Diamond in the Rough
• 1,200 sq. ft., 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $139,900
Jacksons Point, Georgina - One for the renovator/investor...approximately 1200 square foot 3 bedroom bungalow PLUS an enclosed front porch. In a great location, steps from beach, park and amenities.
Home is on town services, economical forced air gas heat and a central cooling system.
Property being sold 'as is'.
Great assumable mortgage for the right buyer, contact Opal for details.
Property information
Stunning Family Home
• 1,954 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $344,800
Keswick by the Lake, Georgina - Extremely attractive and updated 1954 square foot Ashburn model in desired Keswick-by-the-lake subdivision. Situated on a premium corner lot and steps to WJ Watson school and awesome splash park. Also steps from twin pad arena recreation centre with library and skate park. Easy access to public transit as well.
Bonus: Property does not have a sidewalk obstructing available parking in the private, double car paved drive. Amazing interlocking walkway and appealing entrance into home.
No disappointment in this one and it will not last very long.
Property information
Sitting at my desk during this snowy Friday, I thought I would share some insights from my trusted financial advisor, Mr. Rob C. Townsley and his wife and business partner, Sarah Townsley. Here's what they have to say:
“I just want to go through a few changes in the industry and let you know what to expect in 2012.
1) RRSP deadline this year is Wednesday, Feb 29th, 2012. If you are looking to contribute this year, please call or email me to set up a time.
2) The Mutual Fund Dealers Association ( MFDA ) has made it mandatory for all dealers to send out statements quarterly starting this year. I have had several emails from clients over the past asking to please stop sending statements so often, only to find out more will be sent out.
The good news is our dealer has set it up so that statements can now be viewed electronically. I will be sending out an email to everyone in the next 2 months so they can sign up to view their statements and opt out of the mailing. You will also be able to view your accounts and transactions history.
I am asking that everyone please sign up when you receive the email.
More information should also be available when you receive your fundex statements in the mail.
3) I have also received a lot of calls with the mortgage rates. Rates are at record lows. 4 year is currently at 2.95% and the 10 year is at 3.99%. I would expect the fixed rates and the variable to stay low for at least another year.
I have said this before and it's worth repeating: Eliminate your debt and get yourself in a good cash position. Rates will not stay low forever. Take advantage of the low rates if your mortgage is coming up in the next 12 months. Feel free to give me a call to discuss if you have any questions. A 1% reduction in your mortgage rate could save you thousands.
Market Update
Let's take the time to discuss the market: Bond funds and most dividend funds were the only real winners in 2011. The last 10 years has been the most volatile market in history and probably the worst decade for returns since the great depression. The markets have really gone through a lot in the last 10 years ( 9/11, the internet bubble, financial crisis, housing crisis and for the past 2 years the debt crisis).
Canada is one of the few countries in the world that remained somewhat untouched by most of the events over the past 10 years.
So far, January has started really strong despite poor employment numbers, new construction housing starts are down and retail sales are also down…all sure signs of a recession just around the corner.
This year will be one of the most difficult years for markets. 2012 brings a lot of events where the outcome could really swing either way.
1) European crisis: March 20th is the next deadline for Greece to meet their debt obligation. We are not just talking about Greece but also Italy, Ireland, Portugal and the list goes on. Even if they somehow manage to bail out Greece, another Country will soon take its place.
European and International funds have really taken a beating over the last 2 years. Some of the best investment opportunities will come out of Europe in the next few years. The stocks in Europe are under valued and sitting on cash.
Watch for a global correction in the markets in late February or March.
2) Housing Crisis: The US housing market started to pick up for a while last year. Towards the end of the year it dropped back off again. To make things worse, there is a flood of foreclosures and bank owned properties hitting the market in 2012. Some analysts predict that it could easily take the US another 10 years to climb out of the housing crisis.
On the home front in Canada: a 1% increase in interest rates could wipe out 20% of home owners financially. The Canadian housing market is probably around 20% over value. Expect a correction in the market, or a flat housing market for a few years. I would also expect rates to stay low for a while.
3) US Election: seems to always put the markets in a volatile position. Watch for a lot of movement in the fall.
4) Global Recession: Depending on what article you read; it has already started. Pressure is on Europe to get the debt crisis under control. A recession or even a depression could be bad news for everyone. Canada is one of the few countries that have the resources to spend their way out of it. The 2008 financial crisis was a global recession that cost governments trillions to climb out of it. The money is just not there for governments to spend their way out of another recession.
5) Oil Crisis: Another war in the middle-east would increase the price of oil and tensions are running high. A sharp increase in oil could easily make things worse in Europe and trigger a global recession.
Heading into an uncertain market can make it really hard to sleep at night. In a time of crisis, there are some areas that are still good investments.
1) Bond funds: Slow and steady wins the race. In rough times, bond funds are great, low volatility and in most cases a low steady return better than a GIC.
2) Dividend funds: Most companies have been increasing their dividend. Fund managers are searching out companies with a high dividend return, increasing dividend returns and stocks that are under valued. Keep in mind that dividends are re-invested and this is a long term strategy that is very effective in a volatile market.
3) Emerging Markets: I have talked about the emerging markets in the past. On Jan 13th 2012 France and Austria lost their AAA bond rating, and Italy and Spain fell by 2 notches. The US was downgraded last summer from its AAA rating. Most countries that make up the emerging market have had their ratings increased. Russia moved up 3 notches. The emerging markets are growing fast and demand for products is high, even in a global recession returns could come out on top. This is a 10 year investment that will be very volatile but worth the risk.
4) Gold: it had a great start in 2011 but ended the year in negative territory. Gold also had a great 10 year run. The thing with gold is when things look bad, everybody runs to it as a safe haven. This year will not be any different if there is a global recession.
There are 2 other factors with gold: It is still believed that gold is a measurement of a country's wealth, and the more gold you have the stronger your currency. Emerging markets have been buying up gold to increase their wealth and currency, therefore pushing up the price.
The financial crisis has also pushed up the price of gold. If you live in Europe and believe that the Euro could collapse, you are going to protect your money. The best way to do this is gold. Some will also run to the US dollar. If things get worse in Europe watch for the price of gold to go up. Keep in mind that gold is risky and can fall very quickly.
As always, if you have any questions or want a review your portfolio, please email me or give me a call to discuss.
I strongly believe that 2013 is going to be a good year if we can overcome the obstacles we face in 2012.”
Well, there you have it. Positively thinking, no matter what type of real estate market we are in, there will always be people who will greatly benefit from it...real estate is still the best investment over the longterm.
Have a great week.
Opal
One-in-seven Canadians is now a senior; compared to 50 years ago when it was 1-in-14. That’s a lot of families in transition and it’s going to get bigger. By 2016, almost one-quarter of Canadians will be 65 or older.
This has major implications for the children of older baby boomers. These families now have to make life-changing decisions for their elderly parents, while continuing to hold down challenging full-time jobs and supporting their own children through school. To add to the difficulties, many children live far away from their parents and have to deal with traveling back and forth to help their aging parents or find a trusted support in the area.
ASA’s are experienced Realtors who have taken extra courses to become designated specialists in helping senior clients and their families during this difficult transition. An ASA will help his or her mature client and family consider all their options. The ASA will interview movers and select the best; supervise the move and bring in repair people, cleaners, painters and stagers so the house will look its best when it’s listed.
While this transition will still be difficult for your elderly parent and for you, the ASA can be your trusted, representative saving you hours of commuting time and providing all the services you need. (Content provided by Barry Lebow - altered for space)
May the good cheer, love and spirit of giving uplift all of you over this holiday season. May you have the opportunity to spend time with family and friends and build those lifetime memories that we all call upon in troubled times. Merry Christmas to you and yours and may 2012 bring nothing but goodness, good health and happiness to all.
Opal
York Region is looking at disposing Aurora and south to Richmond Hill sewage waste water into our Lake. They are viewing this as a good thing for York Region and are claiming a win-win type idea. There are good and bad sides to all decisions...you need to get informed and have a voice should you not wish to have this happen. The presentations all 'sound' wonderful 'appear' to have 'Region approval' but I'm not so sure this is the case. However, if you are wanting a voice and want to be fully informed, then this public workshop and any consecutive workshops should be attended. This is all personal opinion...my opinion may not be that of another and vice versa...so I'm putting the information out there for those who wish it and can form their own opinions. I just want people to be aware that Georgina, its council and Georgina residents have been a bit 'blind-sided' by this whole thing. I, personally, do not feel this is in any way a betterment of our lake and I think that more thought and greater technology should be done before this is pushed on us.
Consider attending this public workshop coming up on December 14th . Over a light supper, mini presentations and roundtable discussions, learn about the site requirements for a Water Reclamation Centre and its associated infrastructure and tell them what is important to you about identifying an appropriate site. Please find more information in the link below. If you are interesting in participating, you must register by December 7, 2011. Registration information is also in this link:
Attachment(s): 11-12-14-UYSS Worshop Fall 2011Flyer.pdf
On Saturday, November 26th, we held our 5th annual Prudential Santa Picture Day. It is a day sponsored, supported and enjoyed by Prudential Renascent Realty's sales representatives and Broker as a Client Appreciation day. Our very own Santa joins us for all clients/family/friends/friends of clients to have their picture taken with the jolly guy. In addition, children enjoy many crafts, movie, coloring contest and receive gifts and snacks. Parents get to mingle with other parents along with their realtors and enjoy homemade cookies, coffee, tea and the like.
Each year has brought new ideas and amazing fun and excitment for not only the kids, but also the adults and it's a wonderful opportunity for us realtors to 'give back' to our clients. It is a day that we hold in the highest of regard.
I must also add something here. For the past couple of years, we have had student volunteers to help us fulfill this day of fun. We hear so much negativity about teenagers and the 'trouble' they get into these days. Well, I'm here to say that these volunteers that we have...17 teenagers... hanging with us from 7am on a Saturday morning until 5pm...were nothing but amazing. These kids knew their jobs and performed them very well. There was no complaining from them and they worked through the long day with minimal supervision. Everyone who had the privilege to interact with them were so very impressed with them and it is these kids' efforts that made our client day a huge success.
Some comments from others about our teenage volunteers: "the entire crew of Elves were very polite, involved and extremely helpful.."; "all the Elves were awesome..."; "soooo many volunteers..they were wonderful..."; "thanks so much to the volunteers, they did an awesome job so we could spend time with our clients...".
I hope they'll want to do it again next year...as we will be more with happy to have them back with us. Thanks to: Anthony, Brad, Brianna, Brook, Christa, Colin, Courtney, Courtney, Garion, Greg, Hayley, Matt, 'Melo', Mina, Samantha, Stephanie, and Tanaya...you are a great group who was so very much appreciated and we welcome all of you back next year. You are second only to SANTA MAN himself for making this day such a success.
• lot / land - MLS® $118,800
Jacksons Point, Georgina - Beautifully treed building lot in area of nice homes. Near parks and lake. Very peaceful location.
A buildable lot that has 2010 evnironmental studies completed and property has the Conservation Authority satisfaction. Approximately 16,800square feet with the water and sewer laterals at the lot line. Natural gas hydro and cable are on the street.
Property information
As we head into quieter 'real estate waters', we do so with confidence. Interest rates have not changed this past week and are sporting some still very low rates. Check these out!
| Term | 6 Month | 1 Year | 2 Year | 3 Year | 4 Year | 5 Year | 7 Year | 10 Year | Variable
Rate | Prime
Rate |
| Posted Rates* | 4.55% | 4.30% | 4.05% | 4.35% | 5.14% | 5.39% | 6.60% | 6.99% |
| Best Rates* | 3.85% | 2.89% | 3.09% | 3.09% | 3.09% | 3.39% | 4.59% | 4.99% | 2.75% | 3.00% |
*Interest Rates are provided for information purposes only and are subject to change at any time without notice. The products listed above are available only in Canada to Canadian residents. Rates shown are for single family residential properties only and are subject to meeting all lenders credit granting criteria. Rates shown above may be specific to the sender and some conditions may apply. E&OE.
Peaceful Space
• 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $468,800
Cannington, Brock - A paradise setting with treed property hosting scenic walking trails and backing to farmland...no visual view of neighbors either.
For the car enthusiasts or hobbyist, you'll delight in the detached 28' X 24' heated 2-car garage/workshop. There is also an attached, single car garage on the house which is currently used as an office/home business and can easily be converted back to a garage.
The family-sized home boasts 3 bedrooms with the master having a walkout balcony. Finished basement includes storage space and games area, entertainment area and wet bar. Bright, large basment windows are an added bonus.
Situated high on the hill, you're king of your property. Beautiful view over your backyard with the comfort of many trees and your front yard which overlooks a pond and periennials...not to mention there is plenty of space to park cars/trucks/tractors!
Close to all amenities including steps from high school and a short distance to elementary school.
Efficient oil-fired water heating system and property is privately services with drilled well and septic system.
You'll enjoy the near 9 acres of almost square property...the peace and tranquility is a highly saught after limited commodity in this fast-pace world.
Property information
Keswick, Georgina - Announcing a price reduction on 10 Sunbird Blvd, a 2,227 sq. ft., 4 bath, 5 bdrm 2 story. Now MLS® $299,000 - New Price!.
Property information
• 640 sq. ft., 1 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $169,900
Keswick, Georgina - First time offered for sale in over 40 years. Well-cared for home that is quaint steps to lake and parks. This home has raised a family of 4 children!
Updates include newer windows, roof shingles last year, and a new deck. Home has a solid block foundation with cement slab. Useable/accessible corner lot - room for expansion and garage.
Extras: fridge, stove, washer, dryer, all window coverings, All electrical light fixtures, 2 garden sheds. 100Amp Electrical (Fuses).
This one is a gem with a very economical price tag. Being so close to the lake and a very quiet area is an attraction along with the extra large lot being a bonus.
Property information
Keswick, Georgina - Announcing a new available property offerring on 10 Sunbird Blvd, a 2,227 sq. ft., 4 bath, 5 bdrm 2 story. Now MLS® $309,900 - .
Property information
• 2,227 sq. ft., 4 bath, 5 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $309,900
Keswick, Georgina - 2227sf maple model on quiet street in desired northend Keswick. Plenty of space for the growing/extended family with the finished basement which consists of a large rec room, bedroom and bath.
Steps to schools, amenities and public transit. Home backs onto a small, young-child park and senior's centre. Very private backyard.
Extras include all appliances electrical light fixtures, window coverings.
Added bonus: No sidewalk to obstruct driveway space.
Property information
Hi everyone, here's a note from my financial advisor:
"Scotia announced a rate drop this morning on the 5, 7 and 10 year fixed rates. Their 5 year fixed rate is currently at 3.69%. I would expect other lenders to follow and could see the 5 year fixed rate as low as 3.49% - 3.59% by the end of next week.
Keep in mind this is a reaction to the current bond rates and the US still not able to resolve its debt situation.
I don't think this rate drop will last to long. Take the next week to make sure your clients have a proper pre approval and get this rate locked in for 120 days.
Have a good long weekend"
Rob C. Townsley
Oriana Financial - "Great Mortgages Made Simple"
Oriana Wealth Management - RRSP / Educational Saving Plans
905-830-3444
905-830-4288 fax