Sept 11 Betty's Pics Of The Week In Lorne Park

Prestigious Lorne Park is located east of Clarkson, south of Erindale, west of Port Credit and the Credit River, and north of Lake Ontario. The area is noted as mainly residential. 

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 with correct contact information, 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

With just a click of a button, you can get a free market evaluation for Lorne Park, Mississauga or Oakville.  Now, wasn't that easy?  My phone is charged up and I’m ready for your call.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative ASA
Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
Fine Homes In Nine Oh Five
Office: 905-828-3434
Direct/Text: 416-427-1875
Email: betty@bettybart.com
Web Site: http://www.bettybart.com
Toll Free: 1 866 838 3434

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

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

Bidding Wars

After reading another article in the Toronto Star, I thought it was time to post my take on Bidding Wars.  I know you may think that I may not have your interest at heart.  I do take my job seriously.  I am faced with this dilema right now as I feel that an agent is trying to pressure me and my buyers to put an offer in on a home that we truly like but do not want to compete because the home is slightly overpriced for that neighbourhood.  I am leaving the decision to my buyers.  Here's my video.  Please enjoy.

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

Penalties When Breaking A Closed Mortgage

Why banks want you in fixed rate mortgages

This article in Moneyville in the Toronto Star, is a great piece about the mortgage penalties associated with breaking your closed mortgage, an issue that is very prevalent today. Most clients don’t anticipate the high amounts that they have to pay out in penalties when they decide to refinance or sell their homes, as these numbers are not standardized across the different lenders, nor are these figures disclosed at the time of signing.

Banks have always encouraged clients to go into five year fixed rate mortgage terms, yet the average time a Canadian will stay in a fixed mortgage term is 3.4 years. Now we know why the banks profit billions a year even during recessions and “credit crunches”.

As a homeowner or home buyer, keep the following tips in mind when shopping around for a mortgage or if you are considering refinancing your property:

- Beware of closed or fixed-rate mortgages that will penalize you for leaving early. (Kristian Harris of Monster Mortgage advises a variable-rate or open mortgage).

- If you are adamant about taking a fixed mortgage, consider a 3 year term instead of the bank-promoted 5 year term. The future is uncertain and tying yourself up in such a long commitment can result in big penalties when you decide to break your mortgage.

- Know your numbers! Find out if the rate that you’re being offered is a discounted rate and make sure you are aware of how the Interest Rate Differential (IRD) is calculated.

- Take advantage of your pre-payment options and apply these to your mortgage before it gets discharged.

There are so many questions when applying for a mortgage. Talk to a mortgage agent to find the best mortgage strategies that will reduce the IRD penalty that you will have to pay and get you the right product that will help you pay your mortgage off faster. Your mortgage specialist will take you through the payments and how best to pay off your mortgage in the most efficient manner.

Because you have choices, you need to make sure to get as much information as possible so that you can make an informed decision as to the mortgage that is right for you. Talk to a mortgage specialist. Need a name? Call me directly at 416 427 1875 and I will direct you to a few numbers and you get to choose who will provide you with the best service. Remember, the choice is yours!

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
905 828 3434
Cell: 416-427-1875
Email: betty@bettybart.com
Web Site: http://www.bettybart.com
Fine Homes in Nine Oh Five

LET ME GIVE YOU A HAND
EXPERIENCE IS NOT EXPENSIVE! IT’S PRICELESS!

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

not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under brokerage contract

Re/Max Housing Outlook for 2011

The following article was provided to me by Michael Polzler, Regional Director, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. Enjoy the article.

Residential values expected to climb further in 2011 as housing sales stabilize in most major centres, says RE/MAX

Mississauga, ON (December 7, 2010) - Although improved economic fundamentals will have a positive impact on Canadian housing markets moving forward, the forecast for residential real estate sales remains static in most major centres in 2011, according to the RE/MAX Housing Market Outlook Report released today by RE/MAX.

"In terms of resale housing activity, what many are talking about as the new normal is actually a return to the traditional real estate cycle," says Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President, Regional Director, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. "The past decade was truly unprecedented - never before have we experienced a run up that was as strong or lasted as long. As we have digressed from the typical pattern, people have forgotten what the usual healthy cycle looks like, but all the hallmarks are there. Ample inventory levels, steady demand, and moderate growth, both in terms of sales and prices, will characterize the market in 2011. While the pace may appear lackluster in comparison to what we've grown accustomed to, it underscores the principles of real estate 101: The market is cyclical. All boats rise and fall with the tide."

Take a look at the Market Watch and you can do some comparing of the market in the past few years. All is available for you to read, or give me a call to discuss further. The market is cyclical. It goes up, prices get adjusted, interest rates go up and down. The Bank of Canada rate has been pretty steady, but that never guarantees that the individual banks will not raise their rates. The Bank of Canada has said that they will not be raising interest rates in the near future and it is possible that they may re-adjust slightly down if the US market still remains slow in recovery at the beginning of 2011.

Don't kid yourselves, homes are selling. They are selling quickly. It is more important than ever to price your property correctly in order to get it sold. If you're just testing the market, you're making a mistake. I don't believe that this is the time. Be serious and it will fall your way.

2011 is going to be an exciting year. Many changes in the real estate market. There are so many predictions. To discuss any concerns that you may have, feel free to give me, Betty, a call directly at 416 427 1875. Let's keep this line of communication open.

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.com
Web Site: http://www.bettybart.com

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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 INTRODUCTIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED

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

Mortgages: Bank vs Mortgage Broker

When meeting with a client for the first time, I try to gather as much information about the buyers as I can while keeping the buyers as comfortable as possible. We have to discuss finances. Not a comfortable subject when you don't know eachother. It is very important to get your finances in order as you start your journey into home purchase. The more information that you can gather, the easier your journey will become. One of the mortgage broker's that I have recommended in the past has provided some information that might be useful to you. Read on and make your own conclusions.

What your bank does not want you to know

A lot of clients come to us with a familiar situation: Two, three or four years ago they were tempted by what seemed like reasonable rates to lock into a 5 year mortgage. Now, needing to break their mortgage - to pay out some debts, renovate, and so on - they are presented with a penalty that seems to bear no relation to reality, a penalty sometimes running $5,000, $10,000 or more. The primary reason for these high penalties is the use of “posted rates” by the banks. It sounds great to get a large discount from these bank posted rates until you realize that when you break your mortgage, they will come into play again, this time in reverse. Banks will calculate your mortgage penalty as if they had given you the higher, posted rate, and that high rate makes for the excessive penalty you pay.

To deal with this penalty, banks typically present clients with a few options: clients can break the mortgage and pay the penalty and start again with a new term at today’s rates, or they can accept a ‘blended’ rate which extends their mortgage back out to 5 years at a rate that combines their current mortgage with the going market rate for a 5 year term. No penalty needs to be paid up front because the fee is buried in the new ‘blended’ rate.

So clients are tempted with the same offer: rates that seem reasonable, and the possibility of locking those low rates in for another 5 years. The conversation your bank doesn’t want to have with you is the one that outlines what your new penalty will look like down the road if you need to break your mortgage again. Which, statistically, you will probably want to do. Remember, before signing on the dotted line...GET THE FACTS YOUR BANK WON’T TELL YOU.

What you should know

So what is the right thing to do in this situation? The short and easy answer is that if the cost of breaking your mortgage, (including any associated costs like discharge fees and legal fees) is less than what you will save over the remaining length of your current term, then it is advisable to break your mortgage and reap the benefits. Even with high penalties that sound extravagant, we have helped clients save thousands of dollars breaking their mortgages.

Beware of the temptation to lock back into a 5 year mortgage with your current lender. After all, if you are considering breaking your mortgage before your term is up, you are just doing what the banks know their customers will do: most Canadians will not see their mortgage through to the end of their 5 year terms. So why, knowing this, would the banks recommend that their clients lock in to 5 year fixed rate mortgages? Because the bank will get its money whether you pay them faithfully for 5 years, or whether you pay them a penalty after 3.

We do things differently. MonsterMortgage.ca will assess your personal situation to uncover the most suitable lender and product so that you get the mortgage rate, terms and conditions that are right for you...and NOT YOUR BANK!! And because many of the over twenty lenders that we recommend our clients use do not use posted rates, if locking in at today’s historically low rates is the right strategy for you then you can avoid a harsh penalty should you need to break your mortgage down the road. By opting for variable mortgages, or a shorter fixed term mortgage, many of our clients avoid these large penalties altogether.

So the question is, why do many people lock back in to a term they probably won’t complete? Habit I guess, and a history of the banks selling you advice that contributes to their bottom line and not yours. We are all creatures of habit. Call me today and break your bank habit. We will review your mortgage and present you with a strategy that helps you pay down your mortgage faster.

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

not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under brokerage contract

August 2010 Market Watch

Well, here is is, the middle of August and I'm just getting this little note out to everyone. To all whom I send out personal notes, sorry. There really isn't anything new to tell you. "Doom and Gloom" still headline the news. According to the powers that be, the Real Estate Market has stalled.

Has anyone taken a look at what happens to the market in the months of July and August? Take a look at this year and what we were faced with -- G20, Bank of Canada raised interest rates (only quarter point, but still....), HST (yes, it's here to stay), summer market, extreme heat, holidays taken by most --- just to name a few. When you add it all up, brakes get put on.

We all expected to be overrun by new listings. Well, that didn't happen. Even, me, I keep looking for property owners to list homes. Knocking on doors, making telephone calls (probably irritating some of you) hasn't made a lick of business. Buyers are very slow in purchasing what is out there.

My farming areas of Lorne Park in Mississauga and Oakville, have been doing well. Lorne Park has been noticed in the Toronto Star as being one of the neighbourhoods where prices of properies has increased. Lakefront properties are available.

I have included a small section of the August Market Watch so that you can take a glance at what is happening. For a complete report, please visit bettybart.com.

"Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 6,564 sales in July – a 34 per cent dip from the record 9,967 sales reported in July 2009. New listings, at 10,825, dropped to the lowest level for the month of July since 2002.

"The level of July sales remained below the expected long-term trend. The market has become more balanced following record monthly sales through most of the winter and early spring," said Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) President Bill Johnston.

Total sales through the first seven months of 2010 were up 12 per cent compared to the same period in 2009.

Notwithstanding the fact that price trends vary at the neighbourhood level in GTA, the average price for July transactions was $420,482, representing a six per cent increase over July 2009. Over the first seven months of 2010, the average selling price was up 12 per cent annually to $432,253.

"Market conditions promoting growth in the average selling price have remained in place. While July sales were down compared to last year, the number of new listings in the marketplace also fell. This means there was enough competition between buyers to exert upward pressure on price," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis."

To all who are still on holidays, enjoy. The weather certainly is co-operating this year. Get out and play a round of golf, if you are so inclined. Want to join me, let me know.

The EX is around the corner, Parks and Recreation have their registration for fall programmes on line, school buses are all over the place while they train the new drivers to transport our kids back to school, the Staples commercial is back (It's the Most Wonderful Time of The Year), and the stores are getting busy for those shoppers looking to equip themselves for the coming months.

Do you want to talk about Real Estate? Do you have any opinions that you would like to share with me? Want a Market Evaluation on your home? Want to change neighbourhoods?

Give me a call directly at 416 427 1875. Or just email me at betty@bettybart.com.

Have a wonderful August and I will be in touch again in September.

Kindest Regards,
Betty

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
Fine Homes In Nine Oh Five
Office: 905-828-3434
Fax: 905-828-2829
Cell: 416-427-1875
Email: betty@bettybart.com
Web Site: http://www.bettybart.com

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not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under brokerage contract

Home Alone? Not anymore!

Home alone – not anymore. Your adult child is back. Is It Time To Downsize?

Call ‘em Boomerang Kids or KIPPERS (Kids In Parents’ Pockets Eroding Retirement Savings) – but by any name, the number of adult children living with their parents is on the rise. And for Boomers, that can be a double whammy because many are being sandwiched between caring for their adult children and for their aging parents.

A recent survey of Boomers revealed that four-in-ten who care for both children and parents say they have been forced to reduce the amount they’re investing for retirement, one-quarter say they have adopted a less comfortable lifestyle, and one-quarter expressed concern that this financial assistance will jeopardize their retirement security.

There’s no doubt that having adult children at home creates financial challenges by increasing the cost of living, creating a drag on savings, and even causing a loss of freedom. Here are some practical ideas about how to reduce stress, hard feelings and avoid potential financial disaster:

Pay to stay: Treat your child as an adult and try to replicate ‘real world’ conditions by having them contribute to household expenses, chores, and even pay rent. If they aren’t employed, encourage them to actively seek work.

Invest in a secure future: As an alternative to paying rent, insist that your adult child establishes an investment plan to help pay a future down payment on their own home.

Tax relief: If your stay-at-home adult kid is also a student and has no tax to pay, you can relieve some of the pinch on your finances by taking advantage of unused federal tuition and education credits (combined). Up to $750 can be transferred from the student to a parent. (Provincial tax credits may also be available.)

Define ‘rent’: Is your child paying you fair market value rent or just enough to cover their share of home upkeep and the cost of groceries? If it’s the latter, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) says you don’t need to report that income on your tax return but you cannot deduct expenses. If you attempt to claim a rental loss, the CRA will put you to the test of proving the rental rate is at fair market value, and there is a reasonable expectation of profit.

With children taking longer to become self-sufficient and aging parents expected to live longer, Boomers could be in for a rough ride. The first step is talk openly with your children about money and responsibility. And a good second step is to discuss your situation with your professional advisor to make sure your financial plans stay on track.

Compliments of:
Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative  ASA
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
905 828 3434
Fine Homes In 905
416 427 1875

Call Betty at 416 427 1875, Elegant Homes in Lorne Park and Churchill Meadows, Fine Homes in 905, RBC

Are You Ready To Make Your Move?

Tired of Renting? Ready to Own? Read this article. It was presented to me by Lindsay Doke, Mortgage Specialist of the Royal Bank of Canada.

This is a sound article because with low interest rates and availability of homes in various price ranges throughout the '905' area code, you should start to consider the purchase of your first home or to upgrade to that next level of home.

If you are renting, you may dream about owning a home of your own - decorate as you like, enjoy great neighbourhoods, entertain family and friends -- but you may be uncertain whether you're ready, especially if you haven't started saving.

Fortunately, with today's low mortgage rates and more flexible down payment requirements, your first home may already be within your reach.

There is a sound financial reason to buy now: your home may be the the single biggest investment you will ever make, one that could pay off significantly in the long run.

Consider this: over the past 10 years, there has been a 65% increase in the value of the average Canadian home. To put that into dollars and cents, the average home in Canada would have cost $150,720 in 1985. Today, that same house would be valued at $248,176 -- a big increase in value over this period of time. And of course, the earlier you can redirect the money you pay in rent towards paying down a mortgage, the faster you will start building equity in your home.

Does the increase in value shown above represent a good investment? The answer is "YES". Typically, housing is a stable investment, offering good rates of return. Unlike the stock market, your home typically offers you a dependable rate of return. And of course, a place to live.

This housing market differs from the 1980's in the sense that, buyers went into panic buying and there was an over-supply of homes causing a swing in house prices. Now, we have been living in a period of low inflation and low interest rates, both of which help to maintain a strong, but steady, market for homes without wild swings in prices.

There's a tax advantage to purchasing a home. When you sell your principal residence for more than you paid for it, the increase in value (Capital Gains) is yours tax-free.

At the end of the day, one of the biggest considerations isn't the market, mortgage rates or investment value, but rather your desire to enjoy the comfort and privacy of owning your own home. The best time to stop renting and start owning is when you are ready.

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 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 the neighbourhood listings, remember, I'm just a call away.

Are you an Owner? If you own property in the Mississauga/Oakville/Burlington Communities, and you would like to sell your residence, contact Betty at 905 828 3434 or directly at 416 427 1875 and get a free market evaluation of your existing house.

Are you a Buyer and are interested in purchasing a home in the 905 area code? Contact Betty to receive FOR SALE/SOLD data of neighbourhoods to enable you to make an informed decision and do some comparable shopping.

If you know of friends, family, or colleagues who are thinking about making a real estate move, feel free to pass along my contact information. Know that their real estate needs will be well attended to with kindness and professionalism. Your referrals will be greatly appreciated.

Elegant Homes In Lorne Park and Churchill Meadows, Fine Homes in 905, Call Betty Bart at 416 427 1875, Mississauga Real Estate, Mortgages

Concerned About Mortgage Rates?

Consider the security of a fixed rate mortgage.

Your home is one of the most exciting -- and most important -- investments you will ever make. Don't let mortgage interest rate concerns get in the way. Instead, put your mind at ease with the security of a fixed rate mortgage.

Security that's "locked in".

As the name implies, a fixed rate mortgage offers a specific interest rate that is fixed, or "locked in", for the term of the mortgage. It means you will know exactly what to expect, including:

• - the interest rate of your mortgage
• - the amount of your regular mortgage payments
• - the portion of your payments that goes toward principal and interest
• - the amortization of your mortgage (how long it will take to pay off)

And the longer you lock in for, the greater your protection from rising interest rates will be, over the term of your mortgage.

Choose what works best for you.

With Closed, open and convertible fixed rate mortgages, you can choose the term that provides the level of security (and interest rate) that is right for you. For example:

• - if you don't anticipate paying off your mortgage before the end of the term by makng a prepayment, a closed morgage provides the lowest fixed rates available. However, if you change your mind, you will probably have to pay breakage fess.
• - an open mortgage can be paid off in part or in full at any time, without penalties. But because of the extra flexibility, interest rates are often higher.
• - a convertible mortgage gives you the security of a closed mortgage, but can be converted to a longer term, closed mortgage any time, without penalty. If you think rates may drop, this allows you to pick your moment to lock in your rate. But this is only beneficial if you convert and lock in at the right time.

Your fixed rate can be guaranteed in advance.

If you are arranging a new mortgage, your fixed interest rate can be guaranteed up to 90 days before the closing date of your home. If interest rates go up during that period of time, you are protected because you will still receive the lower rate.

Save interest costs by prepaying any time.

Prepayments are optional, additional payments that go directly toward paying down your morgage principal, the amount you initially borrowed for your mortgage. That means, they help you pay off your mortgage faster - and, over time, that can save you interest costs.

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 know 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 property in the Mississauga, Oakville, or Burlington Communities, and you would like to sell your residence, contact Betty Bartusevicius and get a free market analysis.

Are you a Buyer and are interest in purchasing a home in the 905 area code? Contact Betty to receive FOR SALE/SOLD data of neighbourhoods to enable you to make an informed decision and do some comparable 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 Homes in Lorne Park and Churchill Meadows, Fine Homes in 905, Market Watch, Sheridan Homelands, Oakville, Burlington

Why is Buying On The Slide a Buyer's Advantage In the Toronto Real Estate Market?

First lets consider a Sellers Market;

A Sellers Market occurs simply when there are more Buyers than Sellers. This trend has been in place since 1996 and has continued upwards till 2008. If there are two listings and 20 buyers, the home owner is able to dictate price, terms of the sale and deposits that accompany the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. The home owners took their appliances, chandalier, and window coverings. You agreed because you were happy to pay. If you were in a multiple offer situation, the group mentality applied and you paid because you wanted the property.

The Seller had Control of the Situation.

We started to see hesitation in the marketplace around October 2007, and the buying /selling dynamic started to "shift".

This Shift in the Marketplace has moved us into a Buyers Market.

You can take advantage of the Buyers Market by being a qualified, ready to buy customer and force the homeowners who need to sell to come to US with their Offers to Buy.

Are we taking advantage of the situation? Yes! Absolutely. Everything, that I learn about the Seller's situation is available to you, from the negotiating perspective. (If you are under a brokerage Representation Agreement with me.)

What have you gained? You now have the upper hand against the Seller.

Lets put this into a practical example. Let us assume that you want a house in Neighborhood 'A', and there are 25 listings available for sale in that neighborhood. From the Sales to Listings Ratio, we know that only one house in ten will be sold this month. How do we find the most motivated Seller? We pick the best homes you and I have seen together, start with an offer of the best one, and present it to the seller. Remember, an Offer must be agreed to by both parties. If the first one doesn't want to negotiate, then we move on to the next one. The seller who truly wants/needs to sell will make his presence known to you because he NEEDS, WANTS to sell and be gone. Interested?

You as the Buyer will dictate the terms, conditions, inspections, appliances and even the family chandalier that you never had a chance at before. Let's ask for everything.

So ..... Lets wait and see, we'll buy when the market has bottomed out.

There are a few different lines of thought; when the market has bottomed, you and I together are looking at historic values, so the exact date of the purchase can never be forecast. In a Balanced Market there will be no "motivated or deperate" Sellers that make their house extra appealing to you to buy as an Under Market Value Purchase. There is NO Leverage.

Secondly, 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.

Lastly, 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.

For those Selling and Buying into the same market there is no effective change. Sure you may get less than your neighbour did a few months ago, or back to last years values...but you will be buying with me and saving as you upgrade your property. The benefits for you are enormous.

Why don't you and I get together and have a coffee and talk about Buyers Agency and the whole process of making a move in this market.

Contact Betty Bartusevicius for your own private viewing of a property that would interest you 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 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.

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 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.

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.