Household Asbestos: What Homeowners Need To Know

May 29th, 2017

As housing buzzwords go, there are few that cause the kind of alarm that asbestos does. And since we're in renovation season, this topic becomes particularly important! Given the age of the housing stock in Toronto, encountering asbestos is not uncommon. Prior to 1990, it was used largely used in… Read Full Entry

How To Embrace Sustainability In The Home

April 26th, 2017

In an ideal world, housing should be producing energy rather than consuming it. Our shelter should be healthy, be easily maintained, produce food and water, cause no pollution, and preferably be self-sustaining. While this is far from the reality we live in, it's never too late to start. Even small… Read Full Entry

How To Plan A Successful Home Renovation

March 28th, 2017

If you've been searching for a freehold property to purchase in the original City of Toronto, you've now discovered the age of the city's housing stock ranges anywhere from 70 to 160 years, which means the condition of a lot of dwellings can be marginal at best. Compound this reality with… Read Full Entry

How To Find The Loft That’s Right For You

February 22nd, 2017

Welcome to February's Homewatch post. In this installment, we compare and contrast an element that has become an integral part of the Toronto property landscape over the past three decades: the loft. We discuss its history, types, features, and how you can find one that fits you perfectly! This month is… Read Full Entry

Urbaneer’s Helpful Home Maintenance Tips

January 25th, 2017

Welcome to January's Homewatch post. In this installment, we provide our favorite helpful hints when it comes to home maintenance. If last year's weather was any indication, spring could arrive as soon as late March, so we've included our Seasonal 'To Do' Summary - spring cleaning may be only two… Read Full Entry

The Importance Of Securing Accurate Homeowner Insurance

December 21st, 2016

Welcome to December's Homewatch post. In this installment, we discuss the importance of having accurate homeowner insurance. While most property owners know of the necessity of property insurance, this post reinforces how critical it is your insurance coverage be detailed and correct. At this holiday time of year, when our… Read Full Entry

Fails & Fixes: Urbaneer’s Tips For Common Home Renovation Mistakes

November 28th, 2016

With the holidays fast approaching, promising a full house of family and friends, time is running short to address any pressing home repairs and upgrades before company arrives! Thanks in part to the HGTV phenomenon, more and more homeowners are attempting to tackle those renovations with their own elbow grease… Read Full Entry

Household Mold: What Homeowners Need To Know

October 20th, 2016

Welcome to October's Homewatch post. In this installment, we discuss the essential fact that any homeowner should know about the different types of mould, how to address it, and how to prevent it from returning. There is much more to home ownership then signing papers and moving in. There’s… Read Full Entry

Stocks Or Locks - Which Should I Invest In?

September 26th, 2016

Welcome to September's Homewatch post. In this installment, we discuss the potential pros and cons of investing in the stock market versus the Toronto real estate market, specifically in the world of today's market conditions. Given the roller coaster ride that is the frenetic Toronto real estate market recently,… Read Full Entry

Should I Use My RRSP As A Down Payment?

August 23rd, 2016

Welcome to August's Homewatch post. In this installment, we discuss the financial advantages and pitfalls of dipping into your RRSP for a home down payment, and other financial food for thought. With the rapidly escalating house prices in Toronto, the reality is that many house hunters are looking for… Read Full Entry