We Tied The Knot
  
At the age of 66 I finally made it to the point in my life where I was able to make a lifetime commitment. Caroline and I were married on September 6, 2024 in a beautiful wedding venue with 125 friends and family.
As if it wasn't enough to plan a big wedding less than a year after finishing the building of our home. We decided to have a barbeque for our guests the day after so burgers and hot dogs for another 60 people. Some might say we were crazy but in the 60 days leading up to the wedding we completed the interlock patio at the front of the house, an interlock patio under the deck facing the river. A huge set of stairs down to the river, and another 20' X 14' patio in the back yard along with another bedroom, bathroom and my office in the basement.
Subject to an Air Canada strike next week we will be off to Greece for the honeymoon.
How To Save of Dollars Off Your Mortgage Without Increasing Your Payment
I'm excited to announce our team has partnered with Breaking Bank, Canada's newest finance & real estate blog! This partnership will allow us to bring you the latest real estate tactics and financial strategies, designed to help homeowners & investors get ahead financially.
Each month, we will share a new strategy to help you reduce your interest costs, save on tax, qualify to buy more home, and expand your portfolio.
The Cascade Mortgage Strategy
This month, we're introducing the Cascade Mortgage Strategy, which could potentially save the average homeowner $10k-$20k over the next few years. What's even cooler, is this strategy doesn't require you to increase your mortgage payment to get the benefit.
You can enjoy the security and peace of mind of a fixed rate mortgage, while taking advantage of rates as they decline.
Click here to access the guide: https://guides.breakingbank.media/cascadestrategy/?ref=jcharb
You'll learn exactly how the Cascade Strategy works, including a comprehensive case study and step-by-step instructions on how you can implement this for yourself.
Let me know what you think once you've checked it out ;)
Get Set For Winter With This HVAC Checklist
Weather extremes are putting more pressure on homeowners’ heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in keeping homes cool during the summer and warm in the winter. That's one reason it's more important than ever to keep up your HVAC maintenance. But that's not always top of mind for homeowners.
The HVAC often runs in the background, which means you likely don’t give it much thought — until it breaks down, that is. And that can happen at the worst times. Forty-two percent of homeowners say they’ve experienced HVAC system issues during heat waves, according to a new survey. A failing HVAC system during a scorching summer can lead to discomfort, costly utility repairs, and even health risks for more vulnerable populations.
But many costly HVAC disasters can likely be prevented. For example, fewer than half of homeowners, 47%, say they’ve had HVAC servicing within the last year. Yet, experts advise annual HVAC servicing to avoid expensive repairs. Even fewer homeowners, 32%, say they’ve done basic cleaning and HVAC maintenance to help prevent heat-related home damage, according to a recent survey.
HVAC Maintenance Checklist
To be fair, many homeowners may not be sure what to do. Refer to this checklist regularly to make sure you’re doing 10 activities that will keep your HVAC humming.
Change filters regularly. Swap them out every 30 to 90 days
Clean air vents and registers. Use a brush to clear dust and dirt at the top of the registers and the bottom of vents or use a vacuum cleaner.
Keep outdoor units clear of debris. Make sure the area around your HVAC unit is free of overgrown plantings, leaves, and dirt.
Seal drafts. Weather strip doors and caulk around windows to keep your HVAC from overworking.
Examine exposed ductwork. Seal any holes or leaks with duct sealant or metal-backed tape
Monitor your thermostat. Consider a programmable thermostat to increase your system’s efficiency and avoid overrunning it
Check the flame. Natural gas furnaces should have a crisp, blue flame; if not, call an HVAC tech immediately
Clean the drain line. Flushing it out regularly will help avoid clogs
Check carbon monoxide detectors. Test monitors monthly. Replace batteries annually
Schedule a professional checkup. Have units inspected at least yearly.
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