TREB MLS® Sales Sales Monthly with Three Previous Years for Comparison June 2011

TREB MLS® Sales Sales Monthly with Three Previous Years for Comparison June 2011




For more information please contact A. Mark Argentino

A. Mark Argentino, Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
2691 Credit Valley Road, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 7A1
BUS. 905-828-3434
FAX. 905-828-2829
E-MAIL: mark@mississauga4sale.com
Website: Mississauga4Sale.com

TREB MLS® New Listings Monthly Time Series with Trend Line Actual June 2011

TREB MLS® New Listings Monthly Time Series with Trend Line Actual June 2011




For more information please contact A. Mark Argentino

A. Mark Argentino, Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
2691 Credit Valley Road, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 7A1
BUS. 905-828-3434
FAX. 905-828-2829
E-MAIL: mark@mississauga4sale.com
Website: Mississauga4Sale.com

Death in a property, do you have to disclose this fact when you sell?

I was asked a very good question about disclosure of a death in a property. Below is the question and my answer.

Mark,

QUESTION:

I want to list my house for sale. There was a death in the house and I want to know if it is mandatory that this information be devulged to perspective buyers. The death occured 9 years ago and I am wondering how long people have to be reminded of it.

If your response is that it is mandatory, then my questions would be:

1) For how many years?

2) When would it need to be mentioned? (Certainly not to everyone who comes through the doors)

3) To whom, would you have to mention it to.

Please note that I have been advised by my lawyer that there is no such law that it needs to be mentioned but am being told otherwise by realtors. I need to know if it is up to the realtor's discretion.

Thank you J.

ANSWER:

Hello J.,

Thank you for your real estate inquiry. This is a very good question and one that people have debated for years.

There is no single correct answer on this issue.

Yes, your lawyer is correct, there is no law in place. The "law" for us realtors is that we must disclose any material facts that affect the market value of the property.

When there is a death in the house and depending upon the circumstances of the death, this can be a tricky situation. People pass away in their homes all the time and there is never any mention of it.

The root of the issue is that if there was a death in the house (or some other incident) that would materially affect the market value of the house today. Without knowing the circumstances of your situation, 9 years is a long time and unless it's a famous house for one reason or another or if you think that the death 9 years ago still affects the market value today and if the neighbours would still feel and talk about the death 9 years later and if the death was such that it affects the value of the house, then you may have to disclose it. Otherwise, I would not think that you do not need to disclose the death.

As far as I have been taught and told, you are not required or "obligated by law" to disclose anything about a property that may be a "stigmatized" property where there has been a death, murder or suicide or the house is "haunted". but if you/we are asked about these things, you/I must honestly answer any inquiries.

Another thing for you to think about is this.

• If we sell the house and it closes and a month later the buyer finds out about this death, do you think that the buyer would feel that we should have disclosed the death 9 years ago?


• Do you think that the buyer's decision to purchase the house would have been any different had the buyer known about the death before they submitted their offer?

For example, I had a listing where the woman hung herself in the garage of the house. It was all over the news at the time and we had to disclose the fact that she did this at the time of the listing. The house was listed again about 6 years later and there was no mention of the death in the house. I feel that's a reasonable amount of time where it no longer materially affects the market value and disclosure was not necessary.

Again, there is no law in Ontario that I know of that forces you to disclose a death in a house. If it was a suspicious death and after the closing if the buyer may feel that he or she was deceived then they could initiate a lawsuit. Of course, anyone anytime can initiate a law suit in a real estate purchase if they feel they were deceived by non disclosure.

I also think that you should consult with your lawyer on all issues such as these that you are unsure about.

Please let me know if you have any other questions or if there is anything else I can help you with.

Thank you again for contacting me and I will do my best to help you with your real estate needs,

Mark

A. Mark Argentino P. Eng. Broker

Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

GTA Real Estate Mid Month resale homes

This report below is the latest report from TREB showing the mid month sales are down as are listings. Still an exceptionally strong market in Mississauga and western GTA

All the best,

Mark

GTA REALTORS(r) RELEASE MID‐MONTH RESALE HOUSING FIGURES

TORONTO, APRIL 18, 2011 ‐‐ Greater Toronto REALTORS(r) reported 4,444 sales during the first two weeks of April 2011 -a three per cent decrease compared to the first two weeks of April 2010. The number of new listings was down by 21 per cent compared to the same period last year.

"ales activity was quite strong during the first two weeks of April. If this level of activity is sustained for the remainder of the month, we could see April transactions close to last year' record result. Positive economic news has kept households confident in their ability to purchase and pay for a home over the long term,"said TREB President Bill Johnston.

The average selling price for firm deals reported through the first two weeks of April was $483,165, representing a 12 per cent increase over the average price of $430,271 reported during the same period last year.

"he number of homes listed for sale so far in 2011 has been below expectations. Market conditions have tightened, resulting in increased competition between home buyers and accelerating rates of average price growth,"said Jason Mercer, TREB' Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

"he strong rate of price growth reported for the first two weeks of April should entice more households to list their homes for sale. This would result in more balanced market conditions and more moderate rates of price growth,"continued Mercer.

I hope this finds you Happy and Healthy!

All the Best!

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
BUS 905-828-3434
FAX 905-828-2829 CELL 416-520-1577
mark@mississauga4sale.com
Mississauga4Sale.com

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Mortgage interest rates, The Bank of Canada and our current GTA real estate marketplace

Hello,

Houses sales will slow down when interest rates increase.

Many people are hoping that the real estate market slows down, they feel things are too fast and hot and the recent increases in real estate prices have caused more inflation in Canada than the Bank of Canada wanted or anticipated.

The Bank of Canada announced on Tuesday that although they promised to not increase the prime interest rate until July 1 of this year, they said that they may "break that promise" and increase the bank prime rate at the beginning of June. Their reason is that the economy is too hot and the inflation rate is currently too high, above their target inflation rate.

By increasing interest rates, this will increase mortgage interest rates and less people will be able to afford to buy a home so the real estate market will slow down. This is what the Bank of Canada wants to happen and many others want to happen. They feel the inflation rate is getting too high.

When interest rates go up, this always means that people who are barely able to afford a home will not be able to afford a home ( or at least afford less), they will not be able to purchase or will have to purchase at a lower price and this will have a negative ripple effect on the entire marketplace and the real estate market will slow down. Prices may not fall right away, but they will stop increasing and the demand will decrease.

Also, July and August are typically the two slowest months in real estate (next to December) so the seasonal real estate slowdown along with increased interest rates plus the HST coming into effect July 1 will most likely slow our real estate marketplace.

I hope this helps explain things to you! :-))

Thank you,
Mark

Number of sales in the GTA is dramatically increased compared to the same period last year

This chart below clearly shows that the number of sales in the GTA is dramatically increased compared to the same period last year. New listings are also up, but active listings are down, meaning that there is much more demand than supply and this is why prices are rising.

You will also note that the average days on the market is half of what it was a year ago, again, this indicates that the market is very fast right now.
All the best!
Mark

For more information please contact A. Mark Argentino

A. Mark Argentino, Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
2691 Credit Valley Road, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 7A1

BUS. 905-828-3434
FAX. 905-828-2829
E-MAIL: mark@mississauga4sale.com
Website: Mississauga4Sale.com

Mississauga is a Great Place to Live!

This is from the Mississauga city website, but only in pdf format, so I thought I would add it to my blog, enjoy!

Mark

Mississauga is A Great Place To Live

This profile contains an Overview of Mississauga, information on Tourism, Downtown Mississauga, Education, Health Care, Housing,

Public Safety and, Police and Fire Protection.

Overview

· The City of Mississauga is Canada's 6th largest city and one of its most successful communities.

· What factors go into building a successful community? Business-friendly local government, competitive tax and utility rates, an

extensive telecommunications infrastructure, exceptional City services, quality housing options, natural local settings, great

community amenities, and excellent transportation links including Canada's largest international airport - that's why Mississauga is

the location of choice for families and for growing companies.

· Mississauga is a great place to live with strong communities, a wide selection of excellent housing, shopping and great schools.

· There is an active cultural life with galleries, theatres, art centres, concert halls and museums.

· The beautiful Credit River valley provides scenic recreational parkland and its clean waters are excellent for fishing. Two marinas

along the shores of Lake Ontario provide outdoor leisure opportunities.

· There are more than 480 parks and 23 major trail systems. Mississauga is part of an extensive 280 mile waterfront trail that passes

through lakefront parks and marinas.

· 11 Community Centres are located throughout the city, along with city run facilities such as arenas, swimming pools, fitness

centres, golf courses, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, soccer pitches and much much more. For a complete list of city facilities,

go to www.mississauga.ca >residents>recreation and parks

· The Mississauga Library System is one of the largest public library systems in Canada with over 300,000 users, 16 branch libraries

and a multi-floor central library. For further information, visit www.mississauga.ca/library

· We are also Canada's safest city for the 7

th

year in a row, as documented in a national study based on crime statistics from major

cities across the country.

· The City of Mississauga won the 2006 World Leadership Award for its Healthy City Stewardship Centre initiative aimed at bettering

the health of Mississauga residents. In collaboration with the University of Toronto, 14 key organizations came together to work

toward improvements in local health and developed the Healthy Mississauga 2010 Plan. The plan will help the City of Mississauga

measure health and quality of life improvements over time and act as a model for success. For further information, visit

www.mississauga.ca/stewardshipcentre

Discover Mississauga

· Diversity and innate beauty make Mississauga a preferred destination. Take in a round of golf, or relax with a treatment at one of

its many spas.

· Come to Mississauga as a couple, for a business meeting, or with your family and friends. Mississauga has superb accommodation

options for every taste and budget.

· Explore its quaint historic villages, visit the bustling waterfront, or inspire yourself with Mississauga's world-class art and theatre at

the Living Arts Centre. Visit the Rhododendron Gardens, watch the salmon migration, or shop at Square One - Ontario's largest retail

shopping centre. Whether you choose an activity-packed weekend or a relaxing getaway, your stay will be memorable here.

· From stunning architecture and museums to lakefront parks and vibrant ethnic neighbourhoods, Mississauga offers a range of

experiences that keeps visitors coming back again and again.

· For Mississauga tourism information, visit: www.mississauga.ca/tourism

Published April-07

Page 2 of 4

Downtown Mississauga

· Mississauga's City Centre is located in the heart of Canada's sixth largest city, which has a mix of commercial and high density

residential uses. More than 6,000 building permits have been issued for residential high-rise condominium and/or retirement units

since 2000.

· The area includes attractive Class A office buildings that accommodate close to 450 corporate businesses, among them include

major employers such as Baxter Corporation, Deloitte & Touche, E D S Canada, Edulinx Canada Corp., Pepsi QTG Canada, Personal

Insurance Co. of Canada, Praxair Canada, Quantum Managements Services, Reynolds and Reynolds (Canada) and Symcor Inc..

· City Centre amenities include the Living Arts Centre, an art gallery, a central library, the YMCA, Mississauga's transit terminal and

Square One shopping centre.

· Mississauga's City Centre has over 3.7 million square feet of office space and prime real estate opportunities.

Education

· Educational opportunities and the quality of education are high priorities in Mississauga.

· There are 10 universities and 11 technical colleges within commuting distance of Mississauga.

· Mississauga is served by two school boards - the Peel Board of Education and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board

responsible for elementary and secondary schools within the Region.

Peel Board of Education

· The Peel Board of Education, one of Canada's largest school boards serves over 225 schools with 140,000 full time elementary and

secondary students. The Board offers full time French Immersion, English As a Second Language, Technical Education Programs,

Co-operative Education, Enhanced Learning and Special Needs programs to mention a few. In addition, they run an extensive

Adult and Continuing Education Program.

· For more information, visit www.peel.edu.on.ca

Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board

· The Dufferin-Peel District School Board is one of the largest and most diverse school districts in Ontario which operates 141

catholic schools with a student enrolment of close to 90,000 full time students at the elementary and secondary levels. In addition

to the religion and family life education, as well as other programs specified by the Ministry of Education, the board offers an Adult

and Continuing Education Program.

· For more information, visit www.dpcdsb.org

Centre for Education & Training

· In support of the Peel Board the centre offers customized education, career planning, skills upgrading, training and language

services, computer training, career & employment assistance, and international programs. It is the largest on-site trainer in

Ontario serving Greater Toronto, Canada and worldwide.

· For more information, visit www.tcet.com

Published April-07

Page 3 of 4

Private Schools & Alternative Education

· Mississauga offers more than 30 private schools ranging from pre-school to Grade 12 and offering programs such as Advanced

Learning, English as a Second Language (ESL), Montessori, technical and vocational skills, and religion.

· For a list of these private schools, call the City of Mississauga, Economic Development Office at 905-896-5016.

University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM)

· UTM is part of Canada's largest university, the University of Toronto, which is also one of the most highly respected research

institutions in North America. The university offers one of the few Masters of Biotechnology in Canada and the new Masters of

Management of Innovation this year. It will soon become home of the new Academy of Medicine which is being developed in

partnership with our hospitals.

· For more information, visit: www.utm.utoronto.ca

Health Care

· Canada's Health Care System

Canada has a predominantly publicly financed health care system. The national health insurance program is achieved through

health insurance plans administered by the Province of Ontario and linked through adherence to national principles set at the

federal level.

· For more information, visit:

www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english

· As part of the Greater Toronto Area, Mississauga residents have quick access to hospitals and health care facilities providing a

broad range of health services. Within the Mississauga community alone, there are two well-renowned hospitals both offering

comprehensive primary services to residents and regional health programs to its residents.

· Credit Valley Hospital

The hospital, a regional centre for cancer treatment, provides a broad spectrum of clinical services involving ten programs: general

medicine, surgery, renal, oncology, emergency, mental health, continuing care/rehabilitation, obstetrics and gynaecology,

paediatrics and cardiac services and a network of support departments. The hospital has recently opened the Carlo Fidani Peel

Regional Cancer Centre.

· For more information, visit: www.cvh.on.ca

· Trillium Health Centre

Trillium Health Centre provides primary, secondary and tertiary services to a community of approximately one million residents.

Operating across two sites - the Mississauga Site and the Queensway Site – Trillium, is a regional centre for Stroke, Neurosurgery

and Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and a provincial centre for Cardiac Services. The hospital is home to the busiest Emergency

department in Canada and the largest free-standing day surgery facility in North America.

· For more information, visit: www.trilliumhealthcentre.org

Housing

· Mississauga has an excellent selection of quality housing including townhouses, high-rise condominiums, semi-detached, detached

and executive homes to satisfy every income level. Mississauga's residential communities are set in a variety of environments from

urban to waterfront to greenbelts.

· For more information, refer to the Population & Demographics Profile available online at www.mississauga.ca > Business > Profiles,

Facts & Maps or, refer to the Housing Matters document available online at www.mississauga.ca > Residents > Planning & Building >

Publications > Brochures & Newsletters.

Published April-07

Page 4 of 4

Public Safety

· City of Mississauga is recognized as the safest city in Canada for the seventh year in a row as documented in a national study based

on crime statistics from major cities across the country.

Police Protection

· Mississauga is protected by the Peel Regional Police. It is the 2nd largest municipal police service in Ontario and the 3rd largest in

Canada. Peel Regional Police, which provides one police officer per 669 residents, is acknowledged as one of Canada's most

progressive police services.

· For more information, visit: www.peelpolice.on.ca

The Mississauga Crime Prevention Association (MCPA)

· The MCPA is a community driven not-for-profit charitable association that works with residents, businesses, schools and the Peel

Regional Police to deliver pro-active crime prevention programs aimed at making Mississauga a crime free city.

· For more information, visit: www.mcpa.on.ca

Fire Protection

· The City of Mississauga has a professional Fire Service with one firefighter per 1,100 residents, staffing 20 fire halls across the city.

· Emergencies are handled through the department's communication centre by dialing the emergency number 911.

· For more information, visit: www.mississauga.ca/fire

Read more about our Toronto and GTA Real Estate Marketplace and Average Price Trends

For more information please contact me.

Thank you,
Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Associate Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS Newsletter
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
2 FAX 905-828-2829 ÈCELL 416-520-1577
› E-MAIL : mark@mississauga4sale.com
Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?

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Looking foward in Real Estate longer term Outlook: 2007-2012

Outlook for real estate. I think this is an old article that I held in the drafts of my computer for some time and have decided to post here. The information is still interesting and pertinant to today's market as it was a few years ago, go figure!
Enjoy,
Mark

After two full years of depressed home sales, the internal advertising pendulums have begun to swing for real estate. Agents, who initially tried to appease home sellers by advertising more on traditional channels, this year systematically cut their print budgets and pushed more money into the Web.

The result has been a slingshot effect for online advertising. While total ad spending on real estate has declined 3 percent this year, spending on the online segment has grown 25.8 percent, hitting $2.6 billion. We are projecting online real estate advertising to grow at a somewhat slower rate next year - 12.4 percent, while total real estate advertising continues to compress. In three years, agents and brokers will be spending more ad dollars with online media than with the newspaper.

The outlook is bleak for those in the business of making money off classified listings. A combination of economic uncertainty, falling prices and rising mortgage interest rates makes it probable that the volume of listings will decline, but also probable that the pot of money to be spent on advertising will likewise decline.

Two million adjustable-rate mortgages are due to be re-priced over the next 24 months and as many as 25 percent of these might go into default as a result. This is consistent with a report published in October by the Census Bureau showing that homeownership fell for the fourth consecutive quarter. From a peak of 69.3 percent of households in 2004, now only 68.1 percent of households own their own home. Economists believe lower home-ownership rates herald declines in new-home sales, which in turn will continue to drag on future construction.

Our data supports these assumptions. After average annual increases of approximately nine percent in total real estate advertising between 2001 and 2005, the market essentially flat-lined in 2006 and is forecast to fall by 3.3 percent this year. This trend will continue for at least the next two years. For newspapers, the situation is worse. We project that coming off last year's high of almost $5.2 billion in print advertising, there will be a 6.8 percent decline this year, almost the same again in 2008, followed by a stunning 16 percent fall in 2009 and 13 percent in 2010. By then, real estate marketers will be spending more on online media than on newspapers or local homes magazines.

In 2008 the biggest blip on the radar could be a converging triumvirate of Yahoo, Zillow.com and a consortium of 11 newspaper companies. The consortium has created an advertising alliance with Yahoo - whose real estate offering has gone from being the eighth most-trafficked real estate Web site to the second mosttrafficked site) in the past year - and with Zillow.com which holds the No. 5 spot.

Mark's comments March 2010
looking back is always 20/20 but the web has become more important for real estate than anyone could have imagined just a few years back. That's why I spend so much time on my site and blog, it's what you want, information to help you make the most important decision you will ever make!

Search the MLS or read more about Interest Rates, Power of Sale Properties, Price Trends and more at my website.

Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.

Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
2 FAX 905-828-2829 ÈCELL 416-520-1577
› E-MAIL : mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
• On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
• See seasonal housing patterns

Has the market peaked? Should you sell your property now or later? What if market drops in 6 months?

Has the market peaked? Is this the time to "cash out" and move to a smaller home?

These are very difficult decisions to make.

I've always said this "you have to make the best decision you can at the time given all the information you have at hand and hope you make the right decision and most important accept it", such as me getting out of the financial mutual fund markets last fall, the stress was too large compared to the potential returns/losses.

You have a similar decision and ultimately, if you sell your current home and buy, for example, 1/2 to 2/3 of whatever your current home sells for, you will benefit more by selling now if the market drops.

But if the market does not drop you've not lost too much, but, if you don't sell now and the market drops you will lose more, but the house you were moving to would also drop, so your difference in prices is not as bad as it sounds.

Let's work with some numbers.

Say your current house is worth $800,000 and you are purchasing a home for $500,000 If you do this today then you will net approximately $300,000 If you wait 6 months, for example, and if the market were to drop on average 10% then the $500,000 home would be worth $450,000 but the larger home would drop more than 10%, due to the larger properties dropping more in a downswing (and rising more in an upswing), but even if we use the absolute number of 10% then the $800,000 home would be worth $720,000. Now the difference is $270,000 This indicates that all things being equal you would lose approximately $30,000 if you are trading down and you wait 6 months and the market drops 10%

If you wait and the market increases 10% in 6 months from now, then you gain an additional $30,000.

Thus, the difference in the buy/sell today versus buy/sell later if the market is up or down in the future is not as great as you think - the key is that the larger priced property will rise more in absolute dollars if the market increases and similarly will drop more in absolute dollars if the market falls, thus the dilemma, but the absolute difference is not as large as you may think.

Ultimately, it's your risk tolerance and whether you are betting the market will be better or worse than it is today.

I wish you the best of luck with everything you do!

Mark

CREA and the Competition Bureau

This is the letter that our VP and regional director sent to us on March 25, 2010. It's in response to the CREA and competition bureau controversy.

RE/MAX, CREA and most realtors do not have a problem that people can put their homes on the mls for a flat fee. CREA still wants us realtors to give client service to these sellers and if so, then we must provide many services that we currently do. If this is the case, then a small flat fee may not suffice for the amount of responsibility and work that we must continue to put forth, even for a flat fee listing.

The competition bureau still believes that since CREA is mandating that we realtors continue to provide services to the client, they are still 'restricting' the openness of the mls.

In my opinion the competition bureau is a government organization that by definition must argue any restrictions, thus the reason for the problem.

If you want a realtor to list properties and give agency, then there are restrictions. If you don't want to use an agent but still want to list on the mls, why, it's CREA's system and they can make the rules.

Ultimately, as Michael states below, the public in Canada will have one more option to list their home on the mls with a flat fee. Not many will utilize this option. Not many agents will offer this option at a low price.

Everything will even out and reach an equilibrium based upon our free economy.

Sellers will have another option when selling.

Life will go on.

All the best!
Mark

This was the letter we received on March 25th, 2010:

_____

From: Michael Polzler
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2010 5:21 PM
To: mark@mississauga4sale.com
Subject: CREA and the Competition Bureau

RE/MAX Ontario Atlantic Canada Inc. - Voice Of Real Estate
<http://www.remaxoa.com/10/Regional/REMAXVoiceOfRealEstate.jpg>

Dear RE/MAX Broker-Owners Managers and Sales Representatives:

CREA and the Competition Bureau

Confusion reigned across the country this week as the Canadian Real Estate
Association (CREA) announced anticipated amendments to the Multiple Listing
Service (MLS) in response to issues raised by the Competition Bureau.

My subsequent comments in the Globe and Mail didn't help. They were,
unfortunately, taken out of context and may have added fuel to the fire. Let
me assure you that I did not say that we should throw in the towel. However
I've also been in the business too long not to recognize the fact that our
industry is changing.

CREA was a little less than crystal clear in their communications, but in a
nutshell, under the new rules, clients can now choose a realtor for the sole
purpose of listing their property on MLS for a flat fee, but few will.

There is no doubt in my mind that the playing field is going to change in
the coming years. I do believe, however, that the impact on our industry
will be minimal and I speak from experience based on our US operations.
These rules have been in place south of the border for several years and
little has changed. In fact, the value of a great realtor has never been
more important.

Consumers are entitled to options and yes, there will be those that choose
to go it alone. But most people don't want to sell their own cars, let alone
their own homes. The fundamentals of this business are etched in stone and
will remain the same, no matter what happens between CREA and the
Competition Bureau. Those buyers and sellers who are making the largest
financial investment of a lifetime will still require the knowledge,
expertise and negotiation skills that a full-time, experienced real estate
professional brings to the table - and most, if not all, are willing to pay
for it.

There is more to what we do as realtors than place properties for sale on
the MLS. We should not define ourselves by MLS alone. MLS is just one of the
many tools that we use during the course of a transaction. The vast majority
of homes in this country are currently sold through a full-service realtor
and that trend will continue in the future. Let's not lose focus. We're
helping thousands of Canadians to buy and sell real estate annually. Our
role has not and will not be diminished.

I have no doubt that we will continue to thrive, as we always have. But more
important than ever before will be the value proposition you, as a realtor,
brings to a transaction. Knowledge, experience and professionalism are the
foundation on which our industry has been built. At the end of the day, it's
what the public expects of a professional realtor.

Don't underestimate your importance in the home-buying and selling
experience. The fact is, consumers need us. I welcome your thoughts at
mpolzler@remax-oa.com

Sincerely,
Michael Polzler Signature
<http://www.remaxoa.com/10/Regional/MikeSignature.jpg>
Michael Polzler
Executive Vice President and Regional Director
RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada Inc.

Should you sell now while the market is high or wait for your price to increase more?

Should you sell now while the market is high or wait for your price to increase more?

To get an idea on the prices in Oakville and Mississauga or anywhere in the GTA, but you can always search anywhere in Canada using http://www.mls.ca/ and it's got a pretty cool map function to use so you can see where you are searching and the number of listings.

I've been suggesting to my clients who have been thinking of selling this year to "get your home on the market pronto"

I feel we are near the end of the current real estate cycle and possibly near the edge. I say this because I have noticed the there are clearly more listings on the market now compared to even a month ago.
Although we are currently at the 'historically speaking' height of the yearly cycle, this indicates to me that the market is softening a little.

I know from past experience it does not take much to slow our market and when it does, it can be sudden.

See annual cycles here:
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/TREBavg1995date.htm and the large graph
here: <http://www.mississauga4sale.com/avgprice1995todate.jpg

I read an article yesterday that the Bank of Canada may consider raising the bank prime before the initially scheduled, if this happens it could create that 'sudden' feeling in the market and things could slow down.

As you know, perception not only becomes reality, but perception IS reality and if people "think" the HST and increased mortgage rates will slow our market - then when those two things happen, our market will likely slow.

Of course, the market may just continue to cycle each year as it has for the past 15 years, up in the spring, down in the summer, up in the fall, down in the winter BUT each year the market will creep up overall about 5%

So, on average, if you wait another year, the average price of a home in the GTA will likely rise about $25,000 increase year over year, all things being equal, but if the market softens your $500,000 house can easily drop to $425,000 and stay there for a while. We have seen this in hte past:
http://www.mississauga4sale.com/TREBprice.htm#last_recession

The decision is yours, enjoy!

Mark

Number of sales to active listings ratio for the west districts in the GTA

This graph shows the number of sales to active listings ratio for the west
districts in the GTA
It clearly shows that about 50 to 55% of all active listings on the market
are selling, this is very high compared to the previous spring market.
It shows our market is very hot right now

I hope this finds you Happy and Healthy!

All the Best!

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/selling-process.htm> Thinking of Selling?
| Best Mortgage Rates
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/mortgage-rates-mark.htm> | Current Home
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/TREBprice.htm> Prices | Search MLS
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/mls-ca-real-estate-mississauga.htm> |
Newsletter
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/newsletter/latest_newsletter.htm>
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
* BUS 905-828-3434
* FAX 905-828-2829 *CELL 416-520-1577
* E-MAIL <mailto:mark@mississauga4sale.com?subject=Mississauga Real Estate
Information Request> : mark@mississauga4sale.com
<mailto:mark@mississauga4sale.com?subject=Mississauga Real Estate
Information Request>
Website <http://www.mississauga4sale.com/index.htm> :
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/index.htm> Mississauga4Sale.com

* Thinking of selling your home in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you
like a Complimentary
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/internet-evaluation.htm> & Quick
Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
* Power of Sales and Foreclosures
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Power-Sales-Bank-Sales-Alert-Request.htm>
* If you have not already signed up to receive my monthly real estate
newsletter, you may do so here: On-Line
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/popupquestion.htm> Real Estate Newsletter
sign up
* See seasonal housing patterns
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/TREBavg1995date.htm>
* Would you like me to send you a 2010 Calendar
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Calendar-Order-Form.htm> ?

Average number of sales in GTA up significantly year over year

This graph shows the average number of sales over the past year. It clearly
indicates that the number of sale for February 2010 was about 1.5 times
higher than February of 2009
This indicates the market is much more active this time of year.

I hope this finds you Happy and Healthy!

All the Best!

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS Newsletter
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
2 FAX 905-828-2829 ÈCELL 416-520-1577
› E-MAIL : mailto:mark@mississauga4sale.com?subject=Mississauga
Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling your home in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
• Power of Sales and Foreclosures
• If you have not already signed up to receive my monthly real estate newsletter, you may do so here: On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
• See seasonal housing patterns
• Would you like me to send you a 2010 Calendar?

Where can you get this return? Average and medium sale prices for last 10 years in GTA real estate

The graph below shows the average and median sales prices for the past 10
years. This graph clearly indicates that real estate is a great investment
over the long term.

I hope this finds you Happy and Healthy!

All the Best!

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/selling-process.htm> Thinking of Selling?
| Best Mortgage Rates
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/mortgage-rates-mark.htm> | Current Home
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/TREBprice.htm> Prices | Search MLS
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/mls-ca-real-estate-mississauga.htm> |
Newsletter
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/newsletter/latest_newsletter.htm>
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
* BUS 905-828-3434
* FAX 905-828-2829 *CELL 416-520-1577
* E-MAIL <mailto:mark@mississauga4sale.com?subject=Mississauga Real Estate
Information Request> : mark@mississauga4sale.com
<mailto:mark@mississauga4sale.com?subject=Mississauga Real Estate
Information Request>
Website <http://www.mississauga4sale.com/index.htm> :
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/index.htm> Mississauga4Sale.com

* Thinking of selling your home in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you
like a Complimentary
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/internet-evaluation.htm> & Quick
Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
* Power of Sales and Foreclosures
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Power-Sales-Bank-Sales-Alert-Request.htm>
* If you have not already signed up to receive my monthly real estate
newsletter, you may do so here: On-Line
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/popupquestion.htm> Real Estate Newsletter
sign up
* See seasonal housing patterns
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/TREBavg1995date.htm>
* Would you like me to send you a 2010 Calendar
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Calendar-Order-Form.htm> ?

Down is the number of days on the market for Mississauga, Oakville, Etobicoke and west zones of the GTA

This graph shows the number of days on the market for Mississauga, Oakville,
Etobicoke and west zones of the GTA

I hope this finds you Happy and Healthy!

All the Best!

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/selling-process.htm> Thinking of Selling?
| Best Mortgage Rates
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/mortgage-rates-mark.htm> | Current Home
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/TREBprice.htm> Prices | Search MLS
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/mls-ca-real-estate-mississauga.htm> |
Newsletter
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/newsletter/latest_newsletter.htm>
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
* BUS 905-828-3434
* FAX 905-828-2829 *CELL 416-520-1577
* E-MAIL <mailto:mark@mississauga4sale.com?subject=Mississauga Real Estate
Information Request> : mark@mississauga4sale.com
<mailto:mark@mississauga4sale.com?subject=Mississauga Real Estate
Information Request>
Website <http://www.mississauga4sale.com/index.htm> :
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/index.htm> Mississauga4Sale.com

* Thinking of selling your home in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you
like a Complimentary
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/internet-evaluation.htm> & Quick
Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
* Power of Sales and Foreclosures
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Power-Sales-Bank-Sales-Alert-Request.htm>
* If you have not already signed up to receive my monthly real estate
newsletter, you may do so here: On-Line
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/popupquestion.htm> Real Estate Newsletter
sign up
* See seasonal housing patterns
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/TREBavg1995date.htm>
* Would you like me to send you a 2010 Calendar
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Calendar-Order-Form.htm> ?

Number of active real estate listings down about half in Toronto and GTA

This chart shows that the number of active listings is down considerably in
the past month or two compared to the previous 10 months.

With so little choice on the market, people are buying most properties
without having too many options.

This is a very good time to sell your home.

I hope this finds you Happy and Healthy!

All the Best!

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/selling-process.htm> Thinking of Selling?
| Best Mortgage Rates
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/mortgage-rates-mark.htm> | Current Home
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/TREBprice.htm> Prices | Search MLS
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/mls-ca-real-estate-mississauga.htm> |
Newsletter
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/newsletter/latest_newsletter.htm>
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
* BUS 905-828-3434
* FAX 905-828-2829 *CELL 416-520-1577
* E-MAIL <mailto:mark@mississauga4sale.com?subject=Mississauga Real Estate
Information Request> : mark@mississauga4sale.com
<mailto:mark@mississauga4sale.com?subject=Mississauga Real Estate
Information Request>
Website <http://www.mississauga4sale.com/index.htm> :
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/index.htm> Mississauga4Sale.com

* Thinking of selling your home in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you
like a Complimentary
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/internet-evaluation.htm> & Quick
Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
* Power of Sales and Foreclosures
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Power-Sales-Bank-Sales-Alert-Request.htm>
* If you have not already signed up to receive my monthly real estate
newsletter, you may do so here: On-Line
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/popupquestion.htm> Real Estate Newsletter
sign up
* See seasonal housing patterns
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/TREBavg1995date.htm>
* Would you like me to send you a 2010 Calendar
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Calendar-Order-Form.htm> ?

If you are for rent and for sale at same time on MLS, does this hurt you?

Another good question from an intersted reader

Hi Mark,

My question is this;

If a residential property is available for lease or sale, whichever occurs first, and is being handled by a real estate agent, is there a tendency for said agent to hold out and discourage the lease prospect if it occurred first in favour of a potential sale at a later date?

I would greatly appreciate a response from you.

Best Regards,

Frank

Hello Frank,

Good question. There is no easy answer to this question. There are many factors that this would depend upon, including the motivations of your listing agent. I've noticed that the agents showing properties may shy away from properties that are for sale and for lease as they may think the motivation of the seller is less on the sale. Again, there are many factors.

I like and prefer rental listings so it would not matter to me either way. I want to impress the client with my skills renting their property just as much as if I were selling their property.

Thank you,

Mark

Real Estate Toronto, Mississauga and GTA Market Analysis Explanation

This is an explanation of real estate comparable market analysis in the Toronto, Mississauga and GTA

Market Analysis Explanation

This is an explanation and overview of this market analysis.

This Comparative Market Analysis will help to determine the correct selling price of your home. Ultimately, the correct selling price is the highest possible price the market will bear.

This market analysis is divided into three categories:

1. Comparable homes that are currently for sale

2. Comparable homes that were recently sold

3. Comparable homes that failed to sell

Looking at similar homes that are currently offered for sale, we can assess the alternatives that a serious buyer has from which to choose. We can also be sure that we are not under pricing your home.

Looking at similar homes that were sold in the past few months, we can see a clear picture of how the market has valued homes that are comparable to yours. Banks and other lending institutions also analyze these sales to determine how much they can lend to qualified buyers.

Looking at similar homes that failed to sell, we can avoid pricing at a level that would not attract buyers.

This Comparative Market Analysis has been carefully prepared for you, analyzing homes similar to yours. The aim of this market analysis is to achieve the maximum selling price for your home, while being able to sell your home within a relatively short period of time.

I hope this finds you Happy and Healthy!

All the Best!

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS Newsletter
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
2 FAX 905-828-2829 ÈCELL 416-520-1577
› E-MAIL : mailto:mark@mississauga4sale.com?subject=Mississauga
Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling your home in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
• Power of Sales and Foreclosures
• If you have not already signed up to receive my monthly real estate newsletter, you may do so here: On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
• See seasonal housing patterns
• Would you like me to send you a 2010 Calendar?

Spring is in the air, well almost!

Spring is in the air, well almost!

This is a great time to sell your home, once March roars in, we expect our market to get even faster and hotter than it already is, is it possible? You bet!

If you are thinking of selling in the next few months and would like to know your approximate value, please use my handy online form at this page: Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?

For more information please contact A. Mark Argentino

A. Mark Argentino, Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
2691 Credit Valley Road, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 7A1

BUS. 905-828-3434
FAX. 905-828-2829
E-MAIL: mark@mississauga4sale.com
Website: Mississauga4Sale.com

February, March or April, when is the Best Time To Sell your home in Mississauga?

I had another good question from a reader:
Mark,

I am thinking to sell my home in Next couple of months. I live close to Derry/Mclauglin. What would be the best time to sell from now to June 2010 in terms of getting the best price.

Regards,

P.

Hello P.,

Thank you for your real estate inquiry. This is a very good question. Our current marketplace is very fast, properties are selling exceptionally well. Nobody knows how long this will last. With HST coming July 1st and many are predicting increasing interest rates in mid year, these two factors could slow our market.

Thus, the current 'wisdom' is to sell now rather than wait until May or June. If I were selling, I would sell now due to excellent market for sellers.

You may have seen this graph and information on my site, but certainly February/March are usually the best months of the year to sell:

http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Spring-Market-Best-Time-To-Sell.htm

http://www.mississauga4sale.com/TREBavg1995date.htm

If you have not purchased a property, this could impact your decision too. If you have not purchased, you can still sell now with a long closing.

If you are thinking of selling, would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?

Please let me know if you have any other questions or if there is anything else I can help you with.

Thank you,

Mark