Joanne Cross : Latest Blog Posts

What's Happening in Your Town?

Wed, 23 May 2012 20:05:00 GMT

WEST HILL

West Hill pool is located in West Hill Cl. It is a tank pool offering swimming lessons and leisure.

Parks, Forestry and Recreation :West Hill CI

PICKERING

May 26th, 2012 Durham Waterfront Community Ride

Welcome to the City of Pickering Website, City Hall Section

AJAX

May 29ht, 2012 Queens Jubilee Celebration

http://www.ajax.ca/en/Calendar/Details.aspx?id=28c2d5ad-59a2-40dd-8bf6-582b4a02d2c6

WHITBY

For Parks and Recreation programs and services

Parks and Recreation - Town of Whitby

WIN $200.00 Keg Gift Certificate

Wed, 23 May 2012 18:33:00 GMT

Below you will find information about how to enter a chance to win a $200.00 gift certificate from the Keg by entering at Royal LePage Connects Face book Page. Good Luck!

Please go to http://www.joannecross.ca/newsletters.html to read full article or call Joanne!

THANK YOU

Wed, 23 May 2012 18:29:00 GMT

50/50 Draw + RLP Shelter Foundation Garage Sale

Thank you all so much for purchasing a ticket for our 50/50 draw to help raise funds for our local Shelter Julliette’s Place. The winner Sheri Latta won $4,100 on Saturday

Along with your contribution we had a huge garage sale on Saturday and as a result we raised $8,500 for our Shelter. Thank you for your generosity and we look forward to having you participate next year in our fund raising efforts

Please go to http://www.joannecross.ca/newsletters.html to read full article or call Joanne!

How To Avoid the Tenant from Hell

Wed, 23 May 2012 18:16:00 GMT

When Landlords and Tenants work together, everyone wins!

A tenant from hell can be a landlord's worst nightmare. Below are some practical tips that you or your clients can use to make sure that this does not happen.

Qualify your tenant in advance

When you advertise for a tenant, make it clear that you will be doing a credit check and checking personal references. This will assist in discouraging potential scammers.

Treat tenants with respect

Successful investors understand that tenants are your silent partners. They are a source of income and are looking after your investment. When you treat them with respect, and show appreciation, they will also take better care of your building

Sometimes bad things happen

A tenant loses their job and even though they would like to pay the rent, they can’t. Instead of rushing to the landlord and tenant board, which takes time and results in hard feelings, try to work it out. Thanks Mark!

Please go to http://www.joannecross.ca/newsletters.html to read full article or call Joanne!

Building or Renovating

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:19:00 GMT

DID YOU KNOW?

Before starting a construction project, inside or outside your home, consult with Building Approvals first to determine if a building permit is required.

Construction that Requires a Building Permit ... some are:

• Adding a bedroom to the basement

• Addition to a building

• Attached garage, carport, shed or other roof structure of any size

• Creating an accessory apartment (a.k.a. in-law suite, basement apartment, granny flat or nanny suite)

Construction that Does Not Require a Building Permit ... some are:

• Door and window replacements (within the existing opening, where no structural members are changed)

• Eavestroughs

• Fence (but must comply with zoning regulations)

Consequences for Not Obtaining a Building Permit

Anyone who is charged and found guilty of building without a permit can be fined up to $25,000 for a first offence and up to $50,000 for later offences. Fines can also be imposed if you do not follow an order.

For Further Information call... Joanne today!

Why It Is a Good Time to Buy a Home

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:18:00 GMT

I believe there has never been a better time to buy a home. I’ve been in the industry for 28 years as a lawyer and I haven’t seen so many positive signs for housing, whether you are thinking or buying or locking in a mortgage.

Here’s A Few Reasons why:

Mortgage rates at historic lows...

Canada’s appeal...

Our immigrant draw...

Mortgage defaults...

Recourse Mortgages...

Income-to-price ratio...

High consumer debt...

No guarantees...

No matter what, do not take on a monthly payment higher than what you can afford. Meet with your lender or mortgage broker in advance to figure out what you can afford before you start looking for a home. It may be the best time to buy, but you need to buy smart... Thank you Mark!

For Further Information call... Joanne today!

Community Development

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:18:00 GMT

The Town of Ajax is committed to assisting not-for-profit community groups in delivering recreational, art, cultural, social and/or sport programs and services that benefit Ajax residents and visitors.

The Town provides resources and information to help community groups and organizations build and grow....

Does your community group

• Need help getting started?

• Need information on becoming incorporated?

• Require training for staff and/or volunteers?

• Want access to space at affordable rates?

• Want information on grants and funding?

• Seek partners and want to connect with other groups?

• Require information on recruiting and retaining volunteers?

• Want to list contact information in the Community & Recreation Parks Guide Organizations Directory?

Would your group benefit from becoming a Town of Ajax Community Group Affiliate? Benefits include access to staff liaisons to assist in an advisory capacity, reduced facility rates, Community Recreation & Parks Guide advertising rates and exemption of special event permit fees.

For Further Information call... Joanne today!

Why CRA Wants $30,000 HST Rebates Back

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:14:00 GMT

Some investors who bought new homes or condos in the past few years planning to flip them in a hot Toronto market are facing HST bills of up to $30,000.

That’s because they didn’t read the fine print on the purchase agreement and they now have a problem that relates to the HST rebate that is available to buyers of new homes under certain conditions.

When you buy a new home or condominium, there are rebates for the federal 5 per cent portion of the HST and in Ontario, the provincial 8 per cent portion.

You can qualify for a rebate of 36 per cent of the federal portion of the HST if the home costs $350,000 or less. If the home costs between $350,000 and $450,000 there is a sliding scale. At $450,000 the rebate ends.

For the provincial portion, everyone can apply for up to 75 per cent of the HST paid, to a maximum of $24,000. You can also apply for the rebates if you build your own home as well.

It can add up to a sizeable sum. If a new home costs $300,000 and there was no rebate, the HST would be 13 per cent of the price or $39,000. With the rebates, you’d pay $15,600 for a saving of $23,400... Thank you Mark!

For Further Information call... Joanne today!

50/50 DRAW SHELTER FOUNDATION

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:43:00 GMT

Royal LePage Connect Donated $500.00 to 50/50

Purchasing A Ticket Is Your Only Chance to WIN!

The Winner will be announced @ the 4th Annual Shelter Foundation Garage Sale!

When you Purchase your Ticket You Automatically Help to STOP ABBUSE!

Thank You in advance for your contribution in helping me raise money to Stop Abuse to Woman & Thier Children

Tickets are only $25 each!

To Purchase Your Ticket Call... Joanne Today!

National Garage Sale For Shelter

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:42:00 GMT

DE-CLUTTER FOR A CAUSE 4TH ANNUAL GARAGE SALE FOR SHELTER IN SUPPORT OF ABUSED WOMEN AND THEIR CHILD

100% of the proceeds are donated to a local shelter.

Our Large Item Garage Sale includes Home furnishings, lighting, luggage, electronics, sporting goods, outdoor furnishings and children’s toys.

• When: Saturday, May 12th, 2012, 8am - 1pm

• Where: Royal Lepage Connect Realty Brokerage, 335 Bayly St. West, Ajax (Bayly & Finley)

• Why: To support the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation

Royal LePage Shelter Foundation Raised $2 Million in 2011!

WE NOT ONLY SELL HOMES, WE SUPPORT SHELTERS!

For Further Information call... Joanne today!

How To Win A Bidding War

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:41:00 GMT

With fewer sellers and high demand for housing in the GTA, bidding wars are back as the spring market gets under way. But for buyers these auctions are stressful and fraught with dangers, not the least of which is that you may end up paying too much for a house and go on to regret it.

Related: Never buy a home with out an inspection Here are a few things that can help you come out ahead:

1.Research the area...

2.Visit with your lender or mortgage broker...

3.Work with a professional sales person...

4.Conduct a home inspection before submitting the offer...

5.Do not participate in a faxed offer process...

6.Put in a deposit with your offer of at least 5 per cent of the price...

7.Bid later in the day and give the seller a shorter time...

8.Offer to close the deal faster...

9.Market yourself and your family...

10.Be flexible...

11.Know your limit and do not budge from it...

12.In some cases, sellers indicate they will not accept any offers for 2-3 days..

13.If you are suspicious about whether there is a competing offer, consider inserting a clause...

Need more tips on Winning a Bidding War call... Joanne today

Easter In Canada

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:18:00 GMT

Easter in Canada is celebrated at the same time and in much the same way as it is in other Western countries, like the U.S.

In 2012, Good Friday falls on April 6, Easter Sunday is April 8 and Easter Monday is April 9.

Easter Sunday is the Sunday immediately following the first full moon after the vernal (spring) equinox, unless that coincides with the Jewish Feast of Passover, in which case it is moved to the next Sunday. It can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25. Learn more about why the dates for Easter change every year.

Good Friday is the Friday two days before Easter Sunday and Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday.

How is Easter in Canada Celebrated? Most everything is closed Easter Sunday; it's a popular day for attending church, getting together for a big family meal, and staging an Easter egg hunt.

How to Colour & Decorate Easter Eggs | Easter Crafts & Activities | Easter Recipes

Need More Tips on Easter In Canada... call Joanne today!

I have sold a property at 12 Agate RD in Ajax

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 04:11:56 GMT

I have sold a property at 12 Agate RD in Ajax.

See details here

Located In Highly Desired Neighborhood, Duffin's Bay By The Lake, Steps To The Waterfront & Trails 'A Gem Of Unspoiled Beauty' Great For First Time Buyers, Perfect For Family & Entertaining,Detached,2 Storey Family Home,4 Bedrm,2 Bath Attached Garage With Interior Access, New Deck Aprox 400 Sq. Ft.,W/ Pergola, Pool Size Lot, Plenty Of Yard Space For Children To Play & Grow, Homes Sell Fast In Neighborhood, Clean Bright, Bring Your Fussiest Clients!

Who pays if a tree falls in your yard?

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:09:00 GMT

Among the most popular questions that come up time and again are about trees on the boundary between houses or properties.

Who owns them? What are the rules about cutting branches or roots that extend onto your property? If you think a tree is dying, can you cut it down? If your neighbour’s tree falls onto your yard in a storm is it his responsibility to pay for the cleanup? Are there any protected trees in Ontario that cannot be trimmed?

Here are the answers:

Who owns the tree?

A tree whose trunk is on the boundary between properties belongs to both property owners, according to the Forestry Act of Ontario.

When you can trim?

Either owner can trim branches on their side of the property. If the tree is completely on your neighbour’s land, but roots and branches extend onto your property, you have the right to trim them, so long as it does not do any harm to the tree.

You cannot go into your neighbour’s yard to do this. While this is usually simple to determine when it comes to branches, it is not so easy to figure out when roots are involved. In other words, how do you know whether cutting part of the roots on your land will injure the tree?

Here’s where it can be a problem: I have had clients who wanted to put in a pool, only to find that the neighbour’s tree roots extend into their yard. Do they have to move the pool or make it smaller? The rule of thumb is that the diameter of the tree trunk determines how far away from it you can dig. In Toronto, if the trunk is less than 30 centimetres, you can usually dig two metres from your neighbour’s tree trunk. If it’s more, then it is best to consult with a professional arborist before you start, especially since every city may have its own tree by-laws. You can find a certified arborist in your area at www.isaontario.com.

A dying tree?

If a tree falls?

Protected trees?

Need More Tips on trees on the boundary .... Joanne today!

Free Teen Stuff

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:21:00 GMT

The City of Pickering offers programs and events FREE for Pickering Teens 13 – 19 years with a City ID Card.

You can pick up your City ID Card at any program or event – parent signature required.Visit our become a member link for more details.

On Saturday, November 26th we held our 4th annual Teen Art Show Gala. In November 2011, the City of Pickering invited students to submit their artwork and by doing so they were judged in a series of categories. The Art work was on display at Petticoat Creek Community Centre from Nov. 14th-26th and the Awards Gala was held on Nov. 26th. It was a huge success and featured several Teen Artists as well as professional guest artist.

Congratulations to all the winners. Be sure to check out our facebook page as well as our photo gallery for pictures of the event.

Thanks again to Canadian Art Magazine, The Robert McLaughlin Art Gallery, Pickering Town Centre, Rouge Hills Seniors and the Pine Ridge Arts Council for sponsoring the event. Did you know? We released a video showcasing our Wednesday program at Petticoat Creek Community Centre which you can watch here. Also be sure to check out our 2012 Free Teen Program Schedule.

Need more tips on Programs for our Teens… call Joanne today!