You should check with the zoning department. Generally, it's something like 50% different from the original state. For instance, if there was a fire, then you can't rebuilt into "legal nonconforming" status anymore. So I'm not entirely sure where the dividing line is. Kir.

Sometimes zoning might change by city planners, but the existing structures don't conform to the new zoning...so now it's legal non-conforming. If you do substantial alterations, you have to conform to the new zoning.... So for investment purposes, it depends on what the new zoning is...

I like your connection you made from the 2 movies to the Judge Rakoff's ruling. I also think all these events (including unemployment and low income, poor economy,etc...) are stirring up people to examine the modern day realities. I think it's only the beginning of movements like the Occupy...

Who has ever returned flooring products (laminates or vinyl) via the warranty? How does it work anyhow? YOu get one piece of laminate if one has deteriorated (1 for 1). Just curious. Kir.

A lot of conditional things with this developer. I would just determine the actual value as of now, then determine the loan to value ratio to see if it's actually 65% (or whatever the downpayment was). Then decide if you want to give him a small loan. Since a willing buyer already offered...

tax strategy, monthly cashflow, and equity. What else is there?

Hi, For those that are after tenant buyers in Edmonton, What's your average wait time to find such a buyer? Also, would you leave your property vacant? I'm curious to see what the wait time would be for a house that is around 450K on the southside (2-3 years old). I guess I can always...

I would give them 3 months notice. Personally, I would keep them since they are good tenants. Also Just because the lease expired, it doesn't mean you can increase rent. (only after 1 full year). Kir.

Thanks for the reference to the department of numbers.... I was looking at cities that had an increase in value....IT seems like Grand Rapids, MI saw a 23% increased for 2011 (median price is about 111K) . Then I google the average rent apartment rental in Grand Rapids, which is about...

Birds of the same feather flock together. I would just embrace the neighborhood lifestyle and conform to what people want. Go with the flow is my advice. Kir.

I think society is too complex these days. Information is critical and nobody is going to give you good information without compensation. The internet is monetizing information in every possible way. These are scary, yet fascinating times. It's interesting to examine the countries in...

I have one installed in my own house, but it's a new house, not a retrofit. In Edmonton, the Mainline backwater flow device is popular with new houses. It's also made in Edmonton. Call them directly, Local: (780) 413-7204 Toll Free: 1-877-734-8691 http://www.backwatervalve.com/contact-us.html

Here are some articles on court cases on latent defects and how the courts decided what are considered latent defects, etc... http://aaron.ca/columns/2011-05-14.htm

For those with 1-6 units, I think it's worth the effort to learn to be somewhat a handyman. This helps you to control your expenses. You can choose to hire out if you have good cashflow, or do it yourself, if you have time. So why not invest a little time to read on basics of drywalling and...

Why not try to do some renovations yourself? Should investors be somewhat of a handyman? Kir.

I'm not a lawyer..but the issue of rot, mould, and structural issues, when not disclosed at the time of a real estate transaction, can be takened up in court. If you google "latent defect", you will get a better description/definition. If you can proove that the seller or listing agent...

I hope WTI oil goes to 300/barrel, I have a small position in the HOU stock, which is a bullish outlook on oil. However, today it's down to 77/ barrel due to Greece debt issues. When US shows demand, and Europe is not an issue, I could see it doubling, but who knows...just a guess. Kir

What's the advantage of having a separate policy for rentals and principle? The premiums are by location. I have 2 car, principle, and rentals all with TD meloche. There is a bulk discount, so it's good. kir.

A different issue but.... what if you don't supply the appraisal , can the buyer and seller still do the transaction with two lawyers?? CMHC can do their own appraisal at their expense. ? Kir.

Sounds like a good opportunity to check it out further. Maybe put in an offer conditional upon a home inspection and an appraisal, then you have to determine the before and after repair value (don't trust the realtor). If there are comparables to support 165, sounds like you might have a...