The Risks of Buying or Selling a Home to Someone You Know
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The Risks of Buying or Selling a Home to Someone You Know

ByStan S.

HOME BUYERS – To get the best exclusive listings visit www.vreg.ca and go to “EXCLUSIVE DEALS”

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Doing business with friends or family can get complicated. Here’s what a professional real estate agent wants you to know before you seal the deal.

 

While it might surprise some, many people buy homes from—or sell them to—people they already know. From friend-to-friend deals to family “gifts,” these home purchases bring unique complications. The most challenging aspect can be maintaining a healthy and stable relationship throughout the sometimes stressful process. Learn what a real estate agent says about this type of purchase and selling agreement before you engage in one yourself.

For this installment of Ask an Agent, we spoke with Kevin Clark of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Dream Partners to learn all about buying or selling homes to a friend or family member.

What Are the Risks of Buying or Selling a Home to Someone You Know?

As the homeowner selling it to someone you know, especially someone who is really close to you, your top risk is that they will blame you for unknown things that come up after the sale. If something goes wrong with the house right after it’s sold, the buyers are going to think that you knew before and still sold it to them without disclosing the issue. To prevent this, make sure to have trust and grace in place with your friend or family member. Not having that is where you can get into trouble in terms of close relationships.

If I were a homeowner and I was selling to somebody I knew, I’d say, “I’m telling you everything I know. And if I knew more, I would tell you, but I will tell you that something might go wrong, and possibly in the first year. I don’t know what it is; if I did, I’d tell you.” This way, they can’t blame me if I’m right, which I hope I’m not.

An inspector would, of course, benefit the seller and buyer as well. Having a proper inspection would also aid with the legal aspects. For more protection, I think home warranties can really help with this type of transaction, as well as alleviate some stress. As a homeowner, you could offer to pay for a home warranty for the first year, then inform the seller that they are welcome to continue renewing it on their own after that. This kind gesture can offer peace of mind with this unique kind of sale.

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    5 Mistakes Youre Making in Your Backyard That Could Be Raising Your Energy Bill This Summer

    ByStan S.

    Between watering the lawn, grilling, and spending more time outside overall, the backyard uses a lot of energy during the hot summer months. While much of the energy consumption is necessary, there are five major pitfalls experts say you can avoid to keep energy bills down. Actions as simple as unplugging string lights when you go in for the night or turning off the grill as soon as you’re done cooking decrease energy use and leave more money in your wallet. Read on to discover five hidden backyard issues that could be driving up your utility bills and expert-approved ways to fix them. Tim Heneveld is the country director for PERGOLUX North America, a pergola and other outdoor products company. Mark Feygin is the founder and CEO of PowerSetter, a digital energy comparison platform. Lou Manfredini is the resident home expert at Ace Hardware. Andy Fox is the filtration and indoor air quality specialist at 3M. 1. Lack of Shaded Areas in the Backyard A pretty pergola is a great way to upgrade your outdoor space, but thanks to the shade it provides, the structure can also lower your energy bills if placed near your home. “When your backyard lacks shade, the sun will beat down on your home’s exterior, and this will raise indoor temperatures, especially through South and West-facing windows,” says Tim Heneveld, country director for PERGOLUX North America. This forces your air conditioning unit to work overtime, which causes spikes in your energy bills. Heneveld recommends strategically incorporating shaded areas, including structures and landscaping, into your backyard for one of the smartest and most underrated ways to cut cooling costs. “If you install structures like a pergola or a retractable awning, you can block intense afternoon sun while still letting in airflow,” he says. 2. Plugged-In and Wired Outdoor Lights Whether it’s wall sconces or string lights, plugged-in and wired outdoor lights can kill your energy bills. “With longer daylight hours and more time spent outdoors, many homeowners run these lights more than they realize, which adds up quickly on the electric bill,” says Mark Feygin, founder and CEO of PowerSetter. He explains this is especially true if the lights use older, inefficient light bulbs or stay on for long periods of time every night. To reduce your energy costs, Feygin recommends switching to solar-powered outdoor lights. “They charge throughout the day using sunlight and require no electricity from your home, meaning they provide ambient lighting at night without increasing your utility bill,” he says. The switch is a simple upgrade that can lead to noticeable savings in the summer. 3. Leaving a Grill Plugged In for Too Long If you fire up the grill regularly over the summer, there’s a good chance it’s making your energy bills higher. Ace Hardware’s home expert, Lou Manfredini, says that if you are using a gas or electric grill, it should generally take 15 to 20 minutes to get it to the right temperature, after which you should do your grilling, then turn the appliance off. “Allowing too much time for warm-ups and forgetting to shut things down can add to your energy bills,” Manfredini warns. 4. Dirty HVAC Unit Cranking up the air conditioning unit is inevitable during the hot summer months, but a dirty HVAC unit could be contributing to excessively high energy bills. “If the small metal fins on the outdoor unit get clogged with dust, grass clippings, or airborne seeds, the overall cooling efficiency of the HVAC system will deteriorate, and the system will consume more energy to provide the same cooling effect,” says Andy Fox, filtration and indoor air quality specialist at 3M. For this reason, Fox stresses the importance of regularly cleaning your outdoor unit. “Consider using a shop vac to remove large debris (if you have access) and then use a hose to wash the remaining debris away after first turning off the electrical power,” Fox says. Additionally, he advises that you change your HVAC filters at least every 90 days for best performance. 5. Overwatering Your Lawn A lush green lawn is the ultimate way to boost your home’s summer curb appeal, but regulating how much water you use is key to preventing high energy bills. Overwatering your grass can lead to a huge water bill, and forgetting to turn off the irrigation system can waste large amounts of water. To avoid using too much water and seeing your utility bills skyrocket, Manfredini recommends adding a water timer that helps get the right amount of water on the lawn and turns off by itself.

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    9 Essential Tools Experts Say Every Homeowner Should Own

    ByStan S.

    9 Essential Tools Experts Say Every Homeowner Should Own

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    5 Warning Signs Your Light Switches Could Be a Fire Hazard

    ByStan S.

    Credit: JGI/Jamie Grill / Getty Images A flickering overhead light doesn’t necessarily mean your electrical wiring is faulty, but it can be a red flag. Sometimes the flickering simply means you need to replace the bulb, but it could also be a sign that your light switches are a fire hazard. To help you watch for the warning signs of faulty electrical wiring, Johnny Sharif, electrical expert at Frontdoor, shares exactly what you should be on the lookout for. The electrical expert shares that any heat and sounds coming from a light switch should raise concern, as should any change in the switch’s normal operation. If you notice any of the main warning signs that Sharif mentions, have your light switches inspected by a professional as soon as possible so they can assess the severity or the issue and help prevent a potential fire hazard. Top 5 Warning Signs to Watch For These are the main warning signs that your light switches are a fire hazard, according to Sharif. If you notice any of these signs in your home, he says it’s best to have the light switch inspected as soon as possible to prevent a potential fire hazard. Discoloration of the light switch Heat coming from the light switch or the surrounding area Unusual sounds such as crackling or buzzing Flickering Any change in the normal operation of the light switch How to Know When There’s a Problem With Electrical Wiring A flickering light bulb may be a sign that your light switch is a fire hazard, but the flickering may also just be the result of a faulty bulb. So how do you know the difference, and how can you tell if there’s a real problem with electrical wiring that can potentially cause a house fire? Sharif says the first thing you should do when you have a flickering light bulb is to replace it in order to rule out a simple bulb issue. If the flickering continues even after you have replaced the light bulb, he says the issue could be a result of faulty wiring. “Signs of faulty wiring may include black marks or charring by the switch, any heat coming from the area, a burning smell or even hearing sizzling or popping sounds coming from the switch,” Sharif says. He explains these issues can suggest loose connections or issues with the wiring and should immediately be addressed and brought to the attention of a professional in order to prevent a fire. What to Do When You Notice These Warning Signs Knowing the warning signs to look for is the first step to preventing a potential fire hazard. However, what should you do if you hear a crackling noise coming from a light switch or suddenly feel heat coming from the switch and the surrounding area? “If you notice any of these warning signs or anything unusual with your electrical system, it’s best to turn off power to the circuit as soon as you can and consult a professional to assess the severity of the issue,” Sharif says. Keep an Eye on Light Switches Light switches may seem like a small and insignificant part of a room, however just like everything else, they do wear out over time. What’s more, many light switches are used multiple times throughout the day and are a high-touch item. Clean them regularly to prevent dirt buildup and discoloration, and keep an eye on them for both safety and aesthetic purposes. Call in an electrical professional if you notice any of the warning signs Sharif mentions, and replace any chipped, scratched, or dirty light switches to maintain a clean and polished space. When replacing a light switch, make sure it matches the color and style of the other light switches and outlet plates in the room to ensure a cohesive look and prevent it from looking distracting. Aesthetically speaking, replacing light switches and outlet plates is a simple and inexpensive way to update a space.

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    3 Things I Learned Hanging Grasscloth Wallpaperand 1 Big Mistake to Avoid

    ByStan S.

    Grasscloth wallpaper is notoriously difficult to install. Real grasscloth wallpaper is made from natural fibers like jute, hemp, arrowroot, or seagrass, which are handwoven and backed with paper. The organic construction is super fragile (it tears more easily than vinyl or synthetic papers), and the natural fibers actually absorb adhesive and moisture, which poses the risk of staining or warping. On top of that, grasscloth wallpaper is super difficult to trim because the natural fibers fray when cut, making clean edges very hard to achieve. You also only have one chance to apply it to the wall, as  repositioning can stretch or damage the delicate paper backing and fibers. Now, I have my fair share of experience installing wallpaper. That said: If you’re not experienced with wallpaper, definitely call a professional before attempting grasscloth. Call me crazy, but I actually love putting up wallpaper. I’ve installed almost every kind: ultra-patterned, textured vinyls, peel-and-stick—you name it. But I’ll admit, I was nervous to attempt grasscloth. I knew it can be finicky (and I can be a little clumsy) but I figured that I’m relatively experienced with wallpaper, so I’d give it a shot. Here are the top 3 things I learned—plus one huge mistake to avoid. Key Takeaways Real grasscloth wallpaper, made from natural fibers like jute or seagrass, is extremely fragile and sensitive to moisture, paste, and pressure. Prep and precision are everything: successful installation depends on meticulous preparation. Patience pays off (but it’s not for beginners). Even for an experienced wallpaperer, installing grasscloth was time-consuming and mentally taxing. Credit: David Tsay 1. Do: Paste the Paper and the Wall Most grasscloth wallpapers will call for the paste the paper method, where you apply the paste directly to the back of the wallpaper. Actually pasting the grasscloth is probably the stickiest part of the process, figuratively and literally. You need to find the sweet spot. Too much and you risk it seeping out the seams and staining the edges, but you need enough to make the wallpaper pliable and have it actually stick to the wall.  To get the right amount, I used a foam roller to apply the paste (I used Roman’s Ultra-Premium Clear Pro 880), then used a brush to do the edges. I made sure to apply enough that the wallpaper would actually stick to the wall, but not too much that would pool under the paper. Evenly spread coats are key; avoid leaving spots with excess, pooling paste. This will create problems later on. After I booked the panel (a common paste-the-paper step that allows the wallpaper to absorb the paste and expand before being hung on the wall) I used the roller to apply a small amount of paste (I’m talking an ultra-thin layer) to the wall. 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    Unspoken Fence Etiquette Rules You Should Follow to Be a Good Neighbour

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    If you share a backyard fence with neighbors, you know the rules around them can be a bit murky. Is it OK to paint your side of the fence, even if you aren’t the owner? Do you have to let your neighbors know if you plan to make changes to the fence? And, if the fence gets damaged, does the owner need to fix it within a certain timeframe? To provide you with answers to these questions and more, we turned to Kristi Spencer, an etiquette coach and founder of The Polite Company. Spencer stresses the importance of keeping the lines of communication open and being respectful and considerate at all times. When it comes to making any changes, getting permission from the fence owner is a must. Even if you are the owner of the fence, giving your neighbors a heads up about any coming changes is a courtesy they will appreciate and hopefully reciprocate. Below, Spencer shares six fence etiquette rules you need to follow to be respectful to your neighbors. 1. Keep Lines of Communication Open Being friendly when you see neighbors that you share a fence with can go a long way. “Look for ways to keep the lines of communication open with your neighbors, even if it’s just a friendly wave when you see them, ” Spencer says. This maintains pleasant relations and keeps the door open for any future conversations regarding the fence and other neighborhood-related topics. 2. Maintain the Fence and Surrounding Area No matter who the owner of the fence is, Spencer says it’s important to keep both sides well taken care of. This means ensuring it’s in good condition, looks nice and clean, and there is no evident damage to it, whether that’s a hole or a missing plank of wood. Additionally, the etiquette expert says you should take care of the area surrounding the fence, such as the ground underneath it. “Clear away leaves and make sure the weeds are mowed and don’t creep into your neighbor’s property,” she says. Related 3. Inform Neighbors About Any Planned Changes “Even if you are the owner of the fence, always let your neighbors know about any changes you plan to make to it,” Spencer says. Making changes to the fence doesn’t just affect your backyard, it affects your neighbors’ backyard, in both a practical and a visual sense. Make sure you give them a sufficient heads up about any planned changes such as fence repairs, updates, or replacements. Not only is it the considerate thing to do, not doing so can have consequences. For example, if your neighbor has a dog that spends a lot of time in the backyard, you will need to make them aware of any repairs that will be made, as the construction can affect the dog’s safety and ability to be outside. 4. Don’t Paint the Fence Without Permission When it comes to painting the fence, Spencer says any changes should only be made by the owner or with their permission. “I wouldn’t take on any fence improvement projects without the owner’s permission, even if you are stuck looking at an ugly fence,” she says. A fence can be a large investment and if you are not the one who paid for it, painting or staining your side a different color is something you should never do without getting consent first. 5. Have a Conversation About Repairs While ideally, a fence would be repaired as quickly as possible, especially if there is a safety concern with children or pets, Spencer says the owner is not obligated to fix it within a specific timeframe. The only exception is if there is a homeowner’s association or city code violation. If you are waiting for your neighbor to fix the fence, Spencer recommends starting with a friendly conversation. “Offer to help with the repair or a temporary fix if you can, even if it’s just something simple like holding boards or hammering a few nails,” she says. Spencer adds that your neighbor may just be waiting for a contractor or dealing with an insurance issue, so don’t immediately assume they are delaying the repair just to make life difficult for you. 6. Be Considerate and Respectful “No matter what you’ve heard, it’s good neighbors who make good neighbors,” Spencer says. She explains that when we lead with consideration, respect, and honesty, we can build precious relationships that last a lifetime. “When issues arise, approach the situation with an open mind, listen as much, if not more, than you speak, and be willing to compromise,” Spencer adds.

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