Ben Bernanke, U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman announced yesterday that the American benchmark interest rate would stay low until at least late 2014.

Here in Canada, as recently as the weekend, Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney highlighted that our economy continues to show resilience. Predicting modest growth for this year, he points to 2 per cent inflation as the economic speed limit. It is likely that Mr. Carney will not make an interest rate adjustment unless inflation becomes an issue.

As global economies work to achieve stability, the low rate policies of Canada and the U.S. should maintain mortgage rate stability for the next 12 to 18 months, unless Bond Rates begin to shift. More on that next time.

Here's a few articles discussing the above.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-25/fed-says-benchmark-interest-rate-will-remain-low-until-at-least-late-2014.html

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/01/25/federal-reserve-interest-bernanke.html

Prince Edward - Lennox & Addington Social Services (PELASS) in conjunction with the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program is offering an exciting home
ownership opportunity.

Down payment assistance may be available for up to 5% of the maximum purchase price of $210,000 for a new or re-sale home.

Residents of the Counties of Lennox & Addington and Prince Edward who are currently in rental accommodation and hoping to purchase a home may qualify for the Home Ownership Program.

The County is currently accepting Home Ownership applications in order to confirm local interest in Home Ownership funding.

Program funding is subject to confirmation.

To qualify, applicant(s) must:
 be Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents or Refugee Claimants
 be at least 18 years old
 currently live in rental accommodation
 be eligible for mortgage financing from a major financial institution
 have a combined household income at or below the maximum eligible income limit of $69,000
 purchase a home with a maximum house price of $210,000
 contact the Housing Corporation by 4:00 p.m. Friday, October 29, 2010 to confirm their interest in applying for funding and obtain an application form

Eligible applicants will be selected on a first come, first served basis pending availability of funds.

For more information and to confirm your interest in applying for assistance and obtain an application form, County residents should contact:

Prince Edward - Lennox & Addington
Housing Corporation
13 Market Square
Napanee, ON K7R 1J4
Phone: (613) 354-5695
1-866-806-9680
Fax: (613) 354-5981
Attention: Nicole Belnap, extension 73
by Friday, October 29, 2010 at 4:00 pm
www.pelass.org

It was announced that Mortgage rates are increasing in the next day or two. If you are thinking of remortgaging or buying or selling your home in the next three to four months, lock in now with the low interest rate.

I am here to help, if you need a recommendation for your mortgage or if you are thinking of buying or selling, just give me a quick call or email.

You can read more here: Globe and Mail

Belleville and Quinte Links:

http://www.quintemls.com

Other Links:

Landlordsinfo by LANDLORD'S SOURCE CENTRE, provides Support, Help, Information, Online Courses, Product, Services, Reference and Research Tools for the Protection and Education of all landlords.

Accounting Information for You

Trusted REALTORS®:

North Bay Real Estate

The Karen Brown Team

London Real Estate

Scott Gunn

Port Credit Real Estate

Calvin Weinfled

Edmonton Real Estate

Ryan Dutka

Calgary Real Estate

Jeff Campbell

Winnipeg Real Estate

Jason and Lynn Coward

East York Real Estate

Tom Joseph

Ontario has introduced new driving laws in regards to the use of portable electronic devices. I thought everyone might like to know.

Ontario Legislation Countering Distracted Driving and Promoting Green Transportation Act, 2009

Q1. What devices are not allowed to be used while driving?

A1. Drivers cannot use handheld wireless communications devices while driving. This includes cell phones, BlackBerrys, iPods or other portable MP3 devices, PlayStation portables or Gameboys. Drivers also cannot view display screens on devices that are unrelated to driving such as a laptop or DVD player.

Q2. Does that mean I cannot text message or respond to emails while driving?

A2.Text messaging and emailing are not permitted while driving.

Q3. If I have a hands-free function, such as Bluetooth, can I use my phone while driving?

A3. Yes, using a hands-free wireless communications device, for example a Bluetooth, will be permitted.

Q4. My hands-free device requires me to press a button to accept a call. Will this be allowed?

A4. Yes, pressing a button of a hand-held device that is secured in an accessible place to activate the hands-free mode for an incoming or outbound call is permitted under the legislation.

Q5. Can I use the key pad on my phone to dial a phone number?

A5. No. You can only press a button to accept (or end) a call, or to initiate a voice activated dialing feature.

Q6. What about calls to 911?

A6. All calls to 911 are permitted while driving. However, before placing a call it is advisable stop safely at the side of the road.

Q7. Will I be able to use a GPS device while driving?

A7. Yes, GPS devices that are mounted on a dashboard or windshield are permitted to be used. You are not permitted to use GPS if it requires you to hold the device in your hand. For example using Google maps while holding your Blackberry in your hand would not be permitted. You are also required to pull over to the side of the road to input addresses into your GPS, you cannot type while driving.

Q8. What are the penalties for using a cell phone while driving?

A8. Fines range from $60 to $500.

Flower garden, like all types of gardens, has basic needs, an adequate supply of water, sunlight, and fertile soil. Water is essential especially during the heat of summer. Also determine the water requirements of each plant you have in your garden. Make sure that the soil is rich with nutrients. Fertile soil will aid flowers to grow and blossom. Any lack of these fundamental necessities will very much have an effect on the health of plants.

Weeds deprive your seedlings of nutrients and water causing them to die. Take the time pulling the weeds to reduce competition to desirable plants, but also keeps the garden looking good. Cultivate shallowly to eliminate existing weeds.

Deadheading is also important. It is the process of cutting off the flower head after it wilts. This will revitalize the plants and make them produce more flowers. Most annuals benefit from this procedure. Several techniques are involved. Snip using hand pruners for tough and woody stems. You can also snap just by using your hands. Garden shears can be utilized for trimming shrubby plants. Last technique is easily accomplished by using your thumb and forefinger.

Check your flowering plants for insect damage. There are good and bad bugs. Butterflies, beetles and bees are recognized pollinators. They transfer pollen from one plant to another which fertilizes the plants. Sow bugs and dung beetles aid in the decomposition of dead plant material, thus enriching the soil fro your growing plants. Look out for any aphids. This will destroy flowers.

Every gardener has a significant responsibility. Those who pay less attention to their garden will likely fail. Recognizing the proper ways of taking care of a flower garden can make an enormous difference in the look and general health of the plants. Gardening needs hard work, but it is definitely rewarding.

The roof is your first line of defense from the elements and roofs get more abuse from these elements than any other part of the building. Regular roof inspection will lead to early detection of roof problems such as signs of weakness, deterioration or hazard. It also determines if the roof system is performing according to its intended function and spots the parts that needed any repairs.

Roof inspections are carried out at least twice a year, end of winter and right after summer is preferable. Informal inspections are done immediately after unusual occurrences such as extremely heavy rains, bad wind storm, hail, or even nearby fires.

Steps in roof inspection include:

1. Pay extreme and careful attention to flashings around chimneys and plumbing vents. Poor or faulty flashing will allow snow meltage to penetrate the interior, causing not only infrastructure rot, but potential damage to interior walls.

2. Look for signs of tearing, curled or blistered shingles. If you notice any problems that are irreparable, then it may be time to re-roof.

3. For asphalt shingles, inspect for dark patches indicating that granular coating has worn away.

4. If you find any exposed nails, this can be source of leaks.

5. For metal roofing, detect signs of pitting, rusting and corrosion that can be the natural consequences of aging. Look for loose or open seams and joints that can lead to leaking.

6. Check for sagging gutters.

The purpose of proper roof inspection is to maximize the life of any roof, as well as to avoid premature roof failure. It is better to employ a trusted roofing contractor to do the inspection for you. They are more used to walking around on the roof. Some of these professionals will provide the service free of charge.

When starting a flower garden most people just start digging and immediately planting every plant they can think of, commonly neglecting the imperatives in flower gardening. It could be less daunting and a lot of fun if one thinks things through a little bit more.

Listed below are tips on how you can come up with a flourishing garden.

1. Site Evaluation
Determine or study what grows well in your idea. Different plants require different amounts of light. Consider if your desired plants need full sun or part-shade. If your garden area is shaded, it is wise to make sure that the plants you want to grow on such location can handle the sun or survive the shade.

2. Garden Soil
Take notice of your soil. Find out what types of soil you have in your garden and what plants suitable for each kind. Most garden plants need well-drained soil. It is important to prepare soil well in advance of planting.

3. Sketch the Design Plan
To avoid the classic dilemma in gardening, appropriate planning is a must. It would really help if you sketch up a basic design of how you want your garden laid out. It doesn’t need to be complicated. You just need to show the layout of a bed, and a basic planting plan placing the most important plants only.

4. Arrangement
Plants are usually arranged in rows or other regular patterns. This can be observed in formal gardens. In informal gardens, plants can be seen in clumps, where it’s a circular group of three of more plant, and another in drifts, which is an elongated grouping of plants. Planting the same type of plant in clumps or drifts creates more visual impact than planting a single plant.

5. Add color
Pick plants that flourish and bloom throughout the year and even in winter. Spring-flowering bulbs will come back every year. Many annuals will add brilliance to your garden design. Fill in empty spaces with annuals and you will have nearly continuous bloom.

Those are just few ideas and things need to be measured as you design your flower garden. You will gain inspirations by visiting local botanical gardens or even your neighbor’s. Discover flowers you’ll be fond of and learn their names, sizes and whether they like sun or shade. Designing all of it out on paper will allow you to change your vision with a minimum of digging.

It is vital to periodically check the overall condition of a home. Routine maintenance for your gutter is one of the best tips to preserve the value of your home. Gutters demand high quality and preventative maintenance. Homeowners usually neglect or pay little attention to their gutters. They soon discover a number of problems and end up with a ruined house.

Gutter maintenance is a great method to significantly extend the lifespan of your roof and your home, resulting to a great deal of savings. Homeowners may find gutter inspection an easy task but it is most often best to avail the service of a professional. This is to ascertain the job done properly. If you are determined to tackle the job by yourself, use a sturdy ladder for support.

The next step in gutter maintenance is cleaning. Most debris that lands on the roof ends up in the gutters, clogging them. It necessary to remove all debris, including leaves, twigs or other objects from your roof for these will block roof drains, the liquid will seep over the sides of clogged gutters and onto the house. A narrow stiff-bristled brush can be utilized. Make sure to also check gutter supports and downspouts.

Gutters should be cleaned when they are dry, and the hose should be used to wash out any remaining debris. A thorough cleaning job should be performed at least twice a year, in the spring and fall months. An important point to take note, when cleaning the gutter is to never grab it for support. It is also not advisable to lean ladders against the gutter. Make sure the legs are on solid ground and the ladder is in place.

It is extremely important to perform routine maintenance and preventative procedures on a regular basis for this can defend you home from possible misfortune that can end up costing you hundreds of dollars in the future.

A new wood deck is a useful addition to your home, which gives a warm, beautiful connection with the outdoors, adding to a home's asset and setting the stage for a world of outdoor activities. Unfortunately decks take a lot of abuse from continued exposure from frequent drastic changes of our weather, making its beauty to be some-what short lived.

Refinishing a deck is needed to restore its beauty and function. It will also protect your investment. If you see development of cracks and checks, raised grains, and growth of mildew on your deck, refinishing is recommended.

The path to restoring a deck's great looks is usually simple, regardless of the kind of wood used for its construction. Start with a structural examination. Check for exposed nail- and screw heads and loose deck boards, steps, railings and benches.

Next is cleaning your deck. Decks require to be cleaned before they are resealed. A utility hand brush will help you reach the tight spots. Surface debris that clogs the spaces between deck boards must be removed. Blast out the debris, using a high pressure sprayer. If a deck is very rough and requires a lot of work, sanding is suggested prior to washing. One can also use a chemical stripper to remove old stain. It is recommended for those areas where old stain adheres tightly.

Allow ample time for the deck to dry before applying the finish. Finishes come in clear, tinted, semitransparent, and solid colors. Your choice depends on the most wanted longevity and overall look desired.

The most popular techniques for applying a deck stain are with a brush, paint roller, a paint pad and spraying. A paint roller can make your work staining a deck, especially if an extension handle is attached. While paint brushes can also be used, they are not efficient for large surfaces. Sprayers are excellent for applying stain too. This tool will let you to coat large areas quickly and uniformly.

It is important to read product label for directions. Don’t overlook to treat in between the boards as well. Allow the sealant to dry up completely and then apply a second coat. Refinishing your deck every year or two lessen cracks and splinters, keeping the surface of the wood gorgeous.

Spring is a much loved season for many people and it is definitely easy to understand why this is so. Spring is when the earth awakes back to life after a long cold winter, when the first flowers begin to blossom and the green world is beginning to return from a winter starved of color.

There are countless varieties of spring flowers that you may feel overwhelmed when trying to decide the perfect additions to your garden. Most garden enthusiasts refer to annuals and perennials that bloom from the month of May through May, when talking about spring flowers.

Most early spring bloomers are bulb type plants. Flowering bulbs are the quintessential harbinger of spring. With their sturdy beauty, bulbs provide gardeners with plant-and-forget flowers. If you want color to your landscape immediately, incorporate spring bulbs to your garden design.

Tulips are one of the bulbs that personify spring. These bulbs have different, wonderful varieties. Tulips are considered to be ultimate visual spring tonic. Next to tulips, daffodils are amongst the best-loved spring bulbs. Daffodils are one of our most recognizable flowers. Daffodils are one of the most recognizable flowers. These plants produce fragrant, cheerful flowers in early spring. It is grown in full sun and in a well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

Though Tulips may be the most popular spring bulbs, there are also a number of lovely, easy-to-grow bulbs. Some of these are Crocus and Snowdrops. Crocus is a delicate little bloom that is must-have bulbs for very early spring color. Crocus is the first recognized kind of flower that grows in the spring. Snowdrops are delicate, but tough harbingers of spring. The delicate white flowers often appear before the last snow melts, but they easily weather the chilly days of early spring. Snowdrops’ blooming is a sign that spring has finally arrived.

Below is a list of other spring flowers.

∙ Agapanthus- wonderful flowering plant typically produces funnel-shaped flowers, in various cues of blue colors with white flowering     forms appearing.
∙ Amaryllis - has narrow, flat leaves and with lily-like flowers borne on separate, leafless stalks.
∙ Anemone - named the Wind Flower with elongated flower stem that bears one or several, white, red, blue or rarely yellow flowers.
∙ Iris-flowers are available in blue and purples white and yellow, pink and oranges brown and red, and even black coloring.
∙ Hyacinth -spring-flowering bulbs with long, narrow leaves that are folded lengthwise.
∙ Peony -hardy flowering plants that need little care and live through severe winters.
∙ Rose -perennial flower shrub or vine
∙ Orchids -one of the most adaptable plant groups, they are valued for a dainty appearance and uncommon structure.

There are different other species of springs flowers that provide alluring beauty, give nature instant boost of lovely colors, fragrance and aesthetic splendor.

Planning and setting up a flower garden may look as if like a difficult task, but acquiring the few essentials will set you firmly on the path to joy and beauty. For the gardener, spring is one of the most pleasant times in the garden. It is when the transformation of the earliest bulbs of spring into sparkling jewels of the garden takes place. Spring is when the garden year begins.

Most of the major defects in your home are the consequence from the failure of one or more of the components to your property. More frequently than not, this will be on the exterior of your house, which you may not regularly look at to recognize problems as they occur.

It is all too easy to disregard about the outside of your home once you've stepped inside the front door. If you give no heed to the structure of the house, money and time spent revamping the interior will be wasted. There is no such thing as a maintenance free house. The roof covering, walls and under floor area are your home's first line of defense from high winds and rain and other elements.

Spring or summer is the ideal season to tackle structural work. Especially on summer where paints and sealing treatments will have the chance to dry. During these times evaluate weather damage and complete any needed repairs before cooler weather kicks off.

To help prevent serious problems inspect your home regularly. You can do it yourself or pay someone else to do the work.

Use the items below as a guide:

Roof

Climb a sturdy ladder and visually inspect your roof for cracks and openings. Look for missing or broken shingles. Roofing material, like anything else, is subject to wear and tear. Check flashings on the roof. Poor or faulty flashing will allow snow meltage to go through the interior, causing not only infrastructure rot, but possible damage to interior walls. If it appears there is damage, fix these problems right away, or call a professional and have them fix the damage. If you are not competent of climbing to high spaces, call a trusted roofing contractor to do the inspection for you.

Gutter

Examine your gutters and clear out any leaves and dirt. Blocked gutters can do water damage inside the house, and the added weight of debris and ice can tear them loose. Again you can hire someone to help or do the job for you.

Chimney

Make sure your chimney is not cracked or leaning and that the pointing between the bricks is not damaged. Providing a cap on your chimney will prevent any debris from falling in.

Paint

Walk around your home’s exterior and look for any paint or caulk that has cracked or flaked. Cracked or peeling paint is the first sign that the paint is failing. Any damages in the exterior finish of the house are an opportunity for moisture to enter, eventually leading to mildew and rot. Check areas of intense sun or shade. Paint finish can be easily faded due to harsh sun exposure white sections that are in deep shade are prone to mold and mildew.

Windows and Doors

Check the caulking around your doors and windows. Look for cracks and gaps. If you find any, reseal and apply caulking. This will ensure that harsh winter weather won't penetrate your home.

Taking the time to do a thorough inspection on a regular basis of your home and the carrying out of routine repairs at an early stage will prolong the life of your property and enable you to live more comfortably in your home and will save you a lot of money in the long run by reducing the cost of repairs and avoiding extensive repairs that could have been easily resolved by early detection.

Choosing garden flowers is a little daunting, but it is also exciting and always an adventure. What should I plant? This is the biggest gardener’s subject. Selecting plants is one of the toughest gardening tasks, simply because there are so many to choose from.

There are a lot of factors to consider. One of these is the growing conditions where the garden is, another is the style of garden, and most importantly, your personal taste. The easiest way to design your flower garden is to first decide on your preferences and then consider the practical aspects of flower gardening.

Garden flowers will definitely add zest to the landscape in various ways by adding color, texture, and form to an otherwise boring yard. The best rule in selecting flowers for your garden is: "the right plant for the right site." Pick and choose garden flowers that will thrive in your yard's natural conditions and microclimates. A microclimate is the climate of a small area that is different from the area around it. It may be warmer or colder, wetter or drier, or more or less prone to frosts. It is vital to be aware of them and let them guide your plant selection and timing. Microclimates in your backyard are determined by the components including soil quality, quantity of sunlight, shade density, moisture level, and atmospheric temperature. Decide garden flowers whose mature size will be appropriate to the part of the yard where they are to be planted. The more closely you base decisions on meeting the needs of your plants - light requirements, soil and moisture levels - and on which plants look good together, the more successful your flower garden will be.

Familiarize yourself with different types of garden flowers by regularly browsing seed and plant catalogs. When planning a flower garden it is essential to keep in mind that some flowers grow for certain seasons only. For this reason you should settle on how you want the many garden flowers to bloom. One way of classifying flowers is according to their growth cycle, namely: annuals, biennials, and perennials.

Annuals are garden flowers that complete their life cycle within one year or growing season. Since they bloom quickly and are generally grown from seed, annuals can add visual allure to your garden almost right away and cost-effectively. Planting annuals permits you to modify the appearance of your garden every year. If you want plants that come to flower quickly and provide a long season of blooms, choose annuals.

Biennials are garden flowers that take two years or growing seasons to complete their life cycle. Biennials produce only leaves during their first season, then blossom, produce seed, and die in the second season. Because biennials only bloom in single growing season, you need to plant seeds every year, if possible in mid-summer, if you want to have biennial flowers blooming in your garden every season.

Perennials refer to garden flowers that live for several years and often take two or more years to flower. Perennials die back to the ground each fall, and then grow again in the spring from underground roots that survived the winter. Compared to annuals, perennials are easier to keep because they need less watering and fertilizing. Perennials come in a range of colors, sizes, and bloom periods, thus adding up color and interest to your garden year-round.

Before you start planting garden flowers in your yard, it is really necessary to further widen your knowledge about garden flowers. E-books and manuals about gardening can help. Read as much as you can about each type of flower that you have. Having selected your plants and conceptualized a simple garden to contain them, the next step is to care for them in such a way that they will be contented and continue to grow, blossom, and reproduce.  With a little bit of practice you can have a gorgeous flower garden that will blossom and bloom for many seasons to come.

We have learned that plants have four basic needs, namely: sunlight, water, soil (nutrients) and air. Incorporating this knowledge in gardening assures us of healthy plants which are the main focus of our garden.  We must carefully consider the needs of each plant that we are planning to include in our garden. Each should thrive bountifully to create the beauty and effect that we are expecting.

About 6 to 8 hours of sunlight is good for most plants. Note however, that there are plants that require more or less sunlight.

Watering your plants is also essential. Plants wilt and die without water but too much of water may also harm your plants.  It is advised that watering in the morning or evening is best as the wind is calm and there is minimal water loss through evaporation.

The nutrients that the plants get from the soil are necessary for the plants’ survival.  You can do a soil test to check the soil pH of the different planting areas. Availability of soil nutrients is affected by the soil pH. Different types of plants require either an alkaline or acidic condition, thus you may enrich the soil as necessary.

Air, not just carbon dioxide is a necessity for plant life. Its importance not only lies in its role during photosynthesis but it helps prevent plant diseases. One of which is a fungal disease that occurs when the weather is humid and wet leaves don’t or can’t dry quick enough. In addition, crowding plants together in the garden bed may cause black spot or mildew. Plant roots also needs oxygen that they get in between soil particles, thus soil must not be compacted.

There are several types of gardens which serves different purposes and benefits.   To be successful in gardening, it would be helpful if you read on some books and browse on the web for different ideas. Always ask questions and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

It's time to bring back the life and beauty to your home.......it's time for spring home maintenance. With the daylight savings time in effect, let's make use of the extra sunshine to keep our homes in good condition.

Before you start with your chores, grab a pen and paper and make a checklist of the projects that you have in mind. Plan ahead and always stay organized to save time and to prevent unnecessary expenses. You can involve your family in planning and performing the maintenance and cleaning tasks. All of you can do the needed inspections both indoors and outdoors. There will be things and areas that are needed to be repaired, replaced, restored or refinished. Always prioritize your tasks and projects according to its importance.

Here are some areas that you should check:

Roofs

Check for damage to roof coverings. Look for holes or leaks. Shingles must not be loose and should be tightly fastened. Look into your chimney. Do inspection on gutters and downspouts. If clogged, clear them of any debris. Also check for corrosion and attachment. They must be securely attached and in functional condition.

Electrical System

Inspect electrical outlets for loose-fitting plugs that may indicate a damaged receptacle that could possibly lead to overheating and may cause fires. Check circuit breaker box as well and make sure all switches are functioning properly. Keep in mind, have an electrician take a look and do the repairs if any of your electrical systems are malfunctioning to prevent fires or possible electrocution.

Heating and Air Conditioning Systems

This involves your furnace, fireplace, heaters and air conditioners. Check for rusts. Observe for any unusual sounds as well as burning or strange smells. Clean your air conditioners. Remove dust and replace air filter. Ducts must also be free of dust and leaks.

Plumbing Systems

Check for any drips or leaks. See if flushes are malfunctioning and observe for running toilets. Insure that drainage and sinks are unclogged.

Foundation, Doors, Windows and Decks

Inspect walls for termites, rot and cracks. Doors jambs should be in good condition with all locks functional and firmly in place. Check for torn screens and broken glass on windows. Look for raised nails and rot in your wooden deck. Railings must be also be secured. Get rid of moss and molds. Power washing and refinishing may also be needed for your decks.

Winter is officially over and here comes one of the best seasons, spring. This is when everything comes to life. Spring is considered a period of growth and new life.  After surviving a long winter, it is now the time to go out, appreciate sunshine, budding plants, birds and everything around us.

Spring is synonymous to "gardening time". While most kids look forward to spring break; gardeners, flower and plant enthusiasts are gearing up for spring gardening. This is a busy yet exciting time for gardeners and it's time for you to become one as well. Postpone your trip to the salon, get your nails dirty and have fun along the way.

Preparation

Preparation is essential. Get your tools and gears ready. To prevent possible accidents, check your tools and equipments first. If they are malfunctioning, take them for servicing or you may also buy new ones. In addition, have your tools sharpened and oiled.

You must also do a survey on your yard. Check whatever is needed to be removed, cut, cabled or repaired.

Cleaning and Pruning

Get rid of fallen branches, dead growth and other debris from your yard. This will clear your lawn and will help new plants to grow.

Once trees and shrubs have started growing, you will be able to see which branches are dead, damaged or diseased. You can trim these plants by yourself or get help by calling your local tree servicing company.

Land Preparation

Once you have cleaned out the debris left by the winter season, it is time for sod removal, weeding, aeration and soil fertilization, if needed.

Planting

Before buying plants or seeds, plan first and do some research on what flowers or plants are good for your area and climate. You can also ask for advice from the nursery where you will be purchasing your plants. Do not limit your questions as to what plants or seeds to buy, include information on proper planting method as well as the needs of each specific plant you intend on buying.

Attract Birds

Clean your feeders and baths and provide bird feeding stations. A healthy garden with food, water, shelter and nesting site encourages birds to visit.

Spring gardening may take a lot of hard work but you can make this activity fun, relaxing and enjoyable by encouraging your family to help you. Kids will learn more than a thing or two from spring gardening and so will you.

The purpose of home maintenance is not just to maintain a clean and well-organized home. It is done to ensure that the home is in optimum condition, is healthy and safe for those living in it. Regular maintenance and home care also saves you time and money. Furthermore, it protects ones investment; a well-preserved and maintained home has more value in the housing market.

To be spared from the inconveniences brought about by costly replacements, repairs and accidents, homeowners must make it a point to schedule regular maintenance.  Home maintenance can be done monthly, seasonally or annually. Most homeowners do it seasonally as there may be damages brought about by environmental conditions.

An essential step to home maintenance is assessment or inspection. You may need help from qualified professionals or contractors for thorough evaluation. Choosing the right person to do the inspection requires more than just browsing the yellowpages and dialing the telephone number. You can ask friends, family and Tara - your REALTOR® for recommendation, check the service reviews on the internet or call the contractors’ references to verify their reliability and quality of work done. A good reputation is an assurance of quality service.

Inspection and repairs may also be done on your own. If you are budget conscious, there are several resources that teach basic do-it-yourself inspections and repairs for simple, non-persistent problems.

Paying attention to your home is the most valuable attitude in caring for ones property. From time to time you may notice problems like a running toilet, creaking doors, malfunctioning switches, etc. These may indicate a bigger problem that needs urgent attention. Having all these checked and repaired by a qualified professional will eventually save you money than ignoring the problem and sacrificing the safety and value of your home.

All things considered, Stacy Morris and Jamee Lakas got along awfully well sharing a cramped dorm room at the University of Waterloo. So well, in fact, that the roommates speculated that some day — if they were both single — they would buy a place together.

They didn't wait long. At age 25, Ms. Morris and Ms. Lakas already had their down payment together. They enlisted a real estate agent and began house hunting.

"With people getting married later and the high price of real estate downtown, it makes sense," says Ms. Morris. "It's also more fun than living alone."

Read More Here

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE QUINTE & DISTRICT REAL ESTATE BOARD INC.

Sales:
Dollar sales, Year to Date, 2008 decreased by 13.7%, going from $619,412,799 in 2007 to
$534,271,991 in 2008.

Listings:
The number of new listings, year to date, increased 14.8%, from 6,184 in 2007 to 7,101 in 2008.

Average Residential Purchase Price
The Year to Date, 2008 Average Purchase Price of a residential home in the Quinte Area has increased
to $201,563, up 2.4% from the 2007 price of $196,830.

PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS
The Quinte & District Real Estate Market has 917 more listings available for sale at the end of October 2008 than were listed at the same point in 2007 and our Buyer’s Market continues.
October Sales are down 18.7% over October 2007 but it would be prudent to remember that we are
comparing this year’s sales with one of the most prolific boom years for real estate in our recent history.

Motivated Sellers must heed the advice of their REALTOR® and make the necessary price reductions if
they wish or need to reach a firm agreement of sale before the end of 2008.
Failing this we may be waiting a while for a positive market correction in the current climate of economic uncertainty as we continue through our traditionally slower winter months.
For local market expertise and information, be sure to use the professional services of one of our
REALTOR® members. Also please note that these statistics represent the entire Board jurisdiction and
statistics vary from area to area.

MLS® is a co-operative marketing system used only by Canada's real estate Boards to ensure
maximum exposure of properties listed for sale.

Visit our website at www.quinte-MLS.com

The Quinte & District Real Estate Board serves the interest of 419 licensed real estate practitioners in the Belleville, Quinte West, Prince Edward, Madoc, Marmora, Stirling, Tweed, Brighton, Campbellford/Seymour, Colborne, and Deseronto areas as well as other adjacent communities.

Provided by Quinte and District Real Estate Board

Assessed values of a single family detached home will be jumping on average 27 present with the MPAC assessments.  Assessment increases will occur over the four-year phase-in introduced by the provincial government. Belleville home owners received their assessments as well.

"Residential property values have increased by approximately 42 per cent in Hastings County since 2005, when the last assessment update was done. Because of the four-year phase-in introduction by the provincial government, property taxpayers here will see an average assessment increase of approximately 10.3 per cent next year," said Christine Burden, municipal relations representative at the Trenton MPAC office.

Property values in Quinte have increased on average 27 percent since 2005 and waterfront property has increased by about 56 percent since 2005.  This has caused a readjustment of the assessment values.

"Our values are based on actual selling prices and reflect the local real estate market," said Burden. "We have seen selling prices for homes, waterfront property and farmland increase over the past three years and our values show that."

Despite the feeling of a declined market, sellers still remain optimistic about selling their home.  Accoriding to the Canadian Real Estate Association Canada showed a second monthly record of new listings coming on the market, with Ontario showing strong growth in listings.

Residential listing grew 1.8 percent on the adjusted month over month basis with over 78,000 lsitings in May 2008.

Alberta was one of the few provinces to show delcine in new listings, but the rest of the country largely offset Alberta reduction.

With the increase in inventory, the market has started to balance out, moving away from the strong sellers market we have seen over the last few years.  Seller's will need to concentrate on pricing properties correctly or face being left behind as pricing stagnant and buyers move to more competitively priced homes.

This is shown with the adjusted sales numbers edging lower in May by 1.2%.  With an increase in listings but a decrease is sales, it's clear there is a market balance occurring, if the trend continues a buyers market could develop, leaving aggressive and perhaps greedy home owners hoping to still cash in a the real estate boom very disappointed.

Although Ontario is still experiencing price gains, and the national average rose 1.8% which is the lowest increase in 7 years.

"The resale housing market has evolved quickly in just a few short months," said CREA Chief Economist Gregory Klump. "A more balanced market means buyers are in a better negotiating position. Rising food, fuel and home prices are denting consumer confidence. Increasingly cautious homebuyers may keep listings on the market longer before being sold and increase the importance of realistic pricing."

"Over the long haul what's good for consumers is a strong, stable and balanced market," says the President of The Canadian Real Estate Association, Cal Lindberg. "Buyers get to take time to assess their options, and sellers must find the right marketing plan for their property. A REALTOR® provides the expertise to help both buyers and sellers with those issues."

Belleville and Quinte have mirrored the national trend, with Quinte West being an exception formthe strong military growth, which is expected to continue for the next 3 years.

The Florida Association of REALTORS® recently wrote an article describing how in some areas of the Southern United States up to 50% of purchased homes are bought by Canadians.  I'm sure many of them have been from Belleville as we have a large snowbird population living in our community.

It's no surprise with the low US dollar and the depressed real estate market homes are selling for incredibly low prices and often well below the mortgage value.  Something which is called a short sale.

Many Canadians like to retire in Florida and Arizona so when a opportunity to purchase the perfect retirement home comes up Canadians are jumping at it.

You can read the whole article here at the Florida Association of REALTORS® website.

If you would like the name a reputable REALTOR® in any of the Southern States.  Send an email to me at tara@taralyons.com and I'll help you make contact.

If you have any thoughts on purchasing a home in the States, leave a comment below.

The Chief Economist at Merrill Lynch Canada expects two rate cuts of .25 bps (1/4 of 1%) each
in December and January.

The prediction comes despite the highest inflation in the last five years due to increased fuel costs. However, the optimism is spurred by the fact that oil prices seem to be on a decline finally and inflation is to drop to a more subdue number.

Also, predictions for the Central Bank holding the line on rates in 2008 and 2009...... This is continued good news for all clients who are taking advantage of Variable Rate Mortgages in Canada!

If you're thinking this might be a good time to renew your mortgage you could be right.

You may want to talk to Nancy Troke of ScotiaBank Belleville, her phone number is: 613-391-7735
or reach her via email at: nancy.troke@scotiabank.com

by Glenn May Anderson - Dominion Lending Belleville

The federal government introduced changes to the Mortgage Insurance industry yesterday that will have an impact on consumers with less-than-perfect credit, those looking at longer-term amortizations, or those looking to purchase without a down payment.

Mortgage Insurance (sometimes called Mortgage Default Insurance) is used by clients wishing to purchase a home who have less than 20% of the property value saved for a down-payment. In Canada, this insurance is offered by a crown corporation (CMHC) and two private companies (Genworth Financial Canada and AIG United Guaranty).

Individuals wishing to purchase a home with less than 20% down-payment pay an insurance premium to one of these insurers, protecting the lender in case the mortgage payments aren’t made by the consumer, and the mortgage goes into default.

Highlights of the changes are:

• The maximum amortization period allowed (the time over which a mortgage has to be repaid in full) is being reduced from 40 years to 35 years
• All mortgages will have a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 95%, down from 100% - meaning the consumer will need to have 5% of the purchase cost of their home saved, gifted to them from a family member, or borrowed from another source
• Mortgage Insurance will only be offered to clients with a minimum credit score of 620, as determined by one of the three credit reporting agencies in Canada (Equifax, TransUnion, and Northern Credit Bureaus)

• There will be some exceptions to this rule under specific circumstances that mitigate risk to the lender
• The maximum Total Debt Service Ratio allowed for Mortgage Insurance (the ratio of your gross monthly income compared to your total monthly debt and mortgage principal, interest, and property tax payments) will be set at 45%.
• More stringent documentation requirements are being placed on lenders and Mortgage Brokers to ensure the value of the property will be retained over the life of the mortgage – in other words, more properties will require more thorough appraisals in order to be approved under the new guidelines

These changes are scheduled to be implemented on October 15th, 2008 – allowing for any current home purchase transactions that are in progress. In addition, any home purchase transactions agreed to before but closing after October 15th, 2008 will be exempt from the new rules.
Complete details can be found at the Ministry of Finance website, located at http://www.fin.gc.ca/news08/data/08-051_1e.html.

If you are not sure if you qualify under either the new or old rules, you should speak to an independent Mortgage Agent. A Mortgage Agent will can evaluate your credit situation, income, debts, and tell you up-front exactly what you can afford, or what mortgage amounts you may qualify for. Dominion Lending Centres Alliance is Eastern Ontario’s largest mortgage brokerage, with Mortgage Agents in Peterborough, Port Hope, Cobourg, Belleville, Trenton, and Kingston – Call us at 613-968-1143 for a no-cost pre-qualification interview, or visit us at www.dlcalliance.ca.

by Brandon Cornett

Why should I bother staging my home? What do I get back for all the time and effort I put in? This is one of the most common home staging questions among sellers, especially those who are selling in a seller's market.

Here's the bottom line: Staging your home can benefit you regardless of what type of real estate market you are in.

In a buyer's market, you will need every advantage you can get in order to sell your home for a decent sale price, so it's extra important to stage your home effectively. But even in a seller's market staging can help you achieve a quick sale for the maximum sale price.

So no matter what kind of real estate market you are in, it's always wise to stage your home for the market.

Here are some of the primary benefits you will get out of it:

Home Staging Benefits

* Forces you to organize and de-clutter. Clearing away shelves, closets and cabinets is a big part of the home staging process. It also helps with moving, because you'll have to pack things away at some point anyway. So when you stage your home, you will also get a head start on packing to move.
* Forces you to think like a buyer. When you set out to stage your home for the market, you will be looking at the home as if you were a buyer. Adopting this perspective early on will help you in many ways when preparing your home for the market.
* Increases likelihood of a sale. When selling your home, you must do everything within your power to increase your chances of selling -- and I mean everything. Professional home staging techniques can give you an extra edge in selling the home quickly.
* Reduces the home's time on market. When you put in the extra effort to stage your home effectively, you will move closer to a quick sale. Anyone who has sold a home before can attest to the fact that the least time the home is on the market, the better. This is especially important if you will be paying two mortgages until the home sells (as is the case when you buy a new home before selling the old one).
* Helps justify the asking price. If you are in a seller's market and you price your home correctly, you probably won't have to haggle over the asking price. But in a market that leans toward the buyer, you need everything in your favor to justify the asking price. Proper home staging can help you justify the asking price by positioning the home more favorably in the buyer's mind.
* Staging can be fun! It may sound like all work and no play at first. Granted, you will certainly be putting some elbow grease into the process. But staging a home can be a creative process as well, and many people find they enjoy it once they've begun.

With so many benefits to staging a home, the question isn't why should you stage your home. The question is why wouldn't you?

About the Author: Brandon Cornett is the publisher of The Staging Bug, a website that offers home staging advice for sellers. For more great tips and ideas, visit http://www.stagingbug.com.

by Brandon Cornett

The home inspection is an essential part of the home buying process. In this article we will talk more about the home inspection, how it works, how to find an inspector, and related topics.
What Does a Home Inspector Do?

In short, an inspector checks the safety and functionality of your potential home. He will focus primarily on the structural and mechanical aspects of the home (as opposed to cosmetic or aesthetic items).

It's a good idea to get a home inspection as soon as possible after the seller accepts your offer. This will help you determine if there are any major problems with the property -- and sooner is better than later. You should also make the purchase agreement / contract contingent upon the home inspection. That way, if the inspection uncovers a major flaw that you're unwilling to accept, you have a legal way out of the contract.

Don't confuse this process with the home appraisal process. The appraisal protects the lender's financial interests in the property. The home inspection protects your interests, as the buyer. The appraisal is the bank's way of determining whether or not the house is worth the price you've agreed to pay for it. The inspection is your way of identifying structural or mechanical problems with the house. Two different things entirely.
Where to Find an Inspector

Finding a qualified home inspector is usually fairly simple. Here are some ideas:

* Ask a friend or coworker who has recently bought a home in the area.
* Ask your agent if he or she can recommend a qualified person for the job.
* Visit the American Society of Home Inspectors website at ASHI.org.
* Visit the National Association of Home Inspectors website at NAHI.org.

When you find a candidate, ask how many home inspections he has done. Also ask what certifications he carries. The person you choose should be certified by one of the national associations.
Who's Fixing What?

So you've found someone to inspect the property, and he has come back with a list of discrepancies. Now what? When you review the inspector's list with your agent, you'll have to decide which items (if any) you want the sellers to repair. Like nearly everything else in the home-buying process, the fix-it list is negotiable. When you submit your list of requested repairs to the sellers, you face one of several outcomes:

1. The sellers will agree to fix all of the items.
2. They will only agree to fix some of the items.
3. They will refuse to fix anything (most common in a seller's market).
4. The seller will reduce the price in lieu of certain repairs.

How you proceed in light of the seller's response is up to you, with your agent's input. A good rule of thumb -- don't ever turn a blind eye to a major repair issue just because you're excited about getting in the house. If you're an experienced investor and you're buying the house specifically to fix it up, that's one thing. But if you're buying your first home, be conservative and carefully consider each item on the inspector's list. It will benefit you in the long run.

About the Author: Brandon Cornett is the publisher of Home Buying Institute. For more information about the home inspection process visit the author's website at http://www.homebuyinginstitute.com

We're often asked what charities and community events do we support.

Well here's a quick list of some of the events we sponsor and causes we help out.

• RLP Shelter Foundation(Donations going to local Shelters)
• RLPA Christmas Wish Tree(Providing gifts at Christmas for sheltered families)
• RCAF Memorial Museum
• Belleville General Hospital Foundation Fund
• Habitat for Humanity
• Rotary Club(Tara is an Active Member)
• Kinsmen Club
• The Make a Wish Foundation
• Local School and Charity Sports Events
• The United Way
• Canadian Cancer Society
• Alzheimer Society
• Heart and Stroke Foundation
• CNIB
• Lung Association

1. Updown Court, Windlesham, England
Cost: $138,000,000.00

Bigger than Buckingham Palace, and leading the pack at the most expensive home in the world is the now infamous Updown Court in England. It's been the most expensive for at least the last three years.

It has 103 rooms, for the odd guest who stops by. Five Swimming pools, a Squash court, bowling alley, tennis court, 50 seat movie room and underground garage.

2. Hala Ranch, Aspen Colorado
Cost: $135,000,000.00

Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz owns this home in hills. With a name that long you going to need a big place stay.

Hala Ranch is located on 95 acres and is currently the most expensive home in the USA. With 56,000 square feet and 15 bedrooms it makes the perfect country get away.

3. Maison de L'Amitie,Palm Beach, Florida
Cost: $125,000,000.00

Well you know if we we're covering expensive properties The Donald would show up sooner or later. Back in 2004 Donald Trump bought a little property at a bankruptcy auction.

To say the least he made a good buy. In fact I'd say it was the ultimate fixer upper, after the renovations the home is worth $125 million. With 475 feet of ocean front and a 100 foot pool, you'll have your chance to enjoy the Florida sun.

4. Tranquility, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Cost $100,000,000.00

This 20,000 square foot cottage, 19 seat movie theater, 3500 bottle wine cellar. I guess we know what we would be doing on those cold snowy nights by the fire. With 9 Bedrooms and 9 Bathrooms there really is no need to wait for the shower.

5. Instanbul, Turkey
Cost: $100,000,000.00

Ok, so this is really a tie but putting two number fours would have left me with a bunch of helpful emails pointing out the possible typo. So we finally get a chance to head back out of the USA and check out another international home.

This estate is located on the Bosphorus or also called the Instanbul Straight, and with a cool 64 rooms and 30000 square feet of cat swinging room, I think you'll feel at home. Or at least you'll be comfortable on vacation.