How to Be a Savvy Home Viewer

If you're planning on finding your next dream home, then you're probably going to view several homes on the market that meet your criteria. You will want to make the right purchasing decision for you and your family.

So, it's wise to be savvy when viewing properties for sale. Here are some ideas on how to do that.

•Bring a notepad. Take notes, not only of the home's characteristics, but also of how you feel. For example, can you imagine yourself happily cooking up a storm in the kitchen? Do you see yourself entertaining family on the back deck?

•Bring a measuring tape. Will the furniture you plan to bring fit? Your dining room suite? Your home fitness equipment?

•Ask about maintenance. Is the property in a good state of repair? Will anything need to be replaced soon, such as the windows?

•Bring a camera. Take lots of pictures of the home's exterior features. Don't make the mistake of thinking you'll remember how everything looked.

•Check out the area. Do other homeowners take good care of their properties? This shows pride of ownership. How is the noise level? Is there a playground, or another area feature nearby?

•Make a list of compromises. For example, are there only two bathrooms instead of three and, if so, can you live with that?

•Make a list of bonuses. What features does the home have that are

not a necessity but would be nice to have? For example, an entertainment bar in the basement recreation room.

•Remember your budget. Is the price within your range? Can you afford to buy this home?

The more savvy you are when viewing properties on the market, the more likely you will be to find your next dream home.

I will discuss many aspects of home improvements, buying, selling and moving in upcoming weeks but in the meantime, if you have any questions please email me at ckidd@trebnet.com or call 416-505-7513.

Home safety is more than locked doors and alarms

 

 

It is quite ironic that I am publishing this blog. While a friend of mine is extremely cautious and pretty well does everything suggested here, two weeks ago she mistakenly left her patio door unlocked and an intruder came into her home at 2:00a.m., (she was in bed but awake) and heard him. He calmly stole cash out of her wallet and her Iphone and Ipad off her desk, even taking the time to take the Ipad charger out of a power bar! It was a harrowing experience so she cautions you to ensure you do your due diligence to protect yourself. It could have been a lot worse.

When it comes to home security, most homeowners think about door locks and alarms. These are, of course, very important. However, there is also a lot you can do around your property to prevent the possibility of a break-in.

One important part of home security is outdoor lighting. Your home doesn't need to be lit up like a baseball diamond at night, but your exterior lighting should illuminate your yard enough to be a deterrent to burglars.

Some burglars hide around the property and wait for someone to arrive and open the door so they can use that opportunity to force their way into your home. Security experts suggest that you walk around your property and look for areas where someone could hide, such as behind tall shrubbery like a cedar hedge or behind a tool shed. Make sure these areas are well lit.

Pay particular attention to lighting around exterior doors, especially the back door. Home security experts also recommend that exterior lighting be installed with a timed dimmer. The lights can then be set to cast a bright light in the early evening, and then a dimmer light throughout the rest of the night.

Lights installed with motion detectors can also be effective in certain areas. The sensors will cause the light to turn on or brighten when someone comes onto that part of your property. Generally, thieves will flee as soon as they see a light turn on.

Do you hide a spare key under the front door mat or in a flower pot? No matter how clever you think you are, experienced thieves know all the common hiding places. So, if you need to have a spare key available, put it in a small combination lock box and hide the box. That way, if a burglar finds the box, he still won't be able to open it and access the key

I will discuss many aspects of home improvements, buying, selling and moving in upcoming weeks but in the meantime, if you have any questions please email me at ckidd@trebnet.com or call 416-505-7513.

The fastest way to lower your energy bill

Did you know that, next to heating and air conditioning, your lights consume most of the energy in your home? In fact, you can lower your electricity bill quickly –and substantially – simply by being smarter about lighting. 

First, consider replacing your conventional light bulbs with the energy - saving variety. You've probably seen these at your local home improvement centre. Compact florescent light bulbs, for example, use up to 75% less energy.

Second, lower the wattage in some outlets. Is it necessary to have a 100 watt bulb in the furnace room? Try a 60 watt bulb.

Finally, think before you turn on the lights. Do you really need them on? Perhaps there's an alternative, such as opening a window blind to let in more sunlight.

I will discuss many aspects of home improvements, buying, selling and moving in upcoming weeks but in the meantime, if you have any questions please email me at ckidd@trebnet.com or call 416-505-7513.