Thursday 29 December 2016

5 tips for preventing holiday house fires


(NC) On average, a Canadian home burns every 55 seconds. Risk of fire is especially heightened during the holiday season, when cooking and the use of electrical equipment are at their peak.
Stay safe throughout the holidays and always by incorporating these key safety tips:
1. Preparation is key. Make sure your home is equipped with fire-detecting devices and alarms, as they'll alert you of a fire in time to get to safety and help prevent devastating damage. Ensure your home is equipped with working smoke detectors and has a fire extinguisher.
2. Sufficient coverage. Check your insurance coverage to ensure you have adequate coverage for your home and belongings. Consult your insurance provider to make sure you have the home coverage you require. belairdirect's new home quick quote can provide you with a home quote in a matter of minutes.
3. Kitchen safety. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, and it's easy to get distracted in the kitchen when entertaining. Fifty per cent of kitchen fires result from grease or oil, causing the fastest-spreading and most destructive type of fire. Never leave the kitchen when cooking, but if you absolutely need to leave the room, carry a kitchen spoon that will serve as a reminder that you're in the midst of preparing a meal.
4. Heating appliances. It's tempting to use heating appliances when the temperature drops. If you do pull out that space heater, make sure it's certified by a recognized testing agency and follow the manufacturer's recommendations on keeping it away from objects that may be combustible.
5. Power strips. Between decorations and adding extra lighting for your party, you might have to use your electrical outlets at full capacity. Be sure to avoid overloading outlets and covering them with fabric or rugs.
Find more information online at belairdirect.com.

How to create a cozy finished basement

(NC) A warm, comfortable finished basement is a great feature that adds value to your home. But too few owners realize that finishing a basement the wrong way can bring mould, mildew and lower indoor air quality.
Building a healthy finished basement comes down to these five elements:
1. Only finish a reliably dry basement. Even a small amount of leaked water can trigger mould, mustiness and poor indoor air quality. That's why your basement needs to prove itself reliably dry before you invest time and money into finishing. Monitor the space and make sure it's dry for at least a year.
2. Use moisture-resistant inorganic materials. Even a dry basement might get unexpectedly damp. So use inorganic materials that won't feed mould even in the presence of moisture. Foam-based insulation is best at reducing mould risk in basements. Avoid putting wood in contact with concrete.
3. Install a subfloor. Proper basement subfloors make finished floors warmer and reduce the chance that humid summertime air will condense against cool concrete. Choose inorganic subfloor products to put against the basement floor.
4. Spray foam the rim joists. Although it's common to insulate the area where joists meet outside walls using fibre-based insulation and a vapour barrier, it's difficult to get a proper air seal around all those joists. The resulting air leakage is why many homes have some kind of mould in the rim joist area. Spray foam eliminates this problem because it's self-sealing when applied at least three inches thick. You'll need a professional installer to do this work.
5. Install a proper heating system. Just because you have a furnace in your basement doesn't mean it will automatically heat the space. You need sufficient ducts to deliver heat to all areas as well as cold air return ducts at floor level to promote air circulation.
If you're planning to hire a contractor, make sure they're experienced, knowledgeable and professional. The Canadian Home Builder's Association is a great source of free advice for hiring a pro and avoiding suspicious contractors. Find more information at www.getitinwriting.ca.

Sunday 4 December 2016

7 safety tips to protect your family from carbon monoxide

(NC) Fire departments and safety experts are stressing the importance of Ontario's recent law mandating the installation of carbon monoxide alarms. An alarm is now required in homes of any age that have an attached garage or a furnace, fireplace, appliance or other device that burns natural gas, oil, wood, propane, or other fossil fuel.
Protect your loved ones with these safety tips recommended by Kidde, the leading manufacturer of carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in Canada.
1. Always have a licensed technician check all heating systems and other fuel-fired devices annually. Include flues and ductwork ( if they're cracked or obstructed, lethal CO gas could seep back into your home.
2. Carbon monoxide gas is about the same weight as air. So plug-in, battery powered or combination smoke/CO alarms can be safely installed at any height. The average cost is between $25 and $60 depending on features.
3. The law says CO alarms must be installed outside every sleeping area to increase the likelihood that people asleep will wake up if it goes off.
4. Research shows that homeowners favour CO alarms that have a continuous digital display. The display shows any concentration of the gas, even if it's below the level that causes the alarm to sound. This allows homeowners to address a small problem before it gets worse.
5. Symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu, but without the fever. Nausea, headaches, and lethargy can turn into confusion, collapse, and even death with lack of fresh air.
6. The newest generation of CO alarms from Kidde are called “worry-free” because they have a sealed lithium battery that lasts 10 years, as either the primary power source or as backup in case of a power outage. They never need to be replaced for the life of the alarm.
7. Like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide and combination smoke/CO alarms do not last forever. Whether hardwired, battery powered or plug-in, replace any CO alarm manufactured prior to 2009.

Everything you need to know about tenant insurance

(NC) There are two kinds of renters in Canada – those who have tenants insurance and those who don't. According to a recent study conducted by Substance Strategies, more than half (53 per cent) of tenants in Canada are the kind that go uninsured. So what is causing this risk-taking phenomenon? It seems to be a lack of awareness. Below are the top four important things you need to know on this topic:
1. Your landlord doesn't cover all risks and damages. The landlord has insurance on what they own — the building itself and nothing more. You are responsible for your own property and the contents of your apartment. If an unfortunate mishap occurs and you don't have tenant insurance, your landlord's policy won't cover your 60” television, and you'll end up having to watch your favourite show on your smartphone.
2. Liability is key. As a tenant, you're most likely going to be financially responsible for any damage you cause, even if it's accidental. The extent of civil liability is an important factor when considering what you are responsible for and if you are able to cover it out of pocket.
3. Your stuff is worth more than you think. What's interesting about insurance is that your belongings are not insured based on sales cost, but on the replacement cost which factors in the retail value at the time of loss including possible inflation. So that television you bought on sale for $400 dollars reduced from $800 would be insured for the full $800 dollars. With that in mind, is there more in your house that you can't afford to lose?
4. Tenant insurance is surprisingly affordable. Forty per cent of Canadians believe they don't have the means to pay for tenant insurance, but based on current minimum premiums, tenant insurance can cost less than a restaurant meal each month. If you can skip the extra coffee each day, then you've saved up enough money to afford tenant insurance.
Armed with this new knowledge about tenant insurance, you may want to consider getting a quick and simple quote from an insurance provider like belairdirect. Don't be the 53 per cent that go uninsured!

Protect your roof this winter with these tips

(NC) Winter can be tough on many parts of a home — our windows, porches, and driveways take quite a beating with all the snow and ice. But did you know that your roof is one of the most vulnerable areas?
No matter what material your roof is made of, snow and ice can cause severe and expensive damage. If left untended, the result could be water damage that trickles inside.
“Canadians are always clearing their driveways or scraping their windshields after the snow or ice, but the roof is out of sight so it can get overlooked,” explains Glenn Cooper from Aviva Canada. “By taking steps to check and care for your roof during the season you can help avoid a leakage and extend the life of your roof at the same time.”
Try these four tips to protect your roof this season:
1. Hire a professional snow removal company. If your roof is particularly high, it's much safer to hire a professional snow removal service to clear the snow off.
2. Use binoculars. You can check the condition of your roof by using binoculars; in most cases, you can see everything you need without having to climb up there.
3. Rake it up. Use a rake to force built-up snow onto the ground.
4. Do warm weather installations. Consider installing electric radiant heat in the warmer months to keep your roof temperature above freezing during the cold of winter. You can also install an ice barrier, used mostly on metal roofs, to prevent snow from sticking.

Sunday 27 November 2016

Top 5 tips to get your home through winter

(NC) Cold temperatures, snow and ice may be the ideal ingredients for a winter wonderland, but winter's harsh conditions can also wreak havoc on your home. A little preventative maintenance can help lower your energy bills, avoid more costly repairs and/or increase the lifespan of your home. Addressing the following priority items will make the greatest impact:
1. Insulation. One of the easiest and most effective defences against heat loss is proper insulation. Prevent cold drafts from entering and the loss of heated air through basement headers, which, when left exposed, can make your furnace work harder. Look for a moisture-resistant product with high thermal performance. For this, retailers tell us that Roxul Comfortbatt stone wool insulation is a top seller. It makes installation simple––all that's needed is a serrated blade or bread knife. Cut the batt to fit the cavity and press into place. The insulation will help improve energy efficiency as soon as it's in place and provide savings over the lifetime of your home. Comfortbatt can also be used to top or replace old attic insulation. Aim for an R-value of 50 or a depth of 16 inches (41 cm).
2. Roof and Gutters. To prevent a future leak, inspect your roof for shingles that are warped, damaged, or missing. Use roofing cement and a caulking gun to seal joints where water could penetrate around the chimney, skylights, or vents. Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and securely fastened. Downspouts should extend at least five feet away from the home to prevent flooding.
3. Heating and ventilation. Examine your fireplace and chimney system to ensure that no soot or creosote has collected. Any cracks or voids present could potentially cause a fire. Before you turn the furnace on, replace the air filter and hire a professional to inspect the unit more thoroughly. These steps will improve the efficiency and life of your furnace and will ensure stable indoor air quality.
4. Windows and doors. These can be a major culprit for heat loss, if not properly sealed. To keep the warm air inside, examine and replace worn weather-stripping. Inspect structural framing. Caulk inside and out, if necessary.
5. Yard care. Trim overgrown trees and shrubs. Drain and shut off any exterior faucets and sprinkler systems to prevent freezing. Ensure rain or snow drains away from the house to avoid foundation problems.

Thursday 6 October 2016

YOUR FALL MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

YOUR FALL MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST


Your investment requires seasonal maintenance to ensure it continues to run smoothly. Fall is the time to make sure everything is in working order as we head into Winter, one of the hardest times of year on your home. Here are a few tips from the experts on our Customer Care team that will help lower your utility bills and protect your biggest investment. Download our Fall Maintenance Checklist and never miss a step again.
COVER ALL BASES
  • Check garage door tracks and lubricate bearings – Lubricate all hinges, rollers and the lock mechanism on the door: Spray lubricant into the keyhole and work the key several times to distribute it evenly. Proper maintenance of garage doors includes inspecting all the hardware and moving parts garage-door springs, cables, rollers and other door hardware. Look for signs of wear or broken parts. If you find any signs of damage, be sure to make repairs before the door is used again.
  • Check caulking for air and water leaks.
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors (should be done monthly) – Just like any electrical appliance, the components of smoke alarms wear out over time. When a smoke alarm reaches 10 years of use, the potential of failing to detect a fire increases substantially. Replacing them after 10 years reduces the likelihood of failure. Every smoke alarm comes with a test button. It is recommended that people test their alarms regularly, at least once a month. Periodic cleaning is very important. Smoke alarms have small screens around the sensing chamber to keep small bugs and dust particles out. But dust can accumulate on the screen and slow air movement through it. Cleaning is easy. Just vacuum around the outside of the smoke detector at least once a year.
  • Check roof including shingles, vents and eavestroughs.
  • Check weatherstripping on windows and doors  Windows can account for up to 25% of total house heat loss. Air leakage can be reduced by applying a continuous bead of caulking around window trim and between the trim and the frame. Weather stripping is used to prevent air leakage at parts of an operable window that move. In most cases, it is a simple task to replace worn weather stripping around doors and windows, when required this will save you money on heating costs.
  • Drain and clean humidifier – Humidifiers are enormously beneficial for the air quality in your home and can prevent the dryness association with a Canadian winter. However, they do require a bit of maintenance, which should not be overlooked. Dirty reservoirs and filters in humidifiers can quickly breed bacteria, mould and can be especially problematic for people with asthma and allergies. Check out our guide to Humidifier Care for more information.
WINTERPROOFING
  • Winterize lawn and remove leaves. (Learn More Here)
  • Shut off the exterior water supply.
  • Drain exterior water lines – Shut off the hose bibs on the interior, remove hoses and protect exposed water pipes to prevent them from freezing. Before the first winter chill comes, make sure you take the necessary steps to ensure that outdoor pipes and faucets don’t freeze and burst. Another tip is to wrap exposed piping with a weather-resistant, insulating material made to keep them from freezing.
  • Clean and replace furnace filter  Regular maintenance of your home heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) is critical to ensure its long life and efficient operation. Proper maintenance of this system can help save you money. The air filter keeps pollution and debris out of your HVAC system, ensuring proper and efficient operation. A dirty filter will slow down the air flow, making both the furnace work harder to heat your home and your AC work harder to cool it. This wastes energy and can result in higher energy bills. Depending on the type of filter you are using it should be changed every 1-3 months.

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE BUBBLE IN THE ROOM: WILL IT BURST?


LET’S TALK ABOUT THE BUBBLE IN THE ROOM: WILL IT BURST?




Speculation about the future of Toronto’s red-hot real estate market is an everyday conversation piece, with journalists, economists, real estate brokers, policy-makers, and investors all having opinions. Will the steadily rising property values in Toronto (often speculated to be a “real estate bubble”) continue to climb in the coming years? Will foreign investment play a larger role in occupancy, prices, and density? And in particular, will the condo market reflect the boom of non-condo residential property values, and to what extent?
First, consider the fact that this mythical bubble” is really not one at all. Robin Wiebe, a senior economist with the Conference Board of Canada, describes a bubble as “when people buy houses purely for speculative reasons, with the sole motive of making money,” and explains that’s not at all what’s driving Toronto’s market at the moment. Rather, genuine measurable housing demand and economic growth are the factors behind Toronto’s strong and stable market.
Let’s examine the hearsay, gossip, and speculation about “the bubble” to find out what’s really going on. The following central issues are a good way to think about the future of the condo market in Toronto:
SUPPLY AND DEMAND
While housing demand is projected to rise in the coming years (due to immigration, foreign investment, forecasted birth rates, and rural-to-urban migration, among other factors), supply cannot possibly keep up. Buildable land in densely-populated cities like Toronto and Vancouver is necessarily limited. While developers would love to be able to build enough housing to meet demand, it’s pretty much physically impossible without increased suburban sprawl, which doesn’t help city-dwellers who are committed to settling in the urban core. “High demand coupled with limited supply will continue to support the strong Toronto and Vancouver markets,” projects Gurinder Sandhuexecutive vice-president, RE/MAX Integra Ontario-Atlantic Canada region.
While you may think the supply-and-demand inequality is more relevant to the category of the coveted single-family home, the condo market is actually in a similar predicament. “It’s a myth that [the condo market] is oversupplied,” reports the CBC“The inventory of unsold condos is shrinking, and with first-time buyers nearly priced out of the housing market, the demand for condos remains steady.” As the cost of upgrading from a condo to a house is projected to increase, many buyers and residents are starting to think of condos as more permanent residences rather than simply “starter” properties.
Finally, demand is set to be bolstered by the nascent foreign-investment boom of recent years. Because of Canada’s stable economy, political climate, and regulatory environment, wealthy foreigners consider property investment in Canada to be a safe, secure, and smart place to hold value. As they increasingly move into the market, property values will grow and supply will be squeezed in the face of increasing demand.
LOCAL ECONOMIES
“Markets that are oil dependent [like Alberta and Newfoundland] will see more price reductions and a smaller number of transactions, which will push average [nationwide] prices down,” says Sandhu. While cities like Hamilton once boomed on the basis of manufacturing and industrial enterprises, those industries have fluctuated and shrunk in recent years due to labour automation and overseas production, among other factors. However, Toronto is a global business hub with a steady and lucrative financial industry as well as esteemed profit-generating art and culture sectors that have consistently grown alongside population and property values. Toronto’s economy is diverse enough, contemporary enough, and stable enough that neither economic production nor population is likely to decrease. In fact, the Conference Board of Canada forecasts economic growth of 2.8% for the GTA in 2017 and predicts employment will grow as well.
For property investors who are looking to create profit by renting rather than re-selling their condos, it’s good to remember that Toronto as an international business centre regularly sees significant demand for temporary accommodations like corporate housing, executive relocation suites, and apartments for individuals on temporary contracts (like film shoots, for example).
GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION
Government agencies are slowly implementing incremental measures to slow down the fast-appreciating housing markets nationwide in order to ensure that housing remains relatively available, accessible, and affordable. While this may alarm investors, such policies have not yet managed to have a discernible effect on the most steadily booming housing markets (primarily Toronto and Vancouver). “These regulatory changes are much less severe than an interest rate increase, and didn’t cool the hottest markets” says Alyssa Furtado, CEO of RateHub.ca.
Bottom line: the scope and breadth of policies being considered or implemented by the government have not yet been (and are not projected to be) significant enough to slow down the fastest-growing urban markets in Canada. Government economists and policy-makers are well aware that Canada’s real estate industry is one of the few prosperous and hardy markets left in the current troubled economic environment, so anything more than very, very incremental attempts to slow down the nationwide growth average could have catastrophic effects on the broader economy and the GDP.
Even a slight rise in interest rates won’t slow demand or value growth significantly. “It would take quite a significant increase in mortgage rates to trigger a crash,” said Sherry Cooper, chief economist at Dominion Lending. “I don’t think interest rates are going to rise dramatically.”
THE FINAL ANALYSIS
While it’s tempting to indulge in a doomsday scenario in which this mythical “bubble” bursts and the housing market becomes a free-for-all, such a result is highly unlikely. Experts from all fields agree that, first of all, the traditional definition of a “bubble” does not apply to the current Toronto market, and second of all, economies, populations, and densities are set to steadily increase in the coming years, taking property values up right along with them.

Saturday 17 September 2016

Why should you invest in URL Condos?


Why invest in Waterloo?




  • 4th largest urban center in Ontario
  • 210th Largest in Canada
  • 1 Hour and 15 minutes from Toronto
  • Google has moved in! 
  • Expected Population in 2031 701,000
  • Waterloo’s LRT ION – Rapid Transit 






Justin Trudeau endorses Waterloo in a clip of his speech at the World Economic Forum      





Go through these following articles from the media to realise, why Waterloo is the hot cake for real estate investment!

  World’s largest hardware technology hub to be built in Kitchener-Waterloo


Startup city: The high-tech fever reshaping Kitchener-Waterloo





STEPS TO UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO & TECHNOLOGY PARK 






The media continues to refer to Waterloo as "Silicon Valley North" and with 500 new technology start-ups in 2015 alone, there is a good reason. In 2007 the average price for a home in San Fransisco, California was $784,200 USD and in Mountain View, California (Silicon Valley) the average price for a home was $790,400 USD.
Today, the average price for a home in San Fransisco is $1,060,400 USD and in Silicon Valley the average price for a home is $1,430,200 USD, outperforming San Fransisco the major market by 40%.
Silicon Valley has proven to be a much more resilient market because high growth tech companies have continued to move into the area and grow even during challenging times. With Waterloo's strong economic base of high-growth technology companies, we see "Silicon Valley North" as a resilient market, with the potential to outperform other major local real estate markets.
With URL's incredible location directly across the street from Wilfrid Laurier's new Global Innovation Exchange and just steps to University of Waterloo and Technology Park (employing over 3,000 young professionals), we have no doubt that this is going to be an excellent investment for you.



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Friday 9 September 2016

Home Buying: Tips for Spotting the Upgrades


Home Buying: Tips for Spotting the Upgrades

Posted by Debbie Drummond on Wednesday, September 7th, 2016 at 3:11pm.


The home buying process involves visiting multiple listings and determining which fits both your lifestyle and your budget. While many homes in the same neighborhood may share similar or almost identical floor plans, it's the finishes and upgrades that can make one stand out from the others. Rely on your real estate professional and the following tips for spotting the upgrades and deciding which top your list of must-haves when buying a home.

Hardwood vs Carpet Pros & Cons

Whether you prefer hardwood floors or carpet, the flooring throughout a home often becomes a deciding factor when weighing the pros and cons before a decision is made to purchase. On average, hardwood flooring and certain tile will be a more expensive feature. To spot the higher end upgrades in flooring, keep an eye out for the following:
  • Natural stone: in particular marble (usually in entranceways and bathrooms)
  • Mosaic ceramic tile: intricate and/or large patterns increase the floorings value
  • Exotic hardwood: Brazilian teak, tigerwood, and acacia are popular
  • Hardwood patterns: chevrons, medallions, and inlay increase value
  • Reclaimed hardwood
Linoleum, vinyl, and laminate flooring often are the at the lower end of the flooring cost scale. However, some laminate flooring can have the same high-end look as hardwood. If you have your heart set on real wood floors, be sure to ask your real estate agent to confirm with the seller the actual type of flooring in the home.

Kitchen Update or Remodel?

If the kitchen boasts all new stainless steel appliances, new lighting, and freshly painted cabinetry, it's had an update. However, an older home with an open concept kitchen, farmhouse sink, quartz countertops, and ceramic flooring is more likely to have had a full remodel. On average it costs about $20,000 to remodel a kitchen and that number can increase if walls have been removed and plumbing, gas, and/or electrical lines had to be relocated.
According to Consumer Reports, marble, soapstone, and concrete are three of the most expensive choices for countertops surface materials each ranging approximately $50 to $150 per square foot installed. Quartz and granite typically range from $40 to $100 per square foot installed while laminate comes in at about $10 to $40 per square foot installed.

High-end Bath Upgrades

A spacious bathroom, whether it's the guest bath or master bath, is a desirable feature when buying a home.High-end upgrades, in particular to the master bath, often increase the room's overall square footage in order to include a water closet, double-sink or double vanities, and an expansive shower and/or soaker tub. Look for quartz, granite, or marble surfaces and high-end flooring that gives the space a fresh and modern look.
Other high-end bath upgrades to look for are new faucets and updated lighting fixtures as well as a state-of-the-art shower head or multiple shower heads with body sprays. High-efficiency toilets also another upgrade not to be ignored. High-efficiency, WaterSense labeled toilets can help reduce yearly water bills by about $90 on average, according to the E.P.A. (Environmental Protection Agency).

Green Home Building Features

Sometimes some of the most desirable upgrades aren't easy to see when doing a walk-through. Always ask your real estate professional what types of green features the home has, including any that have been recently installed. WaterSense labeled toilets are a great start, but also look for:
  • Solar panels
  • Low-emission (Low-E) windows
  • High-efficiency appliances
  • Sustainable building materials
  • Programmable thermostat
If the home has been painted recently, ask if low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint was used.
Spotting the upgrades when searching for that dream home becomes easier when you know what to look for and have the help of a trusted real estate professional. Never be afraid to ask questions because buying a home is one of the biggest and most exciting purchases of a lifetime. 

5 most desirable areas to buy a home within a one-hour drive of Toronto

 Affordable homes can be found in Mississauga, Halton Hills, Pickering, Milton, and Aurora, all near Toronto. These cities offer amenities a...