Stay cool and be green doing it!

Staying Cool the Green Way

It's cool to be green, and green can keep you cool - especially in hot weather. Here are ten tips for maintaining a comfortable home without relying on the air conditioner this summer.


1.Heat rises so make sure your roof is well-ventilated. Consider installing a temperature controlled attic fan that switches on when the mercury rises.


2.Ensure proper insulation in the walls and ceilings. In Canada, we tend to think of insulation as a must for winter, but proper insulation also guards against the heat of the day in summer.


3.Shade the west side of your home by planting large bushes or trees to mitigate the amount of direct sunlight your west-facing walls receive. Be sure any planting is done a safe distance from the foundation.


4.Ceiling fans can cool a room by several degrees. Install ceiling fans in larger rooms and set them to the forward position so the fan rotates counter clockwise. This will help create a wind-chill effect and make you "feel" cooler.


5.Venetian blinds or California shutters are both aesthetically appealing and effective at shutting out the sun's glare. Another option is to add heat reflecting film on windows. It will help keep things cool, while reducing ultraviolet rays that can damage furniture and floors.


6.Since most summer breezes blow from west to east, open the southwest and northeast windows to allow a refreshing cross-breeze. Open windows at night to allow the cooler air in, and close them in the morning.


7.Use a dehumidifier to absorb moisture in the air, as dry air feels cooler. A dehumidifier can also prevent mold, mildew, and musty odours, especially in the basement.


8.If you can, minimize use of your stove in really hot weather. Consider using an outdoor barbecue or a slow cooker which emits very little heat.


9.Invest in a fold-away gazebo for your deck or garden. It protects from sun, insects, and summer showers when you want to cool off outside.


10.Lighten up the exterior paint. Light coloured paint doesn't absorb as much solar energy as darker paint, and is a relatively low-cost solution that can reduce your energy bills.

When summer sizzles, think green, keep your cool - and enjoy!

New listing

26.2 Acres in Morristown, Kings County.

Zoned forestry, so plenty of opportunites possible

Features include 2000 feet of road frontage, 1500 feet of river frontage, and fabulous pond.

If you're looking for a peaceful, private place to have a hobby farm or build your dream house, you should definatley give this place a look!

Priced right at $70,000.

New listing

10226 Highway 221 in Habitant, Kings County

Once in a while a gem like this comes along. With nothing left to do but move-in, this home would be perfect for first time buyers or retirees. Conveniently situated just outside of Canning, and only minutes to Kingsport Beach. The porch could easily be used as a great den/office area, or even a 3rd bedroom. The kitchen/dining/living room are all very large, making entertaining a breeze! All of this in one package, and still only 10 minutes to Highway 101 access.

STATS
2 bedroom
1 bathroom
freshly painted throughout
some of the upgrades include, new windows, new oil tank

Priced at $119,950

A Fixer Upper vs. Move-In Ready Home

Buying a home can be tricky business. Some homes are move in ready, others need some TLC. When looking at homes, which one is going to be the best value? Is it better to just buy a home that is move in ready? Or is there still value in buying a fixer and doing a little work?

Deciding On A Fixer Upper Or Move In Ready Home

When deciding on a fixer upper, you need to know what needs fixing. Are the problems with the property structural? Bad wiring, bad foundation, plumbing, termites etc. Or are the problems more cosmetic such as outdated fixtures, paint, popcorn ceilings etc.

Knowing what needs fixing is half the battle. You should take a trusted contractor to the home before submitting an offer. If you are an experienced rehabber, you may not need a contractor, but I would still recommend an inspection.

Get a bid from the contractor and add about 10%. Most the time, projects go over budget, so be prepared for that. If you plan on doing the work yourself, be sure you know exactly what you’re doing. A rehab project gone wrong can seriously effect your pocket book.

How Much Are Repairs Going To Cost?

The other half of the battle is the money. How much is this rehab project going to cost? What value are you going to add? And how long are you planning on staying in the home? There are some great mortgage products out there.  It's worth a chat with a mortgage broker.

Also, have you’re Realtor run some numbers. If you bought a comparable home that didn’t need the repairs, what would it be worth? What is the price of a move in ready home compared to the costs of the repairs plus the home that needs the repairs? Does it make financial sense to repair the home? A lot of times buying a home and fixing it up can add instant value. Just be sure you know all the numbers.

Check Out The Neighborhood

Buying a fixer upper and doing repairs may not matter if the neighborhood is in a decline. Is this home the only fixer on the street? Or is there a lot of problems with other homes in the neighborhood?

There is a lot more risk pouring money into a home if the neighborhood is in bad shape.

Your return will be less if the neighbors aren’t doing their part to maintain the neighborhood. As your agent about the history of the neighborhood. Watch out for neighborhoods with declining home values.

Cosmetic Repairs And Doing The Work Yourself

Almost every home you’re going to look at needs some sort of work in your eyes. As a buyer, you won’t
find everything you want in a home, and most buyers realize they will be doing some sort of cosmetic work after purchasing any home. Buying a home that needs cosmetic updating can be a great way to get what you want and bring a nice return on your investment.

If you’re okay with living in an “ugly” home for a couple years as you go from project to project, the cosmetic fixer upper is a great choice. Doing cosmetic projects yourself, such as updating the bathrooms and kitchen, can save you money over buying an updated move-in ready home. Ask your agent what type of updates will produce the best return, and decide if you’re capable of doing the work.

Buying a home, whether move in ready or a fixer upper, is all about what’s going to work for you. If you’re the type of person that can handle a DIY project, go for the fixer upper, you can save some money. If you’re not the fixer upper type, hiring contractors to do the work can end up more expensive then you planned. If you do your homework, you should be confident with your decision.




Annapolis Valley Real Estate

Seasonal Home Maintenance Schedule - Summer

To ensure that the readers of this Annapolis Valley Real Estate Blog are getting all the information they need, I have decided to start a seasonal maintenance guide for homeowners.  As it is now Summer, we'll start with that!

-Monitor basement humidity and avoid relative humidity levels above 60 per cent. Use a dehumidifier to maintain relative humidity below 60 per cent.

-Clean or replace air-conditioning filter, and clean or replace ventilation system filters if necessary.

-Check basement pipes for condensation or dripping and, if necessary, take corrective action; for example, reduce humidity and/or insulate cold water pipes.

-Check the basement floor drain to ensure the trap contains water; refill with water if necessary.

-If you have a plumbing fixture that is not used frequently, for example, a laundry tub or spare bathroom sink, tub or shower stall, run some water briefly to keep water in the trap.

-Deep clean carpets and rugs.

-Vacuum bathroom fan grille.

-Disconnect the duct connected to your clothes dryer, and vacuum lint from duct, the areas surrounding your dryer and your dryer’s vent hood outside.

-Check security of all guardrails and handrails.

-Check smooth functioning of all windows, and lubricate as required.

-Inspect window putty on outside of glass panes of older houses, and replace if needed.

-Sand and touch up paint on windows and doors.


-Lubricate door hinges, and tighten screws as needed.

-Check for and replace damaged caulking and weatherstripping around mechanical and electrical services, windows and doorways, including the doorway between the garage and the house.
-Lubricate garage door hardware, and ensure it is operating properly.

-Lubricate automatic garage door opener motor, chain and other moving parts, and ensure that the auto-reverse mechanism is properly adjusted.

-Inspect electrical service lines for secure attachment where they enter your house, and make sure there is no water leakage into the house along the electrical conduit. Check for overhanging tree branches that may need to be removed.

-Check exterior wood siding and trim for signs of deterioration; clean, replace or refinish as needed.

-Remove any plants that contact — and roots that penetrate — the siding or brick.

-From the ground, check the general condition of the roof and note any sagging that could indicate structural problems requiring further investigation from inside the attic. Note the condition of shingles for possible repair or replacement, and examine roof flashings, such as at chimney and roof joints, for any signs of cracking or leakage.

-Check the chimney cap and the caulking between the cap and the chimney.

-Repair driveway and walkways as needed.

-Repair any damaged steps.


Any one have any other suggestions?  Feel free to comment!

The Following was found on another Blog, I found it interesting, so I have posted it here for your enjoyment!


Local Realtor Owns Property Guys


What Do You Think?


A Guelph Onartio Real Estate Broker owns a private sale franchise in Mississauga, Ontario. How can someone work both niches (private-sale and real estate) and still claim to have honest motives when talking to the prospective client? I'm not saying Peter Manton is dishonest. What I am saying is how does one talk with conviction when asking someone to pay you to list on MLS® when you might say the total opposite should they be looking for assistance to sell privately. I would suggest that he should pick one or the other and run with it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdKDuEhUenM


Here is the video that mentions his franchise. Remember that I am not against private sale companies, they have their place. Nor am I anti competition. I believe in my model and my skills, people will pay for that expertise which will often put more money in their pocket should they follow my advice, rather than sell privately. I just wish everyone would try it the logical way, which is to list with a realtor, then if that doesn’t work try privately…don't forget, listing on MLS® doesn’t cost a thing until it sells. Anyways, that’s another story.





So the reason I posted this video was really to attract more hits to this blog. PropertyGuys is a great website. I don’t have to bash them like they bash us. By the way, I can’t believe the things they say about us, it is sometimes worse than children on the playground. That “Joe Schmo” thing is bothersome and I wouldn’t be surprised if someone tries to sue one day. Despite their sometimes questionable marketing methods, selling privately is an option. Just make sure that your motivation is right. Are you selling because you truly feel that you will put more money in your pocket, or are you caught up in a prideful mindset that just doesn’t want to give anyone a large paycheque? Isn’t it worth a chat with a realtor, its free, only 30 minutes at tops, and can potentially save you thousands of dollars? You can also take the head in the sand approach too I suppose. What you don’t know doesn’t hurt right?



What are your thoughts, should a Real Estate Broker own a Brokerage and a Private Sale company?

MAKE MOLD UNWELCOME IN YOUR HOME

Mold spores are present everywhere. Mold growth is most prolific in warm, damp weather, but high indoor moisture levels and poor ventilation can contribute to mold growth any time of year. To help reduce the potential for mold, provide adequate air circulation and reduce moisture levels in mold-prone areas, such as basements and storage areas.

Avoid storing items directly against walls in potentially damp areas, which restricts air circulation and trap moisture against surfaces. Also consider placing boxes and storage containers on blocks or pallets to allow for air flow.

If you’re going away for an extended period of time, remember that a closed-up house usually creates an environment where air changes occur very slowly. Any water vapor present can condense on the cooler surfaces and allow mold to grow as the temperature warms up.

Frequent air change will help control moisture levels and keep moisture and mold spores from building up. When outdoor weather is appropriate, promote air flow and air changes by using air circulating fans and/or opening the windows slightly. Dehumidifiers can help remove moisture from the air, but realize mold spores will remain. Problems may re-occur when moist conditions return.

Since prevention is always the best way to keep a home fit, the following tips can avoid the potential health and financial burdens associated with mold. For additional guidance on mold issues, visit the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Quick Tips:

-Avoid resting long-term storage directly against walls.

-Place storage boxes on pallets.

-Keep basement windows slightly open during mild, dry weather.

-Maintain air circulation in all areas, particularly basements and storage areas.

-Filter fresh air changes to help keep spores from building up.



The above is an article from the Housemaster eNewsletter.