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SOMETHING FUN
2007-04-12 00:56:00
CLICK HERE
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Home Inspections
2007-04-04 17:54:00
What's involved in a Home Inspect ion? Click here to see a videoThe purpose of a home inspection is to inform the individual buyer of the current condition of the home they've put an offer on. When a contract is signed to purchase a home, it is often conditional upon a home inspection at the Buyer's expense. A buyer will generally have the option based upon the inspection to; opt out of the purchase, ask for repairs or credit towards repairs or a purchase price reduction.
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No smoking in apartments?
2007-03-28 01:35:00
Mar 27, 2007 03:07 PM Canadian PressThe time has come to debate whether or not smoking should be banned in some apartment buildings, Ontario Health Minister George Smitherman said today amid growing pressure to curb the deadly effects of second-hand smoke in high-rises. While Smitherman said he would rather see market forces drive landlords to declare their buildings smoke-free, he acknowledged it would be worth having the discussion about whether legislation would be necessary to back up any ban. Smoking is currently prohibited in elevators, hallways and other common areas in Ontario, but not in apartment residences. Whether Ontario wants to change that is “open for debate,� Smitherman said. It’s a debate Irene Gallagher said tenants across Ontario would love to have. Gallagher, who speaks for the Ontario Tobacco-Free Network, said two polls conducted last year for the network suggest that people want the choice of living in a smoke-free building. Some 64 per cent of responde...
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ARE YOU A FIRST TIME HOME BUYER?
2007-03-22 22:32:00
Did you know that both the Provincial and Federal government have established programs to assist first time home buyers? The three best known programs are the RRSP Home Buyer 's Plan, the Land Transfer Tax rebate and the Mortgage Loan Insurance.The RRSP Home Buyer's Plan (HBP) allows first time home buyers to withdraw up to $20,000 from their RRSPs tax free to use towards the purchase of a home. To qualify as a first time home buyer, you must not have owned a home in the last five years. Both you and your spouse can each withdraw up to $20,000 from your RRSPs for a total of $40,000! It’s not too late to contribute to an RRSP!! Call me to see how!Next, we have the Land Transfer Tax (LTT) Rebate Program. First -time home buyers who purchase a newly constructed home will receive a rebate of the Land Transfer Tax. The maximum rebate is $2,000 (equivalent to the tax payable on a purchase price of $227,500 - net of GST). Lastly, homeownership is made more affordable due to the Mortg...
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Beware of fraudsters stealing homes
2007-03-18 18:53:00
You can lose your house without even realizing it.Susan Lawrence was trying to sell her home, but had it stolen instead. The 55-year-old widow said she never imagined that a "For Sale" sign on her front lawn would make her the victim of mortgage fraud. Now she is cautioning others to learn from her troubles.Read more...
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BUY NOW RATHER THAN LATER
2007-03-07 00:46:00
RBC Survey finds majority in GTA believe it makes more sense to buy now rather than wait a year...TORONTO, March 6 /CNW/ - Homebuying intentions in the Greater TorontoArea are holding steady, according to RBC Royal Bank's 14th AnnualHomeownership Survey. The poll found that 12 per cent of GTA residents saidthey are "very likely" to purchase a home in the next two years, in line withthe 11 per cent witnessed last year and 3 points higher than the nationalaverage."Overall homebuying intentions in the GTA are on par with or higher thanmost other regions of the country, but remain fairly consistent with what wesaw last year," said Paul Bimm, vice-president, Builder Markets, RBC RoyalBank. "Still, a majority of residents are saying now's the time to buy - afeeling perhaps in part due to a concern of rising housing prices and interestrates."The poll found that 63 per cent of GTA residents expect housing priceswill be higher by this time next year and a majority (52 per cent) said theyar...
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Second Life - buy virtual homes!
2007-03-06 02:50:00
I came across a website www.secondlife.com and it just blew my mind. Second Life is a virtual reality community in which you create an identity, meet people, buy land and build your own objects! It is a "massively multiplayer online role playing game" (MMORPG) (sort of life Counterstrike), but one that offers users total freedom to create and interact as if they were living another life.The Second Life world is a group of islands in the tropics. Using the keyboard, one can move around at will and even fly over them. You can also instantly teleport from one location to another.The resident population is at over 4,332,034 (and growing). Residents come to the world from over 100 countries with concentrations in North America and the UK. Demographically, 60% are men, 40% are women and they span in age from 18 - 85. They are gamers, housewives, artists, musicians, programmers, lawyers, firemen, political activists, college students, architects, and medical doctors, to name just a few. Se...
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The Richmond
2007-03-01 22:10:00
Richmond Hills's most exciting Yonge Street Condominium Address....18 Harding Blvd.(one block east of Yonge, north of 16th)BUILDING FEATURES*Private interior landscaped courtyard for your outdoor enjoyment*State-of-the-art Fitness Centre with Aerobic and Yoga room*2 decorated Guest Suites*Billiards and Card room with cozy fireplaceSUITE FEATURES*8mm laminate wood flooring*Brand name stainless steel kitchen appliances*Stacked washer and dryer*Pre-wiring for connection to phone/cable/internet/faxand MUCH MUCH MORE!!Call or email me for Suite Types, Sizes, Floorplans & Pricing BEFORE it opens to the Public!Why use a REALTOR® (moi) when purchasing a new Home or Condo? 1. A sales center will show its loyalty to the builder. As your agent, I owe the loyalty to YOU not the Builder. 2. I will not limit our search to one sales center and assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. 3. I can help you negotiate. There are myriad negotiating fact...
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Designer tips!
2007-02-28 17:04:07
If you're thinking of buying a new home, selling your current home, simply re-designing your home, or just curious about the latest trends, this article is a must-read.Stylist Lynn Spence and interior designer Ramsin Khachi list the awfuls to the glorious.Their professional advice and opinions are very accurate from my experiences as a Realtor. From the hideous brick fireplaces and stucco ceilings to the beautiful dark-stained floors and warm white trims....read all about it by clicking HERE. To find you own personal interior designer click HERE
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Whose Job Is It?
2007-02-28 17:04:07
Does your water taste funny? Are you frustrated that your street hasn't been plowed or salted? Not sure if something belongs in the recycling box or garbage?Well your questions are answered!Just click on your city and voila....no more fretting!Can't find your city? Just email me at schung@royallepage.ca and ask me for it...
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Canada's Most Expensive Homes
2007-02-28 17:04:07
I came across Forbes' 10 most expensive Cana dian homes and found that British Columbia had the highest number of expensive homes compared to other provinces. Whistler, the host city for the 2010 Winter Olympics have seen an increase in luxury homes mainly due to avid, adventurous and elite atheletes together with wealthy investors purchasing and building properties facing the slopes.In Canada ,?the housing market has been robust and is related to the overall good health of the economy,? says Phil Soper, the president and CEO of Royal LePage Real Estate Services--one of the country's largest brokerages--referring to low unemployment, strong consumer confidence and modest interest rates. ?In particular, there is a lot of wealth in the Baby Boomer demographic, which drives a lot of the high-end transactions and pushes up the values of luxury homes.?To view Canada's most expensive homes Click Here.
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Percent change of resale house prices from 2005 to 2006
2007-02-28 17:04:07
Are YOU in a market area where resale home prices are increasing? North Pickering has seen the highest increase in the past year with more than a whopping 20% increase in the value of resale homes.To see how YOUR market or neighbourhood's resale value has changed in the past year, CLICK HERE and look for your zone.For a more detailed report of your neighbourhood market, contact me and I'd be happy to put one together for you....
More About: House , House Prices , Change , Sale , Rice

Home Renovation Tips
2007-02-28 17:04:07
10-per-cent rule. Pay no more than 10 percent of the original agreed estimate for your home renovations and never pay the full amount until all work is completed.10-day cooling off. You can cancel any contract signed in your home within 10 days for any reason.Hire qualified heating contractors. Only heating contractors registered with TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) are qualified to install and service your fuel-burning appliances.Call before digging or excavating. Always call your local gas utility for a free locate of gas lines before beginning any construction project.Safety tips. Whether it is to verify a heating contractor's qualifications or learn more about how to avoid carbon monoxide in your home, contact TSSA at 1-877-682-8772.For more info visit the Goverment Services Website.
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Funny Commercial
2007-02-28 17:04:07
Gotta love real estate agents...haha
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Get Meeb
2007-02-28 17:04:07
I came across a nifty little widget called Meebo and thought I'd share it with my fellow bloggers and visitors.This widget allows live chatting . It's like any Instant Messaging such as MSN except you can embed it in your website. So if you sign up for Meebo, you can use your msn login to chat with people who are already on your contact list AND to those who are messaging you from your website!You'll see it located on the left hand side just above my picture.So feel free to send me a quick message asking questions about Toronto Real Estate or any other topic. Perhaps just pop-in and say hello. Send a Rant. Write a complain.....go all out! And yes, you can also message me when I'm offline. Just make sure you write your name and contact info so I cant get back to you.Enjoy!!

Ontario Broker Meeting in Niagara Falls - Feb 16, 2007
2007-02-28 17:04:07
Claudia, myself, and Stafford.
More About: Niagara Falls , Ontario , Broker , Niagara , Fall

OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY
2007-02-28 17:04:07
Open House this Sunday February 25th, 20072-4pmADDRESS: 25 Litchi Crt INTERSECTION: Bayview/BloomingtonPRICE REDUCED: From $493,888 to $484,888!BEDROOMS: 4WASHROOMS: 3$50K+ In Builder Upgrades,Large Principal Rooms,Dark Hardwood Floors,Upgraded Kitchen W/Centre Island & More!Close To Nature,Transit,Schools & Amenities!For more info call me at 416-720-2752 or email me at shchung@trebnet.com
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Offer conditions when Buying a home
2007-02-28 17:04:07
Most REALTORS often place conditions in an offer to purchase that allow for acceptance subject to further acts being carried out. The most common conditions placed in offers allow buyers time to obtain financing commitment from a mortgage lender and to also have a home inspection carried out. I often recommend that you first know you have been approved for mortgage financing before you pay for a home inspection.Such clauses often read "This offer to purchase is conditional upon the buyer obtaining satisfactory mortgage financing?failing which this offer will become null and void and the buyers deposit will be returned in full etc?" followed by "This offer is conditional upon the buyer being satisfied with the findings of a home inspector?within 4 days of removal of the mortgage financing condition?etc"Naturally, a Seller must agree to these terms and often does unless confronted with competing offers that may have better terms and conditions.Once conditions are met a waiver is sign...
More About: Buying , Home , When , Condition , Conditions

A tranquil commercial...
2007-02-28 17:04:07
Royal LePage Comm ercial launched in Quebec. Get the full effect by turning on your speakers and let the music soothe your soul...enjoy.
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Two bedroom units - a BETTER investment?
2007-02-28 17:04:07
"It may be a city filled with one-bedroom condominiums, but the two-bedroom unit is becoming king.""Both builders and consultants agree ? there is an increased demand for two-bedroom and two-bedroom-and-den condominiums by singles and childless couples in the Greater Toronto Area. In fact, over the past four years, the number of new two-bedroom condos sold in the city increased by 8 per cent, while one-bedroom sales fell by 5 per cent.""Builders build to sell and two bedroomers are in demand right now, so these types of units are obviously being constructed," he says. "This trend is being made by a number of individual decisions taken by developers working from their own sales data. There isn't a master plan; this is a business purely responding to market needs.""As the city ages, people are looking for a way to stay in the community that they live in. It is not just first-time buyers any more. Empty nesters want to be close to their roots and people who have lived in a one-bedroom...
More About: Investment , Men , Vest , Bedroom , Better

DISCOUNT RAPTORS TICKETS
2007-02-28 17:04:07
Take advantage of this opportunity to purchase tickets at up to 30% off for most upcoming Raptor s games as they continue their quest for a playoff spot!CLICK HERE FOR A FORM PS: I am never too busy for your referrals. If you have family or friends looking to Buy or Sell, refer them to me and receive $300!!
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Sales remain on solid groud
2007-02-28 17:04:07
Resale housing in Canada's major markets remains on solid ground, according to statistics released by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). With just one month to go in 2006, MLS® home sales for the year-to-date in October 2006 were higher than the same period for any other year on record. Further information can be found at www.crea.ca.
More About: Sales , Main , Sale , Solid , Soli

The perfect gift to give family and friends....
2007-02-28 17:04:07
Caramel-Oatmeal COOKIE MIX IN A JARINGREDIENTS:2/3 cup all-purpose flour3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/4 teaspoon salt1/3 cup packed brown sugar1/3 cup granulated sugar3/4 cup Milk Chocolate & Caramel Morsels1 1/2 cups quick or old-fashioned oats1/2 cup toasted flaked coconut or chopped pecansDIRECTIONS:COMBINE flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Place flour mixture in 1-quart jar. Layer remaining ingredients in order listed above, pressing firmly after each layer. Seal with lid and decorate with fabric and ribbon. RECIPE TO ATTACH:PREHEAT oven to 375° F. Beat 1/2 cup (1 stick) softened butter or margarine, 1 large egg and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until blended. Add cookie mix; mix well, breaking up any clumps. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown around edges. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.
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Upgrading your home is always appealing, but which enhancements really get
2007-02-28 17:04:07
In the opinion of Canada?s professional real property valuers, the top trends in home renovation in 2004 were: 1. Home theatre room2. Hardwood flooring in kitchen3. Main floor laundry room4. Use of non-neutral interior paint colours5. Installing a jacuzzi or whirlpool bath6. Built-in kitchen appliances7. Ground floor office8. Addition of island in kitchenTop four greatest payback potentials:Bathroom renovation (75 ? 100%)Kitchen renovation (75 ? 100%)Interior painting (50 ? 100%)Exterior painting (50 ? 100%)Six lowest payback potentials:Landscaping (25 ? 50%)Interlocking paving (25 ? 50%)Building a fence (25 ? 50%)Asphalt paving (20 ? 50%)Adding a swimming pool (10 ? 40%)Installing a skylight (0 ? 25%)Source: Appraisal Institute of Canada's 2004 Home Renovation SurveyFor more information visit http://www.aicanada.ca/
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OPEN HOUSE
2007-02-28 17:04:07
Sunday December 17th, 2006.Property: 20A Westwood Lane, Richmond Hill (Yonge/Hwy 7)Brand new stunning executive home!Listing Type: Residential detachedBedrooms: 5Bathrooms: 4Lot: 50X150Square Feet: 4161 sq ftTime: 2-4pm
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Click Here to view my Holiday e-card
2007-02-28 17:04:07
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
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Just me in action....opening a lockbox for my cl...
2007-02-28 17:04:07
Just me in action....opening a lockbox for my client.
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Real Estate Sales Bring Happy Holiday!
2007-02-28 17:04:07
The 2006 resale home market is closing the year strongly, with 2,585 sales to the 15th of December, TREB President Mason announced today. ?Sale s are six per cent ahead of mid-December 2005 and close to the pace of 2001, the best December ever.?Meanwhile, 2006 has already broken 81,000 sales, and sits within one per cent of last-years? record-setting pace.The average price to mid-December stands at $343,048, a four per cent increase over the same period in December 2005. The year-to-date average is $352,515, up five per cent over the same timeframe last year. Strong sales in all housing categories, especially link homes, drove Whitby (E15) to a 51% increase in overall sales compared to the same timeframe last year.A jump in detached home sales powered Brampton East (W24) to a 45 per cent overall sales increase compared to the first half of December 2005.Toronto?s downtown / Harbourfront area (C01) saw a 28 per cent overall increase in home sales, largely due to a 30 per cent increase...
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Home Exchange
2007-02-28 17:04:07
I watched "The Holiday" last weekend and highly recommend it to those who enjoy heart-warming, sentimental and sappy type of movies (like myself). "The Holiday" is a romantic comedy starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet who trade homes between Los Angeles and England. I find it fascinating how people exchange homes as a strategy to reduce the cost of traveling. In fact, this activity is becoming increasingly popular. The result of goggling "home exchange" came to about 564,000,000! Two of which are http://www.homeexchange.com/ andhttp://www.ihen.com/
More About: Change , Home , Exchange , Chang , Chan

Chinese New Year
2007-02-28 17:04:07
The Chine se New Year Spectacular is coming to TORONTO!! "NTDTV brings the divine beauty of the ancient East to life with its now-legendary Chinese New Year Spectacular! Previously the Chinese New Year Global Gala, this year the Spectacular bursts onto the famed Toronto Centre for The Arts stage with all-new performances and the thrill of a full, live orchestra! From the soulful poignancy of the two-stringed erhu to the stirring rhythms of a Mongolian plains dance, the 2007 NTDTV Chinese New Year Spectacular is a show truly not to be missed."Show Schedule:Friday January 19 7:30 pm Saturday January 20 2:00 pm Saturday January 20 7:30 pmFor more info visit www.newyeargala.ntdtv.comAs a Toronto Real Estate Board member I can purchase these tickets at a discounted price, please email me for details.