Sergio's (Greater Toronto Area) Real Estate Blog

My Christmas Tree

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:30:17 -0800

The tree outside my window saw the seasons of this year. As the new leaves flourished it gave way to a wall of green. It played host to countless creatures. From the proud blue jays that perched on top, to the meek little sparrows that hid deep inside, and the red cardinals and gold finches, they all brought joy and an added spectacle to each day. The giant hawk that flew overhead, the skunk and fox that ran past, the squirrels that nervously visited too, they're all memories of the year of this tree.

I tossed much bread and seed its way, only to feed the tenants, and to watch them engage outside my window. I guess I too played a part in the year of this tree. As the year pasted the leaves turned. A fiery orange, yellow and red, and as the winter approached they said goodbye to the tree. Little by little the branches gave up their leaves. Sometimes the winds and cold took large groups to the ground. Other times, in the stillness and calm the leaves simply let go and floated downwards, as if to surrender after claiming victories over the storms. The visitors have long disappeared. The tree has lost importance this late in the year and is only a memory to the crowd that once appeared.

Every day I stared out my window to see a new version of the tree. The past few weeks I could count the leaves; a dozen or so remained relentlessly true. Finally, just one remained; one single leaf from the multitude it now stood alone and determined to be singled out. For days I gazed through the kitchen window and noticed this sight. This morning, the tree was again different, and it took me a while to notice that the bareness was complete, a little less alive, this dormant tree had finally given away its last remaining comrade. It was only one leaf but it made such a difference to how I viewed this old tree.

I wondered how such a sturdy tree could continue giving it all up, year after year, but continue to grow if only in small measures. For all its life energy, it remains asleep and grounded for life, yet it's packed with faith. It cannot seek shelter nor extend its own life. It cannot complain or demand sympathy. It is patience exemplified. Although silent, the tree is still busy; alive with the hope and expectation for the next thaw, another year, another chance for growth.

This year my desire is to learn from this tree. I wish for the strength and endurance, the patience and persistence, the tolerance and acceptance to all life's visitors, and for hope and faithful expectation for another year. During this holiday season I want to thank those who have been a part of my growth, those who have endured and struggled, and those who thrived and prospered. All have a special place in my heart.

Merry Christmas...Happy holiday season....and a healthy and prosperous new year... Sergio DePinto

copyright @ Sergio DePinto 2010

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

All rights reserved, not to be duplicated, reproduced, or copied in any manner without credit and written permission of Sergio DePinto, Re/max Premier Inc, Brokerage. Vaughan, Ontario. 905.605.2900 direct, 416.987.8000 office. callsergio@rogers.com, www.callsergio.com. (Greater Toronto Area Realtor) Member, senior member-Toronto Real Estate Board, Ontario Real Estate Association, member of the Real Estate Council Of Ontario (RECO).

My Christmas Tree

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:27:35 -0800

Merry Christmas...Happy holiday season....and a healthy and prosperous new year... Sergio DePinto

copyright @ Sergio DePinto 2010

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

My Christmas Tree

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:26:56 -0800

Merry Christmas...Happy holiday season....and a healthy and prosperous new year... Sergio DePinto

copyright @ Sergio DePinto 2010

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

My Christmas Tree

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:26:24 -0800

Merry Christmas...Happy holiday season....and a healthy and prosperous new year... Sergio DePinto

copyright @ Sergio DePinto 2010

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

My Christmas Tree

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:25:51 -0800

Merry Christmas...Happy holiday season....and a healthy and prosperous new year... Sergio DePinto

copyright @ Sergio DePinto 2010

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

My Christmas Tree

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:25:02 -0800

Merry Christmas...Happy holiday season....and a healthy and prosperous new year... Sergio DePinto

copyright @ Sergio DePinto 2010

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

My Christmas Tree

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:24:32 -0800

Merry Christmas...Happy holiday season....and a healthy and prosperous new year... Sergio DePinto

copyright @ Sergio DePinto 2010

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

My Christmas Tree

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:23:55 -0800

Merry Christmas...Happy holiday season....and a healthy and prosperous new year... Sergio DePinto

copyright @ Sergio DePinto 2010

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

My Christmas Tree

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:23:11 -0800

Merry Christmas...Happy holiday season....and a healthy and prosperous new year... Sergio DePinto

copyright @ Sergio DePinto 2010

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

My Christmas Tree

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 15:26:13 -0800

Merry Christmas...Happy holiday season....and a healthy and prosperous new year... Sergio DePinto

copyright @ Sergio DePinto 2010

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

Do tenants have rights if the property is forclosed?

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 12:36:41 -0800

Tenancy Issues -Here's a Landlord/Tenant topic worth some discussion.

In my area, The Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board, and the law; Residential Tenancy Act, deal with these issues. If you have any comments on this topic, please feel free to post them here. If you're in the middle of a similar situation in the province of Ontario, I may be able to assist, or connect you with someone who can. Having some expertise in this area, I've had similar issues, and have helped clients find clear solutions.

Via Richard Weeks, REALTOR®, Broker Associate, GRI, ePRO, eAgent (Productivity Coach Keller Williams Dallas Premier):

We have an agent in our office who represented a client who leased a home for one year.

Last week they returned home after work and found a notice posted on their front door that the property had been foreclosed on.

They do not know what rights if any they might have.

Does anyone have any first hand knowledge as to what if anything they can do?

copyright @ Sergio DePinto 2010

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

Active Rain Batters Realtor while sleeping... film at 11

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:02:20 -0700

Let's take a trip into my slumbering thoughts. After all, every human accomplishment starts with a dream, an idea, or an exercise in creative pondering; a long gaze at what might make our lives more interesting, more comfortable, more exciting, more manageable, or more tolerable.

After a long day of not eating properly, I was tempted by a late night delight that included a rich dessert, whipped cream, and an espresso. Being the health conscious individual that I profess... I deliberated before eventually succumbing.

I logged on to the Active Rain Real Estate Network, thinking that I might start a new post. But instead, I posted my indiscretion on Facebook and went to bed. Then it happened, this midnight snack now turned into a euphoric condition, and inspired this writing.

I had a strange dream that Real Estate Agents stopped showing homes to strangers. We would say ‘no' when a demanding phone voice barked for information on a listing. We would refuse to deal with anyone without an interview, a mortgage preapproval and a signed contract.

Open Houses would be reserved for builders' model homes, and not an opportunity to put ourselves, our clients' possessions, and mutual security at risk. Not to mention lessening the value of a true showing.

I envisioned a time when we'd never research properties, answer questions, or put anyone on the automated email searches without a written expectation of compensation.

I dreamt that it was illegal to work on Sundays.

I dreamt that Realtors found it unthinkable to put anyone in their car, write a market evaluation, or listen to wants and needs without having a signed agency agreement of some sort.

I imagined that buyers and sellers spent the midnight hours deliberating on which agent to sign up, rather than how many of us to call to line up showings on a Saturday afternoon.

I imagined the real estate buying and selling public being serviced loyally and faithfully by their respective Agents. I saw good faith replacing contempt, servicing replacing promoting, educational time substituting motivational hypes. All consumers would have their interests protected by agency.

I dreamt of an AR membership that included every licensed Realtor in North America, all proudly displaying our AR pins neatly embedded in our jackets, and business cards identifying our new standards.

The dream included the Canadian Competition Bureau taking offence (as though they need a reason). A small skirmish; consisting mostly of throwing rotten tomatoes, and small militia overthrowing the agency. The public cheering as the entire bunch are sentenced to penance by re-employment at a motor vehicle licensing office. (Hey! Those people work hard and suspend licenses for real infractions of the law)

I awoke questioning the possibility of real fundamental changes to the real estate business. Have we trained the public to treat us like unpaid servants? When did this happen? When did it become acceptable to work for free, without a retainer, or a promise of payment, or an accord of loyalty? Did we do it to ourselves? If so, can we undo the damage?

Was I dreaming of things about to unfold, a future ‘new normal' that will grow out of consumer awareness, or from advances in our industry?

Or, was I just having a fantasy moment caused by poor digestion?

Do I dare keep dreaming?

copyright @ Sergio DePinto 2010

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

Active Rain Batters Realtor while sleeping... film at 11

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:00:26 -0700

I envisioned a time when we'd never research properties, answer questions, or put anyone on the automated email searches without a written expectation of compensation.

I dreamt that it was illegal to work on Sundays.

I dreamt that Realtors found it unthinkable to put anyone in their car, write a market evaluation, or listen to wants and needs without having a signed agency agreement of some sort.

I imagined that buyers and sellers spent the midnight hours deliberating on which agent to sign up, rather than how many of us to call to line up showings on a Saturday afternoon.

Was I dreaming of things about to unfold, a future ‘new normal' that will grow out of consumer awareness, or from advances in our industry?

Or, was I just having a fantasy moment caused by poor digestion?

Do I dare keep dreaming?

copyright @ Sergio DePinto 2010

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

Active Rain Batters Realtor while sleeping... film at 11

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:58:41 -0700

I envisioned a time when we'd never research properties, answer questions, or put anyone on the automated email searches without a written expectation of compensation.

I dreamt that it was illegal to work on Sundays.

I dreamt that Realtors found it unthinkable to put anyone in their car, write a market evaluation, or listen to wants and needs without having a signed agency agreement of some sort.

I imagined that buyers and sellers spent the midnight hours deliberating on which agent to sign up, rather than how many of us to call to line up showings on a Saturday afternoon.

Was I dreaming of things about to unfold, a future ‘new normal' that will grow out of consumer awareness, or from advances in our industry?

Or, was I just having a fantasy moment caused by poor digestion?

Do I dare keep dreaming?

copyright @ Sergio DePinto 2010

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

Active Rain Batters Realtor while sleeping... film at 11

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:57:16 -0700

I envisioned a time when we'd never research properties, answer questions, or put anyone on the automated email searches without a written expectation of compensation.

I dreamt that it was illegal to work on Sundays.

I dreamt that Realtors found it unthinkable to put anyone in their car, write a market evaluation, or listen to wants and needs without having a signed agency agreement of some sort.

I imagined that buyers and sellers spent the midnight hours deliberating on which agent to sign up, rather than how many of us to call to line up showings on a Saturday afternoon.

Was I dreaming of things about to unfold, a future ‘new normal' that will grow out of consumer awareness, or from advances in our industry?

Or, was I just having a fantasy moment caused by poor digestion?

Do I dare keep dreaming?

copyright @ Sergio DePinto 2010

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

Active Rain Batters Realtor while sleeping... film at 11

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:53:00 -0700

I envisioned a time when we'd never research properties, answer questions, or put anyone on the automated email searches without a written expectation of compensation.

I dreamt that it was illegal to work on Sundays.

I dreamt that Realtors found it unthinkable to put anyone in their car, write a market evaluation, or listen to wants and needs without having a signed agency agreement of some sort.

I imagined that buyers and sellers spent the midnight hours deliberating on which agent to sign up, rather than how many of us to call to line up showings on a Saturday afternoon.

Was I dreaming of things about to unfold, a future ‘new normal' that will grow out of consumer awareness, or from advances in our industry?

Or, was I just having a fantasy moment caused by poor digestion?

Do I dare keep dreaming?

copyright @ Sergio DePinto 2010

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

Active Rain Batters Realtor while sleeping... film at 11

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:49:30 -0700

I envisioned a time when we'd never research properties, answer questions, or put anyone on the automated email searches without a written expectation of compensation.

I dreamt that it was illegal to work on Sundays.

I dreamt that Realtors found it unthinkable to put anyone in their car, write a market evaluation, or listen to wants and needs without having a signed agency agreement of some sort.

I imagined that buyers and sellers spent the midnight hours deliberating on which agent to sign up, rather than how many of us to call to line up showings on a Saturday afternoon.

Was I dreaming of things about to unfold, a future ‘new normal' that will grow out of consumer awareness, or from advances in our industry?

Or, was I just having a fantasy moment caused by poor digestion?

Do I dare keep dreaming?

copyright @ Sergio DePinto 2010

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

Active Rain Batters Realtor while sleeping... film at 11

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 17:59:54 -0700

I envisioned a time when we'd never research properties, answer questions, or put anyone on the automated email searches without a written expectation of compensation.

I dreamt that it was illegal to work on Sundays.

I dreamt that Realtors found it unthinkable to put anyone in their car, write a market evaluation, or listen to wants and needs without having a signed agency agreement of some sort.

I imagined that buyers and sellers spent the midnight hours deliberating on which agent to sign up, rather than how many of us to call to line up showings on a Saturday afternoon.

Was I dreaming of things about to unfold, a future ‘new normal' that will grow out of consumer awareness, or from advances in our industry?

Or, was I just having a fantasy moment caused by poor digestion?

Do I dare keep dreaming?

copyright @ Sergio DePinto 2010

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

Never a dull moment.

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 15:14:01 -0700

It's been a crazy month of juggling business, home and health issues. I managed to put together a few interesting deals, survive the flu, a nasty sinus infection and I just took my last dose of Cipro for a Bladder concern. Did some creative cooking and baking, paid the bills, made my son like eggplant, and booked a vacation.

Whew.... Now I can relax and do something for fun.

I've decided to write and teach a few courses on the subject of Landlord and Tenant issues. Read legal stuff.... Oh what fun! Laws, Acts, amendments of, case law, yum, yum.... Oh, so good! This may sound strange, but I really like this work, and I find it an escape from the normal day to day work of Realtor life. I'm researching, reading, highlighting, writing examples from my own personal experiences; it's like writing on AR. Inspired in part, by two experiences I had while working on rentals in the past few months, and my exposure to the people on the Active Rain Real Estate Network.

In my area, CE credit educators and materials must be approved by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). It's a process that ends with our governing body charging a fee for each application whether or not they approve your course. So I will write to satisfy them and keep the material interesting for the student. This last element could be challenging. My friends and close associates have great faith in me and are certain that I'll have my students rolling in the aisles. I'm not so sure at this point... Now, I will get back to my studies..... Wish me luck with it!

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

I made $18/hr last year... How much did you make?

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 08:53:26 -0700

I used to find it annoying when people worked out my paycheck. Client, family and friends even my kids would multiply the price of the house I sold by 6% and assume the cash was all mine. They suspect I scored big time. Unfortunately, some Realtors do the same math, and get themselves into a delusion of financial success; a perception that can lead to personal bankruptcy.

I love what I do and I'm not overly concerned about how others see my commissions anymore. I've learned I have no control over what people think so I just smile and say "... when all the accounting is done, I'm happy if I make a living..." If I'm having an uppity moment, I'll comment "... We have an extra desk in my office waiting just for you... have you ever considered a career in real estate?"

Here's the real math:

In my area, most transactions (a little over 98 percent) are completed with 2 representatives, one representing the Seller and one representing the Buyer. The average commission for one end of the deal is 2.5%. Now, without divulging my gross income last year, I'll just say that I'm a top 5% income earner in my office, and that I have an average middle class lifestyle. Here are the facts of the business.

The capo; the big boss, the brokerage takes a well deserved portion of each commission; I take the rest to pay the following. (This is the same calculation regardless if the items are incorporated into the office fees, and regardless of your split arrangement, the brokerage has to recoup expenses somehow or it goes belly up) This is by no means a complete list but I budget and pay for the following...

Car (including fuel, repairs, lease, cleaning, insurance, etc..), phones (cell and land lines), computers and software, advertising, desk fees, signage, office supplies, promotional items, local board fees, registrar fees, affiliation dues, website, my assistant, referral fees, client gifts, business meals, professional apparel, private health insurance, pension saving (yes! I'm allowed...most employees get this as a benefit), equipment and data loss insurance, office equipment and furniture, photography, field supplies, sub-contractors (accountant, lawyer, videographer, staging professionals, etc...), newsletters and notes, postage, continuing education (most are mandatory), parking, internet services, and taxes, ( oh! did I mention I have to pay taxes... I pay taxes)

On average, I spend 14 hours a day working, thinking, and directing my business. On sick days, I usually invest 4 or 5 hours, and have my assistant work extra time to cover me. I took 4 weeks off last year, and I cannot admit that I was fully unengaged from the business, but I will exclude the time. I removed 37 Sundays completely, which I consider generous, and not part of the 4 in the holiday schedule. That's about 300 days or 4200 hours per year. So, that's $18 bucks per hour with no guarantee of work. The good news is that the year prior... I made less.

Last week I paid $72.00 for a service call to have my washing machine looked at (not repaired... that was extra), and excluding travel time, I worked it out to $45/hr. Hmmmm... maybe I should start working out other peoples pay the same way Johnny Q.Public calculates mine.

How much did you earn? Come on now... be honest... do the math!!!

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

Chimney and Fireplace Safety

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:18:31 -0700

Home Safety Information - Fireplace Advice

It's nice to have people looking out for your safety and comfort during the cold winter months. Here's a post from one of my favourite Home Inspection professionals, Chrissy Doremus, one of her limitless string of informative writings.

Sergio

Via Chrissy Doremus ~ U.S. Inspect ~ Home Inspections (U.S. Inspect):

In order to keep your family and home safe, it is important to always practice fireplace and chimney safety. Follow the three-foot rule. Combustible material too close to the fireplace, or to a wood stove, could easily catch fire so keep material at least 36" away from the hearth. Below, find more helpful information about fireplaces and chimneys.

How often should I have my chimney cleaned? The quick simple answer is: The National Fire Protection Association standard 211 says, "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance and repairs shall be done if necessary."

The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that open masonry fireplaces should be cleaned at 1/8" of sooty buildup, and sooner if there is any glaze present in the system. Factory-built fireplaces should be cleaned when any appreciable buildup occurs.

Wood Stove Emissions
Approximately 10 million wood stoves are currently in use in the United States, and 70 percent to 80 percent of them are older, inefficient, conventional stoves that pollute. Source:EPA

Today, there are wood stoves certified by the EPA to be cleaner-burning, as well as stoves that burn gas, pellets, oil, corn and coal. These same stoves are also sold as fireplace inserts, and can be added to a fireplace to reduce the amount of
emissions.

A Surprising Fact
Water causes more damage to masonry chimneys than fire. Chimney caps, also called rain covers, are probably the most inexpensive preventive measure that a homeowner can employ to prevent water penetration and damage to the chimney. Chimneys have one or more large openings (flues) at the top that collect rain water and funnel it directly to the chimney interior. A strong, well designed cap not only keeps this water out, but will also prevent birds and animals from entering and nesting in the chimney.

Posted By: Chrissy Doremus, U.S. Inspect Blog

---

We're celebrating National Fire Prevention Month! Read other posts on this topic:

What is an anti-tip device? And should I have one in my home?
Unique Properties: The Chicago Water Tower
National Fire Prevention Month Starts Today!

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

SO you think you can make a contest out of anything?... I did! (past contest revisited)

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 12:42:12 -0700

Why bake cookies? This one's on me......

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 that cookie baking is a traditional activity that's associated with comfort, home, childhood; with simple moments in life. An activity that has endured through modern lifestyle advances, economic upheavals and changing food trends, has to be recognized.

This idea was inspired by Sally Weatherley-Exit Stage Right-Vancouver BC , who first traded a cookie recipe with me a few weeks back. I thought it would be fun to raise the cookie awareness level up a notch, and to spread some joy.

So, in keeping with this sentiment, I'm going to give away a big little prize, for one lucky ActiveRain member. A Big Book entitled "the ultimate cookie book", a volume that I've added to my collection of stolen inspired recipes. I've tweaked many formulas to make them my own.

TO ENTER -Please leave your comments, better yet, your recipes for your favorite chews or crunch, or baking ideas, and I will enter you in my contest. You have until August 1^st to enter and I'll announce a winner on my Blog the following day.

Why bake cookies? We have a winner....

Here we go cookie lovers...

As promised, on my post last week; Why bake cookies? This one's on me.... , I've picked a winner.

Totally random draw.... All the names went into the kitchen-aid mixing bowl and I picked out a recipient for the cookie recipe book.

Congratulations to

Debra Walsh Orange Cty NY Real Estate , Keller Williams Realty Goshen, NY - Realtor

Debra, please email me at callsergio@rogers.com, and provide the address for shipping.

All the best,

Sergio

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

CANADIAN BACON - WE HAVE A WINNER!

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 12:17:57 -0700

CANADIAN BACON - WE HAVE A WINNER!

After some deliberation on what photo/logo would enhance to look of our Active Rain group ‘Canadian Bacon', the decision was made today.

My thanks to everyone who took time out to search and submit entries. It was a close race but the winning submission was Pamela Cendejas from Kingman Arizona. She will receive a copy of The E-Myth by Michael Gerber.

Pamela, now you must email me your mailing address and invite all your friends and contacts on AR to visit your logo and join our fine group. I hope you're up to the challenge.

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

Mortgage Rates ~ 27 September 2010

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:05:33 -0700

The only thing flying high is the Re/Max Balloon....Mortgage rates have remained advantageous for the borrower. Look at these rates posted by my friend Brian..

Via Brian Madigan LL.B. (Royal LePage Innovators Realty, Broker):

Terms Posted Rates Preferred Rates

6 MONTHS 4.55% 3.95%

1 YEAR 3.50% 2.44%

2 YEARS 3.90% 2.84%

3 YEARS 4.45% 3.34%

4 YEARS 5.04% 3.69%

5 YEARS 5.39% 3.79%

7 YEARS 6.19% 4.85%

10 YEARS 6.50% 5.19%

Rates are subject to change without notice. *OAC E&OE

Variable rate mortgages from as low as Prime minus 0.65%.

Prime Rate is 3.00%.

Let me know if you would like a referral to a mortgage broker?

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

Open House Thefts in Ontario

Sergio DePinto (Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 17:42:08 -0700

Looking out for all of us.... Sergio

My friend from London Ontario was thoughtful enough to make us all aware of the security issues involved with real estate open houses. Ty, is a well respected Real Estate professional in his area and an avid industry Blogger, most qualified to report on this problem. This is a strong warning for Agents and Homeowners alike. It's another strong argument for dismantling this archaic practice of public open houses.

Last week I re-blogged a report on 2 murders and a robbery in Akron, Ohio, which caused the local real estate community cease conducting open houses. Toronto too, has had its share of robberies and violent crimes connected to the practices of our profession. It's time to re visit the benefits from giving criminals the opportunity of dependable, regular, and predictable targets.

Via Envelope Real Estate Brokerage Inc:

OPEN HOUSE THEFTS THROUGHOUT ONTARIO - POLICE ASKING FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE

Durham Regional Police recently arrested two Oshawa residents responsible for numerous Open House robberies throughout the Durham region and the surrounding areas. It has since been discovered that the two were involved in open house thefts all across Southern Ontario, as far east as Ottawa and even into the upper U.S.A. These individuals would attend open houses and would use various distraction techniques, in order to steal goods from homes.

In addition to the apprehension of these individuals, a large quantity of stolen goods has also been recovered - out of which many were never reported missing. The Durham Regional Police is asking for the assistance of all REALTORS® working in Southern Ontario with identifying the owners of these unclaimed items.

Therefore, if, over the last few months, any of you have hosted an open house on behalf of a client, you are requested to contact that client in order to confirm that he/she has not since noticed any items missing from their home. In some cases, your client may not even be aware that an item was stolen during their open house.

Any missing items should be reported to Detective Dellipizzi, Lead Investigator on this case, at 905-579-1520 x 2766.

Please take a moment to look at the photos of the two accused by accessing the link below, which will take you directly to the Durham Regional Police's online announcement about this case.

http://www.drps.ca/internet_explorer/whatsnew/whatsnew_view.asp?ID=17735

Thank you for your help!

Ty Lacroix Broker of Record & Owner

'NOT ALL REALTORS* ARE THE SAME', One call or email to me and you will know why!

Your London and S/W Ontario source for results!

519-435-1600 www.enveloperealestate.com

For more information please visit......4realestatecallsergio.com

Terms	Posted Rates	Preferred Rates
6 MONTHS	4.55%	3.95%
1 YEAR	3.50%	2.44%
2 YEARS	3.90%	2.84%
3 YEARS	4.45%	3.34%
4 YEARS	5.04%	3.69%
5 YEARS	5.39%	3.79%
7 YEARS	6.19%	4.85%
10 YEARS	6.50%	5.19%
Rates are subject to change without notice. *OAC E&OE