When is the Spring Market in Mississauga and Toronto?

Do you think that it is better to purchase a home now or in the spring?

This article will discuss the pros and cons to doing either, this article will go into detail for both options.

Enjoy!

Mark

The spring market in the Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area is almost a legendary time. It's the time when all sellers and buyers come out of hibernation and transact real estate. But if you wait for Spring to sell your house, it may be too late.

Right Timing the Sale

If you are thinking about selling your house, you may want to do some planning now before you are ready to get your house listed on the market. This way, you can know what to expect and how long it will take. You will also have knowledge of when the best time to sell your house will be.

When interviewing Real Estate Agents in the GTA and Mississauga in order to decide who you should hire, make sure to ask them when the best time to sell is. If you have no time constraints, you may want to target the Spring Real Estate Market. However, be sure that you know when that is.

When is Spring in Mississauga Real Estate?

Good question. When you think of Spring, you think of April showers and May flowers. But in real estate, the spring Market is half over by then. Will you have missed your buyer if you list your house in April or May? Are you still going to get the best traffic, and therefore the best offers, through your house?

Well, maybe. If you are thinking of putting your house up for sale in the Spring, you should think February. February? Yes, February. Actually, the landmark date that you should think of as the beginning of the Spring Real Estate Market is the Super Bowl. That seems to be the time when most people venture out of their houses, are settled back in after the holidays and are starting to get stir crazy. It's also a great time to start getting your house on the market for sale.

Browse to this graph to see the upswing in the marketplace in February: http://www.mississauga4sale.com/TREBavg1995date.htm

Why is February the best month to sell?

Think about if for a minute. These days, the real estate market is slowing down in many areas. Your house may take several months to sell. Most people want to find a house buy the end of June at the latest so that they can move over the summer when work loads are lighter and kids are not in school.

If you list your house in May and it takes three months to sell, you will find your self in July and in a very quiet market. However, if you list your house in February and it takes three months to sell, you will find yourself in April, with a month or two left in the busiest real estate time of the year. No worries, no pressure.

What time of year are the Buyers Buying?

I sell real estate in Mississauga, Ontario and in my area, we find that the most agreements are written in the months of March and April. You can be sure that the buyers have been looking before they were ready to sign contracts to purchase a home, so that backs us right up to February.

When are the Market Slowdowns?

You have nothing to loose by listing your house for sale in February. In fact, if prices are steady in your area, you can be sure that there are many, many houses for sale. If you get a jump on some of the new listings that will surely be coming on the market for Spring, you may find yourself ahead of falling prices and get more money for your house.

Additionally, when do you think the owners of those houses are waiting for to relist their houses for sale? Spring, of course. Don't you think it will be a good idea to get your house on to the market before there is so much more inventory added to the mix?

Must I sell My House in the Spring?

No. of course not. There are many reasons why other times of the year are great times to sell as well. For example; only serious buyers are house hunting in the winter time, fall market is busy because people want to move during holiday vacation and there is less inventory for sale during the summer months so you may choose this time as a better time to sell

You may find that you can not wait until Spring market and that you have to sell your house at a particular time of year. Don't worry. Find a great realtor and you should get the most that the real estate market has to offer.

Bottom Line, Don't Miss the Spring Real Estate Market

If you are targeting Spring market because you want to make the most out of the sale of your house, or if you are waiting for Spring to put your house on the market for sale, don't wait too long. You may just find out that the Spring real estate market has sprung without you.

I hope you have found this article helpful

Mark

Mississauga Residential Real Estate Tip

This is another residential real estate tip that I'm sure you will find interesting

Enjoy!
Mark


Most clients are not aware of the reach of the Planning Act and as sellers only find out when the realtor explains the effect of the Planning Act clause of the OREA agreement of purchase and sale to them.

The OREA form of agreement of purchase and sale contains a standard Planning Act clause that provides for the seller’s compliance with Planning Act control. What that clause omits is the need for the buyer to comply in order to complete the transaction.

The effect is that a buyer may contemplate the purchase of a property that will result in non-compliance on the part of the buyer without the buyer even realizing this at the time of executing the agreement of purchase and sale.

As the deal will not be conditional on the buyer complying with the Planning Act the question then becomes does the buyer close and breach Planning Act or does the buyer breach the agreement and refuse to close?

Neither of these answers is very favourable to the buyer. The best avenue would be for the buyer to spend the money, get an extension, where possible and necessary, cure the Planning Act issue, and then close the deal.

Perhaps the easiest way to avoid this contractual nightmare would be to amend the Planning Act clause of the OREA form agreement of purchase and sale to include the words “or Buyer, where applicable”, everywhere Seller appears.

I hope you find our hints helpful!

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 2009 Calendar?

Buyer representation began in January 1995 and is still strong today

BUYER REPRESENTATION IS HERE!

This was the headline that was shouting out a new revolution in real estate in January of 1995!

Buyer agency really has changed for the better the way real estate is conducted in Ontario.

When you buy your next home, Why be a customer when you can be my client?

For all the details on this new and exciting way to purchase your home, call me now!

As your professional real estate agent, my job is to help you find a home that is comfortable, safe and within your family budget.

We have information brochures that will give you all the facts you need, so you can make the best decision for yourself and your family. If you would like any of the brochures listed below, call me now.

20 Critical questions to ask a Real Estate Agent Before signing anything!

10 "SECRETS" you better know when buying in Mississauga, send me an email if you want this one!

79 Ideas and suggestions to help you improve your sale price by $1000-$5000

1st Time Buyers manual & qualification guidelines

Amortization Schedules, Land Transfer Tax & Legal Fee Booklets

Sellers Checklist Kit

http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Buyer-Agency.htm

We treat you like the valuable client you are. Experience our WILLINGNESS TO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES service to be ...

Your personal agent for life!

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO BUY OR SELL?

Historically, the best time to buy is January and to sell is February or March. This was an old graph I used back in the mid 90's and the trends still stand today, spring is typically the best time to sell if you want to maximize your sale price. But, it's difficult to purchase in the spring as prices may be escalating, another double edged sword to contend with!

As you can see from the above graph the SPRING was the best time to sell in 1994, as it maybe in 1995

A. Mark Argentino, P.Eng., Real Estate Representative

RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc. (905) 828-3434

Investment property purchase in the GTA and Mississauga

An investor that I know has contacted me with some very good questions about buying an investment property. I have shown his questions and my comments below in blue.

All the best,

Mark

Hello LS,

Yes, I remember you from some time ago, a very inquisitive man indeed!

I've put my answers below in blue for you to see.

Mark's comment: .

It may not have been the right time for you to buy last December when you first contacted me, but that was most definitely the right time to buy one or more properties. Values have increased about 10% since last December. I've blogged about this in the past, December 10th is the best time of year to buy a property. http://www.mississauga4sale.com/TREBprice.htm

Let me know your thoughts form my comments below and if you are ready to proceed. If so, my partner will also work with you and we will find you a suitable investment property

http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Investment-Property-Purchase.htm

Thank you,
Mark

This was his original email below with my answers in blue

---

From: LS
Sent: Sunday, November 15, 2009 11:34 PM
To: mark@mississauga4sale.com
Subject: Investment advice

Hello Mark Argentino,

• For quite some time I have reviewed the power of sale properties that your system sends. I am wanting to find a way to better understand the relation of expenses (for example on a 2 bdrm, 2 bath condo) and comparisons at varied down payment levels, with realistic rental rates likely achievable in certain areas. Mark's comment:This is a very good method of analyzing which properties are the best to invest .
  
• Are there spread sheets designed to assist? .Can a potential investor, get access to Days on the Market of these foreclosed properties, accurate comparison of recent similar sales, do banks have reasonable response time if an offer is presented? Mark's comment: Only if you have a real estate agent that is willing to do all this research and work for you .Do the banks have a growing number of such properties, preferred investor groups they reveal such information to? Mark's comment: Not a chance! If this were to ever leak out the banks would be sued for giving inside information .
  
• Can you help with strategy for getting an individual from a “one home investment level” to multiple positive cash flow properties? Mark's comment: yes, but to have a positive cash flow property is dependant upon your downpayment, the more downpayment you put on the investment, the closer to a positive cash flow you will have. Multi-unit properties are similar to single except you have more tenant headaches but at least they are all physically under one roof. As well, tenants talk to each other in multi-units so expect to get similar requests for improvements all at once! .
  
• I know that is a lot to ask, and a lot of questions, however without asking, I would be sure to get no answers. Mark's comment: Ask and ye shall receive and my credo is "If you don't ask you don't get" .
  
• I have selected several 2 bdrm condo units for discussion. I would be pleased to compare your best guesses as to likely sale price, mortgage rates, expected carrying costs, etc. Mark's comment:What property? .
  
• I have a carpenters knowledge of properties, and am trying to determine if I could make money by investing in properties. I am not intending to do renovations and flip them as I am a few years shy of retirement from the "blanked out" department, and too busy with back problems for that unless I were to sub-contract such work. Mark's comment:You fit the profile of a 'typical' investor .
  
• What I consider is condo properties that could rent with only minor repair, where common elements fees took care of the external unit, and the renter might be encouraged to rent to own, perhaps given an owner held second mortgage if they did not fully qualify with CMHC. Mark's comment: I agree, all of our investment properties are condominium townhomes, this way, as you say, the tenant does minor repairs on the inside and I don't have to worry about the outside maintenance .
  
• If I were able to find a bargain property I would consider forming a corporation and having it purchase my own home, then renting my home from the corporation, in order to free up some of my assets to purchase a second or third property if rental incomes or flip prospects made it viable to do so. Mark's comment: Why a corporation, you will have different tax levels, but it may be more difficult to obtain financing. I may be wrong on this, but the banks will usually want personal covenants on the mortgage unless the corporation has large assets and capital and has been in business a long time. .
  
• Is such a bargain property a needle in a haystack type search? Mark's comment: Absolutely! .

Closing,

Thanks, LS

CRA and Moving expenses

I hope that you find that this article is interesting and will give you some insight into some of the items to consider when moving. This will also give you some of the expenses that are deductible.

This is another in a series of articles meant to help and educate you with regards to real estate.

It’s important to know that not all moves will qualify for such tax relief. The tax rules provide that, where a taxpayer moves to be at least 40 kilometers closer to his or her place or work (for example, a taxpayer who moves from Toronto to take a job in Regina), most moving costs will be deductible from employment or business income earned at the new location. The 40- kilometer distance is measured using the shortest route normally available to the traveling public, which inmost cases would mean the distance by road. Also,moving to be closer to work doesn't have to mean moving to a new company; a job transfer to another city while continuing to work for the same employer will qualify, assuming the 40- kilometer criterion is met.

Spring is typically the busiest season for real estate sales and, consequently, the time when most moves take place. Selling one’s home and moving qualifies as one of life’s more stressful experiences, but it’s an experience that most families will go through at least once. In addition to the upheaval of leaving behind a home, a school, and a neighbourhood, the financial outlay associated with moving can be considerable. While our tax system can’t do anything to help with the non-financial costs of moving, it does, in some circumstances, minimize the financial hit by providing a deduction from income for moving expenses incurred

The list of expenses that may be deducted is fairly comprehensive, but not all moving related costs are deductible. Under the Canada Revenue Agency' administrative policies, as outlined in its Form T1-M, Moving Expenses Deduction (available on the

CRA Web site at http://www.craarc.

gc.ca/E/pbg/tf/t1-m/t1-m-08e.pdf), the

following are considered eligible moving expenses:

• traveling expenses, including vehicle expenses,meals, and accommodation, to move the tax payer and members of his or her family to their new residence (note that not all members of the household have to travel together or at the same time);

• transportation and storage costs (such as packing,hauling, in-transit storage, and insurance) for household effects, including items such as boat sand trailers;• costs for up to 15 days for meals and temporary accommodation near either the old or the new residence for the members of the household;• lease-cancellation charges (but not rent) on the old residence;• legal fees incurred for the purchase of the new residence, together with any taxes paid for the transfer or registration of title to the new residence;• the cost of selling the old residence, including advertising, notarial or legal fees, real estate commissions, and any mortgage penalties paid when a mortgage is paid off before maturity; and• the cost of changing an address on legal documents, replacing driving licenses and noncommercial vehicle permits (except insurance), and utility hook-ups and disconnections.It sometimes happens, especially where, as is now the case, the real estate market is slow, that a move to the new home has to take place before the old residence is sold. In such circumstances, the taxpayer is entitled to deduct up to $5,000 in costs incurred related to the maintenance of that residence while it is vacant and efforts are being made to sell it. Specifically, costs including interest, property taxes, insurance premiums, and heat and utility expenses paid in relation to that residence may be deducted.It may seem from the foregoing that virtually all moving-related costs will be deductible; however,there are some costs that the CRA will not allow to

be deducted, as follows:

• expenses for work done to make the old residence more saleable (i.e., home-staging costs, furniture or art rental charges, cleaning costs, etc.); deduct them from income earned in subsequent years.• any loss incurred on the sale of the old residence;• expenses for job- or house-hunting trips to another city (for example, costs to travel to job interviews or meet with real estate agents);• expenses incurred to clean or repair a rental residence to meet the landlord’s standards;• costs to replace such personal-use items as drapery and carpets; and• mail-forwarding costs.To claim a deduction for any eligible costs incurred,supporting receipts must be obtained. While the receipts do not have to be filed with the return on which the related deduction is claimed, they must be kept in case the CRA wants to review them .Anyone who has ever moved knows that there are an endless number of details to be dealt with. In some cases, the administrative burden of claiming moving-related expenses can be minimized by choosing to claim a standardized amount for certain types of expenses. Specifically, the CRA allows taxpayers to claim a fixed amount, without the need

for detailed receipts, for travel and meal expenses

related to a move. Using that standardized, or flat rate,

method, taxpayers may claim up to $17 per meal, to a maximum of $51 per day, for each person in the household. Similarly, the taxpayer can claim set per-kilometer amount for kilometers driven in connection with the move. The per-kilometer amount ranges from 49.5 cents for Saskatchewan to 66 cents for the Yukon Territory. In all cases, it is the province or territory in which the travel begins that determines the applicable rate. These rates were in effect for the 2008 taxation year – the CRA will be posting the rates for 2009 on its Website early in 2010, in time for the tax-filing season.



Any moving-related expenses can be deducted from employment or self-employment income (but not investment income or employment insurance benefits) earned at the new location. Where a move takes place late in the year, it’s possible, especially where the move is a long-distance one, that such expenses will exceed income earned at the new location during the calendar year. In such cases, it's possible to carry forward the excess expenses and deduct them from income earned in subsequent years. Generally, these rules apply to moves made from one location to another within Canada. While it’s possible to deduct expenses arising from moves

from Canada to another country, from another

country to Canada, or between two locations outside of Canada, the rules governing deduction sin such situations are far more restrictive.

The rules governing the deduction of moving expenses are outlined in some detail on the CRA’sT1-M form, and any questions not answered by that form can be directed to the CRA’s individual enquiries line at 1-800-959-8281.

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 2009 Calendar?

Conditional offers and Banks selling under Power of sale

I had another email inquiry with good questions about POS properties and thought I would share it with you.
Mark

Hello Mark;
I have been following your listings for the last couple of weeks now, and have read most of your information on the ins and outs of PofS shortfalls / opportunities and have a quick question on the list price. Where does this number come from? Is it negotiable?
Also are home inspections possible? or better still home inspection reports already completed available to view? Will a bank do a mortgage pre approval based on a Pof S. property?

At any rate. I am getting closer to finalizing my separation agreement and will be buying shortly thereafter and need to ensure I am not wasting my time studying Pof S.
Any feedback would be helpful.
thanks

BW

Hi BW,

Thank you for your real estate inquiry. These are all very good questions!

The list price is typically market value and often true market value, read about both here:
http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Power-of-Sale-True-Market-Value.htm
http://www.mississauga4sale.com/market-value-real-estate.htm

Yes, you can do a home inspection. The bank does not want any problems before or after the closing, they just want the property sold and off their books, thus they will often accept offers conditional upon home inspection. But, if you are in a competing situation, the bank will likely accept the highest non-conditional offer. This is understandable.

Yes, they will also accept a conditional upon financing offer, but again, if you are in competing offers, the best offer will often be accepted before a conditional offer. Thus, you need to get your financing in order ahead of time.

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

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 ?
• 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 2009 Calendar?

Residential real estate Tips for the week

This is a good tip from a lawyer, Bello Lagoudis

He states:

When acting on a residential property being used as a multiple family dwelling always insist on a buyer condition regarding the retrofit status of such property. This includes tenanted basements as buyers are depending more and more on this source of income generation, cities and towns are getting tougher on violators, and lenders are increasingly insisting on retrofit status.

Should the seller refuse the condition it would at least alert the buyer that the property is, in all likelihood, zoned for single family use.

I hope you find our hints helpful!

Please feel free to email any question you may have on residential real estate,

Mark

GTA Real estate market boom

Hello,

I thought I would share this email with you, positive news and good advice for all from a mortgage broker that I know.

As you are of course aware, July was yet another record month for real estate sales in the GTA with an increase of 28% over July 2008. This hot streak continues into August with sales up 27% to date compared with the first two weeks of August 2008.

The only problem now is the lack of market inventory, however with such a strong sellers market, the time is perfect to present the market facts to potential sellers.

It can be very easy to become busy during a real estate boom, but it is important to keep prospecting. One mistake that many salespeople (and small businesses alike) tend to make is that when things get busy, they become complacent believing that the business will just keep coming in. They cut back on (or even eliminate) their promotional efforts. Busy streaks of course do not last for ever. The best way to keep a busy streak going is to set aside a period of time each day (or even each week) to focus on prospecting and lead generation.


We have seen some decreases in mortgage rates over the past few days, particularly in the 5 year fixed quick close at 4.09%, three year at 3.39% and the ARM has dropped 5 basis points to 2.55%.


Today's lowest rates:


1 year 2.75%
2 year 3.05%
3 year 3.39%
4 year 3.85%
5 year 4.09%
5 year ARM 2.55% (prime + 0.30)

Quote of the week: Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can. Lowell Thomas, author

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 2009 Calendar?

Search all major areas of Mississauga with easy to use forms

Hello,

I've added many pages to my site recently that will assist you when you are buying a home in a particular area of Mississauga Ontario

All you have to do is browse to the area you are interested below and fill in the form and I will automatically send you new listings in your area as they come on the market.

This valuable service is free and there is no obligation on your part.

Just another value added benefit when you buy or sell with Mark Argentino...

Enjoy!
Mark

These are the major districts in Mississauga that I currently have forms:

• Applewood Homes For Sale
• Applewood Acres Homes For Sale
• Applewood Heights Homes For Sale
• Applewood Hills Homes For Sale
• City Centre Homes For Sale
• Clarkson Homes For Sale
• Cooksville Homes For Sale
• Dixie Homes For Sale
• East Mineola Homes For Sale
• Erindale Woodlands Homes For Sale
• Erin Mills Homes For Sale
• Heartland Homes For Sale
• Hurontario Homes For Sale
• Levi Creek Homes For Sale
• Lorne Park Homes For Sale
• Malton Homes For Sale
• Meadowvale Homes For Sale
• Meadowvale Village Homes For Sale
• Mississauga Valley Homes For Sale
• Park Royal Homes For Sale
• Port Credit Homes For Sale
• Queensway Homes For Sale
• Sheridan Homelands Homes For Sale
• Streetsville Homes For Sale
• Streetsville Homes For Sale
• West Mineola Homes For Sale

Public Open houses - are they still effective?

Back in the 80's and 90's Public Open houses in the Mississauga and GTA were a very hot commodity. Agents loved to sit at an open house on a Saturday or Sunday because quite frequently the property would sell from a purchaser who walked into the open house. The odds of selling the property from the open house were about 1 in 20. This has dramatically changed lately.

Open houses are not necessarily the best method to sell a property in our current marketplace. Agents like to do open houses in an attempt to try and pick up a buyer client, and occasionally the property sells from the open house.

Statistics show about 1 in 100 to 1 in 50 properties may sell through open house, but you never know, so they do work sometimes. The reason they are not as effective as they used to be is that most buyers are working with an agent and are being emailed all new listings or the buyer can find all the listings on the internet, so the buyers, just like you with your house search, have most if not all the listings to see already on their computer including address, price, closing date and inclusions. The buyer of today is nearly completely empowered and have most of the information ahead of time compared to the buyers of the 80's.

Of course, you have to see inside a property before you can buy it, but my point is that people often prefer open houses when they are casually looking or far in advance of a purchase or for curiosity, when they are ready to purchase, they call their agent and go see the narrowed down list.

The other reason that agents do open houses is to market themselves and their services to potential listing clients. If you are a potential seller in the area of the open house, you may go to the open house to see the property and meet the agent. When that agent sells the property, you may call them to list your property with them.

These are the facts in our Mississauga real estate market regarding open houses.

Have a great weekend!

Mark

Good time to trade up in real estate?

I had another email commenting about the current real estate slump we are in and whether it's a good time to trade up or not. This is my current view of the real estate market in Mississauga and the GTA.

This person bought 2.5 years ago and expected to make some money on his purchase. He also wants to sell his current condo that is worth about $160k and trade up to a larger semi for about $300k. This was my response.

I understand how you feel about buying and holding and expecting to make money. Since 1995 this philosophy worked well, until the current economic slump. I've had other clients in similar situations as you. What I have found is that you will benefit by the downturn since the larger more expensive properties have dropped much more compared to your condo, thus the difference is far less than it was 2 years ago.

The market is typically good up until mid June and then slows again for the summer, until about middle/end of August. Thus, if you want to sell this spring, the sooner the better, otherwise you may wish to wait until late summer. Of course these are historical trends and each year could be different. With that said, we expect this year to be similar to previous years, just not as large of a spike in the spring. See this graph: http://www.mississauga4sale.com/TREBavg1995date.htm

Thank you,

Mark

Mortgage interest rates are dropping

Hope you have a good start to your day.

Mortgage rates have been dropping recently.

Right now some fixed rates look quite attractive.

3-year fixed: 3.15%
5-year fixed: 3.46% (Even lower for high-ratio deal)
5-year variable: P+0.6% (2.85% now)

If you have any question or need any help, pls let me know.
Mark

RE/MAX reports on first time buyers

This is a report issued by REMAX for first time buyers. REMAX feels that first time buyers will be the main force in the residential market this year.
All the best!
Mark


First-time buyers driving force in Canada's residential real estate markets, says RE/MAX

Mississauga, Ontario (March 11, 2009) - A report released today by RE/MAX confirms that entry-level purchasers are now the engine driving home-buying activity in almost every major centre in Canada.

The 2009 RE/MAX First-Time Buyers Report highlighting first-time buying activity in 32 residential housing markets across Canada found that improved affordability is prompting many first-time buyers to get off the fence, out of the rental, and into the market.

Increased inventory and longer days on market coupled with the lowest lending rates ever are presenting opportunities that have not been seen in almost a decade.

While a sense of caution still prevails, more and more first-timers are finding it hard to pass up the chance to become homeowners in today's buyer-centric real estate climate.

The new reality is that homeownership remains well within reach for most first-time buyers."

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

Bottom line in Mississauga residential real estate

The bottom line is that you want an agent who will:

• do a great job for you at all times
• represent your best interests
• create excellent marketing materials for the sale
• deal fairly with the other agents which correlates to your benefit and n
• negotiate very hard to get you the best price and terms.
  
  I will do an excellent job for you at every step of your sale!

Thank you and have a nice day,
Mark

Mississauga Real Estate

current trends in the economy as reported by RBC

These are the current trends in the economy as reported by RBC today. Not the greatest news, but there is hope in the future.

Economy falters badly

• GDP dropped 0.7% in November following a 0.1% drop in October. The big decline is consistent with our current forecast of an annualized 2.5% decline in the fourth quarter overall. This is expected to mark the first of two quarters of declines and thus flag that the Canadian economy has fallen into recession.
  
• Employment fell by a record-smashing 129,000 in January and the unemployment rate jumped to 7.2%. The decline was concentrated in full-time jobs (-113,900) and hit Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia the hardest.
  
• With new motor vehicle sales tumbling and gasoline prices coming down rapidly, nominal retail sales fell by 2.4% in November, their biggest one-month decline since January 1998, thus painting a weak picture of the Canadian economy.
  
• Housing starts fell 10.9% in January to an annualized 153,500 from 172,200 in December. Urban singles plunged 20.2%, while the multiples component dropped 12.2%. This weakness is increasingly a reflection of the macroeconomic impact of the credit tightening on employment growth.
  
• The merchandise trade balance posted a deficit of C$0.5 billion in December, the first since March 1976. Exports fell C$3.8 billion (9.7%) — the largest monthly decline since October 1982 — but imports fell by C$2.2 billion (5.7%), which tempered the deterioration in the trade balance.
  
• Consumer prices fell 0.7% in December and the year-over-year rate slipped to 1.2% from 2% in November. Canada's inflation rate averaged 2.3% in 2008 — the fastest increase since 2003. RBC forecasts that Canada's inflation rate will dip into negative territory mid-year and average just 0.5% this 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
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Price reductions In Mississauga to sell current listings

The reality of our current GTA and Mississauga marketplace is that you have to price aggressively in order to get sold. When I say aggressively, I mean that you have to be priced within 2% or so of market value, otherwise you may not sell in this marketplace.

I've had 3 listings that have been on the market for just over a month and although we are receiving showings, we've now had to reduce the prices to be price leaders in order to sell.

One listing is located at 3120 Turbine Crescent, a freehold townhouse in Churchill Meadows and it's now reduced to 299,999

See details and slide show at this link for Turbine:

http://www.mississauga4sale.com/listings/3120-Turbine-Crescent.htm

I also have two semi detached homes that are side by side (attached) where one is currently owned by the parents and the other by the children. This is a perfect setup for people that would like to have separate homes, but attached!

The one semi is located at 1185 Prestonwood is now asking $354,900 and the next door attached semi is now reduced at 1187 Prestonwood to $334,900

See details and slide show at this link for both properties at Prestonwood at this link:

http://www.mississauga4sale.com/listings/1185-Prestonwood-Crescent-Heartland.htm

and

http://www.mississauga4sale.com/listings/1187-Prestonwood-Heartland-District.htm

Please let me know if you would like to see inside any of the above great homes!

Thanks

Mark

Have new MLS listings sent to your inbox

If you would like to receive new listings as they come on the market in the GTA, please sing up to my neighbourhood watch program. All you need to give me is your email and first name and I will send you listings that meet your pricing and area critiera. No charge for this service. Another valueable service for you brought to you by me with no strings attached!

Sign up here:
http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Neighbourhood-Watch.htm

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

housing styles in Toronto and the GTA

This will give you some information to help you when you are looking at homes in the GTA

Traditional

if your tastes run towards the elegant, luxurious and
formal, a Traditional style is for you. Colonial, Victorian and
French Provincial décors are examples of this style, of which
symmetric configurations and ornate details are hallmarks.
Traditional furniture is characterized by dark,
rich woods (mahogany, cherry, rosewood, walnut)
and features detailed carvings and exposed legs.
demonstrative of quality workmanship, Traditional
furniture is typically durable and pricey.
Jewel tones dominate the Traditional palette: deep red,
bottle green, sapphire blue. Fabrics are equally rich:
damask, jacquard, chintz, brocade, tapestry, velvet, silk,
satin. Fitting accessories, which should be minimal and
symmetrically balanced, include oil paintings, china
or silver collections, gilt mirrors and oriental rugs.

CaSual

if you feel that Contemporary décors are too
cold and impersonal for your taste, you may
feel more at home with a Casual décor. Casual
spaces are all about warmth and comfort.
To best facilitate that comfort, Casual furniture is
generally overstuffed for softness, and thus of a larger
scale. Slipcovers on sofas and chairs are typical. Woods
common to Casual pieces include oak, maple and pine.
earthy tones – olive, terra cotta, wine – comprise
the Casual color palette, as do neutrals like tan,
gray and beige. Fabrics are appropriately soft,
like cotton and linen. asymmetrically balanced
accessories, which suggest informality, are typically
very personal to the user(s) of the space.

ConTemPorary

Traditional too conservative for you? Consider a
Contemporary look. referring to a variety of styles developed
in the last half of the 20th century, a Contemporary décor
is defined by open, minimally furnished, efficient spaces.
more comfortable and affordable than Traditional
furniture, Contemporary pieces are simple and sleek:
low profiles, clean lines, smooth surfaces, exposed legs.
Shapes are geometric and materials include light woods
like birch and maple, stainless steel, chrome and glass.
Vinyl and leather are characteristic upholstering choices.
Palettes are typically monochromatic, often with bursts of vivid
color found in accessories like boldly patterned rugs. When
looking for accessories to complement your Contemporary
décor, you'll want to lean to less rather than more.

eCleCTiC

not a style unto itself, an eclectic décor is a
blending of distinct styles. Creating an eclectic
décor that works isn't easy – it takes planning and
an understanding of design principles. But the result
– an utterly unique space – is worth the effort.
The key to pulling off eclectic style lies in finding a
common denominator – color, pattern, shape, texture
– that serves to unite seemingly disparate pieces. The
result is a room where all the pieces feel like they belong,
though they may be from different styles or eras.
The amateur trying their hand at creating an
eclectic look might want to establish a décor that's
predominantly characterized by one style, then
introduce a second style by way of just one key item.