Real Estate Blog - maintenance

Home Maintenance 101: Heating and Cooling Systems

For most, the extent of our heating and cooling system knowledge is as follows: when it’s cold out, turn on the heat and when it’s hot, turn on the air conditioning. However, as homeowners, it’s important to know how these systems work, what maintenance is required, and when it’s time to look at updating your system.

The basics of HVAC systems

Your home’s temperature control system typically includes three basic components: 

1. a source for warm or cool air such as an air conditioner or furnace;
2. a means of distributing the air throughout your home such as ducts or vents and 
3. a way to regulate the temperature, such as a thermostat. Fuel or energy is used to make the system run – everything from electricity to natural…

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Get Ready for Spring with These Prep Tips

Spring is just around the corner and it’s time to start getting your home ready for the warmer weather ahead. From checking your air conditioning system to sprucing up your outdoor space, don't let the thought of tackling a big project overwhelm you. Follow these simple steps and you'll be done in no time!

Air Conditioning Maintenance
Just like you do with other appliances in your home, regular maintenance of your AC unit will help keep it running efficiently and reduce energy costs. Make sure to get an HVAC professional to come out and inspect the system before the warmer months arrive. This will ensure that any potential issues are addressed before they become a bigger problem. It’s also a good idea to change the filter regularly (at least every…

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11 Tasks to Do When Shutting Down the Cottage for Winter

No one wants to say goodbye to their cottage for the winter, but as the days get shorter, the air gets crisper and the leaves continue to blanket the ground, it’s the ideal time to do just that. While some cottages can be used year-round, many are three-season only. These are the ones that need to be prepped for the winter months so you can head back without issue once the warm weather returns!

Just like your home, your cottage requires proper care and maintenance to ensure it can be used and enjoyed for many years to come. This is why it’s well worth the time and effort to shut it down properly, so you can hopefully mitigate any issues by the time you return in the spring. 

If you’re a cottage owner, be sure to check these 11 tasks off your…

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How to Create a Homeowner’s Journal

Once you become a homeowner, you can forget about calling the landlord or superintendent if something breaks—you’re now responsible for maintenance and repairs. Let’s face it: there’s a plethora of tasks and projects to stay on top of to keep your home in top shape, everything from replacing the furnace filter and cleaning your gutters, to testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and winterizing your lawn. You also have lots of important paperwork to keep track of, such as warranties and manuals for your household appliances and systems. The best way to stay organized is by creating a homeowner’s journal. Here’s how to get started so you don’t find yourself drowning in random reminder notes.

What is a homeowner’s journal? 

Simply…

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Five Important Factors When Buying a Cottage

If you’re considering buying a cottage in Canada and have been watching the market, you already know this market segment has seen a surge in competition between buyers over the last decade. In recent years, cabins and cottages have been in high demand, as interest in renting out personal properties for extra income has become more accessible through various online platforms.

While purchasing a cottage as a recreational property or even as a year-round home can be an excellent investment in both the short and long term, there are some important factors to consider during your hunt for the perfect getaway home. Below we break down five important factors to consider when purchasing a recreational property

5 Factors to…

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Condo Fees - What Do They Cover?

Condos are often attractive to buyers, not only because they can be in a more favourable price range than single family homes, they can provide easier access to amenities and a low-maintenance lifestyle. 

However, these benefits don’t come without a cost. In addition to your mortgage, you’ll need to plan for the maintenance fees, also known as condo fees. This article will look at what condo fees are, when they can be reassessed, and what they mean for your mortgage, specifically related to an apartment-style condominium building.

What are condo fees?

To put it simply, condo fees are monthly contributions made by unit owners to a condo corporation (the organization that runs the condo building). This money is then pooled together and goes…

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Tips to Keep Homeowners on Budget for Renovations!

Blowing the budget is everyone’s biggest fear when it comes to home renovation projects. Even if you follow standard guidelines—like building in a 20% cushion to cover unexpected costs, vetting contractors, and staying focused—it’s hard to prevent spending more than you’d like to. But with some strategic planning, you can save money in the lead-up to your big remodel and cut costs without cutting corners. 

1. Figure out your priorities

We get it: You’re super excited to get into your new house, and you can’t wait to make it yours. But before you start envisioning walls coming down, scale down your big dreams, suggests Toronto financial counsellor Jessica Moorhouse, who is also host of the Mo’ Money Podcast. 

“Yes, there’s a long list of things…

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Hidden Costs of Home Ownership

Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases you will make in your lifetime. While the initial purchase of a home is a big cost, it is important to keep in mind the expected – and unexpected – costs of owning a home. From maintenance fixes and utilities, to insurance and emergency costs, it is important to be aware of the hidden costs of home ownership that might not always be obvious.

Take a look at these hidden costs of owning a home that you might not be aware of.

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Common Issues Facing Condo Owners

By Meghan Belnap

Condo living can be an amazing experience, especially if you’re new to the real estate market. Condos provide an opportunity for private ownership without a lot of the maintenance associated with single family homes. If you want to own your home, but have a busy schedule, it could be a great option for you.

Related: Looking to Rent a Condo? 4 Factors to Consider in Your Search

Condos can also come with the benefits of amenities and a great location. However, there are drawbacks to any kind of housing you may choose, including issues that come up when you’re living with others under one roof. Here are a few common issues that potential condo owners should take into consideration:

On-Site Construction

If you’re…

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