23 Oct

Best Home Features for Pets

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

Best Home Features for Pets

Recommended Mortgage Agents Huntsville

Best Home Features for Pets.

Creating a pet-friendly home involves considering the comfort, safety, and well-being of your furry friends. Here are some features to consider:

  • Durable Flooring: Choose scratch-resistant and easy-to-clean flooring like hardwood, laminate, or more durable tile options. Avoid carpets if possible, or choose pet-friendly carpeting that’s stain-resistant.
  • Pet-Friendly Fabrics: Choose furniture and upholstery made from pet-friendly fabrics like leather or microfiber that are durable and easy to clean. This helps in case of accidents or shedding.
  • Pet-Safe Plants: Select indoor plants that are non-toxic to pets, such as spider plants, Boston ferns, or palms. Keep toxic plants out of reach or opt for artificial plants.
  • Designated Pet Areas: Create designated spaces for your pets, such as a cozy corner with a bed or a built-in nook under the stairs. This gives them a sense of security and their own space.
  • Easy Access to Outdoors: Install a pet door or create a pet-friendly exit to the yard, allowing your pets to go outside and play freely.
  • Secure Fencing: Ensure your yard has a secure fence to prevent your pets from wandering off and to keep them safe from potential dangers.
  • Built-in Feeding Stations: Incorporate built-in feeding stations or cabinets to store pet food and supplies, keeping them organized and out of reach from curious pets.
  • Wash Station or Mudroom: Include a designated area near the entrance for cleaning muddy paws or bathing your pets, with easy-to-clean surfaces and storage for grooming supplies.
  • Integrated Pet Technology: Consider installing smart pet feeders, water fountains, or cameras to monitor your pets remotely and ensure they are comfortable and well-fed when you’re away.

By incorporating these features into your home design, you can create a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable environment for both you and your pets.

Published by DLC Marketing Team

For all your mortgage needs contact us today 705-349-0502

Jennifer Koop & Susan Bloom, Mortgage Agents Huntsville, Muskoka
Dominion Lending Centres, Mortgage Brokers Huntsville, Muskoka

Up Next:  Smart Ways to Cut Your Energy Costs

21 Oct

Smart Ways to Cut Your Energy Costs

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

Cut Your Energy Costs

Recommended Muskoka Mortgage Agents

Smart Ways to Cut Your Energy Costs.

In the last decade, climate change and energy efficiency have become top of mind for many Canadians. From wanting to do our part by recycling to making our home as energy efficient as possible, there are so many benefits to being environmentally and energy conscious.

If you are looking to cut costs or simply want to reduce your eco-footprint, here are some great ways to cut your energy costs:

  • Get a Smart Thermostat: A pretty easy installation, a smart thermostat can help you better manage your in-home temperature. Whether you opt to install a basic programmable thermostat or try Google’s Nest, which learns from you and works to predict which temperatures you prefer and when, getting a read on your in-home temperature can help you better manage your energy usage.
  • Look for Drafty Spots: When it comes to heating your home, it can quickly become a wasted effort and results in extra costs if you have drafts in your home. In addition to windows and doors, you should also seal any folding attic stairs, add a fireplace plug to seal the damper and install a dryer vent seal to reduce drafts in your laundry room.
  • Swap to LEDs: Most of us are already using LED bulbs throughout our home. If you aren’t yet, now is the time to make the switch! LED bulbs use 15% less energy than an equivalent incandescent, which can save you a ton of money each month especially in larger homes.
  • Turn Down Your Water Heater: While sometimes nothing beats a good scalding shower, you don’t want to be burned with a high energy bill. Did you know if you knock down that temperature gauge by just 10 degrees, you can save 3% to 5% on your bills each month!?
  • Examine Your Appliances: Since 1992, ENERGY STAR® has been backing energy efficient appliances and products, helping consumers make the right choices. Some of the least green appliances in your home are your dishwasher, washing machine, dryer and refrigerator and, if you don’t currently have Energy Star certified versions of these machines, swapping to them is a surefire way to reduce your monthly expenses.
  • Can’t afford new appliances? Here are some other tips and tricks to help make them more efficient in the meantime:
    • Dishwasher: Use a citric acid-based cleaner in an empty cycle to rid your dishwasher of excess soap and calcium buildup that may be causing your machine to work harder.Washing Machine: Maximize energy by stuffing your machine to the brim whenever possible as washing machines typically use the same amount of energy regardless of load size.Dryer: For starters, ensure you are always cleaning out your lint filter to increase air circulation. In addition, keep an eye on the outside exhaust and clean when needed to reduce drying time and save energy.
    • Refrigerator: While most of us are more concerned with the food inside our fridges than the parts, it is important to check your condenser coils. Over time, dirt, food particles and dust can collect and reduce the efficiency. Another tip is to set your refrigerator to 2-3 degrees Celsius.
  • Close The Blinds: When the temperature starts heating up, it is important to close the blinds and drapes to prevent the sun from beating in and warming up your home. The excessive heat makes your air conditioner work overtime causing your energy bills to skyrocket.

In addition to the cost savings and environmental benefits of improving your energy efficiency, CMHC also has a rebate available! The CMHC Eco Plus refund can provide a 25% partial premium refund if you’re CMHC insured and buying or building an energy-efficient home! Click here for more details.

Published by DLC Marketing Team

For all your mortgage needs contact us today 705-349-0502

Jennifer Koop & Susan Bloom, Mortgage Agents Huntsville, Muskoka
Dominion Lending Centres, Mortgage Brokers Huntsville, Muskoka

Up Next: 10 Steps to Home Sweet Home

15 Oct

10 Steps to Home Sweet Home

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

Home Sweet Home

Recommended Mortgage Agents, Muskoka

10 Steps to Home Sweet Home.

Congratulations! There is nothing more exciting than moving into a new home. Whether a new building or re-sale property, there are a few things you can do as soon as you take possession in order to make it your own. Invest a weekend or two into warming up a featureless space or refreshing someone else’s old homestead.

Here are 10 things you can do to really own your new space and turn it into home sweet home:

  1. Change The Locks: Secure your home by changing the locks as soon as you take possession. Even DIY beginners can change a deadbolt lock. A replacement deadbolt set can be installed in place of the current lock with just a screwdriver— no drilling required. Another option is to rekey the lock. Purchase a rekeying set from the same manufacturer as the existing door lock, and reset it for a new key
  1. Consider a Professional Deep Cleaning: Hiring a professional cleaner to deep-clean and detail your home before you move your possessions in can make your new home feel that much more YOU! It will be easier without any furniture to work around, allowing them to access to every nook and cranny. Yes, you’ll have to clean again after moving day, but the heavy lifting will have already been done!
  1. Clean Out Your Pipes: Years of dust, pet dander and detritus collect in the hidden workings of any home. One of the most effective ways to refresh a new home is to get right into the guts of it! Have your ducts, furnace and air conditioning unit professionally cleaned and be sure to change the filters as required to maintain that clean, fresh air.
  1. Apply a Coat of Paint: Painting provides the most bang for your home-improvement buck! Whether the walls of your home are dingy or you’re simply not feeling the magic of beige, it only takes a few hours to repaint your space with a colour that makes you feel at home.
  1. Freshen Up Your Floors: Much like worn-out walls, old floors can really put a damper on that new-home buzz. If your hardwood has seen better days, you can consider hiring professionals to re-do it or tackle the project yourself by renting a floor sander and varnishing over a weekend. For carpet, a deep steam clean can do wonders! For laminate, you can get that extra shine with a special laminate floor cleaner. Although if any of your floor coverings are lifting or have holes in them, you may want to replace it. You can further personalize your new space by adding floor runners or area rugs!
  1. Neutralize Odors: Any re-sale home can benefit from a deep-clean refresh to eliminate any lingering odors from previous tenants. While some of the above steps will dramatically reduce any lingering smells, stubborn aromas require spot treatments such as:
  • Putting dishes of activated charcoal (also known as activated carbon) in a musty, damp basement. These can be found at aquarium stores.
  • Running a dehumidifier during the spring and summer.
  • Placing a sock filled with dry coffee grounds or baking soda in closets, refrigerators or freezers to absorb stale odors.
  • Pouring white vinegar down a stinky drain.
  1. Enjoy the View! Dirty windows and screens can make rooms feel dark and dingy. A thorough cleaning will have your windows shining, and your indoors will feel brighter and fresher too. If your home came with the previous owner’s window coverings, be sure to clean or launder them; it’ll remove allergens as well as reduce any lingering odours. Or consider replacements with colors and patterns more suited to your style!
  1. Lighten Up! A well-lit home is immediately warmer and more inviting than its darker counterparts. If your rooms feel dim, replace the existing bulbs with bright, energy-saving LED or CFL bulbs for more light and cost-savings! Dated lighting fixtures can also foil your redecorating efforts, so consider replacing them with something more your style.
  1. Time for a Switch: Replacing your switch plates only requires a screwdriver but you would be surprised how much swapping out old lighting switch plates can refresh your space. With a little DIY expertise, screwdrivers, pliers and a voltage tester, you can install energy saving dimmer switches instead.
  1. Display Your Art: Once you have deep-cleaned your new home and organized it to your heart’s content, it is time to dress up your walls with your favourite artwork and family photos! Get your kids’ kindergarten masterpieces onto the fridge and deck out your mantel with family photos.

Moving into a new home is one of the best times to make your space perfect for you! With a clean slate and empty floor space, now is the time to include all the things that make your house a home – to you! Unpack your knick-knacks and personal items and add a splash of color with throw pillows or rugs to brighten things up.

Published by DLC Marketing Team

For all your mortgage needs contact us today 705-349-0502

Jennifer Koop & Susan Bloom, Mortgage Agents Huntsville, Muskoka
Dominion Lending Centres, Mortgage Brokers Huntsville, Muskoka

Up Next: Creating a Living Legacy with CHIP Reverse Mortgage

3 Oct

Creating a Living Legacy with the CHIP Reverse Mortgage

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

Creating a Living Legacy with the CHIP Reverse Mortgage.

What does it mean to build a rich legacy? Many Canadians think of their legacy in terms of the assets they leave behind—in other words, money. However, legacy is not just about wealth; it’s about enhancing the lives of our loved ones and making meaningful contributions to our community.

This blog will explore living legacies and how the CHIP Reverse Mortgage can support these goals.

Supporting the Next Generation

Many young Canadians face financial challenges, especially when it comes to homeownership. One solution for helping the next generation is the “Bank of Mom and Dad.”

Helping with a Down Payment

With rising housing prices, saving for a down payment can be a significant hurdle for young Canadians trying to purchase their first home. This is where the “Bank of Mom and Dad” comes into play. Using a portion of your home equity through the CHIP Reverse Mortgage will give your children the financial boost they need to enter the housing market. Not only does this support them during a critical life stage, but it allows you to witness the joy and stability homeownership brings to their lives.

Creating Educational Funds

Another meaningful way to establish a living legacy is by creating educational funds for your grandchildren. Education is essential for personal and professional growth and opens new opportunities. Investing in your grandchildren’s education safeguards their future and empowers them to pursue their dreams. Imagine the joy of witnessing their achievements, knowing that your generosity played a role in their success.

Helping With a Wedding

If you have children or loved ones you support, their wedding is a special milestone you’ll want to help make unforgettable. With weddings being so expensive, it can be overwhelming for the couple. By accessing your home’s equity with the CHIP Reverse Mortgage, you can contribute to their big day and create lasting memories, all while keeping your finances secure.

Charitable Donations

Giving back is a powerful way to leave a legacy. By actively participating in charitable causes, you care about, you help those in need and strengthen your connection to the community. Whether you contribute financially or donate your time and skills, charitable giving can provide personal fulfillment and happiness. Charitable donations also offer valuable tax benefits.

Family Traditions and Memories

A living legacy isn’t solely about financial support; it’s also about creating lasting memories and traditions with your family. Memories are some of the greatest treasures in life. Whether planning special family trips, capturing life’s precious moments in a photo book, or simply spending more time with loved ones, these intangible gifts often bring the greatest joy and comfort.

How the CHIP Reverse Mortgage Supports Your Goals

For Canadian homeowners aged 55 or older, the CHIP Reverse Mortgage is an innovative financial solution that allows you to access up to 55% of your home’s equity without the need to make monthly mortgage payments. The best part? You can stay in the home you love.

By accessing your home’s equity, you can fund your living legacy goals—helping your children with a down payment, setting up educational funds, contributing to charitable causes, or investing in family traditions. The CHIP Reverse Mortgage provides you with the financial flexibility to enrich the lives of your loved ones today while maintaining your financial independence.

If you’d like to learn more about how the CHIP Reverse Mortgage can help you leave a legacy, contact us, your DLC mortgage expert.

Published by HomeEquity Bank

For all your mortgage needs contact us today 705-349-0502

Jennifer Koop & Susan Bloom, Mortgage Agents Huntsville, Muskoka
Dominion Lending Centres, Mortgage Brokers Huntsville, Muskoka

Up Next:  Expert Tips for Staging Your Home

2 Oct

Expert Tips for Staging Your Home

General

Posted by: Jennifer Koop

Expert Tips for Staging Your Home.

Even in a sellers’ market, there are some ways you can improve your chances of increasing the number of offers and selling your home for the best value.

Check out these expert tips for staging your home to help make the best first impression possible:

  1. Clean and Declutter: Clean, clean, and clean some more! While you might not be able to stage each room in your home, it is vital to ensure that each space is cleaned and decluttered. Especially ensure that counters, carpets, flooring, and appliances are spotless! This not only signals pride of ownership, but it helps display the potential of the spaces to buyers.
  2. Depersonalize: While you’re working through and cleaning your spaces, make sure to depersonalize along the way. Ideally, any family photos, kids’ drawings, etc, should be removed or replaced with more general photography to better appeal to potential buyers.
  3. Focus on Key Spaces: The primary areas in your home are your living room, kitchen, dining room, and master bedroom. If you are not able to get to each room, these are the ones you should focus on to ensure your home is represented as best as possible.
  4. Consider a Fresh Coat: Did you know? According to a RE/MAX Canada Renovation Investment Report, 36% of buyers prefer a fresh coat of paint! This can go a long way to making your home look new and revitalized.
  5. Boost Curb Appeal: While you’re staging your home, don’t forget about curb appeal! The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior – if not MORE important for first impressions. A good place to start would be renting a power washer to scrub down your driveway and exterior walls.

Published by DLC Marketing Team

For all your mortgage needs contact us today 705-349-0502

Jennifer Koop & Susan Bloom, Mortgage Agents Huntsville, Muskoka
Dominion Lending Centres, Mortgage Brokers Huntsville, Muskoka

Up Next:  The Benefit of Rate Holds