Chances are, if you bought a home in the last 20 years, the lender and your lawyer probably had you take Title insurance. Double check to see if you have it if you aren't sure.
If you purchased your home more than 20 years ago, and you do not have Title Insurance, I strongly suggest that you obtain it. Especially if you own your home free and clear.
Title insurance safeguards your stake as a property owner against potential losses stemming from defects in the property's title. It also shields you from "off-title" concerns like unpaid property taxes from the previous owner. Despite thorough examination by your lawyer, certain issues predating the title search may persist unnoticed until the policy date, posing future problems during property sales. With title insurance, however, such worries are alleviated.
Covered risks typically include existing property liens, outstanding work orders, zoning by-law violations, and lack of legal property access. Fraud, a significant risk, underscores the importance of title insurance. Nonetheless, it does not address structural or home warranty issues, foundation problems, fence locations, leaks, building code compliance, or appliance functionality.
Unlike home insurance, title insurance involves a one-time payment, lasting for the duration of property ownership. It's procured by your lawyer at the property's conveyance and remains active throughout your ownership, without annual premiums or lapses. In specific cases, it extends protection to property inheritors, such as your child. Policy coverage typically ranges between a set "floor" and "ceiling" based on the property's purchase price.
While title insurance offers comprehensive coverage, it excludes certain items like environmental concerns. It's advisable to carefully review both house and title insurance policies to understand the scope of coverage.
Helpful Tips for Packing and Moving
Whether you are packing yourself and/or getting ready for movers to come, here are some tips to help your move go smoothly.
For your safety, we recommend that you find a quiet corner in your home or make arrangements to see family or friends once the movers get started, to ensure a clear path for the movers to load the truck.
• The ideal box size is 1.0, 1.5, or 2 cubic feet for the majority of items. These boxes are still
relatively easy to lift, even when full, and will stack well in the truck. (Using a lot of small
boxes for regular items makes your move less efficient, potentially increasing the cost.)
• 1 cubic foot or Bankers boxes are ideal for books and personal papers.
• Make sure your boxes are packed full, in order to support the weight of other boxes that may
be stacked on top, and ensure all boxes are properly taped and closed.
• Label boxes clearly (i.e. which room the box is going to: kitchen, bedroom, basement etc.) so
that the movers know where to place them.
• Ensure your fragile valuables are clearly labelled so the movers know they need extra special
attention.
• Be careful if using newsprint to pack as the ink can transfer and may be difficult to remove.
• Using your towels, linens, and pillows as packing material are idea.
• Black garbage bags are not a great packing option in case they’re mistaken for garbage and
accidentally thrown out.
• Don’t forget to set aside and take yourself all important items that you may need during the
day, such as:
✓ Keys ✓ Wallet, purse ✓ Medication or medical devices (hearing aids etc)
✓ Cell phone (provide movers with an alternate contact number)
✓ Glasses (sunglasses) ✓ Toiletries/hygiene products ✓ Tablets (Ipad or Android)
How to choose the right moving company…
• Ask if they outsource any staff and equipment or are they responsible for their own staff and
fleet of trucks. If they outsource, do they provide a Police Record Check?
• Do they have a local presence?
• Are they insured? • What is their breakage/damage percentage?
• Do they provide packing materials (paper, boxes, tape)?
• Is there a fee for the use of their wardrobe boxes or boxes for artwork?
• What other services do they offer: packing/unpacking, floor plans, picture/mirror/art hanging,
dispersing of donations and disposal (garbage, e-waste, shredding, hazardous waste),
provision of estate services.
• Do they provide references?
• What do their Google reviews say?
• Do they provide a free consultation and estimate?
• Do they provide a move plan?
Thank you very much to the folks at Darling Solutions for sharing these helpful tips. To visit Darling Solutions, click the logo here 
1. Neutralize the Colors: Opt for calming shades like beige, grey, or off-white on the walls. These colors appeal to a wider range of tastes and make the room look more spacious.
2. Strategic Furniture Arrangement: Arrange your furniture away from the walls to create cozy conversation areas. Clear pathways ensure easy navigation and make the room feel more open.
3. Invest in Statement Pieces: Splurge on a few eye-catching items like a stylish coffee table, an elegant sofa, or a striking rug. These pieces elevate the overall look and feel of the room.
4. Add Texture: Incorporate soft throws, plush pillows, or a textured rug to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
5. Minimize Electronics: While the TV may be a focal point, consider minimizing its presence during showings. Conceal it with a tasteful cabinet or decorative screen.
6. Bring in Greenery: Potted plants, succulents, or fresh flowers can add a touch of freshness and vitality to the room.
7. Thoughtful Accessories: Less is more when it comes to accessories. Choose a few carefully curated pieces like decorative bowls, coffee table books, or elegant candlesticks to add personality without overwhelming the space.
By following these tips, you can make your living room look fantastic and appealing to potential buyers.
Should You Buy a Property that May Need Expensive Repairs or Upgrades?
Picture yourself hunting for a new home and stumbling upon a listing that looks like a dream come true. It's nestled in a fantastic neighborhood, checks off all the boxes on your "must-have" list, and you can totally envision yourself settling in there.
But, there's a catch. There are a couple of pretty serious maintenance issues that are likely to rear their heads in the next year or two. Think roof shingles that desperately need replacing, the furnace will need replacing, or some areas need a major facelift.
Sure, those fixes aren't going to come cheap. So, does that mean you should just move on and forget about making an offer?
Not necessarily. While snagging a home that's move-in ready or close to it is tempting, there are perks to snagging a property that needs a bit of TLC. Depending on how the market's behaving, a home with these issues might be priced lower compared to similar properties. That means the cash you save upfront can go towards fixing things up. Plus, since other buyers might be put off by the same issues, you might face less competition.
Of course, you've got to balance these advantages against the estimated cost of the repairs and upgrades. Do you have enough room in your budget to tackle these when the time comes? How much are we talking about here?
(Usually, you can get a ballpark figure for the cost of these fixes before you even think about making an offer.)
Speak to your mortgage specialist and ask about a mortgage plus improvements. It may be possible to obtain this mortgage and have the work done once you take possession and before you move in.
Ultimately, it boils down to gathering as much info as possible and making a savvy call. Often, taking the plunge and purchasing the property can pay off in the long run.
Have questions, please let me know.
Enhance Your Home's Curb Appeal Without Overspending
The first impression of your home significantly influences potential buyers as they approach your property. The good news is that enhancing your home's curb appeal need not be an expensive or arduous task. Here are straightforward and cost-effective suggestions to elevate your home's external appearance:
1. Apply a New Coat of Paint: Refreshing your home's exterior with a new layer of paint is one of the most impactful yet inexpensive upgrades you can make. Opt for a color that aligns with your home's architectural features and the surrounding environment.
2. Revitalize the Front Door: As the focal point of your home's exterior, the front door warrants special attention. Consider painting it an eye-catching color, replacing it with a contemporary design, or even just updating the hardware like the doorknob and knocker.
3. Incorporate Outdoor Lighting: Installing external lighting serves dual purposes: it enhances your home's curb appeal and also contributes to safety and security. Solar-powered pathway lights, wall-mounted fixtures, or string lights on the front porch are all excellent options.
4. Modernize the Mailbox: An outdated mailbox can detract from your home's overall aesthetic. Consider replacing it with a more modern version or rejuvenating your existing mailbox with a fresh coat of paint.
5. Invest in Landscaping: A well-maintained lawn and carefully chosen plants can significantly boost your home's exterior charm. Add colorful blooms or potted plants to your front porch for an extra touch of elegance.
6. Pressure Wash Driveways and Sidewalks: Over time, driveways and sidewalks accumulate dirt and grime. Consider renting a pressure washer or hiring professionals to restore these areas to their former cleanliness.
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