More Fall Maintenance

In this video, I'll show you why it's important to change your furnace filter regularly and show you how easy it is!  Click here to view "Changing Your Furnace Filter".

Speaking of Healthy Homes . . .

Over the next while, I hope to post some videos on home maintenance or repair. If you'd like to see your question answered, give me a shout or send me an email. Check out today's video on Duct Cleaning.

Office: 705-428-4500
Direct/Text: 705-733-5821
Email: jtalbot@remax.net


Cleaning Your Duct Work

YOU AND YOUR HOME'S HEALTH

Dear fellow Real estate owners and potential owners


When you own a home, we all know that it is an investment and we all want to protect our investment.

So a little maintenance is a great idea and well worth the time and can save you $1000’s in the long run. Just like a vehicle when it needs a repair we usually take care of it right away so that it will last us longer or be worth more if we go to sell it.

So I would like to help you protect what you work SO hard for.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind, for this fall ( before the snow flies) ( picture the snow flies)

- Are your plumbing vent stacks higher than potential snow depth on your roof, they must be able to breathe

- Get on your roof ( or hire someone) to check for potential leaks, or ice damming

- Be sure to maintain a humidity level around 50%, helps avoid dry skin and nose bleeds

- Check for heat loss around windows and doors. ( ask me how, it is simple, it can save you $)

- Check for heat loss around outlets, on exterior walls as well as interior walls.

- Remove window air conditioners, they can be a big heat loss.

- Check attic hatchs and light fixtures for heat loss.

- Check for deteriorated caulking, remove and re-caulk, keeps out cold air, moisture, bugs

- Bugs and rodents/pests look for warm places for the winter, they can cause a lot of damage.

- Turn off outside taps and drain, wrap all water pipes ( ask me why)

- Check for moisture gathering and mold in your bathroom, you should have an exhaust fan.

- For older windows consider shrink wrap or heavy curtains to keep heat in, be sure to open during daylight

- Look for condensation on windows and walls, fix the issue or it will frost up on Cold nights,

- Stake out things that may get buried in snow, this way snowblower won’t catch them

- Cut the grass one more time, it’s easier to rake off leaves and gravel in the spring, you’ll thank me

- Very important, be sure that your CO2 and smoke detector are working well.

- Remember to let the sun in during the winter to warm the house and be sure to close the drapes at night to keep the cold out, however , it is a must to open drapes in the daytime, ask me why? This is just the begining, please feel free to call me and I would be glad to help you better understand these and more items.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE A COMPLIMENTARY ANNUAL MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST, CALL OR EMAIL TODAY. IF YOU DO NOT OWN A HOUSE PASS IT ON TO SOME ONE THAT DOES AND TELL THEM I SENT IT. MAINTENANCE IS VERY IMPORTANT TO THE OVERALL HEALTH OF YOU AND YOUR HOME. CALL ME IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE DETAILS. IT'S FREE.

If you have any questions OR would like a HOME VISIT, please feel free to call me and I can explain in more detail and how this will affect your future home value. As well if you have any Real estate questions please give me a call today and I would be very happy to come and see you and give you some very helpful tips in maintenance to increase your home value. Check out my blog and website for more great information. As well when you or someone you know would like to buy or sell, call me today, and I will give them the great service they deserve.

Thankyou for taking the time to read this,

Joseph Talbot

705-733-5821 direct line/text

jtalbot@remax.net

Have a terrific day!!

REMEMBER, A HEALTHY HOME MAKES FOR A HEALTHIER YOU
 

What’s the Deal Here?



Have you ever thought of reducing the energy your home uses?  Have you ever looked at the cost associated with energy-related products and services?  Do you even care?

Well, as a realtor, an investor, a builder and a home-owner, I do care, but there are many factors to consider.  The overwhelming issue that tends to dictate whether or not I will invest, is usually the project’s cost and return on investment.

For instance, a while ago I spent the time and aggravation to purchase and install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) throughout my whole house.  I bought them from Canadian Tire and Home Depot , rather than the dollar store, so the cost was significant.  Highly recommended for energy efficiency and long life span, they were supposed to outlast regular bulbs by many, many hours. 

Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for me.  Most of them blew within a few months and boy do they stink when they blow up.  One Sunday, just before we headed out for Church , I noticed a blown CFL in my kitchen light fixture.  I quickly grabbed a chair and jumped up and to replace it.  When I tried to turn the bulb, the thinner glass actually broke in my hands and cut me.  (I still have all my fingers, just a little less blood.)

Then I start to read the warning labels on these CFL’s . . . TOXIC!!  Pregnant or nursing mothers and children should be evacuated from the room.  Needless to say, with small children in my home, I have not bought another one since and never will.

Now, how about the cost of these things??  I will never get my money out of them!  Not sure what the big hype was all about, but I figure it’s all a scam.  Next time I go and try and be energy conscious, I will be cautious enough to research and ask around more.

I have done many other things to help the environment and save on energy bills, but we will get into that next time.

Have you thought about reducing energy use in your home?  How have you been able to do it in a cost effective way?  Feel free to comment here.

Image Credit:  Retreived from http://www.pollsb.com/photos_handler/o/44370-switch_energy_saving_light_bulbs.jpg, October 4, 2011.

New Listing: 233 Cherry Street, Stayner

Welcome to this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom Century Home.  The lot is huge and the 2 story barn would be a great workshop or garage.  For more information or to view the inside of the home, book an appointment with Joseph today. 

Please ignore the cat's input throughout the video.  Not sure he wants us to sell the house.  :)             

                           

Long Weekend Cottage Country Traffic Got You at a Stand-Still?

Why not live here full time?

Real Estate in Georgian Bay area has so much to offer. With new properties being built all the time, and gorgeous older homes available too, we can find the home that's right for you. Whether you ski or golf at Blue Mountain, hike the Bruce Trail or swim at Wasaga Beach, living in this area gives you the opportunity to play, anytime!

So many companies are offering at least part-time solutions to the regular commute, such as part-time work weeks or telecommuting and many Torontonians are taking advantage, finding solitude in nature and unity in our small communities.

If you're not ready for full-time living, cottages, weekend homes and investment properties abound. Come and visit Stayner, Creemore, Wasaga Beach, Collingwood and the surrounding areas to explore your options. You won't be disappointed.

Stayner Home Renewed, Upstairs Down.

We recently turned this older, run-down home into a two-unit, income producing property. Do you need ideas for investment properties? With 25+ years combined, in building and real estate, I can provide some insight. If you have a property in mind, let's talk.

Basement apartment finally finito!

View more presentations from Joseph Talbot