Oakville Real Estate Blog ~ Tara Sales

366 Delaware Avenue, Burlington, Ontario

Tara sales — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:47:28 EST

I just finished uploading this Detached Home for sale, 366 Delaware Avenue, Burlington, Ontario

Absolutely stunning location! Walk to library & downtown Burlington. Beautifully renovated bungalow complete with detached garage, fully finished lower level w/3rd bedroom and recreation room. Refinished hardwood floors, Granite counters, SS appliances. Ceramics in bathrooms & kitchen w/ lovely backsplash. Newer roof & furnace. Come see the beautiful charm of this home and the neighbourhood! Wonderful highlights: Walk to the shores of Lake Ontario & enjoy the seasonal activities and fabulous festivals. Walking distance to the Public Library, YMCA, Curling Club, Burlington Little Theatre, Spencer Smith Park, downtown restaurants and shopping.

1011 1450 Glen Abbey Gate, Oakville, Ontario

Tara sales — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:44:09 EST

I just sold this Condominium Apartment at 1011 1450 Glen Abbey Gate, Oakville, Ontario .

View this recently sold Condominium Apartment or see all my home sales

134 Fairwood Place West, Burlington, Ontario

Tara sales — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:44:03 EST

I just sold this House at 134 Fairwood Place West, Burlington, Ontario .

View this recently sold House or see all my home sales

Small Oversite

Tara sales — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:54:36 EST

“Small” Oversight

The Finance Department’s new qualification rate policy is generating no shortage of confusion.

We talked to some high level folks at the insurers and not even they know what interest rate will be used to qualify borrowers come April 19.

It could be the 5-year posted rate or the 5-year discount rate. One source told us it might even be an offset from prime (like prime + 2%).

If it’s the 5-year discount rate (about 3.89% today) then you’d need to make at least $52,400 to qualify for a $250,000 mortgage.*

If it’s the 5-year posted rate (5.39% today) then you’d need income of $58,600 to qualify for that same mortgage…$6,200 more than if the discounted 5-year rate was used!

* Assumes a 35 year amortization, $500 a month in non-housing debt, 1% for property tax, $125 a month for heat, and a 680+ credit score.

With a rule change this big, wouldn’t (shouldn’t) the government have realized that lenders use different 5-year fixed rates?

The RBCs, BMOs, and TDs of the world have posted rates. But, the INGs, Street Capitals, and First Nationals of the world, don’t.

We hate to say it, but these rules seem to have been rushed out with insufficient industry consultation--especially with respect to the game-changing new rental policies (which we’ll talk more about shortly).

Sidebar: We’ll update new Finance Department developments as we hear about them in CMT’s Twitter mortgage news feed.

Update from the Finance Department

Tara sales — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:48:57 EST

Update From the Finance Department

Just in from an official at the Finance Department:

“The Government will provide additional details shortly” on which rate will be used to qualify mortgages starting April 19.

That, of course, refers to which interest rate lenders will need to use to calculate people’s debt ratios.
(See “Small Oversight”)

Oakville Real Estate, Health & Wellness Event

Tara sales — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:19:19 EST

Oakville Real Estate Health and Wellness Event

Mar 3 Wed 7:00 PM

Location: Brash Avenues

4129 Harvester Road - H1
Burlington, ON
905-637-1578

This month’s focus is going to be all about your Health and Wellness an exciting event to get your body & mind in shape and ready to take on 2010. This is a follow up to our Wealth seminar in January for those of you who missed it you definitely won't want to miss this one!

The event will be held at Brash Avenue owner Crystal Leochko a dynamic young woman who can help take your company to the next level with amazing inventive ideas to Brand yourself from bags to coffee cups and even nail files! She also has fantastic Jewellery and gift baskets.

Our speakers will be:

Leanne Grechulk from Healthy Girl to give you information on improving your Health and Wellness check out Leanne's site to learn all about the great things she is doing to help get women on the right track to financial freedom and fabulous health. She has helped me to lose 8.5lbs so far!

Anita Belanger from Fabulous Faces & Blushing Brides our resident make-up Guru will be on site to offer Free make up application and colour consultations.

Tara Sales Real Estate We will be covering the current Oakville Real Estate market update as well as the new changes to mortgage rules and the ongoing debate with The Realtor.ca website.

1401 4879 Kimbermount Avenue, Mississauga, Ontario

Tara sales — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:21:03 EST

I just finished uploading this Condominium Apartment for sale, 1401 4879 Kimbermount Avenue, Mississauga, Ontario

Gorgeous 1 bedroom condo in Papillon Place. Neutral decor with hardwood in living room. Extras include all appliances, light fixtures, window treatments, in-suite laundry, 1 parking space and storage locker. Views are spectacular from the balcony. Easy access to highways 403 and 407. Close to nearby shops, dining, and parkland. Will not disappoint! Note: Buyer to verify room sizes.

401 5188 Lakeshore Road West, Burlington, Ontario

Tara sales — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 14:27:31 EST

I just finished uploading this Condominium Apartment for sale, 401 5188 Lakeshore Road West, Burlington, Ontario

Lovely Waterford Place 2 bdrm plus Den corner suite, 1420 sq. ft., views of lake from DR, open concept kitchen w/breakfast bar, ensuite laundry, crown moldings throughout, 2 side by side underground parking spaces, Building amenities include exercise room, hot tub, billiards and party room. Close to shopping and transit at door, stroll along lake for miles. Enjoy carefree living in an elegant, quiet, secure building.

Oakville Open House Today

Tara sales — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 12:38:43 EST

Today I will be hosting an Open House from 2-4pm
the address: 1447 Constance Drive, Oakville, ON
come by and see this wonderful home it may motivate you
to buy your perfect peice of Oakville Real Estate.

Full HST pdf From Smart Girls Own Event Feb 11th

Tara sales — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:02:26 EST

For those of you who missed our event here is the handout on HST

Smart Girls Own HST Event

Ladies Choice Auto Care Smart Girls Event

Tara sales — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:03:18 EST

Our latest Smart Girls Own event was in Hamilton at Ladies Choice Auto Care, what a great time.

Smart Girls Own Feb Event

Tara sales — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:07:42 EST

Smart Girls Own at Ladies Choice Auto Care TONIGHT!!!

Location

Ladies Choice AutoCare

1872 Main St W
Hamilton, ON
(905) 524 9853

Date: February 11th, 2009 @ 7pm Sharp

This upcoming February's event will be held at Ladies Choice AutoCare 'Home of the Driving Divas' owner Tara DeBruin will be hosting us at her wonderful facility in Hamilton. We will have the opportunity to see how her operation works understanding the proper maintenance of your car. One of the fabulous services that her facility provides that no other garage currently offers is a manicure or a pedicure while you wait. On the 18th we will be treated to some of these lovely treats while we learn about our cars ~ what a great concept.

Tracy Irwin ~ The Mortgage Centre
One of our resident speakers is back and will be speaking about credit scores!
Following the subprime crisis and recession, the single most factor in financing is your credit score. You will learn how to read your credit report, know what your credit score means and how to improve your credit score . Understanding your credit will make the difference on whether you can borrow money and how much you can qualify.

Tara Sales ~ Real Estate Sales Representative with Re/Max Aboutowne
With all the confusion over the new HST and how it will effect the home purchasing or selling experience I wanted to clarify any myths and make it very clear what to expect before it happens. Come prepared to take notes

I hope YOU will be able to make this excellent event!

Buying a Condo in Oakville

Tara sales — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:06:10 EST

Brushing up on the Basics - Purchasing a Condo in Oakville

Information provided by Kathleen Waters, vice-president, TitlePLUS

No matter if you're a seasoned homebuyer or a first-timer, you need to know about the many unique aspects of purchasing a condominium before you buy one. A good first step is to familiarize yourself with some condo basics, as outlined in this article. Then, before you buy, talk to your real estate lawyer who will not only be able to answer your questions but may also raise some specific issues you?ll want to discuss with the seller (or developer) before you ink the deal.

What is a condominium? A condominium is a residential structure in which the living space called the ?unit? (e.g., apartments or townhouses) is individually owned as a piece of real estate while the land and common elements (e.g., elevators, hallways and/or sidewalks) are jointly owned by all of the unit owners.

A condominium unit could be a suite in a high-rise tower, a townhouse or even a detached house. Each unit is given a legal description based on the space that it occupies.

Storage lockers and parking spaces may also be created as units within the condominium or they can comprise part of the common elements designated for the exclusive use of a specific dwelling unit.

The condominium corporation operates the condominium and the land. The unit owners elect a board of directors to oversee the running of the condominium corporation, including financial decisions. The board may contract out the day-to-day workings of the condominium (e.g., paying of utility bills for the common elements, cleaning the common elements, snow removal, etc.) to a property manager or property management company, or may run the day-to-day workings of the condominium itself.

What kind of condominium do I want to purchase? Types of condominiums in Ontario include:

Common elements condominiums: In a common elements condominium, you own the freehold land and the building(s) on the land. There are no specific units. You also own a percentage interest in the common elements. For example, homes could be freehold but roads and facilities, such as a recreational centre, could be common elements.

Phased condominiums: In a phased condominium development, different parts (e.g. new units or new recreational facilities) of a single condominium can be built in phases. As each phase is constructed, it is added into the already existing condominium corporation.

Vacant land condominiums: In a vacant land condominium, you purchase the land as a unit in the condominium. Then, you may decide what type of structure, if any, will be built on the land, subject to restrictions in the condominium's Declaration.

Leasehold condominiums: In leasehold condominiums, you own a unit and a share of the common elements, subject to the ground lease of the property on which the units and common elements are constructed. The initial term of the lease must be between 40-99 years, and the owner of the leasehold unit can sell, mortgage or lease the unit without the consent of the landlord.

Standard condominiums: Standard condominiums are those that aren't defined as the other types of condominiums (i.e., common elements condominium, phased condominium, vacant land condominium or leasehold condominium).

Understanding what you are buying will ensure you enjoy living in your new condominium. For more information on buying a condominium, check out the Real Simple Real Estate Guide on titleplus.ca or contact your real estate lawyer.

Article provided courtesy of: New Dreamhomes & Condominiums

Oakville Real Estate News

Tara sales — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:37:53 EST

Dear Citizen Colleagues: Residents of Mississauga and Oakville were sobered yesterday by the tragic explosion at the nearly completed gas-fired power plant in Middletown, Connecticut. Health and safety issues related to TransCanada's proposed 900MW Oakville Generating Station (OGS), which has yet to receive any environmental approvals or building permits, have been foremost in the ongoing community opposition to the siting of a power plant ANYWHERE in the Clarkson-Oakville Airshed. Here is a summary of how you can participate in this effort NOW:

OPEN HOUSE: TransCanada will hold a public Open House on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 from 4:00 - 9:30 p.m. at the Oakville Conference and Banquet Centre, regarding their OGS power plant proposal and their Draft Environmental Review Report. Location: 2515 Wyecroft Road (click for map). The room can hold 1,000 people -- let's fill it. Mississauga and Oakville residents are asked to PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND @ 7:00 P.M. in order to hear as many of each other's questions, and TransCanada's answers, as possible. We understand that topical panels will be located around the room, with possibly two (2) equipped with microphones.

NOTE: TransCanada is proceeding with this diversified Open House format, despite requests from citizen groups for a comprehensive public meeting with a central TransCanada presentation and Q&A which would have included all attendees simultaneously.

LAKEVIEW: The battle against a new gas-fired power plant to replace the former coal-fired Lakeview Generating Station in South Mississauga is well over, with exciting opportunities for Waterfront revitalization now being explored by residents of the Lakeview community and beyond. A public presentation on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 @ 7:00 p.m. at Clarke Hall in Port Credit will focus on "Creating Heritage for the Future". A far cry from the dismal legacy created by locating power plants where people live!

RALLY: Citizens for Clean Air (C4CA) is organizing a Rally at Queen's Park in Toronto on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 @ 12:00 noon to demonstrate against the proposed plant in the Clarkson-Oakville Airshed. Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion and Mississauga South MPP Charles Sousa will be speaking at the Rally, with others to be confirmed. Mississauga residents are encouraged to attend and demonstrate that there should be NO Power Plant ANYWHERE in this Airshed. Bring visible "Mississauga" signs!

AIR QUALITY TASK FORCE: The first meeting of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) took place on January 20, 2010, with monthly meetings to be held until the provincial AQTF makes it recommendations to the Ontario Government in June. The AQTF website is available at: www.ene.gov.on.ca/airquality-taskforce/en. Monthly reports will appear on the MIRANET website.

YOUTUBE: Citizens for Clean Air (C4CA) released their new YouTube video in December: Stop the Oakville Power Plant within the Clarkson-Oakville Airshed. The Mayors of Mississauga and Oakville both appear in the video. All citizens of the Airshed are encouraged to watch the video and help it go viral -- you can send a strong message just by increasing the viewership stats.

C4CA WEBSITE: Citizens for Clean Air has today re-launched their website. Check it out at: www.c4ca.org

Please pass this information on to RA members, friends and neighbours. There are hyperlinks in this e-mail. If they have been stripped out, please go to www.miranet.ca and see the LATEST NEWS on the Home Page.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: TransCanada's Draft Environmental Review Report (Draft ERR) is available for public review until February 26, 2010. NOTE: TransCanada's Final Environmental Review Report will be released in the coming months and will be available for public review and comment for a 75-day period.

#24 2189 Postmaster Drive, Oakville, Ontario

Tara sales — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:30:46 EST

I just finished uploading this Townhouse for sale, #24 2189 Postmaster Drive, Oakville, Ontario

Lovely Corner Unit Executive Townhouse located in very desirable complex in the heart of West Oak Trails. This home offers almost 1700 sq feet of living space with 3 large bedrooms, including an oversized master with a walk in closet and an ensuite. Hard wood floors throughout with Oak Stair case and lots of windows. Large eat In kitchen with upgraded Maple Cabinets, and lots of cupboards.

HST Everything You Need To Know :)

Tara sales — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:30:22 EST

HST What You Should Know

The government of Ontario will be going ahead with plans to incorporate HST into our lives and I wanted to make sure you are aware of how it will affect Real Estate, jobs and your business. It is a little confusing and I have included this link which will take you to the information page related to HST specifically http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/taxchange/index.html
From the site you will be able to navigate into areas that are of concern for you!

This is what the government is saying about what HST will do for you:

On July 1, 2010, Ontario is implementing the most important tax reform in a generation.

It's a big change that will make a big difference, resulting in more jobs and greater prosperity.

In fact a recent report found that as a result of the comprehensive tax package, Ontario will see 591,000 net new jobs within ten years.

Maybe that's why more than 140 countries already have a similar value-added tax system, and many experts say it's the right move for Ontario.

This website will help you understand how the tax changes will help you, your family and your business.

Open House Today Sun Jan 31, 2010

Tara sales — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:57:02 EST

Oak Park Open House in Oakville, ON

2340 Parkhaven Boulevard #8
3Bedrooms
2+1 Bathrooms
2-4pm Sunday January 31st, 2010
Value pluls in the hottest neighbourhood in Oakville's Trendy Oak Park this 3 bedroom townhome comes with a double car garage and is excellent for first time home buyers! Freshly painted in neutral colours, meticulous and ready to move in, it's also vacant! New light fixtures, carpets have just been steam cleaned. Massive kitchen with Juliet Balcony. Sun-filled great room with garden door walk out to patio/ terrace. Close to shopping & transit.
Don't miss your opportunity to live in Oak Park at a great price the open house is today from 2-4pm. Come by and say hello!

View Larger Map

San Diego Real Estate

Tara sales — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:34:46 EST

San Diego Rocks!!

This past weekend I had the opportunity to travel to San Diego for a Robert Allen seminar. If you don't know who Robert Allen is your should stop what you are doing immediately go out and purchase "Cash In A Flash" a great book on the best sellers list. While in San Diego I wanted to speak with a local agent to get the update on the San Diego Real Estate market. I bumped into Lane Ethridge at the Robert Allen seminar BONUS and here is the video from my trip. I hope you enjoy.
If you would like further information on San Diego Short Sales here is Lane's contact information:
Lane Ethridge
lane@shortsalepros.com
866-975-7767 x 848
www.ShortSalePros.com

February Smart Girls Meet Up!

Tara sales — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:09:56 EST

February's Amazing Smart Girls Own MeetUp!

Location: Ladies Choice AutoCare

1872 Main St W
Hamilton, ON
(905) 524 9853

Date: February 11th, 2009 @ 7pm Sharp