Adventures of The Roberts Real Estate Team

9 REASONS TO LIST YOUR HOME DURING THE HOLIDAYS

2011-11-30T12:03:00.000-05:00

When you have your home for sale, do you only want serious buyers?? People who look for a home during the Holidays are more serious buyers!!
Are you interested in getting as much money as possible for your home?? Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the Holidays, and less competition means more money for you!!
You don't...want to lose money on your home...do you?? Since the supply of listings will dramatically increase in January, there will be less demand for your particular home! Less demand means less money for you!!
Do you decorate your home for the season?? Houses show better when decorated for the Holidays!!
Would 5, 6 or maybe $7,000 extra for your home interest you?? Buyers are more emotional during the Holidays, so they are more likely to pay your price!!
Will you have extra time off work over the holiday season? Buyers are just like you! Buyers have more time to look for a home during the Holidays than they do during a working week!!
Are there national or international firms in your area? January is traditionally the month for employees to begin new jobs. Since transferees cannot wait until Spring to buy, your home must be listed now to capture that market!!
Could you sell now, and move...in the new year?? Well we can sell now for more money and we will provide for a longer closing until early next year!!
Do you know how the law of supply and demand can benefit you?? By selling now, you may have an opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the spring, when many more houses are on the market for less money! This will allow you to sell high and buy low!!

Courtesy of The Mike Ferry Organization

Home of the Week! - 49 Mill Run Gate

2011-02-25T12:04:00.000-05:00

Home of the Week! - 49 Mill Run Gate: "The week of February 25, 2011's home of the week is 49 Mill Run Gate which is located just west of Uxbridge."

Custom Bungalow In Mill Run Estates Near Uxbridge

2011-01-08T09:57:00.000-05:00

The True Adventure

2010-12-06T16:08:00.000-05:00

The joys of Real Estate in the winter in Ontario! Here I was, merrily going on my way, to pick up for sale signs on a lot north of Peterborough. Beautiful day for a drive, why not, the heater works.

2 hours later, stuck on a hill, waiting for someone to come help get me out. The vehicle slid backwards, then to the side for about 40 feet. The car, completely blocked the single lane, the nose pointing to a rock, and an uphill view. The tail, about a foot away from a downhill slid through trees. It was an amazing feet, if I do say so myself. This could not have been done if you intentionally tried.

It took some really intricate maneuvering, and someone pushing in different directions, at different times, to get the car straight. Forward, reverse, forward, reverse...what fun!

Then it had to be driven further down towards water (yes it would have been in the water if the car slipped again) to get a good run at the hill.

Made it out, got the signs, got the photo's too!

You get what you pay for!!

2010-11-25T13:46:00.001-05:00

That seems to be the question theses days. The real estate industry has been working with the same general model over the last hundred years, but every so often someone comes along with a new concept or model they believe will improve upon tried and true.

The commission model, also known as the ‘payment for results’ model. What this means is, if your REALTOR® does not perform, or get you the desired results (to Sell your property), your REALTOR® does not get paid. This puts the onus on the REALTOR®, to get you the desired results, to get your property SOLD.

There are some REALTORS® that have experimented with different models to less than stellar results. In the most part, this is because the commission based model, the same one the Real Estate industry has used for successfully for so long…guarantees results, or you don’t pay.

The model brought into focus with the Competition Bureau’s fight with the Canadian Real Estate Association, is not new by any means, it has been tried, in various forms, and discarded many times throughout history. Part of the reason for this, pay-as-you-go, creates a lack of urgency within the Real Estate Industry.

Imagine, as the Seller, you have the time, and the inclination to sell your home by yourself, but, you want to market it on the MLS® service that REALTORS® belong to(like some big box stores, there are membership dues involved). So you contact a REALTOR®, which for a small fee will post your property on this service. Everything is great now, right? You have your home marketed to everyone on a well known website; the general public gets to see what you’re selling. However, there is no sign on your lawn, there is no formal marketing material, there are, no discussions in Real Estate firms about your property.

But, what about the millions of people who are working with REALTORS® because they understand, there is a code of Ethics; there are rules and laws that the industry is governed by. They also understand, the REALTORS® involved in a transaction, know more about the pitfalls and can avoid them wherever possible. The REALTORS® trade in Real Estate, day in and day out;

Know which areas in a given region are known for water problems. Whether there’s enough, or too much in the way of contaminants.
Know if the listing price is good, too high, or you’re getting great value
Have access to how many times the property in question has been listed, and what the problem is likely to be, for it to continually be for sale.
Have a good knowledge of the Laws that govern the buying and selling of real property, which apply in every real estate transaction, not just those that go through a REALTOR®

What it really comes down to, the results based model, is proven, it’s successful, and in the end, more cost effective, because when you add up all of the various costs involved, it is typically a lot higher than what you negotiated, with your REALTOR®.

Yes you have ALWAYS had the ability to negotiate how much you are willing to pay; you also get what you pay for.

Why was this prepared?

Surveys show that many homeowners and house buyers are not aware of the true value a REALTOR® provides during the course of a real estate transaction.

At the same time, regrettably, REALTOR® have generally assumed that the expertise, professional knowledge and just plain hard work that go into bringing about a successful transaction could be in jeopardy.

This publication seeks to close the gap.

Listed below are 136 typical actions, research steps, processes and review stages necessary for a successful residential real estate transaction for which a REALTOR® is entitled to fair compensation.

This list is by no means an attempt to set forth a complete list of services, as these may vary within each brokerage and each market. Many REALTORS® routinely provide a wide variety of additional services that are as varied as each individual transaction.

By the same token, some transactions may not require some of these steps to be equally successful. However, most agree that given the unexpected complications that can arise, it is far better to know about a step and make an intelligent, informed decision to skip it, than to not know the possibility even existed.

The personal and professional commitment of the REALTOR® is to ensure that a seller and buyer are brought together in an agreement that provides each with a ‘win’ that is fair and equitable.

The motivation is easy to understand. With the ‘payment for results’ model, the REALTORS® involved, receive no compensation, unless and until the transaction is complete.

The business models available, in today’s real estate industry can afford the homeowner a greater range of options. Always remembering ‘you get what you pay for’.

No matter which business model is chosen, before signing Listing Agreement, Buyer Representation Agreement or otherwise engaging the services of a REALTOR® agreeing to compensate them, the homeowner should understand exactly what services will, or will not, be provided.

For the extra measure of peace of mind, ensure the individual seeking to represent you is both a registrant of the Real Estate Council of Ontario and a member of the Ontario Real Estate Association…permitted to be called a REALTOR®. Check the RECO website www.reco.on.ca for a searchable list of registrants.

136, the number of typical actions, research steps, procedures, processes and review stages in a successful residential real estate transaction that are normally provided in return for their sales commissions. Depending on the transaction, some may take minutes, hours, or even days to complete, while some may not be needed.

Pre-Listing Activities

1. Make appointment with seller for listing presentation

2. Send seller a written or email confirmation of listing appointment and call to confirm

3. Review pre-appointment questions

4. Research all comparable currently listed properties

5. Research sales activity in the area from the MLS® database

6. Research days-on-the-market for similar properties, location and price

7. Review property tax roll information

8. Prepare a ‘Comparative Market Analysis’ (CMA) to establish fair market value

9. Research property’s ownership and how it is held (deed)

10. Check municipal tax records for lot size

11. Verify the legal description from public records

12. Check Planning Department of Municipal Offices for current zoning

13. Check for land use restrictions or special zoning

14. Verify legal names in the Registry Office (or deed)

15. Prepare listing presentation with researched materials

16. Drive by the property to assess the Curb Appeal, compare with neighbourhood

17. Start formal office file on the property

18. Confirm school district and effect of schools on property value

19. Determine whether property is subject to a shoreline road allowance (if applicable)

20. Review all pertinent information to ensure that it’s complete

Listing Appointment Presentation

1. Explain the various agency relationships and get written acknowledgment that this has been reviewed.

2. Give the seller an overview of current market conditions and projections.

3. Review sales representative and brokerage credentials and accomplishments.

4. Review and confirm all legal descriptions and ownership details.

5. Measure exterior and establish the square footage above grade.

6. Confirm lot size from owner's survey or make a note on the listing if none is available.

7. Note any lot line fencing, easements, and variances.

8. Discuss with the seller the possibility of a seller take back (STB) mortgage and other options.

9. Review any appraisal that may have been made.

10. Present CMA to the seller, including comparable sold properties, current listings, and expired listings.

11. Offer pricing strategy based on experience and current market conditions.

12. Discuss a marketing plan to meet the goals of the seller.

13. Explain the advantages and power of a Multiple Listing Service MLS®.

14. Explain the use and power of web marketing.

15. Explain the work the both the sales person and brokerage do behind the scenes and their availability on evenings and weekends.

16. Explain the sales professional's role in taking calls and screening for qualified buyers and curiosity seekers.

17. Present and explain the strategic master marketing plan.

18. Review and explain the Listing Agreement and obtain the signature of the seller(s) and give the seller(s) a copy.

Once the Property is Listedn

1. Measure and record all room dimensions.

2. Obtain house plans if available.

3. Make a copy of any house plans.

4. Copy survey and retain in listing file.

5. Advise seller of how showing appointments will be made.

6. Prepare instructions for salespeople showing the property and confirm with the seller the best times to show the property to prospective buyers.

7. Have mortgage verification forms signed and submitted to mortgagee.

8. Verify with lender any penalties, terms, and current rates and if the mortgage can be discharged.

9. Check on whether the current mortgage can be assumed and under what terms.

10. Confirm any condominium fees or homeowner association fees currently in effect.

11. Get a copy of the condominium bylaws if applicable.

12. Confirm supplier of hydro or any other provider of utilities.

13. Calculate the utility usage for the past 12 months from seller's records.

14. Verify the availability of any septic bed layout or permits at time of installation.

15. Water - if municipal check on rates for the past 12 months.

16. Well Water - confirm well status and have health unit test so remedial steps can be taken if required. Also, advise of any abandoned wells on the property and put on the listing.

17. Determine natural gas, heating oil, or propane supplier's name and telephone number.

18. Note on listing any rented appliances (hot water tank, furnace, etc.)

19. Verify security system and terms.

20. Ascertain if and lead-based paint, asbestos insulation, UFFI, or latent defect needs to be disclosed.

21. Prepare a list of property features such as pool, sauna, landscape, pools.

22. Prepare a list of chattels included or excluded in or from the sale of the property.

23. Compile a list of recent improvements, repairs, and maintenance.

24. Send a letter to the seller to advise the insurance company if the property is vacant.

25. Explain the advantages of a lock box and have extra keys made.

26. Verify if the property has rental units and if so:

27. Inquire as to weather they comply with the zoning bylaw, fire, and electrical safety.

28. Make copies of all rental agreements.

29. Determine ownership of appliances or any other chattels.

30. Verify and list all rental amounts and deposits held.

31. Inform tenant(s) of the listing and discuss how showings will be handled.

32. Arrange for installation of the For Sale sign.

33. Assist the seller in filling in the Seller Property Information Sheet.

34. Give the seller a blank copy of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale and discuss it with them.

35. Explain the offer presentation process and the possibility of multiple offers.

36. Discuss the type of conditions that will likely be included in an offer to purchase.

37. Discuss results of any Curb Appeal Assessment, Interior Decor Assessment, and ways to improve appearances for showings.

38. Arrange for the office tour and report comments back to the seller.

39. Load the listing into personal database for transaction management.

Entering the Property in the Multiple Listing Service MLS® Database

1. Prepare and check MLS® data input sheet.

2. Upload to Real Estate Board – MLS® Data Input.

3. Proof read listing as it appears in Realtor.ca, and other websites

4. Take additional photos for uploading to MLS® and for use in flyers. Talk to the seller about virtual tour possibilities.

Marketing the Listing

1. Create both print and Internet ads with seller's input.

2. Co-ordinate showings with the owner, tenants, and other REALTORS®. Return all calls, weekends and evenings included.

3. Install lockbox if authorized by the seller.

4. Prepare personal mailing and contact list.

5. Generate mail merge letters to contact list.

6. Order "Just Listed" cards and handouts.

7. Prepare flyers and feedback faxes.

8. Constantly review MLS® listings to ensure property remains competitive in price.

9. Prepare property marketing brochure for seller's approval.

10. Arrange for printing and distribution of the approved brochure.

11. Distribute property brochure to all company salespeople.

12. Mail out "Just Listed" notices to the immediate neighbourhood residents.

13. Advise company network referral program of the listing.

14. Provide marketing data to buyers coming through international relocation.

15. Provide marketing data to buyers coming from referral network.

16. Submit ads to company website.

17. Price changes promptly conveyed to all databases and Internet groups.

18. Reprint supply of brochures as needed.

19. Update mortgage information as available to all marketing facilities.

20. Follow up on feedback e-mails and faxes sent to representatives who have shown the property.

21. Discuss feedback with the seller to determine if changes are required.

22. Place regular weekly update calls to the seller to discuss the marketing activity and results.

23. Receive and review all offers to purchase submitted by buyers and buyers' representatives.

24. Evaluate offers and prepare a "net sheet" on each for owner comparison.

25. Counsel owner on each offer, explaining the merits and weakness of each.

26. Contact buyers' representative to discuss qualifications and motivations of their client.

27. Fax or deliver the SPIS to the buyer's representative or buyer prior to offer if possible.

28. Confirm that the buyer is qualified by a mortgage officer.

29. Obtain pre-qualification letter from a mortgage officer.

30. Negotiate all offers on the seller's behalf, setting condition time limits and closing date.

31. Prepare and convey all counter offers, acceptance and/or amendments to the buyer's representative.

32. Fax copies and mail originals of all documents to the seller's lawyer.

33. When the offer to purchase is settled and finalized by the seller, deliver to the buyer's representative, leaving a true copy with the owner.

34. Deliver the deposit to the Trust Account as soon as practicable.

35. Provide a copy of the executed agreement to the office for filing in the deal file.

36. Advise and counsel the owner on the handling of offers while the original transaction is pending, i.e.: days to meet conditions in the first offer and procedures.

37. Update personal transaction program indicating Sale Pending.

38. Assist buyer in applying for financing, if applicable.

39. Arrange for an appraiser to inspect the property and give any information including comparables, survey copy, etc.

40. If STB - get credit report of buyer for seller and review it with him/her.

41. Order a septic tank inspection, if applicable.

42. Deliver the water test from the health unit to the mortgage company.

43. Arrange other inspections as required by financial institutions and/or insurance company.

Mortgage Tracking

1. Contact lender regarding mortgage application progress.

2. Prepare/obtain waiver or condition removal documents and deliver to the lawyer for the seller.

Home Inspection

1. Co-ordinate buyer's professional home inspection.

2. Review the inspection report.

3. If repairs are required, assist the seller in obtaining a trustworthy contractor to perform required repairs.

The Appraisal

1. Schedule appraisal appointment.

2. Provide the appraiser with comparables used to set list price.

3. Assist seller in questioning appraisal report if it seems low.

Closing Preparations and Duties

1. Work with buyer's representative to arrange any visits prior to closing as agreed to in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale.

2. Arrange for trust deposit monies, if in excess of commission due, to be given to the lawyer for the seller.

3. Be available for any concerns/questions from the seller.

4. Advise MLS® that the property has sold and supply details as to price, date of sale, selling brokerage.

These 136 actions reflect the level of skill, knowledge and attention to detail required in today’s real estate transaction, understanding the importance of having help and guidance from someone who fully understands the process…a REALTOR®

Real Estate Sales Transactions in Peterborough, ON

2010-11-25T13:09:00.002-05:00

2010 Year in Review

The month of October brought 410 new listings, compared to 431 new listing in October 2009. At the close of October 2010 there were 1929 active MLS® listings, compared to 1786 in October 2009. The number of October MLS® sales show a decrease of only 13 sales compared to October of last year. 246 sales were reported in October of 2009 compared with the 233 reported this October.

With the many legislative changes affecting land use and development throughout the province and items such as wind turbines or solar farms starting to infiltrate our area, it is more important than ever to use the services of a LOCAL REALTOR® when buying or selling a property. There is still a significant amount of confusion surrounding the HST and it’s affect on the purchase of a property. Recently a survey completed by IPSOS-REID showed 56% of the people polled believed that HST applied to the purchase price of a resale property in Ontario. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. In almost all circumstances a typical resale residential home is NOT subject to HST on the purchase price of the home.

The Peterborough area is experiencing another strong fall real estate market with an excellent balance of properties available for sale. Almost record low mortgage rates are assisting Buyers and making home ownership more affordable.

Sales Activity:

The sales, month over month, over 2009 at this time, show the cottage/recreational market with a decrease of 16 properties, where the other segments of the market total a Sales increase of 3 properties.

The sales, year to date, show a sales increase across every segment of the market, over 2009 numbers. Showing that Peterborough remains a great place to work, live and play.

Source: Peterborough and Kawarthas Association of REALTORS® Inc., represents approximately 463 REALTORS® in Peterborough County.

I am currently looking for homes to sell, if you, or anyone you know, is looking to buy or sell, that could use my help, please let me know. The referral of friends and family, is the highest compliment anyone can give.

10 Reasons to List During the Holidays

2010-11-18T14:17:00.001-05:00

Here are the Top 10 Reasons to List During the Holidays

People who look for a home during the Holidays are more serious buyers!
Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the Holidays and less competition means more money for you!
Since the supply of listings will dramatically increase in January, there will be less demand for your particular home! Less demand means less money for you!
Houses show better when decorated for the holidays!
Buyers are more emotional during the Holidays, so they are more likely to pay your price!
Buyers have more time to look for a home during the Holidays than they do during a working week!
January is traditionally the month for employees to begin new jobs. Since tranferees cannot wait until Spring to buy, you must be on the market NOW to capture that market!
You can still be on the market, but you have the option to restrict showings during the six or seven days during the Holidays!
You can sell now for more MONEY and we will provide for a delayed closing or extended occupancy until early next year!
By selling now, you ay have the opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the spring, when many more houses are on the market for less money! This will allow you to sell high and buy low!

951 Meadow Lane, Cavan ON

2010-11-15T14:57:00.000-05:00

1270 Haggis Dr., Peterborough ON

2010-11-15T14:56:00.000-05:00

3+1 bedroom(s) - CAVAN - $244,900

2010-11-09T14:38:00.000-05:00

Open House Sunday Nov 14 2-4pm

3+1 bedroom(s) - CAVAN - $244,900

Rant of the week!

2010-10-21T11:21:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure about anyone else out there, but I am sick of hearing ALL of the details concerning Russell Williams. I rank him on the same level as Paul Barnardo, just as sick and twisted. The difference between the 2 trials...Barnardo's had a publicity ban out of respect for the families. I have unsubscribed to I don't know how many, at this point, blogs, and am no longer following a lot of tweets and retweets, because I just don't want to know that much detail.

The other reason I do not want to hear the details...who else out there, is as sick and twisted, but just needs the idea of what to do to ruin someone elses life.

This is my rant of the week!

Christine

How Employment History Affects Your Mortgage | SMP Online

2010-10-19T14:36:00.000-04:00

How Employment History Affects Your Mortgage SMP Online

A Day in the Life of A Realtor Parody Episode #2

2010-10-19T13:34:00.000-04:00

SMITH, ENNISMORE, LAKEFIELD - $224,900

2010-10-05T12:31:00.000-04:00

SMITH, ENNISMORE, LAKEFIELD - $224,900

3+2 bedroom(s) - KAWARTHA LAKES - $479,900

2010-10-05T12:29:00.000-04:00

3+2 bedroom(s) - KAWARTHA LAKES - $479,900

Fears of a Canadian housing market crash overblown

2010-10-04T10:25:00.000-04:00

Fears of a Canadian housing market crash overblown

You may have noticed a lot of stories in the press recently about a significant risk of a collapse in housing values. These concerns are based on the belief that the increase in house prices we’ve seen in the past several years have created a housing bubble.

To better understand current housing market trends, we have looked back at the level of housing affordability that prevailed in the late 1980’s and early 1990 when a real estate bubble caused the Canadian housing market to meltdown in the years that followed. While it is true that housing affordability has deteriorated in recent quarters, it remains much better than it was in 1990.

We believe that the modest erosion in affordability will cool the housing market but will not create a deep freeze effect. Home prices overall are expected to maintain their values nationally, though some local areas with very poor housing affordability, such as Vancouver and Montreal could experience declines in home values.

What does that mean for homebuyers?

Now more than ever it is important for homebuyers to get the right advice from knowledgeable real estate professionals. By understanding market trends in their area potential homebuyers will be able to make informed decisions about value for money.

By working with an RBC mortgage specialist potential homebuyers can also review their options for true affordability, today and in the future.

RBC publishes free research information about housing, including pricing trends by province and city, in the RBC Economics Housing Trends and Affordability Report. It’s easy to stay informed. Register at www.rbc.com/economics for automatic email delivery of new reports.

The following is a link to our Home, Mortgage and Lending Advice Centre. http://www.rbcadvicecentre.com/

Your new home doesn't come with mortgage advice. I do.

Contact me today:

Shaun Brown
Mobile Mortgage Specialist
RBC Royal Bank
(705) 878-3224
shaun.brown@rbc.com
http://mortgage.rbc.com/shaun.brown

®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada

1270 Haggis Dr Open House Sun Oct 3 2:30-4pm

2010-10-02T17:47:00.000-04:00

Are you ready to make your move, from Renting to Owning?

2010-08-30T11:25:00.000-04:00

If you’re renting, you may dream about owning a home of your own – a place to furnish and decorate as you like … to set down roots … to enjoy a great neighbourhood, and to entertain friends and family.

But you may be uncertain whether you’re ready to make your move from renting to buying, especially if you haven’t started saving. Fortunately, with today’s low mortgage rates and more flexible down payment requirements, your first home may already be within your reach.

You may have many reasons for wanting to own your own home. You may be getting married, leaving your parent’s home, moving to a new job, having children. You may want to establish yourself in a neighbourhood where you will feel at home. You may want a secure, permanent place for you and your family. Whatever your reason, owning your own home can also be a good investment.

The long-term investment value of a home remains very good There’s also a sound financial reason to buy a home. Your home may be the single biggest investment you’ll ever make, one that could pay off significantly in the long run.

Consider this: the value of the average Canadian home has been steadily increasing. So the earlier you can redirect the money you currently pay in rent into paying down a mortgage, the faster you’ll start building equity in your home.

Does the increase in value represent a good investment? The answer is yes, because housing is typically a stable investment, offering good rates of return. Low inflation and low interest rates, demographics and immigration are all factors supporting the belief that a home will continue to be a good long-term investment, at least in most parts of Canada.

Perhaps more than ever, location is the key factor driving price increases. In a strong housing market, homes in particularly desirable areas are more likely to see above-average price increases. In weak housing markets, these homes tend to retain their value better.

Although no one can predict where prices will be 25 years from now, the average price of a home in Canada has risen substantially in the past 25 years, making a home investment one of the best investments available today.

Get a tax break.
There’s a tax advantage to purchasing a home. When you sell your principal residence for more than you paid for it, the increase in value, known as capital gains, is yours tax-free. So if, for example, your home sells for 25% more than you paid for it, it’s money in your pocket, rather than the government’s.

At the end of the day, one of the biggest considerations isn’t the market, mortgage rates or investment value, but rather your desire to enjoy the comfort and privacy of owning your own home. In other words, the best time to stop renting and start owning is when you are ready.

Shaun Brown is a mortgage specialist, with the Royal Bank of Canada, specializing in helping clients purchase, refinance or renew their mortgages.
Contact Shaun today to discuss your Mortgaging needs.
Toll Free 877-672-9343, Cell 705-878-3224 or Email shaun.brown@rbc.com

Real Estate Sales Transactions in Peterborough, ON

2010-08-10T11:58:00.000-04:00

June 2010 over June 2009

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Association of REALTORS® Inc. reports:

"The number of June 2010 MLS® sales show a decrease of 4 Sales compared to June 2009. 288 Sales were reported in June 2010 compared to 292 reported sales in June 2009"

MLS® sales saw a slight drop in June 2010 over May 2010, however the Peterborough region is remaining on par with June sales from the past 2 years. With Cottages and Commercial properties showing an increase in Sales June 2010 over June 2009.

Mortgage Rates remain attractive, 3.84% 5 year fixed rate (OAC) posted by the Royal Bank of Canada. Helping to make the Peterborough region stable and the inventory of properties available for sale keeping pace with demand.

The Peterborough and Kawarthas Association of REALTORS® Inc. represents approximately 469 REALTORS® in Peterborough County.

July 27th, 2010 Real Estate News

2010-07-27T15:24:00.000-04:00

Real Estate News

10 Worst first-time buyer mistakes, Globe and Mail

The psychology of Real Estate, Smart Money

Toronto, Calgary lead drop in house sales, Financial Post

Holmes tackles First Nations housing, CBC

Real estate in Canada, average resale prices, changes in new home prices, CBC

Canadian home sales fall 2.6% in April, Financial Post

Economic

Inflation Rate falls to 1%, CBC

Easing inflation points to gradual interest rate hikes, Toronto Star

July 16, 2010, Real Estate News

2010-07-16T11:48:00.000-04:00

Real Estate News

What's Next for Canada's Housing Market? Globe and Mail

House Prices Fall for the First Time This Year! Globe and Mail

Sex sells. No, wait. Maybe it doesn’t! Globe and Mail

Signing real estate deals requires careful attention! Toronto Star

Canadian home sales on the wane Toronto Star

Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville put up for sale Toronto Star

June 19, 2010, Real Estate News

2010-06-20T09:50:00.007-04:00

Real Estate News

Real Estate industry fights back against criticism (Toronto Star)

Home sales sputter in May (Globe and Mail)

Canadian new home prices rise in April (Toronto Star)

Resales slow dramatically in May after hot April (National Post)

Housing co-op trumps condos for Architectural award (Globe and Mail)

Mortgage trends to cool housing market (Calgary Herald)

700 Ontario Homes Insulated with UFFI

2009-02-25T11:59:00.006-05:00

Over the last 18 months, approximately 700 Homes have been insulated by RetroFoam Canada with a form of urea formaldehyde-based thermal insulation (UFFI), called RetroFoam. This type of insulation was prohibited in Canada in December 1980 under the Hazardous Products Act.

The complete advisory from Health Canada:

OTTAWA - Health Canada is informing consumers that RetroFoam of Canada Incorporated imported and illegally sold RetroFoam insulation in Canada. RetroFoam is a urea formaldehyde-based thermal insulation (UFFI). This type of insulation was prohibited in Canada in December 1980 under the Hazardous Products Act. Health Canada was recently advised that RetroFoam has been installed in a limited number of homes in Ontario.

Once Health Canada became aware the Hazardous Products Act had been contravened, the department took prompt compliance and enforcement action. Health Canada issued a "cease and desist" letter to RetroFoam of Canada Incorporated, the Canadian importer of the insulation, to stop all importation and sale of RetroFoam in Canada. Health Canada also instructed Enerliv, the Canadian distributor of RetroFoam, to stop all sale, advertisement and further installations of the product and to call back any unused product. RetroFoam, RetroFoam of Canada Inc., and Enerliv were placed on Canada Border Service Agency's automated system target list to prevent any future importation of this product. As a result of Health Canada's actions, RetroFoam is no longer available for sale or installation in Canada.

RetroFoam of Canada Inc. is responsible for ensuring that the products they import, sell or advertise meet the requirements of the Hazardous Products Act and its regulations. Health Canada is currently reviewing its legal options.

Urea formaldehyde insulation is prohibited in Canada because it may release formaldehyde gas into indoor air. Health Canada is taking further regulatory action to protect the health and safety of homeowners who have had RetroFoam installed in their homes by supporting them in having their indoor air quality tested.

Health Canada will be communicating directly with homeowners to provide further details on how they can obtain Government support for having their indoor air quality tested. Additional information will be available shortly on the Department’s Website and is available via a toll-free number: 1-800-443-0395.

Land Transfer Tax Rebate

2008-04-23T14:09:00.004-04:00

Please note that this information is outdated

In December of 2007, proposed amendment's to the Land Transfer Tax Act were announced in the 2007 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review. These proposed amendments need to be passed by the Legislature and receive Royal Assent to become law.

The proposal is to include Resale Homes in the Land Transfer Tax Refund Program, for First-Time Homebuyers, to a maximum of $2000.00. This proposal was effective as of December 13, 2007. Agreements of Purchase and Sale that were entered into after December 13, 2007, could possibly qualify.

Until the proposed changes pass through the Legislature and receive Royal Assent the following will apply to First-Time Homebuyers of Resale Homes.

Land Transfer Tax must be paid at registration
A copy of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, a copy of the registered instrument on which the land transfer tax was paid, and a properly completed form - Ontario Land Transfer Tax Refund Affidavit must be submitted to the Ministry of Revenue

The applicable refund will be paid once the Proposals become Law

For full eligibility requirements go to the following link:

http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/english/notices/ltt/0207.html

Monday Blues

2008-04-14T14:58:00.005-04:00

Have you ever thought to yourself....What am I doing? Why did I come into work? Your head is 20 lbs heavier than normal, breathing is hard as you can't seem to clear your sinuses! Is it yet another cold in a long line of them...or is it allergies...or is it just Monday, and the weekend didn't last long enough!!

Even if you have the answer to any of these questions, it doesn't make the inevetible any different...it's still Monday and you're at the office...wondering...What am I doing? Why did I come into work?

Personally, I came into work, because I LOVE my job. I work with my Family, and I have to tell you...it's true, what doesn't kill you, will only make you stronger. Working with Family has brought us closer together. For a long time it didn't seem like that was the case, but this family has made it work in spades. We all know that sometimes when the *?#% hits the fan, it's the family member thats going to feel the brunt of it. We also know, that when we're not at the office, the shoptalk stays at the office, so we can just enjoy being a family.

This doesn't work for a lot of people, but it does for us. Real Estate is not the first venture we have had as a family, it is the last however, as we have found our niche.

We look forward on a daily basis to helping Families Find Homes.

Christine