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Thinking About Buying Your First Home?
Many renters are starting to think about purchasing a home of their own. This article highlights several factors that should be considered when purchasing a home. Word, 2 pgs.
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Buy vs Rent - How Much Can You Save?
My report shows very clearly when it pays to own a house and when it does not pay to own. The report compares renting at $1000 per month with home or condo purchase of $200,000 and $300,000 under different market conditions. The tool used to calculate these results is available on my website - See Mortgage Calculator - Buy vs Rent. PDF, 5 pgs.
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Get Your Share of the Secret $$$$
There is a few things about this Registered Home Savings Plan (RHSP) that are unknown or at best little understood by many first time buyers. This report sorts this all out and explains the RHSP in simple terms. Word, 3 pgs.
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The Right Home at the Right Price
This article helps you become a savvy buyer, by pointing out some of the pitfalls inherent in the home-buying process. Learn the 20 steps to a successful home purchase. Word, 4 pgs.
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11 Major Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Your Home
This report covers 11 major home buying mistakes and how to avoid them from surveys to closing costs. PDF, 9 pgs.
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Avoid Common Buyer Errors
Some buyers, caught up in the excitement of buying a new home, tend to overlook some items. When you have a systematic plan before you shop, you’ll be sure to avoid these costly errors. Here are tips on making the most of your home purchase. Word, 2 pgs.
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Know the Costs of Buying
Here is a handy worksheet that gives examples of typical costs involved in buying a home. The two biggest costs are land transfer tax and legal fees. There are no realty fees for buyers (these are paid by the seller). Word, 1 page.
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Land Transfer Tax (Prov-Ontario & Toronto) - Explained
Buyers pay this tax at time of closing and it is usually one of the biggest costs involved in the sale after the mortgage of course. Expect to pay in excess of $2,200 on a house purchased for $250,000 for example. First-time buyers of NEW and as of Dec 13th, 2007 (RESALE) homes get a break with a $2,000 rebate subject to conditions. As of January, 2008, home purchases in the City of Toronto have a City Home Buyer Tax to pay as well. See how they are calculated so you can budget for this cost. PDF, 6 pages.
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Do You Need Those Luxury Items?
Four "luxury" items are discussed - pros and cons plus assessment bottom line are provided for 1. In-floor heating, 2. Backyard Pool, 3. Dream Kitchen and 4. Activity Rooms. Word, 3 pgs.
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What the Heck is Title Insurance?
This is a small extar cost to pay for the peace of mind it will give you. Avoid being swindled out of your home thru mortgage fraud (identity theft) plus get covered for any issues over your freehold ownership/title (not condo) or condo ownership/title. Word, 3 pgs.
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Agency Explained
You need to understand the difference between being a "Customer" (no written buyer agency agreement) and a "Client" (a written buyer agreement in place). Make sure your Realtor is working in your best interest and NOT for the Seller. Protect yourself by becoming a Client. Word, 3 pgs.
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Mortgage Eliminator Program
Find out how you can save thousands of dollars and shave over 13 years off your mortgage by using this powerful yet simple program. One important requirement is flexibility. PDF, 2 pgs.
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Condo Checklist and Scoring
A handy way to compare condos by rating all the important factors you may be looking for in your unit from amenities to by-laws. PDF, 4 pgs.
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RE/MAX Affordability Report - 2008
April 22, 2008 - While higher housing values and tight inventory levels have hampered home-buying activity so far this year, longer amortization periods and alternative housing types have offset the impact on most major markets across the country, according to a report released today by RE/MAX. Despite a higher degree of frustration in the marketplace than in previous years, the RE/MAX Affordability Report found that first-time buyers, in particular, remain steadfast in their determination to purchase a home. In fact, entry-level purchasers are adjusting their expectations by sacrificing size, location, and even long-term financial freedom, to overcome challenges such as rising prices and serious supply issues.
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