Archive for February, 2008
Was Real Estate a Good Investment 10 Years Ago? You Betcha!/A Review of the Last Decade in Canadian Real Estate
February 29th, 2008 Categories: Investing in Real Estate, Mortgages, Economics, Finance, Real Estate News
ReMax recently published a 26 page review of the last decade in Canadian real estate.
If you are interested in specific cities and regions and what’s been going on, this report provides a good synopsis, shows the statistics and the factors that have been influencing change in local areas.
Not too technical for the layperson to follow.
The accompanying press release issued by ReMax revealed some facts that you may find interesting:
1. What factors influenced the growth?
“Never before have we seen such a continuous run up in Canadian real estate. Clearly, strength in all markets has been directly linked to solid growth in local, provincial and national economies. Low interest rates, job security, and consumer confidence have all served to further bolster home-buying activity across the nation.”
“Pent-up demand, population growth, tight inventory levels, and the longest economic expansion since World War II collectively fueled one of the best decades on record for residential real estate in Canada.”
2. How much did prices rise nationally over the decade and annually?
Nationally, average price almost doubled in the 10-year period, rising from $154,606 in 1997 to $307,265 in 2007, for a 7.1 per cent annually compounded rate of return.
(How’s that for a good return on investment?, says Boris)
3. Which city had the highest price increase?
Edmonton, Alberta, which saw a 203 per cent upswing in housing values - or an 11.7 per cent increase annually - with average price rising from $111,587 a decade ago to $338,636 in 2007.
Calgary ranked second second in terms of price appreciation at 189 per cent, Kelowna at 179 per cent, Saskatoon at 137 per cent, Winnipeg at 118 per cent, Victoria at 114 per cent and Greater Vancouver at 99 per cent.
3. Which province had the highest increase in unit sales?
Prince Edward Island, with the number of homes sold up 119 per cent in the 10-year period.
4. What about the impact of foreign buyers?
“Immigration and in-migration have played a serious role in jumpstarting residential housing markets, particularly in British Columbia, Alberta, and to some extent, Saskatchewan over the past decade.
At first, there was an influx of American buyers, especially in Canada’s coastal regions and recreational hot spots, as our southern neighbours took advantage of the almighty US greenback. Then the European and Middle Eastern purchasers flooded the market, buying up real estate considered ‘cheap’ by international standards. In recent years, there have been a growing number of purchasers from Mainland China. From a global perspective, there’s no question that Canadian real estate brings good value to the table.”
HILARY’S TWO CENTS:
One of the things that these solid stats reveal to me is the strength of the Canadian economy on which the Canadian real estate market is predicated. Since Canadian home prices when compared to global prices are still relatively low, Canadian real estate continues to be a good buy for foreigners.
The challenges being faced in the U.S. economy will impact our national housing market such that the housing price appreciation we have seen in the past decade will be moderated. However, at the risk of stating the obvious, (Economics 101) I believe we will continue to see price appreciation especially in areas where demand for housing continues to be strong and there is a limit to supply. This includes GTA, Oakville, Burlington.
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Confessions of a messy real estate blogger… OK I said I would declutter my office but….
February 28th, 2008 Categories: Blogs, Blogging and the Blogosphere, Lighten Up
A couple of weeks ago, a post I wrote inspired a few people to get rid of the clutter monkey. But I confess I got caught up showing houses, going to seminars, making phone calls, blogging and looking for sheets of paper that were in piles on my desk.
Tomorrow I have set half a day aside for this self-imposed task.
(Hope you like the PROCRASTINATION cartoon.)
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
Ten Things I Learned from Barack Obama and the Democratic Debate
February 25th, 2008 Categories: Food for Soul and Spirit, Lighten Up, Real Estate News
Last night I kept flipping back and forth between the Oscar Extravaganza, in its 80th year, and the Democratic debate between Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
It occurred to me that as real estate professionals we are running for election every day. The forces of competition result in us having to compete against other professionals every time we offer to help someone sell or buy a home.
According to the polls, those who watched the debate were more likely to vote for Senator Obama.
What are some of the keys to his growing appeal? I noticed a few things that I’ll tuck away as “good learning”.
- Confident but not cocky
- Comfortable and relaxed
- Didn’t try too hard
- Spoke slowly and clearly
- Assertive but didn’t put down his opponent
- What you see is what you get
- Unruffled by competition and criticism
- Passionate but not emotional
- Doesn’t take himself too seriously
- Gracious and sincere
When facing a competitor in any arena, these are winning qualities to emulate. WHAT DO YOU THINK?
For help in navigating the real estate maze, call Hilary today.
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All the Mouth-Watering Sushi You Can Eat at SAGA SUSHI in Burlington
February 25th, 2008 Categories: Burlington Beat, Food for Soul and Spirit, Places to Eat
We have had only one other experience with an “all you can eat” sushi bar. It was a place in Mississaua which dished up quantity sushi but the quality had been sorely lacking.
So we didn’t have our hopes set too high when we decided to try SAGA SUSHI in Burlington, which opened just a few months ago.
Our 16–year old Nathan could easily consume a double portion of the usual sized sushi dinner and I could probably do the same, so the thought of unlimited portions was very appealing.
Our family of four, including two teenagers, thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
The restaurant decor was modern and appealing. Staff were friendly and good-natured and served us promptly, especially considering every table was full. It was a Saturday night. We were there from about 6 p.m to 7:30 p.m., and there was a perpetual line-up at the door. (Not sure if they allow reservations.)
We had miso soup, lots of eel, egg, salmon and white tuna sushi. Then we tried several of the different rolls. The crispy roll was very good. We had teriyaki salmon and teriyaki chicken, barbecued eel and some tempura. It was fun to have the freedom to order exactly the kind of sushi we like, and to try out new things, like the dumplings, Japanese curry and seaweed salad.
Sushi, main course, salad, soup, dessert (green tea and mango ice cream) Japanese tea, Coke, Sprite were all consumed with abandon. The fee was $20.00 per person with no extra charge for dessert or drinks. Hard to beat if you are a sushi lover. (Don’t go if you are on a diet.)
We will definitely be back.
Saga Sushi, 2011 Plains Road East (corner Brant and Plains), Burlington, Ontario. Telephone: 905–633–9988
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Oakville Museum Celebrates Black History Month
February 23rd, 2008 Categories: Historical Oakville, Oakville Events, Things to Do in Oakville
In honour of Black History Month and Heritage Week, a new exhibit and multi-media presentation The Underground Railroad: Next Stop Freedom has come to the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate.
Starting February 16, this moving theatrical experience chronicles the history of black Canadians in the community through the story of Deborah Brown and her husband Perry who escaped slavery in Maryland to freedom in Canada.
The exhibit was created by Parks Canada in collaboration with the Royal Ontario Museum and the Ontario Black History Society. For more information, call 905–338–440 or visit www.oakvillemuseum.ca.
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
Canadian Recreational Property Buyers Skipping U.S. for Canadian Winter Properties
February 23rd, 2008 Categories: Fifty-five plus, Investing in Real Estate, Real Estate News
Trying to decide between buying a ski chalet or condo in Canada and property in Florida? Many Canadians are making the choice to buy closer to home.
“More Canadians are choosing to buy recreational homes in Canada” says a recent Report on Winter Recreational Property published by Royal LePage:
“While sunshine states such as Florida and Arizona have long enticed Canadians to purchase their winter retreats in warmer-weathered American cities, the uncertainty clouding the U.S. housing market has many Canadians favouring properties north of the border.
In fact, 36 per cent of Canadians who own a winter recreational property or who are considering purchasing one cite they are more inclined to buy a property in Canada than in the U.S. because of the economic uncertainty plaguing our southern neighbours.”
Here are some of the findings of the poll (conducted for RLP in January 2008 by Angus-Reid):
-
Strong demand combined with limited mountain-based properties has prices ranging from $180,000 to $850,000 in Quebec, $400,000 to $1 million in Collingwood, and $450,000 to $2 million in British Columbia for a standard detached, mountainside, three-bedroom chalet.
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A shortage of listings in areas of high demand, such as Whistler and Fernie, has led to property prices appreciating by as much as 10 and six per cent, respectively, in the past year.
-
More and more European buyers are being attracted to purchase property in prime ski areas such as Mont Tremblant, Canmore, Whistler and Fernie.
-
Eight per cent of Canadians own a winter recreational property or are considering purchasing one in the next three to five years.
You can access the full report in pdf format.
While Canadian recreational properties are a good investment, there are still good buys to be had in Florida, Arizona and other U.S. states. Call Hilary for connections to good local referral partners in Canada and the U.S.
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Help with Estimating Home Improvement Costs and Payback on Investment
February 22nd, 2008 Categories: First Time Buyers, Home Maintenance, Investing in Real Estate, Mortgages, Economics, Finance, Oakville Real Estate News
Here are two very common questions that homeowners or homebuyers ask me. I wanted to share some websites that have useful information to address these questions:
1) “I am buying a home. How much will it cost to fix/add/renovate X?”
![739101_low[1]](http://www.theoakvillebuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/739101-low1-small.jpg)
Carson Dunlop just released their 2008 estimate of home improvement costs. This is a useful tool when you are looking at a home to buy and want to estimate how much it will cost to repair, improve or renovate something.
Carson Dunlop updates these costs yearly so they provide a useful gauge of current costs, for everything from installing a new furnace, fixing a roof or adding a fireplace.
Click here to access this guide from the Carson Dunlop website, print out and carry with you when house-shopping.
2) “Will I get my money back if I renovate my kitchen/bathroom/or put in a pool?”
A handy tool for estimating payback on home improvement is a renovator calculator provided by AIC, the Appraisal Institute of Canada.
The Appraisal Institute of Canada has developed RENOVA, an interactive web-based guide to the value of home improvements. RENOVA is designed to give consumers a better idea of the return on investment they can expect for a variety of home improvements. It does this by providing a payback value range derived from the cost of the improvement expressed in dollars.
For example, a homeowner might indicate that he or she is considering spending $10,000 on remodeling the kitchen. The calculator will then provide a payback amount of between x and y dollars for that particular renovation. Homeowners can choose from among the 20 most popular renovation improvements, identified by a survey of AIC members.
LOOKING TO SELL THIS SPRING? Now’s the time to consult a REALTOR, call Hilary at 905–599–3311 for expert guidance and advice about the home-selling process.
Like this post? Read also:
Ten Ways to Keep Heating Costs Down this Winter
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Bank of Canada Governor Confirms Canadian Interest Rates to be Cut in Coming Months
February 19th, 2008 Categories: Investing in Real Estate, Latest Real Estate Market News & Stats, Mortgages, Economics, Finance
Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney signaled over the weekend in Tokyo, where he was attending a meeting of finance ministers and central bankers from the Group of Seven nations, that bank policy makers will cut interest rates in coming months as slowing export growth threatens Canada’s economy.
The next interest-rate decisions are scheduled for March 4 and April 22.
For more details on this see Bloomberg News Article on Declining Canadian interest rates.
Like this post? See also recent posts by Hilary
Getting a Mortgage Today? Fixed or Variable Rate?
Canadian Interest Rates Anticipated to go down further/No Cause for Alarm for Canadian Home Prices
Remember changes in the marketplace often spell OPPORTUNITY, but lack of information can make people fearful.
Planning a Move? Contact Hilary now for a no-obligation consultation on Current Financing Options and what’s going on in your local market.
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
Oakville and Milton Home Sales and Price Changes for January 2008
February 19th, 2008 Categories: Halton Real Estate, Investing in Real Estate, Latest Real Estate Market News & Stats, Mortgages, Economics, Finance
|
Oakville |
2007 |
2008 |
% C hange |
|
No. of Residential Sales |
217 |
194 |
-11% |
|
Average Sale Price |
$419,533 |
$541,935 |
29% |
|
Median Sale Price |
$362,500 |
$415,000 |
14% |
|
Milton |
2007 |
2008 |
% C hange |
|
No. of Residential Sales |
92 |
74 |
-20% |
|
Average Sale Price |
$315,094 |
$335,493 |
6% |
|
Median Sale Price |
$300,000 |
$320,000 |
6% |
Average and median prices are continuing to rise, while number of sales declined in January 2008 versus last year. Inclement weather in 2008 versus a milder 2007 as well a consumer concerns over the impact of U.S. market on Canada have moderated the number of homes listed and sold for the start of the year.
Stay tuned to The Oakville Buzz for monthly stats on home prices and sales volume. Source: Oakville Milton and District Real Estate Board
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THINKING OF DOWNSIZING? TAKE A LOOK AT TORONTO’S SMALLEST HOUSE!
February 19th, 2008 Categories: Fifty-five plus, Lighten Up, Real Estate News
My friend Ron Clarke, of RP Clarke Financial Services, sent me some photos of Toronto’s smallest house, reportedly for sale for $179,900.
In Canada we are not used to living in small spaces but in some parts of the world, like Europe or Japan, learning to live in very tiny spaces is commonplace.
Thought I’d share the photos, just for fun.
Here’s the front of the house.
The house is located near Dufferin and Rogers, in Toronto.
It was built in a laneway between two houses. House is just under 300 square feet.
Small covered patio in front.
This is the living room. Definitely cosy!
Here’s the kitchen and adjoining laundry room. How much counter space does one really need?
No mention of fridge. New washer/dryer and stove.
Bedroom comes with built-ins
and Murphy’s bed.
The back patio. Lemonade for two?
Looking to downsize? Give Hilary a call to chat about it.
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Top Ten Reasons People Move to South East Oakville
February 18th, 2008 Categories: Halton Real Estate, Historical Oakville, Oakville Real Estate News, South East Oakville
The areas of Old Oakville, Morrison and Ford, are commonly referred to as “South East Oakville”. Our family enjoys living here!
I have compiled a Top Ten List of why so many people choose to move here, from other parts of Oakville, or other towns and also from overseas.
1. It’s a mature neighborhood with many trees and gorgeous leafy streets.
2. Homes have larger lots than the newer areas in Oakville. Most lots offer private back yards as their landscape is mature or they back on to woods or parks.
3. Excellent schools, both public and private in the area. Oakville Trafalgar High School has a long tradition of excellence, with a stellar reputation for academics, sports and music. “OT” is one of the oldest high schools in Ontario, celebrating its 150th anniversary in May 2008. St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School is a prestigious private school for girls, estabisehd more than 110 years ago.
4. Cachet – Since the inception of Oakville this area has been the most prestigious part of the city to live and, with the exception of a few tony neighborhoods in Toronto, boasts the highest priced homes in Ontario.
5. Close to the lake and the gracious estate homes along Lakeshore Road
6. Close to historic downtown Oakville for fine restaurants, cafes, quaint shops and the many festivals throughout the year.
7. Easy commute for people working in Toronto, 5 minutes drive to Clarkson Go Station. From there, on the express train, takes about 20 minutes to get to Union Station in Toronto.
8. It’s a great investment! Homes here appreciate more quickly than in other areas of Oakville, and will continue to do so. (More on this in another post.)
9. Joshua Creek Heritage Trail and other walking trails provide beautiful forests at your doorstep for jogging or dog-walking.
10. Extensive custom rebuilding and renovating of older homes make this area even more desirable, and creates elegant and attractive streetscapes.
Looking to buy or sell in South East Oakville? Give Hilary a call today!
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“Fabulous February in Downtown Oakville”, and “Brontelicious” - Fine Dining at Affordable Prices in Oakville this Month
February 15th, 2008 Categories: Fifty-five plus, Historical Oakville, Lighten Up, Oakville Events, Oakville Real Estate News, Things to Do in Oakville, Why Move to Oakville?
With our town buried in piles of snow, I think we’ll go out and sample some new restuaurants or return to some old favorites.
Our son Nathan was born on Valentine’s Day so we will be celebrating his birthday on Saturday. Which restaurant should we pick?
This is the time of year when many of our fine local restaurants offer prix fixe menus for both lunch and dinner. We have two festivals for foodies going on in town this month.
DOWNTOWN OAKVILLE
“Fabulous February Fall in Love in Downtown Oakville” is the theme of Downtown Oakville’s third annual Fabulous February dining and shopping extravaganza.
From February 15–29, 2008, over 15 first-rate restaurants will be offering prix-fixe signature lunch and dinner options. It’s a good opportunity to sample some of Oakville’s renowned gourmet cuisine. Many retailers will also be offering sales throughout the month.
Participating restaurants include Berlio Cafe, Big Papa’s | Cafe del Libros | Colossus of Oakville| Coriander Green | Jam Asian Kitchen and Wine Bar | The Griffin House | Oliver’s of Oakville | O’Finn’s Irish Temper | Paradiso | Ristorante Julia | The Painted Elephant, Thyme Restaurant and Wine Bar
Details of fixed price menus being offered and prices, which vary by restaurant, are available at www.oakvilledowntown.com
BRONTE VILLAGE
Historic Bronte Village is also hosting the first annual winter dining promotion “BRONTELICIOUS”.
This also marks the official opening of Thai Senses Restaurant in Bronte.
The promotion features Special Prix-Fixe menus for lunch and dinner (appetizer, entree, dessert), available January 28 - February 29 at
The Coach and Four, Cucci, The Firehall, Mixed Grill, Oregano Cafe, O Sushi, Thai Senses and the Twisted Fork.
You can visit www.brontevillage.net for more details.
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Looking for Things to Do in Oakville? Don’t Miss the Maple Syrup Festival in Bronte Creek
February 14th, 2008 Categories: Historical Oakville, Oakville Events, Oakville Real Estate News
Fresh Ontario maple syrup begins flowing at Bronte Creek Provincial Park on March 1, 2008 when the park’s month-long Maple Syrup Festival gets under way.
Bronte Creek Provinicial Park is located along the border between Oakville and Burlington in Halton Region.
Maple syrup is part of our heritage as a community, and many Oakville families make this an annual event.
Enjoy a guided tour of the Maple Lane, where 1890s costumed interpreters demonstrate how to tap maple trees, make maple syrup and maple sugar.
Visitors can sit back and watch a movie in the logging theatre, view artifacts in the maple museum, or tour the 100-year-old Spruce Lane Farmhouse.
The maple syrup festivities are open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every weekend in March and from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily through March Break (March 10-14).
This year visitors can enjoy all the festival attractions on Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Hop on a wagon that will take you to a heated pancake house where you can enjoy fresh, hot pancakes with pure maple syrup and crisp bacon or sausage and a drink, served up throughout the festival hours.
Good “outdoorsy” activity for the family for March Break or Easter.
Why not put it in the calendar?
For more info and photos on Canadian Maple Syrup traditions and facts here’s a nice post from fellow Mississauga blogger, Snapshotjourneys.com.
Planning a move to Oakville? Contact Hilary to be your resource for moving and relocation to this wonderful town.
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Oakville’s Edgemere Estate on Lakeshore Road to Become Two-Storey Flats? Say it Ain’t So!
February 13th, 2008 Categories: Historical Oakville, Oakville Real Estate News, Oakville Town Planning & Development, South East Oakville
Last year a landmark Oakville property “Edgemere Estate” located at 1502 Lakeshore Road in Oakville went on the market at a sticker price of $45 million, the priciest home ever to be listed in Canada on MLS.
It sold to Oakville resident and developer Mark Hewitt for a reported $35.9 million.
Now this developer plans to build 10 two and a half storey flats that will provide 30 housing units on the 12 acre property.
Luxury flats to be sold at $4+ million each
Lakeshore Road residents and other residents in South East Oakville were invited to a gathering recently to hear the developer speak about plans for redevelopment of the property and the “manor houses” that would be constructed.
To make way for these flats the 32,000 square foot main house, that formerly belonged to a prominent developer in town, will be torn down. Hewitt plans to leave the five historical structures on the property intact.
Pending approval of zoning and building applications, construction is expected to begin late this year or spring of 2009.
As locals, we have to question what this kind of higher-density housing would do to change the character of Lakeshore Road which is currently comprised of estate homes only. What kind of precedent would Edgemere’s fate set for the other estate homes on Lakeshore?
What are your thoughts?
LIKE THIS POST? READ ALSO:
Landmark Oakville Historical Home For Sale
A Little Oakville (Ontario) History Lesson: Understanding our Roots as a Community
| Discussion: 1 Comment »
Oakville Home-Owners: Back to Yanking Out Weeds the Old Fashioned Way!
February 9th, 2008 Categories: Green Trends, Oakville Events, Why Move to Oakville?
This morning I got a call from our usual lawn service company. The gentleman on the line asked if we wanted to continue our lawn treatment package for 2008.
Ever since the Town passed the no-pesticide bylaw, effective January 1, 2008, I was wondering how lawncare companies would adapt to this change.
‘You can continue with the same price and package, but instead of spraying there wll be two lawn technicians who will arrive and manually remove your weeds with a special tool. Your grub control will continue with an approved grub-deterrant.”
When I inquired further as to whether or not manual weed digging would be the way of the future for lawncare, he indicated that some new eco-friendly weed-killers were being developed and have not yet received regulatory approval by the authorities in Canada. (We Canadians are always more cautious when it comes to adopting new drugs, new lending practices, you name it.)
Call Hilary for your real estate needs and for more information about Living in Oakville!
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
Moving to Oakville? Compelling Reason #4 - Live, Work, Play in the Community
February 6th, 2008 Categories: Downtown Oakville, Oakville Town Planning & Development, Why Move to Oakville?
My husband and I both are fortunate to live and work in Oakville. Oakville provides the opportunity for many residents to live, work and play in the community.
Did you know that more than 400 companies have located either their national or international headquarters here in Oakville?
Why are employers attracted to Oakville? The average household income, was recently estimated at $97,550, about $18,000 higher than the average Greater Toronto Area figures.
Further, Oakville’s workforce is highly educated, more than 40 per cent of residents have a university education.
The benefits of all this economic investment to our local community are seen in everything from employment to public works and services. Since businesses pay double the tax rate or residential property owners, and use fewer sevices, a healthy commercial landscape benefits the town’s economic wealth.
You may have read in earlier posts that 250 acres of land in North Oakville (North of Dundas) are slated to welcome 55,000 new residents and provide some 35,000 jobs, primarily knowledge-based, as new pedestrian-friendly communities are built over the next ten years.
Here are a few of the corporations that provide employment in Oakville:
Ford Motor Company Ltd. – More than 50 years in Oakville, world’s second largest automaker and largest producer of trucks.
General Electric Canada Inc. – One of Canada’s largest technical, service and manufacturing companies.
Mattamy Homes – Mattamy Homes is headquartered in Oakvlle. Mattamy has created more than 80 communities across the Greater Toronto Area and is premiere homebuilder in Canada.
Tim Horton’s (TDL Group Ltd.) – a large fast food chain in Canada, with head office in Oakville. Founded in Hamilton, Ontario, this purveyor of doughnuts and coffee is now the country’s largest quick service food chain, having surpassed MacDonald’s in number of outlets. TDL empkys over 700 people at its corporate head offcice and ha staff of over 55,000 people across the chain.MOEN – A quality provider of faucets and fixtures, a number one brand in the minds of consumers, Canadian head office in Oakville. in Oakville.
| Discussion: 1 Comment »
First Time Buyers: Want to Withdraw RRSP Funds to Buy a House?
February 6th, 2008 Categories: First Time Buyers, Halton Real Estate, Mortgages, Economics, Finance, Oakville Real Estate News
Question: 
“Can I use my RRSP’s to buy a house?”
First Time Buyers often ask if they can use some of their RRSP money in the home purchase.
First let me say, now is a a wonderful time for first time buyers to purchase their first home.
Some recent posts on The Buzz discuss various factors iimpacting this decision including new Land Transfer Tax Rebate for first time buyers, an environment of declining interest rates, and a more balanced real estate market in the GTA/Halton area, versus the seller’s market of the last 7 years, all of which bode well for FTB in Ontario.
(See also a recent post on solid economic fundamentals in Canada, despite challenges in the U.S.)
The question of RRSP money being applied to home purchase has been asked me enough times to warrant mention here.
There are two categories of people who are eligible to withdraw RRSP funds (without tax penalty) for home purchase:
1) First Time Buyers
2) People with disabilities or relatives of people with disabilities who are helping them purchase
Some Pointers for RRSP withdrawal:
1) Must be a resident of Canada
2) Must occupy the home as principle residence
3) Have up to 30 days after closing to withdraw funds from your RRSP
2) Don’t need to use all the funds towards the down payment (money can be used for closing costs, home renos etc)
3) Allowed a maximum withdrawal of $20,000 per qualified home buyer
4) Have 15 years to repay RRSP, without tax implication
5) Revenue Canada helps keep accounting straight by providing a statement on the annual Notice of Assessment outlining repayment requirements.
More details on this can be found here on the Revenue Canada website.
IF YOU ARE A FIRST TIME BUYER, CONTACT HILARY 905–599–3311 FOR STEP-BY- STEP GUIDANCE, from financing, to market conditions to moving advice!
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DOES YOUR DESK LOOK LIKE THIS?… NOT TO MENTION THE FLOOR AROUND YOUR DESK?
February 4th, 2008 Categories: Home Maintenance, Lighten Up
Ever wonder how the confluence of random threads of thought entering our brain can lead to ACTION?
Well especially for YOURS TRULY, who whether I like it or not is (or is it “am”?) a lateral thinker, not a linear thinker (like my husband Wayne).
Random Thread of Thought Number 1:
A few days ago I notice my desk is starting to disappear under a mountain of piles. Come to think of it, the credenza is also beginning to disappear from view.
Random Thread of Thought Number 2:
My fellow entrepreneur friend Steve Ilott of Decluttering.ca, Therapy for your Home sends me an article he wrote about getting rid of the Clutter Monkey.
Random Thread of Thought Number 3:
I come upon the above cartoon, while surfing the net this morning.
OK, IT’s time for ACTION:
The last thing I feel like doing is clearing everything off my desk and other surfaces in my office, and putting items big and small “in their proper place” but I make a commitment to do it and my readers get to hold me accountable.
Want to check out Steve’s Step by Step Guide to Banishing the Clutter Monkey? Click here.
| Discussion: 5 Comments »
FEELING OVERWHELMED? MAKE A “STOP DOING” LIST (AND BAKE SOME COOKIES TONIGHT)
February 3rd, 2008 Categories: Books I Read, Food for Soul and Spirit, Lighten Up
Ever feel you can never can get caught up on your endless LIST of things to do?
This week I did one key thing that has revolutionized my business and my life!
I made a STOP DOING LIST.
The most powerful ideas are the simplest.
This very simple idea (which most of us are not putting into practice in our lives) was inspired by a chapter of the book Good to Great by Jim Collins. (Incidentally, in my humble opinion, this is one of the best business books ever written.)
According to the author’s survey of companies “those who built the good-to-great companies made as much use of “stop doing” lists as “to do lists” (page 139).
The phrase “less is more” is so true provided that when you do less of certain “less important things”, you do more of the “more important things”.
I still have my To Do Lists and am busy working those. But my Stop Doing List has freed me up to do the most important things on my To Do lists.
Some things I decided to stop doing:
1) Stop trying to do too many different prospecting initiatives, to focus more time on my key areas which are 1) Effective blogging on my new blogsite 2) the incredible relationships I am fortunate to be building within my Business Networking International referral group 3) Getting involved in my community, volunteering, especially in South East Oakville, where I live.
2) Stop giving in to the fear of “what will people think if I say no?”
(Ask yourself how much of your to do list is reactive and driven by the fear of being left behind, or the desire to please others.)
3) Stop indulging the feelings of being overwhelmed, simply do what I can each day and realize that tomorrow will take care of itself.
4) Stop going to bed late. It is a bad habit. (Face facts, I’m no longer a spring chicken.) In order to wake up earlier and have time for prayer, meditation, and clear thinking, I have to stop procrastinating my bedtime!
These few decisions have liberated my soul this week and taken the cloud of overwhelment off my head!
Decision: Every day I make a To Do List, perhaps I should also make a “stop doing list’, perhaps once a week?
Why not make a STOP DOING list and share how it helps you?
Whew, maybe I`ll have time to bake some cookies tonight!
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
How Do I Get Into Real Estate Investing?
February 2nd, 2008 Categories: Investing in Real Estate, Mortgages, Economics, Finance, Oakville Real Estate News, Real Estate News
Have you always wanted to get into investing in real estate?
Most people agree that it is a smart thing to do.
With volatility in the stock market and low returns on fixed income products like GIC’s, clients often ask about how to get into buying an income property or vacation property. The opportunity to build passive income through real estate investing is attractive to most people. Also with longevity increasing, those of us planning for retirement often wonder if our retirement income will be sufficient to meet our needs for the long haul.
I have the idea to put together some seminars here in the Halton area that answer the need for pertinent and practical information on real estate investing.
Having worked in the seminar and conference business for a number of years in a prior life, I know that people only attend if there is a “need to know” not a “ nice to know” subject being covered.
I would appreciate some FEEDBACK that would help me to gauge interest in this subject from clients and the community as well as which specific topics might be useful to cover. I would bring in experts to speak on these areas. These seminars would be a value-added service I provide for clients, either free or for a very nominal fee.
TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK:
Some thoughts I have for topics:
1) Introduction to Real Estate Investing: The Nuts and Bolts
2) Demystefying the Investing Process
3) Investing in Vacation Property (Speaker from Blue Mountain/Collingwood Area, Cottage Property in Muskoka, Kawarthas)
4) Investing in Kitchener/Waterloo area
5) Buying Property in the U. S. (Florida, North Carolina, Arizona)
6) Buying Property outside North America
7) Financing Investment Properties (New rules and how to qualify)
8) Purchasing student rentals
9) Working with a Property Manager (Property manager speaker)
I would appreciate your suggestions for other topics or comments on those above.
LET’S HEAR FROM YOU!
If you want to connect with some of my contacts who are specialists in investing, give me a call!
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