Insurance...Mortgage vs. Individual

I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Mike a few weeks ago at one of my open houses. We discussed the difference between Mortgage Insurance and an Individual Policy (Life Insurance). 

Many people know that they need insurance of some sort...but most are not aware of the different types available and their pros or cons. Mike provided me with this great chart explaining the difference between Mortgage Insurance and an Individual Policy with Desjardins. 

Take a look over this chart and give him a call if you have any questions!

Make your home more Energy-Efficient

        10 Ways to make your home 

                                   more energy-efficient

1 Conduct an energy audit. If you're serious about improving your home's efficiency, start with an energy audit by an NRCan certified energy advisor - you can search for an advisor in your area at www.nrcan.gc.ca. You'll get a list of recommended upgrades to help you plan, and you may qualify to receive up to $2500 from the Home Reno Rebate by Union Gas. According to Natural Resources Canada, the average retrofit may yield a 30% reduction in energy use.


2 Seal up those drafts. Drafty windows and doors can be a major source of energy loss. If an upgrade isn't currently within your budget, you can still save energy and make your home more comfortable by using simple weather-stripping and caulking as an economical way to reduce air leaks.


3 Upgrade your heating system. In older homes, the savings over time from installing a new high-efficiency condensing gas furnace may be the best investment you can make. Talk to a certified heating contractor (Like COAD) to help research which heating system is best for your home and climate, and use the search tool at www.nrcan.gc.ca to find the handy "Home Heating System Cost Calculator".


4 Add insulation. An uninsulated basement in a home can increase annual heating costs by 10% to 30%, since base concrete conducts heat outward. Call Ritchie's Insulation & General Contracting 519-633-3461 for insulation information!


5 Curb your hot water use. In a typical Canadian home, water heating can account for up to 20% of total utility costs. Switch out an older water heater for a more energy efficient model, or consider a new tankless water heater that warms water on demand, only as needed.


6 Replace energysapping appliances. If you've got an old clunker or hand-me-down appliance in your basement or kitchen, it could cost you hundreds of dollars in extra operating costs over the years. Clothes dryers are about...

for the complete list of Energy Saving Tips 

email Ainslee@ISellStThomas.com

Subject Line "More Energy Tips"

Content Provided by Genworth Canada

How to Save Money as a FIRST TIME Home Buyer

Buying a home will be one of the largest investments you will ever make. It can be a very costly adventure if you are not prepared and know some helpful money saving tips!

1 – Be Prepared. Take some time to look into what money you will need, and know your own financial situation.  Look for ways to save, and most of all be prepared for additional costs.

2 – Understanding a “mortgage”. Oh “mortgages”, a very important and necessary component of buying a home, yet probably the most misunderstood. Be sure to ask questions of various professionals as well as understanding all the lingo.  Know exactly what you are comfortable spending and do not waiver.

3 - Know your costs. We are not just talking about what you will spend monthly on your mortgage. There are a lot of other costs such as deposits, down payment, house inspections, lawyer fees, title insurance, taxes, utility transfer/set up fees, moving costs, insurance, changing locks, small repairs/updates, furniture/appliances, monthly utilities, and paint/decor.

4 – Finding Savings. Although there may be many costs, there are many ways to save money—as a First Time Home Buyer. To receive your copy of “Saving Money as a First Time home buyer” email  jharris@royallepage.ca  with the subject line “Saving Money as a First Time Buyer” and I will send you this free, no obligation PDF guide.  Don’t miss out on an opportunity to save as you make one of the largest investments of your life.  Remember absolutely no obligation—100% free—“Saving Money as a First Time Buyer”.