The HST has eliminated the incentive for buyers to purchase from curb side dealers or people who make a living selling used cars without a license. Curbsiders would often knock off the GST to close a sale and with the HST that's no longer possible. If you buy a car from a dealer, you pay 13% and if you buy a car privately, you'll pay 13%, so if you think you are getting a good deal, great but you will pay 13%. 08/07/2010

In a recent survey of 1,531 Canadians were asked: Thinking about the 'underground economy' where people pay cash for goods and services so they do not pay tax, which statement most closely reflects your view? 26% stated "I'd never do it. Buying/selling without paying tax cheats the system, punishing the rest of us who have to ultimately make up the cost. 35% stated "I don't regularly do it. but have once or twice. I don't think there is anything wrong with it." 19% stated: "I do it whenever I can. Government taxes are too high now. and I'll take advantage of any chance I get to avoid paying it, it isn't unethical, it's just being practical." 14% stated: "Don't know>" 3% no answer. Watch for more blogs about some of the dangers of the underground economy. 08/07/2010

July 2010 was hot,hot, hot but home sales in the White Oaks area of London were a little cool. Was this a typical July? Let's look at detached home sales this July compared to previous years The green line indicating sales volumes took a nose dive but prices held their own. For the full report and monthly updates visit. www.WhiteOaksReports.com 08/04/2010

Are you thinking of downsizing in London Ontario? Is your present home too large or too hard or costly to maintain? Or your pension income not keeping up with costs? I work daily with both the young and mature in adressing these concerns and I respect your thoughts, fears and concerns about what to do and how to do it. My biggest concern is to overcome the conflicting (warranted or unwarranted) advice and thoughts that you may have. In London at present you have a great choice of properties to chose from such as: 39 bungalows/ranches between $100-150,000, 174  between $150-$250,000 and 85 between $250-$400,000 104 apartment condos under $150,000, 31 between $150-$200,000 and 12 between $200-$300,000 61 one floor attached, detached condos As you can see, there are choices and alternative... 08/04/2010

Home sales in the London and St.Thomas area slumped in July and is consistent with the trend occurring across Canada.July sales were down 21% and June sales of homes and condos in London were down as well. Active listings increased by 11.6% and surprisingly, the average year to date price for a London home is $226,283, an increase of 7.4%. What does this all mean to you as a buyer or a seller? Ralph Waldo Emerson reminds us that " The ancestor to every action is a thought." As a buyer, you have a lot of great inventory to choose from, interest rates are still quite low and lenders are being quite competitive in chasing for business. Plus, I have secondary lenders with money who want to get their money working for them. As a seller, if you price your home correctly (not 5 month ago prici... 08/04/2010

Masonville area hous sales along with the Stoneybrook & Uplands neighbourhood in London Ontario from January 1, 2010 to July 31, 2010 have been quite busy with 91 sales at 97% of the asking price of $416,001 and only 30 days on the market! There were 85 condos in Masonville, North London that sold at an average price of $244, 843 which was 98% of the asking price. These condos were on the market on average for less than 35 days. This area remains one of the hottest markets in London and especially at this time of the year with UWO grads going and new coming to London. Condos from $119,000 to $369,000 and with houses from $279,000 and up make Masonville, Uplands & Stoneybrook  a good market because of amenities and location. For condos or houses for sale in these neighbourhoods to purcha... 08/02/2010

Year To Date Sales of Real Estate in Old South Remains Quite Strong       Houses in Old South and Wortley Village neighbourhood that are listed for sale are selling briskly! 126 have sold from January 2010 to July31, 2010 and on average homes were on the market for 24 days and averaging 99% of asking price of $251,037 which was $248,965!    At presnt there are 39 resale houses in Old South/Wortley Village listed for sale from as low as $184,000 up to $800,000 +. Because of the ambience and ecletic range of homes you can see why this is a sought after London Ontario neighbourhood! Regardless if you are buying a home or selling a home, quality representation and a keen knowledge of the market will ensure a smooth transaction, and in particular, the neighbourhood. For up to date informatio... 08/02/2010

What Is The Market Doing So Far in Sunningdale? Houses in Sunningdale, a neighbourhood in North London and close to UWO & Masonville , were sought after with 32 sales since January  and with 11 condos selling as well. The average sale price for a home in Sunningdale which took 28 days to sell was $534,790 which was 97% of the asking price of $548,749 and for condos in Sunningdale, the average sale price was $287,786 which was 98% of the asking price of $293,052 and were on the market an average of 38 days. At present there are 10 resale houses for sale in Sunningdale starting as low as $429,900 to over 1.5 million. As well, there are 7 brand new homes in the finishing stages available. There are 4 condos available, 1 for lease and 3 for sale, starting from $229,900. When you require inf... 08/02/2010

Why?Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground? Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat? If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from? If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him? If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat? So there you go, now if you ask me questions about real estate, those I can answer! 07/31/2010

With recent predictions that energy costs may increase by as much as 40% over the next few years, what percentage of your utility payments equate to your mortgage payment? If you do not have a mortgage payment, bear with me.If your mortgage payment is $1200 per month and your utilities such as water, electrical, gas or oil is on average $360 per month, then you are paying 30% of your mortgage cost to live. So what, you may ask. With fixed income people, it's a big deal. If you are thinking of purchasing real estate it would behoove you to know exactly what the utility costs are. If you plan to stay in your present home, it would be wise to concentrate on how you can control your energy costs and yet be comfortable. When you did decide to list your home for sale in London Ontario, your c... 07/30/2010

Have you taken a drive out to Hyde Park lately? New home construction is very strong with a good selection of condos and houses available. Re-sale houses and condos have remained strong in so far this year and at July 27 , 177 houses sold with the average selling price being 99% of asking which was $250,862 and an average of 37 days on the market! For condos in Hyde Park, 44 sold at an average $172,888 and were on the market for 38 days. With some great shopping, new schools being built, commercial and light industrial spaces available, people are finding Hyde Park to be quite attractive. For more information on the real estate market in the Hyde Park neighbourhood, either new homes or re-sales, I know the market and can help you all the way. 07/27/2010

Houses in Oakridge have sold quite well so far this year with 120 selling on average for $277,587 which was 99% of the asking price and on average it took 29 days to sell . Also as of July 27, 52 condos sold in the Oakridge Neighbourhood at an average selling price of $201,334 and these condos were on the market an average 66 days. Most homes in Oakridge have large lots, tree lined wide streets so if you are looking for large backyards and space, Oakridge may be for you. A little bit of energy, money and smart renos can make Oakridge an inexpensive neighbourhood to live in. Don't forget about having one of the highest ratings for schools, neighbourhood activities and easy access to any place in London.For more information on Oakridge in London Ontario, be it real estate or why the sky i... 07/27/2010

In a recent North American survey, an increasing amount of homebuyers are looking for a property to accomodate more than one generation of their family. 52% of respondents cited health care issues as the number 1 reason why home buyers or sellers would move into a house with other generations of their family. Financial reasons were the second reason and less than 1% cited a strong family bond as the main reason.If you are a homebuyer in the London Ontario region and looking to accomodate a member or members of your family, I understand and can help.   07/27/2010

Residents in London Ontario are going to see an increase of 17% in their electrical bills August 1 and other increases over the next two years! London Hydro is spinning stories how change is good, how they are going to hold the hands of Londoner's and other blink blink wink wink stories. To be fair, Ontario Hydro is partially to blame for increasing rates by overpaying and cloud dreaming about solar, it's one sided contracts and un-competitive awarding of contracts. We as citzens of London and Ontario are scapegoats and victims of inneffieciencies, inflated salaries and bonuses and duplication of services. Thank you London Hydro for the honour of turning the lights on and off and with smart meters, you will allow me to think for myself or Big Brother will, if you allow it. 07/27/2010

Yup, the title is correct. Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips says current accuracy rates for weather predictions are low. (We all could have told him that for free!)"The models that are in use now are marginally better than flipping a coin" he said, noting accuracy rates for 90 day forecasts is around 55%. In due respect to Environment Canada, below are a few inexpensive models that have a high percentage of accuracy: Monitor car washes, washing your car causes rain to fall Hire people with joint pain across the country to call in on the 1/2 hour for an accurate forecast Monitor the work week, if it is sunny all week, it rains on the weekend If everyone planned their vacation at the same time, then we would know within 98% accuracy that the weather most likely will ... 07/27/2010

How many times have your friends or family done something, or were going to do something or thinking about doing something and you didn't want to interfere? I'm not talking about personal stuff but what about when your friends and family have decided to work with a certain REALTOR® or lawyer or financial adviser and not the professional you worked with in the past and your experience was exemplary and very satisfying? Last week I received a call from a person whose condo was going to expire because it hadn't sold after being on the market for 120 days and they got my name from a very close friend of theirs who referred me. To be brief, I listed the condo, marketed it at the same price and have a very good offer on it and should close within 30 days!The excited sellers commented to me th... 07/26/2010

Houses & Condos in Pond Mills have sold quite well from January of this year to July 26,2010 with both houses and condos getting 97-98% of the asking price.Condos have been averaging 43 days to sell with houses in Pond Mills only 34 days! The average selling price for a condo in Pond Mills is $123,505 which was 97% of the asking price and  with houses averaging $194,940 which was 98% of the asking price. As you can see, Pond Mills has some very attractive prices and for anyone wanting quick access to the 401 or industry in London, this is the place. Some great schools, shopping and other family amenities are all close by. For up to date information and some great buys, maybe we should get together. As well, as with all averages, there are pockets in Pond Mills where condos will average ... 07/26/2010

Why on earth would you want to know more about who is looking at homes?  Simply put, to help you sell it!  The more you know about the types of buyers in the market, the better prepared you and your REALTOR® will be to package it for sale.In real estate there are some commonly used classifications that cover the bulk of home buyers. They are the First-Time Home buyers, the Trade-Up Buyers, the Trade-Down Buyers, and the Empty Nester's. Do you know who can buy your home? How they could finance it? Or, how would they finance it? Or, is my home in a price range that would attract that kind of buyer?Just some food for thought when you are thinking of selling your home. 07/24/2010

    What do you do when your REALTOR® calls and wants to show your home in say, ½ an hour?  Jump for joy first, since someone wants to look at YOUR home, right?  Then, panic.  As you hang up the phone, you notice that your teenagers have been at it again... your house is CLEAN, it's just not TIDY. Now, what do you do?     Since we all know that the first impression is important, especially if you want to sell your home in the next decade, we have a few tips that will help you quickly hide away "stuff".  But first, you have to know where the buyers are going to look, and ensure that these places are constantly tidy.   Places that buyers will look include the oven, any closets, kitchen drawers, laundry room, and the kitchen pantry. Think about it, these places give them an indication, ess... 07/23/2010

Is this a good location? Buyers ask this question a lot.     We've all heard the adage, "location, location, location".  There's a reason for that.  No one wants to live in a bad neighbourhood.  They'll even drive a little further to get to work if they love the neighbourhood and/or their kids can go to better schools.  Think about how many people live in London, and commute ouside London?.  Why would they do this?  The perception of better schools, cleaner air, more house for less money, more space, and people like themselves, among other things.    You have to create the perception of a great neighbourhood -- whether you're selling that you're "next to" the ritziest area of town, or near a great park or museum, or in the best school district, access to the highway or bus route for com... 07/23/2010