summer-recipes-hummus-imageNothing says summer better than a backyard party with tons of food, friends and outdoor fun. For your next bash, why not incorporate recipes featuring locally grown produce and meats? For example, residents of Sudbury can celebrate all summer long with homegrown, organic and farm-fresh produce. The annual Sudbury Blueberry Festival puts the spotlight on blueberries, but throughout the season you can find plump, juicy strawberries; organic chickpeas; pastured pork; and hand-picked herbs and greens like cilantro, baby spinach, kale, and garlic. Sounds yummy right? The following summer recipes are sure to make your backyard party a family and friends favourite.  

Homemade Hummus with Garlic Toasted Pita Chips

Before firing up the grill, make a…

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things-to-know-before-you-buy-a-home-green-mainSo you have decided to buy a home, and you have identified one that you love and you want to make an offer. You need to prepare yourself for the task ahead. The way you prepare yourself will make the process either a success or a failure. Here are three things to know before you buy a home and jump into the fray.

Determine What You Can Afford

You need to understand the home you can afford. The first thing to do is to determine your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, which is the ratio of your expenses to what you earn at the end of every month. The aim is to help you understand how much you can pay in terms of monthly mortgage payments and remain with enough cash to survive on. Most lenders require you to have a DTI of less than 50%. Lenders understand how…

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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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ideas-to-clean-your-home-faster-titleVery few people love to clean, but we all have to do it sometimes or risk being the subject of an intervention on television. However, with a few tools, some reliable cleaners, and a competitive urge to improve your personal time, cleaning can become very satisfying... and almost fun.

Keep Up With a Few Daily Tasks

A little bit each day really helps. Things like making the beds, putting laundry and toys away. Wash the dishes and take out trash and recycling. Sweep something each day. You don't have to sweep all the floors everyday, but pick one each day.

Set Up a Schedule for Heavy Cleaning

If someone is at home during the week, an old-fashioned housekeeping schedule might work with Monday designated for washing and Tuesday devoted to…

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home-insurance-homework-formWhen you purchase a new home, you will typically need to purchase a homeowner's insurance policy. Mortgage lenders require you to purchase home insurance as a requirement with your loan, and you'll need to maintain minimum coverage for the life of your loan. Even if you own your home free and clear, you'll want to maintain a home insurance policy. This is coverage that can be used to repair or replace your home in the event it is damaged or completely destroyed. Before you make your purchase, you should do your homework to ensure that a) you get the best deal on your coverage and b) you buy a policy that is best suited for your needs.

Understand Your Options

There are many options to consider when you purchase homeowner's insurance. For example,…

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keeping-your-home-safe-locking-doorYou've done it. You're living the good life in an Ontario home of your own. Since you've worked hard to obtain a house, you deserve a well-planned vacation. Planning your time away means choosing a vacation spot, getting time off approval from your employer, and just leaving. Let's see how to make sure that you don't come home to unexpected and unpleasant circumstances. In other words, protect your investment and your state of mind by following some simple tips about safeguarding your home while you're away.

Sharing is Caring, But Use Caution

It's natural to want to share your plans with your friends via social media, but let's think a moment. The internet is casual and all-revealing. Unless your filters eliminate nearly everyone, unfriendly eyes…

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energy-saving-ideas-cooling-unit-imageSaving energy on necessities means more money for luxuries. However, many people believe that expenses that are malleable are somehow set in stone. This is far from the truth! Here are seven ideas that can save you energy and bolster your bank account to redirect into luxuries or the other niceties of living.

Lower the Reading on Your Thermostat by a Few Degrees

There is a reason your thermostat is so easy to reach - it is meant to be used! However, instead of using it to simulate a sauna or a personal ventilation system, you can use it to maintain a constant temperature of convenience and use less energy when you’re not in need of it.

When you’re not at home, you aren’t affected one bit by the temperature inside. Turn the thermostat down to…

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