Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Bank of Montreal BMO announced a reduction to their interest rates yesterday and cut the 5 year rate to 2.79% from 2.99%

Good morning from Beautiful Mississauga!

The Bank of Montreal announced a reduction to their interest rates yesterday, they cut the 5 year rate to 2.79% from 2.99% TD Bank followed this rate cut

The Bank of Montreal announced a ‘special’ rate for its five-year fixed-rate loan and was quickly followed by Toronto-Dominion.


This is typical of the banks to do this just before the prime lending season!

The BMO deal cuts its standard rate of 2.99 per cent to 2.79 per cent. TD Bank followed by cutting its 3.09 per cent rate to match BMO.

Although mortgage brokers can frequently do better than the advertised rate from the banks, the BMO move is seen as a headline-grabber to steal a lead on competitors, including the smaller lenders and non-bank sector


http://www.mississauga4sale.com/rates.htm

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.comMississauga4Sale.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 Foreclosureswww.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 patternswww.mississauga4sale.com/TREBprice.htm
  • Would you like me to send you a desk or wall Calendar?
    www.mississauga4sale.com/Calendar-Order-Form.htm
 

First time in Toronto the Average Detached Sold Price above $1 million dollars

Hello from Beautiful Mississauga!

This is breaking news: First time in Toronto the Average Detached Sold Price above $1 million dollars!

This is for detached homes in Toronto, not the GTA, but this represents a milestone in the Toronto Real Estate Market

See the full press release below.

Please refer to this page to see a graph of Average prices and More

All the Best!
Mark



TORONTO, March 4, 2015 – Toronto Real Estate Board President Paul Etherington announced that Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 6,338 home sales through the TorontoMLS system in February 2015.

This result represented a substantial 11.3 per cent year-over-year increase compared to February 2014. Large annual increases in transactions were noted for most major home types, in the City of Toronto and surrounding GTA regions.

“Even with the record low temperatures last month, we still saw an increase in the number of people purchasing homes in the GTA. This speaks to the importance households place on home ownership and the fact that buyers continue to view ownership housing as a quality long-term investment in which they can live,” said Mr. Etherington.

The overall supply of homes for sale, as measured by the count of active listings at the end of February 2015, was down by 8.7 per cent compared to the same count in February 2014. This means that market conditions became tighter, leading to more competition between buyers.

The overall average selling price for February 2015 home sales was $596,163 – up by 7.8 per cent compared to the average for February 2014. Driving this increase was the detached market segment.

In the City of Toronto, the average detached selling price moved above $1 million dollars for the first time in a calendar month.

“The strong year-over-year price growth we experienced in February points to the robust demand for ownership housing in the GTA, coupled with a constrained supply of homes for sale in some market segments, especially where low-rise home types like singles, semis and townhouses are concerned,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Director of Market Analysis.


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.comMississauga4Sale.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 Foreclosureswww.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 patternswww.mississauga4sale.com/TREBprice.htm
  • Would you like me to send you a desk or wall Calendar?
    www.mississauga4sale.com/Calendar-Order-Form.htm
 

Monday, March 02, 2015

When is the best time to sell your home in the GTA?

Hello,

I just read this article below that was sent to me by a client.

It contains great information about when to sell your home.

I've written about this in the past and you can read my thoughts about this subject at this link:


Enjoy!
Mark

Like everything in life, there are always exceptions to the rules.


Personally, I like these exceptions, as nothing is predictable – especially selling a house.

Still, it's good to know the basics, do your homework and factor in the required timelines.

Statistics show that spring is the best time to sell a house. You may read conflicting reports that will say March to May, or they may lump in April and July in to those calculations. However, with the recent real estate climate in the GTA, there really isn't a bad time. What you're selling can influence the time of year you choose to sell.

If you're listing a resale home, in order to buy a new home, you have to realistically factor in the closing date and, perhaps, add-on a bit of wiggle room. If you're listing a condominium or have to give the appropriate two-month notice to a landlord, you may not have to worry about the time of year as it relates to children starting school- unless the children are yours.

Starting a new school year at the beginning of September, and ensuring that kids can finish up the year at their old school, is one of the most important concerns for parents of school-age children. In this scenario, the family would prefer to move during the summer months, so count back and consider the following.

If your home is located in a family-friendly area, close to schools, shopping, etc., a new family will want to relocate during July or August.

Count back three months, as most offers ask for a 90-day closing. With this in mind, you'll want to have signed a deal by April. Again, if you're situated in the GTA, chances are that your home won't be on the market for long. But if you live in a rural area, or have a character property that’s quite different from the norm, you'll need to build in more selling time.

There are some advantages to listing your house earlier in the calendar year, rather than waiting for spring. Because the summer scenario is so popular, most people list their homes around April, which means there’s more competition. If you list your home in February, you may have other advantages.

During the winter months there's a lower supply of houses on the market. Also, maintaining your property requires less work on the outside at this time of year, since you don't have to tend gardens and keep the grass cut. Many of my clients have experienced a successful rate of return when they list in February.

Those people who are looking to buy in September or October may be looking for a better deal after the peak months have passed. Some agents will tell you that your house will sell quicker and closer to the asking price, if you list between Halloween and the New-year.

Homes look their best in the late summer and early fall. Gardens are mature, lawns (depending upon the weather) may be lush, and with a hint of autumn tingeing the air and the leaves, fireplaces can be lit and the ambiance created by indoor, and outdoor, lighting - all help to enhance the curbside appeal. Still, there are no hard and fast rules.

If you're selling and buying, it's always a juggle, so try not to have all your balls in the air at once.

Have a plan, and choose the timing that's right for you and your family.


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.comMississauga4Sale.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 Foreclosureswww.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 patternswww.mississauga4sale.com/TREBprice.htm
  • Would you like me to send you a desk or wall Calendar?
    www.mississauga4sale.com/Calendar-Order-Form.htm
 


Saturday, January 31, 2015

Toronto Real Estate Board 2014 Real Estate Sales Results

Hello from Beautiful Mississauga!

The report from TREB for the 2014 Real Estate Sales is in the books.

Average prices rose 8.4% to $566,726
The number of sales rose 6.7% to 92,867

Click this graph to see all the results and figures


This was just short of the all time record reported in 2007

The full press release is below.

You can see graphs of prices at this page:

www.mississauga4sale.com/TREBprice.htm

Let's hope for another good year in 2015!

All the best,
Mark


Near Record Sales in 2014

January 7, 2015 -- Toronto Real Estate Board President Paul Etherington announced that Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 92,867 residential sales through the TorontoMLS system in 2014, including 4,446 in December. The calendar year 2014 sales result represented a 6.7 per cent increase over the 2013 sales figure of 87,049 and was just short of the record set in 2007.


"TREB's 2014 sales figures are a testament to the importance Greater Toronto Area households continue to place on home ownership. GTA households realize that home purchases have been a quality long-term investment. While home prices certainly increased substantially in 2014, the purchase of an average priced home remained affordable, in terms of the average household's ability to comfortably cover their monthly mortgage payments," said Mr. Etherington.

"Even with a constrained supply of homes for sale in many parts of the Greater Toronto Area, buyers continued to get deals done last month. Households remain upbeat about home ownership because monthly mortgage payments remain affordable relative to accepted lending standards. This is coupled with the fact that housing has proven to be a quality long-term investment," stated Mr. Etherington.

The average selling price continued to grow on a year-over-year basis in calendar year 2014, with an 8.4 per cent increase over calendar year 2013 to $566,726. This included a seven per cent increase in the December 2014 average selling price to $556,602. Throughout 2014, annual increases in the average selling price and the MLS® HPI Composite Benchmark were consistently reported on a monthly basis for most market segments, from detached homes through to condominium apartments.

"The strong price growth we experienced in 2014 can be explained with two words: listings shortage. The constrained supply of listings was especially evident for low-rise home types like singles, semis and town houses. The number of households looking to purchase these home types increased, while the number of homes from which they could choose decreased. This situation resulted in more competition between buyers and more aggressive offers," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Director of Market Analysis.


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.comMississauga4Sale.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 Foreclosureswww.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 patternswww.mississauga4sale.com/TREBprice.htm
  • Would you like me to send you a desk or wall Calendar?
    www.mississauga4sale.com/Calendar-Order-Form.htm
 

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Should I lock in my mortgage rate due to recent Bank of Canada Rate Cut?

Should I lock in my mortgage rate?

This is a question many ask.

I just posted the article below about the current status of Short term or long term Mortgage Rates

Enjoy!

Mark















This page is a running record of how interest rates have changed over the past 5 to 10 years and what my personal philosophy is regarding what you should do with your mortgage - namely, should you lock in your mortgage interest rate or should you stay with a variable rate mortgage.  This is the question!

After nearly 4.5 years, the Bank of Canada made an announcement last week that shocked the experts, they lowered the Prime Rate by 0.25%  Nobody was expecting this reduction!  The reasons behind the drop are varied, but the largest reason is that the price of oil is under $50 per barrel and the Bank of Canada performs most of it's forecasting based upon the assumed price at $60 per barrel.  Thus, with low inflation, low oil prices generating lower overall revenue for Canada (and certainly Western Canada) the bank decided to lower the rate.

Read about the current Bank of Canada Prime Rate Update

The major Canadian banks did not immediately lower their prime rates that they charge their best customers.  As a matter of fact, the Banks only lowered their prime rate by .15% and not the .25% that the Bank of Canada dropped the rate.  Bank prime is now 2.85% and mortgage rates for fixed term are nearly the same. 

Many believe that there will be mortgage rate wars over the next few months.  The banks still have plenty of cash to lend so this is likely the case.

We are still at or near 50 year historic lows- meaning, it's still a good time to 'lock in' your rate if you are not a gambler.

Again, please don't forget these are posted rates and often you can get a lower rate than posted if you negotiate.
Variable rates - the banks are posting their rates as prime plus 0.000% and you can likely find prime minus .2%  to prime minus .5% or possibly more

I've written many articles about staying with short term or variable mortgage rates at this page:  http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Lock-In-Short-Term-Long-Term-Mortgage.htm

My preference for many years (and continues to be) to go variable, but if you are not a gambler, then it could be getting close to the time where you lock in your mortgage.

I recall reading an article the day of the rate cut on January 21, 2015 that not one of the 19 'experts' on the Bloomberg Panel had predicted a rate cut. 

Now if you read about predictions for the March 4, 2015 Bank of Canada Interest Rate Announcements the 'experts' are saying that they expect the bank rate to drop another .25%

Read the article below that just appeared in the Herald about rates, it's very interesting what the experts are now saying about rates.

If you want interest rate security, then you go long term.

If you want to save money, my advice is to go variable, always (at least for the next 1 to 1.5 years).
....and this is still why


The mortgage interest rate debate continues.....

All the best!

Mark

Read more about this subject at this page: http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Lock-In-Short-Term-Long-Term-Mortgage.htm

Read this particular post online at this page: http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Lock-In-Short-Term-Long-Term-Mortgage.htm#2015mortgageoutlook

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Bank of Canada Interest Rate Cut Shock with Article with videos and more information

Hello from Beautiful Mississauga!

The link below is to a very good article about today's Bank of Canada Interest rate cuts, how the markets reacted so far, with some great graphs in it, make sure your volume is turned low as there is an auto-load video

the graph near the bottom is also very interesting where they say the Bank of Canada "was the first to blink"  - if you watch the other videos or listen to the Bank of Canada Governor's comments he uses many euphemisms that allow him to stay 'non-committal' on many key issues - this is the Bank's way of not signaling their future intentions to the marketplace - so interesting!



Borrowers, current and pending, will be very pleased about this quarter percent rate drop

The Bank's announcement today to reduce rates was a real shock to the Canadian Economy and the world, could prove to be a very forward thinking decision in light of other indicators in the economy!

All the Best!
Mark

Bank of Canada Rate announcement to drop Prime Rate by .25%

Hello!

Just when you thought that you could predict the future, the Bank of Canada announces a prime interest rate cut!

After nearly 4.5 years, the bank rate has finally changed.  I'm sure very few predicted the rate would drop. 

The prime rate is now 3/4% and the prime rate banks charge to customers is now 2.75%  The previous rate was 3%  This is unexpected news and good for anyone looking to borrow soon or having a mortgage coming up for renewal any time soon!

This is in direct contrast to all the recent announcements and many economists saying that the economy is bullish and they anticipate a rise in the rate in late 2015 or 2016, so much for the experts!

This is an excerpt below,

Enjoy!
Mark



The Bank of Canada today announced that it is lowering its target for the overnight rate by one-quarter of one percentage point to 3/4 per cent. The Bank Rate is correspondingly 1 per cent and the deposit rate is 1/2 per cent. This decision is in response to the recent sharp drop in oil prices, which will be negative for growth and underlying inflation in Canada.
Inflation has remained close to the 2 per cent target in recent quarters. Core inflation has been temporarily boosted by sector-specific factors and the pass-through effects of the lower Canadian dollar, which are offsetting disinflationary pressures from slack in the economy and competition in the retail sector. Total CPI inflation is starting to reflect the fall in oil prices.
Oil’s sharp decline in the past six months is expected to boost global economic growth, especially in the United States, while widening the divergences among economies. Persistent headwinds from deleveraging and lingering uncertainty will influence the extent to which some oil-importing countries benefit from lower prices. The Bank’s base-case projection assumes oil prices around US$60 per barrel. Prices are currently lower but our belief is that prices over the medium term are likely to be higher.
Read the entire report here:
http://www.bankofcanada.ca/2015/01/fad-press-release-2015-01-21/

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, December 05, 2014

Toronto Real Estate Board latest sales results for single family dwellings in GTA

Hello from Beautiful Mississauga!

This is the latest statistics and press release from the Toronto Real Estate Board

Average prices for last month were $577,936  - up 8 percent compared to same month last year
Number of Sales for last month were 6.354 - up 6.6 percent compared to same month last year

The press release and statistics are below

I hope this finds you happy and healthy!
Mark

Sales & Price Growth Continue in November

TORONTO, December 4, 2014 – Toronto Real Estate Board President Paul Etherington announced that Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 6,519 residential transactions through the TorontoMLS system in November 2014.

This result was up by 2.6 per cent compared to 6,354 sales reported in November 2013. Through the first 11 months of 2014, total sales amounted to 88,462 - up 6.6 per cent compared to the same period in 2013.

While the trend of year-over-year sales growth continued, the supply of listings remained constrained, with active listings at the end of November down in comparison to last year.

"Even with a constrained supply of homes for sale in many parts of the Greater Toronto Area, buyers continued to get deals done last month. Households remain upbeat about home ownership because monthly mortgage payments remain affordable relative to
accepted lending standards. This is coupled with the fact that housing has proven to be a quality long-term investment," stated Mr. Etherington.

The average selling price for November transactions was up by 7.4 per cent year-over-year to $577,936. The year-to-date average price was up by 8.4 per cent to $567,198.

The MLS(R) Home Price Index Composite Benchmark price for November was up by 7.7 per cent compared to a year earlier.

"The robust average price growth experienced throughout 2014 has been fundamentally sound, with demand high relative to supply. Strong competition between buyers has exerted upward pressure on selling prices. Barring a substantial shift in the relationship between sales and listings in the GTA, price growth is expected to continue through 2015," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Director of Market Analysis.



PRESS RELEASE:

TORONTO, December 4, 2014 - Toronto Real Estate Board President Paul Etherington announced that Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 6,519 residential transactions through the TorontoMLS system in November 2014.

This result was up by 2.6 per cent compared to 6,354 sales reported in November 2013. Through the first 11 months of 2014, total sales amounted to 88,462 - up 6.6 per cent compared to the same period in 2013.

While the trend of year-over-year sales growth continued, the supply of listings remained constrained, with active listings at the end of November down in comparison to last year.

"Even with a constrained supply of homes for sale in many parts of the Greater Toronto Area, buyers continued to get deals done last month. Households remain upbeat about home ownership because monthly mortgage payments remain affordable relative to accepted lending standards. This is coupled with the fact that housing has proven to be a quality long-term investment," stated Mr. Etherington.

The average selling price for November transactions was up by 7.4 per cent year-over-year to $577,936. The yearto-date average price was up by 8.4 per cent to $567,198. The MLS(R) Home Price Index Composite Benchmark price for November was up by 7.7 per cent compared to a year earlier.

"The robust average price growth experienced throughout 2014 has been fundamentally sound, with demand high relative to supply. Strong competition between buyers has exerted upward pressure on selling prices. Barring a substantial shift in the relationship between sales and listings in the GTA, price growth is expected to continue through 2015," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Director of Market Analysis.

Greater Toronto REALTORS® are passionate about their work. They are governed by a strict Code of Ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service. Over 36,000 TREB Members serve consumers in the Greater Toronto Area. The Toronto Real Estate Board is Canada’s largest real estate board.

All the Best!

Mark

I hope this finds you Happy and Healthy!
All the Best!
Mark
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.comMississauga4Sale.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


Wednesday, December 03, 2014

Bank of Canada Interest Rate stays steady December 3rd 2014

Good morning from Beautiful Mississauga!

The Bank of Canada made their interest rate announcement and once again they maintain their overnight rate at 1%.

The interest rate has been unchanged since September 2010 adding to the longest period of no change in the interest rate in history.

This means the prime rate to consumers remains unchanged at 3.00%

Some economists have been predicting that the prime rate will remain unchanged until sometime in 2016

My prediction is now for mid 2016 before we will see an increase in the rate of 3%   Many are saying longer.

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.comMississauga4Sale.com
 

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Location, Location, Location what does it mean when purchasing real estate?

You will find the information very helpful when you are purchasing your real estate

You have heard about the importance of location, but what really does that mean?  The article below will explain what location, location, location in real estate is all about.

Enjoy,
Mark

Location, Location, Location

You've probably heard this adage many times, but what does it mean?

Location of the property you are contemplating to purchase is one of the most important aspects of consideration when establishing the value of a property.  

For example, two identical homes can be priced and valued very far apart the only difference in many cases is the location of each home.  How can this be?

The following information about location would affect both how much you pay for a home and subsequent resale value of the home, so buyer beware of these items.


  • Distance to work. How long will the rush hour commute take? House prices generally decrease as the distance for the hub-of-activity increases.
  • Recreational facilities. Parks. playgrounds, baseball diamonds, community centres, arenas, swimming pools and soccer fields help establish ambience and a community-based neighbourhood.
  • Schools. Which schools service an area is often a high priority.
  • Shopping. Large malls serve an entire community. Intermediate sized plazas are accessed by commuters and pedestrians.
  • Support services. Everyone needs a doctor. dentist and a pharmacy. Day care cent res and religious facilities also rank high.
  • Transportation. Public transit and mature road networks are more readily available in built up and established area. Projected start dates for transit routes or road construction are only educated guesses.
  • Lot size. Street frontage is important but don't overlook depth.
  • Parking and garage.
  • Corner lots. To avoid creating a tunnel like appearance, corner lots are wider than normal, meaning more grass to cut, more sidewalk to clear of snow and ice, more fencing to erect without a neighbour to share the cost.
  • Side of the street. Homes on the west side receive morning sun at the front and afternoon sun in the back. South side homes bask in the sun at the rear, ideal for backyard enthusiasts.
  • Other factors. What street hardware (sidewalk, fire hydrant, overhead street lamp, traffic signs, hydro transformer box, super mailbox, etc.) is located on or near the lot?


Potential deterrents

Negative factors can include gas stations. railways tracks, airports, commercial developments, cemeteries, industrial parks and major highways.

Positive attributes in close proximity can sometimes become drawbacks. For example being near a school is important but would you want a school next door or across the street?

Other considerations

After narrowing your choice of community and neighbourhood, focus on these factors:

I hope these points help you with your next purchase.

 I wish you all the best with your purchase,
Mark