Anne 's Blog

Search for the most walkable neighbourhoods in your city?

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 11:54:10 -0600

Walkscore.com is a website which helps homebuyers and renters search for a home in your City's most walkable neighbourhoods i.e. close to amenities, shopping district, or a public space. The scoring system calculates the location of the address based on the approximation of the distance from your home to walkable nearby amenities with or without reliance on a car. Scoring is anywhere between 0-100.

90-100 being the most walkable described as the Walker's Paradise

70-89 being very walkable, and one can almost get around without a car.

50-69 being somewhat walkable where daily trips still require a car.

25-49 being a location that is car dependent.

0-24 is car dependent only.

Goto www.walkscore.com, type in an address and see what's your walk score.

Realtor.ca finally gone mobile...

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 21:04:42 -0600

In modern real estate practice, technology has gone beyond the internet. It's computer notebooks, gps, smart phones, mobile office. We are always seeking instant information on demand. Realtor.ca has finally gone mobile.

To take care of Consumers and Realtors real estate shopping needs, Realtor.ca has recently launched Beta Mobile site optimized for Blackberry and Windows mobile. Not only does it provide price, location, agent information, the new beta version can see a snapshot of the property wherever they are.

For more information, goto beta.mobile.realtor.ca.

Google Street View Finally Coming to Canadian Cities!

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:19:38 -0500

Finally, Google Street View has gone live in Canadian Cities: Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, Halifax, Quebec City, Kitchener, Waterloo, Squamish, Ottawa and Whistler. This service has been made available to several other countries showing close up of street views.

With Google Wave in the works, these new services are going to make information more accessible to consumers as well as the real estate industry.

Mortgage Delinquencies - The Coming Storm

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:51:29 -0500

Via Jeff Geoghan MBA - Lancaster PA Real Estate Expert (The Jeff Geoghan Realty Group, Coldwell Banker Lancaster PA):

This is one of those posts where I wish I didn't have to write it, but felt it was so important to my readers that I would be remiss not to at least talk about it.

Everyone out there probably knows somebody who is behind on their mortgage payments, looking for alternatives and likely also just finding out that their home's value has dipped below what their loan amount is. I know some within my own personal circles. It's a tough situation for me to advise them as a professional because it's such a personal challenge to their pride and self-worth, not to mention their plans and dreams for the family. The question we're asking is "when is this going to stop and where are we heading?"

I'm going to put up a few graphs that show the trends nationally with regards to mortgage delinquincies:

This chart is by quarter - Single-family mortgages set a new record delinquency rate in the second quarter of 2009, according to a quarterly survey by the Mortgage Bankers Association. Those of us in the real estate business see the foreclosure process (just visit the local Sheriff Sale docket to see the current numbers) but the looming delinqency-to-foreclosure issue is far, far larger.

The Wall Street Journal on 8/3/09 reported the following quote: “While subprime mortgages sparked the first round of housing problems two years ago, now "troubles are lurking further up the food chain," says Joshua Shapiro, chief U.S. economist at MFR Inc. White-collar job losses have accelerated while more adjustable-rate loans to prime borrowers are resetting to higher payments. ‘You put all that together, it leads me to believe that the next leg down on home prices is going to come from the top,’ he says.”

The first objection someone may have would be to say "yes, but historically those who are delinqent usually get their act together and come current on the mortgage after a while". That WAS true, but not anymore! We call that the "Cure Rate", that is the rate of delinquencies that go back to current. The Wall Street Journal reported on 8/24/09 about a Fitch analysis that found that the Cure Rate from 2000-2006 was 45% (which means about half of people fix their delinquency). However, as of July 2009 the rate had dropped to just 6.6%! That means that over 90% of delinquent customers are going to foreclosure. Take a look again at the above chart...

The next thing someone will say is "well, that's the 'sand states' and not my area". Here's the chart for all 50 states showing the same breakdown of delinquencies and foreclosures. Guess what - most states have a significant problem, especially compared to historical figures.

Now the next thing someone may say is "aren't those loans going to get 'fixed' by a loan modification?" I know several people right now who are applying for a Lancaster County loan modification but are waiting and waiting. I hope it works out for them...

In reality, loan modifications are hardly making a dent. To me, that's a burning question. Why arent banks being more aggressive in giving customers the option to extend their loan and/or reset to a lower rate? Why are they being SO difficult? The people I know don't want to be foreclosed. They CAN make payments. They just need the terms redrawn to allow them to catch & keep up. Loan modifications are not helping us get this crisis under control.

What are the causes of all these delinquencies? Here's a chart that is enlightening:

We hear a lot about adjustable rate mortgages being the culprit, but the reality is that it's the loss of jobs and the tanking real estate market that's the perfect storm. See my previous post on unemployment in the nation, the state and Lancaster County.

Keep in mind, this post is not intended to give us "good news". You may be experiencing good things in your market and that's great. My intent is to get us thinking about the challenges that aren't going away and how we're going to address them as homeowners, agents and professionals. I'd love to hear your ideas!

Great Small Spaces: Turning a 1950s Bungalow into Live-Work Space

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:26:25 -0500

How simple planning strategies convert this 1950s bungalow into a great small space

BEFORE

AFTER

H2O

In an effort to maintain the integrity of the streetscape in this neighbourhood at the foot of Moss Rock Park [Victoria, B.C.], the existing house was renovated, and then expanded with a significant addition towards the back of the property.

The renovation was extensive, and included new plumbing, new wiring, new exterior walls and new roof, allowing for a more comfortable 9' ceiling and unobstructed open floor plan. Changes to the original layout were dramatic - the main entrance and stair were relocated to the new breezeway which provided a connection between old & new. A patio was added to the front of the house to establish a relationship with the street.

The "pod" addition became the new workspace for an accomplished graphic designer, housing studio on the main level, master bedroom and ensuite on a second, mezzanine level and roof deck on a third level, with views south to the water & mountains.

For more information, visit SOS website: http://www.sosdesign.ca

Building a House: Modern, Minimalist and Exciting - Times Colonist July 14th 2009

Two Live-Work Homes by SOS Design - Apartment Therapy

Infill House Design in Victoria B.C. - Responsible Dwelling Design Incorporating Green Building Techniques

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:20:26 -0500

Before - Suburban Lot in Victoria B.C.

After -Finished Structure

WESTROCK , Victoria, B.C.

In the summer of 2004, SOS Design opened the door to its new "storefront" office in Vic West, demonstrating a commitment to responsible design by incorporating many green building techniques.

This particular project faced restrictions relating to small lot subdivision. Therefore, every effort was made to create a feeling of spaciousness, enhanced by an abundance of natural light within a very small building envelope.

By blasting rock on the site, they were able to create an 800 square foot office space which is entered at street level, keeping the private entrance tucked away at the back of the house, one level up. To help offset the small lot, they developed a roof deck which has views over the harbour to the Olympic Mountains beyond.

For more information, visit SOS website: http://www.sosdesign.ca

"Leaders in Sustainable, Healthy and Efficient Building."

Keeping it simple - Times Colonist December 11, 2004

Two Live-Work Homes by SOS Design - Apartment Therapy

Westrock Live/Work in Victoria B.C. by SOS Design ORDER THE BOOK! $19.95

Bloor's western edge - Bloordale Village becoming Gallery Central?

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:32:00 -0500

Bloordale Village, along Bloor Street West bordered by Dufferin and Lansdowne, has often received a lot of negative publicity in the past. Being so close to the Annex, recently new art galleries, film studios and new developments nearby are slowly revitalizing the area. With real estate prices climbing in areas like Parkdale, Beaconsfield Village, The Junction and Trinity Bellwoods, not too many neighbourhoods in the central core along the subway line are affordable anymore.

Bloor-Gladstone Public Library emphasizes community and openness, offering a nice face-lift to the street front.

Area Attractions:

Paul Bright Gallery 1265 Bloor St W

Mercer Union 1286 Bloor St W

Toronto Free Gallery 1277 Bloor St W

Funktion Gallery 1244 Bloor St W

Starving Artist 584 Landsdowne Ave

The Holy Oak Cafe 1241 Bloor St W

Toronto Community Planning Initiative

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:48:27 -0500

A group of representatives from a spectrum of different neighbourhoods got together in 2007 with a vision to form an ad hoc committee in 2007 called People Plan Toronto. The group invites the public to identify problems with the planning process in the City, consider alternative models, and create an action plan for positive change.

Public consultation is often inadequate in new development planning process, leading to decisions which often leaves the public baffled.Recently, PPT came up with the concept to create a Community Planning Resource Centre. PPT proposes to take planning beyond design and architecture, and place more emphasis on development relative to the urban context, addressing issues such as marginalization, transportation and infrastructure, and community building, all of these through collaboration of citizen involvements in Toronto.

As the initial vision, the Centre will provide clear and useful information about planning, design, and Toronto's planning process to citizens and community groups; facilitate the provision of professional assistance to communities who are seeking to respond constructively to development proposals; help with pro-active community planning initiatives; and enable communities to share information and build relationships amongst each other. They have provided a survey to invite the residents of Toronto to voice their suggestions on what the objectives of Community Planning Centre should fulfill.

For more information , goto PPT website.

Mortgage Pre-approvals...might be discontinued?

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:51:05 -0500

Pre-approvals and rate holds have been a standard offering with most lenders. I recently received a newsletter from a mortgage broker I work closely with in Toronto [Rosanna Younan from Premiere Mortgage Centre], informing me that two big lenders, TD and FirstLine have decided to stop pre-approvals within the broker channel. The big question is whether the majority of lenders will follow the lead.

Canadianmortgagetrends.com highlights some lender concerns regarding pre-approvals:

pre-approvals frequently don't close (less than 1/3 of pre-approvals close)

pre-approvals are expensive to process and the return for lenders is debateable. The lender is tying up human resources to process applications, as well as capital to hedge rates.

The next few weeks/months may see the trend continuing or lenders may start charging a rate premium on pre-approvals (presently the policy with a few).

Many good lenders are currently still offering preapprovals and more the reason for anyone considering a purchase or refinance, within the next 4 months, to arrange for a rate hold.

Would mortgage pre-approval/ rate hold become extinct?

What does it mean "Seller and Agent do not warrant retrofit status"?

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:08:27 -0500

We often see on MLS listings "Seller or Agent do not warrant retrofit status of basement", and if there is no mention that the unit is legal, it's probably not . The legality of basement apartments or converted rental units (i.e. granny flats, in-law suites, accessory apartments, non-retrofit units) are often in question, considering there are tens of thousands of basement apartments currently in the City of Toronto.

Under certain zoning by-law, basement apartments are permitted in single family homes as long as it meets certain requirements. In order to assist home owners, the City have a kit which will explain "how to create a legal second suite" through Access Toronto at 416-338-0338 or can be obtained at the desk. There is also an alternative site which provide a more detailed explanation of the physical requirements to meet building codes at Carson Dunlop Home Inspection and Consulting Engineers.

For anyone thinking of buying, selling or retrofitting a home with a basement apartment, These are the typical 4 questions to ask:

1. Does the zoning by-law in your area permit a basement apartment unit?

2. Does the retrofit meet fire code and minimum building code requirements (i.e. minimum ceiling height, fire rated walls, entrance sizes, egress, provision of parking spot etc.) ?

3. Does it meet the basic electrical safety requirement?

4. Has the unit been registered with the City and has a certificate of compliance?

Getting the most out of urban real estate -Turning Skyscrapers into vertical farms

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:13:22 -0500

We are all aware that human population growth in particular at urban centres will impact future supply of food, our environment and the ecosystem. According Census, the Greater Toronto area grew by over 450,000 people between 1996 to 2001 to over 5 million people. How can we utilize the concrete jungles of urban centres to grow food?

The idea of doing intensive hydroponics agriculture in urban hi-rises, where the buildings recycle their own water, and produce their own power.

The concept of Urban Vertical Farming and Skyscraper Farming may soon change the concept of urban food production, where we will live and work close to inner city urban organic farm. The idea may seem far-fetched right now, but maybe it's time to get serious to turn vision into reality.

$629,000 Stunning Renovated 3Bdrm Detached Home Close to Subway

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:09:47 -0500

East York Urban Dream Home Quality Renovation And Detail Finishes From Top To Bottom,Custom Designed Kitchen W/O To Deck And Newly Landscaped Yard.Finished Basement W/Home Office And Family Rm W/Sep Entrance.All New Thermal Insulated Windows,New Furnace And Hwt.Roughed-In Laundry On Main & Lower.All Work City Approved Structural,Copper Plumbing,Mechanical,Electrical,Roof.Terrific School District,Walk To Subway,Danforth & Amenities.

FOR PROPERTY WEBSITE: GOTO HTTP://374GLEBEHOLMEBLVD.ANNELOK.COM

Does Your City Make This List of the Top 25 Most Livable Cities

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:47:12 -0500

Tyler Brule, the Financial Times Columnist published the Monocle Quality of Life Index for the most livable cities in June 2008. The selection is based on a number of criteria, as well as business and cultural diversity. Urban dwellers wish list include walkable sustainable neighbourhoods, shops and amenities within walking distance to home, green space and parks, good transportation system, cafes, a smorgasbord of living.

Curious to see the Monocle Quality of Life Index, go HERE.

How the Hamonized Sales Tax will affect your real estate‏

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:52:11 -0500

For those planning to enter the real estate market within the year, the announcement of the combined sales tax will have implications on the following:

· adding significant tax to services such as moving costs, legal fees, home inspection fees, mortgage insurance premiums, title insurance, REALTOR® commissions and other professional fees; and,

your home heating fuel; and,
your home remodeling and renovation projects, and contractor fees etc; and,

· adding significant tax to the purchase price of newly constructed homes above $500k (make sure it's clear in the contract who pays this, you or the builder).

The new levy will take effect July 2010.

Another burden for home owners

Blended tax drives up cost for both new and resale home buyers in Ontario

Motorola goes green - Ecomoto program

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:42:29 -0500

Reduce, Reuse, & Recyle

In recent years, E-waste has posed an environmental threat. There is continual emphasis on recylcing and turn in used electronic devices such as cell phones, Blackberries, PDA and digital cameras, computers to keep toxic elements out of landfill. In the real estate industry as well as a big part of the business world, we are continually dependent on these tech items. As Realtors, we play a role in improving your local sustainability and inform others on environmental issues facing your community.

Plastic water bottles and water tanks is taking on a new meaning. As part of the brand marketing and sustainable innovation, Motorola has come up with their Ecomoto program and greening all their phones. The product design process of the ECOMOTO program is split up in to three tiers: Tier 1 - from concept development and systems design by following a product envionrmantal template guidelines and standards; Tier 2 - detail design by a green design advisor; to Tier3- prototyping and refinement, production and reflection through life cycle assessment and real environmental product assessment. They aim at reducing hazardous material, maximizing recyclability alternative energy, energy efficient design. and 'less is more' in materials - eco obvious plastic, eco friendly packaging, low lead, energy efficient charger, high recycle content. Welcome to the world's first carbon neutral mobile phone.

Thirsty for more...goto the following links:

ECOMOTO

Motorola and the Environment

Toronto Directory of Simple Modern and Contemporary Furniture Retailers

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:23:01 -0500

Gus Design Group Simple Modern Furniture and Custom Design

Left Right Designs Custom Furnitrue Design and Manufacturing

Design Within Reach

Urban Mode Modern Products for Home and Accessories

CasaLife Contemporary Furniture for Condo Living

Morba -Funky Furniture and Design Store for the Design junkies, full of Scandaniavian Mid-Century Modern items and ojects from the Atomic Age. Roll up your sleeves and be ready to dig.

Commute Home Custom sofas, blinds, lighting, tables, shelves and other design accessories

Ital Interiors

Up Country

Herman Miller

Machine Age Modern

Lifestyle Custom sofas, blinds, lighting, tables, shelves and other design accessories

Modern Living

Style Garage

InStyle

EQ3 Contemporary Furniture and Accents

Historic Toronto Detached House Sold for $350 in 1876, Now Sold For ....

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:59:57 -0500

This Home recently sold for $2.195million located in the heart of Yorkville's exclusive shopping district in Downtown Toronto. Yorkville is a former village annexed by the City of Toronto. Back in 1830, it was considered as a residential suburb. Known for it's concentration of well-preserved Victorian homes situated on quiet residential streets, Yorkville has also been a well known place for the 1960s Canadian hippie movement in the Bohemian era.

After construction of the Bloor-Danforth Subway line, the value land and real estate increased significantly as the Toronto Official Plan allowed higher density development, with many residential homes converted to high-end retail, galleries and restaurants.

The latest development in the area now home to some of Toronto most expensive condominiums, and Four Season's Hotel and Private Residence.

Source: Globe and Mail, Home of the Week, Mar 13, 2009

Link to Article

For LEASE $1900 - DNA 2 Bdrm Loft in King West Village

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:03:23 -0500

Property Description

Stylish & Modern Sun Filled South Facing 2 Bedrooms, In Trendy King West Village. Gourmet Style Kitchen With Granite Counter, Gorgeous Spa-Like Bathroom With Soaker Tub + Rain Shower, Bbq Hook Up, Parking And Locker Included. Well Run Building W/ Roof Top Patio, Exercise Room And Party Room. Near: 24 Hr Metro, Starbucks, Bank, Gym, Restaurants Etc Non-Smoker Only/No Pets

Extras: Stainless Steel: Fridge, Stove, Micro-Range Hood, Dishwasher. Ensuite Washer + Dryer, All Window Coverings (Privacy Blinds), All Elfs, Decking Tiles, Den Converted To Bedroom. All Measurements To Be Confirmed By Tenants/Agents

Property Details

	MLS® Number: C1568994
	Parking: 1
	Garage: Undergrnd

	Type: Comm Element Condo
	Style: Loft

	Address: 1 Shaw St
	Price: $ 1,900
	Taxes: $ 0

	Bedrooms: 2 + 0
	Bathrooms: 1
	Basement:None

	Heat Source: Gas
	Heat Type: Forced Air
	Exterior: Brick
	Deck / Balcony: Open
	Central Air: Y
	Total Area: 0.00

The above information is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. Search facilities other than by a consumer seeking to purchase or lease real estate, is prohibited.

Brokered By: Homelife/Realty One Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated

For appointment by private showing or more information, please contact Anne Lok 416-922-5533 or anne@urburbia.ca

(The property above is brokered by Homelife Realty One Ltd., and may not necessary be listed by Anne Lok. They represent homes Anne has previewed and selected for her home buying clients and visitors to this website. Not intended to solicit individuals currently under contract with a Brokerage.)

Anne Lok, Sales Representative
H o m e l i f e / R e a l t y O n e L t d . B r o k e r a g e*
Office: 416.922.5533
Direct: 416-799-9632
www.urburbia.ca www.annelok.com

Not intended to solicit individuals currently under contract with a Brokerage. *Independently owned and operated.

Anne Lok is a Realtor with Homelife/ Realty One Ltd. Toronto. She understands architecture, design, resource-efficiency, sustainable design for healthier environments, comfort and value for modern living. Her services are not only limited to design conscious homes, she also has expertise in helping you source and market all aspects of conventional properties that suit your individual needs in Toronto's hip, vibrant and socially responsible communities.

Pls goto website http://www.urburbia.ca/ or http://annelok.com to check out Anne's marketing, special services, and sale/purchase/retrofit services for new and resale homes, and green properties in Toronto.

Ecological Paper Cardboard Architecture

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:56:40 -0500

As part of the ECO-All Stars March " Green is Red Hot Trend", I thought I will share a post on one of my favorite socially responsible, modernist, ecological architects - Shigeru Ban.

Ecological, Low Tech, Recyclable, Non-Toxic, Low Cost, Zero Waste Cardboard Architecture

Ban, a reknowned Japanese contemporary architect, is known for his radical cardboard architecture. Not only are all interior elements made of cardboard, this includes structural supports made of humble paper cardboard tubes instead of reinforced steel. From residential homes to refugee accomodations to galleries and large institutions, he has demonstrated the use of simple recyclable materials can be customed to human habitation. His work reflects simple and modest can be beautiful and dignifying.

His invention of these cardboard buildings requires special approval to clear Japan, Euro and International building code requirements for his various projects. He explained that paper tube is similar to engineered wood, with good structural integrity, and is very strong and cheaper than wood. For the foundation, he uses beer crates filled with sand,

modern cardboard houses to help the masses

Shigeru Ban is constantly exploring new forms and structure with cardboard, light and shadow to redefine space. His structure can be disassembled and easily tranported.

Ban had designed shelters, temporary and permanent, for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. He had designed a temporary "paper church" for the Kobe earthquake, which has become a permanent building because the community had loved the structure so much and using the space to congregate. He was involved with the refugee shelter work in Rwanda for those displaced in the genocide. In Sri Lanka, he is rebuilding homes for the fishermen from post-Tsunami reconstruction efforts. His humanitarian work has made him very busy. Ban's team was the finalist in the WTC ground zero design competition.

Shigeru Ban's buildings are not only a pleasure to experience, it has great importance in the history of architecture.

Thirsty for more? Follow this link:

http://www.shigerubanarchitects.com/

Power of Sale -Great Price! Downtown Cityplace condo Matrix One Bdrm + Den.

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 10:36:45 -0500

Last '03' unit sold for $275k in Nov 08.

REQUEST FOR FLOOR PLAN - square footage approx. 738sf

This building has great amenities. Can be rented for $1600/mth as investment property.

Pool - Indoor
Great Exercise & Receation facilities
Billiard Lounge
Board room
Guest Suites
Visitor Parking
Fibre Optic Internet
(The facilites are shared between Matrix and Apex Bldgs.

24 Hour Security & Concierge.

Property Description

Steps To Financial District, Cn Tower, Rogers Centre, Lake Front & Entertainment District. Parking & Locker Included.

Extras: This Building Has Amazing Amenities.

Property Details

	MLS® Number: C1573120
	Parking: 1
	Garage: Undergrnd
	Lot Size: 0.00 x 0.00
	Type: Condo Apt
	Style: Apartment


	Address: 361 Front St
	Price: $ 269,900
	Taxes: $ 2,039

	Bedrooms: 1 + 1
	Bathrooms: 1
	Basement:None

	Heat Source: Gas
	Heat Type: Forced Air
	Exterior: Concrete
	Deck / Balcony: Open
	Central Air: Y

The above information is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. Search facilities other than by a consumer seeking to purchase or lease real estate, is prohibited.

For Buyer appointment by private showing or more information, please contact Anne Lok 416-922-5533 or anne@urburbia.ca

Anne Lok, Sales Representative
H o m e l i f e / R e a l t y O n e L t d . B r o k e r a g e*
Office: 416.922.5533
Direct: 416-799-9632
www.urburbia.ca www.annelok.com

Not intended to solicit individuals currently under contract with a Brokerage. *Independently owned and operated.

Affordable, Sleek, Modern, Solar Powered Outdoor Lights from IKEA!

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:26:13 -0600

As warmer weather approaches, we start thinking about this year's summer entertaining barbeque on the deck. Last year, you might have heard that IKEA was going to start stocking solar products. Wait no more...these solar powered outdoor lights illuminates for more than 11 hours when fully charged, and transforms solar power directly to electrical. It even has an auto mode on/off at dusk and dawn. Like all other IKEA products, pricing is very reasonable at $9.99-$19.99. Don't forget to check out other solar lighting products.

Toronto Environmentally Friendly Residential Laneway House Blogspot

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:22:45 -0600

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

Mandatory Home Energy Audit Coming to Ontario With New Green Energy Act

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 20:15:59 -0600

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 mandatory step before someone can sell their home. And this has caused quite a stir in the real estate circles.

In a press release sent out by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA), Bob McLean, director of communications, stated: "Ontario REALTORS® agree with the principle of energy efficiency for homes expressed in the Government of Ontario's proposed mandatory home energy audit, but they say that the additional costs will hurt homeowners, especially in these economic times.

"This mandatory government regulation will impose a significant cost on home sellers. As with most Canadians, we don't believe in green at any cost," said Gerry Weir, President of OREA "It's not the initial cost of these audits that concerns us," he said. "Rather, the results of these audits will be used by home buyers as bargaining chips to significantly reduce the final selling price.

"Today's economic downturn is a terrible time to introduce this measure. Home sellers are already worried about lost equity in their homes. A move like this, which will reduce their value even further, will not help them in any way," Mr. Weir said.

REALTORS® favour government encouragement of energy efficiency in homes through expanded tax breaks and other measures.

In addition, REALTORS® point out that there is no one standard for energy audits. Different firms arrive at different assessments of the same house. "EnerGuide ratings of an existing home can and do vary between energy auditors, depending on the assumptions they make and the extent of data they collect on the building's actual construction," Mr. Weir said.

Furthermore, since there is no regulation of energy auditors, a conflict of interest can arise if a contractor conducts the audit. There is a natural inclination for that contractor to find problems that he can offer to repair for the homeowner.

Many details of the energy audit proposal have not been released. For instance, the government has not said if an energy audit will be required if a property is transferred between family members. Nor have they said how long an energy audit will be recognized as valid. For example, if a homeowner sells within one year of buying a property, will the previous energy audit be recognized?"

--Interesting points, but I think we've got to start leading the way toward more energy efficient homes and this seems to be a step in the right direction. I welcome the opportunity to help guide my buyer clients through the maze of greenwashed homes by having a "window sticker" to look at in the form of an energy audit.

And I look forward to assisting my sellers in finding a reputable energy auditor, by helping explain what changes they can make to their home in order to make it more energy efficient and therefore attractive to a potential buyer. Bring on the Green Energy Act!

~Bruce

"People don't resist change. They resist being changed!" ~Peter M. Senge~

What's for dinner...is it safe?

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:37:53 -0600

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 food processor and the food industry. But in our all-consuming behaviour, what drives the food industry is what people are going to buy. The manufacturer figures out what makes a consumer buy by labelling 'trans fat free'.

Instead of shaking with fear as we approach the hours of breakfast, lunch and dinner, we should address the disconnection that we have with food and think about what we eat, in more ways than one. Say no to Frankinfoods.

Toronto offers many choices food shopping, eating out and living. Here are list of Toronto neighborhood retailers to explore :

DUFFERIN:

Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers Market

ST LAWRENCE MARKET:

St Lawrence Market

PARKDALE:

Parkdake Community Farmers Market - 1313 Queen W at Cowan

Cattleman Meat Market - 1538 Queen St W

KENSINGTON MARKET:

Kensington Market

Bloor/Yorkville Whole Foods Market

GREEKTOWN:

Greektown Big Carrot Natural Food Market - 348 Danforth Ave

Strictly Bulk- 2436 Danforth Ave

MIDTOWN:

Culinarium -705 Mt Pleasant Rd

HIGH PARK/ JUNCTION/ RONCESVALLES:

Sweet Potato

Spring Creek Farm Butchers - 291 Roncesvalles Ave

KOREATOWN:

Panacea

CHURCH_WELLESLEY VILLAGE:

Cumbraes

Construction Loans

Anne Lok (Homelife Realty One Ltd.) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 19:07:45 -0600

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 provides portions of the loan for each stage of the project.

Draw Inspection / Percentage Complete Inspection

To verify the current state of work, the lender will most likely require draw inspections. A draw inspection is verification that the work that is said to have been done – actually has been completed. These a relatively easy and painless inspections where an inspector takes some pictures of the completed work and completes a percentage checklist that states how much of each component of the project has been completed.

Providing Your Loan Money

As long as the work is being completed the bank will keep providing the construction loan money.

So get started!

Finish that basement, complete your addition, and get the home you are living in today, the home that you want it to be.

Andrew Rook is the owner of Rook Home Inspections and performs home, commercial, draw, and investment property inspections in Mercer County, New Jersey.