A Buyer's Choice Home Inspections South Shore with John Berkeley

It turns out, size does matter. Or, rather, the misrepresentation of a home’s square footage, as a court ruled in favour of a first-time homebuyer in Stouffville, Ontario, after a seller and real estate agent failed to properly disclose the home’s size. An appraisal came in at 1,450 square feet, while the buyer has been told several figures ranging between 2,000 and 2,500 square feet. This discrepancy resulted in the rescission of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale and the return of the $50,000 deposit. https://www.realestatemagazine.ca/misrepresentation-in-squ/

Wishing you a fabulous 2021 filled with happiness, health and success!

Having hot water in our homes whenever we need it is definitely a luxury many of us wouldn’t want to live without. That’s why it’s important to ensure our water heaters are regularly maintained to safely provide hot water on demand. Here are some checks homeowners can make to ensure your hot water tank is running safely and efficiently. https://hubs.ly/H0BJHsx0

Though the hibernation season (aka winter) sometimes provides a welcome break from the usual hustle and bustle, things look a bit different this year. After spending so many months largely cooped up at home, facing a long, gray winter inside that same space may feel daunting, to say the least. Rather than dread the arrival of winter, why not channel that energy into a simple DIY project that’ll make you actually not mind spending a little extra time inside? https://hubs.ly/H0BJD-W0

Wishing our clients, Realtor partners and business associates a Happy Holiday Season and All the Best for the New Year. Thank you for your support!

During colder months, there’s an increased risk of moisture within a home’s attic space. If left unattended, attic moisture can lead to a lot of problems, the worst of which includes water damage and the formation of mould. Here’s how to spot attic frost and moisture issues before they turn into major problems. https://hubs.ly/H0BJvlV0

Radiant heating slabs have been growing in popularity in areas that are prone to heavy snowfall. But is a heated driveway worth the expense? https://hubs.ly/H0BJjS50

Weird houses have always attracted attention especially around Halloween. By boasting some peculiar architecture, showcasing unique interior design or simply by having a strange location, unusual homes manage to impress one way or another, through their creativity and originality. Some also manage to lure in quite a few visitors and become local symbols. Montreal’s Habitat 67 even made the list! https://hubs.ly/H0xkQ9X0

Haha! This is pretty much what it has come to in today’s housing market!

It has never been more important to support local businesses. There’s a misconception that because someone owns a franchise, they’re not local. On the contrary, each A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections franchise is independently owned and operated within a local community. We empower local people who undergo rigorous training before becoming active within their communities to better serve their neighbours. https://hubs.ly/H0xkQ8g0

Real estate markets have continued to be in high demand throughout most of the year with low supply resulting in multiple bid scenarios and show no signs of slowing down in the near future. Hot markets that are experiencing bidding wars need new, innovative approaches that not only help buyers win the home of their dreams but also provide them and their Realtor with protection if they find themselves in a situation where they need to bid with no conditions. Check out our blog to see how we’re doing our part to help. https://hubs.ly/H0BJcVB0

A successful renovation project requires a good amount of planning and flexibility. But besides that, there are some things that you really should decide on early. This will ensure the project runs smoothly and prevents you from having to make rushed, last-minute decisions that you end up regretting. Be sure to have a home inspection after undertaking renos to ensure your contractor got everything right. https://hubs.ly/H0xkM7m0

Spending more time at home during the pandemic has led some homeowners to re-evaluate what they want most out of their properties. With work from home and home schooling arrangements now commonplace, the desire for more privacy, extra space and easy access to the outdoors have been major drivers behind the unprecedented levels of buying and selling activity in Canada’s housing markets since the early summer months. https://hubs.ly/H0BJcmG0

Ummmm have you ever loved anyone THIS much?! LOL

Roof repair can be costly, but you can save yourself a load of stress and money by dealing with issues as a preventative measure rather than when a leak gets worse or catastrophe strikes and your roof collapses. Check out our blog for some common roof issues you can monitor each season to help extend the life of your roof. https://hubs.ly/H0BJcJ40

DIY staging at its finest LOL

The concept of virtual staging isn’t new, but it has seen a rise in popularity since the pandemic forced people to limit their in-person interactions. Virtual staging software allows real estate professionals to prep a property for sale from the safety of their own home. How do you feel about this option? If done well, does this help you make a decision about buying a property? https://hubs.ly/H0BJcCs0

Yikes! Ok who’s tempted to poke the bubble? LOL

Many homebuyers and sellers, as well as Realtors, are suffering from COVID-19 exhaustion mental and emotional stress associated with the added worry of contracting and/or spreading the virus during the homebuying process. Check out our blog to see how we’re doing our part to alleviate anxiety during the homebuying and selling process. https://hubs.ly/H0BJ2rq0

Nobody wants to hear that the crack in their basement wall or floor could end up costing thousands to properly repair, but this is something you don’t want to leave to chance. And you definitely want to be made aware of this risk if you’re a potential homebuyer. This is just one more reason why a home inspection is so important for protecting your hard-earned money! https://hubs.ly/H0xg6kh0

It will be interesting to see how housing trends change based on the pandemic. For one, with the possibility of a second wave or another lockdown in mind, many people are looking for more space. This often means searching outside of cities. https://hubs.ly/H0xg7SM0

With more people spending time at home, renovations are high on the list for many households. Here’s where to get the best value out of your renos. https://hubs.ly/H0ySxwj0

Haha! Just imagine!

HOLD. IT. STEADY. Those are our three words. How about yours?!

Fall is clearly in the air and with it comes some important checks to complete in and around your home to ensure you have everything in order before temperatures really start to drop. Your seasonal homeowner to-do list includes completing regular maintenance checks and balances to help prevent the most common and also costly problems from occurring. https://hubs.ly/H0x1r-L0

With winter well on its way, it’s important to establish a regular home maintenance schedule to help prevent the most common and also costly problems from occurring. Here’s a checklist that will help guide you in keeping your home a safe and healthy place to live this winter and year-round. https://hubs.ly/H0ySg3d0

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

How’s your kitchen lighting serving your family’s needs? Contemporary lighting design for the kitchen is exciting, varied and moving forward with the times. Sometimes, the lines blur between lighting types. Under-counter task lights make food prep a breeze and, when they’re dimmed down after dinner, they give your idle kitchen an inviting warm glow. An open imagination and a slow stroll down the lighting aisle of your favourite home improvement store are a match made for a Sunday afternoon, before your well-lit dinner preparation later. https://hubs.ly/H0yS9CL0

EEK! That awkward moment you realize the homeowner’s image is on the shower curtain LOL

This goes out to our real estate partners. Who can relate? LOL

Technology has certainly come a long way. And perhaps the most comprehensive tool for a home inspector is the thermal imaging infrared camera, as it can view what the naked eye can’t see, peering behind walls, under flooring, into attics/ceilings and more. A thermal scan of the entire structure and its components can take your visual home inspection to another level. https://hubs.ly/H0yS3lz0

Who knew that streaming our latest shows and music would lose entertainment value? But, after months of intensive screen time, you’re undoubtedly craving other forms of entertainment that won’t break the bank and will be health friendly too. Here are a few fun, frugal and safe ideas. https://hubs.ly/H0yS9wn0

Fire damage and loss of life can be devastating to your family and livelihood. The theme for Fire Prevention Week 2020 on October 4th-10th is focused on the kitchen one area of your home that’s most at risk for a fire to break out. Check out our latest blog for fire prevention and safety tips to help protect your loved ones and property from disaster. https://hubs.ly/H0xx39L0

You’re thinking about becoming a homeowner and you likely have lots of questions about the homebuying process from the overarching ‘How do I buy a home?’ to specific queries around financing, home type and location. Check out these 10 steps to buying a home. https://blog.remax.ca/how-do-you-buy-a-home-10-essential-s/

In celebration that we’re well into sweater weather, who agrees with us here?! LOL

Lest we forget. Thank you to all the brave men and women who have fought, and continue to fight, for our rights and freedom.

Radon is an invisible radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in the ground and it’s the number one cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. It’s found in every home in Canada, but testing is the only way to truly know if a home has dangerous levels. As Canadians continue to spend more time at home, now, more than ever, it’s important to test your home for radon. People confined to their homes during the pandemic could be exposed to high radon levels. https://hubs.ly/H0yS8gV0

While we’re not typically alarmists in our inspection reports, this just went too far. We had to speak up so this homebuyer knew what kind of person owned this home before they bought it LOL

Did you know that falls are the leading cause in both children and adults for unintentional injury-related hospitalizations across Canada? November is Fall Prevention Month! Check out our latest blog for tips to help ensure your home remains a safe place to visit, live and work. https://hubs.ly/H0y-3xL0

Nothing mars a beautiful home interior more than mould. Its reputation carries with it more than just an unsightly appearance it can cause serious illness and, if left unchecked, can result in costly repairs. Here’s how to prevent mould and what to do if you find it in your home. When in doubt, always have it inspected by a professional. https://hubs.ly/H0yRPkd0

Happy Halloween! Have fun & keep safe. :)

DOH! Time to disassemble this kitchen and begin again!

And just like that fall is upon us. If your current home or the house you’re looking to purchase is completely or partially heated with wood, it’s in your best interest to have all wood-burning appliances inspected by a Wood Energy Technical Transfer (WETT) specialist. A WETT Inspection will ensure that your system is correctly installed and operating properly, and that it poses no threat to your home and family. Your inspector will also advise you on how to best maintain your system to ensure your family remains safe year after year. https://hubs.ly/H0x6qXV0

Our homes are a source of pride, and with more time spent at home lately, it’s a perfect opportunity to give our abodes some long overdue TLC. Maintaining or investing in curb appeal is about more than aesthetics it’s also a financially sound thing to do. https://hubs.ly/H0vM2wT0

You know you’re in trouble when you’re not sure which professional to call in! But, the key here is professional.

When booking your home inspection, chances are, you’re focused on three main questions: 1) How much will it cost?; 2) How long will it take?; and 3) What will the inspector be checking? While it’s important to know what to expect, it’s even more beneficial to ask the right follow-up questions after the inspection to ensure you have the most up-to-date information about the home you’re buying or selling. https://hubs.ly/H0wMnfC0

With more people staying home these days, pet adoption is at an all-time high. Here’s how to prep your home for a new pet. https://hubs.ly/H0vM2wf0

Well, why not?! Apple has thought of everything else LOL

Did you know Our Warranty and Client Protection Program guards against surprises that show up after you take possession of your new home? We all know that it’s possible for sellers to hide certain deficiencies with their property by cleaning or staging in order to not have to disclose all issues. While full disclosure is required, key information is often not shared between the seller and their real estate professional. https://hubs.ly/H0vM1bK0

It has been a hot, dry summer. And with that comes hefty water bills while we ensure our lawns and gardens remain healthy and lush. Check out these tips for creating a water-efficient garden. https://hubs.ly/H0vM2tr0

Tip of the Day: When pouring concrete near a duck pond, don’t let the entire crew go on lunch at the same time! LOL Oopsie!

The beginning of the school year has been staggered. While some of you have already sent your kids off to school or started studies from home, others will begin this week or next. Whether you’ve chosen in-class, online or both, as a parent, student, teacher or support staff, no decision was easy. That’s why we need to support each other and keep everyone safe as a community. No judgement, no criticism, just helping hands. Check out our latest blog for tips on learning safely from home or in the classroom. https://hubs.ly/H0vRPTz0

Happy Labour Day long weekend from our family to yours!

Do not try this at home! Ummm not sure why it’s such a big deal to safely BBQ away from the house?!

Appraisers had to adjust the way they do business thanks to COVID-19 to remain safe while still excelling at their jobs, as is the norm for home inspectors, Realtors and other service providers that are part of the homeownership process. Relying on extra third-party data for appraisals, including personal pictures and videos the owner had of their property allowed appraisers to do external observations without having to physically step foot on the property. https://hubs.ly/H0vqSSh0

Sometimes, all it takes to feel like you have a totally new space is a little colour. If spending a lot of time at home has you considering your kitchen’s possibilities, a new coat of paint may be just the thing you need. And while painting kitchen cabinets may sound a little more intimidating than, say, painting a plain old wall, a new coat of paint can transform a standard-issue kitchen into something really spectacular. https://hubs.ly/H0v31r90

This kitchen is to die for LOL

Ensuring your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are properly installed in your home and remain in good working order should be part of your regular home maintenance routine to make sure they protect your family and home when you need them most. Check out these important dos and don’ts when installing and maintaining smoke and CO alarms. https://hubs.ly/H0v2BB60

Whether you’re buying your very first home or moving to another one, things can be confusing. You’re not alone! Many people feel this way. Here are a few tips and tricks to overcoming the most common homebuying fears. https://hubs.ly/H0rRbm30

Buyer: So, have the floors been refinished? Listing Agent: Working on it. LOL

Drips, leaks and flooding can cause major structural damage to a house if not addressed properly. There are some important visual signs that often indicate excessive amounts of water have been or are still present in a property. https://hubs.ly/H0tPNxp0

With the summer heat comes the need to use more water. Whether this includes watering your lawn and flowers or filling up the pool, overall use skyrockets in the summer months. Here are seven ways that you can save water, which will help the environment and your wallet! https://hubs.ly/H0rR7lJ0

Perhaps a cleanup is required before the listing pics are snapped LOL What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen in an MLS photo?

It’s important to understand what tasks a home inspector completes as part of an inspection to help realistically set your own expectations and manage the expectations of potential homebuyers. Here are some common home inspection myths dispelled. https://hubs.ly/H0txkKl0

Your garage is a warehouse, toy shop, workshop and maybe even your favourite place to hang out. Check out these great space-saving tips to help maximize your garage space. https://hubs.ly/H0rRbl80

There are just so many questions about what went wrong here?!