The GTA Real Estate Blogger

BRAMPTON TOWNHOUSE CONDO FOR SALE

2012-05-02T08:34:00.001-07:00

This three bedroom condo townhouse is nestled in a quite neighbourhood in Brampton North. Features include an open concept living/dining room, walk-out to a fully fenced backyard, kitchen with breakfast area, hardwood floors on the second floor, freshly painted bedrooms and a finished basement. The parkett is literally in front of the front door. Schools, place of worship, public transportation and amenities are all within walking distance. For more information on this property contact Francoise Pollard at 647-204-6307 or visit www.findgtahomes.com. SOLD IN 4 DAYS!

LOOKS LIKE A MODEL HOME...BRAMPTON SEMI-DETACHED HOME FOR SALE

2012-04-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

Listed FIRM in 2 days for $10,000 more than asking price.
Absolutely stunning!!! Looks like a model home. Professionally painted in neutral colours throughout. Family room boasts a fireplace, pot lights, vaulted ceilings and new flooring...perfect for entertaining. Large kitchen, great for family gathering. Backyard with interlock patio, plant ledge, and lamp and gas hookup. Spacious Master bedroom features a walk-in closet, 4 pc washroom and window seat. Located close to Brampton Civic Hospital, public transit and schools.

NEW LISTING - BRAMPTON TOWNHOUSE FOR SALE

2012-03-24T13:10:00.000-07:00

Great condo townhouse located in a quite area. Within walking distance to schools, public transportation and shopping. Steps away from the park. For more information on this property contact Francoise at 647-204-6307. THIS CONDO TOWNHOUSE IS NOW SOLD!

Key West Condos Pre-Construction Sales Event.

2012-03-06T03:37:00.002-08:00

THIS EVENT IS NOW OVER!!

A 6 Star Condo in a Million Dollar location!

My Last VIP Event at Yonge and Bloor was sold out, leaving many clients dissapointed. Luckily another excellent opportunity as arisen!!
This is your opportunity to get in early and invest in the city's booming Waterfront Community at VIP Prices.

Introducing The Key West Condos in South Etobicoke.

Luxurious resort style living, Steps to Lake Shore Blvd., the Waterfront, and the Beaches with a short 2 minute walk to the TTC. Walk along the Martin Goodman Trail, visit the marinas, sailing clubs, shops, restaurants and enjoy the city's finest entertainment and cultural amenites.

Suites starting from mid $200,000's

10 % DOWN year 1 and 2% CASH BACK

This event is not open to the general public. To gain access and not to be disappointed, please register on the link provided below and find out more details in the process. http://ow.ly/9tCo8

P.S. This is not spam and I always keep individuals information private and confidential.

email francoise@findgtahomes.com

ELEGANT WELL-APPOINTED BRAMPTON SEMI-DETACHED WITH LOTS OF EXTRAS

2012-02-15T14:38:00.000-08:00

Elegant, well-appointed Semi Detached located within walking distance to the Brampton Civic Hospital. Lots of extras!!! Great Room with fireplace, vaulted ceiling, pot lights. Crown moulding throughout. Huge kitchen with lots of cupboard space, large breakfast area with walkout to interlock patio. Master bedroom with ensuite, and walk-in closet. Finished Basement with kitchen, 3 piece bathroom and two bedrooms. Close to public transportation, shopping, schools and much, much more. For more information on this property contact Francoise Pollard at 647-204-6307 or by email, francoise@findgtahomes.com.

THIS PROPERTY IS NOW SOLD!

4 BEDROOM SEMI-DETACHED WITH FINISHED BASEMENT FOR SALE

2012-02-12T12:41:00.000-08:00

Absolutely Beautiful Home!!! Lots Of Upgrades. Main Floor: Open Concept. Ceramic & Laminate Floors. Huge Kitchen With Breakfast Area & Breakfast Bar That O/Looks Family Room. Entrance From Garage Into Home. Second Floor: Master Bedroom With 4Pc Ensuite. Lower: Finished Basement (Builder) With Separate Entrance & Rough-In For Bathroom. Cold Cellar. Large Laundry Area. Tankless Water Heater. Close To Go Station, Schools & Amenities. Shows 10++. For more information on this listing contact Francoise Pollard at 647-204-6307 or visit http://www.findgtahomes.com/. THIS HOME IS NOW SOLD.

1THOUSAND BAY....Condominiums on the Park

2012-01-30T13:29:00.000-08:00

One Day VIP Sales Event
Not Open to The Public

February 4, 2012

12:00 P.M. Sharp!
Register Now...Do not delay

Valet Parking

This is your opportunity to get in early and invest in Toronto's booming Bloor/Yorkville real estate market at VIP Prices.

Suites starting from the mid

$200,000's

Occupancy Date: June, 2015

The entire 15th floor features a state-of-the-art amenities equipped with fitness and weight rooms, indoor and outdoor yoga studios, tow guest suites, rooftop gardens and stylish terraces with a massive BBQ deck.

Holidays are a good time to sell your home

2011-12-02T21:18:00.000-08:00

Most real estate professionals always advise sellers to list their homes during the holiday season rather than waiting, citing more serious buyers and less competition among properties, according to a recent survey from Realtor.com.

The property search site's Holiday Home Selling Survey gathered responses from 429 real estate professionals surveyed online between Oct. 26, 2011, and Nov. 8, 2011. The "holiday season" was defined as Nov. 23, 2011, to Jan. 2, 2012.

Among respondents, 60 percent said they would always advised a seller to list a home during the holiday season and agreed that "it's a good time to sell," while 30 percent said they would sometimes advise it if the seller were motivated. Only 1 percent said they would never advise it because "selling during the holiday season is always a bad idea." The vast majority of respondents, 79 percent, said more serious buyers were one of the biggest benefits of listing during the holidays, while 61 percent said less competition among homes was a plus. Only 17 percent said cold weather making homes look cozy was an advantage.

Indeed, 39 percent of respondents cited winter weather as one of the biggest challenges to putting a home on the market during the holidays. An equal share said buyer vacation and celebration schedules were a problem.

But the biggest challenge, noted by 63 percent of respondents, was keeping a home "open house ready," meaning clean and staged, during this time of year.

Selling a home during the holidays requires employing different strategies from selling a home during other times of the year, according to the survey.

More than eight out of ten respondents said online listing photos were particularly crucial for homes listed during the holiday season. The main reasons cited were that buyers attend fewer open houses because of busy schedules or winter weather, while sellers also host fewer open houses during this time. The majority of respondents, 74 percent, said pricing a home to sell was even more important during the holiday season, and 40 percent said staging a home was more important at this time of year. Nearly a third said being flexible with contract terms such as move-in dates and when closing costs were paid was more essential during the holidays.

The way a home is staged during this time of year is also significant, according to the survey. Almost all respondents said they advised sellers to put up some seasonal decorations, though there were differing opinions on the types of decorations.

A 37 percent plurality said homeowners should put up some nonreligious holiday decorations to make a home feel inviting, while 28 percent said sellers should put up all of their holiday decorations, including religious ones, to make their home feel festive, the survey said. A similar share, 27 percent, said sellers should put up seasonal decor that is not suggestive of specific holidays, while 8 percent of respondents advised sellers to stage their home without any decorations at all. Eighty percent of respondents said they encourage sellers to light their fireplace when staging a home during the holiday season, while 62 percent said they suggested sellers update outdoor lighting because the buyer is more likely to see the home at night due to shorter days.

Other popular staging advice for sellers included using winter-scented home fragrances before an open house, making the home feel more cozy through reading nooks and blankets on couches and beds, setting the table to showcase holiday entertaining, and playing seasonal music that is not specific to a particular holiday, the survey said.

Article taken from http://www.realtor.com/
Not to be used for promotion.

My Listing Video at 26 Trudelle Crescent in Brampton, Ontario.

2011-12-02T21:08:00.000-08:00

26 Trudelle Crescent, Brampton. Ontario

NEW LISTING - THREE BEDROOM SEMI DETACHED WITH FINISHED BASEMENT

2011-11-20T11:05:00.000-08:00

This three bedroom semi-detached is absolutely stunning. It is located in Fletcher’s Meadow in Brampton and is nestled in a quiet neighbourhood. Visit http://www.findgtahomes.com/ for more information on this property.
HOME NOW SOLD

HOME NOW SOLD

EXECUTIVE MISSISSAUGA TOWNHOUSE SOLD IN ONE WEEK!!

2011-10-05T03:12:00.001-07:00

DON'T THINK YOU CAN AFFORD A HOME? YOU MAY BE SURPRISED!!

2011-10-03T15:32:00.000-07:00

Buying a home is one of the smartest financial most of us well ever make. The majority of Canadians homeowners would be financially broke at retirement if it weren’t for the equity earned through their homes. While the price of homes tend to fluctuates over the long term, trends are always upward. Just think, every month when you make a mortgage payment, you’re increasing your equity. This is why you cannot afford not to buy. If you would like to purchase a home in Brampton, Mississauga, Etobicoke, Toronto or surrounding area, but are not sure whether you can afford to, contact Francoise Pollard at 647-204-6307 or send her an email at francoise@findgtahomes.com.

NEW LISTING - 64 ROADMASTER LANE, BRAMPTON, ON

2011-10-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

SOLD IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!
This fabulous three bedroom home is located close to schools, shopping, the Go Train and Cassie Campbell Recreation Centre. Features include an open concept living/dining room with hardwood floors, a spacious kitchen with built-in dishwasher, ceramic backsplash and floors, a large fenced-in backyard with deck and garden shed. Access into home can be made from the garage. Rough-in for three piece washroom is in the basement. Nothing to do but move in!! For more information on this property visit http://www.findgtahomes.com/ or contact Francoise at 647-204-6307. Here is the link to the virtual tour of this property http://tours.virtualgta.ca/41242?a=1.

JUST LISTED - BEAUTFUL 3 BEDROOM BRAMPTON SEMI DETACHED HOME

2011-09-30T08:18:00.000-07:00

SOLD IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK FOR 101% OF ASKING PRICE!
Absolutely beautiful three bedroom semi-detached home located in a quiet Brampton neighbourhood. This home features an open concept main floor with hardwood floors, spacious eat-in-kitchen with ceramic floors and walk-out to wood deck and gazebo. Close to schools, Go Train, Cassie Campbell Recreation Centre and shopping. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!! For more information visit http://www.findgtahomes.com/ or contact Francoise at 646-204-6307.

Investment Properties…What you need to know before buying a rental property

2011-09-15T08:41:00.000-07:00

Purchasing a home to live in is quite different from purchasing a property to invest in. For the majority of us, purchasing a home to live in tends to insight a lot of emotions. With investment properties it is important to leave your emotions behind, and focus more on the financial aspect. Don’t forget that the objective of purchasing an investment property is to make money. Here are few things to take into consideration before purchasing a rental property:

1. How much can I afford?

2. Should I use my own money or borrow to invest? What are my options?

3. What type of tenants do I want to attract?

4. What type of rental property makes a good investment?

5. Is the rental property I am about to purchase a good deal?

6. Is the rental property I am about to purchase situated in a good location?

7. What is my investment strategy?

If you are contemplating purchasing an investment property in Brampton, Toronto, Mississauga, Etobicoke, Toronto or surrounding area, contact Francoise Pollard at 647-204-6307 or click http://www.findgtahomes.com/GTA-Investment-Properties.html.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK....Don't Make a Move Without Calling Them First!

2011-09-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

I just want to thank TWO MEN AND A TRUCK for the great service they provided my client. Last month, I sold a client's home located in Brampton West and assisted him in the purchase of a home in Downtown Brampton. After interviewing several movers, my client selected TWO MEN IN A TRUCK to do his packing, moving and unpacking and was extremely pleased with the service he received.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been around for more than 25 years and are the largest local moving franchise in North America. While the majority of their business is residential, they do business and commercial moves. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK also assists homeowners in Brampton and Mississauga who are preparing their home for sale, redecorating, or are planning a major renovation. They will help pack, move furniture from room to room, place your items in storage and then return them when requested.

For a free in-home move consultation call and ask for Joe Piercey at 905-799-2636 (Brampton) or 905-238-9707 (Mississauga North).

The GTA Real Estate Blogger: DISCHARGE FROM BANKRUPTCY - What to do next

2011-09-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

The GTA Real Estate Blogger: DISCHARGE FROM BANKRUPTCY - What to do next: How to improve your credit after bankruptcy. After being discharged from bankruptcy it is very important to re-establish your credit ASAP. M...

Canadian Housing Market Remains Steady

2011-09-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

Francoise Pollard

RE/MAX Professionals Inc., Brokerage

If your are sitting on the fence and are not sure whether to invest in real estate, I suggest that you read this article found in the Toronto Real Estate Intelligence blog. Being properly informed on the current real estate market is key, whether you are thinking of buying, selling or investing in a home or condo in Brampton, Mississauga, Etobicoke or Toronto or surrounding areas.

Third Quarter 2011 Housing starts: After moderating progressively since the second quarter of 2010, housing starts have rebounded in the second quarter of 2011. They are expected to moderate again over the course of the next three quarters. Housing starts are forecast to be 183,200 units for 2011 and 183,900 units for 2012.

Re sales: Sales of existing homes through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) declined in the second quarter of 2011 and are forecast to remain stable in the remaining quarters of 2011. MLS® sales are expected to increase modestly in 2012. Overall, 446,700 sales are forecasted in 2011, followed by 458,000 in 2012.Resale prices: The average MLS® price in the second quarter of 2011 continued to increase but is expected to plateau for the remainder of the year. For 2011, the average MLS® price is forecast to be $367,500 while 2012 will see a modest increase to $372,400.

Provincial Spotlight: Ontario and Saskatchewan Housing starts will moderate in all areas of Canada in 2011, with the exception of Ontario and Saskatchewan which will experience a modest increase in housing starts.

Alberta and British Columbia: In 2012, growth in housing starts is expected to be strongest in Alberta and British Columbia.

For further information on the real estate market in your neighbourhood feel free to contact me at (647) 204- 6307 or send me an email at francoise@findgtahomes.com.

Hot Housing Market in Brampton 2011. Home Sold in 2 Days!!

2011-08-27T21:14:00.000-07:00

NEW LISTING!! MISSISSAUGA TOWNHOUSE THAT BACKS ONTO A RAVINE

2011-08-27T10:19:00.000-07:00

7101 Branigan Gate, Unit 11, Mississauga, ON

This gorgeous three bedroom Daniels Executive Townhouse is one of the largest units in Levi Creek. It is nestled in an upscale neighbourhood and is surrounded by green space. The main level boasts a huge living room, great for entertaining, a large dining room with walkout to the balcony, hardwood floors and an eat-in kitchen with breakfast bar and lots of cupboard space. Second level features a spacious master bedroom with five piece ensuite and large closets. The recreation room in the basement is finished and has a walkout to the large treed backyard.

For more information contact Francoise Pollard, Sales Representative at (647) 204-6307 or office (416)232-9000.

Front of House

Kitchen Eating Area

Living Room

Deck to Backyard

Power of sale properties are not always a good deal

2011-05-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

If you think you are getting a good deal when you purchase a power of sale, think again. Buying a property under "Power of Sale" in the GTA may end up costing you more than a resale. This article was posted in Realtor Edge in February, 2011 and is worth reading…especially if you are contemplating purchasing a power of sale.

First you see that the lawn has not been cut and the weeds are taking over. Then you notice that the newspapers and mail are piling up on the front porch. The windows look dirty, and the house looks forlorn and neglected.

These are possible signs that a house may have come under power of sale - but don’t be fooled. Even properties that look majestic and pristine, including homes in high-end neighbourhoods, can be subject to a power of sale.

A power of sale is a forced sale of a property by a mortgagee (a bank, financial institution or other lender) due to a default of one or more obligations by the mortgagor (owner or borrower) under the mortgage. The obligations include: paying principal and interest, paying municipal realty taxes, providing adequate insurance on the buildings, and keeping the property in good repair. When a mortgage goes into default, lenders have several options, and power of sale is just one of the legal remedies.

"There’s a story behind every power of sale, and in many cases it’s a sad one," says Lou Radomsky, an instructor and lawyer who has taught for the OREA Real Estate College since 1989.

"For investors or lawyers, real estate is a piece of paper or a business proposition, and in a number of instances, if it doesn’t work out, the investors walk away," says Radomsky. "But owners have an entirely different relationship with the property. Power of sale is very personal to them."

In some cases, people have put only five per cent down, but if the markets change and interest rates increase dramatically, which happened in the late 1980s and early 1990s - or if the owners lose their jobs or fall into deep debt - then they can’t carry the payments. It can happen with high-end properties too, he notes.

Radomsky deals with some 20 to 30 power of sale situations each year, he estimates. "My heart goes out to the individual in that situation, but there is another side to it as well," he says. "The lender has put out money, and their money is at risk of being lost. Even though the lender is probably in a better financial position than the buyer, it’s still a loss, and that has implications too."

Condominiums represent a large number of power of sale situations for Radomsky’s firm. Some buyers have a high-ratio mortgage or own several units and are barely able to make the mortgage payments, so they fail to pay the condominium maintenance fees. "The owners may already be fairly stretched, so they’ll pay the mortgage but not the condo fees, and that can lead to power of sale as well."

When the economy moves into a recession, the number of power of sale situations tends to increase, he says, especially when jobs are scarce. In tough times, a disproportionately high number of home listings can be power of sale, he says, particularly in towns with one or two key industries hard hit by recession or company closings.

The condition of some power of sale homes can be very poor, he notes. In some cases, homeowners vandalize their own properties before vacating out of anger at their financial circumstances or other parties. He recalls one instance when the owners created a large hole in the second-storey bathroom floor that went right through the ceiling of the main-level bathroom, among other damages.

A power of sale can in fact end up costing much more than a resale, he says. Buyers who seek a power of sale situation may think they’ll get a great deal, but Radomsky warns that power of sale is not always an attractive proposition. "Many people have misconceptions about the value of a power of sale home," he says. "It’s not always a good deal. Some people see it as an opportunity to take advantage of someone else’s misfortune, but fortunately, the courts hold the lenders to a higher standard, requiring them to get a fair price, and in fact the best price, for the property."

The "as is" condition of a power of sale is crucial and can be an eye-opener for many buyers. The buyer purchases the property, fixtures and chattels "as is"; and the buyer agrees that the mortgagee does not accept any liability for the condition of the property. For all of these reasons, home inspection and property insurance conditions are essential, as are searches for outstanding work orders or deficiency notices. While some lenders/sellers may permit conditions in power of sale offers, others may ask that offers be unconditional. In those cases, buyers may need to arrange for the inspection prior to making an offer as well as consulting with their insurers ahead of time. When in doubt, check with the lender/seller. Although sellers generally must disclose known latent defects that render a premise dangerous or unfit for habitation as an exception to "buyer beware" principle, even those types of defects are not likely to be known to the mortgagee selling under power of sale.

DISCHARGE FROM BANKRUPTCY - What to do next

2011-04-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

How to improve your credit after bankruptcy. After being discharged from bankruptcy it is very important to re-establish your credit ASAP. Many of my clients believe that they will not be able to get credit after bankruptcy, but this is not the case. You may be surprised by the amount of solicitation you receive.

Here are seven things you can do to re-establish your credit:

Get a credit card and use it to establish or re-build your credit score. If you have to get an unsecured credit card you will have to put money on the credit card up front.

Use your credit card to pay for things that you would normally pay for cash (groceries, gas etc.).

Pay your credit statements on time or early.

Keep the balance on credit card low. Do not exceed 30% of your credit limit.

Use your non-dischargeable debts such as a student loan to re-build your credit score. It is important to your monthly student loan on time.

Check your credit score on a regular basis. Make sure that everything being reported is accurate.

Be patient.

TORONTO SEMI-DETACHED - RENOVATOR'S DREAM

2011-04-11T07:45:00.000-07:00

This Victorian home has so much potential. Ideal as an investment property. Features include:

3+1 bedrooms

More than 1600 sq. ft.

Open concept living room/dining room

Hardwood floors throughout

10.3 feet ceilings

NEW MORTGAGE RULES

2011-02-13T10:01:00.000-08:00

Concern over rising consumer debt levels has prompted Ottawa to make implement the following three new changes to Canada's mortgage rules.

Reduce the maximum amortization period to 30 years from 35 years for government-backed insured mortgages with loan-to-value ratios of more than 80 per cent. Buyers with a deposit of 20% or more will not be affect.
Lower the maximum amount Canadians can borrow in refinancing their mortgages to 85 per cent from 90 per cent of the value of their homes.
Withdraw government insurance backing on lines of credit secured by homes.

The changes to the mortgage insurance guarantee framework will come into force on March 18, 2011. The withdrawal of government insurance backing on lines of credit secured by homes will come into force on April 18, 2011.

Source: The Globe and Mail

THE HOME BUYING PROCESS DOES NOT HAVE TO BE DIFFICULT

2011-02-13T07:03:00.000-08:00

In almost every real estate article written about the home buying process, potential buyers are told how difficult and daunting the process can be. While this is true to a certain extent, I am here to tell you that the home buying process can also be very exciting and a lot of fun. Whether you are a first-time buyer or an experienced buyer, an experienced real estate agent like me can help you achieve your goal of becoming a homeowner. Listed below is a brief description of the buying process.

Eight Steps to the Home Buying Process

Step 1: Finding a Real Estate Agent
You may ask yourself why hire a real estate agent when there is so much information online. The answer, local markets vary from one another, and an excellent agent like me, can guide you by giving you information based on experience and market knowledge. I can help you avoid costly mistakes like choosing the wrong home or offering too much.

Step 2: The Home Buying and Mortgage Pre-qualification Process Explained
It is important to have all of the facts explained to you before we start your home search. At our first meeting I will review the buying process with you and answer any of your questions. We will also discuss the type of home you are looking for e.g. townhouse, semi-detached, detached, or condominums, likes and dislikes, and more importantly your current financial circumstance. It is essential that we establish what you can afford. There's no point in searching for homes that are out of your price arrange. If you are not already working with a mortgage agent I will arrange to:

Have a mortgage agent attend our first meeting. They can pre-qualify you right on the spot. Also, if there are any credit issues, the agent would be able to help you rectify any problems you may be faced with; or
Provide you with the names of several experienced mortgage agents that will be delighted to meet with you in private.

Step 4: Finding Your Perfect Home
Now we have come to the fun part! Based on the information you provided me at our initial meeting i.e. the type of home you are looking to purchase, location, etc., you will be emailed daily MLS listings of properties that meet your requirements. I will then book appointments to view these properties that you selected at a time that is convenient for you. (I also encourage you to search for homes on www.realtor.ca).

Step 5: Writing an Offer of Purchase and Sale
Once you have found the home you want to purchase, the next step is writing the offer. This is much more complicated than it seems. The Offer of Purchase and Sale is a legal document that details the price you want to pay for the property as well as the terms and conditions such as the down payment, the inspections to be conducted, time frame, what personal property will be included, etc. This is where my skills and experience come into play. I will walk you through the offer, and discuss the terms and conditions with you thoroughly so that you understand exactly what you are committing to. Remember, it is my job to protect your interest.

Step 6: Presenting the Offer of Purchase and Sale
Writing and offer and presenting the offer are quite different. My job as your real estate agent is to explain to the Seller why we tailored our presentation the way we did, and to get them to accept the offer.

Step 7: Arranging and Co-ordinating a Home Inspection
It is highly recommended that you hire a qualified home inspector to do the home inspection. They can help identify potential problems before you purchase your home. If you don’t already have one, I would be happy to provide you with the names of several highly qualified home inspectors.

Step 8: Moving into your New Home
Congratulate yourself…you are now a homeowner!!! My services do not stop here. I will continue to provide you with valuable information that can help your move go smoothly and will be available to answer any of questions 24/7.