8 steps to getting started in property investment
This propertyinvestment.com post from Nila Sweeney is an excellent primer for those who want to start a property portfolio. First, check your finances to see how much you can invest and get mortgage pre-approval. Then, define what success means for you, as well as the level of risk you are comfortable with, and set […]
An Economist’s Letter to Millennials Who Can’t (Yet) Buy a Home
This post from Jonathan Smoke, chief economist at realtor.com, explains what Millenials can do to help themselves along the path to home ownership. For example, a high debt burden will restrict their ability to qualify for a mortgage, and the amount they can get, so they need to limit their total debt payments (student loans, […]
5 Questions to Ask Before Replacing Your Roof
Most of us have little or no experience with re-roofing, so this post by home reno expert Bob Vila is a valuable guide to the questions a homeowner should ask before hiring a roofer. First, ask for an estimate that is comprehensive enough (permits, inspections, materials, labour, contingency) to establish a firm budget. Discuss […]
Reno Investments Providing the Highest Returns
This detailed Home Inspection Network post provides useful data to anyone who is considering a home renovation. Author Bev Siciliano begins by explaining what many do not realize – we might not fully recoup our investment when the home is sold. For that reason alone, home renovations should be analyzed individually to ensure we […]
What You Need to Do When Saying Goodbye to Your Home
Although you’re excited about moving, there are easy ways to reduce the ache you feel when thinking about leaving the old abode. According to this Realtor.com post by Lisa Davis you could throw a going away party with the neighbours who shared your journey over the years. Toast your soon-to-be former residence. Leave a […]
The Do’s and Dont’s of Basement Storage
Bob Vila is a renowned expert on home improvement. In his article about bathroom remodeling, Bob mentions eight tips that can help homeowners create a more efficient and functional basement for storage. The suggestions include taking advantage of vertical space by building up and not out, using open shelves for frequently-used items and built-in […]
Is It Time to Downsize? Ask Yourself These 4 Questions First
If you’ve reached the time of life where you are contemplating downsizing your home, the first question to ask, according to this Realto.com post, is what kind of lifestyle do you want after downsizing? By defining how you want to live, you can narrow your search and focus on housing that will meet those […]
What’s the best property type for your first home?
Inexperience can cause first time home buyers to be confused by the multitude of available options. This post by Caroline James is an excellent introduction to the advantages and disadvantages of five popular property choices: a large detached house on a suburban block, a small home on a sub-divided lot, a townhouse, an apartment […]
8 Mistakes That Could Screw Up Your Home Sale
Usually we hear “buyer beware”, but real estate author Michael Corbett advises sellers to beware and gives 8 reasons why in this trulia.com post. Always work with professional help, including a real estate agent. Their expertise, experience, neighbourhood knowledge and resources will help you plot a course through the selling process. Overpricing is […]
5 tips for eco-friendly renovations
I love this article! It’s so easy to reduce energy costs by 20% with just a few updates. For example, you can insulate the roof and external walls which will allow for up 25% savings on your heating bill during winter months due to increased insulation or replace inefficient windows (up 40%) while also adding […]