Happy Halloween!

Halloween is closing in along with the scramble to find costumes for our kids or maybe ourselves, the right pumpkin and the all important candy!  Celebrated on October 31st, it is a day to mark the single night in the year when, according to old Celtic beliefs, spirits and the dead can cross over into the world of the living.  See more interesting Halloween facts.

There is still time to take in a few scary events.  See Tourism London for a list of the events happening in the next couple of days.

Watch out for the ghost and goblins and have a safe night!

Happy Haunting!

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record
Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
direct 519-495-1541
office 519-438-8000
email rthyssen@rogers.com
www.thyssengroup.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don't get left out in the cold

How to Tell if a Neighbourhood is Improving

How to tell if a neighbourhood is improving

When you’re looking for a new home, you want to find one in a great
neighbourhood – or, at least, in a neighbourhood that is on the upswing.

How can you tell if a particular area is improving? Here are some common
indicators:

- Pride of ownership. Take a walk around the neighbourhood. Do you get a
sense that people take good care of their homes? Are the lawns mowed?
Is the landscaping trimmed? Are flowers planted? Homeowners are more
likely to look after their properties when they like where they are living.

- Home improvements. Are people investing in their homes? Are they
getting their driveways re-done? Their windows replaced? Are there signs
of home improvement projects? If so, this is a clear indication that
homeowners like the area enough to invest in their properties.

- Real estate sales activity. Do homes tend to sell quickly in the area? Do
they sell for a good price? If so, the neighbourhood is probably in demand.
If people want to live there, it's a desirable area.

- Community involvement. Are there signs that the community plays an
active role in the look and lifestyle of the neighbourhood?  Check
Facebook.com to see if the neighbourhood has a community page.

- City plans. Find out what plans the city has for the area. Will there be road
improvements done in the near future? Are there any major construction
projects on the schedule, such as a new school or community centre.
Although such projects can be disruptive in the short term, they may
improve the neighbourhood – and, as a result, boost the value of any home
you buy – in the long-term.

Of course, the best way to find out the desirability of a neighbourhood is to
talk to a good Realtor who knows the area. Call us today!

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record
Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
Direct: 519-495-1541
Office: 519-438-8000
email: rthyssen@rogers.com
www.thyssengroup.com

Preventing Basement Leaks

Preventing Basement Leaks

If you have a basement, or even just a crawlspace, the last thing you want is
water infiltrating the area. Even a minor leak can cause damage to walls
and flooring, and may even lead to mold issues. Here are some
precautions worth taking:

• Every spring and fall, check the grading around your home. The ground should gently slope away from the foundation. Pay particular attention to areas where shrubs and other foliage make the grading difficult to see.

• Look for cracks in the foundation. Get them fixed right away. Even a minor crack that doesn't appear to penetrate all the way through can cause problems eventually.  See information on waterproofing.

• Check the caulking on basement windows. If it's worn and cracked,
it's time for re caulking. The lifespan of most exterior caulking is less
than five years.

• Watch the eaves troughs when it rains. (You'll get wet, but it's worth
it.) Make sure the water drains well away from the foundation.

Doing these simple inspections takes just a few minutes. Yet, if they prevent
a basement leak, it's time well spent!

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record
Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
Direct: 519-495-151
email: rthyssen@rogers.com
www.thyssengroup.com

Recognizing potential major expenses in a new home

Recognizing potential major expenses in a new home

When you see a new home you like on the market, it's easy to get distracted
by all the features you love – the wrap-around backyard deck or the
spacious rec room with plenty of space for entertaining. You just need to
make sure that in all that excitement you don’t overlook any expensive
maintenance issues that could be just around the corner.

Nothing lasts forever. The major components of every home – from the
furnace to the roof shingles – need to be replaced eventually. Knowing
when such maintenance issues are likely to arise can help you make a
smarter decision about the home you are considering.

How do you do that?

When viewing a property, ask for the age of the major components of the home, such as the roof shingles, furnace, air conditioner and water heater. Roof shingles may look merely weathered in spots – and you might think they have years of service left – when, in fact, they're due to be replaced in a year.

Also pay close attention to the backyard deck, fencing, flooring, and
windows. Do any of those components look aged, worn, and in need of
repair or replacement sometime soon?

Finally, don't forget to check the kitchen and bathrooms. Sinks, faucets,
bathtubs, showers, and cabinetry have a life-span of about 10-15 years.

Of course, there are things you can't see, such as wiring, plumbing, venting,
and other components of a property that may require maintenance soon.
That's why it's so important to make any offer to purchase a home
conditional on passing an inspection by a qualified home inspector.

Want more ideas on buying the right home for you and recognizing potential major expenses in a new home? We can help.


Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record
Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative
Direct 519-495-1541
Office 519-438-8000
email: richard@thyssengroup.com
www.thyssengroup.com