Selling your home begins in the kitchen

(NC)—The home seller understands the way to any potential homebuyer's heart is through the kitchen. Over the years, the kitchen has shed its once humble beginnings as a place to simply prepare and serve meals, to more of a place where friends can socialize over a glass of wine or where children can do their homework. With the kitchen becoming one of the most multi-dimensional and functional rooms in the house, kitchen renovations have attracted the attention of many who are looking to increase their home's resale value or would simply just like to enjoy the improvements to their home.

Nevertheless, many sellers would rather not deal with the expense and length of the project before they sell their home. But for many, kitchen renovation can mean top return for the prospective home sellers. According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada, kitchen renovations represent a 75% - 100% return on investment, which is the second highest return in the home, next to bathroom renovations.

Fortunately, home renovation is not as difficult as one might expect; the recent expansion of renovation centres across the country has led to a burgeoning “do-it-yourself” project culture. The “do-it-yourself” renovation can be a cost-effective way to increase the value of your home without the high price of a trained professional.

Here are a few steps you can take to increase the equity in your home.

According to Rona.ca, kitchen cupboards are one of the best investments one can make in terms of return on investment on the home. Many homebuyers' first impressions of the home take place in the kitchen, and much of that is highlighted by the kitchen cupboards. By spending a few more dollars on high quality cabinetry and hardware (knobs and handles on cabinets), you can expect your investment to reward you handsomely.

By either painting the walls and/or cabinets, it will update the look of the kitchen with minimal costs and make the room more spacious.

Lighting is often one of the last fixtures to be considered, and often forgotten when the kitchen is remodeled. But by adding new light sources to the kitchen, it can be a great way to bring together architectural and decorative balance to a room. Good lighting can highlight certain features of a kitchen such as the backsplash to create a more colourful and robust look.

Every kitchen needs a sink and faucet. But when it comes to the resale of the home, few home sellers see the value of replacing the sink. “The faucet and sink are one of the most important features of a kitchen. When homebuyers enter the room, they naturally gravitate toward the sink and test out the faucets”, says Mike Mazza of Mazza Renovation Group Inc, “it provides a sense of hearth for many buyers because they spend a majority of their time in the kitchen”.

Financing your “do-it-yourself” project can be quite overwhelming. Many renovation centres offer financing options, but usually charge up to 18% interest rate after the introductory “interest-free” period is over. For a more prudent option to finance your project, visit your local financial institution. Financial institutions such as CIBC can offer a lower interest rate than those typically found at renovation centres. The CIBC Home Power Line of Credit allows would-be renovators the option to pay a lower rate of interest (because it uses the equity in your home) and offers the flexibility of interest-only payments. By going to your local financial institution rather than the renovation centre for your financing needs, you can save hundreds of dollars on interest.

More information on CIBC lending products can be found at your nearest branch, toll-free at 1 800 465-CIBC (2422) or online at www.cibc.com/ca/loans.

Home inventories add peace of mind

(NC)—Every day we see news reports of homes being destroyed by fire or devastated by flood waters. Even more numerous are the unpublicized instances of break-ins and home thefts. For the most part, these accounts fade into the background as we think to ourselves –“it's okay, I have insurance.” And while the peace of mind that property insurance provides allows us all to sleep at night, most don't realize what a traumatic experience these events can be.

“Trying to remember all of the items in your home can add to an already stressful event. Having an inventory of items in your home is one of the best ways to prepare yourself,” states Stefanie Hay, insurance and claims expert with Aviva Canada.

Besides helping ensure you have the right amount of insurance, an inventory will help settle your insurance claim faster and verify losses for your income tax return.

Sure, but who has time to go through every item in their home? The task need not be onerous and can be as easy as taking a video account of each room in your home.

Many insurance companies also prepare content lists that can act as a helpful starting point. A list from AvivaCanada.com recommends separating the contents into categories:

• Clothing, books, tools, toys, bicycles, and other items

• Jewelry, silverware and other valuables

• Computer equipment, gaming consoles and software

Whether you conduct a video or written inventory of your home, don't forget to keep your inventory in a safety deposit box or at a trusted home. That way you'll be sure to have something to give your insurance representative if your home is damaged. You should also keep a record of legal documents, such as birth certificates and passports, and financial documents, such as bank account and insurance policies on your inventory.

Rate guarantees can save thousands on your mortgage

(NC)—If you could save about $1,800 on your mortgage over the next five years with one simple step, would you? Most Canadians don't, because they don't take full advantage of mortgage rate guarantees offered by banks.

A recent Angus Reid survey commissioned by ING Direct found that 40% of Canadians wait until the last minute to apply or get pre-approved for their mortgage. Getting ahead of the game by applying for your mortgage sooner will enable you to guarantee the best rate at that time which can save you money over the long term.

A rate guarantee is a bank's commitment to mortgage applicants that guarantees their lowest rate for a set period of time – usually up to 90 days, and in some cases 120 days before they fund their mortgage. You secure their best rate and are protected from rate increases when you apply or get pre-approved for a mortgage, and if the rates go down during the guarantee period, you automatically get the lowest rate.

To save money. The survey found that many Canadians wait until 30 days or less before their closing date to apply or get pre-approved for a mortgage, meaning they only use about a quarter of the time available. Analysis shows that if you used the full rate guarantee period, you could save another 0.18 per cent on average – about a $1,800 over five years on a $200,000 mortgage balance with a 25 year amortization, five year fixed term, paid monthly with 6.96% rate (average posted five year fixed rate over last 10 years).

Most banks offer pre-approvals to help determine how much you can afford on your new home. All you need to provide are some basic details such as available down payment and household income. With a pre-approval, you have the piece of mind to shop with confidence knowing how much home you can afford.

To give Canadians even more piece of mind and the opportunity to get the best rate available for a first mortgage or for those with an existing mortgage looking to switch lenders, ING Direct offers a rate hold. The rate hold only asks for a few details such as your contact information and the approximate amount you want to borrow, while allowing you to secure that best rate for 120 days. It is a great option if you're not ready to apply for a pre-approval or for a mortgage.

If you're in the market for a mortgage, play it smart and take advantage of all the available tools to get the best rate you can. Applying early is the easiest way to save your money on one of the most important purchases you'll ever make.

Electricity: Better safe than sorry

(NC)—Today's life is chock full of a multitude of small repetitive acts, most of them completely ordinary, where electricity plays a lead role. Now, although “Electricity” is not a synonym for “danger”, it can nevertheless bring about accidents of many kinds, from insignificant to life threatening.

By following Hydro-Québec's tips for household security, you will be able to avoid accidents and truly enjoy a power source that will give you both comfort and well being.

• Keep your eyes open at all times. In your home, there are many sources of danger, and the possibilities of an accident wherein electricity is a causal factor are numerous. Rooms where water is present – bathrooms, kitchens – require greater vigilance because the presence of water increases the risk of electric shocks. Be careful when using electrical equipment in these rooms: dry your hands as well as possible, and do not allow any electrical appliance or tool to make contact with water.

• Do not use any electrical apparatus whatever – hair dryer, razor, etc. – in the bathroom if the electric outlet is not equipped with a protection system (differential circuit breaker).

• Always unplug electric cooking devices (electric frying pans, casseroles, etc.) before cleaning them.

• Always disconnect the humidifier, steam iron, and coffee machine before filling them with water.

• Do you use several electrical devices? Use several different electrical outlets.

• Do you have unused electrical devices? Unplug them.

• Do you need additional outlets? Use a power bar equipped with a surge protector.

• Is your device already plugged in? Use extra caution.

• Did a slice of bread get caught in the toaster? Disconnect the toaster BEFORE removing the bread.

• Does a light bulb need to be changed? Unplug the lamp BEFORE removing the old bulb.

Preparing your home for spring

(NC)—The beginning of a new season is the time to inspect your home to help flag potential trouble areas and identify opportunities to freshen up its look. To help take the guesswork out of home maintenance this spring, the team at Canadian Tire has the following maintenance checklist for the interior and exterior of the home.

• Inspect furnace filters to assess if the filter should be replaced. Filters should be changes every 90 days or sooner. As a tip to remember – write the date on the front of the filter when installing it so you know when it is due to be replaced

• Replace batteries and check all smoke detectors, CO2 monitors and fire extinguishers. Also re-assess your planned fire escape route to ensure it is still the most convenient and safest option for your family.

• Check that home security alarms as well as interior door and window locks are in good, working condition.

• Adjust thermostat for seasonal temperature changes. The honeywell 7-day programmable thermostat, available at Canadian Tire, is a great option as it can be programmed to provide optimal comfort and energy savings for each day of the week.

• If your home has a basement, walk from corner to corner of the room, looking for any signs of cracks or leaks.

• Spring is the perfect time to do some cleaning and organizing. Canadian Tire has an entire assortment of garage organization products to help organize any garage and maximize space.

• Inspect the driveway for any cracks. Paving the driveway will keep it looking new and protect against weather-damage. While there many options for re-paving the driveway, asphalt is a more cost effective option, making it one of the more popular choices.

• Check the exterior of the home for peeling paint. The average exterior paint job lasts five to eight years, but can be prolonged with annual touch-ups. Scrape, sand and repaint any patches that are peeling before the wood deteriorates.

• Trim bushes, shrubs and plants back at least 18 inches from the house, as they can cause moisture damage.

• Clear the roof of all debris. Look for missing, slipped, sagging shingles on the roof and replace as necessary. Also, be sure to clean out the eaves trough as this is a popular spot for leaves and twigs.

Don't let rodents rule your home

(NC)—Rodents remain a year-round threat to Canadian homeowners. Unfortunately, your home provides everything a rodent could ask for – ample access to food, water and shelter.

During the colder months, warm-blooded rodents head indoors just as humans do. Once inside for the winter, they loathe to head back outside, where accommodations are not so cozy and meals not so easy to come by.

Known disease carriers, rodents can threaten the health of your family by spreading Salmonella, Hantavirus and other disease-causing germs. They also have been known to cause fires by gnawing through electrical wiring.

“Rodents can reproduce rapidly once inside your home,” says Bill Melville, a 35-year pest management veteran and quality assurance director for Orkin PCO Services (orkincanada.com). “Just one pair of mice can produce up to 200 offspring in four months.”

To help prevent rodent infestations, Melville suggests the following:

• Seal any holes around the exterior of your home with copper wool and weather-proof sealant. Rodents only need a hole the size of a dime to enter.

• Trim back landscaping. Rodents don't like to be out in the open and will use overgrown shrubs as cover when trying to enter your home.

• Store all food in re-sealable containers and cover trash receptacles with a tight fitting lid.

• Vacuum regularly to eliminate food debris and never leave dirty dishes in the sink.

“By eliminating pests' access to food, water and shelter you can significantly reduce your chances for an infestation,” says Melville. “Prevention goes a long way in keeping rodents out of your home.”

Think you already have an infestation? Melville points to these signs indicating rodents are in the home:

• Chew marks – Rodents gnaw constantly, so keep an eye out for chew marks around baseboards and door frames.

• Droppings – Rat droppings are the size of a raisin while mouse droppings are the size of a grain of rice.

• Rub marks – Rodents have poor eyesight so they tend to rub against a wall while traveling and use the same path repeatedly. Look for greasy rub marks along the wall.

If you spot any of these signs, call a licensed pest management professional to evaluate the problem and determine the best treatment options for your home.

Outdoor room trends

(NC)—This summer, many Canadians may be considering staying closer to home and enjoying more time with family and friends right in their own backyard. With a wide assortment of affordable yet stylish products, the outdoor room team at Canadian Tire has the following trends to help homeowners create the perfect relaxing and stylish backyard.

Comfortable furniture is vital to creating a relaxing outdoor space. When choosing outdoor pieces, approach the selection the same way you would with indoor furniture. Look for items that are both stylish and comfortable. Available at Canadian Tire is the enso daybed - ideal for curling up with a good book or for using as a couch for guests.

Due to its versatile seating options, modular furniture continues to be a popular trend in patio collections. The enso conversation set, available at Canadian Tire, includes pieces that can be separated or combined with other sets to fit any size and shape backyard. Made with a resin wicker base, the enso conservation set features brightly-coloured thick, red cushions that inject colour and life into any space.


An emerging trend in outdoor rooms is conversation sets that can be used for both relaxing and dining. They often have cushioned seats for optimal comfort, while still conveying a contemporary and stylish look. Canadian Tire has some great conversation sets this season, in particular, the jameson la-z-boy collection which allows for superior comfort and relaxation.

Whether it be solar LED's, battery-operated lights, string lights or candles, creating ambience is essential for outdoors. Use lights to illuminate a pathway, create a fun visual for a party or set the mood for an intimate dinner party. Candles or lanterns can be grouped together on tabletops, placed about the yard or deck, by the poolside or staggered down a stairway. Solar lighting is a particularly good option as it not only helps homeowners save money on their electricity bill, but is also convenient, turning on and off automatically.

Add that personal flair to your outdoor space with accessories such as lawn ornaments, and stepping stones. Complete the look for dinner parties by choosing a coordinated, acrylic dining set complete with tableware, stemware, placemats and napkins.

Outdoor art such as wall plaques and ornaments also add interest and personality to any space. While you don't want to clutter your look by choosing too many pieces, selecting a couple of unique signature products will help bring out your personality and take your stylish backyard to a whole new level.

Finally, if you are decorating on a budget conscious wallet, choose furniture with timeless frame colours such as taupe, chocolate brown or black and update or refresh the look by adding colour with new throw cushions.

Build the ultimate outdoor retreat

(NC)—When renovating a home, people often forget one of the most important components: the outdoor space. If done right, your yard can become more than an extension of your home - it can be your very own private escape! An outdoor space needs to be designed and decorated with the same care and attention as a kitchen or bedroom. From choosing the right furniture, to adding the right decorative compliments, here are a few key considerations to keep in mind when creating an outdoor retreat.

Do you want to use your space to host parties, relax in a zen-inspired garden, or give your children a space where they can play? How you plan on using the space will determine what type of furniture you need. And with outdoor furniture, you can be a little more creative: chairs can be replaced with recliners, swings, loungers or even hammocks. Decorative accents are also essential: throw a few colourful pillows on your outdoor furniture or put an area rug under your outdoor patio set. As long as fashion meets function, almost anything goes.

While you don't have to worry about rain resistant finishes on your living room couch, the same cannot be said for your patio furnishings. It is important to keep the climate in mind when choosing your outdoor furniture. For example, if you live in a windy area, select heavier furniture as lighter plastic chairs are likely to turn up on your neighbour's lawn! If you experience heavy, regular rainfall, try to stay away from materials like rod iron that are more likely to rust. And to lengthen the life of your outdoor pieces, make sure to store your patio furniture when weather isn't in your favour.

The days of hiding outdoor pillows in a boring and old plastic bin are long gone. If you build storage needs into your outdoor design, your weather sensitive pieces – such as pillows and tablecloths – will have a home all season long. And today you don't even have to worry about finding the perfect match as many outdoor furniture sets include beautiful deck boxes that help pull the look of your outdoor space together.

Like any room in your house lighting is key and when it comes to the outdoors, solar powered lights are a great option. Solar lights are environmentally friendly – which is great news for the green-minded consumer who's looking to save on their energy bills. Installation is also easy as there is no wiring or plugs to worry about! And with so many styles to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect one to brighten up your own outdoor space.

With the right tools and tips, setting up a fun and functional outdoor space doesn't need to be an overwhelming project. For more tips on how to create the ultimate outdoor retreat, visit www.homedepot.ca.

Mark Cullen battles the myths of green gardening

(NC)—Coast-to-coast, Canadians are searching for new ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Springtime provides an opportunity to extend environmentally-friendly practices to the outdoors, but many homeowners question whether they can achieve lush results without pest-fighting chemicals.

“There's a myth that eco-friendly gardening equals sparse lawns and feeble plants,” said Mark Cullen, Home Hardware's gardening expert and author of The Canadian Garden Primer. “Homeowners can create a healthy and natural environment by focusing on eliminating toxins through pesticide-free solutions and incorporating robust native and indigenous plants that do not need an abundance of water to survive the summer heat.”

Mark Cullen gives gardeners the facts when it comes to gardening:

False. Conserve water by using mulch to keep soil moist, capturing rainfall in water barrels and placing soaking hoses in your garden to uniformly soak the soil. For best results, install hoses beneath a layer of mulch to further reduce moisture loss.

False. Think local and cultivate native and indigenous plants to increase natural biodiversity cycles. Best suited to survive local weather conditions, native plants also have a greater tolerance towards local pests.

False. Cultivate an organic food source and grow vegetables and herbs in your garden or in a container. Not only is this a practical approach, but the plants will complement your overall garden and ease the pressure on your bottom line.

False. Use compost materials to help cultivate your garden by naturally enriching the soil with nutrients that will enable your plants to thrive.

More information on how to create an environmentally-friendly garden is available online at www.homehardware.ca.

Lawn care the natural way

(NC)—More Canadians are looking for natural and healthy alternatives to cosmetic pesticides for keeping weeds away. The lawn and garden team at Canadian Tire has the following helpful tips and steps to help get Canadians on the right track to a healthy lawn and garden.

• Set mowing height to 7.5 cm (3 in.) for stronger roots

• Use a manual or cordless lawnmower and trimmer to reduce harmful greenhouse-gas emissions

• Water thoroughly once a week to grow deeper roots

• Check for signs of weed and insect infestations


• Mulch grass clippings to shade soil, reduce evaporation and naturally fertilize your lawn

• Water lawn and garden during morning (7 a.m. – 10 a.m.) to avoid midday heat and evaporation. Look for an oscillating sprinkler to ensure good coverage as well as a unit with a timer to prevent over-watering and to promote water conservation. Available at Canadian Tire is the yardworks oscillating sprinkler with timer that is easy to use and delivers ample coverage

• Feed 3-4 times per year with a slow release fertilizer

• Use a composter to reduce your household waste and create a natural humus that your garden and plants will love

• Over-seed every spring or fall to thicken turf naturally

• Aerate your lawn to improve air, water and nutrient uptake

• Top dress stressed areas of lawn with organic lawn soil

• Check soil pH, add lime to correct acidic soil conditions

• Repair lawn damage and bare spots promptly with quality grass seed and lawn soil

• Use weeding tools to remove isolated weeds. An excellent product available at Canadian Tire, is the fiskars telescopic weeder. It is extendable for easy height adjustments and is great for dandelions, thistles and other invasive lawn weeds

• Top-quality outdoor tools are a good investment as they incorporate high-grade materials, ergonomic design and durable steel heads and blades

• Save your back by investing in a good quality wheel barrow to haul your supplies, soil, mulch and plants around the yard

Spring brings new signs of life in housing market

Looking to get into a bigger home, townhouse owner James VanderLinden decided last month was the time to make a move.

A buyer in a struggling economy, he bought a new home under asking price - paying $1.1-million in midtown Toronto - but hadn't yet sold his first place.

"I wanted to take advantage of the market," said Mr. VanderLinden, 34, who works in online advertising. "I knew also that selling my current house, I would probably not get as much money for it as I would if the market was up."

Read the complete story.

How to select the right lawn mower

(NC)—Mowing may seem like a chore, but with the right equipment you can get a manicured lawn without too much effort. Whether you need to mow a small yard or tend to 40 acres, The Home Depot has the right equipment for every lawn size and budget. Selecting the right mower for your outdoor needs may seem daunting at first, but here are some helpful tips to help make the process easier.

Understanding what your lawn needs is an important first step in helping choose the right mower.

• A push reel mower (cuts with a scissor-like action of rotating blades passing over a stationary knife) is perfect if you have a small lawn.

• A gas or electric powered rotary mower (cuts with a circular blade that rotates under a protective housing), is the most popular type of lawn mower, and is great for medium to large lawns.

• Self-propelled mowers are easier to use if you have a hilly yard or a large lawn.

• Choose a riding lawn mower if you have a large property.

Whatever the size of your yard, buying a mower that's large enough and has enough power to handle the job will make lawn mowing easier. Things to look for and compare when purchasing a mower include: weight, power, cost, safety features, ease of starting, handling and maneuverability, and ease of clipping disposal.

Did you know that a standard gas mower can emit the same amount of common air pollutants in one hour as driving a new car over 550km? If you are in the market for a new lawn mower consider some of the greener options available. Push reel, electric, rechargeable and solar powered mowers are all great eco-friendly options that will help you have a green mowing season.

If your lawn mower is so heavy that you can hardly push it, with an engine so loud your neighbours complain every time you turn it on, it might be time to invest in a new mower. Visit www.thehomedepot.ca or your local The Home Depot store for more tips on finding a mower that's right for you.

How to ensure your new house is green

(NC)—It's tempting to cut corners in a down economy, but that's the last thing one should do in the construction of a new house. Owning a home with superior efficiency will pay high dividends for years to come.

“A green home uses less energy and natural resources,” says Todd Blyth at Nudura, the manufacturer of insulated concrete forms. “It creates less waste and is healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. Equally important benefits include lower energy bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. As a result, the net cost of owning a sustainable home is comparable to cost of a conventional one.”

The four key areas to ensure the best human and environmental health are: water efficiency, energy efficiency, material selection, and indoor environmental quality. Here's a useful little checklist as a guideline:

• Use LEED certified materials: This internationally acclaimed benchmark by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design provides a third-party certification program, setting an international benchmark for the construction and operation of high performance sustainable buildings.

• Start with concrete, not wood: With concrete walls by Nudura, combined with their ceiling and floor technology, you'll get several key green components all in one. The system consists of stay-in-place, interlocking concrete forms. With this Lego-like method (of reinforced concrete sandwiched between two layers of expanded polystyrene foam insulation) the total building envelope stands to be up to nine times stronger, far more fire resistant, and far more sound insulated. Furthermore, this innovation (nudura.com) is design-friendly for architects, much faster for builders, creates less construction waste, and provides defence against toxicity and mold that is so often a associated with traditional wood framed walls. And of equal importance, it's a building method that will deliver energy savings of up to 70 percent.

• Aim for indoor water conservation: Ask about greywater irrigation and rainwater harvesting.

• Insist on energy efficiency: In addition to a concrete structure, some of the more popular choices for conservation include: an 'earth sheltered' architectural design; installing efficient ducts, lighting and fans; planning for gas or solar hot water, heating and cooling systems.

• Ask for green materials: Structural choices range from fume-free paints, finishes and adhesives, to sustainable floor coverings, sidings and trim.

More fiction than fact in riches-to-rags tales of Alberta in crisis

You mean Alberta's (and Edmonton's) future might not be so dire as the media makes it out to be?

It was a catchy sound bite, but patently untrue.

Despite Alberta's fat budget surpluses and high personal incomes, most national wealth surveys showed Vancouver and Toronto were the richest cities in Canada, and that hasn't changed.

A recent study by Pitney Bowes Business Insight confirms that real-estate-rich Vancouver is still Canada's wealthiest city, followed by Toronto, Calgary, Victoria and Oshawa. Edmonton ranks ninth, just behind Kitchener.

Read the complete story...

Home security checklist for cottage goers

How to protect your home away from home
(NC)—When you're going away on your annual cottage vacation you want to rest – and rest easy too. You want peace of mind that your home is as safe as it can be from burglary or other damage.

According to Patrice De Luca, V.P. of Marketing and Business Development for Reliance Protectron Security Services, there are several key steps you should take to ensure peace of mind when away from home. The following Reliance Protectron home safety checklist can help you plan important safety measures before your departure:


That means having someone park their car in your driveway if you're taking yours. You can even ask a neighbor to put a bag of garbage at your curb on garbage day.

With some timers, the lights go on and off at different times each day, which means a burglar can't pick up on a pattern. Motion sensor lights outside can also deter a burglar. Consider installing them in front and back.

Don't forget about the garage. Place a bar or stick of wood in the lower track of sliding doors or windows, to be extra safe.

Leave them a phone number where you can be reached, and a spare set of your keys in case of an emergency.

A home security system is a very effective deterrent. When looking for their targets, thieves usually select an unoccupied home with the easiest access. Why not make it difficult for them. A home protected by a home security system is three times less susceptible to a break in than one without a system. Home security system decals and yard signs are also an effective deterrent. Make sure your home security system includes a loud inside house siren, detectors at all exterior doors, and motion sensors in the master bedroom and main living areas.

De Luca says the latest technology in home security systems can now allow to monitor your home from a distance by wireless transmission (SkyGARD) if you have a cell phone as a primary line for example or simply for added protection. The home security system is linked to our ULC interlinked remote monitoring centres that protects your home 24 hours a day against burglars, fire, carbon monoxide poisoning and floods by supervising the temperature, electrical system and point of entries of your home.

“We can even configure the system to alert you by e-mail of the duration of comings and goings in your home with TeleGARD (cleaning staff, neighbors, family)” De Luca added. For more information on protecting your home while you're away visit www.protectron.com.

Shop wisely and make offers, say real estate experts

A perspective of our real estate market in Western Canada and where it's expected to go, by a Vancouver-based real estate expert:

In today's gloomy environment, we must remember that urban real estate always has a use and thus always has an asset value.

People live in it, play in it, use it for business or grow their tomatoes on it.

We like all urban real estate in Western Canada from Edmonton to Vancouver and most everything in between.

Read the complete story.

What everyone ought to know about conserving water

(NC)—We turn on a tap and out it pours; cool and refreshing or hot and soothing. Water is part of our everyday lives. But what we may take for granted as an infinite resource may not be as unlimited as it appears.

While water covers close to 80 percent of the earth's surface, drinking water—a life essential—comes from only two sources; water accessible beneath the earth's surface and above ground fresh water from lakes, rivers and streams. A growing concern around the world however, is that water is being drawn out more quickly than it can replenish itself.

So what can you do to conserve this precious resource?

In your house: If possible, replace your old toilet with a modern low-flush one. While using only about half the water of old-style toilets, most newer models are highly efficient.

At work: Your office may have a communal dishwasher. Wash only full loads and remember to replace the spray heads to reduce flow.

Around the world: Water is a global resource, so consider helping to manage water supplies in underprivileged communities around the world. Charities like Christian Children's Fund of Canada, an international development organization, allow you to help build rainwater harvesting tanks. The tanks harvest, protect, and retain rainwater for daily use in places where drinking water is contaminated with bacteria and disease. More information is available online at www.ccfcanada.ca.

2009: The year to save money outside

(NC)—The warm weather has finally arrived and it is time to take advantage of your outdoor space. If you are less then pleased with your yard, 2009 is the year to give it the update you have always wanted. And this year Canadians can take advantage of the Federal Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC), making it easier than ever before to take on small home projects – indoors or out!

Here are five quick-and-easy outdoor projects you can take on to update your home that also qualify for HRTC savings:

1. Update your garage, windows and doors with a fresh coat of paint

2. Build a private backyard getaway by installing a fence

3. Emphasize the entrance to your home by resurfacing your driveway

4. Layer your lawn with fresh sod to make this spring your greenest ever

5. Build a deck or stone patio to create the ultimate outdoor oasis

For more information on outdoor projects that can add value to your home, visit www.thehomedepot.ca or your local The Home Depot store.

Home renovation tax credit can help save on contractor costs

(NC)—If you've ever been interested in renovating your home, but have been hesitant to hire a contractor because of costs, the government now offers a solution to help save Canadians money in this area. Under the Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) stimulus proposed in the 2009 federal budget, contractors hired to perform home renovations are eligible expenses covered under the tax credit.

The HRTC is designed to encourage Canadians to renovate their homes and alleviate some of the financial woes that sometimes come with territory. It can help homeowners save up to 15 per cent on eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $1,350, assisting both families and the Canadian economy as it tries to rebound.

But savings on home renovations through the tax credit may only be part of a greater financial picture. Consider an attic insulation upgrade, for example.

“Re-insulating the attic is one renovation project homeowners should consider because it can help improve a home's energy efficiency and comfort for families, while helping to reduce monthly heating and cooling costs*,” says Cheryl West, Insulation Expert at Owens Corning. “Hiring an insulation contractor for the project can help ease worries by getting the job done right by a professional.”

In addition to installing insulation, a contractor can measure the amount of insulation already in place on the attic floor and determine how much more is needed to meet the recommended insulating standard of R-50. Homeowners can help achieve this by asking the contractor to insulate their attic with up to 15 inches of PINK FIBERGLAS Batt Insulation or 18 3/4 inches of PROPINK Blown Insulation. Not only can this help reduce energy consumption, but it can help save a half ton** of greenhouse gas emissions every year, year after year.

If hiring a professional is right for your home renovation project, make sure that the contractor demonstrates proven experience, provides a written estimate and assures you worry-free service. It may be worth the time to call a few references to assess their reputation. Also, protect any accidental damage to your home by confirming that they have adequate insurance coverage. Ask them to explain their workmanship to you as well as any manufacturer warranties.

The HRTC is a great incentive for homeowners to renovate their homes, but don't forget about the government grants also available as part of the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program. Natural Resources Canada offers savings of up $600 in retrofit rebates to homeowners who qualify based on their home upgrades. Visit www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca for more information on how you can qualify for a government retrofit rebate, and for details about the new Home Renovation Tax Credit and how to insulate your attic, visit www.budget.gc.ca and www.insulationtaxcredit.ca.

* Savings vary depending on the original amount of insulation in your home, climate, house size, air leaks, and personal energy use and living habits.

** Based on an average attic size of 1700 SF with existing R19 insulation, averaged over seven cities in Canada

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Spring is in the air, but is it in your home?

(NC)—A mild breeze, the sound of birds chirping, the first buds poking through on branches, spring is a time of lightness, awakening…and dirt?? The new season, characteristically thought of as coming out of hibernation in colder climates, is a time to look forward to, as well as time that requires some work to fully enjoy it. “There's no need to fear the spring clean,” says Mike Chalut, lifestyle expert on W Network's Kim's Rude Awakenings. “Identify the areas that need work, ready your supplies and rally the family together to get the job done!”

Welcome in the spring by swapping out winter clothes for lighter, brighter, warm weather clothes. After months of storage, items may be in need of freshening. Why not use a laundry detergent that cleans and is more sensible for the environment? For example, Arm & Hammer Essentials laundry detergent with biodegradable plant based soaps gives your clothes a true spring cleaning.

In the workhorse room of the house, kitchen countertops, sinks and appliances see regular cleanings, but in the spirit of spring cleaning, it's time to roll up the sleeves and tackle one area that likely needs some attention: the fridge. “Toss old food into the compost bin and clean all the surfaces of the fridge - walls, shelves and drawers - with a safe, effective cleanser you probably already own: baking soda,” suggests Chalut. Sprinkle it right onto the surface, scrub and rinse well to rid your fridge of stains or greasy residue. Best of all, it deodorizes as it cleans so do the same in your waste receptacles including compost and recycling bins and say goodbye to the smells with the spills.

Spring celebrates the return of fresh, local produce including the option to pick-your-own on many farms. After cleaning the fridge, take a few extra minutes to carefully clean any dirt or residue from fruit and vegetables before placing them into the crisper drawers. Baking soda, sprinkled onto a damp, soft sponge is an effective and natural way to clean so you can enjoy the tastes of the season.

An oft-forgotten part of the home that takes a lot of abuse year-round are carpets. Up the ante of your regular vacuuming routine with a simple, pre-vacuuming sprinkle of Arm & Hammer powder. “What these products lend to your carpets and area rugs is superior deodorization,” says Chalut. “Pets, spilled food, bare feet, and micro-particles you can't even see contribute to a less-than-clean carpet. Start with a good vacuum with a HEPA filter and pair it with a powerful carpet and room odour eliminator, which penetrates deep and vacuums out, powering out the toughest odours and leaving behind a fresh scent.”

“Spring cleaning can be less of a chore with a safe, effective cleanser such as baking soda, and of course a bit of elbow grease,” laughs Chalut. “You can then sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour, inside or out, and enjoy the sights and smells of spring.”

More spring cleaning and deodorizing tips can be found online at www.armhammer.ca.