Past Newsletter - June, 2005

The readership of this newsletter continues to grow and more importantly, you seem to be finding value in reading it based on comments so far.

Extensive research goes into selecting the articles reprinted or written by me. I am always looking for new sources. I would appreciate receiving articles or links you would recommend. This month, I am especially pleased with two exclusive reports I developed. A Durham Regional schools review (what an eye-opener!) and a Simplified Home Buyer's Plan (see both these below).

Please use the "Send to A Friend" link at the very bottom to share this issue with anyone who might benefit from the information.

As always, I welcome your comments, suggestions and questions. Please email me or call me at (416) 494-7653 (pager) or 416- 399-5832 (cell).

Are you thinking of converting that basement or upper floor into an income producing property or a place for nanny to come live?

If so, hold on because if you apply to CMHC you can get up to $24,000 in "fully forgivable loans" - government speak for a gift.

There is of course rules. An Operating Agreement between you and CMHC will restrict the rent you can charge and the tenant's income levels to certain (as yet unstated) limits. The concept is to help you create affordable housing - thus the restrictions.

I have been trying since this was announced May 3rd, to find out more about the Operating Agreement details. After talking to many uninformed government contacts, I have come to the conclusion that these details are still being developed. When I get more information I will report it here. If any of you know the answer please share it with us.

Here is an exclusive "Report Card" on the Durham Region schools. Sadly, these schools are well behind acceptable provincial levels

For example; Over 2/3 of all Durham Region's primary schools do not meet provincial standards for math and literacy.

And, Half of Durham Region's secondary schools fall below provincial standards and some by a wide margin.

On the bright side, see the "Honours List" of top ranked schools and see how the quality of schools compares by location. Whitby, Pickering (north) and a few outlying villages are doing well, most of the rest are struggling.

The link below will take you to my website where a number of reports can be accessed. The Overview Report (last one in the list) is highly recommended.

I will report next on Toronto East schools in the July HV.

My purpose in writing this article is to provide a simple explanation of how the RRSP Home Buyer's Plan (HBP) works. The HBP provides first time home buyers with a cash "gift" of from $10,000 - $18,000 per couple courtesy of Canada's federal government.

As a Realtor who has helped many first time buyers, I have often struggled to make the process and the advantages of the HBP clear and simple.

The HBP is great but it can be a bit tough grasping all the fine points, especially the timing rules. I hope this helps you or someone you know who is a first time buyer get their share of this money.

Thinking about buying a new fridge? Here are some interesting trends to consider.

This is a two-part article. Follow the links at the bottom of Part A to read Part B.

Editor's Note: I could not resist including the cartoon - made me laugh and wanted to share.

Never run out of hot water again and save up to 50 per cent on hot water heating bills - two claims being made by distributors of new "tankless" water heaters. As this new NASA-sponsored technology gains popularity in Ontario, it could become a great selling feature for energy conscious home buyers.

Editor's Caution: Please note that all electrical tankless water heaters, regardless of the manufacturer's claim, are restricted in reality to approximately 3 gallons per minute of flow at any given time. This is generally more than enough for residential applications, however, certain simultaneous water usages in the home at single or multiple outlets may exceed this capacity.

The article says you require 200 amp electrical service but 100 amp units are available. Follow the links in the article for important details, pricing and installation information.

TitlePLUS insures against unpredictable and undetectable issues that could affect the ownership or marketability of a property - issues such as errors in information (such as that provided by a municipality or in a survey), forgery and fraud. See Full Story below

First Canadian Title is another excellent choice for Title Insurance and has good information on their website including a great video that every existing homeowner should take the time to watch. For $200 (one-time fee) you can protect your biggest investment.

Link to First Canadian Title

I highly recommend investing in a great little product called "I Hate Spam" . I have used it on their 30-day trial for 2 weeks and love it.

This product only costs $19.95 ($US) and works right inside Outlook and other email systems. I tried another product that was not integrated and it took too much time to use it.

If you want a good review of several anti-spam products including this one go to PC WORLD for their review.

Most people understand that giving or getting a referral from a trusted friend is an appreciated gesture but few appreciate how it can work on an international basis.

People often restrict their referrals to their real estate agent's immediate selling area. We call it our "farm" area, usually a reasonable driving distance from our office or whatever.

What is not widely known, is that you can refer your friends who may be selling or buying anywhere in the world to your favourite agent regardless of your agent's immediate farm location. For example, if you know someone moving to Hawaii, you could refer to me. I would then introduce myself to your friend, determine their needs and timeframe, etc. and determine who could best serve them. There is no cost or obligation for using this servcie.

I have relationships with agents all over the world and would be happy to find a reliable, professional agent for you or a friend. Keep in mind that RE/MAX has 5.300 offices in 52 countries with over 100,000 agents! I can reach any of them on your behalf. For a a list of my current relocation partners, go to my website "relocation page". See link below.

Are you, like me, working for yourself, perhaps out of your home? Do you like to hear about low-cost, effective marketing tools? If so, read on ...

Do you know what your credit report says about you?

Well, you can find out at no cost by going to my website and following a few simple steps.

Visit these websites to get more information about RE/MAX and RE/MAX Hallmark.

RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Website

About RE/MAX

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.