The Danish word “Hygge,” which roughly translates to “coziness,” has been popular the last number of years – and who doesn’t love being cozy? Here are five ways to make your home more hygge that appeal to each of the senses.

1. Sight: Light it up!

Few things are cozier than the warm glow of ambient light. Light the fire or light some candles for instant comfy. Don’t have a fireplace? Real candles aren’t your thing? Consider getting battery-operated candles or turning on some twinkling lights. If all else fails, turn to YouTube and curl up in front of a holiday yule log video.

2. Hearing: Turn up the Tunes!

 Everyone has different tastes in music; what’s music to someone’s ears may be noise to another’s. Soft tunes such as acoustic or “candlelight” music tend to comfort the auditory senses more than upbeat music or heavy metal. (“Metal” even sounds cold!)

3. Taste: Pour Yourself a Cuppa!

Having a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate is akin to getting a hug from the inside. Everything from the steam rising from the mug, to the warmth of the ceramic, to the smell of the delectable drink, to the taste on your tongue says, “Cozy!”

4. Smell: The Sense Most Closely Tied to Memory

Like music, scent is inherently personal: what smells good to one person could be off putting to someone else. Certain smells, however, are fairly universally appealing: pop some baking in the oven, boil some aromatics on the stove, or diffuse your favourite essential oil blend to fill the air with the sweet smell of comfort.

5. Touch: Cuddle up!

 Textiles are the easiest way to invite hygge into your home. From cozy throws, to textured sweaters and fuzzy slippers, blanketing yourself is the pinnacle of hygge.

Looking for a home to make hygge and need help on the financing front? We can help make your dreams come true in 2020.

Contact us when you’re ready to make your move!

In 2009, the federal government introduced the First-Time Home Buyers’ (FTHB) tax credit, which provides for a $5000 tax credit for qualifying homes (amounting to up to $750 in tax relief for purchase expenses). Could you be eligible for the credit? Who can claim the credit on their tax return? What is a qualifying home? Read on to find out!

Eligibility

You may be surprised to learn that you may be eligible for the FTHB credit even if the home you’re purchasing isn’t your first. You can claim this credit if you or your spouse/common-law partner obtained a qualifying home AND if you didn’t live in a home owned by you or your spouse/common-law partner in the year you obtained the home or in the preceding four years. (The latter criterion qualifies you as a first-time home buyer.)

If you have a disability and are eligible for the disability tax credit OR you obtained the home for the benefit of a relative eligible for the disability tax credit, you do not need to be a first-time home buyer.

If you are fortunate to have been gifted a home, you may also be eligible for the tax credit provided you meet all other criteria. However, the donor may need to report capital gains once the home has been gifted.

Qualifying Home

Qualifying homes may be already in existence or under construction. The home must be located in Canada and must be appropriately registered under your name or the name of your spouse or common-law partner. Single-family homes, semi-detached homes, townhomes, mobile homes, condominium and apartment units all qualify, as do select shares in cooperative housing corporations. Of note, the purchaser(s) or relative eligible for the disability tax credit must occupy the home as their principal residence within one year of acquisition.

Tax Credit

The total tax credit available for a qualifying home is $5000. You may claim the amount in full, or you may share the credit with your spouse/common-law partner. (Note: the credit should be entered on line 369 of your federal tax return.)

Do you have any questions about the FTHB credit or about mortgages in general? We’d love to answer them! Send us an email or DM us on Instagram; your question could be featured in an upcoming post.