Proper supervision is essential for summer water safety

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(NC) Spending time in and around water is lots of fun, especially for young children. However, drowning is the second leading cause of preventable death for kids under 10 years of age, and children under five are most at risk.

The backyard pool is the most common place where children under five drown. Drowning can occur in as little as 10 seconds and in just inches of water. Parents and caregivers are advised to be vigilant around all types of water – bathtubs, pools, beaches, even splash pads.

Here are some tips for effective supervision:

• Never leave children alone near water. And stay close – always within arms' reach.

• Use a tool like the On Guard card – worn around the neck to designate a specific adult who is responsible for supervising children in or around water. Give the card to another adult to take over if you need to turn away for any reason.

• Make sure to give 100% of your attention when supervising. Put cellphones, magazines and barbecue duties aside.

• Watch the face – especially the eyes. Many victims don't call, wave, or signal for help because they can't keep their head or arms above water.

• At the pool, the lake, or the beach, young children and non-swimmers should wear a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD).

• Never rely on a single measure to prevent young children from getting into a pool. Use multiple barriers or strategies like four-sided fencing to restrict access.

In addition to supervision, swimming is a life skill that every child should learn – and the lifesaving society points out that teaching children survival swimming skills is like an immunization against drowning. They recommend taking Parent & Tot lessons at your local pool to give toddlers a positive introduction to water, and looking for swimming lessons for older children. More information about the On Guard card and additional water safety tips are available at www.lifesavingsociety.com.

New Condo Buying

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Like all markets, real estate experiences fluctuations in activity. One constant in the Greater Toronto Area though, is the growing number of condominium transactions. Combining affordability with carefree living and the latest amenities, condominiums are attracting more buyers than ever before. 
      While many buyers retain the services of a real estate professional when buying a resale condominium, some aren’t aware that it is equally important to consult a REALTOR® when considering new construction developments as well.
 When choosing a new condominium suite there are a number of variables of which you should be aware, and your REALTOR® can guide help you steer clear of any potential pitfalls. Your purchase agreement may for example, allow your builder to substitute the gleaming stainless appliances you expect with black or white alternatives. It goes without saying that finishing features may not be the same as those displayed in the presentation office but you should also be aware that even room sizes and ceiling heights can be altered to make model suites more attractive. Even parking facilities might not be what you expect. While every agreement should of course, be reviewed by your legal counsel, your REALTOR® can help you identify features that are most important to you, so that your agreement provides for those specifics. If your priority is a spectacular view, your REALTOR® can advise on zoning in the surrounding area that could affect sightlines in future. Given that REALTORS® have many contacts in the community, they might even be able to give you insight into current owners’ experiences with your chosen developer. Using their access to RealNet, a database that includes 99 per cent of all developments greater than 15 units in size in the GTA, your REALTOR® can also help you compare a developer’s value proposition to others currently available in the market. While a provision to withdraw an offer does not apply to resale condominium transactions, the purchase of a new condo allows through legislation, for a 10-day cooling off period in which you are entitled to rescind your offer should you decide to explore other options. Given that many new condominium purchases involve buying into nothing more than a concept and that emotions are heightened when the majority of your financial resources are involved, it’s wise to have a REALTOR® on your side who is familiar with the many variables and can safeguard your interests throughout the process. For more information on how a REALTOR® can help you find a condo that is perfectly suited to your needs, talk to a REALTOR® and visit www.realtorpankajpatel.com where you will find Pre-Construction Condominiums, Greater Toronto Area Listings,Find Your Dream Home, Free Home evaluation, Free Real Estate reports, Neighborhood reports,information on government programs for homebuyers and other resources  for home buyers and sellers.

Tips for protecting your home while you're on vacation

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(NC) The excitement of going on holidays and getting away from the grind starts weeks in advance. With images of lazy days and cold drinks beginning to could your mind, it's important also to think about how to protect your home while you're away.

Relaxing on vacation is so much easier when you have the peace of mind that your home is safe and secure. So, before you check out from everyday life, do yourself a favour and follow these simple tips:

Find a watchful eye: Whether you plan to be away for three days or three weeks, you should arrange to have a trusted friend or neighbor collect your mail, mow your lawn and check in on your home while you're on vacation. James Hall, an insurance expert with Western Financial Group, recommends people call their insurance broker prior to leaving on a trip to make sure claims associated with theft or damage are covered if their home is left for an extended period. Some policies may stipulate the need to have a person checking on the home every two or three days for the policy to be valid in the event of a claim.

Don't share your travel plans with everyone: It can be tempting to share exciting trip plans with just about everyone you know. However, Hall recommends telling a limited number of people, so word does not spread to strangers that your house is sitting vacant. This applies to online activity as well, so you should never announce on social media sites like Facebook or Twitter that you are going away for a specific time.

Take measures around the house: Preparing your home for your absence isn't as simple as making sure all the windows and doors are locked. Hall says there are additional security measures to keep in mind. “It might be tempting to turn off all your lights in order to save on power, but having your house sit completely dark is tell-tale sign that nobody is home,” he says. As such, he advises setting up timers for both interior and exterior lights. Shutting off the water main is also a quick and easy step to take, and can prevent serious damage to your property from sudden leaks.

Information on how to protect your home and belongings through insurance can be found at www.westernfinancialgroup.ca.

Four tips for a hassle-free move

(Source: http://www.reco.on.ca/buyer-seller-news/four-tips-for-a-hassle-free-move/)

RECONNECT

April 29, 2015

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After months of house hunting, you’ve purchased a great home that you’re excited to move into. But, there’s still the big to-do of planning the actual move.

If hiring a moving company is part of your plan, consider these tips from Consumer Protection Ontario, a consumer awareness program from the government of Ontario and partners like RECO.

Ask the right questions. Here are a few questions to ask when determining if they’re the right company for the job:

• Do they have liability insurance? While many companies have insurance, their plans often do not cover things that you have packed yourself.
• Will they do an in-person assessment before providing an estimate? You may want to steer clear of a company that says they don’t need to look at your belongings before coming up with a quote.
• Who is responsible for damage or loss? Be sure that the information provided is included in your written contract, if you decide to go with that company.
• Will the moving company store your belongings at a facility for any amount of time? If so, be sure to visit the facility. Be wary if the company refuses to show you its storage space.
• Ask for references and check them!

Shop around. Before selecting a mover, get at least three written estimates from different companies. Once you select a mover, make sure the estimate is part of your contract. This way, the mover cannot charge you more than 10 per cent above the estimated cost unless you agree to a new service or price or sign a change to your contract. This is the law under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act (CPA).

Get it in writing. All moving contracts worth more than $50 must be in writing. Under the CPA, your contract must include:

• The mover’s name, address and contact information
• A description of the service(s) and their prices
• The total cost that you will have to pay, additional charges that may apply and taxes
• Start and end dates for the service
• The terms of payment (e.g., will you pay by credit, cash or cheque)

Prepare for moving day. Once the big day rolls around, consider being on-site to supervise the pick-up and delivery of your belongings. Also, you may want to move valuable items (e.g., jewelry) and personal documents yourself. Once your belongings arrive at your new home, consider making a note of any missing or damaged items on your contract or inventory list before the movers leave. Finally, keep in mind that a mover cannot hold your items or furnishings to demand extra payment. That’s an unfair practice under the CPA and it’s an offense to do so.

For more tips on hiring a moving company, visit the Consumer Protection Ontario website.

Think about safety first all season

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(NC) Now that the warm weather is here, many of us are cleaning up our yards, landscaping our gardens, or starting new outdoor projects. Be mindful, however, that these activities might take place above buried utilities including natural gas lines, so it's important to always call before you dig to avoid disruption of important services and to keep everyone safe. Here are some guidelines:

When should I call? – If you plan on building a deck, a fence, or doing any digging, the law requires that you contact Ontario One Call to request free locates of underground pipes and cables at least one week before you start.

What's the risk? – If you strike a natural gas line, you could create a safety risk and cut off natural gas service to your entire neighborhood for hours or even days. In a worst case scenario, you could cause a gas leak, fire, or explosion, resulting in injury or death.

What's the cost? – If you cause damage to an Enbridge natural gas line, you may be financially responsible for the repairs. If anyone is hurt or nearby property is damaged, you may also have to deal with fines and legal action.

Where do I start? – Contact Ontario One Call by calling 1-800-400-2255, or submit your request online at www.on1call.com. This service is free, and is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. A locator will visit your home to mark the location of underground utilities with paint, stakes, or flags and will give you a diagram of your property marking the pipelines to help ensure you are able to dig safely.

More information about natural gas safety is available at www.sixsecondsafety.com.

10 Most Dangerous Home Renovations to Do Yourself                      

By Spaces Contributor4 hours ago

SpacesBy Pro.com
Special to Yahoo Homes

70% of home projects are now do-it-yourself (DIY) with some help from family or friends, according to a recent survey undertaken by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate Communications. And why not? You save money, have bragging rights and know you used quality materials.

(Credit: PrinceOfLove/Shutterstock)

However, thousands of those people represented in that 70% number wind up in emergency rooms across the country because they tackled a project that should only be done by a professional. Not only can you injure yourself, but if the resulting renovation is faulty, like an insecure deck rail, you risk others getting hurt, too.

Avoid injuring yourself by calling a professional to undertake any of the following home repairs:

1. Electrical Wiring

When done incorrectly, you risk electrical shock, a fire, not having your home up to code and worse, electrocution. Electricians exist for a reason. They’ve undergone extensive training on how to install and repair wiring. You’ll need to schedule an in-person estimate to get a reliable cost range for your wiring repair needs.

(Credit: antos777/Shutterstock)

2. Gas Repairs

Properly turning gas on or off can be tricky and much can go wrong. When you make a mistake, you chance carbon monoxide poisoning which you can’t see, feel or smell and can be deadly. Gas is also highly flammable. For these types of repairs, call your local gas company.

(Credit: RCL/Shutterstock)

3. Roof Fixes

Unless you’re an aerial acrobat, working from a second or third story increases the likelihood of a fall. Experienced roofers have the right skills and the correct tools and can do the job much faster, preventing any injuries to you and saving you money in the long run.

(Credit: mehmet dinler/Shutterstock)

4. Asbestos Removal

Some older homes still contain insulation and ceilings made of asbestos. Exposure to its toxicity can result in serious respiratory issues. Do not try to remove it yourself. Instead, call a trained asbestos removal professional.

(Credit: KPG_Payless/Shutterstock)

5. Pest Elimination

When rodents, raccoons, cockroaches and other critters take up residence in your home, sometimes poison is the only way to get rid of them. In the wrong hands, this solution can adversely affect your children, pets and even you. Call an accredited exterminator instead.

(Credit: Pan Xunbin/Shutterstock)

6. Mold Removal

Unnecessary amounts of mildew and mold can make you very sick. It can trigger allergic reactions like sneezing, coughing, runny eyes or a skin irritation. Hire a specialist who deals with mold remediation.

(Credit: Singkham/Shutterstock)

7. Garage Door Renovations

Garage doors, operated by high-tension springs, has some powerful poundage behind it. You don’t want it falling on you or injuring you in any other way. Experts have the right tools and knowledge to make repairs or install new garage doors.

(Credit: EPG_EuroPhotoGraphics/Shutterstock)

8. Plumbing Issues

Pipes break, leaks develop and you want whatever the problem is fixed right away. Often a propane torch has to be used to complete the repair. Novices using this tool can burn themselves or even part of their home.

Other potential injuries include slips, trips, flying particles in the eyes and exposure to toxic substances. Plumbers go to school for four years or more. They know what they’re doing.

(Credit: Africa Studio/Shutterstock)

9. Wall Demolition

Should you remove a load-bearing wall, you risk compromising the structural integrity of your home, which puts your family in grave danger. Don’t get your aggressions out using a sledgehammer. Hire a professional building expert instead.

(Credit: KAMONRAT/Shutterstock)

10. Window Replacement

What happens when you remove the old window and aren’t able to install the new one? If the weather runs cold, you risk hypothermia or the added expense of needing to stay in a hotel. You could also experience a fall and severe cuts from broken glass. Check into a window replacement company for professional service.

(Credit: Steve Mann/Shutterstock)

Pro.com is a website founded in 2013 by service industry entrepreneurs and former Amazon executives to simplify home services -- especially research on contractor fees and qualifications.

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GTA REALTORS^® REPORT MONTHLY RESALE MARKET FIGURES

TORONTO, June 3, 2015 -- Toronto Real Estate Board President Paul Etherington announced 11,706 sales reported by Greater Toronto REALTORS® in May 2015.  This result was up by 6.3 per cent in comparison to 11,013 sales reported in May 2014.  For the TREB market area as a whole, sales were up for all major housing types.  However, in the City of Toronto, where the supply of low-rise listings has been constrained, sales were down for detached homes.

“During my tenure as TREB President over the past year, it is clear to me that ownership housing remains top of mind as a quality long-term investment for GTA households.  This is why, despite a shortage of listings in some market segments, we experienced a record number of sales reported through TREB’s MLS® System for the month of May,” said Mr. Etherington.

Record May transactions, coupled with a dip in the number of homes available for sale, resulted in strong price growth.  The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark was up by 8.9 per cent year over year in May.  The MLS® HPI uses benchmark homes to estimate price growth.  This allows for an “apples to apples” comparison of price growth that is not affected by changes in the mix of sales activity.

The average selling price for all home types combined in May 2015 was up by 11 per cent annually to $649,599.  The higher annual rate of average price growth compared to the MLS® HPI Composite Benchmark points to the fact that the proportion of high-end home sales continued to be greater compared to 2014.

“Tight market conditions, especially for singles, semis and town homes in the GTA, have resulted in strong price growth regardless of the price metric being considered.  With no relief so far on the listings front, expect similar rates of price growth as we move through the remainder of 2015.  At this point, a number of months where listings growth outstrips sales growth would be required to satisfy pent-up demand,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Director of Market Analysis.

Summary of TorontoMLS Sales and Average Price May 1 -31
		2015						2014
		Sales	Average Price			New Listings		Sales		Average Price		New Listings
City of Toronto ("416")		4,189	$718,350			7,280		4,051		$652,012		7,328
Rest of GTA ("905")		7,517	$611,287			11,417		6,962		$545,921		11,518
GTA		11,706	$649,599			18,697		11,013		$584,946		18,846
TorontoMLS Sales & Average Price  By Home Type May 1 - 31
	Sales						Average Price
	416			905	Total		416		905		Total
Detached	1,447			4,398	5,845		$1,115,120		$735,915		$829,792
Yr./Yr. % Change	-6.0%			6.4%	3.0%		18.2%		13.6%		14.0%
Semi-Detached	471			805	1,276		$779,523		$493,194		$598,884
Yr./Yr. % Change	0.4%			10.9%	6.8%		13.7%		11.0%		11.1%
Townhouse	487			1,354	1,841		$555,052		$449,705		$477,573
Yr./Yr. % Change	8.7%			7.0%	7.5%		10.2%		10.9%		10.7%
Condo Apartment	1,762			757	2,519		$422,947		$319,639		$391,901
Yr./Yr. % Change	12.9%			13.8%	13.2%		5.5%		3.9%		5.0%

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Greater Toronto REALTORS® are passionate about their work. They adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service. Serving over 40,000 Members in the Greater Toronto Area, the Toronto Real Estate Board is Canada’s largest real estate board. Greater Toronto Area open house listings are available on www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com