Mississauga Real Estate by Theresa Baird

Oprah Winfrey Show Coming to Port Credit!

Theresa Baird - Broker — Thu, 24 May 2012 19:09:00 GMT

Port Credit selected by Million Dollar Neighbourhood

Million Dollar Neighbourhood - an Oprah Winfrey Network show has chosen our community to participate in the first round of selection. The show is coming to Port Credit in early June for a Town Hall Meeting to measure our interest and enthusiasm!!

Eunice Luis of Portlington Financial Group has been instrumental in spearheading the community and is inviting all interested parties to attend an information session at her home tonight (Thursday May 24) from 7:00 - 9:00 PM at 36 Mississauga Road N.

Join Eunice to find out more about the show, the opportunity of being casted or how to be involved in the planning. Everyone is welcome - please spread the word.

We already know we are a Million Dollar Neighbourhood in every sense of the word. Let's show everyone else!

Submitted by: Port Credit BIA, 905-278-7742

Queen's Diamond Jubilee Window Decorating Contest

Theresa Baird - Broker — Tue, 22 May 2012 19:08:00 GMT

To All Port Credit BIA Members,

The grand celebrations of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee are quickly approaching. From June 1 -15, the Port Credit Business Association will be hosting a British Monarch themed Window Decorating Contest in honour of these festivities. Think union jacks, buntings, red, white and blue and then let your creative juices flow. We encourage all of our members to take part and create spectacular displays for a chance to win amazing prizes.

Prizes Include:

1st Prize:

Two guests will enjoy a two-night stay at the Historic Lyons House Bed and Breakfast located in scenic Niagara-on-the-Lake. Guests will savour the flavours of four of Niagara’s award winning wineries during a one-day guided tour.
Visit the Historic Lyons House website for a closer look www.lyonshouse.ca

2nd Prize:

Enjoy a memorable evening with four friends at the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. Feast like royalty as you cheer on your brave battling knight from the special VIP area and then revisit the experience with a commemorative DVD.

3rd Prize:

Gather eight of your friends for a relaxing afternoon of traditional English High Tea complete with Tea Sandwiches, Scones and Desserts in the cozy dining room of the GlenErin Inn.

We ask that all members contact the Port Credit Business Association if you are interested in participating for a chance to win one of these great prizes.

Submitted by: Port Credit BIA

Luxury Housing Sales Surge Forward

Theresa Baird - Broker — Tue, 22 May 2012 18:13:00 GMT

New records set in just over 60 per cent of markets in the first quarter.

Read the full RE/MAX Media Release here: http://remaxoa.com/12/pr/UpperEnd/REMAX_UE_2012_REL.pdf

Mississauga, ON (May 16, 2012) - The Canadian appetite for all things luxury continues to fuel demand for high-end housing, with first quarter 2012 sales well ahead of 2011 figures for the same period in most markets across the country, according to a report released today by RE/MAX.

The Upper-End Report found that 81 per cent (13) of the 16 major Canadian centres examined - including Victoria, Edmonton, Calgary, Regina, Saskatoon, London-St. Thomas, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton-Burlington, Greater Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City, Greater Montreal, and Halifax-Dartmouth - posted an increase in homebuying activity, with the vast majority reporting double-digit appreciation. Records were set for upper-end sales in ten markets in Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia.

RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada Media Release:

http://remaxoa.com/12/pr/UpperEnd/REMAX_UE_2012_REL.pdf

RE/MAX Upper-End Market Trends 2012 Report for Canada:

http://remaxoa.com/12/pr/UpperEnd/REMAX_UE_2012_RPT.pdf

Submitted by: RE/MAX Ontario Atlantic Inc.

Are You a Candidate for "SmartSizing"?

Theresa Baird - Broker — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:20:00 GMT

PART 1

Spring came early this year! The good news is that the weather is warmer than expected and the housing market is even hotter than last year. The bad news is that spring is also income tax time and interest rates may be higher by this this time next year.

For Baby Boomers, the Spring of 2012 may also be memorable as the best time to capture the incredible rise in the value of their homes, with this being the 15th straight year of rising home prices in the GTA. There is a clear opportunity for Boomers to SmartSize: to trade the unused rooms in their large family home for the capital and cash flow they need to enjoy the lifestyle they want.

Are you a candidate for SmartSizing (check the boxes that apply to you)?

q Homeowner

q 50 years old or more

q The “kids” have moved out (or soon will)

q No pension (or not enough pension)

q Want Guaranteed Retirement Income (like 91% of all Canadians)

q Travel is your Number 1 Retirement Goal

q Home Equity is a big part of your Net Worth

q Want Guaranteed Income Growth before Retirement

q Use half the rooms in your Family home (or less)

q Want Guaranteed Income in Retirement – with Growth Potential

q Prefer time on the beach over time shovelling snow

q You’ve worked hard to pay for your family home (isn’t it time your family home started working to support your lifestyle?)

If you checked 5 or more boxes then it's time to learn more about SmartSizing.

The right Realtor can: help you obtain the information you need; help you maximize the sale value of your home; help you find your new lifestyle home; help you get the financial advice you need to ensure your income enables the lifestyle you want for the rest of your life.

I am available to meet with you to review your situation at your convenience. I am also pleased to offer to host you at a SmartSizing Seminar where an experienced Financial Advisor reviews how SmartSizing has helped Boomers achieve their lifestyle goals.

Next week, find out the Top 10 Reasons To SmartSize!

Submitted by: Theresa Baird (Broker), RE/MAX Realty Enterprises Inc

ILHM Luxury Housing Report

Theresa Baird - Broker — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:53:00 GMT

THIS WEEK....

The ILHM National Report this week looked at 26,373 luxury homes on the market.

The ILHM Luxury Composite Price this week is $1,128,509.

These homes have been on the market for an average of 190 days.

To see this week's full report, click on:

http://www.luxuryhomemarketing.com/market_report/ILHM_National_2012_05_20_1224252860_8425.pdf

The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM) publishes the ILHM Luxury Homes Market Update reports measuring market conditions for luxury real estate around the country.

Submitted by: The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

Do You Know Your Credit Score?

Theresa Baird - Broker — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:02:00 GMT

Before applying for a mortgage you should. A good credit report and credit score are important factors in determining whether or not you will be approved for a mortgage.

Here are some simple steps you can take to maintain a good credit history and improve your chances of being approved.

What is a Credit Score

Your credit score is a number that illustrates your financial health at a specific point in time. It also serves as an indicator of your financial past, and how consistently you pay off your bills and debts.

This is one of the factors mortgage professionals consider in qualifying you for a mortgage.

How to Check Your Credit Score

To find out your credit score, contact Canada’s two credit-reporting agencies: Equifax Canada at www.equifax.ca and TransUnion Canada at www.transunion.ca.

For a fee, these agencies will provide you with an online copy of your credit score as well as a credit report – a detailed summary of your credit history, employment history and personal financial information on file. You can also obtain a free copy of your credit report by mail. If you find any errors in your report, notify the credit-reporting agency and the organization responsible for the inaccuracy immediately.

If You Do Not Have a Credit Score

It’s important to begin building a credit history as early as possible. You can begin to build one by applying for – and responsibly using – a credit card. Your financial institution or mortgage professional can help.

How to Improve Your Credit Score

Demonstrating your ability to manage credit is key to maintaining a good credit score. There are a number of things you can do to improve your credit score. These include:

· Always pay your bills in full and on time. If you cannot pay the full amount, try to pay at least the required minimum shown on your monthly statement.

· Pay off your debts (such as loans, credit cards, lines of credit, etc.) as quickly as possible.

· Never go over the limit on your credit cards, and try to keep your balances well below the limits.

· Reduce the number of credit card or loan applications you make.

Once your credit score has improved, work with your mortgage professional to obtain a mortgage that works for you.

Find Out More

To find out more about credit scores and reports visit the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada website and download or request a free copy of their guide, Understanding Your Credit Report and Credit Score. This guide provides practical, straightforward information on how to obtain and understand your credit report and score, as well as how to build and maintain a good credit history.

Financial Consumer Agency of Canada:

http://www.fcac-acfc.gc.ca

Understanding Your Credit Report and Credit Score:

http://www.fcac-acfc.gc.ca/eng/resources/publications/budgetMoneyMgmt/CreditReportScore/CreditReportScoreTOC-eng.asp

Submitted by: William Ball, Mortgage Agent at Mortgage Cents Inc.

Need a Mortgage? Be Prepared

Theresa Baird - Broker — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:39:00 GMT

Your mortgage broker or lender requires certain information before they can approve you for a housing loan. Use this list to make sure you bring everything you need with you when applying for a mortgage.

The Importance of Being Prepared

The most common reason for delays in getting approved for a mortgage is missing or incomplete information. As a home buyer, the best way to make sure your mortgage or pre-qualification application is processed as quickly and accurately as possible, is to bring all the information you need with you when you meet with your broker or lender.

What Do You Need to Bring With You?

Several pieces of government-issued identification, preferably those including a photo.
Your current address and at least two previous addresses (as applicable).
If you’re renting, a letter from your landlord confirming your rent history.
The name and address of your current employer and past employers (as applicable).
Proof of employment, including pay stubs or other proof of income (salary, commission, pension, etc.), your position with your current employer and past employers depending on how long you’ve been working there. Other useful documents include a T4 or, if you are self-employed, Notices of Assessment (NOA) for the previous two years.
Proof of a down payment and where your down payment will come from (e.g. savings account, RRSP, sale of another property, gift, etc.). If a family member will be paying for a portion of your down payment, you will also need a signed letter from them acknowledging the purpose of the gift, and that it is non-repayable.
Recent financial statements for the past several months (bank accounts, investment statements, sale of previous property if applicable, etc.) to show your down payment as well as the contact information for your bank.
Your current debts and other financial obligations (including credit card balances and limits, car loans or leases, student loans, personal loans, lines of credit, child support or alimony payments, other mortgage loans, etc.).
Information about the property you are looking to purchase, including a copy of the MLS listing, a signed Offer to Purchase, cancelled deposit checks, copies of previous appraisals, building specifications, current property tax statements, heating costs and condominium fees (if applicable) once you have made an offer on a home.

Talk to Your Broker or Lender

Not all lenders have the same requirements. So talk to your broker or lender before you meet with them, and ask them what they’d like you to bring to your initial interview.

To find out more, talk to a Mortgage Agent or visit CMHCs interactive Step-By-Step guide to buying a home at www.cmhc.ca.

Submitted by: William Ball, Mortgage Agent at Mortgage Cents Inc.

ILHM Luxury Housing Report

Theresa Baird - Broker — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:47:00 GMT

THIS WEEK...

The ILHM National Report this week looked at 25998 luxury homes on the market.

The ILHM Luxury Composite Price this week is $1,125,274.

These homes have been on the market for an average of 190 days.

To read the full report, go to:

http://www.luxuryhomemarketing.com/market_report/ILHM_National_2012_05_13_1224252860_4221.pdf

The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM) publishes the ILHM Luxury Homes Market Update reports measuring market conditions for luxury real estate around the country.

Submitted by: The Institute For Luxury Home Marketing

Things To Watch For When Flipping A New Condominium

Theresa Baird - Broker — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:19:00 GMT

Please see my article on issues to watch for when selling a new condominium unit before it is registered. There is a new OREA assignment form that needs to be used.

There are also issues related to land transfer tax, HST, income tax and real estate commissions.

If you have any questions about selling new homes or condominiums before registration, please contact me directly at mark@markweisleder.com

Here's a sneak peak at the article...

Many buyers of new GTA condos looking to cash in on the hot real estate market by flipping their units before the buildings close face an unusual legal situation — the standard purchase and sale contracts don’t apply.

The final closing on the building may come months after people move in. In the meantime, you’re trying to sell something that you don’t legally own.

To deal with a growing issue, the Ontario Real Estate Association has developed a new form to make the process easier for everyone. It’s called an “assignment agreement” and here’s how it works:

Let’s say you bought a condo from builder’s plans three years ago for $300,000. It is now ready for occupancy, but closing is six months away. You’ve received an offer for $350,000 and want to sell now.

Since you don’t own the unit yet, you must sell your interest in the contract that you have with the builder. Your buyer will then be taking your place in the agreement with the builder.

Here are some issues......

Click here to read the full article

http://www.moneyville.ca/article/1175064--things-to-watch-for-when-flipping-a-condo

Submitted by: Mark Weisleder (lawyer, author, instructor, columnist and keynote speaker for the real estate industry)

An Interpretation of Old South Architecture

Theresa Baird - Broker — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:37:00 GMT

The romance of the Old South evokes the architectural imagery of grand estates with dignified columns and sweeping balconies. But here on Spring Island, a 3,000-acre island in the South Carolina low country, some dwellings appear more as organic products of the woods rather than grandiose antebellum abodes. The exclusive community, which maintains nearly half of the island’s acreage as a nature preserve, is touted as an ideal home for “those who come not to be seen, but to behold.”

Jim and Betsy Chaffin, the developers of the community, are those who come to behold. Wanting to respect and preserve the natural beauty of the Spring Island landscape, the couple employed architect Jim Thomas, principal of Charleston-based Thomas & Denzinger Architects, to create their personal residence, which became affectionately known as the Chaffin Rivercamp. Thomas brought their dream to fruition in 2004 with the substantial contributions of his junior partner, architect Joel Newman, and local builders Mike Reynolds and Kraig Minkler.

Set on ten wooded, waterfront acres, the home is thoughtfully divided into three smaller buildings: the main home, a guest house, and a carport with an art studio. The arrangement, which mimics a riverside village settlement while maintaining the integrity of the natural landscape, is connected by a defining wood trellis. “The trellis defines a quadrangle on the forest floor,” says Thomas, “creating a human sense of place within what seems like formless nature.”

Because the property is much larger than the occupied area, the trellis provides a definitive and practical boundary without excluding the forest. “It is … a porous, transparent edge inviting the natural vegetation to grow and climb inside the compound it defines,” says Thomas. “While serving as an edge, it also ties the house and the forest together. It ties inside and outside together. It ties man and nature together.”

In an unusual unifying twist, the trellis merges with the exterior walls of the buildings and creates a narrow art gallery in the main home. The trellis maintains a consistent frame by connecting with all the buildings and continues through the main home to set a spatial frame for the gallery. Although the art gallery is protected from the elements with large window panes, the structure and ceiling are consistent with the exterior trellis, creating an uninterrupted component to the home.

To read the rest of this article and see more pictures of this South Carolina home, go to:

http://article.homebydesign.com/pages/article/HBD_APR_12_06/271634/index.html

Submitted by: Shannon Steele, Home By Design

RE/MAX Dominates the Real Trends

Theresa Baird - Broker — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:11:00 GMT

RE/MAX Dominates the Real Trends Canadian Brokerage Rankings Report

Real Trends has released its official annual lists of the largest Canadian 250 Real Estate Brokerages, ranked by transaction ends and sales volume.

Once again an independent, unbiased third party has recognized RE/MAX as the commanding presence in Canadian Real Estate. RE/MAX claimed an additional 24 slots for a total of 161 of 250 spots with our closest competitor, Royal LePage, only having 23 brokerages on the list.

Here are the total number of brokerages from each franchise that made the cut for the REAL Trends Canadian 250:

RE/MAX: 161
Royal LePage: 23
Coldwell Banker: 21
Keller Williams: 12
Century 21: 6
Exit: 6
Prudential: 5
Sutton: 5

Some of the highlights in this year's report are:

RE/MAX owned 64% of all listings (161 of the 250)
59% of the total transactions on the report came from RE/MAX
RE/MAX Agents are the Most Productive. RE/MAX agents average 15.8 transactions per agent
RE/MAX secured 65 of the 121 brokerages in Ontario and Atlantic Canada

To celebrate RE/MAX's success in this report, make sure to get a copy of tomorrow's Globe and Mail and look for the RE/MAX ad in the centre of the Real Estate section to find out how your office was ranked!

Download the full report here

Download the RE/MAX ad here

Submitted by: RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Inc.

Canadian April Housing Starts Shot Up by 14%

Theresa Baird - Broker — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:52:00 GMT

Here is a new article released by TD regarding housing starts.

TD Economics

Data Release: Canadian homebuilding ramps up in April Housing starts in Canada shot up by 14% in April to 244,900 units (on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate basis).

This is the highest level seen since the pre-recession days in September 2007.

Much of the gain in April was driven by the volatile multi-unit segment, which jumped 27% to 158,500 units. Single-unit starts, which are a more stable indicator of the overall health of the housing market, edged up slightly to 67,700. Single-unit starts have been fairly static, hovering in the 67-70,000 range since mid-2011.

Regionally, home starts were up across the board, led by an outsized gain of 57% in Quebec and a 12% increase in Ontario. All provinces posted a rise in the multi-unit segment, while Ontario was the only province to see an increase in single-unit starts.

Key Implications

Given that April’s surge was driven largely by the multi-unit segment, we suspect that this level of home starts is not sustainable. Moreover, unseasonably warm weather in many parts of the country surely brought some new home starts forward. As such, we expect to see some give back in the coming months.

Still, residential construction will likely be a larger contributor to real GDP growth in Q2 than we had anticipated.

Overall, we expect home building activity to remain healthy this year, as builders work to complete projects before the Bank of Canada begins to hike interest rates – a move we expect to take place in September.

Submitted by: Angelo lograno ,Mortgage broker, Verico Premiere Mortgage Centre

What First Time Home Buyers Need to Know About Mortgages

Theresa Baird - Broker — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:38:00 GMT

This Article covers First Time Home Buyers and Default Insurance .....It is getting much harder to qualify in todays market, even with 20% down!

Structuring a mortgage loan is imperative to the borrower as much as it is to the lender, I can help!

It's more than just Home Equity we want to nurture, it is also the Emotional and Moral Equity involved when these buyers are making one of the largest investments of their lives.

The link below is to a great article answering the types of questions that First Time Home Buyers have when it comes to their mortgage.

http://www.canadianmortgagetrends.com/canadian_mortgage_trends/2012/05/genworths-brian-hurley-on-first-time-buyers-default-risk.html#.T6e90KsQdEU.email

Submitted by: Susan Gabriel-Bernardi (B.A.), Mortgage Agent with Alpha House Mortgage Corporation

South of the Border Recipes

Theresa Baird - Broker — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:08:00 GMT

Springtime inevitably brings about parties and gatherings that require a festive meal to feed a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a graduation dinner, blowing out birthday candles, throwing a shower, or simply looking for an occasion to dust off the patio furniture, this make-ahead Mexican feast will ensure you enjoy the fete without scurrying around frantically the day of your bash.

Even better, this menu invites guests to contribute their own complementary dishes to round out the meal, such as salsas, grilled corn, slaws, fish, steak—the taco toppings are endless. Serve the pork shoulder with warm tortillas, spicy pickles, hot sauce, crumbly cotija cheese, lime wedges, and any of your other favorite condiments.

Great recipes for Guacamole, Re-fried Beans, Spicy Pickled Vegetables, Pineapple Braised Pork Shoulder, Baked Corn Chips and Frozen Bourbon Margaritas can be found at:

http://article.homebydesign.com/pages/article/HBD_APR_12_05/271634/index.html

Submitted by: Shannon Steele, By Design Publishing

Safetydude's Safety Tip of the Week

Theresa Baird - Broker — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:19:00 GMT

Tsunami Safety for Travellers

More proof that "Safety that is a Life event, not just a work event". Last month, the Safetydudette and I enjoyed our second honeymoon on the Big Island of Hawaii. The first night while we were driving to dinner, we noted the following sign that caused us some concern

We recalled seeing the news footage of the death and destruction that occurred in Japan, and Indonesia. Neither of us had the slightest idea as to what actions we should take. So I went investigating.

I found out that there is quite a complex and comprehensive warning system and Emergency Preparedness plan for such an event on the Big Island. These programs were implemented because the Island had already been devastated by several tsunami's in the last 75 years. School children are taught at a very young age what to do, when and why. Brought back memories of the Tornado drills I went through as a young child growing up in St. Louis. The alarm system is checked regularly.

But what about us a travellers, what were we suppose to do and where are we suppose to go to? I was fortunate enough to have brought our laptop with us, so I was capable of doing some internet research. We also collected information from the phone book. Unfortunately, I wasn't that impressed with the information provided by, or the programs in place at the hotels where we stayed. So, I offer you the following Safety Tip

First before even leaving on vacation, (something that we will do in the future) check with your Travel Agent about any travel advisories, warnings, etc. that you should be aware of. If you didn't use a Travel Agent, do your own internet research. There are several websites available from both the Canadian and USA Government.

I also learned that you can register to get text messages to your phone for areas that you are travelling to. Click here to go to their website.

As it relates to a Tsunami, I learned to take the following precautions:

1) Establish a meeting place, outside of the tsunami area where family members will meet if they become separated. Our favourite large retail store works well for us.

2) Always pack a flashlight. The Safetydudette always packs the "kitchen sink", including flashlights.

3) Prepare for water shortages. We recently purchased Brita water bottles with the self contained filters for our vacation trips.

4) Pack a small first aid kit. Of course we had that.

5) Pack a N95 dust mask. Nope we didn't pack that, but they will be placed into the first aid kit.

6) Know the signs and symptoms of any possible natural disasters. In this case, the warning signs of a tsunami are:

a) reports of an earthquake

b) shakes or tremors under your feet

c) ocean receding below normal low tides

d) loud roar noise from the ocean

e) if you see locals leaving the beach suddenly, follow them

7) Read the information in the front cover of the phonebook. In this case, it provided us the locations to be worried about and the details of the local evacuation centres.

Actions to be taken if a tsunami hits:

1) Follow all directions of the local authorities.

2) Evacuate the low lying areas and get to higher ground.

3) Leave your belongings behind. Accept for your first aid kit and medicines, if you can safely and timely get to them.

4) If you can't evacuate the area get inside a concrete building above the second floor.

Submitted by: Keith Lamson of Operation Safety

CMHC Soon to be Out of Mortgage Insurance Business?

Theresa Baird - Broker — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:50:00 GMT

CMHC Could Be Pulled Out Of The Mortgage Insurance Business

There has been a lot of articles over the past week in the Financial Post, Globe and Mail, etc. on Finance Minister Jim Flaherty's move to limit or privatize CMHC (Central Mortgage Housing Corp.). If you have an interest in Canadian residential real estate, you will want to understand what transpired this past Friday and I will attempt to summarize this very complicated subject.

For 58 years, the government has offered mortgage default insurance to qualified Canadians. The idea has been to make homeownership more accessible, which in turn bolsters the broader economy. Now, the government's direct support of that insurance is in question and there are potential implications for home prices, mortgage availability and mortgage rates. ...READ MORE ...

Submitted by: Colleen Saunders, Mortgage Agent

Understanding Real Estate Market Stats

Theresa Baird - Broker — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:31:00 GMT

The Funhouse Mirror

The national average home price was down in March from where it stood last year. But home prices are not declining. Confused?

Average prices are affected by changes in the mix of sales, so year-over-year price comparisons can be like looking in a funhouse mirror: distorted.

To illustrate: line up a class of kids by height, calculate the average. Now excuse the ten tallest kids and recalculate the average. The average height has declined, but the kids haven't gotten any shorter.

A year ago, the national average price was pitched up by surging sales activity in some of Vancouver's priciest neighbourhoods. With activity there having subsequently returned to earth, the average has declined.

By contrast, the MLS^® Home Price Index (HPI) is not affected by changes in the mix of sales. It's based on a sophisticated model of buyers' willingness to pay for various features that contribute to a home's value, and provides a clear picture of home price trends. The MLS^® HPI remains up from year-ago levels, so the reality is that home prices are still climbing in the five major markets that it currently covers. That includes Vancouver, where the average price was down from where it stood last year.

View this month's monthly averages stats release.

View this month's MLS^® Home Price Index release.

Submitted by: CREA (the Canadian Real Estate Association)

Mother's Day Wishes

Theresa Baird - Broker — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:46:00 GMT

Mother's Day is this Sunday May 13th and you can send out a wonderful Mother's Day Wish to them with just the click of a button.

Go to http://www.portcreditliving.com and click on the banner at the top of the main page...

...and you will be able to send a Mother's Day wish as well as see other wishes sent out across Canada!

Have a safe and happy Mother's Day!

Submitted by: Theresa Baird, RE/MAX Realty Enterprises Inc.

Safetydude's Safety Tip of the Week: Spring Cleaning

Theresa Baird - Broker — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:10:00 GMT

For many people it is the time to do a thorough household spring clean. Although this annual home ritual can be good for the soul, it also carries some potential health risks due to the:

Sudden increase in physical activity
Exposure to hazardous cleaning supplies
Improper and unsafe use of tools and equipment.

Falls and poisoning remain the top two causes of home injuries.

As you undertake your Spring cleaning expedition, please keep the following safety tips in mind.

Chemical Safety:

• Follow safety recommendations when using any chemical products, such as wearing gloves, chemical goggles and masks.

• Do not mix chemical products together because their contents could react with very dangerous results. NEVER mix bleach with any other chemical particularly CLR.

• When you clean out your cabinets, look at the labels on the products. If you see the words "Caution," "Warning," "Danger," "Poison," or "Keep Out of Reach of Children," be very careful. These products should be immediately locked up when you are not using them.

• Cleaning supplies can create nasty fumes, so make sure you get some fresh air by opening windows, turning on the exhaust fan, or placing a fan in the room.

• Never use gasoline to clean something and never use or store gasoline in your home, even in tiny quantities. Gasoline vapors can explode with just a spark.

• Do not use cleaning solvents indoors. Strictly follow the safety instructions for proper usage, and storage.

Slip and Falls:

• When cleaning out closets or re-organizing things, always keep stairs, steps, landings and all floors clear.

• Don't carry too much stuff at once, especially on stairs.

• Carry loads you can see over, and keep one hand free to hold banisters and railings.

• Remember to put things away so people cannot trip on them.

• Safely tuck away telephone and electrical cords out of walkways.

• In homes with children, make sure toys and other items are always safely put away when not in use. If you need to climb to clean something, use a stepladder or ladder.

• Be careful when walking on wet surfaces. Warn others in your family. You may need to block access to wet floors

Stepstools & Ladders:

• If you need to climb to clean something, use a stepladder or ladder.

• When using a ladder, stand at or below the highest safe standing level.
          ◦ For a stepladder, the safe standing level is the second rung from the top,
          ◦ For an extension ladder, it's the fourth rung from the top.

• Before using, inspect the ladder or stepstool. Ensure that the:
          ◦ Rungs are dry
          ◦ Feet are secure and slip resistant
          ◦ Ladder or stepstool structure has no defects of any sort

• Either secure the ladder to prevent tippage or have someone hold the ladder while you are working on it.

• Do not over extend your arms outwards toward the sides. Instead, move the ladder or stepstool so that the centre of your body always remains within the structure of the ladder.

Submitted by: Keith Lamson of OperationSafety

Tight Market Drives Double-Digit Price Growth

Theresa Baird - Broker — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:14:00 GMT

TORONTO, April 4, 2012

Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 9,690 sales through the TorontoMLS system in March 2012. This result was up by almost eight per cent in comparison to the 8,986 deals reported during the same period in 2011.

"The GTA resale market has not suffered from a lack of willing buyers this year. Buyers have been spurred on by the positive affordability picture brought about by low mortgage rates," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver. "The challenge has been a lack of inventory. Many listings have attracted multiple interested buyers. Strong competition has led to annual rates of price growth well above the long-term average."

The average selling price in the GTA was $501,614 in March – up by 10 per cent in comparison to March 2011.

"The number of new listings was up last month in comparison to March 2011. However, based on the historic relationship between price and listings, the GTA resale market should be better supplied. If competition between buyers remains as strong as it is right now, we will almost certainly see an average selling price above $500,000 for 2012 as a whole," said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

Submitted by: Theresa Baird, RE/MAX Realty Enterprises Inc.

Take Control of Your Retirement

Theresa Baird - Broker — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:22:00 GMT

Do you have any idea how many people now say "What retirement?"

Follow the link below and you will see one of the great products that I am able to show people that is definitely geared for retirement.

It is an option for Registered or Non-Registered money, but considering that many of you (or people you know) have changed careers and may have RRSP's &/or a LIRA moved from your previous job(s), this is a 'must learn about product'.

You will not have any choice by the age of 71 but to start withdrawing from those accounts (if the age/rule doesn't change) . Even if this is the case at this point in time, this product can still be very helpful to most situations.

Why not have guarantees to help you have that money last your lifetime. Or to go straight to a beneficiary, as indeed happens at times.

Take a look at the link below.......this company has been around since 1892. It seems they know what they are doing and I can help you to understand what that is.

Link to Industrial Alliance information: http://www.inalco.com

Submitted by: JoAnne McCrindle, WFG Securities of Canada Inc. / World Financial Group Insurance Agency of Canada Inc.

www.wfgopportunity.ca

www.worldfinancialgroup.com

The Benefits of Staging Your Home

Theresa Baird - Broker — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:35:00 GMT

Fantastic Advice from Hilder Staging & Design....

If you are looking to sell your home for the highest price in the shortest period of time, home staging is a professional consultation service you can not do without.

A professional staging team should go beyond mere de-cluttering and de-personalizing of the property. They will also work with your real estate professional’s marketing strategy, understand the buyer demographic, and target these specific buyers’ preferences.

Family Room

Before... After...

Your staging team should bring design expertise to your property to maximize the apparent space. They should be able to create furniture layouts and space planning that will create the best “flow” throughout the property so that it appears larger.

Color is what binds us emotionally to a space. People buy homes based on emotion. Your staging team should have a thorough understanding of color theory, not just colour trends, to speak to buyers’ emotions while meeting their expectations for a fashionable home.

Furnishings can be important when marketing a property. However, it is not always necessary to replace existing furniture with the newest, trendy look. Your professional staging team should respect your belongings and be able to advise you on your best course of action… whether it is renting key pieces or simply adding a few accessories.

Breezeway

Before... After...

Staging provides a valuable and comprehensive service for home owners wishing to sell their property. Professional home stagers bring a creative eye to a home, offering their expertise to improve the overall "first" impression on prospective buyers. Their service also goes well beyond standard decorating as it encompasses all aspects of merchandizing the property from space planning, to paint colour, to furnishings, to those all important small finishing touches.

Below are some more great "Before" and "After" photos that show the benefits of staging your home.

Combined Living Room, Dining Room and Kitchen

Before... After...

Living Room

Before... After...

Dining Room

Before... After...

Submitted by: Kathryn Hilder, Hilder Staging & Design

Getting Your House "Show Shape" When Getting Ready to Sell

Theresa Baird - Broker — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:50:00 GMT

Homes that have been well-maintained and convey pride of ownership appeal to perceptive, motivated buyers. Below are some simple steps you can take to ensure your home is in “show shape” when you are ready to sell.

*   Clean or replace carpets and/or other flooring, such as vinyl or hardwoods.
*   Wash the windows and window coverings.
*   Clean the kitchen and baths until they sparkle.
*   Clear and pack away clutter and sell or store excess furniture.
*   Clean your closets--extra storage space helps sell homes.
*   Paint or touch up any rooms that need it. Use neutral colors, which have more universal appeal.
*   Take down family pictures and teen posters. These make it harder for buyers to imagine the home as their own.
*   Clean the basement and garage. Neatly stack and store boxes.

Your home's cleanliness and appeal create an unconscious impression. That impression can determine the likelihood of an offer.

Submitted by: Theresa Baird, RE/MAX Realty Enterprises Inc.

The Beauty Is in the Details in This Mission-Craftsman-Style Home

Theresa Baird - Broker — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:53:00 GMT

Sometimes an opportunity comes along that is simply too good to pass up. That was the case for Venice, California–based architect Lewin Wertheimer and his clients, who were collaborating on a remodel/addition project when a double lot became available across the street. After careful consideration, they scrapped their original plans to build an entirely different house on the larger site.

Wertheimer says the inspiration for the Mission-Craftsman–style home came from a Santa Monica house that his clients adored. Although the architect had not worked in this vernacular before, he says that the more he studied it, the more intriguing it became to him. The architectural details are a blend that includes Mission, Craftsman, and Colonial. “It’s a hybrid style, reminiscent of many houses done in the ’20s and ’30s in places like Hancock Park, California, and Oak Park, Illinois,” explains Wertheimer. “It’s a combination of styles that come together.”

The architect took the aesthetic to another level by doing his own research. “I wanted to know more about the history of this style to really understand the rules that went along with these houses,” he says. “It’s sort of simple; it’s a box house with a front porch and front wings that take away from the boxiness. It has a cornice on top, decorative attic grills, a tile roof, a balcony, and a bay window above the sunroom. These architectural elements help to decorate the box.”

In what the architect aptly named the doughnut plan, a hybrid of styles results in a graceful interior resolution. “Each room flows into the next very easily,” he says. “It makes such a big difference to how the house is lived in and used. When circulation starts getting really complicated in a house, you’re doing something wrong. You’re not going to have the kind of life and soul people want from a house.”

To read the full article and see more pictures go to:

http://article.homebydesign.com/pages/article/HBD_APR_12_04/271634/index.html

Submitted by: Shannon Steele, By Design Publishing

Home Essentials Summer Moving Tip #4

Theresa Baird - Broker — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:55:00 GMT

Summer is the hottest time for millions of people to make their move to their new home. By preparing ahead of time, you can help make this adventure as stress-free as possible.

Tip #4 - Pack Carefully

Pack one room at a time and label or colour-code each box. Because of the summer heat and moisture, reinforce the bottoms of all the boxes you pack by doubling up on the tape.

Wrap up electronics with bubble wrap or cloth. If you're moving freezers or refrigerators, be sure to defrost them.

Secure drawers and doors from opening during transit.

And don't forget to label boxes with fragile items and place them on top.

Submitted by: Market Leader