Monday, November 2, 2009
Top 10 Tips to help take the Stress out of Buying a Home
These are some great tips to take the Stress Out of the Home Buying process, written by a Realtor in the U.S.
Take a deep breath and relax...when you buy a home with me, you have nothing to worry about.
Via Fox Cities Real Estate Hotline--- Bob Edwards- Appleton, WI (Coldwell Banker- The Real Estate Group):
Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these 10 Tips for making the process as peaceful and stress free as possible.
- Find a Real Estate Agent who you can connect with. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It's critical that the Realtor you choose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality.
- Remember, there's no "right" time to buy, just as there's no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don't try to .... click here to read more.
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Why Dogs Hate Halloween! I received an email with the funniest photos of Dogs dressed in their best Halloween costumes.
The email was entitled "Why Dogs Hate Halloween".
Being a new dog owner – we have a German Sheppard puppy – I can really appreciate the love people have for their dogs. I joked with my kids that I would dress “Duke” up as a Poodle....but these photos take the cake!
.... Enjoy!!
Click here to see the photos, you'll love them!
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Caryn Johnson moves into her Luxury Home -- Who is Caryn Johnson?
Comedienne/Movie Star/TV Host Caryn Johnson has recently moved into her new $2.8 million (USD) luxury home in West Orange, New Jersey.
The mansion, built in 1927, has 8 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms and is situated on 9,486 square feet and is surrounded by lush gardens with a servant’s house, carriage house, and a green house.
The home is located just 14 miles west of lower Manhattan.
Who is Caryn Johnson, you ask? Click here to find out!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, October 8, 2009
GOOGLE Street View is Here!
It’s here! Google Street View is now available in certain areas of Canada. Street View allows you to view a map and zoom, rotate, and drill down to the street level and view the photos as though you were virtually standing on the street.
I’ve attached a YOUTUBE video that will ... click here to read more --------------------------------------------------------- Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Difference Between Regular Freehold Home and Condominium
 * My wife & I can't decide between a regular home or a condo. Are there any differences between the two that may not be obvious to most buyers? This was a great question. My condensed response is printed in the Brampton Guardian.
As promised, here is the full response: Great question. These are two different types of ownership.
With a "regular" freehold home, you own the land and the property. As such, you are responsible for the maintenance and repairs to your property (roof, windows, snow removal, lawn maintenance, etc).
When you purchase a Condominium, you own everything within the walls of your own dwelling; and a proportionate share of the common elements (eg. Roof, windows, hallways, pool, party room, recreation room, grass, etc). In a Condominium, there is a Board of Directors, comprised of unit owners within the complex, who make spending decisions regarding the common areas. These expenditures are then allocated proportionally to all of the condo owners, known as condo maintenance fees. Buyers should be aware that these monthly condo fees are in addition to your monthly mortgage payments and taxes.
Typically, condominium maintenance fees include .... click here to read more.
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Monday, October 5, 2009
TORONTO REAL ESTATE BOARD (TREB) MARKET WATCH REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 2009
GTA Housing Market Rebound Continues in September
In September 2009, Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 8,196 sales, up 28 per cent from September 2008. The average price for September transactions was $406,877 – up by 10 per cent compared to the same month last year.
“We have experienced an increasing rate of click here to read more....
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Do you have a good Memory?
 Do you have a good memory? Are you getting enough sleep?
"Executive Skills", like memory, are the first to go when you're tired.
This test assesses your ability to remember who/what you saw, and how long ago you saw it.
The test consists of three parts: click here to read more and to take the test. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Friday, September 25, 2009
Why Buy a Home or Condo with Sara??
Aside from getting your investment at the BEST possible price....all Buyers receive a FREE 7-Night RESORT GETAWAY when you buy any home or condo ANYWHERE in Ontario with SARA!!!
Click here to search for properties or contact me at 905-450-8300 or 1-888-450-8301.
------------------------------------------------------------------- Friday, September 25, 2009
Mississauga Real Estate Market Information
Average price rises to new August record!
The MLS® average residential price for homes sold in the area served by the Mississauga Real Estate Board climbed to the highest level for the month of August in 2009. Sales activity also remained strong.
According to the Board’s statistics, the average price for MLS® home sales was $362,436 in August 2009, the highest average price for this month on record. This represents a five per cent increase from a year earlier.
MLS® home sales numbered 1,059 units in August 2009, rising 19 per cent from click here to read more....
------------------------------------------------------------------- Tuesday, September 22, 2009
California Condos in South Etobicoke - Just a few short minutes to Downtown Toronto
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!
South Etobicoke by the Lake is a trendsetting neighbourhood – with a diverse variety of shops, cafes and recreational pursuits. Add to this the convenience of big box stores nearby and the miles of beachfront to explore and you have one of the most intriguing places to live in Toronto!
Hop on your bike or take a stroll down to the waterfront along the 350-kilometre Martin Goodman trail or the green vastness of Humber Bay Park — it’s all at your doorstep.
If it’s shopping or entertainment you’re after, you’ll find a 24-hour Sobeys, Ikea, Sherway Gardens, Cineplex and an assortment of fabulous restaurants and cafes.
You also have access to the major highways -- Gardiner Expressway, QEW, Hwy 427 – as well as Mimico GO Station, and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). California Condo is located approximately 5 minutes from Downtown Toronto – perfect for those who wish to live just on the outskirts of the city!
THE BUILDING: 
This is so much more than just another condominium. This is the newest phase in the award-winning 16-acre master-planned community of Mystic Pointe.
The building itself is a sleek, sculpted creation of steel and glass. California Condos will sit atop a 3-storey beautifully landscaped podium and rise to 32-storeys high. All suites in this innovative building feature a private Balcony or Terrace, so owners can take advantage of the glittering lake and city views.
THE AMENITIES: 
Immerse yourself in the 75,000 sq ft of Lifestyle and Recreational facilities.
The top 2 floors of your California Condos contain amenities for your exclusive use...including a Sky Lounge and Martini Bar, an Infinity Lap Pool and Whirlpool with a Bar that overlooks the city, Exterior Sunning Deck with Outdoor Theatre, state of the art Sky Gym with multi-purpose Court, Circuit Training Auditorium, Yoga/Aerobics Room, Pilates/Private Training Studio, Men’s and Ladies’ Change Rooms with Showers, Spa Treatment Room, Private Dining Room with full preparation Kitchen, and click here to read more.....
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Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Market Statistics - BRAMPTON VALES OF CASTLEMORE - HOMES FOR SALE
Here are the latest statistics of homes for sale in the BRAMPTON VALES OF CASTLEMORE area as of August 31, 2009: click here to read more...
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TORONTO REAL ESTATE BOARD (TREB) MARKET WATCH -- AUGUST 2009
August 2009, Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 8,035 sales, up 27% per cent from August 2008. The average price for August transactions was $387,921 – up by six per cent compared to the same month last year.
“The increase in demand for existing homes has been widespread across different housing types and price ranges,” said TREB President Tom Lebour. “This suggests..... click here to read more.
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Friday, August 21, 2009
INSPIRATIONAL VIDEO - the Love between a Father and Son - TEAM HOYT
This is a must see video about hope, spirit and determination. It is truly inspirational.
Hope you enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flRvsO8m_KI ----------------------------------------------------------- Tuesday, August 18, 2009
GREEN TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS -Energy Saving Tips for the Homeowner
One of the most obvious areas where a homeowner can go "green" is in the use of energy in the home.
The biggest energy hogs are heating, air conditioning, electrical appliances, lighting, and water usage. Here are some practical tips for saving energy and money at the same time.
1. Do an “energy audit”
A good place to start is with click here to read more....
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Friday, August 7, 2009
TORONTO REAL ESTATE BOARD (TREB) MARKET WATCH - JULY 2009
In July 2009, the Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported a record 9,967 sales, up 28 per cent from July 2008. The average price for July transactions was $395,414 - up by six per cent compared to click here to read more....
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Monday, August 4, 2009
GREEN TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS -Eliminate Dandelions The Natural Way
Now that chemical poisons are being outlawed in many parts of North America many homeowners have become involved in the quest for the ultimate "green" dandelion eliminator.
Click here for some GREEN TIPS...
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Friday, July 24, 2009 Another Home SOLD with MULTIPLE OFFERS and ABOVE ASKING PRICE
My listing on Matisse Place SOLD with Multiple Offers and Above Asking Price in less than one week!
click here to read more.
Want similar advice and results? Call me today!
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Friday, July 24, 2009 Market Statistics - BRAMPTON VALES OF CASTLMORE - HOMES FOR SALE Here are the latest statistics for homes in the BRAMPTON VALES OF CASTLEMORE area as of July 24, 2009: click here to read more.
------------------------------------------------------------ Monday, July 13, 2009 Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Market Watch - JUNE 2009
BEST JUNE ON RECORD
In June 2009, Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported a record 10,955 sales, up 27 per cent from June 2008. The seasonally adjusted annual rate of sales in June was 100,700.1 "The record result in June is testament to the fundamentally sound housing market in the GTA," said TREB President Tom Lebour. "An increasing number of households have been confident
in purchasing a home in the region's affordable and diverse resale housing market." The average price for June transactions was $403,972 - up by two per cent compared to the same month last year. "The re-emergence of seller's market conditions has exerted upward pressure on home prices," explained Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "Look for sales to.... click here to read more...
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Monday, July 6, 2009
GREEN TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS - Simple Green Ideas for Your Lawn We spend lots of time, energy and money making our lawns beautiful and userfriendly.
Here are some tips for making them environmentally friendly as well.
1. Mulch Your Grass Clippings when possible - Grass clippings contain valuable
nutrients taken right out of your soil. So isn't it odd that we gather our grass
clippings in bags and ship them off to a land fill somewhere on the other side of the
county?
Did you know that mulching your grass and leaves can save you click here to read more.
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HOW TO STAGE YOUR HOME FOR A QUICK SALE
Here are a few easy steps to stage your home for a quick sale.
If you're thinking of selling your home, I can provide you with additional staging advice to ensure you receive positive feedback from prospective buyers.
Call me today!
================= Wednesday, July 1, 2009
HAPPY CANADA DAY!
In celebration of Canada Day, Homemakers.com asked Canadians to submit their 100 favourite Canadian things. Here are the top ten...
10. Tim Hortons
"Coffee addicts unite! ... Who can resist rolling up the rim?" wrote Anne Shelton of Toronto. Yes, we love Tim's coffee, Timbits, Iced Capps frozen cappuccinos, sour cream cake and ... click here to read more.
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Thursday, June 25, 2009 Over the next little while, I'll be providing homeowners with tips on how to go "green".
Here is the first of many to come!
Starting a Compost Pile:
Having a compost pile keeps organic yard and household waste out of your local
landfill. It also creates a rich "natural" mulch for your flowerbeds and ... click here to read more.
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Thursday, June 11, 2009  The followinng is a Press Release issued by CENTURY 21 Canada earlier today that lists the hottest 21 neighbourhoods in Canada. Data in this survey was compiled from MLS data by an independent research firm that provides real estate statistics for professional realtors throughout North America. The survey concludes that:
* Over the past year, from April 2008 to April 2009, average prices in these HOTTEST 21 NEIGHBOURHOODS increased by up to 17%.
* Over the past month, from March 2009 to April 2009, average prices in these HOTTEST 21 NEIGHBOURHOODS increased by up to 16%.
The following is the full version of the release...
CENTURY 21 Canada's HOTTEST 21 NEIGHBOURHOODS
• Prices up by 17% in past year in hottest market
• HOTTEST 21 NEIGHBOURHOODS span five cities, 10 suburbs
• 32 of 190 neighbourhoods had price increases over the past year & month
• 117 of 190 neighbourhoods had price increases over the past month
Housing markets in a handful of neighbourhoods in Canada's major cities have dodged the recession and experienced robust price increases over the past year, according to a CENTURY 21 Canada "HOTTEST 21 NEIGHBOURHOODS" survey released today.
CENTURY 21 Canada also reported that more than a hundred other big city neighbourhoods are experiencing resurgent house prices after months of languishing in the recession doldrums.
CENTURY 21 Canada said Canada's HOTTEST 21 NEIGHBOURHOODS for housing prices are located in five major cities and 10 suburbs of major cities:
• Over the past year, from April 2008 to April 2009, average prices in these HOTTEST 21 NEIGHBOURHOODS increased by up to 17%.
• Over the past month, from March 2009 to April 2009, average prices in these HOTTEST 21 NEIGHBOURHOODS increased by up to 16%.
The CENTURY 21 Canada survey shows that the HOTTEST 21 NEIGHBOURHOODS were in Toronto (three); Toronto suburbs (eight); Vancouver (two); Vancouver suburbs (one); Ottawa (one); Ottawa suburbs (two); Winnipeg (two); Halifax (one); and Regina (one).
All of the HOTTEST 21 NEIGHBOURHOODS experienced price increases over the past year and over the past month. Don Lawby, President of CENTURY 21 Canada, said, "These survey results support what I am seeing in my annual June Canada-wide tour of housing markets. Although most markets have been impacted by the recession, some have neighbourhoods in which prices are resilient and stronger today than a year ago and many have neighbourhoods that are getting stronger month by month this spring."
"This survey serves as a reminder to Canadian homeowners to avoid relying on city, provincial or national averages to gauge their local neighbourhood housing markets. Instead, sellers should monitor selling prices of similar homes in their own neighbourhoods. Buyers should monitor selling prices of typical homes in the neighbourhoods where they want to live," said Lawby.
The CENTURY 21 Canada survey covered 10 major cities (Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Victoria) by Canada Post Forward Sorting Areas (FSAs) which are the equivalents of large neighbourhoods. FSAs are the first three digits of Canada's postal codes. Data was compiled for 190 of these neighbourhoods in which at least 30 housing units were sold during March 2009. Quebec data was not available for this survey and is therefore not included.
Of the total qualifying 190 neighbourhoods:
• 32 had average price increases over the past month (March 2009 to April 2009) and over the past year (April 2008 to April 2009),
• 117 had price increases over the past month (March 2009 to April 2009) but declines over the past year, and
• Six had price increases over the past year (April 2008 to April 2009) but declines over the past month.
The complete database showing market activity, days on market, average prices, median prices, and sold-to-ask ratios is available at www.century21.ca/media.
Hottest of the Hot 21 Price increases over the past month and year
Etobicoke
The hottest neighbourhood in metro Toronto over the past year included the Centennial Park area in Etobicoke (FSA: M9C) bounded east and west by Highway 427 and Etobicoke Creek and north and south by Eglinton Ave and Queen Elizabeth Way. In this neighbourhood, average prices were $302,052 in April 2009, an increase of 17% from $257,907 in April 2008 and an increase of 4% from $290,365 in March 2009.
Pickering
Another hot neighbourhood in metro Toronto includes Brock in the eastern suburb of Pickering near Lake Ontario (FSA: L1V) bordered on the north and south by Finch Avenue and Highway 401, where average prices were $334,216 in April 2009, an increase of 16% from $280,340 in March 2009 and an increase of 7% from $311,372 in April 2008.
Richmond, B.C.
The hottest neighbourhood in the Greater Vancouver/Lower Mainland is in Richmond (FSA: V6X), bounded north and south by Fraser River and Westminster Highway and east and west by Number 5 Road and Vancouver International Airport, where average prices were $448,469 in April 2009, an increase of 16% from $375,396 since March 2009 and an increase of 3% from $433,605 since April 2008.
Langley, B.C.
Another hot Vancouver neighbourhood is in the Township of Langley, 30 kilometres east up the Fraser Valley. Including the Langley Meadows neighbourhood (FSA: V2Y) this area is located directly south of the Trans-Canada Highway, north of 62nd and 56th Avenues, west of 248th Street and east of 196th Street, where average prices were $490,354 in April 2009, an increase of 15% from $414,560 since March 2009 and an increase of 12% from $437,041 since April 2008.
Winnipeg
North Kildonan in Winnipeg is a hottest neighbourhood (FSA: R2G), in an area bounded on the north, south and east by Glenway and Knowles Avenues, Oakland and McLeod Avenues and Day Street respectively. In this neighbourhood average prices were $225,111 in April 2009, an increase of 15% from $190,573 in March 2009 and an increase of 2% from $220,416 since April 2008.
Vancouver
The hottest neighbourhood in Vancouver is the downtown West Side/Coal Harbour area (FSA:V6E) bordering English Bay on the south, Hastings Street on the north, Burrard Street on the east and Broughton Street on the west. In this neighbourhood, average prices were $561,198 in April 2009, an increase of 15% from $476,331 in March 2009 and an increase of 0.3% from $559,314 in April 2008.
Ottawa
The hottest neighbourhood in Ottawa is the central area of Greenboro (FSA: K1T) bounded by Conroy Road and the CNR/CPR right of way. In this neighbourhood, average prices were $277,434 in April 2009, an increase of 15% from $235,956 in March 2009 and an increase of 3%from $268,028 in April 2008.
Toronto
The hottest neighbourhood in the City of Toronto includes High Park (FSA: M6P) bounded north and east by the CPR and CN tracks and on the south and west by Bloor Street and Runnymede Road, where average prices were $505,063 in April 2009, an increase of 14% from $436,369 since March 2009 and an increase of 7% from $473,392 since April 2008.
Oshawa
In the Toronto suburbs, one of the hottest neighbourhoods is Central Oshawa (FSA: L1J) bordered on the south and east by Lake Ontario and Oshawa Creek, on the north by Conlin Road and on the west by the Oshawa-Whitby town line. In this neighbourhood, average prices were $230,320 in April 2009, an increase of 13% from $177,912 in March 2009 and an increase of 4% from $196,357 in April 2008.
Halifax
The hottest neighbourhood in Halifax borders on the northeast shores of Halifax Harbour and Morris Lake (FSA B2W) where average prices were $222,756 in April 2009, an increase of 11% from $197,491 since March 2009 and an increase of 11% from $200,041 since April 2008.
An additional 17 neighbourhoods had increases of 10% to 27% over the past month from March 2009 to April 2009, but experienced declines over the past year from April 2008 to April 2009. Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary each have two of these neighbourhoods, while the others are Richmond Hill, Brampton, North York, Etobicoke, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Abbotsford, Port Moody, and Burnaby.
Data in this survey was compiled from MLS data for CENTURY 21 Canada by an independent research firm that provides real estate statistics for professional realtors throughout North America.
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Tuesday, April 21, 2009 Bank of Canada Cuts Rates (Again) The Bank of Canada today announced another cut to the key lending rate. The Bank reduced the overnight rate by one-quarter of a percentage point to 0.25%.
Here is an interesting article by James Cowan of the National Post providing insights on the bank rate.
The Bank of Canada Tuesday cut its key interest rate to 0.25%. What does that mean?
As the country's central bank, the Bank of Canada is responsible for improving the performance of the economy by managing the supply of money and availability of credit. The bank uses a small number of....click here to read more.
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Tuesday, April 14, 2009 Brain Teasing Question for Buyers Are you looking for a condo/townhouse/semi or detached home? Here is a question for all you buyers...What costs you nothing but can save you thousands of dollars? Before I give you the answer, let me tell you a little story. Click here to read more.
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Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Brampton Vales of Castlemore
The Vales of Castlemore is a beautiful Brampton community built by Mattamy Homes. These beautiful homes are surrounded by ravines, parks, playgrounds, and walking/biking trails. This established Brampton community is conveniently located close to all amenities - schools, hospital, transit, major highways, shopping malls and plazas.
The prestigious Vales of Castlemore community provides an assortment of ....click here to read more.
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Sunday, April 4, 2009
Buying a Home - the Psychology of House Hunting Here is an interesting article I read today about the Psychology of House Hunting, written by Collin Ellard. With the Spring market upon us, Collin re-evaulates the psychology of buying a new home. Read and enjoy: It's house-hunting season. The FOR SALE signs are everywhere. The weekend Open Houses are beginning to heat up (even though the weather isn't), and anyone thinking of moving house in the summer knows that now is the time for action. But in today's .... click here to read more.
If you have any questions or would like to search my Century 21 database for a list of homes available in your desired area, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'm here to help you. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday, April 1, 2009 Buying a Home - Determining What You Can Afford  If you're thinking of purchasing your first home, you probably have a lot of great ideas about what you'd like - such as several thousand square feet of living space, a two-car garage, large fenced-in lot, one or two fireplaces and a panoramic view. But it may be time for a reality check. Most first-time buyers want their dream home right away. ....... click here to read more.
Saturday, March 28, 2009 Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) The Government of Ontario is exploring the possibility of harmonizing the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) with the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). This "harmonization" will result in an increase in.....click here to read more. ----------------------------------------------------------- Friday, March 27, 2009
GREAT Return on Investment (ROI)
My husband and his business partner own a Petro Canada gas station in Brantford, Ontario. The convenience store sells various Lottery tickets, and has sold many winning...click here to read more. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Mortgage Brokerage Suspensions Did you know...Since February, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) has suspended the licenses of over 100 Mortgage Brokerages for not having...click here to read more now!
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Friday, March 6, 2009
Rosedale Village Golf & Country Club 
Are you an empty-nester looking to down-size your present home? Are you looking for a safe place to call home, a place that allows you the freedom to enjoy the lifestyle you want with the amenities you desire?
Nestled in Brampton, Rosedale Village Golf & Country Club is a private, secure, gated community that caters to adults 50+. It's located close to shopping malls, hospital, biking trails, parks, conservation areas, GO and public transit, and major Highways 410, 407, and 401.
Rosedale Village offers homes that compliment your lifestyle...Detached Homes, Semi-Detached, Townhomes, and low-rise Condominiums featuring fantastic layouts and architectural design. Rosedale Village Golf & Country Club has the facilities that cater to your desired lifestyle...as relaxed or as active as you wish. - Private, Executive 9-hole Golf Course
- Wonderfully designed Club House and Recreation Centre
- Multi-Purpose Auditorium, meeting room, and more!
- Exercise Room
- Indoor Pool
- Fireside Lounge
- Tennis Court
- Lawn Bowling and Bocce Facilities
- Gorgeous Landscaped Parks
From Card Games to Chess games, from Billiards to Shuffleboard, from Crafts or just getting together for Coffee, you'll find a group who shares your interests. You'll meet new friends while staying conveniently close to family and old friends too. Come experience all that Rosedale has to offer you! You'll be glad you did!
Call me for your personal viewing of this fantastic gated adult community. Sincerely,
Sara Kareer
Sales Representative
Century 21 Millennium Inc., Brokerage
(tel) 905-450-8300
(toll-free) 1-888-450-8301
(web) www.century21.ca/sara.kareer
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Opportunity knocks - According to the 16th Annual RBC Homeownership Survey, two-in-three Canadians think it's a buyer's market right now and more than a quarter of Canadians (27 per cent) say they intend to purchase a home over the next two years, up four points from 23 per cent in 2008 - the largest single year increase since 2001. Additionally, almost half (48 per cent) indicate it makes sense to buy a home now versus waiting until next year. The RBC survey found that younger Canadians are most likely to spark an upsurge in home sales. In the under 35 group, 48 per cent said they plan to buy, which is up sharply from 36 per cent last year. Renters also appear to be saying they are tired of paying someone else's mortgage payment, with 38 per cent planning to become homeowners in the next two years. Cheaper prices combined with falling interest rates - down 50 basis points after March's rate cut by the Bank of Canada -indicate that people believe they will be able to pay less for a relatively valuable asset that will begin rise in net worth as the economy recovers.
The RBC poll was released March 4th and was conducted by Ipsos Reid between January 6 to 9, 2009. The online survey of 2,026 adult Canadians is considered accurate to within 2.2 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Looking to buy a home...want information at your fingertips, call me today!
BONUS: Buy or sell with SARA before April 30, 2009 and you'll receive BONUS Air Miles Travel Miles!
Sincerely,
Sara Kareer
Sales Representative
Century 21 Millennium Inc., Brokerage
(tel) 905-450-8300
(toll-free) 1-888-450-8301
(web) www.century21.ca/sara.kareer
Tuesday, March 3, 2009 MORE Good news for Homebuyers!!
As expected, the Bank of Canada has dropped its key lending rate half a percentage point to a record low of 0.5 percent in its latest move to stimulate the economy. Shortly after the announcement, Royal Bank, Bank of Montreal, TD Bank, CIBC and Scotiabank announced that they would cut their prime rates by half a percentage point, in step with the central bank. The lower prime rate will fall to 2.50 per cent on Wednesday. The Bank of Canada's next interest rate meeting is April 21, 2009.
This rate cut along with the measures in the governments January Budget are expected to increase consumer borrowing. Many consumers will be re-financing their mortgages and it will spur a lot of first-time buyers.
The Federal budget provides $750 in tax relief for first-time home buyers and also increases the limit that can be withdrawn from RRSP's for a down-payment to $25,000.
If you need help getting pre-approved, give me a call. I have access to Mortgage Brokers who provide the best terms and rates based on your needs. Sincerely,
Sara Kareer
Sales Representative
Century21 Millennium Inc., Brokerage
(tel) 905-450-8300
(toll-free) 1-888-450-8301
(web) www.century21.ca/sara.kareer
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Real Estate is STILL One of the BEST Investments You Can Make
Despite recent slowdowns in some markets, housing remains a good long-term investment, and demographic demand favours housing over the long term.
Homeownership offers immediate benefits and long-term value. Homeowners accumulate wealth for the future while enjoying the benefits of a shelter that they can use, improve and sell.
Reasons Why You Should Stop Renting
I am 100% committed to putting your interests first. Contact me and let me lead you through the exciting world of home ownership.
Sincerely,
Sara Kareer
Sales Representative
Century 21 Millennium Inc., Brokerage
(tel) 905-450-8300
(toll-free) 1-888-450-8301
(web) www.century21.ca/sara.kareer
Friday, February 27, 2009
First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit
Here is another program geared towards first-time home buyers! The Government is offering an incentive for first time home buyers by offering a 15% income tax credit for closing costs.
Details - To assist first-time home buyers with the costs related to the purchase of a home.
- The First-Time Home Buyers' Credit (FTHBC) provides a 15 percent credit on a maximum of $5,000 of home purchase costs (e.g. legal fees, land transfer taxes, etc.), meaning maximum tax relief of $750.
- Applicable to first-time buyers purchasing a home closing after January 27, 2009.
- The FTHBC is claimable for the taxation year in which the home is acquired.
- An individual will be considered a first-time home buyer if neither the individual nor the individual's spouse or common-law partner owned and lived in another home in the calendar year of the home purchase or in any of the four preceding calendar years.
If you are a person with a disability or are buying a house for a related person with a disability, you do not have to be a first time home buyer. However, the home must be acquired to enable the person with a disability to live in a more accessible dwelling or in an environment better suited to the personal needs and care of that person. If you're a first-time home buyer, contact me today for further information on this and other programs geared towards helping first-time home buyers....its time to start building your equity!
I am 100% committed to putting your interests first.
Contact me and let me lead you through the exciting world of home ownership.
Sincerely,
Sara Kareer
Sales Representative
Century 21 Millennium Inc., Brokerage
(tel) 905-450-8300
(toll-free) 1-888-450-8301
(web) www.century21.ca/sara.kareer
Home Ownership Program:
The following is an update on the Home Ownership Program offered in the Region of Peel.
Peel Region will ask Ottawa and Queen’s Park to extend for another year a home ownership program that’s geared to low-income residents.
In May 2008, Peel received $2.85 million under the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing program (AHP).
Dubbed “Home in Peel,” the initiative set out to provide 282 applicants with up to $10,000 of forgivable down payment assistance towards the purchase of a resale home.
Peel received 807 applications since the program’s startup. Some 282 applications have been approved with 80 offers of purchase completed.
However, with the program set to expire on March 31, officials say Peel needs more time to ensure the remaining applicants secure homes.
“This program was administratively heavy in its start up and the time involved in obtaining financing approval, house hunting, sale negotiation and closing times (added) to the process,” stated a report handed to councilors recently.
Home in Peel is designed to give low- to moderate-income residents, who are currently renting, a chance to enter the housing market.
Of the 80 homes purchased, 39 have been purchased in Mississauga, 41 in Brampton and zero in Caledon.
The average annual income of purchasers who submitted an offer of purchase is $43,405 and the average sale price for homes bought is $196,882, staff reported.
The homes purchased include five detached homes, seven semi-detached, 44 townhouses, five town houses and 19 high-rise condominiums.
Initially, the program was restricted to people with a household income of less than $62,600, and the home could cost no more than $208,000.
However, regional councillors joined other municipal politicians in asking senior levels of government to improve the criteria in order to “increase the pool of eligible recipients.”
As such, both the federal and provincial governments raised the maximum household income to $75,800 and the maximum resale purchase price for a home to $247,500.
The government also decided to hike up the down payment assistance amount to $10,000, up from the $8,500 initially set out.
Region officials have deemed the program a success. According to region staff, 30 of the 80 new homeowners previously lived in social housing projects paying market rent.
~Torstar Network
Tuesday, February 9, 2009
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Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Home Renovations: In order to encourage consumer spending, the Federal Government is offering Homeowners various incentives...the following article was published by Canwest News Service/National Post, Janice Tibbetts:
OTTAWA -- Canadians who want to sod their lawns or renovate their bathrooms will get a tax break worth up to $1,350 as a key plank of the government's effort to inspire spending.
For a certain sector of consumers, 2009 could become the year of the reno, following the announcement Tuesday of a Home Renovation Tax Credit Tax Credit that lets taxpayers claim 15% of their fixups until Feb. 1, 2010.
"The HRTC will provide a temporary incentive for Canadians to undertake new renovation projects or accelerate planned future projects," the budget documents said, "thus providing timely stimulus to the Canadian economy while boosting energy efficiency and the value of Canada's housing stock."
The government said the incentive is expected to provide about $3-billion in tax relief to some 4.6 million families. The credit, which is available for homes and cottages effective immediately, is designed to boost construction, forestry and other industries.
Taxpayers can claim renovations on their 2009 tax returns on costs over $1,000, but not exceeding $10,000.
The home renovation program would appear to involve considerably less red tape than some existing initiatives that encourage investment in the home. Programs that involve rebates for investment in the energy efficiency of a house, for example, require a government auditor to approve the changes made to a home to ensure energy efficiencies have been realized.
The HRTC, however, simply requires homeowners to apply for the tax credit, directly on their income-tax returns. The only demand is that the taxpayer save the appropriate receipts in case of a future audit by Revenue Canada.
It also, though, means contractors will have to produce invoices for jobs such as backyard landscaping or basement refinishing -- work that Finance officials yesterday noted is often conducted on a cash basis, with no paperwork produced.
The list of eligible expenses includes renovating kitchens, bathrooms or basements; new carpeting or flooring; building additions, decks, or retaining walls; installing furnaces or water heaters; interior and exterior painting; or driveway resurfacing.
Routine maintenance does not qualify. Such things as new furniture, appliances, tools, carpet cleaning and snow removal are excluded.
Also on the home front, the government will put an extra $300-million over two years into energy retrofits, raise to $25,000 the amount first-time homebuyers can borrow from RRSPs, and provide up to $750 in tax relief to help with their purchases.
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