“Geared to income” housing has been implemented in many different formats throughout areas across Ontario for many years now. 2001 Census reports show that 600,000 households (14% of all Ontario Households) have trouble accessing affordable housing and 125,000 were on the waiting list for subsidized housing.

For those that are renting a home or apartment, the news that the property is in foreclosure can be incredibly disruptive. The mortgage crisis in the United States has seen many property owners default on mortgages and rental investments have been no different. I some cases, owner’s rented their home rather than selling in a down market. Depending on the circumstances, some of these rentals were unsustainable and the property fell into foreclosure. Rentals that are owned by investors have not been exempt from the mortgage breakdown. Residential and commercial rentals have been affected by the financial mess and even multi-unit buildings have been added to the lists of troubled properties.

February has rolled in, the groundhog has had his say and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. 2009 has been packed full of excitement so far, from politics to weather and everything in between. The upcoming week should be interesting and full of activity as the temperatures are expected to hit double digits in some areas and the “Family Day Long Weekend” is almost upon us. Warm weather and time off work may be appealing but property owners should be taking extra precautions in the days ahead in order to prevent damage from rising water levels, power outages and even ice damage from freezing rain,. The spring like conditions can be the cause of serious and expensive problems ranging from flooded basements to falling trees.

We weren’t sure what we were going to town hall for last night. A neighbor notified us that there was to be an information session about a proposed tower to be built nearby. It was last minute so we simply finished our supper and headed out. We assumed that the meeting would provide us with all of the necessary details. As it turned out, many of us left with more questions than we had going into the meeting.

 

The presentation was presented by a representative of Rogers Communications. The introduction informed us that the meeting was designed to act as a consultation process with the affected residents. It did not take long for the mood of the room to escalate with frustration. The residents that attended the session were generally opposed to the construction of a 65 meter tower being built on the commercial lands of the UFD property at Victoria Ave. & Canboro Rd. in Fenwick.

As a divorced mom of 3 for 12 years now, I have had an opportunity to experience the challenges that many other parents face. I now own my own home & business and I have learned allot. Some may think that I have done well for a single mom, but I know better. The time that my struggle to earn money took away from my children cannot be replaced. During critical years of their life, I was working and a nanny was in my place.

 

I suggested to my sister who is in the process of becoming a social worker my idea of single moms sharing a residence and partnering to develop a positive lifestyle for themselves and their children. She was shocked that her capitalist sister cared about affordable housing. It is probably the only thing that we have agreed upon in years.

RentalDoctor.com has announced new services offered for vacation property owners that are looking to rent out their holiday accommodations. Now vacation owners can take advantage of guest referrals as well as full rental services. Busy owners can save time when renting out their property by using RentalDoctor.com’s advertising, promotion and referral program.

 

The concept was developed after the site started directing inquiries to properties that could meet the specific needs of the guests. Using the property profile that is listed under vacation rentals, the site would supply guests with detailed information about the rental. It was a natural fit for guests to open up and discuss the private rental process with staff at R.D.com. As a result, those that may be renting a private cottage for the first time were able to plan their trip with confidence.

Are you a rookie, professional, hands-off or delinquent? The article posted by BT on brokertales.com identifies the different characteristics that he meets in the New York City rental market. Whether you are looking to rent in NYC or in Toronto, his tips will be useful not only for tenants but other landlords as well. BT identifies the strong differences from a realtor’s perspective on the quirks and benefits of each breed of landlord.

The news of a spike in the available rental units in Calgary came in from the provincial Apartment Association. CHQR, a news & sports radio station in Calgary, reports that the jump is due to the fact that many tenants have purchased homes.

The rate which was .5% only 2 years ago is now up to 4%. The president of the Apartment Association, Gerry Baxter, told CHQR that rental rates are not expected to drop as a result of the new availabilities. The expenses realized by landlords have not dropped therefore the amount that they must collect in rent will likely remain the same.

I was diving home from the grocery store. My tiny Mini Cooper was filled to the brim with food for the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend. The time of year is very special to me and the members of my family. October 7th is the anniversary of the first day we stayed at our cottage near Parry Sound. We are truly grateful for the exquisite privilege to have the property and enjoy sharing the place with friends and family whenever possible. There is one person however, will never be able to stay with us. My brother, who one year to the day earlier was killed in a tragic accident on a highway near Hamilton, loved the area and would have been thrilled to join us on what would have been his 30th year. Oct 7th not only identifies another year of cottage life but also another year without our little brother.