Friday 31 January 2014

Black Beans Vegetables with Coconut Rice






BLACK BEANS/VEGETABLES WITH COCONUT RICE (I used all organic ingredients – I don’t want those nasty pesticides to contaminate my family or I)
First start with the rice: 1 ½ cups organic basmati rice (I used white) 1 cup organic coconut milk (Tip – do not buy reduced fat – coconut fat is very good for you. Remove from tin and stir in bowl before measuring – it separates in the can) 2 cups of water 3 or 4 saffron threads 1 tsp turmeric Bring the water and coconut to a boil with the turmeric and saffron (if you choose to use). While this starts to boil, rinse the rice. Once liquid and spices are boiling add rice and cook over low heat until done. (after 15 minutes or so)
Bean Vegetable Mixture 2 tsps olive oil 2 minced garlic cloves 1 tsp minced fresh ginger 1 small red onion diced 1 small red or orange pepper diced 1 small yellow pepper diced 1 small tomato died 2 generous handfuls of baby spinach or baby kale (I used a mixture) 1 14 oz can black beans (rinsed) Remainder of coconut milk and ¼ cup vegetable stock (more if you need more liquid) 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp coriander 1 pod cardamom or 1 tsp 1 tsp garam masala 1 avocado diced ¼ cup cilantro Juice of one lime
While the rice is cooking, Heat olive oil in a medium size sauce pan. Add onion, garlic, ginger and stir. After a minute or two add peppers, then the tomato. Add spices, coconut milk and stock. Stir. Add black beans. Heat. Then add spinach and heat just until it starts to wilt.
Scoop rice into a small bowl then turn out onto your plate. Scoop the bean mixture on the rice, and top with cilantro, avocado and squeeze lime juice on top (about ½ the juice from ½ a lime. This should make about 4 nice sized servings.

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Like A Hawke, 
Susan 

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Wednesday 29 January 2014

Real Estate Glossary

AmortizationThe period of time required to reduce a debt to zero when payments are made regularly. Amortization periods are most often 15, 20, or 25 years long.

AnniversaryMost lenders allow borrowers to make a payment on the anniversary of the mortgage. (For a mortgage assumed on June 1, a payment can be made every subsequent June 1 for the term of the mortgage.) It is applied against the principal and is a good way of reducing a loan.

AppraisalA process that determines the market value of a property.

Appraised ValueAn estimated value of a property that is completed by a certified appraiser for mortgage financing.

Approved LenderA lending institution authorized by the Government of Canada to make loans under the terms of the National Housing Act. Only Approved Lenders can negotiate mortgages that require mortgage insurance.

AssumptionA legal document signed by a homebuyer that requires the buyer to assume responsibility for the obligations of a mortgage by the builder or original owner.

Balanced MarketWhere demand for property equals the supply of available property. Sellers usually accept reasonable offers and houses generally sell in sufficient time periods. Prices remain stable and there is usually a good number of homes to choose from.

Blended PaymentA mortgage payment that includes principal and interest. It is paid regularly during the term of the mortgage. The payment total remains the same, although the principal portion increases over time and the interest portion decreases.

Building PermitA certificate that must be obtained from the municipality by the property owner or contractor before a building can be erected or repaired. It must be posted in a conspicuous place until the job is completed and passed as satisfactory by a municipal building inspector.

Buyer's MarketWhen there is a higher number of homes to choose from than buyers in comparison. Prices of homes tend to be lower and they remain available for sale longer. Buyers usually have more leverage in negotiating a purchase.

Closed MortgageA mortgage loan that has a locked-in payment schedule, which does not vary over the life of the closed term. A buyer who uses a closed mortgage will likely have to pay the lender a penalty if you fully repay the loan before the end of the closed term.

Closing CostsCosts, in addition to the purchase price of a home, such as legal fees, transfer fees, and disbursements, that are payable on the closing date. Closing costs typically range from 2%-4% of a home's selling price.

Closing DateThe date on which the sale of a property becomes final and the new owner takes possession.

CMHCCanada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. A Crown corporation that administers the National Housing Act for the federal government and encourages the improvement of housing and living conditions for all Canadians. CMHC also creates and sells mortgage loan insurance products.

Collateral MortgageA mortgage that secures a loan by way of a promissory note. The money borrowed can be used to buy a property or can be used for another purpose, such as a home renovation or a vacation.

Commitment Letter / Mortgage ApprovalWritten notification from the mortgage lender to the borrower that approves the advancement of a specified amount of mortgage funds under specified conditions.

Conditional Offer / Conditions of SaleAn Offer to Purchase that is subject to specified conditions, for example, the arranging of a mortgage. There is usually a stipulated time limit within which the specified conditions must be met.

Conventional MortgageA mortgage loan up to a maximum of 75% of the lending value of the property. Mortgage loan insurance is not required for this type of mortgage.

CovenantA clause in a legal document which, in the case of a mortgage, gives the parties to the mortgage a right or an obligation. For example, a covenant can impose the obligation on a borrower to make mortgage payments in certain amounts on certain dates. A mortgage document consists of covenants agreed to by the borrower and the lender.

ConveyancingThe transfer of ownership of any property or real estate from one person to another.

DeedA legal document, which is signed by both the vendor and the purchaser transferring ownership. This document is registered as evidence of ownership.

DefaultFailure to abide by the terms of a mortgage loan agreement. A failure to make mortgage payments, defaulting on the loan, may give cause to the mortgage holder to take legal action to possess (foreclose) the mortgaged property.

DepositA sum of money placed in trust by the purchaser when an Offer to Purchase is made. The real estate representative or lawyer holds the sum until the sale is closed, and then it is paid to the vendor.

Discharge of MortgageA document signed by the lender and given to the borrower when a mortgage loan has been repaid in full.

Down paymentThe portion of the house price the buyer must pay up front from personal resources, before securing a mortgage. It generally ranges from 5%-25% of the purchase price.

EasementA right acquired for access to or over, or for the use of, another person's land for a specific purpose, such as a driveway or public utilities.

EncumbranceA registered claim for debt against a property, such as a mortgage.

EquityThe difference between the price for which a home could be sold and the total debts registered against the home. Equity usually increases as the outstanding principal of the mortgage is reduced through regular payments. Market values and improvements to the property also affect equity.

FHLIFirst Home Loan Insurance - This is a CMHC product of particular interest to people looking for their first home. It allows qualified first-time buyers to purchase a home with as little as 5% down. In these cases, CMHC will insure mortgages of up to 95% of the home's purchase price or the market value of the property, whichever is less. (Restrictions may apply. Contact your local lender.)

ForeclosureA legal procedure in which the lender gets ownership of the property if the borrower defaults on the mortgage loan.

Gross Debt Service RatioThe percentage of the borrower's gross income that will be used for monthly payments of principal, interest, taxes, heating costs, and half of any condominium maintenance fees.

High-Ratio Mortgage / Insured Mortgage LoanA mortgage loan in excess of 75% of the lending value of the property. This type of mortgage must be insured - for example, by CMHC - against payment default.

HoldbackAn amount of money withheld by the lender during construction of a house to ensure that construction is satisfactory at every stage. A standard holdback is 10% of the total cost of the building project.

InterestThe cost of borrowing money for a given period of time. Interest is usually paid to the lender in installments along with repayment of the principal loan amount.

Interest Adjustment Date (IAD)A date from which interest on the mortgage advanced is calculated for regular payments. This date is usually one payment period before regular mortgage payments begin. Interest due between the date the mortgage is advanced and the IAD is due on closing.

Interest RateThe rate at which you pay interest to the lender. For example, when the mortgage balance is $100,000, and the interest rate is 6 per cent, one single annual payment will include $6,000 interest. More frequent payments will result in different amounts.

Lending ValueThe purchase price or appraised value of a property, whichever is less.

Loan-to-Value RatioThe ratio of the loan to the lending value of a property expressed as a percentage. For example, the loan-to-value ratio of a loan for $25,000 on a home which costs $100,000 is 25%.

Lien (Mechanics)A claim against a property for money owing. A lien may be filed by a supplier or a subcontractor who has provided labour or materials but has not been paid. A lien must be properly filed by a claimant. It has a limited life, prescribed by statutes that vary from province to province. If the lien holder takes action within the prescribed time, the homeowner may be obliged to pay the amount claimed by the lien holder. Alternatively, the lien holder may force a sale of the property to pay off the debt.

Maturity DateThe last day of the term of the mortgage agreement. On this day the mortgage loan must be paid in full or the agreement renewed.

MortgageSecurity for a loan to purchase property. It is the purchaser's personal guarantee to repay the loan and a pledge of the property as security for the loan.

Mortgage Life InsuranceInsurance to pay off your mortgage in full if you die. Many lenders offer this insurance and add the premium to your mortgage payments. However, you may want to compare rates for equivalent products from an insurance broker.

Mortgage Loan InsuranceInsurance required by lenders for high-ratio mortgages (more than 75% of the purchase price). It is available from CMHC or a private insurer for a cost of between 0.5% and 3% of the amount of the mortgage.

Mortgage PaymentA regularly scheduled payment that is blended to include both principal and interest.

MortgageeThe lender who provides the mortgage loan.

MortgagorThe borrower who pledges the property as security for the loan.

Net WorthA person's total financial worth, calculated by subtracting total liabilities from assets.

NHA PremiumInsurance required by lenders for high-ratio mortgages (more than 75% of the purchase price). It is available from CMHC or a private insurer for a cost of between 0.5% and 3% of the amount of the mortgage. The premium can be added to your mortgage loan and paid off as part of your regular mortgage payments, or paid off in a lump sum at the time of purchase to save interest charges on the premium itself.

Offer to PurchaseA written contract setting out the terms under which the buyer agrees to buy. If accepted by the seller, it forms a legally binding contract subject to the terms and conditions stated in the document.

Open MortgageA type of mortgage loan where the borrower can make a partial or full payment of the principal amount at any time, without penalty.

Option AgreementA document stipulating that, in exchange for a deposit, a specified individual is to be given the first chance to buy a property at or within a specified period of time. An option holder who does not buy at or within the specified period loses the deposit and the agreement is cancelled.

P.I.T.Principal, Interest, and Taxes - payments due on a regular basis under the terms of a mortgage agreement. Generally, payments are made monthly and include one-twelfth of the estimated annual municipal and school taxes. Since these taxes change from year to year, this section of the mortgage will change accordingly.

P.I.T.H.Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Heating - costs used to calculate the Gross Debt Service ratio (GDS).

PortabilityAn option available on a mortgage that enables the mortgagor to take their current mortgage loan with them to another property without penalty.

Pre-Approved MortgageWhen a lender approves the potential mortgagor for a specified amount, based on how much money the lender is prepared to lend to the borrower. This allows buyers to shop for homes that they already know they can obtain financing for and not homes that are potentially too expensive, or out of the borrowers means to finance.

Prepayment PrivilegesAllows the borrower to make voluntary payments on the mortgage loan, in addition to the regular, scheduled mortgage payments.

PrincipalThe amount of money borrowed.

Property Purchase or Land Transfer TaxA toll paid to the provincial and/or municipal government(s) for transferring property to the buyer from the seller.

REALTOR®A trademark name for a real estate representative who is a member of an organization of persons engaged in the business of buying and selling real estate, such as the Canadian Real Estate Association.

RefinanceTo pay off a mortgage or other registered encumbrance and arrange for a new mortgage, sometimes with a different lender.

Regular MortgageWith this type of mortgage, you pay between 10% and 25% of the cost of the home as a down payment. The remaining balance is the amount of the mortgage loan required. A high-ratio mortgage requires mortgage loan insurance. CMHC offers it for a premium of 0.5%-3% of the mortgage amount. This fee can be added to your mortgage payments or paid in full on closing.

RenewalAt the end of a mortgage term, the borrower re-negotiates the loan for a new term.

Second MortgageAn additional mortgage on a property that already has a mortgage.

Seller's MarketMore buyers are looking for homes than there are homes for sale. There is a smaller inventory of homes available for sale and many buyers looking to purchase. House prices generally increase and homes sell quickly.

Strata or Condominium FeeA payment made by all owners of condominiums or townhouses within a particular complex that is allocated to pay expenses such as maintenance, repairs and management costs.

Statement of AdjustmentA balance sheet statement that indicates credits to the vendor - for example, the purchase price - and any prepaid taxes and credits to the buyer, such as the deposit, and the balance due on closing.

SurveyA document that illustrates the property boundaries and measurements, specifies the location of buildings on the property, and indicates any easements or encroachments.

TermThe length of time during which a mortgagor pays a specific interest rate on the mortgage loan. The entire mortgage principal is usually not paid off at the end of the term because the amortization period is normally longer than the term.

Title (freehold or leasehold)Legal possession. A freehold title gives the holder ownership of land and buildings for an indefinite period of time. A leasehold title gives the holder a right to use and occupy land and buildings for a defined period of time. In a leasehold arrangement, actual ownership of the land, sometimes along with the buildings, remains with the landlord.

Total Debt Service Ratio (TDS)The percentage of gross annual income required to cover all payments for housing and all other debts, such as car payments.

Variable-rate MortgageA type of mortgage with fixed payments but fluctuating interest rates. The change in current interest rates doesn't alter the amount of the mortgage payment, but determines how much of each payment is applied against the principal amount and how much goes to pay interest to the lender.

Vendor Take-Back MortgageMortgage financing arranged between the seller of the property and the buyer. Often this type of loan is a second mortgage, which the seller is willing to arrange at below market rates to allow the buyer to purchase the house. Most of these arrangements are not renewable or transferable to the next owner of the house.

Zoning BylawsMunicipal or regional laws that specify or restrict land use.


Like A Hawke,
Susan

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

A Real Estate Home Buyer's Guide | RE/MAX


Buying your first home is one of the most important investment and personal decisions of your life. It's also one of the most complex transactions you may ever undertake.
Your first step involves deciding how you will approach your home search. Who will you work with throughout this process — and how will you work with them? Ask yourself, "Do I want a RE/MAX agent* working with me or for me?" There is a difference!
As a buyer, you have a choice in representation. Most buyers today choose to have a RE/MAX agent represent their interests in a real estate transaction. This is also known as Agency Representation (or fiduciary representation), which simply means that the RE/MAX agent you hire is legally bound to represent your interests. This involves the highest standard of care and extreme loyalty to you, the "client." Some agents will work with you as a "customer," which carries a different level of responsibility. Most real estate professionals require a client relationship because it allows them to provide the full range of services that buyers need and deserve. Your RE/MAX agent* will discuss representation with you and will request your commitment in writing for this level of service.
(That Re/Max Agent is me! Susan Hawke*)
*The next few weeks are the perfect time to begin discussing your real estate needs. Do you need home staging? Do you want to list in Winter or very early Spring? I welcome the opportunity to assist you with your family's needs. I also offer complimentary home staging to my qualified #SaultSteMarie #ontarioSellers. 705.971.0918 Like A Hawke, I'm here to help! Lets talk.
Read this fabulous Buyer's Guide here

Like A Hawke,
Susan

Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Tuesday 28 January 2014

Questions To Ask When Assessing Home Features


  • Do you need several bedrooms, more than one bathroom, space for a home office, a two-car garage?
  • Do you want air conditioning, storage or hobby space, a fireplace, a swimming pool? Do you have family members with special needs?
  • Do you plan to have children? Downtown or suburbs? Proximity to recreation or work.
  • Do you need a substantial backyard? Pets?
  • Is there adequate storage space?
  • Will any remodeling be required to make the home move-in ready for you?
  • What service providers (cable, Internet, telephone, Satelite) are available in the area, and is the house completely wired for each? Can you hear me now – how good is the cell phone reception?
  • How much are the yearly property taxes?
  • How much do utilities run each month? Does the house use gas or electric for the furnace, water heater, and appliances?
  • How old are the major appliances, and which are included with the house?
  • Have there been any major repairs to the house, and if so, when were they completed? For example, how old is the roof? Has water ever damaged the basement or foundation?
  • Ever had problems with insects, such as termites and spiders, or rodents?
  • Older homes need to be carefully examined - Windows may need caulking or new sashes, bathroom tiles may need grouting, home may need rewiring (planning on a hot tub or sauna?), a new hot water heater, or a new furnace.

Like A Hawke,
Susan

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Monday 27 January 2014

15 fabulous white paints


Slipper Satin Farrow and Ball


Stowe White Premier 


Cottage White Behr


Calming Cream Benjamin Moore


Picket Fence Martha Stewart


All White Farrow and Ball


Wedding Veil Benjamin Moore


Silver Lining Pratt and Lambert


Tailor's Chalk Martha Stewart


Swiss Coffee Behr


Japanese Paper Sico


White Whisper CIL


Antique White Behr


Peaches and Cream Para


Prism White Premier

"What is white? Look at a parking lot full of white cars, and you quickly come to see that it’s actually a whole range of shades. No other colour—and make no mistake, white is a colour—has the range of moods that white does. It can be warm and embracing, crisp and clean, or change its character according to the time of day or the time of year." 


Read the Style at Home feature here.

Buying or Selling in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario?  Know anyone who is?  I can help.  705.971.0918

Like A Hawke, 
Susan

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Friday 24 January 2014

RE/MAX Top Choice for Buyers and Sellers for 13 Years!

Like A Hawke, Susan Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Thursday 23 January 2014

DIY Style on a Budget: How to make a tufted velvet headboard for $350




This stunning headboard
diamond-tufted in blue velvet fabric, 
that was built completely from scratch.
Find out how to do it here.

Buying or Selling in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario?  Know anyone who is?  I can help.  705.971.0918
Like A Hawke,
Susan

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Wednesday 22 January 2014

12 Foods To Fight Inflammation














Read all the fresh and healthy details here. 

Buying or Selling in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario?  Know anyone who is?  I can help.  705.971.0918

Like A Hawke,
Susan


 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Tuesday 21 January 2014

Tax time tips save money for busy families


(NC)— Most parents are continuously looking for ways to stretch their budget. Whether we're paying for expensive dance costumes, new skates, music classes, or extra tutoring help, there are ways to save money at tax time.
The key is saving your receipts when you sign your kids up for fitness, artistic, or developmental activities. At tax time, claim the children's arts credit (www.cra.gc.ca/artscredit) and the children's fitness credit (www.cra.gc.ca/fitness) on your income tax and benefit return. You can claim the fees you've paid for eligible activities up to $500 per child, per tax credit. This gives you a non-refundable credit of up to $75 per tax credit per child. Look into it—the money you save might be enough to buy your child a new swimsuit or cover the gas money to get to lessons or practices.

Buying or Selling in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario?  Know anyone who is?  I can help.  705.971.0918


Like A Hawke,
Susan


 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

Monday 20 January 2014

3 Hearty Chili Recipes





It's that time of year!  Please find these 3 recipes here

Buying or Selling in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario?  Know anyone who is?  I can help.  705.971.0918

Like A Hawke,
Susan

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada