One of the general questions we frequently hear from the public is whether there are any government programs to help out first-time home buyers. In fact, there are several programs that have been around for many, many years, which are either not perceived as assistance programs or which tend to be taken for granted.

What do off-white carpets, burning candles, dripping windows and well built new homes all have in common? Well, that is what many new home buyers are asking their builders' customer service department these days when they notice grimy black deposits around the edge of the carpets near the baseboards and moisture vapour on windows in cold weather.

When are lofts covered by Tarion Warranty Corporation and when are they not covered?

There's a newly launched Website designed to introduce young people to a career where a great demand exists for skilled professionals, where above-average salaries are the norm and one where there's a wide range of employment choice and future opportunity.

There's a very catchy radio jingle called "Condo, Condo, Condo" created by Montana Steele Advertising to promote Lawrence Park Condominiums on behalf of Tower Hill Development. The song sprang to mind when I saw the new home sales statistics for the month of April.

Despite comments to the contrary, precast concrete is neither cheap, nor inferior in quality.  It's one of the most durable, energy efficient and versatile products around.

A discussion on how square footage in calculated in newly-constructed condominiums.

The provincial government recently revealed the Greater Golden Horseshoe growth management plan. What does the plan mean for current homeowners, would-be homebuyers and communities?

The condominium market continues to thrive.  This article discusses why.

Only 42 per cent of all new homes sold in the GTA last year were single-detached dwellings, far below the perceived level. This article discusses the implications of housing types.

This article discusses changes that should be made to the GST rebate on newly-constructed homes.

This column continues the discussion last week of the many of the issues of concern to home buyers with respect to their builder relationship. This week's column focuses more on the areas of consumer convergence with builders. 

What do home buyers really think of builders? This article discusses recent research from the Canadian Home Builders' Association.