One easy but very important number to remember ! 311 provides you with simple and direct access to all non-emergency municipal government information, programs and services provided by the City of Brampton and Region of Peel. You may call 311 anytime for anything from parking to garbage and recycling, to tax payments and water bills, to recreation programs and building permits, and so on Read more at: http://www.brampton.ca/en/Info-Centre/Pages/311-Brampton.aspx   01/07/2010

Real Estate leverage is the use of borrowed money to increase your profits in an investment.  Building wealth via real estate requires the use of leverage.  Let's assume you have $100,000 to invest and you purchase a small income property for $100,000.  Consider the properties have been appreciating at an average of 7% per year.  At the end of the first year of operation,  your property is worth $107,000.  At the end of year two, it is worth $114,490.  Now let's assume that you put your $100,000 down on a $500,000 income property.  At the end of the first year, it is worth $535,000.  At the end of the second year, it is worth $572,450.  By using leverage or borrowed money to purchase a larger income property, you have increased your profit by $57,960 in just two years.  To get the full ... 01/05/2010

 About the Initiative The HBP allows first-time homebuyers to withdraw amounts from an RRSP to purchase or build a home without having to pay tax on the withdrawal. The $5,000 increase in the HBP withdrawal limit -- to $25,000 from $20,000 -- applies to withdrawals made after January 27, 2009. This is the first increase in the withdrawal limit since the HBP was introduced in 1992. It allows a couple to withdraw up to $50,000 from their RRSP funds toward the purchase of their first home.  Amounts withdrawn are repayable in installments over a period not exceeding 15 years, starting the second year following the year the withdrawal was made. How It Works First-time homebuyers can visit their financial institution to withdraw RRSP funds under the HBP.  Who Is Eligible First-time homebuyers... 01/05/2010

Here is the summarised version:  Only the individual who is entitled to receive payments from the RRSP can withdraw funds. You can make withdrawals from more than one RRSP as long as you are the plan owner of each RRSP. Your RRSP issuer will not withhold tax on these amounts. Generally, you will not be allowed to withdraw funds from a locked-in RRSP. To participate in the HBP, ONE of the following conditions must apply: You are withdrawing funds to buy or build a home for yourself as a first-time home buyer.or You are withdrawing funds to buy or build a home for a person with a disability . In addition, ALL of the following conditions must apply: You must enter into a written agreement (Offer of purchase) to buy or build a qualifying home. The agreement may be with a builder or contract... 01/05/2010

Growing debt threatens economic stability: BOC With household debt-to-income ratios in Canada at historical highs, the Bank of Canada is warning both borrowers and financial institutions to practice caution, particularly when it comes to mortgage lending. "Financial institutions need to carefully consider the aggregate risk to their entire portfolio of household exposures when evaluating even an insured mortgage, since a household defaulting on an insured mortgage would likely be unable to meet its other debt obligations," the central bank's financial system review said. On the borrower side, the bank stressed the need for households to "assess their ability to service these debt obligations over their entire maturity, taking into account likely changes in both income and interest rates... 12/16/2009

The evil IRD Penalty. The IRD penalty (Interest Rate Differential) has become a very hot topic in the last year. With the recent plunge in interest rates, many fixed rate mortgage holders, have contacted their banks to find out what it would cost to break their mortgage term in pursuit of today’s much lower mortgage rates. Many are shocked to find out that the IRD penalty is so high, that breaking their mortgage has even become impossible for some as it would eat up any small amount of equity that they managed to build. If you are selling a home outright, add to this penalty amount, the real estate fees to sell, and many are completely trapped and unable to find the extra cash they need, in their home equity, to move away from the mortgage obligation. The IRD penalties are often huge an... 12/15/2009

Greater Toronto Area Real Estate Home Sales Remain Strong in November December 3, 2009-- Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 7,446 sales in November - slightly more than double the November 2008 result when GTA home sales had dipped markedly due to the economic downturn. Year-to-date sales were up 14 per cent compared to the first 11 months of 2008."This year in the GTA home sales will be in line with the healthy levels experienced between 2004 and 2006," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Tom Lebour. "Increased resale home transactions in the Toronto area and country-wide played a key role in pushing the Canadian economy out of recession in the third quarter."Read the Complete Storey and Market Watch Report on my blogsite at http://www.aceteamrealty.com/Blog Manoj Kumar Arora, Bro... 12/04/2009

In one of my past blogs I wrote about how difficult it was to keep up with all the technology, BB, Twitter, A/R, Facebook etc etc.  But I know have a BB and have also joined a 'tech' group of like minded agents from our office.  Yes I was up till 1:30 am again but I was all excited about teching again!  As I am now. Mississauga Real Estate is a large market and there is enough room for all of us however the groups meeting was very interesting and the 1 thing we all agreed on was that if you are not upto date with technology yourself you need to get someone who is.  we are going to see a huge shift in how the public searches and views homes.  In fact my 'feature sheets' have become so basic I might as well just hand out my business card only.  It is all online! Anyhow, I'm enjoying my BB... 11/27/2009

  Here is a quick look on the questions related to mortgage financing which all the buyers must know. Mortgage Financing Matters   PRE-APPROVAL IN WRITING: It is highly recommended that if a buyer chooses to seek pre-approval, (before a property is purchased), such pre-approval should be in writing, confirming the terms of the pre-approval and mortgage.   PURCHASER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO CONFIRM FINANCING ARRANGED: It is the buyer's responsibility to arrange any mortgage financing which might be required to complete the purchase. Once the mortgage is arranged, it will be the purchaser's responsibility to: satisfy any special requirements by the lender (e.g. - proof of income, proof of cash down payment, payment of other debt obligations, if required by the mortgage lender, etc.) in order t... 11/16/2009

Welcome to 3133 Oakview R0ad, Mississauga. Enjoy an oversized 35X12 deck overlooking a 16X32 kidney-shaped pool/landscaping & breathtaking sunsets! New hardwood flooring in living/dining room and family room. Den/office on the main floor! New ceramics in the kitchen, hall & baths! New garage doors & a 40 year roof! Gorgeous finished basement with a custom bar, numerous pot Lights, upgraded broadloom, bedroom, and 3 piece bath. Large cold storage!Main floor laundry with access to the garage. Great commuter access to GO, shopping, and easy highway access.Pictures for this home to follow at a later dateThis home also offers stainless steel fridge, stove, built-in dishwasher. Clothes washer and dryer, central air conditioning, Central Vac, upgraded shutters, window coverings & light fixture... 11/13/2009

Why the Poppy? All the stories are worth reading and have lot lo learn. Today, fields of brilliant poppies still grow in France.  A writer first made the connection between the poppy and battlefield deaths during the Napoleonic wars of the early 19th century, remarking that fields that were barren before battle exploded with the blood-red flowers after the fighting ended.  During the tremendous bombardments of the First World War the chalk soils became rich in lime from rubble, allowing 'popaver rhoeas' to thrive. When the war ended the lime was quickly absorbed, and the poppy began to disappear again.  After John McCrae's poem In Flanders Fields was published in 1915 the poppy became a popular symbol for soldiers who died in battle.  Three years later an American, Moina Michael, was wo... 11/10/2009

Why the Poppy? Today, fields of brilliant poppies still grow in France.  A writer first made the connection between the poppy and battlefield deaths during the Napoleonic wars of the early 19th century, remarking that fields that were barren before battle exploded with the blood-red flowers after the fighting ended.  During the tremendous bombardments of the First World War the chalk soils became rich in lime from rubble, allowing 'popaver rhoeas' to thrive. When the war ended the lime was quickly absorbed, and the poppy began to disappear again.  After John McCrae's poem In Flanders Fields was published in 1915 the poppy became a popular symbol for soldiers who died in battle.  Three years later an American, Moina Michael, was working in a New York City YMCA canteen when she started we... 11/10/2009

  IN FLANDERS FIELDS In Flanders Fields the poppies blowBetween the crosses, row on row,That mark our place; and in the skyThe larks, still bravely singing, flyScarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days agoWe lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,Loved, and were loved, and now we lieIn Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe:To you from failing hands we throwThe torch, be yours to hold it high.If ye break faith with us who dieWe shall not sleep, though poppies growIn Flanders fields In Flanders Fields was first published in England's Punch magazine in December 1915. Within months, this poem came to symbolize the sacrifices of all who were fighting in the First World War. Today, the poem continues to be a part of Remembrance Day ceremonies in Canada and other cou... 11/09/2009

Incidently, I have been dealing mostly with the Buyers. But right now, I really need some good listings.  Just Sold and the closing is by month end ! I have three buyers looking for detached homes in Mississauga or Brampton, but do not have the any listing matching thier requirements. Realtors store is low on inventory because of surge in buying. The last two months have been very active and hot.   Thinking of Selling your Home ! Serving Region of peel, its your Realtor Sham Pathania. Visit my website www.greatgtahomes.com for MLS listings and search MLS properties in your desired area. If you have any questions related to real estate and if you are seeking an assistance in selling or buying a real estate property in Brampton,  Mississauga, Milton,Oakville, Caledon, Etobicoke or anywher... 11/05/2009

Greater Toronto Real Estate records 64% growth in October MLS Transactions In October 2009, Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 8,476 sales, up 64 per cent from October 2008. The average price for October transactions was $423,559 - up by 20 per cent compared to the same month last year.   To see the detailed report, please visit my blog at http://www.aceteamrealty.com/blog.asp  Manoj Kumar Arora, Broker of Record Ace Team Realty Inc., Brokerage, 10 Kingsbridge Garden Circle, Suite 704, Mississauga, ON L5R 3K6 Cell: 416-618-9753 www.AceTeamRealty.com     11/04/2009

Five new French Immersion schools have been approved by the public school board. Next September, French Immersion classes will be held at Rowntree and Worthington Public Schools in Brampton and Edenrose and Ridgewood Public Schools and Edenwood Middle School in Mississauga. Peel District School Board trustees approved the plan at their last regular meeting. Also approved was community consultation on reorganization of French Immersion programs at Mississauga's Hillcrest and Whiteoaks Public Schools. Brampton's Agnes Taylor Public School and Mississauga's Credit Valley, Plum Tree Park and Oscar Peterson Public Schools will be monitored for possible opening of new French Immersion sites in 2011. Springdale, Brampton east and west will be monitored annually, along with Southeast Mississaug... 11/04/2009

Predictions were that we would hit almost 8,000 sales for the month. October 2009 ended up being the highest October in history for number of sales reported to TREB with 8,463 sales. Available homes and Condos, inventory levels are continuing to fall. As of October 31st there were only 14,404 homes for sale. Details are available at http://Davidpylyp.com To put things into perspective, there were 64% more sales this October than in October 2008 and there are currently 47% fewer homes for sale than there were in Oct last year. The numbers show a hotter market than even those spiralling years from 2004 to 2007. To take advantage of this market as a buyer is a little harder to answer. How to take advantage as a seller is obvious, Stage, Price it well and Hold offers back for 5 days. This m... 11/02/2009

This house is definitely FU with P. The first time I heard it, I was a touch shocked. Did I miss something? Was it slang? Could I have missed their intended comment. Real Estate has many acronyms that we need to learn. The most common it seems is furnace which regularly is referred to as GB & E [gas burner and equipment]. One that seems to have retired is SS&SD, Storms, screens & storm doors. No one seems to mention the myriad of extra outside windows that are bolted, screwed and wedged in to protect us from a Canadian winter. You must have seen Mortgaging that is TAC [Treat as Clear] . Sometimes it will say PTA [Purchaser to Arrange New Financing]. Another often asked category is the closing date with TBA [to be arranged] an as yet undecided or uncommitted closing date. The Listing fo... 10/31/2009

Whether its buying a Detached home, Semi, Town house or a condominium, it is one of the big step in life. It is always accompanied with few very important pre requisites which play very important role and these can be the diciding factor.  House hunting is a time consuming process and to search for the right home, it requires involvement and committment. Buyers must consider these issues well in advance and then discuss with thier Realtor concerning house search. I always touch upon these topics (and the main house features) in the very first meeting.  Some of these factors are: General Location, Proximity to place of work, School, College or Education insitute, Shopping plaza, Highways Bus Stop Recreation centre etc.  Not only this saves my clients time but it helps them to make a bett... 10/24/2009

Mid October Real Estate sales up 34% in Greater Toronto Area In the first two weeks of October, Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 3,631 sales - up 34 per cent compared to the first two weeks of October 2008. The average price for these transactions was up 17 per cent year-over year to $414,479.  Read the complete details on my website blog at: www.AceTeamRealty.com/blog Thinking of selling your Mississauga or Brampton real estate and want to know the market value of your home, log on to www.MyGTAHomeValue.com for a FREE computerized analysis of your home value. Shopping for your dream home, log on to www.FindMyGTAHome.comfor a FREE online home-search service. Then each morning you will be emailed a list of all of the new homes for sale and price changes since your previous search. No m... 10/22/2009