The Once-a-Year Home Maintenance Checklist (That Actually Matters)

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Let’s be honest. Most of us only think about home maintenance when something starts dripping, buzzing, or making a noise that sounds expensive. This is not that list. This is the once-a-year checklist that actually saves you money, stress, and surprise water features in your basement . You can do this in one afternoon. Maybe two, if you keep stopping for coffee and “just one more YouTube video.” Here we go. 1. Change your furnace filter (yes… really). If you can’t remember the last time you changed it, that’s your answer. A dirty filter: makes your furnace work harder lowers air quality and quietly increases your heating bill Pro tip: write the date on the new filter. Your future self will thank you. 2. Test your sump pump (before it becomes a personality test). Pour a bucket of water into the pit and make sure it: turns on pumps out and turns off again If it doesn’t, your basement may soon become a very exclusive indoor pool — especially with our spring melt and heavy rain around King...
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The hard truth - selling your home costs money

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Look at all that equity...
I bet you want to take advantage of it...
But how much will you actually get? 
Selling a home doesn't come without it's share of expenses. Let's take a look at some of the common costs associated with selling a home in Ontario.




1. Home Repairs and Improvements
Sellers may need to make repairs or improvements to their homes to make them more marketable. The cost of these can vary significantly depending on the condition of the property.
2. Commission
In many cases, sellers work with realtors to list and sell their homes. Standard commission in Ontario is around 5% of the sale price, and is shared between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent.

3. Legal Fees
Sellers typically hire a real estate lawyer to handle the legal aspects of the sale. Legal fees very, but generally range between $800 - $1000 depending on the complexity of the sale.

4. Pre-Sale Home Inspection
Some sellers opt to have a pre-sale inspection to identify and address any issues before listing the property. This can range from $400 - $600.
5. Mortgage Penalties
If you have a fixed-rate mortgage, and you’re selling it before the term is up, you may incur penalties. The exact amount depends on your mortgage terms and the lender.

6. Closing Adjustments
Sellers may be required to reimburse the buyer for prepaid property taxes, utility bills, or other expenses that extend beyond the closing date.



And there you have it folks. Nothing good comes for free. 
It’s important to note that the actual costs can vary based on the specifics of the transaction and the local market conditions. As well, this is just a short list. There may be further expenses not included in this post. 



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