Townhomes in Pringle Creek Whitby for sale
Agnes Buss Real Estate Sales Representative and Realtor serving you since 1999!
Whitby Heritage House - Centennial Building
Heritage houses, grand homes near Award Winning Whitby Public Library
Whitby's historic Anglican Church of saints in Historic part of Whitby
Victorian homes and boutique shops in downtown Whitby home neighbourhood
Brand new construction custom bungalow and 2 storey executive homes in Whitby, Durham, Oshawa, Pickering
This is the site to find free info on Durham region brand new homes, resale homes and properties, towns, bungalows, detached and semi homes and condos in Whitby, Pickering, Ajax, Oshawa, Coutrice and Bowmanville!
Agnes Buss real estate agent in Whitby specializing in new homes projects, Monarc, tribute, GreenPark and Homes in communities of Pickering, Ajax, Bowmanville, Historic homes and heritage properties. Staged homes in Durham region. Power of Sale Homes in Durham. House hunting free buyer incentives too.
Right at Home Realty Inc. REALTOR
895 Don Mills Rd., Suite 202 Toronto, Ontario M3C 1W3
895 Don Mills Rd., Suite 202 Toronto, Ontario M3C 1W3
Agnes Buss Real estate agent sales representative
free first time home buyers information about buying in the Greater Toronto Area, Toronto real estate resale homes purchase, listing agents, toronto buyer agents, estate homes and sales, toronto new houses, condo, condominiums, commerical properties, investment properties in the GTA.
Agnes Buss, B.Com
Sales Representative
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Feature Homes
Agnes Buss,
B.Com.
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Right at Home Realty Inc., Brokerage
Dream Home
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Government Programs & Rebates
Federal, provincial and municipal governments establish home owner programs from time to time. The following are a selection of the more popular programs for your information and consideration.
Natural Resources Canada provides a grant to homeowners who undertake renovations that improve the energy efficiency rating of their homes.
Before undertaking any renovations, homeowners must first have an EnerGuide for Houses subsidized evaluation undertaken by a licensed service organization. The evaluation report will provide an EnerGuide for Houses energy efficiency rating and customized recommendations for renovations, which may range from simple measures like caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors to installing a new high efficiency heating system or adding insulation in the basement of attic. Once the homeowner has completed the renovations, a second evaluation must be undertaken within 18 months of the first to determine the change in the home’s EnerGuide for Houses rating.
Following the second evaluation, the licensed EnerGuide for Houses service organization makes the application for the grant on behalf of the homeowner.
The grant is available for homes that:
The amount of the grant is $750.00 on average, but depends on the amount by which the home’s energy rating improves as a result of the renovations. The rating must improve by a minimum amount for the homeowner to qualify for the grant. In addition, homeowners who install furnaces and boilers that are ENERGY STAR qualified (or, in the case of oil-fired furnaces, have an annual fuel utilization efficiency rating of at least 85 percent) qualify for an additional $100.00.
Additional rebates or incentives are available to supplement the grant.
For more information:
Before undertaking any renovations, homeowners must first have an EnerGuide for Houses subsidized evaluation undertaken by a licensed service organization. The evaluation report will provide an EnerGuide for Houses energy efficiency rating and customized recommendations for renovations, which may range from simple measures like caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors to installing a new high efficiency heating system or adding insulation in the basement of attic. Once the homeowner has completed the renovations, a second evaluation must be undertaken within 18 months of the first to determine the change in the home’s EnerGuide for Houses rating.
Following the second evaluation, the licensed EnerGuide for Houses service organization makes the application for the grant on behalf of the homeowner.
The grant is available for homes that:
- are low-rise, detached, semi-detached or row houses no more than three-and-a-half storeys high and have a footprint of no more than 600 square metres; or mobile homes on a permanent foundation.
- must be capable of receiving an EnerGuide for Houses rating.
- must not be a vacation property or a cottage.
The amount of the grant is $750.00 on average, but depends on the amount by which the home’s energy rating improves as a result of the renovations. The rating must improve by a minimum amount for the homeowner to qualify for the grant. In addition, homeowners who install furnaces and boilers that are ENERGY STAR qualified (or, in the case of oil-fired furnaces, have an annual fuel utilization efficiency rating of at least 85 percent) qualify for an additional $100.00.
Additional rebates or incentives are available to supplement the grant.
- In Ontario, Enbridge Gas Distribution provides a $50.00 rebate to its customers who complete the second evaluation.
- The federal government also provides an EnerGuide for Low-Income Households program through which low-income households benefit from $1,000.00 to $5,000.00 of assistance per household for energy-saving renovations.
For more information:
Commencing 21 April 2006, consumers will receive a $500.00 rebate when they replace an inefficient central air conditioner with a new ENERGYSTAR qualified system there is a $50.00 rebate for those who have their central air conditioning system tuned up by a registered contractor AND A $75.00 rebate on the supply and installation of a programmable thermostat.
In undertaking the Cool Savings program, the Conservation Bureau has partnered with the Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI) designed a program that will reduce peak demand for electricity each summer and reduce overall demand during cooling seasons for years to come.
For consumer information call 1-888-668-4636.
In undertaking the Cool Savings program, the Conservation Bureau has partnered with the Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI) designed a program that will reduce peak demand for electricity each summer and reduce overall demand during cooling seasons for years to come.
For consumer information call 1-888-668-4636.
- To order Free EnerGuide for Houses Retrofit Grant Publications call: 1-800-387-2000.
EnerGuide for Houses Retrofit Grant
- Grant Website:
- ENERGY STAR Guidelines Website:
- Listing of EnerGuide for Houses Service Organizations:
Air Conditioning Rebate Program
The Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) is a federal government program that provides financial assistance to renovate or repair housing that needs to be up to basic health and safety standards, or to convert non-residential properties to affordable housing. Deferred maintenance, cosmetic replacements, improvements for resale, and works carried out before a RRAP loan is approved are not eligible.
RRAP provides funding under various categories, each with distinct eligibility criteria.
In most cases, to be eligible, homeowner or tenant incomes must be below the Core Need Income Threshold (CNIT), a limit set by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) based on household size and area.
Also, rents must be at or below the Median Market Rent (MMR) established by CMHC for the area.
RRAP provides funding under various categories, each with distinct eligibility criteria.
In most cases, to be eligible, homeowner or tenant incomes must be below the Core Need Income Threshold (CNIT), a limit set by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) based on household size and area.
Also, rents must be at or below the Median Market Rent (MMR) established by CMHC for the area.
Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program
Homeowner (RRAP)
Rental (RRAP)
Rooming House (RRAP)
Residential Conversion (RRAP)
Persons with Disabilities (RRAP)
Secondary/Garden Suite (RRAP)
For more information call CMHC at 1-800-704-6488 or in the City of Toronto, call (416) 392-7620.
- Homeowners may apply if the value of their house is below a specific figure, and if their household income is below the CNIT.
- Eligibility is limited to properties lacking basic facilities or in need of major structural, electrical, plumbing, heating, or fire safety repairs.
- Maximum total loan for the Toronto area is $16,000.
Rental (RRAP)
- Offers financial assistance to landlords of affordable rental housing to pay for mandatory repairs to self-contained units occupied by tenants with incomes below the CNIT.
- Eligibility is limited to projects having pre and post-RRAP rents at or below the MMR for the local area. In addition, the property must lack basic facilities or require major structural, electrical, plumbing, heating, or fire safety repairs.
- Assistance is in the form of a fully forgivable loan of up to 100 per cent of the cost of mandatory repairs. Landlords must enter into an agreement that places a ceiling on the rents that may be charged after the repairs are completed, and limits rent increases during the term of the agreement.
- The landlord must also agree to limit new occupancy to tenants with incomes below the CNIT.
- In the Toronto area, the maximum assistance per unit is $16,000.
Rooming House (RRAP)
- Offers assistance to owners of Rooming Houses with rents affordable to low-income individuals.
- The property must lack basic facilities, or require major structural, electrical, plumbing, heating, or fire safety repairs.
- The assistance is in the form of a fully forgivable loan of up to 100 percent of the cost of mandatory repairs.
- In the Toronto area, the maximum assistance per bed unit is $16,000.
Residential Conversion (RRAP)
- To be eligible, landlords must own and convert non-residential properties to create affordable rental accommodation.
- Limited to properties that are environmentally safe and can be feasibly converted to residential accommodation, which will be viable based on agreed upon post conversion rents. The applicant must be able to demonstrate that the appropriate residential zoning and building permits can be obtained.
- In the Toronto area, the maximum assistance is $24,000 for each self-contained rental unit.
Persons with Disabilities (RRAP)
- Offers financial assistance to homeowners and landlords to undertake accessibility work to modify dwellings occupied or intended for occupancy by persons with disabilities.
- Homeowners may apply if the value of their property is below a specific figure, and if their household income is below the CNIT.
- Landlords may apply for modifications to units occupied by tenants with incomes below the income threshold.
- Modifications must be related to housing and be reasonably related to the disabled occupant’s disability.
- In the Toronto area, the maximum assistance is $24,000. For homeowners, the maximum forgivable component is $16,000.
Secondary/Garden Suite (RRAP)
- Offers assistance to convert/develop existing residential properties that can reasonably accommodate a secondary self-contained unit.
- Eligibility is limited to existing family housing residential properties where a self-contained secondary or garden suite is being created.
- The property must meet municipal zoning and building requirements for secondary/ garden suites.
- Landlords must enter into an Operating Agreement which establishes the rent that can be charged during the term of the Agreement. A ceiling is also placed on the income of households who will occupy the newly created self-contained unit.
- Assistance is in the form of a fully forgivable loan up to a maximum of $24,000.
For more information call CMHC at 1-800-704-6488 or in the City of Toronto, call (416) 392-7620.
Details
Provincial Government Rent Increase Guideline
Accessory Apartments also known as in-law suites, granny flats or non-retrofit units (illegal) are on of the biggest mysteries of any local real estate market. In 2000 the City of Toronto legalized accessory apartments and as a result, second suites are now legal in the City of Toronto in all single family and semi-detached homes, providing they meet certain criteria, including fire and building codes (see below for details).
If you want to create a Basement apartment you must first check with the zoning by-law office at city hall and applying for a building permit. The new unit will have to comply with current building codes.
For existing units, the first step is to check with Municipal Property Standards or the fire department for a certificate of compliance. If there is one, the apartment is legal.
If not, the next step is to have the fire department inspect the home to verify compliance with the Fire Code. The four key areas of this inspection involve fire containment and fire-rated drywall separations from the remainder of the house; fire exits (including qualifying windows); fire detection and alarms; and electrical safety.
Following the fire inspection, an Electrical Safety Authority inspection is required.
Several rules apply to all basement units:
For anyone buying, selling, building, or arranging insurance for a basement apartment, the best advise is to complete the required inspections and always make full disclosure.
This background information was adapted from information provided by City of Toronto planning staff. For legal and zoning information on second suites in other Greater Toronto Area municipalities, please contact your local planning department.
Finally, there will be little impact on property taxes. A major exception would be where the second suite is created by constructing an addition, thereby significantly adding to the value of a house.
For specific zoning, property standards, or fire and building code questions please contact the City of Toronto's Urban Planning and Development Services Department:
East York (416) 397-4591 Etobicoke (416) 394-8055 North York (416) 395-7000 Scarborough (416) 396-7071
Toronto (416) 392-7522 York (416) 394-2535
If you want to create a Basement apartment you must first check with the zoning by-law office at city hall and applying for a building permit. The new unit will have to comply with current building codes.
For existing units, the first step is to check with Municipal Property Standards or the fire department for a certificate of compliance. If there is one, the apartment is legal.
If not, the next step is to have the fire department inspect the home to verify compliance with the Fire Code. The four key areas of this inspection involve fire containment and fire-rated drywall separations from the remainder of the house; fire exits (including qualifying windows); fire detection and alarms; and electrical safety.
Following the fire inspection, an Electrical Safety Authority inspection is required.
Several rules apply to all basement units:
- All bathrooms need either a window or an exhaust fan
- The house, including any additions, must be at least 5 years old
- The minimum ceiling height must be 6-feet-5-inches
- The entrance door size must be at least 32 inches by 78 inches
- The second suite must be self-contained with its own kitchen and bathroom.
- The floor area of the second suite must be smaller than the remaining unit;
- In most cases, homes with a second suite must have at least 2 parking spaces and parking can be in tandem (one behind the other). There is an exception for parts of the former City of Toronto (R2, R3 and R4 districts) where only 1 parking space is required for a house with a second suite. Please contact the City of Toronto's Urban Planning and Development Services Department to determine if a property is located in a R2, R3, or R4 district.
For anyone buying, selling, building, or arranging insurance for a basement apartment, the best advise is to complete the required inspections and always make full disclosure.
This background information was adapted from information provided by City of Toronto planning staff. For legal and zoning information on second suites in other Greater Toronto Area municipalities, please contact your local planning department.
Finally, there will be little impact on property taxes. A major exception would be where the second suite is created by constructing an addition, thereby significantly adding to the value of a house.
For specific zoning, property standards, or fire and building code questions please contact the City of Toronto's Urban Planning and Development Services Department:
East York (416) 397-4591 Etobicoke (416) 394-8055 North York (416) 395-7000 Scarborough (416) 396-7071
Toronto (416) 392-7522 York (416) 394-2535
Accessory Apartments in Toronto
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has released the province's rent increase guideline for 2010. The 2010 guideline will be 2.1 per cent.
The new rent increase guideline establishes the maximum amount that a landlord can increase a tenant's rent without making an application to the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal now called the Landlord and Tenant Board. This guideline does not apply when renting a vacant unit. Under the Tenant Protection Act, 1997, when a unit becomes vacant, a landlord is free to charge whatever rent he/she chooses. Once the unit is rented, however, the guideline increase applies for subsequent increases to that tenant.
For more information on rent increases, please contact the Landlord and Tenant Board at 416-645-8080 or 1-888-332-3234.
Additional Information:
§ Landlord and Tenant Board 1-888-332-3234
§ Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (416) 585-7041
The new rent increase guideline establishes the maximum amount that a landlord can increase a tenant's rent without making an application to the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal now called the Landlord and Tenant Board. This guideline does not apply when renting a vacant unit. Under the Tenant Protection Act, 1997, when a unit becomes vacant, a landlord is free to charge whatever rent he/she chooses. Once the unit is rented, however, the guideline increase applies for subsequent increases to that tenant.
For more information on rent increases, please contact the Landlord and Tenant Board at 416-645-8080 or 1-888-332-3234.
Additional Information:
§ Landlord and Tenant Board 1-888-332-3234
§ Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (416) 585-7041
