You can feel it in the air. Winter is around the corner.
You're now cleaning the leaves and bringing out the shovels and collecting salt (I am...) ...
You've already disconnected the garden hose and put it away for the Winter.
Did you remember to turn the water off to the exterior?
I forgot a couple of years ago, and had a pipe freeze/explode inside the wall ... so now I have one of those faucets that even if I forget, will not freeze (drains itself).
If you don't have one of those, however, you MUST drain that tap and turn off the water for the Season.
Here is a short list of some things you should look after every Winter:
- Replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors (if they run on batteries)
- Check and clean or replace furnace air filters each month during the heating season
- Clean humidifier two or three times during the Winter Season
- Vacuum bathroom fan grille
- Vacuum smoke detectors
- Check all your fire extinguishers and replace if necessary
- Check fire escape routes and ensure family has good security habits (everyone should be aware of outside lighting, escape route, and where to meet in case of emergency)
- Check basement floor drain to ensure trap contains water (refill if necessary)
- Check your home for excessive moisture (condensation can cause damage over time and affect your health)
- Check all faucets. Fix drips... replace washers if necessary
- Run some water in laundry tub, if never used, to ensure water is kept in the trap
- Check windows and doors for ice and cold air leaks. Clean and repair if necessary; or make note to fix in the Spring
- Check roof for ice or icicles. Hire someone to clean it up/fix, if necessary
- Keep snow off gas meters, vents and exhaust vents and basement windows
- If putting up Christmas lights, or any other outdoor lights, ensure they are safe. If anything is worn, replace it. If it feels warm to the touch, don't use it. Replace it.
Avoid costly fixes, by staying on top of this. Make up a checklist for every season.
Pick one or two items to check/do every week.
Hire a qualified handyman for those tasks that are beyond your ability, or those that aren't safe. Protect your investment.
Look after your home, and it will keep you safe and warm for many years to come.
If you need additional information, or a complete, comprehensive list, contact your local REALTOR; or you can email me directly, and I'll send you a copy.
So You Think You Want to Buy A Home? Here Are Some Helpful tips
Although not a comprehensive list here are some tips.
1. Get preapproved for a mortgage. I know we like to leave this for later in the game. But do yourself a favor and do it first! Rather than guessing or estimating how much you can afford to spend, ask a lender or mortgage broker to pre-qualify you - and while you're at it - get him to give it to you in writing.(please note the pre-qualification guarantee will be good for 30-90 days and if you have not bought in that time frame you will need to get an extension or update on the guaranteed rate.
How is he going to come up with that dollar figure? Well it'll be a combination of your household income, how good your credit is, interest rates, the type of loan you select and how much cash you have ready for the down payment and closing costs. You might be surprised that the amount may be much more or much less than you think.
2. Home Surf -Aren't we lucky that these days we have access to so much information online? This is a great place to start. We find our buyers to be extremely savvy as to sale prices, trends and homes on the market. The more educated you are about what's happening the more empowered you'll feel!
3. Find 'Your Realtor'! - this is probably a good time to think about choosing a Realtor. See How Do I Find a Good Realtor?
4. To have or not to have - that is the question!
We always talk about lists -and for a reason! I always advise my clients to make up a list of Must Haves and Non-Negotiable. If there are two of you deciding, check and compare lists! You might be surprised that your top 3's are different! You can be a bit more objective if you decide this in advance - otherwise you just might find yourself making your decision based on emotion alone. It's too easy to fall in love with a home that doesn't meet your needs! Two years later you'll be shopping again - Good For Me - but not so good for You!
Here are a few things to consider.
Location Location Location. We've all heard that but what exactly does it mean and why is it so important?
- Your Commute - how long is your drive to work;
- How good and close are the schools;
- If you're a Senior is public transport important, how about hospitals?;
- How about shopping? - do you have to drive 30 min. drive to the nearest mall?
- What or who are your neighbours;
- What is the zoning in the surrounding area?
- Think Resale - you haven't bought yet - yet you're supposed to think resale? Yes - because you'll probably be doing that one day so it doesn't hurt to think ahead!
- Size - Square Footage - what is the range/size of home you're looking for?' There are skinny houses
and there are fat houses! :0
- How many Bedrooms - Bathrooms? Do you need an office, guest room, gym?
- Style of Home - Basement Entry - 2 level - Rancher - do you want the bedrooms all upstairs, do you prefer a one level with no stairs.....and do you need a basement? Maybe you'd rather have a townhome or condo?
- Age - do you prefer new, or do you like it to be 'broken in'.......do you like a fixer-upper - or do you want it to be in 'move-in' condition?
- Lot size - with our busy lifestyles these days not everyone wants a big yard anymore.
5. Use a checklist.You have no idea how easy it is to get confused - no matter how good your memory is!Make up a checklist a head of time - or ask your Realtor if they have one - you can find great ones online as well! I often advise my clients to take photos - (with the permission of the owner of course). Now you don't want to do that with each home -but do it with the contenders!
6. How Many Homes should we look at at one time? Probably no more then 5-6 at a time - even that might be pushing it in terms of remembering what you've seen and where! :-)
7. What to wear? Lace Ups? Not such a good idea. Give the heels a miss too. Be comfortable and maybe layer your clothing!
8. Can I bring my kids? What about my Dog? - Probably not a good idea - It's important to be able to concentrate on what you're viewing - plus - kids can find it confusing, disruptive and scary thinking about moving - and looking at house after house - not knowing where home may be.
9. Breathe...No point in getting so stressed that all the fun out of buying a home is gone! Try to keep some perspective on the whole thing.
10. Have Fun! If you're blessed to be in a position to own a home - enjoy the process - with a thankful heart! :-)
The longest running children's parade in the World made its way through our City streets this afternoon. The streets were very crowded as usual, with little kids ranging in age from 6 months to 85 years young. Everyone was thrilled to see Santa and his reindeer, and all the other 'animals' running loose on our streets.
Here are a few 'moments' from today's parade....
Photos copyright Sylvie Conde 2009 - Santa Claus Parade - Toronto - November 15, 2009
Toronto's Santa Claus Parade started in 1913, when Santa was actually pulled by live reindeer, which had been brought in from Labrador, specifically for the parade.
By 1950, the Parade was the largest in North America and was first televised in 1952. Today, it is televised all over North America, and as far as New Zealand.
To learn more about the parade and its history, check out the official website.
This is the 13th anniversary of the Reel Asian International Film Festival.
This is Canada's premier Pan-Asian Film Festival.
It brings together the film makers and the film lovers from all over the world.
Five special days of films, parties, seminars, exhibitions, and special events.
The films shown will be from the East and South-East Asia, with a focus on Asian Canadian work. All films that are not in English are sub-titled.
Ticket prices range between $5 and $10.
The Opening and Closing Galas will be held at the Bloor Cinema, at 506 Bloor Street West (around the corner from the Bathurst subway station, at Bloor & Bathurst).
The Festival screenings will be held at the Innis Town Hall (at St. George). You can go to the St. George subway station, and walk south for a few minutes.
Youth Screenings will be held at the NFB Cinema, at 150 John Street, at Richmond. You can take the #501 Queen Streetcar to John Street.
For additional information, please call 416-703-9333.
Photos courtesy of Reel Asian International Film Festival.
For more information, or to buy a membership or make a donation to support the growth of Asian Cinema in Canada, go to www.reelasian.com and click on Membership & Donations.
TORONTO'S WINTER MAGIC: ICE, WINE & DINE - NOVEMBER 20-21, 2009
....................................... 4 to 9 p.m. ELM STREET (BETWEEN YONGE & BAY), TORONTO
Elm Street comes alive for the holidays, as part of Downtown Yonge's Winter Magic.
Two afternoons/evenings of Fun, Fire, Ice, Music, Culinary delights ....
Here's a taste:
- Duke of Somerset; 655 Bay Street (and a tent on Elm Street); mini post roast sandwiches..
- Fresh Start Coffee; 655 Bay Street (and a tent on Elm Street); hot chocolate, biscotti, espresso ...
- Mochizuki; 655 Bay Street (facing Elm); sushi, maki, yakitori and assorted kushimono
- Comennsal Fine Vegetarian Cuisine; 655 Bay Street; all things apple, including martinis and pie
- Live Jazz and Blues
- Delta Chelsea Hotel; curry sampling menus
- Bangkok Garden; 18 Elm Street; chicken satays and spring rolls
- Ice Martini Lounge
- Eggsmart; 645 Bay Street; cheese pie and spinach pie
- Wolf & Firkin Pub; 43 Elm Street; chilli and garlic bread
- The Queen & Beaver Public House; 35 Elm Steret; warm gingerbread and mulled cider
- Adega Restaurant; 33 Elm Street; shrimp fritters and other seafood specialties
- Barberian's Steak House; 7 Elm Street; apple beignets
- .... and many more.....
Prices will be marked at each location.
This is a great way to experience the culinary delights of Toronto, as you stroll from one restaurant to the other; while listening to jazz... watching live ice carvings, fire performers.... maybe sample a martini in the ice martini lounge ... watch some magic tricks ... have your fortune told....
Remember to take public transit or take a cab, so you can really enjoy the evening and get home safely.
FABULICIOUS AND CANDLELIGHT STROLL NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONTARIO
November 16 - 23, 2009 .............................DECEMBER 4, 2009
Do you like drives in the country?
Do you get out there to see Ontario's Fall Colours?
Do you like wine?
Do you enjoy great food?
FABULICIOUS is for you, then.
From Thursday November 19 to Monday November 23rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake's dining establishments will be serving spectacular lunches and dinners.... at pre-set pricing, unique to wine country.
Lunches will range between $20 and $25 and Dinners will range between $30 and $35.
How can you beat that?
If you're interested, you should be making reservations with your favourite restaurant before heading out there.
Here is a list of some of the participating restaurants:
Bistro Six-One . Charles Inn . deLuca's Wine Country Restaurant . Ginger's Restaurant . Grill at the Epicurean . Grill on King . Hillebrand Winery Restaurant . Old Winery Restaurant . Peller Estates Winery Restaurant . LIV at White Oaks . Restaurant Oban Inn . Pillar & Post . Prince of Wales . Queen's Landing . Riverbend Inn . Stone Road Grille . Terroir la Cachette . Zee's .
For additional information, call 1-888-619-5987.
CANDELIGHT STROLL - FRIDAY DECEMBER 4, 2009
It's the 20th anniversary of Candlelight Stroll -
a Community event in Historic Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Experience this guided candlelight tour - starting in front of the courthouse building on Queen Street, and winding through historical NOTL, accompanied by the local choirs.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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