We hope 2021 has been off to a great start for you!

If you have any big plans for the year, you might be interested in this famous quote by Benjamin Franklin, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

We would add, “Plan early.” We know that the sooner you get started, the more likely you are to ultimately succeed.

Say, for example, you’re thinking of selling your home this year. Even if you don’t expect to list until the summer or fall, there are numerous advantages to starting to plan now.

Wouldn’t it be helpful to know how much your current property is worth right now, how much you can invest in a new home, what the selling process will be like, etc.? That information would eliminate much of the uncertainty and help you move forward with more confidence.

By the way, Lynn and Nick are here to help whenever you have questions or need advice that’s real estate-related. Even if you need a contractor recommendation, we can help. Feel free to reach out to Lynn or Nick anytime.

• Your home is no longer a good fit. You may have outgrown your current home and need something bigger, maybe with an additional bedroom. Or, the opposite may be true. You may want to downsize into something smaller – and cash in some of the home equity you’ve built up.

• You’ve got your eye on a different neighbourhood. Have you ever driven through an area and thought, “I’d love to live here”? You may think that it’s out-of-reach for you at this time. Is it? You never know until you work the numbers. You might, in fact, qualify for a home in that neighbourhood today!

• You want to be closer to something. Many homeowners would love to live closer to work, family, favourite hobbies, the country, etc. Moving to a home that’s near to one of those “somethings” can have a positive impact on your lifestyle.

• It’s time for a change. Sometimes a homeowner just wants a change: new surroundings, a fresh start. Who says you need a “practical” reason to sell? If you’re looking to get into a new home just because you feel like it, that’s your choice. In fact, that may be the best reason of all to sell. You may simply want to move.

Do any of these reasons resonate for you? If so, now is the time to start preparing. Even if you don’t anticipate moving for several months, this is the best time to get the process started.

As a starting point, every home should have emergency supplies that include basics such as candles and matches, flashlight(s) and fresh batteries, a first-aid kit, and at least one large jug of fresh water.

If possible, it is advisable to have an even more extensive emergency kit. Consider keeping a stock of dried foods and/or canned goods, all-weather emergency blankets, waterproof clothing and footwear, as well as cash for consumables such as fuel and food supplies.

Anyone requiring medications should always renew them before running too low to ensure sufficient supply. Likewise, all battery-powered devices should be kept charged – including computers, cell phones and mobility vehicles.

For some, the inconveniences of a power-outage outweigh the cost of installing a gas-powered generator. Whether you’re ready to incur that expense or simply plan to stock up on supplies, it’s always wise to take steps that will see you and your loved ones through a power failure.