In This Issue: Message from the Editor | Buying a Condominium | We're Not The Only Ones Overheating This Summer! | Upcoming Artisan Shows | Recommend a Business

 

Message From The Editor

 

Welcome. We hope that you have enjoyed this lovely summer weather. In this month's issue we have some great articles about how to beat the heat and a 2-part series on real estate.

 

What distinguishes I Highly Recommend from other business directories is the underlying foundation of trust. We are unique because all companies listed in the directory are invited to join based on a recommendation or 3rd party referral. The most powerful recommendation is word-of-mouth, and I Highly Recommend brings those word-of-mouth referrals to the online environment, creating a network of trust.

 

The newest feature on the site is the search function. If you need to find something in a hurry, try our key word search. It includes people's names, the company name, city as well as the description of the businesses in the listing.

 

Buying a Condominium

 

When buying a condominium there are a number of important things to consider besides the size and price of the condominium.  Some of the items you need to consider:

 

Condo Fee .  Whether buying an apartment or a townhome, there will be a condo fee.  Items that may or may not be included in the fee:  Exterior maintenance, Building insurance, Hydro, Heat, Water, Cable TV, Security, Parking, Amenities, Road maintenance, Garbage removal, Grass cutting, Snow removal.  Usually, the higher the condo fee, the more is included.  You should also keep in mind that the amount of condo fee is greatly affected by the number of suites in the condominium and the number & type of amenities offered. That is why condo fee on townhomes are usually so much lower. It is sometimes difficult to consider paying a ‘high' condo fee.  To evaluate this, take a look at what you pay on an annual basis for the same items in your present home & compare it to what you would be paying annually in condo fees.

 

Status Certificate:  It is absolutely necessary to make any offer to purchase conditional on the reviewing of the Status Certificate by your lawyer.  These documents will provide you with a detailed explanation of the Condominium Corporation's financial health, the state of its reserve fund & when the last reserve fund study was done, whether any special assessments are in place or expected, if the condo corporation is being sued, if the person you are buying the suite from is up to date with their condo fees, the rules, bylaws & just about everything else you'll need to know to feel comfortable about completing your condo purchase.

 

Pets:   Many Condominiums have restrictions regarding the size or type of pet you can have.  Some do not allow pets at all.

 

Parking:   Several questions you should ask – how many parking spaces are included with the condo? Where are they located? (outside or underground) Is the parking space owned or exclusive use?  Is it possible to buy or rent additional parking spaces if necessary?

 

Lockers/Storage:   Not all suites have a storage locker.  It is important to check to see if additional storage lockers are available to purchase or rent.

 

Please contact with any real estate questions or concerns you may have.  Don Bassindale , Associate Broker, 905-338-9000 or by E-mail don@donbasssindale.com . I look forward to being of service to you in real estate!

 

We're Not The Only Ones Overheating This Summer!

 

Did you know that temperatures inside your computer can reach over 170ºC? The main effect of overheating is slowed performance but it can be much worse. Components inside your computer can melt, causing significant replacement/repair costs. Here are some quick tips to keep your computer cool during the summer heat.

 

DUST:
Start by disconnecting the power and cables from the back of your computer tower. Remove the casing (this may be a side panel or top canopy that has small screws on the back). Use the dust brush on your vacuum cleaner. Gently skim about ½” above the components inside the computer. This is sufficient to remove dust. Do not touch the components and never use liquids or solvents inside your computer.

 

The primary cause of dust build up is carpets and paper from boxes. The best way to reduce dust is to raise your computer off the floor and remove all paper files and boxes within a foot from your computer.

 

LOCATION:
Your computer should have sufficient air circulation around it so the fans inside can work properly. You should also maintain 4-5” of space around your computer. This applies to built-in desk cabinets, walls or similar surfaces. If your computer is stored on the floor, you may want to invest in a riser. This cradle on wheels is available at most computer stores for under $20.

 

KEEP COOL:
Remember the heat inside your computer will raise the temperature of the room too. If your home or office has A/C, the risk of overheating is reduced. For the rest of us, a rotating fan or ceiling fan can be used to push air towards you and your computer. Keep the computer off when not in use. It really makes a difference.

 

Signs that your computer is overheating are: significantly slow performance, increased errors, sudden shut down or non-responsive state, and an internal alarm (temperature sensor). Have it looked at by a qualified computer technician, not a sales rep.

 

Some final tips for computer users to increase the performance of your hard drive:

 

1. Turn off your computer everyday.

 

2. Use the disk clean up and disk defragmenter programs on a weekly basis.

 

3. Delete temporary internet files and cookies on a weekly basis.

 

For more information, contact Robert Lalonde, My PC Consultant. (mailto: robert.lalonde@my-pc-consultant.com)

 

Recommend a Business

 

I Highly Recommend is a directory of local small businesses in your community. We are built on a network of trust and rely on your recommendations and referrals. If there is a business that you highly recommend, be it product or service, please contact us.

 

Upcoming Artisan Shows

 

Given the escalating costs of craft shows, Sasha Walsh from Good Fur You! and Brooke Gordon from Bonnets & Bags , started organizing small venue shows. This is our 4th year organizing these events, which promote local artisans. Stay tuned for more details and directions.

 

If you know someone who is interested in participating at these events, our online invitation is available at www.ihighlyrecommend.ca/artisans.htm.