Welcome to Fall!

All corners of the province have experienced unbelievably good weather through August and September, and it

looks like the trend may be continuing into October.

Fingers crossed!

For the real estate market, a relatively sluggish summer has given way to another fall market. Some areas are

continuing to see softening prices and slower sales while others have seen a strong market. Remember, real

estate is local. It's hard to take national stats and make inferences about a neighbourhood.

For those of you thinking about selling, it is important to realize how vital the Art of Pricing is to the sale of your

home.

All sellers want the highest price possible for their homes, but the strategies to get there are not always intuitive. In

certain circumstances, pricing low can be more effective than pricing high, while in others, pricing above market

value can be a winning strategy. In most cases, however, the optimum pricing strategy is to price within 10% of

market value and let the market decide. After all, the 'list price' comes with a caveat: Or Best Offer.

Top Reasons for NOT Pricing High:

• 1. You lose out on potential buyers who put a price cap on their property searches
• 2. Serious buyers question the motivation of a seller with an overpriced listing.
• 3. You provide a strong comparable for your neighbours who are properly priced. You are effectively selling other people's well-priced homes.
• 4. Buyers assume that properties which remain on the market for long periods of time have something inherently wrong with them.
• 5. Other agents will be more hesitant to show your home.

In a quickly rising market, pricing strategies tend to matter less, as underpriced listings are bid up to market value

and overpriced listings simply wait until the market catches up to them. However, in flat or falling markets, pricing

plays a pivotal role in how much you may ultimately sell your house for.

In a flat market, buyers have more time to analyze the market and therefore become more educated about value.

Houses that are overpriced will simply sit on the market, as well-priced new listings come on to replace well-

priced recently sold listings.

In a falling market, the optimal pricing strategy is actually to price BELOW market value. A simple exercise that

pricing experts like to use in this situation is to visualize catching a fly ball. The ball represents the market and your

glove represents your pricing strategy. If you price too high, the glove will simply swing across where the ball was.

If you price at market, there's a good chance you will miss it. But if you price just below market value, there's a

greater likelihood of catching the ball. After all, it's better to take a little bit less than to risk having the ball drop in for

a double.

Many factors come into play when it comes to pricing your home and a professional can help you through that process. To find out more, please feel free to contact me.

	(Click chart to see larger image)
	*This communication is not intended to cause or induce breach of an existing agency agreement. *Although this information has been received from sources deemed reliable, we assume no responsibility for its accuracy, and without offering advice, make this submission to prior sale or lease, change in price or terms, and withdrawal without notice.

If you're shopping for a new home, you're probably aware that there will be some costs over and above the

purchase price. It makes sense to budget for these costs so you're not surprised – and unprepared – when you

get the bill.

Most of these costs fall into a category that the real estate industry calls "closing costs." The most common types

include land transfer tax, lawyer’s fees and disbursements, sales taxes, and for newly-built homes, utility hook-

ups.

You should also consider other expenses you will incur, such as home insurance and moving expenses. Of

course, if your new home is a condominium, you’ll also have to account for the monthly condo fees.

Budgeting for a new home can be tricky.  Not only are there mortgage installments and the down payment to

consider, there are a host of other—sometimes unexpected—expenses to add to the equation.  The last thing you

want is to be caught financially unprepared, blindsided by taxes and other hidden costs on closing day.

These expenses vary:  some of them are one-time costs, while others will take the form of monthly or yearly

installments.  Some may not even apply to your particular case.  But it’s best to educate yourself about all the

possibilities, so you will be prepared for any situation, armed with the knowledge to budget accordingly for your

move.  Use the following list to determine which costs will apply to your situation prior to structuring your budget:

1. Purchase offer deposit.

2. Inspection by certified building inspector.

3. Appraisal fee: 

Your lending institution may request an appraisal of the property.  The cost of this appraisal is your responsibility.

4. Survey fee: 

If the home you’re purchasing is a resale (as opposed to a newly built home), your lending institution may request

an updated property survey.  The cost for this survey will be your responsibility and will range from $700 to $1000. 

5. Mortgage application at your lending institution.

6. 5% GST:  this fee applies to newly built homes only, or existing homes that have recently undergone extensive renovations. 

7. Legal fees: 

A lawyer should be involved in every real estate transaction to review all paperwork.  Experience and rates offered

by lawyers range quite a bit, so shop around before you hire.

8. Homeowner’s insurance: 

Your home will serve as security against your loan for your financial institution.  You will be required to buy

insurance in an amount equal to or greater than the mortgage loan.

9. Land transfer (purchase) tax: 

This tax applies in any situation in which a property changes owners and can vary greatly.

10. Moving expenses.

11. Service charges: 

Any utilities you arrange for at your new home, such as cable or telephone, may come with an installation fee.

12. Interest adjustments.

13. Renovation of new home: 

In order to “make it their own,” many new homeowners like to paint or invest in other renovations prior to or upon

moving in to their new home.  If this is your plan, budget accordingly.

14. Maintenance fees: 

If you are moving to a new condominium, you will likely be charged a monthly condo fee which covers the costs of common area maintenance.

The BC First-Time New Home Buyers' Bonus is a one-time bonus payment worth up to $10,000 for first-time 

new home buyers in BC. Applicants can receive a cheque of up to $10,000, if they qualify, and the amount of the

bonus is not taxable. The legislation to enact the BC First-Time New Home Buyers' Bonus received Royal Assent
on May 31, 2012.

Eligibility Criteria

First-Time New Home Buyer Qualifications

• Eligible claimants must be first-time homebuyers - an individual who has never previously owned a primary residence anywhere in the world;
• For couples, neither the individual nor the spouse or common law partner can have previously owned a primary residence anywhere in the world;
• In the case of multiple buyers of a home, each buyer must be a first-time home buyer having never owned a primary residence anywhere in the world;
• The claimant must file a BC resident personal income tax return for 2011 or if the claimant moves to BC after December 31, 2011, must file a 2012 BC resident personal income tax return;
• Individuals or families who move to BC after December 31, 2012 will not be eligible.

Please note: in addition to the BC First-Time New Home Buyers' Bonus you may also be eligible for the Property

Transfer Tax First Time Home Buyers' Program. You can find more information on the Property Transfer Tax First

Time Home Buyers' Program here.

Eligible New Homes

Newly Constructed Homes and Substantially Renovated Homes

• The bonus is available in respect of new homes located in BC (i.e. newly constructed homes purchased from a builder and substantially renovated homes), on which HST is payable;
• A substantially renovated home is one where all or substantially all of the interior of a building has been removed or replaced, generally 90% or more of the home must be renovated to qualify;
• The written agreement of purchase and sale for the home must be entered into on or after February 21, 2012 and before April 1, 2013;
• Ownership or possession of the home must transfer before April 1, 2013;
• Eligible new homes include detached houses, semi-detached houses, duplexes, and townhouses, residential condominium units, mobile homes and floating homes and residential units in a cooperative housing corporation.

Eligible Owner-Built Homes

The bonus is available in respect of owner-built homes:

• Where the written agreement of purchase and sale for the land is entered into on or after February 21, 2012 and before April 1, 2013;
• The bonus will be based on land and construction costs subject to HST;
• Construction of the home must be complete, or the home must be occupied, before April 1, 2013.

• The claimant must be eligible for the BC HST New Housing Rebate in order to receive the bonus;
• The claimant must intend to live in the house as a primary residence;
• No one else has claimed the bonus in respect of the home.

• The bonus is calculated as 5% of the purchase price (not including HST) of the home up to a maximum of $10,000;
• The bonus is income tested. For single individuals, the bonus will be phased out at a rate of 20 per cent of net income in excess of $150,000 and eliminated at incomes greater than $200,000. For couples, the bonus will be phased out at a rate of 10 per cent of family net income in excess of $150,000, and eliminated at family incomes greater than $250,000.

Home Price* - $200, 000 Or More

Home Price* - $150, 000

*In the case of owner-built homes, the bonus amount will be calculated based on the amount on the land and

construction costs that are subject to HST.

How to Apply

You must apply to the BC Ministry of Finance to receive the bonus. The ministry will process applications,

determine eligibility, and issue the bonus payments. The bonus is not claimed when filing an income tax return.

Information on the application process and the application form is available at the following link: 

http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/individuals/Income_Taxes/
Personal_Income_Tax/tax_credits/fthb_bonus_forms.htm.

These days, most people want to do their bit to help the environment. Unfortunately, not everyone is willing, or able, to

install solar panels on their roof or implement an in-ground heat recovery system.

Luckily, there are many smaller things you can do that can make a big difference. Here are some ideas that can help

you "go green" easily and inexpensively.

Get a recycling bin and learn how to use it.

Most jurisdictions have a recycling program. You may be able to get a rebate on your recycling bin or even get it for

free. Keep a list of items that can be recycled on your fridge door, so that everyone in the family can participate.

Get a kitchen compost bin.

Find out if your jurisdiction has a compost pick-up program. If they do, get a kitchen compost bin. Composting can

reduce landfill waste by as much as 32%.

Use energy-saving light bulbs.

Low energy light bulbs have come a long way in recent years. Their consistent

glow and brightness now rival their incandescent counterparts. By replacing regular 40-watt bulbs with energy-

saving 8-watt bulbs, you could save nearly 50% of the electricity you used for lighting. Results may vary by brand.

Shop for local produce.

Many grocery stores and supermarkets offer produce – fruits, vegetables, – that are grown within a 100 mile

radius. The short transportation distance, means significantly less fossil fuel is required to get the produce

delivered to your local store. Keep in mind that some non-local produce, such as apples in the off-season, often

need to be transported thousands of miles.

Let nature do the work.

As an alternative to air conditioning, open windows and block out the passive heat gain from the sun with curtains.

Do the opposite in winter. Strategically using curtains and windows can lower your energy bill by as much as 20%.

As you can see, you don't have to do much to have a "greener" home. Just a few little changes can make a big

difference.

What is interior design? As the name implies, it's all about designing a living area – such as a bathroom or

basement – while taking into account your needs, tastes, and budget, as well as the characteristics of the space

itself.

If you've ever sketched out an idea for a renovation – to add a wall, install hardwood floors, or paint – then you've done

interior design, as least at an amateur level. Home improvement contractors, when they make suggestions about

how to renovate a room, are also acting as interior designers.

According to the Association of Registered Interior Designers, "Interior Designers will analyze your needs and

budget, prepare and present conceptual solutions and then manage the implementation of the project."

Although hiring an interior designer may seem like a luxury for many homeowners, it can actually be quite affordable.

Plus, consider that your interior designer can manage your project from concept and design all the way through to a

finished renovation – including managing the renovation work itself.

How do you find a good interior designer?

In Canada, check out Interior Designers of Canada at www.IDCanada.org. In the U.S., visit the American Society of

Interior Designers at www.asid.org. Both websites have search tools to find qualified registered interior designers in

your area.

A REALTOR® who is an expert in the local market can also give you a recommendation.

When reviewing possible interior designers, take a close look at their portfolios, which are usually in the form of

pictures of completed projects. Consider the style of work they've done for other clients, as it is likely that’s what

you can expect for yours.

According to an article in The Epoch Times by Lloyd Princeton, it's also important that you get along with the

interior designer. You'll be working closely with that person. If you have a gut feeling that you're not going to like

him or her, then you won't be satisfied with the result – even if the design is actually good.

The asking prices of most homes on the market indicate the current state of the market, and usually mirror the

prices for which other similar homes in the area have recently sold.  In deciding upon a selling price, a home-

seller must establish a balance between the desire to draw the highest offer and finding a price that will be

reasonable enough to attract an appropriate pool of prospects, and competitive offers.  While most selling agents

counsel their clients to consider this equation when pricing their home, keep in mind that some homes are not

properly priced. 

It’s important to educate yourself about the current market before approaching the purchase of a home.  The

market will always influence a property’s value, regardless of the state of a home, or its desirability.  Here are the

types of market conditions and how they may affect you:

1. Seller’s Market:

A seller’s market is considered a “hot” market.  This type of market is created when demand is greater than supply

—that is, when the number of buyers exceeds the number of homes on the market.  As a result, these homes

usually sell very quickly, and there are often multiple offers.  As a buyer, you need to consider that many homes will

sell above the asking price; in other words, you may have less room to negotiate, and may encounter competing

offers.  Though most buyers want to get a home for the lowest price possible, reducing your offer could mean

opening the door for another buyer instead.

2. Buyer’s Market:

A buyer’s market is a slower market.  This type of market occurs when supply is greater than demand, the number

of homes exceeding the number of buyers.  Properties are more likely to stay on the market for a longer period of

time.  Fewer offers will come in, and with less frequency.  Prices may even decline during this period.  As a buyer,

you will have more selection and flexibility in terms of negotiating toward a lower price.  Even if your initial offered

price is too low, the seller will be more likely to come back with a counter-offer, so you can begin the process of

negotiation. 

3. Balanced Market:

In a balanced market, supply equals demand, the number of homes on the market roughly equal to the number of

buyers.  When a market is balanced there aren’t any concrete rules guiding whether you should make an offer at

the higher end of your range, or the lower end.  Prices will be stable, and homes will sell within a reasonable

period of time.  You will have a decent number of homes to choose from, and may encounter some competition for

offers on the home of your choice, or none at all.

Before you make an offer to purchase a home, establish whether the current market is a Buyer’s, Seller’s, or

Balanced market.  Also, evaluate the price similar properties have sold for in the area, and the length of time these

properties spent on the market.  Determine how the home you’re considering compares to these other sales.  Is

this one over-priced, under-priced, or a fair price?  By establishing this information prior to making an offer, you will

be in a position to negotiate the best price for the home and be prepared for any additional opportunities that may

come your way. 

Keep in mind, a realtor is trained to provide clients with this information about the market, helping you make the

most informed decision possible.  The right realtor will guide you through the ups and downs of the market and

keep you up-to-date with the types of changes you might expect.  These realtor resources and connections will

prove to be invaluable as you navigate the real estate market.

The other main factors that affect market value are:

1. Location:

The proximity of the home to amenities, such as schools, parks, public transportation, and stores will affect its

status on the market.  Also, the quality of neighbourhood planning, and future plans for development and zoning

will influence a home’s current market value, as well as the ways in which it might change. 

2. Property:

The age, size, layout, style, and quality of construction of the building will all affect a property’s market value, as

well as the size, shape, seclusion and landscaping of the yard.

3. Condition of the Home:

This includes the general condition of the home’s main systems, such as the furnace, central air, electrical

system, etc., as well as the appearance and condition of the fixtures, the floor plan of the house, and its first

appearances.

4. Comparable Properties:

Examine the selling and asking prices of similar homes in the neighbourhood.  Ask your Realtor to prepare you a

general market analysis of the neighbourhood you’re interested in, so you can determine a range of value for a

particular property.  A market analysis will provide you with a market overview and give you a glimpse at what other

similar properties have been selling for in that area.

5. Market Conditions/ Economy:

The market value of a home is additionally affected by the number of homes currently on the market, the number of

people looking to buy property, current mortgage rates, and the condition of the national and local economy.

The process of buying or selling a house seems to involve a million details.  It is important that you educate

yourself on as many parts of this process as you can—this knowledge could mean the difference of thousands of

dollars in the long-run.  The legal issues involved in the process are often particularly intricate, ranging from

matters of common knowledge to subtle details that might escape the untrained eye.  Any of these issues, if not

handled properly, could develop into larger problems 

With so many  legal issues to consider, your first step should be to seek out experienced professionals to help

educate you and represent your best legal interests.  Begin with an experienced real estate agent, who can help

guide you through the initial hoops.  S/he should also be able to point you in the direction of a reputable local real

estate lawyer to assist you in all legal matters involved in the purchase or sale of your house.

While there are countless legal details involved in a real estate transaction, some seem to pose larger problems

than others.  We’ve outlined two legal clauses that are commonly misunderstood and may cost you money if not

worded correctly.  Handle these carefully and you will be on track to a successful sale or purchase!

1. Home Inspection Clause

Some real estate transactions have been sabotaged due to the wording of the home inspection clause.  This

clause originally allowed that the buyer has the right to withdraw their offer if the home inspection yielded any

undesirable results.  However, this allowance was known to backfire, as Buyers took advantage of it, using some

non-issue stated in the inspection as an excuse for having changed their minds.  Of course, this was unfair to the

Sellers, as they’d poured time and money into what they believed was a sure deal.  Not only might they have

missed out on other offers in the interim, but their house might also now be unfairly considered a “problem

home.”  Additionally, they’d now have to shoulder the costs of continuing to market the property.  All of this adds up. 

In order to remedy this potential problem, the clause should indicate that the seller has the option of repairing any

problems the home inspection might point to.  With this slight change in the clause, both buyer and seller are

protected.

To ensure this clause is fair from one side of the bargain to the other, work closely with a lawyer experienced in

these transactions and all the nuances that may affect the outcome for you.

2. Survey Clause

It is the right of a home buyer to add a survey clause to the real estate contract on the home they’d like to

purchase.  If you are on the selling end of the contract, be aware.  If you have added an addition or a pool to your

property since the last survey was produced, your survey will no longer be considered up-to-date and the Buyer

may request that a new one be drawn up—the cost of which you will incur.  The price of this process will run

anywhere from $700 to $1000. 

Your real estate agent has the responsibility to provide you with the most recent survey of your home.  It is then the

Buyer’s right to decide if it is acceptable.  An experienced agent should offer you reliable counsel if you encounter

an issue with this clause, but it is advisable to talk to your lawyer if you’re unsure at all of the potential

ramifications involved.  Remember, the wording of this clause could cost or save you thousands of dollars.   

The thousands of dollars in rent you’ve already paid to your landlord may be a staggering figure—one you don’t

even want to think about.  Buying a house just isn’t possible for you right now.  And it isn’t in your financial cards for

the foreseeable future.  Or is it?  The situation is common and widespread:  countless people feel trapped in

home rental, pouring thousands of dollars into a place that will never be their own—yet they think they’re unable to

produce a down payment for a home in order to escape this rental cycle.  However, putting the buying process into

motion isn’t nearly as impossible as it may seem.  No matter how dire you believe your financial situation to be,

there are several little-known facts that may be key to helping you step from a renter’s rut to home-owning

paradise!

Initially, of course, the most daunting factor involved in buying a house is the down payment.  You know you’ll be

able to handle the monthly payments—you’ve done this for years as a renter.  The hurdle, instead, seems to be

accumulating the capital needed to put money down.  However, this hurdle may be smaller than you think.  Take a

look at the following points and explore whether any of these scenarios may be possible for you:

1. Find a lender to assist you with your down payment and closing costs.

If you’re free of debt, and own an asset outright, your lending institution may lend you the money for a down payment by securing it against your asset.  In this case, you won’t need to have accumulated capital for a down

payment.

2. Buy a home even if your credit isn’t top-notch.

If you have saved more than the minimum for a down payment, or can secure the loan against other equity, many

lending institutions will still consider you for a mortgage, despite a poor credit rating.

3. Find a seller to assist you in buying and financing the home.

Some sellers may be willing to bear a second mortgage as a seller take-back.  The seller then assumes the role

of the lending institution, and you pay him/her the monthly payments, rather than paying the price of the home in a

lump sum.  This is an additional option if you have a poor credit rating. 

4. Buy a home with much less down than you’d think.

Did you know you can own a home with as little as 5% down? Investigate local and federal programs, such as

first-time buyer programs, that are designed to help people like you break into the housing market.  An

experienced real estate agent will be equipped to give you all the information you need about these programs, and

counsel you on which options are best for you.

5. Create a cash down payment without going into debt.

By borrowing money for specific investments, you may be able to produce a large income tax return that you can

use as a down payment.  Technically, the money borrowed for these investments is considered a loan, but the

monthly payments can be low, and the money you put into both the home and the investments will ultimately be

yours.

So, you know there are options out there.  The next step is to educate yourself on what your own personal

possibilities might be, and how to follow through with the means to achieve these goals.  Keep in mind, too, that

you can get pre-approved for a mortgage before you begin searching for a home.  In fact, you should get pre-

approved—the process is free and doesn’t place you under any obligation.  You can be pre-approved over the

phone or via email.  Or, take the next step and complete a credit application.  Once a credit application is

submitted, you’ll receive a written pre-approval, which will guarantee you a mortgage to a specified level.  When

you have a concrete price range, you’ll know where to begin looking.  Make a commitment to yourself to break out

of the renting rut.  Start today!

There is no set equation to determine how you’ll reach an offer price.  Rather, the process involves a range of

research and comparison that will vary with each situation.  You’ll need to look at sales of comparable properties,

and factor in additional data such as the condition of the property, the current market, and seller circumstances. 

With this information in hand, you will be able to determine a fair price range and, from there, establish the price

you’re willing to offer.

Concentrate on the following areas to help you determine an offer price:

Comparable Sales

• Compare prices of homes that are similar to the property you’re considering in the following areas:  number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, lot size, type of construction, and garage space.
• The most comprehensive and in-depth information can be accessed through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).  Your Realtor, who will be working closely with you to set your offer price, can help you navigate this service. 

Property Condition

• Observe how the property compares to the rest of the neighbourhood.  Is it average, above average, or below average?
• Look at structural condition:  walls, ceilings, windows, floors, doors.
• Pay close attention to:  bathrooms, bedrooms, condition of plumbing and electricity.
• Also check the fixtures:  light switches, doorknobs, drawer handles, etc.
• What is the condition of the front and back yards?

Home Improvements

• Cosmetic changes can be largely ignored, but any major improvements should be taken into account.
• Take special note of:  room additions (especially bedrooms and bathrooms).
• Items such as swimming pools may be taken into account, but usually won’t affect your offer.  Your Realtor can offer your guidance in these matters.

Market Conditions

• Seller’s Market:

A seller’s market is considered a “hot” market.  This type of market is created when demand is greater than supply

—that is, when the number of Buyers exceeds the number of homes on the market.  As a result, these homes

usually sell very quickly, and there are often multiple offers.  Many homes will sell above the asking price.

• Buyer’s Market:

A Buyer’s market is a slower market.  This type of market occurs when supply is greater than demand, the number

of homes exceeding the number of Buyers.  Properties are more likely to stay on the market for a longer period of

time.  Fewer offers will come in, and with less frequency.  Prices may even decline during this period.  Buyers will

have more selection and flexibility in terms of negotiating toward a lower price.  Even if your initial offered price is

too low, Sellers will be more likely to come back with a counter-offer. 

• Balanced Market:

In a balanced market, supply equals demand, the number of homes on the market roughly equal to the number of

Buyers.  When a market is balanced there aren’t any concrete rules guiding whether a Buyer should make an offer

at the higher end of his/her range, or the lower end.  Prices will be stable, and homes will sell within a reasonable

period of time.  Buyers will have a decent number of homes to choose from, so Sellers may encounter some

competition for offers on their home, or none at all.

Comparable sales information helps you establish a price range for the home you’re interested in.  Adding in the

additional factors mentioned above will guide your decision of whether you consider a “fair” price to be near the

upper or lower limit—or the middle—of that range.  Keep in mind, this price should be the one you’d be happy with

once all negotiations are said and done.  The price you decide to begin with depends on your particular style of

negotiation.  Most Buyers begin the negotiation process with a number lower than the “fair” price they’ve come up

with.

Each homebuyer has different ideas of what will constitute the ideal home for them, these notions often based on

particular aesthetic preferences.  But one thing that unites all potential homebuyers is the desire to find a home that

is fundamentally sound—in areas beyond the immediate sweep of the eye—and that will provide a safe,

comfortable, and efficient foundation for their life behind a new door. 

This is where the services of a home inspector come in.  During a home inspection, at least 30 areas of the home

are placed under the home inspector’s “microscope.”  Here are the ten most common weaknesses

uncovered in a typical home inspection.  If not addressed, these problems could cost you thousands of dollars in

the long-run.  So, knowing what to look for, and performing your own thorough pre-inspection, will help you to

identify areas for repair or improvement before they grow into costly problems.

1.     Damp Basement:

If a mildew odour is present, the inspector will be able to detect it, as this smell is impossible to mask or eliminate. 

Mildew odour is often the first indication of dampness in the basement.  The inspector will also examine the walls,

checking for any signs of whitish mineral deposit just above the floor, and will note whether you feel confident

enough to store items on the floor.

Repairs can run anywhere from $200 to $15, 000, this cost ultimately influencing the calculation of your home’s

value, so consider enlisting the help of an expert to ensure you have a firm grasp on the bottom line before moving

forward with the sale of your home.

2.     Poorly Installed/ Defective Plumbing:

In older homes, plumbing problems and defects are very common.  The inspector will determine whether your

home’s plumbing is subject to leaking or clogging.  Signs of leakage can be visibly detected.  The inspector will test

water pressure by turning on all the faucets in the highest bathroom and then flushing the toilet.  If the sound of

water is audible, this indicates that the home’s pipes may be too narrow.  The inspector will also check for signs of

discolouration in the water when a faucet is first turned on.  The appearance of dirty water is usually an indication

that the pipes are rusted—a water quality problem that should be dealt with immediately.

3.     Older/ Poorly-Functioning Heating and Cooling Systems:

Heating/ cooling systems that are older or haven’t been properly maintained can pose serious safety and health

problems.  An inspector will determine the age of your furnace and, if it is over the average life span of a furnace

(15-20 years), will likely suggest you replace it, even if it is still in good condition.  If your heating system is a forced

air gas system, the heat exchanger will be examined very closely, as any cracks can result in the leak of poisonous

carbon monoxide gas.  These heat exchangers are irreparable; if damaged, they must be replaced.  While

replacing these components may seem expensive, a new system will yield heightened efficiency, reducing monthly

heating/ cooling costs substantially, and benefiting your long-term investment.

4.    Older/ Unsafe Electrical System:

In older homes, it is common to find undersized services, aluminum wiring, knob-and-tub wiring, or insufficient

badly-renovated distribution systems.  When an electrical circuit is over-fused, more amperage is drawn on the

circuit than what the circuit was intended to bear, creating a fire hazard.  You’ll typically find a 15 amp circuit in a

home, with increased service for larger appliances such as dryers or stoves.  If replacing your fuse panel with a

circuit panel, expect a cost of several hundred dollars.

5.     Older/ Leaking Roof:

An asphalt roof will last an average of 15 to 20 years.  Leaks through the roof could be a sign of physical

deterioration of the asphalt shingles caused by aging, or could indicate mechanical damage caused by any

number of factors, such as a heavy storm.  If you decide your roof requires new shingles, you’ll first need to know

how many layers are beneath, in order to determine whether the roof must be completely stripped before installing

the new shingles.

6.     Minor Structural Problems:

Common in older homes, these problems range from cracked plaster to small shifts in the foundation.  While this

variety of problem isn’t large enough to cause any real catastrophe, they should be taken care of before they grow.

7.     Poor Ventilation:

Unvented bathrooms and cooking areas can become breeding areas for mold and fungus, which, in turn, lead to air

quality issues throughout the house, triggering allergic reactions.  Mold may additionally cause damage to plaster

and window frames.  These problems should be identified and taken care of before any permanent damage is

caused.

8.     Air Leakage:

A cold, drafty home can be the result of any number of problems, such as ill-fitting doors, aged caulking, low-quality

weather strips, or poor attic seals.  This nature of repair can usually be taken care of easily and inexpensively.

9.     Security Features:

An inspector will look at the standard security features that protect your home, such as the types of lock on the

doors/ windows/ patio doors, and the smoke or carbon monoxide detectors and where they’re located throughout

the home.  Check with an expert if your home is lacking in any of these areas, in order to determine what costs to

expect.

10.  Drainage/ Grading Problems:

This may be the most common problem found by home inspectors, and is a widespread catalyst of damp and

mildewed basements.  Solutions to this problem may range from the installation of new gutters and downspouts, to

re-grading the lawn and surrounding property in order to direct water away from the house.

Our Fall seminar will be held at Country Meadows Golf Course in Richmond on September 25th, it will be a great opportunity for anyone who may benefit from learning about the buying process and the various incentives for first time buyers! Refreshments and appetizers will be provided.

Guest speakers include: Chelsea Young - financial advisor at SunLife Financial, Jacklyn Saunders - Mortgage Specialist at Dominion Lending Centres and Kristy Just - REALTOR at Macdonald Realty.

Tuesday September 25th

7:00pm - 8:00pm

Country Meadows Golf Course

8482 No. 6 Rd, Richmond BC

RSVP to Kristy at kristy@justrealty or 604-644-8918 to reserve your seat!