905-937-6000 (Office)
1-866-999-9497 (Office)
dollar@royallepage.ca
www.SallyDollar.com

Royal LePage Niagara R.E. Centre, Brokerage
www.SallyDollar.com
101 LAKEPORT RD
ST. CATHARINES, ON L2N7L7

Hey clients and friends - this is an awesome property! Just over 1/2 an acre backing on to a stream in Cooks Mills (Welland). 3 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, above ground pool, attached garage, right beside a public school, municipal water in a country property! $164,900! Minutes to Welland, Niagara Falls, Port Colborne, the 406 Highway! View the virtual tour at http://www.sallydollar.com/Listing/VirtualTour.ashx?ListingID=2166155

I have recently become accredited with my AGA^TM designation from the National Association for Green Agents and Brokers. It gives me recognized accreditation for my knowledge of Green real estate. I am passionate about Green!

I attended training for Home Energy Efficiency, Home hydro usage, Green heating and cooling options for the home. In addition, I have had an Eco-Energy Audit performed in my own home. I have learned hundreds of ways to save energy, save money, and help the environment - without sacrificing your lifestyle. It is my pleasure to be able to share this knowledge with my buyers and sellers, friends and family.

I can provide money saving information to all my friends, clients and family. I also have a wonderful tool to share with you. It is called a Kill a Watt! You can plug in your appliances to it and it will tell you how much energy is used and how much it costs you to use it? Did you know that if you have an electric dryer that it costs you 30-40 cents per load to dry? If you had a gas dryer is can be as little as 15 cents - even better if you hang your clothes to dry. Just to toast your morning bagel or bread, it costs 10-15 cents. Did you know that Smart Metering will be coming in to effect within the next year and we can learn to cut our energy costs by rearranging our routine a bit and using our high-drawing appliances at off-peak hours? The difference is 8.8 cents per kilowatt hour during peak times or 4 cents per kilowatt hour at off-peak times. I have the rates and times to provide to my customers so you can prepare ahead of time. Did you know there is now a solar heat that will heat your home all day for no hydro/gas charge for under $3,000? It is sold locally in Niagara. You would only need to pay gas/hydro to heat over night.

Anyway, I get silly and excited over all the changes that I have made so far and the ones that are possible for our future. I also have eco-shopping bags for my clients and many other money saving and eco-saving ideas and methods. I also have tons of CD's that contain my Energy Conservation Kit with great ideas to do your own Home Energy Audit. I can also send you the link to be able to download it and save the waste of a CD.

This is just another way I am working and learning to help my clients save money and live a better life. I would love to talk to you about it! Call me today - I love coffee!

The uncertainty around interest rates has left many homeowners "scratching their heads" when it comes to taking out a mortgage. In fact, the arrival of more sophisticated and flexible mortgage products over the past few years has made the task of choosing the right mortgage even more daunting.

One of the first things I advise my clients to do is develop a mortgage strategy. That is, start with getting a clear understanding of your monthly cash flow by listing your fixed expenses such as payments on a mortgage, car, credit card and unexpected home repairs.

Next, think about how your financing needs may change of over the next five years. For example, you may be planning a family and need to assess the impact a reduction in household income will have on your ability to pay your mortgage while you or your partner is on paternal leave.

Finally, develop a plan for paying off the mortgage in the fastest and least costly way. Whatever your individual needs are, your banker will be able to assist you in developing your mortgage strategy and finding the mortgage that is right for you.

Variable rate mortgage or fixed rate mortgage?

Many of my customers ask for advice on whether to take a short-term variable rate mortgage or a long-term fixed rate. Of course there are pros and cons for both, and my advice is always based on my customers' individual needs. For example, if you're comfortable assuming some risk, you may benefit with a variable rate mortgage by taking advantage of today's low interest rate environment. However should rates rise, you may find yourself scrambling to lock into a fixed rate product. If, on the other hand, you want the security of knowing what your mortgage payment is regardless of what happens to rates, you might be better off in a fixed term product.

Recently, BMO Bank of Montreal introduced a free banking offer for mortgage customers who take out a five-year term mortgage or renew or refinance an existing mortgage for a five-year term. These customers will receive BMO's Performance Plan with unlimited transactions for free over the term - a savings of more than $800, which in some cases could translate into an extra mortgage payment.

While there are many different strategies available to home buyers today, the most important thing a borrower can do is talk to a knowledgeable mortgage expert who can help them look beyond the traditional mortgage products. After all, the world has changed since our parents and grandparents bought their first house and so have our mortgage options.

This weeks interest rates from Paul:

TERM RATE
5 YR Fixed 4.79%
3 YR VRM 4.50% Prime plus 1%, fully open term!


Paul Croteau, Mortgage Specialist, BMO Bank of Montreal
31 King Street St. Catharines, ON 905-321-3230 Phone
paul.croteau@bmo.com

Thinking of selling your home but not sure if now is the "right time?" Talk to your REALTOR®, Sally Dollar for sound advice on when to sell your home in the least amount of time for the best possible price.

First Sally will help you examine your reasons for wanting to sell. The most common reasons why people decide to sell their homes include changes to their financial status, an employment transfer, a growing family or retirement. Today's low interest rates have also made it attractive for many homeowners to "move up" to a larger home.

Whatever your reason, selling a house is a complicated procedure so it's imperative to have a qualified real estate professional on your side. Because selling a home involves large sums of money and complicated legal documents, Sally's expertise can help a homeowner avoid costly mistakes.

Real estate cycles
Buying your home was probably the best investment you ever made. That's because over the long term, real estate has proven to be a sound investment while at the same time offering you and your family shelter and a feeling of pride of ownership.

However, real estate is subject to the law of supply and demand which creates cycles in the market. A shortage of homes generally means prices rise. This cycle is commonly known as a "seller's market." Alternately, a surplus of homes can result in a slow down in home sales or even a reduction in prices and is often referred to as a "buyers market." (which is what Niagara is in right now.)

One of the most important services Sally provides is market analysis. Most people don't have the time it takes to conduct the comprehensive market research required to accurately price a home. Sally Dollar can give you up-to-date information on what economic and other factors are impacting current market conditions.

Which market is best?
Obviously, you will want to sell your home quickly and for the highest possible price. In a "seller's market," you often see many buyers competing for the same house resulting in top prices -- sometimes even over the original list price. However, if you are planning to purchase another home after the sale, chances are you will be competing in the same seller's market faced with higher prices.

In a buyer's market you may find you have to wait longer to sell your home for a fair price. The upside to selling your home in a buyer's market is you'll have more selection and pricing options when you go looking for your new property. (This is the Niagara market right now)

Although the current market cycle should influence your decision to sell, remember there are trade-offs to selling in either a buyer's or seller's market. Some people are concerned that if they trade up to a larger home in a buyer's market they will lose some of their home's equity in the sale. But, while you may sell your home at a "discount," it's likely you will purchase your larger home at an even greater discount. The advantage is you then own a larger asset with even greater potential for appreciation.

Seasonality
In Niagara, changing seasons and the weather can affect buyer demand. For example, fewer buyers may be out looking at homes during the cold and snowy winter months, but as a seller you will be competing with fewer homes on the market. Spring tends to be an attractive time for real estate sales as gardens start to look nice again and people come out of hibernation. Buyers with school-aged children like to purchase in the spring so they can move in over the summer. However, homes sell throughout the year so think of the season as only one factor in deciding when to sell your home.

There are many important issues that come into play when deciding to sell your home. Sally can help you to determine if now is the best time for you. Give me a call or send me an email - I would love to answer your questions and educate you on our changing market here in Niagara.

©2009 Brookfield Real Estate Services Fund.