Choosing the right agent is almost as important as choosing the right house. The right agent will have the experience, strategies, personality and taste that will further your goals. Choosing one with a style that harmonizes with your own will make the house-hunting and/or selling process much more enjoyable and productive.
Ask questions: Before hiring an agent, be sure to ask pertinent ...
Posted by Paul Baron
on December 6, 2011
The booming condominium market in the GTA has been fueling real estate sales for years, providing buyers with options for investing and living. TD Canada Trust’s 4th Condo Poll revealed that the low maintenance of condos compared to homes is the biggest motivation for those buying condos, making up 36 per cent of their decision-making power, while affordability comes in second at 24 per ...
Posted by Paul Baron
on October 15, 2011
If Canada’s household debt were evenly divided up between all Canadians, a family with two children would collectively owe $176,461. A bit of scary information, isn’t it? This statistic was recently revealed in a study conducted by the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada. Household debt, defined as the outstanding balance of household credit, including consumer credit ...
Posted by Paul Baron
on September 5, 2011
There’s something about a home that tells stories of yesteryear through its creaks and carved mouldings, in its worn bricks and scuffed floors. It’s not just a building, but also a part of our social and architectural history.
Lyn and Dick Mullen know all about historic charm. They welcome visitors into their 19th century home on a regular basis to experience the history and stories ...
Posted by Paul Baron
on March 10, 2011
You’re tired of renting and paying for someone else’s mortgage every month. You’ve been saving for years and decided it’s time to purchase your own piece of real estate.
Great! Investing in real estate can be a very profitable and fulfilling step. But now what? Becoming a homeowner can be a little daunting, especially when you’re as green as they come. And like Heather ...
Posted by Paul Baron
on March 2, 2011
You’ve tried to show a home in its best light. You’ve taken photos of all of the rooms and features, but they just lack that wow factor. There are a few key factors to consider when shooting interiors that can mean the difference between a dark, dingy, lackluster home and a bright, inviting, sharp interior. Set up the shot The room or vignette has to look good before the camera can record ...
Posted by Paul Baron
on February 12, 2011
After Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced new mortgage rules for 2011, many homeowners and prospective homeowners began to panic.
There are three changes that will take effect on March 18th of this year: Maximum mortgage amortization periods will be reduced from 35 to 30 years. The maximum borrowing limits for refinancing a mortgage will be reduced from 90 per cent to 85 per cent of the value ...
Posted by Paul Baron
on January 22, 2011
Each of us wants to show our home in its best light. We want guests to be wowed by it and prospective buyers to choose it out of all the homes they tour. Luckily, a few simple steps can help move your abode to the top of the list. According to Moneysense Magazine, home staging can bring in six per cent above a home’s asking price. 1. Curb Appeal Statistics say potential buyers will ...
Posted by Paul Baron
on January 12, 2011
It’s the largest financial investment many will make in a lifetime. Entering into a mortgage is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. Preparation is key. Learning how to apply before taking the necessary steps will take a load off your shoulders and provide confidence in your decisions. Step 1: Inform yourself Fixed rates, variable rates, deposit and repayment plans, amortization—It’s ...
Posted by Paul Baron
on December 17, 2010