Blog.ByTheOwner.com

• A leaky hot water faucet that drips wastes 27 liters of hot water per day, for an annual cost of $40.
• The hot water heater is the appliance that consumes the most energy annually, an average of 5,127 kWh, for an annual cost of $315.82.
• Quebec contributes 2 times less gas to the earth?s atmosphere than the rest of Canada and the U.S.
• Condo owner?s who have difficulty with association rules and regulations can consult this free website for future reference, www.condolegal.com.
• Geothermal is a renewable energy source that, with the help of hydro-electricity, makes available a solar energy. This solar energy is then collected in the soil to respond to your heating and cooling needs.
• Your pool is not included in the standard insurance policy! You are required to add an additional clause specifically for your pool. Call your insurance agent for more information.
• If you would like to change your thermostats, it is strongly recommended to check out electronic thermostats. They can allow you to save up to 33% of your monthly electric bill. They are more expensive up front, however the savings you receive in the end are worth the investment. Check with your electric company for information on special deals or promotions.
• If you are also thinking of changing your electric heaters, it is strongly suggested to look into the Convectair model. They are once again more expensive up front, however they are a better quality and allow you to save on energy consumption.
• The water temperature in your hot water heater cannot be above 60°C (140°F). It is dangerous to place the temperature above this mark as it can cause burns to yourself and your family.
• Wood is a good conductor of electricity and contrary to what most people think, only dry wood is an insulator.
• If you have the intention of occupying the apartment of one of your tenants, you must send them a written notice 6 months before the date of occupation. For example, if you intend to need the apartment for July 1st, you must notify them before December 31st. Quebec only.
• You can, as a buyer, sue the previous owners of a property in regards to hidden defects.

When you go to a financial institution to apply for a mortgage, you must provide them with certain documents. This will allow them to correctly evaluate your credit score and give them a good idea of your current financial standing.

First of all, one of the items that you must provide is proof of your annual income. You can supply them with a copy of your tax returns for the previous 2 years and a letter from your current employer that states your current annual income along with how long you have been employed with them.

Secondly, they will evaluate your assets, including banking accounts (balances), investments (bonds, stocks, retirement funds, etc…), any automobiles that you own, real estate properties, etc… It is strongly suggested that you create an up to date itemized list of your current banking information and don’t forget to bring copies of your last monthly statements.

Thirdly, you must list your outstanding debts, such as credit card balances, personal loans, credit margins, student loans, etc… Don’t forget to make an up to date list of these as well.

Once all the paperwork has been done, they will then evaluate your current networth. This figure simply represents that they think your value is. To arrive at this figure, they calculate the difference between your investments and your debt.

With all of this information, the financial institution will then use their formulas to arrive at your debt ratio. With this result, plus your credit score and your annual income, they can then determine the maximum amount they will lend you.  This means that if you are attempting to purchase a property that requires more than they have indicated, your mortgage will be refused and you will need to restart the entire process.

Finally, don’t forget that you can negotiate your interest rate (up to atleast 1% of the advertised rate). Also, we advise that you consult a mortgage specialist at your local financial institution to compare rates and options. You are also able to reserve your interest rates. This service is free and it will protect your eventual rate increases. However, don’t forget that if the rate falls, yours do too!!

The maintenance of a fireplace is very important. After using your fireplace during the winter, nothing is better than a good cleaning of it and the chimney. It is strongly advised to do this at least once a year and don?t forget to ask for a receipt from the company.

If a fire, as a result of the fireplace, destroys your property and you did not have it cleaned, your insurance company might not pay your insurance claim.

You can have your fireplace cleaned for around $25, however call now to make an appointment. Most companies are at their busiest between September and December.

In regards to firewood, it is important to shop around a little before make a purchase. Pay attention, as there are several different qualities of firewood available. There are some people that will try to benefit from your ignorance by selling you who knows what.

There currently exists ecological firewood that is made from wood shavings. This firewood is clean, efficient and the price is very reasonable. It is packaged very well because the logs are individually wrapped inside the bags. This is ideal for condo owners and those with bad backs.

To find a company that sells this product, check your local classifieds or the Internet.