Why you should list now and not wait for Spring !

12 Reasons to List now during the Holidays!



Selling Your House in the Winter



I know alot of people that think the best time to sell their home is in the peak Spring Market.  Just remember, that if you wait until Spring, you are up against a LOT of homes, and I mean a LOT of homes.  The earlier you list, the better.   Even January is better than waiting until March or April.  Here are my reasons why !

1. There is less competition for buyers

2. Winter prospects are more serious buyers

3. Your home looks better during the holidays

4. One of the highest percentages of “listings sold” to “listings taken” occur during this time of year

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. Corporate transferees, who need to buy a home now, can’t wait till spring

"Buy and Sell with Michelle!”

For a free no obligation home evaluation, simply email me at michelle.makos@rogers.com  or visit my website at www.MichelleMakos.com  today !

The House Hunt is On ! Now What?

 The House Hunt: How Many Homes Should I See?

So, you are beginning the hunt for a new home, and you ask yourself the question that most buyers ask, "How many homes should I see?"

There are different theories on this. They range from the golden rule claim that you MUST see many properties to a mild suggestion of staying within a 5-20 house range. The truth is, there is no set-in-stone answer to this question. The good news is, there is much you can do to narrow down your search and help you find the home looking for, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Here is an estimated break-down on what happens for most buyers:

43% will look at 2-10 homes before purchasing, 27% will check-out more than 20 properties, 22% will see 11-20 homes, while 8% may fall in love and purchase the first home they see.

But, these are statistics, and at the end of the day who knows where you will fit into these. The key is to find a Realtor whom you trust and who knows the market you are bidding in. Next you should clearly share with them what you are looking for.

And, no, there is nothing wrong with purchasing one of the first homes you see- so long as you know it is what you want.

Some questions to clarify with yourself and your Realtor before starting your house hunt:

 

• What are your central objectives for purchasing? Is this going to be your dream home, or somewhere you envision staying for only a few years? Is this a family home or an investment property?

• What are the most important elements you are looking for in your new home? Is it the neighborhood or perhaps the size of the house? Is it important that there are good schools near-by? Prioritize these and other features in order of importance.

•  If you are buying as a couple, do you both have the same vision of what you are looking for? Deciding up front what you want, collectively, can greatly help simplify and clarify your search down the line.

Have you finalized your financing? Do you have pre-approval for your mortgage and do you know what price you are comfortable with within your pre-approved range?

Another question to ask yourself is, "Am I being realistic with my parameters?"

Buyers can spend forever trying to find a "great deal" on a house. They tend to think that the only way they'll get what they want is at the expense of someone else- in this case the seller.

But, in real estate, a win/win situation is what makes for a great deal. When good negotiations are made, both buyer and seller are pleased with the final deal. 

Remember this, as you define your search parameters.

Finding a home that is 20% below market value may take you forever- if never. But, knowing what you are looking for will lead you towards a quicker and easier search for your home.

If you are thinking of buying a home and need assistance, give me a call. I would be happy to help or visit my website www.Homes4Sale-Durham.com for loads of insight and current listings. I am only a call away !

Santa Claus Parade is today in Pickering

Parade starts at 10 am...  Don't miss it ! 

Young or old... it is always a way to get you in the Christmas spirit !!  Parade go to the Pickering Town Centre where Santa will begin the holiday season with pictures with the little ones.

Hope to see you there !  :)

DurhamRegion Article: Home sales up in Durham in October

DURHAM REGION ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS REPORTS HOME SALE UP

DurhamRegion Article: Home sales up in Durham in October

Despite the Toronto Real Estate Board stating sales declined in October 2012, Durham Real Estate Board is showing an increase in sales, primarily in Whitby and Ajax.  

Durham Region is still one of the most affordable regions to purchase a home.  As most would say, "more bang for your buck!"   If you are considering a move, make sure you look at the many advantages Durham Region housing offers, not just price.   Waterfront, GO Train, Public Transit, Rec Centres, Parks and much more.

To start searching Durham Region current house listings, go to www.Homes4Sale-Durham.com today and then find your neighbourhood of perference and search away !

Have a great evening everyone !  Cheers !

Moving to Courtice, Ontario?



Courtice, Ontario - A Place to Call Home



Thinking of Moving to Courtice?

Courtice, Ontario is about sixty kilometers east of Toronto, north of Oshawa and west of Bowmanville in the Municipality of Clarington. Courtice Road - also known as Durham Road 34 which connects with Highway 401. Courtice Ontario is a growing family community with homes that are affordable for first time home buyers or young families.  It is close to shopping, schools and some very nice parks.


Public education is controlled by the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board through five elementary and one secondary school, while the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board controls catholic education through three elementary and one secondary school. The schools include:

Elementary schools:
•Dr.Emily Stowe Public School
•S.T. Worden Public School
•Courtice North Public School
•Lydia Trull Public School
•Dr. G.J. MacGillivray Public School
•Good Shepherd Catholic School
•Mother Teresa Separate School
•Monsignor Leo Cleary Separate School

Secondary schools:
•Courtice Secondary School
•Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School

Public transit bus service is provided by Durham Region Transit and GO Transit. GO Transit has begun work to extend the Lakeshore East commuter train line to Bowmanville which includes a train station in Courtice. So there is lots of means other than car to get around the Town of Courtice.

If you are considering moving to Courtice, I would be happy to assist you. Below is an easy way to view current mls listings that are available in Courtice. Should you have any questions or wish to view any of these properties, please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to assist you in your home search. If you are considering selling your home in Courtice, give me a call for a FREE Home Evaluation.

Search Courtice Homes Now

Thinking of Moving to Whitby, Ontario???



Whitby, Ontario

 Whitby is one of the fastest growing areas of Durham Region. The population of Whitby is close to 120,000, with hundreds of new homes being built every year. As a rapidly-growing community, Whitby includes a vibrant mix of established and new neighbourhoods making finding great Whitby homes easier than a few years ago.

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 Whitby area, but in all areas that you choose. Based on your needs, you 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 Whitby real estate listings first, before they're sold!

It takes a skilled real estate professional to help both buyers and sellers to make the right decision. Michelle Makos is a Re/Max real estate professional with years of experience and knowledge to help you in the find you next home. If you have any questions about any of the Whitby homes you find here please feel free to contact Michelle Makos.

If you cannot find what you are looking for from the available properties please visit the Find Your Dream Home section. By filling-out the form,  homes that match your specified criteria will be sent to you promptly.

To start viewing Whitby homes right now, go to www.MichelleMakos.com/Whitby_Homes.html.   You won't be disappointed with the homes.  Search by neighbourhoods, price, type, bedrooms and more.  Looking forward to making your home ownership dreams come true. 

Thinking of Buying A Home? Think About This !

Thinking of Buying a Home?

When buying the most important purchase in your life, why leave it to chance.  Find a professional Realtor who will put your needs first.  

New or Resale … you NEED a Buyer’s Agent

Buyers should be aware of their options so they are better able to protect their positions in a transaction. The role of the Realtor has been undergoing tremendous change over the past several years. Prior to 1991, all Realtors worked for the Seller in a Real Estate transaction. A buyer can now choose to retain representation with a Licensed Realtor and receive the same legal relationship that Sellers have received for nearly 100 years.

A buyer who understands their options will typically want to sell their Real Estate representative EARLY in the transaction in order to avoid potential conflicts of interest should they be making many calls to various Realtors (typically listing agents representing the Seller) or if shopping New Home sites (representatives are not necessarily Realtors – thereby having no accountability to the Buyer through RECO* or REBBA**).

With the advent of the Internet, many Buyers are conducting tremendous research on their own before looking at homes or contacting a Realtor. It cannot be understated that part of the research conducted from a buyer’s perspective, is the careful selection of the Realtor to represent their interests in the acquisition of property. A skilled Buyers agent will add tremendous value to the buyer during the drafting of the contract, during negotiations, and overseeing the contract to completion. If you’re going to spend the next 25 years paying for your new home… shouldn’t you spend a few minutes finding the right person to help make it all happen?

We know your rights … do you?

You have the right to remain silent anything you say while un-represented could be used against you during negotiations;

You have the right to be REPRESENTED

If you choose NOT to be represented;

Then all Realtors will work on behalf of the Seller during negotiations.

To find out more, please feel free to contact me, or book a complimentary private consultation to discuss your Real Estate Goals. My services are guaranteed to ensure your complete satisfaction!

Here is a little video from the Toronto Real Estate Board about the important of signing a Buyer Representation Agreement and let them look after your best interests !

Thinking on Selling It On Your Own?

14 IMPORTANT FACTS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU TRY TO SELL YOUR OWN HOME

Lately, we see quite a few "For Sale By Owner" signs, and some owners think that selling their own home will not only save them money an commission, but believe they have an advantage over the sellers that have their home listed by a reputable Real Estate sales professional. Before you decide to take on this very important and legally complicated process…remember not even most Real Estate Lawyer's recommend selling your own home yourself in today's market. Here are a few of the reasons why:

1. You are limiting your exposure to potential buyers (less than 10% of what a good real estate broker will generate) which theoretically means your home will take ten to fifteen times longer to sell on the market.

2. The longer a home is on the market the lower the selling price is. Why? Because most buyers think that if the home has not sold after this long... there must be something wrong with the home.

3. The selling/buying process begins AFTER the buyer leaves your home. Most sellers think that all it takes is for someone to see their home, fall in love with the great decor... and the offer automatically will follow. Remember that the buying process begins after they leave your home. If a real estate sales representative does not represent the buyer, and they are looking on their own…they usually leave the home and start to talk themselves out of the buying process. Real estate professionals are trained on how to overcome buyers remorse--a very common occurrence.

4. Because of the limited exposure you will very likely end up with a lower selling price. Remember, in order to generate the highest price possible for your home… selling means exposure. You need the maximum exposure possible, to generate the highest price possible. Realtors have access to local newspaper ads, company ads, company/franchise websites, interactive websites with other Realtors, contracts with various web providers and TV, so you can have your home on Real Estate Channel, You Tube etc. 

5. Most buyers find it extremely awkward to negotiate or even to talk directly with sellers and therefore avoid FSBO properties.

6. Lack of negotiating experience and lack of pertinent information often will result in a lower selling price, or worse yet, a bungled contract and possible lawsuits.

7. The majority of qualified buyers are working with experienced real estate professionals.

8. Many serious buyers will pass by a FSBO home merely because they recognize that it is not in the real estate mainstream, this can some times make them wary.

9. As most local buyers now retain an experienced real estate sales person to represent them as their buyer-agency, you will probably be negotiating against an experienced professional.

10. Expected savings in broker's fees will also be greatly reduced if you offer a selling commission to entice real estate sales representatives to bring potential buyers.

11. If you are planning to use a Lawyer to help you negotiate the offer, then your lawyer's fees will be considerably higher.


12. Only real estate sales representatives have access to the up-to-date market information. News reports cannot approach the timeliness or specificity available to real estate sales people. Further, real estate sales representatives are involved in home sales much more frequently than the average homeowner is. This familiarity leads to a degree of expertise that provides an edge on negotiating and successful selling.


13. You only pay the commission to the real estate broker, if they successfully sell your home at the price you are happy with.

14. Accepting an offer is one thing, ensuring a safe and successful closing is quite another. Real estate transactions usually always have problems on closing. At times, expecting the Buyers and Sellers Lawyer's to fight it out or resolve the problems, can sometimes mean the deal is lost. This is the time that your experienced real estate professional, can be the most important. Your Real Estate professional can act as a great mediator. Lawyers MUST act only on their client's instructions and are not paid to negotiate.

Michelle Makos gets results !

This is not to say selling your home on your own cannot be done !   But for the most part, people do not want the added stress and worry.  There is also a huge issue with security.  As a private seller, do you know who you are leeting into your home?   When agents show your home, they are bonded and usually the people they are showing the homes to are qualified.

I wish everyone well who thinks selling a home is easy.... I personally take a lot of pride in my profession and feel that I work very hard for my sellers.   If you decide, you would like to have a reputable real estate agent represent you in the sale of your home, please give me a call.  I would be happy to meet with you and discuss what a professional Realtor can bring to the table.

It isnt just posting your home on MLS.   There is a lot more that give your home the extra exposure you need to sell it faster and for more money !   Hopefully one day, I get the opportunity to show you what I can do for you !  Call me, no obligation.  Michelle Makos  905-831-3300

Investment Properties - Rent or Flip???

Flip or rent?



Investment Properties - Rent Them or Flip Them?

 It's a difficult question to answer. Both have some really great assets and both have some particular drawbacks. As investment properties go, both are excellent ways to build wealth. The main difference is whether or not you choose to go for the quick cash of a flip or building equity through longer-term ownership.

Lets investigate the flip first.

Flipping houses for profit - buying, refurbishing, and re-selling properties - is one of the most popular ways of making money from the property market. Whether you are buying ugly houses for a major makeover or undertaking more cosmetic home improvements, making the right decisions at each step of the process is critical to the financial outcome.  Find a Realtor you can trust !

The idea here is to purchase a home in need of a bit of work at a nice low price. Once you close on the home, make a list of the necessary improvements and get to work. Ideally the changes will be only cosmetic and intricate alteration of the home's structure or workings will not be needed. Good candidates for change are things like the paint, fixtures, appliances and other easily changeable things. Try putting down new floors for an added touch or refinishing existing hardwood if it possible. Another great idea is new cabinets for both bathroom and kitchen.

The pros of the flip are fairly simple, it's all about the bottom line profit when the home sells. However, keep in mind that the profit will be taxed as normal income. Also be mindful that the home may not sell right away. You should investigate local real estate trends first and make sure that your property is as competitive as possible.

Now the investment property to rent !

Renting is an entirely different ball of wax. Purchasing a property for renters is going to be quite the opposite from flipping. You do not need a property that will be attractive to buyers, rather a home with the necessary appliances and utilities that is well priced and clean. Keeping a property like this has some nice assets like long-term appreciation of the property and a monthly income. However, you must be ready to be a landlord, and be willing to wait until you have the RIGHT tenants. Also be prepared that you may occasionally have to kick someone out, be strict when it comes to rent collection and any number of other tasks a landlord is responsible for. The choice is your, but remember to be planned and ready for any eventualities that occur with either investment.

Often flips are advertised as Handyman Specials. Watch for this sort of wording. If you are interested in finding a flip or an investment property, please don't hesitate to contact me at 416-300-3004 or email me at michelle.makos@rogers.com

Pickering Homes For Sale, Pickering Real Estate, Pickering MLS, North Pickering, South Pickering, Buying or Selling,

Pickering Homes For Sale, Pickering Real Estate, Pickering MLS, North Pickering, South Pickering, Buying or Selling,

Make sure if you are looking for a home in Pickering, Ontario - check out this page.  It is specific to Pickering, Ontario homes for sale - you can search by neighbourhood, area (east, west, north, south) and also by home type, detached, semi, condo, townhouse.

I have lived in Pickering for 23 years and know what is going on and where !  I was an active member on the Stop The Stink campaign as well as the Pickering Municipal Election.  If you need to know something about Pickering, I'm your girl !  

Looking forward to your comments about the page and please like it if you found the information valuable to you.

To your success !  Cheers !

Land Transfer Tax in Toronto - Lets Get This Right

LETS GET THIS RIGHT TORONTO !!

Land Transfer Tax needs to be corrected in Toronto.   Go to www.letsgetthisrightoronto.ca and have your say !   First Toronto, next will be Mississauga and who know, Durham could be next !

Stop it before it goes that far !!!  We pay enough tax.  This is not a fair tax !