Monthly Archives: December 2009

Dangerous Holiday Plants

Posted on December 31, 2009 | Leave a comment

Holiday plants around the home can be dangerous.

The festive atmosphere imparted by the many common household decorations or gifts around the holiday season can consist of decorative plants or plant materials, and most of these holiday plants are actually poisonous to a degree.  The two most common and more toxic of these plants are holly and mistletoe, mostly due in part to the dried berries of both plants that can fall off and land where children or pets can eat them. While all of mistletoe is toxic, but eating one or two berries is relatively safe. Consuming more than two holly berries can cause serious illness and it only takes about 20 berries to kill a child. If you are hanging mistletoe in your home, placing it in some kind of netting can keep any loose or rotting berries contained and out of the reach of children and pets.

Ingesting amaryllis bulbs, large numbers of pyracantha berries and parts of cedar, pines, spruces or other coniferous trees can cause abdominal pain and skin irritation. The Jerusalem cherry ingestion can cause serious side effects like vomiting, hallucinations and seizures, which can be caused by eating any part of the plant. The Jequirity bean or rosary pea are dangerous if chewed and they can be life-threatening. If they are swallowed whole the risk is less.

Surprisingly, poinsettias are not as poisonous as commonly thought. While they can cause a slight rash or stomach irritation if the leaves are consumed, they do not, contrary to popular belief, pose a lethal threat. This information has been available since the 1970s, but because of the widespread belief that poinsettias are toxic, many families are hesitant to have them in the home.

Some non-toxic alternatives to these plants that are safe to give as gifts or decorate your home with include violets, spider plants, coleus and Christmas cactus.

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2010 Real Estate Forecast

Posted on December 30, 2009 | Leave a comment

By Matt Goulart

As Canada economy grew for the second month in a row in October, we have economists declaring once again the end to the Great Recession.

What has helped the economy grow, is the cold weather and a good real estate market.

The real estate market has helped give a good push from the beginning when the economy was just beginning to do well. At this point, the real estate market has helped stabilize the economy further, ensuring the fact that we are out of the recession.

We saw some concern that the unexpected and unsustainable nature of the two main sources, which are utilities and housing sales, however the overheating property market and recent real estate data showed that the property buying spree has continued in November.

Now with consumer confidence dropping slightly we might not see the buying spree continue in December as we have many households putting their money into holiday festivities, and the fact remains that purchasing a house is not always the top priority at the end of the year.

Now with us heading into the new year, we should be seeing people coming out and begin looking once again for their dream home.

We will also have seller’s coming out on the market as they feel more comfortable about the economy and feel confident that their house will be selling at the price they want.

Low mortgage rates will be a key factor in pushing the housing market sales higher, and even stabilizing the current levels we have seen.

I expect to see the current real estate market peak out in the next few months and then pick up in spring as homes can be showcased even better in warmer weather compared to the long winter months and at that point in time the economy is expected to be doing much better.

This does not go as far as to say that the market will cool down considerable, rather it will stay at a decent level, which is expected to still be higher than what was seen a year ago. Of course this is obvious seeing as at the beginning of 2009 we were deep into the great recession, with power of sales keeping the housing market afloat.

Buyer’s prepare for more inventory and keep on the lookout for your dream home as with more inventory can bring about more buyers and with that you have more competition. With that said, do not get emotionally attached to any homes right now, because you are sure to find similar if not better homes as we head deeper into 2010.

Matt Goulart is the Founder and Lead Consultant with Webstar Content.  Matt can be reached at matt@webstarcontent.com or via their website at www.webstarcontent.com.

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Carbon Monoxide

Posted on December 30, 2009 | Leave a comment

Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, colourless and odourless gas that can be extremely toxic to humans and animals. Carbon dioxide forms when there is not enough oxygen available to form carbon dioxide, most often in combustion processes that occur in everyday household appliances and systems.

Faulty fuel-burning appliances such as heaters, furnaces and stoves as well as cars running in closed garages can all lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and death. Indoor fireplaces with chimney blockages, electric generators and gas-powered tools used indoors or in enclosed spaces can also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide, because of its non-irritating and invisible nature, is extremely difficult to detect until it is typically too late. It renders the blood incapable of delivering oxygen to bodily tissues. Symptoms of carbon dioxide exposure or poisoning are usually vomiting, headache, nausea and lethargy, and neurological symptoms including confusing and disorientation. These symptoms are not always overly severe or obvious and because of their generic nature they can often be confused for something else such as the flu, increasing the importance of the carbon monoxide detector.

Having a carbon monoxide detector in your home can be equally as important as a smoke detector. A carbon monoxide detector will give you and your family fair warning when it comes to evacuating the home and waiting for help to arrive that can help find the source of the carbon monoxide. Be sure to look for a carbon monoxide detector that is approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

Aside from using a properly maintained and installed carbon monoxide detector, other steps you  can take to protect your family include:

  • Ensure your fuel-burning appliances are properly working and inspected by a professional.
  • Have your chimney inspected for cracks, blockages and corrosion.
  • Make sure that heating and hot water appliances are properly stored, and if the room they are in is small, ensure there is adequate air circulation.
  • Never start your car in the garage if possible, although if the car is parked in the garage open the door before starting the car and drive out immediately.  Frequently clean the ductwork for any clothes dryers ensuring no lint buildup or other blockages.

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Vacancies on the Rise

Posted on December 29, 2009 | Leave a comment

Apartment vacancies are rising across Canada, especially in Toronto.

Last week the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation released figures showing that apartment building vacancy rates have risen to 3.1 per cent this year from 2.1 per cent last year mostly in part because of the competition from condominiums.

The amount of increase in residencies in condominiums and subsequent increase in apartment building vacancies is due to the significant increase in younger, first time buyers and low interest rates. First time buyers this year make up 57 per cent of the total market in 2009, a 24 per cent increase from 2008.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation expects that with most of the condominiums currently in construction becoming available next year, the vacancy rate is expected to climb even further to 3.3 per cent.

Despite the higher difference in price that condos have as opposed to renting an apartment, the amenities and locations offer a higher quality of life. The buildings are newer and well built, unlike most apartment buildings that were usually built with savings in mind long ago. Over 50 per cent of the apartment buildings that exist in the city were built between 40 and 50 years ago. A decline in immigration to the central Greater Toronto Area and a rising unemployment rate have also contributed to the increase in apartment vacancy rates.

The vacancy rate in the GTA is higher than other major cities, and the average vacancy rate across Canada has increased about 2.9 per cent over the past year.  The major urban centre with the lowest vacancy rate is Quebec City with 0.6 per cent, and the major urban centre with the highest vacancy rate is Windsor with 15.5 per cent.

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Improvements in store for “Upper Avenue”

Posted on December 19, 2009 | Leave a comment

Avenue Road is certainly one of the signature streets in Toronto—yet somehow it seems the uppermost stretch of this important city street has been somewhat neglected and underutilized. That is about to change, with the recent completion of a study of Avenue Road between Lawrence and Wilson avenues.

The Avenue Road study conducted by the city of Toronto was led by the firm of Brook Mcllroy Planning + Urban Design/Pace Architects in association with Poulos + Chung Limited. The study sought input from the local community through three public open houses and seven local advisory committee meetings. The local advisory committee comprised area residents, business owners, and property owners.

The study produced five main recommendations: maintain village atmosphere and pedestrian friendly streetscape; encourage more mixed-use development incorporating retail together with commercial and residential uses; greening of Avenue Road to include the creation of new parks and open spaces and green development; build on the brand “Upper Avenue” through gateways, public art, street signage, street furniture, and overall streetscaping and landscaping.

The Avenue Road Study concluded that this two-kilometer stretch should retain its predominantly retail character, but that it should better integrate into the surrounding neighbourhoods and provide a focal point for local residents not just as a place to shop but also as a hub for social interaction and pride of ownership within the community. The next few years will provide significant changes to this stretch of Avenue Road. If all goes as well as expected, “Upper Avenue” will be a model for revitalization for other avenues across the city of Toronto.

Source:  Courtesy of the Toronto Neighbourhood Guide

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Muddy York Update – TREB Market Update – Mid December 2009

Posted on December 18, 2009 | 1 Comment

The Toronto Real Estate Board released the mid December 2009 statistics for the Greater Toronto Area.  The number of sales to date was 3,079 in the first half of the month compared to 1,487 in mid-December of 2008.   The average price for the GTA was $360,652 mid-December of last year compared to $423,103 this year.

In the Central District of Toronto, the average price was $460,828 compared to $382,759 last year.  The number of sales to date was 1,343 compared to 619 in mid-December of 2008.  The year-to-date total sales are up 16% compared to last year with the average price up 17%.

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board

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A pocket guide to mould in the home

Posted on December 17, 2009 | Leave a comment

Residential mould is very difficult to identify simply based on the colour or texture. The best way to have the mould identified is by contacting an expert or using a piece of Scotch tape to lift a sample of the mould off of the surface it has inhabited. The following mould varieties and the symptoms associated with them can lend an idea as to whether or not you or your home are at risk of dangerous mould growth.

Black mould can be toxic or non-toxic depending on the species, but the two most dangerous types are indeed commonly found in homes.

The first, Aspergillus niger is darkish gray and looks dry, and can cause respiratory infections or allergies, affecting those with weakened immune systems more adversely. Other species of mould in the genus Aspergillus can cause infections as well, and they can appear to be grey, green, yellow or white, ranging in toxicity. These moulds can be found in many places, from soil and clothing to walls and insulation.

The second, Stachybotrys chartarum, often has a greenish tinge and is usually slimy to the touch. It is the most famous of the toxic black moulds and can cause very serious symptoms ranging from nose bleeds and skin inflammation to pathological respiratory changes. This mould needs a very damp habitat to thrive.

Cladosporidium is a very common non-toxic black mould with no ill effects, but heavy exposure could aggravate allergies and asthma. It can be found in insulation, wood, dust and inside walls.

Penicillium is a relatively harmless mould, showing up as blue, white or green. It is what grows on the fruit and cheese that you forget about in the back of your fridge, but can also be found within the home. Some species can be somewhat hazardous.

One of the best ways to prevent mould is by eliminating the source of water or moisture in the area. Some mould covered materials can be thrown away, such as cardboard boxes. A scrubby brush and soapy water can also remove small patches of mould. Bleach kills mould, but does not remove it and dead mould can still trigger allergies.

Mould in the home is not just a health hazard, it can weaken the structural integrity of many building construction materials. A home inspector or other professional should be called in to estimate the damage done to your home.

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Olympic Torch Relay

Posted on December 16, 2009 | Leave a comment

Residents of Toronto will have the rare, once in a lifetime opportunity to see the Olympic Torch Relay as it begins the Toronto leg of its cross-Canada adventure from December 17 to December 19.

Entering the city at Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue, the relay will make its way down Yonge Street and along the 401 to Campbell Square in Scarborough, where from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. there will be buskers, a sledge hockey demonstration and musicians providing extra entertainment for when the torch makes its stop at the Scarborough Civic Centre.

The torch will then go along Ellesmere Road and York Mills Road back to Yonge Street, and retired TTC employee and Olympic gold medalist Murray Dowey will board a street car and carry the torch down College Street. After traveling to SickKids Hospital, a community celebration showcasing the torch and performances by Canadian artists will be held at Nathan Phillips Square from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the end of the first day.

On the 18th, the torch will resume its journey in Queen’s Park at 6 a.m. passing the iconic CN Tower and the Rogers Centre, and after traveling North along Danforth Avenue will travel to East York Town Centre and out of Toronto via the Don Valley Parkway. After heading to Mississauaga, the torch will exit the area by the 19th. By the time the torch leaves the city, more than 1,000 people will have carried the torch almost 50 kilometers throughout the streets, and when the torch arrives in Vancouver in February, it will have travelled 45,000 kilometers across Canada.  The Canadian Olympic Committee is asking bystanders to cheer on the torch and athletes by “painting the town red” – wearing red clothes, using face paints, imagination or just by cheering on the torch relay.

“I encourage all Torontonians to demonstrate their pride in our city and show support for our Canadian athletes by cheering the torch along the way”, said Mayor David Miller, “we are thrilled to have the Olympic flame travel through so many of our neighbourhoods.”

Residents are encouraged to make use of public transit during the events because of possible street closures and a lack of available parking.

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Disclosure in buying and selling – leaky pipes, murders, and ghosts.

Posted on December 16, 2009 | Leave a comment

When looking into entering the real estate market, there may be a few questions as to what exactly you have to tell prospective buyers, those who are about to actually purchase your home or what exactly the sellers have to let you in on when you yourself are the potential buyer.

Do you have to mention that the basement has a tendency to flood, or that pesky double homicide that occurred in the house 20 years ago?

What about the former homeowner who committed suicide because his lottery numbers came up the one day he didn’t bother to play them? Do you even want to know about these happenings before choosing a home?

What are the laws regarding the disclosure of certain factors during house selling? With regards to physical problems in the structure, one must first understand the difference between a patent and latent defect.

A patent defect is one that is extremely obvious during a regular inspection of the property. One does not have to disclose something that is visible, for example, mold that is readily seen or broken windows and other structures. A latent defect is something unseen and unknown – poorly insulated plumbing leading to pipes having a tendency to freeze and burst in the winter or an illegal basement apartment are examples of latent defects that must be disclosed.

Traumatic events occurring near or on the property are referred to as psychological defects. The law is not as clear on the ins and outs of the disclosure of these psychological defects, or “stigmatized property” as these lots can sometimes be referred to.

Tragic events like these are typically well known throughout neighbourhoods and easily become stories retold for generations. They are generally covered by the media and can be found by googling the neighbourhood or address, and cannot be kept secret for long, and ghost stories can even boost the mystery and value of your home.

A Canadian example of a far less damaging psychological defect is a case that went to court in 2003 in British Columbia, when the buyers were unaware when they bought the home that there was a nude beach next door and that they would be subjected to plenty of naked people running about in the summer time. The buyers did not notice upon original inspection, and the sellers did know and did not disclose this information. The Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the sellers as naked people did not constitute a latent defect in their opinion.  Courts in the United States have been less forgiving than Canada in their rulings, as in the 1980′s a woman purchased a home in California not knowing that a woman and her four children had been murdered there. The Court of Appeals ruled in her favour to set aside the sale.

The same consequence occurred in New York in 1989 when a man purchased a home that appeared to come with less than friendly roommate who just happened to be a ghost. He was able to get his deposit back, despite the unprovable validity of the ghost claim.

Because of cases like these, laws in the United States have evolved to include the disclosure when selling properties where murders have occurred.

The general laws when it comes to disclosure in Ontario are not nearly as developed and are very much “buyer beware”, not dealing with much other than physical defects, but not disclosing defects of any kind can result in a lack of credibility of the seller once the deal is done and could possibly bring on lawsuits later on – after all, the laws in the United States were created following the legal actions taken in the disclosure cases.

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