Hey pet lovers! If you’re considering buying a condo but also own a pet or plan to have one in the future, this blog post is for you. I’m Joey Virgilio, a Realtor at Sage Real Estate and co-host of the Toronto Living’s Real Estate Podcast. In this blog post, I’ll explain the important aspects of pet restrictions in condo buildings, and what you should consider before making a purchase.

The Importance of Checking Pet Restrictions

When you own or plan to own a pet, it’s crucial to inquire about the pet policies in the condo building you’re interested in. Each condo will have its own set of rules and regulations regarding pets, and you want to make sure you’re aware of them before committing to a purchase. Pet restrictions can vary from building to building, so let’s dive deeper into the three main documents that dictate these rules.

Understanding the Hierarchy of Pet Rules

1. Declaration: The declaration is the primary document that establishes the condo building as a registered condominium. Some condos may have limitations on the number of pets per unit or impose weight restrictions.
   
2. Bylaws: Bylaws are secondary to the declaration and provide more specific guidelines and restrictions regarding pets. For example, they may require dogs to be on a leash when outside the unit or forbid leaving pets unattended in common areas.
   
3. Rules: The rules set out further details on how pet owners should navigate their pets within the condo building. They may be based on past incidents or to ensure the safety and comfort of all residents.

Seeking Clarification and Guidance

When buying a condo, it’s essential to ask your realtor for a copy of the status certificate, which includes information on the building’s rules and regulations. Additionally, reach out to the property management to inquire about the pet restrictions and clarify any concerns you may have. It’s also recommended to involve a lawyer who can thoroughly review the status certificate and provide legal advice.

Consequences of Breaking Pet Rules

What if a condo has a pet ban, but you decide to bring your furry friend anyway? In such cases, the consequences can be severe. The worst-case scenario might involve having to remove your pet or even being forced to move out of the condominium. It’s crucial to respect the rules set forth by the condo building to avoid any legal issues and ensure a harmonious living environment.

Pet-Friendly Condos in Toronto

Fortunately, in Toronto, most condos allow pets, particularly dogs and cats. However, there are often weight restrictions, especially for larger dogs. It’s important to thoroughly research and confirm that the condo you’re interested in permits the type and size of pet you have or plan to have.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re a pet owner or planning to become one, understanding the pet restrictions in condo buildings is crucial. Always inquire about the pet policies, review the declaration, bylaws, and rules, and seek professional guidance during the purchasing process. By doing so, you can ensure a smooth transition into a pet-friendly condo and avoid any unnecessary complications. If you have any further questions or want to join the conversation, feel free to leave a comment or reach out to me using the provided links.

Today, I want to share some exciting news with you. If you have experienced the frustrations of competing offers, confusion over representation, or the complications of multiple representation in real estate transactions, I have some good news. Major changes are coming to the industry, effective December 1st, with the introduction of TRESA (Trust in Real Estate Services Act). In this blog post, I will explain the key changes and how they will impact buyers and sellers.

Competing Offers: More Transparency and Choice

One of the significant changes brought about by TRESA relates to competing offers. Currently, sellers and realtors are not allowed to disclose any information about competing offers, except for the number of offers received. However, with TRESA, sellers now have the option to choose between a blind bidding war or an open bidding war. In an open bidding war, sellers can disclose the price, contents, and dates of competing offers, except for the identity of the buyers. This change introduces more transparency and gives sellers the freedom to make informed decisions. It remains to be seen how this will impact real estate prices, but overall, more transparency and choice are positive developments for all parties involved.

Self-Represented Party: Avoiding Confusion

Another significant change TRESA brings is the introduction of the self-represented party. Previously, buyers and sellers had the option to choose whether to be a client or a customer of a realtor. However, the terms client and customer often caused confusion. Now, by opting to be a self-represented party, individuals can clearly indicate their decision to navigate the real estate process on their own, without formal representation. This change eliminates the ambiguity and ensures that individuals understand the level of support they can expect from a realtor. It also provides a distinction between those who choose full representation and those who prefer to handle certain aspects independently.

Designated Representation: Clearer Roles in Multiple Representation

Lastly, TRESA addresses the complexities of multiple representation, where a brokerage represents both the buyer and the seller in a transaction. Under TRESA, brokerages have the option to choose designated representation or brokerage representation. In designated representation, each agent within the brokerage exclusively represents either the buyer or the seller. This ensures that the best interests of each party are upheld and avoids conflicts of interest. This change brings clarity to the roles and responsibilities of agents within a brokerage, providing a more optimal experience for all parties involved.

These are just a few of the major changes being introduced by TRESA on December 1st, 2024. The real estate industry is constantly evolving, and these changes aim to enhance transparency, clarity, and choice for buyers and sellers. Whether you are currently navigating the real estate market or planning to do so in the future, it is essential to stay informed about these changes and understand how they may impact your real estate journey. To hear more about these topics and join the conversation, tune in to Episode 31 of the Toronto Living’s Real Estate Podcast. 

Today, I want to share some valuable insights with you about the different types of heating systems found in condo buildings. Instead of diving into the technical details, I’ll focus on what’s important to condo buyers and the questions they should ask before making a decision. So, if you’re interested in learning more, keep reading

Types of Heating Systems in Condo Buildings:
In the city of Toronto, there are three commonly found heating systems in condo buildings: fan coil system, heat pump system, and package system.

Fan Coil System:
The fan coil system works by heating or chilling water in a main boiler and chiller. This water then runs through pipes that are spread throughout the entire condo building. In each unit, these pipes are connected to a fan, which blows air over the pipes, either heating or cooling the unit. When you walk into a condo unit, you’ll notice the white panels with filters – these are where the fan blows air over the pipes.

Heat Pump System:
The heat pump system, specifically the water source heat pump system, is the most common heating system inside the condo units. Similar to the fan coil system, it also utilizes hot or cold pipes and a fan to blow air into the unit for heating or chilling. The difference lies in how the water in these systems is heated or chilled. However, the important aspect to consider is whether the system operates as a two-pipe or a four-pipe system.

Two-Pipe vs. Four-Pipe System:
In a two-pipe system, there are separate pipes for sending and returning hot or cold water throughout the building. This means that the entire building is either in heating or cooling mode, determined by condo management. As a unit owner, you have to wait for management to switch between the two modes during transitional seasons. On the other hand, a four-pipe system runs both heating and cooling simultaneously. This provides you with control over the system and the ability to switch between modes at any time of the year, without waiting for management. When considering a condo building, it’s essential to know whether it operates on a two-pipe or a four-pipe system to ensure it aligns with your preferences.

Package System:
In low-rise buildings, you may come across a packaged unit, also referred to as a magic pack unit. These systems combine the functions of a furnace and an AC into one unit that is placed within the unit itself. When viewing units, you can identify a packaged unit by checking for a large mechanical closet with a furnace that burns natural gas or uses electricity. If you encounter a packaged unit, it’s crucial to inquire about your responsibilities as an owner. Find out what maintenance tasks you would be responsible for if the system breaks down.

Conclusion:
Now that you’re aware of the different types of heating systems commonly found in condo buildings, along with the essential questions to ask, you can make a more informed decision as a condo buyer. Remember to inquire whether the building operates on a two-pipe or a four-pipe system, as this will determine your control over heating and cooling. Additionally, if you encounter a packaged unit, make sure to clarify your responsibilities regarding maintenance.

I hope this blog post has provided you with valuable insights about condo heating systems!

Let’s tackle a common question in the world of homeownership: Should you be looking at resale or pre-construction projects? This decision can have a significant impact on your wallet, lifestyle, and timelines.