Durham Region Real Estate Blog

Looking after your home will definitely help to maintain the value in it and new paint is a great idea. You can get a completely new feel in each room for a fraction of the cost of new flooring or furniture.

First you must determine how much paint you need.

Measure the perimeter of your room (length and width), and then add the four numbers together.

Multiply the perimeter by the height.

Deduct windows and doors. An average window is approximately 15 sq. ft. and an average door is 21 sq. ft.

Divide by 400 (1 gallon of paint covers about 400 sq. ft.)

Length + length + width + width = total perimeter

Total perimeter x height – doors – windows = Total sq. ft.

Total sq. ft. / 400 = number of gallons needed

Then round up to ensure you have enough paint.

Second, decide which sheen to use. Use a flat paint in a low traffic area then increase the sheen as the amount of traffic increases. Use flat in a living room, flat enamel in a dining room, eggshell in the master bedroom, satin in a hallway, soft gloss in a kitchen, semi gloss in a kids bedrooms and high gloss on doors and trim.  Of course, a satin could work well for walls in all the rooms and then you could just try the semi gloss or high gloss paint on the doors and trim.

Third, decide on a primer. Tempted to skip the primer? Don’t! Primer not only provides a good surface for he paint by helping to even out the surface’s porosity, but is also brings out the paint’s true colour. Some primers have specific formulas to address certain problems such as hard to hide colours, glossy surfaces and stains. Using a high quality primer ensures a durable, even finish with more accurate colours. It can actually save you time and money too!

Fourth, prepare the surface.The great majority of paint failures are attributed to inadequate surface preparation. Clean and dry the surface but removing all dirty, dust and grease and dull the glossy surfaces with a liquid de-glosser or sandpaper. Repair all surface imperfections, fill all cracks and seams with paintable acrylic caulk, fill holes with a patching compound and then scrape or sand any peeling paint. Finally , prime all the areas.

Now it’s time to paint! Use painter’s tape to mask off any areas not peing painted. Cover furniture and floors with drop cloths. Sitr paint throughout the painting process and if you are using multiple cans of the same colour, mix them together for the best uniform colour. Prime the area to promote hide and adhesions. Painit the ceiling first by brushing a 3 inch border then begin in a corner and roll across the ceiling in 3 foot sections. Finish with long, even roller strokes across the entire ceiling. Paint the walls next. Paint only one wall at a time by brushing a 3 inch borger around the ceiling, floor, tim and corners. Always maintain a wet edge. Working in a 3foot x 3 foot area, roll a large “W” onlto the surface. Now fill in the “W”. Work hoizontally across the room, moving from side to side. and continue the pattern across the wall. Finally, paint the trim and remember to leave the windows open for at least one hour to prevent sticking to newly painted sills.

Once the room is painted and the clean up is done, take a picture and email it to me (I’d love to see the new room) then sit back and enjoy your handiwork!

Today the Toronto Real Estate Board is changing the districts we use to search for houses in specific areas. Yesterday we could search in specific citys and towns, but in order to narrow a search you need to either use the map provided on line or use a printed may. And not just any printed map, but a specific one. Years ago it was a Pearly’s Map but more recently we had to have up to date versions of the Map Art maps. And not those little pocket ones that might be easy to carry around. Nope, we had to have the big one with the metal binding. We searched page 24, row 27, column R. Well, don’t quote me on those numbers, but you get the idea. So if I was away from my map and someone wanted a search for a specific area within the Durham Region, say the houses around Windfield Farms, I was a little stuck for my search.

But not anymore! Want to see what is for sale in Lynde Creek? How about Northwood or Stevenson? There are completely new districts for searching now that aim to move us to the 21st century. If you are interested in seeing a map of the new districts or would like me to send you some searches for homes in the areas you are considering moving into, please let me know. I’d be happy to help you find a great, new place to call home.

Now….I wonder how long it will take me to get used to the new districts!

As a real estate agent I am constantly being told ask for the business, ask for the offer, ask for the referral. I’m not so great at the asking. Sure I’m out there and when I’m out on a listing interview or working with a buyer I always ask if they are ready to put something on paper, but I think I don’t put it out there enough. I love my job and have a real passion for helping my clients buy and sell houses at the time and in the price range that is right for them. But I need to keep asking. This isn’t my hobby, it’s my full time, all in, sink or swim job and I need your help.

As much as I am able to help you find a great place to live or to sell your existing home, regardless of the reason why, I need your help. If I did a good job and you have enjoyed working with me in the past, please pass my name and number along to your family, friends and neighbours who are looking to make a move. If I did a crappy job for you, please let me know so I can grow in my business and in my service to my clients.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk a little about my shameless plug for new listings and how this is good news for those of you thinking about selling. There are buyers out there, searching for a home in the Durham Region, all over the Region! The problem for buyers is that there aren’t many listings on the market right now. Total active listings for the month of March, 2011 was 1,415, down 717 listings from March, 2010 and down over 1,000 listings from the 2006 to 2009 numbers. Is it any wonder why prices are increasing? Lack of competition is driving the price higher in most neighbourhoods with each passing month. It is fairly common now to see listings sell within three days of being listed, often in multiple offers and for 100% or more of the list price.  Buyers are discerning, but they have money, interest rates are low and they want to buy now, so if you’re thinking of selling, you might just want to get your house on the market sooner rather than later.

If you are going to sell, know that though there are plenty of buyers around, they are picky. Today’s buyer is used to having what they want right away. Gone are the days when you could leave in the green, shag carpet and orange and brown wallpaper. The buyer today is used to seeing great decorating, pared down furniture and clean homes. Your home needs to have its best foot forward or the buyer will walk in and out of your place without glancing to see if the house is actually perfect for them.  Call me and I’ll come by to talk to you about getting your home sold in today’s market – even if you’re just curious. It’s a good idea to know your home’s worth and what you can do to maximize your profits.

I expect that as the weather warms buyers will have more choices as new homes get listed. If a move is in your future this year, give me a call. We can discuss when it will be the right time for you to sell. And if you’re going to be selling soon, then let’s get your home listed while the competition is sleeping!

The Government of Ontario has an energy conservation program called The Ontario Home Energy Savings Program. The program involves a Home Energy Audit showing you how your home uses energy and where that energy is being leaked. They’ll tell you about improvements you can make to your home’s heating, air conditioning, hot water heating and other energy uses that could save you hundreds of dollars each year.

Here are the three steps to get you saving money!

Step 1: Find an energy advisor in your area, book an appointment and save half on your audit, up to $150.

Find home energy advisor, get quotes from available organizations and schedule your Home Energy Audit with an energy advisor that’s right for you. In most cases you can schedule an appointment within a week or two. The Government of Ontario will pay half of your pre-retrofit audit, up to $150.

During your Home Energy Audit, the energy advisor will find your home’s energy leaks and show what you can do to plug them. Your energy advisor will provide you with your personalized Energy Efficiency Evaluation Report and a plan that can reduce your energy bills. Your report includes your home’s EnerGuide rating. This shows how energy efficient your home is and how efficient it could be with energy-saving improvements.

Step 2: Complete as many, or all of the recommended energy-saving upgrades.

Need a new furnace or water heater? Caulking around your windows and doors? Make some or all the upgrades suggested in your Energy Efficiency Report to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Your report will show you the most important changes to maximize your energy savings.

Step 3: Get up to $5,000 in Ontario rebates

After your first audit, you have until March 31, 2011 or within 18 months of the pre-retrofit evaluation report, whichever comes first, to complete some or all of the improvements suggested by your energy advisor to qualify for government rebates. Book your post-retrofit audit well in advance of your deadline. Your energy advisor will perform your audit and provide you with your home’s new EnerGuide rating that shows how much you have improved your home’s energy efficiency. A good EnerGuide rating can also increase the value of your home.

After your post-retrofit audit, the Government of Ontario will rebate up to $5,000 for your energy efficient upgrades. The more energy-saving upgrades you make, the more money you’ll get back.

Reminder: You have to obtain your post retrofit audit by March 31, 2011 (or within 18 months of your pre retrofit evaluation – whichever comes first) in order to be elegible. Be sure to schedule your final evaluation well in advance of your deadline. The government is handing out money; be sure to get your share of it!

Each season it is your well-maintained entryway that gracefully welcomes friends and family to your home. The fact that most passers by can see it readily provides plenty of incentive for homeowners to make this first impression a good one.

Clean and clear walkways, pretty landscaping and plenty of lighting will all enhance your home’s main feature, a gracious entrance. But here we will focus on the doorway itself.

Have you thought about replacing your front door? If is is poorly hung or has an improper fit, not only will you have a disappointing first impression, it could contribute to energy loss and security risks. In these cases, the door requires replacing. You may wish to consider a complete entry system, instead of just a door exchange. With the system, the door is pre-hung in its frame, with each of its components designed to work reliably together – your best bet when it comes to dependable energy efficiency and overall strength.

Your existing door may be in great shape, so a simple update may be all that is required. Painting will allow you to change the colour in the future, while staining a wood door will lend to a sophisticated, formal entrance.

In choosing a paint colour for the front door, it is important to decide on the overall look and feel you wish to achieve. Do you want to draw attention to the entrance as a bold focal point? Then choose a standout colour that contrasts (but is complimentary) to the exterior of the house.

If you prefer to have a discreet front door, then opt for a more subtle colour. Choose this option if your door is awkwardly placed so as to avoid disturbing the overall balance of your home.

Classic black makes a formal and grand statement. Navy blue and deep green work beautifully with terracotta brick exteriors, while stone or siding in grey looks best with a selection from the red family. Keep in mind that secondary doors and garages should not compete with the front door. For these areas, use an entirely different colour or one that blends closely with the exterior.

And don’t forget the hardware. As your top priority choose security over aesthetics. You want protection for any forced entry attacks. But there are several great options in the market today. Coordinate door knockers, kick-plates, house numbers, mail slots and light fixtures for a harmonious appearance.

An improved appearance pays dividends in enjoyments and will increase the resale value of your home. Buyers will spend some time waiting for their agent to open the lockbox to obtain the key for your home. You want them to be able to see a pretty door, that is well-maintained, giving them a preview of what to expect when they see the inside of your home. So go ahead and splurge a little. You never get a second chance to make a good first impression!

Is your home causing you to suffer from sniffles and a sore throat? Dust mites, mold, cockroaches and pets can wreak havoc on those who suffer from allergies.

Dust mites tend to dwell in the bedroom and feed on the shed skin of us and our pets. Then the pets themselves can be a big cause of the sniffles. Proteins from dander – the skin flakes that you dog or cat sheds – cause allergic reactions in many of us. Mold can be found in any area of your home with high humidity or where water accumulates. Kitchens, bathrooms and basements are the best examples of such rooms. Mold thrives around cracks where water seeps in; around leaks in hoses, dishwashers and toilets; and under carpets that are frequently exposed to moisture. And then there are the nasty cockroaches, though they are not what we are allergic too, it’s their droppings that cause the reaction. Unfortunately, the protein in their dung is a primary trigger of allergic reactions and asthma symptoms.

So how do we combat all these allergens and make our homes allergy-proof? Well, it will take a little more than a spring cleaning and you might want to where a mask to cut down on the allergens that you inhale.

In the bedrooms, wash your sheets weekly in very hot water (130°F). Wash your other bedding regularly in very hot water and dry in a hot air dryer at least every eight weeks. Vacuum your box spring and mattress and encase each in an anti-allergen covering and wipe off with a clean, damp cloth. Dust and vacuum all surfaces weekly and keep your pets out of your bedroom.

Your kitchen can be a hot spot of allergens. Clean the inside and outside of your fridge monthly. Clean crumbs, grease and water from the stove, flooring and countertops regularly. Empty trash cans daily and clean them on a regular basis. Clean the area under your sink, keeping it dry and reducing clutter. Dispose of any paper grocery bags as they are a favorite hiding place for roaches. Keep food containers tightly sealed and wash and dry dishes as soon as possible after eating.

In your living and dining rooms make sure to vacuum at least once a week (more often if you have pets) and if possible, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter in order to keep fewer allergens from circulating into the air. Clean light fixtures and fans monthly, using a clean, damp cloth. Vacuum upholstered furniture regularly and steam clean furniture and carpets at least once a year. Keep your fireplace clean and maintained and don’t store mold-prone firewood indoors.

Bathrooms have a high humidity level, so take extra care here. Clean showers and bathtubs weekly, making sure to clear out soap scum in the process. Wipe up water around showers and bathtubs after every shower and keep the shower door or curtain open during the day so that the walls will dry. Use an exhaust fan or keep the windows open during showers to lower humidity in the room. Wash towels and bath mats often. And don’t forget to regularly clean the area under the sink and repair any leaks immediately.

Around the house, be sure to clean often. Allow natural sunshine in to reduce mold growth. Seal any cracks around the walls, floors or cabinets to keep the insects out. Use window coverings that you can easily clean and then make sure to clean them regularly.

If you take care of your ventilation, you’ll be one step closer to an allergy-free home. Clean the ductwork regularly to prevent allergens from building up in your central heating and air systems. And don’t forget to clean or change the cooling and heating system filters monthly.

You’ll be healthier in your clean home and when it comes time to sell it, you’ll have a home that is ready for market. Buyers love a clean home so you’ll be one step closer to selling your home for top dollar!

You have been told, over and over, that kitchens and bathrooms sell houses. And it’s true! You need to make the most of what you’ve got and keep it looking great.

So, when is the last time you looked up at your bathroom ceiling? Are you feeling brave? Get up right now, and go have a look. It’s o.k., this blog will still be here when you get back! How was it? There’s a pretty good chance that you’ll find peeling paint and mould growth. Moisture is the reason why – moisture and inaccessibility. Most of us aren’t tall enough to wipe the ceiling dry after a shower. And putting a coat of latex paint isn’t going to help your problem. So what are you to do?

Peeling bathroom ceiling paint is common. You need to begin by scraping. Try using a four inch wide putty knife for this job. Lift up any loose edges and get that old paint popping right off the ceiling. Be ruthless and eliminate everything that’s weak. And don’t worry about damaging the drywall because you’ll be filling the whole area later.

Once you’ve removed all the loose paint, sand the area to further refine the ceiling. You could tackle this job by hand, but an electric quarter-sheet finishing sander is an inexpensive power tool that does a much more thorough job. Put a piece of 120-grit sandpaper in the machine then go over all regions of the ceiling that include mould or area of damaged paint. Sanding removes roughness, though it will also highlight areas you thought were sound but actually need more scraping. Keep your putty knife handy!

Now you’re ready to fill the area. It may look like only a small ridge, but it’s more than paint can cover. Genuine drywall joint compound is the best stuff to use here, because it’s smooth and fine grained. Use your putty knife to apply a skim coat over the scraped areas, extending out several inches past the point where sound paint begins. Aim to apply slightly more depth of compound than necessary, then sand the area flush with the surrounding ceiling by hand. An abrasive sanding sponge is the ideal tool to use for this application.

Now you are almost ready for paint, but don’t get out the roller just yet. You much kill the remaining mould spores. If you don’t, the mould could (likely will) return sooner rather than later. You could use a solution of bleach and water for this task or search your local hardware store for a non-toxic product. Spritz it on and let it dry.

Take just two more steps to keep the mould from re-emerging. The first is coating the filled-and-killed surface with a stain-blocking primer. Look for one that is especially rated to hide mould stains. The second is to choose your paint wisely. Look for a mould resistant kitchen and bathroom paint. It will include compounds that prevent new mould from regrowing, even in the damp and challenging conditions so common on our bathroom ceilings.

So, it might not be a pretty job, but it is one that is well worth the effort, both now and when you decide it’s time to sell!

Helping people find a place to call home is a great way to spend the day!  A few weeks ago I was contacted by a friend I had lost contact with for several years.  She asked me if I was able to find her a place to rent.  The kicker was that she has a large family, didn’t want to spend too much if possible and needed to move in less than a month!  It might sound like a tall order, but it’s something we deal with quite often.   We went looking at rental properties and found a perfect place on the first visit.  Unfortunately this house got multiple offers on it and was rented to another family.  This was the best thing that could have happened to us because it made us really talk about what she wanted.  When I asked her why she wasn’t going to buy a place she said she didn’t think she could afford one.  Step in a fantastic mortgage broker named Steve Gilmour.  One 5 minute phone call to him and she knew that she could afford to purchase her own place.  We started looking immediately, time was ticking and she needed to find a home right away!  We found two places that would fit her family and just last week Friday we firmed up on a great house in Oshawa.  It closes today!  Just 6 days after we firmed up on the offer.

So I got to have a great week and there is a new homeowner out there, paying herself instead of her landlord! Sometimes I can’t believe that I get paid for this!

These are tough times for many people, and every day someone is looking at a nasty letter from their bank, or the bank’s lawyer. How did things get to this point and could you have avoided them?

At some point in our lives most of us find ourselves a little behind the eight ball when it comes to our finances.  We thought we had more money than we actually did have and the next thing we knew, the collector was calling. Are you getting behind on your house payments?  You might feel embarassed, knowing that you were unable to manage your own finances, but don’t let that stop you from seeking out some help.  You need to take action to work out the best deal for you.

Once you have missed one mortgage payment, you start the ball rolling toward foreclosure, so instead of just missing the payment, contact your mortgagee and ask them if it would be o.k. for you to skip one payment.  This may be just enough of a break to get you back on track.  Find out how much equity is in your home.  Should you refinance with details that better match your current situation?  Maybe a sale of the house is the best option for you.

Call a trusted real estate agent to receive a current market assessment.  An agent can let you know if you will be able to walk away with a little cash in your pocket when you sell your house and pay off the mortgage.  If your home is worth $200,000 and you only owe $140,000, it is in your best interest to do whatever you can to keep the mortgagee happy.  You don’t want to lose the $60,000 equity in your home.  Usually you have a few options and you need to make yourself aware of them.

Some mortgagees will not start official proceedings to foreclose your home until you are three months behind, but you don’t want to let things get that far.  If you do, you will have to come up with a lump sum payment that includes the missed payments, the upcoming payment, the lawyer fees ($2,000 or more!) and proof that you still have home insurance and property taxes paid in full.  That can quickly add up to $6,000 or more!

I just want you to know that it is never a good idea to bury your head in the sand. Stand up, acknowledge your mistakes and move forward! ……and ask me any questions you like. I don’t know you anyway so it doesn’t matter if I know how deep a hole you have dug for yourself!

Receiving an offer to purchase is one of the most emotionally charged events in the entire selling process.  As a Selleryou need to bear this in mind, and make a conscious effort to stand back and take an objective view of the situation.  Over the years I have seen sellers who let their personal attachement to their home cloud their judgement;  their emotional reaction making them lose sight of the importance of working with an offer – even a low one.  Low offers are not a personal insult, though they may feel like it sometimes.   Try to avoid reacting so strongly that you close your mind to this buyer. If you let this happen to you, then you could be missing out.

Even if it looks like you and the potential buyer are very far apart, the important thing to keep in mind is that a buyer has made an offer that has opened negotiations. Your goal is to keep them open until you get the results you want.

When considering an offer, bear in mind that prospective buyers usually don’t expect their first offer to be accepted outright.  Don’t let your emotions drive your decision.  Look at is as a purely business proposition.  There are several positive aspects to receiving an offer, even if it’s not what you hoped for.  First of all, you’ve made contact with a buyer who’s ready to purchase.  Secondly, you know the buyer prefers your property over any other in your price range.  You can keep negotiations going with a counter-offer (or sign back).  When coming up with a counter offer, it’s important to keep in mind that other aspects of an offer have value besides price.  Even if you can’t move very far from your list price, you may be able to offer other concessions such as including fixtures (lighting, appliances, draperies) or changing your preferred closing date to accommodate the buyer.

It is my job, as your sales representative to keep the lines of communication open, to try and exhaust all avenues to getting you the offer that gets your home sold!