Torontonian Online

Real Estate Technology: Changing How Things Are Done

Addy Saeed — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:43:21 +0000

In most industries, technology has change the way people do business. For real estate, technology has had an enormous impact on communications and presentation. The evolution of technology has transformed the desktop PC into a series of mobile devices, powerful in capability and performance. With...

Building Permits Up 8.6% in March

Addy Saeed — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:15:15 +0000

Earlier this month, Statistics Canada revealed that there was $6.5-billion in building permits issued in March, equating to a 8.6% growth from the previous month. This marks the third consecutive month building permit values have risen, and once again the non-residential sector is responsible for...

The Condominium Act Review: Stage Two

Addy Saeed — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:51:47 +0000

Considering condos amassed to nearly one half of the homes built in 2012, and that over 1.3-million Ontarians claim to be condo-owners, it is not a surprise that efforts to modernize the Condominium Act of 1998 are underway. Currently, we are in the middle of Stage Two of a three-tier...

The CMHC Gets Ready for More Change

Addy Saeed — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:38:46 +0000

It appears that change is underway for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) — and this is not the first time. Over the last decade, CMHC protocol has been altered many times to make federal-backed mortgage insurance more difficult to obtain. Since the CMHC is accountable for more than...

Saying Farewell to Toronto’s Concourse Building

Addy Saeed — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:36:07 +0000

Earlier last week, Oxford Properties announced that they’ve obtained a building permit for 100 Adelaide West, which will allow them to proceed with their plans to construct a 40-storey, high-performance LEED Platinum CS office tower straight across from the First Canadian Place. The...

Why Buying a Home May Be More Expensive Than You First Thought

Addy Saeed — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:18:49 +0000

Earlier last week, columnist Rob Carrick of the Globe and Mail discussed the types of expenses home owners face when purchasing and maintaining a property. To the surprise of many, it is much more complicated (and much more costly) than making mortgage payments and settling property taxes....

14th Annual Doors Open Toronto

Addy Saeed — Tue, 07 May 2013 15:05:47 +0000

On the weekend of May 25th and 26th, the City of Toronto will host its annual Doors Open event, presented this year by Great Gulf. This city-wide event encourages residents and tourists to take the walk and discover over 150 structures of either historical, architectural, cultural, or social...

Looking for Something to Do This Weekend? (Toronto Events May 2013)

Addy Saeed — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:14:05 +0000

With all of the nice weather we’ve been having, it’s time to get outside and participate in some of these upcoming Toronto events: Jane’s Walk In remembrance of writer/activist Jane Jacbos, this year’s annual walking tour will be held May 5th. The purpose of this event is...

Councillors Motion to Replace the Scarborough RT with a Subway

Addy Saeed — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:43:01 +0000

This isn’t the first time council members have requested funding for the transformation of the Scarborough Rapid Transit line. It seems now, however, that a group of councillors have not only elected to revive the idea, but have declared an ultimatum with Toronto: Scarborough will support the...

What Renovating Can Do To Your Home Insurance Premium

Addy Saeed — Thu, 02 May 2013 17:08:36 +0000

If you’re planning a major renovation, be sure to consider what it might do to your home insurance premium. Of course, not all home renovations will affect your policy, but many of them will and it is important to disclose such information to your insurer to avoid complication. For large...