Tag: muskoka

Why a REALTOR??

Buying or selling a home or cottage is far more than a real estate transaction. Its often at the heart of a major life transition?such as purchasing your first cottage, buying a larger cottage because your family has grown, or downsizing to simplify your life as empty nesters.

Thats why a REALTOR? can make such a difference. Like other professionals, REALTORS? look out for your best interests in areas you might not know. And because buying or selling a home or cottage is usually a big, often emotional decision that can have major consequences; the skills, knowledge and experience of a REALTOR? are vitally important if you want to achieve the best possible outcome.

Why a REALTOR®?

Buying or selling a home or cottage is far more than a real estate transaction. Its often at the heart of a major life transition?such as purchasing your first cottage, buying a larger cottage because your family has grown, or downsizing to simplify your life as empty nesters.

Thats why a REALTOR® can make such a difference. Like other professionals, REALTORS® look out for your best interests in areas you might not know. And because buying or selling a home or cottage is usually a big, often emotional decision that can have major consequences; the skills, knowledge and experience of a REALTOR® are vitally important if you want to achieve the best possible outcome.

Windows, doors costly to replace

A CLOSER LOOK: Energy savings, new features may be worth it

By ROB PARKER, Special to QMI Agency

Last Updated: April 21, 2012 12:00am

With spring officially here, many homeowners are starting to look at those jobs that aren't so appealing or practical during the winter.

Two areas that come to mind are windows and exterior doors that are subject to wear and tear stemming from constant use and exposure to the elements.

There are a number of factors to consider before making the decision about whether your windows or doors need to be replaced or repaired.

Some important things to consider include:

Though increased house air tightness can improve energy efficiency, in may also lead to a greater need for mechanical ventilation. A sufficient air supply also may be needed to prevent combustion appliances from back drafting.

Your existing windows and doors may not fit the style of your house or give you the features you want.

The components of windows and doors wear out over time. Failed seals on thermal pane window units, poorly operating windows or doors, damaged screens or hardware and air leaks are common problems. Older door and window hardware may not offer much protection against forced entry.

There may be structural problems affecting the operation of doors and windows. Installation of larger units or units in new locations will probably also require structural changes.

Windows and doors often deteriorate because of moisture problems that will not necessarily go away if you install new units. In fact, moisture may get worse because of reduced air leakage.

The glass area of windows and doors accounts for a high degree of heat loss at night or during the winter months, and heat gain when the sun is shining especially during the summer months. Though energy-efficient glazing can reduce heat loss, heating system modifications or some type of shading may be needed to improve comfort near large windows.

In my opinion, the best installation method for replacing windows and doors is the rough opening (R/O) method. With an R/O installation, the entire window or door, including the frame, is removed right down to the framework of the house.

This type of installation allows for complete sealing and alignment of the window or door to ensure optimum performance of the new unit. You should also make sure the windows or doors are Energy Star rated, come with a good warranty, and that the company you're dealing with is insured and has been installing windows and doors for some time.

Windows come in many different opening styles such as single hung, double hung, casement, sliding, awning and fixed. Most windows today are made with a vinyl frame, aluminum or stainless steel hardware and thermopane glass.

The glass can be coated to reflect heat. This is generally call E glass and space between the layers of glass filled with a gas such as argon creating the thermopane. In most cases, whatever style of window you choose can be installed in the existing window opening.

Over time, weather-stripping, hardware and door and frame materials can deteriorate or fail. Windows and doors are a part of the interactive system that makes up your house, so they should be constantly monitored to ensure they're supporting the other components of the system, including the structure, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment.

That said, it's a known fact that tighter and more energy-efficient windows and doors will reduce the heating and air-conditioning load on your home.

Though repairs can be inexpensive, they may not give good long-term results; on the other hand, replacement is generally costly, but may provide savings in energy use, making your house more comfortable and adding to its resale value.

As with any home repair or installation of equipment where you're relying on the product or service and workmanship of a company or contractor, you should seek out at least three estimates plus ask for references and check them out before signing any agreement.

Rob Parker is a registered home inspector with the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors and certified master inspector with the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors who does home inspections in the London area. Call him at ThameSpec Home Inspection Services at 519-857-7101, e-mail thamespec@rogers.com, or visit www.thamespec-inspections.com.

Real Estate Q & A: What is homeowner's insurance and do I need it?

When you purchase a home, consider how you will protect your investment.

Most mortgage lenders insist on fire insurance coverage at least equal to the loan amount or the building value, whichever is less.

 

You should also consider a homeowner’s policy that combines fire insurance on the building and its contents with personal liability coverage. Consult your general insurance agent or broker for professional advice on home insurance.

 

 

MORTGAGE LIFE INSURANCE

Mortgage life insurance (MLI) is inexpensive coverage on your life which protects your family or beneficiaries by paying off your outstanding mortgage in the event of your death. For just pennies a day, you will have peace of mind knowing your beneficiaries will be mortgage free. MLI premiums are based on two factors: your age and mortgage amount. Your premium is added to your mortgage payment so there’s no extra paperwork, and it remains the same until your mortgage is paid off. Joint coverage for spouses is also available.

 

DISABILITY INSURANCE

Disability Insurance is important if your mortgage payments depend entirely or in part on your income. Disability insurance provides replacement income if an accident or illness prevents you from working.

 

JOB LOSS MORTGAGE INSURANCE

Recently insurance companies have started to offer Job Loss Mortgage Insurance. This insurance covers the mortgage payments in the event that you involuntarily lose your job.

 

 

Chestnut Park Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

Real Estate Q & A: What are the associated costs of purchasing a home?

Purchasing a home involves one-time costs and monthly expenses. The largest one-time cost, of course, is the down payment. It usually represents between 5-25% of the total price of the property. Typical monthly costs incurred with homeownership are mortgage payments, maintenance, insurance, condo fees, property taxes, and utilities.

 

 

In addition to the actual purchase price, there are a number of other expenses that you might be expected to pay for. These are listed below:

 

 

 

 

Other costs may include; landscaping, redecorating, furnishing, and appliance repairs.

 

 

Chestnut Park Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

 

Real Estate Q & A: Making an Offer

When it comes time to make an offer, your Real Estate Professional can provide current market information and will assist you in drafting your offer.

Your agent will communicate the offer, sometimes known as an Offer to Purchase, to the seller, or the seller’s representative, on your behalf. Sometimes there may be more than one offer on a property coming in at the same time.

making an offer

 

FIRM OFFER TO PURCHASE

Usually preferable to the seller, because it means that you are prepared to purchase the home without any conditions. If the offer is accepted, the home is yours.

 

CONDITIONAL OFFER TO PURCHASE

Usually means that you have placed one or more conditions on the purchase, such as “subject to home inspection”, “subject to financing” or “subject to sale of buyer’s existing home”. The home is not sold until all the conditions have been met.

 

ACCEPTANCE OF OFFER

Your Offer to Purchase will be presented as soon as possible. The seller may accept the offer, reject it, or submit a counter-offer. The counter-offer may be in reference to the price, the closing date, or any number of variables. The offers can go back and forth until both parties have agreed or one of you ends the negotiations.

 

There are six key components to the elements of an offer. They are:

 

PRICE

Depending on the local market conditions and information provided by your agent, the price you offer may be different from the seller’s price.

 

DEPOSIT

Your deposit shows good faith and will be applied against the purchase of the home when the sale closes. Your Real Estate Professional can advise you on an appropriate amount.

 

TERMS

Includes the total price offered and the financing details. You arrange your own financing or ask to assume the seller’s mortgage, especially if it has an attractive interest rate.

 

CONDITIONS

These might include “subject to home inspection”, “subject to you obtaining financing”, or “subject to you selling your property”.

 

INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS

These might include appliances and certain fixtures or decorative items, such as window coverings or mirrors. These items would remain in the house.

 

CLOSING OR POSSESSION DATE

Generally, the day the title of the property is legally transferred and the transaction of funds finalized.

 

Chestnut Park Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

Is It Time to Replace the Windows in Your Home or Cottage?

There are many benefits to getting new windows for the home, but due to cost and inconvenience, many homeowners put off replacing them. In fact, you may be wondering if it's really time to replace the windows in your home, or if you are simply tired of the ones in place. Here, we'll help distinguish the difference between 'wanting' new windows and 'needing' them.

There are three basic factors to consider when evaluating the windows in your home. They include energy efficiency, maintenance, and ease of use. Keeping these three things in mind, ask yourself the following questions:

Are my windows energy efficient?

To gauge the energy efficiency of your windows, consider the comfort level of your home. Is it difficult to maintain an even temperature during hot and cold months? Do you feel drafts around the window casings? Can you hear whistling through the window on a windy day? If so, it may be time to replace your windows with a more energy efficient set.

Windows that are certified as energy efficient can help regulate temperature, block sunlight, and control indoor humidity levels.

Do my windows require a lot of maintenance?

If you find that you spend a great deal of time and energy maintaining your windows, it may be worth the expense of replacing them. Maintenance may include, but is not limited to:

Removal of old paint – Painted windows require frequent scraping of old paint. Failure to remove it will result in wood rot.

Painting – When windows for the home are scraped of old paint, they need to repainted. If you spend a great deal of time on this chore, it may be time to replace them with easy-care vinyl or aluminum windows.

Operational adjustments – If you frequently have to force the windows open, replace hardware, or lubricate them often, they may need replaced.

Are my windows easy to use?

Can everyone in the household open and close the windows? If they refuse to open, stick in the up or down position, or won't swing in and out of place, it can pose a serious danger in the event of a fire. This, in itself, is a good reason to replace the windows in your home.

Additional signs that it's time to replace your windows:

Fogging – If your windows are frequently fogged between the panes, it's a sign that the glass needs replaced. If your windows are extremely old, it may be difficult (and costly) to find replacement glass.

Rot – Once the windows begin to rot, there's no stopping it. Rot can not only cause damage to the windows themselves, but to the area around it. Wet rot can attract termites, which can destroy a home.

Jennifer Wagner, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Mar 8, 2012

Retirement & Downsizing: BMO Advises on How to Determine Whether or Not to Make the Move

– First of Canada's nine million Boomers became eligible for retirement in 2011 – Health, location and financial considerations will determine whether they move or not – BMO offers advice to those thinking of giving up the family home
 

There are several factors to consider when making the decision to downsize or not, including:

Your Health

Although health matters may be hard to predict, it is important to think about what you might need to do if your health status changes in the upcoming years. A good place to start is to ask yourself the question, "If there were a shift in my healthy or mobility…"






	A Change in Location



	A change in location can greatly impact your day-to-day activities and social interactions, and will often determine the lifestyle you lead. Some retirees would prefer to live in a group setting, while others would like to live in a more urban area with easier transport.



	Financial Considerations



	Laura Parsons, Mortgage Expert, BMO Bank of Montreal, notes that, for those considering downsizing, many financial factors need to be considered, including costs related to property maintenance and the possibility of renovations to adapt to changes in lifestyle.



	Click to Read More:



	 

	


	







	

		
		
Natural Flooring Choices for your Next Cottage Renovation
	


	
	
	

		

	Today’s market offers a welcome and growing range of green products. Many owners are on the search for non-toxic flooring choices, abandoning the formaldehyde drenched fibers of days past.



	 



	Where does one begin on the search for new, green flooring? First, decide what type of flooring works best for your space and make the commitment to go green.



	Natural hardwoods work well for bedrooms and living rooms, but don’t stand up as well to the moisture found in bathrooms. Tile is great for all rooms, but is more time-consuming to install and can represent a slipping hazard. Finally, carpet is a warm and traditional touch popular for decades, but finding natural non-toxic versions can be difficult.



	Next, you need to decide upon a budget. There are options for all price ranges.



	Let’s look at carpet. Going green doesn’t mean giving up the warmth and comfort of carpet. While traditional carpet can be inexpensive, it and its padding and glues can be steeped in formaldehyde and other chemicals.



	According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “ Airborne formaldehyde acts as an irritant to the conjunctiva and upper and lower respiratory tract. Symptoms are temporary and, depends upon the level and length of exposure, may range from burning or tingling sensations in eyes, nose, and throat to chest tightness and wheezing. Acute, severe reactions to formaldehyde vapor — which has a distinctive, pungent odor — may be associated with hypersensitivity. It is estimated that 10 to 20 percent of the U.S. population, including asthmatics, may have hyper reactive airways which may make them more susceptible to formaldehyde's effects.” Who wants to mess with that?



	Beautiful wool carpets can be pricey, but they’ll save your big when it comes to their durability, feel, and of course green status. You can find many companies online and in your community that offer this option. Cork (renewable and recyclable), sisal, and recycled carpets are also worth consideration.



	When it comes to woods, bamboo is a truly renewable source. Bamboo grows fast, very fast. It’s not a hardwood, but it looks like one. It can one of the less expensive green flooring options.



	Natural Stained Hardwoods can be another great choice. The key is natural stains (and glues if applicable). Stains can leach fumes into your living space for years the same way traditional paints do. Opt for natural stains options. The ultimate plus for hardwoods is they look wonderful for generations and only need a moderate level of care.



	Finally, consider the benefits of tile. Stone tiles are a natural rock. They are quarried right out of the earth and require no chemical concoction to create. It is incredibly user-friendly in maintaining and of course requires no VOC finishes!



	Green flooring options are out there and within any budget! Be sure to go green when you replace your next floor.



	Published: February 24, 2012



	Source: Realty Times