My Blog › September 2012

How to budget for closing costs

closing costs If you're shopping for a new home, you're probably aware that there will be some costs over and above the purchase price. It makes sense to budget
for these costs so you're not surprised – and unprepared – when you get the bill.

Most of these costs fall into a category that the real estate industry calls "closing costs." The most common types include land transfer tax, lawyer’s fees and disbursements, sales taxes, and for newly-built homes, utility hookups.

You should also consider other expenses you will incur, such as home insurance and moving expenses.

Of course, if your new home is a condominium, you’ll also have to account for the monthly condo fees.

Closing costs can vary depending on the type and location of your new home. A good REALTOR® can help you determine the costs you will incur.


Easy Ways to "Go Green"

easy way to go green These days, most people want to do their bit to help the environment. Unfortunately, not everyone is willing, or able, to install solar panels on their roof or implement an in-ground heat recovery system.

Luckily, there are many smaller things you can do that can make a big difference. Here are some ideas that can help you "go green" easily and inexpensively.

Get a recycling bin and learn how to use it. Most jurisdictions have a recycling program. You may be able to get a rebate on your recycling bin or even get it for free. Keep a list of items that can be recycled on your fridge door, so that everyone in the family can participate.

Get a kitchen compost bin. Find out if your jurisdiction has a compost pick-up program. If they do, get a kitchen compost bin. Composting can reduce landfill waste by as much as 32%.

Use energy-saving light bulbs. Low energy light bulbs have come a long way in recent years. Their consistent glow and brightness now rival their incandescent counterparts. By replacing regular 40-watt bulbs with energysaving 8-watt bulbs, you could save nearly 50% of the electricity you used for lighting. Results may vary by brand.

Shop for local produce. Many grocery stores and supermarkets offer produce – fruits, vegetables, – that are grown within a 100 mile radius. The short transportation distance, means significantly less fossil fuel is required to get the produce delivered to your local store. Keep in mind that some non-local produce, such as apples in the off-season, often need to be transported thousands of miles.

Let nature do the work. As an alternative to air conditioning, open windows and block out the passive heat gain from the sun with curtains. Do the opposite in winter. Strategically using curtains and windows can lower your energy bill by as much as 20%.

As you can see, you don't have to do much to have a "greener" home. Just a few little changes can make a big difference.


New Listing 404 - 2368 Marpole Ave, Port Coquitlam, BC

V970734 - 404 - 2368 Marpole Ave, Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, CANADAView my new listing for sale at 404 - 2368 Marpole Ave, Port Coquitlam and currently listed at 309900.

Bright and spacious unit with almost 1200 square feet of living space. Located near the riverfront, this top floor unit has 2 bdrms and a den big enough to be a third bedroom. Open concept kitchen with granite countertops, and maple shaker cabinets. 9 foot ceilings make the living room airy. 2nd bedroom opens up on to the patio and master bedroom has a large walk in closet and ensuite with his and hers sinks. The building offers a guest suite and exercise/gym room and is just one block from groceries, banks, restaurants, doctors and many other conveniences for the best possible living experience. Walking distance to West Coast Express, bus, shopping and the charming urban center of PoCo, yet in super quiet & serene surroundings.

New Listing # 23 45545 TAMIHI WY, Sardis, BC

H1203805 - 23 - 45545 Tamihi Way, Sardis, British Columbia, CANADAView my new listing for sale SOLD at 23 - 45545 Tamihi Way, Sardis and currently listed at $250,900.SOLD

Court ordered sale, Duplex style townhome, located in Garrison Crossing, 3 bedrooms up with 1 bedroom in basement, kitchen with eating area, tile flooring, shaker cabients and skylight, gas fireplace in living room, rough in bath in basemen t, single garage with extra parking. Best priced listing in the complex. Call today to view.