Rented Furnaces

Lately I have seen many properties with RENTED furnaces, the hot water tank is a norm around here, but not the the furnace. Buyers normally dislike the rented furnace because it means that they are not getting what most other properties have included. I have heard that the contracts of very expensive and difficult to get out of. So think twice before renting a Furnace for you property, it might cost you much more than what you thought when selling.

21 Hot Housing Trends for 2015

21 Hot Housing Trends for 2015

The Spanish Realtor in the East of Toronto!

If you are looking for an expert in Real Estate in the East of Toronto do not hesitate to call Cristian Vergara!
He will introduce you the right individuals when it comes to mortgages, home inspections, lawyers and any other connections you might need in the east. 
Plus he will make your selling or buying decision a breeze with the right personal advice at all time.

2015 Residential Rent Increase Guideline for Ontario Canada

Just in case there are some specific circumstances in which the rent increase can be more, contact me for more details..

2015 RENT INCREASE GUIDELINE

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Each year, the Ontario government announces the province’s Rent Increase Guideline for the following year. 

Ontario’s annual Rent Increase Guideline is based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is a measure of inflation calculated monthly by Statistics Canada. The rate of allowable rent increases for 2015 will be 1.6 per cent.

The guideline is the maximum amount that most landlords can increase a tenant’s rent during the year without making an application to the Landlord and Tenant Board. It is based on the CPI, which is regarded as an objective, reliable measure of inflation, charting the change in the price of all goods and services in the provincial economy.

In most cases, the rent for a unit can be increased if at least 12 months have passed since the tenant first moved in, or since his or her last rent increase. The tenant must be given proper written notice of the rent increase at least 90 days before the increase takes effect.

The 2015 guideline applies to rent increases between January 1 and December 31, 2015. 

THE GUIDELINE FORMULA

The 2015 Rent Increase Guideline is calculated by averaging the per cent change in the Ontario Consumer Price Index during the previous 12 months, from June 2011 to May 2012 as required under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (the RTA). 
Note: The RTA sets out that the rent increase guideline cannot exceed 2.5 per cent, even if the CPI calculation is higher.

SAMPLE RENT INCREASE GUIDELINE

The monthly rent of an apartment is $800 beginning August 1, 2012. With proper written 90 days notice to the tenant, the landlord could lawfully increase the rent 12 months later on August 1, 2015.

For example:

• The guideline for 2015 is 1.6 per cent.
• The rent increase is 1.6 per cent of $800 = $12.80.
• Therefore, the new rent on August 1, 2015 could be up to $812.80 ($800 + $12.80).

ABOVE GUIDELINE INCREASES

Landlords can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an increase above the guideline, if their costs for municipal taxes and charges or utilities have increased by more than the guideline plus 50 per cent.

Landlords can also apply for an increase above the guideline for operating costs related to security services and for eligible capital expenditures.

SAMPLE ABOVE GUIDELINE INCREASE

The 2015 Rent Increase Guideline is 1.6 per cent. Fifty per cent of this guideline is 0.8 per cent.

To claim an above guideline increase related to municipal taxes and charges, costs should increase by more than 2.4 per cent (1.6 per cent + 0.8 per cent = 2.4 per cent.)

For example:

• In 2014, a landlord’s municipal taxes were $10,000.
• In 2015, the landlord’s municipal taxes increased to $10,500 - an increase of five per cent.
• Therefore, the landlord is eligible to apply for an above guideline increase because the landlord’s municipal taxes increased by more than 2.4 per cent.

PAST RENT INCREASE GUIDELINES

Year	Guideline %
2015	1.6
2014	0.8
2013	2.5
2012	3.1
2011	0.7
2010	2.1
2009	1.8
2008	1.4
2007	2.6
2006	2.1
2005	1.5
2004	2.9
2003	2.9
2002	3.9
2001	2.9
2000	2.6
1999	3.0
1998	3.0
1997	2.8
1996	2.8
1995	2.9
1994	3.2
1993	4.9
1992	6.0
1991	5.4

GUIDELINE AND RENT DEPOSITS

A landlord can collect a rent deposit from a new tenant on or before the start of a new tenancy. The rent deposit can only be used as the rent payment for the last month or week before the tenant moves out. The landlord must pay the tenant interest on the rent deposit every year. 

Under the RTA, the interest rate is the same as the Rent Increase Guideline. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Landlord and Tenant Board provides information to the public through a network of offices across Ontario. The Board can be reached toll-free at: 1-888-332-3234, or at: 416-645-8080. Information is also available on the Board website:www.ltb.gov.on.ca

A copy of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, can be ordered from ServiceOntario Publications toll-free at: 1-800-668-9938, or at: 416-326-5300. It can also be ordered online at: www.publications.gov.on.ca. 

The text of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 is available on the e-Laws website at:www.e-laws.gov.on.ca

For Lease Immediately

Automotive Garage in Plaza Latina

9 Milvan Dr, North York

Be your own boss today!

3 Bay car garage in the busy "Plaza Latina". Great for an independent mechanic with great exposure to the Latin community. 1.800 Sq Ft. $2.500 a month. Take Immediate possession.

Thanksgiving Home Features | Piktochart Infographic Editor

Thanksgiving Home Features | Piktochart Infographic Editor

Wind turbines don't lower property values | Today's Farmer

Wind turbines don't lower property values | Today's Farmer

15 Ways to Update your Kitchen on a Dime

Give your kitchen a dashing revamp without putting a big hole in your wallet

As Per a Houzz Article by Laura Gaskill

Houzz Contributor

 Whether you are planning to invest your own sweat equity in a complete kitchen remodel or simply hope to make a few quick changes over the weekend, when every penny counts it's important to choose projects that will make a big impact for the lowest price possible. Stay focused on the results you are after (put on blinders when you walk past those $1,000 light fixtures) and be willing to get your hands a bit paint splattered, and you can certainly achieve beautiful results on any budget.

From paint and hardware to DIY projects and sources for budget materials, these 15 ideas will help you plan your kitchen update.

Boor Bridges Architecture

1. Swap out lighting. Stylish new pendant lights can easily become the new focal point of the room. The hand-blown glass pendants shown here are a beautiful, versatile choice, and at less than $200, they won't break the bank.

Restoration Hardware

Antique Brass Aubrey Pull - $10 

2. Add new hardware. Classic hardware is a worthwhile upgrade, subtly enhancing the look and feel of the entire space. Just keep an eye on the price per piece when shopping, because it adds up fast — especially if you have a large kitchen with lots of cabinets.

Count the number of pulls and knobs in your kitchen so you can quickly determine if the hardware you have your eye on will fit your budget — with plenty of beautiful pieces available for $10 and under (like the brass pulls shown here) there is no need to blow the budget.

Jennifer Grey Interiors

3. Upgrade accessories. With limited opportunities for decoration, it's important to make the most of the little things. Corral frequently used items on awoven tray, prop up a few wooden boards on your counter and display pantry items with pretty packaging.

Maple & Gray

4. Repaint cabinets. If your kitchen cabinets have a dated finish or you want a more personal touch than standard-issue white cabinets, think about adding color. Try pale sage green, as shown here, duck egg blue or warm putty — all versatile choices that go with many different materials and finishes.

From the Pros: How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.

5. Paint half the cabinets for a high-contrast look. A palette of black and white with wood and metal accents looks sleek and modern in the kitchen. Get the look by painting only the bottom cabinets and the base of your kitchen island black, leaving the upper cabinets white.

Justine Hand

6. Add sconces. Swing-arm sconces above open shelving provide lovely ambient light and offer more personality than standard recessed or track lighting. Ideally an electrician would install them with the cords hidden, though it may be possible to use plug-in versions with cord covers concealing the dangling cords.

Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.

7. Work in rustic elements. Farmhouse accents instantly add warmth and character to a bland kitchen. Replace the kitchen or pantry door with a sliding barn door, hang copper pots from a ceiling rack or bring in a timeworn antique wooden stool.

Jennifer Ashton, Allied ASID

8. Add storage with simple shelves. Lacking upper cabinets? Rustic wood shelves on metal brackets are easily (and cheaply) installed, and provide functional display space for everyday dishes.

Titan & Co.

9. Use Roman shades for a finished look. Roman shades add an elegant note to any room and look especially at home in the kitchen, where any softness is most welcome. Have matching shades made for any glass doors in the same room for a cohesive look.

Jenn Hannotte / Hannotte Interiors

10. Paint the floor. If your wood floors are not in the best shape and you want to avoid professionalrefinishing, try painting them instead. White is chic but will show every dropped crumb; pale gray and blue are also classic choices. If you want to get creative, try stenciling a design onto the painted floors.

Cre8tive Interior Designs

11. Search Craigslist for budget-friendly building materials. If you've been using Craigslistonly to search for furniture, you are missing out. San Diego designer Stephanie Norris and her daughter tapped their local Craigslist to source materials (like the tile backsplash and travertine flooring shown here) for this budget kitchen remodel.

See more of this kitchen

Heather Freeman Design Co.

12. Remove upper cabinet doors. If glass door fronts are out of the budget but you want to open up a bit of space, try simply removing the doors to your upper kitchen cabinets. It's an easy change to make (just unscrew the doors and fill and paint the holes) that can add a sense of spaciousness to a small kitchen.

Heather Freeman Design Co.

13. Treat yourself to new dishes. Open shelving and counters are a great opportunity to practice the art of display. You can't go wrong with classic white dishes and clear glass, but fun mismatched flea market finds would work equally well if that's your style.

Lauren Liess Interiors

14. Spice up an outdated fridge with chalkboard paint. No cash to trade in that old beige fridge? Try covering it in chalkboard paint instead for a fun, creative look. The chalkboard surface will keepkids busy while you cook, or use it to keep a running grocery list, menu ideas or inspiring quotes and doodles.

Jennifer Grey Interiors

15. Make your own beadboard fridge cover. Homeowner Jennifer Grey has undertaken some amazing DIY projects while transforming her fixer-upper cottage, which had been vacant for seven months and was desperately in need of some TLC. One project that turned out especially well was the DIY fridge cover she made from beadboard paneling, barn hinges and hot glue — you can read the full DIY on Grey's blog, The Old Painted Cottage.

Home for sale in a divorce will get best price with united front

Consider buyer optics when selling your house

By: Joseph Richer Registrar Real Estate Council of Ontario, Published on Fri Oct 17 2014

My spouse and I are getting divorced and I want to sell the family home. I owned it before we got married, so why does my spouse need to be involved?

Splitting assets during a divorce can be a complicated matter — and selling the family home is no exception. While your question revolves around selling your home because of divorce, the answers could also be useful for a failed business partnership that involves the sale of real estate.

One of the first steps you may want to take is hiring a lawyer to help you through the process. Having expert advice will help inform you of your options and rights, and guide you towards choices that are appropriate for you.

If your spouse does not agree to sell the home, you’ll need the guidance and advice of your lawyer to understand what options are available to you.

If selling the family home is the chosen path for you both, there are a few factors you should consider before you decide which approach to take.

Is the divorce amicable or contentious? Are you and your spouse committed to working together to get the home sold? Or is it a contested divorce where communication is strained or conflicted?

The first option is for both you and your spouse to be represented by a single brokerage. As far as optics go with buyers, this will look like a typical sale and not one that could be taken advantage of. Doing so may help showcase your home in the best way possible to attract buyers and negotiate a favourable selling price.

If working together comes with challenges, you can ask to work with two representatives from the same brokerage — with each of you working with a different real estate agent.

Alternatively, you can each be represented by separate brokerages that would have to agree to work together to co-list your property.

Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to remember the basics of selling a home. Take the time to meet with several real estate professionals and ask them about their experience and proposed strategy for selling your home. Remember, this is going to be that objective person you both have to be able to work with for a positive result. Just don’t expect them to be the peace keeper.

It’s also a good idea to be upfront about your situation. You’ll want to establish clear expectations about how the sale will be handled and the involvement levels of both you and your spouse.

When it comes time to sign the listing agreement, be sure that all the details you discussed verbally are put into writing. Ask your agent to include in the agreement a detailed breakdown of services they’ll provide; be sure it covers your needs.

You’ll also want to ensure that you understand all of the clauses included in the agreement, before signing. If something is unclear, ask questions and take the time to properly understand the entire agreement. If you have two brokerages involved with the sale, you’ll want to clearly define the responsibilities of each brokerage. For example, which one will be responsible for conducting showings to prospective buyers?

There are many moving pieces and emotions involved when selling a home, and that will likely be amplified when selling during a divorce — even an amicable one. Having knowledgeable professionals guiding you through the process will help you navigate a difficult situation.

Joseph Richer is registrar of the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). He oversees and enforces all rules governing real estate professionals in Ontario.

If you have any question about selling while going through a divorce, contact me at: www.theamigo.ca

Wine Guide

BASIC WINE GUIDE

pplanning to get together with friends and family over the holidays but are clueless as to what wine to serve? Here is your guide to wow everyone!

Home Buyers Plan for first time buyers

http://youtu.be/Z5JDUSbfMqE

Great information to purchase a home with government programs

Adding a little value to your kitchen

Thinking of selling, and just want to add a little value, with a small investment. I just saw this at the hardware store. About $100 for every size kitchen cabinet. I also know some great contractors that will install it.

Durham Region Hot Hot Hot

Multiple offers & fast sales continue throughout Durham Region #AjaxRealEstate #WhitbyRealEstate #PickeringRealEstate #OshawaRealEstate. Trying to book homes to show today and a least 1/2 are already sold conditionally. Wow. This is when I tell my clients that they have to prepare ahead of time for what is coming, it does not mean everyone pays more than what a property is worth, it just means that you now need to be much more informed and prepared. Now there are many more things to consider ahead of time, such as:  offer conditions (length and removal) , price, deposits, appraisals, closing dates (costs involved for changing), fixtures, and much more when it comes to the actual negotiating. But no worries this is when a professional and experience Realtor will shine.

Old Style Sliding closet doors- NEW LOOK

This is one of the simplest and easiest updates to the old sliding closet doors. Makes a huge difference.
or,

1. Home Buying: Defining The Financial Terms

The FEEL of the house

I tell clients the FEEL of the property is the most important part of the home buying experience. Over the years I have seen how often the right home seems to carry the right atmosphere for the owners. Many times when things are not going right, for some strange reason many times changing the home and giving everything a shake up, seems to put new positive life and energy into everything. There are lots of superstitions out there that at first seemed to be very odd, but after reviewing a bit further at the history of properties it makes you wonder. Feeling happy in the house is the most important thing.

Tattoo Parlor: turn key operation

Great opportunity to continue with an existing Tattoo Parlor, for only $1550/month, you can lease this turn key operation located in Toronto at Weston and Finch.

New Listing!
30 Carpendale Crescent, Ajax, $409,900

Shows better than new! this luxurious home, is only a few years old with a brand new finished basement and an oversized backyard. It is one of the biggest models in the area. It offers a large eat in kitchen that is open to the family room. This 3 bedroom home offers a large master bedroom with a walk in closet and a spa-like ensuite with soaker tub & separate refreshing shower. Located close to parks, schools & the new Audley Recreation Centre.

Door to Door Sales

Have you ever had an aggressive door to door sale person? particularly, those selling water heaters? Here is what Enbridge recommends to do:

KNOW WHO’S AT YOUR DOOR

"Direct Energy does not go door-to-door to upgrade or exchange water heaters" We do not authorize any Utility, Government Agency or any other company to do so on our behalf.

Enbridge Gas Distribution does not sell, rent or service water heaters.

DON’T SIGN WITHOUT THE FACTS

Signing a contract at the door means you are changing service providers. This may jeopardize your current competitive rates and worry-free service including Direct Energy’s exclusive Same Day Service.

DON’T LET JUST ANYONE IN

Only a licensed technician should access your Direct Energy water heater and only by appointment.

***Did you know that water heater contractors can not install a new water heater until 20 days "after" you have signed a contract? Read more details Here

DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING UNTIL YOU HAVE READ ALL THE CONTRACTS (and the fine print)

April 2014 Real Estate Market Update

It has been a very busy market, the prices are on their way up and the interest rates are incredibility low. We are seeing multiple offers and houses selling way beyond their list prices. This is the best time ever to invest in real estate. Call me if you have any questions, Your AMIGO in Real Estate.

Market Watch

Tight Market Conditions Prompt Strong Price GrowthMay 6, 2014 -- Toronto Real Estate Board President Dianne Usher announced that during April – the first full month of spring – Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported a 1.8 per cent year-over-year increase in sales through the TorontoMLS system. Total April 2014 sales amounted to 9,706, compared to 9,535 transactions in April 2013.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LurKmnuJwis

“April marked the beginning of the spring market, during which time we generally see the highest monthly sales totals in a given year. Despite the persistent shortage of listings, a substantial number of GTA residents were able to come to terms on a home that met their needs. However, sales levels would have been higher, but for the lack of supply,” said Ms. Usher.

“A number of factors underlie the constrained supply of listings. Studies and polling suggest that the additional upfront land transfer tax in the City of Toronto has prompted some households to stay put and renovate rather than list their home and move. In the broader GTA context, above trend home sales in the years leading up to the recession have meant that many households who purchased during this period simply aren't ready to move again,” continued Ms. Usher.

The average selling price for April 2014 sales was $577,898 – up by 10.1 per cent compared to the April 2013 average of $524,868. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark was up by seven per cent year-over-year. The MLS® HPI strips away price fluctuations resulting from a change in the mix of home types sold from one period to the next.

“Price growth for the GTA as a whole was driven by the single-detached, semi-detached and townhouse market segments in the City of Toronto. So far this year, there has been no relief on the listings front for these home types in many neighbourhoods in Toronto and surrounding regions. Until we see a marked and sustained increase in listings, we should expect to see the annual rate of price growth above the long-term norm,” said Jason Mercer, the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

Decorating Trends for 2014

Are your fingers getting anxious? are you dying to get outside and start cleaning, digging, pruning, planting?

After this long winter, we are all excited to tend to our gardens, but what is new this year? I hear a buzzing sound, yes, it's Bees!

To find out more read below. 

Restoring and Sowing “Balance” in Life and the Garden
Twelve trends that will impact gardening habits in 2014 and beyond

By The Garden Media Group

1. Ground Up: Recycling food scraps and creating compost is the new recycling. Products like The Green Cycler® make it easy to pre-compost right on the kitchen counter.    

2. Super Foods, Super Models: Edibles are going to the next level with foodies growing everything from quinoa to dandelions in straw bales and keyhole gardens.

3. Drink Your Garden: People are drinking their gardens using such super foods from their gardens, like BrazelBerries® blueberries and raspberries to craft cocktails and green smoothies. Plus, “Fermentation gardens are the new chickens,” says Rebecca Reed of Southern Living – people are growing hops for home-brewing, grapes for home-made wine.

4. Dress Up Your Yard: From decorative throw pillows to decorative insect traps like the RESCUE!® OrnamenTrap™ and Perky-Pet®’sshabby-chic mason jar seed and humming bird feeders, people want their yards to have a personal stamp.

5. Bee-neficials: It’s all about the bees this year. Bees are at forefront of environmentally aware consumers’ minds, inspiring them to plant native, pollen rich flowers, trees and veggies to provide safe shelters.

6. Cultur-vating: Taking local to the next level, people are growing the world in their gardens, mixing cultures and embracing what is local to their own region.

7. Simple Elegance: Think one color flower in an elegant container, like Suntory®’s Surfinia Heavenly Blue in an eco-chic, hand-castNativeCast planter.

8. Frac’d Up: Neat clean lines are out as explosions of color in fractional shapes like triangles, circles and squares dominate design.

9. Young Men Get Down and Dirty: Big surprise here: young men 18-34 are spending $100 more than the average gardener. They are grilling, growing their own hops for beer, and taking the kids out to play in the dirt.

10. Think Gardens: Plants make us smarter, more productive and less stressed and are showing up in offices, schools and hospitals across the country. Costa Farms’® ‘O2 For You®: Houseplants with a Purpose’ campaign communicates the full benefits of indoor plants.

11. Fingertip Gardens: Gardens go high tech with mobile apps and technology, like Suntory®’s easy Virtual Container Designer app.

12. Tree-mendous Reversal: Losing more than four million urban trees a year, Americans are being asked to plant trees. There are many environmental, economical, and emotional benefits of trees. Plant a tree – or care for one you have - this year and be part of this growing trend.