How to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

 

According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, water damage caused by sewage backup is one of the most common threats to Canadian homes.  Impossible to ignore, flooding and sewage backup in your home will very likely cause substantial damage and long-term disruptions to your daily life. Not only will your home require months of construction work, you’ll also face the very real chance of losing irreplaceable personal items to water damage. Like many disasters, homeowners don’t usually think much about water damage until it’s far too late. This article will go through some easy steps you can take to protect your home against damage caused by sewage backup.



How does sewer backup occur?

The majority of modern residential homes in newer cities and towns connect to separate sanitary and storm sewers; this helps to prevent overflow by splitting the inflow of water. But in somewhat older areas, these two systems are combined, making them more prone to overflow during periods of heavy rainfall. In some cases, this can cause sewage to be forced back up the system to eventually find its way into the lower levels of your home through things like storm drains, sewer cleanouts, basement toilets, sinks and even showers. And depending on how much of it finds its way into your home, you could be faced with some pricey repairs.



What can you do to protect your home?

Protecting your home against water damage can be as simple as taking a few preventative steps.

• First, you’ll want to determine whether or not your home has dedicated sanitary and storm sewers. Finding out is easy; simply contact your local government office and ask! If they tell you that your home is linked to a combined sewer system, you’re at a higher likelihood for sewer backup. In this case, you’ll want to take additional steps to help protect your home and belongings.



• Have a professional plumber install and properly maintain a backwater valve in your home’s main sanitary sewer connection. During periods of heavy rainfall or flooding, this valve will automatically prevent sewage in an overloaded line from backing up into your backwater valves. If this valve is something you require, you may be eligible for a subsidy from your municipal government!



•If your basement is below grade (meaning that it is below ground level), it would be wise to contact a professional and inquire about the installation and maintenance of a sump pump system and battery backup. Sump pump systems are used to remove unwanted water before it finds its way into your basement, and the battery backup ensures that it keeps working during power outages (common during storms).



• Unless absolutely necessary, do not keep valuables in your basement. If you can, keep them on the higher floors of your home.



Though water damage is very likely to cause serious damage to your basement and foundation, it’s also very preventable with proper maintenance. To recap, it’s very easy to determine whether you’re at risk; simply contact your municipal government to find out. If that inquiry reveals that you’re connected to a combination sanitary and storm sewer, speak to a plumber about installing a sump pump system and battery backup.



Don’t wait until it’s too late; protect yourself, your home and your belongings today!

Is Your Computer Running on Windows XP Operating System? Better Upgrade Soon...

Microsoft has announced it will end support for Windows XP on April 8, 2014. Microsoft will stop providing any fixes or patches, including security patches, for its 12 year old operating system after this date.

The announcement by the computer giant has brought mixed responses from consumers and businesses alike. Windows XP was designed in the late 1990’s before smartphones, cloud computing and powerful handheld devices even existed, and many believe the time for the aging operating systems end of life has come. On the other hand, Windows XP still operates 30% of the world’s computers, most of those business computers, and many people are worried about how the lack of support will affect them.

How Will This Affect Me?
Computers using the Windows XP operating system will still run after April 8, but Microsoft will no longer send software updates or provide any customer support at all. This includes security updates and patches.

Windows XP was a product of the late 1990’s software development before the internet was fully rolled-out and was never designed to cope with internet attacks. It has required constant security updates and patches to keep the operating system secure against the latest threats. The announcement of its end of life will be a worry to many users worldwide.

The cost of upgrading to new and more powerful computers that can run a newer operating system can be prohibitive for some businesses. Many have also invested heavily in custom or specialized software programs that are designed to work only with XP.

Most Windows XP computers will still connect to the internet even after the end of life date, though without security updates by Microsoft; they will be extremely vulnerable to attacks. As time goes on, hackers will find new vulnerabilities in the system and without patches from Microsoft, they will be free to exploit them.

How Do I Protect Myself?
The main advice from Microsoft is to update to a more modern and secure operating system, that’s designed to handle the world we live in today. This may not be immediately possible for many users, so here are some tips to protect yourself if you are unable to migrate right away.

Examine Your Software Choices
If you use Internet Explorer, it may be time to switch browsers. Internet Explorer 8, the latest version available for XP, is already several generations old and will no longer receive security updates. Switch to Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox to ensure a modern, secure web browser.

Remove Insecure Software
Many browser plugins like Java, Adobe Flash and Adobe Reader have always been vulnerable to attacks. If they are not crucial to your work, its best to remove them and lock down your XP system.

Go Offline
If you use your XP computers to run software applications only, consider disconnecting them completely from the internet or any outside networks. This is the only way to fully ensure that your system will not be vulnerable to attacks from the outside world.

The tips above could help to reduce the severity of attacks you might experience, but there is no guarantee that your computers will be fully secure after April 8, 2014. With 30% of the world’s computers still running Windows XP, it’s likely that hackers will choose to focus only on XP machines. As time goes on, hackers will find more security holes in the operating system and will be able to exploit them.

The risks by staying with Windows XP are extremely high, and while some businesses might be able to accept the risks, the advice to 99% of XP users is to create a plan to upgrade as soon as possible.

Do You Know the Signs of a Previous Fire When Purchasing a Home?

One item that ranks high on purchasers' lists of concerns is damage from a previous fire, whether they voice it or not.  The damage from a fire can be severe enough to render the structure unsafe if not properly repaired - a surprise no one needs!

There are some signs we watch for since unfortunately not all homeowners disclose properly and others are unaware of the true history of the home.

There are laws preventing a vendor from knowingly withholding any information that they know can adversely affect the safety of a home, but just as buyers should beware, real estate professionals should also beware of the signs that might indicate there had been a fire in the home.

Know the Signs

One of the biggest places overlooked is the attic – burned attic members, ash and painted attic structure are easy giveaways – that most homeowners and certainly buyers would miss.

When listing or showing a property, watch for the following signs that a structure may have experienced a fire - tips from the Lighthouse Inspection's team of qualified home inspectors and countless home inspections performed throughout Ontario;

Floors / Walls and Ceilings – Watch for new or warped materials, stains or uneven textures

Roof – New shingles on part of the roof, or areas of wear that seem inconsistent with the rest of the roof can be cause for concern. Staining – from smoke – around vents can also be a tipoff.

Exterior – Watch for warped vinyl siding, eaves and soffits, discoloured aluminum siding and trim, stained masonry – particularly above doors and windows, and evidence of sections that have been replaced.
Lighthouse Home Inspections can help resolve any concerns and advise clients of any visible evidence of a past fire or consult when a fire has been disclosed.

Contact your local Lighthouse Inspections professional for more information about this article or to schedule a complete home inspection by Lighthouse Home Inspections.

4 Things All Home Buyers Should Remember

The decision to move is a big choice to make. You and your family have most likely thought long and hard about it. The reasons that drive such big changes are varied, and they’re unique to every family.

In my experience, there are two kinds of factors that influence people’s decision to relocate to a new home. I like to categorize them into two groups: the Known Factors and the Hidden Factors.

Known & Hidden Factors to Remember

While the Known Factors are the ones most of us think of when we’re gearing up for a move, the Hidden Factors are just as important—if not more so—and should not be forgotten. Let’s take a look at both.

When I say “Known” Factors, I mean the reasons we typically have for moving. These can be as varied as moving for a new job, wanting to live closer to or further from the city, upgrading for a growing family or downsizing for retirement.

These considerations can be the impetus for change, but then what I am calling the Hidden Factors kick-in. These are things that Canadians should keep in mind when planning their next move.

1. Mortgage Pre-Approval

Hidden Factor #1 when planning your move should be your mortgage pre-approval. Work out how long it will take to get pre-approved, and once it’s done, make sure you have the funds ready when you need them to close on your new home.

2. Timing is Everything

Hidden Factor #2 is timing. I mean in terms of average house prices and whether they’re going up or down.

If you know you’re not planning to stay more than 5 years in your current home, you’ll want to keep a sharp eye on the market and carefully plan your timing when you decide to sell. If, however, you’re living in a house you plan to be in for the next 20 years, timing will be less of a consideration as historically, Canadian homes have appreciated in value in the long-term.

3. Prioritize Your Renovations

Hidden Factor #3 is actually one to keep in mind well in advance of your move. It’s about prioritizing renovations. Let me explain:

If you’ve recently moved into a home and you plan to be there for a while before reselling, you may be tempted to redo the kitchen or perhaps the bathroom. But are you renovating out of necessity? Or for a profit?

If you want to make some money on your resale, it makes sense to wait until a year or so before you move to do major renovations. They’ll be more up-to-date and in line with current tastes.

4. Don’t Forget Closing Costs

Finally, Hidden Factor #4 is closing costs.

There are a number of costs above and beyond your down payment.  Lawyer fees, land transfer taxes, taxes on CMHC default insurance, inspections, etc....  I have a complete list of expected costs you may not have considered.

If you’re planning a move in 2014, keep these four Hidden Factors in mind. Take time to talk with your financial advisor in preparation for your sale and remember: Whether you’re upgrading or downsizing, the most important factor is that you love the home you’re in.

Contact me today to have a professional help guide and advise you during the exciting time!

Home Buying Calculators to Determine Affordability and Mortgage Payments

Here are some great calculators from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to help you decide if buying a home is affordable, calculating a household budget, a mortgage payment calculator and some other great calculators.



LINK: http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/buho/buho_005.cfm

Contact me today for some personalized advice or just to chat about real estate in Kitchener - Waterloo!

Top Outdoor Trends for 2014

 

A home’s inviting outdoor space may be just enough to get a home buyer to fall in love. The American Society of Landscape Architects recently surveyed nearly 180 landscape architects asking them to rate the expected popularity for 2014 of a variety of residential outdoor elements.

Across all categories, respondents rated the following as “somewhat” or “very in-demand” for 2014: lighting, seating/dining areas; fire pits/fireplaces; grills; installed seating, such as benches, seatwalls, ledges, steps, and boulders.
Home owners know that designed landscapes add value to their lives as well as their property values. They’re interested in livable, open spaces that are both stylish and earth friendly.

Here’s a breakdown of how home owners are sprucing up their outdoor spaces, and some of the top trends that landscape architects pinpointed for 2014 in each category.

Top Outdoor Design Elements
1. Gardens and landscaped spaces
2. Outdoor living spaces (kitchens, entertainment spaces)
3. Outdoor recreation amenities (pools, spas, tennis courts)
4. Sustainable design practices

Top Outdoor Living Features
1. Lighting
2. Seating/dining areas
3. Fire pits/fireplaces
4. Grills

Top Outdoor Recreation Amenities
1. Decorative water elements, such as ornamental pools, splash pools, waterfalls, grottos, water runnels, or bubblers
2. Spa features (hot tub, Jacuzzi, whirlpools, indoor/outdoor sauna)
3. Swimming pools
4. Sports/recreational spaces (tennis courts, bocce ball, etc.)

Top Landscape/Garden Elements
1. Low maintenance landscapes
2. Native plants
3. Fountains/ornamental water features
4. Food/vegetable gardens (including orchards/vineyards, etc.

Top Sustainable Design Elements
1. Native/adapted drought-tolerant plants
2. Drip/water-efficient irrigation
3. Permeable paving
4. Reduced lawn

Top Outdoor Structures
1. Terraces/patios/decks
2. Fencing (includes gates)
3. Pergoals
4. Decks

Contact me today for a free Home Value Report of staging advice!

Chalk board wall - Like it or Leave it???  What do you think?

HOMES SALES STEADY IN FEBRUARY

Residential sales through the Multiple Listing System (MLS®) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) were down 4.0 percent in February compared to the same month last year and up 34 percent compared to January’s results which were hampered by extreme cold and snow.

A total of 431 residential properties were sold compared to 449 the same time last year. Residential sales in February included 274 single detached homes (down 8.7% from last February), 33 semi-detached (down 13.2%), 28 townhomes (down 3.4%) and 93 condominium units (up 16.3%).

February sales showed a healthy increase compared to January.  Low interest rates and a diverse and vibrant regional economy will continue to support a stable market for the Kitchener-Waterloo area."
 Single detached homes sold for an average price of $387,288 an increase of 5.1 percent compared to last year. The average sale price for a condominium was $233,657 an increase of 6.8 percent while townhomes and semis sold for an average of $281,636 (down 0.7%) and $246,171 (down 3.0%) respectively. The average sale price of all residential sales through the KWAR’s MLS® System increased 3.0 percent to $335,217 compared to February 2013.

Following up on what has been one of the coldest winters on record I expect we will see home buyers and sellers out in full force come the spring time.

Contact me today to chat about the market or for a complimentary Home Value Report!

35 Super Cool Things You Can Have in Your Home if You're Rich!

A relaxing ceiling hammock for lazy naps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This summer-ready swim-up bar and grill

Source: pinterest.com

A three-story climbing wall built into the stairwell

Source: eldowalls.com

This amazing, space saving bookshelf for your office

Source: peerflix.com

A small, cozy reading nook under the stairs for quiet afternoons

Source: brooklynberrydesigns.com

Useful hidden storage areas beneath the guest room

Source: diycozyhome.com

This epic multi-purpose, rotating sink (this one may be worth the splurge even before you're rich)

Source: pinterest.com

A secret agent-like popup garage that you'll show off to every guest

Source: ohgizmo.com

This sneaky refrigerator under your kitchen island. Perfect for storing beer & other drinks

Source: myhomelookbook.com

An enormous, luxurious waterfall shower & bath

Source: thefourthtee.wordpress.com

This cute bone shaped pool for your dog. Someone looks happy about his bath :)

Source: www.kz.all.biz

A dedicated kids playroom & living room to encourage more family time

Source: houzz.com

Or a secret playroom with a hidden, kid sized entrance

Source: reddit.com

Finally, this amazing family-sized home theater with star-gazing moon roof and big leather sofas!

Source: houzz.com

Source: eldoradostone.com

A huge backyard treehouse with patio and balcony (Great for both kids and adults!)

Source: theletteredcottage.net

An actual creek that flows peacefully under the house

Source: timberhomeliving.com

This ultra secret bedroom closet waterslide that leads to a luxurious indoor pool

Source: nation.towergaming.com

A swimming pool that doubles as a home theater

Source: s-media-cache-ec7.pinimg.com

Your own mini-golf course & putting range nestled between rooms

A kitchen trap door, leading to a huge underground wine cellar (and all the fine, vintage wines you'll own)

Source: buzzfeed.com

An gigantic two story closet for your infinite collection of shoes, clothes, and more shoes.

Source: houzz.com

This multi-layered, family-sized pool and beachhouse so you can throw the best pool parties in the whole town

Source: fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net

These fun, space-saving guest bunks

Source: pinterest.com

An entire room dedicated to sleepovers with a fireplace and 50" projection screen

Source: buzzfeed.com

A staircase that doubles as a slide for the kids

Source: cdn.home-designing.com

A quiet reflection pond and comfy hammock

Source: homedesigncorner.com

An intricate, gravity defying cat transit system

In every single room of the house.

Source: imgur.com

A treehouse themed kid's room, where the bed is burrowed in the treehouse

Source: dornob.com

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These useful, discreet vacuum baseboards

Source: aerusvacuums.com

The tiny slot sucks up dirt that is swept nearby, then stores for easy disposal.

Accordion windows that transform a boring kitchen into an outdoor patio bar

Or kitchen walls that lift up to reveal the swimming pool

Source: houzz.com

A scenic backyard rain shower for those hot summer days

Source: conceptrends.com

This bookshelf, which opens up to reveal a hidden room...

Source: acrumblebatchwithcustardfreeman.tumblr.com

...inside are more books and a secret storage compartment beneath the bed

A four sided Lego wall with unlimited potential for creativity

Source: hgtv.com

Common First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes

1. They don’t ask enough questions of their lender and end up missing out on the best deal.

2. They don’t act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.

3. They don’t find the right agent who’s willing to help them through the homebuying process.

4. They don’t do enough to make their offer look appealing to a seller.

5. They don’t think about resale before they buy. The average first-time buyer only stays in a home for four years.


Contact me today for a free Home-Buyer's Toolkit!

5 Reasons Your House Might Not Be Selling....

    

The state of the real estate market is what determines how quickly your home will sell.

Frustratingly, these factors are beyond your control. But there are several factors that are within your control that can cause your home for sale to sit on the market. Let’s look at 4 reasons your house is not selling and some solutions to these problems.

1. Your price is not right

As we have said before, setting the right price is critical for a sale.  Set it too high and those potential buyers who do come through will suffer let down and won't be interested as they are seeing potentially better homes at the same price and those who should be seeing the home won't come out to see it because it is beyond their price point.

Most sellers place a value on their home much higher than the actual fair market value because they are emotionally attached to their homes. Hold on to the memories, but be realistic about what your home is worth. Understand that a buyer is not going to have these same feelings as you and only wants to pay what it really is worth in today’s market.

You may need to re-evaluate your pricing and think about how a potential buyer might view your home—not how you view it after living there for several years.

2. Your home requires costly repairs

If your home requires costly repairs, buyers may not be interested if the repairs are deemed too much to take on. You may not want to take a hit on the price, but it might be the only thing to do to sell your home without renovating it yourself.

3. The house for sale is functionally obsolete

Your home may also be outdated to the point that it is simply not of interest to buyers.

A kitchen upgrade is always doable. However, if you have to walk through one bedroom to get to another, this can be considered functional but obsolete by today’s standards.

In this case, either price your home to reflect the needed updates or to update it yourself. The age and functionality of the house can be a big reason why your home isn’t selling and should always be considered in your pricing.

4. A house won’t sell if it’s not attractive!

We cannot overstate the importance of good home staging and curb appeal when selling your home. The irony is that these are often the easiest things to fix! Your home needs to be prepared for a showing at any time, so consider hiring a professional home stager.

It can be frustrating when your home sits on the market for longer than expected. But if you put a little effort into making the home look its best, offer a reasonable price, and think from the buyer’s point of view, you’re more likely to get it sold.

5. Poor Marketing or NO Hustle by Your Realtor

Gone are the days when a for sale sign could be plunked into a lawn and buyers would show up.  With multi-media, social media, networking, print advertising and all the multitude of marketing options and decisions, buyers are easily distracted.  You need focused marketing and someone with a proven track record....getting listings by dropping commission prices or making promises that can't be kept is easy.  Selling homes is not.  Choose someone who has proven they can sell homes, not someone who simply carries a huge listing inventory (not to mention, how attentive do you think service will be if you are one of 15 listings?

Contact me today for a free Home Value Report!