Dear David,
How do I find out if there is public transportation in my area? – Concerned Commuter

Dear Commuter,

For a complete overview of public transportation options, check out the Grand River Transit website (www.grt.ca). The site features printable and real-time maps of bus routes and bike/walking trails, along with the new ION bus and light rail transit routes expected to be in operation within a year. Bus schedules are posted, along with a mobile app, text alert system and a trip planner to help organize your public transportation itinerary.

Dear David,
We are budgeting to buy our first home. What are closing costs? – Dollars & Sense

Dear D&S,

Closing costs will vary according to your situation. Here in Waterloo Region, a Land Transfer Tax of up to 2{2c2f81ae725a1bfa8ac748faca3d8945f02de59982cf73982408ebbfc70718f2} applies, although first-time homebuyers are eligible for a tax refund. Mortgage Insurance is required if the down payment on your home is less than 20 percent of the sale price. You must also have Home Insurance before lenders will release funds for the close of the sale.

Your lawyer will charge Legal Fees to oversee the documents involved in your purchase, register your deed and mortgage, and perform a Title Search (to ensure there are no liens against the home you are purchasing). Title Insurance will protect you against title fraud, survey errors, encroachment issues and more. Adjustments are costs that were paid in advance by the seller, but must be reimbursed once you take possession of the home. These can include property taxes, maintenance fees and equipment rental (ie. a hot-water heater).

HST applies if you’re buying a new home, though you may qualify for certain government rebates. Also ask your Realtor about costs associated with the Tarion new home warranty program.

Dear David,
I’m looking at buying a property and the owners say it has a weeping bed. What is that? – Unsure

Dear Unsure,

Weeping tiles are porous pipes buried underneath the soil, along the perimeter of the foundation wall. Their purpose is to drain excess water away from the foundation and protect it from potential water damage (such as cracks, erosion or potential basement leaks). The term “weeping bed” refers to the area in which these pipes are buried.