Frank Steinhausen, Broker
FSteinhausen@REMAX.net
RE/MAX Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
Phone 905-428-6533
Fax 905-668-1850
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9 Ways to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Costs
March 10th, 2010 Categories: Buying real estate
1. Raise your deductible. If you can afford to pay more toward a loss that occurs, your premiums will be lower.
2. Buy your homeowners and auto policies from the same company and you’ll usually qualify for a discount. But make sure that the savings really yields the lowest price.
3. Make your home less susceptible to damage. Keep roofs and drains in good repair. Retrofit your house to protect against natural disasters common to your area.
4. Keep your home safer. Install smoke detectors, burglar alarms, and dead-bolt locks. All of these will usually qualify for a discount.
5. Be sure you insure your house for the correct amount. Remember, you’re covering replacement cost, not market value.
6. Ask about other discounts. For example, retirees who are home more than working people may qualify for a discount on theft insurance.
7. Stay with the same insurer. Especially in today’s tight insurance market, your current vendor is more likely to give you a good price.
8. See if you belong to any groups—associations, alumni groups—that offer lower insurance rates.
9. Review your policy limits and the value of your home and possessions annually. Some items depreciate and may not need as much coverage.
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GTA REALTORS® Report February Resale Housing Market Figures
March 4th, 2010 Categories: Ajax, Durham Region, Oshawa, Pickering, Pickering Village, Real Estate News, Whitby
March 3, 2010 — Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 7,291 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in February, representing a 77 per cent increase over February 2009. The average price for these transactions was up 19 per cent year-over-year to $431,509. Sales and average price increases represent both increased demand for ownership housing and the base year effect, which involves a comparison of economic recovery this year to a period of economic decline last year.
“Increases in existing home sales and average price were noted across the GTA in low-rise and high-rise home types. Similar rates of growth were experienced in the City of Toronto and surrounding 905 regions,” said TREB President Tom Lebour. “This suggests that first time, move-up and down sizing buyers are all active in the existing home marketplace.”
New listings also increased in February, climbing 24 per cent compared to the same month last year.
“Annual growth in new listings is expected to continue. New listings growth will start to outstrip sales growth as we move through 2010,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis. “As the market becomes better supplied, we will see more sustainable single-digit rates of price growth.”
Median Price
In February, the median price was $366,300, from the $312,900 recorded during February of 2009.
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CMHC Suggests Housing Activity Stronger in 2010
March 3rd, 2010 Categories: Real Estate News
OTTAWA, March 2, 2010 — Housing starts rebounded in the second half of 2009 and will strengthen in 2010, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s first quarter Housing Market Outlook, Canada Edition*.
Following a total of 149,081 units in 2009, housing starts are expected to be in the range of 152,000 to 189,300 units in 2010, with a point forecast of 171,250 units. In 2011, housing starts will be in the range of 156,400 to 205,600 units, with a point forecast of 175,150 units.
“Canadian housing markets will benefit from improving economic conditions and low mortgage rates,” said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist for CMHC. “As well, measures recently announced by the Government of Canada to support the long-term stability of Canada’s housing market will help moderate housing activity as some potential buyers will have to save a larger down payment or consider a less expensive home.”
Mr. Dugan also noted that the existing home market has shifted from a buyers’ market, at the beginning of 2009, to a sellers’ market. The relative lack of new listings for existing homes has pushed some of the demand into the new home market, which helps explain the forecast for higher housing starts activity in 2010.
The strong pace of MLS®1 sales seen in the second to fourth quarters of 2009 reflects, in part, activity that was delayed in the previous two quarters. The pace is not likely to be sustained as pent-up demand is exhausted and financing costs increase with anticipated higher interest rates later in 2010. As a result, existing home sales will be in the range of 455,350 to 509,900 units in 2010, with a point forecast of 486,700 units, and then move slightly lower in 2011 to be in the range of 426,300 to 494,600 units, with a point forecast of 469,950 units.
With an improved balance between demand and supply, the average MLS® price is expected to remain close to the average in the last quarter of 2009, for most of 2010, and then rise modestly in 2011.
As Canada’s national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable homes. CMHC also provides reliable, impartial and up-to-date housing market reports, analysis and knowledge to support and assist consumers and the housing industry in making vital decisions.
* The forecasts included in the Housing Market Outlook are based on information available as of February 16, 2010. Where applicable, forecast ranges are also presented in order to reflect economic uncertainty.
Information on this release:
Charles Sauriol
CMHC Media Relations
613-748-2799
csauriol@cmhc-schl.gc.ca
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The Financial Post states that Mortgage changes target ‘reckless’ buyers: Flaherty
February 26th, 2010 Categories: Buying real estate, Mortgage
Here is an explanation of the new mortgage rules:
OTTAWA — Jim Flaherty, the Finance Minister, says he is targeting “reckless” speculators who buy up multiple condominium units in the country’s biggest cities with new rules introduced yesterday that will make it tougher for Canadians to get a mortgage….
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“The measures will not affect the ability of a Canadian family to buy a house. It will affect those who are speculating,” the Finance Minister said. “What we’re getting at is the speculation in multiple condominium units in particular which we see in Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and in some other places in Canada.”
Home builders were taken aback by the measures introduced, saying they could result in “severe implications” for the condo and housing markets.
The changes, scheduled to come into effect on April 19, will make it harder for first-time buyers to qualify for government-backed mortgage insurance — from either Crown agency Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. or private-sector providers — which is required if down payments are less than 20% of the property’s value.
Borrowers now have to meet standards for a five-year fixed-rate mortgage, even if the buyer wants a shorter-term, variable rate product.
Some analysts, however, indicate the shift is not as big as it appears. Eric Lascelles, chief economist at TD Securities, said the revamped rule likely means the minimum household income cutoff for Canadian mortgage applicants would be about $5,000 to $8,000 higher.
Further, Ottawa has raised the minimum down payment on rental income properties — where the buyer does not plan to live — to 20% from 5%.
Mr. Flaherty said one goal is to protect Canadians from overextending themselves financially as interest rates are likely to climb from present historic lows. The other, he added, is to root out speculation in real estate, which he suggested was happening with greater frequency based on prebudget consultations….
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SUMMARY OF CHANGES
*Borrowers must qualify for a five-year fixed rate mortgage instead of a three-year loan when calculating gross debt service and total debt service ratios.
*Refinancing will be capped at 90% for government-backed high-ratio mortgages versus 90% previously.
*A down payment of 20%, instead of 5%, will be required for government-backed mortgage insurance on non-owner-occupied properties purchased for speculation.
WHAT CHANGES MEAN FOR A $337,000 HOUSE
*The difference between a three-year mortgage rate and a five-year mortgage rate is currently in the range of about 50-100 basis points. The average house in Canada costs $337,000, which means that this change will require that mortgage applicants have the capacity to absorb an extra $2,500 per year in mortgage costs than in the past, according to calculations by Eric Lascelles at TD Securities. Effectively, the minimum household income cut-off for Canadian mortgage applicants is now about $5,000-8,000 higher than it was previously, to fulfill the new rule.
Financial Post
pvieira@nationalpost.com
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Sprucing Up Your Home For The Buyers
February 24th, 2010 Categories: Selling real estate
A perfect storm might be on the horizon for the real estate market. The HST is set to come in July, when interest rates might take a hike and mortgage rules are changing. Now, might be the opportunity to catch the rising market. To make sure you can earn as much as possible from the sale of your home, there are some easy interior design secrets that enhance the feel of your home for potential buyers.
As a seller, you can’t control mortgage interest rates, market fluctuations, neighbourhood and city influences. You can control how your home is presented when a realtor shows your home to buyers.
Having a pleasant environment can put buyers at ease and reassure them that the home has been taken care of.
Here are a couple of tips that might help:
- Change the lighting.
Changing the lighting can instantly change the mood in the room. For example, an overhead light in the bedroom tends to create a stark atmosphere. Instead, turn on side table lamps with opaque shades to create a relaxed, ambient feel.
Cramped, dim spaces can be enhanced with mirrors making the a room feel larger and warmer. You can also use window coverings to adjust the light. Blinds that open completely can give a bright, airy feel to a room and soft sheer drapes can add a touch of warmth.
- Add some accessories.
Changing or adding accessories are just about the cheapest way to enhance your room. They make the room more interesting. Adding vases, candlesticks, coffee table books, flowers, and wall hangings can add life to your room. Remember though, another rule in home staging is, less is more.
One very special accessory is often better than five or six knick knacks. The knick knacks tend to just add clutter. Paintings and photos are good ways to add colour and character.
It is wise to get professional advice when decorating or staging your home, fifty dollars invested in paint or accessories could be money in your pocket.
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GTA Realtors Report Mid-February Resale Housing Market Figures
February 19th, 2010 Categories: Ajax, Pickering, Pickering Village, Real Estate News
Toronto, February 18, 2010 — Greater Toronto Realtors reported 3,555 sales through the Multiple Listing Service during the first two weeks of February.
This represented a 74 percent increase compared to the 2,044 sales recorded during the same period in 2009 when resale transactions had dipped due to the recession. The February mid-month sales total was also 7.7 percent above the previous high set in 2006.
“Home ownership demand remains strong in the GTA, as households remain confident that economic recovery is at hand and that ownership housing will continue to be a quality long term investment,” Said Toronto Real Estate Board President Tom Lebour.
The average price for February mid-month transactions was $429,997 - an 18 percent increase over 2009. New listings within the Toronto Real Estate Board boundaries were up 15 percent to 6, 212.
“Double-digit price increases will persist through the first quarter of the year,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of market Analysis. “However, as new listings continue to increase creating a better supplied market, we will see the annual rate of price growth moderate into the single digits.”
Greater Toronto REaltors are passionate about their work. They adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and share state-of-th-art Multiple Listing Service. Servince over 29,000 Members in the Greater Toronto Area, the Toronto Real Estate Board is Canada’s largesst real estate board. Greater Toronto Area open house listings are now available on www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com.
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Ottawa Changes Mortgage Borrowing Rules
February 17th, 2010 Categories: Mortgage, Real Estate News
Watch as Finance Minister, Jim Flaherty, changes the affordability of homes in Canada:
http://watch.ctv.ca/news/latest/tougher-rules/
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GTA Realtors Report January Resale Housing Market Figures
February 5th, 2010 Categories: Ajax, Pickering, Pickering Village, Real Estate News, Whitby
TORONTO, February 3, 2010 — Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 4,986 transactions through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) in January 2010. This result represented a large increase over the 2,670 sales in January 2009 when the home sales were in a recessionary trough. Last month’s sales were slightly higher than the January average in the five years preceding 2009.
“The GTA housing market has rebounded well from the lows in sales experienced at the beginning of 2009. Sales climbed back to healthy levels across the GTA because the cost of home ownership remained affordable in the Toronto area,” said TREB President Tom Lebour. “Increasingly confident consumers moved to take advantage of affordable home ownership.”
The average home selling price in January 2010 climbed 19 per cent to $409,058, compared to 343,632 in the same month last year.
“Expect strong annual growth rates for existing home sales and average price through the first quarter as we continue to make comparisons to the weak market conditions at the beginning of 2009,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis. “The rate of sales and price growth will be lower in the second half of 2010.”
Greater Toronto REALTORS® are passionate about their work. They adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service. Serving over 29,000 Members in the Greater Toronto Area, the Toronto Real Estate Board is Canada’s largest real estate board. Greater Toronto Area open house listings are now available on www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com.
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10 Home Features Buyers Want
February 2nd, 2010 Categories: Area interest, Selling real estate
Considering selling? Consider this:
Home designers and builders speaking at the recent International Builders Show in Las Vegas say that buyers are seeking cost-effective features and rejecting things that don’t have lasting value.
“It’s all about family togetherness – casual living, entertaining and flexible spaces,” says Carol Lavender, president of the Lavender Design Group in San Antonio.
Paul Cardis, CEO of Avid Ratings, which conducts an annual survey of buyer preferences, identified these must-haves in new homes:
1. Large kitchens with islands
2. Energy efficiency, including energy-efficient appliances, super insulation, and high-efficiency windows.
3. Home offices
4. Main-floor master suite
5. Outdoor living space
6. Ceiling fans
7. Soaking tub in the master suite and/or an oversize shower with a seating area
8. Stone and brick exteriors rather than stucco or vinyl
9. Community walking paths and playgrounds
10. Two-car garages, but three-car garages are even more desirable
Source: MarketWatch, Steve Kerch (01/30/2010)
Read More
Blog: Styled, Staged & Sold
Inside REALTOR Magazine’s Special House & Home Issue
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Heated housing activity throughout 2009 lends little air to bubble theory in the GTA, says RE/MAX
January 28th, 2010 Categories: Real Estate News, Selling real estate
Despite limited inventory levels in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in the latter half of the year, double-digit price appreciation failed to materialize in the single-detached housing category in 2009, says RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada.
Single-detached housing values remain slightly off peak 2008 levels in 27 per cent of TREB districts
Mississauga, ON (January 28, 2010) – Despite limited inventory levels in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in the latter half of the year, double-digit price appreciation failed to materialize in the single-detached housing category in 2009, says RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada.In fact, an in-depth analysis by RE/MAX of 63 districts within the Toronto Real Estate Board found that detached housing values in 27 per cent of districts remained slightly off 2008 levels, while 57 per cent reported price appreciation of less than five per cent in 2009. Sixteen per cent of districts recorded an increase in average price in excess of five per cent. No double-digit gains were noted.
“There is simply no evidence of a housing bubble,” says Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. “While sales were up considerably over one year ago—and supply was tight in many of the city’s hot pocket areas—the expected surge in average price did not occur. Buyers remained cautious in their pursuit of homeownership—with most unwilling to overpay for the privilege. “
While one quarter of all TREB districts saw prices in the detached housing category soften in 2009, just over half declined by less than two per cent. Those that saw prices fall by more than two per cent were primarily upper-end neighbourhoods—the vast majority located in the central core—which were slower to rebound once the market regained momentum. By year-end, however, sales in all of these areas posted double-digit growth—a fact that clearly indicates a greater number of transactions at the lower end of the price spectrum. Inventory may have also played a role as sellers held off listing their luxury properties until market conditions improved.
Leading the GTA in terms of price appreciation was South Pickering (E12) where the average has risen 9.4 per cent to $358,493; Malvern, Hillside, Rouge (E11) takes second place with a 7.3 per cent upswing to $368,095; North Pickering (E13) was ranked third with values climbing 7.2 per cent to $396,973; fourth spot goes to Port Credit (W12) in Mississauga where values have climbed seven per cent to $614,144; and rounding out the top five — the lone downtown Toronto district –was Riverdale, Leslieville (E01) where prices escalated 6.7 per cent to $522,017. Ballantrae, Cedar Valley (N13) ranked sixth with a reported 6.4 per cent increase to $662,268. In seventh place is Richmond Hill – North End (N05) with a 6.3 per cent increase in average price to $574,642. The Applewood, Rathwood neigbhourhoods (W14) in Mississauga ranked eighth in terms of price appreciation, rising 6.1 per cent to $505,994, while Markham (N10) claimed ninth spot with a 5.3 per cent escalation in detached housing values, bringing the average to $510,268. Bathurst Manor, Armour Heights (C06) in the city’s north end secured tenth place with a 5.1 per cent upswing in average price to $597,025.
The East clearly dominated the top five and affordability factored in heavily, with single-detached homes in both Pickering districts and Malvern, Hillside, Rouge, priced under $400,000. Young families – most buying their first home — were attracted to communities like Riverdale and up-and-coming Leslieville, while move-up buyers looked to Port Credit, which has steadily increased in popularity in recent years.
“First-time buyers were a driving force throughout much of the year, but their role was most noticeable in early 2009,” says Polzler. “Almost one in every two homes sold was priced under $400,000 in the first quarter of the year. An entirely different picture emerged in the final quarter when just one-third of homes moved under the $400,000 price point.”
As the move-up segment swelled, so too did demand for more upscale properties across the board. Yet, despite the upswing, average price registered only a small percentage increase. In the central core, for example, where the average price ranges from $572,529 in Don Mills to as high as $1,717,190 in Rosedale, overall values rose one per cent to $919,838, compared to 2008. Unit sales in C-district jumped 31 per cent to close to 4,000 units.
The number of homes sold in the city’s north end saw the greatest percentage increase at 32 per cent to 8,843 units. Average price in North district, which ranges from $398,864 in Newmarket to $700,499 in King City, rose two per cent overall to $555,616. Housing sales climbed in the west, where values range from $298,136 in Brampton to $790,060 in the Kingsway, by close to 19 per cent to 12,453 units. West district’s average price rose a nominal 1.5 per cent to $467,227. The increase in sales was more moderate in the East End (including Scarborough and Pickering, Ajax), where values range from $325,393 in Bendale, Woburn to $691,128 in the Beach. The number of detached homes sold increased 15 per cent year over year to 6,690. Average price in East Toronto rose 2.6 per cent overall to $400,813.
“After a dismal start, the stats confirm that 2009 returned to the healthy, upward trajectory that we have followed for much of the last decade,” says Polzler. “We see detached homes continuing on that course in 2010, with moderate gains expected. The detached housing category continues to be a solid gauge of the market’s overall performance, accounting for approximately half of the activity in GTA.”
RE/MAX is Canada’s leading real estate organization with over 17,000 sales associates situated throughout its more than 677 independently-owned and operated offices across the country. The RE/MAX franchise network, now in its 36th year, is a global real estate system operating in more than 70 countries. Over 6,700 independently-owned offices engage nearly 100,000 member sales associates who lead the industry in professional designations, experience and production while providing real estate services in residential, commercial, referral, and asset management. For more information, visit: www.remax.ca.
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For more information:
Christine Martysiewicz
RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada
905.542.2400
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