Home sellers face $300 'green' audit - 03/07/09 07:13 PM
Ontatio's clean-energy bill would raise hydro rates and promote alternative power Ontario residents won't be able to sell their houses or condos without first getting a home energy audit – which now costs about $300 – under the proposed new Green Energy Act. That's one of several measures in the legislation unveiled by Energy Minister George Smitherman to boost incentives for electricity conservation and encourage renewable sources of energy.
Critics fear the energy audits and Smitherman's estimated 1 per cent rise in household electricity bills as a result of the law will pinch pocketbooks as the recession deepens. "It'll be used … (0 comments)

The Benefits of Building Green - 03/06/09 09:21 PM
As consumers continue to learn more and more about green building, architects, designers and builders are starting to incorporate more green features into their new homes. As technology and products continue to emerge, consumers can build their dream home without sacrificing aesthetics.
Even though everyone in the home building industry is buzzing about the term 'green' building, many consumers are still confused as to exactly what it means to build a green home. building a green home is good for your family's health, your budget and the environment. Here are some of the benefits to building green -- a healthier home, … (0 comments)

Changing Times..... Benefit Home Ownership... - 03/06/09 09:13 PM
Here is a re-cap of 3 Government actions to stimulate the housing industry in Canada...
1. The 2009 budget proposes to introduce a new non-refundable tax credit based on an amount of $5,000 for first-time home buyers who acquire a qualifying home after January 27, 2009. You are considered a first time home buyer if neither you nor you spouse or common law partner owned and lived in another home in the calendar year of the home purchase or in any of the four preceding calendar years.
2. The Home Renovation Tax Credit - the budget proposes to implement a temporary 15% … (0 comments)

Energy efficiency law hits homesellers - 03/04/09 02:41 AM
Mandatory energy audits on home sales wrong, Toronto's real estate agents say. In the wake of a new municipal land-transfer tax and unmoored by a sinking economy, Toronto real estate agents are bracing for a new storm on the legislative horizon: Mandatory energy audits for home sales.
Ontario Minister of Energy and Infrastructure George Smitherman's proposed Green Energy Act, which was introduced to the Ontario legislature Monday, contains loosely defined "mandatory conservation and energy efficiency practices" that would cost home sellers about $300.
But with homes lingering on a stagnating market, and average sale prices dropping throughout the GTA, even the … (0 comments)

Who pays a buyers agent? - 03/03/09 05:43 PM
This is a much debated question among real estate professionals. The import of the question has to do with common sense perceptions and common law conventions that "he who pays the piper calls the tune". Buyer agents take the position that the commission fee comes from "the proceeds of the transaction". Sure the seller pays his agent and the buyer doesn't but all the money actually comes from the buyer. If the buyer didn't pay there would be no transaction.
But in the most basis terms — no matter how payment is set up, the buyer walks away with the house … (0 comments)

Should You Hire A Buyer's Agent? - 03/02/09 10:57 PM
How's "That depends," for an answer? A good buyer's agent can be the greatest asset you will have in navigating through the real estate marketplace, and a poor one can be a burden. So the right answer is "Yes, but only if you do your homework first and then choose carefully and wisely."
Some real estate firms have instituted a nasty habit of insisting that new customers become clients at the first meeting. If you're the customer, that means before you've had an opportunity to get acquainted with the agent or find out anything about his or her personality or work … (1 comments)

Multiple Representation Or Dual Agency by another name - 03/02/09 10:46 PM
Whether you are a home buyer or seller, it is important for you to understand the legal nature of the agency relationship you have with your agent. Your agent must act in your best interest while representing you in a real estate transaction. This gets complicated if you find yourself in a “multiple representation” situation.
What is dual agency? Basically, it means that a real estate agent is representing both the buyer and seller in a real estate transaction, which is legal in Ontario but … A real estate agent who is working as a dual agent could easily find herself … (0 comments)

What's IN for Orangeville Real Estate in 2009? - 03/02/09 03:06 AM
 Here's the list you've been waiting for!
 
Sidelined home buyers. Family or lifestyle additions or changes made in buyers households in the last three years are forcing those waiting out the market transition to finally get off the fence and say, it's time for our family to buy the new home that suits our new needs. Home uplifts. Not a big renovation, but some new finishes that can visually holdover stay-put home sellers. Not a gut rehab to the studs new kitchen, but new flooring, countertops and appliances. Collaborative home pricing. The old days of home sellers configuring a homes … (0 comments)

Five Investment Mistakes You Don't Want to Make... - 03/02/09 03:03 AM
 
These are scary times for people trying to build or preserve their retirement accounts.
The daily swings in the stock market are large enough to churn anyone's stomach!
The current landscape makes it easy to commit big mistakes with your investment portfolio. Here are some of the worst errors I've seen people make, in no particular order of danger.
All are of equal hazard. Though there are no guarantees when investing, avoiding these five slip-ups can better your chances of success.
Panic: This crops up during bear markets or recessionary times like we see today. As you watch stock prices fall, you … (0 comments)

Repairs That Help Sell Your Orangeville, Erin, Caledon or Sheburne Home - 03/02/09 03:00 AM
What you may or may not know about today's real estate environment is that prices have suffered a bit, but the most drastic change in the market is in number of sales.
In mid-2006 and 2007, it was common to see 7 or 8 homes out of every 10 sell.
Now what we've seen in this "new market" is the number is less than 2 in 10 for some parts of the GTA.  Including Orangeville!  (see the W29 stats for December)
More than ever, you've really got to stand out in the crowd and price it well.
With great advice about improvements, … (0 comments)

Real Estate Gets Big Boost From Canada's Budget - 03/02/09 02:55 AM
Canada's housing industry is thrilled with the government's new budget, which provides up to $7.8 billion in tax relief and funding for everything from home renovations to housing for low-income seniors. From First Nations housing to first-time buyers' incentives, there's something for almost everyone.
  The Conservative government came through on its election promise to help first-time buyers with closing costs such as legal fees and land transfer taxes. A tax credit worth up to $750 will be made available for first-time buyers, as well as existing homeowners who buy a more accessible or functional home and qualify for a Disability … (0 comments)

Boring Old Canada... With The World's Best Banking System :) - 03/02/09 02:52 AM
From my friend Maria Philpott... Original source:  Fareed Zakaria - NEWSWEEKFrom the magazine issue dated Feb 16, 2009The legendary editor of The New Republic, Michael Kinsley, once held a "Boring Headline Contest" and decided that the winner was "Worthwhile Canadian Initiative." Twenty-two years later, the magazine was rescued from its economic troubles by a Canadian media company, which should have taught us Americans to be a bit more humble.Now there is even more striking evidence of Canada 's virtues.Guess which country, alone in the industrialized world, has not faced a single bank failure, calls for bailouts or government intervention in the … (0 comments)

 

David Waters

Orangeville, ON

More about me…

RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc

Address: 115 First St, Orangeville, On

Office Phone: (519) 942-8700

Cell Phone: (905) 593-2849

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