Why Re/Max? This is why !

Re/Max has the LARGEST market share in Durham Region.  Why would you list with anyone else?   If you need a market evaluation, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Brooklin, Ontario Stats for April 2013

Brooklin Homes for Sale - Stats April 2013

BE FIRST TO RECEIVE NEW LISTINGS !

How To Receive Priority Access To ALL New Listings That Match Your Home Buying Criteria

Here's how it works...  

My Exclusive Buyer Profile System saves you Time and Money. Simply tell me what you're looking for and get priority access to ALL homes that match your criteria, including Bank Foreclosures, Company Owned Properties and other Distress Sales.

No more wasted time looking at out-dated information in newspapers or searching the internet. Priority access means you're there first before other buyers, so you can negotiate the lowest possible price and your time is not wasted viewing homes that don't interest you.

CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT YOUR PERSONAL WISH LIST

Loyalty Doesn't Pay when Renewing Your Mortgage - Read Here

Interesting Article About Mortgages and Loyalty

Latest Market Watch for April 2013 - Just Released

Market Watch April 2013 from Michelle Makos

Re/Max is Number One AGAIN !!!!

F hr g&m_real_trends_ad_2013 from Michelle Makos

Buying a Home in Pickering and Ajax, Ontario

Buying a home in Pickering & Ajax

You have found the first page of many pages and articles that will explain the entire buying process to you in detail.

In the pages that follow I will explain to you the costs of buying a home, the complete buying process, the emotional issues of home ownership, explain buyer agency, how to use your RSP's when you purchase, show you many mortgage calculators, school considerations, best time of year to buy your next home, secrets and insight into buying your next home and more.  Or, maybe you are ready to begin your home search now

Before you get wrapped up in the excitement of buying a home, you need to prepare for things you may run up against in the mortgage application process. Following the steps below could save you tens of thousands of dollars or even mean the difference in whether you can buy your dream home or not.

1. Do – Pull Your own Credit from all 3 Bureaus and review thoroughly. Be sure and look at any public records like judgments, bankruptcies and tax liens. Sadly, many companies are quick to add negative items to your credit report but are slow to reflect the fact that you have satisfied them.

2. Do – Challenge and have any errors corrected on your report on ALL 3 bureaus. You can do this through the three bureau’s websites. They are www.transunion.com, www.equifax.com, and www.experian.com.

3. Do – Put together a budget to figure out how much house payment you can afford. Be sure and include 1/12th of your annual taxes and property insurance. Also, be sure and consider how you would cope if you had a drop in income such as one spouse loosing a job. Just because a lender or mortgage broker says you qualify for X price home does not mean you should buy a home at this price.

4. Do – Think about your needs and don’t get caught up in buying a home just to ‘keep up with the Jones’. As a part of this evaluation be sure and consider 1) School systems, 2) Commute time, 3) How quickly the home would sell if you had to sell it quickly, and 4) Any money needed to fix up the home to suit your needs, particularly if you borrow all or nearly all of the purchase price.

5. Don’t – Borrow significant money right before you buy a home. This includes cars, credit cards and personal loans. If you just have to buy a car, wait until after you buy the home. The extra debt can cause you to qualify for less home than you would without the debt. I can’t tell you how many people that could not qualify for the price home they wanted because of a recent car purchase. Deciding to buy a cheaper car after you bought a new home is far better than the other way around as a car depreciates dramatically and most homes increase in value. Plus you should get a tax deduction on the interest.

6. Don’t – Change from being salaried (W2) to being self employed at least a year and in most cases 2 years before trying to get a mortgage to buy a home.

7. Don’t – Pay off old judgments or old collections to try to improve your credit score. Often times this will LOWER your scores. If the lender requires you to pay these off or you just want to pay them off, you can do it during or just before or after closing on your home.

Planning ahead when buying a home can make the process much smoother, less stressful and save you a lot of money. Happy house hunting!

To get started receiving new listings today

How to avoid paying too much !

Shopping for a new home is an emotional experience. It’s also time consuming and  comes with a myriad of details. Some buyers, however, caught up in the excitement of buying a new home tend to overlook some items. Their home purchase turns into an expensive process. These errors generally fall into three areas:

• Paying too much
• Losing a dream home to another buyer
• Buying the wrong home

When you have a systematic plan before you shop, you’ll be sure to avoid these costly errors. Here are some tips on making the most of your home purchase:

Bidding without sufficient information
What price do you offer a seller? Is the seller’s asking price too high? Is it a deal? Without research on the market and comparable homes, you could lose thousands of dollars. Before you make that offer, be sure you have researched the market. A professional realtor, can offer an unbiased opinion on the value of a home, based on market conditions, condition of the home and neighborhood. Without knowledge of the market, your offer could be too much. Or worse, you could miss out on a great buying opportunity.

Buying a mis-matched home
What do you need and want in a home? Sounds simple. Yet, clearly identifying your needs and bringing an objective view to home shopping, leaves you in a better position. Sometimes, home buyers buy a home that is too large or too small. Perhaps they didn’t consider the drive to work, the distance to school, or the many repair jobs waiting for completion. Plan ahead. Use your needs list as a guideline for every home you view.

Unclear title
Before you sign any document, be sure the property you are considering is free of all encumbrances. As part of their services, a realtor can protect your interests and make sure you have the correct clauses in your offer to protect your interests. 

Outdated survey
Before the purchase is completed, an updated survey is necessary if available.   This report will indicate boundaries and structural changes (additions to the house, a new swimming pool, neighbour’s new fence which is extending a boundary line, etc.).  Don't worry, if the Seller doesn't have one, now with Title Insurance, we will make sure your investment is covered.

Unexpected repairs
For $300 - $500 a professional inspector will conduct a thorough inspection of the home. This way, you’ll have an idea of the cost of future repairs. Make the final contract subject to a favourable report.

Shopping without pre-approval
It only takes a few days to get financing pre-approval. When you are shopping for a home, this gives you more power. A seller is more likely to consider an offer from a serious buyer.  I have mortgage brokers I can refer you to for a quick and easy over the phone pre-approval.

Need help to find your dream home?  I would be happy to assist you and make the process both enjoyable and profitable.  Call Michelle Makos 416-300-3004 or visit my Durham Homes For Sale Website.

PIckering Real Estate - A Place You Can 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 !  

What Affects My Credit Score?

WHAT IS USED TO CALCULATE MY SCORE?

• Payment History indicates whether you have made your credit card payments, loan payments on time
• Amounts Owed - Compares how much you owe to your credit limits with various lenders
• Length of Time in File - Indicates how long you have had credit accounts
• New Credit - Shows how often you are seeking credit and how you handle accounts newly opened
• Type of Credit - Considers the types of loans you are seeking, car loans, lines of credit, credit cards,   finance companies etc....

Should you need more information, please don't hesitate to email me at michelle.makos@rogers.com.

5 Top Selling Mistakes

Thinking of Selling Your Home?

What are the five most common mistakes people make when listing their home for sale?   Look and listen?
Have a question?  Call me or email me at michelle.makos@rogers.com.    If you would like a free home evaluation, let me know.   I am here if you need my help.