THE “NEW NORMAL” – How Our Team Is Adapting To The Pandemic
As restrictions are being lifted and the city of Toronto continues to reopen, we wanted to share some details about how our team is operating during the pandemic.
We recognize that it’s not “back to normal” but rather the beginning of the “new normal”. Since the pandemic began, we’ve been making changes to the way that we sell real estate. One of those changes involves a commitment to providing Personal Protective Equipment to all of our clients as well as other Realtors and their clients who are viewing our listings.
LISTING YOUR HOME WITH US
All of our listings are stocked with individually packaged masks and disposable gloves and there is always hand sanitizer available at the property.
Our convenient online booking system also includes a mandatory disclaimer to ensure that no one viewing your home:
1) Has recently travelled outside of Canada.
2) Is displaying symptoms including: fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.
3) Has come in contact with anyone with a confirmed or presumptive COVID-19 test in the last 14 days.
BUYING A HOME WITH US
Over the past few weeks, we’ve noticed that the majority of our buyer clients are wearing their own masks and gloves during showings which is great! In the event that a buyer client doesn’t have their own PPE or has forgotten to bring it, we have individually packaged gloves and masks as well as hand sanitizer in our vehicles at all times.
Whether you’re buying or selling, we are here to help and we’re committed to doing our part to make sure that we operate in a safe manner.
SOLD IN 1 DAY! 51 Trolley Crescent #805
Congrats to our sellers on the quick sale of this awesome Corktown loft!
For more information on this recent sale, please visit www.51Trolley.com
Pros and cons of renting vs. buying a water heater
Buying a water heater may pay off over the years, but Ontario homeowners have, traditionally, preferred to rent.
In Ontario most homeowners rent a water heater, but in Alberta virtually nobody does.
It’s hard to explain the difference other than habit. Whether one or the other is a better deal depends on how you look at it. In straight cost terms, over time buying is a better deal. When you factor in convenience and hassle-free service for many people renting may be worth the extra cost.
The cost of renting in Ontario is between $13 and $26 a month from Direct Energy or Reliance Home Comfort depending on the size of the heater. You don’t have to worry about maintenance or replacement. When you buy you’re on the hook for any issues that arise after the warranty expires.
The heaters cost between $800 to $1,200 depending on the size, plus $300 to $400 to have them installed. Since a typical heater lasts about 15 years, owning trumps renting after six or seven years, assuming no maintenance is required over that time.
Warren Healy, president of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), says it’s important to read and understand the contract before you rent because it can be long and sometimes difficult to understand.
“Take the time to read through the document, have a friend or neighbour read it, and ask questions to ensure you understand what you are signing,” he said.
CMHC to Increase Mortgage Insurance Premiums
Following the annual review of its insurance products and capital requirements, CMHC will increase its mortgage loan insurance premiums for homeowner and 1 – 4 unit rental properties effective May 1, 2014.
The increase applies to mortgage loan insurance premiums for owner occupied, self-employed and 1-to-4 unit rental properties, including low-ratio refinance premiums. This does not apply to mortgages currently insured by CMHC.
