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The Power To Move You - December 2022

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POWER MOVE YOU

tbaird.com
DEC 2022 REALTY GROUP THE TO
DECEMBER 2022 Issue FEATURES 6 Celebrating heritage during the holidays 7 Creating new traditions 10 The right way to open a bottle of bubbly 12 Building permits up across Canada 18 Rising interest rates... What does it mean? 20 Luxury home market seen escaping decline in 2023 22 Baked brie with cranberries and walnuts 24 Secluded island getaway St. John, US Virgin Islands 26 5 questions to ask a condo board before buying PROPERTIES 16 48 North Forster Park Drive For Sale 28 1131 Las Alturas, Santa Barbara CA For Sale - 1/8th Ownership 30 Bridge House at Brightwater Pre-construction For Sale 32 Bronte Lakeside Condos in Oakville Pre-construction For Sale 34 10100 Golden Elm Drive North, Florida For Sale ABOUT THE TB REALTY GROUP AND REAL ESTATE 36 Welcome to a winter wonderland 38 Market stats at a glance 39 Why is the TB Realty Group one of the best in its’ marketplace 2 Power to Move You
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Dear Clients, Family & Friends,

During December, families gather to celebrate time together and rituals steeped in tradition. As you get ready to celebrate this special time of year, I would like to share a few tips with you on ways that you can honour your family’s legacy this month.

Many people open their hearts to those in need during the holidays, whether it is donating to an organization with a monetary gift, a physical donation or volunteering for an event. Doing so as a family will not only benefit the recipients, but will also create a wonderful memory for your family to experience together and look back on for years to come.

I hope you enjoy all of the information we’ve put together in this December issue of our magazine, and that you have fun sharing it with your family and friends!

From my family to yours, best wishes for a happy, healthy holiday season and a wonderful New Year!

Theresa Baird Broker

KW Real Estate Associates Inc., Brokerage 103 Lakeshore Road East, Mississauga 647-298-0997 | tbaird@tbaird.com

REALTY GROUP tbaird.com

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Your Home Sold GUARANTEED Or I’ll Buy It!* * Some conditions apply
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Two of Lindsay’s sons with The Grinch in The Oakville Santa Clause Parade Power
to Move You

OUR MISSION

We are on a mission to raise $10,000 for CAMH (Centre For Addiction And Mental Health) and CADDAC (Centre For ADHD Awareness Canada). It is without a doubt that ADHD and mental health issues are common in our community and continue to be a contributing cause of death around the world. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is a psychiatric teaching hospital located in Toronto and ten community locations throughout the province of Ontario. At CAMH, it’s their goal to provide hope and a path toward recovery from mental illness and substance use for anyone in need.

There are approximately 2 million individuals affected by ADHD in Canada. Individuals, families, and parents with children are left scrambling to cope, figuring out how and where to get support for their ADHD. As well, they are trying to figure out how to pay for expensive programs.

Our families have been directly affected by ADHD and Mental Health issues so in hopes that one day no one else will have to experience the angst of dealing with ADHD or any kind of addiction or depression, we have chosen to donate a portion of our professional fees to these charities. As well, when you refer a friend or family member to our team not only will they receive award-winning service, but they will also be contributing to these extremely worthy causes. Together we can help calm minds and ensure that everyone gets the support they need.

We encourage you to visit both of their websites at www.camh.ca and www.caddac.ca and check out the incredible work they are doing in our community and beyond!

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CLICK HERE TO ACCESS CAMH CLICK HERE TO ACCESS CADDAC
SOLD FOR SALE LAKEVIEWS CURB APPEAL STAINLESS STEEL CUSTOM-BUILT CONTEMPORARY OFFER ACCEPTED MORTGAGE FREE OASIS FIRST TIME BUYER CLASSIC FLOOR-TO-CEILING WINDOW PRIVATE BALCONY LUXURIOUS ENSUITE BATHROOM BRAND NEW LARGE WALK-IN CLOSET TURNKEY FULLY RENOVATED UPSCALE CLOSING DAY VACATION HOME RETREAT CHEF INSPIRED KITCHEN SLEEK ENTERTAINERS DREAM RARE VAULTED CEILING UPGRADED LIFESTYLE PROFESSIONAL APPLIANCES HIGH-END TOP OF THE LINE ENERGY EFFICIENT CROWN MOULDING FAMILY FRIENDLY TRANQUIL LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION TERRACE GRANITE HARDWOOD FLOORS FRACTURAL OWNERSHIP VACATION HOME PRIVATE SUN-FILLED EXQUISITE SUNLIGHT GRANITE GLAMOROUS BRIGHT SOUGHT-AFTER ATTENTION TO DETAIL CLAWFOOT TUB EXQUISITE EXQUISITE TREE-LINED STREETS CHARACTER FILLED WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE CHARMING PANORAMIC MARBLE GOURMET FARMHOUSE BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED PRESTIGIOUS ATTENTION TO DETAIL WALKING TRAILS ELEGANT FIXTURES WATERFALL SHOWERHEADS ONE OF A KIND ROOM TO GROW PEACEFUL SUNLIGHT PRIMARY ENSUITE SUN-DRENCHED JAW DROPPING SOARING CEILINGS TIMELESS 2022 CHRISTMAS WISHES IN REAL ESTATE LET US HELP YOU MAKE YOUR DREAMS BECOME A REALITY YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE FOR YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS REALTY GROUP

THE RIGHT WAY TO OPEN A BOTTLE OF BUBBLY

AS QUICKLY AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE

Uncorking a bottle of sparkling wine is by far the most emotionally charged beverage-opening ritual. Sure, there is the satisfying crack of a cold beer or the soul-crushing frustration of stabbing the Capri Sun packet, but nothing comes close to the festive, borderline-alarming explosion that comes from a bottle of bubbly.

Many of us use sparkling wine, like Champagne and prosecco, to punctuate delightful life events like promotions, birthdays, or successful workplace unionization efforts. Because we want to drink it, of course, but perhaps even more because we want to hear that sharp pop to signal that yes, the party has started.

But what if I told you that an audibly popped bottle is actually a sign that you opened it incorrectly? During a cocktail video where I mixed an alcoholremoved sparkling wine with citrus and botanicals, I demonstrated an uncorking method where the objec-

tive was to make as little noise as possible. Some commenters were baffled why I would advocate for a method so bereft of excitement. Here’s why:

It’s something I picked up over a decade of working in bars and restaurants. Grant Reynolds, cofounder of Parcelle Wine, author of How to Drink Wine and friend of mine, agrees: “Let’s call it the taught method in the service industry.” As he explains it, “Your finger must always be on top of the cork and then you open it slowly and gently so there’s no noise; that’s the classic, fine-dining style of opening it in a restaurant. The

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reason for this is literally so you can control the cork.”

Controlling the cork has a lot of benefits, but the biggest one is safety. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, sparkling wine bottles have enough pressure to launch a cork at 50 miles per hour, which is enough to shatter glass and cause permanent vision loss. Another reason is if the cork pops too fast, leading to an explosion of bubbles, you can lose nearly a third of the bottle and in the process get wine all over your hands and floor.

And yet another, far less dire reason: It’s simply how the pros do it. “I remember when I was going through the Court of Master Sommeliers exam training, it was a huge deal if you lost control of the cork,” Reynolds says. Especially if the bottle is pointed toward a person - in that case, it would be all but impossible to pass. A huge deal indeed.

How to open sparkling wine like a pro: Remove the foil from the cork, then drape a small towel or napkin over the top of the bottle. With your thumb on the top of the cork, grasp the neck of the bottle with your fingers. With your other hand, unscrew the wire cage that secures the cork to the bottle neck - but don’t remove the cage! The wire offers additional grip and can help keep the cork in place if your hand slips off.

Holding your napkin-shrouded cork and cage in one hand, grab the base of the bottle in the other and hold it at a 45-degree angle, pointed away from yourself and anyone else around. Now instead of pulling the cork out of the bottle, slowly and gently twist and tug the bottle from the cork. If you’ve done it right, you should hear a demure pfft signaling that you’ve opened your wine with minimal agitation. And if you do lose control of the cork by accident, that’s why you have the towel: It acts as a net and prevents projectiles.

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BUILDING PERMITS UP ACROSS CANADA

Between April and June 2022, more than $12 billion worth of non-residential building permits were issued. This is almost 25% higher than the same period a year ago. However, global supply chain constraints are limiting the availability of raw materials and Canada’s national unemployment rate continues to trend near all-times lows. As the Bank of Canada continues to tighten interest rates, a cooling Canadian economy might bring relief to the supply and demand imbalances.

Non-Residential Building Permits:

• Close to $12.3 billion worth of non-residential building permits were issued April-June 2022. This is up almost 25% from the same three-month period a year ago, but down 1% from the three months prior.

• The small decrease seen three months ago in the institutional component was because two hospital permits were issued in British Columbia and Quebec.

• Despite strong levels of growth in the first half of the year, activity could start to pull back with the rising-rate environment and continued uncertainty surrounding supply and rising costs of building material.

• Global supply chain constraints are limiting the availability of raw materials, including cement,

causing issues in sourcing concrete for new construction.

Unemployment Rate:

The national unemployment rate continues to trend near all-time lows as a shortage of qualified workers takes its toll in many sectors.

According to the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) Second Quarter of 2022 Business Outlook Survey, businesses across the country are anticipating labour shortages will limit their sales growth.

Businesses link labour shortages to various factors, including aging populations, changes in workers job’s preferences, and stronger competition for workers. They also reported plans to raise wages to attract and retain workers, and keep up with the rising cost of living.

Part of a newsletter authored by George Douzenia, Mortgate Broker

Source: November 2022 Newsletter

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• As the BoC continues to tighten interest rates, a cooling Canadian economy might bring relief to the supply and demand imbalances in the labour market.

Housing Starts:

Canadian housing starts rose by almost 12% in April-June 2022 compared to the previous threemonth period but came in lower than the highs experienced in 2021.

• While slower than last year, the level of housing starts across Canada remains historically high. Starts came in stronger in Nova Scotia as well as the Prairie provinces, making up for losses seen in British Columbia and Ontario.

Activity in the resale housing market has softened considerably, due to high inflation and higher mortgage rates crimpling consumer confidence. If this slowdown persists, builders may struggle to bring further units onto the market.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Growth:

As the Canadian economy deals with inflation levels not seen in nearly 40 years, the BoC hiked its target

for the overnight lending rate to 2.5% on July 13, 2022.

• As a result of the increased cost of living and rapidly rising interest rates, Canadian GDP growth has started to stall and consumer confidence is falling.

As economic conditions continue to slow, concerns over a prolonged housing market correction and a recession, have tempered activity in the real estate industry and goods-producing sectors like construction and manufacturing.

While the global economy has been hit by rising energy, food, and other commodity prices, Canada’s resource-based industries may benefit from shifting global supply chains and stronger demand for its products.

In their latest Monetary Policy Report, the BoC noted further interest rate increases may be needed to temper domestic demand pressures, anchor inflation expectations and ultimately reduce inflationary pressures in the economy. The BoC does not expect inflation to return to the 2% target until 2024.

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OAKVILLE

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FOR SALE 48 NORTH FORSTER PARK DRIVE

A rare opportunity calls to you on this large irregularly shaped lot filled with mature trees and perennial gardens. A charming bungalow with space to entertain and relax.

Near Forster Park, great schools and a short drive to all that downtown Oakville has to offer. This could be your new home! Just reach out to book a showing or click here to visit our website to find out more.

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RISING INTEREST RATES... WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

The Bank of Canada raised its overnight rate on December 7th by 50 basis points to 4.25 per cent, marking its seventh rate hike in nine months. The last time the central bank’s policy rate was this high was in January 2008.

The silver lining though is with the guidance that the BoC will be considering whether the policy interest rate needs to rise further. This is a shift from ‘WILL need to rise further’ and clearly opens the door to a pause as soon as the next meeting in January.

Most economists expect a challenging consumer backdrop and ongoing pullback in housing will cause Canada’s economy to slip into recession in the first half of 2023. But with inflation remaining elevated, the BoC isn’t likely to react as quickly to that slowdown as it has in recent cycles.

With this said - it’s possible that rates could start to fall in late 2023 if economic growth continues to slow or outright stall.

What does this mean for fixed rate mortgage holders? Nothing - your rate/mortgage payment is static over the term and is not affected by Bank of Canada rate increases or decreases.

What does this mean for variable rate mortgage holders? All lender’s prime rates will mirror the Bank of Canada’s hike and will climb by 0.50% which means if you have

Written by Andre Persaud, Mortgage agent, Lic #M14000772

Source: Andre Persaud - Safebridge Financial Group

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a variable rate mortgage (or home equity line of credit) your rate will increase by 0.50% as well.

If you are in an adjustable variable rate product (meaning your payment fluctuates if the prime rate goes up or down) then your next mortgage payment will go up. Most variable rate mortgages are structured like this.

If you have a static payment variable rate product your payment will stay the same but more of your payment will go towards paying interest than principal.

If you are in a static payment variable rate product (i.e. you have a TD variable rate) I’d recommend to use your prepayment options to either increase your payment or make some lump sum prepayments in order to keep paying down your principal to maintain your current amortization. Otherwise, with rates continuing to rise and no change to your payment, it will start eating away at how fast you are paying down your mortgage.

Keep in mind, once your payment is all interest the bank will force you to increase your payment regardless (this means you hit your trigger rate).

How much will my variable rate mortgage payment go up? A 0.50% increase in your rate equates to about a $25 increase in mortgage payment per $100K of mortgage debt. For example, if you have a $500K mortgage bal-

ance your payment will go up by about $125/m based on today’s hike (again only if you have an adjustable payment variable product).

How many more rates hikes are expected?

It looks like this is the end of the rate hike cycle. However, if inflation is not coming in line, further rate hikes could be warranted.

If I have a variable rate, is now a good time to convert to a fixed rate?

This depends on your current variable rate but for the most part my recommendation at this time is still to NOT convert to a fixed rate however it depends where you are at in your term. If you are early in your term I wouldn’t advise to convert however if you only have 1-2 years left then it might make sense to lock into a fixed rate to provide some stability in your payment/rate until the dust has settled with inflation in the next year or so.

To find out what fixed rate you could convert to today you’ll have to contact your lender directly.

Economists are predicting rates could start to fall in late 2023 so by staying in your variable rate you’ll have the option at that point to ride out the rate drops OR potentially convert to a lower fixed rate (fixed rates have already started to fall).

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LUXURY HOME MARKET SEEN ESCAPING DECLINE IN 2023*

The median price for existing-home sales totaled $379,100 (USD) in October, down 1.5% from $384,800 (USD) in September and 8.4% below a record high of $413,800 (USD) in June, according to the National Association of Realtors. But the picture is different for luxury residential properties in many of the world’s biggest cities. Of 25 cities tracked by global real estate consulting firm Knight Frank, it forecasts price gains in 15 of them next year. That includes all the U.S. cities on the list: Miami (5%), Los Angeles (4%), and New York (2%). The average projection for the 25 cities is a gain of 2%.

Dubai’s No. 1 Dubai topped the list, with Knight Frank predicting an increase of 13.5% for luxury home prices there next year. Miami placed second at 5%. And Dublin, Lisbon, Los Angeles, Madrid, Paris and Singapore tied for third at 4%. New York and Tokyo tied for 13th at 2%.

To be sure, the global luxury home market does face obstacles. “Although prime markets are more insulated

to the fallout from higher mortgage costs, they’re not immune,” Knight Frank’s report said.

In the U.S., the 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 6.58% in the week ended Nov. 23, up from 3.1% a year earlier, according to Freddie Mac.“The transition from a seller’s to a buyer’s market is already underway across most prime residential markets,” the report said.

Source: thestreet.com

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Rates, percentages and prices in
funds
*
US

But prime prices would need to drop 30% to 40% in some cities to return to their pre-pandemic levels of 2019.

And the 2% average price increase that Knight Frank sees across luxury markets next year would exceed the gains in six of the last 10 years. The Dubai’s forecast is lower than its gains of the past two years, when property buyers were attracted by its relative affordability, the report said.

U.S., Europe, Asia

Its forecast for Miami and Los Angeles have dipped in the past six months as “recessionary fears strengthen, fixed mortgage rates in the U.S. have exceeded 7% [before slipping back] and, in Los Angeles, a mansion tax is being considered for homes priced above $5 million.” The projection for New York is a 2% price ascent next year. That figure exceeds the growth recorded in nine of

the past 10 years. “Overseas buyers are seeking more exposure to the U.S. dollar as the Federal Reserve ramps up [interest] rates,” the report said.

European cities accounted for six of the top 10 rankings. “Despite, or perhaps because of, the eurozone’s impending recession, safe haven capital flight looks set to bolster prime markets,” the report said.

Singapore is the only Asian city in the top 10. “New visa measures and the governments’ efforts to attract more family offices are helping to position the city-state as Asia’s regional wealth hub,” the report said.

The bottom four cities on the list, are Edinburgh and Vancouver, which are seen experiencing 2% price declines next year; and London and Seoul, which are seen with 3% decreases. The U.K. is in the midst of a recession.

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BAKED BRIE WITH CRANBERRIES AND WALNUTS

INGREDIENTS

8-ounce wheel of brie

Cranberry sauce

¼ cup sugar, plus more for whole cranberry garnish ½ cup water

½ teaspoon orange zest

1 cup cranberries (fresh or previously frozen), plus more for garnish 2 tablespoons orange juice

Candied walnuts

1 teaspoon butter or oil

1 teaspoon water 2 tablespoons granulated sugar ⅓ cup walnuts, chopped

DIRECTION FOR CRANBERRY SAUCE

To make the cranberry sauce, combine the sugar, water, and zest in a saucepan. Place the pan over moderate heat and simmer for 5 minutes to dissolve the sugar and reduce. Add the cranberries to the prepared syrup and let simmer for an additional 2 minutes. Add the orange juice, then use an immersion blender to blend the sauce smooth, or to desired consistency. For cranberry garnish, reserve a few cranberries prior to blending, and roll them in granulated sugar to coat.

DIRECTIONS FOR THE CANDIED WALNUTS

To make the candied walnuts, melt the butter in a frying pan over low heat, and stir in the water and sugar. Once the sugar is dissolved and begins to bubble, add the nuts to the pan, tossing to coat.

Remove from heat and stir as it cools. Spread the nuts out across the surface of the pan so they don’t clump when cooled. Let cool in the pan.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place the Brie on a parchment-lined pan and into the oven to bake for 5 minutes to melt the cheese. Serve on the parchment or transfer to a serving plate. Top with the cranberry sauce, candied walnuts, and whole cranberries. Serve immediately. Good for 8 people.

Recipe by Kristel Matousek. Photogaphy from Goodhousekeeping.com

Source: homebydesign.com

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SECLUDED ISLAND GETAWAY ST. JOHN, US VIRGIN ISLANDS

As the world continues to open back up in 2022, travelers are looking for island destinations that are easy to get to and from with direct flights or short layovers. And for many, the beautiful island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands (USVI) quickly became a sought-after refuge for travelers seeking sugar-sand beaches, tropical weather, and some of the best snorkeling in the world. The island is relatively quiet compared to its neighbor St. Thomas, because much of the island’s beaches are protected within the national park so much of the land is untouched. Not only does that mean pristine beaches, it means a blissful escape from reality.

For US residents, the twenty-square-mile island is even more appealing as it requires no passport to enter the country. But it’s not just the ease at which you can enter St. John that makes it such a great getaway. The island is intimate and quiet unlike other Caribbean destinations, which often wrestle with an influx of visitors and cruise ships as they anchor into various ports. As such, it feels like you’ve truly escaped reality the moment the ferry docks at the marina in St. John.

With it being a smaller island, St. John doesn’t have as many large resorts like St. Thomas, which is exactly what makes it such a special respite. Like the nearby British Virgin Islands, which boasts small, boutique properties with privately owned homes dotted throughout, St. John is much the same. Sadly, the most coveted luxury resort on the island, Caneel Bay, was nearly destroyed by back-toback Category 5 Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017 and is in the midst of rebuilding to this day. There’s

still plenty of luxury to be found. The Westin St. John Resort Villas is the largest property on the island with studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas or town houses available. The forty-seven-acre luxury resort features all the amenities you’d expect from a Marriott-owned property including upscale dining, a spa, water activities, and more.

However, if seclusion is what you’re looking for, book a private villa. St. John Villa Rentals offers an array of luxury villas for rent. You can find a beachfront cottage to a luxury manse on the hillside and just about everything in between. Villa Calypso is a privately owned property located on the hillside overlooking a bay with an expansive reef, fantastic for snorkeling. The property boasts four primary suites, an additional bedroom, a full chef’s kitchen, breathtaking ocean views, and your own pool.

Be sure to leave your villa or resort, though, and explore the island. Two-thirds of the island is covered by the Virgin Islands National Park and features extensive hiking trails, beaches, and reefs to explore. Hike popular trails such as Reef Bay, which passes by colonial rum plantation ruins and takes you down to Reef Bay Beach. Then head to famous Trunk Bay and Maho Bay to cool off, the latter of which you can swim with sea turtles. You’d be remiss not to snorkel on St. John, so plan a trip to explore the Coral Reef National Monument surrounding the island.

For more leisurely pursuits, a morning shopping trip to Mongoose Junction, St. John’s primary shopping district, is a must. It’s a short walk from Cruz Bay’s downtown area and where you’re sure to find some treasured mementos to remember your stay.

One of the biggest draws to the island is snorkeling Maho Bay, which is home to several species of sea turtles.

5 QUESTIONS TO ASK A CONDO BOARD BEFORE BUYING

Doing your due diligence before buying a condo is of the utmost importance. Potential questions include:

What are the service terms for board members? Does the condo board have a reserve fund and how much money is in it? Does the condo have any upcoming major repairs? Are water, electricity or heating included? Is maintenance of common areas (garbage pickup, snow removal, etc.) covered by condo fees? They’re all questions you’ll want answers to before you decide to put in an offer.

Whether you live in a big city full of condos like Toronto, Ontario, or a smaller town like Canmore, Alberta, condos are often seen as a first step in homeownership for young adults. They’re also popular among seniors looking

for low-maintenance spaces, and those who want the perks of amenities with hassle-free living.

SO, WHAT SHOULD YOU BE ASKING BEFORE PURCHASING A CONDO?

1. Can I see the status certificate?

Jesse Melo, a Realtor® in Hamilton, and salesperson with the Golfi Team - ReMax Escarpment, says in his current real estate climate, there has been a slight uptick in people looking for condos because the listing price can be more affordable. He says reviewing the status certificate before finalizing the purchase of a condo is a must.

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It offers a financial and structural snapshot of the building and the corporation. The certificate can tell you if the building has a healthy reserve fund for maintenance and repairs, as well as essential information regarding whether the current owners owe on condo fees or how much the condo fees have risen year over year. Early in the purchasing process, be sure to get your hands on this essential document and have it reviewed by your Realtor® and a lawyer.

CONDO SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS

2. Have there been any special assessments on the building?

A special assessment is when a condo corporation cannot pay for a major unexpected repair or expense from the existing reserve fund. Each unit is then expected to pay an extra charge on top of monthly maintenance fees in order to complete the repair or cover the costs.

“When reviewing the condo status certificate, it’s important to make sure the corporation’s reserve fund is at a stable and healthy level,” Melo says. “This could indicate whether the likelihood of a special assessment in the future is low.”

Be on the lookout for any past special assessments and ask the board of directors or property management about any long-term future repairs or maintenance. Be sure to check on the status of snow maintenance, paving, landscaping, plumbing, wiring, pest control, and insurance. Before making a purchase, you want to make sure your condo is in sound structural and financial shape.

DISCUSS THE PET POLICY WITH THE CONDO BOARD

3. What is your policy on pets?

Melo says pets are a big topic for condo boards. Condos can have bylaws and policies that govern what kind, the number, and size of pets you can have in your home. Some condos even have bylaws requiring your pet to be approved by the board of directors. If you have a pet, either prior to putting in or before finalizing an offer, it might be worth submitting a pet application to the condo board for approval. Also, keep in mind your furry pal may not be allowed in common areas around your building like the lawn or courtyard, so take a look for close-by public parks if these aren’t options. Lastly, always get your pet approval in writing in case bylaws change down the road.

CHECK THE AMENITIES WHILE TOURING A CONDO PROPERTY

4. What amenities are available?

Go and check out the amenities during your condo showing! Visit the gym, sauna, outdoor area, party room, and pool if your building is equipped with any or all of these. Taking a look around will help you determine if management has been staying on top of maintenance.

“The more amenities a building has, the higher the reserve fund should be,” Melo suggests. This is so they can cover the cost of maintaining them all. Moreover, “the more amenities your condo has, the higher your condo fees could be, so you really have to look at what you will be paying for and consider if it is worth it”.

Ask about scheduled maintenance, too. For example, ask how frequently the pool is closed for cleaning or seasonally. You should also ask about who can use the amenities (are guests able to use the gym?). It’s all well and good for your condo building to have a pool, but if it’s only available a few months out of the year, it may not be as great a benefit as you think.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CONDO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

5. Can you tell me about the board of directors? A condo board of directors is responsible for the building’s physical and financial well-being. They make all of the major decisions and uphold the condo’s by-laws and rules. A board is usually elected by owners, and can be made up of owners and, in some cases, tenants. Ask your board for a copy of the condo bylaws, as well as if there are any grandfather clauses in place. It also wouldn’t hurt to speak with the chair or sit in on a board meeting (if possible) to get a feel for the condo corporation’s culture.

Owning a condo is different from owning a single-family or townhome, as there are a lot more hands involved with the daily maintenance and running of the building. However, they can be a great investment, are typically closer to city centres, and can offer great amenities.

When searching for a condo, working with a Realtor® has many benefits as they can provide you with market information, help you navigate all of your questions and ensure you’re well-informed to find a condo that’s the right fit for you and your future.

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FOR SALE | 1/8th ownership 1131 LAS ALTURAS SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORINA, USA 28 Power to Move You

Contemporary showcase home with superb vistas and large rooms that flow to terraces and mature gardens. Incredible views of the ocean and the mountains. The terrace is just steps from the pool. The open concept floor plan is anchored by a stunning great room.

Call Theresa today if you’re looking to spend some time in sunny California.

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30 Power to Move You PRE-CONSTRUCTION FOR SALE BRIDGE HOUSE AT BRIGHTWATER MISSISSAUGA

This master-planned community will ultimately consist of over 2,500 condos, 400 townhomes and over 300,000 sq ft of commercial and retail space. Now is the perfect time to get in on this great opportunity. Reserve your new home by contacting the Realty Group today.

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Oakville’s newest luxury waterfront residence is now available for you to purchase. Well-appointed suites, hotel-inspired amenities and much more all in the heart of Oakville’s Bronte Village. Don’t delay, you can choose your perfect suite now by calling the Realty Group today.

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Power to Move You 33 PRE-CONSTRUCTION FOR SALE BRONTE LAKESIDE CONDOS IN BRONTE VILLAGE OAKVILLE

Introducing the perfect home for entertaining on the largest lot in the community and surrounded by two community pools, a fitness room, playground and basketball court.

A gorgeous home in sunny Florida with plenty of room for family and friends.

Reach out to Theresa to learn more about this beautiful property.

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FOR SALE 10100 GOLDEN ELM DRIVE NORTH ESTERO, FLORIDA Power to Move You 35
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38 Power to Move You NOVEMBER 2022 AVERAGE SELLING PRICE 7.2% less than Nov. ‘21 ($1,162,564) $ 1,079,395 SALES-TO-NEW-LISTINGS RATIO Nov. 2022: (4,544 ÷ 8,880) x 100 = Nov. 2021: (8,979 ÷ 10,044) x 100 = 51 % % 89 SOLD NEW LISTINGS Detached $1,390,162 Semi $1,039,200 Townhouse $900,314 Condo $708,636 MARKET STATS AT A GLANCE HOME SALES 4,544 49% less than Nov. ‘21 (8,979) +Detached 2,056 Semi 386 Townhouse 774 Condo 1,289 NEW LISTINGS 11.6% less than Nov. ‘21 (10,044) 8,880 0 2K 4K 6K 8K 10K 12K November 2022 November 2021 ++ -

Why Is the Realty Group One of the Best in its’ Marketplace?

Theresa and "The TB Realty Group", thank you for selling my condo in Toronto not only so quickly but for the best price for a unit my size. With all the building obstacles that you faced, we found a way to get around them and make it all work out so quickly. I would be pleased to share your name with all my family and friends looking to buy, sell or invest in the future.

- Jessica

Thank you Theresa and "The TB Realty Group" for helping us to get our home on the market so quickly in our unique circumstances. Being able to execute both showings and the sale while we were on holidays was just amazing to us. We felt a lot of stress to make the move as quickly as we needed too but you both made us feel like with your help we could do it. We are so happy in our new hope and hope to celebrate with you shortly over a nice bottle of Champagne.

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This is my second time the TB Realty Group has helped me move. They did all my paperwork, called my lawyers office, sent many emails. They also set up my condo to make it look better. I can’t say how much I appreciate all the work they did for me and they smiled all the time doing it. I would get them again if l moved! They took the stress out of my life.

- Donna

Wow Theresa, I was blown away that exactly what you described would happen with the sale of my mothers condo was exactly what actually happened. You even fought for more money than I expected to get. I am so pleased that you and "The TB Realty Group" made my mothers home look so good and we that we had a fast sale. Thank you so much ladies for doing such a great job.

Best Wishes from Everyone at the TB Realty Group

REALTY GROUP tbaird.com
Samantha McGrath Julia Baird-Oryschak
Real
Real Estate
Carolina Mauti
Real Estate Agent
Estate Agent Administrative Assistant Graphic Designer
Agent
Dereck Addie Lindsay Meadwell
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