YOUR AQUATIC RENEWAL....,NOW.

All Occasion Gift Certificates Now Available.

SAFE SWIM SECURE CLASS
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE HAPPY IN THE WATER?
DO YOU FEEL TENSION OR FEAR AROUND PUTTING YOUR FACE IN THE SWIMMING POOL?
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN PROVEN TECHNIQUES WITH A TEACHER FOR SAFETY?

If you answer any of the above questions with an affirmative, or "Yes", then follow on reading below:
AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY FOR THE SEASON OF 2008: "Safe Swim Secure Class".
This Eight-Week Intensive Program includes one free lesson* when you enroll for this Season's Session.
YOU CHOOSE:
A. Three times a week for One Half Hour Class at $20.00 per 1/2 hr; OR,
B. Five Times a week for One Hour Class at $35.00 per 1 hour; OR
C. Swim-Schedule Match Your Busy Program (Mininum 2 times per week) at $50.00 per private class.
THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO OVERCOME THE CHALLENGE OF FEELING INSECURE IN WATER.
"Face Up To It" "Learn To Breathe and Relax in the Water Wherever you Swim".

"Gentle Realtime Swimming Solutions, Custom Designed for You Alone."

ALTERNATIVE CLASSTIME PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS AVAILABLE. CALL FOR CLASSES NOW.
Don't let another Season pass by.......You Can Do This! Programs for Beginners of All Ages, Experienced Swimmers Needing Stroke Improvement, and Every Level of Water Safety Learners. One on One Instruction from 16 Years' Continously Certified Competent Class Conductor. * Complimentary (Free) Lesson in Seventh Week*

DECIDE TODAY THAT YOU WILL MAKE THIS DECISION TO ENJOY ALL THE BENEFITS OF SWIMMING, WATER PLAY, YEAR-ROUND CRUISE TIME, & SUMMER TIME RECREATION. THE RESULTS OF THIS DECISION WILL LAST YOU A LIFETIME.
Call Now To: 604.263.1164 to Register. "Win In The Water."
Enrollment Limited: Call early to reserve the best times for your dedicated sessions.
SAFE SWIM SECURE CLASS
604.263.1164 604.263.1164 604.263.1164 604.263.1164
604.263.1164
Susilawati Bryant.
http://www.missbryant.com/

City of Vancouver's Museum...Ongoing Exhibit

ONGOING EXHIBITS:“Real estate men reap a harvest.” “Eight years ago a woman bought a house and lot in Vancouver for $1,780. A few weeks ago she sold it to a Vancouver investor for $17,700 cash.” Sound familiar? The parallel to today is striking yet these are the headlines from the 1905 Province and the Pacific Monthly from 1912.


As War in the Pacific breaks out on December 7th, 1941, officials register all Canadians of Japanese descent, confiscate their property, and send them to internment camps. This and other stories of perseverance and survival are at the heart of this groundbreaking exhibit ...

Finding the Right Mortgage
By The HGTV.ca Editorial Team

Choosing a mortgage is an incredibly arduous process. Fixed rates, variable rates, deposit percentages and repayment plan options can make your head spin. So, before you reach the end of your rope, check out these expert tips on getting through the minefield that is mortgaging with your sanity – and your dreams – intact!

Choose a Broker or Bank:
A broker operates independently from banks, and has access to many different lenders and borrowing programs – which means he or she may often be able to find you the most competitive bang for your buck. A broker will originate a loan, process it and pass it along to the lender, who will then sell it to you for the negotiated rate. Particularly when an investor does not have perfect credit, and will likely have to shop around anyway, a broker is a good choice. But some investors feel ultimately uncomfortable with the fact that brokers find and negotiate loans, but are not involved thereafter - which means the investor is left to deal with the lender alone. In the end, it comes down to what you feel most comfortable with, and, perhaps more importantly, who can get you the best mortgage rate.



Plan Ahead:
“Get pre-approved,” advises Monster Mortgage broker Kristian Harris. “This will protect the current rate for 120 days while you go look around for a home. Clients can also get pre-approved with one or two lenders, especially when rate specials are coming out.” To do this, contact your broker or lending institution. And don’t worry – you are under no obligation, and if the time limit on your pre-approval runs out you can simply sign on for another one.


Find Your Dream Home:
The value of your home may very well dictate your financial security in the future, so choose this purchase carefully. Think hard about the stability and future of your home’s location, and always be realistic when it comes to the current state of your potential purchase. ‘Fixer-uppers’ make interesting choices, but you need to be practical about how much work needs to get done and whether or not you can afford it. If choosing to renovate, discuss working the costs into a mortgage with your broker or lender. Many institutions offer lines of credit for this very purpose.


Determine What You Can Afford:
Most lenders set lending ratios that ensure mortgage payments never exceeds more than a third of a person’s income. However, this may still be too much of a stretch for some, especially if there are other expenses, potential future income changes or simply a lifestyle to uphold. Once you find a home you love, start crunching numbers. Can you really afford the mortgage payments, and are you willing to scrimp and save every month? Mortgage rates fluctuate, life situations change and the bottom line is this: strapping yourself with debt may not always be the best move.


Think About the Consequences:
Harris recommends clients also review their current mortgage situations before entering into a new agreement. What are the penalties of exiting your current agreement, if you have one? Can you afford these penalties? Before you jump into a new mortgage, it’s key to understand how your next move may affect any agreements you may currently have with other lenders.
Learn About Fixed Mortgage RatesThe first and most conservative option for investors is a fixed mortgage rate, which means monthly mortgage payments on interest and principal balance do not change. The interest rate is set for a defined period of time, and thus homebuyers can rest easy if lending rates start to climb. However, if lending rates fall, those bound in a fixed rate agreement will not benefit. “A fixed rate is best for people who get very nervous,” says Harris. “We call it the ‘sleep factor’. If you can’t sleep the night before the federal government meets to discuss the mortgage rates, then it’s better to be in a fixed rate agreement.”


Learn About Variable Mortgage Rates:
Rather than locking into a fixed rate agreement, investors who choose a variable rate agree to pay the current lending rate, which often changes. “We really try to educate clients, and show them the history of variable versus fixed over the past 15 years,” says Harris. “Historically, you’re better off taking the variable. We set up a strategy with clients, and suggest they set payments at a higher rate in order to build a cushion in case rates go up. In the long run, clients are often able to pay off their mortgage more quickly this way.” But, Harris admits, it’s impossible to tell what the next 15 years will bring in terms of rate fluctuation – so if you can’t stand the uncertainty, it’s better not to gamble.


Make a Decision:
After reading through the descriptions of fixed and variable rates, doing further research and speaking to a broker or bank, you should have a fairly clear picture of the risks and benefits of both rate options. Go with your gut on this one. Brokers and banks will lay out the pros and cons of each option, but they will not lead you in any one direction. Remember, you don’t have to lock into one type of mortgage rate for the rest of your life. You can try out either one for a year or two, then switch over if it just isn’t working for you or lending rates appear to be taking a turn for the worse.


Establish a Deposit and Repayment Plan:
“Once you buy, you need deposit money,” says Harris. Often, the best move is to put down as large a deposit as you can afford. This will lower your interest payments and get you started off on the right foot when it comes to paying off debt. It’s also a good idea to think seriously about a long term repayment plan. Rather than paying the minimum each month, search for ways to ramp it up. Being mortgage free is a beautiful thing, so make every effort to experience this freedom sooner rather than later!


Relax!
With the home purchased, the mortgage arranged and the deposit paid, there’s little to do but relax and enjoy the ride. As the years go by, be sure to stick to your repayment plan and apply cash windfalls to your mortgage when possible, thus shortening the length of your days in debt. You may also decide to engage in home renovations, buy a second property or move up - so keep the number of your broker or bank on hand! _ HREF="http://oascentral.hgtv.ca/RealMedia/ads/click_lx.ads/www.hgtv.ca/articles/articledetails.aspx/2053206449/x03/AAtlantis/HP_Zenith_HGTV_July06_sky/HP_Zenith_HGTV_July06_bnr4113713.html/64306235393061363435323431353930" >
Click here to begin your search http://feeds.feedburner.com/CharityofChoice

For Those Who Can No Longer Hold Up a Newspaper/Or Cannot See To Read.

http://www.voiceprintcanada.com/

Volunteering is my great joy. After five years with the VSB as an ESL (One-to-One) Tutor, and some time taking care of some special student-friend's children, I was searching for the next opportunity of giving back.
Upon completing UBC Robson Square's Life & Career Assessment Session, it was clear the voice needed employment. Happily, my voice passed the audition and training criteria of VoicePrintCanda's Vancouver Broadcast Centre.
Voice Print is a National Body, funded in part by the CRTC's collection from Cable Companies. I've not yet heard myself, as one need a special tuner or a computer with sound allowed in order to tune in. You may know someone who could benefit from the features of Voice Print Canada's Offerings, including "Newspaper Voices".
Have a look through the website: http://www.voiceprintcanada.com/ and, who knows, you may like to become a volunteer yourself. Or, if you simply have a home to sell, you may prefer to have me tithe my cheque for fees to Voice Print Canada as a donation!
This month, the cheque will be going to Women Against Violence Against Women, as that was the Charity requested by a current client.

Blessings, and Best Fall Ever,
Susila B. of www.missbryant.com

WHAT BUYERS ARE LOOKING FOR IN A HOME!

What Buyers Are Looking For in a Home: By The HGTV.ca Editorial Team



Apart from a gorgeous place on a great street, that is. Here's what's getting the attention from potential buyers these days.

Energy efficiency features: With fossil fuel prices headed skyward, buyers now want homes that will save them money on energy bills every day. An Oraclepoll Research survey of Ontarians in January 2006 found that energy efficiency was the most important feature to home buyers after price and location. Think beyond programmable thermostats and Energy Star appliances: buyers are getting excited about unsexy features like heat recovery ventilators, ground source heat pumps, tankless water heaters, solar panels, and low-emissivity, argon-filled windows.

Luxurious Bathrooms: Coveted bathroom features include: whirlpool tubs, separate shower enclosures, multiple showerheads, generous linen closets, dressing areas, and double sinks. Buyers also expect multiple bathrooms, and Jack-and-Jill bathrooms are popular with families.

Built-in closet organization systems: Whether your closets are massive or minute, make the most of them with built-in organization systems. Several companies offer many different closet systems, allowing you to customize your closets. For maximum return on investment, plan flexibility into the design. Buyers will want to configure their own storage areas.

Specialty rooms: The living room is practically passé, but mention a well-outfitted media room/home theatre and buyers' wallets start to pop open. Exercise rooms are also a trendy feature. And in certain neighbourhoods, a dedicated yoga/meditation space could seal the deal.

Environmentally friendly finishes and materials: Hardwood floors are perennially popular, but some buyers prefer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional hardwoods. Bamboo is one of the trendiest new flooring options, because it's considered a renewable and sustainable resource. Cork and natural linoleum are also appealing, and heritage hardwood reclaimed from old buildings offers both patina and eco-panache.Likewise, concerns about both health and the environment are leading lots of buyers to look for homes decorated with natural, environmentally responsible materials and finishes. Paints that are low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are a healthier alternative to conventional paints, which release toxic emissions for years. Window coverings made of cotton, hemp, linen, wood or other natural materials are preferable to petrochemical products. Avoid installing anything made of particleboard. (www.build4health.com)

Wired home: Each year there are more techno-gadgets and appliances we just can't live without. Buyers expect a house to have plenty of well-located phone jacks, electrical outlets, and cable/internet connections. We want flexibility and portability, so a house that's wired for maximum connectivity is a hot property.

Luxe touches: Glass tiles, upgraded cabinet hardware, solid-surface kitchen and bathroom countertops, classy lighting, and upgraded fixtures will make buyers look twice. Luxurious materials and fittings need not break the bank: shop carefully and install them where they'll have the most impact.

Spacious, stylish utility rooms: Having a beautifully organized and attractively decorated laundry centre—preferably not in the basement—is becoming more and more common. Laundry centres lend themselves to multiple purposes, serving as mud rooms, craft/sewing areas, and/or gift wrapping stations. A flexible, cleverly outfitted laundry centre can be a real selling point. Bright, oversized garages and well-designed walk-in pantries are also in great demand.

High-end finishes for appliances: While white is still the most common appliance colour, stainless steel appliances are very popular. Stainless steel works with a variety of décor styles and wood finishes, and fingerprint-proof finishes impress buyers. Manufacturers are introducing other high-end finishes for appliances: brushed aluminium, oiled bronze, and gold and silver metallic’s that suggest sleek automotive finishes.

Pre-listing home inspection: (James Dobney & Associates. www.jamesdobney.com, for example,): Arranging for a home inspection prior to listing makes your home more appealing in several ways. You can show buyers you've addressed any defects the inspector found, and add weight to your disclosure statement. A pre-listing inspection suggests you have little to hide, alleviating buyers' concerns and suspicions. It may even encourage them to waive the inspection condition in an offer. Finally, it should help you price your home more realistically, which always attracts buyers. Frank discussions with Susila Bryant, 29 yearCanadian Real Estate Professional, can help to highlight top indicators of interest from potential prospects for your property...visit www.missbryant.com for further details.



About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Media Advertise Disclaimer Join Our Insider Panel
Copyright © 2006 Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc., All Rights Reserved.
Change Channels BBC CANADA BBCK BBC Kids Discovery Health Fine Living Food Network History Television HGTV IFC Life Network National Geographic NewTVchannels Showcase Showcase Action Showcase Diva

RELATED LINKS
Can't get enough of HGTV? Click here to find out about our feature programs!
Keep up with the latest trends, get contest alerts, information on new TV shows, and more!What Buyers Are Looking For in a Home

By The HGTV.ca Editorial TeamApart from a gorgeous place on a great street, that is. Here's what's getting the attention from potential buyers these days.

Energy efficiency features
With fossil fuel prices headed skyward, buyers now want homes that will save them money on energy bills every day. An Oraclepoll Research survey of Ontarians in January 2006 found that energy efficiency was the most important feature to home buyers after price and location. Think beyond programmable thermostats and Energy Star appliances: buyers are getting excited about unsexy features like heat recovery ventilators, ground source heat pumps, tankless water heaters, solar panels, and low-emissivity, argon-filled windows.


Luxurious Bathrooms
Coveted bathroom features include: whirlpool tubs, separate shower enclosures, multiple showerheads, generous linen closets, dressing areas, and double sinks. Buyers also expect multiple bathrooms, and Jack-and-Jill bathrooms are popular with families.


Built-in closet organization systems
Whether your closets are massive or minute, make the most of them with built-in organization systems. Several companies offer many different closet systems, allowing you to customize your closets. For maximum return on investment, plan flexibility into the design. Buyers will want to configure their own storage areas.


Specialty rooms
The living room is practically passé, but mention a well-outfitted media room/home theatre and buyers' wallets start to pop open. Exercise rooms are also a trendy feature. And in certain neighbourhoods, a dedicated yoga/meditation space could seal the deal.


Environmentally friendly finishes and materials
Hardwood floors are perennially popular, but some buyers prefer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional hardwoods. Bamboo is one of the trendiest new flooring options, because it's considered a renewable and sustainable resource. Cork and natural linoleum are also appealing, and heritage hardwood reclaimed from old buildings offers both patina and eco-panache.

Likewise, concerns about both health and the environment are leading lots of buyers to look for homes decorated with natural, environmentally responsible materials and finishes. Paints that are low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are a healthier alternative to conventional paints, which release toxic emissions for years. Window coverings made of cotton, hemp, linen, wood or other natural materials are preferable to petrochemical products. Avoid installing anything made of particleboard.


Wired home
Each year there are more techno-gadgets and appliances we just can't live without. Buyers expect a house to have plenty of well-located phone jacks, electrical outlets, and cable/internet connections. We want flexibility and portability, so a house that's wired for maximum connectivity is a hot property.


Luxe touches
Glass tiles, upgraded cabinet hardware, solid-surface kitchen and bathroom countertops, classy lighting, and upgraded fixtures will make buyers look twice. Luxurious materials and fittings need not break the bank: shop carefully and install them where they'll have the most impact.


Spacious, stylish utility rooms
Having a beautifully organized and attractively decorated laundry centre—preferably not in the basement—is becoming more and more common. Laundry centres lend themselves to multiple purposes, serving as mud rooms, craft/sewing areas, and/or gift wrapping stations. A flexible, cleverly outfitted laundry centre can be a real selling point. Bright, oversized garages and well-designed walk-in pantries are also in great demand.


High-end finishes for appliances
While white is still the most common appliance colour, stainless steel appliances are very popular. Stainless steel works with a variety of décor styles and wood finishes, and fingerprint-proof finishes impress buyers. Manufacturers are introducing other high-end finishes for appliances: brushed aluminium, oiled bronze, and gold and silver metallic’s that suggest sleek automotive finishes.


Pre-listing home inspection
Arranging for a home inspection prior to listing makes your home more appealing in several ways. You can show buyers you've addressed any defects the inspector found, and add weight to your disclosure statement. A pre-listing inspection suggests you have little to hide, alleviating buyers' concerns and suspicions. It may even encourage them to waive the inspection condition in an offer. Finally, it should help you price your home more realistically, which always attracts buyers.

Benefit From Miss Bryant's Special Needs Real Estate Property Services!!

Home About CABC Caregivers Support Groups Resources
News & Events
Volunteer. Services.
Privacy Policy.
Our Team.
Membership.
Donate
Regional Services.
Provincial Services.
Message Board.
Housing.
Finding Balance.
Your Health Team.
Home Support.
Legal. Financial.
Jobs/Ads
Books. Videos
*Forum Announcement 2006

Family and Friend Caregiver Forum Sat May 13, 2006, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Plaza 500 Hotel, 500 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver
Keynote Speaker Pat Samples, MA, MFA on " Comfort and Care for the Caregivers".
When taking care of someone you love, how do you give all the care that’s needed and still keep your own sanity and serenity? Pat Samples’ “experiential” presentation will guide you through a three-part process that will help you restore your peace of mind, be more capable of handling daily responsibilities, and access inner wisdom to restore a balanced perspective. Pat is an inspirational speaker who has written several books on family caregiving. She has also been a caregiver for family members, friends and clients and she has worked in health care. She has Master’s degrees in human development and creative writing.

WORKSHOPS: Navigating the Health Care System - Panel Discussion. Dementia - Practical Management of Daily Issues Facing Caregivers Advocacy – Skills, Information and Resources
The Caregiver Forum is sponsored by: Alzheimer Society of BC, CaregiversAssociation of BC, Vancouver Coastal Health - Caregiver Support Program. Contact caregiversupport@vch.ca or 604-877-4699 for more information.Limited spaces so register early for ourworkshops!
REGISTRATION: By Phone: Caregiver Forum Registration Line: 604.877.4683 By Email:caregiversupport@vch.ca We’re updating caregiver.bc.ca Last year CABC launched a website. Response to this new service has been positive. We are now busy enhancing the site and would really appreciateyour feedback. If you have a few moments, please visit caregiverbc.ca and have a look around. We’d love you comments on what content we might add or expand on or what topics are missing.As you know, the Internet is a powerful tool especially because of its ability to connect people across long distances and across time zones. We want to harness this potential for BC’s caregivers — please take a second to give us your feedback. If you would like us to link to your website, send us your link. Respite: If you are caring for a family member at home and are concerned about leaving him or her at home while you attend the Forum, respite care may be available. Please contact your case-manager or the continuing care workers at your local health unit.
Copyright © Caregivers Assn. of BC. 2004. All Rights Reserved.