Monday 29 April 2013

Competition Tribunal Dismisses Case against TREB

April 16, 2013 -- On April 15, the competition Tribunal announced that it has dismissed an Application started by the Commissioner of Competition against the Toronto Real estate Board, and ordered costs owing by the Commissioner of Competition to TREB. 

The contest Tribunal stated that its decision is founded on its finding that the Toronto Real Estate Board was obviously not acting anti-competitively. 

"The Tribunal's decision was the right decision," asserted Ann Hannah, President of TREB. "TREB and its Members may continue to offer the highest possible quality property service without sacrificing the privacy rights of consumers." 

This is a certain call which undeniably permits TREB to carry on with its current Virtual Office Website ( Vow ) policy. These Vows permit clients to access REALTOR Members' secure password-protected web sites showing MLS listing information. TREB is skyrocketing access and competition while safeguarding the privacy rights of shoppers. 

Across the hearings, TREB stood up for the privacy rights of clients and will carry on doing so. The result reinforces that protecting privacy isn't anti-competitive. 
"TREB struggled with the competition Bureau's actions that would have forced TREB to dismantle the safeguards of the MLS system," expounded Von Palmer, Chief Privacy Officer. 

"TREB and its Members have a moral and legal obligation to guard consumers' private information. Privacy matters, so we fought back." 

TREB appreciates the efforts and support of The Canadian Real estate Organisation on the matter. 

TREB has a commitment to protecting the quality of the MLS system and the better service TREB Members offer their clientele while safeguarding the privacy rights of consumers.



 


Tuesday 23 April 2013

STAINS AND RESIDUES ON ASPHALT SHINGLES

Surface residues or discoloring stains can affect almost any type roof. One actual condition that has get even more commonplace in new geographic regions is discoloring of asphalt shingle roofing due to algae. Often this condition only has an impact on a roof's appearance, though, with certain roof products or the presence of other negative factors it may effect on the final service life of the roof. 
The staining and tarnishing due to algae initially appears as dark brown and black, or occasionally greenish streaks then spread across the roof surface. This staining isn't like the taints due to dirt and tree debris that tends to amass on localized areas of a roof ; but it isn't uncommon to find both conditions on some roofs. It's most noticeable on white or other light colored roofs. 
Due to its appearance, the darkening from algae is often referred to as "black mold" marking. But the vast majority of the growths aren't a mould fungus at all, but the type of algae formation that feeds on organic material such as the filler ( calcium carbonate ) used in the granulated ceramic surface covering the asphalt shingles. 
The algae expansion tends to happen most frequently on the north and eastern surfaces or where the roof is shaded or otherwise slow-drying after rains. The growths can be discovered in nearly all regions, though the issue is more widespread in regions where the weather is warm and damp at least part of the year. Prolonged hot, wet summer weather is a real contributory allow for allowing the algae to become well established. Cold, dry weather can slow or stop the spread but may not eliminate the condition altogether as the stains will remain. 
Spores from the algae are carried by the wind. The successive growth of moss and other fungi that prosper on the algae and other organic matter that amasses on the roof can heighten conditions. 
Some techniques used to fight the algae are most likely damaging to the roof and to the encompassing property. Aggressive washing ( e.g, by washing or hi-pressure spraying ) and the associated roof traffic can cause the loss of granules or other damages to the shingles leading to premature roof failure. 
There are commercially available treatments, as well as execs that specialize in the work. Only cleaning solutions recommended by the roof manufacturer should be used. While some treatments will kill the algae right away, it might take a few weeks or days for the color to vanish. Unfortunately, cleaning is only a short term benefit at best mostly. If spores are there, the algae will begin to grow again almost instantly if the conducive leading to its expansion in the first instance are still present. 
To avoid injury or roof damage, it is best to have the roof treated professionally. The cleaning solutions will make the roof surface greasy and dangerous. Before applying cleaning solutions, any mud buildup or waste should be carefully removed. Foundation plantings should be covered and the applicator should wear protecting glasses, gloves and clothes. Some cleaning solutions can kill grass and other foliage, so run-off from the treatment process should be collected or diverted to an appropriate drainage point. It's also vital to rinse the gutters and other surfaces with clear water to stop the solution from corroding or staining them. 
The most effective way to fight the staining and discoloration from algae is to prevent it from growing. Makers offer products with algae-inhibiting features. Labeled "algae resistant" ( AR ) or "fungi resistant," they have zinc granules incorporated into the outer layer of the shingles next to the ordinary ceramic-coated granules to stop the algae growth on the granules. Copper or zinc strips placed at the ridge area of the roof can also control the growths. Installing a dark roof will not stop the algae problem but it will be less obvious.

Sunday 21 April 2013

CONDITIONING YOUR AIR CONDITIONER


A central air conditioning system can offer years of satisfactory cooling with comparatively small upkeep. Nonetheless a seasonal start-up check and regular maintenance is recommended. Some you can do, others need a pro. 

House owner Checklist 
For house owners in colder climates, now is the time to get set for the heat of summer. The amount of do it yourself air conditioning upkeep a homeowner can do is limited. However, there are one or two steps that may help the system operate trouble-free and decrease the aptitude for consequential damage. Making sure adequate airflow is maybe the most important house owner responsibility. 




Following manufacturer directions, householders can often : 
Clean or replace the filter ( s ) regularly. 
Keep the condensing coils clean by ( awfully ) carefully brushing and hosing them. 
Keep leaves and other waste off the condensing ( outdoor ) unit. 
Keep plants and other plant expansion that might obstruct airflow at least Eighteen inches 
Away from the condenser. 
Maintain insulation on ductwork in attics and other unconditioned areas. 
Check the condensate drain for any hint of blockage or leaking. Water should be 
oozing from the end of this drain line when the unit is running. If no dripping is noted, check at the indoor unit for any sign of leaking. 
Keep room input and return registers clear of furniture or other obstructions. 

Selecting Trained Professionals 

If your air conditioner needs more than the regular upkeep outlined here, consult a professional air con expert. A highly trained pro can supply a comprehensive pre-season or upkeep analysis and servicing as required. Insufficiently trained service experts forsake proper diagnosing procedures and often only perform stop-gap measures to keep a unit going. Such short-sightedness can have a drastic effect on other elements leading to consequential failure of the whole system. 

At an effective minimum, a technician should : 

Check the system contains the proper amount of refrigerant. 
Test for refrigerant leaks. 
Clean the blower parts. 
Check for and seal duct leaking. 
Measure airflow through the evaporator coil. 
Verify the correct electrical control sequence. 
Check the condensate system for backup or leakage. 
Check operating temperatures and pressures. 

Call now for servicing. Wait too long and you might find service companies backed up on scheduling. Check the accuracy of the thermostat.

Friday 19 April 2013

GTA REALTORS(R) Release Condo Market Report


April 16, 2013 -- Greater Toronto Area REALTORS reported 4,133 condo house sales through the TorontoMLS system during the 1st quarter of 2013. This result was down by roughly 17 % contrasted to the first quarter of 2012. 

New lists of condominium apartments were also down on a year-over-basis in quarter 1, but by a smaller yearly rate of five percent. This being said, the proven fact that new condo listings were down in the first quarter means that the market may become tighter moving forward. 

"Buyers benefitted from a large amount of choice in the apartment market in the first quarter, especially contrasted to low-rise home types. This may also depend on the timing and scale of future condo apartment completions," recounted Toronto Property Board President Ann Hannah. 

"With months of inventory high from a historic point of view, it is smart that the average selling price for condos edged lower over the last two quarters. However, March results were much more positive matched against Q1 as a whole, with the average apartment selling price up by two per cent annually for the GTA," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Research.
 

Wednesday 17 April 2013

Release Mid-Month Resale Housing Figures


April 16, 2013 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS reported 4,260 sales through the TorontoMLS system in the first Fourteen days of April, representing a slight dip of less than one per cent compared against the same period in 2012. The reported sales figure did benefit from one extra working day compared to last year, because Good Fri. in 2012 dropped in April. 

"April sales to date, which were driven by strong growth in single-detached home sales in the regions surrounding Toronto, represent a positive beginning to the spring market. Because market conditions have stayed tight, we continue to see average cost expansion well above the rate of inflation for many home types," said Toronto Real-estate Board President Ann Hannah. 

The average selling price for April mid-month sales was $527,397 up 4.3 % compared against $505,617 in 2012. Rates of average cost expansion were similar for the Town of Toronto and the surrounding regions under the TREB market area. 

"The annual rate of price expansion so far in April is basically above TREB's outlook of 3.5 percent for 2013. Robust expansion in the average apartment studio price in the City of Toronto was a key driver in this regard," expounded Jason Mercer, the Toronto Real Estate Board's Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

Friday 12 April 2013

Long-Term Outlook For Real Estate Remains Positive

April 12, 2013 -- Sales through the TorontoMLS system covering the Bigger Toronto Area were down 17 percent year-over-year in March with 7,765 transactions matched against 9,385 in March 2012. It is critical to note Nonetheless, that unlike last year, this March included an approved vacation. 

March also announced the end of the first quarter. There were 17,678 sales reported in the first quarter of the year down Fourteen per cent compared with last year. 

Sales activity was slightly stronger in the areas surrounding the City of Toronto, with 4,874 transactions reported in the '905' / '705' regions within the TREB market area, representing a year-over-year decrease of just about 16 percent. The City of Toronto's 2,891 sales represented a reduction of Nineteen % compared against a year ago. 

As has been the case over the best part of the last year, the number of active listings at the months end have been up compared to the year before. Customers have benefitted from more choice, which helps explain why the typical number of days a home remained on the market before selling has edged up. In March, the average days on market was Twenty-four days versus 21 days a year ago. With this related, active listings continue to trend below levels experienced in the pre-recession period. 

On a year-over-year basis, the medium price of a GTA home sold through TorontoMLS increased by virtually four % in March to $519,879. Gains were a touch better in the City's surrounding area with average pricetag climbing by at least four % to $493,238. 

The average TorontoMLS home price was up 3 % annually matched against quarter one of 2012. The City of Toronto's average cost of $564,793 represented an increase of almost 3 % compared with March 2012. 

Townhouse costs in the City of Toronto saw the most serious year-over-year price gains in March, climbing by virtually 8 %. Semi-detached homes in the City of Toronto followed, growing by virtually 7 per cent. Detached homes in the City's surrounding area also showed healthy price gains, rocketing by 5 percent compared against a year ago. 

One significant factor that can prompt consumers to enter the market as we move farther into spring is the affordability that five-year fixed-rate mortgages offer, at approximately three %. Less promising though , was the March unemployment rate in Toronto, which stayed stalled last month at 8.4 per cent, identical to that of the month before. 

The long term picture for our City's real estate market , however, stays positive, supported by the Bigger Toronto Area's propitious reputation. Recently, three GTA municipalities Newmarket, Oakville and Burlington ranked within the top 10 of MoneySense magazine's yearly "Best Places to Live in Canada" report, which examines factors that contribute to quality of life including work, incomes, housing affordability, weather, crime statistics and access to medical treatment. Actually 8 GTA municipalities, including the City of Toronto, ranked in the top Thirty on the report's list of Two hundred towns.

Thursday 11 April 2013

OTTAWA, April 9, 2013 Housing starts

OTTAWA, April 9, 2013 Housing starts in Canada were trending at 189,742 units in March, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Firm. The trend is a half year moving average of the monthly seasonally altered yearly rates ( SAAR ) One of housing starts. 

"As predicted, the trend in total housing starts continued to moderate in March. Builders are adjusting to lower home demand and as a consequence, completed and unoccupied units per capita remain comparatively close to their historical average," expounded Mathieu Laberge, Assistant Chief Economic expert at CMHC. 

CMHC uses the trend measure as a complement to the monthly SAAR of housing begins to account for considerable swings in monthly guesses and acquire a more complete image of the state of the housing market. In some cases, investigating only SAAR information can be fooling in some markets, as they happen to be mostly driven by the multiples section of the markets, which can often be quite fluctuating from one month to the following. 

The stand-alone monthly SAAR was 184,028 units in March, up barely from 183,207 in Feb. The SAAR of urban starts reduced by 2.7 per cent in March to 157,217 units, controlled by a 6.6 % decline in single urban begins to 60,558 units. Multiple urban starts remained comparatively unchanged at 96,659 units in March. 

March's seasonally changed annual rates of urban starts reduced in Ontario ( -15.7 percent ) and Quebec ( -13.5 % ). Urban starts increased in Atlantic Canada ( 27.1 percent ), the Prairies ( 13.8 per cent ), and British Columbia ( 13.1 per cent ). 

Rustic starts2 were estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 26,811 units in March.

Thursday 4 April 2013

Buying Or Selling A Home? Click here for more info.

Each year the change of seasons prompts many people to move to their next home and thanks to the increased motivation of today's very low interest rates, this year will be no exception. 

While many of life's major transitions involve some nail biting, buying or selling a home need not need a leap into the dark thanks to all the information that is available through TorontoRealEstateBoard.com, a domain that Bigger Toronto REALTORS developed with your wishes under consideration. 

Gaining comprehension of the market should be a most important step in getting ready for your move and doing so is easy with reports on current conditions, updated twice monthly, on TorontoRealEstateBoard.com. To remain up to date, be sure to examine in at mid-month for a picture of current conditions. 

Through the Market Watch report, produced at the close of each month, you'll gain detailed information specific to your locale like the month's sales, average prices, and the quantity of days on market. There's even a quarterly report designed purely for those having an interest in the apartment market. If you prefer to take in info visually, videos and charts that capture market info are also available. 

Accurate financial planning is also key to a successful move and to help prepare, the internet site includes calculators that decide land transfer tax costs and rebates where needed. You'll also find information on a good range of executive programs created to help house buyers and sellers. 

Studying about several other factors that may affect your exchange is favourable also. Videos and articles will give you insight into issues like the seriousness of signing a Buyer Representation Agreement, the requirements of anti-money laundering legislation and the kind of info that's safeguarded to guard your personal privacy. 

When you're prepared to make a foray into the market be certain to consult a REALTOR. Ask your friends, family and comrades for referrals and use the website's Find a REALTOR search function to get contact details in just 1 click. 

Negotiating the terms of a deal is amongst the many areas where your REALTOR's abilities and information can help you achieve a successful end result. 

Once you have made this critical choice, you can work with your REALTOR to identify houses suited to your requirements by browsing available properties in the Greater Toronto Area through the website's direct link to REALTOR.ca You'll even find a directory of open homes prepared in your neighborhood. You may also buttress your position though , by making yourself familiar with the standard forms utilized in a transaction. Plain language explanations of them are also available on TorontoRealEstateBoard.com 

Equipped with all of this info you will definitely increase the likelihood of a favourable transaction however ; it's no replacement for real world experience. That is where your REALTOR comes in. By taking advantage of all of the tools and abilities they should offer you may set yourself up for the most powerful result practicable.

Wednesday 3 April 2013

HOUSING FIGURES - Apr 3, 2013

TORONTO, Apr 3, 2013 -- Greater Toronto Area REALTORS reported 7,765 transactions through the TorontoMLS system in March 2013 down Seventeen percent matched against 9,385 transactions in March 2012. While the year-over-year dip in March sales followed the trend that has unfolded since mid-way through 2012, it's also important to note the Good Fri. vacation was in March this year vs April in 2012. Generally speaking, there are fewer sales reported on approved holidays and weekends. 

"Home ownership remains affordable for a household earning the average revenue in the Greater Toronto Area. 

In the first quarter of 2013, sales amounted to 17,678 down by Fourteen per cent compared against First-quarter 2012. There are several prepared purchasers in the marketplace today. While some households have put their call to purchase on hold due to stricter lending rules or the additional Land Transfer Tax in the Town of Toronto, other homes simply haven't managed to find the correct house because of a shortage of lists in some market segments," said Toronto Real estate Board President Ann Hannah. 

The average selling price in March was $519,879 up by 3.8 per cent matched against March 2012. 

"The average selling price and the MLS Home Price Index Composite Benchmark was up on a year-over-year basis across most home types, particularly in the low-rise market segments where supply remains an issue. The average price in First-quarter 2013 was $508,066 up by 3.2 percent compared to Q1 of 2012. TREB's typical price forecast for 2013 remains at $515,000, representing a 3.5 per cent yearly rate of growth," expounded Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis.


Tuesday 2 April 2013

TAMPER-RESISTANT RECEPTACLES

Annually, the insertion of foreign objects into electrical receptacles ends in injuries to several children. Almost Ninety percent of these events concerned youngsters under Six, with 1st and 2nd degree burns accounting for the overwhelming majority of wounds. But now the technology is available to help reduce the likelihood of injury. 
The characteristic foreign-object insertion situation involves : 
A 2 or Three year old child ( Half of all events ) 
A situation happening at home 
Insertion of a hairpin or key 
First or Second degree burn to fingers 
Emotional injury to the child and parents 
Treatment required in a trauma room 
Beside hairpins or keys, other common objects inserted by youngsters include fingers, pins, wires, screws, nails, paper clips, plugs, tweezers, paper clips, utensils and jewellery. 
To help prevent these insertion events and wounds, the most generally used electrical codes call for a new electric safety feature in all new houses tamper-resistant receptacles. This code change basically influences new construction ; nonetheless tamper-resistant receptacles can be added in existing houses too. 

Tamper-resistant receptacle technology uses a built in system to prevent a foreign object from touching electrically live components when the object is inserted into the receptacle slots. There are a few methods to achieve tamper-resistance operation, the commonest being the use of a spring-loaded shutter mechanism. When the receptacle isn't in use, the shutters are closed, and all electrical contacts are covered. Upon inserting of a plug, the blades of the plug simultaneously compress the shutters against the spring. This simultaneous force causes the screens to slide apart to access to the receptacle contacts, allowing the plug to be absolutely inserted into the receptacle. When the plug is removed, the screens instantly close, covering the contact openings. 
Standard plugs can be inserted in and removed from a tamperproof receptacle in a similar manner as standard electric outlets ; nonetheless insertion of an object into one slot, or uneven insertion is prevented. The tamper-resistant features , however, don't provide defense against the concurrent insertion of two single-pronged items. Determined adults and adolescents could also bypass the tamperproof mechanisms if significant force is applied. 
Unlike plastic outlet caps and other add-on childproofing devices, which can sometimes be removed, tamper-resistant receptacles provide permanent protection. In addition, some add on devices can simply be pulled out by children and have also shown to be a choking hazard due to their tiny size. Some other sorts of add-on devices create a chance of arcing or overheating thanks to a partly exposed plug or reduced plug / receptacle contact surface. 
All tamper-resistant receptacles must have either the words "Tamper Resistant" or the letters "TR" on the device in a manner that allows the label to be reviewed with the wall plate removed. 
Additional info about tamper-resistant receptacles can be found at the National Electrical Manufacturer's Association Safety website : www.childoutletsafety.org, the Electrical Safety Foundation International internet site : www.esfi.org, and the Safe Kids Canada website : www.safekidscanada.ca
Note : These tips are only general guiding principles. Since every circumstance is different, contact a pro if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and upkeep information is available on the net at 

 

Monday 1 April 2013

WINDOW MAINTENANCE

Every home needs natural lighting and a regular exchange of clean air to help maintain a healthy indoor environment. Not only does an inadequate air exchange result in rancid air but in many cases also ends in unnecessary moisture levels which can end up in other concerns. Many homes "leak" acceptable air through structural openings and regular doorway usage to keep the indoor air quality in balance, but such seepage actually doesn't help with energy efficiency. 
Windows Nevertheless, are still the most important mechanism for controlling the home atmosphere for no less than part of the year, and while often neglected by many homeowners except for basic cleaning, they do require upkeep. The largest challenge is keeping the windows in good condition as they age allowing them to continue to open and close smoothly. There's also the task of keeping up their appearance. Because wood is still a common material for home window frames, besides periodic cleaning, proper defence against the elements is critical. 
It isn't weird for some windows in any house to bind when operated or be stuck shut. Heavy humidity could cause frames to swell making operation tough for no less than specific times of the year. With casement-style windows the hardware might be worn out or the frame warped leading them to bind. A slim knife inserted through the paint bond may free the sash. If windows are closed too shortly after painting, they could be bonded to the frame. 
With double-hung windows ( where the lower and upper sections operate vertically ) the weight of the window is balanced by friction tracks, factory-loaded spring mechanism, or, in older windows, by sash weights postponed on chains or cords in the frame. But care must be taken to avoid marring the completed surface. Lubricating the channels with paraffin or a dry bar of soap might also be in order if the sash are difficult to move.. Over time, the sash cords or mechanisms can fail. Self-repair or replacement is possible if one has the mandatory skill, but a professional might be needed in several cases. Full failure is not common, but can occur, so use caution if working on double-hung windows as a unexpectedly fling sash can do real physiological damage. 
If the windows are too ancient, too bothersome or their appearance is outmoded, replacement is currently a routine and relatively common choice. Vinyl and metal extrusions compete widely with wood as frame and sash finishing and double-glazing, or triple glazing is virtually standard in cold climates. Special coatings are also available to cut down on solar heat gain or heat transfer in cold weather. Replacement windows come with no surrounding round the exterior edge, allowing them to be inserted from inside the home without annoying the exterior finish of the structure. 
Full replacement can be costly. Most can be ordered with inbuilt screens. What the ROI will be relies upon the particular situation and type window. Even with a comparatively long ROI, the important thing for many owners will be that they not only look better than the old windows, but now work and will require far less maintenance.

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