If you are renovating, you should consider the green strategies suggested in this realestate.com post by Danielle King. For example, add insulation to the roof and external walls and you could save 25% on energy costs. Replace inefficient windows or add window film since up to 40% of your heating can be lost through […]
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The Canadian real estate market continues to boom, according to this Financial Post offering. With a year-over-year increase of 8.2%, Canada ranked 4th of the 23 countries studied in Scotiabank’s report Global Real Estate Trends, behind Ireland (13.3%), Sweden (10.5%) and Australia (8.3%). However, the report warns the trend could change if economic uncertainty
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If you want to sell your property quickly, at near the asking price, it is important to know why people are buying. In this post, Realtor.com chief economist, Jonathan Smoke, suggests we pay attention to the five main triggers for home buyers: they have grown tired of their home and want a change, interest
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We are sometimes enthralled by the presentation of a property, but ignoring the things we cannot see or overlooking obvious problems and risks can lead to disastrous consequences. To the extent possible, put your emotions aside and make buying property a business decision based facts and data. Getting Too Attached To A Property
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According to this realtor.com post, the number of real estate appraisers is dropping to the point where parties on both sides of real estate transactions could suffer. Since most residential mortgages need an appraisal before a sale closes, a shortage of appraisers will affect buyers, who rely on accurate valuations to structure their offer, and
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Most sellers realize that preparing the interior of their homes for viewing is essential. In this article, Bob Villa explains it is just as important to stage the exterior of your house as it is to prepare the inside rooms when you are selling. For example, a clean, well-maintained yard will signal that you
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This homeownership.ca article by real estate lawyer Mark Weisleder gives the essentials for the novice buyer. Start by calculating what you can afford (general rule is 30% of gross income). Then, figure out what is important to you and search for properties with those features. Ask the seller about flooding, leaks, mould, insurance claims
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If you are planning to remodel your bathroom this Consumer Reports article give sound advice on how to do it with safety in mind. Install pressure-balancing and anti-scald valves to provide a steady flow of water that remains at a safe temperature. Add a sturdy, properly secured grab bar that will support 250 pounds.
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This excellent post from Adam Dachis on lifehacker.com tells how to lower your electricity bill easily, at no cost, by using your appliances more efficiently. For example, promoting optimal air flow will lower energy costs by reducing the demand on your cooling/heating system. Opening all vents in the house and replacing filters on a
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In this bhgrelife.com post, we learn just how easy it is to join the green movement and become an eco-warrior. For example, by improving the energy efficiency around home, you reduce consumption, conserving the planet’s resources and saving money at the same time. Installing a programmable thermostat lowers consumption and, surprisingly, a fully loaded
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