In today's world, more people are embracing a greener lifestyle, making choices that not only enhance personal well-being but also protect the environment. One significant shift in this eco-conscious movement is the transition to natural cleaning products. Traditional cleaning supplies often contain harmful chemicals that can affect our health and the environment. If you're thinking about making the switch to greener alternatives, this guide is for you.

Here are four essential factors to consider when transitioning to natural cleaning solutions, along with a bonus DIY list of ingredients at the end.

1. Harness the Power of Natural Cleaners

One common concern is whether natural cleaning products are as effective as commercial ones. The good news is, many natural products are strong enough for everyday cleaning and disinfecting tasks. For example, vinegar and baking soda can clean most surfaces, while essential oils like tea tree and lavender offer antibacterial properties.

2. Buy in Bulk for Sustainability

Switching to natural cleaning products is a great opportunity to reduce plastic waste. I buy cleaning supplies in bulk and use refillable glass spray bottles. It seriously minimizes the space required and amount of products needed. Many retailers offer bulk cleaning supplies in a variety of pleasant scents, so you can tailor your cleaning routine to your preferences.

3. Be Aware of Greenwashing

Unfortunately, not all "green" products are truly eco-friendly. Greenwashing is when companies mislead consumers by branding their products as environmentally safe when they're not. Always read labels carefully and avoid cleaners that contain ammonia, chlorine, phosphates, synthetic fragrances, and other harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and triclosan. Opt for natural, biodegradable ingredients to ensure your choices are genuinely good for your home and the planet.

4. Try DIY Cleaning Solutions

If you’re up for a more hands-on approach, creating your own natural cleaning products can be both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Common household ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils make excellent DIY cleaners. For instance, a combination of vinegar and water can be used to clean windows and glass, while baking soda works wonders as a gentle scrub. Just be sure to do some research on disinfectant potency to ensure your homemade cleaners are effective. It’s even handy to know that if you run out, these are easy quick solutions you can go to. 

DIY Ingredients for Natural Cleaning

• Lemon: A natural degreaser with a fresh scent.

• Vinegar: Ideal for all-purpose cleaning, especially windows and glass. Avoid using vinegar on stone surfaces like granite and marble. (I just found this out, I had been using it on my granite and quartz for years. I didn’t realize it causes dulling or etching over time so I’ll stop. I also dilute with water. 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water)

• Baking Soda: Creates a gentle exfoliating paste when mixed with water.

• Essential Oils: Add fragrance and, in some cases, antibacterial properties to your cleaning routine.

• Castile Soap: Can be diluted for use as an all-purpose cleaner or hand soap.

• Olive Oil: Perfect for polishing wood when mixed with lemon juice.

• Hydrogen Peroxide: Works as a disinfectant for kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

• Rubbing Alcohol: Effective for removing sticky residue or creating a disinfectant solution.

As with any cleaning product, always test on a small area to avoid damaging surfaces.

Switching to natural cleaning solutions is not only healthier for your family but also better for the planet. Start small, and as you run out of your old supplies, try one of these before you go out and replace it and see how you like it.

As we move through 2024, the British Columbia real estate market is showing promising signs of growth. According to the latest update from the BC Real Estate Association (BCREA), residential sales across the province are expected to see a 4.4% increase, totaling 76,300 units by the end of the year. This positive trend is anticipated to continue into 2025, with sales forecasted to climb even higher, reaching 86,475 units.

The shift in the Bank of Canada's monetary policy, from aggressive tightening since 2022 to a more easing stance, is a key factor driving this rebound. BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson highlights the positive implications of this policy shift for the BC housing market, with home sales expected to gain momentum in the latter half of 2024 and into 2025.

Despite a sluggish start to the year, the steady influx of new listings has led to an increase in the total inventory of homes for sale, reaching its highest level since 2019. While market conditions have hovered around the lower end of what is traditionally considered a balanced market, the average home prices have remained relatively stable. Notably, Greater Vancouver has seen average prices return to their 2022 peak.

Looking ahead, the average home price in BC is expected to edge up by 2% this year, bringing the annual average to approximately $990,500. As the market tightens with increased sales activity in 2025, prices are projected to rise further, with a 2.9% increase pushing the average home price to about $1.02 million.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, staying informed about these market trends is crucial for making the most of your real estate investments in British Columbia. Get ahead of the curve and stay informed.  

To read the full article from BCREA click here.

If you're selling a tenant-occupied property, there are some critical changes to the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) that you need to know. These updates affect how you handle eviction notices, especially when it comes to buyers planning to move into the property.

Key Changes to Know:

• Eviction Notice Periods: Initially, the BC Government proposed increasing the notice period from two months to four months. However, after concerns were raised by the BC Real Estate Association (BCREA), the regulations were adjusted. Now, landlords and homebuyers must give tenants three months' notice before ending a tenancy for personal use or caretaker purposes.

• Landlord Personal Use: If you’re planning to move into the rental property yourself or have a close family member move in, the notice period remains four months. This change came into effect on July 18, 2024.

• New Notice Requirements for Buyers: Starting August 21, 2024, the new three-month notice period for buyers comes into effect. The government has also reduced the dispute period from 30 days to 21 days for tenants who receive a notice from a landlord on behalf of a buyer.

• Provincial Web Portal: Landlords must now use a new provincial web portal to issue notices to end tenancy. This portal helps the government track how often evictions occur under personal-use provisions.

The BCREA and the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association have expressed concerns about these changes, particularly regarding possession dates and mortgage qualifications.

Let’s Talk!

If you’re thinking about selling a tenant-occupied property, reach out today. I’ll guide you through these changes and ensure a smooth and successful sale.

As of April 1st, Canadians aged 18 or older who are purchasing their first home are eligible to enroll in a tax-free First Home Savings Account (FHSA). Introduced in the 2022 federal budget, the FHSA combines elements of a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) and a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), allowing users to make tax-deductible contributions and tax-free withdrawals from the account for the purposes of saving for a home. 

Am I eligible for the FHSA?

In order to open an FHSA, users must be at least 18 years old and a Canadian resident. Account holders must also be a first-time homebuyer — someone who has not owned a home and lived in it during the calendar year before the account is opened, or at any time during the prior four calendar years. 

An FHSA can be used for a maximum of 15 years, and stay open until December 31st in the year that the account holder turns 71 years old. Users cannot contribute to their spouse or common-law partner’s FHSA. 

How much can I contribute to my FHSA?

FHSA holders can contribute an annual maximum of $8,000 into their account, with a lifetime contribution limit of $40,000. Unused contribution room can be carried over to the next year up to a maximum of $8,000. Carry-forward amounts start accumulating after the user opens the FHSA for the first time. Only the account holder can claim an income tax deduction for contributions made in a particular taxation year.

It is possible to have more than one FHSA open at a time, but the total amount that an individual can contribute to all of their FHSAs cannot exceed their annual and lifetime contribution limits. Similar to a TFSA, a 1% tax is applied on over-contributions to an FHSA for each month that the excess amount exists in the account. 

What are the benefits of the FHSA?

An FHSA marries together the concepts of a TFSA and an RRSP in one account.

Contributions to an FHSA, like an RRSP, are tax-deductible. Additionally, any withdrawals made for the sake of purchasing a home are non-taxable, similar to a TFSA, including any investment growth. Users can take advantage of a series of qualified investments in their FHSA, including mutual funds and publicly-traded securities, plus government and corporate bonds. Users can also set up a self-directed FHSA to manage their own portfolio.

What happens when I want to take money out of my FHSA?

If a user wants to withdraw funds from their account, there are a few things to keep in mind.

The account holder must be a first-time homebuyer at the time a withdrawal is made. The qualifying home must be acquired (or construction must be completed) no more than 30 days prior to the withdrawal, and before October 1st of the following year, with the intention of occupying the property as their principal residence within one year after acquiring it. Be sure to read carefully the definitions of a first-time homebuyer and a qualifying home. 

If you wish to transfer money out of your FHSA to another account, you can do so to another FHSA, an RRSP or a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF). Be sure to close your FHSA on or before December 31st of the year following your first qualifying withdrawal, when your participation period concludes.

To learn more about the First-Home Savings Account, visit Canada.ca.