Mortgage Adjustments

The Honorable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today announced a number of measured steps to support the long-term stability of Canada's housing market and continue to encourage home ownership for Canadians.

"Canada's housing market is healthy, stable and supported by our country's solid economic fundamentals," said Minister Flaherty. "However, a key lesson of the global financial crisis is that early policy action can help prevent negative trends from developing."

The Government will therefore adjust the rules for government-backed insured mortgages as follows:

- Require that all borrowers meet the standards for a five-year fixed rate mortgage even if they choose a mortgage with a lower interest rate and shorter term. This initiative will help Canadians prepare for higher interest rates in the future.
- Lower the maximum amount Canadians can withdraw in refinancing their mortgages to 90 per cent from 95 per cent of the value of their homes. This will help ensure home ownership is a more effective way to save.
Require a minimum down payment of 20 per cent for government-backed mortgage insurance on non-owner-occupied properties purchased for speculation.

"There's no clear evidence of a housing bubble, but we're taking proactive, prudent and cautious steps today to help prevent one. Our Government is acting to help prevent Canadian households from getting overextended, and acting to help prevent some lenders from facilitating it," said Minister Flaherty. "If some lenders aren't willing to act themselves, we will act. These measures demonstrate the Government is committed to taking action when necessary to support the long-term stability of a sector that is so vital to our economy and the financial well-being of Canadian families."

In October 2008, the Government adjusted its minimum standards for government-backed, high-ratio mortgages. In February 2010, new measures were announced: qualifying at a 5 year rate; limit the maximum refinancing; and discouraging speculation by increasing minimum downpayment of 20% for non-owner occupied properties.

The above article was provided to me by Kristian Harris of Monster Mortgage.

For the complete article click here

Contact Betty Bartusevicius directly at 416 427 1875 to discuss the purchase of a home or the sale of your existing property.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative

Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage

905.828.3434

Direct: 416.427.1875

Email: betty@bettybart.com

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

PSST: I am never too busy for your referrals of friends, family, and colleagues.

not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under brokerage contract

Oakville Home For Sale

Welcome to a new listing in Oakville. A decievingly spacious bungalow with a new finished basement with a large family room, a second kitchen with a centre island, a new 4 - piece bath, a large bedroom, a sliding glass door & a large storage/workshop! A detached 2 car garage with parking for 6. A family-size living room & room for kitchen expansion, from back porch to eat in area, if wanted! Three good Ssze bedrooms with large mirrored closets. Updated Windows!European Pride! Quick downtown Oakville access! Walk to great schools, parks, etc.

For further pictures: W1780970

Also included in this property are the existing newer fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer, dryer, all updated window coverings & light fixtures, all mirrored doors. This area is redeveloping. Attenton Builders Or Renovators! Great Bones!!

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; betty@bettybart.com

If not this property how about someting else?

I can help you save time and money by shopping smarter; Instant MLS

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

Experience is not expensive; it is Priceless.

Extra! Extra! Fine Homes In 905 Revealed

Preview this new website containing in-depth real estate information and opportunities on the market in the elegant neighbourhood of Lorne Park and all Mississauga communities, as well as the prestigious Town of Oakville.

Portrait of Betty Bartusevicius
Betty Bartusevicius, the prominent real estate specialist for elegant Lorne Park, Mississauga, prestigious Joshua Creek and Oakvile has proudly announced the launch of her new website, bettybart.com. Designed to be a one-stop resource for buyers, and sellers for Mississauga and Oakville real estate of distinction. The website is interactive, user-friendly and continuously updated with the latest information on real estate and local market trends.

During the time that Betty has been working in the Real Estate Industry, she has earned the respect of colleagues and clients for her honesty, dedication, work ethic and integrity. As a resident of Mississauga for more than 20 years, Betty understands the market, the people and the community. "I believe selling and buying your home can be a hassle-free and satisfying experience and I have the perseverance, negotiating skills and ability to listen, to make that happen. When you list your home with me - or allow me to assist you in purchasing a home - you will receive the highest level of professionalism and service." No gimmicks, no high pressure sales tactics - just a quick, efficient and profitable experience in purchasing your dream home or in selling your existing house.

Having partnered with the RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Team, Betty provides her clients with access to some of the finest Lorne Park, Mississauga, Joshua Creek, and Oakville real estate on the market today. Some of these homes are featured on Betty's Pic of the Week that is updated on a regular basis.

The site's easy-to-use Home Search feature will pull up a complete list of Mississauga and Oakville properties on MLS that meet your requirements. Register and fill out the Home Match information for immediate homes matching your requirements to be sent to you. Visit the "Communities" section, where Betty has assembled community profiles.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative with RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage (905.828.3434) works primarily in the City of Mississauga districts of Churchill Meadows, Erin Mills, Sheridan Homelands, Sherwood Forrest, Lisgar, The Chase, Mississauga Road, Watercolours by Mattamy and prestigious Lorne Park among others. Oakville neighbourhoods that get Betty's personal touch are Joshua Creek, West Oak Trails, Bronte, Glen Abbey, Eastlake, Iroquois Ridge (north and south), and River Oaks.

With the resources on her website and the commitment, experience and extensive knowledge that Betty provides, the process of finding your dream home becomes more streamlined and straightforward, resulting as one of her clients have stated, "she drove to the result. Ultimately, this is what we wanted and she got it done in a respectable time frame. I would recommend Betty’s services to anyone going through this. She gets it done, works tirelessly, and has a bunch of fun along the way."

Contact Betty Bartusvicius, Re/Max Realtor in Mississauga and Oakville for accurate Home Evaluations and Video Marketing to get your home found on the internet. Also provided by Betty is discrete, confidential, and experienced advice.

Retirement Living, Origin Evergreen, Mississauga

Is It Time To Talk with Mom and Dad about Downsizing?

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 with my mother because there are too many memories in that home.

I, myself, have many happy moments in the 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. As her health becomes an issue, the conversation of care becomes something we discuss quite often. 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.

Origin Evergreen - This is what Retirement Living should be. State of the art facilities catering to a wide range of needs and the mobility levels of both active and non-active seniors! Six beautiful "Garden Flats" are available: 1 bedroom + den ,and 2 bedroom + den from $299,000 -$460,000. There are other units also available in the highrise.

Here are some of the units available in this facility:

W1749997 W1749994 W1750002 W1750000

If you require any further information about these units, contact Betty Bart at 416 427 1875.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative

RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZNnBIvjvyk

Seasons Greetings from Betty Bart

Happy Holidays,

The holiday season is fast approaching, if it hasn't already started for some of us. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you, and all your loved ones, the merriest of holidays. We don't have any snow, yet, but Santa is in the malls after coming into town during the Santa Claus parade in Mississauga, Oakville, and of course the big one, The Toronto Santa Claus Parade.

I hope you take some time to sit back with your families and have some hot chocolate, something extra if you partake, and just look at the eyes and see the enjoyment of everyone around you.

I'm just going to reiterate what I have been saying regarding real estate, we are short on inventory and during the month of December, the list gets a little smaller. There are still some HOT buyers out there and as for the sellers, why not start the New Year knowing that a new home is just around the corner and when you pack up the decorations, just keep on packing.

Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada said it best: " 2009 was without question the year of the house. Real estate not only defied industry and analysts' predictions in 2009 -- it's performance went well beyond the realm of expectation by boosting consumer confidence levels and ultimately kick starting the national economic engine. Low interest rates were the principal factor driving home buying activity. NO ONE CAN DISCOUNT THE VALUE THAT CANADIANS PLACE ON OWNING A HOME."

If you see some information in the Market Watch that you would like to discuss, call/email me and let's sit over a glass of egg nog and talk about it. I'm here. I just need your call.

Merry Christmas and the Happiest of the Holiday Season to all. I look forward to continuing to provide you with valuable information in the coming year, and maybe, we will do some business together.

Kindest Regards,
Betty

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
OFFICE: 905 828 3434
DIRECTLY : 416 427 1875
EMAIL; betty@bettybart.com
WEB SITE: http://www.bettybart.com/

psst: I am never too busy for your referrals. They are greatly appreciated.

The Value of a Realtor, Mississauga

Did you participate in the Real Estate Market this year? Did you sell a house that no longer met your needs and purchase a home that was more conducive to your lifestyle? If you are one of the thousands that did one or the other, or both, chances are you used the professional services of a realtor.

It may seem that a realtor does very little. Maybe, the access to the MLS system was part of the reason you decided to work with a realtor. We, as realtors use the MLS system, but it is just one of the tools that we have at our fingertips to offer, and provide, you with professional services.

We can access the Muncipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) to provide you with invaluable information regarding taxes on individual properties ownership histories and lot size specifics.

We also use Teranet's GeoWarehouse where we can retrieve even more informaion to use in your decision-making process. For example: streetscape imagery, mapped neighbourhood sales, and average local incomes.

If you are considering a newly constructed home we, as realtors, can access RealNet. This is Canada's database of new home listings. This site includes current records updated on a monthly basis. This database can be conducted by housing type, location, price range and number of bedrooms. It can produce builder names, lot sizes, condo fees, and availabitliy of units.

Your realtor can advise you on government programs that will save you some money. For example: Home Renovation Tax Credit, the EnerGuide for Houses Retrofit Grant.

We can provide you with contact names for financial information. Mortgage specialists that will allow you to apply for a mortgage, and give you information as to whether you can afford a home, or perhaps not at this time.

We can advise first-time homebuyers of programs available to make that first purchase.

We search through huge amounts of paperwork to provide you with information on important issues such as property taxes, HST, land transfer tax, closing costs on both buying and selling a home, etc.

Contact Betty Bartusevicius 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.

Quality Over Quantity As A Real Estate Agent

I have always enjoyed quality over quantity in all aspects of my life. Give me 1 great movie to enjoy instead of 10 so/so movies. The same goes for service that is provided to me and that includes real estate service. I have been a buyer and a seller in my "before I became an agent" days. I hope I have given the quality kind in my "now I'm an agent days".

Don't get me wrong; mistakes are made, deals do not close, and there are many cracks in the details that can (and do) slip through. A real estate transaction requires careful explanations and understanding, a watchful eye to check the files and massive communication to keep tabs on everything that is produced and the participants. We, as agents, are constantly working with different (sometimes opposite) personalities. I have always felt, and stated, that I have done my job if the seller feels he/she sold for too low and/or if the buyer feels that he/she paid a little too high. I believe that both sides win if each agent feels that they did more than their fair share of work and no one reminds anyone how great they are and why!!!

Very few buyers and sellers in real estate care how many homes an agent has sold in the last year or in the last decade. I believe that sellers care about THEIR sale. What you did as an agent in the past, is history.

Our job as Realtors is about THE CUSTOMER, the quality of service provided, and the handling of each and every separate transaction with integrity and professionalism. Some of us have forgotten this.

This is strictly my opinion. Some Realtors will disagree. That's okay.

The above is a comment by:

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
OFFICE: 905 828 3434
EMAIL: betty@bettybart.com