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 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 stats. 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 has recently published its market report for October 2023. 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 has recently published its market report for August 2023. Let's take a closer look at some of the key metrics and our expert takeaways you need to know about:

We ❤️to find our buyers unique opportunities and collaborate with fellow colleagues to showcase fantastic listings that often exceed all expectations.

This Huntsville retreat is a show stopper - a balcony in the woods - a bridge and a house - nestled on a 5.3 acre wooded lot hovering over a seasonal ravine.

The 38 meter long structure faces Mary Lake and boasts 310 feet of shoreline. The home’s floor to ceiling glazed walkouts are the gateway to the natural landscape. I personally love the clever ‘peek-a-boo’ ground level windows connecting you to the environment.

The fabulous great room combines living, dining, cooking and entertaining.

4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

Minimalism Maximized.
Simply Stunning.

Call Nancy @416-985-1486 or Dave @416-894-4079 to book your private tour.

Listed by Trevor Maxwell Bond

Bosley Real Estate Ltd, Brokerage

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

A typical Agreement of Purchase and Sale of a condominium should include a provision that the offer be conditional upon the review of the status certificate by the buyer’s lawyer. 

The status certificate should never be overlooked - even during competitive bidding where buyers feel the pressure to bid with “clean offers” with no conditions. The buyer’s sales representative can inquire if the status has been ordered and if so, obtain a copy for the buyer to give to their lawyer for a “pre-offer review” - usually for a nominal fee. 

A status certificate is a document that contains vital information about a condo corporation’s financial and legal health including the budget, common expenses, any legal proceedings, insurance status, pending major repairs or maintenance issues and the reserve fund.

Certificates also allow prospective buyers to learn about the rules such as whether pets are allowed - which is often a very important factor for many of our pet owner clients!

Things that are of immediate interest in the certificate are confirmation that the maintenance fees for the specific unit have been paid up to date, that there are no pending Special Assessments, and that there are no pending orders to reverse unauthorized modifications made to the unit by the current owner.  Regarding the latter, some Corporations require a walk-through to check for unauthorized modifications.  If such are found, it is the responsibility of the titled owner to reverse the changes.  Some certificates may indicate where changes have been approved, while others may not and it is up to the buyer to satisfy themselves in this respect.

An important factor to potential buyers is the amount of money that the Corporation has in its Reserve Fund to deal with anticipated repairs and improvements.  Reserve Fund studies are mandated to be conducted every 3 years and it is important the certificate is up to date in this respect.  The budget addresses current maintenance and capital improvements and the anticipated impact on maintenance fees in future years.  Another important factor is whether the Corporation is involved in any legal actions that could impact the financial position of the Corporation and result in increased fees and assessments.

Many older condos do not have separate hydro billing capability and maintenance fees may cover all utility costs.  Beyond hydro, maintenance fees often include heat, A/C and water and parking.  However; sometimes utilities are metered separately, particularly in townhouse condos. It is important to know whether parking and lockers associated with the unit are owned or assigned.  If they are assigned, it precludes the ability of the owner to sell a parking space.  Owned parking spaces and lockers are indicated individually on title.

Hydro utility costs can often be confusing.  For example, a unit may have heat and A/C included in the maintenance costs, but not hydro.  Buyers often miss the fact that although the condo provides heating and cooling, the unit’s HVAC fan(s) distribute the heat/cool, and the electricity used by the fan(s) is part of the units separate metered services, along with lighting, appliances, TVs, computers, etc.

Some things may not be well defined in the certificate and require additional research, such as the distribution of responsibilities for windows, HVAC, and hot water tanks repair and replacement.  Some Corporations will maintain and change HVAC filters, but it the system requires replacement, it is the unit owner’s responsibility.  Townhome owners are often faced with additional considerations, such as snow removal and who is responsible for clearing driveways and walkways.  Common elements may include exclusive outdoor areas and it is important to note if the owner can modify those areas; installing fencing, plantings, decks, etc.  Some condos are very restrictive in this regard.

Rules and regulations are important for things such as whether bbq’s are allowed on balconies, and as mentioned earlier, pets.  Many owners don’t realize that the Corporation has the ability to order removal of a troublesome animal.  Some condos may have lifestyle restrictions, such as no smoking on condo property and an absolute ban on marijuana.  Some condos with limited visitor parking may restrict the number of monthly visitor passes.

If a buyer is considering renting out their unit they may find restrictions on the number of units that can be leased at a given time and are likely to find that Airbnb’s (short term rentals) are not permitted at all.  Rules may require Board approval of a renter and there is often a rule that precludes the renter from subletting the lease.

It is important for a potential buyer to read all of the rules carefully in order to make an informed condo buying decision.

For more information, please contact us directly.

Nancy 416-985-1486

Dave   416-894-4079

info@gtaselling.com

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