REMAX reports that balance returns to recreational property markets

Balance returns to recreational property markets

across Canada this year, says RE/MAX

Mississauga, ON (June 10, 2008) --

After an extended period of extraordinary growth, more balanced

market conditions have emerged in recreational property markets across the country, according to a report

released today by RE/MAX.

The RE/MAX Recreational Property Report found that a substantial increase in the supply of recreational

properties listed for sale, combined with fewer buyers overall, characterized most recreational markets

this year. Of the 45 markets surveyed, 91 per cent (or 41 markets) were in the transition stage, moving

from strong sellers into balanced market conditions. The only exceptions were Salt Spring Island, two

markets in Saskatchewan—Last Mountain Lake and Qu'Appelle Lakes and Lakes Candle, Emma, and

Waskesiu -- and Newfoundland's East Coast —where inventory levels were relatively low. Affordability

was a primary factor in 35 per cent of markets surveyed, given serious upward pressure on recreational

values in recent years.

"Market conditions have shifted, but don't expect to see bargain basement prices or fire sales," says

Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President and Regional Director, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada.

"The recreational market continues to experience solid demand -- a trend that is expected to continue

throughout 2008. The influx of new listings has yet to translate into downward pressure on recreational

property prices. Prime waterfront properties, while more plentiful than in year's past, will still command

top dollar."

Adverse winter weather conditions during the first four months of the year hindered recreational activity.

Sixty-seven per cent of markets reported softening in the number of sales year-to-date, while average

prices remained stable or experienced moderate increases over 2007 levels for the same period. Economic

concerns, fueled by negative GDP growth in the first quarter and soaring energy costs, have also played a

role in the transitioning market.

"We're coming off the longest period of economic expansion since World War II," says Elton Ash,

Regional Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Western Canada. "Recreational property values have

appreciated beyond our wildest dreams across the country. More balanced market conditions are a

welcome change for purchasers."

- more -

RE/MAX Recreational Property Report…2

For the first time in many years, in fact, a good selection of entry-level waterfront is available in markets

across the country. Eighteen per cent of those surveyed offer properties under the $200,000 price point,

including; Central South Cariboo in British Columbia; Parry Sound, East Kawarthas and Kingston in

Ontario; Summerside, PEI; South Shore, Nova Scotia; Shediac, New Brunswick; and the East Coast of

Newfoundland.

Recreational property buyers also found themselves divided between two borders this year. The housing

market meltdown in the US combined with a Canadian dollar at par created serious investment

opportunities for secondary properties in Florida, Arizona, Texas, and California. Some of those very

same factors have spurred American recreational property owners in Canada to list their properties for

sale, with many looking to take advantage of ideal market conditions here.

"Many Canadians are capitalizing on market conditions in major American centres," says Polzler. "For

some purchasers, the move is strictly a short-term investment strategy with a pay-off at the end of the day,

while for others, retirement is the main objective."

The report also found that younger buyers were a factor in 40 per cent of recreational markets surveyed.

"Baby boomers are clearly not the only purchasers that appreciate the recreational lifestyle," says Ash.

"Generation X is quickly becoming a force in the marketplace, spurring demand for condominium

product on ski hills, oceanfront properties in good surf locales, and water frontage on trendy lakes with

celebrity residents."

Other highlights

:

Alberta's red-hot economy has helped boost recreational property markets in British Columbia,

Atlantic Canada, and some parts of Ontario.

Affordability is prompting buyers to consider back lots, riverfront, condominiums, hobby farms

and leased land.

Some purchasers looking to secure an exit strategy are buying recreational properties or

secondary homes in residential neighbourhoods in close proximity to the water's edge.

RE/MAX is Canada's leading real estate organization with over 18,000 sales associates in more than 656

independently-owned and operated offices. The RE/MAX franchise network is a global real estate

system operating in over 65 countries. More than 7,000 independently-owned offices engage over

110,000 member sales associates who lead the industry in professional designations, experience and

production while providing real estate services

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS Newsletter
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
2 FAX 905-828-2829 ÈCELL 416-520-1577
› E-MAIL : mailto:mark@mississauga4sale.com?subject=Mississauga
Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling your home in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
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Real Estate Investing - is it something for you?

Is Real Estate Investing Right for You?

Investing in property is simply another form of investment. Buyers can invest directly by purchasing property individually, or indirectly by investing in a managed fund or timeshare. Although real estate agents may understand the property market, prospective buyers should still seek independent advice, because property investment may not be right for everyone.

What to Know Before You Buy

Don't fall for pressure-selling techniques and high-pressure seminars

Some sales people can be extremely persuasive and persistent. They often use gimmicks like offering you a "once in a lifetime opportunity".

Determine your overall financial plans

Think about what you want to achieve financially and how soon you want to achieve it.

Understand the risks involved

All investments carry risks. Make sure you are comfortable with the risks associated with a particular investment.

Get advice

Decide whether or not you need professional advice. If you're dealing with a financial advisor make sure they're licensed.

Investing directly or indirectly

You can invest directly or indirectly in many assets, including real estate, through a managed fund. Time- shares are a type of managed investment.

Do your homework

Find out as much as possible about any investment you are making. Make sure you really understand the pros and cons of choosing a particular investment asset. Weigh the advantages and disadvan- tages against your financial goals.

Consult with your accountant

There may be tax issues to consider that you may not be aware of. Once you've decided to take the leap and purchase investment property, be sure to read and keep all documents you receive about your investment. If your asset is being managed by someone else, make sure they keep you updated on all pertinent information. Reputable investment managers will be happy to answer your questions and will expect you to take an interest in your investments.

6 Investment Tips You Can Use!

Hire and pay for skilled workers to do your renovations.
Location. Location. Location. Invest in the best location you can afford.
Be affordable for tenants by buying small and staying small.
Look at a property for what it can be, not for what it is.
Focus on the money coming in and going out - not the cap rate.
Don't go unique - choose rental properties that will appeal to anyone.
One More Thing...

Real Estate Investment Trusts

Real estate investment trusts, known as REITs, are entities that invest in different kinds of real estate or real estate related assets, including shopping centers, office buildings, hotels, and mortgages secured by real estate.

There are basically three types of REITS:

Equity REITS, the most common type of REIT, invest in or own real estate and make money for investors from the rents they collect.

Mortgage REITS lend money to owners and develop- ers or invest in financial instruments secured by mortgages on real estate.

Hybrid REITS are a combination of equity and mort- gage REITS.

The Internal Revenue Code lists the conditions a company must meet to qualify as a REIT. For example, the company must pay 90% of its taxable income to sharehold- ers every year. It must also invest at least 75% of its total assets in real estate and generate 75% or more of its gross income from investments in or mortgages on real property.

Many REITs trade on national exchanges or in the over- -the-counter market. REITs that are publicly traded must file reports with the SEC, such as quarterly and annual filings.

Read more about:

• Interest Rates
• Power of Sale Properties
• Price Trends
• or Search the MLS and more at my website

Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.

Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
›mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
• On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
• See seasonal housing patterns

CMHC Update clients can now purchase rental properties (up to 4 units) with as little down as 5%

CMHC Update on investment property purchase

CMHC has just released an update where clients can now purchase rental properties (up to 4 units) with as little down as 5%.
And mortgage lenders are now allowed to use 80% rental income offset which makes it much easier for you to qualify! Let me know if you require more details and I will put you in touch with my mortgage people.
http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Investment-Property-Purchase.htm
Thank you and all the best!
Mark

read more about:

• Interest Rates
• Power of Sale Properties
• Price Trends
• or Search the MLS and more at my website

Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.

Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
›mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
• On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
• See seasonal housing patterns

Weekly Bottom Line in Economics TD Canada Trust

The Weekly Bottom Line in economics courtesy of TD/Canada Trust

HIGHLIGHTS

Non-manufacturing ISM spurs more recession talk in the U.S.
TD Economics revises U.S. growth projections
Canadian jobs data a shocker

This week, investors continued to seek the relative safety of bonds at the expense of equities. Notably, U.S. 2-year government bond yields fell below 2% for the first time since April of 2004. Canadian 2-year government bond yields declined as well, though they still remain above 3%. Despite the 125 basis points in interest rate cuts by the Fed over the past 3 weeks, equity markets recorded losses across the board, led by the tech-heavy Nasdaq (-5%). Declines in the S&P 500 and Toronto's S&P/TSX were 4% and 3%, respectively.

U.S. economic news disappoints

In addition to being served up with a number of disappointing fourth quarter earnings reports, investors continued to fret about the rising risks of a U.S. recession. Following poor January employment numbers last week, the ISM non-manufacturing reading for the same month was even worse, plummeting from 53.2 to 44.6. The sizable drop in January was not only the largest monthly decline on record, but also the lowest level since the series was created in 1997. The culprits behind the weak performance were substantial losses in the business activity, new orders and employment sub-indices. While these figures certainly paint a dismal picture for the U.S. economy, they can be quite volatile on a month-to-month basis. Still, even if February records a moderate reversal, these data build the case that no growth was being recorded in the U.S. economy as the year kicked off.

Adding to concerns was Thursday's report on initial jobless claims, which came in above expectations at 356,000. On a 4-week moving average basis, jobless claims continued to edge higher. This report has proven to be a good leading indicator of recessions in the past. At this stage, the trend is not sounding off alarm bells, even though the January payrolls report increases the risks that the trend in claims could continue to worsen.

Worries about economic growth were also echoed in Fed speeches this week. Richmond Fed President Lacker acknowledged the possibility of a mild recession, similar to the last one experienced in 2001. He noted that business investment will likely slow this year, but still remain in positive territory, and that job growth will likely be lethargic for the better part of the year. Lacker also signaled upside risks to inflation, thereby making rate decisions even more difficult. Philadelphia Fed President Plosser also raised concerns about economic growth, but he too sounded a word of caution about inflation, arguing that "ignoring price stability during times of economic weakness risks undermining our ability to achieve economic growth over the long run."

In light of the latest signs as to the direction of the U.S. economy, we have downgraded our U.S. economic growth forecast. We are now projecting Q4/Q4 growth of 1.4% in 2008 (previously 1.9%) and 2.5% in 2009 (3.1%). For details, see TD Economics Special Report: Economic Stimulus and the U.S. Outlook available on our website. The volatility in equity markets, weakness in employment, and continued erosion of the housing market are likely to curb consumer spending during the first half of 2008, leading to virtually no growth during each of the first two quarters. The fiscal stimulus package expected to be implemented by the U.S. government will support growth during the second half of this year. However, this will provide only a temporary boost, and as such, a sub-par expansion is likely to carry into 2009 (see chart). The prominence of downside risks to growth has prompted us to revise our Fed rate call as well, from a cut of 25 bps to 50 bps in March. However, due to the inflationary pressures weighing on the economy, we expect the next cut to be the last.

Canada's job market remarkable

As signs of U.S. weakness were further manifested, the Canadian economy continued to show remarkable resilience. Employment numbers released this morning showed that 46,000 jobs were created in January, bouncing back with a vengeance from December's revised 3,000 loss. The gain boosted the employment rate to a new record of 63.8%, and drove the unemployment rate back down to the 33-year low of 5.8% reached last October. January saw a reversal in recent trends, as growth in the private sector far outweighed declines in both the public sector and the self-employed, and the goods-producing sector outperformed the service-producing sector, which was relatively flat for the month. Perhaps the biggest surprise was the 18,000 jump in export-oriented manufacturing jobs. Still, employment in the sector over the past year is down 5.4%, dampened in part by the slowing U.S. economy. Elsewhere, job creation in other areas continued to be supported by domestic strength, with particularly large gains in professional, scientific and technical services as well as financial services.

Another key job generator in Canada was the construction sector. Today, we received news that Canadian housing starts also beat expectations in January, rising 21% from December to 223,000. While single-unit housing starts recorded a modest decline, multi-unit housing starts rose by a whopping 64% month-over-month. The largest gains stemmed from Ontario (44%) and Quebec (22%), while the Atlantic region (-17%) was the only area to weigh down the total number of starts.

While this week's data are likely to spur further talk of decoupling between Canada and U.S., our view is that January's surge in Canadian economic activity represents more of a blip than a sign of renewed strength. Hence, look for both indicators to cool in the coming months. With the risks of knock-on effects from the deteriorating U.S. economy growing since the Bank of Canada's last fixed announcement data and Canadian core inflation remaining below trend, we expect that the central bank will remain forward looking and cut interest rates by 50 bps points in March and 25 bps in April.

BOE cuts rates, ECB to follow

Similarly, the U.S. is not alone in its economic woes, as the Bank of England cut rates by 25 basis points this week, and the Eurpoean central bank has signaled that it may cut rates going forward. The increasing recognition that central banks around the world will be required to jump on the rate-cutting bandwagon is likely to be instrumental in spurring a moderate recovery in the U.S. dollar later this year.

Read more about:

• Interest Rates



• Power of Sale Properties



• Price Trends



• or Search the MLS and more at my website

Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.

Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
›mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?



• On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up



• See seasonal housing patterns

Here are some very innovative mortgage products for those in need

This is just a reminder of some the innovative mortgage products that are available for my clients.

- up to 100% financing... even on rental properties!
- up to 95% financing for self-employed individuals on STATED INCOME!
- money for renovations CAN be included in mortgage
- amortization of up to 40 years

Not to mention the absolute BEST customer service in the business!

*ask me about how I can offer you a FREE one-year warranty on their new home!

I have mortgage broker contacts that will also find the lowest available rate for you if you are in any of the following situations:

-weak credit
-self-employed
-new immigrant
-power of sale
-past bankruptcies
-non-qualifying income
-debt consolidation
-refinancing
-renovations


These mortgage people that I deal with would love the opportunity to show you what they can do.

read more about:

• Interest Rates
• Power of Sale Properties
• Price Trends
• or Search the MLS and more at my website

Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.

Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
›mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
• On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
• See seasonal housing patterns

100% Financing now available on Rental Properties

100% Financing now available on Rental Properties

With the recent changes to CMHC rules, mortgage companies can start the new year offering financing of up to 100% on rental properties with 1-2 units, as it is now available!

This is great news for both real estate agents and investors alike! On rental properties with 3-4 units, 95% financing can be offered to qualified individuals.

Let me know if you have any questions, or if you have any questions about financing investment properties.

Let's have a great 2008!

Search the MLS or read more about Interest Rates, Power of Sale Properties, Price Trends and more at my website.

Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.

Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
2 FAX 905-828-2829 ÈCELL 416-520-1577
› E-MAIL : mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
• On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
• See seasonal housing patterns

Rental Market Outlook for 2008 - CHMC Rental Housing Market Report Highlights

CHMC Rental Housing Market Report Highlights

• The average apartment vacancy rate in the GTA was unchanged at 3.2 per cent in October 2007. Average same-sample two-bedroom apartment rents
increased by 1.2 per cent.
• Market conditions remained similar to 2006 because new renter household formation was offset by a movement of existing renter households into homeownership.
• The rental market will experience little change in 2008, with the average apartment vacancy rate at 3.5 per cent and average rents growing by less than the rate of inflation.

Market Conditions in Line With 2006

Rental market conditions in 2007 remained in line with those experienced in 2006. There was no change in the 3.2 per cent average apartment vacancy rate and same-sample
rents grew below the rate of inflation.

It is important to note that there was variation in rental market conditions across the different sub-markets of the GTA.
Market Several factors contributed to stability in vacancy rates in 2007. Increased home ownership demand, especially from the first-time buyer segment of the market, resulted in a substantial number of households vacating their rental accommodation

CMHC Rental Market Outlook for 2008

• Demand for rental housing in 2008 will remain on par with what was experienced in 2007.


• The overall apartment vacancy rate will be 3.5 per cent.


• The average two-bedroom rent will increase by 1.5 per cent.


• The movement to home ownership will continue to be a drag on the rental market, but in a different fashion.


• While both existing and new home sales are forecast to edge slightly lower next year, first-time buyers will continue to vacate rental accommodation in favour of home ownership. This movement, however, will be based on a strong increase in condominium apartment completions in 2008. More than double the number of condominium apartment completions experienced in 2007 will occur next year.


• In addition, investor-held condominium apartments in the secondary rental market will attract some renter households out of the primary rental market, due to a higher level of finishings and amenities.


• Factors that will continue to influence the demand for rental include the following:
  
• Growth in youth employment will continue due to tight labour market conditions;


• Immigration will continue to trend upward; and


• Rental affordability will continue to improve as household earnings outstrip growth in average
  rents.

Read more about rental properties and finding a rental property

Search the MLS or read more about Interest Rates, Power of Sale Properties, Price Trends and more at my website.

Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.

Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
2 FAX 905-828-2829 ÈCELL 416-520-1577
› E-MAIL : mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?


• On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up


• See seasonal housing patterns

Remember Real Estate Guru Tom Vu? Here are some quotes that someone sent me - you will laugh - what a character!

Someone emailed me these quotes from Tom Vu, not sure where they came from, but anyone who is over 35 (or younger real estate investors!) will appreciate these quotes.

Quotes from Tom Vu

• "Are you man enough to get off your lazy American ass and go to Vu's seminars?"
  
• "A lot of your friends will tell you, 'Don't come to the seminar. It's a get-rich-quick plan.' Well, tell them, it is a get-rich-quick plan because life is too short to get rich slow."
  
• "Tom Vu says his system is different than other experts'."
  
• "Okay. You've seen me make a lot of money. You've seen my students who are average people make a lot of money. Isn't is about time for you to go out and make a lot of money?"
  
• "There's two kinds of work in America: hard work and smart work. Which one are you doing now?"
  
• "This is not a country club! This is my house!"
  
• "Today I'm gonna show you how to drive a sports car. First, you need a lot of money!"
  
• "Don't listen to your friends. They're losers!"
  
• "Do you think these girls like me? NO, they like my money!"
  
• "At first I got lots of discouragement from friends and stranger who are loser! You know what these people kept telling me? They kept saying, 'Well Tom Vu, you a crazy nut, here you are, a poor immigrant, poor minority, speak no English, no contact, on and on, and you trying to be rich in America! You crazy, man! Look at people out there! They smarter than you are, they not even rich! Who are you to try?' And you know what? I have to keep telling these people every time, I kept saying, 'You are loser! Get out of my way! I make it somehow!'"

You can watch part of his cheesy TV commercials and read more about Tom Vu at this page Tom Vu page

Here is some insight from a seminar attendee:

Vu's main strategy was to "control," rather than own, real estate. So you would go out looking for distressed properties, (foreclosures and such) and offer to buy these houses at incredible discounts. He claimed to never offer more than 50% of market value, but said it would depend on whether it was a buyer's or a seller's market how much your discounted offer would be.

The desperate owner would be happy to just get out of the property without ruining his credit, so he takes your offer happily. In your offer, you write that the agreement is between the seller and you "or assigns". Then you offer ten bucks as a down payment to make the contract legal ("exchange of consideration"). Your closing date is a couple of months hence. In addition, you tack on a whole pile of whim-and-fancy clauses, such as "this deal is subject to the final inspection and approval of the buyer before closing."

During the time before closing, you find a buyer to assign your interest in the contract to. Selling the place will be easy, since after all, you got it at a huge discount in the first place. You walk away at closing with a hefty profit. Unlike the vast majority of seminar attendees, I actually tried for a long time to do this in my neck of the woods, British Columbia, Canada. I failed miserably. I encountered the following realities:

1. Even with distressed properties, offering to buy a property that far below market value was a joke (I was trying 80%). I was laughed out of most negotiations…

2. Many of these properties were over financed, and even if they weren't, there was no desperate bank mandate to unload these non performing assets at all costs. Generally, even in foreclosure sales, the owner or later, the bank, wanted fair market value.

3. Whim-and-fancy clauses were not acceptable to anyone I dealt with.

This site is found at this page

Enjoy!

Mark

Read about Real Estate Foreclosures Investing

Search the MLS or read more about Interest Rates, Power of Sale Properties, Price Trends and more at my website.

Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.

Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
2 FAX 905-828-2829 ÈCELL 416-520-1577
› E-MAIL : mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
  
• On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
  
• See seasonal housing patterns

How to make money in real estate in the GTA

There is one sure way to make money in real estate in our area of the GTA, buy a property, rent it out, hold it for at least 4 to 5 years.

Not only will you gain as your mortgage principal amount decreases during that time period as the the tenant is paying down your mortgage you also get to enjoy the increase in value of the property over time = profit.

It really is as simple as that.

All the Best!
Mark

The pros and cons of owning real estate

Read about my personal story of how to get that mortgage paid off quicker.

Search the MLS or read more about Interest Rates, Power of Sale Properties, Price Trends and more at my website.

Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,

Mark

A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.

Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
2 FAX 905-828-2829 ÈCELL 416-520-1577
› E-MAIL : mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com

• Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
• On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
• See seasonal housing patterns

It was the highest October on record for MLS® home sales

Highest October on record for MLS® home sales

OTTAWA November 15th, 2007 MLS® resale housing activity in Canada's major markets had their strongest showing in October compared to any other year on record and are on track for a new annual record, according to statistics released by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).

Seasonally adjusted national MLS® sales activity rebounded to 28,966 units in October 2007, up 1.3 per cent from levels recorded in September. The rebound follows three consecutive monthly declines since sales peaked in June, and reflects a rise in activity in Toronto, Edmonton, Hamilton-Burlington, Victoria, Montreal, Quebec City and Winnipeg. Higher activity in these markets more than offset sales declines in Calgary, Vancouver, Saskatoon and Sudbury.

Actual (unadjusted) MLS® sales activity was up 7.6 per cent in October compared to the same month last year. Transactions posted year-over-year gains in every month except September this year, putting activity on track for a new annual record. MLS® home sales activity for the year-to-date in October totaled 319,411 units, an increase of 8.6 per cent compared to levels for the first ten months last year. Year-to-date transactions continue running ahead of year-ago levels in nearly all major markets.

Seasonally adjusted n ew MLS® residential listings edged down 0.2 per cent month-over-month in October 2007 to 49,497 units. This is the fifth highest monthly level on record. New listings receded from their peak in Calgary, and eased to their fourth highest level in Edmonton. The decline in new listings in these markets more than offset a rise in new listings in Toronto and Montreal.

"The trend in new listings shows there is no panic selling in Canada's housing market," said CREA President Ann Bosley. "It is important Canadians understand the differences between the Canadian and U.S. housing markets, and their local REALTOR® can provide that information."

CREA's MLS® revised market forecast for 2008 indicates a gradual slowdown in the re-sale housing market nationally, but MLS® sales volume will remain at near record levels. "The MLS® residential average price is forecast to set new records in all provinces next year, but those increases will become smaller as the resale housing market becomes more balanced in 2008," Bosley added.

The monthly rise in sales activity in October 2007 caused the resale housing market to tighten a little compared to the previous month. Winnipeg, Regina and Hamilton-Burlington were the tightest of Canada's major markets in October, while Edmonton, Calgary and Windsor were most balanced.

The major market MLS® residential average price rose 10.6 per cent year-over-year to $333,544 in October the sixth consecutive month that the increase exceeded ten per cent. Average price reached the highest level on record in Regina, Saskatoon, Toronto and Montreal.

"More than half of major markets posted a monthly increase in activity," said CREA Chief Economist Gregory Klump. "By the end of next month MLS® sales activity is likely to exceed the annual sales last year."

"Negotiations still favor the seller in nearly all major markets," said Klump. "This suggests resale housing demand remains on a strong footing, and that price increases will continue to exceed overall consumer price inflation."

MLS® Major Market Residential Summary:

				(Unadjusted Data)
		September 2007	% change	October 2007	October 2006	e
Dollar Volume ($ millions)	9,632.5	9,408.6	2.4	9,475.3	7,963.1	19.0
Unit Sales	28,966	28,587	1.3	28,408	26,407	7.6
Average Price ($)				333,544	301,552	10.6
New Listings	49,497	49,580	-0.2	50,880	47,773	6.5

CREA cautions that average price information can be useful in establishing trends over time, but does not indicate actual prices in centres comprised of widely divergent neighborhoods or account for price differential between geographic areas. Statistical information contained in this report includes all housing types.

MLS® is a co-operative marketing system used only by Canada's real estate Boards to ensure maximum exposure of properties listed for sale.

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is one of Canada's largest single-industry trade associations, representing more than 92,000 REALTORS® working though more than 100 real estate Boards and Associations. CREA's primary mission is to represent members at the federal level, and to defend the public's right to own and enjoy property.

This report is published by the Communications Department of The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Further information can be found at http://www.crea.ca/.

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Mark

A. Mark Argentino
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