Are You Getting The BEST Inspection?

Are You Getting The BEST Inspection?

What YOU as a BUYER need to know..

The home looks nice and appealing but what about the structure, roof, electrical, plumbing and heating components of the home? These are a few of the items that should be looked at before surprise costs eat into your budget that you were not planning on. Most of the compliments that I receive from past clients say that this inspection was the most educational and thorough inspection that they have ever had; this is what I strive for. Calgary’s reputation was built by people with high integrity, standards, and honour. It may be old fashioned but I’m proud of it.

Merv Stark, RHI

StarkPro Property Inspections

-Partner of Chas Zemluk Real Estate-

Viewing the cosmetics of the home is nice but other items can have unexpected costs if they are not investigated before you buy your home. No home is perfect. The primary concern for home inspectors is safety issues and major issues that can really hurt the wallet. A good home inspector will educate you about the home and issues that can be expected while you own your home. The following contains a brief example of common issues that I, a registered home inspector, find during a home inspection and the recommendations that I make.

Our extremes in climate change are hard on roofing materials but this can often be extended by installing a few extra roof vents to improve air flow from within the attic. Having been raised in the Calgary construction industry, I have never seen as much wind damage (lifted shingles), as I have so far this year. I have noticed fewer inspectors carry long ladders to view roofs properly but I will always try my best to check the status of each and every roof I come across.

Structure of the home from footing to the roof peak will vary, even if the builders carry a good name. The sub-trades they hire might get fired, but this home could be the home that was not done correctly. Water coming into basements is an issue I come across and can generally be prevented by grading away from the home and having downspouts extended away from the home.

Electrical should always be viewed, including behind the main panel cover. Melted wires are just one of many items found that could be a safety issue. Some insurance companies charge more or insist on immediate corrections if aluminum wiring has been used in the home. Former “grow-ops” that were never discovered by the authorities is another item that can sometimes be found at the main electrical panel. Since becoming an inspector in 2004, all current home owners in my past case experiences did not know that they had been living under these conditions.

Furnace/boiler covers should also be removed so the burners can be examined. An experienced home inspector, having viewed thousands of burners, may suspect premature abuse of the system. These details can be contributed to type, and heating manufacture, year made, former grow-op, air conditioner, internal parts starting to fail or simply caused from not changing the air filter on regular basis. This list can go on. Some experienced home owners did not even know that a filter was in a furnace.

Plumbing includes water tanks and materials used for supply and waste piping. Cast iron waste piping may have extra cost for insurance and some insurance companies want galvanized supply water pipes to be replaced. Certain plastic supply types and connectors are known for failure and a good inspector will point this out to you. It seems to be a secret that if a water softener has been installed extra maintenance is required for a longer life on the water tank. This is an extra comment that I have added into my easy-to-read report for my clients.

Having been a former adult construction instructor I spend extra time with my clients so they will learn more about these and other components of the home that I feel they should know about. The report provided is a way for you to understand the minor and major issues you may be facing with your purchase; a valuable tool in your home purchasing decision making.

Yours truly,

Merv Stark, RH

StarkPro Property Inspections

-Partner of Chas Zemluk Real Estate-

 

Chas Zemluk

CIR Realty

Phone: 403-354-3777

Email: czemluk@cirrealty.ca

Website: www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com

JUST LISTED- Mount Pleasant!

1 BED, 1 BATH, GRANITE, IN-SUITE LAUNDRY & STORAGE, LARGE BALCONY
SOLD

Bight, Sunny and beautifully renovated 6th floor corner unit awaiting Immediate possession! This open-concept condo boasts laminate flooring, big, bright windows, granite countertops, black appliances & stainless steel refrigerator. You're steps away from SAIT, The Mall, Tim Hortons, Tanning Salons, Restaurants, Lounges, Salons & shops...you dont have to drive anywhere if you dont want to!!


Enjoy your HUGE, south facing balcony with a fabulous DOWNTOWN view!


All utilities included in your condo fees of only $342/mth
1 leased parking spot included ($50/mth)


Please call, text or email to view this fantastic condo unit!


Asking $219,900 

MLS #C3515745




Chas Zemluk
CIR Realty


C: 403-354-3777
E: czemluk@cirrealty.ca

W: http://www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com/

What makes a "Professional"...A "Professional?"

MY OPINION: WHAT MAKES A "PROFESSIONAL" ...A "PROFESSIONAL?"

My parents taught me to be independent, responsible & respectful to everyone in my life.
(the moment someone "screws me over" is the moment you lose my respect, trust & friendship)
A Tip for the business world would be: - - "Grow A Backbone" - -

A word of advice to live life by:
--"Be The Best Person You Can Be" --

The "business" of music has taught me to be business smart, humble, to never assume anything and how to manage almost every type of person & situation. Dad always made sure I "looked the part" on stage and portrayed myself as a true professional up there. I cannot remember a time that I have out-right sworn on stage, I am not an angel (i do swear at times) but NEVER on stage. I can honestly say that I have never consciously thought of being a "role model" to anyone, I just know who I am and what being a "Professional" in whatever business I am in, means to me. When I am performing whether its a bar, cabaret, beer gardens, casino..etc,  I would never drink more than 1 or 2 drinks (even at Stampede or Jamborees!) 
Integrity has played a big part in my life and I have enjoyed every experience with no regrets, and nothing to be embarrassed about, because I held strong to my Integrity, Professionalism and Values.

Today, being around so many different types of  "professionals" has proven to me that there are many good people out there....and there are many good people to know, that are not professional in my eyes.



My List of Un-professionalism (in no particular order)

1. Showing half or more than half of your bare chest in a "business" atmosphere/meeting/event (this goes for both men & women, haha)
2. Having a "dirty mouth" in a business atmosphere/meeting/event
3. Thinking you're better than someone else & acting like you're better
4. Talking about or putting down co-workers behind their backs in a business atmosphere/meeting/event
5. PDA (public display of affection) in a business atmosphere/meeting/event (whether its your friend, co-worker, boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife, it's not the time or place)
6. Getting drunk beyond being able to walk or speak correctly in a business atmosphere/meeting/event
7. Saying derogatory things in a business atmosphere/meeting/event
8. Talking about your wealth or how much money you make in a business atmosphere/meeting/event
9. Going home at the end of the night with your boss or co-worker or band member after a business meeting/event.
10. Constantly being on your phone,TEXTING, not giving the people you're with your attention.

A few final words:

• There is a very fine line between a business professional setting and hanging out with friends who you work with or work for, after work hours, after you've hung out with these people a few times before.
• #1 cause of screwing up is Alcohol, so keep your head on strait in this department during a business atmosphere, meeting or event and it wont be hard to stay as Professional as possible!
• Remember to have fun no matter where you are or who you are with, laugh, joke, smile, just don't step over the line.
• Yes, you may have to call someone back, but if its urgent, remove yourself from the area, take care of your business and then come back to provide your full attention to the people you're with.
• Human beings are smart, they know when you're being yourself, they know when you're trying to be someone you're not, they either trust you or they don't, they either like you or they don't. (if you're one of those people who will "put up" with someone because you think they are a "good person to know" not a GOOD PERSON in general, good luck with that!)
• YES, I have strong opinions and can be very blunt sometimes. haha.

Of course, this is all my opinion on things. And allot of this is at your own discretion and Yes, people are judging you all the time and Yes, I believe in just being yourself (if you REALLY know who you are,without alcohol/drugs involved, I don't think you can go wrong in any situation)

Just Be A Good Person. Be True. Be Happy. Enjoy Life!  (and if your instinct is telling you you're probably going overboard, listen) ;)

Signing Off - -
Chas Zemluk

My Exclusive Client Club Packages

The Gist on Qualifying for A Mortgage!

 First Time Home Buyers

"The Gist on Qualifying for a Mortgage"

               

Hey everyone! Many people do not realise what it takes to purchase their first home and sometimes do not even realise their options. Josh Higgelke, who I work closely with many of my clients, of Axiom Mortgage Solutions has written a SPECIAL article for us! Please feel free to give myself or Josh a call with any further questions about qualifying for a mortgage and maybe you will be surprised as to what you can be approved for!! Remember: It Never Hurts To Ask!

Chas

C: 403-354-3777

E: czemluk@cirrealty.ca

W: www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Buying your first home can be a very exciting / rewarding experience and many, many people strive to achieve the pride of ownership that comes with owning your home. Most people are very excited about paying off their own mortgage and building their equity instead of lining the pockets of their landlord. Unfortunately,  even though, for many Canadians buying your first home is something that is ranked very high on the “to do” list, many first time buyers become discouraged and they find that the mortgage qualifying process can be a bit overwhelming… It doesn’t have to be.

                There are many different banks and lending institutions that would be happy to provide you with your first mortgage and here is a summary, with a few tips, of what they are looking for. I like to use the acronym (I.C.E.) which stands for Income, Credit, and Equity.

1.       I –Income: When buying your first home the mortgage lender(s) will like to see that you have a good job and that you make money to cover your mortgage payments. Typically, unless you have past experience in the same industry, they will want to see that you are not on probation and they will ask you to provide them with:

a.       A job letter from your employer that states you start date, position, and income / wage.

b.      Your most recent pay stub that shows your current year to date.

c.       They may also ask to see your past 2 years T4’s or your tax returns if we are using any overtime income.

2.       C – Credit: Your credit bureau is very important when applying for your mortgage as it shows the lender(s) your track record and ability to pay back money that you have borrowed. Typically the lender(s) will like to see a credit score of 620, or greater, but they might be willing to work with a slower credit score if you can come up with a larger down payment. Here are some tips for maintaining / building your credit score:

a.       Pull your own credit bureau and make sure that everything on your bureau is accurate. Unfortunately, even the credit bureau companies make mistakes and, as consumers, we have to stay on top of the credit companies as they might have reported something that could have a negative impact on your credit score. Please visit www.equifax.ca and request a copy of “your Equifax Credit Report.”

b.      Keep your credit card balances below 75% of your allowable limit

c.       Do not have too many creditors “pull” your credit in a short period of time

d.      Pay your minimum payments on time. if you can’t make a payment, call the creditor and make payment arrangements with them.

3.       E – Equity (Down Payment): in an ideal scenario the lender(s) would like to see that you have saved your 5% down payment but there are other solutions if you cannot come up with the 5% down payment on your own.

a.       Gifted down payment – the lender(s) will allow you to use a gifted down payment from a family member and they will request a signed gift letter from the family member.

b.      Borrowed down payment – the lender(s) will allow you to borrow the down payment from a line of credit or loan as long as you can cover the monthly costs on top of your mortgage costs.

c.       “Zero down” – There a still few lenders that offer a “zero down” mortgage but you will have to have strong job tenure and good credit. This is a great product for those of us who have trouble saving up for the down payment.

There are many different mortgage products available for the first time home buyer and there are many solutions that can be offered to overcome hurdles along the way. I strongly recommend that anyone who is interested in purchasing their first home to please get in contact with a professional mortgage broker. A mortgage broker will work hard to get you the very best mortgage to suite your needs and they will do everything that they can to ensure the mortgage qualifying process is a smooth and seamless as possible.

Chas Zemluk

CIR Realty

403-354-3777

Email: czemluk@cirrealty.ca

Website: www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com

JUST LISTED in Stanley Park SW!

LOCATION, LOCATION & LIFESTYLE! SOLD
Centralize yourself in Calgary's BEST! Stanley Park. If you're always on the go and love to be active, you've found the perfect condo to suit your lifestyle without giving up luxury! After a long day downtown, arrive at your doorstep within 15 minutes of leaving work. Enjoy the evening hosting a barbeque with friends on your private balcony & open open concept kitchen, dining & living area. Want more?


Step outside for a quick game of tennis or basketball, take a jog on the Elbow River pathways and stroll to Stanley Park! Or, launch a dingy on the river and Relax! It doesn't get better than this!


Stress-fee, executive style living. Enjoy!
Features:
2 minute walk to C-train station
5 minute walk to Stanley Park
Tennis courts, playground,walkways, basketball courts & baseball diamonds out your front door!
Granite countertops
Laminate flooring
Open-concept floor plan
Gas fireplace
In floor heating system
In-suite laundry


1034 square feet
Condo Fees $442/mth
Taxes $1905

OFFERED AT $360,000

CALL or EMAIL for more details!

Chas ZemlukCIR Realty
403-354-3777

czemluk@cirrealty.ca

Balcony w/storage shed

Exercise Room

Tennis Courts

Elbow River Rafting

TIP: Re-Examine Your Mortgage

If you can reduce your interest rate by one percent or more, it is often beneficial to refinance. Beware of early redemption fees and discuss with your  bank or mortgage company.