MAKING GAINS

Calgary house price gain again best in Canada
By Mario Toneguzzi
Calgary Herald January 15, 2014 

CALGARY - Another day and another real estate report indicating Calgary’s housing market is showing the best year-over-year price growth in the country.

On Wednesday, the Canadian Real Estate Association released its MLS Home Price Index which indicated Calgary prices in December were up 8.74 per cent from a year ago while the aggregate across the country, encompassing 11 major markets, rose by 4.31 per cent. 

The CREA report followed Tuesday’s Teranet-National Bank National Composite House Price Index report which said Calgary led the nation with a 6.5 per cent hike in prices for repeat home sales.

In December, CREA said Calgary MLS sales were up nine per cent from last year to 1,464 transactions while the average sale price rose by 4.7 per cent to $439,389.
 For Canada, MLS sales during the month increased by 12.9 per cent to 23,215 units and the average sale price jumped by 10.4 per cent to $389,119.

In Alberta, sales of 3,135 were up 9.8 per cent from a year ago and the average sale price rose by 4.7 per cent to $380,477.

On an annual basis, the number of sales and percentage increases were: Calgary, 29,954, 12.5 per cent; Alberta, 66,080, 9.5 per cent; and Canada, 457,893, 0.8 per cent.

On an annual basis, the average sale price and percentage increases were: Calgary, $437,036, 6.0 per cent; Alberta, $380,969, 4.9 per cent; and Canada, $382,466, 5.2 per cent.

A GREAT LIST FROM WWW.ARTOFMANLINESS.COM

Keep Your House in Tip-Top Shape: An Incredibly Handy Home Maintenance Checklist
by JEREMY ANDERBERG  
 http://www.artofmanliness.com OCTOBER 8, 2013

When buying a home, most people probably first think of the financial responsibility. Don’t let yourself forget, however, about the time and labor that home ownership also requires. Just like regular oil changes for your car keep your engine happy and healthy, keeping up with regular home maintenance tasks will keep you from future headaches and wasted money.

It can be intimidating to think about these various tasks, especially if you’re a new homeowner. It’s a long list — there’s no denying that. The good news is that you can do the majority of it on your own without much experience. Google is your best friend, and if you really get stuck, call up your local handyman to help you out.

In order to maximize your efficiency and actually get all of these tasks done, you might want to create a home maintenance calendar for yourself. Whether online or on paper, you can jot down small, regular tasks for each weekend and not be too overwhelmed. We’ve listed tasks that need to be done monthly, quarterly, and biannually. We’ve also given you a list of tasks to be completed seasonally. Not every expert agrees as to which task needs to be done in which season, so this isn’t a black and white list, necessarily. Do what works for you and your schedule, and as long as all these things get accomplished, your home will be happy for years and years to come.

Monthly

Inspect, and possibly change out HVAC filters. Many experts will say to change the filters monthly, but that’s not always necessary. For smaller families without pets or allergies, you’ll likely be okay changing the filters every 2-3 months. If the filter is dirty, change it out, otherwise inspect it again next month. I’ve also been told by handymen to go with cheaper filters and replace them more often versus going with the expensive filters.
Clean kitchen sink disposal. There are a bunch of ways to do this, but the handiest and best all-around solution seems to be vinegar ice cubes. Put some vinegar in an ice tray and let it freeze, then run the ice cubes through the disposal. It freshens it, but as a bonus, ice sharpens the blades. You’re welcome.
Clean range hood filters. If you’ve never thought of doing this, you’re in for a real “treat” when you get that filter off the hood to clean it for the first time. The Family Handyman suggests simply using a degreaser from an auto parts store mixed with hot water. Let the filter sit for a few minutes, rinse it off, and you’re good to go.
Inspect your fire extinguisher(s). We’ll assume you have and know how to use an extinguisher. This inspection doesn’t require much: ensure it has easy access (not being blocked by a garbage can or anything else), that the gauge shows adequate pressure, and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear.

Quarterly

Test smoke/carbon dioxide detectors. Another simple task; your detectors should have a “test” button. If the alarm sounds, you’re good to go. If not, replace batteries immediately and test again. If it still doesn’t sound, it’s possible there’s simply corrosion on the battery terminal, and it won’t detect new batteries.  Clean it and try again. If it still doesn’t work, you’ll likely need a new detector.
Test garage door auto-reverse feature. In 1993, federal law required all garage doors to have this feature after multiple child deaths. Test every month by placing a 2×4 on the ground where the door would close. It should reverse after a second or so when the door hits the wood. Also test the photo-electric sensors if you have them by placing something in front of them (not your body). If the door doesn’t immediately go back up, you have a problem.
Run water and flush toilets in unused spaces. This mostly applies to guest bathrooms, or any other sinks/water sources you don’t use on a regular basis. The idea is to prevent grime or any other kind of build up. Regularly running a little bit of water through will prevent this.
Check water softener, add salt if needed. You shouldn’t need to add salt every month, but better to check anyway, as it only takes about 5 seconds.

Semi-annually

Test your water heater’s pressure relief valve. This will prevent mineral and corrosion buildup, which safeguards against leaks. It will also help your heater run more efficiently.
Give your house a deep clean. Take one Saturday every six months with your whole family, and give the whole house a proper deep clean. Appliances, windows, dusting every nook and cranny (including the basement), etc. Keeping things clean and not letting dirt/grime/dust build up over years and years will help keep your home in tip-top shape.
Replace batteries in smoke/carbon dioxide detectors. I’d never heard this before, actually. I just assumed you changed it out when it started giving you the low battery beeping noise. This tip was in everything we researched, however. With something as important as this, you can’t be too careful, and batteries won’t break your bank. Change ‘em out every six months.
Vacuum your refrigerator coils. I actually learned this tip from a refrigerator repairman, and our research confirmed it. The fridge can use up to 15 percent of your home’s total power, so you want it running as efficiently as possible. Over time, the coils get dirty and your fridge requires more juice. You can save up to $100 a year by doing this, and it’s not at all a difficult task.
Annually (Organized by Season)

Spring

Spring is a big month for home maintenance. They don’t call it “Spring Cleaning” for nothing. Especially focus on the exterior of your home as it’s just gone through winter and is preparing for summer heat, and in some parts of the country, brutal humidity.

Check the exterior drainage. Will rain water flow away from the house? Puddles should not stand around your home for more than 24 hours. If water stays, or moves toward your foundation, you have a few options. First, check your gutters. It could be a bad spout or a loose connection there; they may also just need cleaning. Second, you can grade the area around your home yourself with some dirt; this has worked just fine for me in the past. Third, for pavement, you can have professionals come out and raise it so it drains away from your home.
Clean out gutters. They’ve likely accumulated leaves from the fall and grime/sediment from the winter snows and/or rains.
Inspect the exterior of your home. Is any paint chipping? Is any siding damaged from winter? Are there any holes in your brick? Take a close look all around your house, and make any repairs as needed. Also be sure to check the foundation for any cracks. A good silicone/caulk can fix a lot of your problems.
Get your air conditioning system ready for summer; consider having it serviced. This one really depends on your individual home, and even which part of the country you live in. Some places mostly just use window air units, while other places (like my home in Colorado) use a big swamp cooler up on the roof — these are fairly basic machines where a quick internet search can help you fix any issues that come up. Also refer to the user guides for specific regular maintenance. Central air is obviously a more complex system. Getting it serviced by a professional should be around $100 or less, and it will save money and headaches down the road.
Repair/replace damaged window screens. You don’t want bugs making their way in because you missed a hole in a window screen. And no, duct tape doesn’t count. It can be a quick fix, but don’t leave it for long. It just looks bad.
Clear dead plants/shrubs from the house. This could double as a gardening tip, but if you didn’t trim trees or shrubs in the fall, do so now. Plants can weasel their way into cracks and holes on the exterior of your home, causing damage and shortened longevity. Nip that in the bud before it’s an issue. If you have decorative vines on the exterior, pay close attention.
Check trees for interference with electric lines. Have professionally trimmed if necessary.
Inspect roofing for damage, leaks, etc. Repair as needed; you may need a professional.

Summer

Summer is a great time to focus on the exterior of your home, as well as your lawn and garden. It’s also perfect for having that garage door open and utilizing the prolonged daylight to work on any manly projects you’ve had on the backburner.

Check grout in bathrooms, kitchen, etc.; repair as needed. This will prolong the life of your tiled surfaces and just looks better.
Inspect plumbing for leaks, clean aerators on faucets. Go around to all your faucets and toilets and check for any small leaks. If you have poor water pressure out of a faucet, the aerator is the likely culprit and it’s an extremely easy fix.
Take care of any insect problems you may have. Summer is their playground. You probably won’t have to look too hard to notice any insect problems. Ants, spiders, moths, etc. are all common, and fairly easy to take care of. Keep cobwebs clear, have ant poison handy, make sure all doors are tightly closed, etc. If termites are common in your area, this handy article gives some tips on how you can do some inspection and prevention yourself.
Clean and repair deck/patio as needed. It generally just needs a good washing. A deck may also need re-staining. Also check for any loose boards or posts and repair as needed.
Clean out window wells of debris. If you have a basement, you also have window wells. All kinds of things can get down in there from leaves, to trash, to animals.
Check and clean dryer vent, other exhaust vents to exterior of home. While the dryer is running, check that the exhaust is coming out. It should smell nicely of fresh laundry. If there isn’t much exhaust, check for blockages as well as you can. You may need a professional. Also vacuum the lint from the hose at the dryer.
Clean garage. Cleaning the garage should be a summer ritual for every man. Keeping it clean and tidy will extend its life, and it often gets neglected of regular care. With all the extra dust it gets from the manly projects you’re working on, you should actually clean it even more. Once a year, however, give a thorough going-through.

Fall

Fall is an in-between season where you’re finishing up your summer home maintenance tasks as well as getting your home ready for winter. Cold, snow, and rain can do a number to a home, so you don’t want to ignore winter preparation.

Flush hot water heater and remove sediment. This prolongs the life of the heater and helps with efficiency as well.
Winterize air conditioning systems. Remove and store window units. If you have central air, cover the outside unit with a tarp or plastic sheeting and secure with bungee cords.
Get heating system ready for winter. Check for any leaks in windows or doors; these can cost an arm and a leg. Make sure heating vents are open and not blocked by furniture. Get furnace serviced/inspected at least every other year, preferably annually. As with the AC, this shouldn’t be a huge expense. Don’t forget about fireplaces if you have them.
Turn off and flush outdoor water faucets. Also flush hoses and store them. Winterize sprinkler systems as well, if you have one.
Get chimney cleaned, if you have one. Some folks say to do this in the spring, some say fall. Either way, just make sure it’s done once per year.
Test sump pump. You don’t want to wait until you need your sump pump to find out it’s not working.
Check driveway/pavement for cracks. Make sure to have re-sealed before winter; water can freeze and expand in the cracks, causing more damage.
Buy winter gear. Have sidewalk salt, good shovels, etc. ready for winter. You never know when that first snow will come!

Winter

Winter is the time to go around the interior of your home and check for any little things you may have overlooked, or perhaps noticed and said, “I’ll get to that later.” Winter is your later. If you have any interior honey-do projects, whether it be painting, building shelves, etc., now is a great time to tackle those as well.

Regularly check for ice dams and icicles. De-icing cables that sit at the front of the roof work well. Don’t let icicles grow, as much as the kids may want you to. They’re not only a danger to people standing beneath them, but they’re incredibly heavy and can cause damage to your home. They also can cause water damage to your foundation when they  melt.
Test your electricity to the extent that you can. Always, always be extra careful when working with electricity. You can do a couple things on your own, though. Check that all outlets work; if they don’t, you can re-wire them on your own. Also, test your GFCI outlets. There are wildly varying opinions on how often to test this. Some say monthly, others say annually.
Tighten any handles, knobs, racks, etc. Go through the house and inspect anything that could have a loose screw.
Check all locks and deadbolts on your doors and windows. If anything doesn’t work right, replace.
Check caulking around showers and bathtubs; repair as needed.
Remove showerheads and clean sediment. This prolongs its life and helps with water pressure as well.
Deep clean and inspect the basement. Basements are notoriously overlooked, especially if they’re primarily just storage areas. Dust ‘em up, clean any windows, make sure there isn’t mold anywhere, etc. Give your basement a good inspection at least once a year.

While this list is certainly extensive, it’s not a complete list of all the things you can do for your home. What do you do to keep your home in tip-top shape? Do you have any hacks for doing these tasks as efficiently and effectively as possible?

SIXTEEN TONS

Are you house rich or house poor?

By Jason Heath  

Financial Post September 17, 2013

According to Statistics Canada, about one-quarter of Canadians are spending too much on housing costs. “Too much” is defined by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) as 30% or more of household income. Are you house rich and cash poor?

First off, it’s important to understand what CMHC’s “household income” refers to in order to measure if you are over or under the suggested 30% threshold. They define household income as pre-tax household income, which is a questionable metric due to our tax code.

We have a graduated tax system in Canada where every taxpayer files their own tax return, so there can be a big difference in after-tax income between two households with identical household incomes. A household where two people are earning $50,000 each in Ontario, for example, has after-tax income of about $75,840. A household where one person is earning $100,000 – the same gross income as the $50,000 times 2 household – has only $69,841 of after-tax income. That’s a difference of about 8%, so not immaterial.First off, it’s important to understand what CMHC’s “household income” refers to in order to measure if you are over or under the suggested 30% threshold. They define household income as pre-tax household income, which is a questionable metric due to our tax code.

What are “housing costs”? According to CMHC, these costs include rent and utilities for renters. For homeowners, included are mortgage payments, property taxes, condo fees and utilities.

Several factors are ignored by the 30% rule of thumb. What if a couple has two cars and they drive long distances to work, so transportation costs are higher than a couple with no cars? What if they have kids? They’re not cheap either.

As a financial planner, I can say a common topic of discussion with clients relates to their current house or their next one.

With young couples, they’re often wondering if they can afford their dream home – without breaking the bank. Taking on a bigger house and a bigger mortgage can limit other things which may or may not be important. Retirement savings might need to be scaled back, but what about living for today? Big mortgage payments might make a family think twice about a vacation they might otherwise enjoy (or need).

Not surprisingly, a lot of Baby Boomers are considering a downsize of their home. In some cases, it’s because people have more house than they need once the kids grow up and move out. In others, it’s because they live in an expensive city like Vancouver and a move outside the city can help pad retirement savings.

Either way, young or old, upsize or downsize, housing costs represent a large component of household spending and a large proportion of household net worth. It’s important to evaluate the pros and cons of moving up or cashing out.

One thing I always emphasize is that rules of thumb need to be taken with a grain of salt. They can be quite deceiving and lead people to make imprudent decisions. Just because a bank approves you for a mortgage, it doesn’t mean you’re wise to take it on. And just because CMHC suggests a 30% target for your housing costs as a proportion of your household income, it doesn’t necessarily constitute sound personal financial planning – especially when today’s interest rates and the resulting mortgage payments are artificially low.

PREP WORK

Getting ready to sell? 10 staging tips to wow home shoppers 

By Lucie Brand 

The Globe and Mail September 4,  2013

1. Start with a change of mind

Too often investors/home owners become either too emotionally attached or not attached at all. I have worked with investors who were renovating a property and blew their budget on some obscenely expensive tile they “had to have” and had nothing left for furnishing the place. On the other hand I’ve worked with landlords who did not see the value in painting a place that had gone through 3 tenants! Looking at a property from a buyer’s perspective is key.

Take a tour with a realtor or a staging professional and get some outside opinions on what areas you should focus your dollars on and what’s needed to get the maximum offers.

2. Maximize curb appeal

The outside should draw people inside. Neatly trimmed bushes, mulched beds, weeded lawns all help make that crucial “first impression”. Freshly painted front doors with new mailboxes and house numbers are easy ways to create maximum impact without breaking the bank. Adding seasonal urns by the front door for some colour are another way to brighten up concrete steps or boring brick.

3. Choose neutral colour palette

Bold colours are great for living, but not for selling. Light and Bright should be your motto! Stick with a warm, neutral palette like tans, taupes and greys. Avoid dark colours, especially in small spaces (like powder rooms). Keep the ceilings white to keep walls looking tall. Rule of thumb, if the walls haven’t been painted in over 2 years, now is the Time!

Return on investment: 109 per cent*

4. Let there be light

Lighting plays a vital role and is often overlooked when getting a property ready for sale. Dark hallways, rooms with little natural light, basements and bathrooms should be addressed. A minimum of a 2-bulb overhead fixture with maximum watt bulbs can transform a dingy area. There should be NO overhead receptacles without a light fixture! Consider adding pendant fixtures in dining rooms and eating areas. Big box stores offer affordable options in brushed nickel or silver fittings.

Adding ambient lighting is essential especially in areas where there is no overhead outlets. Adding table lamps and floor lamps will help brighten up any room and help your property appear as “light-filled” as possible.

Return on investment: 303 per cent*

5. Flooring

This is the other main area that always increases the value of a home. It will ALWAYS cost you less to replace worn carpet or add new flooring then to leave it to the new home owners.

Most purchasers are looking for reasons to discount their offers. Flooring is one of the first things buyers see when they walk in. If their first thought is “I will need to replace these floors”, I guarantee they are discounting their offers $5000-$10000 for condos and $7000 – $15000 for houses. Doing the work yourself will cost you a fraction of that amount.

Return on investment: 107 per cent*

6. It’s all in the details
Replace all burnt out bulbs, touch up any nicks and dents in high traffic areas, replace torn screens and fix leaking faucets. Once the fix ups are done it’s time to focus on the pretty stuff. Fresh linens in the bathrooms, a bowl of fresh green apples on a kitchen island, fresh flowers on a dining table or in the entrance way.

Adding live or silk greenery to bathrooms and adding a new crisp bedding set to the Master all help create the impression of a well-cared for home.

7. Clean, clean, clean

This may seem like common sense, but unfortunately it’s still the one area owners tend to try and shortcut.
This is the time to hire a professional cleaning company. Special attention should be placed on appliances, inside and outside of cupboards, baseboards and windows. Bathrooms should be scoured and if necessary use grout cleaner to get the tiles looking spotless!

8. Highlight best use of the space

Tenants may have liked to use the dining room as an office, but it should be shown with it’s intended purpose. Giving a room more than one function (i.e. guest room and office) is a great way to effectively show the space. In condos this becomes essential when space is at a premium.

Using small glass desks with a stool you can tuck in can creatively introduce a “work space” where one wouldn’t think possible. Adding a daybed to a den/office creates extra sleeping space. Determine what adds the most value to potential buyers in your neighbourhood and showcase the space accordingly.

9. Kitchens and bathrooms are the place to invest

If you have dated cabinetry, cracked and worn laminate counters, chipped or broken tiles, consider investing in repairing and upgrading these rooms.

If your budget is limited, changing cabinetry hardware to brushed nickel or silver knobs and handles will give it an immediate appeal. Consider painting cabinetry instead of replacing them.

Depending on the price point of your property it is often worthwhile to install stone counters. This immediately adds value and is very durable for long term use. If stone is not in the budget, consider a “stone– like” laminate counter. Recaulking around sinks and bathtubs is a simple improvement that can greatly improve the look of a bathroom.

Return on investment: 172 per cent*

10. Vacant properties sit, staged properties sell

Staged homes sell 2 – 3 times faster and up to 6 per cent more than unstaged ones**. People perceive staged units that are well decorated as worth more. Professional stagers know how to highlight the features of the unit and distract from any “not so desirable” features.

If your budget is limited consider focusing on the main living areas and at least one bedroom. If you can’t borrow furniture and artwork, rental companies carry everything from furniture to linens. Just keep in mind that the goal is to show people how to use the space effectively.

Return on investment: 299 per cent*

Remember that 79 per cent of buyers have already viewed your property on the MLS, make sure that your property stands out among the competition! Staging is your key to getting noticed and getting SOLD.

Photo By: Exterior Encounters

RESEARCH OR REGRET?

Should homebuyers be warned about a property’s dark past?
By Douglas Quan 
Postmedia News June 20, 2013

Want to know if that property you’re eyeing might have been the site of a murder or suicide? Be prepared to do your own digging, real-estate experts say.

While laws and regulations require sellers and realtors to disclose physical defects of a property that may be hidden from view, there is nothing that legally requires them to disclose so-called “stigmas” attached to a property. Same goes for landlords when dealing with prospective renters.

The lack of regulation in this area was highlighted Monday by the revelation that the apartment suite once occupied by Luka Magnotta, the Montreal man accused in the high-profile killing and dismemberment one year ago of university student Lin Jun, had been rented out.

It was unclear if the tenant was aware of the suite’s dark past, The Canadian Press reported. “We don’t advertise it, obviously,” building superintendent Eric Schorer told the news agency.

Mark Weisleder, a real-estate lawyer and author in Toronto, said provincial disclosure rules need to be more explicit, especially given the number of Canadians whose cultural backgrounds may make them more sensitive to property stigmas. “Because news like this could affect someone’s decision to buy or rent, my advice would be why wouldn’t you disclose?” he said.

Most appraisers will tell you that an unnatural death that occurs in a home will have an impact on that property’s value, he said.

Weisleder advises people who are interested in a home to do searches of that address online for any related news stories. He also advises knocking on neighbours’ doors to get the scoop on any problems that may have occurred there.

“Usually, you’ll find a talkative neighbour,” he said.

Homebuyers, who are suspicious, should straight-up ask sellers whether there has ever been a murder or suicide on the property and get them to put the answer in writing as part of the offer.

One Ontario couple, Eric and Sade-Lea Tekoniemi, reportedly bought a home last year in Bowmanville only to discover that it was the scene of a double homicide 15 years earlier. They subsequently sued the former owners, the selling agent and the real-estate firm in a case that is still before the courts.

Pierre Leduc, a spokesman for the Canadian Real Estate Association, acknowledged Monday that disclosure requirements across Canada fall into a “grey area.” Homebuyers are best off to hire an expert who knows the right questions to ask and can guide them through the process, he said.

A bulletin issued in March by the Real Estate Council of Ontario encouraged agents to have “full and frank” discussions with sellers and that if stigmatizing issues associated with a property exist, agents should advise sellers to “seek legal advice regarding their rights and obligations related to the issue, and get written instructions regarding the disclosure of the stigma to buyers.”

Agents representing buyers should have detailed conversations with buyers about what issues they may be sensitive to and “be prepared to do some additional investigation or research,” the bulletin said.

The bulletin suggested that a home could be considered to have a stigma if it was used in the ongoing commission of a crime, such as drug dealing; a murder or suicide occurred at the property; the property was previously owned by a crime boss; or if there were reports the property was haunted.

Amy Spencer, president and CEO of the Rental Housing Council of B.C., which represents landlords and property managers in the province, suggested Monday that given the differing interpretations about what constitutes a stigma, it might be difficult for lawmakers to spell out what needs to be disclosed.

She said landlords should be given discretion over what information to disclose, as they need to balance privacy interests of previous tenants with the health and safety concerns of future tenants.

But if asked pointed questions about a property’s past, landlords do have an obligation to be truthful, she said.

PIY

Paint exterior wood siding Do It Yourself or Not?By Gene and Katie HamiltonTribune Content Agency August 12, 2013

A coat of paint on wood siding provides a protective coating on the surface, but for strict aesthetics, the paint can transform an ordinary house into one that stops traffic. Any professional painter will tell you the devil is in the details, and the best looking and longest lasting job is the result of time spent preparing the surface before rolling on a good quality latex exterior paint.

To prepare, prime and paint 1,500 square feet of wood siding on a house, a painting contractor will charge $1,850, which includes the material and labor. You can buy the materials and do it yourself for $195 and pocket a 91 percent saving. If the siding is damaged or requires removing layers of paint and repair work, the time and cost will be considerably more.

The painting process includes several phases. If the siding has areas that are dirty or covered with mildew, wash them using a garden hose with a scrub brush attachment or rent a power washer. Scrape any loose or flaky paint and sand them; also sand any bare spots so they're smooth. Then apply a first coat of primer, followed by a topcoat of paint to all the surfaces allowing it to dry between applications. Protect the surrounding plants and shrubbery with drop cloths while doing the prep work and painting.

If your house was built before 1978, it is possible that lead paint was applied to your siding. If lead is present, dry scraping and sanding the old paint is highly toxic to you and your neighbors, especially to small children. It is a job that should only be done by professionals trained in lead-safe practices. To learn more about dealing with lead paint, check out http://env.gov.nu.ca/sites/default/files/Waste%20Lead%20Policy.pdf

To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit http://www.diyornot.com and http://www.m.diyornot.com on smartphones.

HAUNTED HOUSES FOR SALE

Top 10 haunted houses for sale

If you've ever wanted to live in a haunted house (and who hasn't, since that always works out so well in the movies), now's your chance! Toptenrealestatedeals.com has released their annual October list of the ten most haunted homes you can actually buy, so you can hide the gruesome truth of the home's history from your spouse and ignore the creepy new imaginary friend your child insists is real!

Constructed in 1895 for the president of Remington Arms and Typewriter Company (the real money used to be in typewriters), this four-floor Thousand Islands Mansion has slowly become a gutted, haunted terrordome. Uninhabited for over 60 years, save for the ghosts that no doubt prefer it that way, this evil abode can be yours for a mere $495,000. That's a steal, especially since it comes with a bunch of free evil spirits! The villa sits on a 6.9-acre island. There are probably ghosts in the water.

Amsterdam Castle was built without ghosts in 1894 as a National Guard Armoury and has quite the history. John F. Kennedy gave a speech there in 1960, and it's used been as a set for PBS movie American General and ABC's Wife Swap. Now it's an uninhabited castle, so logic says it's haunted like nobody's business because all castles are, but if there's any lingering doubt it's a big concrete hellscape, it's also across the Erie Canal from a cemetery. Amster-damned Castle is more like it. Nearby Widow Susan Road is named for the figure of a woman in a white nightgown (presumably named Susan) seen walking the area, looking for her husband's grave. If she's at all thorough, she's eventually going to look inside the castle.

Built in 1893 in New Jersey (and that's not even the worst part!) Blairsden is definitely haunted. First of all, it's called Blairsden, which just sounds haunted. Second of all, the 62,000 square foot mansion was sold to the Sisters of St. John the Baptist in 1950 and, according to legend, the Mother Superior and her 25 sisters switched sides shortly thereafter. That's right: this is the former home of A CONVENT OF DEVIL-WORSHIPPING NUNS. So the legend goes: one night, newfound Satan fan Mother Superior went crazy and killed everyone in the house. She also drowned the children in the nearby lake. Vengeful nun spirits and demon ghost kids? And they're only asking $4.9 million for the place? What a steal.

The Buxton Inn is Ohio’s oldest continually running bed and breakfast, which is impressive, since it's just crammed full of ghosts and none of them pay for their rooms. This 200 year-old, nearly 30,000 square-foot property features 10 total buildings, six fountains, and one lady in blue said to stalk the properties trying to find her disembodied feet. It's tough because the feet are also said to stalk the property and they're faster than she is, because she doesn't have feet. Still interested? It will only set you back $3.9 million. And your feet.

If you're such a diehard Disney fan that you just have to own their Haunted Mansion, contractor Mark Hurt built a replica in Georgia, and it can be yours for only $873,000. The bathroom lights are programmed to flicker, the faucet plays creepy music, and it even has that mirror with the ghost in it. Now, you might chuckle, since it's just a copy of a haunted house so it can't possibly be haunted for real, but keep in mind that this is exactly what someone would do moments before being disemboweled by an actual ghost.

Because it's always a good idea to buy the home locals call "the spook house", you should definitely buy this 150-year-old farmhouse in Olson, New York. There are said to be 12 malicious ghosts roaming the property, including a demon-possessed teenager, a young woman who committed suicide, a priest, a psychic and paranormal expert who all attempted to solve the ghost problem but instead died and became part of it, and an obsessive compulsive ghost that enjoys playing Jenga with the brick chimney. There's also a trouble-making spirit that relishes taking control of visitors' cars and crashing them into trees, which is probably infuriating since most auto insurance companies don't cover ghost possession. The real estate agents are only asking $289,000 for the house, but you could probably low-ball them because of all the murders and the lack of kitchen space.

The Maplecroft Estate doesn't seem to generate a lot of interest, perhaps because it's the former residence of axe murderer Lizzie Borden. Real estate agents have hacked and chopped the price multiple times and now it can be yours for just $650,000. Before you put in an offer, however, you should know that Borden's funeral was also held in the house, so it's basically 100% fact that her ghost is in it. None of her stuff has been moved either, so it's all-but assured that you'll be axe murdered the moment you try to update the wall art.

It's the Ma Barker gangster house! This is the home in which famous gangsters Kate "Ma" Barker and her son Fred lost their lives in the longest shootout in FBI history on January 16, 1935. All the bullet holes and blood have been cleaned up, but you just know the mess reappears every full moon. And, while their bodies were removed from the house and put on public display, the mother and son are said to remain, obviously. If you're into sharing a home with a family of violent, vengeful gangster spirits with an affinity for defending their home from unwelcome intruders, this place is definitely your joint. You'll love nearby Lake Weir, right up until you're shot by a ghost.

For just $799,000, you could own this -- wait for it -- ABANDONED MILITARY HOSPITAL. It goes without saying that a lot of dead marines haunt the place. But it has an iron spiral staircase and that's tough to pass up. It's also tough to walk up, you know, because it's packed full of ghosts.

Designed by Lloyd Wright, the son of Frank Lloyd Wright, this 'Mayan Revival' styled home was the scene of the Black Dahlia murder. You read that right: decorated with artifacts that definitely came with evil spirits and the scene of an unsolved murder. The only thing this home is lacking: a good night's sleep for the sucker that buys it. Enjoy your Mayan death house.

GEARING UP FOR THE COLD

10 ways to winterize your home — now
You'll get a season's worth of savings and peace of mind by taking a few steps in the fall to get your home ready for cold weather.
By Christopher Solomon 
MSN Real Estate

So you've pulled your sweaters out of mothballs and found your mittens at the bottom of the coat closet. But what about your house -- is it prepared for the cold months ahead?

You'll be a lot less comfortable in the coming months if you haven't girded Home Sweet Home for Old Man Winter.

With the help of several experts, we've boiled down your autumn to-do list to 10 easy tips:

1. Clean those gutters

Once the leaves fall, remove them and other debris from your home's gutters -- by hand, by scraper or spatula, and finally by a good hose rinse -- so that winter's rain and melting snow can drain. Clogged drains can form ice dams, in which water backs up, freezes and causes water to seep into the house, the Insurance Information Institute says.

As you're hosing out your gutters, look for leaks and misaligned pipes. Also, make sure the downspouts are carrying water away from the house's foundation, where it could cause flooding or other water damage.

"The rule of thumb is that water should be at least 10 feet away from the house," says Michael Broili, the director of the Well Home Program for the Phinney Neighborhood Association, a nationally recognized neighborhood group in Seattle.

2. Block those leaks

One of the best ways to winterize your home is to simply block obvious leaks around your house, both inside and out, experts say. The average American home has leaks that amount to a nine-square-foot hole in the wall, according to EarthWorks Group.

First, find the leaks: On a breezy day, walk around inside holding a lit incense stick to the most common drafty areas: recessed lighting, window and door frames, electrical outlets.

Then, buy door sweeps to close spaces under exterior doors, and caulk or apply tacky rope caulk to those drafty spots, says Danny Lipford, host of the nationally syndicated TV show "Today's Homeowner." Outlet gaskets can easily be installed in electrical outlets that share a home's outer walls, where cold air often enters.

Outside, seal leaks with weather-resistant caulk. For brick areas, use masonry sealer, which will better stand up to freezing and thawing. "Even if it's a small crack, it's worth sealing up," Lipford says. "It also discourages any insects from entering your home."

3. Insulate yourself

"Another thing that does cost a little money -- but boy, you do get the money back quick -- is adding insulation to the existing insulation in the attic," says Lipford. "Regardless of the climate conditions you live in, in the (U.S.) you need a minimum of 12 inches of insulation in your attic."

Don't clutter your brain with R-values or measuring tape, though. Here's Lipford's rule of thumb on whether you need to add insulation: "If you go into the attic and you can see the ceiling joists you know you don't have enough, because a ceiling joist is at most 10 or 11 inches."

A related tip: If you're layering insulation atop other insulation, don't use the kind that has "kraft face" finish (i.e., a paper backing). It acts as a vapor barrier, Lipford explains, and therefore can cause moisture problems in the insulation.

4. Check the furnace

First, turn your furnace on now, to make sure it's even working, before the coldest weather descends. A strong, odd, short-lasting smell is natural when firing up the furnace in the autumn; simply open windows to dissipate it. But if the smell lasts a long time, shut down the furnace and call a professional.

It's a good idea to have furnaces cleaned and tuned annually. Costs will often run about $100-$125. An inspector should do the following, among other things:

Throughout the winter you should change the furnace filters regularly (check them monthly). A dirty filter impedes air flow, reduces efficiency and could even cause a fire in an extreme case. Toss out the dirty fiberglass filters; reusable electrostatic or electronic filters can be washed.

5. Get your ducts in a row

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a home with central heating can lose up to 60% of its heated air before that air reaches the vents if ductwork is not well-connected and insulated, or if it must travel through unheated spaces. That's a huge amount of wasted money, not to mention a chilly house. (Check out this audit tool for other ideas on how to save on your energy bills this winter.)

Ducts aren't always easy to see, but you can often find them exposed in the attic, the basement and crawlspaces. Repair places where pipes are pinched, which impedes flow of heated air to the house, and fix gaps with a metal-backed tape (duct tape actually doesn't stand up to the job over time).

Ducts also should be vacuumed once every few years, to clean out the abundant dust, animal hair and other gunk that can gather in them and cause respiratory problems.

6. Face your windows

Now, of course, is the time to take down the window screens and put up storm windows, which provide an extra layer of protection and warmth for the home. Storm windows are particularly helpful if you have old, single-pane glass windows. But if you don't have storm windows, and your windows are leaky or drafty, "They need to be updated to a more efficient window," says Lipford.

Of course, windows are pricey. Budget to replace them a few at a time, and in the meantime, buy a window insulator kit, Lipford and Broili recommend. Basically, the kit is plastic sheeting that's affixed to a window’s interior with double-stick tape. A hair dryer is then used to shrink-wrap the sheeting onto the window. (It can be removed in the spring.) "It's temporary and it's not pretty, but it's inexpensive (about $4 a window) and it's extremely effective," says Lipford.

7. Don't forget the chimney

Ideally, spring is the time to think about your chimney, because "chimney sweeps are going crazy right now, as you might have guessed," says Ashley Eldridge, director of education for the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

That said, don't put off your chimney needs before using your fireplace, Eldridge advises. "A common myth is that a chimney needs to be swept every year," says Eldridge. Not true. But a chimney should at least be inspected before use each year, he adds. "I've seen tennis balls and ducks in chimneys," he says.

Ask for a Level 1 inspection, in which the professional examines the readily accessible portions of the chimney, Eldridge says. "Most certified chimney sweeps include a Level 1 service with a sweep," he adds.

Woodstoves are a different beast, however, cautions Eldridge. They should be swept more than once a year. A general rule of thumb is that a cleaning should be performed for every ¼ inch of creosote, "anywhere that it's found." Why? "If it's ash, then it's primarily lye -- the same stuff that was once used to make soap, and it's very acidic." It can cause mortar and the metal damper to rot, Eldridge says.

Another tip: Buy a protective cap for your chimney, with a screen, advises Eldridge. "It's probably the single easiest protection" because it keeps out foreign objects (birds, tennis balls) as well as rain that can mix with the ash and eat away at the fireplace's walls. He advises buying based on durability, not appearance.

One other reminder: To keep out cold air, fireplace owners should keep their chimney's damper closed when the fireplace isn't in use. And for the same reason, woodstove owners should have glass doors on their stoves, and keep them closed when the stove isn't in use.

8. Reverse that fan

"Reversing your ceiling fan is a small tip that people don't often think of," says Lipford. By reversing its direction from the summer operation, the fan will push warm air downward and force it to recirculate, keeping you more comfortable. (Here's how you know the fan is ready for winter: As you look up, the blades should be turning clockwise, says Lipford.)

9. Wrap those pipes

A burst pipe caused by a winter freeze is a nightmare. Prevent it before Jack Frost sets his grip: Before freezing nights hit, make certain that the water to your hose bibs is shut off inside your house (via a turnoff valve), and that the lines are drained, says Broili. In climes such as Portland, Ore., or Seattle, where freezing nights aren't commonplace, you can install Styrofoam cups with a screw attachment to help insulate spigots, says Broili.

Next, go looking for other pipes that aren't insulated, or that pass through unheated spaces -- pipes that run through crawlspaces, basements or garages. Wrap them with pre-molded foam rubber sleeves or fiberglass insulation, available at hardware stores. If you're really worried about a pipe freezing, you can first wrap it with heating tape, which is basically an electrical cord that emits heat.

10. Finally, check those alarms

This is a great time to check the operation -- and change the batteries -- on your home's smoke detectors. Detectors should be replaced every 10 years, fire officials say. Test them -- older ones in particular -- with a small bit of actual smoke, and not just by pressing the "test" button. Check to see that your fire extinguisher is still where it should be, and still works.

Also, invest in a carbon-monoxide detector; every home should have at least one.

Photo By: ManfromSun