Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips

Switching to green cleaning products not only positively impacts the environment, but it can also improve your family’s health. In today’s eco conscious culture, we have a substantial selection of eco-friendly cleaners to choose from. Why not give some a test run and if you’re really feeling adventurous, try your hand at making some homemade solutions.

These cost-effective ingredients are likely already in your kitchen and can be easily transformed into grime and grease fighters:

White vinegar – The high acidity level makes vinegar effective for killing mould, bacteria and germs. Use it to clean your dishwasher, coffee pot and to remove soap scum in the bathroom. Window cleaning with vinegar will make your windows gleam and leave them streak-free.

Baking soda – This inexpensive ingredient cuts grease, deodorizes, lifts dirt and whitens. Use it to combat food odours in the fridge, soak up the grease in your oven, clean hairbrushes and as a solution to prevent your drains from clogging up.

Lemon juice – Known for its bleaching properties and its ability to work as a natural disinfectant, use lemon juice to clean your cutting board, disinfect the inside of your microwave and clean hard water stains on glass shower doors.

Olive oil – This little gem is best known as a natural wood polish, but consider these other uses: combine with salt to clean your cast-iron pans, pour onto a cloth to shine your stainless steel, or massage a small amount into your leather furniture to help repair scratches.

Salt - An excellent cleaning agent, either on its own or in combination with other natural ingredients. Rub in some salt to remove stubborn tea or coffee stains on cups, or restore your sponges by soaking them in cold saltwater after washing them.

For more homemade cleaning suggestions, visit the David Suzuki Foundation website where you can download a handy reference sheet on how to whip up green cleaning solutions like laundry soap, all-purpose cleaner, furniture polish, glass cleaner and stainless steel cleaner. www.davidsuzuki.org

If making homemade eco-friendly products isn’t your cup of tea, be sure to check out some of these popular green-cleaning brands at your local retailer:

·         Simply Clean 

·         Citra-Solv

·         Seventh Generation

·         Nature Clean

·         Ecover

·         Method

·         Soak

When choosing a cleaning product, it’s best to go fragrance-free since the fragrance can trigger allergies and asthma. It’s also best to avoid dyes because most dyes are derived from chemicals. 

Bridge financing can ease closing day stress

Mark Weisleder

Bridge financing could have saved the day last month when a series of disasters on closing day caused three related real estate deals to fall apart.

When a bank pulled the financing from one buyer at the last minute, it caused all the deals to fall apart because each one was contingent on the previous seller getting the money to close their own sale. This is what real estate lawyers refer to as a train wreck.

If bridge financing had been used, it is likely that this could have all been avoided. In a typical bridge situation, the buyer closes their purchase a few days before their sale. They go to their bank and ask for a loan, to pay for the entire purchase, with the understanding they will repay the loan as soon as their sale closes. The interest is usually prime plus 3 or 4 per cent per day. By closing a few days early, the interest cost is typically $100 to $200.

One of the benefits of closing a few days early is that you can slowly move into your new home. I have heard plenty of stories where buyers are moving out and moving in on the same day and while they are packed up at 1 p.m., they cannot get into the new home until after 6 p.m., resulting in additional moving costs, since you typically pay by the hour.

In my client’s situation, we were fortunate to be able to extend their purchase agreement because our seller did not need the money on closing to buy another property. Still, the sellers could have cancelled the contract and sued for the deposit and any losses that they may have incurred in any resale of the home. In order to extend the closing, my clients had to pay interest on the money owed to the seller during the period of the extension. They also had to pay extra moving and storage costs because their furniture had already been picked up from their home when they found out that the deals could not close.

You might wonder how a lender can cancel a loan at the last minute. You would be surprised how often this happens. When a buyer is pre-approved for financing, or even given a commitment from a lender on a specific purchase, it is still conditional on the buyer satisfying all of the lender’s conditions before the closing. This could include providing proof of income, employment letters, as well as proof that they have the entire down payment from their own resources, and are not receiving it from third parties. If there is any suspicion on the part of the lender that their conditions have not been properly satisfied, they have the right to cancel the loan, even at the last minute.

If you are considering selling and buying on the same day, first ask your seller whether they need the money to buy another property. Ask the same question of the person buying your home. If the answer to either question is yes, consider closing your purchase a few days earlier and obtaining bridge financing so that you do not become involved in your own train wreck.

Buying and selling on the same day is normally a stressful experience even if it all works out, but by taking extra precaution, you can avoid unwelcome surprises later, provided that everyone is properly prepared in advance.

www.teambluesky.ca

Rent-to-own works....but

by Mark Weisleder

The concept of rent-to-own can be a very effective way for a home buyer who does not have enough of a down payment, or the right credit score, to buy a home. It allows you to make the purchase over time at a set price.

But you have to be careful. Without due diligence, problems can occur for everyone involved.

In a typical rent-to-own arrangement, the owner and tenant sign an Option to Purchase agreement, where, for a fee, the tenant acquires the right to buy the home two or three years later, at a set price. The fee is usually 2 to 2.5 per cent of the purchase price. The tenant pays the rent each month, plus another amount towards the down payment.

Ideally, this comes up to 5 per cent of the purchase price by the end of the contract. Hopefully, by then the tenant has improved his credit score and qualifies for an insured CMHC mortgage, and the deal closes. A benefit for the landlord is that most tenants who have this option will take better care of the home, since they expect to become the owners.

Problems can arise when a middle man offers to get between the home owner and the rent-to-own tenant. The middle man offers to manage the arrangement for the owner for a fee and may also guarantee the owner a sale if the tenant doesn’t buy it.

If the middle man is a scam artist, he disappears with the fee leaving the home owner and tenant wondering who owes what to whom and their rights.

An Ottawa company is facing lawsuits from tenants, owners, lenders, investors and contractors involving a rent to own business.

Golden Oaks Enterprises, and its owner, Jean-Claude Lacasse, acquired 48 properties in the Ottawa region using the rent to own method. As reported by CBC, in one case, Golden Oaks agreed to buy a home but couldn’t find a tenant and backed out of the deal. The seller had already purchased another home and then had to carry two homes.

In another case, a tenant who made the down payment was evicted when an investor with a second mortgage took over the property. Meanwhile, investors put money into Golden Oaks after being promised a 30 per cent return by investing in rent to own properties.

The allegations have not yet been proven in court, but a receiver has been appointed to administer Golden Oaks affairs and it appears most of the investors will lose everything. Lacasse‘s own home is up for sale as well.

Many tenants who cannot qualify for a mortgage might be excellent candidates for a rent to own contract. But they should remember these arrangements require the same due diligence and protections as any real estate contract, to avoid problems later.

Here are some suggestions:

•Any deposit sum paid towards the final purchase price by the tenant should be held in trust, similar to a normal real estate deal. It should not be paid to the landlord or a third party, until the deal closes or terminates.

•Do your homework. For a small fee, go to the county registry office and get a copy of the owner’s title records, showing who actually owns the property and the amount of any mortgages registered against title. Now you know you are dealing with the correct owner. You should also ask for a mortgage statement showing how much is owing on the property.

•Register the lease and option agreement against title. This will protect the tenant from future dealings by the owner with the property. In most cases, the tenant will have to pay land transfer tax in order to do this, but it should not be more than $100, so long as the option agreement is kept separate from the lease, since land transfer tax is only payable on the price paid for the option, not the final purchase price.

Or just use a lawyer to protect everyone involved by doing the proper due diligence in advance.

Be suspicious of a middle man who wants to buy an option on your home. Rent-to-own can work for landlords and tenants, if everyone is properly prepared before signing anything.

www.teambluesky.ca

Still a seller's market locally, realtors in Hamilton-Burlington say

courtesy of The Spec

It's still a seller's market locally, according to numbers released Wednesday by the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington.

There were 1,288 sales in the region in July, up 3.9 per cent over July 2012. The average sale price grew 10.7 per cent over the period to $387,108.

"We are still experiencing a seller's market in our market area," said RAHB CEO Ross Godsoe. "We thought earlier in the year we might see a more balanced market by this point, but that hasn't been the case."

Listings were up 5.4 per cent year over year, to 1,852. End-of-month inventory is 3.3 per cent lower than last year.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, which removes the normal variations of seasons, sales were down 0.6 per cent compared to July last year, and 4.5 per cent and 4.6 per cent compared to June and May of this year.

The seasonally adjusted sale price grew 12.5 per cent over July last year.

According to the data, freehold sales were up 5.7 per cent while condos sales were flat.

Commercial listings were up 20.1 per cent over July 2012 but sales were off 8.9 per cent.

During the year so far, listings are down less than one per cent over last year and sales are down 2.4 per cent. Average sale price is up 8.1 per cent.

www.teambluesky.ca

Hamilton's average household net worth soars

A recent report shows that household net worth is up across Canada, with Hamilton showing the second largest increase among major cities.

Canadians are getting richer, and Hamilton is (almost) leading the way.

A new report by Environics Analytics says that the average household net worth in Canada surpassed $400,000 at the end of 2012 for the first time in history, thanks to a 5.8-per cent jump during the year.

Hamilton experienced the second fastest growth in net worth among major cities, trailing only Regina. Local household net worth leapt 9.5 per cent to $420,515, whereas Regina's net worth grew by 11.2 per cent to $391,826.

Hamilton is getting a lot of good news on the economic front this summer.

Earlier this month, a Statistics Canada report showed that said that commercial investment in Hamilton increased by 8 per cent, bucking a national trend.

Marvin Ryder, associate professor at McMaster University's DeGroote School of Business, says that Hamilton's robust growth can be attributed to strong housing prices and pension plans.

But he cautioned that the numbers in the Environics report should be taken with a grain of salt.

"Because this study is looking at the average, these numbers can be skewed by a small number of very wealthy people. To get a clearer picture, it might be interesting to look at the average [household net] worth of the bottom 20 per cent," said Ryder.

A 5.4-per cent gain in liquid assets and a 5.1-per cent increase in real estate values, combined with a comparatively modest 3.3-per cent rise in debt, led to the nation-wide improvement, according to the report.

Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto remain Canada's wealthiest cities.

Courtest CBC Hamilton

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10 Things to Ask Your Contractor Before You Start Your Project

by Anne Heugera

Remodeling or building a new home is a big financial and emotional investment. It can also be a big investment of your time if you want to be closely involved in the decision-making. Knowing what to expect before the project gets started will help you better prepare for the process. Here are 10 questions you should always ask your contractor before starting a home remodeling project.

by Janet Paik »

1. What is our schedule? A schedule is more than just a start and end date. Having a schedule that outlines tasks and timing will give you a big-picture view of sequencing and deadlines for things such as tile and countertops. It will also give you a benchmark so that you know if things are slipping by a day or two. With small projects such as kitchens and baths, schedule is everything. The cabinet lead time determines the start date and sub-trades need to be scheduled in quick succession, for instance. Don’t start without a schedule that tells you what days and times workers will be on site. 2. Who will be here every day? Depending on the size and structure of the company you hire, the answer could vary widely. Many remodelers use a lead carpenter system, where a staff member (sometimes called a superintendent) is responsible for day-to-day work on site, and often swings a hammer as well. Ask your contractor direct questions about who will be responsible for opening and locking up, who will supervise subcontractors on site and who to call on a daily basis with any questions.

by Ventana Construction LLC »

3. How will you protect my property? This is a conversation best had before demolition, not after you come home and find dust all over the house.There are a number of dust-containment measures that can be taken, and talking about it ahead of time will provide you will a clear idea of how the construction area will be cordoned off from the rest of your home and how you'll be able to move through your house.

There’s also the issue of stuff — all the books, furniture, drapes, delicate vases and paintings on the wall. It’s helpful to remove them all from the construction zone. This includes anything hung on walls or sitting on shelves in adjacent rooms, since they can shake loose from persistent hammering. If you leave them as-is, it will cost to have them moved and moved again to keep them out of the way, and you risk damage in the process. It's better to move it all at once and know it’s safe and sound.

by Ventana Construction LLC »

4. How will you communicate with me? With every mode of electronic communication at your fingertips, you may have some ideas about how you would like to receive information about your project. Your contractor likely has specific ways he or she likes to communicate, too — daily emails, cloud-based schedules or maybe just phone calls. Make sure you understand how you will be contacted and receive information. If the contractor's format doesn't give you what you think you'll need, agree on a method and format so that you’re not in remodeling limbo on a daily basis. Weekly meetings at a specific time are an effective way to make sure you see your contractor in person to get your questions answered.

by Kenny Grono »

5. What part of my project concerns you?There’s always something unknown about a project, or an area that is most likely to trigger an immediate change order. Odds are, your contractor already knows what that is. Talking about it upfront and running some worst-case-scenario numbers or doing some early, selective demolition to get more information could be the best way to get a handle on what may be ahead.

6. What will happen if there is a change order? Change orders can be easily handled in your construction contract. A common way to document change orders is in writing, where the change in scope of work and the price are noted and signed by the client and contractor. Some contracts also note the change in schedule, if applicable. Make sure you have a plan in place to document the unexpected and expected changes that happen along the way.

by Janet Paik »

7. How will you let me know I need to make a decision? There are many ways to organize a list of decisions — from spreadsheets, to lists, to notes on a calendar. But all of these methods focus on the same outcome: giving you clear direction about what and when you need to make a decision on something. Asking for a list and deadlines will help you keep organized and ensure you are able to shop for materials and make decisions in time to meet your contractor’s schedule.

8. How do I reach you after hours? Knowing how to reach your contractor on an emergency basis is just as important as your contractor being able to reach you. Exchange all your numbers — work, cell and landline — so that contacting each other won’t be a crisis in itself.

by Ventana Construction LLC »

9. When do I need to be available to meet? Even if you set up a regular weekly meeting, there may still be necessary additional meetings. We usually schedule an electrical walk-through on the day the electrician sets boxes and can lights so that everyone can review their placement and function before wires are run. Another key day is when the tile-setter works on layout. There are a number of ways to set tile, and having an on-site meeting is the best way to make these decisions. It’s also possible to have your architect or designer attend those meetings in your place. 10. What kind of documentation will I receive when the project is done? Contracts frequently call out end-of-project paperwork — lien releases, marked-up plans with as-builts on plumbing and other utilities, copies of inspection reports, etc. But there may be additional items you will find valuable: a full set of mechanical photos before insulation is installed, the operating manuals for installed equipment (and a personal lesson in their operation if you don’t know the basics), a list of subcontractors and contact info, care for things such as countertops and tile and a well-marked electrical panel. Confirming that you will receive these things before you get started will help ensure that you finish the project with all the information you need. www.teambluesky.ca

BURLINGTON - RE/MAX Expands it's Global Reach

 RE/MAX Expands Global Reach to More Than 90 Countries

After selling master franchise rights to Lebanon, Qatar, Kuwait, and Uganda, RE/MAX has expanded its international reach further into the Middle East, Asia and Africa. These new additions to the network are part of an aggressive global expansion, which brings the RE/MAX Balloon to more than 90 countries — more than any other real estate organization.

Over the past six months alone, RE/MAX has opened doors in 10 countries with more than 370 worldwide franchise sales, and plans to continue furthering its footprint throughout the year.

"Expanding our global footprint brings about many new opportunities," said Larry Oberly, RE/MAX Vice President, Global Franchise and Business Solutions. "With the opening of RE/MAX offices, our new regions have the opportunity to influence local professional standards as they introduce a high level of customer service."

Nabil Kamar, Region Owner of RE/MAX Lebanon, is set to develop the largest network of independently owned and operated RE/MAX offices in Lebanon. Kamar is aiming to grow the region into a network of 40 RE/MAX offices over the next five years, and is on point to achieve that goal.

AbdulAziz Bin HouHou and his wife, Bedour Haidar, Region Owners of RE/MAX Kuwait and RE/MAX Qatar, are looking forward to the many opportunities that a strong, international brand has to offer. The pair has already been in discussion with six likely office franchise candidates.

Mohamed and Shamila Kalisa, Region Owners of RE/MAX Uganda, also believe the RE/MAX model is ideal for the current real estate market in their country. Uganda's economy is booming as oil becomes a major export, and cross-border immigration has resulted in higher demand for housing. RE/MAX is the first international real estate franchise to enter Uganda.

The Kalisas, Kamar, HouHou and Haidar all share well-rounded backgrounds in real estate and business management.

"Our goal is to discover innovative entrepreneurs who share the same passion for professionalism and premier customer services that our other outstanding international franchise owners possess," said Oberly. "These teams radiate that passion and commitment to make RE/MAX a success."

RE/MAX enhances its international presence with global.remax.com. The website serves as a full-service source for residential, luxury and commercial real estate around the world. In the past year, it has had more than 2.9 million visitors, generated over 20,000 leads in the past sixth months, and can be translated into 36 languages.

About the RE/MAX Network
Celebrating 40 years of real estate history, RE/MAX was founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger. These two real estate industry visionaries still lead the Denver-based global franchisor today. RE/MAX is recognized as one of the leading real estate franchise companies with the most productive sales force in the industry and a global reach of more than 90 countries. Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX. 

With a passion for the communities in which its agents live and work, RE/MAX is proud to have raised more than $130 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals®, Susan G. Komen® and other charities.

SOURCE RE/MAX

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