Homefinder Leeds & Grenville Feb. 17th

FREE TAKE ONEVol. 1, #86 Feb. 17th to Feb. 24th, 2011

RATES ARE MOVING!DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND

CALL NOW!- Preapprovals-Electronic Approvals-Mobile Services-

CALL USYour Mortgage TeamTel: (613)930-2592

or Email: [email protected] CANADA MORTGAGE

#10128 Serving Eastern Ontario since 1991Tel.: 613.925.5538 Toll Free: 1-877-935-7503 Email: [email protected] Website: www.HomefinderWeekly.com

Tel: 613.267.4209570 Drummond Conc 1, Perth On K7H 3C3

[email protected]

Protecting Perth, Smiths Falls,Lanark and surrounding areas.

Direct: 613-246-SOLD (7653)Office: 1-866-345-3664 (24 hr pager)

“Working Hard toBring You Home!”

S A L E S R E P R E S E N T A T I V E

www.lisamastin.comEmail: [email protected]

SAT. Feb 19th 11-12:3025 Wildwood Cres.

(Brockville)

More Information:www.25WildwoodCres.com

OPEN HOUSE Shawn HagermanMortgage Agent

Tel: (613)345-4525fax: 1-866-236-9111

[email protected]

Corporate Office:43 King Street West, Suite 202, Brockville, ON K6V 3P7 LIC # 11963

Tel: (613)345-5284 • Fax: 1-866-236-9111

Francine MenardSales Representative

2705 County Rd 43, Kemptville

Bringing You 18 Years Of Real Estate ExperienceOffice: 613-258-1990 • Toll Free: [email protected] • www.royallepagegale.com

Direct: 613-658-2233

$$229999,,990000

MLS 773058

106 ST. JOHN ST. – MERRICKVILLE All brick 3 storey classic home close to canal.Lovely front verandah and many upgrades, 3 bedrms, 3rd flr loft/family rm, bright and lots

of windows with custom interior blinds. See: www.obeo.com/516741

$$222299,,990000

MLS 772518

5 GRENVILLE ST, BURRITT’S RAPIDSLovely, old, full of charm & character home with

stunning riverview, private deck overlooking Rideaucanal, Artist’s studio with separate entrance! Homedecorated with taste. See: www.obeo.com/607125

$$225599,,000000

MLS 780330

4046 COUNTY RD. 44, SPENCERVILLE STONE HOME CIRCA 1850 - 8 ACRES – Yesterday’s charm & today’s conveniences,

updated, oak kitchen cabinets, re-finished pinefloors, gas stove in living room, 4 bedrm.

$$228899,,990000

MLS 781990

560 COUNTY RD. 43, KEMPTVILLESpacious 4 bedroom home on 2 acres,

landscaped, double garage, recent upgrades:hardwood floors, ceramic tiles, windows, door,bathroomsMlots of space & efficient floor

plan! See: www/obeo.com/630282

CALL TO SET UP YOUR APPOINTMENT ON THESE GREAT PROPERTIES.

TOWNSMAN LTD.BROKERAGE

Independently Owned & Operated

“IT’S NOT JUST FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE – IT IS FULFILLING A DREAM”

Donna Brewer BrokerDirect: 613-342-8860(Please leave a message)

Office: 613.345.2121Toll Free: 877.311.2121Fax: 613.345.0680

116 KING STREET WEST [email protected]

NEW LISTING

John A. AllisonBroker of Record

Cell: 613-360-6901

JOHN A.

ALLISONREAL ESTATE BROKERAGE

MORRISBURG VILLAGE PLAZATel: 613-543-3717 Fax: 613-543-3718

11696 Lakeshore Drive, Mor-risburg – Excellent bungalow onLakeshore Drive west ofMorrisburg with St. LawrenceRiver views; 3 bedrooms, remod-eled main bath and masterensuite, fabulous family room,solarium, + so much more!$279,900.

3 Whitney Cres., Morrisburg –Character 2 storey home in quietcul-de-sac; 3 bedrooms, 2 baths,hardwood floors, 2nd storey sun-room, many recent updatesincluding gas furnace, centrala/c, gas hot water tank, gas fire-place + more. Great familyhome. $194,500.

40 Park Ave, Morrisburg –Lovely, unique 1.5 storey homewith St. Lawrence River views; 2bedrooms on main floor plusmaster on 2nd floor; attachedsingle car garage plus detached2 car garage with loft, an excel-lent home that must be seen!$334,500.

NEW LISTING

John MorrowBroker

Cell: 613-330-5580

Maureen FodrekSales RepresentativeCell: 613-858-5515

Jennifer HarperAssistant

Tel: 613-543-3717

CHOOSE THE BEST TO LOOK AFTER YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS!

NEW LISTING

VISIT OUR LISTINGS AT WWW.REALTOR.CAWe have high quality rentals available – References required

SERVING THE SEAWAY VALLEY FOR 30 YEARS

NEW LISTING

John A. AllisonBroker of Record

Cell: 613-360-6901

JOHN A.

ALLISONREAL ESTATE BROKERAGE

MORRISBURG VILLAGE PLAZATel: 613-543-3717 Fax: 613-543-3718

11696 Lakeshore Drive, Mor-risburg – Excellent bungalow onLakeshore Drive west ofMorrisburg with St. LawrenceRiver views; 3 bedrooms, remod-eled main bath and masterensuite, fabulous family room,solarium, + so much more!$279,900.

3 Whitney Cres., Morrisburg –Character 2 storey home in quietcul-de-sac; 3 bedrooms, 2 baths,hardwood floors, 2nd storey sun-room, many recent updatesincluding gas furnace, centrala/c, gas hot water tank, gas fire-place + more. Great familyhome. $194,500.

40 Park Ave, Morrisburg –Lovely, unique 1.5 storey homewith St. Lawrence River views; 2bedrooms on main floor plusmaster on 2nd floor; attachedsingle car garage plus detached2 car garage with loft, an excel-lent home that must be seen!$334,500.

NEW LISTING

John MorrowBroker

Cell: 613-330-5580

Maureen FodrekSales RepresentativeCell: 613-858-5515

Jennifer HarperAssistant

Tel: 613-543-3717

CHOOSE THE BEST TO LOOK AFTER YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS!

NEW LISTING

VISIT OUR LISTINGS AT WWW.REALTOR.CAWe have high quality rentals available – References required

SERVING THE SEAWAY VALLEY FOR 30 YEARS

92 KERRY POINT ROAD NOW $319,000 Beautiful turn key Summer Home just east of Rockport on the St. Lawrence River. Insideis the soaring cathedral wood ceiling, great room has a Napoleon propane gas fireplace,both bedrooms feature cosy electric fireplaces, double closets. Extensive upgrades andrenovations since 2003 include metalroof,Tyvek insulation under vinyl siding, new maindoor, new windows(low e & argon gas), patio door is older, floating laminate flooring ingreat room and bedrooms, high quality vinyl for kitchen & bath. Bathroom with deepsoaker tub. Kitchen with generous counter space, great storage, all newer appliancesincluding dishwasher. Outside is a 32 X 10 deck to enjoy, and both stationary and floating dock with a canoe and other watercraft. MAKE THIS WONDERFUL SUMMERHOME YOURS! READY TO MOVE NOW?

27 ALDERSHOT AVENUE NEW PRICE $129,900 This townhouse condominium is close to shopping, with city bus service nearby. Features include fireplace in sunken living room, dining area with patio doors to enclosed rear garden, galley stylekitchen, good closet space in bedrooms and jet tub in main bath. Unfinished basement has washer dryer hookeups, but gives you theopportunity to finish to your requirements.

Our Featured Homes

22 HHOOMMEEFFIINNDDEERR WWEEEEKKLLYY Reference Guide Inc. Brockville/Leeds & Grenville 1.877.935.7503 www.homefinderweekly.com Feb. 17th to Feb. 24th, 2011

92 KERRY POINT ROADBeautiful turn key Summer Home just east of Rockport on the St. Lawrence

River. Inside is the soaring cathedral wood ceiling, great room has aNapoleon propane gas fireplace, both bedrooms feature cosy electric

fireplaces, double closets. Extensive upgrades and renovations since 2003include metalroof,Tyvek insulation under vinyl siding, new main door, newwindows(low e & argon gas), patio door is older, floating laminate flooring

in great room and bedrooms, high quality vinyl for kitchen & bath.Bathroom with deep soaker tub. Kitchen with generous counter space,

great storage, all newer appliances including dishwasher.

379 Henry St., Prescott - $169,900Looks are Deceiving, This large century home has 2 full baths,and 4 bedrooms. All charm with it's original woodwork, flooring,

and fireplace. MLS# 759809

NOW $319,000

will help you navigate the myriad of decisions that arise when buying and selling a home. A REALTOR®

provides value to the homeowner in many ways:

A qualified, competent REALTOR

• Pays for all marketing and advertising costs.

• Adds experience and expertise in all aspects ofthe sales process including marketing, financing,negotiations and more.

• Handles all showings.

• Brings a network of known, trusted real estateprofessionals. If your REALTOR® doesn’t havethe answer, he or she likely knows someonewho does.

• Always has your interests in mind so you alwayshave someone on your side.

• Can handle and advise on all price and contractnegotiations.

• Gives an unbiased, realistic view of your home and your options.

• Unlike buyers and sellers, a REALTOR® has no emotional attachment to property.

• Has the knowledge to help you ask the rightquestions.

• Being a third party, potential buyers ar e morelikely to tell your REALTOR® the truth about yourhome, even if it is unflattering. This objectiveviewpoint will help you make the necessarychanges to get your home sold.

• Your time is valuable. A REALTOR® allows youto spend your time how you want.

®

HHiirree aa PPrrooffeessssiioonnaall,, HHiirree aa RREEAALLTTOORR®

Donna Brewer BrokerDirect: 613-342-8860Office: 613.345.2121Toll Free: 877.311.2121Fax: 613.345.0680

[email protected] • www.century21.ca/donna.brewer

TOWNSMAN LTD.BROKERAGE

Independently Owned & Operated

111 King St. E. PrescottPhone: 613-925-050510781 City Rd. 2 IroquoisPhone: 613-652-2222Heather Mackay, Sales representative

Feb. 17th to Feb. 24th, 2011 HHOOMMEEFFIINNDDEERR WWEEEEKKLLYY Reference Guide Inc. Brockville/Leeds & Grenville 1.877.935.7503 www.homefinderweekly.com 33

Bonnie TackaberrySales Rep.

Thinking about Buying or Selling a property? Call Bonnie!

Toll free: 1-866-487-0077 • www.prescotthomes.ca • [email protected]

111 King St. E. PrescottPhone: 613-925-050510781 City Rd. 2 IroquoisPhone: 613-652-2222

$189,900 5518 Meadowbrook Dr.

Iroquois Two plus 1 bedroom,

2 full baths. Just over 2 yrsold with lots of extra’salready done for youincluding finished bsmt,shed, and driveway.MLS #781489

$175,000 5521 Meadowbrook Dr.

IroquoisNEW BUILD! Buyer’schoice: Central Air or

Fireplace. Two bdrm semiwith attached garage in agreat new neighbourhoodwith municipal service.

MLS #774156

$139,900 51 Plaza, Iroquois Approximately 4000 sqfeet of freehold retail

space. Currently set up asa restaurant, including

equipment. Plenty of mallparking. MLS #769534

$239,900 526 James St., PrescottThis would make a greathome for a growing familywith 4 bedrooms, 2 ½baths, and large town lot.Very well maintainedhome just waiting forsomeone special. MLS

#775180

DAVE DUPRAUSales RepresentativeCell: 613-662-7355 [email protected]

JOHN MORROWBroker

Cell: 613-330-5580 [email protected]

COBURN REALTY BROKERAGEIndependently Owned and Operated

21 THOROLD LANE, INGLESIDE (In the Shoping Plaza)Telephone: 613-537-2000 Fax: 613-537-2004

67 FIFTH ST. W., MORRISBURG$164,500

Solid brick bungalow with modern windows,paved drive and lovely rear deck overlookingprivate, spacious rear yard. Lower level recroom with cozy woodstove, an office/den thatcould be a 4th bedroom and 3pc bath. Greatstarter or retirement home, plus within walkingdistance to everything Morrisburg has to offer.

13201 RIVERSIDE DR., MORRISBURG$189,900

In choice rural location. 3 bdrms, 1.5 bath wellmaintained bungalow with recent upgrades including siding and c/a. Att. dbl. heated

garage/workshop and also a dbl. det. garagesituated on prime property. Located across

from the St. Lawrence River. Close to schools,shopping, Upper Canada Village and more!

14940 DUFFYS RD., INGLESIDE$199,900

Just minutes from Ingleside where you will find shopping, recreation and the St.

Lawrence River. Minutes to the 401, 1 hour toMontreal and 45 min. to Ottawa. This 3+1

bdrm home is open concept with a large eat inkitchen/living rm with patio doors to a largedeck and screened in gazeebo. It also has a

fin. Rec rm on lower level.

15800 COUNTY RD. 18,LUNENBURG $219,900

2 acre lot, this home has much to offer. Minutes away to all the amenities and just 1hrto Ottawa and Montreal. This home is verywell maintained and beautifully landscaped.The 3 bedroom home has an attached 2 car

garage, finished lower level, pine doorsthrough out and large deck that boasts a

scenic country view.

17060 MYERS RD., ST. ANDREWS W.$229,900

Brick bung. on 7.8 acres 15 minutes north of Cornwall. Approx. 1500sqft 3+1 bedroom,master bdrm with 3pc ensuite, main floor

laundry, family rm with wood burning fireplace,att. single car garage. Recent upgradesinclude propane gas furnace, electrical panel and garage door. Large rear deck with hot tub. Creek runs through lot.

18 STEWARD DR.,MORRISBURG $474,500

Grand foyer with marble flooring leads to spiral staricase. Upper level features masterbedroom and 2 spacious bedrooms each withtheir own walk-in closet. Large second floorcommon area. Main level family room withgas freplace, formal living and dining rooms,den, etc. Interlock driveway, mature plantings.

A MUST SEE!

We never stop moving.®

Buyers are far more discriminating, and alarge percentage of the homes listed for saledon’t sell the first time. It’s more critical thanever to learn what you need to know to avoidcostly seller mistakes in order to sell yourhome fast and for the most amount of money.”

THE 9 STEP SYSTEM TO GET YOUR HOMESOLD FAST AND FOR TOP DOLLAR

Selling your home is one of the most important steps in your life. This 9 step

system will give you the tools you need to maximize your profits, maintain control, and reduce the stress that comes with thehome-selling process:

1. Know why you’re selling, and keep it to yourself.

The reasons behind your decision to sell affect everything from setting a price to deciding how much time and money to invest in getting your home ready for sale. What’smore important to you: the money you walkaway with, or the length of time your propertyis on the market? Different goals will dictatedifferent strategies.

However, don’t reveal your motivation toanyone else or they may use it against you atthe negotiating table. When asked, simply saythat your housing needs have changed.

2. Do your homework before setting a price.

Settling on an offering price shouldn’t be donelightly. Once you’ve set your price, you’ve toldbuyers the absolute maximum they have to pay for your home, but pricing too high is asdangerous as pricing too low. Remember thatthe average buyer is looking at 15-20 homesat the same time they are considering yours.This means that they have a basis of comparison, and if your home doesn’t compare favorably with others in the pricerange you’ve set, you won’t be taken seriouslyby prospects or agents. As a result, your homewill sit on the market for a long time and, kno-wing this, new buyers on the market will thinkthere must be something wrong with yourhome.

3. Do your homework.

Find out what homes in your own and similarneighborhoods have sold for in the past 6-12months, and research what current homes are

listed for. That’s certainly how prospectivebuyers will assess the worth of your home.

4. Find a good real estate agent to representyour needs.

Nearly three-quarters of homeowners claimthat they wouldn’t use the same realtor whosold their last home. Dissatisfaction boils downto poor communication which results in not enough feedback, lower pricing andstrained relations.

5. Maximize your home’s sales potential.

Each year, corporate North America spendsbillions on product and packaging design. Appearance is critical, and it would be foolishto ignore this when selling your home.

You may not be able to change your home’slocation or floor plan, but you can do a lot toimprove its appearance. The look and feel of your home generates a greater emotional response than any other factor. Clean like you’ve never cleaned before. Pick up,straighten, unclutter, scrub, scour and dust.Fix everything, no matter how insignificant itmay appear. Present your home to get a wow”response from prospective buyers.

Allow the buyers to imagine themselves livingin your home The decision to buy a home isbased on emotion, not logic. Prospectivebuyers want to try on your home just like theywould a new suit of clothes. If you follow themaround pointing out improvements or if yourdecor is so different that it’s difficult for a buyerto strip it away in his or her mind, you make itdifficult for them to feel comfortable enough toimagine themselves an owner.

6. Make it easy for prospects to get information on your home.

The prospects calling for information on yourhome probably value their time as much as you do. The last thing they want to be subjected to is either a game of telephone tagwith an agent, or an unwanted sales pitch.Make sure the ads your agent places for your

home are attached to a 24 hour prerecordedhotline with a specific ID# or a MLS listing# foryour home which gives buyers access to detailed information about your property dayor night 7 days a week without having to talk toanyone. It’s been proven that 3 times as manybuyers call for information on your home underthis system. And remember, the more buyersyou have competing for your home the better,because it sets up an auction-like atmospherethat puts you in the driver’s seat.

7. Know your buyer.

In the negotiation process, your objective is tocontrol the pace and set the duration. What isyour buyer’s motivation? Does s/he need tomove quickly? Does s/he have enough moneyto pay you your asking price? Knowing thisinformation gives you the upper hand in thenegotiation because you know how far youcan push to get what you want.

8. Make sure the contract is complete.

For your part as a seller, make sure you disclose everything. Smart sellers proactivelygo above and beyond the laws to disclose allknown defects to their buyers in writing. If thebuyer knows about a problem, s/he can’t comeback with a lawsuit later on.

Make sure all terms, costs and responsibilitiesare spelled out in the contract of sale, andresist the temptation to diverge from thecontract. For example, if the buyer requests amove-in prior to closing, just say no. Now isnot the time to take any chances of the dealfalling through. Your agent can advise you onthis.

9. Don’t move out before you sell.

Studies have shown that it is more difficult tosell a home that is vacant because it looks forlorn, forgotten, simply not appealing. Itcould even cost you thousands. If you move,you’re also telling buyers that you have a newhome and are probably highly motivated to sell fast. This, of course, will give them theadvantage at the negotiating table.

FASTAND FOR

SELL YOUR HOME

TOP DOLLAR!The Real Estate Market Has Changed . . .


Henrietta Duvall, Sales Representative.Direct line: 613-930-5372 • www.homescornwall.ca

Check out these exquisite homes

4 FOREST HILL RD, LONG SAULT $549,900Prepare to be pleased by this more than 2000 sq. ft. bungalow offering 3 bedroom and 3 baths on the main level. This home features luxuries such as a private deck with hot tubfrom the master bedroom with en-suite bath done in travertine marble, soaker jetted tub,glass shower and in floor heat. The great room offers 2 sided fireplace with slate surroundand built in plasma TV, a view of the forest from a wall of windows, and floors done in Brazilian Cherry wood. This home is done with high end materials such as; slate, travertinemarble, cherry, and granite. The main level has a very convenient office for work at home.Downstairs will greet you with a bright recreation room that is on a walk out level. Thishome's lower level walks out to a private back yard or leads you into the 2 car heatedgarage. Located in Prestigious Arrowhead Estates.

51 FOREST HILL RD, LONG SAULT $1,495,000 3 Level 6,500 Sq. ft of luxury living-Welcome to this absolutely stunning stone and cedar Adirondack style home-Finest finishing and craftsmanship. This home is offering a perfectblend of contemporary and classic elegance with hardwood and travertine marble floorsthroughout, custom architectural moldings, 5 beautiful baths, gourmet kitchen with granitecounters and restaurant quality appliances including double ovens. This bright sun filledhome with breath taking views leads to outdoor living areas with 2000 sq. ft. of ipe decking,tempered glass railing, 4,000 sq. ft. of interlocking patio, heated in ground salt water pool,extensive stone work including walls, stairs and walkways and so much more. So many features: In floor heating throughout lower level, 3 level, double sided stone fireplace, spalike bath, lower level theatre, home gym with mirrored wall, hot tub and the list goes on andon!!!...Call Henrietta @ 613-930-5372 for full details.

EXIT REALTY SEAWAY

Independantly Owned & OperatedBrokerage

Office: 613-937-4445506 Pitt Street,Cornwall ON

The referral of your friends andfamily is the greatest compliment

you can give us!

Heather MacKaySales Representative

“Visit our website to view photos & more details!”Email: [email protected]


579 Boundary St,Prescott - $149,900

St. Lawrence River as a backdrop.Large private corner lot with matureperennial beds, shrubs and trees.Wonderful masonry verandah, and an enclosed windowed sunporch.

MLS# 743073

379 Henry St.,Prescott - $169,900

Looks are Deceiving, This largecentury home has 2 full baths, and 4 bedrooms. All charm with it's original woodwork, flooring, and fireplace. MLS# 759809

150 James St.,Prescott - $79,000

Being sold "AS IS". Lots of Characterand Potential. Floors are hardwoodthroughout, renovations by previousowner 70% approximately completedincludes drywall, bathroom, etc.

MLS# 743958

Building lot, 70 tandem loads sand, great location! $35,000


Brandon StoneSales RepresentativeToll free: 1-866-487-0077

“Visit our website to view photos & more details!”Email: [email protected]

5516 BridlewoodCourt, Iroquois -

$175,000Spacious 2+2 Bedroom

Home in Popular Subdivision - MLS# 779689

4104 Brinston Road. Brinston - $279,900Big 3+2 Bedroom Bungalow with Large DetachedBarn/Workshop - Call For Details- MLS# 781404

2724 North Campbell Road, Augusta -$245,000

Family Home 3+1 Bedroom with LargeFenced Yard - MLS# 772194

66 HHOOMMEEFFIINNDDEERR WWEEEEKKLLYY Reference Guide Inc. Brockville/Leeds & Grenville 1.877.935.7503 www.homefinderweekly.com Feb. 17th to Feb. 24th, 2011

The Homefinder Weekly is ONLINE

www.homefinderweekly.com

We are on Facebook, LOOK FOR US!

ALWAYS AVAILABLE WHEN AND WHERE HOME BUYERS NEED US.

Surf our website and view listings along the Seaway and surrounding communities from our full papers online.

DOWNLOAD YOUR WEEKLY ONLINE EDITION!

Tel.: 613.925.5538 • Toll Free: 1-877-935-7503 • Email: [email protected]

www.homefinderweekly.com


No one willingly invites pests into their homes. We can help solve pest problems at your house, townhouse, apartment or cottage. With services ranging from one-time visits to regular monthly

inspections, we can create the service to best fit your needs. Call us now to restore your home to a safe, pest-free environment.

We can solve yourpest problems!

Ants - Bedbug - Bird - Carpenter AntsInsects - Mice Rats - SpidersSquirrels Etc....

Charles W. Boyd

• Thermal Imaging• Mould Inspection• Air Sampling

Certfied Indoor Air Quality Consultant

613-926-0892 • [email protected]

www.ontariohomeinspectionservices.com

Cert. # IAC2-01-2807

Home Inspection Services

Protecting Perth, Smiths Falls, Lanark and surrounding areas.

Call: 613.267.4209Email: [email protected] Drummond Conc 1, Perth On K7H 3C3

Expert MortgagePlanning & Advice

Expert MortgagePlanning & Advice

OAC

Brokerage #10287

Servicing Cornwall &

surrounding areas

Quick Approval Process

© 2011 Mortgage Architects. All rights reserved. Corp. Office: 6505A Mississauga Rd. Mississauga, ON L5N 1A6

DERRICKCRACKNELLMortgage Planner, Agent #M10001993

613 662.2377www.mtgarc.ca/derrickcracknell

S E R V I C ED i r e c t o r y

Maximum Impactwith Minimal Investment

Since 1985

Desig in - Mind

Liz QuinnDécor consultant

n’Let’s Talk: [email protected]

Our bilingual consultant offers youalternative & affordable decorating solutions:

• De-Cluttering• Home Staging• Reorganizing• Feng Shui

Don't move; improveBy Nancy E. SmithSpecial to the Herald

Once their children are grown and have left the nest, many homeowners realize how outdated their houses have become.

Liz’ Tips

Liz’ TipsBy: Liz Quinn of Design’in-Mind Maximum Impact with Minimal InvestmentBrockville, Ontario

All those bedrooms that once were so badly needed now sitempty or have become seldom-used guest rooms, hobby areasor oversized storage closets haphazardly stacked with boxes.

Meanwhile, that one bathroom built as small as possible tomake more space for bedrooms has come to seem woefullyinadequate.

A new home could be the answer, but the cost may be beyondthe budget when retirement is looming just a few years away.

A better, less expensive option may lie in remodeling thehome to make better use of the existing space, while improving its comfort and appearance.

The result can seem like moving into a new house but withoutthe hassles of leaving the neighborhood you've grown to knowand love.

Most areas of a home can be updated in some way. Openingup walls to increase room size or to create larger door and win-dow openings can greatly improve the appearance and utilityof the most lived-in areas.

Look around your home. What space do you have that gets lit-tle use?

An extra bedroom can be opened up to create a large masterbedroom or spacious bath. Or that space can be partitioned toadjacent rooms for walk-in closets or additional bathrooms.

A good remodeling contractor can advise the homeowner onways to use existing space, as well as the practicality of constructing additions to existing homes, said Tom Malloneeof Mallonee and Sons of Kennewick.

"The location of the home can help determine if it would beworthwhile to do a large remodel job or if another alternativeshould be sought out," Mallonee said.

"A person can pay for an additional 400 square feet to be

added to a home, but if it isn't in a salable location, the cost ofthe remodeling may be lost in the resale," he said.

"However, making better use of existing space, such as open-ing up rooms or converting a little-used garage to a usableroom, can help gain needed space for about half the cost."

Mallonee also points out that with lumber prices the highestthey've ever been, big savings can be realized by workingwithin the perimeter of the existing home.

The bathroom has been the most popular candidate for amakeover in the recent jobs he's worked on, Mallonee said.

Bathrooms in many older homes have built-in linen closets,which can be removed or replaced with smaller closets to addroominess. Open shelving can retain the feeling of opennesswhile storing towels and other bathroom items.

Mirrors, see-through showers and glass divider walls can con-tribute to the sense of spaciousness, making a small bathroomappear much larger.

Using glass bricks to replace a 3-by-4-foot section of wall nextto a jetted tub can create an attractive effect while adding lightto the room, said Greg Senger of Senger Construction inKennewick.

Creative use of glass also can greatly enhance the sense of spa-ciousness in a kitchen remodeling.

"Always look to see if the cabinet doors can be prepped forglass," said Kathy Longwell of Craftsman Cabinets and FloorCovering in Richland. "New knobs, new countertops andmaybe floor covering, along with paint and wall covering, willpractically make a new kitchen."

If space seems cramped, it's often possible to create moreroom by better organization without having to expand theactual space.

Something as simple as removing a soffit, the structure enclos-ing the vacant space above a cabinet, can create more space."Installing a taller cabinet to take up the space where the sof-fit was will give additional storage space in a kitchen," Sengersaid.

"Install a microwave with a built-in vent over the stove sothere will be no need for extra counter space to set it on," headded.

Senger also suggests adding an "appliance garage" to keep sel-dom-used appliances off counters and out of the way.Sometimes, the kitchen table can be replaced with an islandeating area that can double for storage and food preparation.

And don't neglect the possibility of bringing in more daylight.

"To replace an outside door in the kitchen with a door that hasglass in the upper half, this gives you another window,"Longwell said.

Senger agrees. "There are many ways to gain space and natu-ral light in an older home. Skylights can be put in most anyroom," he said. "It's surprising how much larger and open aroom can look when it has good light."

When planning the work, don't fail to consider the accommo-dations you should make for installing modern electronicdevices like home entertainment centers, computers and homeoffice systems.

With so many things to consider, it's often wise - as well ascost-effective - to seek professional help.

With remodeling becoming such an important part of thebuilding industry in recent years, many architects, contractorsand interior designers have accumulated a great deal of expe-rience in the field. They can provide expert help on complyingwith city codes and making sure any changes to the home arestructurally sound.

Beyond Success

There is Infinity...

~ business cards,~ brochures, ~ catalogs, ~ Newsletters, ~ booklets, flyers, ~ posters, Logos, ~ Advertisements, ~ Post/Rack Cards, ~ Stationary, ~ File Reproduction~ Dispenser Display

[email protected]: 613.935.7503 - Prescott: 613.925.5538 - Toll Free: 1-877-935-7503

Postcards: 4x6 printed double sided in full color on 14 pt heavy card. Delivered to your door.

Business Cards500 Business Cards, AQ coated, full color, 1 or 2 sided: $120.001000 Business Cards, AQ coated, full color, 1 or 2 sided: $150.00Flyers5,000 copies 8.5 x 11, full color, 1 sided: ................... $458.0010,000 copies 8.5 x 11, full color, 1 sided: ................. $765.00

$398.25+taxes

More sizes and quantities available upon request.

5000 Real Estate Postcards

Documents

Homefinder Leeds & Grenville Feb. 17th