The classic dilemma for many homeowners is whether to buy or sell first. There is no “right” answer. It depends on your specific circumstances.

Most homeowners agree that it’s more prudent and less stressful if you sell your existing home before you buy a new one. You can often get top dollar for your home if you are not under pressure to sell. And you’re in a better position to negotiate on the buying side of the transaction. If you have to make an offer contingent on the sale of your home, you often lose negotiating leverage.

If you sell your current home and the home you select isn’t available when you’re ready to move, you may end up with cash in hand in a short-term rental. No one wants to move twice, but it may be well worth it to eliminate risk and have more money to work with.

Small communities now have lots to offer in terms of an active lifestyle, plus there are big savings to be had. Whether you’re a growing family looking for a great place to raise children or a retired couple hoping to stay active, you’ll want to consider several new communities springing up in small towns across Ontario. Not only do you get more for your dollar — from luxury homes backing onto a golf course to 50-foot lots and all of the standard “big city” features — but you also buy into an active lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the city. “My philosophy is to give people value for their money,” says Fabrizio Cortellucci, president and owner of Zancor Homes. “Sometimes people have this perception that when they go into rural Ontario they’re saving a lot of money but also getting an inferior product; I give them the exact same specs and features as I would in the Greater Toronto Area.” Zancor Homes currently has three developments under way in small towns: Brooklin’s Forest just north of Whitby, The Village of Pine River in Angus near Barrie and The Villages in Stayner in Wasaga Beach. Standard features include nine-foot main floor ceilings, hardwood flooring, fireplaces and oak staircases, all of which come at an overall savings of $100,000 to $200,000, says Cortellucci. A quaint life The private enclaves in the Village of Pine River, for example, are just a short drive from Barrie with easy access to Highway 400 and the new GO terminal. Meanwhile, families can enjoy the quaint life of Angus, with plenty of opportunities for golfing, skiing, canoeing, fishing and hiking. Prices range from $242,990 for a three-bedroom home with a double car garage on a 30-foot lot to $469,990 for a four-bedroom, three-car garage home on a 60-foot lot. In Welland, Ont. a community of 50,000 located in the centre of the Niagara Region, Ballantry Homes is appealing to retired couples and empty nesters at the other end of the spectrum with The Residences of Lochness Links. Surrounded by one of Niagara’s premier golf courses, the enclosed neighbourhood features townhome villas priced from $270,000 to $306,900 and detached bungalows ranging from $306,900 to $345,900. The first phase is designed for an older demographic looking for an active lifestyle in a quiet setting. “Mostly what people are looking for are the activities,” says Ballantry president David Hills. “People just want to have fun; it gives them something to do as opposed to sitting around and your excitement of the day is going to the local store for a newspaper.” Organized activities The Residences of Lochness Links offers a community centre with a fully equipped fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, whirlpool and sauna, tennis courts, party room and multi-purpose room. Owner-members enjoy all club privileges and are also invited to organized activities, from card games to aqua-fit classes to Tai Chi or hiking on nearby trails. The development is also close to the walking/biking trails of Merritt Island, and just a short drive from local wineries, the Niagara Fallsview Casino and a myriad of other entertainment/tourist outlets. “A lot of people think retirement community is old age, you’ve got to be in a wheelchair wheeling up and down, whereas a lot of our owners are in their 50s and they’re all active,” says Hill, noting that one resident remarked that she had participated in more activities during one year at Lochness than she had her entire life. “If this development was located in Toronto or Oakville, it would be much more expensive (for the same quality of living),” notes Hill.

The reasons for buying a condominium suite in Toronto are many and varied, and I continually find it interesting that so many sales are to international purchasers. I’ve been asked whether these buyers are different from Canadians in how they arrive at their purchase decisions. The major difference I notice is that international purchasers are more understanding of the condominium concept, because building vertically in major cities is something they’ve grown up with. It?s still a relatively new phenomenon in Canada, so we have more educating to do with our Canadian buyers. All purchasers obviously have faith in Toronto as a city worthy of their financial and lifestyle investment. Canada is one of the few countries that offers economic and political stability, which attracts a sizeable immigrant population. Many are first-time mature buyers/residents who see the possibility of fulfilling the dream of home ownership; others see the value of investing here. Toronto has been named the top major city in the world for quality of life, and thus, is more than often the preferred choice in Canada. Some buyers own properties in several places around the globe and choose to buy a condominium in Toronto to use part-time when they are here for business or pleasure. These people look for consistency of product and reputability of the builder and the management company, as they will most likely not be active in the condominium corporation. As for the types of condominiums they choose, it’s all relative. For one person, a pied-à-terre might be a compact one-bedroom suite, For another, it may be a sprawling penthouse. It depends on the buyer?s income bracket, whether it’s their sole home or a multiple property, etc. With Toronto earning a reputation as one of the world’s most coveted cities, we’ve also seen a huge demand for luxury condominiums. People who choose to move from a large home, whether it’s in Forest Hill or Dubai, want the conveniences of condominium living in grand surroundings. Another trend with international buyers is the demand for energy-efficient building characteristics because of the energy crises they see happening in their countries of origin. Take The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto for example. The fact that the building will use a deep water cooling system through Enwave Energy Corporation to substantially lower energy costs has been a powerful selling feature. Toronto is more cosmopolitan than it was years ago. The attraction of international condominium purchasers adds an element of maturity to our beautiful city.

Are you thinking of remodeling your home? Consider the return on your investment before remodeling. Not all remodeling projects yield the same return in increasing your home’s value.

Updating your kitchen and baths is your best remodeling investment, returning a nearly dollar-for-dollar increase in home resale value. An updated kitchen and bathrooms make your home that much more attractive to potential buyers when you do decide to sell.

By contrast, converting a basement into a family room or adding outdoor recreation facilities, such as a swimming pool or sport court, yield the lowest return on your investment.

Sometimes the cumulative effect of several smaller projects can yield a higher resale value than one or two larger ones. Smaller projects tend to be more cosmetic–new paint, doors, or windows. Larger projects that upgrade or add living space may cost more, but almost always add less resale value for the dollars spent.

Whatever you do, be careful of over-improving for your neighborhood. Remodeling that significantly improves your property over neighboring homes won’t return as much when it comes time to sell.

Taking advantage of a smell’s strong, almost subconscious effects on the brain is an easy way to accentuate your home’s positive image.

For a warm, inviting scent, boil a pot of water on the stovetop, pour in a teaspoon of vanilla, and add some cinnamon or cloves. The aroma of fresh-baked bread or cookies is another sure-fire winner.

While some smells create positive images, others create negative impressions and should be avoided. Cigarette or cigar smoke can make even a clean house seem dingy.

To absorb airborne smells, place a small bowl with half an inch of white vinegar in the room and let it sit for a few days. Vinegar sprayed on carpets, drapes or upholstery can also help with absorbed odors. (Be sure to test first on an inconspicuous spot to ensure it doesn’t change the color.) A thorough cleaning can also help remove smoking or pet odors.

Use a lemon-scented wax to polish wood surfaces for a fresh, clean aroma. Bathrooms seem cleaner and brighter when scented candles are lit.

Many of us have a rather cavalier attitude about home improvements. We are convinced that we can tackle the project from start to finish and that no harm will befall us–even though we may be amateurs working with power tools or electricity at dizzying heights.
 
You can greatly reduce your risk of injury by employing these proven safety techniques:
*Do your own electrical work only if you have the necessary skills and knowledge
* Keep a tidy work area to avoid creating your own hazards
* Dress for safety: wear sturdy clothing, boots, gloves and safety glasses
* Keep drill bits, blades and cutters sharp; dull tools are dangerous
* Make sure your ladder is on a flat, firm surface and never stand on the top two rungs
* Wear a mask to avoid breathing dust and fibers and learn how to handle hazardous materials
* Equip your house and garage with fire extinguishers
* Keep a good first-aid kit on hand

Eliminating risky practices will free you to enjoy your home improvement project and the results of your work.

As busy as we all get, it’s sometimes easy to overlook fire safety and other home maintenance.

Remember to replace the old batteries in your home’s smoke alarms regularly. While you’re at it, dust each alarm and test it to make sure it is properly functioning. Make sure you have installed enough smoke alarms for the size of your home–at least one per floor, especially near bedrooms. 

It’s also a good idea to periodically check your fire extinguishers. Many models are useful only for a certain number of years before they must be serviced or replaced. Check your model to determine the time period. Each home should have at least one extinguisher in the kitchen and the garage.  

Finally, because overloaded circuits are the cause of many home fires, you should take a few minutes to scan your home’s power outlets and replace any cords or plugs that have cracks or other visible damage.

These easy tasks can make your home a safer place for everyone.

Regardless of whether you’re handy around the house, there are plenty of situations that require a few basic household tools. What kinds of tools do you need in a “minimalist’s” tool kit? Every basic home toolbox should include these items:

* Duct tape 
* Pliers  
* Tape measure 
* Putty knife 
* Hammer  
* String  
* Ruler  
* All-purpose lubricants and oils, such as WD-40
* Flashlight with batteries
* Wire cutters
* Assorted sandpaper
* Assorted screws and nails
* Wire
* Screwdrivers (regular and Phillips, in assorted sizes)

Many manufacturers now offer prepackaged tool kits designed to fit into kitchen drawers where everything is easily accessible. This way you can find what you need quickly instead of searching through boxes and drawers in your basement or garage to make a repair or tighten a screw.

Whether you are experienced and well-equipped or “all thumbs” when it comes to home repairs, keeping the basic tools nearby will help keep things together around your home.