Frank Steinhausen, Broker
FSteinhausen@REMAX.net
RE/MAX Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
Phone 905-428-6533
Fax 905-668-1850
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Archive for the 'Area interest' Category
In Flanders Fields
November 11th, 2009 Categories: Area interest
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
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Best Real Estate Ad. Ever.
October 27th, 2009 Categories: Area interest, Buying real estate, Neighbourhood fun
I have been holding on to this blog post from The Future of Real Estate Marketing and I finally took the 1:19 minutes to watch this great ad.
I think I need a mobile home…
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The Rosebank Road South Community in Pickering
October 22nd, 2009 Categories: Area interest, neighbourhood, Pickering
I was walking around enjoying this pocket of Pickering and wanted to share.
Located south of the 401, this community has quite defined boundaries. There are only 2 ways into this community: Granite Court, through an business section of Pickering or Rougemount Drive, off Kingston Road.
Isolated from North Pickering by the 401, we are also isolated from other areas by the Rouge River Valley to the west, Lake Ontario to the south and the GO Train tracks and Petticoat Creek Conservation Area to the east. Therein lies some of the appeal of this neighbourhood.
I can walk to the waterfront trail along Petticoat Creek or over the bridge to the Rouge River beach. The trees are putting on a vibrant display right now as we look down the valley.
In the summer, we can spend time throwing stones into the lake or wonder up to the cement pond swimming pool at Petticoat Creek. Or walk up to our neighbourhood plaza for fresh organic produce from Tiano’s, delicious meal planning from Bruno’s and, don’t forget the Tornados, an ice cream treat, from Quickerts (they recently changed their name from Reid’s Dairy).
All of this community fun is at most a 15 minute walk away.
And Toronto is a 15 minute drive away. I am two minutes from the highway and 15 minutes from the DVP.
There is a public school that services this community, Rosebank Road Public school and Blaisdale Montessori’s main campus is on Toynevale, down the street from it. The students can walk to Dunbarton High School or step on the city bus to St. Mary Catholic Secondary School.
The price range for homes in this area start in the mid to high $300,000 and end upwards of $1,000,000 for river or lake front property.
Convenience and community. The Rosebank Road South community is a great place to call home.
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9 Ways to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Costs
September 22nd, 2009 Categories: Area interest, Real Estate, Real estate investment
pennies. Some of our necessary expenses can be adjusted with a little know-how. Here are some points to consider about your home insurance policy:
1. Raise your deductible. If you can afford to pay more toward a loss that occurs, your premiums will be lower.
2. Buy your homeowners and auto policies from the same company. You’ll usually qualify for a discount. But make sure that the savings really yields the lowest price.
3. Make your home less susceptible to damage. Keep roofs and drains in good repair. Retrofit your house to protect against natural disasters common to your area.
4. Keep your home safer. Install smoke detectors, burglar alarms, and dead-bolt locks. All of these will usually qualify for a discount.
5. Be sure you insure your house for the correct amount. Remember, you’re covering replacement cost, not market value.
6. Ask about other discounts. For example, retirees who are home more than working people may qualify for a discount on theft insurance.
7. Stay with the same insurer. Especially in today’s tight insurance market, your current vendor is more likely to give you a good price.
8. See if you belong to any groups—associations, alumni groups—that offer lower insurance rates.
9. Review your policy limits and the value of your home and possessions annually. Some items depreciate and may not need as much coverage.
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How to Find and Choose a Mover
August 12th, 2009 Categories: Area interest, Buying real estate, Selling real estate
I recently found a web site that has oodles of information that could help you when you are ready to put your stuff in boxes and move to your dream home.
Relocation.com has many articles, checklists and insights that can help things go smoothly.
Here is an example of what you will find there:
Before you buy a car, you read reviews, take test drives, and bicker with the car salesman.
Before you buy a house, you look at many different styles and sizes before choosing the right one — and then you hire an inspector to look at it even more closely.
Heck, you probably even check out restaurant reviews before going out to dinner.
So when you move, why don’t you spend as much time — or even more time — choosing a moving company?
Most people don’t.
An Important, Complicated Decision
Choosing the best moving company isn’t easy. The moving industry’s complicated, and to ensure you get a quality moving company, you have to put in some legwork.
However, it’s something you MUST do, because there ARE rogue movers out there that will take advantage of the unsuspecting.
The good news: You can spot them.
In fact, if done right, finding and hiring a moving company can be a smooth, painless exercise, so long as you follow a few basic steps and stay on your toes.
This article’s your first step.
It outlines the major parts of the process of finding and hiring a mover, with links to other resources to help you with more detailed information. It also comes with the Relocation.com Checklist – print it out and use it as a step by step guide to hiring the right mover.
So let’s get started.
1. Look for mover names. Ask for recommendations from family and friends, check out the phone book for local movers, and go to a Website that offers free quotes.Don’t assume that a big van line is your only option; there are plenty of quality independently-owned movers that can offer you a great experience at a reasonable price. (See this article for a background on the moving industry and the major players.)
2. Start calling. Don’t get quotes over the phone; the only solid estimate is one that you get after you have a moving company representative in your home looking at your stuff.
However, use this initial phone call as a good screen to to see if you’re comfortable with the movers – ask about the number of moves they make, whether they own their own equipment or contract out; how long they’ve been in business; and whether they’re a member of the American Moving and Storage Association. None of their answers should disqualify movers, but they’re a good way to give you a glimpse into the type of company you’ll be working with.
After talking to a handful of companies, arrange for at least three in-home assessments so you can get accurate estimates of how much your move will cost.
3. The in-home assessment Show the moving company EVERYTHING you plan to move. The more thorough you are in detailing what has to be moved, the more accurate the estimate will be.
Also, let the estimator know about any factors at your home – or the home you’re moving to – that could complicate the move, like stairs to climb, which might add to the costs.
Remember: Disclose everything so there are no surprises at the end.
The in-home assessment is a good time to get a feel about the company you’re thinking of hiring – a quality estimator probably represents a quality company. You should also get a lot of information about the company, because this interview will form the backbone of your decision. (See this article for a full list of questions to ask your moving company.) There are several factors that determine not only the price you will pay for your move but the quality of service you receive. For example, some moving companies will negotiate for your business. (See this article for how to get the best deal for your move.)
Above all, beware the low-ball offer. If an estimate is way out of whack compared to the others, it’s probably too good to be true – and you more likely you are to get hit up for more costs later by an unscrupulous mover. (See this article for tips on finding a trustworthy mover.)
4. The estimate. Now that you have the estimate, be sure you understand it completely. The documents you get from the moving company should include the estimate, which could be a combined document that serves as your order for service and your bill of lading – be sure to clarify with your moving company. (See this story for everything to know about moving estimate.)
For an interstate move (generally known as a long-distance move), make sure the estimate has a description of the type and quantity of goods you’re shipping, the distance of the move, delivery dates, as well as any additional services you’ve requested. (See this article for more on how your long-distance move estimate is set).
A local move estimate (generally under 50 miles, but it varies state by state) won’t go by weight, but by hourly rate plus any additional costs you’ll be responsible for; an intrastate move over 50 miles will be based on weight. (This article describes more in depth how a intrastate or local move is conducted.)
During the estimate process, you’ll also be asked to consider valuation coverage to protect your goods. You are covered up to the certain predetermined amount – and your existing insurance policies could cover you as well, be sure to ask your agent – but it’s barebones, so you might want more. (This article describes more completely how much moving insurance you should buy)
5. The Final Check. You’ve narrowed down your list of your movers; now you should check them out with the secretary of state, the Better Business Bureau, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to make sure the mover is licensed and doesn’t have any problems with unresolved complaints – it’s easy to do it, plus you’ve
come this far, so why not? (See here a complete final checklist to vet your moving company.)
6. Choose your mover!
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10 Tips for Holding a Yard Sale
July 17th, 2009 Categories: Area interest, Neighbourhood fun
Yard sales used to be in the spring when I let go of the winter clutter that 
seems to bog down my home. Now clutter seems to be rampant and we see them somewhere almost every weekend throughout the summer.
Hold a yard sale to reduce the clutter in your home and get rid of items you don’t want to move.
1. Check with your municipal government to see if you need a permit or license.
2. See if neighbors want to participate and have a “block” sale to attract more visitors.
3. Advertise. Put an ad in free classified papers, and put up signs and balloons at major intersections and in stores near your home.
4. Price items ahead and attach prices with removable stickers. Remember, yard sales are supposed to be bargains, so don’t try to sell anything of significant value this way.
5. Check items before the sale to be sure you haven’t including something you want by mistake.
6. Keep pets away from the sale.
7. Display everything neatly and individually so customers don’t have to dig through boxes.
8. Have an electrical outlet so buyers can test appliances.
9. Have plenty of bags and newspaper for wrapping fragile items.
10. Get enough change, and keep a close eye on your cash.
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25 Easy Ways to Conserve Water at Home
June 23rd, 2009 Categories: Ajax, Area interest, Pickering, Pickering Village
There has been a lot press about energy conservation. I have employed my son to block up my air leaks in the house to save on our heating and air conditioning bills.
It also comes to mind that we should also be looking at water conservation. It is one of 
the world’s precious resources.
Here is a list of easy water conservation tips that you can start right away:
1. Use your water meter to check for hidden water leaks
2. Check your toilets for leaks
3. Don’t use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket
4. Put plastic bottles or float booster in your toilet tank
5. Insulate your water pipes.
6. Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators
7. Take shorter showers.
8. Turn off the water after you wet your toothbrush
9. Rinse your razor in the sink
10. Check faucets and pipes for leaks
11. Use your dishwasher and clothes washer for only full loads
12. Minimize use of kitchen sink garbage disposal units
13. When washing dishes by hand, don’t leave the water running for rinsing
14. Don’t let the faucet run while you clean vegetables
15. Keep a bottle of drinking water in the fridge
16. Water your lawn only when it needs it
17. Deep-soak your lawn
18. Water during the early parts of the day; avoid watering when it’s windy
19. Add organic matter and use efficient watering systems for shrubs, flower beds and lawns
20. Plant drought-resistant lawns, shrubs and plants
21. Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants
22. Don’t water the gutter
23. Don’t run the hose while washing your car
24. Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks
25. Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets and couplings
For more details, go to Eartheasy.com.
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Get Your Share of the Government Pie
June 16th, 2009 Categories: Ajax, Area interest, Green Building, Pickering, Pickering Village, Real Estate
I recently had a home energy audit to see what grant money I had 
available from the incentive programs that the government has available. Actually, over 21,000 Canadians have taken advantage of this program.
I can get $2,645 from the government if I complete all the suggested improvements.
Now, some of the suggestions, like $760 grant to replace $11,000 worth of windows, doesn’t seem worth the effort. But $50 on silicone sealant and some electrical socket insulation covers can get me $190, if I improve the air tightness of my home by 10%.
I replaced my old 50 gallon hot water tank with a tank-less one and I am getting $315 back from the government. I’m not sure I will realize any savings in my bills because the kids take longer showers—they don’t run out of hot water.
These incentives and more are available to you. Natural Resources Canada ecoEnergy Retrofit—Homes grant can help you make often necessary home improvements.
The government also has tax credits available for other home renovations. It is worth checking out national, provincial, regional and municipal programs that can take some of the sting out of home repairs.
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Home Maintenance Tips for Spring
May 19th, 2009 Categories: Area interest, neighbourhood
As seems to be the tradition for a lot of people on the Victoria long weekend, we spent it catching up on our spring clean up.
Fortunately, I had CMHC (Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation) remind me of all the tasks that I still had left to do:
Protect Your Home — and Your Investment!
If you’re like most Canadians, your home is probably your most important investment. It’s also the place where you and your family tend to spend a great deal of time. A regular schedule of seasonal maintenance can help you protect that investment for years to come, and help keep your home — and your family — healthy, safe and sound all year round.
This spring, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has a short checklist of simple inspections and repairs that can help you put a stop to the most common and costly problems before they occur, in as little as a few minutes a week, including:
- Check your furnace, air exchanger and air conditioner filters, and clean or replace them if needed.
- Check and clean your range hood filters on a monthly basis.
- Make sure all indoor and outdoor air vents (intake, exhaust and forced air) are clear of snow and debris.
- From the ground or any overlooking windows, check your roof for missing or damaged shingles. Have any damaged ones repaired.
- Check the condition of caulking around windows and doors. Replace as necessary.
- Test ground fault circuit interrupter(s) on electrical outlets each month by pushing the test button, which should cause the reset button to pop up.
- Consult your hot water tank owner’s manual and follow its recommendations for testing the temperature and pressure relief valve to ensure it isn’t stuck. If you are unsure, consult a plumber.
- Shut down and clean the furnace humidifier, and close the furnace humidifier damper on units with central air conditioning.
- Have your fireplace or woodstove and chimney cleaned and serviced as needed.
- Clear all drainage ditches and culverts of debris.
- Check smoke, carbon monoxide and security alarms, and replace their batteries.
- Clean all windows, screens and window hardware. Repair any holes in screens or replace them if necessary.
- Open the valve to the outside hose connection once any danger of frost has passed.
- Examine the foundation walls for cracks, leaks or signs of moisture, and repair them if required.
- Repair and paint fences as needed.
- Make sure your sump pump is operating properly before the spring thaw sets in, and ensure the discharge pipe allows water to drain away from the foundation.
- Re-level any exterior steps or decks which may have moved due to frost or settling.
- Clean any debris from eavestroughs and downspouts, reattach any
sections that are loose, and make sure they are securely attached to your home and that the flow of water discharges away from your foundation. - Have well water tested for quality, and test for bacteria every six months.
- Carry out any spring landscaping and, if necessary, fertilize young trees.
I think I need another long weekend.
For more information or a free copy of the “About Your House” fact sheet Home Maintenance Schedule and other fact sheets on owning, maintaining or renovating your home, ask CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit our Web site at www.cmhc.ca. For over 60 years, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been Canada’s national housing agency, and a source of objective, reliable housing expertise.
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Disaster Strikes
May 13th, 2009 Categories: Area interest
I recently read that parliament decided not to pay for the 72 hour disaster kit for high paid civil servants.
That got me thinking…what is a 72 hour disaster kit?
As it turns out, I am not alone. 42 percent of Canadians are not ready for a flood, earthquake, ice storm, extended power blackout, terrorist attack or other disaster.
I guess I can only live in ignorance for so long. I was in Durham Region for the blackout a couple of years ago. I listened to the concern over the chance that the terrorist might target the Pickering Power Plant after September 11th. I sign my children’s permission slip for administration of potassium iodide.
Well, what should you do to prepare for disasters?
Public Safety Canada suggests that an emergency kit should include:
- water – 2 litres of water per person, per day, and enough for 3 days
- food – non-perishable items such as canned food, energy bars and dried food
- a manual can opener
- a first aid kit
- a flashlight and batteries
- prescription medications
- infant formula or equipment for people with disabilities
- extra keys for your car or house
- cash – smaller bills and/or travelers cheques
- photocopies of personal documents such as passports and birth certificates
You might also include items like toilet paper, blankets, extra clothing and shoes, other personal care items, or maybe a whistle to attract attention.
The Canadian Red Cross can help you prepare. They also supply a Disaster Preparedness Kit.
I think my grocery list just got longer.
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