Blog Post

A Short Guide to “Adultifying” Your Bedroom

Katherine Martin • May 30, 2016

We all arrive here at different times;

…the transition from young adulthood to adulthood; from “growing up” to “grown up”. Perhaps you’ve just moved from a university dorm into your first apartment; or perhaps you’ve just purchased your first home. Either way, it’s at this point that you should be embracing your newfound role someone who gets up before 10AM, drinks coffee or tea, goes to work, and sleeps in exclusively on Saturdays (and sometimes Sundays).

Part of this process includes transitioning the decor of your bedroom in order to reflect your newly established path. So, without further adieu, the following is a short guide to transforming your slightly juvenile bedroom into into one fit for a full grown adult! Because there really should be a difference between the look of your bedroom and that of your teenagers room!

Throw Pillows/The Duvet Effect

Nothing says “I’m an adult” like buying pillows for the express purpose of showcasing your bed; as opposed to buying them for one of their more “practical” uses, I.E- using them as padding while you sleep.

But seriously, throw pillows give any bedroom a touch of maturity. And at the end of the day, these showpieces are indeed useful for adding that extra bit of softness and comfort to any bed or couch. They’re also useful for pegging your spouse or children as they walk past your open bedroom door. Just don’t expect them to take it lying down; that is, unless the pillows that you’ve tossed are really comfortable!

Additionally, get rid of that old grimey bed cover, and replace it with a duvet; it’s ultra comfortable, and it says, “I may have lots to learn about being an adult, but at least I’m not sleeping with the blankets that I used in middle school”.

Matching Furniture

Never underestimate the power of a matching bed/night stand combination. This simple touch can pull together a living space like nobody’s business. Colors are obviously important here, but style is something to consider as well. If you can, work to make sure both of these factors are taken into consideration.

Neutral Colors

Bright, edgy colors exude boldness. They’re out there, and in small doses, they’re perfect. But too much bold is just that; too much. Sure, go ahead and accent your space with a splash of color (again, throw pillows work well, here); but be careful not to let your living space be taken over by a garbled rainbow of colors. Pick a scheme and stick with it.

Art in Moderation

There comes a time in every person’s life when he or she must take stock of that which is on display, on their bedroom walls. Certainly there was a time when more was better. When style or sequence didn’t matter; when, if you liked it (even a little) it went up there for everyone to see.

It’s time to rethink that strategy.

Again, accent your walls with a small selection of tasteful art; art that matches the newly established maturity of a person who has left childhood behind while embracing the joy of driving, voting, having a nice glass of wine, and having a family.

The Book Nook

As we age, it’s important for us to keep our minds sharp. Reading is obviously a great way to stay mentally nimble, and books are a great way to decorate any living space. Build or buy a small shelf, find a cozy chair, add a plush throw rug and away you go! By the way, no comics or picture books here, stay classy, novels only. Besides, if you collect comics, you probably already have an entire room dedicated to them, which is completely acceptable.

Honorable Mention: Keeping it all clean!

All of this is for not if you can’t keep your bedroom space clean. Take the time to do it right. For all you messy people out there, buy a hamper, use the hamper and (every now and again) empty the hamper into the washing machine. You’ll find that a clean living space is a much more desirable living space, both for you and for your guests.

Now, if you are looking to buy your first place, or you need to find a property more suited to your current situation (with a bedroom you can adultify), please contact me anytime , I can help you with a plan!

This article originally appeared in the DLC Newsletter for May 2016.

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Mail

Katherine Martin

Origin Mortgages

Phone: 1-604-454-0843
Email: kmartin@planmymortgage.ca
Fax: 1-604-454-0842

A First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

By Katherine Martin • 18 Apr, 2024

Dreaming of owning your first home? A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) could be your key to turning that dream into a reality. Let's dive into what an FHSA is, how it works, and why it's a smart investment for first-time homebuyers. What is an FHSA? An FHSA is a registered plan designed to help you save for your first home taxfree. If you're at least 18 years old, have a Social Insurance Number (SIN), and have not owned a home where you lived for the past four calendar years, you may be eligible to open an FHSA. Reasons to Invest in an FHSA: Save up to $40,000 for your first home. Contribute tax-free for up to 15 years. Carry over unused contribution room to the next year, up to a maximum of $8,000. Potentially reduce your tax bill and carry forward undeducted contributions indefinitely. Pay no taxes on investment earnings. Complements the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP). How Does an FHSA Work? Open Your FHSA: Start investing tax-free by opening your FHSA. Contribute Often: Make tax-deductible contributions of up to $8,000 annually to help your money grow faster. Withdraw for Your Home: Make a tax-free withdrawal at any time to purchase your first home. Benefits of an FHSA: Tax-Deductible Contributions: Contribute up to $8,000 annually, reducing your taxable income. Tax-Free Earnings: Enjoy tax-free growth on your investments within the FHSA. No Taxes on Withdrawals: Pay $0 in taxes on withdrawals used to buy a qualifying home. Numbers to Know: $8,000: Annual tax-deductible FHSA contribution limit. $40,000: Lifetime FHSA contribution limit. $0: Taxes on FHSA earnings when used for a qualifying home purchase. In Conclusion A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a powerful tool for first-time homebuyers, offering tax benefits and a structured approach to saving for homeownership. By taking advantage of an FHSA, you can accelerate your journey towards owning your first home and make your dream a reality sooner than you think.

Understanding the Recent Housing Affordability Measures in Canada

By Katherine Martin • 18 Apr, 2024

In recent years, housing affordability has become a significant concern for many Canadians, particularly for first-time homebuyers facing soaring prices and strict mortgage qualification criteria. To address these challenges, the Canadian government has introduced several housing affordability measures. In this blog post, we'll examine these measures and their potential implications for homebuyers. Increased Home Buyer's Plan (HBP) Withdrawal Limit Effective April 16, the Home Buyer's Plan (HBP) withdrawal limit will be raised from $35,000 to $60,000. The HBP allows first-time homebuyers to withdraw funds from their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to use towards a down payment on a home. By increasing the withdrawal limit, the government aims to provide young Canadians with more flexibility in saving for their down payments, recognizing the growing challenges of entering the housing market. Extended Repayment Period for HBP Withdrawals In addition to increasing the withdrawal limit, the government has extended the repayment period for HBP withdrawals. Individuals who made withdrawals between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2025, will now have five years instead of two to begin repayment. This extension provides borrowers with more time to manage their finances and repay the withdrawn amounts, alleviating some of the immediate financial pressures associated with using RRSP funds for a down payment. 30-Year Mortgage Amortizations for Newly Built Homes Starting August 1, 2024, first-time homebuyers purchasing newly built homes will be eligible for 30-year mortgage amortizations. This change extends the maximum mortgage repayment period from 25 years to 30 years, resulting in lower monthly mortgage payments. By offering longer amortization periods, the government aims to increase affordability and assist homebuyers in managing their housing expenses more effectively. Changes to the Canadian Mortgage Charter The government has also introduced changes to the Canadian Mortgage Charter to provide relief to homeowners facing financial challenges. These changes include early mortgage renewal notifications and permanent amortization relief for eligible homeowners. By implementing these measures, the government seeks to support homeowners in maintaining affordable mortgage payments and mitigating the risk of default during times of financial hardship. The recent housing affordability measures announced by the Canadian government are aimed at addressing the challenges faced by homebuyers in today's market. These measures include increasing withdrawal limits, extending repayment periods, and offering longer mortgage amortizations. The goal is to make homeownership more accessible and affordable for Canadians across the country. As these measures come into effect, it's crucial for homebuyers to stay informed about the changes and their implications. Consulting with a mortgage professional can help individuals explore their options and make informed decisions about their housing finances. If you're interested in learning more about these changes and how they may affect you, please don't hesitate to connect with us. We're here to walk you through the process and help you consider all your options and find the one that makes the most sense for you.