David Smeriglio Real Estate

Executive Townhouse Islington Village

2011-12-06T08:56:00.000-05:00

Absolutley stunning end unit Executive Townhouse. No expense spared - builder model home. Hardwood and ceramics throughout save for the bedrooms - which have high end Berber carpeting. 45 Hardwoods steps (all 4 staircases) 80 Wrought Iron Pickets, Oak Banister. Upscale kitchen w/ stainless appliances, backsplash, granite countertops, and granite centre island. Living room wired for 5.1, gas

Churchill Meadows Garden Villa Town - Perfect Small Family or Starter.

2011-10-25T08:48:00.000-05:00

3250 Bentley Drive is a quiet development tucked away from the vibrant bustle of the popular Tenth Line W/Thomas Street area of Churchill Meadows. This stacked town is spacious and provides its resident with 2 full baths and a powder room, open concept main level with laminate floors and ceramics, good size bedrooms with double closets, a patio and a deck, and one parking spot. All

Starter Home Levi Creek - 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Townhome

2011-07-26T04:32:00.000-06:00

Sought after townhouse in Levi Creek. Thousands spent on updates and Upgrades Since ownership. New Hardwoods and Berber throughout, updated baths with new toilets, lighting, paint, new CAC, new Furnance. Two gas fireplaces, walkout to rare fenced yard. Minutes walk from Catholic, Public elementary schools as well as French Catholic Elementary school and Catholic/Public French High School.

Rare 1 + acre lot with 2850sqft home Churchville

2011-06-20T21:20:00.000-06:00

Rarely Offered home on 1+ acre backing onto credit river. Nestled in quaint Historic Churchville yet minutes away from major industry giants, sub divisions, shopping, transportation & highways. Surrounding areas developing into Million + dollar homes. Opportunity to further renovate and live in modern comforts in a rural setting. Rare to find this combo of land & home in such close

East Mississauga - 2 Storey on Private -Quiet Sought after Interior Street

2011-05-31T06:38:00.000-06:00

Nestled on a quiet interior street in one of Mississauga's most sought after neighbourhoods. Pride-of-Ownership from this original owner. Endless upgrades that started from the builder and continued to recent. Interlocking, and stone pathways. Hardwood floors and stairs. Huge skylight, stunning bathrooms, oversized windows, custom fireplace, crown moldings and

Stunning Semi - Churchill Meadows

2011-04-05T10:48:00.000-05:00

Absolutley stunning open concept Semi in Churchill Meadows. Hardwoods throughout including staircase and pickets. Gourmet kitchen with Stainless Appliances. Spacious Master w/ en-suite and walk - in. Great architectual details including 10ft+ window and cathedral ceiling. Steps from Transit, School, and Shopping. Must See!

Perfect Starter Townhouse Erin Mills/Meadowvale Mississauga

2011-02-10T08:07:00.003-05:00

Updated and Upgraded, bright and airy perfect starter home. New maple hardwoods and ceramics through most of house, brand new broadloom elsewhere. Updated Bathrooms 2008. Modern Kitchen with Stainless Steel appliances. Finished basement w/ plenty of storage. Private yard with no back neighbours.Contact David Smeriglio for details david@soldhabit.com - O/H Saturday Feb. 12 2-4pm.

Classic 4L Sidesplit Sought After Sheridan Homelands - South West Mississauga

2011-02-03T10:46:00.000-05:00

Rare opportunity to own a classic in Sheridan Homelands. Absolutely the best location in the neighbourhood - quiet inner street. Fantastic lot lined with 12ft+ cedars. Large 2 car garage, solid poured concrete steps & porch. Large unfininshed basement ready to be finished. Generous Master with 2pc ensuite & large closet. Gorgeous Family room w/ Fireplace & walkout to yard. See Vtour O/H Sat

Market Watch On Video

2011-01-24T12:32:00.000-05:00

Are TREB search districts selling SouthWest Brampton Short?

2011-01-22T08:24:00.004-05:00

Realtors familiar with the west end districts search of TorontoMLS.net must sometimes ask themselves why W23 is so ridiculously huge and difficult to search. Sure you can narrow it down by map coordinate, however Milton is only 4km away, and Oakville/Milton Board members do not/cannot use map coordinates; Use map coordinates and there is a chance properties will not show up in your search. W23

Year End/ Monthly Report - Toronto Real Estate

2011-01-10T08:04:00.000-05:00

TORONTO, January 6, 2011 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 4,395 existing home sales for the month of December, bringing the 2010 total to 86,170 – down by one per cent compared to2009. “Market conditions were anything but uniform in 2010. We went from super-charged sales activity during the first four months of the year, to a marked drop-off in transactions in the summer and then in the

Kaneff Luxury 2+2+2 central Mississauga

2010-11-25T08:22:00.000-05:00

Rarely Available 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom and 2 parking (tandem) + 1 locker in Central Mississauga in a newer building and nearly 1000sqft for $269,800! Hugging Cooksville creek 200 Burnhamthorpe East is a hidden gem; close to everything but just off the beaten path so you can avoid the congestion. Close to everything, but also steps from the Cooksville Creek ravine. Bike Paths and walking/jogging

Excellent 2+2 950+ sqft coming soon! Central Mississauga

2010-11-20T13:25:00.000-05:00

This unit is rarely available and has only seen a handful of listings for this suite in the 8 year history 0f 200 Burnhamthorpe Avenue. Price is pegged and less than $275,000 - the price of a 1+1 approx 680 sqft in most other newer buildings. Don't hesitate! Will be on the MLS by Thursday. Special previews available Wednesday. (time TBA).

3 Months 13 weeks (phase 1) Training Restart Results

2010-11-16T07:55:00.002-05:00

I have officially finished 3 month self imposed 'get back in shape' bootcamp. I started out with strong intentions of not making the same mistakes I always make: Overtraining and improper nutrition. Personally I think I have lost too much weight versus muscle gained. But for the most part I have trained smart. I have enjoyed upping my knowledge of nutrition and physical activity and have a

7 Season 140 Game Battram Goalie Equipment Review

2010-11-12T11:24:00.005-05:00

Some people know me as 'The Goalie' more than 'The Realtor'. For those of you who don't know me, I have dawned the pads since I was forced to Tend Net at 11 years old due to my size and terrible skating skills: Dixie Housleague Blue for those of you from the area (West Toronto - Mississauga) and from that era! (and Dixie Arena!) I had a meteoric rise to Major Junior and was in the OHL for a grand

GTA REALTORS® Report Mid-Month Resale Housing Market Figures

2010-10-18T10:33:00.000-05:00

TORONTO, October 18, 2010 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 3,012sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) during the first twoweeks of October 2010.This represented a 17 per cent decrease compared to the 3,631 sales recorded during the same period in 2009. Year-to-date sales amounted to 71,988, representing a three per cent increase compared to 2009. “The GTA resale market is

Call me old school but I love family tradition...

2010-10-14T07:08:00.000-05:00

Every year we go to Downey's Farm. Great to see the growth of Natalia and now Nicola following in her footsteps. Also noticing how different their personalities are. Children are amazing and by extension most people are too. Certainly one of the joys of my profession is getting to know people, and besides making a good living from being a realtor, interacting with people is what keeps it fresh.

Tridel Luxury Building. Oversized 1+1 Lower Level Suite

2010-10-08T07:03:00.000-06:00

Sellers hesitant to lower house list prices: Toronto Market Dilemma

2010-10-04T07:21:00.000-06:00

Although some segments of the Toronto Real Estate market are still very hot, most markets have experienced some cooling off. Despite lower interest rates and limited supply prices have seen a drop. A common issue that I am running into is sellers hesitance to adjust prices to reflect the new pricing reality. I don't blame them. The logic is simple. If a Seller lists at the higher price and it

The Fighting Knights 2010 Summer League Champs

2010-08-25T13:24:00.000-06:00

Yes it is only Men's hockey but you could have fooled me! You would think there were scouts in the crowd...Lol. The level of competition this summer was incredible, especially the playoffs. Everyone was a little giddy last night and rightfully so; everyone from both teams left everything out on the ice. It was a real guts and glory game which ended 2-1 with the game winner coming with only 1:30

Let me know if you see or hear about any good deals!

2010-08-24T08:40:00.001-06:00

Let me know if you see or hear of any good deals… This is often a remark I hear from people when we are parting ways or if we speak on the phone. Have you ever said this to a Realtor? If yes, this is the time of the ‘good deal’ for investors and first time buyers; Prices are down, interest rates are lower than in months past, and inventory is slightly up. Houses are taking much longer to sell.

Luxury 1+1 in Quaint Port Royal.

2010-08-11T08:31:00.000-06:00

Literally a 5 Minute walk from Kipling subway and walking distance from Islington Village and Kingsway Village (Bloor/Islington). Rare ground floor oversized 1+1 with 2 full baths and a 100sqft + patio. Take the tour!

Back from Holidays and eagerly awaiting Market update

2010-08-04T10:46:00.001-06:00

Just back from a two week holiday in and around the east coast of New Brunswick. Every time we go we have a want to buy a small home near the beach along the coastline. Perhaps one day this will become a reality. I am quickly reminded of the fast pace we live in as soon as we hit highway 401 and the 10+ lanes of traffic barreling down at 130KPH. But it does feel good to be home. June statistics

Exectuive Rental Suite - Park Mansion

2010-07-15T06:42:00.000-06:00

Available August 16, 2010. Gorgeous 1200 sqft Unit in one of Mississauga's Premiere Residences. Please email me if you are interested, or know somebody who may be. david@soldhabit.com

Stunning Semi - NW Mississauga (Terragar area)

2010-07-10T17:32:00.003-06:00

Another gorgeous semi kn NW Mississauga. I am truly blessed to have so many great homes in my inventory. Spacious, bright and airy, parking for 4 + garage, extensively upgraded and landscaped. Check out the tour. This home speaks for itself. Contact me for more details. David Smeriglio 905 848 1313 david@soldhabit.com

Anatomy of my own Move Part 3: Getting Our home ready for Sale

2010-07-02T09:31:00.002-06:00

We had bought our house in the midst of a typically strong late spring upsurge. I had been working in the Levi Creek area with several clients on two different price levels so I had a very strong sense of which homes were selling and at what price they were selling for. My clients had decided that they wanted a four bedroom home to accommodate grandma when she stayed over, and that four bedroom

Infinity Condos: Bright Spacious and Flowing - Spectacular Downtown Vistas - Check it out!

2010-05-28T11:29:00.009-06:00

If a one bedroom suits your needs then look no further! Steps to the Air Canada Centre, Union Station, overlooking the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, and Waterfront Luxurious 35 storey building Suite located on 25th floor offers wide balcony and large windows with unobstructed view of waterfront and cityscape Fantastic amenities: Indoor Pool, 24 Hour Concierge, Business

Traditional Townhouse in a Quiet Complex in Meadowvale

2010-05-11T22:27:00.001-06:00

Classic Two Storey Townhouse in a quiet well maintained complex. Spacious Bedrooms, great living dining open concept combo. Finished basement with full in-law suite. Fully Fenced yard, private drive and garage. Lots of bang for the buck. See Vtour. Please contact for you personal viewing. Price $249,800 David Smeriglio Sutton Group Icon Realty Inc. Brokerage 905-848-1313 david@

Absolute wow Semi on Quiet Court in Sought after Levi Creek

2010-05-11T22:06:00.003-06:00

Great opportunity to own a great home in a great community. Absolute pride of ownership. Updated with attention paid to detail. Includes Stainless appliances, Hardwoods and Ceramics Throughout, Custom Window Treatments, Tasteful Paint. Close to both Catholic and Public English Elementary Schools, as well as a French Elementary School and Sainte Famille French High School. Parks, Trails, a Large

Open Concept Detached - Quiet Court in Levi Creek

2010-05-10T10:45:00.001-06:00

Great opportunity to own a detached home in Levi Creek. Why go semi when you can get a 3bd Detached with a double garage and a premium lot? Levi Creek is nestled between major highways 407 and 401, surrounded by parks, forest, ravine, and trails. Close to French High School Saint Famille and Elementary School Ange Gabriel. As well a catholic and public elementary school within its community.

Not your average Downtown Toronto 1 Bedroom

2010-04-15T08:12:00.000-06:00

http://www.visualtour.com/applets/flashviewer2/facebook.asp?t=2162012&prt=12571 Unique One Bedroom with floor to ceiling wrap around windows, large balcony and spectacular views. Excellent location. Being sold exclusively for 1 week before MLS. Opportunity to $ave!

If we wait until after the HST kicks in will the market go down?

2010-04-08T10:05:00.001-06:00

This is a question I have been asked by many first time buyer clients lately. In fact, I am always asked the Chrystal Ball question by first time buyers ' should we wait' ? If I had answered yes each time since 1998, with the exception of the months before July 2008, I would have been dead wrong. However even if I took a stab at it, as I did in 2003 when housing economists predicted a big slow

MLS Changes Welcomed ... with Caution.

2010-04-03T07:48:00.001-05:00

Even more important than being a single source for access to most houses listed for sale, our MLS system provides accuracy of information governed by local boards. Brokerages and their agents posting a listing to the MLS are further governed under the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, and by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) who administers the act. This allows for a standardization

Why Dismantle Something that is Working Perfectly?

2010-03-23T06:56:00.002-05:00

Yesterday on many discussion boards and news media outlets the idea of opening the MLS up to let the public list privately was presented. From what I could see the discussion boards were dominated by a small fraction of the Real Estate world which was dissatisfied with their Real Estate agents and of course Realtors. Here is a small insight into my view on it.The draw of the mls system is that

Email to CP24 - Sensationalistic Journalism??? Misleads Public

2010-03-22T11:50:00.003-05:00

CP24 Posted the following Poll questionWould you sell your home without a real estate agent if you could get the property listed on MLS?I think the question was meant to mean 'do you feel comfortable selling your home without the assistance of a realtor if you could post it on the MLS'?To Whom it May ConcernYes I am a Realtor. The question you asked is sensationalistic and without grounds. It is

Subscribe to my Milton Search - You Should if You want to Save Money! Read How and Why.

2010-03-18T12:39:00.016-05:00

What about Milton?Is a question that I am often asked by anyone considering the west end of the GTA. There have been several clients who at our initial conversation ruled out Milton, but who eventually bought there nonetheless.The main reason for this change of heart was because they discovered that their main objection to Milton, the extra commute, was a sacrifice that they were willing to make

Roll up the Rim - The Rim Roller!

2010-02-25T10:03:00.003-05:00

Just like with my best Real Estate Listings I am always looking for latest and most innovative ways to market myself.Sending this fun little Invention From Canadian Paul Kind of Novel Solutions (featured on The Dragons Den TV program) has been a huge success since I first sent it in 2008. (I'm also secretly convinced I am going to win the grand prize!) If you Roll a Grand Prize in the Tim

Anatomy of My Own Move Part 1: Why the Move?

2010-02-24T11:46:00.000-05:00

I have been looking forward to writing this series of blog entries about my own move. I gave gained valuable experience and learned so many lessons about myself, my family, and my business from this event. One of the most valuable lessons was that of delegating. I delegate most things in my business life, yet I would never consider delegating the task of listing my own house! Would a mechanic pay

Maximize Profits in a Hot Market

2010-02-19T08:53:00.006-05:00

I listed this home in late Summer of 2009. It was in a demand neighbourhood. Some Realtors would say that staging or preparation was not necessary!My clients were bombarded with discount offers everyday. Including brokerages that would slap it on MLS for minimum commission. (hoping that although the listing is a loss leader that they could snag a buyer client and make up the difference).I

New Listing 1624-25 Kingsbridge Garden Circle

2010-02-17T13:39:00.006-05:00

Tridel's Skymark West One of the last modern luxury buildings in Mississauga to offer full size suites. In newer buildings 1400 sqft is reserved for Penthouses.Visit http://www.1624-25kingsbridge.com/ for more info and photos. Contact me for a private viewing.

Anatomy of My Own Move Part 2: Preliminary Search

2010-01-18T13:02:00.014-05:00

I don't want to bore people with statistics so I will try to keep it brief. I am not any different than anyone who calls me about purchasing a property. The first step is to see what is available on the market.I was marketing to a large chunk of our search area. I saw the statistics on a daily basis and had just finished working with a purchasing client within the area. I clearly remember the day

Anatomy of my own Move Part 3: Getting the House Ready for Sale

2010-01-17T14:37:00.002-05:00

We had bought our house in the midst of a typically strong late spring upsurge. I had been working in the Levi Creek area with several clients on two different price levels so I had a very strong sense of which homes were selling and at what price they were selling for.My clients had decided that they wanted a four bedroom home to accommodate grandma when she stayed over, and that four bedroom

20 offers on a One bedroom Condo?!!!

2009-11-23T16:22:00.002-05:00

The market is showing no signs of slowing down. Toronto Downtown is experiencing a dramatic resurgence that has seen prices per square foot flirting with $500!One agent in my office has been in several offers where 10+ bids were present; one had 20!Record low rates and the continued further prospect of years of low rates seem to be making Real property a safe bet.I have advised several first time

GTA REALTORS® Report August Mid-Month Resale Market Figures

2009-08-19T07:22:00.001-06:00

In the first two weeks of August, Greater TorontoREALTORS® reported 3,832 sales – up 27 per cent compared to the first twoweeks of August 2008. The average price for these transactions was up three percent year-over-year to $383,796."The results for the first half of August indicate that many households in the GTAremain confident in their ability to purchase and pay for a home over the longterm,"

TREB Statistical Charts

2009-08-08T05:10:00.007-06:00

Take a look at the New Listings vs. Sales charts As seen in the first chart, New Listings for June and July lag behind the last four previous years, however Sales are at their Highest point over the last 4 years.NEW LISTINGSSALES This has caused seriously depleted inventory in many locations. A famous Toronto Realtor wrote in his newsletter that finding a decent full two bedroom condo in downtown

2009-08-06T09:45:00.000-06:00

GTA REALTORS® report resale record in JulyTORONTO, August 6, 2009 - In July 2009, Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported a record9,967 sales, up 28 per cent from July 2008. The average price for July transactions was$395,414 – up by six per cent compared to the same month last year."Households confident in their positioning within the current economic environment have takenadvantage of housing

Mid Summer Update: Has the Market Stabilzed? Message From TREB President.

2009-07-16T07:39:00.001-06:00

July 10, 2009 -- Throughout the next year, I will be bringing you news on the Greater Toronto Area resale housing market and there couldn’t be a more exciting time to be taking the reins as President of the Toronto Real Estate Board.Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 10,955 sales last month, making it the best June on record. Compared to June 2008 when 8,600 homes changed hands, last month’s

A great example of why it pays to work with a buyer agent

2009-05-05T10:18:00.001-06:00

This weekend I held open house at a very popular property. We carefully researched the price. Recent sales, available comparable properties and market conditions were carefully analyzed. Recent record low interest rates were also considered. After careful deliberation a price was chosen.The price could have been higher but based on the family’s desire to procure a relatively quick sale we ‘priced

Beautiful Semi Mississauga - Great Curb Appeal!

2009-04-30T12:54:00.005-06:00

But not only Curb Appeal. A really functional layout too. Nice finishings, main floor laundry, hardwoods really bright and airy. Double Door Entry with a soaring ceiling. Rare double garage. Located on an inside corner on a wide lot. Great lot lines make for a spacious yard. Nicely Landscaped. Close to highways 401 and 403. Missssauga Transit steps away. Minutes from HeartlandShopping Centre.

78 Westhead Road ~ Rare Ravine Lot in Alderwood

2009-04-29T11:04:00.001-06:00

Renovated and Updated 2 + 1 bedroom Bungalow on a 40 x 146ft lot. Has a walkout to the yard and a Sun room.- New Roof, Furnace, CAC, and most windows and doors- Full Height newly finished basement with 3 piece bathroom- Hardwoods and Laminate Floors- New interior doors and casings- CVAC- Parking for 2-3 cars- Extra Long Private Yard Steps from Park and Ravine- Look for Open House info.- Easy

3,681 TRANSACTIONS IN FIRST HALF OF APRIL

2009-04-23T17:36:00.000-06:00

3,681 TRANSACTIONS IN FIRST HALF OF APRILTORONTO, April 17, 2009 - Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 3,681 transactions in the first half of April, down seven per cent compared to 3,955 during the same period last year.“In lock-step with the favorable March results, resale housing market conditions in the first half of April were markedly improved compared to the winter time,” said TREB

Good Explanation for the Blip in

2009-04-23T17:32:00.001-06:00

The Standoff: Finding that Middle Ground

2009-04-20T11:24:00.002-06:00

It's a rainy and cold April Monday in the GTA and the phones have simmered down today. Its given me a few minutes to jot down some thoughts after a very busy two weeks. Although I have always enjoyed open houses, recent outings have been particularly enlightening. I regularly read up on the latest market trends, and sift through weekly statistics to try to get a leg up and impart sound advice to

8 Good Reasons why it's a good time to buy property:

2009-03-05T11:55:00.000-05:00

1. Historic low interest rates2. 5% down payments3. Amortizations can be spread to 35 years4. Land Transfer tax rebates (Ontario and Toronto) for first time buyers5. Increase from 20K to 25K for RRSP contribution for first time buyers6. Federal Government tax credits for closing costs7. Federal government tax credits for home renovations8. Ability to add

A Buyers Multiple Offer!?

2008-11-27T14:41:00.012-05:00

For years many buyers participated in Multiple Offers aka Bidding Wars. In some locations bidding wars were widely accepted as the normal course of purchasing Real Estate. With the shift into a buyers market, buyers now have the upper hand.How? It's Simple...Markets with low inventory coupled with continuously high demand caused bidding wars in favour of the Seller.Buyers can benefit from markets

US vs. Canada - Some Differences in Lending Practices

2008-11-24T15:20:00.006-05:00

Much of this valuable and interesting information is from a course I recently took titled.The U.S. Housing Crisis: Why it Won't Happen Here. These are some key points.A very small percentage of mortgages in Canada are subprimeCanadian 'subprime' is similar in risk to US 'Alternative A' In the US, those unable to have 20% down had little alternative but to turn to subprime lenders.In Canada,

Making a Real Estate move in our current economic climate

2008-11-24T12:58:00.008-05:00

You planned a move, were finally ready to proceed and now the housing market is suddenly unstable. You got laid off or took a pay cut and need to downsize. You waited for the peak of the market to cash in on your investment property. Whatever the circumstances are, the question on many people’s minds is: Should I hold off or proceed with the sale?There are several factors to consider in answering

Latest CMHC outlook for 2008/9

2008-11-19T16:21:00.002-05:00

Hello:For your reference, please find attached the latest Housing Market Outlookdata for GTA (Fall 2008 edition).Here are some high-lights fromthe nine page report:New Home Market: High rise sales will dominate new home market...-New home sales in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) will continue to moderate in 2009.- High rise sales have accounted for more than 50 per cent of the totalshare of sales

Make Your House Stand Out above the Crowd: Are Agents failing to advise their clients?

2008-11-17T16:14:00.035-05:00

Recently the quality of listings that I have visited seems to be trending lower and lower. Perhaps the recent corresponding surge in Realtors has something to do with it? (Recent numbers pegged membership at TREB nearing 29,000. Only four years ago it was 21,000) But I digress…Let me give you an example. This spring/summer I worked with 4 individual buyers looking for condo's in the centre of

3rd Annual Stevington Crescent Street Sale and Charity Drive

2008-08-24T11:20:00.029-06:00

Hi Neighbours! Welcome to the 2008 late summer edition of the Street Sale. The 2007 event was a huge success (see last year's photos) let's make 2008 even better.Purge unwanted items, earn a few dollars in the process, have fun and get out and mingle with the neighbours. (6 new neighbours since last event!)And to boot this year we are doing it for a good cause. We have teamed up with The March

Government of Canada Moves to Protect, Strengthen Canadian Housing Market

2008-08-01T05:15:00.000-06:00

On July 9, the Department of Finance announced adjustments to the rules for government guaranteed mortgages aimed at protecting the strengthening the Canadian housing market. CMHC supports the new parameters and the government’s ongoing efforts to maintain a strong Canadian housing market.Consistent with the government’s direction, CMHC will no longer be accepting mortgage insurance applications

New energy initiatives good to know for homeowners

2008-03-07T06:41:00.000-05:00

New energy initiatives good to know for homeownersGrants are available for homeowners going green. Both the provincial and federal government have programs designed to encourage energy reduction. By staying up-to-date on the latest programs, you can offer clients valuable information that could save them money.Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is offering a new residential energy efficiency

ZERO DOWN PAYMENT............. GIMMICK??? NOT AT ALL.... READ ON!!

2008-02-27T16:38:00.000-05:00

I don’t know about you, but living in this day and age, when I see what looks to be too good to be true, I’m always looking for the catch. However, it is possible to finance with no money down in a way that really is legitimate. And there are no catches. Traditionally, one had to Purchase a home with a minimum of 5% down payment. The down payment had to either come from your own savings or as

Using RRSPs for real estate, higher learning

2008-02-27T08:25:00.000-05:00

Saving for education, paying off student loans or buying a home often have higher priorities for younger people than contributing to an RRSP.But the Home Buyers Plan and the Lifelong Learning Plan can provide options for anyone saving for retirement but in need of investing in more immediate priorities - especially with the increasing price of real estate and tuition.The Lifelong Learning Plan

Canada not linked to US real estate market troubles

2008-01-17T11:31:00.000-05:00

The melt-down of the U.S. real estate market has left many homebuyers wondering if and how it may affect the housing market in Canada. But market analysts say the problems in the U.S. will have little impact on Canadian real estate.For example, according to a recent House Price Survey report released by Royal LePage Real Estate Services, Canada's resale housing market remained on solid ground

Toronto imposes new Land Transfer Tax - What does this means to home buyers?

2007-11-20T10:16:00.000-05:00

- After much debate for months and months, here is the new Toronto Land Transfer Tax that was just passed by Council on 22 October 2007 and takes effect on 1 February 2008. Transactions entered into prior to the end of the year will be fully exempt whenever they close. For the first two months of the year, the deals must close before February 1st 2008. After that, the full tax applies.The new tax

'Buying a lifestyle'; Toronto neighbourhoods are becoming branded, and part of the brand is defined by local retailers

2007-11-12T13:04:00.000-05:00

'Buying a lifestyle'; Toronto neighbourhoods are becoming branded, and part of thebrand is defined by local retailersNational PostMon 01 Oct 2007Page: A14Section: TorontoByline: Garry MarrSource: National PostToronto's real estate market has been on an 11-year tear, and continues to set new recordsevery month. The boom has dramatically transformed the city's skyline andneighbourhoods, and changed

2007 Fall Federal Economic Update

2007-10-31T23:21:00.000-05:00

2007 FEDERAL FALL ECONOMIC & FISCAL UPDATE Special ReportOctober 31, 2007 HIGHLIGHTS• Focus shifts back to tax relief measures• After adjusting for new measures, surplus projectionbelow private sector forecasts• Expected but regrettable cut to the GST• Slight personal income tax relief• Significant but back-end loaded move on corporateincome taxes• Further major tax relief in next Budget

Lenders offer green-home mortgages; Lower interest rates for

2007-10-08T08:07:00.000-06:00

Kosta Hatzidimitriou was happy when he stumbled upon a green mortgage for his recent purchase of athree-bedroom single-family home."The wife and I are trying to get more environmentally conscious and energy efficient," he said."Personally, I think it's about time the banks got involved (in enviro-friendly products) becauseeverybody else is."His new Citizens Bank of Canada mortgage included a

Real estate broker pushes for home 'green auditing'

2007-08-06T12:55:00.000-06:00

We all know the market is doing well in Toronto (Another Record in July!!!!!! etc.) And interest rates have gone up from crazy low to just very very low...So I would like to steer this form towards things about housing. With today's focus on environmental awareness I truly feel that incentives given at the time of purchase would certainly help home owners tale the steps necessary to lower their

As if Home Prices were not High Enough Already!!!

2007-07-10T08:40:00.001-06:00

Toronto Councillors are aboutto vote on a tax that will cost the averageperson an additional $4,200 upfront, or more,when they purchase a home. The vote is ona 100% increase in land transfer taxes.Visit our website to find out what the tax will cost you andthen email the Mayor and City Councillors.It’s Just Not Fair!• A second land transfer taxon top of the current provincialland transfer tax – a

Best June Ever!

2007-07-06T11:41:00.001-06:00

Best June Ever! July 6, 2007 -- Last month the Toronto Real Estate Market recorded 10,451 sales for the best June performance ever, Toronto Real Estate Board President Donald Bentley announced today. "June's figure was up almost 20 per cent over the 8,730 sales recorded during the same month in 2006, and down only slightly (six per cent) from May's best-ever figure of 11,146 sales. To get some

Time to lock in your variable rate mortgage

2007-06-12T07:12:00.000-06:00

As a mortgage broker, I am constantly getting negative comments from clients when I tell them the fixed rate for a 5 year term is say 5.75%...... why so high ! they say.My, we all have a short memory. It's amazing how selective our memory is. Looking back over the years, it's not too difficult to see that this exceptionally low interest period was a "blip" and could not go on forever.No one can

Bad street name can drive down real estate

2007-06-06T11:41:00.001-06:00

Bad street name can drive down real estateThe Leader-Post (Regina)Fri 11 May 2007Page: F5Section: NewsByline: Misty HarrisColumn: Market ValueSource: CanWest News ServiceApologies to sticks-and-stones philosophers, but it seems names really can hurt -- at leastwhen it comes to real estate.Industry experts report a small but noteworthy negative effect between a badly namedstreet and the perceived

Banks Boost Mortgage Rates

2007-06-06T11:36:00.000-06:00

TORONTO - Canada's major banks are raising their posted mortgage rates by up to one third of a point in anticipation of a rate hike by the country's central bank. After the Bank of Canada hinted an increase in its 4.25 per cent overnight rate could be in the pipeline as soon as July, RBC Royal Bank (TSX:RY), CIBC, (TSX:CM), Bank of Montreal (TSX: BMO) and TD Canada Trust (TSX:TD) all raised their

Toronto Housing Market Reaches New Heights!

2007-06-06T11:20:00.001-06:00

June 5, 2007 -- With an astonishing 11,146 sales in May, the Toronto Real Estate market put in its best performance since records have been kept, President Dorothy Mason announced today. "The Toronto Real Estate Board has been tracking the local housing market for over forty years, and there has never been a month that even approaches this level of activity," Ms. Mason stated. "May was up 18 per

2007-05-17T16:48:00.000-06:00

Highest midmonth total everMay 16, 2007 -- The resale housing market got off to a roaring start in May, with 5,003 sales reported during the first 15 days of the month, Toronto Real Estate Board President Dorothy Mason announced today. This is an 11 per cent increase over the first half of May 2006 and the highest midmonth sales total in TREB’s history.“All signs point to a very healthy market

April reaches new heights

2007-05-04T21:46:00.001-06:00

May 4, 2007 -- Resale housing activity in April powered the Spring market to never before seen heights, with 9,452 sales recorded during the month, TREB President Dorothy Mason announced today."With four months passed, 2007 sales to-date are up five per cent over last year," Ms. Mason observed. "We are on track for another near-record year." The Bowmanville area (E17) saw a sales increase of 43

Best Day Ever, Best Month Ever!

2007-05-04T21:43:00.000-06:00

May 4, 2007 -- With 581 sales reported on April 30, the highest single day total ever documented, April's total transactions reached an astounding 9,452, the best single-month total ever recorded, TREB President Dorothy Mason announced today. "The Greater Toronto Area's resale housing market has showed sustained strength and these phenomenal numbers bode well for the remainder of this year's

New legislation on mortgages - 80%LTV

2007-04-23T13:55:00.000-06:00

April 23rd 2007New legislation. Conventional mortgages no longer 75% loan to value (LTV). Now 80% LTV without CMHC/Genworth insurance.Stay tuned for more news about this ever changing mortgage scene.And no..... we're not going to have a situation like they have in the USA. Canadian lending is much more conservative

April 2007 - Housing Market Going Strong

2007-04-19T05:45:00.000-06:00

April showers don’t dampen home sales April 18, 2007 -- The GTA resale housing market got off to a strong start in April, with mid-month sales coming in one per cent ahead of mid-April 2006, Toronto Real Estate Board President Dorothy Mason announced today.The 4,175 transactions recorded in the first half of the month surpass the mid-April total of 4,140 sales recorded in 2006. Meanwhile,

The First Post

2007-04-17T07:48:00.000-06:00

Hello and Welcome to my first Blog and first Blog posting.So why a Blog?Real Estate is my passion and if given the opportunity I can talk until I am blue in the face about it - just ask my wife!Everyday I am sent interesting real estate articles, or someone shares valuable real estate insight with me, and I only ever get to talk about with my immediate clients. A blog gives me the opportunity to