Thanks to our friends at Dominion Lending Centre www.MortgagetAndLifestyle.com we have an update for you on mortgage rates: Rates remained the same on both fixed and variable mortgages this past week. Bond rates continue to be extremely low and ...More »
When it comes to improving your financial picture, small steps can yield big gains. Whether you’re saving for a down payment or dealing with increased expenses having just moved into a new home, the following tips from SWparents.com are great ...More »
We’ve all heard horror stories about the remodeling project that needs to be torn down or redone because it didn’t live up to code. While many believe that investigating building codes is too confusing, time consuming and costly, the ...More »
While not everyone can afford to refinance due to little or no equity, refinancing is still a popular option for many, as it can be a smart way to simplify and save money. Below are five reasons why you might want to consider refinancing: ...More »
Let’s face it—every dollar earned in today’s economy is a hard-earned one and blowing your budget on holiday spending is just not an option this year. While everyone is tempted to splurge during this festive season, you ...More »
I recently came across this article written by a contributor to Forbes.com, Manisha Thakor. I read the article and thought that it was something I should share with all of you. Money woes are common these days and they become even more prevalent ...More »
While this time of the year is packed with joyous moments and festive activities, holiday-related mishaps can happen in the blink of an eye. According to the national nonprofit Home Safety Council® (www.Homesafetycouncil.org), many popular ...More »
At this time of year, many take their car in for a pre-winter check to help it withstand the months of cold, damp weather. But how many people ever think to do the same for their most valuable asset—their home? According to the AA Home ...More »
There are many factors to consider when purchasing a home, two of the biggest considerations are (1) Employment and (2) Mortgage carrying costs. High mortgage rates equal a higher monthly payment and vice versa for low mortgage rates. Higher ...More »
One of the most exciting moments of anyone’s life is buying their first home. However, after you wind down from the whirlwind of closing and cross that threshold for the first time, reality often sets in. For many new homeowners, it can be ...More »
While discussions regarding finances don’t make their way to the top of the to-do list as often as they should, it’s more important than ever that couples take the time to sit down and discuss their finances and financial goals. Whether ...More »
On Tuesday the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) released their real estate forecast for the fourth quarter of 2011 in Barrie. As you may have already read in my blog posting on Monday, there are two main elements to their forecast: ...More »
According to an article published by the Globe and Mail on October 31st, variable rate mortgages are just not worth your while any more. The banks haven't been making enough money on variable rate mortgages and thus have taken away the discount ...More »
The Fall housing market outlook for the remainder of 2011 and into 2012 was released on Friday from the Canadian Mortgage & Housing Corporation (CMHC). The general consensus is that the housing Market will remain balanced and that there ...More »
In today’s financially challenging climate, identity theft and credit card fraud are crimes to be very aware of, especially as the holiday shopping season descends upon us. While many now have a heightened awareness regarding online shopping ...More »
A new study by the University of Michigan has ruled the widely held belief that Gen X-ers are lazier than previous generations is simply not true! ...More »
This past Wednesday we celebrated Peggy and Rock 95's birthday with a live radio broadcast from our Barrie real estate office at 431 Huronia Road. From noon to three on October 19th Craig Ross broadcasted live from our office and we invited ...More »
As you've probably heard, today's market offers many opportunities for first-time home buyers. While shopping for your first home is an exciting time, it can also be a stressful experience as you navigate today's market. Before you ...More »
For the second consecutive month this year property sales from the Barrie & District Association of REALTORS® MLS® system were up considerably over last year. The Association covers the City of Barrie and part or all of the surrounding ...More »
From losing a job to losing a home, many Canadians have suffered the slings and arrows of the recession over the past few years. This has forced many to make the difficult decision of filing for bankruptcy. While bankruptcy is the least desirable ...More »
If water damage is something that you've found in your Barrie home, you know how frustrating and costly it can be to deal with. Water damage can be caused by anything from storms and flooding to broken water pipes and lines and leaking washing ...More »
While the Internet is increasingly becoming our go-to source for instantly connecting with others, conducting business, shopping and more, there are certain safety precautions we need to consider. Whether we’re at our desktops at the office, ...More »
If you've been thinking about selling your home, now just might be the right time. Home sales in July from the Barrie & District Association of REALTORS® MLS® system were up 23% over 2010 at 380 units and in the city of Barrie ...More »
With many home buyers choosing to stay put as opposed to selling their home in the current marketplace, remodeling projects are gaining new ground. However, before you set out on your remodeling project, the National Association of the Remodeling ...More »
Some breaking news about the Canadian real estate market from Rueters and the Business News Network: "Sales of existing homes in Canada fell 4.4 percent in April from March as activity dropped off after a first-quarter rush to buy before the ...More »
With the official start of the summer season right around the corner, homeowners across Simcoe County are beginning to anticipate the longer days, warmer weather and family vacations that define the season. As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate ...More »
There’s no way around it—everyone gathers in the kitchen. Often the heart and soul of our home, the kitchen is also one of the critical areas that contributes—or detracts—from the value of your home. As a Member of the Top ...More »
In today’s recovering economy it's not surprising that RBC's Annual Home Ownership study found that young Canadian's today are postponing their home purchases, 55% of them, or 10 points higher than the national average, think that ...More »
There may have never been a better time to buy a home than right now. Earlier this month, interest rates dropped again -- the average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages decreased to 4.79% from 4.93%, according to ...More »
Please join me in raising awareness for World Autism Awareness Day this Saturday April 2nd. Each year this day is used to raise awareness around the globe about Autism and the growing number of children being diagnosed each year. Early diagnosis ...More »
If you've come to that point in your life when your children are contemplating renting or entering the housing market, then you've come to the right place! Our friends at the Financial Post have written a great article on the different ...More »
We've all experienced the hectic pace of business today, and there are many reasons or "excuses" you can use to justify the fact that you're too busy, but in today’s connected society I believe it's more important than ...More »
Spring is finally upon us, which means things will be heating up in no time...including your electric bill. In today's economy and in the Barrie real estate market, it's important to reduce expenses wherever possible, especially those costs ...More »
In a paper written by Michael Smart and released by the University of Calgary it has been determined that the Harmonized Sales Tax implemented in Ontario had less of an effect on consumer’s wallets than expected. The introduction of this tax ...More »
In February many of Canada's banks raised their mortgage rates as investors grew more confident in equity markets and the global economy appeared to be growing stronger. However it's no secret that the tragic events in Japan and the ...More »
Moving into your brand new home is one of the happiest, most exciting moments of your life. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most stressful. The perils and pitfalls of packing up your possessions and safely moving them to another ...More »
Do You Know What Impacts Your Credit Score? Take This Quiz and Find Out According to credit experts, 42% of U.S. consumers have credit scores between 550 and 699. As a result, these consumers typically don’t qualify for preferred ...More »
When your heating and/or cooling system breaks down, it can be an overwhelming experience to find a contractor if you don't have someone you already trust. You need to find someone quickly but don't want to make the wrong choice. As a ...More »
In the do-it-yourself age we live in, many Barrie homeowners are ready and willing to take on home-improvement projects themselves. But while you may be ready and willing, the real question is, are you really "able?" I have access to ...More »
March Break gives kids and parents alike a chance to explore the activities and events in their local community. If you’re looking for ways to entertain your kids this March break there's plenty going on in Barrie and the surrounding ...More »
Let's face it -- in today's challenging economy, every penny you can save matters. That's why some homeowners go it alone when it comes time to sell their home. However, according to a recent survey conducted by the Multiple Listing ...More »
It's easy to understand why the harshness of winter can slow you down. From the inclement weather to the treacherous roads, winter's mighty bite is fierce. While we cannot predict or control the weather outside, we can make the most of what ...More »
Yesterday the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) announced a revised and extended Real Estate forecast for 2011 into 2012. Since the market rebounded more quickly than expected in the second half of 2010 CREA has revised their Real Estate ...More »
Last week RBC launched two new default insured mortgage programs for clients with little to no down payment available when purchasing a home. The program allows Mortgage Brokers, through RBC Royal Bank Mortgages, to use a cash back or borrowed ...More »
So you've found your dream home, in the right area for a great deal, but it's just a little bit "less than perfect" and you didn't budget for improvements. Well for buyers with good credit there's no need to worry! A great ...More »
In today's technology-centric world, the idea of hosting an open house to help find a buyer for your home may seem antiquated. As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, however, I have learned from experience that an open house -- ...More »
It was announced yesteray, Monday January 17th 2011 that there will be a few adjustments in terms of rules for government backed insured mortgages. The changes have been made in an effort to support the long-term stability of Canada's housing ...More »
Jim Flaherty announced yesterday morning that there are 3 new rules coming into effect March 18 and April 18, 2011 a copy of the announcement is below The Harper Government Takes Prudent Action to Support the Long-Term Stability of ...More »
While today's real estate market presents challenges for many, it still remains an optimal market for first-time home buyers. Reasonable home prices, a healthy inventory and still-low interest rates create a winning combination for those ...More »
According to a new consumer poll from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), 49% of homeowners consider outcome and design as the greatest determinant of project satisfaction. According to NARI National President-Elect Michael ...More »
As we enjoy this holiday week and invite friends and families to our home, the fireplace often serves as the iconic focal point of our get-togethers. In fact, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), approximately one-third of Americans ...More »
With the holiday season now in full swing, you are undoubtedly busy ... whether it's shopping for gifts, preparing for guests or gathering with friends. What you probably won't notice through the hustle and bustle of the season is your ...More »
Courtesy of the Newsroom at the Propertywire.ca: The Bank of Canada has issued a stern warning for those carrying high household debt; there is trouble waiting down the road in the form of looming high interest rates. Canadians have enjoyed a ...More »
While the holidays should be a joyous time for all, unfortunately, financial pressures can make this time of the year stressful and depressing for many. There are countless ways, however, to stop holiday spending from spiraling out of control in ...More »
According to the MLS, seasonally adjusted national home sales activity rose 4.6 per % in October 2010. This monthly rise in activity continues the trend of similar increases in August and September. So then, activity comes in at 13.3 % above ...More »
Today's real estate market presents many unique opportunities for first-time home buyers. From low interest rates to power of sale properties and short sales, the current economic climate puts homeownership within reach for many who ...More »
Throughout 2010 the Barrie economy has been recovering from the recession, this trend will continue into 2011 but at a slower rate of recovery. According to the Housing Market Outlook from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), ...More »
Understandably, the goal for any home seller is to sell their property quickly, while investing as little as possible in renovations. With a limited budget and a little effort, you can greatly increase your home's appeal by focusing on what ...More »
For a little fun take look at this cartoon to give yourself some insight on the Federal Reserve in the United States ... Sincerely, Peggy Hill Peggy Hill & Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage Office: 705-739-4455 Mobile: ...More »
If you have a second home or vacation property you're looking to sell, this market may prove to be exceptionally tough. That's why leasing your property, at least for now, is something you should seriously consider. With the winter months ...More »
Keeping your household organized is a challenge in the best of circumstances, let alone when you're in the midst of dealing with the disruption of moving. As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I always take the extra steps ...More »
When selling your home, it is important to keep the following tips in mind so that you get the most money for your property in the least amount of time. Whether you are selling the home yourself or working with an experienced agent, ...More »
Top 10 Green Design Trends for Your Home As the green movement gathers steam, many homeowners -- and soon-to-be homeowners -- are exploring ways to become environmentally conscious within their living spaces. Greening your home is not only a ...More »
Some advice on the Candian housing market from my friend Jeremy Ridley at RBC: Fears of a Canadian housing market crash overblown You may have noticed a lot of stories in the press recently about a significant risk of a ...More »
5 Great Tips to Close the Deal In our market, competition for buyers is high and sometimes the seller may need to look at sweetening the pot, so to speak, to get the deal done. As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate ...More »
What Is a Beacon Score? The biggest part of the score (35 per cent) is your payment history, This shows if you pay bills on time, have any unpaid debts or have been through bankruptcies, consumer proposals or debt management ...More »
10 Tips for Hiring a Home Remodeling Contractor Given the economic difficulties that still exist, it's not surprising that many homeowners are looking to home improvement and renovation, rather than buying a new home. When ...More »
Buying a Foreclosed Home? Top Problem Areas to Look Out For Today's real estate landscape offers some great buys for savvy real estate consumers, especially when it comes to foreclosure properties. Unfortunately, even though ...More »
Thursday, September 02, 2010 Peggy Hill, of Peggy Hill & Associates Realty, Barrie, ON, Named a Member of Top 5 in Real Estate Network® Look for this article in your local newspaper! Local Realtor Earns Most ...More »
Remodeling? New Lead Regulations You Need to Know About While we're all aware of the health risks posed by lead, you might not realize that even common renovation projects can be hazardous in terms of lead. According to the ...More »
Top 5 Tips for Buying a Luxury Home Despite the doom and gloom the media portrays regarding today’s real estate market, several unique opportunities exist for home buyers, in particular, luxury home buyers. While home ...More »
Tips for Boosting Affordability For first-time buyers looking for a home of their own, there are some ways to further increase mortgage affordability and stretch one’s housing dollar. Here are some tips to ...More »
Residential property sales recorded through the MLS® System of the Barrie District Association of REALTORS® Inc. were down considerably in July 2010. A slowdown in demand in Ontario had been widely expected in July, with many purchases ...More »
Looking for a Summer Remodeling Project? These Tips Might Help Other than vacations, summer is the time of the year most popular for home improvement. The long days and warm, sunny weather make a great ...More »
RBC Royal Bank® RateCapper® Mortgage at Prime Offer Has Been Extended Recently, RBC Royal Bank announced the introduction of the RateCapper mortgage at prime. Due to popular demand, we are extending ...More »
First-time Home Buyers: What You Need to Know Before Starting Your Home Search With historically low interest rates persevering and prices starting to creep back up, more and more renters are grappling with the ...More »
It is with great enthusiasm and excitement that I welcome you to my new site and blog. I would like to announce to you that I have started my own real estate brokerage name Peggy Hill & Associates Realty. Since starting out in Real Estate 6 ...More »
Why is location so important? Location remains the single most important factor when choosing a home. It can make or break the value and desirability of a home. Because everyone's preferences vary, your lifestyle will determine the best ...More »
Where can I find foreclosure properties? Look in the legal notices section of your local newspaper. A notice is also usually posted on the property itself and somewhere in the city where the sale will take place. However, ...More »
Should I buy a vacation home? The second home market has more ebbs and flows than the primary home market. Sales are iffy in a bad economy except, perhaps, on the high-end. That said, there is a growing trend toward the purchase of vacation ...More »
What else should I take into account when buying a new home? You can find out more about an existing property and neighborhood before you buy than you can a new home in a newly developed community. When the home is on the outskirts of town, ...More »
Should I hire a home inspector for a new home? You would think not since it is new and the developer has to adhere to local construction guidelines. However, err on the side of caution - always hire an inspector, whether the home ...More »
Can you negotiate the price of a new home? In real estate, almost everything is negotiable, so it is certainly worth a try. Now, this does not mean the builder will fall down and roll over. It is very common for builders to claim ...More »
How can I finance work needed on a fixer-upper? According to the Millennial Housing Commission created by Congress, few lenders are willing to administer home improvement loans. Most prefer to make home equity ...More »
What kind of return can I expect from home improvements? This will vary depending on the type of work that is done. Remodeling magazine publishes an annual "Cost vs. Value Report'' that can answer this question in ...More »
What guidelines should I use to find a contractor?Chances are you will need plenty of help making those major repairs and additions. But the last thing you will need is someone who fails to complete the ...More »
How do I determine the value of a distressed property? One of the best ways is to get your hands on a comparable market analyses. See what price similar properties have sold for in the past and find out the listing price of others ...More »
Where can you find fixer-uppers? They are literally everywhere, even in wealthy enclaves. What sets them apart is price. They have lower market value than other houses in the immediate area because they have either been poorly maintained or ...More »
What are co-ops? Cooperative apartments - known as co-ops - are not really owned by people as real property. Instead, people own shares of stock in the company that owns the building in which they live. But for all practical purposes, the ...More »
How do townhouses differ from condominiums? While most condominiums are apartments, a townhouse is attached to one or more houses and can run the gamut from duplexes and triplexes to communities with hundreds of homes. Buyers separately own ...More »
How do you choose a good condo? Seek ownership in a well-maintained building, and pay special attention to the financial health of the condo association. Lax maintenance may be a sign of financial trouble, which could result in higher ...More »
What is a condominium? Condominiums are buildings in which individuals separately own the air space inside the interior walls, floors and ceilings of their unit, but they jointly own an interest in the common areas that they share - such as the ...More »
Can I contest my property taxes? Many people do, mainly because determining value can often be tricky. This is especially true in a changing market when local prices either take off dramatically or plunge precipitously, like ...More »
Why do homeowners have to pay property taxes? Property taxes are assessed by city and county governments to generate the bulk of their operating revenues. The taxes help pay for such public services as schools, libraries, roads, and police ...More »
Is there anything I should know about closing day? Yes. The following to-do list can help save you a few headaches and keep the closing on track: Keep extra money in your account. Something unexpected can pop up during the ...More »
What contingencies should appear in the offer? When you look to purchase a home, anticipate potential problems. But protect against them so that if something does go wrong, you can cancel the contract without penalty. This is what ...More »
What are some negotiating tips? Know the seller's motivation to sell. This will enhance your negotiating position. Sellers who must move quickly due to a job transfer, divorce, or contract on another home, are more inclined to ...More »
Can you negotiate interest rates? A few lenders will negotiate the mortgage rate and number of points on a loan. However, this is more the exception than the rule with established lenders. As always, shop around and know the market before you ...More »
Are low-ball offers a good idea? Any offer can be presented, but a low-ball one that is extremely less than the asking price can dampen a prospective sale and prevent the seller from negotiating at all. Unless the home is overpriced to begin ...More »
Is it possible to buy a home below market price? Certainly, but do not hold your breath. It takes a lot of determination and time to find a real bargain. But if you are adamant, here are some likely targets to pursue: foreclosed ...More »
Is private mortgage insurance necessary? Lenders require private mortgage insurance (PMI) on most conventional loans with less than a 20 percent down payment. They believe there is a correlation between borrower equity and default. They have ...More »
Four Reasons to Rent Your Retirement Property If you have a vacation home that you had hoped to retire to some day but have since changed your mind, don’t jump to sell it…consider renting it out instead. For ...More »
Title insurance protects the lender against unclear title to the property you are buying. It is almost always a requirement for closing on a home. If you desire coverage as well, buy an owner's policy, which will ...More »
This insurance protects your investment and personal belongings from most disasters. As an owner, you will need two insurance policies - your own to cover liability, living expenses, your belongings and structural improvements, and a master ...More »
A standard policy will do in most instances. It protects against several natural disasters and catastrophic events. However, it will not guard against earthquakes, floods, war, and nuclear accidents. The policy can be expanded to include ...More »
It protects against disasters - whether natural, manmade or mechanical. A standard policy insures the home, as well as your possessions. Because this insurance is packaged, it covers liability for any harm, loss, and property damage that ...More »
No, but it is a very good idea to be there. Following the check-over, the home inspector can answer your questions and discuss problem areas with you. This is also an opportune time to get an objective opinion about the home from someone ...More »
Begin by only hiring one who is qualified and experienced, someone who belongs to an industry trade group, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). This organization has developed formal inspection guidelines and a ...More »
By all means. Buying a home without getting expert advice is risky. Once a home inspector uncovers major plumbing and electrical problems, for example, you may decide you do not want to spend several thousand dollars on repairs. Always include an ...More »
A home inspector is a paid professional - often a contractor or an engineer - who checks the safety of a home. Home inspectors search for defects or other problems that could become your worst nightmare later on. They focus particularly on the ...More »
A certified appraiser who is trained to provide the estimated value of a home determines its appraised value. The appraised value is based on comparable sales, the condition of the property, and several other factors. Market value is the price the ...More »
The list price is a seller's advertised price, or asking price, for a home. It is a rough estimate of what the seller wants to complete a home sale. A seller can price high, low - which does not happen very often - or very close to what they ...More »
Yes. A comparative market analysis and an appraisal are the two most common and reliable ways to determine a home's value. Your REALTOR® can provide a comparative market analysis, an informal estimate of value based on the recent ...More »
The short answer: a home is ultimately worth what is paid for it. Everything else is really an estimate of value. Take, for example, a hot seller's market when demand for housing is high but the inventory of available homes for sale is low. ...More »
Residential property sales recorded through the MLS® System of the Barrie District Association of REALTORS® Inc. came in well below last year’s record levels in June. Home sales numbered 461 units in June 2010, down 19 per cent from the record ...More »
Homeowner Confidence Rises Nationally, But Western Homeowners Remain Pessimistic RISMEDIA, July 5, 2010—As some parts of the U.S. housing market work their way out of the housing recession, while the majority of markets continue to ...More »
