TOP 5 WAYS TO AMPLIFY YOUR BACKYARD EXPERIENCE THIS SUMMER – The time to sit back, relax and enjoy a cold glass of iced tea in your backyard has nearly arrived, and our team is excited to share the top ways to amplify your backyard experience this summer. Naturist styles have been the latest buzz this time around, and we have compiled a list of the top 5 ways to amplify your backyard this summer. 

1. Plant your herbs
   • Adding a variety of herbs to your backyard promotes healing, healthy living, and can motivate you to add a mint leaf or two to your drink. Don't forget to incorporate some fresh herbs when cooking, and try some new cooking styles with your fresh h
2. Combine geometric designs with elemental shapes
   • Highlighting a sense of style and modern living to your backyard oasis, this design combo can be added through furniture selection, backyard layout designs and pavings, and even some plant pots around the yard. Adding elemental designs can be considered as the following “elemental features that will stimulate all the senses – sound and reflective qualities of water; warmth, aroma and flickering light of beautiful outdoor fireplace ideas; textural materials and aromatic planting.” SOURCE: homesandgarden.com
     • SOURCE: (https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/outdoor-spaces/fire-pits-and-fireplaces/30-cool-fire-pit-ideas-pictures)
3. Build a split level
   • Thinking of adding some work to your backyard? Why not consider building a split level. “Different levels help to zone areas and present a wonderful opportunity to play around with materials. Steps leading to terraces create focal points and a sense of journey and discovery,” SOURCE: homesandgarden.com (show pic of backyard at 78 the fairways)
     • SOURCE: (https://www.gardeningetc.com/design/family-garden-ideas)
4. Plant your flowers and add your bird feeders
   • Enjoy some company this summer by planting some fresh flowers and incorporating bird feeders to your backyard. Homes and Garden recommends planting pollinators in your backyard for the following reason, “‘Concentrate on what the bees will benefit from: early-flowering, nectar-rich bulbs and perennials, such as crocus, Geranium phaeum and Helleborus niger; there’s often a shortage of food for pollinators early in the year,” SOURCE: homesandgarden.com \
5. Incorporate brick designs
   • Last but not least, incorporating brick designs and mortar to your backyard makes it that much more picturesque! Homes and Garden interviews a designer Henrietta Murray-Wicks where she takes the using bricks in a backyard provides an accent to certain features and keeps it consistent with the overall material palette. (pic?) SOURCE: homesandgarden.com
   • 

The warm weather is just around the corner, and it’s time to act fast to get your backyard oasis ready for the summer!

Article by: getbenczik.com

With one of the hottest condo markets in North America, a growing number of Torontonians are opting to buy pre-construction units. Like any construction project, delays with pre-construction condos can occur. Although condominium projects can fall behind schedule for any number of reasons, delays are especially common when there are a number of competing developments in one area. The good news is that there are rights and protections in place to support buyers when these setbacks occur.

Whether you’re planning on moving in yourself or having tenants, it’s important to understand the potential delays that come with a pre-construction purchase, and what your options are when they arise. In some cases, you’ll be entitled to compensation or have the ability to terminate your contract. Working with your real estate agent can help you alleviate some of the stress that comes with construction delays. 

Defining Delayed Occupancy 

Delayed occupancy occurs when a buyer does not receive their unit by the initial tenancy date outlined in the purchase agreement. This is one of the most critical details of a purchase agreement and is something buyers should pay close attention to. It’s also important to note that a purchase agreement can have more than one tenancy date. 

There are two crucial occupancy dates outlined in an agreement, firm and outside. The firm occupancy date is the date on which a builder commits to having a buyer’s unit completed. The outside occupancy date refers to the absolute latest date a builder expects to make the unit available to the buyer. These dates are critical for buyers and can both be impacted by delays. 

Keep Track of Changes

In Ontario, builders are allowed to delay the initial tentative occupancy date for any reason as long as they provide tenants with notice of 90 days and set a new tenancy date. Of course, there are restrictions as to how long they can do this. 30 days after the roof is completed on a condo building, a developer is required to set a final tenancy date. If the developer is unable to provide access by the firm occupancy date, the buyer is entitled to compensation and other rights. 

Compensation and Cancellation

Once the firm tenancy date has passed, buyers who don’t yet have tenancy of their unit are officially entitled to compensation. This compensation is generally to help cover temporary living expenses and other costs related to the interruption. In Ontario, the fixed compensation amount is $150 per day, up to a maximum of $7500. Compensation begins the day after the initial occupancy date established in the purchase agreement. 

Buyers can also be entitled to compensation for the ten days before the firm tenancy date based on the circumstances. With a maximum total of $1500, this can be claimed if a developer does not provide adequate notice of the delays. 

If significant delays to tenancy occur, buyers will also have the option to cancel their purchase. Known as the Purchaser’s Termination Period, this permits buyers who choose to back out of their purchase agreement to receive the relevant fixed compensation amount, plus a full refund of costs they’ve paid on the condo so far. This total refund includes a return on deposits, interest, upgrades and other fees. 

Have a Plan B

For buyers who are planning on living in their condo, one of the most stressful challenges that can come with a delayed tenancy is finding a place to stay while unit access is delayed. Having a backup plan for temporary housing in case of delays is a great way for buyers to avoid disaster.

Purpose-built rentals are a great option for temporary housing as they are typically furnished and offer flexible lease periods. Plus many of these developments offer some incredible amenities for them to enjoy while they wait for their condo to become available.

Ask an Agent

While potential delays shouldn’t deter buyers from exploring the pre-construction market outright, recognizing the reality of delays can help prevent unpleasant surprises down the line. When purchasing a pre-construction condo, buyers should choose a real estate agent that will advocate for them. As condo market experts, a great agent can help buyers navigate delays and interruptions. They’ll also be able to ensure buyers receive the best compensation possible when setbacks occur. 

Article by: torontoism.com

One of the biggest concerns for a homeowner looking to sell is the time they’ll have to put in before listing their house. If that’s the case for you, you should know – your home might be closer to list-ready than you think in today’s housing market. A survey of recent sellers from realtor.com finds that many were able to get their house ready in less than a month. It says:

“With many homeowners expecting a quick sale, and in many cases a lack of contingencies, the preparation process took less than a month for over 50% of home sellers this past year, with 20% completing it in less than two weeks.”

Those sellers expecting to sell quickly are following recent buyer trends. With mortgage rates and home prices rising, buyers in today’s market are serious about finding a home quickly. But with the limited number of homes for sale, there are very few options for those buyers to choose from. That means many may be willing to take on projects after they purchase.

Because of this, you may be able to focus on less time-consuming tasks before putting your house on the market. According to the survey mentioned above, some of the top things recent sellers completed before listing over the past year include landscaping, making minor cosmetic updates, and touching-up paint (see image below):

A Real Estate Advisor Will Help Streamline the Process and Keep You Focused

Of course, each situation is different, and knowing what repairs or updates your house needs to stand out in your local area is critical. That’s where a trusted real estate professional comes in. In a recent article, NextAdvisor explains:

“. . . Real estate can be hyper-local, and demand can vary from one neighborhood to the next. It’s a good idea to work with a local real estate professional to determine an ideal listing price and if any improvements or repairs need to be completed before putting your home on the market.”

Your trusted real estate advisor knows the ins and outs of the market in your specific area. They’ll help you identify the places where you should and shouldn’t spend your time and money – and that can enable you to list quickly.

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to take advantage of the incredible conditions for sellers in today’s real estate market but are worried about the time it’ll take to get your home ready, you might be closer than you think. Partner with a local real estate advisor to see what you need to do before listing your house today.

Article by: wrenews.com

Canadians know the real estate market is growing fast but how unusually fast it’s moving may not be clear. Data from US Federal Reserve researchers might help with that. The numbers show Canadian home prices increased at a rate at least 50% faster than any other G7 country in Q4 2021. The issue isn’t just one or two quarters though, but persistent froth that has accumulated. Home prices in Canada have more than doubled since 2005, rising at least twice as fast as any other G7 country. Some of which have even acknowledged they’re in a real estate bubble.

Canadian Real Estate Grew 1.5x Faster Than Any Other G7 In Q4

Canadian home prices rose much faster than any other G7 country in the last quarter of 2021. Home prices increased 5.7% in Q4 2021, about 1.5x the rate in the UK (3.8%), the second fastest G7 for the quarter. The US (3.5%) is in a distant third, even with substantial growth. It was a huge quarter, topping off a huge year.

Canadian Real Estate Prices Grew 25% In 2021

Home prices surged last year in most advanced economies but none grew like Canada. Annual home price growth reached 25.1% in 2021, about 1.4x the growth rate of the US (17.9%), the second fastest G7. It was a sharp drop off that gets sharper with third place, Germany (12.4%). Growth might seem tiny in contrast to Canada, but it’s a boiling point issue for Germans. Some policymakers have even begun to push for the nationalization of rental stock.

Canadian Home Prices Grew 219% Since 2005, 3x Any Other G7

As mentioned earlier, the issue isn’t one or four quarters of high growth for Canada. The country persistently outperforms other G7 countries, creating a mind blowing gap. Since 2005, Canadian home prices increased 219% — more than double Germany (93%) and over 3x the UK (76%). The US (67%) is considered frothy, but with less than a third of the growth of Canada, it might seem like a deal. The gap really has to be seen to be appreciated.

Similar errors in monetary policy across many countries have sent home prices soaring. This is a point Canada’s banks have been hammering on, arguing this shows it’s a monetary issue. The big difference is countries like the US acknowledge they have a housing bubble. Meanwhile, Canada is slurring its words and explaining it only had a little to drink but thinks it’s still OK to drive home. 

Article by: betterdwelling.com