When deciding to buy a house, a person really only has two choices – build a new house or buy an existing house. Both options present a different array of pros and cons, and different concerns every homeowner should consider before deciding on their choice. Three Best Rated® has decided to sit down with an award-winning home building company, an award-winning real estate agent and an award-winning real estate lawyer in order to understand what the customer should know before building or buying a house.

Building a house is a very exciting time for everyone involved. The homeowner is able to have the house designed exactly how they want it to look, with all the features and amenities they want. However, building a home can be very expensive. If the homeowner is on a small budget, they should steer away from building a home. For those who can afford it, they still need to watch out to avoid wasting money. “When clients are making price comparisons between builders/contractors, they need to make sure they are truly comparing apples to apples,” says James Herron of Little Redstone Inc. “Most square foot pricing quoted by builders/contractors does not contain permit/city fees, tree protection fees, architectural design fees, interior design fees, landscape design fees, basement finishing costs or project drawing changes fees.” All these fees add up to a much higher cost per square foot than the homeowner originally planned for. The homeowner needs to be sure they account for these extra costs when budgeting out their new home.

When having the home designed, the homeowner needs to take the finished product into consideration and how the amenities will function in unison. For example, how their HVAC system impacts the overall climate control and humidity levels of the house and the impact to the wood and plaster finishes over time. “A radiant heating system alongside a forced air system should be installed,” James says. “Radiant heating is the best way to heat a house while the forced air system will supply air conditioning and the humidity levels needed to properly maintain the finishes installed. A house that is too dry will guarantee that all the wood finishes will crack and warp.” This will lead to costly, repeating repairs until the problem is addressed and fixed. The homeowner can avoid future headaches by ensuring everything in their new home will work together perfectly.

Finally, the homeowner should vet their potential builders vigorously. The homeowner will want to ensure the company is used to the size and scope of the home and is reputable. For example, Little Redstone's portfolio includes multi-home luxury estates, major renovations, as well as new builds and additions; in addition, they specialize in building custom luxury homes. Their portfolio and specializations give the potential homeowner an idea of what the company has experience in. If possible, the homeowner should talk to other people who have hired the company to see what their experience was, the problems they ran into and how the company addressed those issues. The homeowner, in general, needs to make sure the company fits in with their goals and needs for their new house.

For those of us who either don't want to build a house or simply can't afford it, there's plenty of great houses in the market just waiting to be found. This is where a great realtor comes in. Ryan Urban, a realtor for the Urban group, has some great tips when looking for a house.

First and foremost, the homeowner should know their budget and finances before they even look at a house. “Understanding your financing approval and mortgage options is vitally important,” Ryan says. Nothing is worse than looking at THE house and realizing it won't fit into the budget. Along this same vein, the homeowner needs to ensure they are buying the property the “right” way. “Your agent should have the right skills to make sure you're buying a solid property, at the best price and terms,” Ryan explains. “You'd think this is common sense, but we often come across sellers who have bought a property with another agent, and they paid too much and did not think this through.” This also means that the homeowner should be careful about which real estate agent they use. “You need to have a great team of professionals around you,” Ryan says. “Your agent has to know the market. The market is always changing and is impacted by things such as supply and demand, interest rates, government regulations, school ratings and much more.” A good real estate agent that has a great team behind them will be knowledgeable and up to date on these factors and will be able to get the homeowner the perfect house for the right price.

As Ryan mentioned earlier, the homeowner needs to have a great team of professionals backing them up. They will need lawyers, mortgage brokers, contractors and, of course, a great real estate agent. All these professionals work in unison to ensure the homeowner gets a house they are happy with for many years to come. “[When you buy a house], you need to have ... a good home inspection, financing, conditional sale of property, [verify] zoning, [access the] property survey – to name a few,” Ryan says. “Each situation is unique, and your agent should know how to protect your best interest.” Every step of the way, the homeowner will need help from a professional. They should make sure they read reviews, research the companies and ask questions before they decide on what professional to use. They should “shop around” before deciding on a professional to ensure they pick the one that is the best fit for them.

Whatever path the homeowner chooses, it's always a great idea to have a real estate lawyer on their side. Real estate lawyers help their clients navigate the ever-changing laws of real estate, whether it's purchasing, selling or simply mortgage financing. Jonathan Griffiths, founder and real estate lawyer of Griffiths Professional Corporation, has some tips on how a real estate lawyer can help.

When a homeowner is having a house built, there's a variety of contracts that have to be signed. “It is essential that the construction contracts be very carefully reviewed by a lawyer to cover the eventualities which will occur during the construction process,” says Jonathan. “This includes the mechanism and timing of payments and provision for construction liens.” For the average person, contracts can be tricky to navigate. However, real estate lawyers have the training and experience necessary to work through this type of contract with ease. Some people are afraid of the costs of a lawyer and do not contact one until it is too late and it ends up costing more than it would have originally. “Changes after the contract has been finalized can be extremely expensive to the client,” Jonathan says. Additionally, a lawyer can help the client specify exactly what is included in the contract to prevent any changes that would have to be made.

When a homeowner is buying an already-built home, real estate lawyers can help the whole process move smoothly. “Typically real estate lawyers charge fixed fees and are available to the client throughout the process, beginning with reviewing the agreement of purchase and sale and answering any questions and concerns the client may have as the transaction progresses,” Jonathan says. It is good to see the lawyer as an extra safety net to make sure the client doesn't make a costly mistake when buying a home. “Purchasing a home can be a very stressful procedure for a client, particularly a first-time buyer, and the ongoing help and advice of a good and empathetic real estate lawyer throughout the process can go a long way towards alleviating the stress,” Jonathan says.

Little Redstone Inc. was established by James Herron 10 years ago. It has since grown to a full-service design and build firm that specializes in custom luxury homes, additions and renovations. The studio has a dedicated in-house team and reliable trade partners with a wealth of experience to serve their clients. Little Redstone uses cutting-edge technology to better serve their clients. They use Building Information Management (BIM) software to create 3D models of the house and interior design software to help clients make design decisions. They continually search for new and better ways to serve their customers to help them turn their home into their dream home. Little Redstone Inc. has been recognized for their excellence and was named one of the top three home builders in Toronto, Ontario, for 2019 by Three Best Rated®.

Ryan Urban and his business associates started Urban Group by personally investing in and developing proprieties when they were in their early 20s. They always had a passion for real estate and use their past experience to give their clients an edge. Ryan is a graduate of the Ivey Business School, B.A. Economics, and contributes analysis to Canadian Real Estate Wealth Magazine - Canada's leading real estate investing publication. The Urban Group has industry-leading results, and their high level of services makes the process easy for their clients. They are one of Canada's fastest-growing real estate teams, with the majority of their clients being repeat and referral clients. They are one of the top performing real estate teams at Royal LePage, Canada's largest and most reputable real estate company. They genuinely love helping their clients find the perfect home and they always strive to keep their clients informed so they can make the best decision. Three Best Rated® has recognized them for their excellence and named them one of the top three real estate agents in Burlington, Ontario, for 2019.

Jonathan Griffiths founded Griffiths Professional Corporation in 1981. Before doing so, he started in the real estate business when he was 19 and sold real estate while in university and law school. He started teaching real property law at the Ontario Real Estate Associate when he was 25 and was often the youngest in the room. When he started Griffiths Professional Corporation, he wanted to put his clients first and look after them in any way possible and has done so for 38 years. With three offices and a large number of staff members, they're able to pay proper attention to each client and deal with matters quickly. Jonathan truly loves real estate law and will always try to answer his phone wherever he can. His son Malcolm joined the law firm to ensure the longevity and durability of the firm for their clients. Jonathan Griffiths has been recognized for his excellence and was named one of the top three real estate lawyers in Toronto, Ontario, for 2019 by Three Best Rated®.

Written by Eileen Shone, Three Best Rated®

Original Source: https://www.newswire.com/news/everything-everyone-everywhere-should-know-before-building-or-buying-a-20872894

 Now for an often under-appreciated part of modern society, plumbing. Imagine how life would be
without plumbing. Without going into specifics, let’s just say it would smell bad. Luckily, plumbing does exist and there’s a lot a homeowner can do to make sure their plumbing system is happy! “We recommend regular drain cleaning/snaking of your drains to ensure no build-up of materials which causes blockage,” says Gold Medal Plumbing and Drain. Blockages are very common and can be caused by a lot of different things. “The most common issue we find is having blocked drains,” Gold Medal Plumbing and Drain says. “This is caused by... roots in drains, collapsed pipes, blocked toilets due to using wipes and paper towels, or kitchen drains being blocked because of grease.”

Some of those issues are harder to control such as the collapsed pipes, but others are easy to avoid by keeping the happiness of the home and plumbing system in mind! For example, never throw anything in the toilet that isn’t toilet paper. Even the flush-able baby wipes aren’t great for the plumbing. Toilet paper has been made to work in harmony with the septic system, while paper towels and the like are made to be sturdier when wet and thrown in the trash. “A common thing people do which harms their plumbing system is flushing too much grease down the kitchen drains,” Gold Medal Plumbing and Drain adds. Grease can easily coat the pipes, cause debris to stick to it, and thicken. This will eventually lead to blockages.

If a homeowner finds they deep-fry a lot of food, they should buy a jar and some cheese cloth. When the oil cools, they can use the cheese cloth to easily strain the oil into the jar to save for another day. When the oil starts to smell and becomes dark, it is easy for them to pour the jar into the trash. If a homeowner cooks a lot of fats, such as red meat, they can let the fat sit in the pan until it solidifies and hardens, then simply scrap it into the trash. Alternatively, they can also pour it into a jar and scrap it into the trash at a later time.

If the sink does end up getting clogged, don’t panic. “Identify the cause of the clog. Using a soft utensil like a spoon or rubber straw, gently probe the clog,” says Vesna Kolakovic of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Mississauga, ON. “If an oily residue is left on your tools, it’s likely you are dealing with a fat-based clog. If the clog feels solid, you probably have a piece of food waste or another small object blocking your drain.” If it’s a solid object, a wire hanger should do the trick. If there’s any difficulty removing the clog, it’s best to call the plumber. If it’s a fat-based clog, hot water will do the trick. “Begin by boiling a large pot of water on the stove. Turn off the heat and let it cool for about two or three minutes,” Vesna says. “Carefully pour the entire pot down the sink drain.” The process can be repeated a number of times. However, if the clog does not go away, it’s time to call the plumber.

For both the electrical system and the plumbing, always proceed with caution. Always remember that these systems are sensitive and can easily hurt someone if mismanaged. It’s always a good idea to call the professionals before attempting a DIY project or if there are any questions.

​​Almost everyone can agree that having a functional, safe roof is one of the most important things in a house. If it was improperly installed, used poor quality materials, or has the wrong materials for the climate, the roof will wear down quickly and become unsafe. This is why it’s so important to hire a trustworthy roofing company that will take the time to explain the different types of roofs and factors to watch out for. Three Best Rated® decided to sit down with three award-winning roofers to get just that.

Fiberglass shingles

Before installing the shingles, a roofer will put an underlay on. This helps give the roofs an extra level of protection that can’t be achieved with shingles alone. There are many different types of underlays available, with the two most common being felt paper and synthetic. “We... insist on using a synthetic underlay as opposed to felt paper,” said Kelly Matthews of Alpineroofs.ca. “Synthetic underlay carries a 20-year warranty, where felt paper has none. If you read the warranty specs for singles, the manufacturers require this product to be used to have a valid shingle warranty.” Also, synthetic underlays are more weather resistant than their felt paper counterpart.

Gutter Guard

While worrying about the shingles, many people often neglect to think about another important part of the roof – the gutters. A gutter guard is a simple solution to help keep leaves, sticks, and other debris out of the gutters. “This saves you precious time and money,” says Certified Roofing & Exteriors, “and will also prevent rusting of the troughs, maintaining beauty and extending the life of your investment.” A gutter guard helps homeowners by keeping the gutters clean, which will in turn help direct water away from the house.

Flat Roof (torch on)

A flat roof is made of 2 or more layers that is sealed using a gas torch (hence, torch on). It is popular with a lot of industrial buildings and modern buildings. “It’s waterproof, designed for all climates as it expands in heat and contract in the cold,” says Cheema. “This gives it a long lifespan.” This roof is great for places that experience all four seasons, all while giving the house a modern look. However, it can quickly get very expensive as it requires extra training for the crew and increased insurance cost. This roof can balance that out with its versatility and long life span.

Hot Dipped Nails

Everything on a roof, even down to the nails, are vitally important. “We use hot dipped nails,” Matthews says. “This may seem like a small difference, but it is actually important.” Hot dipped nails are made by dipping nails into molten zinc. The result is a stronger, rust-resistant nail. “If any moisture gets into the attic... regular nails will rust, then the heads can literally pop off,” explains Matthews. By using hot dipped nails, the nails will no longer rust and remain more viable for the roof’s lifespan.

About Kelly Matthews
Kelly Matthews starting in the roofing business in 2004 working for another company. A year later and Matthews decided to try his hand at opening his own company that would align with his values as a business owner. Alpineroofs.ca has now been proudly serving the Nanaimo area for 15 years. Alpineroofs.ca has a simple goal of being the last roof a customer will ever install – not just the next roof. Kelly Matthews refuses to cut corners and uses only 100% Canadian materials from Canadian suppliers. Alpineroofs.ca prides themselves on their customer service and attention to detail! They have been recognized for their excellence and were named one of the top three roofing contractors in Nanaimo, BC by Three Best Rated®.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
1548 Extension Road
Nanaimo, BC V9X 1A7
Phone: 250-754-7663
Email: kmatthews1966@hotmail.com
http://www.alpineroofs.ca
Written by Eileen Shone, Three Best Rated®
Original Source: https://www.newswire.com/news/5-materials-the-professionals-recommend-for-your-roof-20855799

Buying a house is a really stressful process and adding finding a great mortgage on top of all that, it may seem impossible. That's exactly why mortgage brokers exist: to help everyone find a great mortgage. A great mortgage broker will stay up to date on the best rates, the mortgage market and different ways to help clients manage their debt. Three Best Rated® sat down with three award-winning mortgage brokers to learn all of the intricacies of finding a great mortgage and created this list of three things to look for when searching for a mortgage.

1. The Lender


2. The Product


3. The Rate

Buying a home can be a confusing, stressful process. With so many homes on the market, it's only natural for a potential homeowner to get lost, overwhelmed and even buy the wrong home. That's why Three Best Rated® sat down with two great realtors - Ron Neal of The Neal Estate Team and Gino Cipriano of Royal LePage Prime – to pick their brains on what to look for when buying a house. Without further ado, here are five things everyone should know before buying a home.

From a realtor to a mortgage broker to a home inspector, a home-buyer will need a decent amount of professionals. Family, friends and co-workers can be great tools to help find the perfect professional, but a potential homeowner shouldn't rely on just that. “Do your own due diligence and research for yourself,” Gino suggests. “Look at online reviews, look at social media or, even better, call in a few professionals and interview them for the job.” Three Best Rated can also be a great starting point for finding various professionals.

While this is a no-brainer, buying a house has a lot of costs that may not appear on the “sticker price.” Ron suggests a potential homeowner gets a rough idea how much they're qualified for and how much they are comfortable with spending before seriously looking at houses. Another thing people tend to overlook is their monthly payments. “Sometimes if your perfect forever family home is $10,000 more,” Gino says, “but your monthly payments increase by $50, it may be worth your consideration.” When actually starting the purchase process, Ron suggests doing their due diligence to create an accurate estimate of all closing costs and operating costs. These factors can cause a house to be a little outside the agreed upon budget.

“The most important thing to know before buying a home is 'Caveat Emptor,' Latin for 'Let the Buyer Beware,'” Gino says, “especially if it's a resale home and not brand new through a builder or a developer.” When someone buys a home, they are responsible for all of it. If the roof leaks or the fuse box keeps tripping, the homeowner has to fix all of that. To lower risk, the buyer should have the home inspected before buying it. An inspection can save a potential homeowner a lot of headaches and money in the future. In general, Ron suggests that a potential homeowner knows the condition of the home and estimated maintenance and repairs it will need.

Obviously great is going to mean something different to everyone. Ron suggests asking “Does this location make sense for your lifestyle?” If the answer is no, then it might be time to look at a different house. A house is a long-term investment and if the location is terrible, it will be easy to become dissatisfied very quickly. Another aspect of picking a great location is the house itself. “Different areas with different supply and demand can yield a much different home,” Gino explains. “We always recommend our clients to view homes in multiple locations.” Some areas will have older homes and styles, while others will be more modern.

Unless a potential homeowner can build a house from the ground up (and pay a lot!), any house they purchase will most likely not have everything they want. Gino suggests making a list of “Wants” and “Needs.” “It allows you to set, or reset, your priorities and see the big picture,” he explains. “Generally, the 'Needs' list turns into the 'Must Haves' and the 'Wants' list turns into the 'I Can Live Without' list.” A potential homeowner will want to make sure they have these lists before they start seriously looking at houses.

Edmonton, Alberta, March 6, 2016 - Eva Neufeld of Mortgage Tailors is named one of the top three mortgage brokers in Edmonton for 2019 by Three Best Rated®. Three Best Rated® uses a rigorous 50-point inspection to check everything from reviews, reputation, and history to cost in order to determine the top three businesses.

At Mortgage Tailor, their clients feel like they are with family. They are dedicated to helping their clients manage their mortgage for years to come. “I'm helping you create perhaps the largest debt of your life,” Eva says. “I feel a professional responsibility to help you manage that debt not only today but in the future as well.” Real estate can be a wonderful tool to achieve financial security, and Eva is determined to guide her clients to their short- and long-term goals. At Mortgage Tailors, they offer a unique program called the “Sweet 16 Program” which allows their clients to pay off their home in 16 years. “We love having mortgage burning parties,” Eva laughs.

Some advice that Eva offers her clients is not to be too concerned about the rate. “Interest rates don't vary much from lender to lender,” she explains, “but what does vary is the fine print,” Eva suggests focusing more on getting approved and reading the fine print. She helps her clients pick the right mortgage product for their situation to save them money, not only now, but in the future as well. “We do more than just offer mortgages, we manage them,” Eva says.

Three Best Rated® rates businesses on a 50-point inspection to present the three best in each category. They look at everything from the history to reviews, and everything in between. Every company is verified before it is listed. They believe in being transparent and trustworthy and simplifying the searching process. A business cannot be paid to be listed, so you know you are getting genuine results.

Eva Neufeld is the owner/broker of Mortgage Tailors. She always loved helping people and had a knack for finance, so it was inevitable she would become a mortgage broker. Eighteen years later and she is still ahead of the game and doing what she loves. She always believed that everyone has the right to become a homeowner, but most don't know how to get there. This inspired her to write her book “The Homebuyer's Handbook: The Insider's Guide to Saving Money & Eliminating Risks when Buying Your First Home.”

Written by Eileen Shone, Three Best Rated®
Original Source: https://www.newswire.com/news/eva-neufeld-named-one-of-the-top-3-mortgage-brokers-in-edmonton-canada-20824896