Mark's Blog

Hop aboard the Government Grant Gravy Train!

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 11:54:15 -0600

Usually the "man" is taking money out of your pocket, not offering to help you put more into it. In this tough economy everyone is looking to save money, and very few are looking at how spending it can benefit them. However there may be no better time to make that house a mansion.

The government is currently entertaining so many grant programs it's a small wonder more people aren't cashing in on the money train, and buying a ticket to a nicer property or a spruced up house. There are currently grants for everything from replacing that furnace that older then your grandfather, that water tank that leaks all over your basement, or that roof that is now equipped with a sky light, just not the good kind. There are grants for purchasing your property, like first time home ownership programs for down payments, closing fees, land transfer taxes extra. There are even small grants for doing renovations, that are completely "frivolous" like putting in that dream kitchen you've always wanted or a new bay window, these fixes not only look great they can add so much value to your home.

Now not all the money you put out is repayable by the government grant gravy train, some is out of pocket, but the money you save will have you laughing all the way to the bank.

There is one program in particular right now that encourages home owners to do those small fixes, for up to $1,300 dollars. What you do is simple, you save your receipts for any home improvement costs you incur from January 2009, until February 2010, you declare things that are eligible - up to ten thousand dollars on your tax return in 2010 and get some bang back for your buck up to that magic number of $1,300, or basically the equivalent of taxes you have already paid.

What does this all equal to you, incentive to do more improvements, the ability to afford improvements, or the ability to justify those improvements you've been putting off due to the economy. Much like an end of the season sale these deals won't last forever so cash in now, cash in fast!

The Pit Crew Get's It Done!

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:31:47 -0600

There's nothing quite like owning your own home. Creating a place that you can call your own can be a challenge with many ups and downs.

Gathering relevant information is your first step to home ownership.

How much can you afford? What kind of home are you looking for? You'll find all the information you need by consulting the right pit crew.

Any sports fan can tell you that having the right people on the team makes all the difference, it means the difference in winning a game or winning the championship.

Defining search parameters is like developing a great game plan, so know where your looking how to look and how to find what you are looking for are first steps. Almost 80% of all home searches today begin on the Internet. With just a few clicks of the mouse, home buyers can search through hundreds of online listings, view virtual tours, and sort through dozens of photographs.

Now that you're looking you're going to need a pit crew!

To Head up your pit crew you'll need a great Crew Chief, someone to make the whole operation go smoothly for you; in this case we're talking about the realtor. Picking someone you can trust to steer you away from those crashes in the left turns is invaluable. By crashes we're talking about the lemon houses, the bad deals, or even to point out the houses defects. Mostly they are there to get you into the home of your dreams, thus winning your own personal championship.

Your pit crew for buying a home consists of a few less members than a NASCAR TEAM, however, here's an idea of people to consider filling in the some of the positions of your house buying team.

A mortgage broker, or lender, to help you get the right mortgage for you is almost as important as finding the right house. These are the guys that change your tires and keep everyone in your car running smoothly, they help you figure out how much you can afford, what payment structure is right for you.

Next your home inspector or as I like to call him you're spotter. He's the guy that sees the accident up ahead and prepares you for it. Whether he's directing you away from debris in the corner or a leaky roof he's there to let you know about issues before the occur so you can make informed choices when it comes to the purchase of your home. Another member of pit crew is your jackman or your lawyer.

The Jackman in NASCAR is the guy who gets you out the door safely after raising the car so that the tires can be replaced he signals you to leave the pits. Your lawyer in your house buying pit crew does much the same thing, by making sure all claims to your house other than your are lifted before signing that dotted line, making your home your responsibility.

You will always be the driver on the house hunting team so keep it in mind that staffing yourself with the right team will make you the best driver you can be, and get you to where you want to be going FAST!

Investment Property!Retirement!Opportunity Knocks!

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 23:25:52 -0600

Now is the time to Invest in Realestate in the Windsor and Surrounding Area.The Windsor Essex County market offers Duplexes ,Tri-plexes and Multi unit buildings as well as Condominiums and Single Family homes at great low prices.With interest rates historically low and prices dropping down to what once was in the 1980's. As well, Power of Sale and Foreclosure opportunities are many, what are you waiting for.

As well the affordability of Real estate here in the Windsor area make it a great place to retire to. Sell your current home take the equity from that home to buy a similar home for considerably less and the rest can be socked away to assist you in your retirement living.

Has the market bottomed out? Who knows! Besides when you can see the bottom ,it's too late you've missed the boat.The only way you can see the bottom is after the market rises.Do yourself a favor and call for a free list of homes.Compare and save.

The Back Door to 100% Mortgages

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:53:42 -0600

The Canadian mortgage market has been free of the drama characterizing the US stage due its more conservative lending practices. To save Canadians from the traps of no money down mortgages, the government banned both 100 percentage mortgages and 40 year terms "to reduce the risk of as US-style housing bubble in Canada."

Mortgage brokers, however, claim that the rules can easily be sidestepped. According to Innis mortgage broker Paula Siemens, borrowers have several ways around the new rules.

•· They can use a non-Canadian bank. US Bank Wells Fargo makes 100% loans available to Canadians.

•· They can borrow the down payment to comply with Canadian banking rules that allow loans up to 95% of the mortgage balance. The loans might come from friends or family or lines of credit or cash advances from credit cards.

•· They can use a cash-back mortgage offered by some banks. That gives the borrowers 5-7% back upon closing. Those banks try to prevent borrowers from using the cash for down payments, but if a mortgage applicant raised the money from family and friends for the down payments and then later repaid his sources with his cash-back funds, the loan would still be in place. The cash-back mortgage usually comes with a higher interest rate.

Banks resist no money down deals because the borrowers have less at stake if they fall on hard times. Just because there are ways around the no money down ban does it mean this option makes good sense for most people, aside from possiby young professionals with high credit scores and large earning potential.

Stable, equity-backed loans are part of what has kept Canadian banks sound in comparison to their southern neighbors in need of bailouts.

For information about great places to live in Windsor, call your Prudential Select Real Estate Agent Mark Tesolin at (519) 972-5505 or visit http://marktesolin.com

Condo Trends - Cooling But Not Cold

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:45:12 -0600

Headlines in several Canadian newspapers report that consumers are nervous buying a condo out of fear that what they contracted for will not be built. A more substantial fear is that due to current oversupply, condominiums are getting harder to sell. In Toronto, 22,654 condos were sold in 2007, but only 16,000 are expected to be sold this year. While the long term outlook for the condo market is good, building starts are expected to decline by 6% as prices decline. For current owners in Ontario, this news should be only mildly upsetting as prices will actually increase by 3-5%. Western markets in Calgary and Vancouver, where housing is somewhat overvalued, may not only see an end to double digit inflation in condo prices but a 3-5% decrease.

Condominiums are popular in Canada because they meet the needs of a very urban population. As of 2006, 80% of Canada's population was centered in cities compare to 62% in 1951. Condos offer style and convenience in an environment-friend package that uses less land and resources. They sell for half the price of a detached bungalow in Vancouver and a third of one in Calgary and Ontario, as well as cost less to maintain. Since the median age of the population is increasing, the convenience of condo living has a secure future in Canada.

Though prices and supplies of condominiums might be declining, Toronto Real Estate Board President Maureen O'Neill is optimistic that the impact of these declines will be greater stability in the future.

For information about great places to live in Windsor, call your Prudential Select Real Estate Agent Mark Tesolin at (519) 972-5505 or visit http://marktesolin.com.

Negotiating Tips for Eager Buyers

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 06:57:11 -0600

Everyone loves a bargain, especially in housing where a few percent off adds up to thousands of dollars. In a buyers' market, where some sellers who need to move their homes are facing the prospect so of having their time in the market longer and ultimately selling for less, it's tempting for buyers to overestimate how far down sellers will go.

So, as a buyer, what's the best way to get the best price?

Dream a little but be reasonable. Even in a buyers' market, it's unlikely that you will get a $500,000 home for $250,000. Doing a little neighborhood research will reveal what other comparable homes in the area have sold for. This should tip you off that you may get the home for $50,000 less. If a $450,000 is out of your pricing comfort zone, it's time to start looking at more affordable homes for your price range.

Don't insult the seller. Some sellers may overvalue their homes because of what they've put into them, what they speculated the home would be worth, or just because it's theirs. Few sellers react well to a buyer who comes in, exaggerates all the flaws in the home, and then makes a lowball offer. The seller may need a little reality therapy, but if you want the house, you are probably not the one to give it. (Here's the time to look to your agent.)

Consider the "negotiablity" factor. Economist Jonathan Miller out into words what everyone knows to be true. There's usually a difference between what homes list for and what they sell for because sellers usually list in anticipation of having to come down in price. Sellers have a price in mind that hope (or need) to clear. Occasionally a seller will say their price is "firm," but the buyer can reasonably expect a little wiggle room. How much depends on why the seller wants to move and his level of urgency. A seller who's been transferred, who's had the house on the market a long time, who's in financial difficulties, etc., might be more motivated to sell now than someone who just wants to upgrade.

Consider hiring a professional negotiator. Negotiating is a skill. Not all parties in a real estate transaction are natural negotiators who can remain impartial enough to persevere through the give and take. A professional negotiator not smitten with "house love" might be able to strike a better deal. There's some risk in negotiating - seller may take a better offer, may reconsider selling, or may refuse to yield - but a professional with less emotional stake in the house usually knows when to quite bargainling and when to suggest you pull out your checkbook if you want the house.

For information about great places to live in Windsor, call your Prudential Select Real Estate Agent Mark Tesolin at (519) 972-5505 or visit http://marktesolin.com.

Discounts at Disney

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:33:40 -0600

If the economy makes you want to run to Fantasyland, now you can at discounted prices. With stock prices dropping 6.1%, income off 13%, and hotel bookings down, Disney amusement parks announced discounts on vacation packages to any of its parks. For vacations booked by December 20, a 7 day vacation is available for the price of a 4 day vacation - a 34% discount. Vacationers who visit between January - March, 2009 will also get a free $200 gift card redeemable for food and souvenirs. (All trips must be taken in 2009, with blackout periods around Easter vacation and part of the summer.) Thirty percent discounts are also available on hotels rooms (without tickets) for those who don't want to stay the whole week.

Discounts at Disney are unprecedented. Though the discounts do not affect the hefty daily ticket prices if purchased separately, they are applicable to the value priced rooms and vacation packages which makes a Disney vacation more affordable for families.

For information about great places to live in Windsor, call your Prudential Select Real Estate Agent Mark Tesolin at (519) 972-5505 or visit http://marktesolin.com

Detroit's Problems Challenge Windsor's Promise

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:15:40 -0600

Recent good news reported here about the thriving Canadian auto industry is threatened by bad news from Detroit: the US auto is in such bad shape that the big three automakers are lobbying for a $25 billion low interest loan from the government. Without aid, predicts the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, MI, the US economy would lose over 2.5 million direct and indirect jobs plus $100-150 billion in taxes.

Over the past few years, the Canadian auto industry has regrouped through job cuts and increased efficiency measures. The cost reduction efforts are expected to result s in a $155 million profit this year - even though production is likely to be down by 4.6% and revenues down 10% due to falling demand. Improved efficiencies and cooperation from labor unions have brought projects such as the Dodge Hybrid minivan, the Nissan-Chrysler partnership, and electric car production to the Windsor horizon. By 2012, the industry is projected to earn profits of nearly $1.5 billion.

The plight of US automakers is due to slumping sales, the lowest in a decade, but the auto industry is a vital part of the world economy. Since Canada produces many goods for US automakers, further declines in the industry would impact the local economy as well. The research report from Ann Arbor suggests that further declines in Detroit would necessitate the involvement of Prime Minister Stephen Harper to preserve Canada's automotive sector.

For information about great places to live in Windsor, call your Prudential Select Real Estate Agent Mark Tesolin at (519) 972-5505 or visit http://marktesolin.com

For recent articles on developments in the Canadian auto industry, see A Secure Future for Windsor Assembly Jobs and Hybrid Minivans on Our Horizon.

Coming Soon - Enhanced Border Security

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 06:41:22 -0600

For the 92,999 cars and 22,300 trucks that cross the US-Canadian border each day, crossing the border will be more difficult once the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative takes effect in June, 2009. A response to homeland security concerns, the US is installing scanners and radio frequency identification cards at each customs lane at the 39 ports of entry. These units will be operational by December, 2008 at most ports and by April at Sarnia and Sault Ste. Marie.

Those travelers who have NEXUS cards or enhanced driver's licenses embedded with a radio-frequency chip will present the card for scanning and the customs inspectors will know the citizenship, residency, biographical information, and photo of the driver before he reaches the booth. Other citizens will need to provide passports.

Customs inspectors will warn those without the proper documents of what to bring in the future. The border checks aim to detect security risks, but also facilitate legitimate travel. As Chief Ron Smith, head of boarder protection, Detroit field office of the Department of Homeland Security, put it "If we said ‘Your don't have this so you have to go home,' the border would shut down and we'd be hurting the economy." Those without the proper documents will be quizzed by customer officials to see if residency and citizenship can be determined and warned to bring the right documents the next time; if not, they will be turned away.

Currently, the states of Michigan, New York, Washington, Vermont, and Texas either offer enhanced driver's licenses or are preparing to. In Ontario, the issue is still under discussion in the legislation, but licenses and photo id's for non-drivers are expected to be available before spring.

For information about great places to live in Windsor, call your Prudential Select Real Estate Agent Mark Tesolin at (519) 972-5505 or visit http://marktesolin.com

Ten Thousand Villages

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:48:56 -0600

Ten Thousand Villages, a non-profit organization that offers handmade items from artisan co-operatives in developing countries, has a great store in Windsor, right at 3225 Sandwich Street. In addition to handicrafts, the selection also includes Fair Trade coffee, tea, chocolate, dried fruit, and sugar, and have recently added jams and preserves from Swaziland in South Africa.

The concept behind the project developed in 1946 when a Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) worker Edna Ruth Byler brought home some beautiful embroidery from Puerto Rica. The pieces were made in sewing classes by women who helped to learn a trade to bring their families out of poverty. Byler found the pieces so popular among friends and neighbors that she sought items and agricultural products from other developing countries to sell. For 25 years, this effort was managed from Byler's basement before the MCC took it over and named it Selfhelp Crafts, By 1996, the project had attracted many customers, supporters, and volunteers and became known as 10,000 villages.

The organization strives to help workers around the world become self sufficient through their labor. Its goods are sold at Fair Trade prices so that the artisans receive the decent wages for their labor. When items are ordered from artisan groups, a price is set and the artisan receives half of the money upfront so that they have money for supplies. The balance is paid before the items are ready to be shipped. Teen Thousand Villages is a member to the International Fair Trade Association, a worldwide network committed to social justice and the well-being of disadvantaged producers.

Ten Thousand Villages has 49 stores throughout Canada, including there one in Windsor. almost entirely staffed by volunteers The Windsor store is a project of the Global Resource Centre, which is a lending library with educational materials on the developing world, the environment, labor, and such issues as women, poverty, globalization, etc. It also has a computer with a Jaws program, which is available for use by the visually impaired and the blind.

In addition to the stores, 10,000 Villages holds festivals in different areas to promote the products and culture of the 36 countries of origin.

You can find out more about them or order online at www.tenthousandvillages.com.

For information about great places to live in Windsor, call your Prudential Select Real Estate Agent Mark Tesolin at (519) 972-5505 or visit http://marktesolin.com

Overvalued Homes Flood Market

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 07:39:54 -0600

The housing inflation that has characterized the housing market in the United States has drifted northward, it seems, according to a report by Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia. In a study of nine Canadian cities, seven of them have housing stock that is overvalued by $32,000-87,000. Housing prices were compared to what they would be in a market where home prices and rents would be in balance. Other factors taken into account include mortgage rates, costs of home ownership, and long term price appreciation.

While Toronto prices are in balance and those in Edmonton below by 8%, prices in Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Regina, and Winnipeg are at least 20% too high. The housing prices in these cities rose 87% between 1997-2006. During the same time period, housing in the Unites States rose 132%.

Whether prices fall in Canada depends on the supply of available unsold homes or discrepancies between the number of available units vs. the number of people ready to occupy them. Because Canadian lending policies have been more conservative than in the Unites States, there is more equity in homes which may allow the market to regulate itself in time. Only in Vancouver are prices expected to decline.

For information about great places to live in Windsor, call your Prudential Select Real Estate Agent Mark Tesolin at (519) 972-5505 or visit http://marktesolin.com

A Secure Future for Windsor Assembly Jobs

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 07:37:30 -0500

While it is not official yet, all signs are pointing toward Windsor as the location for Nissan's next improvement. Nissan and Chrysler have recently announced an assembly partnership that involves each company doing what they do best. Nissan will be building the Dodge Hornet for Chrysler and Chrysler has agreed to build the 2011 Titan pickup truck for Nissan. This expansion seems to pave the way for Chrysler to build the 2010 Nissan Quest or its replacement at the Windsor Assembly Plant.

This would be a win-win situation for all involved, especially the 4,600 members of the CAW Local 444 at the Windsor plant. Due to the decline in sales of minivans, there has been a worry that the plant would lose its third shift and along with it hundreds of jobs, but if Chrysler takes on the Nissan minivan it will mean a thriving assembly plant.

Nissan has not had a good record with its minivan, whereas Chrysler has been setting the bar for the minivan industry for decades. The success of the Dodge Grand Caravan and the Chrysler Town and Country have also enticed Volkswagen to have its 2009 Routan minivan built in the Windsor assembly plant. Sources at the Windsor Assembly plant and the Windsor-Detroit auto industry say the Nissan deal has been in the works for months and they expect it to be announced within the next few weeks.

For information about great places to live in Windsor, call your Prudential Select Real Estate Agent Mark Tesolin at (519) 972-5505 or visit http://marktesolin.com

Coutler's - Quality North American Furniture

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 07:17:16 -0500

Windsor is home to Coulter's, "Ontario's largest furniture store" which boasts 80,000 square feet of showroom, a quality stock of North America's best furniture manufacturers, and a colorful history.

Coulter's started as a family business in Essex in1863, when James Coulter started a lumber business and then, after relocating to Windsor, a coal business in hopes of supplying entrepreneurs in Detroit. Later generations of Coulters replaced coal sales with fuel deliveries to business and residential customers in the 1950's when the demand for coal dropped. Always ahead of marketing trends, Coulter used its location on Windsor Avenue, a block east of Windsor's main thoroughfare Quinlette St,. to open a small retail outlet that sold custom fireplaces, equipment, and screens to the public. By 1958, Coulter's opened a small showroom of colonial furniture. The endeavor was so prosperous that Coulter's sold its fuel business and fleet of trucks to Texaco in 1969 - in anticipation that natural gas would overtake the demand for home heating oil.

Coulter's soon expanded their offering beyond colonial furniture but maintained their commitment to only offer the finest brands. They saw their market as both Canada and nearby Michigan. As Craig Coulter put it in 2005 "We are able to undercut U.S. prices while offering excellent value. Also, there is no duty, no U.S. tax, no Canadian GST (goods and services tax) nor PST (provincial services tax), so our American customers can buy as much as they want of well-designed, high-quality home furnishings. I sincerely hope the Canadian dollar drops again; a lower dollar is much better for our manufacturing exporters, too. We have delivery trucks in Michigan every day now. We also occasionally export to Europe; we have local customers who have relatives there."

The business includes two locations, both open seven days, and offers design services. The store guarantees quality, selection, and best prices - a winning combination.

For more of the fascinating Coulter story, visit their website at www.coulters.com and check out http://www.furninfo.com/absolutenm/templates/Article_Retailing.asp?articleid=5164&zoneid=5 .

Need a house in Windsor to showcase your Coulter bargains? For information about great places to live in Windsor, call your Prudential Select Real Estate Agent Mark Tesolin at (519) 972-5505 or visit http://marktesolin.com.

A Snapshot of the Windsor Real Estate Market

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 06:50:58 -0500

Thinking of buying or selling your home? Here's some interesting data from August, 2008 from the Windsor-Essex Board of Realtors.

Compared to a year ago....

Market Activity is down 3.44% YTD and 11.94% in August. 7880 homes have been listed this year vs. 8161 last year.

Sales are down 6.58% YTD and 18.18% in August. 3404 home have been sold this year vs. 3181 last year.

For the 389 homes sold, the average price is down 1.35% YTD and 5.10%. Average selling price YTD was $164,280 vs. $165,068 last year, while the average selling price in August was $166,099 vs. $170,018 last year.

In terms of home sold by price category,

$ 60,000 - $99,999 73

$100,000 - $119,999 45

$120,000 - $139.999 52

$160,000 - $199,999 71

$200,000.- $299,999 83

$300,000 - $399,999 22

$400,000+ 10

Although this chart does not indicate how many listings fell in each price category, the numbers suggest that sellers of low to moderate priced homes are more likely to sell, while buyers can find plenty of good, affordable homes in the area.

What kind of home is most likely to sell?

Ranch 76

Raised ranch 73

2 Story 63

1 ½ Story 48

Bungalow 47

South Windsor had the highest number of listings and sales for the month.

Your Windsor home awaits. For information about the latest listings in Windsor, call your Prudential Select Real Estate Agent Mark Tesolin at (519) 972-5505 or visit http://marktesolin.com.

Give Kindness a Ghost of a Chance This Halloween

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 06:35:57 -0500

It's a week before Halloween, a popular holiday that in modern times means donning costumes, decorating your home in orange and black, carving a pumpkin, and trick or treating - maybe for UNICEF or maybe for a stock of candy that children hoard and parents raid for their favorite chocolate bar.

Though it's generally considered a fun time, it's also a great time to start a new tradition in your household or in your life. Take a look at this link to blog posted by Ann Arbor, MI realtor Kathy Toth: http://activerain.com/blogsview/750995/Ghosting-It-Forward-Pay-It-Forward-for-Ann-Arbor-NeighborsFriends-before-Halloween

In the spirit of the movie Pay It Forward, the Ghost It Forward project promotes anonymous acts of kindness to friends, neighbors, and total strangers. For more information, check out the link above or go directly to Ghosting It Forward.

Don't think there's a ghost of a chance you can own a home? For information about great places to live in Windsor, call your Prudential Select Real Estate Agent Mark Tesolin at (519) 972-5505 or visit http://marktesolin.com.

Canada's Favorite Tiger

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 05:26:21 -0500

Giant Tiger is Canada's favorite discount store. Founded in Ottawa in 1961 with a $15,000, investment, it has grown to over 184 locations across Canada, with 106 locations in Ontario alone. Some stores are company owned, but the majority are franchised operations, a reflection of company philosophy that customers are better served by local owners.

Giant Tiger carries fashions, home accessories, toys, specialty foods, and housewares. Just as Oprah Winfrey boosted Target's fashion appeal by softening the "t" at the end so it sounds French ("Tar-gay"), Giant Tiger fashion customers refer to the store as "GT Boutique." The company responded by printing bags with this name for fashion purchase.

Employing over 6,500 people in Canada, the chain has undertaken a major expansion in the Greater Toronto Area since 2005 by opening six stores in Bradford, Brampton, Markham, Mississauga, Newmarket, and Scarborough. The store also operates as Scott's Discount and Chez Tante Marie in some areas.

Aside from being a popular place to shop, the chain has distinguished itself for beatifying the local areas with colorful exterior mural Since 1991, Mural artist Pierre Hardy, a native of Ottawa, has created outdoor art that often features tigers, as well as local points of interest. Giant Tiger locations which offer his works of art include: Ottawa, Smiths Falls, Pembroke, Prescott, New Liskeard, Napanee, Mont Laurier, Campbellford, Picton, Cornwall, St. Jerome, Deep River, Lakefield, Granby, Shawinigan Sud, Saint-Jovite, L'Annonciation, Listowel, Shawville and Gavenhurst.

There are two Giant Tiger stores conveniently located in Windsor. For information about great places to live in Windsor, call your Prudential Select Real Estate Agent Mark Tesolin at (519) 972-5505 or visit http://marktesolin.com.

High Tech Patient Care in the Home

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 06:48:48 -0500

Home Health Care in Windsor has taken a high-tech turn. Nurses and patients will both benefit from a pilot project by Saint Elizabeth Health Care. The company has chosen Windsor's 200 frontline staff to test the C5 Tablet Computer. The technology will eliminate much of a nurse's paperwork and free up more of his or her time to care for patients. It allows them to access a client's chart and history, fill out forms online, take photographs of the patient or any sores or wounds they may have, and communicate with doctors and specialists in their offices. It will hopefully increase the speed of treatment for minor conditions and reduce the number of office visits patients have to make for these conditions. If this project is successful, it will be used by SEHC in its other locations across the province. SEHC made 290,000 home visits last year in Windsor and 3 million across Ontario.

This innovative program is one more reason to settle in Windsor. For information about properties in Windsor, call your Prudential Select Real Estate Agent Mark Tesolin at (519) 972-5505 or visit http://marktesolin.com.

Treasures for Your New Home

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 07:20:42 -0500

Windsor's Holland Consignment Shoppe & Auction House is the perfect place for finding treasures for your new home or selling items that you prefer not to take to your next home. They have a showroom that is over 11,000 square feet filled with an assortment of unique, antique, and nearly new items. As Southern Ontario's largest personal property liquidation company, they not only have retail consignment sales, they also provide auction services, eBay sales, and appraisals by an accredited appraiser.

Visit Holland Consignment Shoppe & Auction House on the web and then head over to their showroom at 1407 Ottawa St, at the corner of Ottawa and Moy, behind the TD Bank. Parking is along the side of the building. The store is open Monday through Saturday.

Need a new home to put those treasures in? Or need to sel the old one you're cleaning out?

For information about properties in Windsor, call your Prudential Select Real Estate Agent Mark Tesolin at (519) 972-5505 or visit http://marktesolin.com.

Via Italia - Windsor's "Little Italy"

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 06:54:23 -0500

Over 60 years ago, Erie Street and the St. Angela Merici Church was a haven for Windsor's Italian immigrants. An assortment of Italian family-run restaurants and shops sprang up around the church, and Erie Street became the center for Windsor's Italian culture.

Nowadays, this one-mile strip of Erie Street is known as Via Italia and it attracts visitors from across Canada, the U.S., and around the world. Via Italia draws on its Italian roots and provides over 100 small, family-run businesses with an Italian flair. You will find Italian-style clothing boutiques, shoe stores, kitchenware shops, linen stores, grocery stores, and more. Additionally, you can partake in some of the best Italian food Windsor has to offer, from intimate espresso and cappuccino shops to exquisite Ristorantes. Come enjoy Windsor's Little Italy; a trip to Italy has never been this close.

For information about properties in Windsor, call your Prudential Select Real Estate Agent Mark Tesolin at (519) 972-5505 or visit http://marktesolin.com.

Hybrid Minivans on Our Horizon

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 07:21:49 -0500

Hybrid and diesel-powered minivans are hot items on the market now. Although there has been a recent shift to smaller cars, there will always be a demand for vehicles that seat five to seven people and are capable of lugging baby gear. With gas price at recent all time highs, space AND 20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway are a desirable combination.

The Dodge Grand Caravan, built in Windsor since 2007, could be the first hybrid minivan to make it to market. It certainly won't be the last, though. Toyota plans to offer a hybrid Sienna by 2010. And Volkswagen and Honda are expected to offer diesel versions of their minivans to meet the demand for more fuel efficient vehicles. VW just began assembling the Routan van in Windsor via a contract with Chrysler's van assembly plant.

J.D. Power reports that Chrysler will use its two-mode hybrid system it developed in partnership with General Motors, BMW, and Daimler Benz in its minivans. The two-mode system is currently available in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon but these are not selling well due to the high price tag. Chrysler may also opt for a cheaper alternative from China.

Chrysler is bringing hybrids to market to meet both consumer demand and to improve its fuel economy numbers under U.S. law. Chrysler is under more pressure to bring fuel-efficient vehicles to market than either Ford or GM because its sales are more heavily skewed to trucks than its Detroit rivals. Yet, the vehicle is predicted to do very well in the Canadian marketplace, where it has been the third highest selling vehicle in the country.

Honda's and Volkswagen's diesel-powered vans could be competitive with hybrids because they can be sold at a premium of about $2,000 per unit, which is less than half the premium demanded by the more expensive hybrid systems.

Moms Write Survival Guide for Coddled Young Adults

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:13:16 -0500

Windsor-born journalist Kim Zarzour and author Sharon E. McKay co-wrote a 514-page book entitled Good To Go: A Practical Guide to Adulthood. The book provides tips on how to do everything from boiling water to managing your finances. It's geared toward young adults trying to make it on their own for the first time.

The book was in part inspired by McKay's son who contracted scurvy because he thought he could survive on chicken wings and beer. Zarzour felt her children, although they are teens still living at home, could also benefit from such a book.

Zarzour recalls two incidents when her teenage son's cooking attempts demonstrated a need for such a book. In one episode, Zarzour's son was trying to heat up some boxed chicken nuggets and asked "What's a cookie sheet?" Zarzour wonders, "How did I not remember to teach him what a cookie sheet was?"

Another exchange involved her son asking "What's a tsps?" Zarzour asked, "What do you mean tsps?" Her son responded, "It's spelled TSP." Zarzour replied, "Teaspoon, honey."

Zarzour thinks today's youth aren't incompetent, they're just being micromanaged. Parents are too busy shuttling kids to hockey practice and cello lessons to teach them how to clean and cook. Also, kids don't usually take home economics in school or learn practical skills in organized groups such as Brownies or Scouts anymore. Zarzour now wishes she'd taught her kids more about living in the real world.

The book, published by Penguin Canada, sells for $24.

Tecumseh Business In Action

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:24:21 -0500

Located just minutes from the Detroit/Windsor tunnel, Tecumseh Mall has it all. Renovated and expanded in 2001, Tecumseh Mall has over 65 top-name department stores and boutiques, including:

Zeller's
Sobey's
Dollarama
Mark's Work Wearhouse
And Many More

The mall's many retailers provide exceptional service for your discriminating taste while maintaining a small-town feel. There is also a new Food Court with a variety of dining options, and an abundance of children's programs, live shows, and charity events to cater to Windsor's culturally-diverse population.

Tecumseh Mall is the place for Windsor residents' one-stop shopping and entertainment needs. Come feel the difference.

2008 Inductees Announced

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:15:35 -0500

The Hockey Hall of Fame announced four new inductees for 2008. The inductees included hockey legends Glenn Anderson, Igor Larionov, Ed Chynoweth, and Ray Scapinello.

Anderson and Larionov were selected for the Player Category. Anderson, a British Canadian native, was consistently near the top in NHL scoring and thrived during the playoffs, with overtime and game-clinching goals. Likewise, Larionov was a top international player with two Olympic gold medals and eight international gold medals. He also played for eight seasons, including three Stanley Cup competitions, for the Detroit Red Wings.

Chynoweth was posthumously elected in the Builder Category. Former Western Hockey League Commissioner Chynoweth was the first full-time President of the Western Canada Hockey League (now WHL). He was also a founder of the Canadian Major Junior Hockey League (now CHL).

Scapinello was elected in the Referee/Linesman Category. Scapinello was named the NHL's "best in the business" a record 20 times and, in 33 years as an NHL official, he never missed a game.

Induction Weekend festivities will run from Friday, November 7th through Sunday, November 9th, 2008 and will end with the exciting Induction Celebration on Monday, November 10th, 2008. Many special events will commemorate this year's Inductees. For more information about the inductees and the ceremonies, visit www.legendsofhockey.net/html/ind08prolog.htm.

Market Square

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:12:50 -0500

Market Square
2109 Ottawa St. at Walker Rd.
Windsor, ON N8Y 1R8
Telephone: (519) 253-7374

The Market Square has more than 100 years of unmatched service and shopping. You can talk to almost 40 friendly vendors who offer unparalleled selection and great advice. You can buy directly from growers, often within hours of harvesting. You can browse through the selection of quality meats and cheeses, farm fresh produce, poultry, organics, pasta, pastry, and seafood. There are also several restaurants, specialty shops, a coffee bar, and much more - all under one roof. The Market Square is open Tuesday through Friday 8am-6pm; Saturday 7am-4pm; and Sunday 10am-3pm.

Olde Sandwich Towne

Mark Tesolin Complete Source for Windsor Real Estate (Prudential Select Realty) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:46:46 -0500

Olde Sandwich Towne is an area very rich in history. It is the oldest continuous European settlement in Ontario, as evidenced by its 31 historical sites from 1798 to the early 1900s as well as numerous historical murals throughout the community. For hundreds of years "Neutral Nations"-aboriginals including Ottawa, Potawotamis, Wyandots and Chippewas--inhabited the Sandwich area prior to the arrival of Europeans. In addition, Canada's Anti-Slavery Law in 1793 and the Emancipation Act in 1833 resulted in many black refugees crossing the Detroit River into the Sandwich area. Thus, it became an important terminal on the famous Underground Railroad.

Learn more about Olde Sandiwch Towne at www.oldesandwichtowne.com, or contact the Olde Sandwich Towne Business Improvement Association (BIA) at

3225 Sandwich St., Unit B

Windsor, ON N9C 1A9

Telephone: (519) 255-9993

Email: smtc@bellnet.ca