Choosing the right size of home demands some decision making on your part. Do you have a big family? Do you have a flair for entertaining? Are you an empty nester? How much stuff do you own? Do you work from a home office? All of these points will have a bearing on what size of home you purchase. To make the right decision, size up your current needs.
Family Size: The biggest factor in the square ...
Posted by Paul Baron
on December 9, 2010
These questions will help you decide whether you’re ready for a home that’s larger or in a more desirable location. If you answer yes to most of the questions, it’s a sign that you may be ready to move.
1. Have you built substantial equity in your current home?Look at your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to find out. Usually, you don’t build up much equity in ...
Posted by Shandee Weinrich
on November 2, 2010
I recently met a couple in their mid-forties, both employed, no kids. They’re looking to sell their modest 3 bedroom home and find something a little bigger, maybe a little better, with a bit more land.
Prior to meeting them to list their home, they had already spent several weeks searching MLS.ca web-site, only to find homes they liked already sold, listing agents not returning calls, ...
Posted by Michael Baeumler
on October 27, 2010
Does a Vacancy Permit mean that you need permission to give up occupancy of your home? Well, not exactly.
It is a term used by insurance companies for limited, though costly, coverage when a home is left vacant. Insurance companies define a vacant home as one in which the owners have moved out and have no plans of returning. Real estate professionals come across this often.
This can happen when ...
Posted by Eugene Pilato
on September 8, 2010
These are the reasons why an investment in real estate is the best investment strategy for most people in Canada:
1) No Tax on Principal Residence: There is no capital gain tax on your principal residence. Considering lot of us are heavily taxed on most of investments, this is a huge benefit as every penny of gain goes in your pocket.
2) Forced Saving: If you have access to your funds, it ...
Posted by Ali Hassan
on August 26, 2010
There are many types of homes to choose from and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Think about your needs before making a decision. Don't forget to look beyond the walls. The neighbourhood surrounding your home can be almost as important as the environment inside of it.
Single-Family
A home containing one dwelling unit, that stands alone and sits on its own lot thereby offering a greater ...
Posted by Neelu Nijjar
on August 19, 2010
Over the past year, we have seen an increase in the number of bank sales. These are usually sold under “Power of Sale”. In other words, the owner has defaulted on the mortgage and the lender is selling the property. On selling under “Power of Sale”, the lender will include a Schedule to the Agreement of Purchase and Sale that is usually quite lengthy and contains certain cautions ...
Posted by Eugene Pilato
on July 28, 2010
A home is one of life’s most important purchases. Before committing to a purchase it makes sense to learn as much as possible about any property you wish to acquire. Understanding the important differences between an appraisal and a home inspection will help you to obtain detailed information about the home’s value and condition.
An Appraisal
An appraisal allows ...
Posted by Stacey Harron
on May 27, 2010
There is a lot of controversy about the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) - approaching in just a few weeks now - at the moment. It looks like it here to stay despite the best efforts of its opponents.
How much of this controversy has been created because of the lack of clarity?
I spent some time researching the effects of the HST on the housing market and truth be told I've come up with this:
It's just ...
Posted by Lorna McGlashan
on May 13, 2010
You just had the subjects removed from your offer to purchase; what's next?
Choose a Lawyer or Notary to handle the conveyancing of your home purchase. If unsure as to who you should hire then ask your Realtor® for a list of recommended names.
Ask your lawyer or notary what you should expect to pay for Closing Costs. Also, be sure to ask them any general questions ...
Posted by Jason Neumann
on May 6, 2010