Oakville Real Estate

Buyers: Keep your eyes Open when viewing Open Houses!

Lynne Blott — Sun, 20 May 2007 11:45:00 -0500

Remaining objective can be a difficult task when viewing an open house. It is easy to fall in love with a home's appearance, blind to problems that may make it unsuitable. While aesthetics can be an important consideration, it is necessary to look beyond window-dressing.

A qualified home inspector should be hired before purchasing a home, but there are areas that consumers can examine on their own. This will shorten your list of potential homes and reduce the likelihood that a home inspector will reject it as unsafe or unsuitable. Here are some considerations and common problem areas to look for when touring an open house:

General Upkeep

Much can be surmised from the general state of the home. Is the home clean? Are lawns left uncut? Are the walls chipped and in need of paint? If smaller chores have been ignored it may be an indication of a broader disregard for home maintenance.

Water Leaks

Check ceilings and drywall for stains, bulges and other signs of water damage. Water that works its way inside via a leaky roof or a cracked foundation can rot wood, create mildew and mold, destroy possessions and can be expensive to repair .

Does it Work?

Test lights, faucets, the heater, air conditioning, major appliances (that are to be included with the home) - even flush the toilets to ensure everything is working as it should.

Floors

As you walk across the floors be aware of "spongy" (soft or springy) sections. Excessive squeaking and uneven, bumpy floors may also be indicative of expensive forthcoming repairs.

Doors & Windows

Check that doors and windows fit snugly in their jambs and operate smoothly. Look for flaked paint and loose caulking. If the

wood around windows and doors is not protected from moisture, it can rot away. Feel for drafts in these areas too.

Poor Drainage

On a wet day walk around the yard and look for areas where water collects. This can be an especially bad sign if there are soggy areas near the home"s foundation.

Grout & Caulking

If the grout and caulking around bathroom and kitchen tiles is loose and crumbly, there is a good chance that water is finding its way into the wall or under the floor.

Structural

Although this is definitely an area where you want the services of a qualified home inspector, you can get an idea about possible structural problems if you see deep cracks in the foundations or loose mortar and bricks.

Miscellaneous Concerns

Naturally, one the most important factors will be determining if the house suits your family's needs. If you do not want to replace all of your furniture, make sure it will fit into the rooms of the new house. This is difficult to do by eye, so be sure to bring a measuring tape. Also, take note of storage space. If you are moving from a home with large closets and a shed, make sure your new house is able to store an equivalent amount of belongings.

Moving Tips

Lynne Blott — Tue, 08 May 2007 15:56:00 -0500

Moving Tips

The following is a checklist of items to help you with your preparation to move:

Get rid of anything you aren’t bringing with you. This will also help ready your home for sale.

Find out the replacement value of all belongings for insurance purposes.

Fill out change of address forms in order to notify family, friends and others.

Get copies of medical and dental records if required.

Get copies of veterinary records if required.

If you are moving out of Ontario, find out about auto licensing and insurance.

Change the address on your driver’s license, health card etc.

8 – 14 days before your move:

Return library books, videos or other borrowed items.

Collect all loaned out items.

Make arrangements to disconnect/connect all utilities.

2 – 7 days before your move:

Get rid of all flammables.

Figure out what you are bringing with you in the car.

Make arrangements for removal of excluded items.

Pack a suitcase with the clothes and toiletries that you will need on the first day in your new home.

Pack a box with other essentials you will need within the first few days. Mark this box “Do Not Move”.

The day before moving day:

Take down window treatments that are not staying.

Empty, clean your refrigerator.

Clean and air your stove.

Plan your breakfast. Paper plates will help. Eating something on the road is better.

Pack your personal belongings except your alarm clock.

Go to sleep early. You will be glad you did on your moving day.

Moving day:

Collect all keys to locking items and put them in a safe place.

Strip the beds, but leave them intact.

Walk around with the crew chief as he makes the inventory.

Make sure the driver has the correct delivery address and telephone number.

Confirm the expected delivery time with the driver.

Before you leave, do a final walkthrough of every room, checking all closets and cabinets.

Overhanging Trees and Shrubs

Lynne Blott — Thu, 03 May 2007 12:15:00 -0500
Overhanging Trees and Shrubs

Home Offices

Lynne Blott — Thu, 03 May 2007 12:03:00 -0500
"Home Offices" - Tax Implications

Joint Tenancy

Lynne Blott — Wed, 02 May 2007 12:22:00 -0500
Joint Tenancy