Saint John New Brunswick Real Estate

Affordable Web Hosting - $4.95/per month.

2008-10-17T17:23:15Z

As a real estate agent I know how important it is to have a professional, high quality, and reliable web host. After all, somewhere around 85-90% of people start their home search online. Secondly, I get all my email through my server - it's important that I get it on time.

Besides my real estate company, I also own a web hosting company called Ferocity Host. We offer high quality service for our clients, with a 30 day money back guarantee and 24/7 support. All of our packages are all includsive, we don't skimp with anything. If you're in the market for a new hosting company we would love to have you. We also offer web design and SEO packages.

If you're located in the US, take advantage of the low Canadian dollar. All of our prices are in CAD.

Thanks Folks.

Luther Harrity

Royal LePage Atlantic

My top restaurants in Saint John, New Brunswick

2008-09-16T20:23:32Z

My top restaurants in Saint John, New Brunswick.

I've put together a list the top five places I eat in Saint John. Although these aren't my favorites, they are practical, quick and easy.

[Dining] Vito's Restaurant & Lounge (Uptown & Rothesay Ave)- Vito's offers some great Italian food at great prices in a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.
[Grab A Pizza or Pasta] Angelo's Restaurant (Quispamsis and Hampton)- Offers amazing Italian food. Although the dining room is small, it's well worth it. Very reasonable prices as well.
[Relax, Eat, and have a drink] Sebastien - Offers a variety of dishes and known for their massive selection of Martini's and drinks. Luxury and intimate setting. Super place for socializing and light business
[Grab something quick] The Wild Carrot Cafe (City Market) - Great tasting and healthy food, grab something quick on you're lunch break and enjoy the market atmosphere.
[Quick and easy] Fast Jack's (Level 3 Brunswick Square) - Fast jacks is a great place to get breakfast and lunch (breakfast served all day). The food is good, the service is good, and the prices are good. I personally recommend the chicken ceaser wrap.

Hidden Gems & Other Favorites

These are some great places to fill up and relax. They didn't make the top five but they are highly recommended.

Sisters (Fine Italian Foods) - Saint John City Market, Uptown
The Coffee Mill (Something for everyone) - Lancaster Mall, West Saint John
Cozy Corner (Just like a home cooked meal) - Hampton
Mama Georges (Better than home cooked, and you don't even have to do the dishes) - Norton
Church Street Steak House - Uptown Saint John
Boilerworks - On the boardwalk (Market Square)
Ale House - On the boardwalk (Market Square)
Swiss Chalet

Feel free to coment with you're favorite restaurants.

Do you need a property manager?

2008-09-16T19:18:43Z

As a real estate salesperson and the owner of a property management company, I see many people who buy rental properties and don't think they need a property manager (in most cases they own a small building or a single family home they rent out). Little do they know it's not only about collecting your rent cheque every month.

Here are some things to consider when asking yourself "Do I need a property manager"?

Residential Tenancies Act

First and for most is the laws governing rental units. Here in New Brunswick Canada it's called the Residential Tenancies act. It outlines the rights a tenant has, as well as the rights of the landlord. If you aren't familiar with them, you need to get familiar or find a manager that is - otherwise you could end up in some trouble with the law.

On call 24/7 365 day's a year?

As a landlord you need to be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Not only do you need to be on call, but you need to be ready to get to your property in a hurry in the event of an emergency. Many landlord's tell me they are available 24/7 but they look a little puzzled when I ask them: "You're out on a Saturday night with friends and family, and you've had a couple glasses of wine. You're tenant calls and the toilet is flooding. What do you do?".

At the end of the day, you need someone on call and available to take care of these problems should they arise.

My building is brand new, we wont have any problems.

It doesn't matter how new your building is. Bad things happen to new buildings too! Toilets get backed up, leaks happen, there isn't anything we can do about it except be ready when it happens.

My tenants are great executive clients, there wont be any problems.

That's great, I'm glad to hear you've got great tenants. You can have a beautiful property, but it doesn't mean anything without the good tenants. The problem is that accidents happen with good tenants too (e.g. the bottle of bleach they just picked up at the store has a faulty cover, and gets spilled all over the floor - it's not because they are bad people). For this reason you must always collect a security deposit.

You have executive tenants, and they are looking for executive service. If they have a problem, they want prompt and professional service whether its 2 in the afternoon or 2 in the morning.

Who's to blame, and who's going to pay for that?

If you make a mistake, you're going to pay for it. If your property manager makes a mistake, they will be paying for it (or their insurance will).

The bottom line is, property managers have experience and knowledge in what they do (after all, that's how they make a living. If they weren't good at it, they wouldn't be doing it for very long). They have systems, and accountability. Before you say no to a property manager, sit down and talk to one (or two) and find out what they can do for you.

If you're purchasing rental property in the Greater Saint John Area give Harrity Real Estate Services a call, and we will set up a free initial consultation (for more information visit our website). If you already own rental property, give us a call and we will give you a free initial consultation to discuess how we can improve your investment, and give you the time for what matters most to you.

Thanks for reading.

Luther Harrity

Harrity Real Estate Services

Going Green With LED Lighting - What's the hold up?

2008-09-16T18:55:40Z

The last couple of weeks I've been doing some research into LED lighting. We see it used in vehicles and flashlights all the time, but why not household lighting? LED's last for ages, are resistant to vibration and movement (they don't break!) and they save loads of energy compared to the regular energy saving bulbs.

Yes the new energy saving bulbs (compact fluorescent) that fit the traditional edison size fixtures are saving on our power bills, but not near as much as a led light bulb will (some LED light bulbs will output the same light as a 60W bulb while only using 4.5W) - not to mention the compact fluorescent bulb uses gases that are harmful to the environment.

You can purchase LED light fixtures for your home or business (they aren't easy to find though). I have recently seen some of the new track lighting LED's on shelves at Home Depot; however you're looking for a solution for your home or business other than track lighting you'll have to look to the Internet.

While searching the archives over at REM Online, I found an article by Randy Norman titled "Shame on you, David Suzuki". The article accuses environmentalist David Suzuki for promoting the compact fluorescent bulbs that are less energy efficient than the LED's and do harm the environment. He also credits David (and figures like him) to the lack of LED awareness and sales.

Due to the popularity of the compact fluorescent bulbs, LED's are slow to hit the market and expensive to purchase (although it is a good investment in the long term). It is my hope that everyone that reads this blog will help promote the LED bulbs and fixtures to their clients, and use them in their own homes and businesses.

The more awareness, the more people will buy them and the cheaper they will become. Businesses especially should be purchasing these bulbs, as they are in the greatest position to save on lighting cost. Once enough businesses step up to the plate, I believe (and hope) the LED bulb will come mainstream and hopefully the standard for lighting both in businesses and homes.

Here are a few LED Lighting websites:

Marktech LED Lighting (My personal Favorite)
Nemalux.com
GVA Lighting
LED Neon Flex (Neon Lighting Only)

If you've got some great websites or suppliers please share them with me.

107 Inglewood Drive, Grand Bay-Westfield, (near Saint John, NB)

2008-09-14T11:36:32Z

107 Inglwood Drive is a six unit multi family located in the prime rental district in Grand Bay-Westfield.

Features

New roof All new windows and siding
New miracom entry systems
New appliances throughout (leased over 5 years / 2.5 years remaining on lease)
New water softeners (leased over 5 years)
New flooring throughout (carpet and vinyl)
New kitchen facings
New tub surrounds (ceramic)
Low Vacancy Rents - $525 for 2 bedroom / $425 for 1 bedroom – tenants pay all utilities
Electric heated units paid by tenants
New paving thoughout all three buildings
Interior / and exterior light 100%

For more information, please call 1-866-593-7446 (option 2) or visit www.sellwithme.ca

103 Inglwood Drive is a six unit multi family located in the prime rental district in Grand Bay-Westfield.

2008-09-14T11:26:19Z

103 Inglewood Drive, New Brunswick Real Estate

Features:

New roof
All new windows and siding
New miracom entry systems
New appliances throughout (leased over 5 years / 2.5 years remaining on lease)
New water softeners (leased over 5 years)
New flooring throughout (carpet and vinyl)
New kitchen facings
New tub surrounds (ceramic)
Low Vacancy
Rents - $525 for 2 bedroom / $425 for 1 bedroom – tenants pay all utilities
Electric heated units paid by tenants
New paving thoughout all three buildings
Interior / and exterior light 100%

For more information, please call 1-866-593-7446 (option 2) or visit www.sellwithme.ca

99 Inglewood Drive, Grand Bay-Westfield, (near Saint John, NB)

2008-09-14T11:20:28Z

99 Inglwood Drive is a six unit multi family located in the prime rental district in Grand Bay-Westfield.

Features:

New roof
All new windows and siding
New miracom entry systems
New appliances throughout (leased over 5 years / 2.5 years remaining on lease)
New water softeners (leased over 5 years)
New flooring throughout (carpet and vinyl)
New kitchen facings
New tub surrounds (ceramic)
Low Vacancy
Rents - $525 for 2 bedroom / $425 for 1 bedroom – tenants pay all utilities
Electric heated units paid by tenants
New paving thoughout all three buildings
Interior / and exterior light 100%

For more information, please call 1-866-593-7446 (option 2) or visit www.sellwithme.ca

Save on your energy bill with a few simple steps.

2008-09-10T15:06:26Z

I am a huge fan of saving money and the environment. I've come up with a few simple steps you can take to save energy around the home.

Decide what you're taking from the fridge before you open it, try not to leave the door open any longer than you have to.
Defrost meat and other items in your fridge, not on the counter. The frozen item will absorb the warmth in the fridge and keep the fridge from working harder to keep things cool.
Let food cool before you place it in the fridge or freezer. The fridge has to work hard to take away the heat, and will use more energy.
Use cold water when possible (when cleaning purhcase a green cleaner that can be used with cold or luke warm water).
Use caulking around windows to stop drafts. You can also use heavy blinds to create a warm layer of air between the window.
Purchase a digital thermostat. Program it to turn down the temperature a few degrees at night and an extra few temperatures in the rooms you don't use at night. You can also program them to start turning up the heat a half hour before you get up.
Wear a sweater when its cool, or have a nice warm cup of hot chocolate (or a Peppermint Soy Latte at Starbucks).
When purchasing appliances, ask your sales associate for energy efficient products.
Replace light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs, and turn off lights that you aren't using.
When upgrading your hot water heater, purchase an instant hot water heater. This will fire on to produce hot water, but doesn't store a tank of hot water 24/7.
Talk to your local hydro company to see what kinds of programs may be available to help you make your home more energy efficient. In New Brunswick visit www.efficiencynb.ca.

The key thing here is top of mind awareness. The more you practice energy efficiency the easier it becomes! I look forward to your ideas and tips on saving energy.

Time Management and Systems

2008-09-10T13:57:51Z

If there is one thing that I've learned in my first year of real estate - it's if you don't manage your time well, you WILL waste loads of time. I don't know about the rest of you, but my time is very valuable and it's important that I use my time appropriately so I get to spend time with my family, and make sure I keep things in order at home.

Above all that, time is money. I think it's realitively safe to say that for anyone who is reading this post, that money is an important thing to have.

[For you agent's out there: Real estate does take a lot of money, so you had better be making some to keep your head above water.

One of this biggest mistakes new and senior agents make is spending time doing things that don't make you money (we all do it, spend too much time sending emails, being on Facebook, active rain, browsing the website, organizing your office, buying office supplies we don't need, etc etc). Although some of these are important, and often necessary (who wants a messy office?) they aren't money making activities.]

This is where time management comes in to play. It's important to set out what activities you are going to do throughout your day that will make you money (not necessarily right away though), along with Active Rain, Facebook, Breakfast, Lunch, Supper, time with the kids, or whatever else you need to get done.

Each morning you should be sitting down with your coffee, or green tea and reviewing what you've got on the go today. (Should put these into your system the night before and tweak them in the morning).

The next thing you need is a system. It doesn't have to be a big expensive scheduling and time management application (infact you should keep it simple). It can be a daily planner you write in, outlook, your Blackberry or anything else that works for you. The key thing is that you have a system to keep track of what you need to get done, and when you are doing it. Make sure you set an actual time to complete your tasks, don't just write in that you have to walk the dog sometime today. It's important that you set the time for each item - even if you have to move it around a bit as your day progresses.

To recap. Here are the most important steps to managing your time property.

Get a system
Plan your day the night before, or in the morning before you get started.
Review your schedule for the day, make sure you aren't forgetting anything and have a plan for the day (logical route to complete all your tasks - for example, don't go buy your milk first thing in the morning and leave it in your car all day, pick that up last.
Schedule family time, as well as time off.
Keep it simple, and do not over think it!

Hope this has been helpful, I look forward to any tips anyone else might have. Work smarter, not harder!

Luther

Saint John Market Update - Late August

2008-08-21T10:08:12Z

The fast moving market of Saint John, New Brunswick has slowed down a bit for the last few weeks of August. Most people are trying to squeeze in as much as they can these last few weeks of summer, including back to school shopping.

The Saint John market is clearly still in a sellers market, with the low listing inventory we have right now. This has significantly lowered the average time on market, and many homes are selling as soon as they come on the market.

Due to such low inventory, it's important that buyers move quickly once they decide to make a move. It's important that they sign up to recieve listings in their email so they can get a one up on their competition. It's also extremely important that as a buyer, you have an agent that answers their phone when you call and is ready to move along with you.

I anticipate that the market will pick up this fall once kids are back in school and more listings are available.

Last but not least, 100% financing is almost gone! If you are depending on 100% financing, now is the time to make your move. If you miss the boat, please contact your mortgage specialist to find out what your options are.

If you're thinking about making a move, or need to talk to a mortgage specialist don't hesitate to contact me and I'll make sure you're in good hands, no matter where you're located.

Thanks for reading, and have a great time before fall is here.

Luther Harrity

Royal LePage Atlantic

1-866-593-7446

www.sellwithme.ca

Market Medley in Quispamsis, New Brunswick

2008-07-15T18:50:34Z

Every Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 (June 19-Aug 28 2008), the town of Quispamsis hosts Markey Medley at the Arts and Cultural park (located next to Town Hall).

Market medley is a free for all event to view and purchase works by local artisans, crafters, bakers, as well as try some great food cooked on site. All this while enjoying the sounds of local musicians.

If the sun is out, be sure to drop by to see works of art by my fiance Tracy Ann Gavin along with all the other great work! I’m usually out there as well, so stop by and say hello!

For more information visit www.quispamsis.ca and click on "Calendar of Events".

-Luther Harrity

Rothesay and Quispamsis average sales price is up!

2008-07-15T14:19:56Z

The Rothesay and Quispamsis real estate market bosted the highest average home price in the first quarter of 2008. This years first quarter had an average price fo $213,487, up 3% for last years first quarter price of $207,332.

It's also important to note that sales volume is down 27.3% in the KV, likely because of the low inventory of homes for sale.

Source: Royal LePage Atlantic

Federal Government Makes Moves To Secure The Canadian Housing Market

2008-07-15T14:08:24Z

In a news release on July 9 2008, Ottawa announced that Federal Government will stop guaranteeing mortgages over 35 years along with mortgages requiring more than 95% financing. Although these regulations don't take affect until October 15 2008, some lenders have all ready stoped issuing mortgages with 40 year amortization as well as mortgages with 95% financing. It is important to note that the changes only affect new mortgages.

Although you can no longer get traditional 100% financing, some lenders offer cash back to make up the 5% deposit, although you won't be able to take advantage of a lower rate.

If you're thinking about making a move, give me a call. We can sit down with our mortgage specialist to discuss the options available to you.

Luther Harrity (Royal LePage Atlantic)

www.sellwithme.ca 506-654-2519

Maximum Internet Exposure & Why it's Important in Saint John!

2008-05-23T15:43:17Z

In today's market more than 88% of buyers start their home search online. Most of them start searching online before they even speak to an agent. The Saint John real estate market moves very quickly and many buyers depend on the internet to get the upper hand on new listings. That's why it is so important to have your home marketed online with MAXIMUM web exposure.

When you market your property online you have the ability to show the value in your home with large pictures, slide shows, and detailed information. When hiring an agent, you will want to make sure they have their own website where they will display the detailed information and the large pictures. You will also want to make sure they have a way to capture information from potential buyers.

Along with marketing your home on the agent’s website, you will likely have it advertised on MLS.ca (soon to be REALTOR.ca). It is important to advertise on MLS.ca simply because the website receives a huge sum of daily visits. Unfortunately there may not be room for full details, large images, maps, videos and other value added content.

You want your home to be advertised on the agent's website in conjunction with several other websites - including local classified websites, social networking websites, and search engines.

Generally speaking I like to advertise on Facebook and using Google Adwords. Both of these websites allow me to target people living in your area. For example, if I am selling a home in Saint John I want to limit my Google ad words to people in New Brunswick, or even just Saint John, Rothesay and Sussex. These are the people most likely to purchase your home (it doesn't make sense to advertise to people in Japan if you want to target people in the greater Saint John Area. This can cost a lot of money which could be better used to market your home). With Facebook, you can also add a picture of the home for sale and choose where it will show up (in the ad box, or on people's main screen). When they click on the photo and description, they end up at my website where they can see all the features of your home, and most importantly see the value in your home.

Along with these websites I advertise in the online classifieds, and on the radio. The radio allows me to market your home to thousands all at the same time. Although they can't see you home on the radio, we use descriptive keywords for them to imagine what your home might be like. After hearing the ad, they will often visit my website to take a look at your home.

Whether you choose me to sell your home with me or another agent - make sure to ask them what they do to market your home on the internet!

Luther Harrity (Royal LePage Atlantic)

1-866-593-7446 www.sellwithme.ca

Norton, New Brunswick - Just minutes from Hampton or Sussex

2008-04-12T18:31:59Z

$149,900

A charming split entry with fully finished basement which features a rec room and family room. Beautiful backyard - great for BBQ's and family gatherings. Large shed to remain. Located near Belleisle Bay and schools. Just minutes away from Hampton and Sussex.

Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1/0 Size: 1100sqft Lot Size: 1 Acre For more information visit www.sellwithme.ca

View Map

Real Estate Forum - Saint John, New Brunswick

2008-02-22T20:02:52Z

On Tuesday March 11th Fusion Saint John, B&N Flooring and myself will be hosting a Real Estate Forum.The forum will take place at B&N Flooring and covering topics including: The home buying process, the selling process, mortgages, investing, a career in real estate and more! The evening will primarily focus on First Time Home Buyers.

Speakers are as follows:

Myself (Luther Harrity) [REALTOR]
Sheila Elliott [REALTOR]
Emily Stevens [Mortgage Specialist]
Meghan Mackenzie [Interior Decorator - B&N Flooring]

For more details visit www.lutherharrity.ca

OPEN HOUSE - 48 Collingwood Drive, Quispamsis

2008-02-15T10:10:17Z

Absolutely amazing two story home perfectly situated on a large 1.75 acre lot with lots of room for the kids/pets to play. Hardwood & ceramic throughout. Visit www.lutherharrity.ca for more details.

Thinking of selling your home?

2007-08-25T07:45:15Z

Now is the time to sell. We've got a sellers market in Saint John at the moment. This means that your more likely to get asking price or greater for your home. If your thinking about selling your home, why not find out what your home is worth. Call Luther today for your free, no obligation Competitive Market Analysis (CMA). You can contact Luther at 506-654-2519 or luther@lutherharrity.ca (www.lutherharrity.ca).

What is a Competitive Market Analysis?

A CMA is a method of determining the fair market value of a home based on similar properties that have sold, are currently listed, and that have expired in the recent months.

The Saint John real estate market - update August 2007

2007-08-25T07:34:36Z

The market in the Saint John area has held strong through the summer, things are starting to pick up now that people are coming back from their vacation and the kids are almost back in school.

Right now we have a sellers market. This means that the demand for property is higher than the supply of property. The outcome results in a much greater opportunity for vendors (owners) to find buyers willing to pay asking price or greater for a property.

The market is expected to stay strong through the fall, before it slows down at Christmas time. With many large projects coming up in the Saint John area over the next 5-10 years the market should stay very active, and home should continue appreciating as they have over the past few years.

Check back as I'll be posting the latest statistics as soon as they become available.

If your thinking of selling your home in Saint John and surrounding areas, give me a call today to schedule a free Competitive Market Analysis (CMA). [Luther - 506-654-2519] If your selling the in the Moncton area, I recommend Larry Estabrooks [506-856-0202].

Calling Canadian Real Estate Professionals

2007-08-24T18:36:57Z

Active Rain is a great place to meet other professionals, network, learn and more. I think it's time that we all try to recruit some more Canadians. I also think it's about time that Active Rain become more Canada friendly. I would like to see a map of North America on the front page instead of just the U.S. The first time I came to Active Rain I took a look at the map, thought it was American only and left.

I've already requested the map (months ago), but apparently they aren't interested in doing it at this point in time. I urge you to request it as well. All other aspects of the website are borderless, so why aren't we on the map?!

Thanks everyone!

OPEN HOUSE - 7 Greenwood Dr, Quispamsis

2007-08-15T09:43:16Z

Date: Sunday August, 19 2pm-4pm

Lovely split entry home situated in a family sub-division-Longwood Park in the center of Quispamsis. The lot is nicely landscaped & private-great for children. Country style kitchen with oak cabinets and patio door leading to rear deck. Double closets in generous sized master bedroom plus 2 additional bedrooms up and a 4th down. Spacious family room offers great recreational use. Walkout basement to driveway. All sizes to be confirmed by purchaser prior to closing.

DIRECTIONS: PETTINGILL ROAD TO LONGWOOD DR TO JASPER THEN RIGHT ONTO GREENWOOD.

For more information contact Luther Harrity 506-654-2519 or e-mail www.lutherharrity.ca

2659 ROUTE 124, BELLEISLE BAY

2007-08-08T10:44:55Z

For more information please call Luther @ 1-506-654-2519 or visit www.lutherharrity.ca Alternatively you can email him at luther@lutherharrity.ca

Price:	$214,900
Status:	Active

MLS® #:	072620
PID #:	00144667

Address:	2659 ROUTE 124
City:	KARS/BELLEISLE BAY, E5T 2W7
Side of Road:

Elem Schl:	BELLEISLE
Sec. School:

Lot Size:	11922 SQFT
Building Size:	1400
Water Frontage:
Exposure:

District:	6
Sub-Dist:	623
Zoning:

Possession:	NEGOTIABLE

Overview

Words alone will not do this amazing property justice...you must see all the photos and if your in the area, enjoy a stroll on the beach. This 10 year old cedar chalet has amazing views from all the principle rooms. Large master bedroom loft with private deck. Large open kitchen/living area with access to huge wrap around deck. Main floor laundry. Full finished walkout basement with rec-room and guest suite looking over the water. Large 1.5 car built in garage with tons of storage. This is a great opportunity to own your year-round or seasonal retreat. All information to be confirmed by purchaser prior to closing.

Directions

FROM HAMPTON, ACROSS BELLEISLE FERRY, RIGHT AT FERRY LANDING, HOUSE IS ON RIGHT (WATER-SIDE)

Type:	Cottage/Rec Properties
Style:	Chalet, Cottage/Camp
Title to Land:	Freehold
Property Size:	Under 0.5 Acres
Land Features:	Landscaped, Water Access, Waterfront
Access:	Water Frontage, Water View, Year Round Road Access

Heating:	Electric, Wood, Baseboard
Garage Type:	1.5, Built-in, Garage
Water:	Well
Sewer:	Septic
Services:	Electricity, Telephone
Rental Equipm.:	Hot Water Tank
Flooring:	Wood, Ceramic/Marble, Other

Exterior:	Wood
Driveway:	Double, Gravel
Foundation/Basement:	Concrete, Fully Developed, Walkout
Int.Features:	Whirlpool Tub, Woodstove(s), Family Room, Laund-Main Fl, Storage Room, Finished Basement
Ext. Features:	Deck, Patio, Satellite Dish
Roof:	Asphalt Shingle

Floor	Room	Size	Floor	Room	Size
MAIN FLOOR	KITCHEN	23.6 X 15	MAIN FLOOR	MASTER BEDROOM	17.6 X 15
MAIN FLOOR	LIVING ROOM	COMBINED	LOWER LEVEL	BEDROOM	12 X 10
MAIN FLOOR	BATH (# pieces 1-6)	B4	LOWER LEVEL	FAMILY ROOM	16 X 13
MAIN FLOOR	LAUNDRY	6.4 X 5.4	LOWER LEVEL	OTHER	GARAGE
MAIN FLOOR	BEDROOM	9 X 8.6

Assessment:

Taxes:

$2009 (2007)

Improvements:

MANY

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The information contained on this listing form is from sources believed to be reliable. However, it may be incorrect. This information should not be relied upon by a buyer without personal verification.

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About Saint John

2007-08-07T07:56:08Z

Saint John is the oldest incorporated city in Canada, and the largest city in the province of New Brunswick. It's largely an industrial city. With the larges oil refinery in Canada, and the near by Point LePreau Nuclear Power Plant. According to Stats Canada, in 2006 there was 122,389 people living in the metro area.

For more information check out Wikipedia or the City of Saint John website.

Images and information from Wikipedia

Royal LePage Atlantic plays ball for Hestia House.

2007-08-07T07:49:28Z

On Saturday July.28.2007 the Royal LePage Atlantic Rothesay office and Saint John office competed in a game of base ball at Meenans Cove Park. The Saint John team beat Rothesay 21 to 5. The money raised at the game was given to Hestia House - a non profit organization that provides shelter to women and children of family violence.

Here are a few pictures from the game:

Why RENT when you can OWN in New Brunswick?

2007-07-29T17:18:10Z

New Brunswick is a prime location for affordable real estate with the opportunity to receive a good return on investment. So why would you rent when you can own?

Many people are paying the same (or more) on their monthly rent payment as they could be on a mortgage payment. Why would you rent when you can own a home? Paying your monthly mortgage payment isn't a loss to you like rent is. When you make your monthly payment you're building equity in your home! Why rent when you can own your home for *less than $600/month!

So how do you go about buying your first home? Start by finding a real estate agent that you are comfortable with and is ready to help you! They will send you to a mortgage specialist to pre-qualify you. This means that you don't spend time looking at homes that are too pricey. At the same time, you may be surprised to know how much you can spend. After you've been pre-approved go back to your Realtor and tell them what your looking for.

Here are a few tips on preparing to buy your first home.

Try and pay off as many debts as possible.
The more money you can put aside for a down payment, the better.
Educate yourself about buying your first home.
Educate yourself on the market in your area.
Ask questions when you don't understand something.
USE A REALTOR - they will negotiate for the best deal.(would you represent yourself in court, or hire a lawyer?)

The rates are good, and the time is right. If your renting, and you can afford to buy now is the time to invest.

If you would like more information on this topic please visit my website or contact me!

*information based on rates 26 July 2007, on a $100,000 home with a 40yr amortization.