Elegant Lorne Park and Churchill Meadows Homes for Sale, Fine Homes in 905, Call Betty Bart at 416 427 1875, First Time Homes Buyers

Great news in the Toronto Star this morning, March 12th 2009 -- First Time buyers eye house bargains by Tony Wong. He states that, "If there is an upside to a recession, it's the inevitability that stuff gets cheaper. Falling home prices may be hard on developers, but they can spark opportunity for first-time buyers -- if the price is right". I have said this all along, Buyers are skittish and are waiting for prices and interest rates to go down.

Well, prices are reasonable with still more deals to be made, and interest rates could not be lower.

Then, we get a Press Release from Re/Max Atlantic Canada by Christine Martysiewicz, that states almost the same thing, "entry-level purchaser are now the engine driving home-buying activity in almost every major centre in Canada".

The improved affordability of property has many first-time buyers getting off the fence, out of their rental, and into the market. Caution still prevails, but more and more are finding it hard to pass up this opportunity in a buyer's market. Increased inventory, longer days on the market, low interest rates -- what an opportunity.

Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President and Regional Director, Re/Max Ontario-Atlantic Canada, states: "While the current economic crisis has caused some first-time buyers to either take it slowly or apply the brakes, home ownership remains a top priority for those who are able to take advantage of reduced carrying costs, rock bottom interest rates and lower house prices. Affordability has greatly improved and buyers are firmly in the drivers' seat in just about every market we surveyed. The new reality is that home ownership remains well within reach for most first-time buyers."

According to our Market Watch, even with the slower start to the year, February sales were ahead of those in January. There has been a flurry of activity of homes in the lower price range, and this may kick-start sales in the mid-to-upper end of the market.

As the weather warms up, the markets across the board are ripe for reawakening. Those who are secure in their jobs, have accumulated good down payments, and have acceptable credit ratings are going forward, even after they have read the barrage of bad news that continues to bombard us.

Mississauga has proven to be one of the cities where buyers are in control.

Are you an Owner? If you own in the Mississauga, Oakville or Burlington Communities, and you would like to sell your residence, click here and get a free value analysis. Are you a Buyer and are interested in purchasing a home in the 905 area code? Contact Betty Bartusevicius to receive For Sale/Sold data of neighbourhoods, to make an informed decision and do some comparison shopping.

Contact Betty Bartusevicius for 905.828.3434 or directly at 416.427.1875 and let me share my real estate knowledge and thoughts with you.

Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage

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

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

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Elegant Lorne Park and Churchill Meadows Homes for Sale, Fine Homes in 905, Mississauga Real Estate, Home Renovation Tax Credit

Located on Woodeden Drive, this home is ready for new owners. It provides you with a wonderful lot - 90 feet x 260 feet (approx.) - in a mature area of Lorne Park! This 4 bedroom home has been well-maintained and has a unique floor plan. This provides endless potential for the new owners to renovate or just upgrade. This absolutely gorgeous property is a great opportunity to build your dream home in a multi-million dollar neighbourhood. This home is also within the boundaries of some of the best schools.

http://www.bettybart.com/search/feature.cfm?ml_num=W1573897

For further photos of this lovely property http://www.bettybart.com/search/imagegallery.cfm?ml_num=W1573897&maximages

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

Are you an Owner? If you own a property in this community or in Oakville or Burlington and you would like to sell your residence, click here and get a free value analysis.

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.

Elegant Lorne Park Homes for Sale, Fine Homes in 905, Fine Homes in Churchill Meadows, Mississauga Real Estate, Market Watch

Buyers Playing Waiting Game

There is a lot of truth to the above statement. Buyers tell me that they expect prices to drop further and Mortgage Rates to decrease, and sellers are asking me, "Why don't I have an offer?" and panicking because the listings are not selling as quickly as they were in previous years. Sellers drop their price. Buyers seem to think that this is due to the market falling apart. So, they wait a little longer and think that the price will be reduced even more. Homes are taking at least 3 -4 weeks longer to sell. I have done many open houses in the last few weekends and have seen the traffic increase on a weekly basis. But, these visitors seem to want to wait and see what happens. We are not seeing the same situation here in Canada as what is going on in the US. We, as agents, must educate our buyers and sellers very thoroughly as to what is happening in the market today.

Take a look at the Market Watch and you also see doom and gloom for the month of October. It takes about 6 months for more accurate information to appear and make the Market Watch make sense. Make sure you read the areas correctly. The west end (Lorne Park, Churchill Meadows, both areas in Mississauga) are 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 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. In the last few weeks, I have 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.

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.

I am in this business for the long term. Being a full-time agent, I am committed to providing you with excellent service and I continue to share my real estate knowledge and thoughts with you. I want to be known as your "Real Estate Advisor". Whether you want some reliable information about the Real Estate Market, or if you are just curious about how your home might stack up against neighbourhood listings, remember I'm just a call away.

Are you an Owner? If you own in the Mississauga, Oakville or Burlington Communities, and you would like to sell your residence, click here and get a free value analysis. Are you a Buyer and are interested in purchasing a home in the 905 area code? Contact Betty Bartusevicius to receive For Sale/Sold data of neighbourhoods, to make an informed decision and do some comparison shopping.

Contact Betty Bartusevicius 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

Experience is not expensive; it is Priceless.

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

Consider The Advantages of Owning Property Instead of Renting

If you are in a rental and are paying someone $1500 per month, for an average of the next three years, becomes $54,000 in actual payments that could have been used to pay down your mortgage or improve your property. If you don't believe me, talk to a Mortgage Specialist.

Current interest rates are at 4 - 5% on a blended mortgage balance (variable plus fixed averaging). These rates are at a historically low right NOW. I believe there will be additional interest costs as people ( especially Governments) continue to borrow.

Let me put my team to work to get you the up-to-date information about Mortgage Rates and the payments that you will be making which can be compared to your rent payments.

Contact Betty Bartusevicius at 416.427.1875. You can email me at http://www.bettybart.com/AgentProfile/contactme.cfm

Experience is not expensive; it's Priceless!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.