Tag Archives: checklist

Makes Cents to Me!

 

Today I wanted to talk to you about “odds”.  Not the opposite to “even”, but what are the odds of an event happening.  It amazes me the amount of people who always seem to be in front of me at the variety store either checking their lottery numbers or dropping $50 bucks to get the numbers for the next draw.  Just imagine.  Yes, just imagine that the odds of hitting it big with the lottery are about 13 million to one.  Did you know that you have a better chance of being struck by lightning or to do the math you would have to be struck by lighting 22 times to equal the odds of winning big in the lottery.  I find it intriguing that most people still spend billions of dollars each year for the chance to hit the “big one” but don’t spend their money to protect themselves and their families with events that can happen much more often.  Did you know the chances of getting cancer today are about 3 to 1?  That means that out of every 3 people you know, one of you will be diagnosed with cancer in your lifetime.  Yet, how many of us have purchased critical illness insurance?  Sure you won’t get millions from your insurance company but $50000-$100000 or more would certainly help their family in this time of need. Did you know that a 20 year old will have a 3 in 10 chance to de disabled for 90 days or greater in their lifetime?  Do you have coverage’s in place that will take care of your family if you can’t work? 

Did you know that 1 in 3 of us will die from heart disease?  What steps have you taken to ensure that your family will be taken care of in your absence?

 I know that you’ll lose the anticipation and excitement of the chances you will actually win the lottery and the dreams of how you’ll spend this “win fall”, but you can surely find some peace and solace in knowing that in the event of an unforeseen illness or injury that, financially, things will still be okay.

 I like most people play the odds every day.  Do I get a higher deductible on my car insurance to lower my premiums taking a chance I won’t get in too many accidents?  It’s a choice we all have to make day in and day out but please take my advice and put your money where it will help you and your family the most. 

Use the odds in your favour, start today and plan for a long and healthy tomorrow. It makes cents to me.

Will Carey from Family Lending Financial

Home Inspection Checklist for Canada

 

  • A home inspection by a qualified inspector is a vital step when buying any home. Before committing to a purchase, the homebuyer should hire a home inspector to ensure the home is in proper condition. Except in British Columbia, where licensing is required, home inspectors are not regulated in Canada. If for no other reason than that, it’s important that the homebuyer understands what she should expect from a proper home inspection.

Exterior

  • According to Griffin Home Inspection Services Inc., a Canadian home inspection company, homebuyers can expect a complete inspection of the exterior of the home and its functions. This includes the roof, exterior wall cladding, flashings and trims. It also includes anything else on the outside of a home, including doors, decks, balconies, rain gutters, retaining walls, driveways, patios, walkways, railings and steps. The final written home inspection report to the homebuyer should detail the condition of each of these things. The home inspector should inspect the roof by getting up on it—not from the ground.

Interior

  • The interior of the home, including floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, railings, the garage, countertops, cabinets, doors and windows will be inspected by the home inspector, and the conditions of each should be accurately detailed in the written report. The total time to complete a thorough home inspection is approximately two to three hours, and most of this time will be devoted to the interior and the systems of a home.

Systems

  • Homes are systems, not just walls and a roof. They have intricate components that keep them functioning, safe and healthy for the occupants. Systems examined during a home inspection include mechanical ventilation systems, air conditioning, heating, electrical systems and plumbing systems. If there’s a fireplace in the home, the chimney and flue must be inspected, as well as components of any gas fireplace or wood stove. The conditions of these systems will be detailed on the home inspection report.

Support

  • The support systems of the home will be inspected. This includes both the foundation and the framing of the home.

Repairs

  • The final written home inspection report should explain what repairs need to be made to the home, if any. Home inspectors will not perform repairs themselves. Be wary if a Canadian home inspector recommends a company to perform the repairs. This is forbidden by the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors. An appearance of conflict of interest can place the credibility of the home inspector in question.

Mold

  • Home inspectors in Canada are not required to test for mold. Mold is a frequent problem in homes, and unsuspecting homebuyers risk buying homes that pose serious health risks because of toxic mold lurking in the walls. Most home inspectors in Canada will not pull back carpeting or drywall to check for mold. A 2010 Canadian Broadcasting Corporation investigative report said the company hired five home inspectors to inspect a home infested with mold, and no inspector found it.

Homebuyers wishing to be certain the home they are considering is not infested with toxic mold may need to hire a qualified mold inspector in addition to the home inspector.
Contact FamilyLending.ca for more information.

Home Inspection Checklist for Canada | eHow.com


Home Energy Checklist

 

We recently put together this Home Energy Efficiency Checklist to help homeowners optimize their energy consumption and reduce their energy bills. We designed it as an easy-to-use guide for periodically examining your home to find energy-wasting trouble spots. It also includes some preventative maintenance tips that will help you avoid problems before they happen.

If you have any further questions about how to maximize your home energy efficiency, or if you would like us to provide you with our list of home energy experts, please call or email us. And if you hear of anyone who’s looking to buy or sell, please keep us in mind.


ANNUALLY:
Check your heat and A/C systems.

Check windows and outside doors for drafts.

SEASONALLY:
Check furnace switch, fuse and breakers.

Check furnace blowers, oiling motor and changing belt if necessary.

Check thermostat accuracy by taping thermometer to wall next to it.  If discrepancy, have it re-calibrated by a technician.

Check central air condensing unit for obstructing leaves and debris, and hose out if necessary.

Keep shrubs pruned back to maximize airflow.

Check room A/C condensate drain outlet for plugging.

MONTHLY:

Check and clean/change room A/C filters.

Check room A/C condenser coils and intake vents for obstructions.

Check furnace filter and change if clogged.

GENERAL:

Check insulation for type/thickness, beginning in attic/top floor.  Upgrade if inadequate.

During humid weather, check central A/C condensate drain to ensure it is carrying off excessive moisture.
Contact FamilyLending.ca for more information.

Home Security Checklist

 

We don’t wish to “alarm” you, but we thought you’d be interested in this Home Security Checklist that we put together. It gives you a basis for periodically inspecting your home to make sure you’re doing all you can to protect your valuables against “uninvited visitors.”  We hope all is well and that you’re enjoying your home. If we can help you, your family or your friends with any mortgage needs, please don’t hesitate to call or email us here at FamilyLending.ca. 

Do you have a security system? 
Do you have motion-detector lights around the property?
Do you keep your garage locked?
Did you change the locks when you moved in?

Do you have strong locks on all doors and windows?

Have you kept your keys guarded against unauthorized duplication?

Do you always use the peephole before answering the door?

Do you have automatic timers controlling your lights when you are away?

Are your possessions insured and do you have a complete inventory of them?

Are extremely precious items secured away from home, in a safety deposit box?

 

 

 

Construction Evaluation Checklist

Construction Evaluation Checklist

It’s understood that building a new home is usually the largest single investment in your lifetime. We have put together a checklist and guide to help you with this big decision.
 

A.      LOCATION OF NEIGHBORHOOD

1.       Look around, talk to neighbors. Are the streets safe and is there enough privacy?

2.       Are the neighbors likely to be compatible with your tastes and lifestyle?

3.       Will the size of your home be compatible with the existing market?

4.       Are there sources of noise, smoke, or odors that will become a problem in the future?

5.       Are there any new developments planned near your site that will affect your neighborhood in the future?

 

B.         COMMUNITY FACILITIES  
1.       Are there adequate shopping facilities nearby?

2.       If you have children, how is the school system?

3.       Are there daycare centers available?

4.       Are places of worship available and convenient?

5.       Are police and fire protection adequate?

6.       Is there a hospital or medical center nearby?

7.       Is public transportation frequent and convenient?

8.       Are there suitable parks and recreation close by?

  

C.      UTILITY AND IMPROVEMENTS

1.      What is the water system, public or private well? If there is a well, what is the depth and recharge?

2.       Will the service be enough for a sprinkler system?

3.       Is there a sewer system, and is it adequate and reliable for future needs?

4.      If you need a septic system, is the soil, percolation rate, and water table adequate for a new system?

5.       Are there fire hydrants close by?

6.       Is there electricity overhead or underground?

7.       Are there gas pipelines to the area?

8.      Is there enough street lighting for nighttime security and peace of mind?

9        Are there storm sewers and are they of adequate size?

10.     Are property tax rates reasonable? How do they compare with surrounding areas?

 

D.      PRESENT ZONING OF ADJOINING AND SURROUNDING PROPERTY

1.      Check if there are any property restrictions such as building size, setbacks on your lot, any public utility easements, or restrictive building schemes etc.

2.      Are there specific uses not allowed? (Example: storing a boat in your yard)

3.      Are there any architectural restrictions in the development? (Example: only Colonial homes).

4.       Check with the local planning and zoning boards about recent zone change proposals that may influence your property.

 

E.      SITE DISPOSITION

1.       Is the lot well drained, and where are the storm drains in relation to your site?

 2.      Is the subsoil good? Remember, this is important if you need a septic system?

3.       Is there sufficient depth to assure a gravity drain to sewer, especially if there will be any plumbing located in the basement?

4.       How is the topography of the land? By this, we mean is the lot sloping or is it flat?

5.       How high is the water table? This will tell you if a basement is possible?

6.       Are the natural features of the site desirable — views, trees, shrubbery, and privacy?

 

F.      ORIENTATION

1.       The sun’s path is a major consideration when you are looking at your site.

2.       It is nice to wake up in the morning light and have breakfast in the sunlight. Face the East to experience the views.

3.       Southern exposure is beneficial for winter heat, especially if you dislike shoveling driveways!

4.       North light is best for even light, like an art studio or office.

5.       Your site determines the location of your house. Let nature help you place those rooms.

 

G.      PERSONAL TASTE

1.       The last thing, and probably the most important, is personal taste – city, country, seaside, comfort, security, and serenity.

2.       We tell our clients to go to the site on a quiet sunny day and a rather crummy, dreary day and at different times. Take time to walk around and truly observe: your heart will tell you if this is the one.

 

We specialize in helping you achieve your goals today and in helping you become mortgage free tomorrow! Please don’t hesitate to call FamilyLending.ca at 1-866-941-6678or visit our website at FamilyLending.ca if you have other questions or are ready to start investigating your options.