Bettianne Hedges, BA, Broker

Remember the 80's and stucco ceilings?

Remember the 80's and stucco ceilings? Some people call it popcorn ceiling. It seems every home that was renovated or built in the 80's has a stucco ceiling these days it seems rather dates and stale. But it can be changed.

First, know this. It is a mess, dirty job. There is no way around this. It is messy!! Hopefully it has not been painted as this makes it very difficult to remove. In fact if your stucco ceiling also has many layers of paint it may be easier to re-drywall the ceiling.

To get started removing the stucco, empty the room. Remember the part where I said it is mess, you will want your furniture out of room.

Next cover the floor and walls with plastic or drop clothes. It will make clean up much easier.

Using a spray bottle or small garden sprayer, filled with water, wet the ceiling slightly, don't soak the ceiling just get the stucco wet. Work a small area at time and using a wide metal scrapper scrap the ceiling. Be sure to hold the scrapper blade almost parallel to the ceiling to avoid gauging drywall.

Once fully scrapped let it dry over night and than repair any marks or bad areas that need finishing. It is common to find the drywall underneath the stucco not finished as well as the walls. Stucco can hide some faults in the drywall that will now need to be repaired.

Now that the repairs are completed, sand the entire ceiling using 100 grit paper, prime and than paint the colour of your choice.

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My 6 Fearless Predictions

I'm going out on a limb and share my predictions for the real estate market in the next few months of 2010. Now these predictions are for my area in southern Ontario so they may not apply to your area. But it is always fun to compare one market to another.

Here are my 6 predictions:

* Over the next few months well priced homes will sell

* Over priced homes will sit on the market unsold

* First time Buyers will continue to buy unless they stop

* A Sellers house is alway worth more than their neighbours, no matter how much smaller

* Some Seniors will be looking to downsize

* Most homebuyers will mortgage their new home

So there they are, feel free to check back in a few months to see if I'm right. If not than I guess I should change jobs, maybe a weather man or an economist.

Jamie Woodend
Sales Representative
Remax a-b Realty Ltd Brokerage
88 Wellington Street
Stratford, Ontario, N5A 2L2
519-273-2821 ext 229 Office
519-949-0345 Cell

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