Save money with a smart mortgage strategy
(NC) Current economic conditions and the availability of more
sophisticated mortgage products over the past several years have left many
homeowners "scratching their heads" when it comes to taking out a
mortgage. Perhaps never before has it been more important for would-be and
current homeowners to do their homework before securing a new or renegotiating
a mortgage.
John Turner, director mortgage sales at BMO Bank of Montreal,
recommends that mortgage shoppers develop a strategy using the following steps
in order to ensure you obtain a mortgage that will best fulfill your current
and future needs.
Step
1: Start with a clear understanding of your monthly cash flow
by developing a list of your fixed expenses such as payments on an existing
mortgage, car, credit card and unexpected home repairs.
Step
2: Consider your financing needs may change of over the next
five years. For example, you may be planning to start or expand your family or
you may be thinking about opening a new business - both of which will impact
your income and expenses.
Step
3: Speak with your banker to develop a plan for paying off the
mortgage in the fastest and most cost effective way possible.
"Your home is the largest investment you'll ever make and
while exciting, it can also be a stressful and confusing experience, even in
the best of markets," says Turner. "The best advice is to work with a
mortgage specialist, create a strategy and find the mortgage that's right for
you."
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ecoEnergy You May Be Eligible For Government Grants By Increasing your Energy Efficiency
Following Parliamentary approval for the transfer of additional funds to the ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes program, Natural Resources Canada has resumed payment of retrofit grants to Canadian homeowners.
Because of the immediate and lasting benefits to homeowners, our
economy and our environment, Canada's Economic Action Plan includes an
additional $300 million for the ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes program. This
will allow as many as 200,000 more homeowners to participate in the
program over the next two years.
In addition to helping homeowners control their energy costs and
reduce emissions, this new investment by the Government of Canada will
generate some $2.4 billion in economic activity across Canada, creating
and protecting jobs for thousands of Canadians.
Click here for a list of approved energy advisors and here for the full document listing all improvements
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Three Events You Won't Want To Miss This Spring
The 22nd Annual Images Festival runs from April 2 to April 11. Showcasing contemporary moving image culture, there are multiple events happening along West Queen West. Classical 96.3 says "Images has become a key event for lovers of art as well as film." Click here for more Reel World Film Festival April 15-19th Canada's premier festival celebrating diversity is gearing up to hit Toronto once again. The
ninth annual ReelWorld Film Festival strives to promote the work of
multicultural filmmakers and artists, and gives them the opportunity to
network with other professionals. Click here for more The Spring One of a Kind show runs from Wednesday, April 1 to Sunday, April 5, 2009
at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place
Not quite as large as the Christmas show, dozens of artisans are showcased, and it's a great place to find some unusual pieces.
Click here for the website.
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For Sale: Two Level Open Concept Loft
18 Merton St. #506
The 'Radius' Uptown 2 Level Open Concept Loft With Floor To Ceiling
Windows, 2 Bedrooms, Den, 3 Full Washrooms, 2 Balconies, 2 Walk-In
Closets, Laminate And Ceramic Flooring Throughout. 16 Foot Ceilings In
Living Area, Bright South Views. Parking And Locker Are Included. Gym,
Common Terrace With Bbq's, Recreation Room, Visitor Parking. Walls
Removed In Main Floor Den To Create Separate Dining Area. Walk To
Subway, All Amenities Within Minutes. Approximately 1050 Sq.Ft.
EXCELLENT PRICE FOR THIS UNIT.
Click here for the full listing 
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Sold: Westside Gallery Loft
Queen and Dovercourt - 610 sq.ft. unit $269,990
Inspired by the individuality and eclectic character of the Art and Design district, Westside diverges from conventional residential design. Two mid-rise buildings will emerge from the landscape to create a cohesive and lively alcove, tucked away just yards from the action on Queen West. Features include 9' ceilings, exposed concrete, translucent glass partitions, european style kitchen, rainforest shower, roof top waterfall and hot tub, yoga/pilates studio. Various floor plans still available. Call us at 416 947 0777 for
more information Click here for more about Westside Gallery Lofts
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Sold! Updated home with Large Lot
25 Skelmore Cres. sold for $430,000!
Gardener's Paradise! Like Being In The Country! Lovely, Sun-Filled
Cheerful Tastefully Updated Home On Lge Priv Parklike Pie-Shaped Lot.
Lge Relaxing Covered Porch, Entertaining Deck, & Cozy Patio. Over
$100,000 Spent In Tasteful Upgrades & Breakfast Area Addn. Loads Of
Upgrades(Kitchen, Doors, Windows, Hallway, Bathrms, Porch, Fencing,
Landscaping, Driveway, Circuit Brkr, Fam Rm, Pot Lts, Roof With Vents,
Etc Etc). Shows Like A Model Hm. Truly A Rare Find!
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The Rental Corner
1000 King Street West Leased for $2300 per month.
Massey Square Two Bedroom, Two Bath Executive Penthouse In Desired King
West Village! Fully Furnished & Uniquely Decorated. 902 Sf
Featuring Dark Kitchen Cabinetry With Mosaic Glass Backsplash &
Breakfast Bar, Adjoining Dining Area, Spacious Living Room, 4Pc Master
Ensuite W/Soaker Tub. Parking & Locker Included! Balcony With A
View. Shows Beautifully!
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Market News
Greater Toronto REALTORS® Reported 4,120 Resale Housing Transactions in February Toronto Real Estate Board Members reported 4,120 sales in February 2009 compared to 6,015 sales recorded in February 2008. The average home price was $361,305 last month compared to $382,048 during the same month last year.
"A considerable number of transactions continued to take place in February 2009. Motivated buyers and sellers, who were aware that market conditions changed over the past few months, were able to negotiate transactions acceptable to both parties," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Maureen O'Neill.
On a month-over-month basis, sales and average price were above January levels of 2,670 and $343,632 respectively. The housing market is seasonal. Traditionally, in the first half of every year, sales and average price climb to their highest levels in late spring before trending lower from July onward.
Click here for more
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