• Quick Stats For Brampton

  
  Sales Activity: May, 2008
  
  - How many properties sold in May? 827.
  - What was the average sale price of a home in May? $319,455.
  - What was the average sale price of a detached home in May? $369,739.
  - What was the average sale price of a semi-detached home in May? $291,111.
  - What was the average sale price of a freehold townhouse in May? $274,338.
  - What was the average sale price of a condo apartment in May? $186,744.
  - What was the average sale price of a condo townhouse in May? $209,822.

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If you’re selling your home in Brampton, you know that on any particular weekend, you are competing with hundreds of other open houses. Although open houses do not draw the same crowds as they used to in the 80’s before the advent of MLS.ca, they are still an opportunity to get potential buyers into your home. If you’ve committed to an open house, you want ensure you make the best first impression! Here are 5 tips on how to make the most of your open house.

1. Make sure your house is tidy and the little problems are fixed. This may seem obvious to most of you, but there have been countless times where I’ve walked into an open house that was far from ’showing’ form. Clean up the important rooms such as the front hallway where people first walk in, the kitchen, the master bedroom, and all the washrooms. Gleaming tiles, clear windows, and polished hardwood make a great impression. Make sure leaky faucets are fixed, squeaky spots on floors are taken care of, and walls should be freshly painted or super clean.
2. De-clutter your house. You may find the trinkets and flea market figurines cute, but that’s your personal taste. Buyers may not share your love for Snoopy. Put away things that line up the counters and crowd your cabinets. Remember, the idea is to make as much space as possible. The more space is perceived, the better chance you have of snagging a buyer.
3. De-personalize. Put away the family photos and take down the kid’s pictures from the fridge. You want buyers to feel like it’s their home, not yours. The only way potential buyers can picture themselves in your home is without you in it!
4. Add those little touches. There’s a reason why showroom homes look so great. Bring out the fresh towels and stage your bathroom. Prop up all your pillows and make the bed with new sheets. Make sure your home smells inviting - a subtle fragrance from a pleasant air freshener will do wonders! Buyers notice all the little details, so you should too!
5. Hold a pre-open house. If you plan on holding your open house from 12pm - 4pm, why not hold an early open house at 11am for your neighbours? Your neighbours will feel great for the invite, while your real estate agent can focus on serious buyers during the actual open house.

An open house doesn’t have to be a scary event. With proper preparation and a little sound advice from your real estate agent, you may just find the perfect buyers for your home!

Popularity: 27% [?]

If you’ve recently purchased a home in Brampton and are new to the city, maybe you aren’t quite sure what days the trash is collected and what the guidelines are to garbage day. The map above indicates the different regions of Brampton and what days correspond to trash removal.

What do you put on on garbage day?

• Remember to put your garbage, full blue boxes and grey boxes out at the curb by 7 a.m. on your collection day, but not before 7 p.m. the night before.
• For ease of collection, please keep your blue box, grey box and garbage separate at the curb.
• For safety reasons, do not include hazardous waste (i.e. paint, propane cylinders or motor oil) with your garbage.

What about special items?

Bulky Items - Place at curb for collection on normal collection day. No arrangement for pick up necessary

Large Appliances - Picked up by appointment only. Call the Region of Peel at 905-791-9499 to arrange for pick up

Christmas Trees - NO PLASTIC BAGS and free of tinsel, ornaments and tree stands

Remember, properly disposing of your waste both helps the environment and keeps Brampton beautiful for everyone!

For more detailed information of Peel Waste policies, click here.

Popularity: 46% [?]

Here are some photographs I took today of a new listing. If you’re interested in seeing other pictures of homes for sale in Brampton, please contact me. Brampton is a fantastic place to find affordable town homes, semi-detached, and detached houses in the Greater Toronto Area, and with all the new housing developments in the north end of the city, there is a home for every type of buyer!

Popularity: 27% [?]

If you’ve ever bought a home in Brampton or anywhere else in Ontario for that matter, you’ve probably paid a land transfer tax with your closing costs. But if you’re a new home buyer, you may not know what a land transfer tax is.

Essentially, when you purchase a home, the Province of Ontario will apply a special levy known as the land transfer tax. It is quite easy to calculate, and is based on the property value. You will pay:

Up to $55,000 X .5 % of total property value
From $55,000 to $250,000 X 1 % of total property value
From $250,000 to $400,000 X 1.5 % of total property value
From $400,000 up X 2 % of total property value

You can also click here to calculate your land transfer tax online.

The City Of Toronto has recently approved new land transfer taxes just for the municipality of Toronto that are set to take place on February 1, 2008.

The land transfer tax will work as follows:

• one-half of one per cent on the first $55,000 in property values
• one per cent on the next $345,000 in property values
• two per cent of the value residential units exceeding $400,000 for residential transactions
• one and a half per cent on the remaining value of up to $40 million and one per cent above that on commercial properties

A rebate of up to $3,725 will apply to first-time purchasers of homes. This means a full rebate for first time buyers of homes valued at $400,000 or less. If you would like more information on this, click here. You can also visit the City of Toronto’s Municipal Land Transfer Tax page.  These new taxes do not affect Brampton.

But no matter where you buy, keep in mind that you must pay this land transfer tax when you purchase a property, so remember to budget this tax in your closing costs so there are no surprises at the end!

Popularity: 52% [?]

The City of Brampton has two guidelines when it comes to parking.

1. You can not park on a street between the hours of 2am - 6am.
2. You can not park your car for more than a three hour period.

If you wish to apply for a parking consideration, you may do so online here instead of having to call in your plate number. The City Of Brampton will allow you to submit your information for a parking consideration and park your car up to 14 days in a one year period. Keep in mind that the overnight parking prohibition does not exclude the weekends, so if you’re visiting friends at a late hour or plan to stay over, make sure to sign up for that parking consideration!

Popularity: 61% [?]

You’ve heard it before, and you’ve seen the ads. A bank advertisement showing happy couples embracing in front of a new house with a sold sign prominently displayed on the lawn behind them, and a caption that reads “100% Mortgage Program.” But is it really possible to buy a home in Brampton with absolutely no money down?

The short answer is, YES, but…………

Before you even think of walking into the bank to sign up, ask yourself if you have the 3 following things:

1. Spotless credit that has been well-established.
2. By well established, I mean you will need to have at least 2 years under the belt with a major credit card company like Visa or Mastercard.
3. Steady employment with at least 2 years on the job.

Even if you did qualify for 100% mortgage plan, it may not be the best plan for you. If you’re thinking of buying a house in Brampton or anywhere else, speak to your lending institution or mortgage broker about what would best suit your financial needs. ScotiaBank currently offers a zero down mortgage plan, and you can find more information right here.

Popularity: 33% [?]

Living in Brampton means you get your fair share of snow in the winter. As a homeowner, what do you need to know about Brampton’s guidelines to snow removal from your property? Here they are:

1. You must remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of, behind, or at the side of your property by 11:00am the next day following a snow fall.
2. If your building has ice or snow on it that may fall onto the street, you must remove it. Before you remove that snow and ice, you must provide adequate warning to people passing on the street.
3. If you fail to remove the snow and ice from your property, the City of Brampton may remove it at your expense, and this will be added onto your property tax bill.

Make sure you clear that snow. You can avoid a possible fine, as well as remain courteous to your neighbours and fellow citizens! For information on public streets that are exempt from these guidelines, you can find that list here.

Popularity: 22% [?]

So you’re looking to buy a home in Brampton with a separate basement apartment to lease out for extra income, but you have no clues as to the legalities of the basement. What exactly does “Vendor does not warrant retrofit status” mean? What issues do you need to be concerned about when purchasing a home with a basement apartment? Read on, and you shall find out!

What exactly defines a basement apartment?

A basement apartment is a self-contained apartment consisting of a room or rooms in a singe or semi-detached house and can be located in any part of the house, not necessarily in the basement. They have also been called granny flats, nanny suites, accessory apartments and second suites. In the City’s bylaw, they are referred to as a “residential unit”.

A self-contained apartment shall have a separate means of entry (which may be through another unit) a kitchen (or cooking area) and bathroom facilities. A self-contained apartment may be as small as a single room that contains all of the features listed.

However, if you rent a room in a house or a flat with a shared entrance, kitchen and bathroom facilities, this bylaw does not apply to you.

Are basement apartments legal in Brampton?

If you purchase a home in Brampton and the basement apartment was built after November 16, 1995, it is illegal. The only legal basement apartments in Brampton had to have been built prior to that date, and have had to been registered with the city before January 31, 2006 and/or have legal non-conforming status.

A single or semidetached registered home can only have one basement apartment. Homes that have been subdivided into more than two units are strictly prohibited unless the property has been specifically zoned to permit multiple units. It is extremely rare to find a house that has been zoned as a triplex!

What should I be watching out for when I am looking to buy a home with a basement apartment?

Lawyers or real estate agents such as myself can confirm the status of a basement apartment with the city in order to provide you with the right information.
Real Estate Agents are bound by code of conduct guidelines and must fully and fairly disclose all information about a property for sale. Homes with doubtful legal status are typically listed with the caution “Vendor does not warrant retrofit status”, and you may have to seek further legal advice before proceeding with the purchase of a home.

What are the risks of an illegal basement apartment?

• Increased Liability – The onus is on a homeowner to meet established standards for a second suite. If anything should happen, such as a fire, the homeowner would be held liable due to failure to meet requirements.
• Loss of Insurance Coverage – Having a rental unit in your home is a material change to your home. Non-disclosure of this change of use may in fact make your coverage null and void.
• Limited recover of damage – An insurance policy is not responsible for rebuilding costs related to meeting current established standards. Your insurance company is only required to cover the costs of fixing your home back to the state that existed at the time your policy was made prior to any damage.
• Prosecution - If you do not meet City codes it means that you are breaking the law. You run the risk of being charged and can face fines with a maximum penalty of $50,000 and/or a year of imprisonment on each count.
• Financing – Income from an unauthorized basement apartment is generally not considered when qualifying for a mortgage loan.
• Tenants – You are a landlord. You are obliged to maintain your basement apartment in good operating order and you must follow all fire safety laws. Tenants may apply for rent reduction where the unit fails to meet the prescribed municipal health, safety, maintenance and property standards.
• Tenant Insurance – Your homeowner’s policy will not cover property owned by a tenant.

Can I legally convert vacant space in my home into a basement apartment?

NO! The City’s zoning by-law does not permit new basement apartments. If the basement apartment did not exist in your home prior to November 16, 1995, a home in Brampton cannot be legally converted. Furthermore, any home built after 1995 can never have an existing legal basement apartment.

In order to permit a new basement apartment, the Zoning By-law would have to be changed. Changing the Zoning By-law requires the submission of a Zoning Amendment application and fee ($7759.00) to the City’s Planning, Design and Development Department.

For more information on basement apartments in Brampton, you can visit the City Of Brampton’s website.

Popularity: 100% [?]

This is a question I often get asked by homeowners looking to make renovations to their homes. It’s important to keep building permits in mind when you’re either looking to buy real estate or sell your home, as it may affect the house values as well as incur legal issues. So when do you require a building permit?

The Ontario Building Code Act requires that a building permit be obtained for the construction of an addition or alteration of any structure which results in a building area of more than 10 m² (108 square feet). It is illegal to construct or demolish without first obtaining a permit.

You will need a building permit if you do any of the following:

• construct a new building
• renovate, repair, or add to a building
• demolish or remove all or a portion of a building
• change a building’s use
• install, change or remove portions and load-bearing walls
• make new openings for, or change the size of, doors and windows
• build a garage, balcony or deck
• excavate a basement or construct a foundation
• install or modify heating, plumbing, air conditioning systems or fireplaces
• reconstruct a chimney

You do not need a building permit for the following:

• replace existing, same-size doors and windows, subject to distance from property lines
• install siding on small residential buildings, subject to distance from property lines
• build a roofless deck under two feet (0.61 metres) that is not attached to a building
• build a utility shed under 10 m² (108 square feet)
• reshingle a roof, provided there is no structural work (asphalt roof shingling only)
• install eavestroughs, provided that drainage is contained on your property
• replace or increase insulation, dry-wall or plaster
• damp-proof basements
• paint or decorate
• install kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing
• erect a fence (except for swimming pools - outside pools require permits)
• replace existing forced air furnace (no duct work or venting alterations)
• electrical work (the Electrical Safety Authority, however, must inspect electrical installations)

What happens if you do not get a permit?

If you start construction but do not have the necessary permits, you may be ordered to stop work, you may be prosecuted and you may even be ordered to remove work already done. Contact the Building Division – Permits Section at 905-874-2401 if you are not sure if you need a permit for your project.

Popularity: 66% [?]

A sure-tell sign that your community is growing faster than anticipated is when your public transportation system scrambles to keep up with the demand of it’s riders. As of this Monday, you’ll be spending an extra $1 for 10 tickets or a weekly pass and an extra $4 for a monthly pass. Senior citizens, however, will see just an additional $2 added to their monthly pass.

Fortunately, cash fares will stay the same as they had only recently increased to $2.75, up from $2.50 back in February of 2007.

The Canadian Urban Transit Association estimates that Brampton Transit is growing three times faster than the national average, due to the increase in services and the real estate developments in the north end of the city. All of this indicates that Brampton is indeed continuing to grow at a healthy pace!

Popularity: 23% [?]

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• My Most Popular Articles

  
  
• Basement apartments in Brampton. Are they legal?
• More news on illegal basements in Brampton
• Some things you've always wanted to know if you own a home in Brampton.
• Things to know about snow removal in Brampton, and what's closed on Family Day?
• How much will it cost to renovate my kitchen?
• It's time for a new roof, but how much will it cost me?
• When do I require a building permit?
• When exactly am I prohibited from parking on Brampton streets?
• The Brampton Real Estate Blog has won an award.
• Hardwood floors and more! How much will it cost me?
• I want to renovate my home! How much return will I get on my investment?
• If you just bought a brand new home in Brampton, read this!
• Are you looking for a 'power of sale' home in Brampton?
• A gorgeous home in Lakelands Village, Brampton is now for sale
• Am I eligible for a land transfer tax refund?
• What exactly is MLS?
• Land transfer taxes: What are they?
• How much will it cost me to pave my driveway or build a garage?
• A semi-detached home in Brampton just on the market
• Attend a free seminar about basement apartments in Brampton!
• How did the Brampton real estate market do in March 2008?
• What are the popular kitchen counters these days and how much will it cost me?
• A new real estate listing.
• Trash collection in Brampton
• Avoid real estate salespeople that 'buy listings.'
• What is a status certificate?
• Want to buy or sell a house in Lakelands Village in Brampton?
• How to find answers to all your mortage and credit questions.
• How much will it cost me to hire someone to renovate?
• How to stage your home for $100, $500, and $5000.
• A new listing for sale in Brampton.
• How did the Brampton real estate market do in February 2008?
• Should I buy a brand new home or a resale home in Brampton?
• How long will it take me to sell my Brampton home, and the importance of pricing it right.
• Make yourself at home
• More real estate for sale in Brampton
• Can you really buy a house with zero down?
• How much can I rent out my Brampton home for?
• Brampton condos
• How did the Brampton real estate market do in January 2008?
• A Brampton home that backs onto a ravine
• How did the Brampton real estate market do in April 2008?
• A new Brampton listing
• Do you want to buy this house?
• Selling your home - the open house day!
• Recent home photography
• I'm buying a home for the first time and I'm confused!
• How did the Brampton real estate market do in December 2007?
• I'm buying a home - what are my closing costs?
• If you want to sell your home in Brampton, read this.
• Brampton is growing - Brampton Transit can't keep up!
• When do I have to shovel my snow?
• What is a home inspection and what will it do for me?
• Should I buy a house that was just 'flipped'?
• Pre-qualified and Pre-approved - Is there a difference?
• I want to make an offer - what are the important parts I should know?
• Tell me more about the Park Place condos in Brampton!
• How did the Brampton real estate market do in May 2008?
• Did you know that MLS.ca is changing?
• Update at Brampton Real Estate Blog.
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• When should I replace parts of my home?
• A new Brampton listing by beautiful Heart Lake
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