All Blog Entries by Dave Kotler

Found 198 blog entries published by Dave Kotler.

Tips for Resolving Home Roofing ProblemsHome roofing damage can present many concerns, and some are far more serious than others. However, resolving home roofing problems immediately is often essential to protecting the structural soundness of the home in addition to interior spaces, as well as helping to sell the home. Here are some common issues and a few roof damage tips to get homeowners started.

Missing or Damaged Shingles

Missing, torn, or broken shingles are typically obvious upon a quick visual inspection. However, some other types of shingle damage may require a more keep eye to detect. Both asphalt and wood shingles eventually wear down due to natural forces such as hail, wind damage, and falling debris. Signs can include balding asphalt shingles and residual granule

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Replacing Your Siding? Check Out These 4 Must-See OptionsHomes have many different parts: the roof, appliances, walls and siding. And in today's homes, new building technologies are also playing a larger role. However, one important part of a home is its siding. No matter how well a home is built or how durable the materials, parts will need to be replaced eventually, and a home's siding is no exception.

When a home's siding begins to break down, it can allow a lot of damage to the home's structure by weather and insects, so it's important for homeowners to make sure that it's ready to stand up to the elements to protect the home. When it comes time to replace the siding, there are quite a few different materials that homeowners can choose from that all have their advantages and disadvantages. Here are

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What Sellers Need to Know About a Buyer's MarketWhen a real estate market is flooded with homes, buyers can afford to be choosey. Sellers, however, may see themselves at a disadvantage in a buyer's market because buyers can choose from more available properties and are more likely to include contingencies within a contract. However, it is not necessarily a bad time to sell a home if it is a buyer's market. Sellers simply need to know what to expect from potential buyers and understand how to navigate the market when selling a home.

Learn more about selling a home in a buyer's market today.

What Is a Buyer's Market?

In a buyer's market, there is more supply of houses than demand. Because of this, home buyers can choose to be more selective about the homes they purchase, which puts sellers in

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5 Home Security System TipsEnsuring the security of one's Canadian home is an important goal for homeowners, whether they're caring for a vacation home or their primary residence. It can be difficult to choose between all the options available, though. Security systems can be wired or wireless and range from cameras to alarms. These tips help people determine which home security system will be right for them.

Make a List of Needs

Home security systems offer a variety of protections available for homeowners. People will have an easier time sorting through what is possible if they first create a list of what they expect from a home security system. Homeowners should walk through their day and identify moments when they need security most, including:

  • travel
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Should I Buy a Home with a Septic System?Homes with a septic system in Canada are actually better for the environment because there's less risk of raw sewage seeping into the environment. However, septic systems also come with specific responsibilities for the homeowners that they should know before going any further. For those considering buying a home with an older septic system, keep these tips in mind before putting in an offer.

Septic System Requirements

Canadian homeowners are required to follow the building codes laid out by their neighbourhood. These regulations may vary from block to block, but buyers should think about the following:

  • State of the system: A septic system will last for about 25 years. The homeowners should know the condition of the system, especially if
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What it's Like to Live in Peachland

Life is sweet in Peachland! Nestled on the serene west coast of Okanagan Lake just over 20 kilometres southwest of West Kelowna, this charming small town of approximately 5,500 residents features a laid-back lifestyle and a convenient location that's well-connected to the rest of the region. The town—one of the best communities in the Okanagan Valley—boasts four beautiful seasons that make outdoor recreation a year-round way of life. From boating to golfing to skiing, the ample outside fun makes Peachland the perfect place for a full-time residence or a quiet vacation hideaway in the Okanagan Valley. Come see for yourself why people love living in Peachland!

10 Reasons to Move to Peachland

  • Stunning Lake Views: Residing in Peachland means being
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Best Walking and Jogging Trails in the Okanagan Valley

Experience the unspoiled grandeur of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley from a new perspective. The Okanagan Valley's best hiking and biking trails are much more than mere escapes from the everyday—they're nature's gallery, set against a backdrop of vineyards, orchards, mountains, and sparkling lakes. They plentiful places you can go hiking near Kelowna are just a small part of the region's outdoors. From rugged mountain peaks to tranquil lakeside paths, the Okanagan Valley beckons explorers to immerse themselves in its stunning vistas and diverse ecosystems.

Little White Mountain

Little White Mountain is a challenging hike that should only be attempted by experienced hikers. It includes a significant elevation change, and hikers should plan for

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The Future Is Now: Virtual Reality Creates Home-Buying ExcitementWhether you fully embrace technology or would favour a return to more traditional home-selling strategies, there is no doubt that high-tech improvements have impacted real estate marketing.

While a virtual tour may not ever fully replace an actual property visit, it represents a dynamic way for buyers to preview properties of interest without spending undue time, effort or dollars on actual travel. The benefits stretch to real estate agents and sellers, however, as well as to buyers. Professional photography has long been recommended to boost the chances of a quick sale; then came virtual tours, a kind of moving picture that highlighted home features. Now virtual reality tours take it a step further, and an increasing number of real estate

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4 Buyer Red Flags All Sellers Need To KnowSelling a home is a big endeavour that no homeowner takes lightly. But sometimes, finding a buyer can be difficult. If the market is cold, that can make homeowners feel like if they don’t sell to the first person who makes an offer, the home won’t get sold. This is a common but misinformed mindset because not every buyer is a good buyer, and sellers need to be aware of the signs that a buyer may cause trouble and hurt the sale of the home. Here are some telltale warning signs that all sellers need to know when considering offers.

For informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

The Buyer Is Only Pre-Qualified For a Loan

When setting out to buy a new home,

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What You Need to Know Before Renting Your HomeRenting a home to a tenant is a big responsibility. If it's your first time being a landlord, you may have much to learn to succeed. You'll need to know how to make the home attractive and comfortable for your tenants. You'll also need to learn how to treat your tenants fairly and lawfully, according to the laws of your province. These tips can help you become a better landlord to your future tenants.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Prepare the Home

Before tenants can occupy the home, it must first be made ready. There are many things a landlord can do to prepare their future home for tenants.

Make Safety Improvements

There are

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