Wednesday, April 27, 2011

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

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


Mark,


QUESTION:


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


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


1) For how many years?


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


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


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


Thank you J.


ANSWER:


Hello J.,


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


There is no single correct answer on this issue.

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

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

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

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

Another thing for you to think about is this.



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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Mark

A. Mark Argentino P. Eng. Broker


Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate


Tuesday, April 26, 2011

TREB Toronto Real Estate Board single family dwelling residential breakdown of sales

TREB Toronto Real Estate Board single family dwelling residential breakdown of sales







Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph

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

Monday, April 25, 2011

2011 TREB Affordability Indicator Share of Average Household Income Used for Mortgage Principal and Interest, Property Taxes and Utilities April 2011

Explanation: This chart plots the share of average household income that goes toward mortgage principal and interest, property taxes and utilities for the average priced home in the GTA subject to the following assumptions:
1.Average annual or year-to-date home price as reported by TREB
2.20 per cent down payment
3.Average 5-year fixed mortgage rate (Statistics Canada); 25-year amortization
4.Average property tax rate reported by/estimated from the Statistics Canada Survey of Household Spending
5.Average utilities cost reported by/estimated from the Statistics Canada Survey of Household Spending and components of the Consumer Price Index
6.Average household income reported by the Census of Canada



Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph

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

Friday, April 22, 2011

TREB MLS® Sales-to-New Listings Ratio Compared to Average Annual Per Cent Change in Home Price Sales April 2011

Explanation: This chart plots the monthly sales-to-new listings ratio (blue line) with year-over-year average annual per cent price change (brown line). When the sales-to-new listings ratio moves higher, average annual per cent change in home prices generally trends higher. When the sales-to-new listings ratio moves lower, average annual per cent change in home prices generally trends lower.


Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph

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

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Lunacy - Is the Real Estate market heated up in Mississauga?

Currently, Real estate sales in Mississauga are very heated

Daniel's is opening their phase 3 stacked townhome complex at Winston Churchill and Eglinton. I've been told that people began lining up on Monday April 18th for a chance to purchase one of these new townhomes.

There are many similar type stacked townhomes currently on the resale market, but these are for brand new units.

These units don't go on sale until Saturday morning May 5th, so people will be standing in line almost 3 weeks and will begin living in a tent for about 2 weeks starting April 25th for the opportunity to buy a townhouse - lunacy!


Or maybe I'm wrong and standing in line for 2 to 3 weeks is the norm.

All the best!
Mark


PS: Are you worried about what option you should choose for your mortgage, read which is best here:
http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Lock-In-Short-Term-Long-Term-Mortgage.htm

TREB Toronto Real Estate Board single family dwelling residential breakdown of average price

TREB Toronto Real Estate Board single family dwelling residential breakdown of average price


Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph

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

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

TREB MLS® Average Price Monthly Time Series with Trend Line Actual April 2011

Explanation: This chart plots monthly MLS® average price since January 1995. The blue line shows the actual average price. The brown line is the trend computed using a 12-month moving average, which exhibits no seasonal variations or other irregular fluctuations. A substantial change in actual average price must occur to change the direction of the trend.



Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph

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

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

GTA Real Estate Mid Month resale homes

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


All the best,


Mark


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


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


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


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


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


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


I hope this finds you Happy and Healthy!


All the Best!


Mark



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


* 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 Toronto Real Estate Board single family dwelling residential breakdown of active listings

TREB Toronto Real Estate Board single family dwelling residential breakdown of active listings


Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph

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

Monday, April 18, 2011

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

Explanation: This chart plots monthly MLS® new listings since January 1995. The blue line shows actual new listings. The brown line is the trend computed using a 12-month moving average, which exhibits no seasonal variations or other irregular fluctuations. A substantial change in actual new listings must occur to change the direction of the trend.


Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph

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

Saturday, April 16, 2011

TREB Toronto Real Estate Board this is a summary of the March Sales and Average prices comaring 2011 to 2010 and by home type

TREB Toronto Real Estate Board this is a summary of the March Sales and Average prices comaring 2011 to 2010, as well you can see the sales and average price by home type in the chart below Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph 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

Friday, April 15, 2011

TREB MLS® Sales Monthly Time Series with Trend Line Actual

Explanation: This chart plots monthly MLS® sales since January 1995. The blue line shows actual sales. The brown line is the trend computed using a 12-month moving average, which exhibits no seasonal variations or other irregular fluctuations. A substantial change in actual sales must occur to change the direction of the trend.


Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph

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

Thursday, April 14, 2011

TREB Toronto Real Estate Board Single Family dwellings housing market indicators

TREB Toronto Real Estate Board Single Family dwellings housing market indicators


Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph

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

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Email and electronic marketing rules for Realtors!

We just received an email from our local Mississauga Real Estate Board regarding email and electronic marketing rules that will be implemented shortly.

These rules will ensure that you are not spammed by realtors and that you always will have the option to be removed from email lists.

The fines for realtors for non-compliance are up to $1million! The details are below.

All the best!

Mark

This is courtesy of the Mississauga Real Estate Board

NEW ELECTRONIC MARKETING RULES:

TEN THINGS REALTORS(r) NEED TO KNOW


The government is close to finalizing new rules for marketing by e-mail, text messaging and other forms of electronic communication, which will impact the way REALTORS(r) communicate with clients. When the proposed rules were before Parliament in an anti-spam bill, CREA won important concessions. There may be additional modifications, and CREA continues to follow this issue closely.


In order to get prepared, here are ten things REALTORS(r) need to know:


1) With a few exceptions, REALTORS(r) will no longer be able to send electronic messages to clients or potential clients without their consent.


2) Consent will be implied for REALTORS(r) to send electronic messages to a client for two years following a real estate transaction and six months after an inquiry from a potential client.


3) A transitional provision allows REALTORS(r) to send electronic messages to clients without their consent for three years, provided the relationship existed before the new rules come into force.

4) The onus is on the REALTOR(r) to prove consent; therefore you must document that consent has been obtained by a recipient.


5) When obtaining consent, REALTORS(r) must set out the purpose for which the consent is being sought, as well as information identifying them. More details about obtaining consent will be included in the regulations issued for the legislation, which have not been drafted yet.

6) REALTORS(r) will need to ensure each electronic message contains their contact information, an unsubscribe mechanism, and any other information set out in the forthcoming regulations.

7) Consent will be implied and REALTORS(r) will be able to follow up by email with new contacts they meet at networking functions, so long as the electronic message is relevant to the recipient's business.

8) Consent will not be implied for REALTORS(r) to follow up on a referral unless the potential client provides their express consent, or has a personal, family or existing business relationship with the REALTOR(r).

9) REALTORS(r) who fail to comply with these new electronic marketing rules could face administrative monetary penalties of up to $1 million for individuals and $10 million for corporations. In addition, individuals who receive unsolicited electronic marketing materials from a REALTOR(r) could launch a private right of action and sue for monetary compensation.

10) Telephone marketing continues to be governed by the Do Not Call List do not call list rules. In the future, the government may include telephone marketing under the same electronic marketing compliance regime.

TREB MLS® Average Resale Home Price Monthly with Three Previous Years for Comparison

Explanation: This chart plots the monthly MLS® average home price for the current year and the previous three years. The recurring seasonal trend can be examined along with comparisons to previous years for each month.


Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph

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

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Bank of Canada has decided to leave the current prime rate at 1% April 11 2011



Hello, the Bank of Canada has decided to leave the current prime rate at 1%


This means that Bank Prime will remain at 3% and variable rates should remain about where they are now. The full release is below. Good news! Thank you, Mark

Bank of Canada maintains overnight rate target at 1 per cent

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

As anticipated in the January Monetary Policy Report (MPR), the global economic recovery is becoming more firmly entrenched and is expected to continue at a steady pace. In the United States, growth is solidifying, although consolidation of household and ultimately government balance sheets will limit the pace of the expansion. European growth has strengthened, despite ongoing sovereign debt and banking challenges in the periphery. The disasters that struck Japan in March will severely affect its economic activity in the first half of this year and create short-term disruptions to supply chains in advanced economies. Robust demand from emerging-market economies is driving the underlying strength in commodity prices, which is being further reinforced by supply shocks arising from recent geopolitical events. These price increases, combined with persistent excess demand conditions in major emerging-market economies, are contributing to the emergence of broader global inflationary pressures. Despite the significant challenges that weigh on the global outlook, global financial conditions remain very stimulative and investors have become noticeably less risk averse.

Although recent economic activity in Canada has been stronger than the Bank had anticipated, the profile is largely consistent with the underlying dynamics outlined in the January MPR. Aggregate demand is rebalancing toward business investment and net exports, and away from government and household expenditures. As in January, the Bank expects business investment to continue to rise rapidly and the growth of consumer spending to evolve broadly in line with that of personal disposable income, although higher terms of trade and wealth are likely to support a slightly stronger profile for household expenditures than previously projected. In contrast, the improvement in net exports is expected to be further restrained by ongoing competitiveness challenges, which have been reinforced by the recent strength of the Canadian dollar.

Overall, the Bank projects that the economy will expand by 2.9 per cent in 2011 and 2.6 per cent in 2012. Growth in 2013 is expected to equal that of potential output, at 2.1 per cent. The Bank expects that the economy will return to capacity in the middle of 2012, two quarters earlier than had been projected in the January MPR.

While underlying inflation is subdued, a number of temporary factors will boost total CPI inflation to around 3 per cent in the second quarter of 2011 before total CPI inflation converges to the 2 per cent target by the middle of 2012. This short-term volatility reflects the impact of recent sharp increases in energy prices and the ongoing boost from changes in provincial indirect taxes. Core inflation has fallen further in recent months, in part due to temporary factors. It is expected to rise gradually to 2 per cent by the middle of 2012 as excess supply in the economy is slowly absorbed, labour compensation growth stays modest, productivity recovers and inflation expectations remain well-anchored.

The persistent strength of the Canadian dollar could create even greater headwinds for the Canadian economy, putting additional downward pressure on inflation through weaker-than-expected net exports and larger declines in import prices.

Reflecting all of these factors, the Bank has decided to maintain the target for the overnight rate at 1 per cent. This leaves considerable monetary stimulus in place, consistent with achieving the 2 per cent inflation target in an environment of material excess supply in Canada. Any further reduction in monetary policy stimulus would need to be carefully considered.

Information note:

A full update of the Bank's outlook for the economy and inflation, including risks to the projection, will be published in the MPR on 13 April 2011. The next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is 31 May 2011.


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 annual average and median prices for real estate in the GTA

This is TREB annual average and median prices for real estate in the GTA


Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph

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

Monday, April 11, 2011

TREB MLS® Sales-to-New Listings Ratio Compared to Average Annual Per Cent Change in Home Price Sales

Explanation: This chart plots the monthly MLS® sales-to-new listings ratio (SNLR) for the current year and the previous three years. The recurring seasonal trend can be examined along with comparisons to previous years for each month. When the SNLR moves higher, annual average price growth generally increases –often at a rate well above inflation. When the SNLR moves lower, annual average price growth generally declines and can become negative.

Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph

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

Sunday, April 10, 2011

TREB Toronto Real Estate Board single family residential breakdown of sales for March of 2011

TREB Toronto Real Estate Board single family residential breakdown of sales for March of 2011


Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph

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

Saturday, April 09, 2011

TREB Toronto Real Estate Board single family residential breakdown of sales by the number April 2011

TREB Toronto Real Estate Board single family residential breakdown of sales by the numbers



Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph

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

Friday, April 08, 2011

Current posted and attainable mortgage interest rates in the GTA

Hello, the table below shows the current posted and attainable mortgage interest rates in the GTA Enjoy! Mark TERM POSTED Attainable RATES* 6 Month 4.45% 3.95% 1 Year 3.7% 2.7% 2 Year 4.05% 3.25% 3 Year 4.55% 3.3% 4 Year 5.19% 3.79% 5 Year 5.69% 3.89% 7 Year 6.49% 4.79% 10 Year 6.85% 4.99% Variable Rate 2.2% Prime Rate 3% * Rates may vary and are subject to change without notice OAC, EO&E. Rates Last Updated: Thursday, April 07, 2011

TREB MLS® New Listings Monthly with Three Previous Years for Comparison

Explanation: This chart plots monthly MLS® new listings for the current year and the previous three years. The recurring seasonal trend can be examined along with comparisons to previous years for each month.

Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph

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

Thursday, April 07, 2011

The History of TREB Toronto Real Estate Board

This video shows the History of TREB from the beginning to the current age.
Enjoy!
Mark



Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and GraphFor 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

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

Toronto and GTA Historical house prices for single family dwellings back to the 1950's

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


Explanation: This chart plots monthly MLS® sales for the current year and the previous three years. The recurring seasonal trend can be examined along with comparisons to previous years for each month.

Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph 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

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Toronto Real Estate Board Resale activity April report for March 2011

This is the latest report from the Toronto Real Estate Board on resale activity for March 2011 Sales When comparing with the same month in 2010 the number of sales are lower by 11% and the prices are up 5% to $456,147 All the Best! Mark GTA REALTORS(r) Report Monthly Resale Housing Market Figures

TORONTO, April 5, 2011 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS(r) reported 9,262 transactions through the TorontoMLS(r) system in March 2011, representing the second best March result on record. The number

of transactions was 11 per cent lower than the record result reported in March 2010.

"The strong home sales reported in March and throughout the first quarter of 2011 have been based on a solid affordability picture and improving economic conditions in the GTA and country-wide," said Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) President Bill Johnston.

The average selling price for March 2011 was up five per cent year-over-year to $456,147. The strongest average annual price growth was reported for condominium apartments and semi-detached houses, at approximately seven per cent for both home types.

"Market conditions were tighter in March compared to last year. With more competition between buyers, we have seen a strong but sustainable rate of price growth," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. Median Price In March, the median price was $385,000, from the $370,000 recorded during March of 2010.

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

LTTX (Land Transfer Tax) in Toronto and GTA Did You Know this?

LTT (Land Transfer Tax) Did You Know? This video from TREB will give you some insight into Land Transfer Tax when you purchase.

See my calculator for Land Transfer Tax here:
Land Transfer Tax Calculator







Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and GraphFor more information please contact A. Mark Argentino A. Mark Argentino, Broker, P.Eng.,Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate RE/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

Monday, April 04, 2011

Latest outlook and comments by TD bank on Economic News - April 1, 2011

This article below is the latest outlook and comments by TD bank, Enjoy! Mark April 1, 2011


Data Release: U.S. job growth gaining momentum


* U.S. non-farm payrolls rose by 216K in March, slightly above market expectations for 190K. Private sector hiring expanded by 230K, also above consensus for 206K.




* Revisions were positive but relatively minor adding a net 7K to payrolls.



* Government payrolls continued to contract in March, declining by 14K, an improvement from the 34K drop in February, but marking the fifth straight month that government payrolls have subtracted from the total. The decline was entirely at the local government level, a trend that is likely to continue over the remainder of this year.




* Goods-producing employment rose by a respectable 31K and manufacturing by 17K. Private services-producing employment accelerated nicely, growing by 199K jobs in the month - its strongest post-recession pace to date.




* In what has now become a four month trend, the unemployment rate fell to 8.8% from 8.9% in February. Importantly, the decline was due to a relatively strong 291K job gain in household survey employment and came even as the labor force grew by 190K.




* The underemployment rate - including discouraged workers and part-time for economic reasons also declined for the fourth straight month to 15.7%, down from a peak of 17.0% in November.




Key Implications



* After a long winter, the U.S. labor market is showing real signs of a spring thaw. Private job creation in the first three months of 2011 marks the fastest pace the U.S. recovery has seen to date. This is the strongest signal yet that the U.S. recovery has entered a new phase of self-sustained private demand driven growth.




* Strength in the job market should alleviate some of the concerns raised by the slowdown observed in other economic indicators over the last several weeks and signs that economic growth in the first quarter of this year has decelerated from the 3.1% outturn of the previous quarter. With continued job growth, this should prove to be a temporary setback.




* While risks to the recovery remain, the majority of them are from sources external to the U.S. As long as the job market continues to participate in economic growth, the key domestic risk- namely the condition of the housing market - should follow suit with more meaningful mprovement. If these two pieces fall into place, the U.S. economy should prove resilient against the negative outside forces.




* With employment momentum picking up, the task for the Federal Reserve will turn increasingly to managing the exit strategy. While there's still a long way to go before normalcy in the job market, a continuation of numbers like today's will require a shift in attention towards the second item of the Fed's dual mandate - ensuring stable prices.



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

Friday, April 01, 2011

Did you hear about the huge gas price increase in Ontario?!


Massive gas price increase overnight

by Sympatico.ca Staff

Brace yourself. Gas prices in Canada are set to shoot up dramatically tonight.

Gas is set to rise by an unprecedented 30 cents a litre, as world events drive prices up across the country.

Furnace oil and diesel are expected to follow suit, rising by 35 cents and 26 cents, respectively.

In light of the current global situation, Canadians are already feeling the pressure at the pump. And many have had enough.

"It's just ridiculous," says Matt Hennessey. "They can't honestly expect us to keep paying more whenever they decide to raise prices."

As bad as the situation sounds, experts worry things could quickly get much worse. Canadians could see everything from the cost of food to the cost of public transportation rise as a result.

"These prices may have been triggered by events beyond our control, but it's going to cause unrest in Canada," says Tom Schaefer, editor of The Petroleum Post. "I'm expecting protests, riots, and strongly worded letters to Parliament."

People in Canada, naturally, will look to the Tar Sands to help curb skyrocketing prices. Unfortunately, Canada lacks refinery capacity and is already at its peak for production.

"For now, people will just have to open up their wallets and pay these outrageous prices," says Schaefer. "I'm not happy about it either."

Click here to find out how much gas will cost in your city.


Good Luck!
Mark

Current mortgage rates for Toronto and the GTA

These are the posted and attainable rates for mortgages in the GTA, great time to buy! TERM POSTED Attainable RATES* 6 Month 4.45% 3.95% 1 Year 3.50% 2.70% 2 Year 3.75% 3.25% 3 Year 4.35% 3.30% 4 Year 4.99% 3.64% 5 Year 5.34% 3.74% 7 Year 6.14% 4.79% 10 Year 6.50% 4.99% Variable Rate 2.20% Prime Rate 3.00% * *Rates may vary provincially and are subject to change without notice OAC. Rates Last Updated: Thursday, March 31, 2011

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