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During times of economic uncertainty, it is more important than ever to support local business owners and independent artisans. This year our local Regina shops & restaurants have been hit hard by the COVID-19 restrictions & this holiday season, we have an opportunity to shift our consumer power towards our locally owned & operated businesses. 


Every time we buy from a local small business, we make our community more prosperous & we have so many great options in YQR!  We hope our holiday gift guide will help inspire you as you finish your gift shopping this year! 




For the Fashion Enthusiast

If that is the man in your life, our go to for the perfect gift for our guys is Colin O’Brian Man’s Shoppefor selection with the coolest brands like Hugo Boss & John Varvatos and service by their stellar staff, we know we can always get the perfect sweater, scarf and the coolest socks to fill that stocking! 



Ladies, when you want the perfect jeans, tee or something comfy to lounge in, you can count on great shops like Havik ClothiersTHR3E Clothing Connection in Lumsden and our friends at Nico Lady + Baby (yes even for the littlest fashionista!) for inspiration …. 


They all have great ideas for your gift giving this year like cute logoed sweatshirts(think Brunette the Label & Good hYOUman), lounge sets(like Z Supply), cozy scarves, jewellery & accessories, and of course super cute masks…. for one stop shopping.



Stocking Stuffer Alert! These new mask lanyards from Nico Lady & Baby are perfect stocking stuffers!! 





For the Kids

Without question if you are shopping for fun,or learning, toys, games, puzzles, colouring books or sticker books, Zippity Zoom Toys is one stop shopping for all ages of kids…and it’s just a fun place for us big kids too! 





For the Foodie & Home Accessory Fan! 

If you’re looking for great gift ideas for for someone who loves to cook….and let’s face it we’ve all kind been finding our inner Ina Garten/Jamie Oliver in the past 8 months…check out Crocus & Ivy for the most lovely selection of cookware & glassware, and great stocking stuffer ideas like Christmas Tree Ornaments, the cutest tea towels, aprons & gourmet food items...not to mention women's & kids fashions! We promise you will want to just hang out and look at every single thing in this lovely store!


Bonus Tip: Plan to stop in at Magpies for coffee or tea & a home made treat while you're there! 




If you’re looking for the coolest gadgets(think BBQ tools, meat thermometers), gourmet knives, Wellness Mats, or great gift ideas from Maison Berger or this cool & elegant Sizzle candle lighter, then Kitchen Gear is your go-to!  



Stocking Stuffer Alert! We love this Car Air Diffuser from Maison Berger ...there's even one for the dog lover in your life! 




Bonus Tip! While you are at Kitchen Gear & its new sister store The Flower Shop On Hill Avenue stop and pick up some delicious treats from Something Sweet from Fadiah while you’re there!  #winwin





Did you know that our own local treasure CJ Katz has released two new "Covid19" cookbooks, One Bowl at a Time and One Loaf at a Time with recipes shared from Canadian cooks from all across our country! What a great great 2020 keepsake & gift idea!




For Anyone …and Yourself of Course! 

And for those people who have everything and you don’t know what to get, when all else fails treat them with a lovely scented candle…we love these locally made hand-poured candles from Ruby Reid ...the new Holiday Candle is a blend of cedarwood, fraser fir & pine and may just become your new seasonal favourite scent!  While you’re there check out Sara Lindsay’s Pretty City Studio for exclusive lines of make-up, skincare and gift cards for makeup application, brows, lashed & more! 




If you live in or are you're heading out to White City/Emerald Park check out Wish Home & Gift where you will find something for anyone....living gifts & potted plants, home accessories, Holiday seasonal gifts, home & body care products, gourmet candy & chocolates, and even gifts for the little ones! They seriously have the coolest things &

their gift packaging is just so pretty & elegant, it's such a pleasure to give & receive!





Date Night ...at Home!

Supporting our local hospitality industry is so important right now and we can help by ordering takeout for ourselves and sharing gift cards with our friends & family so they can take a night off and do dinner(and maybe wine?) and a movie(aka Netflix) at home! 




We have so many great places in Regina providing at restaurant at home options with pick-up & delivery, like some of our favourites from our friends at Luna Kitchen & Bar, Bar Willow Eatery, Skye Cafe & Bistro and Chop Steakhouse & Bar (a locally owned & operated franchise)



Did you know Skye Cafe & Bistro has a special gourmet take-out dinner menu every weekend....and they have a Christmas turkey dinner menu so yo ucan relax & enjoy the holidays with one less stress! We were lucky enough to enjoy their Thanksgiving turkey dinner so we know this one will be amazing too! 



Stocking Stuffer Alert! Did you know that Bar Willow has 25% off all OffSale Wines with Free Deliver over $100? Now there's something to celebrate! 





And of course, check out one of the Support Local” Facebook pages to get information & more inspiration for products & services including loads of inspiration from some of our super talented local Regina artisans!




Happy Holidays & Happy Shopping from our homes to yours! 


~ Karin & Jen 



Info@W2RealtyTeam.com


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Here’s What You Can Do Now! 


Whether your plan was to buy your first home or sell your old one, those plans will have been put on hold by coronavirus unless it’s a necessary move, leaving you with the feeling that there’s nothing you can do except sit and wait…


However, now that you have time on your hands you can take some practical steps now that will save time and give you a jump on the process when life returns to something closer to normal — and when your time to tackle those projects is once again in short supply.



Top tips for buyers:


1. Go Virtual

You may not be able to easily view homes physically right now but an online search is valuable research! 

Most listings have great professional photos or video tours that will allow to view the home virtually to decide whether it is a possibility or an absolute No! 

Check out our App where you can browse properties and mark & save your favourites ….and we can see what you’re liking as well so we can also send you recommendations based on your favourites! 


2. Prepare your mortgage pre-approval

Your mortgage broker can help you virtually to get your pre-approval done now and get your mortgage rate locked in for 120 days ….so when things normalize you are ready to hit the ground running! 




Top tips for sellers:


1. Finish any DIY jobs

Home improvement stores like Home Depot are still open so you can pick up supplies for those small projects that you can tackle now like: 

Replace broken tiles or touching up grout, paint touch-ups, touch-up watermarks on ceilings, fix or replace that leaky tap, replace bath & shower caulking, etc. 


2. Neaten up your Yard

Once the weather warms up a bit you can start cleaning up your shed, garage, and those pots that didn’t all quite get cleaned up before the snow fell last year! 


Box up or bin the contents of the garage or garden shed so you can get a jump on that process before you get your hime on the market. 


3. Tackle those exterior projects

First impressions count and an easy way to amp up curb appeal is to give your front door a fresh coat of paint. When weather permits take on those exterior tasks including:

clearing your eaves, cleaning your windows(by the way there are window cleaning companies still working), and spray down your driveway to remove all of that winter dust & dirt. 


Those projects all take time  — and right now that’s the one you thing have more of!  


We’re here to help you and answer any questions you may have about the market and how that may affect you whether you are buying or selling.  


So feel free to reach out …we’re happy to help! 



~ Karin & Jen 

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We know you’re out walking Fido more often than ever right now and that means dodging puddles and coming home with wet or muddy feet...both of you perhaps! Wink

And then there’s just the normal doggy self-care required occasionally to get that pup looking & smelling great! 


So if you’re thinking about adding a pet wash station to your home renovation or new home design, check out these 5 great design tips! 


PS  Double Duty - you can use a pet wash station for cleaning dirty golf clubs, gardening tools and even the kids after a busy day of playing in puddles too!  Win win! 



  • Incorporate the washing station into the mudroom. Mudrooms are a very popular spot for dog wash stations. You normally enter the house from the back or side door, so their muddy paws never have to make it into the rest of the house.


  • Include a handheld shower or sprayer. Not only will it help you get your dog's entire body nice and clean, but it will also let you to do a quick paws-only wash.


  • Be prepared for the big shake. Anyone who has ever washed dogs knows that afterward they shake off the water with enthusiasm and get the entire area wet (including the person doing the washing). Having a tile surround and floor that can stand up to water will keep the big shake from damaging drywall and floors. If your dog is the type that runs around the house in crazy circles after a bath, we recommend having a door that you can close on your laundry or mudroom until Sparky finishes the big shake! Having towel storage handy is also a great idea! 


  • Go bigger with the drain. A 3-inch drain is recommended in a pet washing station. It will handle dog hair better than the standard 1½- to 2-inch shower drain. Having a hair filter over the drain is also a great idea! 


  • Consider an elevated dog bath for smaller pets. It will be easier on your back and knees in the long run, as long as your dog is willing and able to jump into it, or you don't have a problem lifting your pet into place.

We have great working reltionships with local renovation teams & custom home builders in Regina, so don't hesitate to reach out if you are looking for a referral for your next project or build! 




As always stay safe & well!  


~ Karin & Jen 

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We know you’re out walking Fido more often than ever right now and that means dodging puddles and coming home with wet or muddy feet...both of you perhaps! Wink

And then there’s just the normal doggy self-care required occasionally to get that pup looking & smelling great! 


So if you’re thinking about adding a pet wash station to your home renovation or new home design, check out these 5 great design tips! 


PS  Double Duty - you can use a pet wash station for cleaning dirty golf clubs, gardening tools and even the kids after a busy day of playing in puddles too!  Win win! 



  • Incorporate the washing station into the mudroom. Mudrooms are a very popular spot for dog wash stations. You normally enter the house from the back or side door, so their muddy paws never have to make it into the rest of the house.


  • Include a handheld shower or sprayer. Not only will it help you get your dog's entire body nice and clean, but it will also let you to do a quick paws-only wash.


  • Be prepared for the big shake. Anyone who has ever washed dogs knows that afterward they shake off the water with enthusiasm and get the entire area wet (including the person doing the washing). Having a tile surround and floor that can stand up to water will keep the big shake from damaging drywall and floors. If your dog is the type that runs around the house in crazy circles after a bath, we recommend having a door that you can close on your laundry or mudroom until Sparky finishes the big shake! Having towel storage handy is also a great idea! 


  • Go bigger with the drain. A 3-inch drain is recommended in a pet washing station. It will handle dog hair better than the standard 1½- to 2-inch shower drain. Having a hair filter over the drain is also a great idea! 


  • Consider an elevated dog bath for smaller pets. It will be easier on your back and knees in the long run, as long as your dog is willing and able to jump into it, or you don't have a problem lifting your pet into place.

We have great working reltionships with local renovation teams & custom home builders in Regina, so don't hesitate to reach out if you are looking for a referral for your next project or build! 




As always stay safe & well!  


~ Karin & Jen 

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 Can we talk about this renovation!?!?⁣

It took awhile for us to find these amazing clients the right home, in the right area, for their family ...and that would allow them the opportunity to renovate and make it their own. ⁣

But we did….and they did ….and it looks fantastic! ⁣

This is a spacious bungalow in SE Regina that had a fairly typical design from the early 2000’s ….a front to back plan where the kitchen/dining area opened up onto the back yard/deck but was separated from the large living area by a full wall. ⁣
So how do you open up the space to create open concept living and still have a great functional kitchen after you eliminate a wall of cabinets? Well ….this is how 


We LOVE this kitchen and everything about it…the white cabinets with brass pulls, clean white quartz countertops with waterfall island with tons of extra cabinets … and that range hood!! Not to mention, the cool lighting from Richardson Lighting - Regina …and those beautiful stools from Hunters Furniture! ⁣ 


The flooring was replaced with a lighter hardwood throughout to provide one seamless surface through the living areas! ⁣

Updating all of the former oak window & door trim and baseboards with white trim is a simple way to modernize and brighten up the space! What a difference that made


Thanks to our great clients for sharing this with us & kudos to Citizen Design Co. for the design inspiration! ⁣

There are so many great value opportunities in our Regina market right now where you can also update the space to make it your own! ⁣


And you may also qualify to take advantage of available “purchase plus improvements mortgage plans” to help pay for those renovations. ⁣

If you are thinking about buying a home, and have questions about the process or need a referral to a lnder or mortgage broker, feel free to contact us...we’d love to hear from you! ⁣

~ Karin & Jen ⁣



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Canada’s mortgage rates are creeping up -- even though the country’s central bank has slashed borrowing costs to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

“That’s due to the enormous pressure Canadian banks face amid disruptions caused by the outbreak, said Sherry Cooper, chief economist at Dominion Lending Centres.
The costs of funds for banks is skyrocketing and bank earnings are plunging, Cooper told Bloomberg Monday.“

“Every single business they have ever loaned to is subject to a massive decline in revenues, and therefore their own revenues are going down because nobody is taking out new business with banks except to extend debt.”

If you want to understand more about mortgage rates, how they work & the current volatility of those rates check out this video from Dustan Woodhouse - AMP Accredited Mortgage Professional:

Now for the GOOD NEWS & We’ll take any bit of positive news we can get right now!

There is some optimism as far as future job security is concerned as although there has been an increase in jobless claims, Canadian consumers are largely confident in their job security.

Just 13% of respondents to the Canadian Confidence Index said they were worried about losing their job, slightly up on the previous week, but below record highs.

So what does this mean to you? If you are thinking about buying a home in the near future you should be taking the time now to get your mortgage pre-approval and get your rate locked in now for 120 days!

Then when the time is right you are ready to go!

If you have questions or need a a referral to a lender or mortgage broker, feel free to contact us!

Email: info@w2realtyteam.com


~ Karin & Jen
 
"Your Proven Regina Real Estate Team" 
 
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While we know the most important thing we are dealing with right now is an unprecedented health crisis, we also know that it is a super stressful time for many people from a financial standpoint. 

We are happy to hear that both our Provincial & Federal governments have announced many measures to help everyone through this time, and those financial aid programs continue to be expanded as the need grows. 

So what can we do right now to be proactive? 


Check out all of the programs being offered to homeowners(including mortgage payment deferral), families & businesses to see what you can benefit from: 

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan:
https://bit.ly/3dcA92v


Sakatchewan's COVID-19 Suppport Plans


There are a number programs available through your lender to defer mortgage payments & we recommend you contact your lender or your mortage broker to discuss your options. 


Check out this informative Blog on the subject from our colleague, Candice Carr, mortage expert form TMG, including contact info for all of the major lenders.

Thinking of Deferring Your Mortgage Payment?


Also, here are some great tips on how we can take control from BNN Bloomberg’s Pattie Lovett-Reid: 

"On a personal level:
- Be razor-sharp on what your expenses are over a two, or maybe three-month period.
- Pull back on discretionary spending.
- Get clarity around your company's salary policy if you become ill and have to stay home.
- Interest rates have been lowered by the Bank of Canada, so get to know your numbers in terms of reduced mortgage payments, loan payments etc. Expect the banks to provide clarity on this in the coming days. You might consider asking for mortgage payment relief for a month to free up cash flow.
- If you are having trouble making ends meet, reach out to all your creditors and request temporary relief. You are not in this alone.
- Look to negotiate all contracts and possibly suspend contracts and memberships where you can"

Check out the entire article here:
"Amid a crisis, take control where you Can"
https://bit.ly/33rnp3C


We work with great mortgage brokers and we recommend you talk to a specialist to find out what options will work best for you right now, for both existing mortgages and also if you are considering a buying a home at this time.


Of course if you have questions about what's happpening with the Real Estate market in Regina, feel free to reach out to us....we're happy to help!



We will all get thought this together with a plan! 

~ Karin & Jen


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Mind Management may just be as important as hand washing right now as we are all just trying to find normal while self-isolating and working from home. Check out these tips to help you manage anxiety & to help promote postive metal health......we hope you find these tips helpful! 


  1. Protect your mind & your attitude by taking just 5 minutes in the morning and journalling…..we find that writing down even just 5 things that you are grateful for helps to start your day off right!  Now's the time to follow pages that provide positive thoughts and articles everyday ...we can't possibly get too much of that right now!  Check out one like Marc and Angel Hack Life for daily inspriration.


  1. Try to maintain normal sleep patterns and daily schedules as much as possible.  When we can maintain some of our regular habits, it’s helps us to feel as normal as possible. If you are having trouble sleeping there are a number Apps like "Calm" that be can be helpful. 


  1. Limit your exposure to news and social media if you find it all overwhelming….and who doesn’t honestly!  It’s good to be informed of course, but too much information can cause undue anxiety & fear. Consider turning off your notifications for the time being! 


  1. Make time for exercise of some kind every day…even if it’s just a walk around the block to get fresh air.  Most gyms are now providing online training so check with yours & there are loads of full length videos available on YouTube so you can work out at home.  Active by PopSugar Fitness has provided a free link to al of their workouts....from beginner to advanced, with or without equipment and all types and duration options!  


  1. Lighten up on what you watch….comedies and even mindless TV shows are ok right now to give your mind a break. There are so many steaming options available with loads of content & even some our old favourites on syndicated TV like Friends, Big Bang Theory & Rules of Engagement are on daily marathons right now! 


  1. Stay in touch with friends and family "virtually" or by phone just to check in ….both for them and you!  We may be self-isolating but we don’t have to feel isolated because we have the gift of technology that allows us to easily connect! 


If you need help, there are resources available, so please reach out! The Saskatchewan Health Care Administration has tools available for you to check out on their website.



Be kind to yourself…and others ….everyone deals with things differently!  And you know what, if you don’t feel like keeping up with some things right now it’s ok…we’re all in the same boat and we will all get through this together!  



We’re here, working at home for the time being, and we’re always available if you have questions about what’s happening in Regina's real estate market so feel free to connect with us ….we’re happy to hear from you!


Email: info@w2realtyteam.com



~  Karin & Jen


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