FEATURES
September 8, 2009
Cogeneration Fuels Markham Development
Both residential and commercial customers will benefit from the Town of Markham’s commitment to creating its own district energy system. Utilizing cogeneration, the system will eventually service 20 million square feet of residential, commercial and institutional space.
September 8, 2009
Tower Renewal Program
The environment and residents in Toronto’s 1,000 decades-old concrete slab apartment towers will be the beneficiaries of Mayor’s Tower Renewal, an ambitious new project unveiled recently by Mayor David Miller.
INSURANCE
September 8, 2009
Storm Clounds Gathering?
Property and casualty insurance providers are not legally obligated to provide insurance policies. Your carrier may love you one day and spurn you the next.
September 8, 2009
Underinsurance - How Confusing
If your building is not insured for its full replacement cost, you risk being under insured in the event of a partial loss. Insurance should be based on today’s construction costs.
September 8, 2009
How Insurance Works
Insurance companies are really in the investment business. By investing your premiums they create large cash pools which work to increase or reduce your premium.
September 8, 2009
When employees steal
Employees who steal will eventually be caught, but by then, the damage is done.
September 8, 2009
Insurance Deductibles - Where do we get the Best Return?
Increasing the deductible amount on your insurance policy will reduce your premiums, but, how much risk are you willing to assume?
September 8, 2009
Tenant Insurance Key to Reducing Risk
Having the right insurance coverage is essential to managing your risk. A building owner should take steps to ensure that their tenants also carry appropriate insurance.
September 8, 2009
Building By-Laws and Codes Impact Rebuilding Costs
In the event of a loss, changes to regulations and building codes can stop you from rebuilding or significantly increase the cost to rebuild. Your insurance policy should address this issue.
September 8, 2009
Windstorm Hits Owner in the Pocketbook
If your building is damaged by a windstorm, or other act of nature, your insurance policy can provide money to repair the damage and income replacement if tenants are forced to move.
September 8, 2009
Check Your Property Insurance Policy
From time to time, an owner of an apartment building may find it necessary to “crack the cover” on their property insurance file to determine if certain coverage is present.
MARKETING & SALES
September 8, 2009
Enhanced Photos Attract Tenants
To catch a renter’s eye online or in marketing brochures you need to have top notch photos. Most landlords simply cannot afford to hire a professional photographer to photograph their units but there is an alternative.
September 8, 2009
Knowledge is Power
The more knowledge you have about advertising, the more opportunity you have to spend wisely. So, how much knowledge do you really have when it comes to the effectiveness of your advertising and is that knowledge helping you to create a solid, cost-effective advertising mix? If you hesitated to answer, then this article is for you.
September 8, 2009
Comparing Web site Providers
If you want to get the most out of your online advertising budget, you’ll need to compare web site providers and track your results.
September 8, 2009
Web sites Offer Accessible Marketing Options
About 73 per cent of Canadians access the Internet on a daily basis. A well-designed web site lets you to interact with potential customers.
September 8, 2009
The Truth About Stats
If you use Internet advertising you need to see audited traffic reports before making a purchase..
September 8, 2009
Everything Has a Cost Per Something
Evaluate the effectiveness of your advertising with a cost per contact measurement.
September 8, 2009
How to Save Money on Advertising
Today’s advertising options allow landlords to be smarter about where they place their advertising and how much they budget for each medium.
September 8, 2009
Green is Good Marketing
Upgrading your building to increase energy efficiency can be a marketing opportunity. If you’re spending money, find a way to tell both current and prospective tenants, about the improvements.
September 8, 2009
Marketing to the Global Community
In the past year, landlords in Canada have been migrating to the Internet at a record pace. However, when an industry makes such a drastic shift there are bound to be a few bumps in the road.
September 8, 2009
Is Your Web site Static or Dynamic?
In today’s rental environment, it’s important that your web site attract qualified prospects. Make sure your site is up-to-date and presents your property in the best possible light.
September 8, 2009
Green Improvements Help Market Your Building
What do Smart cars and compact fluorescent lights have in common besides being smart and bright ideas? They’re both environmentally friendly and at the core of two prominent property management firms’ green initiatives.
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
September 8, 2009
Finding Acquisition Opportunity in a Distressed Economy
Although a strained economy may be an attractive time to seek out deals, it is critical to carefully assess every potential transaction given the current economic environment.
September 8, 2009
Conducting Commercial Real Estate Transactions
Whether you are buying or selling a commercial property, you need to get the best value for your investment dollar. A real estate brokerage can be instrumental in bringing qualified buyers and sellers together.
September 8, 2009
Tall Thinking for your Investment Mix
The purchase of an apartment building can be a valuable part of your investment mix. Before you sign on the dotted line do a careful analysis of both the building and your investment goals.
September 8, 2009
Why Hire a Third-Party Property Manager?
Many landlords have made the decision to hire a third-party property manager. The reasons are varied, but in most cases, they want the expertise that professional managers can offer.
September 8, 2009
The Appraiser’s Role in Apartment Conversion
When converting an apartment building to a residential condominium, it is important to know that the valuation of an apartment building, compared to a condominium residential unit varies at several levels.
ACCOUNTING
September 8, 2009
Business Strategies
As business advisors and accountants, we often deal with clients who are in financial difficulty. In these uncertain times, it is more likely than not that your business has been affected by the downturn in the economy.
September 8, 2009
Restructuring Solutions in a Distressed Real Estate Market
As business advisors and accountants, we often deal with clients who are in financial difficulty. In these uncertain times, it is more likely than not that your business has been affected by the downturn in the economy.
BUILDING MAINTENANCE
September 8, 2009
Ontario Launches Elevator Safety Enforcement Campaign
At some time an Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) safety inspector will arrive at your building and request access to your elevator machine room.
September 8, 2009
Single-Speed Elevators – Time to Retire
Current codes require that elevators stop no more than one-half inch above or below the floor level. It can be difficult for older single-speed elevators to meet that requirement.
September 8, 2009
Questions to ask before hiring a plumber
On the surface, hiring a plumber doesn’t seem all that difficult. After all, there are dozens of them in the phone book. How hard could it be? But you may want to put some extra thought into the task at hand if your goal is to establish a long-term working relationship with a plumbing service provider for your business.
September 8, 2009
Convenience is Key
Property managers and building owners need a laundry room that operates at peak efficiency, with a minimum of management time.
September 8, 2009
Timely upgrades extend elevator life and reduce downtime
Minor upgrades to older elevators will keep them running efficiently and allow you to budget for major repairs or modernization.
September 8, 2009
Plumbing Maintenance Equals Energy Savings
Regular maintenance on your plumbing systems can reduce your utility and energy bills.
September 8, 2009
Elevators – Proprietary or Non-Proprietary
To ensure that a building runs efficiently and profitably, building owners and managers need an elevator maintenance company that is part of their operational team.
September 8, 2009
Choosing the Right Water Heater
Commercial water heaters come in many sizes and types. A little research can help you decide which type of heater best meets your needs.
September 8, 2009
Equipping Your Laundry for Efficiency
Efficiency plays an important role in transitioning from in-unit hookups to the community laundry room. We already know that the community laundry concept generally reduces the waste of utilities that’s experienced when residents too frequently wash only partial loads in their units. Choosing the right washers and dryers for the community laundry space can amplify this efficiency further.
September 8, 2009
Backflow Prevention Doesn’t Have to be a Headache
Many cities and municipalities now require annual backflow inspections. A properly installed prevention device can solve any problems.
September 8, 2009
Give Your Laundry a Makeover
A comfortable and well-maintained community laundry can help you attract and retain residents.
September 8, 2009
Hi-Tech Cameras Identify Plumbing Problems
Cameras have become one of the most valuable tools in the plumbing business. Increasingly sophisticated fibre optic cameras that travel through pipes are used to identify damage and obstructions.
PROPERY MANAGEMENT
September 8, 2009
Card Payment makes Laundry Easy
Card payment system offers convenience to residents and flexible pricing options for building owners.
September 8, 2009
Student Housing Offers Opportunities and Challenges
Designing a multi-residential building for student housing requires modifications to both your building and your leasing strategies.
ENERGY MANAGEMENT
September 8, 2009
Occupancy Sensors Slash Energy Costs
Just eight months after occupancy sensors were installed, a Mississauga, Ont. high-rise saved over $32,000.
September 8, 2009
Retrofit Beneficiaries Make the Case for Investment
The timing isn’t necessarily optimal to find financing for energy retrofits or to convince cautious rental housing landlords to take the plunge, but proponents of the City of Toronto’s ambitious campaign to upgrade aging apartment towers remain optimistic. .
September 8, 2009
Toronto Hydro Offers Incentive Program
Energy-efficient retrofits reduce demand for electricity and reward building owners with lower utility bills.
September 8, 2009
Electrical Sub-metering 101
Sub-meters allow a user-pay system where tenants pay for the electricity they use. That creates an incentive for tenants to conserve electricity and allows property owners/managers to regain control of their electricity budget.
September 8, 2009
Subsidized Housing a Source for Energy Savings
Hamilton City Housing has introduced a $1.9 million multifaceted energy management plan, combining energy-efficient initiatives with renewable energy systems to minimize consumption and reduce environmental impact.
September 8, 2009
How Green is your Building?
More and more tenants are looking for “green” buildings when assessing where they want to live. A few green improvements to common areas and suites can make your property a preferred location.
TECHNOLOGY
September 8, 2009
Going Paperless
Leading real estate management software producers are creating new software solutions that reduce paper flow and improve efficiency.
SECURITY & LIFE SAFETY
September 8, 2009
Apartment Building Fire Safety Plans
Fire safety plans help facilitate the effective utilization of a building’s life safety features to protect occupants from smoke and fire.
September 8, 2009
Ontario reverses holdout stance on sprinklers
Ontario will join every other Canadian province when a requirement for sprinklers in new multi-residential buildings above three storeys goes into force in April 2010.
September 8, 2009
How safe is your apartment?
Most apartment and condominium buildings in Canada are both safe and secure. But, the best way to ensure your safety is to make certain you are aware of – and use – the safety features in your building and surrounding spaces.
September 8, 2009
Are You Compliant With Fire Code Regulations?
With respect to the emergency planning section of provincial and city fire codes, there are many building owners, owner agents, property managers and building operators who are unaware of the requirements of Section 2.8 of the National Fire Code and as a result may be putting themselves at risk to both civil and criminal liability should a fire occur and they are not compliant.
REGULATIONS
January, 2009
Manitoba Code to Include Energy Efficiency Standards
Manitoba’s new Climate Change and Emissions Reductions Act calls for the introduction of energy efficiency standards in the 2010 Manitoba Building Code. Until then, the province remains among the majority of Canadian provinces, which have no stipulated energy performance requirements in their building codes.
June, 2008
High-Rises Unprepared for New Garbage Fees
Many Toronto high-rises are so unprepared for the pay-as-you-throw garbage levy coming July 1 that the city is considering a move to cut them some slack. The city’s General Manager of Solid Waste, Geoff Rathbone, said the city would be “reasonable and flexible,” with apartment and condo building owners.
November, 2008
Toronto Announces Plan to Increase Apartment Building Inspections
Toronto’s Municipal Licensing and Standards Committee, which recently turned down a proposal to license landlords in the city, voted in November to create a team of city inspectors that will target multi-residential buildings in need of repair.
MULTI FACTS - 2009
October 5, 2009
TowerWise Conservation Incentives Advisor helps advance energy efficiency in Toronto's towers
Information on all the financial incentives available for high-rise energy efficiency retrofits is now just one phone call away.
October 5, 2009
Toronto Real Estate Board: Rental Market Report
During the latest reporting period, Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) members reported 5,673 leased transactions, up 32 per cent from the 4,286 recorded during the same time period in 2008. However, while volume increased, average rents fell in most categories. For example, one bedroom apartments rented for an average of $1,439 per month, down 4 per cent from the $1,494 recorded during same period last year.
October 2, 2009
InterRent REIT Appoints New Chief Executive Officer
InterRent Real Estate Investment Trust announced at its annual and special meeting, unitholders voted in favour of the election of all InterRent nominees to the board of trustees and the entering into a property management agreement with CLV Group Inc.
October 1, 2009
Colliers International Canada Enters Into the Residential Market
Colliers International announced that it is entering into a new real estate market segment by establishing a Residential Project Marketing group. The Residential Project Marketing group will provide developers with real estate marketing and sales services for large-scale multi-unit residential projects.
September 30, 2009
CAPREIT Appoints New Chief Financial Officer
Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (CAPREIT) announced that Richard Smith has been appointed Chief Financial Officer effective October 13, 2009 on the retirement of Yazdi Bharucha.
September 21, 2009
League Assets Corporation Welcomes Patrick M. Miniutti
League Assets Corporation - the world’s Intergenerational Wealth(TM) Institution - announced that Patrick M. Miniutti will be joining League as its Chief Financial Officer.
September 21, 2009
Avison Young releases BC Multi-Family Investment Report
British Columbia’s multi-family investment market is starting to stabilize as investor confidence grows and prices return to levels seen 18 months ago, according to Avison Young’s Q2 2009 BC Multi-Family Investment Report.
September 21, 2009
OEB authorizes installation of electricity smart sub-metering systems
British Columbia’s multi-family investment market is starting to stabilize as investor confidence grows and prices return to levels seen 18 months ago, according to Avison Young’s Q2 2009 BC Multi-Family Investment Report.
September 17, 2009
Lanesborough REIT Announces Sale of two Alberta Apartment Properties
Lanesborough Real Estate Investment Trust (LREIT) announced that it has entered into an unconditional agreement to sell a 102 suite apartment property in Spruce Grove, Alberta, known as Nova Ridge Estates, for $10,525,000. The sale is scheduled for closing on October 1, 2009 and is expected to result in net cash to LREIT of approximately $3.5 million, after expenses and closing adjustments, and the repayment of approximately $6.73 million of first mortgage debt.
September 17, 2009
New online Property Management Software for Multi-Unit Properties
New online Property Management Software for Multi-Unit Properties.