QUICK- TIPS FROM MORTGAGE EXPERTS
Before you start househunting for your dream home , you should find out what your maximum purchase power is by getting pre-approved for a mortgage . In today ’ s competitive market , knowing what you can afford before putting in an offer will save you a lot of time and money . Also , as a firsttime homeowner , you should take advantage of the various incentives provided to Canadians by the federal government .
From a current homeowner ’ s standpoint , if you have equity in your home , you can refinance your existing mortgage or apply for a home equity mortgage . With those funds , you can do renovations , payoff outstanding debt , invest in property or even a business . Your home is an appreciating asset , why not find ways for it to generate more wealth ?
At Uptown Mortgages Inc ., we educate our clients on the right mortgage solution that will take them from where they are to where they want to be . - Clyde Jr . Bryant , AMP , Uptown Mortgages Inc , www . clydebryant . ca
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS I MIGHT BE OVERLOOKING IN MY HOME ?
Homeowners , whether new or seasoned , have a long list of to-dos to take care of every year . What are you missing ? The experts at Rümi share the top five things homeowners often miss when it comes to home maintenance :
ATTIC HATCH Make sure it ’ s well insulated to save on energy and reduce the chances of finding attic rain in the winters .
DRYER VENT Clean your vents every year to help prevent irritating allergies and potential devastating house fires .
WATER LEAKS Any leaks should be treated seriously . Tiny drips can point to major damage in your home .
FURNACE FILTER This is a quick fix that can make a big difference . Swap out your filter in the winter ( and in the summer if you have AC ) to keep your hardest working appliance functioning at its best .
VISUAL INSPECTION A simple 360 degree walk around your home can help spot anything out of place . Not sure what you ’ re looking for ? Rümi ’ s Ask A Home Inspector service , a one-of-a-kind virtual service with our experts , can help . - Brendan Graham , Home Solutions Lead , Rümi , www . rumi . ca
SOLAR ENERGY TIPS
Solar has been gaining momentum because it is the lowest cost option to deliver electricity to your home . With the rising cost of electricity affecting homeowners across the country and the generous incentive programs currently being offered , the time has never been better for homeowners to start generating their own electricity with solar .
Solar panels are allowing homeowners to turn their rooftops into a source of free energy that can help them reduce their cost of living now and for decades to come .
Along with the benefits of reducing your monthly bills , solar helps you take the cost of paying your electricity bill and allows you to reinvest that cost into something that increases the value of your home . - Brett Bauman , Solar YYC , www . solaryyc . ca
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