A Lefthanders Little Green Corner

Moving from.....

Wayne Bowness — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 20:26:00 GMT

Conspicuous Consumption to Consciencious Consumerism. Need a moment? Ok, we'll call it the 4Cs.

Back in the day when Baby Boomers were calling the shots, real estate had a much different perspective. Rising land costs somehow translated to requiring larger homes. It also was a measure of success; take that Mr. Jones! The average size of a home (U.S.) in 1978 was 1750sq.ft.; by 2008 it was 2520sq.ft. Perfect example of the first 2Cs. But long before 2008, the seeds of change began to impact our thinking. In 2010 the average dropped for the first time to 2480sq.ft. And it's expected to go to 2150sq.ft. by 2015. Whoa!, hope that's not 2015sq.ft. by 2150!
I digress.
Factors for the change include rising energy costs, municipal planning and development policies, technological advances incorporating better use of space. and the second 2Cs., embraced by Gen Xers and mainstreamed by Gen Yers. It's my view that Gens X and Y consciencious consumerism stems more from the realization that the Baby Boomers ain't gonna pass on all their money to the young-uns than saving the planet, but again, I digress.

Fact is, smaller homes will allow the Buyer to add more amenities for the same buck, are easier to maintain, fewer repairs, lower costs to run, less space to fill up, walls to hang the Picassos, etc. Collectively smaller homes will reduce the current negative impact on the environment. In other words, living better with less, thereby avoiding plan B, packing up the family and moving to Mars. Imagine the water bill!!

Home Improvements That Do NOT Add Value

Wayne Bowness — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:01:00 GMT

Google 'Home improvements' or any variation of how to increase the equity in your home and a gazillion websites will come up on your screen. Ok you may have to scroll. What about stuff that may upgrade the look and help sell faster, but won't get you more loonies and toonies? Everyone knows that inground swimming pools are not a good investment other than for personal enjoyment. However if you think the cost of replacing windows will roll into the selling price (and then some), it ain't gonna happen. You are better off just cleaning the frames and washing the glass. Same thing with flooring. Central air is nice for the 6 days we in Ottawa need it but don't expect cool to translate into cool cash. Upgrading the kitchen appliances is fine so long as you don't get all fancy schmancy. And overall, the rule of thumb is never increase the value of a home by more than 15-20% beyond other homes in the neighbourhood, otherwise buyers will look at cheaper options.

The Eco-Energy Retrofit Program Lives!

Wayne Bowness — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:54:00 GMT

Happy to announce the error to cancel the program last year has been corrected in this week's federal budget; As soon as the details are published I will re-enter them onto my Green Living page. There are some serious rebates available for pretty much all a home needs to improve its energy efficiency. I have a geo-thermal system at home that is getting on 18 years old, so making use of my tax dollars along with today's technology is a no-brainer!
Stay tuned!

Celebrity Eco-responsibilty

Wayne Bowness — Fri, 27 May 2011 18:22:00 GMT

We all tend to buy into doing our bit to keep the planet chugging along, whether being a tree hugger or bowing to social pressures or drawing attention to one's eco-ego. Celebrities are no different, albeit their world twirls a tad faster. Here is a sampling of some of your idols at work on their carbon footprint.

Jennifer Aniston brushes her teeth while in the shower.
Will Ferrell drives an electric car and plans to get even better mileage by losing weight.
Martha Stewart turns off lights when she leaves a room and lowers the heat before leaving her million sq.ft. home.
Tyra Banks flushes 'only when absolutely necessary'.
Dale Earnhardt Jr proudly tells everyone his sponsor, Budwiser, is a big recycler of aluminum cans. Helps to offset the 250 gallons of gas he uses every Sunday.
Tiki Barber (football player) will no longer eat pesticides.
Justin Timberlake acknowledges his year long tour has made "a huge dent in my carbon footprint", so he flew to Africa to get educated on kids' water issues.
Cameron Diaz cites an eco contribution when she bought shoes. "I'll have these sneakers forever now that my feet have stopped growing".

Can't make this stuff up. www.readthegreenbook.com

Green Your Home - The Envelope

Wayne Bowness — Fri, 27 May 2011 18:07:00 GMT

Up to one third of the heat generated in a house is lost through the roof, walls and ceiling. Add insulation to R-values of 32 or more. Ceiling fans, up in the summer. down in the winter. New windows and doors can be expensive; as an alternative caulk and weatherstrip leaky windows and doors. On the sunny side of the house, open the window coverings in winter and close them in summer. You'll be amazed how much the sun affects indoor temperatures.

Have a great weekend!

Greening Your Home - Bedrooms and Baths

Wayne Bowness — Thu, 26 May 2011 15:29:00 GMT

Bedrooms use up to 11% of a home's lighting. Install florescent lights (CFLs), and dimmer switches when practical. Good for creating a mood too! Have a guest room or others not always in use?, close the heat register to allow the energy you are paying for to be directed to rooms where people actually live.

Bathrooms - the most obvious way to save energy is to use less water. Showers and baths take up 50% of a home's water consumption, not to mention the cost to heat the water, and toilets use 20-30%. Install low flush toilets, faucets, and showerheads. Shorter showers mean moving faster and waking up quicker!

Tomorrow - the home's envelope

Green Your Home - Part Deux - The Kitchen

Wayne Bowness — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:23:00 GMT

Electrical appliances use a whopping 30% of energy in a typical home, with the fridge taking up 8% of that. New appliances are up to 3 times more efficient. Only run the dishwasher when it is full. Now that summer is here fire up the BBQ whenever you can to give the stovetop/oven a rest. Microwave the side dishes.

Tomorrow - Bedrooms and Baths

Green Tips From the Green Guy - How to Green Your Home

Wayne Bowness — Tue, 24 May 2011 17:48:00 GMT

Let's start at the bottom and work our way up.

The basement - don't wait until your furnace ceases to operate; if it's more than 15 years old consider replacing it. Newer models typically run at 90% efficiency compared with older ones at around 60%. Then keep it maintained yearly.
Turn down the heat on the hot water tank, it's a huge draw on energy. Insulate the water lines.

Tomorrow - the kitchen.

Inexpensive Projects to Give the Kitchen Pop When Selling Your Home

Wayne Bowness — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:33:00 GMT

And then you won't move. Kitchens are the centerpiece of a good home, which is why many feel it is necessary to spend a gazillion dollars, the alternative being to let them age not so gracefully. It doesn't have to be that way. Read on:

The kitchen sink and hood fan are two fixtures that tend to stay, well, fixed. A stainless steel sink gets dull and scratched over time. For the money a replacement will add instant shine. Same goes for the hood fan; grease finds a permanent home here. Again, install stainless, and you have the beginning of , dare I say it, a modern kitchen.
Splash new hardware around. Today's faucet assemblies look great in all budget ranges, and will coordinate with that new sink nicely. Cabinet handles and drawer pulls can add a rich touch to existing kitchens. They will complement the cabinet facings or draw attention away from tired ones.
The importance of lighting in the kitchen cannot be understated. A well lit kitchen is more inviting, warmer, gives a sense of space, and sells better. Its lighting scheme can be divided into three catagories: general, task, and accent. General lighting is typically ceiling mounted and can be freshened by simply installing a 2011 vintage. Multiple hanging variety, even better. For task lighting, install under the cabinet florescent or halogen lights. Add a valance if necessary and get your electrically savvy relative to hard wire them to a switch. Inexpensive, attractive, and functional. Accent lighting - expensive, right? Nope, almost free. Put in a dimmer switch on a kitchen's general lighting. Crank it up during cooking time, and dial it down when dining or entertaining.
Paint is the single most cost effective way to give your kitchen a facelift. Splatters, odours, and stains will be brushed away with a good quality semi-gloss paint and, well, a brush. While you're at it redo the baseboards and trim, gloss of course. Under a hundred bucks, et voila!, une nouveau cuisine.
Do you have an old rug in front of the sink? Is it disgusting? Is the cat sizing it up as a potential litter box? Replace it. Did the curtains stop letting in light? Could they be used to grease a pan? Replace them.
Floors are often the first thing a buyer sees when entering a room. Hardwood is always beautiful but pricey/difficult to install. Laminate on the other hand is fairly cheap and a piece of cake to put down. My Mom could do it. She won't though. DIY 200sq.ft. will run about $500 all in. Lots to choose from, easy to coordinate.
Clean, clean, clean! Typically when we clean a kitchen, we wipe. Wipe the floor, wipe the counter, wipe the appliances. New favourie word: crevices. So armed with an array of speciality cleaners, and a toothbrush if necessary, dig in.
Clutter will make even the priciest kitchen looked cramped and unattractive. Decluttering is free! Remove every last item from countertops, drawers, and cabinets. Throw half away. Return the rest to its rightful place. The kitchen now looks bigger, cleaner, and more saleable.
Walk into the kitchen of many new homes and what do you see? An island. If you have one, it needs granite. Shop around for thin remnants and have full sized edging applied. Beautiful. Added bonus, mixed surfaces are ok now. If you don't have one, consider an island on wheels, mobile and functional.

Your mission now, should you choose to accept it, will be to nail down a budget number, cost out the bullets above, and go.

Fast forward to completion of project. Let Better Homes and Gardens know you're available for a photo shoot!

Bathroom Updates - Low Cost - Big Impact

Wayne Bowness — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:22:00 GMT

When sprucing up your home for visitors, the bathroom is one space in the house where you can make a big impact for a relatively small outlay. And this is particularily true when selling your home. Most people already know that kitchens and bathrooms have the best return on investment as well as assisting in a faster sale.

However, it's possible to make a significant difference without breaking the bank to do it! Here are some easy and affordable ways to add pop and create interest.

Replace a dated light fixture, lots of choice at your friendly home improvement centre.
Consider replacing the sink faucet with perhaps the look of brushed nickel with pulled handles. Same goes with the bathtub and shower fixtures. While you're picking up the lighting, head over to plumbing for inexpensive assemblies that look great!
Adding new hardware on vanities will instantly perk up the appearance of the bathroom.
Keep all your personal care articles well out of sight. Clutter dates and shrinks the room, particularily if it is small.
If the floor is taking on a vintage look, and not in a good way!, there are loads of easy do-it-yourself options that will create a fresh addition. A light, neutral colour will give it a spacious feel.
And if the wall tiles around the tub have seen better days, a one piece enclosure that gives the appearance of a tiled wall will do wonders!
Another quick and easy update: replace the towel racks, toilet seat, and accessories such as the soap dispensor, toothbrush and toilet roll holders.
Finally, add colour and richness with new floor mats, towels, and shower curtains. You can splurge on the best products because when you move, you'll be taking them with you!

Lesser Used Staging Techniques to Market Your Home

Wayne Bowness — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:54:00 GMT

There are lots of ways to give your home appeal when getting ready to put it on the market. The easiest is to pay someone a million dollars to do it, great if you have a 20 million dollar palace! Or upgrade kitchens, baths, flooring, etc. for a mere two million dollars! Or....

do the following at no cost !!

Turn plants inward from windows for showings, very pretty. No plants? Get some.
Fresh cut flowers in the kitchen.
Hi-tech home? Hide the wires. Lo-tech home? Hide the wires.
Fire up the air fresheners a few days before people walk through. Softer smell.
Full toilet paper rolls. No bathroom visits 'til house is sold! Tissue boxes in all bathrooms.
Fresh jumbo size roll on the paper towel rack.
Buy a coffee table book that has 'Ottawa' in big letters. Put the book on the coffee table!
Ensure return air vent covers are clean. Look up, some there too.
Buy hi-end towels, shower curtains, etc, and take 'em with you.
Buy a wreath for the front door that you want for your next home.

There you go. Even the advice is free !!

Staging Your Home For Sale - The Outside Version

Wayne Bowness — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:50:00 GMT

Preparing a home for sale has become a business unto itself, and can get pricey when having it done professionally. For higher end homes there is an efficiency of scale so it can be worthwhile the cost. For homes under $500k, and for those so inclined, here are some inexpensive ways to attract Buyers through curb appeal:

Power wash the exterior, don't forget the eavestroughs.
Paint/refinish doors; trim, shutters, etc.
Trim, prune, weed, water, mulch.
Add large pots of flowers or hanging baskets by the entrance.
New garage door opener, if older than 10 years.
Organize/declutter the garage
Freshen the deck.

Next up - Bathrooms

Money For Nothin' and The Tips For Free!

Wayne Bowness — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 19:38:00 GMT

With Spring approaching in Ottawa, many homeowners are beginning the process of making their properties available for sale. Decluttering is, and should be, the first order of the day; you're moving anyway so get all that stuff in boxes now!
Thoughts then turn to how buyers see your home, and this is where it can get expensive. New flooring, remodelled kitchens and baths, windows, doors, etc. certainly add loads of appeal, but can cost mega dollars. Funny how we make our homes look their 'best ever' for the next guy!

There are alternatives that can add a wow factor without adding a second mortgage:

Crown molding, baseboards, and doors and window trim provide a great 'bang for the buck' look. Happy with the trim?, then paint it. White. Glossy.
New heat registers will add to the esthetics as well as the functionality.
Now that China makes light fixtures (and everything else), it's easy to "light up" the whole house for under $500, excluding areas like the Dining room.
Replacing kitchen cabinet hardware will contribute pop without cost.
And finally, paint, tried and true, will complete your cost effective makeover.

Now all you need is a great Realtor....and I'm right here!!

Next up - outside the home.

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Realtor Style

Wayne Bowness — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 19:25:00 GMT

I see a lot of online variations of this old classic but few for home sellers which must make them feel, well, out in the cold. So in the spirit of the Holidays here is my rendition. The fact I'm a Realtor is purely coincidental.

On the first day of Christmas my Agent gave to me - a promise of a really fast sale.

On the second day of Christmas my Agent gave to me - two hands-a-holding, and a promise of a really fast sale.

On the third day of Christmas my Agent gave to me - three buyers tire kicking, two hands-a-holding, and a promise of a really fast sale.

On the fourth day of Christmas my Agent gave to me - four agent showings, three buyers tire kicking, two hands-a-holding, and a promise of a really fast sale.

On the fifth day of Christmas my Agent gave to me - five brand new plans, four agent showings, three buyers tire kicking, two hands-a-holding, and a promise of a really fast sale.

On the sixth day of Christmas my Agent gave to me - six ads-a-viewing, five brand new plans, four agent showings, three buyers tire kicking, two hands-a-holding, and a promise of a really fast sale.

On the seventh day of Christmas my Agent gave to me - seven stagers staging, six ads-a-viewing, five brand new plans, four agent showings, three buyers tire kicking, two hands-a-holding, and a promise of a really fast sale.

On the eighth day of Christmas my Agent gave to me - eight maids-a-cleaning, seven stagers staging, six ads-a-viewing, five brand new plans, four agent showings, three buyers tire kicking, two hands-a-holding, and promise of a really fast sale.

On the ninth day of Christmas my Agent gave to me - nine second showings, eight maids-a-cleaning, seven stagers staging, six ads-a-viewing, five brand new plans, four agent showings, three buyers tire kicking, two hands-a-holding, and a promise of a really fast sale.

On the tenth day of Christmas my Agent gave to me - ten sales-a-brewing, nine second showings, eight maids-a-cleaning, seven stagers staging, six ads-a-viewing, five brand new plans, four agent showings, three buyers tire kicking, two hands-a-holding, and a promise of a really fast sale.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my Agent gave to me - eleven buyers bidding, ten sales-a-brewing, nine second showings, eight maids-a-cleaning, seven stagers staging, six ads-a-viewing, five brand new plans, four agent showings, three buyers tire kicking, two hands-a-holding, and a promise of a really fast sale.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my Agent gave to me - $12k over asking, eleven buyers bidding, ten sales-a-brewing, nine second showings, eight maids-a-cleaning, seven stagers staging, six ads-a-viewing, five brand new plans, four agent showings, three buyers tire kicking, two hands-a-holding, and a promise of a really fast sale.

Days on market - 12 - now that's a fast sale!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Happy Turkey Day to All Our Gringo Friends, Eh!

Wayne Bowness — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 17:04:00 GMT

No creative energy today, so here's a sampling of eco-related stuff found at www.waynebowness.com/greenliving:

If 10,000 Ottawans viewed and paid bills online we could keep 1.8 million trees growing each year.

E-waste accounts for 70% of overall toxic waste currently going to landfills.

If 10,000 Ottawans take one fewer napkin at fast food restaurants, in one year we'll save the annual paper use of 25 face stuffers. Manage your face people!!