TGIF - CHRISTMAS TIME

When did we ever have a week when forgiveness, reconciliation and peace were at the top of every newscast and on every journalist's lips?  Nelson Mandela has left an amazing legacy - up to us in the rest of the world to carry it forward.  Amazing timing for these discussions - two weeks before Christmas.

       Well, they said it wouldn't happen, but the Royal Bank raised their interest rates this week - both fixed and variable.  If you are thinking of making a 

purchase, make sure you have a full preapproval with a capped rate for the longest time possible.  And...start looking!  We can send you the brand new 

listings as they go on the market if we just know what you're looking for. Not only can we give you a headstart on those desirable, newly listed properties, 

we can also give you our "buyer 101" seminar!!  We are your real estate resource. There is low inventory in the detached market right now - great time for these sellers.  Excellent opportunities for buyers in the condo and townhome market - lots of choice here at competitive prices.  

    

What would Christmas be without the CP Holiday Train?  It rolls into Port Moody, Monday (Dec. 16) 5.25pm behind the Recreation Complex - complete with Christmas lights, music and live entertainment.  So...come on down with your donations for the Food Bank.  After the train pulls out, the seasonal festivities continue in the Galleria at Port Moody City Hall.  Last year our community raised more that 990lbs of food and more than $9000 for Share and the Food Bank.  Let's  beat our own record this year. http://www.cpr.ca/en/in-your-community/holiday-train/Pages/default.aspx

   
 Enjoy the season - have a great week.  

Remember, when it comes to real estate we've got you covered.  

Sheila

SALVATION ARMY KETTLES

Ring the bells!  Ma and Pa Kettle -aka Sheila and Terry - collecting for the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Drive Saturday afternoon.  Remax was out in force to help!  Thanks to all the kind  people who donated - we live in a great community. 

TGIF - DONATIONS NEEDED

What a week for tragic headlines!  The death and chaos following this fierce typhoon are unimaginable. Those lucky 

enough to survive are unlucky enough to have no food, no water, no clothes ,no home and no livelihood.  Relief is slow in coming with the extensive damage to roads, bridges and airports, but relief IS on the way.  We just have to ensure that it is enough to make the difference.  Money is key as the organisations on the ground can purchase the priority itemsand get them to the people who need them quickest.  Right now, the Federal Government will match our donations dollar for dollar. Kudos to our Remax

 Sabre colleagues who have raised more than $2,000 in 2 days and still counting. I know that many other offices, work places, Churches, groups and the local Philippino community are doing the same - together, Canadians can respond to make a significant contribution as they 

hear the gut wrenching stories out of the Philippines.

 
     UNICEF (http://www.unicef.ca) was one of the first on the ground 

providing critical supplies, having prepositionedsupplies in key areas. They 

had delivered 45,000 lbs of emergency health kits, shelter equipment and 

medical supplies in a matter of a few days, and are continuously air lifting 
family essentials.  They estimate that more than 4 million children are affected by Typhoon Haiyan - many in remote, hard to access areas.  The Red Cross (http://www.redcross.ca) and World Vision (http://www.worldvision.ca) are also on the ground doing similar work along with other non profit organizations. It is vital to donate now to prevent further loss of life. We are the fortunate ones!

  

  Congratulations to the Klahanie residents who took on the Evergreen Line for having misleading drawings with regard to the grade in their community.  Evergreen announced yesterday that it will be taking steps to mitigate the effect on noise and view - not the same as the rail being at grade there, but an improvement on what might have been. People power at its best!
 
     Have a great week.  Remember, when it comes to real estate, we have you covered.  Sheila
 

TGIF - REMEMBERANCE DAY

"Never in the field of human conflict was so  much owed by so many to so few"  - Winston Churchill.








Monday is Remembrance Day - so personal to me as my Dad went directly from being a university student to being an officer in the Royal Navy and serving on an aircraft carrier, HMS Venerable, throughout World War Two.  His younger brother survived 67 bombing missions as a rear gunner in a Lancaster. Their parents were the lucky ones - both sons returned home.  But youth was lost and life was different.  We have so few of these Second  World War veterans still alive that soon there will only be their stories kept alive by us.  Remembering  is not only an act of honoring those who sacrificed so much, but a preventative measure against war and an incentive for peace.

These days we have so many young veterans of more recent wars - many with severe physical and psychological damage.  Our government sent them to fight for us and our country, but is not taking seriously the necessity for looking after these vets and their families, both medically and financially.  Something we can all do this November 11 is to communicate with our MPs and express our outrage that we are not doing the right thing by our war veterans - we owe them every opportunity to enjoy the rest of their lives.

Our communities all hold Remembrance Day services - for details - www.thev3h.com - events
                                                      

"We are the Dead.  Short days ago

    We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
     Loved and were loved, and now we lie
      In Flanders Fields"
              From "Flanders Fields" - by John McCrae, May 1915

INSPECTOR INSIGHTS: POLY B PIPING

One of the most common plumbing pipe materials used from the late 1970’s to the late 1990’s was Poly Butylene pipe, Poly B for short. It is a gray pipe connected with both grey plastic fitting made of acetyl plastic or with copper fittings.  It was used for plumbing supply pipe and also for Hot water radiant space heating applications.
 

     Consumers in the Southern States had their piping systems installed in attics exposed to high temperatures with water with elevated chlorine levels. This caused high failure rates with high property damage due to the location of the pipe.  In Canada the early installations were connected with the plastic acetyl fittings. Over time these proved problematic.  The consensus for the reason of failure is that elevated chlorine levels in the water made the plastic fittings age harden and fail under pressure.  In the early days of use the materials were often stored outside exposed to sunlight which also made the pipe fail sooner. This is also true of Poly ethylene pipe we use today as well. Hence this is why all Pex pipe is stored under cover or inside.

This is not the case in Canada. Most of the systems I see in the Lower Mainland are installed with copper fittings crimped in place and in areas where high temperature exposure is anticipated such as near the hot water tank copper pipe is added to avoid problems. This has proven to be very reliable. The reality is that any plumbing system can have defects or leaks over its lifespan. Repairs are common on most systems I inspect.

     It is estimated that there somewhere in the order of 150,000 homes in BC with this type of plumbing system. The vast majority with copper fittings have performed well. In Alberta the Department of municipal affairs has investigated and found that virtually all failures in Alberta are the result of workmanship issues.

If you do need to repair or extend an existing system the product is no longer available but a transition coupler will need to be used.
The new product which replaces Poly B is Poly Ethylene Pipe or Pex for short. It is a stiffer and stronger plastic pipe which is engineered to handle higher temperatures and stress. It has been in use since 1998. If in doubt have a reputable plumbing contractor review your entire system and advise you on their recommendations and the cost of repairs.

Insurability of the home may be an issue for your insurance broker or company. Check with your broker. They may put restrictions on your insurance either but raising the deductible, increasing the premium or adding other conditions. Ultimately the final solution is to re-pipe the home. The cost of this varies enormously with the size, type and degree of finishing involved. Always obtain several quotes and ask about the refinishing costs. Scheduling replacements or updates of the system when other renovations occur can reduce costs. E.g.: kitchen or bath renovations already require a plumber or general contractor so cost savings can be had.

    When Poly B is used in a radiant hot water heating systems several issues arise. Oxygen transfer thru the wall of the pipe occurs so that ferrous metal components fail. Several technical solutions are available. When components fail they are replaced with either stainless steel or copper components so corrosion is not possible. Adjustm

ent of the operating controls to avoid high temperatures is also needed. 

Sometimes another approach is used. Separating the poly B loops from the heating components but allowing energy transfer is accomplished with a heat exchanger. There is a penalty here in that the maximum effiency of a heat exchanger is 80%. So it will cost you more to heat your home using this approach.  If in doubt always have a reputable Hot Water heating specialist review your system and make recommendations.



Roland Klann, RHI BC License 47331 HomePro Systems2000 Inc. 604 240 3314
www.Homeprosystems2000.ca
 

TGIF - MIRACLE RUN

Hope everyone had a safe and spooky Hallowe'en - don't eal all those candies at once! An interesting piece of Trivia from the radio yesterday was that the average child collects 11,000 calories in their goody bags!  Parents are therefore comple

telyjustified in sharing!! While we were in Victoria at our national Re/Max Conference, Michelle ran in a 6:30am RR4K (Re/Max Run for Kids) and finished in the top ten, 3rd female - but who was counting?!  But the real winner was Children's Miracle Network - with $9,021 raised from this run.  It was a great few days for worthwhile causes - we also raised $26,000 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.







Strange little pockets of real estate activity through the TriCities. Overall, low inventory is making the moment advantageous for the sellers - so if you're thinkin about it, don't wait! Conversely, there is a high inventory in many strata properties - good choices & prices for buyers. Lots of grand openings for new developments - don't forget to take us with you, both for input and representation purposes. 

FALL BACK this Saturday - Daylight Savings time ends. Put your clocks back 1 hour.

Port Moody Film Society, Inlet Theatre, a week today, Nov. 8 @ 7:30pm.

When it comes to Real Estate, we have you covered.

Sheila

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

 









THE FRANCIS & HAWTHORNE TEAM WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY AND SAFE ASWELL AS SPOOKY HALLOWEEN. MAKE SURE TO BE CAREFUL WHILE OUT TRICK OR TREATING, DRIVING AND WALKING FROM ONE NEIGHBOURHOOD TO THE NEXT. WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE COSTUMES THAT EVERYONE WILL BE WEARING TONIGHT WHILE WE'RE HANDING OUT CANDY. 



IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR THE BEST HAUNTED HOUSE IN TOWN, CREEP BY THE 443 DRAYCOTT, COQUITLAM HAUNTED HOUSE. ALL DONATIONS GO TO VARIETY CLUB - AMAZING JOB EVERY YEAR. KUDOS TO VICKI AYERS. 

http://globalnews.ca/video/926925/vickies-charity-haunted-house

 

 

INSPECTOR INSIGHTS: GUTTERS, AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR ROOF

Improper functioning gutters and leader system can contribute to water and ice backing up against fascia and under roof shingles and damaged soffits, resulting in possible discolouration or deterioration of siding materials. This can also lead to soil erosion adjacent to buildings and serious water and foundation displacement problems in basements and crawl spaces.



Flooding problems start when downspouts do not empty into a storm sewer or other drainage system that designed to carry the water away from the house. Accumulated rainwater can form pools around shrubbery or even cause leaks into the basement. If a downspout does not drain into the drainage tile, it should drain at least 6 feet from a house's foundation; however this is sometimes not possible because of a trip hazard or just a lack of space. Another cure is a concrete splash block, or a fibreglass trough.

  

Leaders that run into the ground normally run into underground drainage pipes that carry the water into a storm sewer or drainage ditch. However, if the underground piping doesn't hook up to a storm sewer system, you could be increasing your chances of basement problems because the water will remain on the property causing flooding.



In the lower mainland, having a lot of trees, it is a best practice to keep your gutters clear to avoid any problems.  While a lot of people clean their gutters at least once a year, many times twice a year may be more recommended to ensure a proper functioning drainage system.
 
When looking around your property, ask yourself:

• Do I have a lot of trees surrounding my property?  Should I clean my gutters more often?
• Does my drainage tile access have covers to prevent debris falling in?
• Do I have leaders that do not tie into the drainage tile? Do I need splash blocks?

 
Such items will help you determine what expected gutter maintenance you may have to do on your property.

Aaron Borsch
Certified Master Home Inspector (CMHI)
A Buyer's Choice Home Inspections - Tricities, BC
Inspected Once.  Inspected Right!
 
License #: 53540
Phone: 604-880-0818
Email: Aaron.Borsch@abuyerschoice.com
Website: tricity.abuyerschoice.com


 

TGIF - HOME MAINTENANCE

The afternoon sunshine this week made up for the fog unless you were catching an am flight!  Or...doing a long morning commute.  We are spending a couple of days at our Remax national conference in sunny Victoria.  This is where we learn, share ideas and reconnect with our fellow Remaxers from across Canada.  Our network is established and extensive - so if you are moving within the lower mainland, within B.C. or across the country, we can connect you with a professional local realtor who will help remove the stress of the long distance move. Working with a realtor who is really tuned into your new community makes every decision that much more informed.
 
Home maintenance - good and bad - becomes very apparent when the home is on the market. This is the time of year to focus on clearing the gutters, checking your drains, servicing your fireplaces and furnace, cleaning your chimney (if your fireplace is woodburning)  ,giving the garden its Fall clean-up and, when freezing is close, draining your hosepipes and turning off the outside water taps.  This is where we can also help - we have personally recommended tradespeople who can undertake any of these tasks when you are unable to.  Feel free to call / email for names or any other advice we are pleased to pass along should you be thinking of marketing your home in the near, or not so near, future.

Watch out for ghosts, goblins & Trekkies on Wednesday evening - let's keep Hallowe'en safe and happy.  Have fun - but beware of that sugar high!

Remember, whatever the season, when it comes to real estate we have you covered.  

Sheila

INSPECTOR INSIGHTS: ALUMINUM WIRING

Solid Aluminum Wiring conductors were commonly used for Residential wiring between 1969 and 1976.  Stranded Aluminum Wiring is still used today although generally only for Major appliances or Sub panel feed and entrance conductors for homes. Aluminum wiring has a few differences when compared to copper. First - the coefficient of thermal expansion i.e. when current runs through it and it heats up it expands more than copper therefore it wants to move more at connections. Second - when an oxide is formed such as when you strip it to make a connection, thealuminum oxide is a resistor to current flow whereas copper oxide is a conductor. Third - Aluminum wire is brittle in comparison to copper. It is difficult to bend and is susceptible to nicks or cuts such as when using a stripping tool. If you are buying a home in this age group be aware your insurance provider will likely have some requirements. Check with them on their specific requirements as they do vary across the industry. A review of the entire system may be required by them to obtain insurance.   

Only a qualified electrician or electrical contractor should work on aluminum electrical wiring. If you need to find an electrician just go to the BC safety authority or visit their website http://www.safetyauthority.ca and click the link find a contractor -http://www.safetyauthority.ca/contact/find-contractor
There is a right and wrong way to work on aluminum wiring. To extend a circuit there are special connectors typically called marrettes that are specific for this application. Also switches and receptacles approved for aluminum will specifically state such. Finally an anti oxidant is typically applied to aluminum conductors. Switches and receptacles are more expensive but are designed for aluminum and tested to be safe.
As a homeowner there are a few things to watch for as you live in the home.

1. Do you notice there is intermittent continuity in a light or receptacle? Sometimes the light/receptacle works and sometimes it appears dead. This might be an indication of a loose connection.
2. Does the faceplate seem hotter to touch than normal? This might be an indication of a poor connection. 
3. Do you notice the distinctive smell of burning or melting insulation? 
4. Do you hearthe distinctive sound of electrical arcing? 
If any of these are apparent. Call an electrician!
Finally periodic review of your electrical system say every 5 years may be wise to avoid unpleasant surprises. Check with your electrician on this.

Roland Klann
RHI BC Licence 47331
HomePro Systems2000 Inc.
604-240-3314
www.Homeprosystems2000.ca

TGIF - NOW IS YOUR MOMENT

Another fabulous sunny, warm Friday!  And...our phones have been ringing off the hook with sellers wanting to consult on how best to prepare their homes for the Spring 2014 market.  It is quite amazing the impact TV real estate shows have on the market - now most people are aware that they need to declutter, paint & update to create a positive first impression.  And, we are only too happy to advise which improvements are worthwhile.
    
The ironic aspect of all this is that, right now, our market is active with an increased  number of sales and a decreased inventory, making it the ideal time to be a seller. As interest rates have risen and a further rate hike anticipated for the New Year, buyers are jumping off the fence and buying homes.  So...if you are contemplating selling, now is your moment - especially if you own a detached home or a townhome. The Spring market will bring greater competition along with less opportunity to achieve the upper end of your price range.  We are  always happy to discuss the market with you and analyze the endless statistics.

On a political note - if you are a Coquitlam resident remember to get out and vote Saturday, October 26 for the by-election.  11 candidates  are vying for two vacant Council seats and can be heard at 2 All Candidates meetings this week:- Wed. 7pm Douglas College - David Lam Campus and Thurs. 7pm, Banting Middle School. Make it a great turnout!

When it comes to real estate we've got you covered!  

Sheila

MORTGAGE TALK WEDNESDAY WITH DANIELA SERENA

It pays to use a mortgage broker.  Not exactly sure what we do? Once you read this, you will probably ask “why doesn’t EVERYONE use a mortgage broker?”
 
Today’s mortgage consumers are faced with more lenders, mortgages, features and rates than ever before. On top of that, current mortgages are often highly complicated and specialized. The only way to be confident you’re getting the mortgage that’s right for you is to rely on the services of a mortgage broker.
 
1. Specialist vs. Generalist. Mortgages aren’t a sideline for brokers.   As specialists, we fully understand mortgages, study rate markets, talk to lenders on a daily basis and keep abreast of the latest product developments. Plus, we are seasoned negotiators so we can help make sure you get the best available rate from lenders.

2. More Choices. Mortgage brokers aren’t dedicated to a single lender, so we can offer the full spectrum of mortgages from virtually any lender on the market. No matter what you need, we  can access it, explain it and make sure it’s priced right for you.

3. Brokers Make Lenders Compete. We shop your application to a wide range of lenders and get them to compete for your business. When lenders know there are several others in the running, they offer their best rate and features right up front.

4. Unbiased Advice. As independent business people, we do not have allegiance to a particular lender. So our expert advice is in YOUR best interest instead of the lenders’.  How comforting is that?

5. Save Time and Energy. Shopping for mortgages can be time consuming and frustrating if you do it yourself.  We can shop dozens of lenders in the time it takes you to book a single appointment at your bank. And all that choice helps ensure you’ll save money too!


Whether it’s your first purchase, an investment property, time to renew your mortgage or you require a refinance, a mortgage broker makes sense.  My services are free, so call me any time for a consultation at 604.889.6750 so we can explore all your options.

TGIF - DAY OF THE GIRL

Today, October 11 is designated the Day of the Girl.  Wanting our girls to be smart, have fun, make wise choices, be confident, fulfil their potential and on...natural goals for parents and grandparents in this new complicated world of social media where privacy is a rare commodity.  'Watz Up Girlz' is a great enjoyable place to start for young girls (Mums too) - htpp://watzupgirlz.com- "Girls run the world.  Be what you want to be."
    
And what an ideal week to wind up with this special day!  The week that Alice Munro won the Nobel prize for being the 'master of the short story' - there's a role model for us.  She is the first Canadian to win this prize and one of only 13 women ever to win. 
And...the week which celebrated one year since the Taliban shot Malala Yousafzai, a 16 year old Pakistan schoolgirl & education activist.  Far from silencing her, this terrorist act brought world wide attention to the plight of Pakistani girls and made Malala the articulate poster girl for human rights and education. 

   Thanksgiving weekend is the appropriate time for us to be grateful we live in Canada where we can freely be inspired to be the best we can be. Celebrate the harvest season and enjoy the conversation along with the turkey round your dinner table. 
    
Best wishes and safe travels for the holiday weekend. And remember, when it comes to real estate, we have you covered!

Sheila Francis

INSPECTOR INSIGHTS: FALL MAINTENANCE

With the onset of fall weather and the rain and storms, maintenance on the exterior areas of the home becomes more important. After a major event a quick look at the roofing surfaces with a pair of binoculars from the ground can often reveal problem areas or damage. Also look on the ground if wind damage is suspected; look for roofing materials from your roof indicating there is damage. If you suspect a roof leak, look in your attic if it is accessible and safe to do so. Ensure any valley areas are free of debris. A check of the gutter for cleaning is also recommended. Check the downspouts to ensure they are attached properly. For downspouts that are discharging onto lower roof areas we recommend extending and directing them into the lower gutter to avoid premature wear on the roofing materials. Climbing a ladder can difficult or even dangerous. Another product that is available is a downspout debris catcher. They are installed in the downspouts at ground level. Two advantages are that they are readily accessible for the homeowner to check even in adverse conditions and they help prevent debris entering the perimeter drains.

One area that is often overlooked is the perimeter drains. The perimeter drain functions by lowering the water table in below grade basements and crawlspaces. They keep your basement and crawlspace dry which is important for your health, safety and the general condition of your home. In order to do this they need to flow properly. As they are buried and hidden they are often overlooked. Depending on the age of your home, the soil conditions present, the materials and installation practices used, and other factors a visual inspection by video camera may prove beneficial. The video camera operator can identify and assess the condition and make recommendations for maintenance or repairs that will ensure the proper function of the system and prolong its lifespan as much as possible. Typical problems encountered are blockages due to silt build up or obstructions such as roots or partial collapse of the pipe or Clay or concrete tiles or shifting of the pipe.

Roland Klann, RHI BC Licence 47331 HomePro Systems2000 Inc. 604 240 3314 www.Homeprosystems2000.ca 
 

MORTGAGE MONDAYS WITH DANIELA SERENA

Get ready for it, stricter debt ratio standards are on the way!  When CMHC tightened mortgage rules last year, among the changes were stricter debt ratios and income confirmations. For typical borrowers, these are key factors in determining whether or not you’ll get a mortgage. If you’re close to the line on debt and income, last year’s changes have made it more difficult for you to qualify. And unfortunately, things are about to get even more difficult!
 
On June 27, 2013, CMHC issued new guidelines for calculating debt ratios and confirming income documents. While most lenders have already been following these rules, CMHC is now closing the “loopholes” that allowed some lenders to offer easier approval for borrowers with tight debt ratios.

Here are some of the rules that have been clarified:
§  If you have variable income from things like bonuses, tips and investment income, lenders must use an amount not exceeding the average income of the past two years.
§  If you own other non-owner-occupied rental properties, the principal, interest, property taxes and heat on those properties must be deducted from gross rent revenue or included in “other debt obligations” when Total Debt Service ratio is calculated.
§  For unsecured credit lines and credit cards, no less than 3% of the outstanding balance must be included in monthly debt payments.
§  For secured lines of credit, lenders must factor in “the equivalent” of a payment that's based on “the outstanding balance amortized over 25 years.”
§  For heating costs, lenders must obtain the actual heating cost records of a property or use a set heating cost formula. This can double or triple the cost factored into debt ratios on larger properties, and reduce it on smaller ones.
 
These are just some of the guidelines and they can change depending on the Lender.  Since the new rules take effect on December 31, 2013, it’s important to talk to me if you are currently shopping, refinancing or if your current mortgage is up for renewal soon.  Until that deadline, I still have access to a select group of lenders who may be able to provide the mortgage approval you need. For more information, please call  me today at 604.889.6750.
 

TGIF

While much of the rest of the world gears down for a recreational weekend, we in the real estate business ramp up for a full on weekend of showings!  And, compared to this time last year, it's busy!
 
     On reviewing the September stats, our Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board president, Sandra Wyant pointed out:- "While sales were up considerably from last year, it's important to note that September 2012 sales were among the lowest we've seen in nearly three decades.  Home sale and listing activity this September were in line with the 10 year average for the month."  For current sellers, the important statistic was that new listings for the month were down by 3.5 per cent compared to the same 10 year average, so...less competition than we would anticipate for Fall.  Cautious optimism is our mantra.  The rise in interest rates has attacked affordability for first time  buyers, which in turn has created a slow down in sales of entry level housing.  Pricing still remains key - buyers are savvy and spot the well priced property immediately - having recently resulted in some multiple offer situations. We are happy to interpret the stats for you and give you the local experience. We have you covered!
 
     Ours is a generous, caring community - witness last Saturday's fund raising gala when $168,000 was raised to purchase much needed ultrasound equipment for our own Eagleridge Hospital. Congrats all round!
 
     Work or play - have a great weekend!!  See you around the Cities. 
 
- Sheila

5 Tips for choosing the perfect pumpkin

1.) The best place to purchase a pumpkin is at a pumpkin patch, as that way you're assured that the pumpkin is fresh from the field and did not have to endure the jostling that occurs during shipment to supermarkets.
 
2.) It's important to look at the pumpkin from all sides before picking it. Look to make sure that the entire pumpkin is colored bright orange and that there are no bruises, soft spots, scars or mould.
 
3.) Choose a pumpkin with a large enough surface to easily carve, but not so large as to lose your design.
 
4.) Sit the pumpkin upright to make sure that it will sit level once you've brought it home to carve and display.
 
5.) It's important to make sure that the stem stays attached to the pumpkin. Pumpkins that are ready for picking should have dried, somewhat brittle stems that make them easy to pluck from the vine.