PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR WINTER

    

Don't let the winter catch you unprepared. Here are a few tips that you can do to get your home winter ready. 

Have the Furnace Inspected

Call an HVAC professional to check the fan belt that runs the blower, vacuum out dust and debris, and oil the bearings if necessary. Buy enough filters to see you through the winter months and change them monthly--when filters become clogged with dust, the furnace doesn't operate efficiently and your energy bill goes up. Set the thermostat at 68 to save on energy costs, and consider replacing a manually controlled thermostat with a programmable one. This allows you to set the temperature at a comfortable level when you're in the house and cut it back to a cooler level when you're at work. Used properly, programmable thermostats can save up to $180 a year on heating and cooling costs.

Wash the Windows

Yes, it's a tedious job, but washing the windows inside and out twice a year--spring and fall--rewards you with sparkling views, unobstructed light, and the opportunity to check for cracks and damaged caulking. Use a commercial window cleaner or make your own by mixing ¼ cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon of water. Newspaper makes the best "cleaning rag" because it's absorbent and won't leave lint, but wear gloves to protect your hands from the newsprint.

 

 Make your windows air tight

According to experts, 10 percent of the air that leaks out of a house exits through the windows. Caulk around window frames and apply weatherstripping between the sash and window frame to eliminate air leakage. Tension seal and magnetic types of weatherstripping are durable and effective for double-hung windows. For casement and sliding windows, apply self-adhesive V-strip weatherstripping to the side of a clean, dry sash or window jamb. Measure the length you need, cut the V-strip to fit, then peel off the paper backing while pressing the strip in place.

   

   Install Storm Windows

Install storm windows to reduce air leakage year-round. You can find storm windows with vinyl, wood, or aluminum frames and glass or plastic panes. Glass is heavier but longer lasting and clearer than plastic, which scratches easily and yellows over time. Interior storm windows are generally mounted inside the window jambs or flush with the molding. They're easy to install but must be removed when you want to open the windows to let in fresh air. An exterior double-track or triple-track storm window is permanently installed on the outside of the window, and the lower half of the window moves in a separate track from the screen so you can lower or raise it to control air flow.

    

     Put the Ceiling Fan in Reverse

Check your ceiling fan for a switch that allows you to reverse the direction of blade movement to turn clockwise instead of counter-clockwise. Warm air rises, and the clockwise rotation of the blades forces the warm air down to where people benefit from it.

     

Clean the Eves troughs

Whether your eves troughs have become roof-line planters like this one or have simply accumulated a season's worth of fallen leaves, get them cleaned out before winter rains and snows arrive. After scooping out leaves and debris, flush the gutters and downspouts with a strong stream of water from a hose. Make sure the eves troughs fit snugly against the house and repair any cracks or damage. Many companies offer leaf guards that claim to prevent leaves from collecting in the eves troughs, but most don't keep out dirt, debris, and seeds, so you'll still have to flush them out.

  

  Check Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Experts recommend replacing the batteries in smoke alarms twice a year, and if your smoke alarm is between 5 and 10 years old, replace it with a new one. There should be at least one smoke alarm on every level of your house and one in or near each bedroom. Safety experts recommend similar placement for carbon monoxide detectors--high on the wall, one on every level of the home, and near bedrooms. Where NOT to put them: within 15 feet of gas appliances furnace, or  fireplace because these give off small amounts of carbon monoxide when they're first turned on and would trigger false alarms.

Protect Pipes from Freezing

To minimize the possibility of water freezing in your plumbing pipes causing them to burst, wrap each pipe in a blanket of foam insulation. Check hardware stores for these foam tubes, which have a slit on one side. Just cut the tube to the length you need, pull the slit open, and push the tube onto the pipe. If the slit doesn't have self-adhesive edges, use duct tape to secure it.

Getting ready to sell your home or curious about it's current market value? Call Wafa & Jalila your Toronto Realtors  for a Complimentary home evaluation.

Secrets to a Stress Free Thanksgiving

Stay Connected To the Meaning of Giving Thanks   

Make a point to use the entire week of Thanksgiving to focus on who and what you are grateful for in your life. Consider keeping a gratitude journal or starting a new tradition on Thanksgiving Day for everyone to talk about what they are grateful for. If the prospect of seeing a member of your family or an in-law makes you tense, take a few minutes during the week to write down at least three reasons you have to be thankful for having that person in your life. Read over your gratitude points on Thanksgiving morning to help you reconnect with the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

Give Your Thanksgiving Day a New Twist

 If hosting Thanksgiving doesn't appeal to you or if your family’s tradition is more stressful than fun, find a new way to share this day together. Volunteer at a homeless shelter as a group or invite friends or colleagues to spend the day with your family. Share a simple meal together either at a restaurant or someone's home and then go do something fun together such as see a movie or go bowling or for a hike. Create a new ritual that everyone can enjoy.

Don't Do It All Yourself

If you have already committed to hosting Thanksgiving this year, make it as easy as possible by asking all your guests to bring at least one item or be responsible for a specific course such as appetizers or desserts. By spreading out the responsibility for the meal, you will not only cut down on food preparation time, but you'll also shorten the amount of time spent grocery shopping and help everyone take ownership of the holiday. 

Make Time to Relax and Rejuvenate

Ensure this is your Thanksgiving ever by giving yourself the gift of self-care. Talk to your friends and family about steps you can take as a group to lower stress, make your time together the most meaningful, and incorporate more healthy food and movement into the day’s celebrations. 

Thanksgiving is great day to practice Forgiveness

Just decide ahead of time that everyone and everything is forgiven.  It sounds crazy, but will make the day much easier. 


From our family to yours, we would like to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!


Call us today to buy, sell or invest in Toronto Real Estate.

Five Renovations that don’t add value to your home

Every homeowner must pay for routine home maintenance, such as replacing old wiring or plumbing, staining the deck, but some choose to make improvements with the intention of increasing the home's value. Certain projects, such as adding a well thought-out family room - or other functional space - can be a wise investment, as they do add to the value of the home. Other projects, however, allow little opportunity to recover the costs when it's time to sell.

Even though you may greatly appreciate the improvement, a buyer could be unimpressed and unwilling to factor the upgrade into the purchase price. As a homeowner you need to be careful with how you choose to spend your money if they are expecting the investment to pay off. Here are six things you may think add value to your home, but really don't.

Swimming Pools

Swimming pools are one of those things that may be nice to enjoy at your friend's or neighbor’s house, but that can be a hassle to have at your own home. Many potential home buyers view swimming pools as dangerous, expensive to maintain and a lawsuit waiting to happen. Families with young children in particular may turn down an otherwise perfect house because of the pool (and the fear of a child going in the pool unsupervised). In fact, a would-be buyer's offer may be contingent on the home seller dismantling an above-ground pool or filling in an in-ground pool.

An in-ground pool costs anywhere from $10,000 to more than $100,000, and additional yearly maintenance expenses need to be considered. That's a significant amount of money that might never be recouped if and when the house is sold.

Overbuilding for the Neighborhood

Homeowners may, in an attempt to increase the value of a home, make improvements to the property that unintentionally make the home fall outside of the norm for the neighbourhood. While a large, expensive remodel, such as adding a second story with two bedrooms and a full bath, might make the home more appealing, it will not add significant

ly to the resale value if the house is in the midst of a neighbourhood of small, one-story homes.

In general, home buyers do not want to pay $250,000 for a house that sits in a neighbourhood with an average sales price of $150,000; the house will seem overpriced even if it is more desirable than the surrounding properties. The buyer will instead look to spend the $250,000 in a $250,000 neighbourhood. The house might be beautiful, but any money spent on overbuilding might be difficult to recover unless the other homes in the neighbourhood follow suit.

Extensive Landscaping

Home buyers may appreciate well-maintained or mature landscaping, but don't expect the home's value to increase because of it. A beautiful yard may encourage potential buyers to take a closer look at the property, but will probably not add to the selling price. If a buyer is unable or unwilling to put in the effort to maintain a garden, it will quickly become an eyesore, or the new homeowner might need to pay a qualified gardener to take charge. Either way, many buyers view elaborate landscaping as a burden (even though it might be attractive) and, as a result, are not likely to consider it when placing value on the home.

High-End Upgrades

Putting stainless steel appliances in your kitchen or imported tiles in your entryway may do little to increase the value of your home if the bathrooms are still vinyl-floored and the shag carpeting in the bedrooms is leftover from the '60s. Upgrades should be consistent to maintain a similar style and quality throughout the home. A home that has a beautifully remodeled and modern kitchen can be viewed as a work in project if the bathrooms remain functionally obsolete. The remodel, therefore, might not fetch as high a return as if the rest of the home were brought up to the same level. High-quality upgrades generally increase the value of high-end homes, but not necessarily mid-range houses where the upgrade may be inconsistent with the rest of the home.

In addition, specific high-end features such as media rooms with specialized audio, visual or gaming equipment may be appealing to a few prospective buyers, but many potential home buyers would not consider paying more for the home simply because of this additional feature. Chances are that the room would be re-tasked to a more generic living space.

Invisible Improvements

Invisible improvements are those costly projects that you know make your house a better place to live in, but that nobody else would notice - or likely care about. A new roof or HVAC unit (heating, venting and air conditioning) might be necessary, but don't expect it to recover these costs when it comes time to sell. Many home buyers simply expect these systems to be in good working order and will not pay extra just because you recently installed a new heater. It may be better to think of these improvements in terms of regular maintenance, and not an investment in your home's value.

The Bottom Line

It is difficult to imagine spending thousands of dollars on a home-improvement project that will not be reflected in the home's value when it comes time to sell. There is no simple equation for determining which projects will garner the highest return, or the most bang for your buck. Some of this depends on the local market and even the age and style of the house. Homeowners frequently must choose between an improvement that they would really love to have (the in-ground swimming pool) and one that would prove to be a better investment.

Are you contemplating a renovation? Feel free to call me for advice. As a qualified Toronto real estate professional, I can help homeowners avoid costly projects that don't really add value to a home.

Why It's a Bad Idea to work with more then one real estate agent

Every day I receive phone calls and emails from potential buyers and sellers asking for help in getting some information on specific properties or for help in buying & selling a home.  One of the first questions I ask everyone is, "Are you working with an agent?"  Sometimes the answer is, "Yes, I am working with my friend (or son, or cousin, etc.)"  Not everyone knows how the real estate process works, so I like to explain it to them and how they only need to hire one good agent to represent them.
All Realtors who pay their MLS fees have access to the Toronto Real Estate MLS which contains properties for sale all across the Greater Toronto Area.  This is a huge database of properties listed by any Realtor in the system.  Aside from a few exceptions, all properties are listed on the MLS system.
This means that all Realtors have access to the same properties.  This means your Realtor friend; son or cousin can give you the same information I can.
Most of us wouldn't like it much if we went to work everyday for a company and they decided not to pay us, right?  When you ask a Realtor to do some work for you, they are doing it for free.  Realtors are not paid salaries.  We are only compensated when we sell a home.  If you hire more than one Realtor to work for you, then someone is not going to get paid for their time and effort.  It's a lot like going to work and not getting paid.  Stinks, doesn't it?
I encourage people to talk to more than one agent if the first one you speak to doesn't know the market or is doing a poor job.  An often time there is a break down in communication.  Perhaps the agent isn't sending you the right homes because they failed to ask you the right questions.  Sometimes buyers & sellers need to be brought down to reality and some agents have a hard time doing that.  Perhaps the agent you are working with lives and works primarily in Mississauga and you are looking for a home in Leslieville.  This doesn't work well for many reasons, one being that they may not hear about new listings coming on the market first, or not knowing that the home they direct you to is next door to a planned sewage station.  Not good, right?
If you are looking to buy or sell a property, all you need to do is hire one good Realtor.  One that is professional, knowledgeable, hard working, and knows the area well.  Experience DOES matter.
Some people think that if they hire more than one agent, it will motivate the agents even more.  Actually, the opposite happens.  You end up getting a half-hearted effort from two agents because one of them is going to end up working for free.
I encourage you to give Wafa Masri at RE/MAX Hallmark a call if I can help you buy or sell in the Beaches, Leslieville, Liberty Village, Riverdale areas.  I can be reached at 416-699-9292 or by e-mail at wafa@wafamasri.com.  Please visit my website to search for homes www.wafa.ca.

Helpful checklist when buying an investment property

I have compiled this short but fundamental list to take into consideration if you are looking to buy a lucrative and highly profitable Investment Property.

1. Choose a proven real estate professional that specializes in investment properties.

Ensuring you are using the right investment property specialist  will give you the peace of  mind and is essential for a successful investment. Check the Realtor’s track record, ask to see client testimonials and try to contact former investors.

2. Make sure you understand the basics of property investment & current market conditions.

While you should use a Realtor who specializes in investment properties during the investment process, you cannot entirely rely on them. Make sure that you understand the basics of property investment and all financial details involved.This will enable you to spot any potential risks ahead of time to find a profitable investment opportunity.

3. Have a clear picture of what type of investment property to buy.

There are a variety of investment properties, duplex, triplex’s, fully commercial, mixed use properties, or overseas properties. The type of property will also determine your investment strategy, so make sure that you know what kind of property and investment strategy you are looking for to achieve your desired profits.

4. Is the property in favorable condition and is it in a good location?

These should be crucial considerations, as you will either want to lease the property, or sell it to another property investor or home-buyer. A property that is in good condition might be more expensive, but buying a relatively cheap property in a bad condition will always incur significant additional repair costs. Whether you want to find tenants, or resell the property, the location will be crucial, and a property in a bad neighbourhood or in an economically vulnerable location will rarely turn out to be a good investment. 

5. Will you find tenants for your property?

It is essential to make sure that you can find tenants for your property. This will depend on the location, property condition, the rent, and many other factors. Some Realtor's will even help place tenants in the investment property.

6. Do you understand how to maximize your returns?

Achieving a positive cash flow will make your property investment successful. While it is obvious that every investor wants to maximize returns, you will have to understand how to make this happen. Finding a property possibly below market value but in a good location and good condition will be crucial for the success of your investment. You will also have to understand how to minimize the costs, including repairs, and taxes, and you should also make sure that the property remains occupied for most of the year.

7. Do you understand the risks?

Property investment will never be without its risks, and you will thus need to understand all the risks involved. Economic growth might not be as expected, or you might not find tenants for a longer period. By understanding these risks, and developing an effective risk-mitigation strategy, you will find it easier to turn your property into a successful investment.

 Buying, selling, investing, downsizing? I can help build the right plan for you.

8 Things On My To Do List This Summer - What's on Yours List???

I decided that this year before time got away from me I would put together a Summer To Do List that includes great activities & well-earned downtime! What's on your list??

1. Get out from behind the TV,  it’s a long winter and I can catch up on everything when it’s cold and miserable outside!

 2. Remind myself that weekends are for playing, not for doing chores. My summer resolution to myself: I will do laundry in the evenings after 7 because it’s cheaper and not on the weekends. 

3. Spend an evening with time honoured friends that I have been wanting to share time with all year. Hang out in the garden with dinner, drinks and catching up with each other!

4. Play as many rounds of golf as possible. Is there such a thing as playing too much golf?

5. Set my alarm to “Beer o’clock.” I give myself permission to drop everything at “Beer o’clock” and have a cocktail outside and admire the beauty of the park across the street from my house!

6. Attend the Beaches Annual Jazz Fest on Queen Street in the Beach/Beaches!
http://www.beachesjazz.com/

7. Head North to beautiful historic Collingwood for their annual Elvis Festival!
http://www.collingwoodelvisfestival.com/

8. Enjoy a captivating day of sightseeing on a double decker bus experiencing  the sights, sounds, and history of my amazing multi-cultural city, Toronto! 

Share your summer to do list with me! 

Follow me this summer!

Planning an extended holiday or retirement in Sunny Florida or Arizona? Here's a little checklist before you go.

Buy travel insurance early

Canadian health coverage is limited in the United States, not adequate for medical emergencies, and travel coverage often can't be bought after you've left Canada.  Many providers offer a discount when policies are bought well in advance of departure. In addition, if you develop a medical condition before your trip and you haven't already secured a policy, this could delay or prevent coverage. To save on premiums, choose a policy with a high deductible.

Get the best exchange rate

Banks and currency brokers offer better rates to customers who exchange a large sum. Before you exchange your Canadian money, shop around for the best rate, and avoid currency exchange kiosks, which typically charge a much higher commission.

Open a U.S. or cross-border bank account

Having a U.S. or cross-border bank account makes it easier to pay bills and write cheques for U.S. expenses. In addition, financial institutions with cross-border banking can help you avoid foreign-transaction fees and can help you establish U.S. credit history, making it easier to get a loan or mortgage.

Notify your home and auto insurers

Many home insurance providers require notification if your house will be vacant for months at a time. While you may pay a higher premium during your absence, failing to follow this step may invalidate your coverage. You may be able to reduce your auto insurance coverage if you are leaving your vehicles behind.

Be Prepared at the Border

To move smoothly through U.S. customs, bring evidence that you have every intention of returning to Canada, such as the previous year's tax return or recent utility bills.

Prevent hassles at customs

Avoid travelling on a one-way ticket, a ticket that was purchased for cash or one that was bought immediately before a flight. Don't cross the border in a vehicle that is not registered to any of its occupants, or that is registered in a place in which you do not reside. Avoid travelling with a companion who has a different immigration status from yours in the country you are attempting to enter. And make sure the names on your travel documents contain no variations.

Are you or someone you know considering buying, selling or investing in the US real estate market, call me

Here are some great ways for staying active in retirement!

You’ve dreamed of it all your life – retiring and having the freedom to follow your passion, whether it be volunteering, writing the next great novel, sleeping late or travelling the world. With people living longer these days, you have many years ahead of you to enjoy. That’s why it’s important to stay active during retirement. Here are five ways to stay active during your retirement years. 

Join the Toronto YMCA 

The YMCA is rapidly becoming “the place to be” for retirees. The over-60 set goes here to exercise and congregate after their workout to drink coffee and socialize. When you join the Y, you have access to fitness classes, a swimming pool and full cardio and strength-training equipment to stay in shape. Plus, you have the chance to socialize with other people who are retired and exercising to stay fit. That’s great motivation. Most YMCAs offer a full of exercises classes you can take to develop strength, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility and improve your balance Not only will you have the opportunity to get fit, you’ll make new friends at the same time. 

Volunteer 

Volunteering is as good for your body as it is for your soul when you choose a volunteer activity that keeps you moving. Offer to help at a local animal shelter by walking the dogs a few days a week. If you’re handy with a hammer and nails, put them to good use by building or repairing homes through Habitat for Humanity or Global Village. 

Start the Day with Goals and a Plan

When you no longer have to get up at a certain time to go to a job, it’s easy to sleep too long and spend time in front of the television set. Don’t let the day slip away from you. Set goals and plan out your days and weeks ahead of time. Though you no longer have a job, you still need structure or you’ll end up wasting valuable time or become too sedentary. 

Spend More Time Outdoors

If you spent years cooped up in an office, rediscover the great outdoors. Find a local nature trail or fitness trail to walk in the morning for exercise and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of nature. Take a walk first thing in the morning and watch the sun come up as you breathe in the clean morning air. Do more outdoor recreational activities like miniature golf, tennis and hiking. Plant a garden in your backyard and enjoy watching it grow. If you’re handy with hammer, build a birdhouse. Grab a camera and take a nature walk as you capture nature’s beauty on film. 

Take Active Vacations

Retirement is your chance to see the world. When you travel, choose destinations where you can walk and bike rather than go everywhere by car. Plan a hiking vacation or try your hand at canoeing or kayaking. More retirees are discovering the benefits of “adventure vacations.” Take a trip to the beach and take long walks in the sand or rent bicycles to bike along the boardwalk. Sign up for a fitness spa vacation where you can take yoga classes, go on an early morning hike, eat nutritious food - and still be pampered. 

The Bottom Line

There are so many ways to stay active during retirement. Give these ideas a try and your retirement years will be anything but sedentary. Staying active will give you better health so you’ll have more years to spend with your loved ones.

Assisting  Seniors Buying, Selling, Downsizing or Investing  for more than 30 years in the Greater Toronto Real Estate Market. Call me for you FREE ESTATE PLANNING KIT TODAY!

My