The Ontario Real Estate Asssociation (OREA), lead by their President Pauline Aunger, present their perspectives regarding the Ontario Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs.
Pauline explains how the Ontario HST will affect not only the direct purchase of a home, but also the various services associated with purchasing a home, including appraisals, insurance and professional mortgage services. She points out that a $600,000 home will cost an additional $12,000 in taxes. But the HST doesn’t just affect home buyers, it affects current homeowners as …

We have received a lot of emails asking for a comprehensive list of HST exemptions in Ontario, so here it is. The following is from the Ontario Ministry of Revenue website.

With both the implementation of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and the spring building season drawing near, the real estate market and construction industry just might get the boost they need. While polls show consumers are decidedly against the added tax, with only several months before it takes effect, those looking to purchase or build a new home could have enough incentive to streamline their plans.
With the new tax primarily affecting those who are building houses over $500,000 in Ontario and $525,000 in BC, it is likely that this possible …