La Capitale Foreclosures

La Capitale Real Estate Network Obtains the Contract to Sell CMHC Residential Mortgage Foreclosures

One more reason to buy your next house with La Capitale!

La Capitale Real Estate Network renewed its contract with the CMHC to sell Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation residential foreclosures for all regions of Quebec.

The contract is for three years with two one-year renewal options and will take effect on December 1, 2010.
Nicolas Ayotte, the Network’s President and CEO enthusiastically commented: “Given the number of mortgage foreclosures in the last few years, there has been stiff competition between the various agency networks and certain independent agencies. La Capitale Real Estate Network completed all steps in the process; its score on the evaluation table and the overall price were determining factors.
Obviously the fact that we have real estate agencies in every corner of Quebec played in our favour, as did the sales performance of our brokers and the visibility of our agencies in their respective markets.”

Catalin Ivan-Quebec Real Estate Broker

Insulation

Quebec Real Estate Tips

Insulation

Insulation is the material which controls heat transfer through the envelope of the building. A reduction of heat loss in winter allows energy savings and, in summertime, heat gain reduction lowers air conditioning requirement for the building.

Due to low energy cost prior to seventies, building envelopes had low insulating capabilities. In these cases, it will be advantageous to retrofit the existing wall assembly, adding onto the existing insulation.

The provincial law on energy saving measures in a building now requires minimum insulation levels depending on the building type, its function and location. Designers and builders are now required be law to properly insulate and to submit a compliance certificate when seeking contract documents approval for a construction permit. Existing buildings do not have to comply to this law.

While the purpose of insulation is to resist heat transfer, it must be uniform to be truly efficient. If this uniformity is not achieved, heat flow variations will cause stains on the walls and ceilings(dust). For example, in old buildings there are marks showing the underside laths over which the plaster has been applied. This is because gaps between the planks allow cold air to pass through, condensation then forms on the inside surface of the wall, dust gets caught by it and eventually stains the wall surface.

Cold penetration can also cause structural problems.

Catalin Ivan-Quebec Real Estate Broker

Humidity Control

Quebec Real Estate Tips

Humidity Control

Lack of humidity has consequences such as dry nose and throat, static electricity, etc. It also causes problems to furniture(cracks) and wood floor(creaking). This can be solved by independent humidifiers or with a humidifier integrated with the existing forced air heating system. Such a system linked to a humidostat (humidity control device) is without any doubt one of the best.

On the other hand a humidity surplus will stain ceilings, cover windows with condensation in winter time and even rot wood construction (frames and moldings). The most common source of humidity is the daily activities in a building: washing dishes and clothes, cooking, taking a bath or a shower, etc. To control the humidity where it originates, a fan should be installed over the stove, an air tight conduit should be hooked up to the dryer, and good ventilation (natural or forced) should be provided for the washrooms.

The humidity surplus can be eliminated with a dehumidifier or a ventilation system equipped with a heat exchanger(i.e. a system that expels the humidity charged air outside, bringing in fresh air, and  humidity and making sure the heat stays inside). Excessive caulking will prevent proper evacuation of humidity and contribute to the above mentioned problems.

Catalin Ivan-Quebec Real Estate Broker

Neighbours Problems

Quebec Real Estate Law

Abuse of Rights and Problems with Neighbours

The person who abides by law is a good citizen. But does it make him a good neighbour? The manner in which he exercises his rights is just as important as the extent or scope of these rights.

The Civil Code of Quebec introduces rules that will be used as instruments of persuasion, and a measurement and appreciation of the gravity of disruptions and inconveniences caused by neighbours.

Article 7 C.C.Q.:  No right may be exercised with the intent of injuring another or in an excessive and unreasonable manner which is contrary to the requirements of good faith.

Article 976 C.C.Q.: Neighbours shall suffer the normal neighbourhood annoyances that are not beyond the limit of tolerance they owe each other, according to the nature or location of their land or local custom.

The law looks at the malicious exercise of the right of ownership (Art  7 C.C.Q.). A person who intentionally harms his neighbour is engaging in wrongdoing. A wrongful behaviour must cease and the prejudice be compensated. This is a matter for injunction and damages.

Clumsiness, negligence and even ignorance can also prejudice others beyond the normal inconveniences of life in society. Such behaviour is also reprehensible. It too must cease and the prejudice be repaired (976 C.C.Q.)

The courts intervene in this domain to give their assent to the law and to evaluate the nature and gravity of the facts. Such cases can become very heated. Owners have been known to build hideous fences or hung ugly and disgusting rugs. More subtle still in the case in which amateur horticulturist of great repute instituted proceedings against his neighbour because the latter’s construction shaded his roses. Beyond the law, courts will look at individual behaviour.

Catalin Ivan- Quebec Real Estate Broker-