December, 2005

I would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays!

See you in 2006!

You often hear the opinion expressed these days that real estate agents have as they say: “a license to print money”– that being an agent is a sure and easy way to make a fortune. This general attitude gets some homeowners feeling resentful when it comes time for them to sell their own home and they “do the math” and feel agents are making “way too much money” and at their expense.

In this article, I would like to set the record straight or at least set it up a little straighter because it has been a one-sided debate for far too long. I put the question: “Is real estate the lucrative profession it is proported to be? Are agents overpaid and making too much money at the expense of their clients? Is this myth or reality?” Let’s take a closer look.

It was all good news as TREB Members reported 6,646 transactions in November - a record for the month, up five per cent over the previous record (set last year). All signs point to another record year with well over 80,000 sales - likely 84,000 or more.

The holiday cheer extended to pricing as well (for buyers) with the median price remaining unchanged at $291,000. Home owners should see about a seven per cent increase in the value of their home over 2004.

NEIGHBOURHOOD CORNER - Orangeville

This and past reports are available on my website - GTA Market Watch page

Why not make your mortgage tax deductible? You likely have heard this can be done. Perhaps you wondered how it is done? Read this article and find out why it may not be such a good idea.

Would you like to turn your mortgage into a tax deduction? Well, you can according to Fraser Smith, a self-described financial strategist and author of The Smith Manoeuvre, a book aimed at Canadian homeowners. His "manoeuvre" is really just the latest form of an old and rather risky strategy that consists of swapping one type of debt for another. As you may know, Ottawa allows you to deduct interest on money you borrow to invest in things ...

New house purchasers splurging on customized kitchens, spa-like bathrooms Painted cabinets, stylish faucets among current trends, writes Tracy Hanes...

Garth advises buyers to take variable rates over fixed rate mortages and suggests it's time to bail out of the subdivision and go for location over all those "bells and whistles" found in new homes. Warning: Garth is noted to be somewhat radical in his opinions but he is well respected financial advisor.

124 units were wrongly labelled. Floor plans can save you grief.

Visit these websites to get more information about RE/MAX and Select Schools (Canada).

RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Website

About RE/MAX

Select Schools (Canada)

Note to readers: Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all information contained in this article it is not guaranteed. We accept no responsibility for any loss arising from any use or reliance on the information that is contained herein.