Theresa Baird - Broker

Take Control of Your Retirement

2012-02-07T20:14:00Z

World Financial Group - Vaughan office, is hosting an important seminar on Thursday evening, February 23rd.

Unless you have a secure company and/or government pension, you should be concerned about making certain you do not outlive your retirement savings. Understanding your options will offer the insights you need to make the right choices for your financial future.

We are pleased and very fortunate to have Drew Provost of IA Clarington Investments join us for a one hour information seminar about options that are available to you.

Seating is limited and we therefore ask that you RSVP as soon as possible. An invitation with location and time is attached.

This product is geared for people 55+ years old or for anyone who plans to retire withing the next 10 years.

It is also ideal for anyone who is already retired and has not reached the age of 80 years as yet.

Please feel free to inform anyone you know who could benefit from learning this information.

The tragedy of life is not that a person dies, but what dies inside of them as they live

Click the link below to see the invitation:

https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment?ui=2&ik=3eeb65f969&view=att&th=135584027f03e995&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P8gCfPAkU-GcuYZ4UamirWZ&sadet=1328645993575&sads=3a_R2DdVV8kFHuZcawgHQ7sztmc

Submitted by JoAnne McCrindle

Detached Toronto house hits average $606,600 -- up 50.3 per cent in 7 years

2012-02-07T20:04:00Z

The Canadian Real Estate Association has launched a new system for tracking home and condo sales prices aimed at giving buyers and sellers a more precise picture of what’s happening right in their neighbourhoods......

See the full story from the Toronto Star at http://www.thestar.com/business/article/1127194--toronto-real-estate-detached-toronto-house-hits-average-606-600-up-50-3-per-cent-in-7-years

Submitted by Huntley Financial

Small Business Lighting Program

2012-02-07T19:48:00Z

Enersource Hydro Mississauga is promoting the Small Business Lighting program that is offered to small businesses to help them save money, reduces their energy usage with simple lighting upgrades through the Small Business Lighting program.

Eligible businesses & organizations will get a free assessment to identify possible energy savings, up to $1,000 of energy efficient retrofits-including all equipment and labour, and get access to additional incentives at no cost to the participant.

To find out more information on this program please click here.

You can also call the Small Business Lighting Program line: 905- 568-5042

Submitted by the Port Credit BIA

Real Estate Market Watch - Second Best Year on Record!

2012-02-06T18:27:00Z

Market Watch

Second-Best Year on Record for Sales!

January 5, 2012 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 4,718 transactions through the TorontoMLS® system in December 2011. The December result capped off the second-best year on record under the current Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) boundaries. Total sales for 2011 amounted to 89,347 – up four per cent in comparison to 2010.

“Low borrowing costs kept Buyers confident in their ability to comfortably cover their mortgage payments along with other major housing costs,” said TREB President Richard Silver. “If Buyers had not been constrained by a shortage of listings over the past 12 months, we would have been flirting with a new sales record in the Greater Toronto Area,” added Silver.

The average selling price in December was $451,436 – up four per cent compared to December 2010. For all of 2011, the average selling price was $465,412, an increase of eight per cent in comparison to the average of $431,276 in 2010.

“Months of inventory remained below the pre-recession norm in 2011. Very tight market conditions meant substantial competition between Buyers and strong upward pressure on selling prices,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

“TREB’s baseline forecast for 2012 is for an average price of $485,000, representing a more moderate four per cent annual rate of price growth. This baseline view is subject to a heightened degree of risk given the uncertain global economic outlook,” continued Mercer.

For the full report, see http://communications3.torontomls.net/statistics/mwatch/2011/12/mw1112.pdf

Submitted by the Toronto Real Estate Board.

MLS Home Price Index (HPI)

2012-02-03T14:09:00Z

Introducing the MLS® Home Price Index

The Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB), Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), and four other major real estate boards across Canada have developed a new system to measure home prices and home price growth: the MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI).

The MLS® HPI is calculated using a sophisticated statistical model that takes into account a home’s quantitative (e.g., the number of rooms it has) and qualitative (e.g., whether it has a finished basement) features.

The MLS® HPI traditionally is less volatile than average and median measures, which can swing dramatically in response to changes in the number of very expensive or inexpensive home sales from one time period to the next.

In the coming months, TREB will publish an increasing amount of data and analysis based on the MLS® HPI in its monthly Market Watch publication in a new section called “Focus on the MLS® Home Price Index”. Traditional average and median calculations will continue to be published in the Market Watch.

Submitted by the Toronto Real Estate Board.

Safety Dude's Tip of the Week: Cruise Ship Safety

2012-02-01T19:30:00Z

SafetyDude's Safety Tip of the Week

Cruise Ship Safety Tips

Last year, The Safetydudette and I had the pleasure of going on a two week cruise with Holland America. Upon our return, I sent out the Safety Tip below on Cruise Ship Safety.

With all the press that the Cruise Ship Industry is currently getting, I felt it timely to resend the tip out. People keep asking me if I will ever go on a cruise again. My response is that I just because a horrible accident has occurred, we shouldn't discount the whole industry. After all we still fly and drive. What about all the horrible accidents that occur there.

In my professional career, I have found that some Companies believe in Safety and honour their commitment to the safety of their customers. Unfortunately, at the same time I know of many companies that are just out to make the $$$$ and have little or no regard for the safety of anyone or anything.

I can assure you from our experience that Holland America is committed to their passengers safety. We had the opportunity of meeting with the ships Safety Officer and had a great discussion regarding the comprehensive in depth program they had on board. It impressed me that they were taking immediate action to address the findings of a fire that had recently occurred on another cruise line. While he couldn't provide me with full details of their terrorism plan, I learned enough about the Emergency Procedures to be very comfortable that is was quite extensive. At least on this cruise line, they don't take any chances when it comes to the safety of their passengers.

While on the Ship:

1. Read all of the emergency instructions and procedures provided. Check the back of the cabin door and for printed material provided within the cabin.

2. Know (and practise walk) at least two routes from your cabin to your assigned emergency assembly station. You will be scheduled to have a passenger safety briefing before departure, be in your cabin when the drill begins and use the stairways and passages as directed by the Ship's Crew Members to get to your assigned emergency assembly station.

3. If you are not required to actually put on your lift vest as part of the passenger safety briefing, when you get to your cabin practise putting your life vest on before ship departure. This is a good time to adjust the straps to your body.

4. When the ship is underway, use the handrails along the hall ways and stairs. Particularly when the seas are rough.

5. Outside decks and stairs should be treated as if they are slippery when they are wet. Expect that winds (possibly strong at times) and the motion of the ship will make keeping your footing difficult.

6. Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds. Particularly after using the restrooms and before eating, drinking or smoking. Use the hand sanitizers if provided.

7. Contact the Medical Team if you experience any vomiting or diarrhea.

8. Be extremely careful with any smoking materials. Smoke only in authorized areas. Ensure that smoking materials are extinguished before leaving your stateroom.

9. Treat the Ship as you would a Hotel, know where your Fire Exits are from your cabin, main eating areas, pool areas, etc. in addition what to do in case of Fire. Know the difference between the Fire Alarm and the General Emergency Alarm.

10. If you don't use a bath mat in your tub/shower at home, here is a good time to use one. A slight motion of the Ship may be all all you need to lose your balance.

While on Shore:

1. Be food safety wise while on shore. Check out the visible sanitary conditions of the restaurant before ordering. If in doubt, better not! If there are animals and birds within the eating area, do you really think that the cooking area is treated any differently.

2. Limit the amount of jewelry that you wear while on shore. Don't advertise yourself to thieves as a profitable target.

3. Don't travel alone while on shore. The bigger the group the better.

4. Use the cruise line appointed shore excursion providers. Most cruise lines will wait for you if the excursion runs past the all aboard time if you use their provider.

5. Be careful when handling cash. Don't show large bills, or big wads of cash to anyone. Separate money into numerous "stashes". Have tip money readily available and separate from the large bills.

6. If confronted by a robber, remember that valuables and jewelry can be replaced.

7. When you return to the ship, wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if available.

Picture of the Week

Submitted by Keith Lamson of Operation Safety

"It's A Steal" Furniture Consignment & Decor Finds

2012-01-27T20:08:00Z

Steal of the Week!

Hi there! Check out our newest glam vignette featuring a royal blue shadow stripe sofa and love seat, accented with silver accessories, and sparkling glass table complete with silver base. Anchoring this Steal of the Week is a navy, royal, silver, red 4x6 area carpet and wrought iron 8' room divider with fabric panels for privacy. See the glam at See the glam...

Opening inventory is being selected right now! If you have furniture or accessories that are in great shape, and sparking clean, please give us a call at 905.469.7474 or send an email with a photo to consign@itsastealfurniture.com. We'll get back to you as quickly as we can!

redecorate

recycle

rejoice

Submitted by It's a Steal Furniture Consignment

Safetydude's Safety Tip of the Week!

2012-01-26T01:48:00Z

Safetydude's Safety Tip of the Week - Preventing Winter Falls

Keep parking lots and walkways clear of mud, snow and ice
Don’t get caught by surprise! Monitor the weather and expect slippery conditions.
Clear snow and ice before Employees need to get into our out of the parking lot.
Use salt, sand or another proven non-slip material to keep lots and walkways clear.
Have shovels and gloves available before icing conditions appear.
Ensure workers wear appropriate footwear for conditions. Supply outdoor clothing and protective gear for Employees who are responsible for clearing the snow and ice.
Provide good lighting and clear path markings in lots and walkways.
Clearly identify steps, ramps and other elevation changes.

Special Note to Ontario Employers

I am starting to hear "rumours" from knowledgeable "people in the know" that the new changes to the WSIB Certification requirements are to be released within the next few months. Possibly as early as April.

If you don't currently have one Management and one Worker Certified Member on your Joint Health and Safety Committee, I strongly urge you to act NOW!
OperationSafety has an affordable On-Line Certification program that meets the current WSIB standards. Contact me at 905-878-3810 for more details.
If you have more than 20 Employees and have no idea what I am speaking about, you need to contact me at 905-878-3810

From the Courts - Holt Renfrew Fined $55,000 After Worker Injured

Holt Renfrew & Co. Ltd., Holt, Renfrew & CIE, Limitee, a Canadian retailer, was fined $55,000 today for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was injured.

On June 12, 2010, at the company's warehouse in Etobicoke, a worker was using a cardboard compactor. The worker was standing in front of the machine's discharge door attempting to eject a bale of cardboard when the door suddenly flew open. The worker was hit by the door and pinned against a steel column. The worker suffered multiple fractures.

A Ministry of Labour investigation found that there was no interlock system in place to prevent the machine from working while the discharge door was being opened. This meant that as the worker unlocked the discharge door, the compactor's moving parts were able to push the cardboard against the door, causing the door to violently swing open.

Holt Renfrew & Co. Ltd., Holt, Renfrew & CIE, Limitee pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that there was an interlock system in place to prevent the compactor from running while its door was being opened.

Submitted by Keith Lamson of Operation Safety

6 Tips for Getting a Small Business Loan

2012-01-26T01:39:00Z

6 Tips For Getting A Small Business Loan

Getting a Small Business Loan for a new business start-up or to expand a business is becoming more difficult all the time. You must know all the ins and outs of getting a loan.

Here are some expert tips from industry professionals that can give any small company an advantage for getting access to the cash you need in the lending market.

Don't Quit Your Day Job

Lenders are looking for a secondary source of income for repayment of the loans. It is suggested that the borrower or the spouse keep their day job for covering their personal expenses in addition to a separate source used to repay the business loan.

Offer Something Of Value

It may be significant to have a source of collateral before you secure a loan. This is particularly important if you are applying for working capital, inventory or equipment. Be prepared to have a 2nd mortgage taken on properties you may own.

Keep Meticulous Records

The one-page loan application is almost unheard of in today's economy. Make copies of qualifying information before you are asked for them: business application, personal financials, tax returns, etc.

Plan On Providing A Plan

Another useful tool to convince the lender that their money will be safe with you is a no-nonsense business plan. Include all the details relevant to how the business will operate, who will operate it and what experience these people have along with business projections.

Character Counts

In addition to the numbers that will be crunched during the application process, a lender will also be making note of the personal impression you make, whether you are trustworthy to repay the loan.

Check And Recheck Your Credit

Even if you are certain that your credit history contains no surprises, take time before you hand in that final application to be certain that there are no surprises as this will be one of the most influential factors in approving a loan. Then make sure you allow enough time to repair any damaging information that may turn up.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to getting approved for a business loan, the devil really is in the details. If you have any questions as to whether you have left out important information, turn to a small business professional for help.

Financial Edge with quotes from Helena Hauk, a business consultant.

Submitted by Colleen Saunders, Mortgages by Colleen

National Luxury Market Report

2012-01-25T01:41:00Z

Click the link below to see this week's ILHM National Luxury Market Report!

http://www.luxuryhomemarketing.com/market_report/ILHM_National_2012_01_22_1224252860_4566.pdf

Submitted by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing.

BIA Town Hall

2012-01-24T22:08:00Z

BIA Member Town Hall Meeting

Tuesday, January 31st

6:15pm - networking opportunity
6:30pm - business meeting

The Crooked Cue (upstairs)
75 Lakeshore Rd. E

What do you want to see happening in Port Credit?
Where should our marketing dollars be spent?
What were the results of the recent member survey?

Please join us to learn and have your say. This is an important pre-budget meeting and every member is welcome.

RSVP is essential so we can order light refreshments - cash bar. If you have already responded there is no need to do so again.

Please respond by replying to Ellen Timms, General Manager at info@portcredit.com

Supplied by: Ellen Timms

National Luxury Home Market

2012-01-18T12:34:00Z

Click the link below to see this week's ILHM National Luxury Home Market Report!

http://www.luxuryhomemarketing.com/market_report/ILHM_National_2012_01_15_1224252860_7343.pdf

Submitted by: The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing

Canada's Housing Market Update

2012-01-18T12:24:00Z

Submitted by: Viera Kononenkova | Mortgage Specialist | Royal Bank of Canada | T. 416-857-0330 F. 905-823-6047

New Mortgage Rates

2012-01-16T21:58:00Z

Please note changes to all terms.
Extremely low rates continue!
Best Variable now prime less .20% (2.80%) offered by only one lender. Majority of major banks and mortgage companies now at Prime (3.00%) or Prime +…

WEEKLY FEATURED SPECIAL’s!

3 YEAR FIXED RATE

2.85%

NEW!!

7 & 10 year 3.99%!! Perfect for rentals!

*Terms and conditions apply

i.e. quick close specials, high ratio etc.

Supplied by: Angelo lograno, Mortgage broker, Verico Premiere Mortgage Centre (Lic. # M08000795)

Business Development Breakfast, Thursday Jan 19th

2012-01-16T20:30:00Z

Business Development Breakfast
Thursday, January 19th
The Crooked Cue
8-9am
$5.00 at the door

This Month our presenter wil be

Charles Sousa, MPP

Charles Sousa was first elected to the Ontario Legislature in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. He currently serves as Ontario's Minister of Citizenship and Immigration and Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan/Parapan Am Games. He also a member of the Treasury Board/Management Board of Cabinet.

8:00 - Networking
8:20 - Presentation
8:50 - Announcements
9:00 - Finish.

The Crooked Cue is located at 75 Lakeshore Rd.E. between Stavebank Rd. S. and Elizabeth St. S. on the South side.

Easy street parking - free until 10am.

Everyone welcome!

Supplied by: Ellen Timms, General Manager, Port Credit Business Association