Tips to protect your home from flooding

As Canada’s most formidable and growing climate challenge, the question many homeowners are asking themselves is, “What, if anything, can I do to avoid a flooded basement?”
As a real estate broker, my job is to educate and assure my clients feel confident and comfortable in their homes, not to predict the weather!

Here are several precautionary steps you can take to limit potential damage ahead of flood season based on the recent report from the Intact Centre on Climate Adaption at the University of Waterloo’s School of Environment, “Before the Storm: Flooding is hitting homeowners hard, but there’s a lot that can be done to keep yourself dry”

Inside the home

  • Sump pumps should be tested to ensure they have not seized, and they discharge water. This can be accomplished by pouring a bucket of water in the sump well.
  • Additionally, because power often goes out during major storms, a back-up battery which can power a pump for up to 72 hours should be installed.
  • Basement flood drains should be checked to ensure they aren’t blocked by obstructions.
  • Valuables and mementos should be stored in waterproof containers, at least a meter above the basement floor to ensure they’re not subject to water damage.

Every homeowner is encouraged to implement these simple actions as a first line of defense against basement flooding. These steps can save your clients money when it comes time to purchasing insurance.

Outside the home

  • Once in the spring and once in the fall, and following any major wind storm, leaves should be swept away from storm drains, which allows water to drain without restraint.
  • During a major storm, homeowners should inspect their property for water pooling close to the foundation. After a storm, these areas of depression should be filled and graded to direct water away from the foundation.
Window well cover
  • In the fall, after trees shed their leaves, eaves should be cleaned. Additionally, if downspouts drain into a weeping tile system, they should be disconnected, extensions added, and water should be directed to a safe discharge location two meters from the foundation.
  • Plastic covers should be placed over window wells, thus allowing light to enter, but preventing water from filling the window well during major storms.

If you have questions or need guidance, please reach out to us!

Information provided by: https://www.creacafe.ca/tips-to-protect-your-clients-home-from-flooding/

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Top 5 Staging Details to Attract a Buyer

There is a lot of behind the scene work that is involved with selling your home. Staging is a very beneficial aspect to this. Whether you hire a professional or do it yourself, here are some details buyers may notice that can help sell your home:

1.Replace old curtains & rods:
Replacing these items can sometimes liven up the room and will often make the room/home look larger.

2. Repair cracks and mildew:
Although this can be difficult to locate, come time for an inspection, this may cause a devaluation in your property and will require immediate action. The spring is the perfect time to inspect your property for water penetration.

3. Depersonalize:
When it comes to home staging, a big factor for a home not selling could be a result of not depersonalizing. Buyers want to envision their family growing and living in the space. Replace personal items with something impersonal such as vases, landscape photography or abstract art.

4. Inviting Exterior:
The first image on every listing website is the front exterior image of a home so make sure it looks as beautiful as the inside! An unattractive lawn, peeling paint or a weedy garden can be precursors to your home being listed for much longer than a neighbour. Slap a fresh coat of paint on your front door and/or garage, maintain your lawn and garden while showings are being held to deliver a picturesque exterior that will wow buyers!

5. Keep it Clean:
Let’s be honest, selling a home can be quite stressful. Keeping a clean home during showings is just as important as depersonalizing. Buyers don’t want to see laundry or smell what you ate for dinner. Although this may be difficult (especially with children) the main goal is to get the house SOLD! Keep this in mind during the process. It will be worth it in the end 🙂

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The Buyer Representation Agreement

Most business arrangements are based from word of mouth agreements. Although it nice to have that trust with an individual or company, many negative issues may arise if there is no binding contract.

Signing a Buyer Representation Agreement binds the contract committing you to work with the brokerage when you’re in the market to buy a home. In the unlikely event you have a dispute, it is always better to have a signed contract if you need to take legal action. Being a client of the brokerage, rather than a customer, is another advantage of signing the contact. As a client, the brokerage and its employees must follow your lawful instructions, protect any confidential information and promote your best interests in the transaction.

If you prefer to work with a brokerage as a client and sign a Customer Service Agreement, the brokerage will help you complete the transaction but they are not required to owe you a fiduciary duty.

Be sure to read the documents provided to you by the brokerage of your choice. This is help you understand your relationship with the salesperson and the brokerage’s obligations.

Source: The truth about a Buyer Representation Agreement: Ask Joe https://www.thestar.com/life/homes/opinion/2019/03/09/the-truth-about-a-buyer-representation-agreement.html

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Salt, Sand and Sun: What to Use, When and Where?

As our seasons become more dramatic and dynamic, managing snow, ice, and rain in winter can be a challenge. Using salt or sand on ice and snow will make a difference. Knowing when and where to use them is pivotal.

How Salt Works to Manage Ice    Salt helps to melt ice by decreasing the freezing temperature of the water. Pure water freezes at 32 degrees F, but a 20% solution of ice drops the freezing point to almost 0 degrees F. However, to work on the ice, the salt must end up in a water solution. This can happen when sunlight, traffic friction, or heat in the pavement melts some of the ice, or by the salt attracting water from the atmosphere.

How Sand Works to Manage Ice  Sand and other abrasive materials work by improving traction over ice. Friction may melt the ice, but this is an incidental addition to the functionality.

Advantages of Using Salt    Salt removes the ice from the road, melting it as long as the temperature is not too low.

Disadvantages of Using Salt   There is a limited temperature window in which salt can be used to de-ice roads. Below that temperature range, the ice is too cold to melt even if the salt forms a layer of brine. Even within the effective range, more salt is needed the colder it is, and the slower it will work.

Advantages of Sand   Sand can be used effectively at any temperature. As long as it is spread over the ice it will provide the necessary traction.
Also, dry snow will stick to a salted ice patch while it will blow off an unsalted ice patch, meaning if the salt is applied during a storm it can cause further dangers on the road.

Disadvantages of Using Sand If the weather is too cold, the sand can clump and freeze together, becoming part of the ice and providing no traction. Adding some salt can keep this from happening.
Sand is only effective as long it is on the surface. If it is buried under more snow, it must be reapplied. Heavy traffic areas will also quickly move the sand off the road, requiring regular reapplication.

Ecological Impact of Using Salt Salt and salt water runoff contaminate the area around the road and down the drainage path. Vegetation within 60 feet of the road is damaged, and salt can contaminate ground water and wells.
Salt will also degrade steel and concrete structures. This means using salt will damage the cars on the road as well as bridge structures and even pavement. New construction techniques are minimizing this problem, but it is not yet solved.

Ecological Impact of Using Sand Sand and other abrasive materials collect on the sides of the road, in drainage ditches, and can be washed into streams and lakes. Clean up after storms is becoming a bigger and bigger concern. Particles can also be ground up and become an air pollution concern. Because sand is often combined with salt to improve effectiveness, all the environmental impacts of salt also apply to most applications of sand.

Neither sand nor salt is a perfect solution for removing ice from the roads. However, they are the best options currently available.

Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/sand-on-ice-vs-salt-on-ice#b#ixzz2EkslNwtj

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Guest Blog: Erica Vincelli, Mortgage Agent with The Mortgage Advisors

Ten DON’Ts When Buying a Home
or Applying for a Mortgage

What not to do can be just as important as what you must do when it comes to mortgages. Think of your application as a snap shot in time. It is a picture of your current financial profile and how you were approved for said loan. Any changes made prior to your profile made prior to your funding date may impact your approval. This doesn’t mean you can’t use your credit card between now and the closing date but what it does mean is don’t make any drastic life changes during your approval period. Here are some of the most common examples:

  1. DO NOT change jobs,become self-employed, or quit your job.
  2. DO NOT buy a car, truck,or van (or you may find yourself living in it!).
  3. DO NOT use charge cards excessively or let your accounts fall behind.
  4. DO NOT buy furniture with money set aside for closing.
  5. DO NOT omit debts or liabilities from your loan application.
  6. DO NOT stop paying your rent or current mortgage.
  7. DO NOT originate any inquiries on your credit.
  8. DO NOT make large deposits without first checking with your Mortgage Broker.
  9. DO NOT change bank accounts or transfer funds back and forth between accounts.
  10. DO NOT co-sign on a loan for anyone.

For more great mortgage tips or to discuss your mortgage needs, please call Erica Vincelli today!

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The Smart Seller

As you may know, there is a lot of planning involved with putting your house up for sale. Thinking of selling in the Spring? Now is the time to start preparing your home! 

Here are some ways you can start/ease into the process:

  • Start decluttering so that buyers can see the potential of the house, not just stuff.
  • Think about starting minor updates and fixes, along with “nice to haves” (paint, flooring, hardware) to ensure you focus on the most important tasks to get the most ROI.
  • We will be happy to provide you with paint colour options to help brighten and make a room feel more spacious.
  • To ensure that every room buyers walk into appear spacious and welcoming, we provide staging furniture as well as suggestions on furniture placement and styling!
  • We also have our recommend resources and help (contractors, painters, etc.) should you require additional assistance.

A well-prepared and well-shown house is no longer something that you should do, it is something that you must do in order to attract the right buyer!

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Stick with these Colours if you want your Home to Sell!

Wait!! Don’t put up that “For Sale” sign just yet. A fresh coat of paint in the right color may help sell a home for more money.  We want you to get the most bang for your buck so check out the seven ways to incorporate magical money-making hues into your home (according to a Zillow Analysis).

A Soft Grey-Blue Kitchen

A Pale Blue Bath

Homes with light pale blue to soft periwinkle blue bathrooms sold for $5,440 more than expected!

A Neutral-Coloured Living Room


  • Homes with light beige, pale taupe or oatmeal-colored living room walls sell for $1,926 more than expected.

A Cadet Blue Bedroom


  • Homes with light cerulean to cadet blue bedroom wall colors or furniture can come with a $1,856 premium.

A Slate Blue Dining Room

Homes with slate blue to pale gray blue dining rooms also sold for more money — $1,926 more on average than homes with white dining room wall colors.

A Greige Exterior


  • A home’s exterior color may also have an impact on its sale price. Homes painted in “greige,” a mix of light gray and beige, sold for $3,496 more than similar homes painted in a medium brown or with tan stucco.

Navy Blue Front Doors


  • For a pop of colour, homes with front doors painted in shades of dark navy blue to slate gray sold for $1,514 more.
    https://www.zillow.com/blog/blue-kitchens-sell-for-more-216631/

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Condominiums – 15 Things To Know Before Buying – Part 4

15 Things To Know Before Buying A Condominium Continued…

11. What are Common Expenses? (Monthly Maintenance Fees)
These fees provide the condominium with the cash necessary to maintain the common elements, fund the reserve accounts, pay for property management and generally operate the Corporation. Upon purchasing your unit, you will be responsible for making common expense payments to the condominium corporation. The amount can vary depending on the size of the condo and the amenities.

12. What is a Reserve Fund?
The Reserve Fund is a trust fund established by the condominium corporations to anticipate costs for major repairs to the capital components of the condominium’s common elements.

13. Do you need Insurance?
The condominium corporation is responsible for insuring the common element areas and the unit. This insurance coverage includes public liability for those areas, however, you are responsible for obtaining your own insurance for your contents and any improvements that have been made to the unit since it was first constructed. You are also responsible for obtaining personal liability insurance for your unit – make sure you obtain a proper condominium unit insurance package and NOT a tenant package.

14. Can you make changes to your unit and the common areas around it?
You can decorate or renovate your unit, although the condominium may have rules about the time of day that such renovations can take place. In some cases, you may need permission from the Board of Directors in advance.

15. What else should you ask about?

  • Utilities: In some condominiums, utility charges and cable t.v are included in the common expense – ask the Vendor or the Manager of the building what might be included.
  • Parking: Almost all condominiums have restrictions on the availability of parking. Ask the Vendor, Manager or someone on the board.
  • Pets: Some condominiums prohibit owners from having pets or have rules governing the number, type or size of pets. If you have pets, ask your lawyer or realtor to verify that pets are allowed.
  • Maintenance and Repair: In most condominiums the corporation is fully responsible for the maintenance and repair of the common elements. In some, however, these duties may be shifted back to the homeowner to some extent.
Thinking of purchasing or selling a condo?

contact Terra Firma Real Estate at 613-721-7434!

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Condominiums – 15 Things To Know Before Buying – Part 3

15 Things To Know Before Buying A Condominium Continued…

 7. Get a Status Certificate
Purchasing the “Status Certificate” allows you to find out a great deal of information about a condominium and should purchased before you firm up the offer. They cost $100 and are worth it. The easiest way to do this is to have you agent make the offer conditional for 10 days to allow you to obtain the certificate, review it with your lawyer and be satisfied with its contents and attachments. The certificate will contain the following information, among other things:

  • confirmation of the amount of the reserve fund
  • whether the unit you are buying is up-to-date for common expense payments
  • whether there are any large increases in monthly common expenses being considered
  • whether there are any special assessments being considered
  • whether the corporation is a party to any legal actions
  • a copy of the current budget
  • the most recent audited financial satements
  • copies of the condominiums Declaration, By-laws and Rules

8. The Agreement of Purchase and Sale – Older Condominiums
Local or provincial real estate associations have developed standardized forms specifically designed to be used when purchasing a condominium. Ensure your offer uses the correct document for condominiums and contains a condition allowing you time to get a status certificate. Being pre-qualified for the loan before you make an offer will allows you to be prepared in know what you are able to afford and offer.

9. The Agreement of Purchase and Sale – New Condominiums
Most agreements contain provisions setting out any additional costs may be charged back to the buyer at the time of final closing, called “adjustments”. It may be possible to negotiate some of these charges. These provisions must be read carefully as they can easily increase your purchase price. Make sure to revise this with your lawyer.
Be prepared for additional deposits before you firm up your offer. Make sure you have those funds available.
In a new condominium, it is not unusual for you to be asked to take occupancy of the unit months before the developer is in a position to transfer the ownership of the unit to you. During this “occupancy period” you must pay an occupancy fee to the developer. When budgeting for your purchase, you should ensure that you have at least three – six months worth of occupancy fees available.

10. Disclosure Statement – New Condominium
This is a package of information about a new condominium that is to be built or is under construction. It contains much of the same information as the Status Certificate. When buying a new condominium unit from a developer, a purchaser is guaranteed a 10 day “rescission” period, within which they can review the disclosure package. If you and your lawyer are uneasy about anything within the document, you can rescind your offer to purchase and receive your deposits back.

Stay tuned to read more about what to know before buying a condo!

For further inquiries, contact Terra Firma Real Estate at 613-721-7434!

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Condominiums – 15 Things To Know Before Buying – Part 2

15 Things To Know Before Buying A Condominium Continued…

4. What is the Condominium Act, 1998?
When you purchase a condo unit, you automatically become subject to the provisions of the Condominium Act, 1998, which governs all condominiums in Ontario. The current Act includes provisions that, among other things provides for penalties for non-payment of common expenses or violations of Corporation Rules and Regulations. The Act ensures that the condominium has sufficient funds to operate, that everyone pays their fair share of that cost and obeys the rules.

5. What are Declarations, By-Laws and Rules? (Should you care?)
The Declaration is a document that will contain certain mandatory provisions as legislated by the Condominium Act 1998 such as:

  • specifications of the boundaries of your unit
  • the percentage use to calculate monthly common expenses for your unit
  • other restrictions and obligations that may affect the use of your unit

By- Law’s set the basic organizational and administrative functions of the Corporation, including the duties of its Board of Directors and officers. The by-laws also make provisions for calling owners’ meetings and for the election and qualification for the Board of Directors.

All condominium corporations have rules which form the standards of behavior for the community. These govern the day-to-day use of your unit and the common elements.

You have the right to insist that the Declaration, By-laws and Rules be complied with by all other unit owners, tenants or other residents of the condominium complex and, yes, you should care because the other owners can insist that you abide by them as well.

6. Who are the Board of Directors and what is a “Property Manager”?
The majority of condominiums in Ontario are governed by an elected Board of Directors. The board members are usually other owners in the condominium. They are responsible of administrating the condominiums’ business and financial affairs.
All condominiums are administered by an elected board of directors. However, many condominiums hire professional property management companies to assist them. The Manager’s role, among other things, is to oversee the day to day operation of the Corporation, see to the collection of common expenses, advise the Board of Directors, assist in the preparation of budgets, and attempt to enforce the Rules.

Stay tuned to read more about what to know before buying a condo!

For further inquiries, contact Terra Firma Real Estate at 613-721-7434!

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