Canada’s furry forecasters are calling for an early spring.
Ontario’s Wiarton Willie and Nova Scotia’s prognosticating rodent Shubenacadie Sam failed to see their shadows on Thursday morning.
However, the predictions by the Canadian groundhogs are at odds with Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil, who is calling for six more weeks of winter.
The forecasts come in the middle of an unusually mild winter that has taken even seasoned meteorologists by surprise.
Environment Canada warned this fall to expect colder-than-normal temperatures in the north and west.
But the past few months have brought balmy weather peppered with a few cold snaps in most of the country.
Last year, several of the groundhogs — including Willie — predicted an early spring while a raging snowstorm battered Ontario.
Folklore has it that if a groundhog sees his shadow on Groundhog Day he’ll flee to his burrow, heralding six more weeks of winter, and if he doesn’t, it means spring’s around the corner.
About 150 people cheered Sam’s forecast on an overcast day at Shubenacadie Wildlife Park shortly after dawn.
“I don’t think we are going to have balmy spring weather tomorrow, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel,” said Susan Penney, a station co-ordinator at the park, about 60 kilometres north of Halifax.
In Wiarton, a crowd in the hundreds, some dressed as groundhogs, waited as Mayor John Close listened to Willie’s prediction.
Close’s announcement of “hello summer, it’s an early spring,” drew wild cheers after Willie failed to see his shadow.
Sue Allison, 64, and her two friends donned blue and white faux fur hats — complete with ears — and groundhog masks to hear Willie’s prognostication.
The group has come out for the event for 10 years, and dressing up is part of the tradition, Allison said, clutching a stuffed toy groundhog.
“I’m very happy — I don’t think I want any more of this,” Allison said, though she admitted the weather “could be worse.”
Mac McKenzie, who started the Wiarton Willie tradition more than half a century ago, said the festival has helped put the southwestern Ontario community on the map.
“When we first had it, we had only 12 people, that’s all there was,” McKenzie said.
In the United States, Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his lair to “see” his shadow on Thursday, predicting six more weeks of winter.
The groundhog made his “prediction” to loud boos on Gobbler’s Knob, a tiny hill in the town for which he’s named about 100 kilometres northeast of Pittsburgh.
Temperatures were near freezing when he emerged at dawn, which is unseasonably warm for the area.
While Canada’s groundhogs may say the end of winter is just around the corner, meteorologists agree the country’s furry forecasters are predicting the end of something that hasn’t even begun.
Unseasonably warm temperatures from coast to coast have made winter a non-event for most Canadians, weather experts say, adding the unusual conditions have stymied their prognostications for months.
“The one thing uniting all Canadians right now is the question of ‘where’s winter?’ We’re almost sending a search party looking for it,” said Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips.
“Even in the Arctic we’re seeing examples of a winter that has not behaved normally the way it should be.”
Phillips said temperatures in Ontario have been consistently 3.5 degrees above normal for this time of year, while balmy breezes and recent rainfalls have washed away all traces of the season’s sparse snowfalls.
It’s been even warmer on the Prairies, with temperatures averaging 5.5 to seven degrees warmer than usual, he added.
Meteorologists say typical signs of winter have been wiped out by an “arctic oscillation,” a phenomenon that’s seen the constantly moving jet stream remain relatively stationary and keep winter conditions at bay.
“The general idea here is that the jet stream is pushing a bit farther north this year,” said Chris Scott, a meteorologist with the Weather Network. “It’s allowing more warm air to come across much of the country. It’s also keeping that cold air well to the north.”
Scott said the oscillation has been enough to counter the effect of La Nina, a cooling of ocean waters off the coast of South America, that usually sends colder air towards Canada.
It was the presence of La Nina that prompted forecasters to warn of a particularly harsh winter in parts of the country. Environment Canada said the west coast was in for particularly icy conditions, while the Weather Network’s projections included warnings of major storms in western Canada and a roller-coaster of fluctuating temperatures nationwide.
Scott believes the abnormal conditions are likely to last into February, but suggests the unpredictable season may still have surprises in store.
Phillips agrees.
“Here where winter is born, where we built a reputation on winter, it is premature to expect that winter will go away and spring is on the way in spite of what the groundhogs say.”
SOURCE: www.thestar.com

Enhancing curb appeal isn't as cumbersome - or costly - as it may sound. It's all about timely exterior prep to boost a property's value.
When you've invested in a home, the exterior plays a huge factor in how quickly it sells. The experts will tell you: it's all about the impact of curb appeal.

"It means when you pull up to the house, there's only one chance to make a first impression," says Jim Cleghorn, Pillar to Post certified home inspector.

"So you try to make sure what the potential buyer first sees has a positive impact."

Here, Cleghorn and Marshall McCaroll, president of Toronto's Dale Construction Ltd., give their advice on simple, low-cost work almost any everyday investor could do.

1) Wash the home's front, sides and windows

Washing a home seems like a daunting task but according to McCaroll, it's actually easy. "For most siding, you can rent a pressure washer and do a thorough clean," he says.

Consider safety first though because depending on how tall the building sides are and how experienced you are, it's dangerous to climb up a ladder while operating a pressure washer.

When a potential homebuyer looks at it, if it's dirty, they think, it's all rundown," adds McCaroll. Washing dirty windows is also an easy fix and just like the eavestroughs, re-do the window frame paint if it's flaking off.

2) Fix broken concrete walkways

Walkways and steps often come up as a concern during home inspections says Cleghorn.

"When you walk up to a house, people see it right away if they are chipped or cracked," he adds. McCaroll assumes most people would not be able to remove the broken concrete then pour a new mix and make it look presentable.

Instead, he suggests interlocking stone for the less experienced handyperson to achieve a nice walkway look.

3) Pay attention to your front door

The front door is so obvious yet easily forgettable. "Peeling paint or a dirty door is a really common oversight but it stares you right in the face when a prospective buyer walks up to the house," says McCaroll. The main door is typically sound but McCaroll has seen screen doors that damage a home's initial look.

"Anybody with just a little bit of skill could replace a screen door," he adds. Cleghorn stresses paying attention to the caulking around both door and window frames.

"It's not something you see right away as a potential buyer but if I have to do an inspection, I will say it needs to be re-done," he says. "You immediately think that cost isn't huge but if it's neglected, water damage may occur and someone will call you out on it."

4) Watch for exterior lighting

Like the front door, lighting is easy to overlook especially if people are viewing the home mostly during the day.

Upgrading an older light fixture to something more modern or classic provides an instant facelift.

But before you replace it, remember to shut off all circuitry first so as not to electrocute yourself or accidentally start a fire.

5) Fix loose railings

If the property has a porch or deck out front, Cleghorn reminds owners to tighten or fix any loose railings. This contributes to the home's overall appearance.

6) "Paint" your driveway

To spruce up a tired and worn asphalt driveway, apply a top sealer coating known as coal-tar solution or dry waste sealer that can be found at Canadian Tire, Rona or any home renovation store.

"It's a 20-litre pail, black and it just goes on like painting your driveway," says McCaroll, meaning you don't have to do any major work, such as pulling up the existing asphalt. "You would sweep off the driveway and most of the sealers require you to dampen it down with the garden hose," he adds.

"So make sure all the dirt is off otherwise it would be like painting a dirty wall. It's just not going to stick as well. The instructions are normally easy to follow and anybody just with marginal skill can do it."

7) Clean out the eavestroughs

Eavestroughs often go ignored because of their height but it affects the overall appearance of a home. "When they're all old and dilapidated, it could make the house look rundown from the front," says McCaroll.

Typically, older eavestroughs will have paint flaking off and so they need to be re-painted properly but just ensure you strip off the old coat first.

You won't likely have to replace it all though. If it has come loose, you'll want to reattach it accordingly to the roof.

Also, if the troughs are dirty or there are leaves and vines growing in them, you must clean it up.

Repair roof shingles

The roof is another difficult task for the everyday investor to handle but it's still possible to take care of it.

"If you walk up and you're looking from the front street of the house, and the roof shingles are curled and it looks old because of that, it should be addressed," says McCaroll.

"I know a lot of people don't look at buying a house when the roof looks beat up because they know it's a big expense to repair. It's pretty easy to spend $6,000 or $7,000 just to do a bungalow roof."

A few shabby shingles can be recovered on your own but replacing the entire roof is a huge project. "Most people are pretty nervous getting on a roof whereas a contractor would have the safety equipment to do it," says McCaroll.

9) Tidy loose wires

Over time, telephone and TV cable wires can become loose around the house, often along brick. New ones may have been introduced and the companies setting it up don't prioritize the appearance. So don't let wires hang or droop about.

Most potential homebuyers are accepting of wires if they're tied up and look neat. All it requires is stapling or nailing them into place.

10) Maintain trees and shrubs, clean up your yard

Landscaping is tremendously important to overall curb appeal so ensure trees and shrubs are properly maintained.

"You don't want trees hanging over and touching a roof," says Cleghorn. "Sometimes too, if it's older greenery, the odd times you get ice storms, you don't want big heavy branches banging up against the side of the house. It will damage roofing material, and pull down gutters and downspouts."

Trees should be pruned regularly as Cleghorn has seen bad weather or heavy wind take down trees, which could possibly smash into the home. As for the yard, there shouldn't be any debris, garbage or casted off material in the front yard (or backyard).

"Sometimes you go to houses and people pile all sorts of stuff outside," says Cleghorn. "It just creates an image you don't want if you're trying to go for a nice clean sale and keep the value up for your property.

If people think they're going to have to rent a dumpster or go to all kinds of trouble to clean up, it's a huge turn-off." Generally, these suggestions will uphold the home value. Anything not properly kept becomes a negotiating point that brings down the price.

"You don't want to be negotiating $10,000 or $20,000 worth because the buyer says 'I have to do all of this work,' and that's what could happen if it's not clean," says Cleghorn.

"If you're in a competitive market, or you have a buyer choosing between your house and another, it might be a strike against you if the house's appearance isn't great. There's nothing better than a well-maintained home."

Source: www.canadianrealestatemagazine.ca

If Santa is nearly ready to jingle all the way to your house, you want to be sure to deck the halls to welcome the jolly old elf in country cottage style. With a mixture of natural and synthetic elements, you can turn any space into a cozy tribute to the holidays. By adding a few classic touches to each room, your home will exude the warmth that calls to mind roasting chestnuts, visions of sugar plums and boughs of holly.
Start decorating in the kitchen since you and your guests will spend a lot of time there baking, eating and visiting throughout the month of December. Add table linens to your dining table in simple Christmas colors or plaid. Set the table with your best china, and build a centerpiece using a large glass bowl filled with natural elements such as pinecones or apples.
Decorate the Christmas tree with red bows, bunches of holly berries, solid color ornaments in red, green and gold and real pinecones. Fill the tree with white lights to make the ornaments sparkle.
Carry the traditional colors through the rest of your living spaces, adding touches of country Christmas decor to tables, mantle pieces, doorways and windowsills. Swag simple garlands decorated with holly berries and pinecones, and hang ornaments and mistletoe from sconces and chandeliers.
Hang wreaths in windows and on all of the doors in the house. Simple wreaths that repeat the natural theme work well.
Scatter candles around the house on sturdy surfaces to bring a soft glow to all of the rooms. The flickering flames will highlight the simplicity of your decorations.
Buy two or three holiday-themed throw pillows for your sofa, and add a cozy throw to an arm chair to complete the Christmas transformation.
Source: www.ehow.com

PARRY SOUND – Beatty Street will house the town’s new elementary school.
The Near North District School Board (NNDSB) made the announcement Friday after years of searching for a place to build.
Construction is scheduled to start next summer, with students in the classroom for the 2013-2014 school year, said NNDSB chair Kathy Hewitt
“It feels great, it’s been a long process,” said Hewitt. “There’s been a lot of hurdles and glitches, but now they’ve all been cleaned up.”
The new elementary school will replace the aged William Beatty and Victory public schools.
The province announced $12 million in funding for the project in 2009 after a public review committee determined replacing the two aging schools with one new building was the best solution to a problem of dropping enrolment and deteriorating infrastructure.
The town had decided just three days before last week’s announcement to write the school board requesting an update on the search after 10 months of silence on the issue. With the announcement, the note isn’t needed.
“It’s great that they have chosen a site and now we know where it is and hopefully they will sit down with our staff and figure out the logistics with a school at that location,” said Parry Sound Mayor Jamie McGarvey when the North Star broke the school board’s news to him Friday.
Before construction can begin on the nearly vacant lot, about eight-acres in size, the board must first request Parry Sound rezone the property and prove the site isn’t contaminated from its previous use as a trucking depot.
Providing that proof isn’t expected to be a problem.
“The previous owner had a Record of Site Condition because they were going to use it for residential,” said the town’s director of community development, Iain Laing.
The school board must also complete a traffic study and make sure the sewer and water systems are adequate for the land’s new use.
The board will probably have to put at least one sidewalk along the road.
“Providing safe access to the proposed school and the safety of the area and safety for the children going to the school will all be assessed in the traffic study - that’s the main reason for having one,” said Laing.
The school board is expected to pay for upgrades needed to accommodate the new school.
The school was expected to open for the 2012-2013 school year.
“Because of the length of time to get the property…it has moved the closing date up,” said Hewitt.
She added that the province has “given us the go-ahead for this piece of property.”
“We have a clean piece of property, fairly flat, set to go,” said Hewitt.
The principals of William Beatty and Victory are pleased with the announcement.
“We are forging ahead with our new school building,” said Julie Beaudoin, Principal of Victory Public School in a press release. “We are very excited to be moving this project forward. This modern building will help support our students in their pursuit of excellence in their academic journeys. This new school will be a positive addition to the community of Parry Sound. We welcome the adventure we are about to embark on.”
Her counterpart at William Beatty said the announcement was “welcome news.”
“The staff and I are thrilled about this announcement,” said principal Jody Mayhew. “The new school will offer our students many new learning opportunities both inside and outside the building. The large open space is an ideal setting for the building of the new school.”
The sale of the land closed Wednesday.
The school board still needs provincial approval for a school design, which it hopes will come this winter, said Hewitt.
The project’s architect is expected to present the board with a project timeline later this week.
The former landowners are slated to remove the office and garage building on the property left over from previous industrial use.
Source: www.cottagecountrynow.ca

Studies over the past few years have shown a solid trend regarding home sizes. Buyers today want smaller homes with smaller price tags. During the boom era in the mid-2000's, homeownership was about McMansions and spacious sprawls. The recent recession and continued ailing recovery have made many families rethink their budgets and lifestyles. A 9.1 percent unemployment rate hasn't "helped."
So, this question is posed. How much space does your family really need? This isn't a simple cut and dry question. Every family has different needs and dynamics.
Let's put things into perspective, though. Having a large, show-stopper home doesn't equate with family happiness. Many families in centuries past lived happily in one room cabins and small-scale homes.
There are social benefits to sharing tighter quarters. Some families feel that smaller homes forces more together time, which means more time for bonding and strengthening relationships.
Smaller homes mean reduced costs across the board. Let's examine these for a moment. Property taxes are based on the value of your land and home. While more prestigious neighborhoods and homes within city limits typically pay higher taxes, remember that a smaller home in that same prestigious neighborhood will pay a smaller dollar amount in taxes each year. Maintenance costs are also lower. It costs much less to replace a roof on a 1,000 square foot house than it does on a 6,000 square foot one!
The same goes for home insurance and, let's not forget, the actual purchase price of the home. Reduced size means reduced costs.
Perhaps the most important item is reduced energy costs. Smaller homes take less energy (and money) to heat and cool. Plus, there are fewer rooms and that means fewer lights to be left on!
Today's standard home, according to recent statistics from the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction, is 2,150 square feet. This is down considerably from the boom era seen just 5 or 6 short years ago.
These standard houses have 2.5 baths and 3 bedrooms. Can your children share a bedroom? You bet. It can teach responsibility, sharing, and how to get along with others. These are all great lessons to learn as a child.
These standard houses also feature a garage, central air, a fireplace, separate dining room, and three miscellaneous rooms. This doesn't sound like a one room shack! It's simply an adjustment from the McMansions that boasted media rooms, exercise rooms, 5+ bedrooms, and a bathroom for every member of the family.
Just 60 years ago, when many people's grandparents or parents were first entering the housing market, the average home was just 1,000 square feet. Quaint and charming, these houses made warm and loving homes.
If you're thinking of entering the housing market and are feeling trapped by shrinking budgets, just remember that smaller houses can be just as charming, functional, and full of love!
Source: Carla Hill www.realtytimes.com

Canada grants — Good news!
The Government of Canada announced an extension of the popular eco ENERGY Home Retrofit Program on June 6, 2011. This program will grant Canadian homeowners rebates of up to $5,000 for home energy retrofits. To qualify you need a home energy audit before you up grade. For information or to book your eco ENERGY home energy audit, call 1-877-732-9888.

Ontario rebates — Good news!
The Government of Ontario has renewed the Ontario Home Energy Audit program starting April 1, 2011. This program pays rebates of $150 toward the cost of a home energy audit. For more information or to book your Ontario home energy audit, call 1-877-732-9888.

Source: http://www.homeperformance.com

Your house should always be available for show, even though it may occasionally be inconvenient for you. Let your listing agent put a lock box in a convenient place to make it easy for other agents to show your home to homebuyers. Otherwise, agents will have to schedule appointments, which is an inconvenience. Most will just skip your home to show the house of someone else who is more cooperative.
Most agents will call and give you at least a couple of hours notice before showing your property. If you refuse to let them show it at that time, they will just skip your house. Even if they come back another time, it will probably be with different buyers and you may have just lost a chance to sell your home.
Try Not to be Home
Homebuyers will feel like intruders if you are home when they visit, and they might not be as receptive toward viewing your home. Visit the local coffee house, yogurt shop, or take the kids to the local park. If you absolutely cannot leave, try to remain in an out of they way area of the house and do not move from room to room. Do not volunteer any information, but answer any questions the agent may ask.
Lighting
When you know someone is coming by to tour your home, turn on all the indoor and outdoor lights – even during the day. At night, a lit house gives a "homey" impression when viewed from the street. During the daytime, turning on the lights prevents harsh shadows from sunlight and it brightens up any dim areas. Your house looks more homey and cheerful with the lights on.
Fragrances
Do not use scented sprays to prepare for visitors. It is too obvious and many people find the smells of those sprays offensive, not to mention that some may be allergic. If you want to have a pleasant aroma in your house, have a potpourri pot or something natural. Or turn on a stove burner (or the oven) for a moment and put a drop of vanilla extract on it. It will smell like you have been cooking.
Pet Control
If you have pets, make sure your listing agent puts a notice with your listing in the multiple listing service. The last thing you want is to have your pet running out the front door and getting lost. If you know someone is coming, it would be best to try to take the pets with you while the homebuyers tour your home. If you cannot do that, It is best to keep dogs in a penned area in the back yard. Try to keep indoor cats in a specific room when you expect visitors, and put a sign on the door. Most of the time, an indoor cat will hide when buyers come to view your property, but they may panic and try to escape.
The Kitchen Trash
Especially if your kitchen trash can does not have a lid, make sure you empty it every time someone comes to look at your home – even if your trash can is kept under the kitchen sink. Remember that you want to send a positive image about every aspect of your home. Kitchen trash does not send a positive message. You may go through more plastic bags than usual, but it will be worth it.
Keep the House Tidy
Not everyone makes his or her bed every day, but when selling a home it is recommended that you develop the habit. Pick up papers, do not leave empty glasses in the family room, keep everything freshly dusted and vacuumed. Try your best to have it look like a model home – a home with furniture but nobody really lives there.
Source:www.realestateabc.com

Contractors
If you’ve decided to do some renovations on your home to make it more sellable, it’s time to look for a credible contractor. Before anyone begins work on your home, it is important to do your homework.

1. Ask for Referrals
· Your architect will make recommendations
· Your agent will offer some suggestions
· Contact friends or neighbours who have had similar work done
· Ask at your local builder supply store
When you’re interviewing contractors, ensure their credibility. Contact their references. Ask to see some samples of the contractor’s work and speak to his clients to ensure that they were satisfied with the prices, length of time in which the project was completed and overall, how the project was handled. Also, check with your local Better Business Bureau.
Once you have the names of a few contractors that look promising arrange to get estimates from them. By arranging for three quotes you’ll get a good idea of the costs and quality of work.

When going over the project with your contractor, ensure that he understands your needs and your budget. Each contractor will have a different idea on how to approach the work and they should inspect your home before giving an estimate. If contractors are bidding based on an architects plans, be certain that they have detailed their approach to the job based on the drawings.

What’s more, if there is a significant difference in the price, ask the contractors to explain their estimates. And keep in mind that the lowest price is not always the best. A price that’s too low may mean that the contractor has undercut to get the project and then may submit additional project costs once the project is underway. As well, a high price doesn’t always mean that you’re getting gouged. The contractor may have budgeted for higher quality materials and may offer workmanship that is of an overall better quality.

In every case, before you sign the contract, be certain that it is as detailed as possible to the point of noting the specific finishes and brand names of the products to be installed.

2. Evaluating a Quotation
· Are the specific details of the project outlined?
· Are the specific costs detailed?
· Is there a provision for extra costs?
· Has a cap been set for the total project?
· Is there a firm project timeline?
· Has the contractor allotted time for inspections?
· Have you indicated that you wish to see all the material receipts?
· Will the work be subcontracted?

Source: www.remaxcentre.ca

Part 1
Agents
A real estate agent is a professional who can save you time and trouble. And possibly even a lot of money. You see, real estate agents have the home buying experience most people lack. They know all of the steps and they are good negotiators who will work on your behalf.
An agent will:
· Fine-tune your wants/needs list
· Get special computer access to listing information
· Screen houses so as not to waste your time
· Arrange appointments
· Offer helpful advice about the neighbourhood
Introduce you to trusted contacts who should be on your team, such as mortgage brokers, lawyers, and home inspectors. Above all, find a real estate agent who is a professional in the type of home you’re looking for. A country home professional may not be the urban market specialist you need. And when speaking with your agent, be and clear as possible about your needs.
Source: http://www.remaxcentre.ca/

The down-payment is a crucial component of the home buying process – with a few exceptions, and everyone needs one. So, how do you figure out what you have, and what you can possibly bring to the table…

The more money you have for a down-payment when purchasing your home, the less it will cost you. And that doesn’t just mean paying less in interest costs over the life of a smaller mortgage. If you have at least 20% of the home’s purchase price that you can use as a down-payment, you can obtain a conventional mortgage. The key advantage to a conventional mortgage is that you do not need mortgage insurance: Banks are required by law to ensure that customers have such insurance when there is less than 20% equity in a home purchase transaction. Mortgage insurance premiums can range from 1.25% to 3.75% of the amount being borrowed, and can be paid in full on closing, or added to the mortgage amount.

So while you do have to pay a premium because your down payment is small, mortgage insurance may help make it possible for you to own a home that you might not otherwise be able to afford.

First, estimate your cash resources. They may be bigger than you think. The first step in figuring out the down-payment
you can afford is calculating your net worth. Your net worth is the total value of all your assets, minus all your debts. Then subtract from this your estimated moving costs and closing costs – which can add several thousands of dollars to your overall home purchase costs. Your net worth will help you determine both what you can afford, and what assets may be used toward a down-payment.

Now, where to find the cash:

Do you have RRSPs? You can be eligible to cash out up to $25,000 of your RRSP with no tax penalty on your first home. These are funds that do have to be paid back into your RRSP over a 15-year period.

Can your parents gift you some monies? Financial gifts from parents, which are non-taxable, can be used for the down-payment (gifts from other relatives are taxable). Gifts from family often come with strings – and emotional complications. It’s a personal decision that depends on family dynamics – remember that before you accept a generous offer.

Do you have any stocks or bonds that you can cash out? But first, consider whether this is the best time to liquidate your investment portfolio. If you have a valuable collection or antiques that you are willing to part with, the cash from the sale of those items can also go toward your down-payment.

If this is your second home, you can use the equity you have built in your first home as a down-payment. The crucial element of your down-payment is that none of the money must be borrowed from other sources. If you do receive a gift of cash for example, your lender will want to see a letter confirming that it is a gift, not a loan.

Now if you don’t have assets you can liquidate, there may be other options for you. Mortgage insurers will insure mortgages for up to 95% of the purchase price, so you only need to come up with a maximum down-payment of 5% of the purchase price of your home. In addition, at least one bank offers a no-down-payment mortgage designed primarily for young professionals, and other programs that are designed to help you save for a down-payment.

™ Trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia.

With summer's kickoff on the way, it's time to get your home in top shape for the months ahead. Whatever your weather, taking some time to take care of your home will help to ensure a worry-free, comfortable summer.


OUTDOORS
Inspect siding for cracks and make any needed repairs.
If paint is peeling, cracking, or chipped, repair and repaint now to limit damage to the underlying materials.
Repair any damaged caulking around windows and doors.
Remove window screens and clean with a soft brush and soapy water. Repair any holes or tears before reinstalling.
Have air conditioning units serviced to ensure good operation. Promote good air circulation around the unit by keeping shrubs and plants trimmed.
Clear debris from gutters and eaves to allow rainwater to drain properly
Seal cracks in the driveway and keep walkways clear of debris and overgrown plants
Test irrigation/sprinkler systems and replace any broken sprinkler heads or emitters. Check for proper water coverage and adjust if necessary.
Power wash decks and patios and seal surfaces as appropriate.
INDOORS
Vacuum refrigerator coils to help maintain energy efficiency.
Empty dehumidifier pans and clean hoses according to the manufacturer's instructions.
If possible, take area rugs outside and hang them over a deck or porch rail to air out.
Adjust ceiling fans for proper balance.
Change filters in window-mounted air conditioning units.
Switch heavy bedding out for lightweight summer fabrics. Have the winter bedding cleaned before storing.
Close the chimney flue to prevent insects from entering and to help keep cool air in.
Repot houseplants to give their roots a fresh start for the summer.
Check door and cabinet hinges and lubricate any that stick or squeak.
Open windows on cooler days to keep fresh air flowing throughout the home.
Source: www.pillartopost-muskoka.com

Taking the time to narrow down your house-hunting priorities can help your real estate agent provide you with a range of properties that meet your criteria, which increases your chances of finding the house that's right for you.
Important home buying questions to ask yourself:
1. Is this home the right size? Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms?
2. Is the yard big enough? Does it have a finished basement?
3. Is it in your general price range?
4. What is the condition of the home? How old is the furnace and wiring? Take a look at the roof and the foundation.
5. Take a look at the neighbourhood. What's the condition of other homes in the area? Does the community appeal to you?
6. Is there access to public transit and major roads? Are there good public facilities like schools, hospitals, shopping and recreation facilities in the area?
7. Is this an older, more established neighbourhood or a new development?
8. How do the municipal taxes compare to those in other areas? Are there any development plans that will affect the neighbourhood?
9. Are there any zoning bylaws that might affect you - such as your ability to have a home office in your house?
10. Does the property have the potential to increase in value?
Source: www.cibc.com

Opening The Cottage? Check The Appliances!
It is an annual ritual performed by many Canadians each year. Opening the cottage signals the
beginning of yet another summer of family fun, rest and relaxation. Minimize risks by taking the time
to do it right!

Check Your Electrical Service
Do a visual inspection of the power lines leading into your cottage. If there is any damage or limbs
on the wires report it to the local utility and have it repaired or corrected before turning the service
on in your cottage. Inspect the condition of the wiring inside and out. Mice and other rodents can
damage it during the winter months. Have an electrician repair any damage.

Check The Appliances
Under serviced or poorly maintained propane appliances such as stoves, refrigerators and heaters
can be dangerous. After sitting dormant for the winter months, have them inspected and serviced by
a qualified technician before using them. Consider replacing old appliances with new ones that
include safety features.

Safety Equipment
Install smoke alarms just as you would at home and test them to ensure they work. Install carbon
monoxide alarms just as you would at home. If you have smoke and CO alarms, replace the
batteries to start the season. Make sure you have a fully charged fire extinguisher located in a
highly visible spot. Ensure everyone knows how to use it.

General Cleanup
Cleanup rubbish, leaves and branches outside to reduce the risk of fire. Dispose of old cleaning
solvents and fuels, such as gasoline, kerosene and naphtha at a hazardous waste distribution
centre. They are no longer useable but still represent a considerable fire risk. If you have an
approved fire pit outside for campfires, clean it up and cut back any branches or brush that may
have grown too close.

Source: http://www.townofbwg.com

Once you become a cottage or cabin owner, you naturally become dedicated to preserving nature. Enjoyment of nature’s beauty is what a cottage is all about, and most cottagers and cottage associations want to make sure that the beauty they are enjoying remains untouched. Here are a few ways to make your experience a little greener.

1. Make septic care a priority
If your septic system is mismanaged, you may be leaching raw sewage directly into the groundwater and, depending on the location of your septic, directly into your lake. In fact, septics and farms are two of the largest contributors to eutrophication, or the process through which a body of water starts growing more weeds due to excessive phosphorus. So how can you help your lake? Have a septic contractor come in to have a look at your septic to see if it is large enough for your needs, see if it needs any remedial work, and set up a regular pumping and maintenance schedule. It may be costly at first, but think of preserving the clarity of your lake water.
Once you have it done, spread the word among your neighbours either through your cottage association or informal get-togethers. Septic care should be a priority for everyone who wants to preserve precious lake water.

2. Save water and conserve energy
Shower heads and hot water tanks tend to be a bit outdated in a cottage. For a quick water-saving measure, install a low-flow shower head. This will save valuable dollars and it makes sense. If you want to go a little farther, and have enough solar exposure to do it, consider installing a solar hot water heater. This is a good move if you plan on staying at your cottage throughout retirement, as you will cut down on your ongoing monthly bills.

3. Preserve your septic by not killing it with chemicals
Many people think that if their septic is large enough, they can use whatever they like in it. This is not the case. A healthy septic system thrives on anaerobic bacteria, which will not thrive if you use chemicals or antibacterials in your laundry or dishwasher. Healthy cleaning products will also help your septic, as well as your own health. Bleach, CLR, Ajax, and other harsh chemical cleaners should be used sparingly and avoided if possible. Less chemicals in your septic mean fewer problems, which can ultimately affect your pocketbook.
Ask your guests to bring natural, biodegradable shampoos and personal care products and be ready to provide them if your city guests forget.

4. Go local with your food
Many cottage areas boast local farms, meat producers, and dairies. Take advantage of this by doing a scouting mission for these farms in your area. There are many handy tools online to do this with, and you can also contact your nearest chamber of commerce. If they can’t help you, they’ll be happy to direct you to an organization that can.

5. Quarantine your plants
There are many potential pests that can infiltrate a forest. From Japanese Maple disease to Asian Longhorned beetles, there are many potential issues you can bring with you if you truck in plants from the city. Avoid bringing plants or firewood to the cottage, and shop local for your plants and gardening supplies where you can. Where it isn’t possible to shop locally, buy your plants at the store on the way to the cottage, rather than purchasing them and storing them at your home for any length of time. This will cut down on potential risk factors.
SOURCE: http://www.myessentia.com

People may talk about the big and scary grizzly bears in British Columbia or polar bears in the Arctic, but the scariest creature in all of Canada is the black fly of Northern Ontario.
Nowhere else on the planet are the black flies as big as in Northern Ontario. They will take the screen right off your tent if they can smell you inside! So you don’t feel like going outdoors. But I was up surveying land so I had to go .. out to work.
Well all day long you’re swatting and squashing, squashing and swatting those black flies, trying to clear the air. You’re itchy and scratching, scratching millions of itchy bites right from your head to your little toes. And all you want to do is get your surveying work done!
One day I said to my friend, “Oh dear the black flies are bad this year!” “Well they were WORSE last year!” she said.
“They must have been scary if they were worse last year.” I replied. “Were there more?” “More!” my friend roared, “ the clouds of black flies were so thick you couldn’t breathe! You were scratching your itchy black fly bites morning, noon and night. I’m sure I lost 20 kilos from all the blood the black flies took out of me! And one day I see this loud black cloud coming towards me. I don’t know what to do. Luckily I find a rain barrel. I get inside the rain barrel, hoping to hide from the black flies.
Just when I think I’m safe, I hear a sound like bullets hitting the rain barrel. In the dark in my rain barrel I can just about see – the black flies’ little jaws coming right through the rain barrel! I find a rock and I hammer down those little jaws like nails. I work fast!
Then I feel this strange sensation. And whoosh! I am flying up, up, up into the bright Northern Ontario sky. The black flies are carrying the rain barrel - with me inside!
SOURCE: www.radio-canada.ca