Banks on the environmental bandwagon with mortgage incentives

The trend toward green living has finally caught the attention of the banking industry.

Banks have watched as consumers have made greener choices in everything from washing detergent and light bulbs to high-efficiency furnaces and solar energy panels. With consumers interested in greening their lives, most of Canada’s major banks have seen the opportunity to offer “green mortgages,” which offer home buyers a discounted interest rate and other incentives to buy more environmentally sensitive houses or perform upgrades aimed at lowering their environmental footprint.

“We made the decision (to offer green mortgages) to respond to that market,” says Katie Archdekin, head of mortgage products for BMO. “We wanted to encourage customers to make positive change and positive choices for the environment. We’ve had great response.”

Consumers, especially first-time buyers, are increasingly looking to green home upgrades to help the environment and lower the carrying costs of owning a new home.

According to surveys conducted by Leger Marketing, while Canadians are interested in lessening their impact on the environment, the decision to buy a “green home” is really being driven by saving cash. More than 59 per cent of respondents cite financial savings as the main reason for making eco-friendly upgrades and purchases.

The results are not surprising, considering more than 51 per cent of survey respondents say utility costs are the biggest surprise financially when it comes to owning a home. Having new windows, doors and a high-efficiency furnace can go a long way to help make those carrying costs more palatable, according to Leger, which found 92 per cent of Canadian respondents recognize the cost advantages of energy efficient home upgrades.

It also found nearly half of all home buyers plan to make investments in energy efficient upgrades in the next year, especially with the anticipated extension of the federal government’s ecoENERGY Retrofit program. The program allows Canadians to write off a portion of their green home renovations on their taxes.

The green trend isn’t just infecting resale home buyers. According to an EnerQuality Green Building survey released in November 2009, more than 40 per cent of Ontario home buyers are willing to pay up to $10,000 more for a new “green” home, or a home that is Energy Star certified. That number is almost double the 22 per cent of home buyers who were willing to spend that amount of money in 2008.

Farhaneh Haque, regional manager of Mobile Mortgage Specialists at TD Canada Trust, says that with the additional money buyers are willing to spend on green homes and upgrades, many have been inquiring about discounts and incentives from the banks to help them.

“Environment has become increasingly popular. A lot of politicians are talking about it, the general public is talking about it, there are a lot of home renovation projects that you see around or on TV that are talking about it, major suppliers of home appliances are talking about it. It’s become very evident in the market,” says Haque. “It just made a lot of sense to have a product that supports our clients’ motivations. It encourages clients to seek out home renovations and take part, or participate, in environmental initiatives. It encourages green behaviour.”

While almost all of Canada’s big banks are offering green mortgages, the loans aren’t open to just anyone. Buyers must qualify for the green loan by proving that the house they are buying meets certain green energy standards, or that they will be completing certain green upgrades to the home shortly after moving in. Incentives offered by the banks vary. Some will provide rebates equal to the cost of a home energy audit, which is around $300, and then a cashback incentive that can be used for green upgrades. Others offer discounts to posted mortgage rates.

Eco mortgages

With so many different “green” mortgage offerings out there, wading through the offers can be a daunting task. Below is a list of a few of the more popular offerings on tap:

RBC Energy Saver Mortgage

— Receive a $300 rebate on a home energy audit

— Get a five-year, fixed mortgage with an annual interest rate of 4.34 per cent, more than one per cent lower than the regular posted five-year offering.

TD Canada Trust Green Mortgage

— Offers customers one per cent off the posted interest rate on a five-year, fixed-rate mortgage

— Customers also receive a cash rebate of up to one per cent of the amount of the mortgage when home buyers make Energy Star qualified appliance purchases and home upgrades or purchase CSA approved solar panels

— TD will also donate $100 to the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation charity for each Green Mortgage opened.

BMO Eco Smart Mortgage

— Offers buyers of green properties a 3.89-per-cent annual interest rate on their mortgage

— In order to qualify for the BMO Eco Smart Mortgage, the home must meet certain requirements as confirmed by a third party appraiser (or energy auditor) arranged by BMO.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) incentive

— If a person uses CMHC insured financing to buy an energy-efficient home or purchases a house and makes energy-saving renovations to make it more energy efficient, a 10 per cent refund on the mortgage loan insurance premium may be available.
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

STEVE JOBS 1955 - 2011

MY HEART IS GIVING HIM A STANDING OVATION.



Steve Jobs is undeniably an extraordinary man by any standard. He has left his mark on no less than five industries: personal computers with Apple II and Macintosh, music with iPod and iTunes, phone with iPhone, and animation with Pixar. The middle-class hippie kid with no college education that he was built a computer empire and became a multi-millionaire in a few years, was fired from his own company before coming back a decade later to save it and turn it into one of the world’s most influential corporations, with millions of fans around the world. He has also contributed to the creation of the new leader in animated movies for decades to come. He has been called a fluke for years, but is now widely acknowledged as one the world’s most eminent business executives and an unrivaled visionary. He has changed millions of lives by making technology easy-to-use, exciting and beautiful.… And you know what the best part is? He’s not done yet.


http://www.ted.com/talks/steve_jobs_how_to_live_before_you_die.html

20 LOW COST WAYS TO SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME

Make your home more appealing for yourself and for potential buyers with these quick and easy tips:
- Trim bushes so they don't block windows reducing light.
- Buy a new doormat.
- Put a pot of bright flowers (or a small evergreen in winter) on your porch.
- Put new doorknobs on your front door.
- Put a fresh coating on your driveway.
- Edge the grass around walks and trees.
- Keep your garden tools out of site.
- Be sure kids put away their toys.
- Buy a new mailbox.
- Upgrade your outside lighting.
- Use warm, incandescent light bulbs for a homey feel.
- Polish or replace your house numbers.
- Clean your gutters.
- Put out potpourri or burn scented candles.
- Buy new pillows for the sofa.
- Buy a flowering plant and put it in a window you pass by frequently.
- Make a centerpiece for your table with fruit or artificial flowers.
- Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light.
- Buy new towels.
- Put a seasonal wreath on the door.

CLOSING COST FOR A PURCHASER

CLOSING COSTS TO PURCHASER

Deposit cheque with your offer to purchase, which becomes part of the down payment (if applicable).

Notaries’ fees of approximately $950 plus summary costs plus all applicable taxes; GST & PST.

Adjustment of school taxes (July to June).

Adjustment of municipal taxes (January to December).

Oil costs if applicable (One full tank approx. 909 liters at current rates).

Transfer tax: 0.5% on first $50,000, 1% on the difference from $50,000 to $250,000 and 1.5% on the difference over $250,000. Tax is based on the sale price or evaluation and is payable six weeks after signing.

Appraisal and Application fee for mortgage, which normally does not exceed $250 plus all applicable taxes, GST & QST. Banks usually waive this fee.

Building Inspection, if requested, which normally does not exceed $450, plus all applicable taxes, GST & QST, for written report.

C.M.H.C. premium for high ratio mortgage .5% to 4.25% of face value plus 9% tax on the premium. C.M.H.C. charge for opening of a file is approx. $235.

Property insurance is mandatory and proof will be required before the signing.

If the purchased property is a condominium, the purchaser will have monthly condo fees to pay and might have an adjustment for reserved fund at closing.

Paul and Diane's Top Ten Reasons For Using An Agent

Paul & Diane’s Top Ten reasons for using an agent

1. Your agent knows neighbourhood real estate values.
2. Your agent will establish an effective marketing strategy.
3. Your agent will take care of the many tasks involved in selling a house.
4. Your agent is an expert in the home selling process.
5. Your agent is an experienced negotiator.
6. Your agent has access to all of the latest marketing tools.
7. Your agent can make important recommendations.
8. Your agent understands that your home is potentially your largest asset.
9. Your agent will steer you clear of the many potential pitfalls & problems.
10. Your Royal LePage agent has the support of a national firm and a network of contacts and expertise.

HOME MAINTENANCE CALENDAR

HOME MAINTENENCE CALENDAR

JANUARY

- Heating system Inspect.
- Clean Filters

FEBRUARY

- Garage door Adjust and lubricate.
- Heating sys Inspect.
- Filters Clean.
- Floor drains Fill with water to prevent odors.
- Breakers Inspect and check for proper operation.
- Vacuum sys Inspect filtration system and empty bag.

MARCH

- Ext. vents Inspect and lubricate.
- Heating sys Inspect.
- Filters Clean.
- Sump pump Inspect and clean.
- Drain wells Clean.
- Windows & Door Inspect and clean.

APRIL

- Caulking Inspect and re-caulk if necessary.
- Landscaping Spring preparation.
- Gutters Clean and inspect.
- Roofing Inspect roofing and joints.
- Ext. faucets Re-open water flow.
- Lawnmower Perform spring tune-up
- Lawn furniture General inspection. Verify kids corner.
- Heating system Inspect.
- Air conditioning Inspect and clean.
- Filters Clean.
- Drain wells Clean.
- Outlets Verify functioning of electrical outlets.
- Basement Inspect for cracks and leaks.
- Tile joints Check joints and sealant
- Fire safety Inspect and test.

MAY

- Sheds Inspect.
- Fencing Inspect general state.
- Ext. siding General inspection
- Sidewalks Inspect for cracks and movement
- Windows Install window screens.
- Windows Wash windowpanes.
- Dehumidifier Dehumidifier startup.
- Filters Clean.
- Drain wells Clean.
- Floor drains Fill with water.
- Attic Inspect and provide proper ventilation.
- Structural Inspect structural components
- Central Vacuum Inspect filtration system and empty bag.

JUNE

- Foundation Check exterior foundation walls.
- Balconies Check level and proper maintenance.
- Ventilator Seasonal shutdown.
- Filters Clean.
- Drain wells Clean.
- Basement Provide proper ventilation.
- Carpeting Seasonal cleaning.

JULY

- Filters Clean.
- Water heater Check safety valve and drain tank.
- Septic tank Check level of tank.
- Drain wells Clean.
- Basement Provide proper ventilation.
- Refrigerator Defrost.
- Washer Check water faucets and filters.
- Dryer Clean filter and exhaust vent.

AUGUST
- Filters Clean.
- Heating oil Negotiate supply contract.
- Drain wells Clean.
- Floor drains Fill with water to avoid odors.
- Breakers Verify proper functioning.
- Windows doors Inspect and clean.
- Basement Provide proper ventilation.
- Vacuum System Inspect filtration system and empty bag.

SEPTEMBER

- Garage door Adjust and lubricate.
- Ext. sliding General inspection.
- Air conditioning Winter shutdown.
- Ventilator Seasonal startup. General Inspection.
- Filters Clean.
- Sump pump Inspect and clean.
- Drain wells Clean.
- Fireplace Complete inspection and cleaning.
- Weather strips Check fit and repair.

OCTOBER

- Caulking Inspect and re-caulk if necessary.
- Landscaping Prepare for winter.
- Gutters Clean and inspect.
- Roofing Inspect roofing and joints.
- Lawn furniture Winterize.
- Snow removal Negotiate contract.
- Windows Remove screens and brush clean.
- Windows Wash window panes.
- Heating sys Inspection and cleaning.
- Filters Clean.
- Heat vents Clean.
- Heating wood Purchase. Do not store in basement.
- Plumbing Complete inspection.
- Drain wells Clean.
- Tile joints Apply silicone sealant.
- Fire safety Inspect and test.

NOVEMBER

- Ext. vents Inspect and lubricate.
- Ext. faucets Turn off water flow to faucets.
- Heating sys Inspect.
- Dehumidifier Dehumidifier seasonal shutoff.
- Humidifier Inspect and clean.
- Filters Clean.
- Floor drains Fill with water to avoid odors.
- Attic Inspect and provide proper ventilation.
- Vacuum system Inspect filtration system and empty bag.

DECEMBER

- Heating sys Inspect.
- Filters Clean.
- Water heater Check safety valve.
- Carpeting Seasonal cleaning.
- Kitchen Clean and adjust cupboard doors.

From beans to zucchini, it's harvest time.....

Serve beans in oil and vinegar dressing, use zucchini in baked goods

By Helen Chesnut, Victoria Times Colonist

So abruptly the season changed. I'm swimming in the ocean under hot sunshine on Monday and donning sweaters while assessing the firewood supply the next day.

At the same time last week, familiar markers popped out of the ground to signal the transition from summer. The first colchicums began to bloom. Like crocuses on steroids, their outsized flowers greet the shift in weather with cheerful aplomb.

Fall has now officially begun. For me, the season has always felt like a fresh start as I eagerly anticipate the Great Outdoor Cleaning Project.

But first, because of the late growing season this year, harvesting remains an almost full-time occupation. The prune plums, usually picked late August and early September, have been slow to ripen.

Late summer apples require processing, and from speaking with and hearing from other gardeners, many of us are awash in beans.

I've been more than pleased with the heritage Lazy Housewife pole beans, tender and buttery, and Emerite, a French filet pole bean, has delivered its usual fine harvest.

The bush beans have provided more good, colourful eating.

Velour is a tasty purple filet bean, Thibodeau du Compte Beauce is a lovely purple-streaked green bean. Capitano is a broad, flat, Romano bean in bright yellow, and Alicante, a longtime favourite gourmet French bean, continues bearing slim, delicately flavoured pods.

Combining the lightly steamed, cut beans with red peppers and onion in a honey-sweetened oil and vinegar dressing is a fast and easy way to use beans.

Leftovers in the fridge are handy, too.

Then there's the issue of dealing with ever so slightly overgrown zucchini.

To save freezer space, I've been grating some to lightly steam, cool, package and freeze.

I've grated more to use in two recipes I recently found in an old cook book. One is a herb cornbread, another a wonderfully moist chocolate cake.

To make the chocolate cake, first melt four ounces unsweetened chocolate and 1/2 cup oil in a small saucepan over hot water.

Cream 1/2 cup room-temperature butter, add 1 1/4 cups sugar, three eggs, and one tablespoon vanilla. Beat well and add the melted chocolate and oil.

Mix together two cups all-purpose, unbleached flour with 1/3 cup cocoa, two teaspoons each baking soda and baking powder, and one teaspoon salt.

Stir into the batter along with 1/3 cup buttermilk (or sour cream). Add three cups coarsely grated zucchini and 1/2 cup chopped nuts.

Bake in oiled bundt pan for 40 minutes at 350 F, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Ice with cream cheese frosting or, my personal, easy favourite, whipped cream, plain or with a little chocolate sauce added.
© Copyright (c) The Victoria Times Colonist

Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour - Dazzling Show

How do you stage a Michael Jackson show without Michael Jackson? With high energy dancing and acrobatics, plenty of razzle dazzle, tons of ingenuity and lots of carefully selected video clips of Jackson himself.

That seems to be more or less the recipe adhered to by the Cirque du Soleil in creating Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour which had its world premiere at the Belle Centre last night (Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011). It plays here again tonight before moving on to Ottawa, then to about 60 other North American cities.

This $60 million arena show that sold $40 million worth of tickets within 24 hours when it was first announced, is not like anything the Cirque has done before, although its genre is similar to that of Viva ELVIS and LOVE (the Beatles show) in Las Vegas.

This MJ show has circus acts, but it’s not a circus. Nor is it a rock concert or dance show, exactly, either. Insofar as people are expecting any one of the above, they may feel a bit shortchanged. But if they go with the performance art flow of it all, they are not likely to be bored.

This is a dazzling, fast-pace spectacle for people with short attention spans, flitting from one song to the next, seldom settling down with one for a whole number. All is deftly rearranged, using live music and Jackson’s recorded voice. The audience is overwhelmed with images, some of them on screens, others created through maniupulation of quirky props, like a mega-sized white glove, a huge Jackson hat that conceals several dancers or a pair of giant shoes and socks, with dancers inside.

There’s no real attempt to tell Jackson’s life story, but it does begin with a five-clown band, evoking the Jackson Five. (Not the most successful idea in the show, given their moves aren’t nearly as slick as the originals and their bad afro wigs don’t become them well.)

The show offers a fairly comprehensive sampling of Jackson’s better-known songs. Early on, there’s a poignant rendition of Have You Seen My Childhood? Some songs, like Dancing Machine and Black or White, get more of a workout than others. Fantasies of Neverland come alive, one after another, sometimes at very high volume. There’s quiet time, too, with Jackson speaking his own lyrics.

A solo dancer/acrobat in sparkling white does mime shtick that reminds us where the moonwalk came from. He returns again and again throughout the show, at one point doing a series of startling backwards cartwheels. (Do not try this at home.) Aerial acts are used frequently to conquerthe cavernous space of the Bell Centre. A single contortionist worms her way out of a giant book, in one clevelry staged scene.

Unlike most Cirque shows, this one, directed by Jamie King, is prepared to do a couple of encores. And on Sunday night it was clear that 15,000 people wanted more. And more.

*Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour premiered at the Bell Centre on Sunday. It will return March 20, 21 and 22 and July 6-7, 2012. Tickets from $50 to $250.: www.evenko.ca or 514-790-2525 or 1-877-668-8269. Next stop is Ottawa, on Oct. 7-8, 2011.

Canadian housing market growing in face of economy jitters

OTTAWA — Canada’s housing market “remains a notable out-performer” in comparison to other countries, where renewed doubts about the strength of the global economy are weakening an already fragile real-estate scene, says a report released Tuesday.

The Bank of Nova Scotia said in an assessment of the global housing market that high unemployment, concerns over the financial health of some European governments, signs the global economic recovery is slowing down and recent stock-market volatility are burdening residential real-estate markets around the world.
For many people, saving money and repaying debt have become bigger priorities than making major purchases, such as homes, the report said.

“We expect global housing demand to remain moribund until the global economic recovery gets back on a firmer footing and some financial market stability returns,” said Adrienne Warren, senior economist with Scotia Economics.

Canada is one of just three of the nine developed countries assessed that saw year-to-year price growth, adjusted for inflation, in its housing market in this year’s second quarter. There was five per cent price growth, on average, in the April-to-June period.

“Ultra-low interest rates will continue to support affordability in the face of record high prices,” Ms. Warren said of Canada. “Nonetheless, heightened economic uncertainty, combined with recent signs of a loss of momentum in Canada’s jobs market, could keep some potential buyers on the sidelines for the time being.

“On balance, we anticipate a modest slowdown in the volume of sales transactions heading into year end, alongside relatively flat prices.”

Posted in: Economy, Investing, Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate Tags: Bank of Nova Scotia, Canada housing market, global economy, housing, real estate

191 CAMERON, HUDSON - O/HOUSE

191 Cameron, Hudson
Open House on Sunday, October 4th. 2-4
This quality built cottage is waiting for you....it has open concept living room/dining room/kitchen plus a finished playroom. Builder, Richard Chicoine is known for his quality construction and high end finishing. Look no further...this is the house for you!

Sweet dessert a must for Jewish New Year table

MARK ROSH HASHANAH WITH HONEY CAKE!
In the Jewish religion and tradition, no dish symbolizes the beginning of the New Year (Rosh Hashanah) more than honey cake.

Rosh Hashanah, which begins on the evening of Sept. 28, signifies the Day of Judgment, when Jews examine their thoughts and deeds and pray that God will remember them favourably. Through prayer, charity and repentance, man’s sins will hopefully be forgiven, and they will be inscribed in the Book of Life.

Jews celebrate what will hopefully be a "sweet" New Year — thus the importance of honey as an ingredient. People for generations have been baking honey cakes as an integral part of the holiday meal.

Every chef has his or her secret ingredient such Coca-Cola, steeped tea or coffee. Below are two takes on this must-have for the Rosh Hashanah dessert table.

Honey cake improves with age — so bake ahead and freeze.

RECIPES

Yummy Yomtov Honey Cake

1/2 cup (125 mL) raisins

1 teaspoon (5 mL) flour

1 cup (250 mL) sugar

1 1/2 cups (375 mL) flour

1 teaspoon (5 mL) baking powder

1 teaspoon (5 mL) baking soda

1 teaspoon (5 mL) cinnamon

1/2 cup (125 mL) oil

2 small jars baby food carrots

2 eggs

2 tablespoons (25 mL) honey

1. Put raisins in water to plump. Drain and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon (5 mL) flour.

2. In a large bowl sift remaining dry ingredients.

3. In another bowl blend wet ingredients.

4. Combine dry and wet ingredients and then add raisins. Mix well.

5. Pour into greased 5-by 9-inch (13-by 23-cm) loaf pan. Set oven to 350°F (175°C).

6. Bake 50 minutes. Cool then wrap in foil and refrigerate.

---

Traditional Honey Cake

3/4 cup (175 mL) oil

1 cup (250 mL) sugar

4 eggs, separated

1 cup (250 mL) honey

2 3/4 cups (625 mL) flour

2 teaspoons (10 mL) baking powder

1 teaspoon (5 mL) each: cinnamon and nutmeg

Pinch of salt

1 teaspoon (5 mL) baking soda

1/2 cup (125 mL) cooled strong coffee

1/3 cup (75 mL) orange juice

2 tablespoons (25 mL) Triple Sec

(orange liqueur)

1/2 cup (125 mL) slivered almonds

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. Cream the oil, sugar, and egg yolks. Add honey.

3. Sift flour, baking powder, nutmeg cinnamon and salt together.

4. Dissolve baking soda in coffee. Combine coffee mixture, orange juice and Triple Sec.

5. Add dry ingredients to egg mixture alternately with coffee and orange juice mixture.

6. Beat egg whites till soft peaks form and fold into batter. Pour into a greased 9-by 13-inch pan (23-by 33-cm) or two 5-by 9-inch (13-by 23-cm) loaf pans. Sprinkle almonds on top and bake for 50 minutes.

Source: adapted from the book I Can't Believe it's Kosher.
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/life/Mark+Rosh+Hashanah+with+honey+cake/5459629/story.html#ixzz1ZLzAO8m5

Take your best shot at photo walk in Hudson

Calling all shutterbugs: The 4th annual Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk comes to town Saturday, Oct. 1. Several walks are scheduled to take place in the Montreal area, including one in Hudson.

Last year, more than 30,000 photographers participated in photo walks in more than 1,000 different locations on the planet, taking close to 6 million images in the one-day event celebrating photography. The walk's founder, Scott Kelby, is a photographer and author of numerous books on photography and on Photoshop techniques.

Jennifer Frezza, a Hudsonbased professional photographer, will be leading the photo walk event in Hudson, offering camera tips along the way. Other photo walks are scheduled for Montreal's Botanical Gardens and Beaver Lake on Mount Royal.

"It's all about perspective," said the 39-year-old Frezza. "You and I can stand in the exact same spot and take two very different photographs."

That's the beauty of photography, she said. An empty children's swing set can look "lonely" and "forlorn" if shot with a wide-angle lens that captures a broad image. But the same swing set can also appear "loved and well-used" if the photographer takes a close-up and focuses on the swing's well-worn chain or seat.

"It really sparks the creativity," she said of the group shoot, which this year will run from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and allow photographers to capture both small town Quebec life and nature.

Last year, 10 photographers joined the Hudson walk. This year, 15 people have already signed up for the event, which is free and open to photographers of all levels, including children 10 and older so long as they are accompanied by an adult.

At the end of the walk, Frezza said, each participant submits his or her best shot, including edited and Photoshopped images. For each walk, a winning photo is chosen and the photographer is awarded a prize.

For this year's walk, Oct. 1, participants will gather at 4 p.m. at the Hudson Community Centre parking lot, 394 Main Rd.

The walk will proceed along Main Rd. to Sandy Beach Nature Park Trail on the Ottawa River.

For more information or to sign up go to worldwidephotowalk.com/locations.
© Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette