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/ 12 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, Wednesday, September 21,1994 Real Estate Deadlines and Policies Deadline for Wednesday Publication is Monday at 12:00 Noon. Any compensation for citots or omissions by The Canadian Statesman will be limited to the value of the space occupied by the ciror in the advertisement. ^ Please phone 623-3303 and ask for the Real Estate Sales Department ) Do Your Homework Before Selecting a Home Heating Contractor Many salespeople who promote items door-to-door offer good quality merchandise at fair prices. Unfortunately, Unfortunately, some do not. Ontario's consumer consumer ministry frequently reminds consumers consumers that once the salesperson has left their homes, companies need not accept returns if items arc paid for in full and delivered at once. Some people, especially those we call vulnerable consumers, who don't have much opportunity to compare prices or the quality of goods, have been taken advantage of by dishonest sellers. Sometimes the items arc ovcqtriccd or aren't the quality the consumer was told to expect. Sometimes Sometimes promised work is done poorly, or not at all, once the consumer has paid. Often, vulnerable consumers are people on fixed or very limited incomes, incomes, so even a small loss may cause financial hardships. As concerned concerned as they arc with all these cases, cases, experts at Ontario's Ministry of Consumers and Commercial Relations Relations say they worry about one type of dishonest promotion above the others, because it involves personal safety as well as financial loss. "Unqualified heating contractors, who may offer 'special' prices to inspect inspect and repair home-heating systems systems not only cheat consumers but may also endanger their safety," says ken Taylor, Acting Director of the Engineering and Standards Branch of the ministry's Technical Standards Division. "Most licensed contractors arc quite busy in the fall," he says. "Although "Although some qualified heating professionals professionals do solicit work, if someone calls and says your furnace is due for inspection, or knocks at your door and asks if you want work done while they 'happen to be in the area,' be cautious." Taylor says a good start when looking for a qualified heating contractor contractor is to ask friends or fuel suppliers suppliers to recommend an expert. If in doubt, consumers should call our branch at (416) 234-6030 to find out if the contractor is registered under the Energy Act. Proper inspection of home-heating systems is so important because a defective defective or out-of-adjustment heating system can cause death by carbon- cleaned every year by a heating con- monoxide poisoning or fire. Because tractor registered with the branch, of the danger, consumers arc advised Registered contractors will inspect to have their furnaces checked and the entire heating system and tell the ' c Time to Protect Against Unwanted "Tenants » householder about any problems. But letting someone who isn't qualified do the work only gives consumers a false sense of security. Consumers should also find out if the costs of repairs that may be needed needed arc covered by a service plan or .warranty. If not, they should ask for written estimates from three companies companies before they sign a contract. The estimate should outline the work needed, whether any portion of it will be subcontracted and to whom and start-up and completion dates. Telling the contractor about any warning signs from the last heating season will help make his or her job easier. • These may include: ' - an unusual noise from the furnace; furnace; - water stains around the furnace or chimney; - strange odors from the furnace or through forced-air vents anywhere in the house; - a pilot light that goes out repeatedly, repeatedly, or a furnace that can't be restarted restarted following the manufacturer's instructions. Backdrafts, soot or dampness at the base of the chimney are frequently frequently signs that chimney is partly blocked by cmmbling brick and loose mortar. This dangerous condition sometimes occurs after heating systems systems have been converted from oil to ' natural' gas. Chimney repairs or a:' metal liner will eliminate this poten- ; dally dangerous hazard. Deadly doses of carbon monoxide, monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, can be produced in any fuel-burning system system that's starved for air. Taylor , says, "Unqualified people should . never tamper with a heating system, - but householders can help make sure ; their, system's running safely" throughout the year by following some simple steps." - Change furnace filters at least ; twice a heating season on forced-air j systems. : - Don't block warm-air outlets, | and cold-air returns with furniture or cover them with carpets. 1 - Examine the furnace and chim- j ney from time to time for signs of ' corrosion, leakage or water stains. J - Keep bleaches, water softeners and other corrosive materials away from the furnace and out of the furnace furnace room. ; . to receive a copy of the minis- 1 try's brochure Home Heating Safety, ! contact the Ministry of Consumer i and Commercial Relations, Commu- ' nications Branch, 250 Yonge Street, '■ Toronto, Ontario, M5B 2N5. •! This article is provided by local Realtors and the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) for the benefit of consumers in the real estate market. Once again, it's that time of year to take a few minutes to protect your home from the possible invasion of unwanted house guests - of the four- footed variety. Autumn is a popular time for furry field mice, rambling raccoons and scampering squirrels to seek out warm and cozy digs for the fall and winter. If you provide them with a means of achieving entry into your home - via your chimney, attic, garage, garage, vents, basement or a backdoor that's been left open unintentionally - you'll have a hard time serving them with eviction notices. While there are many humane methods of coaxing these "tenants" out of your home or catching them and re-leasing them into the great outdoors, it's obviously better to prevent prevent any possible means of entry in the first place - saving both you and your furry neighbors a lot of stress and bother. Where to Start First of all, you should conduct an inspection of your home - both inside and out - for any signs of possible entry, entry, or any indications that you may already have "houseguests." Look for large and small cracks - particularly around doorways and windows. (Mice can gain entry through holes the size of your thumb.) If you have an attached and enclosed enclosed sunporch, mudroom, garage or shed where you keep birdseed, pet kibble, potting materials or other paraphernalia, paraphernalia, make sure any packages that might tempt wildlife are well- sealed and stored in "pest-proof' containers containers like tin canisters. Otherwise, you could find that your supplies have been ravaged and you'll have quite a mess on your hands. Also make sure that .there are no cracks or gaps around windows or doors where animals can get in. It's also a good idea to make sure any dangerous or poisonous substances substances stored in these areas arc well sealed as well - just in case any of your four-footed friends do manage to gain entrance to your home through this route. (This is definitely advisable if you have pets as well. Some dogs can be incredibly nosy when it comes to substances like birdseed and fertilizers.) Check Roof and Chimney Using a pair of binoculars, inspect your roof for loose or missing shingles. shingles. Animals as large as squirrels 85 King St. W. Newcastle 987-4733 Ü NATIONAL Khihhihimu 214 King St. E. Bowmanville 623-4445 Wilma Entwisle Dorothy Hartford, President of NRS Ed van Realty Ltd., is pleased to announce that WILMA ENTWISLE was leading selling agent for the month of August, 1994. Congratulations and best wishes for continued success. Wilma would like to thank her clients for making this possible. She can be reached at our Bowmanville Office at 623-4445 or 786-2911 (res.) [UCIENRealty VAMBIER OPEN HOUSE September 24 - 25 Sunset, Newcastle - $134,900. StlS'Ê Donna Fletcher 1 Beautiful brick bungalow, on 65 x 200 ft. lot and 16 x 32 ft inground pool. 3 + 1 bedrooms, eat-in kitchen plus finished rec room with airtight !$ setting. Come on out and view this ,-1,1 super home or call Donna Fletcher for more Information at 697-0992 Lucien Lambler Realty. © ** SUTTON GROUP EXCEL REALTY INC. would like to welcome BARBARA OKE to their company, from sutton group realty in Ajax "Having lived in Bowmanville, for over 20 years 1 am looking forward io serving friends in my home town and helping others to relocate in this area that I love and know so well." "As an experienced Realtor; 1 pledge to use my limitless energy, to work honestly and professionally with all my friends and clients alike. 1 invite you to call me anytime at 905-623-0884 or 905-721- 1144 (24 hr. pager)." **Meml>er Broker of both The Durham and Toronto Real Estate Boards giving M.I...S, access service to over 20,000 sales reps m and raccoons have been known to gain entry to attics through this route and they can cause serious damage if they gnaw on any electrical wiring. Also keep in mind that they could become become trapped in between the walls of your home and suffer. It's also a good idea to dismantle an unused TV cable tower. Before using your chimney this fall, check for signs of wildlife. After all, you don't want to harm the animal animal or your chimney. If you discover some unwanted houseguests roosting there, it's advisable advisable not to try to remove them yourself. yourself. Instead, contact your local humane humane society or wildlife group for names of pet removal companies which will safely remove your furry or feathered friends and restore them unharmed to their natural habitat. If you don't have a chimney cap, it's a good idea to get one installed. (But make sure there is nothing roosting roosting there first.) Generally made of mesh and metal, these devices prevent prevent animals from taking up residence residence in your chimney in the first place. If raccoons or birds have been nesting in your chimney, you may want to have it cleaned by a professional professional chimney sweep once these creatures have been evicted. This will remove any bedding the animals may have installed. Contact Local Experts There are a number of humane methods you can use to coax raccoon out of your home (including the use of loud radios and flashlights), as well as a number of humane ways of catching mice. Contact your local humane humane society or wildlife group for more information. And while you're outdoors, check your cavestroughs for signs of nests. Twigs, leaves and other nesting materials materials can clog up your downspouts, preventing water from draining away from your house. Left over time, this can cause serious problems. Also, trim any branches that may provide a thoroughfare for wildlife to scamper onto your roof and invade your attic. Loose siding can also provide a point of entry to your home, so repair repair any loose or damaged portions as quickly as possible. Also keep in mind that mice love weeds and tall grass around home foundations, because if gives them the perfect place to run and hide. Above all, check for signs of wildlife wildlife before you do any pest-proofing. After all, you want to provide these creatures with ample opportunity to get out of your home so they don't become trapped. It's also important not to separate a mother raccoon or squirrel from her young offspring. When using humane traps, make sure the animal is re- released into a nearby location so that it can readjust to familiar surroundings. surroundings. By taking a few simple precautions precautions now, you can prevent potential problems down the road. And you won't have to wake to the distant sound of small, scampering feet in the middle of the night. Del's Mortgage Watch Today's Best Rate for First Mortgages. MORTGAGE RATES BEST RATES AS OF: SEPTEMBER 20, 1994 6 Months 7.000% 1 Year 7.750% 2 Year 8.750% 3 Year 9.125% 4 Year..... 9.250% WE ALSO ARRANGE: • Second Mortgages • Credit Lines • Personal Loans 5 Year 9.400% 7 Year... 10.140% 10 Year 10.350% 25 Year 10.900% © It Pays to Compare - Call 697-3300 D ELCAN O FINANCIAL Lm MORTGAGES I Division Street Bowmanville Hockin Ken Hockin Real Estate Ltd. Realtor 123 King Street E., Bowmanville 905-623-4115 2228 NASH RD., BOWMANVILLE Custom designed home on 8.6 acres. Great view. Highest point in area. $243,000. George Wallace 697-3165. OPEN HOUSE SWEEPSTAKES Sunday, September 25th l-4p.m. Visit one of our OPEN HOUSES and be eligible to win up to $5,000 down payment and other valuable prizes. 1669 NASH RD., COURT1CE Luxurious condo with solarium, loft overlooking kitchen, master ensuite. $129,999. Bred Hockin 623-0398 32 JOHN SCOTT AVE., BOWMANVILLE Professionally Decorated??? Decide for yourself. 3 bedrooms, bedrooms, ensuite, finished rec room with airtight stove. $124,900. Al Beard 987-4035. 101 WAVERLEY RD., BOWMANVILLE 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, close to schools. Great for a family. $189,900. Pat Marjerrlson 623-2478. 48 SPRY AVE., BOWMANVILLE 4 bedroom sidesplit with hardwood hardwood floors throughout. Separate entrance to full in-law apartment. $159,900. Rob Perkin 697-3624. © Over 30 Years Quality Real Estate Service 234 King Street East, Bowmanville Telephone 623-3393 Toronto Line 686-1035 Dirk Woudstra* 623-3393 COUNTRY BUNGALOW 3 bedroom bungalow with family room and woodstove on a spacious rural lot between Oshawa and Bowmanville. Asking $149,900. Call Dirk Woudstra* 623-3393 or 623-1336. JUST LISTED-$159,900. Granny Flat finished apartment plus 3 separate ontrancos, Now gas llroplaco. Hardwood floors, family room overlooking Inground pool and patio, Ono in a million. Just llstod $159,900. Ask for Charlie 983-5914 or Helen 623-8536 or the office 623-3393. PICTURE PERFECT 8 year old bungalow with attached garage. Has 4th bedroom down. Skylight in bath, separate separate dining room. The finished rec room has a walkout to patio. Economical gas heat. Very well decorated and Immaculate. $124,900. Millbrook. Call Iris Fowler* for an appointment 623-3393 or 705-322-2621. 3.7 ACRES GORGEOUS HOME Super hardwood lot with a 3 bedroom custom bungalow, main floor family room and laundry room. Separate dining room and sunken living room. Double car garage. Must be seen. Just listed $279,900. Call Charlie Reid* 623-3393 or 983-5914. Carol Martin* 623-3393 VIEW LAKE WATER FRONT - $137,900. 4 bedroom renovated. Needs some finishing. Walk to golf course, enjoy all seasons. Call Carol Martin* 623-3393 or 705-324-9216. LOG HOME SETTING Iris Fowler* 623-3393 Nestle your home in amongst these 25 year old pines. Located 1 mile off highway on paved road, 20 minutes to Bowmanville. Pontypool area, 1 acre. Call Iris Fowler* 623-3393 or 705-932-2621. • >; >LfjjsS Charlie Reid* CUSTOM BUILT BEAUTY 623-3393 Completely finished, hardwood floor, oak kitchen, Interlocking brick double car garage. This is one of the finest built homes in the area. Come see It, $179,900. Call Charlie Reid* 623-3393 or 983-5914. JUST LISTED PRICED TO SELL QUICK! Terry Witherspoon* 623-3393 Spotless 3 bedroom home In NE Bowmanville, Walkout Iront living room to largo deck (12' x 16'). Walkout basement from family room to fard. $124,900. Itherspoon* 623-3393 or 983-8296. © patio and fenced backyard, $124,900 To view call Terry Wltr "