Thinking of Moving?

Thinking of moving this Spring?  Need a Realtor? 

Moving can be a big decision.  You need a professional to guide you along the way.  Protect your biggest investment as well as net you the most money.  Need advice?

Call me today for a free home evaluation and let me show you why Re/Max sells the most homes in Canada and has the best proven results.  You won't be disappointed.  I am waiting for you call.  Today, tomorrow or in the Spring... thinking of selling, think Michelle Makos, Re/Max First. 416-300-3004

Work, Rest, Play and Invest in Pickering, Ontario

Search North Pickering and South Pickering Homes

Searching for the home of your dreams in Pickering, Ontario? Whether it is south Pickering, near the lake or north Pickering near the 407, the opportunities are endless. North Pickering, South Pickering, East Pickering or West Pickering... I can help you decide which neighbourhood best suits your needs. Pickering is divided into many different neighbourhoods. Amberlea, Brockridge, Duffin Heights, Dunbarton, Highbush, Rosebank, Rougemount, Village East, West Shore and so on. Having lived in Pickering for 20 plus years, I can tell you about the schools, shopping, transit and more.

Here is a little video from the City of Pickering highlighting our beautiful downtown. Live, Work, Play and Invest in Pickering.

Using my Preferred Buyer MLS® Email Notification Program, you can search a huge inventory of MLS® property listings and view information about homes that are currently available not only in the Pickering area, but in any region of Durham. Based on your criteria, I can quickly locate homes complete with pictures and descriptions. You'll be notified as new homes come on the market daily by email, allowing you to see the hottest new Pickering real estate listings first, before they're sold or appear on MLS!

Do you have a question?

Ok I am trying something new on my website this week.  It is a LIVE chat... and what that means if - is I am on the computer, it shows as online and you can ask me any real estate questions you may have while browsing on my website.

I am not sure if people will use it but it is worth a try.  I sometimes think people want instant answers and what an easier way to get it than just to type in your question and have me answer it.  Now obviously if I am "offline" it will show that and you can still leave your question. 

Just trying something new.  Will keep you posted on if it is worthwhile or not?  What do you think?  Would you respond in an instant email chat on a website or would you click off.  I am hoping you would engage in some conversation.

Of well, I will never find out if I don't try it  !  :)   Have a super day everyone and let me know if you have any ideas you would like to see on my website or if you have a website of your own and have something that works well.

Cheers, Michelle xo

Can We Afford It?

Can You Afford it?

“Can we afford it?” That’s the first thought that comes to mind when shopping for your next dream home. Fortunately it’s an easy question to answer if you consider your lifestyle, financial goals, expenses and mortgage eligibility.

Lifestyle

There’s more to life then just paying the mortgage and other living expenses. Hobbies, entertainment, vacations, family adventures, and charitable causes are also important. Don’t be house poor. Think of your “lifestyle” as another bill you must pay — to yourself.

Financial Goals

Your new home is not just a place to live. It’s also an investment. Make sure it fits with your overall investment plan, which may also include retirement savings, education funds, emergency cash, and more.

House Expenses

The mortgage isn’t your only home expense. You must also calculate insurance, utilities, taxes, maintenance and other costs.

Amenities, such as a pool, can turn your home into an oasis. But, you must be prepared for the upkeep costs.

If you’re buying an older home, expect repair and maintenance costs to be higher.

Mortgage Eligibility

Your mortgage eligibility is determined by your current income, debt level, employment history, and credit rating. Lenders use this information combined with estimates of your new home property taxes and heating/cooling expenses to determine the largest mortgage they can offer you.

Home affordability is like a jigsaw puzzle. You need to put all the pieces together to get a clear picture of how much home you can afford.

Need help? Call me today.

How to Not Pay Too Much For Your Home

Whether you are buying your first home, or your fifth, the process of buying a home is a detailed, time-consuming venture. At the same time, it’s an emotional period laden with difficult choices. You want to ensure that the home you purchase meets your family’s needs now, and in the future.

Each of these decisions often involves money. When you consider all that money represents, you’ll want to ensure that you don’t pay too much. This article helps you become a savvy buyer, by pointing out some of the pitfalls inherent in the home-buying process. These include such things as knowing what you want before you begin shopping, taking your time to shop, choosing the right realtor, and remaining objective while viewing potential homes. With this information, you’ll be closer to finding your ideal home.

1. Before you shop, develop a needs vs. wants list

Everyone has a picture of an ideal home. This would include all the features you not only need, but have long desired. However, when it comes time to buying a home, the desires cost more. While it’s nice to think about having a beautifully landscaped backyard, or a solarium, perhaps even some built-in appliances, these are usually considered luxury items, which can add considerably to the price of your home.

That’s why it’s a good idea to develop a needs and wants lists. With this list, begin with items you really need like adequate space, garage and number of bedrooms. For most people, basic needs should be considered first. After that, you could consider additional desires, if you can manage these benefits financially.

With such a list in your hands, you’re less likely to be caught up in the excitement of the pursuit. You’ll have a good idea of what you want, within you price range, and if you can afford those additional items.

2. Get pre-approved prior to shopping

Visit your financial or lending institution prior to home buying. Quickly, you’ll know the amount of mortgage you’ll receive. Be sure to get a mortgage commitment in writing. Most importantly, you’ll tell sellers that you are a serious prospect. Depending upon market conditions, a seller may lean towards an unconditional offer. You’ll have less negotiating power if you have to wait for mortgage approval.

Banks and financial institutions have developed many programs especially for home buyers, be that first-time buyers or those with equity in their homes. When you review your needs and objectives with a lending officer, you’ll be one step closer to purchasing your home.

I have 18 MORE THINGS TO CONSIDER... If you would like a copy of them, email me and I would be happy to send them.
Then get yourself a good respectable local FULL TIME Realtor to help with your purchase and you are almost there !  Give me a call, I would love to help fulfill your home ownership dreams and save you money too !  Have a super day !  Cheers, xo

9 Steps for Showcasing a Listing During the Holidays

9 Steps for Showcasing a Listing During the Holidays

Whether it’s wreaths or menorahs, your sellers shouldn’t overdo it around the holidays. Here’s how to stage a listing properly during “the most wonderful time of the year.”


If you are thinking of selling your home during the holidays, I suggest you read this article.  Lots of great information on selling your home and don't forget, I give free home evaluations.  :)   Have a super day !  Make it count !

12 Reasons To List ...

12 Reasons to List

During the Holidays and the Winter Season!

There is less competition for buyers

Winter prospects are more serious buyers

Your home looks better during the holidays

One of the highest percentages of "listings sold" to "listings taken" occur during this time of year

You may receive more money for your home now, because
you have less competition

Throughout the holiday season, you may restrict showings during your personal family events

Buyers have more time to look at homes during the holidays, especially during vacations

January is traditionally the biggest transfer month - and you must be on the market to capture that market

By selling now, you can have a delayed closing or extended occupancy until the beginning of the following year if you want to

When you sell during the winter you have an opportunity to buy during the spring, when many homes are on the market

You may have fewer actual showings, but more qualified and motivated prospects

Corporate transferees, who need to buy a home now, can't wait till Spring

Michelle Makos, Realtor

RE/MAX FIRST REALTY INC. Brokerage

Cell: 416-300-3004

Phone: (905) 831-3300

Fax (905) 831-8147

Visit me on the web at www.Homes4Sale-Durham.com

Are You Fit to Sell? Part 2

This short video gives you a quick rundown of what you need to look at before putting your home for sale.  The winter is a perfect time to get some of these little repairs done so you can be ready for the Spring market.  Remember, Buyers don't want to work.  If they have to repair things, they have to spend more money on repairs and therefore will offer you a lower price for your home resulting in a loss of equity for you.

The simple things, paint, repair cracks, cobwebs in lights, newer light fixtures, clean windows, etc., these things may not cost you much but will make a great first impression and like I always say, you only get once chance at a FIRST IMPRESSION, MAKE IT COUNT !

I hope this helps you and if you would like a list of repairs from the Re/Max Fit to Sell program, simply email me at michelle.makos@rogers.com and I would be happy to provide you with one.  Have a super day and make it count !   Cheers xo

Pickering - A Place to call Home

Pickering Real Estate



Buy & Sell with Michelle !

 Located just 40 kilometres east of downtown Toronto, Pickering is a growing community that offers a unique blend of the urban and rural. The Pickering real estate market has been booming over the last decade, experiencing the fastest growth in the Durham Region. The Pickering real estate market is made of mostly single family detached homes, making it a great choice for families.

If you are looking to buy or sell Pickering real estate, you should give me a call.  New listings are added daily and the variety of choice offers something for everyone.  I will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have about any property you find of interest.   If you cannot find what you are looking for please visit the Find Your Dream Home section and tell us exactly what type of real estate you are looking for.    Homes that match your criteria will be sent to you promptly.   If you are looking to sell your home, please contact me for a free home evaluation.   Looking forward to being of assistance and showing you what a great city Pickering is !

I have lived here for 24 years and raised my family here. It is my home too !  Let me help you make it yours !  

Divorce and Real Estate

“One of the initial difficulties of the decision making process of Divorce is how to resolve the house and mortgage situation. This is where third party information can assist you with logical decisions rather than emotional.”

One of the most important decisions is what to do about the house.
In the midst of the heavy emotional and financial turmoil, what you need most is some non-emotional, straight-forward, specific answers.

Once you know how a divorce affects your home, critical decisions are easier.

Typically the first decision is if you want to continue to living in the house. Do you want to minimize change by staying where you are, or sell your home and move to a new place for a fresh start?

Once you are able to reach conclusions there will almost certainly be some financial repercussions to your decision process. What can you afford? Can you manage the existing house on your new budget? Is refinancing possible? Where are you in your mortgage term? What is the penalty to break the mortgage? Can you port your mortgage? Information is power. Is it better to sell and downsize? How much house can you buy on your new budget? How much is my home worth? The purpose of this report is to help you ask the right questions so you can make informed decisions that will be a suitable fit for your situation.

AVAILABLE OPTIONS TO CONSIDER

You have 4 basic housing options when in the midst of a divorce:

1. Retain your ownership.
2. Buy out your spouse.
3. Have your spouse buy you out.
4. Sell the house now and divide up the proceeds. You can determine if you can both buy homes. When there are children involved close proximity is typically a common decision

It's important for you to understand the financial implications of each of these scenarios.

1. Retain Joint Ownership
Some divorcing couples postpone a financial decision with respect to the home and retain joint ownership for a period of time even though only one spouse lives there. While this temporary situation means you have no immediate worries in this regard, keep your eye on tax considerations which may change from the time of your divorce to the time of the ultimate sale.

2. Buy Out Your Spouse
If you intend to keep the house yourself, you'll have to determine how you'll continue to meet your monthly financial obligations, if you are down to one salary. If you used two incomes to qualify for the initial loan, refinancing on your own should be analyzed.

3. Have Your Spouse Buy You Out
If you are the one who is leaving, you have the opportunity to start again in new surroundings with the buy-out proceeds. However, be aware that if the initial home loan is not refinanced, most lenders will consider both you and your spouse as original co-signers to be liable for the mortgage. This liability may make qualifying for a new mortgage difficult for you if you decide to purchase a home, even though you won't have legal ownership.

4. Sell the House Now and Divide Up the Proceeds
Your primary consideration under these circumstances is to maximize your home's selling price. As you work towards getting your financial affairs in order, make sure you understand what your net proceeds will be. Example: after selling expenses, and after determining what your split of the proceeds will be. Note that the split may not be 50/50, but rather may depend on the divorce settlement, the source of the original down payment, and the legislative property laws in your area.

IF AND WHEN YOU DECIDE TO SELL

If you and your spouse decide to sell your home, it will be important to work together through a professional to maximize your return. Differences aside, you both are legally required to sign the listing contracts and forms. As well, both should be active in the ultimate negotiations. Having extensive experience in this sensitive area, accommodations and suggestions are always available to ensure the most comfortable setting to see you through the process.

IF AND WHEN YOU PURCHASE YOUR NEXT HOME

Use the proceeds from your previous home or buy out to determine an affordable price range for your next home. Maintain a clear focus on getting the right home to suit your new situation. You will want to review your new criteria, style, size, price and wish list with your agent to help find a home that provides an ideal fit for your new chapter.

If you would like to sit down and discuss these options as well as receive pertinent information about mortgage financing, selling, house values, please don't hesitate to fill out the form below and we can meet and go over your options at your convenience.
Contact Michelle Makos today !