Current posted and Attainable Mortgage Interest Rates in the GTA

Current posted and attainable mortgage interest rates from various mortgage brokers

TERM	POSTED	OUR RATES*
6 Month	6.95%	6.50%
1 Year	7.15%	5.04%
2 Year	7.20%	5.49%
3 Year	7.20%	5.25%
4 Year	7.04%	5.59%
5 Year	7.19%	5.37%
7 Year	7.60%	6.20%
10 Year	7.95%	6.25%
Variable Rate		4.65%
Prime Rate		5.25%

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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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CMHC Report on the New Home Market

CMHC Report on the New Home Market

Strong January Apartment Starts

On the strength of condominium apartment construction, total Greater Toronto Area (GTA) housing starts for January were five per cent higher than experienced one year earlier, reaching 2,730.

January results were in line with expectations for 2008. Condominium apartment starts will increase this year, while low-rise starts will edge lower. Strong condominium apartment starts will be based on record pre-construction sales over the past three years.

As an increased number of condominium apartments reach the completion stage this year, builders will be able to shift resources to new projects in the development pipeline.

On the whole, demand for existing and new ownership housing has remained strong in the GTA, based on solid underlying fundamentals. A combination of steady job and income growth and low borrowing costs has kept home buyers confident in their ability to purchase and pay for a home over the long term.

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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

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RBC reports that U.S. economy should skirt recession and expect second half of 2008 to rebound!

This is what the RBC is saying about the US economy

U.S. economy skirting recession; expected to rebound by the second half of 2008

The U.S. economy is slowing sharply on the back of the sustained deterioration in both the housing and financial markets, with the latter raising the cost of borrowing for both households and businesses. As a result, we are projecting flat growth in the first quarter followed by a small decline in the second, thus implying an economy on the brink of a recession.

However, growth will be much stronger by the second half, with the gains concentrated in the third quarter as the government's fiscal stimulus package boosts consumer spending and sends overall GDP up an annualized 2.9%. The expansion will continue in the fourth quarter, albeit at a slower pace than in the third quarter, with the effects of earlier interest rate reductions contributing to a 1.2% rise in output.

We are projecting real growth of 1.2% for 2008 as a whole. The easing in credit conditions will allow for stronger growth in 2009, with the economy forecast to expand by 2.0%. In the near-term, the economy will remain in a slow patch, weighed down by the persistent deterioration in the housing market and attendant rise in mortgage defaults and delinquencies. The fallout from the financial market volatility will be that companies will write-down the value of mortgage-related debt and, in turn, reduce the amount of credit available for loans to households and businesses.

This reduction in credit availability will temper consumer and business spending activity. We forecast average annual growth under 1% for consumption in the first six months of the year, with business spending likely to contract mildly during the period.

see our local trends and market Price Trends

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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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RBC reports that Housing recession to continue in 2008; market to stabilize in 2009

RBC reports that Housing recession to continue in 2008; market to stabilize in 2009

The U.S. housing market is showing little sign of recovery. The stock of homes available for sale stands very close to record-high levels and, as a result, new residential construction continues to contract. In February, the level of housing starts was 54% below the recent peak level and the pace of new and existing home sales was the slowest since the mid-1990s.

The inventory overhang and slow sales pace point to construction activity contracting at a double-digit annualized pace for at least the first half of 2008.

We estimate that the decline in residential construction spending will trim slightly under one percentage point from the 2008 growth rate. Weakening demand will continue to push prices lower, pointing to a mild deterioration in housing-related net worth in the quarter.

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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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TREB Reports that GTA Resale Housing Sales Ease in March

GTA Resale Housing Sales Ease in March

April 3, 2008 -- Low inventory levels kept the Greater Toronto Area resale housing market brisk but well off record levels last month, Toronto Real Estate Board President Maureen O'Neill announced today.

"Overall sales in the GTA declined 22 per cent compared to March 2007, 27 per cent in the City of Toronto and 18 per cent in the 905 suburbs," said Ms. O'Neill. "It's important to recognize though, that despite the worst winter in decades, 6,631 homes changed hands last month in the GTA and that is still a significant number."

Diminished listing inventory, which at 20,533, was down six per cent from a year ago, kept prices strong in March.

Compared to last March, the average price in the GTA rose four per cent to $380,338 and two per cent in the City of Toronto to $404,361.

As well, a few neighbourhoods experienced increased sales activity last month.

Bowmanville (E17) saw a three per cent increase in transactions compared to March 2007, driven primarily by strong detached home sales.

Sales in Burlington (W25) were up 18 per cent compared to a year ago, with brisk activity in most housing categories.

Thorncliffe Park (C11) saw a six per cent overall increase in transactions, based mainly on semi-detached sales.

Increased semi-detached transactions also drove sales in Georgina (N17) up one per cent compared to last March.

Ms. O'Neill says March's moderate performance isn't disquieting given that Canadian economic fundamentals are holding steady.

"Forty per cent of international households that come to Canada settle in the GTA, giving us robust immigration levels; employment and wages continue to be strong; borrowing costs remain at historically low levels and there is a wide variety of mortgage products from which to choose," she said.

"This means that there is a steady demand for housing and consumers should have the financial resources to buy homes; with such pent-up demand it is an excellent time to sell your home."

"We remain concerned about the land transfer tax in Toronto and the economic slowdown in the United States," added Ms. O'Neill. "Home sales in the City of Toronto spiked towards the end of 2007 probably in a bid to avoid the Toronto land transfer tax, but have since dropped off since the introduction of the tax."

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• Power of Sale Properties
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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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TREB reports Toronto and GTA March Sales Moderate

March Sales Moderate

April 3, 2008 -- Low inventory levels kept sales brisk but well off record levels, TREB President Maureen O'Neill announced today. "With 6,631 transactions recorded during March, the overall Greater Toronto Area resale market was down 22 per cent from the 8,518 sales of March 2007. Since inventory, at 20,533 listings, fell six per cent between these two time periods, a portion of this result can be attributed to a lack of suitable product. And this lack of product was at least partially caused by the severe winter weather that kept both buyers and sellers on the fence during the first half of the month."

Sales were not evenly distributed across the Greater Toronto Area. In the City of Toronto (416 area code), they decreased 27 per cent to 2,527 from last March. However, the 905 suburbs saw only an 18 per cent decline, to 4,104 sales. Overall, average prices rose four per cent in the GTA to $380,338 over March of 2007. Within the City of Toronto proper, however, the average, at $404,361, increased only two per cent over the $394,199 recorded during the same period last year. Furthermore, City of Toronto districts bordering the 905 averaged $347,882, up less than one per cent from the same period last year.

Breaking down the total, 2,545 sales were reported in TREB's 28 West districts and averaged $360,524; 1,114 sales were reported in the 14 Central districts and averaged $481,115; 1,390 sales were reported in the 23 North districts and averaged $424,742; and 1,582 sales were reported in TREB's 21 East districts and averaged $302,235.

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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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Real Estate Investing - is it something for you?

Is Real Estate Investing Right for You?

Investing in property is simply another form of investment. Buyers can invest directly by purchasing property individually, or indirectly by investing in a managed fund or timeshare. Although real estate agents may understand the property market, prospective buyers should still seek independent advice, because property investment may not be right for everyone.

What to Know Before You Buy

Don't fall for pressure-selling techniques and high-pressure seminars

Some sales people can be extremely persuasive and persistent. They often use gimmicks like offering you a "once in a lifetime opportunity".

Determine your overall financial plans

Think about what you want to achieve financially and how soon you want to achieve it.

Understand the risks involved

All investments carry risks. Make sure you are comfortable with the risks associated with a particular investment.

Get advice

Decide whether or not you need professional advice. If you're dealing with a financial advisor make sure they're licensed.

Investing directly or indirectly

You can invest directly or indirectly in many assets, including real estate, through a managed fund. Time- shares are a type of managed investment.

Do your homework

Find out as much as possible about any investment you are making. Make sure you really understand the pros and cons of choosing a particular investment asset. Weigh the advantages and disadvan- tages against your financial goals.

Consult with your accountant

There may be tax issues to consider that you may not be aware of. Once you've decided to take the leap and purchase investment property, be sure to read and keep all documents you receive about your investment. If your asset is being managed by someone else, make sure they keep you updated on all pertinent information. Reputable investment managers will be happy to answer your questions and will expect you to take an interest in your investments.

6 Investment Tips You Can Use!

Hire and pay for skilled workers to do your renovations.
Location. Location. Location. Invest in the best location you can afford.
Be affordable for tenants by buying small and staying small.
Look at a property for what it can be, not for what it is.
Focus on the money coming in and going out - not the cap rate.
Don't go unique - choose rental properties that will appeal to anyone.
One More Thing...

Real Estate Investment Trusts

Real estate investment trusts, known as REITs, are entities that invest in different kinds of real estate or real estate related assets, including shopping centers, office buildings, hotels, and mortgages secured by real estate.

There are basically three types of REITS:

Equity REITS, the most common type of REIT, invest in or own real estate and make money for investors from the rents they collect.

Mortgage REITS lend money to owners and develop- ers or invest in financial instruments secured by mortgages on real estate.

Hybrid REITS are a combination of equity and mort- gage REITS.

The Internal Revenue Code lists the conditions a company must meet to qualify as a REIT. For example, the company must pay 90% of its taxable income to sharehold- ers every year. It must also invest at least 75% of its total assets in real estate and generate 75% or more of its gross income from investments in or mortgages on real property.

Many REITs trade on national exchanges or in the over- -the-counter market. REITs that are publicly traded must file reports with the SEC, such as quarterly and annual filings.

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• Interest Rates
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• 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

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Receive Estate Sales listings delivered to your inbox

What is an Estate Sale Property?

What's an estate sale? The sale of real property left by a person at his or her death. An estate auction can involve the sale of real property through an auction.

Would you like to automatically receive new MLS listings of residential Estate Sales in the GTA, including Mississauga, Toronto, Milton, Oakville, Newmarket, Vaughan, Markham, Brampton and Etobicoke areas? This would include new Estate Sale listings as they are added to the MLS database system. You may fill in the fields below and click the Subscribe button below.

I will not send out the Estate Sales nearly as often, maybe once per week, as I do the Power of Sales. The reason for this is that the Power of Sales sometimes sell in one or two days, the estate sales usually take a little longer.

A Real Estate Estate sale is the sale of a property where the owner is deceased. An estate sale can also be a type of garage sale, yard sale or auction to dispose of the majority of the materials owned by a person who is deceased or will be moving. Estate sales are usually conducted by a professional, for a percentage of the revenues. This is because the scope of the process is usually overwhelming to the survivors, and for the specialist's experience with pricing antique items, his or her following of customers, and the specialist's experience in disposing of unsold goods in an unsentimental manner after the run of the sale. Antique and collectible dealers use estate sales as one of their more important wholesale sources. Estate sales are typically 1 to 3 days long, often with a price reduction toward the end.

Receive Estate Sales listings delivered to your inbox

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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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RBC reports that Tighter credit conditions to damp household and business spending

RBC reports that Tighter credit conditions to damp household and business spending

Initial signs of this credit contraction were evident in the senior loans' officer surveys of 2007 and the trend accelerated in early 2008. The percentage of institutions indicating that they had tightened lending standards for commercial and industrial loans jumped to about one-third early this year from less than one-quarter in late 2007, a marked increase from the loose lending standards reported in the period from 2003 to 2006.

The tightening in standards for commercial real estate loans was much more dramatic, with 80% reporting tighter conditions in early 2008, up from 50% in late 2007.

On the household side, the terms for mortgages were also aggressively tightened even for prime mortgages — more than one-half of respondents indicated that loans were harder to come by. For non-traditional and sub-prime mortgages, about three-quarters of lending institutions indicated tighter lending practices.

Even for some types of consumer loans, standards have begun to tighten।
रीड मोरे ओबुत रतेस: http://www.mississauga4sale.com/rates.htm

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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Commercial Lease Rates for GTA WEST

GTA WEST COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE UPDATE

1ST QUARTER 2008

OFFICE MARKET

Average Lease Rates $28.00-$36.00 P.S.F Gross

For class "A" and "B" product


Average Tenant Inducement $25.00-$30.00 P.S.F.


The approximate vacancy in the sub markets varies as follows: Meadowvale 4%, Airport Corporate Center 4%, 427 Corridor 4% and Mississauga City Center 8%.


INDUSTRIAL MARKET

LEASING RATES

Depending on location, ceiling height, office component and quality of product the current rates vary from $5.50 to $7.50 net P.S.F.

Average Sale Price Buildings
$82.00 P.S.F.

Average Sale Prices-Land
Peel $475,000 per acre
Halton $350,000 per acre

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• Interest Rates
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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 ?
• On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
• See seasonal housing patterns