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Mississauga, ON Real Estate News

Home inspection represents a key piece of the home-buying process. A home inspector provides an expert eye that gives an invaluable assessment of the biggest investment a buyer will make. The best home inspector can ease the process and make sure there’s no surprises. A bad home inspector can jeopardize a sale, hurting both sides of the real estate equation. Here are a few ways to protect yourself against an unqualified home inspector. 1. A lot of information about inspections aims at buyers, but they can help sellers. You may even want to invest in an inspection before you put the home on the market, so you can fix potential issues, adjust the price point, or know what to expect at the negotiating table. Remember to prep as much as you can to make the inspector’s job easier. 2. When hi...
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Without good preparation, many buyers get sucked into the mistaken notion that if a lender pre-qualifies them for a mortgage this means that they have been pre-approved for a home loan. Unfortunately, there’s a world of difference between pre-Approved or pre-qualified. If you’ve ever been confused by the two, I will bring you up to speed on how these terms differ. Getting pre-qualified is the initial step in the mortgage process, and it’s fairly simple. You supply a bank or lender with your overall financial picture, including your debt, income and assets. After evaluating this information, a lender can give you an idea of the mortgage amount for which you qualify. Pre-qualification can be done over the phone or on the internet, and there is usually no cost involved. Loan pre-qualificat...
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The size of a down payment can vary. Depending on the type of mortgage, down payments generally range from 5% to 20% of the purchase price. To obtain a conventional mortgage, home buyers are required to put down at least 20% of the purchase price or appraised value (whichever is less) as a down payment. If you don’t have the necessary time or resources to save a full 20% down payment, you can choose a high-ratio mortgage and buy a home with a down payment of as little as 5%. This option is called a high-ratio mortgage and it requires you to purchase default insurance. Whether you choose a conventional or a high-ratio mortgage, one thing is almost always certain: larger down payments saves you more money in the long run. Keep in mind that a larger down payment: 1. Reduces the amount of y...
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By Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent, REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results!
(BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE)
WHAT ADDITIONAL COSTS ARE INVOLVED WHEN PURCHASING A HOME? Buying a home can be a very emotional event... and it can be very stressful ...  and in the excitement of the process, it's all too easy to forget the additional costs involved in any transaction of buying a home.  Keep in the mind that buying a home is one of the largest financial investments you will probably make and planning and budgeting for it is essential.  Talk with your agent and find out about them, and budget for them in the home buying process. Here are just a few of the costs involved you need to know about, so you can budget for them. House Inspection This is an absolute must have, for both re-sale and newer homes.  Ask your agent to insert that condition in your offer. Home inspections usually take about 2 - 2 1/2...
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As a professional full time realtor, I have found that a high-end kitchen is one of the most sought after rooms in the traditional single family home. According to my clients, they would rather spend more money remodelling their kitchen than finishing a basement. The kitchen is no longer the place where mom goes to cook the family dinner. Today, kitchens serve as the heart of the home, and many Canadians are looking for ways to make it more comfortable. Thus, home owners nowadays are focusing their time, money and energy in converting their kitchen to a high-end kitchen. More homeowners see the kitchen as a multipurpose room where computers and other home electronics figure prominently. Refrigerators and dishwashers are being trimmed with cabinetry and integrated into the woodworking de...
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Winter weather is just around the corner and this is the time of year to make sure your home is prepared for the cold months ahead. Follow my checklist to winter-proof your home and to save hundreds of dollars on energy costs, potentially thousands of dollars in preventable home repair fees and to protect yourself and your loved ones from preventable accidents. 1. Seal driveways, brick patios, and wood decks. Clear away dead shrubbery near your foundation. Check walls for cracks and seal them as necessary 2. Inspect your attic to ensure you have adequate insulation to prevent warm air from escaping and forming condensation or ice dams in your home. Replace worn or missing roof shingles or tiles. Make sure that water from gutters runs away from the house by at least 2-3 metres. Clean you...
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By Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent, REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results!
(BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE)
JUST HOW IMPORTANT IS FINANCING PRE-APPROVAL? UNKNOWN ISSUES ARISE    BY GLORIA VALVASORI Real Estate Agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Signature Service EMAIL  SHORT URL  Share on facebookShare on google_plusone_shareShare on linkedinShare on pinterest_shareShare on twitterMore Sharing Services   Share: April 28, 2014 05:49 AM I have been a real estate agent for 27 years, and one of the things I always suggest to my clients is for them to contact their financial institution or a mortgage broker and get their financing pre-approval in place prior to going out house hunting.  There is nothing worse that a couple finding their dream home, only to find out it is out of their price range and they can't afford to buy it.                                                         R...
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SHOULD I RENT OR BUY?Renting is a huge business in the greater Toronto area. If you currently rent, you know that paying out those hundreds of dollars every month to line the pockets of your landlord is not a pleasant task. However, like most renters you probably feel stuck in a home that isn’t even yours simply because you can’t save up that down payment for your own home. This article contains explains whether you should rent or buy. It shows you how you can stop paying rent and start contributing to your own financial future, rather than that of your landlord. By having some valuable information about the real estate industry, as well as some tips and tricks about property ownership, you’ll be able to start on the road from renting to owning. After reading this article, my goal is th...
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A garage is a money-making addition, regardless of whether you live in the city or not. A garage in the city might bring even bigger profits. In urban locations where parking comes at a premium, having a garage adds value for resale and the extra storage carries a high price tag as well. If you own a rental property, a garage that provides parking and storage can allow you to demand some big rent. Some city dwellers who don’t drive may think a garage is unnecessary, but don’t get rid of it. Even if you don’t use it, someone will pay good money to. You can put up a basic, functional garage for under $10,000. It won’t be anything fancy, but it’ll do the job if all you’re looking for is a place to park your car and store your lawn mower. There are, of course, lots of extras you can add to ...
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Renting is a huge business in the greater Toronto area. If you currently rent, you know that paying out those hundreds of dollars every month to line the pockets of your landlord is not a pleasant task. However, like most renters you probably feel stuck in a home that isn’t even yours simply because you can’t save up that down payment for your own home. This article contains explains whether you should rent or buy. It shows you how you can stop paying rent and start contributing to your own financial future, rather than that of your landlord. By having some valuable information about the real estate industry, as well as some tips and tricks about property ownership, you’ll be able to start on the road from renting to owning. After reading this article, my goal is that you will learn the...
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Most homeowners, at some point or another, will have to face the question: to downsize or to stay in the family home? Whether you live on your own or simply sick of a lot of upkeep, downsizing can be a great option for homeowners who want a change. Here are questions you need to ask yourself to decide if you’re ready to downsize. 1. Who is going to live in the new home? Before you jump at the prospect of a one bedroom, make sure you take guests into consideration. Do your kids come home from university frequently? Do you often host holiday get-togethers? Your family situation is not going to change, so plan accordingly. You might need a guest bedroom or a pull-out sofa to make your new smaller space work for you. 2. Where are you going to move? This can play a huge role in the success o...
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Buying real estate with bad credit is not the end of the world, it just requires a carefully thought out plan by the investor and their mortgage agent. Here are some common investment strategies for those who have sufficient capital to make a down payment and/or service the mortgage payments, but have damaged credit. 1. Buy owner-occupied properties with income suites This investment strategy is great for new investors with damaged credit to build a real estate portfolio. Because these properties are partially occupied, the borrower can qualify for owner-occupied mortgages up to 90% of the property’s appraised value. Today there are more lending options for the self-employed and in the sub-prime mortgage market, which reduces the need for private financing. These are typically residenti...
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By Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent, REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results!
(BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE)
Let us all remember those who sacrificed their lives, so we can enoy a better one. The atrocities of war and the incpetion of "In Flanders Field" by Dr. John McCrae, a veteran office and accomplished poet, another one of the 60,000 Canadians who did not return home.   Let us stop today at 11:00 for two minutes of silence... one minute for those brave soldiers, 20,000,000 who lost their lives in wars, and another minute for the familes they left behind.    
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By Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent, REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results!
(BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE)
After being in the real estate industry for more than 27 years, there is still one question that people ask me often.... "what happens after the home inspection?"   There is a simple answer... you have four (4) options available to you... and here they are!  Click below for the answers!     My partner, Chad McMahon and I here in Mississauga and the GTA providing information to our clients to allow them to make an informed decision. Remember, when you buy a home with Chad and me... you are not just buying a house, your are investing in a lifestyle.    
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By Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent, REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results!
(BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE)
Curb Appeal…. How Important Is It? While most home owners concentrate on "dressing" or "staging" the interior of the home, most forget about the exterior!! A vast majority of home buyers decide whether or not to look inside a home, based on their first impressions of the outside… does it have “curb appeal?” ..the view they see when they drive by or arrive for a showing. You can ensure people want to come inside your home by spending some time working on its exterior appearance, making it inviting for buyers to want to see more. Most potential buyers find it difficult to visualize changes, and often won’t take a second look at a home if the first impression does not appeal to them. Often buyers who can visualize changes and may be prepared to make them, expect the realtor to reduce the p...
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By Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent, REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results!
(BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE)
Having a fresh clean scent in your home is very inviting, or the pleasant odour of cookies or bread baking in the oven!!   Strong plug-ins, or harsh cooking odours are one way to discourage buyers from taking a careful look at your home and usually will not take the time to look at the home seriously, especially if someone is alleric to a specific odour.I recall, several years ago looking for a very high end home for one of my clients.  I arranged several viewings, and we are talking homes ranging from $850,000 up to $1,000,000. This was a large, executive and stately home, about 5,000 square feet. It was situated on a very large lot, backing onto a ravine.. and had great curb appeal. Three car garage !!However, upon entering the front door, we were immediately gob smacked with the stro...
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Whether you are purchasing your home as an investment, a lifestyle upgrade or both, one of the most important decisions you will make is where you want to live. Your home’s location will help determine not only the future value of your investment, but also many aspects of your everyday life. This article is designed to educate you on how to choose a location for a new home. Here are some factors you should consider carefully when selecting a location. Geographic LocationThe part of the country you choose to live in will have a major impact on your lifestyle. Particularly if you want to stay in your home for a long time, make this decision very carefully, taking into consideration the factors that are most important to you, like average home prices in the area, job opportunities in your ...
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  When people buy a new home, they want to have confidence that it has been built well and according to the standards set by law. Tarion Warranty Corporation is a private corporation that regulates new home builders and protects the rights of new home purchasers through the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act. With tens of thousands of houses and condominiums sprouting up across the province every year, especially in Toronto, it is important to be aware of the protection entitled to new homebuyers. Builder Licensing One of the major responsibilities handled by Tarion is the licensing of all new home and condominium builders in Ontario, ensuring builders have the technical experience, customer service capacities and financial stability to perform their job. Consumers are advised to do a...
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FREE Mississauga Power Of Sale Real Estate Seminar!!! You Will Gain Insider Secrets To Purchasing Power Of Sale Properties $$$$ Thousands Of Dollars Below Market Value!!!  Seminar Available Dates Mississauga: Saturday November 15, 2014 @ 10am Pickering: Saturday November 22, 2014 @ 10am Admission: FREE FREE Offers: * Get A FREE Power Of Sale and Distress Sale - Home Buyer’s Guide For Newbie’s. * Get A FREE Power Of Sale and Distress Sale List Of Homes and Condos With Pictures and Detailed Description. Price Range From $159,000 - $849, 900!!! Register Today @ :www.bankforeclosurehouseprices.com Our FREE Power Of Sale Real Estate Seminar Will Teach You How To: * Purchase a house or condo with *zero down payment. * Move from renting, to first time homeowner to Real Estate Investor in as li...
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By Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent, REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results!
(BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE)
SOLD CONDIITONALLY - SETTING A RECORD PRICE IN THE COMPLEX!! NEW LISTING! #23-345 Meadows Blvd. in the beautiful Rathwood area of Mississauga. Centrally located close to transportation, shopping, places of worship and parks. Exceptionally maintained and beautifully renovated throughout. Large, end unit, 3 bedroom townhouse with over 1,200 sq. ft. Hardwood on main and upper levels, hardwood staircase, renovated kitchen and baths. Finished basement with additional bath. True pride of ownership lives here...Immaculate and in Move In condition!! Priced to sell at $394,900...   
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