Here's To A Healthy Home

The air in your home can be seven to ten times dirtier than the air outside and the surfaces in your home are the starting point for spreading many germs and virus.

If you've heard the story about putting cut onions around your home to trap germs and viruses think again.  Hoax-Slayer says it doesn't work.



As a side benefit to reading this blog, here's a link to Hoax-Slayer that clears the air about some of the suggestions that arrive in your  inbox or your friends post on Facebook.

Save your onion for a salad or cooking and try a few of these tips to reduce the spread of germs in your home.

Take out the trash "Daily." Harmful germs can be transmitted into the air from your household garbage.

Clean your kitchen counters and cabinet handles with vinegar "Daily."  A quick wipe down with vinegar works wonders to reduce the spread of germs in the kitchen.  Some commercial cleaners can work even better than vinegar,but if you are concerned about harsh chemicals vinegar is a great alternative because it contains 5% acetic acid.  Some believe boiling water with vinegar on the stove once per week helps to kill germs in the air, but it is more likely that boiled vinegar is better at eliminating some odors in the air than it is for killing germs in the air.

Clean your bathrooms with hospital-strength liquid Lysol. Bathrooms serve as a breeding ground for lots of germs. This product kills germs quickly and the liquid minimizes the harm to allergies because you do not have to spray it.

Use alcohol to clean windows, mirrors and faucets. Rubbing alcohol is cheaper and does a better job than glass and mirror cleaners.

Full details on these tips and more can be found at 6 Ways to Reduce Germs In Your Home found here.

The best tip for reducing the spread of germs (that doesn't need to be searched at Hoas-Slayer) is to  WASH YOUR HANDS a lot.

Here's to a healthy home this winter and check Hoax-Slayer or Snopes to learn if it's fact or fiction.

Who says this is the "In" colour?

Here are some thoughts on where design and colours are suppose to be heading in 2013. 

Will the 50's style come back?  And, I ask the question, are colour trends something the colour experts try to drive us to do to sell more paint or does the consumer drive this bus?

Click here for Countryliving.com 2013 colour trends.

Click here for the REMAX "New Ideas for the New Year."

Kitty Litter and Furnaces

Many times when listing or showing homes I have noticed something, but never thought much about it, until now.  That something is the kitty litter box in the furnace room.

I came across an interesting piece of advice from Reliance Home Comfort in an article about "Furnace Room Dos and Don'ts."  The article stated, "Don’t place kitty litter near the furnace. The ammonia fumes from the litter can actually corrode the furnace’s heat exchanger and the odours can circulate throughout the home." 

Some homes do have a very strong odour and it makes sense that some of that smell might be because of where the litter box is, but the news about the heat exchanger being corroded because of ammonia fumes is something I never thought about.

If you have a cat and use the furnace room as the area for the litter box, it might be time to find a new location.  It could extend the life of your furnace and help to reduce odours throughout your home.

The full article from Reliance Home Comfort titled Furnace Dos and Don'ts can be found here.

What's with the refrigerator?

Often when showing a house, it amazes me how all eyes seem to turn to the refrigerator.  It could be the most spectacular home on the market, but if the fridge isn't stainless steel and big, we're locking the door and moving on to the next showing.

The stainless steel kitchen is a hot attraction for many, but it's interesting that those that have stainless steel appliances don't necessarily feel the same excitement any longer as those that don't have stainless steel appliances.  I think it has something to do with kids and paw marks.  

Besides the shiny surface, the SIZE of a refrigerator is very, very important.  This is becoming as serious as the size of the TV screen.  I used to be concerned if the second shelf of our refrigerator would hold a milk jug, but now many believe the second shelf should be big enough to hold a entire dairy cow.

The fridge is such a big thing right now that I really think it should be the first line in any real estate advertisement, even if the home doesn't come with appliances.  ("ATTENTION HOME BUYERS.  ALTHOUGH THIS HOME COMES WITH NO APPLIANCES IT HAS A FRIDGE HOLE BIG ENOUGH FOR ANY SUPER SIZED ICE BOX- SHINY OR NOT.")

I have to share a little story with you to prove that I'm not out to lunch when talking about the importance of refrigerators.  Manufacturers know what I'm talking about and they have developed a fridge for the home that costs more than my first house.

Our first house cost us $30,000.  I thought we'd died and gone to heaven to own (or the bank to own and have us try to pay for) a $30,000 home.  However, I came across this refrigerator that cost's over $40,000.

Take a peek because behind the doors of this baby is a homebuyer waiting to sign on the dotted line.

Click here for the full story.       

   

Improving Window Energy Efficiency

With the cost of heating a home taking a big bite out a family budget, the time and effort put into correcting problems with drafty windows can add up to huge savings.  Some reports indicate that windows can be responsible for up to 25 percent of your heating bill.  With a quarter of your energy loss through windows it's easy to understand the importance of replacing old windows, but there are things you can do even with old windows to cut down on the huge heat loss with windows. 

Below is some of the informtation supplied through Natural Resources Canada concerning improving window energy efficiency.   

Start With the Basics

One of the quickest and easiest ways to reduce heat loss through windows is to seal air leaks by using caulking and weatherstripping. This low-cost, do-it-yourself project can have a positive impact on your heating bills and home comfort.

Finding air leaks is simple. On a cold or windy day, take a thin piece of tissue or plastic and hold it near your window frames. If the tissue or plastic flutters, you've found an air leak. You can also detect a draft by using the smoke of a lit incense stick as an indicator. The next step is to seal the leak with caulking or weatherstripping.

 

Caulking

Caulking is used at fixed joints, such as where the interior window trim meets the wall or where the sash and frame come together in a fixed window. Make sure the product is intended for indoor use, can be painted and is of good quality.
On some windows, air leakage can be reduced by applying a continuous bead of caulking around the window trim, at the mitred joints of the trim, and between the trim and the frame (Figure 3). If a window is particularly leaky around the trim area and the trim can be easily removed and re-installed, consider removing the trim, adding insulation and sealing the gap before re-applying the trim. If the gap is small (1/4 in. [6 mm] or less), insulating the gap followed by caulking may suffice. Larger gaps may require the use of either a backer rod with caulking (Figure 4a) or insulating low-expansion foam applied from an aerosol dispenser (Figure 4b).
If you have operable windows that you do not intend to open and that are not needed as emergency exits, consider sealing them shut for the winter by using easy-to-remove tape or peel-and-strip caulking.

Figure 3: Where to caulk joints of a fixed window

Figures 4a and 4b How to seal behind the window trim

Exterior Caulking

Exterior caulking is used primarily to prevent rain from entering the wall from the outside. Caulking on the outside of a window should be done only after interior sealing is complete. If the exterior is caulked first, it can trap warm, moist air in the wall, which can, in time, damage the wall.
Warning: Do not use exterior caulking products indoors as they may give off harmful fumes.

 

Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is used to prevent air leakage at the parts of an operable window that move (Figures 5, 6 and 7). In most cases, it is a simple task to replace worn weatherstripping or to install additional weatherstripping if required. Good quality weatherstripping costs more but will pay for itself by performing better and lasting longer. Check with knowledgeable salespeople when selecting a product.
For older wood-frame windows, look for a good quality, self-adhesive plastic V-strip weatherstripping. This product can be installed in very small spaces, works in both sliding and hinged applications, and can often be installed without removing any part of the window. Hinged windows usually require a combination of V-strip and compression-type weatherstripping. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing either of these products.

Figure 5: Where to weatherstrip a single-hung window

Many older houses have single-hung windows with one fixed sash and one operable sash. Use the technique shown in these figures to weatherstrip:

1. the side of the sash,
2. the meeting point of the upper and lower sashes,
3. the sill.

Figure 6: Brush weatherstripping on a sliding window

To replace brush weatherstripping on a sliding window, remove the sash and pull the old weatherstripping out of its slot. Cut the new weatherstripping to the length required, and snap or slide it into the slot. Tack or staple the ends of the brush to ensure that it stays in place before re-installing the sash.

Figure 7: Compression and sweep weatherstripping on a casement window

Reglazing – Storm Window Systems

It's difficult to go wrong with caulking and weatherstripping as a first step in upgrading your windows. However, while these measures can reduce air leakage and drafts, they do not improve the overall thermal resistance of the window. To accomplish this, you need additional layers of glazing.

The principal benefit of multiple glazing is that air, which is a good insulator, is trapped and sealed between the layers of glass. In Canada, windows should be at least double-glazed (two layers of glass). In many regions, the additional benefits of adding a third layer of glazing to existing windows (increased comfort due to reduced heat loss and higher interior glass temperatures, as well as reduced condensation and noise) may be worth the expense.

If your windows are in good condition, extra glazing can be added quickly and easily with the installation of storm windows – either exterior or interior. A number of options are available. Keep in mind that when installing storm window systems, safety should be your foremost concern. Always make sure you have appropriate emergency exit routes before sealing off windows.

 

Exterior Storm Windows

Exterior storm windows were once very common in Canadian houses and continue to serve a useful role in many applications. They are usually constructed of a wood or metal frame, with glass or an acrylic sheet as glazing.

Exterior storm windows can be either seasonal (installed in the fall and removed in the spring) or permanent.

Seasonal storm windows should be inspected each year before installation to ensure that the glazing, putty and weatherstripping are in good condition. A drawback of seasonal units is the labour involved in installing and removing them each year, as well as the need for storage. Permanent exterior storm windows are usually equipped with a built-in screen and a sliding sash. When using exterior storm windows, the main interior window must be air sealed more tightly than the storm window to prevent moist household air from entering the space between the windows and being trapped, where it can condense and cause deterioration of the sash and frame.

 

Interior Storm Window Systems

Interior storm window systems have gained in popularity in recent years. They offer the following advantages:

• They are generally attached directly to the window frame, which helps reduce air leakage around the window, and can be attached in four convenient ways, as discussed below.
• If an interior storm window is well sealed, it reduces the risk of condensation because its surface is closer to warm room air. Any condensation that does occur is on the storm window, which prolongs the life of the main window.
• They are lighter and more accessible than seasonal exterior storm windows and are therefore particularly useful on upper floors.

One disadvantage of interior storm windows is that blinds or other window treatments may have to be repositioned to accommodate the storm window.
Interior storm windows are typically used in the winter only and are stored for the rest of the year. However, in an air-conditioned house, interior storm windows can also help keep heat out and cool air in during the hot summer months.

To minimize condensation and air leakage, interior storm windows should be sealed tightly so that no warm air gets between the storm unit and the original window after installation.

 

Sashless Sliders – A Special Case

Sliding windows that are panes of glass not encased in a frame are inefficient and, at the very least, should be supplemented with interior storm windows. A better solution is to have a contractor retrofit the windows by installing the existing glazing in new sashes that incorporate weatherstripping. The sashed units are then reinstalled in the original frames.

The four most common interior storm window systems are discussed below. The first two approaches involve inexpensive, do-it-yourself products, while the last two are more costly and may require the services of a contractor.


Heat-Shrink Film with Double-Sided Tape

This is one of the easiest do-it-yourself options available to homeowners. Kits are sold at most hardware and building supply stores and include instructions for installation.

With this system, two-sided tape is used to attach the film to the window trim, after which the film is heated with a hair dryer to shrink it tightly across the window. In most cases, the film can be used only once.

Although this system provides an excellent seal and good visibility, the two-sided tape can lift paint when it is removed. As well, once this system is installed, the window cannot be accessed without removing or puncturing the film.

 

Points to Keep in Mind

• Lightweight film systems may be damaged if you have young children or pets in the house.
• Plastic systems must be kept away from strong heat sources.
• Some people may be sensitive to plastic materials, which can emit odours (particularly when their surfaces are warmed by sunlight).
• Plastic supply stores carry a special cleaner that can be used to clean lightweight film and reduce static.

Clear Plastic Film with Spline and Channel

A rigid plastic channel is permanently attached to the window frame using small nails, screws or double-sided tape (as shown in Figure 8, a lower crosspiece is added to the sill to create a flush fastening surface).

A clear plastic film is then stretched tightly across the window and snapped into place using the spline section (see Figure 8). The plastic film is reusable for several years and is airtight. One disadvantage is that the film may not be as clear as heat-shrink film. The spline-and-channel system should last for several years.

This system is usually sold in kits (available in a variety of colours), but the individual components can also be bought separately. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when installing the spline and channel, and be sure to use the recommended thickness of film. When not installed on the window, the plastic film should be stored hanging over a rod to avoid creasing.

Figure 8: Clear plastic film with spline and channel

Clear Rigid Acrylic Sheets with Snap-On or Magnetic Seals

These systems are more durable than the previous two options. The snap-on system works like the spline-and-channel system, except that it is more substantial because it holds a heavy acrylic sheet in place (Figure 9). The rigid glazing is easier to attach and remove than film, and it is easier to clean, is more durable and has a more finished appearance.

To install a magnetic seal system, a metal strip is fastened to the window trim using double-sided tape (this strip can be painted to match the frame). A magnetic moulding is then secured to the acrylic sheet, and the sheet is pressed into place on the metal strip.

When the acrylic sheets are not in use, they must be stored in a flat or vertical position (not slanted) and in a cool place that is protected from exposure to sunlight and excessive heat.

Many plastic supply stores sell these systems and can cut the sheets to the size required. As well, some firms specialize in manufacturing and installing these systems (check your local Yellow Pages^TM).

Figure 9: Snap-on interior storm window system applied to window trim

The magnetic seal (Figure 10) is a popular option for heritage homes and highrise condominiums, since it is possible to make the attachment system virtually indistinguishable from the main window. However, thermal contraction and expansion and the weight of the acrylic sheet can cause the magnetic strip to release accidentally. As a precaution, a few well-placed turn buttons can be used to supplement the magnetic seal and hold the unit firmly in place.

Figure 10: Magnetic interior storm window system applied to window sash

Specialty Products

There are two products that are most suitable for areas that have high solar gains that make the room uncomfortable: applied window films and multi-layered polyester films.

Applied window films are usually made from a clear or tinted polyester substrate upon which a scratch-resistant coating is placed on one side and an adhesive with a protective liner is put on the other. The film is permanently attached to the window by removing the liner and pressing it firmly on the glass. Window films with a solar-control coating reduce solar gain; help protect carpeting, draperies, furniture and wood from fading; and can even reduce heat loss in the winter. However, there is a small risk of glass breakage due to increased thermal stress, and the use of these films may void the warranty issued by the original window manufacturer.

Multi-layered polyester films are black on one side and silver on the other.

 

Replacing Glazing, Sashes and Windows

If your inspection has revealed serious problems with a window's glazing, sash or with the entire unit, your best option may be to replace all or part of the window.

For example, if the glazing itself is only a single pane of glass or is in poor condition, consider installing a new, multi-layered insulated glazing unit. Make sure the sash is deep enough to accommodate such a unit.

If the sash has deteriorated but the frame is still in good condition, you should be able to buy a replacement sash or window. These products should be installed by professionals.

If the entire window, including the frame, is in poor condition, it maybe time to replace the unit. This offers the opportunity to install a high-performance window that could include such features as double or triple glazing, inert gas fills between the glazings, low-conductivity spacers and a low-emissivity (low-E) coating that allows light to pass through a window but reflects the home's heat back into the house.

(For the complete article from the Natural Resources Canada click here)

There's Help For You For That 10% Down Payment.

10% DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE NOW AVAILABLE!

The County of Simcoe has received Federal/Provincial funding under the Investment in Affordable Housing for Ontario Program to provide 10% down payment assistance to low-to-moderate income households in Simcoe County.   ( More )

To be eligible, applicants must currently be renters, at least 18 years old, have a gross household income at or below $82,600, cannot own or have an interest in a house/land and must have access to mortgage funding. The current maximum purchase price under the program is $291,814.

Further information is available on the County of Simcoe website at www.simcoe.ca.  Follow links for Residents/Social Housing/Homeownership Program or by calling Cindy Haché at (705) 725-7215 x1119 or cindy.hache@simcoe.ca.

Funding must be committed by December 31

st this year, and applications are processed on a first come first served basis. If you have clients who you think may be able to benefit from this program, please encourage them to apply.

Applicants do not have to be first-time home buyers.

(UPDATE:  FUNDING FOR 2012 IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE)

Limited funding is available for 2013 and 2014 as well.

Safety, Perceived Value & Location

Safety, perceived value and a location close to shopping or transportation are the most important factors Ontarians consider when buying a home. New research commissioned by the Ontario Real Estate Association and hosted on the Angus Reid Forum shows that 93 per cent of Ontario residents surveyed say safety (e.g. low crime area, building security) is important when considering properties, 85 per cent list perceived value of the home (i.e. considered a good buy based on market and amenities) as a top consideration and 80 per cent want the home to be close to amenities (e.g. shopping, transportation, etc.).

Part one of the OREA State of the Market survey released today is a snapshot of what’s on the minds of homebuyers in the province. Part two will be released later this summer and will focus more on the concerns of sellers.

“Security, both physical and financial, is top of mind for Ontarians,” says Ron Abraham, president of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). “Homebuyers may not know which neighbourhoods offer the best potential to grow their investment or which condo building provides maximum security features. A Realtor can help buyers find the right home in an area that meets all their top needs.”

Other findings from the survey:

•65 per cent of respondents age 18-34 ranked quality of local schools as an important factor when buying a home, while less than half (48 per cent) of people ages 35-54 said it was important.
•80 per cent of younger Ontarians (ages 18-34) say a property close to work is an important factor when buying a new home, dropping to 65 per cent for those in the 35–54 age group.
•Men and women had similar responses to the questions. One noted difference was that 62 per cent of men said a coveted neighbourhood was an important factor to them, while 53 per cent of women said it was important.
Of those who specifically plan to buy a home in the next year, safety and perceived value are top factors but 85 per cent also indicate that ongoing home maintenance required for a property (amount of yard work, fees for condo management, etc.) is an important consideration.

Move-in ready homes preferred most
When asked which type of home they’d prefer to buy (new build, resale home that’s move in ready, one that requires minor renovations, a fixer-upper that needs major renovations, or a buy, tear down and rebuild), more than a third said they’d prefer a resale home that’s move-in ready (39 per cent).

•26 per cent said they’d like a home that only needs minor renovations and only 5 per cent said they would want a home that needs a major renovation.
•Across Ontario, 19 per cent said they would want a newly built home; this number rose to 24 per cent for people in the GTA. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation shows 66 per cent of Ontario’s new housing starts in the first quarter of 2012 are in Toronto. 
“If you have a number of must-haves when looking at homes it will inevitably increase the price of your purchase,” says Abraham. “Homebuyers should have a frank conversation with their Realtor about what is vital and what would be nice to have. It is then our job to find them a property that meets their needs and helps them maximize their investment.”

More information on working with a Realtor and resources for homebuyers are available at www.howrealtorshelp.ca.

Methodology
From June 19 to June 20, 2012, an online survey was conducted among 800 randomly selected Canadian adults who live in Ontario and who are Angus Reid Forum panel members. The margin of error—which measures sampling variability—is +/- 3.5%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been statistically weighted according to the most current census data on age, gender, region and education to ensure the sample is representative of the entire adult population of Ontario. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding. 

About the Ontario Real Estate Association
The Ontario Real Estate Association represents 53,000 brokers and salespeople who are members of the 42 real estate boards throughout the province. OREA serves its REALTOR® members through a wide variety of professional publications, educational programs, advocacy, and other services. www.OREA.com 

Location, Location, Location

Deciding where to live is an easy decision for some, but for others it can be confusing and at times what appears to be the most desirable home turns out to be the wrong choice because of location. 

You can change some things about a home through renovations, but you can't change the location.  So, location is one of the most important things to consider for years of enjoyment at your new address.

Here's a simple "Yes" and "No" exercise on your decision of where to live. 

Enjoy!

Before We Cool We Need To Boil!

I just finished reading a financial article about real estate in Canada.  It talked about debt ridden Canadian consumers and a cooling property market in this country, but after reading it I thought to myself that this is a good example of why averages in this country don’t always add up.

I agree that Canadians (on average) are debt ridden, but when it talks about a cooling trend in Canadian real estate, I’m asking when did the local marketplace get to a boil to start with?  Shouldn’t we have experienced the boiling real estate market as say Toronto or other major Canadian cities did, before we get lumped into a cooling market?   The fact is, the local marketplace has been cool for sometime and I don’t think we are going to experience the cooling trend that major cities are facing.  

The article I read pointed out that there are currently three major global economic threats that we have no control over, but could affect us. (1) is the Euro, (2) is the state of the U.S. economy and (3) is the slowing pace of growth in China.  Some of this is why experts are saying there is a cooling trend on the way for real estate, but I think (hope) it’s referring to the major cities that saw prices skyrocket while we locally were living in a no growth situation.

Within the Orillia area there was some downward movement in the fall of 2008, limited increased activity in early 2009, a slowdown in 2010 and since then modest growth in activity.  The upward or downward movement in activity (number of properties listed and sold) does influence pricing, but unlike major cities we have not seen huge fluctuations.  Not getting to a real estate boil over the past couple years means our area will be less likely to notice a huge cooling off trend if it does come.

With so many things that can influence the local marketplace it's hard to predict what the future holds.  However, with the way our Canadian banks have operated in the past and recent changes in lending practices in Canada, our banks have strong balance sheets which gives us some protection and since we have not seen huge growth locally like major cities, we will probably not experience a big drop in pricing if Canada experiences (on average) a cooling off period. 

I believe like the past several years, locally there will be a slight upward or downward trend which will be influenced by the number of listings and buyers in the marketplace and most likely when all is said and done, we'll experience a stable local real estate market for the near future.  

For what's it's worth, that's my two cents. 
 

How's The Local Market

CREA STATS

Provided by The Canadian Real Estate Association

&

The Orillia & District Real Estate Board Inc.

Home sales stable in December.

Residential sales activity recorded through the MLS® System of the Orillia and District Real Estate Board held steady at the end of 2011. Demand in December matched levels in the previous two months, although activity did come in a little below levels in December 2010.

Residential sales numbered 44 units in December 2011, decreasing four per cent from the same month a year earlier. Sales of all property types numbered 49 units in December 2011, down nine per cent from December 2010.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, activity in December ran about even with levels in October and November, with these months marking the strongest three month stretch in 2011.

“A total of 865 homes traded hands over the Board’s MLS® System in 2011,” said Debbie Gilbert, President of the Orillia and District Real Estate Board. “While that was a decline of 10 per cent from 2010 levels, most of the weakness in demand was back in the spring. Since then activity has been on the rise. The fourth quarter of 2011 was actually the strongest quarter we’ve seen in a year and a half, so there’s definitely some good momentum heading into the new year.”

The average price for waterfront property sales was $307,500 in December 2011, down 27 per cent from a year earlier.

The non-waterfront residential average price remained unchanged from a year earlier at $222,879 in December 2011.

New listings on the Board’s MLS® System numbered 69 units in December 2011, up 19 per cent from December of 2010.

There were 342 active residential listings on the Board’s MLS® System at the end of December, edging down one per cent from the same time last year.

There were 6.9 months of inventory at the end of December 2011 on a seasonally adjusted basis, down slightly from 7.2 months at the end of November. The number of months of inventory is the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity.

The total value of all home sales was $9.8 million in December 2011, down 15 per cent from year-ago levels. The value of all property sales declined 19 per cent on a year-over-year basis to $10.4 million .
 
Incorporated over 40 years ago, the Orillia and District Real Estate Board offers its members the most advanced medium of selling real estate, by supplying to them the most efficient MLS® system available. The Board enforces a strict code of business ethics and standards of practice among its members, both brokers and salespersons.

The information contained in this report has been prepared by The Canadian Real Estate Association, in co-operation with the Orillia & District Real Estate Board. The information has been drawn from sources deemed to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information is not guaranteed. In providing this information, neither The Canadian Real Estate Association nor the Orillia & District Real Estate Board assumes any responsibility or liability. Copyright© 2012 The Canadian Real Estate Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission.