Don't Ask Me Why, I Do Not Know - 07/31/10 10:40 AM
Why?Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?
Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?
If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him?
If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he … (23 comments)

Energy Costs, Are They 20-40% of Your Mortgage Costs? - 07/30/10 10:59 AM
With recent predictions that energy costs may increase by as much as 40% over the next few years, what percentage of your utility payments equate to your mortgage payment? If you do not have a mortgage payment, bear with me.If your mortgage payment is $1200 per month and your utilities such as water, electrical, gas or oil is on average $360 per month, then you are paying 30% of your mortgage cost to live.
So what, you may ask. With fixed income people, it's a big deal. If you are thinking of purchasing real estate it would behoove you to know … (6 comments)

Do You Want To Own A Part Of The Artic? - 07/30/10 10:27 AM
Canada is in a race with Russia and other Arctic nations to lay claim to the frozen territory that may hold untold treasures.A 2007 Russian intelligence report predicted that conflict with other Arctic nations is a distinct possibility. including military action.
The point of this blog is that China,which does not have an Arctic coast, have sent icebreakers and ships into the Arctic Ocean. A Chinese Admiral said that since China has 20% of the world's population, it should have 20% of the Arctic resources!
That being the case, I am offering for sale iceberg #127 and iceberg #672 for a … (6 comments)

Hyde Park Homes & Condos Selling Real Well So Far This Year - 07/27/10 03:37 PM
Have you taken a drive out to Hyde Park lately? New home construction is very strong with a good selection of condos and houses available.
Re-sale houses and condos have remained strong in so far this year and at July 27 , 177 houses sold with the average selling price being 99% of asking which was $250,862 and an average of 37 days on the market!
For condos in Hyde Park, 44 sold at an average $172,888 and were on the market for 38 days.
With some great shopping, new schools being built, commercial and light industrial spaces available, people are … (3 comments)

Oakridge Ontario Houses Have Been Selling Well So Far - 07/27/10 03:14 PM
Houses in Oakridge have sold quite well so far this year with 120 selling on average for $277,587 which was 99% of the asking price and on average it took 29 days to sell .
Also as of July 27, 52 condos sold in the Oakridge Neighbourhood at an average selling price of $201,334 and these condos were on the market an average 66 days.
Most homes in Oakridge have large lots, tree lined wide streets so if you are looking for large backyards and space, Oakridge may be for you.
A little bit of energy, money and smart renos can make Oakridge an inexpensive … (0 comments)

Multi-Generational Homes Are in Demand - 07/27/10 02:09 PM
In a recent North American survey, an increasing amount of homebuyers are looking for a property to accomodate more than one generation of their family. 52% of respondents cited health care issues as the number 1 reason why home buyers or sellers would move into a house with other generations of their family.
Financial reasons were the second reason and less than 1% cited a strong family bond as the main reason.If you are a homebuyer in the London Ontario region and looking to accomodate a member or members of your family, I understand and can help.
 
… (8 comments)

Hydro Bills in London To Increase 17% in August - 07/27/10 12:01 PM
Residents in London Ontario are going to see an increase of 17% in their electrical bills August 1 and other increases over the next two years!
London Hydro is spinning stories how change is good, how they are going to hold the hands of Londoner's and other blink blink wink wink stories.
To be fair, Ontario Hydro is partially to blame for increasing rates by overpaying and cloud dreaming about solar, it's one sided contracts and un-competitive awarding of contracts.
We as citzens of London and Ontario are scapegoats and victims of inneffieciencies, inflated salaries and bonuses and duplication of services.
… (13 comments)

Lambeth Houses in London Are Selling! - 07/27/10 10:30 AM
Houses in Lambeth, a neighbourhood in South West London have received a lot of activity in the period from January 1, 2010 to July 27 2010.Present listings vary from as low as $199,000 up to $539,000 which really explains the diversity of Lambeth and basically two neighbourhoods, one in 'downtown Lambeth' and the other what I call the Outer Drive neighbourhood.
78 houses in Lambeth sold with the average being on the market for 44 days and selling for $378,662 which was 98% of the asking price.
If you would like a synopsis of a particular neighbourhood or street in Lambeth or London I … (0 comments)

Environment Canada Admits Accuracy Rates Are Low - 07/27/10 10:04 AM
Yup, the title is correct. Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips says current accuracy rates for weather predictions are low. (We all could have told him that for free!)"The models that are in use now are marginally better than flipping a coin" he said, noting accuracy rates for 90 day forecasts is around 55%.
In due respect to Environment Canada, below are a few inexpensive models that have a high percentage of accuracy:
Monitor car washes, washing your car causes rain to fall Hire people with joint pain across the country to call in on the 1/2 hour for an accurate … (12 comments)

Didn't Want To Interfere Can Hurt Your Friends and Family - 07/26/10 05:49 PM
How many times have your friends or family done something, or were going to do something or thinking about doing something and you didn't want to interfere?
I'm not talking about personal stuff but what about when your friends and family have decided to work with a certain REALTOR® or lawyer or financial adviser and not the professional you worked with in the past and your experience was exemplary and very satisfying?
Last week I received a call from a person whose condo was going to expire because it hadn't sold after being on the market for 120 days and they got my name … (16 comments)

Pond Mills in London Attractive Real Estate Prices - 07/26/10 03:24 PM
Houses & Condos in Pond Mills have sold quite well from January of this year to July 26,2010 with both houses and condos getting 97-98% of the asking price.Condos have been averaging 43 days to sell with houses in Pond Mills only 34 days!
The average selling price for a condo in Pond Mills is $123,505 which was 97% of the asking price and  with houses averaging $194,940 which was 98% of the asking price. As you can see, Pond Mills has some very attractive prices and for anyone wanting quick access to the 401 or industry in London, this is … (0 comments)

Who is Looking To Buy Your Home? - 07/24/10 09:15 AM
Why on earth would you want to know more about who is looking at homes?  Simply put, to help you sell it!  The more you know about the types of buyers in the market, the better prepared you and your REALTOR® will be to package it for sale.In real estate there are some commonly used classifications that cover the bulk of home buyers. They are the First-Time Home buyers, the Trade-Up Buyers, the Trade-Down Buyers, and the Empty Nester's.
Do you know who can buy your home? How they could finance it? Or, how would they finance it? Or, is my … (4 comments)

Apartment Condo in London You Can Afford - 07/24/10 06:33 AM
You can purchase this very nice 1 bedroom condo apartment in London Ontario and only pay approximately $669.00 per month which includes your mortgage, taxes and condo fees!Why would you rent? Or, if you are an investor, why not start out with this unit and rent it out for $775-$800 per month?
With the mortgage numbers below, I came up with the following figures. Purchase Price, $91,900 less $5,000 as a down payment which would leave $86,900 to finance. So we have monthly $471.00 mortgage, $81 in taxes and $117 in condo fees which comes to only $669.00!
Do the math, … (2 comments)

Where To Hide Things Where Buyers Will Never Look - 07/23/10 01:57 PM
    What do you do when your REALTOR® calls and wants to show your home in say, ½ an hour?  Jump for joy first, since someone wants to look at YOUR home, right?  Then, panic.  As you hang up the phone, you notice that your teenagers have been at it again... your house is CLEAN, it's just not TIDY. Now, what do you do?
    Since we all know that the first impression is important, especially if you want to sell your home in the next decade, we have a few tips that will help you quickly hide away "stuff".  But first, you … (3 comments)

Is This A Good Neighbourhood? - 07/23/10 01:38 PM
Is this a good location? Buyers ask this question a lot.
    We've all heard the adage, "location, location, location".  There's a reason for that.  No one wants to live in a bad neighbourhood.  They'll even drive a little further to get to work if they love the neighbourhood and/or their kids can go to better schools.  Think about how many people live in London, and commute ouside London?.  Why would they do this?  The perception of better schools, cleaner air, more house for less money, more space, and people like themselves, among other things.
   You have to create the … (4 comments)

Condo Occupancy Fees - 07/23/10 01:22 PM
Whenever you purchase a new condo, there is a period of time between when you take occupancy of your unit and when you take ownership of your unit. This is known as the ‘occupancy period' or ‘interim occupancy'. During this period you will be requested by the developer to pay occupancy fees or ‘phantom rent' as it is also known.
The Condominium Act requires condo developments to be constructed to a substantial level prior to registration of the condominium plan. Title to a unit cannot be transferred until the condominium is registered.
Thus, with newly built condominium apartments, there are two … (1 comments)

Can Canadians Count? - 07/23/10 12:46 PM
The Canadian Government is scrapping the mandatory long-form census and coming up with a voluntary one.Most provinces are irate and even the head of Stats Canada has resigned over the decision. Now, I will admit it was time consuming filling out the forms but now, look out. in a few years I am not going to believe a thing from Stats Canada.
How many cats live in your residence? 1 How many televisions do you have? 14 How many of you go to church on Sunday? All of us if my mother reads this! How many illegal immigrants live in your … (8 comments)

Cheese Names Cause for Negotiating - 07/23/10 12:14 PM
A few years back some wines and bubbly in North America were restricted in using certain names on its labels.Now the European Union are negotiating with Canadian cheese producers or is it the other way around? Regardless, committees and time are being spent arguing(they call it negotiating, they should have a REALTOR® with them, that is what we do best, but I am digressing) about the names on cheese labels.
Parma is one and Camembert is another. For free, I offer the following name changes:
Blue Cheese: That coloured cheese with a strong smell.
Goats Cheese: 4 legged mound of something.
… (9 comments)

Get Over Your Fear of Change - 07/23/10 11:32 AM
Did you know that we are programmed to resist change, even when it's in our best interest? Chip Heath, a Stanford business professor, an author of 2 great books "Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive And Others Die" and "Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard", covers change and why we resist change.He states that our analytical, rational side may say" I want a better beach body", but our emotional side says "I want the Oreo cookie".
So at work, we may want to change how we treat our customers and clients, but our emotional side is in … (11 comments)

Brainstorming Inefficient and Stifles Creativity - 07/23/10 10:59 AM
In a recent study at the University of Texas at Arlington, though brainstorming is a common practice, it may not get the results we think.
Brainstorming is not only inefficient, it can actually impede creativity. People have a false assumption that they are more productive working as a group than individually, even though all evidence shows it's the opposite.
People in groups examine a less limited range of suggestions because of fixation, That means that as soon as one member of the group offers an idea, the others get stuck on it and conform their own thinking to that suggestion. And … (12 comments)

Only in Canada Musings - 07/16/10 07:05 PM
       Only in Canada .....do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front?
     Only in Canada ....do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.
     Only in Canada .....do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.
    Only in Canada.....Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?
… (19 comments)

Why Do Brides Wear White? - 07/16/10 06:55 PM
Mary was attending a wedding for the first time. As she sat in the church, she watched the bride slowly approach the altar. Mary whispered to her mother, "Why is the bride dressed in white?"
 "Because white is the colour of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life," her mother tried to explain, keeping it simple.
 The child thought about this for a moment, then said... "So why is the groom wearing black?"
… (12 comments)

Turtle Racing Almost Banned by PETA - 07/16/10 05:08 PM
Yes you read the title right, PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals), made a complaint to the Ontario Natural Resourses Ministry that the 130 would be racing turtles in Ailsa Craig must be released before Ailsa Craig's36th Annual Gala Days and Turtle Races,
Ailsa Craig officials are going to rent pet store turtles for the event instead! Apparently turtles when they race get stressed and that seems to be a problem. Maybe if the purse (price) was larger they wouldn't be as stressed. Look at the Maple Leafs, they get paid millions and still lose and that doesn't seem to … (9 comments)

Eco Fee in Ontario, a Tax or Get Rich Quick? - 07/16/10 04:28 PM
Stewardship Ontario is starting to receive furious and irate questions demanding answers to this now controversial eco fee program.
Shoppers and manufacturers already pay to recycle packaging through the blue box program and now have to pay an extra eco fee on products!
Stewardship Ontario sent out an alert lat week to its stewards, brand owners and first importers, urging them 'bury the eco fee in the sticker price'. I'm not making this stuff up, true yet most Ontarians have their heads in the sand! (All the other Canadian provinces have said that about Ontario, but that's another story)
Soap, A.A. batteries, light … (6 comments)

Year To Date Sales of Real Estate in Old South London Remains Quite Strong - 07/14/10 12:17 PM
 Houses in Old South and Wortley Village neighbourhood that are listed for sale are selling briskly! 126 have sold from January 2010 to June 30, 2010 and on average homes were on the market for 23 days and averaging 99% of asking price of $249, 210!    At presnt there are 44 houses in Old South/Wortley Village listed for sale from as low as $179,000 up to $800,000 +. Because of the ambience and ecletic range of homes you can see why this is a sought after London Ontario neighbourhood!
Regardless if you are buying a home or selling a home, quality representation and a keen knowledge of … (1 comments)

Summerside House & Condo Sales in London are Hot and Not Because It is Summer! - 07/14/10 11:57 AM
Summerside House & Condo Sales in London are Hot and Not Because It is Summer!
Sales of 2 storey homes in Summerside in south east London have been very active year to date with 59 houses selling.
The average selling price of a 2 storey house was $265,657 being 98. % of the asking price of $270,900!
There were 12 condos that sold at an average sale price of $215,517 which was 99% of the asking price.
Houses such as 2 storey and bungalows were on the market an average of 76 days while condos took an average of 26 days to sell!
At present … (0 comments)

How I Will Not Become an Eco-Friendly REALTOR® - 07/14/10 09:55 AM
Lately everywhere I turn I am seeing eco this, green that which I respect and in my own way , practice. I wonder however, what is the long term cost going to be with some of the plans that have been implemented?
A Futuristic Real Estate Office Listing Presentation practiced by I.M. Green, sales person and part time 8 track repairman:
"Good afternoon, Mr. & Mrs. Wanting, I am I.M. Green, I know, that's a mouthful, but really, you have got to trust me. I am I.M.Green. "
"Do you have the $5,000 cash I asked for? I should say green backs, … (10 comments)

What Is The Market Doing So Far in Sunningdale, a Neighbourhood in London Ontario - 07/13/10 03:39 PM
Houses in Sunningdale, a neighbourhood in North London and close to UWO & Masonville , were sought after with 29 sales since January  and with 11 condos selling as well.
The average sale price for a home in Sunningdale was $539,424 which was 97% of the asking price and for condos in Sunningdale, the average sale price was $287,786 which was 98% of the asking price.
In the Sunningdale neighbourhood at present, there are 2 storey homes for sale from as low as $425,000 to $895,000 and condos available starting from $259,500 .
When you require information about Sunningdale, be it the amenities, the schools, … (0 comments)

What are Houses & Condos Doing in Riverbend neighbourhood of London? - 07/13/10 03:04 PM
Houses have been selling extremely well in Riverbend, a neighbourhood in west London off of Oxford Street West and nestled between the Hunt Club and The Riverbend Golf Community.  There have been 32  houses sold in Riverbend since the new year with the average sale price of $435,397 which was 97% of the asking price of $447,647. Two storey homes led the way followed by one floor cottages and ranches.
There were 6 sales of one floor condos, detached and attached with an average sale price of $333,992 which was 101% of the asking price.  As with both condos and houses, the average … (0 comments)

Market Slows In June in London Ontario - 07/12/10 04:06 PM
A few months ago the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) forecasted that national housing activity would decrease over the second half of 2010 and into 2011 as the pent‐up demand created by the Great Recession (their words, not mine) was exhausted.
June 2010 saw the beginning of that trend in the London CMA - a tempering of the market that CMHC described as, "an orderly transition supported as it will be by improving job markets, historically low interest rates and further gains in household incomes."
 A total of 816 homes sold in June of 2010, more in line with June … (0 comments)

Looking to buy a Nuclear Energy Plant? - 07/10/10 09:31 AM
It was announced this week that Canada is proposing to sell our country's publicly owned nuclear agency or parts of.
As a Broker of Record and licensed in Ontario only to sell real estate, if you are looking to buy a nuclear plant, give me a call. I should point out, however, that I have no experience with nuclear energy sales, don't have a price yet or a signed listing agreement.
From pictures I know what a nuclear plant looks like so how difficult could it be? Please be aware that there are a few countries that I cannot sell to, check with … (14 comments)

Real Estate Market in London Year to Date - 07/10/10 08:49 AM
The residential real estate market in London Ontario has seen sales volume rise by 14.9& over 2009. Even though June sales of 816 homes were the lowest since 2002, our London market remains viable and stable.
As we are in the summer months I predict that sales will continue at a steady pace as the London economy is quite vibrant, unemployment is down and with new companies moving here, demand is steady.
One thing that is quite noticeable of late is that buyers are quite educated in pricing and value, so home sellers who are testing the water, or who are … (2 comments)

Condos In Byron Ontario Are Selling Quite Well - 07/06/10 08:04 PM
Condos in Byron sold quite well so far this year. There were 11 sales in this comfortable neighbourhood of London with a blend of young and old and a bevy of conveniences.
Condos in Byron were on the market an average of 28 days and sold for 98% of the average asking price of $176,709.
Keep in mind that averages are not the best indicator of trends or activity. For example, a townhome in one complex sold for $112,000 while in another area of Byron, one sold for $329,900.
I can take the confusion out of pricing, condition and safety with knowledge … (0 comments)

97 Byron Houses in London Sold So Far This Year - 07/06/10 07:40 PM
97 houses have sold in Byron, a neighbourhood in south west London from January 1 to June 31, 2010. Byron is proving again to be a sought after neighbourhood with a blend of 60's to the 90's style homes  giving the area a pleasant mix of style and it's own ambiance.Shopping, schools, parks and greenery allow a wide range of families to live comfortable and a feeling of pride and safety that Byron offers.
The average asking price was $ 345,026 and they sold for 99% of asking for $340,888 and were on the market for an average 50 days.
I should caution … (2 comments)

Want Someone Else To Pay your Mortgage? - 07/06/10 02:05 PM
One of the slowest yet quickest ways to achieve financial freedom is to have someone else make most of your mortgage payments for you.
I see so many young couples struggle with the 'Jones's' to have that large home, or live in that neighbourhood or that side of town. Most call it house poor.
Unfortunately, most think that in 20, 25 or 30 years from now their home will be paid for. Well, it may be but do you know(or care to know) how much that cost you?
I work with a lot of buyers and sellers and it amazes me to … (4 comments)

Home Buyers, Savvy-But Smart? - 07/06/10 01:05 PM
The majority of new and upcoming home buyerswho participated in a nation wide poll (TD's Home Buyers' Report) said they expect to pay less than the asking price and they prefer newer and detached homes to older and semi-detached homes or condos.
First time home buyers are savvy when it comes to shopping for a home, but are their aspirations too high?
The three most important factors were:
99% price 96% features 95% layout Some other interesting numbers
93% learn about mortgage options before buying 85% estimate utility costs before buying 75% want a new home 93% are making a down … (6 comments)

Top Vote Getter for Dumb and Stupid - 07/05/10 05:44 PM
Motorists called police about an 18 wheeler swaying all over the road . When the officer pulled over the trucker here is what he found:
The driver had a string attached to a tooth and an object in his cab. When the officer asked him why the trucker told him that he had a toothache, so tied his tooth and tried to find as much uneven pavement as possible so that his tooth could be pulled!
When the officer did stop him, the trucker did pass his first course in dentistry, he pulled his own tooth.
I think however, after all … (14 comments)

Duplexes & Triplexes in London Ontario - 07/03/10 07:48 AM
Are you looking to purchase or sell a multi-family unit in London Ontario? Yesterday I worked with a couple and we viewed 7 units that were quite impressive.None of the units we looked at were in these client's comfort zone and upon further discussion, they would be more comfortable purchasing commercial property.
These units had good steady income, were in decent locations and I thought offered a good return on investment.
I help buy and sell a lot of properties so I feel I know what a good deal is and if you can make any money with investment properties in … (0 comments)

After143 Years Canadians Are Doing a Few Things Right. - 07/02/10 02:48 PM
On July 1, 2010 Canadians celebrated Canada's 143rd birthday in many ways and perhaps many in the world may now realize that we Canadians are doing some things right.
Our economy is better than most nations. The Winter Olympics proved that we can win at world events. (We were always known as being great hosts and the ability to throw a party, and Vancouver proved that!) Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver can be called world class cities. Canadian TV programming is getting far better Our educational system is first rate Our medical system is studied and copied world wide. ____________________________________________________ (You … (18 comments)

HST Has Finally Woken Up Some People - 07/02/10 02:18 PM
The HST has been debated in Ontario, advertised and promoted by the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada, on newscasts, in the newspapers, in magazines and even Facebook and twitter.All I have read today in newspapers is how motorists are upset at how much it costs now at the gas pumps, the cost of a haircut, utility bills and more. It is predicted that the HST on gas alone will bring in an additional $900 million dollars each year to the provincial coffers.
Its here folks and complaining is not going to make it go away. You have a say … (10 comments)

How You Eat a Cookie Say's Alot About You - 07/01/10 08:02 AM
Psychologists have discovered that the manner in which you eat an Oreo can provide insights into your personality.
•·   The whole cookie at once - you're totally irresponsible.
•·   One bite at a time - you are "normal" but lack imagination.
•·   Slow and methodical nibbling - you are very meticulous.
•·   Fast nibbling - you get things done quickly.
•·   Dunked in liquid - you are upbeat and likeable.
•·   Eat the filling and then the cookie - you are a very curious person.
•·   Eat the filling and toss the cookie - you are greedy, especially in business.
•·   … (18 comments)

Thinking of Renovating a Room in Your House? - 07/01/10 07:38 AM
Are you thinking of renovating your bathroom or adding a sun room or re-doing a kitchen? When choosing a contractor, it's important to gather information from several sources. 
 You should ask for recommendations from a variety of sources.  First, verify that they are in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and they have a current contractor's license.  From these qualified applicants, get at least three bids.  Don't automatically go with the lowest bid.  Compare the bids carefully to ensure they have the exact same specifications.  Then check references. 
Ask any contractor you are considering to provide you with names and contact information from … (8 comments)

 

Find ON real estate agents and London real estate on ActiveRain.