Jackie Carron
's Blog Archives
How Do You Determine what You need To Do
0
Say you're a homeowner wanting to sell your two-storey, detached home. You sit down and make a list of things that need to get done to make your property as attractive as possible to buyers.You consider the backyard. "Hmm," you think. "Doesn't our deck need a new finish and our flowerbed need new edging stones?"Then you think about the basement. "The carpeting. It's old. We really should ... |
|
| Posted: Jan 4, 2012 | Read Full Blog |
George Carlin's Views on Aging :)
0
Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions. 'How old are you?' ' I'm four and a half!' You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key You get into ... |
|
| Posted: Dec 12, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Holiday and Winter Fire Safety
0
Residential fires take their toll every day, every year, in lost lives and destroyed property. The fact is that many conditions that cause house fires can be avoided or prevented by homeowners. Taking the time for some simple precautions, preventive inspections, and concrete planning can help prevent fire in the home - and can even save your life should disaster strike.All electrical devices including lamps, appliances, and ... |
|
| Posted: Dec 7, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Stay or Move?: How To Decide
0
Do you sometimes review the real estate ads in your local paper? Do you drive by an open house sign and feel the urge to stop and check it out? Those are common indications that, at least on some level, you're thinking about the possibility of making a move.But how do you decide if you should actually move?The first step is to consider whether there are any ... |
|
| Posted: Dec 5, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Prepare your home for the winter season
0
It's been a wonderful fall season! Now that winter is fast approaching,here are a few maintenance items to complete before the snow flies.Winterize any exterior plumbing connections. Shut off the interior valves and bleed out the air to prevent freezing in the water pipes over the winter.Shut off the breaker for your air conditioner. There's a small heater in the bottom of the compressor on the exterior ... |
|
| Posted: Nov 24, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
The ecoENERGY program is back...but for a limited time only!
0
The Federal Government has renewed the ecoENERGY Retrofit - Homes program for 2011 - 12. You can save up to $5000 in federal grant money when you complete upgrades to your home. Here's how the program works: You have to complete a "pre-retrofit audit" BEFORE you begin any renovations. The first visit is approximately 2 hours long and a thorough and independent energy efficiency evaluation is completed. ... |
|
| Posted: Nov 6, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Understanding Market Value
0
If you were going to sell your car, what would you do? Well, you would probably check the classifieds section of your newspaper to find out how similar vehicles to yours are priced. Then you would set your advertised price within that range.What you would be doing, perhaps without knowing it, is determining the "market value" of your car.Market value is simply what buyers today are willing ... |
|
| Posted: Nov 4, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Good thoughts...
0
"If you want to get the best out of a person you must look for the best that is in him."-- Bernard Haldane ... |
|
| Posted: Oct 18, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Plumbing Upgrades
0
Homebuyers and sellers often hear about "plumbing upgrades", but what does this mean? Generally speaking, upgrading plumbing in the context of buying or selling a home refers to both fixtures and/or the plumbing system itself. Here are some basics to consider when referring to plumbing upgrades.FixturesIn bathrooms and kitchens, the faucet fixtures are an easy upgrade that adds style without spending a lot. If a home is ... |
|
| Posted: Oct 14, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
GTA REALTORS Report Monthly Resale Market Figures
0
Toronto, October 5, 2011 – Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 7,658 transactions through the TorontoMLS® system in September – a 25 per cent increase over September 2010. Sales during the first three quarters of 2011 amounted to 70,588, representing a 2.6 per cent increase compared to the first nine months of 2010."We have experienced strong growth in sales so far this year, with a much more active summer ... |
|
| Posted: Oct 5, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Making Home Shopping Faster and Easier
0
Like most things in life, shopping for a new home can either be time-consuming and stressful, or fun and satisfying. It just depends on how you go about it.There are many things you can do to make the home shopping process go smoothly and accomplish what you want: finding the home of your dreams at a price you can afford.Here are some ideas:• Get pre-approved. Find out ... |
|
| Posted: Oct 3, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
GTA REALTORS Release Mid-Month Resale Housing Figures
0
Toronto, September 16, 2011 – Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 3,149 transactions during the first 14 days of September, representing an increase of more than 25 per cent in comparison to the first two weeks of September 2010. New listings over the same period, at 6,890, were up by 14 per cent compared to last year."Purchasing and paying for a home over the long term represents the single ... |
|
| Posted: Sept 16, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
The Advantages of Getting Pre-Approval
0
When you're shopping for a home, getting "pre-approved" by your bank or other mortgage lenders provides you with two big advantages.First, you know in advance how much home you can financially manage. You won't waste time looking at properties you can't afford, and you'll be able to consider homes that you may have originally thought were out of your reach.Second, when you make an offer on a ... |
|
| Posted: Sept 3, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
To Stage or Not to Stage?
0
That is the question. You've heard all about "home staging" and probably watched a few tv shows about it. Is it worth the time and trouble to stage your home before putting it up for sale? My answer is a resounding YES. Think about how you feel when you walk into a model home with everything neat in its' place. Of course we don't live that way... ... |
|
| Posted: Sept 2, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Water Damage 101 - Causes and Prevention
0
Water damage can come from a variety of sources: storms, flooding, broken water pipes and lines, leaking washing machines, and more. This can lead to mold and odor problems, and worse. If left unmitigated, water damage can eventually cause structural damage, which can entail significant costs to repair and can even affect a home's value.Prevention is the first defense against water damage. Here are some basics on ... |
|
| Posted: Aug 24, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
The Markets- an interesting perspective
0
It' always unsettling when The Markets fall and, even more so, when they fall and none of the experts can figure out why. Long term, the fundamentals prove out but, the short term can be dramatically affected by emotion. There are some serious problems in the World - among them that a number of Governments are spending beyond their means and have been for some time. For ... |
|
| Posted: Aug 9, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Monday Morning Motivation!!!
0
"Every memorable act in the world is a triumph of enthusiasm. Nothing great was ever achieved without it because it gives any challenge or any occupation, no matter how frightening or difficult, a new meaning. Without enthusiasm you are doomed to a life of mediocrity but with it you can accomplish miracles."-- Og Mandion ... |
|
| Posted: Aug 8, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
July Sales and Average Price Up Compared to 2010
0
Toronto, August 4, 2011 — Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 7,922transactions through the TorontoMLS® system in July 2011, representing a 23per cent increase over July 2010. Total sales through the first seven months ofthis year amounted to 55,863 – down by 1.3 per cent compared to the sameperiod in 2010. After adjusting for seasonal fluctuations, the July figurecontinued to point to an annual sales result close to 90,000 ... |
|
| Posted: Aug 4, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Deciding Between Two (Almost) Perfect Properties
0
You're looking for a dream home. And you find... two! How do you decide between them?That may seem like a nice problem to have. But, actually, deciding between two similar properties can be a stressful challenge.The best way to decide is to review what you absolutely need to have in a new home, then check which property has all of those features.If both have what you need, ... |
|
| Posted: Aug 4, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Should You Worry About Market Fluctuations?
0
You turn on the television and watch a news story about housing prices going down. Then you receive a flyer in the mail about a property around the corner that sold for a decent price. Next you read a newspaper article about the housing market on the upswing again.It's a little like being on a roller-coaster ride!Unfortunately the ride isn't much fun if you're thinking of buying ... |
|
| Posted: Aug 3, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Toronto Land Transfer Tax Update
0
July 19, 2011 -- Families who chose to live and invest in Toronto are required to pay not one, but two Land Transfer Taxes on the purchase of their home. TREB has consistently opposed the Toronto Land Transfer Tax (LTT) as a fundamentally unfair tax.On October 25, 2010, Torontonians elected Rob Ford as Mayor, whose election platform included a commitment to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax. ... |
|
| Posted: Aug 3, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
There Are No Failures Only Opportunities To Succeed
0
Just had to share this - imagine if these great people had believed what they were told and quit. http://www.flickspire.com/m/guidance/FailToSucceed ... |
|
| Posted: July 29, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Be Cool and Conserve With Toronto Hydro --interesting
0
TORONTO, July 7, 2011 /CNW/ - With the arrival of summer-like temperatures, the mercury isn't the only thing rising. Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited ("Toronto Hydro") sees the direct effects of our collective need to keep cool with an increased demand on Toronto's electricity grid.Summer cooling habits can account for up to 60 per cent of customers' summer electricity usage1; but warmer weather doesn't have to mean higher ... |
|
| Posted: July 26, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Getting a Handle on the Home Selling Process
0
You probably know there's more to selling a home than putting up a FOR SALE sign. But if you don't understand the process in detail, you might feel intimidated and stressed when it comes time to put your property on the market.Fortunately, the home selling process isn't that difficult to understand. There are basically six steps.Step one is selecting the right REALTOR®. You need a knowledgeable, trusted ... |
|
| Posted: July 20, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Prepare Your Home For A Great Vacation!
0
An empty home is the ideal target for break-ins and burglaries, especially during the summer months. Vacation should be a time to relax and unwind, but the thought of leaving your home and valuables unattended can cause stress and anxiety. Take the time to secure your home before you leave so your mind can be at ease while you are gone.Below is a list of some of ... |
|
| Posted: July 11, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Whats Happening With Interest Rates?
0
Many economists, TD included, believed that interest rates would begin to climb in mid-2011. However, economists have adjusted their earlier report in its Quarterly Economic Forecast regarding its outlook on monetary policy and interest rates.Currently, TD does not expect the Bank of Canada to hike rates at any point in 2011, but rather they would start to increase in 2012 with the overnight rate finishing off 2012 ... |
|
| Posted: July 9, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Home Shopping With The Kids
0
Your choice of a new home is as important to your kids as it is to you. So it makes sense to take them along on home shopping excursions.To ensure they don't become impatient or exhausted too soon, bring some light, healthy snacks along. Also be sure to stop for regular washroom breaks. You do not want them to use the bathroom while you're touring a home.Another ... |
|
| Posted: July 6, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Preparing Your Home For Sale In Less Than a Week
0
It's great when you have lots of time to prepare for something important. But life doesn't always happen that way. Sometimes you have to move quickly, and do the best you can with the time you have.Say, for example, you had to get your home ready for sale, and you only had a week to do so. What could you do in those few days to make ... |
|
| Posted: July 5, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
The First Long Week-end of the Summer is rapidly approaching....
0
Here are some questions that may help to keep the BBQ Conversations going: (the answers are given at the end of the email) WORLD POPULATION: 1. How many people are there in the World today? 2. How many people were there in 1960? 3. What number does the World's population grow by each year? 4. What are the 3 most populous Countries in the World and how ... |
|
| Posted: June 29, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Finding The Right Home
0
Its interesting how things always work out. I tell my clients this all the time. When you are searching for a home you seem to know its the right home immediately, sometimes when you drive up to the curb, but almost always as soon as you set foot inside the front door. You just know. The other thing I find interesting is when you lose a house ... |
|
| Posted: June 27, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Greater Toronto REALTORS® Report June Mid-Month Resale Housing Market Figures
TORONTO, June 16, 2011 – The number of sales and the average selling price reported by Greater Toronto REALTORS® were both up during the first 14 days of June 2011. Sales through the first two weeks of June amounted to 4,787 – up 16 per cent over the same period in 2010. The average selling price for these transactions, at $477,853, was up nine per cent."The spring ... |
|
| Posted: June 18, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Five Birds and Good Intentions....
0
Ok this isn't really Toronto Real Estate news but I read this today and it was like a hit of inspiration so I thought I would share it... I appreciate and think about all of my wonderful clients a lot, but thinking is not doing. My intention is to send those cards, make those calls and really reach out to let you know by my actions how ... |
|
| Posted: June 17, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
TREB Members Support Motorcycle Ride For Charity
June 10, 2011 -- All Members are invited to support and take part in a unique fundraising event this summer that directly benefits shelter-related charities throughout Ontario.TREB will play host to the REALTORS Care Foundation's annual Motorcycle Ride for Charity July 13th to 15th as it sets out to reach an important milestone.This year's ride marks the culmination of a long-term goal to reach every real estate ... |
|
| Posted: June 15, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Federal Budget Analysis
June 8, 2011 -- The federal government has tabled its first budget since the recent federal election. The budget, which reintroduces the budget tabled (but not approved) prior to the election, includes some initiatives of interest to REALTORS®. BackgroundThe Budget has not yet been approved by the government, but approval is expected. Budget initiatives of interest to REALTORS® include:•$400 million in 2011-12 for the ecoENERGY Retrofit – ... |
|
| Posted: June 12, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Public Expecting Land Transfer Tax Repeal to Move Forward
TORONTO, June 9, 2011 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS®, and the public, continue to look forward to the fulfillment of the election commitment, of Mayor Rob Ford and numerous City Councillors, to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax."It is clear that the public expects the Mayor and City Council to move forward with the commitment to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax, and it is unlikely that they ... |
|
| Posted: June 11, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Sales and Price Increase in May
June 3, 2011 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 10,046 sales in May 2011 – up six per cent compared to May 2010. This result was the second best on record for May under the current Toronto Real Estate Board service area. The number of new listings in May, at 16,076, was down 15 per cent compared to last year."Positive economic news and low borrowing costs led to ... |
|
| Posted: June 10, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Re-Districting of The Toronto MLS Interactive Map
On July 5, 2011, TREB will launch a new District structure which will replace the existing TREB Districts. The goal of the Task Force was to improve the search capabilities within the MLS®, and move from a district mapping system based on a "zone" identified by code numbers to one identified by commonly known names and true geographic areas that are more easily understood by both Members ... |
|
| Posted: June 10, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Tight Market Results in Strong Price Growth in April
May 4, 2011 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 9,041 existing home sales through the TorontoMLS® system in April 2011. This result was down 17 per cent compared April 2010 when sales spiked to a new record of 10,898. While off last year's record result, April 2011 sales were in line with the average April sales level reported over the previous five years."Existing home sales have been strong ... |
|
| Posted: May 7, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
January Housing Sales Dip Only Slightly From Last Year
The Toronto Real Estate Board is reporting that 4,337 homes were sold through the Toronto MLS Listings in January of 2011, a slight decrease of 13% over January of last year."While off the record pace experienced a year ago, the GTA resale market has started the year on a solid footing,” ... |
|
| Posted: Feb 16, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
Condo Market Is Still Strong, But Why?
With well over 250 Condo projects currently being promoted by developers in the GTA, it is clear that the condo market is as strong as ever. But what is driving the demand? Local news sources cite 2 related reasons that condos continue to sell well in Toronto's market: First, the longstanding and continuous upward pressure on prices ... |
|
| Posted: Feb 14, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
MLS Goes Public. What Does It Mean For Sellers?
An agreement between the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), and all of its boards across Canada in late October, 2010 essentially means that anyone may post their property on the Multiple Listing Service without having to do so through a Realtor. This marks the first time the FSBOs (for sale by owners) can post their listings on the MLS ... |
|
| Posted: Feb 14, 2011 | Read Full Blog |
|
