Tag: art

What is a WETT inspection and do I need one?

A WETT inspection, which stands for Wood Energy Technology Transfer, includes a thorough inspection of all wood burning appliances such as stoves and open fireplaces, by a certified WETT inspector.

Given the potential threat these technologies pose to the well-being and health of those in the home, a WETT specialty inspection can give you the peace of mind you need when buying or selling a home, living in a home, and can also be a requirement when securing insurance.

Why Would I Need a WETT Specialty Inspection?

An inspection for the wood burning technologies in your home is important for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the safety of you and your family. With wood burning appliances, the potential for harmful pollutants to be released into your home as well as combustible materials to ignite is increased, so it is important that these appliances are regularly inspected and properly maintained. If you have a home that already includes one of these features, or you would like to purchase one and have it installed in your home, having a WETT certified inspector or technician involved is a necessity.

WETT specialty inspections are also now being required as a part of the home insuring process. In fact, many homeowners first hear about WETT specialty inspections because an insurance company asks that their appliances be examined by a WETT certified inspector. In Canada, insurance companies require homes using wood burning appliances to be thoroughly inspected by a professional and cleared/approved before the home can be insured.

If purchasing an older home that includes any of these wood-burning appliances, a WETT inspection is an absolute necessity. Cottages often include wood-burning appliances, and often the installation of these features is not in compliance with WETT standards. An inspection will be able to tell you whether or not these appliances are operating optimally, are in good structural condition, and that they burning in a way that does not compromise your health and safety.

What is included in a WETT Inspection?

A WETT specialty inspection is an inspection that must be conducted by an inspector who is WETT certified. A general home inspector must take a course to become WETT certified. The course typically consists of 4 days of training as well as 80 weeks of field experience before they receive certification. That is why we at The Home Inspection Network advises that you use a licensed and experienced WETT inspector because only they will have the true in-depth knowledge necessary for examining these systems correctly.

While a typical home inspection includes a visual inspection of the fireplace, chimney and hearth, a WETT specialty inspection conducted by a certified inspector includes an inspection of all the elements of any wood burning technologies in the home to make sure that they are installed correctly and are installed with compliance to building codes and regulations. It should also include a visit to the roof to examine the chimney for any potential structural or ventilation issues.

The inspection might include an examination of a wood stove, flue pipe, chimney, and wood-burning fireplace. An inspector should look at the positioning of the system, and its distance in relation to any combustible materials. If there is a problem with the function of the technology in your home, it is important that the technician you employ is also a licensed WETT technician.

The Bottom Line

WETT specialty inspections are more than just something to offer you peace of mind, if wood-burning appliances are a part of your home’s features, it is of paramount importance that these appliances are both installed properly and inspected for your safety.

Author: Karla Watson

Muskoka Olive Oil Company

muskokaoliveoil.ca

The new kid in town…

The Muskoka Olive Oil Company, located in downtown Bracebridge, with banks of olive oil and banks of balsamic vinegar. They also serve ice cream and delicious local fudge.

Their website offers education on olive oil and provides recipes to get you started. They also offer the following services, as well as next day shipping:

Our Services

At Muskoka Olive Oil, we offer a broad range of services tailored to serve a variety of uses with a unique healthy selection of products. With our more than 50 Olive Oil and Balsamic flavours combined with our 100’s for Gourmet Foods, and Kitchen Accessories, you can select from our standard bundles and gift sets to creating your own unique bundles and gift baskets.

In-Store Taproom Tastings

Tasting is one of our primary functions at Muskoka Olive Oil.  We offer free in-store complimentary samples daily.  Tasting before you buy is a great way for you to decide which olive oil or balsamic vinegar is best for you. Read more..

Wedding & Event Favours

Our wedding favours are the perfect way to give the gift of flavour. An elegant touch to your special occasion with our wedding & event favours that your guests will love!

Event favours are a great choice for weddings and make tremendous gifts at bridal or baby showers, anniversaries, graduations, family reunions, birthdays, corporate events, or any other celebration. Read more..

Real Estate Gifting Program

Looking for a gift idea to close a deal, a gift to welcome a new homeowner, a corporate client who is relocating, or to send your congratulations for a move to a new home or office?

Send your thanks and appreciation with impressive Real Estate gifts and gift baskets from Muskoka Olive Oil Co.! We offer great gift ideas for Realtors, Agents, Brokers, Escrow and Loan Officers, New Home Builders, Contractors, and Property Managers. Read more..

Restaurants & Catering

We are able to conveniently service all levels of the retail and foodservice industries in and around the Muskoka region with some of the best and healthiest olive oils and balsamic vinegars in the world. Read more..

Cooking Classes

Coming Soon!

In the style of a cooking demonstration, you get to watch a professional Chef prepare approximately five recipes – and then you get to taste them! Read more..

Why you need a REALTOR® more than ever in the internet age

These days, there are more options than ever when it comes to buying or selling a home or cottage. It seems a new website or sale-by-owner service is popping up every week. And while there is most certainly room for technology, progress, and a fresh approach within the real estate industry, this inevitably creates a lot of noise out there cluttering up your decision-making process.

Now may be one of the most important times to look to a professional Realtor(R) to cut through all of that noise and make the business of buying or selling your home a stress-free proposition. Our mission at Chestnut Park is to guide you through this process with the least interruption to you and your family’s daily life; this is the value and service a Realtor(R) can provide that the internet simply cannot.

Data Analysis:
The internet has revolutionized the real estate industry, and we certainly are thankful for all that it has provided from sharing listing information quickly and easily with our clients, to communicating with the office from the road. But with all of this free-flowing information, there becomes an endless well of data. Average home prices, inventory per neighbourhood, lake rankings, etc. Sure, the information is all out there, but are you reading and analyzing it properly? A professional Realtor(R) is trained to know exactly what data is relevant to your purchase or sale, and exactly how it applies to you.

Local Knowledge:
The web is in fact, a fantastic place to begin research when wanting more information on a particular neighbourhood; from lakes, to demographics, to walkability and lifestyle. And while there is a wealth of knowledge to be found online, including local forums and message boards, there is no substitute for a Realtor(R) who has worked (and in many cases lived) in a particular area for their entire career. Not only will they have the inside scoop on all the neighbourhood quirks, but they will be able to share hard facts about the local real estate market specifically.

Pricing:
If you are a home or cottage owner, chances are you have a fairly good idea of what your property is (or should be worth) based on things like what you bought the home for, how long you’ve owned it, how much (if any) work you have put into it, how much your next door neighbour just sold for, etc. But when it comes to selling your home, timing (and what the market will bear at that exact timing) is everything. A qualified Realtor will guide you through the pricing process by analyzing myriad variables such as comparable home prices, current interest rates, level of inventory, interest in your neighbourhood and/or school district and much more.

Hunting & Gathering:
If you are looking to buy a new home, the hunting and gathering stage is where a Realtor will save you the most time and energy. Instead of trolling online daily looking for a property that will suit your needs, your Realtor(R) will take this step off your plate, comparing and contrasting what’s out there, and sending you only what they know will work for your needs. A Realtor also has access within their own network to homes that may not yet be on the market. As for selling, a professional Realtor will come up with creative solutions to lure qualified buyers to your property. Which brings us to

Marketing:
When it comes to selling your home, marketing is perhaps one of the most important aspects of the process. How will you maximize the best offers if people don’t even know that your home is for sale? A Realtor will work night and day to market your home in the right way, from open houses to online and print ads, to wild and creative options to showcase your property in the right light.

Dispelling Myths:
Much like planning a wedding, or having a baby, buying or selling a home or cottage brings unsolicited advice and personal anecdotes out of the woodwork. Your neighbour may be convinced that home values in your area have gone up 10% since you bought, and your cousin may be insisting that you hold out until spring to list your home, but only a Realtor(R) will be able to give you the inside info on what will or won’t work for your particular circumstances.

Connections:
When it comes down to the transaction of buying and/or selling your home or cottage, there can tend to be a lot of moving parts. From real estate lawyers to home inspectors, and stagers to contractors, your Realtor(R) is plugged into a community of other professionals who support and enhance the real estate industry.

5 Selling Tips for a Hot Spring Market

 

If you are preparing to sell your home or cottage, you’ve likely been reading about (or at least thinking about) the impending flurry of activity in the real estate market in the spring. There’s something about a long, cold winter indoors that makes owners crave a change when the ground thaws and the trees bloom. If you are one of the many sellers preparing to put their home or cottage on the market this spring, here are just a few tips to keep in mind as you enter the selling process.

 

 

1. Find the Right Realtor(R)

This step is undoubtedly the most important, and should be one you are thinking about long before the time comes to put your home or cottage on the market. The perfect Realtor(R) for you should be trust-worthy, easy to talk to, and should understand your needs. Your Realtor(R) should help you with the following 4 steps (including pricing and marketing your home of course!). Don’t know where to begin with finding a realtor? Have a look at Our Approach to see if selling with the Gardiner Team is right for you. Think you can go it alone? Here are 7 reasons why you need a Realtor now more than ever.

 

2. Scout the Competition

What people often don’t realize is that the viability of their home or cottage sale tends to have more to do with what else is currently offered on the market than what they feel their property is worth. Buyers and their realtors will be quick to compare your property and its price against others of similar size, age, and location to determine a fair buying price. Do some research (along with your realtor) and be aware of your competition. Being able to highlight your property’s advantages in comparison to the rest of the listings out there will give you an edge in negotiations.

 

3. Prepare Your Property

Do not underestimate the value of a new coat of paint, a spotless garage, or an entirely staged home or cottage. A buyer’s vision tends to be limited when it comes to seeing themselves in your home or cottage, and even small details like smell, decor, or light could put them off right away. Work with your realtor or a staging company to place your home or cottage in its best light, feeling bright, fresh, and free of clutter.

 

4. Don’t Lurk

The selling process can, at times, be intrusive to your daily schedule. Buyers will want to come back for a first, second, or third look at a moments notice and you may find it bothersome to rearrange your plans to accommodate them. Although it may seem reasonable to want to hang around during an open house or a showing, do your best to leave during this time. Go over to a neighbours place or go for a walk. Buyers will feel less pressure and more freedom to look in closets, ask questions, and really get a feel for the place without a lurking owner.

 

5. Don’t Get Emotional

Buying and selling real estate is unlike any other business transaction in that it is undoubtedly an emotional one. Your home or cottage is your retreat from the world outside, where you’ve shared happy memories with friends and family so it makes sense that you see it in its most romantic light. It is tough not to place a heightened value on your home or cottage, but it is important not to take negotiations personally or to sneer at any incoming offers.

 

 

Feature image via Explorer’s Edge

Port Carling Nurse Practitioner Station is a Big Step Closer

Muskoka Lakes Nursing Station Chair Allen Edwards has?announced more great news for the Brock and Willa Wellness Centre.

Harry and Mary Ann Debes and their family foundation are donating a half a million dollars to the Nursing Station.?The?Debes Family became interested in the Nursing Station after?last years Muskoka Comedy Gala?for the Brock & Willa Wellness Centre and started looking into it closely.

We need such a facility in the Port Carling area and a few years ago Linda and Allen Edwards started working towards this cause. Last May the project received a real boost with a generous donation of land and money by Brock and Willa Napier. Today my wife Mary Ann and I are happy to play our part. Last Friday, through our Foundation, we donated $500,000 to help realize this dream something that will help our community for generations to come. For those to whom much is given, much is expected.? said Harry Debes, to a group at the new wellness site.

THE ADVANTAGES OF HAVING THE 3 MAIN COMPONENTS INCLUDED IN THE BROCK & WILLA WELLNESS CENTRE ARE:

Why is it needed & advantages?

  • It fits in with the Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care and the North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN for the Health Links initiative.
  • The Lions seniors residence will have easy access to Primary Health Care at the Nursing Station
  • The Nurse Practitioner can go over to the seniors residence and do health programs
  • Andys House, Hospice Muskoka will help people pass away with dignity in their home community
  • Hopefully in the plans, there will be space in Andys House for people who are discharged from the hospital and are going home to an empty residence.? The Hospice hopes to have 1 or 2 rooms that could be used for up to 48 hours a stay of this nature

Where is it located & why:

  • The property is located right in the heart of Port Carling
  • The 3 projects will have the benefit of municipal water & sewer
  • Steps away from Foodland, Subway, Tim Hortons, as well as all the other amenities of Port Carling

What are the common areas and/or services that will be used by all 3 main components?

  • The seniors residence will have a Community Room w/ kitchen to be available to the residents, as well as the outside community will have an opportunity to rent the Room.?? They are also hoping to have a Fitness Room.
  • All 3 components will have access to a park like setting with future walkways & boardwalk and a gazebo overlooking the Indian River.
  • There is a Municipal public dock that people can come by boat to any of the 3 components.

DESTINED TO BECOME A HUB OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS!

A Port Carling property donated by Brock and Willa Napier will house the Brock and Willa Wellness Centre.? Planning and fundraising are well underway for this innovative community hub that is intended to house a future Port Carling nursing station, a seniors residence, on behalf of the Port Carling Lions Club, and Andys Place, a palliative care facility through partnership of the Andy Potts Memorial Fund and Hospice Muskoka.

Why you need a Realtor more than ever in the internet age

These days, there are more options than ever when it comes to buying or selling a home. It seems a new website, or sale-by-owner service is popping up every week. And while there is most certainly room for technology, progress, and a fresh approach within the real estate industry, this inevitably creates a lot of noise out there cluttering up your decision making process.

Now may be one of the most important times to look to a professional Realtor to cut through all of that noise and make the business of buying or selling your home a stress-free proposition. Our mission at Chestnut Park is to guide you through this process with the least interruption to you and your familys daily life; this is the value and service a Realtor can provide that the internet simply cannot.

Data Analysis
The internet has revolutionized the real estate industry, and we certainly are thankful for all that it has provided from sharing listing information quickly and easily with our clients, to communicating with the office from the road. But with all of this free-flowing information, there becomes an endless well of data. Average home prices, inventory per neighbourhood, school rankings, etc. Sure, the information is all out there, but are you reading and analyzing it properly? A professional Realtor is trained to know exactly what data is relevant to your purchase or sale, and exactly how it applies to you.

Local Knowledge
The web is in fact, a fantastic place to begin research when wanting more information on a particular neighbourhood; from schools, to demographics, to walkability and lifestyle. And while there is a wealth of knowledge to be found online, including local forums and message boards, there is no substitute for a Realtor who has worked (and in many cases lived) in a particular area for their entire career. Not only will they have the inside scoop on all the neighbourhood quirks, but they will be able to share hard facts about the local real estate market specifically.

Pricing
If you are a homeowner, chances are you have a fairly good idea of what your home is (or should be worth) based on things like what you bought the home for, how long youve owned it, how much (if any) work you have put into it, how much your next door neighbour just sold for, etc. But when it comes to selling your home, timing (and what the market will bear at that exact timing) is everything. A qualified Realtor will guide you through the pricing process by analyzing myriad variables such as comparable home prices, current interest rates, level of inventory, interest in your neighbourhood and/or school district and much more.

Hunting & Gathering
If you are looking to buy a new home, the hunting and gathering stage is where a Realtor will save you the most time and energy. Instead of trolling online daily looking for a property that will suit your needs, your Realtor will take this step off your plate, comparing and contrasting whats out there, and sending you only what they know will work for your needs. A Realtor also has access within their own network to homes that may not yet be on the market. As for selling, a professional Realtor will come up with creative solutions to lure qualified buyers to your property. Which brings us to

Marketing
When it comes to selling your home, marketing is perhaps one of the most important aspects in the process. How will you maximize the best offers if people dont even know that your home is for sale? A Realtor will work night and day to market your home in the right way, from open houses to online and print ads, to wild and creative options to showcase your property in the right light.

Dispelling Myths
Much like planning a wedding, or having a baby, buying or selling a home brings unsolicited advice and personal anecdotes out of the woodwork. Your neighbour may be convinced that home values in your area have gone up 10% since you bought, and your cousin may be insisting that you hold out until spring to list your home, but only a Realtor will be able to give you the inside info on what will or wont work for your particular circumstances.

Connections
When it comes down to the transaction of buying and/or selling your home, there can tend to be a lot of moving parts. From real estate lawyers, to home inspectors, and stagers to contractors, your Realtor is plugged in to a community of other professionals who support and enhance the real estate industry.

Top Tips for Renting Out Your Cottage This Summer

As the last of the snow melts around the province, Ontarians are beginning to shed those winter layers and think about the best season of all cottage season! If you own a cottage or country property that you are looking to rent out for all or part of the summer, the time to list it is now! So grab your Realtor, and get started on that rental ad. Here are just a few tips to get you started

Find a local Realtor
When it comes to listing, selling, and negotiating the rental agreement for your cottage property, you are going to want to work with a local agent who has a great knowledge of the area and the ability to meet potential renters to show the property. We have a fabulous team of seasoned agents in markets all around Ontario, including Muskoka, Lake of Bays, South Georgian Bay, Thousand Islands, Port Hope, Prince Edward County, Caledon and more!

Expose your property to the right audience
With the help of your Realtor, narrow down a list of some of the best sites to post your rental, keeping a keen eye on who your potential renters will be. Are you advertising your luxury family compound on Lake Joseph, or a quaint cabin in Creemore? Some, like CottageCountry.com, will charge a fee, some are completely free, like Kijiji.

Write a thrilling and thorough description
Of all the fabulous features of your cottage, potential renters will only know as much as you can tell them in a listing advertisement. Make sure that your property description is attention-grabbing, well written, and includes all pertinent information. Once again, your Realtor will be instrumental in helping to put this together.

Its all in the details
Entice renters and cut down on a lot of back-and-forth emails by providing every last detail you can about the property; from number of bedrooms, to included appliances, to square footage, and beyond. The more information you provide, the more qualified inquiries you will receive on your property.

Be a tour guide for the area
Along with all the precise details about the property itself, dont forget to mention the highlights of the region where your cottage is. Are you close to a town with restaurants and other amenities? Does your lake hold a sailing regatta? Do the surrounding hills provide excellent hiking and bike trails? Make sure to paint a picture about how the property and its surrounding area might be enjoyed.

High quality photos
A picture is worth a thousand words, so they say, and this could not be more true when it comes to listing a rental property. Many potential renters will skip right over an ad if it contains too few, or low quality images. Make sure to showcase every angle of the property with high quality, professional images.

Feature image via Georgina Ratcliffe, Chestnut Park Real Estate Ltd.

Real Estate Q & A: Chestnut Park VP of Operations and Broker, Justine Deluce Shares Her Tips on How to Choose the Right Agent

Justine DeluceWhen it comes to buying or selling your home, choosing?the right real estate agent becomes an integral part of?the process. While the sale or purchase of your biggest?financial asset can be an exciting time, it can also be?stressful especially if someone who is not the right agent?for the job is representing you. Here are a few tips to help you?find the right agent.?Chesnut Park VP of Operations and Broker, Justine Deluce shares a few tips to help you find the right agent for you.

 

 

Take the time to interview your candidates. It is important to?meet with different agents to determine which one is the right?one for the job. This provides the opportunity to ask whom?you are considering to hire a number of questions about the?services he or she offers. If you are selling, find out how the?property is priced, how it will be marketed and what the fees?are. If you are buying, ask the agents you are interviewing how?well they know the areas you are interested in and what the?process will entail.

 

Get a second opinion. Once you have narrowed down your?search, request a few references. Like any job interview,?references are an important part in determining which agent?is right for you. Most will be more than happy to provide the?names of a few buyers and sellers they have worked with. It?will be worth your time to follow-up with them.

 

Team up with someone you like! Buying or selling a house?can be a worrisome process. Working with an individual that?you get along with and trust can make the process far more?enjoyable. Your agent is someone you may be spending a lot of?time with and revealing potentially sensitive information to,?so getting along with him or her is key.

 

Location, location,. One of the most important considerations?when choosing an agent is to ensure that they have a good?knowledge of the area you are selling or buying in. Determining?price and understanding the nuances of different areas are?part of the value your agent is adding to the buying or selling?process. A well-connected local agent will have access to?information that may not be be readily available online. This?can create a competitive advantage for clients.

Beautiful “Crystal Point”

Imagine towering pines and hardwood trees, majestic views of Lake Rosseau, unparalleled privacy and a cottage built by one of Muskokas finest builders with an unparalleled attention to detail. Located in one of Muskokas most exclusive areas, Crystal Point gives you ready access to all of the major Muskoka clubs, restaurants and amenities.

 

Exceptional privacy is guaranteed with 490 feet of southerly exposure shoreline and 6 acres of land – big enough for a tennis court, golf practice facility or anything you can imagine.

 

Stroll down the finely crafted flagstone walkway to the 3 slip boathouse with a self contained one bedroom suite above, go for a leisurely swim, a boat ride in your antique Muskoka boat or just sit back on the large flagstone lakeside patio and take in the views. The boathouse is the perfect size to house your boat collection of new and antique boats. The water is deep and clear off the boat house, a great spot to moor your sailboat. Theres also a small sandy beach area for easy wading into the water for a swim.

 

The cottage is 6350 square feet of exceptional quality. Consisting of 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, a stunning master suite, an oversized chefs dream kitchen, lower level media room and a 400 square foot granite floored Muskoka room, this cottage has it all! From the reclaimed antique hemlock flooring to the dry stacked Muskoka stone Rumford fireplace this home will impress you and your guests.

 

From the moment you walk through the front door you will notice the exceptional Muskoka architecture, from the vaulted ceilings to the view through the living room to the patio and lake.

The master bedroom, on the main floor, exudes the quality of this cottage, with French doors that open to a spectacular patio, the perfect place to welcome another day on beautiful Lake Rosseau. The master bath features a soaker spa tub and an elegant walk in shower.

 

Your family and guests will not be disappointed in their accommodations. Located on the second floor, each room is exquisitely appointed with hardwood floors, meticulously trimmed out and have spectacular lake views.

 

As an added bonus your 2 car heated garage has a spacious self contained suite above, ideal as a family or guest suite, a nanny apartment, a summer business office (although it will be hard to work surrounded by the beauty of Crystal Point), an artists studio or even a place for your model train collection. Let your imagination go wild on how to use this space.

 

Crystal Point is built for your comfort and the entertaining of your family, friends or business colleagues, with its spacious indoor and outdoor entertaining areas.

 

A Muskoka cottage estate of this quality, luxury and architecture should not be missed by the discerning buyer. Currently offered at $6,250,000 CAN