dont forget the new Golden ears bridge! almost 300k spent in original improvements! MUST SEE. pictures and info here !

JUST SOLD! Tanning salon

Tan salon providing clients with the safest, cleanest, most relaxing way to tan. First class salon with relaxing ‘bubble wall’ in reception area, flat screen tv’s in each room, tucked-away vanity area for clients after tan touch-up’s. Fantastic anchor tenants including IGA , Shoppers Drug Mart and Colossus 20 screen theatre! tons of traffic in this mall. New condos being built in and dont forget the new Golden ears bridge! almost 300k spent in original improvements! MUST SEE
-beds include Open Sun 550 ,Ambition 250 ,Supersonic 7 min. Stand-Up
-established a huge and loyal clientelle
-a computerized system (Sunlync), with very detailed info about everything the business has done, as the software tracks every single move that is made.
-bubble wall in the reception area($10,000.00 cost!).
-Take advantage of all the time, hard work, and money invested to get this amazing shop to the place it's at today!

The Agency Relationship

THE AGENCY RELATIONSHIP
REALTORS® work within a legal relationship called agency. The agency relationship exists between you, the principal, and your Brokerage, the company under which the individual who is representing you, is licensed. The essence of the agency relationship is that the Brokerage has the authority to represent the principal in dealings with others.
Brokerages and their Licensees are legally obligated to protect and promote the interests of their principals as they would their own.
Specifically, the Brokerage has the following duties:
-Undivided loyalty. The Brokerage must protect the principal’s negotiating position at all times, and disclose all known facts which may affect or influence the principal’s decision.
-To obey all lawful instructions of the principal.
-An obligation to keep the confidences of the principal.
-To exercise reasonable care and skill in performing all assigned duties.
-To account for all money and property placed in a Brokerage’s hands while acting for the principal.
You can expect competent service from your Brokerage, knowing that the company is bound by ethics and the law to be honest and thorough in representing a property listed for sale or lease. Both buyer/tenant and seller/ landlord can be represented by their own Brokerages in a single transaction.

Retirement Properties - Part 2

Condominiums Short on maintenance and long on amenities, condominiums are a favourite choice of empty nesters and retirees.
Condominium apartments and townhomes are available in virtually every price range and neighbourhood. Many offer recreational facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness areas, and even golf courses.
Remember that when you own a condominium you're governed by the by-laws, rules, and regulations established by the condominium board. Make sure you know how these will affect you (especially if you have a pet) before you buy.
Bungalows Bungalows give empty nesters and retirees the best of both worlds – your own house and yard with minimal maintenance and, best of all for many retirees, no stairs.
The bungalow living concept has surged in popularity in recent years, especially in smaller communities outside major centres where homes are less expensive