Jon LaBrash, REALTOR® Brockville Ontario Homes For Sale's Blog

Brockville Real Estate - When Can I Move In?

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:59:51 -0700

I get asked this a lot from buyers, when do I get the keys to my new place and when can I move in?

Closing day can be a crazy day for all involved, including the REALTORS and lawyers. Think about it, the seller is trying to move out, the buyer is anxious to move in, the lawyers are taking care of the closing details by getting the title changed over as well as meeting with their clients for signatures and key exchanges. A lot happens in a few short hours and all the while the buyer just wants to know, when can I move in?

A good friend of mine who is also a lawyer once said to me that once the the title changes into the buyer's name and they receive the keys, technically the property is now theirs. This is true but try telling that to the stressed out sellers who are trying to move their possessions out of the house. There is no set in stone timeline that a seller must be out by but once the title is reliquished it is no longer their property. This is where common sense needs to prevail. Sellers must be diligent about moving out and buyers must be patient to the fact that it might be closer to the end of the business day before they can move in. Most of the time this is a smooth transition for all involved but occasionally things arise on closing day to make the day even more stressful than it needs to be.

Jon LaBrash
Sales Representative
Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty, Brokerage
2A-2495 Parkdale Avenue
Brockville, ON K6V 3H2
Office: (613) 345-3664
Toll Free: 1 (866) 345-3664
Fax: (613) 345-4253
Email: jlabrash@bell.net
Website: www.jonlabrash.ca

www.DiscoverRoyalLePage.com

"Helping You Is What We Do!"

Brockville Real Estate - Closing the Cottage for the Winter - Tips

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:40:05 -0700

Well it's official! As we creep up on the last days of summer those of us who have a hard time letting go must turn our attention to the dreaded chore of closing the cottage down for the winter. A yearly ritual that is not what you'd call fun! As a REALTOR in the Brockville area and an owner of a cottage on the beautiful Charleston Lake, I thought I would put together a blog about some of the important but basic steps for a successful closing.

Water

If your cottage is not insulated and heated throughout the winter, probably the most important step is to ensure the water lines in the cottage don't freeze up. The consequences of not draining the water lines can be costly. Use non-toxic antifreeze in the supply lines and drains. You will also want to check the hot water tank and ensure it is completely drained of water. Spend this time to inspect the plumbing system for any cracks and leaks. Also, make sure all venting stacks are free and clear of any critters and nuts. This time of the year many of the small wildlife are looking for dry places to store nuts for the winter.

If your main water supply is coming from the lake or river, you probably have a pump near the water front. Depending if it is in a pump house or not it is a good idea to disconnect the supply lines and bring the pump inside for the winter.

Gas/Propane

At our cottage we run a lot of propane. One of the things we like to do is disconnect all the propane tanks and bring them home for the winter. This is also a good time to inspect the gas lines and ensure the seals are all in good shape.

Critters/Wildlife

The dreaded mice are a concern to every cottage owner. As hard as you try to stop them from taking up residence in or around your cottage, you can't. Mice can climb into the smallest of openings. Inspect the structure inside and out to make sure there are no small openings for these unwanted guests. Chimneys and gas/water lines are easy access points so make sure chalking is used at any enter points in the floor or walls and cap off the chimney with a board.

You should always avoid using any poisons to keep out mice, squirrels and chipmunks. This can be extremely harmful if children or other wildlife come in contact with it.

Boat Motors/Power Equipment

When storing boat motors and other power equipment it is a good idea not to drain the gasoline from the fuel tanks. You should do the opposite and fill them up and run a fuel stabilizer through them on the last run of the year. Store smaller boat motors (2 & 4 stoke) inside for the winter if possible and/or in a dry, weatherproof environment such as a garage if the engines are too large to disconnect from the boat. Cover where ever possible in an upright vertical position.

The things you do in the fall to shut down the cottage for the winter will help eliminate any surprises when you make that first trip out in the spring.

(Note: Canadian Safety Council provided some of the information contained in this blog.)

Brockville Open House - Homes For Sale in Brockville, Ontario - 1109 Irace Drive

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:55:58 -0700

Open House - 1109 Irace Drive, Brockville, Ontario - SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24TH @ 11:30-12:30 pm

This beautifully finished exective 2 storey home just east of the city of Brockville will be the site of an open house this coming Saturday @ 11:30 - 12:30 pm. Priced at $459,000 this home has many upgrades since the current owner purchased it in 2002. Make a plan to come and view this desirable home!

Brockville Real Estate - 6 Fairknowe Drive

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:57:57 -0700

Attention all serious investors! The 14 unit apartment building is for sale in the city of Brockville. Located in the east end of the city, it is within walking distance to downtown, which is quite convenient for prospective tenants. This income property shows great returns. To see more pictures and tours of this property, please see my website at http://www.jonlabrash.ca

List Price: $1,190,000

Brockville Real Estate - 1109 Irace Drive

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:59:30 -0700

This listing is located in the prestigious Lion's Gate subdivision just east of the city of Brockville. This executive style home is just minutes to the city and within sight of the world famous St. Lawrence River. To see more pictures and tours of this home, please see my website at http://www.jonlabrash.ca

List Price: $459,000