Now there's more reason for you to choose us to represent you!

A new programme has been proposed which will benefit our clients immensely, and save them more money! All new home buyers will be eligible to take advantage of this great offer. This offer is $150 off transfer of services from one home to another OR no start up fees for new Rogers customers.

If you're thinking of buying your first home, this is just the thing for you! Enquire about your chance to get in on this deal today!

 

As forecasted, The Bank of Canada cut their overnight interest rates to 3.5% from 4%, the biggest cut since 2001. This will of course, affect banks Prime Rates as they will be dropped to 5.25% from 5.75%. 

You will start to see (if any) drops in the 5yr fixed rate (5.74%) sometime within the next couple of weeks and movement on the Variable Rates very soon.

Clients in variable rate mortgages will reap the rewards of this rate drop. 5 yr Variables will be starting as low as 2.9% (Prime minus 2.35%) after the official announcement of the lowered Prime Rate!

 

 

Sellers are looking for ways to get the most for their homes and buyers, of course, are looking for the best value. A flowing floor plan, spacious layout, a not-so-crowded street, great curb appeal or planned community fees, etc. are certainly big influencers for buyers. But so, too, are some of the items in your home that you might not give much consideration.

A changing environment and more talk of all the trash that's filling up our landfills is causing more people to go green by using recycled goods or products that are renewable and easily break down instead of sitting around in our dumps.

Did you know that nylon fabric takes 30-40 years to degrade in a landfill? Cotton fabric takes only 1-5 months.

That's why businesses like the Kaaya Collection are taking off. Established in 2005, its founder, Vinitha Watson is not only selling an environmentally-friendly home décor but also hoping to educate consumers. The company aims to reduce the damaging environmental footprint as much as possible.

Watson says it's a very important mission for her to educate people about what types of materials they are being surrounded by in their homes. She equates it to the push for organic foods that is gaining in popularity.

"I really wanted to concentrate on natural fibers which do have the ability to break down faster," explains Watson.

She uses artisans from India, some who "do phenomenal work for European royalty," says Watson. "We use their craft and their art to embellish fabrics and then bring them here with a kind of Indo-Western flare and we sell it in the U.S.," adds Watson.

Most of her home décor products are items that people would typically pack up and take with them if they moved; however, Watson says there is a value to having natural products in your home when it comes time to sell it.

"In staging a home, if you decorate it in a very natural way, people will feel very cozy in that home," says Watson.

Home décor experts say the "in" products for items that are left behind when the home is sold are things such as wood shutters and woven wood shaded designs for window coverings. These items tend to hold their clean, simple, and up-to-date look regardless of how the styles change over the years.

And Watson adds this, "A lot of the time when sellers move, they leave curtains, so that would be something to highlight." She says especially so if they are made from natural fibers.

Using natural products isn't just about cashing in on what might appeal to buyers; Watson says it's really about creating a better environment and lessening potential health issues that can come from synthetic materials.

"They cause a lot of allergies. They can cause rashes. They can be carcinogenic," says Watson

Getting started in the natural décor theme doesn't have to break the bank. "Buy something that is really good that is also 100 percent natural fiber," says Watson. She recommends starting with pillows and curtains. She adds, "They're great to make you feel good about your environment."

When you shop for products ask questions about dyes. "I educate people about the dyes that we use. We use Azo-free dyes which are non-metallic dyes and we also use vegetable dyes whenever possible," says Watson.

"Turn over the product label and look at it," says Watson. You might be surprised by what you find.

Developing an inquisitive approach to shopping for home décor will likely get you to understand how certain products are manufactured, where the materials come from, and even who is making them -- then you can decide if that's the kind of product you want to be surrounded by in your home environment.

"Do you think it's chemically treated to get that softness?" is another important question says Watson. "That's also something that people are not very educated about," she adds. Watson says there are often many chemical products used on fabrics to break down the fibers and give it that worn feeling or make it soft to the touch. But she cautions you could be getting a nice texture and an overly-treated product.

Even if now doesn't seem to be the ideal time to sell your home, you can take heart in knowing that small actions may make a difference in getting your home sold.

"Scentmosphere" isn't exactly new but it is rapidly becoming a way to attempt to attract buyers.

When buyers walk into a house before they actually see anything in that house, because they breathe, they are smelling. So they are actually getting an impression, whether it's conscious or subconscious, of your home -- just by the way it smells.

So, right now take a deep breath. What kind of "smellment" is your home making?

Choosing to proactively make a statement in the way your home smells is just another step in helping to sell your home faster. It's the next step after curb appeal. Curb appeal gets buyers in the door but then they see and smell your home and begin to decide if this is the home for them. Remember, if it's a vacant home it can be musty. But if it's an active home it also could have odors of whatever activities that are going on in that house.

Are buyers going to smell the over-sized dog that traipses around the house after rolling in the newly-cut grass? Are they going to smell your son's gym bag filled with dirty socks that has been buried deep in his closet for the last five weeks? While we certainly don't all have the same preferences for scents, most would agree neither of those two things pose a welcoming aroma.

Try candle fragrances such as the smell of freshly-baked cookies. Not everybody likes to eat cookies but everybody enjoys the smell of cookies, and when I say everybody, there may be the exception here or there, but the vast majority would enjoy the baking smell. So we're always fond of fragrances that are in the vanilla family.

Fragrances such as French vanilla, butter cream, and créme brûleé that mimic baking scents are welcoming and inviting for buyers. Scents register in our brain and frequently remind us of our past experiences. Creating pleasant aromas in your newly-listed house can help the buyer to experience an emotional connection with the home.

When it comes to bathrooms, great rooms, or even basements it's a good idea to try different fragrances. You may want to think of what we refer to as clean or fresh fragrances and those could be based in various fruits, so the citrus family is a really good one.

However there are some fragrances that you should avoid as they don't tend to appeal to the masses or they have too strong an odor. Stick to such winners such as vanilla, kitchen spice fragrances, citrus, and the smell of freshly cleaned laundry.

Candles are the best way to get the fragrant aroma in the air, but if you don't have time to let them burn before showing your home there are other methods that work to get the right "scentmosphere." Try electrical plug-in products that have oil them so they provide continuous fragrance. If you're away from the house for a period of time, you don't have to worry about the candle being lit.

Reed diffusers are both decorative and powerful for giving off fragrance. The diffusers contain oil and the reeds help to draw the oil up and out into the room.

But if you give every room a fragrance, is there a point of over-saturation? No likely! It's not like the person who put on too much perfume. A home is a very large place and it absorbs a lot of the fragrance so it would be pretty hard to overpower a house with too much fragrance,.

With all the tips out there about selling a home, the scent factor is often the most forgotten. If you don't have a scent that you want in there, buyers are going to smell whatever is going on in that room. So if it's been closed up or doesn't have a lot of air flow there will be more of a musty, damp, or a less desirable scent.

It just makes sense that if you want to create an appealing environment for buyers, pleasing scents should be part of the selling plan.

Mississauga, ON (February 5, 2008) -Housing sales and average price weren’t the
only records being shattered across Canada in 2007.  RE/MAX realtors also set a
new benchmark in charitable giving, raising over $4 million for Children’s
Miracle Network. 

RE/MAX realtors generate donations through the RE/MAX Miracle Home Program®,
whereby a portion of their commission earned on the purchase or sale of each
home is given to Children's Miracle Network affiliated hospitals.  Children's
Miracle Network supports 14 children's hospitals and foundations across Canada.
Donations are often maximized through additional fundraising events including
golf tournaments, gala evenings with silent auctions, casual Fridays and much
more.  Funds raised in each community stay in that community to be invested in
the local Children's Miracle Network hospital.

'What many don’t realize is that the corporate and private sectors play a vital
role in making miracles possible,” says Marie Sheppy, Senior Coordinator,
Corporate Affairs, RE/MAX of Western Canada.  “With public coffers stretched to
the limit, it’s a fact that organizations like RE/MAX fund a significant portion
of the required cost to treat sick and injured children in pediatric facilities
across Canada.  We work so hard because we know our donations mean more than
dollars and cents—it's an opportunity for healthy, happy childhoods and hope for
promising futures.  There really is nothing more rewarding than watching kids
just be kids.”

In Canada, the funds raised on behalf of Children’s Miracle Network help support
outreach programs and fund advancements in critical research, as well as
upgrades to medical facilities and equipment.

“The outstanding generosity of RE/MAX Associates has helped more than 2.5
million Canadian children in  2007 alone – that’s 1 in 4 kids nationally,” says
John Hartman, Chief Operating Officer – Canada, Children’s Miracle Network. 
“RE/MAX has made Children’s Miracle Network hospitals a vital part of what they
do and continue to put giving back at the top of their agenda.  Since 1992,
RE/MAX has been a strong supporter of Children’s Miracle Network.  Their
dedication, passion and enthusiasm for the kids and families in their
communities across Canada is outstanding.  They continue to give and give more. 
We are very proud to be affiliated with RE/MAX. The progress being made thanks
to contributions like RE/MAX’s has been nothing short of astonishing.  While
care and outcomes have improved significantly, it also remains a reality that
the need has never been greater.” 

Newly Constructed Homes

Eligible first time buyers of newly constructed homes should continue to have their lawyers claim the refund under current procedures at the time of registration. The date the agreement of purchase and sale is entered into is a factor with respect to newly constructed homes.

Resale Homes

Until the proposed amendments become law, the following applies to first time home buyers of resale homes applying for a refund; land transfer tax must be paid at registration. The following documentation must be submitted to the Ministry of Revenue at the address at the end of this notice

- a properly completed form - Ontario Land Transfer Tax Refund. Affidavit for first time purchasers of eligible homes (resale)

- a copy of the registered instrument on which land transfer tax was paid (in the case of electronic registration, please include a copy of the docket summary which relates to the transaction)

- a copy of the agreement of the purchase and sale (only those agreements of purchase and sale entered into after December 13th, 2007 may qualify) along with a copy of the statements of adjustments.

Eligibility Requirements

The following eligibility requirements are proposed to apply for resale homes and continue to apply for newly constructed homes;

- the purchaser must be 18 years of age

-application for the refund must be made within 18 months after the date of the conveyance of disposition.

- the purchaser must occupy the home as his or her principle residence within 9 months of the date of closing.

- the purchaser cannot have owned a home or had any ownership interest in a home, anywhere in the world.

- a spouse of the purchaser cannot have owned a home or had any ownership interest in a home, anywhere in the world while he or she was the purchaser's spouse.

 

 

Mississauga, Ontario (January 23, 2008)- Condominiums experienced unprecedented upward pressure on average price in 2007, surpassing gains reported in the single-detached category for the first time in key GTA districts, including the central core and west end.

According to RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada, the average price of a condominium rose 12.2 percent in the central core in 2007 ($327,559 vs $292,064) while values in the west end jumped 7.3 per cent from $215,036 to 230,749. Statistics for the single-detached homes reveal an 11.5 per cent increase in average price in the central core ($910,906 vs $816,938) and a 6.6 per cent increase in the west ($417,407 vs $ 444,945) during the same period.

"Condominiums are clearly a viable - and now financially feasible - alternative to single-detached housing" says Michael Polzer, Executive Vice President and Regional Director, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. "With so many purchasers forced to compromise on their choice of housing, the ever-growing return on investment in the condominium market is proving to be quite the consolation prize."

Had a new born in 2007? Send us a picture and we will post it on our blog, in our photo gallery. Simply email us at kapeleris@aol.com. Congratulations on your new baby!

In honor of Carmela's father, Liberato Zita (01/24/1923-04/29/2007) the committee known as the Comitato San Filippo Neri of Toronto (CSFN) has formed a scholarship. For all those interested in participating please complete the application and email to;

Comitato San Filippo Neri - Toronto         Email: mr.di@rogers.com

Please note: Applications must be postmarked no later than April 1 of the applying year. Thank you and good luck!

 

 

  

New homebuyers may see big savings when the new 1% reduction in GST takes effect in January 2008. It will also help existing homeowners to pay for home renovations, new appliances or furniture. The federal government claims that Canadians spend an average of $7,475 on renovations when they buy a home, and spend another $3,950 on furniture, and appliances. Based on these figures, the GST cut represents $114 in savings.

The Canadian Home Builders Association offer the following guidelines for home renovations and how GSt is applied.

- Renovations done before or after January 1, 2008 but invoiced on or after that date will qualify for the 5% GST rate.

- For renovations done and invoiced January 1, 2008 but subject to a down payment before January 1, 6% will be collected on the down payment and 5% on the rest of the fee.

- For renovations done after January 1, 2008, but subject to a deposit paid after January 1, the 5% rate applies. A deposit is not treated as a payment for a supply of goods or services until the supplier applies it against the consideration payment of the supply.

Toronto City Council has approved a municipal land transfer tax that will be levied on top of the provincial land transfer tax. TREB worked very hard to oppose this tax and commends the efforts of Realtors on this issues. TREB took a strong position to oppose this tax as unfair in principle and refused to compromise. As a direct result of this strong position, City Council was forced to make a number of amendments to the city's original proposal, including rebates for first time buyers, a reduced rate and grandfathering for existing transactions.

The Bank of Canada cut the overnight rate by 25 basis points to 4.25% highlighting the growing downside risks to the inflation outlook due to the global financial market volatility. The Bank said that both CPI inflation and core inflation in October came in below their forecasts and that they would now expect inflation to be lower than their October projection. for the next several months.

The Bank cited increased risks to the outlook for Canadian exports on the prospect of slower US economy (due to the housing market) and cited a tightening in credit conditions globally as increasing the downside risks to their inflation outlook. The Bank highlighted that the currency is trading closer to the 98 US cents assumed in their October forecast having weakened from its highest level. Pressure in financial markets has led to a further tightening in credit conditions. However, strong domestic demand kept the economy operating above its production potential in the third quarter producing residual upside risks to the inflation project.

The most recent press release indicates that policymakers are increasingly nervous about the impact of the global financial market turmoil on the outlook for growth and inflation and sets up for additional easing should these conditions persist in 2008. Our view that Canada's economy, like its US counterpart, is headed for a period of slower growth means that it is likely that the Bank will cut the policy rate again early next year.

Like the BOC, we expect that the aggressive progressive price cutting by Canadian retailers will keep downward pressure on Canada's core inflation rate allowing the Bank to pursue an easier policy stance as the economy navigates through this period of financial market turmoil. To be sure, the strong increase in domestic demand in the third quarter will keep the Bank wary about the risk that household spending will grow rapidly exerting upward pressure on prices related to housing. However the downside risks emanating from the financial market uncertainty, commiserates tightening in credit conditions and weakening US growth outlook seals the case for an additional rate cut in early 2008.

Have you done all you should to prepare your home for the winter? Drain all exterior hoses and store them for the winter. Outside faucets should be either freeze-proof or be supplied with a valve somewhere inside the house that allow you to shut off the water to the faucet for the winter. Failure to do this may cause the pipe to freeze and possibly burst when the winter comes. Remember to store your tools and anything usually left in the summer or during the warmer seasons.

Consider this motto; a little prevention costs a lot less than major repair. Its amazing just how much money and aggravation you can save yourself just by paying attention to up keeping the conditions of your drains. Imagine your drains as the major arteries of your house, clogging leads to major problems.  Plumbing companies receive most of their calls around the holidays when people are at their most careless.

To prevent clogged drains avoid the temptation of being lazy and flushing things that ought to be thrown in the garbage instead, things like grease, hair and solid bits that wont disperse. Use a drain basket in your sink to catch leftovers, these can be bought at any hardware or dollar store in different sizes and shapes for the right fit. Its a good idea to clean out your kitchen and bathroom drains once a month using a homemade cleaner which is economical and won't damage your plumbing.

To make homemade drain cleaner simply combine 250ml (1cup) of baking soda, 250ml (1 cup) of table salt and 65ml (1/4cup) of cream tartar. Store the dry ingredients in a safe place away from children, in a glass jar or tin, labelled clearly.

To use the cleaner put about 65ml (1/4cup) of Tye mixture into the drain and add 250ml (1cup) of water. The mixture will fizz and bubble. When the reaction stops run clear water from the tab through the drain.

As for keeping your toilet running, once again avoid the temptation to flush things that belong in the trash like wrappers, sanitary napkins, cigarette butts or wads of tissues.

Consider having the main drain line to the sewer cleaned if you can't remember the last time it was checked. Remember the motto; a little prevention costs a lot less than major repair.

 

You'll be surprised how well and sometimes, how much better natural products work than any other kind of chemical cleaners you use around the house.

Vinegar...To clean windows, add 3 tbsp (50ml) to a gallon of water. Use vertical strokes to clean one side of the pane and horizontal ones to clean the other side. This way, if you see any streaks, you'll know which side the streaks are on! For a 'streak-free' shine, use the old trick, crumpled newspaper instead of cloth to clean the window panes (black and white newsprint sheets)

You can use vinegar undiluted to disinfect cutting boards, counter tops and tabletops. Eliminate spots on stainless steel appliance finishes and fixtures. Boil 1tsp (5ml) with a cup (250ml) of water as a natural air re freshener to eliminate household odours. Annoyed with stickers or gummy spots that just won't come off? Heat to lukewarm temperature a mix of half water/half vinegar and gently scrub them them away.

Drain cleaner (Non-caustic)...Pour 250ml of baking soda, followed by; 250ml salt and 125ml of white vinegar down the drain. Let stand for 15 minutes then pour a kettle full of boiling water down the drain. Repeat if necessary.

Carpet Deodorizer...In a medium bowl, crush 1/2 cup of dried lavender; stir in 1 cup of baking soda. Sprinkle the mixture onto carpeting. Let stand for half an hour then vacuum thoroughly.

Lemon...the juices in lemons can be used to clean many appliances, a natural disinfectant, it smells fresh and leaves a great shine.

Lot size...Street frontage is important, but don't overlook depth.

Parking & Garage...Consider this important feature but don't forget to factor in any future plans. While you might own a small car now, will you have to buy a bigger one in the future if family planning becomes an issuse?

Corner lots...To avoid creating a tunnel-like apperance, corner lots are wider than normal. Meaning more grass to cut, ,ore sidewalk to clear of snow, more fencing to erect without a neighbour to split the cost.

Side of street...Homes on the west side recieve morning sun at the front and afternoon sun in the back. South houses bask in the sun at the rear, ideal for backyard enthusiasts.

Other factors...What street hardware (sidewalk, fire hydrant, overhead street lamp, hydro transformer box, stop sign, supermail box, bus stop) appear near the lot?

---you heard this adage many times but, what does it mean?

LOCATION is one of the most important aspects of consideration when establishing the value of a property. For example, two identical homes can be priced - and valued - at completely different prices! Location being the differing factor.

The following could affect not only how much you pay for your home but the property's subsequent resale value.

Distance to work...How long will the rush hour commute take? House prices are generally cheaper the greater the distance from the hub of activity.

Transportation...Public transit and mature road networks are more readily available in built-up and established areas. Projected start dates for transit routes or road construction are only educated guesses.

Schools...Knowing which schools service an area is often a high priority.

Support Services...Everyone needs a doctor, dentist and a pharmacy. Day-care centres and religious facilities also rank high for many people.

Shopping...Large commuter malls serve an entire community. Intermediate sized plazas are accessed by commuters and pedestrians.

Recreational facilities...Parks, playgrounds, community centres, skating rinks, swimming pools, baseball diamonds and soccer fields help establish ambiance and a community based neighbourhood.

Potential Deterrents...Negative factors include gas stations, railway tracks, airports, empty lots, commercial developments, cemeteries, industrial parks and major highways. Even positive attributes in in close proximity can become drawbacks. For example, being near a school is important, but the noise factor and possible after hour loitering can be a bad thing.

                 

Another change in the Toronto Land Transfer Tax saga! First, the good news; first time buyers will be exempt from the tax on the first $400,000 of their home. This applies to all homes - new developments and resale homes. So if you're thinking about buying your first place, you can breathe easy. If your home costs more than $400,000 you can only pay the tax on the overage amount.The bad news then is really only for people who are selling their homes and buying another one. For a $400,000 home it costs an additional $3725. For a $650,000 home it will cost you an additional $8725. Ouch

What was approved by the city council? A second land transfer tax at the following rates:

Residential

0.5% of the amount of the purchase price up to and including $55,000

1% of the amount of the purchase price between $55,000 and $400,000

2% of the amount of the purchase price above $ 400,000

When does it take effect? February 1, 2008

Where does this apply? Within the city of Toronto and NOT outside it though that could become a possibility

                  

Hallowe'en tips for homeowners   more »

Its that time of the year again! Keep your kids safe while they have fun   more »

Here are ten easy tips to help you conserve more for less!

1. Remember Rule Number One: If you're not using it, turn it off!

2. Get a setback thermostat, with newly installed batteries.

3. Use an automatic furnace humidifier, or a portable humidifier in bedrooms and common rooms.

4. If required, consider a dehumidifier in the basement and other damp areas.

5. Have your furnace, filters and ducts (or radiators) checked for optimum operational condition.

6. Clean your windows, inside and out, and open your drapery on sunny days to heat the house naturally.

7. Upgrade your appliances to ensure you aren't wasting money and energy unnecessarily (you may even be legible for a rebate)

8. Use automatic timers on appropriate fixtures.

9. Caulk or seal all cracks and gaps around the outside of your home and on the inside of your exterior walls.

10. Turn your water heater thermostat down a couple of degrees. Wear a sweater or socks and slippers.

 

Land Transfer Tax is an extra cost charged by the province when any type of real estate is acquired.   more »

Cook today for tomorrow and the day after!    more »

Get warm fast! There's nothing better than the comfort of soup on a cold day   more »

Help your kids make this hassle free treat   more »