Is Your Electrical System Adequate? from Jamie Woodend, Sales Representative

If you live in a typical 1950's home you are likely using 4 times the electricity it was originally designed for. That's right; the average family today uses 400% more electricity than we did in the ‘50's.

Think of all the things we now take for granted that did not exist or were rare than. TV's, computers, game systems, DVDs, stereos, fax machines, microwaves, all add up to an extra load on our houses electrical systems. 

If you have a circuit in your home that the fuse or breaker keeps tripping, it's time to call a professional in to check to be sure it is not a sign of a bigger problem. 

Kitchens are one of the worst areas for electrical problems. Under current code, microwaves and refrigerator each need a dedicated circuit. Most plugs should be split receptacles, meaning the top and bottom plug is each on a different breaker. Anything near a sink must use a Ground Fault Interrupter type plug or GFI.

Insurance companies for the most part won't insure a house with the old knob and tube wiring. We hear comments all the time, "well it's lasted a hundred years it still good." But these circuits were never designed for today's modern loads.

If you have experienced any issues with the electrical system in your house call a professional to get their opinion. Faulty wiring can and does cause fires. The life you save could be you own. 

Is Your Electrical System Adequate?


Jamie Woodend
Sales Representative
Remax a-b Realty Ltd Brokerage
88 Wellington Street
Stratford, Ontario, N5A 2L2
519-273-2821 ext 229 Office
519-949-0345 Cell

Lot 59 Spitfire Street, Woodstock

MLS: 63-568

Price: $289,900

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2+1

Brand new home located in Woodstock`s sought after Northeast location. This home offers something for everyone. Rich hardwood flooring, large eating area, modern maple kitchen, main floor laundry. Upstairs features a second floor family room. Master bedroom has its own luxury ensuite, a/c, paved driveway, full size double car garage. This home is an exceptional deal! Located close to fabulous shopping, great schools.

Jennifer Gale

Sales Representative

RE/MAX A-B REALTY LTD. BROKERAGE (WOODSTOCK),

521 Dundas Street

Woodstock, ON N4S 1C3

Office: 519-536-7535

www.oxfordcountyhomes.ca

Jamie's Bathroom by Jamie Woodend

I want to share with you something that happen with a client the other day. About a year ago I sold this young couple a run down home in a small village. They felt they were up to challenge of renovating this home and were prepared to make a serious investment with the intentions of selling again.

The house had several additions over it's 100 year plus life and unfortunately each addition looked like an addition. The access to the second floor was difficult to say the least, it was a twisty staircase with a small entrance. I usually hit my head on the sloped ceiling at the top of the stairs. The whole house was dark brown panelling with worn out carpeting.

Early in the process they had asked my opinion on their plans and I made a few minor suggestions. But overall they had a good game plan.

I visited the "new" home last night and what a change. While not quite finished the transformation is amazing. The home no longer looks like it had additions done, it now has a nice clean exterior look. The interior is an all new floor plan and basically all new everything. Kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, walls, paint - all new.

But the part I liked the best was "Jamie's bathroom" a small two piece bathroom by the door. When I commented on their plans I had suggested adding this bathroom. In their plans they showed two 4 piece baths, one on the second floor and one as an on-suite off the master suite on the main floor, both all the way across the house from the doors. My issue was guests and kids would either need to go upstairs or through their bedroom to use the bathroom. The small two piece solved this problem.

It's always nice when you find that people listened to your advice and than acted on it. I just hope when the time comes to sell it all pays off for them. But the with quality of the work they have done they have given themselves the best chance at it.




Jamie Woodend
Sales Representative
Remax a-b Realty Ltd Brokerage
88 Wellington Street
Stratford, Ontario, N5A 2L2
519-273-2821 ext 229 Office
519-949-0345 Cell

234 Park Row, Woodstock

MLS: 63-555

Price: $154,900

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 1+1

This home is not a drive by! Picture perfect, move-in condition, this 2 storey semi is sure to impress. Set away from the street on a fenced, landscaped and treed property to offer total serenity. Inside the warm and neutral décor is sure to please. Newer flooring flowing through the main floor and a large eat-in kitchen (appliances included). Good sized bedrooms. Partially finished basement, storage shed with hydro. Call today to realize your dreams of home ownership!

Jennifer Gale

Sales Representative

RE/MAX A-B REALTY LTD. BROKERAGE (WOODSTOCK),

521 Dundas Street

Woodstock, ON N4S 1C3

Office: 519-536-7535

www.oxfordcountyhomes.ca

Lot 84 Marquette Drive, Woodstock

MLS: 63-561

Price: $234,900

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2+1

Welcome to Woodstock`s exciting new subdivision Grand Hills. This home is conveniently located close to all highways, great schools, excellent shopping and restaurants. The bluebird model is guaranteed to impress, with a generous use of hardwood and ceramic, open and airy main floor, which is perfect for family and entertaining. 3 generous bedrooms, master complete with an ensuite. The home is constructed with 2x6 exterior walls, water proof membrane of the foundation. The basement is unfinished waiting for your personal touch and has a rough-in for an additional bathroom. Walk out included.

Jennifer Gale

Sales Representative

RE/MAX A-B REALTY LTD. BROKERAGE (WOODSTOCK),

521 Dundas Street

Woodstock, ON N4S 1C3

Office: 519-536-7535

www.oxfordcountyhomes.ca

Meet Janet Lange, Sales Representative-Stratford office

 

Janet Lange offers a wealth of customer service experience through her 5+ years of real estate sales success and many years serving the administrative needs of the students, staff and families at St. Michael Catholic Secondary School. Her previous participation on numerous sports teams, volunteer groups and city committees establishes her as a team player who is energetic, focused and determined.

 

Janet's full-time commitment, excellent time management, empathetic nature and absolute attention to detail have proven to be greatly appreciated by her clients and colleagues. If it is time to discuss buying or selling, call Janet – the ‘real’ in real estate..

 

Janet contributes to the Children’s Miracle Network (Children’s Hospital of Western Ontario in London) as well as making a financial commitment to the Stratford General Hospital. She proudly supports the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation “Sold on a Cure”.  A contribution from every transaction to these worthy causes!

Janet Lange

Sales Representative

RE/MAX a-b Realty Ltd., Brokerage* - Stratford
Tel: 519-275-5021 
Email: janet@sellingstratford.com

 

Meet the owner of RE/MAX a-b Realty Ltd. and our Broker of Record, John Wolfe

John Wolfe has been the Broker of Record and Owner of RE/MAX a-b Realty since 2001, assuming the company which was started in 1976. John is a second generation realtor who started as a sales representative in 1992 and went on to manage corporately owned real estate offices in Central Toronto. While working in Toronto, John developed many training and mentor programs which he has continued with his current team. By creating a large network of resources, John has developed one of the largest real estate companies in the area and assists realtors in creating strong marketing and sales programs.

'Preventing Contractor Fraud' by Jamie Woodend of RE/MAX a-b Realty, Stratford

Preventing Contractor Fraud.

The federal government's Home Renovation Tax Credit has been a great success.  Many homeowners are now taking advantage by remodeling their homes.  Windows, doors, heating systems and insulation are the most popular reno's being carried out.  It is a good time to cover an important issue like hiring the right contractor to do your work.  Most contractors are honest, hardworking people, but unfortunately not all keep business above board.  If you are considering hiring a contractor there are some things to watch out for to help prevent contractor fraud.

•1.      The contractor wants all of the money up front.  Never pay before the job is finished.  You want to be able to get them to come back to correct any mistakes and complete the job to your satisfaction.  There is no incentive for them to do the work if they have already received payment.

•2.      Insist on a written estimate and receipts.  

•3.      They will only accept cash.  If they will not take a cheque or credit cards, they likely do not want the money to be traced.  A variety of payment options should be available.  A legitimate company will be claiming their income with the government. 

•4.      Ask to see proof of Worker Compensation coverage.  You can be held liable if someone gets hurt without this coverage.

•5.      If they are soliciting door to door, this should cause you to ask questions.  A business that is reliable and does good work is usually kept busy just by word of mouth.

•6.      They offer especially low rates because your house has been chosen as a "demonstration" project.

•7.      The contractor will not provide an address.

•8.      You only get a special low price if you sign the contract today.

•9.      They will not provide references. Always ask for references and contact a couple of them and always get a couple of quotes for any work or repair work.  Don't pay for repairs that are not needed.

'Home Reno Shows' by RE/MAX a-b Realty's 'Writer-in Residence' Jamie Woodend

I love home renovation and home flipping shows. It's fun to watch "Joe and Mary Homeowner" with limited skills transform their homes into works of art that should grace the pages of Home & Garden magazine. The home flipping shows where they turn a dump into a vast fortune pocketing 10's of thousand of dollars on a simple flip.

 

Unfortunately in the real world these shows sometimes do more harm than good. The general public gets the impression that if they spend $10,000 on a renovation their house is now worth $20,000 more. In fact very few renovations return a dollar for a dollar on your investment. Some return nothing.

 

I'll give you two examples. A new roof and a new kitchen. You spend $5,000 on a new roof does your home value increase by the same amount? Not likely as people expect a home to have a good roof. A poor roof certainly removes value but a good roof doesn't give you a monetary return, but it does make your house more competitives on the market.

 

A new kitchen on the other hand, will usually return close to 100% with a couple conditions. The workman ship must be good using quality products. Going to the lumber yard and picking out a cheap pressboard kitchen cabinets may not return your investment, but a nice mid-grade likely will. Buyers aren't fooled by cheap shaudy work.

 

As for flipping, it is not for the faint of heart. It is tremdous amount of hard work. It is far easier to lose money than to make money. Remember the shows you see on TV have a special feature you don't have - the delete button.

694 Southwood Way, Woodstock

MLS: 63-446

Price: $229,900

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 3

Away from traffic in nicely settled residential area. This well equipped 5 year old 3 bedroom with over 1600 sq.ft. of finished living space is ready for you to move in! The open concept main floor with it`s centre kitchen design, a main floor laundry and large adjacent formal eating area opens up to the 20 ft living room with hardwood floors and access to the rear yard for fun family get togethers. The 17ft master offers loads of privacy as well as your own Jacuzzi style tub. All of the bedrooms are comfortable sized. The basement is unspoiled and ready for your personal touches. Included in your purchase price are water softener , water filter, dishwasher, HBV air filtration, high efficiency furnace, central air and electric garage door opener. We`re ready for you to move in!

Gib Heggtveit, Broker

Mary Heggtveit, Sales Representative

RE/MAX A-B REALTY LTD. BROKERAGE (WOODSTOCK),

521 Dundas Street

Woodstock, ON N4S 1C3

Office: 519-536-7535

www.oxfordcountyhomes.ca