Being green has never been so colourful now that there's a zero-VOC paint in a rainbow of hues.
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are solvents that get released into the air as paint dries. Exposure to high amounts can pose health hazards, which is why, by the end of 2010, Canadian law will regulate the VOC content in paint.
Fifteen years ago, Benjamin Moore introduced its first zero-VOC paint, ...
Posted by Carol Ireland
on November 1, 2009
As the country is in the midst of battling H1N1, projecting your family and friends is top of mind for many Canadians. Here are some things you can do to ward off the flu if you are hosting or visiting open houses this season.
Place disinfectant hand sanitizer in your living room, kitchen and washrooms when hosting an open house.
Carry individually packaged disinfectant wipes or ...
Posted by Carol Ireland
on October 30, 2009
(NC)—There's nothing quite like owning your own home – getting to know your neighbours, decorating your home and creating a place that you can call your own. But owning a home is not quite as simple as finding the right home in the right neighbourhood; your financial situation can be an important factor in the type of home you can afford. For example, you will need to determine how much ...
Posted by Carol Ireland
on October 29, 2009
NC)—The Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), introduced in January 2009, is the newest savings vehicle for Canadians looking for flexible ways to grow their nest eggs. With a $5,000 per year contribution limit that allows savings to grow and be withdrawn, without incurring any tax, it is billed as a great program for Canadians 18 and over with assets to invest. And it can be used for any purpose ...
Posted by Carol Ireland
on October 29, 2009
OTTAWA, October 8, 2009 — The seasonally adjusted annual rate1 of housing starts reached 150,100 units in September compared to 157,300 units in August, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
“The decline in housing starts in September is attributable to the volatile multiple starts segment,” said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist at CMHC’s Market Analysis Centre. ...
Posted by Carol Ireland
on October 17, 2009
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers financial assistance to low-income homeowners for mandatory home repairs that will preserve the quality of affordable housing. The program helps people who live in substandard dwellings and cannot afford to pay for necessary repairs to their home.
Who Can Apply?
Homeowners may qualify for assistance if your property is eligible and if your total ...
Posted by Carol Ireland
on October 17, 2009
(NC)—Many homeowners will admit they don't know a whole lot about the water heater down in their basement. Dave Walton, Direct Energy's director of home ideas, offers up some information to help homeowners become a little more familiar with their water heaters, along with a few suggestions for those thinking of switching to tankless water heaters.
Longevity – Homeowners can expect their ...
Posted by Carol Ireland
on October 16, 2009
(NC)—Global warming has become a top of mind concern for most North Americans over the last few years thanks to the devastating tragedies from tropical storms around the world due to climate change.
As a result, more and more people are increasingly sensitive to the environment and show a stronger desire for preserving our resources and recycling. Countless corporations are following suit by ...
Posted by Carol Ireland
on October 16, 2009
Maybe you're buying a home for the first time. Or maybe you're selling your old home to move up to something new. Whatever the reason, the buying and selling of a home is a big event. It's an intricate process involving many specialists. One of these specialists is a REALTOR®, whose job it is to make the transfer of property as easy as possible.
But not ...
Posted by Carol Ireland
on October 15, 2009
OTTAWA – October 15th, 2009 – National resale housing activity climbed to the highest level of any third quarter on record.
Actual (not seasonally adjusted) home sales via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) Systems of Canadian real estate boards totalled 135,182 units in the third quarter of 2009, according to statistics released by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). ...
Posted by Carol Ireland
on October 15, 2009