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35| O akville B eaver | T hursday,O ctober 4,2018 insidehalton.com Regular travellers to the United States of-Regular travellers to the United States of-Regular travellers to the United States of ten consider investing in a vacation home. After all, it makes perfect sense -- you have a dedicated property in your favourite vaca- tion destination at your disposal any time. And there is always the opportunity to generate revenue from renting the property when you're not there.  But investing in a second property south of the border can get complicated if you don't pay attention to the details, especially if you plan to generate rental income from it. Here, Alain Forget, director business development at RBC Bank, shares what to consider before making a move. Research the local market If you plan to rent your property, compare to similar properties on popular rental sites , to see the  going rates. Also, look at different on- line rental sites to get a handle on what others are charging. Get a clear picture of all the costs Remember to factor in exchange rates when working out the costs of owning the property, including utilities, taxes and legal fees. Explore alternative markets While Florida is the usual go-to option, Ari- zona and California are equally attractive vaca- tion destinations, especially for people living in Western Canada. Talk to a specialist in international real estate There are agents in Canada who focus strictly on the U.S. vacation property market. They have plenty of knowledge to share on the ins and outs of purchasing foreign proper-the ins and outs of purchasing foreign proper-the ins and outs of purchasing foreign proper ties. Some even host seminars to prospective purchasers on what they need to know when investing in a foreign property. Find a reputable property manager They can help you find and manage rentals, as well as maintain the property and navigate the rental rules and by-laws.  Get the appropriate liability insurance coverage Additional insurance will be required when renting to tenants. Consult with a tax expert and/or lawyer It's important to work with professionals in matters relating to legal, taxes and estate planning.  Of course, there's also financing to consid- er. Be sure to talk to your financial institution to explain why a U.S. mortgage could make sense and determine what will work best for you. Learn more at www.rbcbank.com. (NC) Advertorial Achieving your dream vacation home The master bedroom is one of the most important spaces in the home, though it's often the last room to be renovated. It is your retreat from the world and can be a restful and relaxing place to unwind. The Electrical Safety Authority and design expert Kimberley Seldon partnered to share three ideas to elevate your master bedroom to turn it into a welcoming space. Create year-round comfort Setting the right temperature in your bed- room can be the difference between a good night's sleep and a restless evening of toss- ing and turning. A gas fireplace adds warmth on cool nights and casts a relaxing, subtle glow. During the planning phase, be sure to include wiring for the thermostat and 120- volt outlet in your electrical plan to accom- modate power and control requirements. When the weather is warm, a ceiling fan adds a much-needed breezeJust make sure it's installed correctly. Add storage solutions For many of us, closet space is a luxury. Get creative with storage areas by mak-Get creative with storage areas by mak-Get creative with storage areas by mak ing use of every square inch. Reclaim the space under the bed for out-of-season cloth- ing. Build bookshelves up to the ceiling or even around a window to create additional storage. When planning, make sure there is enough space between any ceiling light fix-enough space between any ceiling light fix-enough space between any ceiling light fix tures and shelving. Pot lights need to be 15 centimetres away and other ceiling fixtures need to be 30 centimetres away to prevent risk of fire.   Display a personal touch Objects such as family photos, heirlooms and favourite books bring joy and personality to your master suite. A reading corner with a comfy chair and targeted lighting will allow you to further enjoy your room. When plan- ning for electrical considerations, be sure all 120-volt 15- or 20-amp outlets are on a circuit protected by an Arc Fault Circuit Inter-circuit protected by an Arc Fault Circuit Inter-circuit protected by an Arc Fault Circuit Inter rupter (AFCI) to reduce the risk of fire. Have your contractor install these throughout your home while renovations are being done. (NC) Tips for your master bedroom GRAND OPENING CONTINUES Rendering is artist's concept. E. & O.E. OdysseyLife.ca GRIMSBY WATERFRONT CONDOS & TOWNS FROM MID $300S TO LOW $800S Windward Dr Winston Rd ODODYSODYSOD SEY PRESENTPRESENTAATIONTIONATIONAATIONA CENTRE South Service Rd LAKE ONTARIO North Service Rd E W N S ToToTo HamiltonHamiltonHamilton ToToTo NiagarNiagarNiagaraaa C asab lanca B lvd C asab lanca B lvd C asab lanca B lvd QEWQEWQEW EXIT 74 EXIT 74 GRIMSBY AN ICON OF MODERN STYLE Odyssey will be a FIRST OF ITS KIND on this section of the Grimsby waterfront. A brilliant 20 storey condominium residence, with spectacular views of Lake Ontario and the escarpment, anchored with a diverse collection of townhomes and retail. PRESENTATION CENTRE 10 WINDWARD DR., GRIMSBY, ON