| Recent Blog Posts by Mike Murphy | ||
BANK OF CANADA KEEPS INTEREST RATES ON HOLD The Bank of Canada kept its trend-setting Bank Rate at 1.25 per cent on April 17th, 2012. While this was the 13th consecutive policy meeting in which borrowing costs have been left unchanged, it was the first time since last September that a policy announcement has included a reference to the possibility of a rate hike.
The Bank reiterated a number of the more positive developments it first ...
Posted by Mike Murphy
on April 23, 2012
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NOVA SCOTIA LIQUOR CORPORATION: NEW AIR MILES SPONSOR
Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC), the largest single banner retail business in Nova Scotia, is joining the AIR MILES Reward Program as a Sponsor beginning February 20, 2012.
Beginning February 20, 2012 AIR MILES Collectors in Atlantic Canada will be able to earn 1 reward mile for every $30 spent monthly. Bonus offers will also be incorporated offering Collectors additional ways to earn at ...
Posted by Mike Murphy
on January 11, 2012
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CANADIAN HOME SALES EDGE HIGHER IN NOVEMBER OTTAWA - December 15, 2011 – According to statistics released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national resale housing activity rose slightly in November 2011 from the previous month.
Highlights:
Sales activity rose slightly (+0.5 per cent) from October to November on a seasonally adjusted basis.
Year-to-date sales remained in line with the 10 year average, ...
Posted by Mike Murphy
on January 10, 2012
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CREA Updates Resale Housing ForecastPublished November 15, 2011
OTTAWA – November 15, 2011 – The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has made a small revision to its forecast for home sales activity via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) Systems of Canadian real estate Boards and Associations for 2011 and 2012.
Activity came in broadly in line with expectations across much of the country in the third quarter ...
Posted by Mike Murphy
on November 28, 2011
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GOOD NEWS ON THE CONDOMINIUM FRONTNew rules effective Sept. 1, will offer better protection for Nova Scotians who own, or are thinking of buying a condominium.
"A growing number of Nova Scotians, everyone from first-time homebuyers to seniors, are choosing condominiums. These amendments will make sure those people are well-protected when they buy their home," said Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister John MacDonell. ...
Posted by Mike Murphy
on September 2, 2011
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BUYERS TAKE NOTE!!Spring has finally arrived and with it, the traditional rise in real estate activity as we enter what is commonly referred to as the "Spring Market." It has been happening like this for years, but this year things are going to be different! We are no longer in a 'balanced market' scenario, but rather have clearly moved to a 'buyers market.' Couple the current wealth of real estate ...
Posted by Mike Murphy
on April 26, 2011
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HRM RESALE MARKET UPDATE (COURTESY OF CMHC)Existing home sales in Halifax will record little change in 2010 before declining slightly in 2011. MLS® sales are expected to increase by less than one per cent this year before declining about two per cent in 2011. Average home prices will continue to rise, reaching $251,000 in 2010 and increasing to $258,000 in 2011. A rebound in existing home sales in the first four months of 2010 was preceded ...
Posted by Mike Murphy
on January 17, 2011
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REPEAT HOME BUYERS IN THE MAJORITYTwo-thirds of repeat homebuyers buy again and again: TD
By QMI Agency
More than two-thirds of repeat homebuyers expect their next house purchase won't be their last, according to a new survey by TD Canada Trust. Twenty-three per cent of the more than 1,000 participants -- all repeat homebuyers -- said they plan to move again within six years. One in five repeat buyers has owned more than five ...
Posted by Mike Murphy
on September 25, 2010
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PREPARE FOR WINTER!If you list or buy your home through me, I will be pleased to arrange for a professional complimentary oil tank and furnace inspection by one of HRM's leading companies. This service will be provided at no cost and no obligation to you. Call me at 452-6873 for more information.
Posted by Mike Murphy
on August 25, 2010
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IMPORTANT NEW HOME SHOPPING POINTS!
When shopping for a new home, one of the most important
considerations – yet one most people don’t pay enough
attention to – is the lot type. Selecting the right one can
significiantly increase your enjoyment of the home. Picking the
wrong one can have the opposite effect.
There are three special types of lots that homeowners tend to
find most desirable. Yet, even though ...
Posted by Mike Murphy
on June 2, 2010
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NEW HANGING MESH REPLACES SCREEN DOORS
As home activities transition to more outdoor living in the summer, many homeowners find that screen doors can be quite inconvenient, given the traffic going in and out during a busy, sunny day. But now, new screen curtains are beginning to replace traditional patio door screens in many homes. They allow hands-free passage, without requiring a door to swing or slide open and shut. ...
Posted by Mike Murphy
on April 26, 2010
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TAKE A VACATION ON THE HOUSE Either purchase* or sell* a home through Century 21 Classic Realty Ltd and when it closes, you will receive a FREE Resort Condominium International (RCI) certificate which will entitle the 'named recipient' to a one week stay at one of the many resorts listed at www.getawayweeks.com. Summer, fall, winter or spring vacations will be so much more affordable ...
Posted by Mike Murphy
on March 20, 2010
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FREE HOME EVALUATION PLUS FREE STAGING CONSULTATIONIf you own real estate and are thinking of selling, you should always ensure that you are comfortable with the brokerage and the agent you ultimately select to list and sell your home. There is nothing wrong with interviewing several in order to make sure as this is perhaps the biggest transaction of your life and you want it to go well. It is also important to note what is ...
Posted by Mike Murphy
on February 17, 2010
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THINK OF THE CANADIAN FORCES THIS SEASONThink of the Canadian Forces this Season
You don’t know how fortunate you are to be Canadian until you end up on the outside looking in.
As a former member of the Canadian Forces - having served 12 of my 35 years in various locations around the world (15 postings and 20 homes)- I can attest to the fact that I never truly appreciated this fact until I was geographically separated from my ...
Posted by Mike Murphy
on January 15, 2010
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TO UNDERSTAND IS TO APPRECIATEThere is an old adage that you often don’t appreciate something until………! I have tended to modify this somewhat over the years and now unequivocally conclude that you don’t know how fortunate you are to be Canadian until you end up on the outside looking in. As a former member of the Canadian Forces having served twelve of my 35 years in various locations ...
Posted by Mike Murphy
on December 8, 2009
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SEPARATE YOURSELF FROM THE COMPETITION BY STAGING YOUR HOMEIf you own real estate and are thinking of selling, I would be delighted to provide you with a FREE Home Evaluation. In addition, all clients listing with me are offered a FREE one hour Staging Consultation involving a complete walk-through of your home by Dawn Munden of Update Interiors. She will highlight problem areas and provide suggestions in the form of a written report on how ...
Posted by Mike Murphy
on December 4, 2009
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WINTER IS COMING!If you list or buy your home through me, I will be pleased to arrange for a professional complimentary oil tank and furnace inspection by one of HRM's leading companies. This service will be provided at no cost and no obligation to you. Call me at 452-6873 for more information.
Posted by Mike Murphy
on October 31, 2009
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AIR MILES NEWS FLASHA Century 21 limited time bonus offer has recently been sent to over 165,000 AIR MILES collectors. For active bonus offers that are in addition to the 2 AIR MILES per $1000 spent for the purchase or sale of your home, contact me at any time. I will be pleased to cover the many advantages you derive from dealing with Century 21 for all your real estate needs.
Posted by Mike Murphy
on September 17, 2009
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CHMC UPDATED HOUSING INFOOTTAWA, July 9, 2009 — The seasonally adjusted annual rate of housing starts increased to 140,700 units in June from 130,300 units in May, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). “The increase in housing starts in June is broadly based, encompassing both the singles and multiples segments,” said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist at CMHC. “In addition, Western ...
Posted by Mike Murphy
on August 15, 2009
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COST EFFECTIVE HEATING OPTIONS IN YOUR HOMEAccording to Scott Cameron, account manager with Nova Scotia Power Inc., electric thermal storage (ETS) and time-of-day (TOD) rates is the fastest growing heating option on the market. An ETS heating system draws energy overnight when power rates are at their lowest. The heat is then stored for timed release throughout the day. Scott says, "During nights, weekends and holidays, ...
Posted by Mike Murphy
on July 11, 2009
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY IS TODAY'S WATCHWORDThose that buy or sell their home through me are routinely given a choice of thank you gifts in recognition of my appreciation for their business. Traditionally, I will provide any one of the following: 1) Air Miles at 2 per $1000 (the standard Century 21 offer); 2) a gift certificate to your favourite store; or 3) an RCI "Take a Vacation on the House" certificate good for a one week stay at ...
Posted by Mike Murphy
on June 6, 2009
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WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?Spring has finally arrived and with it, the traditional rise in real estate activity as we enter what is commonly referred to as the "Spring Market." It has been happening like this for years, but this year things are going to be different! We are no longer in a 'balanced market' scenario, but rather have clearly moved to a 'buyers market.' Couple the current wealth of real estate ...
Posted by Mike Murphy
on April 1, 2009
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TODAY'S ECONOMIC CHALLENGES BRING OPPORTUNITYThere are those out there who are looking at the current downturn in the marketplace as a 'glass half empty' scenario, whereas, we should choose to look at it as a 'glass half full' opportunity all the way! I use the word opportunity advisedly because I truly believe that while the real estate market is adjusting and making essential corrections, it nonetheless provides a significant ...
Posted by Mike Murphy
on February 12, 2009
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