#1- Avoid Upgrades Without Universal Appeal Although they are a “must-have” for some, saunas, hot tubs, and swimming pools are often referred to as value-neutral renovations.  While they may not decrease your home’s value, they may make some prospective buyers think twice. An unwanted sauna, tub or pool can be seen as a waste of space.

#2- Keep Features of Value Some features have universal appeal. A fireplace, for example, adds warmth, both figuratively and literally, to any room, and provides an inviting focal point. With the trend for staying in continuing, a fireplace also provides an ideal gathering place for family or when entertaining. Eliminating it or covering it up can remove a key selling feature of your home.

#3- Maintain Curb Appeal Regular maintenance of your lawn and garden are good habits even if you’re not selling your home. When you and your neighbours make this routine, it can benefit selling prices on your entire street. The same rule applies to your home. Ensuring it is in good repair and gets a fresh coat of paint when required goes a long way to create a positive first impression.

By the way if you are considering a home renovation, keep in mind that I have exclusive access to a private mortgage fund which specializes in short term renovation/ construction loans. Contact me any time to chat Christopher Molder Toronto Mortgage Broker 416.461.0204ext2

TTC Bus In 1923

If you commute in our city (or any major city in the world) how can you resist picking up a Metro and browsing through the day’s top headlines? This morning I picked one up and found out 10 things about the TTC. I was amazed to learn that each subway car filled during rushhour is the equivalent to replacing 910 cars in rushhour traffic. That is amazing! A service that many of us take for granted. Here is the top 10 list:

1- One six-car subway train replaces the equivalent of 910 vehicles in morning rush hour, while one bus replaces the equivalent of about 45 vehicles.

2 -The TTC’s fleet consists of 700 subway cars, 248 streetcars and 1730 buses.

3- In 1921, the first motorized buses began operating, and in 1954, the first subway line — from Union to Eglinton Station —opened.

4- By the end of 2009 (that’s just three months away), hybrid buses will make up 40 per cent of the TTC fleet, and by 2012, all buses will be equipped with bike racks.

5- If you don’t have the exact fare when boarding a bus or streetcar and have to pay the fare with a large bill, ask the driver for a refund voucher, which you can bring to the TTC head office for a refund.

6- The door chime on the subway is the first three notes from the Sesame Street theme song.

7- At the Bay subway station, there is actually another unused subway platform on a lower level, often used by film crews. It’s been used in films including Extreme Measures starring Gene Hackman and Hugh Grant, Don’t Say a Word starring Michael Douglas and many others.

8- Wheel-Trans, the TTC’s fully accessible door-to-door specialized system, makes about 5,000 trips each weekday.

9- With 1.5 million passengers each day, the TTC has one of the highest per capita ridership rates in North America.

10- The last year that fare revenues met TTC operating expenses was 1970.
source: Toronto Transit Commission