Toronto’s North American Development enters Denver retail market - 07/31/10 11:34 PM
Studing the Statistics. July 2010. The most interesting find this month...
I find that the U.S. Real Estate slow down is attracting more and more G.T.A individuals and corporate investors. Toronto developers are always looking for great returns on market south of the Border especially when our dollar now buys more.
This may be a win/win for both our economies.
Via Jude Sandvall, ABR, CNE, SFR 720-255-1021 (Jude Sandvall Realty Group ~ Cherry Creek Properties):
Toronto’s North American Development enters Denver retail market - North American Development Group of Toronto has purchased its first retail center in the metro Denver market, with its … (2 comments)

Are we double dipping? ...recession concerns addressed - 07/29/10 03:15 PM

 
 Remaining informed in order to share the market conditions with my clients.
Today is filled with optimism for the future of our economy and the real estate market. Reading between the lines of the commentary, and interpreting the indicators that some analyst supply is daunting. This little announcement supplied by one of my partners, is straight to the point. We're all having to settle down and be patient with the recovery. We will see swells and dips for the next little while but the bottom line is a healthy future. Be prudent with your buying and selling decisions and rely … (5 comments)

Mortgage Insurance in Canada: Questions - 07/28/10 04:32 AM
I'm asked all the time.
The question of mortgage insurance is discussed with every real estate transaction that involves financing.
I embrace the topic because of the multitude of options available to the homeowner; the products are many and a good Realtor should be informed when discussing the topic. I'm very well informed of the pros and cons with purchasing this insurance through your Lender and very proactive in helping my client's choose the right product.
Each situation and every client's circumstances are unique and I hesitate to offer a coverall opinion of mortgage insurance. The post below is a good discussion on … (1 comments)

Undeveloped Areas Offer Opportunities For Those Investing In Vaughan Real Estate - 07/27/10 08:37 PM
Very Interesting look at what is happening in Vaughan.
Most importantare the developing real estate housing trends that has seen numerous townhome and low raise condominium apartment starts. Watch for more of the same in the next few years as empty Nester's choose upscale smaller accommodations.
Stay tuned for more details on the upcoming trends north of Toronto.
Sergio DePinto

Via Stefan Hyross (Canadian Real Estate Online):
Even though the housing market has been hurt by a drop in buyer confidence resulting in housing sales to decrease around the world, places such as Vaughan, Ontario the City Above Toronto," are … (0 comments)

Why bake cookies? This one's on me...... - 07/26/10 12:06 PM
I've baked thousands of cookies for my Real Estate clients, friends, and family over the years. It seems they never get tired of seeing me arrive at the door with my yearly Christmas tin of sweet treats. I usually start baking in November to prepare for Decembers pop-by's. It's a labour of Love that is so well received that I cannot imagine switching to another type of gift giving.
I'm going to give something back to the ActiveRain community in appreciation for all the nice comments, phone calls and emails regarding my cookie baking adventures, and my message inserts.
 It seems … (23 comments)

Canada lending rate up, but some mortgage rates lowered - 07/23/10 03:36 PM
A good Realtor should keep Banks on their toes... Sergio De Pinto
What the Bank of Canada does and what the Lenders (Banks, and others) are 2 very different things.
The game plans for mortgage ratesare based on many factors having to do with money availability, timing, news, and customer perception. Trying to sort it out is difficult because the rules keep changing.
Please contact me if you need help to figure out the current reality... and I'll give you the straight goods on what is available, and what the short term and long term projections really mean to you.
Sergio … (0 comments)

Making a Real Estate Transition As a Senior (55 Plus Years) - 07/22/10 09:26 PM
 

Via Doug Durren and Gloria Todor - South Eastern Pennsylvania (Century 21 Absolute Realty ):
Making a Real Estate Transition As a Senior (55 Plus Years)Making a decision to move into a 55 Plus community or to downsize is not an easy decision for many people. Often this transition occurs because something happens in a person's life that makes them seriously reconsider their present living situation, and often in a rushed fashion.  The better scenario would be to make the change when you are not pressured and you are excited about a change in where you will be living next.Recognition … (1 comments)

Why is Canadian market sounder than in the USA? - 07/22/10 10:02 AM
My heartfelt admiration for all my Real Estate associates in the United States. It's been a long, hard journey over the past few years, with numerous changes to how our business is conducted. What we; Canadian Realtors, have experienced were just rain showers compared to the hail storms that our friends and neighbours to the south have had to endure. Hat's off to you all...
Sergio

Via Alec Kinnear (Canadian Real Estate Insights):
Fortunately for Canada the real estate market did a u-turn out of the recession sooner than anyone thought. In the spring of 2009, Canada saw the about face … (6 comments)

Remember wood... it's made from trees... no really! - 07/21/10 01:21 PM
Plastics has its place, it's a desirable alternative to many traditional materials used in recent home construction. The evolution of composite materials used for flooring, joists, roofing, wall studs, windows and doors, it's no wonder we see wood products slowly disappearing from residential construction.
What really surprises me is how quickly home-buyers embrace and value the newer products. Look at them shiny laminate floors you can skate on... brilliant marketing to get this stuff into homes.
I think it's because the majority of consumers are part of the second and third generation of living with the non-wood items.
Think about it … (10 comments)

Bank of Canada ~ Quarter Point Increase - 07/20/10 08:00 PM
Another central bank move to steady the economic recovery... Not to worry! Chances are that it might not effect your buyer power in the Greater Toronto Area. Please contact me if you have any questions...
Sergio DePinto

Via Brian Madigan LL.B. (Royal LePage Innovators Realty, Broker):
Bank of Canada Increases Bank Rate
By Brian Madigan LL.B.(Ontario Real Estate Source)The Bank of Canada hiked its key interest rate by a quarter point, 20 July 2010. A similar increase took place in June. The Bank noted that it "expects the economic recovery in Canada to be more gradual than it had projected … (1 comments)

Taking it all off.... (For a good cause) - 07/18/10 10:15 PM
For those of you who know me well, it's understood that I don't settle for mediocrity; it's all or nothing. So in my efforts to kick up my charity event a notch, I'm going to turn to the extreme side of my personality, and sacrifice myself for the cause. It's all in good fun and to raise awareness for cancers below the waist.
In my post on, Sergio's "No Speed Limit" 7K Walk n' Run, I outlined the reasons for this event and how close it is to my heart. I'm going to give it my very best effort to make … (6 comments)

I must be dreaming… we’re so lucky! - 07/15/10 07:42 AM
I had a dream that I was working for a small company in some capacity...no idea what they or I did, or in what industry I was involved. The dream was about me being been fired from my position; unfairly, I might add.
In the dream, I was confused and momentarily concerned about my future and how I was going to make a living.
I've been self employed since the age 25, I don't have a resume, or CV (still don't get that), and have no desire to become an employee.
This is so weird....
Once awakened enough to contemplate a second … (20 comments)

Doorknocking 101 (as taught to me by my Insurance agent) - 07/14/10 06:46 PM

Who the heck are you?
In 1997, I received a letter informing me that my family Insurance agent had retired, and my account was given to a stranger.  I was turned off by the fact his office didn't know my family name when I called. I had to spell my name a few times before they found me on the system. ‘The system? ' I was now on a system! Remember it was 1997, and this statement was as impersonal a comment that anyone could utter, still is. Since my family had been dealing with the same agent since 1965, … (8 comments)

The power of cookies... a follow up post. - 07/13/10 04:28 PM
Want to make it big?
One article in a National publication got me some notoriety and dozens of inquires on my cookie recipes. So it's time for me to share them with you. Stan Albert liked them so much that I had to provide seconds and third helpings.
Christmas is only 5 months away- what are you waiting for?
Write to me and I will happily pass on my special treat instruction manual. Or better yet! Send me your favorite cookie recipe in your comment for this post, and I'll comment back a mine....
 Happy Baking!
 

… (4 comments)

Good Karma… the thoughtful renovation - 07/12/10 12:13 PM
In the world of renovation for profit this one stands out. Not because of the bottom line the contractor finished up with but because of the care and thoughtfulness of his art. The concern with details and the way he negotiated the sale based on who was moving in (the buyer), and not the dollar amount. For a seasoned Realtor like me, this was a welcomed and most rewarding listing. An experience I will not soon forget.
He certainly didn't need my advice: Saverio; QEW Contracting Ltd, (the GC) in North Toronto has done hundreds of renovations and large building contracts … (7 comments)

Baked 3,500 cookies with a message - 07/11/10 11:22 AM
This post is added for Blaine Callen in response to his Blog and thoughtful writing.
Its a Christmas message I added to every box of my homemade cookies to clients and friends.

His eyes were wide as he approached me for charity on an icy streetscape in old Montreal. He asked for a handout, some help, for some hope on this winter day. He was 30's or 40's, it was hard to tell by the weathered look on his face. He was certainly troubled and tortured by life and needing more than some small change. I reached in my pocket … (12 comments)

upsidedown fundraising rightside up... here's an idea that may inspire you!!! - 07/08/10 01:02 AM

Sergio's "No Speed Limit" 7K Walk n' Run
(In support of the Odette Cancer Centre,
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre)
Dear Friends, Family & Colleagues,
As many of you are aware, I was diagnosed with cancer in March 2009, have had surgery, treatment, and recovering well.  During the early days of diagnoses I was shocked and completely caught off guard for the toll such an illness could take.  I consider myself fortunate. Since the symptoms related to this cancer were subtle; it could have been completely overlooked, if not for a few chance events which led to a doctor's … (9 comments)

All I did was... send a search and rescue crew in to find the kitchen - 07/06/10 01:18 PM
This is an excellent example of how valuable home staging is value. As perception is reality, the prospective buyer, and there agent, rely on first impressions. Then they measure other properties to that initial feeling. Michelle is a true gem to this industry...

Via Michelle Finnamore (Advantage Staging - Home Staging in Vaughan and Woodbridge):
In this home staging in Vaughan I wanted to show sellers and agents the importance of their listing photos. This condo had a beautiful kitchen but it was difficult to see in photos with the accumulation of day to day living. Hectic lifestyles leave little time … (1 comments)

 
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Sergio DePinto

Vaughan, ON

More about me…

Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area

Address: 9000 Jane Street,Bldg L, Suite #77, Vaughan, On, L4K 0A4

Office Phone: (905) 605-2900

Email Me

My Insights on Real Estate in Vaughan, the Greater Toronto Area, the industry, and the Buying and Selling public. Discussing the responsibilities, duties of the Realtor to his clients, the community, and the world. This Blog takes a heartfelt look at Real Estate beyond the product and focuses on the people being served and those servicing them.


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