Summer has officially started and if you have neglected your home during the winter months it will now show. Get on top of your summer home maintenance now! Summer is the best time to do outdoor improvements such as landscaping. The way your home looks upon entry is everything! A bright and flourishing garden is inviting and will put a smile on the faces of potential buyers. Another very important factor is that everything should look pristine. Power wash the exterior of your home and make sure your windows are sparkling. This will also enhance the natural light coming into your home. Other factors to look at are repairing your driveway, refinishing wooden surfaces, pest control, cleaning your gutters and your roof. Your home naturally shows best in the summer months, so why not take a few extra steps to have it look perfect!

When showing your home during the winter holidays my number one suggestion is to turn up the heat. Nothing shows worse than a home with a chill. If you have a gas fireplace, turn it on before you leave for the showing. Another tip to do pre showing is to simmer some winter scents (Cinnamon sticks, oranges, cloves or whatever you fancy) to help give your house a festive and cozy feel. Another way to emphasize that cozy feel, place a throw on the back of your couch, preferably one that’s woolen.  One more tip for the inside of your home is to arrange a winter themed centerpiece for your dining room table.

Now moving to the exterior of your home, I suggest hanging a festive decoration on your front door such as a wreath, a star or whatever you think is appropriate. Also, hang some tasteful lights around the exterior of your home as well as inside. No matter what holiday people might be celebrating, every winter holiday celebrates the light.

 I definitely recommend decorating your house, as no one likes a Scrooge, but I encourage you to take a minimalist approach. Do not hang up massive amounts of decorations. Try to keep what décor you do put up to be classy and clean. Please refer to our DIY Holiday Pinterest board if you need some helpful ideas. 

Follow Dodd Team's board DIY Holiday Home Decor on Pinterest.

Explore Vancouver Island and the outlying islands by sail. Vancouver Island is ideal for sailing year round, but especially in the spring and fall months.  All levels will feel comfortable sailing here with the sheltered inland waterways of the east coast to the rough waters of the open ocean. Explore the partially hidden inlets, wild life (whales/seal/porpoises) and numerous islands. 

Sailing is a great way to meet your community, with a handful of fantastic sailing races and a few associations that offer many sailing courses. Also, there are multiple public docks and full service marinas to choose from. Many marinas offer facilities such as showers, laundry, stores and pubs. Check out the Harbour Authority Association of BC for an extensive list.