Category Archives: Real Estate

Toronto Termite Infestation Map

Posted on April 24, 2010 by Steven

There is such a thing as a Termite Map. Quite some time ago the City of Toronto kept records of all termite activity and treatments BUT THAT MAP IS OUT OF DATE. You can no longer rely on that map as Termites have spread and continue to do so. The Privacy Act and Company Privacy Policy prevent any updating. Continue reading →

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Tarion Protection Is Worthless Without Knowing How To Use It

Posted on April 7, 2010 by Steven

While it is true that Tarion (the Ontario New Home Warranty Program) is there to protect the Homeowners.  Keep in mind that it is also there to protect the Builders.  Tarion  sets performance guidelines and time-lines that both the Builder … Continue reading →

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Termites Terrorize Toronto

Posted on April 4, 2010 by Steven

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 →

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Predicting Canadian Mortgage Rates

Posted on March 27, 2010 by Steven

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 →

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

Posted on March 15, 2010 by Steven

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 →

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Looking for an Open House in Toronto this Weekend?

Posted on February 27, 2010 by Steven

Looking For an Open House in Toronto?  Check out Realtor.ca (the public version of MLS) and do a search of open houses there. If you are looking for a home in a particular area, send an email to AskStevenSilva@gmail.com .  … Continue reading →

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Tarion Part 1: Introduction to the Ontario New Home Warranty Program

Posted on February 18, 2010 by Steven

New Homes in Ontario basically fall under two categories. Homes built for personal use and Homes built for sale to customers. Both must meet Ontario Building Code but only New Homes built for customers fall under the New Home Warranty Program. In 1976 a Private Corporation was established to protect the rights of new home builders and new home buyers. This Corporation is known today as Tarion… Continue reading →

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Furnace UV Filter

Posted on February 1, 2010 by Steven

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 →

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