All home inspectors are not created equal. So if you’re looking for one to shine a green light on the historic home you’ve fallen in love with, be sure to do your homework first.

The debate still rages over whether a home inspection is money well spent largely due to the fact that the profession until recently has been unregulated in Ontario. But that argument flies out the window when it comes to century homes. Most housing experts will say the $300 to $500 you drop for an inspection is essential because a good inspector knows what to look for when examining an old house.

The first thing you need to do is find an inspector who has experience with older homes. If your home is designated a heritage home or has the potential to be designated, you will want a highly experienced housing expert who can also give you an idea of the cost of possible renovations and who will inform you about renovation limitations imposed due to its heritage designation. An ideal scenario would be an inspector who has worked on homes that were built in the same neighbourhood and era as yours.

There are plenty of century-old homes in Toronto and while age brings with it a certain cachet thanks to the building’s character and architectural detail, it also brings certain problems you likely wouldn’t find in a new build. A skilled property inspector knows how to identify concerns such as knob and tube wiring, aluminum wiring, aging wood frames, settlement and shrinkage cracking, lead plumbing pipes and galvanized plumbing lines, lead paint, mold, asbestos and cement and rock foundations with poor exterior waterproofing.

Generally, a heritage structure is designated as such when it’s a unique example of a particular architectural style, is directly linked with a person or organization with cultural significance, or  because it’s an old home that’s retained most of its original features.

Whether it’s deemed heritage or simply a century home, both likely share old age as a defining trait. Be sure to unearth a home inspector who not only understands the unique charms associated with older homes, but one who also knows the hazards and costs they can present. Better yet, try to find someone who owns or lives in a heritage home as they will have a keen awareness of the problems you may encounter.

As humans, we devote a large chunk of time, money and energy on food.

From the money we earn to buy groceries, to planning menus, shopping, preparing, cooking and eating, food is an all-encompassing portion of our lives. And as such, it’s incumbent on home cooks to look for more eco friendly ways of feeding your family. Let’s explore some options:

Tools & Equipment:

• Did you know it’s best to cover your pots and pans when cooking? That simple step adds up to less cooking time which conserves energy. It also means less clean-up with water as spattering is reduced.
• Try to grill outdoors as much as possible. This reduces indoor gas or electric usage as your food is cooked by propane gas or charcoal. With this method, you get the added bonus of not heating up your home on hot days and needing to turn up the air conditioning.
• Play it smart with foil. Use it to line baking dishes as that will help you with clean-up, meaning you will use less water. Foil can be recycled, too. Simply wash off and use to wrap leftovers.
• Be fridge friendly. These energy guzzlers consume the most in your kitchen so don’t buy ones that come with ice makers and water dispensers as that will only hike hydro consumption. Also if your fridge has exposed coils in the back try to vacuum them twice yearly as that will help the appliance run more efficiently.
• Run your dishwasher in the evening or early morning hours to save energy. Make sure it’s full and use biogradable soap. Let your dishes air dry as opposed to heat dry.

Produce & Groceries:

• Try to buy local as much as possible. Not only does this support local growers, but you are also getting food at its peak flavour and sparing the planet by preventing oil-fuelled trucks, planes and trains from delivering food from afar.
• Look for organic products. Organic farming practices do not depend on chemicals. Organic foods not only taste better but provide you with more nutrients than food from factory or commercial farms.
• Don’t dismiss leftovers. These kitchen miracles are often tastier the next day or a whole new dish once you transform Tuesday’s leftover meatloaf into a pasta dish for Wednesday. Think of the money, time and energy you will save with a little pre-planning. Keep kitchen scraps to make soup stock or toss them in your composter.
• Try cooking with smaller portions. Cutting meats and vegetables into smaller chunks allows your food to cook much faster which requires less energy.

Sources: www.fluxmagazine.com, www.earthbuddies.net, www.howstuffworks.com

There is a lot to be said for older homes. They ooze charm and tend to be located in well-established neighbourhoods featuring quaint, tree-lined streets, decent schools and a stable, if not pleasant community vibe.

Given that many Toronto homes fit that general description, what should home buyers be looking for when considering a home that’s 100-plus years old? There are certain concerns that are especially characteristic to century homes. Prehistoric plumbing, wiring, windows and insulation can result in expensive repairs and upgrades. The more you know about them, the better armed you’ll be to make a wise decision.  Here are some considerations you may want to mull over:

Double Inspections – Being aggressive when it comes to fault finding is a smart move when you’re spending hundreds of thousands on a house. Think of two inspections as an initial investment in the long-term health and safety of your home. The money you spend today can save you big sums down the road. And remember that even the most experienced and knowledgeable inspector can miss things.

Depending on the issues you uncover, you may also need to hire a structural engineer, foundation expert or contractor to lend their expertise. These are usually even more costly, but again a little financial pain upfront will likely save you financial setbacks in the long run.

Ensure Your Insurance — As you’re phoning around for home inspectors and building experts, you may want to gather information about insuring an older home. Older homes quite simply come with more risk and this can be pricey especially if you dealing with a house that has knob-and-tube wiring or structural issues, for example. Know what you’re getting into as finding out later that the home you just bought will cost a fortune to insure could be a big financial blow.

Beware of Hazardous Materials – Lead paint and asbestos were common building materials back in the day that have in the interim been deemed a danger. If your house was built before 1960, there’s a good chance lead paint was used and this can be a problem for babies, young children and pregnant women.  This toxic material has been known to cause abdominal pain, memory loss and developmental problems. D-I-Y remediation is doable but know that it’s a long and tedious process.

Widely used in older homes, asbestos is now deemed a hazard because its fibres irritate lungs and can lead to a deadly form of cancer as well as other serious lung diseases. Asbestos is relatively common in houses built before 1975. It can be found in insulation, siding, linoleum, vinyl tiles and plaster.

Radon is a gas that can increase your risk of lung cancer. It enters your home through any opening in which the house comes into contact with the soil. Test kits are available for this radioactive gas.

Pesky Pests – We could write a book on this subject but instead we’ll just stick to the sticklers. Termites are a not uncommon problem in the GTA. You may want to inspect your house for termites before purchasing if you suspect it has them. Signs of an infestation include flying termites, hollow sounding timber and tunnels in the wood. Termite treatment and control is not cheap with online estimates starting at about $3,500.

Mold & Mildew — Mold and mildew can be an issue in any age of home but it is perhaps more prevalent in older homes due to the years under which a bad mold situation can take to present itself plus having a space in which poor circulation exists. Mold remediation can be very expensive, in the thousands of dollars kind of expensive.

Infrastructure Issues – We mean electrical, plumbing, roofing, foundation. These are the areas of a home where old doesn’t add up to charming. It’s not unusual for older homes to need new electrical work as some are outfitted with knob-and-tube wiring. This can be a fire hazard, while older plumbing can cause water problems that can lead to a host of pricey repairs. Consider getting more than one opinion regarding a roofing concern. A crumbling foundation can spell out a number of additional issues, from flooding to structural issues.

There are potentially dozens of reasons to select a real estate agent. Having one that also happens to be a friend, neighbour or family member is not an uncommon occurrence and that’s why many consumers feel the pressure to choose someone they know.

But many real estate gurus say that’s unwise for a number of reasons. Disagreements could put an end to a valued friendship or perhaps your friend/agent will begin to resent you because of the discount or kick back you’ve requested on their commission. Another possibility is that your agent doesn’t view you as seriously as his other clients and may put in less time house hunting or drumming up buyers. They also may have a more difficult time telling you the truth — that your house isn’t worth what you think it is, for instance. Finally, if you get to a point where it’s time to break up with your realtor/friend how do you do that without any hard feelings?

But for those who feel compelled to retain an agent with whom they’re already comfortable, what happens when you have competing realtors in your life? How do you choose one over the other without offending the unsuccessful candidate? How do you break the news to Cousin Bernie that you’ve decided to go with your sister-in-law Alice?

Let’s look at ways to break it to them gently:

Fictionalize it — You could start by lying. While that’s not always the recommended course of action, sometimes a little white lie is your best line of defense. Imagine telling your neighbour/realtor that you’ve decided to retain your nephew, a rookie real estate agent, due to the fact that your neighbour’s breath could topple the C.N. Tower. Better to bow out gracefully with a wee fib. In this instance, you could take advantage of your nephew’s inexperience by claiming that you’re trying to help out your relative and that’s why you decided to hire him.

Blame your spouse — This strategy is a classic for good reason. By pointing a finger at your better half, you, in effect, tell people that you are being held hostage based on your partner’s choice, however different it may be than yours. The beauty of this game plan is that you end up looking like the sympathetic supporter, unlike your spouse, who is likely viewed as something of a villain.

 Be Honest Abe — The truth can hurt but it also sets you free. If you have the strength of character to weather chilly responses and cold shoulders, this is likely a good pick for you. You never have to look over your shoulder or struggle and squirm to remember your white lie when you invariably run into your Aunt Maude at Thanksgiving dinner. This option is a tough one but it’s worth it given the peace of mind it leaves you with.

Pick a Pro over Blood — Because home buying is such an emotionally charged transaction involving big, life-changing amounts of money, the process can be highly volatile and there is little room for mistakes. Giving your best friend’s daughter a break will earn you brownie points for sure, but may not be in your best interest in the long run. Same for hiring a friend or relative who doesn’t work relatively close to your area. Regardless of the relationship, you need a professional who lives, eats and breathes real estate and understands the local market, including everything from schools and shops to local issues and housing inventory.

There are potentially dozens of reasons to select a real estate agent. Having one that also happens to be a friend, neighbour or family member is not an uncommon occurrence and that’s why many consumers feel the pressure to choose someone they know.

But many real estate gurus say that’s unwise for a number of reasons. Disagreements could put an end to a valued friendship or perhaps your friend/agent will begin to resent you because of the discount or kick back you’ve requested on their commission. Another possibility is that your agent doesn’t view you as seriously as his other clients and may put in less time house hunting or drumming up buyers. They also may have a more difficult time telling you the truth — that your house isn’t worth what you think it is, for instance. Finally, if you get to a point where it’s time to break up with your realtor/friend how do you do that without any hard feelings?

But for those who feel compelled to retain an agent with whom they’re already comfortable, what happens when you have competing realtors in your life? How do you choose one over the other without offending the unsuccessful candidate? How do you break the news to Cousin Bernie that you’ve decided to go with your sister-in-law Alice?

Let’s look at ways to break it to them gently:

Fictionalize it — You could start by lying. While that’s not always the recommended course of action, sometimes a little white lie is your best line of defense. Imagine telling your neighbour/realtor that you’ve decided to retain your nephew, a rookie real estate agent, due to the fact that your neighbour’s breath could topple the C.N. Tower. Better to bow out gracefully with a wee fib. In this instance, you could take advantage of your nephew’s inexperience by claiming that you’re trying to help out your relative and that’s why you decided to hire him.

Blame your spouse — This strategy is a classic for good reason. By pointing a finger at your better half, you, in effect, tell people that you are being held hostage based on your partner’s choice, however different it may be than yours. The beauty of this game plan is that you end up looking like the sympathetic supporter, unlike your spouse, who is likely viewed as something of a villain.

Be Honest Abe — The truth can hurt but it also sets you free. If you have the strength of character to weather chilly responses and cold shoulders, this is likely a good pick for you. You never have to look over your shoulder or struggle and squirm to remember your white lie when you invariably run into your Aunt Maude at Thanksgiving dinner. This option is a tough one but it’s worth it given the peace of mind it leaves you with.

Pick a Pro over Blood — Because home buying is such an emotionally charged transaction involving big, life-changing amounts of money, the process can be highly volatile and there is little room for mistakes. Giving your best friend’s daughter a break will earn you brownie points for sure, but may not be in your best interest in the long run. Same for hiring a friend or relative who doesn’t work relatively close to your area. Regardless of the relationship, you need a professional who lives, eats and breathes real estate and understands the local market, including everything from schools and shops to local issues and housing inventory.

The real estate industry is predicting a banner year as it looks into its crystal ball for 2020.

Given the doldrums the market showed over the last two years, this news may come as a bit of a surprise.  But who doesn’t enjoy a surprise especially when it’s tied to good news.  Housing industry insiders say this turnaround in the market means sales are anticipated to grow this year. This good news, however, is tempered with cautionary predictions that housing inventory will continue to affect the shape of the market in that supply issues will put pressure on prices.

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is forecasting “solid” house pricing gains in 2020 thanks in large part to the weak start in home sales that took place at the beginning of 2019. The turnaround that took place in real estate in the second half of 2019 is credited to a fall in new listings, a trend that CREA says will persist into 2020.

“These trends have caused many housing markets to tighten,” said CREA in its year-end quarterly forecast, “which has sharply lowered the national number of months of inventory. This is resulting in increased competition among buyers for listings and providing fertile ground for price gains.”

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is calling for a recovery of the housing market this year with an expectation that out-of-control pricing in Toronto and Vancouver markets will settle.

According to the Toronto Star, the national housing agency suggests a rebound in Toronto house prices in the next two years by as much as five per cent. That would put the average home between $765,300 and $898,400. It forecasts that prices could average $949,400 by the end of 2021, which is a 10.5 per cent hike over 2019 prices.

Increased consumer confidence will drive gains in 2020, which according to leading Canadian real estate franchises are pegged at a house price appreciation of 3.2 per cent and 3.7 per cent, respectively.

According to Canada Mortgage Trends, the Bank of Canada is expected to cut the lending rate in 2020 and deliver a 25-basis points rate cut. An RBC economist wrote that the cut should come in the second quarter of the year, however, continued strength in the housing market could translate to inaction on the Bank of Canada’s side. The mortgage information blog went on to say that some experts expect a cut in mortgage rates by July.

Sources: Canada Mortgage Trends, CREA, CHMC, RE/MAX, Toronto Star

By mid January we’re holidayed out. Often by now, we’ve turned off the timers on our Christmas lights and our only tree leftovers are those pesky evergreen needles that got caught in area rugs, furnishings and heating vents.

For many the post holiday period is a time of curtailment. And while you may be watching what you eat and drink, restricting your spending and trying to limit your Netflix viewing, now is not the time to skimp on your outdoor decorating especially if your house is on the market.

And though it could be argued that buyers trudging through ice and snow to view your home are likely highly motivated, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to heighten your home’s curb appeal. Let’s look at environmentally friendly ways to make your home stand out amid the New Year frost.

Not all holiday decorations need to go into storage come January. If you’ve furnished your front porch in a plethora of greenery, pine cones, branches and berries, these classic signs of winter are an attractive reminder of the season.  Nothing says welcome quite like the natural simplicity of a burlap bow and a boxwood. It’s a good idea to pack away any glitz and glitter décor items or ones that scream Christmas at this time of year.

Lanterns are a pretty way to decorate your outdoors. They come in all shapes, sizes and décor styles so you would be hard pressed not to find one that suits your design aesthetic. Depending on the amount of space you’re decorating, a grouping of three lanterns looks eye-catching. What adds to the mood of this decorative device is the fact that you can lend extra ambiance to your front entry by adding flameless candles to each lantern.  The realistic flickering light from these candles will provide your home with a warm welcoming vibe.

Since colour is hibernating at this time of year, you can incorporate splashes of colour in your outdoor décor. A colourful welcome mat at your front door, tastefully placed outdoor chairs in bright colours and a cold-hardy plant such as juniper or a topiary placed in a colourful pot near your front entry are all striking and inviting touches. One surefire way to add colour is to repaint your front door.

Be kind to wildlife with feeder garlands that will attract all kinds of birds and animals to your home. You can also add cheer to your outdoors thanks to colourful bird feeders strategically placed. Not only do these look pretty thanks to their colour and shape, they also serve to provide a sanctuary for our feathered friends.

The Ontario government has introduced a bill outlining new rules for the province’s real estate profession that centre on discipline and enforcement, improving professional standards and consumer protection as well as providing greater autonomy for real estate professionals as to how they manage their businesses.

The bill would give the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) more powers to fine realtors and suspend licences for unprofessional conduct and unethical behaviour, as well as allow it to consider a broad range of factors including the public interest when considering registration eligibility.

It also gives realtors more independence in how they conduct business with the ability to incorporate and to be paid through the corporation. This provides them with tax write-offs and new ways to manage their flow of income.

For real estate consumers, the bill allows realtors the discretion as to whether or not they disclose competing offers in a bidding war scenario. Currently, purchasers in a multiple buyer situation are not privy to the monetary value or conditions of competing offers.

“This bill has been a long time coming and we’re thrilled to see the Ontario government is determined to put buyers and sellers first, while ensuring realtors have the tools and training needed to do the best job for their clients in today’s modern marketplace,” Ontario Real Estate Association president Karen Cox told REM online.

It has been nearly 20 years since the province updated its rules around the real estate industry. The 2002 Real Estate Business Brokers Act (REBBA) is being renamed The Trust in Real Estate Services Act.

The bill comes on the heels of public consultations in early 2019 and closely follows what the Ontario Real Estate Association had been campaigning for.

Ontario is home to more than 86,000 registered real estate salespeople, brokers, and brokerages in Ontario.

The real estate industry in Ontario has undergone dramatic changes since the act was initially passed two decades ago, Government and Consumer Services Minister Lisa Thompson told the Toronto Star. “Economically real estate is booming. Between 2005 and 2015, the total value of all residential properties more than doubled in Ontario.”

Sources: www.torontostar.com, www.remonline.com, www.chroniclejournal.com

As much as humans say they love animals, and house pets in particular, they probably don’t love yours and the accompanying clutter, damage and dirt our pets naturally create.

That’s why it’s so important when selling your home to try to remove all signs of animals in the home. Potential buyers don’t want to see scratched up flooring or mounds of dog poo in the yard. They want to envision themselves living there and those unsightly reminders get in the way.

Here are a few suggestions you might want to try when trying to sell your animal-friendly home:

Relocate your critter 

This may be one of the most difficult ideas but it will likely be the most effective. If you have family members or friends who have taken Fluffy previously, perhaps you could call on them again to look after your pet.  This will make the sale of your home much easier as keeping it clean will be a breeze with your pets out of the way.

Go for a walk with your pet 

Removing you, your pets and the rest of your household members during a showing and/or open house is ideal. While you’re at it be sure to clean up all signs of pet ownership. That means make sure the yard is free of animal waste, clean and cover kitty litter boxes, pickup pet toys that are strewn around your home and yard and remove food and water bowls.

Try to avoid moving pets outdoors during showings and open houses. Some buyers want to explore the outdoors as closely as the indoors so banishing your pets to the yard can be a hindrance. With people coming and going from your yard, there’s also a risk your pet might get out. Don’t forget that all pets pose a potential liability hazard with the possibility of biting and scratching.

If finding a home outside of their home is impossible during the showing, try to keep your animals restrained to a cage or container of some kind.

Spit & polish 

This can mean a little or a lot. Did your Doberman chew your wainscoting? Or maybe he liked to pee on a certain corner of carpet? Any which way, damage done to walls, floors, carpets, lawns and even furniture should be repaired before you even think of letting potential buyers in your home.

When it comes to pet smells, only a really devoted animal owner can tolerate the odors that accompany their beloved pets. Get carpets cleaned and treated professionally for urine odors and for stains. If that cannot be done, you may need to replace the carpet or rug.

Yard clean-up 

Just as you’ve done a comprehensive clean inside your home, you need to do the same outside. Pick up any and all mess from the yard that relates to your animals. You will also want to replace damaged sod or fill holes that have been dug.

Sources: www.maxrealestateexposure.com,

October and November may feel like something of a break before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. This period is a good time to take stock of our homes, our properties and whether or not our endeavours are environmentally kind to the planet.

Here’s a checklist of a few fall maintenance items that will add some green not just to your wallet but also add to your sense of pride about doing the right thing.

The furnace

These heat sources get a big workout in Canada so be kind to them by cleaning — yes cleaning — them regularly. Furnaces are often stored away in a dark and dingy portion of the basement so they tend to collect dust and dirt. Don’t let that accumulate as a build-up of grime can affect its performance or worse, cause a fire. Clean and replace your furnace filters. Consider having yours serviced by a heating professional or if you’re so inclined do it yourself. Online would be a good source to see how it’s done.

Turn down the heat 

Water heaters have a default setting of 140 degrees, a temperature that can easily scald and burn energy unnecessarily. Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees. To save more consider purchasing a blanket for your water heater. While you’re at it, throw on a sweater and turn down your furnace, too.

Leave the leaves 

Believe it or not, leaves offer our lawns and gardens many benefits. Collect and place them on flower beds or at the base of trees, shrubs and bushes. The leaves will eventually decompose and their nutrients will be passed on to your vegetation. Also there’s good reason not to toss your leaves and to delay your garden clean-up till spring. Decaying plants and curled leaves provide a home for many insects. Bees, butterflies and many other bugs depend on our garden debris to overwinter. If it helps, think of your yard as a sanctuary for insects, birds, amphibians and animals.

Start composting 

The fall season is a great time to start a compost pile in your yard. Compost helps enrich your soil and reduced the need for water and pesticides. A compost pile can also hold your grass clippings and leaves in addition to food scraps.

Kick your tires 

Since colder temperatures can result in lower tire pressure on your vehicles, be sure to inspect your tire pressure on occasion as outdoor temperatures start declining. The reason? Under inflated tires can result in reduced fuel efficiency for your vehicle.

Farmer’s Market 

Many farmers markets continue into the fall season so be sure to check out their offerings. Remember, when you purchase apples, carrots and potatoes there you are supporting local growers and helping to trim down our collective carbon emissions.

Sources: www.earth911.com, www.eponline.com, www.gerberlife.com, www.greenerideal.com