Find the right mortgage

Photo Cortesy of metrocreativegraphics.com

(NC)-Financing a house is probably one of the largest debts you will incur in your lifetime. Here are some tips to help you to make a sound decision when you go mortgage shopping, courtesy of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario:

Where to start

"Check your own financial institution," advises Chartered Accountant John Durland, Tax Partner with Collins Barrow, Region of Waterloo. "Your banker knows your financial situation and credit rating. Do your homework - banks have a wealth of information on their websites. Or, a licenced mortgage broker will assess your needs and find you the best deal."

"Don't overlook the unconventional sources," says Toronto Chartered Accountant David Trahair, author of Smoke and Mirrors: Financial Myths That Will Ruin Your Retirement Dreams. "These include companies like ING Direct, Manulife Bank, President's Choice Financial and Canadian Tire Bank. A reliable source to easily compare rates is Fiscal Agents Financial Service Group www.fiscalagents.com ."

Different types of mortgages

Basic mortgages include fixed rate and variable rate. Trahair explains that fixed rate mortgages can be open, which means they can be paid off any time, locked in for a longer term, or changed to a different type of mortgage.

Convertible mortgages can be locked in for a longer term or changed to a different type of mortgage, while closed mortgages have a fixed interest rate for the term of the mortgage - usually six months to 10 years.

Variable rate mortgages have interest rates that change with fluctuations in the money market and can be open, convertible, protected (the rate is capped for the term of the mortgage), or high ratio (allowing a down payment as low as 5 per cent and requiring insurance).

Mortgages and financial planning

Make your mortgage decision part of a financial plan. Paying off your mortgage and saving for retirement are important components of any good financial plan.

"Determine your goals," says Durland. "When do you want to be debt free? A longer amortization period may make sense as long as you are also building up other savings such as an RRSP.

Banks often recommend bi-monthly payments to save interest. Look at your overall cash flow first - paying down your mortgage faster may not make sense if this means you cannot pay off other debts, including credit cards."

Should I shop for the best interest rate?

"Yes!" Trahair says. A review of Fiscal Agents Financial Service Group's mortgage rates (available on their website and every Sunday in the Toronto Star) showed five-year closed mortgage rates ranging from 5.69 per cent to 7.25 per cent. "Choosing the lower rate on a $200,000 mortgage over the five-year term amortized over 25 years would save you approximately $15,111 - a lot of money saved with very little effort."

"Rates are a betting game," adds Durland. "Don't automatically assume the bank will give you the best rate - always ask for a discount. If you don't ask, you don't get."

Home Decor Tips: Create visions from vacations

(NC)-Think the rich and famous are the only ones that have luxurious, hotel-like master suites in their homes? Think again. Whether you're a hotel heiress or a hotel guest, you can bring the luxury of your last vacation back home with you. Learn how to incorporate upscale amenities into your master suite so you can relax and unwind in style.

Bedroom Bliss

Remember how you were struck by the glamour, look and feel of your hotel room? You can create the same visual drama in your own home. Start by installing double doors to make your own grand entrance, every day.

Add plush, decadent rugs as well as richly coloured walls and curtains. If you have the space, group a couch and table or two chairs together for intimate seating or conversation areas.

Pay close attention to the centerpiece of the room, your bed. Sink into luxurious softness with down or down-alternative bedding, mattress covers and pillows. Choose sheets with a thread count of 200 or higher for the ultimate softness. To make it easy for you, The Westin Hotel offers the Heavenly Bed, a complete luxury hotel bed with a custom-designed pillow top mattress, box spring, pillows, comforter and sheets. You can learn more online at www.westin-hotelsathome.com .

Frame your view of the outdoors with some high-tech luxury. Remote-controlled blinds let the sunlight in or shut the world out, all from the comfort of your own bed.

Luxurious Lavs

Escape into your five-star bathroom with resort-style features. Basin style sinks in glass or stone complemented by wall-mounted faucets are sure to make a visual and decorative statement. Like the newest boutique hotels, Moen's Icon wall-mount faucet has a minimalist design with clean lines and a sleek chrome finish.

And remember the water pressure in the decadent hotel shower? You can replicate this in your own home with Moen's Velocity rainshower showerhead. This eight-inch adjustable showerhead features Moen Immersion technology - a self-pressurizing system that increases the force and flow of water delivery, creating a customized shower experience.

For the finishing touch, treat yourself to pampering toiletries that remind you of your last hotel stay - scents such as sea breeze, fresh linen and country meadows will get you back in a vacation state of mind any time. More information is available toll-free at 1-800-465-6130

Glass sinks sparkle and shine

(NC)-Used for mirrors, windows, bottles and more, glass is said to date back to 3000 BC.

Although, nobody knows for sure when or where glass was first made, the process and forming of molten glass has been celebrated through the centuries.

The simplistic appeal of glass has made it a favourite of designers over the years. Incorporating glass into our home furnishings is commonplace as it adds a striking, clean, minimalist look. Taking glass accessories and furnishings into the bathroom is a natural progression as more homeowners want to create an overall sense of flow and design pattern in all areas of the home. Glass accessories work very well in the bathroom because they are easy-to-clean and relatively maintenance-free.

For homeowners wishing to renovate a dated bathroom, but who don't want the expense of a major overhaul, opting for a glass sink is one way of keeping the space modern, clean and beautiful with minimal renovations. Glass is one of the most beautiful indigenous materials with its natural light-catching features that sparkle in even the smallest powder room.

Kohler, the leading manufacturer of kitchen and bath products, has created glass sinks that celebrate the beauty of glass making. With three designs available, Antilia, Facet and Lavinia, the sinks each boast unique characteristics and shapes that embrace the raw qualities of glass.

"At Kohler we are constantly improving our product offering and designing with our consumer in mind," explains Donna Church of Kohler Canada. "Our new glass sinks are just one part of our Nature's Chemistry line that transforms indigenous materials, like metal, glass, clay and stone, into attractive and interesting fixtures for the bathroom."

More information is available online at www.kohler.com .

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The qualities of light: window fashions can help achieve the right light

(NC)-"In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary," said photographer Aaron Rose. The quality of light in an interior can vary greatly depending on the source and how it is treated. Most synthetic light is incandescent, which is primarily warm and makes objects look yellow under it. Fluorescent light is usually cool light, making color appear more blue or violet. Artificial lighting that comes close to imitating natural sunlight is now available.

Natural sunlight is often referred to as balanced, full-spectrum light. What this means is that it contains all the "spectral colours" - or colours of the rainbow - which merge into clear, colourless light. Full-spectrum light is balanced, and the colours of furnishings will look their truest under it. Even natural light, however, tends to become unbalanced when one part of the spectrum that tends toward cool- or warm-coloured light predominates. This can happen with atmospheric conditions or when light enters from only one direction, as in most natural light sources in most homes.

The following are tips from Hunter Douglas (1-800-265-1363; www.hunterdouglas.ca ) for matching the right light with the right window treatment:

. Light entering through the north is the clearest, and provides even and consistent light, which is why it is preferred for artists' studios. Often considered "cold light," it has a cool, bluish cast and in northern climates, builders limit the number of windows on the northern side because it is the coldest exposure. For energy conservation these windows are often treated with insulated shades - such as the super energy-efficient Duette Architella Collection of honeycomb shades, which "trap" the air in the honeycomb cells.

. Eastern light or morning light is warmer and brighter, but also clear because impurities from the previous day have had a chance to settle during the night. Eastern light is also the most balanced, or full-spectrum light; however its brightness and clarity may render it warm, especially in the morning. East-facing rooms tend to heat up quickly and may hold the heat during the day. These windows are often treated with materials that diffuse the light. A good choice here is an entirely new window covering:

Pirouette window shadings, that offers soft fabric vanes that float gracefully in front of a fabric sheer.

. Light from west-facing windows is the warmest in color and physically the hottest since the atmosphere heats up during the day. It is also often hazy, as the impurities of the day linger until nightfall. Because prolonged exposure to this strong light can be damaging to furnishings, windows should generally be covered with any one or a combination of light-diffusing, UV-ray protecting treatments.

Horizontally louvered treatments, such as the new Alouette Light- Louvers with soft elliptically shaped fabric louvers work especially well since the light can be admitted but diffused onto the ceiling or floor.

. South-facing windows are the most important natural light source in an interior because they receive sunlight year-round and cast a warm, golden glow on interiors. Heat and UV-rays in this consistent light will cause the greatest damage. Fabrics and window treatments that are UV-stable are most desirable here. Silhouette window shadings, with the Signature S-Vane, feature soft vanes suspended between sheer fabric facings and provide superior UV protection while still permitting light and a beautiful view.

Achieving the right light can be easier than you think.

Staining tips: How to protect your deck against old man winter

(NC)-As the heat of the summer winds down to eventually give way to fall rains, it's now the perfect time to start thinking about applying a stain to your deck to protect it against the oncoming punishment of our harsh Canadian winter.

Contrary to what many homeowners currently believe, experts say the late summer or early fall is the best time to apply a protective stain to your deck.

According to Philip Caron, technical trainer at Sico Paints, the late summer or fall is the ideal time for a stain application of your wood surfaces. "A lot of people are not aware that the spring is not the best time to apply stain to wood surfaces such as a wood deck," says Caron. "You have to give your surfaces the time to properly dry and recover from the excess humidity left by the ice and snow."

So to rejuvenate and protect your deck for this winter season, take advantage of a beautiful sunny fall afternoon and try these following helpful tips to give your deck a face-lift.

Surface preparation

"The ultimate fine finish and durability of your staining project begins with the proper preparation of the surface," explains Caron.

For wood that requires routine maintenance

The first step is to clean the surface with an exterior wood restorer such as Formula 22, to eliminate loose grey wood fibres and stains caused by mildew, dust and moss. Let the solution work for about 15 minutes. Rinse the surface with a pressurized clean water jet. Let the surface dry for 2-3 dry sunny days. Sand the surface to remove any residue. If the wood is new it must be sanded to eliminate glazing from the planning process during manufacturing.

For wood that requires stripping beforehand

For wood previously stained, painted or varnished, strip the stained surface with the exterior remover Polyprep or Formula 44, a softer acting stripper especially formulated for exterior wood surfaces with stains that are deteriorating and already peeling. Rinse, then let dry and sand the surfaces. It is important to use 80 grade sandpaper as any grade lower will lead to poor results.

Staining

Sico's alkyd translucent exterior wood stain will take care of almost any and all of your exterior wood care needs. This stain is a beautifully effective product for several exterior applications.

"Gone are the days of buying different products to stain your shutters, balconies, decks and fences," says Caron. The multi-surface stain allows do-it-yourselfers the ability to complete almost all of their exterior wood staining projects simply and efficiently with one product.

Caron says the translucency of the stain's finish creates a very "trendy wet look" and highlights the beauty of the wood grain. "It adds unparalleled richness and depth to exterior wood, including popular and rich grains such as Cedar and Sequoia."

The stain, which is offered in 24 exquisite wood colours, also provides superior durability. "The specialty selected alkyd resins formula creates a water resistant micro-porous film that provides unequalled protection against weather and UV rays and makes it exceptionally resistant to cracking, peeling and fading," he explained. More information on exterior wood staining is available at www.sico.ca .

Small but dramatic kitchen changes can make a difference

Photo Courtesy of metrocreativegraphics.com

(NC)-Kitchen remodeling projects continue to provide hefty returns at the time of a home sale. The 2006 Cost vs. Value report, published by Remodeling magazine, shows that home owners recoup 80.4 percent of the average $54,200 they spend on major kitchen projects, and get back 85.2 percent of the average $17,928 spent on minor projects.

You may be thinking to yourself, "That's all well and good, but I don't have that kind of money to spend on a kitchen remodel right now." If that's the case, don't count yourself out, just think on a smaller scale. You can make some dramatic changes in the kitchen just by focusing on one of the attention-getting trends highlighted at the annual Kitchen Industry Show and Convention in Las Vegas.

A good place to start is by taking a long, hard look at your lighting. If you have an older home that has not yet been updated, chances are you have a single ceiling mount fixture in the center of the room that doesn't let off much light and if you're lucky, another one over the sink. Why not upgrade with options that offer more direct light?

These days in home remodels, designers are replacing the old center fixtures with recessed cans and pendants that offer more direct task lighting in the kitchen. They are also installing undercabinet lights to highlight the countertops and toe lighting to accentuate the cabinets.

Undercabinet and toe lights are easy to add. All you have to do is tap into the wiring for the outlets that already exist along the wall. In homes with no attic access above the kitchen, however, the cost of installing recessed cans can be a turnoff, but as Norm Brown of Norburn Lighting & Bath Centre in Burnaby, B.C., points out, "You can get around this limitation by instead installing a rail system on the ceiling that allows you to add light fixtures anywhere in the room." Brown is a Certified Lighting Consultant (CLC) and the consulting director of education for the American Lighting Association (ALA).

These systems offer many options including the ability to drop pendants over islands and to spotlight counters, art or china, all without cutting holes in the ceiling.

They are available in a variety of materials and finishes, so there's something that will match just about any décor.

And when it comes to the fixtures, Paige Malouche of Progress Lighting in Greenville, S.C., says there is a lot of mixing and matching of designs. "These days, we're seeing people with what you'd consider to be a traditional kitchen putting in modern lighting fixtures. A popular trend is to hang bronze or brightly colored pendants from track and illum-flex systems," she says.

"There are so many fixtures available it has really turned into a fashion show," adds Monty Gilbertson, CLC of Lighting Design by Wettsteins in La Crosse, Wis. "There's clean contemporary, decorative ornamental, pretty much any look you can imagine. And if you want to take it a step further, and address intensity and mood lighting, this can be done by adding dimmers to the fixtures you install." For more information on lighting, visit www.americanlightingassoc.com or call (800) BRIGHT IDEAS for your nearest showroom.

How to install a TV wall mount

(NC)-TV wall mounts are fairly easy to install with the right mount for the job, a little bit of a do-it-yourself attitude and a few household tools. Here's how:

1. Visit www.mountfinder.sanus.com to find a compatible mount for your TV.

2. Purchase a mount at your local electronics retailer.

3. Pick a location on your wall to mount the TV and use a stud finder to locate two wood studs at least 12 inches apart.

4. Using the wall plate as a template, pre-drill holes into the studs at the desired height. If installing into concrete or brick, insert a concrete anchor into each hole and make sure the anchor is completely flush with the surface.

5. Attach the wall plate to the wall.

6. Align the mounting holes on the back of the TV with the mounting holes on the wall mount and attach.

7. Make any minor adjustments. Many mounts, such as VisionMount products by mount manufacturer Sanus Systems, include adjustment knobs for tension or alignment.

As a safety precaution, never lift heavy TVs or mounts by yourself, and always follow the installation instructions.

Condo owners find new solution for unhealthy air

(NC)-Did you know that respiratory disease is steadily on the rise in North America? According to the Canadian Lung Association asthma has increased by 160 per cent over the last 15 years. One household out of four has a family member who suffers from asthma, allergies, or another chronic respiratory disease.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) points to poor indoor air quality as the culprit for this increase. Did you know the air inside your home can be up to 100 times more polluted than the surrounding outdoor air and people spend up to 90 per cent of their time indoors?

These alarming facts are just some of the reasons why so many Condo owners today are turning to a new air purification system to help control the level of indoor air pollution levels in their condos, a common problem in this sector.

"More and more are becoming aware of the health hazards of indoor air pollution that can be found in most conventional high rise units and are now looking for healthier options," explained Gerry Gagnon, Product & Market Manager for Venmar Ventilation.

For years ultra-insulated energy-efficient high-rise condos across the country featured the best in style and design and the worst in indoor air quality. That's because there was no indoor air solution for the airtight condos which sealed-in unhealthy air filled with allergens, irritants, and toxins causing unpleasant odors and potential respiratory illness.

Poor indoor air quality was the unhealthy trade-off to the hip condo lifestyle as air exchanger technology was limited to serving bigger homes and spaces - until now.

By combining innovative technology and engineering expertise, Venmar Ventilation successfully redesigned a ventilation solution for small space applications. It's the solution to indoor air quality condo owners, renters, builders and installers everywhere have been waiting years for - a compact air exchanger for limited spaces.

The compact Venmar AVS Constructo 1.0 air exchanger, which fits into the bulkhead of a laundry room or closet, draws fresh air directly from outside, and passes it through a core that transfers energy from the outgoing stale air - without contaminating the fresh air.

"This technology has already been widely adopted in the single family home industry, but is a latecomer to high-rise projects," says Gagnon. "The unit lets your home 'breathe' effectively by providing fresh air through mechanical ventilation and at the same time ensures the best indoor air quality by trapping airborne allergens such as pollen, dust, pet dander mold and bacteria through its HEPA filter," added Gagnon.

The HEPA filter traps and removes up to 99.97% of airborne allergens and assists in distributing fresh air throughout the home. The compact air exchanger is 20% smaller than comparable units and can fit almost anywhere. It is the ideal choice for condos, small pre-fabricated and tract houses, apartments, cottages and other limited space applications. The Constructo 1.0 air exchanger is sold exclusively through HVAC contractors. More information on compact air exchangers and indoor air quality is available at www.venmar.ca .

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