MAKING YOUR HOME CRITTER PROOF

You may love animals, but with the exception of your family pets, you don’t want them in your home. Here are some tips for keeping the wildlife around your property where it belongs: outside.

Don’t place bird feeders too close to your windows. Doing so may cause birds to associate a window with food and therefore try to peck their way inside.

Make sure window screens are secure. If you can push a screen loose with your hand, so can a bird or other animal.

Check screens on dryer vents and chimneys. If they are damaged, fix or replace them.

To determine how animals are entering your home, stuff wadded paper in the suspected entry point. If the paper is disturbed the next day, you’ll know where they got in.

Never leave food outside, unattended. After a barbeque, for example, take all remaining food inside. Follow these simple steps and you will reduce the risk of having unexpected visitors to your home.

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SPRING ROOF INSPECTION

The roof is the one thing between your home and the elements... doesn’t it deserve a little respect? Here are some roof maintenance tips to preserve your home’s value. Ah, the humble roof. We forget that the single most important structural element in our home is the roof. It provides shelter for those we love and the things we value. It’s easy to let maintenance slide on something we take for granted. With better weather days upon us, now is a good time to inspect the roof and make sure it’s up to the task of protecting your home’s value. Here are some crucial elements you’ll want to look for during a roof inspection: Are the gutters clean and in good shape? Organic debris building up in your gutters can cause water to pool and foster an environment for roof rot. Do you see any curling around the bottom edges? Are there any gaps or holes in the soffit? Are there surface cracks in shingles? Cracks warn you of impending disintegration or sepa...

A SPRING SPREAD ANY BUNNY CAN CREATE

(Culinary.net) With spring in the air, it’s the perfect time to invite guests over for a hopping party. It’s also a great opportunity to tackle that dreadful spring cleaning and spruce up your living spaces with vibrant decor for visitors to enjoy alongside a delicious recipe. With this sweet, colorful table arrangement, your whole family can get into the spring spirit. From festive utensils, a bright centerpiece and cute snacks, your spring setup can be fresh and fabulous. It’s simple to put together and easy on the budget. Pair it with appetizers or even a main dish for a full spring party spread that’s sure to impress. Find more springtime recipes at Culinary.net . Watch video to see how to create this Spring Table Spread! Chick Cheese Balls Recipe adapted from Hallmark.com Yield: 10 chicks 1 package cream cheese 1/4 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 lemon, juice only salt, to taste pepper...

BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME: SEVEN TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

Now that you've made the decision to purchase your first home, a hearty congratulations is in order! Becoming a homeowner, especially for the first time, can stir up some feelings of anxiety and excitement. With the knowledge that you gain through individual research and the help of your REALTOR®, you will soon begin to feel like a seasoned house hunter. Tip # 1: Do Your Homework Did you know that there are a number of incentives available to first-time home buyers? In Canada, there is the First-Time Homebuyers' (FTHB) Tax Credit. The Government of Canada introduced a FTHB Tax Credit in 2009 — a $5,000 non-refundable income tax credit amount on a qualifying home acquired after January 27, 2009. For an eligible individual, the credit will provide up to $750 in federal tax relief starting in 2009. Another incentive is the Expansion of the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP). To provide first-time homebuyers with greater access to their RRSP savings to purchase or build a...

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