I always read your paper, as I find there is always something of interest and use to me. I am writing in response to two letters in the last issue.
 
Home energy rating – When this is proposed by people in the energy/insulation business (read self- interest) and government (read nanny state), you know there is a problem.
 
I have just had to get one for a property in the U.K., where it is mandatory to protect tenants. The house in question is well maintained and insulated with energy saving windows less than five years old. I have no idea of the energy costs, because the tenants pay, and have done so for several years without complaint. When I received my certificate, I asked where the estimated energy costs came from and was told energy guideline charts are supplied by the government. It also shows how ‘green’ the house is. Whoopy do, I don’t even believe in global warming.

So I have had the expense of an inspection and cost of producing a certificate for no change in the situation of the property, other than providing work for public employees and energy companies at my expense.

If I neglect this property, I would not get the full tenancy I have enjoyed for seven years and if private owners choose to neglect their property, that is their right.
Where are RECO and OREA in fighting this nonsense?
 
Similarly, I think FINTRAC is not for us to police. If Canada Immigration did not let criminals into the country, there would be no problem. If you wish controls on transactions, the obvious people to take care of this are the lawyers on closing. Agents are not policemen, we are trying to make a living and are productive movers of our economy, unlike Toronto Mayor David Miller with his destructive taxes to support his union pals.
 
Concerning the letter Bad Advice (Letters to the Editor, January REM) – As for people entering a few bogus names in an open house log to make people feel comfortable, it’s called salesmanship and does no harm. It’s good advice to do so.
 
John Zimnoch
Sales representative
Re/Max Hallmark
Toronto
 
P.S.  Another idiot call from the U.K. is mandatory property packages that cost around $1,200, and that all sellers must provide. Please, let’s not have that here either. If a house does not sell, the seller has had an expense for no reason and they also date fairly quickly.
Conditions on offers take care of all buyer concerns and save unnecessary expense but have the disadvantage of not helping to provide jobs for non-productive energy industry and government employees, which is why they advocate mandatory action.