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I am pleased to present you with the latest issue of my Newsletter.
Delivered to home buyers, sellers and owners on a monthly basis, this electronic
newsletter is designed to give you the real estate information that is important to you.
In each issue, you will find practical tips and articles related to buying,
selling or owning a home, as well as the latest news on real estate trends.
I hope that you enjoy this issue of my Newsletter. If I can be of any assistance, please do
not hesitate to contact me at: (416)564-1977 |
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In this Issue |
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When most of us think about owning a home, we usually imagine a typical two-storey, detached house. However, today’s homebuyer has a wide array of home ownership options available.
With so many choices, how do you choose the type of home that’s right for you? Your first step should be to enlist the services of a REALTOR. He or she can assist you in finding a home that matches both your financial needs and your lifestyle. Your REALTOR can also help you consider the pros and cons of different housing options. Some of those options include:
- Single-family detached – which includes two-storey, bungalow…
- Semi-detached
- Townhouse
- Duplex
- Condominium
To condo or not to condo?
Condominium living is a great choice for people who don’t want the upkeep
of a traditional home. Many first time buyers choose the condo option because
it’s often far less expensive than a house meaning they can get into the
housing market sooner. Also, condo living is ideal for “empty-nesters” or
retirees who wish to downsize.
Keep in mind that in addition to your monthly mortgage payments and taxes, you will be required to pay a monthly maintenance fee. This fee is your share of owning and maintaining the common areas of the condo development.
Resale or new house?
Deciding to buy a brand new or resale home really depends on your
preferences. Ask your REALTOR to help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of
each.
One advantage to a new home is that it’s likely more up-to-date and usually has larger room sizes and better storage. It also hasn’t been subjected to someone else’s decorating touches. The downside is you will need to put out extra cash for landscaping, fencing, window coverings and appliances.
With a resale home, you often get these additional features for little or no extra cost. Many resale homes have already been upgraded over the years to include expensive items like central air conditioning, finished basements, decks or even a pool. Buyers of resale homes are usually fortunate to be able to purchase these upgrades as part of the selling price.
Choosing the home that’s right for you is a matter of weighing your list of needs and wants against the benefits and drawbacks of the different housing choices available.
Whatever your choice, you’ll want to have a REALTOR on your side to ensure you make the smoothest move possible. For more information on buying a home and choosing a REALTOR, contact the Ontario Real Estate Association at 1-800-265-OREA (6732) and ask for your free copy of "How to buy your home."
Is now a good time to sell your house?
- Go to Table of Content -Thinking of selling your home but not sure if now is the “right time?” Talk to a REALTOR for sound advice on when to sell your home in the least amount of time for the best possible price.
First a REALTOR will help you examine your reasons for wanting to sell. The most common reasons why people decide to sell their homes include changes to their financial status, an employment transfer, a growing family or retirement. Today’s low interest rates have also made it attractive for many homeowners to “move up” to a larger home.
Whatever your reason, selling a house is a complicated procedure so it’s imperative to have a qualified real estate professional on your side. Because selling a home involves large sums of money and complicated legal documents, a REALTOR’s expertise can help a homeowner avoid costly mistakes.
Real estate cycles
Buying your home was probably the best investment you ever made. That’s
because over the long term, real estate has proven to be a sound investment
while at the same time offering you and your family shelter and a feeling of
pride of ownership.
However, real estate is subject to the law of supply and demand which creates cycles in the market. A shortage of homes generally means prices rise. This cycle is commonly known as a “seller’s market.” Alternately, a surplus of homes can result in a slow down in home sales or even a reduction in prices and is often referred to as a “buyers market.”
One of the most important services a REALTOR provides is market analysis. Most people don’t have the time it takes to conduct the comprehensive market research required to accurately price a home. A REALTOR can give you up-to-date information on what economic and other factors are impacting current market conditions.
Which market is best?
Obviously, you will want to sell your home quickly and for the highest
possible price. In a “seller’s market,” you often see many buyers
competing for the same house resulting in top prices -- sometimes even over the
original list price. However, if you are planning to purchase another home after
the sale, chances are you will be competing in the same seller’s market faced
with higher prices.
In a buyer’s market you may find you have to wait longer to sell your home for a fair price. The upside to selling your home in a buyer’s market is you’ll have more selection and pricing options when you go looking for your new property.
Although the current market cycle should influence your decision to sell, remember there are trade-offs to selling in either a buyer’s or seller’s market. Some people are concerned that if they trade up to a larger home in a buyer’s market they will lose some of their home’s equity in the sale. But, while you may sell your home at a “discount,” it’s likely you will purchase your larger home at an even greater discount. The advantage is you then own a larger asset with even greater potential for appreciation.
Seasonality
In Ontario, changing seasons and the weather can affect buyer demand. For
example, fewer buyers may be out looking at homes during the cold and snowy
winter months, but as a seller you will be competing with fewer homes on the
market. Spring tends to be an attractive time for real estate sales as
gardens start to look nice again and people come out of hibernation. Buyers
with school-aged children like to purchase in the spring so they can move in
over the summer. However, homes sell throughout the year so think of the
season as only one factor in deciding when to sell your home.
There are many important issues that come into play when deciding to sell your home. A REALTOR can help you to determine if now is the best time for you.
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With proper storage, apples can keep for up to one year. Domal
Orchard says to use large freezer bags to keep apples fresh.
Fill each bag by lying it on a flat surface. Don't let apples
sit on top of one another or they'll bruise. Store in a
cellar, fridge or insulated garage, making sure the
temperature stays consistent at just above 0 °C. Look for
firm apples, free of wrinkles and bruises. Remove any fruit
that's overripe or has soft spots as they give off ethylene
gas causing nearby apples to ripen too quickly and spoil.
Larger quantities should be kept in a cool, dark,
well-ventilated place such as a garage or fruit cellar. Cover
loosely with plastic to keep humidity in the apple container.
Coat 1L (4 cups)
of firm, peeled apples with an ascorbic acid solution.
Sprinkle 50 mL (1/4 cup) of granulated sugar, pack, label and
freeze for up to one year. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) prevents
apples from browning. Use crystalline-, powder- or
tablet-form. For 1 L (4 cups) of fruit, dissolve 1 mL (1/4
tsp.) powder or crystalline, or a 750 mg tablet in 50 mL (1/4
cup) cold water.
McIntosh
Deep red colour with a green background.
Empire
Dark red, blush with a splash of yellow or green.
Cortland
Bright red with yellow.
Crispin/Mutsu
Greenish-yellow exterior with an orange blush.
Red Delicious
Deep red, elongated shape and five bumps on the
bottom.
Ida Red
Bright red with greenish-yellow patches.
Northern Spy
Red-striped skin with green colour.
The number one baked apple.
Golden Delicious
Yellow or greenish-yellow exterior, elongated shape,
five bumps on the bottom.
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Right At
Home Realty Inc.
Morneau Sobeco Centre II - 895 Don Mills Rd Suite 202 - Toronto, ON M3C 1W3
Direct: 416-564-1977 - Office: 416-391-3232
sue.nieves@suenieves.com |
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