Thinking of selling your house? For a variety of reasons, it's best to do so during the Summer.

From the Prior Real Estate Team:

Home buying and selling activity is typically hottest during the summer months. Here are five top reasons you should take advantage of the season and make the move this summer.

1. More homes to choose from
More people choose to sell during the summer due to nicer weather and school schedules. With a larger number of homes on the market, you’re more likely to find a home that suits your lifestyle and budget. If you’re thinking of selling, you’ll find a greater number of potential buyers in the summer.

2. Easier on the kids
The variety of summer programs available makes it easier for your children to meet future schoolmates. Kids are also playing outside more, which gives them lots of opportunities to make friends in their own neighborhood. Not to mention they’ll be able to start in the beginning of the school year and avoid the obvious new-kid syndrome.

3. More daylight
This is a plus for both sides of a transaction—buying and selling. It’s more appealing to show your house in the daylight.

4. Flowers are in bloom
As long as you water regularly, your curb appeal will be maximized by the lush and fragrant summer-blooming flowers. This also gives buyers a good idea of the amount of maintenance to expect to keep your yard looking beautiful.

5. Garage sale season
This is the perfect time to get rid of clutter. Your house will appear more spacious to your potential buyers, plus you’ll have less stuff to haul to your new home. Invite your neighbors to participate and make it a block sale for better attendance.

If you’re planning on buying this summer, get an advantage over the competition by getting pre-approved now. Whether you’re buying your first home, or selling your current home and buying another, the summer is an ideal time to make YOUR move.

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From YourHome.ca:

It’s set amidst breathtaking scenery, close to countless lakes, home to a championship 18-hole golf course – and even has a ski hill in the middle of town. But about 20 years ago, Elliot Lake was facing extinction.

When uranium all but dried up in the late 1980s in what had become the “Uranium Mining Capital of the World,” mining companies Rio Algom and Denison Mines had no choice but to shut down their operations – leaving about 4,000 people out of work and a community of empty homes, at least half of which were owned by the companies.

“Essentially what happened was the mining companies wanted out of the housing business, because they had no need for them if they don’t have employees, and the city was in a situation where obviously it didn’t want to turn into a ghost town,” says Marielle Brown, manager of marketing and sales with Elliot Lake Retirement Living.

“So one of the ideas they came up with was: Who needs housing that’s very affordable but doesn’t need a job? The logical answer was retirees,” she says. “The whole baby boomer thing was years and years away from being realized. (The idea) was extremely revolutionary and I think for some people it was a silly idea.”

The whole baby boomer thing is now very much in the present, and it turns out that the small city of about 12,000 people, located 540 kilometres northwest of Toronto, was ahead of its time in creating a community that caters to older adults. Since 1990, Elliot Lake has successfully marketed its affordable housing and amenities to those close to retirement or already retired.

Its latest endeavour is a popular waterfront development project. About 400 lots on surrounding lakes have been sold – about 70 per cent of them to retirees or the almost retired – and cottage construction has been fuelling the building industry.

In the past 10 to 15 years, the number of adult lifestyle communities in Ontario has exploded, and today it’s estimated there are well over 250 developments built for people over 50, especially retirees, including Brampton’s Rosedale Village Golf and Country Club in Brampton.

If demographic projections bear out, the number of such communities should continue to grow as more people seek to downsize and simplify their lives.

According to Statistics Canada, in 1951 about 1.1 million people in the country were over the age of 65, accounting for 7.7 per cent of the population. Forty years later, the number had grown to 3.1 million people, making up 11.6 per cent. By next year, the percentage of the population over 65 is expected to rise to 14.4 per cent, followed by 18.7 per cent in 2021, 23.4 per cent in 2031 and a full quarter of the population in 2041. Next year is also the first year that the oldest baby boomers – those born in 1946 – turn 65, setting the stage for about 20 years of a corresponding seniors boom.

“It’s certainly going to diversify the types of development, since there’s going to be a greater demand for different types of housing,” says Andrew Ramlo, a demographer with Urban Futures, a Vancouver-based non-profit research institute and consulting firm that works with municipalities, provincial governments and developers in planning for growth. “One of those specifically, if you look at the eldest segment of the population, is going to be things like retirement communities.”

But Ramlo says a couple of other factors need to be considered. One is that people are living longer, healthier lives, which means that “the point at which people may choose to make that decision is getting pushed off later in life, because we’re healthier.”

He also points to StatsCan’s mobility statistics, which indicate the share of people in a particular age group who change residences. “From every age group after the age of 35, the likelihood that you are going to move actually declines pretty significantly,” he says.

The 2006 census found that while only 22 per cent of those Canadians between 30 and 34 stayed in the same dwelling from 2001 to 2006, the rate was 62 per cent for those 50 to 54, 67 per cent for those 60 to 64, and 70 per cent for those 65 to 69. For seniors 70 and older, 74 per cent had stayed in the same dwelling during the period in question.

Despite these findings, Ramlo says there will be a need for new types of housing for the 50-plus group simply because of their sheer numbers.

Ben Myers, executive vice-president of Urbanation, a condominium market research firm in Toronto, says with the growth in the over-45 population in the Greater Toronto Area, there will be plenty of people “looking to move out of their detached or semi-detached homes into a more maintenance-free lifestyle.”

Developers, he says, have been catering to those buyers in Toronto with highrise condos, and in such outlying communities as Milton, Brampton, Clarington, Bolton and Aurora with low-rise developments. “People can trade down, sell their larger houses in Mississauga or Toronto, cash out a bit and take advantage of that lifestyle.”

While the homes of older adults in Elliot Lake are integrated with the larger community, adult lifestyle communities tend to be self-contained condominium developments, with bungalows, semi-detached homes and townhouses surrounding recreational facilities like a rec hall or clubhouse and maybe a golf course. For many of these developments, some of the facilities are open to the public, but there are also those where residents and their guests have exclusive access.

Ownership structure can also vary, from vacant land condos, where residents own their homes and lots in the private development, to residential land leases, where people own their homes but lease the lot.

Ballantrae Golf and Country Club is an example of the former. In its tenth year of operation, the gated adult lifestyle community in Whitchurch-Stouffville has an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts and a recreation centre with an indoor pool and many other amenities. The golf course, which is open to non-residents, also has a clubhouse with a restaurant. About 150 homes are left to be built in the 170-hectare development of 900 detached homes.

“It’s a good lifestyle, and it’s nice because you get the cross-section of people living here,” both retirees and those in their 40s who are still working, says Hugh Macklin, the project manager. “It keeps everybody young.”

He says condo fees cover the recreation centre, and snow shovelling, grass cutting and landscaping of both common areas and owners’ property. That’s also the case at Rosedale Village Golf and Country Club in Brampton. Unlike Ballantrae, the nine-hole golf course is open only to residents and their guests. Both developments have no fences between properties, and rely on landscaping, like shrubs and flowers, to provide privacy. Macklin calls the look “seamless.”

Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities uses the residential land lease approach in its roughly 25 adult lifestyle communities in Canada, the bulk of them in Ontario. Residents own their homes but purchase a lease, usually for terms of 21 years less a day, for the land. Leases can then be renewed for shorter terms.

Like other developments, most Parkbridge communities have a recreation centre or clubhouse, and residents have a choice of getting their snow shovelled and grass cut, or doing it themselves.

Bill Wells, senior vice-president of Parkbridge, says one of the main benefits for residents of the leasing structure is that “we maintain greater control over the community. We would maintain attention to the adult component of the lifestyle. So we would be making sure that those people moving in fit with the adult component.”

That’s because Parkbridge has the right to give final approval when residents buy or sell their homes. “I hate to pick on kids, but the main reason that a lot of these people are moving into these communities is they want an environment where there aren’t a lot of children or teenagers,” Wells says, noting that the grandkids are welcome to visit. The communities, he adds, are set up to provide municipal services for no more than two people per household.

“Most of our communities don’t even have basements (in the homes). The goal is to get away from the stairs.”

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From InsideHalton.ca:

Ground was broken Friday afternoon for a new affordable housing project that’ll allow at least some low-income seniors and people with disabilities to remain in Milton.

Dignitaries gathered at the Childs Drive and Ontario Street site, behind the Milton Seniors’ Activity Centre, to announce approximately $4.8 million in federal and provincial government funding for the project.

“This is great news for people who need a hand up and for Milton itself,” said Halton MP Lisa Raitt.

The project will stimulate the local economy and create jobs, she said.

Continue reading the article

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Casserole, house plant or just a friendly hello - what IS the best way to greet new neighbours?

From the Associated Press:

“If strangers move into a neighbourhood, it is not only unfriendly but uncivil for their neighbours not to call on them.” — Emily Post, Etiquette: The Blue Book of Social Usage, 1937

When we moved across the country to our new town, many friendly neighbours stopped by to say hello. Some brought pastries from a bakery; others offered advice on grocery stores, dentists and hardware stores.

One neighbour, with whom I’d established email contact before the move, even stocked the fridge and pantry with the essentials so we wouldn’t walk into a completely empty house. There was a small table with chairs, utensils, toilet paper, an inexpensive shower curtain, and soap and towels in the bathrooms. Mrs. A was a one-woman welcome wagon.

Some of us remember the official Welcome Wagon ladies coming to our childhood door; the company, started in 1928 by Tennessean Thomas Briggs, was such a cultural fixture that even the Kennedys and Nixons received visits when they moved into the White House. Now the firm operates primarily via the Internet.

In these modern times, what’s the best way to greet our new neighbours? Many people aren’t sure how much to do and when. Do you head over as soon as you see the van arrive, or wait a week, or wait for them to make the overture? Casserole, house plant or just a friendly hello?

Chicago-based residential real estate expert Mark Nash advises waiting till the moving van has gone. “Give them a couple of days to get somewhat settled,” he says.

Offer to take some of the cardboard boxes to the recycle depot, he suggests, and if they have a dog, offer to introduce them to fellow pet owners. Nash says that thoughtful housewarming gifts after the chaos eases could be a nice bird feeder, or a gift certificate for a home improvement store, local spa, dog walker or window washer.

Minneapolis-based psychologist and HGTV.com contributor Dr. Bra Vada Garrett-Akinsaya suggests some inexpensive ways to offer a friendly hand to new families:

• Make a picnic hamper. Include maps for local parks, disposable dishes and some outdoorsy snacks.
• Make a kids’ activity box. Include markers, puzzle books and juice boxes to keep children busy while parents unpack.
• Make a neighbourhood look book: a three-ring binder filled with neighbour contact info, trusted medical practitioners, recommended local businesses.
• Make a kid’s look book. Include photos, names, ages and contact info for neighbourhood kids, and perhaps a calendar to add play dates.
• Make magnets. On a craft store magnet, glue names and numbers of babysitters, yard services and reliable handymen.
• Offer to be a guide. Make a fun coupon good for a personal tour of the area.

Should you take over prepared food? Today we worry about allergies, religious restrictions and taste buds. While most people agree that the gesture’s what counts, it’s probably better to take something neutral rather than your famous tuna broccoli casserole. Nash suggests baked goods, fruits and vegetables, specialty coffees or teas.

Some people favour a festively wrapped bottle of bubbly or good wine. New Yorkers Bob and Christina Agnew fondly recall the elderly next door neighbour who brought over a bottle of fine Scotch.

“It was clearly her favourite because she often stopped by to help us consume it!”

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Only four years old, this two-storey detached house was originally built by Mattamy Homes and sold for over asking price this Spring.

3-bedroom Milton home sells for $490,000

Is the real estate market hot in Milton these days?

You bet.

Milton has become the place to be in the west end of the GTA for a variety of reasons, and even in this troubled economy, sellers are cashing in. Big time.

Case in point: earlier this Spring, a 3-bedroom detached house sold for $490,000 as featured on YourHome.ca’s ‘What they got’ column.

From YourHome.ca:

Only four years old, this two-storey detached house was originally built by Mattamy Homes and sold for over asking price.

“The home boasts an Energy Star Qualified Home Rating. The unique layout is what buyers claimed attracted them to the home,” says listing agent Alfonso Canonizado.

It is close to Milton District Hospital, John Tonelli Sports Centre, and parks. The neighbourhood is part of a new development in the Milton Community.

Main floor has formal dining room with decorative column; living room; executive kitchen with valance lighting, centre island, double sink and counters, high-end fridge and gas stove, open to the breakfast room; laundry room; powder room.

On the second floor are open-concept great room overlooking the dining room; master bedroom with double entry doors, walk-in closet and five-piece ensuite with double sinks, soaker tub and separate shower stall; two more bedrooms; four-piece main bathroom.

Basement is unfinished with a high ceiling.

OVERVIEW:

Location: Derry Rd. and Bronte St.
Asking price: $479,900
Selling price: $490,000
Previous selling price: $390,894 (2009)
Size: 2,301 square feet
Lot: 38 by 88-feet, irregular lot, two-car attached garage, private extra-wide drive
Taxes: $4,290 (2009)
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3
Days on market: 29

Listing agent: Alfonso Canonizado, Sutton Group Realty Systems Inc., Brokerage.

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Photos (from left to right): Alessi Sun Dreams corkscrew, Riedel O Series wine glass, Alessi Anna G. corkscrew, Rosehill Wine Cellars lacquer wine arc and Alessi Banana Boys stoppers.

From Toronto.com:

Find everything you need to wine on your dime in Toronto

From once-in-awhile dabblers to daily drinkers, there are a plethora of accessories out there to help make your wine experiences exactly what you want them to be. Chilling a bottle, popping it open, serving it, drinking it and saving any that remains can be done dozens of ways and there’s a smorgasbord of design-savvy accompaniments. Peruse the lists below to find the perfect wine accoutrements for your particular tastes.

“KEEP IT COOL, BOY”

White wine is best enjoyed chilled. From thermometers to magic stickers, here are a few options for nurturing and monitoring the temperature of your wine.

Wine Bottle Thermometer, Crate and Barrel, $11.95
This stainless steel cuff slides onto a 750 ml bottle as easily as wine slides down your throat. It indicates the optimal chill for a variety of blends, from pinot grigio to pinot noir to rosé, so you know when to grab that bottle from the fridge and get the party — or weeknight unwinding — started.

Eisch Wein-Thermometer, William Ashley, $60
Best known for the innovative, breathable glass, German manufacturer Eisch is renowned for cool wine accessories. This decanter thermometer looks like a giant version of the oral ones, with a design-rich and practical semi-circle at the top. It holds the device in place so the wine can continue to breath.

Rapid Wine Chiller, Crate and Barrel, $12.95
This quilted black sleeve is like a cold compress for wine. Keep it in the freezer overnight so it cools and slide it on the bottle. Within five minutes, wine is chilled and good to go.

Time for Wine Instant Wine Serving Indicator, The Wine Boutique, $4.95
This little kit contains a number of wine temperature sticker indicators. Slap one on a bottle of wine and watch it change as the temperature gets closer to where it’s supposed to be. At under $5, this is a small investment in drinking wine the way it was intended.

Frosted Ice Bucket/Wine Cooler, William Ashley, $139.50
This striking ice bucket looks regal sitting in the middle of a dining room table or atop an elegant stand. The base is a reflective metal and the bowl is made from frosted glass, giving it a beautiful, translucent quality.

“OPEN SESAME”

Whether you want a motor to do all the work or you’re a steady-handed purist, there are an abundance of bottle openers at your disposal. Here are a few options:

Basic Metal Corkscrew, LCBO, $6.95
No frills here. This is as basic as a corkscrew gets, unless you’re willing to try your luck on the old-school plastic tube version. The price is right and this simpleton is fairly fool-proof.

Alessi Corkscrews, William Ashley, $59.50 to $120
For the design enthusiast, it doesn’t get much better than Alessi’s playful winged corkscrews. Modeled after humans, these contraptions stand on their own two “feet.” Some wear dresses, others wear suits, but all are brightly coloured (one even boasts a cloud-patterned suit) yet contemporary, and add a dose of cheer to any get together.

Le Creuset Lever Screwpulls, William Ashley, $100 to $225
These are the golden standard of bottle openers for two reasons. First, they are quite handsome and come in elegant display boxes. Second, pulling the toughest cork is now a breeze. Just push down, pull up and voila — your lips will be purple in no time.

OXO Good Grips Steel CorkPull, William Ashley, $29.95
The corkpull is a different kind of beast. Rather than twisting a coil down into the cork and pulling it up and out, the cork electronically slides up the coil of this solid device. It’s a bit bulky but has a great grip, cuts the foil automatically and removes what stands between you and your wine in no time.

Orly Cool Kitchen Electric Wine Opener, William Ashley, $53
This is the lazy person’s dream: it does all the work. If even the screwpull is too much effort, this bad boy seals the deal. Just hold the opener over the top of the wine bottle, press the button and the cork slides out. It’s sleek, streamlined and fits all bottles.

FULL SERVICE

A crimson merlot or a deep, dark pinot noir are beautifully showcased in crystal decanters, but at the very least, all a wino really needs is a receptacle to drink from. Well, I guess a true wino doesn’t, but you know what I mean. Here are some options for decanters and stem — or stemless — wear:

Riedel Amadeo Decanter, Rosehill Wine Cellars, $380
This u-shaped, lead crystal decanter is a stunner. With such an arresting design the carafe is practically a piece of art. Made from hand-blown glass, no two are exactly the same, which makes Amadeo a very special gift. But, don’t worry — it’s no snob. Fill the decanter with any kind of wine, from cheaper blends to uber-expensive brews, and its no-drip technology saves every drop.

Swoon Carafe, Crate and Barrel, $29.95
Sleek, sensuous and made from hand-blown glass (but conspicuously lacking a terrifying price tag), this attractive decanter looks beautiful perched on any table. Bonus: the angled spout provides for an effortlessly clean pour.

Eisch Breathable Stemware Set of 6, Rosehill Wine Cellars, $135-$159
German manufacturers Eisch have revolutionized the way we drink wine with the creation of breathable stemware. These glasses are made from a lead-free, crystal quality raw material mixture that allows them to open up the flavour and aroma of a wine without decanting. In two to four minutes, the reaction of the wine to oxygen is accelerated and the bouquet develops. Tip: you can also use these glasses to improve spirits, fruit juices and mineral water.

Riedel O Stemless Glasses, Williams-Sonoma, $20 each
These chic glasses, sans stem, are situated at the crossroads of wine and design. Though they have become pretty standard, there’s a reason for their widespread use: they look really cool. Plus, they lack the delicate stems that can so easily break after a few glasses.

Riedel Vitis, Rosehill Wine Cellars, $68 (for a set of two)
If stemless ain’t your thing, these quality Riedel glasses are decadent. They’re each made from one piece of glass with a pulled stem. Not the easiest feat. From cabernet and champagne to sauvignon and shiraz, there’s a size to suit the flavours and complexity of every varietal.

GoVino Shatterproof Tumblers, Rosehill Wine Cellars, $15.50 (for a set of four)
These thermoplastic polymer resin tumblers mimic the look of stemless crystal glasses. They’re made to reflect the wine’s aromatics and colours in much the same way, but are completely unbreakable. A thumb indent makes for an extra firm grip. For outdoor entertaining, picnics and more, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Tortoise Shell Lacquer Wine Arc, Rosehill Wine Cellars, $16.95
The Riedel decanters are gorgeous, but they can cost a pretty penny. Though this wine arc doesn’t decant, it can make wine bottles themselves look like art, as they rest suspended semi-horizontally on the shiny, tortoise shell base.

ODDS AND ENDS

These little accessories make the whole process more enjoyable, less wasteful and, in one case, less destructive.

Wine Out Red Wine Stain Remover, The Wine Butler, $7.99-$13.99
This stain remover works on carpets, clothing, upholstery, vinyl and so on, whether as a pre-wash or an instant spot remover. Best of all, it’s odourless, non-toxic and environmentally safe.

Vinturi Wine Aerator, The Wine Butler, $59
Just like humans, wine must breath in order to reach its full potential. Consider this handy little device the yoga instructor of the wine world, allowing wine to take deep breaths and really open up the flavours and aromas that were intended. When decanting is too time consuming — who really wants to wait for their fix — this little contraption speeds up the process.

Winelines, ROLO, $8.95
Ever leave your drink to fend for itself at a party and return to find red lipstick smeared around the rim? What? You weren’t wearing red lipstick? Exactly. These cheeky little tags that wrap around the stem of a wine glass are both humorous conversation pieces and nonchalant body guards for your bevy. Each one is a different colour and contain phrases like “subtle but noseworthy,” “mild yet not bland,” and “nutty with a kick.”

Alessi Banana Boys Stoppers, ROLO, $55
These bottle stoppers, designed by Alessi, fit in the top of an open, unfinished wine bottle to preserve the wine for days. But what makes them so wonderful is that they are part of a design collaboration with the National Place Museum Taiwan so they’re limited edition. The cheeky monkeys are adorable and poignant in their “see no evil,” “hear no evil” and “speak no evil” poses.

Various Wine Stoppers, William Ashley, $2.50 to $24.50 each
Upscale home and kitchen mecca William Ashley carries a smorgasbord of stoppers at a variety of prices. Classic Chef Gourmet stoppers come in translucent colours and, once placed in the bottle, a tab bends to expand the base for an airtight fit ($2.50). Koziol’s Emily stoppers ($11.95) have vibrant, girly flowers at the top and another version ($19.50) has a translucent, coloured animal atop each plug. Ritzenhoff stoppers ($24.50), which match the Ritzenhoff coasters (see below), cap the top of the bottle to add a dash of elegance to an already open bottle.

Ritzenhoff Stainless Steel Coasters, William Ashley, $37.50
If you don’t have a drip stopper (a sleeve that slips on the top of the bottle to prevent drips), a coaster is another option to catch drips at the bottom. Ritzenhoff’s stainless steel coasters boast colourful enamel plates in chic designs, so wine bottles can perch in style.

Decanter Cleaners, William Ashley, $11.95 to $20
These little metal balls are able to reach the bulbous section of a decanter (unlike human hands), so a little shake around the bottle removes hard-to-reach residue. Riedel’s ($11.95) and Eisch’s ($14.50) come in little jars, while Peugot’s Bilbo ($20) encases the balls within a cleaning mechanism.

LCBO Courses are a great way to dip your toe in the waters of wine appreciation. Four-week sessions boast classes like “Discover Wines of the Old World” ($110), “Discover Wines of the New World” ($110) and “Intro to Wine Appreciation” ($80). Refer to the LCBO’s website for a list of classes and locations.

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From Toronto.com:

Wine guru Angela Aiello chooses the top 10 local wines she’d like to find in her stocking this year

Looking for a nice local vino to gift people with this year? Toronto-based wine guru and founder of the iYellow Wine Club Angela Aiello chooses the top 10 local wines she’d like to find in her stocking this year:

Peller Estates Ice Cuvee: It’s one of my absolute favourite sparklings in the entire world.

Wayne Gretzky Shiraz Icewine: Because hockey, ice and wine should always go hand in hand. A great gift, too.

Henry of Pelham Sibling Rivalry White: What else are the holidays for? You might as well drink to it.

Thirty Bench Red: A red I love to decant and savour, but have a hard time sharing.

Creekside Broken Press Shiraz: This one has also been a love of mine for a while. D.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s.

Niagara College Deans List Chardonnay: Cheers to holiday time off. A warm chard for those cold nights.

Chateau Des Charmes Sauvignon Gris: Canada’s only sauvignon gris. Easy drinking and unique.

Flat Rock Cellars 2008 Pinot Noir: I love, love, love my pinots. My favourite pinot of late.

Vineland Estates Vice: A pre-mixed Vodka Icewine cocktail. Perfect to entertain with and share with good company.

A local wine of the month club: It’s the gift that keeps on giving each and every month.

Many of the wines listed above are available at the iYellowWineStore, at the LCBO or at the wineries.

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Courtesy of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation:

Take a few minutes each week this fall to perform a few simple tasks, which will help you to avoid the most common — and costly — problems before they occur.

Protect Your Home — and Your Investment!

Your house is more than the place where you live, it’s your home and your most important investment. Carrying out a regular program of maintenance and repairs can help you protect that investment, and help keep your family safe and sound in every season.

In Fall, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation suggests you take a few minutes each week to perform the following simple tasks, which will help you to avoid the most common — and costly — problems before they occur. Some of these tasks include:

• Check and clean or replace your furnace filters on a monthly basis during the heating season.
• Have your furnace or heating system serviced by a qualified service company (every two years for a gas furnace and every year for an oil furnace).
• Bleed air from the hot water radiators, and turn the gas furnace pilot light on.
• Vacuum electric baseboard heaters to remove dust, remove the grilles on forced-air heating systems and vacuum inside the ducts.
• If you have a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), clean the outside air intake grill, the filters inside the unit, and the core, and pour water down the condensate drain to test it.
• Have well water tested for quality.
• Check the sump pump and line to ensure proper operation. There should be no line obstructions or visible leaks.
• If you have a septic tank, measure the sludge and scum to determine if it needs to be emptied before spring. Tanks should be pumped out at least once every three years.
• Replace window screens with storm windows, and ensure all windows, doors and skylights shut tightly, including the door between your house and garage.
• Ensure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation wall to prevent water from draining into the basement.
• Clean leaves from eavestroughs and downspouts to ensure proper drainage from the roof, and check chimneys for nests or other obstructions.
• Cover the outside of air conditioners, and drain and store outdoor hoses. Close the valve to the outdoor hose connection, and drain the faucet (unless it is frost proof).
• Winterize landscaping by storing outdoor furniture, preparing gardens and, if necessary, protecting young trees or bushes for winter.

For more information or a free copy of the “About Your House” fact sheet Home Maintenance Schedule or for information on any other aspect of owning, maintaining or buying a home, visit our Web site at www.cmhc.ca or call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is Canada’s national housing agency and a source of objective, reliable housing expertise.

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Check windows for damage to caulking or the wood finish.

Courtesy of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation:

Protect Your Home — and Your Investment!

If you’re like most Canadians, your home is probably your most important investment. A regular schedule of maintenance and repairs can help you protect that investment — and keep your family healthy and safe and sound — for years to come.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has a checklist of simple inspections and repairs that can help you put a stop to the most common and costly problems before they occur, often in as little as a few minutes a week, including:

• Check and clean your range hood filters on a monthly basis.
• Use a dehumidifier if necessary to keep the relative humidity level in your basement at or below 60 per cent.
• Check basement pipes for condensation or dripping, and take corrective action if needed.
• Refill the basement floor drain if the trap doesn’t have enough water in it.
• Run water briefly in fixtures that aren’t used frequently, such as the laundry tub or spare bathroom sink, tub or shower.
• Deep clean carpets and rugs, and vacuum the bathroom fan grille.
• Disconnect the duct connected to your clothes dryer and vacuum lint from the duct, the areas surrounding the dryer and the vent hood outside.
• Check all windows, door hinges and garage door opener hardware for smooth operation, and lubricate as required.
• Replace damaged caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doorways, including the doorway between the garage and the house.
• Inspect electrical service lines for secure attachment where they enter the house, and make sure no water is leaking into your home along the electrical conduit.
• Check the exterior wood siding and clean, replace or refinish it as needed.
• Seal off any holes in the exterior cladding that could become entry points for pests.
• Check your roof for sagging or damaged shingles, and examine all roof flashings at chimney and roof joints for signs of cracks or leaks.
• Inspect and sweep chimneys connected to any woodburning appliance or fireplace.
• Repair the driveway and walkways if needed, and repair any damaged steps, guardrails or handrails that could pose a safety problem.

For more information or a free copy of the “About Your House” fact sheet Home Maintenance Schedule and other fact sheets on owning, maintaining or renovating your home, ask CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit our Web site at www.cmhc.ca. For over 60 years, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been Canada’s national housing agency, and a source of objective, reliable housing expertise.

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From YourHome.ca:

Existing home sales for June hit an all-time high in the Greater Toronto Area according to figures released today by the Toronto Real Estate Board.

June sales at 10,955 were up 27 per cent from June of last year, while average prices were $403,972, up two per cent from last year.

“The re-emergence of seller’s market conditions has exerted upward pressure on home prices,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s senior manager of market analysis.

One reason for the bump is active listings that are down by 30 per cent compared to last year. Economic uncertainty means some buyers have decided to stay put, resulting in less inventory and choice in the market.

Historically low mortgage rates have brought out buyers in force for the spring market. But analysts say the second half of the year will be more subdued as job losses filter their way through the economy.

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