Green – Goverment and How you Can Save Dollars

Sometimes a little Internet searching pays off. Government a very boring topic lets switch the topic to savings now continue and read on…..

 When it comes to saving money who better than the people we employ through our taxes to put up a website that contains alot of great initiatives that can put $$.$$  yes real dollars in your pocket. Check out the resources below they will give you concrete suggestions that will lead to present and future dollar savings.

Check out these resources

• Energy Efficiency at Home
• Water Conservation at Home
• Alternate Energy Systems
• Mortgages
• Composting
• Transportation
• Other

Information and more much much more on the above can be found on the Goverment of Ontario site

Take the time look at the site its worth it!

Source….. Rob Paterson, Government of Ontario 

Finance – What to do with the Condo…..

Recently Married what to do now? keep it or sell it?

My suggestion to you would be keep the condo especially if it is in a prime location e.g. downtown or on a subway line, close to all amenities.  If this describes your condo you should find a Realtor or a professional property manager who can handle all the management/rental duties for you. This will allow you to sit back collect a cheque and let the equity build on your investment.

If your condo pays for itself let someone else enjoy the property while it appreciates in value. Remember to stay informed of the local real estate market and keep informed on the status of your investment. Always keep up to date to ensure your condominium complex investment does not end up being a liability for you.

After 5 years if you have not been actively involved now is the time to involve yourself more and possibly make a decision looking forward to selling the investment based on your findings and future needs of the complex. 

 When looking for a property manager get a break-down on the services they will provide to you and for what charge as the services offered between managers could indeed vary.

Source…. Rob“torontorealty” Paterson  

Neighbourhoods – Thinking of Moving…..

Why Move When you can Renovate….

 

By adding space to an existing structure, you are able remodel the entire house. Attic space can be replaced by new bedrooms. Planning your home with an architect and receiving approval from city hall can take some time but hey the benefits of staying put in the Neighbourhood you associate with home is great.

 

Here is a basic summary of the process:

 

The Planning process – working with an architect

Permits – Demolition/Building

Construction

 

Throughout the process, government will be involved to ensure the plans are designed to the right standard. Permits are issued to allow work to begin on the site. During construction and upon completion an inspector could visit the site to ensure proper compliance with the law’s and regulations. If non-compliance is found a fine could be levied and the site will be shut down.

 

Renovating can save you dollars in commission and add dollars to your homes value when you do decide to sell. Please note the government may re-assess your home and give it a new value for tax purposes be prepared for this.

 

Enjoy your new space!

 

Source…. Rob “torontorealty” Paterson

Finance – Ten Reason’s to talk to a Mortgage Broker, #8, 9, 10 of 10

#8 One Credit Inquiry

Rate-shopping on your own can actually be hazardous to your credit. Every time a lender checks your credit, the credit bureaus take notice. Too many inquiries and your credit rating can weaken, possibly affecting the rate and terms of your mortgage. Your broker does one inquiry only, regardless how may lenders you’re looking at.

#9 No Cost To You (O.A.C)

As a rule, the winning lender pays compensation to your broker for the services and solution provided.

#10 Personal Attention

You need a mortgage plan that is custom fit for you, and a broker who keeps in touch with you during you mortgage years. Keep in mind that their business is built primarily through referrals from satisfied customers,  so your positive mortgage experiences is essential for their ongoing business growth.

Your mortgage is a big decision and a powerful financial tool. For your next mortgage, contact a mortgage broker who is trained and ready to help you achieve your financial and home-ownership goals.

When looking for a home do your homework don’t always settle for the 1st Mortgage available to you….

 for reasons 1-7 view blog under finance contact me today lets see what can be done…..

  Catherine Wong-Bourbeau PFP  

Source Mortgage Architects, Rob “torontorealty” Paterson  

 Looking to sell/relocate/invest email me today Robert-Paterson@ColdwellBanker.ca

 

Neighbourhoods – Know your Neighbour…..

Ah, the good old day’s of 30 years ago…my perception was everyone knew each other, or so I thought. Maybe it was people spoke to each other without hesitation unlike today when catching a glance of someone could land you a dirty look or a rude gesture.

Well back to my point. The old days everyone knew the neighbourhood gossip/snoop who had all the dirt on everyone. Well this lady was despised when you had something to hide but when you wanted to know or tell she would be the first person you would seek out.

Now this is not what i want for a Neighbour and most of you think the same. I am sure we all want a neighbour who would look out for our property pick up the fliers maybe just maybe cut the grass yeah I know that’s pushing it but hey it would be great right!

Unfortunately we have lost all touch with the Neighbours on each side of us do to our own fear of association. We have become a closed society and this is to all of our disadvantage. Hey, its in our best interest to say Hi to the guy/gal next door, who said you had to be friends. People will acknowledge and generally should reciprocate the same.

Just imagine your own personal security no “911″ call you have Neighbourhood Watch. The people who you say hi too have as much to lose as you do. If undesirables appear in the neighbourhood remember they also have a property value to maintain/protect. The benefits of association are greater than knowingly ignoring the person who could keep an eye on your home when you are away. Who knows? The person next door could become a good friend after all.

Source… Rob “torontorealty” Paterson

Finance – Ten Reason’s to talk to a Mortgage Broker, #5, 6 of 10

#5 Expertise

An AMP-designated mortgage broker is a financial specialist. That’s the kind of expertise yo want to guide you through today’s plentiful mortgage market. With interest-only mortgages, 35- to 40-year amortization, 100% financing, no income documentation products for the self employed, credit repair and debt consolidation, today there are mortgages for almost any situation. And your independent mortgage broker knows them all. 

#6 A focused Specialist

A mortgage is a very significant financial event. Mortgage brokers are in only one business, and they do it exceedingly well.

Looking For a Mortgage Contact Catherine

For reason’s 1-4 visit blog look under finance category

Source….. Mortgage Architects, Rob “torontorealty” Paterson

 Looking to sell/relocate/invest email me today Robert-Paterson@ColdwellBanker.ca

 

 

 

Ask The Agent – Home Inspections

As the housing supply ages it has become more necessary to obtain an inspection of the premises you wish to purchase this safeguard could save you from buying a lemon, remember buyer beware.

 Think back how many times were you on the roof of a house, almost never is my answer so how can you get an up to date answer about the roofs condition from the seller? 

Remember the owner is selling a property moving on sort of speak who know’s what that fresh coat of paint under the basement stairs is covering up, water damage maybe?  

How about the wiring, out of date? this could cost you the new owner dollars to replace as changes to the fire code could leave you stuck with the retrofit costs. Insulation ever heard of UFFI urea-formaldehyde foam insulation or  Vermiculite “asbestos” attic insulation.

All home inspectors in Ontario are registered call more than one and find out there charges and what they will be inspecting even new houses need an inspection land shifts all the time as the home settles changes to the structure could appear. 

Remember a home is most likely the biggest investment you will ever make take your time ensure the property is a sound investment better safe than sorry everyone’s know this dont forget it in all the excitement.

Source…. Rob “torontorealty” Paterson 

Home Maintenance – Bathroom’s A simple alternative to replacement

Re-Bath A “Refreshing Model”

This type of renovation has been around ‘30yrs has become mainstream and is Eco friendly  from a waste perspective and who can ignore the dollar savings. Why replace when you can recover with the same results. 

Covering existing fixtures can quickly give your dated washroom a up to date modern look in a short time. Check out the neat link Design your Bath to update your old bathroom.

Contact Lampert Plumbing And Renovation in Toronto and surronding area 416 787-4921 

or 1800-BATHTUB 

Remember if you are planning to sell your home the best place to renovate is the washroom’s and kitchen Renovations in these area’s will give you the most value for your dollar.

Source…. Rob “torontorealty“ Paterson 

  

Green – Energy Star Construction

Energy Star Construction

By now we have all heard of Energy Star Appliances well now they are building homes with the same concept in mind. A properly contructed Energy Star code home has many benefits such as:

• Improved comfort — reduces drafts, noise, and moisture.
• Improved indoor air quality — keeps dust, pollen, car exhaust, and insects out of the home.
• Lower costs — see link

Energy Star

Source….. Rob “torontorealty” Paterson, Internet Search

Green – Watering Tips

Watering Tips

Watering has not been this easy or unpredictable in Toronto in years. We seem to be receiving our fair share of weather from the sky above will this trend continue? This is so hard to predict even the forecasters at Environment Canada are having a hard time.

Before any wars are fought over this precious resource lets see how we can best conserve and take advantage of the rains above.

Always take into account the amount of water Mother Nature has supplied to your lawn or garden in the preceding week. Leave a measuring container (empty it once per week) in the yard to help you monitor the amount of rainfall for more tips follow the link…. 

watering your lawn

Source…. Rob “torontorealty” Paterson, CMHC