Friday, May 28, 2010

Levi Creek Home for Sale


Come visit this property at the Open House that I am hosting on Saturday May 29th and Sunday May 30th between the hours of 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. on both days. I hope to see you there.

Welcome to 1802 Bridlington Court in Levi Creek, Mississauga. A beautiful home on a quiet Court location. A FOUR bedroom brick detached home with a finished basement with a 2nd kitchen, 4-piece bath, a bedroom and an office. Enjoy hardwood floors throughout, popular open concept main floor family room with a cathedral ceiling, fireplace niche and storage window seat, separate living and dining room, main floor laundry, interior garage access, large eat-in kitchen, and fully landscaped.

Click here for more pictures

Also included in the price is the fridge, stove, washer, dryer, dishwasher, window blinds, and all existing electric light fixtures. There is no house behind for a quiet, and private backyard with a patio.

If not this home, perhaps something else?

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
905 828 3434
Fine Homes in 905
416 427 1875

"The highest compliment anyone can give me is the referral of their family,
friends and business associates."


this is not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under ontract with another realtor or brokerage

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Welcome To The First Long Weekend of Summer 2010


Well, here we go!!! The first long-awaited weekend for the year is finally here.

The weatherman hasn't given us too much good news about the weather, but who cares! He says we will have at least one dry day. After all this rain, I am looking forward to one dry day. We all know that we'll be able to spend some time with family and friends. I always plan to do some spring cleaning on a long weekend, but because we haven't had any sun, I plan on enjoying that one lonely day outside. I love the summer. My backyard is my sanctuary. It is a little bigger than I would like it to be, but when I'm out there either alone or with friends, I am totally relaxed. Something about sunshine and warmth that brings out the best in people.

I will be around for anyone who needs a few real estate questions answered. I can meet you and discuss real estate calmly. No rushing around this weekend. Let's all just enjoy. If you don't want to talk real estate this weekend, how about just enjoying a cup of tea/coffee, or perhaps something cold?

Happy Victoria Day Weekend everyone.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
Fine Homes in the Nine Oh Five
Directly at 416 427 1875

Thursday, May 6, 2010

The Mortgage Decision


John Scholl of Investors Group Financial Services Inc. & Investors Group Insurances Services Inc. provided me with the article below. He defines the different mortgages quite clearly. He can talk to you further about your mortgage and your finances to make your decision easier and so that you can sleep at night. Read the article and if you have any further questions call John. You can also call me directly at 416 427 1875.

Fixed or Variable Rate Mortgage?
“It made me nervous – very nervous.” Financial advisors hear that comment all the time from both first-time home buyers and more seasoned purchasers who may be upgrading or downsizing to a second or even a third home. What makes those folks nervous is finally getting down to signing the mortgage documents that can mean decades of payments for the largest investment most Canadians will ever make. What can add to that nervousness is uncertainty: “Did I choose the right mortgage option?” If you’ll soon be signing on that dreaded dotted line, here is some basic information that can make your mortgage decisions easier and a better fit for you.

Your mortgage options:
Fixed rate mortgages guarantee a set monthly payment amount at a locked-in interest rate for the term you choose, typically one to five years. At the end of that period, you sign for another ‘term’ at the prevailing mortgage rates, which can be higher or lower.
Variable rate mortgages may have a lower initial interest rate than fixed rate mortgages but the interest rate is linked to the Prime Rate and fluctuates with it, which means the rate you pay over the term you select could increase or decrease, affecting your total interest costs and potentially, the amount of your mortgage payment. Some variable rate mortgages are available where the payment amount is fixed for the term, but they are typically subject to certain conditions.
Multi-level or split rate mortgages offer both a fixed and variable component – a rate structure that combines the benefits and risks of fixed rate and variable mortgages – and are growing in popularity.

Your best bet:

Studies have shown that, while a fixed rate mortgage is still the most popular choice, choosing a variable rate mortgage over a fixed rate mortgage can save on interest payments over the long term. But financial experts agree that, when you’re mortgage shopping, it’s a mistake to look solely at interest rates. Your financial and life circumstances can change – in fact, most mortgage holders look to make changes to their mortgage at least once or twice during their term – so you should also consider the ‘features’ of a mortgage, such as the flexibility to make changes to it without incurring significant costs. In particular you should ask the lender if a penalty will apply if you sell your house and purchase a new home with a new mortgage from the same lender.

The keys to the best bet for you are these:

Make your mortgage decision based on your personal financial objectives, your overall plan for your family’s financial future, and the ‘insomnia factor’ (Will your choice allow you to sleep soundly at night?). Your best course of action is to work through all the options with your professional advisor before you sign on the dotted line.

As previously discussed, if you are relatively healthy, never sign up for “Mortgage Insurance” with your lender until you have discussed life insurance with your financial advisor. If you need further encouragement to do so, may I suggest you search for “CBC Marketplace in Denial” on the internet and do a little research about what really happens. The worst aspect of it is the underwriting at the time of claim instead of at the time of the insurance application.

John Scholl CLU,CGA, B. Mathematics, Consultant - Investors Group Financial Services Inc.
& Investors Group Insurances Services Inc.
200 - 24 Queen Street East,
Brampton, Ontario L6V 1A3
Wealth Management & Financial Planning
Phone: (905) 450-2891 X529 Toll Free: 1 (866) 799-2223 x529 Cell (416) 731-3660 Fax: (905) 450-9747

I strive to continually improve my wealth management practice to be worthy of the referrals received. I build my business one introduction at a time, and would consider it a great compliment to be introduced to one of your business associates, friends or family.

The above information is shared by:
Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
416 427 1875
Fine Homes In Nine Oh Five

The Buyer Who Would Not Sign a Buyer Agency Agreement


As I was driving to my appointment with my buyers this evening, I heard a great commercial. It talked about the Buyer Representation Agreement. That was great for me, because it supported what I try to explain to my buyers at the first meeting.

Since I've become a licenced real estate agent, I have known that I should be working only with buyers who sign an agency agreement. Those are the clients that deserve my time and effort. At times, I have become complacent and trusting. I don't want to lose a Buyer by asking them to sign the Agreement. Some Buyers are quite nervous about working with a one Realtor exclusively. There is a feeling that other Realtors will work for them without this Agreement. Also, to get buyers to sign these forms, requires that I make adjustments to my routine.

I have to show my prospective buyers the benefits they will gain by working with only me and the professionalism, honesty and personal touch that I provide. In order to accomplish this, they need to come into my office for a complimentary buyer consultation.

I get excited about being able to help someone find a home. Here is an example of what happened to me and I hope it will help another realtor before this same situation happens to them. Also, it may also show buyers the importance of the Agency Agreement. I started working with a buyer a few months ago. Instead of scheduling the free consultation when the new buyer called me, I just get the property details and schedule a showing. Deep down I knew this was not the way it should be. (My mother told me always to follow my 'gut feeling')

Here's my story: A new buyer came along and asked to see a particular home. The fact that I had to reschedule all my appointments so that I would be able to accommodate buyer's schedule, did not matter to the buyer. The buyer had a need and I was happy to fill it because that is part of what I do - I find homes for buyers. So I made the appointment, printed detailed reports, drove by neighbourhoods to check them out for you and reported back to you diligently prior to your visit to this home.

For one reason or another, after that visit, we were not able to meet face-to-face for a few days. But I continued my diligent work for you. We spoke on the phone, texted and emailed back and forth, and stayed in touch, as per your request about this property. All seemed well.

I arranged a second visit, again as per your request. I arrived at the requested property for a second visit and waited for your arrival. After 10 minutes I decided to call and make sure you were still coming. You answered your telephone and with a very happy tone to your voice, said that you were going to finish the deal with your friend, who happens to be a realtor. He was too busy with his full time job (not real estate) and therefore you needed someone who knew about the home and the neighbourhood. You were so kind, Mr. Buyer. You did thank me for all the information that I provided and would I please continue to send more and give some advice on the Offer that should be presented. I must have paused for a second too long because the next thing that happened...you hung up the phone.

I've dealt with this type of buyer before, and each time I have said, “No More. From now on, if you don’t sign an agency agreement with me, I will not provide you with any further information.”

I have thought about what you did, and chastised myself for not following protocol. What you did was wrong. But that didn't matter to me at the time.

Now, I would like to thank you for your actions. I learned a lesson which will serve me well. Now, I will go on one date with you, at which time I will give you all the forms to read over at your leisure. I will not send you any valuable information unless I get the forms signed. If you do not want to be in an agency agreement with me, you do not deserve my services. No ifs, ands, or buts.

Please continue on your merry way and know that our brief encounter fared me well. I wish you the best of luck in your real estate endeavours. And the next buyer who calls me will know all the wonderful things he or she will be gaining by working with me exclusively. I will make sure I tell him/her.

Recently a listing came out in the neighbourhood where you wanted to live with your family. It was perfect for you. It had the lovely yard, was totally renovated, AND it was well below your budget. As I'm working with 4 or 5 people at any one time, this property was offered to my CLIENTS. My clients, are now under contract for this property. We have negotiated a great price and we are waiting for the closing date.

Yours truly,
A Happy Agent
Fine Homes in 905


Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Market Watch, Real Estate News


More and more news about the housing market. Here is the most up-to-date Market Watch information. What's going on? Well, homes are selling, there's not enough inventory, buyers are looking for deals, and the list goes on. Multiple offers are still happening but not at the same pace.

I am still having trouble finding new listings. With the numbers that the Market Watch is showing, I often wonder why my buyers are waiting. Yes, interest have risen (they always do this time of year) but if you are well prepared and have spoken to your mortgage advisor, then you should be ready. You don't have to jump at the first home that you see, but there is a home out there for every single buyer.

Here's a bit of information from the Market Watch:

“The GTA resale market is functioning properly. Sales were high as buyers continued to take advantage of affordable home ownership opportunities. Listings grew as home owners reacted to strong sales and price growth,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Tom Lebour. “More balanced market conditions will result in sustainable rates of annual price growth in the second half of 2010.”

The average price for April transactions was $437,600 – up 13 per cent compared to the average of $385,641 recorded in April 2009.

“Home sales continue to be driven by many different segments of the market, with sales growth for all major home types in both the City of Toronto and surrounding 905 regions,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis. “Home sales will remain strong in the second half of 2010, but will slip from the current record pace as borrowing costs rise.”

I have been very fortunate to have received a New Land Transfer Tax Calculator. It helps with some of the closing costs, also. Thank you to Stan Gelman, QC, Juris Doctor. A hands on lawyer that is available for your questions.

If you would like to discuss the new Market Watch, or just chat and open a line of communication, call me, Betty Bartusevicius, at 416 427 1875. Also,take advantage of my user friendly website offering more than just a lot of properties for sale. I provide a wealth of informative articles and information useful to all levels in real estate - from the first-time home buyer/seller to the seasoned sellers/purchasers.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
Re/Max Reatly Specialists Inc., Brokerage
905 828 3434
Fine Homes In Nine Oh Five

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Brampton Home For Sale


Welcome to 14 Secord Crescent in Brampton. This home had the great room just painted in a beautiful neutral color. A fabulous 4 bedroom, 4 bath, all brick upgraded Semi-Detached home on a premium pie-shaped fully fenced lot. Enjoy your backyard privacy on a huge deck. Walk to the Go Station. Gleaming strip oak hardwood floors downstairs, ceramics floors in the kitchen and baths, and new laminate flooring on the second floor. A bright and large eat-in country kitchen. Main floor laundry. Gorgeous ensuite with a 6-jet Jacuzzi tub and separate shower. Inside door to the garage. Professionally finished basement with a 3 piece bath and a coldroom for extra storage.

For further pictures Click here

This home also offers a brand new built-in dishwasher and central air conditioner, central vacuum, fridge, stove, newer washer and dryer, hardwood flooring in the great room, ceramic floors in the kitchen and baths, new laminate flooring, deck, electric light fixtures, 5 ceiling fans, 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, a balcony, fully fenced deep lot, main floor laundry, and a 6-Jet Jacuzzi in master bedroom.

Call Betty Bartusevicius directly for more information on this home at 416 427 1875.
You can always email me at betty@bettybart.com and receive immediate service.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
REMAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
OFFICE 905 828 3434
Fine Homes In Nine Oh Five

PSST: IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING A HOME AND NEEDS MY HELP...FEEL FREE TO PASS ALONG MY NAME AND NUMBER TO THEM! ALL REFERRALS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED
not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under brokerage contract