At Home With Valerie

Halloween is a lot of fun for adults and kids, but nothing ruins the ghoulish night like a trip to the emergency room or a lawsuit.  This is also a good time to make sure your homeowner’s insurance is current!  In that “spirit,” I thought I’d share 11 tips to help you balance spooky and safe this year: 1. Survey all approaches to your home, beginning from the property line. Keep an eye out for hazards, including loose bricks/stones, or holes in the yard. 2. Resist using open flames inside or outside. Use electric light effects, glow sticks, or electric candles instead. 3. Check your smoke alarms and make sure all exits to the house are clear of clutter. 4. Before dark, check for exposed extension cords and make sure cords avoid wet areas. 5. Determine how much darkness you really want. Lighted pathways and porches are both inviting and safer for your guests. 6. Make sure children can see in their costumes! Obstructed vision from masks can kee...

A predator is defined as one that preys on others, which is why some lenders have fittingly earned the title as predatory mortgage lenders.  Excessively high interest rates, questionable and/or hidden fees and high pressure tactics used to direct borrowers to a larger loan than they may be able to afford are trademark characteristics of a predatory mortgage lender. Prey Verses Predator When it comes to obtaining a mortgage, the rules of the jungle often apply.  If you aren't careful, you may find yourself in the grasp of a questionable foe.  If you are someone who has had past credit problems or simply find yourself struggling to obtain a mortgage, it may seem like a good idea to sign on with any lender who can close the deal. But wait, jungle etiquette suggests that you should be knowledgeable of your surroundings and always look before you leap.  Before making a quick decision on a loan that nobody else would approve, ask yourself whether or not the ...

If you have a basement, or even just a crawlspace, the last thing you want is water infiltrating the area. Even a minor leak can cause damage to walls and flooring, and may even lead to mould issues. Here are some precautions worth taking: Every spring and fall, check the grading around your home. The ground should gently slope away from the foundation.  Pay particular attention to areas where shrubs and other foliage make the grading difficult to see. Look for cracks in the foundation. Get them fixed right away. Even a minor crack that doesn't appear to penetrate all the way through can cause problems eventually. Check the caulking on basement windows. If it's worn and cracked, it's time for recaulking. The lifespan of most exterior caulking is less than five years. Watch the eavestroughs when it rains. (You'll get wet, but it's worth it.) Make sure the water drains well away from the foundation. Doing these simple inspections takes just ...

If you're planning to look for a new home sometime in the future, you may be wondering how long the process will take. How much time should you set aside for viewings? How many of the listed homes should you see? Of course, the process varies from person to person. According to the Department of Housing & Urban Development, home buyers view an average of 15 properties before finally choosing to make an offer on one of them. That number may be a good benchmark for you. On a Saturday afternoon, you can comfortably look at three or four potential properties. You can see more if you want to make a full day of it. One factor that impacts the home shopping process is how clearly you know what you're looking for. For example, if you're certain you want a three bedroom backsplit, backing onto a wooded area or ravine, in an upscale neighbourhood, then the process is going to be fairly simple. You're just going to view properties that closely meet that crit...

The winter months are quickly approaching, and I'm hoping that you'll have a warm, cozy season in your beautiful new home!   In fact, I'm including with this letter some quick tips for making sure that you and your new home are ready for the winter months ahead!   I hope that you find these tips to be helpful and useful.   If you need anything at all, you can reach me at (780) 700-8638 or visit my Web site at www.valeriemcconville.com . FIVE QUICK TIPS TO GET YOUR HOME READY FOR WINTER  Roof repairs: If you can safely get onto your roof to inspect for missing shingles or other factors that may lead to a leaky roof, now's the time to do it!  If not, call in a professional organization and have them take care of the rooftop work for you.  Seal it off: Inspect doors and windows to ensure that the weather-stripping is in good condition.  This will keep your house warmer and cozier in the winter months.  Hot stuff: M...

It's that favorite time of year again! It's a time when we remember to be thankful for the many blessings we receive throughout the year.  The special relationships we share with friends near and far, the abundance of food to feast upon, and our own personal accomplishments are all reasons to give thanks. Hoping you and your family have a truly blessed Thanksgiving holiday! Here is a great recipe just for you! Fabulously Fast and Fresh Cranberry Sauce 1 navel orange 1½ cups sugar ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger root 4 cups fresh cranberries, sorted, rinsed, and drained ½ cup chopped toasted pecans Grate the peel from the orange, being careful not to include the white part.  Juice the orange.  Combine the orange peel, sugar, and ginger root in a heavy saucepan and stir with a whisk to blend.  Add the orange juice and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar is dissolved.  Add the fresh cranberries.  Cook and s...

The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton released market housing statistics for the year to date (YTD) including the month of September.  The all-residential average price for the first three quarters of the year in the Edmonton CMA is $350,741 as compared to $340,090 in 2012. In September, the all-residential average was $352,057, up 5.4% from a year ago and inching up from $351,455 in the previous month.  Year-over-year sales were also up 19.4% with 1,466 (adjusted, 1,357 actual) all-residential sales in September. There were 13,691 residential sales in the Edmonton CMA in the first three quarters of 2013 as compared to just 12,876 sales at the same time last year.  “Our members report that the market is very active with many properties attracting multiple offers,” said President Darrell Cook. “The increases in the Alberta population are driving the market and because of the steady sales there are inventory shortages at the lower price ranges.”  The...

When you buy a home, you need to know exactly what you’re buying. Imagine how frustrated you’d be to find out that the hot water heater wasn’t working—in the middle of a shower! This is why you should have a home inspection before you buy your home. A home inspection is an important part of buying your home. Before you hire a home inspector, ask candidates a few questions to make sure you hire a trustworthy inspector. What does your inspection cover? Not all inspections are the same. Ask for copies of previous home inspections so you can see exactly what they will check inside the [city] home. If you are concerned about something specific, like a leaky faucet in the bathroom, mention that to the inspector so they can check it out. Are you licensed or certified? If you live in a state that licenses home inspectors, ask to see their license. At the very least, choose a home inspector who belongs to American Society of Home Inspectors. This shows a level of professionalism and educ...

Fall has arrived, and with the changing of the season, why not bring some fall atmosphere into your own home? Here are five ideas for giving your home a fall feel. 1. Fun with foliage: One of the unmistakable signs of fall is the changing—and eventually, falling—leaves. Pick up some faux silk leaves from your local craft store and use them to accent a bookshelf or table centerpiece.  2. Add some orange: Orange is the unofficial color of fall, so adding a little orange to your home will definitely create some fall flavor—just don’t go overboard. Try adding some orange accents to white furniture. 3. Pumpkins and gourds: This is a sure way to give your home a touch of autumn, and even if orange isn’t your thing, you could try white pumpkins instead. 4. Natural elements: Fall feels rustic and outdoorsy. You can bring that feeling into your home with feathers, weathered wood, or some antlers. Those items are perfect for your mantel. 5. Hang a wreath: Wreaths aren’...