Crunch a few numbers this September!

The brisk back-to-work attitude of September makes it a great time to review your finances. Did you spend a little more than expected on your summer vacation? Maybe this year you took the plunge on a home reno project that boosted the enjoyment of your home, but put a little extra stress on the pocketbook. Now take a look ahead. Is your mortgage coming up for renewal or are you thinking of buying your next home? Are you concerned about rising rates and want to implement a plan that will help you avoid any future payment shock?  Do you have any extra expenses on the horizon, like tuition, a wedding (or separation/divorce), a major reno project, or an investment opportunity? This might be a good time to crunch a few numbers with us, particularly if you haven’t had a mortgage review in the last year. We can help you build a plan to get you where you want to go. Now that’s the kind of fresh start we love in September! 

First-time homebuyer? A key tax credit is still available!

If you’re buying your first home, take advantage of the Home Buyers Tax Credit (HBTC). The credit is designed to assist first-time home buyers with the extra costs associated with buying a home, like legal fees, disbursements and land transfer taxes. The $5,000 non-refundable HBTC amount provides up to $750 in federal tax relief. You qualify if neither you nor your spouse (or common-law partner) have owned and lived in another home for the past five years*. If you have a disability – or are purchasing the home for a relative with a disability – you may also qualify for the program, even if you are not a first-time buyer.

* For more information, visit the Action Plan website at www.actionplan.gc.ca/en/initiative/first-time-home-buyers-tax-credit 

Your fall “to-do” list for home maintenance!

A few hours spent on fall maintenance will protect the investment you’ve made, and make for a more comfortable and worry-free winter ahead. Get started with our fall “to-do” list:

• Ensure windows and doors (especially the one between house & garage) close tightly; repair or replace weather stripping if needed.  
• Check your roof for loose or missing shingles. 
• Ensure your eavestroughs and downspouts are clear. 
• Check your chimney for nests, other obstructions, or buildup of residues. 
• Get a pro to inspect your heating system. Clean or replace the furnace air filter each month all winter. 
• Have ducts professionally cleaned every few years; vacuum everything you can reach. 
• Check your home safety devices and change the batteries. 
• Change the direction of ceiling fans to push warm air from the ceiling down. 
• Cover outside of air-conditioning unit.
• Drain and store outdoor hoses. Protect delicate landscaping.

Have a great fall season!