| Recent Blog Posts by Tricia Greer | ||
SPRING MAINTENANCESpring is in full gear and if you haven't already done a check around the outside of your home now is definitely time.
Check the roof to see if any shingles were damaged by ice and snow over the winter and replace where necessary before more serious problems occur.
Downspout and eaves should be free of leaves and should drain the water four to six feet away from the foundation. Check ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on May 14, 2012
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MARKET REMAINS TIGHT WITH SALES UP IN APRILGreater Toronto Realtors reported 10,350 transactions throughout the Toronto MLS system in April 2012. This level of sales was 18% higher than the 8,778 firm deal reported in April 2011. The strongest sales growth was reported in the single-detached market segment, with transactions of this home type up by 22% compared to last year. "Interest in single-detached homes has been very high, both in the ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on May 8, 2012
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10 YEAR MORTGAGE RATEThe ten year fixed-rate mortgage has generated renewed interest as borrowers look to lock in for the long term and enjoy the security and peace of mind this brings. With rates at an all-time low the ten year fixed rate has never looked so tempting.
After five years there is only a three month interest penalty to get out of the mortgage; currently the lowest penalty available for a fixed rate - much ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on May 1, 2012
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BATHROOM REMODELING IDEASReady to give your bathroom a facelift but can't decide what changes to make? From tubs to toilets to tiles, the sky is the limit when it comes to bathroom renovations, even if the budget is not. Whether you are planning some small do-it-yourself changes, or a major overhaul, here are some fresh ideas for remodeling that will help build the smart, stylish and functional bathroom of your dreams. ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on April 27, 2012
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BOOST YOUR MOOD, MEMORY, MINDSET !Scents affect our psyche and we all know our mind effects how we perform so it is unfortunate that many places are now scent free. The power of smell is huge. The universe is at the tip of your nose. It impacts all of us all the time in many ways. Our reaction to different scents is usually subconscious, intense and immediate, influencing us enough to affect how we feel physically and ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on April 24, 2012
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WHO ACTUALLY INVENTED THE EAST BUNNY? ORIGIN OF WORD 'EASTER'The idea of the Easter bunny came from Germany and was brought to North America by early German settlers.
As with many Christian holidays, Easter's beginnings were secular in origin. It was originally a pagan festival. The ancient Saxons would celebrate the return of spring with a festival commemorating their goddess of offspring and springtime, Eastre.
It was adapted by missionaries ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on April 9, 2012
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TURNING HOME IMPROVEMENTS INTO THINGS OF BEAUTY CONTINUEDGetting some air in here. Just as natural sun is good for your mood, ventilation is good for your health. An Energy Star qualified venting skylight is a great way to passively vent stale, moist air from inside the home, especially from baths and kitchens. While some skylights are fixed those that do open can be controlled by a remote to open when you want fresh air and close when you to retain warmth. ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on April 2, 2012
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HOW TO TURN MUST-DO HOME IMPROVEMENTS INTO THINGS OF BEAUTYWhen it comes to home improvements, you can spend money in two basic ways: on things that make your home look better or things that make it function better. Under the first category you'll find all the things you want to do like replacing narrow casement windows with a lovely bay window. Under the second, falls all the things you must do like replacing those drafty windows with something more energy ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on March 30, 2012
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WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES?WONDERING ABOUT THE FUTURE OF INTEREST RATES?
There was no BIG surprise in the Bank of Canada decision last week to hold overnight lending rates at one per cent. This means prime will remain at 3% at least until the next interest rate announcement. It's good news for the real estate market as homeowners, looking to secure a mortgage, are still able to take advantage of near historic rates to buy ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on March 19, 2012
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TIGHT MARKET PUSHES UP AVERAGE PRICEThe Toronto Real Estate Market reported 7,032 sales in February 2012 - up 16% compared to February 2011. New listings were also up over the same period, but by a lesser 11% to 12,684. It is important to note that this year is a leap year with one more day in February.
"With slightly more than two months of inventory in TREB's market area, on average, it is not surprising that competition between ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on March 13, 2012
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WHY DO WE HAVE LEAP YEARS?With 2012 being a leap year, it's a good time to remind ourselves why it is that we add an extra day to our calendar every four years. The answer simply put, is that the Earth doesn't take exactly 365 days to orbit the earth. It's actually closer to 365.242 days. While that may not seem like much, it amounts to almost 6 extra hours a year, which does add up over time. A leap year helps to prevent the ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on February 29, 2012
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SHOW READY!!!How you live in your home when its on the market is different from how you normally live in it. If you're serious about selling, you need to be prepared for buyers' eyes at all times. Consider following these tips to keep your home in show-ready condition.
Don't smoke indoors or cook foods with strong odours. Take out the trash every day and keep the home smelling good with essential oil diffusers ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on February 27, 2012
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STRONG SALES/PRICE GROWTH CONTINUE IN 2012Greater Toronto Realtors reported 4,567 sales through the MLS system in January 2012. This number was 8.8% higher than the 4,199 sales reported in January 2011. Sales growth was strongest for low-rise home types in the regions surrounding the City of Toronto.
"A favourable affordability picture bolstered by very low posted fixed mortgage rates has kept home buyers confident in their ability ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on February 13, 2012
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RENOVATE INSIDE OR OUT?While there are many warnings about taking on excessive debt in the current economic climate, it is an excellent time for homeowners, who are able, to invest in their home and to take advantage of low interest rates to renovate to improve property values. A new study suggests that changes and upgrades made to the exterior of the home are what really gives it a boost.
This year's Remodeling ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on February 2, 2012
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GTA MARKET STARTS 2012 UP!!!2012 has come roaring out of the gate in the hot GTA market. The Toronto Real Estate Board reported that year-over-year, there was a 6% increase in sales and a 3.7% increase in new listings during the first two weeks of January 2012. Furthermore, prices continued to climb, with average prices soaring 8.5% compared to the same time period last year. The market didn't miss a beat after the holiday season, ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on January 23, 2012
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BMO FIVE YEAR INTEREST RATE AT 2.99%Last week BMO and later TD Canada Trust launched a 5 year promo with a 2.99% fixed rate. Though this is an excellent rate there are conditions that will limit its use. Currently it is a two week promotion, valid until January 25th. The main terms of BMO's special are as follows:
Maximum amortization is 25 years.
Rate hold up to 90 days.
Pre-approvals are allowed.
Lump sum pre-payments: 10% maximum ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on January 17, 2012
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CANADA UNLIKELY TO ENTER RECESSION: CIBC WORLD MARKETSAccording to CIBC World Markets Canada is unlikely to fall victim to a recession as many other nations are likely to around the globe. They suggest that, while the economy will slow in 2012 the continued low interest rate environment will do much to buoy the economy and keep it from sinking into recessionary territory.
"As an open economy, Canada can't help but feel the disappointment of a ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on January 16, 2012
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2011: SECOND BEST YEAR ON RECORD FOR SALESGreater Toronto Realtors reported 4,718 transactions through the Toronto MLS system in December 2011. The December result capped off the second-best year on record under the current Toronto Real Estate Board boundaries. Total sales for 2011 amounted to 89,347 - up 4% in comparison to 2010.
"Low borrowing costs kept buyers confident in their ability to comfortably cover their mortgage payments along ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on January 5, 2012
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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SELL YOUR HOME?Is there a best time of year to sell your home? Certainly seasonal factors come into play but there are other factors to consider as well, like supply and demand, as well as unique local market conditions. No matter when a home goes on the market, one should take few things under consideration that will likely affect not just the ability to sell a property but, more importantly, the ability to ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on December 15, 2011
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BANK OF CANADA HOLDS RATES STEADYWith all the uncertainty surrounding many of the world's economies there was a sure bet that the Bank of Canada would hold the overnight rate at 1% given the strength of the headwinds blowing against our borders.
The Bank of Canada said in a release, "Uncertainty around the global economic outlook has increased in the weeks since the bank released its October Monetary Policy ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on December 7, 2011
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STEADY FORECAST FOR CANADIAN HOUSING MARKETThe Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has revised its forecast for home sales activity via the Multiple Listing Service for 2011 and 2012 and the outlook is positive.
Overall both sales activity and prices have come in stronger this year. In fact, instead of its original prediction that sales would decline by about one percent in 2011, CREA is now forecasting a slight rise in national sales ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on November 28, 2011
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WHY ARN'T INTEREST RATES EVEN LOWER?Lenders have been making changes to their mortgage rates lately and many in the industry are curious as to what is going on. While the Bank of Canada has lowered its overnight rate the banks have not passed along the full reduction to consumers. (The overnight rate is generally the rate that large banks use to borrow and lend from one another on the overnight market.)
The Bank of Canada reduced its ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on November 17, 2011
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REMEMBRANCE!On this November 11th we pause to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrafice and it is fitting to read again the famous poem written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae of the Canadian Army.
IN FLANDERS FIELDS
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks still singing, fly
Scarce heard amidst the guns ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on November 11, 2011
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STRATEGIES FOR DEALING WITH DAMAGED CREDITIf you have bad credit you should quickly resolve items that may be pulling down your score. Thirty-five percent of a credit score is determined by payment history, so ensure that all bill payments are paid on time. Never forgo even making that $10 minimum payment.
Open a secured credit card with a lender that reports to the credit bureau. Pay all outstanding collections or find ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on November 8, 2011
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CANADIANS SNAPPING UP FLORIDA PROPERTIESA recent report suggests that Canadians are actively bargain hunting for and purchasing properties in Florida. The report states that over the 12-month period from mid 2010 to mid 2011, one in four homes purchased in the state were acquired by foreign buyers. Of that group the largest section were Canadians, comprising 10% of buyers and most of the sales were done with cash.
Price was a major factor. ...
Posted by Tricia Greer
on November 3, 2011
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