Your Home

Written by Lorne Shuman Last week, the Ontario Provincial Government introduced several measures designed to make housing more affordable and to cool the housing market in the Toronto area. This column will examine one of the most significant changes – the 15% Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST). The NRST is a 15 percent tax on the…

The purpose of a gutter is to carry water away from a building to a good drainage area. If gutters are not cleaned, material will build up in the gutter channel and water will overflow onto the building and foundation. When this happens, a number of nasty side effects could occur. Overflows: Rain gutters and…

Pruning is much more than the simple act of sawing off limbs and should be a regular part of all tree and shrub maintenance programs. Pruning at the right time and in the right way is critical, since it is possible to kill a healthy tree through neglect or over-pruning. Essentially, pruning should enhance the…

Finding water in your basement can be more than just a nuisance – musty smell, soggy carpets, affected hardwood – it can be a clear indication of larger problems with your home. First, how did it get there? Leaking pipes, poor drainage caused by clogged or broken gutters, or a rising water table in your…

Written by Mark Weisleder As a result of bidding wars for condominiums, buyers are being asked to review a condominium status certificate in advance in order to submit an offer without conditions. Here are 6 items to look at and questions that should be asked when reviewing a status certificate in advance to give buyers…

Written by Lorne Shuman The severe shortage of listings has created multiple offers, bidding wars and unprecedented price increases. Serious buyers are finding it extremely difficult to find suitable properties. Consequently, many buyers are looking to purchase properties via Assignments. This column will explain the basics of Assignment transactions and what you need to know…

Your house may not be able to talk to you, but nevertheless, it signals you when something’s not right. Windows are particularly communicative. If your windows are more than a few decades old, listen carefully to what they’re telling you, so you’ll know when they need to be replaced. Here’s what to be on the lookout…

Given that most people spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors, air quality matters. Furnishings, upholstery, synthetic building materials, and cleaning products in homes and offices can emit a variety of toxic compounds, like formaldehyde for example. Indoor air pollution can also be caused by pollen, bacteria, and mould, because outdoor air contaminants find their way…

Written by: Lorne Shuman Buying a preconstruction condominium is very different from buying a resale condominium. This article will highlight some of the unique aspects of buying a preconstruction condominium that many homebuyers may not be aware of.  If you are a first-time home buyer, buying a preconstruction condominium is a very emotional event. Buyers…

Most homeowners figure they need a new roof after they spot a leak in their ceiling. This leak could be due to many different roofing problems. But, what factors really determine whether a roof repair will solve the problem or the house needs a roof replacement? Here are some tips to help you determine if you need…