Saturday, March 06, 2010

Blooger via ftp is changing, this is a test post

Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph Publishing on my blog and manyh others is changing, this post is a test post to see if the old ftp publishing is working and also serves as a marker.

See you soon on the other side!

For more information please contact A. Mark Argentino

A. Mark Argentino, Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
2691 Credit Valley Road, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 7A1

BUS. 905-828-3434
FAX. 905-828-2829
E-MAIL: mark@mississauga4sale.com
Website: Mississauga4Sale.com

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Thursday, March 04, 2010

If you are for rent and for sale at same time on MLS, does this hurt you?

Another good question from an intersted reader

Hi Mark,

My question is this;

If a residential property is available for lease or sale, whichever occurs first, and is being handled by a real estate agent, is there a tendency for said agent to hold out and discourage the lease prospect if it occurred first in favour of a potential sale at a later date?

I would greatly appreciate a response from you.

Best Regards,

Frank



Hello Frank,
Good question. There is no easy answer to this question. There are many factors that this would depend upon, including the motivations of your listing agent. I've noticed that the agents showing properties may shy away from properties that are for sale and for lease as they may think the motivation of the seller is less on the sale. Again, there are many factors.
I like and prefer rental listings so it would not matter to me either way. I want to impress the client with my skills renting their property just as much as if I were selling their property.
Thank you,
Mark

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Sunday, February 28, 2010

Real Estate Toronto, Mississauga and GTA Market Analysis Explanation

This is an explanation of real estate comparable market analysis in the Toronto, Mississauga and GTA

Market Analysis Explanation

This is an explanation and overview of this market analysis.

This Comparative Market Analysis will help to determine the correct selling price of your home. Ultimately, the correct selling price is the highest possible price the market will bear.

This market analysis is divided into three categories:

1. Comparable homes that are currently for sale

2. Comparable homes that were recently sold

3. Comparable homes that failed to sell

Looking at similar homes that are currently offered for sale, we can assess the alternatives that a serious buyer has from which to choose. We can also be sure that we are not under pricing your home.

Looking at similar homes that were sold in the past few months, we can see a clear picture of how the market has valued homes that are comparable to yours. Banks and other lending institutions also analyze these sales to determine how much they can lend to qualified buyers.

Looking at similar homes that failed to sell, we can avoid pricing at a level that would not attract buyers.

This Comparative Market Analysis has been carefully prepared for you, analyzing homes similar to yours. The aim of this market analysis is to achieve the maximum selling price for your home, while being able to sell your home within a relatively short period of time.

I hope this finds you Happy and Healthy!

All the Best!

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

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Friday, February 26, 2010

Spring is in the air, well almost!

Spring is in the air, well almost!Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph

This is a great time to sell your home, once March roars in, we expect our market to get even faster and hotter than it already is, is it possible? You bet!

If you are thinking of selling in the next few months and would like to know your approximate value, please use my handy online form at this page: Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?

For more information please contact A. Mark Argentino

A. Mark Argentino, Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
2691 Credit Valley Road, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 7A1

BUS. 905-828-3434
FAX. 905-828-2829
E-MAIL: mark@mississauga4sale.com
Website: Mississauga4Sale.com

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Wednesday, February 24, 2010

TD Canada Trust Latest Economic News

This is the latest economic news from TD Canada Trust economics, they are
positive on the future, sounds good, enjoy!
Mark


February 2010

CANADIAN EXPORTS RISE ON U.S. INVENTORY RESTOCK, DEFICIT WIDENS AS DOMESTIC
ECONOMY STRENGTHENS

* Trade deficit widens to $246 million from $201 mil-lion on the back of a
1.7% gain in exports and 1.8% gain in imports

* U.S. demand drives Canadian exports for the third consecutive month on
massive inventory restock

Canadian international trade data for December indicated that exports grew
for the fourth consecutive month by 1.7%, while imports grew by a slightly
greater 1.8%. This caused the trade deficit to widen from $201 million to
$246 million. For the third consecutive month, the main driver of export
growth has been U.S. demand, in spite of all the talk sur-rounding its
subdued recovery.

Though, this was not surprising. U.S. GDP data for the fourth quarter
indicated that the American economy grew by 5.7% on an annualized basis and
suggested a widespread restocking of depleted inventories. This was likely
the main influence for such strong demand for Canadian exports. The trade
surplus specifically with the U.S. widened in December to $3.7 billion from
$3.4 billion in November on the back of a 2.9% and 2% gain in exports and
imports, respectively. Consistent with this notion is the fact that much of
the gains in exports to the U.S. were attributed to passenger cars, stocks
of which were heavily depleted following the Cash for Clunkers program that
ended last summer.

Total exports of passenger cars grew by an impressive 11.7% in December and
were, indeed, the main driver of the headline export figure. In fact,
exports in this sub-sector have already recovered fully to their pre-crisis
level. Other big gainers were machinery & equipment exports and energy
product exports which grew by 3.4% and 1.5%, respectively. On the import
side, the gains were broad based, but largely driven by motor vehicle parts
and crude oil imports which grew by 11.1% and 17.0%, respectively.


CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE


December-09


C$, Blns.

M/M %Chg.

Y/Y

.%Chg.


TRADE BALANCE (C$, blns)*

-0.25

--

--


VOLUME OF EXPORTS

VOLUME OF IMPORTS

--
--

0.7
1.8

-3.4
1.1


VALUE OF EXPORTS
Energy Products
Industrial Goods and Materials
Machinery $ Equipment
Automotive Products

32.2
--
--
--
--

1.7
1.5
-1.1
3.4
8.0

-8.0
13.0
-4.4
-23.7
-1.5


VALUE OF IMPORTS
Energy Products
Industrial Goods and Materials
Machinery $ Equipment
Automotive Products

32.4
--
--
--
--

1.8
5.4
2.9
-2.4
6.0

-9.1
2.9
-15.9
-19.1
9.6


*Previous month revised trade balance level
Source: Statistics Canada/Haver Analytics

December's figure rounds out the last quarter of 2009 in which the trade
deficit improved slightly from $18.5 billion in the third quarter to $17.6
billion at annual rates in the fourth quarter. Thus, net trade will add to
growth when fourth quarter GDP data is released later this month, but will
likely be a drag beyond that. Although the U.S. inventory readjust-ment will
continue, its pace will likely slow in the coming quarters; in addition,
heavy uncertainty remains regarding the state of global demand in the face
of an EU deficit crisis emanating from Portugal, Spain, and Greece. Thus
far, the latter turn of events has been putting downward pressure on the
Canadian dollar as a flight-to-safety mentality and questionable commodity
demand has dominated investor sentiment. The dollar is down more than 4%
since its recent peak hit in the middle of January and currently sits at
93.6 cents, thus improving overall export competitiveness

However, this is likely to be temporary. Talks of a Ger-man bailout have
already calmed investors and once senti-ment returns to looking at economic
fundamentals, strug-gling overall demand originating from the EU and the
U.S., our largest trading partners, and the strength in Canada's domestic
economy will likely drive currency investors back into the Canadian dollar
and inhibit overall export growth.

In spite of the fact that we lack any robust recovery in exports, which yet
sit 27.5% below its peak hit in July of 2008, we continue to expect the
overall economy to grow in excess of 3% on an annualized basis in every
quarter of this year with domestic demand the main contributor to that
growth.

I hope this finds you Happy and Healthy!

All the Best!

Mark

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

<http://www.mississauga4sale.com/selling-process.htm> Thinking of Selling?
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Monday, February 22, 2010

Ratio of the number of sales to active listings for the West GTA zones, W01 to W28, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton and west

This graph clearly shows that the number of sales to active listings ratio for the West GTA zones, W01 to W28, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton and west, is about 43% or so and indicates that 43% of all listings on the market are selling, much higher than the period back in the spring of 2009

Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph

For more information please contact A. Mark Argentino

A. Mark Argentino, Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
2691 Credit Valley Road, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 7A1

BUS. 905-828-3434
FAX. 905-828-2829
E-MAIL: mark@mississauga4sale.com
Website: Mississauga4Sale.com

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Friday, February 19, 2010

Current Mortgage Interest Rates

This chart shows you the Current Mortgage Interest Rates and the obtainable rates.
TERMPOSTED Achievable RATES*
6 Month 4.60%3.50%
1 Year3.65%2.35%
2 Year3.95%2.90%
3 Year4.30%3.25%
4 Year5.04%3.69%
5 Year5.39%3.69%
7 Year6.30%4.95%
10 Year6.50%5.20%
Variable Rate1.85%
Prime Rate2.25%

I hope this finds you Happy and Healthy!

All the Best!

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

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Friday, February 05, 2010

Toronto and Mississauga Real Estate Market January 2010 is a far cry from January 2009

Homes sales in the GTA and Mississauga were slightly higher than the average number of home sales in the past 5 years. If you are a buyer looking for a property right now, you know that our marketplace is very fast right now and almost everything is selling very quick.

Average prices are up considerably when you compare January 2010 to January of 2009, but the period from October 2008 to January 2009 was dismal.

In fact January of 2009 was the bottom of the slump in our market, the outlook for real estate was dismal. One year later and the outlook is incredibly different, you won't find many people who are not optimistic on real estate in Mississauga and Toronto for 2010

All the best,
Mark



Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 4,986 transactions through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) in January 2010.

This result represented a large increase over the 2,670 sales in January 2009 when the home sales were in a recessionary trough. Last month’s sales were slightly higher than the January average in the five years

preceding 2009.

“The GTA housing market has rebounded well from the lows in sales experienced at the beginning of 2009. Sales climbed back to healthy levels across the GTA because the cost of home ownership remained affordable in the Toronto area,” said TREB President Tom Lebour.

“Increasingly confident consumers moved to take advantage of affordable home ownership.”

The average home selling price in January 2010 climbed 19 per cent to $409,058, compared to 343,632 in the same month last year.

“Expect strong annual growth rates for existing home sales and average price through the first quarter as we continue to make comparisons to the weak market conditions at the beginning of 2009,” said Jason

Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis. “The rate of sales and price growth will be lower

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Thursday, February 04, 2010

How to find Tax Sale Properties in your Municipality

In order to find tax sale properties in your area, you have to contact each municipality, this is not an easy task!
Read more about the process here:
Please let me know if you have any other questions or if there is anything else I can help you with regarding tax sale properties.

Thank you,

Mark

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Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Why does maintenance fee show $0 for many power of sale properties?

This is a common question that I receive about POS properties and zero maintenance fees on the mls listing.
Hello Mark,

Thanks for your daily information and sure helps...I have a question for you some of the listing says $0 maintenance fees what does that really mean? Is it that the POS includes the maintenance fees for one year?
My answer is:
Hi B.

Thank you for your real estate inquiry.

The maintenance fee shows $0 because the bank does not want to take any responsibility for any oversight or underestimate of the fee, so they put $0.

We/You have to find out from us what the average is for that type of unit.

When you submit your offer, we will receive a status certificate that shows the exact fee for that particular unit.


Mark

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Monday, February 01, 2010

$1500 extra taxes due to HST in real estate transactions in Toronto and Mississauga

HST is coming to Ontario July 1st, 2010 whether we like it or not.

The HST effectively combines the 8% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and the 5%
Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) for a combined 13% sales tax rate known
as the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).

The HST will apply to a number of goods and services that are currently
exempt.

For housing in Ontario, the HST will add 8% more tax on any services related
to real estate transactions, such as real estate commissions, legal fees,
home inspections and moving costs.

It is estimated by OREA that the HST will add about $1500 in additional
taxes to the cost of the average residential real estate transaction.

It is expected that there will be a surge in sales this spring to avoid the
HST that becomes law on July 1st.

All the best!
Mark

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Monday, January 18, 2010

Single family residential snapshot for sales in Toronto Mississauga and GTA Real Estate Marketplace

Single family residential snapshot for sales in Toronto Mississauga and GTA Real Estate Marketplace
This graph shows you the percentage of each housing type that was sold last month


Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph

For more information please contact A. Mark Argentino

A. Mark Argentino, Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
2691 Credit Valley Road, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 7A1

BUS. 905-828-3434
FAX. 905-828-2829
E-MAIL: mark@mississauga4sale.com
Website: Mississauga4Sale.com

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Sunday, January 17, 2010

Housing market indicators for real estate in Toronto Mississauga and GTA Real Estate Marketplace Marketplace

Housing market indicators for real estate in Toronto Mississauga and GTA Real Estate Marketplace
Sales are up 115% for last month compared to same month in 2008
New listings are up slightly 6% compared to same month in 2008
Days on the market is down 40% for December 2009 compared to same month in 2008, indicating a very fast market!


Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph

For more information please contact A. Mark Argentino

A. Mark Argentino, Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
2691 Credit Valley Road, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 7A1

BUS. 905-828-3434
FAX. 905-828-2829
E-MAIL: mark@mississauga4sale.com
Website: Mississauga4Sale.com

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Saturday, January 16, 2010

Average single family residential real estate sales prices since 1999 in Toronto Mississauga and GTA Real Estate Marketplace

This graph shows the average prices for single family residential real estate in Toronto Mississauga and GTA Real Estate Marketplace since 1999 and shows that there is a clear trend.
As the RBC states, past performance is not an indication of future trends... no kidding... but let's hope that this continues for some time to come!

Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph






For more information please contact A. Mark Argentino

A. Mark Argentino, Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
2691 Credit Valley Road, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 7A1

BUS. 905-828-3434
FAX. 905-828-2829
E-MAIL: mark@mississauga4sale.com
Website: Mississauga4Sale.com

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Friday, January 15, 2010

Chart showing 2009 and 2009 average price per month for Toronto Mississauga and GTA Real Estate Marketplace

This chart shows the average price for each month since January of 2008 and 2009 in Toronto Mississauga and GTA Real Estate Marketplace
Prices have increased year over year. you can see the fall in the prices in the fall of 2008 and then the rebound in 2009


Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) Average Prices and Graph

For more information please contact A. Mark Argentino

A. Mark Argentino, Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
2691 Credit Valley Road, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 7A1

BUS. 905-828-3434
FAX. 905-828-2829
E-MAIL: mark@mississauga4sale.com
Website: Mississauga4Sale.com

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Sunday, January 10, 2010

Average annual income of a real estate agent

Some people think real estate agents earn huge money, millions per year! LOL

Too bad that is not the case.

If you take the total number of properties sold on the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) last year multiplied by the average selling price and then take 2% commission as the average per side in the transaction then the 'average' agent earned approximately $31,000 in 2009

87000 properties sold last year on TREB, 23000 realtors on TREB, average price $411,000 and 2.0% average commission per end equals $31000 average income on TREB
(87 000 / 23 000) * 411 000 * .020 = 31 093
In the US the average sales agent earns about $28,400 and the average for brokers and sales reps is about $36,700 (just another reason, besides the warm weather, to move to the US! LOL)

Median Gross Personal Income of REALTORS®

YEAR

Brokers/
Broker-Associates

Sales
Agents

ALL REALTORS®

2008

$49,300

$28,400

$36,700

2007

$65,200

$31,000

$42,600

2006

$73,300

$34,600

$47,700


All the best!
Mark

I hope this finds you Happy and Healthy!

All the Best!

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

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Thursday, January 07, 2010

2009 GTA TREB residential real estate resale home sales up and prices up for year

The figures for the 2009 are out for Toronto and GTA real estate market and they show that after a slow start in the spring, the real estate market rebounded nicely in the last 3/4 of the year. In fact, the number of sales year over year was up 17% and average prices were up to $411,931 for single family residential dwellings, an increase of 4% over the previous year.

GTA REALTORS® REPORT DECEMBER RESALE HOUSING MARKET FIGURES

TORONTO, January 6, 2010 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 87,308 MLS® transactions in 2009 – a 17 per cent increase over 2008. This result included 5,541 sales in December.

The 2009 result was in line with the healthy levels of sales experienced between 2004 and 2006, but lower than the record of 93,193 set in 2007.

“After a slow start to the year, existing home sales rebounded during the second half of 2009,” said TREB President Tom Lebour. “As consumer confidence improved, many households moved to take advantage of affordable home ownership opportunities in the GTA.

The strong residential real estate sector was a key contributor to overall economic recovery in Canada.”

The average home price in 2009 climbed four per cent to $395,460. The average price for December transactions was $411,931.

“Market conditions became very tight in the latter half of 2009. Sales climbed strongly relative to the number of homes listed for sale, resulting in robust price growth that more than offset average price declines in the winter,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis. “A greater supply of listings in 2010 will see home prices grow at a sustainable pace.”

I hope this finds you Happy and Healthy!

All the Best!

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



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Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year and all the best to you and your family in 2010!

Mark

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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Almost time to lock in your mortgage

Take a look at this graph showing the current and projected interest rates in Canada. If you have any doubt, read some of the recent Bank of Canada's announcements on interest rates. It's almost a sure thing that rates will begin to increase in the middle of 2010 and significantly over the next year after that.



Good long range planning will certainly help you with your future!



This goes against what I have written many times in the past. I've always recommended going short term on your mortgage. Once we come out of this recession and the economy starts to improve, rates will increase and we may never see these low rates again for many decades to come. It could be time to lock in for 5, 7 or even 10 years at the current rates to take advantage of these all time low mortgage interest rates



Thanks

Mark



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Monday, December 28, 2009

US Housing Market has reached bottom!


The US housing market seems to have hit the bottom and will slowly recover, finally!


This is another feel good report from RBC




Bottom Reached in Housing


U.S. home sales got a lift from the government’s first-time homebuyers’ tax credit and record low mortgage rates.


Sales of both new and existing homes are running 31% higher than their recent low, albeit 25% slower than their peak pace.


This increase combined with sharply lower housing starts has reduced the inventory of unsold homes significantly. Price increases so far have been limited, with the average still about 20% lower than peak levels.


The outlook for real estate remains murky given the backlog of foreclosures and strong increases in the number of homeowners who are delinquent in making their mortgage payments.


The government’s tax credit was extended until the end of April and the base of those who qualify broadened out. With interest rates remaining low, we expect that the pace of activity will gradually pick up but expect a relatively tame recovery for this sector during the forecast period.


I hope this finds you Happy and Healthy!


All the Best!


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



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Sunday, December 27, 2009

2010 is shaping up to be a great year, from RBC

RBC is now reporting that there will be good growth now that 2009 is nearly behind us. This has been one of the hardest years since the early 90's recession and in some cases harder than the early 80's recession.

2010 may be a great year, hold on for the ride.

Enjoy the article below.
Mark





New beginnings

Turning the page on 2009 will be done with great relief almost everywhere in Canada. The past year has been, by far, the toughest since the early 1990s recession and, in some cases, the early 1980s recession. Hardship was evident from coast to coast, even in parts of the country, such as Alberta, that were previously considered almost bullet-proof.

Perhaps more importantly, however, will be the full force of fiscal and monetary stimulus kicking in. Nearly all governments at the federal, provincial and municipal levels have initiated substantial infrastructure spending programs and these will be in high gear during the year ahead.

In most cases, although not all, 2010 will be the peak of stimulus spending.

The easing of monetary policy is already having a visible impact – most notably in housing resale markets across the country – and should continue to do so despite our expectation that the Bank of Canada will gradually take its feet off the gas pedal starting mid-year. Extremely low mortgage rates have been key to the spectacular rebound in housing resale activity in every province since early 2009.

The precipitous decline in activity that started late in 2008 plunged a number of provinces – including Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia – into a deep slump through the better part of the year, which reverberated loudly in regional job markets.

The ranks of the unemployed swelled and unemployment rates surged broadly, reaching the highest levels since the 1990s in Ontario and Alberta.

While many challenges will remain, 2010 promises a widespread turnaround in economic performance, albeit a modest one at first. A more sanguine global context will sharply contrast with the meltdown on the world stage that took place in 2008 and early 2009. With the financial crisis behind us and the U.S. economy on the mend, factors “external” to the provincial economies are expected to contribute positively to growth again.

In turn, this housing resurgence should be seen as evidence that consumers are feeling more upbeat even in areas of the country such as British Columbia, Ontario and Alberta where the recession caused substantial damage.

The price tag for the fiscal stimulus is enormous – huge budget deficits.

Collectively, the provinces are projecting shortfalls totaling $38.2 billion in the 2009-10 fiscal year and at least $30.2 billion in 2010-11 (with two provinces not providing estimates), both records in terms of value. However, relative to GDP, the deficits will be modestly milder than the peaks recorded in the early 1990s.

While running up huge budget shortfalls might cause some discomfort, the alternative was even less attractive given the severity of the economic downturn. Nonetheless, returning to balance during the medium-term will be a challenge involving difficult choices. ECONOMICS I RESEARCH

In this update, there is little change to the big picture from our September Provincial Outlook: the contraction in activity is still seen to be widely spread in 2009 among provinces (with Manitoba and Nova Scotia the only exceptions)

and the expected recovery to be equally generalized in 2010.

On the upside, there have been some upward revisions to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in both 2009 and 2010 (Nova Scotia is now projected to be flat in 2009), and Quebec and Manitoba in 2009.

In this report, we are also introducing forecasts for 2011, which generally depict provincial economies strengthening further. The western part of the country – led by Saskatchewan – is generally expected to grow faster than the national

average of 3.9% with the exception of British Columbia, which will be feeling some post-Olympics moderation.

However, we have made minor revisions to some provincial forecasts. The most significant change has been for Newfoundland & Labrador, where longer-than-expected production shutdowns in the mining sector have prompted us to deepen the real GDP decline in 2009 by one percentage point to 4.5% and to bump up growth slightly in 2010 to 2.4% from 2%.

Smaller downward revisions have also been made to Alberta (to reflect weaker-than-expected momentum at this stage) in both 2009 and 2010, Saskatchewan in 2009 (in light of the dramatic drop in potash production) and Ontario in 2009 and 2010 (a larger-than-expected decline in the second quarter of 2009 and slightly more subdued recovery in 2010).

I hope this finds you Happy and Healthy!

All the Best!

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

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Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Is it Time to Lock into Long term mortgage interest rates?

The question of whether to lock into the current low mortgage interest rates or continue to stay short term is a question that I often get asked.

The answer depends upon many factors including your ability to tolerate risk.

I've written many times in the past that the best route was to go short term on your mortgage, for at least the past 20 years or so. Mortgage rates are predicted to increase beginning about the middle of 2010 and some are predicting that the Bank of Canada will increase the prime rate by as much as 2.75% over the period from the middle of 2010 to the end of 2011 If this happens, then it's likely mortgage interest rates will also increase by about the same or even more than 3% over the same period.

This would indicate with almost certainty that you should lock into long term mortgages. BUT, this is not necessarily true. Read more at this link

http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Lock-In-Short-Term-Long-Term-Mortgage.htm#update2009

I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year!
Mark

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Monday, December 21, 2009

Wishing You and Yours a Merry Christmas!


Memories of Days Gone By!
Coca Cola's Famous Santa
Drawn by Haddon Sundblom in 1949
All the Best!
Mark

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Friday, December 18, 2009

RBC reports that the US economy has also turned the corner

Similar to Canada, RBC is now reporting that the US economy has turned the corner and is on the road of recovery, let's hope!
Mark


U.S. Economy Turns the Corner

The U.S. economy grew at a 2.8% annualized pace in the third quarter, marking the first increase in real GDP after a year of quarterly declines.

Some of the increase was directly attributable to the government’s Car Allowance Rebate System (also known as the cash for clunkers program), which bolstered spending on autos in the quarter.

The strong pace of auto purchases will likely not be sustained in upcoming quarters; however, retail activity continued to firm up in October and November, suggesting that consumers have come out of hiding.

I hope this finds you Happy and Healthy!

All the Best!

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

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