We have just opened up a New office in Whitby Ontario

We have just opened up a new office in Whitby Ontario, Sutton Group Heritage Whitby, on Dundas Street.

Jim Flaherty is changing mortgage insurance once again

It looks like the government is looking on ways to hold back the market, and it will be putting up the cost of high ratio insurance in the new year.
Full report from The National Post

No Bubble in the Real Estate Market

So many status come out in News about housing, today I heard the news release from the government stating that once again, "There is NO bubble". But it does not mean that everything will continue to go up at the same pace.

Condominiums that look like Woman's Figures - City of Mississauga

This is why I like Mississauga, they allow buildings to be built like woman's figures, These buildings, on Absolute Avenue, are normally called the Marilyn Monroe Buildings.

Mortgage: Self Employed or Empolyee

Thinking of buying a house in the near future, and you have an option of either working self-employed or employee. Go for the employee option, self-employed (sub-contractor) is getting much more difficult to qualify for a mortgage with.

Hottest Real Estate Areas for August

Hottest areas for the month of August are: Leaside in Toronto, Followed by Georgina and Clarington outside Toronto. Hottest Region was Durham Region with average increase from last year of 5.88%.

Fixed or Variable Rate Mortgages?

We are back in a time where you have to consider the variable rate and the fixed rate when choosing a new mortgage. Both now look interesting again.

Affordability is not for everyone!

Every day I look at people's incomes, and they have very good jobs and work very hard, but what they are getting paid is close what what students working p/t make. I have heard the same thing from friends in the banking industry and this morning on TV from Ralph Nader (re referred to the U.S.). The problem is that is looks like are middle class has a big gap in it, and many people are at the bottom. With these incomes, there are very very few places, even combined, that these people would be able to purchase their 1st home. The previous very affordable areas are now going up faster than everywhere else.

Free Downpayment from Peel Region

Peel Region is offer a free downpayment program for a limited time. Run this won't last long.

For more information contact me at cvergara@sutton.com or go directly to the link to Peel Region Program.

Grow Ops in York Region

Trying to confirm a Grow Op status for a house in York Region, not an easy task. Will cost between $50-$80, just to see if it has been busted. Other areas it is on a list or they tell you over the phone. Surprised to find one now a days, because it is no longer that common. Before, some areas had Grow Ops about 2 per street...

Have the Appraisal Done during the Finance condition period

If you buying a house, and it is very unique or in below average condition, confirm when the appraisal will be done, you might have to wait for it to remove the finance condition. Normally appraisals are done about 1 week before closing. Under recent market conditions this could cause problems on closing. 

Should I renovate before SELLING my HOME? YES!

Thinking for renovating or fixing before Selling? Good idea, many purchasers are not able to look past needed repairs or worn out decor. A small investment may pay out big. This is especially true if you have already upgraded parts of your property. If you have a completely renovated kitchen, you have now put people's expectations that the bathrooms should be renovated, or at least not falling apart. Remember cosmetic is everything, if it looks good, you will get a good offer, if it works good, then you get to keep the offer that you received. Keep an eye on everything furniture, appliances, odors, lighting, landscape, noises, and overall feel.

Buy a house that feels right for you.

When I first started as a REALTOR in 1994, I would always advise clients to get the most for the money. The biggest, most upgraded or best area for the MONEY. As TIME went on and I saw different odd things happen and also seeing many cultures beliefs, I changed my tune. I now advise me clients, choose the home that FEELS RIGHT for you. 

Cooking Fish to sell a House for Full Price

Multiple offers this weekend, Full price firm sale. Both couples that put in the offers had seen the house while my client was COOKING FISH. A big no no for selling.  But they said it smelled great and it just made them hungry. They liked the house even more because the owners were enjoying it.

Over the limit on Credit Cards

Keep in mind that going over the limit on a credit card will count against you on your credit score.

Real Estate Market Update

I have been seeing lots of price reductions, it looks like we have hit the peak of the spring market.

4100 sqft for $599,900

Incredible buy in Ajax $599,900 for over 4100 sqft wow.

Every small landlord should attend

Landlord Learning and Networking Forum

Thursday, May 9, 2013 from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM (EDT)

Toronto, ON

Evite to Landlord Forum in Toronto - FREE

Canadian Housing Market is not like the U.S.

Canadians have more equity in their homes than Americans did, the default rate is lower, the sub-prime market is tiny, and mortgage interest is not tax-deductible, so there’s no incentive to build up debt.
Finally, mortgages are structured as recourse loans in which assets other than the house are held as collateral. That makes Canadian homeowners less likely to walk away than their American cousins.

School Rankings

Homes prices are influenced by how good the schools in the area rank. How good does your local school rank?

http://www.theamigo.ca/property-prices-school-ratings-ranking-education-children.html

Whole house for rent in great Oshawa Neighbourhdood

Only asking $1399 a month + Utilities.

Great 3 Bedroom House located in a great neighbourhood, close to the Oshawa Civic recreation centre, Oshawa Trent University campus, Walking distance to the Oshawa Town Centre, public  transit & easy 401 access. Finished Basement & Private Backyard. Parking For 3 Cars. Nice Quiet Family Neighbourhood. Large Eat-In Kitchen And Top 2 Floors All Hardwood. Well Kept Semi-Detached Home On The Oshawa/Whitby Border. Pet Friendly. Located on Barkley Crescent, in Oshawa.