Top Family-Friendly Investment Areas in Toronto

Top Family-Friendly Investment Areas in Toronto  

Watch this video till end. 

Let me know whch is your favorite neighbourhood in the comment below.

Let's talk: 647-760-7061

Happy to help you for your real estate solutions.

Is your home ready for you to age in place? | Pankaj Patel, Broker, HomeLife/Miracle Realty Ltd., Brokerage *

Make your home safe and age-friendly for seniors

Aging Brings Changes

Aging affects each individual differently. Some seniors experience physical limitations that seriously affect their level of activity while others are able to remain quite active. The natural process of growing older, however, generally includes changes in abilities. If you're experiencing some of the problems associated with the changes described below, consult your health professional and make sure you undertake whatever changes or adaptations will help you cope and compensate.

Vision

Eyes take longer to adjust from dark to light and vice versa, and become more sensitive to glare from sunlight or unshielded light bulbs. There is a decline in depth perception that can make it hard to judge distances. Perceiving contrasts and colours can also be more difficult.

Touch, Smell and Hearing

Sensitivity to heat, pain and pressure decreases; this may make it more difficult to detect a liquid's temperature or changes in ground or floor surfaces. Sense of smell diminishes, making it harder to smell spoiled food, leaking gas and smoke. Hearing loss can result in difficulty hearing telephones, doorbells, smoke alarms, etc.; it can also result in a decrease in balance, which can make falling more likely.

Bone Density

Bones naturally become less dense and weaker with age. Bone loss (osteoporosis) among seniors can be worsened by lack of exercise and nutritional deficiencies. Bone loss can lead to painful fractures, disfigurement, lowered self-esteem and a reduction or loss of mobility.

Balance and Gait

Balance is a complex function involving eyes, inner ear, muscular strength and joint flexibility. Any one of these can change as a result of aging. A general decline in equilibrium can make it more difficult to maintain or recover balance, meaning that a slip or trip can become a fall. The speed of walking, the height to which the heels are lifted, and the length of a person's stride can change with age. These changes can make it more likely for someone to experience a fall.

Memory

In general, sharp brains tend to stay sharp. Cognitive processing and memory may take a bit longer, but this is a normal effect of aging. This is why it's important to make lists and keep phone numbers handy.

 

Most seniors develop effective coping mechanisms as they age. Being aware of the normal changes of aging allows you to plan for home and lifestyle adaptations that will help you retain your health, quality of life and independence.

Keeping Your Home Safe

Read more here. 

How to avoid costly repairs in your home appliances?

How to avoid costly repairs in your home appliances?

(NC) We rely on our household appliances to get the job done. From washing and drying multiple loads of laundry a week, to keeping our dishes sparkling clean, our appliances have their work cut out for them. That’s why it’s important to keep the following in mind:

For all your real estate needs, happy to help you and your friends.

Pay attention to the details and be proactive
Is your dishwasher leaving behind food stains? Does your washing machine make a faint rattling sound? Are your frozen foods a little softer than usual? Pay attention to the performance of your home appliances to get ahead of any issues. Proper maintenance now may help eliminate larger repairs in the future.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Every appliance requires regular maintenance – the frequency, type of maintenance and how to complete it are outlined in the manufacturer’s instruction manual. You may be surprised to learn that even your washer and dishwasher need to be cleaned regularly. Helpful tip: If you’ve misplaced your instruction manual, you can usually find it online on the manufacturer’s website.

Look for built-in reminders to help keep you on track
For example, if you own an eligible LG appliance, you can easily activate proactive customer care through their app. The service automatically sends you contextual alerts and reports based on your appliance usage data. It can notify you if you need to change your refrigerator’s water filter or clean the inside of your oven. It can also alert you to possible maintenance issues before they happen.

Consult a professional for more extensive maintenance or repairs
If you suspect that your home appliance may need more than regular maintenance, consult an authorized service provider. These providers have received extensive training from the manufacturer on diagnosing and repairing your specific appliance. If you are unsure on whether the service provider is authorized, contact the manufacturer directly for a list of authorized service providers near you.

For all your real estate needs, happy to help you and your friends.

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Year-round Seasonal Home Safety Checklist

 

Seasonal home safety checklist

(NC) Having your own home comes with many perks from privacy, to added space, to your own unique décor. But one thing’s for sure – it takes some work to keep the place organized and safe.

To help keep your home running smoothly, here’s when to tackle some important home safety tasks.

Winter wonderland

• Look for bare patches on your roof after a snowfall to see if your roof or attic insulation may need repair.
• Check for water leaks indoors during minor thaws to get ahead of water damage and mould.
• Test for high levels of radon gas in your home with a simple DIY test, or call in a pro.
• Make sure important documents are stored off the floor and not in the basement ahead of spring thaws and floods.

Spring showers

• Refresh your emergency kit if needed, and add any season-specific items, such as a battery-operated fan if you lose air conditioning in a summer power outage.
• Angle your downspouts away from your home to prevent flood damage.
• Consider adding a sump pump with backup power or reverse-flow valves in basement drains.
• Clear gutters and debris left over from winter storms and do time-sensitive repairs.
• Inspect your roof and repair any damage.
• Consider applying sealant around basement windows and at the base of exterior doors.
• Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms each spring and fall.

Sunny summer

• Do more extensive safety updates in summer when weather is clear, such as fixing a leaky foundation.
• Ensure that your landscaping is graded to slope away from your home.
• Trim any trees or bushes that are getting close to power lines.
• Check your ventilation by holding a tissue up to your bathroom fan – the suction should cause it to noticeably flutter.
• Run a dehumidifier to prevent mould if you live in a humid place or detect a musty smell.

Fall fixes

• Winterize or drain outdoor faucets and pipes ahead of cold weather to avoid frozen, burst pipes.
• Check and replace weatherstripping to ensure your home is protected from the elements.
• Clear your eaves-troughs and downspouts of leaves and debris.
• Refresh your emergency kit with supplies to last you for several days.
• Confirm that your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in good working order and replace the backup batteries.

Whatever the season, make sure you know the risks in your area so you can properly prepare your home for them. Do you live near a river that floods in your area every spring? Or, are you at risk for wildfires in summer? Are you likely to face severe winter storms or power outages in winter? A little preparation, can help you be ready for just about anything.

Finding your Dream Home has never been this easy!

Find out about your regional risks and learn more safety tips at getprepared.ca

Protect your home and personal safety while you’re away

 

Thinking of real estate?

Protect your home and personal safety while you’re away

(NC) After a couple of months cooped up indoors, many of us are ready to get on the move. Whether we’re visiting friends and family or simply seeking warmer temperatures, here are some tips to keep yourself, your loved ones and your home safe while you’re away.

Plan for your mail
A pile of packages outside your door is a clear sign to would-be thieves that no one is home. Ask a trusted neighbour to collect it or get Canada Post to hold your mail until you return. Place a temporary pause on any newspaper subscriptions you have. This gives you peace of mind knowing that nothing will pile up while you’re gone.

Add entryway cameras
Installing cameras at your front and back entrances allows you to easily check in on what’s happening outside your home. For a simple and effective setup, look for an all-in-one option like Telus SmartHome Security, which includes 24/7 monitoring and real-time alerts so you know if something’s up, as well as automation for lights, heating and devices. Security signs on your front lawn and cameras are also known to deter criminals since they don’t want to risk exposure and getting caught.

Time your lights
It’s obvious no one’s home when the lights don’t turn on for hours or days on end, especially in the dark winter months. Set up your most-used lights on timers to go on and off at typical times of day so no one can tell you’re not there.

Try wearable tech
Apart from the home, consider upgrading your family’s personal safety with new technology woven into wearable devices. Telus SmartWear Security for instance includes wearable personal safety devices disguised as stylish necklaces, bracelets and keychains with a hidden panic button that will share your location and can instantly connect you with contacts or help dispatch emergency services with a double click.

Revisit your social media approach
You may love to post about special occasions on social media, but it’s important to be careful of how much you share and when. Before you depart, look through your feed for any posts that give out personal information about your habits and your home – even a street name or house number. Consider waiting until you get home to post about vacation activities, and be sure to disable geotagging in your settings.

What happens if your builder goes bankrupt?

 

Thinking of buying a new home or Condo?

What happens if your builder goes bankrupt?

(NC) While choosing to buy a new home is an incredibly exciting time, it can also be a little stressful. If you are considering buying a new-build home, a good understanding of how your deposit protection works will go a long way to giving you greater peace of mind. Here are answers to some of the most common questions new home buyers have:

What does deposit protection cover?
Deposit protection covers you in cases where your builder goes bankrupt or fundamentally breaches your agreement. It also applies in situations where you exercise a statutory right to end the purchase agreement, such as when completion of your home is extended beyond the latest allowable date indicated in the addendum of your agreement.

How much of my deposit is covered?
The level of deposit protection depends on the type of home you buy. If the price of your new freehold home is $600,000 or less, your deposit is covered for up to $60,000. For example, if the price of

the home you’re buying is $550,000 and if you put down $60,000,?your entire deposit is protected.?If it’s over $600,000, you’re protected for 10 percent of the purchase price, up to a maximum of $100,000.

If you’re looking to buy a condo unit, you receive two levels of deposit protection. First, your deposit is protected by the trust provisions of the Condominium Act. Under the act, your builder must hold your deposit money in a trust account. As the second level of protection, if for some reason your deposit was not placed in the trust, the new home warranty provides protection for up to $20,000.

What about other payments I make upfront? 
Deposit protection now covers other payments related to your new home within the above limits, such as those you make for upgrades and extras like hardwood flooring or granite counters.

However, keep in mind that the new home warranty does not protect any payments made to reserve or hold a home before the purchase agreement is signed.

How do I get my deposit back?
If you’re eligible for a deposit refund, your builder must return it to you. If you’re unable to get a refund from your builder when you’re eligible, you can make a claim to the consumer protection organization Tarion,

You can learn more about buying a new home at tarion.com.

Attention: This content is reserved for distribution in Ontario only.

A unique and exciting investment opportunity nestled in Downtown Hamilton! PRICING STARTING FROM THE LOW $300s!

 

A unique and exciting investment opportunity nestled in Downtown Hamilton!   Steps from Hamilton's vibrant downtown core. Here at Beasley Lofts, future residents will find themselves minutes from the Hamilton Centre GO Station, Highway 403, Mohawk College & McMaster University, a fantastic selection of Big Box Stores and so much more! We're thrilled to introduce you to our residential & commercial units, including our secure parking, on-site storage, and our unique Rooftop Gardens.    IMAGINE   Immerse yourself in the heart of downtown, experience the thriving Hamilton community of artists, shops, and restaurants just steps away. Enjoy the lifestyle from the comfort of your home without leaving the building by taking advantage of the indoor atrium, food & beverage services, even on-site retail or office spaces so you can cut your commute to an elevator ride. Enjoy unparalleled amenities:   24-hour security and concierge Included access to the on-site fitness center Shuttle service connecting you with Hamilton's hotspots Walking distance to both GO Stations - a commuter's dream! FLEXIBLE Deposit Structure:  20% of Purchase Price $5,000 - Due on Signing $10,000 - Due in 90 Days $15,000 - Due in 180 Days The remainder of 20% - Due in 365 days   PRICING STARTING FROM THE $300s!

REASONS TO BUY

A GROWING CITY

Hamilton's landscape is rapidly changing with a $140 million waterfront redevelopment that will transform West Harbour into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly community; and a new $500 Million Entertainment hub, only a 10-minute walk from Beasley Park Lofts, has been approved to revitalize the arts and culture scene

HAMILTON GO CENTRE

Conveniently located just a quick 5-minute commute from the Hamilton Centre GO Station which features both GO Bus & GO Train Transit

MAJOR HIGHWAYS

Conquer your morning commute with incredible ease being just 5 minutes from Highway 403, seamlessly connecting you to Highway 407 & the QEW in just minutes

POST-SECONDARY SCHOOLS

You will be 7 Minutes from Mohawk College which is home to 30,000 full-time, part-time, and apprenticeship students at the three campuses located all in Hamilton Residents will also be less than 8 minutes from McMaster University which is ranked 4th in Canada and 69th in the world and is one of only four Canadian universities consistently ranked in the world’s top 100! McMaster University is home to over 30,000 students, representing 120 countries Stinson projects are UNIQUE and the units will always hold their value. Unlike most 'cookie-cutter condos' Stinson buildings are architecturally distinctive and the units are well-designed. Ceilings are higher, the location is ideal, a park surrounds the building, 24-hour food-store onsite, 24-hour café, lobby bar, private shuttle bus for residents, concierge, gym, business center, underground parking; in fact, a self-contained village!

Interested in receiving HOT Investment opportunities? Call us: 647-760-7061

How to spot the romance scam?

 

Looking for love in all the wrong places - how to spot the romance scam February 2021 Romance scams are among the top ten frauds affecting Canadians according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, costing Canadians more than $18.5 million in 2020. This Valentine's Day, learn how to recognize the scam and stop it from happening to you, and then spread the word to others: Warnings signs Here are some warning signs that your new relationship may be a scam: Your new friend moves too fast. Scammers are trying to develop a quick relationship with you so be on your guard when someone professes their love to you. If your love interest asks you to send money, be very suspicious. Does your new friend have an online profile? Look for inconsistencies between what they post, and what they tell you. If you receive a message from your friend and they use the wrong name, that may be a red flag. Many of these fraudsters are working on multiple victims at the same time. Scammers will claim that they live close to you but that they’re working overseas. They do this so that they have numerous reasons to ask for you for money. Be on your guard. If you think you may be a victim If you think you may be a victim of a romance scam or any other kind of fraud, it’s important to contact police immediately. Bank staff are aware of these kinds of scams and are trained to pay attention if a customer makes an unusual transaction - for example, withdrawing more money than usual. However, you are ultimately responsible for any funds that you withdraw from your bank account. That’s why it’s especially important to ask questions and be 100 per cent positive about who you’re sending money to and why.   Did you know? The CBA offers a free fraud prevention seminar for seniors as part of its Your Money Seniors financial literacy seminar program. Request a fraud prevention seminar today! As a consumer, you also have an important role to play. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to be aware of the different types of scams and fraud so you won't be victimized.

Take a load off your water bill and the planet

Take a load off your water bill and the planet (NC)

Save your water bill!

Conserving water at home can help ensure a steady flow of clean, safe water for all while reducing our water bills at the same time. With a lot of water typically consumed in the kitchen, consider these unexpected ways to help you use less water and feel good about it. 

Keep bottles or pitchers of drinking water in the refrigerator. 

No one wants to drink the warm water that first flows from the tap. Rather than wasting it, catch the water in a container and pop it in the fridge. Invest in a tap water filter and you can save on bottled water too.

 

Repurpose the water used with fruits or vegetables. 

Clean fruits or vegetables in a bowl or pot of water and use it for houseplants or the garden. After steaming or boiling vegetables, use that water to start a stock for soup or to water plants. Get into the habit of collecting and repurposing spent water such as water left in drinking glasses or pet dishes, ice dropped on the floor, etc.

 Defrost foods in the fridge.

 Although putting frozen foods under running water helps them thaw faster, it also wastes a lot of water. Instead, plan ahead and put the food in the refrigerator overnight to safely defrost – and not use a single drop of water. 

Save water by using your dishwasher.

 It may surprise you that running the dishwasher half full wastes less water and energy compared to handwashing those same dishes. An Energy Star-certified dishwasher uses 15 liters of water every cycle, while a running faucet uses 15 liters every two minutes and about a quarter of the energy used to wash dishes by hand – helping to alleviate any guilt for using the dishwasher more. 

When shopping for your home, look for brands that are committed to saving water and water conservation, like Cascade. Find more information at cascade.takeahalfloadoff.ca/en.

Thinking of saving your hard-earned money and valuable time when you are looking for your dream home? Look no further. Leave your message here.

How to remodel your kitchen habits for less waste?

 

Remodel your kitchen habits for less waste

Thinking of buying, selling, or investing in real estate?

(NC) Although kitchen renovations can be very worthwhile, sometimes it’s the little things that can make a big difference. For example, consider some more eco-friendly habits.

The kitchen has more potential for waste and inefficiency than other areas in the home, but there are easy ways to be less wasteful without a major overhaul, all while helping to take a load off the planet. Here’s how:

Rethink storage for food and leftovers.

Swap single-use food wrapping for reusable elasticized bowl covers, beeswax wraps, and non-plastic zipper-top storage bags. Use recyclable mason jars or glass containers with airtight sealing lids. These all come in pretty designs and colors to suit all tastes.

Invest in reusable baking essentials.

With home baking here to stay, trade in the disposable parchment paper and cupcake and muffin liners for eco-friendly silicone baking mats, pans, and baking cups. The icing on the cake – pop them in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.

Prevent food waste with a meal plan.

Plan meals ahead with more mindful grocery shopping and do more home cooking. Learn how to use commonly discarded – yet still usable – parts of food, such as vegetable scraps for soup stock; think broccoli cores and kale stems. Get into composting what you can’t use to keep it from landfills. Buy yourself a stylish compost tin for the counter to collect organic waste and discard appropriately.

Use the dishwasher more.

Contrary to popular belief, running the dishwasher half full wastes less water and energy compared to handwashing those same dishes. An Energy Star-certified dishwasher uses 15 liters of water every cycle while a running faucet uses the same amount every two minutes. Consider Cascade Platinum ActionPacs, which save water by not requiring pre-washing.

How to Enjoy a Debt-Free Holiday

Nov 18, 2020|Source: Mortgage Architects

The holidays are coming up! As much as these celebrations bring us joy and harmony, they can also bring us stress. This is particularly true when it comes to your finances! However, don’t lose hope that this will be another draining year on your pocketbook. In fact, with a little planning, there are a few ways you can make sure your holidays are stress and credit-free.

Manage Your Expectations

Did you find the holidays refreshing last year, or were they somewhat draining and you’re still trying to figure out how to pay off your credit card bills? If you are someone that wants your holidays to be energizing and provide that feeling of togetherness, there is more to it than just spending money. Once you decide your expectations, it becomes easier to work towards things that create that result.

Determine Your Holiday Goals

Are you looking to plan an extravagant black-tie party or have a more low-key celebration? Maybe you just want to hang out with lots of family and friends and enjoy some good food? Or maybe you usually get away and are finding yourself homebound this year. No matter how you normally spend your holidays, sharing your thoughts with family will help determine your goals and come to a decision that works for everyone!

Create a Budget

Once you have decided your expectations and goals for the holiday, it is time to create your budget. A little planning can go a long way to creating a credit-free holiday, and will help you spread out the costs. The first step is to create a list of everything you need, from individual gifts to decorations to baking ingredients and meal items to clothing!

Start Now

Early planning can make all the difference when it comes to the holidays. Instead of lumping your entire budget into a couple paychecks, try keeping an eye out for gift ideas and cute decor all year long. While it may be too late this year, it could be a good strategy to try for 2021! Starting early will help reduce stress and give you more opportunities to scoop up incredible deals throughout the year, which means you can spread your budget even farther!

Accept Help

While I know many of us try to do everything during the holidays so our families can just enjoy themselves, it is important to remember that the holidays are a time when we are supposed to support each other, and celebrate together! If you are hosting a dinner this year, don’t be afraid to ask your family to bring appetizers or drinks. If you are buying gifts for friends, set a limit or challenge everyone to make something by hand! Homemade gifts can often feel more special and it creates a fun exchange for you and your friends. There are many incredible ways to reduce stress and help get others involved so that the holiday is perfect for everyone.

It is easy to get caught up in the consumerism and expectations of the holidays. Is dinner perfect? Did you buy enough gifts? Did you invite everyone? Is everyone happy? But don’t forget yourself in your efforts to please others.

Even though the holidays can feel hectic, it is important to celebrate YOU and be grateful for what you have - even if you weren’t able to check off all the boxes. Life happens, but the most important thing is that we celebrate when we can.

The holiday is YOURS, so make sure you spend it whichever way brings you the most joy - and the least amount of stress on your pocketbook.

Top 3 home renovation scams – and how to avoid them

 

                                   Thinking of Real Estate?
Top 3 home renovation scams – and how to avoid them

(NC) Home makeovers and repairs are on the rise, as we try to make our spaces more livable and functional. But even if you prefer to DIY most projects, some inevitably require the help of a professional. Finding a reliable contractor is where you can run into trouble, as there are many contractor scams in the industry.  

“While on the ground supporting our customers, some have told us that they have been approached by contractors going door-to-door to offer repair services with deals that seem too good to be true,” explains Bryant Vernon, Chief Claims Officer at Aviva Canada. “It’s important for everyone to protect themselves against contractors who may be taking advantage of homeowners especially after a severe weather event.” 

Here are some of the most common scams to beware of, and some tips on what you can do about them: 

The storm chaser. 

These nomad roofers go across the country chasing hailstorms and other natural disasters. They are quick to show up on your doorstep after a severe weather event. Familiar with how insurance companies work, these contractors charge a hefty amount using inferior quality products and promise to help you close your file quickly with the insurance company. But they are nowhere to be found should you find yourself with a leaky roof a few years later. 

The unbelievably low bid.

This roofing contractor will offer a bid that is far lower than any other construction companies in the area. But once the job starts, unexpected costs and unforeseen problems may suddenly appear. Some contractors may even resort to removing the old roof or threaten to leave the roof bare if additional payments aren’t made. 

The door-to-door free roof inspection. 

Similar to the storm chaser, this door-to-door salesperson will come knocking offering a free roof inspection. They will go up on your roof and possibly fabricate damage to mimic storm damage or show you a photo with roof damage from a different home and claim it came from your roof. 

What you can do 

Always do your research and get a couple of quotes from reputable companies to compare before deciding on the one to hire. Be cautious of those asking for upfront deposits and make sure the payment structure is clear from the beginning. Ask about all the steps of the project, completion times, and liability insurance. While not required by law, a company that does not have liability insurance means any damage to property resulting from the renovation may not be covered by them. 

Find more information at aviva.ca/en/tools/approved-vendor-and-contractors-program.  

 

                                                               Thinking of buying or selling?

Top home renovations to invest in this fall

(NC) Today, many families are focused on improving their homes instead of spending money on vacations and entertainment outside. With autumn as your last major chance to renovate before the winter, here are some of the best projects to tackle now for maximum enjoyment of your space.

Upgrade your kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of your home, and where you’ll be spending lots of time cooking for the holidays and entertaining your small social circle. So, give it a facelift to make sure it’s a bright and welcoming environment. A great DIY project is painting the cabinets in a bold or warm shade and updating the hardware in a metallic neutral. You can also invest in sleek, energy-efficient appliances for a clean, modern aesthetic and get fresh seasonal linens for your tablescape.   

Finish your basement
A finished basement extends your living space and has an excellent return on investment. It’s also the perfect place to turn into a spacious dedicated home office, so you can finally stop working on your dining table or couch and boost your productivity and comfort. But whether you want to turn your basement into that, a rec room or in-law suite, the first step is installing a high-performance subfloor. The best option for this is Dricore subfloor panels, which are designed with air gap technology to help protect against mould and moisture and keep floors dry, comfortable and cozy all year. It’s an easy DIY project, as the panels are easy to install and a room only takes half a day to do.

Elevate your exteriors
Not only does the exterior of your home make the first impression, it can also extend your living space – which is crucial when we’re working, living and playing at home. Make the most of it with areas you can spend time in even when the temperature drops. For example, you can create a sitting area to relax in or host smaller outdoor get-togethers for your social bubble by screening in your porch or installing an awning over your backyard patio. Laying down Dricore panels can work here too, as they will make cold surface feel warmer, softer and cozier for your feet. Complete the space with a heating lamp and you’ll be able to enjoy your exteriors almost all year-round.