The dark side

by Anna Krith’s Lifestyle You may see someone who smiles all the time and does silly things but you have no idea what he is going through or what burden he carries within. People are so judgmental and you have to deal with them every single day; you must pretend that everything is fine, otherwise […]

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Jillian Michaels Slims Down Price on Malibu Beach House

Proud of my wife!

2017-01-26 Christina Oiticica Quatro Elementos exhibition – Brasilea Foundation, Basel/Switzerland from Christina Oiticica on Vimeo.

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GoldenKey Raises $1.75 million

GoldenKey recently raised $1.75 million (TechCrunch). What’s the model?

Instead of a commission, you pay an agent a flat fee for the services you need and get a 3 percent rebate when you buy or sell a home with the help of one of the company’s partner agents (though some states like Oregon don’t allow for this rebate). That may not sound like a crazy idea, but in the rather conservative real estate world, that’s akin to a revolution.

Here’s a video pitch:

The no commission real estate network. I wrote about the commissions topic in depth a couple years ago, and I’m not sure anything has changed since.

Many consumers would love to pay for only what they need, but the two core related questions are:

1. How do you reach consumers and win their trust? People use their friends (who are agents), because they already trust those people. Trust takes years and years to build (ask Redfin).
2. Do the incentives line up for those doing the work? Ie do they make enough money to make it worth their while?

Yes, a large percentage of the 2 million licensed agents are not making much money. That said, many aren’t very good at their jobs. Why do they deserve to make more money? More importantly, how do we know they are qualified to do high quality work?

It seems the rise of teams is tapping into this same dynamic, while preserving the commission model. Having been a business owner for several years now — I can unequivocally say running your own business (of any kind) is not for everyone. I believe more agents should join teams to make better use of their talents, and add peace of mind to their lives. Yes, that limits their potential income — but it also limits risk and stress.

Don’t get me wrong, I believe there is a market for GoldenKey. I just don’t think it’s massive.

Comments welcome…

The post GoldenKey Raises $1.75 million appeared first on GeekEstate Blog.

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Quiz: Name These Movie and TV Homes

What Your Houseplants Need to Make It Through Winter

It isn't just you - your houseplants really do look worse in winter. Blame it on dry central-heated air, shorter days, changing light patterns, and cold drafts - and the fact that some plants go nearly dormant in winter anyway, even in their own habitat.

These obstacles make houseplants more vulnerable to problems like overwatering, poor drainage, and pests than ever before, but don't let it bring you down. Instead of counting down the days until spring comes - or your plant dies on its own - follow these guidelines to keep your plants healthy all season long.

Identify your plant's unique needs

Start by treating each plant as an individual. This is especially important in winter. Some plants go dormant and need drier soil, low light, and cooler air, while others still want moist soil, bright light, and warm, humid air.

So do a little research. Perform a quick search on your phone or visit the bookstore or library to identify your plants and determine their needs.

If you're still unsure of their identities, follow the general guidelines below and assume they need lightly moist soil, good drainage, ventilation, humidity, and a little more attention to keep them pest- and disease-free.

Water the right way

Before you water, make sure your pot has a drainage hole to prevent rot, and a saucer to catch excess moisture.

When the top half-inch of soil is dry, water thoroughly with a watering can that has a narrow spout, which keeps you from splashing the leaves and inadvertently spreading soilborne diseases.

Watering deeply promotes healthier root growth and flushes out any excess salts from your tapwater that may have accumulated over time.

Provide humidity for jungle plants

Winter’s dry central-heated air is uncomfortable for us, but it's even more uncomfortable for houseplants.

After all, most common indoor plants come from steamy tropical forests, so they have a hard enough time adapting to household habitats. Worse yet, dry air also leads to pest infestations, like spider mites and mealybugs.

To prevent dry leaves and create a humid microclimate for your jungle-dwelling houseplants, place them on a tray of pebbles and fill the tray halfway with water, which will slowly evaporate and give the immediate area a humidity boost. Otherwise, mist the leaves twice a day or refer to the tip below.

Group plants together by needs

Since houseplants seem to struggle more in winter, group them together by needs to simplify your life and prolong theirs.

For plants that are actively growing (most common houseplants fit this description), choose a well-lit bathroom or kitchen so they can benefit from the extra humidity created by running water.

Place desert plants like cacti and succulents in a south-facing window so they can receive the maximum amount of direct sunlight.

If you have subtropical bulbs or flowering plants that require a rest in winter, place them in a cool area with indirect light, and only water them when the potting mix is dry.

Inspect whenever you water

Having a green thumb has nothing to do with luck, and everything to do with being observant. Every time you water your houseplants, look closely at the leaves, stems, and potting mix.

You have nothing else to do while standing there with your watering can, so take the time to appreciate your plant's uniquely patterned leaves, and - wait, was that a bug?

Even if you couldn't identify a mealybug if your life depended on it, you'll discover (and remove) all sorts of things if you wipe the leaves occasionally with a damp rag and cotton swab.

Prevent the spread of pests and diseases

Houseplants are especially prone to bacterial diseases this time of year, so pay close attention to them.

Remove and discard any dead leaves that appear on the plant or fall in the potting mix; they make ideal hiding places and breeding grounds for pests and diseases. To prevent stagnant air around your plants, increase ventilation with a small fan.

Wash your hands and tools before and after handling them, and immediately separate or discard any diseased or infested plants so they can recover without infecting the others. If the leaves are stunted, mottled, and twisted, the plant likely has a virus and should be discarded immediately.

Related:

• Repotting Plants: Give Them a New Home Sweet Home
• A Simple 3-Step Program for Houseplant Care
• Combining Houseplants for Decorative Arrangements

from Zillow Porchlight http://ift.tt/2knkyCd

567 Clarke + Como by Marcon

Coming this spring to the every blossoming Burquitlam are, Marcon is building a beautiful 49 storey building on the corner of Clarke Road and Como Lake Avenue, that will feature 364, 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms homes as well as 20,000 square feet of state-of-the-art amenity spaces

567 Clarke + Como will be the tallest tower in the Burquitlam area, with that, the suites will feature some of the best views in the area.  Also with the skytrain just a short walk away, you have easy commute to Downtown Vancouver,  Lougheed Town Centre as well as Metrotown and YVR Airport.

More information coming soon, register with us today to be kept up to date!

The post 567 Clarke + Como by Marcon appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.

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