The Bank of Canada has done it again. September 6, 2017 saw its second key overnight rate hike in two months, the most recent being a quarter of a percent point, up to 1 per cent from 0.75 per cent. The decision follows a hike in July from 0.5 per cent. Some economists are predicting…
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Fall fun is aplenty in the Durham Region. The colourful sights of the season turn our thinking to fun fairs, fall festivals and the rich harvest that this community is known for. There is much to do in Durham at this time of the year, and activities that will appeal to the whole family. From…
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We all knew the low interest rates Canadians have been enjoying would not last forever; and for the first time in 7 years, the Bank of Canada raised its key overnight rate from 0.5 per cent to 0.75 per cent last week. So what does this mean for Canadians who have a mortgage or will…
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In real estate, stigmatized property is property which buyers or tenants may shun for reasons that are unrelated to its features or physical condition. These reasons can include: death of an occupant, murder, suicide, serious illness, illegal activity or the belief that a house is haunted. Stigmatized properties can present challenges in real estate, and…
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Canadians love their outdoor time. With long, harsh winters keeping us cooped up indoors, the longer, warmer summer days make outdoor living a welcome treat. With summer just around the corner, you may be looking at ways to refresh your outdoor living space. Not only does this increase the value of your home, but allows…
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In an effort to manage the skyrocketing prices facing home buyers in the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH), the Provincial Government of Ontario recently introduced “The Fair Housing Plan”, which includes several measures that have been taken to encourage affordable housing for Ontario residents. While the plan includes strategies aimed at helping home owners, controls have…
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In an effort to manage the out-of-control prices facing home buyers in the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH), the Provincial Government of Ontario recently introduced “The Fair Housing Plan”, which includes several measures that will be taken to encourage affordable housing for Ontario residents. One of these measures is the Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST). The NRST…
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There’s nothing quite like a case of mold inside the home to send a homeowner into panic mode. Mold is smelly, dirty and has the potential to become a dangerous problem affecting the indoor air quality of your home. Mold also indicates a larger issue – moisture problems. Most experts believe that except for those…
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To ensure our communities are built safely, Municipalities in the Province of Ontario have building standards that must be followed – these standards are set out in zoning by-laws. These by-laws manage the types of use permitted on a property, including the minimum development requirements for those uses. Whenever changes are made to a particular…
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Looking for a new home is exciting, and with today’s resources, buyers have home-searching tools at their fingertips. With the click of a mouse, accurate and up-to-the-minute listings can be seen from the comfort of one’s home. The Multiple Listings Service (MLS), via Realtor.Ca, is a popular and effective tool for people selling and buying homes. It offers the general public an opportunity to view…
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