Sep

29

Home Tips

Filed Under Home Tips | Leave a Comment

Nearly every single house that I inspect has at least one “Saddle Valve” installed. These are small valves which are attached to plumbing piping by way of ‘piercing’ the piping and being clamped into place with nothing more than a rubber bushing to provide a seal between the saddle valve and the pierced piping to which it is attached.

These valves are commonly used when a ¼ inch water supply line is required for a humidifier or a refrigerator with an icemaker inside.

Sadly, these valves are not very reliable as they are prone to leakage. Some jurisdictions in North America are starting to ban the use of saddle valves. You are encouraged to know the location of these valves in you home, and monitor them regularly for leakage. Typical installation locations are on the cold water supply piping coming into the top of your water heater, or under the kitchen cabinet on the cold water supply piping leading to the faucet of your kitchen sink.

Should these valves start to leak, it is recommended that they be replaced with a brass “Ball Valve”. The installation for this valve requires some plumbing skills and knowledge. This task requires medium skills and some specialized tools (such as a torch, solder and flux, or special crimping tools for installation on plastic water supply piping). This job is best done by a professional plumber. These ball valves (and their soldered or crimped installation) are higher quality, more reliable and rarely leak.

Written By: Kevin Hawes
Assured Home Inspections in Calgary, AB

Sep

28

Home Buyers Seminar

Filed Under Buying, Seminars | Leave a Comment

We will be hosting a home buyer seminar in the coming weeks in October in the North end of Calgary.  There is limited space to 25 individuals per session, so if you are interested, please email me at jared@tcgroup.ca to let me know that you would like to register.

GREAT TIME TO BUY
Over the next couple months into the new year, and even into the summer is going to be a great time to get into the real estate market if you haven’t already.  If you are looking for an investment property, or if you are looking to finally get into the market for you own personal home, it’s looking up for you.

The market has softened quite a bit in Calgary and there are some very motived vendors (sellers) out there, and some great prices on properties.  The best part about it is that you, in most cases, won’t have multiple offers, and actually have time to make the right decision, unlike years past.

If you are interested, please let me know!

Sep

28

Life is Precious

Filed Under Personal | Leave a Comment

I’m writing today on a different note than real estate.  I was talking to a friend/business mentor of mine who has recently been diagnosed with a terminal cancer, that is very rare, and likely doesn’t have long to live.  I was speaking with him a couple days ago, and it really hit me how precious life is.  My friend has two younger children, a wife and has invested in real estate.  His daughters know that he is sick with cancer, but are unaware it is terminal.  This absolutely breaks my heart, and there are many questions that arise during a time like this. The doctors have given him a couple of months to live.  He has decided to kick the chemo and go the natural route to see what can be done that way.

Why I bring this up, is that my friend, like I said, invested in Real Estate.  I have seen the power of investing in Real Estate, but have seen it in a new light this week.  He has now set up a future for his family if he does pass.  Real Estate is a powerful investment tool no matter what the market is doing.  Even though the market is slower right now, there is equity that he can feed off of if need be.

I don’t want to mention names, but if you are a praying person, I know that my friend would be very appreciated if you said a couple words to the big guy upstairs for him and his family.  I know that he isn’t the only one suffering with the awful disease of cancer, and my prayers go out to all who are in need.

If any of the readers here, have some suggestions or thoughts that may help my friend out with different treatments, that would be appreciated.

Sep

15

20% Further Price Reduction?

Filed Under Buying, Home Prices, Selling | Leave a Comment

In a recent Calgary Herald Article that was published this past weekend (Saturday September 13th) stated that a couple realtors in Calgary said that the home prices would be decreasing another 20% over the coming year.  One agent stated…

“Prices went up nearly 100 per cent in 2-1/2 years,” he says. “Let’s just say the ‘why’ for the decline can be found in the words, ‘Too far, too fast’.”

I do agree that there was a huge increase, but I do disagree that it was too far, too fast.  If we had increases like this over 5+ years, than yes, but in this case, the market is adjusting and finding it’s new bottom.  Every booming economy has it’s moments of breathing.  The market is alive and therefore needs to breathe.  As a seller in this market you really need to be on your game and know your ’stuff’.

Seller’s also really need to think like a buyer in this market.  By this I’m saying that you need to put your feet in the shoes of a buyer, and clearly understand what they think, so you are able to market to them properly.

The market is changing, and will do so for a while. Prices will most likely decline, to what extent and for how long?  Great question… don’t know…  When the market finds it’s new bottom, then we will be able to for sure say… “The Sellers Market is Back”.

On the flip side, it is truly a great time to purchase a home.  If you are planning on living in the home for 2+ years, there are some great deals out there.  If you are looking to do investments… again, great time!  If the investment will be a flip of a home, you might want to stear away from that right now, but for long term rentals… that’s the place to be!

Cheers!