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.