What is the purpose of the Residential Rental Units Licensing By-law? The Residential Rental Units Licensing By-law has been put into place to: address sub-standard housing conditions in rental units; protect the amenity, character and stability of residential areas. By licensing rental units, the City of London will be better able to identify and remedy unsafe and/or unhealthy building conditions in smaller scale residential rental properties. Which units require a licence? Any building containing four or less rental units (including single detached dwellings, semi-detached dwellings, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes) and converted dwellings* in the city of London require a licence.Rental units in apartment and townhouse buildings are exempt. * A converted dwelling is a building constru... 10/06/2010

It's time to take action on the real issue. Poverty. Did you know that 1 in 5 children born in London, Ontario live in poverty? And that 17% of all Londoners live in poverty and struggle to make ends meet? These people are our neighbours, our employees, our work colleagues, our friends, our families. It's time to take a stand to end poverty. To take action. This is the real issue. Get involved Poverty is a complex issue that is rooted in a range of underlying issues. Go to http://www.therealissue.ca/ and click on these Londoners to learn how poverty has affected their lives 10/05/2010

We can all make a difference in London Ontario. Vital Signs is a snapshot of the issues that impact our quality of life. You'll find stories and statistics, hear about ideas and initiatives, and learn how you can make our community more vital. Connecting People Who Care to Causes That Matter   Although our economy is improving, it's too early to see change. When you're the most marginalized, you're first to need help but the last to recover.   When the milk is running low, most of us just add it to the grocery list and buy more. But for many Londoners, it's not that easy. As a volunteer on the board at the Daily Bread Food Bank and the Fellowship Centre, Andra O'Neill says she is struck by how many two-income families have been in to get help this year. Although our economy is improving... 10/05/2010

The best-selling house style in LSTAR's (London St.Thomas Association of Realtors) jurisdiction for the month of September was the two-story, followed by the bungalow, ranches and the townhouse condo. 136 two storey homes sold in September 2010 with an average selling price of $306, 429. 105 bungalows sold averaging $179,945. 72 ranches at $241,557 and 66 townhouse condos at $153,309. That being said, you can still pay $139,000 and up to 1.8 million for a 2 story house in London and townhouse condos start from $86,000 and apartment condos from $66,000 and up. London remains one of the best values for home buyers and with a balanced economy we do not see the high or low swings that some major Canadian cities are experiencing.   10/04/2010

 Last month 475 detached homes and 114 condos exchanged hands in the London and St.Thomas area of Ontario, a total of 589 sales. Year to date sales continue to outpace last year's by 2.7%. The flurry of activity  in the latter part of '09 and the first two quarters of 2010 as fence-sitters waiting out the recession got back in the game and buyers hustled to avoid paying the HST has subsided. Now, it's back to business as usual.   The average price for a home in LSTAR's jurisdiction year to date now stands at $227,152, 6.5% higher than last year at this time. This month, as in previous months and years, homes in LSTAR's jurisdiction maintain their affordability compared to other major Ontario and Canadian centers. According to the CREA's Major Market MLS® Statistical Survey for August 20... 10/04/2010

Working Industry sector leaders like 3M, McCormick, Kellogg's, Trojan Technologies, TSC Stores and Starlim North America have their Canadian headquarters in London. Over the past seven years, the city has witnessed significant growth in manufacturing, particularly the auto parts sector. London is also poised for new business growth in the areas of life sciences and technology. The result is a diverse business community with a well balanced economy that embraces strengths in health care, government, education, manufacturing, IT and business services. Related Links: Working in London: London Business Directory (London Economic Development Corporation) Employment by Sector (London Economic Development Corporation) London's Workforce Development Strategy (London Economic Development Corpora... 10/01/2010

Getting Around London Getting around the city of London by car, bike or foot is relatively easy given the north-south/east-west grid layout of the city. Commute times from the downtown core to any of the four corners of the city are relatively short compared to major cities like Toronto. The city is criss-crossed with an extensive network of well marked and well maintained bike and walking trails connecting many of the city's park areas and meeting places including the University of Western Ontario, Harris Park and Springbank Park. The relatively flat terrain makes biking to and from work a popular choice for many. Bus, Taxi and Paratransit The London Transit Commission (LTC) offers regular conventional and accessible bus services throughout the city. This service is designed to move co... 10/01/2010

Have you ever asked a child a question and got a really straight and honest answer? I would say yes because their perspectve has not been clouded by puberty or adulthood. For example:   WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?  Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.-- Camille, age 10    HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED? You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.-- Derrick, age 8   WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?  Both don't want any more kids. -- Lori, age 8  WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?  -Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough. -- Lynnette, age 8 (isn't she a treasure) -On the... 10/01/2010

Are you looking to lease an executive home in London that is close to UWO, Masonville Mall & minutes to downtown London? This 4+1 bedroom with 3+1 baths will be available October 21 and is located in the prestigous neighbourhood of Sunningdale. This home has all the amenities, is 5 years old and on a cul de sac for quiet and safe living. For a virtual tour and more pictures, go to http://www.enveloperealestate.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=25155821&Preview=false&TabID=434564 for more information. At $2100 per month plus utilities, this home is a great value. I have other executives homes across the city as well. 09/29/2010

Relocating to London, Ontario - Tip#1 - Changing your address! When moving to London, Ontario, whether from across town or across the country, you must notify friends, family and companies of your new London, Ontario address. There are a number of ways to do this. You can email everyone with your new address, Telephone everyone to let them know or the way I like to do it is send out an announcement. I often create announcements for my clients, usually with a photo of the new London, Ontario home they have purchased and some brief announcement. Usually stating Mr.& Mrs. so-and-so has move to ... and I add the new phone# if there is one. You should also have your mail forwarded to your new home. You can do this with Canada Post online or you can go into any postal outlet. Remember to brin... 09/29/2010

OPEN HOUSE THEFTS THROUGHOUT ONTARIO - POLICE ASKING FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE Durham Regional Police recently arrested two Oshawa residents responsible for numerous Open House robberies throughout the Durham region and the surrounding areas. It has since been discovered that the two were involved in open house thefts all across Southern Ontario, as far east as Ottawa and even into the upper U.S.A. These individuals would attend open houses and would use various distraction techniques, in order to steal goods from homes. In addition to the apprehension of these individuals, a large quantity of stolen goods has also been recovered - out of which many were never reported missing. The Durham Regional Police is asking for the assistance of all REALTORS® working in Southern Ontario with identifyin... 09/28/2010

Houses in Old South and Wortley Village neighbourhood that are listed for sale are selling briskly! 158 have sold from January 2010 to Sept 28, 2010 and on average homes were on the market for 25 days and averaging 99% of asking price which was $253,080!    At present there are 37 resale houses in Old South/Wortley Village listed for sale from as low as $181,000 up to $800,000 +. Because of the ambience and ecletic range of homes you can see why this is a sought after London Ontario neighbourhood! Regardless if you are buying a home or selling a home, quality representation and a keen knowledge of the market will ensure a smooth transaction, and in particular, the neighbourhood. For up to date information about real estate in Old South or details on what is available in Wortley Village ... 09/28/2010

Joined London On brokerage Classic Realty this morning!, you may be wondering why the change? Well my family and I have moved back to London, Ontario.  We have always loved London and although St. Marys is not far we felt that London has more to offer our children in their French Immersion endevors! I am looking forward to helping all my current, former and future clients with all their real estate needs. I of course am still working in Huron Perth as well as Middlesex County. So for all your real estate needs Please call me direct at 226-919-8880 or visit my website at www.soldbystephanie.ca 09/27/2010

     Masonville area homes and condos as well as in the Stoneybrook neighbourhood , sales have been quite active  with 44 sales at 97% of the asking price of $378.054and only 29 days on the market! There were 61 condos in Masonville, North London that sold at an average price of $225,996 was 98% of the asking price. These condos were on the market on average for less than 32 days. This area remains one of the hottest markets in London and especially with UWO, the hospital, and research park  all nearby makes this area desirable. Condos from $119,000 to $369,000 and with houses from $279,000 and up make Masonville & Stoneybrook  a good market because of amenities and location. If you require more information on specific styles or price range in London, I am just a click away.   09/27/2010

Golf is a lot like real estate, some days are bad and the other days are worse! That being said, I thought I would pass along some golf wisdom. ART SAID HE WANTED TO GET MORE DISTANCE.  I TOLD HIM TO HIT THE BALL AND RUN BACKWARD. - Ken Venturi, on Art Rosenbaum THE ONLY THING IN MY BAG THAT WORKS IS THE BUG SPRAY.- Bruce Lansky GOLF IS A GAME IN WHICH THE SLOWEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD ARE THOSE IN FRONT OF YOU, AND THE FASTEST ARE THOSE BEHIND. MY BODY IS HERE, BUT MY MIND HAS ALREADY TEED OFF YOU CAN MAKE A LOT OF MONEY IN THIS GAME. JUST ASK MY EX WIVES.  BOTH OF THEM ARE SO RICH THAT NEITHER OF THEIR HUSBANDS WORK. - Lee Trevino Golf has its own song:  http://members.shaw.ca/stephen.sutherland/golf.html  The term "mulligan" is really a contraction of the phrase "maul it again."  A "gi... 09/25/2010

The sale of houses and condos have remained strong in so far this year in Hyde Park in North West London with 285 houses sold with the average selling price being 102% of asking which was $257,208 and an average of 40 days on the market! For condos, 78 sold at an average $163,451 and were on the market for 39 days. With some great shopping, new schools being built, commercial and light industrial spaces available, people are finding Hyde Park to be quite attractive. For more information on the real estate market in the Hyde Park neighbourhood, either new homes or re-sales, I know the market and can help you all the way. 09/24/2010

Houses in Oakridge, Oakridge Acres, Oakridge Meadows & Oakridge Park have sold quite well so far this year with 176 selling on average for $291,474 which was 98% of the asking price and on average a house was on the market for 33 days . 68 condos have sold in the Oakridge Neighbourhood at an average selling price of $204,141 and these condos were on the market an average 68 days and sold for 99% of the asking price.   Most homes in Oakridge have large lots, tree lined wide streets so if you are looking for large backyards and space, Oakridge may be for you. A little bit of energy, money and smart renos can make Oakridge an inexpensive neighbourhood to live in. Don't forget about having one of the highest ratings for schools, neighbourhood activities and easy access to any place in Londo... 09/24/2010

Are you having trouble getting around your 2 story home because of stairs or narrow hallways? Are you worrying what to do? You love your home, you have fond memories and perhaps love to putter in the yard or garden and worry about giving it up. Last month I had worked with a couple who have lived in their London home for 44 years and they were tired and having trouble maintaining their large home. We found a great one floor ranch/bungalow close to where their son lives and offered some great amenities that their present home did not have. They have a yard but it is smaller and they can still do the same things they used to. By the time I sold their 2 story home and helped them buy their bungalow, they were thousands ahead in dollars and their monthly expenses decreased! If you think it ... 09/24/2010

I was talking to a couple who were relocating to London and looking for a one floor condo in good shape, double car garage, 2 bedrooms at minimum and in a good area of London. By the time I got to meet with them, they were utterly confused and unsure what to do. The reason is that they did not know London that well, what a good value was and they were being pressured to buy! They responded to my blogs and condo website because I offered straight information, a list of the Top 10 better buys and was not confrontational. After meeting with them and reviewing the pros and cons of each neighbourhood, of the research I did to ensure that their offered price was fair, they bought a great condo with the amenities they were looking for. To see this list of condos, go to http://www.envelopereale... 09/22/2010

If you are thinking of moving to London Ontario, are downsizing or want to get off the renter treadmill, I have prepared a free list of condos for sale. The first are 10 condos that are for sale in London Ontario between $150,000 to $200,000 that are in great locations and offer quite a few amenities. The second are condos in London for sale over $200,000 and these 10 are quite nice. I have prepared these lists to show you that besides being comfortable allowing you, the consumer, access to these units without making you jump through hoops and dodging questions, that I know this market, know the buildings and can guide you through the maze of things you should be doing when purchasing a condo! Go to http://www.enveloperealestate.com/Condos_in_London/page_1141627.html and this list of co... 09/22/2010