Tuesday, 20 November 2012
Winnipeg Real Estate...400-237 Wellington Cres
A grand entrance will welcome you the minute you walk in to this very well maintained 1138 sq ft 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo. This condo has an updated eat in galley Kitchen with plenty of storage, a pantry and a double sink. HUGE living / dining room combination with a wall of South facing windows! Master bedroom features a large window, a walk in closet, a decor chair rail and an updated 3 piece bath with a large shower stall. Second bedroom / den has a good sized closet with organizers and a second balcony giving you a birds eye view of the river. LARGE in-suite storage with washer & dryer hook up, plenty of cabinets and room for your freezer. HUGE south facing balcony with an outdoor storage room. Pets welcome. In addition, this condo comes with an ADDITIONAL storage unit and heated UNDERGROUND parking! You can't beat this location! Close to shopping, restaurants, Osborne Village and the Corydon strip!
To view this fine home please contact The Tony Marino Team at 204.782.8536
Winnipeg Real Estate...11 Havelock Avenue
Move for the Holidays
Showing start November 22nd, Open house November 25th 1-3pm. Offers November 27th @7pm. Updated two bedroom, one bathroom 716 sqft bungalow has an eat-in kitchen with new dishwasher and counter tops (Nov 2012). Large living room with updated PVC windows. The four piece bathroom has been updated, with a new tub (November 2012). The half basement is a good size and has plenty of storage. Updated flooring through out the home complete the main floor. New shingles were recently installed in November 2012. Exposed aggregate concrete patio. Large sized fenced lot with rose bushes, fruit brushes, trees, shrubs and a vegetable garden. Single detached garage with extra parking pad. This home is ideal for the first time buyer or as a rental property. Located in the heart of St. Vital, just minutes away from St. Vital Park and St Vital Mall, walking distance from restaurants, specialty shops and bus stops this is the place to be. Ten minutes to downtown by bus.
Call The Tony Marino Team Today to vie this great starter home.
Showing start November 22nd, Open house November 25th 1-3pm. Offers November 27th @7pm. Updated two bedroom, one bathroom 716 sqft bungalow has an eat-in kitchen with new dishwasher and counter tops (Nov 2012). Large living room with updated PVC windows. The four piece bathroom has been updated, with a new tub (November 2012). The half basement is a good size and has plenty of storage. Updated flooring through out the home complete the main floor. New shingles were recently installed in November 2012. Exposed aggregate concrete patio. Large sized fenced lot with rose bushes, fruit brushes, trees, shrubs and a vegetable garden. Single detached garage with extra parking pad. This home is ideal for the first time buyer or as a rental property. Located in the heart of St. Vital, just minutes away from St. Vital Park and St Vital Mall, walking distance from restaurants, specialty shops and bus stops this is the place to be. Ten minutes to downtown by bus.
Call The Tony Marino Team Today to vie this great starter home.
Thursday, 15 November 2012
Manitoba Lung Association...St. Vital Behind Closed Doors
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Tuesday, 13 November 2012
Winnipeg Real Estate...58 Turner Avenue
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Thursday, 1 November 2012
206-885 Wilkes Avenue
Showing start Nov. 1st, Open House Nov. 4th from 2-4pm. Offers on Nov.7th at 7pm. This wonderful well maintained second floor 828sqft 2 bedroom, one bath unit with South East exposure and an extra large balcony is perfect for any 55 plus couple or single person. The condo comes with a storage unit and an underground parking stall. The u-shaped kitchen offers plenty of storage and a pass through to the dining room, with a blind to close if you would like to close kitchen from view. The combo living room and dining room is a perfect set up for when you have family over or if you just want to relax and watch T.V. The spacious master bedroom is well laid out and has a walk-in closet. The spare bedroom is perfect for guests or a computer room/den. the in-suite laundry is convenient and the condo even has a central vac. Enjoy the Party room for those big family get together. It has its own kitchen & washrooms.There is a pool table, hot tub, and an indoor pool to enjoy. There is a great view of the lake. A gazebo & walk way for walks or just to sit and enjoy the weather. Please call The Tony Marino Team of Royal LePage Top Producers Real Estate for more information on this Lease hold condo. The Tony Marino Team Hot line 204.792.8525
Monday, 22 October 2012
Wolseley Classic...only $119,900
Looking for an amazing, affordable condo with a fantastic location?
"The Rothesay", designed by Winnipeg architect H.E. Mathews, built in 1912
This charming 529 sq. ft condo offers all of that plus more! Newer Maple Kitchen cabinets with slate counter tops and ample storage, remodelled bathroom with modern sink/vanity, claw foot tub and a generous sized master bedroom. Mixture of hardwood floors and cork flooring throughout. This unit is Pet friendly, has its own separate entrance and a separate storage locker included.
On approved credit, with 5% down you could live here for under $800 a month! (that includes taxes, condo fee’s & hydro) Cheaper than rent!!
To view this wonderful condo please contact Lee Ann Dueck of The Tony Marino Team for your private viewing at 204.782.8536 or email at houses@mts.net.
"The Rothesay", designed by Winnipeg architect H.E. Mathews, built in 1912
This charming 529 sq. ft condo offers all of that plus more! Newer Maple Kitchen cabinets with slate counter tops and ample storage, remodelled bathroom with modern sink/vanity, claw foot tub and a generous sized master bedroom. Mixture of hardwood floors and cork flooring throughout. This unit is Pet friendly, has its own separate entrance and a separate storage locker included.
On approved credit, with 5% down you could live here for under $800 a month! (that includes taxes, condo fee’s & hydro) Cheaper than rent!!
To view this wonderful condo please contact Lee Ann Dueck of The Tony Marino Team for your private viewing at 204.782.8536 or email at houses@mts.net.
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
Ways to go Green
Easy Ways to "Go Green"
These days, most people want to do their bit to help the environment.
Unfortunately, not everyone is willing, or able, to install solar panels on their
roof or implement an in-ground heat recovery system.
Luckily, there are many smaller things you can do that can make a big
difference. Here are some ideas that can help you "go green" easily and
inexpensively.
Get a recycling bin and learn how to use it.
Most jurisdictions have a
recycling program. You may be able to get a rebate on your recycling bin or
even get it for free. Keep a list of items that can be recycled on your fridge
door, so that everyone in the family can participate.
Get a kitchen compost bin.
Find out if your jurisdiction has a compost
pick-up program. If they do, get a kitchen compost bin. Composting can
reduce landfill waste by as much as 32%.
Use energy-saving light bulbs.
Low energy light bulbs have come a long
way in recent years. Their consistent glow and brightness now rival their
incandescent counterparts. By replacing regular 40-watt bulbs with energy saving
8-watt bulbs, you could save nearly 50% of the electricity you used
for lighting. Results may vary by brand.
Shop for local produce.
Many grocery stores and supermarkets offer
produce – fruits, vegetables, – that are grown within a 100 mile radius. The
short transportation distance, means significantly less fossil fuel is required
to get the produce delivered to your local store. Keep in mind that some
non-local produce, such as apples in the off-season, often need to be
transported thousands of miles.
Let nature do the work.
As an alternative to air conditioning, open windows
and block out the passive heat gain from the sun with curtains. Do the
opposite in winter. Strategically using curtains and windows can lower your
energy bill by as much as 20%.
As you can see, you don't have to do much to have a "greener" home. Just
a few little changes can make a big difference.
And here's a little real estate related info...
How to budget for closing costs
If you're shopping for a new home, you would be using the The Tony Marino Team, of course, so we would make you aware that there will be
some costs over and above the purchase price. It makes sense to budget
for these costs so you're not surprised – and unprepared – when you get
the bill.
Most of these costs fall into a category that the real estate industry calls
"closing costs." The most common types include land transfer tax, lawyer’s
fees and disbursements, sales taxes, and for newly-built homes, utility hookups.
You should also consider other expenses you will incur, such as home
insurance and moving expenses.
Of course, if your new home is a condominium, you’ll also have to account
for the monthly condo fees.
Closing costs can vary depending on the type and location of your new
home. The Tony Marino Team, REALTORS® can help you determine the costs you will incur.
Please remember The Tony Marino Team of Royal LePage Top Producers Real Estate are here to help you with all your Real Estate needs. Please feel free to call us at The Tony Marino Team Hotline, 204.792.8525 or email us at houses@mts.net For your Real Estate Experience™
Not intended to solicit sellers or buyers under contract
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
Getting Your Home Ready for Winter
I woke up this morning to find frost on the windshield of
my vehicle and temperature of minus two degrees… that means only one thing,
winter is coming. Can’t complain because winter
comes every year. The key thing is
making sure our homes are ready for the worst Mother Nature throws at us!!
So how and what do you do? Hire a handyman? Send Mike
Holmes an email? Talk to Tony? All the above? Lol...
The first thing to do is make a list of what needs to
be done. The list can start off with
little easy things like turning the water off to the outside tap and draining
it. Caulking any gaps around windows and doors on the exterior of the home
along with baseboards at floor level, this alone will probably eliminate drafts.
Check the weather stripping around exterior doors and windows that open. If you
have older windows don’t worry about it, they sell plastic film that goes over
the windows and with a hairdryer you can get the wrinkles out of the plastic. I
have clients that do this every year and they tell me they save quite a bit of
money on heating bills during the cold months. You can get this at any of the hardware
stores. While you are there, look at picking up foam gaskets for plugs and light
switches on exterior walls, again good return on the initial investment. Once
you install them you don’t need to do it again unlike the window film! Just be
careful when doing this there is live current going through those outlets!!!
The other spots where you can save a little in heating
costs would be to add insulation to your home.
The attic is a good place to start; today the code is a minimum of an
R-50. So unless you have just built a home you more than likely don’t have
anywhere close to that (check with Manitoba Hydro first to see if they are offering
any rebates or credits for the insulation). Regardless if you qualify or not, the
savings will be there. Renting a blower to blow in the insulation is marginal. The
bags of insulation aren’t too expensive either.
If your basement is unfinished insulation is a snap. The
million dollar question is how hard core did you want to be in insulating your
basement. Do you want to spray foam the walls which is very expensive, or use 2
inch rigid foam on the walls? After you do either one of those, stud the basement on 16 or 24 inches
on centre and use friction fit insulation then you will have a very warm
basement. This will be a little less money than the spray foam. Remember you will
be still studding the basement to cover it with drywall in both cases (you can’t
leave foam exposed it is a fire hazard). The least expensive way is plain old
friction fit insulation itself using 2x4 studs pull the wall back 2 inches from
the foundation wall and use insulation designed for 2x6 walls this will give you
a good R value. You could use insulation designed for 2x4 walls which is
perfectly fine, if you wanted, but the R value will be less.
The last thing you should consider is checking the
furnace. Get it tuned up on regular basis and change the filter regularly for optimum
performance.
This should help you save a little money this winter!
If you are reading this and think "wow that's a lot of work, it’s the condo
life for me!" You can call The TonyMarino Team of Royal LePage Top Producers Real Estate for your Free Home
Evaluation and we will be happy to help you with you sell and purchase of your
new home. We are here to help you with all your Real Estate needs.
The Tony Marino Team has over 20 years of knowledge in
helping families, empty nesters, first time buyers find the right home.
We serve Winnipeg and surrounding areas.
We
are never too busy for your referrals.
This
is not intended to solicit sellers or buyers that are currently under contract
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
Fall Yard Clean Up
If you live in in a neighbourhood that has
mature trees it’s the time of year when the leaves have turned the colours and
have started to fall. Autumn is the most colourful time of the year but it can
be the most labour intense. It tends to start with the eave troughs, which
requires setting up a ladder to reach them. Remember to always have someone
holding the bottom of the ladder and don't try to stretch that extra two or
three feet. Get down and move the ladder! For those who don't like ladders, there
are a couple of options. First, you can have gutter guards installed to keep
leaves out. Second, there are leaf blower extensions that can reach up into the
gutter and blow leaves out. Either way, you'll need to be sure that the joints
where the gutter meets the downspouts are cleaned out.
Once they are clean, take a hose and pour some water into your eaves and watch where it goes. You may need extensions to direct the water away from your foundation and prevent leaks. When diverting water from your foundation, be sure to avoid driveway and walkways, which will ice over and become hazards in the winter.
Lawn clean up
Leaf cleanup is a necessary but it is a never ending battle. Leaves left scattered for the winter will smother the lawn, not good. Don't worry, however, about getting every last leaf out of the plant beds. As they breakdown, leaves can help insulate plants and provide them with valuable nutrients.
As for what do to with all the leaves you've raked, remember to recycle them in your own compost pile or put them in the paper bags that the City of Winnipeg provided when they dropped off our new garbage and recycling bins. The city is picking up our yard waste every second week during certain times of the year. Check your schedule for pick up in your area. If you are using the leaves on your own compost pile, either grind them up or run them over with a lawn mower to speed decomposition. To move large piles of leaves, I recommend piling them onto a tarp and dragging them to their desired destination, be it the compost pile or paper yard bag.
Once the leaves are collected, cut your lawn one last time before the winter, trimming it as short as possible to prevent matting, disease and rodent damage. When you are done mowing, run the lawn mower itself until it runs out of gas. Gas left to sit in the tank over the winter will gum up the carburetor so it won't run as well next spring. Also, change the oil, grease the engine and pull and inspect the spark plug. Before you replace it, place several drops of five-weight oil in the hole and pull the start cord several times to lubricate the engine so it won't rust. In the spring, you'll only have to add gas, sharpen the blades and start mowing again.
Early in November, I like to fertilize the lawn with a high phosphorus mixture to promote root growth over the winter, so the grass will green up sooner come spring. Fall is also a great time to fertilize trees and shrubs. It not recommended pruning ornamental trees and shrubs, as they can contract die back and suffer from winter desiccation.
Once they are clean, take a hose and pour some water into your eaves and watch where it goes. You may need extensions to direct the water away from your foundation and prevent leaks. When diverting water from your foundation, be sure to avoid driveway and walkways, which will ice over and become hazards in the winter.
Lawn clean up
Leaf cleanup is a necessary but it is a never ending battle. Leaves left scattered for the winter will smother the lawn, not good. Don't worry, however, about getting every last leaf out of the plant beds. As they breakdown, leaves can help insulate plants and provide them with valuable nutrients.
As for what do to with all the leaves you've raked, remember to recycle them in your own compost pile or put them in the paper bags that the City of Winnipeg provided when they dropped off our new garbage and recycling bins. The city is picking up our yard waste every second week during certain times of the year. Check your schedule for pick up in your area. If you are using the leaves on your own compost pile, either grind them up or run them over with a lawn mower to speed decomposition. To move large piles of leaves, I recommend piling them onto a tarp and dragging them to their desired destination, be it the compost pile or paper yard bag.
Once the leaves are collected, cut your lawn one last time before the winter, trimming it as short as possible to prevent matting, disease and rodent damage. When you are done mowing, run the lawn mower itself until it runs out of gas. Gas left to sit in the tank over the winter will gum up the carburetor so it won't run as well next spring. Also, change the oil, grease the engine and pull and inspect the spark plug. Before you replace it, place several drops of five-weight oil in the hole and pull the start cord several times to lubricate the engine so it won't rust. In the spring, you'll only have to add gas, sharpen the blades and start mowing again.
Early in November, I like to fertilize the lawn with a high phosphorus mixture to promote root growth over the winter, so the grass will green up sooner come spring. Fall is also a great time to fertilize trees and shrubs. It not recommended pruning ornamental trees and shrubs, as they can contract die back and suffer from winter desiccation.
Perennials
Your perennials will need to be cut back as they fade. While you are at it, scratch some super phosphate fertilizer into the soil around them. In the garden, remove leftover vegetation and put it in the compost pile.
Getting ready for the white stuff
Now's the time to get your snow blower up and running. Nothing is more frustrating than having your snow blower not start when the first snow storm hits. If you shovel, double check that your shovels are where you left them.
If you have an underground irrigation system, be sure that the lines are cleared of water so it won't freeze up and damage the pipes. Drain and coil up your garden hoses also and store them for the winter in your garage or shed. Then head to the basement to shut off the water to your outdoor taps. On the pipe, in between the shut-off and the tap, you'll find a weep valve that you can open and drain into a bucket. These steps will prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post. Please remember we are never to busy for your referrals. If you you now of anybody that's thinking of selling or buying a home please let us know. The Tony Marino Team of Royal LePage Top Producers Real Estate are here to help you with all your real estate needs. Your perennials will need to be cut back as they fade. While you are at it, scratch some super phosphate fertilizer into the soil around them. In the garden, remove leftover vegetation and put it in the compost pile.
Getting ready for the white stuff
Now's the time to get your snow blower up and running. Nothing is more frustrating than having your snow blower not start when the first snow storm hits. If you shovel, double check that your shovels are where you left them.
If you have an underground irrigation system, be sure that the lines are cleared of water so it won't freeze up and damage the pipes. Drain and coil up your garden hoses also and store them for the winter in your garage or shed. Then head to the basement to shut off the water to your outdoor taps. On the pipe, in between the shut-off and the tap, you'll find a weep valve that you can open and drain into a bucket. These steps will prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
Winnipeg Real Estate...304 Johnson Avenue West
Showings Start Aug 9th, Open House Sunday Aug 12th 1-3 pm, Offers Aug 15th @ 8 pm. Solid 853 Square foot, 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom bungalow in East Kildonan. This home features a newer white Kitchen (with modern raised panel doors), tons of storage and counter space, newer counter top, new vinyl flooring, double sink, fridge & stove. Bathroom has been updated with a low flush toilet in '11, new tub surround & new vinyl flooring in '12. Master bedroom is HUGE with new carpeting, a double closet, loads of storage and 3 windows to allow lots of natural light. Home features some original hardwood flooring and original trim throughout. Spacious closet inside front door. Full basement with some studding & some ceiling work done. Large 2 tiered freshly painted deck, with privacy lattice and a new 5x8 garden shed. Beautiful covered front porch, perfect for enjoying a morning coffee. Home has new shingles (lifetime transferable warranty) and some new sheeting. High efficiency furnace and air conditioning in '08. For more information go to www.TonyMarino.ca. To view this fine home call The Tony Marino Team at 204.782.8536 today!
Thursday, 2 August 2012
Winnipeg Real Estate... 123 Pilgrim Ave
New to market! The Tony Marino Team of Royal Lepage Top Producers Real Estate presents 123 Pilgrim Avenue. Showings start August 1st, Open house August 5th and August 6th 1-3pm, Offers August 8th at 7pm. Estate sale, long time owner. Tastefully updated 993 sqft 1+1/2 storey, 2 bedroom starter home (Main floor dining room can be third bedroom). Updated maple kitchen in modern dark rich stain. Freshly painted through out. New carpet 2012 in Master bedroom. Hardwood floors through out main. Updated vinyl flooring. Front drive with single attached garage. 50'x102' lot. Located in Old St. Vital, this home is close to shopping, schools, and bus. Perfect for the first time buyer. Go to www.TonyMarino.ca for more information on this fine home.
Tuesday, 26 June 2012
Winnipeg Real Estate - The End of The 30 Year Mortgage
Canada’s mortgage rules to tighten again ~ RBC Current Analysis
By Robert Hogue, Senior Economist RBC
CURRENT ANALYSIS
June 21, 2012
Canada’s mortgage rules to tighten again
years from 30 years.
and practices, which among other things, define internal controls, reporting and
monitoring expected of federally-regulated financial institutions.
Implications
Consider it a full reversal, now. Bit by bit since the fall of 2008, the federal government has undone the loosening of mortgage rules that took place from 2004 to 2006 – a period during which the mortgage insurance business in Canada was opened up to new mortgage insurance players and to new ‘innovative’ practices. This loosening applied to government-backed insured mortgages. It included the extension of the maximum amortization period to 40 years (from 25 years previously), 100% financing and
95% loan-to-value refinancing. This latest move by the federal government — its fourth since 2008 — effectively turns back the clock to the pre-2004 state of affairs, resetting mortgage lending rules to more prudent, if conservative, standards. According to Minister Flaherty, the aim is to both strengthen Canada’s housing finance system and “ensure that households do not become overextended”. On the latter point, record high household debt (152% of income) has been singled out as the biggest risk facing the domestic economy by the Bank of Canada.
Of today’s changes, the further reduction of the maximum amortization period to 25 years will have the most direct impact on the Canadian housing market. Based on a typical mortgage size ($288,000 for a bungalow) and posted mortgage rate (5.24%), the reduction in the amortization period from 30 years to 25 years would raise a home-owner’s monthly mortgage bill by $136, representing a material increase of 8.6%. Such an increase would be the equivalent of a 75 basis point hike in interest rates to someone who would have otherwise gone for a 30-year amortization period. The Ministry of Finance’s own figures show increases in monthly mortgage payments ranging between 9.0% and 12.5% (depending on interest rate assumptions). Viewed another way, the shorter amortization period would require the qualifying income needed to purchase a home — i.e., the income threshold under which homeownership costs (mortgage payments, property taxes and utilities) exceed a ratio of 39%, as per the new GDS rule — to rise by 6.7% (from $62,970 to $67,160). In effect, this will raise the barrier to entry into Canada’s housing market.
Given that first-time homebuyers rely proportionately more on longer amortization periods — last year, 40% of new mortgages were amortized over periods longer than 25 years compared to 25% for total outstanding mortgages, according to a survey by the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals — the new rule will dampen first-time homebuyer demand in Canada.
The change to the amount of refinance will more directly affect the financing tools available to consumers. (Consumer spending will also be impacted indirectly by the shorter amortization, as the higher mortgage payments will reduce funds available expenditures other than housing.)
We expect the new caps on GDS (39%) and TDS (44%) to have little impact. CMHC already applies more stringent maximums for riskier borrowers (35% GDS and 42% for credit scores below 680) and has the TDS ceiling of 44% in place for lower risk borrowers. The only change for CMHC will be the application of a 39% GDS maximum for the lower risk borrowers.
Finally, the new limit of government-back insurance coverage to properties valued at less than $1 million could, at the margin, cool demand for the high-end market segment; however, the proportion of high-ratio mortgages in that segment is likely small.
The separate announcement today by OFSI provided federally regulated financial institutions in Canada with the final guideline on residential mortgage underwriting and practices. Focusing more specifically on financial institutions’ internal procedures, the guideline aims at ensuring that strict controls are followed, and disclosure and monitoring are enhanced in the mortgage business. We expect little material impact on the housing market in Canada arising from the final guideline.
The new rules announced by Finance Minister Flaherty today came as somewhat of a surprise given that Canada’s housing market was not demonstrating signs of overheating for the most part. We remain of the view that the market is in transition to a moderate and sustainable path. As is often the case when rules are changed, the new rules are likely to set off some kind of a stampede in the next few weeks of purchases’ looking to take advantage of the current terms. Past July 9, however, the new rules are likely to restrain homebuyer demand, particularly from first-time buyers. We would expect this restraint to accelerate the process of moderation in housing market activity; yet, we do not foresee any serious correction threatening the stability of the market. Canada’s housing market will continue to find support from an expanding economy and the growth in employment and household income that this will generate.
Please call The Tony Marino Team of Royal Lepage Top Producers Real Estate at 204.942.2583 or visit us at www.TonyMarino.ca
CURRENT ANALYSIS
June 21, 2012
Canada’s mortgage rules to tighten again
- As of July 9, 2012, the rules for government-backed insured mortgages will tighten
- Canada’s Finance Minister Jim Flaherty today announced that the maximum amortization
years from 30 years.
- The maximum amount that an individual can borrow when refinancing will be
- The federal government will set a maximum for gross debt-service ratio (GDS) at
- Government-backed insured mortgages will no longer be available for homes with
- In a separate announcement today, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial
and practices, which among other things, define internal controls, reporting and
monitoring expected of federally-regulated financial institutions.
Implications
Consider it a full reversal, now. Bit by bit since the fall of 2008, the federal government has undone the loosening of mortgage rules that took place from 2004 to 2006 – a period during which the mortgage insurance business in Canada was opened up to new mortgage insurance players and to new ‘innovative’ practices. This loosening applied to government-backed insured mortgages. It included the extension of the maximum amortization period to 40 years (from 25 years previously), 100% financing and
95% loan-to-value refinancing. This latest move by the federal government — its fourth since 2008 — effectively turns back the clock to the pre-2004 state of affairs, resetting mortgage lending rules to more prudent, if conservative, standards. According to Minister Flaherty, the aim is to both strengthen Canada’s housing finance system and “ensure that households do not become overextended”. On the latter point, record high household debt (152% of income) has been singled out as the biggest risk facing the domestic economy by the Bank of Canada.
Of today’s changes, the further reduction of the maximum amortization period to 25 years will have the most direct impact on the Canadian housing market. Based on a typical mortgage size ($288,000 for a bungalow) and posted mortgage rate (5.24%), the reduction in the amortization period from 30 years to 25 years would raise a home-owner’s monthly mortgage bill by $136, representing a material increase of 8.6%. Such an increase would be the equivalent of a 75 basis point hike in interest rates to someone who would have otherwise gone for a 30-year amortization period. The Ministry of Finance’s own figures show increases in monthly mortgage payments ranging between 9.0% and 12.5% (depending on interest rate assumptions). Viewed another way, the shorter amortization period would require the qualifying income needed to purchase a home — i.e., the income threshold under which homeownership costs (mortgage payments, property taxes and utilities) exceed a ratio of 39%, as per the new GDS rule — to rise by 6.7% (from $62,970 to $67,160). In effect, this will raise the barrier to entry into Canada’s housing market.
Given that first-time homebuyers rely proportionately more on longer amortization periods — last year, 40% of new mortgages were amortized over periods longer than 25 years compared to 25% for total outstanding mortgages, according to a survey by the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals — the new rule will dampen first-time homebuyer demand in Canada.
The change to the amount of refinance will more directly affect the financing tools available to consumers. (Consumer spending will also be impacted indirectly by the shorter amortization, as the higher mortgage payments will reduce funds available expenditures other than housing.)
We expect the new caps on GDS (39%) and TDS (44%) to have little impact. CMHC already applies more stringent maximums for riskier borrowers (35% GDS and 42% for credit scores below 680) and has the TDS ceiling of 44% in place for lower risk borrowers. The only change for CMHC will be the application of a 39% GDS maximum for the lower risk borrowers.
Finally, the new limit of government-back insurance coverage to properties valued at less than $1 million could, at the margin, cool demand for the high-end market segment; however, the proportion of high-ratio mortgages in that segment is likely small.
The separate announcement today by OFSI provided federally regulated financial institutions in Canada with the final guideline on residential mortgage underwriting and practices. Focusing more specifically on financial institutions’ internal procedures, the guideline aims at ensuring that strict controls are followed, and disclosure and monitoring are enhanced in the mortgage business. We expect little material impact on the housing market in Canada arising from the final guideline.
The new rules announced by Finance Minister Flaherty today came as somewhat of a surprise given that Canada’s housing market was not demonstrating signs of overheating for the most part. We remain of the view that the market is in transition to a moderate and sustainable path. As is often the case when rules are changed, the new rules are likely to set off some kind of a stampede in the next few weeks of purchases’ looking to take advantage of the current terms. Past July 9, however, the new rules are likely to restrain homebuyer demand, particularly from first-time buyers. We would expect this restraint to accelerate the process of moderation in housing market activity; yet, we do not foresee any serious correction threatening the stability of the market. Canada’s housing market will continue to find support from an expanding economy and the growth in employment and household income that this will generate.
Please call The Tony Marino Team of Royal Lepage Top Producers Real Estate at 204.942.2583 or visit us at www.TonyMarino.ca
Thursday, 7 June 2012
Winnipeg Real Estate- 39 Cobourg Avenue
The Tony Marino Team of Royal LePage Top Producers Real Estate presents 39 Cobourg Avenue in lovely Glenelm. Showing start June 11th, Open House, Sunday June 17th 1-3pm, Offers on June 18th. Are you looking for a solid, well cared for house with tons of room for your family? Then this 1 3/4 Storey, 1337 square foot, four bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home is exactly what the Doctor ordered! Main floor features a new maple Kitchen in 2011, huge dining room, living room, small den/bedroom, 1/2 bathroom and updated flooring. The upper level has three generous sized bedrooms and a three piece bathroom. Basement is partially finished with a five piece bathroom and lots of storage. Great opportunity to finish it to your taste! Other features are: four year old roof, three year old water heater, updated plumbing and circuit breaker box, 13 x 21' garage with opener, parking pad, and central vac.
Washer/Dryer/Fridge/Stove/Freezer/Dishwasher included!! A fantastic home at an affordable price
For a private showing of this family home please contact Lee Ann Dueck at 782.8536 today or email houses@mts.net. Don't delay call today for a moving experience!
Washer/Dryer/Fridge/Stove/Freezer/Dishwasher included!! A fantastic home at an affordable price
For a private showing of this family home please contact Lee Ann Dueck at 782.8536 today or email houses@mts.net. Don't delay call today for a moving experience!
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Winnipeg Real Estate-South Side Condo For Sale
Showing start Thursday May 17th, Open House Sunday 1-3pm, Monday 5-7pm. Offers @ 7pm on Wednesday May23rd. Tree Top Village Condo. Nestled between the Seine River and a grove of trees, you can call this wonderful two bedroom, 2.5 bathroom , 1142 sqft two storey townhouse condo with a three season sunroom, home. Priced at $204,900. Recently custom updated Kitchen, with granite counter tops comes with a built in microwave. All the windows in this home have also been updated. The Huge Master Bedroom has double closets and space galore. The second bedroom is a great size also. Fully finished lower level with recroom, three piece bathroom a nook for sewing/hobbies. The laundry is drywalled and bright. The furnace is serviced every year like clockwork. Central vac system. The shingles were recently replaced. Two parking stalls right outside your front door. This is an end unit and you have a large side yard for your use. Conveniently located to the walking paths on Bishop Grandin, close to bus routes and walking distance to Sobey's. This condo won't last. Come down to see Tony Marino and Lee Ann Dueck at one of the scheduled open houses or call the Tony Marino Team of Royal LePage Top Producers Real Estate at 204.792.8525 or 204.782.8536 to set up your private showing.
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Winnipeg Real Estate- Condo in St Vital
Showings start Thursday May 10th, Open House Sunday May 13th 1-3 pm, Offers Wednesday May 16th @ 6 pm. You will never tire of the breathtaking view this South West corner, 7th floor condo has to offer! Along with this view, you also get one very well maintained, spotless, 812 sq ft, 2 bedroom, 1 large bathroom condo to call home. The modest kitchen features Oak cabinets, fridge, stove, dishwasher and a large pantry with enough room for a small freezer and all your little extras. Well maintained building with laundry facilities on each floor. Underground parking and storage locker available at an additional charge. Very close to all sorts of shopping, restaurants and transportation. A wonderful place for anyone to call home!! Call the Tony Marino Team today to book your private showing or come down and see us at the Open House on Sunday. Call us direct at 204.942.8525 or 204.792.8525. For a slide show of the property go to www.TonyMarino.ca.
Sunday, 22 April 2012
Winnipeg Real Estate - Welcome to 860 Laxdal Road
Space and an abundance of sunlight greet you as you walk into this 1284 Sqft well kept bungalow located in the heart of Charleswood, a family oriented neighbourhood. Featuring three well sized bedrooms with ample closet space and a fantastic two piece ensuite (updated in 2006) in the Master bedroom. Generous L-shaped easy flowing Livingroom and Diningroom make this a home for entertaining or relaxing on a quiet night. The custom designed gourmet Eat-in Kitchen (updated in 2002) is any cook or closet chef's delight, the deep colour of the cherry cabinets make this kitchen timeless. The fully finished basement offers a large recroom, that is perfect for any get together, a two piece bath and even a den/office for the work at home person. The newer PVC windows on the main floor have all been recently updated. Newer light fixtures throughout. The high efficiency furnace was installed in 2009. Minutes away from playground, near rec centre, trails & schools.
Please call The Tony Marino Team today to set up your private viewing or come down to the open house on the weekend to look at this amazing home yourself.
Thursday, 19 April 2012
Country Side Crossing
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Tuesday, 28 February 2012
8 Central Ave in Grand Marias
Completely renovated and addition added Restaurant and Lounge. This building is modern and the new owner will have years of worry free enjoyment with this low maintenance building. From the Spanish stucco to the life long composite decking for the walk way, everything that needed to done has been done. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity in Grand Marais. Do yourself a favour and look at this amazing place! The pathway to The Grand Beach Community Centre is right across the street. Huge potential to make money here! Possession can be immediate. Outside patio with a six foot privacy fence. Take out window. Nothing has been overlooked in this modern building. Central A/C for the hot days of summer. Forced air electric furnace for year round heating, this will help make some extra money by keeping this Restaurant and Lounge open for snowmobilers and ice fisherman. Minutes away from Grand Beach. Call The Tony Marino Team at 204 792 8525 for more details or visit www.TonyMarino.ca.
Monday, 30 January 2012
Winnipeg Real Estate- 297 Mandeville Street
The Tony Marino Team is proud to present 297 Mandeville Street...
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Thursday, 26 January 2012
Winnipeg Real Estate-Buying a Home
Once you have a good idea about your finances, we at The Tony Marino Team can provide you with a few names of financial planners, you’ll need to think clearly about the home you’d like to buy.
Here are some things to consider.
What Size of Home do you Need?
How many bedrooms do you need?
How many bathrooms do you need?
Do you need space for a home office?
What kind of parking facilities do you need? For how many cars?
Special features that you want?
Do you want air conditioning? If so, what type?
Do you want storage or hobby space?
Is a fireplace or a swimming pool high on your list?
Do you have family members with special needs?
Do you want special features to save energy, enhance indoor air quality, and reduce environmental impact?
Lifestyles that you my have and the stage of life you are in?
No matter what type of housing you choose, you must have a clear idea of your needs today, as well as your possible future needs. These are some examples of questions home buyers might ask:
Do I plan to have children?
Do I have teenagers who will be moving away soon?
Am I close to retirement?
Will I need a home that can accommodate different stages of life?
Do I have an older relative who might come to live with me?
The Tony Marino Team has a worksheet that can help you think about what you need today, and what you may need in the future. Contact us and we will be happy to send one out to you at no cost, no obligation to you. Complete the worksheet and return it to use and we can set you up on an MLS® System search.
Home Find™ is our housing search concept that incorporates, as many of your needs and wants as possible to help find you what you are looking for.
Your Housing Needs for Now and in the Future
When buying a home try to buy a home that meets most of your needs for the next 5 to 10 years, or find a home that your family can grow in and that can change to meet your needs.Here are some things to consider.
What Size of Home do you Need?
How many bedrooms do you need?
How many bathrooms do you need?
Do you need space for a home office?
What kind of parking facilities do you need? For how many cars?
Special features that you want?
Do you want air conditioning? If so, what type?
Do you want storage or hobby space?
Is a fireplace or a swimming pool high on your list?
Do you have family members with special needs?
Do you want special features to save energy, enhance indoor air quality, and reduce environmental impact?
Lifestyles that you my have and the stage of life you are in?
No matter what type of housing you choose, you must have a clear idea of your needs today, as well as your possible future needs. These are some examples of questions home buyers might ask:
Do I plan to have children?
Do I have teenagers who will be moving away soon?
Am I close to retirement?
Will I need a home that can accommodate different stages of life?
Do I have an older relative who might come to live with me?
The Tony Marino Team has a worksheet that can help you think about what you need today, and what you may need in the future. Contact us and we will be happy to send one out to you at no cost, no obligation to you. Complete the worksheet and return it to use and we can set you up on an MLS® System search.
Home Find™ is our housing search concept that incorporates, as many of your needs and wants as possible to help find you what you are looking for.
Location, location, location
Location is a critical factor when you thinking of buying a home in Winnipeg and surrounding areas. A home with everything you need, but in the wrong location, is probably not the right home for you. Here are some things to consider about location.- Do you want to live in a city, a town or in the country?
- How easy will it be to get to where you work?
- How much will the commuting cost?
- Where will your children go to school and how will they get there?
- Do you need a safe walking area, or recreational facility, such as a park, nearby?
- How close would you like to be to family and friends?
What is a Sustainable Neighbourhood?
A sustainable neighbourhood meets your needs, while protecting the environment. Homes in a sustainable neighbourhood are located near shops, schools, recreation, work and other daily destinations. This helps reduce driving costs and lets residents enjoy the health benefits of walking and cycling. Land and services, like roads, are used efficiently. Sustainable neighbourhoods also feature a choice of homes that are affordable.In your search for a sustainable neighbourhood, here are some questions to ask:
- Easy transportation
- Are stores, schools, recreation facilities, restaurants, and health services within walking or cycling distance?
- Will your children need to take a bus to school?
- Can they walk to the park?
- Can you do most of your shopping without a car?
- Are there nearby bus stops and cycling lanes?
- How long is the bus ride to work, or school?
- Can you safely bike?
- House size and features
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- Are the homes compact with shared walls to reduce heating costs?
- Are homes reasonably sized with lots requiring less upkeep?
- Are there different dwelling types (such as single-detached, single-attached, townhouse and apartments) in the neighbourhood?
- Are the lots modestly sized?
- Roadways narrow?
- Driveways/parking areas small?
- Do natural drain ways lead to streams and storm water ponds or park lands?
- Is there native vegetation and streams with woodland edges?
- “Look and feel”
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- Do the buildings have a friendly face to the street?
- Are the community centres, shops and meeting places welcoming?
- Are there trees lining the street?
- Do you find the homes interesting to look at?
- Do the building sizes feel comfortable to you?
- Are the roads easy to walk along or cross?
- Safety
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- Do the homes have “eyes on the street”? (In other words, are there people around who might watch out for you? Is there somewhere to go in an emergency?)
- Is there adequate street lighting?
- Are there safe places for children to play?
- Are the streets safe for cyclists and pedestrians?
- Is traffic slow moving and light?
A new home is one that has just been built – no one else has lived in it yet. You might buy a new home from a contractor who has built it, or you might hire a contractor to build it for you. A previously-owned home (often called a resale) has already been lived in. Here are some characteristics of each type of home.
New Home
- Up-to-date
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- A new home has up-to-date design that might reflect the latest trends, materials and features.
- Choices
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- You may be able to choose certain features such as style of siding, flooring, cabinets, plumbing and electrical fixtures.
- Costs
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- Taxes such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) (or, in certain provinces, the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)) apply to a new home. However, you may qualify for a rebate of part of the GST or HST on homes that cost less than $450,000. For more information about the GST New Housing Rebate program, visit the Canada Revenue Agency website at www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
- A new home will have lower maintenance costs because everything is new, and many items are covered by a warranty. You should set aside money every year for future maintenance costs.
- Warranties
- A warranty may be provided by the builder of the home. Be sure to check all the conditions of the warranty. It can be very important if a major system such as plumbing, or heating, breaks down.
- New Home Warranty programs are generally provided by provincial and territorial governments. There are also private new home warranty programs. In some provinces a warranty may be provided by the builder of the home. Check with The Tony Marino Team or a lawyer to find out what the new home warranty program in our province covers.
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- schools, shopping malls and other services, may not be completed for years.
Building Your Own Home
Some people prefer the challenge and flexibility of building their own home. On one hand, you make all the decisions about size, design, location, quality of material, level of energy-efficiency and so on. On the other hand, expect to invest lots of time and energy.Resale Home
- When the home already exists, you can see what you are buying. Since the neighbourhood is established, you can see how easy it is to access services such as schools, shopping malls, libraries, etc.
- Landscaping is usually done and fencing installed. Previously owned homes may have extras like fireplaces or finished basements or swimming pools.
- You don't have to pay the GST/HST unless the house has been renovated substantially, and then the taxes are applied as if it were a new house.
- You may need to redecorate, renovate or do major repairs such as replacing the roof, windows and doors.
What Type of Home Should You Buy?
What types of homes will you be visiting with the idea of buying? Do you see yourself living in a detached single-family home? Or, perhaps a townhouse? Maybe, a duplex?Single-family Detached
A single-family detached home is one dwelling unit. It stands alone, and sits on its own lot. This often gives the family a greater degree of privacy.Single-family Attached
A semi-detached home is a single-family home that is joined on one side to another home. It can offer many of the advantages of a single-family detached home. It is often less expensive to buy and maintain.Duplex
A duplex is a building containing two single-family homes, located one above the other. Sometimes, the owner lives in one unit and rents the other.Row House (Townhouse)
Row houses (also called townhouses) are several similar single-family homes, side-by-side, joined by common walls. They can be freehold or condominiums. They offer less privacy than a single-family detached home, although each has a separate outdoor space. These homes can cost less to buy and maintain, even though some are large, luxury units.Stacked Townhouse
Stacked townhouses are usually two-storey homes. Two two-story homes are stacked one on top of the other. The buildings are usually attached in groups of four or more. Each unit has direct access from the outside.Link or Carriage Home
A link, or carriage home, is joined by a garage or carport. The garage or carport gives access to the front and back yards. Builders sometimes join basement walls so that link houses appear to be single-family homes on small lots. These houses can be less expensive than single-family detached homes.Manufactured Home
A manufactured home is a factory-built, single-family home. It is transported to a chosen location, and placed onto a foundation.Modular Home
A modular home is also a factory-built, single-family home. The home is typically shipped to a location in two, or more, sections (or modules).Mobile Home
Mobile homes, like manufactured or modular homes, are built in factories, and then taken to the place where they will be occupied. While these homes are usually placed in one location and left there permanently, they do retain the ability to be moved.Apartment
A self-contained unit in part of a building consisting of a room or set of rooms including kitchen and bathroom facilities.Forms of Ownership
People who do not rent their home, own it. There are two forms of ownership.Freehold
Freehold means that one person (or two, such as joint ownership by spouses) owns the land and house outright. There is no space co-owned or co-managed with owners of other units.
Freehold owners can do what they want with their property — up to a point. They must obey municipal bylaws, subdivision agreements, building codes and federal and provincial laws, such as those protecting the environment.
Detached and semi-detached homes, duplexes and townhouses are usually owned freehold.
Condominium
Condominium ownership means you own the unit you live in and share ownership rights for the common space of the building. Common space includes areas such as corridors, the grounds around the building, and facilities such as a swimming pool and recreation rooms. Condominium owners together control the common areas through an owners’ association. The association makes decisions about using and maintaining the common space.
Condominium ownership is ownership of a unit, usually in a high rise but can also be a townhouse or in a low rise.
What Professionals Should You Call On?
Even if this isn’t your first home buying experience, you’ll want to get help from a team of professionals. Having the help of professionals will give you experienced and knowledgeable people for reliable information and answers to your questions. These are the people who can help you:- The Tony Marino Team, REALTORS®,
- Lenders or mortgage brokers
- Lawyer
- Insurance broker
- Home Inspector
- Appraiser
- Land surveyor
- Builder or contractor
The next sections describe each professional role.
The Tony Marino Team, REALTORS®
Our job is to:- Help you find the ideal home
- Write an Offer of Purchase
- Negotiate to help you get the best possible deal
- Give you important information about the community
- Help you arrange a home inspection
Contact us today we are here to help you.
If you would like to know more about a realtor's ethical obligations, go to the Canadian Real Estate Association's website at www.crea.ca, or call your local real estate association.The Lender or Mortgage Broker
Many different institutions lend money for mortgages — banks, trust companies, credit unions, pension funds, insurance companies, and finance companies. Different institutions offer different terms and options — shop around!Mortgage brokers don't work for any specific lending institution. Their role is to find the lender with the terms and rates that are best for the buyer.
Finding a Lender or Mortgage Broker
- Ask around. The Tony Marino Team have few lenders that we can recommend to you, another professional, family members, or friends may give you helpful suggestions.
- Look in the Yellow Pages™ under “Banks,” “Credit Unions” or “Trust Companies” for a lender and under “Mortgage Brokers” for a broker.
- Contact the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals at 1-888-442-4625, or visit the Association’s website at www.caamp.org.
The Lawyer
Having a lawyer involved in the process will help ensure that things go as smoothly as possible. You need a lawyer to perform these tasks:- Protect your legal interests by making sure the property you want to buy does not have any building or statutory liens, charges, or work or clean-up orders
- Review all contracts before you sign them, especially the Offer to Purchase.
Finding a Lawyer
The Tony Marino Team have a few names of real estate lawyers that we can pass on to you. We recommend that you use a lawyer who specialized in real estate law.Remember that a lawyer should:
- Be a licensed full-time lawyer
- Live/work in the area
- Understand real estate laws, regulations and restrictions
- Have realistic and acceptable fees
- Be able and willing to explain things in language you can easily understand
- Be experienced with condominiums, if that’s what you are buying
Shop around for rates when choosing your lawyer.
The Insurance Broker
An insurance broker can help you with your property insurance and mortgage life insurance.Lenders insist on property insurance because your property is their security for your loan. Property insurance covers the replacement cost of your home, so the size of your premium depends on the value of the property.
Your lender may also suggest that you buy mortgage life insurance. Mortgage life insurance gives coverage for your family, if you die before your mortgage is paid off. Your lender may offer this type of insurance. In this case, the lender adds the premium to your regular mortgage payments. However, you may want to compare rates offered by an insurance broker and by your lender.
Don’t confuse property insurance, or mortgage life insurance, with mortgage loan insurance.
The Home Inspector
Whether you are buying a resale home, or a new home, consider having it inspected by a knowledgeable and professional home inspector.The home inspector’s role is to inform you about the property’s condition. The home inspector will tell you if something is not working properly, needs to be changed, or is unsafe. He or she will also tell you if repairs are needed, and maybe even where there were problems in the past.
A home inspection is a visual inspection. It should include a visual assessment of at least the following:
- Foundation
- Doors and windows
- Roof and exterior walls
- Attics
- Plumbing and electrical systems (where visible)
- Heating and air conditioning systems
- Ceilings, walls and floors
- Insulation (where visible)
- Ventilation
- Septic tanks, wells or sewer lines (if inspector is qualified)
- Any other buildings such as a detached garage
- The lot, including drainage away from buildings, slopes and natural vegetation
- Overall opinion of structural integrity of the buildings
- Common areas (in the case of a condominium/strata or co-operative)
Finding a Home Inspector
It’s important to hire a knowledgeable, experienced and competent home inspector. In most areas of Canada, there are no licensing or certification requirements for home inspectors. Anyone can say that they are a home inspector without having taken any courses, passed tests or even inspected houses. So look for a home inspector who belongs to a provincial or industry association holds an accreditation that demonstrates training and experience, provides inspection reports, carries insurance, provides references and has strong experience with the type of home to be inspected.Home inspector fees are generally in the $500 range, depending on the size and condition of the home.
The Appraiser
Before you make an offer, an independent appraisal can tell you what the property is worth. This will help ensure that you are not paying too much. In order to complete a mortgage loan, your lender may ask for a recognized appraisal.The appraisal should include:
- Unbiased assessment of the property's physical and functional characteristics
- Analysis of recent comparable sales
- Assessment of current market conditions affecting the property
Finding an Appraiser
Your lender usually provides an appraiser, if one is needed. There might be a charge for this service.The Land Surveyor
If the seller does not have a Survey or Building Location Certificate, you will probably need to get one for your mortgage application. If the Survey in the seller's possession is older than five years, it needs to be updated.Remember that you must have permission from the property owner before hiring a surveyor to go onto the property.
Finding a Land Surveyor
Search the web or Yellow Pages™ or ask us to help you find a land surveyor. We usually recommend a few names to you.The Builder/Contractor
If you are buying a newly constructed home, you will have to hire a builder or contractor. If you are buying a resale house that needs renovations, you may also require a builder or contractor.Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a builder or contractor:
- Ask for references. Talk to other customers about the builder's performance.
- Check with the New Home Warranty program in the area (if applicable).
- Visit other housing developments that the company has built.
- Ask builders or contractors if they are members of a local homebuilders' association. Ask them for their provincial license number.
- You may want to hire an architect to design the house, and supervise construction.
- Builders of custom homes usually work on either a fixed-price or a cost-plus basis. Authorize any changes to your contract by writing your name or initials beside the change.
I hope this overview has helped you a little. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us today.
Wednesday, 25 January 2012
Getting Ready to sell in the Winnipeg Real Estate Market
"Leave nothing to chance", are words to live by in the every evolving Winnipeg Real Estate Market!
When the time comes that you want to sell your home first call the The Tony Marino Team and we will be happy to sit down and go over what you need to do to get your home ready to put it on the market. The initial consultation doesn't cost you a dime, just an hour of your time. I had to throw in a plug for my services, now on to the information that you need.
Holding an open house is a good way of getting a lot of potential buyers through the door in a short period of time usually 2 to 3 hours is plenty of time for an open house. The work to get the home ready for the open house can be time consuming, but not really when you stop to think about it, you would be doing this work any ways to get the house ready for showings. The work includes the following:
*Make sure that the lawn is trimmed or walk is shovelled depending on the time of year
*Walk through the home both on the interior and exterior and repair any unsightly cracks in walls
*De clutter the closets, counter tops, shelves and basement as much as possible
*Make sure there are no leaks in cabinet under sink in kitchen and bathroom
*Clean up after pets
*Check to see if handrails are properly secured to wall
*If in doubt what to do contact The Tony Marino Team and we will be happy to help you.
Every home is a diamond to someone, just that sometimes they are diamonds in the rough and with a little work it could be a real gem.
First impressions are very important and I can not say that enough. You only have a few seconds to make an impact on the buyers. Buyers know what they want and they are will to pay for it, so if you have to spend a few hours cleaning and organising, it's time well spend.
Go to www.TonyMarino.ca for more information.
Thanks
When the time comes that you want to sell your home first call the The Tony Marino Team and we will be happy to sit down and go over what you need to do to get your home ready to put it on the market. The initial consultation doesn't cost you a dime, just an hour of your time. I had to throw in a plug for my services, now on to the information that you need.
Holding an open house is a good way of getting a lot of potential buyers through the door in a short period of time usually 2 to 3 hours is plenty of time for an open house. The work to get the home ready for the open house can be time consuming, but not really when you stop to think about it, you would be doing this work any ways to get the house ready for showings. The work includes the following:
*Make sure that the lawn is trimmed or walk is shovelled depending on the time of year
*Walk through the home both on the interior and exterior and repair any unsightly cracks in walls
*De clutter the closets, counter tops, shelves and basement as much as possible
*Make sure there are no leaks in cabinet under sink in kitchen and bathroom
*Clean up after pets
*Check to see if handrails are properly secured to wall
*If in doubt what to do contact The Tony Marino Team and we will be happy to help you.
Every home is a diamond to someone, just that sometimes they are diamonds in the rough and with a little work it could be a real gem.
First impressions are very important and I can not say that enough. You only have a few seconds to make an impact on the buyers. Buyers know what they want and they are will to pay for it, so if you have to spend a few hours cleaning and organising, it's time well spend.
Go to www.TonyMarino.ca for more information.
Thanks
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