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Home automation allows you to control systems in your home with a touch of a button. Where the first home automation systems were controlled only by a central panel, the latest in automation and mobile technology now allows homeowners to control their system from anywhere using a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Home automation can be installed during construction of a new home and in existing homes. Home automation can enhance your lifestyle and enjoyment of your home by adding luxury and convenience, enabling you to control things like lighting, blinds, temperature, music and video. They can also help protect your home and family through high-tech security systems and help you save on energy bills through energy efficient programming.

What exactly can I control with home automation? 

Temperature: You can program the temperature in your home to increase and decrease during certain parts of the day, helping you to conserve energy and save on your utility bills.

Lighting: You can program your lights to come on when the sun goes down, or when you would be arriving home from work. You can also have your lights automatically shut off during the brighter parts of the day to reduce energy consumption. Lights can be controlled by a keypad in your home or from your smart phone, when you’re at home and when you are away. This is also a great security feature as lights that come on and off indicate to potential intruders that someone could be at home.

Window coverings: Automated blinds can be programmed to open automatically when you come home, close when the sun goes down or to open sporadically throughout the day to make it appear like someone is at home when you are on vacation. You can program your blinds to open and close at specific times of the day to best match your schedule.

Music: Gain automated access to your playlists on your iPod, internet or computer or play radio channels in any room of the house – all controlled by a portable control or your smart device. You can easily turn on some lovely dinner music while entertaining your guests while your kids listen to their favorite tunes in the other room, all coming out of top-quality home stereo and sound system installed throughout the home.

Home theatre systems: Most home automation companies offer home theatre design and installation. Imagine having an authentic theatre experience in your own home! Your family will love watching movies and video complete with quality visuals, surround sound and portable touch controls.

Home security: Automated security systems are superior in a few ways. They allow you to keep an eye on your home, from anywhere in the world, using strategically placed surveillance cameras and your smart phone or device.  Learn how to install a security camera system in a house. You can also control things like your garage and door locks so you can let in a neighbor to check on your home while you are away. Also, most home automation companies have a security division that offers alarm and monitoring services to complete your home security package.

You can have a complete home automation system that is made up of all of these components, and others, or choose the components that best suit your needs and budget. An added benefit of home automation is that it could boost your property value and could attract quality home buyers, should you ever decide to sell your home.

Do you know the signs of mortgage fraud? Do you know how to make sure you don’t become involved in a fraudulent transaction? The Real Estate Council of Alberta has prepared a list of mortgage fraud red flags for consumers to help them protect themselves.

Red flags may indicate there’s a fraudulent transaction taking place; they don’t guarantee a fraud but should raise suspicion. Watch out if:

• someone offers you money to use your name and credit information to obtain a mortgage
• you are encouraged to  include false information on a loan application
• you are asked to leave signature lines or other important areas on a loan application blank
• the loan amount on the mortgage is significantly higher than the value of the property
• the mortgage has been refinanced several times and in each instance, the amount of the mortgage has increased
• a seller or investment adviser discourages you from seeing or inspecting the property you are buying

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Mortgage fraud is not a get-rich-quick scheme — it’s illegal. Getting involved in mortgage fraud can damage your credit rating, your finances, and your current and future employment prospects.

Visit www.reca.ca for more red flags and information.

Types of Mortgage Fraud

Mortgage fraud isn’t a single situation with a single type of transaction. Mortgage fraud occurs in a variety of ways – for a variety of purposes.

Foreclosure Fraud: This type of fraud often targets vulnerable, low-income individuals whose homes are in foreclosure, or who are at risk of defaulting on their mortgage. It happens when:

• a mortgage fraudster approaches a home owner, who is in financial trouble, with a debt- consolidation scheme that typically involves the owner paying upfront fees and transferring the home’s title to the fraudster
• the home owner receives cash from the fraudster to address immediate bills and remains in the home paying “rent” or “consolidated debt payments” to the fraudster
• the fraudster pockets all of the owner’s payments and ignores bills and taxes, which leads to debt-collection procedures against the owner
• the fraudster may re-mortgage or sell the property to an accomplice, which leaves the owner without the property title, homeless and still in debt

Fraud For Profit: Fraud for profit typically involves a number of individuals who work together to artificially inflate the price of a home or get mortgage funds for non-existent homes.

• a straw buyer is a person who makes a purchase on behalf of another person.
• the straw buyer may, for some of the profit, lend his or her identity and good credit to the fraud. If you give your identity or use your credit rating in this way, you are the straw buyer
• the real buyer, who is using the straw buyer’s identity and credit, promises to make all the payments and pay the straw buyer for the use of his or her credit rating – but the real buyer doesn’t make the payments

It’s not unusual in fraud for profit for the fraudsters to pocket the cash, stop making the payments, and the straw buyer is left with the property and no means of paying the mortgage, which is often an artificially inflated amount. Straw buyers can be held legally responsible for the mortgage debt.

Fraud for Housing: It is mortgage fraud if you provide false or misleading information on a mortgage application so that you’ll qualify for a mortgage you wouldn’t otherwise qualify for. It’s also fraudulent if you say you’re going to be living in the property, in order to get the mortgage loan, but you have no intention of living in the home.

Fraud for Title: This is what happens when someone steals your identity, and uses fake documents and identification to “steal” or change the title on a home you own. The mortgage fraudster uses these documents to apply for and take out a mortgage on the home you own. The bank lends the money to the fraudster based on the stolen or fake documents, the fraudster takes the money, and then you’re left with the debt because the mortgage was in your name.

Winter is best spent drinking hot chocolate and building snowmen, not re-roofing your house. Here are the three main reasons why you should postpone your re-roofing project until springtime:

1. Asphalt shingles become brittle when the temperature drops below 10 degrees centigrade. As such, bending, throwing and nailing shingles during delivery and installation may break them, resulting in increased material costs.
2. Low temperatures will affect the asphaltic sealant’s ability to bond and seal shingles together. Experienced roofers pay close attention to the temperature, humidity and sun exposure when re-roofing a home. They may choose not to re-roof if they believe the current conditions will affect a shingle’s ability to form a proper seal and thus compromise the integrity of the roof.
3. You may not be covered by your manufacturer’s warranty. When shingles are not sealed for weeks or months on end, they are at risk of being blown off during windy seasons. Under such circumstances, the standard wind warranty offered by the shingle manufacturer will not cover the cost to repair.

If you have concerns regarding the condition of your roof, your best option is to contact a professional roofing contractor and let them assess the roof condition before starting a project. Take advantage of the winter season to collect quotes, and secure a spot and price with a trusted roofing contractor.

What if I must re-roof during the winter?

If you must re-roof your home, you must manually seal the shingles with asphalt plastic cement as recommended by the shingle manufacturer. This process is extremely time consuming and may increase costs. Additionally, take the extra step in protecting your shingles by storing them in a warehouse rather than leaving them outside. Ask your roofing contractor if their supplier has stored the shingles in a warehouse, as exposure to fluctuating temperatures prior to installation may affect their performance.

Things to consider:

1. Re-roofing during the wintertime is extremely dangerous, especially on sloped roofs. The rooftop must be cleared of snow and ice before starting a re-roofing job, and up-to-date safety training, insurance and proper equipment are a must.
2. During the winter season, ice may build along the edge of a roof and prevent water from draining off the roof. This is called an ice dam. To prevent the water from leaking into your home, consider putting a self-adhesive waterproof membrane along your eaves, valleys, skylights and chimneys.
3. Re-roofing is an excellent time to check your roof ventilation system and attic insulation. An early inspection may catch problems such as improper ventilation, which can increase the risk of condensation and ice damming occurring during the wintertime.

The best time to re-roof is spring, summer and autumn. Winter is not a good time to do it. The shingle product will not perform well and good workmanship is at risk. A little knowledge goes a long way. Understanding what could go wrong when re-roofing during the wintertime can save you weeks of stress, headaches, and extra costs.

What is radon gas?

Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that comes from the ground. You cannot see or smell it. When inhaled, radon breaks down into further radioactive particles, releasing burst of radioactivity that can cause injury to lung tissue. Exposure to high levels of radon causes lung cancer, the second leading cause after tobacco smoking.

When it gets into homes through places where the house comes into contact with the ground, it can accumulate into high levels and pose a health risk to home occupants. The level of risk from radon exposure depends on how much radon one is exposed to and the length of time of that exposure. Your risk of developing lung cancer is especially high if you are a smoker and are also exposed to high radon levels.

The only way to find out if your home has high levels of radon is to have your home tested. A reading of 200 Bq/m³ or higher indicates that you should reduce radon levels.

How to reduce high radon levels in homes

High levels of radon can be successfully reduced by installing a radon reduction (mitigation) system. Typically, this involves installing a vent pipe that exhausts radon from underneath the house to outside, preventing it from getting into the house. Such a system is a one-install solution that becomes part of the house systems, just like a furnace or water heater.

The type of radon mitigation system depends on the construct of the home where the house meets the ground. Homes with slab foundations are typically mitigated by installing the vent pipe through a hole made in the foundation slab (also known as active sub-slab depressurization or ASD). This method has been shown to reduce radon levels in homes by an average of 91%.

In Canada, radon is recognized as a health risk. Despite radon exposure being responsible for more deaths (more than 3,000 per year) than carbon-monoxide (50 per year), awareness levels still remain low among Canadians. However, various prevention strategies have been developed, included changes to building codes.

New Alberta Building Code requirements to protect against radon

The Alberta Building Code 2014 has adopted new requirements to protect new homes from radon. These requirements came into effect on November 1^st, 2015. The aim of the requirements are to minimize radon entry into homes, and to provide for a radon mitigation rough-in pipe to make it easy to install an effective radon reduction system should testing reveal the presence of a high level of radon.

The new building code requirements relating to radon require new homes to be built with the following features:

• Gravel sub-membrane layer: allows for proper venting of the whole sub-floor from suction through one hole should an active mitigation system be installed (vent pipe with a fan).
• Poly-membrane beneath the slab: provides an air-barrier that minimizes radon entry.
• Proper sealing around wall-floor joints: requires sealing up to the foundation wall to minimize radon entry
• Properly sealed and labelled radon pipe: the radon pipe should at least 100mm in diameter and should run underneath the floor up to the mid-point of the home. Sealing the pipe prevents inadvertent radon entry. Labelling clarifies purpose of pipe to prevent inappropriate use, like hook up a toilet.
• Properly located radon rough-in or passive pipe: makes it easy to access and install an active system, should one be required.

These requirements apply to homes where the building permit application was received on or after November 1^st, 2015.

What you will see in new homes

If you are buying a new home built according to the new standard, you should expect to see a sealed and labelled rough-in radon pipe in the basement.

It is important to note that this is not a mitigation system. It is a rough-in mitigation pipe that can be linked to a radon mitigation system should it be needed in the future.

While the building code provisions will greatly reduce the chances of radon getting into a home, it is impossible to prevent radon entry completely. Radon is a gas – a million radon atoms can fit into a hole the size of the width of a human hair. It may still find entry into a home despite best preventative efforts.

Homeowners should understand that they should test their home for radon to decide if they need to complete the radon mitigation system. If testing reveals high radon levels, a mitigation system can be activated on the rough-in by extending the rough-in with a vent-pipe and a fan to discharge radon outside of their home.

There are important considerations involved in properly installing an active mitigation system that is effective, efficient and long-lasting. Homeowners should look for a mitigation professional that is certified by the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) to complete the job.

Ultimately the rough-in reduces the time and effort required for installing an active mitigation system, thereby reducing costs associated with radon mitigation.

As of October 3, 2016, the Government of Canada announced an administrative change to Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) reporting requirements for the sale of a principal residence.

When you sell your principal residence, usually you do not have to report the sale on your income tax and benefit return and you do not have to pay tax on any gain from the sale. This is the case if you are eligible for the full income tax exemption (principal residence exemption) because the property was your principal residence for every year you owned it.

Starting with the 2016 tax year, generally due by late April 2017, you will be required to report basic information (date of acquisition, proceeds of disposition and description of the property) on your income tax and benefit return when you sell your principal residence to claim the full principal residence exemption.

The principal residence exemption is an income tax benefit that generally provides you an exemption from tax on the capital gain realized when you sell the property that is your principal residence. Generally, the exemption applies for each year the property is designated as your principal residence.

If you have further questions about this change, visit the CRA website.

Unique and Beautiful. Living in a Pine Log Home in the Middle of Nature feels incredible. This Hillside Walkout Bungalow with over 1700 Sq. Ft. is situated on treed corner acreage, This Log Construction is built with 9″ walls (3″ inside, 3″ insulation, 3″ outside). The white pine manufactured log package from Parry Sound, Ont. has 3 bedrooms up and 1 bedroom down, 3 Full Bathrooms, A huge family Kitchen with Newer Appliances Including Induction Stove Top . Master bedroom large Oversized ensuite with soaker tub. 2 wood-burning fireplaces (upstairs and down). Shop in basement, adjoining cold storage area and access to the house through a covered shed. A full utility room that has 2 New High efficient Furnaces, a Flow through Humidifier, Water Treatment System, Central Vacuum and New HWT and right across from the Huge laundry/craft room. Large Garden area for flowers and veggies. Children’s Own playhouse and toboggan hill. Circular driveway. School bus picks up the kids and drops off at Blueberry School.

You can find the link at realtor.ca below!

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If you call a mortgage advisor and the first thing they do is quote you an interest rate, you may have picked the wrong mortgage advisor. A professional would not quote a rate without know your individual situation. This should come as a warning to home buyers.
When a mortgage advisor quotes a rate to a client without knowing all of the circumstances, they are doing them a disservice. An expert will take the time to ask questions and learn more about the person’s situation. They can then recommend a mortgage product relevant to a person’s future plans, risk tolerance and growing needs.
The high interest rate you pay on a mortgage product will depend on a number of factors. The three key factors are length of the term, open or closed mortgage and fixed or variable product. You need to choose a term that works with your future plans. Typically longer terms have higher rates, but offer longer payment security. Lower terms usually offer lower rates, but need to be re-negotiated sooner. When you select an open mortgage you can pay off the balance with no penalties, but you will pay a higher interest rate for this feature. A closed mortgage will offer a lower rate because you are committed to the bank and cannot pay off the mortgage without paying penalties. The last key factor is choosing a variable or fixed rate product. Variable rates fluctuate with the bank’s prime rate and need to be managed by the client. A fixed rate will always stay the same during the term, giving you more payment security.
The interest rate is not the only thing to consider when it comes to finding the right mortgage product for you. You will also need to be aware of the mortgage features, as well as mortgage terms and conditions that could become costly down the road. Rates are just one part of the total borrowing cost. Other costs to consider are fees, penalty calculations, prepayment restrictions, completely closed terms and portability restrictions. The lowest advertised interest rate may not be the best option if there are extra costs involved. It is very important to ask your mortgage advisor about additional fees such as appraisal fees, underwriting fees, broker fees, additional closing costs and increased lawyer fees. These extra costs can significantly drive up the overall cost of a mortgage.
Mortgage services should go beyond rates. A mortgage specialist should bring value with the brand they carry, experience in the mortgage business and most important, they need to be reputable and trustworthy. Choose someone you can trust and has the knowledge to recommend solutions based on your individual needs. We understand how important interest rates are, but rates aren’t everything – flexibility and service matter as well.

Buying or selling a property is probably one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make. This explains the different relationships you can have with a real estate professional. Each has its own legal meaning and responsibilities, so it’s important to understand them.

There are three kinds of relationships you can have a real estate professional.

1. A real estate brokerage can act as your agent. This is called common law agency relationship and it includes all brokerage real estate professionals and staff.
2. An individual real estate professional can act as your agent. This is called a designated agency relationship.
3. You can be the customer of a real estate professional.

An agent is someone who acts on your behalf with your permission. If the agent is an individual, the agency relationship is between the individual and you. If the agent is a brokerage, the agency relationship is between the brokerage and you. When you appoint an agent, you’ll be asked to sign a written agreement that explains both the agent’s responsibilities and yours. In agency relationships, you are the client of a real estate professional.

A sole agent acts for either the buyer or the seller (the client) in a trade or possible trade, and has a duty to protect that client’s interests. In this relationship, the real estate professional has the highest level of legal responsibility to you. These responsibilities include:

1. Undivided loyalty The agent must act only in your best interests and put them above their own and those of other people. The agent must avoid conflicts of interest and must protect your negotiating position at all times.
2. Confidentiality The agent must keep information confidential, even after your relationship ends. Confidential information includes your personal information, information about the property, and information about the transaction (except information the law says must be disclosed or information you agree to disclose).
3. Full disclosure The agent must tell you, in writing, about the services they will provide. They must also tell you everything they know that might affect your relationship or influence your decision in a transaction, even if they don’t think it’s important. This includes any conflicts of interest, for example when they act (or are planning to act) on behalf of any other person in a transaction. The only information they can’t give you is confidential information from another agency relationship.
4. Obedience The agent must obey all your lawful, reasonable, and ordinary instructions. If you insist on something unlawful, the agent must refuse and consider ending your relationship and the agreement.
5. Reasonable care and skill The agent must exercise reasonable care and skill in all their duties. They must meet the standard of a reasonable and competent member of the real estate industry.
6. Full accounting The agent must account for all money and property they receive while acting on your behalf. Everything a client puts in the care of an agent—for example, money, keys, or documents—is returned when the agreement ends.

What is a customer relationship?

You can choose to represent yourself in a purchase or sale when a real estate professional represents the other party. In this case, you have a customer relationship with the real estate professional. They can’t give you the services they give when acting as your agent, but they can help make the purchase or sale happen. For example, they may agree to give you statistics or the names of appraisers, mortgage brokers, or other service providers. They may also help you complete standard forms. When a real estate professional works with you as a customer, they have a responsibility to act honestly, use reasonable care and skill, and make sure any information they give is correct.

HORSE LOVERS LOOK HERE!!! This 12 acre home is less than 5 minutes to Spruce Grove and is set up for HORSES! Barn, 3 Horse Shelters, 60′ round pen, gates, panels AND an automatic waterer are included. Fenced & crossed fenced! Quietly located at the end of a cul-de-sac! Lot is bordered with spruce trees making the home private! The home and is open and spacious! New Shingles 2yrs ago, Septic Tank & Field approx. 6yrs old, Many new windows, very neat and tidy.

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https://www.realtor.ca/Residential/Single-Family/17921314/8-52225-Rge-Rd-273-Rural-Parkland-County-Alberta-T7X3R6-Happy-Acres

This private 4 acre setting with plenty of trees and Wildlife is close to Spruce Grove and Stony Plain. Easy access to St Albert as well. this 2 story home has plenty of space inside and out. Large Master Bedroom with a large ensuite. Lots of balcony and sitting area to enjoy for those Summer months as well as a screened in deck for the fall and cooler evenings. Office space upstairs, Formal Dinning Room, Living Room ,Family Room and then the basement has space as well. Enjoy the heated pool in the backyard and plenty of space to let kids play. The Shop in the back allows for plenty of toys and workshop. This home has plenty to offer.

You can find the link at realtor.ca below!

https://www.realtor.ca/Residential/Single-Family/17921307/4-54019-RGE-RD-275-RD-Rural-Parkland-County-Alberta-T7X3S5-Central-Heights