6 ways to make your iPad work in the kitchen

The iPad 2 is finally in stores tomorrow and – in true Apple-product-release fashion – people are going nuts. Similarly, the BlackBerry Playbook will hit stores on April 19, offering a new option for tablet buyers.

If you already have a tablet or you’re gearing up to purchase one, you know how much they can do – but will your tablet have a home in your kitchen?

Suresh Doss from Spotlight Toronto says he uses his iPad in the kitchen about four to five times per week. “Even if I’m not using it for recipe purposes, it’s still playing a video or something, so I’m using it as an entertainment device,” he says.

Here are six good reasons to make space for a tablet in your kitchen:

The iPad 2 is finally in stores tomorrow and – in true Apple-product-release fashion – people are going nuts. Similarly, the BlackBerry Playbook will hit stores on April 19, offering a new option for tablet buyers.

If you already have a tablet or you’re gearing up to purchase one, you know how much they can do – but will your tablet have a home in your kitchen?

Suresh Doss from Spotlight Toronto says he uses his iPad in the kitchen about four to five times per week. “Even if I’m not using it for recipe purposes, it’s still playing a video or something, so I’m using it as an entertainment device,” he says.

Here are six good reasons to make space for a tablet in your kitchen:

to see the rest of this article please click here

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Toronto’s zoning bylaw to get rewrite

Remember the confusion last year over whether you could be fined for having too many cars parked in your Toronto driveway? That rule is part of Toronto’s new harmonized zoning bylaw that was launched in August 2010. Yesterday, the City of Toronto’s planning and growth management committee have concluded the entire bylaw needs improvements.
Citing complaints that it is confusing and full of red tape, the committee voted unanimously yesterday to have it rewritten. The bylaw regulates everything built in Toronto from condo skyscrapers to minor house additions.

Councillors heard about problems with the bylaw while campaigning for election last fall, particularly about the new bylaw that restricted how many cars could be parked on home driveways. City planners later clarified that people can park as many as will fit. But other confusing parts of the bylaw are slowing down development and renovation activity, [development lawyer David Bronskill] said. And it means more cases show up at the committee of adjustment, which decides on applications for minor zoning variances.

If the recommendation is approved, a redrafted bylaw is expected to appear by January 2012.
More at The Toronto Star.

Hiring experienced Agent can save you money

The ever changing market in Mississauga Real Estate, Toronto Real Estate has led to the realization that you will need the services of an experienced real estate agent if you want or need to sell your Mississauga Condominium, Toronto Condominium or your Oakville Ontario Condominium.

Ugly and Costly

A recent condominium sale in the Greater Toronto Area turned ugly and costly for the seller on closing day.

This condominium was sold with a parking spot that was stipulated in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale as owned by the seller. As it turned out the parking spot was in fact not owned by the seller. The seller did have exclusive use of the parking spot but did not own it and therefore could not sell it with the unit. Some sellers are unaware that they do not own their parking spot, they just know that they have been parking in the same spot since they moved into their new condominium.

What Happened on Closing Day

On the closing day the buyers' lawyer demanded and successfully secured a reduction in the purchase price because the seller did not own the parking spot and therefore could not sell it with the unit or deliver title to it.

Inexperienced Agent

The agent handling this sale assumed the parking spot was owned because the seller told him so. He is obligated to verify this with the Condominium Corporation but failed to do so. This agent advertises 15 years experience. He has in fact had his real estate license for 15 years but warehoused it for over 10 years while he was involved in some other unrelated occupation.

Changes take place over time and his long absence meant simply, he did not have enough experience to handle this condominium sale.

So the next time you interview an agent for the job of selling your Mississauga Condo, Toronto Condo or Oakville Ontario Condo ask them how long they have been licensed and if they have been continuously selling real estate full time for the time they claim.

If you are thinking of selling Mississauga Real Estate, Toronto Real Estate or Oakville Ontario Real Estate why not put my years of full time experience to work for you. Stop by my site at www.evaelliott.ca

10 Ways to Save on Your Hydro Bill Now

By Marissa Ponikowski

Living green is easy—and cheap! So if you want to lower your hydro bill and contribute to the health of the environment, read on!

1. Cooking
Inefficient cooking practices can be a huge energy waster! Be a bit more conservative by keeping a lid on pots while boiling and simmering. Use the toaster oven rather than the electric oven when cooking small items, and choose a hand-held blender over a food processor whenever possible. Thaw frozen food completely to save on cooking time, and be sure to keep your oven door closed as much as possible. Peeking inside can cause as much as 20 per cent of the heat to escape – meaning your oven has to work hard to heat itself up again!

2. Food Storage
Stop opening the fridge or freezer just to peek inside and decide what you feel like munching on! Also, don’t overstuff your freezer. This affects the efficiency of the appliance. Finally, clean the cooling coils on your refrigerator regularly to ensure they always perform well.

3. Dishwashers
Always load your dishwasher correctly to ensure each dish is cleaned properly. And forget about rinsing dishes thoroughly before putting them in the machine – that’s what the dishwasher is for, so scrape, don’t rinse! Only wash full loads and always use the shortest wash cycle. And air dry dishes rather than using your dishwasher’s wasteful drying cycle.

4. Laundry
Wash and rinse clothes in cold water whenever possible –  for this purpose, try investing in a detergent designed for cold water washes. Presoak heavily soiled garments rather than running them through the heavy duty wash setting. And don’t use too much detergent. This only causes the machine to have to work harder. Finally, don’t overload the dryer, and, when possible, air dry clothes, towels, sheets and comforters on an outdoor line.

5. Air Conditioning
A few carefully placed fans can create an impressive cross-breeze that can feel even better than AC on a warm day. Also try keeping curtains and shades closed on hot and sunny days and always ensure that the ‘fresh air’ vent on your machine is closed. If it isn’t, you’re likely wasting money cooling down outside air. Finally, always make sure your outdoor air conditioning unit is kept free of leaves and debris and clean the filter regularly.

6. Heating
It’s not always necessary to crank the heat in winter – sometimes an extra blanket or a cozy sweatshirt works just as well, and it’s free! Always remember to keep basement, attic and garage doors closed, and try using a ceiling fan on low speed to spread heat evenly around a room. Use programmable thermostats to help regulate heat when you’re not home.

7. Lighting
Open blinds or shades during the day rather than turning on lights. Make the switch to fluorescent bulbs, which use much less energy then traditional incandescent bulbs and last six times longer. Place lamps in the corners of rooms to ensure more even light distribution, and consider installing ‘task’ lighting in areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.

8. Water
Hot baths and long showers certainly are luxurious, but when attempting to cut back on that hydro bill, they can be a real drain. Reduce time spent in the tub and also install low-flow showerheads and hot water heater timers. Finally, buy an insulating cover for your water heater and pipes.

9. Insulation
Heat loss due to poor insulation is a major contributor to wasted energy. Ensure floors, walls and roof are properly insulated. If you find areas in your home that are lacking, call in a professional to blow in insulation or do the job yourself with fiberglass bats. Seal gaps and cracks in windows and doors with caulking and weather-stripping, too.

10. Computers
Turn down the brightness on your monitor, and always remember to turn off your computer when not in use. Shut down other equipment, such as printers, too, rather than leaving them to run unattended. Set all household computers to enter ‘sleep mode’ after a few minutes of lying dormant. And try replacing energy wasting CRT monitors with new LCD monitors.

Top 5 Friday: Bring Spring Into Your Home Decor

Sigh. What's the weather like where you are? Spring hasn't quite started yet here in Toronto; we had a snowstorm on Wednesday that dumped over 10cm onto all of the formerly muddy lawns. So today's Top 5 Friday is all about bringing spring indoors by making some fairly simple changes to your decor.

Change the Sheets

Image from Style At Home

Doesn't that bed look luxuriously bright and fresh? White bedding is one of my favourite things any time of year, but I'm especially fond of it in spring when the morning light starts creeping under the curtains earlier, each day. If flat white doesn't do it for you, look for pattern in lace, ruffles, quilting or texture. If you're not into changing all of your bedding, try a white-as-snow throw for nights that can still get chilly.

Add Something Bright

Sorry, this is personal as I'm hunting for bright ceramics like this pitcher from The Arthur, left, and this vintage lidded vase from Etsy shop Retroburgh

There are many ways to add colour to your home and depending on your style, you may be way ahead of the game. If your interior is mostly neutral, then any colour goes, just go with your gut and think bright, not pastel or watered down. If you already have a strong palette, look to the colour wheel. Colours opposite to each other complement well, like blue and orange or purple and red. High contrast means high impact, which is just what the decor doctor orders, come spring.

Branch Out

Image right from The Marion Book House; right, from Rue Magazine

Emma of home tour fame and the lovely blog The Marion House Book, had a similar topic in mind because her post today explains how to force branches to bloom. Fresh branches are best for that bringing-spring-indoors feeling, but there are some solid fakes on the market. All you need is a large enough vessel and an uncluttered spot to place them.

Bring Outdoor Furniture In (For Now)

Right, Marais A chairs from Design Within Reach; left, Cube Side Tables from PC Home

If it's not warm enough to put the patio furniture inside, keep it indoors! And if you find something in a bright, happy colour like these examples, then all the better. The classic Marais A chair (first designed in 1934) once lined the decks of luxury liners, and it would look just as sophisticated as an extra dining chair or at the dressing table. PC Home's cute Cube Side Tables come in yellow, blue, green and white and would not be out of place in a playroom or kids' room (it's just their height!).

Get Crafty 

Image by Christine Kufske

Spring definitely brings rain, so if there's a rainy day coming your way, plan a DIY craft party (it's also our Party Idea of the Month). This simple entertaining idea was created by event planner Marla Brown with colour in mind. Make crafts to suit your palette, sip some drinks, eat some nibblies and wait for sunny days ahead.

 Posted by Alicia Cox 

Organizing Closets

Repeat after me...HST does not apply to resale homes.

Here is some information Toronto Real Estate Board has released AGAIN in regards to HST and real estate.  There is still so much confusion in regards to this.



TORONTO – March 21, 2011 - Revenue Minister Sophia Aggelonitis and Toronto Real
Estate Board President, Bill Johnston, today released a video explaining to prospective
buyers the facts about the HST and the housing market.
The video highlights the fact that there is no HST on the purchase price of resale homes.
Sales tax did not apply to the purchase price of resale homes under the previous PST, and
it does not apply under the HST.
For new housing, additional tax only applies to the portion of the price above $400,000.
The Ontario Enhanced New Housing Rebate means that buyers of new homes receive a
rebate of up to $24,000 regardless of the price of the new home. Buyers of new homes
priced up to $400,000 (about three-quarters of new homes built in Ontario) on average
pay no more – and possibly even less – tax than under the previous PST, where sales tax
was hidden in the price.
“Buying a home is one of the most important investments a person will make in their
lifetime. That's why I'm pleased to be working with TREB to provide information about
purchasing a home in Ontario."
  — Minister of Revenue Sophia Aggelonitis
“REALTORS® are happy to help inform the public about the HST. It is important that
the public understands that HST does not apply to the purchase price of a resale home.”
  — Bill Johnston, President, Toronto Real Estate Board
QUICK FACTS
 The HST does not apply to the purchase price of resale homes.
 Sales tax did not apply to the purchase price of resale homes under the previous PST.
 In addition to not having HST on resale homes, a refund of Land Transfer Tax of up
to $2,000 is available to first-time home buyers of resale homes


LEARN MORE
Watch the video at http://www.youtube.com/trebchannel or
http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/taxchange/homebuyers.html
Get the full list of what’s taxable under the HST and what’s not at
http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/taxchange/taxable.html
Learn more about the HST and Ontario’s Tax Plan for Jobs and Growth at
www.ontario.ca/taxchange

Use area rugs to anchor open-concept plan - Yourhome.ca

Use area rugs to anchor open-concept plan - Yourhome.ca

Dividing Real Estate in Divorce - What Happens to the House?

The marital residence is an important part of the assets in a divorce. How that asset is divided can significantly impact the financial health of the parties in a post-divorce world. Review this article on dividing real estate in divorce.

In a divorce, one of the most difficult issues is often what happens to the house the family lives in or other real estate.

There are a number of options that must be considered when determining how real estate is to be divided in a divorce. That does not always mean that the real estate must be sold.

Determining Real Estate Value

The first step in dealing with real estate issues is to determine the value of the property. If the parties are unable to agree on the current market value, there are several valuation methods that can be used.

• Tax Assessed Value. The tax assessed value is usually not an accurate method to value real estate. tax valuations are generally low by as mush as ten to twenty percent. If there is a dispute in value, the tax assessed value is likely to be given little weight in Court.

• Appraiser. It is often most cost effective to agree on a real estate appraiser to have a market valuation performed. This service will often cost approximately $300 - $400.

• Realtor. A real estate valuation may also be performed by a realtor at little to no cost. However, such valuations are often less reliable than those performed by an appraiser since a realtor performs an appraisal to maximize sale price and has less training than a Real Estate Appraiser.

Determining Equity

Equity is the true value of the asset of the property to the parties. It is determined by subtracting the encumbrances against the property from the Real Estate Value. Encumbrances may include any loans secured against the property including mortgages, second mortgages, home equity loans or secured lines of credit.

Under existing case law, costs associated with a sale of the real estate are not usually deducted unless the home will actually be sold as part of the divorce.

Determining Marital vs. Non-Marital Equity

The next step is to determine what portion of the equity is marital and what is non-marital. State laws vary broadly on this issue. Some states, primarily those that we call equitable property states, include in their statutes categories of assets that are not divided in a divorce. These are called non-marital assets. Any non-marital assets that you possess remain yours and any non-marital assets of your spouse remain the assets of your spouse. In most cases, non-marital assets may include:

• Premarital. Any asset acquired before the marriage (if the asset was encumbered by a loan that was paid off during the marriage, it may only have a partial non-marital value);

• Prenuptial Exclusions. An asset excluded by a valid prenuptial agreement;

• Personal Injury Proceeds. Personal injury settlements are generally considered personal to the injured party and are non-marital in nature;

• Inheritance. Any proceeds or assets from an inheritance;

• Gifts. Any asset acquired as a gift to one, but not both parties.

It is important to recognize that all assets are considered part of the marital estate unless proven otherwise by a "preponderance of the evidence." This places a significant burden on any person making a non-marital claim.

It is essential that any and all documents including documents of title, receipts, or canceled checks that support your non-marital claims must be provided. Any failure to provide documentation may result in the division of the asset in the divorce.

If one party had a non-marital asset and sold that asset or traded it for another asset, in some states it is also possible to trace that non-marital interest by showing a paper trail following the non-marital proceeds into the new asset. The new asset, however, must be something specifically identifiable, like a house, a car or perhaps an investment plan.

Some states even offer a party with a non-marital interest added value on that investment that is due to passive appreciation of the asset. "Passive Appreciation" refers to the increase in the value of the asset based on market fluctuations and which is not due to any work or improvements made to the property during the marriage. Allowing a party to claim a non-marital interest plus passive appreciation is adopted by only a small number of states.

Minnesota offers a simple formula illustrating how passive appreciation works. In Minnesota the Schmitz formula is used in determining the marital versus non-marital interests in real estate. Since real estate mortgages and other encumbrances against property are paid off over a significant period of time, marital interests may be created in real estate that was owned by one party before the marriage. As encumbrances are paid off during the marriage, a marital interest is created.

The formula states that the proper calculation of a non-marital interest may be derived by determining the ratio of equity to market value at the time of the marriage and then using that same fraction to determine non-marital interest at the time of divorce. For example, lets assume a spouse owns a home prior to marriage and that home has a value of $100,000 at the time of the marriage and that is encumbered by a mortgage of $75,000. The $25,000 equity (the difference between the value and the encumbrance) becomes the numerator in the Schmitz formula and the value of $100,000 becomes the denominator. As a result, the non-marital interest is 25% of the home's value. If the home appreciates to $200,000, the spouse with the non-marital interest may claim the first $50,000 as the non-marital interest and any remaining equity would be divided as marital.

The limitations of this formula are obvious. First of all, it may be very difficult to determine with any degree of accuracy the value of real estate at the time of marriage unless an appraisal is done at that time. That value alone may become a contested issue that results in litigation and testimony of experts.

Second, In many instances, mortgages are refinanced after marriage, second mortgages and home equity loans may also be incurred. These new debts may erase or partially erase a non-marital interest.
Third, the formula does not consider the effect that capital improvements made during the marriage have on the real estate value. Capital improvements that are made during the marriage and which increase the value of the real estate may erode some of the non-marital interest represented by the Schmitz formula.
Often, presenting a persuasive property case depends on clear cut documentation, and expert testimony. The Minnesota State Bar Association includes a Schmitz Formula Calculator on their web site to determine non-marital interest. Use this calculator only while understanding its limitations as set out above. It is important to consult with a lawyer regarding significant non-marital issues.

Dividing the Asset

Once Marital versus non-marital interests are determined, the parties may discuss a division of the asset.
It is important to recognize that being named on the title and being named on the mortgage represent two very different interests. A person whose name appears on a title is considered the legal owner to any person seeking to purchase the property. A person whose name appears on the mortgage, however, has no ownership interest in the real estate and simply has a responsibility to pay the the debt secured on the homestead. Often parties seek to have their name removed from the title believing that doing so will mean that they are no longer a debtor on the mortgage. That is not correct.

With that said, there are many ways to divide the homestead or , more precisely, the homestead equity in a divorce.

Occupancy/Ownership by one. If the real estate is awarded to one of the parties, the other party must be compensated for their share of the marital equity. This compensation may take one of several forms.

• Award of Other Assets. Try to think of the property division as a spread sheet with three columns. In the first column, list the asset. In the second column list the value of the asset awarded to the husband and in the third column the value of any assets awarded to the wife. If on party is awarded the real estate, their column will reflect the marital equity awarded to them. This may be offset by other assets awarded to the other party.

• Refinance Mortgage. When one party is awarded real estate, the other party may remain obligated on any mortgage, second mortgage or home equity loan if they were a signor on the loan. As a result, in most instances the real estate mortgage must be refinanced to remove the other party's name. As part of that refinancing, the party that is awarded the real estate may seek additional funds to pay off the other parties' equitable interest.

• Pay Off Over Time. A party's interest may also be paid out over time with or without interest abs negotiated between the parties. This is usually only used when there are no other assets that can be used to equalize the property division. The pay off amount and period may depend on the respective incomes of the parties.

• Sale and Division of Proceeds. When no other assets are available to equalize the division of property and the parties are either unable to afford the real estate or unable to refinance the real estate, the property may be sold and the proceeds divided.

• Immediate Sale. Real Estate may be placed immediately on the market for sale with the parties dividing the net proceeds realized from the sale. "Net proceeds" are generally defined as the amount remaining after the following costs have been subtracted from the sale price or appraised value of the homestead:

• Expenses of sale, which shall mean all the usual and customary expenses of sale such as attorneys' fees, points, broker's commissions, assessments, expenses of updating the abstract, and other normal costs of closing;

• Any secured debt including any Mortgage, second mortgage, home equity loan or secured line of credit;

• A credit payable to either party for the amount of principal reduction made by him/her on the mortgage up to the date of the sale.

• Sale in Future. The parties may agree to sell the real estate at some point in the future. This may be agreed upon to allow the party occupying the real estate to attempt to repair credit and ultimately refinance the mortgage. It may also be agreed upon to allow any minor children to remain in the homestead until some event in the future. Without an agreement of the parties or some showing of hardship, a Court is unlikely to require the party that is not occupying the homestead to wait to receive his/her equity until the children are no longer minors.

If one party occupies the homestead, that party will generally be required by the Court to pay any secured encumbrances against the homestead. That requirement by the Court, however, is not binding on any creditors. As a result, if the person with occupancy fails to pay, and the other party is still listed on the mortgage, that person's credit may be affected and the creditor may seek collection against either party. As a result, the party that is not occupying the homestead will want to include language in the agreement of the parties and the final order which protects his/her credit rating in the event that the occupying party fails to pay the debts secured against the real estate.

There are many ways that this can be accomplished including requiring that the home be sold should the occupant fall behind on the mortgage, or allowing the party without occupancy to make payment to protect their credit rating and to seek reimbursement plus fees and costs against the other party

TORONTO HOME SALES SOFT, BUT APPRECIATION UP

Toronto home sales tumbled again during the first half of March while prices continued to climb, according to the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB).

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Toronto home sales tumbled again during the first half of March while prices continued to climb, according to the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB). 

Homes sales, though on track to outpace last month’s numbers, came in at 4,138 during the first two weeks of March 2011, 5% lower than they were during the same time period in March 2010.

The number of listings fell by 15% in the first part of March – tightening supply while demand remains subdued.

Additionally, better job growth and rising incomes should act to further balance the market, TREB President Bill Johnston said in a statement.

"A positive economic outlook for the Greater Toronto Area, including steady growth in jobs and incomes, has kept households confident in their ability to purchase and pay for a home over the long term," Johnston said.

TREB reported the average residential price was $460,196 during the first 14 days of March, up from last month and 4.6% higher than in the first two weeks of March 2010.

"Market conditions are tighter compared to this time last year, resulting in more competition between buyers and sustained upward pressure on the average selling price. The annual rate of price growth is expected to range between three and five per cent in 2011," Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis,  said in a statement.

Tis and Dat Real Estate: My Referral Fee Program

Tis and Dat Real Estate: My Referral Fee Program

Mid March Market Watch for GTA

Why Hire a Professional Home Stager?

There are lots of simple things a homeowner can do on their own to decorate their house to sell. They can get rid of clutter, re-paint, clean or put out fresh flowers. So why hire a Home Stager?

Many homeowners are unsure of what paint colors to choose or where to move the clutter. The process of selling a home can be completely overwhelming. They often lack real estate knowledge about their local market and what homes in their price range should look like.

A Home Stager has the ability to look at a home with a fresh pair of eyes. They view the home as a highly critical buyer would see it. A professional Home Stager . . .

1. Knows what's needed to create the right environment quickly and at the lowest cost.

2. Knows what homes in different price ranges look like and what's selling. They will give homeowners suggestions that their real estate agent may be afraid to offer because the agent does not want to risk losing the listing.

3. Is not emotionally attached to any of the home's contents which means that they can see the home in a way that someone who has been living there for years simply cannot. Using their fresh vision, they recommend the optimal way to re-arrange existing furniture, art and accessories.

4. Can quickly choose new paint colors, flooring, tiles, counter tops or any number of finishes. They have a ready source of painters, cleaners, handymen, off-site storage and a myriad of other services that may be needed on short notice.

5. Brings in replacement furniture, accessories and art if what is there isn't appropriate to the home's target market or the home is empty.

Home staging is not just for multi-million dollar homes, it can have a dramatic effect on the selling price and days on market of even a modest home. One home I staged had been on the market for months with a best offer of $350,000. I spent 90 minutes with the owner rearranging the furniture, putting items in storage and telling him what needed to be cleaned. He sold the following week for $361,000! How many other legal ways can you think of to invest $600 and get an $11,000 return on your investment the following week?
By Debra Gould

How To Choose Hardwood Flooring

A guide to the most common types of hardwood flooring.

To view full article click Here

Durable, wear-resistant and inherently beautiful, it's no wonder wood is one of the most popular flooring choices. Wood also emits a feeling of warmth and can be easily repaired and refurbished, though it also looks great as it ages.

Both softwoods and hardwoods are appropriate for interior home use. Softwoods such as pine, fir and spruce are likely to be damaged by wear and abrasion so they are best suited to light traffic areas such as bedrooms. Hardwoods like oak, maple, birch and pecan are denser and able to withstand harsher treatment. Wood works best in spaces that are free of contact with moisture, but wood can also be treated to repel the negative effects of moisture.

The way wood is sawn determines its appearance and resistance to wear. Quarter-sawn flooring (edge or vertical grain) displays an even grain and will stand up to hard wear quite well. Plain-sawn flooring (flat grain) displays noticeable grain patterns and may not wear evenly.

The cost of wood flooring ranges from inexpensive pine to pricey walnut parquet. It can be purchased either finished or unfinished. Colour, grain pattern, density and texture vary and are specific to each species. Prefinished hardwood offers convenience; hardwood that's sanded and finished on site offers a gleaming reflection you just can't get with the small gaps between prefinished planks.

Regular maintenance is quite simple: just vacuum or sweep regularly give floors an occasional light wash. Regular polishing can enhance appearance.

In this article:
Wood strips
Wood planks
Parquet
Wood tile

Wood strips

Description

• most popular type of wood flooring
• most common species are oak (coarse grain, reddish brown), maple (medium brown), walnut (dark brown), teak and pecan
• long narrow boards that measure 3/4” thick and 1-1/2”, 2”, 2-1/4” or 2-1/2” wide
• available in random lengths between 2’ to 16’
• are tongue-and-grooved along sides and end-matched at ends
• cannot cement directly to concrete, must use plywood subfloor

Uses

• extremely versatile in any setting whether informal or formal, traditional, contemporary or modern
• ideal for areas of high traffic such as entrances and family rooms

Maintenance

• frequent sweeping/vacuuming and/or dry-mopping
• appearance and durability improved with occasional waxing

Wood planks

Description

• similar to strips but wider, usually between 3-1/2” to 8”
• available in random lengths between 2’ and 16’
• are tongue-and-grooved along sides and end-matched at ends
• most popular species are oak and pine
• displays more grain than strips

Uses

• to create a rustic, informal space
• usually in antique or colonial interiors
• recalls character of early American homes
• requires large area to balance scale of large planks

Maintenance

• frequent sweeping/vacuuming and/or dry-mopping
• planks require ventilation below to prevent boards from cupping

Parquet

Description

• a mosaic created from wood
• geometrically laid squares measuring between 6” to 9” square
• most common species are oak, teak and walnut
• laid in typical patterns including herringbone, monticello, chaucer, haddon hall, saxony, standard
• most expensive wood flooring material

Uses

• best suited to formal or traditional spaces like living, dining or family rooms

Maintenance

• frequent sweeping/vacuuming and/or dry-mopping
• adding two thin coats of wax to newly finished floors will improve protection against wear
• highly durable but will not withstand traffic as well as wood strips

Wood tile

Description

• similar to parquet except that tiles are not laid in patterns, grain of wood provides pattern
• oak and maple are most common species
• for easy installation, some tiles are available with self-adhesive backs
• is the least expensive type of wood flooring

Uses

• suitable for any living area
• especially appropriate for an inexpensive kitchen floor

Maintenance

• frequent sweeping/vacuuming and/or dry-mopping
• very durable
• adding two thin coats of wax to newly finished floors will improve protection against wear

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Top eight house-hunting mistakes

The Globe and Mail has an interesting article today that outlines eight common mistakes people make when buying a home.

As the article asserts:

"Buying a home is a very emotional process, and allowing those emotions to get the best of you can cause you to make any number of mistakes."

Its true, and, though the rules seem to have resale purchasers first in mind, the same logic applies for people interested in purchasing a new home or condominium.

Here are the Globe's rules - with our additional rule following them up:

Mistake 1: Falling in love with a house you can't afford
Mistake 2: Thinking that a particular house is the only one that will suit you
Mistake 3: Being so desperate to become a homeowner that you buy a place that doesn't suit you
Mistake 4: Overlooking important flaws in the structure, appearance or location of the house
Mistake 5: Thinking you're a handyman when you're not
Mistake 6: Putting in an offer before carefully considering all the pros and cons of the property
Mistake 7: Being too slow to pull the trigger
Mistake 8: Offering more than a house is worth




to see the rest of this article click HERE

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Toronto Builders decry Hidden Fees on New Homes

Toronto homebuyers have a lot more to pay for than just the listing price of a new home, with development charges approaching $50,000 in some cases.

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Toronto homebuyers have a lot more to pay for than just the listing price of a new home, with development charges approaching $50,000 in some cases.

Housing development fees in Ontario are among the highest in North America, with some 30% of the purchase price in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) going to various government fees, according to two new studies.

The Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO) and Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) produced joint studies, concluding that government fees, levies and regulatory costs were exceedingly driving up housing costs in Toronto and surrounding communities.

In a RCCAO study, Ryerson University Professor David Amborski concluded that municipal development charges alone now add between $30,000 and $50,000 to the price of a new home.

Oakville had the highest development charges for single- and semi-detached homes, totalling $50,458 on average. Next was Markham at $46,457, Milton at $43,399, Newmarket at $41,528, Vaughan at $41,245, Burlington at $40,181, and Brampton at $40,180.

To take such figures into perspective, the report noted that average development charges in the Greater Vancouver Area averaged $23,418. Other cities are even lower, such as the average of $7,475 in Calgary and $1,425 in Edmonton. In the U.S., the average development charge is $8,328, with the highest state (California) averaging $21,648.

While many of the development charges in Ontario are billed directly to developers, they are nonetheless passed on in the cost of the purchase price, the report said.

“We understand that government must be able to fund infrastructure investments, but this should not be at the expense of housing affordability,” said Richard Lyall, president of RESCON.

The reports recommend various alternatives, such as raising property taxes or implementing a land value capture tax.