Motorists called police about an 18 wheeler swaying all over the road . When the officer pulled over the trucker here is what he found: The driver had a string attached to a tooth and an object in his cab. When the officer asked him why the trucker told him that he had a toothache, so tied his tooth and tried to find as much uneven pavement as possible so that his tooth could be pulled! When the officer did stop him, the trucker did pass his first course in dentistry, he pulled his own tooth. I think however, after all the fines and loss of job, it may have been cheaper to go see a dentist. Or do the same thing, but do it on a low fair air carrier! 07/05/2010

Are you looking to purchase or sell a multi-family unit in London Ontario? Yesterday I worked with a couple and we viewed 7 units that were quite impressive.None of the units we looked at were in these client's comfort zone and upon further discussion, they would be more comfortable purchasing commercial property. These units had good steady income, were in decent locations and I thought offered a good return on investment. I help buy and sell a lot of properties so I feel I know what a good deal is and if you can make any money with investment properties in London. Maybe we should talk if you are or want to be an investor. 07/03/2010

The HST has been debated in Ontario, advertised and promoted by the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada, on newscasts, in the newspapers, in magazines and even Facebook and twitter.All I have read today in newspapers is how motorists are upset at how much it costs now at the gas pumps, the cost of a haircut, utility bills and more. It is predicted that the HST on gas alone will bring in an additional $900 million dollars each year to the provincial coffers. Its here folks and complaining is not going to make it go away. You have a say when it is election time as long as you don't complain that you are too busy to vote! 07/02/2010

Psychologists have discovered that the manner in which you eat an Oreo can provide insights into your personality. •·   The whole cookie at once - you're totally irresponsible. •·   One bite at a time - you are "normal" but lack imagination. •·   Slow and methodical nibbling - you are very meticulous. •·   Fast nibbling - you get things done quickly. •·   Dunked in liquid - you are upbeat and likeable. •·   Eat the filling and then the cookie - you are a very curious person. •·   Eat the filling and toss the cookie - you are greedy, especially in business. •·   You don't have a favorite way to eat an Oreo - you are very fussy and hard to please. If you don't eat cookies any more, good for you and shame on you as well! (I'm guilty!) 07/01/2010

Are you thinking of renovating your bathroom or adding a sun room or re-doing a kitchen? When choosing a contractor, it's important to gather information from several sources.   You should ask for recommendations from a variety of sources.  First, verify that they are in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and they have a current contractor's license.  From these qualified applicants, get at least three bids.  Don't automatically go with the lowest bid.  Compare the bids carefully to ensure they have the exact same specifications.  Then check references.  Ask any contractor you are considering to provide you with names and contact information from previous clients.  Call and/or visit these references and ask questions.  Remember, the chosen contractor will be spending time ins... 07/01/2010

On Saturday, July 3 from noon to 2:00PM I and the owner will be doing an open house at 67 Wyatt Street in London Ontario. This up and down duplex is located in a great neighbourhood and close to The Univerdity of Western Ontario (UWO), downtown London, parks, shopping and public transportation.3 bedroom unit upstairs and a 2 bedroom unit downstairs. Both units have had many upgrades, fire marshall and electrical certificates in place, zoning and lots of parking. Live in one unit and have your tenants pay your mortgage or become an investor and start off right! 06/30/2010

Are you in the process of downsizing and thinking about a one floor home to move into? As I was reviewing our results of the  past six months I realized that over 70% of my business was to those who wanted to change their lifestyle to a one floor home. Reviewing my notes I found that we were in over 350 separate one floor homes in London from condo high rises, condo freeholds, one floor bungalows and ranches from $100,000 to $950,000! All parts of the city and all in various conditions. I am bragging here when I say that I know this market real well, I know price, amenities and can relate to the change of lifestyle. Changing your lifestyle should not be left to chance or guesswork. Are you ready to talk? I have prepared many reports on how to save money and headaches when downsizing and... 06/28/2010

Do you have a house or condo in the London area that is not selling? Or a property for sale with low ball offers?Over the past 2 months I have been working on how I can attract buyers to sellers who have properties that are not selling. I have had some great success so far and have been fine tuning the system to a point where it is working consistently in that I am getting places to sell in 14 days or less that had been on the market longer than 6 months! It is not magic, it is not because of my looks, it is because I have come up with a win/win situation for both buyer and seller! The only problem I have been having is that the phones keep ringing from buyers looking to buy! It is a good problem to have and the added benefit of this is that we know the market really well! So, if you ha... 06/28/2010

 It can be very challenging to sell your home in today's market. There are a lot of homes on the market and it's harder and harder to get your home to stand out.     Even worse, you have to compete with foreclosures, homes in poor shape and perhaps lots of listings which are driving home prices even lower.     Sadly, if you're actually able to sell your home, you could actually lose a bit of money. This is because buyers are now low-balling their offers and many sellers are forced to accept these low priced offers. I have introduced a new program where homes are selling in less than 14 days and anywhere from $17,000 - $30,000 more. Give me a dingle and lets see how I can help you out 06/26/2010

   There are several steps you can take to not only shorten the sale time of your home, but help it sell for greater value.  The one "mistake" sellers often make is failing to see their home from the perspective of a potential buyer.  Here are a few helpful tips to think about: •  First, make your home available for showings.  This sounds obvious, but one of the most frequent complaints of REALTORS representing buyers is they can't get proper access to the home. • Next, realize that "first impressions are lasting ones."  Drive up to your home as a prospective buyer would.  What does the home look like from the street?  Is the front yard manicured?  Are trees cut back?  Pay particular attention to your entry area.  •  Next, get rid of clutter.  The way you live in a home, and the way you... 06/25/2010

Where are real estate prices heading?  Are prices going up or are they going to go down? Should I buy or sell now or wait?I get asked these questions daily and tongue in cheek I say "Does it matter?" Let me explain. It matters if we are talking about money and money only. So if you have to sell because of financial challenges or you are a buyer looking to take advantage of someone elses' financial motivation, then it does matter. But what about if you want to downsize or move to the city, the country, closer to the children, farther away from the children, a new relationship or want a different lifestyle? Is $2000 or $25,000 or (whatever number you want to pick) worth peace of mind? If it is, I respect that but if not, you only have one life and it can end today, tomorrow or 45 years fr... 06/24/2010

I am not making this stuff up, these questions and answers really happened. With us being in real estate, these answers should not come as any surprise if you have been working with people long enough! Q: Who was married to Nicole Kidman? A: Forrest Gump Q: For $10,000, what is the nationality of the Pope? A:  I think I know that one. Is it Jewish? Q: What was Gandhi's first name? A:Goosey? Q: What happened in Dallas on November 22, 1963? A: I don't know, I wasn't watching it then. Q: How many kings of England have been called Henry? A: Well, I know there was a Henry the Eighth. . . er . . .Three? Q:Johnny Weissmuller died on this day. Which jungle-swinging character clad only in a loincloth did he play? A: Jesus 06/16/2010

The Affordable Home Ownership Program is a partnership between the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of London through the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program (AHP) which will create the opportunity to purchase Affordable Home Ownership units in the City of London and in Middlesex County. Qualifying home buyers can: receive down payment assistance of 5% of the cost of the home under the program. The down payment assistance will be provided to eligible purchasers at the time of closing of the purchase and sale of the home. Qualifying home buyers can also receive another 3% of the cost of the home to assist in paying "closing costs" including legal fees and disbursements, and registration on title. No interest will be charged on the AHP 5% + 3% financial ass... 06/15/2010

 Here are 10 reasons why London Ontario is a great place to live and work: Diverse economy. Lively and energetic downtown, day and night! World class health care facilities. Comprehensive educational options. Villa to Victorian, Condo to Mansion, you will find your dream home at a competitive price. Entertainment options for everyone and every mood. Commute times that maximize work/life balance. Great parks, trails, cultural and recreational facilities. Efficient and easily accessible Air, Rail and Road. Safe, caring and increasingly diverse community.  Welcome to Good Move, London This website is designed to help you discover all that London has to offer and provide information that is important to you in making a decision to relocate to our community. Midway between Detroit and Toront... 06/10/2010

Home Ownership Assistance Program Good news for London's low-to-moderate income earners! This year, the City of London offers again the Affordable Homeownership Assistance Program. This successful program consists of an interest free loan for qualifying home buyers to assist with downpayment and closing costs.To be eligible, households must have a gross household income of $55,000 or less, and must be approved for a mortgage at a recognized financial institution. The selling price of the home must be no higher than $140,000. New this year is an increase to the closing cost assistance, which has been raised to 3% from 1%.The Homeownership Assistance Program is a partnership between the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of London through the Canada-Ontario Afforda... 06/09/2010

White Oaks Home Prices May 2010 Spring market is still strong. Overall the White Oaks real estate market is still performing well. Leading the way is the sale of detached homes over 25 years old. These homes are showing strong sales volumes and rising prices.   Detached homes under 25 years old averaged $262,000 in price ( but only 2 sales). The low number of sales meant that May's results had little impact on the quarterly graph.  The sales volume of semi detached homes remains strong with prices consistent with previous quarters. Sales of townhouse condominiums are up and prices are steady.  Apartment condominium sales are in a decline with 2 bedrooms averaging lower prices than 2009. View the graphical report 06/05/2010

MLS Statistics May 2010 MLS sales up from a year ago The London- St. Thomas Association of Realtors reports that May 2010 was the 8th consecutive month to perform better than that same month a year ago. Sales were up 2.3% for detached homes and 10.8% for condos. All in all, 898 homes exchanged hands, a modest improvement over last May's 864 sales.            May 2010 home prices compared to May 2009                          All detached homes in LSTAR's jurisdiction: $246,331  up 7.9% ($228,334) All two-storeys in LSTAR's jurisdiction: $313,297               up 12.8% ($277,685) All bungalows in LSTAR's jurisdiction: $181,443 up 8.0 % ($167,931) All ranches in LSTAR's jurisdiction: $277,507 down 0.9% ($279,963) All condos in LSTAR's jurisdiction: $180,243  up 9.7% ($164,364)  All townhou... 06/05/2010

He makes money while sun shines SOLAR POWER: London homeowner's rooftop array will pay off his mortgage Volodymyr Tretyak,( Sales Representative with Envelope Real Estate in London Ontario) left, and Kon Bouttarath of installer IndelWorks with Tretyak's solar system. Volodymyr Tretyak is always smiling when the sun shines. He knows he's making money. Tretyak recently had a solar panel system installed on the roof of his home and garage on Lorne Ave. That system is pumping power into the city grid. The Ontario Power Authority (OPA), through London Hydro, pays him 80.2 cents a kilowatt-hour. Tretyak, a realtor by profession, has crunched the numbers and figures the $80,000 solar panel system will generate about $1,200 a month in income. Over 20 years the system will not only pay for itsel... 06/03/2010

May home sales spell good news for the London and St.Thomas area. Sales were up 2.3% for detached homes and 10.8% for condos. All in all, 898 homes exchanged hands, a modest improvement over last May's 864 sales.  May is the eighth consecutive month in which  home sales top those of the previous year. Average price also increased, with the average price of a detached home Year To Date sitting at $243,331, up 9.3% from last year, and the average price of a condo YTD coming in at $174,263. The average price YTD total residential sits at $230,056, up 9.6% from the previous year. Despite price gains, London real estate and in particular, houses and condos, remains affordable when compared to other Canadian centres. Homes in LSTAR's jurisdiction continue to maintain their affordability compa... 06/03/2010

It is sounding like a scratched CD but house and condo sales in London Ontario are up again by approximately 8.7%!Two storey homes led the way again and one floor condos led the way for condo resales. The majority of London New Home Builders had a very good month as well. With London's diversity of industry, medical and educational background and a history of a stable real estate market, this bodes well for both buyers and sellers. Yes, there are cases of multiple offers but not as foolish as other large centres and the London real estate market is neither a buyers or sellers market. London Ontario is known for its stability and our real estate market proves it! 06/02/2010