Predictions Ring True! Third Consecutive Interest Rate Hike. With the increase to 1 percent for the overnight rate, the Bank Rate is correspondingly 1.25 percent, and the deposit rate is .75 percent. Financial conditions in Canada have tightened modestly since April, with the changing monetary policy measures, but overall still remains highly stimulative from a global perspective. This increase ...
Posted by Patricia S
on September 9, 2010
We were recently at a family gathering in Windsor, enjoying a buffet lunch when I spotted my wife, Renee, picking paper plates and plastic utensils out of the garbage and tossing them into a blue recycling box. If the hostess didn't get the message to beef up her "greening" efforts, many of the guests did.
Taking care of our environment is top of mind for many. Earth Day is now celebrated worldwide ...
Posted by John Procenko
on August 5, 2010
What is a Harmonized Sales Tax?
Ontario plans a major tax reform that will combine both the provincial and federal sales tax on products and services. The combined tax of five per cent GST and eight per cent Ontario sales tax won't change the price on most items. But many items that used to be exempt from sales tax will no longer be so.
What is no longer PST exempt?
Consumers are most likely ...
Posted by William Karnasiotis
on June 3, 2010
Ask the Inspector: Decks
Q: How do I check if my deck is built according to correct safety standards? Building a deck is a project often done by do-it-yourselfers; unfortunately, not all decks are built soundly. A deck inspection includes checking the support posts, railings and decking boards to ensure it is in proper condition and safe. These are some key points to look for during ...
Posted by William Karnasiotis
on June 3, 2010
Bi-weekly and weekly payments
Most mortgages have the option to allow payments to be made on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. This option may be desirable for two reasons. The first is it can save you money as you can expect to pay off your mortgage about 4 years sooner. This can save you dramatically over the life of your mortgage. The other reason why these options are so popular is that ...
Posted by William Karnasiotis
on June 3, 2010
TORONTO, May 5, 2010 - Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 10,898 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in April, representing a 34 per cent increase compared to April 2009. There were also 20,683 new listings in April - a 59 per cent annual increase. Both the sales and new listings results amounted to new records for the month of April under the current Toronto Real Estate ...
Posted by William Karnasiotis
on June 2, 2010
The process of selling in Canada is effectively controlled by Multiple Listing Service. Over 80% of sales transactions take place though this medium.
Under MLS, the members of the service, share the information among each other to expedite the process of selling. The access to private data is not open to the public.
The process of selling a property through the services of MLS can be divided ...
Posted by William Karnasiotis
on June 2, 2010
Inspecting your home on a regular basis and following good maintenance practices is the best way to protect your investment in your home. Whether you take care of a few tasks at a time or several all at once, it is important to get into the habit of doing them. Establish a routine for yourself and you will find the work is easy to accomplish and not very time consuming. A regular schedule of seasonal ...
Posted by Edmond Ishag
on May 18, 2010
Monitor basement humidity and avoid relative humidity levels above 60 per cent. Use a dehumidifier to maintain safe relative humidity. Clean or replace air conditioning filter, and wash or replace ventilation system filters if necessary. Check basement pipes for condensation or dripping, and take corrective action, for example, reduce humidity and or insulate cold water pipes. Check the ...
Posted by Edmond Ishag
on May 18, 2010
As you probably know, the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is coming into effect on July 1st of this year. The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) strongly opposed the implementation of the combined 5% GST and 8% PST, but there is no reason to be scared out of buying a home in the near future.
Understanding how the HST will affect you as a homebuyer will help you decide whether buying a ...
Posted by Paul Baron
on May 3, 2010