GOING IT ALONE WITHOUT BENEFIT OF A PROFESSIONAL?IT COULD COST YOU $$$$'s AS WELL AS SOME LEGAL ISSUES   10 VERY IMPORTANT REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE AN KNOWLEDGEABLE PROFESSIONAL   Buying or selling a home is probably THE most important financial transaction you will make during your lifetime, and having a trained, experienced realtor who has the knowledge and expertise is the logical and smart choice. After all, who would you consult if you had a heart condition.? a cardiologist of course, because you want best there is ... an experienced professional with the knowledge and expertise in this field. What if your child had a serious illness, you would of course seek out the best pAediatrician so your child would have the best possible care. It's no different when buying or selling a ho... 12/17/2017

Things to Consider and Critical Mistakes to AvoidWhen Choosing a Realtor®Selling a home should be like any other business transaction, but all too often sellers make emotional or impulsive decisions that cost them money and time.  Choosing the right Realtor to market a property and negotiate the sale is the most important step in the process. “My friend (or family member) sells real estate.”Friendship alone isn’t enough to establish a professional’s credentials.  Use tough standards when selecting an agent, just as you would when hiring an attorney, a doctor, or an accountant to handle your taxes.  A true friend will understand and appreciate that this is a business decision and will offer their credentials and expect to compete for the listing.  Besides, if a problem or challenge devel... 12/14/2017

Here are the latest stats as posted from the Toronto Real Estate Board for the Mississauga area.  These stats compare November, 2017 to the stats from November, 2016.It clearly is a testament that we are back to stable market. Number of sale have decreased 4.19% from 787 last November to 754 this November Average days on market more than doubled from 16 days to 25 days, an increase of 56.25% Average selling to list ratio dropped by 2.97% from 101.00% last November to 98.00% this November New listings rose from 939 last November to 1,299 this past November, an increase of 38.334% Inventory rose by 45.45% from 1.1 months to 1.6 months    12/07/2017

ACCEPTED OFFER 508-2301 DERRY RD. WESTHelping first time home buyers give me such a sense of joy and accomplishment.  I am there with them, every step of the way, guiding them and ensuring the are protected with my  31+ years of knowledge and experience.  I always put their needs first and foremost.. and ensure I explain the process, and all the clasues in the contract so they have a clear undertanding of what they are signing. I have a lot of patience when my clients are first time home buyers.. typically they are nervous and scared of making this big commitment.  Sometimes they need a bit of handholding, and I understand this is one of the biggest financial transaction they will make and they need someone to have patience with them.When we walked into this condo, I could see their eye... 11/19/2017

When I earned the "Accredited Senior Agent" designation after taking an in-depth course I gained a wealth of information about this niche market where the needs of seniors are more than just selling their home. These senioers are at a crossroad in their life, and I am there to assist them in making decisions that are more appropriate to them.  What does this mean to you, my client?   I am now YOUR  "GO TO" expert to assist you in finding alternative options for allowing you to remain in your home longer, or find alternative accommodations that suit your lifestyle and needs.As an Accredited Senior Agent, I have received special training on many topics that are important to seniors and their families. I know your local housing options.Being a senior myself,  I understand the many aspects ... 11/18/2017

 RECENT STREETSVILLE SALESOCTOBER 1, 2017 – NOVEMBER 16, 2017 Street Community List Price Type Style Beds Close Date Falconer Dr. Streetsville $479,900 Condo Townhouse 2 storey 3 11/3/2016 Falconer Dr. Streetsville $489,900 Condo Townhouse 2 Storey 3 10/4/2016 Hyde Mills Cresc. Streetsville $499,800 Detached Condo 2 Storey 3 11/7/2016 Oran Court Streetsville $649,900 Semi-Detached Raised Bungalow 3 10/2/2016 Britannia Rd. W. Streetsville $659,907 Condo Townhouse 3 Storey 3 11/9/2016 Hammond Roada Streetsville $699,000 Semi-Detached Raised Bungalow 3 11/14/2016 Bonham Blvd., Streetsville $699,900 Detached Backsplit 3 3 10/5/2016 Alphonse Cresc. Streetsville $749,900 Detached Bungalow 2 11/6/2016 Joseph St., Streetsville $799,000 Detached 2 Storey 3 10/16/2016 Pagosa Court Streetsville $9... 11/18/2017

IS YOUR AGENT TECH SAVVY AND SKILLED ON THE INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA? In this fast paced world of the internet and social media we as agents have to keep up with the latest technologies to enable us to better assist our clients.Technology has become an integral tool in connecting and corresponding with our clients. We have now moved into paperless transactions, which makes it much more convenient when time is of the essence when an offer has been submitted.Here is my take on stepping out of your comfort zone. As someone once said to me many years ago, “what is the worst thing that can happen?” If you don't take a chance, you will never know what you can accomplish.I thought about that and it gave me the courage to leave my secretarial job as a single mother raising two children, and st... 11/16/2017

THE SECRETS TO A GREAT TOMATO SAUCEIf you're like me you love great food.. homemade food, without all those nasty preservatives. Making food at home also makes me feel good knowing I have made something great for my family. I love pasta and a great pasta sauce.TOMATOESI am a true Italian, so jarred sauce is banned in my house.. especially when making your own sauce because it is so very easy.. You just need the right ingredients to make a delicious tomato sauce for whatever pasta you enjoy...One of the many ingredients necessary to making a great tomato sauce is using the right tomatoes.  Tomatoes are a very important ingredient to making a great tasting sauce so you can't use  just any tomatoes.Make sure you use San Marzano tomatoes. They are the best!There are many different brands of... 11/06/2017

Here are the latest Mississauga, Ontario statistics for the month of October, 2017 as reported by the Toronto Real Estate Board.The activity level has stabilized resulting in the number of sales decreasing by 29.41%, from 976 sales in October, 2016 to 689 sales in October, 2017.Average sales prices were up slightly by 5.47%, from $650,290 in October, 2016 to $685,860 in October, 2017.Average number of days on market went up 60% from 15 days in October, 2016 to 24 days in October, 2017.Average selling /list prices decreased by 4.90% from 102% in Ocdtober, 2016 to 97% in October, 2017.  11/04/2017

For those of you who enjoy Pizza, but hate paying those high prices.. you can make fresh pizza yourself!  It's really very easy.  The other benefits?  You know exactly what you are eating.. and there are no preservatives.It's also a fun activity you can  do together with your children.  My grandchildren love helping me in the ktichen when I am making pasta, the fresh tomato sauce to go with the pasta, and fresh bread, or baking their fresh cookies, or cake.  While we are spending quality time together, it is also teaching them at the same time.I had so many people asking me for my recipe for makiing pizza, I decied to make a video a couple of years ago to show you just how ieasy it really is.The dough recipe is very simple with only a couple of ingredients:  4 cups of all purpose flour ... 11/03/2017

There are many sellers who think once a realtor has listed their home for sale, they can sit back and expect their realtor to sell their home without their active participation.   There are things you can do to help in the sale of your home, to get it sold faster, and in some cases for a higher dollar amount.Here are some ideas on how you can help your realtor reach your goals and achieving the best results.Make Your Home AccessibleHaving your home accessible to prospective Buyers as much as possible, is critical in the sale of your home.  Agents try to give as much notice as possible for requests to show your home, but there are times when last-minute requests do occur.  Granting requests as much as possible is desirable ... the request you turn away may be the purchaser you've been wa... 11/01/2017

FRESH HOME MADE BREAD IS THERE ANYTHING MORE WARMING AND WELCOMING THAN THE AROMA OF FRESH BREAD WAFTING THROUGH THE HOUSE?There is something so warm and welcoming about the aroma of fresh break baking in the oven... it wafts through the whole house... My grandchildren love it when they walk in the door after school and smell it baking... they can't wait to have a slice fresh out of the oven.  Home made bread makes such wonderful toast.. and nothing is better than a sandwich made with fresh homemade bread.... It really is a must when you are enjoying a bowl of fresh homemade pasta, and sauce.. with Chili.... or a bowl of homemade soup.Have I inspired you to try making some?  It really is SO very easy to make.... It requires less than 10 minurtes of actual "work."  The rest is waiting fo... 10/20/2017

New mortgage rules in Canada will implement a "stress test" on everyone looking for a mortgage... It will not just be the high ratio mortages any longer.. its everone.. which could have a negative effect on the 2018 real estate market.  This change will be implemeneted in January, 2018. Here is the article in full: http://business.financialpost.com/real-estate/mortgages/canadas-banking-watchdog-sets-new-rules-for-mortgage-lending 10/17/2017

Here are the Real Estate statistics for the month of September, 2017.  These stats are in comparison to the  September, 2016 market. Volume of sales has decreased by 40.06% from September, 2016 Average sale prices has increased by 4.77% Average days on market has increased by 35.29% from 17 days to 23 Average Selling price/list price has decreased by 4.90% New listings have increased by 10.95% from 1,434 to 1591  We have also compiled a chart for Year-to-Date Sales by month.. and a chart for sales by Home Type. The Fall market is starting to heat up...Is a new home in your future? As always I am here to answer all your questions... If you are thinking of Buying or Selling estate, please give me a call... If you know anyone who is... I love referrals!  Please provide them with my contact... 10/15/2017

Home Energy Audit ChecklistWe all know and recognize that saving energy is cost effective, but you may not recognize how inefficient your home really is until you conduct an energy audit.  You can spot many problems in your home with a simple walk-through.  Keep a checklist of areas you inspect and any problems or issues you find.  This will help you prioritize your energy efficiency upgrades.LightingEnergy expended by lighting accounts for about 10% of your hyrdo bill.  Check the wattage of the light bulbs in your home.  You can exchange 100 watt bulbs and in most cases use a 60 or 75 watt bulb.  Compact Fluorescent lamps for higher uses area are also recommended.InsulationIf insulation levels are less than the recommended minimum, heat loss through the ceiling and walls in your home c... 10/11/2017

If you haven't already done so, it not too late to prepare your home for winter! Your home will require maintenance as temperatures begin to drop to keep it in shape throughout the winter months and prevent damage.Here are a few things to consider checking before winter sets in ..1.  Roof, Eaves and Downspouts Clean out the eaves of all debris and hose it down to remove all little bits Check the flashing on the rood to ensure there is no entry for water to get in Check the shingles for wear.  Replace any worn shingles Ensure downspouts are directed away from the home to prevent leakage into the basement. 2.  Inspect Door and Windows If you have a basement that has window wells, cover with plastic for extra protection from the elements Replace any cracked or broken glass. If required, pr... 10/11/2017

Its Thanksgiving Day here in Canada... Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday celebrated in Canada, the United States, some of the Caribbean islands, and Liberia.  But not all Americans celebrate Thanksgiving.Thanksgiving is some Native Americans' "Day of Mourning."  To them it is a reminder of the theft of their land, the relentless assault on their culture and the genocide of millions of their people. In most schools in the U.S. it is taught the Pilgrims of the Plymouth Colony invited local Indians to celebrate at a harvest feast after suriving their first bitter winter in New England.  History has shown Thanksgiving is a story of the murder of Indigenous people and the theft of their land. By the time the Mayflower landed in mid-winder on the North American Coast, the original native... 10/09/2017

 How do you react when a Seller asks you to reduce your commisson? Do you stand your ground when you are on a listing presentation and the Sellers ask you to reduce your commission?  I'm sure we have all been in that situation....Several years ago, I was called by a perspective client who wanted to sell his home.  I attended the listing appointment and the owner told me his home had previously been on the market but it did not sell (I already knew this as I had done my homework).  I asked him why in his opinion he thought the house did not sell.  He of course, blamed it on the agent, but the real reason was that it was overpriced.I reviewed the comparables and provided my opinion on the current value of the home and the price range I would recommend.  I managed to provide him with suffi... 09/18/2017

MARKET UPDATE FOR AUGUST, 2017Here is the latest update in real estate statistics as reported by the Toronto Real Estate Board for the Mississauga area.The market seems to have stabilized.. so if you are a Buyer sitting on the fence, NOW is a great time to get into that new home you've been waiting for!Number of sales has decreased by almost 40% and average prices have dropped by .73%The average number of days on market has increased by 41% from 17 days to 24 days.  This will now allow a perspective Buyer to negotiate the price, compared to earlier when there were many multiple offers received on many homes.  I live and work in STREETSVILLE and have a vested interest in property values here. Are you considering buying or selling?  Kow anyone who is?  The market is always changing, and y... 09/08/2017

THE VALUE WE BRING TO OUR CLIENTS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF WHY TO HIRE A PROFESSIONALHow do we demonstrate our value proposition to our clients and perspective clients? How do we show them the value we bring to the table and we earn the commission we are paid.Here is just one example: Last year a friend of mine had a neighbour who bragged to him about how he sold his home himself by listing it online.  He was over the moon that he sold it in two days, and at the full asking price, of $675,000 and no commission!  About a month later another home came on the market on the same street, but was listed by a real estate agent. The home was the same size in square footage, the same floor plan, similar sized lot, and in the same condition. Essentially the identical house with the same amenities.  It ... 09/06/2017