save-money-on-your-next-home-luxury-houseIt's likely your home will be the most expensive thing you'll have to buy, but that doesn't mean there aren't ways to ease the burden for your wallet. By taking a few extra steps of preparation, you'll have the tools needed to save money on your next home purchase. 

Know What You Want - Do Your Homework

You don't want to waste time with a home that doesn't have what you need, so start with your must-haves and deal-breakers. In real estate, a value item is one that adds property value. You might have your own personal preferences that add extra personal value, such as heated floors, but don't necessarily add property value. Still, if it's something you want, add it to the list for the time being.

You'll need to do some homework on the market as…

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fail-a-home-inspection-inspectorThe point of a home inspection is to uncover any issues that the home may have. Obviously, it's very important for both a home’s seller and prospective buyer that the property pass the inspection. Passing means no serious issues have been discovered. A house inspection is simply a visual evaluation of its condition. Think of it as being similar to an annual checkup. A failed inspection is kind of like uncovering something bad during your physical. Just like your doctor, the inspector will point out all the things that need to be repaired or replaced.

What is Covered in an Inspector's Report?

This will vary depending on the inspector; however, most inspection reports will tell you about the condition of the following areas:

  • The heating and…

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signs-ready-to-buy-a-house-textOne of the most common goals for most people is purchasing a house, whether it's your first family home or it's an investment. Although it makes for a wise investment, there is plenty of planning involved before finding the right house. From saving for the down payment to maintaining a strong credit score, there are a few signs that will show you that you're ready to buy a house and can manage the overall cost.

You Know What You Can Afford

To ensure you'll be able to afford the property you're eyeing and can maintain its condition, it's important to first calculate what you can afford before making an offer. Instead of only calculating the mortgage payment, you'll also need to factor in repairs that are needed, utilities, homeowner's insurance, HOA…

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great-sudbury-neighbourhoods-skaterSudbury is full of wonderful communities, and we love to talk about them. Here are five more neighbourhoods in Sudbury that make for ideal places to live and raise a family in. They anchor different parts of the city and offer many positive aspects of family life as well as community activities for all ages.   

Minnow Lake

This area surrounds a lake and is just about the geographical centre of Greater Sudbury. That's right, a lake in the middle of the city! It has more public shoreline than any other area lake. Minnow Lake has an extensive website for interested readers.

Two community centres, tennis courts, two ball fields and an arena are right on the lake as well as other outdoor activity lots, including a skateboard park. There are a…

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basement-decor-mistakes-imageThere are so many options for turning a basement space into something more desirable, but sometimes it can feel like too much! Here are some ideas about what not to do instead.

The First Thing Not to Do

"Neutral" is a favourite colour of redone basements because there is less natural light. You don't have to be afraid of colour when you put good lighting into the new space. Bright colours often make a room seem lighter at times, and if it improves your mood, win-win.

Flooring - Help!

Carpeting is warm and soft in a downstairs room, and it adds colour or retains a neutral palette. It still might be a no-no. Consider these uses for your basement:

  • Crafts and painting
  • Food and drink
  • Romping children
  • Planting soil

Hardwood…

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things-to-do-in-sudbury-science-northSudbury is known far and wide for the iconic Big Nickel and the Superstack that are reminiscent of the copper and nickel mining industries that thrived in the area for decades. In fact, it is estimated that there are 5,000 kilometres of mining tunnels beneath the community that were created from days gone by. Being the largest city in Northern Ontario, the city enjoys a diverse population and amenities similarly found in other large urban areas. It also offers a variety of unique points of interest that remain popular with many all year round, which means there are many things to do in Sudbury. Check out these four we found for you.

Science North

The facility remains Ontario's most visited attraction and serves as a fascinating educational resource…

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growing-your-own-herb-garden-potted-plantsEven in the dead of winter, nothing satisfies the soul and the stomach more than a nice hot meal seasoned with a mix of herbs grown in your own garden. Whether it's a simple bowl of tomato soup with basil and a grilled cheese sandwich or a complex stew, a mix of herbs can turn basic food into a gastronomic delight. Unfortunately, many people especially in northern climates are reluctant to grow herbs because of the short growing season and the harsh winter that punishes almost all plants. That leaves them at the mercy of the grocery store for the flavour of herbs which are frequently the most expensive items on a per pound basis.

On the bright side, herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow either in containers or in the garden and can provide you…

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real-estate-apps-phone-imageIf you are searching for a new home in the Sudbury, Ontario area, you will certainly have your work cut out for you. There is so much a home buyer has to consider, from the location and what is around the neighbourhood, the price of the property, the overall condition of the new home and even smaller details such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you want. Of course, finding the right real estate firm is of utmost importance as well. Because everything is done while on the go these days, there are a few real estate apps that should prove extremely helpful in your quest to find the perfect new home.

Chris Penny

Chris Penny is a free app that specifically helps you to either sell or buy a home in Sudbury. It allows you to take a look at real…

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sudbury-events-for-july-2015-childrenJuly is Sudbury's hottest month, and it's not just the thermometers that get excited! Summer is in full swing, with families and singles getting out and about to enjoy everything our great city has to offer. Here's a selection of some great events that are happening in July:

Lunch On A Lake Concert

July 3

Get the month started with a relaxing free show at the Vale Living With Lakes Centre. Jamie Dupuis will play the guitar from 12:00 - 1:00 pm while you survey the calming waters and tuck into your lunch. This is a picnic-style event where you're responsible for your own food - bring something tasty! Centre staff recommend parking in Parking Lot 15 off South Bay Road.

To read the rest of this article, see the latest issue of Living in Sudbury…

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decorating-on-a-budget-master-bedroomBuying a house is the first step in owning a home; they aren't the same thing. The process of creating a home that reflects your tastes and life circumstances never fully ends, but you should try to put as much effort as possible into the first big phase of purchasing furniture and arranging decor. It's easy to assume this will be a casual process that will fall into place on its own, but this mentality results in homes that look unfinished and don't have a cohesive decor. One thing that stops people from quickly getting things into place is a lack of expendable money, especially when it comes to the rooms that aren't often seen by other people. 

The master bedroom shouldn't be neglected just because it is rarely seen by anyone besides the people who…

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