My goodness, how time flies!!  What a year, 2017, was for me!  So much going on and my blogs got pushed to the side.

The greatest news was that my son got married.  There was so much to prepare and this young couple took it upon themselves to do most of the work.  I thank them for that.  It sure was a lesson to them on what goes into the preparations.  Of course, my husband and I were there to help in all aspects but only when asked.  It went off without a hitch!  Or at least, nothing anyone noticed.  Beautiful ceremony, beautiful couple.  Now, they have started their new adventure together.  There are so many great things for them to experience.  Love them both and wishing them a lifetime of happiness.

I started out the year getting my husband to finally agree that it was time for us to downsize.  We never really had a huge home but it was enough for us.  The yard work was getting tedious as my husband loves to golf as much as he can and I work most weekends.  I have to admit, I was tired of climbing stairs.  We started by de-cluttering and what a task that became.  We cleaned it up and made sure the home was in tip top shape to get on the market.  We were very fortunate that we sold very quickly (such was the market last year before March 2017).  Then came the real work.  De-cluttering is not as easy as everyone
thinks it is.  We had been in that home for almost 30 years.  All our memories were there and boxes and boxes of 'stuff' that we were hanging on to for our kids.  We started one room at a time and donated/sold/threw out what we couldn't sell and donate.  The house got emptier by the week and when we finally found our future home we were able to start to bring what we were going to keep to the new place. Yes, we found a place to live before the old house closed.

Not having moved in such a long time I was more concerned about my husband adapting to the change.  Yes, we are in a condo.  Beautiful place.  We have everything on one floor and all the rooms that we need.  Size is perfect.  Lots of light.  Beautiful views.  Balcony to enjoy the summer breezes.  All amenities.  My windows get cleaned by someone else.  I just have to do the inside.  I don't have to shovel the driveway.  My car is not cold in the winter mornings.

It didn't take long, but hubby is now adapted to this lifestyle.  We both have said: "We should have done this a few years ago".  I have many clients, and friends, that I can now explain to them how easy this life can be.  Enjoy your life.  Once the kids have left, it is time for us to think a little bit of ourselves. 

This past winter as I drove around and watched older homeowners trying to shovel their driveways, I often wonder why they don't think about moving.  Yes, I still get out and help a few in my travels.      Also, having gone through this process, I can truly appreciate the anxiety many of you feel.  Let me help you alleviate some of the worry.  It's the best experience that I can offer to Buyers and Sellers.

Here I am in my home office (yes, my condo has an office space for me) and look out the window as I write this.  I can't believe it will be a year in another month that I sold the house.  And in April it will be a year that we are in our new home. 

There were a few very sad moments in my life, but everyone has those and I coped with them.  This is a happy blog.  No one can take the memories of 2017 away from me.  Life goes on!

Until next time! 

Betty
416 427 1875

The Journey Is Not Yet Complete

I'm still here, although I am a little tardy in my post this month.  My journey is still not over and I continue to work out at the gym.  Still 5 days a week and still kind of having a little bit of fun.  Things change.  In my last post I wrote that I had lost a wee bit of weight, well I had...and now I have hit a 'plateau' and I'm getting a little frustrated with this.  We all go through it.  We do well, and then when we hit the pause button we either stop doing what we're doing or we go head-first through the wall.  Well, I'm going head-first.  I haven't broken through, YET!!!

Much has been said and written about this exercise and weight loss programs and the challenges that they present.  It takes commitment.  I guess you have to be a little mentally prepared and have a plan to be successful.  Reading what I just wrote, I realize that applies to everything in my life.  I have been known to those around me that I am persistent at completing tasks.  It shows when I'm at the gym.

When I first started my goals were different than they are now, but my priority was to lose weight.  Well, I've accomplished some of that but I have quite a ways to go.  I also have been told that I am very hard on myself.  If not me, then who will be?  I'm not hard on myself I am just a wee bit stubborn and have this desire to do better.  I give myself a month to achieve a certain goal, and if it is not met...well, a little devil on my shoulder starts to laugh and frustration comes out.  BUT I DO NOT QUIT.

Sometimes I establish a new goal - lift a little more weight, last a little longer on the elliptical, increase speed and resistance on the elliptical, play some basketball (against myself) -- all of these are changes that I make on my own.

I still do a regimented routine at the gym that I do not like.  I do it because it has provided the results that I want.  BUT, at the same time, I try to do exercises that I really enjoy and it helps keep the daily habit of going to the gym.  Also, having a Personal Trainer who keeps coming up with surprises is helpful.  There are also many friends and supporters that I have that get me through those days where I truly would rather just throw my hands in the air and ask myself - "why am I doing this if it's not working".  These are the people that get me off the chair and into the gym to begin my day.  Yes, I may appear to be strong (and I have also been told that I appear to be a little bull headed) but I do need encouragement and motivation.  I do not need pity or over-embellishment on my progress.

More and more I have increased my natural movement - moving my body without the constraints of machines.  Machines 'could' limit our performance potential.  I find that I get more out of a workout using free weights - bending, twisting, reaching, pulling and pressing - and trying to keep my balance in check by staying upright.  I have fallen.  But, with my Trainer spotting me, he at the very least catches the weights so I don't get hurt.

Do you remember your gym teacher telling you: "No Pain; No Gain" or "Go Hard or Go Home".  I have learned that this type of mentality increases physical strain and potential injury.  My Personal Trainer keeps a record of what I do at every single workout.  He makes sure that I do better today than I did the last week on that same routine.  He has taught me proper technique to prevent injury.  By the end of every workout with him, he is judging to see that I am moving better than at the beginning.

Am I more energized?  Yes.  Do I have a ways to go?  A resounding YES!!!!  My energy levels have definitely increased.  My stubborn streak has not decreased (ask Alwin Mascoll my Personal Trainer).  The additional and new exercises that he has surprised me with has frustrated me to some extent, but then I get over it. 

If you see me at Life Time Athletics in Mississauga, feel free to say 'hello'.  If I'm working out, then you will get a nod and perhaps a smile.  You will have to wait to chat after I'm done.

I continue to wish all of you luck with your voyage.  It's certainly not as easy as everyone thinks it is.  But if I can persevere, so can you.   Don't give up!  I haven't!

This is just for something different - I am not 'just' a Realtor.  I am a much happier Realtor.

Until next month at which time it will be a year with my Personal Trainer.  Let's see what those results will be after a year.

Betty Bart
416 427 1875

I Am An Accredited Senior Agent

A few years ago, I found myself very lucky in meeting 2 gentlemen...Chris Newell and Barry Lebow.  At the time, they were both teaching the Accreditation Programme to agents who were looking to tap into the senior market.  I have applied my knowledge many times because I do live in a neighbourhood where many seniors reside.  You may wonder why I'm writing this!  Well, I have a short story to share with you.

As the weather has turned nicer, there have been a few homes that have come on the market in the Sheridan Homelands neighbourhood.  I was out previewing homes for buyers who are interested in trying to set their roots here.  Because I have lived here for going on 30 years, I do have some knowledge of what's going on in the Real Estate Market.

I was previewing a home yesterday and this lovely little old lady was so confused as to what was happening and how busy her home was.  She was smart as a whip, but the activity was just too much for that day.  As I was finishing my peek-a-boo, she asked if I had a minute to chat with her.  Of course I did!  I wasn't looking to interfere with the Listing Agent, but I was lending an ear.  She told me about the passing of her husband and her surgery a few months back.  She told me where she was going to go from here.  She told me about her family.  She told me about her neighbours and how she was going to miss them.  I was there far longer than necessary, but she just needed someone at that particular moment to keep her company.  I told her that she had an excellent agent looking out for her, and that was the truth. because she was asking about what to do with her stuff.  I told her to ask her agent because I am sure she will be able to help her.

This brought me back to what I have said on my videos and in other blog posts.  It is a difficult time for someone who has lived in a home for MANY years to move.  They have accumulated so many things, all of a sudden they have to get rid of it, sell it, donate it...whatever...and they're not ready to part with it.  The house is on the market...it will sell quickly I'm sure...and then it depends on the closing date.  She was getting nervous whether she could empty the place out on time and who would help her with the move.  She was more worried about her garden because the landscaper she uses wasn't able to come and mow the lawn and finish planting flowers because of all the rain.  What a sweetheart!

I got off track here...if you are reaching that age where the house you reside in is too big, perhaps it's time to sit down and chat about 'the  move'.  I have an aging parent myself, and I would truly love to see her move when she wants to and where she wants to move to, before this decision is made for her. 

You may ask: "Why use an Accredited Senior Agent"?  Well, we are trained in special skills and we have the dedication needed to work with the mature and senior client.  We know the local retirement living options that are available and we can provide that information for you quite readily.  If you have family members who are going to be involved, we can take the burden of this move off their shoulders.  We do it all for you in the least stressful way that we can. Because we all know that moving is more stressful than it's made out to be.  We are there to help you make the right choice...and it will be YOUR choice!

Too all who I have talked to, and to all that might consider making a move, feel free to give me a call directly at 416 427 1875.  I do answer my phone.  I will never use any pressure tactics but I will be there when you need a strong shoulder or just a listening ear.  Let me know how I can help!

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative  ASA
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
905 828 3434
DIRECT/TEXT: 416 427 1875
EMAIL: betty@bettybart.com
www.bettybart.com
not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under brokerage contract

 

Is It Time To Downsize?

When the time comes for us to leave our family home, there are many things to think about.  This is never an easy decision.

It seems like all of a sudden you don't need your large house anymore; you don't want to clean the large house anymore; you don't want to take care of the large yard anymore, and you don't want the financial burdens that come with owning a larger home.  But the biggest one for most of us, you don't want to think about the emotional roller-coaster that will come when sorting through everything to downsize.  Simplifying our lifestyles becomes more appealing as we want less maintenance, and more travel and leisure time.

We have all seen the television commercial that coined the phrase  "Help! Help! I've fallen and can't get up" and the elderly woman reaches for a lifeline necklace to alert an ambulance.  The reality is, that we have always deferred our decisions to the greater wisdom that our parents possessed.

There will come a time, or it is already here, that requires you to deal with some direct and vital issues regarding your aging parents.

You need to ask the serious questions before...

• Their mobility and memory has been impeded.
• There has been a catostrophic event - slip or fall
• There a medical emergency - Heart attack or Stroke 
• One passes away leaving the other alone and confused

In my personal life, I remember talking to my parents about downsizing. Then suddenly one passed and now it has become more difficult to discuss because there are too many memories in that home.  I remember asking my mother why she did not want to move into a bungalow, or just a smaller home with a smaller yard, and she said that she didn't want to think about renovations, and she couldn't hold the drywall for dad anymore.  I, myself, have many happy moments in this home where I grew up.  I did not expect to change my perspective of asking advice from my mother to trying to make healthy decisions for her.  Yet the financial realities of elder care and the direct cost of nursing homes or assisted living centers needs us all to reevaluate how we will deal with these issues.

By 2011, more than 1.3 million Canadians will be over the age of 80. Boomers and their aging parents need to be talking to a financial advisor or planner about their options to ensure financial security in times of death, disease and disability.

How can I help?  Contact me directly and let me get started.  My team is waiting with answers to many of your questions.  Let my patience and perseverance in getting things accomplished go to work for you.  No pressure tactics.  YOU decide.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative  ASA

RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage

Office: 905 828 3434

DIRECT: 416 427 1875

Email: betty@bettybart.com

Web Site: bettybart.com

Fine Homes in 905

PERSISTANT AND PATIENT IN DELIVERING RESULTS! ALL REFERRALS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED

not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under brokerage contract

Dec 21 Betty's Pic Of The Week Lorne Park

Lorne Park is located east of Clarkson, south of Erindale, west of Port Credit and the Credit River, and north of Lake Ontario. The principal streets and roads in Lorne Park are Lakeshore Road and Lorne Park Road. The QEW (Queen Elizabeth Way) is the northern border of the neighbourhood.

My web site is a sought after resource for the weekly postings of available Lorne Park properties. By accessing Betty's Pic of the Week and signing up for the instantly downloadable report, you can receive up to date information of some of the homes that are available in this elegant community.

Here is a list of Homes for Sale in the Lorne Park Community of Mississauga. I will be updating this list on a regular basis, so please feel free to come back several times and see what's new.

Click here to view Properties of Interest

You can get this list immediately with site sign up. Fill in the form with correct contact information and the list will be sent to you immediately. Only with a correct email address can your request be fulfilled.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative

Accredited Senior Agent

Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage

Fine Homes In Nine Oh Five

Office: 905-828-3434

Direct: 416-427-1875

Email: betty@bettybart.com

Web Site: http://www.bettybart.com/
PERSISTENT AND PATIENT IN DELIVERING RESULTS!!  ALL REFERRALS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED
this is not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under brokerage contract

Evergreen Adult Lifestyle Living Mississauga

Welcome to 810 Scollard Drive Unit #209 in Mississauga at Eglinton and Mavis Road.  A spotless unit in Mississauga's finest Retirement Lifestyle Community. Enjoy all the amenities of pampered living in an adult community for mature clients. This building provides 24 Hour Concierge, Medical & Shuttle Services. The building is close to all amenities, transit & highways.

Also included in this unit are stainless steel fridge, stainless steel built-in dishwasher, cook top, and a built-in wall oven.  Beautiful granite counter tops make this kitchen shine.  White subway tiles were installed for the backsplash.  No carpeting in this unit.  You will also get a parking spot, and a locker for extra storage.

Sit on the balcony on the north side of the building.  Across the driveway is a proposed parkette.

For pictures and a virtual tour, please click W2209475 


With 42,000 square feet of entertainment including a Salon, Spa, Library, 50'S Diner, Fine Dining, Salt Water Pool With Aquafit Classes, Internet Lounge, Billiards & the list goes on.  
 
With it's beautiful lobby and exquisite lounges, Evergreen evokes a sense of luxury and comfort.  Evergreen Retirement Community provides a variety of activities to keep you as busy or relaxed as you choose.  Enjoy the company of new friends while sipping a cocktail at the bar.  The choice is yours.  You have independent lifestyle services and you have full service lifestyle.
 
Feel free to call me directly at 416 427 1875
 
Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
Accredited Senior Agent
Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
905 828 3434
Fine Homes In 905
Cell: 416-427-1875
Email: betty@bettybart.com
Web Site: http://www.bettybart.com/

PERSISTENT IN GETTING THINGS DONE!!! ALL REFERRALS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED

not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under brokerage contract

Housing Market News

Well, here we go again. I had sent my monthly newsletter to my clients for the month of August stating that there was a hiccup in the financial market. Yes, there was and most of my clients, as probably everyone else's, locked their wallets and checkbooks up in a vault. Didn't throw away the key, but... Now, things were better last week and some have decided to get back into looking for and purchasing a home.

Great. What do I see in the paper this morning? "Eager Buyers Keep Housing Hot". Isn't that the truth? Yes, there are buyers out there but a hugely depleted inventory of homes for sale. Multiple offers...big time. I just went through this with a buyer. 8 offers on a link home in Mississauga. We went in with an extremely fair offer, but alas, we didn't get it. Disappointment for a while, but after discussing the pitfalls of overpaying, we are now on to the next one. Now, remember, there were 6 other buyers besides ourselves, that are in the hunt. Chances are I'm going to meet those agents on the street again as we wait for the response from the sellers about our offers.

Canadians still have a dream of owning a home. All the talk that the market was going to 'tank', isn't happening. Interest rates remain low and appear that they're going to stay low at least well into 2012.

Prediction is, that inventory levels may increase in the fall as the summer holiday season comes to an end and the kids go back to school, also, more baby boomers MAY look to cash in on their biggest asset at the market peak. If that happens, then the multiple offers may ease. Sales of homes that are priced well and show well with little left for the buyer to do will sell quickly.

My buyers right now are in a little bit of a panic as school boundary issues become important, travel to and from work becomes an issue, plus a gamut of other specifications that I deal with in order to get my buyers in the home of their dreams.

The EX is just around the corner. Buskerfests are happening. Southside Shuffle is coming back. Fall is just around the corner.

Get out there and enjoy the rest of this most perfect summer. There is so much going on, and a lot of it is free. If you have any questions, I haven't gone away so I am here to provide answers. Take a visit on my web site if you are leery of talking to an agent. Take a look at my YOU TUBE Videos and get to know me before we meet.

Remember, no pressure tactics...just persistence at getting this done.

Your decision is the decision I will respect.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
OFFICE: 905 828 3434
DIRECT: 416 427 1875
EMAIL; betty@bettybart.com
WEB SITE: bettybart.com

LET ME GIVE YOU A HELPING HAND

PERSISTENT AT GETTING THINGS DONE!! ALL REFERRALS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under brokerage contract

Avoid Uncontrolable Debt

This article should be useful to many of us. Thank you to Kristian Harris of Monster Mortgage for this information.

How many credit card offers do you think you received in the mail this past month? Each one is a new opportunity to get farther into debt, hand over HUGE interest payments, and never get any closer to financial security. Just take a look at this article by Rob Carrick in the Globe and Mail.

Here are six facts that can help you avoid uncontrollable debt!

FACT ONE: Debt is out of control!

The next time you’re flattered by a PRE-APPROVED card you receive in the mail, stop and think who’s benefiting when you use it. Do you really need another way to spend money you haven’t yet earned? NO!!! The next time you’re offered a new credit card, just say NO. And say YES to directing more of that money you would have paid paying double digit interest towards paying down your mortgage!!

FACT TWO: Fine print is small because they don’t want you to read it.

It’s called “fine” print because it makes credit card companies feel “fine”, and it’s like paying a “fine” for not reading the details. If an offer sounds too good to be true, get out your magnifying glass and you’ll usually find the painful truth in the fine print.

FACT THREE: The loan with the term that stretches into infinity.

Credit cards are open-ended or revolving loans with obscene interest rates. And what’s worse, they encourage you to make minimum payments that are so low, they barely cover the interest charges.

FACT FOUR: It’s called “minimum” payment for a reason.

Minimum payments are deliberately set so low, they’re virtually the same as “interest only” payments. Making smaller payments isn’t going to get you out of debt faster. What you need is a financial strategy that will free up enough cash to make bigger payments so you can get out of debt once and for all.

FACT FIVE: A fee for every occasion.

When you’re shopping for a credit card, maybe you’re just considering the interest rate and annual fee. But if you check the “summary box” on your contract, you may find a list of EXTRA FEES that can make your low-rate, no-annual-fee card much more expensive.

FACT SIX: Surprise! We just increased your interest rate!

Credit card companies now have to give advance disclosure of interest rate increases, even if this information is already in the credit contract—so it’s important to pay attention to the notices they send you. Some cards will automatically raise your interest rate if you’re late with a payment or have too much outstanding debt on ANY of your credit cards or loans.

Posted by Roy Cocciollo of Monster Mortgage Take steps to free yourself from debt addiction today and to become mortgage free faster!

The first step is to talk to a professional, like your mortgage agent to review your personal financial situation and review your credit with an annual credit check-up. Yearly reviews like these are beneficial in assessing your beacon score (used to determine your credit rating/score) and aid you in maintaining or improving your credit, especially when it comes time to purchase a home and to qualify for the best mortgage rates and offers out there.

There are also other options available to you, such as refinancing your home to consolidate your high-interest debts by accessing the equity from your home and adding that debt to your mortgage, all while paying a much lower interest rate. With refinancing, you can pay less bills monthly and avoid 18% credit card interest rates.

Now, if you would like to discuss any of the above article, let me set it up for you. There are so many options to protect your financial future and also to help you buy a home.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
Fine Homes In Nine Oh Five
Office: 905-828-3434
Direct: 416-427-1875
Email: betty@bettybart.comWeb Site: http://www.bettybart.com

LET ME GIVE YOU A HELPING HAND
EXPERIENCE IS NOT EXPENSIVE; IT'S PRICELESS!

this is not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under brokerage contract

Managing Your Money, New Year's Resolution

What a great way to start off a New Year and a New Decade. Great advice from John Schull on managing your money. Make it a resolutaion that 'you can take to the bank'. At least read this article and possibly take some advice from it and follow it through. I have included John's contact information below. Let me get my team in action to get you started. Call John and listen to what he has to say. It can't hurt.

Managing your Money

Canadians everywhere have made New Year’s promises to themselves. Big promises (I resolve to quit smoking.) and not-so-big-promises (I resolve to call my aunt more often.). But here’s one promise you should make and never break: “I resolve to be financially secure.” And here are ten simple ways to make that happen:

1. Budget better
Look carefully at your income and expenses -- then set a realistic budget that includes savings.

2. Defeat debt
Keep that high-interest credit card in your pocket – or better yet, cut it into little pieces. Credit card debt is very expensive. Stay on top of your debt by paying off high interest and non-deductible debt first. Do you have mortgage insurance …. Wrong…Get quotes on a personal insurance policy instead.. it’s cheaper and your survivor is the beneficiary, not the bank.

3. Set goals
Make sure your lifestyle expectations match – and don’t exceed – your income. Be sure to set aside enough regularly to reach your goals.

4. Register yourself
Investments held within a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) allows for tax-free income and an RRSP is a terrific tax-deferred savings builder. Start early, make your maximum yearly contributions and you’ll save on tax and enjoy years of tax-free growth in a TFSA and tax-sheltered compound growth in a RRSP.

5. Trim taxes
There are lots of tax deductions and tax credits – be sure you take full advantage of every one that applies to you.

6. Invest efficiently
Interest income is taxed significantly higher than dividends or capital gains – so it’s usually better to hold investments earning interest income in a TFSA or a tax-deferred RRSP and those that earn dividends or attract capital gains in your nonregistered portfolio.

7. Invest in your child’s future
A post-secondary education is expensive but necessary. Help your kids pay for it by starting a tax-deferred, compound growth Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) eligible investments now!

8. Insure change
Your life is always changing in one way or another – that means your need for income protection and estate planning are changing, too. Be sure your insurance coverage keeps pace.

9. Assist your assets
Good asset allocation is vital to good long-term investment growth. Get steadier returns over time with the right balance of assets from the three asset categories – cash, fixed-income investments and equities.

10. Wrap it all in a plan
The tenth step to financial security is to wrap the other nine steps in a comprehensive financial plan that will get you where you want to go. Achieving financial security – now, that is a resolution you can take to the bank. Your professional advisor can help you get there.

John Scholl , CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter),CGA, B. Mathematics, Financial Consultant - Investors Group Financial Services Inc.
& Investors Group Insurances Services Inc.

Thank you John for a great article and sound advice.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
905 828 3434
Directly 416 427 1875
betty@bettybart.com
bettybart.com

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Home Improvement Values

2008 will go down in history as a year that started as a Gold Rush and ended up making us anxious for the year to end. At this time of year and with the doom and gloom wind blowing around us, let's just read a good book, take some courses to learn something new, and surround ourselves with friends and family that will put a smile on our faces and make us feel good inside.

If you are thinking of buying in the prestigious Lorne Park check out the information on my web site regarding this great community. As well, Churchill Meadows is a family community with elegant and fine homes that are newer. Newer schools and a great new community centre make it appealing to many new home buyers because this community offers freehold townhomes and semi-detached that appeal to many first-time home buyers. The community of Sheridan Homelands is well known throughout Mississauga. There are schools that are within walking distance from most of the neighborhood and many parks for organized baseball and soccer during the season.

With 2009 just around the corner, we can start to think about our spring projects. As I sit here and look out my window and see snow/rain and clouds making things dreery, I take a few minutes and think about the landscaping, the garden, and the repairs that I may have to to the home when the warmer weather is back. These would include hanging older windows and doors, possibly a new roof, maybe remodelling a bathroom or kitchen. You may think about finally finishing that basement to give yourself extra room for your family. Many times I suggest to my clients, or prospects, that if you are considering listing your property it is a good idea for me to come by and just make suggestions as to how to improve your property in the least expensive way to make it more appealing to today's buyer. Also, if you are considering selling within the next year, then I think it's a good idea to get these suggestions so that you can do improvements, or repairs, at your leisure instead of having to delay that time for a FOR SALE sign to go onto your property. As you can tell by the tone of this letter, I do work more with buyers as a buyer's agent and first-time buyers.

I did some research regarding the renovations that will give you the greatest return when selling your property. Of course, you may disagree and other agents will have their own opinion. I got this information from the Appraisal Institute of Canada's 2004 Home Renovation Survey.

The top three renovations that get you the most money are:

1. Bathrooms -- 75% to 100% return
2. Kitchens -- 75% - 100% return
3. Interior and exterior painting -- 50% to 100% return. Of course this is the least expensive thing to do.

Other renovations and their average rate of return (the value they add compared to what they cost) include:

• Replacing roof shingles -- 50% to 80%
• Replacing the furnace and heating system -- 50% to 80%
• Renovating the basement -- 50% to 75%
• Adding a recreation room -- 50% to 75%
• Installing a fire place -- 50% to 75%
• Up-grading flooring -- 50% to 75%
• Building a garage -- 50% to 75%
• Replacing windows and doors -- 50% to 75%
• Building a deck -- 50% to 75%
• Installing central air conditioning -- 25% to 75%

Well, the above information should keep you busy researching what you would like to do to your home for a couple of months anyway. You may decide not to do anything except wait for the warm weather. That's fine, too.

Do you want to know what your house is worth? Let's share a cup of coffee and talk about the market.

Contact Betty Bartusevicius to chat or for more information 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.

Buyers Playing Wait and See Game

Many have read the Toronto Star this morning and the big headline in the Business Section: "Home Buyers Play Waiting Game". There is a lot of truth to this statement. I hear it all the time from buyers and from sellers.

I have done many open houses in the last few months and have seen lots of traffic, also, but these visitors seem to want to wait and see what happens. Buyers are waiting for prices to come down even further, and sellers are panicking because the listings are not selling as quickly as they were at the beginning of the year. They are taking at least 3 weeks longer to sell. So, they drop their price. Buyers seem to think that this is due to the market falling apart. We are not seeing the same situation here in Canada as what is going on in the US. Take a look at the Market Watch and you also see doom and gloom for the month of October. Make sure you read the areas correctly. The west end is doing better than Toronto and the GTA. If you need help reading or understanding the Market Watch, contact me and I will assist you.

Talk to agents and you will hear about commission cuts and all the bells and whistles that new home builders are providing (even a new KIA car). But, if you read the last paragraph in the Toronto Star article, Toronto Real Estate Board president Maureen O'Neill says: " there's no question that in Canada the economic fundamentals to support a healthy market remain in place."

Also, I do blame the media for a lot of the doom and gloom. They print headlines when it is a gloomy article are in large bold print. There are times we are misled by the media. Old statement: "If it's written in newsprint, then it is true!!!" HMMM, makes me want to think. It may be true but you must look at all the details. One day they print doom and gloom, but if the next day it's better, then nothing appears. Take a look at the bouncing of the TSX. I can't keep up, one day up, one day down, one day down further, one day yipee, etc, etc, etc.

Consumer confidence is definitely being affected by media reports on the US econ0my. Remember, that is the US and this is Canada. There is a difference. Just take a look at an article from an RBC mortgage advisor. Call him or call your own mortgage specialist. Get accurate information.

Just some information and my opinion, the decline in the number of sold units will scream on every headline and newspaper, yet sales overall have not dipped in dollar value except for a modest seasonal adjustment. Real numbers? 3 % less than spring is normal for November and December and add an extra 5% off for insecurity. All of this, I directly attribute to the stock market and Mortgage crisis in the United States. The last two or three days has seen a dramatic upswing in the level of activity of shoppers on my website. It is too early to draw a conclusion but I sense a renewed level of optimism. I have spoken to several customers that were looking to relocate from the US and they are much happier these days now that a new President has been elected. We look forward, both north and south of the border, of a definite change in many things.

We all need a roof over our heads. Property has always, and will always, be a good investment. I will never convince you to purchase a home, or sell what you already own. The decision is up to you. I do have a key to all listings that are for sale. Want to see one, contact Betty. Just want to chat, know that I am always available. I have taken classes to make an appearance on Google. This advertises your home to more interested parties.


Remember, all of the above is strictly my opinion. Let me know what you think. Thank you for listening.