Tuesday 29 November 2011

10 Steps To Assist In Working From Home



Since making your Flagship suite a place you never want to leave, here are some steps to help you work from home and still be productive and efficient!

1. Remove Distractions: Turn off the television — it's nothing but a distraction. And while you're at it remind your loved ones that even though you are home, you are on the clock.

2. Get Dressed: One of the easiest ways I can switch from lazy Jason to professional Jason is by getting dressed in the morning. Changing from pajamas to jeans and a shirt and putting product in my hair makes me feel like I'm ready for the day. If I stayed in my pajamas, my day would probably never get started and I'd be tempted to nap with the cat all afternoon.

3. Carve Out Your Own Office Space: I've found that sitting at a desk, rather than on the sofa, helps put me in a working frame of mind. It also gives me a place where I can leave my work behind at the end of the day.

4. Set a Schedule/Goals: I don't have a strict schedule but some aspects of my job are time sensitive. Knowing that I have to complete those tasks by a certain time each day gives me the kick in the pants to buckle down and get to work.

5. Separate Your Personal Tasks: Use the time you'd normally use to commute to get your personal tasks out of the way. If I worked outside the home, I would spend up to an hour commuting each morning. Instead, I spend that time getting personal matters out of the way.

6. Invite a Coworker Over: This isn't a practical solution if your coworkers are spread around the country but if anyone is in your town, invite them over to work from your home for the day.

7. The Coffee Shop is Your Friend: Cabin fever has been one of my biggest obstacles to overcome since I started working from home. The local coffee shop to the rescue! Getting out of my apartment for a couple of hours can be totally refreshing and I find that I can sometimes be even more productive there than at home.

8. Keep It Tidy: A clean and organized home helps me feel like I have a clean and organized brain. If clutter starts to pile up — especially around my desk — I find that I'm easily distracted (usually by the thought that I need to clean up the mess!).

9. Take a Lunch Break: If I was working in an office, I'd take 30 minutes to an hour everyday to step away from my desk and enjoy lunch. Here at home it's easy to grab a snack from the cupboard and power through. Taking a lunch break, however, is crucial for giving your brain a break.

10. Step Away from the Computer: One of the challenges of working from home is knowing when to stop. At the end of the day, I often shut down my desktop computer — that's my official "I'm no longer in the office" move. Oh sure I'll turn on the laptop a little later in the evening when I want to prep for the following day, but I do so at a more relaxed pace.

Thursday 24 November 2011

Flagship and Fire Prevention

Fire Prevention in Your Rental Unit 

Fire in “residential” properties as a whole, account for close to 25,000 incidents a year, which is 41% of all the fires across Canada. Unsafe cooking is the leading cause of these preventable fires. The area of fire prevention and education about the dangers of fire cannot be stressed enough.

Flagship is dedicated to minimizing the potential of fire occurring across the company through internal fire prevention inspections, fire safety training, and diligence from all staff.

How can you protect yourself and the ones you love from the dangers of fire?

• Don’t leave cooking unattended for any reason. If you must leave, turn off all cooking appliances.
• Smoking materials cause fires. Be sure to dispose of these in an appropriate manner. Balcony fires are usually started by improper disposal of smoking materials.
• Never leave candles unattended, and check to see they are in a sturdy holder that will not fall over.
• Give space heaters space! Keep away from curtains or bedding which may easily ignite.
• Keep matches and lighters away from and out of reach of children
• Carbon Monoxide. Get a Monoxide alarm. Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas which you can’t see nor smell, yet it is deadly in enclosed spaces. Carbon Monoxide in the home is usually produced by oil furnaces or gas appliances when the fuel is not burned correctly.
• Clean cooking appliances. Clean your cooking appliances after use. If you don’t clean 

Please be safe for the benefit of yourself, your family and your neighbors.

Wednesday 22 June 2011

Guide To Finding The Perfect Apartment

Searching for an apartment can be an exciting, educating and also a daunting process. Coming into the experience prepared, knowledgeable, and confident can make a world of difference and ensure that instead of being a stressful time, you can spend your time and energy efficiently finding your new apartment.

The Basics – What can you afford?

Perhaps the first and most important question to ask when looking at an apartment is what is the cost. Making certain that the apartment fits into your budget is a key factor to consider. Along with knowing the rent it is also important to determine if you have to pay any additional fees on top of the rent. These additional fees could include utilities or recreational fees.
The Details – Things you should consider
If the apartment is on a second or higher floor you may want to double check to make sure there is an elevator. While this seems like something that would always be included it could be an issue with some older buildings. Another feature is apartment security. This typically is something you’ll find in the building itself and may include security codes on the main lobby doors.

Location, Location, Location

It is advisable to determine how well the apartment is located for your work and lifestyle. For example, do you need to be close to public transportation? Do you need to be close to shopping and places to eat or do you prefer a more quiet suburban location. Likewise, you should also look into how close the apartment is to your place of work, as well as what the options are available for public transportation. If you own a car, make sure to ask about parking and if there are any additional fees for your car. It is not uncommon for apartments to also have a limit on the number of vehicles allocated towards each apartment. So make sure to be flexible.

The Details

In terms of the apartment itself, there are several specific features you should consider and questions you should ask to ensure that the apartment is the perfect fit for you. One extremely practical aspect of the apartment is whether it has enough storage space to meet your needs. Remember though that many apartments also offer supplemental storage for an additional fee. Other features such as how many bathrooms it has, how large the kitchen is, and whether kitchen appliances/washer and dryer are included are other questions to ask. Another aspect that can add charm and value to the apartment is whether or not is offers outdoor space, such as a patio or balcony. Some apartments also provide common outdoor spaces that you can use for parties and socializing. If you are an individual who enjoys animals, you can also inquire as to whether or not you are allowed to have animals in the apartment.

These are several of the essential questions you should ask and observations should make when looking for a new apartment, ones which will not only make the house search much more efficient but which should also decrease the amount of worry or stress involved in the process.

You can save yourself a significant amount of time in your apartment search by visiting Flagship's website at www.flagshipcorp.ca or an apartment search engine like www.rentseeker.ca

Tuesday 12 April 2011

Flagship...Residents...And The Environment

The  Intergovernmental  Panel  on  Climate  Change (IPCC) concludes “most of the observed increase in globally averaged temperatures since the mid-twentieth century is likely due to the observed increase in greenhouse gas concentrations.  We at Flagship are dedicated to doing our part to reduce global warming and protect our environment through various measures ranging from recycling programs to energy efficiency savings. One of Flagship’s specific measures is our light bulb replacement program. To date we have replaced every in suite light bulb with highly efficient bulbs sourced to reduce energy usage. In the coming months Flagship will also have replaced all of our common area light fixtures with more energy efficient designs and models.

To date some Flagship properties have energy efficient Viessman boilers.  These boilers reduce natural gas consumption and dramatically cut gases released into the environment.   In the coming few years we plan on installing these boilers in most of our properties.

What can you do to help combat global warming?  You may think you have no control but there are many things an apartment resident can do to help:

 -   Did  you  know  that  even  when  not  in  use, but plugged in, your computer and television use electricity? Buy a power bar and turn off the bar when the electronics are not in use. 

 -  Get in the habit of washing your clothes in cold water.  Most of the energy used to run a washing machine is used to heat the water, so using cold will dramatically reduce the energy consumption needed for washing. And, try not to over-dry your clothes.  Not only does this ruin your clothes, but uses excessive power.

 -  Report any leaking taps to your building manager, they should come and fix them to conserve water.

 -  Defrost your frozen meats in the refrigerator. The cold given off during defrosting will help keep your appliance cold and therefore less energy is used in the operation of the refrigerator.

Do what you can to reduce your energy needs; every apartment resident and owner can make a difference.

Thank you!

www.flagshipcorp.ca

Monday 11 April 2011

Getting Ready For Your Big Move!

How can you possibly prepare for the move to your new apartment?  A few simple tips will make your life easier and make the move as stress free as possible.

 -  Choose a mover if you don’t plan on doing it yourself.  Consider moving at a non- peak time to reduce the expenses of a mover or truck rental. The first of the month is always the hardest time to find reasonably priced moving help.

 -  Use the proper materials. Use sturdy boxes and don’t skimp on packing materials. Bubble wrap, newspaper, styrofoam peanuts and linens that are going to move with you anyway make great protective covers for your breakable or sensitive items.

 -  Label your boxes. It will save you time on the other end and if you are using a professional mover, label each box with the room they should deposit it in. Also write on the box what it contains. It will help a lot when you are looking for that one item on moving day. Make sure to mark things that are fragile.

 -  Pack one room at a time. You will make quicker progress and will be more organized.

 -  Don’t assume you should leave things in furniture with drawers. Drawers can open during a move and precious things can get broken.

 -  Put heavy items in small boxes. Have you ever tried lifting a huge box of books!!

Now that you are all packed what should you consider
next:

 -  Pack you car or truck with the least needed items first. Most important items should go in last so that they get unpacked first.

 -  Plan for what you need as soon as you arrive at your apartment. A box of toiletries,kids toys to keep they busy, a basic dinner, and maybe a change of clothes.

 -  Make sure you have booked an elevator if necessary in your new home and that you have arranged to pick-up your keys and deliver any outstanding rent owing before you move in.

 -  Ensure you have completed a change of address form with the post office, arranged for any utilities or other hook-ups and disconnected services in your old home.

 -  Ask your new landlord if they have any service providers for cable and phone that will offer discounts to the residents of their building.

Overall, plan enough time to pack and move and try to think  ahead  regarding  things  you  might  need. Chaos might prevail initially, but it will not last as you happily settle into your new home.


www.flagshipcorp.ca

Wednesday 16 March 2011

Flagship's Dedicated Staff


Why does Flagship have such dedicated staff?

In the property management business, dedicated staff such as Resident Superintendents are hard to come by.  Flagship has been very lucky that our staff is not only loyal to their position with the company but that they enjoy their work here.
We are so lucky to have so many amazing Resident Superintendents.  One must be recognized for her long-standing loyalty to the company.  In May 2011, Wendy Eardley will celebrate her 15th year of dedicated service and loyalty to Flagship.  Wendy has become an inspiration to her fellow co-workers.  She is extremely hard working.  She pays great attention to detail.  She is always willing to help where she can.  She acts as a relief superintendent when others in the company take vacation time away from their property.  She has been eager to learn all she can over the years to help her improve and become the amazing person she is.
We look forward to having Wendy as part of the Flagship family for another 15 years.  Her residents agree as well. 
We appreciate all the effort that our entire staff put into their jobs!
See why Flagship is such a great place to work and why our residents love living in a Flagship property.
www.flagshipcorp.ca

Monday 14 March 2011

Flagship Bed Bug Blog


Do you have unwanted companions in your bed?  They live in your mattress or other hidden areas of your apartment and do not seem to hear you telling them that the party is over and it is time to leave.  They are bed bugs and this past year has seen an explosion in their prevalence
worldwide.  Major cities are reporting large increases in these pests and they are not isolated in apartments.  Major luxury hotels are battling the problem, as are homeowners and even movie theatres.

Having bed bugs is not a reflection of your cleanliness or habits; it means that someone or something has brought them into your living space.  Bed bugs are nocturnal and often bite humans at night.  Although the bites are itchy and awful, these insects do not transmit infection and are overall not dangerous.

What can you do to avoid bed bugs and what can you do if you suspect you have them in your apartment?

·  Do not buy used furniture or mattresses unless you are very careful about inspection and the source of the furniture. 
·  Do not take used furniture from the trash when you do not know why the pieces are being disposed.
·  Tell your superintendent immediately if you suspect you have bed bugs in your apartment.
·  Vacuum all areas where bed bugs and their eggs might be.
·  Wash all linens in hot water and dry on high heat for 20 minutes.
·  Remove clutter.
·  Make your bed an island by using mattress and pillow covers, removing bed skirts, and applying sticky tape to legs of the bed or placing each leg in a empty tin can filled with petroleum jelly. .

Bed bugs can be beaten, but it is not an easy task.  Please be diligent, communicate and cooperate, and together we can lessen the impact of bed bugs in your building.

Buggy Facts:

·  90% of their life is spent hiding as they prefer the dark and are not usually active during the day
·  They do not necessarily feed every night
·  They can migrate from room to room
·  Bed bugs can be seen with the naked eye
·  Bed bugs do not fly or jump
·  They can often be found in the mattress box spring, mattresses, bed frame, under carpet/rugs and in cracks and crevices
           

Monday 7 March 2011

QR Code


Flagship Is In The Forefront Of The Apartment Industry Using QR Codes
Flagship Property Ventures Corp. is now on the forefront of the QR, or "Quick Response", revolution. An instantaneous method of data sharing, QR codes are Flagship's latest tool for spreading the word about our available apartments and promotions in Toronto.

QR Codes - What Are They?
"QR" stands for quick response and a QR code is simply a two-dimensional bar code that quickly and easily allows a smartphone user to access alphanumeric text or a URL. These codes appear as a square box that looks like something out of a sci-phi movie but they're more common than you think.
How Are They Created?
Data can be translated into a QR code using a QR generator, many of which are available for free online by simply searching for "qr code generator". Users simply choose which type of code they'd like to generate - enter the type of data to be translated, enter in the text and the foreground colour and then the generator produces the code, which can then be displayed electronically or in printed format.
How Do They Work?
Decoding the infor­mation can be done with any mobile camera phone that has a QR reader, which is freely available online for most devices. Once the software is loaded, a user points the cell phone camera toward the code and scans it by taking a picture of it. The software interprets the code, and the cell phone will either display the text or ask for permission to launch a browser to display the specified web page.
Watch this YouTube video to see an iPhone scanning a QR code.
Are People Using QR codes in Canada?
If smartphone development gives any indication then the answer is yes! There has been such an explosion of QR code readers available for download that smartphone developers are now pre-installing the readers on their newest phones. The developers know that this technology enhances the users experience and are therefore making very easy for their customers to adopt it.
In industries outside of our own we see QR codes appearing quite frequently in advertising and mainstream media. Many of the top brands in Canada including HBO, XM Satellite Radio, Air Canada, Facebook, Google, Blackberry, GMC, and many more have implemented campaigns using QR Codes. This further suggests that the market is becoming comfortable with seeing these codes and using them.
Feel free to use the Flagship QR code.  It’s available on all of our rental signs located on the front lawns of our properties as well as inside all of our lobbys.
Flagship is dedicated to using technology to better serve our residents….current and future.
www.flagshipcorp.ca

Wednesday 2 March 2011

Do I need Renters Insurance?


DO I NEED TENANT INSURANCE?

The short answer is yes. Here are a few reasons to convince you to purchase
tenant insurance.

For one, as a tenant you are liable –legally responsible – for any harm you cause to any part of your building and to others who live or visit there. For example, if your faulty toaster oven starts a fire that damages not only your apartment, but also other units, you may be responsible for the damages and repairs.

You are also responsible for any damage that your visitors to the building might cause.

Then there are your possessions. You might not think that you have much of real value, but what if you had to replace everything all at once, due to fire or water damage? Replacing your clothing could cost you a few thousand dollars. Even your old couch and bed might not look like much, but buying new ones would
definitely cause an unexpected financial hardship.

When you consider what it would cost to replace everything, monthly insurance premiums look reasonable by comparison.

We find that most of our banking institutions offer tenants/renters insurance at competitive and affordable rates.

www.flagshipcorp.ca

Friday 25 February 2011

Fire Prevention Tips


Fire Prevention in Your Rental Unit

Fire in “residential” properties as a whole, account for close to 25,000 incidents a year, which is 41% of all the fires across Canada. Unsafe cooking is the leading cause of these preventable fires. The area of fire prevention and education about the dangers of fire cannot be stressed enough. 

Flagship is dedicated to minimizing the potential of fire occurring across the company through internal fire prevention inspections, fire safety training, and diligence from all staff.

How can you protect yourself and the ones you love from the dangers of fire?

  Don’t leave cooking unattended for any reason. If you must leave, turn off all cooking appliances.

  Smoking materials cause fires. Be sure to dispose of these in an appropriate manner. Balcony fires are usually started by improper disposal of smoking materials.

• Never leave candles unattended, and check to see they are in a sturdy holder that will not fall over.

• Give space heaters space! Keep away from curtains or bedding which may easily ignite.

• Keep matches and lighters away from and out of reach of children

Carbon Monoxide.  Get a Monoxide alarm. Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas which you can’t see nor smell, yet it is deadly in enclosed spaces. Carbon Monoxide in the home is usually produced by oil furnaces or gas appliances when the fuel is not burned correctly.

Clean cooking appliances.  Clean your cooking appliances after use. If you don’t clean regularly, you may end up with a food buildup around the heating elements. Under high temperatures this buildup turns to charcoal and can catch fire

Don’t throw water on a grease fire.  If there is a grease fire in your kitchen, throwing water on the fire will only make it worse. Use baking soda if you have to. Best thing to do is to turn off the appliance and let it cool off. If it’s an oven, keep the door shut. Opening the door will let in more oxygen and intensify the fire.

Avoid clutter.  If you’re using an appliance with a heating element, make sure there is plenty of space around it. Clutter prevents heat from escaping properly. While the appliance may not light on fire, there is a possibility of wires melting which can lead to an electrical fire later on. Additionally, the clutter itself may get too close to the heat source and also cause a fire.

Light bulbs.  Make sure you get the correct wattage of light bulb. Using a 100 watt light bulb in a 40 watt socket will lead to overheating and possibly cause a fire. Consider switching to fluorescent light bulbs entirely because they emit considerably less heat than conventional ones.

Don’t overload your circuits.  Use a power bar with a ground fault interceptor (GFI).  This feature allows the bar to detect when there is a surge in the power and it automatically smooth them out or shut the power off.

• Ensure your smoke alarm is working and test on a monthly basis. If your smoke alarm does not activate during your test, notify building management immediately.

www.flagshipcorp.ca

Wednesday 23 February 2011

Getting ready for a move!

How can you possibly prepare for the move to your new apartment? A few simple tips will make your life easier and make the move as stress free as possible.

• Choose a mover if you don’t plan on doing it yourself. Consider moving at a non- peak time to reduce the ex- penses of a mover or truck rental. The first of the month is always the hardest time to find reasonably priced moving help.

• Use the proper materials. Use sturdy boxes and don’t skimp on packing materials. Bubble wrap, newspaper, styrofoam peanuts and linens that are going to move with you anyway make great protective covers for your break- able or sensitive items.

• Label your boxes. It will save you time on the other end and if you are using a professional mover, label each box with the room they should deposit it in. Also write on the box what it contains. It will help a lot when you are look- ing for that one item on moving day. Make sure to mark things that are fragile.

• Pack one room at a time. You will make quicker prog- ress and will be more organized.

• Don’t assume you should leave things in furniture with drawers. Drawers can open during a move and precious things can get broken.

• Put heavy items in small boxes. Have you ever tried lift- ing a huge box of books!!
Now that you are all packed what should you consider next:

• Pack you car or truck with the least needed items first. Most important items should go in last so that they get unpacked first.

• Plan for what you need as soon as you arrive at your apartment. A box of toiletries, kids toys to keep they busy, a basic dinner, and maybe a change of clothes.

• Make sure you have booked an elevator if necessary in your new home and that you have arranged to pick-up your keys and deliver any outstanding rent owing before you move in.

• Ensure you have completed a change of address form with the post office, arranged for any utilities or other hook-ups and disconnected services in your old home. • Ask your new landlord if they have any service provid- ers for cable and phone that will offer discounts to the residents of their building.

Overall, plan enough time to pack and move and try to think ahead regarding things you might need. Chaos might prevail initially, but it will not last as you happily settle into your new home.