The Hamilton-Burlington area resale market reported a total of 1,369 units sold in July, indicating an increase of 10.6 per cent over the same month last year.  The total unit sales for the first seven months of 2009 are being reported at 7.4 per cent lower for the same period last year, while new units listed are 8.3 per cent lower for the year-to-date, according to Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) statistics released by the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB). "The summer market has continued with the strength seen in the spring," said Bruce King, RAHB President.  "July marked the second month where sales and average price were up, year over year.  Consumers continue to see value and opportunity in the greater Hamilton-Burlington area." Residential properties sold duri... 08/18/2009

Ok, you're in the market to purchase a home. August & September are couple of the BEST Months to List & Purchase a Home!Some want into their New Homes Before or During the Start of the New School Year.Next step is that you'll want to go to a bunch of open houses or have your realtor set up appointments to view homes for sale. You pull up to the curb and there it is - the home of your dreams. Calm down. Take a deep breath and start again. The hardest thing to do when looking for a home is to remain objective. It is easy to fall in love with a home's appearance, but it's very important to look beyond the window dressing.The following not only helps Buyers, It also helps Sellers to get there home ready before they list it on the market. Here are some things to consider when looking at a ho... 08/18/2009

OPEN CONCEPT 2 STOREY. FEATURES 9FT. CEILINGS ON MAIN FLOOR WITH COLUMNS, POT LIGHTS, HARDWOOD & CERAMIC FLOORING. DINING ROOM BOASTS A COFFERED CEILING AND CROWN MOULDING, LIVING ROOM WITH GAS FIREPLACE, EAT-IN KITCHEN WITH MAPLE CABINETS. THE SECOND FLOOR HAS 3 SPACIOUS BEDROOMS INCLUDING A LARGE MASTER BEDROOM WITH WALK-IN CLOSET AND BEAUTIFUL ENSUITE. THE EXTERIOR HAS A DECK WITH ATTACHED PERGOLA, PAVED DRIVE WITH CONCRETE EDGING, FRONT STEPS AND PERENNIAL GARDENS IN BOTH FRONT AND BACK. (FRIDGE & STOVE NEGOTIABLE). RoomsOther Second level n/a Master bedroom Second level 17 ft ,4 in x 14 ft ,8 in Bedroom Second level 13 ft x 10 ft ,4 in Bedroom Second level 14 ft x 10 ft ,4 in 4pc Ensuite bath Second level n/a 4pc Bathroom Second level n/a Eat in kitchen Main level 17 ft ,6 in x 12... 03/28/2009

Many economists expect that the Bank of Canada will cut interest rates to a record low next week on January 20th to stimulate the economy. Its expected that the Bank of Canada will cut its rate by 0.50% to a record low of 1.00%. The Canadian Banks are expected to follow with a cut to their prime rates, which are currently sitting at 3.50%. European Central Bank to cut its trendsetting interest rate to two per cent on Thursday. Gina Burgio, Mortgage Agent VERICO Designer Mortgages Inc. Toll Free: 1-877-345-6265 Fax: 1-877-345-6256 Email: gina@ginaburgio.com Each VERICO Broker is an independent owner operator. 01/15/2009

Bank of Canada is expected to lower interest rates this Tuesday... many economists are forecasting a half-point chop to their bank rate to 1.75 per cent, the lowest since 1960. Interbank funding spreads have narrowed by more than half since mid-October. This is making it possible for banks to pass on the central bank rate cut to customers in the form of lower prime rates. Prime rates are the rates for loans to banks' best corporate borrowers and are the base for lending on everything from mortgages, lines of credit, consumer loans and car loans. Gina Burgio, Mortgage Agent VERICO Designer Mortgages Inc. Toll Free: 1-877-345-6265 Fax: 1-877-345-6256 Email: gina@ginaburgio.com Each VERICO Broker is an independent owner operator. 12/08/2008

Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney said in a speech recently that the Canadian economy has deteriorated more quickly than he had anticipated, hinting strongly he will cut interest rates at the next meeting on December 9. This is also the first time that the Bank of Canada has conceded that the Canadian economy could be headed for a recession. "Starting from flat growth in the first quarter of 2009 and the second quarter of 2009 ... recession is a possibility for Canada," commented Carney. The technical definition of a recession is two or more consecutive quarters of negative economic growth. The Canadian economy contracted in the third quarter ended and is expected to contract again in the current quarter ended Dec. 31. Click Here to Subscribe to My Blog. Gina Burgio, Mortgage Agent VE... 11/19/2008

I am pleased to announce that the grand opening of our Ancaster office is scheduled for December 1, 2008. The new office will be located at 911 Golf Links Road in the Meadowlands area of Ancaster, Ontario. We are excited about the opening of this new location and are looking forward to serving members of the community and the surrounding areas from this location. I would like to also thank our clients for their ongoing support. Call today at 1-877-345-6265 to book an appointment to discuss your mortgage needs! Click Here to Subscribe to My Blog. Gina Burgio, Mortgage Agent VERICO Designer Mortgages Inc. Toll Free: 1-877-345-6265 Fax: 1-877-345-6256 Email: gina@ginaburgio.comwww.ginaburgio.com Each VERICO Broker is an independent owner operator. 11/12/2008

Three times this month Toronto-Dominion Bank, Canada's second-largest bank, has been first to lower its prime rate following decisions by the Bank of Canada (the central bank) to lower its overnight rate. Toronto-Dominion's biggest rivals followed suit the same day. For example, on Oct.8, TD Bank was the first to announce a cut that day with a statement at 1 p.m., followed by Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) 43 minutes later. Royal Bank of Canada, the country's largest bank, was next at 2:32 p.m., followed by Bank of Nova Scotia and Bank of Montreal. Two days later, the banks reduced their rates again following the federal government agreement to buy as much as C$25 billion of bank mortgages. TD was first, announcing a 15 basis-point cut at 12:31 p.m., followed by Scotiabank at... 10/29/2008

Rotary Club of Ancaster A.M. presents the 1st Annual Halloween Rocky Horror Picture Show Dance   Featuring Much Music Video Dance Party Must be 19 years or older(a licensed event) Costumes are optional Prizes for the best costume Door prizes, food, cash bar, and video dance party   SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25th, 2008 Time:  Doors open at 8 pm  Cost:  $35/Ticket Place:  Ancaster Rotary Community Centre For tickets please call Hair by Nature  905-304-1324 or visit www. ancasterrotaryam.com   Proceeds from event are in support of the Ancaster Rotary Community Centre and Polio Charities.   10/17/2008

Many people were wondering last week why the Canadian Dollar started to lose value against the US Dollar, when it appears that the USA was in greater crisis mode in comparison to Canada. Well here is why.... Canada is one of the world's largest producers of oil and holds oil reserves second only to Saudi Arabia, which makes Canada very reliant on its most prized commodity.  It is also the largest supplier to the world's biggest oil consumer - the United States.  Therfore, rising oil prices tend to be good for Canada/bad for the U.S., while falling oil prices tend to be bad for Canada/good for the U.S. As you can see from the chart above, price movements USD/CAD and Oil are inversely correlated from each other - meaning as oil trends higher, USD/CAD tends to trend lower and vice versa. S... 10/16/2008

The posted interest rates on five-year mortgages jumped more than a third of a percentage point to 7.2 per cent at major Canadian banks this week. Some think the extra government borrowing and a growing supply of money will sow the seeds for higher inflation and interest rates. The cost for Washington and Ottawa to borrow for 10 years has spiked in the past two weeks - but is still well less than 4 per cent a year. Recent official inflation rates have not been much lower. The yield on Canada's inflation-adjusted bonds has jumped to 2.06 percentage points, more than the consumer price index, and up from about 1.5 points in August. But that's down from more than 4 per cent just a decade ago.     Gina Burgio, Mortgage Agent VERICO Designer Mortgages Inc. Toll Free: 1-877-34-LOAN-5 or 1-877... 09/30/2008

The fate of the government's $700 billion financial bailout plan - a far-reaching attempt to stem a growing economic crisis - was thrown into doubt Monday as the House rejected the controversial measure. The abrupt defeat left the Bush administration and congressional leaders scrambling to figure out whether to renegotiate the bill and introduce it again as soon as Thursday or to try other options. 09/29/2008

We offer employment opportunities for Mortgage Broker and Agent positions. Some advantages you get by working for us: Preferred Commission Compensation Package Access to numerous Lenders and Loan Programs Very experienced staff including management and processing staff Training on every aspect of the mortgage lending industry Professional work environment including office space, private meeting rooms, most recent computer software, individual email, current mortgage origination software. Residential Mortgage and Commercial Lending Plus much more We take pride in our Mortgage Brokers/Agents and their abilities, making sure they are a good fit for our mortgage team. If you are interested in working for a company who maintains a high quality of service towards their customers along with th... 09/25/2008

I get this hesitation time and time again with my clients They are nervous about painting their cupboards. Even if they are dated--the arguement being, the wood is in good condition. Every situation is different and must be evaluated so. However, most often than not...it needs to be done. So don't be afraid...seek out a paint brush and start with the inside door if you are nervous. Well...pictures speak louder than words. You decide...the right thing to do?   Master Bedroom Ensuite Bathroom After Main Bathroom Before After For all of your design, decor, and staging needs, call..... Julia Fedak, Design Consultant and Home Stager Platinum Home Staging and Design "Design for Living, Design for Selling" c. 289.260.9404 b. 905.561.1916 www.platinumhomestagingdesign.com       07/20/2008

  THIS HOME IS A COUNTRY HAVEN JUST MINUTES FROM ANCASTER, NESTLED ON OVER AN ACRE OF LAND. THE HOME FEATURES A LARGE WRAP AROUND FRONT PORCH, A GOURMET KITCHEN WITH SOLID OAK CABINETS AND HARDWOOD FLOORS WITH PATIO DOORS TO A BI-LEVEL DECK. RELAX WITH THE BIG SCREEN TV IN THE SUNKEN FAMILY ROOM WITH ITS WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE AND VAULTED BEAMED CEILING. THE MAIN FLOOR ALSO BOASTS A GAMES ROOM AND BEAUTIFUL SEPARATE DINING ROOM WITH ACCESS TO THE PORCH. THERE IS A POSSIBLE IN-LAW SUITE WITH SEPARATE ENTRANCE AND TWO FULL BEDROOMS. THIS HOME HAS A DETACHED GARAGE (24' X 22') AND STORAGE AREA AND A LOVELY KIDNEY SHAPED HEATED INGROUND POOL. RECENT UPGRADES INCLUDE: FURNACE('06), ROOF ('06), A/C('06),NEW CARPET IN THE LIVING ROOM AND DINING ROOM ('07),POOL HEAT PUMP ('04),POOL LINER ('07)... 05/17/2008

Hamilton West Mountain, Hamilton  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 46 MILANO Court on Sunday February 10 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Property information Call Lisa Tollis if you would like to view this home before the Openhouse.Lisa TollisSales RepresentativeSeniors Real Estate SpecialistRoyal LePage State Realty, BrokerageHamilton Ontario 905 574-4600 24hr pagerToll Free: 1 877 574-7441Visit www.LisaTollis.ca 02/06/2008

Ok, you're in the market to purchase a home. February is one of the BEST Months to List & Purchase a HomeNext step is that you'll want to go to a bunch of open houses or have your realtor set up appointments to view homes for sale. You pull up to the curb and there it is - the home of your dreams. Calm down. Take a deep breath and start again. The hardest thing to do when looking for a home is to remain objective. It is easy to fall in love with a home's appearance, but it's very important to look beyond the window dressing.The following not only helps Buyers, It also helps Sellers to get there home ready before they list it on the market.Here are some things to consider when looking at a home:General upkeep First appearances do count. Is the home dirty and cluttered? Are the lawns uncu... 02/06/2008

A Mortgage Pre-Approval Is the FIRST step you should take before setting out looking at your dream homes and later finding out that you DON'T qualify or can't afford that dream home.It doesn't matter if you're a First-Time Home Buyer, Second-Time Home Buyer, Investor or Just want to Purchase that Family Cottage. Talk to your Bank or Lender and find out exactly what you can afford. This will narrow down the properties to fit your price range and Completely Eliminate DISAPPOINTMENT!Remember! Buyers DO NOT PAY COMMISSION. Only the sellers of a home or property pay Commissions to the Sellers & Buyers Realtors.  For More Information Contact:Lisa Tollis Sales Representative SRES.Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.Hamilton Ontario905 574-4600Visit My Website, www.LisaTollis.ca for more great... 12/20/2007

First-Time Home Buyers-Take Advantage of The New "Land Transfer Tax" Available To You By The Ontario Goverment.The McGuinty government is giving all First-Time HomeBuyers a break on land transfer tax by proposing to expand the Land Transfer Tax Refund Program to include purchases of resale homes, Finance Minister Dwight Duncan announced today. "Expanding this Land Transfer Tax refund is an important part of our government's commitment to helping Ontarians buying their first home," Duncan said. Effective midnight tonight, first-time buyers of resale homes, as well as newly constructed homes, would be eligible for a refund from the provincial government of up to $2,000 of the Land Transfer Tax paid. Read More For More Information Call:Lisa Tollis Sales Representative SRES.Royal LePage Sta... 12/20/2007

Ancaster is a suburban community southwest of Hamilton, Ontario, with which it amalgamated in 2001.HistoryIt was surveyed as Ancaster Township in the 1790s, attached variously to Nassau District, Home District, York County (West Riding) and Halton County. Finally, in 1851, it was attached to Wentworth County and its successors where it remains today. It was one of the three original potential capitals of Upper Canada with a strong defensible position and close to water but ended up being too close to the American border.Its pioneer settlers deforested the land and planted crops for subsistence agriculture. For a century it was an unimposing gristmill hamlet and police village. The mill was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. It now operates as the Ancaster Old Mill, a restaurant and banqu... 11/17/2007