SOLAR POWER FROM YOUR ROOFTOP

The bandwagon for solar power has been gathering speed lately, thanks to falling installation costs, greater energy saving potential, smaller components, and increased awareness of threats to the environment. 

In addition, governments are getting on board, with some removing legal and social barriers, or offering rebates for homeowners who install new efficient systems.

Depending on your home’s exposure to the sun’s rays as well as the angle of your roof, you can achieve significant energy savings with new models of solar panels, some of which have advantages such as adjustable panels and moveable footings.

As a result, homeowners willing to look into solar panel options could be rewarded with a power source that not only can reduce their conventional energy consumption, but also generate extra money (provided their grid is equipped to receive energy and issue rebates).

TEN CLEVER DECOR IDEAS FOR WALLPAPER REMNANTS

If you don’t already have half a roll of leftover wallpaper tucked away somewhere in your home, drop in to your local supply store to see what’s available in the remnant bin. 

You’d be surprised by what might catch your eye and how that bit of paper could quickly change a room’s decor. Here are just a few ideas:

• Wallpaper a single wall for a dramatic accent.

• Paper the lower third of your dining room walls, then install a level strip of painted chair rail trim at the top edge of the paper.

• Instead of crown moulding, apply a border of wallpaper around the top of a room’s four walls.

• Wrap the sides of a kitchen island or peninsula.

• Resurface cupboard or pantry doors.

• Add wallpaper to the inside back panels of a bookcase or china hutch to create contrast.

• Cover shoe boxes to create decorative stacking storage bins (ideal for keeping kids’ rooms tidy).

• Use wallpaper as a dustcover for photo albums, journals, recipe books, etc.

• Centre a dramatic wallpaper pattern within a sophisticated picture frame.

• Cover a headboard and footboard for a decorative bedroom theme.

TYPES OF LIGHTING FOR THE HOME

You probably don't think buying a lighting fixture for a room is all that complicated. It isn't. However, it does require you to consider which types of lighting you may need. According to the Lighting Association, there are three types:

1. General lighting. By far the most common, this is the type of lighting that is designed to create a functional brightness that spreads throughout a room. A good example is a main ceiling light.

2. Task lighting. As the name implies, this type provides extra light needed for a specific task, such as working at a desk or chopping onions on a kitchen countertop. A bedside lamp used for reading is another example of task lighting.

3. Accent lighting. This type is designed to set off a particular feature of a room, such as a painting. It creates some practical light, but its main purpose is to add to the overall decor.

When choosing lighting for a room, it's important to consider these three types. First, decide how best to light the space generally. Then think about any special lighting you might need for specific functions, such as reading. Finally, consider how accent lighting might add to the overall look.

DECIDING ON THE DISCRETIONARY MOVE

Sometimes we don't have much choice about selling our home and buying another. Circumstances, such as a job relocation, may have made that choice for us.

However, most often the decision to move is discretionary. Sometimes people move simply because they think it's a good idea. They feel that "now" is the right time to find their next dream home.

So how do you make that kind of decision?

There are, of course, many reasons to make a discretionary move. Usually, those reasons fall into one of two categories: need and want.

You may need to find a new home, for example, because you've outgrown your current property. Perhaps you have a growing family and require more space. Maybe you're doing more entertaining and need a larger backyard with a more spacious deck. It could be that the commute to work is arduous and you need to move to a place that's closer.

Those "needs" may motivate you to move, but sometimes a "want" plays an important role, too.

For example, you may want to live in a quieter neighbourhood or in a newly built home that requires less maintenance. Maybe you simply want a change.

If you're thinking of making a move, take a moment to write down a list of your needs and wants. Seeing them on paper will help make the decision easier.

Looking for expert help? Contact me today!

UNDERSTANDING 'PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT"

If you’ve been calculating your home’s value based on market “price per square foot” reports, you may be vastly overestimating or (worse) underestimating your home’s true value. Here’s why.

Price per square foot is a concept in real estate which is easy to understand and just as easy to misuse. The formula is pretty simple: To determine price per square foot, you take a price, such as sale price of a home, and divide it by the square footage of the property.

Price per square foot is useful in looking at broad market comparisons, such as comparing one entire metro area to another, or looking at an area’s average change over time. It is not, however, terribly accurate in figuring out the value of your home.

Why? Well, price per square foot fails to take into account the most important factors when pricing a home.

First and foremost, it makes assumptions about the home’s amenities. We all know the quality of materials used in home construction and the condition of the home’s appliances and other features can have a dramatic impact on the value of a home. A kitchen with Italian marble surfaces versus one with pressboard countertops will have completely different values. Price per square foot in a given neighborhood will blend these homes together and produce an average.

Second, price per square foot assumes locations are identical, but in almost any metro area there are up-and-coming neighborhoods as well as neighborhoods in decline. Price per square foot near an abandoned industrial zone will vary considerably from one near a well-established downtown district with a great walkability score.

Third, even the simple methodology of calculating price per square foot can be influenced by how the total number of square feet has been calculated. If one has a garage converted into a mother-in-law, and another home doesn’t, which square footage is valid? And what about home or lot size? Sometimes above or below-grade lots can influence the price per square foot as well.

Price per square foot is more useful in commercial situations where there is tremendous uniformity in the design, construction, and location, but as a tool for assessing your home’s market value, it’s flat out dangerous.

Want a real estimation of your home’s value in its current condition and location? I’d be happy to help. Get in touch today, and I’ll show you what goes into determining the optimal price for your home. valerie@valeriemcconville.com

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PIPES IN THE WINTER

Even if you haven’t winterized your pipes for the cold months, there are steps you can take to prevent your pipes from bursting during the coldest cold snaps. Here’s how!

Live in an area where extreme cold is likely during the winter months? Don’t risk thousands of dollars in plumbing repairs… take the time to protect your pipes from bursting. 

When water freezes in your pipes, the ice expands, adding to the overall pressure in your home’s plumbing. When this force builds, it can cause pipes to split. In addition to plumbing repairs, you might find yourself on the hook for flooding damage, too.

The pipes most at risk? Those exposed to the lowest temperatures, of course. This includes plumbing on the exterior of the home, in exterior walls, and exposed pipes in those unheated zones of your home. Did you know that even a frozen garden hose can cause enough pressure to split an interior pipe? Be sure to disconnect and drain them. Faucets outside are vulnerable as well, so you’ll want to locate the shutoff valves for those spigots and make sure they’re drained before a freeze.

Naturally, if you’re not going to be around for the winter months, you’ll want to prepare your home before you head to a warmer climate. Don’t let the house drop below the mid-50s, and shut off the water main and be sure to drain the home’s plumbing by letting the faucets run to empty and flushing the toilets.

But what do you do if the freeze takes you by surprise? Here are some quick tips to try and save yourself from a plumbing nightmare:

• Get the taps running. You don’t need a rushing stream of water, just make sure indoor and outdoor faucets are letting a steady drip out to keep the water moving.

• Open up closed spaces. Have an unheated garage? Pipes in cabinets? Get warm air circulating in there by opening them up to climate-controlled areas of your home. The added heating expense is nothing compared to costly repairs.

• Insulate pipes. If you suspect the pipes are starting to accumulate some ice, you can try hot towels (soaked in hot water) to loosen the frosty slush in the pipes.

• Hair dryer to the rescue. When hot towels won’t help, don’t hesitate to get out your trusty hairdryer or heat gun to thaw things out. No open flames, though! 

Finally, if you fear the worst is already upon you, turn off your water main. At least this way you won’t face a flood when things get moving again. Protect your home this winter! Enjoy helpful home tips? 

Let me know and I’ll include you on my free, periodic mailings: valerie@valeriemcconville.com

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR HOME GETS A LOW BALL OFFER

The low ball offer can be one of the more infuriating experiences when selling your home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t turn low ball offers into happy closings. Here are some ways to deal with the low ball buyer.

Your agent is required to bring you any and all offers made on your home, so once and a while you’ll receive what’s known as a “low ball” offer. 

Low ball offers are buyer offers which far fall below your asking price. Sometimes they’re so low that they only serve to make you angry.

• Don’t get angry! While selling your home is an emotional process, there are rational, effective strategies for dealing with the lowball offer. Sometimes the lowball offer can even turn into the right price if you handle negotiations the right way.

• Remain calm. Your urge may be to tell the buyer to go #*&@! themselves, but there’s nothing to be gained in making enemies.

• Understand that sometimes buyers aren’t familiar with true market value. They may be from somewhere where homes are much less expensive, or they could be first-time buyers who have been counseled by friends and family to begin with lowball offers.

• Have your agent communicate that while you’re happy to work with them as buyers, you’ll need an offer which is somewhat more competitive and at a level you could consider seriously.

• Consider countering for a small amount off your asking price to signal your willingness to negotiate, but reiterate that you will need to hear something more in line with market value to continue negotiations.

• Alternately, if you really are in a hurry to sell, counter with your rock-bottom offer. This number may not be close to their lowball, but it could be substantially less than your listing price. This may make the lowball buyer suddenly reconsider their position, tempted by the opportunity to purchase the property at what they consider to be a “substantial discount.”

• Ask the buyer to justify their price. If they truly believe their offer is genuine and fair, they should be able to point to reasons why your listing price is inflated. Make them show their homework. If they haven’t done it, you’ll know soon enough.

• Don’t fall for the “but we can’t afford more” pity play. Sympathize with their financial situation, but in no way let it sway you from the true value of your home.

Of course sometimes a stream of low ball offers can indicate that the home is priced too high. Occasionally agents will “buy the listing” by assuring sellers they can get the higher price, only to take a lower offer much later down the line. It’s not a sound strategy. If you’re looking for the honest market value of your home, get in touch with  REALTOR® today.

KEEPING HOUSE PLANTS ALIVE WHEN YOU'RE AWAY

When you’re out-of-town, there are plenty of kennels and other facilities that will mind your dog or cat. In fact, the pet-care business is booming! However, the same options aren’t available for your houseplants. So what do you do?

First, keep in mind that plants can go for several days or even a couple of weeks without water. This frequently happens in their natural habitats. So if you’re gone for just a few days, your flora will probably be fine.

Flowering plants tend to need the most water. Give them an extra dose just before you leave. Also, make sure they are in indirect, rather than direct sunlight. That will help them conserve water.

If you’re going to be away for a week or more, consider one of the several products on the market that water plants automatically. Many of these allow you to adjust how much water each plant gets — and when.

You’ll find plenty of do-it-yourself instructions for making your own automatic waterer on the internet, from plastic cups with tiny holes in the bottom to upside-down bottles with wicks. These might work, but you’ll want to test them first.

Of course, your best option might be to have a friend or trusted neighbor take care of the plants for you. Just be sure to give them clear instructions.

Your houseplants will thank you.

WHAT HOME INSPECTORS SEE THAT YOU CAN'T

When you make an offer on a home, it’s a smart idea to have a professional home inspector check it out from top to bottom. This inspection will ensure that the property doesn’t have any unexpected “issues”. After all, you don’t want to buy a home only to discover that the roof needs to be replaced, immediately, for thousands of dollars.

That being said, you might question whether you really need to invest the few hundred dollars it costs for a professional home inspection. “The home we want to buy looks like it’s in very good shape,” you might be thinking. “I can’t see anything wrong with it.”

However, a professional home inspector can see things you can’t. When you view a property that’s on the market, you might be able to notice obvious issues, like a crack in the foundation or a dripping faucet. If you’re experienced with home maintenance, you might even notice roofing tiles that look like they’re overdue for replacement.

But you won’t pick up all the issues a home inspector can.

A home inspector will, for example, use a special device to check for moisture build-up in the washrooms – which can be an indication of mould. He or she will also inspect wiring to make sure everything is safe and compliant with the building code.

That’s not all.

Like a determined detective, a home inspector will investigate the property’s structure, electrical and plumbing systems, insulation, and other components — and then report the findings to you.

In the end, a professional home inspection gives you peace-of-mind and protects your investment. So getting one is highly recommended — even for recently built homes.

A good REALTOR® can recommend a trusted home inspector for you.

Looking for more ideas on making smart decisions when buying a home? 

Call a REALTOR® today.

SIMPLE WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR MONTHLY UTILITY COSTS

Many homeowners think there’s not much they can do about telephone, heating, water and other utility expenses. Sure, you may grumble about a high heating bill one month, but what can you do about it?

Turns out, you can do plenty. There are several ways to reduce monthly utility costs that can save you tens or even hundreds of dollars. For example:

Shop around for a better phone plan. Then contact your phone company. They might match the rates.

Turn down the thermostat on your water heater. You likely don’t need tap water to be that hot.

Clean the screen on your outside air conditioning unit regularly. (Gently with the water hose.) Dirt and leaves can build up on it, reducing the unit’s efficiency.

Leverage the sun. Open curtains in the winter to gain heat. Block direct sunlight in summer to keep the cool air inside.

Scrutinize your bill. There may be extras you’re paying for that you don’t need.

Play with the thermostat. Experiment with setting the temperature a couple of degrees lower. You might not notice any difference.

It’s worth paying attention to your utility costs. Just a few smart moves can save you some serious money.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year to you and yours! There’s something magic about beginnings. We always have a chance to “get it right” when the new year comes along. I like to think that in beginning we have a renewed sense that just maybe the best is yet to come.

In 1985, when Steve Jobs was basically fired by Apple’s new CEO John Sculley, he found himself at a particularly tough point. Eventually he came to see the low point of his career as a new beginning. In an interview in 2005, Jobs later said of the time:

“The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.”

(Of course we all know how the story turns out. Jobs went on to change the world for a second time in his life.)

Maybe we won’t all reinvent an industry, but the fresh start in January is always a welcome reminder that much of life is what we make of it. I hope you’re feeling good about your prospects this year. I hope it’s a creative and fulfilling year for you.

I’m optimistic about what I see in the market and hear from my colleagues. If nothing else, I have faith that good friends and good neighbors make us resourceful and resilient.

Thank you for your support and consideration through 2015. If there’s any way I can help you with a new beginning in 2016, please reach out and let me know.

Respectfully,

Valerie McConville