Vancouver Real Estate Blog

Pre - Home Inspection Before Putting Your Home On The Market - The Advantage Becomes The Seller In A Buyers Market

10 Advantages for Sellers to Have a Home Inspection:

1.   Eliminate unforseen problems and future headaches. 2.   The inspection report provides a third-party, unbiased opinion of your property to offer potential buyers. 3.   The inspection will alert you to items of immediate concern, such as safety items, and major repairs prior to listing. 4.   The inspection report can help you realistically price your home as you may have found major issues with the home. So when pricing some consideration regarding the true condition of the home can be evaluated. 5.    A pre-listing inspection reveals problems ahead of time and if repaired, the home will show better and most important, when an offer does come in and there is an inspection, the home owners can rest knowing that everything is covered. Plus as a big bonus which most people never realize is the once accepted offer will not be re-opened for a much lower price because of what was found during the inspection or the buyers will walk away. 6.    The inspection report can provide you with the confidence to stand by your price even if the buyer places an deflated offer on the negotiation table. 7.    A pre-listing inspection allows the inspection report to be used as a marketing tool. 8.    The sale is less likely to fall apart when a buyer's home inspector unexpectedly reveals a problem. 9.    A Pre-listing inspection will provide a sense of relieve for  prospective buyer's when they find little that needs repair. 10.  The inspection report can help you realize a higher asking price if problems don't exist or have been corrected.

Water Damage Prevention -5 Ways To Reduce Water Problems In Your House

Water damage is one of the most common and costly challenges for Vancouver and BC homeowners. One of the wisest moves a homeowner can make is to safeguard their home against preventable incidents that cause extensive - and expensive damage.

It is always better to err on the safe side, and a few simple precautions around the home can save headaches, heartaches and costly repairs. Here are some easy fixes you can do to minimize the occurrence and water damage.

1. Fit water alarms. They work like smoke detectors but warn of leaks from toilets, water heaters, overflowing baths and sinks. Simply place near any water source and a high pitched alarm alerts you to water leaks. From as little as $15 a unit.
2. Install stainless-steel braided hoses where possible, they are only about $20 and less likely to deteriorate than plastic hoses. Dishwasher and washing machine hoses should be inspected and replaced every 3-5 years.
3. Use a rain barrel. It keeps rainwater out of overloaded storm sewer infrastructures and provides you with water for your garden. Check if your municipality has a program that offers subsidies for a rain barrel purchase.
4. Bathroom caulking prevents leaks around fixtures, and must be checked regularly. Caulking costs less than $5 and is an easy D-I-Y project that can prevent costly repairs to surrounding walls and cabinets.
5. Connect an eavestrough downspout extension. Extend it at least 6 feet from foundation walls to prevent water from draining into your basement, and direct it towards the street. Downspout extensions cost around $15.

Safeguarding your home against disaster can prevent expensive, troublesome and time-consuming repairs. It gives you peace of mind during winter thaw and heavy rains, and ensures your home and family is protected.

Keeping Your Floors Clean The Easy And Natural Way

Taking Care Of Your House Hold Asset

1. CLEAN UP CERAMIC TILE.
Just dip a mop in club soda and coat your tiles. The effervescent action cleans away grime and gets your floor sparkly clean.

2. TREAT WITH TEA.
To keep wood floors shiny, brew a quart of water with 2 black tea bags; let cool. Dampen a clean cloth with the brew, then wash the floor, using care not to over wet the floor.

3. BUFF UP BAMBOO.
Bamboo should not be exposed to excess moisture, which can cause it to swell. Use a dry mop, like a Swiffer, to remove dirt and crumbs.

4. MOP UP STONE WITH SOAP.
Use a mixture of mild soap and warm water on a mop to clean floors. The key: After mopping, go over the stone with clean water to wash away excess soap.

Bathroom Ready For Your Christmas Guests

With the holiday season fast approaching and guests expected, the bathroom will be an active spot in your home. Here are a few ideas to keep it a pleasant room for everyone:

1. MIRROR MAGIC. Just pour a little rubbing alcohol onto a soft, clean cloth and gently rub over glass. It evaporates in seconds, leaving nothing but crystal clear shine and no streaks.

2. ALL NATURAL AIR FRESHENER. Pull off a few twigs from a pine tree and place them in a shallow dish next to the sink. Your guests will enjoy the seasonal scent where they least expected it.

3. NO-WORK CLEANING. Clean the toilet bowl without
scrubbing; Just drop a denture tablet into the bowl, let it
go to work dissolving stains for 15 minutes, then flush.

4. EASY SCUM STOPPER. Replace your bar soap with a liquid pump soap so you won’t have to clean a sloppy soap dish after the visitors are gone.

5. SHINE A LITTLE LIGHT. Expecting overnight guests? Plug in a night light and turn it on before bedtime. That way guests will not stub their toes in the middle of the night.

Is Your Home ready For Winter - Outdoor Preparations

Outdoor preparations should include a walk around your property with an eye for cracks in foundations, the mortar in brick structures, and caulking or weather stripping that has failed. Other things to look for include: evidence of uninvited guests in the form of rodents or birds living or nesting in unsafe or unwanted locations, exposed wood that may need some type of protective treatment applied, and items that are too close to heat sources that could become fire hazards. In addition to this general evaluation, here is a list of specific items to consider:

• Hoses/hose bibs - in regions where temperatures drop below freezing, it is important to disconnect and drain your garden hoses, and either wrap hose bibs or cover them with insulating covers to prevent freezing pipes. A quick inspection for other exposed pipes that may need insulating will prevent the headache of dealing with broken pipes later.
• Sprinkler systems - in colder climates, sprinkler systems will need to be drained to prevent water from freezing and causing cracked or broken pipes. You may be able to drain the water yourself, or you may hire a professional to winterize it by blowing the water out of your system with an air compressor.
• Roof - inspect your roof for any loose, missing, worn or damaged shingles, tiles or other roofing material and have any needed repairs made to prevent unwanted water damage.
• Clean your gutters and downspouts - after leaves and other tree debris has fallen and collected in your gutters, it will be important to clean the gutters and downspouts to prevent water from backing up and causing water damage or overflowing during winter storms.
• Clean landscaping tools - when storing your landscaping tools for winter, take the opportunity to clean them well, apply a light coat of lubricant on tools such as pruning shears to keep them operational and to extend their lifespan, and replace tools that are in poor condition so you'll be prepared next spring when your landscaping begins to come to life once again.

Prepare winter equipment - now is the time to test winter equipment that you may need in the coming months and make any necessary repairs ahead of time. Knowing that the snow blower or back-up generator will work and are in good repair and that you are prepared for inclement weather will provide peace of mind. It is also a good time to place this equipment along with shovels and salt in an accessible location so it is readily available when it is needed.

 

• Winter fertilizer - an application of winter fertilizer to lawns will promote stronger roots and help produce a healthier lawn in the spring.
• Plants - take a look at your landscaping and determine if there are plants that may be sensitive to cooler weather and require special preparation. While some plants may need to be trimmed, others may require additional composting materials around their roots to protect them during freezing temperatures, and others will need to be moved to a sheltered area or indoors. This is also a good time to lift bulbs that won't survive the colder temperatures such as dahlias and to consider planting spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils.

 

Keeping The Water Out This Winter And Always...

• Install backflow valves or plugs for drains, toilets and other sewer connections, the valve will automatically close if sewage backs up from the main sewer, preventing water from entering your homes.

• Inspect pipes and hot water tanks regularly for leaks – replace them at the first sign of rust or corrosion.

• Never leave taps running unattended – replace cracked or aging fixtures like sinks, tubs and toilets before they become a problem.

• Inspect hoses every 6 months and replace any with kinks (always leave 3 to 4 inches at the back of an appliance to prevent crimping). Replace plastic connection lines on appliances with steel braid hoses.

• Be aware of signs that indicate your pipes or plumbing may be leaking – look for condensation around pipes, watch for stains on walls or ceilings, or a musty smell.

• Arrange to have someone check your property daily if you are going to be away from home.

Practical Ideas For The Removal Of Floor Scuff Marks

1. Get sneaky. Black-soled shoes may have made streaks on your tile floor, but rubber-soled sneakers can whisk them away. Simply tie on your sneakers and buff the marks with the point of your sole – no bending required.

2. Dryer sheet solution. Have hardwood floors? Lift scuff marks safely by using a dryer sheet (even a used one will do). Simply rub at the marks, making small, circular motions.

3. Dab with rubbing alcohol. Vinyl floor looking streaky? Dab a little rubbing alcohol on a clean white cloth and wipe. The marks will disappear without damaging the floor’s finish

Have Your Home Say "Wouldn't You Love To Live Here"

Spruce up the Grounds.
For love at first sight, neatness counts. Trim bushes and shrubs. Clear the driveway. Place a pretty welcome mat by the front door.

Coordinate the hardware.
Don’t mix and match metals. Brass locks, silver door handles and a black mailbox will clash. For a coordinated appearance, all outdoor metals should be the same color.

Change the color.
Go with a neutral, traditional gray or beige. Classics don’t go out of style. Color is key. The same house may look like a dream in sage green, but a nightmare in brown.

Make a great first impression.
The front door is the most telling detail of your house. Give your entryway an instant makeover by choosing a handsome wood such as mahogany, or cut-glass storm doors

Preventing Water Damage From Happening - Your First Defense Is A Good Offense

Water damage can come from a variety of sources: storms, flooding, broken water pipes and lines, leaking washing machines, and more. This can lead to mold and odor problems, and worse. If left unmitigated, water damage can eventually cause structural damage, which can entail significant costs to repair and can even affect a home's value.

Prevention is the first defense against water damage. Here are some basics on preventing water damage and its effects:

• Water supply lines to and from washing machines and dishwashers should be regularly checked for leaks. Both the hoses themselves and the connections should be examined. Even a small leak can cause water damage over time, so any leaks should be repaired immediately. If the laundry room is located on the main floor or above, damage to the floor and ceiling below can be especially problematic.
• Tank-style water heaters are prone to leaking, especially after several years of use. Over time, the bottom of the tank can rust out, causing a serious leak. Ideally, an overflow valve should be installed that will conduct leaking water to a pipe that will drain either outside or to an appropriate interior drain.
• Another common source of water leaks is the icemaker supply line; this should be checked as well.
• Be aware that pipe leakage can occur inside the walls or ceiling and may be impossible to detect visually before damage has already occurred.
• Gutters and downspouts should be checked to ensure that water is flowing away from the home's foundation. Make any adjustments, and check the flow again using water from a garden hose.
• Water leak detectors can be installed at floor level near water heaters and interior air conditioning units. Simple, inexpensive wireless models are widely available and will sound an alarm when water is detected on the floor near these appliances.

I would like to thank my friends at Pillar to Post Home Inspections for this report.

Real Estate In Vancouver - Home Security Priorities

When it comes to home maintenance and repair, deciding where to start can be a daunting task. Beyond the "fix-it-after-it-breaks" emergency situations, prioritizing preventative maintenance can be a bit challenging.

When looking at the laundry list of potential home repairs for your house, you'll want to move to the top items that threaten your family's security and the structure of your home and its critical systems.

Addressing security concerns should be another top priority when considering home repairs or upgrade projects. Protecting your home, your family and your possessions often involves investing in your home's indoor and outdoor security.

Some common security-related home repair and upgrade projects include:

Windows: Repair any loose or faulty window latches, and carefully check the security on lower level windows that could be accessed from the outside.

Doors: That loose exterior door knob is more than a slight nuisance, it also represents a security risk inviting potential burglars into your home. Promptly fix any finicky doorknobs, deadbolts that won't turn or other door security problems.

Outdoor lighting: Just as replacing lighting indoors can be a safety measure, making sure your home is adequately lit outdoors adds another layer of security. Exterior security lights, often operating on motion sensors, illuminate the darkness around your home when someone enters the immediate vicinity. Promptly replacing burnt out bulbs in exterior security lights, porch lights, and outdoor walkway lighting helps make your home a less attractive target for would-be thieves.

Garage doors: Burglars frequently target garages as a weak point by which to gain entry into the homes they rob. Garage doors that aren't closing properly or unreliable automatic garage door systems represent a significant home security disadvantage. Promptly address garage door problems as soon as they crop up to avoid leaving your home vulnerable.

Security systems: Adding even a basic electronic security system can enhance your piece of mind and provide added security to your home. Alarm systems provide a deterring factor, but they also need to be maintained to work effectively