Why should you choose a Trusted Business?

WHY can Trusted Partners can be Trusted and what kind of businesses do Trusted promote and endorse on our directories...here is a fine example of one of our Trusted Saskatoon Roofers and Contractors.  

The day 3 'n 1 Construction saved the day  

FRIENDLY, SINCERE AND HONEST ..DONE BY THE BOOK ..that's what it says on the card of Ken Eade ...the owner of 3'n 1 construction and this truly is the philosophy he lives and does business by....This is why when he heard a sad story about a local woman Lorraine Denie, via a friend,  who had been Ripped Off by a  ' Con Man Saskatoon Roofer ' he felt he had to call her to get the full story and to see if he could in some way help....

Ken spoke to Lorraine and she told him that she had gotten a quote for new shingles on her modest East side Saskatoon home from the owner of a company called ' Saviour Roofing', the man asked for a sizeable deposit to pay for all materials ..and as he portrayed himself very convincingly as an honest Church going family man, Lorraine didn't hesitate in Trusting him and handed over the money....

He never came back..the cell number had been disconnected and when she checked afterwards, the company was not registered..her Saskatoon Roofer was a Con Man and had disappeared along with her money ...she was devasted..emotionally and financially....he later called to say that her had spent her money on his addiction and the work wouldn't be happening... BEWARE this happens MORE than you think!!!

After hearing this sad tale, Ken was moved into action..he immediately called his 3 'n1 Construction Team together, and after hearing the story all of them didn't think twice about offering their services for a day without pay to cover the labour costs on the roofing work. Ken is so proud that his team made the decision to take a day away from their familys and their own recreation time to help Lorraine and her family in a time of need. ..

Ken then approached his suppliers KENROC Building Materials, hoping they might be interested in donating some supplies  .... Kenroc  did more than that, after hearing the story and sharing it with Head Office in Regina, they quickly got back to Ken to tell him they would use their Community fund to donate EVERYTHING required to do the job, for FREE  to help Lorraine out! They really appreciated Ken giving them the opportunity to be involved , and it is clear,  like Ken they stand for Integrity and commit to Honest business practices. 

KENROC as they deliver all the materials and supplies to Lorraine !!! 

Ken called Lorraine to tell her the good news and she simply couldn't believe it!!! From a bad experience with a con man contractor that ripped her off and left her devastated ..to being approached by a caring stranger Ken and his equally caring supplier who ended up coming to her families rescue ...for no other motivation than just wanting to help her out and put things right! Matt from KENROC and Ken came down to meet Lorraine Today ( 30th May..how fitting that it is the www.trustedsaskatoon.com 1st anniversary )

Ken called Trusted to share the story with us earlier this week, and to see if we could help get the word out that ' con men ' were out there in Saskatoon doing this to people...we are so proud of him and his kind heart, and we asked if we could help  out in anyway ..but it seems he and Kenroc had everything covered as far as the re-roofing was going...so what else could we do we wondered ? 

Knowing that the emotional stress of being ripped off is almost always worse than the financial pain ..we contacted Melissa Hamilton, one of our Trusted Spa Partners, owner of Edgewater Spa and Spa Ahava , and told her the story ..Melissa was shocked and genuinely concernd for Lorraines wellbeing and we didn't have to ask for a thing ..she offered to give Lorraine a Gift Certificate so she could have some relaxation and destressing ' Lorraine time' after her recent tough time! Way to go Melissa- you ROCK!  

WOW what a Great TRIO of businesses....what a great ending to what started off as an horrific tale...

If you see Ken and the 3 'n 1 team give them the Thumbs up...same to Kenroc and Edgewater Spa ..you deserve all the kudos you are going to get because of your kind and selfless actions..you've certainly made our day at Trusted ..and many other peoples too I am sure!!!!  

their story was also covered on Newstalk 650 ..they came down after we shared the story with them...so they can help get the news out to everyone!

See the video for an interview with  Lorraine , Ken and Matt from Kenroc.... Thumbs up to all!! 

Stay Trusted my friends..SAFE AND TRUSTED SASKATOON

Heres the Amazing and Trusted 3'n1 team ..way to go!!!

Doing home renovations? Don’t forget about insurance!

While making plans for renovations, insurance is often the last thing on a homeowner’s mind. However, anytime you’re planning to renovate your home you should discuss the scope of the project with your insurance broker.

You need to confirm the proper coverage is in place during and after the renovation process. Your contractor should carry Commercial General Liability insurance, with at least a $1 million limit. General Liability can provide coverage in the event of damage to your home or to nearby properties, or bodily injury caused to a third party during the renovation activities. Your contractor’s insurance can help protect you, as without it you could be found liable for the damages! You should confirm liability insurance with your contractor, by requesting either a Certified Copy of their policy or a Certificate of Insurance. Carefully review the policy limits and extensions, including the expiry date. You can consult your insurance professional to help explain it to you.

Generally, a homeowner's policy allows for minor repairs and renovations without putting your coverage in jeopardy.

However, there are a few items you should discuss with your Trusted Insurance broker:

1) If you’re undergoing major renovations, your insurance may need to temporarily change on your home. Under certain conditions, it may need to be amended from a standard home insurance policy to one designed for a dwelling under construction. Which also means you may no longer be covered for losses caused by vandalism, water or breakage of glass.

2) If you are going to temporarily relocate, vacate your home, or place your possessions into storage, then you need to notify your insurance broker. Conditions of your policy may require that you make arrangements for someone to check your home regularly to ensure continuous coverage. If you’re not living in your home, your insurer might consider it vacant, meaning certain losses will no longer be covered and a “vacancy permit” may need to be added.

3) Your renovations might include construction of a basement or income suite, which can change the number of families in your dwelling and also expose you to additional liability. You need to contact your insurance broker to amend your coverage accordingly.

4) Advise your insurance broker if you plan to do some of the work, or if you are acting as your own general contractor and hiring others to work for you. Otherwise, you may not be covered if someone is injured on your project. For example, one of the workers you hired has fallen through a skylight in your roof and suffered serious injuries. Who would be found responsible? Confirm your contractor has workers' compensation for employees of the company.

5) If you perform a major renovation, the value of your home could increase beyond your current policy limits. In order to maintain the right coverage, you’ll need to talk to your insurance broker to recalculate the replacement cost of your home. If you updated the wiring, plumbing, or roofing, you may even receive a discounted rate on your home insurance!

6) Insurance is not a warranty for the work being performed on your home, and it does not offer protection against poor workmanship. A written contract and a contractor’s commitment to customer satisfaction are critical. Hiring a professional contractor with a strong reputation is the most important thing you can do to ensure a successful, and hassle free renovation.

Conexus Insurance offers a variety of general insurance products from locations throughout Saskatchewan. From SGI motor vehicle licensing to large-scale commercial insurance policies, our experienced and professional team of Saskatoon general insurance brokers provide tailored solutions to meet your needs.

Find Conexus at 101-703 Circle Dr. E,, or check out their listing here in the SASKATOON INSURANCE category on THE Saskatoon directory of excellence. They are YOUR Trusted SASKATOON INSURANCE experts !

http://maps.google.ca/maps/place?hl=en&qscrl=1&nord=1&rlz=1T4ADFA_enCA454CA454&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&ion=1&biw=1600&bih=947&wrapid=tlif131949581671910&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=conexus+Insurance+saskatoon&fb=1&gl=ca&hq=conexus+Insurance&hnear=0x5304f6bf47ed992b:0x5049e3295772690,Saskatoon,+SK&cid=1364185998392730050&ei=j-ilTvT3E8_OiALphY2dDQ&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=map-marker-link&resnum=2&ved=0CDgQrwswAQ

A great Trusted Tip on Shopping for a Used Vehicle

QUESTION: " My wife and I are contemplating the purchase of a “new” vehicle. By new, I mean new to us, we're not hung up on a brand new vehicle." Russ and Sandie

ANSWER: Those in the know, know that the best way to make a great deal is to use other people's money. By that I mean, let someone else pay for the depreciation of a vehicle, so it makes a ton of sense to consider the option of purchasing an off-lease vehicle or previously loved vehicle . An off-lease is usually two or three years old, will still hold the remainder of the manufacturer's warranty, is usually loaded with options, well maintained and will be in good cosmetic condition.

Consider the following points when it comes to making the second-most expensive purchase most people will ever make, next to a home.

•Set a budget. You will be amazed by how fast you will whittle down the overwhelming choices that are out there.

•Decide if you want to purchase or lease. Yes, you can lease used vehicles. However, unless you have a business that you can write off the lease payments against, I suggest you purchase. When you lease, you are basically renting a vehicle and the agreement comes with strings such as keeping the kilometres low, regular, documented maintenance and ensuring the cosmetic condition is top notch. Purcahsing a vehicle makes much more financial sense for a typical persons circumstances.

•What will you be using the vehicle for? Determine what you will be doing with the vehicle 95 per cent of the time. Unless you have definitive answers to any or all of the following points, it's likely you can get away with a small car. I used the 95 per cent figure because in the mid 1980s General Motors conducted a study to determine how it should outfit its pickup truck line. GM found that pickups were used as pickups only 5 per cent of the time. This turned the tables on light-duty trucks forever by making them more car-like.

•Do you have needs that require car pooling?

•Are you expecting to take bunches of kids to hockey or soccer? (There's a lot of gear to be slogged around along with the kids)

•Do you expect to haul cargo ? Will it be light or heavy?

•Will you be towing a trailer or boat? Lake life, Winter snow mobiling and Recreational vehicles are HUGE in Saskatchewan..and you need the right vehicle if you have those needs!

•Will you be off-roading or driving on snow covered roads?

•Is fuel economy important? Many manufacturers offer the same model with four cylinder as well as six- or even eight-cylinder engines. You don't have to settle for what's popular. With some planning and patience, you will find what you are looking for.

•Check out recalls and service campaigns. This can be done by contacting that brand's dealer or by subscribing to service information providers like www.Alldata.com  or by visiting the Transport Canada web site.

•Check out Consumer Reports. This can be done online or by magazine. Find out consensus for your choice of vehicle. Consumer Reports publishes a yearly document that not only spells out findings by their experts but also publishes vehicle owner survey results.

•Take your investigation to the next level: check out online forums. What are people saying that own these vehicles? It's amazing the feedback you will discover....find a TRUSTED SASKATOON USED AUTO DEALER , who you can be guaranteed to provide you with unbiased, honest to goodness advice..we know the vehicles and we know what's a good or a bad buy for your specific set of needs!   

•Take your narrowed-down list to a Trusted Used dealer who specialise in ' previously loved vehicles'  . Drive all your choices – you may find that a test drive will make you wonder why you even considered this vehicle in the first place – or you may wonder why it took you so long to find “the perfect car”.

Russ and Sandie, in the end, you like everyone else will likely buy with your heart. But now at least you have an idea how to narrow down the search and what to expect along the way. Good luck and above all, have fun. Buying a vehicle should be a highlight .....there's nothing better than handing over the keys to a new owner and seeing the joy on their face as they drive away ..it feels GREAT!!

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Find Trusted Auto dealers listings here in TRUSTED SASKATOON AUTO DEALERS ..they are you TRUSTED SASKATOON USED AUTO DEALER EXPERTS !

STAY TRUSTED my FRIENDS ..SAFE and TRUSTED Of course

Home of the official TRUSTED SASKATOON AUTO DEALERS

Article quoted from : Rob's Garage 14 tips for buying a car Rob MacGregor  Published Thursday, Mar. 18, 2010 12:56PM EDT

To Bidet or not Bidet?

What is a bidet?A question many North Americans struggle to answer. A bidet is a plumbing fixture that cleanses the user after he/she has used the toilet. This idea was first introduced by the French in the late 1700′s and has become wildly popular throughout Europe and Japan. Today a bidet and or washlet is found in more than 70% of homes in Japan and Europe, and only 20% of homes in North America. The newest form of bidet is the bidet seat (Washlet from Toto www.totousa.com ); this unit takes the place of your standard toilet seat and requires a 120VAC, 15A, 60Hz Class A GFCI outlet. With this more convenient application this unit saves room in the bathroom as opposed to the standard bidet sytle which was a separate fixture beside the toilet.

Some of the features associated with this S400 Washlet from Toto are:

•Auto Flush Activated by Sensors or the Simple Touch of a Button

•Automatic Open / Close Lid Activated by Sensors, or the Simple Touch of a Button on the Remote Control

•Gentle Aerated Warm Water

•Front and Rear Washing

•Massage Feature

•Warm Air Drying with Variable Three-Temperature Setting

•Automatic Air Purifier

•Heated Seat with Temperature Control

•Convenient Wireless Remote Control with Large LCD Panel With the increased cleanliness and therapeutic effect of water (e.g. great for rashes, hemorrhoids, constipation, pregnancy, menstrual and just everyday cleaning) the bidet almost eliminates the use of toilet paper for greener living.

Stop by the Kitchen & Bath Classics showroom today and see how one works!

Find Kitchen & Bath Classics online at http://www.kitchenandbathclassics.ca  in the SASKATOON BATHROOMS category on the SASKATOON DIRECTORY of Excellence...they are your SASKATOON BATHROOM FIXTURES and FITTING Expert !

http://www.upgradeyourlifestyle.ca/blog/?p=159

Dr Wes Antosh is the Dentist that participates in the populatr Star Phoenix Promotion Beautiful You ....here we share a Star Phoneix article about 2010's Beautiful You transformation winner Tina LaVallie.  

Beautiful You Tina's smile is transformed!

Last spring was not the first time that Tina LaVallie had filled out an application form to be considered as a StarPhoenix Beautiful You candidate. Her very first application form, filled out five years ago, never reached the Star Phoenix Beautiful You judges. Tina's fear of dentistry prevented her from sending in the application form, in case she was selected and ended up having to see the Beautiful You dentist.

Like many people, Tina's fear of dentistry began with a negative experience in childhood. "From that time on, I always associated dental appointments with that experience of having teeth pulled. I even consulted a therapist to help me overcome that fear, but he wasn't able to help," says Tina. "Because of my fear, I didn't go for regular dental checkups, and my teeth got pretty bad. I consider myself fortunate that they didn't end up even worse than they were. I was sure that I had advanced gum disease." Her dental anxiety reached a peak three years ago when a toothache necessitated a root canal. "That was my first experience with sedation dentistry. I had the root canal done, but I couldn't make myself go back for the crown that they were going to do," says Tina.

Tina was determined not to let fear conquer her again and prevent her from applying for the Beautiful You program in the spring of 2009. "I was really determined to improve my overall health, and felt I could do it with the help of the Beautiful You team," says Tina. Dental health is a key component of the Beautiful You program. After being selected as the Beautiful You, one of Tina's very first appointments was for an oral health examination by Dr. Wes Antosh at Saskatoon Smiles. It's important for patients to tell their dentist if they're nervous about dental visits, advises the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) on its informative website. "Often, it's fear of pain that keeps people out of the dental chair. But new ways of doing things have made modern dentistry almost painless. If you are afraid of going to the dentist for any reason, don't be shy to talk to your dentist about it. Your dentist is trained to help you relax," says the CDA. Dr. Antosh and his team worked together to put Tina at ease. I was able to talk to Dr. Antosh about my anxiety, and the sedation medications I had to use in the past. He understood my fear," says Tina. "At the beginning of each appointment, the dentist's assistant would take the time to chat with me before the treatment began, which helped calm me.

When I was going to have a new procedure, such as in-office bleaching, they were very good about explaining everything to me first. That was very helpful," says Tina. Dr. Antosh says, "To help patients manage their anxiety, we want to keep their experience pain-free. Something as simple as the use of a topical anesthetic gel to numb the gum tissue prior to treatment can help many patients. It makes the procedure less invasive. The dentist's own attitude toward the patient is also important. If you take a light, friendly approach, the patient is more relaxed." People with dental anxiety, like Tina, often neglect having annual oral health examinations. "This only compounds the problem," says Dr. Antosh. With regular check-ups, we can catch small problems early and treat them before they become big problems. It's always better to be preventive." During a dental check up, the dentist also looks for signs of other health problems, including early signs of gum disease, infection, oral cancer and other illnesses. "Your teeth and gums are important indicators of your overall health," says Dr. Antosh. "It's true: healthy gums are a healthy you!"

Tina's dental check up revealed several cavities that required fillings. As well, several old fillings were deteriorating and needed to be replaced. As fillings age and deteriorate, there is a greater risk that the tooth around the filling will crack. Tina was also in need of a thorough cleaning by one of the clinic's dental hygienists. Professional cleaning is the only way to remove hardened deposits of tartar from teeth. If not removed, tartar can cause gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. An in-office bleaching treatment was used to whiten and brighten Tina's teeth. The system uses a light-activated hydrogen peroxide gel, power-assisted by a bleaching lamp, to whiten teeth in just one to two hours. Tina also received an at-home gel tray bleaching kit, to help her maintain the new whiteness of her teeth. To further enhance Tina's smile, Dr. Antosh applied veneers and crowns to Tina's top teeth. The crowns were milled on-site at the dental office, using their new E.max system. "I can't believe how wonderful my smile is now!" says Tina. "I never dreamed I could have such a great smile. I had resigned myself to the idea that I'd end up having to get dentures."

Before her Beautiful You makeover, Tina says she had become used to hiding her smile. "I didn't want people looking at my smile. I'd smile with my hand over my mouth or shy away from meeting new people," says Tina. "After getting my teeth done, I'm just amazed by how many people comment on my smile. It makes me realize how important my smile is to my self-confidence and overall health." Prior to her Beautiful You experience, Tina never thought she would ever be able to get through one - let alone ten dentist appointments! With each appointment, she grew less reliant on the sedation medication, to the point where she recently was able to have a second cleaning by one of the dental hygienists without any medication at all! "I never ever thought that would have been possible!" says Tina. "After every appointment, I felt a feeling of accomplishment. I'd think, 'Wow, I did it!'" I can't say enough about my experience at Saskatoon Smiles. It's been a real learning experience, one of personal growth. I'm very grateful for my new smile!" Tina is now looking forward to her next annual dental check up, which is scheduled for August.

Check out the dramatic Transformation below for your self.

BEFORE 

AFTER

Find  SASKATOON DENTISTS here 

 Article by Jeannie Armstrong SP Creative Features Editor: Photos Courtesy Saskatoon Star Phoenix

http://smilesinsaskatoon.ca/beautiful-you/

First Time Homebuyer

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial and lifestyle decisions you will make, so it pays to make an informed decision by first looking at the main disadvantages and advantages of Homeownership. A mortgage broker will assist you with the entire home buying decision and process - right from the moment you decide to buy your home to the moment the movers carry the first box through the front door!

Let me walk you through the important highlights you will encounter through the step by step process. Knowledge of what happens when, including the costs involved, will ease any unexpected pressures.

By Choosing me to be your SASKATOON MORTGAGE BROKER You can expect professional step by step guidance through the home buying process including the following:

• Understanding the Mortgage Products available on the marketplace and what product would best suit your family's financial circumstances?

• Knowing what documentation must be provided to obtain a mortgage approval.

• Customize Your Mortgage - Making sure your mortgage works for you.

• What costs exist over and above my down payment?

• Who is involved in the home buying & market mortgage process including: your Mortgage Broker, the Realtor, the Home Inspector, the Lawyer or Notary and the Insurance Agent! Below are some key points to consider;

• Knowing what you can afford

• Rate guarantee up to 4 months

• Ensure all credit approval documentation is in place sooner than later

• No cost with no risk and obligation

• Open vs. closed mortgage 

• Length of repayment (amortization) - up to 35 yrs

• Term of mortgage

• Conventional vs. high-ratio mortgage

• Assumability and Portability

• What documentation is required for different income types i.e. salaried vs. self-employed

• Verification of down payment including the amount, history and source

• Lowest rate or cash back

• Fixed rate vs. variable rate (or both)

• Payment frequency

• Pre-payment privileges and penalties

• A detailed breakdown of costs will be provided so you have NO surprises

• Other costs could include: Legal fees, title insurance, fire insurance, home inspection, possible appraisal, etc

Find Trusted Saskatoon Mortage Brokers here by clicking here

Choose a  TRUSTED SASKATOON PLUMBER by going to the Saskatoon directory..and you can rest assured that they will offer you honest advice .....and you won't pay for anything that you can do yourself or that you don't require.

Trusted stands behind : JOB HEATING & AIR, PERFECTION PLUMBING and GIBBON HEATING AND AIR  as our TRusted SASKATOON PLUMBERS

Choose a TRUSTED SASKATOON AUTO DEALER by going to the Saskatoon directory..and you can rest assured that they will offer you honest advice .....and you won't pay for anything that you can do yourself or that you don't require.

Trusted stands behind :Trusted SASKATOON AUTO DEALERS 

The Auto Industry is an industry that really struggles with its reputation, in fact,when we asked Trusteds 1000's of fans and followers who they least Trust the Auto Industry came out top of the list ... by FAR.

The problems that arise seem to be the same issues over and over again...the consumers are not ' experts' in the mechanics of vehicles, and as such really have to TRUST the dealers and repair shops will not rip them off ...unfortunately the horror storiess are all to common about peoples ignorance being taken advantage of. Trusted is very proud to promote and endorse the Saskatoon Businesses that we do in these categories, and know that we really do have Trusted Partners that operate with integrity..out latest Trusted Partner in the SASKATOON TIRE Category is no exception..lets tell you all about them!   

CRESTVIEW AUTO SERVICE

www.trustedsaskatoon.com is thrilled to welcome Don Klassen and the Crestview Auto Team to the Saskatoon Directory of Excellence.

Crestview Auto Service is a TreadPro Tire Center - meaning that they can offer you all the best brands of TIRES for all types of vehicles...which is great, but Crestview offers more than just Tires..they are a full Saskatoon Auto Service & Repair shop.

They currently have three Journeymen Technicians on staff. Don Klassen and Dave Wiebe also are certified ASE Master Technicians. Their head technician Dave Wiebe was the Grand Champion of the ACDelco Technician of the Millennium III contest in 2003!!!

David beat out five United States and two other Canadian finalists in what each contestant referred to as an incredibly challenging final competition at the 2003 ACDelco Technician of the Millennium III competition. Weibe took home a Chevrolet Silverado SS pickup as the top finisher. All eight finalists had advanced in the competition against 2,500 other technicians. An audience of nearly 5,000 attended the competition, which was held Oct. 24 at the Venetian Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"The Technician of the Millennium III finals were a much bigger deal than I envisioned they would be when I entered the competition last fall, and the title is also a big deal," Wiebe said. "I had a feeling of satisfaction I never dreamed because I have wanted to be a technician since I was a kid, and feel I have become so much more."

All technicians were provided with identical tools, parts, computers and diagnostic equipment, which they used to diagnose and repair actual vehicles in a timed, hands-on skills demonstration. The top-10 scoring technicians in each region advanced to the eight regional hand-on competitions, where they were judged on their ability to diagnose and repair vehicles.

Crestview Auto Service have a GREAT Mission Statement, that is even more comprehensive than the 5 Trusted Guarantees!  

To reduce stress, costly breakdowns and save their customers money they will

•Book your next appointment tailored to your time schedule

•Perform inspections every time on every vehicle

•Advise you of any maintenance or repairs identified on your vehicle

•Provide you with an estimated cost of repairs for any maintenance or repairs identified while working on your vehicle

•Never proceed with any maintenance or repair work without customer authorization

•Never present an invoice larger than the most current estimate you approve

•Advise customers of all manufacturers recommended services

•Provide new vehicle warranty inspections and on line search for all manufacturers recalls

•Provide highly skilled diagnostic technicians and equipment to accurately solve the toughest problems

•Source and provide parts considering quality, price and availability

•Provide and maintain responsible environmental practices

•Provide comprehensive warranties for all services performed

• Through these principles we will continue to be a quality professional service provider to all our clients and their referred friends and family.

 To Back it up ebven more..Recently, NAPA Autopro was ranked Highest Overall Customer Satisfaction* by J.D. Power and Associates, something they are very proud of.

Out of 28 new-vehicle and after-market services providers, the study found NAPA Autopro to be the top. As well, their service advisors received the highest rankings for courtesy, responsiveness and thoroughness.

This is inline with the great testimonials we received from their clients when we surveyed them as part of the Trusted Verification process...read them here on their listing in the SASKATOOON TIRE category and you can find even more positive feedback on their Google places listing here  and on their website they have another 60 or so great reviews to read through...all this adds up to one thing ..they are EVERYTHING that the stereotype isn't..and we are proud to Give them the Thumbs up! 

Marla Janzen is an award winning SASKATOON REALTOR she takes action to sell her client's homes and find them the perfect new place to live while negotiating the best terms and price possible. She loves what she does and takes great pride in providing excellence in customer service to all of her clients. She is one of our TRUSTED SASKATOON REAL ESTATE EXPERTS listed on the SASKATOON DIRECTORY and loves to provide Trusted Tips that help the public!

Curb Appeal: You Don't Get A Second Chance To Make A First Impression

Whether you're planning on putting your home on the market this summer or simply sprucing things up after a particularly nasty winter, it's essential your house has curb appeal. You may not spend a great deal of time in your own front yard, but the way your property looks to passersby says a lot about you and the house you keep. Fortunately, creating curb appeal doesn't have to cost a fortune. A few simple tweaks and some ongoing maintenance can make a world of difference.

Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Tidy up A bit of elbow grease can go a long way in the front yard. A good place to start is in the plant beds. Clean these up by removing weeds and pruning overgrown shrubs, or getting rid of them if they're beyond salvation. Make sure all the edges are clean and straight. Then cultivate the beds and add some mulch. I really like the black dyed mulch you can buy it at The Home Depot. Once things have been tidied up, plant some flowers, whether perennials or annuals, and maybe a few shrubs, but preferably something with a bit of colour. From then on, a little regular maintenance should keep the beds in good order.

2. Keep it simple When it comes to plant selection, don't be too indulgent. It's essential things don't get too busy, she stresses. A hedge of boxwoods will do a better job of cleaning up the front of your house than going out and buying 15 different perennials.

3. Love your lawn It's not difficult to get your front lawn in decent shape, and a little TLC goes a long way. You should water it on a regular basis to keep it looking green. If it needs a bit of help, add some fertilizer. And consider topdressing: a layer of compost, soil or sand scattered over the surface of your lawn to improve the quality. If you have a bit more money to spend, McCague suggests installing an in-ground sprinkler system. If you can't make the lawn green, at least ensure it's trim. Maybe you can cut the grass with angled lines, as opposed to straight lines, to add an interesting element that will draw the eye. Where the grass meets walkways, curbs or the driveway, take a spade and remove at least an inch of grass, it will give it a maintained look.

4. Create a focal point To help your home stand out from the crowd — especially in new subdivisions where houses tend to look the same — create a focal point to draw attention to your property. Three simple elements that can go a long way toward adding curb appeal: a “greeting urn” that displays the colours of the season (forced bulbs in spring; pansies and pussy willows in summer; gourds, mums and asters in fall; and evergreen bows in winter). Next, have some kind of “greeting seating” (a chair or a bench, for instance), “something that says, ‘You are welcome.' ”

5. A walkway that winds If you have the means, installing a walkway that cuts into the driveway or front lawn, so that the look of your property isn't so straight and linear and makes it feel more open.

6. Light it up Adding a lighting element is another simple way to add curb appeal. Most homes already have lights on the garage or in the front door area, so you might consider “up-lighting” a tree or whatever focal point you've chosen. You could also install path lighting to identify walkways or parking areas. Just be sure you install low-voltage lights specifically designed for outdoor use.

7. Finishing touches Curb appeal isn't necessarily all about landscaping, of course. You also have to examine how your doors, fixtures and facade appear from the street. If the front of your home looks dreary and run down, it might be a wise idea to add a fresh coat of paint or replace weathered elements altogether. The front of your home is the first thing your guests, neighbours and potential buyers notice and it is important to make a great first impression.

Now that the weather is warm and gardens can be planted I challenge you to add a little CURB APPEAL to your HOME.

Find Marla Online at http://www.century21.ca/marla.janzen   she is a Century 21 Fusion Realtor Sakatoon based at 703 Circle Drive, Saskatoon..or checkout her listing in REAL ESTATE SASKATOON here on www.trustedsaskatoon.com, Marla Janzen is TRUSTED SASKATOON REAL ESTATE EXPERT.

Stay Trusted my friends..SAFE AND TRUSTED SASKATOON

http://www.century21.ca/marla.janzen/marla.janzen/Blog/Curb_Appeal_You_Don_t_Get_a_Second_Chance_To_Make_A_First_Impression