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How homebuyers can tune out the noise and navigate a difficult housing market
The Mortgage Pre-Qualification Tool by CENTUM Financial Group for CENTURY 21 Canada helps buyers take the first step
It’s no secret that the housing market is currently going through its fair share of ups and downs, and prospective homebuyers are feeling the emotional rollercoaster. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions of your life and many potential homebuyers are quickly overwhelmed.
“There’s no end to the alarmist headlines, from interest rate hikes to inventory stats to endless market analyses,” says Todd Shyiak, executive vice-president of the CENTURY 21 Canada real estate brand. “Naturally, anyone who’s thinking of entering the market is hesitant to make any big moves and we see the ripple effect of that throughout the industry.”
But there are ways for buyers to regain confidence, and a big part of that comes from knowing what they need and what they can afford. Reaching out to a mortgage broker is a good step, but one that a gun-shy buyer may not be ready to take. Still, even if they’re unsure how serious they are about committing to a search, they’ll only benefit from having a hard number to work with. That was the driving factor behind a collaboration between CENTURY 21 Canada and Centum Financial Group, which resulted in their cutting-edge Mortgage Pre-Qualification Tool.
“We realized there wasn’t anything for a consumer to do once they found a listing they liked, but didn’t know if they could afford it,” explains Chris Turcotte, president and CEO of Centum Financial Group. “We wanted them to have a strong idea of what payments they could expect to make and whether or not that fit their lifestyle. That way, when they were ready to reach out to an agent or a mortgage broker, they could have productive conversations and, if necessary, make quick decisions with a high degree of confidence.”
Mortgage pre-qualification isn’t a binding agreement, so if it turns out buyers aren’t ready to take that step, then they’ll have the advantage of a number in the back of their mind whenever they decide to return to that search. And as interest rates fluctuate or more inventory comes into the housing market, having concrete information will stave off the stress that comes from doomsday headlines or the next analyst trying to predict the future.
“At the end of the day, we can only make informed predictions about what the housing market will do, but we can’t make any guarantees,” says Turcotte. “If you’re in the market for a new home, take the time to know your numbers and take control where you can — more preparation means less stress in the long run.”
To search for listings and try out the Mortgage Pre-Qualification Tool, visit c21.ca.
How You Can Use Feng Shui Practices to Improve Your Space
How You Can Use Feng Shui Practices to Improve Your Space
Feng Shui is an ancient practice that originated in China in 4000 BC. In its earliest form, it relied on astronomy to inform important building sites. It underwent many changes throughout history and often played an important role in China’s cultural evolution. Today, feng shui practitioners help people be more mindful of their space and carefully consider how the set-up of a room can make it feel peaceful and balanced.
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Understand the command position
A basic tenet of Feng Shui is the ‘command position’. In any room, this is the spot where you can see the door and have an easy overview of the entire space. The command position is where you want to place the focal point of the room, whether that’s your bed, your biggest couch or your desk. This gives you good energy and helps you feel at ease within the room.
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Keep space for energy to flow throughout your home
‘Chi’ is a term meant to refer to the vital flow of energy through people and places, and when using feng shui to design a room it is important to keep chi as balanced as possible. Too much clutter blocks energy and stifles a room, whereas too much emptiness will make you feel lost. Find a balance and keep doorways clear so that Chi can move easily through your home.
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Different plants for every purpose
Feng Shui extends to the natural world and can offer some insight into how to bring greenery into your home. As part of the ‘wood element’, plants are said to inspire compassion and connection. Ferns will purify the air for freshness, snake plants make a great statement and offer protection, and bonsai trees are said to bring money to your home. Above all, don’t keep dying plants around, they’ll bring the energy of your home way down.
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Be mindful about colours
It’s no surprise that the colours of a room can drastically change how you feel in it, and feng shui has many principles to help you choose which colours are right for you. Green is heavily connected to families, so could be good for rooms where you spend the most time together. Brown is considered ‘grounding’ and represents stability, good for a study or a bedroom. Purple has connotations of wealth, and use of it in your space could invite feelings of power and strength.
Monthly Features
DIY Project: Make a mini blooming garden
Show off your favourite succulents with a blooming garden that fits right on your tabletop!
Recipe: Quick Beef Stir Fry
This simple stir-fry is easy to throw together, even on your busiest weeknights.
CENTURY 21 SYSTEM RAISES NEARLY $3.1 MILLION FOR EASTERSEALS IN 2023 BRINGING LIFETIME SUPPORT TO $138.5 MILLION
CENTURY 21 COO Greg Sexton Appointed to Easterseals Board of Directors Further Enhancing Brand’s Commitment to the Organization
MADISON, N.J. (February 12, 2024) — Today, Century 21 Real Estate LLC announced that in 2023 the CENTURY 21® System raised more than $3 million for Easterseals, one of America’s largest nonprofit healthcare organizations that for more than 100 years has worked tirelessly with its partners to enhance quality of life and expand access to healthcare, education, employment, and transportation and mobility for millions of people with disabilities, including veterans and seniors. This includes the more than $60,000 raised during the brand’s first-ever International Week of Giving in July 2023. The CENTURY 21 network’s independent franchisees and affiliated relentless sales professionals have collaborated to raise $138.5 million since this philanthropic partnership began in 1979.
“For the CENTURY 21 Brand, giving back to the communities our system members serve every day has always been an integral part of who we are as a brand and our 45-year-long commitment to Easterseals is a true testament to that,” said Greg Sexton, COO of Century 21 Real Estate LLC who this past year was appointed to the Easterseals National Board of Directors. “I am so proud of the relentless efforts of CENTURY 21 affiliated brokers and agents across the country as they not only raise money but drive awareness for the important work of this remarkable organization. I’m excited to continue working even more closely with Kendra Davenport and the entire leadership team as we continue to elevate this relationship and truly make an impact for this community.”
“Easterseals’ relationship with the CENTURY 21 Brand is unique and powerful,” said Kendra E. Davenport, President and CEO, Easterseals. “CENTURY 21 System members are truly dedicated to Easterseals and our mission. We are fortunate to benefit from their integrity and commitment. CENTURY 21 affiliated brokers and agents across North America are helping Easterseals lead the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through life-changing disability and community services. We are thrilled to have Greg Sexton join our National Board of Directors and I look forward to building upon our 45-year relationship.”
In 2023, for the tenth consecutive year, the top two Easterseals fundraisers from the CENTURY 21 System were:
- CENTURY 21 Town & Country; Utica, Michigan
- CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company; Dallas, Texas
This is the 27th straight year that CENTURY 21 Town & Country has held the top spot among brokerages for fundraising efforts to benefit Easterseals.
This year, 13 of the Top 21 CENTURY 21® System fundraisers are Canadian firms, led by CENTURY 21 Foothills Real Estate in Alberta. The “Top 21” North American Fundraisers for Easterseals in 2023 were:
- CENTURY 21 Town & Country, Utica, Michigan
- CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company, Dallas, Texas
- CENTURY 21 Foothills Real Estate, High River, Alberta, Canada
- CENTURY 21 Millennium Inc. Brokerage, Brampton, Ontario, Canada
- CENTURY 21 B.J. Roth Realty Ltd. Brokerage, Barrie, Ontario, Canada
- CENTURY 21 Fusion, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- CENTURY 21 Assurance Realty Ltd., Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
- CENTURY 21 Scheetz, Carmel, Indiana
- CENTURY 21 North Homes Realty, Lynnwood, Washington
- CENTURY 21 Leading Edge Realty Inc. Brokerage, Markham, Ontario, Canada
- CENTURY 21 Green Realty Inc. Brokerage, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
- CENTURY 21 Frontier Realty, McMurray, Pennsylvania
- CENTURY 21 Advantage Gold, Southampton, Pennsylvania
- CENTURY 21 Heritage House Ltd. Brokerage, Woodstock, Ontario, Canada
- CENTURY 21 Bamber Realty Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- CENTURY 21 Bachman & Associates, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- CENTURY 21 Dome Realty Inc., Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
- CENTURY 21 Tenace, Coral Springs, Florida
- CENTURY 21 Novus, Carrollton, Georgia
- CENTURY 21 Trident Realty Ltd., Westphal, Nova Scotia, Canada
- CENTURY 21 Executives Realty Ltd., Vernon, British Columbia, Canada
A reception recognizing the achievement of the “Top 21” offices will be held on March 4th during the brand’s 2024 global conference, the One21® Experience, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The CENTURY 21 brand is looking forward to hosting its second annual International Week of Giving, July 24 -28, 2024, during which it will showcase philanthropic activities and fundraising efforts conducted by its global network of affiliates supporting communities across the country and around the world.
About Easterseals
Easterseals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through life-changing disability and community services. Trusted by families for more than 100 years, the organization has worked tirelessly with its partners to enhance quality of life and expand local access to healthcare, education, employment, and transportation. And we won’t rest until every one of us is valued, respected, and accepted. Through its national network of Affiliates, Easterseals provides essential services and on-the-ground supports each year to 1.5 million children and adults with disabilities, including veterans and older adults – from early childhood programs for the critical first five years to autism services, medical rehabilitation and employment programs, transportation and mobility services, veterans’ programs, and more. The organization’s public education, policy, and advocacy initiatives positively shape perceptions and address the urgent and evolving needs of one in four Americans with disabilities today. Together, they’re empowering people with disabilities, families, and communities to be full and equal participants in society. To learn more, visit www.easterseals.com.
