House Hunting? Make it easy on yourself!

Looking for the perfect home? Did you know that I can set you up to be automatically notified – 24/7, 365 days per year – anytime a home matching your specific criteria comes on the market? You’ll get all the info relating to the properties that come your way, including photos and a map. With that kind of informative and real-time system working for you, I can arrange a private viewing as soon as possible. Stay ahead of the crowd. Give me a call and let’s start looking for your dream home today!

Tyler O’Donovan B.A., Sales Representative
RE/MAX Twin City Realty Inc., Brokerage
83 Erb Street West, Waterloo, ON N2L 6C2
Office Telephone: 519-885-0200
E-mail: tylerodonovan.remax@gmail.com
Website: www.tylerodonovan.com

Regulation of home inspection industry needed, say Ontario Realtors

Kitchener/Waterloo – Currently in Ontario, anyone can call themselves a home inspector. This could pose a problem for Ontarians who might base their decision to buy or sell a home on information they receive from an unregulated, unlicensed home inspector.

Home inspectors play an important role in the home buying and selling process,” says Lynn Bebenek, President of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR). Professionals with this much influence should be licensed and have proper training to ensure consumers receive a consistent and standardized service.”

The Ontario Real Estate Association is working with the Ministry of Consumer Services to improve consumer protection in the real estate marketplace by encouraging efforts to regulate the home inspection industry. In August 2013, the Minister of Consumer Services, the Honourable Tracy MacCharles, asked a volunteer panel of experts to review home inspector qualifications in Ontario. The panel, comprised of members from home inspection associations, consumer advocates and real estate industry representatives, developed a report with 35 recommendations for the home inspection industry.

“One of our main recommendations is to establish parameters for licensing the industry,” says Bebenek. “Regulating the industry will help ensure homebuyers and sellers receive reliable, informative and professional advice when making one of the largest decisions of their lives.”

Unlike home inspectors, Ontario realtors are regulated under the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002 (REBBA). REBBA is administered by the Real Estate Council of Ontario.

“Realtors are regulated professionals with a duty to provide accurate information to our clients,” says Bebenek. “We are subject to strict standards of client care, which were designed to deter unethical behaviour in the real estate marketplace. We hope to accomplish the same in the home inspection industry.”

The panel’s report and any public feedback the ministry receives will guide the government as it considers whether to bring forward legislation to establish qualifications for home inspectors.

Article

Killam begins construction of 122-unit luxury apartment building in Cambridge

HALIFAX – Killam Properties Inc. (“Killam”) announced that it has begun construction of Saginaw Gardens, a luxury apartment building in Cambridge, Ontario. Located at 650 Saginaw Parkway the site is in the desirable east Cambridge Saginaw neighbourhood with quick access to Highway 401 and in close proximity to recreational activities, including shopping and restaurants. Construction is anticipated to take 18 months with Saginaw Gardens expected to be ready for occupancy in spring 2015.

The seven-storey concrete building will include 122 spacious open-concept units with condo-quality features, including stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, in-suite laundry, ensuite baths, large balconies and air conditioning. The building will also include many amenities, including underground parking, a multi-purpose lounge, a fitness studio, two large outdoor terraces and a games room.

Killam has engaged HIP Developments & Melloul Blamey Construction, one of the Southern Ontario’s largest construction firms, to be the project’s development and construction manager. “We are pleased to play a role in creating a new landmark building in Cambridge with Killam”, says Scott Higgins, Vice President of HIP Developments. “Their focus on long-term ownership and quality will be very evident in Saginaw Gardens.”

“We look forward to expanding our ownership in Cambridge, which remains an attractive apartment market for Killam,” noted Philip Fraser, Killam’s President and CEO. “We are optimistic about the development of new rental suites in the city as the demand for high quality newly constructed apartments continues to be very strong.”

Killam Properties Inc., based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is one of Canada’s largest residential landlords, owning, operating and developing multi-family apartments and manufactured home communities.

Article