{{ Merry Christmas }}

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
It's that time again! The cider, the smell of the Christmas tree, the mistletoe and you can't forget the music! I love this time of year! In sticking with my Christmas tradition of singing my Christmas card click on the following link https://www.purevolume.com/Lacey and then on "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" for this year’s greeting. Sit back, relax and I hope you enjoy.

Merry Christmas to you and your family and I look forward to serving you, your friends, and family in 2011!

Lacey

PS:  Still have some Christmas shopping to do? Why don’t you visit the “More To Life” section of the website and give a gift that will outlast any other gift? Visit http://homeswithlacey.com/more-too-life.html for some idea’s.

{{ Good Ol' TV Movie }}

Nothing Screams Christmas more than a good Ol’ TV movie. You know the ones with the cheesy love story and the melodramatic acting?! Now we all know that most of these movies are really terrible but there’s something about them that keeps us coming back for more.  

This is ONE of the things I love about Christmas time.  A season that allows you sit around with your feet up, staying in your pajamas all day if you want and NO schedule. What a luxury. Add a little snow to that then ah.........PERFECT.   

In my business I know that Christmas has ARRIVED when the phone only rings about twice a day. This is NOT the norm. When this happens I know that people are thinking more about the Christmas tree and making preparations for gatherings with family and friends and NOT about real estate. And so they shouldn’t. The season is about focussing on the more important things in life and “THINGS” doesn’t really fall under that category. There is more to life than our work, than what’s going on in our world and even about the gifts.  Although getting gifts is great, it’s honestly just more stuff that we can’t take with us when we die. Don’t get me wrong, I love getting gifts just like everyone else, but I find myself challenged to look around and focus on what truly matters - things that aren't under the tree.

So what am I getting at? Well maybe that means inviting someone to spend Christmas with your family that doesn’t have a family to spend the holidays with, or pooling some money together with some friends and giving it away to help someone out who could use a leg up.  There are people all around us that we know directly or indirectly.  Maybe it’s the teller at the bank that serves you every time you’re there, the bus driver who drives you to work, the young man who lives on your street, or the girl who works in the next cubicle.  

Christmas may be your favourite time of year but for many it’s the WORST.  Go ahead, be brave. Find out their story and see how you can bring a little bit of joy to their day.  A wise man once said, it’s better to give than to receive and I think that just maybe He’s onto something.

Merry Christmas

Lacey   

{{ Christmas Gifts }}

Christmas has somehow snuck up on us again this year – seems like just yesterday I was walking down the aisle back in July!  Nevertheless, December = Christmas and Christmas = gift giving. 

We’ve all got at least one person that stumps us year after year.  They have everything, they don’t need another tie or wallet, no more perfume or purses; so WHAT DO we get those hard to buy for people in our lives????

This year I am excited to give a gift, or two, or three. Gifts that will serve a greater good…even more than the loveliest bottle of perfume that keeps you smelling oh so sweet! 

On my website I feature a page called “More Too Life” where I share my heart and dreams for making an impact on the lives of others.  One of the organizations I feature is Gospel for Asia and their “From the Stable” gift program.

Why not try adding a pair of chickens or rabbits to every gift you give? Or, use them as stocking stuffers.  Buy that hard to shop for friend or family member a goat!  Ha, I am POSITIVE they’ve never received a goat for Christmas before.  It’s not only a memorable gift, but one that serves a great purpose by providing families throughout Asia with valuable livestock resources that offer them income and a food source. 

How about hosting a holiday party and everyone contribute $5 or $10? Pool all your money together and put it towards purchasing a well to provided fresh and safe water.

Remember the meaning behind the Christmas season, sit back, relax and celebrate!  Enjoy all gifts, big and small, and surprise someone this holiday by making their gift one that will last long after the Christmas decorations have been packed away.

For more information on Gospel for Asia, and the other organizations I am passionately supporting visit my website at www.homeswithlacey.com and click on the More Too Life tab on my homepage.

To start you holiday shopping with “From the Stable” visit: www.gfa.org/donation/items/from-the-stable

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas,

Lacey Forward

{{ Christmas Promo }}

Would You Like Some Extra Spending Money?

Then I have just the opportunity for you!

Through the months of December and January, if you refer someone to me who is interested in buying or selling anytime in the New Year (2011) than you will receive...

$250 CASH when they move into their new home.

How’s that for some incentive?! That sounds like a pretty good deal to me!

Now I know you are wondering, “So what exactly do I have to do?”

While you’re at Christmas parties for work, or with friends, or sitting around the Christmas tree sipping that yummy homemade cider, be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for anyone that is looking to move in the near future.

All you need to do is have your friends or family call me, or you can send their contact info to lacey@homeswithlacey.com, and I will be happy to connect with them in the New Year.

EVERY successful referral receives this gift from me and there is NO limit on how many referrals you can give.  You can even refer yourself if you like.

Perhaps this referral money can pay for that TV you’ve had your eye on or go towards a little shopping spree for the ladies!

This promotion only runs until January 31, 2011.  So only 48 days to go!

All the best this Christmas and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Lacey

PS:  My business has built up to Approx 80% referral based over the past 5 years.  These are from people who have honoured me with the care of their friends and family. I look forward to meeting your friends and family and offering the same high level of service to them.

{{ Christmas Time is Here! }}

Simple Decorating Tips for the Holidays

Decorating for the holidays may seem to be a bit time consuming if you have your home for sale or are in the process of moving.  People often ask me if it’s okay to decorate for the holidays if their home is for sale and I quickly respond ABSOLUTELY.  Just because your home is for sale that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the holiday season and a little Christmas in your home. 

If there is one thing that I would encourage it would be that your holiday decorating, especially when selling your home or moving, needs to be simple and effective.  Keeping clutter to a minimum while enjoying the season and precious items/mementos is key.   

Get creative by using containers and items (vases, trays, plates) that are not specifically holiday related, so they can be reused or repurposed after the holidays are over.  Group like items together, keep colors and themes simple, staying focused on a few key elements to bring the holidays into to your home.  And finally, edit, edit, edit. Maybe only put out certain Christmas items if your home is for sale, or, limit your decorations on your mantels, banisters or railing to keep the architectural elements of the home visible for future buyers. 

Most importantly, remember, it’s not forever.  Once life settles down and Christmas rolls around again next year you can put out your 110 Christmas Nutcrackers and enjoy!

Here are a few simple ideas I have come across that seem possible even for those of us without that so called "crafty" bone in our body….and by “us” I mean me. *smile* 

If I can do these you can too! I happen to be making the pin wreath located below. 

Even if you’re not moving right now, I know you’ll enjoy these ideas too.

The Martha Stewart Clothes Pin Wreath – Simple & Easy Way to Display Holiday Cards

A crochet ring with clothes pegs glued on in both directions holds all your beautiful holiday cards and keeps them off the counters, mantels and tables.  This one is my favorite. I’m a sucker for gingham.

Coffee Filter Tree – By "The Nester"

(www.thenester.com)

A simple project using everyday items – like this coffee filter tree – can add whimsical holiday charm without overpowering the rest of your home décor and keeping the cost down *grin*

A Simple Holiday Tree

Keeping your tree simple with lots of lights and a décor pallet of two colors allows the tree to shine without taking over the living room.

{{ MUST READ: For All First Time Home Buyers }}

If you know me at all you know I LOVE a deal.  

Sometimes people shake their head at me and wonder, “what in the world are YOU doing….you have already gotten a deal!”  Maybe this is the case, but, if there are more ways than one to save money than I am ALL ABOUT THEM.  Here’s how I look at it…both in negotiating for a client, and for myself day to day.  If I can save a bit more – or negotiate the price down just a bit further - it is the FASTEST money I could ever make – for you or for me!

So, for all you first time home buyers out there….whether you are currently looking for your first place or you’re in the process of saving and planning for a home one day…this is one of those deals I’m talking about and some information you NEED TO KNOW.

As a first time home buyer you can withdrawal up to $25,000 TAX FREE from your RRSP to use towards the down payment of your first home.  So that means if you are a couple you can withdrawal up to $50,000 – still at a maximum of $25,000 per person.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? It means that you should be putting the money that you’ve been saving for your down payment into an RRSP. This is an excellent way to save for a down payment as well as have the contributions that you put into your RRSP account be a deduction off the current year’s taxes.  Take advantage of accessing your money tax free and getting into the real estate market by using this first time home buyer’s program that is available to you. Let’s not pay the government anymore than we need to. So start putting your savings into an RRSP account today!

As always, I’d love to hear from you.  If you would like more information about this RRSP program, or for help with any of your real estate needs, be sure to give me a shout at 604.910.LACE (5223)

Lacey

PS:  Did you know that this RRSP program was created and developed by the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board members?? It was brought as an “ASK” to the government by REALTORS a number of years ago and the government liked the idea so much they implemented it.  How’s that for local realtors working on your behalf!

{{ Too Much Coffee }}

Oh dear.... too much coffee...

So, I’m pretty JAZZED right now. I just got back from lunch with Sheldon David, one of the fabulous lawyers that I work with from McQuarrie Hunter, and my Dad, and I’m afraid I had TOO much coffee. 

We were having such a great time visiting and as time went on my coffee would get cold. No one likes cold coffee and the waitress knew that of course. So she would come over and fill'r up.  Before long, my legs began to twitch. Why am I so antsy all of the sudden? I paused, thought for a moment.....Oh no, I had three cups of coffee and I need to get out of this booth! You see, high strung/energetic people and coffee don’t mix too well. If you know me or have met me then you will know EXACTLY what I am talking about.  Let’s just say there is a reason for me ordering decaf when we have our next meeting.  I’m a pretty peppy gal as it is but on coffee..... oh dear. What shall I do with this energy I have right now? What better way to spend the next hour and half of a caffeine high then to come up some new ideas?! 

So.... I picked up the phone and called Lisa to share some new ideas for our next marketing campaign for us to get started on.  I am an “ideas” girl and a visionary. So on average I typically have about 2 to 3 new ideas a day.  But when caffeine and I collide the usual day of about 2 to 3 new ideas becomes more like 3-6.  Poor Lisa. She has to deal with my shenanigans on a DAILY basis. 

My husband has to deal with mee too but I look at it as I’m adding some excitement to his world and keeping life interesting. *smile*  To be honest, sometimes this is a struggle for me because I would love to do almost every idea I come up with, but, I have to continually keep focused on a few key things so that I can actually accomplish something.  As a kid I would dream all day long.  There still is that side to me but I’m not dreaming about being on the Fred Penner show or flying like Mary Poppins with her umbrella.  Although that would be cool I think I have grown out of that stage.  I dream about life or travel, family or justice work, what we could do with the “Dusty shoes Foundation” and of course.... business. That's one thing about business...the opportunities are endless! It allows me to express some many areas of my heart and who I am.  In a nutshell, I really just want to make a difference while I’m here on this place called earth.

Well... the coffee is starting to wear off a bit. The twitch has become a bit more controlled now so I’m going to work on processing some recent sales and put up some sold stickers.

Lacey Forward

{{ Burlap Wreath }}

I have a friend who crafts, in fact, the other night she whipped up a beauty of a wreath for her front door as a way of relaxing after a stressful day! Now that’s not my kind of relaxing, but, I do love this project and wanted to share it with you.

I find myself being a little jealous at times of people like her when they can just whip up something so beautiful so quickly and appearing like they could have done it while they were in a coma. But, I have been assured that this is easy, fun, and you can personalize it to make it totally your own.   

It can be adjusted with embellishments seasonally, and, it would also be a great gift for someone who isn’t so crafty. 

I think I may have one coming for Christmas then! 

Here’s what you’ll need for this project:

     1. Burlap

     2. Foam wreath form, or, wrapped straw wreath will work as well

     3. Straight pins

     4. Glue Gun

     5. Needle and thread

     6. Extra embellishments as so desired

(Flowers, feathers, buttons, ribbon, birds, butterflies, you get the idea!)

For a detailed photo tutorial of how to make this beauty visit one of my FAVORITE blogs…Jones Design Company @  

http://jonesdesigncompany.com/decorate/ruffle-wreath-a-tutorial/

Happy Crafting!

Lacey

{{ Welcome }}

Welcome to Homes With Lacey – THE BLOG!

I am excited to add another element to my business and a more personal way for me to share my world with you and also bring you interesting and fun ideas, thoughts, current real estate info and even some of my favorite things and places.

So on that note I thought I would start it off with “a little about me” post…. 

What am I really like?  Well, to be honest, friends usually poke fun at me about having two personalities. They like to put me into two categories. There’s business Lace, and then there’s friendship Lace.  When good friends call they often preface the conversation with “Hi, is friendship Lace available?” Just so they can help me with the transition. How thoughtful! I prefer to put it a bit differently. I’m business up front but a party at the back.  So basically, I’m like a good ol’ mullet. 

So although I’m a business girl, I am in no way a city girl.  My heart longs for the country, pure and simple. My husband and I would LOVE – like really LOVE – to live on acreage one day. That’s where I grew up, so, that most likely has something to do with the itch I get to get out of the city and into a field where I can sit in silence and listen to the bird’s chirp. Ah… what a beautiful thought.

The city has a lot to offer, I will give it that, but I still prefer the country. I dream of a place where I can build a little barn and have some chickens and a couple sheep one day. Maybe even a cow. I think I would name it T-Bone or maybe even Meatloaf. It’s a tough call.

I have always been entrepreneurial.  I started an egg business when I was 13 and had a regular egg route similar to a paper route.  Of course I didn’t deliver them by way of throwing them at top speed at the nice man on the front porch in his housecoat, like in the movies; instead, I hand delivered them (about 35 dozen) door to door. I collected my $2.50 and went on my merry way. 

I will admit my never ending search for business possibilities has gotten my busted once or twice.  Growing up we lived on acreage and our water source was a well.  My family would bring their jugs to come and fill them up with water (instead of buying water at the store) and my natural instinct was to start charging people for water.  I knew I already had a market…even if it was my own relatives!!! I guess dad thought I was going a bit too far and before I could set up business at the end of the drive he busted me and pulled the hose out of my hands.  I guess charging my grandma $1/jug was going a bit too far. *shrug*

So, that’s me in a nutshell. Well there’s a lot more. I’m a woman,.of COURSE there’s more! But that’s all for now.

Lacey Forward