Have you done all you should to prepare your home for the winter? Drain all exterior hoses and store them for the winter. Outside faucets should be either freeze-proof or be supplied with a valve somewhere inside the house that allow you to shut off the water to the faucet for the winter. Failure to do this may cause the pipe to freeze and possibly burst when the winter comes. Remember to store your tools and anything usually left in the summer or during the warmer seasons.

Consider this motto; a little prevention costs a lot less than major repair. Its amazing just how much money and aggravation you can save yourself just by paying attention to up keeping the conditions of your drains. Imagine your drains as the major arteries of your house, clogging leads to major problems.  Plumbing companies receive most of their calls around the holidays when people are at their most careless.

To prevent clogged drains avoid the temptation of being lazy and flushing things that ought to be thrown in the garbage instead, things like grease, hair and solid bits that wont disperse. Use a drain basket in your sink to catch leftovers, these can be bought at any hardware or dollar store in different sizes and shapes for the right fit. Its a good idea to clean out your kitchen and bathroom drains once a month using a homemade cleaner which is economical and won't damage your plumbing.

To make homemade drain cleaner simply combine 250ml (1cup) of baking soda, 250ml (1 cup) of table salt and 65ml (1/4cup) of cream tartar. Store the dry ingredients in a safe place away from children, in a glass jar or tin, labelled clearly.

To use the cleaner put about 65ml (1/4cup) of Tye mixture into the drain and add 250ml (1cup) of water. The mixture will fizz and bubble. When the reaction stops run clear water from the tab through the drain.

As for keeping your toilet running, once again avoid the temptation to flush things that belong in the trash like wrappers, sanitary napkins, cigarette butts or wads of tissues.

Consider having the main drain line to the sewer cleaned if you can't remember the last time it was checked. Remember the motto; a little prevention costs a lot less than major repair.

You'll be surprised how well and sometimes, how much better natural products work than any other kind of chemical cleaners you use around the house.

Vinegar...To clean windows, add 3 tbsp (50ml) to a gallon of water. Use vertical strokes to clean one side of the pane and horizontal ones to clean the other side. This way, if you see any streaks, you'll know which side the streaks are on! For a 'streak-free' shine, use the old trick, crumpled newspaper instead of cloth to clean the window panes (black and white newsprint sheets)

You can use vinegar undiluted to disinfect cutting boards, counter tops and tabletops. Eliminate spots on stainless steel appliance finishes and fixtures. Boil 1tsp (5ml) with a cup (250ml) of water as a natural air re freshener to eliminate household odours. Annoyed with stickers or gummy spots that just won't come off? Heat to lukewarm temperature a mix of half water/half vinegar and gently scrub them them away.

Drain cleaner (Non-caustic)...Pour 250ml of baking soda, followed by; 250ml salt and 125ml of white vinegar down the drain. Let stand for 15 minutes then pour a kettle full of boiling water down the drain. Repeat if necessary.

Carpet Deodorizer...In a medium bowl, crush 1/2 cup of dried lavender; stir in 1 cup of baking soda. Sprinkle the mixture onto carpeting. Let stand for half an hour then vacuum thoroughly.

Lemon...the juices in lemons can be used to clean many appliances, a natural disinfectant, it smells fresh and leaves a great shine.

Lot size...Street frontage is important, but don't overlook depth.

Parking & Garage...Consider this important feature but don't forget to factor in any future plans. While you might own a small car now, will you have to buy a bigger one in the future if family planning becomes an issuse?

Corner lots...To avoid creating a tunnel-like apperance, corner lots are wider than normal. Meaning more grass to cut, ,ore sidewalk to clear of snow, more fencing to erect without a neighbour to split the cost.

Side of street...Homes on the west side recieve morning sun at the front and afternoon sun in the back. South houses bask in the sun at the rear, ideal for backyard enthusiasts.

Other factors...What street hardware (sidewalk, fire hydrant, overhead street lamp, hydro transformer box, stop sign, supermail box, bus stop) appear near the lot?

---you heard this adage many times but, what does it mean?

LOCATION is one of the most important aspects of consideration when establishing the value of a property. For example, two identical homes can be priced - and valued - at completely different prices! Location being the differing factor.

The following could affect not only how much you pay for your home but the property's subsequent resale value.

Distance to work...How long will the rush hour commute take? House prices are generally cheaper the greater the distance from the hub of activity.

Transportation...Public transit and mature road networks are more readily available in built-up and established areas. Projected start dates for transit routes or road construction are only educated guesses.

Schools...Knowing which schools service an area is often a high priority.

Support Services...Everyone needs a doctor, dentist and a pharmacy. Day-care centres and religious facilities also rank high for many people.

Shopping...Large commuter malls serve an entire community. Intermediate sized plazas are accessed by commuters and pedestrians.

Recreational facilities...Parks, playgrounds, community centres, skating rinks, swimming pools, baseball diamonds and soccer fields help establish ambiance and a community based neighbourhood.

Potential Deterrents...Negative factors include gas stations, railway tracks, airports, empty lots, commercial developments, cemeteries, industrial parks and major highways. Even positive attributes in in close proximity can become drawbacks. For example, being near a school is important, but the noise factor and possible after hour loitering can be a bad thing.

Another change in the Toronto Land Transfer Tax saga! First, the good news; first time buyers will be exempt from the tax on the first $400,000 of their home. This applies to all homes - new developments and resale homes. So if you're thinking about buying your first place, you can breathe easy. If your home costs more than $400,000 you can only pay the tax on the overage amount.The bad news then is really only for people who are selling their homes and buying another one. For a $400,000 home it costs an additional $3725. For a $650,000 home it will cost you an additional $8725. Ouch

What was approved by the city council? A second land transfer tax at the following rates:

Residential

0.5% of the amount of the purchase price up to and including $55,000

1% of the amount of the purchase price between $55,000 and $400,000

2% of the amount of the purchase price above $ 400,000

When does it take effect? February 1, 2008

Where does this apply? Within the city of Toronto and NOT outside it though that could become a possibility