1.31.2025

How To Get Your Property Seen In A Competitive Seller’s Market

Getting your property seen, particularly when you find yourself in a seller’s market, can prove difficult. Whether you’re coming onto the market when there are a lot of properties already out there, or you’re competing with next-door neighbours or a lot of properties that are like your own, knowing how to stand out is key.


With that in mind, here’s how to get your property seen even in a competitive seller’s market.


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Find the right agent for listing


The first thing you want to do is ensure you have the right agent to list your property. Speaking to an estate agent like https://www.estateagencyedinburgh.co.uk/properties is worthwhile due to its popularity and a glowing reputation amongst clients.


There are lots of agents out there, so it’s important that you’re identifying the right ones for you so that you stand the best chance of selling it. There will be some estate agents that price your property too high and others too low. Therefore it’s beneficial to get a number of quotes so you can make comparables.


Identify a reasonable asking price


Picking out the right asking price is important because how you price it will likely influence how well it’s going to sell or whether it stays on the market for a long period of time.


Identifying a reasonable asking price is important. You want to be selective about what asking price is worthwhile and what might be asking too much or giving away to little. Try to be reasonable when selecting a price and know how low you could creep down to if needed.


Have unique selling points and incentives


As a property owner looking to sell, it’s worth trying to look for unique selling points that make your property different from the rest. This is important when it comes to an overly saturated market or a market that has a lot of properties that are close to or similar in appearance to your own.


Get the property ready


Getting the property ready for selling is important because first impressions count. You should be looking at how you could declutter the space and dress it accordingly so that you stand the best chance of showing off to potential buyers.


When your prospective buyers see the house, you want to ensure that the house itself is looking good and appealing to buy.


Make use of different marketing methods


Finally, make use of different marketing methods where possible. Work with the estate agents to get your property out there for the local people to see but expand this to national and even international waters. 


Consider adding your property to social media platforms and collaborate where you can to get your property seen to a wider audience.


When looking to get seen in a competitive market, you want to be smart about how you go about getting your property noticed by the masses. Use these tips to get your property seen this year.



 


6 months 💔

Half A Year 
6 months 
26 weeks 
182 days
4,380 hours 
262,826 minutes
15,769,600 seconds 

Six months have passed since you left us, and though time marches on, not a day goes by where I don’t feel the weight of your absence. Every moment without you has been a reminder of just how much you meant to me, to all of us. The emptiness where your laughter once was, the silence where your voice would ring out with love and joy—these things are so incredibly hard to bear. I can’t help but long for one more hug, one more conversation, one more moment to tell you just how much I appreciate you.






In the days that have followed, I’ve tried to find a way to move through the pain. But it’s not about moving on—it’s about finding a new way to live with your absence. I keep your memory close, tucked safely in my heart. And even though the world feels dimmer without you in it, there’s a quiet strength that comes from the love you gave me, and I know that you would want me to carry that strength forward.

I think about all the times we shared, the moments that seemed small at the time but now stand out as treasures. Your kindness, your unwavering support, your infectious smile, and your incredible ability to make everyone around you feel loved—these are the things I will carry with me forever. Your soul was pure, and your heart was a place where everyone who knew you could find refuge.










There are times when the grief feels unbearable, when I wish I could turn back time, when I want to tell you all the things I never got to say. I would tell you how much I looked up to you, how much your strength and grace impacted me, how proud I was to call you my sister. I would thank you for being my constant, my rock, my confidant. I would remind you how much you were loved—not just by me, but by everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. 

But I know that in the grander scheme of things, you hear me. You feel my love, even from where you are now. And I take comfort in that, even though I miss you more than words can express. I find solace in the belief that you're watching over us, that you are at peace, and that you are no longer in pain. It doesn’t make it easier to live without you, but it helps to know that you're safe.

You were so much more than just a sister to me. You were my best friend, my partner in crime, my guiding star. No one will ever take your place in my heart. I will never forget the lessons you taught me, the love you shared with me, and the way you made me feel seen and heard. Your spirit lives on in me and in everyone you touched, and I know that your legacy will continue to shine.

Today, six months without you, I hold you in my heart and my thoughts. I will keep your memory alive by living a life that honors all that you were. You were a gift to this world, and even though you’ve left us too soon, the love you gave will never fade. I will miss you every second of every day, but I will also love you forever.

Until we meet again, dear sister, I will carry your spirit with me always.




1.30.2025

4 Odd Jobs You Could Be Doing in your Garden Right Now

Over the winter time our gardens become neglected because it’s simply too cold and wet to venture out and keep things at bay. However, if you’re not careful you could find yourself in a sticky mess when it comes to the spring time if you neglect everything in your garden. It doesn’t matter whether your garden is big or small, the work needed can soon mount up! Let’s take a look at some odd jobs you could be doing in your garden right now!


https://www.pexels.com/photo/digging-in-the-ground-with-a-rusty-trowel-18745254/ 

Clear any debris

Over the autumn and the winter, it’s unlikely that your garden wont accrue some sort of debris. This is normally dust and soil that has been carried by the wind, and also leaves falling from the trees around and in your garden.


Take the time to rake in all of the debris and get rid of it so that when it comes to the spring time you’re not wasting too much valuable time clearing away debris. Plus, it will keep your garden looking as nice as possible during the winter months.

Prepare your soil

With the cold and wet weather it’s likely that your soil isn’t in great condition and without some TLC it probably won’t be ready for the spring. Take your trowel and turn the soil as often as possible to give it a chance to dry out a little and not be as soggy as it would be without turning it. Soggy soil isn’t good for plants and will quickly kill them off, so be sure to spend some time every week or so turning the soil.

Now is also the best time to treat your soil with something like OnnuBiochar. There are different types of products for different purpose soils, so make sure you check what the purpose of each one is to match it up with your garden’s needs! You’ll find that your soil is much healthier when you need to use it.

Prune your dead flowers and trees

If you’ve got flowers in your garden which should grow back in the springtime, now would be a fantastic time to prune them so that they can grow fresh shoots and flowers when the weather is more suitable. 


This is also a good idea for any trees that you have that aren’t evergreen. Any trees that grow fruit will thrive from a good prune and grow back the following season as healthy as ever!

Plan your garden

Take a look around your garden and plan out where you’re going to be planting your plants in the spring, and whether or not you’re going to try your hand at growing vegetables in your garden in the spring. Sectioning off these areas now will allow you to get straight to work when the time is right; meaning your garden will be looking fantastic in no time!


If you’re planning a big build in your garden like decking or a pool, now would be the time to section off the area that you want to change so that you know you don’t have to worry too much about the condition of the grass or plant beds.


Put these checks into play with your garden and you will see how much easier gardening will be once the spring is upon us.



1.07.2025

Happy 39th Birthday

 



Happy Birthday in Heaven, My Sweet Sister

Today is your birthday, and my heart aches knowing you're not here to celebrate it with me. I wish I could hear your voice, laugh with you, and share in the joy of this special day. It’s hard to find the right words when the pain of missing you is so deep, but I know you're shining brightly in heaven, free from the struggles of this world.



You were not just my sister; you were my closest friend, my confidant, and a part of my soul. The memories of the times we shared are treasures that no one can ever take away. Your laughter, your kindness, your strength—they all live on in me, and I carry them with me every day.





Though you’re no longer here in the way I wish, I find comfort in knowing that you're still with me in spirit, watching over me, guiding me with the love we always shared. Today, I celebrate you, your life, and the beautiful person you were and continue to be in my heart.

Happy Birthday, my angel. I miss you more than words can ever express. I love you forever, and I can’t wait until the day we're reunited. 

With all my love,  

Sis 





1.03.2025

How To Approach A Conversation About Health With Your Partner

Talking to your partner about a health related issue can be a minefield. It doesn't matter how well the two of you communicate over things, or how close you feel you are to each other. Health is very personal, and whether you want to talk about their health or yours, the conversation is going to be tougher to navigate. 


But conversations like these do need to happen. They can’t be avoided, and when it comes to being supportive, you need to be honest as well. And if you’re dreading bringing up a health topic with your significant other, here are a few things to keep in mind about approaching the conversation. 


Pexels Image - CC0 Licence


Don’t Accuse


When it comes to health, there’s no really right or wrong way to go about things. Some methods may be healthier than others, but seeing as we’re all different with unique needs and ways of handling them, there is no real good or bad side. 


As such, if you feel you need to talk to your partner about the way they’re handling their health - or indeed, reacting to yours - don’t accuse. Instead, use questions and make sure you’re posing your statements from that place of feeling. Remember, you’re not right and they’re not wrong, but you can work together to understand and uplift each other. 


Listen to Their Concerns Just as Much as You Talk About Your Own


If you’re worried about your partner’s health, or you want to talk to them about something you feel you both should be working on, make sure both of you have space to talk about the issue. Be heard, and hear them out in turn. 


For example, if you’re concerned about sexual health, talk openly and honestly. Maybe they want to buy over the counter from kamagra-apotheke.com and try those medications out first? Consider this idea alongside your own and be willing to give it space as you work out what you want to do. You’re a team and that means approaching any and all health issues as a unit. 


Show You’re Willing to Work Together


Maybe your partner has come to you to say they’re not sure you're doing the best for yourself. Maybe they want to let you know they’re not really feeling supported on a health journey of their own. 


If you hear anything like this, jumping to defensiveness could be a bad move. It’s hard not to when you hear something as criticism, but in a space like this, try to remember that in the moment. 


Of course, if your partner has said something that’s blunt, rude, or even accusatory toward you, the onus isn’t on you to stay calm and defuse. But if that’s not the case, be open to hearing them out, talk through the issue with them, and demonstrate how willing you are to work as a team. 


Health is hard to talk about, even with your closest loved ones. Approach any conversation with this knowledge in mind. 

Is Your Home Struggling To Cope With Winter 2025? Consider This'

 

Cold is one of those experiences you can only really know the effect of when you’re in it. While most of us intellectually know that having a cold house can be unhealthy for long periods, we only really understand the impact when our house is freezing on a morning, or when we can’t sleep because the insulation in our bedroom and our bedsheets just aren’t fit for purpose. Unfortunately, it’s an experience many elderly individuals are only too familiar with, which is why it’s important to take care of our loved ones during these cold seasonal periods.

But of course, you don’t have to be elderly to notice your house is less capable than you had assumed of dealing with the winter of 2025. In the northern hemisphere, we’re right in the middle of it, with cold months still promised after the beginning of the new year .

But what if you notice your house is much colder than you had envisioned, and your heating solutions don’t seem to be contending with it? In this post, we’ll discuss some advice to assist you:

Call Heating Service Specialists

Your heating system might be working overtime without much effect, perhaps it’s packed up from the pressure, or it’s just not functioning as well as it once did thanks to age. Sometimes the issue isn't that your heating is broken, but that it needs a proper service. It’s easy to learn this the hard way when your own system is running constantly but barely warming the house.

A specialist in heating and cooling may find that years of dust and debris built up inside, making the whole system work much harder than it needed to. They can also spot issues you might miss, like whether your radiators need bleeding or if certain pipes are struggling to circulate heat properly. Sometimes this is all you need to make the winter much more tolerable than it was over the festive period.

Consider Electric Heated Blankets

Electric blankets are fantastic now, much better than the slightly sketchy devices our grandparents used. Modern versions have multiple heat settings, timers, and safety features that automatically switch them off. Keeping one on your couch and another on your bed could be a good stop-gap measure while you have your heating or other house improvements worked on.

They use surprisingly little electricity and warm you directly rather than trying to heat the whole room. Of course, they’re also portable, so you can move them around the house as needed, or heat a child and elderly relative that might be struggling with the biting cold. They’re also very comforting if you feel anxious or are relaxing in the evening.

Add Layers To Your Bedspread

If you can’t be warm and cosy in your bed, where can you? Adding an extra blanket or two to your bed is not only a nice design choice but can help increase how easily your body heat is trapped underneatth, especially if you layer them properly. 

Start with a fitted sheet, add your regular duvet, then top it with a wool blanket. You can add other coverings if you find it necessary. A good tip to remember is that natural materials like wool and cotton trap heat better than synthetic ones. Even better, these extra layers will still keep working if your power goes out, and you can wrap them around you in a pinch if needed.

Check Any Door Drafts

Those tiny gaps under your doors may as well be open windows for letting heat escape, but we tend not to think about it unless the breeze is highly obvious, because a closed door doesn’t look as obviously vulnerable as an open window.

That said, it’s quite incredible how much warm air sneaks out through these spaces. Door sweeps or draft excluders are cheap and easy to install, so it’s a good place to start if you don’t want to replace the entire door right now. Even a rolled-up towel works in a pinch. Just remember to check interior doors too, not just the ones leading outside, because you might have a small living room opening up onto a huge dining space, and the cold from that unheated room might be flowing in.

Consider Your Garage Door Seal

Your garage might be letting more cold air into your house than you realize, not only because it’s rare for these  to be fully insulated and heated, but those rubber seals around garage doors tend to crack and shrink over time, especially in cold weather.

So, we’d recommend taking time to give yours a good look over. If you can see daylight around the edges when it's closed, or if the rubber feels brittle, it's time for a replacement. This is one of those fixes that cost little but saves a lot. Just never, ever try to replace your garage door yourself, the chain holds a great deal of tension and can cause real injury if you try to remove it personally without specialist tools and training.

Refit Roofing Insulation

Heat rises, and if your roof isn't properly insulated, that's exactly where all your expensive warmth is going. It’s not nice to know that you’ve paid for energy leaking out of the household. 

Checking your roof insulation isn't the most exciting job, but it's worth doing, and you can always have a contractor perform an appropriate inspection. Look for any spots where the insulation has gotten compressed or moved around because these gaps act like chimneys, and pull warm air right out of your house. If you need better internal insulation like roofing felt, it’s a wise investment and could help your heating feel a lot more effective. This, combined with our aforementioned servicing could make a massive difference.

Inspect Window Fittings

We tend to think of windows as being cold on the surface but not really a problem, and that’s true, a cold window isn’t necessarily going to turn your house into an ice cube, and if properly sealed it keeps a good deal of it out. This also works for heat, which is why many health authorities recommend closing windows during a heatwave. 

That said, even double-glazed windows can develop problems over time. Run your hand around the frames on a cold day to see if you feel air moving, as that's heat escaping. Temporary fixes like clear plastic window insulation kits can help until you can get them properly repaired. They look a bit silly, but they work surprisingly well, and can offset an immediate cost for later.

Frozen Guttering & Pipes

Never is a house more cold tan when you can’t get access to hot water, and especially if a pipe bursts. Water expands when it freezes, which can crack pipes and lead to serious damage when they thaw, so keep an eye on that, and on your gutters too. If they're blocked with leaves and freeze up, the weight can pull them right off your house. Running your taps at a slow trickle during very cold nights helps prevent freezing, and it's cheaper than dealing with burst pipes, but you can always call out a plumber if you feel that the system is working as intended, or if your boiler perhaps need to be serviced.

With this advice, we hope you can avoid the winter struggles especially as the cold moves in and you start to notice the difficult you have in the house. Perhaps this way you can find the comfort you really do deserve to enjoy.

1.01.2025

2024 Year in Review

It's hard to believe 2024 is over already. What a year it’s been – full of both joyous milestones and unexpected challenges. Here’s a reflection on the moments that stood out to me.

**January**: I FINALLY got my license! After years of putting it off, I made it happen, and it felt so empowering to tick that off my list.

**February**: A romantic Valentine’s getaway with my husband was just what we needed to recharge and reconnect.

**March**: A health scare when I discovered lumps and had to undergo tests for breast cancer. Thankfully, the results came back *ALL CLEAR*, a huge relief.

**April**: A busy but fulfilling month, working at a great contract job. It also brought the arrival of our new grandbaby, and we are absolutely smitten by this new addition to the family. Ellianah Alora


**May**: We celebrated 22 years of marriage with a beautiful anniversary getaway. Unfortunately, my contract jobs came to an end, but I landed a full-time position at a health care office, marking a new chapter in my career.

**June**: A quieter month as I settled into my new job. I like to think it was the calm before the storm of July, giving me time to rest and recharge.


**July**: A bittersweet month. Brooke  turned 21, a huge milestone. I also had my final (hopefully!) kidney stone surgery. But the toughest part of the month was the sudden loss of my sister. Just writing that takes my breath away – I miss her dearly.


**August**: My best friend came to visit me from Newfoundland, and her presence was exactly what my heart needed after the heartbreak of losing my sister. We also had the difficult task of holding my sister’s memorial and traveling to Newfoundland for her memorial.


**September**: Brooke started her final year of her BA degree, a proud moment for our family as she nears the finish line.

**October**: A much-needed birthday getaway with my husband and friends. We laughed, relaxed, and created new memories together.

**November**: A month of family visits, especially spending time with my grandkids. I also dove into the holiday spirit – Christmas shopping, decorating, baking cookies, and gearing up for parties.

**December**: Home for Christmas. We enjoyed a cozy holiday season at home, followed by Christmas in Newfoundland, where we honored my sister’s memory with family.











2024 was a rollercoaster of emotions, full of love, loss, and growth. I’m grateful for the memories and the lessons, and I’m hopeful for what 2025 will bring.

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