Uxbridge Information & Events

Life Lease

A growing housing option for seniors in Ontario is a unit in a life lease building. A few years back I had the opportunity to see first hand what a life lease was all about.

I initially became involved with the process here in Uxbridge as a member of a group who were looking into alternative housing solutions for seniors in Uxbridge. I continued to work with members of the group who felt it could be done as a development rather than the more conventional way at the time (a church or organization sponsored project) which often takes years to get off the ground. Participating in this project was an exciting endeavor for me as I was very interested in options for Seniors who wanted an independent lifestyle but no longer wanted the work involved in the up keep of a home.

The following is a primer on life lease housing that I posted three years ago

A "Life Lease" is a form of housing designed primarily for seniors that allows them to live independently in a retirement community setting. It has also been described as the "right to occupy" wherein individuals purchase the right to occupy a dwelling unit for the rest of their life, or until such time as they no longer wish to occupy the dwelling. Unfortunately Life lease arrangements are not covered by Ontario's Condominium Act, or the Residential Tenancies Act. The relationship between the life lease sponsor (developer) and resident (purchaser) is defined in the life lease agreement and is governed by contract and common law.

These life lease agreements determine the level of input into management, and conditions of occupancy and sale of the dwelling unit. Unfortunately purchasers often choose life lease housing based on its location, price, amenities or sense of community. As a result, many purchasers may not fully understand what they are purchasing. The contents of agreements entered into by sponsors and purchasers can vary widely. The variation provides sponsors and purchasers with  flexibility in designing life lease housing projects that suit the needs and desires of a seniors' community. On the other hand the lack of a standard legal, financial and governance structures for life lease projects can pose significant challenges for purchasers, as well as legal and real estate professionals involved in the life lease transaction.

Life leases projects have a number of characteristics in common with both condominium ownership and rental housing and are generally set up by not-for-profit or charitable organizations (the Sponsor). These projects generally provide amenities as well as limited services for residents. The attraction for seniors to a life lease is the opportunity to move from a their home into a housing project where there is companionship, programs or services in keeping with a retirement lifestyle and at the same time the ability to maintain some form of equity in real estate ownership.

Most life lease projects in Ontario follow the basic structure of a "market-value" model where Purchasers pay full "market value" for the right to occupy the life lease unit. When the occupancy ends, the resident or their estate will sell the life lease interest for whatever the market value is at that time. Significant variation may exist in how individual life lease projects are developed and managed. Each project establishes its own agreement, which determines the governance of the housing project, the occupancy conditions and sale of the unit.

A few of the key components of a life lease project are: They are generally developed or sponsored by community-based, not-for-profit organizations. The project sponsor and purchaser enter into a life lease agreement detailing the unit price, conditions of occupancy and what happens when the occupancy ends. Life lease housing projects may include high- or low-rise apartment buildings, semi-detached or townhouses, and detached houses. Prices are generally comparable to condominiums. The length of occupancy varies in individual life lease agreements. In many agreements, the resident maintains the right to occupy the unit for the duration of their life (or until no longer capable of living in the unit). Residents pay property taxes and monthly maintenance fees for building services and utilities. These fees cover maintenance, reserve funds, administration, building insurance, landscaping, etc. At the end of occupancy, units are resold. Sponsors often retain administration fees of 5% to 10% of resale value.

SRES

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist I understand it is sometimes a difficult time for a person when it comes time to give up the family home. Unlike a normal real estate sale you are not just dealing with the buyers or the sellers of the home. You are dealing with the family dynamics often with several adult members of the family who may have conflicting views with what is best for mom and dad or even with what mom and dad wish to do.

If you are a senior or have a family member who is and is thinking of selling or buying
please give me a call to
Discuss Housing Options for Seniors

Call Kathy at 905.852.6143

Using A Search Engine To Help You Choose A Realtor

Who would you rather have working for you, one who sees you only as dollars and cents, or a Realtor who sees you as a client, one he or she will work for and with to maximize the dollars you receive for your home.

In today's tech oriented world you need to know where and how your property will be advertised. Does the agent of your choice have a strong web presence with multiple web sites and blogs or do they rely on cookie cutter sites that everyone in the office uses and have little if any search engine relevance.

Do they rely only on the national realtor.ca web site or is it just one of the web based tools they use. One of the best ways I know how to find out who has the best web presence is to Google some search terms to see who sits in the number one spot or at least in the top ten. Take several search terms and Google them, Check out who has the best rankings, then decide which of those you want working with you.

Remember real estate is local and your local agent is the most knowledgable about the local area and the local real estate market.

Are You Searching for a top Google rated web site for your "Uxbridge Real Estate" ... 
here let me Google that for you or how about homes for sale in Uxbridge Ontario
 or RE/MAX Uxbridge, or Uxbridge Information.

Shimmering Waters

Collingwood Inukshuk

As I sat here today looking out on the 18 below sunny day my mind drifted of to the pleasant warm days of last summer. Lying on the beach or or at the end of the day watching the sun set across the shimmering waters while sitting in the park at the waters edge. This photo was taken In Collingwood last summer on one of our mini vacations.

One of the many interesting sights you will come across while driving the highways and bi-ways of Uxbridge Ontario. This particular bridge is located in Leaskdale where LUCY MAUD MONTGOMERY lived for over 15 years while writing eleven of her twenty-two novels, including "Anne of the Island" (1915) and "Anne's House of Dreams".

Getting Help When You Need It

For seniors getting the right help in a timely manner is sometimes very difficult. As a primary caregiver for an elderly person finding the right sources of information and assistance can be a large undertaking.

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist I recognize the desire of other family members to be involved in the smooth transition from owning your own home into accommodations that meet your current needs. Giving up a home that holds a lifetime of memories is often difficult and working with a Seniors Real Estate Specialist who understands helps to make that transition easier. 

If you are the primary caregiver for a senior or simply need some information here is a link to my collection of Seniors Resources that you may find helpful. Here you will find resources and links to web sites to assist caregivers or seniors in locating information and assistance on dealing with Financial, Health, Accessibility, Vitality, Longevity and Aging issues and concerns to increase the quality of life for yourself or your loved ones.

Are You having a Seniors Moment

Here is a little Seniors humor that I received in an email to help brighten your day

HOW TO CALL THE POLICE

WHEN YOU'RE OLD

AND DON'T MOVE FAST ANYMORE.

George Phillips , an elderly man, from Meridian, Mississippi, was going up to bed, when his wife told him that he'd left the light on in the garden shed, which she could see from the bedroom window. George opened the back door to go turn off the light, but saw that there were people in the shed stealing things.

He phoned the police, who asked "Is someone in your house?"

He said "No," but some people are breaking into my garden shed and stealing from me.

Then the police dispatcher said "All patrols are busy. You should lock your doors and an officer will be along when one is available."

George said, "Okay."

He hung up the phone and counted to 30.

Then he phoned the police again.

"Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people stealing things from my shed. Well, you don't have to worry about them now because I just shot them." and he hung up.

Within five minutes, six Police Cars, a SWAT Team, a Helicopter, two Fire Trucks, a Paramedic, and an Ambulance showed up at the Phillips' residence, and caught the burglars red-handed.

One of the Policemen said to George, "I thought you said that you'd shot them!"

George said, "I thought you said there was nobody available!"

I LOVE IT!

Don't mess with old people

Live well, laugh often, love much!!!

View Homes For Sale
Map Search

We can Learn a little by watching what others do when it comes to managing our lives. Here is a lesson we could all take to heart from man's best friend.

Comments are disabled please visit the original post to make your comments

Help Put Uxbridge On The Board ... The Monopoly Board

Hasbro is having a poll to see what Canadian Cities to place on their new version of Monopoly starting January 11th 2010 through Feb 21, 2010 you can vote for up to 3 of your favourite (preselected) cities each day and one wildcard city. More about Voting

Starting Feb 8th you will only be able to vote for the top ten wildcard cities so get out there and vote now

Lets

Put Uxbridge on the board

View Homes For Sale
Map Search

Properties For Sale In The Communities Of

Uxbridge | Scugog/Port Perry | Whitchurch/Stouffville
Georgina | Brock | Ballantrae/Musslemans_Lake

To learn more about what housing options
Uxbridge
and the surrounding area has to offer;
be it condominium or detached homes, in town or rural communities,
country homes, estates or farms just give me a call or

 THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT ME

View Homes For Sale
Map Search

Properties For Sale In The Communities Of

Uxbridge | Scugog/Port Perry | Whitchurch/Stouffville
Georgina | Brock | Ballantrae/Musslemans_Lake

To learn more about what housing options
Uxbridge
and the surrounding area has to offer;
be it condominium or detached homes, in town or rural communities,
country homes, estates or farms just give me a call or

 THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT ME

Canadian Song, "We Are All One Nation," Raising Money for Haiti

A new song just released by Barrie's cousin is being used to raise funds for Haiti. With all proceeds going to Haiti you can download the song for $0.99 click here to .... Continue

"A new song, "We Are All One Nation (in God's Eyes)," by Owen Sound based singer-songwriter Brian Moniz, in collaboration with music producer Paul Farrow, to air across Canada to raise money for Haitian disaster relief." Didgital Journal

A previous song of Brians, "Ghosts of 911" reached number 4 on Neil Young's "Living with War Today: Songs of The Times resulting in Brian being invited to play in Kentucky as part of a "Concert for Peace," with other members of the webpage.

Less Talk More Action

Nascar's Rick Henderson puts new meaning to the words where the rubber hits the road or in this case the rubber hits the tarmac

.

St. Georges Anglican Church

Built on the southern shore of Lake Simcoe the congregation welcomes people of all faiths who visit the beautiful stone church and historic cemetery for services or to walk about the scenic grounds.

The church features windows designed and built by the daughters of John Graves Simcoe (the first Lieut. Governor of Upper Canada) and the graceful wood-carvings of the Rev. George Everest.

  The cemetery is the last resting place to Canadian authors Stephen Leacock and Mazo de la Roche. Musical concerts that are held monthly in the summer, present some of the finest talents in Ontario.

 Mazo de la Roche, is a Canadian Author best know for her 16 novels that became the Jalna Series or Whiteoak Chronicles which cover the story of 100 years (1854 to 1954) of the Whiteoak Family. This series has sales of over 11 million copies (193 English and 92 foreign editions). In 1935 RKO Radio Pictures released the Film version of Jalna and in 1972 CBC produced a television series based on her series of books.

Mazo de la Roche,   January 15th 1879 July 12th, 1961

The Church was built in 1877 by the pioneering Sibbald family and is the burial place of  Stephen Leacock  and  Mazo de la Roche source of old pictures wikipedia.org

Stephen Leacock   30th December 1869 28th March 1944

Uxbridge Arena - Hockey and Ice Skating - An Uxbridge Tradition

Uxbridge Arena is combination community center and arena with twin pads. The community centre has a capacity of 435 and is used for community functions, weddings, anniversaries meetings and sales events. There is a full kitchen and a bar available for the various events.

The twin pad arena provides facilities s for both public skating times as well as team times and is home to the Uxbridge Bruins. (For team stats visit Ontario Hockey Association)  

Uxbridge is also blessed with several ponds that provide a a great opportunity for a less structured approach to one of Canada's national pastimes.

Speechless Sundays - Winter In The Garden

View Homes For Sale
Map Search

Properties For Sale In The Communities Of

Uxbridge | Scugog/Port Perry | Whitchurch/Stouffville
Georgina | Brock | Ballantrae/Musslemans_Lake

To learn more about what housing options
Uxbridge
and the surrounding area has to offer;
be it condominium or detached homes, in town or rural communities,
country homes, estates or farms just give me a call or

 THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT ME 

 Early Bird Registration For The 2010 Dragon Flies Dragon Boat Festival

Now in its fifth year the Dragon Flies Dragon Boat Festival attracts over 1,000 paddlers and other festival patrons who come and "have a blast promoting Brest Cancer Awareness". The Festival helps provide resources to support local programs and raises funds for four local hospitals; Lakeridge Health Centre in Port Perry, Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay, R.S. McLaughlan Durham Regonal Cancer Centre in Oshawa and Uxbridge Cottage Hospital in Uxbridge 

Early Bird Registration will close on February 28, 2010 for this June 19th, 2010 event. The early bird registration fee for Adult Mixed Crews is $800.00 and Youth Crews (12 to 17 years) is $550.00. 

Late registrations will be accepted from March 1 to March 31, 2010. (If room is still available)  The late registration fee for Adult Mixed Crews is $900.00 and Youth Crews (12 to 17 years) is $650.00.

For more information about this exciting and popular event that takes place on Lake Scugog in Port Perry visit the Dragon Flies Website.

Canada Doubles Up Your Haiti Earthquake Charitable Contributions

Canada had a long term commitment (2006 to 2011) of $555 Million to help in the reconstruction of Haiti prior to the January 12th eartquake. Registering 7.3 on the Richter scale this violent earthquake has resulted in massive destruction and disruption of the countries infrastructure.

CIDA Will Match Your Donations

The human toll is already stagering and is likely to grow worse as the days march on. Canadians wishing to help have a means of doubling up any contribution they make to the relief work that is needed.

On January 14, 2010, the Government of Canada announced that it will match dollar for dollar the contributions of individual Canadians to eligible Canadian charitable organizations in support of humanitarian recovery and reconstruction efforts in Haiti up to a total of $50 million.

Which Donations Will Be Matched?

To qualify for matching, the donations must be:

made by an individual Canadian (not a corporation or business) up to $100,000
made to a registered Canadian charitable organization that is receiving donations in response to the January 12 Haiti earthquake
specifically earmarked for the purpose of responding to the earthquake
made between January 12 and February 12, 2010.

Ensure that your donation is matched by visiting the Canadian International Development Agency Web Site.

For More Information Visit CIDA's Website

View Homes For Sale
Map Search

Properties For Sale In The Communities Of

Uxbridge | Scugog/Port Perry | Whitchurch/Stouffville
Georgina | Brock | Ballantrae/Musslemans_Lake

To learn more about what housing options
Uxbridge
and the surrounding area has to offer;
be it condominium or detached homes, in town or rural communities,
country homes, estates or farms just give me a call or

 THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT ME 

Your Assessment Notice May Have been In The Mail

If You Received One

There has been a change in the assessment of your property. In November 2009 the Municipal Property Assessment Corp (MPAC) began sending out assessment notices for the 2010 property tax year.

But I Did Not Get A Notice

Sorry ... Your Assessment will still be going up due to the 4 year phase in of the 2008 re-assessment.

Why Did I Get One

You would have received one if any of the following had occurred and MPAC is aware of the change:

the ownership of your property has changed or if for some reason the legal description has changed
the value has been changed due to an earlier appeal or request for reconsideration
there has been a change of school support
changes, additions or improvements as well as removal or destruction

Ask For A Reduction

Remember MPAC only makes changes to your assessment if they are aware of the changes to your property. If Fire or other damage has occurred and the home is no longer inhabitable contact your regional assessment office and request a reduction.

On The Stage In Uxbridge

OnStage Uxbridge, a local uxbridge theatre group, is bringing "Anne of Green Gables" the musical to the stage of the Uxbridge Music Hall starting January 14th at 7:30 pm. 

Don Herron and Norman Campbell were commissioned by the Charlottetown Festival to expand their television version into a full length musical in 1965. The musical premiered at the 1965 festival and its first national tour was in 1967. It has travelled the world but still has close ties to Uxbridge.

Uxbridge was home to the famous author "Lucy Maude Montgomery",the wife of Rev. Ewan Macdonald a Presbyterian minister, who resided in Leaskdale from 1911 to 1926.  Here is where she wrote 11 of her 22 best selling novels. One of those 11 was "Anne of the Island", written in 1915, which was the third book of her most famous series that began with "Anne of Green Gables"

For more information on the Uxbridge production visit OnStage Uxbridge

REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE

Christmas Is Over It's Time To Go

Curbside pick up for your Christmas tree this year is one day only - January 11th 2010. They will not be picked up on your regular garbage day. If you miss the collection day you can also take it to the Municipal transfer station on Warden Ave at no charge

Are You 14 To 20? Love The Theatre? Like To Sing and Dance?

What an opportunity for the youth of Uxbridge who have an interest in the theatre. Uxbridge Youth Theater is looking for 14 to 20 year olds to audition for roles in their production of the Broadway musical hit Godspell.

Auditions are today Saturday Jan 9th from 2-5pm at Uxbridge Baptist Churchand and tomorrow Sunday January 10 from 10 am to 6 pm at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church with call backs on Saturday January 16th.

Arrive at the start of the day and be prepared to stay for the day. You will be taught a song and a dance at the audition so wear comfortable clothes. You may be requested to read a specific passage from the script and you are asked to have a photo to add to your application.