Special Features - 1st Time Home Buyers Guide 2013

ST TIME

HOME BUYERS GU I D E

2013

HOME DECORATING HOME IMPROVEMENT LEGAL/MORTGAGES GRANTS/REBATES LANDSCAPING REALTORS

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Things to consider when budgeting your home improvement project The right budget will keep homeowners from going deep into debt when improving their homes, ensuring that upon the project’s completion, they can fully enjoy their revamped castles without the spectre of significant debt hanging ominously over their heads.

Before beginning a home improvement project, homeowners can take the following things into consideration.

■ Personal finances: It sounds simple, but homeowners must examine their finances before starting a home improvement project. Just because a bank will loan out money for a project doesn’t mean the project is affordable. Homeowners should compare their monthly expenses with their incomes, and then determine what’s left that might be able to go toward a project.

Monthly expenses include everything from groceries to mortgage payments. When the comparison between monthly expenses and monthly income has

been made, homeowners can get a grasp of just what they can and cannot afford.

■ Credit score: Many homeowners finance home improvement projects with loans from the bank. Particularly in the current economy when banks are being forced to tighten lending requirements, securing such loans isn’t easy. Homeowners with significant credit card debt should eliminate such debt before beginning a project. Doing so serves multiple purposes. First and foremost, eliminating outstanding debt will free up more money to allocate toward the project.

Eliminating debt will also make loan applicants more attractive to prospective creditors, increasing their chances of securing a loan and a lower interest rate.

■ The project’s priority: Budgeting a home improvement project also involves being honest as to just how necessary the project is. For example, a man cave might be a dream project,

but should it be a priority over other things around the house? If wear and tear is taking its toll on the roof, for instance, the money going toward the man cave should probably be allocated to replacing the roof instead. If a project is low on the priority list but high on the want list, re-examine those projects higher up on the priority list to determine if they are more deserving of immediate attention and funds than vanity projects.

■ Overrun costs: Not every home improvement project will come in at or under budget. Many, in fact, go over budget due to a host of factors. Homeowners should not be caught off guard when a project goes over budget.

Instead, plan for the project to go over budget and expect such frustration. Allocate extra money in the original budget for overrun costs. This will reduce stress and frustration, and if the project comes in under budget, then there’s extra money when the project is completed.

Before beginning a home improvement project, homeowners should create a budget to ensure the project is a success.

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Home-building Quick Tip:

Choose concrete walls for security, durability, and savings If a stronger, wind-resistant house requiring far less energy sounds like the features of a dream home to you, consider building the walls with reinforced concrete instead of wood, experts say. Sharply growing in popularity is a system using ‘insulated concrete form’ (ICF), which completely replaces the standard wood-frame method.

At the building site, the preassembled forms interlock like Lego to build a monolithic concrete envelope. Here are a few more immediate benefits from Nudura, a leading name in this advanced ICF technology: Safety: With high winds reported to be a growing concern in many communities, a Nudura home demonstrates hurricane and tornado impact resistance up 250 miles per hour. It is more

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structurally sound during floods, and the fire protection rating is up to four hours.

Fuel savings: Premium insulation is essential with energy costs on the rise.

Concrete walls vastly reduce air infiltration (compared to wood walls) and this improves energy performance. By combining two panels of thick (EPS) foam with the structural strength and thermal mass of concrete, the walls can provide an efficiency rating as high as R-50 (compared to an average R-20 in wood structures), saving you up to 70 per cent on energy bills.

Lowering demand for trees is good for the environment as well.

Comfort: Outside cold easily travels through wood-framed walls, causing thermal bridging and creating uncomfortable

chilly spots inside your home.

Walls with a solid concrete core address and prevent thermal bridging to deliver even temperatures throughout the house. Mould, mildew and toxins associated with wood structures are also eliminated.

Quiet: Reinforced concrete is an effective sound barrier. It dampens sound vibrations from outside noise, such as traffic, trains and neighbourhood parties.

Internal peace and quiet is a sheer bonus.

Improved value: It is generally expected that a stronger, safer, greener home - and one that is more durable, cost-efficient and needs less maintenance and repair – will steadily increase in resale value.

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The dos and don’ts of basement finishing Remodeling a basement is a popular home improvement project. A finished basement makes the space more functional and, when done correctly, can add a considerable amount of living space to a home.

Finishing a basement pays dividends in additional space in a home that doesn’t require the same level of investment as putting an addition on the house. Also, the groundwork for a finished room is already there, as most basements are already set up with a poured concrete floor and some walls – usually cinder blocks. Some electrical components, plumbing and the creature comforts of drywall and a more inviting floor might be all that’s necessary to finish a basement. The process can be labour-intensive, and many people prefer to leave it to a professional contractor.

Whatever finishing method is chosen, homeowners should follow the proper procedures when doing the work.

DO start with a detailed plan.

Measure out the basement and mark any items that cannot be moved, such as a furnace,

water heater or pipes. Create a design board that showcases the materials you plan to use on the project. Think about ways you plan to arrange furniture and consider all of the possible uses for the room.

Will it be a home theatre? Will someone be sleeping down there? Each scenario will require certain amenities and safety requirements.

DON’T plan to finish the entire basement. Doing so will leave you without a storage or utility area where you house holiday decorations, tools, luggage and similar items.

DO get the scoop on building codes. Knowing what the municipality allows in basement remodeling will help you to customize a plan that is functional, safe and legal. No one wants to be slapped with fines for failing to follow the rules.

Plus, failure to meet building codes could mean the work that has been done must be torn out and redone. It pays to follow the chain of command and secure permits while having all work inspected.

DON’T overlook adequate

lighting in your refinishing plan.

A basement is likely one area of the house that has limited natural light pouring in. With traditionally small windows, or no windows at all, a basement needs ample lighting in its design scheme.

This may include a combination of overhead and task lighting.

Ample lighting will help the room feel like part of the house and not just a forgotten storage area.

DO take into consideration moisture issues in the basement.

Many basements are plagued by moisture issues ranging from water seepage to condensation forming on walls. These situations may vary depending on the weather throughout the year.

Certain materials may need to be used to mitigate water issues before finishing can take place.

The installation of water-barrier systems, drainage, sump pumps, or encapsulation products could drive up the cost of a basement renovation. It is essential to have a professional assess the basement water issues prior to starting any finishing work.

DON’T simply cover up potential hazards, such as mould or mildew. Have them treated

instead. Otherwise, you could have a breeding ground behind drywall that could lead to unsafe conditions in the home.

DO have a radon test. Radon is a hidden killer that can cause lung cancer. Because it occurs naturally in the soil and water surrounding a home and is impossible to detect without a specialized test, many people are unaware of the presence of radon until it is too late. Radon may be more concentrated in the basement, where the foundation is touching the soil. Therefore, rule out radon before considering renovation of a basement area.

DON’T limit furniture choices to one type. You may need to be flexible in your furniture choices, even selecting modular pieces, like sectionals, because entryways to basements may have small doorways or obstructions that make adding furniture more challenging.

DO keep the possibility of flooding in the back of your head.

Homes that are near waterways or at low elevation may be at risk of flooding. Basements are especially susceptible to flood damage. Therefore, think about the practicality of finishing a basement if you are prone to flooding. If you decide to move ahead, take certain precautionary measures, such as keeping electrical wiring up higher and using a more water-resistant flooring material, like tile or vinyl.

Keep important electronics and items on shelves so they are not at ground-level.

Finishing a basement is a job that can add a lot of usable space to a home. Go about the project in the right way to keep within budget and have a room that is safe and functional.

An unfinished basement allows homeowners to transform the room into anything they desire. But there are some dos and don’ts to finishing a basement, including ensuring the project adheres to local building codes.

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Abbotsford News 2013 – 1st Time Home Buyers Guide

Acclaimed interior designer shares her top colour tips When designing a home, colour is one of the most powerful tools to add life to a space, says Genevieve Gorder, one of television’s best known interior designers.

“Painting is one of the simplest ways to incorporate colour into a home, but people often feel intimidated by it until they have some guidance. This must be why so much of our country is beige and off-white,” she laughs.

Take a look at this snapshot of answers to the most frequently asked colour questions, compliments of the designer.

Q: How do I use colour to tie a room together?

A: Use the different elements that make up a colour palette in a way that they balance each other. It’s a juggling act between neutrals, grounding shades, highlight and accent

colours. Having the right balance among these different colour components is the best way to tie a room together.

Q: How are accent colours applied?

A: From the palette, they are used for emphasis. These paints are often bold or vivid and are used sparingly. However, if you play with the palette and create balance for this powerhouse tool, you can easily paint a whole room in an accent colour.

Q: Any tips for working with bold paint shades?

A: Create a sense of balance throughout the room, as you would with any colour. For example, if I put the vivacious Valspar Luscious Green 6010-7 (one of my personal favourites) onto a wall, I would break up those big planes of colour

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with enough highlights (whites and creams) and grounding colours (grays and blacks) so that it isn’t overwhelming. Neutrals would be chosen for the contents of the room along with small sprinkles of an accent colour, like yellow.

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Abbotsford News 2013 – 1st Time Home Buyers Guide

Abbotsford News 2013 – 1st Time Home Buyers Guide

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Who is responsible for repairs during a home sale?

Homebuyers may be able to negotiate that sellers repair major structural issues, such as a leaky roof. If not, negotiate a lower sale price.

Many questions arise during the home-buying process. Buyers looking at homes that require a good deal of TLC may wonder who is responsible for the home’s repairs, particularly if such repairs are needed to secure a certificate of occupancy.

Depending on the situation, there is no clear-cut answer.

There is no perfect home, and things that are acceptable to the current owner may not be acceptable to the buyer who is looking to become the next owner. The home-buying process is typically a careful cooperation between buyer and seller to find a middle ground. The buyer may have to make some concessions, as will the seller. Ultimately, it is this cooperation that often determines if the sale goes through or is terminated.

Before any negotiations can begin regarding repairs, it is advisable for a buyer to have an independent inspector come out and look over the home and property. Most real estate agents will suggest this be done as a first priority -- even before a contract is entered on the home. An inspection will unveil any potential problems in a home and indicate things that the buyer may not be aware of, including items that do not meet with code or could be unsafe. An inspector also may point out problems that could cause a mortgage lender to give

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pause. This may mean the lender will deem problems unsafe and refuse to fund the mortgage until repairs are made.

A copy of this inspection report should be sent to the home seller to review with his or her attorney and real estate agent. The buyer working with his own real estate attorney and agent can petition for certain repairs to be made. Many sellers will make such repairs to ensure the purchase goes through, or they will accept a lower purchase price to compensate for the needed repairs, which the buyer will then make. Buyers might want to hire a good real estate attorney to write clauses into the contract to protect their interests. This allows the buyer to forfeit the sale and walk away from the contract should an issue arise.

The rules often change when buying a home that is a short sale or in foreclosure. A home that is in distress is typically in this situation because the current owners cannot afford to pay their mortgage, and thus, are not able to afford repairs.

According to Think Glink, a money management web site, buyers may try to negotiate repairs with the seller, but they shouldn’t assume that sellers (or lenders in the event of a bankowned home) are responsible for the repairs. Generally speaking, most short sales and

foreclosures are sold “as is” and may even specify that repairs and requirements for the certificate of occupancy are the buyer’s responsibility. A buyer also can ask to have the home price reduced to cover the repairs. But foreclosures are often already deeply discounted.

Buyers should know that, for a home that is not in foreclosure, there are some repairs that should ultimately be the responsibility of the seller.

If these repairs are not made, a buyer should think strongly about walking away from the deal, according to Why6Percent. com, a real estate marketing site.

Such repairs include: ■ lender-required repairs that could impact home safety ■ leaky pipes ■ water penetration issues, including a bad roof ■ unsafe decking or handrails ■ wet basements or crawl spaces ■ insecure foundations or obvious structural damage ■ poorly functioning sewer lines or septic system It is always advisable for buyers to speak with a reliable real estate attorney and a trusted real estate agent to guide them through the process of buying a home. These people can help buyers navigate the important decisions that can affect the home they’ll be living in for the next several years.

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Time your move right to save money Moving during certain times of the year can result in considerable savings. Moving during the summer, when children are out of school and the weather is nice, can make a move more manageable. Keep in mind that because late spring and summer are the peak moving seasons, they also tend to be more expensive. Many moving companies and truck rental agencies will charge a premium if you use their services during the summer. Furthermore, crews may change in the summer when students on vacation could fill in for regular, more experienced movers.

High prices are not only reserved for those who buy a new house during the spring and summer. Renters may find spring and summer are also the peak seasons for rentals. Many apartment managers can attest that the dates between June 2 and August 30 are quite busy in terms of apartment turnover.

College students are more likely

to move as soon as the academic year ends, and many landlords plan leases to expire in the summer months to ensure that re-renting places will be easier thanks to a flooded apartment market. According to Apartment Wiz, a Houston-based apartment locating service, although there might be greater apartment availability during the warmweather months, it also means greater competition between prospective tenants. That greater competition can drive up prices.

But apartments are harder to fill in the fall or at the onset of winter. That’s because many people do not want the hassle of moving once school has started or the weather has chilled.

Landlords who are stuck paying utilities and advertising fees for vacant apartments are far more likely to negotiate rent prices, lease terms and even security deposits during the winter in an effort to fill the apartment quickly.

People sitting with homes on

the market are also more likely to negotiate during cooler months when foot traffic has fizzled out.

That can make shopping for a home in the fall advantageous to home buyers.

Here are some other tips to reduce stress and save money when moving into a new home or apartment.

■ Move mid-week. Weekends are a prime time for truck rentals and moving companies. Pick a Tuesday or a Wednesday to move, and you’re much more likely to find an available moving service (even during peak moving months); you may even be able to negotiate a lower rate.

■ Pick a mid-month moving date. Many people move at the beginning of the month when leases are up or after mortgage payments are made. Fewer people move in the middle of the month, so you might find more affordable moving deals if you can wait a few extra weeks.

■ Schedule a fall or winter move.

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Abbotsford News 2013 – 1st Time Home Buyers Guide

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Budget Blinds introduces new inspired drapes product line No.1 window coverings franchise strengthens its product portfolio with contemporary line of soft window coverings Budget Blinds has announced the launch of Inspired Drapes – its new line of contemporary draperies sold exclusively through the company. The new line, consisting of drapes, curtains, valances, rods and hardware, is geared towards redefining customer expectations and offering window covering solutions that are both stylish and versatile.

The new Inspired Drapes brand of contemporary drapery products was conceived to meet the growing demand for soft window coverings and to help solidify Budget Blinds’ presence in the marketplace.

Inspired Drapes is a fresh new brand, developed to attract consumers searching for high-end drapery and design expertise all in one place.

“Our new line of Inspired Drapes soft window coverings is a testament to Budget Blinds’ commitment to providing the best and most current window covering solutions available,” said Heather Rollins of Budget Blinds, serving Abbotsford.

“The line offers complete flexibility in light and privacy control so a customer can get the best of both worlds in a single product” Budget Blinds continually works towards strengthening its vendor alliance program to increase its output of attractive private label products. Already, this has positioned the company as a one-stop shop for a homeowner’s window covering needs. Contact Budget Blinds for more information on the new Inspired Drapes line or

to schedule a free in-home consultation.

Budget Blinds of Abbotsford began its operations in 2008 and has been owned and operated by Heather and Brian Rollins since May of 2012. The company proudly serves local homeowners and businesses by offering complimentary in-home consultations, professional measuring and precise installation. Budget Blinds only partners with the most reputable vendors to offer a rich selection of quality window coverings that include shutters, blinds, draperies, shades and window film. For more information on Budget Blinds serving Abbotsford, call 604 853-6278 or visit www.budgetblinds.com/ abbotsford

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Abbotsford News 2013 – 1st Time Home Buyers Guide

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Why work with a realtor?

It’s not likely that you can afford to gamble with your largest asset, namely the sale of your home. But you may be surprised to learn that some people are willing to take that chance.

Selling a home without the help of a realtor is not as easy as it may appear to the uninitiated. Ask yourself the following questions. Do I know the home’s true market value or replacement value? Am I aware of the legal ins and outs? Can I arrange suitable financing?

Can I qualify as a potential purchaser? Can I negotiate a successful close? Can I write an enforceable contract?

Since today’s complex market demands expertise and resources not available to the average consumer, there are many compelling reasons why you should enlist the professional services of a realtor. Consider

the following: ■ Chances are your realtor can get you a higher price for your property than if you tried to sell it yourself.

■ Statistics prove you will sell your home a lot faster when you use the services of a realtor.

■ When you work with a member of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, you are really working with thousands of realtors who can advise all of their prospective customers and clients about your home through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

■ Your realtor can open doors to thousands of properties in the Fraser Valley alone through MLS and provide you with an up-to-the-minute computerized list of homes specifically suited to your needs.

■ Your realtor knows your neighbourhood and assesses market conditions and property

values on a daily basis.

■ Your realtor has been educated on the complex laws and regulations in real estate and is trained to put together a legally binding contract.

■ Negotiating price is an art. Your realtor will negotiate objectively in order to get the best possible price for your home.

■ Realtors are on call and available seven days a week to show your home.

■ Realtors have the skills and resources to market your home effectively.

■ Your realtor is aware of the many options available for financing the sale, and has the latest information on mortgages.

If you are serious about selling your home, then you should consider using the experts.

Realtors are real estate marketing specialists. Let them deliver the professional service you deserve.

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Abbotsford News 2013 – 1st Time Home Buyers Guide

As a first-time homebuyer, you’ll probably need to borrow most of the price of the home.

That’s why getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a smart thing to do – even before you start your home search.

By looking at how much you earn each month and how much you spend – particularly how much you must spend to pay off any existing debts – your mortgage representative can tell you how much you are qualified to borrow to purchase a home.

You can shop confidently, and when you find a home you want to purchase, you can make an offer knowing you can afford it and the funds are available.

And, while you are shopping for your new home, a pre-approved mortgage locks in your rate for up to 90 days, so you don’t have to worry about rising rates.

How pre-approval works You will need to meet with a mortgage specialist to complete a mortgage application and ask you for your consent to do a credit check. You’ll also be asked to provide some information.

Estimating what it will cost to own a home One of the most important calculations you can make before becoming a homeowner is to figure out what the costs to own your home will be. Remember, the true cost of home ownership includes what you’ll be paying out each month to purchase your home as well as what you’ll be paying to maintain your home.

And, when calculating the costs of home ownership, remember to include everyday costs that you will incur no matter where you live – for example, groceries, gas, phone, etc.

Checklist of cost-of-homeownership expenses To get you started, here’s a list of typical housing and everyday expenses to include in your costs-of-home-ownership budget.

■ Housing costs ■ Rent or mortgage payments (includes principal and interest) ■ Property taxes ■ Utilities and insurance ■ Heat ■ Electricity ■ Water, sewage ■ Telephone ■ Television and Internet ■ Condo fees (may include some of the above – check with the condo corporation) ■ Fire/property/contents insurance ■ Mortgage life and/or disability insurance ■ Home /Auto insurance ■ Possible maintenance ■ Landscaping or lawn maintenance ■ Snow removal ■ Cleaning service ■ Repairs and home improvement ■ Maintenance products (garden products, furnace filters) ■ Contingency fund ■ General living expenses ■ Groceries ■ Cleaning supplies ■ Lunches and dining out ■ Transportation costs ■ Credit card and loan repayments ■ Medical expenses (or insurance) ■ Childcare ■ Pet expenses ■ Savings ■ Clothing ■ Health and gym memberships ■ Entertainment ■ Charity ■ Gifts ■ Vacations

Remember the closing and other one-time costs Monthly expenses don’t always tell the whole picture. When you find the home you want, there are a number of closing costs and other one-time expenses to consider before you can complete the deal and move in. Depending on where you live and the type of home you buy, it is wise to budget between three per cent and four per cent of the purchase price.

Abbotsford News 2013 – 1st Time Home Buyers Guide

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Baby is on the way ... time to s have been recalled in the past for faulty railings that trap the infant.

A stationary-sided crib is another choice.

Position the crib away from items that can be pulled into the crib by curious hands. Try to keep it away from windows for draft reasons and also to avoid window-fall accidents.

Cribs should be free of breathing obstructions, like stuffed animals or puffy side bumpers to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Expectant parents eagerly anticipate the arrival of their new bundle of joy. After nine months of waiting to see what he or she looks like and wanting to cuddle their newborn, the baby’s arrival is a momentous event.

As most people know, for such little people, babies seemingly need a ton of gear and other items. One thing the baby will eventually need is a nursery to call home. Although newborns do spend the first few months of their lives often tucked in at night in a bassinet or cradle in mom’s bedroom, chances are the infant will nap or gradually spend

increasing amounts of time in his or her own room. Outfitting the nursery with the essentials can mean comfort and convenience.

To some parents, every baby product out there is a necessity.

But in reality, there are maybe a handful of things to put into the nursery – at least for the time being – to adequately provide for the baby.

Crib At some point in the near future, baby will be doing most of his or her sleeping exclusively in the crib. Although that can seem like a far-off goal now that your

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little one prefers to sleep in your arms while watching late-night television, after a few months junior will become comfortable with his or her room and may even enjoy the security the crib provides.

Before selecting a crib, be sure to check for certain recalls, and ensure the brand and model are not on the list. The crib should be sturdy and meet guidelines for minimum spacing between spindles. Older, hand-me-down cribs are not recommended.

Although drop-side cribs may offer ease of placing baby inside, some of these types of cribs

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Changing table Most parents prefer a convenient changing table that also stores diapers and toiletries.

Although it may not always be possible to travel to the nursery for every diaper change, you can still equip the nursery with a table or another sturdy place to change your infant. Some dressers double as changing tables in their design. A small loveseat or a guest bed in the nursery can also be a place to change the baby and provide a comfortable place to rest when he or she is waking up in the middle of the night.

It is important never to leave a baby unattended on any surface because you never know the moment when he or she will learn to roll over or move enough to fall off the changing surface.

Safety devices Although infants are too

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o set up the nursery young to get into much trouble, babies eventually become very active and curious. Take the time now to babyproof the nursery.

Select window coverings that cannot be pulled down or do not feature cords that can present a strangulation hazard.

All outlets should be blocked with a safety plug or some sort of cover to deter little fingers from seeking them out. Secure cords to lamps and other electronic devices in cord keepers.

Latches for drawers, closets and other doors can deter baby from getting into places that can be dangerous. Door knob covers enable adults to open doors but are too tricky for toddlers to figure out.

When selecting furniture, look for items with rounded corners, which are safer should a child fall into the furniture. And use a latch to secure top-heavy dressers or armoires to the wall so they cannot fall on a child.

Mental stimulation Young children are constantly exploring the world around them.

At a very young age their vision is still developing, so large, bold visuals can help stimulate visual comprehension. Some parents opt to have vivid wall murals painted in the nursery. But bold, framed artwork or photos can also draw the eye of your little one and keep him or her engaged.

Research indicates that listening

to music can help stimulate the brain and may even benefit a child’s intellect. Music can also be soothing to a baby, especially one alone in his or her nursery. You can consider a small radio or CD/ mp3 player in the room to create a more soothing atmosphere.

Ceiling fan New studies have determined that a ceiling fan can help reduce the risk of SIDS. One study out of Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, California found that the risk of SIDS was reduced by 72 per cent among babies who slept in a room with a ceiling fan. The theory is that the fan circulates air and prevents the rebreathing of expelled carbon dioxide by the infant. In addition to possibly making a room safer, a ceiling fan can help maintain a comfortable room temperature.

You may also want to purchase a baby monitor to be able to keep tabs on your baby when you’re out of his or her room.

Many expectant parents are excited about the prospect of designing and filling the nursery with items that reflect their styles and desires. Although there are many baby things from which to choose, in reality the nursery needs only a few basics at the onset. Eventually, you can add personalized effects as you learn the interests of the child and sort through gifts from family and friends.

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Thinking about buying your first home?

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The challenge of buying a home for the first time can seem so daunting that it's tempting to either just go with the first house that falls in your price range or continue to rent. To help you demystify the process and get the most out of the purchase, Mindy will examine what you'll need to consider before you buy, what you can expect from the buying process itself, and some handy tips to make life easier after you purchase your first home.

Considerations Before You Buy The first thing you'll need to determine is what your longterm goals are and then how home ownership fits in with those plans. It could be that you're simply looking to transform all those "wasted" rent payments into mortgage payments that actually give you something tangible. Others see home ownership as a sign of their independence and enjoy the idea of being their own landlord. Narrowing down your big-picture homeownership goals will point you in the right direction. Here are five questions to ask yourself: What specific features will your ideal home have?

While it's good to retain some flexibility in this list, you're making perhaps the biggest purchase of your life, and you deserve to have that purchase fit both your needs and wants as closely as possible. Your list should include basic desires, like neighborhood and size, all the way down to smaller details like bathroom layout and a kitchen that comes with trust-worthy appliances.

How much mortgage do you qualify for?

Before you start shopping, it's important to get an idea of how much a lender will actually be willing to give you to purchase your first home. You may think you can afford a $300,000 home, but lenders may think you're only good for $200,000 depending on factors like how much other debt you have, your monthly income and how long you've been at your current job.

Who will help you find a home and guide you through the purchase?

Mindy will help you locate homes that meet your needs and are in your price range, then meet with you to view those homes. Once you've chosen a home to buy, Mindy can assist you in negotiating the entire purchase process, including making an offer, getting a loan, and completing paperwork. A good real estate agent's expertise can protect you from any pitfalls you might encounter During the process.

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Things to consider when building an in-law suite

Many seniors are moving in with their adult children to help care for grandkids and provide some relief from a sagging economy.

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Abbotsford News 2013 – 1st Time Home Buyers Guide

Perhaps thanks to a struggling economy and an unpredictable stock market that has resulted in many retirement nest eggs being decimated, more and more adult children are welcoming their aging parents into their homes.

Such living situations have led to a growth in in-law suites.

In fact, in 2010 the National Association of Home Builders found that 62 percent of builders surveyed were working on home modifications related to aging.

In-law suites are often created by converting a room in the house, such as the basement or even a garage, into a livable suite. Such suites can benefit elderly relatives who might have been dealt an unforeseen financial blow. But in-law suites can also benefit younger homeowners who want to see their parents more. In addition, when older men and women move in with their adult children, they can provide some necessary relief from the escalating cost of daycare.

But before building an in-law suite in their home, homeowners might want to heed the following tips.

■ Be certain it is legal.

Making changes to your home may require a permit, particularly if your in-law suite will be an entirely new addition to your property and not just a strict room remodel. Contact your local zoning authority to ensure the project is within your rights as a homeowner.

■ Consider the health of your in-laws when making plans.

Many in-law suites are occupied by aging relatives who might not be able to get up and down stairs as easily as they used to.

That makes accessibility of the suite a top priority. Typically, it’s best to locate in-law suites on the first floor, so relatives won’t find it difficult to get in and out of the suite.

■ Don’t overlook privacy.

Just because your parents or in-laws will be moving in doesn’t

mean they don’t still value their privacy. Chances are your relatives will initially feel as though they are invading your space and your privacy, so be sure the suite affords adequate privacy to all members of the household. It might be best to build the suite so it has its own separate entrance from the rest of the home. The suite should also have its own full bathroom and, if possible, its own kitchen area so your in-laws can cook for themselves and entertain their own guests without feeling like a burden. A second kitchen is also something to discuss with officials, as some locales prohibit having two complete kitchens in a single residence.

■ Tailor certain amenities to the elderly. If your in-laws are older, install certain amenities such as grab bars in the shower and bathroom during the initial construction so you won’t have to make changes down the road. Install easy-open drawers and make sure the suite has ample lighting.

■ Remember to install safety devices. Safety devices like fire, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are a necessity. Make sure the alarms on each of these detectors are loud enough so elderly men and women who have hearing loss can hear them without issue. Make sure all walkways leading to the in-law suite have motion-detecting lamps at night to reduce risk of falling. Also, if the suite will be a separate building from your house, such as a converted pool house or detached garage, install an intercom system that connects with the main house so your relatives can easily reach you in case of emergency.

In-law suites are becoming more popular as a greater number of older adults are moving in with their adult children. Such suites can bring families closer together and prove beneficial for all parties involved.

Pros and cons of open floor plans be safer for parents of young Open floor plans have evolved children. If the home opens up to be the floor plan of choice in with the living spaces branching new homes and current home off from the kitchen, parents can renovations. Turn on a home keep an eye on children while renovation show, and you’re the parents prepare dinner. It also likely to see eager homeowners knocking down walls to open the eliminates the number of places that kids can hide and get into kitchen to the family room. mischief.

There are many supporters of Pro: Light can flow effectively Con: Privacy is reduced in the open floor plan, particularly through an open space, a home with few walls. Much those who entertain frequently minimizing dark rooms and in the way that an open floor or like to keep an eye on children reducing the need to install more plan enables children to be seen throughout the house. Although windows. open floor plans are touted, there from every angle, it also enables Con: While light can flow you to be seen – and all of your are plenty of people who have easily, so can sound. Noises never been enamored with having belongings as well.

Pro: Entertaining can be easier through the house may be all of their rooms flowing into in a home with an open floor plan amplified. A student doing one. homework in the dining room because hosts and hostesses are A home’s floor plan largely not separated from their guests or may be disturbed by the television depends on the preference of blaring in the family room. Talking holed up in the kitchen the entire the homeowner. There are many on the phone or even finding a time. advantages to having an open Owned quiet nook to read a book may be Con: Family Those who like & to Operated host floor plan versus one that is Since 1950 challenging. events without showing guests more compartmentalized. Here Pro: Open floor plans allow for Quality all of their dirty dishes or secrets is a look at some of the pros and of the kitchen may dislike an open more family time together in one cons. Turf Proven Seed Blends for the Lower Mainland space than a home with a more at floor plans•can floor plan.

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compartmentalized layout.

Con: People who are collectors or who have a lot of furniture or accent items may find that open floor plans do not work well with this type of design mantra.

Pro: Because several rooms run into one another, colour choices for walls and furnishings in a home with an open floor plan can be limited and cohesive, making choices easier.

Con: On the flip side, those who want to incorporate different colour schemes and eclectic styles may have difficulty deciding on where to “end” rooms or how to co-mingle furniture.

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Abbotsford News 2013 – 1st Time Home Buyers Guide