As Ontario gears up for municipal elections on October 27, OREA is highlighting what we feel is a major issue, the possibility of a second land transfer tax. As municipalities across the province look for new revenue tools and taxes, one consideration has become a municipal land transfer tax (MLTT). This tax would be imposed … Continued
Most municipalities in Ontario have affordable housing programs. These programs tend to focus on rental housing in low income or developing neighbourhoods. Very few municipalities have programs that encourage residents to become home owners. One municipality, however, is a shining example of how local governments can work to help their constituents achieve their dreams of … Continued
When each and every president said to me “the year goes by really fast” I never really got it until now. It is so true and what an incredible year it has been.
In my incoming president’s speech I used the term, “if not now, when”…and this is the mantra that I repeated throughout the year to keep not only myself on track but also to keep the association focused on its goals. The time has come to start embracing CREA’s futures planning, start taking action, and start making decisions.
OREA has written the Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dwight Duncan, in support of the provincial government’s plan to implement a Healthy Home Renovation Tax Credit (HHRTC). Homeowners will qualify for a tax credit when they undertake a home retrofit for accessibility purposes. As part of OREA’s “Home Ownership Matters” REALTORS® are advocating in support … Continued
Dear OREA Member: With just days left in the 2011 Ontario election campaign I want to encourage you to get out and vote on October 6 and make your voice heard. As a member of OREA, you have an opportunity to help send candidates to Queen’s Park who will best serve the interests of our … Continued
The New Democratic Party Leader Andrea Horwath announced that if elected, a government under her leadership will offer rebates of up to $5,000 for people who want to retrofit their homes. In addition, an NDP government will offer lower-income homeowners and tenants grants of up $5,000 and up to $10,000 in low-interest loans that can … Continued
OREA and the Ontario Home Builder’s Association have teamed up to advocate in support of a permanent home renovation tax rebate for provincial home owners. If created, a permanent home renovation rebate would give home owners an incentive to use a professional contractor who pays taxes and maintains liability insurance. Similar to the federal home … Continued
With less than a month to go before Ontario voters go to the polls in the provincial election, OREA’s “Home Ownership Matters” campaign continues to promote greater support for affordable home ownership to candidates, political parties and key decision makers.
The dream of home ownership in the province of Ontario is alive and well. A recent poll conducted by market research firm Ipsos Reid found that 70 per cent of provincial renters have plans to buy a home. They know that investing in home ownership makes sense for their financial future and their families. The … Continued
Issues based public relations campaigns are nothing new to organized real estate in Ontario. OREA’s two most recent government relations campaigns were in opposition to the harmonized sales tax and mandatory home energy audits. In both cases the coordinated efforts of OREA and our 42 member boards took our message not just to the upper … Continued