317 Hazel Dell Ave Winnipeg R2K 0R1 Virtual Tour

317 Hazel Dell Ave Winnipeg R2K 0R1 Virtual Tour

Five Bombers chosen as CFL all stars

Five members of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have been named to the CFL all-star team, the league announced this morning.

Defensive backs Jovon Johnson, Jonathan Hefney and Ian Logan along with defensive lineman Odell Willis and offensive lineman Brendon LaBatte were all named league all-stars.

With five all-stars, the Bombers are second in the league only to the BC Lions, who had nine players named as all-stars today.

The all-stars are selected based on a combination of voting by the fans, head coaches and the Football Reporters of Canada.

The Bombers are practicing this morning at the Winnipeg Indoor Soccer Complex. The Free Press will have reaction from the players following practice.

 

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Five-Bombers-chosen-as-CFL-all-stars-133971588.html

Stock markets sharply down on European debt worries

CTVNews.ca Staff

Stock markets on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean slumped Wednesday, as investors waited for Italy and Greece to provide clarity on the future leadership of their respective governments.

The Toronto stock market was down 1.9 per cent, or 237.55 points by early afternoon, as the TSX energy, mining and financial sectors all were on the decline.

The Canadian dollar fell a full cent to 98.19 cents US.

The returns in Toronto were better than in the United States, where the Dow Jones industrial average and the Nasdaq composite index both dropped more than 3 per cent.

European markets also suffered losses Wednesday, with Germany's DAX falling 2.3 per cent and France's CAC-40 seeing a similar drop of 2.4 per cent.

The benchmark index in Italy was worst off, dropping 4.7 per cent below its previous close.

Italy was the source of one of the two main crises afflicting markets, as lawmakers continued to push for Premier Silvio Berlusconi to leave office and make way for a successor.

But as the day went on, there appeared to be little clarity on who would take over for Berlusconi, who appeared to have thrown in the towel on a run for office in the next election.

"All it does is add more uncertainty," Chris Kulk, an investment adviser at Scotia MacLeod in Montreal, told The Canadian Press.

"The bottom line is, if you need to negotiate with someone, who do you negotiate with?"

A similar problem existed in Greece, where the country's two main political parties have spent three days trying to decide who will take over for Prime Minister George Papandreou.

Papandreou rapidly lost support in Greece after he recently suggested holding a referendum over a pending bailout from the European Union.

As of Wednesday, a deal to structure a new interim government was said to be close, but details had not been finalized by the early evening in Athens.

Having Greece or Italy fall into bankruptcy would be disastrous for the European economy and the rest of the world.

Both countries are heavily indebted, but Italy has a massive debt load worth US$2.6 trillion and its bond yields are now at the highest point in year.

The combination of these political and economic challenges has made it very difficult for Italy to borrow money, said Dawn Desjardins, the assistant chief economist at RBC Economics.

"Investors are definitely talking with their feet, meaning that they are not putting their funds into the Italian bonds,"

Desjardins told CTV News Channel on Wednesday.

With files from The Associated Press and The Canadian Press

 

http://winnipeg.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20111109/world-stock-markets-europe-italy-111109/20111109/?hub=WinnipegHome

Heat’s on to cool off homeless

Winnipeg’s Siloam Mission is looking for high-priority items that will help the city’s homeless community beat the heat.

Reusable water bottles, sunscreen and backpacks are at the top of that list as dehydration and heatstroke pose a threat to those living outside.

“We’ve been handing out hats, water bottles, lip-balm, foot cream, bug spray and sunscreen,” said Mike Duerksen, spokesperson for Siloam Mission. “We’re encouraging people to drink lots of water and to stay inside.”

Duerksen said Siloam Mission has seen an increase in the number of guests at its drop-in centre. As the mercury continues to climb, the centre is encouraging its guests to get out of the sun.

“It’s hard enough for us who have places to stay to stay cool. It’s even harder for someone who is living on the streets,” Duerksen said. “The challenges of homelessness are just as great in the summer as they are in the winter.”

 

http://www.metronews.ca/winnipeg/local/article/921541--heat-s-on-to-cool-off-homeless

Your Home Inspection Report

Getting Ready

Steps you can take before a professional home inspector conducts a property inspection

From routine maintenance, to detecting conditions that could signify the need for major repairs, there are many simple steps your seller can take ahead of time to prepare their home for a professional home inspection. In addition, on the day of the inspection, attention to a few details can go a long way to ensuring that everything goes smoothly.

DISCLOSURES

• Disclose past catastrophes such as fires or floods, or if the property was ever used as a marijuana grow house or meth lab
• Provide building permits and plans for any major renovations
• Disclose any work that was completed without the proper permits
• Provide invoices and warrantees for major improvements, roofs, furnaces, and appliances

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE - EXTERIOR

• Repair damaged masonry on walkways and steps
• Seal any cracks in the driveway
• Repair minor defects in exterior wall materials
• Recaulk around exterior windows and doors
• Replace damaged or missing shingles
• Recaulk around flashing
• Clean debris from gutters and check downspouts for proper drainage

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE - INTERIOR

• Repair leaky faucets and fixtures
• Recaulk around bathtubs and sinks
• Have an electrician inspect receptacles and switches and make any necessary repairs
• Repair any cracked or broken window glass and loosen any windows that are painted shut
• Arrange service for the furnace and central air conditioning
• Have the chimney swept
• Replace batteries in smoke detectors and install detectors where missing

ON THE DAY OF THE INSPECTION

• Allow sufficient time for the inspection - the average Pillar To Post inspection takes between 2.5 and 3 hours
• Be sure that keys are available for any locked doors
• Allow access to storage sheds, attics, yards, crawlspaces, basements, and garages
• Provide access to components such as electrical panels, water meter, and gas meter
• Move objects from around the water heater, furnace, and air conditioner to allow unimpeded access
• Clear paths of snow and debris
• Keep pets in a safe location out of the home or in a crate

ANOTHER GOOD YEAR SHAPING UP FOR WinnipegREALTORS®

June MLS® Sales Over 1,500

 

WINNIPEG – WinnipegREALTORS® is at the half way mark of 2011. Its MLS® market activity is tracking well as forecast.  Sales are only down 4% from sales recorded in 2007 – the best year ever - and just 2% off the second best year in 2008. June sales activity of 1,516 is not far off peak sales recorded for this month, only just edged out by 2007 and 2008 when sales were 1,564 and 1,562 respectively. They are also the fifth highest total for any month with May 2007 at the top with 1,652 sales. Another indicator of how well June sales activity went this year is the fact the equivalent of 4 out of 5 new listings sold and nearly half of the entire MLS® inventory turned over.

 

Also noteworthy for June is it is WinnipegREALTORS® first month when dollar volume for residential-detached sales eclipsed $300 million and a new MLS® dollar volume record was set at $368 million. The average residential-detached sales price in June of $258,275 was up 3% over the same month last year while the average condominium price of $201,642 increased 7% over June 2010. Year-to-date average prices for these two MLS® property types are close to the monthly levels with condominiums almost identical at $201,764 and residential-detached at $256,195.

 

Speaking of average residential-detached sale prices, when you look at the different quadrants of the city and outside Winnipeg for the first six months of 2011, the rural MLS® areas which represent almost one out of four sales had a moderating influence on the overall average price increase of 5%. Why? Rural prices have only risen 1% where the north-west quadrant of the city is up 5% and the others are all over 6% with the north-central quadrant highest at 8%. 

 

June MLS® unit sales increased 6% (1,516/1,432) while dollar volume rose 12% ($367.9 million/$329.2 million) in comparison to the same month last year. Year-to-date MLS® sales are up 3% (6,660/6,452) while dollar volume has increased 7% ($1.56 billion/ $1.45 billion) in comparison to the same period last year. Similar to year-to-date results last month, the over 10,000 MLS® listings entered on the MLS® thus far remain in a virtual deadlock with 2010.

 

“A real solid June performance helped propel our first half of 2011 market activity slightly ahead of forecast range for sales increases and did more than expected to keep a lid on price appreciation,” said Ralph Fyfe, president of WinnipegREALTORS®. “When you drill down further into different MLS® areas, property types, listing activity and price movement, you clearly see much more divergence in results.  This should not be surprising given all real estate markets are local in their make-up and have different factors at play in shaping all that transpires.”

 

Here is just one example of how one MLS® area stood out from the rest in June. River Heights had 17 new listings yet completed 24 sales leaving two listings remaining for sale in July. While there were some other MLS® neighbourhoods where sales overtook the number of new listings, it is not a typical occurrence and not to the extent that happened in River Heights.

 

Fyfe added, “Buyers and sellers need to be talking to REALTORS® - the experts on the local real estate market – to gain the information and keen insights they possess on what best fits the unique needs of their own situation. It will then give them the confidence and ability to make an informed decision.”

 

A quick review of MLS® property type activity year-to-date shows residential-detached sales are up 3%, condominiums ahead by 8% and vacant land a whopping 28%.

 

For residential-detached sales in June, 60% of total sales were from $150,000 to $299,999 with the $200,000 to $249,999 price range leading the way at 24%. The $0 to $99,999 price range only represented 3% of all sales.  The average days-on-market was 23 days, one day slower than last month and the same pace as June 2010.

 

Condominium sales activity in June saw 79% of sales from $100,000 to $249,999 with 42% coming in the $150,000 to $199,999 price range. The average days-on-market for condominiums was 22 days, six days faster than last month and 11 days quicker than June 2010.

 

Established in 1903, WinnipegREALTORS® is a professional association representing over 1,600 real estate brokers, salespeople, appraisers, and financial members active in the Greater Winnipeg Area real estate market.  Its REALTOR® members adhere to a strict code of ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) designed exclusively for REALTORS®.   WinnipegREALTORS® serves its members by promoting the benefits of an organized real estate profession.  REALTOR®, MLS® and Multiple Listing Service® are trademarks owned and controlled by the Canadian Real Estate Association and are used under licence.

 

For further information, contact Peter Squire at 786-8854.

 

Shaila Wise

WinnipegREALTORS®

Administrative Assistant, Public Affairs

Phone: 204-786-8854  Ext. 219

Fax: 204-784-2343

Website: www.winnipegrealtors.ca

Email: swise@winnipegrealtors.ca

Fighting for Homebuyers

www.2muchltt.com

Untitled

We are very excited to be getting NHL back to Winnipeg! Wonder what the new name should be?

Sniff Out Potential Problems When House Hunting

Sniff Out Potential Problems When House Hunting

By Liz Gray, FrontDoor.com | Published: 4/02/2008

Mold and mildew create strong smells and can cost a lot of money to fix what is letting the moisture into the home.

When you're looking for a new home, be sure to look with your nose, not just your eyes. A bad smell may be a sign of a larger issue that could cost you dearly.

Take a big whiff of the air when you're outside the house. Do you smell sewage, gas or anything else that's unpleasant? Sewage systems in homes older than 20 years often get clogged or damaged by tree roots. If you're buying an older home, sewer and plumbing companies can send a camera through the pipes and determine if there are any blockages or breaks.

Keep your nose at attention inside the house as well. Do you smell cigarette, pet or mildew odors? If you can't smell anything but the huge baskets of potpourri all over the house, this could be a red flag as well.

Pet and smoke smells can be minimized with a little cleaning and elbow grease, but will take a long time to fully dissipate. Mildew and mold smells indicate a much larger problem -- mold removal can cost thousands of dollars, plus whatever's letting moisture in will need to be fixed.

If you notice a strong smell but are interested in the house, hire an inspector who will pay special attention to unmasking the foul odor.

 

http://www.frontdoor.com/Buy/Sniff-Out-Potential-Problems-When-House-Hunting/1566

 

Making Yourself at Home After a Move

Have you heaved a huge sigh of relief yet? If not, go ahead -- you've earned it.

Now that you've successfully cruised through moving day, you can start turning your new digs into a home sweet home. Of course, your idea of "home" may not include ceiling-high stacks of cardboard boxes. Or maybe you're not exactly smitten with whatever misguided decor (gilded wallpaper? shag carpeting?) the previous owners left behind.

TIP: Establish a sanctuary within your home. Choose one room to paint immediately, and decorate it with items that make you feel warm 'n' fuzzy -- a favorite armchair, a few picture frames, or your projection-screen television. It may be a while before all your belongings are put away and renovations complete, but whenever you need a break from your work-in-progress, you can retreat to this room and feel right at home.

Just don't get too comfortable, because you still have some unpacking to do.

Feeling besieged by boxes? Take it one room at a time. The kitchen is a good place to start -- it's the hub of most homes, and besides, too much takeout can be hard on the wallet. Get bathrooms in order next, and then move on to bedrooms, living rooms, and guest rooms. If you can't find a place for something, sell it or toss it. Don't let it languish in unpacking limbo.

Once your house is in order, take some time to explore your new community. Start with the nuts and bolts:

• Find the nearest post office, bank, grocery store, police department, fire department, and hospital.
• Update your driver's license and car registration with the DMV; if you're not a fan of standing in line, log on to your state's DMV website.
• Register to vote in your new district, and find out where the nearest polling location is.
• Call your town's sanitation department and see if curbside pickup is offered for trash and recycling.
• Get acquainted with the rules and regulations of your apartment complex or homeowners' association.
• Send e-mails or moving announcements to your friends and family with your new address and phone number. For inspiration, read Creative Ways to Announce Your Move.

Once you've made it official, you can focus on the fun stuff. Introduce yourself to the neighbors, and take a few meandering walks until you learn your way around. Subscribe to the local newspaper, get a library card, go shopping downtown, or join the health club. Make it your goal to find the best pizza delivery, deli, or takeout in your neighborhood. It may take some time to adjust, but before you know it, you'll feel like a local.

 

 

 

By Kara Wahlgren, FrontDoor.com | Published: 1/28/2008

http://www.frontdoor.com/Move/Making-Yourself-at-Home-After-a-Move/969

How Working with a Realtor Can Benefit YOU

Buying or selling a home can be one of the most important and complicated transactions you make in your lifetime.  With this transaction comes plenty of paperwork, endless decisions to be made, and unknown obstacles.  A Realtor can help you through the process of buying or selling a home from beginning to end, and ensure your financial and legal protection along the way.  Realtors differ from other licensed or registered real estate agents or brokerages in that they are member of The Canadian Real Estate Association, and as such must adhere to the REALTOR® Code and Standards of Business Practice.  These regulations, ethics and high standards ensure you will receive the best possible assistance while buying or selling your property.  Below is an explanation of ways in which a Realtor can help you.

Skill

Realtors have professional marketing and negotiating skills that can help you buy or sell your home at a price that works for you. 

Knowledge

A Realtor knows the ins and out of the industry and uses his or her education and experience to your advantage.  In addition to their training, Realtors constantly update their knowledge through professional education programs. 

Resources

Realtors have a plethora of resources at their fingertips, which can help you buy or sell a property faster and broaden your options.  Realtors have access to the Multiple Listing Service; thus if you are buying a home, a Realtor can find properties other Realtors are selling, or if you are selling they can list your home so other buyers can discover it through the Realtor with whom they are working.  Realtors can also post signs which can direct buyers’ attention to a home that is for sale and being handled professionally.

Protection

Realtors must follow strict regulations and adhere to a code of ethics that is designed to protect you, the client.  A Realtor is bound to client confidentiality and also must offer you his or her undivided loyalty; he or she must “protect the client’s negotiating position at all times, and disclose all known facts, which may affect or influence their decision.”  Realtors must also “obey all lawful instructions of the seller” and “account for all money and property placed in a brokerage’s hands while acting for the client.”  Furthermore, a realtor can legally incorporate a Property Disclosure Statement into a Contract for Purchase and Sale, ensuring you buy a home with full knowledge of any defects of which the seller may be aware.

For more information, talk to your local CENTURY 21 real estate professional.

 

 

 

Posted by Jules Seaman on March 28, 2011 

 

Buy What You Need, Not What You Want

Make a list of your ideal home and stick to it while house hunting

 

It's easy to be awe-struck by a razzle-dazzle listing. Everyone loves to look at marble countertops, hot tubs and master suites, but make sure a home meets your practical needs before you start indulging your wants. The average person homebuyer keeps a home for about 9 years, so you want to be sure about your investment before you buy. Gather a list of criteria before you start looking at homes, and keep a journal to keep track how each property you look at matches up with your list.

To get started, think about what you dislike about your current digs. Are you tired of bumping into your significant other in your cramped-quarters kitchen? Are you expecting a new family member, or looking to start a family and worried about space? Are you an empty-nester who wants to streamline and downsize? Make a note of whatever it is that's giving you the itch to move, and make sure its at the top of the list for must-have features. If you're happy with your current home but have to move to a new area, try to match your new home with your current abode's amenities.

Next, consider the amount of space you'll need in your new home. How many bedrooms do you need? What's the least amount of square footage you're willing live in? Make your numbers slightly flexible.

Also, consider the things you love about your current home and neighborhood that you would be unhappy without. Love reading in the late-afternoon sun? Look for a house with a sunroom or bright living area. If you can't live without your daily java, make sure the home you choose has a coffee shop within walking distance.

Once you've written the specifics, prioritize your lists. Put things your new home must have at the top, and put wants (things you'd like to have but don't need) towards the bottom. Share the list with your real estate agent to help them find listings in your price range that meet all of your needs.

 

http://www.frontdoor.com/Buy/Buy-What-You-Need-Not-What-You-Want/2336

By FrontDoor.com | Published: 9/15/2008

SMART WAYS TO UNCLOG A DRAIN

With a few inexpensive household items, you can avoid a costly visit from the plumber by clearing drain clogs yourself.

Using cola..
Pour 3 cups of warm cola down your drain and let it sit overnight; the citric acid in the soda will break up any buildup in your pipes. In the morning, run hot water to help flush the remains.

Dissolve it with fizz.
Drop 3 denture tablets down the drain followed with a cup of vinegar. When mixed together, they bubble to dissolve drain buildup. After the bubbling stops, run hot water down the drain.

Bubble break.
Pour a 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, then 1 cup white vinegar immediately after. Cover the drain to force the bubbles down into the pipes; let sit for 15 minutes, then flush it down with a gallon of water.

Bring on the water.
Boil a teapot of water and pour it down the drain very slowly.This will loosen any grease or dirt that may be plugging it up.

Take the plunge.
Plungers are not just for the toilet. Buy a mini version at a hardware store and use it to suck up debris that’s stuck in the drain. Tip: If you line the plunger rim with petroleum jelly it will improve the suction.

A family of four, each showering for 5 minutes a day, uses 700 gallons of water a week; this is enough for a 3-year supply of drinking water for one person. You can cut that amount in half by simply using low-flow aerating showerheads and faucets.

 

 

http://www.pillartopost.com/postnotes/postNotes-pillarToPost-newsletter-jan-2011.aspx#window

CREATING A SPA-TASTIC BATHROOM

With these easy changes, it is possible to create the feeling of a luxurious spa right at home.

Keep a supply of bath accessories on hand. A bathtub tray, fuzzy tub pillow, lavish bath salts and oils all help bring the spa experience home. Break out the fluffiest towels By putting your most luxurious, soft and comfortable towels on display, you will create the look and feel of a sumptuous spa. Shed some (candle) light on it. Light a lot of scented candles. Scents such as Vanilla, Lavender and Juniper help create an aromatherapy environment. Get some focus. A potted plant or vase of flowers creates not only a soothing focal point, but it also adds a splash of color. Plush touch. Use the thickest and fuzziest bathroom floor mat you can find. Your wet feet will appreciate this inexpensive addition. Two is better than one. Install a dual shower head for an invigorating massage each time you shower. The best part is most shower heads require no tools to install.

House Match: Starting Out, This is the most important purchase you're likely to make. You want to get it right.

THE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

Regardless of how ideal the market may seem, it's still a good idea to sit down with your real estate agent and think about how you see your life in three or five years and ask yourself some pointed questions.

Can I afford it?

Buying a house will have a significant impact on your finances, so make sure you can handle it.

Housing is more affordable than ever and incentives like low interest rates and the new expanded tax credit are enticing buyers to enter the market. But purchasing property involves a lot of upfront costs: closing costs, down payment, new furniture, moving expenses. Do you have enough cash?

Create a budget for the monthly mortgage payment and homeownership costs, such as general maintenance if you buy a single-family home or homeowners association fees if you buy a condo.

Am I mortgage-worthy?

Say you saved enough cash, but what about your credit? It's not a secret that getting a mortgage these days is harder than it used to be. Lenders are looking closely at all documentation of your income, debts, assets and liabilities, to make sure you don't exceed the maximum debt-to-income ratio. And when it comes to credit scores, the most competitive interest rates (the 5 percent you may have heard about) only go to buyers with credit scores above 700.

The key is to review your financial situation before you check out open houses. Use our affordability calculator to see what kind of monthly mortgage payment you can comfortably afford.

Do I plan to live here for at least five years?

Most personal finance experts say that unless you plan to live in a home for at least five years, you likely won't recoup any of the expenses associated with buying and later selling the house.

Plus, your first few years of mortgage payments primarily pay off interest, not your principal, so you will not have built up a lot of equity in your home. You may be better off renting if you expect to move in the next couple of years. Just because you live in a buyer's market doesn't mean the time is right for you to buy.

If I buy with another person, how will this affect me?

Buying real estate with another person has its perks, if you both have stable financial situations. By combining cash and resources, you're likely to get a bigger, better place than you each would as individual buyers. Plus, when you're starting out, it helps to share the financial burden with someone else.

But before you start house hunting together, sit down, lay all your cards on the table and get the answers to these important questions. Whether you're buying with a spouse, domestic partner, relative or friend, setting the ground rules first will save you both a lot of headaches in the future.

Is it worth the money?

Frey admits that she's spending slightly more than she wanted to, but, in the end, she decided it was worth it because "the appliances stay, the kitchen is remodeled and it's a house that I won't outgrow in a few years."

In other words, the place in which you live is an investment and the money will always be relevant, but that old-fashioned moniker "home sweet home" is decidedly modern these days. People aren't buying houses anymore; they're buying homes.

 

By Geoff Williams and Annalisa Burgos, FrontDoor.com | Published: 10/07/2009

http://www.frontdoor.com/buy/House-Match-Starting-Out/55312/p2

Mortgage Request Documentation Checklist

When buying a new home, some documentation is needed to support your mortgage request.  By providing your mortgage specialist with the documents that are indicated on the list below, you can work together to finalize your mortgage needs efficiently.

Information that describes the property you are buying:

• Purchase and Sale Agreement
• MLS Listing with photo
• Name, address, telephone number of your solicitor / notary

Confirmation of your down payment:

• Savings or investment statement from within last 90 days
• Sale of an existing property – a copy of the sale agreement
• Gift letter
• Withdrawal from RRSP through Home Buyer’s Plan

Employment verification:

• Copy of latest T4 slip
• T4
• Letter of employment
• T1 General and Notice of Assessment (NOA if self-employed)

Other information that may be required:

As part of your application process, your mortgage broker will ask you questions relating to what you owe and own, what some of the projected expenses relating to the property are, such as taxes, heating costs and condo fees, and whether you will be using the property to generate income.

http://www.century21.ca/Blog/Mortgage_Request_Documentation_Checklist

Angela Slager is with CENTURY 21 Heritage House Ltd. in Woodstock, ON.

 

Four Ways to Make Your House Irresistible to Buyers

Increase curb appeal to turn your home into buyer-bait

By FrontDoor.com | Published: 11/01/2007

 

 

 

So what is curb appeal? It's that quality in a house that gives a potential buyer a love-at-first-sight sensation when they drive up. Simply put, it's giving your house a pretty face. Studies show spending 5 percent of your home's value in landscaping could produce a return of 150 percent or more when you sell the place.

Here are four ways to turn up your home's sex appeal without emptying your bank account:

1. Come up with a concept for your landscape.
Have a plan, so everything you do to the yard and your home's exterior is deliberate. Hiring a landscape designer to draw up a plan is a good place to start. You can also hire designers to give you ideas on exterior paint colors and remodeling tips for the entryway. 

2. Focus on the front door. 
Make sure people know where your front door and create a welcoming entrance that guides people to the home's entry. You can do this by creating paths, patios or beds of plants that shape the house's face. Or it can be as simple as painting your door a bright color and putting out a big welcome mat. The point is to make people feel as if they are arriving somewhere special, not just stepping up on a bland stoop.

3. Deal with the driveway. 
In most new homes the driveway is the first thing you see -- which is good if you're a car, not a human. You need to downplay the driveway, or distract a potential buyer's eyes away from all that concrete. You can do this by creating a path to the front door that leads eyes away from the driveway to the house's face. Or you can stain the ugly gray concrete to make it look like stone or paint it with a pigmented sealer. 

4. Pay attention to details. 
Little things mean a lot in the big picture because they pull the house's look together. Things like small, colorful ceramic tiles placed into brick steps to carry through a color scheme. Edging the lawn. Large planters. Finally, don't forget to tidy up. Curb appeal also means a place that looks neat and clean, the kind of place you'd like to live.

 

 

http://www.frontdoor.com/Sell/Four-Ways-to-Make-Your-House-Irresistible-to-Buyers/578

Buyer Representation Agreement - Protecting Consumers

Have a look at any contract you’ve signed…phone, internet, gas, etc.  If you read the clauses, you’ll discover that most of the time the contract protects the company more than it protects the consumer.  Most contracts are extremely long and you likely won’t be able to get an explanation or clarification from a company sales rep. You may have limited choices on the duration of the contract and if you decide that you want out, it’s likely going to cost you.  Frankly, it’s no wonder there are a lot of people who are apprehensive when it comes to The Buyer Representation Contract with Realtors.  This is, after all, a house/condo not a cell phone!  The thing you might not know is that a Buyer Representation Agreement actually protects consumers.

Generally, a Buyer Representation Agreement outlines the parties in the working relationship and the expectations from both parties. In this case, what is to be expected of us, as Realtors and what is to be expected of you as the Buyers. Buyer Representation Agreements document the type of property the buyer(s) is looking for and  puts everything on the table so there are no misconceptions or misunderstandings. It also give house hunters the freedom to choose the duration of the contract - how long you want to work with a certain Realtor for.

How is this good for you?

Simple…you’re protected in several ways.  It starts with the fact that you’re entering into this contract with the Brokerage (Office), not the specific Realtor. This means that if there are serious problems with your Realtor, the owners of the Brokerage are responsible and accountable.  The contract also outlines several possible scenarios that Buyers might encounter while working with a Realtor (working with other Buyers, Multiple Representation, Customer Service with Sellers, etc) and how it affects the working relationship.  It requires your Realtor to explain the different types of representation to you, giving you the necessary knowledge and understanding of what to expect during the process.  MOST IMPORTANTLY, however, a signed contract with a Brokerage means that any information you share with your Realtor is kept 100% confidential.

What about the commission clause?There are a few clauses on the contract that protect your Realtor and the Brokerage.  This is one of them.  If you think about it, no one wants to work for free. A Realtor is no exception, but until you actually buy a house, that is essentially what a Realtor is doing.  That’s why this clause is on the contract. By asking you…the person who has been benefiting from our efforts…to provide that compensation IF we are unable to get it through the seller. This clause protects our compensation for all the work we’ve been putting into finding you a property. 

There‘s still going to be protection for you because this clause should be discussed up front.  You’re not going to be blind sided with a bill for a Realtor's commission.  You should be informed asap if this is a possibility, giving you the freedom to consider your options before you even walk in the door of a house.

 

Posted by Sylvia Robbins on January 18, 201

http://www.century21.ca/Blog/Buyer_Representation_Agreement_-_Protecting_Consumers

Changes to Mortgage Rules

On Monday, the Government of Canada announced adjustments to the rules for government-backed insured mortgages. These changes are an effort to address concerns about the increasing levels of Canadian household debt. They are designed to ensure that homebuyers don’t risk their financial security by buying more than they can afford.

So what do these adjustments mean to the average homeowner?

Here’s a look at the new rules that were announced by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty:

Reduce the maximum amortization period to 30 years from 35 years for new government-backed insured mortgages with loan-to-value ratios of more than 80 per cent.

By reducing the amortization period for new high-ratio mortgages, monthly payments may be more, but Canadians will be able to decrease the amount of interest paid on their mortgages. According to Adrienne Warren, Senior Economist for the Bank of Nova Scotia, the impact of the change to amortization would be relatively modest, at about $100 more per month in carrying costs for an average home.

The new rule takes effect March 18, 2011 and will only affect people buying homes after this date. If you already have a mortgage (either a 35 or 40 year) you should be able to keep it through your renewals.

5% continues to be the minimum down payment.

Lower the maximum amount Canadians can borrow in refinancing their mortgages to 85 % from 90 % of the value of their homes.

This new rule is an attempt to promote “saving through home ownership and limit the repackaging of consumer debt into mortgages guaranteed by taxpayers”.

This rule also takes effect March 18, 2011

Withdraw government insurance backing on lines of credit secured by homes, such as home equity lines of credit (HELOCs).

According to a Globe and Mail interview with personal finance expert,Rob Carrick, there has been no indication of upcoming changes to how lenders do business. In theory though, by withdrawing government-backed insurance, lenders could start charging higher interest rates on new credit lines or create tougher qualifying requirements.

Home equity lines of credits have been growing in popularity as a borrowing tool and the Federal Government is attempting to slow the growth of this type of borrowing.

This rule takes effect April 18, 2011

No matter what situation you’re in, whether you are a current homeowner or are in the market for a new place, it’s a good idea to take a hard look at your finances and know where you’re money is going.

There are still many mortgage options for homebuyers. Do your research and talk to a Realtor or a mortgage broker to find out what your options are.

Posted by Don Lawby on January 19, 2011

How to Make the Most of Your Open House Set your house apart with these simple tips

You've got better things to do on a Sunday than hold an open house. It's not the greatest feeling having your home opened up for strangers to ogle at your closets or poke through your shower. And while experts may debate the value of open houses, you want to get that property sold, so you do what you have to do.

Your Realtor or agent should fill you in on the basics, such as getting the house as clean and tidy as possible for the big day, making sure both yards are trimmed and some fresh flowers are sprouting, and always hiding money, medication, jewelry or small valuables. In addition, here are some extra tips to make your open house count (and make you feel like you were productive during those precious Sunday hours):

• Make It Generic -- Yes, it's still your home, but you're trying to get other people to picture it as their home. Put away all of the family photos, the children's art, the shopping lists and doctor visit reminders from the refrigerator. And turn the volume on the message machine to "off" so potential buyers aren't screening your phone messages.

Clear the Decks -- Stick the fancy electronic toothbrushes, irrigators, deodorants, perfumes, etc. under the sink in the bathroom, and find a hiding place for your coffee maker, Cuisinart and juice maker in the kitchen. The more spacious countertops look, the more people will remember your house. "Nice clean counters give people ideas. They want to know if they're big enough to store their own appliances and products," says Lance Mohr, a Tampa, Fla. Realtor.

Dinner! -- Put out your best place settings on the dining room table. It adds a touch of class, making it appear that you're going to be serving a fabulous dinner party later in the evening after the potential buyers have scooted back home, even if you're really planning on KFC in front of the TV.

The Doormat Trick -- Just before most people enter a house, they reflexively glance down and give their shoes a rub on the doormat. If you're selling, now's the time to go all out and invest in a nice one. It's a subtle sign that you care about the property and that you're no slob (even though you may have gotten along just fine without one for the last few years).

Way to a Buyer's Heart -- Bribes. In this market, try anything. If your open house is occurring when the weather is cool, leave behind a big tray of freshly baked cookies or brownies or a canister of hot chocolate and paper cups. In summer, a big pitcher of lemonade or mini-bottles of cold water can cause some thirsty soul to pause and take a good look around at your house.

Take Off -- It can be intimidating for a potential buyer to ask an agent frank questions about a property with the owner trying to listen in the hallway. Plus, buyers are expecting to see the house, not you, sorry. "I had an owner who came back home early from a hike during the open and took off his shirt," says real estate agent Rob Smith of San Diego. "It was a great house, but people came in and saw this sweaty guy without a shirt and they were grossed out." And don't forget to take your barking dog with you.

By John Morell, FrontDoor.com | Published: 7/10/2008

 

http://www.frontdoor.com/Sell/How-to-Make-the-Most-of-Your-Open-House/2112

 

How to Make the Most of Your Open House Set your house apart with these simple tips

You've got better things to do on a Sunday than hold an open house. It's not the greatest feeling having your home opened up for strangers to ogle at your closets or poke through your shower. And while experts may debate the value of open houses, you want to get that property sold, so you do what you have to do.

Your Realtor or agent should fill you in on the basics, such as getting the house as clean and tidy as possible for the big day, making sure both yards are trimmed and some fresh flowers are sprouting, and always hiding money, medication, jewelry or small valuables. In addition, here are some extra tips to make your open house count (and make you feel like you were productive during those precious Sunday hours):

• Make It Generic -- Yes, it's still your home, but you're trying to get other people to picture it as their home. Put away all of the family photos, the children's art, the shopping lists and doctor visit reminders from the refrigerator. And turn the volume on the message machine to "off" so potential buyers aren't screening your phone messages.

Clear the Decks -- Stick the fancy electronic toothbrushes, irrigators, deodorants, perfumes, etc. under the sink in the bathroom, and find a hiding place for your coffee maker, Cuisinart and juice maker in the kitchen. The more spacious countertops look, the more people will remember your house. "Nice clean counters give people ideas. They want to know if they're big enough to store their own appliances and products," says Lance Mohr, a Tampa, Fla. Realtor.

Dinner! -- Put out your best place settings on the dining room table. It adds a touch of class, making it appear that you're going to be serving a fabulous dinner party later in the evening after the potential buyers have scooted back home, even if you're really planning on KFC in front of the TV.

The Doormat Trick -- Just before most people enter a house, they reflexively glance down and give their shoes a rub on the doormat. If you're selling, now's the time to go all out and invest in a nice one. It's a subtle sign that you care about the property and that you're no slob (even though you may have gotten along just fine without one for the last few years).

Way to a Buyer's Heart -- Bribes. In this market, try anything. If your open house is occurring when the weather is cool, leave behind a big tray of freshly baked cookies or brownies or a canister of hot chocolate and paper cups. In summer, a big pitcher of lemonade or mini-bottles of cold water can cause some thirsty soul to pause and take a good look around at your house.

Take Off -- It can be intimidating for a potential buyer to ask an agent frank questions about a property with the owner trying to listen in the hallway. Plus, buyers are expecting to see the house, not you, sorry. "I had an owner who came back home early from a hike during the open and took off his shirt," says real estate agent Rob Smith of San Diego. "It was a great house, but people came in and saw this sweaty guy without a shirt and they were grossed out." And don't forget to take your barking dog with you.

By John Morell, FrontDoor.com | Published: 7/10/2008

 

http://www.frontdoor.com/Sell/How-to-Make-the-Most-of-Your-Open-House/2112