GTA Real Estate

Make your move - 7 reasons to sell your house

2010-02-05T13:19:00.004-05:00

Thinking about buying or selling homes around the GTA? Interested in Burlington homes, Oakville homes, Mississauga homes or Toronto homes? Here are 7 reasons why you should make the move now!

Low Interest Rates. Zel's Sutton Member Program allows his clients to secure the very best mortgage rates in the market. As Low as 3.18% on a 3-Yr Fixed Mortgage, or a 1.86% on a 5-year Variable Mortgage, or try another options suited to your needs. Mortgage rates are predicted to rise within the 3rd quarter of 2010, so act now and sign up to Zel's Sutton Member Program(SMP).

HST Implementation. The new Harmonized sales Tax (HST) will be in effect in July 2010, increasing the closing costs on new homes and all related services, such as legal, moving, commissions.

Family matters. If you’re finding that you have more people in your home than space to fit them in, it may be time to think about moving into a larger space. Often times a house that’s quaint for two turns into a cramped living environment down the road. Starting a family, having frequent visitors or adding inviting the in-laws to stay can all be factors in moving to a bigger home.

Learn about location. If you’re not satisfied with the school you’re children are attending, than location is definitely a factor when it comes to where you live. School districts are pre-determined, so be sure to research which schools fit your standards and browse at available homes in that area. Keep in mind travelling measures as well (e.g. school bus routes, etc.)

Your commute is time-consuming. If you spend hours travelling to and from work, that can put a toll on your health and your financial outlook. Living in a home that’s close to your work can help you save time and money. You can even put your commuting savings towards your piece of real estate.

Your home is not even close to your dream home. If you feel like you have more cons than pros when it comes to the features of your home, it’s time to move. Real estate properties come in all shapes and sizes, giving you a multitude of choice. If you don’t like the layout of your home and remodelling is too expensive or not feasible, moving somewhere else can make you happier.

You’re thinking about moving in a short period of time. If you do decide to remodel, you should wait a while before you put up the “for sale” sign. Having to deal with the costs that come with re-modelling and the real estate market can leave you with the risk of getting a less than ideal result when selling your home.

If you’re thinking of selling or buying Burlington homes, Oakville homes, Mississauga homes. Toronto homes or houses in the GTA, East2WestHomes.com can help you in your search. Zel Knezevic from Sutton Group Summit Realty is committed to providing clients with homes that meet their budget. Contact Zel Knezevic at Zel@East2WestHomes.com or call 905.897.9555.

HST TRANSITION RULES

2010-01-25T12:25:00.002-05:00

How will HST affect the purchase of your next home?

The provincial government has provided rules/guidance on how it will transition to the implementation of the proposed Harmonized Sales Tax.

Background

The provincial government has announced that it intends to combine the eight percent Provincial Sales Tax with the five percent federal Goods and Services Tax, creating a 13 percent Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).

The HST is NOT YET IN EFFECT. The provincial government has indicated that it intends to bring the HST into effect beginning on July 1, 2010; however, note transition rules below.
1) HST will not apply on the purchase price of re-sale homes.
2) HST would apply to services such as moving cost, legal fees, home inspection fees, and REALTOR® commissions.
3) HST will apply to the purchase price of newly constructed homes. However, the Province is proposing a rebate so that new homes across all price ranges would receive a 75 per cent rebate of the provincial portion of the single sales tax on the first $400,000. For new homes under $400,000, this would mean, on average, no additional tax amount compared to the current system.

Want to learn more on HST and how it will affect your property, please call Zel Knezevic.

Real estate can be handled with ease with these home loan tips!

2010-01-20T11:35:00.003-05:00

Looking to buy in the GTA, Toronto Condos or Toronto homes? Perhaps Mississauga homes, Mississauga Condos, Burlington homes or Oakville homes? You’re probably thinking about home loans and mortgages. Getting a loan to purchase a home can be stressful and aggravating. What key points do you need to be aware of? Do the terms make sense for you? Are you able to make payments? All of these questions can frustrate you and make the home buying experience less than thrilling. Obtaining a loan for your own property of real estate doesn’t have to be hindrance; here are some tips that can help.

1. Know your credit standing. Your credit rating is one of the most important factors in getting a loan. Any outstanding payments or inaccurate information can affect your credit rating. Depending on your credit rating, you may need to clean up your credit first before applying for a loan.

2. Learn about lending guidelines. Mortgage insurance can be expensive, ranging from as high as 2.5 percent. When calculating how much you need to pay, keep in mind that you need to insure the entire loan. For example, if you have a loan for $140,000 you’re insurance premium would be $3,500. Ask to see if your lender will roll the insurance premium into your mortgage. It could result in you paying more interest, but some find it’s an easier way to manage. A CMHC-insured mortgage (which are often for high ratio mortgages) are open after three years, meaning you can re-finance or pay off your loan at any point.

3. Save money if you want a conventional mortgage. Conventional mortgages require you to pay an amount up front for a down payment. This is usually 25% of the price of your property. For example, if you decide on a house that’s $200,000 the down payment would be $50,000.

There’s a sense of gratification when buying a home. A house can be a place where you can start your life, raise a family or retreat to in another city or town. Owning your own piece of real estate can cost you – but luckily with these tips, you have some information that can take to the bank. East2Westhomes.com features all GTA hoems or Condos, including, Toronto homes, Toronto Condos, Mississauga Condos, Burlington homes, Mississauga homes, Oakville homes and more. Zel Knezevic from Sutton group Summit Realty is dedicated to providing you with a home you’ll love to live in. Contact Zel Knezevic at Zel@East2WestHomes.com or call 905.897.9555.

Home Staging Tips From Top to Bottom

2010-01-18T15:10:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder why some homes for sale sell quickly and others stay on the market for quite some time? For home owners who are eager to sell, a long transition period can be very frustrating, time consuming and costly. Luckily, home staging is a real estate process that anyone can try. It can speed up the sale of your home just by making simple adjustments. Home staging helps to make your home’s beautiful features stand out and entice buyers.

Here are some tips for home staging your house.

1. When it comes to real estate, keep things clean. Cleanliness is the first thing a potential home buyer will notice, so take extra time in cleaning every room before an open house or showing. You want every room to look spotless – even the areas where you wouldn’t normally explore. Washing, dusting, steaming and cleaning are all important tasks when making sure your house is immaculately clean.

2. Clear out the clutter. Try to de-clutter your home as much as possible by sorting through what you need for your new house, and what you can give away. Minimize clutter on shelves, countertops, and coffee table. If you can, hold a garage sale with the items you won’t need.

3. Let your home show its personality. Remove any family photos, personal awards, souvenirs, etc. When potential buyers walk into your home they want to envision their life– not someone else’s.

4. Draw them in from the outside. The outdoor appearance of a home is a vital factor when buying. It is the first thing buyers will see when they walk into the home. Be sure to paint and/or wash the house’s exterior walls and inspect the gutters, windows and chimney. Also make sure the lawn is trim and your plants and gardens are tended to.

Real estate can be a tricky industry for home sellers and home buyers. That’s why it’s important to explore the benefits that come from home staging. Imagine selling your home in a matter of hours or days just by applying some simple adjustments to the look of your home. Home staging is a great tool if you are finding it difficult selling your home. East2WestHomes.com offers a complete listing of homes for sale in Burlington, Mississauga and Oakville areas and includes valuable real estate information. See what homes are for sale in your area, visit the website http://www.east2westhomes.com, and call Zel Knezevic at 905-897-9555 or email: Zel@East2WestHomes.com