Here are some very innovative mortgage products for those in need

This is just a reminder of some the innovative mortgage products that are available for my clients.

- up to 100% financing... even on rental properties!
- up to 95% financing for self-employed individuals on STATED INCOME!
- money for renovations CAN be included in mortgage
- amortization of up to 40 years

Not to mention the absolute BEST customer service in the business!

*ask me about how I can offer you a FREE one-year warranty on their new home!

I have mortgage broker contacts that will also find the lowest available rate for you if you are in any of the following situations:

-weak credit
-self-employed
-new immigrant
-power of sale
-past bankruptcies
-non-qualifying income
-debt consolidation
-refinancing
-renovations


These mortgage people that I deal with would love the opportunity to show you what they can do.

read more about:

• Interest Rates
• Power of Sale Properties
• Price Trends
• or Search the MLS and more at my website

Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.

Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
›mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
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FEBRUARY GTA Real Estate Report - Strength in central Toronto drives the market to a healthy start!

FEBRUARY GTA Real Estate Report - Strong performance in central Toronto drives the market to a healthy start!

New Year Off To Good Start

February 5, 2008 -- A strong performance within TREB's Central districts drove the Toronto area real estate market to a healthy 5,073 sales in January, off just two per cent from last year's record performance, President Maureen O'Neill announced today.

"While sales were strong, price increases remained modest, with the average rising six per cent to $374,449," said Ms. O'Neill. "There is clearly still a place for the first-time buyer in today's resale market."

NEIGHBOURHOOD CORNER Mississauga

There were 647 sales in Mississauga this January, a decline of three per cent over the first month of 2007. The average price came in at $339,655, a one per cent increase over the same time-frame last year. Of these sales, 196 were of detached homes which averaged $516,190, up eight per cent over January '07.

Read more about Price Trends

Search the MLS or read more about Interest Rates, Power of Sale Properties, Price Trends and more at my website.

Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.

Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
2 FAX 905-828-2829 ÈCELL 416-520-1577
› E-MAIL : mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?


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GTA Strong performance for Resale Housing Market Solid January!

TREB just announced:

February 5, 2008 -- January's Greater Toronto Area resale housing market came within two per cent of a record performance for the month, Toronto Real Estate Board President Maureen O'Neill announced today.

A total of 5,073 properties changed hands last month, compared to the record 5,173 sales that took place in January 2007.

"This is a very positive start to the year but we will be watching closely to see how the City of Toronto's new land transfer tax and a proposed property tax increase affect the market," said Ms. O'Neill.

The average price, which currently stands at $374,449, rose six per cent compared to January 2007.

The strongest activity last month took place in Toronto's Central and East districts.

The Danforth (E03) experienced a 30 per cent increase in transactions compared to last January, driven by strong sales in all housing types.

In West Agincourt (E05) 32 per cent more homes changed hands, primarily as a result of a surge in condominium apartment sales.

Strong condominium apartment sales also lead the Downtown Core (C01) to a 19 per cent overall increase in transactions compared to a year ago.

North York Willowdale (C07) also saw a 19 per cent increase in sales, due in large part to condominium apartment transactions as well.

"While we are optimistic that the market will remain healthy throughout 2008, we recognize there are threats such as a U.S. economic slowdown and a land transfer tax in the City Toronto," said Ms. O'Neill. "Like other levels of government, municipalities should be considering options to help off-set these risks. TREB plans to be a strong voice for REALTORS® and homebuyers as GTA municipalities, particularly the City of Toronto, debate their budgets."

Toronto REALTORS® are passionate about their work. They adhere to a strict code of ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service designed exclusively for REALTORS®. Serving more than 24,000 Members in the Greater Toronto Area, the Toronto Real Estate Board is Canada's largest real estate board.

See all Price Trends

Search the MLS or read more about Interest Rates, Power of Sale Properties, Price Trends and more at my website.

Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.

Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
2 FAX 905-828-2829 ÈCELL 416-520-1577
› E-MAIL : mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
• On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
• See seasonal housing patterns

RRSP withdrawal qualifications under the Federal Home Buyers Program (HBP)

Did you know....Home buyers who qualify for a RRSP withdrawal under the Home Buyers Program (HBP):

• have up to 30 days after closing to withdraw funds from their RSP;
• don't need to use all the funds towards the down payment (money can be used for closing costs, home renos etc);
• are allowed a maximum withdrawal of $20,000/ qualified home buyer;
• have 15 years to repay their RSP; & Revenue Canada helps keep accounting straight by providing a statement on the annual Notice of Assessment outlining repayment requirements.
  

Of course, when there is a tax implication, it's always prudent for the client to review the regulations with Revenue Canada.... http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/individuals/topics/rrsp/hbp/menu-e.html

Let me know how I can help. The following list are some of the current 'best' mortgage interest rates you can find.

Mortgage Interest Rate Update
February 1st, 2008

Prime Rate .5.75%
Variable Rate .Prime less .60%
1 year closed .5.65%
3 year closed .5.95%
5 year closed .5.84%
7 year closed .5.98%
10 year closed ...6.05%
25 year closed ...7.10%

See the current online Interest Rates

Search the MLS or read more about Interest Rates, Power of Sale Properties, Price Trends and more at my website.

Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.

Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
2 FAX 905-828-2829 ÈCELL 416-520-1577
› E-MAIL : mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
• On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
• See seasonal housing patterns

RE/MAX Real Estate Agents Children's Miracle Network raise over $4 million

This is a press release from REMAX Ontario Atlantic

RE/MAX Realtors raise over $4 million for Children's miracle Network

Mississauga, ON (February 5, 2008) -Housing sales and average price weren't the only records being shattered across Canada in 2007. RE/MAX realtors also set a new benchmark in charitable giving, raising over $4 million for Children's Miracle Network.

The donation surpasses the realtors' 2006 contribution by more than 14 per cent. Since 1992, RE/MAX sales associates nationwide have contributed close to $30 million to the cause.

"It's amazing what can be accomplished when people work toward a meaningful cause," says Christine Martysiewicz, Director of Internal and Public Relations, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. "The synergy, commitment and enthusiasm of the RE/MAX network are truly phenomenal. However, what's more amazing is that the charitable efforts undertaken by our realtors are 100 per cent voluntary. Supporting Children's Miracle Network is a chance to make a real difference in the lives of local children and families in their own communities. That type of involvement is something that's been woven into the fabric of the RE/MAX organization since its inception. The way we see it, we don't just serve and work in these communities, we truly are a part of them, and we care-it's that simple."

RE/MAX realtors generate donations through the RE/MAX Miracle Home Program®, whereby a portion of their commission earned on the purchase or sale of each home is given to Children's Miracle Network affiliated hospitals. Children's Miracle Network supports 14 children's hospitals and foundations across Canada. Donations are often maximized through additional fundraising events including golf tournaments, gala evenings with silent auctions, casual Fridays and much more. Funds raised in each community stay in that community to be invested in the local Children's Miracle Network hospital.

'What many don't realize is that the corporate and private sectors play a vital role in making miracles possible," says Marie Sheppy, Senior Coordinator, Corporate Affairs, RE/MAX of Western Canada. "With public coffers stretched to the limit, it's a fact that organizations like RE/MAX fund a significant portion of the required cost to treat sick and injured children in pediatric facilities across Canada. We work so hard because we know our donations mean more than dollars and cents-it's an opportunity for healthy, happy childhoods and hope for promising futures. There really is nothing more rewarding than watching kids just be kids."

In Canada, the funds raised on behalf of Children's Miracle Network help support outreach programs and fund advancements in critical research, as well as upgrades to medical facilities and equipment.

"The outstanding generosity of RE/MAX Associates has helped more than 2.5 million Canadian children in 2007 alone - that's 1 in 4 kids nationally," says John Hartman, Chief Operating Officer - Canada, Children's Miracle Network. "RE/MAX has made Children's Miracle Network hospitals a vital part of what they do and continue to put giving back at the top of their agenda. Since 1992, RE/MAX has been a strong supporter of Children's Miracle Network. Their dedication, passion and enthusiasm for the kids and families in their communities across Canada is outstanding. They continue to give and give more. We are very proud to be affiliated with RE/MAX. The progress being made thanks to contributions like RE/MAX's has been nothing short of astonishing. While care and outcomes have improved significantly, it also remains a reality that the need has never been greater."

In Canada, the children's hospitals/foundations receiving funding from Children's Miracle Network are: BC Children's Hospital Foundation in Vancouver, Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation in Calgary, Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation in Edmonton, Children's Health and Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, The Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba in Winnipeg, SickKids Foundation in Toronto, Children's Health Foundation in London, McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation in Ottawa, Operation Enfant Soleil (St. Justine's Children's Hospital, Montreal Children's Hospital, Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec (CHUQ) , IWK Health Centre in Halifax, and Janeway Children's Hospital Foundation in St. John's. For more information, visit: www.childrensmiraclenetwork.ca.

RE/MAX is Canada's leading real estate organization with over 17,600 sales associates in more than 650 independently-owned and operated offices. The RE/MAX franchise network is a global real estate system
operating in over 65 countries. More than 7,000 independently-owned offices engage nearly 115,000 member sales associates who lead the industry in professional designations, experience and production while providing real estate services in residential, commercial, referral and asset management. For more information, visit: www.remax.ca.

Read more about RE/MAX at my site

Search the MLS or read more about Interest Rates, Power of Sale Properties, Price Trends and more at my website.

Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.

Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
2 FAX 905-828-2829 ÈCELL 416-520-1577
› E-MAIL : mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
• On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
• See seasonal housing patterns

Condo prices on the rise in Toronto and GTA

Condo Prices outpace Detached homes in parts of the GTA in 2007

For the first time, the average price of a condominium in some GTA districts last year rose at a higher rate than single-detached houses.

In the GTA's central core district, the average condo price in 2007 jumped by 12.2 per cent (to $327,559 from $292,064), according to Re/Max Ontario-Atlantic Canada. In the same year, the average price for single-detached homes in the same district went up by 11.5 per cent (to $910, 906 from $816,938).

In the west end, condo prices increased by 7.3 per cent, single-detached prices by 6.6 per cent.

"Condominiums are clearly a viable – and now financially feasible – alternative to single-detached housing," says Michael Polzler, executive vice-president of Re/Max Ontario-Atlantic Canada.

Condo prices rose by double-digit amounts in 12 of 63 Toronto Real Estate Board districts in the GTA last year, Re/Max said in a statement. The best-performing district was Bayview Village, where average condo prices jumped by 40.8 per cent (to $340,113 from $241,611).

As for single-detached homes, their average prices increased by double-digit amounts in 13 of those 63 TREB districts, led by Forest Hill, where the average price climbed by 21.1 per cent (to $1,028,960 from $849,697).

Read more about Price Trends

Search the MLS or read more about Interest Rates, Power of Sale Properties, Price Trends and more at my website.

Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.

Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
2 FAX 905-828-2829 ÈCELL 416-520-1577
› E-MAIL : mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?


• On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up


• See seasonal housing patterns

Pricing your home to sell and the "High Price Tactic"

Pricing your home to sell can be tricky business, lookout for the "high price tactic" from some agents.

Listing a home at too high a price is the biggest mistake home sellers make. A high price will discourage buyers from even looking at a home they might otherwise be able to afford. In addition, realistically priced homes in the same neighbourhood will look better by comparison.

Of course, you don't want to set your sales price too low, either. The idea is to net the most money possible from the home sale. The price you set should reflect what other comparable homes in the area have recently sold for. It should leave some space for making concessions in order to close the deal. And it should take into consideration current trends--whether it's a buyer's or seller's market.

Read about the "High Price Tactic"

Search the MLS or read more about Interest Rates, Power of Sale Properties, Price Trends and more at my website.

Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.

Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
2 FAX 905-828-2829 ÈCELL 416-520-1577
› E-MAIL : mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
• On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
• See seasonal housing patterns

Ice Dams cause damage and methods to prevent ice dams in the winter

Ice Dams on your roof will create Ice Damage

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that builds up along the edge of a roof. The ice creates a dam that backs water up and under the roof shingles. Once the water is deep enough, it penetrates the roofing system and creates water damage inside the home.

Beneath the ice dam, undetectable damage is occurring in the attic and wall cavities. The wood framing is wet and may be rotting , insulation is soaked – which makes it inefficient and mildew and mould can grow in hidden spots causing odours and other problem inside the home.
Soaked framing and insulation will take a long time to dry out and will continue to contribute to wall damage and interior moisture problems. Uncorrected, the water can cause serious structural damage.

Once the ice dam is high enough to overcome the pitch of the roof, water seeps under asphalt shingles. The alternate freezing and thawing that occurs under these conditions can increase the magnitude of roof leaks. Once the water has penetrated the singles, it flows under the siding and eaves and leaks through the framing into your home.

To prevent ice dams, eliminate heat build-up in the attic space below the roof deck by:

• Improving insulation - Add insulation to improve the thermal envelope and slow heat transfer to the attic. Surfaces between the attic and the heated living space should be insulated to R-38 or more. As a homebuyer, you have recently been crunching the numbers, negotiating offers, adding up closing costs, shopping for mortgages and trying to get the best deals. Do not stop now. Do not let your real estate agent, a patty-cake inspector or anyone else talk you into skimping here.

• Stopping air "bypass" - Seal any opening that allows heated air to "bypass" the insulation and rise into the attic. The warm air in your home will always try to rise and will push through any small opening. The attic door should be weather-stripped even better than an exterior door. Exhaust fans should not empty into the attic and the area between the frame of the fan and the ceiling should be tightly sealed.

• Increasing attic ventilation will cool the space and remove unwanted moisture. The temperature in the attic space should be nearly the same as the outside temperature. When fixing attic insulation, avoid blocking any vents with insulation. The best ventilation system is balanced between low in-take from the overhangs and high-exhaust vents on the attic roof.

Read home maintenance tips

Search the MLS or read more about Interest Rates, Power of Sale Properties, Price Trends and more at my website.

Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.

Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
2 FAX 905-828-2829 ÈCELL 416-520-1577
› E-MAIL : mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
• On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
• See seasonal housing patterns

Mortgage Rates and Factors to calculate payments

Mortgage Rates and Factors to calculate payments

When calculating mortgage payments, there are quick factors that can be used for a particular interest rate. For example, if the interest rate is 5.95% then the factor is 6.37 per $1,000 in mortgage, thus if you want to know the payments on a $120,000 mortgage at 5.95% then you would multiply $120,000 x 6.37/1,000 = $764.40

The table below shows current rates and their factors.

Discounted Rate (OAC)/ Cost Factor per Thousand

1 Year 6.00% / $6.40

2 Year 6.10% / $6.46

3 Year 6.05% / $6.43

4 Year 5.95% / $6.37

5 Year 5.79% / $6.27

7 Year 6.20% / $6.51

10 Year 6.30% / $6.58

5 Year Variable 5.15% / $5.90

See my mortgage calculators at this page: http://www.mississauga4sale.com/mortgage-payment-calculator.htm

read more about Mortgage Interest Rates

Search the MLS or read more about Interest Rates, Power of Sale Properties, Price Trends and more at my website.

Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.

Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
2 FAX 905-828-2829 ÈCELL 416-520-1577
› E-MAIL : mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
• On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
• See seasonal housing patterns

Outlook for Housing Starts Continues to Look good!

The outlook for the housing market continues to be very upbeat for the near term.

Housing Starts:
2007: 227,500
2008: 214,300
Resales:
2007: 521,100
2008: 500,800

Housing starts will remain above the 200,000 unit threshold for a seventh consecutive year in 2008, a feat last accomplished in the 1971-1978 period.

Over the long term it is expected that residential construction will gradually decline as factors that drive housing become less stimulative reaching approximately 198,425 units by 2011. Despite this downward movement, the level of activity will remain well above the average annual level of about 150,000 housing starts observed during the 1990s.

The outlook for Canadian GDP growth remains positive over the medium term. The economy will continue to operate close to its capacity and expand at about 3 per cent from 2008 to 2011.

Employment growth is expected to be constrained over this time frame since a record number of Canadians are presently employed. Employment growth will average 1.3 per cent annually over the 2008 to 2011 period. At this pace, the unemployment rate is expected to creep up toward 6.5 per cent range by 2011.

Inflation will remain modest at about 2 per cent per year over the medium term. As a result, both short and long term interest rates will be fairly stable going forward. Longer term mortgage rates, such as the 5 year fixed rate, will stay low and should increase by 50 to 75 basis points between 2008 and 2011.

Population growth is a key driver of housing demand over the longer term and a major contributor to population growth is immigration. More than 216,000 immigrants arrived in Canada in 2006. Looking ahead, continuing tight labour market conditions will provide an attractive environment that will continue to draw large numbers of immigrants to Canada. As a result, net migration is forecast to rise steadily through 2011.

This rise will boost population growth and household formation, which in turn will support strong levels of housing starts through 2011.

Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia will continue to attract most of the new immigrants settling in Canada.
Source: CMHC Housing Market Outlook Canada Edition 4Q2007

Search the MLS or read more about Interest Rates, Power of Sale Properties, Price Trends and more at my website.

Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.

Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
2 FAX 905-828-2829 ÈCELL 416-520-1577
› E-MAIL : mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
• On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
• See seasonal housing patterns