Posts by curiousprojects

Boost Your Curb Appeal with 4 Doable DIY Projects

December 16, 2015 | Comments Off

Most sellers realize that preparing the interior of their homes for viewing is essential. In this article, Bob Villa explains it is just as important to stage the exterior of your house as it is to prepare the inside rooms when you are selling. For example, a clean, well-maintained yard will signal that you have taken care of the property during your time as owner. Power washing the garage door, driveway and fences will add to that impression. If you are upgrading the paint, determine whether accent painting (shutters, columns, etc.) or a whole-house job is required. And,
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5 must-do’s for first-time home buyers

December 15, 2015 | Comments Off

This homeownership.ca article by real estate lawyer Mark Weisleder gives the essentials for the novice buyer. Start by calculating what you can afford (general rule is 30% of gross income). Then, figure out what is important to you and search for properties with those features. Ask the seller about flooding, leaks, mould, insurance claims and neighbourhood problems. Pay for a thorough home inspection by a qualified inspector and buy an after-sale warranty. To read more click here. The post 5 must-do’s for first-time home buyers appeared first on Team Realty. Source: Blog
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Underwriting insights! What Every Homebuyer Should Know Before Applying for a Mortgage

December 6, 2015 | Comments Off

This homeownership.ca post tells why an understanding of underwriting is a key advantage for home buyers seeking a mortgage. Work with a mortgage professional to get pre-approved for a mortgage so you know your price range and can make an offer instantly. The pre-approval process determines the size of mortgage and type of home you can afford. You will need to assemble your credit report and other documentation (financial and employment history, creditworthiness, income) the lender or mortgage insurer needs to process the application. The documentation required varies depending on individual circumstances. For example, self-employed applicants should be prepared
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Create a beautiful bathroom for the ages

December 5, 2015 | Comments Off

As people age, reduced mobility, impaired balance, failing vision and muscle weakness make them more susceptible to injuries in their home, and bathrooms are no exception. This Consumer Reports article tells how the latest design trends are helping owners upgrade their bathrooms with changes that enhance safety while retaining their beauty and avoiding an institutional look. In addition, subtle name changes have made useful improvements like shower rails (formerly called grab bars) and higher-seated toilets (“comfort height”) more acceptable. By widening the bathroom doorway, removing the raised sill and replacing knobs with easier-to-open handles you improve access. Installing slip-resistant tile
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Why Cleaning Window Screens Should Be Part of Your Winter Strategy

December 4, 2015 | Comments Off

Should removing and cleaning the window screens be part of your winter maintenance routine? According to this houzz.com post, there are several benefits to be gained. Simply put, dirty mesh blocks light, heat and the view. For example, you get 30 to 40 percent more light coming in without screens on the windows. More sunshine means you need less artificial light and can save on energy costs. In addition, removing the screens increases the solar energy getting through to the windows. Improved solar heat gain reduces the need for mechanical heating saving on heating bills. Also, during a storm, snow
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Ottawa Real Estate Update: November 2015

December 3, 2015 | Comments Off

Mild weather and post-election enthusiasm spurs on home buyers! Statistics are useful in establishing trends but should not be used as an indicator of an increase or decrease in value of specific properties. If you are curious about the value of your home and/or specific neighbourhood statistics we would love to help. Contact us. Information below provided by the Ottawa Real Estate Board December 3rd, 2015 Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 990 residential properties in November through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 891 in November 2014, an increase of
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Not Only Millennials Want Walkable Communities

December 3, 2015 | Comments Off

A walkable community is well-planned, compact and designed for people to walk to work, school, parks restaurants and activities as a form of everyday transportation. According to a National Association of Realtors survey, more and more buyers want to live in walkable communities. The study found that fully 12% more Millennials, the generation born between the mid 1980′s and early 2000′s, would rather walk to their destination than drive. But, fitness enthusiasts and eco-friendly individuals also desire walkable neighbourhoods. Aging In Place Older Canadians want neighbourhoods that better fit their changing requirements. As baby boomers enter their retirement years,
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Higher electricity costs: how to circumvent them

December 2, 2015 | Comments Off

Because the cost of electricity is expected to rise as a result of the federal Liberals’ green energy policies, prudent investors should pay attention to the energy consumption of their rental properties. This Canadian Real Estate Magazine post advises landlords to find ways to become more energy efficient such as installing programmable thermostats and motion sensor lights. More important is to pass the higher cost of hydro on to their tenants, whenever possible, and to implement an energy consumption ceiling for their all-inclusive leases. To read more click here. Source: Blog
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9 Bad Habits That Are Killing Your Appliances

December 1, 2015 | Comments Off

This slide show from Bob Villa is an excellent visual representation of how NOT to treat your appliances. For example, an overloaded washing machine stresses the bearings and misaligns the drum. Overfilling the freezer can block air vents, restrict the flow of cold air and overtax the condenser. Clean spills right after using the oven as they can damage the heating coils. To read more click here. Source: Blog
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Ottawa Named 3rd Best City in the World for Quality of Life; Here’s Why

November 30, 2015 | Comments Off

In this Point2Homes post, Nadia Balint attributes Ottawa’s stellar, but unsurprising (to locals), ranking in the recent Numbeo Quality of Life Index to three characteristics: Ottawa is young and fun with almost half the population under 35, it promotes and supports family life and the housing is relatively affordable. The Index rates factors like purchasing power, safety, property price to income ratio, and pollution. To read more click here. Source: Blog
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