This is a great question. Often, people ask, “Won’t I save money if I sell my home on my own?”

The short answer is, if you feel confident enough, go for it! For many people though, reaI estate transactions can be confusing to navigate. They can be time-consuming, the paperwork can be overwhelming and unforeseen circumstances can throw a monkey-wrench into the process. Legal issues, personal conflict and emotions can also add fuel to the fire.

A Realtor Can Help You Navigate the Process

Statistically, private listings take longer to sell and often result less money for the seller. In most cases, a professional realtor can help deal with challenges, make the transition happen more smoothly and get the best price for your home. Here are some things I can do for you, when you choose me as your Real Estate Professional:

• Educate you on the true value of your home

• Do a walk through of your home and property to advise you of low-cost repairs and maintenance to increase you home’s value

• Help you connect with builders, renovators, mortgage brokers, home inspectors, appraisers, designer/stagers in our network

• Find the sweet spot that will attract buyers, when pricing your home

• Accurately measure and properly photograph your home, so buyers know what they are getting

• Ensure that you have important documents in place to sell

• Qualify buyers before they even come to your home

• Explain the fine print in contracts

• Help you reduce potential risks

• Negotiate on your behalf and increase your chances of selling

• Accurately write and execute all legal contracts on your behalf

• Coordinate all inspections

Best of all, if your home doesn’t sell, you never pay me anything at all! These items may vary as every situation is unique. Do you have questions about selling your home? Call, text or email me today. Let me guide you though the crazy world of Real Estate.

There are many ways to improve your home’s health and help keep your house warm. When your home is breathing in cold air, it runs the risk of meeting the warm air and producing condensation, which then can become mold. You want to avoid that, so let’s take a walk around your home and check for potential cold spots.

At the Front Door

When you first enter your home, look for damaged weather seals around the door and cracks in the caulking where the exterior finish meets the door frame. You may also want to check to make sure the seal in the glass is okay. If it is broken, there will be a hazy look and/or moisture in between the glass panes.

Other Windows and Doors

As you proceed through your home, look at all your windows and doors. One way to detect a leak is to hold a candle to the window or door. If the flame dances, chances are that air is coming in. Keeping your curtains closed at night we help keep the cold out too. Doing so traps the cold air in between the window and the curtain, not letting it cool off the rest of the room. However, it is monumental that you open them up during the day and let the air flow in. This will help dry out any condensation that accumulated through the night and reduce the risk of developing mold on the windows.

Bathrooms and Laundry Room

If possible, check the vent fan and dryer vent to make sure they are insulated. (While you’re at it, check to make sure your dryer vent is clean) They are taking warm air out of your home. At some point, the warm air will meet colder air. The farther out the better. Ensure that you have a good seal around the vent when it goes out of the wall. If you don’t, cold air can enter around it and produce condensation.

Basement and/or Crawlspace

In the lower areas of your home, check all the headers. This is where the floor joists and wall meet. If insulated, there should be at least R22 and a vapor barrier around the insulation. Do the walls have insulation? If you only see bare block or concrete, the cold is coming in. You’ll be able to feel it if you put your hand on the block. There are many ways to insulate a basement wall, but that is another topic. One more thing to check for is water lines. They bring in cold water. Pipe wrap will help you warm the pipe as quickly as you can.

Attic

First, look for lots of insulation around and on top of the access hatch. It should have the same amount of insulation as the rest of the attic. In the attic itself, check to see how much you have. If there is only one baton of R12, it would be a very good idea to top it up, reducing heat loss. Also, check pipes or vents or anything that comes up through the ceiling to make sure they are well sealed. It is amazing how even a tiny hole will allow a large amount of cold air in. Also, have a look at the interior outlets and light fixtures, especially on outside walls.  Put your hand up against the outlet and on the wall around it. If you feel a draft or a difference in temperature, there is cold air coming in. It might not be practical to rip off the drywall and re-insulate, but you could buy an insulating pad to go behind the outlet cover.

House Exterior

Outside, you’ll want to ensure the caulking around each door and window is in good shape and free from gaps or cracks. This will keep the water and cold air out. Make sure anything that sticks out of the wall or roof is well sealed. Ensure that your exterior finishes, such as siding or brick, have no cracks or gaps.

These are just a few things to keep in mind when keeping out the cold. There are many other things that your can do to increase your home’s effectiveness. For more information about preparing your home for winter, or selling your home in the winter, feel free to call me or email me. Always glad to help when I can. Have a great day!

If you are getting ready to sell, you might be wondering how you can improve your home’s value, even when finances are tight. When you list your home for sale, you want to make sure the buyer sees the value and puts their best offer forward. At the same time, you will have moving expenses and selling goals, so you don’t want to spend a fortune.

One service I provide, when listing a home, is to walk through with you, keeping a record of areas that that can be improved. We’ll discuss which improvements will provide the most value and highest return on investment.

Here are some improvements that can add value to your home without breaking the bank. Obviously, this list isn’t exhaustive, but choosing the things you can afford and accomplish quickly can really improve curb appeal and make a great first impression. Buyers will see that you’ve taken pride in your home too.

Small Improvements Can Have a High Return on Investment

• Touch-up blemishes and/or repaint rooms, consider neutral colours

• Check/repair caulking on the exterior of your home

• Check the weather stripping on all doors and windows, for cracks and damage

• Make sure that the flowerbeds are neat, tidy, and well-kept

• Clean your windows and doors

• Reduce outdoor clutter by storing things away inside the shed or garage

• Clean out eaves troughs

• Ensure that all light bulbs are working

• De-clutter the front entrance and make sure it is well-lit

• Clean and de-clutter counter tops

• Remove lime and calcium buildup from sinks

• Check/repair caulking on counter tops

• Make sure all doors and drawers are operating properly

• Replace old, out-of-date light fixtures to change the look of a room dramatically

• Confirm that hand railings are secure and safe to use

• Make sure all flooring and carpets are clean and stain free

• Clean and/or replace window coverings, as necessary, and leave them open for showings to allow natural light into your home

• De-clutter your home and consider putting excess or personal items into storage

It isn’t necessary to stage your home unless you have the money and patience to live that way. If you’re ready to sell, and you want to improve your home’s value, you don’t have to tackle everything on this list, but with these are inexpensive, cost-effective changes, you’ll be well on your way.

When we walk through your home together, we’ll create a checklist of easy steps you can take, right away. If you’re getting ready to sell, call for your Increasing Value Walk-Through, today.

We’ve had a little time to settle in to 2020 and reflect on how much things have changed, in Real Estate, over the past ten years (such as prices $$$). You may find it hard to believe, but in 2010, the average 3-bdrm home in our area was selling for half of what it is today. If we all only knew then . . .

There are so many issues that affect the real estate market, globally, nationally, locally, and in micro markets.

Locally, the greatest factors impacting our market are:

• The lack of homes for sale in general

• The lack of entry level and all-one-level homes

• The sheer lack of homes under 500k

It’s a good time to be a seller. According to the President of the Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS®, “Strengthening sales in an environment of still low supply suggests 2020 could be another year of strong price growth.” This sounds a little daunting if you are a buyer, but the good news is there was a slight rise in listings in January of this year and stability in low interest rates.

If you are thinking of selling, a professional realtor can provide you with:

• Comparable listings in your neighborhood

• Advice to help you determine the value of your property and a fair listing price

• Recommendations for renovations or updates that will improve the value of your home

• Ideas for staging your home to increase the appeal for potential buyers

If you like numbers and are interested in the specific listing statistics for our area, the Southern Georgian Bay Real Estate Association publishes information regularly.

Wiarton Willie says we are having an early spring this year. Well, I say that you need to have winter before have spring and we haven’t had winter yet. If you know me at all, you know my family and I love winter.

So, now that spring is on its way, the melt waters and spring rains could start flowing through your basement weeping tile. You need to be prepared. Otherwise, you may need to check with your home insurance company to see if your policy offers flood damage.

Check Your Sump Pump

First, check for frozen or clogged sump pump drain lines. Check the lines, at both ends, especially the end where the water exits. If they are clogged or frozen, you might burn out your sump pump and have water flowing through your basement like an indoor pool.

Next, you should make sure that your sump pump is in good working order. If you have a crawl space or basement, it is a great idea to have a new sump pump as backup. Having two pumps is a great idea, in case we have an extra soggy, wet spring. Just ask anyone that has had a pump die on them when the water levels are bursting over the top of the rim. To make sure the new one works, take it out of the box and test it.

Another thing to keep in mind is to put a check valve on the outtake pipe. This will help stop the water from being sucked back into the sump basin. If you need help with this just give me a call.

An Alarm Will Help Prevent Flooding in Your Basement or Crawlspace

I also advise you to put an alarm on the system, especially if you don’t go into your basement or crawl space very often. It will alert you when the water level is too high and is at risk of coming over the top.

If you really want to take precaution, you could install a back up system. Then when the hydro goes out, the sump pump will continue to work, whether it is a pressure system hooked up to town water, a battery backup or a manual or automatic generator. Otherwise it could be the old fashioned backup system, a bucket and a mop.

Don't Think You Need a Sump Pump?

I know some of you good folks say that you've never had water in your sump pump basin, and that's great. However, I know of a number of homes that the owner said they never had water in their sump holes, EVER. Until that one wet quick spring thaw.

EVERY HOME that has a crawl space or basement should have a sump basin and a sump pump.  This just makes sense, because it is a hole in the ground and water always takes the easiest route. It is part of the Ontario Building Code now. If you have any questions about this or anything to do with buildings, just give me a call.

Also, remember, I'm in the business of selling real estate and I would like your business. If you want to sell or buy a home, let's start planning to meet your real estate goals today. It is going to be a great spring in real estate for all of us.

I'd also love to get your referrals, so if you know anyone else that is interested in moving to upsize, downsize or any size, I would give them the same great service that I would give you.

Thank you very much for stopping by,

I hope that this was helpful

Have a great day!

Would you rather build a home than buy one? Have you been thinking about the design? Maybe you've already drawn up plans. The Creemore, Stayner, Collingwood, and Wasaga Beach areas are perfect for building the home of your dreams.

A Very Unique Building Project

Local Architect, Jim Campbell of Rockside Design, designed this fantastic home with its million dollar views in mind. The custom building team at RTalbot Carpentry of Creemore, took care of the construction.

The beautifully designed, 6000 square foot home, just outside of the picturesque village of Creemore, took just over a year to complete.

Raising the Roof

The roof structure you see in the video was pretty challenging. It consisted of large squared timbers in an X pattern with 2" tongue and groove boards on top, plus insulation and ventilation. Built on the ground, it was then craned up two stories. Since it sits on four corner points, built on the walls, it had to be precisely placed on the ground so that it would sit perfectly in its final resting position. Despite the windy roof-raising day, everything went well.

If you'd like to design and build a home in the Creemore, Mulmur, Collingwood, or Wasaga Beach area, call today. I've got  many contacts in all the building trades, to help you. I will personally walk you through the process and help make sure the project gets done effectively.

Whether you want to buy vacant land to build a home, or you'd prefer a move-in ready home, call me today.

As a local realtor, I know the area well, and know what to look for and what to avoid in a property.

I look forward to meeting with you.

Well, get ready for it. Here it comes. The humidity, and the heat.

After the past few days, this could be an indication that we are headed into a hot humid spring and summer. Regardless, of whether we are or not, we should be ready it, and get our houses ready for it.

How Can You Reduce Heat and Humidity in Your Home?

One way to keep your house cool is to keep the humidity level below 60%. If it does, mold could start developing. If you’ve got issues, you’ll begin to see and feel it on paper products, like books, photos and posters, just to name a few. As it worsens, your clothes and furniture will feel moist. You could see mold start creeping up the wall, from the floor, where the air is the heaviest and contains the most water content.

Remember that your concrete basement floor is always colder then the warm moist air around it. Cold air is heavy and warm air is light, which explains why your second floor or attic is always hotter than your basement. When warm air meets cold air it will turn to condensation, resulting in sweat on your cold water supply lines and toilets on the hot, humid days.

Also, if you have a tile floor in the basement it could sweat and create water on the surface. Be careful. It could be slippery. If you don’t remove that moisture out of your basement OR crawlspace, you will get mold. Mold is there before you even see it. It is a health hazard that can cause allergies and illness.

So, How Do You Control the Moisture?

Here are just a few things you can do to improve your living and building health of your home.

Get the air moving in your basement or crawl space, and dry it out. Buy a couple of portable fans
and put one at each end of the basement. Keeping them on low will work fine, unless it’s really humid.

1. If it is really cool or moist in your basement or crawlspace, turn the heat on a little bit to equalize the
   temperature within the house.

2. Turn on the furnace fans to draw some of the cold air out of the basement, to the upstairs. This helps limit the use of more expensive air conditioning too.

3. Install a humidex. It’ll cost $500 and it controls the humidity in your home. It acts just like a dehumidifier, but costs less to operate and you won’t have to empty the holding container.

4. Buy an energy star rated dehumidifier and hook it up to a floor drain.

5. Open basement windows a window little bit to allow for fresh air. Just remember to close them to avoid accidental flooding.

6. If it gets warm enough to turn on the air conditioner, it’ll cost you a little more but it will cool your home and remove a lot of the moisture out of the air.

Other Things to Consider, to Keep Your Home Cool

1. Make sure your attic/roof has adequate ventilation.

2. If you are going to re-shingle, your roof, choose a lighter colour that absorbs less heat.

3. Plant trees and plants to block the hot, summer sun. It’ll provide outdoor shade, and keep your home cooler on the inside.

4. Limit your use of incandescent lighting because most of the energy used is wasted in heat. Use care with CFL bulbs though. They are toxic when they break.

5. Shade your air conditioner to keep the hot sun off it. This can increase your units efficiency, but be careful not to restrict airflow, or you may end up with problems.

6. Close your windows and window coverings during the day.

7. Open your blinds and windows during the cool of the evening. Try to get a cross breeze going.

8. Place a fan near the window, rather than in the window. Watch for rain, because the fan may draw the rain into the house.

These are just a few things to do that will help you stay cool.

When you are ready to sell your home or buy one, bring me a long and I will give you some great tips as to how to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

I would love the opportunity to help you or your referrals out.

What is Title Insurance?

When you purchase a home, it's wise to purchase title insurance too. The ensures the home's title is researched to make sure the seller has the right to sell the house; for example, that no one else has a claim on the house.

The title examiner will look closely at all available public records of the house, including past deeds, wills, and trusts, to make sure the house is free and clear to sell.

Ultimately, if the title is clear, you can buy the house. If not, any legal problems need to be cleared up.

Protection for You and Your Lender

Title insurance protects you and your mortgage lender if a problem occurs with the title, at any point during your ownership. It can be a problem that didn’t show up in the title examination, something the examiner missed, or an error in the public records. Let’s say a long-lost heir claims a right to the house after you’ve bought it. Title insurance will cover the cost of untangling the legal problem.

Two Types of Title Insurance

• A lender policy, usually issued for the mortgage amount, covers the mortgage lender. If you must go to court with the long-lost heir, the policy will cover the costs. If the long-lost heir is indeed the legal owner of the house, the policy will pay the mortgage back to the lender.

• An owner policy covers the price of the house and pays the owner for losses incurred due to title issues. If, for example, the long-lost heir wins the court case, your owner policy will reimburse you for the loss of the property. Typically, the buyer pays for title insurance. It’s usually a one-time fee; part of the closing costs.

What’s Not Covered?

Title insurance doesn't cover any defects found in the property after closing, and some policies won’t cover problems related to easements, mineral rights, and liens.

Do You Need It?

Most lenders require you to purchase a lender policy, but not all require an owner policy. Of course, if you’re paying cash for a property, title insurance is optional. On the other hand, it's always a good idea to protect your investment.

This article was provided by www.worldreferrals.com

There's a lot to think about when it comes to buying, selling, or renting your home. They are all so intertwined together. Today we are going to talk about the SELLING END OF THINGS. If you are a potential seller, you may decide to rent your property out to tenants, instead of selling. Maybe you want to keep it for future income. Or you may want to avoid capital gains at this time.

Having the income from a rental unit, each month, is nice. If you have a mortgage on the property, the tenant will help you pay it down. Also, it isn’t a great idea to leave your property vacant if you won’t be living there, so tenants can keep your home free from theft and vandalism.

Keeping your house and renting right now may be a good idea in today's economy, since you MAY get more for the property in the future. Rentals are a good investment overall.

Are You Ready to Be a Landlord?

Being a landlord can be challenging, but if you know the pros and cons ahead of time, and you are ready to mitigate the risks, it can also be very worth your while.

First, you need to make sure you are making the best decision for you and your family. That is, can you afford to keep the property? Consider all your possible expenses such as the mortgage payment, municipal taxes, home and/or liability insurance. Always make sure you have a buffer to cover financial emergencies.

You should also ask yourself if you're ready for interruptions in your family life when tenants lock themselves out or if there is an emergency at the property. If not, consider hiring a property manager.

Ensure the Best Tenants are Renting Your Home

Then make sure you find the best tenant possible for your property. Here are some things you can do to get to know them:

• Make sure that you look at the potentials renter’s credit history (for this, you’ll need their written consent).

• Check the past two landlord references. This is very important, unless they never rented before.

• Ask for at least two personal references, that are not related. These will help you get a sense of the tenants' character.

• Speak with their employer. Ensure that their  job is stable and their income will cover their living expenses (or your will be paying them yourself).

• Most important of all, trust your gut instinct.

Keep Your Renters Happy

Don’t forget to consider the cost though. You’ll have regular maintenance to upkeep the property. Remember a happy tenant is usually a longer-term tenant, so you’ll want to keep things in good repair. Also, each time a tenant moves out it will cost you money for cleaning and repairs.

Do your best to make the home as nice as possible, within your budget. It is a good idea to go into the home at least twice a year and check for maintenance issues like leaky taps, clean out the eaves trough, and check for mold in the basement. You may also have to do the grass cutting, yard work or snow removal, depending on your rental agreement. Be sure to keep open lines of communication with your tenant.

We’ve had great experiences with rental properties. They can be a great investment! Just be prepared to be in it for the long haul. In today’s market, it’s a great time to buy. That means, on the selling end, it takes a little longer and you might not get the price you are looking for. More than likely, this will change in the future. Real estate cycles always prove to increase over the year. When it dives, it always comes back. It just takes time.

If you need help deciding if renting your home is right for you, or if you'd like help to get your place rented, just give me a call or email today. Also, check out this video on becoming a landlord.

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. 

Good question. Well, one way to quickly determine your answer is to ask whether you have least 5% down payment and closing costs for a house?

If not, renting is a good option. It may beat living with mom and dad for the rest of your life! Even if you love them very much.

Most financial institutions and private lenders will not lend 100% of the purchase price. You need to show a financial interest in the home, so that the lender feels confident that you are not just going to walk away if money gets a little tight. If you are not able to buy this way, there is the rent-to-own option. However there is still a down payment required and interest rates will be higher.

Some of the types of renters are:

1. Folks without the 5%

2. Retired folks that are not interested in owning any longer

3. Folks experiencing financial difficulty (This can happen to ANYONE)

4. Seasonal renters, for ski seasons or summer holidays

5. Young couples or families, not sure about where life is taking them

6. Those who relocate, (i.e. the military, new jobs, etc.)

7. People who just don't want the responsibilities of owning

8. Students

These are just a few benefits of renting :

1. You do not have the liability of ownership

2. You do not have to maintain the buildings or grounds

3. You do not have the fix anything that wears out or breaks. (Unless, of course, you broke it!)

4. You do not have to cut the grass unless it is in your rental agreement

5. You do not have to do the snow removal unless it is in your rental agreement

6. If something happens to the building you do not have to deal with it

7. If the building needs upgrading, it is not your expense

8. You are not responsible for paying the taxes

9. You are not responsible for paying the building insurance

10. You do not have to come up with 5% down to live there

11. You may only need the home for a short term and don't want to have the hassle of selling

12. You may be retiring and only need it for a few years, before going into a retirement community

13. You may not be able to find just the right house, instead of buying the wrong house, rent short-term

These are just a few reasons why renting may be the best option for you. Homes come up for rent on the market all the time as do folks looking for rentals. I get calls for both periodically. There are many ways to get the word out you are looking to rent a home.

I can help you start looking for your next rental home. Whether you are looking in the Clearview, Creemore, Stayner, Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, or Mulmur township, I can help you get the ball rolling. It can take some time to find the one. Start as early as you can, so you don't miss out on a good deal.

I do property management too. If you need help deciding whether to buy or rent, or if you need help finding rentals or renters, give me a call today.