House to be Moved! MUST SELL



This house is adorable!  864 Sqaure foot Bungalow near Sanford, MB, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath.  Totally renovated inside and beautifully decorated.  Just REDUCED to $15,000.  Call me today, Tina August, Royal LePage Top Producers, 1-204-751-3477 or 981-3300.



OPEN HOUSE: Please come join me at this Charleswood Beauty tomorrow between 2:00-4:00.

Please come join me....

OPEN HOUSE, SUNDAY, JUNE 24th  2:00-4:00

$299,900

MLS # 1212772

Nicely treed Charleswood setting, solid home, very spacious, soaring ceilings, large foyer, living room, formal dining room, built-ins, late eat-in kitchen, huge bedrooms, ensuite off master bedroom, mostly updated flooring and recently painted main floor, lower level rec. room, open fireplace, 2 extra bedrooms, 3 piece bath, updated furnace.  Central air, hot water tank, shingles, 68 x 120 lot, attached single garage with double drive.  Excellent opportunity to add your personal touches.  Great value!!!

Offers presented Monday June 25 at 6 pm.

Get the House Ready

A house that "sparkles" on the surface will sell faster than its shabby neighbor, even though both are structurally well-maintained.

From experience, REALTORS® also know that a "well-polished" house appeals to more buyers and will sell faster and for a higher price. Additionally, buyers feel more comfortable purchasing a well-cared for home because if what they can see is maintained, what they can't see has probably also been maintained. In readying your house for sale, consider:

• how much should you spend
• exterior and curb appeal
• preparing the interior

How much should you spend
In preparing your home for the market, spend as little money as possible. Buyers will be impressed by a brand new roof, but they aren't likely to give you enough extra money to pay for it. There is a big difference between making minor and inexpensive "polishes" and "touch-ups" to your house, such as putting new knobs on cabinets and a fresh coat of neutral paint in the living room, and doing extensive and costly renovations, like installing a new kitchen. Your REALTOR®, who is familiar with buyers' expectations in your neighborhood, can advise you specifically on what improvements need to be made. Don't hesitate to ask for advice.

Maximizing exterior and curb appeal
Before putting your house on the market, take as much time as necessary (and as little money as possible) to maximize its exterior and interior appeal. Tips to enhance your home’s exterior and curb appeal:

• Keep the lawn edged, cut and watered regularly.
• Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and prune trees regularly.
• Check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling.
• Inspect doors and windows for peeling paint.
• Clean and align gutters.
• Inspect and clean the chimney.
• Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
• Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking.
• In Northern winters, keep walks neatly cleared of snow and ice.
• During spring and summer months consider adding a few showy annuals, perhaps in pots, near your front entrance.
• Re-seal an asphalt driveway.
• Keep your garage door closed.
• Store RVs or old and beaten up cars elsewhere while the house is on the market.
• Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door.

Maximizing interior appeal
Enhance your home’s interior by:

• Giving every room in the house a thorough cleaning, as well as removing all clutter. This alone will make your house appear bigger and brighter. Some homeowners with crowded rooms have actually rented storage garages and moved half their furniture out, creating a sleeker, more spacious look.
• Hiring a professional cleaning service, once every few weeks while the house is on the market. This may be a good investment for owners who are busy elsewhere.
• Removing the less frequently used, even daily used items from kitchen counters, closets, and attics, making these areas much more inviting. Since you're anticipating a move anyhow, holding a garage sale at this point is a great idea.
• If necessary, repainting dingy, soiled or strongly colored walls with a neutral shade of paint, such as off-white or beige. The same neutral scheme can be applied to carpets and linoleum.
• Checking for cracks, leaks and signs of dampness in the attic and basement.
• Repairing cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint, and tiles.
• Replacing broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings, and other woodwork. Inspecting and repairing the plumbing, heating , cooling, and alarm systems.
• Repairing dripping faucets and showerheads. Buying showy new towels for the bathroom, to be brought out only when prospective buyers are on the way.
• Sprucing up a kitchen in need of more major remodeling by investing in new cabinet knobs, new curtains, or a coat of neutral paint

For all of your Real Estate needs, please call me today at 1-204-751-3477.  Whether you are thinking about buying, selling or would like home and yard tips...Helping you is what we do!

Tina August-Royal LePage Top Producers

Fence Me In: Ideas for Defining Your Outdoor Space



Good fences make good neighbours – and the right fence can really make your yard. These steps can help you find a style that works for your space.

Step 1: Determine your needs
First, figure out the purpose of your fence. Do you want it to provide privacy? Beautify your yard? Keep kids or pets in? Comply with pool safety standards? Define your property lines? Add to the value of your home? Determining your needs can help you choose the right fence for you.

Step 2: Choose your style
- Private. A solid-board fence blocks an unattractive view completely, but it also cuts out light and breezes and can make you feel boxed in.
- Semi-private. This style, which can have subtle spacing, louvers or lattice to let in light, is friendly, comfortable, and makes your yard feel bigger.
- Open. Great if you want to enclose your property but don’t want to block it off visually.

Step 3: Select your material
Your options are limited only by your imagination and, of course, your budget.

Chain-link. Definitely the most cost-effective choice, but not necessarily the most aesthetically pleasing. It’s good for defining boundaries, keeping kids and pets in, and maintaining a sense of openness. If you’ve got a big yard and a small budget, this is the way to go.

Wood. Styles range from split rail and picket fences to board-on-board styles that look great on both sides and offer privacy, yet let in air and light. The downside to wood? It needs regular maintenance to look good over time.

PVC/vinyl. Vinyl fencing looks just like painted wood, but you’ll never need to paint it – all you have to do is clean it once a year.

Iron, aluminum or steel. Use it if you want an open, formal look. Aluminum, which looks like wrought iron but is less expensive, is the most budget-friendly choice. If cost isn’t an issue, custom ironwork is an excellent way to incorporate a fence or gate that’s completely unique.

Natural “fencing.” Hedges and shrubs reduce noise and dust better than a fence, are less expensive, and look lush and beautiful. You’ll just have to be patient while your “fence” grows in.
A great-looking fence adds tremendous value to your home – whether it’s resale value or your own enjoyment of it over the years. Think carefully about your needs and your personal style, then go ahead and build a fence you’ll love.

Be nice to your neighbours. Talk to them before you do anything. Choose a design that looks good from both sides, and make sure you know exactly where your property lines are.

Think outside the box. You may not need to surround your whole yard to get the privacy you want. Consider using a fence to screen in a sitting area or create an outdoor room.

For all of your Real Estate needs, whether you are thinking of selling, buying or would like more yard/home tips, please think of me.   Tina August, Royal LePage Top Producers, Direct: 1-204-751-3477.

Happy Fathers Day!!

Your Dad is a person

Who is loving and kind,

And often he knows 

what you have on your mind.

He's someone who listens, 

suggests, and defends.

A dad can be on of your very best friends!

He's proud of your triumphs,

but when things go wrong, 

A dad can be patient

and helpful and strong

In all that you do, 

a dad's love plays a part.

There's always a place for him

deep in your heart. 

And each year that passes,

your're even more glad, 

More grateful and proud

just to call him your dad!

Thank you Dad....

for listening and caring,

for giving and sharing,

but, especially for just being you!

Happy Father's Day!

My Daddio = The BEST! 

My Babies Daddy & the best Husband ever

My great Father-in-law!

Some Fathers Day Gift Ideas...

Who doesn't love Pinterest?! It is an AMAZING site!  While checking it out today I found some really cute ideas for Father's Day gifts that I wanted to share.  For more ideas...visit http://pinterest.com/search/?q=fathers+day.

Where in the World is Tina August

113 Blythefield Road, Sanford MB

Open house, Sunday, June 17th  2:00-4:00

MLS# 1210119

$529,900

 A must see! Incredible family home situated on 1.5 acre mature riverfront property. Meticulously maintained country-style spacious bungalow custom built on piles, energy efficient, new geo-thermal system in 2004, 5+ BR, beautifully renovated grand kitchen, commercial appliances incl. gas stove w/dble oven, granite counters, butcher block tiered island, formal dining area, LR/OFP, main floor family room, spacious den/library, 4 bathrooms incl. deluxe ensuite and main floor laundry, private in-law suite w/LR, kitchen, BR and den (could be converted back to oversized dble attached garage, large deck, hot tub, large insulated out building. Great curb appeal, choice location close to schools, excellent value, short drive to city. Vendor transferred.  Offers presented as recieved.

Directions: SW Hwy#3, right on Mandan Drive (Sanford turn-off), right on Blythefield Road

Bored with your Headboard? Awaken Your Imagination

The bed is the centerpiece of almost every bedroom.  It takes up the most room, it’s where your eye is naturally drawn to, and it’s the place where you spend a third of your day.  Yet despite all the attention on beds, headboards are often humdrum, predictable pieces of furniture.  So why not add some style and personality to your headboard?  All you need is a little imagination.  Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:

Fabulous Fabric

Fabric is a great way to add intrigue to the focal point of your bedroom.  Instead of a standard headboard, consider hanging a family quilt on a curtain rod for a quaint, farmhouse effect. Even a striking curtain can extend the eye upwards and bring your bedroom style to new heights.  Or add some panache with a few decorative hooks.

Right Frame of Mind

A framed piece of appealing art can add vertical interest above any bed.  Consider a series of framed photographs to help personalize your bedroom, and emphasize them with subtle wall lighting.  Go for glamour with a framed antique mirror that can also help create the impression of extra space.

Shabby Chic

If you’re going for a look that mixes urban trend with a traditional tone, think shabby chic. Old doors, window shutters, mantle pieces, and uneven planks of wood can all be repurposed into vintage-looking headboards.  Either refinish wood with its natural colour or use light blues, browns, or whites to create a dreamy combination of rustic and elegance.      

Artsy, Optical Illusion

Want to really think outside the box-spring? Why not create a new headboard right on the wall?  Great for kids rooms, guest rooms, or just to save space, simply paint a faux headboard on the wall in a colour that stands out.  Get even more creative with chalk paint and draw yourself a new headboard whenever you wish!

With the right mix of imaginative colour, design, and style, you’ll have the bedroom of your dreams!

For all of your Real Estate needs please give me a call today, Tina August Royal LePage Top Producers, 1-204-751-3477.  Also, for more yard and home articles come back and visit my blog, or visit my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tinaaugustsold.

Some Eco Friendly Spring Cleaning Tips: Make your home Sparkle!!

!!ECO FRIENDLY SPRING CLEANING TIPS!!

Let Spring Cleaning Come Naturally

Did you know that your home can sparkle this spring without using any chemicals?  Choose from a wide array of eco friendly cleaners on the market or simply make your own with household ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.  Here are a few tips to help you become a natural when it comes to spring cleaning: 

The Bathroom 

Want to bring out a natural shine to your sinks, toilets, and tubs?  Create a gentle scouring paste by mixing 4 tbsp baking soda with 1 tbsp water. Generously sprinkle either table salt or baking soda into the sink or tub and use the cut end of half a fresh lemon as a scrubby-pad. Rinse with hot water and your ceramics will be gleaming! Undiluted lemon juice can also be used to dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits. 

The Kitchen 

Vinegar, a natural antibacterial, has a high acid content which makes it an effective alternative to caustic cleaners for the kitchen.  Mix together 1 part water to 1 part vinegar in a new spray bottle and you have a natural solution that will clean stovetops, appliances, countertops (except marble), and floors.  For troublesome stains, add a touch of baking soda to the mix.

To help remove finger marks from stainless steel appliances use a microfibre cloth or try a dab of baby oil on a clean cloth.  For microwaves, put a few slices of fresh lemon in an uncovered bowl of water and cook on high for about three minutes.  Grease and dirt should wipe away easily. 

Windows 

Let the sunshine in by washing away winter’s grime.  Fill a bucket with 25 per cent vinegar and 75 per cent warm water.  Put on rubber gloves and soak an old cotton towel in the solution.  Rub on windows, and then scrunch up some old newspaper to buff up a shine.  If there are any streaks, simply finish off with a dry cloth.

Fabrics and Carpets

Have a stubborn fabric stain?  Dab white vinegar onto the stain followed by a mild soap solution such as all natural dishwashing liquid and water.  Rinse with a clean damp cloth and blot with a dry towel.  Salt can also be used to soak up fresh carpet stains such as red wine, coffee or ink. Simply pour salt on the wet stain, let dry, and then vacuum. Natural ingredients can not only get rid of stains, they’ll help eliminate odours from fabrics too!

Tina August: Prepping before Painting is Paramount

An essential part of a painting project happens before you ever lay a brush or roller on the wall. The key is preparation.  Put in a little time and effort beforehand, and you’ll be rewarded with a professional looking finish afterwards.  Here are a few steps to ensure proper painting prep:

Patch & RepairFill small holes and hairline cracks with patching compound and sand when dry.  For larger holes, apply the compound in layers, making sure each layer is dry before applying the next.  For badly damaged plaster walls, apply a thin coat of plaster on top of the existing one by skimming, to achieve a nice, smooth finish.  Skimming is a bit of an art form, so don’t hesitate to get help from a professional plasterer.

A Clean “Canvas” is CriticalJust as you wouldn’t paint a picture on a dirty canvas, you don’t want to paint a room with dirty walls.  Remove dirt and marks by washing with mild detergent and water; grease marks with Trisodium phosphate (TSP); and floor wax build-up on baseboards with wax remover.  Mildew in damp areas such as bathrooms should be addressed and removed entirely.  Many find a solution of one part household bleach to three parts water works well.  Vacuum textured walls and ceilings to get rid of dust and cobwebs.

Prime the WallsPaint primers help to ensure a professional-looking paint job. It increases the bond between the paint and the surface and it is particularly helpful to cover surfaces painted with semi-gloss or high gloss paints or bare surfaces such as wood, plaster or drywall. If you are painting with a deep colour, ask your local paint store to tint your primer with your paint colour. This technique will enable you to cover your walls quicker and with less paint.

Don’t Forget about the Outside!Our outside walls don’t usually undergo the same scrutiny as our inside walls do, but spring is a great time to think outside the house!  Start by removing loose, peeling paint or dirt with a wire brush or power washer and repair and sand as needed.  Good quality surface preparation provides maximum durability, a must for outside paintwork. 

A fresh coat of paint can really improve the curb appeal of your home, and proper preparation will ensure the best return on your investment.

"Helping you is what we do!!"  Keep visiting www.tinaaugust.blogspot.ca for more helpful home and yard tips!

If you, or someone you know are looking to buy, sell or invest in Real Estate, please think of me.  Your referrals are very much appreciated.  Tina August, Realtor®, Royal LePage Top Producers, 6-1549 St. Mary's Road, Winnipeg, MB, R2M 5G9  

DIRECT: 1-204-751-3477

EMAIL: tinalaugust@gmail.com

Tina August: A Guide to Roofing Improvement. Repair? Replace? ROI?

A Guide to Roofing Improvement. Repair? Replace? ROI?  Your roof has a tough life.  Just when it’s survived another long, cold Canadian winter, it faces the heat and humidity of the summer months ahead.  That’s why spring is the perfect time to assess the state of your roof, and to decide whether you need to take steps to improve its condition.  Here is a general guideline of where to begin: Look for Proof of a Faulty Roof No matter how old or new your roof is, it’s always a good idea to conduct quarterly inspections of its condition.  Start with the interior walls of your home that touch the roof and look for things like flaking paint, ceiling stains, and peeling wallpaper. All of these may be an indication that your roof has a leak. On your roof itself, symptoms of deterioration can include missing shingles, visible fiberglass threads, raised shingles with nails protruding, or any areas that look darker or a different shade.  Check the roof deck in your attic as well, noting any water stains, rotting, and pinholes of light. If you are uncertain, you can always hire a roofing professional to do an assessment for you. Two Options: Repair or Replace If you’ve discovered signs that your roof may be damaged or leaking, first determine if it’s repairable.  A roofing professional may be best able to determine this. If it’s less than ten years old and only has a few minor issues, the remedy may simply require a little patchwork.  Sometimes a simple repair won’t suffice, and you need to consider replacing your roof altogether.  A professional roofer can determine the state and age of your roof to help you decide if you want to replace it.  As a general rule, if your roof is older than 15 years or showing significant signs of decay they’ll likely recommend that you replace it.  A moderately sized, professionally-installed roofing job will usually take about three to five days to complete. Select a roofing system design and colour that is in keeping with the neighbourhood standard and the colour scheme of your home. Reap the ROI If it’s time to replace your roof, you should consider what the return on investment will be. The most common type of roofing system is the asphalt shingle, where you’ll pay on average between $2.50- $3.50 per square foot*.  If and when you sell your home down the road, you can expect to recoup an estimated 25-75% of your roofing investment*. Replacing your roof can also add a lot of curb appeal to your home.  A new roof gives your home a mini-makeover, making it look more modern and up-to-date – not to mention safer and more energy efficient.  To make the most of your investment, be sure to maintain and inspect it on a regular basis. *The Appraisal Institute of Canada, 2011: http://aicanada.ca

Tina August: Open house at 66 Abbeydale Crescent, Sunday, June 10th 2:00-4:00

Open House, Sunday June 10th 2:00-4:00 

66 Abbeydale Crescent

MLS #1208489

$419,900

Why wait to build, like new! Bright spacious Great Room plan, huge kitchen, large island plus eating area, corner pantry and SS appliances included, main floor den/laundry, 4 bedrooms up (4th presently open den), finished rec. room, 5th bedroom, 3 pc. bath, loads of storage, tastefully landscaped, deck, large double garage, easy to view.

Tina August: Baseball Tournament, Lowe Farm, MB

Carman Youth Baseball Tournament

Lowe Farm, MB

(Please see below as well to view our listing in Lowe Farm, MB)

This past Saturday, June 2nd, 2012 my nine year old son had a baseball tournament in Lowe Farm, MB.  For those of you that were out and about on Saturday, you know just how hot it was. A +30 day at the beginning of June! How lucky have we been this Spring?! It was a beautiful day, full of sun, laughter and bats swinging.  

In between games, we took a chance to explore Lowe Farm and the special events. 

There was the cutest Choo Choo Train ride there, that all the kids enjoyed. Toddlers and up.  If you are in the Pembina Valley area and are looking for an entertainment idea for your event give them a call.  1-204-362-7770 or 1-204-325-8456.  The kids had to line up, and when it was their turn were escorted by the ticket boy or ticket girl to their seat where they were given a sticker.  The rides were not short, and it was a delight to see all the children riding along with huge smiles on their faces. 

The canteen was great and full of yummy treats.  One of the things that I noticed and really liked was there was a lot of younger faces behind the counter being active in their community and helping out.  

Danny's Whole Hog Services provided Pork on a Bun and I recommend them for any special event that you may have.  It was absolutely delicious and my little girl went back for seconds, which never happens.  You can check them out at www.dannyswholehog.com or contact Danny or Jeanette Kleinsasser at Box 288 Stony Mountain, Manitoba, R0C 3A0 or by phone at (204) 344-5675.  You will not be disappointed. Yummy job Danny's Whole Hog Services!!!!

My sons team, Carman Goldeyes did exceptionally well and all the kid had so much fun.  It was a great day and I look forward to spending many more days like that with my children this summer.  I hope you all had a great weekend too.

Keep posted to see 'Where in the World is Tina August' this coming weekend.  I have a couple of open houses planned and will be sharing the information in the next couple of days.

See below for some photos I would like to share of our great day in Lowe Farm, MB!!!

Also please check out our listing in Lowe Farm:

2 Main Street, Lowe Farm MB

$219,900

MLS# 1202818

http://www.realtor.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?&PropertyId=11594329&PidKey=1787951859&Mode=5

Well maintained country residence featuring 1658 sq ft 2 + bedrm, 2 bathrm, home full finished basement (floor heat) lg AT/2 garage, + 40' x 90' shed with pt concrete floor, 150' x 150' lot. Many upgrades including most windows, shingled house in 2011, shed in 2005.

Give me a call at (204) 751-3477 with any questions or to book your viewing.

Tina August: 315 SE 4th Ave, Dufferin MB Check out this Beautiful Home! It could be yours!!

315 SE 4th Avenue, Dufferin MB

http://homesite.obeo.com/713122  Click here for your virtual tour.

Exceptional rural property on a well treed 4 acre estate just east of Carman. Featuring 2884 + sq ft 4 level split. With 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, main floor office and family room, large exercise and hot tub room. AT/4 car and DT/1 garages, cedar roof, 3 season sunroom, large above ground pool. Front yard features 45-50 large mature oak trees. Ravine runs along side of yard. Well sheltered from all directions.$60,000 1,300 square foot Trex deck on house. Trex deck around pool, heater for pool, Salt system for pool, gas furnace in attached garage, service and concrete parking pad for motorhome, New septic tank with attached sewer dump for a camper, upgraded electrical, plumbing in house, HVAC system, Fireplace insert professionally installed according to code-fully insurable, New central vac system, Blown insulation in attic, most New windows and doors, Built in hot tub on concrete floor in cedar lined room with moisture control, Concrete driveway new in 2010, Extra garage built 2010

If you would like more information on this home, please give me a call today at 1-204-751-3477 to book your showing.

Tina August