What were they thinking? Actual Christmas Cards??

What were they thinking? Actual Christmas Cards

WOW!

What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 0041 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 0071 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 048 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 041 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 0131 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 0081 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 0171 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 006 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 0101 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 025 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 0241 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 033 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 029 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 026 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 037 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 030 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 034 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 0011 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 0021 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 0051 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 0151 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 0161 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 0191 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 0201 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 0211 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 028 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 035 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 036 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 038 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 039 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 046 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

Family Photo Number 050 What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo and send it to their friends?

What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo
and send it to their friends? famille

What was this family thinking when they decided to take this photo
and send it to their friends? famille

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

8 Per Cent Price Increase for Toronto and GTA residential home sales for 2011

The year end figures for GTA residential home sales were just published.
2011 was the second best year on record with nearly 90,000 sales up about 4% compared to 2010

Average price for 2011 was $465,412 up about 8% compared to the 2010 average of $431,276

See the full press release below and I will update all my graphs and information on my website at http://www.mississauga4sale.com/TREBprice.htm in the next couple of days.

I wish you all the best in 2012!

Mark

GTA REALTORS(r) RELEASE MONTHLY RESALE MARKET FIGURES

TORONTO, January 5, 2012 - Greater Toronto REALTORS(r) reported 4,718
transactions through the TorontoMLS(r) system in December 2011. The December
result capped off the second-best year on record under the current Toronto
Real Estate Board (TREB) boundaries. Total sales for 2011 amounted to 89,347
- up four per cent in comparison to 2010.

"Low borrowing costs kept Buyers confident in their ability to comfortably
cover their mortgage payments along with other major housing costs," said
TREB President Richard Silver. "If Buyers had not been constrained by a
shortage of listings over the past 12 months, we would have been flirting
with a new sales record in the Greater Toronto Area," added Silver.

The average selling price in December was $451,436 - up four per cent
compared to December 2010. For all of 2011, the average selling price was
$465,412, an increase of eight per cent in comparison to the average of
$431,276 in 2010.

"Months of inventory remained below the pre-recession norm in 2011. Very
tight market conditions meant substantial competition between Buyers and
strong upward pressure on selling prices," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior
Manager of Market Analysis.

"TREB's baseline forecast for 2012 is for an average price of $485,000,
representing a more moderate four per cent annual rate of price growth. This
baseline view is subject to a heightened degree of risk given the uncertain
global economic outlook," continued Mercer. Summary of TorontoMLS(r) Sales
and Average Price

December 1-31

2011

2010

Sales

Ave. Price

Sales

Ave. Price

City of Toronto "416"

1,948

$474,270

1,818

$463,580

Rest of GTA "905"

2,770

$435,378

2,468

$411,383

GTA

4,718

$451,436

4,286

$433,523

TorontoMLS(r) Sales & Average Price By Home Type

December 1-31, 2011

Sales

Ave. Price

416

905

Total

416

905

Total

Detached

581

1,512

2,093

701,846

525,360

574,351

Yr./Yr. % Change

4%

12%

10%

3%

4%

3%

Semi-Detached

202

289

491

517,152

365,417

427,842

Yr./Yr. % Change

20%

12%

15%

10%

9%

10%

Townhouse

199

517

716

372,164

333,359

344,144

Yr./Yr. % Change

3%

20%

15%

-7%

8%

2%

Condo Apartment

943

363

1,306

351,104

275,173

330,000

Yr./Yr. % Change

7%

-3%

4%

3%

9%

5%

November GTA Real Estate Sales statistics from TREB

this is the report from the Toronto Real Estate Board for last months sales figures in the GTA

The Average price was $480,421 up nearly 10% compared to November 2010
The total number of sales was 7,092 up 11% compared to November 2010

See the full report below,
Mark




Healthy Fall Market Continues in November

Toronto, December 6, 2011 - Greater Toronto REALTORS(r) reported 7,092 residential transactions through the TorontoMLS(r) system in November - up 11 per cent in comparison to November 2010. At the same time, the number of new listings was up by 14 per cent in comparison to last year.

"We have seen strong annual sales growth through the 2011 fall market. The increase in transactions has been broad-based, with strong growth across low-rise and high-rise home types throughout the Greater Toronto Area," said Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) President Richard Silver.

"The market has also become better supplied, with annual new listings growth outstripping that of sales. As this trend continues into 2012, we will see more balanced
market conditions."

The average price for November transactions was $480,421, representing an increase of almost 10 per cent in comparison to $437,494 in November 2010.

"Despite strong price growth this year, the housing market remains affordable in the GTA," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "The correct method of assessing affordability is to consider the share of the average household's income that is dedicated to mortgage principal and interest, property taxes and utilities. Currently, this share remains in line with generally accepted lending guidelines. Given this positive affordability picture, average price growth is forecast to continue in 2012, albeit at a more moderate pace."

Read more at TREB Prices

All the best!

Mark

Are you thinking of becoming a real estate agent in Ontario?

If you are thinking of becoming a real estate agent in the GTA or Ontari,
great news!

I hope that things work out for you.

Have you read about costs associated with getting your license, it's about
the same anywhere in Ontario.

Start here and read through the 10 pages or so about the costs associated
with obtaining your real estate license in Ontario:
http://www.mississauga4sale.com/costs-course-obtaining-my-real-estate-licens
e-Ontario.htm

These are the courses required to obtain your real estate license in
Ontario:

<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/courses-required-to-get-real-estate-license
-in-ontario.htm>
http://www.mississauga4sale.com/courses-required-to-get-real-estate-license-
in-ontario.htm

These are the
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Part-Bonus-7-Tips-long-term-success-real-es
tate-Ontario.htm> 7 Tips for long term success in the real estate business
in Ontario

These are the
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Part-1-General-ideas-suggestions-motivation
al-quotes.htm> Ten specific Tasks that leading real estate salespeople do to
succeed in real estate

Once you have read through these pages, I would be happy to answer any
questions you may have.

Here is some information on motivation and universal success secrets
<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Motivation-Success-Ten-Scrolls.htm>

I wish you all the best in everything you do in life!
Mark

A. Mark Argentino, P.Eng., Broker
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.

Bus: 905-828-3434
email: mark@mississauga4sale.com
web: www. <http://www.mississauga4sale.com/> Mississauga4Sale.com

GTA Mortgage Interest Rate Update

I thought that I would forward you some information sent to me about
mortgage interest rates that are posted and attainable in the GTA

Rates have stayed fairly consistent over the last few weeks.

The best rates from this person are show below.

If you need more information, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Term Best Rate Bank Rate
3 Yr Fixed 2.89% 4.25%
5 Yr Fixed 3.19% 5.35%
Variable 2.60% 3.00%

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 and GTA REALTORS Mid-November 2011 Resale Housing Market Figures

GTA REALTORS® Report Mid-Month Resale Housing Market Figures

TORONTO, November 16, 2011 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 3,379 transactions through the TorontoMLS® during the first two weeks of November. This result represented more than a 13 per cent increase compared to November 2010. New listings were up 16 per cent over the same period.


“The results for the first two weeks of November point to two important facts: First, despite global economic uncertainty, buyers have remained confident in the affordable housing market in the GTA. Second, stronger growth in new listings means that it is becoming easier for buyers to find a home that meets their needs,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver.

The average selling price through the first 14 days of November was $481,548 – up by 10 per cent compared to the average of $437,510 reported for the first two weeks of November 2010.

“Little or no movement is expected for mortgage rates through 2012. Low rates coupled with the consensus outlook for continued economic growth next year suggests that homes will remain affordable in the GTA and households will remain confident in doing deals. Look for the average selling price to advance to the $485,000 mark next year,” said Jason Mercer, the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.





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

Discounted commission rates and the buyer agent commission

I had an interesting question from a buyer. Below is the question and my answer.
Mark

Hi Mark,

Thanks a lot for the very informative email. The house I am considering selling our house, if the buyer's agent gets 2.5% commission isn't the buyer then responsible to pay the HST on behalf of their real estate agent?

Thanks,

MA

Hello MA

Even though the buyer's agent represents the buyer, 99.9% of the time (I'm guessing that maybe 1 in 1000 transactions the buyer may pay the commission to the buyer's agent) the agreement is that the listing agent pays the buyer the buyer's side of the commission and this is why the total commission to the seller is 5% or at least the buyer's agent side comes out of the total commission that the seller pays.

This is the way that it's set up in Ontario and it continues to work well.

In the US and other parts of the world the buyer's agent does get paid through the buyer, but in those cases or areas the lenders and banks need to be 'on board' and assess the property 2.5% (plus HST) higher than the price that the buyer pays in order for the buyer to pay the buyer's agent side of the commission, and it can become complicated.

This is the main reason why the commission split is similar to the way we have always done it even though the buyer's agent represents the buyer, the seller still pays the total commission.

Some Ontario lawyers have a problem with this, but let's not get into that!
:-)

All the best!
Mark

What happens if I want to break my lease?

I had a question from a tenant about breaking a lease and wanted to share my answer with you.

What happens if I want to break my lease?

The question was: I wanted to ask you what are the consequences to breaking the lease? I didn't see anything specific on the lease we have with the landlord and wanted to know.

Thanks

J

My answer was:
Hi J,

There are a few options available to you.

Typically, you can't break a lease, unless you and landlord agree to penalty which is typically 2 months rent. I've even seen more than this amount, but 2 months is typical. The reason for a penalty is that it causes much aggravation for the landlord plus the landlord needs to re-rent the unit and this typically costs the landlord one month rent plus 13% HST on the one month commission so the landlord needs to recover their costs to re-rent the unit.

The whole point of you signing a 1 year lease or longer is so that you have 'security of tenancy' meaning that you cannot be removed from the unit during the term of your lease (unless for something like a flood or fire or extreme emergency major renovation, but you still have first right to re-enter the unit once it's ready) AND your rent is fixed for the duration of the term. These are two very important points in your favour as a tenant.

There are many others, but these are the major reasons for a fixed term lease.

The other option to get out of your lease is to assign the lease to someone else who will live in the unit or for you to sublet the unit to someone else. If you find a tenant who wants to live in the unit for the balance of your lease and the landlord agrees to accept that new tenant (after a credit and reference check) then that person can move into your unit and the new tenant will pay the landlord, this is s sublet. You are still ultimately responsible for the rent payment if the person who sublets doesn't pay, but that doesn't happen too often.

If you assign your lease to another person and they move into your unit, then your lease is void and you are not responsible any time in the future.

If you leave in the middle of your lease, the landlord can easily take you to court, even if you don't attend court, they will obtain a judgment in favour of the rental amount and the landlord can serve that judgment on your place of work and garnish your wages. They can also lien your vehicle and other remedies, I'm not an expert, but these are some of the options available to the landlord.

If you absolutely must break your lease, the best course of action is to give plenty of notice, pay a penalty for breaking the lease early and move on OR stay to the end and give your proper notice.

I hope that this helps!

Please let me know if you have any other questions or require further information.

Thank you,

Mark

　

Greater Toronto REALTORS reported prices up 8 per cent year over year Toronto MLS in October 2011

This is the latest news from the Toronto Real Estate Board on Average sales
volumes and prices, market is very healthy!



Pace of Home Sales Remains Brisk in October

November 3, 2011 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS(r) reported 7,642 home sales
through the TorontoMLS(r) in October 2011. This represented an increase of
17.5 per cent compared to the 6,504 transactions reported in October 2010.

Monthly sales data follow a recurring seasonal trend that should be removed
before comparing monthly results within the same year. After adjusting for
seasonality, the annualized rate of sales for October was 97,100, which was
above the average of 90,700 for the first three quarters of 2011.

"The pace of October resale home transactions remained brisk in the GTA.
This bodes well for a strong finish to 2011," said Toronto Real Estate Board
President Richard Silver. "Home buyers who found it difficult to make a deal
in the spring and summer due to a shortage of listings have benefitted from
increased supply in the fall."

The average selling price through the TorontoMLS(r) in October was $478,137
- up eight per cent compared to October 2010.

"Sellers' market conditions remain in place in many parts of the GTA. The
result has been above-average annual rates of price growth for most home
types," said Jason Mercer, the Toronto Real Estate Board's Senior Manager of
Market Analysis.

"Thanks to low interest rates, strong price growth has not substantially
changed the positive affordability picture in the City of Toronto and
surrounding regions."

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