Assumable Mortgages Were very popular during the late 80's and into the 90's. Many mortgages had assumable without qualification clauses that let someone in to purchase cash to existing mortgage. You took over the rate till term maturity then the lender renewed with you. With rates going...

Timing the market Many have mentioned timing the market is impossible. Buyers should be conscious of last sales information and making sure they get a better deal than the last guy. People who are waiting on the sidelines, waiting for the ultimate drop in value of x% on this day of April...

sales numbers are down If we compared those sales figures to the sales of SFH in March or April, There would be a normal (decline) seasonal variance of 2-3%, add in the insecurity factor of say 5%, to have comfort in the market, and you are right at that 9 % offset to pricing that happened in...

If you are a homeowner and your neighbour causes damage or injury to your property, under Canadian Law there is recourse under the provisions of nuisance. Let us suppose that you have a condo for sale, but you are unable to find a suitable buyer because the adjoining unit owners are heavy...

"Tim Grant was the co-chair of the Downtown West Solar Energy Project, a neighbourhood association formed two years ago to educate people about solar energy and to arrange bulk-buying discounts from installers of solar thermal and PV systems. He said that while Toronto Hydro struggled, they...

Found a fabulous site that has building details and comparisons by city http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?stateID=7

Maintainence fees While concerned about fees, Security/Conceirge 24 hours per day Pool and exercise equipment Sauna Theaters and Video equipment and updates, Party Rooms and Guest Suites, 24 security lighting in all underground hallways and parking, are all included in the fees. So...

Sermon on the mound? The beginning of the 427 north at Evans Avenue. Brown's line North becomes 427 at Evans Ave, entering the underpass (Evans Ave,) you can go north (427) or East Gardiner Toronto or cut back to Evans Avenue for an east or west choice. That switchback encircles the mound...

I found a Houston Based website that is worthy of a look; http://houstonhousingmarket.org/ "Houston Homes Market posted declines in the number of homes sold with July of 2008 posting 5,885 total closed sales compared to July of 2007 which posted 6,856 Houston Homes sales. These numbers...

closings Has anyone had their lawyer deal with the closings and the level of incompletions; It would make sense to holdback for certain items, then remit those funds on successful completion?

IMHO Many of the points are valid The reality I think is unrealistic expectations; especially from buyers who are sold a sizzle package and move into a building. Many were previously renters and merely phoned the management office for repairs or complaints. Biggest problem I have seen is...

The local Business improvement associations along Mimico Longbranch Lakeshore are working to improve the "community" of the Lakeshore strip west of Marina Del Ray. The area needs restaurants and is ripe for Art Galley type, window Shopping stores that create a promenade vis a vis the Bloor...

Buying a shell How would the lender treat buying a shell condo? Would you be a cash buyer?

Eventual Crash "When people are greedy, be fearful and when people are fearful be greedy." Sage advise from Warren Buffet.

I came across this today, "If we are in such trouble in the real estate market, why are there 41,230 housing starts in the GTA this year of which 18,390 were apartments and condos (numbers provided by CMHC). Someone has to be buying these. And with new homes being built often there is a...

New Preconstruction purchase The only way the builders have to distribute their "adverts" to the consuming public is to Print/ Media advertise or direct email contact with REALTORS in organized databases. They can email floorplan samples, pricing and renderings to agents, who inturn speak...

community rec centers http://yourhome.ca/homes/article/456845 "In addition to the rooftop facilities, there will be the Bayside Sports Entertainment Centre atop the fourth-floor podium, featuring an outdoor pool, running track, squash courts, craft room, library and private dining room...

CBC Marketplace http://www.cbc.ca/mrl3/8752/marketplace/condo_crunch.wmv This video is very informative. Produced by CBC Marketplace. What you should know before you agree to buy a condo Great towers of glass and steel are going up in every big city in this country, and in many of...

"The Government of Canada today announced adjustments to the rules for government guaranteed mortgages aimed at protecting and strengthening the Canadian housing market. The new measures include: Fixing the maximum amortization period for new government-backed mortgages to 35 years...

Pylyp Phillip but no F So, Pill UP would be great Thank God my Father didn't name me Otto That would really be a palindrome.