Recent Blog Posts by CENTURY 21 Heritage Group Ltd.

Toronto real estate cooling? Nah

Toronto real estate cooling? Nah By Susan Pigg | Fri Apr 20 2012 Toronto’s gravity defying house prices should continue their upward climb over the next three years with gains of about 4 per cent both this year and next, predicts a new housing report by Central 1 Credit Union. That means the average Toronto home could cost $523,000 by the beginning of 2014, up from about $500,000 right ...

SOME COMMON HOUSEHOLD POLLUTANTS (PART ONE)

   Combustion Gases Homes with gas appliances generate concentrations of gasses such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide. In a case of inadequate furnace ventilation these gases could leak into the living area and form a common household pollutant. They can be present in the kitchen, basement, living room, or furnace room.  In the following section we discuss the molecular ...

Buying an Old House - A Money Pit or a Gold Mine?

  It's like a love affair; some older homes make your heart skip a beat. It is hard not to fall in love with an older home’s historic unique architecture, gabled roofs, hardwood floors, crown moldings and antique light fixtures—older homes definitely have their charm. The plastered walls, leaded glass windows, original chandeliers, and oak paneling make an old home as attractive ...

Market Watch - April 2012 Spring has Sprung an Increase in Residential Sales

The single family market continues to lead the housing growth in both sales activity and pricing, and the condominium market appears to have turned the corner as well. Overall, the Canadian real estate market continues to move in the right direction, with all indicators pointing towards stable growth and a move towards typical levels of activity. Some areas, such as Toronto, are reporting feverish ...

How is the Market?

With the 1st Quarter of 2012 already behind us, I have been asked the 'evergreen' question; How's the Market? We all know that it depends on what you are planning on doing, and that is why a personal consultation with a REALTOR is irreplaceable. However, let us look at the general market indicators. In January we looked at the market (http://bit.ly/It_is_not_Doom_and_Gloom) so this should provide a ...

Easy Kitchen Updates: Transform Your Kitchen with Updated Lighting

The kitchen is becoming the hub of the house. It is not just a place where meals are prepared—most families enjoy gathering in the kitchen. Some people like to entertain their close friends in the kitchen. As well, kids are also opting to do their homework there. The right lighting can make a kitchen glow and give small space an airier ambiance. New lighting is also cheaper than carving out ...

Ten Things to Make You Greener!

1.) Walk or bike to work, or to run your errands. Not only is this an easy way to help the planet, it can also save you money and give you a workout! 2.) Turn off the lights. We've all heard this one before, but if we all did it the impact would be enormous. 3.) Recycle. Setting up a recycling station in your garage or under the kitchen sink can make recycling easier. 4.) Turn down the heat (or ...

Save on Interest Payments

If you ever watch HGTV Canada, you’ve most likely seen shows like “Til Debt Do Us Part” or Slice channel’s “Princess” – shows that bring in a professional to help people come to their senses and manage their debt. Everywhere you turn these days, you’ll hear people talking about debt. The economic crisis in the United States and Europe has shone a light ...

Understanding the Five C's of Credit

Lenders are in business to make money and when a bank lends money it wants to ensure that it will get paid back. To maximize the possibility of being paid back, the bank wants sufficient assurance that a person can and will pay back a loan. When you apply for a mortgage, lenders carefully analyse the details of your application before agreeing to proceed with financing. Many lenders determine how ...

It Is Not All Doom and Gloom: Real Estate Market Remains Robust

Since this release about the Condo market in Vancouver and Toronto came out today from a banking conference, I had a few clients approach me about it. I am a REALTOR® in the Greater Toronto Area and felt compelled to write this blog about the situation, at least as it pertains to Toronto. While I am no financial analyst, I do however understand the real estate market. Anyone who can read between ...

Grand Opening Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd. Newmarket Ontario

New Location; Same Great Service! Grand Opening Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd. Newmarket   Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd. hosted an open house to celebrate the opening of their new office location at 10735 Yonge St. in Newmarket Friday. The celebrations commenced at noon with various Sales Representatives, Brokers, Management, Support Staff, Members of the Community and Town of Newmarket ...

The Need to Know on Home Inspections

Hello and Happy New Year! With a new year upon us and with the real estate market in the beginnings of shaking itself awake from its hibernation, buyers are beginning to think about their next purchase. One aspect of the buying process which I feel doesn’t get enough attention is the home inspection. Often times I talk to clients who have purchased in the past without a home inspection and ...

Falling Glass Panels in Toronto Condos

There have been several instances of falling glass panels and failed window seals in condominium apartments in the Greater Toronto Area. While the construction industry and government initiatives deal with these issues and try to prevent any further occurrences, I believe planning by condominium boards is also important for the future of these glass clad towers and to protect the investment of the ...

Price matters. Sell your house in the “critical first 3 weeks.

Price matters. I talk to my sellers about the “critical first 3 weeks.” While I’ll do everything I can to get you top dollar for your home, I would be doing you a great disservice if I told you we could price it 20%, or even 10%, above market value and still find willing buyers. As a matter of fact, starting out high could end up netting you less, since the longer your home is on ...

The merits of re-mortgaging given the current interest rate conditions

In the last couple of weeks, I’ve found myself answering a lot of questions regarding the merits of re-mortgaging given the current interest rate conditions.  If you have not spoken with a mortgage advisor in the past couple of months – MAKE IT A TOP PRIORITY TO DO THIS TODAY!!!! Low interest rates (as low as 2.2% if you have a solid credit score) will in many cases make it worthwhile ...

Powerful new search capabilities added to Realtor.ca

Those of you who enjoy following the Toronto real estate marketplace will like the upgraded version of Realtor.ca that has just been released, with many new features and tools to customize your searches and find what you want faster. The new interface’s features include: Collapsible panels on the map search. The current map search is divided into three parts: search criteria ...

Thinking of Investing? Now is a great time to buy.

Considering an investment property?  Prices are down currently so now is a great time to find a motivated seller and get a bargain.  When searching for a bargain investment, you should start by understanding the difference between chronic and acute problems with a property.  What you really want in an investment property or flip is a property that has a lower price than other recent ...

Status Certificates – Key considerations for Condo Buyers.

This is a summary of the course notes for the “How to Buy a Condo” training seminar that I ran on Saturday, November 26.  If you would like to be invited to future seminars, send me an email at Peter.Sigurdson@Century21.ca.  Be sure to put “Training Seminar Request” in the subject line.  Many people look at condo ownership as a way to be in the heart of downtown ...

Appraising the Value of Your Home - Peter Sigurdson Toronto Realtor

When it comes to appraising your home, it is critical to protect the perceived value of your home by hiring the  best talent available for the job.  The appraiser needs to be familar with the area, the housing styles, and the buyers who want to buy into that area.  With this job possibly shaving off or adding large amounts from the value of a property, it is essential that the job is ...

Common Misconceptions Among Buyers

Common Misconceptions Among Buyers Misconception: If you pay list price, you're paying too much. Many people have a romantic self-image of themselves as being Canada's Donald Trump - the consummate tough negotiator.  But part of being a great negotiator is going into the sales discussion armed with all the facts.  If comparable properties in the area are selling for $646K plus or minus ...

Appraisals Vs. Home Inspections - Do You Know the Difference?

Appraisals Vs. Home Inspections – Do You Know the Difference?  A home is one of life's most important purchases.  Before committing to a purchase it makes sense to learn as much as possible about any property you wish to acquire.  Understanding the important differences between an appraisal and a home inspection will help you to obtain detailed information about the home's value ...

Smart Home Renovations

Smart Home Renovations  Why not do a home renovation project that allows you to live better now and make your home more saleable later?  Think cost-effective improvements that enhance curb appeal or boost energy efficiency.  The Appraisal Institute of Canada compared typical costs for renovations versus the impact on a home's selling price to come up with a "payback range" for ...

What to do with Winter?

What to do with Winter? Snow fall is just around the corner to welcome us into these cold winter months. The best way to beat those winter blahs is to keep busy. An adventurous attitude is your best defense. Become aware of your regular routine and keep an open mind to introducing new elements within your own comfort level. Though many of us turn to the cosies of home; turning up our energy and exercise ...

CFL Season nearly over

For Canadian Football League fans it's time to begin planning your Grey Cup party. Set your calendar to 6:00pm on November 27th for your event to begin.Argo fans have just one home game remaining and that will be November 3rd at 7:30pm. Let's hope for better times in 2012. For our American fans here is an informative link that we hope you enjoy. CFL Trivia

Basement Waterproofing Technologies

Basement Waterproofing Technologies Basement leakage is the most common problem found in houses, and over 90% of all basements will leak and suffer damage at one time or another. Some evidence of moisture penetration can be found in almost every house. A house with water problems does not necessarily mean it was poorly constructed. Water can appear in even the best built home. Moisture ...