The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board recently published its market report for July 2024 statistics. Let's take a closer look at some of the key metrics and our expert takeaways you need to know about:

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board recently published its market report for June 2024 statistics. Let's take a closer look at some of the key metrics and our expert takeaways you need to know about:

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board recently published its market report for May 2024 statistics. Let's take a closer look at some of the key metrics and our expert takeaways you need to know about:

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board recently published its market report for April 2024 statistics. Let's take a closer look at some of the key metrics and our expert takeaways you need to know about:

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board recently published its market report for March 2024 statistics. Let's take a closer look at some of the key metrics and our expert takeaways you need to know about:

In a recent development in the Town of Blue Mountains, Ontario, a couple seeking to sever their land faced an unexpected hurdle: a hefty park dedication fee of $50,000, equivalent to 5% of the land's value. This revelation came as a shock to the applicants, highlighting the significance of understanding all associated fees when dealing with land transactions.

Parkland Dedication, a customary condition for any consent severance in the Town of Blue Mountains, is a vital aspect of land development processes in Ontario. This requirement often entails either transferring land ownership to the municipality or compensating with a cash payment in lieu of land.

For prospective buyers eyeing large properties in Ontario with intentions of severing for future use, comprehensive due diligence is imperative. Understanding the full scope of factors influencing such decisions is essential for informed decision-making.

In the realm of real estate transactions, thorough due diligence involves delving into various aspects beyond mere property boundaries. Whether it's investigating building allowances, sewer systems, water sources, or necessary permits, meticulous examination is crucial.

The regulatory framework guiding such matters in Ontario is provided by The Planning Act, empowering municipalities to finance growth-related expenses for parks and recreational purposes. This ensures that burgeoning communities maintain adequate access to green spaces and recreational amenities.

The saga of the Blue Mountains couple underscores the importance of awareness regarding parkland provisions in Ontario municipalities. By being cognizant of such regulations, individuals involved in property transactions can navigate potential hurdles more effectively and make well-informed decisions.

As property transactions can be complex undertakings, seeking professional assistance and utilizing available resources for understanding local regulations is advisable. Ultimately, being proactive in assessing all pertinent factors ensures smoother transactions and mitigates unforeseen challenges.

To delve deeper into the intricacies of the Blue Mountains saga and gain insights into how Ontario municipalities implement parkland provisions, interested parties are encouraged to explore further through the links provided below. After all, staying informed about regulatory nuances can significantly impact one's property dealings in Ontario. Anyone considering severing their property should consult with their local planning department for precise guidance.

TBM couple face $125,000 in fees to build one house (msn.com)

https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90p13#BK61

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board recently published its market report for February 2024 statistics. Let's take a closer look at some of the key metrics and our expert takeaways you need to know about:

Stolen vehicles are so much more than a missing car, truck or motorcycle. They facilitate all types of crimes such as the transport and smuggling of drugs, migrants, international criminals, weapons, cash and even bombs. The money generated from their resale revenue is used for international organized crime groups. Canada’s position in the global black market has prompted Interpol to name us as a “main source country” for stolen vehicles.

 I attended a public meeting held at the Thorncrest Village Community Clubhouse on January 30, 2024 to learn more about police efforts targeted at the safety of our neighbourhoods in relation to auto theft which, according to police data, is currently the most prevalent criminal activity in the Princess-Rosethorn, Edenbridge-Humber Valley and Kingsway areas. There was a good turnout and attendees learned a great deal from the 5 officer panel and key note speakers from Police Divisions 22 and 23.

The key “take-away” points were:

• Don’t try to be a hero - you could get hurt! Generally, thieves don’t want a confrontation.
• Do what you can to make your vehicle difficult to steal (add cameras to you home, add 3M film to your windows, add 1” safety deadbolts to exterior doors, install dash cams both in the front and back of your car(s), install IGLA smart anti-theft immobilizer, install 2 Apple air tags (1 up front and the other hidden in the back), cover the VIN in the windshield.
• Talk about safety scenarios with your family and have a designated “safe” room and cell phones with you at night.
• If someone does break into your home yell, “Fobs are on the table at the door. I’m calling the police. Leave now!”
• Back into your driveway when parking, so you can see if any hooded individuals are approaching.
• If you experience a carjacking, hold your hands up and say, “Let me give you the fob and (if children are with you) let me get the kids out of the car.”

Law enforcement specialists acknowledge that lax border security combined with a booming overseas demand for used cars and lucrative market are key factors driving auto theft.

On February 8, 2024, the Government of Canada held the “National Summit of Combating Auto Theft” in Ottawa, convening provincial, territorial and municipal government officials, industry leaders and law enforcement representatives to discuss solutions to the growing challenge of auto theft in our country. As a result, 28 million dollars in new funding has been earmarked to help the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) detect and search shipping containers, increase inspections and enforcement, identify cargo handling vulnerabilities, enhance intelligence sharing and detection technology to stop cars before they arrive at the ports, such as Montreal, where cars are loaded into containers bound for Africa and the Middle East.

In addition, the Department of Justice will examine potential amendments to the Criminal Code to strengthen the framework related to auto theft. Currently, our justice system treats auto theft as a minor property crime and imposes light sentences. The officers at the community meeting emphasized the “low risk high reward” factor and they are frustrated. However, it is important to note that since the inception of the Provincial Carjacking Joint Task Force (PCITF) the recovery rate of stolen vehicles has been 33%, with 1,100 of 3,000 vehicles recovered in the past year.

How our community members can help…

• Offer your driveway to allow unmarked police cars to park.
• Engage with and get local politicians involved at all levels - especially at the federal level to reform bail conditions.
• Report any suspicious activity and/or provide video to the police when possible.

Meeting Notes as captioned. (Links Below)

• Meeting Notes
• Hand Outs
• Auto Thefts Article

HANDOUTS

PC Marco Ricciardi brought pamphlets to the meeting.  In an attempt to find online versions of the handouts, we stumbled into lots of Useful Information about Crime Prevention offered by the Toronto Police Service at this website:  <Click Here> 
 
The following hard copies were provided at the meeting and are also available online:

• CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN
• HOME SECURITY
• NEIGHBOURHOOD SAFETY
• AUTO CRIMES
• IDENTITY THEFT
• 911
• 311

Here is the link for the IGLA smart anti theft car immobilizer  mentioned in the notes.

We will continue to work on keeping our neighborhood safe and if you agree, please tell every politician that we need them to help us in this effort via:

• Bail Reforms: tougher penalties / rehabilitation focus for repeat & young offenders
• Concerted Effort and collaboration between ALL publicly funded entities, regardless of jurisdictional segregation

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board recently published its market report for January 2024 statistics. Let's take a closer look at some of the key metrics and our expert takeaways you need to know about:

Navigating Transparency: Trust in Real Estate ServicesAct (TRESA) and Competing Offers; What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know:

In any real estate transaction, trust is a fundamental aspect of the relationship between the parties involved. Trust is built on transparency, honesty and effective communication. Buyers and sellers need to have confidence in the real estate professionals guiding them through the process. This trust is essential for a successful and smooth transaction.

The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) has developed a revised “Working with a Real Estate Agent” information guide book that we, as agents, are required to walk through, those who are considering our services or assistance, before providing any services or assistance.

The content to the RECO Information Guide in intended to help buyers and sellers make informed decisions.

Here is what is inside:

Working with a Real Estate Agent

Know the Risks of Representing Yourself

Signing a Contract with a Real Estate Brokerage

Understanding Multiple Representation

How to Make a Complaint

Self-Representation in Real Estate:

This is not a new concept. Some individuals choose to represent themselves in real estate transactions which does require knowledge and expertise to navigate any transactions. While this is a valid choice for some, there are significant risks involved which may involve:

Limited Market Access: Real estate agents have access to extensive data bases and networks, enabling us to reach a broader audience for both buyers and sellers.

Property Information: As a benefit to clients, prudent real estate agents often research zoning, permitted property use, parking availability, building permits etc.

Determining Property Value: Real estate agents have an in-depth knowledge of the market, helping buyers and sellers make informed decisions about pricing, property value and market trends.

Negotiating Offers: Real estate agents are trained in negotiating and can assist in getting the best terms for their clients and help navigate competing offer situations.

Preparing Documents: Real estate transactions require a significant amount of paperwork and legal intricacies which real estate agents prepare and help buyers and sellers decide which terms to include to represent their best interests in an offer or agreement of purchase and sale.

The complexities involved make working with a qualified real estate agent a prudent choice for many as a reliable agent can offer expertise and peace of mind throughout the process.

Please click hyperlink to view the RECO Information Guide.

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board recently published its market report for December 2023 statistics. Let's take a closer look at some of the key metrics and our expert takeaways you need to know about: