The weather has been a little unseasonable lately, but fortunately it won’t last forever. Here is a list of inexpensive things that you can do to save money and be more energy efficient at home, And also this will help our environment:

• Eliminate cold drafts by air sealing your home with caulking and weather-stripping. 25 - 40% of a home’s heat loss can be prevented by proper air sealing.
• Install a programmable thermostat and give your furnace a break while you’re not home.
• Use energy efficient lighting such as compact fluorescents.
• Consider adding insulation, particularly in the attic.
• When buying new windows select energy efficient features. Look for models that are filled with argon gas and that have a low "e"-coating.

Many of the same questions, hesitations and strategies connected with seeking out professional assistance in any field — whether you’re looking for a doctor, lawyer or accountant — come into play when you’re selecting a real estate agent. Some people find an agent through a family member or friend. This is often a reliable approach. But you might not always find the most compatible assistance this way. And in a transaction as important and intensive as buying and selling a home, that can be critical.

 Regardless of how you get an agent’s name, it might be worth interviewing at least a couple before you make a final decision — or at least arming yourself with some criteria to go over with any agent who has been recommended to you. A few things to look for:  If you’re looking for an agent to list your home, be wary of anyone who suggests they can get an unreasonably high sales price. An agent might use a high listing price to secure a contract, only to seek a lower price later, after little traffic is generated at the initial price level.

These are some of the words or terms used in a real estate transaction in Canada.

Amortization period: The actual number of years it will take to pay back your mortgage loan. 

Appraised value: An estimate of the value of the property, conducted for the purpose of mortgage lending by a certified appraiser.

Assets:What you own or can call upon. Often used in determining net worth or in securing financing.

Assumability: Allows the buyer to take over the seller’s mortgage on the property. 

Assumption Agreement:

A legal document signed by a buyer that requires the buyer assume responsibility for the obligations of an existing mortgage. If someone assumes your mortgage, make sure that you get a release from the mortgage company to ensure that you are no longer liable for the debt.