tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85536816672288763622024-03-21T12:59:00.504-07:00Real Estate & Real Life: A Sutton Realtor's BlogWe are Dog Lovers, Parents, Tax Payers, Neighbors in addition to Sutton West Realtors. Your issues as Buyers, Sellers & as Home Owners are our issues as well. Shares, Likes & Referrals go a long way -remember that if we've given you pause to consider, made you smile or taught an old dog a new trick.Real Estate Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048150155720478399noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553681667228876362.post-511649872494773262016-04-22T09:03:00.000-07:002016-04-22T09:03:05.335-07:003 Bedroom Stacked Townhome for Sale in Mississauga $305 000.00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Hot New Stacked Condo - Townhome </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/mississauga?source=feed_text&story_id=972017996246325" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">Mississauga</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"> </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/1sttimehomebuyer?source=feed_text&story_id=972017996246325" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">1stTimeHomeBuyer</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"> </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/forsale?source=feed_text&story_id=972017996246325" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">ForSale</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"> 3 Bedroom </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/hotprice?source=feed_text&story_id=972017996246325" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">HotPrice</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"> </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/realestatemississauga?source=feed_text&story_id=972017996246325" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">RealEstateMississauga</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"> -- Ideal for the 1st time Home Buyer -- Price doesn't get better for a 3 Bedroom in a Family Community surrounded by Parks, Schools, Shopping, Community Center and Transit. At this Price - you get a 3 Bedroom Townhome with Ensuite Laundry, Lots of Storage, Parking Included, Walk out to Patio and Balcony. Who wouldn't want to raise their family here? Unrepresented Buyers Can Call me Direct at 416-388-7384 to Book a Personal Tour. By Appointment Only.</span><br />
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Visit: http://www.gtalisted.com/35-2035-south-millway-drive-w34725482 <br />
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Or Email: nicole@gtalisted.com<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09595372181065671534noreply@blogger.com0Erin Mills, Mississauga, ON, Canada43.53436272220042 -79.66890335083007843.522851722200421 -79.689073350830071 43.545873722200419 -79.648733350830085tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553681667228876362.post-74812044748783961692016-04-07T13:20:00.001-07:002016-04-07T13:20:55.815-07:00Luxurious Bathrooms & ClosetsAs a Realtor in the Greater Toronto Area, I have the privilege to be privy to some of the most luxurious homes on the market for sale. I get to peak.<br />
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I am often marveled by the sheer opulence and wealth of the homes themselves. As I examine the craftsmanship, the detail and the sheer size of individual rooms themselves, I close my eyes and sigh that my Powerball hasn't come in. Until that day arrives, I settle with the perk of being allowed to show, sell and walk through some of the most gorgeous homes that the average person only gets to drive by. <br />
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I thought I'd let you have a look at what a few bathrooms and closets in the $2 million to $7 million Homes for Sale look like.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpkdlPz86RNwX_cKZaQF1Syk9zkSuI9BAS7IPGXrNv3Ltxxh4DtmOofol90rkosDnIKqxfAhfMMf8ECvK3a5RXFKOqTmdtlD2ILySaTD18SdoCJeAdx8guItKhocAqgiOVtnr3zuPxiWQ/s1600/1267+birchview+drive+W3404187+bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpkdlPz86RNwX_cKZaQF1Syk9zkSuI9BAS7IPGXrNv3Ltxxh4DtmOofol90rkosDnIKqxfAhfMMf8ECvK3a5RXFKOqTmdtlD2ILySaTD18SdoCJeAdx8guItKhocAqgiOVtnr3zuPxiWQ/s320/1267+birchview+drive+W3404187+bathroom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfjfSsJ3CnaKkwHBSoqAV0mFek4YcUHXxxcOFMwh1rzPnMP7uzdXV190FspLknBzooIBzDGrjxwg-r5B55SUITD4Bj9a5a9QPHAycyMisK0iMjopbVuf1MLFcZgVbOaOBOh1YKnebSOWK/s1600/bathroom+country+club+cresent+W3431647_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfjfSsJ3CnaKkwHBSoqAV0mFek4YcUHXxxcOFMwh1rzPnMP7uzdXV190FspLknBzooIBzDGrjxwg-r5B55SUITD4Bj9a5a9QPHAycyMisK0iMjopbVuf1MLFcZgVbOaOBOh1YKnebSOWK/s320/bathroom+country+club+cresent+W3431647_11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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How is that for for beauty? There's smaller apartments in NYC that rent for thousands of dollars and these, well, they're just bathrooms. Now I don't know about you, but I'd certainly spend alot of time living in here alone; never mind the rest of the house.<br />
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If you're like me, closets are a Big Deal. I admit I have somewhat of a shoe fetish, okay, purses too, and am often enamored of a well put togethor walk in, but these next few closets, well, they're the dream closets I didn't even know I wanted, until now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZun9lbvdaodLyngHSyNiH9J35o0aHFF-vB3JGDNITT2-bUrDxJtxJjU06uvjp4EoLYRomidTdAtnG2XpcrQw10_OZEVhNC31z71NxUBK3i0uPCl637jMVeNxpdCUZNewgQx-MQQZ2Qdt/s1600/2290+saxony+court+dressing+room+W3402011_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZun9lbvdaodLyngHSyNiH9J35o0aHFF-vB3JGDNITT2-bUrDxJtxJjU06uvjp4EoLYRomidTdAtnG2XpcrQw10_OZEVhNC31z71NxUBK3i0uPCl637jMVeNxpdCUZNewgQx-MQQZ2Qdt/s320/2290+saxony+court+dressing+room+W3402011_11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It would certainly be one hell of a shopping spree to fill these beauties wouldn't it? One day my Black Amex will arrive. Surely it will.<br />
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Finally, life wouldn't be complete without this;<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_Lie-tjC7Zl8RqdjRk6DugCTLwX1FxR_AyOjr4nzaRA01eZazFC-vUnvkJYSw7d702fRkJ5pousTNr-azUUH6Dezp-XYkPvaqyvroQi6LDF9fJjyBuU0F0dDAD0bu0WpWg2rUlsFbO0I/s1600/1025+wenleigh+court+wine+room+W3454834_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_Lie-tjC7Zl8RqdjRk6DugCTLwX1FxR_AyOjr4nzaRA01eZazFC-vUnvkJYSw7d702fRkJ5pousTNr-azUUH6Dezp-XYkPvaqyvroQi6LDF9fJjyBuU0F0dDAD0bu0WpWg2rUlsFbO0I/s320/1025+wenleigh+court+wine+room+W3454834_16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Because if you're going to dream big, there'd better be wine!<br />
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These homes are all currently on the Market in the GTA ranging from $2 000 000.00 to $7 000 000.00 and I can certainly state with confidence that the remainder of the rooms in each of these properties are as beautiful and unreal as their bathrooms and closets. <br />
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If you'd like to make an appointment, let me know; Pre Qualified Buyers can book showings on these properties by calling me direct at 416-388-7384 or email nicole@gtalisted.com. As a proud Realtor of Sutton West Realty, I'd be happy serve.<br />
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Nicole Kreutzberg<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRX9qrJNyv_fNP9BZMAZphuA86wai3TeEZpfvFw8HXDSzrUCsWei9Iob4N_tjJZiDVc36MRDX-94xAvx7k67UlCdfeXJZk1xabcTXIb1bG5uN0J7hhoUPKbxelFbTFopq1UQ17S3fUOm7i/s1600/sutton_logo_black.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRX9qrJNyv_fNP9BZMAZphuA86wai3TeEZpfvFw8HXDSzrUCsWei9Iob4N_tjJZiDVc36MRDX-94xAvx7k67UlCdfeXJZk1xabcTXIb1bG5uN0J7hhoUPKbxelFbTFopq1UQ17S3fUOm7i/s200/sutton_logo_black.tif" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sutton West Realty Inc.,Brokerage<br />5415 Dundas St W, Ste 300, To Ont M9B 1B5<br />Office: 416-236-6000</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This blog is the writers personal opinion and is not written to take place of legal, financial or other advice. Be further noted that it is also not intended to solicit Buyers or Clients already under Agency Agreement or Contact.</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09595372181065671534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553681667228876362.post-72158789222220430662016-03-31T10:20:00.000-07:002016-03-31T10:21:46.122-07:00Toronto Vs. Mississauga... Apples to Apples<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: right; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Greater_toronto_area_map.svg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="A map of the Greater Toronto Area with the Cit..." border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="272" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/Greater_toronto_area_map.svg/350px-Greater_toronto_area_map.svg.png" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 350px;">A map of the Greater Toronto Area with the City of Toronto and the four surrounding regional municipalities. (Photo credit: <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Greater_toronto_area_map.svg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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According to recent statistics, the average price of the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=45.4,-75.6666666667&spn=10.0,10.0&q=45.4,-75.6666666667%20(Canada)&t=h" rel="geolocation" target="_blank" title="Canada">Canadian</a> home is now a whopping $640 000.00 -- bordering if not surpassing on the unaffordable for the average family; yet the markets remain hot, hot, hot.</div>
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In the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=43.6425,-79.3872222222&spn=0.1,0.1&q=43.6425,-79.3872222222%20(Greater%20Toronto%20Area)&t=h" rel="geolocation" target="_blank" title="Greater Toronto Area">GTA</a>, clients are often adamant on location, location, location - never considering what their dollar will get them if they peak outside the box for just a moment. Often, I've client's give me amazing wish lists, price ceiling and they finish their dreams with one word: <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=43.7,-79.4&spn=0.1,0.1&q=43.7,-79.4%20(Toronto)&t=h" rel="geolocation" target="_blank" title="Toronto">Toronto</a>, not considering the possibilities of a <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=43.6,-79.65&spn=0.1,0.1&q=43.6,-79.65%20(Mississauga)&t=h" rel="geolocation" target="_blank" title="Mississauga">Mississauga</a> home or any where else for that matter.</div>
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<a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apples_to_Apples" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Apples to Apples">Apples to Apples</a>. </div>
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Let's compare. I've picked 2 properties in the same price category (under $640k) both a minimum 3 bedroom, with drive and both within 10 minutes of a Go Station (easy downtown access) and both within about 15 minutes of each other.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41oPz_5ScUh2XgNHuCPWskPn2aA7JRsbs9dKGziwhkhBKWnXH4gFpCY8fuVCskCq1t7vJebsZhI0eI7R5InO_A9zVYtujgWYC0GpWX22wR2eaaDKHMZ_iQb6Iipy2skjiPmmD1zb0OkV2/s1600/W3450534+front+of+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41oPz_5ScUh2XgNHuCPWskPn2aA7JRsbs9dKGziwhkhBKWnXH4gFpCY8fuVCskCq1t7vJebsZhI0eI7R5InO_A9zVYtujgWYC0GpWX22wR2eaaDKHMZ_iQb6Iipy2skjiPmmD1zb0OkV2/s320/W3450534+front+of+house.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>First Property:</b></div>
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Location: <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=43.6075,-79.5402777778&spn=0.1,0.1&q=43.6075,-79.5402777778%20(Alderwood%2C%20Toronto)&t=h" rel="geolocation" target="_blank" title="Alderwood, Toronto">Alderwood, Toronto</a></div>
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Cost; $639 900.00</div>
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Type: <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-detached" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Semi-detached">Semi Detached</a>, 2 Story</div>
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Bedrooms: 3</div>
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Bathrooms: 3</div>
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Basement: Finished</div>
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Drive: Private</div>
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Lot Size; 25 x 120</div>
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Taxes: $2942</div>
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<b>Down payment:</b></div>
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<b>$127 980.00 </b> -- 20% to avoid CMHC Mtg Insurance OR</div>
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If you choose to only put down 5% the down payment in conjunction with new legislative requirements will be: <b>$38 990.00</b> - which is 5% of the 1st $500 000.00 and 10% of the balance over $500 000.00</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LgJbjIw5m7NpXZF_AX1GlEdNc2s4-Gl4uqmEhll5ShaozMhRl-GN-MxnJ93qEDGTmcHLVja_JwXtcCYiUNuMJd6bFywaHO5m_NY2Xbr1PcjN5_5zJDbuom9rTLYaTiMiAR_YC2imMvbI/s1600/W3434916+mississauga+house+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LgJbjIw5m7NpXZF_AX1GlEdNc2s4-Gl4uqmEhll5ShaozMhRl-GN-MxnJ93qEDGTmcHLVja_JwXtcCYiUNuMJd6bFywaHO5m_NY2Xbr1PcjN5_5zJDbuom9rTLYaTiMiAR_YC2imMvbI/s320/W3434916+mississauga+house+front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Second Property:</b></div>
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Location: <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=43.5829722222,-79.6236944444&spn=0.01,0.01&q=43.5829722222,-79.6236944444%20(Cooksville%20GO%20Station)&t=h" rel="geolocation" target="_blank" title="Cooksville GO Station">Cooksville</a>, Mississauga</div>
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Cost: $614 900.00</div>
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Type: Semi Detached, 2 Story</div>
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Bedrooms: 3 + 1</div>
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Bathrooms: 3</div>
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Basement: Finished with Kitchen and Separate Entrance</div>
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Drive; Private</div>
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Lot Size: 30 x 120</div>
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Taxes: $3636</div>
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<b>Down payment:</b></div>
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<b>$122 980.00</b> -- 20% to avoid CMHC Mtg Insurance OR</div>
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If you choose to only put down 5% the down payment in conjunction with new legislative requirements will be; <b>$36 490.00 </b>- which is 5 % of the 1st $500 000.00 and 10% of the balance over $500 000.00.</div>
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<b>Estimated <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Closing_costs" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Closing costs">Closing Costs</a> on Both Properties:</b></div>
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<b>Toronto Home</b></div>
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<a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=50.7,-86.05&spn=10.0,10.0&q=50.7,-86.05%20(Ontario)&t=h" rel="geolocation" target="_blank" title="Ontario">Ontario</a> Land Transfer Tax: $9273.00</div>
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Toronto Land Transfer Tax: $8523.00</div>
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Legal Fee's & Disbursements: $6000.00 (roughly)</div>
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<b>Needed to close:</b> $23 796 -- plus your Down Payment</div>
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<b>Mississauga Home</b></div>
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Ontario Land Transfer Tax: $9353.00</div>
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Legal Fee's & Disbursements $6000.00 (roughly)</div>
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<b>Needed to close:</b> $15 353 -- plus your Down Payment</div>
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Is there a difference? The finances required to close a Toronto Property vs. a Mississauga Property is a cost differential of $8443.00. Does that make a difference to you? For most, $8443.00 is a lot of money and if you take into account that these properties are both within 10 minutes of a Go Train station and both within 15 minutes of each other, it can be a huge savings. </div>
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Yes location makes a difference, I absolutely agree. The wrong street, the wrong block, the wrong area -- all effect the value of a home but Apples to Apples, Buyers should always consider all of their options before they close their minds because one street, one block or one City abutting another, can result in a huge savings. </div>
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My goal, as a Realtor, is to get you the MOST amount of home for your money with as many, if not all aspects of your 'Wants' and 'Needs', certain conditions apply of course as I am not a magician, all I ask is that you open your mind to the possibility that in the GTA, having the word 'Toronto' in your home address, also comes with a price which can mean the difference between entering the market now or waiting even longer. </div>
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As always, I am here to serve. </div>
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If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me any time via email: nicole@gtalisted.com or phone/text: 416-388-7384 and I'll be happy to chat with you. </div>
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As of March 31, 2016 both of these properties remain actively on the market and I am available to show these properties to Prospective Buyers at any time. Please do not hesitate to contact me to schedule an appointment.</div>
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Nicole Kreutzberg</div>
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Realtor</div>
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Sutton West Realty Inc,</div>
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Email: nicole@gtalisted.com</div>
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Website; www.gtalisted.com</div>
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Phone; 416-388-7384</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The information written on this blog is meant for explanatory and illustrative purposes only and are rough estimations not necessarily reflective of actual costs which are all subject to factors not necessarily reflected here.</span> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">This Blog is also not meant to solicit Buyers or Persons already under contract.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09595372181065671534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553681667228876362.post-7124295176241103182015-10-15T16:36:00.000-07:002015-10-15T16:36:42.457-07:00Don't Let Your Castle Be Disrespected<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: right; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Compulsive_hoarding_Apartment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="English: Compulsive hoarding Apartment Deutsch..." border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="263" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/20/Compulsive_hoarding_Apartment.jpg/350px-Compulsive_hoarding_Apartment.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 350px;">English: Compulsive hoarding Apartment Deutsch: Wohnküche eines Messies (Photo credit: <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Compulsive_hoarding_Apartment.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hod_Hasjaron-a041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="Hod Hasharon" border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="263" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Hod_Hasjaron-a041.jpg/350px-Hod_Hasjaron-a041.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 350px;">Hod Hasharon (Photo credit: <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hod_Hasjaron-a041.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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On my daily trip to the dog park with my crazy Mexican Mutt rescue (oh he's a wild one!) I was listening to a fellow Dog Owner/Lover lament about real estate agents. Obviously when people talk about agents, I'm curious and interested, so I put on my listening ears. <div>
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At the park, I'm simply, 'Nicole, Barney Rubble's Human' (Barney is my dog). I don't advertise in casual conversation while playing with my dog what I do, it feels to pushy in such a playful setting. </div>
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Mr. L (I'll call him), an owner (of a gorgeous Doberman, I might add) was talking about agents being 'assholes', 'liars' and out for themselves and a buck. He was going on about meeting with 2 different agents recently and how ignorant they were, disrespectful and rude. I was engaged now. How on earth could 2 different agents be so horrific to the same person? I was starting to wonder if it was him. What did he bring to the table when meeting these agents? After gently stating that I am a Realtor, I apologized on behalf of my profession (which I often do - Thanks Bad Agents - because our job is not hard enough that I have to apologize for strangers as well!) and asked what his purpose in meeting the Agents was. Selling.</div>
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Mr. L lives in a home that he would like to sell and move out of the city. To be more specific he's lived in the house, on his own, with his dog for several years, In fact, he bought out his sister after his parents passed on and they were original owners. Gently, I offered that if he was interested, I would love to come take a look at his home, assess its value and we could discuss it from there. No strings, no obligations, no contracts - just a visit and a conversation. I gave him my card and I let it go. A few days later he called.</div>
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I of course did my research: current prices in the area, for sales, recently solds and had them all printed up. I ran his property through land titles, checked its size, etc etc - all things a Realtor should do before showing up to have a conversation about a home for potential sale.</div>
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I arrived on a nice sunny afternoon, was greeted quite enthusiastically by the dog and upon first glance, I knew what happened. Single man, who's been on his own for a long time, took over the family home after years away. There was a lot of stuff. A lot. Way too much for one person to handle, organize and keep up with. I wouldn't exactly say it was a hording situation, but it was close and it was over whelming. The agents who came before me, threw down a price, called the home disgusting, a mess, that he'd be lucky to get out. I cringed when Mr. L told me all this.</div>
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Certainly there were piles of boxes, a lot of 'stuff', rooms that were not really easily accessed but this was still HIS HOME. His castle. His respite and these were all of his things. Who is anyone to disrespect that? I was honest, in a nice way. I told him that in order to sell his home it would take a lot of elbow grease on his part in order to achieve maximum value. That who ever bought it would likely renovate (the entire home was original) and that it would more than likely be a renovator or contractor who purchased. I discussed with him the ranges in price for his area, the process of selling and really let him develop the timeline. It would obviously not be ready in a week or two - but as an Agent - that is really NOT for me to determine - it's up to my Seller. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Over the next month he worked diligently. Hard. So hard. I stopped by on a regular basis to chat, have a coffee, calm him down, cheer him on, bring him boxes, advise him on what ever he had questions about. I found quotes from garbage removal people, sourced out places for donated items, talked about how he could pare down items he had 3, 4 or 5 of (like full service china sets, of which he had 4). It was a lot of talking, coaxing, cheering, calming down and simply being there and listening.</div>
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The day he called to tell me it was ready, I was truly and utterly excited as it had been about a week since I had seen it last and for him to say the words 'ready' - I knew he was both exhausted and serious. I walked into an entirely new home. Well, not new, but WoW! I couldn't hide my awe, my amazement, my happiness for him that he was able to go through so much of what he owned and really pare it down. The home sparkled, it shone and it was more than presentable. I was so proud of him - and not in a 'looked down upon' way, but in a , ' You busted your rear and this is great' sort of way.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
In the end, we had a few successful open houses and sold it. His final sales price was right in the range that I suggested it would be and he couldn't say enough about how nice I am. How kind. How understanding. How I never forgot about him and would drop coffees by for no reason. He felt respected and valued.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
What's the moral of this story? I suppose it's simply this: don't feel less than your Realtor and don't let your Realtor make you feel less. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
We are all experts at something and someone who has expertise in an area is truly an expert when they can impart their knowledge to you in a way that makes you feel like you are learning, instead of just listening. Do I know more about selling houses than my clients? Sure - it's what I do, but that doesn't make me a better person. It doesn't give me license to disrespect someone's home and environment. If the agent across from you makes you feel that way - makes you feel stupid, feel awkward, feel apologetic for your things or surroundings - send them out the door and find someone else who's willing to listen, respect and value the honor of selling your home, Being allowed in the door of a potential client IS an honor, if a Realtor doesn't see it that way, there are plenty of us to choose from who do.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Nicole Kreutzberg</div>
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Realtor</div>
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Sutton West Realty Inc.,</div>
<div>
nicole@gtalisted.com</div>
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416-388-7384</div>
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Proudly Serving The Greater Toronto & Mississauga Area's.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09595372181065671534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553681667228876362.post-30628683717464989082015-02-03T09:59:00.000-08:002015-02-03T09:59:36.236-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMNy73uz2ZUPd9i5EYe2oEME4oJ6bETwlKmhbx4XRPfGRAjfSVJu5eBXs897lE4Ivc7dJ2y70JAkZef558z3NcyX-kyYrNcBalHkLn4CXWW2gYPKn6EAsaPiuta8fnKVDw4PK6MGXLSuW/s1600/home-remodeling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMNy73uz2ZUPd9i5EYe2oEME4oJ6bETwlKmhbx4XRPfGRAjfSVJu5eBXs897lE4Ivc7dJ2y70JAkZef558z3NcyX-kyYrNcBalHkLn4CXWW2gYPKn6EAsaPiuta8fnKVDw4PK6MGXLSuW/s1600/home-remodeling.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Before You Renovate</b></h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>A</b>h the February Freeze is on. When Winter seems like it's never going to end, the days are a touch longer, teasing us with sunshine that lies about the warmth outside. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's usually right around this time of year homeowners begin discussing and considering major Home changes. Whether it's selling (Is now the right time? Can I continue to maintain my property? Do I want to downsize? Is it time to upgrade) - those kinds of thoughts, or, they look around and think, it's time to renovate. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Where oh where to begin?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Begin by asking yourself, what about your home do you like the least? What would you like to add to your home the most? What's the most dated and could use upgrading? That's your game plan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe you want to add an addition, an extra family room. Perhaps it's time to give the tired outdated shag rug and wood panelled walls in the basement the demo and create a new space you'll actually use. Or maybe, the kitchen has cooked it's last family function and its time to WANT to ask the family over again in style. Whatever the case may be, it's only for you to decide.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are two general reasons to renovate. One is to sell. If that's where you are going, decide which features of your home are going to get you the greatest amount of return on investment. Two words: Kitchens and Bathrooms. Don't go all upgraded crazy. Don't put in a $5000 sink in a middle income area and expect that you'll see that back. Keep it realistic, simple yet elegant and modern. Go visit an open house or two in your area or an area similar to yours and see who's done what. That will give you an idea of where to start and proceed from there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Second reason to renovate, to stay. This upgrade in your life is not necessarily about return on investment (though always keep in mind somewhere down the road you may want to sell and may not get all your funds back on renovations that are custom or personally modified to suit your own personal taste).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Whatever the case may be, before you hire, consider the following:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Perfection:</b> Don't expect it. Many aspects of your renovation are done by hand. Either bricklaying, painting, installing floors. Contractors, even the experts are human. I'm not suggesting you settle for mistakes, but there's a way to deal with them and a way not to.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Budget: </b> Set one. Don't try to figure it out as you go. Costs of everything add up really quick. On a kitchen reno for instance, you could break the bank if you're not careful because small items like cabinet handles, faucets, accessories like soap dispensers and backsplashes can add up really quick. Know your finances, set a budget and keep an eye on the over all picture.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Lowest Bidder:</b> They are not necessarily the best for the job, even if they claim the price is low. There's a reason for a high bid and a reason for the lowest bid. Consider for a moment what those reasons could be. Is that who you want to trust your home, your single largest financial investment to? Here's an idea. Start with the best of the best. Get them to give you a written estimate - a cost break down of YOUR project and then use that as a template when interviewing other contractors. Recreate it in your computer but leave the costs out and ask who you are interviewing to fill it out. It's a great starting point.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Licensing: </b> Don't assume the Contractor before you has one. Ask to see it. Ask to see their Liability Insurance and Workers Comp, info. Why get sued by a trade hired by your Contractor based on an assumption. That assumption could be costly and could cost you your home. A reputable Contractor will be glad to show it to you. An indignant one, well, there's a huge chance they don't have one. He's not the guy for you.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Time: </b> It seems like a no brainer doesn't it? How long could ripping out walls, hanging some drywall and putting in some floor actually take? Longer than you think. It's not the work that takes the time usually, it's the supplies. Waiting for the dump bins to arrive in order to begin demo. Waiting for the various trades to come in to complete their tasks. The guy who does your drywall is probably not the same guy doing your floor. Schedules happen. Material takes time to order and arrive. Be patient and factor in about 6-9 months on average for a small addition or kitchen job, from start to finish. Don't forget - you need permits and those permits mean you require inspections and those inspections require waiting. Its the nature of the beast so make peace with it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Be Open To Ideas: </b> I'm not suggesting you completely change your design plan based on the tile guy telling you a fireplace would look great in your bathroom. But, be open. Sometimes the trades and your contractor have finished jobs where they've added a great design, storage or layout that they think would look great in your space. Listen. Think it through. Just be open. You don't have to change a thing, it's still your home and they still work for you.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>References:</b> The Contractor is going to give you some. Find your own. Absolutely they will provide you with their BEST jobs. Maybe those clients are family, friends or part owners of the business. Google them. Social media can really help you here so see if you find anything that is suspect. Not every one is happy with everyone's work and a good General Contractor may have a complaint, but, the question is, did they try to fix it? Did they take the money and run? Ask some important questions about timing, budget, quality. Society today reports everything on the net, take a look and see what you find.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Contracts: </b> Saying it out loud is great. Doing business like your Grandpa did back "in the day" based on a gentleman's handshake - realistically - a thing of the past and while it potentially could hold up in court, you know what holds better? A contract. It details payment schedules, price, costs, timelines, who's responsible for what, insurance and licensing info. If it's not in writing, assume it doesn't exist. Do you really want to hand over a wad of your hard earned money to someone who could just disappear and claim they have no idea what you are talking about? It could happen and it does. Don't let it happen to you.</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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Keep this in mind before you begin your project. Renovations can be such an emotional rollercoaster which starts off exciting, flows into - Why Am I Doing This?, with occaissional meltdown and eventually you head in to the "I just want it done" stage and finally, it is. Stay the course, have a plan and know what and how much you are spending and you'll do just fine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For any real estate questions, please, as always, feel free to text 416-388-7384 email: <a href="mailto:nicole@gtalisted.com">nicole@gtalisted.com</a> or visit our website at: <a href="http://www.gtalisted.com/">www.gtalisted.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My partner<a href="mailto:laszlo@gtalisted.com" target="_blank"> Laszlo Koos</a> & I are always here to help!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:nicole@gtalisted.com" target="_blank">Nicole Kreutzberg</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.gtalisted.com/" target="_blank">Realtor</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.gtalisted.com/" target="_blank">Sutton West Realty Inc.</a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09595372181065671534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553681667228876362.post-83399089629978465012014-05-07T07:45:00.000-07:002014-05-07T07:45:41.500-07:00You're Fired!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYkk8aFbw6olA5tC_wMwYww-jtXsSZ4GRr2o0Np94Ct8iXgW3coRJzmOsZa2E6hAYRD9ElDjOrcWk1qsOKzfI-w16vSmZeJdZlAOYFeT5Y_Q5ZLgw-DPXi29iCZLavI_Xrm7aOdGdA28K/s1600/Trump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYkk8aFbw6olA5tC_wMwYww-jtXsSZ4GRr2o0Np94Ct8iXgW3coRJzmOsZa2E6hAYRD9ElDjOrcWk1qsOKzfI-w16vSmZeJdZlAOYFeT5Y_Q5ZLgw-DPXi29iCZLavI_Xrm7aOdGdA28K/s1600/Trump.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s probably odd to think that a <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_estate_broker" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Real estate broker">Real Estate Agent</a> will
headline their blog with ‘You’re Fired’ and expect to be taken seriously, but I
am. Actually, since I work with a
partner, I should say, rather, ‘Fire Us’.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Did you know you could?
Fire your real estate agent? It’s
not something we advertise – though I don’t know why not because you can and
you should be told. It’s that
simple. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Realtors talk talk talk so much, so fast and slide contracts
in there and by the time a listing presentation is done, there’s a signature on
the bottom line and a confused Seller who may or may not be happy with who they've
just committed to and the Realtor walks away happy with your commitment and a
listing but you, perhaps not so much. Do
you see what’s wrong with this picture?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b>Isn’t it YOUR home? Your Money? Your Dream?</b> Shouldn’t it be the other way around – Me Committed
To You? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s my commitment.
Fire me, sorry, Fire Us. <b> If you
don’t like our service, our commitment, what WE are doing for YOU, then hand us
that Trump moment</b>. We've never had it happen
and I won’t say yet, because if the day ever comes when I anticipate being
fired because I have not stepped up to my commitment to my client, I’ll find a
new career because Real Estate would no longer fit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>So what CAN I do for you?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Let’s start with:<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>Exclusive Home Value Audits.
No obligation. Whether you are
curious or serious. </li>
<li>Customized Multi-Level Marketing Strategy for Your Home – a plan
of action detailing what we are committed to doing and where we’ll be doing
it. </li>
<li>Platinum Home Buyers Program – the listings will appear in
your inbox before they’ve hit the public market.</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Call me now to discuss how I can commit to you, your needs
and your home<b> (416) 388-7384</b>. If it’s
easier, you can reach me by text or email to <a href="mailto:nicole@gtalisted.com">nicole@gtalisted.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>No pressure. No
obligation. No tactics. Just a conversation.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Nicole Kreutzberg & Laszlo Koos</div>
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Realtors with Sutton West Realty Inc.</div>
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Serving the Real Estate needs of: Toronto & the GTA in Ontario, Cda.</div>
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Email: <a href="mailto:nicole@gtalisted.com">nicole@gtalisted.com</a></div>
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Website: <a href="http://www.gtalisted.com/">www.gtalisted.com</a></div>
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Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/suttonwestrealty">https://www.facebook.com/suttonwestrealty</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This blog is not intended to solicit anyone under Agency Agreement (Buyer or Seller) & is not be considered legal advice but is the writers opinion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who Writes This Stuff?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I keep reading these posts about the things that your Real Estate Agent won't tell you. There seems to be a trend of articles devoted to the cause and I'd like to know, Which Agent? Which agent is not giving you the truth? The right information? Honesty? Because I'll tell you (the truth that is) - I don't hold back and frankly my reputation and career is based on honesty and transparency with my clients - not lying and misinformation. Here's some of the popular items on the list that's been going around:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Open Houses </b>- the articles suggest that there is no benefit from an Open House to the owner and that it's merely a way for the Agent to secure new clients. Well first off, new business is great. Not going to lie. It is in fact a great way to meet new potential clients but we don't do these based on that. More often than not Open Houses are filled with potential Buyers who already have agents and thus, we spend our time - the whole weekend in fact, schmoozing Buyers who are not using our services but the services of their own Realtor. Isn't the goal to sell? We are also introducing your house to the neighborhood and more often than not, it's a neighbor who has a cousin who is looking in the area and this would be perfect. It's called advertising. The more exposed your home is, the better chance of it being sold quickly and for your asking price, if priced correctly. Isn't that the goal? My weekends are not spent inside homes merely to prospect - I am there to sell - and sell YOUR home. Send in a friend undercover if you don't believe me. I'm okay with that!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Real Estate Fee's.</b> Yes they are negotiable. We do talk about this and we will negotiate but honestly, if I don't have to put money on the table, I am not going to. Do you? Would you arbitrarily offer to reduce or put money on the table in your own business if it wasn't asked, suggested or required? I'll tell you another secret - while I will offer up portions of my fee (absolutely!) the Buyer fee is usually not negotiable. Agents are offering 1% - but what they are not telling you is that they are charging 1% but you are also still paying 2.5% for the Buyers end. So 1 = 3.5%. The dirty truth of it is that most agents won't show a property if the commission is less than 2.5% (sometimes 2%) on the Buyers side. It seems greedy but in all honesty, Real Estate is the only business where we must pay to work. A Realtor in Ontario realistically pays over $10 000.00 in fee's, insurance, associations and desk costs - all of which are mandatory in order to keep their license - whether or not they make a sale that year. In addition - all related costs - marketing, gas, car, tools of the trade, cell phone etc are the sole responsibility of the agent as well. It costs alot of money for the privilege of having our career. And I do treat it as a privilege. But please remember - the entire cost of marketing your home - from website, social media, advertising, feature sheets, all of the calls, emails, texts and follow ups - are solely the financial responsibility of the agent. We do not get reimbursed. We pay all expenses out of pocket.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>There are Offers You Don't Know About</b>. No. There are not. We, in Ontario, are legally obligated (if not ethically) to report every single offer on the table. It's not our property - it's yours. Being sued for not relaying information is not how any agent wishes to spend their time. I tell every owner about every potential offer. It's not my decision. Even if it's the lowest of the low - absurd - I will always tell my Owners. This statement is just ridiculous.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>You Don't Need a Real Estate Agent - You Can Do It On Your Own</b>. Yep - that's true. You can. It may save you money and you may very well get it done and done well. Is this how you want to spend your time? If it is, than great. Anyone who feels they can FSBO (for sale by owner) their own property, I say, Power To Them. Really. I do know that as an Agent, I have access to so many things that you, as a lay person do not. That being MLS, my website, my social media connections, all of the Agents in my office and in every single office of every agency in the province. I have the knowledge and skill to price your home - using the same models and information as the Appraisers from the Banks and I have the knowledge and skill to go through your home and show you how it will best show. It's my job to field all calls, appointments, inquiries and information regarding your property and it's on me if something goes wrong - which is why both my Broker and I carry huge insurance policies. I don't know of many Agents who show FSBO properties to their clients and so based on that alone, you are missing out on a HUGE pool of Buyers. Buyers who don't want to deal with a private deal and wish to leave the contracts and legalities up to their agents & lawyers. Buyers who know that their Agent will garner all necessary information regarding zoning, easements, neighborhoods, history and the multitude of other seemingly unimportant pieces of information regarding a purchase that makes a Buyers time less stressful than it already is. I am not suggesting FSBO homes don't sell - they do, absolutely, but for a huge stream of Buyers - they have no interest in the process and stick to properties with less stress.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not saying that all agents are awesome, honest, driven or have your back - I just know that I am and I do and many of my colleagues do as well. In all honesty, I went into real estate because of some shady agents we had used in the past and I vowed I would never disrespect any client the way I felt I had been. That's the truth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I honestly love people. I understand people and mostly, I respect other people's money. Looking for a property in the $500 000 range? I'm not going to show you $600 000 homes, I am going to respect your budget. Just divorced? I'm not telling anyone - it's your business and I'm going to help you find a property that will suit your new normal. Just starting a family and looking for the move out of the core into the Burbs? I'll help you consider the long term plan - schools, neighborhood, transit and all of your other needs that you hadn't really thought about yet. My career, my goal is to ensure all my clients feel comfortable, welcome, valued and heard. What's important to you becomes important to me - whether it's finding a yard for your dog, being near a mosque, church or house of worship. No matter what your persuasion, orientation or inclinations - my job is about conversations. I am your agent, it is not my place to judge anything. My job is about Information. Honesty. Integrity and Listening. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm always here, so if you're in the GTA & looking to Buy or Sell - give me a call. I'd love to help. It's why I do what I do.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s;"><span style="-webkit-transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Twitter:<u style="-webkit-transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s;"><a href="https://twitter.com/GTAListed" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s; color: black; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s;" target="_blank"> GTAListed </a></u></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s;"><span style="-webkit-transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Text me at: 416-388-7384</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s;"><span style="-webkit-transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nicole Kreutzberg</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s;"><span style="-webkit-transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Realto</span></span><span style="-webkit-transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s;">r</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s;"><span style="-webkit-transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<div style="-webkit-transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s; font-size: 1.2em; padding: 0px; transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s;">
<span style="-webkit-transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s; background-color: #f2f2f2; color: #333333; font-size: 8px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: color 0.2s, background-color 0.2s;">This blog is not intended to solicit those under agency agreement and has been written as the agents own opinion not to be used as legal advice or otherwise</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09595372181065671534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553681667228876362.post-21752510676029910802014-03-19T08:37:00.000-07:002014-03-19T08:37:03.826-07:00GTA Real Estate Mash Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEuvOPIar9LjuGlAd_K4k1ffoYqe5ICg-tppVByJAXvy_sXFjLi4Ll_5ybRyfXLUxQDoYQr6TQthGerd_XtHpHSIg8rbL__-Fq1CYD7Tf0iBRNNimXY7dXtuZz-7zrFrIn1KjqIfgxx6W/s1600/11111111mashup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEuvOPIar9LjuGlAd_K4k1ffoYqe5ICg-tppVByJAXvy_sXFjLi4Ll_5ybRyfXLUxQDoYQr6TQthGerd_XtHpHSIg8rbL__-Fq1CYD7Tf0iBRNNimXY7dXtuZz-7zrFrIn1KjqIfgxx6W/s1600/11111111mashup.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Latest Headlines:</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.21em;"><a href="http://ca.news.yahoo.com/loonie-lower-bank-canada-chief-says-interest-rate-130600946.html" target="_blank">Reported by the Canadian Press Wed. March 19: Loonie lower, Bank of Canada chief says interest rate cut can't be ruled out</a></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.21em;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/mortgages/first-time-home-buyers-average-budget-rises-to-316000-bmo/article17538624/" target="_blank">Reported by Globe & Mail Tues. March 18: First-time home buyers’ average budget rises to $316,000: BMO</a></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.thestar.com/business/real_estate/2014/03/17/real_estate_association_trims_2014_home_sales_forecast_as_year_off_to_slow_start.html" target="_blank">Reported by the Toronto Star Wed. March 19: <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 25px; line-height: 1.2;">Real estate association trims 2014 home sales forecast as year off to slow start</span></a></span></h2>
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Taken all togethor it certainly sounds like Mortgage rates will drop in the up coming Buyer's market where your first property will cost you more now than it did a few years ago.</div>
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<div>
Everything is all speculation until it is fact. It's that simple. Interest rates MAY go down. They haven't today though. Eventually they will go up, it's the nature of the cycle. When? Who knows. Do you bank on the interest rate? No. Bank on your income and your ability to make mortgage payments. If you can afford a mortgage of say, $400 000 at 3.49% with payments that are $1994/month can you afford $2104/month? - that's the difference between a closed and variable. Sounds simple and easy enough but you really need to make sure you can. When rates rise so do your payments. Careful not to borrow so much that you max out on your monthly payment affordability. You need a cushion. One day that mortgage will come up for renewal - will you be able to weather that, should rates increase dramatically? Don't bank on what could happen, just bank on what you know about YOU and YOUR finances and what the rate is doing now. The rate will always go up and always go down.</div>
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<div>
First time home buyers average budget increases? Well ya. Of course. It's called cost of living, inflation and the nature of the market. No one buys property in hopes that it will depreciate so naturally prices all over Canada will nominally increase year to year. What that percentage increase amounts to varies from City to City and area to area. I think the biggest key here is 1st Time Home Buyer education. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
There's been a dramatic shift in today's generation from generations prior. Today's 1st time home buyers want it now, want it all and want it cheap. What ever happened to a starter? The one where the buyer works their way up, puts in some time and effort and slowly collects resources to renovate slowly as budgets permit, their first house. Today, that first Buyer thinks they ought to be able to move into a 3 bed, with hardwood, granite, stainless, finished basement, attached garage with a fenced yard in a good neighborhood for next to nothing. Why? Because they see it on HGTV. Lower your expectations. Realize the value of compromise and know that the first home is not typically forever. It's the first. It's the one that helps you see what you want next. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Trimming the forecast for 2014 on home resale? Well glad they are finally becoming realistic. As an agent, I find too often it's the media, not us, who fuels the fire. Reported statistics and media create a frenzy of want, need, have to sell, need to buy, get in before it's too late, have to price it 100K over value... then the agent steps into the picture after frantic client calls and we must, please don't laugh, be the voice of reason. Yes sales were down in January in the GTA - why? Because it was freakishly cold and we had an unusual amount of snow. It's quite simple. But back in January, those same statistics people were reporting above average sales. Why? Stats are numbers. Mathematical equations. One large or luxury home sale skews those figures. One home that is undervalued by $50K and then sells at 125% over asking, skews those home sales. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I certainly wish the stats would compare apples to apples when they release numbers. Show the figures for say, the 'average bungalow'. How long on the market, average. Average listing price. Average sales price. How many were sold. Do the same for 2 story. The same for luxury. The same for condo's - 1 beds compared to 2 beds. More often than not real estate statistics are a stew, what you are looking for are individual dishes.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
In this media age all buyers and sellers are far more savvy & intelligent than ever before and that is most definitely a good thing but too much information, too much competing information, too many numbers and all the info becomes a mash up which does not create a more intelligent real estate client, but a more confused one. </div>
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Finally, in the great words of Benjamin Franklin, "do not believe everything you read online, some of it is just not true". Good guy that Ben.</div>
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As always, questions, comments or if you are just plain curious about the value of your home,<br />
email <a href="mailto:nicole@gtalisted.com">nicole@gtalisted.com</a>,<br />
visit our website at <a href="http://www.gtalisted.com/">www.gtalisted.com</a>,<br />
our facebook page at <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/suttonwestrealty" target="_blank">Sutton West Realty</a>,</span><br />
follow me on twitter:<u><a href="https://twitter.com/GTAListed" target="_blank"> GTAListed </a></u><br />
or text me at: 416-388-7384<br />
<br />
Would love to help.</div>
<div>
<br />
Nicole Kreutzberg<br />
Realtor<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #f2f2f2; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; line-height: 12px;">This blog is not intended to solicit those under agency agreement and has been written as the agents own opinion not to be used as legal advice or otherwise</span></div>
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<h4 class="zemanta-related-title">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09595372181065671534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553681667228876362.post-5979451951945920092014-02-20T09:22:00.000-08:002014-02-20T09:22:18.958-08:00The Ad Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5wNosJKeblrnTBJzG7pULTqWinnzXZ7u_M38smlH-J9dpIAQ-jOKsilq8rzcACQsN4Zs-Pc6i_6SIx9UORPKNsltP_u3vmiTaUzUWoaAFoBKZ4r4BiXS8gmdvApaitjCJzpUdpYsEO1C/s1600/advertising+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5wNosJKeblrnTBJzG7pULTqWinnzXZ7u_M38smlH-J9dpIAQ-jOKsilq8rzcACQsN4Zs-Pc6i_6SIx9UORPKNsltP_u3vmiTaUzUWoaAFoBKZ4r4BiXS8gmdvApaitjCJzpUdpYsEO1C/s1600/advertising+cat.jpg" height="195" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I
work with Buyers in all price ranges and am always faced with unique
challenges. Every range has its
own. The Ad Game is designed to make me
look bad to my Buyers and make it seem like I am hiding something, which, trust
me, I am not. I really and truly want to
find you that property in that lower budget as much as you do and with your
specifications it can be a challenge but one I willingly accept, so trust me
when I tell you to ignore the Ads. It’s a game.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Scenario:</b><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Buyer,
lower budget, needs may include 2 washrooms, parking, not a Condo or Townhouse
and no maintenance (condo/HOA) fee’s.
Preference is a Detached but Semi – Detached better. In a housing market like the Greater Toronto
Area where the average is about $400 000.00 on the really lower end, this is
truly difficult but not unattainable.
Again, challenge accepted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>The
Ad Game</b><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>“Hot
New Listing $320 000.00 Amazing 3 Bedroom home, renovated call: 416-555-1212”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>“Great
Townhome $279 000.00, 3 Bedrooms with walkout to yard, call: 416-555-1212”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">My
client’s see these ad’s, immediately call me and demand why I haven’t showed
them the property – it’s exactly what they are looking for and in their price
range!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>The
Truth</b><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ad
# 1 Truth… while it appears to be local (the agent has a local area code consistent
with the GTA) it’s not. I call the Agent
who’s not excited by my call because I am not a potential client but just
another ‘agent’ and find that the property is actually located an hour outside
of the GTA. An hour. That’s a huge
commute. Huge. I provide the info back
to my client and they are disappointed.
I go so far as to send them the actual MLS listing so they see I am not
trying to keep them from this great property and they realize that I am telling
the truth and no, they are not willing to commute an hour, in low traffic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ad
# 2 Truth... again, it seems right up their alley.
A townhome, okay, we can settle for a townhome, it’s under budget, why
haven’t you showed it to me? So again, I
call. Get the MLS number and send it
over so my clients can read the fine print – specifically where it states that
there are maintenance fee’s over 300-400 dollars a month – something they
specifically do not or will not pay for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I
am not suggesting that real estate advertising is wrong or that the agents are
doing anything unseemly. In fact as real
estate agents, we are held to Federal Laws on all advertising and could face
both criminal and punitive penalties should we mislead the public. What I am stating is this. If you see an ad that doesn’t provide all the
information and the price does seem too good to be true, it probably is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">A
good advertisement wanting to sell the actual property instead of wanting to
provide potential clients for the agent will tell you where the property is: what
area and probably what street. It will
let you know that if it’s a Townhome, there’s maintenance fees. If it’s intercity, there’s a mutual
drive. It will in a few short words
provide the pertinent information and provide an MLS number or website info so
that you can get more information instead of the agent trying to get
information out of you, when you call.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">When
I sit down with a potential Buyer I have a check list of info that I use to
begin my search on the MLS system. It includes
price, area, bedrooms, driveways, maintenance fee’s, washrooms, square footage
and any other relevant information that can help me search accurately. Sure I will search outside the ‘box’. If your price range is so low that there are
no listings, I may increase the range search by 10-20 thousand because maybe
there is a listing in there that has been so long on the market that it may be
negotiable. I may see a listing that
only has 2 bedrooms, when you need 3 but there is a potential 3<sup>rd</sup>
bedroom in the basement. I may decrease
the number of washrooms you require because sometimes the search is about
compromise but if you tell me you’d like to live in say, Mississauga – I am not
looking in Whitby. If you tell me that
you require a home with its own driveway because you own a large Ford F150, I
know that a mutual drive won’t work so I don’t include those in those I show
you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">A
responsible agent who cares about what their clients’ needs are will show them
the properties as close to a match to their wish list as possible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Obviously
there will always be compromises but our goal is to make you the most satisfied
Buyer we possibly can. I have access to
all the MLS listings in the GTA long before you do and believe me, if a home
comes up with your needs – you will know about it, that’s how the MLS is
designed when used properly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don’t
let the ads fool you, many are a game designed to bring the advertising agents
new clients – and there’s nothing wrong with that, but trust in your own agent,
they really are working diligently to find you the one that you want. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">If
you have any questions regarding real estate, are interested in interviewing me
as your potential agent or would like some neighborhood info on prices, please
contact me at your convenience. Always
here to help and always happy to meet new clients!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Nicole
Kreutzberg<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Realtor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sutton
West Realty Inc., Brokerage<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">(416)
388-7384<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="mailto:nicole@gtalisted.com">nicole@gtalisted.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.gtalisted.com/">www.gtalisted.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This blog is not
intended to solicit those under agency agreement and has been written as the
agents own opinion not to be used as legal advice or otherwise</span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09595372181065671534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553681667228876362.post-68510586837927231412013-12-06T08:37:00.001-08:002013-12-06T08:37:24.577-08:00The Right Real Estate Agent: How Do You Choose?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLRQ2EfDhrFCT3Bi2y-zX3XxgW5-ZAb8qHm_Qg9I6RNyQtTk67v_fv5PJ68TiKVR1ES5p8rVUSvQT4-vChLl1ci4YXuazOydlRlXBMldnL5qnzYl1bI6FcguM3OCGNN5zUlL8TkkXu4Eq/s1600/Gimp+Blooger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLRQ2EfDhrFCT3Bi2y-zX3XxgW5-ZAb8qHm_Qg9I6RNyQtTk67v_fv5PJ68TiKVR1ES5p8rVUSvQT4-vChLl1ci4YXuazOydlRlXBMldnL5qnzYl1bI6FcguM3OCGNN5zUlL8TkkXu4Eq/s320/Gimp+Blooger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your home or your purchase is possibly going to be
the single greatest purchase or sale you make.
Trusting that kind of money to someone is a big deal and should be
treated as such. It’s that simple.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">First</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">:
Talk to a few Agents, there’s many of us and like with any purchase you want to
compare. See who’s right for you. Who’s
listening to YOUR needs and who understands what YOU want to do, where you want
to go and how much you want to spend.
The Agent must respect YOUR money.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Second:</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
Ask to see the numbers. As agents we all have access to the same figures. The same Data, the same Sold statistics and
when pricing your home, ask to see what has sold in your area and ask to see
the homes in your area that are comparable to yours. Comparing a bungalow to a 2 story is not
accurate and not the same.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Third:</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
Don’t be swayed by the Agent who gives you the highest price they can sell your
home for. They may be telling you what
you want to hear and it may not be what the actual reality is. Ask the Agent who tells you that your
Detached can be sold for $500 000.00 when 2 others have stated $475 000.00,
where or how they arrived at that number.
The biggest disappointment doesn’t happen when the For Sale sign goes
up, hit happens 2 weeks later when they tell you that you need to reduce the
price and then 2 weeks later they tell you the same thing again. Next thing you know, you’ve arrived at the
$475 000.00 price you were quoted by 2 other agents and it feels like you were
mislead. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Fourth:</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
When you see the numbers, accept them.
You may think that your home is worth so much more but the reality is
the numbers. If Bungalows are selling
for $500 000.00 on your street or neighborhood, chances are you will not be
selling your bungalow for $600 000.00.
It’s all about the numbers and they don’t lie. I’m not stating that you won’t make more,
that you shouldn’t list it higher as every home has a unique and special quality
to it that can translate in to higher sales figures but trust that the data you’ve
asked to see is correct.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please keep in mind that timing is also
everything. Will you generate higher
offers in November verses April? Which months are the best to sell or buy? Seasons are important and can impact the
sales figures. Homes sold in the spring
typically generate higher sales figures than those sold in the late fall. Selling in December is more difficult than
choosing February or March. There’s a
Buyer and a Seller in every season, the question is, how many of them are
there?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Fifth:</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
Yep, Commissions are negotiable. That’s
the truth. Some agents won’t drop theirs and others do so without blinking an
eye. If you don’t ask and they don’t
offer, you’ll be charged, as a seller, the “standard” rate. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The reality is this, most agents will reduce their
sales commissions when the Seller is also buying, what we don’t want to reduce
is the commissions paid out to the Buyer of your property. When a home is listed on MLS, what the Agents
see and what you see are generally 2 different sets of information. As agents we see what the commission rate
being paid out to the Buyers agent is and if it’s less than industry standard,
then many agents won’t show the home when there’s a comparable listing whose
commissions being paid to the Buyers agent are full. That’s the truth. Is it right? No it’s not. But the reality is, you want to expose your
home to the maximum amount of agents and buyers possible and that may not
happen if the Buyers commissions are reduced.
So when you see that sign or hear from an Agent that they will sell your
home for 1% - what they mean is this: They will charge YOU 1% to sell but still
will pay out the 2.5% to the Buyer for a total of 3.5%. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sixth:</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
Finally, how do you feel with the person across from you? Did they listen to
you? Did they show the figures? Will they be there for the Open Houses
personally or will they send someone else? Did they explain the contracts to
you so that you understand them? It’s about trust and about how you feel with
that agent. Instincts are important.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve often been told I am an amazing Buyer’s agent
because I listen, I follow through and provide all of the information. I take the time to explain all of the
contracts and I get answers when I am asked questions. I typically don’t show my Buyer’s properties
well over their budgeted price because I respect that it’s their money and when
heading into a multiple offer situation, I have a game plan that prevents my Buyers
from overspending. I treat all of my
clients with respect, I negotiate fiercely and finally I treat all of my
clients as clients for life, not just one sale.
I put 100 percent into everything I do and if my Buyer is looking for a
property that is worth $200 000 or $1 500 000, of if my Seller’s property is
worth $175 000 or $2 000 000, everyone gets treated with the same amount of
dignity, honesty and respect because that's just who I am and that’s what
everyone deserves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="mailto:nicole@gtalisted.com" target="_blank">NicoleKreutzberg</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sales
Rep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sutton
West Realty Inc.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(416)
388-7384<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.gtalisted.com/">www.gtalisted.com</a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:nicole@gtalisted.com">nicole@gtalisted.com</a></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09595372181065671534noreply@blogger.com0Toronto, Ontario, Canada43.628123412124616 -79.4750976562542.163000412124617 -82.05688465625 45.093246412124614 -76.89331065625tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553681667228876362.post-89384685982631590002013-06-18T09:19:00.003-07:002013-06-18T09:26:45.447-07:00GTA Real Estate: Bubble, Bust or Buy?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the amount of information circulating it's hard to predict just what our Real Estate market here in the GTA is going to do or how we're going to end up. Many of my clients say that it feels like a scary time in real estate. Do I sell? Do I rent? Do I buy? Can I even get a mortgage with the new rules in place? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best time to make a decision is when you are informed, prepared and have a plan. Here's some information...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Take a look at this as reported CBC:</b></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development ranks Canadian real estate the third most overvalued of the 34 developed countries assessed by the group, based on two metrics tracking what homes cost compared to incomes and rents.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Paris-based OECD, which monitors and compares wealthy nations, recently released a report that ranks its 34 member countries based on two broad housing measures:</span><br />
<ul style="border: 0px; line-height: 18.892045974731445px; list-style-type: none; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.cbc.ca/i/news/v10/gfx/greybullet.gif); background-position: 0px 7px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px 0px 7px 30px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 12px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The price of the average home compared to what it could be rented for.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="border: 0px; line-height: 18.892045974731445px; list-style-type: none; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.cbc.ca/i/news/v10/gfx/greybullet.gif); background-position: 0px 7px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px 0px 7px 30px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 12px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What the home costs compared to the average salary.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="border: 0px; line-height: 18.892045974731445px; list-style-type: none; margin: 10px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.cbc.ca/i/news/v10/gfx/greybullet.gif); background-position: 0px 7px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px 0px 7px 30px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 12px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out our interactive map tracking house prices across Canada </span></strong><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/interactives/housing-canada/" target="_blank">http://www.cbc.ca/news/interactives/housing-canada/</a></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to that analysis, Canada has the third most overvalued real estate in the developed world, just behind Belgium and Norway, which are deemed to have the frothiest real estate market under the OECD's terms.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Based on rents, Canadian real estate is overvalued by as much as 60 per cent, the OECD says. In terms of prices to incomes, Canada fares a little bit better, but the OECD suggests the country's real estate is still as much as 30 per cent overvalued.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the opposite end of the spectrum, the OECD says real estate in Japan, Germany, South Korea, Ireland and Portugal is undervalued. In almost all those cases, home prices should be higher than they are, considering rents and income levels.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Based on the numbers, the OECD places Canada in the fifth of five baskets — one where real estate seems overvalued but prices continue to increase.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"This is the case in Canada, Norway, New Zealand and, to a lesser extent, Sweden," the OECD says. "Economies in this category are most vulnerable to the risk of a price correction – especially if borrowing costs were to rise or income growth were to slow."</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The latest data from the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Real_Estate_Association" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Canadian Real Estate Association">Canadian Real Estate Association</a> indicates the average Canadian home was worth $380,588 in April — 1.3 per cent higher than it was in the same month a year earlier.</span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5;"><b>As reported by the Financial Post:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TORONTO — It’s looking like an unsettling spring in Canadian housing, a market that has proven far more even-keeled and less scary for investors in recent years than in the United States.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In what is traditionally the best season of the year for real estate agents, Toronto agent Ecko Jay says the industry is seeing far fewer buyers, a result of tighter lending rules, high prices and fear of a bubble. In Toronto alone, sales dropped 40% in the first quarter from a year earlier, making homeowners and investors jumpy.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Some people want to cash in and pull out now,” said Jay, a 26-year veteran of the Toronto housing market, noting some are spooked by worst-case predictions of a 20 percent drop in prices from current levels.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“They say, ‘Before it gets low, let’s sell,’” Jay added. “And some of my clients want to sell and rent, hoping that when it goes down they will pick up something at a better price. Nobody has a crystal ball.”</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But then there are Canadian policymakers, economists and market watchers who have the next best thing to a crystal ball. Their data and analysis point not to a bursting of the bubble like in the United States in 2007-08, when prices from peak to trough dropped 35$, but rather a gentle easing in Canadian housing prices, or perhaps just a momentary pause.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Naysayers believe Canada may be too optimistic and relying heavily on that old saw that Canada is not nearly as reckless as the United States. After all, the debt-to-income ratio of Canadians is at a record high, close to the levels experienced in the United States before its market crashed, and home ownership is at nearly 70$, also a record and five points more than its neighbours to the south.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But Canada does have some things going for it, most notably a move by the government to tighten mortgage lending rules four times in five years, most recently in July 2012, which has taken some buyers out of the market, dampening demand.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“If you look at the developments over the last year in Canada and compare them to the situation in the U.S. before the crisis, there is a clear difference,” said Julien Reynaud, an economist at the International Monetary Fund who follows Canada.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“It is not just a question of housing supply and demand; it is rather a difference in the system of mortgage finance.”</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Canadians have more equity in their homes than Americans did, the default rate is lower, the sub-prime market is tiny, and mortgage interest is not tax-deductible, so there’s no incentive to build up debt.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, mortgages are structured as recourse loans in which assets other than the house are held as collateral. That makes Canadian homeowners less likely to walk away than their American cousins.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“What makes Canadian housing different makes it stronger,” says Tom Lewandowski, who analyses Canadian banks for Edward Jones in St. Louis.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>And finally this from TREB (Toronto Real Estate Board):</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-weight: normal;"><em>June 18, 2013</em> -- </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 4,620 sales through the <a href="http://www.gtalisted.com/Listings" target="_blank"><span class="SpellE6">TorontoMLS</span> </a>system during the first two weeks of June 2013. This result was up by 4.7 per cent compared to the first two weeks of June 2012. Year-over-year sales growth was driven by the regions/counties surrounding the City of Toronto. Home sales in the City were basically flat in comparison to last year.<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The expectation was for an improvement in home sales in the second half of 2013. Early June results are in line with this outlook. Many households have adapted to stricter lending guidelines and have renewed their search for ownership housing,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Ann Hannah.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“It is also important to note that new listings were down over the same period. With sales up and new listings down, market conditions became tighter. This supports the moderate to strong rates of price growth reported for most major home types, including condominium apartments,” added Ms. Hannah.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The average selling price for the first fourteen days of June was $536,141 – up by 3.8 per cent compared to June 2012.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“While price growth has been driven by low-rise home types this year, condominium apartment price growth has improved since March. Despite higher inventory levels, there have been enough buyers relative to available listings to support condo price appreciation,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">.</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's my opinion? I think we are in the midst of a very cautious market where both Buyers and Sellers are nervous. Nervous to Buy, Nervous to Sell. Sellers obviously want the maximum dollar for their homes while Buyers want the best deal possible. That statement will remain true no matter what the market does and as a Realtor, I will always adhere to getting the best value, best dollar and best deal to the best of my abilities no matter where we are in the cycle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do I trust the Condo market? Not so much. It's the one area, based on my expertise that here in the GTA I can honestly say I see as a tinderbox just waiting for ignition. I believe it will ignite and drop. But in the same breath - if you own a Condo doesn't mean you need to sell it, it just means that if you plan on selling it, my opinion is to make that happen sooner rather than later. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I personally believe it's time for a correction. With values soaring almost out of reach of most pocketbooks, at some point, something is going to give and over the course of the past year we've seen a slowing. What I sold in 2 days with multiple bids last year is taking much longer with less interest. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the long run, there will always be buying and selling. There will always be people in need of homes and people with reason to sell them. As your Realtors, its up to us to make sure that we use every tool we've got to serve our clients to the best of our abilities. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you ever have any questions regarding real estate buying, selling, home preparation or any type of real estate concern, please, as always, email <a href="mailto:nicole@gtalisted.com">nicole@gtalisted.com</a> or visit the website at <a href="http://www.gtalisted.com/">www.gtalisted.com</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nicole Kreutzberg<br />Realtor<br /><a href="http://www.gtalisted.com/Listings" target="_blank">Sutton-West Realty Inc</a>.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09595372181065671534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553681667228876362.post-63794068758160557952013-03-20T09:26:00.000-07:002013-03-20T09:26:23.712-07:00Scrap the Toronto LTT not Cap the Toronto LTT<br />
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<em>TORONTO, March 20, 2013</em> -- <span style="font-size: 11pt;">In light of a proposal to cap the Toronto Land Transfer Tax, being considered by the City of Toronto’s Executive Committee today, the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) is restating its strong belief that this tax should be phased-out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">“The Toronto Land Transfer Tax should be scrapped, not capped. We are encouraged that the Executive Committee is considering action on the Land Transfer Tax, but, not only is capping not enough to correct the problems that this tax is creating for our City, it could make this bad tax even worse,” said Ann Hannah, President of the Toronto Real Estate Board.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">In a letter to the Executive Committee, TREB has pointed out that, based on reported details, the proposed capping scheme could create considerable uncertainty for home buyers, if, as proposed, surpluses in Land Transfer Tax revenue are dedicated for reducing the tax in the subsequent year. Under this scenario, home buyers could be artificially encouraged to delay home purchases, thus interfering with the natural operation of the real estate market. This concern has also been articulated by renowned municipal finance expert, Enid Slack of the University of Toronto, who was recently quoted by the media as saying “If you want to reduce the land transfer tax, why would you not just reduce the tax rate, and say the tax rates are going down, so there is some certainty for taxpayers going forward? With this method (capping), they’re not going to know what the tax rate is next year.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">“The best approach is a phased elimination of this tax. The only way to truly solve the problems that this tax is creating for our City is to get rid of it; and with a predictable phase-out strategy, home buyers could make informed decisions and City Council could set a reasonable schedule, which would make market distortions unlikely, ” said Von Palmer, TREB’s Chief Government and Public Affairs Officer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Research has proven that municipal land transfer taxes have a negative impact on home sales. The C.D. Howe Institute recently released an analysis of the Toronto Land Transfer Tax, which shows that this tax has hurt Toronto’s economy by dampening home sales by 16 per cent. This is supported by a recent poll conducted by Ipsos Reid, which found that 77 per cent of GTA residents planning to purchase a home in the next two years are more likely to purchase outside Toronto specifically to avoid paying the Toronto Land Transfer Tax. This poll also found that nearly seven in ten Torontonians, 68 per cent, support plans to eliminate the Toronto Land Transfer Tax. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">“Capping equals keeping. That’s not good enough for our City and it’s not what Torontonians want. The public has repeatedly made it clear that they want the Land Transfer Tax scrapped,” said Palmer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">(News Release originally posted by Toronto Real Estate Board) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">If you have any questions regarding this or any real estate questions, please contact me directly at <a href="mailto:nicole@gtalisted.com" target="_blank">nicole@gtalisted</a> or visit our web page at <a href="http://www.gtalisted.com/">www.gtalisted.com</a>.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09595372181065671534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553681667228876362.post-7835205547143214892013-03-05T15:53:00.000-08:002013-03-05T15:58:22.460-08:00Slow and Steady... There Will Be No Surprises this Spring!<br />
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I've been calling this for a while now folks, despite some interesting yet skewed TREB statistics reporting increases in sales over the Christmas period.<br />
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Flaherty has achieved his wish and that was to slow the market. Sounds bad, but really, overall, it's a good thing. His goal, which really has major economic impact, is to keep Canadians from over extending themselves and buying homes they cannot afford by tightening the lending rules. By tightening the rules he is aiming to keep people out of homes they cannot not afford long term. Overall, the impact is to bring down the over priced home and improve the qualified buyer and to keep Canada from digging the same debt ridden hole the Americans had.<br />
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As reported by T.Perkins of the Globe and Mail:</blockquote>
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"Sales of existing homes in the greater Toronto area were 15-per-cent lower in February than a year ago, the local real estate board said Tuesday.</blockquote>
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There were 5,759 sales during the month, down from 6,809 in the same month during 2012. However, the Toronto Real Estate Board, which represents the city’s realtors, noted that 2012 was a leap year and had one extra day in February. Adjusting to compare a 28-day-period last year to a 28-day-period this year results in a sales decline of 10.5 per cent, it said.</blockquote>
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Either way it’s clear that the market has not rebounded from the steep slowdown in sales that occurred during the second half of last year. Finance Minister Jim Flaherty tightened the mortgage insurance rules nationwide last summer in a bid to stem the growth of consumer debt levels and house prices, amid fears the market was growing too hot.<br />
The real estate board’s MLS Home Price Index Composite Benchmark price, which seeks to compare apples to apples by accounting for any changes in the size or types of homes that are selling, has risen by more than 3 per cent in the past year, the board said.</blockquote>
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It added that fewer luxury homes sold this month. The average, unadjusted, selling price in February was $510,580, up two per cent from a year ago.</blockquote>
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“Stricter mortgage lending guidelines that precluded government backed mortgages on homes sold for over one million dollars and the City of Toronto’s additional upfront land transfer tax arguably played a role in the slower pace of luxury detached home sales,” stated Toronto Real Estate Board president Ann Hannah, who has been speaking out about both Mr. Flaherty’s tighter rules and the land transfer tax as sales have sunk.</blockquote>
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Sales over the MLS of existing condos in the downtown area covered by the 416 area code dropped 20 per cent this month. And the sharp decrease in sales in recent months is now catching up to prices, which were 4.7 per cent lower in February than a year ago downtown. Condo sales in the 905 area code that covers the suburbs surrounding the city were also down about 20 per cent, but their prices continued to rise.<br />
When he made the rule changes to tighten the market in July, Mr. Flaherty cited Toronto’s condo market as one of the areas in the country he was most concerned about.</blockquote>
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Detached home sales were down 16.9 per cent in the 416 area and 15.8 per cent in the 905 area, with prices still up by 0.1 per cent and 3.4 per cent respectively.</blockquote>
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New listings in the Greater Toronto area came in at 11,052 this month, down from 12,592 last February." Globe & Mail, 3/4/2013</blockquote>
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Any questions, comments or concerns regarding this blog or anything real estate related, please email nicole@gtalisted.com or visit our website at www.gtalisted.com <br />
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Nicole Kreutzberg is a Realtor for Sutton West Realty Inc. a Proudly Canadian Real Estate Brokerage!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09595372181065671534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553681667228876362.post-24142520012300166162013-02-11T11:27:00.000-08:002013-02-11T11:27:37.606-08:00MPAC - The Official Property Valuation<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Municipal_Property_Assessment_Corporation_Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="Municipal Property Assessment Corporation" border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted" height="200" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0b/Municipal_Property_Assessment_Corporation_Logo.png" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 200px;">Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (Photo credit: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Municipal_Property_Assessment_Corporation_Logo.png" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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As a homeowner you've probably received and looked over the official Municipal Property Assessment Corporation's valuation of your home. In short, they value all municipal properties to arrive at a figure, or an assessed value, for which the individual municipalities calculate the property taxes for each individual property in their jurisdiction. <br />
<br />
It comes down to what they say your home is worth and how much you will be paying in property taxes based on that value.<br />
<br />
With many property values skyrocketing over the past few years, intuitively, you would think that the various municipalities would be readjusting their tax rates and increasing the amounts all across the board. But not so, the increased trend in property values is phased in over time, with all properties being reassessed every 4 years as opposed to every time the real estate market gets hot. And rightfully so otherwise our assessments would be all over the place!<br />
<br />
MPAC, as they are known, adheres to what is called the 'Phase In Program' whereby in order to provide levels of property tax stability and predictability, where markets increase in assessed value between January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2012, that increase will be phased in slowly over a four year period, from 2013 to 2016. Whereas a decrease in value is applied immediately. <br />
<br />
If you've received what you think is an unfair MPAC assessment you can challenge that valuation by going to <a href="http://www.mpac.on.ca/">www.mpac.on.ca</a> and logging into "Request for Reconsideration" which will help guide you through the process.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to know more about how and why you were assessed the way you were and would like to know more about the local assessments of your direct community, you can go to <a href="http://www.aboutmyproperty.ca/">www.aboutmyproperty.ca</a><br />
<br />
If you'd like to see how your home value stacks up to our valuation, please feel free to contact me at any time and I can get started on a free no obligation market valuation of your property. Email <a href="mailto:nicole@gtalisted.com">nicole@gtalisted.com</a> any time and we can see how our figures compare to MPAC's.<br />
<br />
As always, if you have any questions regarding this or any other real estate matter, it's better to know than to wonder so please feel free to ask or visit our website at <a href="http://www.gtalisted.com/">www.gtalisted.com</a><br />
<br />
Nicole Kreutzberg, Realtor<br />
<a href="http://www.gtalisted.com/" target="_blank">GTA Listed Team</a><br />
Sutton Group West<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09595372181065671534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553681667228876362.post-24633520744292659792013-02-04T07:22:00.000-08:002013-02-04T07:30:25.147-08:00Key Interest Rate Likely to Stay Unchanged for 2013<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:National_Bank_Of_Canada_logo.svg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="National Bank of Canada" border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted" height="82" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a4/National_Bank_Of_Canada_logo.svg/300px-National_Bank_Of_Canada_logo.svg.png" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 300px;">National Bank of Canada (Photo credit: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:National_Bank_Of_Canada_logo.svg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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And here's some good news for those looking to renew or apply for new mortgages this year:<br />
<br />
The Bank of Canada lowered its growth forecast for 2013 today, keeping its benchmark interest rate steady at one per cent for the 19th consecutive time...."The slowdown in the second half of 2012 was more pronounced than the Bank had anticipated," the bank said in a statement posted on its website today.<br />
<br />
In layman's terms, that's the bank's way of saying it is less likely to raise rates than it used to be.<br />
<br />
"At a minimum that removes talk of 2013 hike risk and should cause a change in consensus forecasts," Scotiabank economist Derek Holt noted.<br />
<br />
While now there are no hikes expected for 2013, it doesn't change the new legislation that took place last summer which was fully implicated by December 2012.<br />
<br />
It's tougher to get a mortgage now than it was two years ago. Those 0 down mortgages are a thing of the past. <br />
<br />
To recap the new mortgage regulations, here's what's changed:<br />
<br />
Until the summer of 2008, it was possible to buy a home in Canada with a zero down payment (in other words, the entire cost of the home was borrowed), and to amortize repayment of that cost over a period of up to 40 years. Successive changes implemented by the federal government have whittled away at those practices. Borrowers are now required to have at least a 5% down payment on a residential home purchase. And, under the new rules announced recently, the maximum amortization period on a residential mortgage will be reduced from the current 30-year maximum to 25 years.<br />
<div>
<br />
When a would-be home purchaser applies for mortgage financing, there are two ratios commonly used to measure the risk associated with the borrower’s potential debt. The first of those, the gross debt ratio (GDS), is the percentage of the borrower’s gross (i.e., before tax) income needed to pay housing-related expenses, including mortgage payments, property taxes, and the cost of heating the home. The second ratio, the total debt service (TDS) ratio, is the percentage of the borrower’s gross income needed to pay all current debt obligations, including housing related expenses. The latest set of changes announced by the federal government will require, for CMHC-insured mortgages, that the borrower’s GDS not exceed 39% and that his or her TDS does not exceed 44%. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Put another way, where a borrower seeks to buy a home and obtain a mortgage with less than a 20% down payment, he or she must be able to show that paying for housing related expenses will consume less than 39% of annual gross income and that all current debt obligations can be met with less than 44% of annual gross income. A borrower who cannot satisfy those requirements will not be eligible for a CMHC-insured loan.<br />
<br />
Many Canadians have taken advantage of recent increases in real estate values by borrowing against the equity they have in their homes, either by refinancing the mortgage or by taking out a home equity line of credit. Their ability to do so will be somewhat curtailed after July 9, as the maximum mortgage (or home equity line of credit) amount which can be borrowed on a refinancing will be limited to 80% of the value of the property. The current limit of 85% was set in March 2011; prior to that date, the limit was 90%.<br />
<br />
Finally, the federal government will no longer be providing CMHC insurance on homes which are purchased for more than $1 million. Consequently, purchasers of homes costing more than $1 million will be required to have at least a 20% down payment.<br />
<br />
It's all about planning ahead now. If you are considering a purchase, call your lender or contact your Realtor who can put you in touch with a lender and begin that process before you begin the search for a home. Nothing would be more disappointing than to begin your new home search, finding that perfect property and finding out you do not qualify for the funds necessary to close.</div>
<div>
<br />
While some of the lending criteria now seems strict, its really the Federal Governments way of keeping Canadians from overspending and over buying homes they cannot afford while managing the debt that they do have. Nobody wants to be house poor.<br />
<br />
As always, if you have any questions regarding real estate in any regard, it's better to have an answer than to wonder, so email me any time at <a href="mailto:nicole@gtalisted.com">nicole@gtalisted.com</a><br />
<br />
Thanks!<br />
<br />
Nicole Kreutzberg, Realtor<br />
<br />
Sutton West<br />
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<a href="http://www.gtalisted.com/">www.gtalisted.com</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09595372181065671534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553681667228876362.post-7254565006355989732013-01-31T11:03:00.000-08:002013-01-31T11:03:11.253-08:00Decorate, Renovate or Just take a Peek!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
The internet and it's ability to search words, images, gifs and the ten thousand other things it can do can be daunting because sometimes too much, really is too much. Overwhelming in fact. <br />
<br />
I came across a great website that deserves a plug and there's no kick back my way, I promise!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.houzz.com/" target="_blank">Houzz</a> is the source. It's the place. It's all that and more.<br />
<br />
Create a profile, log in and the homes, rooms, spaces, colors are there at the tip of your mouse like a catalog of any decorating dreams. Search for spaces by color, by room, by accessories & decor, by lighting, by space, by style (contemporary, asian, modern, country). <a href="http://www.houzz.com/" target="_blank">Houzz</a> makes it easy, limitless and it's there for you, in just one place.<br />
<br />
Maybe you're thinking small and simple, picking a new and bold color but not sure how it will play. Maybe you are looking for idea's for a small kitchen space or tiny little bathroom. Perhaps you're considering some landscaping but don't know what you like and how to lay it out.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.houzz.com/" target="_blank">Houzz</a> is your idea book. See something you like, just like it, they'll keep your likes in one easy place and when it's time to make a decision or share your idea's with your partner, it's easy and accessible.<br />
<br />
When you come across a website like <a href="http://www.houzz.com/" target="_blank">Houzz</a>, you just have to share! <br />
<br />
As always, for any questions regarding real estate, please do not hesitate to <a href="mailto:nicole@gtalisted.com" target="_blank">email me </a>at your convenience. It's better to have an answer than to wonder.<br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
Nicole, Realtor<br />
Email to: <a href="mailto:nicole@gtalisted.com">nicole@gtalisted.com</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09595372181065671534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553681667228876362.post-11564984744022241802013-01-28T07:21:00.000-08:002013-01-28T07:21:18.127-08:00Title Insurance | Blog | Nicole Kreutzberg & Laszlo Koos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most Lenders today require Title Insurance yet most of us do not know what it is, what it does and what's the purpose. Here's the low down;<br />
</span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is Title Insurance</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">?</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Title insurance is an insurance policy that protects you, the home owner, against challenges to the ownership of your home or from problems related to the title to your home. The policy provides coverage against losses due to title defects, even if the defects existed before you purchased your home. A title defect is a problem with the title which prevents free and clear ownership. There are many types of defects such as rights of way, encroachments (from neighbouring properties), unpaid liens, etc.<br />
<br />
Title insurance policies protect you for as long as you own the property. It protects against a number of risks that a solicitor's opinion on title may not cover. These risks include:<br />
</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fraud and forgery, including someone taking your title through fraud or forgery</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<li>Encroachments that would be disclosed by a new survey (for example, a neighbour's deck being partly on your land)</li>
<li>Easements (the right acquired for access to or over another person's property for a specific purpose, such as for a driveway or public utilities. This is referred to as "servitude" in the Province of Quebec) over the property that would be disclosed by a new survey</li>
<li>Zoning non-compliance (i.e. where the property use does not meet the local municipal by-laws)</li>
<li>Someone other than the home owner having interest (i.e. a previous owner of the property not being discharged from title)</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Title insurance is generally purchased when you buy your home or when you refinance it, although it can be purchased any time after you buy your home. You will only make one premium payment when you first buy the insurance. A title insurer can tell you how to purchase the policy.<br />
</span></div>
<div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How Do I Know if I Need Title Insurance?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are purchasing or refinancing your home, you should discuss title insurance with your lawyer/notary to see if a title insurance policy is right for you. Your lawyer/notary can arrange the purchase of a home owner's policy.</span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Benefits of Title Insurance</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Peace of mind</b><br />
<br />
As the policy covers the items outlined above, you can rest easy knowing if there are defects affecting the title of your home that are covered by the title insurance policy, your title insurer will take steps to rectify the problem.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>One time cost</b><br />
<br />
The premium is usually due at the time of closing for purchases or refinances. Some insurers permit you to purchase title insurance at any time.<br />
<br />
(Information courtesy of http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/mortgages/title_insurance.html)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recognized Providers of Title Insurance:</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chicago Title Insurance Company<a href="http://www.ctic.com/" target="_blank"> www.ctic.com <img src="http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/uos/_assets/images/icons/newwindow.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
FCT Insurance Company Ltd. (carrying on business under the name First Canadian Title)<a href="http://www.firstcanadiantitle.com/" target="_blank"> www.firstcanadiantitle.com <img src="http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/uos/_assets/images/icons/newwindow.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
Lawyers' Professional Indemnity Company (TitlePlus)<a href="http://www.lawpro.ca/" target="_blank"> www.lawpro.ca <img src="http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/uos/_assets/images/icons/newwindow.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
Travelers Guarantee Company of Canada <a href="http://www.travelersguarantee.com/" target="_blank">www.travelersguarantee.com<img src="http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/uos/_assets/images/icons/newwindow.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
Stewart Title Guaranty Company <a href="http://www.stewart.ca/" target="_blank">www.stewart.ca <img src="http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/uos/_assets/images/icons/newwindow.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
As with all my blog, if you have any questions regarding this or any other matter regarding real estate, please do not hesitate to email me at any time. It's better to have an answer than to wonder! <a href="mailto:nicole@gtalisted.com">nicole@gtalisted.com</a><br />
<br />
Nicole Kreutzberg, Realtor</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sutton Group Assurance Realty</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(416) 388-7384<br />
<br />
Original Blog can be found at my website:<br />
<a href="http://www.gtalisted.com/blog" target="_blank">Title Insurance | Blog | Nicole Kreutzberg & Laszlo Koos</a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09595372181065671534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553681667228876362.post-90398969171358129812013-01-23T11:39:00.000-08:002013-01-23T11:39:34.682-08:00<br />
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">While the East Struggles with Chill and Cold, the Bank of Canada is attempting to keep the economy warm and fuzzy. Good new for Buyers and those carrying a mortgage. Good News Always Welcome! Read On...</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The Bank of Canada reduced its forecast for economic growth this year, and said eventual interest-rate increases likely will be delayed.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Policy makers said Canada’s GDP would expand 2 per cent in 2013, compared with an October estimate of 2.3 per cent. GDP likely grew only 1.9 per cent last year, compared with the central bank’s fall expectation of 2 per cent.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The change in outlook reflects Canada’s struggle to find a growth engine to replace a fast cooling housing market. It isn’t large enough to merit lower interest rates, but it is reason enough to keep borrowing costs lower for longer. The BoC stated at the end of its latest policy meeting that the economy now likely won’t grow fast enough to stoke inflation until the second half of 2014, later than previously thought.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Officials opted to leave the benchmark borrowing rate unchanged at 1 per cent, which is where it has remained for over two years, but included language that indicated worry that rising house prices and consumer debt posed a threat to our financial system.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">While they indicated that a “modest” withdrawal of monetary stimulus remains likely over time, the BoC concluded that the “more muted inflation outlook and the beginnings of a more constructive evolution of imbalances in the household sector suggest the timing of any such withdrawal is less imminent that previously anticipated.”</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.399999618530273px;">(Ken Fadel, CFA, Cresent Mortgage Group)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.399999618530273px;">If you have any questions, comments, concerns or would like more information on this or any other issue relating to Real Estate, please email directly to<a href="mailto:nicole@gtalisted.com" target="_blank"> nicole@gtalisted.com</a> I'm always glad to help!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.399999618530273px;">Original Blog Post can be found at my website: <a href="http://www.gtalisted.com/">www.gtalisted.com</a></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09595372181065671534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553681667228876362.post-24948524641856626932013-01-22T08:10:00.000-08:002013-01-22T08:10:12.977-08:00Toronto MLS Average Sales by Home Type January 2013 | Blog | Nicole Kreutzberg & Laszlo Koos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcj8-B_HII-Q7xzQ21CfQ9wZg1ccRtVEZ_6sWRjoe8lEd8NruzeRSXT18yANKnDnMr53XYzTFh-frudBqURSHQs3yCwOGMXW9RHJVvgewwYhwDQ-jN85FirrpVcPj9txq2O8LHxi5LddHU/s1600/numberjumble.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcj8-B_HII-Q7xzQ21CfQ9wZg1ccRtVEZ_6sWRjoe8lEd8NruzeRSXT18yANKnDnMr53XYzTFh-frudBqURSHQs3yCwOGMXW9RHJVvgewwYhwDQ-jN85FirrpVcPj9txq2O8LHxi5LddHU/s200/numberjumble.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 17.99715805053711px;">Looking for Numbers? Here they are...</span><br />
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GTA REALTORS® RELEASE MID-MONTH <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reseller" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Reseller">RESALE</a> HOUSING FIGURES</div>
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TORONTO,</div>
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January 16, 2013 – Greater <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=43.7165888889,-79.3406861111&spn=0.1,0.1&q=43.7165888889,-79.3406861111%20(Toronto)&t=h" rel="geolocation" target="_blank" title="Toronto">Toronto</a> REALTORS® reported 1,469 <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sales" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Sales">sales</a> through the TorontoMLS system during the first two weeks of January 2013. This result represented an increase of 2.4 per cent over the 1,435 transactions reported during the same period in 2012.</div>
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"The <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Year" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="New Year">New Year</a> started off on a positive note with residential sales slightly above last year’s levels,” said <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_Real_Estate_Board" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Toronto Real Estate Board">Toronto Real Estate Board</a> (TREB) President Ann Hannah. “I am cautiously optimistic about this result. It will be important to watch sales trends closely as we move through the first quarter to see if some of the households who moved to the sidelines as a result of stricter lending guidelines are starting to renew their decision to purchase a home.”</div>
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The <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Average_selling_price" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Average selling price">average selling price</a> during the first 14 days of 2013 was by up by four per cent on a year-over-year basis to $459,728.</div>
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“Continuing the trend from 2012, the low-rise segment of the market experienced the strongest price growth as competition between buyers remained quite strong,” said <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Mercer" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Jason Mercer">Jason Mercer</a>, TREB’s Senior Manager of <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Market_analysis" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Market analysis">Market Analysis</a>. “The average selling price is expected to grow in 2013, but at a slower pace as buyers benefit from more choice.”</div>
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<b>Toronto <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/" rel="homepage" target="_blank" title="Major League Soccer">MLS</a> Average Sales by Home Type:</b></div>
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January 1 to 14, 2013</div>
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<strong>Sales of Detached</strong> (<strong>416)</strong> <u>146 </u>(Average Price)<u> $720 759</u> <strong>(905</strong>) <u>511</u> (Average Price) <u>$549 015 </u>(Total Sold in GTA)<u> 657</u> (<strong>Total Average of GTA Sales)</strong><u> $587 180 </u>- Total Increase (from 2012) of 4.3%</div>
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<strong>Sales Semi Det. </strong> (<strong>416</strong>) <u> 42</u> (Average Price) <u>$502 546</u> (<strong>905</strong>) <u>114 </u>(Average Price)<u> $408 968</u> (Total Sold in GTA)<u> 156</u> (<strong>Total Average of GTA Sales</strong>) <u>$434 162</u> - Total Increase (from 2012) of 11.5%</div>
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<strong>Sales of Townhoues</strong> (<strong>416</strong>) <u>65 </u>(Average Price) <u>$414 550</u> (<strong>905</strong>) <u>177</u> (Average Price) <u>$357 154</u> (Total Sold in GTA) <u>242</u> (<strong>Total Average of GTA Sales</strong>) <u>$372 570</u> - Total Increase (from 2012) of 4.5%</div>
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<strong>Sales Condo's</strong> <strong>(416</strong>) <u>273</u> (Average Price) <u>$337 624</u> (<strong>905</strong>)<u> 115 </u>(Average Price)<u> $260 434</u> (Total Sold in GTA) <u>388 </u><strong>(Total Average of GTA Sales</strong>) <u>$314 745</u> - Total Increase (from) of -3.3$</div>
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Any time you would like a snap shot of your particular neighborhood, please feel free to email me, I'll be glad to help!</div>
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Nicole Kreutzberg, email <a href="mailto:nicole@gtalisted.com" style="color: #c01a3e; text-decoration: initial;">nicole@gtalisted.com</a></div>
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<a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_estate_broker" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Real estate broker">Realtor</a>, Sutton Group Assurance</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Original Blog can be found at:<br />
<a href="http://www.gtalisted.com/Blog" target="_blank">Toronto MLS Average Sales by Home Type January 2013 | Blog | Nicole Kreutzberg & Laszlo Koos</a></span></h4>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09595372181065671534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553681667228876362.post-32017642623134413272013-01-17T08:36:00.000-08:002013-01-17T08:36:41.006-08:00And the Forecast Is....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8AW9lmLQognrhsKsEBcfvMOekwcgYR8lBX667HIqe7LaEHTSj2JfzapZcmzW9vaiCrdo9nyXkCsFiiMzTepcI6PvnXujBToBg8MaM4_WPeABeTOhxRxWVLJfspoo5C51ERyKlNK022jg/s1600/toronto+skyline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8AW9lmLQognrhsKsEBcfvMOekwcgYR8lBX667HIqe7LaEHTSj2JfzapZcmzW9vaiCrdo9nyXkCsFiiMzTepcI6PvnXujBToBg8MaM4_WPeABeTOhxRxWVLJfspoo5C51ERyKlNK022jg/s320/toronto+skyline.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What's the forecast?</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12px;"><cite>A fresh start to the year may be just what the softening Toronto housing market needed.</cite></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12px;"><cite><a href="http://torontorealestateboard.com/market_news/release_market_updates/news2013/nr_mid_month_0113.htm" style="color: black; outline: none; text-decoration: initial;">Mid-month figures</a> for January put homes sales in Canada’s biggest city up 2.5% and prices up 4% compared with the same period in January 2012, the Toronto Real Estate Board said Wednesday.</cite></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12px;"><cite>Those figures appear to buck the softening trend the Toronto housing market has seen over the past year. Just a day ago, <a href="http://creastats.crea.ca/natl/" style="color: black; outline: none; text-decoration: initial;">Canadian Real Estate Association numbers</a> showed sales in the city sank 21.8% in December from a year ago, while prices climbed 6.0%.</cite></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12px;"><cite>While it may be too early to say if home sales in Toronto are poised to make a solid recovery, the figures are providing market watchers with a dose of cautious optimism.</cite></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12px;"><cite>“It will be important to watch sales trends closely as we move through the first quarter to see if some of the households who moved to the sidelines as a result of stricter lending guidelines are starting to renew their decision to purchase a home,” said Ann Hannah, president of the Toronto Real Estate Board in a statement.</cite></span></div>
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<cite>Toronto’s housing market in the first half of January was buoyed by a strong performance in the semi-detached sector, where sales soared 12.2% and prices were up 11.5% compared with a year earlier. Meanwhile, condo sales continued to under perform, declining 4.4% in the first 14 days of the month, with prices down 3.3%. <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/canadarealtime/2013/01/16/so-far-so-good-for-torontos-housing-market-in-2013/"><span style="color: #c01a3e;">(David George-Cosh)</span> </a></cite></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Ever since my first Stats class wayyyy back in University, it's been ingrained in me to look, question and consider all numbers and their source. Who paid for the study? What variables did they use to come up with these numbers? In this case, what constitutes a sale?</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">It certainly appears that the Toronto Housing market is not softening and that we'll be okay, based on this article, but looking closer, two things strike me. First, the figures are based on Semi Detached homes, semi detached homes generally indicate first time home Buyers. Okay. So those figures are strong, great. But what does that mean for the Detached Sellers? The article doesn't mention the fact that along with the new mortgage rules that came into effect in July 2012, the Banks and Mortgage companies had until December to fully comply thus, Buyers were still able to qualify and today, not so much. If you live in a detached, where's those buyers? </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Second, what constitutes a sale? Sounds simple enough but really, what constitutes a sale? Are these offers being made and accepted in the beginning of January? Or, are these offers that were made and accepted in October and the properties are now closing in January, because really, who wants to move in December? So while sales soared, did they really?</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Figures aside, the new reality is this. The GTA Real Estate Market is moving back to basics. Over used terms like 'bidding war' have had their run and the focus will now be on realistically pricing homes without that line up of Buyers who are willing to bid high on uninspected for homes worth far less than the final sold figures. Sounds like a sad day for Sellers doesn't it? Not so.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">While yes it would be great to sell high, have a line up of Agents and Buyers willing to pay big big money for that tiny little house you call home but the reality is, you'd be buying high as well. Over pricing doesn't just trickle, it floods. Sell High, Buy High. If you are buying high, can you afford the new furnace or the cost of having to replace all the electrical when something goes awry after you've closed on a property you failed to inspect because the line up out the door to buy was long? </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Let's face it, not many win in an over priced market and now, it's back to reality. Priced right a home will always sell. Today's market is no different. It means your Realtor will have to put in some work. Marketing, open houses, flyers, phone calls and develop a more solid relationship with you, their client. It also means that the people who come through the door to look at your home will be qualified and able to purchase. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">It's a good day for real estate as far as I am concerned because let's face it, I too am a homeowner and what happens in the market not only affects my career, but my property as well.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">If you have any questions, big or small, please don't hesitate to email me at any time. It's better to have an answer than to guess!</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Take care,</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Nicole Kreutzberg, Realtor. Email to<a href="mailto:nicole@gtalisted.com" target="_blank"> nicole@gtalisted.com</a></span></div>
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Original Blog Post can be found at:</div>
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<a href="http://www.gtalisted.com/">www.gtalisted.com</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09595372181065671534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553681667228876362.post-21769185306642948732013-01-11T08:24:00.000-08:002013-01-11T08:24:33.151-08:00Seniors & Today's Real Estate Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So much of the market is focused on the younger generation, the first time home buyer, the new family and the newly single. But what about our Seniors? In reality, you make up the largest market share of homeowners today and deserve the respect and deference that comes with longevity and the hard work it took to dedicate yourselves to raising your families. Let’s consider some issues, questions you may be asking yourself and what you should be expecting of your <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_estate_broker" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Real estate broker">Realtor</a>.<br />
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You’ve owned your home for 30, 40 or maybe more years and are now thinking it may be time to move on. Why? <br />
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Stairs have become difficult to navigate, mowing the lawn is now a chore you are just not wanting to deal with both physically and mentally, shoveling snow is too much of a burdeon, taking out the garbage and all that general home maintenance that used to be so easy to handle is just not so easy anymore. Can you still manage your daily chores like going to the market and making meals, bathing (slip and falls in the bath are so common and scary), or even cleaning? Perhaps your spouse has mobility issues, you are too far away from your grandchildren or you’d like to spend more time down South Snowbirding and wish to relocate to something smaller and more compatable with that lifestyle.<br />
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The Senior lifestyle today is much different than generations before. We live longer, healthier and have far more active lifestyles than enjoyed in the days of old. Maybe it’s as simple as wanting to be more active and involved with the community and different groups that living in your current home doesn’t help you explore that. Perhaps living in your community prevents you from getting out with new friends and exploring new opportunities and making the move to a more manageable Condo closer your friends, transit and activities will enhance and add to your life while you finally get to enjoy time off from the daily grind!<br />
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Whatever the case may be a good Realtor will treat you with respect, help you explore your options and will develop a relationship with you based on respect, patience and trust. We can help council you and your family about your options. Take a look at your long term needs and finances. We can put you in touch with Financial planners who can assist in figuring out how to best invest your money long term in order to support the lifestyle that choose and our support doesn’t stop there.<br />
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As Realtors, we can help with so many other issues. The idea of moving, packing, changing or cancelling utilities is intimidating and overwhelming. We can help you with the details. Put you in touch with the movers, packers and cleaners. We can help you stage (or rework your home) so that it shows its best for sale and we will take all the time you need in helping you find your new home, the right one, the one we sat down and discussed. We won’t push you. We won’t talk over you and we won’t disrespect your specific wants and needs. <br />
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Be wary of the Realtor who doesn’t listen. Who doesn’t take the time to explain the entire contract to you and asks for your signature before you truly understand the document before you. Ask your Realtor for the recent sale prices of homes in your immediate area and for the prices of current homes for sale. Before you sign on any dotted line, ensure you trust and the person before you and ensure they value YOUR business and time. That you’ve been heard. That nothing is moving faster than you want it to. Make sure you have your Realtors phone numbers and contact information (including cell phone numbers) and make sure they are committed to updated you regularily. <br />
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It doesn’t make a difference if you are 20 or 75, Buying and Selling homes is stressful. The Realtor you choose must understand that, be mindful of the process and ensure that all of their clients are dealt with integrity, respect, honesty and trust. <br />
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A good Realtor will navigate you through the process and make sure you understand and are okay with each step and stage. <br />
<br />
If you’d like further information on Buying or Selling real estate in the GTA, please contact me, Nicole Kreutzberg at 416-388-7384 or email direct to <a href="mailto:nicole@gtalisted.com">nicole@gtalisted.com</a> and I`ll be happy to help! Or visit our website, <a href="http://www.gtalisted.com/">www.gtalisted.com</a> to start taking a look at your available real estate options!<br />
<br />
Original Blog Can Be Seen at:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.gtalisted.com/seniors-todays-real-estate-market#.UPA5l3GlB0g.blogger">Seniors & Today's Real Estate Market | Blog | Nicole Kreutzberg & Laszlo Koos</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09595372181065671534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553681667228876362.post-1224752948115427732013-01-09T11:52:00.000-08:002013-01-11T08:27:44.358-08:00New Custom Built 3 Bedroom 2600 Sq Feet of Architectural Beauty in Toronto!<br />
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Beautiful Home, Designed for Spacious and Sunny Living!<br />
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Does your dream home having you living in a space amongst 2 Sky Lights, Granite Counters, White Shaker Custom Kitchen, Gleaming Hardwood Floors, Two Walk Outs, Attached Garage, 200 Amp Electrical Panel, Fully Fenced, Interlock Drive, En Suite with 4 Clawed Soaker Tub & Walk In Closet, 2 Gas Fireplaces and so much more? This Is The One!<br />
<br />
Royal York Rd & Queensway, Toronto Ontario<br />
<br />
Listed at $897 000.00 (mls # W2507262)<br />
<br />
See Our Website for more Information and To Book An Appointment:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.gtalisted.com/109b-wesley-st2#.UO3GBDFfYjw.blogger">Residential For Sale | 109B Wesley St, Toronto, Ontario | $897,000 | Nicole Kreutzberg & Laszlo Koos</a><br />
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Real Estate Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048150155720478399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8553681667228876362.post-83740301125111252102013-01-09T10:15:00.000-08:002013-01-11T08:28:59.309-08:00Can You Hear Me Now? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
<br />
When I first came into Real Estate I made the mistake of showing one of my first Buyers everything. I mean everything! We looked at 10-15 houses a day for two months, made 3 offers and were Feng Shui’d out of two others. So, when is too much, too much?<br />
<br />
It came down to being my mistake.<br />
<br />
I didn't listen. I didn't hear. I didn't do enough background research to provide my clients with the right properties to view. The right agent, the diligent agent, will whittle it down. Believe when I tell you it was a quick learning curve for me.<br />
Now, I listen, I ask questions, I get a list of must haves, potential compromises and ensure my clients are prequalified so we know how much money they can spend. I set up Buyers in the MLS system so that all new properties are emailed to them each day and those properties fit their criteria. If one comes up that they like, I check it out. What’s behind the house – a hydro field? A highway? Is it a corner lot on a busy street? Is it next door to a mall or a plaza? Knob and tube wiring? This is the information a client needs before they head out the door and it’s my job to ensure the information they have is accurate and true.<br />
<br />
When I bring clients to view properties, I've already checked the street for previous ‘solds’ and ‘for sales’. I know what’s going on in the neighborhood, where the schools are and roughly how much property taxes are going to be. I no longer arbitrarily show anything and everything because that means I am not listening. I am not hearing. I am not respecting the fact that my clients’ time is valuable.<br />
<br />
Will I show 50 properties to one client? Absolutely. Some clients need to see many properties before they decide or narrow down their wants and needs and that’s okay. It’s a lot of money to spend and let’s face it, it’s not my money, it’s theirs. I've also had clients who've seen two homes and picked one. Sold. Everyone is different, including Buyers.<br />
<br />
I think in preparing to Buy, educate yourself. Talk to your Realtor; begin receiving listings in the area’s you are interested in so that you can see realistically what those homes are selling for and what your dollar will get. Realize that you need to have the cash for the deposit ready; you have 1 day to come up with that cash when an offer is made and accepted. Be prepared to lose a bid if there are multiple offers and always have a number in mind that you will NOT go over and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.<br />
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Finally, realize that in all the homes you do see, you are not buying the furniture, the décor or that owners particular style vision. Paint is so easily changeable, fixtures easily replaced; flooring can be stained, changed or removed. Look beyond the cosmetic and see the walls in Grey, Yellow or Beige (whatever your distinct style is) and try to picture your family running the through the halls or playing in the backyard.<br />
<br />
It may take 50 houses before you find that right one or it may only take 1 or 2 the point is, a good Realtor is going to listen and hear what your wants and needs are and help guide you so that your valuable time is not wasted. <br />
<br />
Put together a list of what you are looking for and don’t be afraid to discuss those items, it’s your money. And one last thing, be prepared to compromise. We cannot magically procure the Million Dollar Dream Home on a $200 000.00 budget, but we’ll try our best!<br />
<br />
If you have any questions or are considering purchasing property in the GTA (Toronto), please contact me, Nicole Kreutzberg anytime at nicole@gtalisted.com and let’s talk. I look forward to it!<br />
<br />
Originally Posted at www.gtalisted.com/blog<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.gtalisted.com/can-you-hear-me-now#.UO2xVLdewyA.blogger">Can You Hear Me Now? | Blog | Nicole Kreutzberg & Laszlo Koos</a><br />
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Real Estate Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01048150155720478399noreply@blogger.com0