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859 Kennedy Road receives top marks from RentSafeTO

  Toronto’s RentSafeTO program has never been more important.  The Toronto real estate market is booming, even as the pandemic continues to create obstacles for commerce and trade. That means it’s more crucial than ever to have high standards for apartment buildings that are strictly enforced.  I’m one of the apartment-building owners that has to meet these requirements, and I couldn’t agree more with the city’s stance on this issue. I would also like to share some details about the recent evaluation of Alto Properties’ apartment building at 859 Kennedy Road.  RentSafeTO was initially passed in 2017.  As defined by the City of Toronto , it’s a “bylaw enforcement program that ensures apartment building owners comply with building maintenance standards.” The program applies to apartment buildings with three or more storeys and 10 or more units. It works on a multi-tiered system based on the building’s rating from the evaluation.  The top category is for build...
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Making Your Living Space Look and Feel Bigger

These days, making our living spaces comfortable and functional is more important than ever.  Afterall, many of us are, well, staying home.  Whether you’re in a single family home or you rent a 1 bedroom apartment, how you organize your furniture and arrange your space for functionality can make all the difference.  Although I’m no expert in interior design, I’ve gathered some organization tips that I think can maximize your space and make it feel like home.   Storage Storage is of the essence, no matter the size of your dwellings.  For instance, you could incorporate a storage ottoman in your living space where you can keep things like blankets and extra pillows.  Or, you can buy storage cubicles that camouflage like a piece of furniture.  No one will notice that you are actually using them for functionality.  Floating Wall Shelves These are always nice for displaying pictures, plants and other items like books or clocks.  They also giv...
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Marketing Ideas for the Busy Property Manager

  When you own and manage several properties, you know that time is of the essence.   Between juggling property showings, scheduling routine maintenance, and keeping your tenants informed, there’s not a lot of time to spare.   However, one area which you do need to devote some time to is marketing.   Without a solid marketing plan in place, how is anyone going to know that they can rent from you? With technology as your partner, there are a few good strategies that you can use quickly without having to spend too much time (or money) on marketing resources. Let’s take a look at some of those strategies. Utilize social media These days, it’s hard to find someone who isn’t on social media, so it should go without saying that social media is possibly the most powerful marketing tool available to any business.   Property managers can post vacancy listings and pictures so that potential tenants can see exactly what the space has to offer. You can also utilize...
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5 Must Dos When Renting a Home

  Renting comes with its fair share of advantages. For one, tenants don’t have to worry about making repairs when something goes wrong, like fixing a leaky toilet.   They don’t need to pay expensive property taxes, and they have the option to move once their lease is up without having the hassle of selling a house. However, tenants do need to be mindful of some responsibilities when renting a home. Here are 5 things to consider.   Research the neighbourhood Although, most likely, rentals aren’t a permanent situation, you do want to be cognizant of the neighbourhood you are moving to.   Before committing to a rental, make sure to thoroughly research the area to ensure that it’s both safe and convenient.   Check out crime rates in the area.   Is there a neighbourhood watch?   Besides crime rates, look for local amenities such as restaurants, grocery stores, and public transit. If it’s green space you are looking for, find out ahead of time if there...
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