HOW-TO GUIDE
Practical tips and guidance from you local businesses
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September 26, 2014
HOW-TO GUIDE
HOW-TO GUIDE
5
East Central Trader
... choose Flooring & Flooring Coverings
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
1. Almost any flooring can be applied to a solid concrete floor. Consider the use of the floor. For a kitchen you will want a floor covering that is easy to clean and resistant to water and other spills. Hallways and playrooms will have to absorb more abuse than bedrooms, so more durable flooring will be required in those areas. Resilient floors such as vinyl or soft floors such as carpet are best in commercial work areas. 2. Carpet, tile, hardwood, vinyl and laminates are priced per square foot, so area size may dictate affordability. Know what the price per square foot includes. Does it include installation? 3. When it comes to colors, remember darker colors make a room appear smaller. Lighter colors make the room appear larger. 4. If you have a small house or apartment, consider carrying one floor treatment of the same color throughout, breaking only at the kitchen and bathroom areas. A solid color is easier to decorate around. 5. Hard surfaces, even though they may be more expensive, have a greater life expectancy. Ask yourself if the flooring is something you will want for a few years or for many years to come.
By Terri Eger Special to East Central Trader The purchase of flooring is a major decision with many options to consider. Flooring is the foundation for the interior of your home or office. While the look and feel of the flooring needs to be comfortable, it also needs to meet the needs of your family and fit your budget. The staff at Cutting Edge Floor Covering will work through the numerous options to ensure you pick the flooring that best suits your needs. There are many things to think about when purchasing flooring. What will the room be used for? Is the flooring for a home or office? Will it be in a high traffic area? Is it for an area with high moisture such as a bathroom, entry way, kitchen or basement? What are the needs of your family? Do you have pets? What is the look you are going for? What is your budget? Co-owner Jodi Grace explained that these are some of the questions the staff at Cutting Edge Floor Covering will work through with each customer. They take the time to explain the pros and cons of each flooring option, working with the customer to
find the best fit. Hardwood has a hardness rating which determines how it will wear in terms of scratching and denting. Colours, board width and price are all options to consider. Laminate flooring gives the look of hardwood with a more durable finish and a lesser price point. Tiles or vinyl flooring are great options for areas that will receive high traffic. In addition, these products are not affected by moisture so work well in bathrooms, kitchens and even basements. The durability and comfort of carpet makes this a popular choice in many homes as well. Carpets can be chosen based on its structure, look and feel. Sub-flooring is another major component to purchasing flooring. In a new build, the owner is able to purchase subflooring based on the type of flooring to be laid. However, in renovations, sub-flooring may limit the options available for upper flooring. Grace explained that while anything can be laid over plywood, particle board has limitations as hardwood cannot be nailed to it. OSB may also cause an issue as linoleum and vinyl flooring cannot be glued to this type of sub-flooring.
Installation is another area to consider. At Cutting Edge, the staff will measure and install all flooring purchased through the business. The highly trained installers, including co-owner Regan Grace, have years of installation experience and ensure that each job is done with care. Price matters to everyone when it comes to flooring. Grace explained that they work through the many options with the customer and find the product that best suits their needs. Customers need to consider if they are only planning to be in their home for a short time or if they are looking for a longterm investment. Cutting Edge Floor Covering specializes in quality flooring of all types. “We carry top-quality, name-brand products with representatives who stand behind them,” said Grace. Quality, do-it-yourself options are available through the business, or professional installations are available. “We work with the customer to ensure they get the product that best suits their needs. We find out where they are putting their flooring and what they want out of it.”
East Central Trader
HOW-TO GUIDE
Armstrong Luxury Vinyl Plank Starting at $ sq. ft.
Floors to match any personality! Get it all in one place! • Quality Flooring • Expert Installation • Unbeatable Prices
September 26, 2014
1.89
Armstrong Luxe with Fastak
3.99 SQ. FT.
$
• Tile • Wood While Quantities Last
Beaulieu Carpet
Tarkett Laminate
* Select Style
3.75 SQ. FT.
$
Carpet, Underlay & Installation Inc.
Starting at
1.79 SQ. FT.
$
Your one stop Floor Shop! 506 Main Street, Humboldt Phone: 306-682-5002 Open Monday to Friday 9:00am - 1:00pm & 1:30pm - 5:00pm
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September 26, 2014
HOW-TO GUIDE
East Central Trader
How to finance a vehicle EMPLOYEE PRICING
YOU PAY WHAT WE PAYˆ It’s that simple WITH UP TO
$
14,000
±
IN PRICE ADJUSTMENTS
Did you know that many banks offer a better rate if you apply for an automotive loan through a dealer? That’s because the high volume of loans through the dealership enable the Finance Specialist to negotiate a preferable interest rate. So, let Betty Becker, Discovery Ford’s Finance Specialist deal with your bank on your behalf. Would you like to shop around for the best rate? Betty can get competitive rates from at least 8 financial institutions in just minutes, saving you from answering all those questions over and over again at each bank. Are you concerned about how long it may take for approval? Or how much information will be needed to qualify for the loan you want? You’ll be surprised by how quick and convenient approvals can be with the help of the Finance Specialist, often with only basic information needed. How your credit history affects financing
ANDREW L. IT Supervisor
Ford of Canada
When a financial institution, such as a bank, or a credit card company gives you credit, they will often send information to a credit reporting agency such as Equifax and TransUnion, about whether or not you make your payments on time. A Credit Reporting agency keeps track of how much money you borrow and how long it takes you to pay that money back. When you apply for financing, the lender will check this information to see if you have a good credit history. Having a favorable credit history is valuable. If your credit history is poor, you can be refused a loan. If the lender does decide to give you a loan, you may have to pay a higher interest rate.
Avoid long term loans
Purchasing verses Leasing
Longer-term car loans are leaving Canadians in debt for a longer time. On a 96 month loan, it takes 80 plus months before you are back in the money. While stretching the term of a zero- interest loan doesn’t add to the total borrowing cost, it delays the point where the vehicle’s worth becomes greater than the debt.
Leasing can be a smart option for consumers that like to “trade up” every couple of years. This avoids the usual depreciation factor in a new car purchase and prevents you from being upside down (owing more on a car than what it is worth). Other benefits of leasing include: always driving a late-model vehicle, always having an existing factory warranty, and usually having lower monthly payments than if you purchased the vehicle with an auto loan. Leasing may also have some attractive tax incentives for businesses. Purchasing can be a great alternative to leasing for someone who tends to keep their vehicles for longer (i.e. years after they are paid for). The benefits of purchasing include owning the vehicle outright once it is paid for and having the freedom to do whatever you would like to do to the vehicle (such as install accessories). Those who own their vehicle also never have to worry about mileage limitations or wearand-tear fees.
Why you should not use your line of credit to purchase a vehicle
Lines of Credit use a floating interest rate, that is based on Prime Rate, which can rise at any time. The bank has the right to withdraw money from your account to pay down your line of credit at their discretion. Secured Lines of Credit use your home as collateral. Default of payment for any reason allows the bank to take your home. Minimum monthly repayment on a Line of Credit is 2% - 3% of the outstanding balance, Fixed term Dealer Financing offers lower fixed monthly payments. If the bank sees any increase in risk to the security, they can demand full payment. This may happen when you do not have the money to pay.
What to bring with you
When you are coming in to apply fo a loan, you will need to bring your driver’s license, checkbook as well as proof of income and residence.
Vehicle(s) may be shown with optional equipment. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offers. Offers only valid at participating dealers. Retail offers may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice. See your Ford Dealer for complete details or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-565-3673. For factory orders, a customer may either take advantage of eligible Ford retail customer promotional incentives/offers available at the time of vehicle factory order or time of vehicle delivery, but not both or combinations thereof. Retail offers not combinable with any CPA/GPC or Daily Rental incentives, the Commercial Upfit Program or the Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP). ^ Ford Employee Pricing (“Employee Pricing”) is available from July 1, 2014 to September 30, 2014 (the “Program Period”), on the purchase or lease of most new 2014/2015 Ford vehicles (excluding all chassis cab, stripped chassis, and cutaway body models, F-150 Raptor, F-650/F-750, Mustang Shelby GT500, 50th Anniversary Edition Mustang and all Lincoln models). Employee Pricing refers to A-Plan pricing ordinarily available to Ford of Canada employees (excluding any Unifor/CAW-negotiated programs). The new vehicle must be delivered or factory-ordered during the Program Period from your participating Ford Dealer. Employee Pricing is not combinable with CPA, GPC, CFIP, Daily Rental Allowance and A/X/Z/D/F-Plan programs. * Until September 30, 2014, purchase a new 2014 [Escape S FWD/F-150 XLT SuperCab 4x4 5.0L/F150 XLT SuperCrew 4x4 5.0L] for [$24,494/$30,901/$33,035] after Ford Employee Price adjustment of [$1,755/$11,348/$11,114] deducted. Total Ford Employee Price adjustment is a combination of Employee Price adjustment of [$$1,255/$4,598/$4,864] and delivery allowance of [$500/$6,750/$6,250]. Offer includes charges for freight and air tax [$1,750/$1,800/$1,800] but excludes options, Green Levy (if applicable), license, fuel fill charge, insurance, dealer PDI, PPSA (if financed or leased) administration fees, and any other applicable environmental charges/fees and taxes. All prices are based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. ± Until September 30, 2014, receive [$3,585/$4,630]/ [$3,505/$5,255]/ [$2,510/$4,516]/ [$1,755/$3,977]/ [$7,747/$9,895]/ [$1,640/$4,275]/ [$735/$11,614/$14,393/$14,911]/ [$10,141/$13,459]/ [$10,407/$13,781]/ [$1,280/$2,175/$2,725/$3,230]/ [$3,675/$5,814]/ [$1,370/$2,779/$3,230/$3,457]/ [$1,870/$3,585/$3,695/$4,344]/ [$2,680/$8,637]/ [$1,595/$6,188]/ [$1,945/$2,645]/ [$2,065/$4,328]/ [$8,288/$11,620]/ [$8,554/$11,942]/ [$605/$1,961]/ [$1,140/$3,526]/ [$1,250/$4,760]/ [$3,112/$4,218]/ [$1,890/$2,590]/ [$3,747/$6,260] in total Ford Employee Price adjustments with the purchase or lease of a new 2014 C-Max [Hybrid SE/Energi SEL]/ E-Series [E-150 Commercial Cargo Van/E-350 Super Duty XLT Extended Wagon]/ Edge [SE FWD/Sport AWD]/ Escape [S FWD/Titanium 4x4]/ Expedition [SSV 4x4/Max Limited 4x4]/ Explorer [Base FWD/Sport 4x4]/ F-150 [Regular Cab XL 4x2 6.5’ box 126” WB/ XLT 4x4 Supercrew 5.5’ box 145” WB and 6.5’ box 157” WB/Super Crew Platinum 4x4 5.0L 5.5’ box 145” WB and 6.5’ box 157” WB/Super Crew Limited 4x4 5.5’ box 145” WB]/ F-250 [XL 4x2 SD Regular Cab 8’ box 137” WB/Lariat 4x4 SD Crew Cab 8’ box 172”WB]/ F-350 [XL 4x2 SD Regular Cab 8’ box 137” WB SRW/Lariat 4x4 SD Crew Cab 8’ box 172” WB DRW]/ Fiesta [S Auto/Titanium/ST/S Manual]/ Flex [SE FWD/Limited AWD]/ Focus [S auto Sedan/Titanium Hatchback/ST/Electric Base]/ Fusion [S FWD Sedan/Titanium/Hybrid Titanium/Energi Titanium]/ Mustang [V6 2 door coupe/GT 2 door convertible]/ Taurus [SE FWD/SHO AWD]/ Transit Connect [XL cargo van /Titanium Wagon] / 2015 Explorer [Base 4x4/Sport 4x4]/ F-250 [XL 4x2 SD Regular Cab 8’ box 137” WB/Lariat 4x4 Crew Cab 8’ box 172”WB]/ F-350 [XL 4x2 Regular Cab 8’ box 137” WB SRW/Lariat 4x4 SD Crew Cab 8’ box 172” WB DRW]/ Fiesta [S/ST Hatchback]/ Fusion [S FWD Sedan/Energi Titanium]/ Mustang [V6 2 door fastback/ GT premium 2 door convertible]/ Taurus [SEL AWD/SHO AWD]/ Transit Connect [XLT cargo van /Titanium Wagon]/ Transit Series [Transit-150 Base Low Roof 130”WB/Transit-350 XLT High Roof HD Extended-Length Wagon]. Total Ford Employee Price adjustments are a combination of Employee Price adjustment of [$2,085/$3,130]/ [$3,505/$5,255]/ [$1,760/$3,766]/ [$1,255/$2,977]/ [$4,747/$6,895]/ [$1,640/$4,275]/ [$735/$4,864/$7,643/$8,161]/ [$3,891/$7,209] / [$4,157/$7,531]/ [$530/$1,425/$1,975/$530]/ [$1,675/$3,814]/ [$620/$2,029/$2,480/$2,957]/ [$1,120/$2,835/$2,945/$3,594]/ [$1,180/$4,387]/ [$1,595/$4,188]/ [$1,945/$2,645]/ [$2,065/$4,328]/ [$4,038/$7,370]/ [$4,304/$7,692]/ [$605/$1,961]/ [$1,140/$3,526]/ [$1,250/$4,760]/ [$3,112/$4,218]/ [$1,890/$2,590]/ [$3,747/$6,260] and delivery allowance of [$1,500]/ [$0]/ [$750]/ [$500/$1,000]/ [$3,000]/ [$0]/ [$0/$6,750/$6,750/$6,750]/ [$6,250]/ [$6,250]/ [$750/$750/$750/$2,700]/ [$2,000]/ [$750/$750/$750/$500]/ [$750]/ [$1,500/$4,250]/ [$0/$2,000]/ [$0] /[$0]/ [$4,250]/ [$4,250]/ [$0]/ [$0]/ [$0]/ [$0]/ [$0]/ [$0] -- all chassis cab, stripped chassis, cutaway body, F-150 Raptor, Medium Truck, Mustang Boss 302 and Shelby GT500 excluded. Employee Price adjustments are not combinable with CPA, GPC, CFIP, Daily Rental Allowance and A/X/Z/D/F-Plan programs. Delivery allowances are not combinable with any fleet consumer incentives. u Offer only valid from September 3, 2014 to October 31, 2014 (the “Offer Period”) to resident Canadians with an eligible Costco membership on or before August 31, 2014 who purchase or lease a new 2014/2015 Ford (excluding Fiesta, Focus, C-MAX, GT500, 50th Anniversary Edition Mustang, Raptor, and Medium Truck) vehicle (each an “Eligible Vehicle”). Limit one (1) offer per each Eligible Vehicle purchase or lease, up to a maximum of two (2) separate Eligible Vehicle sales per Costco Membership Number. Offer is transferable to persons domiciled with an eligible Costco member. Applicable taxes calculated before CAD$1,000 offer is deducted. ®: Registered trademark of Price Costco International, Inc. used under license. † F-Series is the best-selling pickup truck in Canada for 48 years in a row based on Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association statistical sales reports, up to December 2013. ^^ Based on 2007 - 2013 and YTD April 2014 R. L. Polk vehicle registrations data for Canada in the Large Premium Utility, Large Traditional Utility, Large Utility, Medium Premium Utility, Medium Utility, Small Premium Utility, and Small Utility segments. ©2014 Sirius Canada Inc. “SiriusXM”, the SiriusXM logo, channel names and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc. and are used under licence. ©2014 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.
Available in most new Ford vehicles with 6-month pre-paid subscription
ELIGIBLE COSTCO MEMBERS RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL ON MOST NEW VEHICLES
1000
$
u
East Central Trader
HOW-TO GUIDE
September 26, 2014
5
2014 EDGE SEL NT4732
EMPLOYEE
Delivery Allowance
PRICING
DEEP IMAPCT BLUE $750
4,303
TOTAL PRICE ADJUSTMENTS SHARE OUR EMPLOYEE PRICE
$
38,760
$
Offer excludes taxes & applicable fees
YOU PAY WHAT WE PAY
F E AT U R ES :
• Leather Seats • Grill Inserts Customer Unit Shown
• 3.5L V-6
I have truly enjoyed my experience at Discovery Ford, the staff has been very pleasant and accommodating. I have existing Ford vehicles and just recently purchased a new 2014 Ford Edge. What I like most about the Edge is the size, space, the ride quality and the way it handles. I would recommend Discovery Ford Sales to my friends or family members. Congratulations Gary Volden We were on our way home from visiting family in Ontario when our car died. It turned out that it ran on the highway with little or no oil and by the time we realized it - it was too late. We were fortunate that the next town we came to was Humboldt and that we ended up at Discovery Ford. We were pretty much forced to either buy or rent or lease something and stranded far from home. We were very pleased that Dawn and the Discovery team helped us explore options without pressure and were very understanding and sympathetic to our situation. We ended up deciding on a lease of a Ford Escape. We love our new Escape and Discovery Ford went way above and beyond for us... They helped us get our stuff back home that wouldn’t fit in the new vehicle. (Clayton personally drove it to Edmonton for us!!!) They gave us very fair trade value on our broke down vehicle and most importantly they gave me and my family (and our dog) top notch service. They could have taken advantage of our circumstances but on the contrary - they treated us like friends and with extreme fairness and professionalism. Thanks so much Dawn and Clayton and the entire team at Discovery!!! What could have been a very stressful situation was made immeasurably better by our experience with your Team! Kenny, Marci, Kaden and Gavin Robinson (and Jesse)
CANADA’S
BEST-SELLING COMPACT SUV
2014 ESCAPE SE NT4613
TUXEDO BLACK
$1,000
Delivery Allowance
4,177
TOTAL PRICE ADJUSTMENTS SHARE OUR EMPLOYEE PRICE
$
32,093
$
Offer excludes taxes & applicable fees
F E AT U R ES :
• Leather Seats • 4WD • 2.0L I4 EcoBoost
Customer Unit Shown
I have bought a couple trucks from Discovery Ford. What I love about my truck is the smooth ride, and it handles well. It is very spacious and the dual temperature control is a great feature to have. I really enjoy the Blue Flame Metallic color as well. Very eye catching! The experience at Discovery Ford has been great. The people are very courteous. You phone and ask a question and they are very obliging to help out even after hours. The salespeople do their best to help out no matter what. If you phone to get a quote, nothing changes. NO SURPRISES! Bonnie and Dennis Berezuik
2014 F-150 CrewCab Lariat NT4537
OXFORD WHITE
$6,750
Delivery Allowance
13,869
TOTAL PRICE ADJUSTMENTS SHARE OUR EMPLOYEE PRICE
$
47,574
$
Offer excludes taxes & applicable fees
F E AT U R ES :
• 3.5L EcoBoost • Sunroof Customer Unit Shown
• Bug Deflector
w w w. d i s c o ve r y fo r d s a l e s . c o m Hwy 5 West, Humboldt Saskatchewan
306-682-2652 Toll Free 800-663-5333
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September 26, 2014
HOW-TO GUIDE
HOW-TO GUIDE
East Central Trader
... Estate Administration
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW What if there is no Will? Thanks in large part to the ever popular television commercial, there seems to be a common misconception that if a person dies without a Will, “the government decides” how your estate will be distributed. Although technically true, this is not an accurate reflection of how the law is applied. The government passes legislation, and it is The Intestate Succession Act, passed by the legislature that determines who is entitled to receive the proceeds of your estate if you pass away without a Will. In this sense, technically, the government has decided who will be entitled to receive the proceeds of your estate, but they do not intervene in every estate to arbitrarily decide which persons are entitled to share the estate proceeds. The Intestate Succession Act sets out that your spouse, and the family members most closely related to you in degree of blood relationship, have the right to receive your estate, according to the scheme set out in the Act. There is a table of consanguinuity (blood relationship) that is applied and followed. “Living Wills” A Health Care Directive, also commonly referred to as a “Living Will,” is the appointment of a medical decision maker and a statement of your wishes in the event that at some point in the future you are unable to make medical decisions for yourself. Powers of Attorney • A Power of Attorney is a legal document that takes effect while you are alive. A Power of Attorney includes the appointment of a person/ persons to attend to your financial and personal affairs if you are not able to do so. • A Power of Attorney is often made contingent, so that it will only come into effect when two medical professionals confirm that an individual no longer understands the information relevant to making personal and financial decisions. • A Power of Attorney can also be made non-contingent, allowing the appointed attorney to act at any time. As we age, sometimes our bodies physically fail before our minds do, making it difficult for individuals to attend to their own affairs due to mobility challenges, or difficulties with their sight, or hearing. For this reason, elderly people commonly make their Powers of Attorney non-contingent.
4 Things You Need to Know About Probate
1) “Probate” is the process in which an application is made to the Saskatchewan Court of Queen’s Bench to essentially certify that the Last Will & Testament of the deceased person is valid and can be relied upon. In cases where there is no Will, the application is made for Letters of Administration; it is similar in nature to an application for Letters Probate, but instead it is confirmation by the Court that the person applying to be the Administrator, and the persons named as beneficiaries, are the people with the legal right to act, and to receive the proceeds from the estate.
HOW-TO GUIDE
2) There is no law that states whether or not Probate is required. Whether Probate is needed, will depend on the policies of each bank or institution where the deceased person held assets. Each institution will decide for itself whether it requires Probate to release the assets. Generally speaking, Probate will be required to deal with large bank and investment accounts held solely in the name of the deceased. Probate is always required by the Saskatchewan Land Registry to transfer real property held in the sole name of the deceased.
How does Marriage, or Divorce, Affect Your Will?
• Marriage, including a common law relationship lasting longer than 24 months, revokes a Will, unless the Will is expressly made in contemplation of marriage to a specific person, and contains a statement to that effect. • Divorce does not revoke a Will. A Will remains valid, even if the person making the Will gets divorced. Divorce does revoke the appointment of the former spouse as Executor of the estate and also revokes all gifts given to the former spouse in the Will.
East Central Trader
3) To obtain Letters Probate or Letters of Administration, an application needs to be made to the Court of Queen’s Bench. The application must include full particulars about the deceased per-
HOW-TO GUIDE
son, the names and addresses of each beneficiary, the deceased’s original Will, and a property statement listing all the assets the deceased held an interest in at the date of their death.
September 26, 2014
4) To grant Letters Probate or Letters of Administration the Court of Queen’s Bench charges fees at the rate of $7.00 per each $1,000.00 of value in the estate (.007%).
Located in the heart of downtown Humboldt, Weber & Gasper provides a full range of legal services, including: • • • • • • •
Real estate Estates Corporate law Family law Estate planning Employment law Civil litigation A., LL.B. Russel Weber, B. . asper, B.A., LL.B Tabbetha M. G
Thinking of incorporating?
Come see us today to discuss how we can help incorporate your new or existing business.
Buying or Selling a home?
Call us today for a free fee estimate.
512 – 7th Street Humboldt, Saskatchewan P.O. Box 1030, Humboldt, SK, S0K 2A0 Phone: 306-682-5038 Fax: 306-682-5538 Email: weber.gasper@sasktel.net
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5 Simple Steps For HOW-TO ... buy a Used Vehicle GUIDE Buying a Used Vehicle September 26, 2014
HOW-TO GUIDE
East Central Trader
“Your first vehicle is always a lemon” – that’s what I’ve heard uttered from so many different mouths. It’s just part of growing up – the image of a teenager proudly driving a beat up old clunker where the seats are duct taped together, but the stereo can make your walls shake. Mine came at the age of 22 following the birth of my children. It was a 1996 Dodge Stratus purchased from family friends. With 2 boys in tow, I needed a safe reliable mode of transportation. A week later I had to replace the struts. Within the first year the brakes were shot and the transmission blew. First chance I got I traded that vehicle in for a Sebring, and never looked back. Some people can deal with this; they can buy an old beater and MacGyver it up into a working vehicle for years to come – chewing gum and string can go a long way! I am not those people, and if you’re like me, you probably need some tips on how to buy a used vehicle. 1) Think it through! Buy with your head, not your heart; don’t get distracted by shiny curves – you need to be able to afford the monthly payments and regular maintenance bills. Make sure you know how much you can afford to spend. 2) Research the model. Have an idea of what type of vehicle you are interested in and research it. This is the internet age – there are plenty of websites and forums that will educate you on the basic strengths and weaknesses of every vehicle. Know the typical repairs associated with those types of vehicles and the average cost. Don’t be blindsided after buying. 3) Once you have an idea of budget and model, decide where you want to buy – dealership or private. While there are definite perks to buying through private sales, remember that dealerships have a legal obligation not to misrepresent the vehicle. Before they can sell a used vehicle, they have to ensure that there are no outstanding liens, that the vehicle meets all minimum vehicle equipment standards for brakes, steering, tires, glass, muffler, exhaust system, etc. and that the body is not rusted through. The dealership can also perform an SGI search which will disclose if it has ever been declared a total loss vehicle (if its been in an accident), if it was previously registered in Saskatchewan, and if it has passed a Saskatchewan Safety Inspection. If there was never an inspection you could be on the hook for the cost. Finally, the dealership will often provide a maintenance history and/or the contact information for the previous owner upon request if you have any questions.
4) Take it for a test drive; never ever buy a vehicle that you have not driven first. Keep the radio off and listen to what the vehicle has to say. Does it rattle, shudder, pull to one side? These are all signs of possible underlying mechanical problems. Drive like you will be driving it daily – residential roads, the highway, country roads; get the feel of how your daily commute will be. 5) While you’re at it – inspect it! Test wipers, air conditioning, heater and radio (vehicles make the best concert halls – make sure your backup music sounds good). Look under the hood; do the spark plugs look newer than the engine? This is a sign that the vehicle has undergone regular maintenance. Bring the car to a trusted mechanic to look over. Don’t worry, it won’t hurt our feelings! Having the car inspected could save you thousands and we’d much rather have a happy customer than an angry review! Most importantly, remember that when it comes to buying a used vehicle the best deal is not always a good one. If what you’re looking for is a well maintained vehicle beware the ‘too good to be true’ price. Actual value depends on the condition of the car, if it’s priced to low, there’s probably a reason.
Happy shopping!
East Central Trader
HOW-TO GUIDE
September 26, 2014
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201
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Hwy 20 South Humboldt, SK 306-682-3900 www.south20.ca
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September 26, 2014
HOW-TO GUIDE
HOW-TO GUIDE By Terri Eger Special to East Central Trader There is more to promoting your business than simply hanging a shingle above the door. At Graphic Ad in Humboldt, Colleen Lessmeister and her team work with their customers to ensure they get a complete package. When setting up a new business or redesigning a marketing campaign for an existing business, there are a number of things to consider. L e s s m e i s t e r explained that the team of graphic designers will sit down with clients and work through all the options to ensure there is a complete look and feel to the design. “We understand the importance of creating a complete image and brand for a company,” she said. “A strong brand sends a message to your customers. The image needs to be easily recognizable and we help with all of those aspects.” Customers may come equipped with ideas in mind or leave things up to the team at Graphic Ad. “We provide them with various ideas and then they give us some direction,” she said. “We collaborate with our customers until we get a design that works.” Graphic Ad is a full service, visual advertising and print solutions company. The business can produce
East Central Trader
... promote your business
everything from business cards and invoices, to building signage and vehicle decals. Each finished product can pose a unique set of challenges but the staff at Graphic Ad have decades of experience in creating the right product for any application. “When we are creating a design we keep all of the options in mind,” said Lessmeister. “We match the image to the business and make sure it works for all types of finished products.” She explained that developing a brand for a business is more than simply picking out a font style.
“There is a lot of subliminal messages in branding,” she said. “We work with our clients to match the image to the business.” In addition to a fantastic design team, Graphic Ad has a complete line of digital printing and wide format production equipment to make every project idea come to life. This inhouse production keeps turnaround and delivery times to a minimum. “We try to be accommodating to all customer requests,” said Lessmeister. “If our customers need something for a deadline, we make it happen.”
HOW-TO GUIDE “A strong brand sends a message to your customers. The image needs to be easily recognizable and we help with all of those aspects.” ~ Colleen Lessmeister
East Central Trader
HOW-TO GUIDE
September 26, 2014
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September 26, 2014
HOW-TO GUIDE
HOW-TO GUIDE By Terri Eger Special to East Central Trader Purchasing a home is one of the largest investments and can be one of the most stressful decisions an individual can make. Unlike other investments, the purchase of a home is personal in that it needs to fit the needs of the people who will live there. As an investment, however, it also needs to make sense in the market and environment in which it is bought. There are several key points to consider when purchasing a home. Home buyers are advised to look at their finances and family budget. Setting realistic guidelines is important. From there they need to meet with their financial institution, arrange financing and determine their price range. Like families, homes come in all shapes, sizes and styles. The trick is to find one that works for you and your family. Consider the needs of your entire family including any pets. What layout of home will be most functional for your family? As your family grows, will this home fit our needs? Location is also important. Is the home in an area that is easily accessible for work, school, activities, friends and extended family? Families with children may be more interested in areas with less traffic where as people without children may enjoy a home in an area where they can walk to cultural events and activities. Take into account the
East Central Trader
... Buy a Home
way a certain home looks on the street. Ask yourself if it belongs. Does the home appear to fit in with neighbouring homes in terms of style, size, upkeep and price? This can affect the resale of a property. Choosing a realtor is also important when looking for a home. Realtors have market knowledge and expertise to share with you. As a buyer, the agent you hire is legally bound to represent your interests. It is important for you to find an agent you feel comfortable working with. You want an agent who is experienced in your market, but not so busy that they can’t give you due attention. A good agent will provide you with the highest standard of care. They will understand your specific needs and wants and locate appropriate properties for you to view. Today, potential home buyers can do a lot of independent research online through the Multiple Listing
Service, www.realtor.ca. Property listings on the site include photos, details on the listing and price. MLS is a private database that is created, maintained and paid for by real estate professions to help their clients buy and sell property. Potential buyers are able to view these properties with an agent of their choice and are not obligated to contact the listing agent directly. In addition, there are many advantages to working with a realtor when it comes to making an offer to purchase. Realtors can work through the legalities of the purchase, protecting your interests. They can assist with property disclosures and home inspections. Purchasing a home is a major decision with many variables and aspects to consider. A realtor can work with you and your family to ensure you find a house you can call home.
HOW-TO GUIDE “Like families, homes come in all shapes, sizes and styles. The trick is to find one that works for you and your family.“
East Central Trader
HOW-TO GUIDE
September 26, 2014
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LOOK FOR THESE PROPERTIES ON
www.realtor.ca • www.housesinhumboldt.com
or give us a call 306-682-5061 for Details on these Properties! 10311 – 6th Ave., Humboldt MLS #500896
1203 – 13th St., Humboldt MLS #507822
9 Aspen Place, Humboldt MLS #504452
5 Aspen Place, Humboldt MLS #504454
$369,900
$$359,900
$342,900
$322,900
617 – 16th St., Humboldt MLS #507163
#27 – 707 3rd St., Humboldt MLS #495328
1 – 820 Main St., Humboldt MLS #492917
234 – 14th St., Humboldt MLS #498778
$249,900
$259,900
$229,000
$199,950
312 – 7th St., Humboldt MLS #490185
224 – 9th St., Humboldt MLS #482338
609 – 11th St., Humboldt MLS #493359
911 – 9th St., Humboldt MLS #505540
$185,000
$168,000
633 – 6th St., Humboldt MLS #493298
SOLD $157,900
$154,900
1103 – 16th St., Humboldt MLS #511927
47 Water Edge, Lucien Lake MLS #490187
810 Lake Ave., Manitou Beach MLS #491724
$395,000
$339,000
$239,900
$104,900
Lot 11 Pape Drive, Stoney Lake MLS #493046
20 Pape Drive, Stoney Lake MLS #506995
Lot 10 Pape Drive, Stoney Lake MLS #493192
326 Guenter Cres., Saskatoon MLS #508736
$410,000 + GST
$644,900
$96,900
$480,000
OUTSTANDING AGENTS, OUTSTANDING RESULTS.
Saskatoon Humboldt Office 639 Main Street
306-682-5061
Mary Ellen LaBrash
Allan Olynuk
Al Gaetz
Bev Classen
Corrine Olynuk
Brandon Molinger Meaghan Avery
www.housesinhumboldt.com 306-231-7755 306-231-7071 306-231-6633 306-231-6894 306-231-7936 306-231-4353 306-361-1243
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September 26, 2014
HOW-TO GUIDE
HOW-TO GUIDE By Terri Eger Special to East Central Trader The comfort of a home starts with what’s on the inside. A well-insulated home will increase warmth in winter and keep your family cool in the summer. With spray polyurethane foam insulation, there are additional benefits such as energy savings, reduction of air leakage and the ability to prevent mold and moisture intrusion. Mike Bunko of MGB Contracting in Humboldt has been protecting homes and businesses from the elements with spray polyurethane insulation for the past three years. “There are many benefits to SPF,” he said. “Three inches of foam make the building 98% thermal efficient, it can provide up to 50% energy savings, it eliminates mold and mildew because there is nothing for the moisture to grow on and it seals a house 100%.” There is a widespread belief that all insulation materials of equal R-value will perform equally. This is not true, according to Bunko. “The material is spray applied inplace, adheres to most construction surfaces and provides seamless coverage eliminating any gaps or cracks that are inherent with other insulting materials. SPF provides an air barrier that is significantly
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... protect you home or business
less permeable than cellulose insulation.” Spray insulation reduces heat and air conditioning loads by up to 50%, therefore, SPF will pay for itself in only a few years, according to Bunko. There is no air movement with this type of insulation. It eliminates mold, mildew and pollen by not allowing moisture to remain in the walls. Spray foam insulation completely adheres to wood, metal, concrete, and many other surfaces, and is rigid; the result is a permanent barrier to heat loss and air entry. The insulation adds strength and rigidity to your home making it more resistant to winds, creaking and shaking when doors are slammed. Many areas of the home can benefit from SPF including basement walls, rim joist cavities, floors above garages, exterior walls and ceiling or
roof lines. Spray insulation provides a seamless monolithic roof system without any joints, seams or cracks that would allow moisture, heat or cold to entre. Bunko explained that SPF can be used in any structure and he services residential, commercial and industrial clients. The insulation is installed following the framing and rough-in for plumbing electrical wiring, heating and cooling ducts. An existing structure will be stripped to the frame and freed of all of the old insulation prior to the SPF process. Some services that MGB Contracting provides are spray foam insulation, spray foam roofing systems, spray applied secondary containment liners, and many other industrial coatings. Protect your home or business from the elements and reduce energy costs with spray polyurethane insulation and MGB Contracting.
HOW-TO GUIDE “There are many benefits to SPF. Three inches of foam make the building 98% thermal efficient, it can provide up to 50% energy savings, it eliminates mold and mildew because there is nothing for the moisture to grow on and it seals a house 100%.” ~ Mike Bunko
East Central Trader
HOW-TO GUIDE
September 26, 2014
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SPECIALIZING IN SPRAY FOAM INSULATION • Closed-cell spray foam provides the highest R-Value of available insulation materials. • 3 inches of foam is 98% thermal efficiency • Spray foam can provide up to 50% energy savings. • Spray foam eliminates mold and mildew; doesn’t allow moisture to remain in walls.
Humboldt, SK (306) 231-9420 mikee.bunko@gmail.com
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September 26, 2014
HOW-TO GUIDE
East Central Trader
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