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1 Page 16 The Clarington/Couriice Independent, Bowmanville, Saturday, March 14, 1998 Clarinaton Women Mark World Day of Prayer Joan Anyan, Carol Robinson, Joyce Gibson and Elaine Barber (1-r) were part of a World Day of Prayer ceremony ceremony held at Trinity United Church on March 6th. The program was created this year by the women of Madagascar and was performed in 170 countries. Above, some of tbe Clarington participants anoint each other's hands with oil in a ritual demonstrating neighbourly love. Basics of Home Upkeep One in Five Canadians Plans to Buy a Home ; Canada's $43 billion housing industry should continue to benefit, from lo'w interest rates and strengthening consumer confidence, which could prompt as many as one in five adult Canadians to consider buying a home this year and next, results from Royal Bank's fifth annual Canadian Home Ownership survey show. Home buying intentions are strongest among Canadians between the ages of 25 and 44 - 32% -say they are very or somewhat somewhat likely to buy a home this -yeàr or next - and renters (31% very or somewhat likely), the result show. "Canada's housing recovery is firmly rooted in sound economic fundamentals fundamentals - low interest rates, good job growth, stable house prices and growing consumer confidence," confidence," said Christian Findlay, vice-president of residential mortgages at Royal Bank. Finance Minister Paul Martin's balanced budget is good news for Canadian consumers who own, buy, or sell homes, The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) said. CREA Chief Executive Officer Pierre Beauchamp said the budget sets conditions conditions that will help to maintain low interest rates through the rest of the year. "This will benefit all mortgage holders, whether it's a home or a commercial commercial property." Exit Realty Shirmax Ltd. 214 King St. E.i Bowmanville latiSiHBaLr DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR PROPERTY IS WORTH? Call me now for a Market Evaluation without cost or obligation. 623-4445 or Res. (905) 786-2911 WILMA ENTWISLE 1-800-264-3963 Sales Rep. Five-year mortgage rates remain at 30-year lows, and housing affordability is , ._ , / / ' I' and 'your family/ \ dose to the record low level of a year ago Finding the right home for your needs and wants, taking all your budget realities realities into account is very important. Doug Gray recommends recommends the following strategies to find the right home: rely on the experience experience of real estate agents, check the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), use the Internet to search for real estate websites, read newspaper newspaper ads, watch the real estate channel on cable TV, drive through thé neighbourhoods you like, attend open houses...there are many ways to find a home that's right for you This article is provided by local Realtors and the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) for the benefit of consumers in the real estate market. New homeowners often find there's more to keeping up a house than cutting the grass and clearing snow from the driveway. Tools To start with, a new homeowner needs to have on hand a "basic tool kit". A number of basic tools arc a must - a metal hammer, screwdrivers with a variety of heads, a small saw, electric electric drill, adjustable wrench, pliers and measuring stick. Sandpaper and an assortment assortment of screws and nails are also very handy. These tools will help with simple repairs such as securing loose tiles, adjusting a door, installing a lock, etc. Meters Once you're equipped to perform the most basic repairs, take a look around. Do you know where your gas/elcctricity and water meter arc located? Usually these arc found outside the home by a side or back wall. This makes it easy for the . meter reader who can take the readings without bothering bothering you. Sometimes these meters, especially the water meters in older homes, are located indoors - usually in the basement. As new homeowners, it's a good idea to check your meters on a weekly or monthly basis. This will help you gain an understanding understanding of seasonal increases and decreases in consumption and enable you to take measures to become more cnergy/water efficient. Plumbing Another area where a little little knowledge can go a long way is in the plumbing system. system. House plumbing is divided into two separate parts. One is the fresh-water system that provides cold and hot water from the various various fixtures throughout the house; the other is the drainage system that carries waste out of the house. The fresh-water system can be completely shut down by closing the main valve, which is usually located in the basement near where the underground water line enters the house. Most lines that branch out from the main line also have individual shut-off valves so water can be turned off to one area without disturbing the flow in another. Most plumbing jobs require at least the partial shut-off of your home's water supply. Meanwhile, the drainage system connects all the plumbing fixtures to a main sewer line that carries waste out of the house to a sewer or septic tank. The main . sewer line extends above the roof of the house to allow gases to escape. The opening of this pipe, above the roof, is called a vent and must never be covered or allowed to become clogged with debris. Electrical Knowledge of your home's electrical system is also valuable in case you have to turn off all power in case of an emergency, such as a fire. You should know the location of the main electric switch in the house and how to use it. You should also know the location location of the fuse box or circuit circuit breaker and how to reset a breaker or replace a fuse in case one blows. The main switch, along with the circuit breaker panel or fuse box, arc located located near the electric meter at a point close to where the power lines come into the house. They may be in the basement, utility room, or even the kitchen. The older the home, the more likely it will have a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker panel. Always replace fuses with ones of the same capacity. Heating Another important aspect of your new home is its heating system. The more familiar you are with it, the less likely you might find yourself cold on a winter's winter's day. Heating systems are usually fueled by oil, gas, electricity or wood. Gas-fired and oil-fired heating systems have burn ers and should be inspected regularly, usually once a year before the start of the heating season. Gas burners have pilot lights. You should learn to re-light the pilot light on your gas burner in case it ever goes out. You should also know the location location of the gas shut-off valve so you can turn off the gas in case the burner doesn't light or you smell gas escaping. escaping. Heating systems operate in a variety of ways. The belter you understand your system, the safer and more efficient you can make it. Hazards Fire in a home is a major hazard that all new homeowners homeowners should be aware of. Early detection is the key to protecting your family and keeping damage to a minimum. minimum. Ensure your home has smoke detectors installed in hallways and bedroom areas. Smoke detectors sound an alarm when smoke is in nearby air, even if there is no intense heal. Ideally, you should have a smoke alarm in each bedroom. If you have a gas-fired heating system or a fireplace fireplace in your home, it's a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors in the bedroom areas. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless toxic gas that, at high levels, can cause flu-like symptoms and even death. While carbon monoxide detectors are not a substitute for proper care and maintenance maintenance of your home, they provide a good second line of defense by sounding an alarm when carbon monoxide monoxide reaches an unsafe level. When we purchase a home, most of us want to turn it into a safe and secure haven for our families. The more we know about the home we have purchased, the more efficient and effective effective we can be. / HOUSE FOR SALE "PRIVATE" -$2F9tf0t) REDUCED TO $199,900. 17 Barley Mill Cr. Bowmanville Private yard, backs onto Soper Creek, lots of trees, vines and shrubs. 2 storey, 4 bedrooms, central air conditioning, gas furnace, double car garage with remote garage door opener, 2 & 1/2 bathrooms. Master bedroom has hardwood floor, jacuzzi and separate shower. Extra large, eat-in, green bouse kitchen, dishwasher. Main floor family room, gas fireplace, hardwood floor, main floor laundry. Walk out from basement, large deck and patio, 16' x 32' in ground pool with gas heater. Phone 905-623-8539 ©j.p. 234 King Street East, Bowmanville Telephone 623-3393 Toronto Line 686-1035 NEW BEGINNING Lovely two plus one bedroom bedroom semi. Eat-In kitchen, newer gas furnace, close to shopping and schools. Great starter. Call John Fowler* 623-3393 or 623-7928. «- . « OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, MARCH 15,1998 2-4 P.M, 87 ELGIN STREET. BOWMANVILLE Gorgeous 11/2 storey vinyl sided homo on 72' x 158' lot This home has a complota new kitchen, separate dining room with walkout lo 20' x 10 deck, 3 bedrooms, enormous living room, now 4 pc bath, new vinyl windows, central vac, new mud room, new cement driveway, single car garage. Charlie Reid* 623-3393 or 983-5914. OOPS! The following 1997 Achievements, Charlie Reid's 2nd in company, John Shewchuk's 3rd in company, Terry Witherspoon's 9th in company are based on a company company wide total sales force of 115 sales representatives. Most Canadians arc now in their prime home buying years. Today's baby boomers are between the ages of 33 and 51. Younger people in this age group typically buy a first home or trade up to a bigger bigger home to raise a family. Older Canadians and empty-nesters tend to sell their bigger homes for something smaller or more convenient. "Historically, this is a good time to buy a home. Five-year mortgage rates remain at 30 year lows, and housing affordability is close lo the record low levels of a year ago," said Carlos Leitao, Royal Bank's housing economist. "It's the Canadian Dream to many, owning their own home. The current current low interest rates, the lowest in over 30 years, provide you with the opportunity to carry a mortgage for about the same rent as you are probably probably paying now. However a home is not only a financial financial investment, but an emotional one as well," says Doug Gray, retired real estate lawyer and bestselling bestselling author of Canadian Home Buying Made Easy (McGraw-Hill Rycrson), "The vast majority of buyers buyers arc not knowledgeable experts in the field of real estate, so it is understandable understandable that many of these transactions arc accompanied accompanied by considerable anxiety anxiety and emotion." But they don't have lo be. "To buy the home that you want with a minimum of risk and frustration, you need to have clearly defined goals and objectives, objectives, and a plan for achieving them. There arc various steps in the process of determining your plan. Step one is to determine your current financial status. Assessing your future personal needs is step two. And step three is planning your purchase strategies," advises Mr. Gray. SMARTER STARTER 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, ravine lot, great location, location, built-in dishwasher, dishwasher, central air, brand 1 new fridge / stove / washer /dryer, new broadloom, roof redone, walkoui lo deck, eat-in kitchen, rec room. Quick possession. Molivaled vender. MLS. DURHAM REALTY INC. CHOICE OF / 600 King St. E„ aityinc. 0|-p|y|0j- Oshawa, ON CALL TOM MITCHELL (905) 432-2000 • END UNIT • FREEHOLD •HARDWOOD • CENTRAL AIR • SKYLIGHT JUST REDUCED/ 52 Elford Drive LIBERTY STREET NORTH TO FREELAND 1 EcDANtfJ 234 King Street East Bowmanville 3 1 Customer Satisfaction I First Priority Off. 623-3393 Res. 6237928 Real Estate Consultant WMK 11 cornerstone realty ltd., realtor 104 King St. £., Bowmanville 623-6000T Marg Bain* Sales Rep. Call for details at (905) 623-6000 FARM WITH CUSTOM BUILT HOME 126 acres with 60 acres workable land and the balance In: pasture, hardwood and cedar bush, pond and two seasonal streams, plus a 105 It. barn. Stone and vinyl 9 years old .raised bungalow with hardwood doors, slone fireplace and three baths. Asking $289,900. Call Marg Bain (905) 623-6000. David Passant** Assoc. Broker Over 22 Years of Service HOSPITAL BEAUTY Lovely 1 1/2 storey vinyl clad home on 60 x 165' fenced lot with pool, huge eat-ln kitchen, finished rec room, many upgrades. Asking $138,900. Also: $135,500. Courtlce bungalow on quiet court $137,500. Country bungalow on 100'x 165'lot $149,900. 3 level backspUt by hospital $154,900. Immaculate 2 storey near park $168,900. All brick 1600sq.ft., 5bedroom $179,900. 1 3/4 storey on treed lot $239,900. 3 acres with stream, 1800 sq.ft, randier l/*i ' Mobil» horn»» and vacant land. Liât of rapoaaaaaad houaat avatlabtal For a market evaluation of your home, please ask for David Passant**, Associate Broker, todayl 623-6000, Ron Moore* Sales Rep. 623-6000 24 hr, pager 623-9263(res.) ipj.p. QUALITY COUNTS! This now almost 2100 sq. It, homo sits on a 40' lot with an oxtra largo backyardl A walkout walkout from largo oat-in gardon kitchen, contre hall plan features separate living room, dining room and mam floor laundry room. Walkout to 2 car garage, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms bathrooms and priced to soil at $186,900, Doug Humphrey** Member of Hall of Fame Call 623-6000 NEW LISTING - BOWMANVILLE OPEN HOUSE SAT., MARCH 14, 1 - 3 p.m. 42 Elephant Hill Dr. Beautiful 3 bedroom home backing onto parkland parkland - Includes walkout basement to perennial perennial gardens and 2-tier deck with fully fenced yard. Great curb appeal - shows like a model home. Asking $156,900. Concession St. E. to Apple Blossom N. Doug Humphrey 623-6000 or 428-1206 (Tor.) Tony Klompmaker** Associate Broker Remax Cornerstone Realty 623-6000 or Res. 263-4448 ESTATE SALE 3 bedroom sidespllt, finished basement with walkout, 24' x 30' Insulated garage. Includes 5 appliances. Large lot 101' x 179' located In Pontypool. Asking $139,900. CallTony Klompmaker, Remax Cornerstone Really Ltd. 623-6000, res. 263-4448 Call Linda McLennan** Associate Broker 623-6000 COUNTRY CENTURY This 1 1/2 storey homo Is located 20 minutes from Bowmanville. Lot slzo Is 66 x 264 fodt. Mature trees. Small barn. Terrific, view. $129,900. Call Linda McLennan** 623-6000. 4 LEVEL BACKSPLIT 3 bedroom detached on a court. French doors on livlng/dinlng room. Lovely wall unit with gas fireplace In roc room. Largo lot with 20 x 40 loot Inground pool. $169,999, $2,000 BACK . FOR fl CLOSING COSTS! This 3 bedroom, 2 storey soml has boon completely ronovatod, Now roof, now roc room, now gas furnace, now gas llroplaco, now broadloom throughout, largo foncod yard ana sits on a quiet court In Oshawa, Call lor details on cash back oiler, oiler, Priced at $119,900. Call Ron Moore now to view (905) 623-6000 CRESCENT LOCATION Three Level Backsplit Dolachod throo bedroom homo with largo onl-in kltchon overlooking overlooking tho family room and woodburning llroplaco, combined combined living and dining rooms with walkout lo a 50 x 105 It, lot, Forced air gas lioat, contrai air conditioning, and throo appllancos. Asking $149,900. ^ Too New for Picture! ■ £-•*• -*6■?„ New LlstlnglyfC ■^-7/V<r-X x 1600 SQ. FT. BEAUTY 3 bedroom, 2 storey with attached garago. 3 baths, main floor family room, main floor laundry room, walkout to garago and walkout to loncod yard, Tastefully decorated and sits on 50' lot In Bowmanville, Priced to soil at $156,900,