Stephen Tar's Real Estate Blog

Avoid the Credit Report Blues

2012-02-23T13:01:00.001-08:00

Do you know whether there is an error on your credit report? There may be.

In fact, according to surveys, many people are surprised (or shocked) by at least one piece of information in their credit report. All it takes is one incorrect item to create an obstacle to getting the lowest mortgage at all. So it pays to find out what your report says about you before you shop for a new home.

How do you do that? Go to a major credit bureau that has a website which allows you to order your own credit report online for a reasonable fee. For example: Equifax (www.equifax.com).

If you discover an error, notify the credit bureau immediately. They are required by law to promptly make a correction.

Homes For The Holidays 2011

2011-11-15T07:51:00.000-08:00

If you had the chance to come to the Homes For The Holidays tour this past weekend, you would have seen the beautiful homes that were decorated to the nines with amazing Christmas decor. Not to mention, the reception held at the Varley Art Gallery with refreshments and shopping (you may have even seen one of my Team members at our booth!).

Thanks to those who came out to volunteer or participate in the tour this year. As many of you know, the events proceeds go to The Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham and The Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation - two fantastic charities in the community.

Another great success!

3 Tips for a Central Air Conditioning Inspection

2011-08-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

It's important to periodically inspect and maintain your central air conditioning system in order for it to function properly. While an annual inspection performed by a trained professional is recommended, homeowners can do some of the work themselves. Just follow the following 3 tips!

Clean the Exterior Condenser Unit:
This is the large box located on the side of your home. Be sure to turn off the power to the unit first.
-Remove any leaves, spider webs, and other debris from the unit`s exterior.
-Trim foliage back several feet from the unit to ensure proper air flow.
-Remove the cover grille to clean any debris from the unit`s interior. A garden hose can be helpful for this task.

Clean the Air Filter:
A dirty air filter will not only degrade indoor air quality, but it will also strain the motor to work harder (increasing energy costs). Air filters remove pollen, dust and other particles that would otherwise circulate indoors. This filter should be periodically washed or replaced, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.

Cover the Exterior Unit:
When the cooling season is over, you should cover the exterior condenser unit in preparation for winter. If it isn't being used, why expose it to the elements? This will precent ice, leaves, and dirt from entering the unit. A cover can be purchased, or you can make one yourself by taping together plastic trash bags. Be sure to turn the unit off before covering it!

Information courtesy of QualitySpec Inc.

Retrofitting Window Screens Can Reduce Cooling Costs

2011-07-07T12:18:00.000-07:00

Modern, permanent, or temporary window screens can be a cost-effective method of reducing a room's exposure to the sun's heat AND your air conditioning bills. There are alternatives to expensive high-tech windows and doors with built-in screens and reflective Venetian blinds. Now some custom-fit window screens are permanent, with remote control retraction, while some are temporary installations with removable fasteners. Other types have a reflective surface that lets light in while reflecting most of the sun's heat, allowing homeowners to open their windows and let the breezes blow through.

Check Your Deck

2011-06-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

If you have an above-ground patio deck supported by upright wooden posts and horizontal beams, take a few minutes at this time of year to ensure that its integrity has not been compromised - especially if you are likely to host gatherings during the summer. The fact is that nails, screws, bolts and brackets can loosen, rust or corrode after contact with damaging elements. In addition, wooden components - even pressure-treated lumber - can become vulnerable to rotting, splitting or insect infestation over time, and soil conditions could change enough to cause the deck's foundation to shift even slightly. As a result, your deck's support structure and/or railings could become unstable, leaving your family and guests at risk of a serious fall. To avoid an unfortunate accident - and an unwanted insurance claim - be sure to carefully inspect your deck from top to bottom at least once a year.

Unionville Festival is here!!!

2011-06-03T14:09:00.001-07:00

Come join us on Main Street Unionville all weekend long! Enjoy live music, fabulous shopping, great food and games the entire weekend, not to mention the amazing parade Saturday at 10am. You should also come by Toogood Pond on Saturday from 11-3 for Pondapalooza so that you can cheer on your favourites at the Krazy Kraft Race. The festival is always tons of fun, hope to see you out there!

For a more detailed schedule:

http://www.unionvillefestival.com/

May 24 BBQ Tip

2011-05-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

BBQs and bacteria are a bad combination. As the temperature rises, the barbeque begins to take center stage as the most popular social focal point. But, when it comes to cooking and serving meals in the great outdoors we need to be particularly cautious about food safety. The fact is that raw meats harbour bacteria that will grow in non refrigerated conditions. Some foods left in warm sunlight before cooking, even for a few minutes, can become poisonous (as can the bowl the food is in, and the hands that touch it). So, to help ensure a safe and pleasant summer, be sure to keep meat refrigerated until it's time to cook it, and thoroughly wash platters, bowls, and hands immediately after contact with raw meats.

Have a fantastic and safe weekend!

Stephen

Home Budgeting Basics

2011-05-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

Be prepared for all your housing expenses – expected and out of the blue – with these practical tips.

Your house is a lot like your wardrobe: Both can go out of style, wear out or get damaged unexpectedly. We suggest a three tiered approach:

1. On-going/up-keep expenses set aside 1% of home value. The math is simple. If you buy a $150,000 house, plan to spend $1,500 per year on average for repairs and maintenance. To calculate future bills more precisely, tag along on the home inspection. Ask how much life is left on bigticket items and sock away at least 1 percent of your home’s value in a checking or money market account, so it’ll be easily accessible when—not if—surprises happen. Life does not exist without unforeseeable expenses.

2. Short-term expenses set aside $3k-$5k. First-time home buyers often need to buy can’t-live without items such as blinds or curtains. But those necessary details can be pricey. And there may be additional one-time costs such as deposits or installation fees for Internet, utilities and trash cans.

3. Dream projects set aside $25k and up. A major, upscale kitchen remodel can set you back six figures. Before you order that new eight-burner stove, have your agent crunch the numbers. The best thing that a homeowner can do is ask, ‘What percentage am I going to get back on this?’ Tap the expertise of a financial planner too. You want to make sure you don’t compromise other goals—like retirement—in meeting this on.

One in five Canadians eyeing U.S. housing market

2011-04-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

Check out this article from The Financial Post:

The U.S. housing market continues along its dismal trajectory, with overall prices dropping slightly again in February from the previous month. The median existing house price is now $156,100, which is more than 30% below the peak four years ago. Meantime, there is now 8.6 months supply and not one economist on a housing panel sees the possibility that prices will recover in five years to pre-bubble levels.

So what is the reaction of many Canadians to their American neighbours’ misfortune?

Yippee, say some Canadians who have been watching the U.S. housing collapse and rubbing their hands in anticipation of scooping up bargains. A recent survey for BMO Bank of Montreal by Leger Marketing shows that an astonishing one in five Canadians would consider buying a U.S. property.

Canadians are, not astonishingly, interested in the very areas where the U.S. housing depression has hit the hardest. Among the cities in the sunbelt, prices in Tampa have dropped 44%, Phoenix 54%, Las Vegas 67% and Miami 49%.

There’s no doubt the low, low prices and a Canadian dollar above parity are making buying a U.S. property very tempting. The favourable conditions may be a once-in-a-lifetime buying opportunity. And many Canadians have already seized the chance.

However, purchasing a chunk of heaven comes with many ifs, ands and buts. And no one I’ve seen clearly spells out the possible pitfalls and dangers better than Pat McKeough of The Successful Investor, who has a long track record of dispensing sound advice to his clients.

First, from a pure investing standpoint, McKeough reckons that a primary residence is enough exposure to real estate. So he is more skeptical than most. But for many people, buying that piece of paradise is a long-term dream and not just an investment. For those folks, McKeough outlines risk factors to consider that might snap them out of their dreams:

*Watch out for unexpected costs. Some states, such as Florida, can charge out-of-state homeowners higher property taxes than state residents. As well, homeowners in coastal states that face frequent hurricanes and floods (including California and Florida) often face high insurance costs

*Take a skeptical view of bargains in U.S. real estate investments. House prices in some U.S. markets have risen against the national trend. In Los Angeles, for example, home prices have gained more than 20% in 2010. That may indicate that these markets are moving back to more normal levels in the wake of the sub-prime mortgage meltdown and subsequent recession. But McKeough says they still face significant challenges, such as high unemployment and weak consumer confidence. So bargains may not be as appealing as they seem.

*How long do you plan to spend at your vacation property? You’ll have to budget for your home’s care while you’re not there because vacant homes invite burglars and vandals. If you plan to spend shorter periods of time at your vacation residence (less than six months, say), and you’re not concerned about making a return on the sale of the property, you may consider renting, instead. This will help you decide whether you want to commit permanently to a community before you buy.

*Remember that you’re buying a neighbourhood, not just a house. Owning real estate, especially vacation property, McKeough says, is much different than holding investments like stocks and mutual funds. It can involve unique risks, such as rising crime, unpleasant neighbours and other changes in the neighbourhood of your property. These risks can make it hard to find buyers when you are ready to sell. Before you buy, take a walk through the neighbourhood and take a skeptical look at the people you see.

And then there is the whole question of financing. BMO, not surprisingly, says snowbird buyers could finance with a line of credit arranged by BMO or one of its U.S. subsidiaries on their primary residences.

Though the survey says one in five Canadians would consider making a sunbelt property purchase, many of them might not wish to consider putting up their homes as collateral.

Buying a U.S. property is a big, big step, fraught with risks. Consider that between 1996 and 2006, six million Britons bought homes in Spain, which has now been gripped by a real estate depression. So, most of those Britons have learned a nasty lesson in the harshest of ways.

That doesn’t mean that buying a bargain home in Florida or Arizona won’t work out. But, first, a big gut check is in order. And then another. And another.

William Hanley, Financial Post

Preparing Your Garden for Spring

2011-04-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

Whether you are getting ready to plant fruits and vegetables, or to have a beautiful flower garden, there are things that you must do in order to guarantee the best results for your garden this spring. The first step to make sure your garden will succeed is to ensure that ground is ready.

Two types of gardens

There are two possibilities with this type of project. First, that you have an existing garden that needs to be prepared for the growing season. If that is the case, it is important to remove all debris. Decayed plant material is perfect as natural plant food to be tilled into the ground to feed new, awakening plants. If you’ve got quite a lot of debris, remove it and place it on your compost heap, or find a service in your area that will turn it into mulch.

Second, if this is to be a new garden area, then make sure that there are no weeds present. Unlike old plant material that can be removed and recycled into the soil, weeds will continue to regenerate and choke out your garden. Tilling them into the ground won’t stop them from growing. So, it’s a case of doing some honest-to-goodness weeding to make sure that your soil is clear of invasive plants.

Time to till the soil

Preparing your garden for spring has to start with prepping the ground for the plants that you would like to have. The best place to start is by tilling the soil, and getting it ready for hungry root systems. Depending on the area that you are planting, you can either use a hand tiller or an industrial tiller to loosen the soil to allow those roots to reach the nutrients and moisture held in the bed. Softening the soil is an integral part of this process. This can be done by pre-watering the day before, or if your soil base is naturally soft then begin to till right away.

It is a good idea to have plant mix churned with the soil that you till so that the plants have a strong nutrient base for their transplantation. Make sure that you till down at least four inches, past the first layer of topsoil. This is to ensure that the earth is going to be receptive to the roots. Once you have tilled the ground, lightly pack it down for evenness as preparation for planting your garden. Depending on your plant choices, your plants can go into shock when being relocated, so having nutrient-rich soil can alleviate much of this problem. The choice of local plants for your garden that are used to your local soil base can reduce this problem even more.

Planting from flats, planting from seeds

Once the ground is ready to receive your plants, you can begin to place them in the area that you would like. This is a great time to take careful notes on the labels for the plants. Plant spacing is crucial for many plants, because if they are too close, their roots can actually choke one another, causing them to die or fail to thrive. If you’re planting off of a flat, you can just open up a hole about one inch wider than the plant base, place in some compost or last year’s plant debris, and plant. Then bury to about an inch from the top of the root base. This creates soil aeration, as well as room which lets the new plant breathe.

For planting from seeds, just make sure that the seed is covered by a layer of topsoil about an inch thick. This will insulate the seed and allow it to germinate properly. Once the seeds have been planted, make sure to place markers so that you can remember what was planted and where.

This is also a great exercise for children to see plants grow, a spring activity that brings the family together. Get your hands dirty together, and welcome the spring to your garden and outdoor living space.

www.StephenTar.com

Home Insurance Helps Manage Risk

2011-04-07T13:51:00.001-07:00

The days when home insurance needed to cover only fire and theft are long gone. Nowadays, there are many different types of policies covering a wide range of insurance needs, from accident and liability, to income and mortgage protection, and even natural disasters and title fraud.

For this reason, all homeowners should know the coverage they have and the options available. If you feel your policy needs to address a broader range of coverage to adequately protect you, your family, and your guests, it is important that you call your agent for a frank discussion, and investigate competitive policies.

Local State Farm agent Kevin McNaughton recommends you "choose an agent who is first-rate in customer service. When you have an issue, you need someone you can call 24/7 that will assist you. It's also important to make sure you have adequate coverage and to understand your limitations in order to prevent future risk."

For more information you can reach Kevin at 905.479.4900 or go to his website at www.kevinmcnaughton.com

Quick Kitchen Makeovers

2011-03-07T12:47:00.000-08:00

Hi all! Have a look at this article I just read on home kitchen makeovers. Some good tips are in here to freshen your home whether you're interested in selling or if you just need some change! Hope you get some good tips, and enjoy.

Kitchen renovations tend to be the biggest, most complicated home makeover projects, mainly because the kitchen is the most frequented and most multifunctional room in modern homes. But sometimes a kitchen makeover can be achieved with some simple cosmetic changes, rather than a complete redesign of the actual floor plan.

Beyond the obvious change of the colour scheme, the next makeover level involves replacing cabinet hardware. Remove a set of hinges, knobs and/or pulls to identify the type of screw/bolt settings that will be needed. Then, choose from the many options available at home building centers or specialty knob stores. Similarly, consider a new faucet and sink, or a refinished countertop and/or tile backsplash, which will contribute to a dramatic change. You may want to consider replacing or refinishing the drawer and cupboard facings as well, although this change may require a professional's help.

Improved lighting is another important way to change a kitchen's look and functionality. However, general overhead lighting, strategic task lighting, and ambient mood lighting could involve rewiring. Finally, replacing the flooring will result in a significant change to any kitchen. Choices range from recycled cork to indestructible granite, but remember to consider not only appearance but also practicality.

Proper Battery Disposal

2011-02-24T11:08:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

Check out this article I just read on proper battery disposal:

North Americans purchase approximately 3 billion household batteries annually - for phones, music players, watches, computers and power tools - almost all of which contain one or more hazardous compounds such as zinc, lead, nickel, alkaline, manganese, cadmium, silver, and mercury. Yet it is surprising how few municipalities have the means to recycle batteries safely. Fortunately, many of the larger retailers are now accepting the return of used batteries for safe recycling. Given the potential harm to the environment, it makes sense to ask your retailer if they will recycle your batteries when expired. You can even check online for mail-in recycling programs.

Places to properly dispose batteries in the Unionville/Markham area:

Markham Hazardous Waste Depot - West side of Rodick Road (between 14th Avenue and Miller Avenue)
Rogers Plus - Markville Shopping Centre, 5000 Hwy #7 East.

Hope this was helpful!

-Stephen & the Team

A Clean Faucet Aerator Can Save You Volumes

2011-02-04T12:14:00.000-08:00

Most new faucets come equipped with aerators, which allow air into the water flow to reduce water usage - reportedly by as much as 20% - with no discernible change in pressure. However, over time the aerators can get clogged with deposits from the water supply, causing pressure loss, uneven flow, or erratic spray. Fortunately, most can be unscrewed and cleaned with an old toothbrush, or simply soaked in white vinegar. Be sure to plug the drain before removing, in case you drop any parts. If the part is damaged, replacements are available. If your faucet does not yet have an aerator, check for screw-on threads at the opening of the faucet. As long as the threads are there, you can inquire about parts at your local plumbing supplier. Note that aerators are usually factory-installed inside shower heads, and impractical for bath and utility tub faucets.

NEW LISTING! 44 Wrenwood Court

2011-01-28T07:44:00.000-08:00

Stunning Executive Home On Private Ravine Lot In Unionville! Huge Family Kitchen W/Granite Counters & Walk-Out To 2 Tiered Deck W/Hot Tub-Overlooking Ravine. Sunken Main Flr Family Room Off Kitchen W/Spiral Staircase, Brick F/P & W/O To Front Patio. Awesome 'Man Cave' In Professionally Finished Basement-Like Your Own Sports Bar At Home! Full Wet Bar, Dance Floor, 4 Pc Bath W/Walk In Closet, Fireplace And Walk-Out To Patio/Ravine. An Absolute Must See!!

NEW LISTING! 6 Hedgewood Drive

2011-01-27T10:54:00.000-08:00

Beautiful 4+1 Bedroom Home In Fantastic Unionville Location! Fabulous Upgraded Kitchen(04),Slate Flr W/Radiant Heat, Walk-Out To Raised Deck/Pool. Gleaming Hardwood Throughout Rest Of Main Flr. Convenient Garage Access. Side Dr Access W/Mudroom. Beautiful Master Bdrm W/W/I Closet, 5 Pc Ens W/Soaker Tub, Glass Shower & Heated Flrs. Finished Bsmt W/Climate Controlled Wine Cellar, Huge Laundry,5th Bdrm & 3 Pc Bath. Steps To Unionville Main St, Schools & Parks.

NEW LISTING - 23 Vandermeer Drive

2011-01-25T15:44:00.000-08:00

Absolutely Stunning 4 Bdrm Family Home Backing Onto Park! 9' Ceilings Thru-Out Main,12' In Liv. Bright Open Concept Kitchen/Family Room. Kitchen W/Granite Centre Island, Ceramic B/S & W/O To Raised Deck-Open To Fam Rm W/Decorative Pillars, Gas F/P & Custom Entertainment Unit. Upgraded Berber On 2nd Flr. Master Suite W/W/I Closet, 5Pc Ens & Custom Wardrobe. Wrought Iron Railings, Stained Glass Windows,Omni Lt Smart Wired, Professionally Landscaped. A Must See!

Comedian Jeff Foxworthy on Canadians

2011-01-21T12:10:00.000-08:00

If your local Dairy Queen is closed from September through May,

You may live in Canada.

If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there,

You may live in Canada.

If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time,

You may live in Canada.

If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number,

You may live in Canada.

If "vacation" means going anywhere south of Detroit for the weekend,

You may live in Canada.

If you measure distance in hours,

You may live in Canada.

If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once,

You may live in Canada.

If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' in the same day and back again,

You may live in Canada.

If you can drive 90km/hr through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching,

You may live in Canada.

If you install security lights on your house and garage but leave both unlocked,

You may live in Canada.

If you carry jumper cables in your car and your wife knows how to use them,

You may live in Canada.

If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit,

You may live in Canada.

If the speed limit on the highway is 80km - you're going 95 - and everybody is passing you,

You may live in Canada.

If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow,

You may live in Canada.

If you know all 4 seasons; Almost Winter, Winter, Still Winter & Road Construction,

You may live in Canada.

If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car,

You may live in Canada.

If you find -2 degrees "a little chilly",

You may live in Canada.

If you actually understand these jokes,

You definitely are Canadian and proud to be.

NEW LISTING - 123 Senator Reesor's Drive

2011-01-18T13:53:00.000-08:00

Immaculate & Spacious 4 Bedroom Home In Markham With Hardwood Flooring Throughout! Bright Eat-In Kitchen W/New Stove, Oven & Microwave. Formal Dining Room W/French Doors To Kitchen. Large Family Room W/Parquet, Gas Fireplace & W/Os To Garage & Patio. Open Living Room W/Bow Window & B/I Shelving. Great Master Bedroom W/3pc Ensuite. Large Backyard W/Patio, Large Awning & Goldfish Pond...You Can't Miss This One!

IMPORTANT! New Mortgage Rules in Place

2011-01-18T07:16:00.000-08:00

The new rules include:

• Reducing mortgage amortization periods from 35 years.

• Cutting the amount of mortgage refinancings to 85 per cent from 90 per cent of home value.

• The government will withdraw insurance backing on lines of credit on secure homes, such as home equity lines of credit.

The proposed regulation comes at the heels of an announcement by the Bank of Canada that the national household debt is at a record high. They also stated that “the ratio of household debt to disposable income has reached 147 per cent.”

A government official told CTV News the rules are designed to push for “responsible lending and borrowing and encouraging people to increase their home equity.” The new measures aim to reduce interest payments to help Canadians’ pay off their mortgages before retiring.

NEW LISTING - 1604-100 Western Battery Road, Toronto FOR LEASE $1,200/month

2011-01-17T11:03:00.000-08:00

Luxury Brand New Studio Apartment In Beautiful Vibe Liberty Village! 16th Floor West Exposure With Lake View. Granite Countertop, Stainless Steel Appliances & Gorgeous Bath. Ensuite Washer & Dryer. Very Spacious With Fantastic Layout. Great Amenities. Steps To Liberty Village Shops And Restaurants In Up And Coming King West! A Must See!

Bed Bugs are Most Unwelcomed Guests

2011-01-12T08:44:00.000-08:00

Bed bugs are small parasites that can "migrate" into any home - on clothing, in used furniture, through condo walls - and then hide until they begin to feed on us at night. Although they are sometimes unnoticed, bed bug bites can become very irritating. So, rather than wait for a rude awakening, consider what you can do to ensure that bed bugs don't take up permanent residence in your home:

1. Regularly inspect and vacuum all bed frames, headboards, and mattresses (including seams and folds) as well as carpets, floorboards, and any other objects close to the bed. Empty the vacuum immediately.

2. Use wood filler or caulking sealant on gaps in bed frames, baseboards, floor and wall joints. Remove or repair loose wallpaper, tighten or caulk loose light switch plates, and seal any openings where pipes, ducts or wires come into bedrooms (especially if you occupy a condo with shared walls).

3. Regularly wash linens. Examine them for blood spots, a sign of bed bug presence. Don't allow bed skirts or linens to touch the floor.

4. Put double-sided tape around the bottom of bed legs.

5. If you detect or suspect bed bugs, consult your public health department about approved insecticides and procedures, or call in a professional.

Is Duct Cleaning Worthwhile?

2010-12-23T09:12:00.000-08:00

Homeowners with fan-forced central air-conditioning and heating are often encouraged to have their ducts cleaned to improve indoor air quality (IAQ). While duct cleaning can have a positive effect when mold or vermin (alive or dead) is discovered in the ductwork, many experts suggest that removing dust from inside air ducts does not necessarily improve IAQ. The reason is that most central air systems filter circulating air before sending it through the supply ducts to heat or cool the home. Furthermore, most airborne irritants enter the home from outside the central air system, either in exterior air (such as dust) or from activities in the home (such as cooking). Therefore, if unfiltered air is to enter the home's forced-air system, it will most likely be via the return air duct, on its way to the air filters. Nonetheless, many consumers feel reassured knowing that they can have dust and other contaminants removed from their central air system, and such peace of mind may be considered an affordable comfort.

NEW LISTING - 29 Major Buttons Drive

2010-12-16T10:19:00.000-08:00

Beautiful & Bright 3+1 Bedroom Bungalow In Fabulous Markham Location! Hardwood Throughout Main Floor, Eat In Kitchen, Open Concept Living/Dining Room. Master Bedroom Overlooks Backyard With 2Pc Ensuite. Separate Side Entrance To Above Grade Basement. Lots Of Storage. Large Rec Room With Stone Fireplace And Walk Out To Yard. Backs Onto Park, Steps To School. Close To All Amenities, Transit And Hwy 407.

The Upside of Downsizing

2010-12-10T13:40:00.000-08:00

Moving can seem rather daunting to some empty nesters. So, if you're considering "downsizing" to a condo, plan for the major adjustments first. Carefully consider furniture placement options that will use the space as efficiently as possible. Then reduce clutter by storing or sharing keepsakes and unused items. Soon you will be able to concentrate on the enhanced lifestyle benefits enjoyed by so many condo residents:

-Fewer safety & 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.)

How Can You Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

2010-12-03T09:13:00.000-08:00

There's a list of things you can do to prevent CO poisoning in your home.

-Have all gas burning appliances inspected and serviced annually by a professional technician

-Have all chimneys and flues checked annually for loose connections, blockage, corrosion, etc. Also make sure you properly open the flue on any wood burning appliance or fireplace when using them

-Make sure your heating systems have an adequate intake of outside air

-Never use appliances such as a clothes dryer, range, or oven to heat your home

-Don't leave cars running in the garage, even with the door open

-Never burn charcoal in a confined space

-Finally, install a CO detector/alarms in your home!

Insulation Tips That Don't Cost a Bundle

2010-11-26T07:54:00.000-08:00

Even if you've already invested in major insulation projects, such as installing insulated siding or having foam insulation injected into the inside of your exterior walls, there are other simple and inexpensive ways to insulate that can be very effective. For example, don't underestimate the amount of heating (or cooling) loss that can be prevented by sealing drafts around windows and doors with caulking or expanding foam insulation. Another way to help prevent this costly air from escaping your home is by sealing along the top and bottom of baseboards and/or quarter-round wood trim. Likewise, installing precut draft stoppers in and around electrical switch plates and outlet boxes can prevent a great deal of air loss.

We hope you've found some helpful tips!

-The Stephen Tar Team

2009-07-13T13:28:00.000-07:00

Hello & thanks for coming back to visit my blog!

Something that I really want to touch on in this update is the fact that GTA Realtors just reported a record breaking 10,955 sales this past June! That is up 27% from June 2008, which is not only unbelievable, but further proof that the market is on the rise. Another interesting point is that the district of Markham/Unionville (out of the 99 GTA districts) is in the top 4 for number of sales in June! This statistic really displays the strength and stability of our area.

As usual, there is so much going on in the area. On Unionville Main Street alone, there are several events going on in July. This past Saturday the 11th was the Celtic festival which featured Celtic music and various entertainment all weekend. Not to mention, weekends and holidays ALL SUMMER LONG feature outdoor concerts like jazz, big band, swing, and more. All in all, summer is the best time to experience Unionville...so get out there!

Be sure to tune in later this week as I will be posting a new video featuring one of our new hot listings.

Thanks again,
Stephen

2009-06-08T10:58:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, thanks so much for coming back to visit my blog. This is my first official update, and today I want to talk about the market, focusing on prospective sellers. As we all know, the economy is tough right now, but the real estate market is not nearly as affected as many people think. In fact, sales this past April were only down 7% from April of 2008. The numbers are increasing by the month, and we are expecting good things for the summer ahead.

One of my buyer agents, Graham, thinks “It’s a good time to sell. In fact, we are often coming across multiple-offer situations. Since the interest rate is low, people can afford to buy right now, so likewise, no one should be afraid to sell”. My advice to prospective sellers is not to hold back, don’t be afraid to enter this heated market. In fact Team Tar is sitting at an average of 26 days on the market! That is well above industry averages (currently at 43), and the summertime is a great time to list.

There is so much going on in the community right now. In fact, this past weekend was the Unionville Festival. I judged and sponsored the Pondapalooza Krazy Kraft race on Saturday, and winners took a total of $1000 in prize money! I hope everyone was able to make it out to the Festival this year, it was bigger and better than ever. If you’re from out of town, the various Main Street festivals and events are a great time to experience Unionville/Markham. I will keep the blog updated with what's going on with the community every couple weeks.

Thanks again for visiting my blog, don’t forget to check out my Feature Listing slideshow at the bottom of the page, or visit www.StephenTar.com for further information.

-Stephen

2009-05-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Stephen Tar’s Weekly Real Estate Blog!

Drop by weekly and get the scoop on buying/selling a home, information on the Unionville/Markham area, market updates, current feature listing information, and more! Not to mention, I will also be posting some of our feature videos and photos for your reference. I will personally post these updates, including feedback and advice from my team, Team Tar.

Please call us at 905.475.2100 for further information or visit my website at http://www.stephentar.com/

Thanks for following my new blog!
Stephen