Home For Her

How to Create Emergency Kits for Home

An emergency kit is important to have in your home to help you handle disasters of any sort. It's relatively simple to create a good kit with everything you need. Your emergency kit should have items in it that will help you handle disasters that have the possibility of happening where you live. Consider Your Location To create a useful emergency kit, you need to think about what kind of disasters can happen where you live. For instance, if tornadoes or hurricanes are common, you need to make a kit that will help you get through these specific emergencies. Regardless, there are several items that always ...

Moving Sale Tips

Moving can be a stressful event and often people discover many items they no longer want or need when packing up. Or maybe they are moving to a smaller place and have to downsize. If you are moving and have items you need to get rid of, a moving sale is a great way to sell your unwanted items and make some money. Here are some moving sale tips to help you get the most out of your sale. 1/ Chose some things to sell. This can be difficult for some people. It is understandable to be sentimental about certain items. Take ...

Decorating the Home: Tips For Saving Time After You Move In

Moving is always a disrupting experience. Finding an appealing place for your favorite piece of furniture can take time and thought after moving into a new place. You can avoid the trouble of re-positioning your furnishings by taking a few steps at the beginning of your decorating task. Find the Traffic Patterns Each home has a distinct traffic pattern for each room. Determining the traffic flow in each room of the house is a primary aid in finding the right configuration for the furniture in that room. These patterns will naturally present other areas for activities. The placement of windows will indicate ...

Home Content Insurance Tips for Single Women Renters

It can be hard enough to get by as a single woman living in an apartment, but when disaster strikes the residence it can only compound the problem. If, for example, a toilet’s water tank should crack while you are at work, it could ruin some very expensive items. It might even impact the neighbors. One way to help mitigate this and other disasters is to purchase home content insurance or renter’s insurance. However, as with other forms or protection, there are some things to keep in mind when considering it. What to consider when buying renter’s insurance Purchasing the wrong type ...

The 3 Most Common Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes

If your 1970s-era kitchen is getting you down, you may be toying with the idea of doing a complete remodel. While a new kitchen can both add value to your home and make cooking less of a chore, there are several huge errors that many homeowners make when remodeling their kitchens. Here are the three worst offenses and how to avoid them. Going Over the Top or Under the Bar If you own a cute little Craftsman or a rambling row house, putting in a sixty thousand dollar kitchen is not only wasteful, it will potentially scare off future buyers who just ...

DIY Home Decor Improvements You Really Can Do Yourself

Everyone thinks they can flip a house, but you quickly realize you’re in over your head. However, that doesn't mean you have to hire a contractor for every little thing or even to beautify your home. Even the most unhandy person can tackle a few basic repairs and updates to save money. Here’s a quick list of diy home decor projects that you should try yourself. Paint it Up The easiest, most cost-effective way to update or change a room is with paint. Make sure you invest in a high-quality product, and don’t be too proud to ask your friends for help. The most ...

Understanding How the Return to the PST and GST in BC Affects Real Estate

On April 1, 2013, the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) was replaced by the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the BC Provincial Sales Tax (PST). When does HST apply and when does GST apply? The 12% HST applies if the seller transfers either possession or ownership of a new home to the buyer before April 1, 2013. The 5% GST applies if the seller transfers both possession and ownership of a new home on, or after, April 1, 2013. The PST and real estate commissions The return to the PST on April 1, 2013 will affect the taxes you charge on your services. If a ...

Home Office Ideas to Create Your Perfect Work Space

Whether you're starting your own business or are transitioning to a remote working arrangement, being able to work at home can eliminate all of the stress that goes along with commuting at least five days a week. While working from home can be a great experience, there are some challenges. The biggest challenge is separating your work from your personal life. The best way to avoid feeling like you're always on the clock is to do all of your work from a home office. If you've already picked out the space in your home but aren't exactly sure how to transform it ...

House Cleaning Tips: How to put off the need for deep cleaning

Deep cleaning is a long, drawn out and tedious process, one which we all put off for as long as possible for the simple fact that it’s a mammoth task and one we have no interest in starting. If you put off doing any cleaning, however, you will find that the need for a deep clean is all the more evident and when you eventually get round to cleaning it is even more tricky and long winded to complete. There are some things that you can do on a day to day basis, however, to prevent the need for or ...

How To Increase Home Value By Renovating

Renovating a home can be an exciting process. It is the opportunity to give a much needed facelift to spaces that have seen better days and could use an updated look to keep up with current trends. Deciding where and what spaces to change is important. Increasing the value of the home is the ultimate goal when embarking on a renovation project. The rooms that will bring in the most increased value are the kitchen, bathroom and outdoor areas. They are the most daily utilized spaces and areas that homeowners want to improve the feel and look keeping it as comfortable, ...

Decorating For You: Affordable Ways to Personalize Your Space

Whether you have a tiny condo in the heart of a city or a sprawling country home, personalizing your space can be challenging. You want to strike the perfect balance between actual design and making your house a home. Fortunately, the best and easiest way to make your space truly yours is also the most affordable. Some areas of your home are naturally more customizable, such as the kitchen. However, there’s more to creating a warm space than tacking a few of the kid’s pictures on the fridge. Personalized doesn’t have to mean self-made, although it certainly can. Try out these ...

Older Houses: Maintenance Tips To Protect Your Home

When you have purchased an older home, you are buying a lot of charm and a lot of elegance, but you will need to pay more attention to maintenance. Older houses simply require more care, but if you take care of them, as the saying goes, you can be sure that they are going to take care of you! Take a few moments to learn more about the simple, everyday tasks that you can use to maintain your old home. Clear the Furnace Filter When you are someone who is invested in making sure that the temperature control in your home stays ...

Tips For Selling Your Home For Thousands More

Who doesn’t want to sell their home for its maximum value? Still, many people list and show their home before taking any action to improve its presentation. If getting a strong return on your investment is something you desire, it’s time to start thinking about doing some quick remodeling work on the interior of your home. This can make a big difference in the price it ultimately sells for. Tip #1: Clean up Your Act! Mistake No. 1 when selling anything, whether it’s a bike, car, or house, is to not take the time to give it a good cleaning. It might seem ...

Design Ideas For Bedrooms

It wasn't long ago that the bedroom was considered the inner sanctum of your house, the room that no one but you and your family would see. But bedrooms have come a long way in the last few years. Many now double as studies, social areas and, in the case of children, the ideal location for play dates. Use the following design ideas for bedrooms to create a space that is esthetically pleasing as well as comfortable. Photo via homerevo.com Lighting The lighting in your bedroom should be warm and inviting. You can achieve this effect with a combination of natural lighting and overhead lights. ...

Types of Home Loans

Buying your first home is both thrilling and terrifying at the same time. It’s a new start in a great new home but paying for it can be daunting especially if this is your first. Initially you need to set a budget and then decide which bank to use for your mortgage loan and which type of loan suits the budget you have. Here are the three major types of home loans for you to choose from each of which offers its own unique benefits, advantages and even complications. • Fixed rate One of the two most popular mortgages, the fixed-rate option states ...

6 Recycle Ideas For Decorating Your Home

Why spend hundreds of dollars redecorating when you have everything you need for decorations is in your basement, garage, or storage? Old junk can easily be transformed into lovely decorations for your home with a little creativity and work. Turn old shirts into pillows Take an old, comfortable shirt or sweater and lay it flat on a table. Draw out the desired shape for your pillow on the shirt and carefully cut out the design. Sew the two pieces together, but leave a moderately sized gap. Stuff the pillow as tightly as you can with some cotton and sew the pillow shut. You ...

Advantages To Using A Cleaning Company For Your Home

If you are finding that your work, family and social life is leaving little or no time for cleaning, you are not alone, many people are in the same boat and are turning to out-sourcing their cleaning to a third party. There are a variety of different things people choose to do, some people advertise for and then interview and hire themselves a part time cleaner, thus making themselves an employer. Whereas others choose to hire the services of a cleaning company, finding that there are plenty of advantages to using a professional service: • Cleaning companies typically have insurance which ...

Pay Down Mortgage or Invest? What Should You Do?

Paying off your home should be a priority, no arguments there. Are you concentrating on that goal so much that other retirement savings plans are on the back-burner until you’re comfortably mortgage free? Does this give you a level of diversity that protects you from economic or market fluctuations? There are two schools of thought on this issue. One is that if you are mortgage free not only will you have a low cost home when you retire, you will have a large asset that will hold its value and give you a reliable nest egg when you’re ready to down-size. ...

Housewarming Gift Ideas

Visiting a friend or family member's new home for the first time is a special occasion, and you can help your loved one celebrate the transition by offering a creative gift. If your pals are former renters, they may not have all the things necessary to make a house a home. Their landlord likely took care of chores like yard work, and they may not have had space for many appliances or special touches. Consider what they may need, then select a thoughtful and useful gift from these suggestions. Housewarming Gift Ideas Gardening Kit Most former renters do not have basic yard tools, ...

Tips For Saving Money on Winter Heating Costs

When the temperatures outside drop, you throw on your heavy sweaters and you crank up the heater to stay toasty and warm. However, as the temperatures inside rise, so do your utility costs. If you have electric heat, you can expect to see a big increase in your monthly bill. If you have gas heat, you can expect to hand over your first born in order to pay the debt. Fortunately, you have more options than freeze to death or donate an organ to pay the costs. There are many ways you can cut your winter heating costs so you can ...

Sell Your Own House VS Using a Real Estate Agent

Every year, millions of people buy and sell houses on the open market. In most cases, real estate agents handle these transactions, facilitating the selling and purchasing of all types of homes. There is, however, a significant segment of the population that chooses to sell their homes on their own without the benefit of a real estate agent. There are pros and cons to using an agent vs selling the home yourself. These factors will ultimately affect the profitability of your home. For Sale By Owner When you choose to sell your home, it is categorized as a For Sale By Owner ...

Christmas Decoration Ideas

The Christmas season can be a fun time to showcase your individual style by adding personal touches to your holiday decor. Whether your idea of the perfect holiday is a big party or a small intimate gathering, use these Christmas decoration ideas to make the holiday sparkle. In many homes, the Christmas tree is the center of holiday decorating. The true beauty of a bare Christmas tree is that it is a blank canvas for your imagination. If you prefer an understated, elegant look for your tree, choose two or three of your favorite colors in complimentary shades and purchase ornaments, ...

House Cleaning Tips to Avoid Costly Mistakes

When you are cleaning your home it is so easy and very common to make mistakes, these mishaps can however, damage or completely ruin furniture, appliances and clothing amongst other things. Therefore follow these house cleaning tips to avoid costly mistakes and will cost you time and money. House Cleaning Tips: Kitchen Don’t use any products without checking their suitability first. Using the incorrect product may damage, crack, break or discolour the surface, for example if you have stone or marble work surfaces you may not be able to use an all-purpose cleaner. Try not to use more cleaning product than you ...

Pantone Colour of The Year 2013

It's that time of year again! Time for all the trends for the new year to be announced, including Pantone's colour of the year for 2013. According to their press release, we are all going to go a little green next year. CARLSTADT, N.J., Dec. 6, 2012 – Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today announced PANTONE® 17-5641 Emerald, a lively, radiant, lush green, as the Color of the Year for 2013. The 2012 Color of the Year, PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango, a spirited, reddish orange, provided the ...

Condo Buyers: Don’t Be Fooled By the Model Suite

By Marilyn Wilson, Postmedia News This is it! This is where I want to live. I'm home suite home. Why? Because this master suite is perfect. It's sweeter than all the other suites. Just look at the cove ceilings, the quarter sawn oak floors, the fabulous panelled and architecturally detailed wall treatments. It is gorgeous, clean, organized, but warm and inviting. The antique glass doors are sensational. There are curved walls and niches designed for display. And in the bathroom are sleek and sophisticated tiles and sconces. The floors are heated so that I can step out of a piping hot shower and ...

Winterize Home Tips To get Your Home Ready

Is Your Home Winter Ready? If you live in a region where snowfall, frost, ice, and plunging temperatures are the M.O. of winter, ask yourself, is your home up to the task? The best time to check for foundation and window leaks and cracks is before the snow flies. Be especially careful when checking the basement and don’t forget the inner kitchen cupboards where black mold likes to hide. A smart move, if it’s in the budget, is to hire a contractor to pore over the property. Remember that one small leak is all it takes to ruin that gorgeous solid wood furniture or ...

Fixer Uppers: Where to Start When You buy One

Buying a fixer upper is a great way to save money on a home. In addition, fixer uppers allow buyers to customize their homes as much as they want. However, the task of redesigning a home can be a challenge. Here are a few tips about how to start the process of remodeling a fixer upper. 1) Floors and Walls In order to redesign a home, it is important to have a canvas on which to work. In the case of fixer uppers, this often requires working on the walls and floors first. Most people will want to simply paint the walls, but ...

Refinance Plus Improvements: New Program to Help You Finance Your Home Renovation

By Kristin Woolard With the introduction of the newest set of mortgage rule changes in Canada that took effect in July 2012 many brokers have been anticipating the introduction of innovative products from lenders looking to adjust to and work with the new rules. One of the first has been introduced by Merix Financial and it addresses the federal legislation limiting refinancing of homes to a maximum of 80% of the value of the home. Merix recently introduced their new “Refinance Plus Improvements” product allowing homeowners to seek an approval to refinance their home strictly for improvements to 80% of the completed value, ...

Energy Saving At Home: How Small Lighting Changes Can Save You Big Bucks

Are you still using incandescent light bulbs? What about standard light switches? Is the lack of natural light in your home inflating your energy bills? A few minor tweaks to your home’s lighting scheme can save you money, and even help make it more beautiful! Energy Saving At Home: Lighting Tips Keep it Natural Natural light is probably the most flattering, invigorating, and beautiful light source there is, plus it’s free! It’s just too bad that enlarging those tiny, tiny windows isn’t. Before you start resenting the energy savings of all those people with cathedral sized windows in their homes, try simply fixing ...

Small Bathroom Storage Solutions

With sales of grooming products soaring, fitting all your age defining skin serums, exfoliating lotions and bronzing creams into your bathroom can be challenging. Add to that piles of towels, bathroom cleaning products, laundry and jumbo packs of toilet roll; and your bathroom will feel less like a spa sanctuary and more like a clutter haven. Luckily there are lots of ways to wash away your small bathroom storage woes in even the smallest of bathrooms…. Built in cabinets Built in bathroom cupboards put your square footage to good use because they can be built to the exact specification of your ...

Garden Clean Up Tips For Fall

As the leaves begin to turn shades of red, orange and yellow and the temperatures start to cool off, not only is it time for back to school and football games, but it is also time to ready your yard for the long winter ahead. Early preparation for the winter can lead to a beautiful spring and summer, so grab your tools and head outside. These garden clean up tips will make the job easier. Mulch Adding mulch to your landscape not only protects the roots of the plants from a frost, but also helps to retain moisture during a cold and ...

How to Choose the Right Internet Package

Are you paying too much for your Internet connection? To answer this question you first need to know what kind of internet package you need for you and your family. You might end up paying quite a lot for poor internet that’s not even worth it. If you have regular internet needs, then you must opt for the best internet choice that is out there for you. Internet in the modern world is a basic need; it is also regarded as a basic human right in some countries. We need internet to do most of our daily activities: checking emails, logging ...

Chemical Free Cleaning Tips For Your Home

Today more than ever, people all around the world are becoming more health and environment conscious. We are more aware of what we eat, the products we use on a daily basis, and how these things affect our bodies and the world we live in. Choosing to live a green life can provide benefits to you, your family and your home and one of the best ways to do this is to make your home chemical free. Chemical Free Cleaning Tips For Your Home Do Your Research Before you jump into chemical free cleaning at home, be sure to do your research. Think ...

Do It Yourself Home Security Tips

As a single woman, you’re likely very aware of your personal safety and have already taken precautions to keep your home secure. Whether you have a burglar alarm or not, there are a few do it yourself home security measures you can use to reinforce your home security. According to the FBI, a home burglary happens every 15 seconds. About 34% of the time an intruder enters through an unlocked or inadequately secured front door, first level windows (23%) or door at the back of the house (22%). Since no neighborhood is completely safe from crime, you can reduce your home’s burglar ...

Increase Home Value Through Simple D.I.Y Projects

As the current property market is buoyant, it’s a good idea to make your home as appealing as you can to potential buyers. There are ways to increase home value through D.I.Y without having to completely remodel. You don’t have to be a man with a tool belt to do D.I.Y. Women can definitely feel empowered to take on their own D.I.Y tasks to make sure they get the best return on investment for their house. The two main rooms that will make or break a buyers decision are the bathroom and the kitchen. However there are some small changes ...

Gardening with Pots: Benefits of Container Gardening

There’s nothing quite like a garden in full bloom, but no one is going to deny that it takes a certain amount of hard work to keep flower beds under control. Keeping on top of the weeds, which seem to pop up just as quickly as you pull them out, is the main difficulty and can mean that you need to be able to devote some time at least weekly to your garden. When life is hectic and you can’t spare time for your garden each week, what do you do? Not grow flowers? That’s one option, but your garden ...

DIY Headboards: Easy and Unique Ideas

Similar to a fireplace in a living room, a headboard can be the most dominant feature in a bedroom as it is usually large, eye-level, and in the center of the room. In most instances, decorations and color schemes in the bedroom compliment or match the style of the headboard. Even with the importance of this furniture piece to a bedroom, there is no need to spend lots of money on a new headboard as it is fairly simple to create your own. Here are some ideas and tips to inspire you to want to stretch your single income and ...

Outdoor Decking: 5 Ways to Create Outdoor Deck Spaces

If you are investing in outdoor decking for your home, then it would be well worth considering what you want to use the space for before you finalize your purchase. This will make sure that you are making the most out of your investment. Today we are going to explore some ideas on different ways that outdoor decking is used, to help you decide how you want to make use of your decking! 1.) Balcony Outdoor decking makes for beautiful balconies, and these can be positioned outside of high rooms, on rooftops and in gardens. Using your decking in this way ...

Fire Safety and Prevention Tips for Single Women Homeowners

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 130 million women living alone in cities and suburbs across the country. They are the fastest growing body in real estate today. Single women homeowners need to be prepared for potential fire hazards in their home. There are many fire safety and prevention tips that are easy to implement and you can use to prevent fires in the home. Fire Safety and Prevention Tips 1/ Use Smoke Detectors First of all, always begin with a working smoke detector. A smoke detector is probably one of the least expensive, yet most important pieces of equipment ...

Pet Safety While Renovating

[caption id="attachment_2691" align="alignleft" width="300"] fuse/getty images[/caption] Renovations are a stressful and chaotic time and with everything that is going on, pets are often overlooked. There are many dangerous things on a job site that could hurt your pet, so before you start that renovation project, here are some tips on how you can help your furry friends get through the chaos safely. Pet Safety While Renovating 1/ Have a safe place for your pet while work is going on. This safe haven could be a bedroom or any room not being worked on. The most important thing is that it can be closed off. Make sure you put food and ...

FHA Loan Requirements & What You Need to Know

With the current state of the housing market, interest rates are at an undeniable low. It’s a perfect opportunity to move from an older home or apartment to a new home purchase. This can be done through FHA (Federal Housing Authority) loans. Before you look to these new construction home loans it’s important to understand FHA loan requirements and the options available. FHA Loan Requirements & What You Need to Know 1/ Know what’s Available One of the biggest mistakes first home buyers make is simply not getting all the information about the home loans available to them. In regard to FHA ...

Patio and Outdoor Furniture: Tips For Great Outdoor Living Spaces

Your outdoor decor can create a haven or a horror. Many people approach their choices of patio and outdoor furniture in a piecemeal manner that can leave the area disjointed and frustrating. Complete patio sets, however, can be expensive. Deciding on the right pieces doesn't have to be overwhelming, but it does require developing a vision for your ideal decorative scheme. Patio and Outdoor Furniture: Tips For Great Outdoor Living Spaces 1/ Consider Colour One of the most important considerations is color. It’s amazing that so much patio and outdoor furniture is black, as this tends to absorb heat. White, which is more reflective, is a better choice ...

Renovating a Kitchen: Tips For a Timeless Kitchen

By Kathryn Haley Many of the first conversations I have with clients planning on renovating a kitchen start off the same way. They tell me they have waited many years to do it and they don't plan on doing it again. Then they ask me what the latest trends are. While I understand that people want the latest thing or trend, if you are planning on renovating a Kitchen and want it to look good 10-15 years from now, focus on the 5 tips below that make a Kitchen timeless and not trendy. Renovating a Kitchen: Tips For a Timeless Kitchen 1/ Pick Neutral Colours Remember the pickled ...

Canadian Mortgage Changes: June 2012 Update

By Kristin Woolard 2012 June 21, 2012 This morning the Government of Canada announced a third round of changes to mortgage lending rules in as many years. The changes are aimed to further curb Canadians’ ability to take on more debt putting them at risk when rates eventually rise. The four changes are as follows: 1.Amortizations reduced to 25-years from the previous 30-years Reduction or the maximum amortization means that many consumers will be obligated to take on higher mortgage payments than they would have previously. The reduced amortization will also mean higher debt-servicing ratios which may push many people outside of the allowable policy ...

Decorating Ideas to Turn a House into a Home

One of the best things about being a single woman with her own home is the freedom to come up with your own decorating ideas. All of the details, all of the styling choices and all of the decisions are up to me. Want to know one of the worst things about being a single woman with her own home? All of the details, all of the styling choices and all of the decisions are up to me. I love being able to make design choices based on my personal style, but admittedly it can be overwhelming at times. The ...

Smaller Homes Can Have Perks

In the aftermath of the bursting of the housing bubble, one thing that can be considered a “perk” for first time home buyers is that prices are significantly lower than they were in years past, especially for smaller homes. This allows many to have access to homes that they otherwise would never have been able to afford. But before you go crazy and buy that unnecessarily large home you drive by every morning on your way to work, consider the advantages to purchasing a smaller, more affordable home. Aside from the obvious cash savings in the long run buying ...

How to Protect Furniture While You Renovate

Renovating your home is always an exciting time, but anyone who has been through the process will tell you that it gets messy! Despite the plastic sheeting taped up everywhere and strict rules about where you wear your work clothes, dust and debris get everywhere, and that includes on your nice furniture. Too often, people find that their furniture has become a casualty during their renovation. The dust scratches the good wood finish, and the debris can leave the fabric or leather upholstery looking old and dingy. When you are renovating your home, you have a few choices pertaining to your ...

How to Create a Home Emergency Preparedness Plan

Across the country, Canadians face a number of potential hazards, ranging from earthquakes, to blizzards, to hurricanes. In addition to natural disasters, there are other types of risks, such as outbreaks of disease, blackouts, large chemical spills, transportation accidents, nuclear incidents and the possibility of acts of terrorism. If disaster strikes, you may have to evacuate your home on a moment's notice. Or, you may find yourself home-bound without electricity, water supply or access to stores and banks. All levels of government in Canada have emergency response plans in place, but it may take several days for first responders to reach ...

Home Buying Tips: Four Things You Might Not Think About

Buying a home can be a stressful experience that often becomes unknowingly more stressful after you buy it. While some people often point out the major aspects of buying a home, such as location, budget, school districts and large scale repairs other aspects might be overlooked in the buying process and lead to some major frustration after buying. Here are four home buying tips you might not know about when you’re buying a home and why they’re important to consider. Home Buying Tips Consumption Demands Often home buyers don’t consider this aspect of a home until it’s too late. That charming two bedroom ranch ...

How to Decorate With Mirrors

Mirrors can add a beautiful, reflective touch to almost any space. If you decorate with mirrors you can add elegance and sophistication at almost any price or budget. If mirrors are your choice of decoration for your home, the following information will be helpful for you. Use these 15 tips for decorating with mirrors to ensure that they are appropriately incorporated into your home décor. How to Decorate With Mirrors 1/ Consider the space. When decorating your home using mirrors, it is important that you first consider the space. What walls could you possibly place mirrors on? Have an idea of where you want to put ...

Above Ground Pool Landscaping Ideas to Create Your Outdoor Oasis

So you’ve got the house you’ve always dreamed of with a pool and now you are looking for above ground pool landscaping ideas. Or maybe it isn’t exactly the move-in ready home, but you are willing to put in some elbow grease to fix it up. A pool however functional can be more of an annoyance than a pleasure if the yard around it isn’t maintained. With an ugly yard, you will find yourself drawing the blinds instead of running outdoors with some sunscreen and glass of ice tea. To conquer the blight of badness that detracts from summer fun in ...

Rent Versus Buy: Pros and Cons of Buying a House

Is it better to buy or rent? For a single woman the thought of attempting to own a home may be daunting, but it might be the best decision for you. The decision to rent or own depends on many factors. Below I have listed several things you should consider when trying to decide whether renting or owning is right for you. Whether you want to test the waters in an apartment before you buy , think you might have to relocate in a few years, or simply do not want to put down the large down payment to own, renting ...

Using A Real Estate Note To Sell Your Property

By Alan Noblitt With the real estate market unstable in many areas of the U.S. and inventories still high, how is a person to sell their property? Most buyers can’t get loans to take advantage of the rock-bottom interest rates, so the banks and other mortgage lenders are lesser players than they were a few years ago. While there is no perfect solution for all scenarios, owner financing is an option that everyone should understand and consider using when selling a property. Basically, owner financing is having you, the seller of the property, carry the financing for the buyer of the property. ...

Design Trends 2012: Landscape Design Ideas

By Steve Allat Ever since the economic shift in the fall of 2010, the picture of the home landscape has been changing to suit the challenges that were presented. While it may seem that some 'luxuries' and up-scaling via aesthetic choices have been curtailed, they have been balanced nicely by a new practicality. The idea now is not 'What can I afford to do?' as much as 'What can I afford not to do?' - the answers to which are: 1. Grow some of my own food/herbs – Edible Landscaping 2. Staging projects over time – planning and prioritizing 3. DIY – getting your hands ...

Student Decorating: How to Decorate On a Budget

Are you going to school and have limited funds to work with when it comes to furnishing your home? There are ways that you can decorate your house for style and comfort without spending a great deal of money. Learn some tips on how you can furnish the rooms of your home on a limited budget. • Decorate rooms used most often first If there are certain rooms that you use more frequently than others, such as your living room, concentrate on those rooms to make them as comfortable as possible. Other areas of your home can wait until a future time ...

What is a Hybrid Mortgage?

Potential homeowners are often looking for the best options to give them the lowest interest rate while being able to borrow the most money. Someone looking to purchase a home for a few years may want to consider using a hybrid mortgage, which is a combination of fixed rate and variable rate loans. When using a fixed rate mortgage, the borrower knows how much their interest rate will be throughout the life of the loan, usually 30 years, but the rate is often higher than when using adjustable rates. An adjustable rate loan (ARM) often starts lower but can be riskier ...

Closets: Design and Inspiration

When looking for a new home, one of the top priorities for each bedroom is whether or not there is enough closet space. Having enough storage can make a big difference in how spacious, relaxing and calming your bedroom feels. Here are a few examples of how to make any closet feel fabulous! [caption id="attachment_2164" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="photo courtesy of myhomeideas.com"][/caption] Adding a large mirror to the far wall of your closet is one of the easiest ways to add depth to your closet space. The beautiful gold detailing on the mirror frame picks up on the glamorous feel of the sparkling ...

Home Renovation: How to Reduce Dust in Construction

By Kathryn Haley One of the biggest concerns people have before beginning a renovation is the amount of dirt and dust that will be created. The idea of having their home covered in a layer of dust keeps many from starting. If you have allergies or health issues need to be extra careful. Although you can’t eliminate all dust and dirt during a renovation, there are things you can do to reduce the amount of dust that is created and control its spread throughout your home. So whether you are using a contractor or doing the work yourself, here are some tips for reducing ...

Buying Antiques For Less: How To Buy Antiques and Save Money

Some people have a passion for antique furniture. Designs and trends that have gone out of fashion are represented in the old pieces. Antique furniture has more value than new one. With the economic situation not quite rosy, investing in antique furniture seems like a bad idea. Yet, some people prefer antique rather than any other furniture. It is quite possible to stick to your budget while indulging in your passion. Here are some ways in which you can save money on antique furniture. Ask Your Acquaintances If you know someone among your family and friends who has purchased antique furniture, ask ...

Colour Trends 2012: Pantone Color of the Year Revealed

Well it's that time of year...the new colour for 2012 has been unveiled and like last year it is a bold choice. Here is the Pantone press release. Dance into the New Year with this vivacious and appealing reddish orange - Tangerine Tango PANTONE 17-1463. The 2011 color of the year, PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle, encouraged us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. Tangerine Tango, a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward. “Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to ...

Winter Wonderland – Decorating Ideas for a White Christmas

I love white Christmas decorating ideas! There is something so elegant and sophisticated about an all white theme. Even if you are a frugal shopper, learning how to decorate for Christmas on a budget, really isn't that hard! I found this little adorable snowman at a discount home decor store. He has such a happy face! He resembles vintage Christmas decorations, which always make me nostalgic. Choose Christmas accessories that appeal to you and make you feel joyful. Every time I walk in the room and look at this little guy, he just makes me happy. Here I hung three grapevine wreaths above ...

Winter Maintenance: How to Keep Your House Warm

By Glenn Duxbury As the winter season approaches and things start cooling down outside, it's time to start thinking about preparing your home for the season. Beyond the usual preparations for temperature change and worrying about a drafty home, it's also important to consider the fact the winter season means spending a lot more time indoors. In winter, the furnace (or other heat source) is the heart of your house. Before anything else gets done, make sure you check your filter. If it's old and dusty, you can either clean it or replace it. If your house /town home runs on ...

Home Security Tips For Basement Windows

Basement windows present a significant security vulnerability for many homes. Although the basement itself may not hold anything of value, often doors or windows leading to the basement are not as well protected as other entry points to the home, and therefore, burglars see it as easy access to the rest of your home. Here are a few quick tips to guide you through improving the security of your basement windows. Use good outside lighting Make sure your basement windows are always well-lit during the evenings and at night. A dark place is always more likely to be broken into. Keep basement windows ...

Tips For Saving Money on Decorating the Home

You spend so much time in your home and it is the base for entertaining family and friends, that you want it to be a stylish reflection of who you are. However, style doesn’t come cheap and you can easily become discouraged in your decoration goals and just give up. Instead of settling for an outdated home lacking in personality, think about how you can use these tips to save money on your home decoration. Know what you want. Spend some time reading home decorating magazines and looking online at new styles and trends. You don’t have to replicate the designer ...

Moving Kids: How to Deal With Anxiety in Your Kids

Moving can be stressful for every member of the family—children included. Depending on the age of children, their fears about a move vary from child to child, but most children approach the idea of moving with some hesitation. One out of five Canadian families move into a new home each year. Some families experience a stressful time two weeks before and two weeks after a move. For many families, the actual move is a time when everyone pitches in and works together. Reality starts to sink in about a month later. People then begin to realize how much they miss friends ...

Staging A Home For the Summer Market

Summer is usually one of the best times to sell your home and the summer season is also the most fun to stage and decorate for! Having witnessed my mom just do this for her house (and sell it in record time), along with her neighbor’s home that she volunteered to help stage (which, after being on the market for 2 years, sold within weeks of her completed work; go Mom!), I have amassed some outstanding tips for women looking to successfully stage their homes for quick summer sale. De-clutter, depersonalize, and neutralize! The first thing you can do is clean ...

Tips for Finding the Right Home out of College

By Lauren Tessin You’re finally out of college and you want a place of your own. Single women like you would find the following tips useful especially if you’re looking for the perfect home: 1. Find a home that is accessible to your work location. If you live near your place of work, you can save on transportation expenses such as fuel costs. In fact, you can just even walk to your office instead of driving your car. This will enable you to save more money. Try to consider your home’s accessibility to essential establishments such as grocery stores and shops as ...

Nine Ways to Visually Create More Space

Many people think of adding square footage to create more space. But that doesn’t have to be the case. You can make your home appear bigger without going through the hassle of renovating and remodelling. With just a few home modifications, it is possible to make more from less. And remember, often what the eye needs is the illusion of spaciousness not actually more space. Here’s how to create the illusion of space without adding square footage. 1. Think diagonal views. Think back to geometry and how the hypotenuse of the triangle was the longest of the three sides. Apply that to the ...

How To Make Your Own Wallpaper

By James Adams Personalized hand print wallpaper is becoming popular in homes across the Country, mainly due to its visual appeal and the fact that it can be made easily. There have been a number of examples of the process going very wrong though, which can lead to an ugly wall and the wasting of quite a lot of money. Should people use the tips detailed here though, then they will find that the whole process goes perfectly. Add A Personal Touch Creating personalized hand print wallpaper is a great opportunity to get the whole family involved, as well as being an activity ...

Little Touch-ups That Make a Big Difference When Selling your House

You are probably already aware of the major things you need to do around your home to get it ready for sale. These include getting rid of clutter, doing minor repairs, and making everything clean and tidy so every room is as much of a showcase as possible. But there are a myriad of little touch ups you can do that you may not have thought of before… touch ups that can make a big difference in how attractive your home looks to potential buyers. Here are just a few: Paint or replace the mailbox. Add a couple of flowering plants to key areas, ...

Mortgage Tips: 5 Things You Need to Know About Before Signing Mortgage

By Alban Smith You may not be signing your life away when you sign the mortgage on your home, but you are certainly signing away a large portion of it. That is why it is so important to know exactly what you are signing, and be aware of the common pitfalls and obtusely misleading clauses and conditions of mortgage documents before you sign. When you are signing your mortgage, there are five main things you should look out for in the process and in the documentation, including: 1 The approvals process When you are signing your mortgage documents, find out how long the process ...

Home Buying Tips

Remember the adage that a man’s (or a woman’s) home is their castle? In order to find the best suited castle for you, you need to remember a few tips in purchasing a home for you. While the process may differ, be your purchase is in your own neighborhood or a home half way around the world, there are some basics that never change regardless of territory and it would serve you in good stead to keep them in mind once you decide on purchasing your home where you can put up your feet and rest your weary body at ...

How to Pay Off A Mortgage Faster and Save Thousands of Dollars

There’s a major sense of accomplishment and peace of mind of owning your home outright. Paying off your mortgage sooner can make sound financial sense by saving you thousands of dollars in interest costs. Learning how to save on your mortgage can slice years off your loan. Finding out if you can save on your mortgage payments won’t cost you anything, and you will discover whether you have the best loan available for your individual circumstances. 1. Shop around for the best mortgage possible with your credit score. When a mortgage company has a small overhead cost to stay in business ...

Housing Trends: Living With Parents

By Marie Clark There’s a growing trend of mothers and daughters buying homes together. According to the 2007 census there are over 3.6 million parents living with their adult children. That’s up almost 70% since the 2000 census. Is a mother-daughter living arrangement right for you? Called a “mother-daughter house” in the Northeast and “in-law suites” in other regions, it usually refers to a one family home that has separate living quarters. These are not necessarily legal two family homes. The home has a separate kitchen bathroom, bedroom and entrance so the family can live together without being too close for ...

Under Water Mortgage Solutions

By Jesse Smith With the housing market on the decline, many homeowners are noticing that their mortgage is underwater. In other words, many homeowners owe more than their house is worth. This can be a very bad thing, especially if a person is planning to move in the near future. Fortunately, there are a few different things that consumers can do to rectify their situation. Loan Modification A loan modification is usually the most attractive option to homeowners whose property has significantly decreased in value. There are many different programs available to homeowners in underwater situations. These programs may: Reduce the balance of a ...

How to Buy A House: Avoid These Common Mistakes!

By Andrew Black Finding and buying a new home can be an overwhelming experience. It can be both exciting and stressful at the same time as there are just too many ‘hot’ properties up for sale in the market. Homebuyers, especially the first timers, usually find it confusing and challenging to come up with the best home purchase. With so many homes up for sale, it can be hard to find and buy the best. Logically, any homebuyer needs to conduct actual and ample research before finally getting into any purchase deal. Experts advise buyers to learn from the mistakes committed by others ...

Save For Home: 6 Tips to Help Get Your Home Down Payment

By Elizabeth Cutten Saving up for a down payment to purchase a home may seem like a task that takes forever, but if you know how to save additional cash, you can actually save it rather fast. Before you start the process of saving for a home, you will want to keep in mind that you will want to purchase a home within your budget. Experts will tell you that your home mortgage payment should be no more than 25-35% of your monthly take home pay, and your down payment should always be more than 20%. If you have your eyes ...

7 Ways to Get Your Kids Involved With Cleaning

By George Baker Getting your kids to help clean the house can be challenging. Many times, it is simply faster to do it yourself, rather than deal with the battle. But this does nothing to teach them how to clean. However, there are ways to get your kids moving and cleaning. 1. Make It A Game This is great for younger kids who are cleaning a toy room. Ask them to bring you four items. When they show you the four, ask them to put the items away. Then ask them to bring you four more. The little ones love showing off ...

Tips on Getting the Best Mortgages

By Nicole Rodgers Shopping around for a mortgage is not as difficult as it may seem. Although there is a lot of paperwork involved, comparing offers and searching for a good deal is worth your effort. Before going for a mortgage loan you should understand how things work and then try to get lower interest rates. Here are some tips on getting the best mortgage: Improve Your Credit Rating Before you start shopping for a home loan or mortgage, check your credit record. Paying down your financial obligations and getting rid of debt is a good start. Individuals with a poor credit ...

Choose Your Home: Top Ten Things To Consider When Buying

By Greg Andruff 10. How long do you think you will live there (people move on average every 4-7 years)? Or, if you are an investor, when do you hope to cash out if ever? What is your exit strategy? 9. Location –- Is your purchase close to shopping, traffic, airport? What area/neighbourhood is the property in? Is it close to schools and parks or close to downtown? 8. Is the property restricted by certain rules? Be aware that in a strata or a heritage home, certain rules and restrictions can possibly hamper resale. 7. Market conditions — You don’t buy the market ...

2011 Spring Home Decorating

By Katy Hahn Decorating your home for the spring? What do you think of when you think of spring? Lighter, brighter, fresher, and newer. I know what I think of. I think of planting fresh flowers, re-arranging my furniture for a new look and adding new accent pillows. These are all simple and inexpensive ways to decorate and give your home a spring tonic. But, what if you want more or what if you're ready to design or redesign your home décor? Well here is what's new in the home furnishings industry for Spring 2011. Let's start with color. Color is exciting ...

Canadian Housing Market Outlook: CMHC Report

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has released a report for the first quarter of 2011. The headline of the report reads: Canada’s Housing Market Is Stabilizing This will come as great news for many home owners and Real Estate professionals. However, what does it mean to you if you are thinking about buying a home this year? Here are some of the highlights from the report. To read the full report click on the link at the bottom of the post. Housing starts: Over the course of 2010, housing starts moderated from their strong pace at the beginning of the year ending up ...

Mortgage Home Loan Questions To Consider

By Nancy Smith You may have dreams of buying your own home but are not able to fulfill those dreams because of lack of resources. Mortgage loans may help you bring your dreams to reality. Mortgage loans are loans that are secured in order to pay for a house or for a piece of property. The property that you purchase with this loan is treated as the collateral on this loan. This means that if you do not make the mortgage payments, then your property will be taken away from you. There are other mortgage questions that you should consider before you opt ...

Outdoor Living Spaces: Your Own Personal Paradise

By Whitney Hicks We all know our home should be a place to relax, recharge and refresh from the demands of the world. With all the hustle and bustle of life, sometimes things get a little overwhelming. Where do you go when you need a break from your everyday life? That’s easy. Paradise of course! What if you could create your own personal paradise right in your backyard? Guess what ladies? You can! Just imagine if you could create an outdoor space that would transport you back to that summer you spent in Mexico or that time you stayed at a resort ...

New Home Decorating Ideas: Tips To Make A House Your Home

By Louise Howard You may be an experienced home mover or buying a new home for the first time in your life – either way, you are likely to value the opportunity to make your home more comfortable, warm and stylish. If you’re looking at homes for sale we have a list of five easy steps on turning your new house into a home. Create a feature wall It can make your walls feel a little generic and impersonal if you leave them blank white, and creating a feature wall, with either paint or wallpaper, could be a good idea if you lack the money, time ...

Closet Ideas: How to Make a Fun Coat Hanger By Recycling An Old Chair

By Hsiang Lin Do you have a few old and mismatched chairs that are unused and collecting dust in your garage? Here’s a small project to turn those old chairs into fun coat hangers that you can use to help personalize your coat area, and make it more presentable for your guests. We first got the idea from the design group Resign. They created a set of coat hangers from wooden chairs they found in trash and flea markets. We really love the colors and personalities they introduced to the otherwise plain vanilla concept of a coat hanger. It was very much ...

Insurance For Home: Are You Confused About Homeowners Insurance?

By Natalie Parchek While most people are pretty familiar with the ins and outs of their car insurance, it seems like homeowners insurance can cause even the savviest of us to break out in a cold sweat. Here is the ultimate quick guide to homeowners insurance for all of us! Homeowners insurance is a requirement for a mortgage because the property itself acts as collateral on the mortgage loan, and the mortgage holder wishes to ensure their investment is safe and they'll be able to recover costs in the event of a disaster. But even for those property owners who don't have ...

High Debt to Income Ratio for Canadians Leads to New Mortgage Rules

By Kristin Gordan Woolard The overwhelming 145 % consumer debt to income ratio in Canada has led The Minister of Finance, Jim Flaherty, to announce three new changes to mortgage rules. However, I feel the recent changes have completely missed the mark of their intention. The changes come into force on March 18th, 2011 and will reduce the maximum amortization from the existing 35 years down to 30 years. As well, the maximum amount that a consumer can refinance their home will be 85% of the value as opposed to the current 90%. The final change is that there is that as of ...

PANTONE 2011 COLOR OF THE YEAR

The Pantone 2011 color of the year annoucement is here. This year is going pink....well Honeysuckle to be exact. The following is what Pantone has to say about this vibrant colour. A Color for All Seasons Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it. While the 2010 color of the year, PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. A dynamic ...

Canadian Housing Trends and Affordability

Are you thinking about buying a home in Canada in the next year? If yes, the following information could prove invaluable. The Royal Bank of Canada has released a report outlining the latest housing and affordability trends in Canada. Housing affordability improved in the third quarter Bucking its rising trend since the middle of 2009, the cost of homeownership moderated in Canada in the third quarter of 2010. Lower mortgage rates and some softening in home prices, relative to the previous quarter, combined to reduce the monthly mortgage charges associated with owning a residential property at going market values. At the ...

How to Sell A House: Easy Ways to Fix Up Your House for Sale

Want to know how to sell a house in this market? Selling a home is never a small task, and with home sales still suffering it can be harder than ever within the current real estate market. Today, it’s not enough just to present the facts and let buyers use their imaginations as to how they might rework or redecorate the place. It’s more important than ever to present to potential buyers a real vision of how the home could be theirs; the ideal locale in which to live, sleep, work, play, learn, grow and thrive. To get the best ...

Are Foreclosures a Good Deal for First Time Home Buyers?

By Greg Andruff I had a client say to me the other day, "This listing is a foreclosure. What does that mean? Tell me about foreclosures." I have worked with clients to buy foreclosures. This type of transaction for first time buyers can be very risky and stressful. Can there be opportunity when buying a foreclosure? Yes, but you are going to want to have some experts such as realtors and builders to help you with the process. A savvy buyer will also want to have a capital reserve to deal with the possible damage that will likely have been done to the ...

Hiring A Home Contractor: Top 10 Questions to Ask Before You Decide

By Kathryn Haley Don’t ever assume you know the answers. What you expect contractors to do and what they actually do can be miles apart. Ask the questions before you hire them; put their answers down in writing in front of them and you stand a much better chance of your renovation going well. So here we go. In no particular order, the top 10 questions to ask before hiring your contractor. 1/ How long do you estimate the job will take? It is important you understand this is an estimate, however, you want the contractor to know they are being held to ...

How To Improve Your Credit Score

By Karen Boies Your credit score is a judgment about your financial health, at a specific point in time. It indicates the risk you represent for lenders, compared with other consumers. There are many different ways to work out credit scores. The credit-reporting agencies Equifax and TransUnion use a scale from 300 to 900. High scores on this scale are good. The higher your score, the lower the risk for the lender. Lenders may also have their own ways of arriving at credit scores. In addition, lenders must decide on the lowest score you can have and still borrow money ...

Ready to Buy? Advice From A Realtor

By Colette Gerber Ladies, did you know that it’s a Buyer’s market? And did you know about 35% of people buying their first home are single women? As a group we (yes, I too am single) have more disposable income than any other time in history. After you’ve made the decision to buy, the first step should be to obtain mortgage pre-approval. Lenders are beginning to recognize the power women wield with their disposable income and are willing to lend generously to single females. Personally, I prefer to use a mortgage broker since they will shop a number of lenders to ensure ...

5 Things to Know Before Buying a Condo

By Brett C. Meade A lot of prospective home owners across the country are today choosing condominiums over private homes for a variety of reasons, foremost among which being the fact that generally, they are a whole lot cheaper to buy and maintain than private homes. That said, there are a number of factors that you should keep in mind, before finalizing the deal on the condo you have laid your eyes on. Reputation Of The Developer: This is very important, and you must put in requisite effort to find out about the reputation of the developer in question. Has the individual or ...

HST and Its Impact on Buying & Selling Real Estate

By Nawel K Seth In Ontario, Provincial Sales tax has been 8% and the federal sales tax i.e. GST 5%, thus a total tax of 13%. Effective July 1, 2010, these two taxes will be combined and a new Harmonized tax shall be implemented. This harmonized tax will be 13%. Many services that were exempt of either of the taxes will now attract both taxes, thus making many products and services more expensive. Buying and selling real estate will not escape this onslaught. Even though, there is no HST payable on the purchase or sale of a resale home, many services ...

Conquering Fear: An Independent Woman’s Story

By Angie Oliveira I’d like to think that I’m an independent person, somebody who will try to do things once before asking others for help. I guess this is the stubbornness in me, but I firmly believe that you have to learn to take care of yourself before you let others take care of you. I'm always dispensing this advice to my friends, my married sisters and especially my mom, who I think relies heavily on my dad. My relationship with my boyfriend is no exception. I bought a house before so I could live on my own, and the boy ...

Cost vs Value: How to Make Your Renovation Payoff

By Greg Andruff With all of the uncertainty in the Real Estate market recently, many people have been asking about how to make their renovation the most profitable when they go to sell. Whether you are a “Do It Yourselfer” (DIY), or you hire a contractor, proper budgeting and planning are key to saving you both time and money. Planning – Why, How, Who, Where and What Why -The first step in planning a renovation is figuring out “Why” you want to make alterations. For example, if you are looking to update a bathroom is it because you want more space or just updating ...

Staging Tips: Appeal to the Homebuyer’s Senses

Every seller wants his or her home to sell fast and bring top dollar. It's not luck that makes that happen. It's careful planning and knowing how to professionally spruce up your home that will send home buyers scurrying for their cheque books. Your home will be judged not only on its outward appearance, but also on the feelings it evokes in those who view your property. Follow these simple tips to prepare your house and turn it into an irresistible home. Sight Use light to showcase your home. Open draperies in the daytime and turn on lights (day and night) to accentuate ...

Home Is Where Her Heart Is

By Kathryn Haley TD Canada Trust has conducted polls for women home owners for 3 years. Here are the findings of the latest survey according to the TD Canada Trust website. Home is where her heart is: 3rd annual TD Canada Trust Women and Home Ownership Poll reveals the growing importance of having a place to call your own TORONTO, January 20, 2010 – Although financial security continues to top the list of home ownership benefits, the comforts of home are increasingly important to Canadian women. According to the third annual TD Canada Trust Women and Home Ownership Poll, which surveyed women who ...

Forget Granite: Meet Aurastone!

By Vera Darius As a decorative painter I am always excited to discover new innovative products. I have recently discovered a product called Aurastone™ and I wanted to share it with you. According to the Aurastone™ website “it is an architectural coating used in the faux finishing industry. Decorative artists and designers alike are quickly integrating the Aurastone™ system for a number of reasons. The Aurastone™ finishing system is unparalleled in durability, versatility and aesthetic appeal. Aurastone™ is simply the most user-friendly product available. Hundreds of decorative faux effects can be created utilizing our one-bucket system. Many faux finishes ...

Down Payment For A House: You Have Options!

By Karen Boies Many renters feel they cannot afford to purchase a home because they have not saved for a down payment. There are solutions available today that can help first time buyers with their down payment. The minimum down payment is 5%. Many lenders allow for a gifted or borrowed down payment. Some lenders offer a cash back option that can be used for your down payment. Gifted down payments are provided by an immediate family member. The family member must sign a letter showing the amount of the gift and that no repayment is expected. If you have excellent credit and very ...

New CMHC Policies That Could Effect You

By Leah Coss Well, today, April 9th 2010, starts a new era of mortgage insurance policies from CMHC (Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation). Upon the government's review of our economic situation they decided to make some new government mandated changes that will be officially starting as of April 19th, 2010. CMHC, however, has created additional new internal policies (not government mandated) that will effect who can and cannot get approved for their mortgage insurance. If you put down less than 20% down payment then you will have to also be approved by a mortgage insurer in addition to your mortgage lender. If you ...

Home Purchase Inspection: What You Need to Know Before Choosing An Inspector

By Glenn Duxbury It's often said that one of the most expensive and important purchases you will ever make will be your home. However, unlike the guarantee a buyer receives with most purchases, there's no money-back, guarantee or return policy if you're not satisfied with your recently purchased home. Once you buy a home, you're on your own to maintain it, repair it, anticipate problems and pay the bills – assuming there has been no misrepresentation made. This is why it's best to know as much as you can about potential problems before you make the commitment to buy. What home and ...

Sustainability for Singles: Save Time & Money

By Jeff Echols As a single woman, what are two of your most important commodities? Maybe you answered time and money. And, unless you’re of the likes of Warren Buffet or WalMart, you probably don’t have enough of either. That’s one reason that sustainability should be important to you. Admittedly, sustainability is a term with an increasingly broad definition. It takes on many forms and applies to every facet of life on Earth. You may not have any interest in rain water harvesting, regional transportation, local farmers markets or solar panels but as a home owning single, take note; sustainability can save ...

Decorating On A Budget? Use These Money Saving Ideas

By Michelle Ortiz As a designer of high end homes, one would think I don’t know much about a tight budget. But it might interest you to know that my last master bathroom remodel cost my clients just $9,000.00. When the average master bathroom remodel can cost upwards of $20K, how is it that this one could cost so little? In these days stretching your dollar has become a necessity, but this bathroom remodel was so inexpensive, because it just was! Smart selections in fixtures that were well priced helped to keep the costs down. I believe in high end design ...

Renovation Home: 5 Organization Tips For Keeping Your Sanity

By Kathryn Haley Being disorganized will cost time and money during a renovation. Home organization is the key to success. If it is a large scale project and most of the house is being affected, it is going to be difficult to keep things orderly but with these tips you should be able to stay of top of the chaos. 1. Have files for everything Keep all of your paperwork in one place. I recommend an inexpensive file folder holder that is portable. Create a file for all the receipts that you collect. As you post them into the budget, move them into another file ...

Independent Women Understand the Benefits of Buying a Home

By Kristin Woolard It’s becoming more and more apparent that women are increasingly taking the reins when it comes to home purchases. There is a growing trend among single women – and, more precisely, professional single women – who are becoming independent homeowners. In two recent TD Canada Trust National Polls, the results definitely support this notion. A recent IPSOS-Reid survey focused on women aged 20-45. The poll shows that the average age of first-time buyers was 29, 82% were single women, four in five had no children and almost half had obtained a university degree. The Home is where her heart is: ...

Renewing Your Mortgage? Discover How Mortgage Renewal Time = Mortgage Savings

By Karen Boies Do you know when your current mortgage is up for renewal? Do you know what happens if you do not take active steps to renew your mortgage? Many home owners do not. Unfortunately many homeowners fall in to the auto-renewal trap and therefore do not take advantage of the savings inherent in securing a better mortgage rate and product. In 2009 ING DIRECT commissioned an Angus Reid poll and found that 40 percent of Canadian mortgage holders waited only 30 days or less in advance of a home closing (or renewing an existing mortgage), in securing a rate hold guarantee. ...

Marriage and Separation: How To Separate Marital Property, Debt and Divorce

By Leah Coss Whether you are married or common law, separating from your significant other can be one of the hardest things you will ever go through in your life. Even putting aside the wild emotions that can affect you during this time, the actual logistics of the parting can be the most trying of it all. Why? Because this is the part that tends to drag out, re-inflicting your hurt emotions, testing your patience and ability to work together with someone you have no interest in being around any more, and of course, the financial strains that can come from splitting up. Often ...

Inspection Report Saves Woman From Money Pit

By Kathryn Britnell I recently worked with a new client who was a newly-single woman, as she transitioned her life and became a new homebuyer, Frances, (not her real name) needed help on a rush basis. She had made an offer on a house, at the time, subject removal was within 24 hours of our introduction. She needed advice to confirm whether the house was insurable. Frances was bidding on an older home, built in 1920's. This house had an 80-year history of original construction and renovations and some areas where the maintenance information was unknown or placed the property in ...

Home buying? Use your RRSPs.

By Greg Andruff Owning a home is one of the best investments a Canadian can make. Unlike stocks and bonds a person’s principal residence can grow in value and is exempt from capital gains tax. Coming up with a down payment can be a real challenge but if someone has RRSP’s they can use the Federal Home Buyers Plan (HBP) to loan themselves a down payment. Currently almost half of all Canadian first time home buyers use the HBP. If someone has a down payment but doesn’t have any RRSP’s they could put the money into an RRSP (it must stay there ...

‘Going Green’: 5 Home Makeover Tips

By Dana J. Smithers Many of us have been doing ‘green’ makeovers for years, just not realizing that we were doing is until it became a popular term. As a professional interior decorator and redesigner my clients often call on my services to give their home a whole new look, in just one day, using what they already have in their home. Seeing the transformation and knowing that these women feel SO much better about their home is one of the most satisfying aspects of my business. You can do your own ‘green’ home makeovers by following this simple formula below, ...

Planning a New Home Landscape: A Designer’s Perspective

By Steve Allat So, you're building your dream home! The months of managing construction trades and sub-trades is almost at an end, final decision are being made so that you can obtain occupancy and yet there is still one fairly substantial area to complete - the landscape. Of course, this is no small feat for a few reasons: The landscape will comprise at least 55% of your lot in most municipalities. The landscape, taken as a whole, represents the largest space on the property. The variables are great, making planning and decision-making critical. If you have really planned ahead you will have either had ...

Benjamin Moore Launches New Products

By Vera Darius First of all, let’s start with some of the new paints Benjamin Moore already has on the market. Aura is an amazing waterbourne paint with a colour lock formula. Primer is not necessary, and the colours cover amazingly well, even blues and yellows! It dries very quickly, and cures to full hardness in two weeks rather than 30 days. Natura is also a waterbourne paint and it is free of VOC’s (volatile organic compounds). There is no odour with this paint that makes it great for people with sensitivities, and for children’s rooms and furniture. Both of these paints are ...

Saving For A Down Payment: 3 Tips to Get You Started

By Sheila Walkington When it comes right down to it there are a lot of good financial reasons to buy a home. Not only do you build up equity every month by paying down your mortgage, but also having a mortgage free home in retirement is one of the best financial plans anyone can make. And there are a lot of very real emotional reasons why people want to own too, like wanting roots and a place that is all your own. But, does it still make sense to buy a home? In Vancouver, prices have gone up considerably over the last ...

5 Tips for Divorced Women: Creating ‘The New-You Home’

By Dana J. Smithers I’m a home stager and home redesigner and I was divorced almost 30 years ago. Over the last 10 years I have had the privilege of helping other women change their surroundings to help them move forward in their lives. Whether or not you are in favour of the divorce, your life changes dramatically. At times you can feel so overwhelmed with day-to-day living that you just want the world to stop so you can curl up and feel safe and forget what is going on. What I want to share with you are some of the things ...

Small Is The New Big: A New Attitude For Changing Times

By Marianne Amodio I was a renter for many years. When I moved to Vancouver, that hardwired dream of single family home ownership was socked away into the “it can never be” part of my brain and I tried to forget about it. As the years went on, that elusive dream came back again and again. Finally, I decided that if I had to vanquish the home of my dreams, well, maybe I could still get something. I knew that I couldn’t afford a traditional home. So I went looking for something else: something old, unrenovated, even ugly. Something, that maybe, through ...

Contractor Nightmares! Here’s How to Avoid Them

By Kathryn Haley It seems everyone has heard a renovation horror story about someone working with a bad contractor. Have you heard about any contractor nightmares? Maybe it is the one where the 2 month project ended up taking 2 years to finish? Or perhaps you have heard the story about the contractor who walked off the job in the middle of the project? Throughout my years in the industry I have heard many terrible stories and I have seen first hand the results of a job gone bad. I have been brought in to advise and try to help fix ...