Bettianne Hedges, BA, Broker

Preventing Contractor Fraud.

The federal government's Home Renovation Tax Credit has been a great success. Many homeowners are now taking advantage by remodeling their homes. Windows, doors, heating systems and insulation are the most popular reno's being carried out. It is a good time to cover an important issue like hiring the right contractor to do your work. Most contractors are honest, hardworking people, but unfortunately not all keep business above board. If you are considering hiring a contractor there are some things to watch out for to help prevent contractor fraud.

•1. The contractor wants all of the money up front. Never pay before the job is finished. You want to be able to get them to come back to correct any mistakes and complete the job to your satisfaction. There is no incentive for them to do the work if they have already received payment.

•2. Insist on a written estimate and receipts.

•3. They will only accept cash. If they will not take a cheque or credit cards, they likely do not want the money to be traced. A variety of payment options should be available. A legitimate company will be claiming their income with the government.

•4. Ask to see proof of Worker Compensation coverage. You can be held liable if someone gets hurt without this coverage.

•5. If they are soliciting door to door, this should cause you to ask questions. A business that is reliable and does good work is usually kept busy just by word of mouth.

•6. They offer especially low rates because your house has been chosen as a "demonstration" project.

•7. The contractor will not provide an address.

•8. You only get a special low price if you sign the contract today.

•9. They will not provide references. Always ask for references and contact a couple of them and always get a couple of quotes for any work or repair work. Don't pay for repairs that are not needed.

Three bedroom Viceroy home on almost 20 treed acres five minutes from Lake Erie. Side split with 1300 square feet on main floor, set far back from the road, featuring two decks and a large screened porch. Open concept kitchen, dining and living room with vaulted ceilings and large vinyl windows providing amazing views of the wildlife throughout the property. Step up to three bedrooms (master has a walk-in closet) and a full bathroom. Lower level is finished with travertine limestone throughout the family room, laundry room and ultra modern bathroom. Walk-up to the screened porch. Family room has a floor to ceiling wall finished in slate centred by a Hampton Woodstove. Plenty of storage/utility space. Propane fueled furnace, water heater, and stainless professional quality kitchen stove (also electric convection). HVAC heat recovery system, sub pump, stainless built-in dishwasher and kitchen refrigerator. Hot tub optional (as is condition). Large detached garage with additional work space. Wood lot features trails and a variety of flora and fauna. $399,900

Bettianne Hedges, Broker

RE/MAX a-b Realty Ltd. Brokerage

519-536-7535

Investor Alert

Three bedroom, two bath condo with forced air natural gas heat - close to everything! Large back yard, with mature tree, backs onto single family home. Quick close available. One additional parking spot included in condo fees (two total). Fridge, stove, washer, dryer, dishwasher and water softener included. Roof and windows approximately three years old. All measurements to be verified by the Buyer.

$116,000. Contact me for more information or to see the property.

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Mississauga, Ontario (March 11, 2009) - A report released today by RE/MAX confirms that entry-level purchasers are now the engine driving home-buying activity in almost every major centre in Canada.

The 2009 RE/MAX First-Time Buyers Report highlighting first-time buying activity in 32 residential housing markets across Canada found that improved affordability is prompting many first-time buyers to get off the fence, out of the rental, and into the market. While a sense of caution still prevails, more and more first-timers are finding it hard to pass up the chance to become homeowners in today's buyer-centric real estate climate. Increased inventory and longer days on market coupled with the lowest lending rates ever are presenting opportunities that have not been seen in almost a decade.

"While the current economic crisis has caused some first-time buyers to either take it slowly or apply the brakes, home ownership remains a top priority for those who are able to take advantage of reduced carrying costs, rock bottom interest rates and lower house prices," explains Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President and Regional Director, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. "Affordability has greatly improved and buyers are firmly in the drivers' seat in just about every market we surveyed. The new reality is that homeownership remains well within reach for most first-time buyers."