10 Ways to Green Up Your Home

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Being earth-friendly doesn't require going solar or growing all your own food. Making your home a little greener is easy and will have a great impact on the environment. A few simple changes in your home can go a long way to combat both high energy bills and global warming.

There are plenty of easy ways to make a big difference. Consider these 10 tips that will also save you money.

1. Use CFLs.  

Replace your incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). By replacing even your five most frequently used light bulbs, you'll save $100 per year because they use 66% less energy than a standard incandescent bulb and last up to 10 times longer.

2. Program Your Thermostats.  

Watch the temperature and save 10% on your heating and cooling costs just by setting your thermostat back when you're not home and while you're sleeping. Turn down the thermostat in cold weather and keep it higher in warm weather. Each degree below 20°C (68°F) during colder weather saves 3%-5% more heating energy while keeping your thermostat at 25°C (78°F) in warmer weather will save you energy and money. You won't notice the change in the temperature until you look at the reduction in your energy bills.

 3. Plug Air Leaks.  
Air leaks are the biggest energy waster in the home but they can be simple to fix. Install weather-stripping and caulk to stop those expensive drafts and Improve comfort. It's inexpensive and easy to install, and good for the environment.  Look for leaks around windows, doors, electrical outlets, plumbing penetrations, and in the attic floor. 

4. Go Low-Flow.  

Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators to save resources without sacrificing water pressure. An efficient showerhead will save your family $300 per year. They only cost about $15 and installing them couldn't be easier as they just screw on. You could also install a low-flow toilet. However, if you don't want to make changes to your washroom, adjust your toilet's float valve to admit less water into the toilet's tank.

5. Green Up Your Appliances.  

When replacing your appliances, such as your water heater, furnace, or air conditioner, you should select ENERGY STAR® qualified products. Appliance use comprises about 18% of a typical home’s total energy bill. If any of your appliances are more than 10 years old, replacing them with energy-efficient models that bear the ENERGY STAR® logo will be very beneficial and save you hundreds of dollars a year.

6. Clean Green.

Stop buying household cleaners that are toxic to both you and the environment. Use alcohol as a solvent instead of toxic butyl cellosolve, found in carpet cleaners and some window cleaners, and use coconut or other plant oils rather than petroleum in detergents. Or, skip buying altogether and make your own cleaning products. Use simple ingredients such as plain soap, water, baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice and you will also save money.

7. Use Bamboo for Flooring. 

Renovating your wooden floors? Look for bamboo. Bamboo is considered an environmentally friendly flooring material due to its high yield and the relatively fast rate at which it replenishes itself. It takes about four to six years for bamboo to mature while other typical hardwood take 50-100 years. Look for bamboo sources that use formaldehyde-free glues.

8. Use Healthier Paint. 
Conventional paints contain solvents, toxic metals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause smog, ozone pollution, and indoor air quality problems, all that result with negative health effects. These unhealthy ingredients are released into the air while you’re painting, while the paint dries, and even after the paints are completely dry. When selecting paints, look for the Green Seal and opt for zero- or low-VOC paint.

9. Save a Tree. 

You can save a tree if you use less paper. You can buy "tree-free" 100% post-consumer recycled paper for everything from greeting cards to toilet paper. Paper with a high post-consumer waste content uses less virgin pulp and keeps more waste paper out of landfills. 

10. Green Garden.

When fertilizing your garden's grass, flowers and plants, use compost instead of synthetic fertilizers. Compost provides a full complement of soil organisms and the balance of nutrients needed to maintain the soil’s well-being. This will result in a healthy soil, which will minimize weeds and is key to producing healthy plants.

When it comes to saving the environment, being a good global citizen starts at your doorstep. From using alternative cleaning materials to making minor changes in your home, all can add up to big benefits for the planet and your health, and will also save you money.

Thinking of Buyer a "Fixer-Upper"

 

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With housing inventory tight and fewer houses to choose from, some buyers are starting to consider homes that they previously would have dismissed as problems.

Buying a fixer-upper home can be a nightmare, punctuated by a series of unexpected disasters, or it can be a profitable venture. You can snag a rundown place in a good neighbourhood for way below the market price, invest some time and money renovating it, and end up with a like-new house that's worth a lot more than what you paid for it.  So before you take the plunge, make sure you have a realistic idea of what you're getting into.

Do the math
Figuring out what you should pay to buy a fixer-upper starts with a simple equation. First, add up the costs to renovate the property based on a thorough assessment of the condition of the house. Be tough with this estimate, which should include materials and labour — yours and other people's. Next, subtract that from the home's likely market value after renovation, drawn from comparable real estate prices in the neighbourhood. Then deduct at least another 5-10% for extras you decide to add, unforeseen problems and mishaps that have to be dealt with, and inflation. What's left should be your offer.

It's essential that the real estate contract include an inspection clause. At best, the inspection will assure you that the house is a good investment; at worst, it will help you back out of the deal. Often with fixer-uppers, it's something in between. The inspector will document a serious problem or two, and you can use the findings to get the seller to pay for repairs or negotiate the sale price downward.

If the house needs significant structural improvements, many real estate experts recommend avoiding it altogether. Major repairs like plumbing and electrical system overhauls, foundation upgrades, and extensive roof and wall work are usually "invisible" and hardly ever raise the value of the house enough to offset the cost of the renovation.

Pick projects that pay
The ideal fixer-uppers are those that require mostly cosmetic improvements — paint touch-ups, drywall repairs, floor refinishing — which generally cost much less than what they return in market value. New lighting fixtures, doors, window shutters, and siding, as well as updated kitchens and bathrooms, are also lucrative improvements.

The perfect fixer-upper is the home that everybody wants when fixed up but few can see past its imperfections to buy.

Be prepared to roll up your sleeves
Whatever renovation is required, it's usually most cost-effective when homeowners pitch in. A fixer-upper is for people who are willing to be do-it-yourselfers because it can save them a lot of money and they can keep the increase in home value for themselves.

If you're not the hands-on type, be prepared to devote a considerable amount of time — months or even years — to closely supervising contractors. But remember that all of your financial gains could be wiped out if the project goes over budget because of mistakes or unnecessary delays.

Line up the money
One of the most challenging aspects of purchasing a fixer-upper is paying for the renovation. Understandably, most people don't have much extra cash after making the down payment and paying closing costs, so coming up with the additional money to cover repairs or remodeling can be difficult.

If you have money set aside for repairs or you plan on taking out a loan, make sure you get an accurate estimate and then add another 20% on top of that. If you’re doing everything with borrowed money with no margin for error, there will be extra expenses no matter how carefully you plan.

Enlist help 
Make sure you have a network of helpers and never do the work by yourself. If you’re fortunate to have handy family members or friends, definitely enlist their help. Make sure to enlist the help of people you trust and know their level of experience and expertise in what you’re asking them to do.

Lastly, prioritize your projects and don't tackle them all at once, especially if you're doing it yourself. You don't want to start working on both the bathroom and kitchen and wind up getting stuck or out of money halfway through when your counters are all ripped out.

Buying a house is a stressful experience. Throwing a renovation on top of that, especially for a lot of first-time buyers, isn’t always ideal. Many people move into houses soon after they’ve entered a long-term relationship, and it can be tough on a relationship if you’re trying to figure out these difficult things that have big implications for your finances and how you want to spend your life.

Kitchener -Waterloo September Home Sales Average Prices

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REALTORS® sold 448 homes through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) in September, a decrease of 4.7 per cent compared to September of last year.


On a year-to-date basis 4,558 residential units have sold compared to 5,345 during the same period in 2017, a decrease of 14.7 per cent.
"The stress-test that came into force on all new mortgages at the beginning of the year has taken some of the steam out of home sales activity," said KWAR President Tony Schmidt. "Meanwhile home prices continue to rise as inventory levels remain rather low."


Residential sales in September included 270 detached (down 6.3 per cent compared to September 2017), and 110 condominium units (up 7.8 per cent) which includes any property regardless of style (i.e. semis, townhomes, apartment, detached etc.). Sales also included 30 semi-detached homes (down 18.9 per cent) and 30 freehold townhouses (down 18.9 per cent).

The average sale price of all residential properties sold in September increased 10 per cent to $492,398 compared to the same month a year ago. Detached homes sold for an average price of $574,653 an increase of 11.4 per cent compared to September of last year. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment style condominium was $325,378 an increase of 24.1 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $377,442 (up 4.7 per cent) and $386,670 (up 4.1 per cent) respectively.

The median price of all residential properties sold last month was up 10.5 per cent compared to September of last year at $453,000, and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased 8.8 per cent to $520,000.
REALTORS® listed 824 residential properties in K-W and area in last month, a 10 per cent increase compared to September of last year, and 9 per cent above the historical ten-year average of 755. The number of active residential listings on the KWAR’s MLS® System to the end of September totalled 1,005, which is 18.2 per cent higher than September of last year but 522 units short of the previous ten-year average of 1,527 listings for September.

"While the mortgage stress was intended to prevent homebuyers in overheated markets like Vancouver and Toronto from borrowing more than they could afford, it has had the unintended consequence of putting the goal of owning a home further out of reach for buyers across all housing markets, including in Waterloo region. This is particularly impactful for first time homebuyers where every penny counts."

How to Protect Your Privacy When Selling Your Home

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Many people are likely going to spend a considerable amount of time browsing through your home while it is on the market. If you are living in the home while it is for sale, your personal things will be on show too and potential buyers might look through drawers and other items that are inside your home. Your privacy and security may become an issue when showing your home, so it is important to consider all your options before you welcome someone into your home.

For many individuals, it is very important for them to protect their privacy, while others are simply concerned that buyers will make assumptions about them and judge them instead of simply judging their home. However, the importance of protecting your privacy is all the same and that goes for anything personal from financial information, such as cheque books to bank statements and personal letters.

Protect your documents 
Keep in mind that a potential buyer may open cabinets or drawers—this is not considered snooping. Buyers can innocently tug on a drawer to inspect its construction or depth and find important documents that you might not intend for anyone to see.

Don't leave mail where anybody can find it 
Many sellers make the mistake of leaving piles of opened mail neatly stacked on the kitchen counter or somewhere else in the home. By leaving your correspondence out on the table, a potential buyer can find out about your credit card debt, whether you have filed for bankruptcy and other private information that you probably don't want the buyer to be aware of. Not only is this an invasion of your privacy it can also change the offers that you receive from buyers. If you have a stack of mail from a collection agency, the buyer will know you are desperate to make a sale and will likely propose far under the list price.

Remove personal effects from your walls 
From diplomas and religious artifacts to wedding certificates and personal photos, don't provide buyers with any personal information about yourself or your family. De-personalizing is also an important move to make when staging your home for sale anyway, so you can actually accomplish two things by removing the personal effects from your home.

Don't leave your computer up and running during showings 
Gaining personal information from your computer takes only minutes for a professional hacker or thief, so be proactive and turn your computer off before potential buyers arrive.

Before you put your home on the market, empty out drawers, stage closets and pack up anything personal including medications. Disassociate yourself with your home—remind yourself that it is a house—a product to be sold on an open market that is bound to see plenty of new faces throughout the term of the selling process.

Consider renting a locker at your local bank and store away your jewelry and other valuable items. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Fall Market Update

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The market saw a slight increase in sales and prices last month in most area of the country. As we go into the cold sessions, it is quite obvious the real issue will be in supply rather than demand. While higher borrowing costs and tougher mortgage qualification rules have kept sales levels off the record pace set in 2016, many households remain positive about home ownership as a quality long-term investment.

Ontario - Tighter Market Conditions  
Toronto, Ocotber 3, 2018 -- Toronto Real Estate Board President Garry Bhaura announced that Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 6,455 sales through TREB's MLS® System in September 2018 – up 1.9% compared to September 2017. The average selling price for September 2018 sales was up by 2.9% over the same period to $796,786. The MLS® HPI composite benchmark price was up by 2% year-over-year.

New listings entered into TREB's MLS® System in September 2018 amounted to 15,920 – down by 3.1% compared to September 2017. With sales up year-over-year and new listings down, market conditions became tighter. Many buyers may have found it more difficult to find a home meeting their needs.

"It is healthy to see sales and prices in many areas across the Greater Toronto Area up a bit, compared to last year's lows. At the same, however, it is important to remember that TREB's market area is made up of over 500 communities. Market conditions have obviously unfolded differently across these communities. This is why it's important to work with a REALTOR® who is familiar with local market conditions in your areas of interest," said Mr. Bhaura.

"While higher borrowing costs and tougher mortgage qualification rules have kept sales levels off the record pace set in 2016, many households remain positive about home ownership as a quality long-term investment. As the GTA population continues to grow, the real challenge in the housing market will be supply rather than demand. The Toronto Real Estate Board is especially concerned with issues affecting housing supply as we move towards municipal elections across the region," added Mr. Bhaura.

On a monthly basis, after preliminary seasonal adjustment, sales edged up by 0.2 per cent in September 2018 compared to August 2018. The average selling price, after preliminary seasonal adjustment, edged lower by 0.5% month-over-month.

"Generally speaking, annual rates of price growth have been stronger for higher density home types in 2018, including condominium apartments, townhouses and semi-detached houses. In many neighbourhoods, these home types provide more affordable home ownership options. This is why a policy focus on increasing mid-density housing options throughout the GTA is important," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Director of Market Analysis.

Ottawa, October 3, 2018 -- Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,393 residential properties in September through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 1,383 in September 2017, an increase of only 0.7%. The five-year average for September sales is 1,303. September’s sales included 1,046 in the residential property class, a decrease of 2.5% from a year ago, and 347 in the condominium property class, an increase of 11.9 percent from September 2017.

“We continue to experience supply-side issues going into our fall market. The fact is, the number of residential sales would be much higher had we more robust inventory to draw from,” states Ottawa Real Estate Board President Ralph Shaw. “Condos continue to represent a greater proportion of year-to-date unit sales with a 15% increase from this time in 2017.”

The average sale price of a residential-class property sold in September in the Ottawa area was $449,613, an increase of 7.9% over September 2017. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $282,781, an increase of 7.6% from this month last year.*

“Economic fundamentals are at play in our market with a lack of supply putting an upward pressure on prices in some areas,” Shaw asserts. “Condo price increases on a percentage basis are finally recovering and are catching up to the increases in residential prices which is very encouraging news for condo owners.”

“With the inventory of available apartment condo units also declining month over month; this trend of price improvements may help kick-start some of the mothballed condo projects to date,” he speculates.

The $300,000 to $449,999 range remains the most active price point in the residential market, accounting for 46% of home sales while the $500,000 to $750,000 price range represents 22.5% of residential home sales this past month. Between $175,000 to $274,999 was September’s most active price point in the condominium market, accounting for almost 57% of the units sold.

“The low rental vacancy rate is spurring the purchase of condominium units, and first time home buyers wanting to enter the market are having to choose between “driving until they qualify” or purchasing a condominium at a price point they can afford.”

President Ralph Shaw offers one final thought. “Although the millennial generation is comfortable sharing their rides, they are not in the sharing mindset for housing – they want to own,” he contends. “In a recent study commissioned by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), research conducted by Abacus Data shows that Housing Affordability is a key issue  and the homeownership dream is alive and well with this demographic.”

In addition to residential and condominium sales, OREB Members assisted clients with renting 2,135 properties since the beginning of the year.

Alberta - All residential average prices stable, unit sales decrease
Edmonton, October 3, 2018 -- In the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), the all residential average prices increased 2.48% to $373,958 compared to August 2018 and increased 0.94% compared to September 2017. Single family home average prices increased 1.71% month over month and increased 0.25% year over year. Duplex/rowhouse average prices also increased in both categories, up 4.38% compared to August 2018 and up 0.68% compared to September 2017. Condominium average prices decreased 1.53% month over month and decreased 4.28% year over year.

Unit sales are down across all categories. Single family home sales decreased by 19.41% relative to August 2018 and 2.22% relative to September 2017. Condominium sales decreased 28.82% month over month and decreased 19.09% year over year. Duplex/rowhouse sales also declined, decreasing 21.02% compared to August 2018 and 21.52% compared to September 2017. Overall, all residential unit sales showed a decrease of 21.83% month over month and 8.53% decrease year over year.

Average days on market increased for all categories. The average for single family homes increased to 61 days for September 2018, two days longer than August 2018 and eight days longer than September 2017. Condominiums average days on market increased to 75 in September 2018, two days longer than August 2018 and seven days longer compared to September 2017. For duplex/rowhouses, the average days on market was 66, increasing from 63 in August 2018 and 61 days in September 2017.

“Stable prices coupled with decreasing sales and increasing days on market indicates sellers are most likely staying firm on their prices and choosing to wait longer to get the price they feel is best for their properties,” says REALTORS® Association of Edmonton Chair Darcy Torhjelm. “As we move further into our final quarter, we will likely continue to see sales decreasing as is typical for this time of year.”

Both inventory and listings decreased in September, with inventory down 1.53% and listings down 17.41% compared to August 2018. Listings also decreased 8.53% compared to September 2017, while inventory increased year over year by 7.35%.

In total, there were 1,225 MLS® System listed properties sold in September 2018, a decrease of 21.83% month over month and an decrease of 8.24% year over year.

Britsh Colombia - More supply and less demand seen across Metro Vancouver housing market
Monday, October 01, 2018 -- The supply of homes for sale continued to increase across the Metro Vancouver* housing market in September while home buyer demand remained below typical levels for this time of year.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in the region totalled 1,595 in September 2018, a 43.5% decrease from the 2,821 sales recorded in September 2017, and a 17.3% decrease compared to August 2018 when 1,929 homes sold.
Last month’s sales were 36.1% below the 10-year September sales average.

“Fewer home sales are allowing listings to accumulate and prices to ease across the Metro Vancouver housing market,” Ashley Smith, REBGV president-elect said. “There’s more selection for home buyers to choose from today. Since spring, home listing totals have risen to levels we haven’t seen in our market in four years.”

There were 5,279 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in September 2018. This represents a 1.8% decrease compared to the 5,375 homes listed in September 2017 and a 36% increase compared to August 2018 when 3,881 homes were listed.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 13,084, a 38.2% increase compared to September 2017 (9,466) and a 10.7% increase compared to August 2018 (11,824).

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for September 2018 is 12.2%. By property type, the ratio is 7.8% for detached homes, 14% for townhomes, and 17.6% for condominiums.
Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below the 12% mark for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20% over several months.

“Metro Vancouver’s housing market has changed pace compared to the last few years. Our townhome and apartment markets are sitting in balanced market territory and our detached home market remains in a clear buyers’ market,” Smith said. “It’s important for both home buyers and sellers to work with their Realtor to understand what these trends means to them.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,070,600. This represents a 2.2% increase over September 2017 and a 3.1% decrease over the last three months.

Sales of detached properties in September 2018 reached 508, a 40.4% decrease from the 852 detached sales recorded in September 2017. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,540,900. This represents a 4.5% decrease from September 2017 and a 3.4% decrease over the last three months.

Sales of apartment properties reached 812 in September 2018, a 44% decrease compared to the 1,451 sales in September 2017. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $687,300. This represents a 7.4% increase from September 2017 and a 3.1% decrease over the last three months.
Attached property sales in September 2018 totalled 275, a 46.9% decrease compared to the 518 sales in September 2017. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $837,600. This represents a 6.4% increase from September 2017 and a 2% decrease over the last three months.

The Benefits of a Pre-Sale Home Inspection

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Take initiative when selling your home and prevent your home inspection from being the "deal breaker"!

Usually, a professional home inspection is completed by a prospective buyer before the deal to purchase a home is finalized. The home’s final sale is most often subject to a home inspection, as well as financing and insurance.

In my experience, the home inspection is the biggest hurdle for the seller. Home inspections can be a great source of stress for the seller, as they hold their breath and hope that the condition of their home will be satisfactory for the prospective buyer.

A pre-sale inspection can alert you to problems that could complicate a potential sale. Fixing the problems in a home before listing not only makes the property more attractive and desirable; it also simplifies the negotiation process when the time comes for the buyer's pre-purchase home inspection.

It is not uncommon for a sale of a home to fall through due to the results of the home inspection. What can also happen is that after a home inspection, the buyer can request a decrease in price because of the problems identified in the inspection. Or, the buyer can request the problems to be repaired within a certain time frame, which usually causes panic to the seller, as well as unexpected costs.

By getting a pre-sale home inspection done, you are taking a proactive step towards selling your home. Although can cost between $300 to $400, the inspection can identify problems that may prevent a future sale. Once you have had a pre-sale home inspection done, you can fix or repair the problems BEFORE they become an issue to prospective buyers.  By addressing your repairs beforehand, you will reduce your stress and have more confidence as you move forward with selling your home.

Put the inspection report on your table for viewing – Make it a “Selling Feature”

The buyer primarily wants assurance that the home is structurally sound and its roof, electrical and mechanical systems are in good condition. As well, in a buyer's market, the prospective owner can be choosy, picking a home that doesn't require a lot of time and money to repair.

Having the inspection report on your table or counter for viewing is a definite selling feature. You can also display the receipts for the repair costs, to show potential buys that any issues have been fixed. The home inspection will also give confidence to the buyers if/when they make an offer.

The Most Common Home Hazzards

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Home health risks come in many shapes and forms. They can be found in the air, like smoke, radon, and carbon monoxide. They can also be found in household products, like water and dust, household chemicals and lead.

Anything in your house that can move, fall, break, or cause a fire during an emergency is a home hazard. At least once each year, inspect your home to find these possible hazards and remove or fix them.

1. Tripping hazards.
Remove throw rugs or scatter mats in high traffic areas such as at the top or bottom of stairs, or use a non-skid backing with flat edges.

2- Electrical hazards. Frayed extension cords, exposed wiring or damaged electrical wiring should be replaced or fixed immediately.

3- Hanging objects.
Mirrors, framed pictures, and other objects should be hung from closed hooks so that they can't bounce off the walls.

4- Slippery surfaces.
Slippery surfaces on stairs, balconies, porches, and patios are a major hazard in many homes. Install non-slip surfaces where needed and keep an absorbent towel handy to wipe up moisture or spills immediately.

5- Dark areas. Install a night light in the halls and bathroom in case you get up in the middle of the night. Install a light switch near stairs and bedroom entrances or a motion-sensitive or “clapper” device that automatically turns on the light.

6. Stairs.
Make sure your stairs are in good repair, free of clutter and have a non-skid surface.

7. Clogged dryer vents. High-temperature air combined with lint is a near ideal condition for a fire. Check and clear the dryer vent at least once a year.

8. Kitchen appliances. An improperly installed appliance can fall forward if your child learns or climbs on it. Toddlers have been critically injured when they tipped over a stove and were doused with a pot of scalding water.  Make sure free-standing or slide-in appliances are installed with anti-tip brackets that secure the rear legs to the floor.

9. Sharp objects.
Keep glass objects and appliances with sharp blades stored out of reach of children.

10. Medicine and cleaning chemicals. Keep vitamin or medicine bottles tightly closed and stored in a high cabinet far from reach. Make sure that cleaning supplies are locked out of the reach of children. Install safety latches on all cabinet doors.

11. Dirty faucet heads. Kitchen and bath faucets often have built-in screens to spray the water evenly. Unfortunately, dirt and other contaminants can build upon these and, possibly, affect the quality of the water. Clean faucet heads regularly.

Being diligent about home safety takes a little more time, but if it prevents one injury or illness, it is worth the effort.