Category Archives: Blog

When can a Landlord Enter a Rental Unit?

The question of when a Landlord can enter a tenants apartment was asked of Realtor Steven Silva. Here is his answer: :… Generally, the landlord must first give the tenant 24 hours written notice, stating when they will enter and for what reason. There are some exceptions, however, such as in the case of an emergency or if the tenant agrees to allow the landlord to enter the unit. In your case, as long as the Landlord gives you 24-hour written notice, she may enter even if you’re not home (for other times Landlords may enter with and without notice visit AskRealtorSteve.com)… Continue reading

Posted in Blog, Home Tips, Q&A, Real Estate, Rent / Lease | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tips to Reduce and / or Eliminate Basement Leakage

With the coming of the “April Showers”, homes prone to basement leakage may start to experience some difficulties.  Fortunately, basement leakage can often be resolved by some exterior maintenance without spending a huge amount of money.  Foundation walls are not waterproof; they … Continue reading

Posted in Blog, Home Tips, Q&A | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Q: “Do I need a Tarion Warranty if I build house myself?”

Question: “Do I need a Tarion Warranty if I build a house myself?” Response:  If you are building a home for yourself here in Ontario and not for resale, you do not need a Tarion Warranty.  As a matter of fact, … Continue reading

Posted in Blog, Construction General, Home Tips, New Homes, Q&A | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

You have found a Real Four Leaf Clover! Your Luck has just improved!

Happy St. Patrick Day! Here is a little bit of luck for all of you. Take a look a genuine Four Leaf Cover(s) that I photographed! (I’ve purposely NOT put the clover in the centre so you will need to … Continue reading

Posted in Blog | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What’s That? Thermostatic Mixing Valve… (Also Printed in March Snap South Simcoe)

Above most hot water tanks today there is a device known as a Thermostatic Mixing Valve also called a hot water tempering device. Water from the hot water tank enters the valve on one end and cold water enters the other end. The valve then mixes the two together so that the water coming out of the taps is hot but not scalding. Continue reading

Posted in Blog, Home Tips, New Homes, Q&A | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

AskRealtorSteve: Shingles Blown Off My Roof Normal?

AskRealtorSteve about Your New Home Warranty, Home Repair / Maintenance, Real Estate in general or issues you’re experiencing with your home. This Week’s Question: Hi Steve, we bought a brand new home from a builder in Bradford.  Last year, after … Continue reading

Posted in Blog, Home Tips, Q&A, Real Estate | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Michael McDonnell Caricature Artist / Cartoonist / Illustrator

Allow me to introduce to you the creator of my caricature: Michael McDonnell. I met Michael at a party where he was hired to draw caricatures of all the guests.  His presence at the party was a hit.  I was so impressed … Continue reading

Posted in Blog | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Getting Ready To Sell Your Property…

In preparing to sell your property… The Steven Silva Team will first assess your situation: – the motivation for selling – market timing – your expectations of the Real Estate Market – your expectations of the Brokerage – your expectations … Continue reading

Posted in Blog, For Sale, Real Estate | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Wintertime Home Advice – Part Two (Also Printed in February Snap South Simcoe)

Every winter people look for ways to improve their home efficiency to reduce heating costs… …This month I will quickly touch on weather proofing and occupant lifestyles.
Weather Proofing Advice: Gaps in the building envelope allow warm air out and cold air in. On a cold day try…
…Lifestyle Advice: Changing the way you live can reduce your heating needs. Let in the southern light, since direct… Continue reading

Posted in Blog, Home Tips, Q&A, Real Estate | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Wintertime Home Advice – Part One (Also Printed in January Snap South Simcoe Paper)

Every winter people look for ways to improve their home efficiency to reduce heating costs. This month I will quickly touch on the heating system and insulation. I will try to stay away from common advice but some things are … Continue reading

Posted in Blog, Home Tips, Q&A, Real Estate | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment