Pets and Condos

Find out the rules on pets before you move into your new condo

 By:  TODD FRYER

 

If you are a pet owner and are planning to move into a condo, it’s best to check whether Fido can move in with you, too. 

 

The condominium corporation's bylaws or declaration or rules will stipulate whether pets are permitted and, if so, what kind (whether goldfishes, dogs, birds, cats, etc.), how many, and other restrictions.  While your realtor may have some insight into the pet restrictions in your new condo, inquire yourself or have your lawyer check into it, just to be completely sure.

 

Just as in life, exceptions can be made to the rules. If the owners of 80 per cent of the units consent in writing to amend the bylaw and the condo board supports the change, then you may be able to have Fido move in after all. 

 

According to the Condominium Act 1998, condo boards may pass rules that condo owners must follow, as long as they are reasonable and abide by the Ontario Human Rights Code. In the past, courts have determined that issuing a blanket 'No Pets' rule is unreasonable and unenforceable because it's too vague. Service dogs, such as those trained to help people with physical or mental disabilities, are exempt from pet bans. Residents must be sure to have the proper medical documentation to support this claim.

 

Those condominium corporations that enforce their no-pets rules to the letter, with no history of making exceptions to other unit owners, typically win court cases. Those condo boards that are lax or haphazard in enforcing their no-pets rules may find themselves on shakier territory. 

 

Either way, at this point the final decision will rest with a judge. So if you are a pet owner or are considering getting a pet once you become a homeowner, just make sure the condo you intend to buy allows for pets, present and future.

 

Any Questions?

Give me a call

Todd Fryer

Century 21 Aberwin Realty Inc.

905 869 3473

Pre-Approval for Self the Employed

Tips to get approved for a loan or mortgage for the self-employed

 

Lenders and the self-employed go together a bit like oil and vinegar. It’s not that small business owners, entrepreneurs and freelance professionals can’t qualify for a mortgage. It’s just that they are deemed more risky and scrutinized more rigorously thanks to their lack of a regular pay cheque.

 

When the federal government tightened up mortgage rules last year, that made it even tougher for the self -employed, the numbers of which have been growing in Canada due to a shaky economy. According to Statistics Canada, in 2011 there were more than 2.6 million Canadians or about 15 per cent of the workforce working for themselves.

 

Lenders commonly look at average incomes for the field the self-employed applicant is in, comparing it to their earnings and income history. Banks also study tax documents and take a close look at tax write-offs in an attempt to reconcile true income from reported income.

 

Typically, financial institutions will want the last two or three years of your Notices of Assessment. These spell out your reported income, what you’ve written off and how much you owe in taxes. 

 

Make sure your credit is up to snuff. Check your credit status to find out if you have any negative marks against you that you can correct or improve upon before applying for a mortgage. Pay outstanding income and property taxes and try to pay your bills on time so your credit history stays strong.

 

Try to have a sizable down payment for your new house. It will likely improve your odds of getting approved and it could help you get a better interest rate. Because your income usually fluctuates from one month to the next, try to build an emergency fund that will also help you qualify for a mortgage.

Any questions give me a call
Todd Fryer
Broker 
Century21 Aberwin Realty
905 869-3473

Fall Festivals and Fairs

Hamilton and Burlington are bringing the fun with greats fall festivals and fairs

By Todd Fryer
Broker, Century 21 Aberwin Realty

 

September brings fairs, festivals and great ways to herald in the first days of autumn. Hamilton and Burlington offer some of the area’s best outdoor, family fun options. So this September, be sure to take in a Hamilton or Burlington festival or fair.

159th Binbrook Fall Fair

Sept.13-15

The Binbrook Fall Fair offers many things for the whole family to do and see including taking in Canada's #1 Demolition Derby, visiting with farm animals, birds of prey, commercial exhibits, midway rides, live entertainment for all ages and more. Plus Sunday is family day!

www.binbrookagriculturalsociety.org/

11th Anniversary Hamilton Pagan Harvest Festival

On Sept. 15, visit for an hour or spend the whole day. It is a time for Pagans, families, friends and the community to gather and celebrate. Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Gage Park, there will be acts at the Bandshell, workshops and lectures, rituals, vendors, live entertainment, children's activities and more. Admission is free.

 

163rd Annual Ancaster Fair

Sept. 19-22

Come visit the Ancaster Fair for games, midway rides, animals, contests and more.

www.ancasterfair.ca

 

Open Streets Hamilton

Sept. 23

Open Streets Hamilton is a community-based partnership dedicated to promoting active, healthy and inclusive lifestyles by temporarily transforming streets into a shared space for everyone to experience. Shuttle buses ran regularly between two locations or you can walk, ride and roll any day along the Waterfront Trail, take a trip on the Waterfront Trolley, or simply hop on the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) as you explore the city. Visit McMaster University’s campus, Westdale Village shops and the Ainsle Wood/Westdale neighbourhood at Open Streets Hamilton. 

www.openstreetshamilton.ca

 

 

Battlefield Apple Festival

Sept. 28

Enjoy a pancake breakfast, games, pumpkin decorating, demonstrations, entertainment, and don't forget to enter the Battlefield Bake-Off from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Battlefield Museum in Hamilton. Regular admission rates apply to the museum. Contact 905-662-8458 or visit battlefield@hamilton.ca or www.hamilton.ca/museums.

 

 

Applefest Fall Fair – Burlington

Sept. 29 

Visit the Ireland House at Oakridge Farm in Burlington - admission is by Donation – for an  outdoor Pancake Breakfast to start the day at 9 a.m. And if you love the country-style home-made pancakes and specialty syrup, you will love Applefest Fall Fair. It’s a fun event for the whole family with exciting activities and attractions of a country fair. Bigger and better than ever, Applefest will celebrate the changing of the seasons with fantastic games, crafts, free live musical entertainment and delicious “Harvest Fare” food such as country-style BBQ, delicious apple treats including apple blossoms with caramel sauce, apple cider and of course, apple pie.

 

 

36th Annual Family Fun Fair

Sept. 21

If it is family fun and good food you are looking for, you won’t want to miss this year’s 36th Annual Fun Fair at Countryside Camp & Conference Centre in Cambridge. From 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., enjoy auctions, games, super Jump n Bounce rides, Animal Train, and Dutch, Canadian, and Hispanic inspired foods. For more information call 519-623-4860 or 1-888-226-7722 or vist www.countrysidecamp.com.

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER