Sham's Blog and Real Estate

Sellers you can expect more from Realtors !

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:45:16 -0600

It may seem that a realtor's access to the Multiple Listing Service is the most significant reason for working with a real estate professional.

While realtors can use the MLS to match your housing preferences with available properties and help you establish realistic expectations if you're selling, it is just one of several tools they use to offer you professional advice

I can also, for example, access the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation's database to provide you with valuable insight into current taxes on individual properties, ownership histories and lot size specifics.

Using Teranet's GeoWarehouse, I can retrieve even more information that is useful in the decision-making process like streetscape imagery, mapped neighbourhood sales, and average local incomes.

As well, if you're considering a newly constructed home, I can have your needs covered through access to RealNet which is Canada's database of new home listings.

RealNet reports on 99 per cent of all developments greater than 15 units in size in the GTA.

A search of the RealNet database can be conducted by housing type, location, price range and number of bedrooms.

This information can help you measure your preferred builder's value proposition and more carefully weigh your decision with respect to choosing new versus resale housing.

As your realtor, I can also advise you on government programs that will save you money.

For example, if you're considering a few fix-ups prior to listing, I can provide you with details of programs like the Home Renovation Tax Credit and the Energy Guide for Houses Retrofit Grant.

If you're wondering whether buying a home is within reach, I can tell you about a program that, with only 5 per cent down, allows you to apply for mortgage insurance that can facilitate your purchase.

As well, if you are a first-time homebuyer, as your realtor can advise you of a program that allows you and your partner to each withdraw up to $25,000 from your RRSPs to put toward your purchase.

As your realtor I can also work to advocate your interests on important issues like property taxes, sales tax harmonization and the Toronto land transfer tax.

They make direct contributions to GTA communities as well, helping to feed 1,900 children in 11 local schools every week through the Children's Breakfast Program and providing grants to 20 shelter-related charitable organizations this year alone.

These are just a few of the many ways that shows there's more to Greater Toronto realtors than MLS.

Sham Pathania. Salesperson

Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage

Direct : 416 562 8417

Off : 905 672 1234

My Blogs:

www.activerain.com/patshyam92

Visit my website www.greatgtahomes.com for MLS listings and search MLS properties in your desired area.

If you have any questions related to real estate and if you are seeking an assistance in selling or buying a real estate property in Brampton, Mississauga, Milton, Toronto, Oakville, Caledon, Etobicoke or anywhere in GTA area, you may contact me at 416-562-8417 or email me.

Buying a Home and What Must they Know is very important. Mortgage calculator,

Pre listing home inspection is very important for accurate evaluation. Ask For a FREE complimentary market evaluaton of your property today.

If you are looking for a house and you have a particular School in mind, you must look for these MLS listings with school information

Buying a Home and What Must they Know

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:57:04 -0600

Here is a quick look on the questions related to mortgage financing which all the buyers must know.

Mortgage Financing Matters

PRE-APPROVAL IN WRITING:

It is highly recommended that if a buyer chooses to seek pre-approval, (before a property is purchased), such pre-approval should be in writing, confirming the terms of the pre-approval and mortgage.

PURCHASER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO CONFIRM FINANCING ARRANGED:

It is the buyer's responsibility to arrange any mortgage financing which might be required to complete the purchase. Once the mortgage is arranged, it will be the purchaser's responsibility to:

satisfy any special requirements by the lender (e.g. - proof of income, proof of cash down payment, payment of other debt obligations, if required by the mortgage lender, etc.) in order to avoid last minute financing problems on closing day;
confirm with the mortgage lender that mortgage instructions have been sent to our law office so that we can finalize processing the mortgage financing and obtaining mortgage funds for closing.

IF USING A POWER OF ATTORNEY:

Mortgage lenders NOW require a copy of the power of attorney document to be used (if any) for a mortgage since mortgage lenders MUST NOW pre approve any power of attorney form being used. Typically, to be approved, the borrower must be an existing customer of the bank OR must have signed the power of attorney document while in Ontario with witnessing done by an Ontario Lawyer.

CONDITIONAL ON FINANCING:

It is highly recommended that if financing is required (whether it has been pre-approved or not), any agreement of purchase and sale should be conditional upon written confirmation of financing terms from an institutional lender.

OPEN/CLOSED MORTGAGES:

Open mortgages may usually be paid off at any time without a penalty. Closed mortgages cannot be paid off before the end of the mortgage maturity date without being subject to a penalty (i.e. the greater of 3 months interest or the value of the difference in interest rates).

ACCELERATED PAYMENT OPTIONS:

Institutional lenders usually offer accelerated payment options in the form of bi-weekly or weekly payment plans that can reduce the duration of the mortgage by paying more towards principal and thereby reducing the total interest cost.

CMHC (CANADA MORTGAGE AND HOUSING CORPORATION) MORTGAGES:

Be aware that if a purchaser is arranging an insured mortgage (where the cash down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price), the mortgage lender (on closing) will deduct certain costs from the mortgage advance. PLEASE CONFIRM with the mortgage lender as to what costs will be deducted (For Example: 8% provincial sales tax on the mortgage insurance premium, appraisal fee, property tax holdback or interest adjustment, if any). For further information contact your bank branch.

---------------xxxx----------------

Visit my website www.greatgtahomes.com for MLS listings and search MLS properties in your desired area.

Buying a Home and What Must they Know is very important. Mortgage calculator,

Pre listing home inspection is very important for accurate evaluation. Ask For a FREE complimentary market evaluaton of your property today.

If you are looking for a house and you have a particular School in mind, you must look for these MLS listings with school information

A vital too for all of us ! Just leave it up to Google to come up with something like this!!!

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:42:58 -0600

My close associate who is into Commecial Real Estate in Brampton, just sent me an email few hours ago is worth sharing. Perhaps some of smaritans are already using it, but I was not aware of this tool. Its just good !! It works in Canada and US.

This is just what he sent me!

Google 411 - Good One...NO, GREAT ONE!

Here's a number worth putting in your cell phone, or your home phone speed dial: 1-800-goog411 or 1-800-466-4411.

This is an awesome service from Google, and it's free -- great when you are on the road. Don't waste your money on information calls and don't waste your time manually dialing the number.

I am driving* along in my car and I need to call the golf course and I don't know the number. I hit the speed dial for information that I have programmed (1-800-466-4411). The voice at the other end says, "Say the name of the business and the City & Province." I say, "Kingsville Golf Course, Kingsville, Ontario". He says, "Connecting" and Kingsville Golf Course answers the phone.

How great is that? This is nationwide, Canada & US, and it is absolutely free! Works on cell and landline phones, all you have to remember is 1-800-466-4411. Give it a try.

Click on the link below and watch the short clip for a quick demonstration.

http://www.google.com/goog411/

*P.S. Please check the new regulations inforced Ontario, which prohibits calling while you are behind the wheels.

Thinking of Selling your Home ! Serving Region of peel, Call your Realtor Sham Pathania. Visit www.greatgtahomes.com for MLS listings and search MLS properties in your desired area.

If you have any question related to real estate or if you are seeking an assistance in selling or buying a real estate property in Brampton, Mississauga, Milton,Oakville, Caledon, Etobicoke or anywhere in GTA area, you may conact him at 416-562-8417. Sellers can always ask For a FREE complimentary market evaluaton of your property.

If you are looking for a house and you have a particular School in mind, you must look for these MLS listings with school information.

Rememberance Day - Why Poppy

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:30:04 -0600

Why the Poppy?

All the stories are worth reading and have lot lo learn.

Today, fields of brilliant poppies still grow in France.

A writer first made the connection between the poppy and battlefield deaths during the Napoleonic wars of the early 19th century, remarking that fields that were barren before battle exploded with the blood-red flowers after the fighting ended.

During the tremendous bombardments of the First World War the chalk soils became rich in lime from rubble, allowing 'popaver rhoeas' to thrive. When the war ended the lime was quickly absorbed, and the poppy began to disappear again.

After John McCrae's poem In Flanders Fields was published in 1915 the poppy became a popular symbol for soldiers who died in battle.

Three years later an American, Moina Michael, was working in a New York City YMCA canteen when she started wearing a poppy in memory of the millions who died on the battlefield.

During a 1920 visit to the United States a French woman, Madame Guerin, learned of the custom. On her return to France she decided to use handmade poppies to raise money for the destitute children in war-torn areas of the country. In November, 1921, the first poppies were distributed in Canada.

Thanks to the millions of Canadians who wear flowers each November, the little red plant has never died. And neither have Canadian's memories for 116,031 of their countrymen who died in battle.

Remembrance Day - Why the Poppy ?

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:27:10 -0600

Why the Poppy?

Today, fields of brilliant poppies still grow in France.

Twitter Link Statistics Provide Valuable Information and are Fun to Use

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:27:42 -0600

I liked this one. With your due permission, I would like to reblog.

Via John Thomas -- EcoBroker, MSEE, MBA (E3 Green HOMES):

Tweeting Can Be a Real Hoot With HootSuite

I’ll admit I’ve been slow to catch onto to social media, but I am now bitten by the bug. I started using Twitter back in the spring of this year. I bumbled along for a while feeling clumsy and awkward. I just couldn't seem to figure out how to use in a meaningful and intelligent way. I took a long break and then after several Tweet-less months I again succumbed to all the hype and jumped back on-board.

I now enjoy Twitter as a communication tool that is near real time and global. The key to make it an even more useful tool is to segment sending and receiving Tweets by subject and geography. That is true, at least for me, regardless if I am tweeting for business or personal.

Twitter hasn’t generated any leads so far but I am learning more about how to have fun with it while driving traffic to my website and blog (which is also quite new.) Actually, it doesn’t really matter if I generate any leads with Twitter. I’ve discovered some very useful information tweeting along the social media highway and frequently book marked some great resources. One in particular that I stumbled on called HootSuite I find quite remarkable.

Before HootSuite I was using Tweetdeck and I thought that was great. The ability to have several columns open and sorted, kind of, seemed incredible at the time. And that was barely a week ago. With HootSuite you can have multiple columns and multiple tabs which gives you many different ways to organize the sending and receiving of Tweets. It also handles multiple profiles and you can even schedule Tweets to be sent at a later time.

But the most powerful tool in HootSuite by far is called Hootlet. When you use the Hootlet tool to shrink a link and then to send a Tweet with that link the click-through statistics are collected. You can come back in just a very few minutes and see the number of clicks on the links in your tweet. You can even see what country the users are in. And of course, the best part of all is that it is free. I find that quite amazing.

I am having fun with Hootsuite and with Twitter while promoting sustainable real estate. I always take care to distribute quality information, not sales hype. I block and unfollow salesy Tweets without hesitation. I don’t like it and I assume other people don’t either.

Once this week, I had nearly 80 clicks on a mere 7-8 Tweets that only took a few minutes to initiate. I find that absolutely amazing. Of course, I am still amazed with telephones, televisions and airplanes.

I am curious how others may be using Twitter in their business.

Cheers,

John Thomas MSEE, MBA

(m) 720-771-5594

Twitter: JohnThomas22

(e) john.thomas@e3greenhomes.com

In Flanders Fields .. Remembrance Day : Lest We Forget

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:30:38 -0600

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields

In Flanders Fields was first published in England's Punch magazine in December 1915. Within months, this poem came to symbolize the sacrifices of all who were fighting in the First World War. Today, the poem continues to be a part of Remembrance Day ceremonies in Canada and other countries throughout the world.

The poem was written by a Canadian-John McCrae, a doctor and teacher, who served in both the South African War and the First World War.

Someone said listings are the name of game !

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:20:29 -0600

Incidently, I have been dealing mostly with the Buyers. But right now, I really need some good listings.

Just Sold and the closing is by month end !

I have three buyers looking for detached homes in Mississauga or Brampton, but do not have the any listing matching thier requirements. Realtors store is low on inventory because of surge in buying. The last two months have been very active and hot.

Thinking of Selling your Home ! Serving Region of peel, its your Realtor Sham Pathania. Visit my website www.greatgtahomes.com for MLS listings and search MLS properties in your desired area.

If you have any questions related to real estate and if you are seeking an assistance in selling or buying a real estate property in Brampton, Mississauga, Milton,Oakville, Caledon, Etobicoke or anywhere in GTA area, you may conact me at 416-562-8417. Ask For a FREE complimentary market evaluaton of your property.

If you are looking for a house and you have a particular School in mind, you must look for these MLS listings with school information

Listings Wanted in Mississauga and Brampton Border

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:04:19 -0600

As the inventory level goes down, I am having a tough task helping my clients.

Hoping to see few good listings soon.

Serving Region of peel, its your Realtor Sham Pathania. Visit my website www.greatgtahomes.com for MLS listings and search MLS properties in your desired area.

If you are looking for a house and you have a particular School in mind, you must look for these MLS listings with school information

New French Immersion schools opening

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:33:47 -0600

Five new French Immersion schools have been approved by the public school board.

Next September, French Immersion classes will be held at Rowntree and Worthington Public Schools in Brampton and Edenrose and Ridgewood Public Schools and Edenwood Middle School in Mississauga. Peel District School Board trustees approved the plan at their last regular meeting.

Also approved was community consultation on reorganization of French Immersion programs at Mississauga's Hillcrest and Whiteoaks Public Schools. Brampton's Agnes Taylor Public School and Mississauga's Credit Valley, Plum Tree Park and Oscar Peterson Public Schools will be monitored for possible opening of new French Immersion sites in 2011.

Springdale, Brampton east and west will be monitored annually, along with Southeast Mississauga, for French Immersion enrolment growth. High schools will also be watched for growth changes.

Special parent information evenings at all French Immersion schools are scheduled for Nov. 25, at 7 p.m. The deadline to register for French immersion programs next year is Jan. 29, 2010.

Serving Region of peel, its your Realtor Sham Pathania. Visit my website www.greatgtahomes.com for MLS listings and search MLS properties in your desired area.

If you are looking for a house and you have a particular School in mind, you must look for these MLS listings with school information

10 things savvy home owners should look for .

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:45:34 -0600

HELOC - Not always bad!

A Home Equity Line of Credit can be good or bad depending on how you use it. There are 10 things savvy home owners should look for when considering a Home Equity Line Of Credit:

1) No HELOC application fee or at least the fee should be refunded at closing. If your lender assesses an application fee, make sure it's refundable at closing.

2) No home loan appraisal or closing costs - there are plenty of no-cost options available that you shouldn't have to pay a HELOC appraisal fee.

3) No HELOC account maintenance or check-writing fees - Lenders already make money when you write checks (read - borrow) on the home equity credit line. If your lender tries this, dump him!

4) No "usage" fees - Apparently, HELOC lenders don't approve of the notion that a homeowner may want to have a HELOC as an emergency "reserve" account. Definitely look for a lender that does not charge this type of fee.

5) Variable APR equal to or near the prime rate (adjusted quarterly) - Interest charged on the balanced borrowed should be the only cost involved with a good home equity credit line!

6) Periodic cap on interest rate changes (the amount that the rate can be changed at one time) - Look for a Home Equity Line of Credit that adjusts quarterly (rather than monthly) in increments of 0.5% or less.

7) Lifetime cap on rate increases (the amount that the rate can be adjusted over the loan's life) - You'll want to find a HELOC loan with a lifetime rate cap that you can live with. Ask your loan officer to clearly spell out the "worst case" scenario for HELOC rate increases!

8) Ability to convert to a fixed rate loan - When rates do rise, people often get skittish about their variable-rate debt. A useful feature to look for in a HELOC loan is the ability to convert the line of credit to a standard fixed-rate, fixed-term home equity loan.

9) Interest-only payments allowed - Get this option but only use it if you need to! It's always best to pay down the principle, not just interest!

10) Unrestricted ability to repay principal without penalty - You should be able to pay off the Home Equity Line of Credit at any time without paying extra!

Enjoy these ten basic tips and now, more than ever, be careful! There are a lot of shady deals out there and if you don't take your time reviewing the fine print, it will come back to bite you!

Serving Region of peel, its your Realtor Sham Pathania. Visit my website www.greatgtahomes.com for MLS listings and search MLS properties in your desired area.

If you are looking for a house and you have a particular School in mind, you must look for these MLS listings with school information.

Time to put down the Cellphone

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:59:09 -0500

The new law will be effective from Monday and will ban Handheld device and cellphones i.e. tomorrow the oct 26, 2009 in Ontario.

The provincial ban on the use of handheld devices while driving will take effect on October 26, 2009.

The new law will make it illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial, or email using hand-held cell phones and other hand-held device, communications and entertainment devices (All drivers may use hand-held devices to call 9-1-1). Hands-free devices will still be permitted. The new law also prohibits viewing a display screen unrelated to the driving task such as laptops or DVD players while driving.

To know more read my blog at:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/1267988/hand-held-devices-ban-begins-october-26-ontario-canada

Serving Region of peel, its your Realtor Sham Pathania. Visit my website www.greatgtahomes.com for MLS listings and search MLS properties in your desired area.

If you are looking for a house and you have a particular School in mind, you must look for these MLS listings with school information.

Buying a Home and What should you look for !

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 23:20:34 -0500

Whether its buying a Detached home, Semi, Town house or a condominium, it is one of the big step in life. It is always accompanied with few very important pre requisites which play very important role and these can be the diciding factor.

House hunting is a time consuming process and to search for the right home, it requires involvement and committment. Buyers must consider these issues well in advance and then discuss with thier Realtor concerning house search. I always touch upon these topics (and the main house features) in the very first meeting.

Some of these factors are:

General Location,
Proximity to place of work,
School, College or Education insitute,
Shopping plaza,
Highways
Bus Stop
Recreation centre etc.

Not only this saves my clients time but it helps them to make a better decision.

Regards.

Sham Pathania

If you have any questions or are seeking a Realtor to assist in selling or buying a real estate property in Brampton, Mississauga, Milton, Oakville, Caledon, Etobicoke or anywhere in GTA area, you may conact me at 416-562-8417.

If you are looking for a house and you have a particular School in mind, you must look for these MLS listings with school information.

Serving in Region of peel, your Realtor Sham Pathania, Salesperson. visit: www.greatgtahomes.com and search MLS properties in your desired area.

H1N1 Flu - Region of Peel, Public Health information

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:41:55 -0500

Tips to stay healthy

	Good hand hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of all flu viruses. Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often.

	Keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (gel or wipes) handy at work, home and in your car. It needs to be at least 60% alcohol to be effective.

	Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue out. Cough into your upper sleeve if you don't have a tissue.

	Avoid large crowds of people where viruses can spread easily. Stay home when you are sick.

	Keep common surfaces and items clean and disinfected

For more information on H1N1 Flu please visit:

H1N1 Flu Virus: Questions and Answers for Parents, Schools and Child Care Centres

Staying connected with the community in Region of Peel;

Working for, I am your Realtor, Sham Pathania.Iif you need any assistance in selling or buying your home, please do not hesitate to call me or visit my websie www.greatgtahomes.com

Tips For First Time Hone Buyers

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:09:11 -0500

Tips for Getting Started

Know your credit score
Develop a budget
Learn key mortgage terminology
Determine how much you can afford
Get pre-qualified
Talk to a mortgage professional

RRSP Homebuyers Plan

Effective January 27, 2009, as a first time home buyer, you are allowed to withdraw up to $25,000 from your RRSP without penalty. This amount can be doubled with your partner to a total of $50,000. Participants of the Homebuyers plan must begin repayment to their RRSP within two years of withdrawing the funds.

Land or Property Transfer Tax Refunds

If you purchase land or an interest in land, you may be entitled to a refund of a Provincial Land Transfer tax.

In Ontario, qualified first time home buyers may be entitled to a refund of a provincial Land Transfer Tax up to a maximum of $2,000 or a home priced up to $227,500. There is also a first time buyers refund for homes purchased in the City of Toronto.

In British Columbia, qualified first-time buyers may receive a refund of Property Transfer Tax on homes valued up to $425,000.

First Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit

First time home buyers may eligible for a 15% income tax credit on a maximum of $5,000 of home purchase costs (e.g. legal fees, land transfer taxes) representing a tax relief of $750.

The tax credit is applicable to first-time home buyers purchasing a home with a closing date after January 27, 2009.

Its a wonderful site and I would like to share

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:27:29 -0500

I came across this website last year and would like to share it.

When was the last time you used this trem Cap rate ? Perhaps those dealing with commercials properties are using it quite often and frequently.

The Capitalization Rate or Cap Rate is the net operating income divided by the sales price or value of a property expressed as a percentage.

There are more such terms, which I feel should be on our tips.

View more interesting and very important terms at:

http://www.invest-2win.com/caprate.html

Your Gta Realtor

Its over one Year and we have seen a sea change in the Real Estate Market

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:09:43 -0500

At this time a year ago we experienced a downshift in the market as a result of the global economic crisis.

What a difference a year makes! The Greater Toronto Area real estate market has already emerged from that period of dampened activity, posting five solid monthly performances in a row.

View more at:

http://communications2.torontomls.net/newstand/presiden/2009-2010/pm100909.htm

Your Gta Realtor

Your house is worth more than it ever has been, new GTA figures show

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:00:58 -0500

Homes throughout the Greater Toronto Area are worth more than they have been in decades, as the real-estate market continues its dramatic resurgence

Read more: http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2009/10/05/your-house-is-worth-more-than-it-ever-has-been-new-gta-figures-show.aspx##ixzz0TIkQiuRV

Call Your GTA Realtor For Buying or Selling of a home.

GTA Housing Market Rebound Continues in September

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:51:05 -0500

In September 2009, Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 8,196 sales, up 28 per cent from September 2008. The average price for September transactions was $406,877 – up by 10 per cent compared to the same month last year. Year-to-date sales, at 66,437 were up 4.5 per cent compared to the first nine months of 2008. Average price, at $388,417 was up by almost 1.5 per cent.

Your GTA Realtor

Hand-Held Devices Ban Begins October 26 - Ontario, Canada

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:21:41 -0500

The provincial ban on the use of hand-held devices while driving will take effect on October 26, 2009.

The new law will make it illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial, or email using hand-held cell phones and other hand-held communications and entertainment devices (All drivers may use hand-held devices to call 9-1-1). Hands-free devices will still be permitted. The new law also prohibits viewing a display screen unrelated to the driving task such as laptops or DVD players while driving.

Fines Begin February 1, 2010

Following a three-month period that begins October 26, where the focus will be on educating drivers, police will start issuing tickets on February 1, 2010. Under Ontario's new law, fines of up to $500 can be levied against distracted drivers who text, type, email, dial, or chat using a prohibited hand-held device.

Hands-Free Devices

The new law applies only to hand-held wireless communications and hand-held electronic entertainment devices. This means drivers must only use wireless devices that can be used in a "hands-free" manner:

· a cell phone with an earpiece or headset using voice dialing, or plugged into the vehicle's sound system

· a global positioning system device that is properly secured to the dashboard or another accessible place in the vehicle

· a portable audio player that has been plugged into the vehicle's sound system.

Some wireless devices require that users push a button to activate and/or deactivate the device's "hands-free" function. This activity is permitted under the law.

Exceptions

Drivers will not be permitted to use hand-held communication and entertainment devices when driving, with the following exceptions:

· Calling 9-1-1 in an emergency situation

· When the driver has safely pulled off the roadway and is stationary or is lawfully parked.

Other devices not included in the ban:

· Viewing a display screen used for collision avoidance systems

· Viewing a display screen of an instrument, gauge or system that provides information to the driver about the status of systems in the motor vehicle.

Thinking of Selling a Home in GTA area, I can be Your Realtor in GTA

Distracted driving law on the horizon

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:49:56 -0500

Bill 118, banning drivers from using handheld devices while operating a vehicle on the road, will become law on October 26, 2009. The legislation will prohibit drivers from holding devices such as cell phones, smartphones, iPods or other portable MP3 players, or portable games while driving. Viewing display screens on devices not required for driving such as a laptop or DVD player is also prohibited. Dashboard-mounted and hands-free devices, including commercial GPS units, will be permitted. Drivers will be allowed to use any device while pulled-over or parked in a way that does not disrupt traffic. Violating the ban will likely carry a fine of $500

Your Realtor in GTA

The Housing market is Hot in Mississauga !

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 10:52:27 -0500

Are you a home buyer ? The market is very hot and the interest rates are historically low. So why wait and why not save your money. Buy it now before the interest rates go up or the prices go up. If you need any help in searching the right property, just go to www.justlistedingta.com, and fill up th form telling what exactly you are looking for. Everyday you will receive email notification of all the new properties matching your equirements. Its that simple for you to do so.

For more information on buying or selling a home in Mississauga please contact Sham Pathania at 416-562 - 8417.

A Realtor you can rely upon.

New Go Bus Terminal in Mississauga and Brampton Border

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 22:27:08 -0500

The New Go Bus Terminal is fully operation now. Its very conveniently located at Highway 10 and 407 near the Golf club. Though it is in Mississauga, but geographically its very close to Brampton.

Sell or Buy your Home at www.greatgtahomes.com

156th Brampton Fall Fair 2009

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:45:19 -0500

Spend some quality family time this year with your family. Situated on 97 acres of prime agricultural land, the Brampton Fall Fair offers something for everyone.

Travel back in time and learn how to make rope or stroll through the displays of homemade jams, pies and view homemade quilts and crafts.

Check out the cattle shows and horse pulls. Whatever your pleasure, the agricultural experience abounds. For those looking for something a little more urban it offers a large midway, demolition derbys and stunt shows.

Wander amongst the vendors to find unique treasures, join in one of the many games and activities available or sit back, relax and watch the multitude of entertainers.

The Brampton Fall Fair truly is worth experiencing!!!

Address:

Region of Peel Agricultural Society
12942 Heart Lake Road Caledon, ON
L7C 2J3

Phone: 905-843-0210
Fax: 905-843-0215

To Sell or Buy a home visit www.greatgtahomes.com

Another Deal Fell Thru"

Sham Pathania www.greatgtahomes.com (Homelife/United Realty Inc. Brokerage) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:32:54 -0500

Second time in two months! Yes, it was another sad day for me and my client. The fault was of my client's Mortgage Broker who did not want to give mortgage committement within the stipulated time. Incidently everything was fine with my client.

I curse my self. I should have forced my client and refer him to my broker!