As temperatures begin to rise, you’ll want to be sure your air conditioning is operating at maximum efficiency. Beyond maintaining the basic operation of your A/C unit, there are several ways to reduce the load on your system, and ensure your home air temperature is optimal.

For example, opening window awnings or closing heavy drapery can help keep the heat out. This will make a significant difference in the temperature inside your home and will reduce the burden on your A/C.

Also, a dehumidifier will lower moisture levels making the air inside your home feel more comfortable, while a ceiling fan will increase circulation, making rooms more bearable at higher temperatures.

To further reduce costs, consider localizing your central cooling so you can isolate and close doors to rooms that are not in frequent use. Also, reducing your use of heat generating major appliances such as your oven, cooktop, dishwasher, laundry machines and non-LED lighting will cut down on the ambient heat in your home.

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Buying a new pair of shoes is relatively easy. Once you find the style you like, all you need to do is try them on and see if they fit. If they do, you go to the cash register and pay. When it comes to size, buying a new home can be trickier! Whether your intention is to upsize or downsize, figuring out the right size can be especially challenging.

Say for example, you’re downsizing from a large two-story home to a smaller bungalow. You don’t want to underestimate the space you need and end up in a place that feels tight. If you’re going the other way and upsizing, you don’t want to end up sinking extra money into a property that’s larger than you really need.

So how do you avoid these scenarios?

One of the best ways is to start by considering your current home. Do you use all the rooms in your home regularly? Is there a bedroom that’s rarely occupied? Has the recreation room become simply a storage area? If you’re downsizing, subtracting rooms you scarcely use can give you a better idea of what you need in a new home.

Upsizing is a bit more challenging because you have to anticipate what you will need in the future. For example, if you have young children, and your place is feeling cramped, then a home with a recreation room or separate family and living rooms may be a good idea.

You may also need a bigger kitchen with a spacious eating area (in addition to a separate dining room.)Think about the extra room you’ll need and how you’ll use that space. When I work with a client, I typically sit down with them and discuss the type of home they want in detail — and, based on needs and circumstance, I make expert recommendations. Bottom line, I help clients find the perfect fit in a new home.

Contact me if you’d like to learn more! 416-779-8732

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There are many good reasons to put your property on the market. Some examples include a relocation, the kids leaving the nest, the need for something bigger or smaller, and the list goes on and on. However, there are also some less-than-obvious indicators that it may be time to sell.

Consider the following:

1. Your Property is no longer a Good “Fit”

Your home may have been perfect for you when you bought it. But things change. Families grow. Needs evolve. For any number of reasons, your property may no longer be a good fit for you. If that’s the case, it makes sense to at least take a look at what’s available on the market. Who knows? Your next “perfect” home may be for sale right now — within your price range!

2. The Neighbourhood is Changing

You may have been in love with the neighbourhood when you first moved in. But, over time, the characteristics of any area can change. Those changes don’t necessarily mean the neighbourhood is getting worse. In fact, it may be changing in a positive way; perhaps becoming more urban. But, “more urban” may not be what you want. So take a look at the direction your neighbourhood is heading. Ask yourself, “Do I still want to be living here in two years?”

3. You’re Ready for Your Dream Home

Remember when you purchased your current property? Did it have every feature you wanted? Was it your dream home? Or, did you have to compromise on a few things, such as the size of the kitchen? If you had to make some tough choices back then, it might be time for you to finally get the home of your dreams.

Those are just three indicators it may be time for you to make a move. Of course, there are many others.

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Providing valuable information and helpful services to valued clients like you is important to me. So, if there’s anything else I can do to help you with your real estate investment – such as offering additional advice, information or recommendations, please remember I’m here for you.

If you want Market Statistics for your area please give me a call!

416-779-8732

When you’re viewing a home for sale, you may get swept up by its initial appearances. Everything may look clean and beautiful, with all the features you’re looking for.
Indeed, you may even be considering making a serious offer. So, during that viewing, don’t rush. Take a close look at the important details.

For example:

• Will it need any major renovations?

• If the property is old, are there items (kitchen stove, furnace, roofing shingles, etc.) that will need to be replaced soon?

• Do you like the neighborhood and surrounding area?

• Is there anything that might bother you? (For example, a single rather than two-car garage.)• Does the closing date work for you?

• Are the size and orientation of the rooms to your liking? (You might want a spacious living room if you entertain regularly.)

There may be other details you’ll want to consider as well. Most of what you need to know can be found out during that initial visit. So, take the time to view the property carefully and ask all of your questions. Then, if you choose to jump on the opportunity quickly, you’ll be ready.

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It’s incumbent upon homeowners to ensure that fire safety is top-of-mind at all times. An all-encompassing approach should include steps for preventing, detecting, extinguishing and escaping potential fires. Prevention entails careful monitoring of any ignition procedure, whether it’s in the kitchen, utility room, workshop or garage, and ensuring that any active flame (or burning cigarette) is never left unattended. As well, prevention should include making fire-safe decisions when buying renovation materials, appliances, drapery, upholstery, and mattresses.

As for detection, there are various types of alarms to consider. Be mindful that all battery-operated alarms should have their batteries replaced twice a year. Fire extinguishers, of course, can limit costly damage and prevent a small fire from getting out of control.

Strategically place a fire extinguisher in key locations throughout your house. Be sure each extinguisher is designed for the type of fire it is designed to extinguish (i.e. A, B or C grade fires). As with all safety equipment, check that operational dates are not expired. If you’re ever unsure, invest in a new one.

Finally, every household member needs to know multiple exit paths in case of fire, especially from above or below the entrance level or ground floor. Be sure to designate a safe meeting area as part of your escape plan, and have a fire drill and/or conversation about it once a year.

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If you need to upsize or you’re simply ready for a change, it’s tempting to consider a major renovation. After all, renovating means you don’t have to go through the process of selling your property and buying another more suitable home. You just fix up the one you’ve got!

However, you need to carefully consider the pros and cons of renovating before going this route. You don’t want to invest in a costly renovation only to end up with a home that still doesn’t meet your needs.

Say, for example, your current property doesn’t have a home office. Since all the bedrooms are taken, you decide to renovate a portion of the basement. Building that new home office may seem like a simple project, but once you consider new electrical, flooring, lighting, etc., it really isn’t. Like most renovations, it will probably cost more than you think. Plus, you’ll need to consider whether you’ll really want to work in the basement.

In this case, it might make more sense to find a new home with an extra bedroom that can be converted, or, better still, a dedicated home office space — with windows!
Of course, there are many circumstances in which a renovation may be the best way to go. If you don’t like your kitchen, for example, upgrading it may not only get you the kitchen you want but also add value to your property.

Basically, you need to ask yourself: “Which is more likely to get me the home I really want – a renovation or a new home?” If your answer is a new home, then there is probably a property on the market right now that would meet your needs. Let’s talk.

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