Hanging up Holiday Lights? Here’s a simple home check.

For many homeowners, the holiday season is a time to break out the ladder. While you’re up on the roof stringing lights, it’s a great opportunity to check out it’s condition and avoid costly future repairs.

Look at the condition of your shingles. Are any missing or damaged that need replacing? Check the flashing around drain pipes, vents and skylights to ensure there are no leaks. Inspect your chimney for loose bricks or mortar. And don’t forget to clear debris from your eavestroughs to ensure they’re draining freely. Then enjoy your holidays with some extra peace of mind!

Strong market forecast for 2018

Industry forecasts predict that 2018 will be another strong year for Canadian real estate, although not at the record and near record levels seen in 2017. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) national MLS® sales in 2018 are expected to exceed 495,000 units, due in part to tightening mortgage regulations and increased mortgage rates. Home prices are expected to stay strong, with CREA forecasting a national average price of $503,500 in 2018.

While it’s interesting to review national trends, home sales and prices can vary dramatically between communities, or even on the same street. That’s why it’s so important to get data that’s specific to your market. For a local perspective, contact your Coldwell Banker professional.

Affordable holiday gifts to make your home smarter

There’s growing interest about smart home technology, but some homeowners have the impression it’s an expensive undertaking. Actually, there are a number of very affordable ways to make your home ‘smart’ that you might consider for gift-giving season. Smart plugs let you control your electronic devices such as lights, fans, heaters and more from your phone or tablet, when you plug into an electrical outlet, using a free app for your Wi-Fi network. Mini home devices let you use your voice to control your favourite compatible home devices. Programmable Thermostats help you save money while keeping your home comfortable day or night, whether you’re home or away.

Check out your local electronics store to learn how affordable it can be to make your home ‘smart’.