Saturday, December 18, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Some timely information on keeping yourselves and your families safe over the Christmas and New Year's season...
Seasonal Fire Safety Tips From Kingston Fire & Rescue
Kingston Fire & Rescue offers the following fire safety guidelines for a fire safe holiday season. While many seasonal risks increase during cold weather, most fires can be prevented.
* In the last week in Ontario, cooking related fires claimed the lives of three persons and seriously injured two more. For the entire month of December last year, ten people died in fires in the province. This December, there have already been 11 fatalities.
Unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires. Keep combustibles clear of the stove and have a proper fitting lid nearby.
If a pot catches fire, slide the lid over the pot and turn off the stove.
* There is a direct relationship between alcohol use and fires involving smokers' materials and cooking. The message is to celebrate wisely!
Candle fires increase during the holiday season. Use sturdy candle holders located away from combustibles, such as decorations, Christmas trees, wreaths, and curtains. Never leave burning candles in a room unattended.
* Christmas trees should not be located near heat sources such as heaters, televisions, fireplaces, heating ducts or sunny windows. It is essential to refill the water supply every day for live Christmas trees. If you use an artificial tree, make sure that it is flame retardant.
Christmas trees and decorations should never obstruct exit doors.
* Always use the proper decorative light sets - use indoor sets inside, and outdoor sets outside. Discard any damaged cords and light sets. Do not coil an extension cord when in use and never cover it with a carpet or rug. Turn off all tree and display lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
* Professionally inspect and clean all wood heat systems before use.
Place ashes in a metal container stored outside of the house and garage.Wrapping paper, boxes, and Christmas trees should never be burned in appliances or fireplaces, due to the intensity at which they burn.
* Fire safety gift ideas include additional smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, ABC multi-purpose fire extinguishers, and flashlights with batteries. Practicing fire safety and escape planning greatly increases your chances of survival in the event of a fire. Fire and Rescue staff are available to answer your questions each and every day!
Seasonal Fire Safety Tips From Kingston Fire & Rescue
Kingston Fire & Rescue offers the following fire safety guidelines for a fire safe holiday season. While many seasonal risks increase during cold weather, most fires can be prevented.
* In the last week in Ontario, cooking related fires claimed the lives of three persons and seriously injured two more. For the entire month of December last year, ten people died in fires in the province. This December, there have already been 11 fatalities.
Unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires. Keep combustibles clear of the stove and have a proper fitting lid nearby.
If a pot catches fire, slide the lid over the pot and turn off the stove.
* There is a direct relationship between alcohol use and fires involving smokers' materials and cooking. The message is to celebrate wisely!
Candle fires increase during the holiday season. Use sturdy candle holders located away from combustibles, such as decorations, Christmas trees, wreaths, and curtains. Never leave burning candles in a room unattended.
* Christmas trees should not be located near heat sources such as heaters, televisions, fireplaces, heating ducts or sunny windows. It is essential to refill the water supply every day for live Christmas trees. If you use an artificial tree, make sure that it is flame retardant.
Christmas trees and decorations should never obstruct exit doors.
* Always use the proper decorative light sets - use indoor sets inside, and outdoor sets outside. Discard any damaged cords and light sets. Do not coil an extension cord when in use and never cover it with a carpet or rug. Turn off all tree and display lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
* Professionally inspect and clean all wood heat systems before use.
Place ashes in a metal container stored outside of the house and garage.Wrapping paper, boxes, and Christmas trees should never be burned in appliances or fireplaces, due to the intensity at which they burn.
* Fire safety gift ideas include additional smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, ABC multi-purpose fire extinguishers, and flashlights with batteries. Practicing fire safety and escape planning greatly increases your chances of survival in the event of a fire. Fire and Rescue staff are available to answer your questions each and every day!
Is Your House "Winter-Ready"?
From the people at "Carson Dunlop" a well-respected home inspection company:
One of the burdens of living in Canada is the extreme conditions we ask ourselves and our houses to live through. That burden can be lighter for both you and your house with regular maintenance. As good cooking and great paint jobs can attest, success lies in the prep work. Now is the time to get moving to ready your house for a cold winter and a wet spring. Here are our suggestions for a simple pre-winter tune-up.
Jumping Jack Frost - A Winter Tune-up Treatise
One of the great joys of living in Canada is the change of seasons. Autumn’s colors and crispness will soon be making way for winter’s exciting first snowfall. Of course, one of the great burdens of living in Canada is the extreme conditions we ask ourselves and our houses to live through.
That burden can be lighter for both you and your house with regular maintenance. As good cooking and great paint jobs can attest, success lies in the prep work. Now is the time to get moving to ready your house for a cold winter and a wet spring. Here are our suggestions for a simple pre-winter tune-up.
Tools You May Need
• Ladder
• Paintbrush
• Shovel
• Vacuum
• Telephone
• Sharpened eyeball
Outside
The brunt of the weather abuse is borne by the roof and the exterior skin of the house. Roof
Get a ladder, a pair of binoculars, or a trusted roofer, and check the roof. If you have a sloped roof, look for shingles that are cracked, curled, loose, damaged, or missing. Repair where needed. Pay attention to the junctions between the roof and chimneys, pipes, and walls, for example - the metal flashings often need re-securing or re-caulking. If you have a flat roof, clean off leaves and branches, and cut back overhanging tree limbs. On the roof membrane, look for bulges, worn spots, or split seams. Flashings are important here also.
While you are up there, you should have a look at the chimney, if there is one. Brick chimneys may have missing mortar or loose bricks, and should have a screen to keep animals out. Metal chimneys should be free from rust.
Eavestroughs and Downspouts
While at roof level, be sure to clean and re-secure the eavestroughs. We cannot overstate the importance of having free flowing and leak free gutters and downspouts on the overall health of the house, especially the basement. If your eavestroughs can’t control the rain or melting snow, the ground will get soaked. Soaked ground means much higher risk of a leaky basement. Keep your basement in mind while you are dangling from the edge of the roof!
Follow the downspouts to ground level to double check where they dump the water. Above ground spouts should be well connected at the elbow, and discharge at least six feet away from the nearest wall, or at a point where run-off will be carried away from the house. For any house older than about 40 years, downspouts draining below ground should be considered for disconnecting from the below grade pipe system, and extending to drain above ground. This is an easy and surprisingly effective basement leakage cure in many older houses.
Grading
Speaking of the basement again, take a tour around the house to check how the ground directs traffic. Any and all surfaces next to the walls should be sloped to shed water away. Bad grading is another common and preventable cause of basement leakage. This is exponentially more important on warm winter days – melting snow runs quickly across the surface of still frozen ground. If the grading is bad, it will flow right to the house, and possibly right into the basement. Now is the time to grab the shovel and re-slope the grass, or call a paving contractor or handy person to correct a negatively sloping driveway or walkway.
Windows
During the exterior walkabout, check the windows and doors for any wood in need of paint, and any joints that need re-caulking. Check also the caulking at pipes, vents, and other wall penetrations.
Inside
Inside the house, we are going to need heat. Lots of it.
Furnace
The most important pre-winter activity can be done by anybody no matter what their skill level, for usually low cost, in about 2 minutes: pick-up the phone, and schedule a heating system maintenance call. Even a new unit needs this check. The technician will clean the burners and fan, lubricate the moving parts, change the filter and check the operation of the important safety mechanisms. If the service is to be done later in the heating season, you can start on the right foot by replacing or cleaning the furnace air filter. If you have a humidifier you should clean it out as well.
Once we have heat, let’s do what we can to keep it in the house.
Weather Stripping
If you live in a new house, odds are good your windows and doors are well sealed. Old windows and doors, and even some newer ones, may need sealing to keep heat in and cold out. One approach would be to replace them. Luckily, great improvements can be made with simple weather stripping kits available at any hardware store. Due to the tremendous variation in shapes and sizes, we could write a novel about how to do this, but all you really need to do is to find the pre-packaged material that has a picture of your window or door, or something close to it, and follow the instructions.
Final Notes
The previous suggestions are the most important winter tune-up steps. Other good ideas include cleaning the heating grates, especially on the big cold air returns, cleaning and lubricating exhaust fans, and cleaning out the dryer vent and cover. If you have electric baseboard heaters, vacuum the dust off the interior fins, and make sure drapes and curtains are several inches above their hot surfaces.
One of the burdens of living in Canada is the extreme conditions we ask ourselves and our houses to live through. That burden can be lighter for both you and your house with regular maintenance. As good cooking and great paint jobs can attest, success lies in the prep work. Now is the time to get moving to ready your house for a cold winter and a wet spring. Here are our suggestions for a simple pre-winter tune-up.
Jumping Jack Frost - A Winter Tune-up Treatise
One of the great joys of living in Canada is the change of seasons. Autumn’s colors and crispness will soon be making way for winter’s exciting first snowfall. Of course, one of the great burdens of living in Canada is the extreme conditions we ask ourselves and our houses to live through.
That burden can be lighter for both you and your house with regular maintenance. As good cooking and great paint jobs can attest, success lies in the prep work. Now is the time to get moving to ready your house for a cold winter and a wet spring. Here are our suggestions for a simple pre-winter tune-up.
Tools You May Need
• Ladder
• Paintbrush
• Shovel
• Vacuum
• Telephone
• Sharpened eyeball
Outside
The brunt of the weather abuse is borne by the roof and the exterior skin of the house. Roof
Get a ladder, a pair of binoculars, or a trusted roofer, and check the roof. If you have a sloped roof, look for shingles that are cracked, curled, loose, damaged, or missing. Repair where needed. Pay attention to the junctions between the roof and chimneys, pipes, and walls, for example - the metal flashings often need re-securing or re-caulking. If you have a flat roof, clean off leaves and branches, and cut back overhanging tree limbs. On the roof membrane, look for bulges, worn spots, or split seams. Flashings are important here also.
While you are up there, you should have a look at the chimney, if there is one. Brick chimneys may have missing mortar or loose bricks, and should have a screen to keep animals out. Metal chimneys should be free from rust.
Eavestroughs and Downspouts
While at roof level, be sure to clean and re-secure the eavestroughs. We cannot overstate the importance of having free flowing and leak free gutters and downspouts on the overall health of the house, especially the basement. If your eavestroughs can’t control the rain or melting snow, the ground will get soaked. Soaked ground means much higher risk of a leaky basement. Keep your basement in mind while you are dangling from the edge of the roof!
Follow the downspouts to ground level to double check where they dump the water. Above ground spouts should be well connected at the elbow, and discharge at least six feet away from the nearest wall, or at a point where run-off will be carried away from the house. For any house older than about 40 years, downspouts draining below ground should be considered for disconnecting from the below grade pipe system, and extending to drain above ground. This is an easy and surprisingly effective basement leakage cure in many older houses.
Grading
Speaking of the basement again, take a tour around the house to check how the ground directs traffic. Any and all surfaces next to the walls should be sloped to shed water away. Bad grading is another common and preventable cause of basement leakage. This is exponentially more important on warm winter days – melting snow runs quickly across the surface of still frozen ground. If the grading is bad, it will flow right to the house, and possibly right into the basement. Now is the time to grab the shovel and re-slope the grass, or call a paving contractor or handy person to correct a negatively sloping driveway or walkway.
Windows
During the exterior walkabout, check the windows and doors for any wood in need of paint, and any joints that need re-caulking. Check also the caulking at pipes, vents, and other wall penetrations.
Inside
Inside the house, we are going to need heat. Lots of it.
Furnace
The most important pre-winter activity can be done by anybody no matter what their skill level, for usually low cost, in about 2 minutes: pick-up the phone, and schedule a heating system maintenance call. Even a new unit needs this check. The technician will clean the burners and fan, lubricate the moving parts, change the filter and check the operation of the important safety mechanisms. If the service is to be done later in the heating season, you can start on the right foot by replacing or cleaning the furnace air filter. If you have a humidifier you should clean it out as well.
Once we have heat, let’s do what we can to keep it in the house.
Weather Stripping
If you live in a new house, odds are good your windows and doors are well sealed. Old windows and doors, and even some newer ones, may need sealing to keep heat in and cold out. One approach would be to replace them. Luckily, great improvements can be made with simple weather stripping kits available at any hardware store. Due to the tremendous variation in shapes and sizes, we could write a novel about how to do this, but all you really need to do is to find the pre-packaged material that has a picture of your window or door, or something close to it, and follow the instructions.
Final Notes
The previous suggestions are the most important winter tune-up steps. Other good ideas include cleaning the heating grates, especially on the big cold air returns, cleaning and lubricating exhaust fans, and cleaning out the dryer vent and cover. If you have electric baseboard heaters, vacuum the dust off the interior fins, and make sure drapes and curtains are several inches above their hot surfaces.
Real Estate Predictions for 2011 (including Kingston and the rest of Canada)
The following report from RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic gives their opinion on how things will go in the real estate business in the New Year.
"Stability" sounds pretty darn good to me...
Mississauga, ON (December 7, 2010) -- Although improved economic fundamentals will have a positive impact on Canadian housing markets moving forward, the forecast for residential real estate sales remains static in most major centres in 2011, according to a report released today by RE/MAX.
The RE/MAX Housing Market Outlook 2011, examining trends and developments in 26 major centres across the country, found that home-buying activity in 2010 fell short of 2009 levels. Housing values, however, continued to climb, with virtually all areas reporting an upswing in average price, ranging from just under one per cent to 15 per cent this year. Lower inventory levels in many markets offset the effects of diminished demand, propping-up price in almost every instance. Kitchener-Waterloo, Quebec City, and St. John’s saw the greatest increases in average price this year, while Eastern Canadian markets including Hamilton-Burlington, Sudbury, Windsor, Moncton and Prince Edward Island were the only markets that bucked the downward trending in home sales in 2010.
By year-end, approximately 441,000 homes are expected to change hands nationally, a five per cent decline from the 465,251 sales reported in 2009. Housing values are forecast to continue to climb, up an estimated seven per cent to $340,000, compared with $320,333 one year earlier.
“In terms of resale housing activity, what many are talking about as the new normal is actually a return to the traditional real estate cycle,” says Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President, Regional Director, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. “The past decade was truly unprecedented—never before have we experienced a run up that was as strong or lasted as long. As we have digressed from the typical pattern, people have forgotten what the usual healthy cycle looks like, but all the hallmarks are there. Ample inventory levels, steady demand, and moderate growth, both in terms of sales and prices, will characterize the market in 2011. While the pace may appear lackluster in comparison to what we’ve grown accustomed to, it underscores the principles of real estate 101: The market is cyclical. All boats rise and fall with the tide.”
Greater stability is expected to characterize the markets in 2011, with Canadian housing sales predicted to mirror 2010 levels at 441,000 next year, while average price is forecast to escalate three per cent to $350,000 by year-end 2011.
“Looking forward, we see steady improvement in provincial and local economies—which will bode well for housing markets across the board,” says Elton Ash, Regional Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Western Canada. “The relentless drive in the market reminiscent of years past will be gone and instead, we can expect to see more normal, balanced market conditions, with buyers maintaining a slight edge.”
Markets in British Columbia are forecast to lead the country in terms of percentage increases in sales activity next year, with Greater Vancouver expected to climb 10 per cent, followed by Victoria at eight per cent and Kelowna at six per cent. After a prolonged period of economic hardship, Windsor is once again on track for growth, with residential home sales predicted to climb five per cent.
Almost all markets are reporting an anticipated increase in housing values next year, with St. John’s in Newfoundland-Labrador in front with an estimated eight per cent hike in average price in 2011. The value of homes in Greater Vancouver, Kelowna, Regina, Saskatoon, London-St. Thomas, Ottawa, Sudbury and Greater Montreal is also predicted to climb five per cent.
“Low interest rates and improving consumer confidence levels should stimulate home-buying activity at all price points next year,” says Sylvain Dansereau, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX Quebec. “Overall gains will be more muted—a welcome reprieve for purchasers. 2011 will be a year that will see more widespread recovery across a broader array of economic sectors, setting the stage for a better 2012.”
In the meantime, a number of factors will continue to support sustained sales and price growth in the months and years ahead:
• Land scarcity, intensification, urban renewal, infill and renovation will continue to drive up values—regardless of supply and demand—in major metropolitan areas. The Canadian housing stock is ever-evolving, particularly in the central core of each city. With average price pushing closer to or well past the $300,000 mark in the vast majority of major centres, and affordability of single-family homes diminishing, the demand for attainable product will rise in tandem, bolstering the growing condominium segment in the years ahead.
• The upper-end of the market continues to be a strong indication of the overall health of Canada’s housing sector. Typically the first segment to soften in a downturn, luxury homes posted record sales activity in 2010, and demand is expected to remain solid in 2011. Strong sales in the high-end will continue to prop up average prices.
• Immigration will remain a serious force stimulating demand, particularly given the penchant for homeownership among today’s new Canadians. While the formation of new households used to take an average of five years, a growing number of newcomers arrive skilled, financially secure, and ready to make their home-buying moves. It is estimated that Canada will average 250,000 new immigrants annually.
• In the year ahead, federal, provincial and local stimulus in the form of continued infrastructure spending and capital projects will be a considerable boon to economic stability and employment, providing consumers the confidence to move forward with real estate purchases.
• Volatility in the money markets will continue to drive buyers to the tangibility of homeownership, both as a reliable long-term investment and a form of shelter, particularly given low vacancy rates and a lack of new rental construction in a number of major centres.
RE/MAX is Canada’s leader with over 18,000 sales associates situated throughout its more than 690 independently-owned and operated offices in Canada. The RE/MAX network, now in its 37th year, is a global real estate system operating in 80 countries, with over 6,300 independently-owned offices and over 92,000 member sales associates. RE/MAX realtors lead the industry in professional designations, experience and production while providing real estate services in residential, commercial, referral, and asset management. For more information, visit: www.remax.ca.
Christine Martysiewicz
RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada
905.542.2400
"Stability" sounds pretty darn good to me...
Mississauga, ON (December 7, 2010) -- Although improved economic fundamentals will have a positive impact on Canadian housing markets moving forward, the forecast for residential real estate sales remains static in most major centres in 2011, according to a report released today by RE/MAX.
The RE/MAX Housing Market Outlook 2011, examining trends and developments in 26 major centres across the country, found that home-buying activity in 2010 fell short of 2009 levels. Housing values, however, continued to climb, with virtually all areas reporting an upswing in average price, ranging from just under one per cent to 15 per cent this year. Lower inventory levels in many markets offset the effects of diminished demand, propping-up price in almost every instance. Kitchener-Waterloo, Quebec City, and St. John’s saw the greatest increases in average price this year, while Eastern Canadian markets including Hamilton-Burlington, Sudbury, Windsor, Moncton and Prince Edward Island were the only markets that bucked the downward trending in home sales in 2010.
By year-end, approximately 441,000 homes are expected to change hands nationally, a five per cent decline from the 465,251 sales reported in 2009. Housing values are forecast to continue to climb, up an estimated seven per cent to $340,000, compared with $320,333 one year earlier.
“In terms of resale housing activity, what many are talking about as the new normal is actually a return to the traditional real estate cycle,” says Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President, Regional Director, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. “The past decade was truly unprecedented—never before have we experienced a run up that was as strong or lasted as long. As we have digressed from the typical pattern, people have forgotten what the usual healthy cycle looks like, but all the hallmarks are there. Ample inventory levels, steady demand, and moderate growth, both in terms of sales and prices, will characterize the market in 2011. While the pace may appear lackluster in comparison to what we’ve grown accustomed to, it underscores the principles of real estate 101: The market is cyclical. All boats rise and fall with the tide.”
Greater stability is expected to characterize the markets in 2011, with Canadian housing sales predicted to mirror 2010 levels at 441,000 next year, while average price is forecast to escalate three per cent to $350,000 by year-end 2011.
“Looking forward, we see steady improvement in provincial and local economies—which will bode well for housing markets across the board,” says Elton Ash, Regional Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Western Canada. “The relentless drive in the market reminiscent of years past will be gone and instead, we can expect to see more normal, balanced market conditions, with buyers maintaining a slight edge.”
Markets in British Columbia are forecast to lead the country in terms of percentage increases in sales activity next year, with Greater Vancouver expected to climb 10 per cent, followed by Victoria at eight per cent and Kelowna at six per cent. After a prolonged period of economic hardship, Windsor is once again on track for growth, with residential home sales predicted to climb five per cent.
Almost all markets are reporting an anticipated increase in housing values next year, with St. John’s in Newfoundland-Labrador in front with an estimated eight per cent hike in average price in 2011. The value of homes in Greater Vancouver, Kelowna, Regina, Saskatoon, London-St. Thomas, Ottawa, Sudbury and Greater Montreal is also predicted to climb five per cent.
“Low interest rates and improving consumer confidence levels should stimulate home-buying activity at all price points next year,” says Sylvain Dansereau, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX Quebec. “Overall gains will be more muted—a welcome reprieve for purchasers. 2011 will be a year that will see more widespread recovery across a broader array of economic sectors, setting the stage for a better 2012.”
In the meantime, a number of factors will continue to support sustained sales and price growth in the months and years ahead:
• Land scarcity, intensification, urban renewal, infill and renovation will continue to drive up values—regardless of supply and demand—in major metropolitan areas. The Canadian housing stock is ever-evolving, particularly in the central core of each city. With average price pushing closer to or well past the $300,000 mark in the vast majority of major centres, and affordability of single-family homes diminishing, the demand for attainable product will rise in tandem, bolstering the growing condominium segment in the years ahead.
• The upper-end of the market continues to be a strong indication of the overall health of Canada’s housing sector. Typically the first segment to soften in a downturn, luxury homes posted record sales activity in 2010, and demand is expected to remain solid in 2011. Strong sales in the high-end will continue to prop up average prices.
• Immigration will remain a serious force stimulating demand, particularly given the penchant for homeownership among today’s new Canadians. While the formation of new households used to take an average of five years, a growing number of newcomers arrive skilled, financially secure, and ready to make their home-buying moves. It is estimated that Canada will average 250,000 new immigrants annually.
• In the year ahead, federal, provincial and local stimulus in the form of continued infrastructure spending and capital projects will be a considerable boon to economic stability and employment, providing consumers the confidence to move forward with real estate purchases.
• Volatility in the money markets will continue to drive buyers to the tangibility of homeownership, both as a reliable long-term investment and a form of shelter, particularly given low vacancy rates and a lack of new rental construction in a number of major centres.
RE/MAX is Canada’s leader with over 18,000 sales associates situated throughout its more than 690 independently-owned and operated offices in Canada. The RE/MAX network, now in its 37th year, is a global real estate system operating in 80 countries, with over 6,300 independently-owned offices and over 92,000 member sales associates. RE/MAX realtors lead the industry in professional designations, experience and production while providing real estate services in residential, commercial, referral, and asset management. For more information, visit: www.remax.ca.
Christine Martysiewicz
RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada
905.542.2400
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Kingston Real Estate energy-saving tips
I just read this timely article on "Houselogic.com", and thought it was worth sharing, specially at this time of year:
Give your pocketbook and Mother Nature a gift this season by taking advantage of these simple, surprising ways to save energy and money.
Put lamps in the corners: Did you know you can switch to a lower wattage bulb in a lamp or lower its dimmer switch and not lose a noticeable amount of light? It’s all about placement. When a lamp is placed in a corner, the light reflects off the adjoining walls, which makes the room lighter and brighter.
Switch to a laptop: If you’re reading this article on a laptop, you’re using 1/3 less energy than if you’re reading this on a desktop.
Choose an LCD TV: If you’re among those considering a flat-screen upgrade from your conventional, CRT TV, choose an LCD screen for the biggest energy save.
Give your water heater a blanket: Just like you pile on extra layers in the winter, your hot water heater can use some extra insulation too. A fiberglass insulation blanket is a simple addition that can cut heat loss and save 4% to 9% on the average water-heating bill.
Turn off the burner before you’re done cooking: When you turn off an electric burner, it doesn’t cool off immediately. Use that to your advantage by turning it off early and using the residual heat to finish up your dish.
Add motion sensors: You might be diligent about shutting off unnecessary lights, but your kids? Not so much. Adding motion sensors to playrooms and bedrooms cost only $15 to $50 per light, and ensures you don’t pay for energy that you’re not using.
Spin laundry faster: The faster your washing machine can spin excess water out of your laundry, the less you’ll need to use your dryer. Many newer washers spin clothes so effectively, they cut drying time and energy consumption in half—which results in an equal drop in your dryer’s energy bill.
Use an ice tray: Stop using your automatic ice-maker. It increases your fridge’s energy consumption by 14% to 20%. Ice trays, on the other hand, don’t increase your energy costs one iota.
Use the dishwasher: If you think doing your dishes by hand is greener than powering up the dishwasher, you’re wrong. Dishwashers use about 1/3 as much hot water and relieve that much strain from your energy-taxing water heater. Added bonus: you don’t have to wash any dishes.
Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/articles/9-unexpected-energy-and-money-savers/#ixzz181tukTaT
Give your pocketbook and Mother Nature a gift this season by taking advantage of these simple, surprising ways to save energy and money.
Put lamps in the corners: Did you know you can switch to a lower wattage bulb in a lamp or lower its dimmer switch and not lose a noticeable amount of light? It’s all about placement. When a lamp is placed in a corner, the light reflects off the adjoining walls, which makes the room lighter and brighter.
Switch to a laptop: If you’re reading this article on a laptop, you’re using 1/3 less energy than if you’re reading this on a desktop.
Choose an LCD TV: If you’re among those considering a flat-screen upgrade from your conventional, CRT TV, choose an LCD screen for the biggest energy save.
Give your water heater a blanket: Just like you pile on extra layers in the winter, your hot water heater can use some extra insulation too. A fiberglass insulation blanket is a simple addition that can cut heat loss and save 4% to 9% on the average water-heating bill.
Turn off the burner before you’re done cooking: When you turn off an electric burner, it doesn’t cool off immediately. Use that to your advantage by turning it off early and using the residual heat to finish up your dish.
Add motion sensors: You might be diligent about shutting off unnecessary lights, but your kids? Not so much. Adding motion sensors to playrooms and bedrooms cost only $15 to $50 per light, and ensures you don’t pay for energy that you’re not using.
Spin laundry faster: The faster your washing machine can spin excess water out of your laundry, the less you’ll need to use your dryer. Many newer washers spin clothes so effectively, they cut drying time and energy consumption in half—which results in an equal drop in your dryer’s energy bill.
Use an ice tray: Stop using your automatic ice-maker. It increases your fridge’s energy consumption by 14% to 20%. Ice trays, on the other hand, don’t increase your energy costs one iota.
Use the dishwasher: If you think doing your dishes by hand is greener than powering up the dishwasher, you’re wrong. Dishwashers use about 1/3 as much hot water and relieve that much strain from your energy-taxing water heater. Added bonus: you don’t have to wash any dishes.
Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/articles/9-unexpected-energy-and-money-savers/#ixzz181tukTaT
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Kingston Real Estate - buy in the Winter?
I saw this article from an agent in Nova Scotia, and thought it was well worth re-posting here for anyone in the Kingston Real Estate area to consider:
Just because it's winter, it doesn't mean it isn't a good time to buy a house.
The following are 10 great reasons to buy in winter.
1. Interest rates are generally lowest in winter. Like the price of gasoline, interest rates are generally highest when most buyers are buying in summer and lowest in winter.
2. Less competing offers in winter. Fewer sales, less chance to lose the dream home you are looking at.
3. Home prices are expected to be at their lowest during winter. All those over-priced homes will have been reduced.
4. Sellers are more likely to accept a lower offer in winter. They do not expect many offers so they may accept your lower offer.
5. Contractors such as electricians, plumbers, home renovators, movers, etc., are less busy in winter.
6. Utility connections are faster in winter. We all know how long it takes to get telephone or cable connected in the Summer time.
7. Winter is generally an indoor time. You will have hubby away from the golf course and into the basement completing your "Honey Do" list of renovations before the better weather comes around.
8. A winter move should not affect your summer vacation. Keep your summer time free to be with your family.
9. You can expect more moving and painting help in winter. You family and friends cannot give you many excuses why they cannot be there to help.
10. Bankers, inspectors, lawyers and Realtors are also less busy in winter.
(originally posted by Jim Knox, a Nova Scotia Realtor)
© 2010 Weekly News (Bedford, Sackville, NS). All rights reserved.
For any Kingstonn Real Estate market information, please contact me:
Michael Scriven - Real Estate Broker
Re/Max Realty Concepts, Corp.
Kingston, Ontario K7P 2N2
613.389.7777 office
877.924.3689 toll free
613.484.1810 cell/blackberry
Just because it's winter, it doesn't mean it isn't a good time to buy a house.
The following are 10 great reasons to buy in winter.
1. Interest rates are generally lowest in winter. Like the price of gasoline, interest rates are generally highest when most buyers are buying in summer and lowest in winter.
2. Less competing offers in winter. Fewer sales, less chance to lose the dream home you are looking at.
3. Home prices are expected to be at their lowest during winter. All those over-priced homes will have been reduced.
4. Sellers are more likely to accept a lower offer in winter. They do not expect many offers so they may accept your lower offer.
5. Contractors such as electricians, plumbers, home renovators, movers, etc., are less busy in winter.
6. Utility connections are faster in winter. We all know how long it takes to get telephone or cable connected in the Summer time.
7. Winter is generally an indoor time. You will have hubby away from the golf course and into the basement completing your "Honey Do" list of renovations before the better weather comes around.
8. A winter move should not affect your summer vacation. Keep your summer time free to be with your family.
9. You can expect more moving and painting help in winter. You family and friends cannot give you many excuses why they cannot be there to help.
10. Bankers, inspectors, lawyers and Realtors are also less busy in winter.
(originally posted by Jim Knox, a Nova Scotia Realtor)
© 2010 Weekly News (Bedford, Sackville, NS). All rights reserved.
For any Kingstonn Real Estate market information, please contact me:
Michael Scriven - Real Estate Broker
Re/Max Realty Concepts, Corp.
Kingston, Ontario K7P 2N2
613.389.7777 office
877.924.3689 toll free
613.484.1810 cell/blackberry
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
This Kingston Real Estate Guy Remembers John Lennon
Copied from Rolling Stone Magazine online:
John Lennon's Final Interview
Nine-hour discussion with 'Rolling Stone' took place three days before he died
On December 5, 1980, three days before he was murdered, John Lennon sat down with Rolling Stone's Jonathan Cott for a nine-hour interview. Select excerpts from the interview ran in Rolling Stone's tribute to John Lennon the following month — but Cott never transcribed all of the tapes. For 30 years they sat in the back of his closet.
"Earlier this year I was cleaning up to find some files in the recesses of my closet when I came across two cassette tapes marked 'John Lennon, December 5th, 1980,'" Cott says. "It had been 30 years since I listened to them, and when I put them on this totally alive, uplifting voice started speaking on this magical strip of magnetic tape."
Cott's interview with John Lennon — the artist's last print interview — finally hits newsstands this Friday as the centerpiece of Rolling Stone's tribute to John Lennon on the 30th anniversary of his death. In the remarkably candid interview Lennon lashes out at fans and critics who went after him during his five-year break from music. "What they want is dead heroes, like Sid Vicious and James Dean," Lennon says. "I'm not interested in being a dead fucking hero...so forget 'em, forget 'em."
He also talked about plans for a possible return to the road. "We just might do it," he said. "But there will be no smoke bombs, no lipstick, no flashing lights. It just has to be comfy. But we could have a laugh. We're born-again rockers, and we're starting over...There's plenty of time, right? Plenty of time."
Yoko Ono also contributed an intensely personal essay to the issue about her final days with Lennon. "Just before we left the studio [minutes before he died] John looked at me," Ono writes. "I looked at him. His eyes had an intensity of a guy about to tell me something important. 'Yes,' I asked. And I will never forget how, with a deep, soft voice, as if to carve his words in my mind, he said the most beautiful things to me. 'Oh,' I said after a while, and looked away, feeling a bit embarrassed."
John Lennon: October 9, 1940- December 8, 1980 (Not nearly enough time)
John Lennon's Final Interview
Nine-hour discussion with 'Rolling Stone' took place three days before he died
On December 5, 1980, three days before he was murdered, John Lennon sat down with Rolling Stone's Jonathan Cott for a nine-hour interview. Select excerpts from the interview ran in Rolling Stone's tribute to John Lennon the following month — but Cott never transcribed all of the tapes. For 30 years they sat in the back of his closet.
"Earlier this year I was cleaning up to find some files in the recesses of my closet when I came across two cassette tapes marked 'John Lennon, December 5th, 1980,'" Cott says. "It had been 30 years since I listened to them, and when I put them on this totally alive, uplifting voice started speaking on this magical strip of magnetic tape."
Cott's interview with John Lennon — the artist's last print interview — finally hits newsstands this Friday as the centerpiece of Rolling Stone's tribute to John Lennon on the 30th anniversary of his death. In the remarkably candid interview Lennon lashes out at fans and critics who went after him during his five-year break from music. "What they want is dead heroes, like Sid Vicious and James Dean," Lennon says. "I'm not interested in being a dead fucking hero...so forget 'em, forget 'em."
He also talked about plans for a possible return to the road. "We just might do it," he said. "But there will be no smoke bombs, no lipstick, no flashing lights. It just has to be comfy. But we could have a laugh. We're born-again rockers, and we're starting over...There's plenty of time, right? Plenty of time."
Yoko Ono also contributed an intensely personal essay to the issue about her final days with Lennon. "Just before we left the studio [minutes before he died] John looked at me," Ono writes. "I looked at him. His eyes had an intensity of a guy about to tell me something important. 'Yes,' I asked. And I will never forget how, with a deep, soft voice, as if to carve his words in my mind, he said the most beautiful things to me. 'Oh,' I said after a while, and looked away, feeling a bit embarrassed."
John Lennon: October 9, 1940- December 8, 1980 (Not nearly enough time)
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Kingston Real Estate people drink wine too...
I've copied this from a great blog called "Cheap Eats - Toronto" I'm going to have to try some of these wines! I'm particularly interested in those Aussie Shiraz' and Shiraz/Cab's...
Vintages Value List Release Saturday Nov. 27, 2010
Hello Fellow Tipplers!
You all know it by now - Christmas is a month away! We are inundated with holiday shopping “guides”, festive music fills the stores and high anxiety is setting in as you realize that you haven’t finished your gift shopping and the calendar is full of gatherings both good and bad. Now is the time to drink - whether it is with friends and family or home alone after a particularly stressful outing. We have the suggestions for either of these scenarios.
Vintages is also promoting many special products of the “gifty” sort. There is a particular product that is in the “It’s Perfect” section of the release catalogue. We tasted this wine and were completely wowed – BUT – it does not meet our value criteria. SO – if you were thinking about buying us a Christmas present - a bottle of 539098 2006 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon from California ($114.95) would be greatly appreciated because it is perfect!
SPARKLING WINE
194803 LANGA HERMANOS REYES DE ARAGON BRUT RESERVA CAVA 2007 (SPAIN) $13.95
Unbelievable good value here. Distinct apple notes followed closely by apricot, toast and biscuit. It’s only $14 for pete’s sake – grab it while you can!!!
WHITE WINE
707158 ZENATO LUGANA 2009 (LOMBARDIA) $13.95
Opens up with a hint of lanolin on the nose followed by expressive flavors of melon, white grapefruit and clean crisp acidity.
734921 MACULAN PINOT GRIGIO 2009 (VENETO) $13.95
OK – we are not huge Pinot Grigio fans. We think them rather uninteresting on the whole. This one, however, really stood out and we skeptics opted to recommend it. Look for kiwi and honey notes and a decent finish.
213173 ORGANIZED CRIME RIESLING 2008 (BEAMSVILLE BENCH, NIAGARA PENINSULA) $21.20
Go local, keep it in the family with this fine, slightly off-dry, Riesling from Niagara. It is very pretty, boasting citrus rind, peach and minerals.
394353 BERINGER SAUGIGNON BLANC 2008 (CALIFORNIA) $21.95
Pretty and flavorful melon, citrus notes, with hints of herb and spice!
RED WINE
185017 GEMMA MADONNA DELLA NEVE DOLCETTO D’ALBA 2009 (PIEDMONT) $13.95
An everyday Italian featuring cigar box, cedar and spice. A weeknight supper wine here.
123430 SCOPETANI RISASSO CHIANTI RÚFINA 2007 (TUSCANY) $14.95
A decent Chianti for the price. Chestnut and red fruit on the nose segues to a fresh yet dry finish. It actually tastes like a Chianti!
183442 DOMAINE DES AILES MOULIN-À-VENT 2009 (BEAUJOLAIS) $15.95
Sweet spun cotton-candy- like floral nose opening to a bowl of fresh cherries, cassis and spicy notes on the palate. This is decent Beaujolais - enjoy it solo or paired with a light dish.
181545 PIONA CAMPO MASSIMO CORVINA VERONESE 2007 (VENETO) $15.95
Corvina leaving Rondinella and Molinara behind and appearing solo here – boasting tasty dark berries, white pepper, cocoa and a nice smokiness leading out to the finish. Well done!
199539 THE GARDEN PATH SHIRAZ/CABERNET 2006 (SOUTH AUSTRALIA) $17.95
This Aussie number offers up ripe dark berry, plum, smoke and damp earth. Big and flavorful - score 90+ (www.erobertparker.com)
17475 MARQUIS PHILIPS SHIRAZ 2008 (SOUTH AUSTRALIA) $19.95
Massive wine here – huge in fact. Look for smoked meat and blueberry notes after you pull your socks back on. eRobertParker.com gave this one a 91.
182295 QUINTA DO CÔA VINHO TINTO 2007 (PORTUGAL) $19.95
Delicious – luscious! Raspberries, plum and milk chocolate make this wine a great little package. Wine Spectator scored this a 91.
192476 BODEGA Y VIÑEDOS FERNÁNDEZ RIVERA DEHESA DE LA GRANJA 2004 (SPAIN) $21.95
Ola - this Spanish beauty exudes flavors of dark berries, earth, spice and a kick ass finish. Drinking well from 2010-2020, score 92 (www.erobertparker.com)
FORTIFIED WINE
973768 SANDEMAN VAU VINTAGE PORT 2000 $29.95
The cooler weather sees us gathering around the fireplace after dinner and there is nothing more comforting than sipping on a lovely port. This is a vintage port that won’t break the bank. Cassis, chocolate and a defined raisin-ness are the predominant characters here. It is rather full-bodied with enough richness to allow for at least another decade for ageing.
LIQUEUR
180695 ST-GERMAIN DELICE DE SUREAU ELDERFLOWER LIQUEUR ARTISANALE (FRANCE) $49.95
Ooh, those sweet libations are ever so tempting – treat your senses to this lusciously fragranced beauty featuring floral, delicately skinned fruit, honey and guava aromas that follow through on the palate. Exquisitely made and the perfect harmony of alcohol level, sweetness, acidity and floral impact.
Vintages Value List Release Saturday Nov. 27, 2010
Hello Fellow Tipplers!
You all know it by now - Christmas is a month away! We are inundated with holiday shopping “guides”, festive music fills the stores and high anxiety is setting in as you realize that you haven’t finished your gift shopping and the calendar is full of gatherings both good and bad. Now is the time to drink - whether it is with friends and family or home alone after a particularly stressful outing. We have the suggestions for either of these scenarios.
Vintages is also promoting many special products of the “gifty” sort. There is a particular product that is in the “It’s Perfect” section of the release catalogue. We tasted this wine and were completely wowed – BUT – it does not meet our value criteria. SO – if you were thinking about buying us a Christmas present - a bottle of 539098 2006 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon from California ($114.95) would be greatly appreciated because it is perfect!
SPARKLING WINE
194803 LANGA HERMANOS REYES DE ARAGON BRUT RESERVA CAVA 2007 (SPAIN) $13.95
Unbelievable good value here. Distinct apple notes followed closely by apricot, toast and biscuit. It’s only $14 for pete’s sake – grab it while you can!!!
WHITE WINE
707158 ZENATO LUGANA 2009 (LOMBARDIA) $13.95
Opens up with a hint of lanolin on the nose followed by expressive flavors of melon, white grapefruit and clean crisp acidity.
734921 MACULAN PINOT GRIGIO 2009 (VENETO) $13.95
OK – we are not huge Pinot Grigio fans. We think them rather uninteresting on the whole. This one, however, really stood out and we skeptics opted to recommend it. Look for kiwi and honey notes and a decent finish.
213173 ORGANIZED CRIME RIESLING 2008 (BEAMSVILLE BENCH, NIAGARA PENINSULA) $21.20
Go local, keep it in the family with this fine, slightly off-dry, Riesling from Niagara. It is very pretty, boasting citrus rind, peach and minerals.
394353 BERINGER SAUGIGNON BLANC 2008 (CALIFORNIA) $21.95
Pretty and flavorful melon, citrus notes, with hints of herb and spice!
RED WINE
185017 GEMMA MADONNA DELLA NEVE DOLCETTO D’ALBA 2009 (PIEDMONT) $13.95
An everyday Italian featuring cigar box, cedar and spice. A weeknight supper wine here.
123430 SCOPETANI RISASSO CHIANTI RÚFINA 2007 (TUSCANY) $14.95
A decent Chianti for the price. Chestnut and red fruit on the nose segues to a fresh yet dry finish. It actually tastes like a Chianti!
183442 DOMAINE DES AILES MOULIN-À-VENT 2009 (BEAUJOLAIS) $15.95
Sweet spun cotton-candy- like floral nose opening to a bowl of fresh cherries, cassis and spicy notes on the palate. This is decent Beaujolais - enjoy it solo or paired with a light dish.
181545 PIONA CAMPO MASSIMO CORVINA VERONESE 2007 (VENETO) $15.95
Corvina leaving Rondinella and Molinara behind and appearing solo here – boasting tasty dark berries, white pepper, cocoa and a nice smokiness leading out to the finish. Well done!
199539 THE GARDEN PATH SHIRAZ/CABERNET 2006 (SOUTH AUSTRALIA) $17.95
This Aussie number offers up ripe dark berry, plum, smoke and damp earth. Big and flavorful - score 90+ (www.erobertparker.com)
17475 MARQUIS PHILIPS SHIRAZ 2008 (SOUTH AUSTRALIA) $19.95
Massive wine here – huge in fact. Look for smoked meat and blueberry notes after you pull your socks back on. eRobertParker.com gave this one a 91.
182295 QUINTA DO CÔA VINHO TINTO 2007 (PORTUGAL) $19.95
Delicious – luscious! Raspberries, plum and milk chocolate make this wine a great little package. Wine Spectator scored this a 91.
192476 BODEGA Y VIÑEDOS FERNÁNDEZ RIVERA DEHESA DE LA GRANJA 2004 (SPAIN) $21.95
Ola - this Spanish beauty exudes flavors of dark berries, earth, spice and a kick ass finish. Drinking well from 2010-2020, score 92 (www.erobertparker.com)
FORTIFIED WINE
973768 SANDEMAN VAU VINTAGE PORT 2000 $29.95
The cooler weather sees us gathering around the fireplace after dinner and there is nothing more comforting than sipping on a lovely port. This is a vintage port that won’t break the bank. Cassis, chocolate and a defined raisin-ness are the predominant characters here. It is rather full-bodied with enough richness to allow for at least another decade for ageing.
LIQUEUR
180695 ST-GERMAIN DELICE DE SUREAU ELDERFLOWER LIQUEUR ARTISANALE (FRANCE) $49.95
Ooh, those sweet libations are ever so tempting – treat your senses to this lusciously fragranced beauty featuring floral, delicately skinned fruit, honey and guava aromas that follow through on the palate. Exquisitely made and the perfect harmony of alcohol level, sweetness, acidity and floral impact.
Kingston Real Estate Strong/Stable for 2011
This report was just released from RE/MAX, and shows that 2010 was a decent year for real estate sales in Kingston (and across most of the country) and is expected to be "stable" for 2011 with the market returning to a more normal condition:
Click here for the full report.
Click here for the full report.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Kingston Real Estate
I've copied this article from the Toronto Star today (December 6th, 2010)
By Mark Weisleder | Sat Dec 04 2010
When you use an agent to sell your home, you may agree on a commission as high as 5 per cent with the proceeds split two ways. One half goes to the agent who works for you and the other half is paid to the agent who finds the buyer and helps negotiate the deal.
Now that the federal government has brought more competition to buying and selling a home, there are more ways for you to sell a home by yourself. That means the role of the real estate agent acting for the buyer will become even more important to you and the buyer.
Most people understand that when you sign a listing agreement to sell your home if you sell during the term of the agreement, you owe commission to that agent.
It’s a little different for when you’re buying a home. Here, you agree to work exclusively with one agent to find the property you want. The agent protects your interests and negotiates the best price for you. This becomes important if you are involved in a bidding war because you’ll need an objective third party to guide you, to make sure that you do not get too emotional and end up overpaying for the property.
In exchange, you agree to pay this agent a fee, typically a percentage of the sale price. For example, if the homer costs $200,000 and you agree to pay your buyer agent a 2 per cent commission, the cost is $4,000. Usually, the agent will get the commission from the seller. If the seller refuses to pay, then the offer will be readjusted to $196,000, and the buyer will pay the fee directly.
When interviewing buyer agents, be sure to ask for references and then follow up and call them. If you are nervous about signing the agency agreement, you might want to consider signing for a short term, let’s say 14 days, to get a feel for the kind of service your buyer agent will provide. You must understand though, that if your agent shows you a home during that 14 day period that you later buy, you will owe commission.
Sellers should make the effort to co-operate with buyer agents as well, even if they are trying to sell their home by themselves. One of the main reasons is that when a potential buyer approaches a seller directly, the seller has no idea whether this buyer is really looking for a home or even has the financial ability to afford the home. They may in the extreme case be a thief who is only looking to see whether they can come back to this property at a later time. When you work with a buyer agent, you know that they have already qualified any potential buyer so that you have the comfort of knowing that this buyer is in fact ready to buy and more importantly, can afford your home.
In addition, because the buyer agent will protect their buyer by conducting the appropriate due diligence on the property itself, there is less chance that the buyer will discover problems after closing. This means that the seller will not likely be sued by the buyer after closing. This means peace of mind for the seller after closing, as well.
There are advantages to both buyers and sellers in working with buyer agents. Understanding this will make your next home purchase or sale decision much easier.
Real estate lawyer Mark Weisleder is the author of Put the Pen Down! What homebuyers and sellers need to know before signing on the dotted line.
By Mark Weisleder | Sat Dec 04 2010
When you use an agent to sell your home, you may agree on a commission as high as 5 per cent with the proceeds split two ways. One half goes to the agent who works for you and the other half is paid to the agent who finds the buyer and helps negotiate the deal.
Now that the federal government has brought more competition to buying and selling a home, there are more ways for you to sell a home by yourself. That means the role of the real estate agent acting for the buyer will become even more important to you and the buyer.
Most people understand that when you sign a listing agreement to sell your home if you sell during the term of the agreement, you owe commission to that agent.
It’s a little different for when you’re buying a home. Here, you agree to work exclusively with one agent to find the property you want. The agent protects your interests and negotiates the best price for you. This becomes important if you are involved in a bidding war because you’ll need an objective third party to guide you, to make sure that you do not get too emotional and end up overpaying for the property.
In exchange, you agree to pay this agent a fee, typically a percentage of the sale price. For example, if the homer costs $200,000 and you agree to pay your buyer agent a 2 per cent commission, the cost is $4,000. Usually, the agent will get the commission from the seller. If the seller refuses to pay, then the offer will be readjusted to $196,000, and the buyer will pay the fee directly.
When interviewing buyer agents, be sure to ask for references and then follow up and call them. If you are nervous about signing the agency agreement, you might want to consider signing for a short term, let’s say 14 days, to get a feel for the kind of service your buyer agent will provide. You must understand though, that if your agent shows you a home during that 14 day period that you later buy, you will owe commission.
Sellers should make the effort to co-operate with buyer agents as well, even if they are trying to sell their home by themselves. One of the main reasons is that when a potential buyer approaches a seller directly, the seller has no idea whether this buyer is really looking for a home or even has the financial ability to afford the home. They may in the extreme case be a thief who is only looking to see whether they can come back to this property at a later time. When you work with a buyer agent, you know that they have already qualified any potential buyer so that you have the comfort of knowing that this buyer is in fact ready to buy and more importantly, can afford your home.
In addition, because the buyer agent will protect their buyer by conducting the appropriate due diligence on the property itself, there is less chance that the buyer will discover problems after closing. This means that the seller will not likely be sued by the buyer after closing. This means peace of mind for the seller after closing, as well.
There are advantages to both buyers and sellers in working with buyer agents. Understanding this will make your next home purchase or sale decision much easier.
Real estate lawyer Mark Weisleder is the author of Put the Pen Down! What homebuyers and sellers need to know before signing on the dotted line.
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