Toronto Environmentally Friendly Residential Laneway House Blogspot - 02/27/09 10:22 AM
The concept of laneway infill properties in Toronto in the last 10 years has been a fairly recent phenomena. Laneway properties mean that property owners are permitted to build in a back lot that borders a public or unserviced lane. These laneways are often derelict passages for vehicular access to garages and private parking.

 
It has often been a difficult hurdle to get laneway properties approved by the City of Toronto, due to lack of municipal services in these laneways and unsupportive front property owners.

Some interesting facts about the process:
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/02/laneway_house.php
http://www.canadianarchitect.com/issues/ISarticle.asp?id=77537&story_id=141660145537&issue=01012003&PC=&RType=
http://lanewayhouse.blogspot.com
 
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… (4 comments)

Mandatory Home Energy Audit Coming to Ontario With New Green Energy Act - 02/26/09 08:15 PM

Via Bruce Johnson, ABR®, e-PRO®, GREEN® (RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach Inc., Brokerage):
The Ontario government, in hopes of converting the province from an auto-industry driven economy to a green-energy driven economy with its groundbreaking Green Energy Act ( http://www.greenenergyact.ca/ ), may soon rival California as North America's "greenest" area.
"With this initiative, Ontario is on track to become a leader in the global shift to clean energy and in preventing dangerous climate change," said Mark Lutes, climate change and energy policy analyst for the David Suzuki Foundation.
However, an interesting tidbit tucked neatly into the legislation aims to make energy audits a … (0 comments)

What's for dinner...is it safe? - 02/20/09 08:37 PM
Say no to Frankinfood
Watching what we eat. It's a directive we lost sight of, but one that's increasingly relevant. 

So what's new? Mad cow, bad milk, salmonella spinach, spoiled tomatoes, listeria in processed meat. Food can be beneficial as well as act like poison. Life in the fast-food lane affects our ever changing relationship that we have with what we put in our mouths. When we don't cook anymore, we don't understand food anymore because life changed. The distance between preparation and consumption has grown further and further apart.
 
         
 
Everybody has a responsibility, including the … (0 comments)

Construction Loans - 02/20/09 07:07 PM

Via Andrew Rook ():
Today’s Economy With today’s economy, many people are staying in their current house. This makes it quite inviting to finally complete those renovations and additions that you’ve been talking about for years. But where to start? If you don’t have the cash or don’t want to spend the cash right now, what many people do is apply for a construction loan. A construction loan is a loan that is given to complete a specific construction project. A construction loan is different than a conventional loan in that the money is not given all at once. Rather the lender … (0 comments)

Toronto For Lease - Commercial property at 93 Ossington Ave (Ossington/Queen) - 02/20/09 02:09 PM
Ossington/Queen, Toronto  -  Located in the thriving Ossignton corridor, with access to Queen W and downtown, and just a hop to Little Italy or Bloor St. Dundas is just to the north
a 5,000 sq. ft. single story "great for commercial/ retail conversion".
 $6,250 Monthly - 15 /sf net lease+taxes+insurance+ operating cost. Min 5yr lease. Great for gallery, restuarant/bar/lounge, creative retail etc.
Property information

 
 
… (0 comments)

[For SALE] What happens when you cross a Ford GT40 with the classic British Deck Chair? Designer deck chair with a hint of glamour. - 02/19/09 05:03 PM
Looking for a deck chair for your home?
 
I recently assisted Tom Elder, an automotive engineer, in the purchase of his new home. Tom's passions range anywhere from design to auto racing. In his passtime, he engages in his personal projects in designing high-end consumer goods prototypes and restoring iconic sports car. 
His latest project has been a redesign of the classic british deck chair.  

 
The Concept
 
The original idea for the chair came about when Tom Elder from Floyd Design was looking for some deck furniture for his home. He found most good design on the market was too expensive for … (0 comments)

Why should I buy a LEED®®certified home? - 02/19/09 03:37 PM
This article offers a great introductory explanation on LEED certified homes.
Via Andrea Paulinelli (Metro Brokers/GMAC Real Estate):
What is LEED®
LEED® stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It was created and is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, a nonprofit environmental organization with more than 14,000 member organizations dedicated to sustainability in building design and construction. The certification system has been in use for more than seven years in commercial construction, and includes more than 3.2 Billion square feet of real estate currently seeking LEED® certification.
LEED® recognizes the highest quality in green homebuilding. LEED® promotes a whole-building approach … (0 comments)

Infill Lots - What Are They, and Why Are They Green? - 02/19/09 03:01 PM
 
The many good reasons for urban infill and redevelopment.
 
Via Stanton Homes - Penny Hull Raleigh NC Custom Home Builders (Stanton Homes - Triangle NC New Homes):
Custom Homes Raleigh NC
Buying an Infill Lot - What is an Infill Lot, and Why is it Greener? What To Look for with Infill Development  
What is an Infill Lot? "Fill In" Lots
Think of an infill lot as "filling in" available lots and land where infrastructure and services are already in place. 
An infill lot might be an empty lot between homes in an existing newer subdivision.
An infill lot … (0 comments)

Water Bill Arrears - 02/19/09 09:14 AM
Make sure you are not soaked with the Vendor's water bill:
http://www.thestar.com/comment/columnists/article/425505
Via Anthon Pang, Sales Representative, e-PRO, SRES (Right At Home Realty Inc., Brokerage):
Here in the GTA and other parts of Ontario, water consumption is a metered utility.  The occupant or owner may be billed quarterly by the city, regional municipality, or the local utility company.  Like other utilities (e.g., natural gas & electricity), the seller is responsible for any consumption up to the date of closing.
However, unlike other utilities, water bill arrears can be carried forward and billed to the new owner.  And from what I've seen, solicitors can … (0 comments)

Breakdown of Construction Draws for Construction Loans - 02/18/09 12:32 PM
CONSTRUCTION DRAW FINANCING
  
The following is meant to be a general guide to construction financing.  Policies, fees and interest rates will differ for each lender who offers construction financing.
 
Most lenders will require a complete package when submitting for a construction mortgage approval.
 
Eligible Purposes:
•·                     Purchase from residential home builder
•·                     Purchase from a contractor
•·                     Self-build home
•·                     Renovations or improvements of existing home where there are structural changes or costs exceed the lesser of:
            - 10% of current value or $25,000 (if conventional mortgage)
            - 10% of 'as improved value' or $10,000  (if … (0 comments)

One Million Acts of Green ...and still going - 02/18/09 12:25 PM
We all know we have to reduce our carbon footprint. I was excited to find out while watching CBC that George Stroumboulopoulos announced his official launch of The Hour's "One Million Acts of Green" (OMAOG) campaign, and we have actually  reached more than one million acts of green. Initiative from each individual as a collective is a more effective appoach than waiting for any goverment policy by means of increase in taxes, fines and rate increases.
Visit OMAOG website contribute and see how you can lighten your environmental footprint.
 
What to do with your household waste:
Canadian Tire - will take back old … (2 comments)

A post dedicated to my clients and their businesses... - 02/16/09 03:14 PM
Will you BLOG about your clients' business?
Sure! Not only do I blog about them, I also cross-link their websites from my own. During the 4 years as a real estate professional, I have met and come across the most interesting bunch of clients and industry professionals that I would love to spend time blogging about, some of whom I have continued to develop a business relationship with. Posts of partifular interest are clients that run a progressive, creative or innovative business.
Here are some innovative and progressive Toronto businesses:
Floyd Design - Multidisciplinary design and engineering company specializing in deisgn of concept cars, custom and OEM automotive … (0 comments)

Where can you get FREE WiFi in Downtown Toronto Core - 02/16/09 01:51 PM
Since Toronto rolled out free wireless Internet access, the general public throughout downtown can access the internet from designated cafes, restaurants and libraries and parks. If you have a WiFi compaticle laptop or PDA and a web browser, here are the steps to get  online access at desginated hotspot locations:
1. Create a FREE account under "Wirelesstoronto" at any Hotspot location. You will be redirected to the Log-in page.
2. Once account is set up, you have 20 mins Internet access.
 
Here are some cafes who offer free wifi with purchase:
Urbana Coffee - various locations
Linus Caffe (Harbord/Grace)
Cafe … (0 comments)

Building/Home Improvement? Merit of Hiring a Construction Manager - 02/16/09 01:34 PM
How is Construction Management different than just hiring a General Contractor?
Construction Management is a project delivery method in which the builder known as the Construction Manager (CM) offers a fee based service for managing the complete project from conception to completion.
This allows the CM to act exclusively in the interests of the client since fee is unassociated with the construction cost, unlike the profit margin of a General Contractor (GC) which si based entirely on the cost of construction, meaning the higher construction cost to the client, the higher the profit margin for the GC.
 
Construction Management Companies … (0 comments)

Benefit of Tankless (Demand) Hot Water Heaters- Less Energy and Always Hot - 02/13/09 10:57 AM
Tired of not getting enough hot water when you have low water pressure in your house?
A tankless system only heats up water when your tap is on. Old hot water tank system stores the water and uses gas throughout the day to heat the water to maintain the temperature, which is not the most energy efficient solution. Some tankless system will heat 3.6 gallons per minute of hot water instantly, and the temperature is adjustable. According to statistics, it can also save you 30% off your gas bill as well as no hot water tank rental fee if you currently do not own … (3 comments)

Interested in building on vacant land or urban infill development, but don’t know where to start? - 02/09/09 10:29 AM
 City is an organism that is constantly growing and changing by neighborhoods. For different reasons, old homes are replaced with new or larger redevelopments. Infill projects directly impacts an existing established neighborhood. Issues from disgruntled adjacent neighbors objecting to new redvelopments from removal or pruning of trees, dust and contruction noise, often arise. Therefore it is important to keep local residents informed once the project is in the planning stage.
Some basic guidelines are as follows:
Make sure all required approvals and permits are in place Keep the communication chain open to the neighbours. Update them on progress as things move along Protect the neighbourhood including other adjacent … (0 comments)

Part 2:The Rise of the Creative Class® : How will the housing market meet the future demands of an intensive knowledge based economy? - 02/08/09 05:00 PM
 
Part 2: What kind of homes will creative professionals look for?
Are creative professionals happy with just a home with standard 20th century interiors or would they rearrange the homes differently? Does the difference lie more in the environment than in the home itself? As a Toronto real estate professional, I have noticed the increasing emphasis by urban home buyers  to seek homes in walkable neighborhoods close to work,  and flexible homes suited as live/work space. Importance is placed in larger living room and wi-fi kitchen for gathering/entertaining/working,  less emphasis on the traditional formal  dining room, towards the favor of … (3 comments)

Part 1: The Rise of the Creative Class® : How will the housing market meet the future demands of an intensive knowledge based economy? - 02/08/09 04:57 PM
Part 1: The creative class housing and living environment preferences
 
With all the global restructuring going on, so far, we have heard a lot about the research on the creative class and how cities can attract more creative residents based on employment opportunities. According to the social economist Richard Florida's book, "The Rise of the Creative Class", Florida says"A fast-growing, highly educated, and well-paid segment of the work force on whose efforts corporate profits and economic growth increasingly depend. Members of the creative class do a wide variety of work in a wide variety of industries- from technology to … (0 comments)

Recession Should Change Tastes - 02/07/09 07:03 PM
This year will be an interesting year for real estate in Toronto and North America in general. On one hand, falling real estate values, tight mortgage conditions and a significant degree of financial anxiety are having a negative impact on the way we feel about our homes. For many people, it must feel like burdens from another time, on the other hand, it is times like this that our homes should become more important in our lives, as a much needed sanctuary or retreat to keep us away from the stresses of a hectic world.
This should be a time of caution, … (0 comments)

2009 Proposed Federal Budget for Home Buyers - 02/07/09 07:01 PM
The federal budget has been top of mind for many.   Included in the announcement are the following measures which directly affect the Canadian housing and mortgage industry.
Home renovation tax credit of up to $1,350 for eligible renovations and alterations; Increase in the RSP Home Buyers Plan maximum withdrawal limit - the amount has increased to $25,000 from current level of $20,000; Refer to HBP explained below; First time home buyers tax credit that will provide up to $750 in tax relief for closing costs. The Home Buyers' Plan (HBP)
The Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) is a program that allows you … (0 comments)

Recent Federal Budget Encourages Home Buying - 02/07/09 06:57 PM
The federal budget has been top of mind for many.   Included in the announcement are the following measures which directly affect the Canadian housing and mortgage industry.
Home renovation tax credit of up to $1,350 for eligible renovations and alterations; Increase in the RSP Home Buyers Plan maximum withdrawal limit - the amount has increased to $25,000 from current level of $20,000; Refer to HBP explained below; First time home buyers tax credit that will provide up to $750 in tax relief for closing costs. The Home Buyers' Plan (HBP)
The Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) is a program that allows you … (0 comments)

Construction Loan for Vacant Land Purchase to Build a Home - 02/07/09 06:46 PM
 
Here are 3 common contruction loan scenarios:  
1. Clients purchase land and build a house on the land, most of these clients own the land ( free & clear) and requested for a progress financing loan from the bank. The only challenge is that, progress financing can be expensive, as the bank requires the clients to get an appraisal done at every stage of the construction, ie : foundation, framing, etc.  Some clients prefer to take out a private mortgage loan for the whole construction, ie: 6 months to 12 months time and refinance the house to payout the private loan when … (0 comments)

Urban Farming Makes Creative Use of Limited Space in Your Real Estate - 02/03/09 01:57 PM
Living in a urban high density environment means most buildings are not condusive to dense intensive gardening. The spaces that can be utilized can be balconies, solariums, kitchen, windowsills, rooftops, townhouse courtyards, apartment decks, forgotten areas are all potential urban gardens. However home owners have to be careful to assess various challenges in creating urban gardens due to limited and restricted space, weight, irrigation, excessive wind and sun on sky-high rooftops, and soil-less conditions. as well, keeping edibles away from scavengers such as racoons, cats, squirrels, skunks.
 
 
 

 
 
The benefits of urban garden aside from satisfaction and tending the garden:
-Grow, harvest and … (2 comments)

 
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Anne Lok

Anne Lok

Toronto, ON

More about me…

Homelife Realty One Ltd.

Address: 501 Parliament Street, Toronto, ON, M4X 1P3

Office Phone: (416) 922-5533

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