CENTURY 21 Leading Edge Realty Inc. - Blog

Home Inspections: the lowdown

paul.baron@century21.ca — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is visual investigation of a home’s structure and components to find malfunctioning or unsafe issues within.
Typical components to be inspected
Heating system            Central air            Interior plumbing
Electrical                      Roof                     Attic
Visible insulation          Walls                    Ceilings
Floors                          Windows   Doors
Foundation                  Basement             Visible structure
Possible additional services
Mold testing                 Radon testing       Water testing
Energy audits

Any problems a home inspector finds during the assessment is then documented and suggested courses of action are given to the homeowner. The home inspection takes place after a buyer has made an offer on a home and the seller has accepted.
Do I need one?
Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will make. It is important to make sure you are making a well-informed purchase and a home inspection can help you do this. This one step can potentially save you thousands of dollars in unknown problems that could have been dealt with at the point of sale and cost the previous homeowner rather than yourself.
The inspection is there to make sure no important factors were overlooked during the negotiations as buyers can often feel overwhelmed and emotional when deciding on a new home and can therefore miss important details about the home’s health.

What are they looking for?
Home inspectors are looking for common problems such as mold and mildew, damp basements and crawlspaces, roof and chimney deterioration, leaks, plumbing problems and inadequate electrical systems.
“Water is the number one thing that we look for,” says Lesleigh Bell-Enderlein. “If water enters the house, it causes mold, rot and eventually can break down the components of the structure.”
She says that inspectors look carefully at the roof, foundation, windows and doors for any sign of water entry and for existing water damage. “We also predict conditions such as grading towards the house or other emerging wear that could allow water in in the future,” she says, noting that suggestions are then made for immediate and future repair considerations and preventative measures.

For more information, or to locate a home inspector, visit the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors, the Castle Group is one of our recommended Home and Property Inspectors or ask your real estate agent for a referral.

Choosing an agent

paul.baron@century21.ca — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Choosing the right agent is almost as important as choosing the right house.
The right agent will have the experience, strategies, personality and taste that will further your goals. Choosing one with a style that harmonizes with your own will make the house-hunting and/or selling process much more enjoyable and productive.

Ask questions:
Before hiring an agent, be sure to ask pertinent questions so you know whether they have the experience and qualifications you require and are a good match for you. Plus, if they can’t sell themselves to you, what confidence do you have that they can make the right impression in the housing market?
Try the following questions:
How long have you been a real estate agent?
Are you a member of Canadian Real Estate Association?
How will you help me find the right home or sell my home?
What makes your service special?
What advice would you offer me on my housing hunt/sell?
Qualities to look for:
A strong listener who remembers what your specific wants and needs are and looks for properties that meet them
A professional appearance and demeanor
Prompt service and initiative
Strong references from past clients (Ask for a list of recent sales and choose a few to call.)
A familiarity with the area and price range you are interested in

Invest in your agent:
Choosing an agent with experience and extensive qualifications often requires an investment. You may pay more for an experienced agent who is a member of CREA, but you get the quality service you pay for.
“Don’t go for the cheap way out,” says Sherry Piercey, whose family has sold three homes, one through an amateur agent and two using a registered agent. “Go for the pros. You will end up there anyway.”
Piercey says it took months to even get people to look at their home with an amateur agent. Shortly after hiring an established broker, they sold their home within weeks. “You get what you pay for,” she adds. Piercey says her agent’s access to MLS and experience with the local housing market got their home the necessary exposure for a quick sale.
Whether you’re in the market to buy a home or looking to sell your existing home, finding an agent who is dependable, knowledgeable and qualified as well as a great fit for your style and personality is key to a match made in heaven.
Unfortunately there are no real estate matchmaking sites that will search out the agent most compatible with you. But if you put the effort into finding the right one, you won’t regret it.

Condos attracting those near and far

paul.baron@century21.ca — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The booming condominium market in the GTA has been fueling real estate sales for years, providing buyers with options for investing and living.
TD Canada Trust’s 4th Condo Poll revealed that the low maintenance of condos compared to homes is the biggest motivation for those buying condos, making up 36 per cent of their decision-making power, while affordability comes in second at 24 per cent.

In addition, the poll also found that 37 per cent of Canadians would consider investing in a condo that would not act as their permanent residence.
“Most of my clients for condos are investors, people who have been here for a while and have some extra money that they invested in pre-construction condos,” says Sam Elgohary, a real estate broker with Century 21 who specializes in new condo sales.

A recent article in --international-buyers-undergird-toronto-s-condo-market. The Toronto Star reported that new Canadians make up a large portion of this condo-buying population. The York Harbour Club in Toronto targeted foreign buyers and new Canadians in their selling strategies, with 60 per cent of the 441 condos sold in the first four weeks to new Canadians and international buyers.
RealNet Canada Inc. statistics claim that between 80,000 and 100,000 newcomers arrive in the GTA every year. With such an influx of new buyers flowing into the region with a need for housing, the condo market is providing an affordable investment option.
Ahmed Khuffash moved to Toronto from Kuwait and bought a condo in the heart of the city after trying his hand at renting. “I was tired of throwing my money away to rent, and I wanted to live by myself,” said Khuffash, who added that the space was just right for his needs and the price keeps him from falling into the trap of becoming house poor. Now he is close to work, friends and all the amenities he could ask for.
“I think more new Canadians are buying condos because it’s more affordable than houses, especially in convenient locations,” said Elgohary, adding that condos provide enough space for comfortable living without having to invest in a home in the city.
Condos are proving to be a smart investment in and around the city as prices continue to rise. RealNet says the strong performance of GTA’s new condominium market in 2010 was reflected in its pricing. “The condominium market roared past the $400,000 average price threshold in January, and closed the year with an average price of $441,663. This demonstrates a year over year growth of approximately 11 per cent,” said RealNet president George Carras.
As of July 2011, according to a recent RealNet report, high-rise home buying made up 60 per cent of housing sales in the GTA this year.

Whether it’s new Canadians and immigrants purchasing affordable housing and investing in a growing market or long-time residents looking to secure their piece of the condo pie, the high-rise market is attracting quite a crowd. And it doesn’t seem to be slowing down.
For more information on this intriguing niche and for a list of available properties, visit Century 21

Choosing art for your home

paul.baron@century21.ca — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Adding a splash of colour to your home in the form of art can be both inspirational and an easy way to change up the look of each room.
There’s a quote by Roy Adzak about the individuality of art; “Good art is not what it looks like, but what it does to us.”
Art is choice, and more often than not an expensive one at that, and can change the vibe of your space. Make sure each piece speaks to you and your family before you shell out the big bucks.
Choosing art that you’ll want to look at every day is a difficult process and should not be taken lightly or done on impulse.

And the fact that there is no shortage of choice in the art world is both good and bad. With so many options, you’re sure to find something that suits you and your space, but it can sometimes be overwhelming.
Whether you’re planning on framing the piece yourself or buying the art finished and ready to hang, you’ll need to take the time to research and peruse.
There are some basic rules that go along with art choice for the home:
Be sure you love the art, not just the colours.

Choose art that everyone living within the household appreciates in one way or another.

Take your time. Simply trying to fill space will result in dissatisfaction over the long term.

Keep within your budget.

Choose pieces for the right locations. If you have a large space, choose a large piece of art, or a grouping of smaller pieces that complement each other. If you have a wall that is usually viewed from a distance, make sure to choose art that is best viewed from further away.

Find art that matches the flow and functionality of each space. For example, a piece of art in the bedroom should be relaxing and meditative while art in the living and dining space should lean toward energetic and vibrant.

Support local artists when possible.