Sunday 19 June 2016

Intro to reno: A look at hardwood flooring

eieihome

Friday 17 June 2016

Rocket-at-Subway-Condos

Rocket-at-Subway-Condos

Toronto New Condos

CondoNow

Get Toronto's Best Value THIS WEEKEND ONLY!


LIMITED RELEASE OF 1 BEDROOM SUITES at the amazing price!!
ONE BEDROOM at $229,990 + BONUS INCENTIVES upto $30,000



 Watch this vedio Rocket-at- Subway




Live 50 steps to Wilson Subway for easy access to :


  • Yorkdale Shopping Centre
  • Downsview Park
  • Downtown Shops & restaurants
  • York University, Ryerson and U of T all under 30 minutes on subway
  • Much more!!
To schedule an appointment, call me at 647-760-7061


Sunday 12 June 2016

What you need to know about mould in your home

mould
This is not the first time you will hear about the effects of mould growth in your home, and it probably won’t be the last.  The damp and humid conditions that accompany the warmer and wetter summer weather increase the likelihood of mould formation in your home, and this is a tangible concern not only for your home itself but for the health of you and your family. In order to get a better understanding of how to address mould issues, eieihome.com spoke to mould inspection expert Tony Muscat of Inch by Inch Healthy Homes.
Mould and Health
“Many people underestimate the negative health effects that mould can have on their families” Muscat says.  Mould release spores that can be inhaled and may lead to an increased likelihood of experiencing respiratory issues such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation and even allergic reactions.  This is especially true if you have children or the elderly living your the home as they are at the highest risk.
Moisture equals Mould
“ Mould needs moisture to grow and a thorough mould inspection is your best bet to identify and eliminate problem areas in your home.” Muscat says. Poor ventilation, excess moisture from bathrooms and kitchens and water leakage are all primary culprits.  Mould can live on wood, carpeting, furniture and drywall among other places where moisture builds such as attics, closets and basements. A thorough home mould inspection carried out by a professional is your best bet to ensure the problem is properly addressed.
The importance of professional inspection
“Mould growth may not always be easy to identify and remove, especially since it can occur within walls or even in your ceiling.” Muscat says.  Relying on experts and expert technology to carry out a mould inspection will ensure both the correction of the causes of mould growth as well as the proper removal of the mould itself. Inch by Inch Healthy Home technicians are trained to the highest standards in mould remediation and will carry out the processes that are most appropriate for your specific situation.
Suspect mould? Act now
Due to the health risks involved, it is important to act promptly if you suspect mould growth in your home. When you rely on Inch by Inch Healthy Homes you are putting your family’s health in the hands of an organization with years of experience and a strong reputation within the GTA.  You can reach Inch By Inch today for a free estimate by contacting them via their listing, here on eieihome.com.

Wednesday 8 June 2016

7 tricks to help you spend less on natural gas


     (NC) With thermostats turned down and windows pushed open, most people aren't thinking about their natural gas bill during the spring and summer months. But did you know that, next to home heating, the greatest source of natural gas costs comes from heating water and swimming pools?
Here are some tips from Enbridge Gas to help you manage your energy use through the warmer months:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    www.realtorpankajpatel.com
Install a smart thermostat. Unlike ordinary thermostats, smart thermostats adapt to your routine by learning your schedule and temperature preferences. They automatically deliver comfort when you're at home and savings when you're out. Some utility companies even provide financial incentives for their customers who purchase these devices. Enbridge is offering their customers a $100 credit on their bill. Learn more about the Enbridge program at knowyourenergyscore.ca/smart-thermostat.
Keep drapes and shades closed. Even if your windows are closed, they can still let a lot of heat into your home. When the sun is shining in, close your drapes and shades to keep your house cool.
Use a solar blanket on your pool. Cover your pool overnight to keep the water warm and reduce evaporation.
Wash clothing in cold water and hang to dry. Hot water is rarely needed for your laundry. Once clean, hang your clothes outside on a clothesline to dry.
Install low-flow showerheads. Low-flow showerheads help reduce water consumption and lower natural gas use.
Keep your furnace filter clean. Make sure your furnace is working at peak efficiency by cleaning or replacing the filter regularly. A clean filter will help a central air conditioner provide better airflow throughout your house.
Plug the leaks. Use the nice weather as an opportunity to weatherize your home. Small changes, such as caulking or weather-stripping doors and windows, can provide energy savings when the weather cools. More significant changes, like installing Energy Star windows, will help keep the cool air in during the warmer months.
Learn more about energy-efficiency programs, reducing your energy use and saving money online at knowyourenergyscore.ca.

Saturday 7 May 2016

Know the roles of both deposit and down payment when buying a home

(NC) They both start with the letter 'd', and they both require a large sum of money to secure the purchase of a home. However, a 'deposit' and 'down payment' are very different.
“A lot of my first-time home buying clients ask me what the difference between a deposit and down payment is,” says Ray Ferris, president of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). “Simply put: a deposit is associated with your offer to purchase a home, while the down payment is associated with your mortgage. The deposit will go toward the down payment.”
Here is more information to help you decide how much to contribute to each:
Deposit – When you submit an offer, normally you are requested to include a deposit to demonstrate a serious intent to buy the property. This deposit will usually be in the form of a cheque, payable to the listing broker, who will place it in a trust account until the deal is completed or terminated. Your deposit provides the seller with some assurance that you will go through with the sale when the day of completion arrives.
When an agreement is reached and the transaction is completed, the deposit will be credited in full towards the purchase price. There is no standard amount for a deposit, but the size of it says something about how serious you are about buying. Your Realtor can help you figure out the right amount to offer.
Down payment – This is the money that you pay at the time of purchase toward the price of your home. Your mortgage loan covers the rest.
How much you contribute as down payment depends on upon your specific financial situation. The more you put down, the lower your monthly payments will be. But before you contribute every penny you have to the down payment, set aside a cash reserve for other costs, including legal fees, land transfer taxes, closing costs, moving expenses, and any improvements or renovations you plan to make in your new home shortly after you move in.
More information is available at www.wedothehomework.ca.

Add eye-catching design trends to outdoor spaces this summer

www.realtorpankajpatel.com
(NC) Outdoor living continues to evolve, as Canadians are expanding their living spaces into the front and backyards at an increasing rate. Design enthusiasts are always looking to industry experts to discover what's new and hot in outdoor design. Here to share some of this year's latest outdoor design trends is Sharon Grech, a colour and design expert for Benjamin Moore.
Bring indoor luxe outside: Glamourous, multi-functional and classic are all key traits to keep in mind when updating the interior of the home, and the same applies for outside. “Outdoor living spaces are an extension of the home,” says Grech. “Creating backyard living rooms with sectionals and coffee tables, and front yard grand entrances with stunning doors and accessories is the new norm. Install shutters, add more trim around windows or switch out the hardware on your front or back door for something more sophisticated. It's the little updates that have the biggest impact and will bring the flow from your home's interior to the exterior.”
Design more with less: This year, it's all about simplicity in design. Eliminate clutter and select sleek furniture to achieve a minimalistic look. Go through outdoor furniture and don't be afraid to get rid of the items that don't serve a purpose. Throw out patio chairs, tables or accessories that are old and clunky. Use only a few select varieties of flowers in the garden and keep garden accessories to a minimum.
Go contemporary with pops of colour: Although designers often share their favourite neutrals, it's crucial to strategically add pops of colour to any space. Light, airy shades and dynamic jewel tones are the go-to palettes this year. Incorporate these trendy colour schemes not only with accessories, but try painting architectural features like the front or back door. To easily add a trendy splash of colour to your doors, Grech recommends English Scone or Crete Countryside from Benjamin Moore.
For best results, Grech suggests using a premium paint designed for doors, such as Aura Grand Entrance, which is specially formulated to retain colour integrity and gloss and is easy to apply.
More information is available at www.benjaminmoore.ca.

Sunday 10 April 2016

Energize your outdoor living space

eieihome

Energize your outdoor living space

Sunday 3 April 2016

Kitchen Reno High and Low

eieihome

Kitchen Reno High and Low

www.realtorpankajpatel.com
Planning a kitchen reno? Here’s how you can get the look you want at a price you can afford. Because let’s face it, renovating your kitchen is expensive. There’s no getting around it. Although considering the fact that this is arguably the most important room in your house, it’s fairly understandable why a kitchen renovation would be a costly endeavor.
When you rework a living room, more often than not you’re looking at some paint, some furniture, and maybe flooring. However, with a kitchen, the list of details is expansive. You have countertops and flooring, cabinets and backsplashes, faucets, sinks, specialty lighting and appliances… and these are only the basic surface items. Oftentimes, a kitchen renovation can involve plumbing and electrical needs as well.
The good news is that there are many areas where you can save money on your kitchen reno.  Here is a look at some high priced and lower priced items to consider.

Countertops

kitchen reno
Image Source: Decorpad Simple Details
A big focal point in any kitchen, the countertop is where homeowners can spend a lot of money during a renovation. Ideal kitchen countertops should be durable, as resistant to staining and burning as possible and of course attractive. To a lot of homeowners, this means granite or marble.
But if your budget won’t allow for these more expensive countertop options, don’t despair. While laminate countertops may have gotten a bad rap, thanks to poorly done versions of yesteryear, today’s laminate has greatly improved.

Faucets

home reno
Image Source: Home Depot Canada
If you haven’t shopped for kitchen faucets in a while (or ever) you might be in for a bit of a shock at the checkout.  Many of the sough-after faucets in those kitchens that so many homeowners dream about on Pinterest or in décor magazines come with a fairly hefty price tag. In fact, some of them can range into the thousands!
Of course, for every high-priced faucet, there is a lower priced version that can provide a similar look. However, take note –some of the higher priced varieties offer the added benefit of being touchless. So if the idea of having an automatic faucet appeals to you, then this may be one place where you’ll want to spend a bit more.

Lighting

Decorative items will always run the gamut of prices. These price fluctuations can definitely be seen in the world of decorative lighting fixtures. The good news is that even if you can’t find the exact replica of a light you might have your heart set on, with lighting trends, you can certainly find something similar in looks, but at a lower cost.

Backsplash

kitchen reno
Image Source: House Trends & Duchess of York
The backsplash is one place where you can really spend as much or as little as you like and still end up with something pleasing to look at. However, price shouldn’t be your first consideration here. What you want to look at first is how you use your kitchen. If you do a lot of cooking then your best bet is to start looking at kitchen backsplashes that are easy to clean. This means staying away from porous materials like slate and limestone.
In terms of cost, natural stone can also cost you a good deal more than glass or ceramic tile.

Your Air Conditioner needs spring cleaning too!

Published - 

Monday 28 March 2016

Transform your home today to stay safe tomorrow

(NC)

While many can only dream of the day they'll retire, for Baby Boomers, that dream is becoming a reality. But retirement doesn't necessarily mean relocating to a senior community. More and more, adults choose to “age in place,” remaining in their current home, even after retirement. Here are a few ways to add extra convenience today – and ensure a safe home in the future.
Change Up Common Areas
When thinking about the long-term, start with the layout. In a perfect world, it's ideal to have all the key living spaces – bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom on the first floor. If your home wasn't built with a first-floor bedroom or bath, and stairs have to be a part of your plan, install no-slip strips on the edge of each stair to limit trips and falls.
Next, make sure there's plenty of room to move. Aim for doorways that are at least 31 inches, though 35 inches is ideal. Tight corners and doorways are a challenge for those with walkers or canes. For stress-free opening and closing, change out door handles from traditional knobs to lever handles for an easier grip.
Then, focus on the flooring. Installing carpeting can provide warmth and cushioning for you to enjoy now, and offers an added element of safety when it might be harder to maneuver around in the future. Choose a low pile carpet to minimize tripping – too much shag is a safety hazard. Area rugs are a major no-no, as unsecured rugs and loose carpet are one of the main causes for slips and falls. If you can't bear the thought of losing your area rug, use carpet tape to secure it firmly to the floor.
Boost the Bath
If you can only update one place in your home, make it the bathroom. The bathroom typically offers the most opportunities for injury. In fact, one in three seniors will experience a fall in their home each year, as stated by the Public Health Agency of Canada. An easy way to incorporate safety is to install grab bars. Today's grab bars are stylish, fitting in seamlessly with your space, rather than seeming obtrusive and sterile. Install them near the toilet, (make sure you have a comfort-height commode for easy sitting and standing) as well as in the shower. Some models, like the corner shelf with grab bar from Moen, pull double duty, adding an element of additional storage where you can store your shampoo, while also helping keep you safe while entering and exiting the bath.
A handheld showerhead, like the Magnetix from Moen Canada, is an ideal option for those who may want to be seated while they bathe. Magnetix hand showers are also handy for cleaning, by eliminating bending and squatting. Finally, at the vanity, choose a faucet with lever handles – they're easiest to grip and turn – and install sconces near the mirror for additional lighting.
The most important advice for any room in your home is to think efficiently. Locate items that work together near each other to make tasks easier.

Friday 25 March 2016

Commuter Life: Is Living Outside Of The City Worth The Hassle?


Commuter Life: Is Living Outside Of The City Worth The Hassle?


A writer from Hamilton crunches the numbers.
Photo by MrDanMofo from the Torontoist Flickr Pool
Photo by MrDanMofo from the Torontoist Flickr Pool.
I really did enjoy it at first. Sitting on the GO train for two hours every day—from Hamilton to Toronto, and back again—offers a glorious, uninterrupted opportunity to read. During the first month of my commute to my job downtown, I devoured six books. I hadn’t read six books so quickly in years. In the mornings, the train ride felt like a gradual easing-in to the day, and in the evenings like decompression, a chance to mentally unwind after work. One of my coworkers told me it seemed very European, taking the train into the city every day.
The novelty wore off fast. I began to understand why, when I first told friends and colleagues I was commuting in from Hamilton, they recoiled in horror.
An eight-hour workday becomes a 12-hour one when you live cities away—80 kilometres one-way, in fact. I leave my house at 7 a.m. and I’m rarely home before 7 p.m. It doesn’t leave much time for anything else. I commute, I work, and I go to bed early so I can rise at the crack of dawn the next day and do it all over again.
I moved back to Ontario last fall, to my parents’ house in the Hamilton suburbs, and started a six-month internship in Toronto. Commuting made sense. I wouldn’t be making much money—not enough to afford living in Toronto—and my parents kindly offered up their place rent-free. I’d save my money, and once the internship ended, I’d move to the city. Taking the GO train was preferable to driving, given the out-of-control congestion on the QEW and the Gardiner Expressway every day.
It takes an absurdly long time just to get to the train station. I spend nearly an hour each day bumper-to-bumper, staring at brake lights, swearing at other drivers on Highway 403. Lately, when I finally make it onto the train, I’m so tired I struggle to keep my eyes open. I have not read six books in the last month. And at the end of the day, I merge with the throngs of people surging along Front and Bay Streets toward Union Station. All in the name of saving money!
I don’t regret the decision to commute. But when I calculated my expenses about two months into my internship, I was surprised to find I wasn’t saving as much money as I thought I would:
Monthly costs
GO train$370
Car insurance$200
Gas$120
TOTAL$690
I know I could find an apartment, with roommates, in Toronto for that much. When I lived in the city a few years ago, I paid $650 per month.
I wondered: Is it worth it, financially, to live outside Toronto and commute in?



Rent in Toronto is notoriously high. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s fall 2015 rental market report, the average rent of a bachelor apartment in Toronto (excluding the suburbs) is $983. Add to that the cost of a Metropass to get to work every day and you’re paying about $1,100 per month, less if you’re bunking with roommates. (Rent for a Toronto two-bedroom is $1,651, on average.)
Here, a breakdown of the estimated cost of living in GTA neighborhoods and hopping on public transit to get into the city.1

GTA commuter costs. Map by Sean Marshall.



I have about two months left until my internship ends, and I’m going to stick it out on the train for the remainder. The ride itself isn’t so bad—rush-hour commuters take a business-like approach to their daily grind. We’re polite, but not friendly. We know and abide by the etiquette: no small talk, no sprawling baggage, no smelly food, and absolutely no staring at the others around you, packed like sardines into the train car. Professional commuters are masters of the averted gaze.
For me, the commute means long days that infringe upon my productivity, social life, and sleep—that’s the part that I hate. If you’re saving money, it’s all worth it. But I’m counting down the days until my move to Toronto, when I can throw my hard-earned dollars at a landlord rather than at GO Transit.

Are you sick and tired of commuting? 

Thinking of how can we replace long commute by time for yourself? 

Save your valuable time and save your hard-earned money!!

  There are many ways to cut down and eliminate commute. Make a brief meeting with me and we will make it happen! Live close to where you work,live life fully for what you have thought in your dream, not for you have to! 

Home prices are forecasted to rise 20% over the next three years

  Projections forecast a major rise:  The cost of buying a home in Canada has become increasingly impossible for many in the country but thi...