We`ve just got a bill for some work done (reinstalling a shelf). We were charged $55/hour (plus materials). The total time was 5.25 hours. This included his travel time to the house and getting the materials needed. Is $55/hour reasonable for a handyman? Is it normal to charge for your...

We have one property in Montreal. The rent control laws are strict and very tenant-friendly. There is no security deposit. Another thing to think about is that the vast majority of Quebeckers move on July 1. Therefore, if you buy, you should keep this in mind, as you may be face with many...

Ontario is allowing a whopping 0.7% rent increase in 2011. Just wondering if people are planning to raise their rents or just leave it. I wonder if raising rent by such a small amount (less than $10 on $1400) just annoys the tenants for no great benefit. Interested to hear your opinions...

QUOTE (MooseHead @ Aug 31 2010, 06:38 AM) Hi everyone, I`ve been trolling these forums the past few weeks learning lots. I figured I would introduce myself and fill you guys in on a real estate property I am interested in. It has been for sale for quite some time now and the price continues to...

Thanks everyone for your comments - it sounds like gas is the way to go! The electric insert is an interesting (and much cheaper) option, though I`m not sure the condo board would go for this. Has anyone done this? How would a tenant react? Thanks, Nicola

I`m a teacher - but in Korea.

It looks like we may have to replace a fireplace in a townhouse in Edmonton (required by the condo board). Right now it is a wood-burning fireplace. Assuming the cost is more-or-less the same, would you choose a gas fireplace or wood-burning one? (Assuming you have tenants, not...

QUOTE (investmart @ May 26 2010, 02:24 AM) Hi All, A few basic questions about grass cutting: - Is the landlord always responsible for grass cutting in a Plex (3-plex or 4-plex)? - what approximately is the cost to cut grass and how often should it be cut? - lastly, an example: I have a...

QUOTE (investmart @ May 19 2010, 10:48 AM) Hi, I am considering hiring a property manager. However the agreement he is using mentions the following: "PM will not be liable or accountable in any manner whatsoever for any acts or omissions" also, mentioned in another section of his suggested...

Great to hear!

Thanks for the reply. I have a good feeling about getting renewed. (Though as a non-resident I can`t be CMHC approved.) Good LTV though. I`ll post here when I know for sure. Nicola

Berubeland, You mention HSBC Finance is not renewing mortgages. Is this HSBC Bank itself, or an offshoot of HSBC? Anyone know if HSBC is renewing? I have some mortgages coming up soon with them. When I contacted my HSBC guy a little while ago, he didn`t indicate that they wouldn`t renew...

Hello, Can anyone recommend a gardener in Toronto? (Bathurst/St. Clair) It is a semi-detached house (2 units) with a small front and back yard. The whole lot is only 20 x 121 feet (including house and double detached garage). The front is landscaped (no grass) and just needs weeding, pruning...

Is it negative cash flow to you or to the CRA? For example, you may be out of pocket $350, but if you count mortgage interest only (not prinicipal and interest, as principal isn`t deductible), you may not actually have a net loss.

QUOTE (Berubeland @ May 9 2010, 08:42 PM) http://www.bestvalue.biz/ This guy is doing an MLS listing for 109. Anyone know of a similar service in Alberta? Right now he just does Ontario.

Hi Albert, Thank you for your detailed reply. I`ve had a look at the online guide. However, I`m wondering a few things. First, how much hassle is it to actually get the Certificate? They say you should send it in 30 days in advance. Will they process it in less than 30 days? Also, they...

Hello, We are contemplating selling one of our properties. As non-residents, I know we need to obtain a Certificate of Compliance from the CRA. Has anyone had any experience with this? How complicated and/or time-consuming is it? Would it put off potential buyers due to the extra hassle...

Hello, I`m wondering if anyone has experience renting a detached garage in Medicine Hat. We have a house coming up for rent and I was thinking of renting the garage separately. If I`m renting to someone who is not the house-tenant, what kind of rent could I expect for a double detached garage...

Will it work better with Firefox (e.g. with posting replies)? Thanks

Hello, Our tenant would like to use a window air conditioner in a townhouse (Edmonton). I don`t really have a problem with it (and we don`t pay utilities), but is there anything I should be concerned about? Will it damage the window at all? Does it need any external support? (I realize...