Am I Getting Old?

As I do my travels through neighbourhoods in Mississauga, I have noticed that there are so many families just getting back from their summer vacations and now are starting to scramble to prepare their children to go back to school.  It doesn't matter whether it's elementary school or post secondary, the excitement is starting to build.

I was at the gym and the parents are starting to bring in their youngins to give them something to do while they do their own workouts.  Some don't even want to be up.

I'm being a little bit nostalgic these days because it has brought back so many memories when my children were at home with me.  My son and I were 'sharing a moment' yesterday when he says to me: "Mom, do you know that it's been 10 years ago that I finished High School?"  I looked at him and all of a sudden I saw this young man in front of me.  When did he grow up?  Those years have just flown by.  You might know, I have also have a daughter.  She is a couple years younger so it's only been 8 years for her.

I remember the days that both my children came into our lives.  That was an ouch!  (HAHAHA!!!!  I don't want to scare anyone that is having their first).   Both are now adults!  When did this happen?  Their doors have been opened for so many great things!  They have gone through these doors, at times hesitantly, but when passed, the smiles spread from ear to ear.  Pressures of school, peer pressures, occupational choices...they had to make their own.  Of course, dad and mom were there to lend an ear or even a shoulder when necessary, but the decision was theirs to be made.  A long time ago, we instilled in them that all decisions had consequences so make sure you make sound decisions.  Of course they made mistakes...that's the only way to learn...but they were learned not to repeat the ones where they didn't like the consequence.

Now, they have moved on and are spreading their wings and flying.  I sit back and wonder if I could have made it easier for them?  No, I think if I had, they wouldn't be the fantastic young adults that they are.  Was there any advice that I could have given them that they would appreciate?  Probably not yet, but maybe one day they will remember the few little pieces of advice that I gave them.  There is so much for them to get from Twitter, Facebook, and Google.  My advice was from the heart.

For all of you that  have children that are growing up, or are now going on to create their own niches in the world, give your kids a hug!  Remind them that the tears that are shed when you say 'see you soon' are happy tears!  This is their turn!  You, as my husband and I, have helped provide the stepping stones.

Thank you for letting me do a little bit of nostalgic writing.

Betty Bartusevicius
416 427 1875

 

Home Maintenance

Congratulations! You’ve purchased a new home and are all moved in! There’s been a lot to take care of, like emptying boxes, loading up cabinets and drawers, and maybe even painting and decorating, but here are a few around-the-house tasks you may not have thought of that need to get done.

The secret to a well maintained home is to start early. Now, don't get nervous, it's not all work, work, work. Doing your home maintenance bit by bit is a great way to accomplish it all, but over time so that there's plenty of room for relaxing too. Also, preventative maintenance now, will reduce the liklihood of unwlecome (many times costly) surprises down the road.

What to do when you first move in!

Change the locks, reprogram garage door opener codes, and check that all window locks operate properly. If there's a security system, learn how it operates and sign up for any maintenance or monitoring plans that that yours requires.  At least re-key the locks for the all outside doors if changing the locks is not on your agenda.  This should be planned prior to the day you get your keys so that you can feel truly safe in your new home!

Locate emergency shut offs. Know how to shut off the power, water, and gas in your home.   If the cold weather is settling in, make sure your outside water taps are shut off and drained.

Have a "fix it" kit. Get a toolbox and stock it with all your frequently used home repair tools and supplies and a first aid kit. 

Change the batteries in smoke alarms and CO monitors. 

Check pilot lights - in your fireplace and/or gas stove.

A Few Days/Weeks Later:

Perform necessary seasonal maintenance. Do this when you have time. 

Change filters in you furnace.

Address items that need attention that were mentioned in your home inpsection report.  If something on this list can wait and do in time, then do so.  Like I said earlier, it's not all 'work, work, work'.

Well, welcome to Home Ownership.  Remember, keep up with little repairs and it won't be so daunting.  Enjoy your home!  Getting yourself settled will take a few months and don't be surprised if a year from now, you are still changing things around.  There will come a day when you want to paint and put your finishing touches on your new home.  ABSOLUTELY!!!  If  you need some help, I can arrange for a home stager to come in and talk to you about decorating and give you some ideas.
It's these little things that I will help you with that makes me stand out!  I will keep in touch!

If you're a First Time Home Buyer, or a seasoned home owner, feel free to give me a call and let's chat.  Call be directly at 416 427 1875.  I have enough patience and passion in working with Clients in Real Estate to go around.  I truly love what I do!

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
905 828 3434
FINE HOMES IN 905
416 427 1875
betty@bettybart.com
www.bettybart.com

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

not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under brokerage contract

Your First Mortgage

Make sure  you scour the internet before you sign on the dotted line with a bank for a mortgage.  You must understand all aspects of the document that you are signing and the financial institution that is providing the funds.  If you would like further contacts for Independent Mortgage Specialists, let me provide a few names.  You must make an informed decision regarding  your finances.

Kristian Harris of Monster Mortgage has provided me with a short introduction to what's happening:

"While the federal government’s announcement introducing further changes to mortgage rules in Canada is sure to upset some people, MonsterMortgage.ca believes that today’s announcement will benefit consumers predominantly by:

• Creating more confident home buyers  than ever in Canada
• Preserving equity in your homes helping youto create wealth faster

25Year Amortization

One of the major changes announced today was the reduction in amortizations to a maximum of 25 years – a tightening measure that some are up in arms over. This is simply a return to how Canada was just a few years ago, before the federal government stepped into jump-start the real estate market with the introduction of 35 and 40year amortizations. This particular rule change will help Canadians reduce mortgage interest charges over the term of their mortgage and also help you grow equity wealth faster."

For more information about your mortgage, please feel free to contact Kristian at Monster Mortgage at  your convenience or call me for more his direct contact information.

June 5 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.

Now considered a suburban residential neighbourhood in southwestern Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, the community of Lorne Park first started as an exclusive resort.

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

Give me a call directly at 416 427 1875 and let’s discuss the special gift that I will provide if you decide to use my services or for a referral once the deal is closed.  My phone is charged up and I’m waiting for your calls.

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

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

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

More Internet Traffic Information and A Little Bit of Venting

Every morning I read articles relating to real estate. Anything new? What's interesting? Then I found it! You may not think it's interesting, but I certainly did.

Here is some interesting information:
- 62% of home sellers only interviewed one agent before listing their home
- 19% of home sellers talked to 3 agents before they selected one
- 22% were more interested in determining the list price that would make their home competitive than any other service a listing agent would or could provide
- 1% thought professional designations were important when picking their agent. The other 99% didn't see the value to be of consequence. Board Certified Trial Attorney seems to matter in whether you will going to win in court.

So why would the majority of the public feel that the respresentation they would get from a real estate agent will probably not be improved by his/her education?

We have buyers and sellers that are looking to invest, or have invested, in one of the biggest purchases of their lives. They spend more time looking into insurance policies than they do looking and interviewing real estate agents.

I had 2 interviews for listing appointments in the last couple of days. I thought I had one listing when suddenly, the brakes were put on because half of the couple thought that their property was worth far more than was discussed. When I have to leave a home with one half in tears and the other wanting to think about it, I have to play referee and let it go for a couple of days. The second appointment went well but the sellers questioned the commission and they didn't feel that my education and marketing skills were a factor. I walked away from both sadly. I have not lost hope that I will get these listings.

Buyers shop for homes using the internet. Sellers follow information regarding real estate on the internet. I keep working and trying to please both buyers and sellers. Every day I try to provide information to both buyers and sellers that will be interesting and informative. If there are any questions that I have not answered, let me know and I will get that information for you.

If this sounds like I'm venting a little bit, well, I am. I don't mean to belittle anyone or to point fingers. Read my testimonials at betty@bettybart.com. I have tons of patience, I never strong arm anyone, and I produce results. It may take me longer than some agents, but I know that those clients that I have assisted, are pleased with my services.

Take a look at some of my YouTube videos. No matter how much I hate being in front of the camera, I know that someone will see me and possibly consider using my services in either selling their existing house or the purchase of that dream home.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
Fine Homes in The Nine Oh Five
Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
betty@bettybart.com
www.bettybart.com
416 427 1875

PSST: IF YOU KNOW OF SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING OF MAKING A REAL ESTATE MOVE AND REQUIRES MY ASSISTANCE, FEEL FREE TO PASS ALONG MY CONTACT INFORMATION. ALL REFERRALS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED.