Sales Bubble? Average GTA Prices and Sales volumes can seem confusing - I'll try and remove some of the confusion

I just received a question from a reader and thought I would share the question and my answer to you.

The question was:

Hello Mark,

I  was able to observe  some variances the monthly price statics in your website and other data sources as noted below.  Since you're a professional Engineer I am confident that you have much stronger quantitative skills than most realtors and was wondering if you could help me to reconcile some real estate pricing data? 

I am specifically referring to the the Oakville Milton and York Region pricing data.   

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2017/08/23/toronto-housing-bubble-has-expired-and-gone-to-meet-its-maker_a_23158813/

Regards,

G.

Hello G

Thank you for your email.

The Huffington Post article you are referring to below flips back and forth talking about volume of sales and sales prices.  Then at the end of the article they quote that prices are still up comparing July 2016 to July 2017 by 5.1%   I can see how this can seem confusing.

The chart they show are actual selling prices in the two areas, York and Oakville Milton.  The article states that the graphs are 'Residential Sales" and I'm assuming they are showing "only" detached home prices, not the overall average residential (which would include condos townhomes etc. I say this because I don't believe the average of ALL residential in Oakville and Milton in the spring was ever about $2.3Million.    Seems high for the 'average'  Regardless, I would say that the graphs are likely very accurate. 

You could write the author and ask where the data came from and what the actual data is showing.

You can see my graph of the data here:

http://www.mississauga4sale.com/TREBprice.htm#graph

It is similar to the data shown in the article.

My graph also shows a drop in the overall TREB average single family residential price from approximately $916k in March 2017 to $746k in July 2017 – a giant overall drop in average price.  This coincides with the seasonal summer slowdown period, so it's not quite as dramatic as you many think.  On the other hand, it's only the second time since January of 1995 that summer prices have dropped below the previous fall average prices – this signals a significant change in the marketplace.

It's not all doom and gloom, but it shows how quickly the market can turn.  We've seen this before in 1988/1989 and again in 2008/2009 - this could be a short blip in the market or a trend, only time will tell!

I hope this helps a little.

Please let me know if you have other questions

Thank you,

Mark

Bank of Canada Maintains overnight interest rate at 0.5% as of March 9th 2016

Good morning from Fabulous Mississauga!

As most economists expected, the Bank of Canada refrained from cutting interest rates at this week's policy announcement meeting.

On March 9, 2016 the Bank of Canada announced that it is maintaining its target for the overnight rate at 1/2 per cent. The Bank Rate is correspondingly 3/4 per cent and the deposit rate is 1/4 per cent

The key policy overnight rate is only 50 basis points (one-half of one percentage points or 0.5%) and another 25 basis point (bp) cut would only reduce the Bank's ability to take action, if needed, in the future.

The recent economic news has shown a marked improvement, precluding the Bank from following on the previous two rate cuts this year.

Read more here BankofCanada

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

• Thinking of selling your home in the next 3 to 6 months?  Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
  http://www.mississauga4sale.com/internet-evaluation.htm
• Power of Sales and Foreclosureshttp://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 Real Estate Newsletter sign up
  http://www.mississauga4sale.com/popupquestion.htm
• See seasonal housing patternshttp://www.mississauga4sale.com/TREBprice.htm

Record Setting Month in GTA for Average Prices and Sales of Single Family Residential Sales

Once again, last month was another very strong month for sales and prices in the GTA.

The Average price for last month was $602,607 (it was $609,236 the previous month) and this represents aver a 10.3% increase compared to the same month last year- see graph of prices here

Sales volumes were 7,568 (it was 9,880 last month) and this is UP 5.7% from the same month last year

The Bank of Canada Prime Lending Rate now stands at 2.70% steady (since July 2015) read more

Read more about what happened last month at see last month results and prices here





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

Bank of Canada keeping the target overnight interest rate at .5%

The Bank of Canada announced on September 9th that they are keeping the target overnight interest rate at .5% and this means that the bank rate stays at .75% 

see a graph of historical interest rates here:

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

This is the full press release below:

The Bank of Canada today announced that it is maintaining its target for the overnight rate at 1/2 per cent. The Bank Rate is correspondingly 3/4 per cent and the deposit rate is 1/4 per cent.

Inflation has evolved in line with the outlook in the Bank’s July Monetary Policy Report (MPR). Total CPI inflation remains near the bottom of the target range, reflecting year-over-year price declines for consumer energy products. Core inflation has been close to 2 per cent, with disinflationary pressures from economic slack being offset by transitory effects of the past depreciation of the Canadian dollar and some sector-specific factors. The dynamics of GDP growth in Canada outlined in July’s MPR also remain intact. The stimulative effects of previous monetary policy actions are working their way through the Canadian economy.

Canada’s resource sector continues to adjust to lower prices for oil and other commodities, with some spillover to the rest of the economy. These adjustments are complex and are expected to take considerable time. Economic activity continues to be underpinned by solid household spending and a firm recovery in the United States, with particular strength in the sectors of the U.S. economy that are important for Canadian exports.

Increasing uncertainty about growth prospects for China and other emerging-market economies, in contrast, is raising questions about the pace of the global recovery. This has contributed to heightened financial market volatility and lower commodity prices. Movements in the Canadian dollar are helping to absorb some of the impact of lower commodity prices and are facilitating the adjustments taking place in Canada’s economy. While the overall export picture is still uncertain, the latest data confirm that exchange rate-sensitive exports are regaining momentum.

Meanwhile, risks to financial stability are evolving as expected. Taking all of these developments into consideration, the Bank judges that the risks to the outlook for inflation remain within the zone for which the current stance of monetary policy is appropriate. Therefore, the target for the overnight rate remains at 1/2 per cent.

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

June 2015 Market Watch Report for Toronto and GTA - sales figures are in for last month

Hello from Beautiful Mississauga!

The Toronto Real Estate Board released its latest figures for the Toronto and GTA real estate marketplace.

• The Average price for last month was $649,599 (it was $613,933 the previous month) and this represents aver a 11% increase compared to the same month last year- see graph of prices here
• Sales volumes were 11,706 (it was 8,940 last month) and this is UP 6.3% from the same month last year 
•  The Bank of Canada Prime Lending Rate shocked the experts and lowered the rate to 2.75% in January 2015 read more

Read more about average prices and read the TREB full price and data report below.

This is the press release from TREB

All the best!

Mark

A New Sales Record for the Month of May

June 3, 2015 -- Toronto Real Estate Board President Paul Etherington announced 11,706 sales reported by Greater Toronto REALTORS® in May 2015. This result was up by 6.3 per cent in comparison to 11,013 sales reported in May 2014. For the TREB market area as a whole, sales were up for all major housing types. However, in the City of Toronto, where the supply of low-rise listings has been constrained, sales were down for detached homes.

“During my tenure as TREB President over the past year, it is clear to me that ownership housing remains top of mind as a quality long-term investment for GTA households. This is why, despite a shortage of listings in some market segments, we experienced a record number of sales reported through TREB’s MLS® System for the month of May,” said Mr. Etherington.

Record May transactions, coupled with a dip in the number of homes available for sale, resulted in strong price growth. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark was up by 8.9 per cent year over year in May. The MLS® HPI uses benchmark homes to estimate price growth. This allows for an “apples to apples” comparison of price growth that is not affected by changes in the mix of sales activity.

The average selling price for all home types combined in May 2015 was up by 11 per cent annually to $649,599. The higher annual rate of average price growth compared to the MLS® HPI Composite Benchmark points to the fact that the proportion of high-end home sales continued to be greater compared to 2014.

“Tight market conditions, especially for singles, semis and town homes in the GTA, have resulted in strong price growth regardless of the price metric being considered. With no relief so far on the listings front, expect similar rates of price growth as we move through the remainder of 2015. At this point, a number of months where listings growth outstrips sales growth would be required to satisfy pent-up demand,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Director of Market Analysis.

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

• Thinking of selling your home in the next 3 to 6 months?  Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
  www.mississauga4sale.com/internet-evaluation.htm
• Power of Sales and Foreclosureswww.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 Real Estate Newsletter sign up
  www.mississauga4sale.com/popupquestion.htm
• See seasonal housing patternswww.mississauga4sale.com/TREBprice.htm
• Would you like me to send you a desk or wall Calendar?
  www.mississauga4sale.com/Calendar-Order-Form.htm

 

Graph of the Latest Real Estate prices in Toronto and GTA

Hello from Beautiful Mississauga!

See the latest news at this page:

http://www.mississauga4sale.com/newsletter/latest_newsletter.htm

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

• Thinking of selling your home in the next 3 to 6 months?  Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
  http://www.mississauga4sale.com/internet-evaluation.htm
• Power of Sales and Foreclosureshttp://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 Real Estate Newsletter sign up
  http://www.mississauga4sale.com/popupquestion.htm
• See seasonal housing patternshttp://www.mississauga4sale.com/TREBprice.htm

When is the best time to sell your home in the GTA?

Hello,

I just read this article below that was sent to me by a client.

It contains great information about when to sell your home.

I've written about this in the past and you can read my thoughts about this subject at this link:

http://www.mississauga4sale.com/when-best-time-to-sell-home.htm

Enjoy!

Mark

Like everything in life, there are always exceptions to the rules.

Personally, I like these exceptions, as nothing is predictable – especially selling a house.

Still, it's good to know the basics, do your homework and factor in the required timelines.

Statistics show that spring is the best time to sell a house. You may read conflicting reports that will say March to May, or they may lump in April and July in to those calculations. However, with the recent real estate climate in the GTA, there really isn't a bad time. What you're selling can influence the time of year you choose to sell.

If you're listing a resale home, in order to buy a new home, you have to realistically factor in the closing date and, perhaps, add-on a bit of wiggle room. If you're listing a condominium or have to give the appropriate two-month notice to a landlord, you may not have to worry about the time of year as it relates to children starting school- unless the children are yours.

Starting a new school year at the beginning of September, and ensuring that kids can finish up the year at their old school, is one of the most important concerns for parents of school-age children. In this scenario, the family would prefer to move during the summer months, so count back and consider the following.

If your home is located in a family-friendly area, close to schools, shopping, etc., a new family will want to relocate during July or August.

Count back three months, as most offers ask for a 90-day closing. With this in mind, you'll want to have signed a deal by April. Again, if you're situated in the GTA, chances are that your home won't be on the market for long. But if you live in a rural area, or have a character property that’s quite different from the norm, you'll need to build in more selling time.

There are some advantages to listing your house earlier in the calendar year, rather than waiting for spring. Because the summer scenario is so popular, most people list their homes around April, which means there’s more competition. If you list your home in February, you may have other advantages.

During the winter months there's a lower supply of houses on the market. Also, maintaining your property requires less work on the outside at this time of year, since you don't have to tend gardens and keep the grass cut. Many of my clients have experienced a successful rate of return when they list in February.

Those people who are looking to buy in September or October may be looking for a better deal after the peak months have passed. Some agents will tell you that your house will sell quicker and closer to the asking price, if you list between Halloween and the New-year.

Homes look their best in the late summer and early fall. Gardens are mature, lawns (depending upon the weather) may be lush, and with a hint of autumn tingeing the air and the leaves, fireplaces can be lit and the ambiance created by indoor, and outdoor, lighting - all help to enhance the curbside appeal. Still, there are no hard and fast rules.

If you're selling and buying, it's always a juggle, so try not to have all your balls in the air at once.

Have a plan, and choose the timing that's right for you and your family.

http://www.mississauga4sale.com/when-best-time-to-sell-home.htm

Read more at this page:  Best time of year 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
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.comMississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling your home in the next 3 to 6 months?  Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
  www.mississauga4sale.com/internet-evaluation.htm
• Power of Sales and Foreclosureswww.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 Real Estate Newsletter sign up
  www.mississauga4sale.com/popupquestion.htm
• See seasonal housing patternswww.mississauga4sale.com/TREBprice.htm
• Would you like me to send you a desk or wall Calendar?
  www.mississauga4sale.com/Calendar-Order-Form.htm

 

Are Mortgage Interest Rates going up to down and should you buy hold and sell investment real estate?

I received an email from a reader and thought I would share the question and my answer with you.

The question from Aijaz was:

I love your site.

Thanks for keeping the data up to date.

Lots of good data on it.

Question. Do u think with interest rates going up possibly mid 2015.

This will cause a correction in pricing.

What is your opinion on the over value of canadas house pricing.

Some forecasters saying 20% drop in pricing.

Are you currently on the Buy, hold, or sell model for investment property?

My answer was:

Hello Aijaz

Thank you for your email and kind comments.

You are asking very good questions.  Unfortunately, nobody can predict the future but these are my thoughts and opinion.

I can see the prime rate rising to 3.25 and maybe 3.5% by the end of next year, at the earliest.  Even if/when this happens, the banks will raise their rates only slightly, I don't see them keeping in step with the Bank of Canada Rate. 

Rates will only rise to keep inflation in check.  I don't think that rates will cause a correction in pricing.  Yes, slightly fewer people will be able to enter the real estate market due to a price increase, but I don't feel this will have a large impact on our resale market.

I believe that it will be some other event or combination of events that will cause our real estate market to have a correction.  Our rise in prices has been unprecedented and nearly constantly upward since 1995.  Logic says this cannot continue forever.  Eventually the market increase in prices will slow and possibly retreat.  When this will happen is anyone's guess.  My opinion is that we will have a gradual slowdown of the market prices in late 2015 and into 2016, maybe only a 2 or 3% increase over that period rather compared to previous year over year increases of 4 to 10%  You have to compare figures from the same period previous year as prices fluctuate during the year and you need to watch the month over month trend to get a handle on real estate prices.  Year over year increases are what I am referring to.

Even if rates increase 0.5 or 1% we are still in extremely low interest rate period compared to last 50 years.  I think that these low rates will be with us until at least 2020 and possibly longer.  There is no reason for the rates to rise to 8% or higher and if they did, the economy would have great difficulty absorbing this shock and may crumble and correct as you and many are suggesting.  I feel this is a generational phenomenon, low rates may be with us for 20 years. Rates have been exceptionally low since 2009 and I see rates staying in this very low range well into the 2020's

Our real estate market, similar to the stock market, can have a major correction in a very short period of time.  Our TSX stock market has dropped (corrected - good grief I don't like that word, as it's a drop/loss/fall, not really a correction) nearly 10% since the high in mid September.  In a similar way, if buyers stop paying the prices that sellers are asking and the real estate market softens then we can easily have a correction in the average price of 10% or $60,000 on the current average price of nearly $600,000  It would take about 2 to 4 months for this correction to happen.

I am always of the mindset to buy and hold for the longer term, at least 5 years and more like 10 to 20 or longer.  Buy real estate, hold, reduce original amortization to 20 years, use bi-weekly accelerated payments, pay yourself by making up the $100 to $300 per month shortfall with your savings and let the tenants pay off your investment properties in 15 to 20 years.  Then you can enjoy the income in your later years.

I hope this helps.

If you have more questions, please let me know.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Mark

Investment property purchase and rental considerations

It is great to hear that you have decided to become active in the rental investment market.

First you need to decide if you want a single family residential or a multi-residential.

In a single family residential you are likely to break even on monthly cash flow (all your expenses - mortgage, property tax etc) paid but you will not make cash flow. The money here is made on resale value and equity that the tenant pays into your home.

I would consider the best investment for this type a townhouse - they are low maintenance and easy to rent. If this is your decision, let me know and I will narrow down some good options to send.

In a multi-residential, resale value increase is not as high (depending on area) unless you somehow increase the profit of the operation (renovate to create higher rents, add in coin-op washer and dryers, implement paid parking, etc). These are great to create monthly cash flow and can often be fully paid off within ten years if you put 100% of the rents into your mortgage payments; which would leave you with net incomes ranging from $30,000-$100,000, depending what and where you invest.

The value of these are based on CAP rates. Places like Toronto and Port Credit in Mississauga will have a lower cap rate, around 3-6% max; as the resale is higher. Places like Hamilton and Brampton have lower resales, but are very hot rental markets with cap rates ranging into the 8-11% range.

Hamilton is a good area right now for investment property for a multi-res. It is the number one investment spot in Ontario for multi-family and due to low income, renters are very active.

If you want 20% or less down, we would need to stick with 5 units or under ( I believe most banks are 4 and under, but either RBC or CIBC is 5 and under

Once you review the above information to help you decide which investment strategy you would like to pursue and then we can go from there into more detailed info.

All the best!
Mark

Landlord and Tenant Property Insurance Reminder

This is a reminder for Tenant Property Insurance

 

Hello!

 

If you are an owner of a condominium townhouse or a high-rise condominium, you too want to make sure that your insurance on your investment property is active.  The reason you need insurance is because the tenants package only covers the tenants contents and the condo insurance typically only covers to middle of the exterior walls.  As an owner, you need insurance to cover your appliances, flooring, walls, drywall, cabinets, bathrooms etc. in the event of a loss.

 

Also, if your loss in your unit or property creates a loss in other units adjacent to your unit then you need insurance for that too.  This can get very expensive. 

 

If you are a tenant, you need to read this below! 

 

I recently heard that a small fire this past New Years' Eve in the bedroom of a condominium townhouse created a huge personal and financial loss for the tenant living in the property.  The reason for the loss was the tenants insurance policy had expired and the tenant did not renew the insurance for another year because the tenant wanted to save about $225. 

 

This tenant is now out of pocket over $25000, had to move somewhere temporary for 3 months which cost additional money and the tenant lost all her belongings and furniture due to this oversight!

 

This email is not meant to scare you, it's a friendly reminder for you. 

 

If you are a tenant you must confirm that your insurance policy is currently active and keep your tenants package for your personal property and legal liability insurance policy in full force and active.

 

If there is a fire or flood and you lose some or all of your belongings you need your own insurance coverage and policy.  Also, if you cause the fire or flood and if this loss creates damage or a loss in other units or properties adjacent to your unit or property then you need insurance for that too.  This can get very expensive. 

 

Please verify your insurance policy is active and that you have a tenants insurance package that covers your contents and at least $1million liability insurance that is current and active. 

 

Thank you, 

Mark

 

 

ADU Accessory Dwelling Units in Mississauga

As they have said on council, there will surely be some issues with regards to the implementation of Accessory second units,

to read the full report on the ADU's in Misissauga, click this link (pdf)

 

The City of Mississauga licencing by-law that will legalize second units will come into effect soon. .If approved, the bylaw will set licensing fees and other requirements, such as inspections and proof of insurance, for owners who want to rent second units.

 

You can read more at  mississauga.ca/housingchoices for updates and more information.

 

Thanks!

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

Basement Apartments in Mississauga ADU's will be legally licensed starting January 1, 2014

Basement Apartments will be legal in Mississauga shortly.

Secondary Units Licensing Program Bylaw Effective January 1, 2014

City Council approved a bylaw on September 18 to license second units in Mississauga. The bylaw will be effective on January 1, 2014~ Ontario laws now require municipalities to allow second units in homes. These units are also known as basement apartments, in-law suites and secondary units .

Starting January 15t,a City licence is required for second unit in Mississauga to be legal. A unit will only be licensed if it complies with Official Plan zoning regulations, as well as Ontario fire and building code requirements.

The City held public meetings in 2012 to gather the public's thoughts and ideas about how second units should be permit them in Mississauga.

Comments were also received by email and through an online survey. A statutory public meeting required by the Planning Act was held in early 2013.

The City's Second Unit Implementation Strategy is part of Housing Choices: Mississauga's Affordable Housing Stragey. The City's goals for legalizing second units included ensuring safety, preserving neighbourhood character and maintaining public services.

See the article below too.

Read more at mississauga.ca






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 Choices -- Second Unit Information

Recent changes to provincial legislation require all municipalities in
Ontario to permit second units.

Second units are self-contained units in single-family homes. They are often
called basement apartments or in-law suites.

Second units can expand housing opportunities within established communities
and provide much needed safe, healthy, housing choices. They can offer
accommodation for people with affordability issues such as youth, older
adults and new immigrants. They can also provide additional income for young
couples looking to buy their first home or older adults wanting to stay in
their neighbourhood

Real estate Investment Strategies & Thoughts in Mississauga and surrounding areas

There are many different methods to invest in real estate in the Mississauga and surrounding areas.

Let's look at investing in real estate rental properties.

I am ruling out the option of a flip. With this out of the picture you would be looking at a rental property.

The options below are as follows:

1. You can buy a property for short term investment where the resale is very good so you will get maximum return when you resell in 4 years. Best bet is probably a town home in Churchill Meadows or Erin Mills of Mississauga or near Square One. These are great rentals as well!

2. You can purchase a maintenance free condo. For this I would recommend one Mississauga, Mimico or Toronto. For new-5yr old condos in Square one and Mimico - the rent would depend on the unit and area, but for an idea, sq one 1 beds go around 1350-1400 per month and 2 bedrooms $1600+.

3. You can buy a home in a high rental area, such as Mississauga or Brampton, where it is split into two units (ie: upper and basement) rented separately and get maximum rent and make a monthly profit.

Email me and I'll send you a list of Properties of Interest for you to view in this style

(As you will not make a profit on the above 2 options - you will just break even)

With a down payment of $90,000 you are looking to purchase in the $400k or below range.

The area is dependent on which of the investment goals you choose to purchase in as for

(1) you need a high resale area like certain Mississauga pockets,

(2) would be good by square one or downtown (although the downtown condo market is pretty saturated right now and prices are decreasing - great to buy but risky cause it is unknown if they will inflate again), and

(3) would be best in Brampton. I personally am not a fan of "student" rentals as the turnover is frequent and the wear and tear is sometimes high.

Please let me know if you have other questions or need more information.

Thank you,
Mark 

17 Items you should consider when you are thinking of leasing business commercial space

I am mainly a residential real estate agent.

I had a client looking for commercial space to open up a small bakery store and was considering a commercial location to rent.

These were some of my thoughts and experience and items to watch out for when considering a commercial lease.

  

1. rent is usually charged as per square foot of total space plus TMI
2. TMI is taxes, maintenance and insurance (building)
3. TMI is typically more than the rent, meaning that the rent may be $4/square foot but the TMI is $8 extra, this is not always the case, but I've seen this often, cheap rent, high TMI
4. typically, you will need to install all interiors, from the electrical panel to the ovens and vent hoods and bathroom and even the walls, many people when they leave an existing commercial rental space, take everything
5. you will need permits for everything you do in a commercial installation, from the outside bent hoods for your ovens, to the lighting and sinks and whatever, you will require all professional trades to do all the work and approve everything with the municipality and meet all codes, your landlord and municipality don't want you burning down the building when you cook or overnight due to shoddy work, so they want it done right
6. the landlord must approve all your renovations, inside and outside and will have restrictions on signage etc
7. the landlord will also have clauses in the lease that will only allow you to sell or make or bake certain items
8. typical commercial leases will also have a non-competition clause section where you can only bake your cakes and cupcakes etc. but you can't sell cigarettes or maybe coffee or pop or something that someone else in the strip plaza or building could or does sell
9. all commercial leases allow for the landlord to lock you out and seize all your goods and chattels and everything inside your business if you default on the rent (this is NOT allowed in residential leases in Ontario)
10. commercial leases are typically 5+5, meaning you sign a 5 year lease with the option of 5 more years - you want this, because if you become successful, you don't want to be thrown out after the first 5 years of hard work AND you don't want your rent tripling in the last 5 years because your business has done so well
11. you will most likely be required to provide an entire business plan with everything in your business sales, installation, all costs and expenses, advertising, floor plans, the entire enchilada before the landlord will accept you - reason is that that commercial leases are far different than residential, they don't want to lease to you and then have you go belly up in 6 months because the landlord doesn't want to lock the doors and sell your stuff, they want you to survive, flourish and be successful so that they get your rent for 5+5 years AND you make the plaza, building look good
12. You need to know to lease commercial space like the rent commitment, plus other costs per month
13. what it would cost to put in what you need like the oven and sometimes the landlord will help with this, but you need to ask if  the landlord help with that
14. I strongly suggest you go to RBC at 33 City Centre in Mississauga and speak with the business development branch of the RBC, they have tons and tons of information that will help you develop a business plan
15. to go about finding a reputable commercial agent that will answer your initial questions before actually going to see places will be difficult. 
16. You need to gather all this information beforehand so you know exactly what you are getting into
17. There is a very high cost to start up a business like this, just make sure you know everything before you do anything

     

     

I'm a very optimistic person, but I am also a realist and extremely skeptical of everything and anything when it comes to spending money. 

 

You must be extremely careful in this. You could spend a year researching and investigating how to start up a business online and with the help of banks and others.  I'm not negative, but I think I just read in a real estate publication that 19 of 20 restaurants fail in the first year and more than half of all new business ventures failed by the end of the third year - cash flow from your personal savings, the banks loan or from sales are most critical in first year and too many people don't estimate the costs in the first year and end up closing shop because of poor planning - as I tell everyone who will listen to me -  "if you fail to plan, you plan to fail" -  I hope that your business flourishes! :-)

There are many other considerations too, but this is a start.

I would recommend you look for a suitable space that you 'think' you might like, contact the listing agent on the mls and gather as much information about their particular listing, the restrictions etc. to see what they tell you.

You can use the ici search tool, http://www.icx.ca/index.aspx?cul=1

and try this link too

I hope this helps

Please let me know if you have more questions or more specific items you want to know.

Thanks

Mark

Real Estate Rental Market Update GTA and Mississauga 1st Quarter 2013

This is the latest report regarding rentals for the GTA in the first quarter of 2013

Number of rentals are up and so are average rental prices. see the full report below.



GTA REALTORS(r) RELEASE RENTAL MARKET REPORT

TORONTO, April 16, 2013 - Greater Toronto Area REALTORS(r) reported a substantial increase in the number of condominium apartments rented through the TorontoMLS system in the first quarter of 2013.

There were 4,277 condominium apartments rented - up by almost 13 per cent on a year-over-year basis.

The total number of rental properties listed on TorontoMLS during the first quarter was up by more than 25 per cent year-over-year to 8,816.

"Demand for rental condominium apartments remained strong during the first quarter of the year. People looking for higher end rental accommodation, including those who have temporarily put their decision to purchase on hold, were likely driving rental activity during the first three months of the year," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Ann Hannah.

The average monthly rent for one-bedroom condominium apartments in the first quarter was $1,597 - up by almost four per cent compared to Q1 2012. The average two-bedroom condominium apartment rent was up by slightly more than one per cent over the same period to $2,114.

"The rental market has remained quite tight over the last year. Competition between renters has been strong enough to drive increases in average rents.

However, growth in the number of units listed outstripped growth in the number of rental transactions in the first quarter, suggesting that renters benefitted from more choice. If this trend continues, the pace of rent growth could moderate," commented Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

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

* Thinking of selling your home in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you
like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
www.mississauga4sale.com/internet-evaluation.htm


* Power of Sales and Foreclosures
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 Real Estate Newsletter sign up
www.mississauga4sale.com/popupquestion.htm


* See seasonal housing patterns
www.mississauga4sale.com/TREBprice.htm


* Would you like me to send you a desk or wall Calendar?
www.mississauga4sale.com/Calendar-Order-Form.htm

FW: China's Rich

Hi

Interesting trivia tid bit...

There is 960.000 people in China worth more than U$ 1.000.000.
(There are now approx. 272 Billionnaires).

Oddly enough, more than 46 % intend to immigrate.

Reason: There are worried about the security of their assets.

Immigration choices: # 1 - United States, # 2 - Canada.

Let's hope that they all want to invest in real estate in GTA!!

Mark

Condominium Insurance Policy on Your Real Estate Investment Properties - Do you need it?

Hello,

Do you have your own insurance policy on your investment property that is a condominium townhouse or condominium high-rise? If not, you better think about adding your own policy.

I am not able to give legal advice or any expert advice on issues that don't relate to real estate, but please consider what I am saying below and consult with your own insurance company and condominium corporation. This advice below could prove to be very important or costly to you in the event of a problem in the future.

My thinking in the past was that since a condominium corporation has building insurance and since a tenant has contents insurance, then I don't need to buy insurance on my investment properties.

This is incorrect!

I just put insurance on all our investment properties There are many reasons for me to have an insurance policy on these rental investment properties.

Some reasons for me having insurance on our investment properties are as follows.

• I am now covered if the condominium insurance does not cover water damage or roof damage or any other damage such as water, ice, snow or sleet damage on the interior or exterior of the unit
• If the condominium insurance company attempts to claim money from me for damage caused by our tenant then I am covered.
• If the condominium insurance does not cover the entire loss and comes after me to pay for part or all of their loss then I am covered
• If a tenant causes a problem, such as plugging a drain line, that causes damage outside of the unit and the condominium corporation comes after the tenant or me to pay for those repairs, I am now covered.
• If the tenants insurance does not cover damage that the tenant causes inside the unit, my insurance may now cover that damage.
• If the tenant lets their insurance policy lapse, then at least I am covered in the event of a loss caused by the tenant.
• In the event that the tenant has to leave the unit for some reason and I'm losing rent, such as repairs after a major fire or flood inside the unit, then I am now covered for up to 1 year rental loss while the unit is being repaired.
• There are other endorsements in the insurance policy that I now have that cover us for many other situations, but these items above seem to be the major potential problem issues.

The annual cost to me is about $100 per property.

These are some of the major reasons for me to have insurance on all our investment properties and I would recommend that you look into obtaining insurance on all of your investment properties too.

I wish you all the best!
Mark

Mortgage Tightening of Rules in Canada from Bank of Canada

Some very Interesting news on mortgages in Canada.

The Bank of Canada has announced some changes to lending rules in Canada.
Mortgages can only be CMHC insured if they are 30 years or shorter amortizations. This means that most lenders will not approve mortgages over 30 years with less than 10% downpayment.

Refinancing of homes will be capped at 85% of the value, down from the current 90%

Interesting news indeed!

In my opinion, rather than increasing rates the "tightening" is a better tactic for the Bank of Canada to take. It will help protect us all from overextending ourselves.

Thanks for the update and hope you have a great year!
Mark

This is the article that was just sent to me from a mortgage broker, Paul
Meredith of CityCan Financial

With rising consumer indebtedness among Canadians, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced this morning that the government will be implementing new tighter restrictions on mortgage lending. As of March 18th, mortgages with amortizations greater than 30 years will no longer qualify for government-backed mortgage insurance (CMHC), down from the current 35 years.

In addition to the reducing the maximum amortization, they will also be restricting the amount of money one can obtain through refinancing to 85% of the homes value, down from the current 90%. This will also take effect on March 18th.

Mortgage applications with 35 year amortization and refinancing to 90% will still be accepted up until March 18th. Although, we will see if CMHC doesn't start declining these applications early, as we saw last spring when they reduced the maximum refinance to 90%, down from the previous 95%.

Home buyers will still be able to purchase homes with as little as 5% down payment. There are still ways to purchase with no money down, such as using a 5% cash back and applying it to the down payment. There is no word as to whether CMHC will continue to offer that product after March 18th.

Tomorrow morning, the Bank of Canada makes their next interest rate announcement. The prime rate is expected to remain unchanged at 3.00%.

Written by Paul Meredith, CityCan Financial

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

* Thinking of selling your home in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you
like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
www.mississauga4sale.com/internet-evaluation.htm

* Power of Sales and Foreclosures
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 Real Estate Newsletter sign up
www.mississauga4sale.com/popupquestion.htm

* See seasonal housing patterns
www.mississauga4sale.com/TREBprice.htm

* Would you like me to send you a desk or wall Calendar?
www.mississauga4sale.com/Calendar-Order-Form.htm

TREB Real Estate average number of sales monthly over time since December 2009 to date

TREB Real Estate average number of sales monthly over time since December 2009 to date


For more information please contact A. Mark ArgentinoA. Mark Argentino, Broker, P.Eng.,Specializing in Residential & Investment Real EstateRE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage2691 Credit Valley Road, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 7A1BUS. 905-828-3434FAX. 905-828-2829E-MAIL: mark@mississauga4sale.comWebsite: Mississauga4Sale.com

Buying a Townhouse investment property in the Erin Mills Town Centre Churchill Meadows Area

Hello,

I thought that I would share with you the email that I just sent a client who is looking to purchase another investment townhouse property in the area of the Erin Mills Town Centre and Churchill Meadows (see the map below showing the boundaries of the area I am referring to).

The reasons he wants to purchase another townhouse in the Erin Mills Town Centre area are the same as my reasons for owning investment properties in the area, that is; great amenities, easy to rent, good rent, draws quality tenants, good future potential, townhomes are the lowest price to get into market, low maintenance fees compared to a high-rise condo and more.

This is the email I sent to him, he was asking about what the state of the market is, what the next three months should bring and if there any "good deals" on townhomes currently for sale on the market.

I wrote to him:

The market continues to do well, in spite of the negative press. The stats of late are typical of June, July and August, no worries, but with interest rates increasing people are a little more cautious. The market is not 'on fire' the way it was in the spring, but most properties are still selling, some big price reductions here and there, but nothing significant yet.

See the link below, there are two townhomes at 2955 Thomas that are 'typical' 2 storey or 3 storey townhouses, otherwise, everything is as you say, well over $300k

Click here
http://www.torontomls.net/PublicWeb/CL.asp?link_no=32913113.495304

to view Properties of Interest (this link will only work for 2 weeks, up to about end of September 2010)

At 5659 Glen Erin that about 1.5 years ago had units for sale at $240k now has a unit for sale at $314k, just nuts.

These new price levels seem that they are here to stay. As you pointed out, prices are at $345k and more for McFarren, on at $358 and another at $385k at McFarren are both sold conditionally.

I too was hoping for a 'good deal' sometime in the summer, only one at 3150 Erin Centre, but it faced Erin Centre and was at the corner of Erin Centre and Oscar Peterson and it was the only 3 bedroom that sold for a hair under $300k

Notice that the 'Last Status" on many of the listings is PC meaning a price change, meaning they have dropped their price recently. This is an indication of a normal to softer market, but the prices are still high.

I'm not sure what Oct, Nov and December will bring. I don't think interest rates will go up again. If there is a recession or slowdown out there, it's certainly not in the GTA or Mississauga real estate sector.

The townhouses at 2955 Thomas are about the only townhomes that will carry with the rent. Passing on those at the price they are at could be a mistake in hindsight. There are some typical 2 storey units in that complex, but not listed right now.

Please let me know if you have more questions or would like to see inside any of the properties above.

Thank you,
Mark

So there you have it, the current townhomes for sale in the Erin Mills Town Centre and Churchill Meadows area in a nutshell!
Mark