10 Things to Watch Out for When Looking at Homes
A walk-through of a potential home you might purchase it is crucial to look at it from an objective point of view. Look over the house in detail and jot down any potential outstanding issues. Here are a few things to watch out for when looking at homes.
Check the Floors
Floors can tell a lot about a home’s structure and plumbing. Look for sagging and unusual dipping near bathrooms and everywhere else in the house. If there are warps in the floors near bathrooms, it could be a telltale sign that some gnarly plumbing might be underneath. There could be structural issues if dips are present anywhere else in the home.
Notice Cracks in the Walls and Ceilings
Cracks should be considered and carefully reviewed. Some fine line cracks in drywall are usually nothing to worry about, but larger cracks in a brick wall, for example, cause concern. Larger cracks typically are a sign of movement of the walls and are a serious sign of structural problems. I was house hunting a few years ago. There was a large crack we could put our hand in on the basement ceiling by a post, a red flag went up, and we never put an offer on that home.
Pay Attention to Fresh Paint
Fresh paint is sometimes a good sign. If the entire home has been freshly painted, the homeowners want to refresh the home before new people move in. However, if the house appears like it has never been renovated for a while and there are patches of paint in the cellar or basement, it could be hiding something, such as water damage. If fresh paint is out of place, ask why it was done.
Look for Water in the Basement or Dampness
Take extra time to investigate the basement thoroughly. Look for water damage on the floor and near windows. Dampness or humidity might also be cause for alarm in newer homes. However, if the house is older, it usually comes with the territory.
Test the Windows
Open and close every window in the home to ensure they all work correctly. I wish we had tested the windows in our current home we have lived in for 13 years, because only 2 out of 10 windows open, which makes for an expensive air conditioning bill every year. Take note of the age of the windows or if inexpensive windows were installed. Changing the windows can be costly, and not changing them out leads to a lot of heat loss, increasing your energy bill.
Assess the Roof
Ask when it was replaced last and ask to see the warranty documents. Be wary of older homes with multiple layers of shingles, which can potentially have asbestos. Ask a professional for help to assess the roof if there are any glaring issues.
Note the Trees Outside
Trees are lovely to have dotted around the yard but look closely at them. Look for how close they are to the house, how many are there, and what types they are. Trees like elms not only have a lot of dropped leaves to manage but if they ever need to be trimmed, they must be appropriately remediated to prevent Dutch elm disease. Trees close to the home can have their roots grow and push into the basement walls, leading to many problems. If there are many trees on the property, they also have a high chance of growing into your main plumbing pipes, leading to sewer backup and many other issues. Trees can also fall during heavy storms and damage your home.
Look at the Plumbing and Electrical
Electrical and plumbing are hidden. However, there should be some exposed pipes and wires in the mechanical room to help you determine the age. Look at the electrical panel and ask if the homeowner experiences electrical shorts. Be wary if the electrical system hasn’t been replaced for a few decades.
Plumbing is a lot harder to tell if there are any issues. Hire a professional to walk through the home if anything is amiss. There are home water testing kits to test the water to ensure its lead-free or if anything else is in it.
Dig into the History
Find out how long the previous owner had that home and why they are selling it. A flipped home might be hastily finished, possibly leading to oversights in the future.
If the owner is present during the viewing, ask them questions about their home. Ask about repairs and who they were done by. When were the furnace and water heater repaired or installed, and are they owned or rented? Ask about all warranties on the repairs and if any are still valid.
After the Walk-Through, Follow-up
Check on permits and violations. If you are ready to put in an offer, work on investigating any open violations or permit issues the home might have. Also, check to see if there are any neighbour complaints against the property or homeowner. This could be a sign of problems with house repairs or sensitive, problematic neighbours.
Sometimes no permits are pulled for extensions or work done on the home. Be sure to ask the sellers if all the permits are in order, if the renovations look shoddy, follow up with the permit office.
When looking at homes, these few things to watch out for will help you in your house-hunting journey. If you are unsure after finding problems with the house, follow up with the homeowner or professionals to gain more insight.
Contact your local real estate expert today to let them guide you through the home-buying process.
How-to Organize Kitchen Cabinets
If your kitchen is anything like mine, the cupboards are always in disarray, and you have about three bottles of cumin and two bottles of opened soy sauce. We all could use a little organization when it comes to our kitchen. Here are a few handy ideas to get your kitchen organized.
Start with a Clean Slate
Take out everything in your cabinets and start fresh. Hear me out. Taking everything out might seem like a pain, but you can also clean each cabinet surface thoroughly before putting it all back in. Doing so will also help you visualize how many things you keep hoarding in your kitchen and allow you to group similar items.
Declutter Kitchen Cabinets
- Trash all items that are expired. You will be surprised by the number of forgotten items that linger in the back of cupboards. Donate all the things still in good condition that will go unused.
- Get rid of items you can’t remember opening or that are broken or damaged.
- Mugs, this is the item in my cupboards I have too many of, but can’t seem to part with them. Please take my advice and purge your mug collection. Keep your favourites and a couple for the potential company but donate or regift the rest!
Plan the Layout
- Decide what items you use most frequently and store the less used items out of the way. Then choose what things can go in what areas, and put them near the appropriate places, such as spices and oil near the stove, tea and coffee near the pots, and dishes near the sink and dishwasher.
- Small appliances and lesser-used items like platters can be stored on out-of-way shelves.
- Kids and pets will benefit from ideal placements, like kids’ snacks in a lower cupboard so they can easily reach themselves.
Add Organizers
Once everything is removed from the shelves, begin assessing what sort of containers are needed to store things more efficiently.
- Turntables are great for bottles and condiments—group them, such as oils, dressings, and sauces.
- Pan & Lid organizers are fantastic. I have just heard of these. They will neatly store all those random lids, containers and pans you have.
- Small, shallow bins can easily store sauce packets, bags and small items.
- Pullout shelves and drawers can give instant access to items towards the back of the cabinets.
- Expandable spice racks and shelf rises are ideal for canned goods. They will quickly let you see what you have in your cabinets in a tiered system.
Labels
The ultimate organization system is adding labels to items or bins. Doing so will allow everyone to return items exactly where they were—reducing the chance of the cupboards getting disorganized again. Labelling is only for some. Choose this as a step if you think it will work for you.
Keep Ingredients in Packages vs. Transferring to Containers
Transferring products to containers is another tip that might only work for some, but decanting products from their packages will make the kitchen look even more neat and organized. Decanting in clear jars will allow all your products to be seen and the amounts left. If you choose this method, ensure that you add labels with due dates or recipes to the bottom of the jar.
Keep Kitchen Cabinets Organized
There is no secret to keeping kitchen cabinets organized. No amount of labelling, decanting and cleaning will keep everything organized 100% of the time. Every six months, I suggest going through items and throwing out or donating what isn’t needed. If you have extra time, wipe down the shelves and cupboards while your at it.
Now that you have great ideas for organizing your kitchen, it’s time to put them to good use! My favourite find from creating this blog is the pans and lid organizer—I will purchase one right away! Winter is the ideal time to maintain your home and get organized!
If you need help purchasing a home, contact your local REALTOR® today!
10 Tasks for Winter Home Maintenance
The winter months are long and arduous, not only for yourself but for your home. Here are a few maintenance tips to do and keep in mind over the colder months.
Change Your Furnace Filters
Ventilation is crucial in winter, as we spend most of our time indoors. In frigid weather, our furnaces work harder than ever, and a clean filter can help it immensely. The filters are easily replaced but often forgotten about.
While considering furnace air circulation, check your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to ensure they work correctly and remove moisture from the air. An easy method to check fans is holding a tissue up to it and seeing if it gets pulled into it. If it seems amiss, clean the fan thoroughly or replace it.
Foggy Frost-Covered Windows Means Weeping Windows
If you notice your windows are accumulating condensation or even frost, there could be various reasons. It could be faulty windows, humidity or poor ventilation. Properly investigate windows with these issues because weeping windows can lead to mould and compromise the window’s structure. Purchasing a hydrometer will allow you to check the humidity throughout your home. If the humidity levels are higher in certain areas, buy a dehumidifier. If the humidity is low, invest in a humidifier. Your home’s humidity should be at 40-60%.
A simple fix to try out first is to caulk around windows and doors—remove old cracked caulking and re-apply. Replace the seals and weather stripping around all windows and doors to stop cold drafts from coming in rather than cranking up the heat.
Chimney Inspections
Chimneys should need to be inspected annually, especially if there is a fireplace at the bottom. If you have furnace ventilation out the chimney, it should be through a metal pipe, and fewer issues can arise.
Inspect the chimney for creosote or soot. Both can be serious fire hazards—chimney fires can spread rapidly through your home. Also, make sure there is no damage to the chimney. A block or crack can lead to toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide, entering your home. Even with a gas fireplace, it is essential to ensure air flow is coming in and out.
Check Your Smoke Alarms and CO Detectors
Speaking of fire hazards, check your smoke detectors often to ensure they are in proper working order. Replace the batteries or unit if needed. Check the CO detectors also. Write a reminder on the first of the month to check all units, as it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Plug In Safely
This holiday and winter, check all extension cords and power bars to ensure they are in good condition. If they are in bad shape, with exposed cords or tears, don’t tape them. Throw them away. Be wary of overloading your circuits.
Watch Out For Icicles
Icicles and ice dams should not be ignored. They usually form on the edges of your home where it’s slower to melt, preventing the water from draining off your roof. The backup meltwater can find its way into your home walls and basement. If you see an ice dam forming and cannot remove it yourself, look into hiring a professional to assist you. They can look at the eaves and inside your attic, because you need proper airflow and insulation to prevent ice from forming.
Winterize Your Pipes
Canada has extremely cold winter days. These days can wreak havoc on your pipes. When water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on pipes below insulation or through cold zones. The freezing water in the pipes can cause them to burst and flood your home. If your pipes are outside or close to the outside wall, you can wrap them with insulation. Ensure the exterior hose pipes were drained in Autumn. Invest in non-freeze hose bibs that help prevent pipes from bursting. If you plan to travel this winter, keep your furnace set to at least 18 degrees Celcius to keep your pipes warm while you are away. Call a licensed plumber to fix the problem if you end up with frozen pipes.
Clear Driveways and Walkways
Shovelling driveways and walkways is essential to not only yourself driving and walking but also to pedestrians. Apply pet-friendly de-icer if needed. If you aren’t a fan of burning your grass, apply gravel instead. Cracks in your driveway and sidewalks can be a tripping hazard. Removing snow will help expose them. Snow around the bricks of your home should be removed to prevent flaking and spalling.
Travel Smart
Winter and upcoming Holidays mean many of us are going away to families, friends or hot destinations. Be smart about setting up your home when you are away. In addition to keeping the furnace on, also set up light sensors to come on periodically throughout the day, at different time intervals. Install security cameras or smart locks to be notified if someone enters your home. Smart locks also can let people in remotely while you are away.
Now that you have a good understanding of winter maintenance on your home. You are all set for the winter. There is nothing to do but sit back, relax and get cozy.
Contact your Local REALTOR® to help you find the home of your dreams!
8 Ways to be More Productive in the New Year
As the new year approaches, it’s essential to look for ways to stay motivated and productive. Here are a few great tips and tricks to keep you on track in 2023.
Visualize it
The power of positive thinking can elevate your mood and perception of what’s possible. Visualizing yourself accomplishing a goal and thinking about what you want to achieve will help motivate you to do it.
Chop It Up
Our tasks are never-ending as employees, parents, and regular folks. Some jobs are minor while others can appear daunting—with those vast tasks, break them down into smaller parts. Create a to-do list and feel satisfied to check each task off one by one until the whole job is complete.
Take Breaks
If you are like me, go go go and never take time to breath or rest. We are not machines and can’t keep running on empty. Make time in your schedule to rest and recharge, even if it’s only for a few hours per day. If you don’t rest, it’s much easier to get distracted or feel like you have to multitask to keep things moving. Take a break every hour and reset your mind.
Try and Avoid Multitasking
Multitasking might appear to be a great solution to finish up many things at once, but it divides your focus and detracts from the quality of the tasks you are working on. Try focusing all your time and efforts on one thing at a time, then move on to the next. Overtime habits will form to streamline this process.
Automate and Delegate
Time is something that we never get more of, so use your time wisely. If daily tasks are getting repetitive, see if there is a way to automate them. These might be simple things to make your day easier, like using a coffee maker timer or keyboard shortcuts at work.
If it’s impossible to automate these repetitive tasks, delegate them to someone, whether a partner or co-worker. The takeaway is to prioritize your time to make more of it. Do the essential things yourself. The rest delegate or automate.
Surround Yourself with Success
The people you have around you are critical factors in your success. If you have successful and productive people around you, they will influence you to do the same. Being around success breeds success; naturally, you will become more productive and mimic it.
Become Accountable
Hold yourself accountable to others. Talk about what you want to do with friends and family, and then hold yourself accountable to complete the goal, i.e., I told Jane I was going on a trip by myself, so now I have to try it.
At work, talk to a colleague about what you want to accomplish this week and set deadlines for yourself. Throughout the week, update them with your progress—this will help you remind yourself not to let that person down.
Encouragement from others to keep you motivated will also play an important factor in completing a project or task.
Manage Your Energy
Similar to time, energy is a finite resource. Tired people struggle to focus and have brain fog. Sleep is a crucial part of recovery every day. The more sleep you have, the more productive you will be. Rest and breaks are vital throughout your day, so recharge every hour or so.
Doing a job and activities you enjoy daily will help your motivation and energize you. So keep that in mind day to day. If you are feeling a lack of motivation, it may be time to switch things up.
I hope you enjoyed reading a few ideas to stay happy, motivated and productive in the new year. Remember, these are a guideline. If you already have great tactics to keep on track, keep doing what works well for you.
For all your real estate needs, contact your Local REALTOR®.
My Fave: Jacques Torres Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
I found this Jacques Torres cookie recipe years ago, and I try to make them every Christmas. Not only is it an all-time favourite cookie of mine, I also have family and friends request that I make them.
They are soft, chewy and delicious—a real show-stopper. They take longer to make than standard cookies, but they are worth the fuss.
TOOLS:
Large Bowl
Whisk
Stand Mixer
Baking Sheet
Parchment Paper
Cookie Scoop (if you have one)
RECIPE:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups minus 2 tablespoons (8 ½ ounces) cake flour
- 1 2/3 cups bread flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/4 cups butter, room temperature (I used salted)
- 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ pounds chopped dark or semi-sweet chocolate chunks or disks
- flaked sea salt to sprinkle
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, sift together (or whisk) the cake flour, bread flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment mix the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for 5 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time until mixed, and then vanilla. Continue mixing for an additional minute, scraping the sides as necessary.
- Turn the mixer to low and add the flour mixture until just combined. Fold in the chocolate until evenly incorporated. Cover and chill dough for 24-72 hours.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Allow the chilled dough to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before baking to soften slightly. Scoop out 3.5 ounces of dough for each cookie using a large cookie scoop—approximately 1/4 cup. Place mounds onto your baking sheet, spacing them 3- inches apart.
- Bake cookies for 15-18 minutes until the edges are golden. Turn your baking sheet 180- degrees once, halfway through baking.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with sea salt. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes:
- Instead of chilling the dough in a large bowl, you can scoop and measure it right away and chill it in prepared mounds on a large baking sheet until ready to bake. Baking chilled dough produces a slightly thicker cookie than room-temperature dough.
- Store airtight for up to 3 days. Or put them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer.
Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 Cookie Calories: 222 Sugar: 9.6 g Sodium: 91.4 mg Fat: 12.2 g Carbohydrates: 25.7 g Protein: 2.7 g Cholesterol: 49.1 mg
I hope you enjoy these cookies as much as I have over the past ten years! They melt in your mouth once baked; eating the cookie dough is equally delicious!
If you need a larger kitchen to make these cookies in, contact your Local REALTOR® today!