I feel like May is such a great month, spring is here, the grass is green, the trees are filling out, flowers are in bloom and if you plant a vegetable garden you likely either have all your little seedlings started or you are deciding which vegetables you are going to buy from the nursery to get started.
Its's also Mother's Day - my Mom is no longer with us and although after all these years I still think of her mostly everyday I still find that I think of her with great respect on Mother's Day.
My Mom gave me some great advice that seems to speak to me more the older I get, she had some favourite lines she would say when us siblings fought and one of them was, 'two wrongs don't make a right.' That one always angered me as a child, all I wanted to do was get even!
As I got older I realized that was great advice and I think of it often.
So in this month of Mother's Day, here's to all the fabulous Mom's out there. Whether you are a mom, or stand in as one in any capacity I wish you all the love you deserve on this special day.
I especially want to call out the Moms who are dealing with a child with mental health issues, for the first time May has been designated as Borderline Personality Awareness month here in Ontario.
My team and I are on a mission to raise $10,000 for Sashbear.org. We do this by donating a portion of our income from home sales to this very worthy cause.
Sashbear is bringing awareness to Borderline Personality Disorder and suicide prevention this month of May with their annual Sashbear Walk on May 26 in Etobicoke. We have committed to both sponsoring this walk and raising $10k towards their $200,000 goal and we need your help
And for the first time ever major landmarks in Canada will be lit up in orange to bring awarness to BPD ( Borderline Personality Disorder)
Look for the CN Tower, and Niagara Falls to be orange on May 26, and the Brant St Pier in Burlington on May 26. This is a big deal and speaks to the crisis around this issue.
If you would like to learn more about Sashbear and the work they do with families visit Sashbear.org and check out their Family Connections program. All of their services are offered free and the vast majority of the team that facilitate their services are volunteers.
If you would like to sponsor our team at this years walk and help us reach our goal of $10,000 to support families and suicide prevention click here
Join us live for an upcoming Q&A with Diego Vallarino
Here are the Top 5 Reasons you don't want to miss this!
1. Expert Guidance:
Insights from Diego Vallarino, CEO and Developer of Buenaventura, get in-depth knowledge about the Buenaventura region and the intricacies of property acquisition and financing in Panama. Benefit from Diego's expertise and make informed decisions.
2.Discover Buenaventura:
Buenaventura is renowned for its stunning beaches, luxurious amenities and thriving community. We'll dive into unique lifestyle opportunities this region offers, including recreational activities, dining options, and more.
3. Investment Potential:
Panama's real estate market has been experiencing steady growth, making it an attractive destination for property investment. Highlight's include the potential return on investment in Buenaventura and strategies for maximizing profit in the real estate market.
4. Financing Options:
Buying property abroad can be daunting, especially when it comes to financing. We'll demystify the financing process and provide valuable information about available financing options, including mortgages, loans, and investment partnerships.
5. Exclusive Deals and Offers:
As an attendee, we'll be offering exclusive incentives for properties in Buenaventura.
To Register email Sabrinna at [email protected]
There are over 33 physical problems that come under scrutiny during a home inspection and we have identified the most common problems and what you should do about them before you put your home for sale - not after!
Whether you own an old home or a new one, there are a number of things that can fall short during a home inspection. If these are not identified and dealt with before you get an offer, it could cost you tens of thousands of dollars or worse, a buyer that walks away after you have negotiated an offer.
It's critical that you know what these items are before you put your home for sale. In most cases, you can make a reasonable pre- inspection yourself if you know what you're looking for. And knowing what you are looking for can help you prevent little problems from turning into costly and unmanageable ones.
One thing all home buyers fear is that they are going to buy a house that costs them thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs once they move in.
Here are the Top 11 that you need to know to pass your Home Inspection
1. Defective Plumbing
Defective plumbing can manifest itself in two different ways, leaking and clogging.A visual inspection can detect leaking, and an inspector will gauge water pressure by turning on all faucets in the highest bathroom and then flushing the toilet. If you hear the sound of running water, it indicates that the pipes are undersized. If the water appears dirty when first turned on at the faucet, this is a good indication that the pipes are rusting, which can result in severe water quality problems.
2. Damp or Wet Basement
An inspector will check your walls for a powdery white mineral deposit a few inches off the floor, and will look to see if you feel secure enough to store things right on your basement floor. A mildew odor is almost impossible to eliminate, and an inspector will certainly be conscious of it.
3. Inadequate Wiring and Electrical
Your home should have a minimum of 100 amps service, and this should be clearly marked. Wire should be copper or aluminum. Home inspectors will look at octopus plugs as indicative of inadequate circuits and a potential fire hazard.
4. Poor Heating & Cooling Systems
Insufficient insulation, and an inadequate or a poorly functioning heating system, are the most common causes of poor heating. While an adequately clean furnace, without rust on the heat exchanger, usually has life left in it, an inspector will be asking and checking to see if your furnace is over its typical life span of 15-25 yrs. For a forced air gas system, a heat exchanger will come under particular scrutiny since one that is cracked can emit deadly carbon monoxide into the home. These heat exchangers must be replaced if damaged - they cannot be repaired.
5. Roofing Problems
Water leakage through the roof can occur for a variety of reasons such as physical deterioration of the asphalt shingles (e.g. curling or splitting), or mechanical damage from a wind storm. When gutters leak and downspouts allow water to run down and through the exterior walls, this external problem becomes a major internal one.
6. Damp Attic Spaces
Aside from basement dampness, problems with ventilation, insulation and vapor barriers can cause water, moisture, mold and mildew to form in the attic. This can lead to premature wear of the roof, structure and building materials. The cost to fix this damage could easily run over $2,500.
7. Rotting Wood
This can occur in many places (door or window frames, trim, siding, decks and fences). The building inspector will sometimes probe the wood to see if this is present - especially when wood has been freshly painted.
8. Masonry Work
Re-bricking can be costly, but, left unattended, these repairs can cause problems with water and moisture penetration into the home which in turn could lead to a chimney being clogged by fallen bricks or even a chimney which falls onto the roof. It can be costly to rebuild a chimney or to have it repainted.
9. Unsafe or Over-fused Electrical Circuit
A fire hazard is created when more amperage is drawn on the circuit than was intended. 15 amp circuits are the most common in a typical home, with larger service for large appliances such as stoves and dryers. It can cost several hundred dollars to replace your fuse panel with a circuit panel.
10. Adequate Security Features
More than a purchased security system, an inspector will look for the basic safety features that will protect your home such as proper locks on windows and patio doors, dead bolts on the doors, smoke and even carbon monoxide detectors in every bedroom and on every level. Even though pricing will vary, these components will add to your costs. Before purchasing or installing, you should check with your local experts.
11. Structural/Foundation Problems
An inspector will certainly investigate the underlying footing and foundation of your home as structural integrity is fundamental to your home.
When you put your home on the market, you don't want any unpleasant surprises that could cost you the sale of your home. By having an understanding of these 11 problem areas as you walk through your home, you'll be arming yourself against future disappointment.