tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:01:03 +0000The resource for important information pertaining to Toronto's residential real estate market, green living, and all other housing related topics.http://www.myblissfulhome.com/green_page.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bess)Blogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-2481531516552477804Fri, 16 Apr 2010 18:48:00 +00002010-04-16T15:01:03.795-04:00Neighbourhood EventsGreen LivingDon't miss this year's largest consumer eco-show at the Direct Engergy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto Halls B & C.Show Hours are Friday April 23rd from 10am-9pm, Saturday April 24th from 10am-9pm and Sunday April 25th from 10am-6pm.The Green Living Show offers consumers hundreds of new and innovative products and ideas for living a greener lifestyle. Hundreds of earth-friendly exhibitors will http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2010/04/green-living-show.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GP)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-2965562058412518396Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:56:00 +00002010-03-11T11:57:11.534-05:00NewsReal EstateThe long standing controversy on bringing Ontario a Value Added Tax ended permanently on June 18, 2009, when the Ontario Provincial Government announced the implementation of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). The effective date of this new tax will be July 1st, 2010.This tax is called a Harmonized Sales Tax because it will effectively replace the 5% Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the 8% http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2010/03/hst-harmonized-sales-tax-explained.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GP)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-7102235902546560120Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:55:00 +00002010-03-02T11:57:24.799-05:00Green LivingNewsReal EstateThe City of Toronto is pleased to offer HEAT – Home Energy Assistance Toronto – a new incentive program designed to help you save money and the environment.Make your home more energy efficient with new insulation, and receive up to $1,000. Eligible homes include low-rise residential properties, such as detached, semi-detached or town homes.Just follow these 3 easy steps to apply: 1. Assess your http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2010/03/upgrade-your-home-insulation-today-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bess)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-1568522437235678279Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:43:00 +00002010-03-02T11:44:33.319-05:00NewsReal EstateSOURCE: RBC ECONOMICSThe Bank of Canada left the overnight rate at 0.25% this morning and maintained its assessment of risks to the outlook as being balanced based on macro considerations. The Bank removed the statement about risks being "tilted slightly to the downside" because policy is operating at the effective lower bound and did not allude to its ability to use alternative measures to http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2010/03/rbc-bank-of-canada-committed-to-low.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GP)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-1102288897198235031Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:38:00 +00002010-02-01T11:39:12.957-05:00Green LivingReal EstateWhen it comes to character, you just can’t beat the charm of an older home. Newly constructed homes however, come with their own unique assets, one of the most noteworthy of which is energy efficiency.From the roof to the foundation, a number of innovative building practices often go into constructing today’s greenest homes.Roof shingles for example, are now available in recycled materials. http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2010/02/having-green-home-provides-savings.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GP)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-7957464970421037036Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:08:00 +00002010-01-25T16:15:58.945-05:00NewsReal EstateThe 2010 Prognosis for the Central Toronto Real Estate MarketComing off a record 2009, the Toronto Real Estate Market for all intents and purposes is poised for a very healthy spring and early summer market. The momentum of the past six months coupled with the low listing inventory has fuelled buyers thirst for quality properties. Even in this hot market, overpriced properties will stagnate http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2010/01/housing-market-update-first-quarter.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bess)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-7917384387979242868Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:33:00 +00002010-01-15T14:34:10.613-05:00NewsReal EstateBuyers remain nervous about the economy but few believe house prices will drop again, according to Royal LePage Advisor SurveyAs the Canadian real estate market continues to rebound from a steep decline a year ago brought on by the recession, home buyers remain nervous about the stability of the economy, according to a survey of 1,225 Royal LePage agents and brokers across Canada. However, few http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2010/01/economic-iinstability-number-one-fear.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GP)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-1790980688180742267Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:37:00 +00002010-01-06T13:39:46.381-05:00NewsReal EstateBelow is an article regarding an interview with Finance Minister, Jim Flaherty, that came out before the holidays. Federal Government Ready to Deflate Any Housing Bubble: FlahertyAndrew Mayeda, Canwest News ServiceFriday, Dec. 18, 2009OTTAWA -- The federal government is ready to clamp down further on mortgage rules if the boom in the Canadian housing market turns into a bubble, says Finance http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2010/01/federal-government-ready-to-deflate-any.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GP)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-2493478107861919110Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:35:00 +00002010-01-06T13:36:32.331-05:00Real EstateINTEREST RATES EXPECTED TO RISE THIS WEEK – READ ON!Interest rates are expected to rise this week by 20-30 basis points. If you (or any of your family members) are considering an application for a new mortgage, or renewing or making changes to your existing mortgage, please make sure to have yourself pre-approved as soon as possible so that you are rate protected for 120 days. Also, in October http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2010/01/interest-rates-expected-to-rise.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GP)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-4900508042394346188Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:30:00 +00002009-12-01T11:36:33.803-05:00NewsReal EstateLast week, the Government of Ontario formally launched its latest assault on homeowners, purchasers and sellers with the introduction of legislation to harmonize the provincial sales tax and goods and services tax.Homebuyers and sellers will pay 8 per cent more on legal fees, appraisals, real estate commissions, home inspection fees, and moving costs, adding about $1,500 in new taxes to the http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2009/12/stop-hst-cost-of-buying-owning-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bess)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-6094616870579025227Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:31:00 +00002009-11-10T14:32:39.202-05:00NewsReal EstateJust a reminder that (unless the Federal Government decides to extend the date) the renovation deadline for the Home Renovation Tax Credit is February 1, 2010. The credit will only be available for the 2009 tax year and applies to eligible expenditures of more than $1,000, but not more than $10,000, resulting in a maximum credit of $1,350 ($9,000 x 15%).Eligible expenditures include:• Renovatinghttp://www.myblissfulhome.com/2009/11/taking-advantage-of-home-renovation-tax.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GP)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-8852857248603914326Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:45:00 +00002009-11-03T15:54:00.418-05:00Green LivingNewsReal EstateHomeowners now have an easy, affordable way of having a tree planted in their backyard!Planting trees around homes can help conserve energy, filter pollutants from the air, provide natural privacy and most importantly - increase property value!!LEAF (Local Enhancement and Apprciation of Forests) is a local, non-profit organization that can help you plant a tree in your backyard. The program is http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2009/11/need-help-planting-tree-in-your.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bess)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-7502326340156137243Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:39:00 +00002009-11-03T15:45:36.905-05:00Green LivingNewsReal EstateToronto Hydro is offering a FREE pick-up of your old refrigerator. All you have to do is call 1-877-797-9473 or visit www.everykilowattcounts.com and book an appointment. They now accept pick-up requests on weekends. I had an old energy-guzzler in the basement I wanted to get rid of and it was quick and easy! Plus they guarantee that the fridge will be dismantled in an http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2009/11/recycle-your-old-fridge.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bess)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-220805887224595211Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:30:00 +00002009-11-03T15:38:53.569-05:00Green LivingNewsReal EstateIf your houses was built before the mid-1950's, it may have lead pipes!Lead has the most impact on the fetus, infants and children under six years old, and can affect the brain and nervous system. Lead can dissolve into your drinking water when the water stands for more than a few hours in the pipe (or "service line") that connects the underground watermain to your house.Over the next several http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2009/11/important-health-message-about-lead-in.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bess)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-6840256660262638520Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:01:00 +00002009-09-29T14:08:27.133-04:00Neighbourhood EventsInternational Home ShowOctober 9-12, 2009The Largest Home Show in Canada this fall, shop 250,000 sq.ft. of home improvement products and services. Show Dates & Hours:Friday October 9 - 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.Saturday October 10 - 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.Sunday October 11 - 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.Monday October 12 - 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.International Centre – Toronto6900 Airport Road – http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2009/09/international-home-show.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bess)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-3676523527261146922Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:34:00 +00002009-09-22T15:37:36.980-04:00NewsReal EstateCanada’s rate of inflation is at a historical low of .09%, not seen since 1953. This provides assurance of low interest rates going into a busy autumn market.Please contact me if you're thinking of buying a home or condo. Now is a great time to invest in our wonderful city!http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2009/09/great-time-to-invest-in-real-estate.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bess)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-8763911087722620375Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:53:00 +00002009-09-08T12:54:27.271-04:00Real EstateWelcome back from one of the wettest summers on record!While the heat this summer certainly wasn’t in the weather, the real estate market in Toronto, as well as in the rest of Canada, was certainly boiling and continues to do so! The first few months of the year were certainly dismal from a real estate perspective so it is absolutely amazing that by the end of August, the year to date sales were http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2009/09/cool-summer-hot-real-estate-market.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bess)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-1457576846812227007Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:32:00 +00002009-07-31T15:34:19.235-04:00Real EstateMany economic forecasters are in a state of bewilderment as their predictions of dramatic market corrections in the Canadian real estate market witnessed the fourth consecutive month of strong resale results, especially in the Central Toronto market. The results from the Toronto Real Estate Board revealed that June 2009 was the best June on record with 10,955 sales. This number represented a 27% http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2009/07/j-summer-update.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bess)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-1187465202501801764Sun, 19 Jul 2009 22:01:00 +00002009-07-19T18:17:03.839-04:00Neighbourhood EventsToronto will close three temporary garbage dump sites at 7 p.m. today, and open three new ones at 7 a.m. tomorrow.The three new sites are:* The parking lot at Clairlea Park Arena, 45 Fairfax Crescent, west of Warden Ave., north of St. Clair Ave. E.;* The outdoor rink at Campbell Park, 225 Campbell Avenue (near Lansdowne and Dupont) Enter off Campbell Ave., north of Wallace Ave.;*The parking lot http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2009/07/city-to-open-three-new-dump-sites.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bess)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-5153845101963971845Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:39:00 +00002009-07-14T14:40:08.279-04:00Real EstateIn Toronto, the real estate market witnessed significant second quarter gains. The return of consumer confidence and an upswing in spring market activity brought house prices and unit sales down as buyers emerged to take advantage of affordable properties and low lending rates. As the market begins its transition from a buyer’s market to a balanced market, with indications of a seller’s market http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2009/07/market-summary.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bess)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-4205044670838278482Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:16:00 +00002009-06-22T22:49:58.397-04:00Real EstateNow is a great time to buy Real Estate in Toronto!! Interest rates are at an all time low - the lowest they've been in the past 10 years. Although banks are putting tighter restraints on lending, having the ability to take advantage of these low interest rates can be a challenge. However, if you are a buyer with secure employment with a decent down payment, home ownership may be a smart http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2009/06/great-time-to-buy-real-estate-in.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bess)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-3837785694393351908Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:08:00 +00002009-06-22T22:13:17.718-04:00Real EstateA great new condo building coming soon from Goldman Group and Lash Development Corp at 530 St. Clair West!!This will be phase 2 of “The Forest Hill” development by Goldman Group and Lash Development Corp.Construction for phase 1 (500 St Clair Ave West) is well underway with occupancy slated for late 2009.Located at the corner of St. Clair and Bathurst, just a block away from the St Clair Ave Westhttp://www.myblissfulhome.com/2009/06/forest-hill-condo-at-st-clair-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bess)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-5386168956570317260Fri, 01 May 2009 02:43:00 +00002009-04-30T22:44:54.268-04:00Real Estatehttp://www.nationalpost.com/story.html?id=1495223Mortgage rates in Canada, which have plunged by almost 50% in the last year, aren't likely to fall further, said Phil Soper, chief executive of Brookfield Real Estate Services Fund."Certainly with the Bank of Canada's target rate set at virtually zero, there's very little room," Mr. Soper said Tuesday at a conference in Toronto on Canada's real http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2009/04/mortgage-rates-in-canada.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (GP)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-1058487743406961411Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:39:00 +00002009-03-26T10:40:53.537-04:00Neighbourhood EventsGreen LivingAt 8:30 p.m. on Saturday March 28, the City of Toronto and its residents and businesses will join millions of people around the world and turn off the lights for Earth Hour to show our support for action on climate change.Toronto is proud to return as a partner city this year, and with your help, we can build on last year’s tremendous success and send an even stronger call for action on climate http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2009/03/countdown-to-earth-hour-2009.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bess)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859720878087040247.post-5572923947978680978Fri, 20 Mar 2009 02:53:00 +00002009-03-19T22:58:32.995-04:00Useful WebsitesReal EstateBe sure to visit Johnston and Daniel's new blog site www.muddyyork.com loaded with plenty of interesting real estate related articles.http://www.myblissfulhome.com/2009/03/j-ds-new-blog-site.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bess)0