Good afternoon everyone;
The fall real estate market is starting with vigor! Many more homes are coming to market and many more bidding wars are taking place. As expected, quality homes in desirable neighbourhoods are bringing many buyers with strong offers. Sale prices are pushing past previous highs in several neighbourhoods. The key to increasing your chances as a buyer is to get as much of your homework done before offer day.
- Home Inspection
- Line up Financing
- Have all available sales information/history ready to make a well informed buying decisions (best foot forward)
This is where guidance from not just me, your realtor, but a team of professionals is most valuable.
Next week I should be able to share the mid-month stats for September sales.
Home Maintenance for the Fall
When children start returning to school it reminds us that summer’s almost over. Days are going to get shorter and the trees will start taking on their autumn colours. Before Fall is fully upon us, take some time to get your home ready for the colder weather ahead.
CMHC has a checklist for regular home maintenance. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before the weather turns chilly.
Weather Stripping
- Make sure your windows and doors close tightly to reduce the draft in your home. Replace worn out weather stripping to keep the warm air in and the cold air where it belongs – outside!
Baseboard Heaters
Vacuum the dust from your baseboard heaters and make sure they work properly before you need them the most. Do you ever get the burning smell when you first turn on the heat? Getting rid of the dust on your heaters will help reduce the burning smell that’s so common the first few times of use.
Furnace or Heating System
It’s recommended that you have your electric furnace or heating system serviced every two years. Having regular maintenance of your heating system will ensure it’s working as efficient as possible, saving you energy costs.
CHANGE YOUR FURNACE FILTER EVERY 2-3 months! It will improve the air flow and quality in your home, save you energy and make your furnace last longer!
Foundation
Take a walk around your home and make sure the ground slopes away from your foundation. This ensures that water isn’t pooling or leaking into your basement. Look for cracks or imperfections, and seal them or call a contractor if necessary.
Roof
Inspect your roof and replace any broken shingles. It may be a good idea to have your roof inspected every few years to make sure it’s in good standing order. Clean the debris from your eavestroughs and roof and make sure downspouts are draining properly.
Landscape
The garden and front yard make the first impressions for anyone approaching your home. Fall is a great time to get your garden ready for the colder months and to ensure you have a beautiful garden in the Spring.
- Cut back the flowers after blooms wilt
- Prune dead and dangerous branches from your property’s trees to ensure they don’t damage property during strong winds
- Bring patio cushions inside drain your outdoor hoses and store them for the winter
- Plant some bulbs for Spring: some perennials need some time to develop root systems before blooming in the Spring.
A well-maintained home can have many advantages and make your home more comfortable. It is one of the biggest investments in your life and is worth the time and effort you put into it.
No Change from Bank of Canada Interest Rates
We got our rate announcement from the Bank of Canada last week and they have indicated that they are leaving rates as they are, as was expected. This is great news for everyone in a variable rate mortgage! As well as those with lines of credit or student loans that are linked to prime. All signs point to no further increases until 2013 – yay!
Century 21 Fine living — Location
While surfing along I came across a couple of interesting blurbs about or office building. Urban Toronto gave our charming building “Best Small Project of 2010”. I never knew till just now.
“Our favourite small scale project this year was the JDT Group infill building at 3077 Dundas West, where real attention was paid to scale, materials, and clean lines that still evoke the feel of the surrounding neighbourhood”
3077 Dundas Street West