Did you know ... when you see a carpenter ant crawling across your kitchen floor, your first instinctive reaction is probably to kill it.  DON'T.  At lest not yet.  Carpenter ants tend to follow a predictable path from nest to food source.  If you follow the ant, you stand a much greater chance of finding its nest and getting rid of the whole colony. 

I hope these small tips are useful when tackling little problems around the house at least until you can the experts to alleviate the problem all together.

ARE YOU PREPING YOUR HOME FOR THE SPRING MARKET?  Let me know if I can assist you with anything.  I am just a phone call away 416-818-5645 or e-mail me suesharma@royallepage.ca  

With the rising costs of energy we as homeowners are always looking for ways in how to save as much money as possible in energy costs.  This tip may be of help to you in keeping your costs down during the summer months as well as during the winter season.

According to the experts using a variable-speed ceiling fan is just one of the many effective ways that can keep your home cooler without excessive air-conditioning.  Not only do these fans create a comfortable breeze that reduces the need for A-C, they also pull the heavier cool air up to the top half of the room, where we can more readily feel its effects.  On cold days, this process can be reversed by switching the direction of a unit that has a 2 directional motor, or switching the blade angle on a model with adjustable blades in order to change theair flow direction and push the warm air down.

You can also reduce air conditioning usage by adhering to some of the following practices:

Redce the intensity of electrical lighting by using dimmer switches, auto timers and low-energy bulbs.

Use a set-back thermostat to help regulate cooling levels based on your schedule.

Seal air leaks by caulking cracks around door and window frames, baseboards, chimney flues, etc.

Install exterior awnins over windows exposed to direct sunlight.

Hang reflective blinds or drapery, and keep them closed whenever a room gets direct exposure

I hope these tips will assist you as homeowners in saving lots of dollars in energy costs.

DO YOU HAVE A HOME RELATED QUESTION THAT NEEDS AN ANSWER? 

Your comments and questions are always appreciated.  Remember I'm just a phone call away 416-818-5645 or e-mail me suesharma@royallepage.ca

Today's Home Maintenance Tip is on Windows and Versatile Window Films.  According to the window experts, treating windows with reflective film can save energy by controlling heating and coolling loss, can reduce visual glare, and can help prevent colour fading of art, fabrics, furnishings and flooring.

Some types of window film also provide added security by reinforcing existing glass with increased resistance against high winds or sudden impact.  Other types of window film come with a frosted finish or feature a one-way vision treatment t increase privacy.  Many types of reflective window film can be applied on existing window pances, while other types of film are factory installed.  Talk to your window experts about the different types of window films that are available.

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT YOUR HOME OR NEED A TIP?  Remember I am only a phone call away 416-818-5645 or e-mail me suesharma@royallepage.ca

Did You know ....  that bahtroom fans remove excess humidity that can otherwise accumulate and create problems, such as mold, but they only work if they are used correctly.  Most experts agree that a fan should be left on for 20 minutes after a shower.  If you can't wait around that long, install a timer, which can be purchased from most home improvement stores.

WHICH HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS POSTED ON MY BLOG HAVE YOU BEEN FINDING INTERESTING AND USEFUL AROUND YOUR HOME?

Your comments are appreciated.  If you have any questions regarding real estate, I would be very happy to provide you with the answers.  I am only a phone call away 416-818-5645 or e-mail me suesharma@royallepage.ca

Moving can appear to be daunting to some empty nesters.  So, if you're considering "downsizing" to a condo, plan for the major changes and adjustments before making that decision.  Some of the things to give a careful thought to is furniture placement options that will use the space as effeciently and effectively as possible.  Then you have to reduce clutter by storing or sharing keepsakes and unused items.  Soon after that you will be able to focus on the enhanced lifestyle enjoyed by so many condo residents, such as;

Fewer safety and security concerns

More leisure time (fewer duties and responsibilities)

Less shopping for home supply and maintenance purchases

An opportunity to have a voice in community decisions regarding facilities, services and amenities

New social opportunities for like-minded adults (e.g. movies, card-games, day-trips etc.)

These are some of the benefits of a condo living life-style.

ARE YOU AT THAT POINT OF YOUR LIFE WHERE YOU'RE CONSIDERING LIVING IN A CONDO?

If you have a real estate question that needs to be answered, or have a house-related issue that requires professional advice, I  would be happy to help you.  Whether you want some reliable, up-to-date information on the residential market, remember I'm just a phone call away 416-818-5645 or e-mail me suesharma@royallepage.ca 

Your comments on my blog are always appreciated and if you have any topic of interest that you would like me to address, I would love to hear from you.

The experts recommend the use of the following 5 step formula to help you attain a speedy credit score boost.

1.  Pay Down Credit Cards:  The number one way to increase your credit score is to pay down your credit cards.  Revolving credit like credit cards seems to have a more significant impact on credit scores than car loans, lines of credit and so on.

2.  Limit the Use of Credit Cards:  Racking up a large amount and then paying it off in monthly installments can hurt your credit score.  If there is a balance at the end of the month, this affect your score - credit formulas don't take into account the fact that you may have paid the balance off the next month

3.  Check Credit Limits:  If your lender is slower at reporting monthly transactions, this can have a significant impact on how other lenders may view your file.  Ensure everything's up to date as old bills that have been paid can come back to haunt you.  Some financial institutions don't even report your maximum limits.  As such, the credit bureau is left to only use the balance that's on hand. The problem is, if you consistently charge the same amount each month - say $1,000 to $1,500 - it may appear to the credit-scoring agencies that you're regularly maxing out your cards.  The best bet is to pay your balances down or off before your statement periods close.

4.  Keep Old Cards:  Older credit is definitely a better credit.  If you stop using older credit cards the issuers may stop updating your accounts.  As such, the cards can lose their weight in the credit formula, and therefore may not be as valuable - even though you have had those cards for a long time.  You should use these cards regularly and then pay them off. 

5.  Do not let mistakes build-up:  You should always dispute any mistakes or situations that may harm your credit score.  If for example your cell phone bill is not correct and the company will not fix it, you can dispute this by making the credit bureau aware of this situation.

DO YOU HAVE ANY CREDIT RELATED QUESTIONS FOR MY EXPERT?

If you're in the market to purchase your first home or planning to buy a larger home and need some assistance with decision making factors, remember I am just a phone call away 416-818-5645 or simply e-mail me suesharma@royallepage.ca

When you’re getting your home ready to sell, you need to look at your house in a whole new way. You have to think of your house as a product that is about to go on the market where it is probably competing with brand new housing. This means it needs to show well and appeal to potential buyers as a place they can easily move right into without making major repairs.
Although some homebuyers are willing to take on fix-me-uppers, many of today’s house hunters lead busy lives and may not be interested in embarking upon major repairs or improvements upon moving in.

Fix it First:   If you need to make improvements to your home, do the work before the “For Sale” sign hits your lawn. Potential buyers are not interested in hearing about your good intentions to look after defects before a transfer of ownership takes place. Even if fix-up work is underway, buyers may not be able to visualize what your home will look like upon completion of a project. They will just remember it being in a state of disrepair.
Professional Inspection
A serious buyer may want to have a professional home inspector check your house from top to bottom before making an offer. Keep in mind that the option of hiring a professional home inspector is open to you as well. If you can afford it, a pre-sale inspection is a good idea. This is the best way of finding and taking care of serious deficiencies before an inspector hired by a potential buyer uncovers them.

 HAVE YOU CONSIDERED A PRE-SALE INSPECTION?

As always, if you have any questions about selling or buying a home, your answers are just a phone call away 416-818-5645 or e-mail me

Toronto MLS system recorded 4,567 sales in January 2012 as reported by the Greater Toronto Realtors.  This number was 8.8% higher when you compare 4,199 sales as was reported in January of 2011.  This indicates that strong sales/price growth will continue in 2012. It was also noted that the sales growth was the strongest in the low-rise home types in the areas engulfing the City of Toronto.

The Brampton Resale Home Prices for January 2012 are as follows:  

Detached Homes:  264 homes were sold for an average price of $453,558 & median price of $432,500. On an average these homes were sold for 98% of List Price & 29 days to sell.

Semis: 101 homes sold in total for an average price of $356,932 and median price of $353,500. The average Selling Price versus List Price was 98% and on an average it took 23 days to seel these homes.

Freehold Townhomes: There were 53 sales for an average price of $331,304 and median price of $326,000.  On an average these townhomes were sold for 98% of the List Price and it took 24 days to sell.

Linked Homes: Only 2 sales occurred with an average and median price of $388,800. On an average it took 27 days to sell for 98% of List Price.

Condo Townhomes: 28 homes were sold for an average price of $237,821 and median price of $223,300. On an average it took 43 days for these homes to sell for 98% of List Price.

Condominiums:  43 sales were reported and the average sale price of these units was $205,677 and median sale price $198,000.  On an average it took 50 days to sell for an average of 97% of List Price.

WHAT WERE THE SALES LIKE IN YOUR AREA IN JANUARY 2012?

For a FREE COPY of your neighbourhood sales for January 2012 just  give me a call at 416-818-5645 or e-mail me suesharma@royallepage.ca   Your comments and suggestions on my blog are always welcomed.

In January 2012 through the Toronto MLS system the Greater Toronto Realtors reported 4,567 sales compared to 4,199 sales in January 2011.  This January's sales are  8.8% higher than January, 2011.  The average sale price in the Greater Toronto Area for January 2012 stood at $463,534 - up by almost 9% compared to last January. 

The following is a summary of Mississauga Homes for January 2011:

Detached Homes: In January 165 homes sold for an  average sale price of $673,057and a Median Price of $565,000.  On an average it took 29 days to sell for an average of 97% of the Asking Price.

Semis: 99 Semi Detached homes were sold for an average sale price of $412,715 and a Median Price of $415,000. On an average it only took 18 days to sell these homes for 99% of the Asking Price.

Freehold Townhomes: Mere 23 sales took place with an average sale price of $426,913 and a Median Price of $422,000.  On an average these homes were sold within 27 days for 99% of the Asking Price.

Linked Homes: Once again 7 sales were reported in January. The Average Sale Price reported is $431,143 and a Median Price of $437,000.  It took on an average 17 days to sell for 98% of the Asking Price.

Condo Townhomes: 88 Condo townhomes were sold in January. The Average Sale Price for these units reported is $317,189 and a Median Price of $320,500.  On an average these townhomes were sold for 98% of the Asking Price and 36 days to sell.

Condominiums: 153 units were sold for an average price of $59,296 and a median price of $234,000.  These units were sold for an average of 97% of the Asking Price and it took 40 days on an average to sell.

WHAT WERE THE STATISTICS IN JANUARY FOR YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD?

Give me a no-obligation call today to learn the facts about your community sales at 416-818-5645 or e-mail me suesharma@royallepage.ca Your comments and questions are always appreciated. 

It’s a great idea to purchase a home when rates are low, but pay your mortgage as if the rate was as high as you can afford. This means that you’ll be better prepared when rates increase.

ARE YOU A FIRST TIME HOME BUYER AND NEED TIPS ON BUYING A HOME?

For more tips on smooth home transactions, please call me at any time for your COMPLIMENTARY and NO-OBLIGATION  discussion.  I can be reached at 416-818-5645 or e-mail me suesharma@royallepage.ca 

Your comments and suggestions on my blog are always appreciated.