Toronto Star, Thursday November 10, 2011, Byline: Susan Pigg
http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/local/article/1020386--condos-send-demand-for-office-space-soaring
All those new downtown condos that are now home to bright young workers are helping drive demand for office space away from the suburbs and back into Toronto's core, a new report says.
Also fuelling the increasing demand - so strong that the vacancy rate for downtown office space fell to 5.1 per cent in Q3 - is interest in new environmentally sound office towers, redevelopment of the waterfront and frustration with long commutes.
Toronto isn't alone, according to commercial real estate brokerage Cushman &Wakefield's Occupier Insight Report released Wednesday. Major U.S. cities such as San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Boston and even downtown Los Angeles are also seeing a significant shift from the suburbs, although their office vacancy rates are still more than double that of Toronto's.
"Major downtown office markets in North America are thriving in the face of turbulent global economic conditions thanks to smart urban planning which has opened the doors to a younger, educated and plugged-in population that prefers to live, work and play close to home," says the report.
But compounding that demand in Toronto is an unprecedented condo boom, with some 70,000 new units built in or close to the downtown core in the last five years, notes the report. Another 17,000 are under construction or due to open by year's end.
That's provided an instant workforce for the 4.5 million square feet of office space has been added to the downtown core in the last two years alone, with more coming especially in the waterfront area.
While many commercial real estate experts had expected the 2008 recession to slow demand and push office vacancy levels well beyond the 2001 highs of 11.9 per cent, Toronto showed remarkable resilience, the report notes.
Only Vancouver has a lower office vacancy rate than Toronto, at 3.7 per cent, but largely because of limited building activity, said Stuart Barron, national director research for Cushman &Wakefield.
Much of the demand for downtown Toronto space has come from the financial sector, which is increasingly expanding into the Railway Lands south of Front St., the report notes. But Barron said it's increasingly coming from a raft of companies opting for the core, such as Coca-Cola, Google, SNC-Lavalin, as a way to be close to the workforce of the future.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Toronto Third Quarter condo sales hot!
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 5,770 condominium apartment transactions through the TorontoMLS® system in the third quarter of 2011, representing a 24 per cent increase over the same period in 2010 released its new quarterly condo market report. The average selling price increased by almost nine per cent to $333,352.
"Condominium apartments have accounted for about one-quarter of total existing home sales in the GTA this year. This share is expected to increase moving forward, as new home sales and construction has become increasingly driven by high-rise construction," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver.
"Condominium apartments have accounted for about one-quarter of total existing home sales in the GTA this year. This share is expected to increase moving forward, as new home sales and construction has become increasingly driven by high-rise construction," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Grant Program to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient Extended
The Government of Canada has renewed the popular ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program. From June 6, 2011, until March 31, 2012, homeowners are eligible to receive grants of up to $5,000 to make their homes more energy-efficient. Homeowners who participated in the program to date have saved 20 percent on their energy bills.
There are two important changes to the program. First, there is a requirement for participants to register directly with the program before booking their evaluation. Second, homeowners will now be required to provide receipts to their energy advisor at the time of the post-retrofit evaluation to confirm eligibility for the grant.
How to apply
The first step in the renewed ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program is to register:
* New participants - If you or a previous owner have not obtained an energy evaluation of the property between April 1, 2007 and June 5, 2011.
* Past participants - Homeowners who participated in the program between April 1, 2007 and June 5, 2011, and who did not receive the maximum amount of $5,000 can submit another application for improvements purchased and installed on or after June 6, 2011.
If you plan to apply for multiple properties, a form must be completed for each one.
Only products purchased on or after June 6, 2011, and installed after a pre-retrofit evaluation are eligible for an ecoENERGY grant. Funds are limited and all energy retrofits and post-retrofit evaluations must be completed by March 31, 2012. The homeowner must also sign the grant application by this date.
For more information:
The Grant Table for ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes offers an overview of the program and a breakdown of eligible upgrades.
http://www.ecoaction.gc.ca/ecoenergy-ecoenergie/retrofithomes-renovationmaisons-eng.cfm
There are two important changes to the program. First, there is a requirement for participants to register directly with the program before booking their evaluation. Second, homeowners will now be required to provide receipts to their energy advisor at the time of the post-retrofit evaluation to confirm eligibility for the grant.
How to apply
The first step in the renewed ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program is to register:
* New participants - If you or a previous owner have not obtained an energy evaluation of the property between April 1, 2007 and June 5, 2011.
* Past participants - Homeowners who participated in the program between April 1, 2007 and June 5, 2011, and who did not receive the maximum amount of $5,000 can submit another application for improvements purchased and installed on or after June 6, 2011.
If you plan to apply for multiple properties, a form must be completed for each one.
Only products purchased on or after June 6, 2011, and installed after a pre-retrofit evaluation are eligible for an ecoENERGY grant. Funds are limited and all energy retrofits and post-retrofit evaluations must be completed by March 31, 2012. The homeowner must also sign the grant application by this date.
For more information:
The Grant Table for ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes offers an overview of the program and a breakdown of eligible upgrades.
http://www.ecoaction.gc.ca/ecoenergy-ecoenergie/retrofithomes-renovationmaisons-eng.cfm
Friday, October 7, 2011
Preparing your Home for Winter
As the cold weather approaches and the first snowflakes begin to fall, it is important to ensure your home is winter-ready. There are plenty of simple ways to winterize your home without breaking the bank, with a positive effect on lowering your heating bills.
INTERIOR: First, inspect your furnace and replace the filter. Stock up on furnace filters and be sure to change them every month.
Next, have your fireplace cleaned so it will be ready for use. Screen the top of your chimney to keep out rodents and birds and store firewood in a dry place away from the outside of your home. Inspect the mortar between bricks to make sure that your fires remain contained within the hearth. And, ensure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have had the battery replaced.
EXTERIOR: Examine the exterior of your home for cracks and crevices, which could allow cold air to seep inside. Apply weather-stripping around doors and caulk windows. Homes with basements and attics are prone to cold drafts.
In basements, consider covering window wells with plastic wrap. When the warm weather returns, you can remove the wrap. Warm air rises, so adding extra insulation to your attic will ensure the warmth stays where it's needed. "These small, but important steps can make a huge difference on your heating bill," says Yvonne Ratigan, a senior executive with Royal LePage Canada. "Time and a little money spent in the fall, can pay big dividends in the winter."
GARDEN: Prune trees and shrubs to minimize potential for damage by snow, particularly those that hang close to the home. Clear out planters and store for spring and dust plant bulbs with bone meal. Drain all garden hoses and shut off outside water. If we enjoy a warm day, it may be a good time to seal the driveway or deck.
INTERIOR: First, inspect your furnace and replace the filter. Stock up on furnace filters and be sure to change them every month.
Next, have your fireplace cleaned so it will be ready for use. Screen the top of your chimney to keep out rodents and birds and store firewood in a dry place away from the outside of your home. Inspect the mortar between bricks to make sure that your fires remain contained within the hearth. And, ensure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have had the battery replaced.
EXTERIOR: Examine the exterior of your home for cracks and crevices, which could allow cold air to seep inside. Apply weather-stripping around doors and caulk windows. Homes with basements and attics are prone to cold drafts.
In basements, consider covering window wells with plastic wrap. When the warm weather returns, you can remove the wrap. Warm air rises, so adding extra insulation to your attic will ensure the warmth stays where it's needed. "These small, but important steps can make a huge difference on your heating bill," says Yvonne Ratigan, a senior executive with Royal LePage Canada. "Time and a little money spent in the fall, can pay big dividends in the winter."
GARDEN: Prune trees and shrubs to minimize potential for damage by snow, particularly those that hang close to the home. Clear out planters and store for spring and dust plant bulbs with bone meal. Drain all garden hoses and shut off outside water. If we enjoy a warm day, it may be a good time to seal the driveway or deck.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
What's The Real Story of the Canadian Housing Market
Nationalpost.com, Wednesday October 5, 2011
Byline: Financial Post
Home prices rose during the third quarter of 2011, but the raw numbers may not be telling the whole story of the Canadian housing market, a new survey says.
The Royal LePage House Price Survey released Wednesday found that the average price of a home in Canada increased between 5.7 and 7.8 per cent in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the same period last year.
The average price of a detached bungalow was $349,974, a standard two-storey home was $388,218 and a standard condominium was $239,300, according to the survey.
Royal LePage said that the rise in price defied expectations and suggested that record-low interest rates and a fairly stable Canadian economy have bolstered consumer confidence.
However, the third quarter of 2010 was a relatively weak period for housing prices, which makes the increase this year appear rosier than they are and may mask a decline in prices in the months ahead, it said.
"The strength in Canada's national housing market conceals signs of predictable softening in some regions," Phil Soper, president and chief executive of Royal LePage Real Estate Services, said in a statement.
"A broader slowdown is expected in the months ahead, but fears of a U.S.-style correction are completely unfounded."
Vancouver had the highest priced homes in the country during the third quarter of 2011 and was the only city in the survey where the average bungalow or two-storey home cost more than $1 million.
Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Saint John, N.B., and Ottawa all saw prices increase between 4.4 and 10.4 per cent.
In Alberta, the volume of homes trading hands increased, but prices stayed soft, the survey found: Detached bungalows in Calgary fell one per cent in the third quarter.
Victoria was similarly weak, with detached bungalows and standard two-storey homes falling two and 1.1 per cent respectively.
Byline: Financial Post
Home prices rose during the third quarter of 2011, but the raw numbers may not be telling the whole story of the Canadian housing market, a new survey says.
The Royal LePage House Price Survey released Wednesday found that the average price of a home in Canada increased between 5.7 and 7.8 per cent in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the same period last year.
The average price of a detached bungalow was $349,974, a standard two-storey home was $388,218 and a standard condominium was $239,300, according to the survey.
Royal LePage said that the rise in price defied expectations and suggested that record-low interest rates and a fairly stable Canadian economy have bolstered consumer confidence.
However, the third quarter of 2010 was a relatively weak period for housing prices, which makes the increase this year appear rosier than they are and may mask a decline in prices in the months ahead, it said.
"The strength in Canada's national housing market conceals signs of predictable softening in some regions," Phil Soper, president and chief executive of Royal LePage Real Estate Services, said in a statement.
"A broader slowdown is expected in the months ahead, but fears of a U.S.-style correction are completely unfounded."
Vancouver had the highest priced homes in the country during the third quarter of 2011 and was the only city in the survey where the average bungalow or two-storey home cost more than $1 million.
Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Saint John, N.B., and Ottawa all saw prices increase between 4.4 and 10.4 per cent.
In Alberta, the volume of homes trading hands increased, but prices stayed soft, the survey found: Detached bungalows in Calgary fell one per cent in the third quarter.
Victoria was similarly weak, with detached bungalows and standard two-storey homes falling two and 1.1 per cent respectively.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Housing Market Should Remain Stable in 2012
Byline: Kim Covert, Edmonton Journal
Housing sales and prices should remain fairly steady into next year as a slowing economy is balanced by low mortgage rates and relatively low unemployment, a report from BMO Capital Markets suggests.
"Low interest rates have fuelled Canada's housing market in the past decade, pushing prices to new highs in most regions," senior economist Sal Guatieri said Thursday. "However, a weaker economy and new mortgage rules have dimmed activity recently."
Resales have slowed to their past-decade norm under tougher mortgage rules introduced by the federal government in March, and prices have flattened in the last six months on a seasonally adjusted basis, Guatieri said in the report.
The slowing global economy should hold the Bank of Canada from raising its benchmark interest rate - now a near-record low of one per cent - before 2013. As well, an unemployment rate expected to remain around 7.3 per cent through next year should mean continued confidence on the part of homebuyers.
Just as the economies in resource-rich provinces such as Alberta and Saskatchewan are expected to out-perform other regions next year, so too is the housing market in those provinces, Guatieri said.
Housing sales and prices should remain fairly steady into next year as a slowing economy is balanced by low mortgage rates and relatively low unemployment, a report from BMO Capital Markets suggests.
"Low interest rates have fuelled Canada's housing market in the past decade, pushing prices to new highs in most regions," senior economist Sal Guatieri said Thursday. "However, a weaker economy and new mortgage rules have dimmed activity recently."
Resales have slowed to their past-decade norm under tougher mortgage rules introduced by the federal government in March, and prices have flattened in the last six months on a seasonally adjusted basis, Guatieri said in the report.
The slowing global economy should hold the Bank of Canada from raising its benchmark interest rate - now a near-record low of one per cent - before 2013. As well, an unemployment rate expected to remain around 7.3 per cent through next year should mean continued confidence on the part of homebuyers.
Just as the economies in resource-rich provinces such as Alberta and Saskatchewan are expected to out-perform other regions next year, so too is the housing market in those provinces, Guatieri said.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Home Safety Tips for Seniors
More than half of all injuries experienced by Canadian seniors are due to falls. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, nearly half of all injuries among seniors occur in the home, and 15 per cent of falls occur in the bathroom or stairs.
Since the likelihood of serious injury, or even death, increases as you age, take steps to increase safety in the home. Many seniors limit their daily activities and, ultimately, their quality of life to avoid getting injured," says Kelly McCain, a senior director at Royal LePage Canada, "However, a few safety measures at home can improve life all around for Canadian seniors."
To stay safe while maintaining your independence, McCain offers these suggestions:
Ensure all rooms and hallways in your home are well lit and clear of obstacles.
Reduce slipping hazards by removing non-rubber-backed throw rugs and mats on hard flooring surfaces, such as hardwood or ceramic floors.
Install nightlights near stairs and eliminate all clutter.
Make sure that there are solid handrails on both sides of the stairway.
If you have wood stairs, consider installing a carpet runner down the middle or adding traction strips to provide steadier footing.
In the bathroom, make sure that your tub and shower surfaces are non-slip. Install grab bars in your bathtub or shower and purchase rubberized or non-skid bath mats.
Increase safety in the shower by purchasing or renting a bath seat. Some are designed specifically to make your entrance and exit from the tub easier. If you require the use of a bath seat, a hand-held shower head will work best.
Consider purchasing a wireless phone set that allows for a phone on each floor of the home, and populate the digital phone book on all telephones with emergency contact numbers.
Follow these simple safety tips and spend less time worrying, and more time enjoying your home. More information is available at www.royallepage.ca.
Since the likelihood of serious injury, or even death, increases as you age, take steps to increase safety in the home. Many seniors limit their daily activities and, ultimately, their quality of life to avoid getting injured," says Kelly McCain, a senior director at Royal LePage Canada, "However, a few safety measures at home can improve life all around for Canadian seniors."
To stay safe while maintaining your independence, McCain offers these suggestions:
Ensure all rooms and hallways in your home are well lit and clear of obstacles.
Reduce slipping hazards by removing non-rubber-backed throw rugs and mats on hard flooring surfaces, such as hardwood or ceramic floors.
Install nightlights near stairs and eliminate all clutter.
Make sure that there are solid handrails on both sides of the stairway.
If you have wood stairs, consider installing a carpet runner down the middle or adding traction strips to provide steadier footing.
In the bathroom, make sure that your tub and shower surfaces are non-slip. Install grab bars in your bathtub or shower and purchase rubberized or non-skid bath mats.
Increase safety in the shower by purchasing or renting a bath seat. Some are designed specifically to make your entrance and exit from the tub easier. If you require the use of a bath seat, a hand-held shower head will work best.
Consider purchasing a wireless phone set that allows for a phone on each floor of the home, and populate the digital phone book on all telephones with emergency contact numbers.
Follow these simple safety tips and spend less time worrying, and more time enjoying your home. More information is available at www.royallepage.ca.
Monday, September 19, 2011
GTA REALTORS® September Mid-Month Resale Housing Figures
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 3,149 transactions during the first 14 days of September, representing an increase of more than 25 per cent in comparison to the first two weeks of September 2010.
New listings over the same period, at 6,890, were up by 14 per cent compared to last year.
The average selling price in the first half of September was $454,194 – an increase of 11 per cent compared to the same period in September 2010.
“Strong price growth in the GTA continues to be mitigated by a solid affordability picture. Mortgage rates will remain at or near current levels until the second half of 2012 if not into 2013,” said Jason Mercer, the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.
“In response to strong price growth, more households chose to list their homes for sale in comparison to last August. Growth in listings is expected to continue. Increased choice will result in more sustainable rates of price growth,” continued Mercer.
New listings over the same period, at 6,890, were up by 14 per cent compared to last year.
The average selling price in the first half of September was $454,194 – an increase of 11 per cent compared to the same period in September 2010.
“Strong price growth in the GTA continues to be mitigated by a solid affordability picture. Mortgage rates will remain at or near current levels until the second half of 2012 if not into 2013,” said Jason Mercer, the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.
“In response to strong price growth, more households chose to list their homes for sale in comparison to last August. Growth in listings is expected to continue. Increased choice will result in more sustainable rates of price growth,” continued Mercer.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Hot Toronto Real Estate market continues
TREB released its August resale market figures today. The report shows that Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 7,542 sales through the TorontoMLS® system in August – a 24 per cent increase over 6,083 sales in August 2010. New listings, at 12,509, were up by 20 per cent compared to August 2010. Market conditions remained tight as sales growth outstripped growth in new listings.
"Home sales in the GTA have stood up well despite a less certain economic outlook," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver. "Home sales will be bolstered by low mortgage rates moving forward. The Bank of Canada is expected to be on the sidelines until the second half of 2012 or even into 2013. However, home ownership affordability in the City of Toronto could be further improved with the removal of the City’s land transfer tax. This tax currently represents a substantial upfront cost for home buyers.”
"Home sales in the GTA have stood up well despite a less certain economic outlook," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver. "Home sales will be bolstered by low mortgage rates moving forward. The Bank of Canada is expected to be on the sidelines until the second half of 2012 or even into 2013. However, home ownership affordability in the City of Toronto could be further improved with the removal of the City’s land transfer tax. This tax currently represents a substantial upfront cost for home buyers.”
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Roof repair: How to stop the sky from falling
by Shelley White from Tuesday's Globe and Mail
Published Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011 6:18AM EDT
When Toronto lawyer and property manager Sheila Collin first hired a roofer to repair two of her properties, she felt she had done her due diligence.
“The roofer had done work for someone that I have known for many years who said they’d done a spectacularly good job for a reasonable price, and they recommended them wholeheartedly,” she said.
Ms. Collin spent close to $75,000 in total roofing costs on an 8,000-square-foot mixed commercial/residential building and another 10,000-square-foot commercial property. After a particularly harsh winter, however, both buildings were suffering significant water leakage. When she attempted to get the roofer to remedy the continuing leak problems, it initially did a mediocre patch job (which didn’t hold), then stopped answering her calls. Finally, the company representatives just seemed to disappear.
“What I learned is you might be dealing with someone who was recommended by a previous customer, but by the time you get them they may not even [have] the same crew of people,” she said. “They change their company names and phone numbers. You can report them to the Better Business Bureau, but it doesn’t do any good.”
In the end, Ms. Collin had to employ another roofing company to tear out everything that had been previously done and reroof the buildings, which ended up costing her as much as she’d spent in the first place.
It’s the kind of calamity that strikes fear in the hearts of homeowners.
The spectre of leaks and water damage is nerve-racking enough, but with costs that can start at $5,000 and rise to $20,000 or more, a new roof can be a crippling expense.
But there are ways to minimize your risk and keep the roof over your head intact.
The first step in roof maintenance is determining whether you need work done well before you spring a leak. Craig Bennett, deputy executive director of Avenue Road Roofing in Toronto, says that there are some red flags to watch for.
“Observe the appearance of your shingles,” he says. “Specifically, look for curling or clawed shingle tabs, look for areas of excessive ‘granule’ loss [on the surface of the shingles]. In terms of age, a roof that is 15 years old should be inspected.”
Homeowners can also check to see if any of the metal flashing on the roof has pulled away or the caulking has dried out. If you have attic access, look for water marks or the appearance of mould (black marks).
Once you’ve determined that your roof needs work, it’s time to find a contractor. Mark Benerowski, a Toronto building inspector for the past 10 years, says that references from friends and family are a good way to start, but it’s important to get at least three quotes – he suggests getting 10 – before deciding on a contractor.
“Sometimes the larger companies can be good to go with, but a company is only as good as its installer. Ask if they’ve expanded a lot in the last couple years. How much experience do your installers have? How many installers can I expect to be on the job?”
Because a roofing job should last 15 years or more, look for a roofer who is going to stay in business. Mr. Bennett says that although many consumers won’t require it, it’s wise to look for companies that are bonded, which demonstrates that the contractor has had to withstand stringent business scrutiny.
“Also, look for roofing contractors who have been certified by the product manufacturer to install their products,” he says. “Ask to view a job in progress and speak with several past clients, particularly those who required warranty service.”
Other essential elements to watch for are safety and insurance, Mr. Bennett says. Consumers should ask to see a company’s health and safety policy, and ensure they have adequate insurance for the job at hand.
To further protect yourself, Mr. Benerowski advises that specifications be included in any contract or quote. “Don’t let them just put down three-tab shingle installation,” he says. “You want specifications as to flashing, the brand name and warranty of your shingle, the underlayment that will be used, how much ice shield, how high the ice shield is going to be.” (If the terms and details of roofing seems daunting to a layperson, you can get consumer info on the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.’s website.) “If you can specify in the contract, that’s half the battle.”
As for the cost, Mr. Bennett says his company’s statistics have shown that the average price for a complete shingle replacement within the Greater Toronto Area is about 2 per cent of the property value. But prices can vary widely depending on how complicated the job is and where it is located.
As well, your choice of materials will affect your final price. At the low end of the scale, there’s paper asphalt or fibreglass shingle (increasingly the most popular choice, according to Mr. Bennett). Metal is typically double the price, cedar triple and slate, three to four times the cost.
Once the job begins, if you’re concerned about the work being done, you can hire a building inspector to assess it, both during the project and after completion. For a one-time inspection, Mr. Benerowski charges between $200 and $300. For a more thorough, phased inspection report, it can cost between $500 and $600, based on 2,000-square-foot home.
If you do your homework before hiring your contractor, Mr. Bennett says, you should end up with a roof job that will stand the test of time.
Building inspector Mark Benerowski identifies common mistakes to watch for.
Roofers trying to work too fast: Ensure your roofing company will be providing you with an experienced installer and enough manpower to do the job properly (at least two or three workers). “It’s a seasonal type of business, so roofers can get very busy in the summers,” Mr. Benerowski says. “If a roofer is working too fast and hasn’t set his pneumatic gun properly, that nail head could be driven too hard with too much pressure. You’ve cracked the shingle and now you have a potential for leakage.”
Laying new shingles over old: Specify the full removal of the old shingles – if you don’t, the roofers may lay new ones over the old ones, which can trap moisture and lead to premature deterioration of the new surface.
Not removing old nails from the roof: Leaving old nails is like trapping “a bunch of needles underneath the new shingles. When you strip a roof, it has to be fully stripped.”
Poor ventilation: Be sure your roofing contractor will be addressing ventilation issues and is up-to-date on current ventilation techniques and products. “If you don’t have any ventilation at all, in the summer the attic gets very hot and you end up baking your shingles and they don’t last as long.”
Published Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011 6:18AM EDT
When Toronto lawyer and property manager Sheila Collin first hired a roofer to repair two of her properties, she felt she had done her due diligence.
“The roofer had done work for someone that I have known for many years who said they’d done a spectacularly good job for a reasonable price, and they recommended them wholeheartedly,” she said.
Ms. Collin spent close to $75,000 in total roofing costs on an 8,000-square-foot mixed commercial/residential building and another 10,000-square-foot commercial property. After a particularly harsh winter, however, both buildings were suffering significant water leakage. When she attempted to get the roofer to remedy the continuing leak problems, it initially did a mediocre patch job (which didn’t hold), then stopped answering her calls. Finally, the company representatives just seemed to disappear.
“What I learned is you might be dealing with someone who was recommended by a previous customer, but by the time you get them they may not even [have] the same crew of people,” she said. “They change their company names and phone numbers. You can report them to the Better Business Bureau, but it doesn’t do any good.”
In the end, Ms. Collin had to employ another roofing company to tear out everything that had been previously done and reroof the buildings, which ended up costing her as much as she’d spent in the first place.
It’s the kind of calamity that strikes fear in the hearts of homeowners.
The spectre of leaks and water damage is nerve-racking enough, but with costs that can start at $5,000 and rise to $20,000 or more, a new roof can be a crippling expense.
But there are ways to minimize your risk and keep the roof over your head intact.
The first step in roof maintenance is determining whether you need work done well before you spring a leak. Craig Bennett, deputy executive director of Avenue Road Roofing in Toronto, says that there are some red flags to watch for.
“Observe the appearance of your shingles,” he says. “Specifically, look for curling or clawed shingle tabs, look for areas of excessive ‘granule’ loss [on the surface of the shingles]. In terms of age, a roof that is 15 years old should be inspected.”
Homeowners can also check to see if any of the metal flashing on the roof has pulled away or the caulking has dried out. If you have attic access, look for water marks or the appearance of mould (black marks).
Once you’ve determined that your roof needs work, it’s time to find a contractor. Mark Benerowski, a Toronto building inspector for the past 10 years, says that references from friends and family are a good way to start, but it’s important to get at least three quotes – he suggests getting 10 – before deciding on a contractor.
“Sometimes the larger companies can be good to go with, but a company is only as good as its installer. Ask if they’ve expanded a lot in the last couple years. How much experience do your installers have? How many installers can I expect to be on the job?”
Because a roofing job should last 15 years or more, look for a roofer who is going to stay in business. Mr. Bennett says that although many consumers won’t require it, it’s wise to look for companies that are bonded, which demonstrates that the contractor has had to withstand stringent business scrutiny.
“Also, look for roofing contractors who have been certified by the product manufacturer to install their products,” he says. “Ask to view a job in progress and speak with several past clients, particularly those who required warranty service.”
Other essential elements to watch for are safety and insurance, Mr. Bennett says. Consumers should ask to see a company’s health and safety policy, and ensure they have adequate insurance for the job at hand.
To further protect yourself, Mr. Benerowski advises that specifications be included in any contract or quote. “Don’t let them just put down three-tab shingle installation,” he says. “You want specifications as to flashing, the brand name and warranty of your shingle, the underlayment that will be used, how much ice shield, how high the ice shield is going to be.” (If the terms and details of roofing seems daunting to a layperson, you can get consumer info on the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.’s website.) “If you can specify in the contract, that’s half the battle.”
As for the cost, Mr. Bennett says his company’s statistics have shown that the average price for a complete shingle replacement within the Greater Toronto Area is about 2 per cent of the property value. But prices can vary widely depending on how complicated the job is and where it is located.
As well, your choice of materials will affect your final price. At the low end of the scale, there’s paper asphalt or fibreglass shingle (increasingly the most popular choice, according to Mr. Bennett). Metal is typically double the price, cedar triple and slate, three to four times the cost.
Once the job begins, if you’re concerned about the work being done, you can hire a building inspector to assess it, both during the project and after completion. For a one-time inspection, Mr. Benerowski charges between $200 and $300. For a more thorough, phased inspection report, it can cost between $500 and $600, based on 2,000-square-foot home.
If you do your homework before hiring your contractor, Mr. Bennett says, you should end up with a roof job that will stand the test of time.
Building inspector Mark Benerowski identifies common mistakes to watch for.
Roofers trying to work too fast: Ensure your roofing company will be providing you with an experienced installer and enough manpower to do the job properly (at least two or three workers). “It’s a seasonal type of business, so roofers can get very busy in the summers,” Mr. Benerowski says. “If a roofer is working too fast and hasn’t set his pneumatic gun properly, that nail head could be driven too hard with too much pressure. You’ve cracked the shingle and now you have a potential for leakage.”
Laying new shingles over old: Specify the full removal of the old shingles – if you don’t, the roofers may lay new ones over the old ones, which can trap moisture and lead to premature deterioration of the new surface.
Not removing old nails from the roof: Leaving old nails is like trapping “a bunch of needles underneath the new shingles. When you strip a roof, it has to be fully stripped.”
Poor ventilation: Be sure your roofing contractor will be addressing ventilation issues and is up-to-date on current ventilation techniques and products. “If you don’t have any ventilation at all, in the summer the attic gets very hot and you end up baking your shingles and they don’t last as long.”
Monday, August 22, 2011
www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com: New TREB consumer website
Offering immediate access to key information, the website’s landing page hosts a video widget, and four large clickable boxes: Market Update, Hot Consumer Topics, President’s Columns and video blog and Housing Charts.
Under the Market Update icon, consumers will find current and archived issues of news releases and TREB’s flagship publication Market Watch. Hot Consumer Topics includes information on how factors like the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), the Land Transfer Tax (LTT), and Money Laundering / Terrorist Financing legislation affect real estate transactions.
The President’s Columns icon features a collection of articles on a range of topics for homebuyers and sellers. The Housing Charts section outlines the latest market conditions in graphic form.
Directly below the site’s four main sections, a selection of videos is displayed as a clickable reel. Consumers can choose from a monthly market updates, economic and commercial market analyses and information pieces on various aspects of a transaction.
“Real estate can be a very fast moving business in which interpreting detailed information is critical to a successful outcome, and while Greater Toronto REALTORS can offer invaluable professional guidance, an informed consumer can also contribute to a smooth transaction,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver. “To make information as accessible as possible, the new website offers updates via text, graphic and video formats, which cater to consumers’ diverse preferences.”
Information geared to buyers’ and sellers’ needs such as plain language forms, quick links to allow consumers to search local listings directly through the Canadian Real Estate Association’s website www.REALTOR.ca and the ability to search open houses scheduled throughout the Greater Toronto Area is available. Directly below, a continuously refreshing information box offers tips on tax rebates and more. Consumers will be able to use the search tool to obtain the contact information of individual Greater Toronto REALTORSR®. An overview of the association’s activities and the REALTOR® community including charitable efforts are also highlights.
Also included are direct links to subscribe to TREB’s RSS feed and the association’s social media profiles found on Facebook, Twitter and TREB’s YouTube channel.
“Social media offers an ideal opportunity for us to share information with our REALTOR® Members and the consumers they serve, and most importantly, to hear from them so that tools and information can be tailored to their needs,” said Mr. Silver. “Since the new design was based on their feedback, we anticipate that it will become a key bookmark for buyers and sellers throughout the GTA.”
Visit TREB’s consumer website at www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com
Greater Toronto REALTORS® are passionate about their work. They are governed by a strict Code of Ethics
Under the Market Update icon, consumers will find current and archived issues of news releases and TREB’s flagship publication Market Watch. Hot Consumer Topics includes information on how factors like the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), the Land Transfer Tax (LTT), and Money Laundering / Terrorist Financing legislation affect real estate transactions.
The President’s Columns icon features a collection of articles on a range of topics for homebuyers and sellers. The Housing Charts section outlines the latest market conditions in graphic form.
Directly below the site’s four main sections, a selection of videos is displayed as a clickable reel. Consumers can choose from a monthly market updates, economic and commercial market analyses and information pieces on various aspects of a transaction.
“Real estate can be a very fast moving business in which interpreting detailed information is critical to a successful outcome, and while Greater Toronto REALTORS can offer invaluable professional guidance, an informed consumer can also contribute to a smooth transaction,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver. “To make information as accessible as possible, the new website offers updates via text, graphic and video formats, which cater to consumers’ diverse preferences.”
Information geared to buyers’ and sellers’ needs such as plain language forms, quick links to allow consumers to search local listings directly through the Canadian Real Estate Association’s website www.REALTOR.ca and the ability to search open houses scheduled throughout the Greater Toronto Area is available. Directly below, a continuously refreshing information box offers tips on tax rebates and more. Consumers will be able to use the search tool to obtain the contact information of individual Greater Toronto REALTORSR®. An overview of the association’s activities and the REALTOR® community including charitable efforts are also highlights.
Also included are direct links to subscribe to TREB’s RSS feed and the association’s social media profiles found on Facebook, Twitter and TREB’s YouTube channel.
“Social media offers an ideal opportunity for us to share information with our REALTOR® Members and the consumers they serve, and most importantly, to hear from them so that tools and information can be tailored to their needs,” said Mr. Silver. “Since the new design was based on their feedback, we anticipate that it will become a key bookmark for buyers and sellers throughout the GTA.”
Visit TREB’s consumer website at www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com
Greater Toronto REALTORS® are passionate about their work. They are governed by a strict Code of Ethics
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Housing Market Defies Expectations: Prices, Sales Rise
National Post, Wednesday August 17, 2011, Byline: Garry Marr
July proved to be a another strong month for Canadian home sales with the Canadian Real Estate Association now predicting 2011 will see an increase in sales as opposed to a previous forecast for a drop. Actual sales last month were up 12.3% from a year ago while year-to-date sales are 1.6% lower than the same period for 2010.
Prices also continue to have some upward movement,albeit some of the increase year over year being attributed to the introduction of the HST in British Columbia and Ontario, and tighter mortgage regulations in 2010.
The national average price for homes sold in July 2011 was $361,181 - the lowest level since January - but represented a 9.3% increase from a year ago.
Greg Klump, chief economist at CREA, cautioned not to read too much into the average price statistics."Changes in the national average home price are open to being misinterpreted," Mr. Klump said. "They often signify changes in the mix of sales activity across and within local markets, rather than a rising or falling price trend for typical homes in a specific market."
However, CREA, the Ottawa-based group which represents 100 boards across the country, says the scales have now tipped modestly in favour of 2011 outpacing 2010. CREA is predicting 450,800 sales in 2011, just under a 1% increase from a year ago. The group had been forecasting a decline of 1%. Sales are expected to drop less than 1% in 2012.
Prices in Vancouver continue to affect the country, as they helped push CREA's forecast for the average sale price in 2011 to $363,500, a 7.2% increase from a year ago. This was also an increase from a previous forecast. Next year, prices are expected to be flat. The group noted longtalked-about increases in interest rates have failed to materialize in the market. "While there had been some talk of potential interest-rate increases, that hasn't happened," said Gary Morse, president of CREA. "In fact, rates have actually come down, and are now expected to remain low for the remainder of this year and into 2012."
Douglas Porter, deputy chief economist at Bank of Montreal, said the housing market just seems to keep surprising everybody."In a world seemingly awash in negative economic surprises in 2011, one positive surprise has been the resiliency of Canada's housing market," said Mr. Porter, adding few analysts were predicting the kind of price increases the market has seen. "Canadian housing remains surprisingly robust, thanks to still-low interest rates and solid job growth. While the recent financial market turmoil may temporarily weigh on activity, sales should ultimately find support from continued exceptionally low borrowing costs."
Phil Soper, chief executive of Royal LePage Real Estate Services, said his company's recent forecast was for a 2% decline in sales and 3% increase in price for 2011. He doesn't anticipate that changing."I think we're going to start to see it's not so much the strength of the market but the weakness last year. The market had run out of steam at this point last year," Mr. Soper said. "I think we are seeing a more normal curve to the market, with the exception of the Vancouver market."
July proved to be a another strong month for Canadian home sales with the Canadian Real Estate Association now predicting 2011 will see an increase in sales as opposed to a previous forecast for a drop. Actual sales last month were up 12.3% from a year ago while year-to-date sales are 1.6% lower than the same period for 2010.
Prices also continue to have some upward movement,albeit some of the increase year over year being attributed to the introduction of the HST in British Columbia and Ontario, and tighter mortgage regulations in 2010.
The national average price for homes sold in July 2011 was $361,181 - the lowest level since January - but represented a 9.3% increase from a year ago.
Greg Klump, chief economist at CREA, cautioned not to read too much into the average price statistics."Changes in the national average home price are open to being misinterpreted," Mr. Klump said. "They often signify changes in the mix of sales activity across and within local markets, rather than a rising or falling price trend for typical homes in a specific market."
However, CREA, the Ottawa-based group which represents 100 boards across the country, says the scales have now tipped modestly in favour of 2011 outpacing 2010. CREA is predicting 450,800 sales in 2011, just under a 1% increase from a year ago. The group had been forecasting a decline of 1%. Sales are expected to drop less than 1% in 2012.
Prices in Vancouver continue to affect the country, as they helped push CREA's forecast for the average sale price in 2011 to $363,500, a 7.2% increase from a year ago. This was also an increase from a previous forecast. Next year, prices are expected to be flat. The group noted longtalked-about increases in interest rates have failed to materialize in the market. "While there had been some talk of potential interest-rate increases, that hasn't happened," said Gary Morse, president of CREA. "In fact, rates have actually come down, and are now expected to remain low for the remainder of this year and into 2012."
Douglas Porter, deputy chief economist at Bank of Montreal, said the housing market just seems to keep surprising everybody."In a world seemingly awash in negative economic surprises in 2011, one positive surprise has been the resiliency of Canada's housing market," said Mr. Porter, adding few analysts were predicting the kind of price increases the market has seen. "Canadian housing remains surprisingly robust, thanks to still-low interest rates and solid job growth. While the recent financial market turmoil may temporarily weigh on activity, sales should ultimately find support from continued exceptionally low borrowing costs."
Phil Soper, chief executive of Royal LePage Real Estate Services, said his company's recent forecast was for a 2% decline in sales and 3% increase in price for 2011. He doesn't anticipate that changing."I think we're going to start to see it's not so much the strength of the market but the weakness last year. The market had run out of steam at this point last year," Mr. Soper said. "I think we are seeing a more normal curve to the market, with the exception of the Vancouver market."
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Summer Housing Market Stable
CREA reports that national resale housing activity was stable on a month-to-month basis in July following an uptick in June, according to statistics released by the association today.
“The continued stability in national sales activity shows that homebuyers remain confident about the soundness of investing in a home,” said Gary Morse, CREA’s President. “Mortgage interest rates are low and keeping home affordability within reach, making it an excellent time for buyers to take advantage of very favourable financing. Prices and affordability evolve differently among local markets, so buyers and sellers should consult their local REALTOR® to better understand how the outlook for housing supply, demand, and prices is shaping up in their housing market.”
Friday, August 5, 2011
Toronto real estate sales up in July 23% over 2010
TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Aug. 4, 2011) – Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 7,922 transactions through the TorontoMLS® system in July 2011, representing a 23 per cent increase over July 2010. Total sales through the first seven months of this year amounted to 55,863 – down by 1.3 per cent compared to the same period in 2010. After adjusting for seasonal fluctuations, the July figure continued to point to an annual sales result close to 90,000 – in line with results from the previous six months.
“Strong home sales continued in July, with a substantial rebound over last summer’s slow-down brought about by higher mortgage rates, new lending guidelines and misconceptions about the HST. The greatest rebound was seen in the condominium apartment segment in the City of Toronto,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver. “If the current pace of sales holds up, we could see the second best year on record under the current TREB market area.”
The average selling price in July was $459,122 – up by almost ten per cent compared to the July 2010 average of $418,675.
“Tight market conditions have boosted the annual rate of price growth this year. However, the listings situation is starting to improve. A better supplied market later this year and into 2012 would lead to a more sustainable rate of price growth,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis
“Strong home sales continued in July, with a substantial rebound over last summer’s slow-down brought about by higher mortgage rates, new lending guidelines and misconceptions about the HST. The greatest rebound was seen in the condominium apartment segment in the City of Toronto,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver. “If the current pace of sales holds up, we could see the second best year on record under the current TREB market area.”
The average selling price in July was $459,122 – up by almost ten per cent compared to the July 2010 average of $418,675.
“Tight market conditions have boosted the annual rate of price growth this year. However, the listings situation is starting to improve. A better supplied market later this year and into 2012 would lead to a more sustainable rate of price growth,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Urbanation Reports Record Breaking Condo Sales in Toronto for Q2
The 9,455 new condominium apartment sales in the second quarter topped the previous record high of 6,997 in Q2-2007 by 35%. There were also records set in Q2-2011 for the number of active projects, active units, sold index price, unsold index price, new condominium launches (units and projects), units and projects under construction, and quarterly unit registrations. In addition, only 16% of the active units in the market are unsold, a record low, quarters supply is at its lowest level since 1989, unsold units per project is at its lowest level since 1996, sales per project is at its highest level since 1988.
Over the past 12 months there were 24,731 new condominium sales, topping the previous record high of 22,654 from Q4-2007 by 9%. These results are a far cry from Q2-2009 when less than 10,000 sales were realized over the previous 12 months.
Over the past 12 months there were 24,731 new condominium sales, topping the previous record high of 22,654 from Q4-2007 by 9%. These results are a far cry from Q2-2009 when less than 10,000 sales were realized over the previous 12 months.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Non-smoking condos- a sign of things to come?
Non-smokers can change strata bylaws; Nine out of 10 condo owners don't smoke
Vancouver Courier
Wednesday July 27, 2011
Byline: Deb Abbey
In a recent column I featured Dr. Stuart Kreisman and his wife. They're a young couple who discovered that it's impossible to find a smoke-free condo in Vancouver--at any price. There simply aren't any for sale. Fortunately, there are other options.
Sharon Hammond, Manager of the Smoke-Free Housing Initiative for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, receives "tons of calls from people in condos wanting to know how to adopt non-smoking bylaws."
"One in three people have experienced second-hand smoke from neighbouring units," she says.
Any strata council can implement non-smoking bylaws if three-quarters of the voting members of the strata vote in favour of the change at an Annual General Meeting or Special Meeting.
Of the 29,000 strata developments in B.C. (over 900,000 condo units), only a handful have gone down this path. Given that nine out of 10 condo owners are non-smokers, the numbers are surprising. So why haven't more stratas voted to make their developments non-smoking?
It could be that condo owners are concerned about the legality of non-smoking bylaws. When the issue is raised at strata meetings, opponents often suggest the owners will be sued if they ban smoking. The Heart and Stroke Foundation has solicited a number of legal opinions and it's clear that non-smoking bylaws are legal. Others are afraid that their condos will be worth less in the marketplace if they restrict the number of potential buyers. With smokers making up less than 10 per cent of owners that's an unlikely scenario. This isn't just a health issue, it's a lifestyle issue and healthy lifestyle buildings attract buyers, plain and simple.
There's some groundwork to do if your strata plans to adopt non-smoking bylaws. Be prepared. Smokefreehousingbc.ca has all the information to build support for the change. Begin by doing a survey to determine how many owners and residents are smokers and how many want to live in a smoke-free environment. Address any concerns expressed by residents and have your proposed bylaw vetted by a third-party advocacy group such as the Condominium Home Owners Association of B.C.
Put in a grandfather clause for existing owners. The Verdant bylaw had a grandfather clause with a caveat that made exempted owners from the bylaw subject to the common law of nuisance, which simply meant they could smoke but not disturb others with migrating second-hand smoke. When the grandfathered owners sell their units, the new owners will have to conform the new bylaw. Over time, the development will become smoke-free.
Sharon Hammond has been working with the City Social Planning Department to look for opportunities to pilot smoke-free housing options in Vancouver. "While it won't apply to condos, it is encouraging for those living in social housing developments in the city."
This is part of an emerging trend to provide smoke-free rental housing in North America. Property managers of smoke-free buildings are reporting that in addition to less health and safety concerns, management costs are significantly reduced with lower cleaning, painting, damage and insurance costs. And they have waiting lists of people wanting to live in the buildings.
If these properties are any indication, non-smoking regulations will be good for the bottom line. Lower maintenance costs translate into lower monthly fees and everyone loves lower strata fees. That's good news for the many Vancouver investors who own and rent out their condos. It's also good news for buyers.
These developments will attract a premium in the market place. And as more strata developments become smoke-free, it will become the standard and more developers will build smoke-free buildings. And so on. It's legal, it's easy, you'll save money on maintenance and insurance costs and the demand for smoke-free housing will add a premium to the value of your condo. No-brainer. If your strata council is considering non-smoking bylaws, visit smokefreehousingbc.ca If you've already passed non-smoking bylaws in your Vancouver condo development, I'd love to hear your story.
Deb Abbey is a Vancouver real estate agent at Royal LePage City Centre. She is the author of two best-selling books on Sustainable Investment. You can contact Abbey at abbeypartners.ca or email any questions and comments to deb@abbeypartners.ca
Vancouver Courier
Wednesday July 27, 2011
Byline: Deb Abbey
In a recent column I featured Dr. Stuart Kreisman and his wife. They're a young couple who discovered that it's impossible to find a smoke-free condo in Vancouver--at any price. There simply aren't any for sale. Fortunately, there are other options.
Sharon Hammond, Manager of the Smoke-Free Housing Initiative for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, receives "tons of calls from people in condos wanting to know how to adopt non-smoking bylaws."
"One in three people have experienced second-hand smoke from neighbouring units," she says.
Any strata council can implement non-smoking bylaws if three-quarters of the voting members of the strata vote in favour of the change at an Annual General Meeting or Special Meeting.
Of the 29,000 strata developments in B.C. (over 900,000 condo units), only a handful have gone down this path. Given that nine out of 10 condo owners are non-smokers, the numbers are surprising. So why haven't more stratas voted to make their developments non-smoking?
It could be that condo owners are concerned about the legality of non-smoking bylaws. When the issue is raised at strata meetings, opponents often suggest the owners will be sued if they ban smoking. The Heart and Stroke Foundation has solicited a number of legal opinions and it's clear that non-smoking bylaws are legal. Others are afraid that their condos will be worth less in the marketplace if they restrict the number of potential buyers. With smokers making up less than 10 per cent of owners that's an unlikely scenario. This isn't just a health issue, it's a lifestyle issue and healthy lifestyle buildings attract buyers, plain and simple.
There's some groundwork to do if your strata plans to adopt non-smoking bylaws. Be prepared. Smokefreehousingbc.ca has all the information to build support for the change. Begin by doing a survey to determine how many owners and residents are smokers and how many want to live in a smoke-free environment. Address any concerns expressed by residents and have your proposed bylaw vetted by a third-party advocacy group such as the Condominium Home Owners Association of B.C.
Put in a grandfather clause for existing owners. The Verdant bylaw had a grandfather clause with a caveat that made exempted owners from the bylaw subject to the common law of nuisance, which simply meant they could smoke but not disturb others with migrating second-hand smoke. When the grandfathered owners sell their units, the new owners will have to conform the new bylaw. Over time, the development will become smoke-free.
Sharon Hammond has been working with the City Social Planning Department to look for opportunities to pilot smoke-free housing options in Vancouver. "While it won't apply to condos, it is encouraging for those living in social housing developments in the city."
This is part of an emerging trend to provide smoke-free rental housing in North America. Property managers of smoke-free buildings are reporting that in addition to less health and safety concerns, management costs are significantly reduced with lower cleaning, painting, damage and insurance costs. And they have waiting lists of people wanting to live in the buildings.
If these properties are any indication, non-smoking regulations will be good for the bottom line. Lower maintenance costs translate into lower monthly fees and everyone loves lower strata fees. That's good news for the many Vancouver investors who own and rent out their condos. It's also good news for buyers.
These developments will attract a premium in the market place. And as more strata developments become smoke-free, it will become the standard and more developers will build smoke-free buildings. And so on. It's legal, it's easy, you'll save money on maintenance and insurance costs and the demand for smoke-free housing will add a premium to the value of your condo. No-brainer. If your strata council is considering non-smoking bylaws, visit smokefreehousingbc.ca If you've already passed non-smoking bylaws in your Vancouver condo development, I'd love to hear your story.
Deb Abbey is a Vancouver real estate agent at Royal LePage City Centre. She is the author of two best-selling books on Sustainable Investment. You can contact Abbey at abbeypartners.ca or email any questions and comments to deb@abbeypartners.ca
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Thoughts on the City by Naheed Nenshi
His Worship Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary, spoke to the Toronto Real Estate Board Civic Connections event last week via Skype. Unfortuately the technology didn't work as well as hoped but what we did hear was very interesting.
He said that people choose where they live by city, not by country- e.g. people choose to live in London, not England; in New York, not USA; in Toronto, not Canada. The choose a place where they can make a great life and a great living- a lifestyle and the means to support it. However, the constitution of Canada doesn't recognize the importance of cities. He points out that if the federal government closed down, you wouldn't notice for several weeks; if the provincial government closed down, you wouldn't notice for a few days; but if the city governement closed down you would notice immediately. The city provides the services that people value the most but have the least ability to raise funds.
He is very big on civic engagement, giving people the power to use their own hands, hearts, and voice to accomplish things, and have real dialogue. He mentioned the example of the City of Calgary making parking at transit stations free. He asked people to give input to this by email or twitter. Surprising to him, the biggest response wasn't for or against the proposal but a thankyou for asking.
He was also a big proponent of mixed income neighbourhoods. He says poorer people moving to the suburbs for cheaper housing isn't really good for the public because it requires a need to build more schools, while other schools go lacking for students.
He mentioned that the City Council in Calgary is not ideology driven and that there are really no political parties there, compared to Toronto, where there are de-facto civic political parties.
Also, at the event several Royal LePage realtors were recognized for their civic or TREB volunteer service, including Cailey Heaps Estrin of the Ryal LePage Bayview Branch.
He said that people choose where they live by city, not by country- e.g. people choose to live in London, not England; in New York, not USA; in Toronto, not Canada. The choose a place where they can make a great life and a great living- a lifestyle and the means to support it. However, the constitution of Canada doesn't recognize the importance of cities. He points out that if the federal government closed down, you wouldn't notice for several weeks; if the provincial government closed down, you wouldn't notice for a few days; but if the city governement closed down you would notice immediately. The city provides the services that people value the most but have the least ability to raise funds.
He is very big on civic engagement, giving people the power to use their own hands, hearts, and voice to accomplish things, and have real dialogue. He mentioned the example of the City of Calgary making parking at transit stations free. He asked people to give input to this by email or twitter. Surprising to him, the biggest response wasn't for or against the proposal but a thankyou for asking.
He was also a big proponent of mixed income neighbourhoods. He says poorer people moving to the suburbs for cheaper housing isn't really good for the public because it requires a need to build more schools, while other schools go lacking for students.
He mentioned that the City Council in Calgary is not ideology driven and that there are really no political parties there, compared to Toronto, where there are de-facto civic political parties.
Also, at the event several Royal LePage realtors were recognized for their civic or TREB volunteer service, including Cailey Heaps Estrin of the Ryal LePage Bayview Branch.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Leaside Garden Tour Sat. June 15, 11-4
This year's self-guided tour includes eight very special private gardens and provides the opportunity to meet the homeowner gardeners, ask questions and learn how these beautiful spaces were created.
A mix of mature and newer gardens in a variety of styles from English country to woodland shade will be featured. Of special interest are a knot garden, water feature, unusual flowering shrubs and vines and several examples of successful shade gardens.
Passports, which include garden addresses and a tour map, are $10.00 each (adults and children) and are available from sevral local merchants including our office, Royal LePage at 1391 Bayview Avenue (at McRae). The tour will proceed rain or shine.I have participated before and it is a great way to pass a lovely June afternoon.
A mix of mature and newer gardens in a variety of styles from English country to woodland shade will be featured. Of special interest are a knot garden, water feature, unusual flowering shrubs and vines and several examples of successful shade gardens.
Passports, which include garden addresses and a tour map, are $10.00 each (adults and children) and are available from sevral local merchants including our office, Royal LePage at 1391 Bayview Avenue (at McRae). The tour will proceed rain or shine.I have participated before and it is a great way to pass a lovely June afternoon.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
John Stanton of the Running Room on the 3-Way Win
Tuesday May 31, Royal LePage Real Estate Services 2010 Award winners heard John Stanton, President of the highly successful Running Room, speak at the “By Invitation” lunch at the new Allstream building (formerly the Automotive Building as the CNE). His message is that we are always looking for a 3-Way win, where the Client (customer), Company, and Community all win.
He emphasized how Community involvement has really helped him build his company. This is true of Royal LePage as well- the best example being our involvement with women and children’s shelters through the Shelter Foundation. Yesterday, I sent a cheque for $3592.38 to the Shelter Foundation, proceeds from our Garage Sale. We split the proceeds with 75% to be for Interval House and 25% to be used for programs for violence prevention through education (treat the cause, not just the symptoms). Another cheque for $1700 was sent to Interval House, raised through automatic commission deductions by Bayview agents.
This coming Monday a graduation ceremony is being held for graduates of the BESS program at Interval House. It is program that helps retrain the women at the Shelter for employment, helping to them break free of financial dependence on an abusive partner. Catherine deVries will be attending. Together with RLP on Yonge and at 55 St. Clair, we have placed a congratulatory ad in the program for the evening.
Royal LePage Bayview realtors interact with the community in other ways too through sponsoring events- e.g. the Gardens of Leaside Tour on June 25 (Heaps Estrin team), a series of women’s runs (John MacEwen), family skates (Susan Gucci).
He emphasized how Community involvement has really helped him build his company. This is true of Royal LePage as well- the best example being our involvement with women and children’s shelters through the Shelter Foundation. Yesterday, I sent a cheque for $3592.38 to the Shelter Foundation, proceeds from our Garage Sale. We split the proceeds with 75% to be for Interval House and 25% to be used for programs for violence prevention through education (treat the cause, not just the symptoms). Another cheque for $1700 was sent to Interval House, raised through automatic commission deductions by Bayview agents.
This coming Monday a graduation ceremony is being held for graduates of the BESS program at Interval House. It is program that helps retrain the women at the Shelter for employment, helping to them break free of financial dependence on an abusive partner. Catherine deVries will be attending. Together with RLP on Yonge and at 55 St. Clair, we have placed a congratulatory ad in the program for the evening.
Royal LePage Bayview realtors interact with the community in other ways too through sponsoring events- e.g. the Gardens of Leaside Tour on June 25 (Heaps Estrin team), a series of women’s runs (John MacEwen), family skates (Susan Gucci).
CMHC Second Half 2011 Preview
Backed by economic growth, attractive mortgage rates, and overall confidence, housing sales and starts will continue to rise through this year and the next, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) second quarter outlook.
Backed by economic growth, attractive mortgage rates, and overall confidence, housing sales and starts will continue to rise through this year and the next, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) second quarter outlook. But prices will begin to moderate, possibly dropping from their current average by the end of the year and into 2012, the report said.
“Modest economic growth, in conjunction with relatively low mortgage rates, will continue to support demand for new homes in 2011 and 2012,” said CMHC Chief Economist Bob Dugan. “Nonetheless, we are expecting new and existing housing markets to fall in line with demographic fundamentals, as changes to mortgage rules take hold.”
CMHC forecasts about 179,500 housing units will be started in 2011, and then 207,500 units in 2012. The report also said existing home sales will go from 452,100 units in 2011 to reach 461,300 in 2012.
The average price in Canada will increase this year compared to last year, although more moderately than it already has, and will continue to remain at a similar average in 2012, said the report.
The average Multiple Listings Service (MLS) price for an existing home increased 6.7% from $342,441 in the fourth quarter of 2010 to reach $365,648 in the first quarter of this year. CMHC predicts it will likely slip back to $361,100 by the end of the year, and then rise up to $364,200 by the end of 2012.
from Canadian Real Estate Magazine
Backed by economic growth, attractive mortgage rates, and overall confidence, housing sales and starts will continue to rise through this year and the next, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) second quarter outlook. But prices will begin to moderate, possibly dropping from their current average by the end of the year and into 2012, the report said.
“Modest economic growth, in conjunction with relatively low mortgage rates, will continue to support demand for new homes in 2011 and 2012,” said CMHC Chief Economist Bob Dugan. “Nonetheless, we are expecting new and existing housing markets to fall in line with demographic fundamentals, as changes to mortgage rules take hold.”
CMHC forecasts about 179,500 housing units will be started in 2011, and then 207,500 units in 2012. The report also said existing home sales will go from 452,100 units in 2011 to reach 461,300 in 2012.
The average price in Canada will increase this year compared to last year, although more moderately than it already has, and will continue to remain at a similar average in 2012, said the report.
The average Multiple Listings Service (MLS) price for an existing home increased 6.7% from $342,441 in the fourth quarter of 2010 to reach $365,648 in the first quarter of this year. CMHC predicts it will likely slip back to $361,100 by the end of the year, and then rise up to $364,200 by the end of 2012.
from Canadian Real Estate Magazine
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Using Landscaping to Increase the Sale Price of Your House
A well-landscaped yard can provide a lot more than good looks. Landscaping can also increase property value, offer home-energy savings and provide privacy and home security.
In contrast to many home improvements, the value of an investment in landscape improvement increases over time, since the growth and maturity of trees and shrubs continues to enhance aesthetic appeal.
The value of an attractive landscape to the selling price of a home is often cited at between 10 and 12 per cent. However, a 2009 Virginia State University study concluded that design sophistication was the highest ranked factor to add perceived value of a home, followed by plant size. Thus, securing the services of a landscape design professional could optimize your return on investment.
Energy savings: Strategic placement of trees around your home can significantly reduce monthly utility bills. Deciduous trees, when placed to shade windows that receive a lot of sunshine, can lower energy bills with a lower draw on air conditioning. Since deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter, the sun can shine in during the cooler months, serving to warm the house. To save on heating bills in winter, a thick evergreen hedge can block cold winds from robbing a house of heat.
Privacy and security: A thorny hedge at key points around a property provides a good deterrent to intruders. Prickly shrubs around windows can also ward off burglars, but be sure to trim back regularly since shrubs that have grown too tall can have the opposite effect. Trees and shrubs also serve to provide privacy in a yard and to block unwanted views outside your property.
More information on ways to boost the resale value of your home is available online at www.royallepage.ca.
In contrast to many home improvements, the value of an investment in landscape improvement increases over time, since the growth and maturity of trees and shrubs continues to enhance aesthetic appeal.
The value of an attractive landscape to the selling price of a home is often cited at between 10 and 12 per cent. However, a 2009 Virginia State University study concluded that design sophistication was the highest ranked factor to add perceived value of a home, followed by plant size. Thus, securing the services of a landscape design professional could optimize your return on investment.
Energy savings: Strategic placement of trees around your home can significantly reduce monthly utility bills. Deciduous trees, when placed to shade windows that receive a lot of sunshine, can lower energy bills with a lower draw on air conditioning. Since deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter, the sun can shine in during the cooler months, serving to warm the house. To save on heating bills in winter, a thick evergreen hedge can block cold winds from robbing a house of heat.
Privacy and security: A thorny hedge at key points around a property provides a good deterrent to intruders. Prickly shrubs around windows can also ward off burglars, but be sure to trim back regularly since shrubs that have grown too tall can have the opposite effect. Trees and shrubs also serve to provide privacy in a yard and to block unwanted views outside your property.
More information on ways to boost the resale value of your home is available online at www.royallepage.ca.
Tight Rental Market in Toronto
For the January to April 2011 period, TREB Members reported 5,079 lease transactions for condominium apartments and townhomes. This result was up 18 per cent from 4,319 lease transactions reported during the same time-period in 2010. The number of rental units listed on the TorontoMLS® rose 10 per cent to 9,374 units.
The increase in listings reflects the high level of condominium apartment completions over the past year. Some investors chose to lease their units upon completion.
With the number of transactions rising at a greater rate than the number of units available for rent, rental market conditions tightened. Average rental rates were up in comparison to last year. One-bedroom apartments rented for an average of $1,485 per month, up 1.5 per cent year-over-year. Two-bedroom apartment units rented for an average of $1,958 per month – up 2.5 per cent compared to the first four months of 2010.
The increase in listings reflects the high level of condominium apartment completions over the past year. Some investors chose to lease their units upon completion.
With the number of transactions rising at a greater rate than the number of units available for rent, rental market conditions tightened. Average rental rates were up in comparison to last year. One-bedroom apartments rented for an average of $1,485 per month, up 1.5 per cent year-over-year. Two-bedroom apartment units rented for an average of $1,958 per month – up 2.5 per cent compared to the first four months of 2010.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Top 10 tips for Selling your Home this Spring:
The spring market is in full swing. With winter a mere memory and lots of sunshine on the way (we hope!), many potential homebuyers are looking for the perfect home to suit their needs and budget. If you’re preparing to put your home on the market this spring, there are a number of things you can do to erase signs of winter wear and improve your home’s appeal.
Create curb appeal - First impressions count! Get rid of any debris that winter left behind, edge your gardens and add creative arrangements to your front porch.
A fresh coat of paint goes a long way - Refresh the interior and exterior of your home by painting your walls, front door, garage, shed and fence.
Clean, clean, clean! - Nothing will turn a potential buyer away quicker than a dirty home. Be sure to scrub your floors and wash your windows.
Inspect your exterior - Have a professional check your property for any damage to your roof, shutters or siding caused by winter wear.
Are renovations required? - An updated kitchen or bathroom might boost your home’s appeal as well as the value of your home.
Engage the senses - Create a welcoming scent for potential buyers by lighting a few scented candles or placing fresh flowers throughout your home.
Turn your backyard into an outdoor oasis - Update your patio furniture to create a relaxing outdoor environment.
Reseal your driveway - This will remove any wear and tear and keep your driveway looking new.
Depersonalize your home - Potential buyers want to picture themselves in your home. Remove family photos and diplomas.
Create curb appeal - First impressions count! Get rid of any debris that winter left behind, edge your gardens and add creative arrangements to your front porch.
A fresh coat of paint goes a long way - Refresh the interior and exterior of your home by painting your walls, front door, garage, shed and fence.
Clean, clean, clean! - Nothing will turn a potential buyer away quicker than a dirty home. Be sure to scrub your floors and wash your windows.
Inspect your exterior - Have a professional check your property for any damage to your roof, shutters or siding caused by winter wear.
Are renovations required? - An updated kitchen or bathroom might boost your home’s appeal as well as the value of your home.
Engage the senses - Create a welcoming scent for potential buyers by lighting a few scented candles or placing fresh flowers throughout your home.
Turn your backyard into an outdoor oasis - Update your patio furniture to create a relaxing outdoor environment.
Reseal your driveway - This will remove any wear and tear and keep your driveway looking new.
Depersonalize your home - Potential buyers want to picture themselves in your home. Remove family photos and diplomas.
Doors Open Toronto May 28-29
This annual event allows you to see buildings not usually open to the public. For a complete list of buildings open, check out www.toronto.ca/doorsopen
Some of the buildings you can visit include the Redpath Suger Museem, TTC Carhouses at Roncesvalles and McCowan, the R.C Harris Water Filtration Plan(site of the Skin of the Lion by Michael Ondaatje).
Some of the buildings you can visit include the Redpath Suger Museem, TTC Carhouses at Roncesvalles and McCowan, the R.C Harris Water Filtration Plan(site of the Skin of the Lion by Michael Ondaatje).
Friday, May 6, 2011
Jane's Walk this Sunday (Mother's Day) in Leaside
The annual "Jane's Walks" will be held this weekend, celebrating the contribution to community life of Jane Jacobs. Below is information on the The Leaside Odyssey - Downstream on Bayview.The walk takes about 2 hours, beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday May 8.
Guided by Leaside Property Owners' Association and Kelvingrove-Glen Leven Tenants’ Association
What makes Leaside special? Why the urgency to preserve it? Come navigate history with us as we take you on a tour down Bayview, the neighbourhood’s historic “high street.” From lost rivers to village-style shopping and eating to architectural rarities, we’ll shine a light on what makes Leaside an outstanding neighbourhood in Toronto’s “city of neighbourhoods” – and community action to preserve it.
Don’t just drive through, for once – put on your hat and stay a while!
You’ll discover:
• Lost (but not forgotten) rivers of the Don
• Controversial proposed development in North Leaside
• Main-street village commercial life - harmony, proportion and diversity
• Former residence of Canada’s first female MP, Agnes Macphail
• Unparalleled confluence of rare “garden apartments”:
o Forsey, Page & Steele’s Garden Court Apartments (Art Moderne)
o Mayor Henry Howard Talbot Apartments (Georgian Revival)
o Lawrence family’s Crestview Apartments – 22 small buildings in a park-like setting
• How it all began: Leaside as a planned railway town, overlooking the Don valley at Mallory Park
Meeting Place:
Bayview at Eglinton Ave. – South-East corner
End Location:
Mallory Park near Bayview and Moore
Public Transit Directions:
Via Yonge Subway (10 minutes by bus):
• Eglinton Station: any eastbound bus (including 34 Eglinton East, 54 Lawrence East)
• Davisville Station: Bayview 11
Accessible:
Partially accessible – curbs, uneven terrain, busy sidewalks, some parkland
Parking available:
Street parking off Bayview; plazas
http://janeswalk.net/walks/view/leaside_odyssey_-_downstream_on_bayview/
Guided by Leaside Property Owners' Association and Kelvingrove-Glen Leven Tenants’ Association
What makes Leaside special? Why the urgency to preserve it? Come navigate history with us as we take you on a tour down Bayview, the neighbourhood’s historic “high street.” From lost rivers to village-style shopping and eating to architectural rarities, we’ll shine a light on what makes Leaside an outstanding neighbourhood in Toronto’s “city of neighbourhoods” – and community action to preserve it.
Don’t just drive through, for once – put on your hat and stay a while!
You’ll discover:
• Lost (but not forgotten) rivers of the Don
• Controversial proposed development in North Leaside
• Main-street village commercial life - harmony, proportion and diversity
• Former residence of Canada’s first female MP, Agnes Macphail
• Unparalleled confluence of rare “garden apartments”:
o Forsey, Page & Steele’s Garden Court Apartments (Art Moderne)
o Mayor Henry Howard Talbot Apartments (Georgian Revival)
o Lawrence family’s Crestview Apartments – 22 small buildings in a park-like setting
• How it all began: Leaside as a planned railway town, overlooking the Don valley at Mallory Park
Meeting Place:
Bayview at Eglinton Ave. – South-East corner
End Location:
Mallory Park near Bayview and Moore
Public Transit Directions:
Via Yonge Subway (10 minutes by bus):
• Eglinton Station: any eastbound bus (including 34 Eglinton East, 54 Lawrence East)
• Davisville Station: Bayview 11
Accessible:
Partially accessible – curbs, uneven terrain, busy sidewalks, some parkland
Parking available:
Street parking off Bayview; plazas
http://janeswalk.net/walks/view/leaside_odyssey_-_downstream_on_bayview/
Thursday, May 5, 2011
New Car Dealership Proposed for Laird in Leaside
An application has been made for the site on the east side of Laird, just south of Home Depot for a new car dealership and service centre. A GM dealership was previously proposed for the site but was withdrawn in the 2008 recession. A public meeting will be held on May 10 at 6:30 at Leaside Library, 165 McRae. I would love to see some of the old industrial buildings with high windows used for a nice restaurant- Chicago type steak house or similar- something we are missing in the area.
Friday, April 29, 2011
6TH ANNUAL EARTH DAY RUN IN SUNNYBROOK PARK SAT. APRIL 30
EARTH DAY will be a spectacular day in Toronto with beautiful sunshine and 17 Degrees forecasted!!
Don't miss out! There is STILL time to register link www.insideoutstudio.ca or drop by 210 Laird Dr! 2KM, 5KM or 10KM runs.
Morning Featuring - Special FREE Spring Sun Salute Yoga Class, Balloons, Goodie Bags, T-shirts, Live Personal-Young Man's Personal Story With Diabetes, High Energy/Feel Good Ceremony, Polictical Discussion, Live Music, Group Warm-up, Sunnybrook Walk, Run, Cycle Route and the BBQ/Live Music Party!
Political Discussion with MP Ward 26 Rob Oliphant, Conservative John Carmichael and Green Party's Dr Georgina Wilcock.
Theme of the day is Health Education Advocacy & Prevention. The Environment!
Morning Welcome Co-Hosts Hon. Kathleen Wynne, MPP and Barry H. Samuel, Event Founder
Special appearances from Actor/Comedian David Sparrow,
Son Roberts Band, Kristin Lindill with her special EARTH DAY song, Guitarist Juneyt, Mike Freedman's Mother Earth.
Post-Walk Party featuring: BBQ, Live Music, Outdoor Yoga,
Jewellery Sale, Tech T-shirts & Eco-Bottles, Raffles and More!
This event is an Annual Fundraiser for The Canadian Diabetes Association.
Participants can pick up registration and pledge forms at the insideout studio –
SATURDAY APRIL30Th, 2011 10AM-2PM
REGISTRATION PRICES
$25/PERSON & $45/FAMILY
*POST WALK PARTY ONLY: B.B.Q and CONCERT: $15 pp/$25 family
Don't miss out! There is STILL time to register link www.insideoutstudio.ca or drop by 210 Laird Dr! 2KM, 5KM or 10KM runs.
Morning Featuring - Special FREE Spring Sun Salute Yoga Class, Balloons, Goodie Bags, T-shirts, Live Personal-Young Man's Personal Story With Diabetes, High Energy/Feel Good Ceremony, Polictical Discussion, Live Music, Group Warm-up, Sunnybrook Walk, Run, Cycle Route and the BBQ/Live Music Party!
Political Discussion with MP Ward 26 Rob Oliphant, Conservative John Carmichael and Green Party's Dr Georgina Wilcock.
Theme of the day is Health Education Advocacy & Prevention. The Environment!
Morning Welcome Co-Hosts Hon. Kathleen Wynne, MPP and Barry H. Samuel, Event Founder
Special appearances from Actor/Comedian David Sparrow,
Son Roberts Band, Kristin Lindill with her special EARTH DAY song, Guitarist Juneyt, Mike Freedman's Mother Earth.
Post-Walk Party featuring: BBQ, Live Music, Outdoor Yoga,
Jewellery Sale, Tech T-shirts & Eco-Bottles, Raffles and More!
This event is an Annual Fundraiser for The Canadian Diabetes Association.
Participants can pick up registration and pledge forms at the insideout studio –
SATURDAY APRIL30Th, 2011 10AM-2PM
REGISTRATION PRICES
$25/PERSON & $45/FAMILY
*POST WALK PARTY ONLY: B.B.Q and CONCERT: $15 pp/$25 family
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Tips for salvaging old bricks
Remove mortar by soaking in special solution
By Bill and Kevin Burnett, Tuesday, April 19, 2011.
Inman News™
Q: A neighbor has given me a stack of bricks from his backyard. I intend to use them in the median strip between the curb and the sidewalk in front of my house. Many of the bricks have old mortar stuck to their sides that I need to get rid of. Can you recommend an alternative to the chisel-and-hammer method suggested at my local hardware store? Also, if the bricks can't be cleaned up, how do I dispose of them?
A: It's great that you're preparing a new home for those old bricks. Not only do we prefer the look of used brick to new, we like the fact that you are reusing perfectly good material.
You have a good deal of work ahead of you, but take heart -- it's not difficult, just time-consuming. Also, you probably won't be able to salvage all your neighbor's used bricks. Inevitably, a few will be beyond redemption or will break apart when you remove the mortar.
Your first step should be to soak the bricks in a solution of muriatic acid and water. This will soften the cured mortar enough to allow removal via the tried-and-true method of hammer and cold chisel. The alternative, and our preferred method, is to saw the mortar off using a diamond-encrusted blade fitted to a circular saw. Kevin's father-in-law, Ed, a master mason, used this method to dry cut bricks when doing small jobs.
Masons have used muriatic acid, also known as hydrochloric acid, for years to clean mortar residue from brick and stone. At the end of any job there's a residual gray film from mortar on the bricks. Muriatic acid emulsifies the Portland cement contained in the mortar allowing for easy cleanup. It is not used full strength but is diluted with water, usually 10 parts water to 1 part acid. Directions for dilution and safe handling are printed on the label.
Be warned: Muriatic acid is quite strong, and it's dangerous when it comes in contact with skin or mucous membranes. So it is critical that you take proper safety precautions. Suit up with rubber gloves, long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, a hat and eye protection. If the solution gets on your skin or heaven forbid in your eyes, immediately flush the area with cold water. For more tips on working with muriatic acid, click here.
To do the job, first prepare a work area. Lay out a heavy canvas or plastic drop cloth to stop any acid solution from seeping into the ground. Set up a bench or table (a piece of 3/4-inch plywood and a couple of sawhorses will do).
Next, lay out your tools. If you opt for the power saw, make sure to use one that's light enough for you to handle comfortably for long periods of time. Also use a GFCI-protected (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlet for a power source. You'll be working around water, and this will prevent electrical shock.
Mix the acid solution according to the manufacturer's instructions in a 5-gallon plastic bucket. To prevent possible eruption or spillover, always put the water in first, then the acid. Fill the bucket about half full and drop in as many bricks as it will hold without overflowing. Make sure the bricks are totally submersed.
Let them soak for about 15 minutes then pull them out of the bucket and place them on your worktable. Put more bricks in the bucket to soak while you clean the soaked bricks.
Chip, chisel or saw the old mortar off the soaked bricks. Once you've got most of the mortar off, get rid of the residual mortar by giving the bricks a good scrubbing with a wire brush. Stack the cleaned bricks in a pile and repeat the process. Before you know it, you'll have all the salvaged bricks cleaned and ready for their new home.
If for some reason you decide you can't use them or just don't want to tackle the job, you can easily sell them or give them away. We'd bet an ad on Craigslist would have them gone in less than a day.
By Bill and Kevin Burnett, Tuesday, April 19, 2011.
Inman News™
Q: A neighbor has given me a stack of bricks from his backyard. I intend to use them in the median strip between the curb and the sidewalk in front of my house. Many of the bricks have old mortar stuck to their sides that I need to get rid of. Can you recommend an alternative to the chisel-and-hammer method suggested at my local hardware store? Also, if the bricks can't be cleaned up, how do I dispose of them?
A: It's great that you're preparing a new home for those old bricks. Not only do we prefer the look of used brick to new, we like the fact that you are reusing perfectly good material.
You have a good deal of work ahead of you, but take heart -- it's not difficult, just time-consuming. Also, you probably won't be able to salvage all your neighbor's used bricks. Inevitably, a few will be beyond redemption or will break apart when you remove the mortar.
Your first step should be to soak the bricks in a solution of muriatic acid and water. This will soften the cured mortar enough to allow removal via the tried-and-true method of hammer and cold chisel. The alternative, and our preferred method, is to saw the mortar off using a diamond-encrusted blade fitted to a circular saw. Kevin's father-in-law, Ed, a master mason, used this method to dry cut bricks when doing small jobs.
Masons have used muriatic acid, also known as hydrochloric acid, for years to clean mortar residue from brick and stone. At the end of any job there's a residual gray film from mortar on the bricks. Muriatic acid emulsifies the Portland cement contained in the mortar allowing for easy cleanup. It is not used full strength but is diluted with water, usually 10 parts water to 1 part acid. Directions for dilution and safe handling are printed on the label.
Be warned: Muriatic acid is quite strong, and it's dangerous when it comes in contact with skin or mucous membranes. So it is critical that you take proper safety precautions. Suit up with rubber gloves, long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, a hat and eye protection. If the solution gets on your skin or heaven forbid in your eyes, immediately flush the area with cold water. For more tips on working with muriatic acid, click here.
To do the job, first prepare a work area. Lay out a heavy canvas or plastic drop cloth to stop any acid solution from seeping into the ground. Set up a bench or table (a piece of 3/4-inch plywood and a couple of sawhorses will do).
Next, lay out your tools. If you opt for the power saw, make sure to use one that's light enough for you to handle comfortably for long periods of time. Also use a GFCI-protected (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlet for a power source. You'll be working around water, and this will prevent electrical shock.
Mix the acid solution according to the manufacturer's instructions in a 5-gallon plastic bucket. To prevent possible eruption or spillover, always put the water in first, then the acid. Fill the bucket about half full and drop in as many bricks as it will hold without overflowing. Make sure the bricks are totally submersed.
Let them soak for about 15 minutes then pull them out of the bucket and place them on your worktable. Put more bricks in the bucket to soak while you clean the soaked bricks.
Chip, chisel or saw the old mortar off the soaked bricks. Once you've got most of the mortar off, get rid of the residual mortar by giving the bricks a good scrubbing with a wire brush. Stack the cleaned bricks in a pile and repeat the process. Before you know it, you'll have all the salvaged bricks cleaned and ready for their new home.
If for some reason you decide you can't use them or just don't want to tackle the job, you can easily sell them or give them away. We'd bet an ad on Craigslist would have them gone in less than a day.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Why Spring Chimney Cleaning Is Important
by Haniel in Fireplaces and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances
If you have a wood burning fireplace or stove in your home it is recommended to have it inspected and cleaned annually (by a W.E.T.T. certified professional – visit http://www.wettinc.ca/).
It may sound logical that the best time to clean the chimney is before the heating season begins. In reality, it is important to clean the chimney before it gets too hot outside.
When wood is burned, it deposits soot and creosote on the inside of the chimney. When moisture in the air mixes with the soot and creosote it forms sulfuric and hydrochloric acid which will damage the inside of your chimney liner. While the sweeping is taking place, ask to have it inspected for any damage and to ensure that a chimney cap is placed to prevent rain, snow, and unwelcome visitors from entering the chimney flue.
If you have a wood burning fireplace or stove in your home it is recommended to have it inspected and cleaned annually (by a W.E.T.T. certified professional – visit http://www.wettinc.ca/).
It may sound logical that the best time to clean the chimney is before the heating season begins. In reality, it is important to clean the chimney before it gets too hot outside.
When wood is burned, it deposits soot and creosote on the inside of the chimney. When moisture in the air mixes with the soot and creosote it forms sulfuric and hydrochloric acid which will damage the inside of your chimney liner. While the sweeping is taking place, ask to have it inspected for any damage and to ensure that a chimney cap is placed to prevent rain, snow, and unwelcome visitors from entering the chimney flue.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Historic Leaside House Home of Canada's First female MP
To designate, or not to designate?
By Kris Scheuer
Agnes Macphail, Canada's first female MP, purchased the home at 2 Donegall Ave. in 1948. Members of the community are now discussing how best to recognize the building and its former resident. Walking by 2 Donegall Ave. in Leaside you wouldn’t know it was once home to politician Agnes Macphail.
The 1937-built home is neither historically listed, designated nor does it have a plaque recognizing it as the former abode of Canada’s first female MP.
Residents and politicians have been pushing for over a decade for some recognition for the property and while things are currently at a standstill, there is renewing pressure to have something done.
The Simmons family, owners of 2 Donegall Ave./720 Millwood Rd. home, agreed to install a plaque in 2001 as a compromise to avoid the building becoming historically designated.
But the plaque never materialized because there was no agreement on the wording and cost involved, said property owner Laura Simmons.
She told the Town Crier Feb. 23 she would be agreeable to erecting a plaque if it cost her $500 maximum, but is still against designating her home.
Mary Macdonald, acting director of Heritage Preservation Services, said city staff had recommended designation in 2001, but council voted for the plaque instead.
The 2001 staff report lists Macphail’s significance including her 19 years as an MP, her five years as an MPP and her stand on various social issues. Macphail bought the two-storey duplex, which has architectural features not typical for the area including a flat roof and buff brick, in 1948.
“I have no reason to believe it wouldn’t merit designation as it did (so) 10 years ago,” said Macdonald. “It will require council direction for us to reprise it.”
If council asks for a new report on designation, city staff would review the current state of the house and make recommendations for council to vote on.
But local councillor John Parker hasn’t set his mind to that, yet.
Parker said he’s interested in the issue as he lives down the street from the house and both he and Macphail were once York East MPP.
“I am disappointed the plan to put a plaque on site wasn’t carried out. The site deserves at least that,” said Parker.
He’d like to meet with the homeowner and city staff on the issue before pushing for designation as it comes with additional property owner responsibilities.
“Designation of the property is not (high) on my list of priorities,” he said Feb. 22.
“We started the process,” said Leasider Krawchuk, who serves on the Agnes Macphail Recognition Committee. “We didn’t get far enough fast enough before the end of 1997.”
By May 2001, city council approved that the homeowner install a plaque and on June 13, 2005 the Agnes Macphail Recognition Committee even provided wording for the plaque. But it never materialized.
“It’s legitimate to try again,” said Krawchuk. “We’d like to see it designated and a plaque up.”
John Carter director of heritage and vice chair of East York Foundation agrees. He was the former chair of a defunct East York heritage committee that recommended designation in 2001.
Carter said the Ontario Heritage Act was strengthened, so it should be easier to proceed with designation now.
“Previously if the owner didn’t approve of designation, it didn’t happen. Now if the owner doesn’t agree, the city can pursue it,” he said.
Beaches-East York councillor Janet Davis wrote to the heritage department last May asking for it to produce a report on the heritage value of Macphail’s old home. However, she’s still waiting.
“Only those items that are urgent with redevelopments attached to them are getting (heritage) reports to community council at this point,” Davis said. “The local councillor could ask for a report. It could potentially be pulled out of the backlog faster.”
http://www.mytowncrier.ca/story-17159-1-1.html
By Kris Scheuer
Agnes Macphail, Canada's first female MP, purchased the home at 2 Donegall Ave. in 1948. Members of the community are now discussing how best to recognize the building and its former resident. Walking by 2 Donegall Ave. in Leaside you wouldn’t know it was once home to politician Agnes Macphail.
The 1937-built home is neither historically listed, designated nor does it have a plaque recognizing it as the former abode of Canada’s first female MP.
Residents and politicians have been pushing for over a decade for some recognition for the property and while things are currently at a standstill, there is renewing pressure to have something done.
The Simmons family, owners of 2 Donegall Ave./720 Millwood Rd. home, agreed to install a plaque in 2001 as a compromise to avoid the building becoming historically designated.
But the plaque never materialized because there was no agreement on the wording and cost involved, said property owner Laura Simmons.
She told the Town Crier Feb. 23 she would be agreeable to erecting a plaque if it cost her $500 maximum, but is still against designating her home.
Mary Macdonald, acting director of Heritage Preservation Services, said city staff had recommended designation in 2001, but council voted for the plaque instead.
The 2001 staff report lists Macphail’s significance including her 19 years as an MP, her five years as an MPP and her stand on various social issues. Macphail bought the two-storey duplex, which has architectural features not typical for the area including a flat roof and buff brick, in 1948.
“I have no reason to believe it wouldn’t merit designation as it did (so) 10 years ago,” said Macdonald. “It will require council direction for us to reprise it.”
If council asks for a new report on designation, city staff would review the current state of the house and make recommendations for council to vote on.
But local councillor John Parker hasn’t set his mind to that, yet.
Parker said he’s interested in the issue as he lives down the street from the house and both he and Macphail were once York East MPP.
“I am disappointed the plan to put a plaque on site wasn’t carried out. The site deserves at least that,” said Parker.
He’d like to meet with the homeowner and city staff on the issue before pushing for designation as it comes with additional property owner responsibilities.
“Designation of the property is not (high) on my list of priorities,” he said Feb. 22.
“We started the process,” said Leasider Krawchuk, who serves on the Agnes Macphail Recognition Committee. “We didn’t get far enough fast enough before the end of 1997.”
By May 2001, city council approved that the homeowner install a plaque and on June 13, 2005 the Agnes Macphail Recognition Committee even provided wording for the plaque. But it never materialized.
“It’s legitimate to try again,” said Krawchuk. “We’d like to see it designated and a plaque up.”
John Carter director of heritage and vice chair of East York Foundation agrees. He was the former chair of a defunct East York heritage committee that recommended designation in 2001.
Carter said the Ontario Heritage Act was strengthened, so it should be easier to proceed with designation now.
“Previously if the owner didn’t approve of designation, it didn’t happen. Now if the owner doesn’t agree, the city can pursue it,” he said.
Beaches-East York councillor Janet Davis wrote to the heritage department last May asking for it to produce a report on the heritage value of Macphail’s old home. However, she’s still waiting.
“Only those items that are urgent with redevelopments attached to them are getting (heritage) reports to community council at this point,” Davis said. “The local councillor could ask for a report. It could potentially be pulled out of the backlog faster.”
http://www.mytowncrier.ca/story-17159-1-1.html
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Artisanal Brewers at Todmorden Mills
Saturday Feb. 5, 7- 9.30pm
Papermill Gallery Todmorden Mills, 67 Pottery Road, $55 plus HST
Tickets available by phone: 416-396-2819
At the site of the original brewery built in 1821, participants will enjoy an evening of sampling artisanal brews with traditional 19th century and contemporary food pairings. Each guest's admission ticket entitles them to a complimentary souvenir tasting glass and their choice of any six pairings of food and beer.
Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with representatives from local craft breweries and learn about the wide variety of brews produced in Ontario. Seasonal brews from Granite Brewery, Mill Street Brewery, Black Oak Brewery, Denison's Brewing Company and Wellington Brewery will be available for sampling.
Papermill Gallery Todmorden Mills, 67 Pottery Road, $55 plus HST
Tickets available by phone: 416-396-2819
At the site of the original brewery built in 1821, participants will enjoy an evening of sampling artisanal brews with traditional 19th century and contemporary food pairings. Each guest's admission ticket entitles them to a complimentary souvenir tasting glass and their choice of any six pairings of food and beer.
Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with representatives from local craft breweries and learn about the wide variety of brews produced in Ontario. Seasonal brews from Granite Brewery, Mill Street Brewery, Black Oak Brewery, Denison's Brewing Company and Wellington Brewery will be available for sampling.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The New Real Estate Marketing: QR Codes
You have likely started to see the little squares in magazines ads, etc. They are a QR (Quick Response) code. Some real estate companies will be putting them on their for sale signs. Royal LePage will be testing them with some of our offices before full implementation. Anyone with a smart phone (Blackberry, IPhone, etc.) with a built-in camera and internet browser can obtain all the information associated with a QR code (though I find that with the quality of the camera in my Blackberry Bold that they don’t always work).
You need to install a mobile app (application) on your Smartphone to read these codes. I got mine (free) at http://gettag.mobi. Another source is http://scanlife.com or http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore. Some newer Blackberrys have scanning software bundled with Blackberry Messenger and so you may not need to install a program such as Scanlife.
Below is an article from Realtor Newsletter January 2011 by Micheal Russer on the subject.
In case you haven’t noticed, there’s a crop of young, willing, and able future buyers who seem to have their heads buried in their smartphones. Their phone is their world, but they prefer texting to talking. How can you get their interest — and their business?
QR Codes to the Rescue
QR codes were invented in Japan by a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corp. to help identify car parts. Once people recognized their flexibility of encoding links to the Web, they took off in Japan and other East Asian countries. (This is perhaps unsurprising, as mobile Web access is much more common in that part of the world than in the United States.) In fact, you will find QR codes plastered on billboards, signs, storefronts, and just about any place you look in all the major Japanese cities.
Think of the QR code as a two-dimensional barcode that can contain many different kinds of information and present that information in many different ways. QR codes can be read instantly from any number of free smartphone apps. The opportunities for real estate marketing are nearly endless since one of the main uses of QR Codes is to embed URLs that when scanned will take the phone user to wherever the URL was pointing (i.e. your Web site, listing detail information, etc.) They effectively turn anything they are printed on into an active and track-able hyperlink.
You can start your search for free QR code reader apps for your smartphone (by smartphone type) at these places:
• iPhone QR reader app search
• BlackBerry QR reader app search
• Droid QR reader app search
• iTunes
• BlackBerry App World
• Android Market
There really are only two issues to consider when incorporating QR codes into your marketing:
1. How to create them
2. Where to place them for maximum exposure and impact.
Create QR Codes Instantly, for Free
If you do a Google search on “QR code generators,” you’ll find dozens of sites that will create them for you at no cost. My favorite is a site called BeeTagg QR Generator, which allows you to create any number of QR codes in different formats for free.
When you first land on this page, you can enter the URL of the page you want your code to go to and choose the type of code it generates. (Make sure you have the QR Code icon selected and uncheck “Optimize size.”) Then just hit the “Go” button, and you will instantly see your code with download options.
Now, this next part is very important. Of the six different download options shown, there are only two you will typically work with. Select Gif if you plan on placing the code on a Web page or e-mail, and Eps if you plan on using it in print.
GIF images are the smallest file sizes for this kind of image and are ideal for placement in Web pages. However, they are not good for print or other media because they don’t scale well. That is, they get blurry or pixelated if you try to blow them up beyond their original size and will become unreadable by the smartphone apps. The EPS file format is ideal for print media because it can scale to any size (including 16-foot billboards) without any loss of fidelity.
Where to Use QR Codes for Maximum Impact
In addition to placing a page-specific QR code on every page of your Web site, you can incorporate them into your marketing in many innovative ways. Here are just some ideas that came out of a recent brainstorming exercise for QR code use:
Put them on your sign riders pointing to your Web site with the details for that listing. (Note: Make sure the QR code on the sign rider is at least 10” x 10” so it can be scanned from the comfort of a prospect’s car.)
• Publish a print ad with a QR code pointing to a YouTube video of you walking through your latest listing.
• Put a QR code decal on your car that points to your Web site, or better yet, an irresistible offer on your Web site. (Again, make sure it is at least 10” x 10” so it can be scanned easily by other drivers.)
• If it is winter, develop a QR code on the sign rider and link it to photos or a video of the house when the landscaping is in full bloom during spring or summer.
• Sponsor a local team and put the QR code pointing to your Web site on their uniforms.
• Give away T-shirts with QR codes on them that point to your site.
• If you send out calendars each year, put a QR code pointing to your Web site on every page.
• Conduct a QR code open-house “scavenger hunt.” Put a code in print or Web ad for a series of open houses where the code on each home maps you to the next one. Participants have to read them all to get to the prize at the final house — a great idea for a broker open tour.
• Put a QR code pointing to your Web site on the back of your business card.
QR Code Best Practices
Now before you go all-out with QR codes and start plastering them on every available surface (digital or otherwise), here are some best practices that will help you get the most out of these little boxes:
• Tell them what it is: Since QR codes are still very leading-edge in this country, it may be a good idea to provide additional info that explains to less technology-capable consumers just what they are.
• Point to something worthwhile: Make sure that whatever your QR code points to provides real value to the consumer. Ideally, the landing page has a specific call to action and lead-capture mechanism.
• Make sure your QR codes are readable: Make them big enough for the context they will be used. This means about 175 pixels x 175 pixels for Web pages and e-mail, 10” x 10” for outdoor use (sign riders and car decals), and huge for billboards. Test them on your own to ensure they work correctly.
• Track your QR code traffic: You can easily track site traffic generated by visitors scanning QR codes. If you are using a basic Web analytics program, such as Google Analytics, it’s easy to track QR code traffic by adding a bit of text after the URL you’re pointing to before generating the code. Here’s an example:
http://www.myrealestatewebsite.com/?source=QR_printad
The highlighted part of the URL was added before generating the code, and will separate the traffic coming in from that source. Your analytics package will show any traffic specifically coming from people scanning the QR codes in your print ads. There is nothing magic or special about the text that comes after “/?source=”; you can make it anything you want — just make sure there are no spaces and that it effectively describes where the code was embedded.
At this point, you might be thinking, “Is this thing really necessary for my business?” If you want to be a leader in your market and really catch the attention and business of up-and-coming buyers, then yes, it is.
Implementing QR codes is not about being a geek. It’s about staying up on things that matter to your customers and serving them in the way they expect. That’s more than a good technology or marketing strategy — it’s good business.
Mr. Internet is the alter-ego of Michael J. Russer, a former real estate practitioner and a "serial entrepreneur" who has gained national recognition as an expert on doing business on the Web. Today he is a speaker, trainer, consultant, and author of several books, including "The Obsolete Employee: How Businesses Succeed Without Employees and Love It," and "The Real Estate Website Accelerator." His Web site is www.onlinedominance.com
You need to install a mobile app (application) on your Smartphone to read these codes. I got mine (free) at http://gettag.mobi. Another source is http://scanlife.com or http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore. Some newer Blackberrys have scanning software bundled with Blackberry Messenger and so you may not need to install a program such as Scanlife.
Below is an article from Realtor Newsletter January 2011 by Micheal Russer on the subject.
In case you haven’t noticed, there’s a crop of young, willing, and able future buyers who seem to have their heads buried in their smartphones. Their phone is their world, but they prefer texting to talking. How can you get their interest — and their business?
QR Codes to the Rescue
QR codes were invented in Japan by a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corp. to help identify car parts. Once people recognized their flexibility of encoding links to the Web, they took off in Japan and other East Asian countries. (This is perhaps unsurprising, as mobile Web access is much more common in that part of the world than in the United States.) In fact, you will find QR codes plastered on billboards, signs, storefronts, and just about any place you look in all the major Japanese cities.
Think of the QR code as a two-dimensional barcode that can contain many different kinds of information and present that information in many different ways. QR codes can be read instantly from any number of free smartphone apps. The opportunities for real estate marketing are nearly endless since one of the main uses of QR Codes is to embed URLs that when scanned will take the phone user to wherever the URL was pointing (i.e. your Web site, listing detail information, etc.) They effectively turn anything they are printed on into an active and track-able hyperlink.
You can start your search for free QR code reader apps for your smartphone (by smartphone type) at these places:
• iPhone QR reader app search
• BlackBerry QR reader app search
• Droid QR reader app search
• iTunes
• BlackBerry App World
• Android Market
There really are only two issues to consider when incorporating QR codes into your marketing:
1. How to create them
2. Where to place them for maximum exposure and impact.
Create QR Codes Instantly, for Free
If you do a Google search on “QR code generators,” you’ll find dozens of sites that will create them for you at no cost. My favorite is a site called BeeTagg QR Generator, which allows you to create any number of QR codes in different formats for free.
When you first land on this page, you can enter the URL of the page you want your code to go to and choose the type of code it generates. (Make sure you have the QR Code icon selected and uncheck “Optimize size.”) Then just hit the “Go” button, and you will instantly see your code with download options.
Now, this next part is very important. Of the six different download options shown, there are only two you will typically work with. Select Gif if you plan on placing the code on a Web page or e-mail, and Eps if you plan on using it in print.
GIF images are the smallest file sizes for this kind of image and are ideal for placement in Web pages. However, they are not good for print or other media because they don’t scale well. That is, they get blurry or pixelated if you try to blow them up beyond their original size and will become unreadable by the smartphone apps. The EPS file format is ideal for print media because it can scale to any size (including 16-foot billboards) without any loss of fidelity.
Where to Use QR Codes for Maximum Impact
In addition to placing a page-specific QR code on every page of your Web site, you can incorporate them into your marketing in many innovative ways. Here are just some ideas that came out of a recent brainstorming exercise for QR code use:
Put them on your sign riders pointing to your Web site with the details for that listing. (Note: Make sure the QR code on the sign rider is at least 10” x 10” so it can be scanned from the comfort of a prospect’s car.)
• Publish a print ad with a QR code pointing to a YouTube video of you walking through your latest listing.
• Put a QR code decal on your car that points to your Web site, or better yet, an irresistible offer on your Web site. (Again, make sure it is at least 10” x 10” so it can be scanned easily by other drivers.)
• If it is winter, develop a QR code on the sign rider and link it to photos or a video of the house when the landscaping is in full bloom during spring or summer.
• Sponsor a local team and put the QR code pointing to your Web site on their uniforms.
• Give away T-shirts with QR codes on them that point to your site.
• If you send out calendars each year, put a QR code pointing to your Web site on every page.
• Conduct a QR code open-house “scavenger hunt.” Put a code in print or Web ad for a series of open houses where the code on each home maps you to the next one. Participants have to read them all to get to the prize at the final house — a great idea for a broker open tour.
• Put a QR code pointing to your Web site on the back of your business card.
QR Code Best Practices
Now before you go all-out with QR codes and start plastering them on every available surface (digital or otherwise), here are some best practices that will help you get the most out of these little boxes:
• Tell them what it is: Since QR codes are still very leading-edge in this country, it may be a good idea to provide additional info that explains to less technology-capable consumers just what they are.
• Point to something worthwhile: Make sure that whatever your QR code points to provides real value to the consumer. Ideally, the landing page has a specific call to action and lead-capture mechanism.
• Make sure your QR codes are readable: Make them big enough for the context they will be used. This means about 175 pixels x 175 pixels for Web pages and e-mail, 10” x 10” for outdoor use (sign riders and car decals), and huge for billboards. Test them on your own to ensure they work correctly.
• Track your QR code traffic: You can easily track site traffic generated by visitors scanning QR codes. If you are using a basic Web analytics program, such as Google Analytics, it’s easy to track QR code traffic by adding a bit of text after the URL you’re pointing to before generating the code. Here’s an example:
http://www.myrealestatewebsite.com/?source=QR_printad
The highlighted part of the URL was added before generating the code, and will separate the traffic coming in from that source. Your analytics package will show any traffic specifically coming from people scanning the QR codes in your print ads. There is nothing magic or special about the text that comes after “/?source=”; you can make it anything you want — just make sure there are no spaces and that it effectively describes where the code was embedded.
At this point, you might be thinking, “Is this thing really necessary for my business?” If you want to be a leader in your market and really catch the attention and business of up-and-coming buyers, then yes, it is.
Implementing QR codes is not about being a geek. It’s about staying up on things that matter to your customers and serving them in the way they expect. That’s more than a good technology or marketing strategy — it’s good business.
Mr. Internet is the alter-ego of Michael J. Russer, a former real estate practitioner and a "serial entrepreneur" who has gained national recognition as an expert on doing business on the Web. Today he is a speaker, trainer, consultant, and author of several books, including "The Obsolete Employee: How Businesses Succeed Without Employees and Love It," and "The Real Estate Website Accelerator." His Web site is www.onlinedominance.com
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