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 ...
Posted by Paul Baron
on December 21, 2011
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 ...
Posted by Paul Baron
on December 6, 2011
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 ...
Posted by Paul Baron
on October 15, 2011
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 ...
Posted by Paul Baron
on September 9, 2011
If Canada’s household debt were evenly divided up between all Canadians, a family with two children would collectively owe $176,461. A bit of scary information, isn’t it? This statistic was recently revealed in a study conducted by the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada. Household debt, defined as the outstanding balance of household credit, including consumer credit ...
Posted by Paul Baron
on September 5, 2011
According to the TD Canada Trust Boomer Buyers Report, more than half (56 per cent) of Canadian baby boomers have not paid off their mortgages. TD polled 1,000 boomers born between 1946 and 1964 for the Boomer Buyers Report conducted in October 2010. Of those who have not paid off their mortgage, one third have paid off more than 75 per cent of their mortgages while another quarter of the boomers ...
Posted by Paul Baron
on August 26, 2011
Smell is the only one of our five senses that is directly hardwired to our brains and connected to our memories and emotions. The “smell to sell” is commonly used in real estate to help potential buyers feel at home in your home. Often scents such as fresh baking and flowers will trigger warm feelings and move the purchase of your home along more quickly. Scent is also ...
Posted by Paul Baron
on August 26, 2011
The snow is gone and the flowers are blooming. Your neighbourhood is starting to flourish as the buds burst and the green grass grows, but there’s something getting in the way of its natural beauty. The winter’s litter has been uncovered after many months of snow. Garbage is strewn about in ditches, rivers and parks. Sadly, it happens to every neighbourhood. But there’s no reason ...
Posted by Paul Baron
on May 8, 2011
It’s scary, but it’s a necessity. During the colder months, we tend to let household clutter and stuffiness build up in our homes, making them less enjoyable, increasingly stressful environments and cabin fever inducing. As the season of fresh, new beginnings, spring has, over time, been linked to cleaning, getting rid of clutter and starting anew. So, in the spirit of the season, ...
Posted by Paul Baron
on April 24, 2011
Get outside and live a little. The desire to extend the home into the great outdoors has been growing for years and doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time in the near future. According to Canadian Home Trends Magazine, 48 per cent of home renovations planned by its readers are focused on the patio, deck or outdoor space.
Thanks to weather-resistant furniture, appliances and fabrics, ...
Posted by Paul Baron
on April 15, 2011