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Greater Toronto Area REALTORS reported May 16

May 16, 2013 — Greater Toronto Area REALTORS reported 4,476 transactions through the TorontoMLS system during the first Fourteen days of May. Sales declines were larger for the Town of Toronto, at 11.4 percent, versus the surrounding regions where sales were down by 8.6 per cent year-over-year. This result represented a fall of 9.7 percent compared to the same period in 2012. A household earning the average revenue in the GTA can nicely afford the mortgage payments linked with the purchase of a standard priced home," said Toronto Real estate Board President Ann Hannah.

The average selling price in the first 14 days of May was $543,838 up by 5.4 per cent contrasted to the same time frame last year. Price growth was strongest for low-rise home types, but positive price expansion for condo flats in the City of Toronto was also reported.

"Continuing the current trend during the past year, the low-rise slice of the market drove overall price growth during the 1st half of May, as months of inventory remained below historic norms for key home types," claimed Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

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New Listing

6756 Dillingwood Drive Mississauga ON L5N7A2

Water Conservation Upgrades for New Homeowners

Water Conservation Upgrades for New Homeowners

When introduced into the new world of home ownership, it can be quite overwhelming. Compared to apartment living where landlords often pay for water and trash bills, you now have to tackle those by yourself. With a need to conserve water in your first home, here are some suggestions on how to minimize your water use.

Upgrade your Fridge/Freezer

Older refrigerators and freezers are cooled through water flow, which can lead to an enormous waste of water, especially if you have the temperature set to low levels. Newer models, however, are controlled by air flow which is incredibly efficient and will help you to save much more water.

Laundry

While it is important to do your laundry, make sure you are maximizing water efficiency when doing so. If you only do loads of laundry that fill the washer, it can save you hundreds of gallons in a given year. Remember, your washing machine uses a lot of water so small loads add up to a lot of wasted water.

Lawn and Driveway Care

Make sure to only use your sprinklers in grass. If your sprinkler runs over into the sidewalk or street, you are only wasting water. Additionally, when cleaning off your driveway after mowing the yard, make sure to use a broom. Push Brooms are very effective and a great alternative to spraying down your driveway.

Bathroom Upgrades

The newest technology in sinks, shower heads and toilets have proven to be very beneficial in terms of water conservation. The older each one of these products are, it can add up to plenty of wasted water due to leaks and overall inefficiency. Another tip, you can keep a bucket of water with you while you shower then use that water to flush the toilet. A lot of people aren’t aware of that, but a heavy amount of water being added into a toilet bowl will flush it due to gravity.

Even towels can be reused a few times before they need to be washed as long as you keep them properly hung up to dry. If they are left on the floor just to collect mildew, then they will need a wash every time. You would be surprised how clean a towel can stay if hanged properly.

Always Check Piping

Leaky pipes can result in hundreds of gallons of wasted water. When moving in to your new home, make sure to check all of the pipes to make sure they are in working order. If there is a leak, you can either seek a professional or seal it yourself as there are many products for low prices that can quickly fix a minor leak and save you a lot of water and money.

Water Heaters

Having a new instant water heater can save you a lot of water. Instead of running water until it gets warm enough for use, an instant water heater will make sure that as soon as the water is running, it is at the temperature you need it to be. To think about how effective this is, remember how long it takes for running water to normally get hot and save that water up. Do it every day and you will really see how much water you are saving by installing one of these instant heaters.

Use these tips every day and you will see changes in your water bill right away. You are doing yourself a favor, and the planet as a whole. We all need to do our part to conserve water and just these small and simple steps will go an incredibly long way if everyone uses them.

Angie Picardo is a writer at NerdWallet, a financial literacy website where you can find advice on how to find a financial advisor.

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RELEASE MONTHLY RESALE HOUSING FIGURES

TORONTO, May 3, 2013 — Greater Toronto Area REALTORS reported 9,811 sales through the TorontoMLS system in April 2013, representing a dip of two % in comparison to 10,021 transactions in April 2012. Both new listings in the month and active listings at the end of April were up on a year-over-year basis.

"Despite the headwinds we have experienced in the housing market this year, April sales came in quite robust in contrast to last year. As we move through the spring and into the 2nd 1/2 2013, the demand for home ownership should continue to firm-up relative to last year," announced Toronto Real-estate Board President Ann Hannah.

"It has been about a year since the federal government enacted tougher mortgage lending laws. Hannah. The MLS HPI Composite Baseline Price was up by 2.9 percent.

The average selling price for April 2013 transactions was $526,335 up by 2 per cent in comparison to April 2012.

"The condo apartment segment in the City of Toronto was a key driver of price expansion in April, with both the average selling price and the MLS HPI studio index up on a year-over-year basis. The improved condo sales picture, with Toronto sales down by only 1 per cent matched against last year, implies that interest in apartment possession could be improving," said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Research.

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Competition Tribunal Dismisses Case against TREB

April 16, 2013 — On April 15, the competition Tribunal commented it has dismissed an Application started by the Commissioner of Competition against the Toronto Real estate Board, and ordered costs owing by the Commissioner of Competition to TREB.

The contest Tribunal said that its decision is founded on its finding the Toronto Property Board was obviously not acting anti-competitively.

"The Tribunal’s decision was the right decision," said Ann Hannah, President of TREB. "TREB and its Members will continue to offer the highest possible quality real-estate service without losing the privacy rights of consumers."

This is a confirmed decision which unequivocally allows TREB to continue with its current Virtual Office Web site ( Vow ) policy. These Vows allow clients to access REALTOR Members’ secure password-protected web sites showing MLS listing information. TREB is skyrocketing access and competition while safeguarding the privacy rights of clients.

Throughout the hearings, TREB stood up for the privacy rights of consumers and will continue doing so. The result reinforces that shielding privacy isn’t anti-competitive.
"TREB struggled with the competition Bureau’s actions that would have forced TREB to dismantle the guarantees of the MLS system," related Von Palmer, Chief Privacy Officer. Privacy matters, so we fought back."

TREB appreciates the efforts and support of The Canadian Real estate Organisation on the problem.

TREB is committed to protecting the standard of the MLS system and the improved service TREB Members offer their clientele while safeguarding the privacy rights of consumers.

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STAINS ON ASPHALT SHINGLES

Surface residues or discoloring stains can affect virtually any type roof. One particular condition that has become more unremarkable in new geographic regions is discoloration of asphalt shingle roofing due to algae. Generally this condition only has an effect on a roof’s appearance, although, with certain roof products or the presence of other detrimental factors it may effect on the final service life of the roof.
The staining and staining due to algae initially appears as dark brown and black, or sometimes greenish streaks then spread across the roof surface. It’s most conspicuous on white or other light coloured roofs. This darkening is different from the blemishes due to mud and tree waste that tends to amass on localized areas of a roof ; but it’s not rare to find both conditions on some roofs.
Due to its appearance, the staining from algae is commonly known as "black mold" marking.
The algae growth has a tendency to occur most frequently on the northerly and eastern surfaces or where the roof is shaded or otherwise slow-drying after rains. The growths can be found in nearly all regions, although the problem is more extensive in regions where the weather is warm and damp at least part of the year. Extended hot, wet summer weather is a real contributory allow for allowing the algae to become well established. Cold, dry weather can slow or stop the spread but may not dump the condition altogether as the taints will remain.
Spores from the algae are carried by the wind. Once the algae gets started it will continue to spread, generally moving up and across the whole roof and at last throughout the neighborhood as spores. The successive growth of moss and other fungi that thrive on the algae and other organic matter that accumulates on the roof can heighten conditions.
Some techniques used to fight the algae are probably damaging to the roof and to the surrounding property. Aggressive washing ( e.g, by washing or high pressure spraying ) and the associated roof traffic may cause the loss of granules or other damage to the shingles leading to early roof failure.
There are commercially available treatments, as well as professionals that specialize in the work. Only cleaning solutions recommended by the roof manufacturer should be used. While some treatments will kill the algae right away, it might take one or two days or weeks for the colour to fade. Unfortunately, cleaning is only a short term benefit at best usually. If spores are there, the algae will begin to grow again almost straight away if the conducive leading to its growth first of all are still present.
To avoid injury or roof damage, it’s better to have the roof treated professionally. The cleaning solutions will make the roof surface slippery and dangerous. Before applying cleaning solutions, any dust buildup or waste should be carefully removed. Some cleaning solutions can kill grass and other vegetation, so run-off from the treatment process should be picked up or diverted to an appropriate drainage point. Foundation plantings should be covered and the applicator should wear protecting glasses, gloves and attire. It’s also crucial to wash the gutters and other surfaces with clear water to prevent the solution from corroding or staining them.
The most effective way to fight the marking and discoloration from algae is to prevent it from growing. Makers offer products with algae-inhibiting features. Labeled "algae resistant" ( AR ) or "fungi resistant," they have zinc granules integrated into the outer layer of the shingles next to the standard ceramic-coated granules to prevent the algae expansion on the granules. Copper or zinc strips placed at the ridge area of the roof can also control the growths. Installing a dark roof will not forestall the algae problem but it will be less obvious.

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CONDITIONING YOUR AIR CONDITIONER

A central air conditioning system can offer years of satisfactory cooling with comparatively little upkeep. But a seasonal start-up check and periodic upkeep is recommended. Some you can do, others need a professional. The quantity of do it yourself air con upkeep a property owner can do is restricted.

Homeowner Tick list
For house owners in colder climates, now’s the time to get set for the heat of summer. But there are a couple of steps that will help the system operate trouble-free and decrease the potential for consequential damage. Making sure adequate airflow is maybe the most significant homeowner responsibility.

Following manufacturer instructions, homeowners can typically :
Clean or replace the filter ( s ) regularly.
Keep leaves and other debris off the condensing ( outdoor ) unit.
Keep the condensing coils clean by ( awfully ) carefully brushing and hosing them.
Keep plants and other plant growth that might obstruct airflow at least 18 inches
Away from the condenser.
Maintain insulation on ductwork in attics and other unconditioned areas.
Check the condensate drain for any hint of blockage or seepage. Water should be
leaking from the end of this drain line when the unit is running. If no dripping is noted, check at the indoor unit for any signs of seepage.
Keep room input and return registers clear of furniture or other obstructions.

Selecting Trained Professionals

If your air conditioner needs more than the regular maintenance explained here, consult a professional air conditioning specialist. A well-trained pro can provide a comprehensive pre-season or maintenance evaluation and servicing as needed. Insufficiently trained service technicians forsake proper diagnosing procedures and frequently only perform stop-gap measures to keep a unit going.

At an effective minimum, a technician should :

Check that the system contains the proper quantity of refrigerant. Such short-sightedness can have a drastic effect on other parts leading to consequential failure of the whole system.
Test for refrigerant leaks.
Check for and seal channel seepage.
Clean the blower components.
Measure airflow through the evaporator coil.
Verify the right electrical control sequence.
Check electrical terminals ; clean and tighten connections.
Oil motors and check belts for tightness and wear.
Check the condensate system for backup or leaking.
Check operating temperatures and pressures.

Call now for servicing. Wait too long and you may find service firms backed up on scheduling. Check the precision of the thermostat.

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