Newsletter - June 2019

90% of Canadians still chose to enlist the services of a 
professional real estate agent to sell their homes.

‘For Sale By Owner’ companies advertise a unique system for selling real estate promising thousands of dollars in saved commissions. They will tell you the process will be stress-free (which it isn’t), you will save tons of money (which is not always the case) and that you don’t have to pay commissions (which is never true if an agent brings the buyer to your home). 

The reality is that you will most likely have to pay 
a  2.5% commission to an agent.

This results in a 2.5% savings to the seller. Calculating the time and expense necessary to market a home properly, the stress of walking strangers through your home, and the uncomfortable situation of having to negotiate the sale price of the home, do you really save any money?

10% who attempt it on their own, 
end up hiring a real estate professional.

It is not as easy as they had originally thought, considerably more stressful then they had expected, and they finally found the value in hiring a real estate professional to get the job done.

A real estate professional will guide you through the process, answer your questions and be a trusted partner who is obligated by law to serve your best interests.

. . . . .

. . . . .

10 Herbs that Grow in the Shade

Herbs that don’t like their soil to dry out in the heat of summer tend to do well in shade. They produce better leaf crops if they’re not subjected to the midday sun. With care, most will produce enough leaves for you to add to your favourite dishes. Discover 10 herbs that can be grown in shade or partial shade.

Mint
Mint is one of the best choices for a shady spot. Use mint for tea, or add it to salads and other dishes – there are lots of delicious varieties to try. This herb enjoys the shade, but its flavour may be less intense than in sun. Buy in small pots to plant out in spring/summer.

Dill
With delicate leaves that have a light, unique flavour, dill works well in salads. It’s also a good substitute for parsley and tarragon in sauces. Plant in spring for summer harvests.

Tarragon
Tarragon is a perennial herb favoured for its aromatic, licorice flavoured leaves that are used in salads, seasoning mixes and vinegar. It’s easiest to grow tarragon from cuttings or seedlings; it appreciates sun in the morning and afternoon shade.

Chives
Chives produce 6 to 12-inch clumps of grass-like leaves that can be clipped and added to salads, stews, baked potatoes or create herb butter. Though chives prefer full sun, they will tolerate a considerable amount of shade, especially in hotter climates.

Thyme
Most varieties of thyme will tolerate part shade. Let the soil slightly dry out between waterings. Try planting it with other flowers and herbs for a fragrant container.

Parsley
Flat-leaf and Italian parsley grow best with rich, moist soil and light shade. Sow seeds in spring or autumn, and protect young plants from frost. You can use the leaves and stems in soups, stews, sauces and salads.

Cilantro
Cilantro will quickly bolt and set seeds under the hot sun, so this herb actually prefers a little shade. Grow it directly from seed after a chance of frost has passed — cilantro develops a large taproot and does not like being transplanted. Once cilantro does bolt, you can harvest the seeds, called coriander, to spice up savoury dishes.

Golden Oregano
Most varieties of oregano need full sun; however, the leaves of golden oregano, ‘Aureum’, can wilt and die under the sun, so it does best in partial shade.

Anise
Anise thrives in light shade and is enjoyed for its licorice-like scent and flavour.

Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a perennial that—as its name suggests—produces fragrant leaves with a minty, citrus scent that is often used to flavour tea, fruit, salads and marinades for chicken and fish. Trim it often, especially in shady spots, to keep it from getting thin and leggy.

. . . . .