REMAX ESCARPMENT MAKES HOMELESS WOMEN FOCUS OF FUNDRAISING EVENT

SUNNY DAY FOR HOW’S THE WEATHER CAMPAIGN

Posted by: RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc.

On Thursday Dec 6, 2012, at the annual holiday event for Remax in Hamilton, the bold new campaign to bring awareness to the current crisis for homeless women in our community will be the featured charitable cause. 

550 attendees will be informed about the crisis and invited to make donations the campaign.  They will be provided the How’s the Weather signature Red Umbrella buttons as a thank you.

“Homeless women in Hamilton may not have the same kind of Christmas that we might enjoy,” says Conrad Zurini of Remax. “In addition to the fundraising at our event,we will write about the campaign in our blog and put links on our Remax Escarpment website which has a lot of traffic.”

This is the second contribution to the campaign by Mr. Zurini.  He also presented a cheque and spoke about his support of the campaign at the launch of How’s the Weather November 22, 2012.

Katherine Kalinowski, Chair of the Women’s Housing Planning Collaborative says, “Local women’s shelters are turning away women on hundreds of occasions each month because they are full.  These occupancy pressures are not new but as the weather turns cold the urgency to find solutions escalates.  ”

People are invited to visit howstheweather.ca to find out how they can help homeless women.

Background

The Women’s Housing Planning Collaborative is a coalition of local service providers who provide emergency shelter and transitional housing services to women who are homeless. Member agencies include: Good Shepherd Women’s Services, Mission Services Inasmuch House, Native Women’s Centre and Honouring the Circle,  Phoenix Place, YWCA Hamilton and Womankind.

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Contractor Tips: 10 Hats your General Contractor Wears

Kenny Grono

Owner of Buckminster Green LLC,

Unlike a specialized contractor, a general contractor (GC) oversees all onsite aspects of a construction project. Whether the GC, any employees or any subcontractors do the work, this is the person you call about everything. A good GC needs to know enough about everyone's job on a construction site to estimate and supervise the work going on, but also needs to know about more than just plumbing and painting. To get through a significant remodeling project, the GC fills any number of the following roles.

by Janet Paik by Janet Paik

1. Therapist. Remodeling or building is incredibly stressful. Delays, dust, design flaws — when clients need to vent, it's often the contractor who listens. We might not be particularly interested in hearing about your brother-in-law's problems, but if we think we can get you to pick a toilet paper holder if we stick with it, we'll talk you through almost anything. 2. Mediator. Neighbors, inspectors, architects, homeowners, subcontractors — many parties are involved and impacted by a renovation, and a good contractor can keep anyone from coming to blows. Some disputes are bound to occur, and the contractor is often the one trying to reach a resolution, because next to the homeowner the GC has the most at stake.

by Globus Builder by Globus Builder

3. Marriage counselor. If your builder asks for your spouse to be there when you meet for the first time, don't be insulted. He or she is not saying you're wrong in thinking you'll be making all the decisions but rather just wants to watch your spouse react to that concept. All too often, a once-silent partner can want to change the project once things get going. Of course, having all the interested parties in the room for every decision isn't easy, either. Even the couples who work great together can be pushed to the brink trying to pick a baseboard style after working through the thousands of other decisions there are to make during a remodel. A good contractor doesn't take sides, just guides the ship safely into the harbor. 4. Financial adviser. Your contractor has probably dealt with many banks, insurance agents and loan consultants over the years. Take advantage of this expertise to find out how the money side of building generally goes. Most people finance at least part of any big project, so getting advice can help.

by Janet Paik by Janet Paik

5. Secretary. Though every contractor goes to bed dreaming of a project where there are no changes over the course of the job, that's not how remodeling works. There will be many conversations, emails, texts, phone calls and notes written on fresh drywall. A good contractor keeps a record of all of it, along with a record of payments, plans and spec sheets from appliances and fixtures. 6. Realist. Regardless of what has caused a project to drift into a realm populated more by dreams than reality, the contractor has to bring things back down to earth. Plans with perfect details aren't cheap, and if the money isn't there to build them, the builder is the one who's got to break it to you.

by Globus Builder by Globus Builder

7. Real estate adviser. Contractors end up seeing almost as many houses as Realtors, so they know what houses in your neighborhood are like. They can tell you if you are overimproving or underimproving. They can tell you the looks and features from renovations of the past that people are asking to be torn out and redone. Most important, they can tell you what things cost. This can help you decide whether to renovate or move. Of course, resale value isn't everything; if you think you're in your forever home — or will be there for at least seven to 10 years — do what makes you happy and comfortable. 8. Your house's best friend. Even though you may have hired us to figure out why the attic fan stopped working, we're going to listen to what your house has to say while we're crawling though the attic. Is the insulation dirty in spots (a sign of air infiltration)? Is there mold on the sheathing? Knob and tube wiring? A contractor knows a house, and if it has problems, it'll tell a contractor about them.

by Kenny Grono

by Kenny Grono

9. Translator.Architects, carpenters, masons, plumbers, electricians, cabinetmakers — they all use terms most homeowners are not familiar with. Your contractor has seen that look on your face before and knows when to explain what was just said in a walk-through.

10. Builder. Sometimes when it's quiet, we get to take off all of these other hats, hang them up and put on our tool belt. It may seem like all we ever do is respond to text messages and chat with subcontractors, but once in a while we actually get to pick up a tool other than a cell phone.

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REKEY ALL THE LOCKS IN THE HOUSE YOU JUST BOUGHT

BY FRANK FOURCHALK, VANCOUVER SUN

Buying a home is an exciting venture, but there can often be security risks attached to the purchase. I'm referring to those risks that are inherited - either from the builder or the previous homeowner.

Keys are a perfect example. It's exciting to receive the keys to a new home, but you need to ask yourself whether they're the only keys to the house.

Did the previous homeowner loan keys to caregivers, family members, neighbours or cleaning companies that may not have been returned?

This is why you need to rekey all the locks in your new home.

Rekeying should not be confused with replacing a lock. You don't need to replace the locks in your new home to lock out the previous key. A locksmith simply disassembles the lock cylinder - the area that accepts the key - discards the old pins, and replaces them with ones that fit your new key. This is not an expensive procedure, and it usually only takes a few minutes to change several locks.

Today's home insurance companies often frown on folks who don't rekey their new home once they move in. Often when a claim is made, these companies will want to see signs of forcible entry to ensure homeowner neglect was not the underlying cause.

So how do you go about changing the keys to your new abode? There are three ways for the homeowner to tackle this job. If you're a handyman, you may want to remove the locks and take them to your local locksmith. There, your security expert can alter them quickly and easily.

Another option is to check with the previous owner or builder to see if they installed locks that allow the homeowner to rekey them without having to call a locksmith. Unless these locks were installed within the last few years, this may or may not be an option because of today's new technology.

The third option is to call a locksmith who will charge you a service call and labour to remove, rekey and reinstall your locks. For the homeowner who's not so handy, this is the way to go. An advantage to calling in a professional locksmith is that he or she will point out any lock deficiencies you may have. Often they will find what I call "handyman specials" where the locks are malfunctioning or installed wrong because of an inexperienced builder or homeowner's handiwork.

Remote garage door openers can also be an inherited security risk to new homeowners. Changing the frequency code on your remote door openers is as important as changing the keys to your home. Remotes are often loaned to tradesmen, gardeners and other family members. Unfortunately, when you purchase your new home, there's no way of telling how many remotes operate your overhead garage door.

The only sure way of making this area secure is to change the frequency codes. This is a simple procedure for most garage door openers. Often the instructions on how to do the change are listed on the opener itself (located near your garage ceiling). If you can't find the instructions, you should be able to Google the manufacturer's name and download the operating manual.

And don't forget to check and see if your new home has an overhead garage door digital keypad, which is used to open and close the door from the outside. These units are usually on the outside of the door.

These convenient push button units allow the homeowner access to the garage by entering an access code. Their main purpose is to allow access into the garage without having to carry a remote or having to enter the garage through the house.

The frequency codes in these units must be changed to prevent previous code holders from entering their code and accessing your garage. In most cases, changing the code on these push button door controllers is no more difficult than changing a remote control unit. Often the instructions on how to change the entry code are printed on the inside of the keypad lid.

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Homes in Burlington/Hamilton expected to see price increases

Burlington/hamilton is expected to see price increases of 7%

Housing prices and sales in Hamilton and Burlington are stronger than most other Canadian markets this year and will likely continue that pattern in 2013.

That’s according to a new 2013 outlook report from ReMax.

The real estate company examined data from 26 major Canadian markets and found that housing sales will meet or exceed 2011 figures in the majority of cities. Regina is the frontrunner with expected average price increases of 8 per cent and Hamilton-Burlington, Toronto and Fredricton are expected to see price increases of about 7 per cent.

Canadian home sales in 2013 are expected to nearly mirror the 2012 figures. That’s better than forecasted by some economists, given the global economy.

But ReMax says Canadians have been showing more restraint around consumer purchases in general and the economy is showing improvement. That, coupled with low interest rates, has provided a solid environment for the industry.

Conrad Zurini, a ReMax broker of record in the Hamilton CMA and a co-author of the report, said Hamilton is enjoying increased attention from GTA buyers.

The average price of homes in Hamilton and Burlington is forecast to appreciate 7 per cent to $358,000 in 2012, up from $333,498 last year.

“We had really robust market at the beginning of the year through the summer. We saw housing inventory drop by 15 per cent (in October) so that has put upward pressure on the price of homes,” he said.

But Zurini cautions homeowners to consider that, while the average price of homes in Hamilton is expected to increase next year by about 7 per cent, the price of each individual home is also based on location, age and a host of other factors.

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10 home repairs everyone can and should do!

Sometimes it can be too easy to just call the repairman and get out your chequebook. Leaky faucet? Tub tile cracked? Call.

Here are 10 repairs that every home owner should know how to do — for a fraction of the cost of calling a pro.

“Some projects might seem a little dirty, but a bar of soap is a lot less expensive than an hour of a handyman’s time,” says Daniel Vannoni, founder of the website ProperSee, which connects consumers with home repair information.

1.Change a showerhead

Why: “Showerheads can clog with mineral deposits and sediments over time, and newer models have low-flow designs saving on your water consumption without sacrificing the strength of spray,” Vannoni says.

Tools: Crescent wrench or slip-joint pliers and Teflon tape

Time: Five to 15 minutes

More help: Home repair expert Barbara K of AOL’s home improvement channel provides guidance in a video titled How-To Change a Showerhead, on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHBaTCKcYPU

2.Fix a running toilet

Why: It wastes water and has an annoying sound.

Tools: A flapper replacement kit from the hardware store

Time: Five to 15 minutes

More help: Check out Howcast’s video How to Fix a Running Toilet on identifying and fixing your porcelain throne’s issues: http://www.howcast.com/videos/112977-How-to-Fix-a-Running-Toilet

3.Change a light fixture

Why: Swapping out a light fixture can turn around a room.

Tools: Wire tester, screwdriver, pliers, electrical tape and ladder

Time: 30 minutes, depending

More help: Buildipedia’s YouTube video How to Replace a Light Fixture gives some safety and DIY tips:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRFKsnyidjA

4.Stem a washing machine water supply hose leak

Why: The hose and washers need replacing.

Tools: Adjustable locking pliers

Time: 20 to 30 minutes

More help: Home repair guru Ron Hazelton shows you How to Replace Washing Machine Hoses:http://www.ronhazelton.com/tips/how_to_remove_and_replace_washing_machine_water_supply_hoses

5.Fix cracked ceramic tiles

Why: Safely remove the broken tile to replace with a new one.

Tools: Safety glasses, hammer, chisel, grout saw, adhesive, new tile and grout

Time: One hour

More help: Eric Stromer gives step-by-step instructions to Replace a Broken Tile on YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGWmuDCAkS8

6. Keep the dishwasher door gasket/seal from leaking

Why: The rubber seal is worn down and needs replacing.

Tools: A new gasket (take the old one to your hardware store along with the dishwasher model number)

Time: 10 to 15 minutes

More help: RepairClinic.com gives a quick Door Gasket Replacement demo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe-zNyP02Z8

7.Replace the furnace filter

Why: It keeps your air clean, prolongs the life of the appliance and reduces energy costs.

Tools: Just a new filter

Time: Two seconds (once you identify the filter location)

More help: Check out this How to Change a Furnace Filter for Dummies video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGYrVgFSzV4

8.Fix a leaky faucet

Why: Dripping plumbing wastes water, leads to stains and causes an annoying sound.

Tools: Faucet repair kit, which should include any needed hardware, plus a wrench set and Philips screwdriver

Time: 20 minutes

More help: Lowe’s shows you How to Fix a Leaky Faucet With a Single-Handle Design:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7e2bIfP8Us and How to Fix a Leaky Faucet With a Two Handle Design.:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRls_2q4AHA&feature=relmfu

9.Regrout your tub

Why: Remove old grout that’s cracked or mouldy to prevent deep-water damage.

Tools: Screwdriver for scraping as well as grout and a sponge

Time: 30 to 60 minutes, plus drying time

More help: Los Angeles contractor Chris Wade demonstrates How to Regrout a Bathtub:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uyn5RmLzyc on a flamingo-pink tub.

10.Repair small wall holes and dents

Why: Smooth out your wall to prep for a clean paint job.

Tools: Mesh, spackle, putty knife and sandpaper

Time: 10-plus minutes

More help: AOL’s Barbara K shows you How to Patch or Repair a Hole in a Wall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4yqVFb96bo

McClatchy-Tribune News Services

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RANGE HOODS FORM OR FUNCTION?

Under the hood: Style, power and a purr

RANGEHOOD2

Courtesy of FuturoFuturo's Concorde range hood is a 36-inch wall-mounted model.

1 of 6

Above every stove or cooktop hangs an opportunity to express yourself.

No more are we stuck with a boring, bulgy box that howls from a space beneath the spice cabinet.

Now that the kitchen is one of the most popular places to gather, range hoods are evolving and competing to be a focal point.

They are floating elegantly above a voluptuous kitchen island and commanding attention from a wall.

Make the right choices, and you can have a sleek new kitchen ventilation system that has power and a purr — for an investment starting at about $400, plus installation.

It would be easy to spend a lot more. Prices for custom and high-end decorative hoods can quickly climb to thousands of dollars.

Homeowners are turning on to the trend. From the artsy to designs with attitude, decorative range hoods are turning up in settings from contemporary to traditional.

Form over function? Not necessarily. Range hoods are more powerful than ever, with blowers moving air at rates from about 400 to 1,300 cubic feet a minute or more. Check online consumer reviews to avoid noisemakers.

The might and muscle is important these days. Ranges in many homes are big, sometimes six to eight burners.

That’s a lot of territory for a range hood to cover to remove the grease and steam bubbling up from the pots and pans.

“If it isn’t leaving the house, (the greasy steam) is on — guess what: beautiful new cabinets, carpeting, upholstery, walls, pictures and you,” says Jan Byers, manager of the Sub-Zero/Wolf showroom in Charlotte, N.C.

Many homeowners still prefer traditional decor. About 70 per cent of customers want a traditional look when they come to Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, in Charlotte, North Carolina. A custom hood built by a cabinet maker is often their choice.

A hood can be built to match the cabinets and the size of the range.

“If you can draw it on a CAD (computer-aided design) program, they can make it,” said Liz Gant, Ferguson’s appliance manager.

A custom hood will need a liner and an insert, which includes all of the innards that do the dirty work.

A decorative range hood is a second option. The single unit combines a hood and insert. These often have a more contemporary look.

Lighting is usually built into a ventilation system. Halogen, florescent and LED fixtures are common.

While design is important, customers want a model that works well above all. That means power without the howl.

“The No. 1 concern is consumers want something quiet,” Gant said.

A family that cooks four times a week can produce about a gallon of grease and two gallons of water in the form of steam every year, says Byers. The blower in the kitchen’s ventilation system is designed to remove both.

The best option is a blower that is vented to the outdoors. Range hoods that recirculate air through a filter generally don’t perform as well.

The strength of the blower should be based on the size and features of the range.

The Charlotte Observer

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When can you walk away from a house deal?

By Mark Weisleder 

Putting your home up for sale can be a tough decision, but once made and the ball is rolling, you may not be able to change your mind. Last week’s column about a $3.3 million home sale that went wrong for the seller prompted several related questions from readers.

Here they are:

Is there a buyer’s remorse period in Ontario?

If you are buying a new condominium from a builder, you have 10 days to change your mind. You do not need a reason. This does not apply if you buy a new house from a builder and does not apply if you are buying a resale home or condominium. Why condos only? The clause is included in the Condominium Act.

Can a buyer sign an offer and then walk away?

The Ontario real estate contract gives a buyer 24 hours to pay the deposit, once the offer is accepted by the seller. The buyer cannot just change their mind or they can be sued.

For example, the buyer offers $300,000 for a house which is accepted. The buyer changes his mind and doesn’t pay the deposit and walks away from the deal. The seller resells the property for $275,000. They can still sue the first buyer for the difference, or $25,000.

Can buyers use conditional clauses as escape hatches?

Most real estate contracts are conditional on the buyer being able to get a mortgage and being satisfied with a home inspection. Other conditions include being satisfied with a condominium status certificate when buying a resale condo.

Many buyers think these conditions give them the right to just change their minds. It is not that easy. The case law has demonstrated that buyers must try and satisfy any condition in good faith. This means that you need a legitimate reason why you found the home inspection report or condominium status certificate unsatisfactory.

Who gets the deposit when buyers change their mind?

In most cases, the deposit is held by the seller’s real estate brokerage, in trust. Under the law, when a deal breaks down, the brokerage cannot pay the deposit to anyone without either a mutual release or direction signed by both the buyer and the seller, or an order of the court. As such, when deals do not close, if there is no agreement, the deposit can be locked up for a long time, and the buyer will not have access to it to make an offer on another property.

Is there a “legal” way for a buyer to get out of a deal?

It depends. If for example, there was a right on your title for the City to access 20 per cent of your property for any reason, known as an easement, and that was not disclosed to the buyer, they can usually cancel the agreement without penalty. However, there have been other cases that indicate if there is a problem with a city work order or title problem for which the seller can obtain title insurance to protect the buyer, then the buyer cannot refuse to close. A buyer can also cancel if there has been substantial damage to the property before closing, such as a flood that was not repaired. You can’t refuse to close if the oven is not working.

The better answer in all of these situations is to be very careful and serious before you make any decision to buy a home. Changing your mind later can be very expensive.

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