That's A Wrap on Options 20th Annivesary!

Options wouldn't be where it is today without you! Our supporters, staff and most importantly our homeowners are why we do what we do and why we have been successful

Watch Mike Labbé talk about where we started, where we've ended up and what we still have to do.

This past year has been an incredible oppourtunity to celebrate the journey we have been on for the past 20 years.  We have been able to talk to Options purchasers, some who have been in their condo for almost 15 years and some whose developments haven't even started construction yet.

It would be impossible to sum up or put into words how much being able to celebrate each month with our homeowners has meant to us.  Seeing Options homeowners who still love their condo as much as they did when they moved in, all of the communities that have been created in the last 20 years and the excitement in the room with people who are anticipating moving into their new homes are the reasons why we do what we do and why we will keep doing it.

THANK YOU for celebrating with us and please KEEP IN TOUCH!

Options Bloopers and Funny Moments

We probably should have called this video: "Options CEO spends 20th Anniversary Year entertaining staff and homeowners with his wacky antics" but we thought "20th Anniversary Bloopers" had a nicer ring to it.

Check out this compilation of funny moments that we managed to catch on video during the past year, most segments starring Mike Labbé!

John: Options Poster Boy!

It's not everyday that someone hears about the Options model and immediately gets behind it.  John, an Options purchaser turned full time employee, had faith in Options since he was first introduced to the concept over 10 years ago.

John had rented an apartment for only one year after finishing university before finding Options.  He first purchased at Shermount and later when he got married at Old Kennedy Village.

Watch John discussing his experience with Options:



John really is a Poster Boy for Options! Attend a FREE Info Session to find out how you can start your Options journey now!

#TBT The Year in 20th Anniversary Party Videos

2014 marked Options 20th Anniversary. To celebrate a party was held each month for one of our developments.  The parties were a chance for home owners to gather and reminisce about their Options experience and for our newer developments a chance to get to know future neighbours.  

Take a look at these throwback videos from a few of our 20th Anniversary celebrations!

It’s been a great year and we've loved celebrating with Options home owners both old and new! This is only the beginning and we look forward to hearing from Options homeowners for years to come!

Check our YouTube Channel for all the videos that have been posted this year from all of the developments and all of the parties!

Advocating for Options

In order to keep the cost of housing down, we don't pay for expensive marketing initiatives.  Because of this we rely heavily on word of mouth and especially on Options supporters.

We are lucky have the support of a number of individuals who advocate for Options wherever they go.  Louise is one of them!  See her message about her 9 years with Options below.

Options for YouTube

Did you know that Options for Homes isn't the only Options YouTube Channel?

In fact there are FIVE YouTube Channels associated with Options Group of Companies!

Options for Homes

Options for Cars

Options for Green Energy 

Options International

Opciones Vivienda

Subscribe to Options Group of Companies 5 YouTube Channels to stay up to date and informed on everything Options.

Rosie Loves Living at Liberty at Discovery Place

Rosie, like many other Options homeowners, can't stop gushing about all the things she loves about her home! She can't imagine living anywhere else.  See Rosie talking to Options COO Pat Munroe about how she spends her time at Liberty by Discovery Place in Pickering!



Pat Munroe was an Options purchaser in the Distillery District before she started working at Options over 15 years ago.

Options purchasers come in all shapes and sizes and all of our homeowners have their own unique "Options story".

If you're a homeowner interested in participating in a testimonial or writing a guest blog email events@optionsforhomes.ca today!

Daniel Couldn't Pass Up the Options Opportunity

Kimberly and Daniel live at Old Kennedy.  They were thrilled that they were able to find a home around the corner from where they were living before.  They love that they didn't have to move away from their community and their family in order to be able to afford a home unlike many of their friends. 

Watch their story above and check out these now selling Options developments to see if there are any in your area! 

#TBT Options for Homes - Part 2

Options for Homes Part 2.  This video is from 2005, it's amazing to see all that had been accomplished then and how much more has been accomplished since then. 

Take a look at Part 1 of the video here: http://optionsgroupofcompanies.blogspot.ca/2014/12/tbt-options-for-homes-part-1.html

Options for Single Moms

One of Michel Labbe's biggest motivations when starting Options for Homes was how the model could positively affect the lives of single mothers and their children.

Check out this video of Mike explaining Options history with single mothers:



Gloria Ramirez, an Options homeowner who spoke at our World Habitat Day event truly represents Options.  She is hard working, ambitious and goal oriented.  She saved every penny she made for years to buy a home her children could grow up in and call their own.  Hear her story here.

During his speech at out World Habitat Day celebration Mike Labbé suggested that everyone in attendance read this story to learn more about his motivation and memorable moments over the past 20 years.  Check it out for yourself!

Another Options purchaser, Jen, a single mom talked to us about how living at the Village by High Park has allowed her to afford to be a single mom and how the community has enriched her and her son's life.  Watch her testimonial:



These stories represent just a few Options purchasers but Options for Homes aims to provide cost-effective home ownership opportunities to EVERYONE in the world that needs or wants it.  Attend an info session to find out how you can improve your life and the lives of your children.

Mark K. (Birchmount Purchaser) Summarized his Feelings Towards Options

We love receiving feedback (especially feedback like this):

Hi Andres,

As per a summary of my experience with and support of the Options model:  Since the moment I saw the ads on the subway, to meeting the CEO Mike Labbé, and going to Options meetings where various real estate projects were presented, I was very impressed with how much everyone in the organization cared for the very important issue of home ownership, and affordable housing, in a city that has almost become out of reach for ordinary people to own their own home.  

I am very excited and looking forward to seeing the new development on Trent come into realization, and also impressed with how many units are owner occupied - something that strengthens the integrity, viability, sustainability and value of the condo project because owner occupied condos give that development a strong improvement and edge over non-owner occupied condo developments. 

Options helps create strong communities which is excellent for the economy and other aspects of the neighbourhood. Their Options car share and other programs are also highly rated and look very exciting. I would encourage all to take a good look at the Options model, and consider purchasing a condo for home ownership - they help make it possible even for people who may not usually qualify yet for home ownership. 

Also, the Options staff is highly diverse and have ties to the global community so they are a great representation of what makes Toronto the best city in the world.

With kind regards,

Mark

Don't take our word for it! Mark purchased at the Village by Main Station and encourages everyone to learn more about the Options model.  Attend a free information session to do just that!

Disclaimer: The views & opinions expressed in any guest blog featured on our site are those of the guest author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions & views of the Options Group of Companies community as a whole.

Options Purchase Consultants Form Lasting Relationships with Purchasers

When you begin the process of purchasing an Options home you are paired with a purchase consultant.  They will be there every step of the way to guide you and keep your best interest at heart.

Often purchase consultants form lasting relationships with purchasers, like Frieda and Theresa for example:



Attend an info session and meet your purchase consultant now!

From Purchaser to Advisor to Full Time Employee

John first heard about Options when he was studying at his local library.  He attended an information session and immediately believed in what Options was trying to do, no hesitation.  He moved in and became an Options Purchase Consultant before finally deciding to join the team full time in the office. 

Attend a free information session, you never know where your Options journey can take you!

#TBT Options for Homes - Part 1

Take a look back at the history of Options.  We love looking back at all these old videos and reminiscing on everything we've done over the past 20 years!

Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, or head over to our YouTube Channel and find it now!

I Know My Dad is in a Safe Place Even When I'm Far Away

Kim lives across the country in British Colombia.  It is difficult to be so far away from her father but she has piece of mind and can trust that her father is safe in his Options home.  He can walk everywhere and he has lots of neighbours to keep him company.



There is no better feeling than knowing your loved ones are safe and sound.  Do you know someone, a parent maybe, who could benefit from having the Options community around them.  You can attend an info session to learn more before you suggest it or you can come to an info session together.  Register here.

Options for Pinterest

The Holidays are usually the most expensive time of the year but you don't have to break the bank to give you and your family a memorable holiday season! Check out our Options for Homes Holiday Board on Pinterest to get tons of tips and tricks to budget for the holidays and lots of DIY projects for the whole family.




Check out our boards on Pinterest!

On the Options Pinterest page you will find amazing tips for budgeting, saving money, decorating and condo living tips as well as quotes from Options homeowners.  

Check out our boards here!

Options Neighbours Help One Another

The first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word "condo" probably isn't "community", well at Options we think that it should be.  With many condo developments isolation is in large part due to the higher number of investors that rent out their suites.  This creates a steady turnover of tenants who rarely stay long enough to get to know their neighbours.  The Options model discourages investors from purchasing suites just to rent out.

Having condominiums with high owner occupancy can have a positive impact on neighbourhoods.  Owners are more likely to stay in their suites for numerous years and want to keep their building and the surrounding area beautiful and pleasurable to live in. This in turn raises the property values of their homes and of others in the area; this also leads to improved and flourishing businesses culminating in the homeowners being proud of where they live.

Options home owners make connections with their neighbours and help each other whenever they can.  Friendships like the one in the video are common among Options purchasers.  

When you buy an Options condo, you get more than a home, you get a community!

If you have an Options story you want to tell let us know! Email events@optionsforhomes.ca and you could be featured as a guest blogger on the Options blog!

Tweet using #HomeOwnerHolidays and tell us how the holiday season is/will be different in your Options home!

I Know I Can Rely on my Neighbours

Cheryl loved how quickly she moved into her Options condo and knowing people in the building made her feel at home very quickly. 

Register for a free information session to find out how you can make an Options condo your home!

Options offers cash incentives to all purchasers who have referred a friend or family member upon the sales becoming firm. If you know anyone who could benefit from the Options Contribution or anyone looking for a quality home, in a good community at a fair price please have them contact us to register form one of our upcoming Information Sessions or call 416-867-1501 for more information. 

#TBT Options for Homes - A Proven Track Record

“There is no genius without a touch of madness.”

Many people thought that Mike Labbé was mad to embark on the journey that he had planned when he first started over 20 years ago. At our 20^th Anniversary celebration earlier this year, Brian Iler, a long-time Options champion emphasized the genius side of Mike and the Options model:

“Mike Labbe came into my office in 1992 with his idea of Options and an affiliated social capital fund, neither had a name at that point.  Many of you have had the experience of Mike promoting an idea to you.  It can be hard to keep up with him but you always know he’s on to something.  It didn’t take him long to get me on side.  The basic concepts for Options for Homes and Home Ownership Alternatives were clear at our first meeting.  Everything after that was the hard work it takes to make a good idea reality."

Some of Options’ first homeowners who bought in the Distillery District were deemed "crazy" by many of their friends.  It turned out that it was the friends that were crazy for not jumping at the chance to purchase at one of Options first developments. Watch the video below to see some of Options original homeowners speaking about their experience a few years after moving in. 

The Options developments in the Distillery District, St. Lawrence, Parliament Square and Mill Street gave Options the credibility and track record to move on and create communities in areas of the city that other developers wouldn't touch. Creating communities full of proud homeowners who prioritize keeping their buildings and neighbourhoods clean instead of filling developments with renters who often don't stay longer than a few years and don't put effort into the appearance of their neighbourhoods is what Options strives for.  Over the past 20 years we have seen this happen in all of our developments.  It is what has kept us going and driven us to continue to create communities all over the city.  

The Options model hasn't stopped in Toronto.  It has expanded across Ontario, across Canada and around the world, with our first international development beginning construction in Limbe, Cameroon this year.

To find out how you can be a part of the genius and own your own Options home register for a free information session.

Options Budgeting Tips

Are you saving up for a big purchase? An Options home perhaps? It is completely possible to save money and still have a happy, fulfilled life.  You  just have to think frugal and put practices in place to help you succeed and reach your goals. Check out these tips to help you save!

6 Tips for Creating a ‘Buy Better, Buy Less’ Budget

Basics of a Household Budget that Works

10 Things to Save on when You’re Setting Up a Home 

For more tips and tricks check out these 100+ Tips for Frugal Living or check out our ‘Budgeting Tips' board on Pinterest!

We Really Do Create Communities

The words "community" and "condo" are not often found in the same sentence.  It seems like an odd claim to make that by building high rise condominiums Options provides homeowners with community. For a lot of people already living in a condo is seems misleading and unbelievable; they don't know or talk to their neighbours and they feel isolated.  Those are not things we hear from Options homeowners. More often we hear things like this: 

"Options for homes was a dream come true for me."

"Our wishes have become our reality upon moving into our condo."

"I am always proud when any of my friends come to see me."

"It's a great oppourtunity.  Take a leap of faith.  I did and it worked."

"I would recommend it to anyone and I do recommend it to everyone!"

"I want to thank Options for Homes from the bottom of my heart for making my dreams come true."

-All quotes from real Options homeowners.  For more just like these click here!

Stories like this are common among neighbours who get to know each other attending the purchaser's meetings leading up to the condos being built and from homeowners who meet their neighbours when they move into the completed developments.  We have been doing it for so long (over 20 years now) that creating communities is second nature.

With many condo communities isolation is in large part due to the high number of investors that own and rent out their suites.  This creates a steady turnover of tenants who rarely stay long enough to get to know their neighbours. Owners are much more likely to stay in their suite for numerous years, and take the time to meet others in their building.  

Our Mclevin development is just one example of a group of people who met because they purchased homes in the same building but have formed life long friendships with their neighbours.  This group refers to themselves as the "Mclevin Ladies".  Watch their video here:

Another way Options helps to foster community is through our development process. As soon as someone becomes a purchaser they are invited to attend board meetings that are held approximately every 6 weeks for their particular condominium. The CEO presides over the meetings and brings purchasers up to date on the status of their development. At these meetings purchasers’ questions are answered and their concerns are discussed. This allows the homeowners to participate in some of the decision-making that creates the kind of community they want. 

One of the more vital aspects of these meetings is that the purchasers get acquainted with other purchasers. By the time the homeowners move into their condo; the people living there are familiar faces they've met at the meetings and some they've already become friends with.

Danforth Village Estates purchaser meeting.

Having condominiums with high owner occupancy can also have a positive impact on neighbourhoods, since owners want to keep their building and the surrounding area beautiful and pleasurable to live in. This in turn raises the property values of their homes and of others in the area; this also leads to improved and flourishing businesses culminating in the homeowners being proud of where they live.

Watch these videos to see what we mean:

This business model has transformed and created many communities. It began with the three Options condominiums on what used to be just vacant industrial land that is now the popular Distillery District. Options has also helped transform neighbourhoods with developments like Shermount at Lawrence Avenue and Allen Road, and Heintzman Place at Keele Street and Dundas Street West.

Do you want to own your own home? Have great neighbours? Be involved in a community? Live in a neighbourhood you're proud of? If so, register for a free information session and learn how to make it happen!

It Was Worth the Wait to Get Into My Own Home

Lata didn't want to keep living with her daughter, she wanted her own space.  She took advantage of the second mortgage and moved in to her home at the Village by High Park in 2011.

Since she moved in she has had a book published and started her own music school!

What will you accomplish when you have your own space to live, work and be inspired in?

Charles Helped Bring Options to His Community

Charles heard about Options and saw a need for cost effective housing in his community, so he decided to do something about it.

He reached out to Mike Labbé. Mike challenged him to find land to build on; Charles met that challenge - and the rest is history.  Watch his story above! You may also recognize Charles’ daughter Kimberly and her husband Daniel from their testimonial video.  

Subscribe to Options YouTube Channel to stay up to date on everything Options. 

If you are interested in getting involved with Options or just want to learn more, call (416) 867-1501.

#TBT An Introduction to our First Blog

Many moons ago, Options CEO Mike Labb was convinced that starting a blog would be a useful tool to help spread the word about Options.  Check out his first ever blog post:

This blog is not about talking it is about doing.  We do, however, have to talk a little initially…

Hello world!  My younger cohorts tell me that blogging is a way to start a conversation with the world.  We shall see.  My YouTube site has generated about 3100 hits in a year.  It is indeed a small world.

The Options organizations count themselves among a large group of people who want to make the world a better place for all its residents.  We understand that we are stewards of a planet that is important and must survive.  We find ourselves part of a family of change makers and social entrepreneurs who know we must do better faster.

We also believe that we must build on the successes and avoid repeating the failures of the past. 

There have been many attempts to address poverty, human misery, and environmental degradation in the past with varying degrees of success.  We at Options believe that the global economy has come to a crossroads that shows us the limitations of all solutions organized and proposed to date.  With the recent near-collapse of the global economy, we see the inability of the status quo to deliver the solutions that the world needs in an effective and efficient way.

Our hypothesis is the private profit-making business is fatally flawed because of its inability to show restraint.  As social entrepreneurs however, we know and believe that the business sector is most likely the best and most effective solution that we have to date.

We believe further that the restraint can be created by establishing a non-profit mentality within the business community.  Non-profit corporations can be designed from their inception to focus on social resolutions and to be restrained in the returns that adhere to any of the stakeholders.

Profit-making entities are designed from their inception to centralize wealth and we argue that this is inherently an inefficient way to solve social and environmental issues.  The main flaw in the system is that those who control these institutions invariably feel entitled to being rewarded for their efforts consistent with the wealth created by them.

I’m sincerely looking forward to discussing this and various other themes and topics with you via the comments sections of this blog. 

-Mike

Four years later and all of what he said remains true.  Options is committed to our goals and have remained consistent since the beginning. 

Don't forget to send us feedback on our blog, YouTube channel and anything else. We love hearing from you so don't hesitate to let us know how we're doing!

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Attending a Free Information Session is a Low Risk Investment in What Can Lead to a High Reward Decision

Options homeowners were just like you.  Many of them never thought in a million years that they would be able to call themselves "homeowners".

Take Paul and Michelle Hillier for example, at the time that they were able to purchase an Options home they were both working part time.  Watch Paul talk about getting his first mortgage at 50 years old.



Melanie was nervous at first to purchase a home on only one salary.  She decided to attend an info session and realized that she could do it!



You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by attending a FREE information session. Home ownership may seem impossible but with Options help it may be easier than you think!

Renting vs. Owning

Studies have shown that home ownership makes you happier, healthier, wealthier and that your kids do better in school. In addition to these reasons, check out this list of 15 benefits of owning your own home instead of renting:

1. Wealth accumulation by paying down debt in the form of mortgage payments, whereas rent pays a landlord’s mortgage down.

2. Your credit rating improves when you own a home.

3. Over time, your net worth increases allowing you to establish a preferred status with your own bank, giving you the opportunity to make other major plans such as owning your own business.

4. If you become unemployed, the landlord still expects the rent payment; most lenders will work with you and perhaps add the missed payments to your mortgage.

5. Owning your condo allows you to choose how you live, entertain and decorate the interior.

6. If you require short-term loans, lines of credit, or other revolving credit arrangements, home ownership will provide greater opportunities to obtain the same credit arrangements at a lower cost.

7. The wealth accumulation achieved by owning your home is tax free, since equity in your principal residence is not a taxable gain.

8. There is a program available for homeowners only, which provides job loss insurance to cover the mortgage payments while you look for work and get back on your feet.

9. A mortgage payment can be fixed for up to ten years!

10. Pride of Ownership: you will be amazed how the small repairs that used to bug you in your rental are now a joy when you own your own home.

11. Sweat Equity: what stocks let you add value by painting, remodeling a kitchen or bathroom?

12. Retirement Plan: every mortgage payment and every percent of inflation adds to your retirement.

13. You now have an estate to pass on.

14. You don’t have to answer to anyone (except the bank).

15. You become a respected member of the community.




Options for Homes has seen first-hand in many of our owner's that home ownership improves the lives of people. We think it's pretty obvious where the check mark should go!

For many people the idea of owning a home is something they don't think is possible for them. At Options we are committed to helping everyone get into home ownership. Attend a FREE Information Session and see how we can help you!

Also, visit our YouTube channel and Subscribe to see testimonials from homeowners to see first hand how their lives and the lives of their children have gotten better since they bought their own homes!

How the Options Second Mortgage Pays it Forward

When we first explain the concept of the Options Second Mortgage we usually get one of two reactions:

1. People don't understand how the Second Mortgage works.

2. They think it sounds too good to be true and there must be a catch. 

We posted a blog the other day explaining how the Second Mortgage works.  Read it here and check out this video of the Village by High Park owner Melanie describing her understanding of the Second Mortgage:

If you still need some clarification register for a free Information Session.  CEO Mike Labbé will explain the Second Mortgage and there will be purchase consultants there who can answer any and every question you may have. 

When a House Becomes a Home

We constantly hear from Options homeowners about their favourite Options Moment.  One thing we hear over and over again is about the moment when they feel at home. Sometimes it takes a while to feel comfortable in a new neighbourhood and in a new environment. 

Moving in, meeting neighbours, exploring the neighbourhood - it can be overwhelming, but there is always that moment where all of a sudden your new Options house becomes your home, your sanctuary and the place you are most proud of.

Watch the video above to see Andrea describe the moment where she knew her Options condo was her home! 

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to see more videos like this and register for a free information session to find out how you can make an Options condo your HOME!

#TBT 2004 Co-operative Innovator Award

Check out this 10 year old video of Mike Labbé discussing Options and accepting the Co-operative Innovator Award

Options has gotten a lot of recognition through the years. Check out our various awards here.

Options would not be able to earn any of this recognition without our amazing staff, affiliate organizations and, most importantly, homeowners.  To find out how you can own a home developed by an award winning not for profit organization join us at one of our free information sessions!

The Village by Main Station 20th Anniversary Party Recap

Every month Options has been hosting a 20th Anniversary party for each of our developments.  Last night was the last one! Purchasers at the Village by Main Station gathered at Main Square Community Centre, located around the corner from where their condo will be built.  Though purchasers are looking at about two years until they move in the excitement in the room was obvious.  

The party was an oppourtunity for people to meet and get to know their neighbours before construction even begins.  When people first walked into the room they were shy and apprehensive but after a few minutes they began mingling, talking and laughing with their soon to be neighbours.  

We love hearing from Options purchasers whether that be in writing, on video, or through artwork:

"Mike Labbe is very funny.  He makes me laugh at every meeting!" - Earl

"My girlfriends mother lives at the village by Guildwood.  She introduced me to the concept of Options for Homes." - Michael B.

Artwork by Main Station Purchaser Cathy Cheng.

Stay tuned for some great video testimonials from the Village by Main Station Purchasers coming soon!

Thanks to everyone who came out and made the Village by Main Station 20th Anniversary Event such a success! Check out some photos from the event below:

It's no surprise that purchasers at the Village by Main Station come from very diverse backgrounds. They will be moving to Main and Danforth from different areas of Toronto and are all looking forward to their future with Options.  

Many purchasers who attended the event last night say they heard about Options through friends and family.  Options offers cash incentives to all purchasers who have referred a family or friend upon the sales becoming firm. If you are an Options homeowner and know anyone looking for a quality home, in a good community at a fair price have them contact us to register for one of our upcoming information sessions or call 416-867-1501. 

Options Contribution

You can budget, work extra hours, get a job on the side and cut back as much as possible but sometimes you still need a little help with a down payment.  Options understands that.  We know that things come up, your kids need money for this or that, your car breaks down and needs to be repaired ASAP.  Life happens and it makes it extremely difficult to save up enough for a down payment for a home of your own.  That's where Options' Second Mortgage comes in.  We help you with your down payment!

Options for Homes provides special financing that can help potential homeowners get into home ownership up to 10 years sooner than they otherwise would.

The Options Contribution (or Second Mortgage) is a loan to boost your down payment worth 13% or more of the purchase price of your Options suite.  There are no payments due until you sell or rent out your suite.  At that time, the loan appreciates by the same percentage as the resale value of the home and must be paid back in full. 

The repaid loans then go to create new cost-effective homes for other home buyers.   The Options Contribution is available to anyone who purchases a home from Options and wants to take advantage of the oppourtunity. 

We know it can be kind of difficult to understand and believe at first but at Options we are committed to providing cost-effecting home ownership oppourtunities to everyone in the world that wants or needs it.  Attend a free information session where we will explain what the Options contribution is in greater detail and much more!

Click here to register now.

Options offers cash incentives to all purchasers who have referred a friend or family member upon the sales becoming firm. If you know anyone who could benefit from the Options Contribution or anyone looking for a quality home, in a good community at a fair price please have them contact us to register for one of our upcoming Information Sessions or call 416-867-1501 for more information. 

Taking the Plunge Into Homeownership

As a young couple, young in their careers, Kimberly and Daniel thought that owning a home was something that was in their distant future.  They took the leap and 7 years later they are extremely happy they got into home ownership when they did!

No matter your age, come talk to one of our consultants at a free info session and find out how you can make home ownership a part of your near future!