How is your water quality?

Community water systems are required to test and monitor drinking water supplies to ensure safe and good-tasting water. But what happens once the water has been piped into towns, neighborhoods, and homes? Older homes may still have service lines made of lead going into the home, which can cause lead to leach into the water. The local water supply system should be able to confirm the presence of lead service lines for homeowners. Older fixtures that contain lead, or lead that was used to solder pipe joints, can also cause elevated lead levels. Whenever possible, pipes and fixtures containing lead should be replaced with new materials. Many homes built before the 1960s have galvanized steel pipes. While galvanized pipes do not create chemical contaminants on their own, they are susceptible to severe corrosion which can flake off and clog taps and faucets. In some instances lead can build up inside galvanized pipes, especially if the service line into the home is or was made of lead. To be on the safe side, it is best to have all galvanized piping replaced. Another water quality concern is what are known as emerging contaminants, which, if present in a home, usually occur in very low level amounts. These fall into two general categories: health effects and aesthetic effects. Emerging contaminants affecting health include detergents, pesticides, and medications. Other contaminants that don't affect health may adversely alter water taste, odor, and/or color. Home filtration systems are the most common means of reducing emerging contaminants. Options include faucet or pitcher filters, plumbed, and reverse-osmosis filters that treat the entire home's water supply. Any filtration system considered should be listed as meeting national standards for reducing multiple contaminants. Well Water Quality While most people in North America get their water from community water systems, there are still millions who rely on well water at home. Water sourced from a well should be tested on a regular basis for contaminants such as bacteria and metals. If well water coming from the tap tests high for lead, it could be that the water in the well is too acidic, which causes lead to leach from pipes and fixtures. An acid neutralizing system can usually alleviate this problem without the need to replace pipes and fixtures. Other possible well water quality problems can be avoided by making sure wells are located away from septic tanks, livestock, and pooling water runoff. Well maintenance should not be overlooked, so that any issues can be addressed before they cause health problems for the home's occupants. Information provided by Doug Carlaw, Pillar to Post Home Inspections

September Newsletter

Richard Thyssen Broker of Record Colleen Thyssen Sales Representative Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty Inc. Phone: (519) 495-1541 Office: (519) 438-8000 Email: Richardthyssen@kw.com Website: www.thyssengroup.com

As you have probably noticed, there are basically two kinds of REALTORS® in this business: the kind who just want to get the transaction done, collect the commission, and move on; and, the kind who are truly committed to ongoing client satisfaction, before, during, and especially after the home is purchased. My focus is on being that second kind of REALTOR®. We endeavor to be the friendly, knowledgeable and helpful “home expert” who is there for you whenever you need real estate assistance. We find that being that kind of REALTOR® is more satisfying - both personally and professionally. We get to work with great clients like you, often two or three times over the years. So, if there’s anything more we can do to be that kind of REALTOR® for you, please let us know. Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record richardthyssen@kw.com (direct) 519-495-1541

What a Buyer is Thinking While Viewing Your Home

Ask any good salesperson for an effective selling technique and he’ll probably say something like, “Understand the buyer. Try to figure out what she’s thinking.”  That’s good advice for you to consider when you’re putting your home up for sale. You need to imagine what a buyer might be thinking while viewing your property, so you can prepare your home more effectively for that sale.

Here are some things buyers may be wondering: Is this the type of home we’re looking for? Does it have the ideal number of bedrooms, etc.? Are the rooms spacious enough for our needs? Are there any repairs or other maintenance issues that need to be addressed? How old is the property? Is there anything major, such as a furnace, that will need to be replaced soon? What is the neighbourhood like? Will we be happy living in this area? Is it safe? Is this home going to fit our lifestyle? Is there an area for the kids to play? Is there ample room for entertaining? Is the dining room large enough for dinner with family and relatives? Of course, these are only a few of the many questions a buyer may have while viewing your home. The more you can anticipate these questions and prepare your home accordingly, the better the chances that you’ll sell it quickly and for a good price. For example, remember that clutter will make a room appear smaller. So, make sure to de-clutter your home – especially the smaller spaces and cupboards. If your house is in a desirable neighbourhood, create a list of area features (i.e. local parks, access to public transit, walking paths, etc.) to help buyers appreciate the value of living there. Basically, when you’re preparing your home for sale, think like a prospective buyer! Need help? Call today.

Smart Packing Tips for Moving Day

The last thing you need after a long moving day is to discover that a valuable item was damaged. That’s certain to dampen your spirits when you’re just getting settled into your new home. Here are some packing tips to help ensure that doesn’t happen:

Avoid worn-out or damaged boxes as they are more likely to tear open during a move. Pack glass and similar items in bubble wrap or foam chips – but not too tightly. Include just enough to ensure there’s no rattling. Use small boxes for heavier items. A big box of books is difficult to lift. (Experts say a box shouldn’t weigh more than 50 lbs.) Use anti-static packing materials for sensitive electronics, such as computers, cameras, and flash-drives. Purchase specialty packaging for items such as dishes, musical instruments, and valuable clothing. It’s worth the investment. Don’t pack a box so full that there’s a bulge. Wind and tie electrical cords. Finally, if possible, personally carry irreplaceable items (such as family photographs) with you to your new home.

When to Consider a Less-Than-Ideal Home

Obviously, when you’re searching for a new home, you want to find one that is ideal. It should be your next dream home. However, sometimes it pays to consider at least some properties that don’t meet all your criteria. After all, you never know whether one of them is actually your next dream home - in disguise!

Say you’re looking for a home with a beautiful kitchen - the kind you envy on TV cooking shows. Then, you view a property that has everything you need - except that big kitchen. Ask yourself these questions: 1. Can you fix it? Perhaps some redecorating or a renovation can turn that so-so kitchen into one you’ve always wanted. Take some time to imagine the possibilities. 2. Can you live with it? The kitchen might not have everything you want. It may be smaller than you’d hoped. But, can you make it work? Can you compromise a little given that the home has so many of the other features you want? Perhaps you can live with a smaller kitchen - that still looks great. If you need help considering the possibilities and understanding your options, call today.

notable, quotable... quotes! “To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.” Donald A. Laird “Instruction does much, but encouragement does everything.” Johann von Goethe “We don’t know who we are until we see what we can do.” Martha Grimes

Do you know the difference?

Freehold Vs. Condo Townhomes

Ownership is what makes the difference between buying or selling a freehold property and condominium townhouse. A freehold home, you own the home itself and the land it sits on. A condo townhome you only own the interior of a unit. The lot a condo townhouse sits on is collectively owned by all unit owners.

When it comes to determining what option is best for you it largely depends on personal preference and what you're looking for in a property. There are pros and cons of each real estate option listed below to help you determine what best suits your needs.

The Pros of Freehold Real Estate

    There are no monthy maintenance fees for you to pay if you purchase a freehold home.

    There are no rules and regulations. You are free to maintain the property as you see fit, even if it means not maintaining the property. You can also build decks, plant gardens, and paint your house without having to get any special permission, like you would with a condo.

The Cons of Freehold Real Estate

    Maintenance is your responsibility. There are no monthly fees, however you are required to pay the full cost of any necessary repairs to your property.  The idea of no monthly maintenance fees may be attractive, you may end up paying equivalent to those fees in one large sum if repairs are needed.

    Due to the fact there are no rules and regulations in freehold real estate, your neighbours don't have to maintain their property unless they can afford to which could mean decreased property values if surrounding freehold homes fall into disrepair.

The Pros of Condo Townhomes

    You only own the interior of the unit so you don't have to worry about property maintenance. Landscaping work, snow removal, and repairs are all taken care of for you.

    There is consistency to condo ownership. Since your property is maintained by the condo corporation, your unit, and your neighbour's units, are likely to look the same many years down the road which means property values aren't likely to decline based on disrepair or deterioration.

The Cons of Condo Townhomes

    You have to pay monthly maintenance fees that go towards amenities that you may not be using. For example, you may pay to maintain a fitness centre or a pool that you don't use. In addition, there is chance that over the years you may pay more in maintenance fees than the cost of maintaining your property would actually be.

    If you have a badly managed condo building that doesn't have enough money in its reserve fund, you may have to pay extra maintenance fees when repairs are necessary. This can be avoided by reviewing a condo corporation's status certificate before purchasing a unit.

Give us a call anytime at 519-495-1541, if you have we can help you with any questions about freehold homes or condo townhomes.

Richard Thyssen, Broker of Record

Colleen Thyssen, Sales Representative

www.thyssengroup.com

richardthyssen@kw.com