Blog

Exceptionally renovated, four bedroom, home in Beechwood!  Gorgeous pics and virtual tour!  Full details here. http://www.teammilovick.com/real_estate_for_sale_detail.php?listing_id=134

Tremendous Live-Work Opp strategically situated between Downtown and St. Mary's Hospital!  Great character!  Tonnes of parking.  Full details here: http://www.teammilovick.com/real_estate_for_sale_detail.php?listing_id=133

Unbeatable value in this Westvale starter: super price point, single detached, double car garage, master with ensuite privileges, walk out to large deck!  Full details here:

http://www.teammilovick.com/real_estate_for_sale_detail.php?listing_id=131

Look no further! Located steps to Kitchener's new transit hub and in an area that is experiencing dynamic transition and gentrification, this 100+ year old charmer feels like new! Contemporary updates, large family room addition.  Details:  http://www.teammilovick.com/real_estate_for_sale_detail.php?listing_id=132

Rental Licensing is making its rounds through City Council Chambers on Monday night.  See files attached for more info.

The City of Guelph has done an about face and has dropped its OMB defence of its zoning challenge as OHRC determined it was "people zoning."  Now, The City looks like it is going to embark on Rental Licensing.  Full details here:

http://www.guelphmercury.com/news/local/article/664360--city-of-guelph-changing-strategy-on-rental-housing-challenge

More coming, I am sure.

I have received many inquiries regarding Minimum Distance Separation and the new Rental Licensing By Law.  There has been some confusion due to "bedroom cap."  In the last City meeting on Rental Licensing, Director Of By Law Enforcement was specifically asked what changing the bedroom cap from three bedrooms to four bedrooms would do.  He said it would "fill in the fringe area's MDS."

In essense, the City's current restrictive number of bedrooms per unit will continue to be governed by the property's underlying zoning.  I hope you will find the attached pamphlet useful.

Could this be the first Rental-Licensed C Class property?  $249,900.  Opportunity abound$ here!  Full details: http://www.teammilovick.com/real_estate_for_sale_detail.php?listing_id=130

I have received a copy of the Northdale Discuss Paper that will be presented to Council in near future.  Please read the attached file.  It discusses options for this area.

City Council had its first City Council meeting at Wilfrid Laurier University.  This is seen as a sign of The City making a better effort to integrate with its student population.  Full details here:

http://www.thecord.ca/articles/50777

The Cord, WLU's student newspaper, wrote the following article to its students regarding Waterloo's new rental licensing program.  The program takes effect April 1.  Here is the article:

http://thecord.ca/articles/50814

The City of Waterloo has initiated the Northdale Land Use and Community Improvement Plan Study and has retained a consulting team comprised of MMM Group Limited in association with RCI Consulting Inc. and Sweeney Sterling Finlayson & Co. Architects Inc., to complete this study.  The second public consultation exercise for this study, a Public Open House and Design Workshop, has been scheduled for Thursday, January 26, 2012.  Please see the attached notice for detailed information on this event (please note that registration is required). 

The Regional Municipality of Waterloo is proposing a rapid transit system to enhance transit service in high-demand transportation corridors and to guide and manage long-term growth within the Region.

Stage 1 of the rapid transit system consists of light rail transit from Conestoga Mall to Fairview Park Mall and adapted bus rapid transit from Fairview Park Mall to the Ainslie Street Terminal. 

As part of the Ontario Regulation 231/08 Transit Project Assessment Process, the Region’s rapid transit team is hosting three public consultation centres. Information will be available at the centres regarding potential impacts that the rapid transit project may have on the environment.  Public comments and feedback will be collected at each centre.

Tuesday January 24, 2012, 3 to 8 p.m.

First United Church, 16 William Street West, Waterloo

Wednesday January 25, 2012, 3 to 8 p.m.

The Region of Waterloo, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener

Thursday January 26, 2012, 3 to 8 p.m.

The United Kingdom Club, 35 International Village Drive, Cambridge

All locations are accessible by transit; please see www.grt.caor call 519-585-7555 for routes and schedules. These events are also accessible for people with disabilities. If you require assistance to participate or to access information in alternative formats, please contact the Rapid Transit Infoline below at least five days prior to the consultation that you plan to attend.

All comments and information received from individuals, stakeholder groups and agencies regarding this project are being collected to assist the Region of Waterloo in making decisions on this project.  The project follows Ontario’s Transit Project Assessment Process.  Under the Environmental Assessment Act and the Municipal Act, personal information such as name, address, telephone number, and property location that may be included in a submission becomes part of the public record and may be released if requested.  If you have questions about the potential release of your information or about the collection of personal information, contact the Rapid Transit Infoline below.

Can't attend but still want to be involved?

Facebook: facebook.com/ROWRapidTransit

Twitter: twitter.com/ROWRapidTransit

E-mail: rtinfo@regionofwaterloo.ca

Website: www.regionofwaterloo.ca/rapidtransit

Infoline: 519-575-4757 x3242

The London Property Management association lost their law suit against The City of London regarding Rental Licensing.  Many stakeholders in other communities - including KW - were watching the court case with interest.  A copy of this decision is provided as an attachment.

CMHC has just released its annual fall rental report.  KWC rental market strength is very much evident -- experiencing further reductions in vacancy rates with vacancy below the 3 to 6% rate - what CMHC considersto be "balanced".  Full details in the attached report.

Purpose Built Five Student Five Plex!  Fully rented showing big income!  Turn key operation just two blocks from UW!  Full details here: http://www.teammilovick.com/real_estate_for_sale_detail.php?listing_id=121

There is going to be some component to rental licensing requiring Fire Code compliance.  The link below is Ontario's Fire Code.  Have a peak at Section 9 as a starter.  Here's a link to the nearly 300 page document: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/source/regs/english/2007/elaws_src_regs_r07213_e.htm

Newly Constructed, 25 Student Apartment Building!  Full details here: http://www.teammilovick.com/real_estate_for_sale_detail.php?listing_id=121

Team Milovick is pleased to report firm sales of 84 Allen and 600 Brookmill!

Today was Electrical Inspection at one of my properties - a triplex.  Cost of this inspection was $440.  ESA sets four hour service window.  I waited 3.5 hours for my inspection, outside building, in my truck, in cold and rain.  Inspection was fifteen minutes.  No deficiencies found.  ESA is now backing General Electrical Inspections, as of today, for January 20 onwards.  1800 inspections need to be done before June 1.  "All of them are not getting done." Book yours before its too late.  877 372-7233

Beautiful, freshly painted home featuring THOUSANDS of dollars in builder updates.  Pleasant surprises around every corner!  Backs onto meadows and woodlands!  More info here: http://www.teammilovick.com/real_estate_for_sale_detail.php?listing_id=120

TeamMilovick is pleased to present 639 Bonavista Drive, Waterloo - well appointed home in sought after Eastbridge.  Full details here:

http://www.teammilovick.com/real_estate_for_sale_detail.php?listing_id=119

Probably no surprise here given the extreme volatility in the stock market.  Here's full details: http://www.ccim.com/newscenter/commercial-real-estate-ranks-highest-among-investment-alternatives

Rental Licensing in the City of Kitchener was a hot topic last night.  The City is actively pursuing its options in terms of extent of proposed legislation, type of properties and even geographic area.

Full details here:

http://www.therecord.com/mobile/news/article/631768--council-orders-draft-rental-licensing-bylaw

The London Property Manager's Assocation lost their law suit against the City of London and its rental licensing program.  Details here:

http://ontariolandlords.ca/2011/11/landlord-licensing-comes-to-london-ontario/

A consultant's vision of Northdale area goes before City Council tonight.  Full details here: http://www.570news.com/news/local/article/303923--northdale-neighbourhood-back-in-the-spotlight-this-time-before-city-council

Apartment building at the corner of Regina and Bridgeport burned today.  This building was on the market last year.  My gut says electrical fire.  Details here:

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/629068--residents-escape-fire-in-waterloo-home

Waterloo City Councillors were questions why Waterloo home owners pay, on average, $399 more, annually, then their Kitchener or Cambridge counterparts.  Details here:

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/628899--waterloo-city-of-highest-taxes

Nice check list in link below on tips to ensure your home deal closes smoothly:

http://www.moneyville.ca/article/1041152--17-things-to-know-about-closing-your-house-dea

Citing downside economic risk and revised downward projected economic growth, the Bank of Canada has maintained interest rates at current level.

More details here:

http://creanews.ca/2011/10/25/interest-rates-to-remain-on-hold-for-longer/

Some good stuff here regarding student housing and its resiliency to typical economic factors.  Note that this student is US based.  Also, check out the short interview.  Details here:

http://www.ccim.com/newscenter/new-study-looks-campus-student-housing

A local developer/student landlord is upset with the massive spike in the Parkland Dedication Fee which was updated earlier this year...details here:

http://www.waterloochronicle.ca/news/developer-denied-parkland-exemption/

279-307 Lester Demolition Control application approved at Council.  More information on this large development here:

http://www.waterloo.ca/Portals/57ad7180-c5e7-49f5-b282-c6475cdb7ee7/CS_CLERKS_Minutes_2011/20110926_Agenda_Council_Meeting.pdf

Stakeholders:  On October 5, the City of Waterloo will have an open house to discuss vision for the Northdale area.  More details Here:

http://www.waterloo.ca/desktopdefault.aspx?tabid=1&mid=449&def=News%20Article%20View&ItemId=1654

Lots going on with the Grand Opening of the CIGI Centre...including the possibility of a third unviersity!  More details here:

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/595916--third-university-may-join-new-cigi-campus

The Financial Post is reporting this morning that overall Canadian home sales levels slipped in August from July, but that average price has risen 7.7% from a year ago...

More details here:

http://business.financialpost.com/2011/09/15/home-sales-down-but-market-stable/

University enrolment for first year students is at a record level this September, surpassing even the "double cohort" year.  Details here:

http://www.therecord.com/news/article/586327--ontario-universities-prepare-for-record-wave-of-frosh

Of note in the upcoming August 15 City of Waterloo Council meeting is the proposed demolition of 168 King/12 James Street as well as Paul Ellingham's address to Council on behalf of Northdale residents.

Further details here:

http://www.waterloo.ca/Portals/57ad7180-c5e7-49f5-b282-c6475cdb7ee7/CS_CLERKS_Minutes_2011/20110815_Agenda_Council_Meeting.pdf

Great article on what could happen if the US misses its looming debt payment...

http://business.financialpost.com/2011/07/19/what-to-expect-if-the-u-s-loses-its-gold-plated-rating/ 

CREA is reporting a 2.6% increase in June sales nation-wide.  With interest rates expected to remain low, real estate is in good shape.  More info here: http://business.financialpost.com/2011/07/15/canadas-housing-market-on-solid-footing-crea/

Great Great update in today's Record on the Caroline/Erb corner.  Count up the amount of $$$$$ under construction...here's the article: http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/564119--waterloo-s-building-block

With the US political system in disaray, is the US about to hit Banana Republic status?  Financial Post article here:

http://opinion.financialpost.com/2011/07/13/william-watson-u-s-turn-to-be-banana-republic/ 

This from KW Record from today:

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/561718--waterloo-has-high-taxes-high-debt-high-incomes

Nice comparison of Waterloo relative to other Southwestern municipalities.  Nothing surprising here...or anyone in Waterloo doesn't already know..

Ontario Leads the way in Better than Expected New Home Starts.  Details here: http://ow.ly/5BjNc  

Northdale Home owners seek Zoning change in future discussions with City to make land assembly attractive to a developer.  Details here: http://ow.ly/5BjVr  

Locally, the area saw signficant declines in the unemployment rate.  All Cities in the area are posting better than national average employment numbers: 

More info here:  http://www.therecord.com/news/business/article/560008--unemployment-rate-holds-nationally-drops-locally

June numbers are in and the local real estate market has posted an exceptional month.  Details here:

http://www.therecord.com/news/business/article/559244--wedding-season-fails-to-rebuff-house-sales

Conestoga College is on the brink of opening a large $22 Million wing and a $91 Million teaching building.  Details here: http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/559967--conestoga-college-to-open-huge-expansion

Citing Charter of Rights issues, the City of Kitchener has stricken the Cedar Hill Bylaw.  To bring people up to speed, the City wanted to ban further "plexing" of buildings in his area.Details here:   http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/551312--city-of-kitchener-kills-cedar-hill-bylaw

A $103 MM Global Innovation Building will be constructed at Hemlock and Hazel - the site of the current St. Mike's WLU Campus.  Full details here: http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/550443--province-gives-wilfrid-laurier-university-72-6-million

Several Northdale home owners have banded together to put their homes on the market, feeling that the new rental licensing program will devalue them.  Full details here:   http://swo.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110620/waterloo-for-sale-rental-protest-110620/20110620/?hub=SWOHome

Even though support for LRT in Waterloo Region was mixed at best, Regional Council voted to pass it last night.  Details here: http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/548497--rail-plan-passes

The future of Light Rail Transit in KWC will become clearer tonight with Regional vote.  Details here: http://ow.ly/5icLF

Investors:  we knew this would only be a matter of time.  Tonight, City of Kitchener, is formally proposes to study rental licensing.  Undoubtedly, there will be more to this in the upcoming weeks.

Canadian unemployment went down in May while Regional unemployment went up...having said that, Region is still a tick below the Canadian average.  Details here:  http://www.therecord.com/news/business/article/545678--canadian-unemployment-rate-falls-to-7-4-per-cent-as-22-300-jobs-added-in-may

Both UW and WLU are reporting incidents of bed bugs in their residence...obviously if they are in their residences, they are coming to off campus housing soon...details here:  http://www.therecord.com/news/business/article/544888--reported-incidence-of-bed-bugs-increases-at-uw-wlu

KWC residential real estate continued to outperform, posting better numbers, year over year from last May...surprising as the month of heavy rains didn't seem to keep the buyers away...note the average home sale prices...details here:

http://www.therecord.com/news/business/article/542489--region-house-sales-get-spring-boost

Interesting article in Financial Post today.  Consensus is that a lot of action in the major Canadian markets is due to foreign investment.  As most people are aware, Canada has survived - even thrived - for the last four years while most of the rest of the world has suffered real estate-wise during the recession.  Canada's real estate market is not a suprise to foreign investors, and OFSI is concerned that should a bubble development in another country, like China, it could spread to what OFSI considers "transient" foreign investments in Canada...details here:

http://business.financialpost.com/2011/06/03/ofsi-to-gauge-influence-of-foreign-investment-could-stress-test-banks/

Canada's Technology Triangle has given its support to the proposed LRT.  More details here:

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/540779--canada-s-technology-triangle-endorses-light-rail-transit

The housing market may be feeling a "post recession" hang over, but The Region's vacancy rate in rentals is expected to trend downward.  Further details here:

http://www.therecord.com/news/business/article/540301--housing-starts-sales-expected-to-slide-this-year

Hard to believe, but US market has hit another low point, experiencing a double dip with the percentage reduction in housing price (33%) the worst since the Great Depression.  Details here:

http://business.financialpost.com/2011/05/31/u-s-housing-double-dip/

City Council voted 6-1 to accept the Rental Licensing Proposal tabled last night.  Amongst the speakers, the Ontario Human Rights Commission had a lot to say and expressed serious concern about the By Law.  Full details here: http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/529704--rental-bylaw-may-discriminate-waterloo-council-warned 

Waterloo's revised, proposed, Rental Licensing By Law is still drawing concerns from the Ontario Human Rights Commission and KW Association of Realtors.  More details here:

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/515539--revised-rental-housing-bylaw-still-raises-concerns

Like it or hate it, the Revised Rental Licensing By-Law Proposal goes to Council for Vote on Monday, May 9, 2011.  At the very least, this night promises to be very entertaining.   Here's the link for more details:

http://www.waterloo.ca/desktopdefault.aspx?tabid=1&mid=449&def=News%20Article%20View&ItemId=1539

More foreclosures on horizon as US economy gradually starts to improve.  Pre-housing bubble pricing in effect.  Details here:

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b6669176&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss 

On Monday, April 11, 2011, Waterloo City Council unanimously moved to accept the Waterloo Rental Licensing Housing By-Law for formal review and public consultation.  The report creates a framework to create a new, low density housing, rental licensing regime.

From when the proposal was first tabled in January – and then subsequently withdrawn in the face of vocal opposition – the consensus was that some form of by-law was coming.  In the months since January, the group, Protecting Rental Options Waterloo (PROW), with WRAMA support, lobbied City Staff, Council, University representatives and other stakeholder groups, to provide input in shaping the proposal.

As evidenced by the Council meeting, there is still a ways to go. 

From a landlording perspective, this additional level of bureaucracy will increase costs by requiring a fee to join the program – as well as require an ongoing annual fee.  Glen Trachsel, WRAMA president, called these fees a tenant tax in his address to council and felt it wasn’t fair for “ma and pa” operators of non-student duplexes, triplexes and single family rental homes to be drawn into the City’s “student problem.”

Bill Keay, WRAMA Board Member, impressed upon Council just how devastating the legislation was from an investor’s perspective.  He ALSO felt that new immigrants to the area would also be effectively shut out of the rental market by rental licensing.

PROW members, Gweneth Minaker and Heather Galt, also assembled a compelling two part power point presentation.  Their focus was on keeping costs of the program low and creating a fair by law – to all stakeholders.  In essence, PROW has asked that the scale and scope of the by law to be re-examined and re-worked.

Under the proposal, the act of accepting a rent cheque means that a landlord will have to provide floor plans, maintenance plan, parking plan, criminal record check, HVAC inspection, and garbage plan- in addition to electrical and fire code compliance.  Several of the lobbying groups mentioned that these onerous requirements would reduce the supply of affordable rental housing as landlords pull out of the market – or are shut out of the market by the legislation.

In this new regime, tenants will be the most adversely affected.  Lack of choice and increased cost is anticipated when the proposal is fully implemented.  As supply decreases and pressure on the rental housing market increases, rentals will go underground – resulting in safety compromises.  Erasure of rights that tenants enjoy under the Residential Tenancy Act is anticipated.  Human rights and privacy legislation is also trounced by the proposal.

WRAMA, through PROW, is committed to re-working Waterloo’s Rental Licensing program.  Note that lodging house owners have seen some gains since the original proposal’s release.  We remain committed to working with The City to shape the proposed rental licensing regime to ensure an equitable legislation for all stakeholders.  We appreciate your support and hope that everyone takes a moment to write or e-mail Waterloo City Staff and Council with your thoughts.  For more information, please check out www.SaveWaterloo.caor, on the facebook group, “Stakeholders Against Waterloo’s Revised Rental Licensing”. 

For information on The Record's report of last night's Council meeting concerning the Rental Licensing By-law discussion , check out: 

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/515539--revised-rental-housing-bylaw-still-raises-concerns

After its retraction in January, 2011, Waterloo staff has released a new proposal as it relates to rental licensing.  Full details, including a summary of the changes that have occurred since the original proposal was tabled, are available here:

http://www.waterloo.ca/desktopdefault.aspx?tabid=1&mid=449&def=News%20Article%20View&ItemId=1525
 

Local real estate sales were down in March from previous March, but very average relative to years past.  More details here:

http://www.therecord.com/news/business/article/512436--housing-market-set-for-an-average-spring

Here is recent article in Canadian Real Estate Magazine regarding my thoughts on Waterloo's proposed rental licensing by law: http://www.canadianrealestatemagazine.ca/news/76231/details.aspx

Public hearings on Official Plan Amendment No. 81 & Zoning By-law Amendment Application Z-11-03 MacGregor Albert Heritage Conservation District, MacGregor Public School and Waterloo Public Library Uptown Ward 7, City of Waterloo to be heard on April 4.  Link below has further details including map of area affected:

http://www.waterloo.ca/desktopdefault.aspx?tabid=1&mid=449&def=News%20Article%20View&ItemId=1515 

US real estate continues to slide with February being the lowest for new home construction on record.  Details here:

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b6263799&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss

Major banks began process of ratcheting down interest rates for fear that issues in Japan could have a spill over into the global economy.  Details here:

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b6256536&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss

Average home price in Canada set new record in February.  Details here:

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b6253018&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss 

Under new mortgage rule changes, effective March 18, 2011, the 35 year ammortized mortgage will be a thing of the past.  Click here for more:

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b6206977&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss

The cost of a university education has increased significantly over the past years, with Ontario residents becoming concerned - even as they note the importance of a degree in today's job market.  Details here:

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/495573--ontarians-worry-about-costs-of-post-secondary-education

Home owners and landlords, check this article out.  I just had a new furnace installed in my home - reason being is the old black pipe had a leak - and replacement was estimated to be $700.

Imagine if you had black pipe framed and drywalled in...here's the article:

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/499216--homeowners-may-have-to-replace-furnace-water-heater-pipes 

This is a super interesting article regarding state of US real estate.  When I attended the Prudential Convention last weekend, I found out, as an example, that 37% of the homes bought in Arizona were purchased by CANADIANS.  37%.

Needless to say, during Canadian networking events, we were vistied by our California, Florida and Arizona peers :  )

Here's the article:

http://www.ccim.com/newscenter/international-buyers-fuel-residential-market

Mayor will present a "State of The City Address" on March 25.  Here are the details:

http://www.waterloo.ca/desktopdefault.aspx?tabid=1&mid=449&def=News%20Article%20View&ItemId=1499

Volume of homes sold in KW was down in February.  On positive, actual prices increase over 3% from the previous February.  Clikc here for more info:

http://www.therecord.com/news/business/article/495813--home-sales-fall-6-7-in-february-but-still-above-average 

Scotiabank is predicting re-sales will moderate in 2011 - about 15% below 2007 levels - but about average for the past ten years...more details here:

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b6105764&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss

US housing market continues to struggle...details here:

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b6095719&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss

Saturday's opening of the City Centre Condo sales office was an important step forward.  Details here:

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/492757--downtown-condo-project-takes-step-forward 

US home prices in major cities continue to deteriorate...click link here for details:

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b6028960&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss 

Canada’s national housing agency says the pace of new-home construction will stabilize in 2011 and 2012 after trending lower at the end of last year.  Details here:

http://www.therecord.com/news/canada/article/488981--housing-starts-to-stabilize-cmhc-report 

Commercial investments up 45% of $18.9 Billion in 2010!  Details here: http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b5951149&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss

Report mentions strengthening economy, investor confidence as main factors...

Residents still left without vision for area for another year as Council extends Moratorium on State, Fir and Hickory Streets.  Click here for details:

http://www.waterloo.ca/desktopdefault.aspx?tabid=1&mid=449&def=News%20Article%20View&ItemId=1481 

Finance minister predicts rates will jump again - even after this week's increase.  Details here:

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b5889340&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss

2011 has revised forecasts indicating the year should be a busy one for realtors.  Click here for details:

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b5887502&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss

The hop is back in KW's Commercial Real Estate market!  Click here for more details:

http://www.therecord.com/feature/article/476064--real-estate-market-sizzling-in-region-s-commercial-sectors

US is reporting lowest level of resale home activity in 13 years.  Details here:

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b5705650&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss

Letter to Editor at KW Record:

http://www.therecord.com/opinion/letters/article/473989--outrageous-idea

Residential home owners with be affected by reducing proceeds on re-fi - as well as other changes.  More details here:

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b5674448&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss

Another letter to KW Record Editor.  Landlord supports regulation - and asks for fairness:

http://www.therecord.com/opinion/letters/article/473969--city-should-deal-fairly-with-landlords

Canadian Real Estate seems resilient to its foreign counter parts.  Read more here:

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b5650618&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss

Rental Licensing has been proposed in Waterloo - and it is wicked, wicked legislation.  Bad for landlords, bad for tenants, bad for the Citizens of Waterloo.

Please support our fight and sign up today:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/home.php?sk=group_179891552042975

The sentiment in the room at Waterloo's First Rental Licensing Open House was anger and outrage.  Read more about it:

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/474004--landlords-afraid-of-rental-housing-licensing-system-pack-meeting

I lasted about five minutes (out of my scheduled ten) before I was asked to leave the mic at City Hall.

Full details here:

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/319904--angry-landlords-mad-as-hell-over-bedroom-limits

City Council was introduced to Staff's Proposed Rental Housing By-Law.  It was rejected outright and sent back for revision.  See file for Waterloo Council's minutes on this meeting.

Nationwide, real estate prices are expected to increase over 3%...full details here: http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b5573982&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss

The long anticipated Waterloo rental licensing program is expected to be released around 4 pm today.  For details on this crucial, PROPOSED, piece of legislation, check out this link after 4 PM today: 

www.waterloo.ca/rhlr

If you have concerns, after reviewing the document, please contact me.  WRAMA and the Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate Board will be preparing a position on the legislation.

Article in Record describing students' plight after coming home to find their home flooded.

I am checking with insurance broker to see if tenant insurance couldn't have alleviated the situation...

Here's the full article:

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/309057--students-left-homeless

In today's Waterloo Chronicle the City has advertised that they will be releasing a 'proposed rental licensing report' to the public on January 6th, via the website www.waterloo.ca/RHLR or for pickup at the Bylaw Dept at City Hall. 

There will be public review open houses at the following times, all at Bauer Haus, The Waterloo Memorial REC Complex, 101 Father David Bauer Drive:

Thurs Jan 13, 2011, 6:30-8:30

Tues Jan 18, 2011, 6:30-8:30

and Thurs Jan 20, 2011 3:00-5:00pm

To register for the open houses, due to space limitations, email rental@waterloo.ca

They plan to table the report to Council on January 10th, and expect the bylaw to be considered in February.

Let's all make sure we watch this closely and be sure the City recommendations are realistic and fair, and do not adversely affect our property values!

With all the gloom and doom in the international economy in 2010, Canadian real estate shone and was recognized as a top performer.  Full details here: http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b5483890&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss

CREA has just released REALTOR.ca app for iPhone (Blackberry version coming in February).

Full details here: http://creanews.ca/2010/12/21/the-canadian-real-estate-association-releases-realtor-ca-mobile-application-for-apple-iphone/

Concerns over interest rates rise to keep inflation in check subside as inflation subsides...full details:  http://www.therecord.com/news/business/article/303966--inflation-moderates-to-two-per-cent-easing-concerns-of-interest-rate-hikes

Check out attachment for latest CMHC report!  Note that it goes into great detail in terms of rent achieved per bedroom in specific zones and also calculates vacancy.

This is THE Rental Market Report!

Group invades City Centre Condo Construction Site to Protest lack of affordable housing.  Details here:

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/303189--small-group-protests-lack-of-affordable-housing-in-kitchener

Updated Westmount Charmer!  Check out virtual tour here:

http://www.teammilovick.com/real_estate_for_sale_detail.php?listing_id=68

This is an elightening article which should help you in "managing the manager."  Things to watch (or watch out) for when considering property management...

http://blog.buildium.com/2010/11/29/10-property-management-pitfalls/

Just announced!  Dundee REIT is purchasing several office buildings - in total 945,000 SF...full details here:

http://www.therecord.com/news/business/article/301596--dundee-reit-to-acquire-kitchener-waterloo-properties

CREA is report solid results for month of November.  Here are the details:

http://creanews.ca/2010/12/15/resale-housing-market-on-solid-ground-in-november/

Superb home backing on to woodlands!  Close to RIM and easy access to Expressway.  Spoil yourself!

Check out the supplemental pictures and the virtual tour! 

http://www.teammilovick.com/real_estate_for_sale_detail.php?listing_id=67

Student landlords in St. Catherines have won a key victory in the City's attempt to discriminate against student tenants:

http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2881731

Forecasters are predicting a 3% increase in Canadian Housing prices for 2011.  Here's the article:

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b5343558&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss

For investors with 25% down, that is a 12% capital appreciation...

 The KWREB reports a balanced market for the month of November.  Full details with statistics on these links:

http://www.kwreb.on.ca/Stats/November_2010_Media_Release.pdf

http://www.kwreb.on.ca/Stats/November_2010_Sales_Statistics.pdf

After red hot start to 2010, softening mid year and rebound near tail end of 2010, CMHC is predicting Canadian housing market to be stable in 2011...

Click link below for details:

http://money.ca.msn.com/banking/bankrate/article.aspx?cp-documentid=26587550

A lot of things are happening in Cambridge - with one of the bigger projects being the Waterscape luxury condo development.

Here's today's article in the Toronto Star:

http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/realestate/siteprofiles/article/900107--cambridge-the-little-town-that-grew

Investors:  many people do not understand how mortgage rates are derived.  Short term rates are derived by money market dynamics and long term rates are generated by prevailing bond rates.  Banks, when they lend, they lend based on a spread on these rates.  When interest rates change, it is a result of a change in these markets.

Here are the rates for December 1, 2010

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=c5305750&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss

Note that you can subcribe to the CanadianBusiness RSS feed for rate updates...here is the link:

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/rss/index.jsp

December 14 will be comittee of adjustment meeting to determine applications/minor variances for:

12 story apartment building (corner of King and Ezra).

10 story apartment building (corner of King and James)

student townhouse complex into condos (80 Churchill)

Land severance proposal (174 Clayfield)

See attached file for full details...

RBC is predicting 2011 to bring pricing stability to the Canadian real estate market...

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b5270453&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss

The Waterscape project won a prestigious brownfield development award from the Canadian Urban Institute.  Read more details on this as well as an update on Phase 2 in link below:

http://news.therecord.com/article/819942

Investors!  Check out this link:

http://news.therecord.com/News/Local/article/819443

This is where the new Go, VIA, Greyhound and Grand River Transit hub will go!

Can I send you listings within a kilometer of this location?

Its gruesome South of the Border.  Details here:

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b5228129&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss

The City will be beginning a study concerning land use and community improvement for the Northdale area.

Please download the attachments for the draft terms of reference and composition of the Northdale Special Project committee.

Details in link below!  Look for Blackberry and iPhone versions shortly!

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2010/12/c3544.html

KW area has had thirteen years of consecutive, residential price increase. (Find me a stock that has had the some, consistent performance :  ) 

Please find KW MLS report attached.

Nation-wide Housing Starts down:

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b5070044&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss

KW Board's November press release - no price softening in our area:

http://creastats.crea.ca/kitc/

Canada wide, university enrolments are up.  Here's the link for more info:

http://news.sympatico.ca/canada/university_enrolment_up_but_advocates_decry_skyrocketing_tuition_fees/dc26670e

The Waterloo Council is : Ward 1)  Scott Wittmer  2)  Karen Scian  3) Angela Vieth  4) Dianne Freeman 5) Mark whaley 6) Jeff Henry ( new)  7) Melissa Durrel ( new).  Mayor is Brenda Halloran.

Here's a link to the Unofficial Results:

http://www.waterloo.ca/election2010/results.html

Prior to the election the KW real estate board sent out a survey to each candidate http://www.kwreb.on.ca/meet-the-candidates/

If you go to question 7 you can see each councilor's opinion on rental licensing.

Thinking of moving to KWC?  What areas have the best schools?  Click here!

KWREB Setember Media Release

KWREB 2010 Sales Statistics

Check out this link for political candidates and their position, in particular, on Rental Licensing:

http://www.kwreb.on.ca/meet-the-candidates/

Know who you are voting for - and how they could affect your income property investment!  For the Waterloo candidates, check out the candidates and their response to Question 7.

KW Home Sales Ease in August, Up Year to Date

KW Real Estate Statistics for August, 2010.

Rent increase guideline announced.  FRPO comments on impact this will have to Ontario rental industry.

Canada wide rental statistics!  See how your area matches up to other areas around Canada.

You CAN make a difference at The City level in municipal politics!  Read all about it!

Bad ideas, when brought to light and then forcefully opposed by community stakeholders, are very rarely enacted.  Read all about it.  Makes me wonder about the position of the other dissenters on other landlord type issues.

Pay and Display parking in a residential neighbourhood?  Is this a student tax grab or what?  Something isn't right at The City.  Try to envision Pay and Display meters and visitors being charged to park on your street.  Whether you live in Waterloo, Kitchener, GTA or elsewhere, this isn't right.  Check out the links for more info on this contentious issue.

Kitchener and Guelph Statistics broken down by Zone, Building Type and Unit Type.  Awesome source of information for projected income streams and current vacancy rates.

WRAMA - Student Housing Update by Mike Milovick

Realtor Mike comments on By Law enforcement as it relates to Student Housing.  Progressive solutions for progressive people.

Things are happening in Waterloo!  Highest value of building permits since 1989! Investors take note!

High end student condos!  Ultra uber factor!  True loft living - for students!  Great condo conversion project!