HomeFinder.ca
Let Us Do The Heavy Lifting! 613-549-1708
DESIGN CENTRE
Your Comprehensive Guide to Real Estate in the Greater Kingston Region. In Print & Online.
637 Norris Ct., Unit 4
613-507-2345
Thursday, December 17, 2015 Thursday February 20, 2014
ADAM KOVEN
R0023608350
TOP 1% IN CANADA
Mark Pruefer
Utilizing a design innovation that creates 5 outdoor rooms that reach into and merge with the home, finish this house to match your requirements and create something uniquely amazing. Stone pillars galore! 18 pillars will surround the house and there are more even inside! The diamond kitchen is open concept to the dining room, living room and the outdoors. Window seats, stone fireplace, wine cellar, 10 foot ceilings and insulated very very well. Wide super natural Jones Falls lot with large trees, rock and a babbling brook
adamkoven.com
Sutton Group – Masters Realty Inc. Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated
Sales Representative R0023608785
JONES FALLS RD • $610,000
80 Queen St., Kingston, ON
www.TheSoldSolution.com
Direct:
613.539.3325
akoven@adamkoven.com
STOCKING STU FFER
R0013608780
2013, 2014
(613) 539-0000
Your home. Your life.
LOUIS
JORDAN
Broker Cell: 613.876.4441 louis@reri.ca
Sales Representative Cell: 613.483.4052 jordan@reri.ca
tavakoli
www.KingstonHomeSearch.com
2014
R0013609338
Wishing all of our clients, family and friends a very Happy Holidays and Wonderful New Year! **
Sales Representative
mcgregor
realestateREIMAGINED.ca
101-1642 Bath Road Kingston, ON
Easy Access to the K&P Trail!
Fully renovated home in a central location that’s convenient to everything, just 4 minutes from Costco! 3+1 bedrooms, 2 full baths. Spacious kitchen with island, pantry and tons of cupboards & counter space. Basement is fully finished and sprayfoamed for year-round comfort. The 100 foot wide lot is more than double what you get with most homes in this price range, what a great place for kids & pets! Double garage w/ new doors and openers too! Great value at $274,900. Call Mark to see it!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
LIST AS LOW AS $1250 + 2%*
AT CHRISTMAS ALL ROADS LEAD HOME. HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE REAL ESTATE REIMAGINED TEAM From left to right: Krista Loye (Team Administration) Cory MacDonald (Sales Representative) Louis Tavakoli (Broker) Spring Berriman (Team Administration) Jordan McGregor (Sales Representative) Mark Belcher (Sales Representative) Wayne Spalding (Sales Representative)
WE HAVE BUYER’S LOOKING FOR MULTI-UNIT INVESTMENT PROPERTIES CONTACT US TODAY! | 613-483-5444 | info@reri.ca
Considering a move in 2016? START AT www.KingstonMarketValue.com!
*Co-op brokerage fee paid
R0013608654
LOW RATES • HONEST ADVICE NG
PRO
NG
U
PRO
TI
years years
Company Company
Y
IT
Y
775 Blackburn Mews, West H TH N E CE UN OC MM MU
OM
IT
T
MORTGAGE RATES: MORTGAGE RATES: RateRat Su
CALL JEFF
TI
(Lic.#10280) (Lic.#10280)
D
A
mitch@mtgprof.com
Professionals Professionals
CYE LCEEBL E B R R LY L
IN
MORTGAGE BROKER
MORTGAGE MORTGAGE
IN
MITCH THIBODEAU
613-328-6647
D
A
CALL MITCH
The The
U
mortgageproteam.com
613-453-3663 jeff@mtgprof.com
Mitch Thibodeau Mitch Thibodeau
6 mth6 m JEFF DILLON Variable Closed Variable Clos MORTGAGE AGENT
2.50 2.503.953.9
New homes are getting smaller From the early 1990s to the beginning of this century, “bigger is better” certainly was the mantra of the home-building industry. All across North America buyers could browse among home developments boasting homes of 3,000 square feet or larger and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. But according to new data, home buyers are seeking less space today but more in green amenities. Research by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association has found that many people now desire smaller homes with multipurpose rooms and energy saving features. They’re not ready to trade in their two- and three-car garages just yet, though. Plus, a survey of International Furnishings and Design Association members forecasts that McMansions will become a thing of the past and more emphasis will be placed on smaller, more ecofriendly homes. Family rooms will grow larger, as will kitchens. Other rooms in the home will disappear, including the living room. Many homeowners and potential home buyers realize that with girth comes a cost. In today’s fragile economy, the ability to cash in on the dream of homeownership may come at the compromise of a smaller, better-planned home. According to Tim Bailey, the manager of Avid Canada, a research and consulting firm for the building industry, “While many consumers are willing to forgo space, they are not equating this with having to forfeit functionality. Design cre-
ativity is requisite to adapt to this changing preference.” Here are some things that you will and will not find in newer homes moving forward. * The dining room is becoming extinct, with larger, eat-in-kitchen/ entertaining spaces the norm. The kitchen will be the main room of the home and be renamed the “kitchen lounge.” * Separate rooms are evolving into spaces that serve many different purposes. * Although the sizes of bathrooms may be scaled back, the amenities will not. Spa-style bathrooms with luxurious products, high-tech features and televisions will be on the rise. * The master bedroom suite may not shrink in size, but it could be combined to form a home office and exercise space. * Expect to see more high-tech offerings, such as voice- or motionactivation devices in the home. Lighting, entertainment gear, heating/cooling systems, and even blinds could be hooked up to a master control system. * Thanks to an increasing number of people working from home, the presence of a dedicated home office is a given in newer homes. Nearly 40 percent of industry forecasters say that they expect one in every home. * Home storage solutions will also be a vital component of new homes. Builders will create clever solutions for mixing storage into more compact spaces.
* With aging Baby Boomers comprising a larger segment of home buyers, expect to see more one-level homes, or at least homes where there is a master suite and the majority of the living space on the first level. Part of what is driving this trend
Deanna Hall
Sales Representative Direct: 613.328.9250 Office: 613.384.1200
is the cost of homes in relation to space and the increased interest in environmental conservation. Smaller, more efficient homes require less in terms of heating and cooling energy. They need less furniture, and new materials made from sustainable products help further fuel
green initiatives in the building industry. Energy efficient homes are a main priority for buyers. Although the homes may be smaller, they will not be miniscule. And home buyers can expect a host of amenities that will make the smaller size of homes barely perceptible.
Greg Enright* & Jenn Molleson** 613.583.8510
* Broker of Record ** Sales Representative
We wish you a Merry Christmas! on the park …
Adult Lifestyle
R0013608588
condominiums
2 Kingston Homefinder.ca - Thursday, December 17, 2015
SALES CENTRE LOCATED AT 804 AUGUSTA DRIVE OPEN BY APPOINTMENT DECEMBER 21 - JANUARY 8 Call Greg Greg at Call at 613-452-2122 613-453-2122 www.geertsma.com
Factors to consider when choosing a neighborhood When shopping for a home, it’s easy for buyers to fall in love with a property. A well-maintained home with updated features can be hard to resist, but buyers must consider more than just a home’s appearance before submitting an offer. One variable prospective home buyers tend to value more highly than others is the neighborhood where they will ultimately choose to live. Many buyers even value neighborhoods more than homes, feeling they can always fix a home but cannot necessarily fix an undesirable neighborhood. When considering which neighborhood to begin a home search, buyers should research a host of factors. Crime
Crime statistics are public domain, meaning buyers can examine crime figures for any neighborhood where they are considering buying a home. Some real estate websites list neighborhood crime ratings among the information they offer about a given property. In addition, buyers interested in learning about crime in a given neighborhood can visit a site such as CrimeReports.com to access data on crimes committed near a particular address.
Home values
Home values are another factor to consider when choosing a neighborhood in which to buy a home. Buyers can work with a local realtor to find a neighborhood or area where real estate prices are trending upwards. While buyers might be able to find a great deal on a home in a neighborhood where home prices are
dropping, it’s important to remember those home prices are dropping for a reason. Work with your realtor to find a neighborhood where you can afford a home and where property values are not in decline. Realtors will have access to recent sales figures so you can get an idea of whether a neighborhood is trending upward or in decline. Amenities
The proximity of amenities such as shopping, restaurants and parks is
attractive to many buyers, and that’s something all buyers should consider before buying a home. Even if you prefer a home in a remote location, that could limit your market of buyers when you want to sell the home down the road. While your own comfort and preferences should ultimately prevail over potential resale value, it’s important that you at least consider access to amenities before making a decision. You might be able to find a compromise in a home that is a
short drive away from a town center, but still remote enough that you are not in the middle of the hustle and bustle. Commute
Quality of life is heavily influenced by commute time. Many men and women feel their quality of life improves dramatically the shorter their daily commute is. When considering a particular neighborhood, do a test run before making an offer
Matt Mundell
Ryan Hanes
C: 613-540-1037
C: 613-876-7926
Sales Representative
Sales Representative
E: matt@kingstonSOLD.com 848 DANBURY ROAD
$269,900
Find great value here in this 3 bedroom bungalow sitting on a large city lot. This home includes maple hardwood flooring, large updated cooks kitchen, fireplace in the formal living room, dining room with doors to a screen veranda plus deck off kitchen. Updated main bathroom with soaker tub, newer thermal windows & doors on main floor, need appliances? Fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer and dryer included here. Lower level features large finished family room with carpet flooring, and a large laundry/storage room roof re-shingled 2015, forced air gas furnace and central air replaced 2014.
481 COUNTY ROAD 42
$329,000 SHALES ROAD
Family paradise, large updated 2 storey with finished walkout basement to a gorgeously landscaped 2 acre lot which backs onto over 200 acres of crown land. Atv trails, skating pond and more.
on a home. Wake up early and drive to the area where you are thinking of buying, and then commute from there during rush hour. Also, do the reverse commute come quitting time. You might be able to get an estimated commute time online, but a test run can give you a more accurate idea of what your daily trips to and from the office will be like. Choosing a neighborhood where you will enjoy living requires some forethought and research.
E: ryan@kingstonSOLD.com 23 SEVENTH AVENUE
$199,900 1039 HUDSON
Very well maintained 4 bedroom home centrally located close to public transit, many amenities and the site of the new public school which is too be built. This home features a large living room, dining room, with new laminate flooring installed, large open kitchen with loads of counter space and cabinetry, 3 bedrooms on the main floor. Upper floor includes 2 large rooms suitable for a bedroom and office. Updated thermal windows, forced air oil furnace, central air conditioning, and a large detached garage with door opener and electricity. Shingles replaced 2015. Great home at a great value.
$74,900 815 PORTSMOUTH AVE
Build your dream home on this beautiful 9 acre parcel of land located 25 minutes north of Kingston on quiet Shales Road. This lot has been severed and surveyed, and has hydro at the lot line, and many mature hardwood and softwood trees. Many year round homes located on Shales Road, on a school bus route this parcel offers privacy, serenity, & wildlife without being isolated. MLS® 15607119
Available immediately, this thoroughly updated 3+1 bedroom back split will make a wonderful home for your family. Features include: eat in kitchen, hardwood floors, large rec-room, covered walk up from basement, private patio and fenced back yard, freshly recapped double paved drive to the attached garage, central air and more. Call today for your private viewing.
$470,000 577 FRONTENAC ST.
Modernized, gorgeous multi-unit in the heart of the city. Each unit is elegantly finished with an upscale décor and includes stainless steel appliances, wood floors and fireplaces. Zoned as a legal non conforming duplex, this property is currently set up with 3 units, main floor is 3 bdrms with two 1 bdrm units on the lower level. Ample parking, passed fire inspection 2011, 200 amp electrical, thermal windows, newer roof. Ideal for the first time investor, ask about our property management offering.
Sutton Group – Masters Realty Inc. Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated
$279,900
$579,000
Legal, all brick triplex only ten minutes walk to Queens. This is an excellent opportunity for the savvy investor. 5 bdrm main house and two 3 bedroom apartments, each metered separately . This property has been substantially updated in the last three years with new kitchens, flooring, boiler, pex plumbing, bathrooms and upgraded electrical.
www.kingstonSOLD.com
R0013608397
Kingston Homefinder.ca - Thursday, December 17, 2015 3
Make the most of your home appraisal
Tips for first-time home buyers Buying a home for the first time is an exciting period in a person’s life. Deciding to buy a home often indicates buyers are ready to establish firm roots in a community where they can see themselves living for years to come. The process of buying a home is rarely easy, and first-time buyers may feel overwhelmed at times. Such feelings are perfectly normal and felt by first-time buyers regardless of their budgets or home preferences. But there are a few ways to make buying a home more enjoyable than it is nerve-wracking. • Examine your finances. The first step toward buying a home has nothing to do with deciding if you prefer a craftsman- or Tudor-style home. Before you even begin your search for a home, carefully examine your finances to determine how much is coming in and how much is going out of your household each month. Figure out how much debt you are currently carrying, be it student loan, automotive, consumer or any other types of debt. Order a credit report so you can see how prospective lenders are likely to see you, and address any errors you find on the report before meeting with any lenders. Peruse past bank statements to track your spending habits, looking for areas where you might be able to scale back if need be. • Be prepared when visiting lenders. Prospective borrowers can make the home-buying process go smoothly by having all of the necessary documentation ready when visiting potential lenders. Many mortgage lenders will want to see some recent pay stubs (from both borrowers if buying with a spouse or partner), a couple years’ worth of W-2s and tax returns,
MORTGAGE AGENT Lic: #M08000683
U PRO
years
T
Y
H
E C UN OMM
MITCH THIBODEAU MORTGAGE BROKER Lic: #M09001443
B: 613-384-4000 B: 613-384-4000 ext.241 ext.253 C: 613-453-3663 C: 613-328-6647 MORTGAGE AGENT R0013608793
Mitch Thibodeau Lic:#M09001443 C: 613-328-6647 B: 613-384-4000 ext. 253
IT
(Lic.#10280)
R NG
JEFF DILLON
CELEB
IN
Professionals
LY
TI
MORTGAGE
D
A
The
as well as your recent bank statements. You can always call ahead and ask lenders what they need to see when applying for a loan. Having these materials ready in advance means you will spend less time at the bank and more time finding the right home for you. • Secure financing before you begin house hunting. Many first-time home buyers might not realize the benefits of securing financing before they begin looking for a home. Mortgage preapproval lets buyers know how much a bank will loan them, meaning they won’t spend time looking at homes they can’t afford. In addition, preapproval means buyers won’t lose out on their dream homes as they scramble to secure financing after making an offer. • Work with a local real estate agent. Real estate agents are an invaluable resource to home buyers and are especially valuable to those buyers who have never before purchased a home. Agents can help first-time buyers navigate the often confusing and, at times, disappointing process of buying a home. Choose an agent who is established in the area where you want to buy a home. He or she can provide information about local property taxes and schools as well as a multitude of additional issues that first-time buyers may not think of. Agents also know the lay of the land regarding home prices, which can ease first-time buyers’ fears about overpaying for their first homes. A home is the biggest purchase many people will ever make. First-time buyers may be intimidated as they begin searching for their homes, but there are several ways to make the process go smoothly.
A Division of VERICO Blackburn Financial Services Inc. 4 Kingston Homefinder.ca - Thursday, December 17, 2015
When homeowners think about renovating their properties, many first need to secure some funding to finance such projects. Some may tap into the equity of their homes by refinancing an existing mortgage, while others may apply for home equity loans. Taking the latter approach may require certain steps, including an assessment of how much the home and property is worth. Home appraisals compare your home to neighboring properties to determine your home’s current market value. Homeowners can facilitate the process by having certain information readily available for the appraiser. When preparing for appraisers, homeowners should consider and collect the following information: • If your home was built on the largest lot in the community. • If you have made significant upgrades since it was last appraised, such as installing a new roof or siding. Don’t overlook smaller renovations, like extra insulation added or sealing drafty windows, which can increase a home’s value. • Proof that you have used sustainable resources or if you participated in any energy-savings programs. Naturally, any expansion projects, such as adding another bedroom or extending the footprint of the home, should be mentioned. A real estate appraiser is a certified, licensed professional who will do his or her best to determine the value of your home. The appraisal provides banks with information that can tell loan officers if the house is worth the loan amount. Expect to pay a fee for the appraisal, which is generally included in your closing costs. The appraiser gathers information for the appraisal report from a number of sources, but the process often begins with a physical inspection
of the property, both inside and out. He or she also will compare your home against a few others in the neighborhood, which are known as comparables, or comps. Appraisals will be based on recent prices of comparable properties as well as other factors. Apart from the improvements done to the home, there are other ways to get a higher appraisal amount. The appraiser may consider the overall maintenance of the home and property. It is wise to consider curb appeal and ensure the home is clean and maintained when the appraiser arrives. Minor repairs or common maintenance can impress the appraiser. Removing clutter and cleaning up the home’s interior can make the home appear larger, possibly increasing its value as a result. It may be worth it to invest some more money into the property before having an appraisal done. A study sponsored by the National Association of Realtors says wood floors, landscaping and an enclosed garage can lead to a more favorable appraisal. An appraiser will spend roughly 30 minutes in a home. Try to give that person space to do his or her job. Following the appraiser around during an inspection can raise a red flag that something is wrong with the house that you don’t want to be seen. Turn lights on throughout the house, make sure the heating or cooling system is functioning at full capacity and keep pets locked away. Move items that can impede access to basements or attics. An accurate assessment of the value of your home will give banks the information they need to determine loan amounts for future renovation projects. Providing background information on the home and having a well-maintained property can improve the chances of a favorable appraisal.
MORTGAGE RATES: RateasSurvey as of December Monday, April 21, 2014 MORTGAGE RATES: Rate Survey of Monday, 14, 2015 Company
Company
Mitch Thibodeau Jeff Dillon Mitch Thibodeau
5 6 mth 16yrmth 2 yr 1 yr 3 yr 2 yr 4 yr 3 yr5 yr 4 yr 7 yr 10yryr ClosedClosed Closed Closed Closed Variable Variable Closed Closed Closed Closed ClosedClosed Closed Closed Closed
2.25*
Banks & Companies Trust Companies Banks & Trust BankBank of Montreal 2.70 of Montreal Scotiabank 2.70 Scotiabank CIBC 2.70 CIBC HSBC 2.70 National Bank of Canada 2.70 HSBC Royal Bank 2.73 National Bank of Canada TD Canada Trust 2.70 RoyalGroup Bank Investor’s 2.70 Kingston Community Credit Union 3.00 TD Canada Trust
3.10 2.29 2.24 2.34* 2.54 2.69* 3.44 3.84
2.50
3.95
4.00 3.10
3.14 4.00 3.00 N/A 3.09 4.45 3.20 3.14 4.45 3.14 4.00 2.99 4.00 3.14 2.89 4.45
N/A 3.00 4.45 3.10 4.45 4.00 3.00 4.00 3.00 4.45 3.10 4.20 4.00 3.10
2.75 4.20 www.mortgageproteam.com Kingston Community Credit Union N/A 4.00 Investor’s Group
7 yr Closed
2.99 2.59 2.79 2.87 2.99* 3.79
3.04 3.14 3.14 3.24 3.04 3.09 3.95 3.14 3.20 3.04 3.14 2.94 3.14 3.14 2.79 3.09 3.14
3.853.04 4.39 3.854.99 3.443.14 3.94 3.444.79 3.75 4.24 4.99 4.003.04 4.99 3.754.50 3.753.95 4.64 4.004.99 3.75 4.54 4.84 3.14 3.75 3.44 3.94 4.79 3.753.04 4.64 3.754.99 3.343.04 3.84 3.754.44 3.14
3.75
6.39 4.39
6.75 4.99
6.19
5.49 3.94 5.95 4.24 6.30 5.95 4.99 5.30 4.64 6.04 4.54 6.50 N/A 4.39
6.04 4.79 6.75 4.99 6.50 6.75 4.50 6.10 4.99 6.50 5.04 6.75 N/A 4.99
6.15
4.64
4.99
6.50
*(O.A.C.) Special conditions apply. Rates are subject to change without notice
5.49 5.95 6.30 5.95 5.75
3.04 2.99 3.39 3.89 4.74 N/A Blackburn Mews Downtown Office www.mortgageprokingston.com 775 Blackburn Mews, Kingston, ON 613-384-4000 261 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON 613-546-2989(O.A.C) Rates are subject to chang *Certain conditions apply. 775 Blackburn Mews, Kingston, ON • 613-384-4000 • Downtown Office: 261 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON • 613-536-3485 • East End Office: 490 Discovery Ave, Unit 8, Kingston, ON • 6
&
Time your move right to save money
Tammy Heath Gurr
R0023608746
Your Total Real Estate Package!
www.gurreathomes.com Tammy Direct:(613) 583-0616 Heath Direct: (613) 985-2414
$322,500
$399,900
2742 Highway 15
Great commercial potential! Beautiful open-concept 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on 4 acres near Portland and Big Rideau Lake. Nicely landscaped with walking trails. Huge 2-car garage & 1100 sq.ft. heated outbuilding with commercial & residential zoning. Tremendous opportunity! MLS®15610500
$449,900
138 Timmerman Lane
2 acres on Sand Lake with 229 feet of perfect deep, clean waterfront. This beautiful Viceroy home has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, an open-concept main floor with huge windows overlooking the lake and sunset views. Large wrap-around deck is ideal for entertaining. An exceptional property! MLS®15609780
$529,900
64 Buce Bay Lane
This Devil Lake home on 4.8 acres has it all! 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, open-concept main floor, screened-in porch, fireplace, large rec. room and hot tub plus an insulated workshop and large coverall building. Sunset views, privacy, acreage and 500 feet of clean, level shoreline. A must see! MLS®362470030
Lot 6 Pine Point Lane
This 2.5 acre building lot is the envy of the new Pine Point Lane waterfront development! With 990 feet of Dog Lake shoreline, a large granite point with sunset views, deep, clean water, large boathouse and a 2 bedroom cottage. A rare find on the Rideau system! Purchase & construction financing available. MLS®15608853
www.gurreathomes.com
Buying a new home is the most expensive purchase a person is likely to make in his or her lifetime. It also can be one of the more stressful. The Employee Relocation Council states that moving is the third most stressful event in life, following death and divorce. But a well-timed move can reduce stress and save money. Moving during certain times of the year can result in considerable savings. Moving during the summer, when children are out of school and the weather is nice, can make a move more manageable. Keep in mind that because late spring and summer are the peak moving seasons, they also tend to be more expensive. Many moving companies and truck rental agencies will charge a premium if you use their services during the summer. Furthermore, crews may change in the summer when students on vacation could fill in for regular, more experienced movers. High prices are not only reserved for those who buy a new house during the spring and summer. Renters may find spring and summer is also the peak season for rentals. Many apartment managers can attest that the dates between June 2 and August 30 are quite busy in terms of apartment turnover. College students are more likely to move as soon as the academic year ends, and many landlords plan leases to expire in the summer months to ensure that re-renting places will be easier thanks to a flooded apartment market. According to Apartment Wiz, a Houston-based apartment locating service, although there might be greater apartment availability during the warmweather months, it also means greater competition between prospective tenants. That greater competition can drive up prices. But apartments are harder to fill in the fall or at the onset of winter. That’s because many people
do not want the hassle of moving once school has started or the weather has chilled. Landlords who are stuck paying utilities and advertising fees for vacant apartments are far more likely to negotiate rent prices, lease terms and even security deposits during the winter in an effort to fill the apartment quickly. People sitting with homes on the market are also more likely to negotiate during cooler months when foot traffic has fizzled out. That can make shopping for a home in the fall advantageous to home buyers. Here are some other tips to reduce stress and save money when moving into a new home or apartment. * Move mid-week. Weekends are a prime time for truck rentals and moving companies. Pick a Tuesday or a Wednesday to move, and you’re much more likely to find an available moving service (even during peak moving months); you may even be able to negotiate a lower rate. * Pick a mid-month moving date. Many people move at the beginning of the month when leases are up or after mortgage payments are made. Fewer people move in the middle of the month, so you might find more affordable moving deals if you can wait a few extra weeks. * Schedule a fall or winter move. The American Moving and Storage Association says half of all moves occur during one-third of the year -- between the beginning of May and Labor Day. Beat the rush by moving outside of these dates. * Get an early start. Many people underestimate the amount of time it takes to actually move their belongings. Try to schedule a moving company to come very early in the morning to give you ample time to pack up the truck and unpack at your new home.
With hundreds of property listings available in print and online every week, HomeFinder.ca makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for in a home. Pick up your copy today, or view online!
Greater Kingston Area
HomeFinder.ca Kingston
frontenac
Your Comprehensive Guide to Real Estate in the Greater Kingston Region. In Print & Online.
www.kingstonregion.com
Thursday February 20, 2014
Kingston Homefinder.ca - Thursday, December 17, 2015 5
Who is responsible for repairs during a home sale? Many questions arise during the homebuying process. Buyers looking at homes that require a good deal of TLC may wonder who is responsible for the home’s repairs, particularly if such repairs are needed to secure a certificate of occupancy. Depending on the situation, there is no clear-cut answer. There is no perfect home, and things that are acceptable to the current owner may not be acceptable to the buyer who is looking to become the next owner. The home-buying process is typically a careful cooperation between buyer and seller to find a middle ground. The buyer may have to make some concessions, as will the seller. Ultimately, it is this cooperation that often determines if the sale goes through or is terminated. Before any negotiations can begin regarding repairs, it is adviseable for a buyer to have an independent inspector come out and look over the home and property. Most real estate agents will suggest this be done as a first priority -- even before a contract is entered on the home. An inspection will unveil any potential problems in a home and indicate things that the buyer may not be aware of, including items that do not meet with code or could be unsafe. An inspector also may point out problems that could cause a mortgage lender to give pause. This may mean the lender will deem problems
unsafe and refuse to fund the mortgage until repairs are made. A copy of this inspection report should be sent to the home seller to review with his or her attorney and real estate agent. The buyer working with his own real estate attorney and agent can petition for certain repairs to be made. Many sellers will make such repairs to ensure the purchase goes through, or they will accept a lower purchase price to compensate for the needed repairs, which the buyer will then make. Buyers might want to hire a good real estate attorney to write clauses into the contract to protect their interests. This allows the buyer to forfeit the sale and walk away from the contract should an issue arise. The rules often change when buying a home that is a short sale or in foreclosure. A home that is in distress is typically in this situation because the current owners cannot afford to pay their mortgage, and thusly, are not able to afford repairs. According to Think Glink, a money-management Web site, buyers may try to negotiate repairs with the seller, but they shouldn’t assume that sellers (or lenders in the event of a bank-owned home) are responsible for the repairs. Generally speaking, most short sales and foreclosures are sold “as is” and may even specify that repairs and requirements for the certificate of occupancy are the buyer’s
Gus Branco
responsibility. A buyer also can ask to have the home price reduced to cover the repairs. But foreclosures are often already deeply discounted. Buyers should know that, for a home that is not in foreclosure, there are some repairs that should ultimately be the responsibility of the seller. If these repairs are not made, a buyer should think strongly about walking away from the deal, according to Why6Percent. com, a real estate marketing site. Such repairs include: * lender-required repairs that could impact home safety * leaky pipes
* water penetration issues, including a bad roof * unsafe decking or handrails * wet basements or crawl spaces * insecure foundations or obvious structural damage * poorly functioning sewer lines or septic system It is always adviseable for buyers to speak with a reliable real estate attorney and a trusted real estate agent to guide them through the process of buying a home. These people can help buyers navigate the important decisions that can affect the home they’ll be living in for the next several years.
GusBranco G
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
CELL: 613-539-9998 • OFFICE: 613-384-5500 Email: gbranco@sutton.com
R0023608926
SALES REPRESENTATIVE SALE
CELL: 613-539-9998 OFFICE: 613-384-5500 Email: gbranco@sutton.com
1870 MACALPINE RD.
3 Bedroom bungalow in exclusive subdivision between Kingston and Gananoque. Beautiful treed 2 acre lot, finished rec. room, 2 baths. $349,000 Sutton-Group-Masters 60 CASTERTON AVENUE Realty Inc. Brokerage MLS 11600415 Fully renovated home in City Central. Beautiful kitchen with granite counters and in floor heat. 2 AN INDEPENDENT MEMBER BROKER
1/2 baths, finished basement with bar. Large office with skylights and separate entrance. Averaging $5000 W year from Solar Energy Program. A must see home. $414,900. MLS®360080261. NEper I PR CE
1837 HIGHWAY 4558#2 YARKER RD.5217 DUNDON DRIVE Open concept three + onefoot bed bungalow Bungalow on 3 acres. Beautiful finished walkout basement. Triple car garage plus 30x68 EAST with hardwood floors. Master with
for your bungalow toys. MLS® 15603578 2 garage Bedroom close$480,000 to town. Finished basement, large 2 car garage. en-suite and balcony. Finished rec-room and entrance to garage from basement. Near treasure Island $209,000 Thank you to allMarina. my valued Clients, friends and family! and much more. MLS 11600835 MLS 1160093
The Kingston Mortgage Solutions Team wishes you a Very Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year! Kingston Mortgage Solutions - Lic. # 12248 Jeff Janet Franchise of Mortgage Alliance Stafford MacDonald Independently Owned and Operated 613-453-3474
MORTGAGE BROKER/OWNER
FSCO LICENSE# M09001926
6 Kingston Homefinder.ca - Thursday, December 17, 2015
739B Arlington Park Place, Kingston, ON K7M 8M8
www.kingstonmortgagesolutions.com
613-561-5047
MORTGAGE AGENT/OWNER
FSCO LICENSE# M08000689
R0013608620
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
Find a place to call home
Start Your New Life In Your New Home Thousands of available model home descriptions
Discover Your Neighbours with demographic info
Choose from hundreds of quality homebuilders
Be the first to know of Openings and Priority Registrations
We’ll help you find your perfect match!
a division of Metroland Media Group Ltd.
R0022471522
Kingston Homefinder.ca - Thursday, December 17, 2015 7
How to improve your home’s curb appeal * Take to the trees. Many homeowners grow accustomed to overgrown trees around their property and may not notice that low-hanging, unsightly branches are hiding the home from view. Buyers want to see the house, so take to the trees and trim any branches that hang too low or obscure your home. * Clean the gutters. Leaves and sticks hanging from the gutters are a red flag to buyers, who tend to associate clogged gutters with roof damage. Clean the gutters thoroughly before putting your home up for sale and keep them clean throughout the selling process. If your property includes lots of trees, install guards to keep twigs and leaves out of the gutters. * Make the home accessible through the front door. Many homeowners enter their home through a side door or through their garage. If you fall into this category, keep in mind that prospective buyers will be entering through the front door, so make this area accessible. Clear any clutter, such as overgrown hedges, away from the front door, and consider upgrading the door handle to a more modern feature. In addition, make sure the lock on the front door doesn’t stick, forcing the realtor and buyers to immediately struggle before entering the home. You want buyers and their real estate agents to get in and out of the home as smoothly as possible. * Make sure all plants, including flowers, are living. Dehydrated or dead plants and flowers are eyesores, and they will give buyers the impression that you didn’t pay much attention to your property. Make sure all plants are alive and thriving and replace those that aren’t. You can replant new flowers or plants or just use potted plants instead. When purchasing new plants, choose low-maintenance varieties that appeal to buyers who want good vibrant plants but might not want to put in much work into the garden. When selling a home, homeowners can employ a number of tactics to improve their home’s curb appeal.
John Breimer
Sutton Group-Masters Realty Inc., Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated
Sales Representative
613-453-7621 Office: 613-384-5500 Email: jhbreimer@gmail.com
R0023608375
R0013608734
Men and women who have tried to sell a home are likely familiar with the phrase “curb appeal.” Curb appeal is similar to getting ready for a big date, only you’re not dressing yourself up to make a strong first impression. Instead, improving curb appeal involves dressing your home up in the hopes it makes a strong first impression on prospective buyers, many of whom will have a strong opinion about the property before they even get out of their cars to have a look around. A home with strong curb appeal can entice buyers who are likely to believe that a home with a well-maintained exterior is likely to have an equally impressive interior. Homeowners who want the process of selling their home to go smoothly can improve the property’s curb appeal in a number of ways, many of which don’t necessitate a substantial home improvement budget. * Clean up. The most effective way to improve curb appeal is to clean up the property. Many homeowners are savvy enough to remove toys and other items from the yard before showing a home, but cleaning up goes beyond removing clutter from the property. Make sure all hedges are trimmed and remove weeds, sticks and other debris from any flower beds. Lay mulch in the flower beds and garden, as mulch prevents weed growth while helping the soil retain moisture, resulting in more attractive gardens to catch a buyer’s eye. * Get an “edge” on other sellers. Edging is another easy and effective way to improve curb appeal. Edge driveways, sidewalks and other walkways around the property, removing or trimming anything that is hanging over the driveway or walkways. If the boundary between your driveway and lawn is not distinct, consider installing edging materials such as stone or bricks. The edging can be level with the driveway or elevated, but keep in mind that elevated driveway edging can protect the lawn, preventing kids from riding their bicycles onto the lawn or cars from driving onto it. Adding edging is not a very difficult do-it-yourself project.
Cell:
Sutton Group – Masters Realty Inc. Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated
ADAMRAYNER Sales Rep
arayner@sutton.com • www.adamrayner.ca cell // 613-572-1985 • bus // 613-384-5500
ONT WATERFR
NEW LISTING
911 DIVISION STREET
3 bed, 2 full bath, finished basement, totally renovated!, great yard, close to shopping and amenities MLS®360570193, $209,900
N E PE S 4 O OU . 2H UN S
We wish you and your family Blessings this Christmas and throughout the new year. John & Elly Breimer
NEW PRICE NEW LISTING
2 MOWAT AVE #105
Website: www.johnbreimer.com
8 Kingston Homefinder.ca - Thursday, December 17, 2015
2 bed, 1 bath, corner unit, high end kitchen w/granite, updated bath, hardwood, move in ready! MLS®367010005, $224,900
0 THOMPSON POINT ROAD , GREATER NAPANEE
150 acres & 3850 feet of PRIME Waterfront, development potential for vineyard, estate or subdivision, short boat ride to Picton or Napanee MLS® 15606532, $995,000