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TERRY SMITH Sales Representa ? ve We live in an era that is obsessed with the new. Cars are leased and traded after only a few years. Kids need the latest version of the IPhone. Even new houses seem dated after only a few years. This kind of thinking may be fine for items that are supposed to have a fairly short shelf life. But houses? Arent they supposed to be fixed assets that last a lifetime or more, that appreciate in value instead of depreciate? If the value of your home investment matters to your financial well-being, as it does for most people, then steer clear of this thinking. When renovating, think about using materials that have lasting value. When you go to the tile store to plan your new bathroom, turn and run the other way when the salesperson starts showing you the latest, trendiest tiles. They may look cool now, but these are the same tiles that buyers will call dated when you go to sell your home 5-10 years from now. Maybe a classic subway tile or carrera marble would be a better choice. New vinyl windows with clear glass may sound good, but if you are in a traditional home this choice is unlikely to be appealing when the novelty wears off. Wood windows with divided lights might be a better investment. That laminate flooring in the latest faux Brazilian Cherry may seem like the perfect thing for your family room, but the next buyer might be more impressed if you had chosen timeless hardwood. Stealing precious space in your mud room to install a dog washing station? Cool, but the next buyer might wish you hadnt bothered, especially if they dont have a dog... Trends change fast. Todays trend is tomorrows what were they thinking? So treating your home like a pair of designer shoes is not in your best interest. Treat it with the long-term perspective you would any other important asset. Make your choices carefully and spend your investment wisely. If you are thinking about doing a renovation, get some input. Consult with friends, a designer or an architect who gets the idea of renovation as an investment, not just an expenditure. Speak to a real estate agent who knows your area and can advise about the wisest way to spend your renovation dollars. Youll love the result and the next buyer will reward you for your choices! Terry Smith is an agent with the Lakeshore offi ce of REMAX Aboutowne Realty Corp. and owns Smith and Company Timeless Homes, builder of classic style homes in the downtown area. He is also former Chair of Heritage Oakville. You can reach Terry at 647-405-8057. O: 905.338.9000 C: 647.405.8057 Rare Heritage District Opportunity. In town, one home from the lake. 80 by 115 lot. Gorgeous lot, towering trees, fabulous views of the lake and beau ? ful First Heritage District streetscape. Current mid-century bungalow could be restored/expanded or a sensi ? vely designed new home built. $1,250,000 Perfect In Town Downsize. Amazing loca ?on, short walk to town. Gracious home, surprisingly large. Gren Weis addi ?on at rear. Designer interior. Open Kitchen, Family, Dining. Formal Living. Master with ensuite. Two addi ? onal bedrooms upstairs. Finished basement with addi ?onal bedroom. Pre ? y garden. Great street. A gorgeous, rare find. Fabulous value. $975,000 Aboutowne Realty Corp., Brokerage Independently owned and operated Beware the Latest Trend Terry Smith OPEN HOUSE SUN 2-4 207 ALLAN STREET NEW PRICE UNLOCKING THE VALUE IN YOUR HOME SOLD Aboutowne Realty Corp., Brokerage Independently owned and operated KIM CRONK SALES REPRESENTATIVE DIR: 905.338.3777 kcronk@cogeco.ca OFF: 905.842.7000www.birdhomes.ca. i . 461 Maple Grove Road $869,000 South East Oakville, Beautiful Custom Built, 4+1 bdrm executive home, located on a very private, conveniently located lot. Features; main flr office, skylights, pot lights, 2 fp, 2 tiered custom deck and more. Call Kim Cronk to view 905 842 7000. MLS #2024363 2120 Blyth Crescent $859,000 South East Oakville on a magnificent one third acre lot! Fantastic opportunity to build your dream home on this most prestigious Crescent, surrounded by beautifully renovated and custom built multi-million dollar homes within steps to the Lake. Call Kim Cronk to view. 905-842-7000 MLS #2022501 1174 Linbrook Road $1,148,000 South East Oakville, Elegant old world charm on a most prestigious street! Spacious principal rooms for entertaining, main flr office converts to main flr bdrm, private studio workshop (26 X 16), 3 fireplaces, 192 deep lot, many updates. Call Kim Cronk to view 905-842-7000. (Sold cond. with 24 hour escape) MLS #2021441 174 Bronte Road $899,000 Opportunity knocks! Over s of an acre, on a private ravine lot with 163 frontage & potential to subdivide. Charming 4 bedroom home renovated in 2007. Walk to Bronte Village and Harbour. Call Kim Cronk to view 905-842-7000. MLS #2024355 Oakville, Burlington and Milton Residential Specialist Consistent Award W inner for Productivity and Service Member o f the Oakville, Milton and Burlington Real Estate Boards Recognized for Honest, Prof se sional S ervice for over 35 years Experience Pays 905-842-7000 Congratulations Broker Aboutowne Realty Corp., Brokerage Independently o wned & ope rated Augy Carnovale, Broker of Record/Owner of RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty Corp., congratulates one of their top producers MONIKA BLEWETT for celebrating 20 years with the company! w w w . o a kv ill eb ea ve r.c o m O A KV IL LE B EA V ER W e dn es da y, Ja nu ar y 5, 2 01 1 2 6 Protect your home while you escape the cold (NC)As the winter season drones on, many Canadians are escaping the cold by jetting off to tropical destinations. But before you head south, remember that your home needs extra protection to pre- vent against theft and water damaged while you're away. Vacations are an opportunity to relax and escape our everyday lives, says Wayne Ross, insurance expert at Aviva Canada. Ensuring your home is protected during your absence can safe-guard against unwanted damage and added costs. Install a security device with a loud alarm or flashing lights. Some alarms can contact authorities direct- ly when they have been activated. Use deadbolt locks on all doors. Ensure doors, including garages and sheds, are locked and secured. Be sure to remove any house keys from obvi- ous hiding places, such as under door- mats or flowerpots. Have your walkway shovelled after every snowfall. Snow removal will make your home look occupied. If you have a car parked out front, have a neighbour remove any snow build-up. Turn down the heat to no lower than 55 F (13 C). A low heat seating will prevent your water pipes from freezing or bursting. Have your home checked. Some insurance policies require that if you are away for more than a few days, a respon- sible party must check your residence daily to ensure an appropriate tempera- ture is maintained to avoid pipes burst- ing and serious water damage. For more information on how to guard your home during winter vaca- tion, contact your insurance broker or visit www.avivacanada.com. Just listed this 3 bedroom link town- house backing onto treed ravine lot including eat-in kitchen, spacious living/ dining room with walkout to large deck and hot tub. 2 bathrooms & finished rec room in immaculate condition with many upgrades. Possession could be immediate. Asking price on this is $379,900 for more info call Corey Schafer 905-842-1630 or cell 905-466-8248 FRED SCHAFER REAL ESTATE LIMITED Brokerage 905 842-1630 905 466-8248 COREY SCHAFER Broker Happy New Year!