As a condo owner, do you know when it is an emergency….and what to do in case of: Fire? Gas leak/carbon monoxide? Flooding? No electricity or water? No heat/air conditioning? Clogged plumbing? Noisy neighbours? Locked out of apt? It is important as a condo owner to know when an emergency is an emergency, when it is not and what you should do. One way to identify true emergencies is to apply a “blood, flood or fire” test. Any issue that … Continue reading “When do you know it’s an emergency…or not?”
Looking to retire? Windsor-Essex is the place!
Posted on August 26, 2022January 10, 2023Whether you are a lifelong Windsorite or newly retired and looking to relocate from the ‘big city’, Windsor-Essex is the perfect place to settle! You can be as busy or as laid back as you want to be in this amazing place! You get the small town feel, a high quality of life – and low property taxes! Windsor makes it easy to travel to and from whether it be to the States or other cities in Ontario and not … Continue reading “Looking to retire? Windsor-Essex is the place!”
With Home Prices Going Down and Rent Prices Going up in 2022, is it better to Buy or Rent a Condo?
Posted on July 22, 2022July 22, 2022Some homebuyers are seeing appraisals come in lower than their purchase price. Average prices for homes have been trending down over the past few months. In May, the average home price was $711,316 – a 4.6% drop from April and a nearly 13% drop from February. Ontario home prices could drop up to 18%. Appraisers consider several factors when calculating the value of a home – the home’s construction cost, size, features and previous selling price. Other factors include higher … Continue reading “With Home Prices Going Down and Rent Prices Going up in 2022, is it better to Buy or Rent a Condo?”
REAL ESTATE TRENDS
Posted on June 3, 2022June 7, 2022In the first two months of 2022, the average monthly price for a home had risen $129,043. With interest rates rising, will it slow rising prices? Most buyers are out-of-town investors who are driving the market making housing become a commodity. OUT OF TOWN INVESTORS Where are the out-of -town investors coming from? The largest source is the Greater Toronto area, but there’s also interest from Vancouver and Montreal. Windsor’s housing market has become so hot that out of town … Continue reading “REAL ESTATE TRENDS”
CONDO SPRING MAINTENANCE
Posted on May 11, 2022June 7, 2022It’s that time of year again…spring cleaning! In most condominiums, this maintenance will fall under the owner’s responsibility: INSIDE Change the batteries on all smoke detectors, including carbon monoxide detectors. Change your HVAC filter Clean your dryer vent at least once a year Clean your exhaust fan filter under your range hood Check your water heater for any signs of corrosion, and have it repaired if necessary Look for any signs of leaks under sinks and around toilets. OUTSIDE Maintenance … Continue reading “CONDO SPRING MAINTENANCE”
Is your condo eco friendly? Looking for an eco-friendly condo?
Posted on April 1, 2022April 1, 2022One sure way to know if a building is eco-friendly is whether or not it’s received: LEED CERTIFICATION (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). LEED addresses climate change and provides a framework for healthy, resource-efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. LEED buildings involve: Innovation-novel features and procedures Materials and resources-responsible construction waste mgt and sustainable sourcing of materials Sustainable sites-sufficient green open space and light pollution reduction Indoor Environmental quality-use of natural light and efficient air conditioning Location and transportation-land protection and access … Continue reading “Is your condo eco friendly? Looking for an eco-friendly condo?”
Common Complaints from Condo Owners
Posted on March 10, 2022March 10, 2022Most condominium corporations have rules, regulations and by-laws that residents must abide by. This includes things like complaints, guest suite privileges, gym hours and visitor parking. A board of directors may make rules respecting the use of the common elements and of units to promote the safety, security or welfare of the owners and of the property and assets of the corporation, or to prevent unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of the units. Condo boards have a Duty to Enforce … Continue reading “Common Complaints from Condo Owners”
Housing Prices and Development
Posted on February 4, 2022February 4, 2022Canada housing prices are expected to continue to rise through 2022. More young adults leaving parents’ homes and new Canadians purchasing homes have been growing higher than usual. The Windsor housing market is likely to continue to be a seller’s market in 2022 with expectations for an active year ahead by growing demand from move-over buyers and locals, low housing inventory and rising prices. Low inventory has been a common trend across many Ontario housing markets. Move-up buyers in the … Continue reading “Housing Prices and Development”
What is it like to be on a Board and why you should consider joining your Condominium’s Board of Directors
Posted on January 10, 2022February 4, 2022A condominium board is responsible for the physical and financial well-being of the condominium corporation. They manage the day-to-day responsibilities, maintenance and repair of assets, and fiscal responsibilities of the corporation. Condo boards will hire a property management company to handle the daily operations of the corporation. This can lighten the load for busy board members, but the board of directors retains decision-making power and responsibility. Boards do not represent themselves nor the management: They represent owners and should be accountable to … Continue reading “What is it like to be on a Board and why you should consider joining your Condominium’s Board of Directors”
Condominium Insurance on the Rise!
Posted on December 4, 2021December 8, 2021The increase in rates will affect the corporation/association (property/general liability) and the individual owners (household contents, betterments/improvements and liability). Why are Condo insurance rates going up? The factors helping drive up condo insurance rates in Canada in the last number of years are compounded by the costs of climate change and the pandemic. There has been a higher volume of claims related to more frequent severe weather events and by the surge in building material costs. Wally McNeilly, a broker … Continue reading “Condominium Insurance on the Rise!”