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

The colour PINK is a registered trademark of Owens Corning © 2009 Owens Corning. All Rights Reserved.

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.