ISSUE #1173

FEATURE REPORT

How To Reduce Crime In Your Neighborhood

While we don't like to talk about it - or even think about it - crime is on the increase in North America, and throughout the world. The number of burglars, muggers, auto thieves, robbers, purse snatchers, etc., is growing at an alarming rate.
Now you, as a resident, working with neighbors can help reduce the crime rate.

For the complete story, click here...

Also This Month...

11 Things You Must Know When Finding a Home

Once you've decided to buy a home, there's a number of issues that need to be considered. Because buying a home will be one of the biggest purchases you make in your life, learning the "11 Things You Must Know When Finding a Home" can make the process easier.

More...

Tips on Selecting a Contractor For Home Improvement

Home repairs can cost thousands of dollars and are the subject of frequent complaints. Here is a list of things to consider when selecting a contractor.

More...

Quick Links

How To Reduce Crime In Your Neighborhood

11 Things You Must Know When Finding a Home

Tips on Selecting a Contractor For Home Improvement

Top>>

How To Reduce Crime In Your Neighborhood

While we don't like to talk about it - or even think about it - crime is on the increase in North America, and throughout the world. The number of burglars, muggers, auto thieves, robbers, purse snatchers, etc., is growing at an alarming rate. Now you, as a resident, working with neighbors can help reduce the crime rate.

How? By organizing and/or joining a neighborhood program in which you and your neighbors get together to learn how to protect yourselves, your family, your home and your property. Working together, you can get the criminals off your block and out of your area.

There's safety in numbers and power through working with a group. You'll get to know your neighbors better, and working with them you can reduce crime, develop a more united community, provide an avenue of communications between police and citizens, establish on-going crime prevention techniques in your neighborhood, and renew citizen interest in community activity.

"Citizens Safety Projects" are set up to help you do this. It is a joint effort between private citizens and local police. Such programs have been started all over. Maybe one already exists in your community.

These organizations don't require frequent meetings (once a month or so). They don't ask anyone to take personal risks to prevent crime. They leave the responsibility for catching criminals where it belongs - with the police. This is NOT a "vigilante" group.

These groups gather citizens together to learn crime prevention from local authorities. You cooperate with your neighbors to report suspicious activities in the neighborhood, to keep an eye on homes when the resident is away, and to keep everyone in the area mindful of the standard precautions for property and self that should always be taken. Criminals avoid neighborhoods where such groups exist.

Through cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, some of the things you will learn - and all free - are:

What to do in an emergency.

How to best identify a suspicious person.

How to identify a vehicle being used in a suspected criminal activity.

Signs to watch out for before entering a house or apartment that may be in the process of being burglarized.

What to do in case of injury.

What to do about suspicious people loitering on your street.

How to identify stolen merchandise.

How to recognize auto theft in progress.

How to protect your house or apartment.

How to recognize a burglary in progress.

How to protect yourself and family - and much more.

It's easy to get your group started. All you have to do is contact your neighbors and arrange a date, place and time for the first meeting. Hold the meetings at your home or that of a neighbor. Try to plan a time that is convenient to most of your neighbors - preferably in the evening.

Then call your local police department. They will be happy to give your group informal lectures, free literature - and in many instances, window stickers and ID cards. Remember, police officers can't be everywhere. Your cooperation with them is for the benefit of you, your family, your neighbors and your neighborhood.

Top>>

11 Things You Must Know When Finding a Home

In this report, we outline 11 Questions and Answers to help you make informed choices when purchasing a home.

1. What Should I Look For When Deciding On A Community?

Select a community that will allow you to best live your daily life. Many people choose communities based on schools. Do you want access to shopping and public transportation? Is access to local facilities like libraries and museums important to you? Or do you prefer the peace and quiet of a rural community? When you find places that you like, talk to people that live there. They know the most about the area and will be your future neighbors. More than anything, you want a neighborhood where you feel comfortable in.

2. How Can I Find Out About Local Schools?

You can get information about school systems by contacting the city or local school board or the local schools. Your real estate agent may also be knowledgeable about schools in the area.

3. How Can I Find Out About Community Resources?

Contact the local chamber of commerce for promotional literature or talk to your real estate agent about welcome kits, maps, and other information. You may also want to visit the local library. It can be an excellent source for information on local events and resources, and the librarians will probably be able to answer many of the questions you have.

4. How Can I Find Out How Much Homes Are Selling For In Certain Communities and Neighborhoods?

Your real estate agent can give you a ballpark figure by showing you comparable listings. If you are working with a REALTOR®, they may have access to comparable sales maintained on a database.

5. How Can I Find Information On The Property Tax Liability?

The total amount of the previous year's property taxes is usually included in the listing information. If it's not, ask the seller for a tax receipt or contact the local assessor's office. Tax rates can change from year to year, so these figures maybe approximate.

6. What Other Tax Issues Should I Take Into Consideration?

Keep in mind that your mortgage interest and real estate taxes will be deductible (USA residents). A qualified real estate professional can give you more details on other tax benefits and liabilities.

7. Is An Older Home A Better Value Than A New One?

There isn't a definitive answer to this question. You should look at each home for its individual characteristics. Generally, older homes may be in more established neighborhoods, offer more ambiance, and have lower property tax rates. People who buy older homes, however, shouldn't mind maintaining their home and making some repairs. Newer homes tend to use more modern architecture and systems, are usually easier to maintain, and may be more energy-efficient. People who buy new homes often don't want to worry initially about upkeep and repairs.

8. What Should I Look For When Walking Through A Home?

In addition to comparing the home to your minimum requirement and wish lists, consider the following:

Is there enough room for both the present and the future?

Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms?

Is the house structurally sound?

Do the mechanical systems and appliances work?

Is the yard big enough?

Do you like the floor plan?

Will your furniture fit in the space? Is there enough storage space? (Bring a tape measure to better answer these questions)

Does anything need to be repaired or replaced? Will the seller repair or replace the items?

Imagine the house in good weather and bad, and in each season. Will you be happy with it year 'round?

Take your time and think carefully about each house you see. Ask your real estate agent to point out the pros and cons of each home from a professional standpoint.

9. What Questions Should I Ask When Looking At Homes?

Many of your questions should focus on potential problems and maintenance issues. Does anything need to be replaced? What things require ongoing maintenance (e.g., paint, roof, HVAC, appliances, carpet)? Also ask about the house and neighborhood, focusing on quality of life issues. Be sure the seller's or real estate agent's answers are clear and complete. Ask questions until you understand all of the information they've given. Making a list of questions ahead of time will help you organize your thoughts and arrange all of the information you receive.

10. How Can I Keep Track Of All The Homes I See?

If possible, take photographs of each house: the outside, the major rooms, the yard, and extra features that you like or ones you see as potential problems. And don't hesitate to return for a second look. You may also wish to find out if the home is available online. Photos of the property may already be up on a website for you to review.

11. How Many Homes Should I Consider Before Choosing One?

There isn't a set number of houses you should see before you decide. Visit as many as it takes to find the one you want. On average, homebuyers see 15 houses before choosing one. Just be sure to communicate often with your real estate agent about everything you're looking for. It will help avoid wasting your time.

Top>>

Tips on Selecting a Contractor For Home Improvement

Home repairs can cost thousands of dollars and are the subject of frequent complaints. Here is a list of things to consider when selecting a contractor:

Get recommendations and references. Talk to friends, family and other people for whom the contractor has done similar work.

Get at least three written estimates from contractors who have come to your home to evaluate what needs to be done. Be sure the estimates are based on the same work so that you can make meaningful comparisons.

Make sure the contractor meets licensing and registration requirements with your local consumer agency. Some areas require licensees to pass tests for competency and scrutinize licensees for financial solvency. They may also have a fund to cover some financial losses that result from problems with licensed contractors.

Check to see if local laws limit the amount by which the final bill can exceed the estimate, unless you have approved the increase.

Check contractor complaint records with the Better Business Bureau or similar agency.

Get the names of suppliers and ask if the contractor makes timely payments.

Contact your local building inspection department to check for permit and inspection requirements. Be wary if the contractor asks you to get the permit. It could mean the firm is not licensed.

Be sure your contractor has the required personal liability, property damage and worker's compensation insurance for his/her workers and subcontractors. Also check with your insurance company to find out if you are covered for any injury or damage that might occur.

Insist on a complete written contract. Know exactly what work will be done, the quality of materials that will be used, warranties, timetables, the names of any subcontractors, the total price of the job, and the schedule of payments.

Try to limit your down payment. Local law may specify that only a certain percentage of the total cost may be made as a down payment.

Understand your payment options. Compare the cost of getting your own loan versus contractor financing.

Don't make final payment or sign an affidavit of final release until you are satisfied with the work and know that subcontractors and suppliers have been paid. Local lien laws may allow unpaid subcontractors and/or unpaid suppliers to attach your home.

Pay by credit card when you can. This may allow you the right to withhold payment to the credit card company until problems are corrected.

Be especially cautious if the contractor:

comes door-to-door or seeks you out;
just happens to have material left over from a recent job;
tells you your job will be a "demonstration";
offers you discounts for finding other customers;
quotes a price that's out of line with other estimates;
pressures you for an immediate decision;
offers exceptionally long guarantees;
can only be reached by leaving messages with an answering service;
drives an unmarked van or has out-of-area plates on his/her vehicles; or
asks you to pay for the entire job up front.

Top>>

Real Estate Newsletter – September 2026

In This Issue:

How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent for You
Learn what to look for before choosing the professional who will guide your move.
Read More »
Disclosures That Keep You Protected and Informed
Understand why disclosure matters and how it can protect buyers and sellers during a transaction.
Read More »
Why Schools and Amenities Matter Even If You Don’t Have Kids
See how neighborhood features can influence lifestyle, demand, and long-term resale value.
Read More »

How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent for You

Choosing the right real estate agent can have a major impact on your buying or selling experience. The right agent does more than open doors or place a sign on the lawn. They help you understand the market, make confident decisions, avoid unnecessary risk, and negotiate with strategy. Whether you are buying your first home, selling a long-time property, or moving into a new community, the professional you choose should match your goals, communication style, and expectations.

1. Start With Experience That Matches Your Situation

Not every real estate transaction is the same. A first-time buyer needs a different level of education and guidance than an experienced investor. A seller with a rural property has different concerns than a condo owner. A family relocating to a new area may need detailed neighborhood insight, while someone downsizing may need support with timing, staging, and transition planning. The best agent for you is not simply the busiest agent or the one with the most advertising. It is the one with experience that fits the type of move you are making.

2. Look For Local Market Knowledge

Real estate is local. Prices, buyer demand, inventory, competition, and neighborhood expectations can vary from one community to another. A strong agent should be able to explain recent sales, active competition, pricing trends, and what buyers or sellers are doing in your specific area. General market headlines are useful, but they do not replace local insight. You want an agent who can explain what is happening on the street level, not only at the national or regional level.

3. Pay Attention To Communication Style

A real estate transaction often involves deadlines, documents, decisions, and emotion. Good communication matters. Before choosing an agent, notice how they respond. Do they answer clearly? Do they explain without making you feel rushed? Do they listen to your concerns? Do they follow up when they say they will? The right agent should communicate in a way that gives you confidence, not confusion. If communication feels difficult before you hire them, it may become more stressful during the transaction.

4. Ask About Strategy, Not Just Activity

Many agents can describe what they do, but the stronger question is why they do it. For sellers, ask how they determine pricing, prepare the home, position the listing, attract qualified buyers, and handle negotiations. For buyers, ask how they identify value, structure offers, protect your interests, and help you avoid overpaying. A good agent should have a strategy, not just a checklist. Activity is helpful only when it is connected to a clear plan.

5. Review Marketing Carefully When Selling

If you are selling, marketing can influence both exposure and buyer perception. Look at the agent’s listing photos, descriptions, online presentation, social media use, video, floor plans, and property preparation process. Buyers often decide whether to visit a property based on what they see online. Poor marketing can weaken interest before buyers ever walk through the door. Strong marketing should make the property look attractive while still being accurate and trustworthy.

6. Understand Their Negotiation Approach

Negotiation is one of the most important parts of real estate. The right agent should understand price, terms, conditions, timing, buyer motivation, seller motivation, and risk. A strong negotiator does not simply push for a win at all costs. They protect your position while keeping the transaction realistic and moving forward. Ask how the agent handles multiple offers, low offers, inspection issues, appraisal problems, financing concerns, or difficult closing timelines.

7. Look For Honesty, Even When It Is Not What You Want To Hear

A valuable agent will tell you the truth, not just what sounds good. Sellers may need honest feedback about price, condition, staging, or market expectations. Buyers may need to hear that a property is overpriced, risky, or not aligned with their goals. Advice that feels uncomfortable at first can prevent expensive mistakes later. Choose an agent who is willing to protect your long-term interest, even when the message is not the easiest one to deliver.

8. Choose Fit, Not Just Popularity

Reviews, referrals, and recognition can be helpful, but personal fit still matters. You should feel comfortable asking questions, expressing concerns, and relying on your agent’s guidance. A good fit includes trust, professionalism, responsiveness, knowledge, and shared expectations. The best real estate relationship is a partnership. You bring your goals, and the agent brings the expertise to help you reach them.

Conclusion:
Choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you make before buying or selling. The right professional should understand your goals, explain the market clearly, communicate well, negotiate strategically, and tell you the truth. A strong agent does not simply help you complete a transaction. They help you make better decisions from start to finish.

Disclosures That Keep You Protected and Informed

Disclosures play an important role in real estate because they help buyers understand what they are purchasing and help sellers communicate known information about the property. A disclosure is not simply paperwork. It is part of creating a transparent transaction. Buyers benefit because they can make better decisions, ask better questions, and evaluate risk more clearly. Sellers benefit because proper disclosure can reduce misunderstandings and help protect them after the sale.

1. Understand What Disclosure Means

Disclosure means sharing important information that may affect a buyer’s decision or the value, condition, or use of the property. This can include known defects, past repairs, water issues, structural concerns, renovations, permits, boundary issues, environmental concerns, or other material facts. Exact requirements vary by location, but the principle is simple. Relevant known information should not be hidden from the other party.

2. Why Buyers Should Read Disclosures Carefully

Buyers sometimes rush through disclosure documents because they are eager to secure a home. That is a mistake. Disclosures can reveal past leaks, insurance claims, repairs, additions, renovations, appliance issues, or neighborhood factors. These details may not automatically mean the buyer should walk away, but they should be reviewed carefully. A disclosure can help the buyer decide what questions to ask, what inspections to order, and what risks to consider before removing conditions or moving forward.

3. Why Sellers Should Be Honest And Thorough

Sellers may worry that disclosing problems will scare buyers away. In reality, hiding known issues can create bigger problems later. Buyers are often more comfortable with a property when they feel the seller is being transparent. A known issue that is clearly explained, documented, or already repaired may be less damaging than a surprise discovered during inspection. Honest disclosure supports trust and can reduce the risk of disputes after closing.

4. Disclosure Is Not The Same As A Warranty

A disclosure statement is not usually a guarantee that nothing is wrong with the property. It is a statement of what the seller knows or has experienced, depending on the form and legal requirements in the area. Buyers should not treat disclosure as a replacement for due diligence. Inspections, professional advice, document review, and careful questioning still matter. Disclosure is one source of information, not the only source.

5. Renovations And Permits Deserve Attention

Renovations can add value, but they can also create risk if they were completed without permits, inspections, or proper workmanship. Buyers should ask whether major work was done, when it was completed, who completed it, and whether documentation is available. Sellers should gather permits, receipts, warranties, contractor invoices, and inspection records before listing. Good documentation can strengthen buyer confidence and support the property’s value.

6. Water And Moisture Issues Should Be Taken Seriously

Water is one of the most important disclosure categories. Past basement leaks, roof leaks, plumbing issues, drainage problems, mould concerns, or foundation moisture should be reviewed carefully. A past issue does not always mean an ongoing problem, especially if repairs were completed properly. However, buyers should understand what happened, what was done to correct it, and whether there is supporting documentation. Sellers should be prepared to explain known history clearly.

7. Buyers Should Ask Follow-Up Questions

A disclosure may raise questions that need clarification. Buyers should not hesitate to ask for more detail. For example, if a seller discloses a past leak, the buyer may ask when it happened, what caused it, who repaired it, and whether the issue returned. If a renovation was completed, the buyer may ask for permits or invoices. Asking questions does not mean the buyer is being difficult. It means the buyer is making an informed decision.

8. Good Disclosure Supports A Smoother Transaction

Transparent disclosure can prevent surprises during inspection, reduce negotiation tension, and help both sides move forward with clearer expectations. Sellers who prepare disclosure information before listing often appear more organized and credible. Buyers who review disclosure carefully are less likely to feel blindsided later. In a real estate transaction, clarity is valuable.

Conclusion:
Disclosures help create informed, transparent real estate transactions. Buyers should read them carefully, ask questions, and use them alongside inspections and professional advice. Sellers should be honest, organized, and prepared to provide supporting documentation when possible. Disclosure is not just about legal protection. It is about building trust and reducing avoidable problems before they become expensive ones.

Why Schools and Amenities Matter Even If You Don’t Have Kids

Many buyers assume schools only matter to families with children, but schools and amenities can influence much more than daily convenience. They can affect neighborhood demand, resale value, quality of life, and long-term market strength. Even if you do not have children, the features around a property can shape how desirable that home will be to future buyers. This report explains why schools, parks, transit, shopping, recreation, and community services deserve attention in almost every buying decision.

1. Amenities Shape Daily Life

A home is not only the building you live in. It is also the life that surrounds it. Grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, parks, trails, gyms, medical services, transit, and community centres all affect convenience. A property that offers easy access to daily needs can save time and reduce stress. Even buyers who love privacy or quiet should still consider how far they are from the services they use most.

2. Schools Influence Buyer Demand

School reputation can influence demand even for buyers who do not have children. Many future buyers may care deeply about school access, and that can affect resale. Homes near desirable schools often attract broader interest because families may prioritize those locations. A buyer who ignores schools completely may overlook an important resale factor.

3. Resale Value Is About Future Buyers

When buying a home, it is easy to focus only on your personal needs. However, resale value depends on what future buyers will want. Even if schools, parks, or transit do not matter much to you today, they may matter to the person who eventually buys the property from you. A home with broad appeal is often easier to sell when market conditions change.

4. Walkability Can Increase Appeal

Walkability is attractive to many buyers because it supports convenience, lifestyle, and community connection. Being able to walk to coffee shops, parks, schools, shops, or transit can make a property more desirable. Walkability can be especially important for downsizers, young professionals, families, and buyers who want to reduce driving. Even in car-focused communities, nearby amenities can add value.

5. Transportation Access Matters

Commute time affects quality of life. Access to highways, public transit, major employment areas, and regional routes can influence buyer decisions. A beautiful home can become frustrating if daily travel is difficult. Buyers should evaluate not only the distance to work or school, but also traffic patterns, transit options, parking, and future transportation plans.

6. Parks And Recreation Add Lifestyle Value

Green space, trails, sports facilities, playgrounds, waterfront areas, and recreation centres can improve day-to-day living. These features support wellness, social connection, and outdoor activity. They also make neighborhoods more appealing to a wide range of buyers. Properties near valued community features may hold stronger long-term interest.

7. Future Development Can Change A Neighborhood

Amenities are not only about what exists today. Planned infrastructure, commercial development, schools, parks, and transit improvements can change the desirability of a neighborhood over time. Buyers should look at current amenities and future plans. A neighborhood with improving services may offer long-term upside, while one facing congestion or poorly planned growth may require more caution.

8. Balance Amenities With Affordability

The most amenity-rich neighborhoods often cost more. Buyers need to decide which features are worth paying for and which can be compromised. Some buyers may prefer a smaller home in a convenient area. Others may prefer more space farther from services. The right decision depends on lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans. A thoughtful buyer weighs both convenience and financial comfort.

Conclusion:
Schools and amenities matter because they influence lifestyle, demand, and future resale value. Even buyers without children should consider how neighborhood features affect the property’s long-term appeal. A strong location is not only about the house itself. It is about the services, convenience, and community around it. Buyers who evaluate schools and amenities carefully are better positioned to choose a property that works today and remains attractive tomorrow.