Are you searching for rural property? If you’d like vacant land to built on, or just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, there’s lots to think about. Restrictions can come into play from the township, the environmental authorities, and the mortgage lenders, and these may affect your ability to do what you want with the property.

                  👉🏻 Download 5 Things You Need to Know About Rural Living

This is where I come into play. Since I have experience buying and selling rural properties, I understand some of the questions you need to ask, before you purchase. Here are some examples you may not have thought about:

Zoning or Designation

This could play major role in how you can use the property. Did you know that land, not just the buildings, can be designated “Heritage”?  Depending on the zoning, there could be restrictions, such as where you can build, renovate, fence, install lane-ways, ponds, or place outbuildings, or whether you can raise livestock.

Location of Building Site

Where, on the land, do you want to build?  How much will it cost to get hydro to your new home. Will the township even allow you to build? You may have plans for the property, however, you’ll need to see what the township will allow, before you go ahead.

Previous Land Use

Have you thought about how the land was used in the past?  Is there a lease that runs with the land, which could place restrictions on your use?  Check into mining rights, gravel pits, water rights, timber contracts or farm crops. These are just a few, but there are many to think about.

Water

Abundance or lack of water is a major concern for rural properties.  If there is a river or stream on your property, how does that affect your use?  There are minimum setback and elevations from waterways to buildings and laneways.  Also, think of flood plains or seasonal water tables.  The Conservation Authority can often dictate what you can do. In other words, applications and engineered reports can take time and be quite costly.

Energy Sources

Another thing to keep in mind when buying a property is the presence of windmills or solar farms in the area. What about future power lines?  How close can your neighbour build a home or barn? These issues may affect the enjoyment of your property and can impact resale value. Unfortunately, you can’t control what others do around you, but you can make sure you do your homework.

Need More Information about Rural Property?

These are just a few things to keep in mind when you are considering purchasing a rural home. I would be pleased to help with this very important decision.  If you take the time to consider potential issues first, it can be a very exciting time.

There are some fantastic rural homes and properties on the market today and I would like to help you find just the right one for you and your family.  I work in the Beautiful areas of Creemore, Stayner, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Blue Mountain, and Grey Highlands; recreational paradise.

Call me today, if you have had any experiences good or bad with rural properties. I would be very interested to hear from you, and appreciate any comments.

And don’t forget to download 5 Things You Need to Know About Rural Living.

Thank you very much and I hope all your Real Estate goals come true!!

Today I had a distress call from one of my property management client's tenants.

My client owns a home and rents out the apartments. The owners do not live in the area, so I’m here to help whenever they need me. The home has an apartment in the basement and the rest of the house is rented out separately. The basement tenant called me at 9 am today, to say the carbon monoxide alarm woke her up and was going off in the house. Needless to say, I told her I would be right over.

When I got there, the door to the garage was open and the house was all closed up, so I went to find the tenant in the basement. She said the alarm had been going off for about 30 minutes. I knew, right away, that it wasn’t coming from the basement.

Is Everyone Okay?

The main floor tenant wasn’t home, but instinct told me this was an emergency, so I entered the home and the smell just about knocked me over. The air was definitely not right, even though you can't usually smell carbon monoxide in your home. All the lights were on and the furnace was off, but the house was really hot. A little dog was very busy barking at me and the cat just looks at me. Good thing. This meant they were still alive.

First, I checked the whole house to make sure no one was sleeping or unconscious. Since carbon monoxide, doesn't have an odour itself, people can become ill without knowing it's there. Thankfully, no one was home. I checked the furnace and the hot water heater. I didn’t touch anything, even a light switch, in case there was a gas leak which could lead to an explosion.

Don’t Touch Anything if There is a Possible Gas Leak!

When C02 detectors in your home, go off, don’t touch anything, since it could be signaling a gas leak. Turning on even a light switch, could ignite an explosion.

I did turn off the detector, which came back on a few minutes later. There was no smoke, so we called Enbridge, right away. They arrived about an hour later. The technician opened the door, took a reading, and emphatically told us to STAY OUT OF THE HOUSE! We left the doors open to air things out.

To make a long story a little shorter, after about two hours of airing out the house and taking more readings, the level finally went down to zero, were it was safe to go back in the home. It is a wonder that the little dog and cat weren’t affected. The Enbridge technician said the levels were high enough to kill a human. I was so glad the tenant called me when she did!

The Legal Apartment Was Super Helpful

It is a good thing that the tenant in the other apartment called me. We likely saved the animals lives. In this case, she wasn’t in danger because the apartment was a legal conforming apartment, according to today’s building code. It was completely sealed up apart from the rest of the house.

After all inspections by the gas technician and my heating contractor they found nothing wrong with the gas lines, furnace, or gas water heater in the house, which was puzzling. However, after speaking with the main floor tenant, I learned that a car had been running in the attached garage. As soon as they opened the door into the house, the wind sucked the CO right into the house, like a vacuum and set off the alarms. It filled the entire house including all the duct work.

The Moral of This Story is Two Fold

1. NEVER run your car in your attached garage. According to Enbridge Gas, this is a common cause of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home.
2. ALWAYS make sure your smoke and CO2 alarms are working. Check them at least every six months or more often, is better. One way to remember is to check them when the clocks go forward and back.

Make Sure Your Home Has Enough Fire and C02 Alarms

It’s imperative that you have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. I have one on every floor of my home, plus one in front of all the bedrooms. I also have two fire extinguishers, for different types of fires.

Praise God that the basement tenant called me today. Good thinking.

Do You Need Property Management Services?

I help landlords by finding and screening tenants, collecting rent, arranging property maintenance, checking in on the property, and more. If you've got rental properties, and don't live nearby, or just plain don't want the hassle, call me to find out how I can help you.

In the fall, a little home maintenance is essential, to keep your home healthy through the winter. When you own a home, it’s an investment. Of course, we all want to protect our investment, so a little upkeep, in every season, is a great idea. It’s well worth the time and can save you $1000’s in the long run.

Just like a vehicle, if we take care of repairs right away, it will last us longer, and will be worth more when it’s time to sell.

Fall Home Maintenance Tasks to Remember

Here are a few things to think about, when it comes to protecting what you’ve worked so far for. If you do these tasks, before the snow flies, your home will thank you. Here's a checklist, in case you're not sure where to begin:

• Check that your plumbing vent stacks are higher than potential snow depth on your roof. They must be able to breathe, even when the roof is covered in snow.

• Get on your roof (or hire someone) to check for potential leaks, or ice damming.

• While you're up there, replace any worn or damaged shingles to prevent leaks

• Clean out your eaves troughs to make sure water doesn't back up under your shingles and into your home, or cause other costly damage.

• Maintain a humidity level around 50%. It will help you to avoid mold growth and prevent dry skin and nose bleeds.

• Check for heat loss around windows and doors, attic hatches, and light fixtures. (Ask me how. It’s simple and it’ll save you $!)

• Look for heat loss around outlets, on exterior walls as well as interior walls.

• Remove window air conditioners, for the winter. They can cause quite a bit of heat loss.

• Replace deteriorated caulking. Remove and re-caulk to keep out cold air, moisture, and bugs.

• Inspect for bugs and rodents. Pests look for warm places for the winter, and they can cause a lot of damage.

• Turn off outside taps and drain. Wrap all water pipes to keep your water temperature stable.

• Look for moisture gathering and/or mold in your bathroom. Consider adding an exhaust fan, if you haven’t done so yet.

• If you have older windows, consider shrink wrap or heavy curtains to keep the heat in, and the cold out. Be sure to open in the daytime to avoid condensation.

• Look for condensation on windows and walls. If you don’t fix the issue, it might frost up on cold nights.

• Stake out items that may get buried in snow, to avoid catching them with the snow blower.

• Cut the grass one more time. It’s easier to rake off leaves and gravel in the spring!

• This one is super important. Bee sure that your CO2 and smoke detectors are working well.

This isn’t an exhaustive list of fall home maintenance tasks, but it’ll get you started for sure.

Are Spring and Summer the Best Times to Sell Real Estate?

The market is definitely busier during those months, but here's why I think winter is a great time to sell your home.

If you're considering it, check out my Guide to Selling your Home in the Winter. If you have any questions, give me a shout!

Have you considered any ways to reduce your home's energy use?  Have you ever looked at the cost associated with energy-related products and services?  Do you even care?

Well, as a realtor, an investor, a builder and a home-owner, I think reducing your home's energy use is important, but there are many factors to consider.  When I decide whether or not to invest, I consider the project’s cost and return on investment.

Replace Your Light Bulbs, They Said

A while ago I invested time and aggravation to purchase and install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) throughout my whole house.  I bought them from Canadian Tire and Home Depot , rather than the dollar store, so the cost was significant.  The brand was highly recommended for energy efficiency and long life span, and they were supposed to outlast regular bulbs by many, many hours.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for me.  Several of them blew within a few months, and boy do they stink when they blow up.  One Sunday, just before we headed out for Church, I noticed a blown CFL in my kitchen light fixture.  I quickly grabbed a chair and jumped up and to replace it.  When I tried to turn the bulb, the thinner glass actually broke in my hands and cut me.  (I still have all my fingers, just a little less blood.)

That's When I Read the Warning Labels

The labels said the bulbs were toxic! Pregnant or nursing mothers and children should be evacuated from the room.  Needless to say, with small children in my home, I have not bought another one since and never will.

Now, how about the cost of these things??  I will never get my money out of them!  Not sure what the big hype was all about, but I figure it’s all a scam.  Next time I go and try and be energy conscious, I will be cautious enough to research and ask around more.

So, CFL light bulbs will not be my favourite way to consume less power, but thankfully, there are other ways.

Try these strategies to reduce energy use in your home:

1. Let natural light into your home during the day, as long as it's not too hot outside.

2. Plug into power bars with power switches. Turn the power off when you are not using them.

3. Choose energy efficient brands when replacing your appliances.

4. Use task lighting and table lamps. Turn lights off when you leave a room.

5. Put timers on your devices so you use them as you need them, rather than leaving them on all the time.

6. Use a programmable thermostat to regulate temperature according to your activities.

7. Try using BBQs, crockpots and other devices to help you use your oven less in the summer time.

8. Wash your clothing in cold water, do larger loads to run your machines less often, and hang your laundry to dry.

9. Seal drafty widows and doors to keep your home warm in the winter.

10. Ensure your attic is insulated properly, keeping the heat in, in the winter, and out in the summer.

These are just a few simple ideas to reduce your home's energy use. If you want to go further, you could get a Natural Resources Canada Home Audit done. They'll recommend renovations you can do to greatly improve your energy consumption.

Have you put much thought into reducing energy use in your home?  How have you been able to do it in a cost effective way?  Feel free to comment here.

I just came across this humorous anecdote I clipped from the Creemore Echo in 2003 and it’s sooo relevant in the business of building today.

The earth was wicked and overpopulated.  The Lord instructed Noah to rebuild the Ark and save two of every living thing, along with a few good humans. 

“Here’s the blueprint,” said the Lord.  “You will need to hurry, for in six months I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights.”  Right on schedule six months later the rains started coming down. 

But when the Lord checked in with Noah, he was weeping in his flooded yard, and there was no Ark.  “Noah,” He roared; “Where’s the Ark?”

Forgive me, Lord,” begged Noah.  “Things have changed.  I needed a building permit.  I’ve been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system.  My neighbours claim that I have violated the zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limit.  We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision. 

Then Transport Canada and the Department of Highways and Hydro wanted a bond posted for the future costs of moving power, trolley, and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark’s move to the sea.  I argued the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of this! 

Getting wood was another problem.  There’s a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the potted owl.  I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls, but no go!”

“I started gathering the animals, but then an animal rights group sued me.  They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will.  As well, they argued the space was too restrictive and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in so confined an area.”

“Environment Canada decided that I could not build the Ark without filing an environmental impact statement on your proposed flood. 

I’m still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I’m supposed to hire for my building crew. Meanwhile, the trade unions want me to hire only union people with ark building experience. 

To make matters worse, Canada Customs and Revenue Agency seized all of my assets, claiming I’m trying to leave the country illegally as well as with endangered species.

So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least ten years to finish this Ark.”  Suddenly, the skies cleared, and the sun began to shine.  A rainbow stretched across the sky! 

Noah looked up in wonder.  “You mean you’re not going to destroy the world, Lord?” he asked.

“No,” said the Lord.  “Your government already has!”

Editor's note:  This modern fable was recently shared with the Big Heart Seniors and sent on to the Echo by Edith and Bob Veale.

Author unknown. 

When people buy a home they intend to live in for the rest of their lives, they don't always consider if that home will suit them as they age. In fact, many people plan remodeling projects that won't help them at all when they get older, such as putting in a hot tub. Maybe that's something they can finally afford and have always wanted, but they don't take into consideration how useful - or not - something like that will be as they age.

Here are a few things you should think about in creating an age friendly home. Keep in mind that everyone ages differently, and you may not know exactly what types of accommodations you'll need, but by planning ahead, you'll have some idea of what you may need.

Accessibility Considerations

Stairs

The ideal home for seniors should include a no-step layout, including no steps up to at least one entrance of your house. If you have steps at every door of your home, be aware that you may need to add a ramp at some point in the future. This holds true even if you or your spouse isn't in a wheelchair; the fact is that negotiating steps becomes difficult for nearly everyone as they age.

Doorways, both within the house as well as entrance doors, should be at least 32 inches wide to accommodate a wheelchair or walker, and doors should have lever handles instead of knobs for arthritic hands.

Bathrooms

Your home should ideally have a full-sized bath and master bedroom on the first floor, as stairs may become difficult to navigate. Bathrooms should include toilets and counter tops that are at a comfortable height for seniors. Showers are ideal for seniors, since most falls occur getting in and out of the tub. You can get shower chairs with wide seats.

If you already have a tub and choose not to remodel, add several grab bars and a bath bench to put across the tub so you don't have to stand up to reach necessary items. You should also add a grip mat in the bottom of the tub and a hand-held showerhead so you can avoid standing as much as possible. If you have room for it, you might also want to consider placing a sturdy chair near the tub to aid in mobility and dressing.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms, particularly the first floor master bedroom, should have large closets with accessible storage and a bed that is low enough for seniors to easily climb into. Since older people need three times as much light as younger people do, you'll also want adequate lighting, not just in the bedroom, but also throughout the entire house.

A good reading light will help, and you may want to consider a nightlight to make middle of the night trips to the bathroom safer. If the bedroom is connected to the bathroom, a sturdy chair near the bathroom door will be good if you need a little help getting to the bathroom.

Kitchen

Adequate lighting is particularly important in the kitchen because there are so many ways to get hurt in that room. You can add under-cabinet and can lights if you don't have enough florescent lighting. You'll also want to make sure cabinets are easily accessible, and add roll out shelves and more shallow shelves if necessary. Stoves should have large dials for easy viewing, and ovens should have pull out racks. Other senior kitchen necessities include a stool for resting, a lever style faucet on the sink, a garbage disposal and trash compactor, and a u-shaped galley kitchen layout so food does not have to be carried.

Other changes that will help you age in your home

• Low pile carpet for easy mobility

• Low shine floors that minimize glare

• Pressure mats instead of motion detectors that interfere with hearing aids

• Buzzers instead of high frequency alarms and doorbells

• Adequate heating system so space heaters aren't needed

• Touch lamps instead of ones with knobs

• Out of the way extension cords 

• No throw rugs (tripping hazards)

• Furniture with firm, high seats

• Chairs with arms and without coasters so they don't slide

• Light colored floors and bright walls, with a contrast between the two

Outside of the home, patios are better for seniors than decks, because decks require more maintenance and tend to be slick when wet. There may come a time where maintaining an elaborately landscaped yard is too much for you. As you get older, you may want to consider either simplifying your yard so you have less to do in it, or hiring someone to take over yard care duties. Following these tips can make aging in your home much easier.