Condo sales drive resale market in October

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) sold 1062 residential properties in October through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system (MLS®) compared with 1038 in October 2010, an increase of 2.3 per cent. The five-year average for October sales is 1071.

"Condos were the main driver of home resales in October, with condo sales up 14.5 per cent from the same month in 2010, whereas residential property sales numbers were near-identical to last year’s," said OREB’s president. "We’ve been hearing a lot about the rising popularity of condos in Ottawa and these numbers certainly support that, but it’s just one piece of our steady resale market, with sales very near the five-year average for October. Also, listing inventory and days on market are both up slightly as we moved towards the end of the year."

The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in October in the Ottawa area was $337,797, an increase of 2 per cent over October 2010. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $259,316, a decrease of 1.5 per cent over October 2010. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $362,341, an increase of 3.7 per cent over October 2010.  

Source: OREB

Stay warm this winter

• If your heating equipment is over 20 years old, consider upgrading it. New equipment is much more efficient than the older versions.

• Draft proof your home everywhere. Include attic hatches, doors, window frames, and any penetrations through exterior walls.

• Consider upgrading your windows to dual or triple pane if they are more than 20 years old.

• Change the furnace filter often and have heating equipment serviced and cleaned on a regular basis.

• Install a programmable thermostat. This allows you to set back the temperature when you are asleep or away, automatically.

• Lower the thermostat two degrees and wear more layers.

• Upgrade attic insulation. It is almost impossible to have too much insulation. Edmonton’s "Net Zero" home has four feet of insulation in the attic.

• If you have a fireplace, replace any leaky dampers and repair chimney flues. Think about switching to energy efficient alternatives like electric inserts, or direct vent natural gas inserts.

• Make sure all registers and ducts have unobstructed airflow.

• Close registers in any unused portions of the home.

Source: Canadian Residential Inspection Services

Saving laundry energy

Do your laundry for $200 less and stop hundreds of dollars from being washed away in your laundry room every year. Simply follow these super-easy tricks that will cut your energy bill, reduce water use and save you money — while still getting your clothes sparkling fresh and clean.

1. Save $100 a year by halving your detergent.

Surprise! Laundry detergent may help remove stains and scent your clothes, but it’s not the main reason they get clean. The actual cleaning is done by your washer’s agitator and by the clothes rubbing against each other, which loosens dirt. That’s why experts say you can use half the detergent and still get fresh, clean clothes.

2. Save $40 a year by using cool water.

It’s a fact: Warm water doesn’t make clothes any cleaner than cool water. But there is a big difference when it comes to our energy bill — around 90% of the energy used by your washer goes to heat the water. Skip the heat, and you’ll snag cool savings.

3. Save $30 a year with full loads.

The average home uses 3,400 fewer gallons of water a year (more than 15,000 litres) when they wash full loads instead of smaller ones.

4. Save $40 a year by cleaning the lint.

Cleaning the lint trap after every use reduces your electric bill by cutting 15 minutes off your dryer time. This improves air circulation so your clothes are exposed to more heat, making them dry faster.

Source: Pillar to Post

Hot water tank explodes

When replacing your hot water tank make sure that it is properly installed by a professional who understands the importance of the "temperature/pressure release valve" and the "discharge pipe" as well as their functions.

It is extremely important that your hot water tank has a properly installed and functioning temperature/pressure release valve and discharge pipe. The valve will either be on the top of the tank or on the side near the top. This valve must not be capped off or plugged in any way! If it is, there is no way for pressure to be released. The discharge pipe is a pipe attached to the valve that, in case of pressure, will direct the steam towards the floor, into a bucket.

If the heating element and/or thermostat were to malfunction, the temperature of the water inside the tank would increase to the point where it is producing steam. If the situation progresses, and there is no outlet for the steam, the increased pressure could cause the hot water tank to explode. The purpose of the temperature/pressure release valve and the discharge pipe is to prevent this from happening.

Source: Canadian Residential Inspection Services

Water damage 101

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

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

• Water supply lines to and from washing machines and dishwashers should be regularly checked for leaks. Both the hoses themselves and the connections should be examined. Even a small leak can cause water damage over time, so any leaks should be repaired immediately. If the laundry room is located on the main floor or above, damage to the floor and ceiling below can be especially problematic.

• Tank-style water heaters are prone to leaking, especially after several years of use. Over time, the bottom of the tank can rust out, causing a serious leak. Ideally, an overflow valve should be installed that will conduct leaking water to a pipe that will drain either outside or to an appropriate interior drain.

• Another common source of water leaks is the icemaker supply line; this should be checked as well.

• Be aware that pipe leakage can occur inside the walls or ceiling and may be impossible to detect visually before damage has already occurred.

• Gutters and downspouts should be checked to ensure that water is flowing away from the home's foundation. Make any adjustments, and check the flow again using water from a garden hose.

• Water leak detectors can be installed at floor level near water heaters and interior air conditioning units. Simple, inexpensive wireless models are widely available and will sound an alarm when water is detected on the floor near these appliances.

Source: Pillar to Post

How to protect your home while absent or on vacation

With the winter holiday travel season approaching and a steady increase of crime in North America, home safety is a big concern these days. When leaving your home, whether going to the store, out to dinner or for a visit to Grandma's, the following advice could pay big dividends.

• A residence that presents a "lived-in" appearance is a deterrent to burglars.

• Never leave notes that can inform a burglar that your house is unoccupied.

• Make certain all windows and doors are secured before departing.

• An empty garage advertises your absence, so close the doors.

• When going out at night, leave one or more interior lights on and perhaps have a radio playing (TV sets should not be left unattended).

• Invest in timers that will turn lights on and off during your absence.

When planning a vacation or prolonged absence:

• Do not leave door keys under flower pots or doormats, inside an unlocked mailbox, over the doorway, or in other obvious places.

• Discontinue milk, newspaper, and other deliveries by phone or in person ahead of time. Do not leave notes. Arrange for lawn care and have someone remove advertising circulars and other debris regularly. On the other hand, several toys scattered about will create an impression of occupancy.

• Notify the post office to forward your mail or have a trustworthy person pick it up daily. Apartment house tenants should also heed this hint since stuffed mail receptacles are a telltale sign that no one is home.

• Inform neighbours of your absence so they can be extra alert for suspicious persons. Leave a key with them so your place may be periodically inspected. Ask them to vary the positions of your shades and blinds.

• When you leave, do not publicize your plans. Some burglars specialize in reading newspaper accounts of people's vacation activities.

• If you find a door or window has been forced or broken while you were away, DO NOT ENTER. The criminal may still be inside. Use a neighbour's phone immediately to summon police.

• Do not touch anything or clean up if a crime has occurred. Preserve the scene until police inspect for evidence.

Source: Acker Home Inspection