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Posted in house inspection, home inspector, home evaluation, home safety, interior, exterior

 

When buying a home, it is a good idea to have it examined by a qualified home inspector. Not only can they help identify areas of concern, they can help you determine if the offer you have presented needs to be adjusted to compensate for work needing to be done.

 

When viewing a home, have your realtor point out specific items they think should be addressed during the inspection- this can help you make an accurate, informed offer, and arm you with negotiating power if there are improvements needed.

 

Here are some tips to help you select a home inspector:

 

- Hire an inspector based on reputation & experience; ask friends & family for referrals

 

- Avoid inspectors who use generalized checklists; reports should be specific/ customized to the property being looked at

 

- Do not sign a contract with an inspector who's liability is limited to the cost of inspection

 

- Ensure the following areas are addressed:

attic structure, ventillation, & insulation

chimney & flashing

roof & gutters

siding & masonry

windows

ceilings

walls & doors

stairs

heat distribution

fireplaces 

floors

electrical service

water heater plumbing

heating system

foundation & grading drainage

walk & driveways

 

Choosing the right home inspector can save you money- and stress- if they help identify concerns that may have otherwise been overlooked. Using an inspector can help ensure you get what you pay for and avoid headaches post sale. 

 

Image Source: http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photos-real-estate-inspector-home-inspection-report-file-image19829568

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Posted in listings, open house, market information

Each week we'll be highlighting some of our listings and providing information about upcoming open houses on our blog. Check our Properties Page to view current listings and make sure you come back to the blog page throughout the week for great market info, resources, recipes, DIY project ideas, and the latest updates on our open houses. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, where we'll make sure to share new information to keep you up to date.

 

 

 

 

Image Source:http://blog.homes.com/2011/01/homes-com-and-remax-partnership-good-news-for-home-buyerssellers/

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Posted in recipes,

Family life can be busy. Trying to balance everything and offer healthy & delicious meals can be a challenge. To help, check out below for a great take on a popular classic: Home Made Pizza. Sure to be a crowd pleaser for the kids & adults alike.

 

 

For the Dough:
 
2 tsp dried granulated yeast
3 cups all purpose flour (I usually do half whole wheat and half unbleached flour)
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup water
Plus
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp warm water if making dough by hand
If you're using a bread maker, follow the manufacturer's instructions for what ingredients to add first. 
 
For the Toppings:
(based on one pizza)
1 can pizza sauce
1- 2 cups grated mozzarella and/ or cheddar (or your favourite!) depending how cheesy you like your pizza
For pizza topping combos see options below!
 
Directions:
1. To make the dough by hand, activate the yeast by mixing in a cup with warm water; let sit for a few minutes.
2. While yeast is activating, combine other ingredients in a bowl
3. Add yeast & combine well
4. Roll dough into a large ball; remove from bowl, coat bowl with olive oil & return dough to bowl; cover and allow dough to rise for an hour or so.If making dough in a bread maker, the allotted time allows for the dough to rise
5. While dough is rising/ in machine, prepare your toppings
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
7. When dough is ready, turn onto a floured surface and roll to approx 1/2" thick; place rolled crust onto baking sheet/ pizza pan
8. Partially cook pizza crust for 10 minutes, or until just turning golden brown (you may need to pop a few bubbles)
9. Remove crust from oven; scoop & spread pizza sauce over crust, followed by toppings & cheese
10. Cook for another 10 minutes, or until crust & cheese is cooked & melted the way you like it!

Deluxe
 
 
1 green pepper, diced
1/2 white onion, diced
5-6 mushrooms, sliced
1 can sliced olives
100gr ham & pepperoni, sliced thin (ok, so not so healthy, but a yummy treat!)
 
Hawaiian/ Ham & Pineapple
100 gr ham, sliced thin
1 can pineapples, diced
BONUS: 100 gr bacon= my fave!!!
 
Vegetarian:
 
1 green pepper, diced
1/2 white onion, diced
5-6 mushrooms, sliced
1 medium- large tomato, sliced thin
1 can sliced olives
 
Margherita:
1 medium- large tomato, sliced thin
1 bunch fresh basil, chopped (approx 1 cup, unpacked) 
 
Recipe Source: The Pampered Baby
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Posted in buying, selling, property value, home evaluation, market information, advice,

We all have people we turn to for various needs. When you need health advice you visit your doctor, if you need financial advice, you speak with your accountant. The same applies for when you need advice about real estate. In addition to the services they provide when you buy and sell your home, realtors can provide advice and guidance in a variety of other areas within the real estate market.

 

This includes:

 

- Answering questions about the local real estate market

 

- Finding out what homes are selling for in your area

 

- Researching the cost of homes in areas of interest

 

-  Determining the current market value of your home and/ or property

 

- Helping you decide if it is the right time for you to move based on the above considerations

 

If you are trying to enter the real estate market, are considereing a move or acquiring additional property, contact us today and we will be ahppy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. Everyone's situations are different and we offer personalized service and guidance based on your individual needs.

 

Contact us today at drew@drewsteeves.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, & LinkedIn to stay in- the- know with Team Steeves.

 

Image Source: http://community.homeaway.com/docs/DOC-1278

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