Secure your home before you leave so you can travel with maximum confidence and peace of mind. Locking up might seem too obvious to mention, but an estimated 32% of burglars enter through unlocked doors. Unless you have an extremely low-care yard, the lawn or garden will definitely need attention if you’re gone long enough. Make sure your landscaping professional continues working in your absence, and if you don’t have one, ask a neighbour or hire temporary help. If you live in a wintry climate, consider snow removal as well.

Hide or lock up your valuables, don’t broadcast your plans online, and get your security system ready! These home tips for when you’re on vacation will help ensure that you won’t return to any unpleasant surprises.

#1 – Set the HVAC

Whether you’re taking on short camping or headed out for a weeklong European cruise, don’t forget about your air conditioner while you’re away. Though this appliance is used to being overlooked, neglecting it while you’re out of town could leave you with an unnecessarily high-energy bill upon your return.

• Clean the Air Filters
  Dirt destroys air conditioner efficiency. Change your air filter before you leave, and consider scheduling your annual professional cleaning and service before your trip if you haven’t already done so.
• Make Sure You Shut It Down
  Properly close all doors and windows, as well as blinds, curtains and storm shutters. These are no-brainers for security but can easily rob you of energy if overlooked. Prevent energy waste and save money by ensuring your home is properly closed, sealed and shaded from the sun in your absence.
• Go Un-Plugged
  Reduce your heating and cooling load by disconnecting electronics and appliances while you are away. Even items that aren’t in use can generate heat, making your air conditioner work harder. Going away for a long time? Consider cleaning out and unplugging your refrigerator and freezer as well.
• Consider Investing in a Programmable Thermostat
  Don’t want to come home to a stifling house? Let your thermostat do the work for you. A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature in your home based on your pre-programmed schedule and settings. Want on-the-fly control? Opt for a Wi-Fi programmable thermostat for just a couple extra bucks to monitor and adjust settings from any mobile device.
  
• Consider How Long You Will Be Gone When Adjusting Air Conditioner Settings
  Even when you aren’t away on vacation but simply out of the house, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends adjusting temperature settings on your thermostat to save energy. How much? In the summer when your home is not in use, a setting of 85 degrees, or about 10-15 degrees cooler than your preferred in-home temperature, is recommended.

#2 – Invest in a Home Security System

It is always an expensive investment, and you want to make sure that it is protected, along with your family. Installing a home security system is always a clever idea, providing you with total safety. This is especially important when moving to a new location, where you perhaps don’t know the neighborhood risks that well, and just want to be completely prepared.

The good news is that there are several different highly reputable companies that will successfully ensure that your family and your belongings are safe in your new home. 

#3 – Switch your water heater to vacation mode

Setting the system to “Vacation” or “Pilot” mode saves energy while also preventing damage to your water heater. It’s a compromise between using no power at all and using a little bit of heat to avoid extensive damage to your system.

Water heating systems require a lot of energy to operate. For this reason, more and more environmentally conscious people (and those who just want to lower their bills) are learning how to put their water heaters into “vacation mode” with the idea of saving energy. 

#4 – Clear storm drains and gutters

Keeping gutters, downpipes and garden stormwater grates clean and clear of leaves and debris are extremely important for the health of your home. Gutters and downpipes carry water and debris from the roof, and in a storm, can lead to water build-up on the roof, and overflowing gutters — in all the wrong places. Water building up in the wrong places can potentially lead to roof damage, roof leaks, and mould or yard damage.

To achieve a clean and clear gutter, you need to gather some tools. Get a sturdy ladder, some gloves, a bucket, and a durable brush. Start to remove any debris from the gutter and place it in the bucket for disposal. Use the brush to get fine debris stuck to the bottom of the gutter. The brush will help to loosen debris so it can be cleared away by the next rainfall or with a hose. After you’ve finished cleaning and clearing one area, carefully climb down the ladder, reposition it at the next area and repeat these steps until the gutter is entirely clean.

Looking for the perfect pre-construction family home? Get in touch—we know the local market, inside and out!

H A P P Y   F R E E D O M   M O N T H !

We assume the rights of freedom and debate its boundaries in politics, yet how often do we take time to reflect on what freedom means to us personally?

Freedom is not a concept carved from stone; it is malleable and personal, always shifting shape depending on where you find yourself standing and the angle of the slanting light.

My personal definition of freedom is the ability to act based on my convictions without external restriction or retribution. It is the ability to represent myself as I see myself to be, not having to hide or disguise who I am in order to pursue happiness, fulfillment, and growth. It is the power of free self-expression. Personal freedom is one of my top three values.

Of course, there are boundaries to freedom. My actions should not hurt others or restrict their personal freedoms, and so this is the dance of conscience. Will what I want conflict with what others want or need? If so, how can I have the personal autonomy I need while respecting the freedom of those around me?

I believe there is always a path for mutual free expression, when we respect one another. Today, as we prepare to celebrate Freedom Month, I offer the following quotes as food for thought and as writing prompts:

“We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.” ― William Faulkner

 “If we don’t believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don’t believe in it at all.” ― Noam Chomsky

And I leave you with these questions: Which, if any, of these quotes resonate with you?  What do you believe about freedom and how do you describe or define it for yourself?

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Beautiful famous words. Those words really come to life for us when you consider the idea of owning real estate, especially your own home.

If you or a friend are thinking about selling, make sure to choose a real estate company you can trust!

A real estate company with experience, proven results and a give-back philosophy! 

My guaranteed sale program is a solution to ‘wrongs’ in real estate for homeowners experiencing the Catch 22. In fact, this is how successful businesses are built.  Identify something that is a problem for people and solve it.

In today’s market, many homeowners really want to make a move, but are finding themselves in a Catch 22 – whether to sell first or buy first.  They don’t want to end up getting stuck owning two homes or none at all.

My solution to this dilemma is this guarantee: “Your Home Sold Guaranteed at a Price Agreeable to You or I’ll Buy It*” My own revolution, so to speak, that deals with the age-old indictment of whether to buy first of sell first.

My guaranteed sale program is a solution to ‘wrongs’ in real estate for homeowners experiencing the Catch 22. In fact, this is how successful businesses are built.  Identify something that is a problem for people and solve it.

They are able to provide this care and keep patient costs to a minimum due in large part to Donations and Sponsorships. Their Research Centre which contributes to many breakthroughs solely relies on donations so it’s crucial they get the monetary support they need. We are proud to be an official sponsor of SickKids Hospital.

So, YOUR REFERRALS DO REALLY HELP THE KIDS… 

Who do you know considering buying or selling a home you could refer to our real estate sales team? Not only will they benefit from our award-winning real estate service, a very worthy cause will benefit as well. To refer anyone considering buying or selling a home contact Lino Arci or pass Lino Arci’s contact info on to them!  Thank you in advance for your referrals!

Over the decades of helping thousands and thousands of families sell or buy the place they call home, we have met so many wonderful, loving, caring people. We are so grateful. Thank you for reading over this months Homeward Bound, and thank you for referring anyone you know considering buying or selling to my team. They will be in good hands and a very worthy cause will benefit as well. 

In the short term, renting may seem like the best option, but here the perks that owning your own home can create real value for you over time. Buying a home is a great achievement. While it may sometimes seem challenging, the many benefits that come with owning your own home make it all worthwhile.

1. Not Paying the Landlord’s Mortgage

Most repayments include principal as well as interest, which means you’re putting some money towards owning more of your home. While renting seems to be cheaper, you won’t get any of that value back in the future. While it might not always feel like it, your mortgage repayments are a way of saving money. When you’re deciding whether to continue renting or to buy a home, there’s a lot to weigh up. If you decide that buying a home is the best choice for you, Call Lino Arci at 416-571-2724 (ARCI) to discuss our VIP Buyer Programs. We can help!

2. Freedom to Personalize

Landlords aren’t usually happy for tenants to renovate their property, even if you think you’d be improving it. When you own your own home, you have complete creative freedom – you can decide to completely renovate the bathroom in a jungle theme or paint the walls in super bright colours without worrying. Home improvements generally increase the value of a property, so if it is your place, when you sell, every dollar that your home has gained in value (thanks to your hard work) will be money in your own pocket!

3. Potential Investment

When you’re renting, your landlord can decide to increase your rent, leaving you with little choice but to accept it or get hit with moving costs. While home ownership comes with different expenses, like mortgage repayments and rates, these aren’t likely to rise by large amounts unexpectedly.

4. Place of Belonging

When you own your own home, you can sleep sound in the knowledge that you call the shots. That’s priceless. 

Looking for the perfect family home in Vaughan? Get in touch—we know the local market, inside and out!

H A P P Y   B I R T H D A Y   D O N A L D ?

You guessed it right. June is Donald Trump’s Birthday Month. BUT why would I mention this to YOU?

Well, since you have been kind enough to be a part of our business, I wanted to take the opportunity to give YOU a gift on Donald Trump’s birthday.  I am sure Mr. Trump doesn’t mind. He seems to have plenty of stuff, so I’d like to celebrate his birthday by giving you (and those you know), TWO very special gifts! Yes, TWO gifts.

Gift #1 is my lifetime home sale guarantee.

Your Home Sold, Guaranteed, at Your Price or I’ll Buy It*

Yes, this is the guarantee I am most famous for. And you will know that whether it’s a super awesome real estate market or a housing recession, I have not wavered from this guarantee.  The peace of mind from a guarantee like this is a fantastic gift. I can think of none better.

My team and I are committed to results.  In fact, Results Oriented is one of our core values. For more than 37 years people have been coming to us when they want their home sold, at their price and with the least hassle.  We look forward to the next years of Guaranteed Results for area homeowners. 

If you or a friend are thinking about selling, make sure to choose a real estate company you can trust!

A real estate company with experience, proven results and a give-back philosophy!

Gift #2… 
Donations to SickKid’s Hospital on Your behalf.

In last month’s letter, I updated you on our goal of raising $50,000 for SickKid’s Hospital this calendar year. In case you missed it, we donate a portion of our income from home sales to SickKid’s Hospital.  

Since that letter, we have received  referrals. That’s more families wanting to buyer or sell a home, referred to us by clients like you.  This means we have been able to contribute a lot toward this very worthy cause.

YOUR REFERRALS HELP THE COMMUNITY! Keep them coming!

Who do you know considering buying or selling a home you could refer to my real estate sales team?  Not only will they benefit from our award-winning service and iron clad guarantees but the community at SickKid’s Hospital will benefit as well.

Just give me a call or pass my number on to anyone you know considering buying or selling. My number is  416-571-2724 (ARCI)

They are able to provide this care and keep patient costs to a minimum due in large part to Donations and Sponsorships. Their Research Centre which contributes to many breakthroughs solely relies on donations so it’s crucial they get the monetary support they need. We are proud to be an official sponsor of SickKids Hospital.

So, YOUR REFERRALS DO REALLY HELP THE KIDS… 

Who do you know considering buying or selling a home you could refer to our real estate sales team? Not only will they benefit from our award-winning real estate service, a very worthy cause will benefit as well. To refer anyone considering buying or selling a home contact Lino Arci or pass Lino Arci’s contact info on to them!  Thank you in advance for your referrals!

Over the decades of helping thousands and thousands of families sell or buy the place they call home, we have met so many wonderful, loving, caring people. We are so grateful. Thank you for reading over this months Homeward Bound, and thank you for referring anyone you know considering buying or selling to my team. They will be in good hands and a very worthy cause will benefit as well. 

Home maintenance can feel like a daunting chore — particularly for a new homeowner who’s never seen a boiler up close, let alone drained one but when your home is your biggest investment, maintaining is a must! It doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Owning and caring for a home is a big responsibility, but the right repair tools and maintenance tips allow for easy living. Smoothly navigate your home with our home maintenance checklist.  

It’s time to renew and revitalize your home maintenance checklist. Check out this comprehensive list of tasks this spring and start planning ahead. Set your reminders, keep careful records, and pamper your home the way it deserves!

 Replace Any Damaged Roof Shingles

Damaged shingles can seriously cut into the life of a roof. To keep your house secure, it’s important to regularly evaluate and replace damaged shingles to make sure your home is safe and dry. Learn to properly evaluate, remove, and replace damaged shingles efficiently.

 Repair Or Replace Damaged Exposed Wood

Homeowners face a difficult choice on whether the wood should be replaced or repaired? Wood can rot in places where it can weaken a structure. If the wood is badly damaged and it is possible to replace it with a reasonable amount of work, replacement is the best solution.

 Check The Gutters and Downspouts

Get a head start on prepping your home for the colder seasons. Take a look at these steps of cleaning out your gutters and downspout before fall.

• Gutters and downspouts are installed along a roof’s edge 
  to capture and direct runoff. A clogged or damaged gutter often fails to move water away from the structure efficiently and can lead to puddling, leakage and even structural damage. 
• Clean out and inspect gutters at least twice a year or more frequently if damage is suspected or nearby trees lose enough leaves to potentially clog up the gutter or downspout.
• Always use caution when working on a ladder. Make sure the ladder is firmly planted on even ground and use a spotter.

 Fill Any Low Areas With Compacted Soil

Compacted fills are used beneath foundations where it is necessary to raise the grade of the structure above existing ground or to replace unsatisfactory surface soils.

 Fill Cracked Concrete

They are a natural part of concrete curing and getting hard. There are very good repair options to keep cracks from getting worse, but no good method for making them go away

 Seal Any Deteriorating Brickwork

Any cracks, areas of insufficient mortar, and damage to the brick, should be repaired as quickly as possible. Performing regular checks of your brickwork to identify damaged areas is crucial to prevent deterioration. 

 Check Sprinklers, Faucets, & Hoses

Locate and inspect each of your valve boxes. Are they flooded or dry? They should be dry. If they’re wet, check them carefully for worn parts, loose wiring, or water leaking out between fittings. If you are doing the repairs yourself, estimate and purchase the parts you will need and make the repairs all at once or reach out to your local landscaper or plumber to take care of it.

  Recaulk or Replace Weather Stripping

The best way to check on your weather stripping is to take a lighter or a candle, and hold it roughly an inch from the stripping. Move the light back and forth around the stripping. If you see any wind or airflow, it’s time to replace your weather stripping.

 Patch Holes In Window Screens

Badly ripped window screens should be replaced, but most small tears can be easily repaired. Fill small holes in nylon or fiberglass screens with a few drops of instant adhesive, sealing the damaged area. Mend small tears in metal or fiberglass screens with a dab of clear silicone adhesive.

 Clean And Service The AC Unit

Heating and Air Conditioning equipment, no matter what kind you have, should be inspected, cleaned, and serviced at least once a year. The best scenario is to have the heating system checked in the Fall and the air conditioning checked in the Spring. If you will not do the regular aircon servicing then dirt and dust will get deposited in its filters. This deposition of dust and dirt in the filters affects its working and your air conditioning system will need to invest more effort in its working.

Looking for the perfect family home in Vaughan? Get in touch—we know the local market, inside and out!

MIND YOUR MOM

Just about every May I sit down to write Homeward Bound; I write about Mom’s Day. And why not… it is a very special day for very special people.

My Mom used to tell me, seemingly repeatedly, to do this and do that, not to do this and not to do that.  ALL, I recall, very valuable advice. Looking back on it all these many years later, I can say she was, and still is, a very wise woman.

Time reveals, in fact, just about every caring Mother is a Wise Woman. I can see why we carve out a special day each year to acknowledge Moms.  So here is a shout out to all Mom’s – Happy Mother’s Day!!

My birthday is May 11^th which somehow seems to fall on or very close to Mother’s Day each year.  So, my mom gets double the hugs and appropriate accolades every May from me and my family.

If you or a friend are thinking about selling, make sure to choose a real estate company you can trust!

A real estate company with experience, proven results and a give-back philosophy!

Unfortunately, My Mom’s Mom is no longer here. I am sure that makes her very sad this time of year.  I am sure some reading this can relate and have similar stories.  For ALL those whose Mom is no longer with us, may you remember the best about them. In addition to that, there are also many who never knew their Mom due to unfortunate circumstance. I bet someone played that role in their life and they too deserve a Happy Mother’s Day!

Regardless, we can celebrate this Mother’s Day knowing Moms both here and no longer here are special in more ways than we can count. 

Especially… the Moms being helped by SickKid’s Hospital.

The reason for the headline is because 30 seconds is about all it takes to think about who you know that may be considering buying or selling the place they call home and to give us a call.  If it is you, then awesome! If it’s a friend or family member, that’s great too!

They are able to provide this care and keep patient costs to a minimum due in large part to Donations and Sponsorships. Their Research Centre which contributes to many breakthroughs solely relies on donations so it’s crucial they get the monetary support they need. We are proud to be an official sponsor of SickKids Hospital.

So, YOUR REFERRALS DO REALLY HELP THE KIDS… 

Who do you know considering buying or selling a home you could refer to our real estate sales team? Not only will they benefit from our award-winning real estate service, a very worthy cause will benefit as well. To refer anyone considering buying or selling a home contact Lino Arci or pass Lino Arci’s contact info on to them!  Thank you in advance for your referrals!

Over the decades of helping thousands and thousands of families sell or buy the place they call home, we have met so many wonderful, loving, caring people. We are so grateful. Thank you for reading over this months Homeward Bound, and thank you for referring anyone you know considering buying or selling to my team. They will be in good hands and a very worthy cause will benefit as well. 

“The earth is a fine place and worth fighting for.”

People are starting to come around to the idea that we need to become more sustainable to protect the Earth for future generations. Everything you do in your day-to-day life has an impact on the planet, from the food you eat to the car you drive. It involves reducing the amount of Earth’s resources that you use to help protect it. To live a sustainable lifestyle you should try to have as little of an impact on the Earth as possible, while also trying to replace the resources you do use. 

Let us all celebrate Earth Day by making a few easy changes the Earth will appreciate. In its simplest form, it’s a day for people to step back, take a deep breath and appreciate Earth in all its splendor. 

Here are 6 Easy Ways To Live
More Sustainably

#1 – Fix Leaky Faucets

Get Handy! Now is as good a day as any to make one minor repair that can not only save you money but can make a huge impact on the environment. Even if you only have one leaky faucet in your house dripping at a rate of one small drip a minute, that still can amount to more than 30 Gallons of water wasted each year.

Earth Day is the perfect day to grab a wrench and tighten those pipes. And if you have more of a “green thumb” than a “handy bone” then it can be the perfect reminder to call that plumber.

#2 – Turn Down Your Water Heater

It’s easy to set your water heater and just forget about it but in fact, if your water heater is set too high, you might be wasting valuable electricity. Make it a seasonal setting with a higher temperature in the winter and a cooler temperature in the summer to conserve energy more effectively. 

In addition, you can invest in a hot water heater blanket to help your water heater conserve heat and use less energy.

#3 – Switch To LEDs

Switch to LED Lighting this Earth Day! Why? Because they’re brighter, providing better light for workspaces, uses less wattage, have no mercury content, runs cooler than other bulbs, and lasts longer than other fluorescent or incandescent bulbs! LEDs provide environmental benefits, plus savings, safety, and security!

LEDs are versatile in application and use at least 80% less energy than incandescent lighting, a highly efficient lighting technology! The use of LED lighting has the greatest potential impact on energy savings in all countries. It’s empowering to know that one small change, like replacing a light bulb, could have such a major impact—especially when it can be so simple.

#4 – Start A Compost Pile

This Earth Day when we all show our support for environmental protection. Collecting organic trash and composting helps the environment in many ways. And it’s easy to do!

#5 – Invest In Energy Star Appliances

As homeowners, energy-efficient appliances are essential to help you save money and energy, protect the environment, and enhance your lifestyle. Thus, the more energy-efficient home appliances you use, the lower your utility bills will be while protecting the environment from harmful gases such as carbon dioxide.

Here are the significant benefits of using these helpful home appliances:

• Helps Prevent Greenhouse Emissions
• Helps You Save Water
• Helps Save Money
• Helps Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
• They Can Help Enhance the Quality of Your Life

There are a lot of benefits when you go the energy-efficient way. Using energy-efficient appliances, you’ll not only save money and reduce your monthly energy bills, but you can also help conserve and protect the environment.

#6 – Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle

Reduce your waste, Reuse anything you can, and Recycle the things you no longer use.  Look for ways you can Reduce, Reuse and Recycle throughout your home. You’ll save natural resources, energy, and money, and you’ll reduce waste sent to landfills. Keep in mind that cutting your waste might not happen overnight, but it’s important to make the effort. The planet will thank you for it.

While it’s great to have a day on the calendar to mark the celebration of our home, shouldn’t we be grateful for our planet every day of the year? 

Looking for the perfect family home in Vaughan? Get in touch—we know the local market, inside and out!