Leaky ducts on forced-air heating and air-conditioning systems are a common problem, contributing to both lower indoor-air quality and lower energy efficiency. They also make mold and decay more likely. The seams of supply and return ducts should be sealed with mastic or an appropriate HVAC tape. Don’t use hardware-store “duct tape,” which dries out quickly and fails. If your home has ducts that run through an unconditioned space (such as an unheated attic or crawlspace), the ducts should be insulated.

Figuring out how much time you should spend viewing properties for sale is a little like asking, “How long should I spend trying on shoes?” The answer seems obvious: As long as it takes to make a decision!

Buying a home is significantly more complex than purchasing shoes – and the stakes are higher too! You need to make sure you have all the information necessary to confidently make the best decision. There are basically three stages to viewing a property:

1. Macro
2. Micro
3. Professional

When you view a home on a macro basis, you’re looking at it from an overall perspective. For example, you may do a general walk-through to get a first impression and determine if the property has the basic features you need, such as the number of bedrooms and the size of the backyard.

Macro viewing is often the fastest stage in the viewing process and can sometimes take just a few minutes.

If you like what you see, then it’s onto the micro stage. At this stage you take a closer look at the details of the property. You might, for example, spend extra time in the master bedroom imagining how your furniture would look and fit. The micro stage takes longer simply because the home is now on your shortlist. You’re interested and are considering making an offer.

Finally, the professional stage involves getting a qualified home inspector to go over the property with a fine tooth comb. That typically occurs after you’ve made an offer.

As your REALTOR®, I will guide you through a viewing so you’ll know what to look for and can make a smart, informed decision. Call today.

You’ve seen fire extinguishers in commercial environments, such as schools, stores and workplaces. Does it make sense to have one in your home? According to the experts, yes. In fact, a fire extinguisher can quickly put out a blaze that would otherwise quickly grow out of control.

There are several types of fire extinguishers that are made especially for residential use. That means they put out the most common fires that occur in the home (Class A, B & K fires), and they are easy to handle and use. Since most residential fires happen in the kitchen, that’s the best place to keep your extinguisher. Make sure everyone in your household knows where it is and how to use it.

Keep in mind that a home fire extinguisher is meant for small fires that are easy to put out, such as a pan of vegetable oil igniting on the stove. If you find you can’t control the blaze within a few seconds with the extinguisher, get everyone out of the home and call the fire department.

Also, never attempt to fight a major fire yourself. Leave that to the professionals.

When is the best time to meet with a REALTOR® like me? Chances are, you would say, “When I’m thinking of buying or selling a home.” You’d be right, of course! However, there are many other good reasons to meet with me. Here are just a few:

• You want a professional opinion as to the current value of your property, so you know what it would likely sell for in today’s market.

• You notice a home listed for sale in a desirable neighbourhood, and you’re interested in learning more — even if you’re unsure you want to make a move.

• You’re thinking of moving within the next couple of years, and you want to find a REALTOR® that you can get to know and trust.

• You want some recommendations for preparing your home for sale and especially determining what repairs and other work needs to be done.

• You want an honest assessment as to the state of the local market, and the best time for you to buy or sell.

• You have real estate-related questions and you want to talk to an expert who knows the local market well and can provide you with answers.

As you can see, there’s a lot of value you can get from talking to a REALTOR®. Call today.

Next to a major kitchen renovation, replacing appliances is the most expensive way to upgrade the space. So if you’re purchasing a new refrigerator, stove or dishwasher in order to make your home more attractive to buyers, you want to make wise purchasing decisions. The most important consideration is how the appliances will look in the kitchen. Ideally, they should match in colour and style. They should also be the right size for the space. The last thing you want is a fridge that’s so large it dominates the room, or a stove that’s a completely different style and looks out-of-place. Appearance is important, but so are the features. Buyers viewing your home will scrutinize the appliances. They’ll notice if the fridge has a cold water and ice dispenser. They’ll ask if the dishwasher has noise-reduction features. Double ovens and quick-heating burners (which are now available on electric stoves) will also get a buyer’s attention. Power consumption is also a big issue these days. Increasingly, buyers are interested in the energy efficient features of a home — appliances included. So, as your REALTOR® I would point out appliances with energy-saving features, such as a dishwasher with a slow-run cycle that saves power. Kitchen appliances may seem minor compared to the overall appeal of your property, but they do make a difference. Purchase wisely!

Closing costs are the legal, administrative and disbursement fees associated with buying a home. Understanding these fees will help you budget more accurately. Remember these are additional costs over and above the price of the home.

HOW MUCH LAND TRANSFER TAX WILL YOU HAVE TO PAY? The land transfer tax is a one-time tax levied by your province when you purchase a property. The tax is based on a percentage of the purchase price of the property, and varies from province to province. Some municipalities also charge a land transfer tax (for example, Toronto).

HAVE YOU BUDGETED FOR THE ASSOCIATED LEGAL COSTS? Legal costs cover your lawyer’s fees or, in Quebec, your notary’s fees. These may include:
• Reviewing the terms of the offer
• Conducting a title search on the property
• Registering a new title
• Obtaining relevant documents, such as surveys and evidence of liens on the property
• Checking the statement of adjustments for taxes, utility and fuel bills, and other costs that have been pre-paid by the seller at the date of closing.

DO YOU NEED A HOME INSPECTION? A home inspector assesses a property’s condition and can tell you if something is not working properly, needs to be changed, or is unsafe. They may be able to identify where there have been problems in the past, such as a leaking basement or termite damage.

WHAT OTHER COSTS CAN YOU EXPECT?
• Interest adjustments between date of closing and first mortgage payment
• GST/HST on a new home or a home that’s been extensively renovated
• Title insurance to provide coverage for losses related to title fraud, survey issues, problems with the title and challenges to the ownership of your home
• Service charges from utility companies for hook-ups on electricity, gas, internet and telephone services
• Appraisal fees
• Moving costs
• Storage costs if you must leave your current residence before you are able to move into your new home
• Furniture and appliances
• Real estate commissions

Any question? If so, give me a call; I'll be more than happy to go over these items with you.

When you buy a home with less than a 20% down payment, the mortgage needs to be insured against default. This type of insurance protects the mortgage lender in case you are not able to make your mortgage payments. It does not protect you.

ARE YOU PLANNING TO PURCHASE A PROPERTY WITH LESS THAN A 20% DOWN PAYMENT?

If yes, you require mortgage default insurance which generally adds 0.6% to 3.85% to the cost of the mortgage depending on the total amount borrowed. Mortgage default insurance enables you to purchase a home with a minimum down payment of 5% (10% for multi-unit dwellings) with interest rates comparable to those of a conventional mortgage. Major providers of mortgage default insurance include Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Genworth Canada, and Canada Guaranty Mortgage Insurance Company.

Imagine if you dreamed of owning a special limited edition vehicle. What would you do to ensure that your dream vehicle would someday be parked in your driveway — with your name on the ownership papers?
 
You would probably start by doing some research. You’d find out how much that vehicle would cost, what features are available, and so forth. You would likely visit a local dealership and take a test drive if a model is available on site. You would keep an eye on the market for any that come up and let the dealer know you’re looking for just that car. If you did, then, some day, you’d probably be the proud owner of the limited edition car of your dreams.
 
Well, you can take the same approach when there’s a neighbourhood you’d love to live in someday. You can target it, learn what homes typically cost in that area, and keep your eye on that market in case a property becomes available that meets your criteria.
 
By focusing on a specific neighbourhood, you increase your chances of someday living there, simply because you’re focusing on it.
 
Of course, neighbourhood targeting isn’t as simple as aiming to own a specific car someday. That’s why you need a great REALTOR® who can keep an eye on that neighbourhood on your behalf and alert you to opportunities that become available.
 
Then, when there is a listing that’s a good fit, you can decide whether or not to make a move.
 
Is there a dream neighbourhood you’d like to live in some day? Call today to start making it happen.

Once you’ve made plans for an extended vacation, you’ll need to make plans to help ensure your home and valuables are looked after in your absence. Here are some ideas to consider:

1. Upgrade your home security system to enable live alerts to your cell phone or tablet.

2. Update your smartphone with contacts, including local police, your insurance agent, and a 24-hour home repair service in case of a home break-in or severe weather damage.

3. Keep in touch with a trusted neighbour or relative who is available on a regular basis to check up on your house or condo, water your plants, etc.

4. Unplug appliances and non-essential utilities, and adjust your thermostat a few degrees to avoid unnecessary fees.

5. Suspend subscriptions, deliveries and mail, and ensure bills due in your absence are paid in advance.