February 2004

~ 4256 Sales For January - A Great Start To The Year ~

TREB President Cynthia Lai has reported that with 4256 sales for the month of January, we are off to a positive start to 2004. "Last month's result is only the fourth time sales have broken the 4000 level in January. Although the figure is down somewhat from the previous record of 4869 recorded in January 2002, it is a signal that sales this year will remain very active. Prices rebounded in January over the close of 2003, rising 4% to $295,989 over December's figure of $284,955. They were also up 5% from the $281,292 recorded in January 2003. The upcoming year will see moderate price increases, but these should not be much more than the rate of inflation".

Average Days-On-Market in January was 42.

Web-Site Of Interest: www.tremblantres.com If you're looking for a great ski getaway this may be just the ticket!

Rates As Of February 11, 2004:

Glen will guarantee this rate for 120 days if you bring this newsletter along with you.

These ‘Preferred Rates’ are available for new mortgages for any of my clients who bank with Glen Travers, Senior Bank Manager of Scotiabank & Trust.  Glen’s office is located at 2200 Yonge Street (at Eglington), Toronto.

(Bus):  416-932-3034  (Fax): 416-932-3167

Homeworks ... What Will It Take To Get My House Insured?

Once you have made the commitment to purchase a house, or even before the offer has been finalized, you may want to make a phone call to your insurance broker. As we all know, the insurance industry is trying to reduce its risk, and when it comes to home insurance, this couldn't be more true. For homes less than about 25 years of age, the requirements should be fairly straightforward. However older homes are becoming increasingly difficult to insure.

You may be asked to provide information on the age and type of electrical wiring (particularly knob and tube), age of plumbing, the type of heating system, roof etc. Is there an oil tank in the basement and if so, how old is it? Most underwriters now require that the tank and oil lines be replaced if older than 25 years. Do you have an open faced fireplace? Some companies will not insure on this basis.

Every month there seems to be some new barrier. Fortunately, each underwriter has a different set of criteria, and if your broker can shop around, he or she may find you a reasonably priced policy that doesn't require immediate and expensive upgrades. Otherwise, be prepared to spend money on upgrades upon closing, as a condition of the insurance being made available. If you know the questions that your broker needs answered before the purchase, then your Home Inspector or the Seller may be able to provide the answers. Re-wiring a house is typically over $5000.00 and replacing an oil tank around $1200.00. As you can see, doing your insurance homework before you buy can save you money.

National Home Inspection: (416) 467-7809

Finding Your Way Around Toronto & Steering Clear Of Problem Areas!

You know how frustrating is is to be on your way to a business appointment and end up in a traffic jam. Sort of puts a damper on the day doesn't it. Calling ahead to the city's Road Information line, before you leave can be very helpful. (416) 599-9090 You will be prompted to select the area of interest to you, from options like road restrictions, construction sites, TTC transit information etc. Then you can access road restrictions from the following list:

#111 - Road Closures #112 Downtown Toronto #113 Northeast #114 Northwest #115 Southwest #116 Southeast #125 Don Valley Parkway #164 Report A Pot Hole.

For Out Of Town Callers, it's - Toll Free at 1-888-599-9090.

Michael, a hospital administrator was walking down the hall outside Operating Room #3 when the door flew open and a scantily clad patient darted past him. Michael called out to the man, "What on earth is wrong?" The man turned around and replied, "I had to get out of there before they put me under". Michael said, 'What kind of operation were you having". The man said, "An appendectomy". Michael shrugged and said, "But that is a relatively short, simple procedure". The man said, "Well the nurse explained, first we put the patient under, then we swab and sterilize the area around the abdomen, then we make a short incision with a scalpel and clamp open the skin, then the appendix is removed. We make sure no instruments have been left inside, then we close and stitch the incision" "That sounds about right" said the administrator, "The nurse explained it all so why are you so afraid?" The man said, "Because, she wasn't explaining it to me, she was talking to the doctor".

Neighbourhood Corner - Mississauga:

The Mississauga area (W12 to W20) registered 645 sales in January - down 10% from the 721 reported during the same month in 2003. However, the overall average price in the area jumped by 7% from the 2003 figure of $259,207 to the 2004 figure of $277,594. The average days on market was 43 - about the same as TREB's board-wide figure of 42 days.

• Full time agent for 18 years.
• Active in Riverdale/Danforth, Central Toronto & Beaches, High Park, Bloor West Village & Roncesvalles.
• Fully computerized home office.

Memberships:

• Toronto Real Estate Board.
• Ontario Real Estate Association.
• Canadian Real Estate Association. 
• Member of SOLD (Sutton On Line Directory - across Canada agent referral network.)
• Referral Network to related Real Estate Professionals & Trades.

Business Referrals:

Client & Networking referrals are the foundation of a successful real estate agent’s career. Over many years in this industry I have enjoyed the confidence & repeat business of my clients. I appreciate your on-going support and want you to know that I will always look after friends & colleagues you refer to me with professionalism, care and respect.