Archive for Buying and Selling Tips
Simple Steps to Ensure Home Sales Go Through
Great news — you’ve just received an offer on your house. But purchaser has included a condition that the offer is subject to completion of a home inspection. Fear not, for you can help to speed up and enhance the home inspection by following these simple suggestions: To read the full article, visit http://www.lfpress.com/homes/2011/06/30/18357781.html
Plan ahead to ensure home meets needs
What is a priority for a young family is often quite different from that of a retired couple, but with some forethought, a home can be planned to accommodate all needs. Stages of need: Typically a family with young children needs space and convenience – extra bathrooms, large family living areas and an eat-in open [...]
NOTICE FROM CREA – CHANGES TO MORTGAGE RULES
As anticipated in CREA’s recent Call to Action, the government today announced three loan financing changes designed to address concerns about increasing levels of household debt. A link to the government announcement is here. First, the government will reduce the maximum mortgage amortization period from 35 to 30 years. Second, the maximum amount of the [...]
Upgrade traditional fireplace for safety, better heating
Many people find the beauty of a natural wood fire hard to resist. But traditional fireplaces are ineffective for home heating. Tests have shown that they draw a lot of warm air out of the house while delivering little heat. Conventional fireplaces also exhaust particulates and other toxic combustion products to the outside air. If [...]
Fall plants add colour, excitement!
With fall now here and the inevitable promise of frost, the current rainbow colours of summer blooms will soon begin to fade. However, that doesn’t mean you need to let your garden turn brown. There is a whole variety of fall plants, annuals and perennials, which can give your garden colour for months to come. [...]
Building Permits Protect Homeowners
If you are like most homeowners, you probably don’t know the ins and outs of obtaining a building permit for a renovation. It can be confusing as to when a permit is required and how to go about getting one. Professional London Home Builders’ Association-member RenoMark renovators or the City of London building division staff [...]
Proper locks, alarm system vital to protecting loved ones
Just the thought of a home invasion sends chills up the spine. Most people would prefer to dismiss the possibly of such a despicable act. But home invasions are very real. Statistics Canada reports residential robberies (a.k.a. home invasions) increased 38% between 1999 and 2005; the numbers have since been relatively stable. Criminals who commit [...]
Summer Ideal Time to Add to Home Decor
Keep your eyes peeled for home fashion treasures this summer. It’s the perfect season to add to your home decor. The summer season sees us out and about more. There’s the opportunity for travel and that means new stores to discover. There are free finds such as driftwood and there are the estate and garage [...]
The ABCs of Window Performance
Knowing which type of window is best suited to your home can help you choose a window that reduces drafts and the potential for damage from wind and water leaks. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., the national housing agency, has handy tips on window ratings. The performance of windows sold in Canada is defined in [...]
Tips for a Successful Garage Sale
Advertising Your Sale One of the most effective ways to advertise your garage sale is to put a sign up at the nearest intersection to your house labeled with your address and the dates of your sale. Put it up the day before your sale and be sure you take it down when the sale [...]