Should You Use a Realtor to Find a Home to Buy? (A Short Video by the Ontario Real Estate Association)
November 8, 2011 By
Benefits of Home Ownership for Renters
September 1, 2011 By
Despite all the turmoil in the global markets the key benefits of home ownership have not changed. Here are a few of the top reasons you should become or remain a home owner:
1. Long-term home ownership is still a viable way to build savings for the future. Some will call this a “forced savings account” but no matter how you look at it for many is is the only way they will ever save for the future, especially in their early years of adult life.
2. Tax breaks are available to the growing number of people working at home in a small business. Check with your tax and accounting professionals to see what deduction you may be able to take.
3. As a tenant, when you pay a landlord each month it’s like pouring money down the drain. When you pay on a mortgage, you are paying towards owning a piece of something real and tangible, building equity with each monthly investment payment. For example, If you bought a $240,000 home today and 10 years pass, you may still owe $200,000 but perhaps the home is now worth $300,000. This means you have $100,000 worth of equity you have built up over time.
4. Unless you live in a rent controlled apartment (and many do not), then each lease renewal, or move, normally means a jump in your monthly payment. A fixed-rate mortgage, however, means your monthly payment is the same amount for the term or period of the loan. This gives you stability in your monthly budgeting.
5. When you own your own home you feel a sense of security and pride, it’s yours. You can paint it, improve it, and decorate it; all adding to the value of YOUR home. Most homeowners are in neighborhoods with other homeowners meaning opportunities to build lifetime relationships and friendships. Studies also show that homeowners rank themselves as healthier than renters.
Should you continue to rent or should you buy?
There are both personal and financial considerations to explore. Experts have recommended for years that if you are planning on staying put in the same area for 5 or more years then buying becomes an increasingly better financial option and offers greater stability in life. You have time to recoup any extra expenses found in closing costs and are now making an investment in your future through home price appreciation.
Now is a great time to run the numbers with professional to see if buying makes good financial sense for you and your family. If it does, then you’re in store for a wealth of benefits that homeowners can experience.
What are your options?
Register today for a no-cost, no-obligation “Your First Home” workshop and hear about a plan to obtain your first home. Click Here to Register.
Contact Terry to start your home ownership financial evaluation and to get stated right away finding your family’s Dream Home!
Waterfront Home on 94′ of Lake Simcoe with 2.6 Acres
September 1, 2011 By
This waterfront property offers 2.6 acres with 94′ Lake Simcoe waterfront. Sandy swimming at end of your dock.
There are 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Fireplace, all new windows upper level, some lower, new hardwood floor upper level e/v water system. Heated floors in newly renovated bathroom. Lower level family room 28′ x 11’6″ and lower level laundry
Two decks, private, beautifully landscaped yard. New roof shingles. A large barn for storage (rental income possibility).
Just over 1 hour from greater Toronto area.
Features
Indoor
Heat: Forced Air – Oil
Fireplace: 1 Fireplace
Basement: Full Basement
Outdoor
Style: Split Level
Body of Water: Lake
Roof: Asphalt Shingle
Construction: Brick & Frame
Garage: Detached Garage
Beach Type: Sand
Sewer: Septic
Water: Well
Site/View: Water Front
General
Zoning: Residential
Amenities
Dock
Rooms’ Dimensions
Bedroom 3: 10 x 14
Bedroom: 9 x 10
Kitchen: 10 x 27
Living room: 15.6 x 16
Office: 9.4 x 11
Foyer: 9 x 13
Bedroom 4: 9 x 11
Dining room: 8.6 x 15
Master Bedroom: 12 x 14
_________________________________
List Price: $519,000
Address: 1275 Ramara Road 47
City/Prov: Brechin, ON
Postal Code:
Neighbourhood:
Lot Size: 2.6 Acres
Waterfront: 94' on Lake Simcoe
Property Taxes:
MLS # (if any):
Listing Brokerage: Coldwell Banker Town & Country
Type: Single Family Split Level
Square Feet: 2600
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 1 Full, 2 Half
Den/Family Room: Office
Basement (full, 1/2, finished, unfinished): Full
Garage: Detached
Details: Dock
Details: Fireplace
Details:
Two Opposing Real Estate Markets Spell Financial and Lifestyle Victory for Retiring Baby Boomers
August 29, 2011 By
Orillia, ON (August 29, 2011) – Tighter housing inventory levels have helped to make 2011 one of the healthiest periods on record for Toronto and GTA residential real estate sellers. The ratio of sales to new listings has climbed this year as a result of too few homes being put up for sale, relative to the buyer demand. The sellers’ market has caused a whirlwind of activity with home sellers receiving multiple offers within days, if not hours, of going on the market. The multiple offers are typically coming in over asking price as buyers compete for fewer houses on the market.
First-time buyers comprise the vast majority of purchasers with move-up buyers in close pursuit. “The existing home market will remain in the balanced to sellers’ market range in 2011 and 2012,” CMHC economist Bob Dugan said. Thus, markets in or near Toronto should see sellers continuing to profit from the upswing in demand for some time to come.
This frenzy is great news for those going into retirement and looking to move out of the GTA for a simpler, quieter lifestyle. Their houses and condos are quickly attracting big dollars such that they can make the move to a very nice home outside the GTA. The rural communities Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Severn and Ramara, surrounded by beautiful lakes and four season recreation, have seen an influx of retirees who are taking advantage of the region’s real estate buyer’s market.
This past year has seen a much softer mid to high end market resulting in beautiful properties selling below asking price, and in some cases well below. Retirees can take their windfall and can pay cash for a discounted well appointed home while still having significant dollars left over to enhance their lifestyle or supplement their pensions.
All this means a great opportunity for retirees to sell high and buy low without sacrificing the style, features and lifestyle they are accustomed to living in and enjoying in a home. Waterfront homes have become much more affordable as well as estate homes in great neighbourhoods and on golf courses.
Are you considering a move from Toronto or the GTA to the peaceful, recreational lifestyle of cottage country near Lake Simcoe, Lake Couchiching or Muskoka? Would you like to begin your search for the perfect house of condo in an ideal setting?
I am prepared to work as your buyer’s representative to help you define and find your perfect house or condo in cottage country.
Let’s get started today. You can contact me at terryallison@rogers.com or 866-345-3088.
The 34th Annual Scottish Festival in Orillia
July 3, 2011 By
Celebrate the 34th Annual Scottish Festival with your Clan!
Join Ceilidh in the Orillia Legion on Friday and Sunday.
Enjoy a lively parade in downtown Orillia at noon on Saturday followed up with pipe & drum competitions, entertainment and vendors at Couchiching Beach Park.
Come with the whole family. There is lots to see and do!
DATE: July 15 – 17
LOCATION: Downtown Orillia and Couchiching Beach Park
DETAILS: (705) 325-8442
WEBSITE: http://www.orillialegion.com/festival.html
Open Houses July 2-3 in Orillia, Severn, Oro-Medonte and Ramara
June 30, 2011 By
Why Not Invite Terry Along…
If you are not currently working under contract with another Realtor to find a new home, then Terry may be available to attend Open Houses with you to provide professional advice and guidance.
Contact Terry at 705-345-0200 or by Email.
Below is a list of Open Houses this weekend. The list is believed to be reliable but you should confirm to be sure.
Click Here to be notified of the Weekly Open House List as it become available.
Click Here to open the List Below in Adobe PDF format for Printing
List of local Open Houses will be displayed by Friday of each week.
Saturday July 2nd 2011
Single Family Bungalow/Ranch 1761 CHURCH LINE N SEVERN $179,900 RE/MAX ORILLIA REALTY (1996) LTD., BROKERAGE 1-2 PM
Single Family Contemporary/2 Storey 3638 GLENREST DR RAMARA $575,000 RE/MAX ORILLIA REALTY (1996) LTD., BROKERAGE 1-3 PM
Single Family Bungalow/Raised 3540 LAUDERDALE POINT RD SEVERN $297,900 RE/MAX ORILLIA REALTY (1996) LTD., BROKERAGE 11-1 PM
Single Family 2 Storey 449 VICTORIA CRES ORILLIA $979,000 RE/MAX ORILLIA REALTY (1996) LTD., BROKERAGE 1-3 PM
Single Family Townhouse/2 Storey 1024 MISSISSAGA ST W ORILLIA $229,900 CENTURY 21 DON CAMPBELL REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE 1-3 PM
Single Family Bungalow/Ranch 3927 TREELINE DR WASHAGO $224,500 RE/MAX ORILLIA REALTY (1996) LTD., BROKERAGE 1-3 PM
Single Family Back Split/3 Level 88 PATRICIA DR RAMARA $304,900 CENTURY 21 DON CAMPBELL REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE 1-3 PM
Single Family 2 Storey 11 FOREST WOOD LANE ORO-MEDONTE $499,900 RE/MAX ORILLIA REALTY (1996) LTD., BROKERAGE 2-4 PM
Single Family Back Split/3 Level 16 A GEORGE ST ORILLIA $239,000 ROYAL LEPAGE REAL QUEST REALTY, BROKERAGE 2-4 PM
Single Family 2 Storey 469 MOONEY CRES ORILLIA $969,000 RE/MAX ORILLIA REALTY (1996) LTD., BROKERAGE 2-4 PM
Single Family Bungalow/Raised 8 PRESTON ST ORO-MEDONTE $198,800 RE/MAX ORILLIA REALTY (1996) LTD., BROKERAGE 3-4 PM
Sunday July 3rd 2011
Single Family Bungalow/Ranch 6 BLACKCOMB DR ORO-MEDONTE $389,000 CENTURY 21 DON CAMPBELL REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE 2-4 PM
Single Family Bungalow/Raised 4414 PLUM POINT RD RAMARA $535,000 ROYAL LEPAGE REAL QUEST REALTY, BROKERAGE 2-4 PM
Single Family 2 Storey 469 MOONEY CRES ORILLIA $969,000 RE/MAX ORILLIA REALTY (1996) LTD., BROKERAGE 2-4 PM
Single Family Bungalow/Ranch 69 EIGHT MILE POINT RD ORO-MED $599,900 RE/MAX ORILLIA REALTY (1996) LTD., BROKERAGE 2-4 PM
Single Family 2 Storey/Detached 7514 RAMA RD RAMARA $389,900 CENTURY 21 DON CAMPBELL REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE 2-4 PM
Single Family Bungalow/Ranch 6150 SHEBA DR RAMARA $299,000 RE/MAX ORILLIA REALTY (1996) LTD., BROKERAGE 2-4 PM
2011 Mariposa Folk Festival in Orillia
June 27, 2011 By
Emmylou Harris, Peter Yarrow, Josh Ritter and many others headline at the 51st Mariposa Folk Festival features folk and country artists from all over Canada and the USA.
There are five live stages including the main stage offering lots of entertainment choices. Even the Beer Tent features a lively stage. Don’t miss the jam sessions with multiple artists sharing their songs and techniques.
There is fun for everyone including children’s activities and and an Artisan Village. You won’t go hungry with all the interesting foods in the Food Court.
The Mariposa Folk Festival takes place on the beautiful shores of Couchiching Park in Orillia.
DATE: July 8 – 10, 2011
LOCATION: Tudhope Park, Orillia, Ontario
PHONE: 705-326-3655
WEBSITE: www.mariposafolk.com
EMAIL: info@mariposafolk.com
Open Houses June 25-26 in Orillia, Severn, Oro-Medonte and Ramara
June 23, 2011 By
The following is a list of Open Houses this weekend. The list is believed to be reliable but you should confirm to be sure.
Why Invite Terry Along…
If you are not currently working under contract with a Realtor to find a new home, then Terry may be available to attend Open Houses with you to provide professional advice and guidance.
Contact Terry at 705-345-0200 or by Email.
Click Here to be notified of the Weekly Open House List as it become available.
Click Here to open the List Below in Adobe PDF format for Printing
List of local Open Houses will be displayed by Friday of this week.
Saturday June 25th, 2011
Single Family 2.5 Storey 270 COLBORNE ST W ORILLIA $252,900 RE/MAX ORILLIA REALTY (1996) LTD., BROKERAGE 12-2 PM
Single Family 1.5 Storey 3507 20TH SIDE RD INNISFIL $239,900 CENTURY 21 DON CAMPBELL REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE 2-4 PM
Single Family Side Split 21 LAWSON AVE ORILLIA $289,900 RE/MAX ORILLIA REALTY (1996) LTD., BROKERAGE 1-2:30 PM
Single Family 2 Level 155 PRINCE WILLIAM WAY BARRIE $369,900 CENTURY 21 DON CAMPBELL REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE 2-4 PM
Single Family Bungalow 16 PARK LANE BAYSHORE VILLAGE $359,900 ROYAL LEPAGE REAL QUEST REALTY, BROKERAGE 11-1 PM
Single Family Raised Bungalow 312 ST JEAN ST ORILLIA $238,000 CENTURY 21 DON CAMPBELL REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE 11-1 PM
Single Family Raised Bungalow 3908 ARDTREA DR SEVERN $259,900 CENTURY 21 DON CAMPBELL REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE 1-3 PM
Single Family Side Split 23 ANDREA CRES ORILLIA $247,900 CENTURY 21 DON CAMPBELL REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE 1-3 PM
Single Family Bungalow/Ranch 24 MAPLE GATE BAYSHORE VILLAGE $389,900 ROYAL LEPAGE REAL QUEST REALTY, BROKERAGE 1:30- 3:30 PM
Single Family Bungalow/Ranch 82 JOHNSON ST ORILLIA $314,900 ROYAL LEPAGE REAL QUEST REALTY, BROKERAGE 2-4 PM
Condominium 2 Storey 441 BARRIE RD # 23 ORILLIA $146,900 CENTURY 21 DON CAMPBELL REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE 2-4 PM
Single Family 2 Storey 186 CEDAR ISLAND RD ORILLIA $639,000 RE/MAX ORILLIA REALTY (1996) LTD., BROKERAGE 2-4 PM
Single Family 2 Storey 276 BAY ST ORILLIA $980,000 RE/MAX ORILLIA REALTY (1996) LTD., BROKERAGE 2-4 PM
Sunday June 26, 2011
Single Family Raised Bungalow 12 BRICK POND RD SEVERN $229,000 ROYAL LEPAGE REAL QUEST REALTY, BROKERAGE 12-1:30 PM
Single Family Bungalow/Ranch 193 BAYSHORE DR BAYSHORE VILLAGE $359,900 ROYAL LEPAGE REAL QUEST REALTY, BROKERAGE
Single Family Bungalow/Raised 4637 ORKNEY BEACH RD RAMARA $269,900 RE/MAX ORILLIA REALTY (1996) LTD., BROKERAGE 1-3 PM
Single Family 2 Storey 2326 FOXMEAD RD ORO-MEDONTE $355,500 CENTURY 21 DON CAMPBELL REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE 1-3 PM
Single Family Contemporary 2645 WARMINSTER RD SEVERN $549,000 SUTTON GROUP INCENTIVE REALTY INC., BROKERAGE 1-3 PM
Single Family Bungalow/Ranch 6 DUNLOP DR COLDWATER $267,000 ROYAL LEPAGE REAL QUEST REALTY, BROKERAGE 2-4 PM
Single Family Raised Bungalow 11 ESTHER ANNE DR ORILLIA $209,500 RE/MAX ORILLIA REALTY (1996) LTD., BROKERAGE 2-4 PM
Single Family 2 Storey 186 CEDAR ISLAND RD ORILLIA $639,000 RE/MAX ORILLIA REALTY (1996) LTD., BROKERAGE 2-4 PM
Single Family 2 Storey 276 BAY ST ORILLIA $980,000 RE/MAX ORILLIA REALTY (1996) LTD., BROKERAGE 2-4 PM
Single Family Bungalow/Ranch 141 CEDAR ST ORILLIA $199,900 RE/MAX ORILLIA REALTY (1996) LTD., BROKERAGE 3-4 PM
Single Family Bungalow/Ranch 699 GLEN CRES ORILLIA $636,900 ROYAL LEPAGE REAL QUEST REALTY, BROKERAGE 3-5 PM
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How to Get Up Early and Add Productive Hours to Your Week
June 13, 2011 By
It’s said that the early bird catches the worm. The trouble for me is, and do doubt for many of us, getting up early isn’t easy. It’s certainly not hereditary as my dad was a real early riser.
If you can manage it (and you’re not a natural night owl), getting up early can add an hour or two to your day when you are at your most productive. You might be able to enjoy the quiet of the house and have some time to yourself for reflection, planning, exercise (my greatest need!) or perhaps something that never seems to get done during the normal course of the day.
Here are some tips to help you and I get up early.
Start slowly
Don’t suddenly set your alarm for 5:00 in the morning. Instead, move it forward by 30 minutes every few days to give your body time to adjust.
Go to bed earlier (shifting your sleep time, not reducing it)
If you don’t go to bed earlier, you will soon start to become sleep deprived. Many people find the last hour before bed is wasted — perhaps by watching TV. Skip that recap of the news or that rerun of a sitcom. Instead, force yourself to go to bed a little earlier each night – perhaps read a book in bed, if it helps — and you will start to feel sleepy.
Stay away from caffeine in all forms
Don’t drink coffee or caffeinated sodas too late in the afternoon, otherwise you may find it hard to go to sleep early enough. Once I realized that those afternoon and evening diet sodas where the source of my insomnia, I switched to decaffeinated and sleep comes much easier now. Don’t be in denial like I was for years – make the switch to decaf.
Get up right away
Place your alarm clock so it’s “out of easy reach”, forcing you to get up to shut it off. Thus you won’t be tempted to hit the snooze button. Get up right away and leave the bedroom which will tell your body that it really is time to be up.
Have something important to do
Before you go to bed at night, write down one thing you want to accomplish when you first get up. This will give you a reason to get out of bed in the morning. It could be as simple as making a call to a relative in another time zone to searching the homes for sale ads to exercising with the goal to drop 5 pounds this week (there’s me again!).
So, wake up early every day and get more done each week!
