Home Inspections - Why you need one!

Why You Need a Home Inspection


When the home buyers are caught up in the speed, drama and pressure of bidding on a house that they may willing to skip a few steps to make sure they acquire their dream house. They're suddenly willing to pay a few thousand more than they had intended. They're willing to go for a quicker closing date. They're even willing to skip the home inspection process.

Don't fall in love with a house until the house had been examined by a professional. The house could have any number of problems in structural, roofing, exterior, foundation, heating, plumbing, electrical, insulation etc.

Home inspections have been around for quite a while, and for good reasons. This process, which can cost between $300 and $500, is often a condition on buying the house. It usually takes a few hours and is easy to arrange. Hiring a professional home inspector is a small investment of your time and money. But, it's well worth the expense because you won't have to deal with costly and unexpected surprises once you've bought your home. Also you can gain a wealth of information about the condition of a property before they buy it. A home inspection is not intended to provide warranties or guarantees, and is not to be mistaken as a warranty on the house.

The final sale of a home can hinge on the results of a home inspection – even for a million dollar home. While a home inspection is a critical component of buying and selling a home, knowing your home inspector is just as important. What home buyers need most is a source of trustworthy, competent, qualified home inspection professionals.

Recent surges in the popularity of home inspections have created an over-populated inspection industry where not all inspectors have the training or experience to do a good job. Anyone can say that they are a home inspector. Be wary of low-priced home inspectors whose only credential is a certificate acquired online, or by correspondence, or from attending a three day course. There are some people in the home inspection industry who are not fully qualified - if at all - and they should not be recognized as home inspectors.

Home inspection is a discipline that requires special training, knowledge and communication skills. That is why it is important to choose an inspector wisely. Home inspectors should have a general understanding of all the various systems and components in a home. Many have practical experience or a background in engineering, construction and related building trades. The more experienced a home inspector is, the more they have seen, the more likely it is they will be able to detect any less obvious problems.

Reputable home and property inspectors generally belong to CAHPI-Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors, which has set standards, which, is recognized by the Real Estate Associations and federal and provincial governments. CAHPI is the only national non-profit professional organization in Canada that rigorously tests home inspectors about their technical knowledge and diagnostic expertise prior to joining the organization as well as requiring continuing education after admission to keep current with new technology and building practices. Membership in CAHPI's Provincial Associations and the Registered Home Inspector designation are earned credentials which attest to an inspector's competence and professionalism. To earn the right to be Registered Home Inspectors (RHI), inspectors must demonstrate to the CAHPI's provincial association that they have a broad knowledge of construction and building practices in their province and that they have acquired three components for qualification: basic skills specific to the practice of home inspection; technical background acquired through education and experience related to building science; and practical home inspection experience through the performance of at least 200 home inspections to CAHPI Standards. A member cannot advertise or promote his or her membership until they have reached the minimum standards of a practicing member. To become a member, an inspector must meet professional and educational requirements followed by a review. Seasoned, professional registered home inspectors are full-time home inspectors. Registered home inspectors are bound by a strict code of ethics and must adhere to specific standards of practice. Registered Home Inspectors perform the best inspections by far.

You should ask to see proof of the inspector's membership in CAHPI's provincial association. Determine if the inspector intends to meet the CAHPI national standards of competency. To guard homebuyers against incompetent, negligent and bogus home inspections, the association in your province will be pleased to clarify their membership categories and any particular inspector's membership level. Check out www.cahpi.ca. The site will refer you to a complete list of Registered Home Inspectors in your area.

Visit www.ashi.org to find more detailed information about home inspection. Be present when the professional home inspectors assess your potential home. Ask questions and take notes of what repairs need to be done. They will give you their initial reactions as they are touring your home, and will follow up with a comprehensive package of information on the condition of your home. It is an invaluable piece of the home buying puzzle.

Newer Homes also need Inspection

New construction isn't always problem-free. Since the 1980s, when Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) ended its consumer protection role through construction inspections, housing quality has suffered. For instance, CMHC estimates that more than 65,000 homes in B.C. suffered serious water infiltration problems in B.C.'s leaky condo crisis of the 1990s – a crisis that continues to this day. While B.C.'s crisis is perhaps the best known disaster in Canadian history, defective homes are a serious problem across Canada. In 2005, the Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA) estimated that 10 per cent of Canada's builders are problematic. Other estimates find 20 per cent to 25 per cent of home builders as problematic. Although there are good builders in Canada, consumers and Realtors have no reliable means of knowing who they are. Consumers who find themselves with a defective home and an unresponsive builder naturally turn to their home warranty program for assistance. This too can be problematic. In Ontario, for example, new home purchasers face a mandatory payment to TARION for warranty coverage. Purchasers should recognize TARION as an insurance company that will require that you prove your claim.

TARION does not serve as an advocate for purchaser. The TARION claim process is complicated, and, therefore, must be pursued with great care in order to avoid pitfalls. Municipal government officials involved in the home construction process usually acknowledge home construction industry and warranty program problems, but often simply advise the homeowner that they can settle their issues through civil litigation. Given the time and high costs involved in the legal system with no guarantees of success, the courts are not a viable option for most Canadians.

Given a system that is not conducive to construction dispute resolution, many homeowners conclude that they have no option but to quietly sell their flawed homes without disclosing the known problems to potential purchasers, despite the fact that sellers are required by law to disclose known defects. Home buyers protect their investment by retaining a competent registered home inspector to inspect the home, regardless of whether it is newly built or a resale home. While some problems may remain hidden behind drywall, a registered home inspector can often detect problems unrecognizable to the average consumer.

Deal with the Bad News

It can be heart breaking to find out all the problems after a home inspection, but be realistic. Remember that no home is perfect. What you need to decide is whether or not you are willing to fix the problems. Ask yourself these questions:

Can you afford the recommended renovations or repairs?
Does the house meet your needs in its current condition?
Knowing these problems, is the house still a good investment?

Once you've had a home inspection, you'll have peace of mind that you've made an educated decision on buying a home. It's worth it!
Article courtesy of: By Nalliah Thayabharan, Registered Home Inspector, Member of CAHPI-Ontario and ASHI, Expert Building Inspections Ltd., Markham ON 905 940 0811 www.expertinspector.com

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

Inflation creeps higher and Canadian productivity woes - when will it end?

HIGHLIGHTS
- U.S. and Canadian core inflation creeps higher while energy sinks total inflation
- Canada’s recent productivity woes due in large part to the natural resource sector


While it won’t top the glamour of this Sunday’s
Academy Awards, this was CPI inflation week in North
America. Gyrating energy prices continue to steal
the spotlight in driving total inflation as lower
gasoline prices helped restrain the all-items index
in both countries in January. Since current energy
prices are still being compared to their
pre-nosedive levels observed a year ago, total
inflation will likely remain on the weak side
through this summer. Meanwhile, core inflation rose
slightly in both Canada (from 2.0% to 2.1%) and the
U.S. (from 2.6% to 2.7%) due in large part to
outsized jumps in several of the individual
components. The return of winter in Canada pushed
the clothing price index into positive territory,
temporarily breaking from the more familiar story of
falling prices. Travel services also leapt higher in
the month as Canadians either looked to escape
(travel tours rose 0.4%) or embrace (traveller
accommodation jumped 2.5%) the colder weather. In
the United States, medical costs and tobacco prices
fuelled the monthly increase.


Abstracting away from the monthly wiggles, core
inflation on both sides of the 49th parallel has
eased slightly in recent months, remaining in what
amounts to a very stable holding pattern. The only
problem is the relative altitude. While core in
Canada remains comfortably around the Bank of
Canada’s 2% target, in the U.S., core inflation
remains stubbornly high, sitting above what is
thought to be the Federal Reserve’s comfort zone of
between 2.0 and 2.5%. So while both central banks
are forecast to remain on the sidelines in 2007, the
Bank of Canada will have greater flexibility to
respond to unforeseen economic shocks. By
comparison, the Fed will likely be forced to
maintain their hawkish stance on monetary policy
until price pressures ease further.


Cooling housing market helps contain core in Canada


The booming housing market, especially in Western
Canada, held the starring role in determining the
path of core inflation over the last year as
blockbuster increases in the homeowner’s replacement
cost (HRC), which is keyed off of the new home price
index, pushed core inflation above the Bank’s 2%
target in late 2006. More recently, the pace of home
price appreciation has slowed (even Alberta is
showing signs of easing as the year-over-year
increase in new home prices has fallen from 52% last
August to 42% in December). This has translated to
more subdued increases in the HRC and helped contain
core inflation. This trend is likely to continue as
home price appreciation is expected to cool further
in the months ahead. Core inflation will also be
restrained by the recent fall in mortgage rates,
which will gradually pull the mortgage interest cost
component out from the shadow of higher rates
observed a year ago. All told, a more balanced
housing market will help keep Canadian inflation on
target.


OER keeps U.S. core elevated


The fly in the U.S. inflation ointment remains the
service sector – which has been tracking well above
3% for the last two years. While part of this
momentum can be attributed to components such as
medical care and education, the owner’s equivalent
rent (OER) component, with its 30% weight in core
CPI, has been particularly bothersome. The OER is an
imputed price (i.e. not directly observable)
representing the amount that a homeowner would earn
from renting their home. One of the quirks of the
OER is that it is very slow in incorporating changes
in the cost of household utilities. Given the
pronounced fall in energy prices since mid-2006, the
OER is likely overstating the true momentum in core
inflation. Nevertheless, the year-over-year increase
in the OER has remained unchanged in each of the
last three months, tentatively suggesting some
moderation in the months to come. Further easing in
this measure will come as great comfort to the
Federal Reserve.


Statistics Canada and the case of the missing
productivity


In what was an Oscar-worthy moment, Statistics
Canada opened the envelope on their explanation of
the recent productivity-sapping divergence between
real GDP growth and employment. Those looking for
revisions were sorely disappointed as the study
sought to explain and not correct the recent data.
The main cause of Canada’s weak productivity
performance has been a rotation of output towards
the relatively less productive natural resource
sector (and in particular mining). For example, in
2006 output per hour worked declined by 10% in the
resource sector – stripping a full percentage point
from economy-wide labour productivity. Weak
productivity growth was also noted in the
manufacturing sector which has faced its share of
difficulties ranging from the elevated value of the
Canadian dollar to enhanced global competition.
Labour shortages, especially in Alberta, have also
constrained productivity growth as lower educated
and both younger and older workers have been drawn
into the labour market. In Alberta, over half of all
the employment growth observed in 2006 was people
with less than a high-school education. Finally,
there have been an inordinate number of one-off
shocks that have undercut productivity including
strikes, production delays caused by accidents, and
warmer weather constraining utilities output. It
remains an open question if productivity will
improve once these temporary shocks disappear into
the rear-view mirror. An encouraging development is
that investment growth has remained strong,
suggesting that new productivity-enhancing capital
equipment may eventually support a recovery in
labour productivity. Until that time, the Bank of
Canada will be more tolerant of slower real GDP
growth as their estimate of Canada’s potential
economic growth rate may come under further downward
pressure.


While Canadian labour productivity remains in a
quagmire, there was some positive news from new
retail and wholesale trade data suggesting that the
economy may recover strongly from what will likely
be a very dismal final quarter of 2006 (we get the
data next week). The 2.3% jump in December’s retail
sales came as a great relief given the anaemic pace
of spending in previous months. While it was too
late to save Q4, December’s turnout points to strong
holiday sales (Chuck Norris action figures were
reportedly flying off the shelves) and solid
momentum into the first quarter of 2007. All told,
given December’s handoff, first quarter real GDP
growth could increase by as much as 3.0% annualized.

Article courtesy of R.Paul Chadwick Manager of Residential Mortgages, TD Canada Trust


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

Up and coming Areas and Housing Types to watch - REMAX

Up-and-coming areas also provide ‘blue chip’ returns in 2006, says RE/MAX

Mississauga, ON (February 22, 2007) – While strong demand for single-detached homes in traditional blue-chip neighbourhoods pushed housing values higher, up-and-coming communities also experienced a solid return on investment in 2006, says RE/MAX.

Swansea, Roncesvalles, Parkdale (W01) lead the charge with the average price of a single-detached home rising 18.02 per cent ($544,196 to $642,269) in 2006. Offering older, character homes in close proximity to the sought-after area of High Park/Old Mill, the area has benefited enormously from the renovation boom of recent years. Blue-chip, central-core neighbourhoods such as Hoggs Hollow,York Mills, Bridle Path (C12), Lawrence Park (C10), and Bayview Village (C15) also saw significant price appreciation at 13.64 per cent ($1,238,030 to $1,406,909), 12.38 per cent ($963,813 to $1,083,108) and 12.24 per cent ($519,018 to $582,528) respectively. Rounding out the top five was Scarborough Bluffs (E08) at 10.95 per cent ($315,969 to $350,580), an area bordering on the coveted Beach community.

“There’s no question that the areas that have undergone considerable revitalization in recent years have seen serious upward pressure on housing values,” says Micheal Polzler, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. “Affordability has played a major role as first-time buyers look to tired, older neighbourhoods in close proximity to the central core. The decision to invest their money in both their home and community is a trend that is expected to continue in 2007.”

Of the 62 Toronto Real Estate Board districts examined by RE/MAX, just under 10 per cent (six) experienced double-digit increases in the single-detached category in 2006. This time last year, approximately one in five districts reported a double-digit increase in the average price of a single-detached home—an indication that overall appreciation has slowed in the Greater Toronto Area. A number of factors have contributed to the slowdown, including an influx of new listings. As a result, most districts—including many of 2005’s top performers—report gains ranging from four to six per cent, which is in line with the GTA average of five per cent overall (for all types of residential properties).

“All boats rise and fall with the tide,” says Polzler. “However, blue chip neighbourhoods in the central core continue to hold their own – with three of the top six performing markets located within the city centre. The value of single-detached homes rose 7.5 per cent in the central core in 2006, with average price hovering at $816,938 at year-end (up from $759,906 one year earlier).”

In terms of condominium apartment and townhomes, three districts reported double-digit gains in average price (on par with last year’s figure). Leading in terms of percentage increase was Hoggs Hollow, York Mills, Bridle Path (C12), where the average price of a condominium climbed 21.78 per cent from $407,594 in 2005 to $496,350. Affordability played a significant role in Humber Heights, Kingsview Village, and Richview (W09) where condominium values rose 12.79 per cent, from $168,491 to $190,042 in 2006. In C02, Yorkville, Annex, Summerhill and South Hill, average price escalated 11.31 per cent from $444,582 to $492,861. Ranking fourth and fifth were the Queensway and Sunnylea (W07), where average price rose from $248,283 to $270,558 in 2006 and Lawrence Park (C10) where values jumped from $300,229 to $326,564 – an increase of 8.97 and 8.77 per cent respectively.

“New condominium construction continues unabated in key locations,” says Polzler. “In Yorkville, for example, we’ve seen a major shift to upscale multi-unit residential. In fact, some high-rise buildings specifically target luxury buyers, with prices starting at $1 million per unit. We expect demand for condominiums to be strong for years to come as both affluent baby boomers and out-of-town investors enter the marketplace.”

Condominiums within the central core also saw the greatest increase, with average price rising 5.9 per cent to $292,064, an increase of more than $15,000 over the 2005 figure. In total, seven districts reported a decrease in the average price of a condominium apartment or townhome, ranging from just under one per cent to close to six per cent, in 2006.
RE/MAX is Canada's leading real estate organization with over 16,880 sales associates situated throughout its more than 630 independently owned and operated offices across the country. The RE/MAX franchise network, now in its 33rd year of consecutive growth, is a global real estate system operating in over 63 countries. More than 6,740 independently owned offices engage 119,400 member sales associates who lead the industry in professional designations, experience and production while providing real estate services in residential, commercial, referral, relocation and asset management. For more information, visit: www.remax.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

Tax Sale Properties in Ontario - How can you find them?

Example of the procedure of selling a tax sale property

Before there is a sale of property for tax arrears the property owner is given every opportunity to pay the taxes in full in order to keep possession of their property. This right has been supported by the Ontario Court of Appeal.

As the City or Municipality is only interested in recovering the debt outstanding, they typically adhere to the principal that the owner is given all chances to bring the taxes up to date and where an arrangement to pay has been made between the owner and the city, the tax sale of an advertised property will be cancelled.

Sometimes a tax sale does not occur, nobody bids on a property and the property becomes vested with the city or Municipality. Reasons for this can be where there are no bids during the tax sale and the property becomes vested with the city. Some of the reasons for this include but are not limited to:

• there is an easement on the land and building on it is restricted,


• the property is so small that building on it would not be allowed,


• the property is land locked and not accessible,


• the zoning of the land limits its use,


• the property is in such disrepair that it is not worth the taxes owed, etc.

In these situations with the exception of the last example the city or municipality may try and identify any restrictions so that bidders are fully aware before they bid and commit their 20% deposit which will be forfeited should the bidder not close the sale.

Where the tax sale has no bids, the City has one year from a failed tax sale to decide whether the City wants to vest the property to itself. If there are any concerns as to contamination or the safety of a building structure then the city will analyze the available data to decide if the city should assume any risk in putting the property in the City's name.

Where it is determined that the City will not vest the property they may issue a Request for Offers and attempt to spur development by accepting much less than the taxes owed while limiting our risk of ownership to a very short period. Examples of these types of properties are where the taxes owed are much more than the assessed value. The City can also choose to do nothing with the property and then start the whole tax process again on that property.

Where a property did get sold at the tax sale the price bid for that property must be at least the taxes owing (minimum bid). Where the bid was for more than the taxes owing the balance is paid into Provincial Court and any other creditors that were registered on title can then make a claim for the excess funds.

On properties for which there is no bid and it is indicated that the property is vested to the City, usually the Real Estate Department becomes responsible for the property. They will work with transferring title to any adjoining owners, transferring title to another government agency (i.e. conservation, authority), the city may potentially require the property for its own use, or the Real Estate Department may market the property and attempt to then get the best price available for the property. Often the city or municipality will market the property on the MLS. These properties are then available to the general public through agents like myself.

I can send you a list of foreclosure properties if you use my online form.

As you can see, the process can become quite complicated and may take many months or years to conclude.


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

Power of Sales Properties - What are they and how can I get them?

What is a Power of Sale Property?

When a borrower defaults on a home mortgage, the lender may attempt to recover its losses by repossessing and selling the property. However, because of legal fees, foregone interest, and property expenses, estimated losses on these foreclosures range from 30 percent to 60 percent of the outstanding loan balances.

There are other variables that can affect the losses or costs as foreclosures and power of sales properties, one of which is the time it takes to process the paperwork in the courts.

Definition of Power of Sale: A clause commonly inserted in a mortgage and deed of trust that grants the creditor or trustee the right and authority, upon default in the payment of the debt, to advertise and sell the property at public auction, without resorting to a court for authorization to do so.

Once the creditor is paid out of the net proceeds, the property is transferred by deed to the purchaser, and the surplus, if any, is returned to the borrower or debtor. The debtor is thereby completely divested of any interest in the property and has no subsequent right of redemption—recovery of property by paying the mortgage debt in full.

You will often see advertisements about Court Auctions, Pre-Forclosures, Homeowners in Bankruptcy, HUD Homes, VA Homes, Government homes and similar sounding wording. In my experience, many of these types of properties come out of the US and are not as common here in Ontario.

In our trading area, most of the Power of Sale (POS) or foreclosure properties are put on the Toronto TREB MLS. The reason for this is that our laws are very strict about the procedure and marketing of a power of sale property and the company or person who is initiating the power of sale must do their best to obtain market value for the property. Otherwise if the property is sold too far under market value, the owner could sue the lender for the shortfall.

Would you like to automatically receive new MLS listings of residential Power of Sales or Bank sales or Foreclosures in the Toronto or Mississauga and Oakville areas? This would include new power of sale and bank sale listings as they are added to the MLS database system. Click the graphic below to sign up.



Please send me Power of Sale listings in the GTA and Mississauga areas.

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 Celebrates 10 years in a row of $1 Billion in Construction

Mississauga Celebrates $1 Billion in Construction 10 Years in a Row

Mayor Hazel McCallion, members of Council and the City's Leadership Team, along with staff in the Planning and Building Department, will celebrate the City's 10-year building milestone at a cake-cutting reception following the regularly scheduled Council meeting at 2 p.m.

"This is a very exciting time for Mississauga. New condominium developments are dramatically changing our city centre, and innovative new commercial and industrial developments, our talented labour force, and access to quality city amenities, are attracting businesses to Mississauga from around the world."

Total value of residential building permits issued last year was $552,832 million.
"About 44 hectares are located in the city centre where, once developed, the employment opportunities will complement the residential development already in place and will add to the vitality and excitement of Mississauga's downtown."

The total value of construction over the last decade is $14 billion. Of that, $7.96 billion was for residential development.

Mississauga City Centre is where much of the new condo activity is located. Many of the projects mix residential with commercial and office developments.
They include:
- One Park Tower at 388 Prince of Wales Dr. This 38-storey tower features grade-related commercial space.
- Solstice One at 225 Webb Dr. This 38-storey tower offers grade-related retail and commercial space as well as second floor office space.
- Absolute Tower Three at 80 Absolute Ave. This is the third in a series of five condominiums to be built at the corner of Hurontario St. and Burnhamthorpe Rd.

During Council, Agris Robeznieks, the City's chief building official and director of building will make a presentation outlining Mississauga's 2006 Year-End Building Statistics and overview of the City's 10-year achievement in surpassing $14 billion total in prescribed construction in 10 years.

"Building is still booming in Mississauga where we have an ideal balance of residential and commercial-industrial development, which provide wide choices and great opportunities for living and working in our city," says Mayor Hazel McCallion.

"Mississauga is open for business with 1,198 hectares of vacant employment land available," says planning and building commissioner Ed Sajecki.

The City of Mississauga is celebrating its 10th year of construction activity totalling more than $1 billion.

The final tally for 2006 shows that 4,275 permits were issued during the year, valued at $1.05 billion.

Read more about the City of Mississauga

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

Directory Listing of Government Websites in Mississauga and the GTA

This page contains a list of Government websites located in the GTA and Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

One of the great benefits of the Internet is that it allows improved public access to to all levels of our governments

The explosive growth of the Internet and the continuing public demand for greater access to government has resulted in governments at all levels rushing to ensure their presence is known and seen on the World Wide Web.

The main purpose of most of the government Web sites is to communicate with constituents and distribute information on various programs and services. Governments at the federal and provincial levels, as well as most local and regional governments in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) have established their own Web sites in an effort to get closer to the voters.

In addition to obtaining information about government programs and services, the public can also communicate with many elected officials via e-mail. For example, by accessing the Government of Canada Web sites, individuals can obtain e-mail addresses for the Prime Minister, and various federal cabinet ministers.

Furthermore, many of the Web sites have links to other government related home pages making it easier for the public to stay in touch with their elected representatives.

Listed below are the home page addresses for the federal and provincial governments, and for many of the local and regional governments in the Greater Toronto Area.

If the government you are searching for is not listed, try searching by using a good search engine, such as google.ca At the search engine's home page, simply enter the name of the government, start the search and you should pull up some sites. If you are unsuccessful, it may mean that no Web site exists for that particular government search or it could be under construction.

Government Web Site Addresses

Government of Canada

http://www.canada.gc.ca/

Government of Ontario

http://www.gov.on.ca/

Regional Governments:

Durham Region

http://www.region.durham.on.ca/

Halton Region

http://www.region.halton.on.ca/

Peel Region

http://www.region.peel.on.ca/

York Region

http://www.region.york.on.ca/

Municipal Governments:

Ajax

http://www.town.ajax.on.ca/

Aurora

http://www.town.aurora.on.ca/

Brampton

http://www.city.brampton.on.ca/

Brock

wwww.townshipofbrock.ca

Burlington

http://www.city.burlington.on.ca/

Caledon

http://www.town.caledon.on.ca/

Clarington

http://www.municipality.clarington.on.ca/

East Gwillimbury

http://www.town.eastgwillimbury.on.ca/

Georgina

http://www.town.georgina.on.ca/

Halton Hills

http://www.town.halton-hills.on.ca/

King

http://www.township.king.on.ca/

Markham

http://www.city.markham.on.ca/

Milton

http://www.town.milton.on.ca/

Mississauga

http://www.city.mississauga.on.ca/

Newmarket

http://www.town.newmarket.on.ca/

Oakville

http://www.town.oakville.on.ca/

Oshawa

http://www.city.oshawa.on.ca/

Pickering

http://www.cityofpickering.com/

Richmond Hill

http://www.town.richmondhill.on.ca/

Scugog

http://www.township.scugog.on.ca/

Toronto

http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/

Uxbridge

http://www.uxbridge.com/

Vaughan

http://www.city.vaughan.on.ca/

Whitby

http://www.town.whitby.on.ca/

Whitchurch-Stouffville

http://www.town.whitchurch-stouffville.on.ca/

See more links at this page

For more information please contact A. Mark Argentino

A. Mark Argentino Associate Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
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

Average Sales Prices for West Mississauga zones W16, W19 and W20

In the three tables below you can see the sales statistics for the month of January 2007. The stats show the averages for Freehold townhomes, townhome condos, high rise condos, semi detached home, detached homes, co-operative homes, link detached homes and detached condos that were sold in the areas of W16, W19 and W20

If you are not sure of the boundaries for these zones, please browse to this page and it will show you all the W zones and you may click the zone to see details and boundaries.



MLS Sold Statistical Summary for W19 on 1/31/2007

MLS Sold Statistical Summary for W20 on 1/31/2007


W16


W19





See all the stats and numbers at this page

For more information please contact A. Mark Argentino

A. Mark Argentino Associate Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
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

Age Old Question - Should I Rent or Own??

Is it better to Rent or Own your home?

The Benefits of Home Ownership

Unlike renting, buying a home is an investment that can appreciate over time, giving you more financial security long term. If you are still paying rent to someone else, these numbers may be of interest to you.
The example that follows is based on these assumptions:

Anticipated Home Price: $ 200,000 Down Payment: $ 0.00
Interest Rate: 5.09% Amortization: 25 yr
Monthly Rent: $1,200 Mortgage Payment: $1,173
Annual Rent Increase: 3.0% Home Value Increase: 3.0%




After 5 years, you will have accumulated $54,591 equity in your home. In addition, you will have paid $6,043 less than your rental payments. This chart shows the totals year by year:



*Calculation results are approximations and are for information purposes only. Actual figures may vary. It assumes all payments are made when due. This does not include any additional home ownership expenses i.e. property taxes, heating costs, and condo fees if applicable. Article courtesy of Scotiabank

For more information please contact A. Mark Argentino

A. Mark Argentino Associate Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
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

"Set the Stage" if You are Thinking of Selling soon -

Home Staged Home
What to do before you sell

"Home Staging" is more than just preparing to sell your home by making it look the best it can. It's really the art of first impressions. For many home sellers and real estate agents, the concept of "home staging" is being more frequently recognized and used to effectively promote and market a home in the marketplace. However, while real estate agents are experts in the field of selling houses and closing the sale, many are not experts in design. If you are in the process of, or thinking about, selling your home, you may want to consider hiring a professional home stager to assist you. They work with the "flow" of a home, eliminate clutter, arrange furniture, and even assist in enhancing curb appeal. Or, if you're more the do-it-yourself type, below are some tips on what you can do to improve your home's "first impression."

Start at the curb
Curb appeal is the first step to selling your home. No one wants to buy a previous owner's dirty house. Power-wash the siding and wash windows until they shine. Trees, shrubs, and flowers should be neat and tidy, the garden weeded and the lawn mowed and edged. Once you've removed everything that isn't necessary, add touches such as large, lush flower pots or hanging planters to welcome visitors.

Move inside
Once you've created a promising exterior, you need to focus on the interior. The key to staging is to make it meaningful, set the tone and suggest countless possibilities. That means you need to remove everything that could distract the buyer's attention. Keep only what you must to remain functional. If you don't use something everyday, pack it for the move.

Like the exterior, the inside needs to be neat and clean. If paint is showing signs of age, repaint. Neutrals often work best.

Once the house is clean, stage your home with minimal furnishings. If you need inspiration, visit some model homes to see how decorators have put rooms together.

Clear out closets, cupboards, and drawers.

Strip the kitchen down to the necessities. Counters, however, should be clear, except for a decoratively placed bowl of fruit or bouquet of fresh flowers.

It's not necessary for individual rooms to be used for their original purpose as long as the functions they represent are logical and show the space off well.

Remove anything personal such as family pictures and mementos.

Edit books, CDs, and videos on bookshelves.

Arrange furniture to enhance the strengths of the room and facilitate traffic flow.

If your furniture shows signs of age, consider borrowing pieces.

Open the curtains to allow natural light to fill the room.

Appeal to the buyer's sense of smell. Hot apple cider, cinnamon rolls, or fresh baked cookies add a homey smell.

Simplicity and comfort is your ultimate goal!

Your Home Staging Checklist

Are all countertops clean and clear?

Have you removed unnecessary furniture throughout the house?

Is the refrigerator free of children's art and magnets?

Check the bathrooms

Are the surfaces clean and clear?

Are shower curtains clean and hung properly?

Is the flooring clean and fresh?

Are towels neatly hung?

Check the walls

Is paint and wallpaper fresh and clean?

Are the walls free from cracks and holes?

Is there anything on the walls that need to be removed?

Check the floors

Is the carpet clean and free from stains?

Are hard surface floors clean and free from stains?

Check the windows

Are all the windows clean?

Are draperies and blinds clean?

Pet check

Remove any signs that this is a pet's home.

Check the aroma

Air out the home prior to showings.

Set the mood prior to showings

Open draperies and blinds.

Turn on the radio to a soft music station, set the volume low.

If you have time, bake a batch of cookies or muffins to create a warm, welcoming aroma.

Read more about setting the stage

For more information please contact A. Mark Argentino

A. Mark Argentino Associate Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
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