Bank Of Canada Holds Interest Rate Steady At 5%

The Bank of Canada has decided to keep its benchmark interest rate at 5%, as anticipated. This is actually a good thing, because if they lowered the rate, people would start buying things in a frenzy, leading to panic and ultimately a rate hike. By keeping the rate stable, inflation can continue to decline, which is a positive outcome.

Moisture In A Basement

This isn't a reason to run away from a house you are interested in buying. Winnipeg often has lots of water damage to homes. I like to take a look at the whole situation and try to figure out what is happening. Where is the water coming from, has the problem been fixed, and what do you need to do to fix it?

I am here to help you with all of this when you buy a home in Winnipeg. Some problems look worse than they are, and some have easy explanations. I can help you figure it all out.

Rate Announcement Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the first rate announcement of the year and this is the first one where there is a smalllllllll possibility it could go down. We have seen it hold steady for quite some time now, and we are watching the United States and their predictions that rates will drop for them up to 6 times this year, so what does that mean for us?

Drop your guess in the comments below, what do you think will happen tomorrow?

Valentine’s For Seniors

Love is in the air, and we’re on a mission to make Valentine’s Day extra special for those who may need a little extra love! This year, our team is spreading joy by collecting Valentine’s cards to share with seniors in care homes.

Let’s make this season of love truly inclusive! If you’d like to join us in creating smiles, simply design a heartwarming card or get your kiddos involved in crafting some love.

You can drop off your creations at our office (6-1549 St Mary’s Rd) or slide into our DMs, and we’ll pick them up!

Because love knows no boundaries, and together, we can make Valentine’s Day a little brighter for everyone!

Step Into Your Home-Buying Adventure!

Step into your home-buying adventure at Pine Ridge Hollow's enchanting dome! First-timers and millennial home-seekers, gather 'round our cozy fireside for a seminar that's more like a retreat.

Unlock the mysteries of mortgages with our expert, and let Nicole Hacault guide you through the ins and outs of finding your perfect first home. We're not just talking real estate – we're talking dreams, decisions, and the start of something big.

Snag your spot and let's chat over cocoa about crafting your home story from the ground up!

https://tinyurl.com/freebuyersseminar

Free Buyer Seminar

Step into your home-buying adventure at Pine Ridge Hollow's enchanting dome! First-timers and millennial home-seekers, gather 'round our cozy fireside for a seminar that's more like a retreat.

Unlock the mysteries of mortgages with our expert @beththrall, and let Nicole Hacault guide you through the ins and outs of finding your perfect first home. We're not just talking real estate – we're talking dreams, decisions, and the start of something big.

Snag your spot and let's chat over cocoa about crafting your home story from the ground up!

http://tinyurl.com/freebuyersseminar

Is There Hardwood Under That Carpet?

Let's go looking for hardwoods together!

⁠For some reason, it was a "thing" to cover up gorgeous hardwoods with carpet. Sometimes when you see that dated old carpet though, you don't know what is underneath it, so here is a hack when you are house hunting in Winnipeg.⁠

⁠Search for a vent, pull it up, take a little peek and see if there is carpet there. Just this little bit will tell you what is under the carpet. What will still be unknown is what shape it is in overall. A water spill on a carpet can create black spots on the hardwoods, so it isn't a guarantee when you rip it all up, but you will have more info!

⁠Of course, ensure that you have reached out to the listing agent before doing this, don't cause any damage to any properties, and always make sure it is exactly how you found it.

Let’s Talk About 2-Prong Electrical Wiring

Let's talk about 2-prong electrical wiring! ⁠ ⁠What 2 prong means is that it is missing 1 prong and the one that it is missing is the ground. This kind of wiring is after knob and tube. Overall it is fine, insurance doesn't usually require you to change anything, but there are some modifications you may have to make. That prong that is missing means all your fancy electronics aren't protected.

You have options: ⁠

Install GFI's at each outlet ⁠

Install GFI's at the panel ⁠

Install a ground wire throughout the home

Of course, talk to an electrician to ensure what you are doing is up to code and the right decision, and make sure you have us as your realtors so we can help spot things like this for you!

Cost-Cutting Tips When Building A New Home

Are you building a home and wondering what to splurge on in the design centre? Sandeep has just gone through all this himself, and here are some tips he has learned.

1. Paint... if you are confident in your lines and paint work, do this one yourself if you want to add colour to each room. The builders will often do one colour throughout for you, but if you want to add more do that yourself after and avoid that up-charge.

2. Faucets and taps... these are incredibly easy to swap out down the road if you would like, and it doesn't need to be name-brand to make a huge impact

3. Light fixtures... the jewelry of the home. It is incredible how much light fixtures can cost, but with a bit of research and shopping around you can find much cheaper alternatives to what the design centre may be offering you. Sell off the current ones in your home, make some money back, and swap them out once you have chosen exactly how you want your home to look.

If you have any other questions about ways you could save money in new construction, or just about new construction in general, don't be shy, reach out to us!

Let’s Talk Market Predictions For 2024

Those who are out there debating on buying or selling this year have a lot of questions after what has happened in the Winnipeg market in the last few years.

2023 was a tough one for us all to adjust to, but I am excited for 2024. I think that as buyers have gotten used to the rates they are going to be more eager to buy, and even more so once the rates come down. It is all quite simply supply and demand, so as long as the supply is low like it is right now, we will have very high demand and more bidding wars.

If you are thinking of selling your home in 2024, jump in and meet with us sooner rather than later, right now is my favourite time of the year to sell a home!

Meet The Team That Turns Houses Into Homes In Winnipeg!

We're more than just realtors; we're your neighbours, your guides, and your friends in this exciting journey of buying and selling homes. With over 100 homes sold each year, our experience speaks for itself, but it's our laughter and personal touch that makes every transaction special. Ready to join our family of happy homeowners? Let's chat!

Local Business: Palms Music Studio

Local business love being shared for Palms Music Studio @plams_music_studio and his amazing violin teaching abilities! Our kiddo has been loving his lessons for more than a year now and I can say that the transformation has been incredible.

Alan has gone above and beyond in how he has helped our kiddo not only learn violin but also to keep him engaged and coming to lessons. If you are looking for a teacher for yourself as an adult or for your kiddo, make sure to reach out and get yourself scheduled in!

Free Seller Seminar

Hey Winnipeg, are you feeling swamped by the thought of downsizing after decades in your beloved home? 🏠💼 We get it, saying goodbye to rooms filled with memories (and maybe a bit too much stuff) is tough. But guess what? You don't have to figure it out alone!

Join us at our FREE Sellers Seminar designed just for you—yes, you who've nurtured your home for 30-40 years! Let's walk through those rooms together and chat about turning clutter into clarity, with a little help from our expert stager and home inspector. 🛠🎨

Our dedicated team at Nicole Hacault and Associates is here to guide you through each step. From prepping your home for the market to finding the perfect buyer, we're on it. And because we believe in community, we're doing it all right here in Winnipeg.

Ready to make this journey as memorable as the years you've spent in your home? Slide into our DMs to secure your spot and let's make 2024 the year of new beginnings! 🌟

🗓 Date: January 25th

🕒 Time: 11am

📍 Location: Smitties Meadowood

These Two Absolutely Deserve This Amazing Home!

I got the text that they wanted to talk to me.... and of course my head spirals. I thought... this is it, I am for sure getting fired, something is the matter, what’s going on... But the conversation was the most amazing one ever where they had found their dream home through a family member! From there I started working on putting together the private deal for them.

It was such a joy putting it all together and seeing the amazing house you found for the first time, it is so cozy, dramatic, and gorgeous, and I love it so much!

Thinking Of Selling Your Home And Don’t Know Where To Start?

Have you been thinking of selling your Winnipeg home in 2024 and don't quite know where to start?

On January 25th we will be taking you through the process at your FREE sellers seminar. We will have our team there for you along with our stager @heatherstyleshomes and a home inspector Rene Rheault to help you decide what to declutter and what maintenance the buyers are going to care about the most to help you both sell quickly, easily and for the most amount of money. Comment below if you or anyone you know would like the link to the tickets for this free knowledge-filled event in Winnipeg.

http://tinyurl.com/freesellersseminar

WINNIPEG, January 9, 2024 – December 2023 closed with total MLS® sales for all property types up over December of 2022. MLS® listings and dollar volumes were also up over last year which marks the 3rd time in 2023 where all three statistical categories were up in the same month. Average prices increased over last December for all three of the main MLS® property types of residential detached and residential attached, as well as condominium.

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