If you’re looking for a quaint home in the Heart Lake area, this home may be perfect for you.  Nestled behind the beautiful foilage of Heart Lake Conservation park, this home offers a spacious open-concept layout with 3 bedrooms in a family-oriented neighbourhood.  The neighbours are all fantastic!  The large basement is finished and features a walk-out to a fenced, private backyard.

Because this is an older home, you’ll find the neighbourhood filled with lots of tall trees, and nature trails leading into Heart Lake are just steps away.  The home is minutes from highway 410 off of Sandalwood Parkway and very close to a large shopping plaza.  A recreation centre, the new hospital, and other convenient amenties are all near by.

There have been a number of recent upgrades to the home, and the sale includes all the appliances and window coverings.  This house is currently listed for $229,500 and won’t last long at this price.  It’s rare to find a beautiful home like this at a price this low in Brampton.  If you’re interested in this home and want to stop by and have a look, please feel free to contact me at the top of the page.  You can also drop in at our open house on June 22, 2008 between 12pm - 4pm.

Hope to talk to you soon!

** Update**

Thanks to Karen for pointing out that I forgot to include the address!  The address is 46 Barrington Crescent, and the main intersection is Sandalwood and Royal Palm.

Although this article may be useful for people living in older homes, purchasers of newer homes can also benefit from this. A home in not unlike a car - it’s made up of a variety of components that have different life expectancies and that need to be replaced throughout various stages of it’s use. If you live in a new home, this list is merely something to keep in mind down the road as your house ages. If you’re living in a older home, it’d be wise to check up on the different parts of your home to see if it’s time for them to be replaced.

Here is a list of important items in your home and their average life expectancies:

The Roof

• Standard asphalt shingles - 12-15 years.
• Premium asphalt shingles - 15-30 years.
• Wood shingles - 10-20 years.
• Concrete or clay tiling - 20-40 years.
• Asbestos cement - 40-80 years.
• Slate tiles - 40-80 years.
• Roll roofing - 5-15 years.
• Tar and gravel - 15-25 years.
• Metal - 60 years.

Heating

• Forced air furnace - 10-25 years.
• Oil tank - 20 years.
• Welded steel water/steam boiler - 15-30 years.
• Cast iron water/steam boiler - 30-50 years.
• Water/steam circulating pump - 10-25 years.

Cooling

• Central air - 10-25 years.
• Heat pump - 10-15 years.
• Window air conditioning - 10-20 years.

Plumbing

• Galvanized water pipes - 20-25 years.
• Hot water heater - 5-15 years.
• Septic/sewer pump - 5-10 years.
• Well pump - 10 years.

Appliances

• Dishwasher - 5-12 years.
• Dryer - 10-25 years.
• Garbage disposal - 5-12 years.
• Oven/range - 15-20 years.
• Washing machine - 5-15 years.

As always, this is only a general guide. Some components may need to replaced sooner due to wear and tear, while others may last longer because of great quality.

Till next time!

There’s no doubt that MLS.ca has become one of the most often-accessed and useful websites in Canada. Last year alone, MLS.ca recorded over three million unique visitors a month. That is close to 10% of Canada’s population and a huge number of people who are searching for homes and condos for sale.  If you’re not familiar with what MLS.ca is, please read my previous article here.

On June 30th, MLS.ca will be replaced by realtor.ca, a new portal that will feature new graphics and new search features for web users. The old site will still be accessible but in time, it will slowly be phased out and replaced by the newer site. What are some of the features of realtor.ca?

• Interactive mapping provided by Microsoft Virtual Earth.
• More user-friendly search layout.
• Real estate related news.

The interactive mapping system has a ton of useful features and will radically change how you search and find a particular property. I invite you to give the website a spin when it launches.

Here are the latest numbers for the real estate market in Brampton for May 2008.  In comparison to last May where a record number of sales was set, May of 2008 was slightly less in the total number of sales.  However, detached homes saw a 3% increase in value and semi-detached homes increased 5% in value compared to sales from January to May of 2007.  Overall, the market remains healthy while inventory has increased slightly compared to last year, which bodes well for home buyers.

May 2008

In May of 2008, Brampton had 2726 active listings on the market, 1834 of which were new listings. There were 827 recorded sales in this month. Here is the break down according to areas in Brampton.

W23 (Any area in Brampton west of Highway 410)

Overall
Average sale price: $312,254
Median sale price: $302,500
Average number of days it took to sell a property: 27 days
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Detached Homes
Number of properties sold: 268
Average sale price: $350,055
Median sale price: $342,000
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Semi-Detached Homes
Number of properties sold: 114
Average sale price: $285,325
Median sale price: $285,500
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Condo Apartment
Number of properties sold: 14
Average sale price: $213,879
Median sale price: $225,950
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 97% of asking price

Condo Townhouse
Number of properties sold: 37
Average sale price: $220,346
Median sale price: $226,000
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Attached/Row/Townhouse
Number of properties sold: 46
Average sale price: $262,623
Median sale price: $260,000
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

W24 (Any area in Brampton east of Highway 410)

Overall
Average sale price: $326,656
Median sale price: $318,850
Average number of days it took to sell a property: 31 days
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Detached Homes
Number of properties sold: 182
Average sale price: $389,423
Median sale price: $388,000
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Semi-Detached Homes
Number of properties sold: 80
Average sale price: $296,896
Median sale price: $294,550
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Condo Apartment
Number of properties sold: 26
Average sale price: $159,608
Median sale price: $157,400
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 96% of asking price

Condo Townhouse
Number of properties sold: 31
Average sale price: $199,298
Median sale price: $191,000
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 97% of asking price

Attached/Row/Townhouse
Number of properties sold: 27
Average sale price: $286,052
Median sale price: $296,000
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Here’s the scenario - you’re in the market to purchase a new home and in the course of looking at a few properties, you fall in love with a quaint, older home that’s been newly renovated. It sits in a well established, cozy neighbourhood with tall trees and a large yard. The exterior of the home is nostalgic and reminds you of the home you grew up in, but the interior is freshly renovated with gleaming hardwood, a sparkling new kitchen, and beautiful bathrooms. From what you know, the house was recently purchased in a run-down state, but the seller invested substantially in fixing and updating the house. What are some things you need to consider before you put an offer in on this home?

The advantages are already clear. Older homes tend to be situated in more desirable neighbourhoods. You also know you won’t have to invest any money into fixing up the house. But there may also be some issues of concern that you may have to keep in mind:

• Thoroughly inspect the renovations that were done on the home. Inquire as to the list of renovations that were made.
• Ask for specifics. What exactly does upgraded plumbing or upgraded windows mean? Was plumbing repaired or completely replaced? Were windows resealed or replaced?
• Find a qualified home inspector to thoroughly inspect the property and the new renovations.
• Ask about building permits. Were permits registered and finalized with the city for all the work that was done?
• Is the owner also the renovator? If so, are they qualified contractors who are capable of doing professional work? Are they willing to warranty the work they’ve done on the home?
• Make sure to ask for any warranties for all new work as well as appliances upon purchase of the home.

Buying a flipped house can be both rewarding and time-saving if you are prepared with the right questions upon discussing the purchase of the home. Remember, people tend to take greater care when they are renovating for their own use as opposed to renovating for the purpose of resale, so be sure to inspect the quality of the work first! Keep your eyes open and be diligent, and you may just land yourself the perfect home.

If you’re interested in looking at power of sale homes, or recently flipped homes, feel free to contact me through my contact form and I will be glad to provide you with the most current listings in Brampton.

If you’ve been a long time resident of Brampton, you’ll know that the condo selection is relatively small. Aside from the cluster of condo buildings near Bramalea City Centre, and a few other buildings scattered around the city, there haven’t been any new condo developments in the last while.

You’ve probably also seen signs around the city promoting a new development called Park Place Condos. Here are some information tidbits for you if you’re interested in looking at these units in the future.

• Park Place is being built in the heart of Brampton, at 4 Corners (Highway 10 and Queen St.) Click here to see map.
• The building will be 27 stories.
• In addition to being steps from City Hall, Rose Theatre, and the Peel Museum & Art Gallery, Park Place will also boast a 2000 acre nature park in the backyard.
• The building will feature a full time concierge, library, yoga studio, fitness room, dining and party room, rooftop terrace with BBQ area, billiard room, theatre, and guest suites.
• 9′ ceilings throughout with pre-finished laminate flooring in living, dining, hallway, den, and bedrooms.
• One parking spot and one locker is included with the purchase of every suite.

To contact their sales office and presentation centre, call (905) 451-7001 or visit www.parkplacecondos.ca to see online floor plans.

In the coming weeks, I will preview some more coming real estate developments in Brampton, so stay tuned!

If you’re a first time home buyer, you may be wondering what sort of costs you’ll be facing down the road when it comes time to close the sale on your home. Because there are so many fees, expenses, and taxes to pay, it may be a little scary and overwhelming. Below is a list of the general costs you’ll need to be aware of when you’re closing the deal.

As a rule of thumb, expect and budget approximately 2 - 3% of the purchase price of your home for closing costs. That means if you’re buying a $200,000, you’re looking to pay around $4,000 - $6,000 in total for closing costs. Of course, this is only a general outline, so make sure to ask every person involved in the deal to get a better scope of your costs.

• Home Inspection - A qualified inspector will assess your property for any potential defects as well as give you vital information on your home. Expect to pay anywhere between $250 - $350.
• Appraisal - The lender will arrange for an appraiser to provide a professional opinion on the current market value of your home. This will cost anywhere between $100 - $300.
• Legal Fees - Your lawyer will be handling all the vital paperwork related to the purchase of your home. You will be paying for the legal fees for closing your home and mortgage, as well as paying additional disbursement fees that cover things such as courier costs, photocopies, faxes, supplies, and other registrations. Remember to ask for a quote including the disbursement fees so you’re not in for a surprise later. Fees vary, but they generally range from around $1,000 - $1,300 depending on the circumstances and the lawyer.
• Land Survey or Title Insurance - The seller will most likely provide you with a survey of the home. If no survey is available, you can usually get a replacement for around $600 - $900. However, many lenders will also accept title insurance instead, and that alternative will only cost you a couple hundred dollars. Make sure to ask your lender and check your options.
• Fire Insurance - Be prepared to arrange and maintain fire and extended coverage insurance for the balance of the mortgage or the replacement value of the building. This cost will vary depending on your home, the amount of coverage, the insurance company, and even the city, but expect to pay anywhere between $250 - $600 annually.
• Ontario Land Transfer Tax - Read my previous article about land transfer taxes and how to calculate them for your purchase.
• Interest Adjustment - Oftentimes, mortgage payments are due on the first of the month. If you closing date does not fall on this day, you’ll usually have to prepay the amount of interest accruing up to the 1st of the following month. This is known as the interest adjustment date. If you’ve opted for bi-weekly or weekly payments, this period will be shorter.
• Mortgage Insurance & PST - If your mortgage is insured, the insurance premium will usually be added to the mortgage so you don’t have to pay in cash on the closing date. You will, however, have to pay the provincial sales tax of 8% on closing.
• Closing Adjustments - This typically covers the utilities that the seller has prepaid for and will recover from you.

Are you buying a new home? Don’t forget that you must pay GST on brand new home purchases! Resale homes already have the GST included in the price. Other costs that you should think about are moving costs, appliances, decorating, repairs, tools, and utility hook ups.

Here are the latest numbers for the real estate market in Brampton for April 2008. Sales remain moderate throughout the GTA, but prices are still steadily rising.

April 2008

In April of 2008, Brampton had 2477 active listings on the market, 1857 of which were new listings. There were 852 recorded sales in this month. Here is the break down according to areas in Brampton.

W23 (Any area in Brampton west of Highway 410)

Overall
Average sale price: $310,203
Median sale price: $302,000
Average number of days it took to sell a property: 28 days
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Detached Homes
Number of properties sold: 270
Average sale price: $344,372
Median sale price: $334,500
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Semi-Detached Homes
Number of properties sold: 113
Average sale price: $287,621
Median sale price: $291,000
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Condo Apartment
Number of properties sold: 17
Average sale price: $215,494
Median sale price: $219,000
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Condo Townhouse
Number of properties sold: 31
Average sale price: $226,439
Median sale price: $231,500
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Attached/Row/Townhouse
Number of properties sold: 51
Average sale price: $263,308
Median sale price: $256,000
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

W24 (Any area in Brampton east of Highway 410)

Overall
Average sale price: $332,593
Median sale price: $323,000
Average number of days it took to sell a property: 29 days
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Detached Homes
Number of properties sold: 211
Average sale price: $395,516
Median sale price: $390,000
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Semi-Detached Homes
Number of properties sold: 62
Average sale price: $300,564
Median sale price: $301,500
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Condo Apartment
Number of properties sold: 26
Average sale price: $154,315
Median sale price: $143,350
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 97% of asking price

Condo Townhouse
Number of properties sold: 30
Average sale price: $169,833
Median sale price: $153,500
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 97% of asking price

Attached/Row/Townhouse
Number of properties sold: 25
Average sale price: $271,686
Median sale price: $277,000
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Condo apartments and condo townhouses are becoming increasingly popular in Brampton to accommodate the other spectrum of buyers that are not looking for large detached homes. If you’re in the process of buying a condo or am thinking of buying one in the near future, you will encounter something called a status certificate. What exactly is a status certificate and what does it do for you?

Every condominium complex is run by a management group. It’s this group’s responsibility to collect maintenance fees and oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the condominium complex. When you purchase a condo, your sale will likely be conditional upon the status certificate, which is a package of documents prepared by the management office. These documents will outline all the details of the condo complex, it’s rules and regulations, it’s financial status, how much money is in the reserve fund, what maintenance fees cover, the details of your unit, and much more.

Generally, the seller will order this certificate and pay for it on behalf of the buyer. A status certificate typically costs $100. The most important parts of the status certificate are those that pertain to your particular unit, how much money is in the reserve fund, and whether or not the condominium corporation predicts any changes to your monthly maintenance fee. A well run condo complex will have an excess of money in their reserve fund in case of emergency repairs or upgrades. A poorly run condo with little money in their reserve fund may require all residents to pay a special levy if something happens and large repairs are required to the complex. Your lawyer will be able to review the status certificate and tell you if the condominium is well managed.

Normally it takes between 5 - 10 days for a status certificate to be ordered, prepared, and delivered to the real estate agent. It’s important to carefully review the status certificate of any potential condo purchase, as it is a good indication of how well the complex is managed.

As always, I’m always on the lookout for building/renovation costs to provide to my readers as a general basis before taking on renovation tasks. It’s tough sometimes knowing where to begin or knowing who to ask regarding large projects and the costs that are associated. Hopefully, my previous articles have been of some help. Today’s pricing list is a general guideline for those interested in paving their driveways or building garages.

Garage
Detached Carport - $4000+
Detached Wood Frame (Single Car) - $8000+
Detached Wood Frame (Double Car) - $13,000+
Detached Block (Single Car) - $18,000+
Detached Block (Double Car) - $24,000+
Removal of Existing Garage - $1,500+

Overhead Doors
Automatic Garage Door Opener - $200-$300
Cladboard (Single) - $450-$650
Cladboard (Double) - $750-$1,000
Metal (Single) - $700
Metal (Double) - $1,100
Wood (Single One Piece) - $725
Wood (Double Sectional) - $1,250

Driveway
Asphalt Paving (Existing Base) - $3-$5/square foot
Asphalt Paving (New Base) - $3-$5.50/square foot
Asphalt Seal - $50-$75
Stamped Concrete - $5-$10/square foot
Interlocking Brick/Stone - $8-$10/square foot

In the coming days, I will have more pricing lists for other renovation/construction projects available!

Here’s the scenario. You’ve decided it’s time to sell your home. After spending a good amount of time cleaning up your house, arranging furniture, and doing a little of your own staging, you’re ready to throw it on the market. You distinctly recall that the house down the street sold for $310,000. But that house didn’t have hardwood floors and a finished basement. Another one sold across the street for $315,000, but that house needs a new roof and the backyard is smaller than yours. So doing some quick calculations in your head, you feel that you could substantially get more for your home.

You decide to call 3 real estate salespeople to your house to interview them for their services. The first two use recent neighbourhood sales and current listings, and provide you with a selling price that really isn’t much more than what houses are selling for. You’re disappointed. You feel the house is worth much more, but these two people stick to their assessments.

The third agent arrives at your home and listens intently to what you say. After you outline all your upgrades and insist on a higher price, the real estate salesperson wholeheartedly agrees to your selling price and takes the listing on the spot. You’re excited because finally you’re able to sell the house at a price you feel is well deserved.

Unfortunately, you’ve just allowed your listing to be bought.

Some real estate salespeople take listings at any price for a number of reasons. They may currently have no activity going, or they intend to take the listing with the sole intent of talking you down to a lower selling price in the immediate future. They know your house will not sell for your asking price.

Understand that there are really only two ways to determine the value of a home: Subjectively and objectively. An objective price is based on current market conditions and recent neighbourhood sales. A subjective price is based on emotions and hearsay. It is of absolutely no benefit to a seller to list his home if it is overpriced. The home will sit on the market for an extended amount of time with little to now showings, and literally no chance of an offer. Why would any buyer view a home that is vastly overpriced in a neighbourhood that is offering comparable homes at significantly less?

If you do decide to list your home, listen carefully to the real estate salespeople that present you with their stats and how they determined the selling price of your home. Work with those that are both honest and realistic in their approach.  Don’t fall for agents that give you over-inflated prices only to appease you. It will only lead to disappointment down the road.

If you’re looking to buy a home in Lakelands Village, Brampton…. stop right there!  For most of you familiar with the Lakelands community, you’ll know that it’s an enclosed neighbourhood of stunning homes built around a man-made lake in a prime area of Brampton.  Aside from the close amenities and shopping, you’re also steps away from the Brampton Transit, Highway 410, and just a minute drive from Brampton’s new hospital.

That being said, Lakelands features a wide myriad of models to accommodate all types of buyers.  From cozy semi-detached homes to sprawling detached houses, there is a home for every type of buyer.  But regardless of the model or the style, most people move to Lakelands for that family-oriented community feeling.

This particular listing is the Balsam model with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, covering 2,450 square feet but feeling like so much more because of great use of usable space.  The house sits on a bend, providing all the benefits of a corner home with extra sunlight and a large front lawn, without the hassle of extra traffic and noise of typical corner lots.  What you’ll notice first when you step into this home is how much sunlight fills the main floor.  The home faces southwest, so the sun shines through throughout almost all of the day.  Every room is large and spacious to fit any family’s needs.  There is no carpet in this house!  The unique pie shaped lot provides a large backyward with a large fence for privacy, and best of all…. the neighbours are fantastic!

If you’re interested in this home, please feel free to contact me!

Here are the latest numbers for the real estate market in Brampton for March 2008.  Although inventories remained low all around the GTA due to a prolonged winter, sales remained brisk, especially in the 905 suburbs.

Don’t forget that The Bank Of Canada is expecting to once again drop it’s key lending rate on April 22.  This means a continued boost to the market activity that’s already been booming during the spring market.

March 2008

In March of 2008, Brampton had 2164 active listings on the market, 1474 of which were new listings. There were 575 recorded sales in this month. Here is the break down according to areas in Brampton.

W23 (Any area in Brampton west of Highway 410)

Overall
Average sale price: $315,730
Median sale price: $304,000
Average number of days it took to sell a property: 29 days
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Detached Homes
Number of properties sold: 192
Average sale price: $352,625
Median sale price: $347,500
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 97% of asking price

Semi-Detached Homes
Number of properties sold: 84
Average sale price: $283,472
Median sale price: $285,000
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Condo Apartment
Number of properties sold: 10
Average sale price: $193,750
Median sale price: $203,500
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 97% of asking price

Condo Townhouse
Number of properties sold: 21
Average sale price: $227,048
Median sale price: $235,000
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Attached/Row/Townhouse
Number of properties sold: 23
Average sale price: $259,561
Median sale price: $262,000
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

W24 (Any area in Brampton east of Highway 410)

Overall
Average sale price: $318,397
Median sale price: $306,500
Average number of days it took to sell a property: 31 days
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Detached Homes
Number of properties sold: 123
Average sale price: $394,057
Median sale price: $388,000
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Semi-Detached Homes
Number of properties sold: 53
Average sale price: $294,010
Median sale price: $295,000
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

Condo Apartment
Number of properties sold: 26
Average sale price: $154,315
Median sale price: $143,350
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 97% of asking price

Condo Townhouse
Number of properties sold: 23
Average sale price: $193,967
Median sale price: $185,000
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 97% of asking price

Attached/Row/Townhouse
Number of properties sold: 16
Average sale price: $266,953
Median sale price: $266,000
Average % of listing price a property sold for: 98% of asking price

I had an opportunity to take some pictures of a new listing in the northwest end of Brampton yesterday. This semi-detached home is very bright and spacious, and you’ll notice that the entire house features neutral tones. The home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and one of the key selling points of this particular model is that the laundry room is up on the second floor. Best of all, their are no neighbours behind the backyard. Let me know if this house appeals to you and you’d like more information.

As you already know, I tend to specialize in real estate in the Brampton area. However, I took some photos of a new listing in Woodbridge and thought it would be great to post up anyways. This beautiful 3000 square foot detached home has 4 spacious bedrooms, of which the master bedroom has a large walk-in closet and a charming bathroom with a jacuzzi tub. You’ll notice in the pictures that there is a large kitchen with lots of room for a breakfast area and a pantry. The family room includes a marble gas fireplace and is already wired for home theaters.

Enjoy the pictures. If you want more info on this listing, just send me a note through my contact form.

In the meantime, I will be posting some pictures in the coming days of a new listing I have in Lakelands Village, Brampton. You’ll absolutely love this house, so stay tuned!

If you’re either thinking of selling or buying a home, you’ve probably talked to friends or real estate agents and everyone seems to be saying the same thing. Put your house on MLS! But what exactly is MLS and why the big fuss? No, it’s not Major League Soccer.

MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service. It is a website that is run by the Canadian Real Estate Association and can be found by simply visiting www.mls.ca. MLS.ca is a tool that realtors from around the country and on various real estate boards use to market properties that are for sale. How does this benefit you as a seller or a buyer?

As a seller, your home will be marketed on the largest real estate listings database in Canada and exposed to potential buyers from across the globe. To give you an idea of how many people visit MLS, there were approximately 2.86 million unique visitors in January 2008, according to Comscore stats. MLS.ca is absolutely the best place for buyers to search for a home. Homes can easily be found according to cities and the criteria that is selected during the search. Every property listed on MLS will have vital details on the property for sale, and most provide photos of the home as well. MLS will also let you quickly and easily locate a Realtor.

Once you become familiar with MLS.ca, you’ll note that each property for sale has it’s own code number, known as the MLS Number. This number is useful to keep handy if you’re working with a real estate salesperson. If you want to book appointments on any homes, all you have to do is give the corresponding MLS number to your real estate representative, and they can easily book a time for you to visit the home.

Almost all Realtors will provide you with full MLS access when you list your home. Be sure to ask! MLS is an absolute must-have when you’re selling your home.

The fine people over at BloggyAward have been kind enough to award me the Bloggy Gold Award for best blog of the month. They rated my site on visual aesthetics, user friendliness, reading enjoyment, and useful info. I am truly humbled that the Brampton Real Estate Blog stood out amongst the crowd of candidates. There are so many other fantastic sites that were in the running - I highly suggest you check them out if you’re looking for some great reads.

A special thanks to Noemi for her personal review of the site, and much gratitude to BloggyAward for their kind words!

By-laws, rules, and regulations. It seems like anything you want to do around the house requires some research into city ordinances first. Here are some questions and answers for some common questions you may encounter during your time as a home owner. As always, you can find more information on the City of Brampton’s website.

Have a great day!

Is there anywhere in Brampton I can let my dog off leash?

Yes. The leash free zones are located in White Spruce Park on the West side of Heart Lake Road just South of Sandalwood Parkway and the second location is in Chris Gibson Park at the intersection of McLaughlin Road and Flowertown Avenue. The leash free zone is open from dawn till dusk. Dog owners using the area are required to have their dogs spayed or neutered, vaccinated and licensed. Animals that are showing signs of animal or human aggression are not permitted in the park. If your dog has a history of biting it is not allowed in the park. As of July 1, 2000 it is mandatory for pet owners in Peel Region to have their dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies. Children under ten years of age are not permitted for their own protection. Please follow all rules, remember to “stoop and scoop” and enjoy the leash free area.

Who can I speak to about trees and streetscape?

Contact the Community Design, Parks Planning and Development Division, Open Space Design and Construction within the Planning, Design, and Development Department at 905-874-2334 to speak with a Landscape Architect.

Someone is cutting trees down in my neighbourhood. Whom do I call to see if this is permitted?

The City has two by laws that govern the removal of trees. A Woodlot Preservation By Law was passed in 2005 that governs, under a permit structure, the regulation of tree removal within woodlots greater than 0.2 ha in size, and provided certain other conditions are present. More information is available at here. The Woodlot Preservation By Law does not apply to woodlots that form part of a subdivision or site plan application. Modifications to such woodlots are administrated through the standard development application process.

The City also has a Tree Preservation By Law that administrates the removal or alteration of individual trees on private property. For more information on this, please contact the Urban Forestry Section in the Community Services Department at 905-874 -2913.

Is providing air conditioning in a rental unit a requirement under the City of Brampton by-laws?

No, there are no by-laws stipulating that air conditioning must be provided in a rental unit.

What are the requirements for fences around pools?

There are several requirements for fences around pools or ponds that are capable of holding 24, or more, inches of water. For complete information, please consult the Pool Fence By-Law.

It is important to note that no water should be placed or remain in a privately owned outdoor swimming pool unless the fence surrounding the pool and gate to obtain entry into the pool area have been inspected and approved by the City.

To obtain a permit for a pool fence/gate and to arrange an inspection, you can contact the City Clerk’s Office in person or by telephone at (905) 874-2123, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.

How high is a hedge allowed to grow?

In accordance with the Minimum Maintenance By-Law, a hedge must be kept trimmed and from becoming unreasonably overgrown in a manner that may affect safety, visibility or passage of the general public. Adherence to hedge dimensions becomes particularly important when a hedge flanks or is otherwise adjacent to a driveway, that is, a driver’s view must not be obstructed by the hedge when pulling into or out of the driveway.

Depending on the hedge dimensions, it may be considered a fence and, therefore, would have to meet the standards outlined in the City’s zoning by-law. A fence on the side or rear of a property can be 1.2 metres (6′ 6″) high; a fence in the front yard may be 1 metre high.

For further information about fences and fence heights (particularly if you live on a corner lot) you may contact the City of Brampton Zoning Department at (905) 874-2090, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.

What are the zoning regulations concerning how wide a driveway can be?

Zoning regulations require each property to maintain a percentage of the front yard with landscaping as defined in the zoning by-law. Since these percentages vary across the City, you should contact the Zoning Department at (905) 874-2090, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm to determine the applicable regulations in your neighbourhood.

Are there any restrictions over where on my property I can put a garden?

A garden must be two feet away from the property line so the drainage on the property is not disrupted.

Also, if you are adding more than one inch of fill to your property or you are changing the grade of your property, you are required to obtain a Fill Permit by contacting the Works and Transportation Department at (905) 874-2500, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.

Is there a Brampton by-law against having a clothesline?

There are no Brampton City by-laws governing clotheslines, however, there may be requirements within your local neighbourhood. Be sure to check the deed restrictions that you received when you purchased your property and/or consult a real estate lawyer for further information/clarification.

What are the requirements and limitations of erecting a shed on my property?

The requirements and limitations of erecting a shed vary depending on the size of your lot. Generally, you may have one shed which must be less than 10 square metres in size. The shed must also be set a minimum of 2 feet back from the property line.

If your lot is larger than average, please contact the Zoning Department at (905) 874-2090, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm to ascertain if the restrictions are different from those for average size lots.

My neighbour’s dog makes a mess on my grass and my neighbour refuses to clean it up. What can be done?

Although the “stoop and scoop” laws outlined in Traffic By-Law 93-93 prevent pet owners from permitting their pets to foul City property, there is no City by-law that governs the soiling of private property. As such, your neighbour is not contravening a City by-law by allowing his dog to mess on your lawn.

However, you may still submit a complaint about your neighbour’s dog by calling the Brampton Animal Shelter at (905) 458-5800. An Animal Control Officer will be dispatched to your neighbour’s to investigate and discuss the situation and, if it is found that Dog By-Law 7-92 has been contravened (that is, dogs must be leashed or otherwise under control of a person at all times, except when the dog is on the property of its owner or has prior consent of the owner of the land on which the dog is found) the Officer will issue a ticket.

My neighbour is parking his/her car on the grass in front of his/her house. Can he/she do that?

Minimum Maintenance By-Law 104-96 prescribes the standards for properties situated in the City of Brampton.

Amongst other things, this by-law states that “No vehicle shall be parked in the front yard, rear yard, interior side yard or exterior side yard except on a paved or appropriately finished surface”. As such, a car parked on the front lawn of a house is in contravention of the by-law.

Queries and concerns can be submitted at the Enforcement and By-Law Services Division, in person, by telephone, by mail or by email, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Enforcement Officers perform enforcement-related duties 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year.

For services available 24×7 and other vital services relating to matters of an urgent nature, you may call after hours at (905) 458‑3424.

Do I need a permit or permission from the City to cut down a tree on my property?

You do need a permit or permission to cut down a tree on private property. Cutting down, damaging or otherwise destroying trees on private property is subject to the guidelines described in the Tree Preservation By-Law 38-2006. In accordance with this by-law, you must have a permit to destroy or damage trees on private property that are not exempted by their size, type or position (on the property).

Cutting down, damaging or otherwise destroying trees on a woodlot is governed by By-Law 70-2001 relating to woodlot/trees. In accordance with this by-law, you must have a permit to destroy or damage a tree on a woodlot.

Damaging or cutting down a tree that is on City-owned property is prohibited by City of Brampton

Traffic By-Law 93-93 and Parklands By-Law 161-83. If you have questions or concerns about trees that you think may be on City property, please call the Urban Forestry Section of the Parks and Recreation Department at (905) 874-2906, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.

I am living in a semi-detached house and my neighbours’ cars are encroaching on my driveway. I’ve spoken to them about it and they just don’t care. What can I do?

Unfortunately, there are no relevant City by-laws pertaining to matters of this nature. This is a civil matter between two landowners that should be addressed at that level.

Is it legal for a vehicle without license plates to be parked in a driveway?

Minimum Maintenance By-Law 104-96 prescribes the standards for properties situated in the City of Brampton.

Amongst other things, this by-law states that “No vehicle which is in a wrecked, discarded, dismantled or inoperative condition or is unlicensed shall be parked, stored, or left in the yard…”. As such, an unlicensed, unstickered or inoperative car parked in a driveway would be in contravention of the by-law.

Queries and concerns can be submitted at the Enforcement and By-Law Services Division, in person, by telephone, by mail or by email, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Enforcement Officers perform enforcement-related duties 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year.

For services available 24×7 and other vital services relating to matters of an urgent nature, you may call after hours at (905) 458-3424.

What can be done about loud music or barking dogs?

Minimum Maintenance By-Law 104-96 prescribes the standards for properties situated in the City of Brampton.

Amongst other things, this by-law states that “a person shall not, within the City of Brampton, make, create, cause, or cause or permit to be made, noises likely to disturb the inhabitants…unusual noises…”.

Queries and concerns can be submitted at the Enforcement and By-Law Services Division, in person, by telephone, by mail or by email, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Enforcement Officers perform enforcement-related duties 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year.

For services available 24×7 and other vital services relating to matters of an urgent nature, you may call after hours at (905) 458‑3424.

It is important, following submission of a noise complaint, that you and/or your neighbours submit future and other incidences of noise from the offending party noting type of noise, date, time and duration. This information could become valuable in future court proceedings.

What is the weed by-law in Brampton and how does the City deal with a weed complaint?

By-Law 121-90, states that “Every owner in the City shall cut the grass and weeds on their premises and remove the cuttings whenever the growth of grass or weeds exceeds twenty centimetres (20 cm) in height.”

During the summer months, the Enforcement and By-Law Services Division has a team of staff dedicated to monitoring and investigating grass and weed issues in Brampton. A citizen or an Inspector may submit a weed or unkempt grass/lawn-related complaint. This complaint could ultimately result in the offending property owner being charged for lawn maintenance services in addition to an administration fee. If these costs are not paid, they could be added to the owner’s property taxes.

Can my friends and I set up a tent and camp in the park behind our house during the summer?

Camping in a City park is a contravention of Parklands By-Law 161-83. Only permit holders for special events are authorized to be in a City park after 11:00 p.m.

My children always run after the ice cream truck when it drives down the street ringing the bell or playing music. Is the ice cream truck permitted to do this?

As well as presenting an unsafe situation for children, selling ice cream or any other products from the road is a contravention of Traffic By-Law 93-93. Enforcement Officers patrol and lay charges against owners of these vendors for this contravention of the by-law.

If you would like to submit a concern or complaint, you may do so at the Enforcement and By-Law Services Division, in person, by telephone, by mail or by email, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Enforcement Officers perform enforcement-related duties 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year.

For services available 24×7 and other vital services relating to matters of an urgent nature, you may call after hours at (905) 458‑3424.

My neighbour does not clean up after his dog and leaves a mess on the boulevard in front of my house. Can he be charged and does a sign need to be posted for a conviction to be registered?

Although signs may help in educating the public about “stoop and scoop” laws, posting a sign is not necessary for a charge to be laid against a person who contravenes Traffic By-Law 93‑93 by allowing his pet to foul City property. Further, the City’s Parklands By-Law 161‑83 stipulates that all animal owners clean the parkland (the definition of which includes City parks) of excrement from their animal.

If you would like to submit a concern or complaint, you may do so at the Enforcement and By-Law Services Division, in person, by telephone, by mail or by email, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Enforcement Officers perform enforcement-related duties 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year.

For services available 24×7 and other vital services relating to matters of an urgent nature, you may call after hours at 905‑458‑3424.

Who has authority to issue tickets?

Brampton Parking Enforcement Officers have been enforcing the City of Brampton parking by‑laws since the mid‑1970’s and have full authority to issue tickets for parking violations.

In this capacity, Parking Enforcement Officers possess the same degree of authority as a Police Officer.

In addition, some private agencies are also authorized to issue parking tickets on private property in Brampton.

When can I set off fireworks?

In the City of Brampton, we respect the holidays of the many cultures in our community and provide opportunities for the safe use of consumer fireworks on Canada Day (July 1), Diwali (Oct. 21 in 2006), New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) and Victoria Day.

Thanks to the City Of Brampton for providing this information on their website. Again, if you have any further questions or concerns, I urge you to check out their website first before calling the city. They have a ton of useful information posted online.

Here are some quick photos I took of a real estate listing I have in Brampton. This house is under power of sale. The home is a corner lot, 3 bedroom & 3 bathroom detach with a one bedroom basement apartment equipped with a second kitchen and a bathroom. There is hardwood throughout the house except for new carpeting in the basement. Both main washrooms have been updated, one of which is an ensuite in the master bedroom. There is also a main floor laundry room, something you’ll be hard pressed to find in older homes. An entrance from the garage also leads into the house.

The lot is relatively large at 70 x 100 feet, and there is an inground pool in the backyard. Because the house is under power of sale, it is being sold as is. If you’re interested in looking at this home, feel free to contact me and I’ll be happy to send you the full listing information.

In the meantime, I’ll have some more real estate articles up soon. It’s been a busy week, but I’ll be posting some new articles soon. Thanks for being a part of my Brampton Real Estate Blog!

As promised, I’ve been working on a guide to the Lakelands Village community in Brampton. Lakelands will be one of my main area’s of focus, as I’m quite familiar with the area as well as the models that were built by Paradise Homes. In case you haven’t heard of Lakelands, it’s a new community built on prime real estate in the heart of Brampton, and boasts a selection of new detached and semi-detached homes. The entire community centers around a man-made lake that’s surrounded by a park - ideal for families. It’s become a popular destination for home buyers in Brampton due to the location, close proximity to amenities, and fantastic models by the builder.

If you’re interested in buying or selling a home in Lakelands Village in Brampton, or want to learn more about the community, I invite you to check my new website - GoLakelands.com. The site is almost to completion, so please give me a bit of time to have it fully functional! As always, if you have any questions, feel free to give me a shout!