Brooks and County of Newell Real Estate

Signing Out!

2011-08-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note letting you know that I will no longer be posting to this blog. I no longer live in the area and am probably not the best source to be speaking to in regards to the Brooks real estate marketplace.

When looking for advice, ask a local salesperson, ask the general public. As they say, the best advertising is word of mouth. Talk to people in order to help you find the best person to suit your needs.

Good luck!

Lyle

Canadian home sales edge down in April

2011-05-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

A Safe and Warm Winter

2011-02-03T18:30:00.000-08:00

The following is thanks to Pillar to Post:

Every winter homeowners turn to supplemental heat sources such as gas fireplaces, generators, space heaters, wood stoves and kerosene heaters to reduce home utility costs and stay warm.

When using a supplemental heat source to save energy and money this winter, keep safety top of mind to prevent fire and Carbon Monoxide dangers - two of the most common winter safety hazards. Below is some safe heating advice.

Keep space heaters at least three feet from people, pets or anything that can burn, especially furniture and curtains.
Look for products that have built-in safety features like automatic shutoffs, anti-tipping devices and heat guards.
To avoid serious home injuries and help you rest easy throughout the winter. Be sure to follow all manufacturers’ instructions for use and placement of heating devices.
Place at least one Carbon Monoxide alarm in your home near sleeping areas. This will detect and alert your family when dangerous levels of the deadly and odorless - gas are present.
Have your home’s central heating system inspected, cleaned and tuned by a trained professional who knows how to repair leaks and other problems.
Never burn trash or cardboard boxes in your fireplace or wood stove; they burn unevenly and may contain poisons or cause a fire.
Get your chimney inspected and cleaned every year by a professional chimney sweep.
Supplemental heat sources are a great way to stay warm without heating the entire house.

Glasgow Road, Blantyre, Glasgow - 1 bedroom first floor flat - Sequence

2011-01-24T20:53:00.000-08:00

Glasgow Road, Blantyre, Glasgow - 1 bedroom first floor flat - Sequence

Looking for something in Scotland?

Worried about high fuel costs?

2010-11-28T07:14:00.001-08:00

This clip is from Pillar to Post:

Water heating is the third largest energy expense in your home. It typically accounts for about 16% of your utility bill.

There are four ways to cut your water heating bills:

Use less hot water.
Turn down the thermostat on your water heater.
Insulate your water heater.
Buy a new, more efficient water heater.
A family of four, each showering for 5 minutes a day, uses 700 gallons of water a week; this is enough for a 3-year supply of drinking water for one person. You can cut that amount in half by simply using low-flow aerating showerheads and faucets.

Interior Leaks

2010-11-28T07:09:00.001-08:00

This clip is from Pillar to Post:

In some cases what appears to be a roof surface leak is not a leak at all, but rather an interior source of water. Here are some examples –

Air leakage from the house: If household air can leak into the attic, the warm moist air will condense on surfaces in the attic during cold weather. This can cause damage to the roof decking and structural framing and in severe cases cause water to drip back into the house. Sealing the house from the attic in cold climates is very important.
Leaking forced air ducting: If heating and cooling ducting runs through the attic, they should be well sealed, to prevent condensation in cold weather.
Air conditioning ducting: If air conditioning ducting runs through the attic, it should be well insulated and should have a good vapor barrier.
Attic mounted heating and cooling: High efficiency furnaces and air conditioning evaporators located in the attic can create condensation and leak into the house.
PILLAR TO POST ® HOME INFORMATION SERIES

Local Unemployment Rate Drops

2010-11-01T17:38:00.000-07:00

There are more ads for employment on the radio and in the newspaper, which is a sign the local economy is picking up. The unemployment rate in
Brooks has dropped a notch from 7% last September to 6.1% this year, likely due to an increase in activity in the oil patch. Many in that industry are reporting a busier period.

The good news is that economists are predicting a busier period for the oil patch and for the retail sector, which is good news as the Christmas season approaches.

Things are slow???

2010-10-21T21:25:00.001-07:00

So...How is the market these days?

Slow? When people ask me “How’s the market these days” Pretty slow I hear?”, I have to sit back for a minute. What do you mean by slow?

I have around 45 to 50 listings, all these listings have owners and they want to be kept up-to-date on what’s going on. I am trying to figure out the best way to market these properties, looking for buyers, how to make financing work for buyers, as well as setting up property inspections, appraisals, and so on. I am taking calls every day from people asking about properties for sale, for rent, and they are wondering how much I could get them for their property if they sold it.

I am involved with the communities that I have properties in. For example, I am working with the Vulcan Tourism and Trek Station on ways to help promote the Town of Vulcan and surrounding areas.

Right now, I am on an airplane on my way to St. Johns, Newfoundland for an MTC Conference and Fall General Assembly meeting for the Canadian Real Estate Association. In two weeks, I will be attending the National Association of REALTORS® Conference in New Orleans. These are great networking opportunities where I can promote my properties and my surrounding areas, as well as learn from other real estate professionals. I have learned that the more I know, the more a realize that I don’t know. Thus, I am a sponge, trying to soak up as much as possible.

So when people say that they hear that things are slow….define slow….

Monday, October 18, 2010

2010-10-16T08:29:00.000-07:00

Remember to vote on Monday! Exercise your right!

Favourable market

2010-10-02T23:31:00.000-07:00

With a large inventory and low interest rates, it looks to be a favourable market for those looking for a new place to call home, and for investors. There is a decent selection of properties under the $200,000. And for those looking for higher end properties, there are 8 available over the $400,000 mark.

There is a good supply of acreages for those who prefer the country living. Farmland is still few and far between when it comes to availability on the market.

Update of Residential Property Inventory

2010-08-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

There are currently 145 residential property listings in the City of Brooks. Plenty of inventory for buyers to choose from. 63 properties are under the $200,000 mark.

Keeping the bugs away from your backyard

2010-08-01T05:46:00.000-07:00

This article is from Pillar to Post and it's about keeping your backyard bug free!

"Sure, spending time outdoors is great – except for all the bugs. But experts say you can stay bug free – without spending a fortune – if you…

Get out the clippers. Keep tree branches cut back from your deck and patio, and minimize ants. Also, pull up any weeds nearby. Mosquitoes use them as rest stops.

Give flowers a shower. Soaking them thoroughly with a garden hose before a picnic or party to mimic a rain shower. Pollinating insects like bees don’t like wet conditions and will stay away until plants dry out. That’s usually about two hours.

Blow bugs away… with a fan. The air current from a fan will deter flying and biting insects because they aren’t strong enough to fly against the wind it makes. It’ll also blow away any trace of your scent, so they can’t find you.

Keep flies away with basil. Flies hate basil, so if you keep a plant on your patio, they’ll stay clear.

Wipe down tables with vinegar. Its a great disinfectant that bugs back away from, so they’ll stay away from your patio table. Outdoors, the odor will fade so it won’t bother guests.

Plant the natural pesticide. Beautiful chrysanthemums. Their leaves contain the same chemical, pyrethin, found in most pesticides. Just having them in your garden will send bugs packing."

Southern Alberta Summer Games

2010-07-10T03:17:00.000-07:00

Have you made it out to any events at the Southern Alberta Summer Games in Brooks yet? Saturday is the last day. The weather has been beautiful! I volunteered at the track on Wednesday and Thursday morning. The opening ceremonies Wednesday were well done. Good food and good speeches! Saturday evening things wind up with the closing ceremonies. Come on out and enjoy the festivities!

MLS Update

2010-06-19T10:15:00.000-07:00

As of this morning, there are 140 Residential Listings on the market in the City of Brooks. There is a large selection of inventory for Buyers out there. As for Sellers, they have to be price their properties competitively if they want to see any action. There is action out there, and there are Buyers. There are deals to be make if the "Price is Right".

Rodeo Weekend

2010-06-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of the Brooks Rodeo! It has been a wet week, but it looks like Mother Nature is going to co-operate and let the sun out to shine on us this afternoon and a nice warm day for tomorrow.

The parade starts at 9:15 am tomorrow morning. The Little Britches Rodeo starts at 1pm. Midnight Madness is tonight.

Four bedroom house in Brooks close to schools

2010-06-04T14:20:00.000-07:00

This house is located across the back alley from Griffin Park School in Brooks. It has three bedrooms on the main floor and one bedroom in the basement. Private driveway. Single detached garage. Back alley parking as well. Large back yard. Laminate floor on main floor. Located in a mature single family neighborhood. A great place to raise a family!

Two Bedroom Two Bath Condo in Brooks

2010-06-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

Two bedroom two bathroom condo features two decks, one off the living room and another off the master bedroom. Master bedroom has a large walk-in closet and a full ensuite. This property also features a large laundry and storage room. This comes with one underground parking stall as well. It is located in the secured Axxess Developement building on the east side of Brooks, close to the golf course.

House Prices Down

2010-06-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

This article is from the June 3, 2010 edition of the Brooks Online:

After house prices had gains over the past decade, they have slowed in the first quarter. According to the Brooks Real Estate figures, prices in Brooks have dropped to $237,659. This is down from last year when the average price of a resale home was $254,743.

Brooks Annual Show and Shine

2010-05-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

The 11th Annual Brooks Show n' Shine will be held on Saturday, May 29th. The location has changed for this year. It will be held a the city hall back parking lot and 1st Avenue East. Both areas will be closed between 8 am and 4 pm on May 29th.

Last year 150 vehicles were registered but each year it depends on the weather so the actual number of vehicles will not be known until the day of the event. See you there!

National Safe Boating Week

2010-05-17T16:49:00.001-07:00

Here comes the long weekend and a great way to start it off with National Safe Boating Week from May 22 to 28. A little reminder for all of us as we get back into boating mode!

Costly Mistakes First-Time Home Buyers Make

2010-05-12T18:15:00.000-07:00

5 Costly Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make
Buying a first home can be a daunting experience. Here are five common and costly mistakes that novice home buyers make:

1. Ignoring the costs of having a low credit score. Lower-score borrowers pay thousands of dollars in increased interest rates over the life of the loan.
2. Muddying the waters by shopping for other things before closing. Lenders continue to check credit scores right up until the time of closing. Too much shopping could cause the lender to take back the loan.
3. Scrimping on an inspection. Being surprised by the need for expensive repairs can be financially devastating.
4. Buying without contingencies. Buyers should give themselves an out if the inspection turns up problems or the bank raises the interest rates.
5. No money for insurance. Insurance can be surprisingly pricey. Buyers who don’t budget for it can face a nasty surprise.

Source: CNNMoney.com, Les Christie (04/19/2010)

Leadership Conference

2010-05-10T10:48:00.001-07:00

Just returned yesterday from the Jasper Leadership Conference which was hosted by the Alberta Real Estate Association. It was a very good conference where we networked with people across Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and even Manitoba. We talked about the latest trends in real estate, keeping up with marketing to the public in the fast paced techological society, and how we can all work together to make our industry better, both on the inside and on how the public percievs real estate industry members.

The weather was great and the scenery was magnificant! If you are ever wondering where to take the family for a nice get-away, head to Jasper!

2010-05-10T10:45:00.000-07:00

Make sure to check out our listings for Residential, Recreational, Acreage, Farm, and Commercial Listings at www.magnusonrealty.com

Brooks Kinsmen Rodeo

2010-05-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that the Brooks Kinsmen Rodeo is on June 11 and 12 at the new Rodeo Grounds, located next to the Silver Sage. Should be fun as the Little Brithces Rodeo and Midway will be there! See y'all there!

Political Action Committee

2010-05-03T06:26:00.000-07:00

I am in Ottawa for the Political Action Committee for the Canadian Real Estate Association. I am the Chair for Government Affairs Committee for the Alberta Real Estate Association. Okay, after all that introduction, we are here to talk with our MPs about rolling over the capital gains tax. 58% of all rental properties are owned by people who earn less than $50,000. Many of these people are holding on to properties because of the taxes they will have to pay if they sell. What we are lobbying for is that if these people sell and then reinvest wthin a year, they will not be subject to capital gains tax. This way new investors can buy these properties and refurbish them, providing jobs and making our communities look better. For example, this would help downtown Brooks.

Also, we are looking at indexing the home buyers plan. This means that the amount of money in RRSPs home buyers can use increases along with inflation. Up until last year, $20,000 was the maximum, and that was the same since this program started many years ago. Last year we got it raised to $25,000.

Brooks and District Trade Show

2010-04-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

I am hosting a booth at the Brooks and District Trade Show this weekend. It runs Friday from noon to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 8 pm and Sunday 10am to 4 pm. A bit of a slow start today, but it's expected to pick up this evening and throughout the weekend. I am featuring my local listings as well as a commercial listing, acreage listing, and rcreational properties at Lake McGregor Country Estates.

April showers...no wait...SNOW STORM!

2010-04-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

April 13 and 14 are gonig to be two of those days that we remember for a while! Large wet snowflakes took down power lines and snapped power poles. School buses outside of Brooks were not running. Many areas were without electricity for hours, and I think that some still are. We were hoping for some precipitation...and we got it! The good news is that in a few days, they are forecasting plus 20 degrees!

Spring has sprung!

2010-04-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

The past two weeks has seen an increase in activity in the market place in Brooks. We are seeing more buyers making offers and properties are starting to move. Nice to see things picking up! Not sure if this has anything to do with the rumoured increase in interest rates, or if it's just the nice weather bringing out the buyers. Historically, I would choose the later.

Traveling man!

2010-03-27T16:11:00.000-07:00

Been to Ottawa for meetings with the Canadian Real Estate Association. We had our annual general meeting with a Leadership Conference the following day. It's nice to be involved with the decisions that help shape our industry. Plus it is nice to be around those who are very successful in our industry.

As REALTORS, we always seem to take the credit for when the market is good. But how about these days when the market has not been so good? I guess we have to accept that and move on. There are still people picking up good deals in slow markets. In fact, those are the ones that seem to make the most profit. Buy low and sell high. We have all heard that one before. I wonder how many of us take that advice? Well I have learned a lot in these slow times and I think this has prepared me to be a better business person, a better real estate associate, and a better person in general. Now, time to put those lessons to practice! Here's to a busy 2nd quarter of 2010!

10 Inexpensive Ways to Wow Buyers

2010-02-03T09:07:00.000-08:00

Now is the time for home owners contemplating a spring sale to spruce up their properties in anticipation of what Mike Larson of Weiss Research calls a potentially vibrant home-selling season.

"If you have been beating your head against a wall, this is going to feel a lot better,” he says.

Here are 10 cheap ways to make a property more attractive to shoppers:

Improve first impressions. Touch up the paint on the front door and other areas that buyers see first.

Clean up the landscaping. Trim the hedges and trees and plant some annuals in the flowerbeds.
Paint the interior. A coat of light yellow or cream with contrasting white woodwork looks fresh and clean.

Refurbish the floors. Buff the hardwoods. Install new carpets – or at least get them professionally cleaned.

Take care of the big problems. If the house needs a roof or the front stoop is crumbling, get them fixed.

Buy warranties. Putting appliances under warranty gives homebuyers a secure feeling.

Improve energy efficiency. New windows or improved insulation tells a potential buyer the seller is on top of things plus they come with tax benefits.

Replace light fixtures. Updated fixtures, especially at the entrance way and in the foyer, create a good first impression.

Buy a stove. Home owners whose kitchen isn’t top of the line can jazz it up for a few hundred dollars by buying a new stove, which gives the room a fresh feel.

Tidy up the bathrooms. Get rid of mildew, replace caulking, and replace stained sinks.

Source: U.S. News & World Report, Luke Mullins (01/21/2010)

Torch Relay Shows Community Pride

2010-01-19T16:12:00.000-08:00

The Olympic torch relay come through Brooks on Saturday, January 16 at 4 PM. It is estimated that over 3000 people were downtown at city hall when the runners came through, with even more people along the remaining part of the route. There were ice sculptures and a mini Olympics at city hall, along with free hot chocolate and hot dogs for spectators. They were estimating at around 300 hot dogs to be given away, but went through 1200! It was a great showing of community spirit! A community we are proud to call home!

Olympic Torch Relay

2010-01-14T21:01:00.000-08:00

The Olympic Torch is coming through Brooks Saturday! Yes I applied to carry the torch, but they still must be waiting till the last minute to give me my directions and fit me for my uniform, as they haven't called me yet!

Anyhow, time to take a break from the daily routine and cheer on the flame! After all, in about a month, the Winter Olympics will be going on in Vancouver. That's what we will all be watching, hoping to finally hear the Canadian National Anthem being played at home! We can all feel even just a little bit better, a bit more proud to be Canadian. I am getting chills already!

Video on YouTube

2009-12-20T23:37:00.000-08:00

I have shot this little video showing some of the highlights of Brooks from this past summer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIuuAEbGK4o

Real Property Reports

2009-12-04T09:50:00.000-08:00

Real Property Reports are legal documents prepared by registered Alberta Land Surveyors. A Real Property Report (RPR) is a legal graphic representation of a piece of property and the improvements upon it. In preparing a Real Property Report, an Alberta Land Surveyor locates the legal boundaries of a property and then measures the locations of the buildings or other improvements relative to the boundaries. The boundaries and improvements are then plotted on a document. The document also identifies easements, utility right of way, and other legal features that may affect the property.

Time to arrange an RPR is as soon as a property is listed for sale. Having a prepared Report is an advantage for a seller and will make a real estate transaction easier and likely faster. If a Real Property Report is ordered near the closing date for a sale, there can be delays.

Often major issues are identified through the Real Property Report process. Garages have been built on property lines, garages have been built over gas lines, fences have been located on neighboring property, or a neighbor's fence is built on the subject property, and even houses have been improperly located.

More information about Real Property Reports, easements, fences, and other land and real estate related issues are available at www.alsa.ab.ca.

2009-11-11T19:29:00.000-08:00

Congratulations on your new home!

2009-11-11T19:21:00.001-08:00

A client bought a new home and the broker wanted to send flowers for the occasion. They arrived at the home and the owner read the card; it said "Rest in Peace". The owner was angry and called the florist to complain. After he had told the florist of the obvious mistake and how angry he was, the florist said. "Sir, I'm really sorry for the mistake, but rather than getting angry you should imagine this: somewhere there is a funeral taking place today, and they have flowers with a note saying, "Congratulations on your new home".

Conserve water in the bathroom

2009-11-05T06:30:00.000-08:00

Water Conservation

Low-Flow FixturesCut down on the amount of water used in your bathroom by switching to a low-flow, aerating shower head and faucets. These fixtures can reduce your home's water consumption by as much as 50 percent. Low-flow shower heads will use just 1.2 gallons of water per minute as opposed to the 2.5 gallon average, but the aerating feature makes the water flow seem just as strong.Dual-flush ToiletsDual-flush toilets allow users to select the amount of water flushed to correspond to the task at hand. There are two options; for solid waste there is a handle for a full 1.6 gallon flush, and for liquid you can choose a 0.8-1.1 gallon flush. You could save your family as much as 1,500 gallons a year with a dual-flush toilet - that's 60 percent to 80 percent less when compared with high volume toilets.

Women decide faster than men - survey

2009-10-04T10:35:00.001-07:00

When it comes to the home-buying decision, women make up their minds quicker than men, according to a survey by Coldwell Banker Real Estate. When asked how long it took before they knew their home was "right" for them, almost 70% of women had made up their mind the day they walked into the house, versus 62% of men. Conversely, significantly more men needed two or more visits.

Another highlight from the survery: Women would rather live closer to their extended family than their jobs. 50% of women find it more important to be closer to their extended family (those that do not live in their household) than to their job, compared to only 37% of men.Just something to think about...

While changing the clocks back....

2009-09-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

This article is thanks to Pillar to Post:

Summer Vacation is over and now it's time to tend to the tasks that prepare us for the fall. Here are 5 tips to get you started.

Be sure to replace your furnace and fridge filters.For heating and cooling systems to operate properly the filters need to be changed frequently. If you have an automatic ice maker and cold-water dispenser, now is the time to replace the filter in your refrigerator to ensure fresh tasting ice and water.

Keep your washer working at it's best and smelling fresh.Odor-causing residues and mould and mildew stains have the potential to accumulate anywhere moisture is present - including your washing machine. To reduce this build up use a washer cleaning kit every time the seasons change.

Run all gas-powered lawn equipment outside until the fuel tank is empty.This will ensure that your lawn mower is not a fire hazard if you store it in the garage over the winter.

Change batteries in fire detectors and review your fire escape plan.Batteries weaken with age and must be checked regularly, while smoke alarms become less sensitive over time and should be changed every ten years.

Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues and check your fireplace damper.Also remember to remove bird nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures. A chimney with soot and creosol build-up or birds' nests can be a fire hazard.

Safety in your Apartment

2009-09-28T09:24:00.001-07:00

This is a clip from CMHC that I thought was some good information:

Improving Your Security and Safety
Most apartment and condominium buildings are secure and safe. However, you should be aware of, and periodically review, the security and safety of your apartment and apartment building.
In rental buildings, the building owner and management are responsible for security. In condominiums, suite security is typically an owner concern and the condominium corporation is responsible for common areas — including exterior doors and windows and corridor doors to individual apartments. Your best defence is to know about and use the security and safety features in your building and surrounding spaces. Be alert and prevent dangerous situations before they occur.
This About Your Apartment highlights the types of security and safety features you may have in your building and how to use them effectively. It deals with personal security; discouraging theft and trespassing; preventing falls from windows and balconies and combustion safety.
Whether you own or rent your apartment, you can make it more safe and secure for you and your family. If, after reading this About Your Apartment, you realize that your apartment or building has security or safety issues, discuss them with your building management or condominium corporation. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Security: How Secure is Your Apartment?
Various methods are used to keep apartments and apartment buildings secure from trespassing, theft and vandalism. Security devices, such as deadbolt locks on doors, window locks, controlled-access entrances and well-lit common spaces all contribute to a secure building. Familiarize yourself with your building and apartment’s security measures. The following sections discuss typical apartment building security features.
Apartment-Corridor Doors
Your apartment door should have a good deadbolt lock. One feature to look for is lock throw — the length the locking bolt protrudes from the door into the surrounding door frame when placed in the full lock position. Test this by locking the door while it is open — a good deadbolt lock protrudes 35 mm (1 1⁄2 in.) or more when fully extended. A strong deadbolt lock also has a jimmy-proof strike plate (the part of the lock assembly mounted in the door frame to receive the bolt). The strike plate should be secured to the door framing by screws at least 50–75 mm (2–3 in.) long. This ensures the strike plate is fastened to the structure of the wall and not just the door frame.
Locks only work if you use them. Remember to lock your apartment even when you step out for a moment to check the mail. In fact, it is a good safety habit to keep the door locked at all times — even while you are in the apartment. Chain-type locks, which are easy to break, offer very little resistance to forced entry.
Install a door viewer (peephole) in your entrance door, if you do not already have one. If you have children, consider installing a peephole at their level.
Balcony Doors
Intrusion is not just a ground floor or corridor door threat. Always lock balcony doors when you are away from home. Equip balcony doors with the same type of deadbolt locks recommended for corridor doors. There is special hardware to secure sliding balcony doors but a simple, effective, inexpensive solution is a sturdy piece of wood in the door’s track to prevent the sliding door from opening. Make sure the sliding part of the door can’t be lifted from its track.
Items on the balcony are also vulnerable to theft. If thieves see valuables on a balcony — such as bicycles — they will climb a ladder to steal them. Conceal and secure items you cannot store inside. Lock bicycles.
Windows
Make sure all windows close fully, that the locking hardware is in good condition and that it is easy to lock the window when you shut it. Ensure that a thief cannot lift a horizontal window out of its track. Even on upper floors, a thief can get into your apartment through an open window overlooking a balcony.
Storage Room
If you have a separate locker or storage room, store items out of reach and up off the floor. Cover them. Often, locker walls are chain-link fencing or wood slats. This means anyone can see what is in your locker and that your belongings are exposed to spills or floods. Also, ensure that door hinges and screws of the locking system are covered when the access door is locked. This will prevent a thief from getting into the locker by unscrewing the hasp or hinges.
Building Entry System
The front door entry system of most apartment buildings allows a resident to remotely let guests into the building. These systems are only effective if the front door locking system functions and intruders cannot take advantage of an open door to enter the building.
When you activate the front door entry system, make sure you know who is asking to come in and remind them to close the door behind them. If you have young children or children visit often, ensure they know how to correctly operate the remote entry system. Would-be intruders will sometimes buzz different apartments until someone lets them in. Always be sure that you know the person before you let them into the apartment building. If you are unsure, notify the building management of the entry request so they can handle it.
Elevator Security
Look and see who is in the elevator before entering. If you feel uncomfortable, do not enter the elevator, wait for the next one.
Stand beside the control panel in the elevator and know how to use the emergency alarm button.
If a suspicious person enters the elevator, leave before the door closes.
Parking Garage Security
If possible, use the parking garage during periods of high use when others are around.
Watch for suspicious persons as you enter the parking garage. Drive back out if you are concerned.
Park near exit doors or the elevator foyer, if possible.
Park in well-lit areas.
Walk in the centre of the garage.
Ask building management to install security cameras and alarm stations if the garage has a history of theft or security problems.
Building Security
Tell your building management if you have problems with closing or locking windows and doors. Report burned-out and broken lights in common areas, such as corridors, stairwells, garbage rooms, laundry areas, parking garages and outdoor areas. If your building is equipped with security cameras or alarm stations, make sure you know where they are and how to use them in emergencies. Report any suspicious or unfamiliar people loitering inside or outside the building to the building management.
Neighbourhood Security
The safety of your neighbourhood has an effect on your building’s security. To find out if your building and neighbourhood are safe, contact your local police department at its non-emergency number. Many police departments have web sites with information about criminal incidents. Police departments will review your building’s security. Get involved with a neighbourhood watch-type program or start one yourself — it is good protection and helps builds a sense of community. Sometimes, if conditions warrant, it may be necessary to hire a security company.
Security Responsibility
The landlord or the condominium corporation (often through a property manager) is usually responsible for building security. Typically this involves:
ensuring that security systems meet or exceed security requirements for apartment buildings, such as deadbolt locks on doors, good lighting and window locks;
ensuring that security systems provide reasonable protection for all residents — in their apartments and in common areas, such as parking garages and elevators;
conducting regular inspections to spot and fix security problems, such as broken locks or burned-out exterior lights, and asking residents to submit security concerns or suggestions as part of continuing maintenance;
dealing with complaints about dangerous situations, suspicious activities or broken security items.
Personal Security
Personal security is largely a matter of continuing awareness of your surroundings, and reducing risks. As you approach your building, if something does not “feel” right, do not enter; go to another entrance or exit or get help from the building management or the police. If possible, schedule your arrivals and departures with other residents. Park your car in well-lit areas as close as possible to building entrances.
Do not leave messages on your phone saying you are away or on vacation. Tell a trustworthy neighbour when you plan to be away and ask the neighbour to pick up mail and flyers. Cancel newspaper subscriptions and consider using lights (energy efficient compact fluorescents are best as they consume the least electricity) and a radio on timers to make it look, and sound, as if someone is at home. Do not put a note on your door saying you are away. Cover the window in your mailbox (if there is one) to avoid drawing attention to an accumulation of mail.
Police, insurance companies and private security professionals can advise you or your landlord on ways to make your apartment building more secure.
You can do your part to keep the apartment building secure:
Report any security concerns or problems to the building manager or landlord.
Do not disable security features. Safety latches on windows keep intruders out — and children in.
Do not prop exit doors open. These doors are designed to stay closed for security and fire safety.
Do not hold the door for a stranger to enter. Be wary of strangers who linger around the front door and dash to hold the door open after it has been unlocked.
Do not give your apartment keys or pass cards to strangers or tell strangers the access codes to the building.
Tell building management and security personnel when you are planning to have work done on your apartment. Do not let anyone in to work in your apartment unless you, the landlord or the building manager has previously arranged for the work. Be wary of “security personnel” who knock unannounced.
If you live near the ground and you like to open your windows, make sure the windows do not open wide enough to let someone through. Use a window safety device (see “Preventing Falls from Windows and Balconies.”) You can also restrict a window opening with a removable nail or by placing a shortened broomstick in the track. Modifying the window itself, however, may void its warranty.
If you or a family member has a disability, ensure that security features, such as locks on windows and doors, peepholes and security cameras, accommodate your needs.
How Safe is Your Apartment?
Safe and secure living is more than just locks and security features. Fire, falls and everyday household items and activities can affect your safety. Be aware and prepared and you can significantly reduce the safety risks in both your apartment and your building.
Preventing Falls from Windows and Balconies
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death among children. Children are often tempted to climb up to apartment windows and balcony guardrails to get a better view. In such instances, a fall can happen in a matter of seconds. Never leave children unattended on a balcony or near an open window.
Many municipalities require apartment windows to have mechanical safety devices to prevent them from opening more than 10 cm (4 in.). These safety devices protect children. If you remove or disable them, you can endanger the life of a child who lives with you or visits your apartment. Make sure that your windows have mechanical safety devices and that they work properly. Window screens are not strong enough to prevent falls by even the smallest child.
Preventing Falls Checklist
Ensure all windows more than 2 m (6 ft.) above the ground have safety devices.
Make sure everyone in your apartment (including children) knows that window screens cannot prevent a fall.
Keep cribs, beds, chairs and any furniture a child can climb away from all windows.
Lock doors to balconies with a childproof lock.
Keep chairs and anything else a child can climb away from balcony railings.
Do not store items children can move and climb on balconies.
Always supervise a child on a balcony. Never leave a child unattended on a balcony — even for a moment.
Preventing Falls Elsewhere:
Windows and balconies are not the only fall hazards in an apartment building. Poorly lit stairwells, slippery or uneven entry steps, slippery lobby floors, clutter on apartment floors and wet bathroom floors are also falling hazards, especially for older people. To prevent falls in your apartment:
Keep your floors free of clutter and clean up spills immediately.
Don’t use throw rugs or scatter rugs on hard surfaces. If you have them, use a slip-resistant underlay. Use night lights in hallways, particularly between the bedroom and bathroom.
In the bathroom, use non-slip mats in and beside the tub and, if needed, install grab bars and use a bath stool or bench.
Use a proper stepstool or short ladder to reach upper cabinets, change light bulbs and so on. The stepstool should have a handle and rubber-tipped feet to prevent slipping.
Store heavy items on lower shelves and often-used items within easy arm’s reach to reduce the need to use a stepstool.
Repair damaged floor surfaces (bent vinyl tile, torn or wrinkled carpet) to prevent tripping.
In the common areas of your apartment building, be aware of:
floor coverings that become slippery when wet, such as marble floors in lobbies;
poorly lit stairwells and entrances. Stairs and entranceways should be well lit from above with a light switch at the top and bottom of the steps or an automatic switch;
steep, winding, slippery or non-uniform steps in entrances and stairwells. The steps should have a consistent rise and tread depth with clearly defined edges;
missing or loose handrails on stairs. All stairs should have a securely attached handrail in good repair — preferably one on each side of the stairway;
tripping hazards, such as cracks in sidewalks, damaged floor tiles or worn spots in hallway carpets;
ice, snow and debris at entrances and on sidewalks.
If you notice hazards or unsafe conditions in or around your building, tell your building manager or landlord.
Combustion Safety
Some apartments have natural-gas furnaces, hot water tanks and fireplaces. Some even have wood-burning appliances. These appliances burn fuel to produce heat. The burning produces dangerous gases that must be vented outdoors — usually through a chimney or a side wall vent that looks like a plastic pipe or metal duct. If the combustion gases are not vented properly, it creates a serious health hazard in your apartment.
To prevent problems from fuel-fired appliances in your unit:
ensure the appliances and venting systems are serviced annually;
never place items on or around fuel-fired appliances if the items could disrupt air flow to or around the appliance;
never block outdoor air ducts that provide combustion air to the appliances;
operate the exhaust hood over a gas-fired stove range when you cook;
never fully or partially obstruct chimneys or vents on the outside walls of your apartment;
report any problems with your appliances to the building management (if you rent) or to a contractor (if you own the condominium and the equipment);
report buildups of ice, bird nests or other blockages on outside vents.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, tasteless, colourless, toxic gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. CO can escape into the living space of your apartment from a damaged or improperly functioning gas-fired furnace, fireplace or any other combustion appliance. If you live above or beside a parking garage, CO may be able to enter your apartment. Install a CO detector in your apartment if you have any combustion appliances in your unit or live above or beside a parking garage. Small amounts of CO may be produced by gas ranges — ensure that you operate the rangehood or open a window when the stove is in use.

Slow Year for New Housing Starts

2009-09-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

The following is an clip from the Tuesday, September 8, 2009 edition of the Brooks Online:

"The number of new homes being constructed in Brooks is at its lowest level in years.

At the end of July, only 13 new dwellings have been constructed. Out of that, only 6 are single detached homes. The other 7 are new mobile homes.

Compared to the same period last year, 74 new dwellings were constructed. Out of that, 48 were with the Brooks Housing Project."

This has an effect on everyone from plumbers, drywallers, electricians and so on. It even has an effect on furniture, appliance, and flooring businesses.

Cut Down on the Clutter

2009-08-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Pillar to Post for this tidbit of information:

Preparing a home for sale requires more than an average cleaning. Most sellers understand that they must keep their house neat and tidy in order to attract potential buyers, but many may be overwhelmed or sidetracked when faced with seriously removing clutter. Beyond dusting and scrubbing, a de-cluttered home shows off its spaciousness and allows potential buyers to imagine themselves living there. Here are a few proven strategies to help homeowners take control of their space.
Empty it Out

Once you have identified your clutter hot spots it's time to pull everything out of that closet, shelving unit, or drawer and sort through what you really do and do not need. Start slowly and resist the urge to go into a frenzied clean. A successful purge requires time, commitment and motivation.

The Uselessness of Potential

Sometimes the hardest things to let go of are the things we've never used. Giving up on the idea of what that thing could be is an important part of letting it go. This is true for the things we've used but may never use again. A good rule of thumb: if you haven't used it in a year then you probably don't need it.
Give it a Home

Staying organized sometimes means finding a place for something and keeping it there. Key rings, newspaper racks, bill holders, and plastic storage containers can all help calm that "where did I put it?" frantic feeling.

Get it Out

Once you have made a pile of things to be cleared out the final step is making sure it gets out of your house! A yard sale can clear out the clutter and bring in some extra cash. If putting together a sale is too much work, donate your extra goods to your favorite local charity.

Kick the Habit

Once you've cleared out the clutter, it's important to adopt habits that prevent the problem from occurring again. Establish routines to help such as sorting mail over the recycle bin, always keeping a "give away" box in your hallway, and thinking twice about whether or not you really need something before you buy it. Cutting down is another way to fend off clutter!

Make Windows Ultra Clean - Set the Stage

2009-07-31T20:10:00.000-07:00

Another helpful hint from Pillar to Post:

Use this solution.
Put 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol in a 1-qt. spray bottle and fill with water. Give it a shake, and it's ready to use!

Sayonara, stubborn streaks.
All you need is a small squeegee, a sponge and two squirts of dish detergent in a bucket of water. Use the sponge to wet the window with the solution, than squeegee the streaks away!

Smart paper towel substitute.
Hate the lint left behind by paper towels? Use coffee filters to clean instead. Your windows will shine.

Use the news.
The best trick for drying off windows and leaving them without lines is newspaper. Crumple up a piece and wipe away excess liquid.

Lemony clean.
Clean your windows and scent your home at the same time. Add a 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/2 tsp. dishwashing liquid to 1 cup of water, put this mixture in a spray bottle for a green glass cleaner that smells great.

Great idea.
Wash the windows when the sun is not shining directly on the glass. The suns heat causes the windows to dry too fast, which can lead to streaks.

Time for a Vacation?

2009-07-31T20:05:00.001-07:00

Vacations are key to staying energized, focused, rested and motivated. When you are energized and motivated, you perform better. Not all vacations are created equally however, and there are definitely some guidelines and "best practices" to ensure that you get the most out of your vacation.

Here are "The 5 Secrets to Taking A Great Vacation" -- enjoy!

Secret #1: Schedule and pay for your trips at least six months or more in advance.
By planning, scheduling and paying for your trips far in advance, you're almost certain to actually take them.
Benefit: When you plan that far in advance, you get to look forward to it for months! It's a great motivator.

Secret #2: Go somewhere special.
Make a list right now of the six places you and your family would love to go to. Then enlist their help! It's a great family activity. Book it now. Buy the airfare, book the hotel and car and pay for it.
Benefit: Watch the attitude of your family change -- for the better.

Secret #3: Don't return to work until Tuesday!
Even though you get back Saturday or Sunday, don't go right back to the office. Give yourself time to readjust. Nothing ruins a good vacation more than going back to work the very next day.
Benefit: Reduce post vacation stress.

Secret #4: Take at least one mini vacation per quarter.
Also, plan to take at least one extended weekend break per quarter. Go somewhere on one. Spend others around the house getting things done or just relaxing. All the rules apply: plan, schedule, and pay in advance.
Benefit:Even more to look forward to!

Secret #5: Don't work while on vacation.
Your vacation is exactly that - a vacation! Leave your laptop, blackberry, and paperwork at the office. Resist the temptation to check in with your office. This is your and your family's time. Ask your sales manager or assistant to handle all business while away. They will do fine without you, and it will all be there when you return.
Benefit: You will actually feel like you're on vacation and you'll enjoy it even more!

If you follow these rules, you will not only enjoy your life more, but you'll be more productive at work as well. Imagine that -- more successful and happier!

Does your house have curb appeal?

2009-07-13T15:48:00.000-07:00

The following is an excerpt from Pillar to Post property inspectors. I thought it has some good ideas in it.

"We've all heard the old adage "you never get a second chance to make a first impression." This is especially true when it comes to your home. If you're thinking about selling, there's no more important audience to attract than potential buyers, who are highly influenced by how a home looks the first time they get a glimpse of it. Even if your goal is just to impress your neighbors and guests you should pay close attention to the first impression your home in making. Here are a few simple tips and techniques that can positively affect your home's "curb appeal" and perhaps even its value.

Clean Up and Repair:
The most useful chores to tackle first are basic maintenance and repairs before moving onto larger projects. Clean windows and siding, make sure outdoor lights are working, stow away yard tools and equipment, and clean up dead branches and leaves. Make sure that fences, walkways, and the driveway are in good repair too - a home that looks well taken care of is always more attractive to buyers.

Landscaping:
A full landscape overhaul may not be necessary, but your yard, especially in the front, should look neat and well maintained. Trim any overgrown shrubs, remove weeds, and tidy up planting areas. If the season is right, add some colorful flowering plants to brighten up areas around walkways and the front entrance. It's an easy and inexpensive way to create an instantly welcoming feeling.

The Entrance:
The front door is another key element of that all-important first impression, and should reflect the style of the home. If replacement is cost-prohibitive, consider reviving a tired, faded door with a fresh coat of paint in a great accent color and swapping out the hardware.

Paint It New:
Brighten up the exterior of your home with a new paint job. Driving around your neighborhood may inspire some ideas of what may be flattering to your home. If you're planning to sell your home, it's usually best to go with colors that have widespread appeal so that potential buyers won't be put off by unusual colors or combinations. Painting the exterior can add significantly to the home's value."

HOW TO INSTALL A HOME SECURITY SYSTEM ON A BUDGET

2009-07-12T08:32:00.002-07:00

1. Go to a second-hand store and buy a pair of men's used size 14-16 work boots.
2. Place them on your front porch, along with several empty beer cans, a copy of Guns & Ammo magazine and several NRA magazines.
3. Put a few giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazines.
4. Leave a note on your door that reads:
"Hey Bubba, Big Jim, Duke and Slim, I went to teh gun shop for more ammunition. Back in an hour. Don't mess with the pit bulls - they attached the mailman this morning and messed him up real bad. I don't think Killer took part in it but it was hard to tell from all the blood.
PS - I locked all four of 'em in the house. Better wait outside."
INSTALLATION COMPLETE!!

(hey, we all need a good laugh now and then!)

HOW TO INSTALL A HOME SECURITY SYSTEM ON A BUDGET

2009-07-12T08:32:00.001-07:00

First time home buyer tips

2009-06-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

Are you a first-time home buyer trying to get into the market?

Here are steps to take to help you decide whether you're ready to take the plunge.

1. Check the selling prices of comparable homes in your area. You can do a quick search of MLS listings in your area.

2. See what you can afford. Find out what you would have to pay on your mortgage.

3. Find out what your total monthly housing cost would be, including taxes and homeowners insurance. In some areas, what you'll pay for your taxes and insurance can almost double your mortgage payment. To get an idea of what you'll pay in insurance, pick a property in the area where you want to live and make a call to a local insurance agent for an estimate. You won't be obligated to get the insurance, but you'll have a good idea of what you'll pay if you buy.

4. Find out how much you'll likely pay in closing costs. The upfront cost of settling on your home shouldn't be overlooked. Closing costs include origination fees charged by the lender, title and settlement fees, taxes and prepaid items such as homeowners insurance or homeowner’s association fees.

5. Look at your budget and determine how a house fits into it.

6. Talk to reputable real-estate agents in your area about the real-estate climate. Do they believe prices will continue falling or do they think your area has hit bottom or will rise soon?

7. Remember to look at the big picture. While buying a house is a great way to build wealth, maintaining your investment can be labor-intensive and expensive. When unexpected costs for new appliances, roof repairs and plumbing problems crop up, there's no landlord to turn to, and these costs can drain your bank account.

Make your home a smarter home

2009-06-01T10:59:00.000-07:00

10 weekend projects to make yours a smarter home
For the most part, having a smart home is simply a matter of energy efficiency. These projects, plus 14 quick tips, will help you save both energy and money.
By Popular Mechanics

Kitchen

1. Find sustainable finishes.
Kitchen upgrades offer a chance to choose products made from recycled or renewable materials. Consider a stone countertop made with recycled glass, a sustainable cork or natural linoleum floor, or cabinetry made from formaldehyde-free plywood.

2. Go chemical-free.
Caustic chemicals will partially dissolve a clog, but they contaminate water supplies and the fix won’t last. Instead, turn to the sink plunger — its flat bottom sits flush with the sink, unlike a bell-shaped toilet plunger. Before snaking a drain or removing the sink’s trap, try using needle-nose pliers or creatively bent coat hangers.

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more on PopularMechanics.com

19 ways to slash your utility bill
Save money by sealing leaks and drafts
PM war journal: A day at Forward Operating Base Salerno
Gallery: 10 geeky ways to deliver mail
Read more from Popular Mechanics
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Living room

3. Build better fires.
To boost efficiency in the fireplace, begin by replacing the leak-prone midchimney “throat” damper with a “top-sealing” or “chimney cap” damper. This opens, shuts and seals like a storm door for the chimney. Then add a fireback — a handsome iron plate that protects firebox brick and radiates heat into the room. A fireplace heater will distribute the fire’s warmth by circulating air into the fireplace. A heat exchanger warms the air and fans blow it (smoke-free) back into the room, increasing the fireplace’s efficiency from 5% to 65%. If you don’t use your fireplace at all, contact the National Chimney Sweep Guild to find a certified contractor to seal your flue, which will prevent heat loss through the chimney.

4. Upgrade the thermostat.
Nearly half of the average home’s $2,000 annual energy bill goes toward heating and cooling, but a programmable thermostat can reduce that figure by about $180. Instead of a seven-day model, opt for a five-plus-two-day one — this will allow you to program the temperature for different weekday and weekend schedules, maximizing comfort and efficiency.

Basement

5. Insulate the edges.
Sealing a basement’s perimeter walls with a vapor barrier and insulation helps heating and cooling systems work less hard to maintain indoor temperature and humidity. Insulate the ceiling’s joist bays against the foundation walls with expandable foam for an airtight seal. Then spray foam to plug up gaps where pipes and vents exit the house.

6. Heat water wisely.
Use foam jackets to insulate exposed hot-water pipes within 5 to 10 feet of the heater. Gas users can upgrade to fuel-saving tankless heaters; electric users should add timers so water stays hot only when it’s needed.

Attic

7. Ventilate the space.
Install inconspicuous ridge vents that run the length of the attic’s peak. These work with soffit vents to cool the attic in summer; in winter, an exit route for warm air reduces the risk of leak-causing ice dams.

8. Cut air conditioning consumption.
Whole-house fans pull in outside air through the downstairs windows and push out hot air through the attic vents, cooling your house at a fraction of the cost of central air conditioning. Effective except on the most stifling summer days, the typical whole-house fan consumes less than 600 watts, but a 5-ton central air unit can draw more than 6,000. Solar-powered attic fans are very efficient, too, but ventilate only the attic space, not the living area.

Yard

9. Make decks last decades.
Composite decking built with recycled plastic uses waste headed for a landfill. Redwood, cedar and ipê (pronounced ee-pay) naturally resist rot and can last much longer than pressure-treated wood. But buy only lumber certified “Pure” by the Forest Stewardship Council — there are no bad species, just bad forestry.

10. Add an awning.
Decks reflect the sun’s rays into your house, but adding shade above nearby windows and glass doors can reduce heat intake by up to 77%. In the summer, a retractable awning cuts an adjacent room’s air conditioning use by nearly 25%. It rolls out of the way in the winter to allow warm sunlight in.

14 steps to take today

Stroll through your home with Popular Mechanics’ list of low-cost (or free!) upgrades, making quick fixes as you go.

Turn down the water heater: Lower the temperature to 120 F, and for every 10-degree drop, you recoup 3% to 5% of the power bill. No temperature dial on the tank? Check the temperature at the tap farthest from the heater.
Unplug appliances: Turn off power strips or pull the plug on appliances completely. Idle machines suck up 11% of your home’s electricity.
Clean your dryer: Slip a shop-vacuum hose into the dryer’s guts to remove lint wads and boost efficiency. Use an electric leaf blower to clear lint from vents that lead to the outside. It’ll work like new.
Optimize heating and cooling: Move furniture and rugs away from vents and radiators. Run a fan with the cooling system raised 2 degrees to drop cooling costs by 14%.
Drip-irrigate beds: Line gardens with hoses — no sprinklers, no hassle. Use mulch to retain moisture, and set timers to water in the morning.
Adjust mower blades: Cut no more than one-third the grass blades’ height — this helps your lawn develop strong roots, remain moist and absorb runoff.
Trust the dishwasher: Fully loaded, the dishwasher uses less water than hand-washing dishes. Save power by using the air-dry mode, not heat.
Insulate the attic hatch: Keep the conditioned air downstairs by weatherstripping the attic hatch’s edges. Cover the hatch with rigid polystyrene insulation.
Use small appliances: Downsize your cooking device: Toaster ovens consume half the energy of a full-size electric oven; microwaves use only one-third.
Install storm windows: Storm windows reduce heat loss through windows by 25% to 50%. Magnetic internal storm windows go up without a ladder.
Streamline the fridge: Fridges work best at about 38 F; freezers should register between 0 F and 5 F. Leave a thermometer inside for 24 hours, then check it.
Keep filters clean: Pleated electrostatic filters catch up to 60% of allergens (blue fiberglass ones catch only lint and dust). Change them every two to three months or as soon as they show discoloration.
Draw the curtains: Cover windows to prevent air loss. Curtains engineered for insulation multiply the R-value (a measure of thermal resistance) of standard insulated glass.
Fix a leaky toilet: Drop food coloring in the tank; if it ends up in the bowl, there’s a leak. Replacing the flapper can save thousands of gallons of water a year.

Attached garages and indoor air quality

2009-05-04T15:54:00.000-07:00

The following is an excerpt from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corportation newsletter. I thought it sounded interesting to I am passing it along to you.

Attached Garages and Indoor Air Quality
Canadians can spend an average of 90 per cent of their time indoors. Having clean indoor air is therefore critical for respiratory health.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and others have published material on how to provide good indoor air quality (IAQ). However, there is one source of pollutants that we are just discovering: automotive pollution from attached garages. This About Your House discusses the risks of attached garages and how to keep car-based pollutants out of your house.

Attached garages are convenient, and are a common part of suburban houses. The attachment could be to the side of the house, with a room over top of the garage, or even as a part of what traditionally is the basement (see figures 1, 2 and 3).

Figure 1 — Garage attached at the side of the house
Figure 2 — Room over top of the garage
Figure 3 — Garage as part of the basement

Automobiles give off pollution. Starting a car in a garage, even with the garage door wide open, can result in a higher concentration of combustion pollutants (for example, carbon monoxide) in the garage and house.

Driving a car into the garage and closing the door results in emissions of various chemicals over the next several hours as the engine and its fluids cool down. The pollutants in the garage air can be drawn into the house over time.

This is not just a theoretical problem. In a survey done by Health Canada in more than 100 houses in Windsor, Ontario, the results were very clear.

Houses with attached garages had measurable concentrations of benzene (a gasoline related pollutant) in their indoor air. Houses with no garages or detached garages had little or no benzene. This is true of a host of other airborne chemicals. The study revealed that pollutants in attached garages can find their way into the house.

There are also secondary sources of pollutants in garages, apart from car-based emissions. There are many gas-powered appliances, such as lawn mowers, chain saws and edging tools whose emission systems are not as good as those found in cars. Chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides are also sources of pollutants.

One disconcerting fact is that garage-to-house air movement is not obvious or straightforward. In the 1990s, when the first inexpensive carbon monoxide (CO) sensors became commercially available, many started going off without an evident source of carbon monoxide. Responders such as utilities and fire departments often wrote off the incidents as false alarms, prompted by over-sensitive CO detectors. However, research in Minnesota (Wilber & Klossner, 1997) showed that the time delay of CO entry to the house from the garage could be a factor. When a cold car engine starts up in the garage, even with the main garage door open, it can generate up to several hundred parts per million of carbon monoxide gas in the garage. Once the car has left and the garage door is closed, the garage may still hold a relatively high CO concentration for hours. Air leaking from the garage to the house can cause the CO level in the house to start climbing. After several hours, the house CO level is high enough to set off the CO alarm, but by then the garage is low in CO and is not recognized as a source.

How Garage Air Gets Into Your House
It can be difficult to understand how and why garage air moves into the house. After all, there is at least one layer of drywall between the house and the garage, and a significant amount of insulation. The door from the attached garage to the house typically has weatherstripping and a spring to hold the door closed. So how does air enter?

Air can move through small cracks in the walls between the house and the garage, and through the top floor ceiling. There are many tiny holes and cracks that permit this air exchange to take place and they exist in all houses. It takes a sophisticated test with specialized tools, such as a blower door and leakage detection equipment, to find infiltration and exfiltration points.

Field tests by CMHC have discovered that the walls (and perhaps ceilings) between garages and the house can be as air leaky as the rest of the house. Some houses get most of their “fresh air” through the garage. One or two of those tested had so little leakage that there was no measurable air movement through the walls between house and garage. However, most garages have some air leaks, roughly in proportion to the size of the exterior wall.

But air movement into a house requires both a hole and a pressure difference. Does a pressure difference exist? Yes. CMHC measured the pressure difference across the house-garage wall and the house pressures are often lower than garage pressures, especially in winter. This is quite common in colder weather. Having exhaust fans or vented heating appliances also creates lower pressures inside the house, and garage air is drawn in through the leaks.

Preventing Garage-to-House Transfer in New Houses
The best way to prevent garage air entry into the house is to make sure that there are no leaks between the garage and the house. In new construction, this should be easy. The builder should make the interface walls and ceilings as airtight as possible. This is more readily done if the builder knows that reducing pollution transfer from the garage is a priority.

The builder should:

Ensure the airtightness of the garage ceiling and walls that are next to the house, before the insulation is installed and before installing drywall on the garage side.
Check all wall-to-wall junctions or wall-to-floor junctions and seal them. If the top of the basement wall is exposed in the garage, that header space can be notoriously leaky.
Diligently seal all penetrations from the house to the garage (wiring, central vacuum exhaust and so on).
Keep mechanical systems (furnaces, water heaters and so on) out of the garage. While most Canadian builders would not consider putting mechanical systems in the garage, it is common practice in parts of the U.S. The few Canadian houses that CMHC has tested (in B.C.) with heating systems located in the garage showed high levels of garage pollutants in house air.
Preventing Garage-to-House Pollution Transfer in Existing Houses
It is much harder to prevent air movement from a garage to a house in an existing house. In a house already built, there will be leakage areas but they are usually hidden. They are not easy to locate and not easy to seal.

However, air-sealing the garage-to-house walls and ceilings may still prove worthwhile. If the garage side has no drywall, sealing air leaks may be simple. If the drywall is simply screwed on the wall and is otherwise unfinished, removing the drywall gives access to the interior spaces. Finishing the drywall itself with drywall compound and paint, as well as caulking all visible cracks and joints, may improve airtightness.

Another approach involves installing an exhaust fan to vent garage air outside. A good bathroom fan could be used. By operating the fan, the garage becomes depressurized relative to the house thereby preventing air movement from the garage to the house. This will not impact to any great extent on house heating costs but there will be an electrical cost to run a fan.

The use of a garage exhaust fan may lower the garage pressure enough for airflow through the holes to go from the house to the garage, rather than the garage to the house. Check the pressure difference by opening the door to the house just a crack and feeling for air movement from the house to the garage. A smouldering string can also be used to detect air movement. If air is moving into the garage, the pressure is in the right direction. This will assure that garage pollutants do not enter house air.

To avoid high electrical costs, choose an exhaust fan with low energy consumption. To further reduce fan usage, have the fan activated for a period (for example, one hour) after the garage door is used.

Continuous use of the exhaust fan is recommended if:

There are a lot of noxious chemicals in the garage. Better yet, consider sending them to a hazardous waste disposal site.
The garage is used to store or maintain older vehicles with higher emissions.
There is a lot of coming to and going from the garage through the main garage door.
What to do
All buyers of new houses should confirm that their builder is aware of this issue and takes measures to do a good job of sealing air leakage paths. It is the only easy time to seal the air leakage points. An effective air sealing approach is far better than installing an exhaust fan after the fact.

Owners of existing houses have harder choices. If there is evident and annoying transfer of odours and drafts from the garage to the rooms next to the garage, the leaks should be located and sealed. If that task is too onerous or expensive, the garage exhaust fan solution could be considered.

Finally, if the attached garage is not used for vehicles (as is often true) and there are no other major chemical sources in that space, garage-to-house air movement should not be a significant problem.

Bibliography
Wilber, M.W., & Klossner, S.R. (1997).
A study of undiagnosed carbon monoxide complaints.
Proceedings of Healthy Buildings/IAQ ‘97, 3.

Related CMHC Information

Carbon Monoxide
Combustion Gases in Your Home — Things You Should Know About Combustion Spillage
How to Reduce Chemical Contaminants in Your Home
The Importance of Bathroom and Kitchen Fans
Breathe Healthier Air in Your Home: A Consumer Guide to Residential Indoor Air Quality Investigations
Garage Performance Testing
Clean Air Guide: How to Identify and Correct Indoor Air Problems in Your Home

Thining of hiring a contractor...

2009-04-11T08:02:00.000-07:00

Contractors who accept money before work is complete and look for work, discuss or finalize a contract away from their normal place of business (ex. in your home) are considered prepaid contractors. A prepaid contractor must be licensed by Service Alberta and post security. If the business is negligent in performing its services or providing the goods, an affected consumer can submit a claim against the security.

Check with Service Alberta to find out if a contractor is licensed as a prepaid contractor. Call the Consumer Contact Centre toll free in Alberta at 1-877-427-4088.

If a prepaid contract is worth $200 or more, the Prepaid Contracting Business Licensing Regulation requires the contractor to give you a written contract.

Avoid contractors who:
Knock on your door to tell you they just happen to be doing some work in the area and can give you a special price
Promise a discount if you allow them to use your home to advertise their work
Quote a price without seeing the job
Refuse to give you a written contract outlining what they will do or who won't allow you to get other estimates
Provide a post office box as their address or an answering service for a telephone number
Will not commit to a specific start and completion date
Ask you to take out the appropriate permits or indicate that they are not taking out a permit at all. The person doing the work is the person required to take out a permit. Permits are for your protection and help ensure that work meets safety code standards to protect the safety and value of your home.

Did you know...

2009-02-23T08:41:00.000-08:00

The following is an excerpt from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation:

Did you know…
That the average duration of the round trip between home and the workplace, by both public transport and car, is getting longer? In 1992, only 35% commuting trips by car took an hour or more. By 2005, this had increased to 45%. Likewise, for those commuting by bus, trips of an hour or more increased in proportion from 79% in 1992 to 88% in 2005.

Something to consider next time you look to buy a home!

2008 Year End Information

2009-01-14T09:16:00.000-08:00

590 properties worth $121,442,666 changed hands through the Brooks Real Estate Board during 2008, compared with 716 in 2007 with a value of $137,690,368. Total number of sales were down 17.6% and total dollar volume down by 11.8%

The average price of 157 resale homes was $248,774, compared to $237,135 a year ago. This is an increase of 4.7%.

In the last 3 months of 2008, Brooks home sales numbers were down 37% from a year ago, and sale prices down 6.1% These recent numbers reflect the general real estate scene across Canada.

This real estate update is brought to you by the member firms of the Brooks Real Estate Board.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-18T19:31:00.001-08:00

It looks like it is going to be a White Christmas after all!

On behalf of everyone at Magnuson Realty Ltd, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a healthy happy 2009!

Learn to listen. Opportunity sometimes knocks very softly

2008-12-01T20:45:00.000-08:00

More doom and gloom, that's what I read in the newspapers and see on the evening news. You hear about it on the radio and at the local coffee shops. Why would anyone invest in real estate these days in these conditions? "That's just crazy!"

Well here is some food for thought - within the Brooks Real Estate Board, the average house price has risen 5.1% over the past year. Yes, I said risen! How are your stocks doing? I am too scared to look at mine! There are a larger number of houses available on the market now than in past years, but as a buyer, this is a good thing. Take a look at the past few years when buyers had to just take what they could get and make an offer now or risk losing out. Today, buyers can shop around and search for the best deal, take the time for a property inspection, and take time to negotiate. Sounds less stressful to me. Just a thought for all those who think that the sky is falling.

A Time to Remember

2008-11-11T20:06:00.000-08:00

In a time where everyone is talking negatively, whether its about the economy, the Canadian dollar, recession, whatever, how about taking this day to be thankful and proud. Thankful and proud of those who have served and those who are currently serving in the armed forces for our country, Canada. Many of those soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice so that you and I could be here today. So that we can enjoy the freedom that we take so much for granted each day.

Yes, we have all heard it before and perhaps we don't always pay as much attention or give thanks like we should, but how about today...bow your head, take that moment of silence our of respect, and let you heart swell with pride and smile, knowing how great and lucky we are to be Canadian!

Fall of 2008

2008-09-27T20:54:00.001-07:00

Inventory is up, sales have been slower than they were the past few years. Does this mean time to panic? Is the economy going down the tubes and we are all going to lose our shirts? Of course not.

Don't you remember your social studies classes, or in my case, my university economics class? Everything goes in cycles. How would anyone ever expect the housing market to maintain such strong growth for so long? Buyers were being priced out of the market place. Things had to slow down.

Will the market ever turn around again? Of course it will, it's just a matter of when. What do you think about this coming spring? Spring is when the flowers start to bloom and the grass turns green. The days get longer and the weather gets warmer. PLUS, the US will have a new government. With a new government comes optimism. With optimism comes happy people, confident people, with a brighter outlook on life! Here in Canada, we too could have a new government. Looks more like it will be the same party, but a majority this time. They will actually be able to do something with the worry of losing power in a non-confidence vote. More optimism!

Of course there are no guarantees and my crystal ball broke, so my predictions are not worth a whole lot, but I do like the theory. Let's see if is right. Hmmmm...perhaps I should go get a 6-49 ticket. I mean what if I can predict the future....

September 2008

2008-09-08T11:02:00.001-07:00

As of Monday, September 8, there are 114 single family residential listings in the City of Brooks. This is a high number, meaning a large selection of properties for potential buyers. There are 4 condo units for sale, ranging between $117,000 and $166,00. There are 18 mobile homes for sale ranging from $26,000 up to $129,500. There are 16 acreages on the market in the County of Newell. These figures are taken from all listings within the Brooks Real Estate Board.

Back to School

2008-08-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

It's hard to think about but summer is just about over. Back to school shopping is in full swing. The farmers are busy in the fields as crops have turned golden and are ready to be harvested. And, if you can believe it, the Brooks Bandits (Junior A hockey team) are having their first pre-season game of the season on August 26th!

110

2008-07-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

110 - That is the number of single family residential listings on the market as of today in the City of Brooks. Buyers still have a lot of inventory to choose from, while some sellers patiently stand by and others are reducing their list prices. This is a general trend in the Alberta real estate market. Actually, this is happening throughout much of Canada. Is this the end of the real estate market world? Of course not. Is it a correction in the market? Yes. Sellers have had a strong market in the past 6 or 7 years, and now the market is getting back to "normal". As a seller, you must be more aware of what the trend is in the market and be competitive. As a buyer, you have lots to choose from and you can take your time, making sure that you have the right home for you.

"Food for thought"

2008-06-17T19:25:00.001-07:00

Someone was quoted in stating "Many people wish to wait until next year, when prices may be lower, which of course, is a risk in and of itself. Prices may be lower, or may be higher. How many times have you waited for that special sweater at your favourite store to be marked down, only to discover that it was snapped up by someone else before you had the chance to purchase it?

If may be a simple analogy, but the principle is the same: Sometimes you snooze, you lose. If that's okay with you, then go ahead and wait it out. Hopefully you won't want to kick yourself a year from now.

The truth is, none of the experts can accurately predict the real estate market any better than the experts can accurately predict the stock market or what as prices will be a year from now. If you purchasd real estate in 2006 or 2007, you most likely got a great home at a terrific price with a low interest rate. Provided you stay in your home for several years, you will benefit when property values eventually rise again.

If you are selling now, you may be selling a little lower to buy lower. Same as a year or two ago, if you were selling, you were selling higher, but more than likely buying higher as well.

The best thing to do now is to determine what you can afford, decide what's important in a house and neighborhood, and start looking for a new home.

After all, it is a good time to buy!

Large supply of inventory

2008-05-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

Brooks and area has a large supply of listings. This is great for the buyers as there is a wide variety of homes to choose from and there is time to shop and compare. For sellers who are serious about selling soon, there is the motivation to have your property in "show" condition and price it competitively. This is a changing trend that is not just happening in Brooks, but throughout Alberta. Brooks has many more listings now than one year ago, Calgary and Edmonton Real Estate Boards are reporting the same, as well as all other boards throughout the province. Fort McMurry is an exception as they are still booming up there. Is this the end of the world as far as real estate goes? Of course not. The market is cyclical and we have now changed to a buyer's market. It is a great time to buy, like I said earlier. Buy when the market has lots to choose from, sell when the inventory is low. "Buy low, sell high". Sounds like the stock market, yet I am still doing much better with real estate than my mutual funds and RRSPs!

Brooks Ranked 66th Best Place to Live in Canada

2008-05-05T19:08:00.000-07:00

Residents in Brooks know that this is a great rate communities on a number of factors including,place to live. The community got a big endorsement by a nationwide poll by MoneySense and Canadian Business Magazine, which placed Brooks in 66th place, out of 154 communities surveyed. Medicine Hat finished 103rd on the list. This didn't sit well with that community. This likely comes as a shock, considering the bad publicity Brooks often recieves. On a Medicine Hat radio program last week, it lead one announcer to ask why Brooks finished so much higher than Medicine Hat especially considering that Brooks stinks. Brooks also finished higher than Red Deer, Kelowna, Grand Prairie, Camrose and Okotoks. They The best place in Canada to live was Ottawa and Port Alberni was 154th.

This article was taken from the Brooks Online May 5, 2008 edition.

Canadian Real Estate Association AGM

2008-04-17T13:43:00.001-07:00

I was in Gatineau, Quebec last week, representing the Brooks Real Estate Board at the CREA AGM and Leadership Conference. First of all, if you are ever in Gatineau, you must stay at least one night in the Hilton Lac-Leamy. VERY NICE!

The conference itself was very informative and interesting. We had speakers from IPSOS, telling us about trends in today's market, Risk Management, and we had Justin Trudeau. Justin seems to be a very smart, personable individual. My guess is that he will follow in his father's footsteps and become PM one day. I do, however, think that he will be more of an open minded leader.

We were told that the declining US market will have an effect on the Canadian market, basically with some American plants shutting down and some Canadian businesses who depend on the American consumers may feel the pinch. As far as real estate goes, Canada seems to have a much better system in place to keep our market in check. Good to hear! We are the envy of the US with our MLS system. It IS great to be a Canadian!

February 25, 2008

2008-02-25T05:47:00.001-08:00

As of this morning, there are 94 residential listings in the City of Brooks, 17 mobile home listings, 8 acreage listings in Brooks and the County of Newell, and 3 farmland listings in the County of Newell. A wide selection of properties for potential home buyers to choose from whether you are looking for single family or mobile homes. Farmland is still limited for what is available for sale.

February 2008

2008-02-17T11:34:00.000-08:00

The phones are still ringing, but now properties are actually starting to move! Mother Nature has slowed things down at times with some cold weather, but I think that people are getting the itch! There seems to be more offers on the table within the past few weeks and that is great for the market. There is still a large selection of properties for Buyers, but Sellers now have a market where people are ready to make a purchase. I have about 4 or 5 offers on the go with my own clients right now!

And we're off!

2008-01-16T08:48:00.000-08:00

I thought that January was suppose to be slow. Nah, nah! The phone has been ringing off the hook since the beginning of the year. The coffee shop talk is that the world is going downhill fast, the Canadian dollar is too high, and the oil patch is going to slow down even more. On the other hand, others think that the market has hit bottom and now is the time to buy. Perhaps others have just decided to make a new year's resolution and invest in real estate. Prices last year went up about 9.9% last year in Brooks, still better than my savings account! The city of Brooks is proceeding with further development on the Meadowbrook area, and the second phase of the Brooks Affordable Housing Project is proceeding this year as well. Other areas around the province are starting off 2008 as a busy month. I suggest taking your time, asking lots of questions, and make an informed decision, not an emotional one.

21 More Days Till Christmas!

2007-12-04T18:19:00.000-08:00

Winter has arrived! Brrrrr!!!! Yet amazingly, this past Saturday I had a very good turnout for an open house in the Uplands area. I was thinking that Mother Nature might cause me to be shut out at the open house, but we had almost 10 different parties walk thru. The house showed very nice and is in a prime area. There is a good selection of properties for buyers to choose from. And, due to the traditionally slow time of year, some sellers are a little more motivated to move on their price.

New houses

2007-11-18T18:06:00.001-08:00

I have shown a variety of houses this past week. Some very nice open floorplans in the Meadowlake section of Brooks. And some of these houses are selling around $300,000. A decent price for a new house and in a great location - close to the golf course!

I have also shown some properties in the $150,000 range. I did not think that these was much quality in houses available in the price range, but I have been proven wrong. Some of these properties have been fixed up and are half decent. A person could move in, fix up the basement and still do this for under $200,0000. Maybe it's a good time to pick up another revenue property myself....hmmmmmm.

Listings everywhere!

2007-10-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

I was at the Alberta Real Estate Board Presidents and EOs meeting in Edmonton last week. With Fort McMurray being the exception, all real estate boards in Alberta are experiencing a high number of listings, around double or even more listings than this past May. The explanation...well the market is correcting itself after a wild year last year...but that's all I can think of. Is it thanks to a slowing of the oil patch? I am not really sure. Anyhow, it's a great time to buy as you can take your time and shop around for the best deal.

Over 90 Listings!

2007-09-09T10:54:00.001-07:00

Great time to be a buyer in the Brooks market! The inventory has built up again compared to last year.

We have had a beautiful summer and now it's time for back to school. Remember to slow down in school zones and give your kids an extra hug as they head out the door. They grow up WAY too fast!

Traditionally, sales start picking up again this time of year as people want to be settled in to their new homes by Christmas. Like I said, there is lots of selection so now is the time to be shopping around!

Hot! Hot! Hot!

2007-08-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

The summer has been a hot one! And dry! Fire bans are on throughout the southern part of the province so let's hope everyone uses extra care while out camping. Have a great long weekend!

Inventory building up

2007-07-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

It is summer time and sales are slow, as per usual at this time of year. Listings are picking up though so this is good news for those looking for a new place to call home. A wide selection benefits the buyers.

Hail Storm!

2007-07-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

Brooks fell victim to a big wind/hail storm last Friday. The north half of the city has suffered some wide spread damage. Old trees by the cemetary have been blown over, and most houses in the Uplands area look like they have been hit with machine gun fire. The hail has blown holes through siding. It is amazing to see! It is not a nice thing to have happen, but to see what kind of power nature has is kind of humbling. Anyhow, any buyers in that area will be getting new siding with their purchase, it looks like!

MLS Listing Update

2007-06-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

According to the latest MLS statistics, sales are down so far this year, as compared to 2006. Although sales are not as hot, Brooks properties are still considered more affordable to buyers coming in from places such as Calgary. The slower sales are good news for buyers though as there is more selection on the market and less rush to buy whatever is available.

Brooks and county has been getting lots of moisture as of late, making things very green! Trees and flowers are just soaking it up and with the sun showing itself once in a while, the city looks beautiful! A big think you to the City of Brooks and it's employees for keeping our city looking so good!

Spring has sprung!

2007-05-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

Time to dust off those golf clubs! Local golf courses are open! Time to enjoy the links again! Don't forget that ball clubs are getting ready to take off too! All sorts of activities to keep one busy!

Welcome to Brooks and the County of Newell

2007-01-30T13:27:00.000-08:00

Brooks became a city in September of 2006. It is known as Alberta's Centennial City. Brooks is located about 186KM east of Calgary on the TransCanada highway. Brooks is in the County of Newell. In the County, there are towns and villages including Bassano, Duchess, Tilley, Patricia, Gem, Rainier, and Scandia. The area has a work population which includes the oil and gas industry, as well as a large feedlot and meat packing plant.

I am a Realtor serving the City of Brooks and County of Newell. I specialize in Residential, Acreage and Recreational Properties. My company has a web site at www.magnusonrealty.com. All listings can also be viewed at www.homesacrosscanada.com and www.mls.ca.