Sally Dollar, Sales Representative - Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage

Sally Dollar - Royal LePage Niagara - E-Newsletter Spring 2013

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Mon, 06 May 2013 10:51:00 -0700

Sally Dollar
Sales Representative

905-937-6000 (Office)
866-999-9497 (Toll Free)
dollar@royallepage.ca
www.sallydollar.com

Royal LePage Niagara R.E. Centre- 101 Lakeport Rd.
Call/email me for your real estate needs
101 LAKEPORT
St. Catharines, ON L2N7L7

In this issue...

·	Featured Listing
·	Royal LePage Garage Sale for Shelter this Weekend!
·	Key Factors in Purchasing a Country Home
·	Royal LePage Niagara Helps 5122 Clients Buy and Sell In 2012!

Spring has Arrived in Niagara!

Its been a while since I had the time to do my e-newsletter. It has been a busy winter & early spring market for me. I wanted to take the time to say hello & remind everyone that I am never too busy to help with your real estate needs/questions. We are so lucky to live in Niagara. The weather has been warm & dry over the past week and that is bringing the real estate market in to its busiest season. We have many upcoming spring/summer festivals in Niagara & people are coming out to enjoy the weather & our local beauty. Watch my Facebook for news and events!

Featured Listing

New Listing - St. Catharines North End

Great neighbourhood location for this 3 Level Sidesplit. 3 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, finished basement with walk out to beautifully landscaped and oversized yard 67'x155'. $244,900.00 - View the virtual tour at www.SallyDollar.com

Royal LePage Garage Sale for Shelter this Weekend!

On Saturday, May 11th, 2013, Royal LePage offices across Canada will come together to host the 5th annual NATIONAL GARAGE SALE FOR SHELTER, with 100% of proceeds going to help women and children living with abuse.
We are encouraging our friends, clients, and members of our community to get invloved by donating to your local Royal LePage office. All monies raised will be given back to the local shelter and violence prevention programs in the community where the sale is held.

Since 2009, the Royal LePage National Garage Sale for Shelter has raised more than $850,000, onequarter and loonie at a time! We would love for you to take part by donating gently used clean boxed items. We will not accept any clothing, footwear, or computer components. Please set aside your boxed donation items for us!

Our local St. Catharines Garage Sale is at 33 Maywood Ave - starts at 8am-1pm(South Service Road)

Thank you in advance, for your help in making this event a success!

Key Factors in Purchasing a Country Home

There’s no doubt a lot of city dwellers are charmed at the prospect of owning a country residence. An old brick Victorian farmhouse, a hand-hewn log cabin, a former country schoolhouse, or a converted parish church each conjure romantic notions of a bucolic life. A country home can provide you refuge & seclusion from the trials & tribulations of everyday urban life for a significantly lower cost than a lakefront cottage. A country escape is a marvelous way to bring leisure into your life. After all, what could be better than sipping lemonade on your very own swinging porch each summer? As long as your motivation is to enhance your quality of life by connecting to nature, and not for profit (there are better real estate investment alternatives than a country home) then here are some tips to guide you on your quest for country living. 1 – LOCATION
First, the value of a country home is dependent on several factors including the size of the parcel of land it sits, the use and zoning of that land (anything from agricultural to bed and breakfast uses impact value), its proximity to centres of commerce, and its ease of accessibility. Without question, the shorter the commute to the city, the more expensive it will be. The more isolated and barren the property, the lower the price. Be aware that when you live in the city, a life of instant gratification can become second nature. After all, you won‟t be getting pizza delivery to your country home! The road the property fronts on, or is just over the hill, may be a trucking route that is much noisier than you believed. That country home close to the road could be far less tranquil than you hoped. 2- SITING Perhaps in your fear that the traffic from the road your future country home faces will be noisy, you instead consider a house set down a long winding drive under an alee of trees. It‟s charming until winter, when you realize you can‟t actually get to the house after the first winter snow storm. Depending on where the property is located, you may have trouble finding, or affording, someone to plow your road to get to your house. Will you personally be mowing the lawn, watering the plants, & cleaning your eaves troughs every Autumn? If, in your craving for solitude & isolation you choose a property which is extremely remote, you may find yourself doing most of the property maintenance, repairs & renovations yourself! Is that the kind of country life you want? 3 – SEPTIC SYSTEM Around 25% of Canadian households have their wastewater treated by a septic system. A septic system treats your sewage right in your own yard & releases the treated effluent back into the groundwater. A conventional septic system is composed of a septic tank & a soil filter called a leaching bed. A leaching bed may also be called a drain field, an absorption field or a tile field. The purpose of the septic tank is to separate liquid from solids & to provide some breakdown of organic matter in the wastewater. A septic tank is a buried, watertight container made from concrete, polyethylene or fiberglass. The size of the septic tank will depend upon the size of the house (# of bedrooms) & household water use. Older tanks may be smaller than those installed today & tanks may have 1 or 2 compartments, depending upon when & where they were installed. You must dispose of hazardous materials properly, pump out your septic tank every two years, and plan on replacing your septic system leaching bed every 20-25 years. 4- WATER SUPPLY In the country, most properties rely on well water. In a drilled well the water has less risk of being contaminated. All property owners are required by regulation to ensure that nothing gets into water wells that could contaminate the water source. Groundwater is a shared resource that crosses property lines & contamination from one well can put other wells at risk. Owners are responsible for getting well water tested regularly – at least 3 times a year is recommended, to be confident drinking water is free from bacteria & other contaminants.
Never purchase a country home until you have had the well water tested.

View the virtual home tour for my Jordan property for sale - its a great starter or downsizing size of country property close to the city and its amenities. www.SallyDollar.com 3405 Bethesda Road, Jordan The price makes it one of the best value homes in the area with 1/2 acre of land, 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Finished basement. $324,900.00

Royal LePage Niagara Helps 5122 Clients Buy and Sell In 2012!

The Niagara Region reported a drop of 9% in residential sales unit activity for the first 3 months of this year compared to the first quarter of 2012. The good news, average sale prices have increased a modest 2% overall. The drop in sales has not affected house prices as the average selling price for the Niagara Region is $226,577 compared to the first quarter of last year when the average was $222,034.
Home sales in the region have been soft since last summer when the government tightened mortgage lending rules. The number of newly listed homes has been trending down in tandem with a slowdown in demand. Due to this lack of residential inventory we are seeing many instances of multiple offer situations for homes newly listed and prices to reflect the current market. Based on a sales-to-new listings ratio of between 40 and 60% most of the local markets were in balanced territory. Grimsby with a ratio of 66% is close to a sellers market which could explain the 11.4% increase in the average sale price.
As the spring market heats up we should see more homes on the market and Sales activity will increase. Price growth in the region is expected to be modest however; some areas will experience a drop in values due to a lack of demand & high inventory levels.
Sellers who have been on the market for over 60 days may need to re-adjust their price to reflect the current market. The buyers are actively looking and according to a number of the lending institutions they have quite a few buyers who have been pre-approved for a mortgage but have NOT bought.

This means that house prices dont seem like they are going to drop any time soon. Spring is typically the most expensive time to purchase a home in Niagara. So for Buyers, this means it is ever more important to have a Realtor who knows the local market and can negotiate every dollar for you and not leave anything on the table. For Sellers, that means that it is really important to know the full value of your home and trust that your Realtor will market your home to as many potential buyers as possible and work for every dollar for you and not leave anything on the table.

For local, knowledgable real estate advice, call or email Sally today.

One of the most recognized and trusted names in Canadian real estate.

All offices are independently owned and operated, except those offices marked as "Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd." Not intended to solicit currently listed properties. The above information is from sources believed reliable, however, no responsibility is assumed for the accuracy of this information.

St. Catharines 3 Bedroom 2 Storey Semi for $159,900.00

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 10:39:09 -0800

Type: Residential Style: 2 Story Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2

Basement: Yes, Full Size: 1,000 sq. ft. Lot Type: Rectangular

Lot Size:37.65ft x 149.8ft Taxes: $2,824.00 (2012)

TWO STOREY SEMI-DETACHED. HOME W/ 3 BDRMS, 2 BATH. BRIGHT LIVING RM W/ BAY WINDOW & LAMINATE FLOORING, DINING RM W/ SLIDING PATIO DOORS TO BACKYARD. EAT-IN KITCH, 3 GOOD SIZED UPSTRS BDRMS, FINISHED BSMN W/ REC RM & 2ND FULL BATH. ALMOST 150 FT OF FENCED BACKYARD W/ NO REAR NEIGHBOURS. CONVENIENT LOCATION NEAR QEW, SHOPPING & DOWNTOWN. VIEW THE VIRTUAL TOUR. http://www.sallydollar.com/Listing/VirtualTour.ashx?listingid=71206903

Royal LePage Niagara Home Connection Newsletter April 2012 - Sally Dollar

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 14:14:21 -0700

Sally Dollar
Sales Representative

905-937-6000 (Office)
1-866-999-9497 (Toll Free)
dollar@royallepage.ca
www.sallydollar.com

Royal LePage Niagara R.E. Centre- 101 Lakeport Rd.
www.SallyDollar.com
101 LAKEPORT
St. Catharines, ON L2N7L7

In this issue...

·	Featured Listing
·	Royal LePage Predicts Further Home Price Appreciation Contrary to Recent Talk of Decline
·	A Guide to Roofing Improvement. Repair? Replace? ROI?
·	Little Green Thumbs: How to Create a Children’s Garden

Garage Sale for Shelter is coming to Niagara

On Saturday, May 12th , 2012, Royal Lepage offices across Canada will come together to host the 4th annual NATIONAL GARAGE SALE FOR SHELTER, with 100% of proceeds staying local and going to help woman & children living with abuse. I am encouraging my friends, clients, & members of our community to get involved by donating gently used items to our local Royal Lepage office. Since 2009, we have raised more than $850,000, one quarter & loonie at a time! We would love for you to take part by donating gently used items to our office or shopping for a bargain.

Featured Listing

New Listing - St. Catharines $144,900

4 Bedroom 1 1/2 storey home Highway 406, shopping and close to downtown. Eat-in kitchen, main floor laundry room/mud room, updated 4 piece bathroom, 2 good-sized main floor bedrooms, 2 additional bedrooms upstairs, hardwood floors. Updates include: Forced Air Gas Furnace 2010, Central Air 2010, Some New Windows 2010. Large fenced backyard with deck overlooking a large empty lot. A great piece of property. Virtual Tour www.SallyDollar.com

Royal LePage Predicts Further Home Price Appreciation Contrary to Recent Talk of Decline

The Royal LePage House Price Survey and Market Survey Forecast released in January showed the average price of a home in Canada increased between 3.6 and 6.1 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2011, compared to the previous year. Royal LePage expects average price growth to continue through 2012 and predicts national average prices to increase by 2.8 per cent by the end of the year.

Despite calls in some quarters for Canadian house prices to soften in 2011, the market proved resilient as demand created by low interest rates and a relatively stable national economy created upward pricing pressure for all housing types surveyed. Further, recent high profile reports forecasting significant house price declines in 2012 are not supportable. Nationally, consumer confidence in the housing market was high in the fourth quarter as real estate brokers witnessed an unusually high quantity of multiple offer situations, including over the holiday season, compared to the same period in previous years.

In the fourth quarter, standard two-storey homes rose 4.2 per cent year-over-year to $375,427, while detached bungalows increased 6.1 per cent to $344,392. Average prices for standard condominiums increased 3.6 per cent to $234,680.

"In the recovery period following the 2008-2009 recession, I found myself repeatedly speaking of 'irrational exuberance' in the Canadian housing market," said Phil Soper, president and chief executive of Royal LePage Real Estate Services. "Expectations were too high and the pace of expansion unsupportable. With this report, I find myself in exactly the opposite position. Widespread calls for a major real estate correction in 2012 simply can't be justified. The industry has significant momentum entering the year, and buoyed by the stimulative effect of very low interest rates, we expect the market to continue to expand - albeit at a slower pace."

Canadians remain confident in their real estate investments. Throughout 2011, buyers took advantage of low rates to enter the housing market or move-up to homes that better suited their family's needs or wants. All regions included in the Royal LePage Market Survey Forecast anticipate positive average price growth in 2012. This includes the relatively expensive Toronto and Vancouver regions, where rising home prices have consistently out-paced the other urban centres.

More information about the Royal LePage Survey of Canadian House Prices can be found at www.royallepage.ca.

If you are wondering what your home is worth in today’s market, please contact me and let me put my expertise to work for you!

Survey of Canadian Average House Prices in the Fourth Quarter 2011

Average house prices are based on an average of all sub-markets examined in the area, except for the smaller markets of Charlottetown, Moncton, Fredericton, Saint John and Victoria.

A Guide to Roofing Improvement. Repair? Replace? ROI?

Your roof has a tough life. Just when it’s survived another long, cold Canadian winter, it faces the heat and humidity of the summer months ahead. That’s why spring is the perfect time to assess the state of your roof, and to decide whether you need to take steps to improve its condition. Here is a general guideline of where to begin:

Look for Proof of a Faulty Roof
No matter how old or new your roof is, it’s always a good idea to conduct quarterly inspections of its condition. Start with the interior walls of your home that touch the roof and look for things like flaking paint, ceiling stains, and peeling wallpaper. All of these may be an indication that your roof has a leak.

On your roof itself, symptoms of deterioration can include missing shingles, visible fiberglass threads, raised shingles with nails protruding, or any areas that look darker or a different shade. Check the roof deck in your attic as well, noting any water stains, rotting, and pinholes of light. If you are uncertain, you can always hire a roofing professional to do an assessment for you.

Two Options: Repair or Replace
If you’ve discovered signs that your roof may be damaged or leaking, first determine if it’s repairable. A roofing professional may be best able to determine this. If it’s less than ten years old and only has a few minor issues, the remedy may simply require a little patchwork.

Sometimes a simple repair won’t suffice, and you need to consider replacing your roof altogether. A professional roofer can determine the state and age of your roof to help you decide if you want to replace it. As a general rule, if your roof is older than 15 years or showing significant signs of decay they’ll likely recommend that you replace it. A moderately sized, professionally-installed roofing job will usually take about three to five days to complete. Select a roofing system design and colour that is in keeping with the neighbourhood standard and the colour scheme of your home.

Reap the ROI
If it’s time to replace your roof, you should consider what the return on investment will be.
The most common type of roofing system is the asphalt shingle, where you’ll pay on average between $2.50- $3.50 per square foot*. If and when you sell your home down the road, you can expect to recoup an estimated 25-75% of your roofing investment*.

Replacing your roof can also add a lot of curb appeal to your home. A new roof gives your home a mini-makeover, making it look more modern and up-to-date – not to mention safer and more energy efficient. To make the most of your investment, be sure to maintain and inspect it on a regular basis.

*The Appraisal Institute of Canada, 2011: http://aicanada.ca

Little Green Thumbs: How to Create a Children’s Garden

Most kids love to dig in the dirt and play with water. Why not foster this natural curiosity to create a beautiful – and potentially edible - children’s garden. Creating a children’s garden is a great way for kids to build self-confidence, feel a sense of pride in their accomplishments, and practice patience, while enhancing your home’s value and curb appeal at the same time. Here are a few ways you can get your kids involved:

Choose a Plot or a Pot
Stake out an area of your garden for your child and encourage a sense of ownership. A couple of large pots or an old sandbox on a balcony or patio can create the same impact. Provide your child with tools of the trade. A plastic garden spade, a small watering can, gardening gloves, and plant markers are a must.

Plan for Plantin’
Take your child to the nursery garden to choose seeds. Fast-growing plants will hold their interest: zinnias and “mammoth” sunflowers add dramatic colours and grow to over 3 metres in height. Black-eyed Susans are a great flower choice as they are relatively self-sufficient and have bright yellow flowers that attract butterflies, bees, and birds, which will surely indulge your little gardener’s curiosity. Plant vegetables such as cucumbers, radishes, potatoes, carrots, spinach, and zucchini, which all sprout fairly quickly, are relatively easy to grow, and add greenery to your garden. Bright red cherry tomatoes are a particularly good option for planting in pots on a balcony or patio. Growing vegetables together should encourage the little ones to eat healthy too.

Nurture Nature
When the seeds are planted and marked it’s time to water and indulge your child’s interest in worms, bugs and the nature of things. A terrific way of keeping plants insect-free is to attract frogs or toads to the garden. Providing a water source is a good start. If you don’t have a garden pond, a shallow bowl with a large stone or log is a good alternative.

Add a Child’s Touch
A boulder rock with the child’s name marked on it is a great way to make the small space feel special. A tiny well-placed gnome or fairy that peeks behind flowers and vegetables adds a sense of enchantment. When interest wanes, construct a funny scarecrow or set out a birdbath and enjoy the spectacle and sound of our feathered friends.

Relax & Enjoy
Gardening is a great way to convert a picky little eater. When it’s time to harvest your veggies from the kiddie garden, throw a blanket on the grass and enjoy a tasty picnic lunch. Relax with your “little gardener” and enjoy. There’s nothing quite like literally consuming the fruits (or, in this case, vegetables) of your labour!

Join us and find out local listings, news, updates, market information, silly photos and other fun stuff on my Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/SallyDollarRLP


All offices are independently owned and operated, except those offices marked as "Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd." Not intended to solicit currently listed properties. The above information is from sources believed reliable, however, no responsibility is assumed for the accuracy of this information. ©2012 Brookfield Real Estate Services Fund.

SOLD - St. Catharines Ontario $144,900

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 14:08:59 -0700

4 Bedroom 1 and a half storey home in convenient location near Highway 406, shopping and close to downtown. Eat-in kitchen, main floor laundry room/mud room, updated 4 piece bathroom, 2 good-sized main floor bedrooms, 2 additional bedrooms upstairs, hardwood floors. Updates include: Forced Air Gas Furnace 2010, Central Air 2010, Hot Water Tank 2010, Some New Windows 2010. Large fenced backyard with deck overlooking a large empty lot. A great piece of property.

View virtual tour at www.SallyDollar.com

Sally Dollar - Royal LePage Niagara E-Newsletter

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:42:11 -0700

Sally Dollar
Sales Representative

905-937-6000 (Office)
1-866-999-9497 (Toll Free)
dollar@royallepage.ca
www.sallydollar.com

Royal LePage Niagara R.E. Centre, Brokerage
http://www.facebook.com/SallyDollarRLP
101 LAKEPORT RD
ST. CATHARINES, ON L2N7L7

In this issue...

·	Featured Listing
·	Tips on How to Use Your Home as an Income Property
·	Help the Planet, Help Your Wallet
·	Green Your Halloween Decorations

Fall has arrived and is a little chilly....!

The leaves are starting to fall, and so are house prices. All the homes that have seen sitting overpriced throughout the summer that have not sold yet are reducing prices. There is a great selection for buyers in Niagara Region right now. As we creep closer to Halloween and Xmas the fall/winter market will level out pricing and be an optimum time to buy. Sellers, dont lose heart though - you may get a bit less for your home in this market, but you will make up the difference in what you buy. As always, information is key -call or email me any time for advice.

Featured Listing

St. Catharines $144,900 for 4 Bedrooms

Nice home in move-in condition! Cheaper than rent! Updated furnace, central air, hot water tank, windows. 4 Bedrooms above ground and hardwood floors throughout. Bonus 144' deep lot! 5% downpayment with monthly mortgage payments of approx $675.00 - Let me know if you would like a referral to a mortgage broker to see if you would qualify. View the virtual tour at www.SallyDollar.com

Tips on How to Use Your Home as an Income Property

An income property is a home that is bought or developed in order to generate income, typically by renting it out in part or in its entirety. Using your home as an income property can be a financially rewarding experience, either to provide extra income, or to help you pay off your mortgage.

Before taking action it is important to understand some of the key points involved in using your home as an income property.

Some things to consider before you start
1.Check the Municipal regulations – are you legally permitted to turn your home into an income property? Would the unit adhere to all existing building and fire codes?
2.Financial considerations - does your home require renovations to make it tenant ready? If yes, do you require financing? Has your bank pre- approved you for a loan?
3.Legal Considerations - make sure you understand the landlord – tenant relationship regulations in your province. This will have a great impact on what you can and cannot do as a landlord.

After your initial research, there are a few things you can do to make your property more attractive to potential tenants.
1.Your home should look clean and tidy inside and out. This will bring more renters through your property and you will have a more receptive audience
2.Update your home if necessary. From simple changes such as fresh paint in a neutral color to major renovations, try and make your home look and feel as spacious, bright and comfortable as possible.

When you’re ready to rent, price and market your unit competitively. Scan the classifieds and visit rental websites to find out how much similar units are being listed for. You can also ask Sally, your Royal LePage agent for pricing advice or to help you find the right tenants through a listing.

Summary:

There is a lot to consider when turning your home into an income property. While it may seem daunting from the outset, doing sufficient research to understand what is involved is key to making it work on your terms. If you can turn your home into a successful rental property, it can be very rewarding - you‘ll have an extra source of income and tenants can help pay off your mortgage!

Help the Planet, Help Your Wallet

CMHC has added environmentally friendly features to the Mortgage Loan Insurance it offers. If you use CMHC insured financing to buy an energy-efficient home, purchase a house and make energy-saving renovations or renovate your existing home to make it more energy-efficient, a 10% refund on the Mortgage Loan Insurance premium may be available. You could also have the added flexibility of an extended amortization (up to a maximum of 30 years) without a premium surcharge.

The Government of Canada actively promotes energy conservation and initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

How It Works

If You're Thinking of Buying or Building an Energy-Efficient Home.

If You Own a Home and are Thinking of Renovating to Make your Home More Energy-Efficient.

If You're Thinking of Buying or Building an Energy-Efficient Home

Step 1: Find out how energy-efficient your house is

If the home you're considering buying meets one of the following four (4) requirements, you could be eligible for a 10% mortgage loan insurance premium refund and extended amortization without surcharge when you use CMHC insured financing to purchase that house or condominium unit.

The house is an energy-efficient R-2000 model.
The house has been assessed by a Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) qualified energy advisor and it has an energy efficiency rating of 80* or above.
It was or will be built under a CMHC-eligible energy-efficient building program.
The building in which the condominium unit you're buying is 25% more energy efficient, than if constructed to meet the requirements of the Model National Energy Code for Buildings (MNECB).
The house's energy efficiency rating can be obtained by:

having an energy assessment completed by an NRCan qualified energy advisor;
obtaining an R-2000 certificate or CMHC declaration from your R-2000 certified builder;
obtaining a CMHC declaration from your builder that is a member of a CMHC-eligible energy-efficient building program;
or for condominium units, a letter from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) or the project engineer for condominium units must be obtained.
If you are planning on building a new home and your builder is not R-2000 certified or a member of a CMHC eligible energy-efficient building program, you should have an energy advisor evaluate the building plans before the house is built. This can help you ensure that you will meet CMHC's requirements once the construction of the home is complete and it is evaluated.

Step 2: If required, boost your energy efficiency

If the house you plan to buy has an energy rating below 80*, to be eligible for a refund, you will need to obtain an energy assessment through an NRCan qualified energy advisor and renovate using part of the CMHC insured funds based on your energy advisor's list of recommendations in order to increase your score by at least 5 points and to a minimum overall rating of 40.

Step 3: Discuss and arrange a CMHC-insured mortgage

Talk to your lender and ask for a CMHC insured mortgage.

Step 4: Confirm the improvement

After you make the renovations recommended by your energy advisor, you will need to have a second assessment done to determine the energy-saving effectiveness of the renovations. To be eligible for the 10% premium refund, the second rating must show that the house has achieved an increase of 5 points to a minimum overall rating of 40.

Step 5: Apply for your Premium Refund

Apply online for your premium refund.

OR

Complete the PDF version of the application form and send it to CMHC, along with the supporting documentation by fax at 1-800- 245-9274, or by mail at 700 Montreal Road, Suite 1000, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0P7. NOTE: You can choose to complete the PDF form electronically or by hand. In both cases, you will have to print it and sign it.
* Depending on the closing date of your purchase, the NRCan Energy-Efficiency Rating required differs:

For purchases with a closing date… NRCan Energy-Efficiency Rating Required
On or after April 1st, 2010 80
Between July 27th, 2005 and March 31st, 2010 77
Between November 18th, 2004 and July 26th, 2005 80

Green Your Halloween Decorations

How can you get your spooks and goblins to have the lowest carbon foot print and not break the bank?
Halloween is shaping up to be almost as decorated a holiday as Christmas. So how can you get your spooks and goblins to have the lowest carbon foot print and not break the bank?
The trick is to use recyclable materials or buy decorations that will last from year to year. Those inflatable decorations are fun but they need a lot of energy to manufacture and then keep inflated. Besides, who needs a lot of plastic when a bit of imagination can turn simple household items into scary decorations that reflect your own style and express everything you love about Hallowe'en?
Simple ghosts
Any white or pale blue bed sheet can be easily transformed into ghost. Wrap up a small pillow in the head, tie it off with a string and hang it from the tree where it can blow in the wind. You can draw eyes, a scary mouth and nose on cardboard using a fluorescent or glow in the dark marker. Cut them out and glue them onto the head for a ghostly expression. Fasten a small flashlight or a solar patio lights under the sheet to give your ghost a spooky glow.
Take some black and orange construction paper and make small paper chains to hang around the ghosts. You can also use witch silhouettes or bats. These kinds of chains will look good hanging in your window with some orange LED lights.
Get carving
Pumpkins are the easiest way to spook up your yard. Some of the pumpkins carving kits have patterns of witches, cats, bats and goblins, which can make a nice addition to the traditional scary face pumpkins. You can find a wide assortment of patterns, both traditional and humorous from the Pumpkin Masters. They recommend using a flashing LED strobe light to really make things scary and sprinkle in some cinnamon and nutmeg on the bottom for a fresh, autumn scent. You can also hand paint your pumpkin, which will make it last longer.
Creative landscaping
Use your pumpkins as part as a display with seasonal flowers like orange and yellow chrysanthemum flowers. Add height to any flower arrangement by including some goldenrod or wild grasses. Their rustling in the wind will add to the mystery.
Stalks of corn, particularly the multi-coloured corn, can be tied to posts or fences. You can find them at any farmers markets for just pennies, especially if you're buying the corn used to feed stock animals. Tie the stalks up and peel away the casing for an autumn display. Place some LED or solar lights amongst the stalks so they will light up at night and cast some shadows.
Buried secrets
Fashion some graveyards out of recyclable material around the house. Take two sticks or boards and put them into a cross, hammer the middle and put them into the ground. Add handmade "rest in peace" signs for that extra touch. Don't worry is the cross sags -- it will just add to the general creepiness of your graveyard.
Large boxes can be painted black to look like a coffin or hiding place. Take an old sleeve from a shirt, stuff it and leave it hanging from the top. Cut tombstone shapes out of cardboard boxes and paint them white or grey. Add epitaphs and piles leaves in front for a freshly buried look.
And of course, never under estimate the garden scarecrow for some creepy fun. You can use old clothing, stuffed with newspaper and pinned up for various poses. Hold yours up with a post or garden stakes or hang it from a tree. Even better, have one posed on your doorstep. Tape some eerie music and put the recorder close to the scarecrow so when someone rings your doorbell you can activate the recording and startle them.
The key to a green Hallowe'en decorations is to have fun and let your imagination run wild and freaky.

Article from Greenlivingonline.com

By the way, I am NEVER too busy for your Referrals! Most of my business comes from great clients and friends and family that refer other great people to my personalized services. Thats what makes the world go around! Give me a call or email and I would be happy to help you!

West St. Catharines Executive Home For Sale - SOLD

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:27:06 -0700

Royal LePage Niagara Home Connection - August 2011 - Sally Dollar

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:52:20 -0700

Click here to view this email in a web browser.

Sally Dollar
Sales Representative

905-937-6000 (Office)
905-935-8215 (Fax)
dollar@royallepage.ca
www.sallydollar.com

Royal LePage Niagara R.E. Centre, Brokerage
Visit www.SallyDollar.com
101 LAKEPORT RD
ST. CATHARINES, ON L2N7L7

In this issue...

·	Featured Listing
·	High Second Quarter House Prices Conceal Early Signs of a Moderating Market
·	My New Knickname
·	Carpet or Hardwood - which flooring is the right "fit" for you?

Summer in Niagara - How Wonderful it is!

Hi friends, clients and family! This has been an exciting summer of changes. Our weather in Niagara has been crazy too. We are now headed in to the tail end of our summer real estate market and prices are adjusting as we head in to our Fall Market. There will be fewer homes for sale and the prices will be reasonable - great time to buy while our interest rates are still low. I am still offering my Preferred Buyers Information Sessions free of charge to anyone who may be thinking of buying or selling in the future....more information makes better decisions.

Featured Listing

New Listing -West End Executive home $359,900

Updates galore, freshly painted. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, large eat-in kitchen, garden doors to the backyard. Main floor family room with gas fireplace. Newly Finished basement. Eco Friendly home Rated 69. Inground/heated pool converted to salt water in 2008. Stamped concrete backyard, roof 2006, basement finished 2009 with high quality finishes. Virtual Tour www.SallyDollar.com

High Second Quarter House Prices Conceal Early Signs of a Moderating Market

Slower price appreciation expected in the second half of 2011

Canada's residential real estate market saw sizable year-over-year price increases in the second quarter of 2011, but high house prices are concealing early signs of a moderating market, according to the Royal LePage House Price Survey and Market Survey Forecast released in July. The market has seen its near-term peak in house price appreciation, and a slower second half of the year is expected. Still, by the end of 2011, the national average house price is expected to be 7.7 per cent higher than it was at the end of 2010.

Average house prices in Canada continued to rise in the second quarter across housing types surveyed. The national average price of a detached bungalow rose 7.5 per cent year-over-year to $356,625; the price of a standard two-storey home rose 6.1 per cent to $390,163; and the price of a standard condominium rose 3.5 per cent to $238,064.

"In many of Canada's regional markets, we saw house prices appreciate at a significantly faster rate than wages and salaries, and this trend cannot continue indefinitely," observed Phil Soper, president and chief executive, Royal LePage Real Estate Services. "We expect price gains to moderate considerably in the latter half of 2011, which should reduce the stress associated with purchasing a new home," Soper said.

While price appreciation and housing activity are expected to slow during the second half of 2011, the strong start will support a 2011 national average house price forecast at end of year 7.7 per cent higher than the close of 2010. Sales volume is forecast to decrease marginally by 2.0 per cent over the same period. Year-over-year prices should appreciate modestly in 2011's third quarter as most Canadian housing markets cooled during the same period in 2010. Similarly, this year's final quarter should display a flat year-over-year price performance when compared to an unusually strong fourth quarter of 2010.

"While the global economy struggles to find its footing, here in Canada we are seeing indicators of a return to long-term norms," noted Soper. "There is an expectation of continuing improvement in employment levels across the country and accompanying strength in wages and salaries, which should provide support for the housing market. Looking ahead to 2012, signs are pointing to stability for Canadian home owners and new buyers. We believe we are past the period of peak house price appreciation."

Full results from the Royal LePage Survey of Canadian House Prices can be found at www.royallepage.ca.

If you are wondering what your home is worth in today’s market, please contact me and let me put my expertise to work for you!

My New Knickname

The "Un" Real Estate Agent???
I am becoming known as the "Un" Real Estate Agent across Niagara. No high pressure, competative, scripted sales tactics here. I prefer to share the gift of my knowledge with my clients instead of using high pressure sales tactics. I provide information and my clients come. I lead my clients step by step through the process of buying or selling their homes and provide the information they need to make an informed decision on financing, pricing, market conditions, homes currently for sale and those sold, paperwork, procedures, inspectors, lawyers, tradespeople, etc. The more information that consumers have, the better decisions they can make and that makes for a less stressful buying or selling experience for all. I am offering my Preferred Buyer/Seller Information Session which is free of charge and no obligation to all of my clients/friends and family. Its a new way of doing business and its working wonderfully. I have received so many referrals from previous clients appreciating my way of doing business that I have decided to keep this system in place and offer it to sellers as well. I have chosen this career for life, and the decisions and information that I give to my clients is based on that fact. I consciously choose to provide my customers with honesty, integrity, respect, information and compassion. I love buying and selling Niagara, let me show you what you can do !

Carpet or Hardwood - which flooring is the right "fit" for you?

Your flooring is like your home's feet, and finding the right type is like finding the right shoes - you want to balance style, comfort and cost. If your floors need updating, here are some tips to help find that "perfect fit."

Style
Carpet fell out of favour for a time, but it has made a comeback with a wide variety of stylish and practical options. Ideal for bedrooms and play areas, select neutral colours to accommodate décor changes and to optimize resale value.

Hardwood is best for main floors and high-traffic areas as it is durable and easy to keep clean. It is also an attractive feature when it comes to selling your home because hardwood never goes out style.

Comfort
Carpet is soft, cozy and welcoming to your toes in our often cold Canadian climate. It absorbs sound and lessens the noise of TV, children running about, and even walking. Carpet can help reduce heating bills and is good choice if you live in a condo, townhouse or semi.

Hardwood is cold, but can be warmed up with area rugs. Hardwood floors are also noisy, but strategically placed rugs and runners can help soften both the look and sound of hardwood.

Cost
Carpet is the cheaper option and when properly cared for, can last 10 to 15 years. Replacing worn carpet can make a home look new again, especially when you're looking to sell.

Hardwood is more expensive, but is hard-wearing and should last 20 years or more. Refinishing hardwood can be costly, but hardwood is a great investment. Like fine wine, it gets better as it ages.

Other Considerations

Eco Friendly - Natural wool and sisal are healthy options for your home, as well as the environment, and both are warm, soft, durable, and anti-static. Ensure the carpet label identifies it as having low volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Reclaimed hardwoods, harvested from older homes, buildings and barn boards, are more expensive but provide a truly antiqued patina that cannot be replicated otherwise.

Hard Options - Laminate flooring is available in colours and finishes that look similar to wood. Easy to install and care for, laminate can last up to 25 years. Ceramic tile is also hard- wearing and best suited to well-trafficked, sometime wet areas, like entryways, bathrooms and kitchens.

Basement - Special consideration should be given to basements, which are moisture prone. Install a sub floor over the concrete and consider a resin type laminate, which can withstand moisture, or opt for tiles.

The right flooring for your home will feel like the "perfect fit" beneath your feet, and will give you and future buyers style and comfort for years to come.

Are you thinking of buying your first home or have not bought in a long time? One of my added services is that I do a Buyer Presentation to take you through the entire process of purchasing your new home from start to finish and all the paperwork in between. Information is free!

Your Credit Makes a Huge Mortgage Difference?

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:33:23 -0700

Your Credit

An important step in securing mortgage financing is the credit check. As a routine part of the application process, the lender will order a copy of your credit bureau report.

Access Your Credit Report

Because a credit report contains information about you, you have a right to inspect a copy of it. Equifax, one of Canada’s largest credit bureaus, offers you three ways to obtain your credit report:

1. Online. Order your credit report online quickly and easily with a credit card. You will get your report in real time, provided you authenticate yourself. There are three products that you can purchase online:

Equifax Credit Report
A personalized credit report including details on credit cards and loans opened in your name, companies accessing your credit file, delinquent payments and more. See example report.

Equifax Score Power™ Credit Score
A personalized credit report as well as your FICO® credit score and analysis. See example report. You will receive:

A full explanation of your score and how lenders view your credit risk.
Tips on how you can improve your credit score over time.
Custom graphs showing how you rank nationally among other consumers.
Specific factors that most heavily affect your credit score.

Equifax Credit Watch™ Credit Monitoring
Monitoring your credit report for changes is one of the best ways to combat identity theft and ensure the accuracy of what’s being reported about you. Equifax Credit Watch™ will automatically alert you of certain key changes in your Equifax Credit Report and Score – such as when someone tries to open credit in your name – so you can act before damage is done.

2. By Phone. Call in your request to 1-800-465-7166. The credit report will be mailed to you in approximately two weeks. This request method is free of charge. However, the FICO® credit score is not included with this report.

3. By Fax. Fill in this form (.PDF) and send it to the fax number indicated. You must include two pieces of ID, including a valid driver's license and a recent utility bill. The report will be mailed to you in approximately two weeks. This request method is free of charge. However, the FICO® credit score is not included with this report.

What is in my credit report?

Your personal credit report is compiled by Canadian credit bureaus from various sources. The report shows information generally going back six to seven years, including personal information such as your name, address, date of birth and Social Insurance Number. It also includes historical data such as current and previous addresses, current and previous employers, and public records like bankruptcies, liens or judgments. Most importantly, your credit report contains your credit card, mortgage and loan payment information.

This information is used by lenders to see if you have missed payments, carry high balances, or are in other ways overextending yourself financially. Payment history is the most important factor in your credit rating — so try to pay your bills on time, even if it is just the minimum balance due each month.

Lenders evaluate your credit risk based on information in your credit report. It is a good idea to review your credit report periodically and check for inaccuracies that may have an impact on your credit standing.

What is a FICO® Score?

The FICO® score, developed by Fair, Isaac and Company, Inc. (the pioneer in credit scoring) is a number between 300 and 900 that lenders use to determine your credit risk. A FICO® score is a snapshot of your credit risk at a particular point in time. The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to be approved for loans and receive favourable rates. Canada's largest financial institutions use FICO® scores to make millions of credit decisions each year.

For expert advice about buying a home in your area give me, Sally Dollar a call or send me an email.

Beware Conditional Sale of Buyers Property - Why would you ever accept one?

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:14:44 -0700

I have just come through another weekend of stressed and upset clients. My clients put an offer in on a house that had a sale of property conditional offer accepted on it - we were trying to bump it and we dont have a property to sell. Also, it was a quick 3 week closing on this vacant house. The Sellers realtor accepted the first offer with a 72 hour escape clause..... so we took 74 hours to cover paperwork - less than 12 hours in to our 74 hour waiting period my clients found another home (hot new listing) that also suited their needs and decided it would make a good back up in case we did not get the first home. I called the first sellers realtor and asked if she thought the 1st buyers would remove the sale of property condition or not and she said the buyers agent said they likely would have to walk away because their home had not sold. I told my clients this new feedback and they were happy, and we decided, just in case....to put an offer in on the 2nd property conditional on us being released from the 1st deal.....that new offer got put in to a long signback as new sellers were out of town...... We find out at 48 hours that the 1st sellers agent did not read the escape clause and it said to remove the sale of property condition only....that the buyers would then have 5 additional days to remove the financing and home inspections conditions - my clients are really upset now - if the buyer agent decided to remove the SOP clause and take the five extra days to sell the house and get out of the deal due to financing or home inspection....we would be out of luck and time! We get word on the final day, just before noon (our 74 hours was up at 1pm) that the sellers agent on the first offer did not get WRITTEN notice given in time to her 1st buyers agent in a timely manner and that conditions would not be up until 3:30pm.....our offer would be dead at 1pm. My client is working out of town and is now very stressed as the 2nd house has its first open house 2-4pm that day. What a nightmare!!!! Everyone is upset, both buyers, both sellers, all agents....... Ultimately, the first buyers decide at 12:55pm to remove the sale of property condition and home inspection, but leave it conditional on financing which means we are out of the deal.... So something beyond my control has upset my buyers and made an already stressful situation of them having to find a house with a quick closing has made them furious. (they sold their home privately with too quick a closing).

Thank goodness that my clients anger is with the system and they understand what happened and its directed at the first sellers agent and 1st buyers agent and not me. It has ruined their whole experience with realtors AND my company (as the sellers agent works for my office as well)....... How could this have been avoided? EASY!!! Explain to your clients that they need to sell their home before putting offers in on other homes (with a reasonable or extended closing time) - it will give them more negotiating power and they will not lose the house of their dreams by being bumped......they will also know exactly how much money they are working with and what time frame they have. They could also sell their home conditional on finding another home within a week to 10 days if they are really nervous about it. Dont accept sale of property conditions on your listings....tell the buyer to sell their home first and then you would be happy to negotiate an offer with them for your sellers....they will probably get a better deal then too! If its a saleable home that the buyers have to sell, it is to their benefit to sell it before making an offer on your listing anyway.

I have had it happen before in my first year of licensing that I had a buyer who put an offer in conditional on selling her home (I got the listing). We ended up getting bumped because her home did not sell and she was so upset that she wanted a release from our listing and buyer contract and said she did not want to sell anymore, that she would stay where she was. Not knowing any better, I put a stop action on both contracts (not a release). Next thing I know (only a few days later) I see my clients listing on the hotsheet listed with another new agent - she had bought another house and listed with another agent. When I called my client she was furious to be found out. The other new realtor said she did not check to see if the property was already listed. What a mess, but all due to the stress of an SOP offer and something beyond our control.

How do other realtors deal with sale of property offers?

Royal LePage Niagara Home Connection - Sally Dollar - July 2011

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 09:28:45 -0700

Click here to view this email in a web browser.

Sally Dollar
Sales Representative

905-937-6000 (Office)
1-866-999-9497 (Toll Free)
dollar@royallepage.ca
www.SallyDollar.com

Royal LePage Niagara R.E. Centre, Brokerage
Visit www.SallyDollar.com
101 LAKEPORT RD
ST. CATHARINES, ON L2N7L7

In this issue...

·	Featured Listing
·	Rate of Home Price Appreciation Stabilizes after Post-Recession Recovery
·	Wallpaper Wow!
·	Step Right Up!

Happy Summer everyone! Summer has arrived in Niagara carrying hot, humid & rainy weather this year. With the summer comes a great feast & wonderful perk of living in Niagara with our local fresh fruit and vegetables - support your farmers and buy direct! I have started my YouTube channel and am now Twittering and Facebooking as well. Join the conversations about local events, news, homes and attractions. Lastly, if you or anyone you know needs a realtor or real estate advice, I am never too busy to help. Hope to see you all soon

Featured Listing

Century Home in Welland with C3 Zoning

BUILT IN 1902 BY JOSEPH EDWARDS. HAS 3 SEPARATE UNITS OR EASY TO RETURN TO ONE HOME. C3 ZONING TO ALLOW FOR MANY USES. TWO STOREY GARAGE AND PLENTY OF PARKING IN THE BACK. BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM AND BEDROOM. CURRENTLY THE WHOLE BUILDING IS OWNER OCCUPIED AND WELL CARED FOR - MOVE IN YOURSELF OR BRING YOUR OWN CHOICE OF TENANTS. Listed at $198,463.00 VIEW THE VIRTUAL TOUR www.sallydollar.com

Rate of Home Price Appreciation Stabilizes after Post-Recession Recovery

Home values continue to rise

According to the Royal LePage House Price Survey release in April, the average price of a home in Canada increased between 3.5 and 4.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2011, compared to the previous year, as markets continued their post-recession recovery. While the rate of year-over-year price appreciation slowed slightly in the first quarter, home values continued the upward climb, which first began late in the second quarter of 2009.

Low interest rates and a recovering economy continued to fuel activity in Canada's housing markets over the past year, which has led to country-wide increases in average home prices. In the first quarter of 2011, the national average price of a detached bungalow rose 4.3 per cent year-over-year to $341,355, while standard two-storey homes rose 3.5 per cent to $379,388 and standard condominiums rose 4 per cent to $237,919.

"The rate at which Canadian homes are appreciating may well have peaked for the next year or so," said Phil Soper, president and chief executive of Royal LePage Real Estate Services. "We expect house prices will continue to creep up, but most of the excess demand created by the initial drop in interest rates has been satisfied, and affordability continues to erode slowly, allowing the listings supply to catch up. In most markets, lower single digit percentage increases are more likely for the balance of the year."

In the first quarter of 2011, certain markets such as Vancouver, Montreal and Halifax continued to experience significant price gains compared to the same period a year earlier, largely due to favourable regional demographic shifts and healthy local economies.

"Canada's real estate market has maintained momentum coming out of 2010, indicating that the post-recession recovery is continuing," Soper added. "While low interest rates continue to drive demand, the tepid pace at which employment levels are improving is tempering the rate of home price appreciation in many Canadian cities. The exception to this trend can be seen in markets like Vancouver, where foreign buyers, particularly from China, are driving demand in select mid-to-high priced markets, and driving up the regional average reported home prices at a surprising pace. In Montreal and Halifax, demand from first-time buyers and purchasers of luxury homes are creating significant year-over-year gains in home values."

Full results from the Royal LePage House Price Survey of Canadian House Prices can be found atwww.royallepage.ca.

If you are wondering what your home is worth in today’s market, please contact me and let me put my expertise to work for you!

Survey of Canadian Average House Prices in the First Quarter 2011

Average house prices are based on an average of all sub-markets examined in the area, except for the smaller markets of Charlottetown, Moncton, Fredericton, Saint John and Victoria.

Wallpaper Wow!

Wallpaper is back in a big way. Bold new wall coverings can take your room from blah to beautiful in a few short hours. Whether you want a look that's country cozy, tastefully traditional, or show-home chic, here are ways to convey your style with wallpaper.

Cozy Country
Country décor has taken a turn for the chic. Go for cozy with oversized floral wallpaper or mini polka dots if you have plain coloured sofas, or opt for a quieter paper with heavily pattered upholstery. To get that country feel without papering all four walls, try running a length of nature-inspired paper horizontally along each wall (at about chair height), and trim it top and bottom with moulding for an easy, pleasing effect. Take the natural look even further with beadboard paintable paper, which when painted and complemented with trim, mimics the real thing.

Tastefully Traditional
Traditional stripes and florals add an air of comfort to any room. Stripes are back in all sizes, from ultra slim to super-size: the thicker the stripe, the bolder the look. Large- scale florals also add a big style statement to any small room. If you don't want to paper all your walls, concentrate on a feature wall, above a fireplace or in an alcove. Go for a richly-coloured wallpaper or dramatic damask. Can't find a specific colour, or just looking to cover up wall defects? Paintable wallpaper is the solution. Paintable paper is versatile, can be painted over multiple times, and adds texture and architectural interest to any room.

Modern, Show-Home Chic
These days, modern means minimal. Focus on a feature wall with wallpaper in a natural look of pebbles, stonework, brick or grass - a beautiful backdrop to leather, chrome and glass. Paper behind white or dark open shelving with a geometric or retro print and watch your walls pop. For a look of sheer luxury and up-to-the-minute style, metallic wallpaper may be for you. As it reflects light, it's also a good choice for a small room or one that gets little light.

Wallpaper brings interest and energy to a room, and can reflect your personal style. Before you go ahead and wow 'em with wallpaper, consider more neutral patterns if contemplating selling in the near future. Prospective homeowners will want to envision themselves in your space and your show-home chic may clash with their cozy country sensibilities.

Step Right Up!

Make an impact with curb-appeal steps

How do your front steps measure up? Are they an appealing point of transfer from outside to inside your home, or an uneven slab of concrete that's been there since you can remember? Either way, here are some ideas on how to take your steps to the next level.

Welcoming Wood
Depending on the style of your home, wooden steps generate a warm welcome. It is easy to create the size, shape and colour you want with wood. The steps can be painted or stained in a multitude of different colours. Wood is a comparatively affordable option.

Beautiful Brick
Brick provides a natural look, comes in many shades and is easy to install. For an enticing entry to any home, use it to create curved steps. A cost-effective and durable option, it's also convenient because you can easily replace damaged sections individually.

Can't Go Wrong Concrete
Concrete does not have to be flat, boring and grey. You can mix colour into the cement of a concrete overlay on your existing concrete to prevent it from fading. You can also stamp it with various designs for added interest. Concrete also comes in pre-cast slabs to give the look of brick, stone or tile. Concrete is also durable and affordable.

Sensible Stone
There are many beautiful stone choices, such as limestone and sandstone, most of which are weather proof. Limestone has a fine-grained surface texture and is very hard and impervious. Sandstone can be easily cut, polished and molded, and has a natural rugged look. Stone is attractive and durable, but is a more expensive option.

Single Step
Is your front step a large concrete slab that's chipped and discoloured? Try cleaning and filling it, and finish off with a concrete paint - preferably with a nonslip finish. Condominium owners could also do this on balconies and terraces as long as the paint is in keeping with the exterior of the other units. Ensure to check with the condo board for any required approvals.

Sensational steps will make you popular with the neighbours and provide that special curb appeal that promises the inside of your home is as special as the outside. Would-be buyers will beat a path to your door!

I offer step by step real estate services from researching to shopping rates and houses and negotiating offers, preparing the legal documents and finding qualified professionals to help along the way. Just give me a call or sent me and email, tweet or IM any time.....


All offices are independently owned and operated, except those offices marked as "Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd." Not intended to solicit currently listed properties. The above information is from sources believed reliable, however, no responsibility is assumed for the accuracy of this information. ©2011 Brookfield Real Estate Services Fund.

SOLD - Welland, Ontario Triplex, Single home or Commercial

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:19:29 -0700

Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage



Sally Dollar
Email Sally

Phone:	905-937-6000
TollFree:	1-866-999-9497
Cell:	905-937-6000
Fax:	905-935-8215

Details

Type: ResidentialStyle: Bedrooms: 3 "3 separate units"Bathrooms: 3 Garage: Double, Detached "2 Storey Garage with loft"Basement: Yes, FullSize: 2,345 sq. ft. "plus basement"Lot Type: RectangularLot Size:50.25ft x 106.91ft"L-Shaped"Has Suite: YesYear Built: 1902 "Century old building"Taxes: $2,230.65 (2010)

Description

CENTRAL LOCATION FOR THIS GRAND OLD 2+ STOREY HOME! BUILT IN 1902 BY JOSEPH EDWARDS. HAS 3 SEPARATE UNITS OR EASY TO RETURN TO ONE HOME. C3 ZONING TO ALLOW FOR MANY USES. TWO FRONT PORCHES/BALCONIES AND TWO BACK ONES. THREE CLEAN KITCHENS, LOTS OF UPGRADES AND STORAGE. TWO STOREY GARAGE AND PLENTY OF PARKING IN THE BACK. BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM AND BEDROOM. HOT WATER HEAT FOR 1ST AND 2ND FLOORS, FORCED AIR GAS ON 3RD FLOOR. HOT WATER TANK OWNED. CURRENTLY THE WHOLE BUILDING IS OWNER OCCUPIED AND WELL CARED FOR - MOVE IN YOURSELF OR BRING YOUR OWN CHOICE OF TENANTS. VIEW THE VIRTUAL TOUR. CALL FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!

Royal LePage Niagara Home Connection E-Newsletter March 2011

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 13:07:01 -0700

Sally Dollar
Sales Representative

9059376000 (Office)
866-999-9497 (Toll Free)
dollar@royallepage.ca
www.SallyDollar.com

Royal LePage Niagara R.E. Centre, Brokerage
www.SallyDollar.com
101 LAKEPORT RD
ST. CATHARINES, ON L2N7L7

In this issue...

·	Featured Listing
·	Stage is set for stronger than expected housing market
·	Porches and Patios: Optimize No Matter What Size
·	Searching for a New Style? LookBack to the Future

Spring has Sprung in Niagara? Really?

We thought it did until we got 20 cm of snow and freezing rain in Niagara yesterday. However, I believe that the Spring Real Estate Market is starting to soar. Each day more & more properties are coming on to the market & I am getting calls from people looking for my Buyer Representation to show them step by step how to get the best deals and refer them to my list of professionals before the well priced homes are sold. If you are going to list your home for sale this year, NOW is the time before the competition gets listed. I would love to hear from you.....


Featured Listing
	$125,900.00 for 3 Beds, 2 Bathrooms & Garage Walk to the sandy beach, view the river and enjoy no rear neighbours in this well maintained 1 1/2 Storey home $125,900 - how can you go wrong? View the virtual tour for more details and call me for your personal viewing http://tiny.cc/6aqje

Stage is set for stronger than expected housing market

According to a survey conducted by Royal LePage Real Estate Services and released in January, Canadians could see the average price of homes rise over the coming year. A strengthening economic recovery and low interest rates are behind the company's forecast. At the same time, the prospect of rising mortgage rates may prompt heightened buyer activity early in the year.

"Trends in the housing market continue to be driven by the lingering after-effects of the recession," said Phil Soper, president and chief executive of Royal LePage Real Estate Services. "Canadians realize that interest rates are unsustainably low and that homes will become effectively more expensive when mortgage rates return to normal levels. We will likely see more price appreciation early in 2011 as some buyers complete transactions in advance of anticipated higher borrowing costs."

Soper added, "2011 is expected to unfold much like 2010, when close to 60 per cent of sales volume occurred in the first half of the year in anticipation of interest rate increases that never materialized. However, housing market activity in the first half of 2011 will be modestly closer to the norm, as last year's phenomenon was exacerbated by mid-year tightening of mortgage accessibility and the introduction of HST in Ontario and British Columbia."

Regionally, the strongest price appreciation of the cities studied is expected in mid-sized urban centres where affordability is better than the national average. For example, in Winnipeg, St. John's and Fredericton, two-storey homes below $300,000 are still widely available. Demand in these cities is expected to be strong, putting upward pressure on home values.

Across Canada, the average price of a home is forecast to rise 3 per cent over the coming year to $348,600 while the number of transactions is expected to drop 2 per cent.

For more information, please see the Royal LePage Survey of Canadian House Prices at www.royallepage.ca.

If you are wondering what your home is worth in today’s market, please contact me and let me put my expertise to work for you!

Survey of Canadian Average House Prices in the Fourth Quarter 2010

Average house prices are based on an average of all sub-markets examined in the area, except for the smaller markets of Charlottetown, Moncton, Fredericton, Saint John and Victoria.

Porches and Patios: Optimize No Matter What Size

Spring has sprung, and the time to prepare your outdoor space has come. Whether you own a small porch, balcony, or a full-size patio, now is the time to get it ready for warmer weather and welcoming guests.

Beautify a Balcony
A balcony can be transformed into a cozy oasis with little work, and little expense. Get the ground in shape for bare feet by covering it with outdoor carpeting or rattan mats. For low-cost comfort, choose a chair or lounger with weather resistant cushions and add a small table for placing books or drinks. For year-round greenery, buy a large synthetic tropical plant and use planters to add seasonal colour. Top it all off with an interesting bird feeder, a small water fountain, or some wind chimes for interest and relaxation.

Personalize Porches
If front porches could speak, they should say "welcome". Choose simple furniture that is inviting and relaxing such as rocking chairs or compact swing gliders. Put one or two large planters or urns near the entrance to your porch or home to greet visitors and use them to make a statement with seasonal arrangements that reflect your personal style. Add colour with bright containers of flowers until spring colours emerge from the garden view. Complete your work of art with the one thing every porch needs... a welcome mat!

Perk Up Patios
Patios are a place to escape from the bustle and activity of the home. To help you get a little closer to nature, consider adding an arbor over your patio. Attach climbing plants or vines around your arbor and scatter container plants of seasonal colour to soften your hardscape. Stepping stones angled away from your patio adds dimension, even in the smallest of areas. Add a birdbath or water fountain for tranquility and your patio haven becomes the ideal spot for relaxing solo or a serene backdrop for entertaining.

To spring ahead, think ahead. Start sprucing up your outdoors now and you'll extend your enjoyment right through to the warm, sunny days of summer.

Searching for a New Style? Look Back to the Future

Retro, short for retrospective, is the trend for 2011. It’s a decorating style that evokes the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and even 80’s. So if you’re trying to find the next big thing in interior design, look no further than the past!

Retro furniture is all about good wood, such as teak or rosewood, and great design. Look for simple shapes, such as chairs with smooth, tapering legs, or long, low sideboards with minimal decoration. It can be found anywhere from chic furniture stores to local thrift stores and yard sales.

Fabric with geometric shapes and patterns can be used as drapes, table cloths, and cushion covers and they complement the simple furniture designs nicely. For the floor, shag carpeting has made a comeback, but scale it down to area rug size to maintain a balance in design.

Shine a light on your retro motif with throwback lamps. Lamps with long, narrow, and articulated necks are popular again, as are lamps with multiple bulbs that can be pointed in different directions. The 60’s lava lamps have made a re-appearance, as well as pendant lights, which come in all shapes, finishes and colours.

As for accessories, retro is colourful and definitely eye-catching. For the kitchen, look for melamine dishes, vintage Pyrex in vivid yellow, green or turquoise and ceramic containers with wooden tops. Consider a sunburst clock in the living room if you have a plain wall begging for attention.

If your style is contemporary, retro is particularly effective. Pronounce a single wall of your room with a 1950’s or 60’s graphic-print wallpaper, pick a colour from the pattern and co-ordinate fabrics and paint for a contemporary fusion. Wall graphics or giant stickers, are an alternative to wallpaper – simply chose your pattern, peel them off and be creative!

Retro is a fun style and is especially effective with just one or two pieces. As well as creating interest, you’re adding a slice of history to your home.

Check out Sally's Things to Do in Niagara www.SallyDollar.com and Follow me on Twitter @rlpdollar and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/SallyDollarRLP to view Niagara photos - MOST OF ALL - Call me if you or someone you know needs real estate advice.... Helping You is What I Do!


All offices are independently owned and operated, except those offices marked as "Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd." Not intended to solicit currently listed properties. The above information is from sources believed reliable, however, no responsibility is assumed for the accuracy of this information. ©2010 - 2011 Brookfield Real Estate Services Fund.

I Love Winter in Niagara!!! Enter My Contest for Niagara's Best Snowman!

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 18:31:00 -0800

Email me your best photos or videos of your Niagara Snowmen for a chance to win $100 Giant Tiger Gift Card. I am looking for silly, funny, sporty and perhaps real estate oriented (hint hint) snowmen. Contest starts February 12, 2011 and r...uns until March 12, 2011 and the winner and all entries recieved will be posted at www.facebook.com/SallyDollarRLP . Please INCLUDE: Name, address, email or telephone number and the location or story behind your entry. EMAIL to: sally.dollar@me.com

May the best snowperson win!!

Royal LePage Niagara helped 5,551 Clients Buy & Sell in 2010!!

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 09:13:03 -0800

Royal LePage Niagara helped 5,551 Clients Buy & Sell in 2010!!

Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate Centre Brokerage ended the year with an over all increase in sales of 5.6% over 2009 which was above the reported increase of 4% for the Niagara Association of Realtors.

The Canadian Real estate Association reported an average year over year drop of 3.9% in sales activity across Canada.

Residential MLS Reported Sales in Local Markets

Area	Unit Sales 2010 Increase over 2009
Fort Erie	476 -.02%
Fonthill/ Pelham	210 .05%
Lincoln	268 13.6%
Niagara On The Lake	226 -4.2%
Niagara Falls	1070 8.5%
Port Colborne	303 -2.6%
St.Catharines	1583 0.1%
Thorold	281 16.6%
Welland	727 3.1%
Grimsby	394 -6.6%
Smithville	96 33.3%
Dunnville	142 13.6%

Niagara Region -

The Average Sale price of a single family home rose to $225,259 from the $215,005 reported for the same period in 2009. This 4.8% rise in sale price is less than the 5.8% average price

Increase for homes sold via the Canadian MLS Systems across the country. Locally the sales for Luxury Homes ($400,000 - 1 million plus) rose 35% while the number of homes sold under $200,000 was comparable to 2009 levels. This change in volumes by price range has caused the average price to be skewed upwards.

Most Markets in Niagara are described as balanced however Grimsby, Stoney Creek are still in a Sellers market as inventory levels remain low & Buyer demand is high.

Looking ahead for 2011, the Niagara Region is expected to have modest growth in sales with high demand in first half of the year. Recent changes to the Mortgage guidelines may affect some of the first time Buyers but the artificially low mortgage rates will encourage people to get into the housing market .

What this means is, if you are planning to buy or sell your home this year, they are forecasting that the first half of the year may be the best plan. Call me today for your Free Home Market Evaluation and/or Buyer Information Session. There is no obligation, I believe that the more information my clients have, the more informed decisions they can make......when they are ready!

Sally Dollar, Sales Representative, Master Sales Award Winner 2010

www.SallyDollar.com or www.facebook.com/SallyDollarRLP

Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate Centre inc., Brokerage

101 Lakeport Road, St. Catharines, On L2N7L7

Office: 905-937-6000 or 1-866-999-9497

New Mortgage Changes for Ontario Effective March 18th 2011

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 08:37:42 -0800

Is your mortgage coming up for renewal or are you looking to buy a new home in the immediate future or refinance your existing home? These new mortgage rules will apply and decrease the amortization and amounts that you could have borrowed before March 18th. Its a good idea to talk to a Mortgage Specialist and/or your bank - I can put you in touch with one if you need to, or give me, Sally Dollar, a call and we will see what we can do.

The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources, announced prudent adjustments to the rules for government-backed insured mortgages to support the long-term stability of Canada's housing market and support hard-working Canadian families saving through home ownership.

The new measures:

· Reduce the maximum amortization period to 30 years from 35 years for new government-backed insured mortgages with loan-to-value ratios of more than 80 per cent. This will significantly reduce the total interest payments Canadian families make on their mortgages, allow Canadian families to build up equity in their homes more quickly, and help Canadians pay off their mortgages before they retire.

· Lower the maximum amount Canadians can borrow in refinancing their mortgages to 85 per cent from 90 per cent of the value of their homes. This will promote saving through home ownership and limit the repackaging of consumer debt into mortgages guaranteed by taxpayers.

· Withdraw government insurance backing on lines of credit secured by homes, such as home equity lines of credit, or HELOCs. This will ensure that risks associated with consumer debt products used to borrow funds unrelated to house purchases are managed by the financial institutions and not borne by taxpayers.

Our Government's ongoing monitoring and sound underlying supervisory regime, along with the traditionally cautious approach taken by Canadian financial institutions to mortgage lending, have allowed Canada to maintain strong and secure housing and mortgage markets.

The adjustments to the mortgage insurance guarantee framework will come into force on March 18, 2011. The withdrawal of government insurance backing on lines of credit secured by homes will come into force on April 18.

3 Bedrooms, Double Garage, No rear Neighbours, 1 Block from Sandy Beach and 5 minutes to Peace Bridge $129,900!

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 19:47:07 -0800

Details Photo Gallery

Fort Erie Beach(Fort Erie, Ontario,L2A5L9)

MLS®$129,900Reduced for Sale

Quick Links
Virtual Tour

Schedule A Showing

"One block to the Lake" More Photos »

Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage



Sally Dollar
Email Sally

Phone:	905-937-6000
TollFree:	1-866-999-9497
Cell:	905-937-6000
Fax:	905-935-8215

Details

Address:68 Windsor AveType: ResidentialStyle: Bedrooms: 3 "2nd Floor"Bathrooms: 2 "2 & 4 piece"Garage: Double, Detached "Carport"Basement: NoSize: 1,297 sq. ft. Lot Type: RectangularLot Size:43ft x 102.08ft"No rear neighbours"Taxes: $1,471.42 (2010)

Description

BIGGER THAN IT LOOKS! 3 BEDROOM 1 1/2 STOREY HOME ON DEAD END STREET. GOOD SIZED LIVING ROOM WITH WALL TO WALL BUILT-IN, FORMAL DINING ROOM WITH BUILT-IN CABINETS, DEN/OFFICE, KITCHEN INCLUDES 4 APPLIANCES. MAIN FLOOR LAUNDRY AND 4 PC BATH. 3 BEDROOMS AND 2 PIECE BATH UPSTAIRS. DETACHED DOUBLE CARPORT/GARAGE. NO VISIBLE REAR NEIGHBOURS. TANKLESS HEATING SYSTEM, 100 AMP ELECTRICAL, NEW ROOF JULY 2010. GREAT LOCATION CLOSE TO THE LAKE (one block ) AND FRIENDSHIP TRAIL.

New I-Phone App for Everyone!

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 09:42:54 -0800

Now Everyone can Access www.Realtor.ca on the Go! I-Phone and Canadian Real Estate Association have created this new Free APP for the public. You can now access all the MLS listings in your area and search by map, price etc.... while you are out and about. If you go to your App Search on your I-phone and type in realtor.ca, you can download it for FREE or visit www.SallyDollar.com to download it. This is a great tool to use, along with your Realtor if you are out driving specific neighbourhoods to buy your dream home as well as checking out the competition if you are planning on selling. Try it out and let me know what you think. Remember if you are looking to buy or sell real estate, or know anyone who is thinking about it, I am here to help - give me a call 905-937-6000 or send me an email www.SallyDollar.com

Walking in a Buyers Wonderland

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 09:56:56 -0800

Home and the holidays. Have there ever been two such intertwined
concepts spawning dozens of songs and movies?

Ironically, though, relatively few people actually search for a home during the period from Thanksgiving through New Year’s.

“Traditionally, in Niagara we have the fewest closings during January and February,reflecting the fact that there are relatively few buyers out making [contracts to purchase] during the holidays,” observes a spokesman for the National Association of Realtors.

Lately, though, the housing market has hardly been performing traditionally, and buyers may especially benefit from house-hunting during this holiday season, experts believe.

Here, advice on how bucking tradition can spell good tidings for buyers:

Negotiate with serious sellers. During the holiday season, a number of time-pressed sellers actually pull their home off the listings, to re-list the next year.

Many others indicate on the listing that their home is not open to showings for a certain period.

Those that are still showing their homes tend to be dead serious.

There’s no guarantee that every holiday seller will negotiate. The National Association of Exclusive Buyers Agents notes: “There are always some people who price their home too high and keep it open, thinking, ‘if someone comes along who’ll pay that, great.’”

But most of those who keep their home buyer-ready, perhaps scurrying away visiting relatives for showings, are intent on selling in the near term and will respond to offers with counter-offers, concur agents.

Perhaps the most motivated sellers are those who actually put their home on the market during the holidays. They may have a job transfer and must move soon.

Another gauge of a seller’s motivation, Hanna says, is if the sales activity in the neighborhood has been sluggish. Have your agent research how many sales have occurred versus the historical norm, to assess whether a seller may be extra anxious to get the deal done.

Check all options. Yes, intent buyers will meet like-minded sellers keeping their homes open during these weeks.

But hard negotiating isn’t the sole concern of buyers who want to find the “best” home in a neighborhood.

Ask your agent for listings that are temporarily shut off, as well as for those recently cancelled. Drive-bys of these listings usually provide buyers an idea of whether it’s a property they’d be interested in, and agents also may be able to secure video tours and inside photos of these homes.

Be a scrooge. Lights, glitter, the scent of cinnamon — the sights and sounds of the holidays can set a spell, beckoning you to imagine your family enjoying the same setting.

We caution buyers that when homes are staged for the holidays, you have to make sure that you pay attention to any flaws.

Get time on your side. Some buyers, especially those that shop early in the season, are intent on closing before year’s end.

Staffers of lending, title, real estate and other companies typically take vacation days during the period. But traffic is slower, too, and others have time to cover for vacationers.

Sally Dollar, Your Buyer Representative, is on top of all these things….Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Give me a call if you are interesting in taking advantage of the Season to Buy!

The Niagara Region - A Wonderful Place to Live!

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:54:44 -0800

Regional Municipality of Niagara

The Regional Municipality of Niagara (2006 population: 427,421),
also known as the Niagara Region, or, colloquially, "Regional Municipality
of Niagara", is a regional municipality comprising twelve
municipalities of Southern Ontario, Canada.

The region occupies most of the NiagaraPeninsula. Its eastern boundary is the NiagaraRiver, which is also the border with the UnitedStates. It is bounded on the north by LakeOntario and on the south by Lake Erie.

Unique natural landscapes make the Niagara Region an important centre for agriculture
and tourism in Canada. The most important agricultural enterprise in Niagara is viticulture,
or winemaking. The Niagara Wine Route, which connects visitors to dozens of wineries, is a growing tourism draw while the internationally-renowned Niagara Falls is one of Canada's major tourist attractions. Along with Shaw Festival, held annually in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the Welland Canal, the Regional Municipality of Niagara receives up to 12 million
visitors each year.

Cities

Niagara Falls

Port Colborne

St. Catharines

Thorold

Welland

Towns

Fort Erie

Grimsby

Lincoln

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Pelham

Townships

Wainfleet

West Lincoln

In total, the region has an area of 1850 square kilometres. The regional seat
is in Thorold, where the Niagara Regional Council meets.

Top ten largest ethnicities

Canadian
- 121,660 (those who are most likely of British/French origin
whose ancestors have been in Canada for many generations)

English - 108,425

Scottish - 66,385

Irish - 56,640

German - 49,435

French - 48,155

Italian - 44,645

Dutch - 23,805

Ukrainian
- 16,735

Polish - 16,295

Airports

St. Catharines/Niagara District Airport (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

Welland/Niagara Central Airport
(Welland)

Niagara Falls/Niagara South Airport (Niagara Falls)

Education

Brock University (St. Catharines)

Niagara College (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls, Welland)

Niagara Catholic District School Board - Separate

District School Board of Niagara - Public

Festivals and major events

Festival of Lights - Niagara Falls - Niagara River Parkway

Niagara Food Festival - Welland

Niagara Grape and Wine Festival

Niagara Ice Wine Festival

FISA World Rowing Championships - 1970 & 1999

St. Catharines Wine Tasting of 2005

Canal Days - Port Colborne

Niagara Folk Arts Festival

Royal Canadian Henley Regatta

Shaw Festival

Health care services

Niagara Health System

Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre

History and trails

Bruce Trail

Fort George National Historic Site
(Niagara-on-the-Lake)

Fort Mississauga National Historic Site
(Niagara-on-the-Lake)

Greater Niagara Circle Route

Navy Island National Historic Site (Niagara Falls)

Niagara Parkway

Niagara Wine Route

Old Fort Erie (Fort Erie)

Queenston Heights National Historic Site
(Niagara-on-the-Lake)

Waterfront Trail - Lake Ontario to Lake Erie

Welland Canal Parkway

Morningstar Mill (St. Catharines)

Other

Clifton Hill (Niagara Falls)

Lundy's Lane Tourist District (Niagara Falls)

Niagara Olde Town (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

Welland Canal Centre (St. Catharines)

Protected areas

Short Hills Provincial Park

Wainfleet Bog Provincial Wildlife Preserve

Ball's Falls Conservation Area

Chippawa Creek Conservation Area

Long Beach Conservation Area

Morgan's Point Conservation Area

Cave Springs Conservation Area

St. John's Conservation Area

Rockway Conservation Area

Louth Conservation Area

Mountainview Conservation Area

Beamer Memorial Conservation Area

Woodend Conservation Area

Woolverton
Conservation Area

Wainfleet
Wetlands

Humberstone
& Willoughby Wetlands

Mud
Lake Wetlands

E.C.
Brown Conservation Area

United
Empire Loyalist Conservation Area

Port
Davidson Weir Conservation Area

Sugar
Bush Conservation Area

Stevensville
Conservation Area

Virgil
Dams Conservation Area

Happy
Rolph's Bird Sanctuary

GO Train/GO Transit - Travel from Toronto to Niagara in comfort

External links

The Regional Municipality of
Niagara

Information
on the historic bridges of the Niagara Region, including some bridges of
the Welland Canal

Information and Events for
the Niagara Region

·
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Good News for Variable Rate Mortgages

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 09:49:39 -0800

Variable Rates are still the best option. If you are thinking of refinancing, buying or consolidating debt, check your mortgage rate. Variable rate and/or line of credit mortgage are based on the Prime Rate here is the news about the recent Bank of Canada announcement on changes to their Overnight Rate which in most cases impacts your Prime Rate.

At 9:00 am EST today, December 7th, 2010 the Bank of Canada did what we expected them to do... they maintained their overnight rate. What this means to you is that the prime rate on your mortgage or line of credit will not change and remains at 3.00%. This is great news as you still have a great low rate and so continue to make the most of the low payments you will still have and maybe chat with a financial advisor about a Tax Free Savings Account!

Here is an exerpt of the announcement from the Bank of Canada and what they had to say about their decision:

"The global economic recovery is proceeding largely as expected, although risks have increased. As anticipated, private domestic demand in the United States is picking up slowly, while growth in emerging-market economies has begun to ease to a more sustainable, but still robust, pace. In Europe, recent data have been consistent with a modest recovery. At the same time, there is an increased risk that sovereign debt concerns in several countries could trigger renewed strains in global financial markets."

Once again, the Bank reiterated similar thoughts from their last announcement... they expect the economic recovery in Canada to be more gradual than it had projected earlier. This was the last announcement for 2010. We do expect prime rate to increase in 2011 but it is expected to be gradual and controlled in line with economic recovery, both in Canada and globally.

We have seen the fixed term rates fluctuate slightly and are still very low at around 3.59% to 3.89% for a five year fixed term.

Based on this recent announcement, and the anticipation that the prime rate will still remain low for the coming months, unless you feel otherwise, I'd recommend the current variable rate product as the interest is very much lower than a fixed term rate right now. However, if having a fixed payment is important to you, call me so I can calculate what your new payment would look like and also if it is suitable for you. Remember any change to the prime rate since 1992 has only been by 0.25% at any ONE time.

The next announcement on any change to the prime rate is January 18, 2011

Remember, if you know anyone looking to buy or sell, or needing professional real estate advice, I am never to busy to help.

Royal LePage Niagara Home Connection Sally Dollar - November 2010

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 11:15:14 -0800

SOLD in 10 days! Cole Farm Backsplit $269,900 North St. Catharines

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 20:32:53 -0700

Photo Gallery Cole Farm Subdivision (St. Catharines, Ontario, CA - L2N7E2) $269,900 Cole Farm Subdivision

Quick Links
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"North West St. Catharines" More Photos »

Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage



Sally Dollar
Email Sally

Phone:	905-937-6000
TollFree:	1-866-999-9497
Cell:	905-937-6000
Fax:	905-935-8215

Details

Type: Residential Style: Backsplit Bedrooms: 3 "2 up and 1 down" Bathrooms: 2 "1 Full, 1 Half" Garage: Double, Attached "with Opener" Basement: Yes, Walkout Size: 1,212 sq. ft. "plus above grade basement" Lot Type: Rectangular Lot Size: 50ft x 100ft "Fenced backyard" Year Built: 1983 Taxes: $4,300.00 (2009)

Description

Great location! Cole Farm Subdivision near Port Dalhousie. Unique layout for this 27 year old 3 level backsplit. Good size kitchen with original cupboards, lots of counters, newer flooring and sliding doors to back deck. Vaulted ceilings open the dining room to the formal living room. Oversized master bedroom with double closets, ensuite priv, and sliding patio doors to back deck. Above grade family room with gas fireplace, sliding doors to private covered patio. 3rd Bedroom downstairs. 3 Season hot tub room. Roof 2008, furnace and air 2010, landscaping 2010. Double garage, fully fenced backyard. Deck runs the length of the house at the back and has access from 2 sliding patio doors. A few blocks to Lake Ontario on a nice quiet street.

Sally Dollar - Royal LePage Niagara October E-Newsletter 2010

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 10:06:21 -0700

Sally Dollar
Sales Representative

905-937-6000 (Office)
1-866-999-9497

1-866-999-9497 (Toll Free)
dollar@royallepage.ca
www.SallyDollar.com

Royal LePage Niagara R.E. Centre, Brokerage
View Local Events at www.SallyDollar.com
101 LAKEPORT RD
ST. CATHARINES, ON L2N7L7

In this issue...

·	Featured Listing
·	Step By Step Guidance for Home Buying
·	Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
·	What eager first-timers need to know before the house hunt

Fall has definately arrived in Niagara!

The weather has been cool & we had our 1st frost warning. Its time to batten down the hatches and prepare for colder weather. There are definate real estate deals out there ready to be had. We are heading in to what is usually the best time of year to buy a home. The summer prices have been reduced & the sellers are anxious. Dont forget to get yourselves pre-approved for a mortgage if you are looking - it will lock in a rate for you just in case you find something. Call me if you are looking for real estate help - I am glad to share my knowledge with you.

Downtown Starter Home $159,900

Cleaned, and renovated and freshly painted for you. Loft master bedroom with wood plank flooring. Large kitchen with plenty of counterspace and a pass-thru to dining room, includes gas stove & fridge. Two bedrooms plus small bedroom, nursery or office. New laminate and vinyl flooring, neutral paint colours, forced air furnace 2004, vinyl windows, central air, roof 2007. Main floor laundry room. View photos www.SallyDollar.com

Ever wished you were sure that the real estate agent you are working with represents you and only you? Why not HIRE YOUR OWN REALTOR/BUYER REPRESENTATIVE? I will take you through the process step by step from beginning to sale! Do you need advice on relocating to Niagara? I have lived here my whole life and I can guide you to the good areas and best services that we have to offer. There is nothing like using an experienced Home Town Real Estate Representative to negotiate the market with you.

A Buyer Representative will take the time to show you step by step how to get the most information on the process for the best and most profitable experience during your home purchase.
A Buyer Representative can help you coordinate all the professionals needed to successfully complete a sale.
A Buyer Representative can save you time and money and deflect the pressures from Seller Realtors away from you.
A Buyer Representative keeps your information and motivation confidential and away from the Sellers.
A Buyer Representative is constantly scanning the real estate markets for your needs - seven days a week.

And best of all! Most times, the Buyer Representative fee is paid for by the Seller, not you. Ask me how to get your FREE, No Obligation Consultation - it can save you money!

The more information you have, the better decisions you can make. Get me on your side! Call or email me today!

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Here's a simple bi-annual "top to bottom" checklist to keep your home in shape year-round.

1. Roof: Check roof and around vents, skylights and chimneys for leaks. Repair as necessary.
2. Attic: If there is no ridge vent, keep gable vents open year-round to ensure proper ventilation.

3. Gutters: Clean gutters and drain pipes so leaves won't clog them and be sure they drain away from the house. (Fall: In cold-climate areas) Drain outside faucets.
4. Fireplace: Clean fireplace of ashes. (Fall) Check chimney for loose or missing mortar. Have chimney professionally cleaned. Make sure damper closes tightly. (Spring) Leave damper open for improved ventilation if the home is not air-conditioned
5. Filters: Remember to clean or replace filters once a month, or as needed. Check and clean dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood and room fans. Keep heating and cooling vents clean and free from furniture and draperies.
6. Safety Equipment: Ensure that all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are in good working order. Replace batteries in appropriate devices as needed, or at least twice each year.
7. Air Conditioner: (Fall: In cold-climate areas) Remove window air-conditioners, or put weatherproof covers on them.
8. Refrigerator: Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Test them by closing the door over a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out easily, the latch may need to be adjusted or the seal may need to be replaced. In addition, if you have a coil-back refrigerator, vacuum the coils at least twice each year. Your refrigerator will run more efficiently with clean coils. Also, stock up! A full refrigerator uses less energy than an empty one.
9. Faucets: Check for leaky faucets in kitchen and bathroom(s). Replace washers as necessary.
10. Windows and Doors: Seal drafty doors and windows. If you added up all of the small cracks where heating and cooling escapes from a home, it would be the same as having a window open. Replace seals as needed.
11. Storm Windows and Screens: (Fall) Take down screens (if removable type) and replace with storm windows. (Spring) Remove, clean, and store storm windows (if removable). Check and patch all door and window screens. Put screens up (if removable type).
12. Siding and Paint: Look for cracks and holes in house siding or paint. Replace caulk if necessary. A carpet knife can work well for cutting away old caulking from house siding. Slice down alongside it from both directions with the hook-like blade, then use the knife to lift out the old caulk bead intact.
13. Basement: Check basement walls and floor for dampness. Be sure to clean dehumidifier regularly, if you have one.
14. Heating System: (Fall) Have heating system serviced. Change filters.
15. Hot Water Heater: (Fall) Drain hot water heater. Remove sediment from the bottom of the tank.

What eager first-timers need to know before the house hunt

You've saved for your down payment, you've crunched the numbers and you've decided on the neighbourhood where you want to live - but are you really ready to start shopping around?

"Buying your first home is one of life's most exciting milestones, but there are lots of steps on the way to crossing the threshold as an owner for the first time," says Lisa Martin, mortgage consultant with Mortgage Intelligence in St Catharines. "To make sure this process goes smoothly, you'll need to get financing advice right from the get-go and do some work in advance."

Martin breaks the process down with the following tips:

Get your down payment and deposit ready. A down payment must come from your own resources, and in most cases must have been held in your account for at least 90 days. Using a gift from your parents or other family member for a down payment? You'll need a letter stating that it is actually a gift and does not need to be re-paid. These funds will likely need to be deposited in your account two weeks before your purchase closing date.

The Home Buyers' Plan is another financing option for first-time buyers. It allows you to withdraw up to $25,000 ($50,000 per couple) from your RRSP to buy or build a home.

Keep in mind that when placing an offer, a deposit is usually required. It can be all, or part, of a down payment.

Figure out what you can afford. The best way to do this is by talking to a mortgage expert and getting pre-approved for a mortgage. A mortgage consultant can provide examples of what monthly payments and home buying costs will be, to eliminate surprises.

"A major benefit of a pre-approval is that most financial institutions will lock-in a rate for up to 120 days," advises Martin. "This is very helpful if you're buying in a rising rate environment."

Get in touch with the professionals. Think of home buying as a team sport - a mortgage consultant can help you find a good real estate agent, real estate lawyer, home inspector and home insurance agent. Be sure to get in touch with these professionals early in the buying process to avoid last-minute scrambles.

Come up with an offer strategy. In competitive real estate markets, it is common for vendors to put off accepting offers until a particular date. This means buyers may be bidding for a home along with several other parties. It's easy to get caught up in the emotion, so it is important to decide on a maximum price before bidding and to stick to it.

Choose your mortgage strategy. Ask yourself: Do I want the stability of a fixed-rate mortgage or am I comfortable with the potential rewards and risks of a variable-rate loan? A mortgage expert can help you decide which one makes the most sense for your financial situation, as well as help you understand your payment options and the other features of various types of mortgages.

Get ready to close. When buying a home, it pays to learn about closing costs, which can represent up to 3 per cent of the purchase price, including land transfer tax, lawyer's fees, appraisal fees, title insurance and home inspection fees. A mortgage professional can help estimate how much these will cost and offer ideas for how you can cover these costs.

"A lot of first-time buyers can't wait to get out there and house hunt, but they need to understand that this is not a decision to enter into lightly," says Martin. "But with careful planning and expert advice, you can make your first home - and your first mortgage - work well for you in the long term."

For more mortgage information, contact

Lisa Martin, Mortgage Agent
Mortgage Intelligence
905-704-9479 905-704-9479 or lisa.martin@migroup.ca

and say....Sally Dollar sent me!

Don't keep me a secret! Who is the next person you know looking to buy or sell? Anytime you come across anyone with an interest in real estate, please recommend me. I am never too busy for your referrals.

Downtown St. Catharines $159,900 with Finished Loft - SOLD in 10 days!

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:31:20 -0700

A Great place to start out!

"A Dollar Really Does Make A Difference"!

Details Photo Gallery Downtown (St. Catharines, Ontario, CA - L2R2B3) MLS® $159,900 Great place to start!

Quick Links
Virtual Tour

Schedule A Showing

"Ready to move in!" More Photos »

Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage



Sally Dollar
Email Sally

Phone:	905-937-6000
TollFree:	1-866-999-9497
Cell:	905-937-6000
Fax:	905-935-8215

Details

Address: 90 Maple Street Type: Residential Style: with loft bedroom Bedrooms: 2 "plus small nursery/office" Bathrooms: 1 "4 piece" Basement: Yes, Partial "Good for storage" Size: 1,161 sq. ft. "plus storage basement" Lot Type: Rectangular Lot Size: 38.5ft x 80ft "fenced backyard" Taxes: $2,099.92 (2010)

Description

Move right in! This downtown home has been cleaned, and renovated and freshly painted for you. Front porch and back deck. Loft master bedroom with wood plank flooring. Large kitchen with plenty of counterspace and a pass through to the dining room, includes gas stove and fridge. Formal dining room. Two bedrooms plus small bedroom, nursery or office. New laminate and vinyl flooring, neutral paint colours, forced air furnace 2004, vinyl windows, central air, roof 2007. Main floor laundry room includes stacking washer and dryer. Sliding patio doors to back deck and totally fenced yard. Private driveway at the back of the house. Lower level is clean and dry and great for storage.

Looking for a Brantford Realtor

Sally Dollar (Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:07:10 -0700

Anyone out ther efrom Brantford, ON?