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About Frontenac County, ON

KINGSTON, ONTARIO VOTED "MOST ROMANTIC CITY IN CANADA" !!! (my hometown!!)

Susan Emo   in Gananoque/Kingston/Brockville: Real Estate Agent in Gananoque, ON

Just in case you needed one more reason to buy a home in Kingston Ontario . . .

Kingston came in first place in Amazon's 2012 contest

The Most Romantic City in Canada !!

I was born and raised in Kingston so this comes as no surprise to me. I now live just a few minutes outside the City, in the Town of Gananoque which is equally (or greater) romantic but this contest was limited to Cities in excess of 80,000 people. (we have 5200 if we're lucky)

The fun part is both places are equally gorgeous, both situated on water, Lake Ontario and the St Lawrence River respectively. Both are filled with fantastic architecture and amazing history (think War of 1812) (think home of Canada's first Prime Minister). You can easily be within 20 minutes of hospitals, university, college, theatre, world class boating, (Kingston being the fresh water sailing capital of the world - 1976 Summer Olympics) the military base CFB Kingston, and wonderful employment opportunities abound; pretty much a self-sustaining community.

We still have a healthy and thriving housing market that has something for everyone; first time buyers, investors, families, downsizers, vacation property and of course, the multi-million $ luxury market.



I suggest you make a visit to our fantastic ROMANTIC community and see for yourself. Until you can physically get here, take a look at this wonderful website for more information and gorgeous photos

And when you do get here, get in contact with me and allow me the honour of introducing you to your next home!

Congratulations Kingston on being named Canada's Most Romantic City!

Furnace oil tanks need certification TSSA

John Marston BSc.,eng technologist,CPI,CIM: Inspector in Kingston, ON
from Kingston, Ontario Home Inspector


John Marston, BSc., eng.tech.,CIM, CPI

Certified Property Inspector

(613) 893-0159

JohnHomeInspector@gmail.com

www.ActiveRain.com/HomeInspectorMarston



In my opinion…as a Kingston, Ontario Home Inspector

There should be a “wall of shame” for Certified Home Inspectors that do a poor job resulting in a Holmes on Homes type story and putting the new buyer in a high risk position… both financial and emotional. And worse… the new home buyers often don’t have the extra money or time to seek damages. And yet, the real estate agents still offer up this Certified Home Inspector as a “good guy” to their clients.

Come on… it’s time to make changes at least in the Kingston, Ontario Home Inspector area.

And so here’s a real life story… a relative of mine and his wife bought a home out in the country. (Kingston, Ontario Home Inspector area) They hired the services of the Certified Home Inspector recommended by the real estate agent even though they knew I am a Certified Home Inspector. The fellow, well known in the area, inspected the home… apparently not up to the Holmes on Homes standards. He gave them the thumbs up, they paid him the $400 fee, and they bought the home.

The fuel in the oil tank was running low so they called a fuel supplier. The technician looked at the tank and system and condemned it immediately. There was no tag or registration on the tank, and a follow-up inspection by a certified inspector under the TSSA showed that the tank was leaking. The leaky tank was drained, removed and a new one installed. $4,000 or so later, the furnace was up and running. Lucky for them, there was no environmental damage.

One litre of fuel oil can contaminate one million litres of drinking water. "The homeowner/tank owner must become aware of this potential loss situation and take steps to reduce their loss exposure. Contamination clean-up can cost in excess of $50,000, so it is in everyone's interest to prevent a leak from occurring."

Further their insurance company was unaware of the age of the oil tank as there was no TAG or registration certificate attached to the tank.

“According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, a home with an exterior oil tank older than 15 years or an interior tank older than 20 years will NOT be insured”

The Technical Standards & Safety Authority has mandated that all heating fuel suppliers must inspect all oil tanks to which they deliver fuel, whether the oil tank is located above ground or below ground, initially and at least once every 10 years. (Homeowners, visit the T.S.S.A. Website has more information about heating oil tanks and furnaces that use heating oil)

Leaky oil tanks are environmental hazards that must be replaced under Ontario Regulations. anybody who has moved into a new (or new-to-them) oil-heated home or who started a new account with a fuel oil supplier will have to have their oil tank inspected and approved by an oil-burner technician licensed by the Technical Standards and Safety Association (TSSA).

Domestic heating oil tanks have been under scrutiny in recent years. According to the internet Environmental Science & Engineering magazine, www.esemag.com ­ May 2002, storage tanks that are unprotected or not maintained represent a potential for environmental pollution. "There are between 1.2 million and 1.5 million homes that heat with oil in Canada," the magazine says. "Over the last few years, there has been a startling number of tank failures and the trend will grow as traditional steel oil heating storage tanks corrode

"The majority of steel fuel oil tanks rust from the inside out. Because of condensation, water and sludge accumulate at the bottom of tanks. This combination creates an ideal environment for internal rust or corrosion of the steel tank wall. "More often than not, this damage is not visible and manifests itself as a catastrophic tank failure."

(Often visible with the use of an Infrared Camera)

The magazine goes on to say that leaking tanks are also a result of improper tank maintenance, damp locations and mechanical damage. Outdoor installations are more susceptible to condensation as a result of day-night temperature changes and humidity. Exterior rusting is noticeable by the small pinholes on the tank.

And there's more. "Nearly 40% of all fuel leaks reported to local and provincial ministries of environment are from domestic, heating oil storage tanks in private homes. The Insurance Bureau of Canada, Atlantic Division, says that claims paid for clean-up as a result of leaks from heating oil systems account for 5% of all claims paid under homeowners' policies. Oil leaks from storage tanks and line ruptures have caused insurance claims to jump by about 50% in the past few years. Clean-ups can cost between $20,000 and $125,000 or more. Some clean-up costs can grow to greater than the value of the house."

Tanks must be Tagged and registered. If you are an agent in the Kingston, Ontario Home Inspection area, please insure that the oil tank holds a satisfactory TAG and Certificate. Apparently, you cannot rely on some Certified Home Inspectors in the Kingston,Ontario Home Inspection area.

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_00t16_e.htm

http://www.ontario.ca/en/information_bundle/mineral/STEL02_038479.html

homes for sale by owner kingston ontario

John Marston BSc.,eng technologist,CPI,CIM: Inspector in Kingston, ON

homes for sale by owner kingston ontario

John Marston, BSc., eng.tech.,CIM, CPI

Certified Property Inspector

(613) 893-0159

JohnHomeInspector@gmail.com

www.ActiveRain.com/HomeInspectorMarston

If you are the buyer in a homes for sale by owner kingston ontario transaction, you should hire a professional home inspector so you have a complete understanding of the money you are about to spend.

A professional Home inspection costs about $350 or so with free Infrared reporting. A great looking report is a terrific sales tool. But most of all, it is a show and tell document with lots of photos showing the current state of the property. Nobody wants to be the subject of a Holmes on Holmes story.

atairwellDVD view

The right image is a typical view and the left is the same area but with an Infrared camera. This represents a huge thermal loss that needs attention.

Understanding your typical real estate agent

The Canadian Real Estate Association says that the average price for a home sold through Nov 2011 was $250,001. In fact residential sales numbered 212 units in Nov 2011. On a year to date basis, some 3,028 homes have traded hands. (Home sales recorded through the MLS system of the Kingston & Area Real Estate Association) http://creastats.ca/king

This does not represent transactions negotiated through homes for sale by owner kingston ontario

If you imagine that the KAREA represents over 500 real estate professionals, less than half of these agents made a sale in the month. In fact year to date sales average only 275 per month. In fact if 4% is the average sales commission, or $10,000, and the average sale is one/two month… then that is $60,000/year gross. The top agents sell more than one/month… so other agents don’t sell enough to live. Which agent are you considering dealing with?

Agents don’t want to be part of a homes for sale by owner kingston ontario transaction. The real estate agent will try to convince the seller to list the property and the buyer to consider listed properties. And in fact, it might be in your best interests to list your property or engage the services of a quality agent. A quality agent will likely have access to quality buyers… as well as help you find the property that suits you best. After all the buyer pays no commission. So in a homes for sale by owner kingston ontario transaction, the buyer needs to be well informed about the current and future price of the home.

A quality agent will not put your home on the market with structural defects, or severe moisture problems. A quality agent will encourage the seller to hire a home inspector to ensure that the home meets quality standards. A quality agent knows that money spent to repair the home will likely be recovered in the sale price, and may result in a quicker sale.

IR VIew of Master BdDVD Master bd

Look at the huge heat losses from this before and after view. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to appreciate the potential dollar savings here.

So if you are a seller, $350 is nearly negligible compared to the $10,000 average commission you are going to pay the agent. Or in a homes for sale by owner kingston ontario transaction, a professional report will offer confidence to a buyer showing that the home is structurally sound and that the seller is not trying to hide anything. Also, it will give the seller an opportunity to repair something if needed and that expense will likely translate into a higher selling price.

If you are a buyer, $350 is a ridiculously low fee for such a valued service. There is a reasonable chance that the fee is tax deductible for you as well. Moving Expenses are tax deductible resulting in tax savings of 46% combined Federal and Provincial depending on your MTR. If your move is at least 40 KM closer to your new place of employment, then you should take a serious look at this.

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ncm-tx/rtrn/cmpltng/ddctns/lns206-236/219/menu-eng.html

If you are a buyer in a homes for sale by owner kingston ontario transaction, then who is going to look after your best interests if you don’t have an interested agent. … YOUR HOME INSPECTOR, of course

Your home inspector needs skills in a number of areas… knowledge of MPAC property values and the 5 major steps used to calculate this fair market value. (www.mpac.ca) Why is it that the asking price for a home is sometimes equal to the MPAC calculation and others 30% higher or more. Just like the Holmes on Holmes TV show program uncovers, there are lots of home inspectors that are either incompetent, or simply don’t care about you. There are lots of Real estate agents that are incompetent, or simply don’t care about you. You need to know the difference in a homes for sale by owner kingston ontario transaction.

A NEW YEAR, A NEW YOU? LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THE MARKET SALON IN KINGSTON, ONTARIO

Susan Emo   in Gananoque/Kingston/Brockville: Real Estate Agent in Gananoque, ON

I wrote a blog last week about your pets getting their Holiday Poof on and this week it is time for us humans to get all coiffed and ready for Christmas too. (I did today!)

IMHO, for men, women and children, you'll find no better hair salon than The Market Salon in Kingston, On.

Filled with charm and character, The Market Salon on Bagot Street, is the answer to all your hair styling needs.

The owner, Tim Armer,
has more than 30 years of experience and trained in London England with Vidal Sassoon, whose 'wash and wear' philosophy liberated women from the "tyranny of the salon" and "revolutionized the art of hairstyling. Sassoon's styles became "emblematic of freedom and good health." (from Wikipedia)

This has continued to be Tim's strength as well and his many many clients will attest to that!

The two men have alot in common as it has been said about Vidal Sassoon that, "due to the popularity of his styles, he has been described as "a rock star, an artist, and a craftsman who 'changed the world with a pair of scissors'" and we would all echo that same sentiment about Tim Armer.

The Market Salon is situated in an old limestone in the heart of downtown Kingston and just up the street a bit from The Market Square where, since 1801, the vendors and growers offer fresh produce, flowers, plants, baked goods, maple syrup, fish, sausages, buffalo meat, preserves, arts and crafts, and the Sunday Antique Market.

This time of year it is an outdoor public skating rink!

Tim's Market Salon is just a delight to visit; exposed limestone walls, gorgeous antique furniture, fantastic local artwork, and Tim even earned an award from the City for the beautiful blooms in the spring and summer!

If you're looking for a new look, a new cut or colour, Tim is the stylist you want to call for an appointment 613 549 2110 You'll leave The Market Salon, relaxed, refreshed, entertained and looking fantastic!

And if you're interested in Buying or Selling a home in the Kingston area, give Susan Emo a call - she'll have you looking good in your next home!

KINGSTON BUYER A HAPPY HOMEOWNER THANKS TO GANANOQUE REALTOR, SUSAN EMO

Susan Emo   in Gananoque/Kingston/Brockville: Real Estate Agent in Gananoque, ON

KINGSTON BUYER A HAPPY HOMEOWNER THANKS TO GANANOQUE REALTOR, SUSAN EMO

Another SOLD sign goes up in Kingston
thanks to
Susan Emo, Gananoque Realtor.

Susan Emo's Buyer is thrilled with her purchase of this 9 year old,
1400 Sq Ft Bungalow in Kingston.

The asking price was $277,900.

It has many upgrades that include hardwood and ceramic floors,
a gas fireplace, cathedral ceilings,

beautiful master ensuite with granite counter plus a large Rec room downstairs.

The Kitchen is big and bright, perfect for when
friends and family want to hang out!

If you, or someone you know wants to Buy or Sell

in Kingston, Gananoque or the 1000 Islands area,

there is one Gananoque Realtor who is more than capable of assisting you.

Susan Emo with RE/MAX Riverview Realty Ltd,

was born and raised in Kingston and includes

Gananoque, Kingston and the entire 1000 Island region

as her market area!

Ask her many clients how they feel

about the professional service they receive

then get in contact as soon as you can!