Category Archives: Home Tips

What do you need to know about Oil Tanks When Buying a Home

There is nothing wrong with heating a home with oil.  However, Insurance companies have policies which may affect your home purchase.  Many forget that Mortgage Companies require purchasers to get house insurance.  So, purchasers trying to buy a home that has insurance … Continue reading

Posted in Blog, Buying, Home Tips, Real Estate | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

How to end a Tenancy Agreement

When the Tenant and Landlord agree to end a Tenancy, Use the N11 Form approved by the Landlord and Tenant Board.  As a landlord, I have had my share of problems, I cannot stress how important it is to use … Continue reading

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

Quick Tips for Keeping Your Home Cool During The Summer Heat

I write this during a heat wave here in Southern Ontario.  Here are three quick tips to help feel cooler you more comfortable during this heat during the night. Close Your Bedroom Doors: Hot air rises and the cool air … Continue reading

Posted in Blog, Home Tips, Q&A, Real Estate | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Termites Terrorize Toronto

Hidden inside wood boats, Termites came across the water landing in Toronto, Ontario just prior to the 1940s in the area today known as “the beaches” They have spread mostly North and West but can be found in Scarborough, York, North York, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, Thornhill, Markham, Newmarket, Pickering, Whitby and Oshawa… Continue reading

Posted in Blog, Buying, Construction General, Home Tips, Real Estate | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Predicting Canadian Mortgage Rates

How are Canadian Mortgage Rates Set?… Variable mortgage rates and lines of credit move with the prime lending rate…. Fixed-Rate Mortgages move with the bond market…. Continue reading

Posted in Blog, Home Tips, Real Estate | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Landlords Rejoice! NY Times claims it is better to Rent than Buy

Rent or Buy? Every Tenant should be asking themselves this question. Actually a better question would be: At what point should a Renter stop saving and renting and buy property, if at all? Most Realtors, I suspect, will say as soon as you can afford to do so… Had I taken the article at face value when it was posted in 2008, I would have lost $100,000 in a three year period. Continue reading

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

Roll Roofing is a Low Quality Product

Amazingly enough I could not find any signs of leakage (though without a doubt it had to be letting water pass) This is roll roofing after about 15 years. Imagine taking asphalt shingles and making a big roll out of it. It is the one of the least expensive way to cover a flat roof and the lowest quality. I automatically assume that any Flat Roof covered by Roll Roffing may need to be replaced within about 5 years. Continue reading

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

Can I hire a Contractor Without WSIB?

Can I hire a Contractor Without WSIB?  The short answer is yes. But Why would you want to?  This is the least I think you should know before you do.

Posted in Blog, Construction General, Home Tips, Q&A | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Required Construction Documents:Don’t Forget to Ask for Proof of Insurance

I was driving along today and came across this surprising scene. It made me think back to my previous discussions of required construction documents. Also, find out if the contractor has liability insurance.

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

Furnace UV Filter

I found this during my recent walk through a home. My client asked what that was. Oddly enough some one else asked me about them recently too. This is a UV Filter. They attach to the duct-work of a furnace. … Continue reading

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