Post-Tax Season Cleanup: How Realtors Can Fix Their Books After Filing

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For many realtors, tax season is a sprint. Receipts get rushed into folders, numbers get estimated, and commissions get categorized quickly just to meet the deadline. Then taxes are filed… and the real accounting mess is still sitting there.

The good news is that April is the perfect time to clean up your real estate bookkeeping, fix gaps, and build a smoother system before the spring market hits full speed.

If you want your business to feel organized (and profitable) this year, this is where it starts.

Why Post-Tax Season Cleanup Matters for Realtors

Once your taxes are filed, it’s tempting to move on. But real estate income isn’t simple. Between commission deposits, GST, marketing expenses, vehicle use, and client-related costs, it’s very easy for your books to become inaccurate fast.

A post-tax cleanup helps you:

  • Catch missed expenses (and protect deductions)
  • Correct incorrect categories
  • Verify GST tracking is accurate
  • Prepare for a stronger year-end result
  • Avoid scrambling next tax season again

Most importantly, it gives you a clear picture of what your business is actually earning.

Common Realtor Bookkeeping Problems After Tax Season

Even experienced agents often discover issues after filing. These are the most common bookkeeping problems that show up in April:

1. Commission Deposits Don’t Match Actual Income

Many agents record commission deposits incorrectly because deposits may include deductions, brokerage fees, or holdbacks.

If your deposits aren’t properly broken down, your revenue numbers won’t be accurate.

2. Expenses Were Categorized Too Quickly

Marketing, staging, client gifts, travel, meals, and software subscriptions often get lumped into one generic category. That might work short-term, but it creates confusion later.

Clean categories help your accountant, protect deductions, and make reports meaningful.

3. GST Tracking Was Incomplete

GST is one of the most common areas where realtors accidentally create issues. Even if your accountant filed correctly, your tracking system may still be inconsistent.

4. Personal and Business Transactions Got Mixed Together

This is extremely common, especially for newer agents or busy producers. But mixing transactions creates reporting errors and makes it harder to defend deductions if you’re ever reviewed.

5. Receipts Are Missing or Unorganized

You don’t need perfection, but you do need documentation. April is the month to gather missing receipts and attach them properly before they disappear.

The Realtor Post-Tax Cleanup Checklist (What to Fix in April)

If you want a simple approach, focus on these five key tasks.

Step 1: Reconcile Your Accounts

Start by matching your bank and credit card transactions against what your bookkeeping system shows.

This ensures you’re working with real numbers, not assumptions.

Step 2: Review Commission Income Entries

Go through every commission deposit and confirm:

  • The correct amount was recorded
  • Brokerage fees are categorized properly
  • Splits are accounted for (if applicable)
  • GST is recorded correctly where needed

This step alone can dramatically improve your reporting accuracy.

Step 3: Correct Expense Categories

This is where many realtors uncover hidden spending.

Look closely at:

  • Advertising and marketing
  • Vehicle and fuel costs
  • Meals and client meetings
  • Licensing, board fees, and memberships
  • Software subscriptions
  • Home office expenses (if applicable)

If your expenses are sitting in “miscellaneous,” your financial reporting is basically useless.

Step 4: Ensure Receipts Are Attached and Organized

Post-Tax Season How Realtors Can Fix Their Books After Filing

Receipts should be attached to transactions where possible, especially for:

  • Meals
  • Client gifts
  • Marketing and print
  • Travel costs
  • Vehicle repairs
  • Office equipment

This helps protect your deductions and reduces stress later.

Step 5: Run a Year-to-Date Profit Snapshot

Once everything is cleaned up, you should be able to run a simple year-to-date report showing:

  • Income
  • Expenses
  • Net profit
  • GST collected vs GST paid

This is what allows you to make smarter decisions in spring and summer.

What a “Clean” Accounting System Looks Like for Realtors

A clean bookkeeping system doesn’t mean complicated spreadsheets.

It means:

  • Every commission is recorded properly
  • Expenses are categorized clearly
  • GST is tracked consistently
  • Your reports are accurate at any time
  • Your accountant can easily review everything

The goal is to avoid the “panic rebuild” next February.

April is when smart agents build a system that runs all year smoothly.

How EnviroMint Helps Realtors Stay Organized After Tax Season

EnviroMint Real Estate Accounting Software is built to support real estate professionals who want clarity, structure, and reliable tracking without wasting time.

Instead of scrambling at tax time, EnviroMint helps agents:

  • Track commissions and income consistently
  • Organize expenses into meaningful categories
  • Store transaction records and supporting details
  • Keep books clean during the busy season
  • Maintain clear reporting for accountants and tax professionals

When your accounting system is working properly, you stop guessing and start running your real estate business with confidence.

Quick Takeaways for April Cleanup

If you’re a realtor cleaning up after tax season, focus on this:

  • Reconcile accounts now, before spring volume increases
  • Fix commission entries so income reports are accurate
  • Clean up categories so you can actually understand spending
  • Attach missing receipts while they’re still easy to find
  • Review GST tracking so you don’t get surprised later

Your future self will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Should I do bookkeeping cleanup even if my taxes are already filed?

Yes. Filing taxes doesn’t mean your bookkeeping system is correct. April cleanup helps prevent bigger problems later and keeps your reports accurate for the rest of the year.

What if I missed expenses during tax season?

You can still organize them properly for your internal reporting and future tracking. If the missed expenses are significant, your accountant may advise next steps.

Do I need to keep receipts if I use a software system?

Yes. Software helps organize records, but receipts are still essential documentation for many business deductions.

How often should a realtor reconcile their accounts?

Most realtors should reconcile monthly. High-producing agents often benefit from weekly check-ins during peak season.

What’s the biggest bookkeeping mistake realtors make after tax season?

Ignoring the mess. April is when many agents should correct problems, but instead, they move on until the same chaos repeats next year.

Do I need a separate business bank account as a realtor?

It’s highly recommended. Mixing personal and business transactions is one of the fastest ways to create bookkeeping errors and reporting issues.

How do I know if my bookkeeping is “clean”?

If you can run a profit report today and trust the numbers, your system is in good shape. If you feel unsure, it’s time to clean things up.

April Is the Best Time to Reset Your Real Estate Accounting

Spring is one of the busiest seasons in real estate. If your accounting system is messy now, it will only get harder once deals start closing quickly.

A short April cleanup can save you hours of stress later and give you clear insight into your real business performance.

If you want to start the season with clean books, better tracking, and accurate reporting, EnviroMint Real Estate Accounting Software can help.

Get your accounting organized now before the busy season takes over.

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Get Ready for the Year’s End With Our Real Estate Accounting Program

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As the year winds down, most real estate brokerages start feeling the pressure. Deals need to close, commissions must be reconciled, and reports have to be ready for accountants. It’s the season when small inefficiencies suddenly feel big. That’s why November is the perfect time to look at your systems and determine if your current setup is holding you back. If your team is still juggling spreadsheets or chasing down missing files, it might be time for an upgrade. A dedicated real estate accounting program can simplify the work you do every day and set your brokerage up for a better start to the new year.

Streamline Before the Year Ends

Switching to a smarter real estate accounting system before year-end gives you the advantage of time. November is late enough to understand your annual workflow, yet early enough to prepare for tax season. Adopting a real estate accounting program now gives your team time to get comfortable before the next cycle begins.

A strong platform like Deal Manager makes this process easy. It combines accounting and transaction management in one place, so you can see deals, commissions, and payments at a glance. Instead of tracking separate spreadsheets, everything updates automatically. This saves hours of manual entry and helps prevent costly errors.

An integrated system also keeps your brokerage compliant. Canadian real estate rules require accurate trust account records and transparent commission tracking. A purpose-built solution ensures every dollar is accounted for, with audit-ready reports you can trust. When your books are organized, you can focus on closing deals and supporting your agents.

Contact us About Our Real Estate Accounting Program

November is the best time to take a step back and prepare your systems for success. Upgrading to a real estate accounting program like Deal Manager can save time, reduce stress, and keep your brokerage ready for whatever next year brings. Don’t wait until the last-minute scramble. Make the switch now and start the new year with confidence. Contact us today for more information about Deal Manager!

FAQ About Our Real Estate Accounting Program

1. Why should I switch to a new real estate accounting program before year-end?

Doing so gives your team time to transition smoothly and ensures accurate records for tax season.

2. How is a real estate accounting program different from regular accounting software?

It’s built for real estate workflows, including commission tracking, trust accounting, and deal management.

3. Is it hard to move from spreadsheets to a program like Deal Manager?

No. The setup is simple, and most brokerages find the switch saves time almost immediately.

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Our Real Estate Accounting Software Ensures Compliance

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Running a real estate brokerage means balancing deals and commissions, all while ensuring compliance with local regulations. One missed calculation or misplaced document can cause major delays and unneeded stress. That’s where our real estate accounting software can be of benefit to your office. It helps brokerages stay organized through every transaction. 

How Our Software Keeps You Compliant

Compliance is one of the most important aspects of running a real estate brokerage. From accurate commission payouts to detailed audit trails, every number has to add up. Our built-in commission calculators handle the math for you. Each transaction is tracked in real time, giving you a clear view of what’s been paid, what’s pending, and what still needs approval.

With our system, you never have to worry about missing information. Every file, update, and payment is stored securely and is easy to find. Whether you’re reviewing deals for accuracy or preparing for an audit, everything is organized and accessible.

Our real estate accounting software also integrates seamlessly with tools like Deal Manager and Deal Tracker to give your brokerage complete visibility. Agents, admins, and brokers can see every stage of a deal in real time. Offers, conveyancing, and possession updates happen automatically. There’s no need for constant follow-up or endless email threads.

When your accounting system connects with your transaction tools, your office runs smoothly. Mistakes are caught early, records stay consistent, and communication flows easily between departments. The result is fewer errors, faster closings, and stronger trust with your clients and agents.

Learn More About Our Software!

Our goal is to help brokerages operate with confidence. Real estate accounting doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right system, you can stay compliant, organized, and efficient without extra admin work. If you’re ready to simplify compliance and improve your office workflow, contact us today to book a demo. We’ll show you how our real estate accounting software helps your brokerage stay audit-ready and focused on what matters most.

FAQ About Real Estate Accounting Software

What is real estate accounting software?

It’s a digital system that manages commissions, expenses, and deal records in one secure place.

How does it help with compliance?

By tracking transactions and creating a clear audit trail it ensures every payment and document stays accurate.

Can it work with my current systems?

Yes. Our software integrates with existing tools like Deal Manager and Deal Tracker for a seamless workflow.

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What to Look for in Real Estate Management Software for Transactions

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Running a real estate brokerage requires precision, efficiency, and the right tools. Managing transactions, documents, and compliance is no small task, and choosing the right real estate management software can make or break your operations. With the right system in place, brokerages can streamline workflows, reduce errors, and provide agents with a smoother experience from listing to closing.

Features That Matter Most in Your Real Estate Management Software

When evaluating real estate management software, the first thing to consider is ease of use. If your agents and staff cannot pilot the system quickly, integrating the new software will be an uphill battle. Look for intuitive dashboards, simple document uploads, and clear reporting tools that save time rather than add complexity.

It’s also important that the software is scalable. As your brokerage grows, your software should be able to grow with you. A strong platform allows multi-user access, supports multiple offices, and adapts to new business demands without requiring a complete system overhaul.

Accuracy in transaction tracking and commission accounting is another critical factor. Manual spreadsheets often create errors and frustration, while a centralized system ensures information is consistent across the board. This reduces stress and builds trust with your agents and clients.

Why You Want Integration and Support 

Modern brokerages rely on more than one system, which means integration is essential. The best real estate management software connects with existing accounting tools, CRM platforms, and communication systems to create one seamless environment. Entering information once and having it flow everywhere is efficient and prevents costly duplication errors.

Support should not be overlooked either. Even the most advanced platform is only as good as the help you receive when something goes wrong. A provider that offers training, responsive customer service, and ongoing updates shows commitment to your success. This is particularly important for brokerages that are scaling quickly and cannot afford downtime.

Choosing the right real estate management software for transactions ensures that you select a system that supports your growth, protects your accuracy, and simplifies operations for everyone in the office. With the right choice, brokerages can shift focus from administrative tasks to building stronger client relationships and more profitable teams. Contact us today to learn more about our transaction management software and how we can help streamline your office!

FAQ About Real Estate Management Software for Transactions

What is real estate management software?

It is a digital platform that helps brokerages manage transactions, documents, accounting, and compliance in one place.

How does this type of software save time?

By centralizing information, reducing data entry, and automating repetitive tasks it allows agents and staff to work more efficiently.

Is real estate management software only for large brokerages?

No, small and mid-sized brokerages benefit as well. The right platform can scale to fit any size operation.

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Deal Tracker: Real-Time Transaction Tracking & Communication Simplified

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In real estate, every milestone matters—whether it’s the initial offer, conveyancing, or final possession. Missed updates, forgotten reminders, and scattered communication can derail a smooth transaction. That’s why EnviroMint created the Deal Tracker, a cutting-edge solution built to keep everyone informed, eliminate bottlenecks, and streamline communication throughout the entire deal process.

What is the Deal Tracker?

The Deal Tracker is an essential part of our back-office real estate suite, offering automated transaction updates, real-time visibility, and effortless communication for brokers, agents, lawyers, and clients. No more endless phone calls, follow-ups, or last-minute reminders—the Deal Tracker keeps all parties aligned at every key stage of the deal.

Automated Milestone Updates – Stay Informed, Every Step of the Way

From the moment an offer is made to the final possession date, the Deal Tracker automatically notifies all parties involved whenever a milestone is reached. No details get missed, and no one is left wondering about the status of the transaction.

Highlights:

  • Automated notifications for offers, conveyancing, possession, and more
  • Instant alerts to agents, clients, and lawyers simultaneously
  • Reduces manual communication errors and delays

Effortless Communication – Save Time, Reduce Stress

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Gone are the days of sending dozens of emails or making countless phone calls to check on a deal’s progress. Deal Tracker automates all of it, freeing up agents’ time and making communication seamless.

With fewer administrative tasks and better communication flow, agents can focus on what they do best—building relationships, closing deals, and growing their business.

Real-Time Deal Tracking – Visibility at a Glance

The Deal Tracker’s real-time dashboard provides instant access to the status of all transactions, offering complete transparency for brokers and agents. No more wondering where things stand—see the full picture, anytime.

Benefits:

  • Real-time tracking of each deal’s progress
  • Quick identification of pending tasks or delays
  • Increased accountability across all parties involved

Boosts Agent Productivity – Focus on Selling, Not Paperwork with this Canadian conveyancing software

With deal milestones, reminders, and updates all handled automatically, agents spend far less time on repetitive communication and more time on high-value activities. This translates directly into more efficient workflows and, ultimately, more closed deals.

Competitive Advantage for Brokerages – Attract & Retain Top Agents

Offering Deal Tracker as part of your brokerage’s tech suite gives you a distinct competitive edge. Agents appreciate tools that make their lives easier and help them close deals faster. Brokerages using Deal Tracker stand out by providing a streamlined, high-efficiency environment agents want to be part of.

Why Real Estate Professionals Choose Deal Tracker

The Deal Tracker isn’t just another communication tool—it’s a game-changer for real estate brokerages and agents who value efficiency, accountability, and simplicity.

Key Benefits:

  • Automated notifications eliminate communication gaps
  • Real-time transaction visibility improves responsiveness
  • Reduces admin workload, boosting agent productivity
  • Offers brokerages a tech advantage that attracts talent
  • Keeps clients, lawyers, and agents aligned without effort

Simplify Your Transactions with EnviroMint’s Deal Tracker

At EnviroMint, we understand that real estate success hinges on smooth transactions and clear communication. Our Deal Tracker software helps brokerages monitor, manage, and maintain every stage of the deal effortlessly, ensuring that nothing gets overlooked and everyone stays in sync.

Ready to revolutionize how your brokerage tracks deals? Contact us today to learn more or request a demo of Deal Tracker and our Canadian conveyancing software!

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Deal Manager To Go: The Real Estate Office in Your Pocket

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In real estate, speed, flexibility, and accessibility are everything. Whether you’re racing between showings, meeting clients at the coffee shop, or managing deals late at night, the last thing you need is to be tethered to your desk. That’s why we developed Deal Manager To Go—the mobile extension of our industry-leading back office platform, specifically designed for agents and brokers who need to stay connected anytime, anywhere.

With the full power of Deal Manager’s transaction management, document control, and business tools now available from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, real estate professionals can manage deals, track performance, and access vital information wherever business takes them.

Real Estate Mobile App Convenience – Your Office on the Move

Deal Manager To Go turns your mobile device into a fully functional real estate office. Gone are the days of returning to the office just to file paperwork, update deals, or check reports. Whether you’re out at a showing or closing a deal over lunch, everything you need is right in your pocket.

Key Benefits:

  • Full access to transaction records, deal documents, and listings
  • Instant document uploads and deal entry
  • Secure, cloud-based platform accessible 24/7
  • Seamless communication with your brokerage team

Enter & Manage Deals Instantly – No More Running Back and Forth

Why waste valuable hours commuting to update paperwork when you can enter, update, and finalize deals on the go? Deal Manager To Go eliminates the frustration of paper-based offices and endless trips back to your desk. Simply log in from your phone or tablet, access your deal sheet, fill in the details, and send it off—all while still at the property or client meeting.

Deal Archives at Your Fingertips – Access Past & Present Deals Anytime

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Need to reference a deal you closed last year? Want to check the status of an ongoing transaction without sifting through piles of paper? With Deal Manager To Go’s mobile document management for real estate, your entire deal archive is available at the touch of a button.

Say goodbye to overstuffed filing cabinets and hello to instant access. Now, every document, every detail, every deal is securely stored and accessible in the palm of your hand.

Performance Tracking on the Go – Know Your Numbers, Anywhere

How’s your brokerage performing this month? Are you hitting your targets? With Deal Manager To Go, you can stay on top of your business performance no matter where you are. Our mobile platform gives you real-time access to:

  • Monthly and annual revenue summaries
  • Individual and brokerage-wide performance reports
  • Deal volume and conversion metrics

This isn’t just convenience—it’s the competitive edge that helps you make informed decisions and stay ahead of the market.

Expense Reports Anytime, Anywhere – Better Oversight, Less Hassle

Don’t wait until you’re back at your desk to check your brokerage’s financials. Deal Manager To Go lets you access monthly and annual expense reports directly from your mobile device. Quickly review expenditures, reconcile expenses, and ensure your financial records are always up to date—whether you’re in the office or out in the field.

Simplify Communication & Control with Deal Manager To Go

Managing a busy real estate office requires seamless communication and streamlined processes. Our mobile solution empowers brokers, administrators, and agents to monitor, manage, and maintain all aspects of the business effortlessly. From document approvals to financial oversight, every tool you need is built right in, ensuring your entire team stays aligned, productive, and informed.

Why Brokerages Choose Deal Manager To Go

Deal Manager To Go is more than just a mobile app—it’s a fully integrated mobile solution designed specifically for the fast-paced, always-on world of real estate.

Brokerages using Deal Manager To Go benefit from:

  • Increased agent productivity and flexibility
  • Reduced administrative bottlenecks
  • Improved communication between brokers, staff, and agents
  • Real-time access to essential data and reports
  • Secure document and transaction management from any device

Ready to Take Your Office Everywhere You Go?

Why let geography or office hours limit your brokerage’s success? Deal Manager To Go brings your entire back office solution right to your mobile device—giving you the freedom, control, and speed you need to thrive in today’s real estate market.

Contact us today to learn more or schedule a demo, and see how easily your office can fit right in your pocket.

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Why Your Brokerage Needs Deal Manager: The Ultimate Back Office Solution for Real Estate Professionals

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In today’s fast-paced real estate landscape, efficiency isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. Brokerages juggling multiple transactions, documents, and compliance requirements know how quickly administrative tasks can spiral into a bottleneck. Enter Deal Manager, the all-in-one Real Estate Back Office Solution engineered to streamline your entire operation from listing to closing.

At its core, Deal Manager is more than software—it’s your brokerage’s central nervous system, keeping your team connected, compliant, and productive. Here’s why brokerages serious about scalability and service quality are adopting Deal Manager as their transaction and business management solution of choice.

Document Management for Real Estate – Organize, Simplify, Secure

Forget third-party add-ons and disjointed systems. Deal Manager’s built-in Document Management functionality offers seamless integration, allowing your agents and administrators to attach, edit, and share critical documents effortlessly. Whether it’s deal paperwork, listings, client information, invoices, or T4A processing, everything lives in one secure, easy-to-access hub.

Key Benefits:

  • Attach documents directly to deals, listings, or contacts
  • Eliminate lost paperwork and filing chaos
  • Secure cloud storage accessible 24/7
  • Simplified document sharing with lawyers, brokerages, and vendors
  • Full audit trail for peace of mind and compliance

In an era when deals close faster than ever, centralized document management for real estate is no longer optional—it’s mandatory.

Deal & Transaction Management – Close More Deals, Faster

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Time kills deals. That’s why Deal Manager’s Transaction Management tools are designed to give your agents an edge. Every document, note, and interaction tied to a transaction is recorded and easily retrievable, so your team stays organized and responsive.

Agents can quickly access transaction history, update client details, and track progress—all from a single, user-friendly interface. Whether in the office, at an open house, or working remotely, your team has what they need to move deals forward without delay.

Access Anytime, Anywhere – Real Estate Software Without Borders

Why limit your team’s productivity to office hours? Deal Manager’s cloud-based platform means your agents and staff can work when and where they need to. Scanned documents can be uploaded at the point of entry, whether that’s from a client meeting, open house, or even at the kitchen table.

All parties—agents, administrators, brokers—have secure access to the system 24/7, allowing for seamless communication and document flow.

Business Management for Real Estate Brokerages – Simplify Your Operations

Deal Manager goes beyond transactions. Our Business Management suite was built to support every facet of your brokerage’s back office. From bank reconciliation and invoicing to compliance tracking and tax processing, we offer a comprehensive toolkit to keep your business running smoothly.

Features include:

  • Vendor and customer invoice management
  • Bank reconciliation tools
  • Payroll support with T4A processing
  • Real-time financial reporting and tracking

By consolidating your business operations in one place, you reduce manual errors, improve transparency, and give yourself more time to focus on what really matters—serving clients and growing your brokerage.

Why Brokerages Choose Deal Manager

Real estate professionals need back-office software that works as hard as they do. Deal Manager was developed with feedback from brokers and agents who understand the industry’s unique challenges. Our goal: eliminate inefficiencies, reduce redundancies, and empower brokerages with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive market.

Whether you’re an independent brokerage or a growing firm, Deal Manager helps you:

  • Improve agent productivity
  • Maintain compliance with ease
  • Centralize document and transaction management
  • Simplify business operations
  • Scale without sacrificing service quality

Ready to Simplify Your Brokerage’s Workflow?

Stop wasting time juggling disconnected systems. Let Deal Manager transform your real estate brokerage with a complete, integrated solution built for today’s market demands. Contact us today to schedule a demo and discover how much smoother your business can run.

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Is Your Home A Sustainabuild?

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There have been many advances in the realm of renewable and sustainable energy and practices when it comes to applying them to households and businesses, such as friendlier low-energy bulbs, cutting back on paper usage and promoting recycling, and even household tips to keep your appliances running at peak efficiency to avoid surplus energy consumption. But the question has now become whether these efforts are enough, or if we need to push harder down the road towards sustainability through implementing new construction laws, while revisiting lodging and buildings that may be failing to meet eco-standards.

In the United Kingdom, the government has taken it upon themselves to just do that, and to implement practices to drastically reduce their carbon footprint. To hit their targets by the set goal date of 2050, they must retrofit enough houses to equal the size of Cambridge, every month, for the next 40 years – a daunting, yet admirable task. This brave attempt will hopefully pave the way for other nations to follow suit in a (hopefully) global attempt to reduce our carbon footprint and achieve higher levels of sustainable existence.

New construction’s direction could also potentially shifted in a greener direction, should they take a page or two out of architect Renzo Piano’s book, who recently designed one of the most sustainable spaces we’ve yet to see – “a technically perfect and aesthetically attractive refuge, testing the potential of the minimalist house.” The Diogene, or insanely small yet delightfully appealing cabin/hut/retreat space, is designed to be a voluntary retreat space that can exist independent of any local infrastructure due to its ability to collect, clean, and reuse water, not to mention its’ solar capabilities to provide the user with power.

Diogene is equipped with everything you need for living. The front part serves as a living room: On one side, there is a pull-out sofa; on the other, a folding table under the window. Behind a partition, there are a shower and toilet as well as a kitchen, which has also been reduced to the necessary. The house and furnishings form a single unit.

If placed in a remote area, you might even have the opportunity to take advantage of Google’s newest eco-endeavour – solar-powered balloons to spread internet access to remote areas. Do you know of any other sustainable houses or buildings? Are there methods that you practice around your home to support sustainable resources and reduce your own carbon footprint? Let us know on Twitter @enviromint

image credit to Vitra

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Shocker! Couples buy homes before wedding

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A new study from Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC says that about one in four married couples between the ages of 18 to 34 purchased their first home together before their wedding date, compared to 14 per cent of those ages 45 and older. According to the U.S. online survey, 35 per cent of all married couples purchased their first home together by their second wedding anniversary, and 80 per cent of married homeowners who purchased their home while married said it did more to strengthen their relationship than any other purchase they made together.

“While life goals and expectations continue to weigh on young couples, their views of homeownership are transcending their plans of marriage and starting a family, creating a direct effect on the patterns of buying a home altogether,” says Robi Ludwig, a psychotherapist and Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC lifestyle correspondent.  “What we’re seeing is that young couples are switching up the order and purchasing their first home regardless of whether or not they have set a wedding date. This is a huge movement within today’s culture. While younger generations may be focusing more on their career, and in turn waiting longer to get married and have children, they are not delaying their dream of homeownership.”

Some other survey highlights:

* More than one in three married homeowners purchased their first home together by their second wedding anniversary.

* Only 16 per cent of married adults responding to the survey had not purchased a home together with their current spouse.

* 80 per cent said purchasing a home with their spouse did more to strengthen their relationship as a couple and family than any other purchase they have made together.

* Over one-third of married homeowners (35 per cent) wish they had taken the plunge (into homeownership) sooner than they actually did.

original article via http://www.remonline.com/shocker-couples-buy-homes-before-wedding/

image courtesy of

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Insurance Industry VS Weather Disasters

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The Insurance Bureau of Canada says the frequency, severity and cost of extreme weather in Canada are increasing, with Alberta leading the way.

Alberta accounted for 67 per cent of disaster payouts in Canada, according to the bureau.

Don Forgeron, the organization’s CEO, says Canada has been caught off-guard by the uptick in destructive weather.

“Storms that used to happen once every 40 or 50 years are now happening once every 15 or 20 years,” he said. “And as a country we’ve just done nothing to prepare ourselves for this eventuality.”

Annual payouts from flooding, fire, hail and windstorms increased from $100 million about 10 years ago to $1 billion between 2009 and 2012. Last year, hailstorms across Alberta caused $530 million in damage.

“Here in Alberta you can expect more drought where you’ve had a history of that over the last 100 years or so,” said Forgeron. “At the other end of the spectrum, you can expect more weather in the form of hail and rain.”

Gloomy forecast

Forgeron offers a gloomy forecast of more extreme weather in the years to come and is urging municipalities to fix crumbling stormwater infrastructure to prepare.

‘The insurance industry claim payouts are the canary in the coal mine.’— Don Forgeron, Insurance Bureau of Canada

“The numbers would indicate the possibility is becoming more the reality. We’ve seen a change in weather patterns … the experts that we’ve consulted say that we can expect more severe weather across the country,” he said Wednesday following a speech to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

“We can choose to ignore it — bury your head in the sand and not do anything about it — or we can take a look at what’s happened and use that as a bit of a guide going forward.”

In November 2011, officials had to shut down Calgary’s downtown core because extreme winds blew windows out of buildings.

Earlier that year, a wildfire ravaged the community of Slave Lake, Alta., with losses pegged at over $700 million.

“The insurance industry claim payouts are the canary in the coal mine,” Fogeron said. “It’s a bit of a sign or an indication of how much the cost is to communities across the country, and we’ve seen those numbers, especially here in Alberta, just skyrocket over the last four years or so.”

Increasing deductibles

Earlier this month, the Insurance Bureau of Canada confirmed that added weather costs have prompted some insurance companies to double the deductible for weather-related claims to as much as $3,000.

Forgeron deflected questions about whether Canadians can expect escalating insurance premiums. He said many insurers are being very “proactive” with their customers to make sure they are prepared for problems that can arise.

“We’re doing what we can to keep costs down. It’s my hope we will be able to limit those to an absolute minimum going forward, but if the past is any predictor we’re going to see some nasty weather.”

Forgeron said aging municipal stormwater and sewer infrastructure is the big worry.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has estimated there is $69 billion worth of outstanding repairs, he said.

“While science has confirmed the weather is getting worse, we also know that aging stormwater and sewer infrastructure failure is to blame for most of the damage.”

Warning issued to Calgarians

With the rain Calgary has seen recently, and with more unsettled weather expected this week, the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) issued a warning Wednesday for local residents to prepare for the possibility of damage from flooding and severe weather.

“There is little doubt Calgary sees its share of severe weather,” says Len MacCharles, CEMA deputy chief, in a release. “There are things Calgarians can do to minimize the effects of severe weather on their safety and property.”

Some of those steps include:

  • Securing items in backyards or on decks so they don’t become airborne during high winds.
  • Direct downspouts away from foundations so water doesn’t pool near the home
  • Install a backflow prevention device on basement floor drains.

CEMA also recommends drivers avoid pooled water, as some misjudge the depth and get stranded in rising water.

“Do not attempt to walk through pooled water or running water: it takes only six inches of water to sweep an adult off their feet, and only a foot of water to move a car,” said CEMA officials in a release. “Do not allow children to play near running water, pools of water or storm drains.”

Another tip is to prepare a 72-hour kit for the home in case of an emergency, such as power outages.

original article via CBC

image courtesy of carolynconner

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