Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Elegant Lorne Park and Churchill Meadows Homes, Fine Homes in 905, Sellers Tips

FSBO-- FOR SALE BY OWNER

As you drive around and start looking for a home, you spot "For Sale By Owner" signs. Some owners think that selling their own home will not only save them money, but they also believe they have an advantage over the sellers that have their homes listed by a reputable Real Estate Agent. Before you make the decision to take on this important and legally complicated process, remember that most Real Estate Lawyers do not recommend selling your own home yourself in today's market.

Why? Let me give you a few points to consider:

1. You are limiting your exposure to potential buyers. Your exposure will be less than 10% of what a good Real Estate Broker/Agent will generate. This means that your house will take that much longer to sell on the market.

2. The longer a house is on the market, the lower the selling price becomes. Why? Because most buyers think that if the home has not sold after this long... there must be something wrong with it.

3. The selling/buying process begins AFTER the buyer leaves your house. Most sellers think that all it takes is for someone to see their home, fall in love with it, and the offer follows. REMEMBER, the buying process begins after they leave your house. If the buyers are looking on their own and are not under Representation Agreement with a good Real Estate Agent, they usually start to talk themselves out of the buying process as soon as they leave the house. If they are represented by a professional Real Estate Salesperson, they have someone who has been trained on how to overcome buyers remorse. This does not mean that we talk someone into buying a house that they are not sure of, but we are able to provide more information regarding mortgages, neighbourhoods, inspections, comparables, and much more, to quiet the nerves.

4. With limited exposure you will likely end up with a lower selling price. In order to generate the highest price possible for your house, selling means exposure.

5. Most buyers find it very awkward to negotiate or even to talk directly with sellers.

6. Lack of negotiating experience and lack of important information often will result in a lower selling price, or what's worse -- a bungles contract and possible lawsuits.

7. The majority of qualified buyers are working with experienced real estate professionals under Buyer Agency, you will be negotiating against an experienced professional.

8. Many serious buyers will pass by a FSBO home because they know that this is not the mainstream.

9. Expected savings in broker's fees will be reduced if you offer a selling commission to entice real estate sales representatives to bring potential buyers.

10. If you are planning to use a Lawyer to help you negotiate, and personally I would highly recommend this if you are selling you are trying to sell your own house, then the lawyer's fees will be considerably higher.

11. Only real estate sales representatives have access to the up-to-date market information. News reports cannot be compared to the specificity available to real estate sales people.

12. Accepting an offer is one thing, ensuring a safe and successful closing is quite another. Real estate transactions can have problems on closing. At times, expecting the Buyers and Sellers Lawyer's to fight it out or resolve the problems, can sometimes mean the deal is lost. This is the time that your experienced real estate professional can be the most important. He/she can act as a great mediator. Lawyers MUST act only on their client's instructions and are not paid to negotiate.

Contact Betty Bartusevicius for more information or just to chat at 905 828 3434 or directly at 416 427 1875

Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage

Contact me by email; http://www.bettybart.com/AgentProfile/contactme.cfm

I can help you save time and money by shopping smarter;
http://www.bettybart.com/createnewclientuserid/whyregister.cfm

There is no time like the present to begin your investigations into a property purchase or sale that will lead to sound decision making.

Experience is not expensive; it is Priceless.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Why Stage A Home, Elegant Lorne Park and Churchill Meadows Homes for Sale, Fine Homes in 905

If we all know that the better a house looks like both outside and inside, it is easier to sell, why do Sellers try to sell empty houses or ones in bad condition? It's not usually because of lack of time or lack of money. So what is it?

An answer from Real Estate Stager and expert, Barbara Jennings, says, "I think many people shut down when it comes to preparing their homes for sale. The task feels overwhelming. They have emotionally set their minds and hearts on where they will live next and just don't want to go to the trouble and expense to fix up the property to be sold."

This is very true. Most times Sellers don't want to spend any extra money because they feel they won't get their money back. Sometimes the list of repairs becomes too daunting for them. They don't want to hire anyone to help, so trying to do it themselves, and in our busy lifestyles, it seems to be an impossible task.

Here are a few reasons why every Seller should think about getting a stager to come and give suggestions:

1. A stager will point out the most glaring problems in the house. No one wants to buy a house that looks as it has been unkept for a number of years. No one will pay for someone else's lack of attention to cleanliness or a do it yourself project gone bad.

2. A staged house will lessen the defects of the house. There is no such thing as a "perfect house". It doesn't matter if it is a brand new home from a builder or a resale home that is older -- all homes have defects of some kind. Not every house will meet the needs and wants of every potential buyer that sees it. The key is to minimize the defect so that the house will appeal to most buyers.

3. By staging a house, the seller will learn how to accentuate the good points. Each and every house has it's own charm, and there is a buyer for every house. The job of the seller is to work at bringing out this charm. The best feature of the home must be enhanced. Sometimes sellers just can't put their finger on why they bought the house to begin with, but with the help of a stager the best feature can be brought front and centre.

4. A staged home can reach the buyers on an emotional level. It is a known fact that buyers make offers only if they have an emotional connection with the house. How many times have you walked into a house with a buyer and within 10 seconds they tell you that "this is the one". You may go through 5 or more houses before this happens, perhaps even more. Most buyers will have a difficult time visualizing their furnishings in the home. First time buyers have the most trouble with this. This is very natural. Seeing a home to it's fullest potential if the floors have not been washed, or if it hasn't been painted in 10 years, is difficult. A properly staged home can make a dramatic statement because it helps buyers "see" themselves living in the home and may even suggest decorating ideas to the buyers.

5. Staging brings ideas to life. Some buyers like seeing the bones of the home. But all buyers are attracted or deterred to a house from the time that they drive up the driveway and approach the front door. Once problems are fixed, staging a home can create a comfy/cozy feeling that helps potential buyers make a connection.


Contact Betty Bartusevicius for further discussion on listing your property or just to chat at 905 828 3434 or directly at 416 427 1875

Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage

Contact me by email; http://www.bettybart.com/AgentProfile/contactme.cfm

I can help you save time and money by shopping smarter;
http://www.bettybart.com/createnewclientuserid/whyregister.cfm

There is no time like the present to begin your investigations into a property purchase or sale that will lead to sound decision making.

Experience is not expensive; it is Priceless.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Elegant Lorne Park Home, Fine Home in 905, Mississauga

Elegant home on Calgary Court in the Village Estates Of Lorne Park!! A spacious and bright family Home on a quiet Court/Cul De Sac. Home is in the boundary for Lorne Park School Family. Hollywood Style kitchen with brand new Stainless Steel appliances, beautiful granite counter tops and a walk-out to a deck and a private garden! Beautiful strip Maple hardwood flooring. Home boasts a main floor den/bedroom! Absolutely immaculate. Family Room has a fireplace and cathedral ceiling. Separate entrance to unspoiled basement that allows you to make it your own. Lots of windows making it a very bright home!!

http://www.bettybart.com/search/feature.cfm?ml_num=W1542219

This home also offers a new refrigerator, stove, and built-in dishwasher, all of which are Stainless Steel. Also offered are the clothes washer and dryer, central vacuum and related equipment. Newer Air Conditioner. All electric light fixtures. All window blinds. Electric garage door opener with 2 remotes. The staircase is open to basement. Schools are within walking distance. Perfect for families.

Contact Betty Bartusevicius for your own private viewing of this property at
905 828 3434 or directly at 416 427 1875.

Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage

Contact me by email; http://www.bettybart.com/AgentProfile/contactme.cfm

If not this property how about someting else?

I can help you save time and money by shopping smarter;
http://www.bettybart.com/createnewclientuserid/whyregister.cfm

There is no time like the present to begin your investigations into a property purchase or sale that will lead to sound decision making.

Experience is not expensive; it is Priceless.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Elegant Lorne Park and Churchll Meadows Homes for Sale, Fine Homes in 905, Mortgage Rates

BANK'S KEY RATE CUT TO RECORD LOW

This article is compliments of Kristian Harris, Monster Mortgages. This is great news and worthy of staying in tune with what is going on. There will be more news to follow, but I would like to share this article in its entirety with you:

OTTAWA — The Bank of Canada has chopped its key interest rate by another half percentage point to its lowest level ever, and warned that the Canadian economy will contract by 1.2 per cent this year.

The central bank's target for the overnight lending rate now stands at 1 per cent – lower than in 1958, when the most-watched policy rate was 1.12 per cent.

“The outlook for the global economy has deteriorated since the bank's December interest rate announcement, with the intensifying financial crisis spilling over into real economic activity,” the bank said in its gloomiest statement yet.

In separate announcements, Toronto-Dominion Bank and Bank of Montreal responded by announcing they have cut their prime lending rates by 50 basis points to 3 per cent. BMO said it is cutting key mortgage rates by 30 to 50 basis points.

Last fall, the bank had counted on the Canadian economy growing by 0.6 per cent this year. But since then, it has recognized that Canada is in recession, and now says the economy will shrink by 1.2 per cent in 2009, as the country succumbs to sagging global demand, lower energy prices and a collapse of confidence around the world.

“Canadian exports are down sharply, and domestic demand is shrinking as a result of declines in real income, household wealth, and consumer and business confidence,” the bank said.

Already down in overnight trading, the Canadian dollar fell further after the bank's announcement, and was down 0.84 cents U.S. to 78.90 cents just after 9 a.m. ET.

Since slack is building up in Canada 's economy and housing prices are coming down modestly, inflationary pressure should also ease, the bank explained.

Total inflation will likely fall below zero for much of 2009 because of lower energy prices. And even core inflation, which excludes energy and other volatile items, will drop to about 1.1 per cent at the end of this year, the bank said.

But the central bank sees a remarkably strong recovery in 2010, with the Canadian economy growing 3.8 per cent next year and inflation edging back up to hit the bank's two per cent target in early 2011.

In order for the recovery to take hold, the global financial system has to stabilize, the bank said, but added that that process has begun, “There are signs that these extraordinary measures [by governments and central banks] are starting to gain traction, although it will take some time for financial conditions to normalize,” the statement said.

Plus, the global economy should start to benefit from “considerable” monetary and fiscal stimulus, the bank said.

Canadian banks have come under criticism for failing to pass on to customers the full amount of recent previous rate cuts by the Bank of Canada.

Canada 's recovery should also be bolstered by the past depreciation of the Canadian dollar, the statement added.

The bank did not promise any further interest rates to follow. Instead, the bank pointed out that it had already reduced its key rate by three and a half percentage points since December 2007, and added that it would keep an eye on how the economy and markets develop, and decide accordingly what it should do with rates.

“Guided by Canada 's inflation-targeting framework, the bank will continue to monitor carefully economic and financial developments in judging to what extent further monetary stimulus will be required,” it said.

Economists have warned that central banks need to be prepared to quickly reverse their aggressive interest rate cuts of the past year as soon as they see signs of recovery. Otherwise, there is so much monetary and fiscal stimulus floating around that today's disinflation could easily turn into an inflation problem when economies begin to grow again.

Economists have also been on the lookout for alternative forms of boosting the economy, aside from interest rates, with the U.S. Federal Reserve's key rate already hovering around zero, and the Bank of Canada at its lowest level too.

While Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney has said previously that he is examining his options, there was no suggestion in Tuesday's statement that any non-conventional measure is imminent.

Still, with the federal budget just a week away, the government is expected to introduce several easing mechanisms, as well as a huge stimulus program to help ease the bite of the recession.

The Bank of Canada will issue a more complete economic outlook on Thursday.

Contact Betty Bartusevicius for further information of this article at
905 828 3434 or directly at 416 427 1875

Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage

Contact me by email; http://www.bettybart.com/AgentProfile/contactme.cfm

If not this article how about just a chat?

I can help you save time and money by shopping smarter;
http://www.bettybart.com/createnewclientuserid/whyregister.cfm

There is no time like the present to begin your investigations into a property purchase or sale that will lead to sound decision making.

Experience is not expensive; it is Priceless.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Elegant Lorne Park and Churchill Meadows Homes for Sale, Fine Homes in 905, Call Betty B 416-427-1875

There was a fresh line reported in the Toronto Sun by Stephen Dupuis. It stated, "A new year, a fresh start". This is so positive, that I would like to share this with everyone.

The second half of 2008 is part of a year that we all would like to forget. Let's hope this year is a little less exciting, hope that there is a lot less negativity in relation to real estate news. The comparison between what is happening in the U.S. housing market and a projected similar outcome for Canada has been blogged and reported to death. At one point, I decided not to write any more bad news about real estate. Now, with a new year facing us, let's take a closer look at what the Canadian Home Builders' Asssociation (CHBA) has to report. Note the important word -- CANADIAN.

As the CHBA report notes, some of the media have drawn a parallel line between the Canadian housing situation and the extreme difficulties in the housing market in the U.S. "There is absolutely no merit in drawing such a parallel," the CHBA reports. There are enormous differences between both countries.

Among the many points - the CHBA cites underwriting standards, mortgage features, mortgage insurance, mortgage arrears, equity levels, appreciation trends, inventory levels and many other factors, all of which we compare favourably on.

On underwriting standards, the difference is that we have standards whereas in the U.S. there were no standards. On mortgage features, the U.S. had things we have never had -- teaser rates (the mortgage starts out at an artificially low rate and rises later in the term.) U.S. borrowers had this blow up on them when the rising rates and declining prices occurred.

In Canada, mortgage insurance is mandatory on loans of over 80% of the value of the real estate. U.S. borrowers got around that with something called "piggy-back loans".

Considering price stability - we are truly different here in Canada, thankfully. Home buyers should be reading the media information with an open mind, or discussing finances with a mortgage broker/specialist. Canadian prices DID NOT rise nearly as far or as fast as in the U.S., so we're not likely to fall dramatically either.

The final conclusion of the CHBA report is that "there is nothing in Canada that compares with the vast over-supply and plunging housing prices that characterize many U.S. housing markets, nor is such a scenario likely to occur."

Thank you Stephen Dupuis, Toronto Sun, for such a refreshing message to start what I hope will be a prosperous coming year. Let's all enjoy the Presidential Inauguration on Tuesday, January 20th 2009.

Contact Betty Bartusevicius for your own private viewing of properties for sale or just to chat at 905 828 3434 or directly at 416 427 1875

Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage

Contact me by email; http://www.bettybart.com/AgentProfile/contactme.cfm

I can help you save time and money by shopping smarter;
http://www.bettybart.com/createnewclientuserid/whyregister.cfm

There is no time like the present to begin your investigations into a property purchase or sale that will lead to sound decision making.

Experience is not expensive; it is Priceless.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Elegant Lorne Park and Churchill Meadows Homes for Sale, Fine Homes in 905, Mississauga

Every week in the Toronto Star, I get ideas regarding my profession -- Real Estate. I always give credit to these writers who start the process of reminding everyone of what is going on in this field. Because it changes every day, it keeps us alert and we get to pass on important information. There are times when I give the same opinion to the few great clients that I have, and then I like to share and enhance these ideas.

Many of you may have read the same article so here goes --

The homes of tomorrow will be "smart", smaller and more space and energy-efficient. They will be wireless and run by computers. They will come equipped with kitchens with top-of-the line amenities for those of us who like to cocoon. Our get-togethers with friends and family tend to be pot luck dinners, movie nights at home (most of us have a decent television and sound system) -- these have become very popular. We also tend to invest in our homes and finish the basements, not only to increase the value of our investment but it also adds living space. Our children tend to congregate at one home or another.


The big issues for buyers, and it is starting already, is location,location,location -- where the home is located in relation to public transit and how energy-efficient it is. Homes may be hard-wired to computers that will run everything from the lights to the appliances. Also, instead of wires, it will be wireless systems which we are starting to experience already.

Homes of the future will have a spare, modern feel. The prediction is that - gone will be the Mediterranean or California feel two-story, and multi-roofline French Chateau look. Homes will also be smaller but because of their efficient design, will work like much larger spaces. Take for example homes now - if you view new homes that have at least a 9 foot ceiling and then walk into an older home with a regular 8 foot ceiling, all of a sudden you feel that the space is cramped. the home with at least the 9 foot ceiling may also be smaller in square feet, whereas the older home may be bigger but seem smaler. The older home will also have more walls making it seem smaller than a new open concept home. The homes of the future, being smaller, may also be more affordable.

Certain finishes in homes are timeless and it is predicted that they will remain so -- hardwood floors and granite. Stainless Steel appliances are very popular now but it remains to be seen how well their popularity will hold up. This will depend on prices for these appliances. Refrigerators also come with finishes the same color as the cabinets and then you try to match the rest of the appliances to the the cabinets.

It used to be a very expensive upgrade to have patio doors put in -- the ones that are floor to ceiling. Well, it no longer in considered an upgrade. The doors look great, by the way. The same way that these doors were expensive upgrades, so were granite, stainless steel apliances and 9 foot ceilings, but no longer.

The days of being able to offer just the basics in a home are over. The buyers want all the bells and whistles - be it a new home from the builder or a resale home. Buyers want all these upgrades without having to pay for it.

Just consider countertops - first-time buyers are asking for granite, soapstone and Corian. These buyers have not yet learned that you do not need life-time countertops such as these. When you buy a home, you will want to update the kitchen and the simplest way to do this is to replace the countertop. There is a product made in Caesar stone. This is a material that is manufactured from concrete and stone pieces. It is seamless, smooth and sanitary. It is also less intrusive to the environment because you don't have to mine it.

Flooring -- engineered hardwood, which is a solid wood veneer over composite, is steadily gaining in popularity. It is being used more often now because it is environmentally friendly and less expensive. Cork and bamboo flooring are also makng an appearance because the natural materials are gast growing and readily available.

There is so much information out there regarding design and materials. Buyers are very in tune with what they want. When you're looking to spend around $500,000 and up for a home in an area that you truly love, you are looking to make sure the house feels like a home. After all, it is one of the biggest investments that you will make.

Some buyers are looking for buil-in appliances and updated kitchen cabinets that can be easily refaced or repainted a few years down the road. they are looking for finishes that are easily changeable for improvement. We are looking for materials that will not be going into landfills.

There is so much information. We are becoming more and more environmentally friendly. There is a lot of testing done regarding outside materials. Brick will always be popular but more materials are being tested to see how they withstand the different seasons. With these pilot projects, more materials will be available to the builders and renovators.

Finding all this information is readily available. We are becoming a technical society. I would like to credit some of the opinions of this article to Gail Swanson, Patrick O'Hanlon, and Christene DeGasperis.

Contact Betty Bartusevicius for your own private viewing of any property of interest or to discuss the sale of your existing house at 905.828.3434 or directly at 416.427.1875.

Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage

Contact me by email: http://www.bettybart.com/AgentProfile/contactme.cfm

I can help you save time and money by shopping smarter:
http://www.bettybart.com/createnewclientuserid/whyregister.cfm

There is no time like the present to begin your investigations into a property purchase or sale that will lead to sound decision-making.

Experience is not expensive; it is Priceless.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Bad Credit? Buy a Home? Fine Homes in 905, Lorne Park an dChurchill Meadows, Mississauga

Buying a Home with a Challenged Credit


Are you fed up with making the monthly mortgage payments for your landlord--helping him get richer and richer--while you throw away your own hard-earned money?

Are you sick and tired of making payments month after month, yet having nothing of value to show for it? You're not alone. Now there's good news for people who are tired of pouring their money into someone else's investment...

People with credit challenges can still buy a home, even now after the housing and mortgage meltdown. In fact, it's better than before, because those risky teaser (6 month introductory rates) rate loans are gone, and home buyers are getting secure 35-year fixed rates instead. You can buy with as little as 1.5% down!

Not only that, but prices are down and interest rates are down and there is a possibility of the rates going even lower! People are taking advantage of the current economic situation to get a home for less money, with a cheaper monthly payment.

Help is Here for Renters Who Want to Own

You can enjoy the financial security, deep satisfaction and self-esteem that comes from home ownership. No matter what your credit has been in the past, don't give up. And whatever you do, don't get left behind!

This is an incredible opportunity that is available to you--but only if you take the first step. Your first step is to read this article in its entirety. I want you to understand that I can make available to you, names of professionals that will provide you with advice regarding the mysteries of buying a house with bad credit, you will discover that you can experience the joy and reap the financial rewards of owning your own home! Even if you have bad credit on your record.

Has it boggled your mind how other people with poor credit--perhaps even worse than your own--get home loans, while you get turned down? Have you been disappointed time and time again? Or have you been afraid to apply because of your credit? All that is about to change! Get ready to "kiss renting goodbye!"

My Mortgage Specialists have spent years working for some of the largest national lenders: Royal Bank of Canada, CIBC, and others. They have experience in mortgage retail, mortgage wholesale, and mortgage brokering. What this means to you is that they know all aspects of the mortgage business, and they know how the most unlikely candidates get approved for home loans.

Insider Knowledge Will Get You Approved

We know what goes on behind the scenes in the underwriting department, what it takes to get "an exception" when you don't meet the regular guidelines. My Specialists know what the underwriters want to see on the application, and what they want to read in your Letter of Explanation. They know exactly how people with bad credit get approved. We will help you turn a loan denial into a loan approval! When You Know How to Apply for the Right Loan, It's Like Knowing a "Secret Code."


Don't Fill Out Multiple Applications and Get Your Credit Checked Over and Over Again... If you apply for loans all over the Internet, you're just setting yourself up for heartache after heartache. Not only is it a waste of time, but with hits to your credit report by multiple companies, your credit score may be further damaged. Credit inquiries count for 10% of your credit score. You don't want to risk lowering your score, especially if you're borderline or already have a low score. You can't afford to make that mistake!

Lenders can see where you've applied for a mortgage before, and when see a lot of company names, it makes you look desperate, and then, like a shark who smells blood, they charge you more.


You have nothing to lose. There is No-Risk for you to sign up on my web site and have one of my financial team contact you for a private interview.


Contact Betty Bartusevicius for your names of my Mortgage Specialists at 905 828 3434 or directly at 416 427 1875

Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage

Contact me by email; http://www.bettybart.com/AgentProfile/contactme.cfm

If not this information, how about just to chat?

I can help you save time and money by shopping smarter; http://www.bettybart.com/createnewclientuserid/whyregister.cfm

There is no time like the present to begin your investigations into a property purchase or salethat will lead to sound decision making.

Experience is not expensive; it is Priceless.




Thursday, January 8, 2009

Elegant Homes Lorne Park & Churchill Meadows, Fine Homes in 905, Mississauga

Why would someone want to sell their home themselves?

While hosting an Open House a few weekends ago, the Private for Sale by Owner next door, constantly compared the traffic, How many people came to see her? How many came in to see me? How many saw us both?

At the end of the Open House (for me this is almost dark and last person has been gone at least 20 minutes) she met me at the end of the driveway while I was collecting my signs, to discuss the traffic of the day. She would ask if there was any sincere interest in my open house. I was honest, and I told her that I thought that I may have sold the home and there was a choice of 2 buyers. In my opinion, in this market, that is remarkable. And as an experienced agent, I knew that these buyers were truly interested. She asked which if any of the visitors commented on her house and if I thought that there might be someone interested there. That was of no concern of mine. Of course I didn't tell her as much. I just presented her with my card and told her that if she liked, I would talk to her about listing her property. She was very thankful for the card and said that she would be in touch. You could see she was getting anxious as I was doing a better job of advertising.

The house was not sold that week, there was an offer but it went nowhere. The following weekend I was, yet again, at this vacant home, with my coffee in hand ready to greet enthusiastic home shoppers. She was also open for business. I was armed with feature sheets, information for comparables in the neighbourhood regarding SOLD's and FOR SALE, up to date information regarding interest from my mortgage specialists, samples for closing costs, copies of surveys and floorplans, Ontario Land Transfer Tax calculations. We again consulted in the driveway at the end of the day. Same questions, same answers.

I did sell the home conditionally that week, after only 2 open houses. When I was back at the property, thru the week, for a house inspection, she was waiting for me outside. How much did it sell for she asked? Can't say till the deal firms up was my correct response.

Then I asked her, "How was your open house this past weekend?"

She quietly admitted, "without the six or eight open house signs that you usually put out, there wasn't any traffic at all." (By the way, this was 1 month ago and she has not done another open house since).

Yes, for a few hundred dollars they place a page on a website and you do get a sign on your front lawn, but it really got me to thinking...

Why would someone want to sell their home themselves?

FSBO. For Sale By Owner, an opportunity for a seller to SAVE thousands of dollars! Or an opportunity to call a Realtor!

Here's how I see it. Sure you will always find a buyer if you wait long enough or are lucky enough. As a Real Estate Professional, I have dedicated many hours to assist people in the one of the largest purchases that they will make. My training, my knowledge, my experience. This is what I do all day - every day! As a Realtor I know how much time, effort & money is involved in maintaining my career. For me, it is not a part time job, it is not something I do ONLY when times are good. If it's good - it's good! When it's bad - IT'S BAD!

When you have so much depending on the sale of your home, do you really have the time, money and resources that you could do a better job than a professional full time Realtor? NO - how could you? This is what I do all day. I have relationships with neighbors, bankers, past clients, advertisers, numerous agents that have their contacts as well, not to mention our FULL access to MLS and listing resources that FSBO's don't. If Real Estate was that easy...I'd be looking for a new career! Once a deal is done - I am unemployed and banging on doors, sending emails, talking to people, working on my web site to get new clients. If I don't sell your house, or assist you in finalizing the purchase of a home, I do not get paid.

Canada Mortgage and Housing reported (Nov 08) that listings posted to sold were at 46 - 47 % That means that 50 % of ALL the listings on the system will not sell. (EXPIRE)

It is human nature for people to get the most for their home without having to spend any money. They do not want to pass any money to anyone else. The numbers always look better when you're trying to sell it yourself. But at what cost. Yes they may very well find a buyer but over 85% of them will eventually list with a realtor. The real loser in this scenario is the would be buyer. He just bought a house with no representation, no real comparables, no negotiating and all of this at a truly higher price!

There is a place for everyone, but in this market, if the professionals are having trouble how is a FSBO supposed to fair out.

If you are considering selling your property or the purchase of a new home, feel free to contact me for a FREE/NO OBLIGATION market evaluation of your existing property and let me arrange private viewings of homes that might be of interest to you. Contact Betty directly at 416.427.1875.

Contact Betty Bartusevicius to discuss your real estate requirements or just to chat at 905.828.3434 or directly at 416.427.1875.

Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage

Contact me by email: http://www.bettybart.com/AgentProfile/contactme.cfm

I can help you save time and money by shopping smarter:
http://www.bettybart.com/createnewclientuserid/whyregister.cfm

There is no time like the present to begin your investigations into a property purchase or sale that will lead to sound decision-making.

Experience is not expensive; it is Priceless!

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Elegant Homes in Lorne Park, Churchill Meadows, Mississauga, Fine Homes in 905

We all eventually woke up this past weekend and realized that the holiday season is behind us. Of course, different celebrations will go on throughout this new year. I was very happy to see 2008 go to rest. The last few months were a flurry of bad news and fewer opportunities for anyone. Now, with the New Year comes a clean slate and let's get going with our plans.

There was an article in the Toronto Star on Saturday that was very interesting to me and my business. It related to House Inspections of brand new homes. Because I was a Buyer Agent for a lovely family in December of just such a home, I feel I could comment on this.

In case you didn't read the article or if you don't get the Toronto Star, I will just point out some specifics to make this article shorter:

A family was living in a "luxury" townhouse in Uxbridge for almost a year. They didn't think that anything could be wrong with their home. Their parents (and we know that parents don't know too much) have bought and sold property over the years suggested that they fill out the 1-Year Tarion New Home Warranty Report and list any issues.

Because neither of the young people had much knowledge or experience with home building or repairs, they hired a home inspector to have a look. "We wanted to make sure we caught everything but we're not handy, " says Buyer. "The home inspector found a number of things we never would have noticed. The stuff he found came as a surprise."

The most significant defect found was that the clothes dryer hadn't been vented properly, thus was not blowing outdoors but into insulation, which could have eventually caused a moisture and mould issue. He also noted that the plumbing to a toilet in a seldom-used second bathroom wasn't on the right angle for flushing, that a promised rough-in for an electrical fan for the fireplace was not completed and that attic insulation had been flattened in places. My words --"Welcome to the New Home Buying Process".

Most builders will come in and repair deficiencies just so that they keep their reputation clean. But if you don't point things out to them, they will never know and you could go on living with problems that you don't even know about.

This is the same situation that I was in a month ago. The home was only a month old and my buyers were questioning the cost of the house inspection and also whether they should even do one. Their question was, "What could possibly be wrong with a brand new home?" However, they did follow my suggestion and low and behold guess what -- there was no cold air return on the second floor which is a code violation. There was nothing else wrong with the home but because we found this flaw we quickly informed the selling agent and the sellers informed the builder who came in and repaired the problem before we signed off on the purchase. It was very simple, the cold air return was there but the workers had dry-walled over it.

In both of these situations, the house inspection was well worth it. Most buyers believe that new homes are perfect. I have yet to see a "perfect" home, irregardless of the age.

I always advise on a home inspection. It is a cost that is very worthwhile, especially when you are making such a large financial purchase. Know up front what needs to be done and approximately how much it will cost you to repair. Let me do the negotiating regarding all this.

There are different home inspectors, and I can advise you on who to hire and I can also give you names of inspectors that you can interview. Inspectors now require a RHI designation which would mean that they are registered.

If you need more information, or you would just like to chat contact me, Betty Bartusevicius at 905.828.3434 or directly at 416.427.1985

I can help you save time and money by shopping smarter:
http://www.bettybart.com/createnewclientuserid/whyregister.cfm

There is no time like the present to begin your investigations into a property purchase or sale that will lead to sound decision-making.

Experience is not expensive; it is Priceless.