If you're considering buying your first home you may be wondering where to start. The fact that you're on this web site shows that you're inclined to use Internet for research for new home buyers information, most likely for London or St Thomas,Komoka,Kilworth Ontario, Canada or the Middlesex and Elgin counties area.

However a word of caution! The Internet can be a wonderful tool, however it has become heavily commercialized and therefore as a result of this the results one gets for complex inquiries can result in conflicting and overwhelming information. Inquiries on a search engine for key words such as first-time home buyer package, new home information , first-time buyer information etc. are good examples of overwhelming or conflicting information.

Keeping in mind the source of your information is always the most basic way of determining if there's a bias in information. The adage that free advice is usually worth what you pay for it may often apply.

For example, I have been on internet forums for real estate where the question was asked "Is it normal for a realtor to offer a buyer a rebate ?" The people who answered this question were realtors for the most part. Their answers suggested that only a desperate or new agent would offer real estate buyer rebates. Even the moderator of the form jumped in to the discussion to make his opinion known that real estate agents work hard and deserve all the commission they can get and basically suggesting that such was not a good idea and a poor way to find a good agent.

Although I agree that most real estate agents work far harder and longer hours than most people suspect or quite frankly care and as such do deserve for the most part all of the commission the marketplace will bear( likely this would apply to you as well). Real estate and technology is changing at an ever accelerating rate and there is always the other side of the argument .

 To help you with some basic information and to help you to get to know me(Jim Straughan) I'm putting together some free information and links to help get you started on your first home buying journey.

                        Strategies For First Time Home Buyers - Getting Started

                                                   Table of contents(click here)

1, Answers to some frequently asked questions

2. Glossary of common real estate terms

3. Diagram of the financing process

4. Canada mortgage and housing(CMHC) premiums and fees

5. Land transfer tax information

6. Estimated buyer cost worksheet

7. House hunting worksheet

8   Much more to come , so check back for updates and additions ! As always feel free to e-mail or call and I'll answer any real estate related questions you may have .

www.straughan.ca

Energy Saving Tips for the Homeowner
 
One of the most obvious areas where a homeowner can go "green" is in the use of energy in the home.
The biggest energy hogs are heating, air conditioning, electrical appliances, lighting, and water usage.
Here are some practical tips for saving energy and money at the same time. They work great wiether you live in London, Kilworth, Komoka ,Delaware,Lucan or anywhere else.

1. Do an “energy audit” - A good place to start is with an informal energy "audit" to reveal where you are
using the most energy and where you are wasting it. The average US home uses 31% of its energy
consumption on heating, 12% on cooling, 12% on water heating, and 29% on appliances, lighting,
and electronics such as TVs and computers. So these are obvious places you can cut back.

2. Insulate, insulate, insulate - If 43% of the energy used in our homes goes for heating and cooling this is
 the place to start. Insulation in your attic, outside walls and basement walls is critical. New products such
 as blown in insulation have made it easier to insulate previously difficult areas. But be careful to get
professional advice before tackling a project like this yourself.

3. Seal doors and windows - Usually the worst areas of heat loss are windows and doors. Check for holes
or cracks around your walls, ceilings, windows, doors, light and plumbing fixtures, switches, and electrical
outlets. All of these can leak air into or out of your home. Have a professional take a look at your home and
 make some recommendations.

4. Turn the heat down - Wear warmer clothes and shoes in the winter so your house feels warmer. Then turn
your thermostat down a few degrees. Set it to automatically lower the temperature at night. You'll save a lot
of energy and you'll probably get fewer colds too.

5. Use less hot water - Be sure to have a highly efficient hot water heater. In some climates a tankless water
heater may save energy, but research it thoroughly. Then study your hot water usage carefully.
You may want to turn the temperature of your hot water heater down a bit. Consider replacing some appliances
with more efficient ones. Use warm rather than hot water for washing clothes. Don't use the dishwasher for partial
 loads, shower for shorter periods of time, and don't let the hot water run when washing or shaving.

4. Turn off appliances and lights - When appliances are not being used they should be turned off or even
unplugged (because many appliances use electricity even when they are not on). Set the energy saving features
 of your computer to shut down monitors and hard drives when not in use. Or turn your computers right off if not
 being used for an extended period of time.

5. Control your lighting - About 11% of the average home's energy usage goes to lighting, so this is an obvious
area for significant savings. Replacing old incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)
 will save between 50 and 75% per bulb. And turning lights off when they are not required will (obviously) save
even more.

6. I live between London & Komoka Ontario on a small acreage or hobby farm,thus I have the option of planting trees in such a manner as to block winter winds and summer heat from my house .Even small trees in an urban setting can reduce the amount of sun hitting your house.Plus you can not get any greener than planting trees !

Benefits of Buyer Agency

Buyers  Rebate Get Cash on Closing (Click here)

Although the typical agency agreement spells out the fiduciary duties an agent must fulfill for the seller, the buyer can be left, in a sense, not truly represented. However, buyers too have the option of being represented exclusively by their own agent. Consider the following benefits: Loyalty: The real estate agent must act in the best interest of the buyer. Obedience: Must follow the lawful instructions of the principle (buyer). Disclosure of all material facts: Examples, but are not limited to Relationship between agent and other parties Existence of other offers Advice on deposit Seller's financial condition Properties market value Legal effects of important contract provisions Other similar or superior properties for sale comparable to the subject property Confidentiality: Any discussions, facts, or information that should not be revealed to others but does not include responsibility of fairness and honesty in dealing with all parties Accounting in dealings: Reporting of where any money placed in the hands of broker is kept Reasonable skill and care: Arriving at a reasonable purchasing price and advising buyer of such Affirmatively discovering material facts and disclosing them to the buyer Investigating the material facts related to the sale Investigating possible environmental issues Investigating physical and legal evidence regarding possible grow house usage                                                                      Other Specifics   Financial considerations Offering options and advice regarding mortgage financing Discussing title insurance versus getting a survey Explaining mortgage costs, fees, mortgage brokers versus banks Detailing closing costs including the lawyers role and possible fee structures G.S.T Issues does it apply? If so is there a rebate? Insurance issues, are there defects or obsolete systems in the property that may cause you to be declined or charged more for coverage?  As a Buyer's Agent, I represent you and your interests in the purchase of your new home, not the seller's interests. When you are looking to make the biggest investment of your life, it is not hard to understand why it is important to be represented exclusively. My promise to you is honest feedback on all your questions and concerns and to represent you in the most intelligent and professional manner possible based on 15 years a successful and varied Professional Experience selling residential ,new homes,commercial,investment,agricultural and recreational properties . Regards Jim Straughan Your London Ontario Real Estate Connection