Wood fireplaces, what do I need to know. WETT

We love our fireplaces. Fireplaces provide a bear hugging warmth in the dead of winter that just can not be replaced by any other type of heating. This said all fireplaces are not created equal. You have fireplaces that just give you atmosphere, others give a very efficient way to heat your home and some give you both.

When buying a home with a fireplace there is some things to consider. The first question is it safe? The next question is it efficient? What is the benefits?

To make sure the fireplace is safe be sure to have the fireplace WETT certified. What is WETT? From their website it reads:

"Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. (WETT Inc.) is a non-profit training and education association managed by a volunteer Board of Directors elected by holders of valid WETT certificates. Through its administrative designate, WETT Inc. functions as the national registrar of the WETT program. Through professional training and public education, WETT Inc. promotes the safe and effective use of wood burning systems in Canada."  http://www.wettinc.ca/what.html

To have a fireplace WETT certified you would hire a certified WETT technician to inspect the fireplace to determine it is safe. If it is safe the technician and company will certify that the fireplace is up to code and safe to use.

The next question is the fireplace efficient. Conventional wood fireplaces are inefficient. They may steal more heat from your home then they produce. In the best case scenario it provides you with a nice light source.

Airtight stoves and inserts are advanced combustion fireplaces that can offer high levels of energy efficiency. These devices can reduce dramaticly the overall demand of other fuels heating the home if not replace them.

 

 

As with anything there is pros and cons. The biggest Pro is the heat is wonderful from fireplaces. Wood is also a renewable source of fuel. Con is wood fireplaces are a ton of work and very messy.

 

If you would like more information please give me a call or email. I have vendors I can refer you to and booklets I can send you!

Winter Moving Tips from AMJ Campbell Vanlines‏

Brrrr! It's getting cold out there!

Although winter is not the friendliest time of year to be doing a move, rates are actually lower in the winter than they are in the summer and with the right amount of preparation, it can work out quite well! Here are some things to consider:

1) Clear all Driveways and Walkways of Snow and Ice

At the best of times, icy and snowy surfaces can be hard to navigate, especially if you’re carrying an armoire! Plan to make sure that all paths are super clear at origin and destination. This includes paths to garages and out buildings, if goods need to be moved to or from there. If you have space in the garage or elsewhere, bring any outside items indoors in advance of the move so they will be free of snow.

Our crews use floor runners to protect your floors inside the home, and clearing snow prevents it from getting on the floor runners and into your home. Have shovels and salt at both ends of your move should a surprise bout of snow show up on move day. Large sheets of cardboard are ideal to use in entranceways to help keep the snow outside where it belongs.

Country homes, long driveways and cottage country - Be sure to clear out a large area where your driveway intersects with the road, to allow a large truck to access your driveway. Start plowing it out wide well in advance of the move. Long or hilly driveways should be cleared out at least 24hrs beforehand and salt should be laid down to dissolve any ice buildup.

2) Be Mindful of Daylight/Weather Limitations

If you have a large-sized move to undertake, or both of your homes are closing on the same day, you may want to consider doing the move over 2 days. Bear in mind that daylight fades away in the early evening this time of year, which means it becomes more difficult to move your belongings in the dark. If you have both your homes closing on the same day, you can load up your existing home on the closing day, and hold your goods on our truck overnight. This would allow you to go over to your new home, clean and make any other preparations you would like, then the following morning your goods arrive at your new home, leaving you the whole day to unpack and get settled.

3) Don’t Pack any Liquids, Plants or Canned Goods

Any liquids will freeze if on the truck for any extended period of time, so it’s not a good idea to pack them. Also, any canned foods should also not be packed, since if they freeze this will affect the sterilization of the food and there is a good chance it will become contaminated.

4) Protecting your Appliances

Any items that have been on the moving truck for an extended period will be subject to freezing temperatures, and when they are brought into your new home they will begin to thaw out. Condensation and moisture will then build up, so it’s a good idea not to use electrical items for 24hrs. after they are unloaded into your home. If you are moving dishwashers, front load washers, fridges with icemakers, pressure washers etc., you will need to take special precautions to drain all water from these units, or run plumbing antifreeze through them. This can be a tricky process, so if you’re not sure, we can direct you to some appliance service professionals in your area.

5) Have Extra Gloves, Sweaters and Warm Clothes

Bear in mind that when moving, your door will be open more often then closed, so have extra clothing on hand, especially gloves, hats and sweaters.

6) Have Rags, Cleaner and Mop Handy

Before you depart the origin residence, there may be some minor cleanup required if there’s snow on the ground. Keep mops, rags and cleaner on hand to give floors a quick wipe.

Here’s wishing you a safe, worry-free and successful winter move! Please do not hesitate to give me a call if you would like a free in-home estimate.

Best Regards,

Frank Will

Senior Moving Consultant

Toll Free 1-800-267-7222 x 217

Cell (705) 931-2300

www.amjcampbell.com Household and Office Moving Specialists

Great read for first time buyers. Great questions, great answers!

 

A home can be one of the most personally and financially rewarding investments you'll ever make. But if you've never bought a home before, the process may seem a little overwhelming.
We have answered the most frequently asked questions of first-time home buyers.

Q: How can a mortgage specialist help me?

A: Working with a mortgage specialist has a number of advantages, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer. Mortgage specialists have access to an entire network of resources to draw from on your behalf. They'll not only help with your pre-approval but also look at your whole financial picture and provide personalized advice based on your needs. That includes reviewing your mortgage options with you and making sure you get the mortgage that's right for you.
Once your mortgage specialist says you are preapproved, you are - no last-minute surprises to worry about. This allows you to go shopping with confidence.

Q: Why should I use a real estate agent?

A: A real estate agent makes it easier to find the right home and will offer you advice on what price to offer and any conditions you might want to consider including in your Offer to Purchase. If possible, get referrals from friends, family and co-workers.
It's important to choose an agent who is familiar with the area where you are searching for a home. You may be spending a lot of time with your agent checking out homes, so be sure to choose someone you feel comfortable working with.

Q: Is my credit good enough for me to be approved for a mortgage?

A: One thing your lender will look at before approving you for a mortgage is your credit score - your record for paying your bills and repaying loans on time.
In Canada, there are two main credit-rating agencies, Equifax and Tran-sUnion. These companies keep records of missed payments and overdrawn credit accounts. If you've ever had a credit card or applied for an account with a major utility, chances are your payment history is on record with one or both of these companies.
If you have a good track record - that is, you've always paid your bills on time and made at least the minimum payment due on your credit cards - you will have a good credit rating.
If your track record isn't perfect, that doesn't mean that you won't get approved for financing. If your late payments are in the past or date back to your student years but have since been paid on time, then you may not have difficulty in arranging financing. Your lender can help you assess your situation and provide advice as to how to improve your credit rating to get you ready to purchase your first home.
You can get a free copy of your credit file by mail just by asking. For details, visit Equifax.ca or TransUnion.ca.

Q: What is mortgage insurance?

A: If your down payment is less than 20 per cent of the purchase price of your home, you will require a mortgage that's insured against default. This insurance protects the lender in case you default on your mortgage payments and is required by law. There are two main mortgage insurers in Canada (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Genworth Canada). The cost will vary from 0.5 per cent to about three per cent of the total amount borrowed. The amount is usually added to your mortgage and the cost added in your regular payment.
 

Q: What are "closing costs," and how much money should I set aside for them?

A: Closing costs are those additional expenses that come due when you complete the purchase of your home. They include:
. Lawyer's or notary's fees. When you buy a home, you need to hire a lawyer to complete a title search (to make sure there are no outstanding liens against the property and that the vendor actually owns the property), ensure all the documentation has been accurately completed, register your mortgage and register you as the new owner of the property.
. Disbursements. These are costs that the seller has paid in advance, such as property taxes and utilities. You reimburse the seller for any prepayments that come into effect after you take possession of the home.
The amount of these costs will vary, depending on where you live and what kind of home you're buying. As a guideline, you can estimate that closing costs will be about 2.5 per cent of the purchase price of your home, though this may vary greatly. In addition to closing costs, remember that you may also need to budget for appliances (if not included with the home), utility hook-up, redecorating and paying a professional mover.

This article was found in the The Vancouver Sun

By Barbara Hitchens, Postmedia News November 30, 2012

What is agency and agency relationship

When being involved in a real estate transaction with a Realtor you will be in some form of agency relationship. Just as you are with a lawyer. Only difference is Realtors can represent the same party but with a lawyer it could never happen.

Here is the types of relationships:

Seller Representation: The brokerage is representing the seller, and by law do what is best for the seller. Confidences a seller shares must be kept confidential. The seller agent still must be fair and honest to the buyer and also disclose pertinent information about the property.

Buyer Representation: The brokerage is representing the seller, and by law do what is best for the buyer. Confidences a buyer shares must be kept confidential. The buyer agent still must be fair and honest to the seller.

Multiple Representation: Under this representation the brokerage must do what is best for the buyer and seller. Talk about walking a thin line. This is more the case if the same agent is representing the buyer and seller. It is still multiple representation but if it is two sales representatives with the same brokerage in the transaction they can work as a seller and buyer representation to provide best representations to the parties.

These representations must be under contract to exist. Better known as a listing agreement and a buyers agreement.

Occasionally you will also see:

Customer Service Relationship: No representation is given in this relationship. The brokerage  is providing services  with no agreement but must still work in a fair and honest manner.

The brokerage always will disclose these relationships to each the buyer and seller.

Re/max has a new website! Check it out!

We are pleased to announce the launch of the new and improved much anticipated remax.ca!
The slick new site features a beautiful and clean design that matches RE/MAX's stature as the leader in the real estate industry. With higher quality leads, property alerts, and enhanced search engine optimization, RE/MAX is simplifying the home buying and selling process through its restyled and improved website. The new remax.ca now includes listings from an English Canada platform with listings from all provinces (excluding Quebec), the CREA National Shared Franchisor Pool, and RE/MAX Open Access listings.

• Prospective home buyers have a personalized experience through their profile.
• Agent ability to enhance all of your listings with video and photos via LeadStreet.
• Interactive gallery view means potential clients are able to filter their searches on the fly.
• Mobile site is device agnostic – it looks great on all devices!
• Mobile site displays new listings in your proximity. Check out the "new properties near me"!
• Mobile site delivers an ultimate customer experience that includes, driving directions, property alerts, and the ability to share through social media channels, including Pinterest.

Watch this video and share it via facebook.com/remaxoa.
Be sure to visit the new remax.ca today to explore all the great new features available!

Oh My! The sky is falling!!!

 

 

 

Peterborough and The Kawarthas MLS Report Card for October 2012

Here is our numbers for the month of October:

Total number of new listings in October was up 4% year to date
Total number of listings in October was down 3% year to date
Total number of Unit sales in October up 16% year to date
Total number of Unit sales for the year to date is 1%
Total number of dollars sold for the year to date 4%

Total number of current listing as of today 1846.

Looking at our local numbers it seems we are steadily moving forward. Not by leaps and bounds by any means but slowly forward. That is great news. (so the media will never report it with bold letters like they love to when bad news is to be reported).

I hear the word bubble bursting, market crash things like that all the time for the real estate market. That may be the case in Toronto but not here. It will not happen here because we never had a bubble. Very few listings had bidding wars on them in Peterborough. Just a steady flow of sales.

Here is a statement from the Canadian Real Estate Association:

“Sales data in October held steady at the national level, but we are seeing some diverging trends among local housing markets,” said CREA President Wayne Moen. “Markets in Alberta and Saskatchewan are gaining strength, while some of Canada’s traditionally most active markets have lost steam. As always, all real estate is local, so buyers and sellers should talk to their REALTOR® to understand how the housing market is shaping up where they live or might like to live.”

“Little has changed since national activity geared down in the wake of mortgage rules that came into force in July,” said Gregory Klump, CREA’s Chief Economist. “Opinions differ about how sharply sales have slowed depending on the local housing market"

New listing inspections Re/Max November 21/2012

 Three new listings we looked at. 703 Chemong Ave, 1085 Yankee Line and 388 Jopling Lane

New name for Smith Ennismore Lakefield

I stopped today at the Smith Ennismore Lakefield office for the open house on the strategic plan and name change

The open house is open:

Nov. 20th from 3 - 6 pm
Nov. 21st from 5 - 8 pm.

You can vote for the new name at the open house or online (as i was told by staff). I could not find where online to vote but you can start here. Click Here. Let me know if you find it.

The new names that you can vote for are:

1. Bridgeland
2. Chemong
3. Drumlin
4. Lakeland or Lakelands
5. Mapleview
6. Portage
7. Shining Waters
8. Selwyn or Selwin
9. Terracrest
10. Trinity

While you are at the open house you will see some presentation boards displayed for the Strategic Plan. A lot of words on the boards but to a person that is not involved in the plan it makes little sense. A survey is provided on the Strategic Plan that is easily navigated. You can also do the survey at the open house or online. (again I was not able to find the page to vote)

I believe the name change will be announced early December. Click here to see all the name suggestions.

Quick update of our market in October 2012

According to MLS statistics, total numbers of sales in October 2012 is up by 15% over October 2011. Year to date we are still up 1% in number of sales and up 4% in total sales dollars from last year in the Peterborough area. Current number of listing including all categories in the area is 1851. This is down from a little over 2000 listings total in October 2011. Real lack of inventory of listings.

 

The Bank of Canada announced on October 23^rd, 2012 it is keeping kept its key policy rate at 1 per cent, where it has been held steady for two years. This marks the longest period since the 1950s that rates have been left unchanged.

The announcement was similar to those in September and July, including the bottom line that the Bank would still like its next move to be a rate hike. However, the Bank’s tone surrounding the timing and degree of such a move was softened, saying some “modest withdrawal” of current monetary stimulus – read small increase in interest rates– will “likely” be required “over time”.

 

On another note, I write and video great blogs on the market every few days. Check it out at    www.bradpsinclair.blogspot.ca or www.bradsinclair.ca. I also use twitter to pass on interesting      articles throughout the day that I have read in the papers Canada wide. Worth the follow @bradpsinclair.

 

Re/Max Market Press Release 2013 looking steady despite CMHC tighten of rules.

For immediate release

Moderation—not correction—on tap

for Canadian housing markets in 2013, says RE/MAX

Mississauga, ON (November 14, 2012) --

Canadian real estate markets demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2012—

with home sales up or on par in 65 per cent of major centres—despite considerable headwinds in terms of tighter financing and economic uncertainty abroad. The trend is expected to continue, with home-buying activity propped-up by low interest rates and an improved economic picture in 2013, according to a report released today by RE/MAX.

The RE/MAX Housing Market Outlook 2013 examined trends and developments in 26 major markets across the country. The report found that the number of homes sold is expected to match or exceed 2011 levels in 65 per cent of markets (17/26) in 2012, led by strong activity in Western Canada, including Calgary (up 13.5 per cent) and Regina (eight per cent). Eighty-one per cent (21/26) of markets are set to experience average price increases by year-end 2012, with Regina the country’s frontrunner at eight per cent, followed by Hamilton-Burlington, Greater Toronto, and Fredericton at seven per cent and Saskatoon at 6.5 per cent. The forecast for 2013 shows the upward trend moderating, but values still ahead of 2012 levels in 85 per cent (22/26) of centres. Stability is forecast to characterize Canadian real estate in the new year, with sales above or on par with 2012 levels in 81 per cent (21/26) of markets.

Nationally, an estimated 454,000 homes will change hands in 2012, falling one per cent short of the 2011 level of 456,749. Canadian home sales are expected to almost mirror the 2012 performance next year, holding steady at 454,000 units. The average price of a Canadian home is expected to remain stable at $364,000 in 2012—on par with the figure reported in 2011. Values are expected to appreciate nominally in 2013, rising to $366,500, one per cent above year-end 2012 levels.

“Despite all the negativity surrounding residential real estate, the sky is not falling,” says Gurinder Sandhu, Executive Vice President and Regional Director, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. “Home sales have moderated, but remain within healthy levels. Greater optimism is expected to return next year, as the economy marks further improvement. Canadians appear to be reining in their spending, heeding cautionary statements by the country’s financial leaders. We believe that will only serve to shore up the already healthy framework of the Canadian housing market in 2013.”

 

"By midyear,however, the third round

of CMHC mortgage tightening had a noticeable

impact on housing markets, pushing homeownership

beyond the grasp of many first-time buyers."

The report found that low interest rates were a major impetus in 2012, fuelling sales of homes across the board. Tight inventory levels also factored into the equation early in the year, causing a flurry of activity in many centres. By midyear,however, the third round of CMHC mortgage tightening had a noticeable impact on housing markets, pushing homeownership beyond the grasp of many first-time buyers.

The RE/MAX Housing Market Outlook Report also identified several regional disparities. Most notable was the pull back in sales activity in Greater Vancouver. A banner 2011 year and a slowdown in investor activity contributed to the trend in 2012. Yet, moderation was more widespread in the east, with half of Ontario and Atlantic Canada markets (8/16) reporting 2012 sales off the 2011 pace. Strength was evident throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Nova Scotia, where exceptionally sound economic fundamentals drove demand. The Prairies also stood out in price

appreciation, along with the Atlantic Provinces in 2012, and a repeat is on tap for next year. In 2013, Vancouver will rebound to post the strongest sales gain, while the Quebec markets post the sharpest decrease.
 

"Canadians believe in homeownership"

“Looking forward, there are a number of factors on the horizon that will serve to bolster residential activity in 2013,”says Elton Ash, Regional Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Western Canada. “Canada’s economic performance is expected to show signs of improvement, particularly in the latter half of the year, which should bode well for housing markets across the country. Historically low interest rates will also continue to drive healthy home-buying activity, especially in the move-up segment. Last, but certainly not least, there’s no denying the universal appeal of bricks and

mortar. Canadians believe in homeownership. The stability of real estate over the long-term continues to fuel its appeal.”

While first-time buyers will continue to have a significant presence in the overall marketplace, they are expected to take a back seat in 2013 in Canada’s largest markets—with move-up buyers the new engine driving home-buying activity. The greatest advance in home sales is expected in Vancouver (12 per cent), Calgary (10 per cent), Halifax (five per cent), Kingston (4.5 per cent) and Saint John (four per cent). The strongest upward momentum in average price in 2013 is forecast for St. John’s (six per cent), Regina (five per cent), Kingston (4.5 per cent), and Halifax (four per cent), followed by Fredericton and Winnipeg at three per cent. More balanced market conditions are expected in 2013 throughout the majority of markets, with supply meeting demand.

“The long-term outlook for Canadian real estate remains strong,” says Sylvain Dansereau, Executive Vice President,RE/MAX Quebec. “It has proven so in the past, and it will ring true in the years to come. Canada’s major centres are evolving at a tremendous pace and gaining traction on the world stage. As we look forward, our communities will certainly be more vibrant, more sustainable, while our housing mix focuses on density and diversification. The sheer number of developments planned or underway is staggering. We know the market ebbs and flows—that’s cyclical—but the future for real estate remains quite promising.”

Immigration and population growth will continue to support housing demand moving forward. The Canadian government’s commitment to immigration will hold steady, with the country set to welcome as many as 265,000 immigrants in 2013. The greater focus on economic immigrants is already leading to quicker household formation and

homeownership than in years past. These two factors will also support the burgeoning condominium segment—along with Canada’s aging population—while the desire for tangible assets props up the upper-end.

RE/MAX is Canada’s leading real estate organization with over 19,900 sales associates situated throughout its more than 748 independently-owned and operated offices in Canada. The RE/MAX network, now in its 39th year, is a global

real estate system operating in 91 countries, with over 6,330 independently-owned offices and 88,983 member sales associates. RE/MAX realtors lead the industry in professional designations, experience and production while providing real estate services in residential, commercial, referral, and asset management. For more information, visit:

www.remax.ca or www.bradsinclair.ca

 

 

For more information:

 

Brad Sinclair

 

Re/Max Eastern Realty Inc

 

705.292.9551

 

Christine Martysiewicz Eva Blay/Charlene McAdam

RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada Point Blank Communications

905.542.2400 416.781.3911