SARNIA INSIDER REPORT

4068 Blue Point Drive

2011-12-05T17:21:00.003-05:00

This 1350 sq foot bungalow has open concept living, with a wall of glass on the lake to view the awesome sunsets. Exterior is stucco with matching 2 car detached stucco garage. This home was rebuilt to new in 2006. Deck across the entire back with access from Master bedroom and living room features glass railing for unobstructed view. Bright open kitchen with maple cabinets, granite counter tops. 18" porcelain tile floors in kitchen, bath, and living room give this home a Florida feel. Master bedroom has walk-in closet and all 3 bedrooms features Espresso Oak floors. The bath has a separate shower and a large 2 person jacuzzi tub. This home is located 2 minutes to Highland Glen Boat Launch and within 3-10 minutes drive to 6 golf courses, and 20 minute drive to Sarnia and the Bluewater Bridge USA.20 minutes West of Grand Bend

Check out my website for 4068 Blue Point Drive

1348 Christina Street North, Sarnia

2011-11-09T09:04:00.002-05:00

Just listed this great north end One and three quarter story home. Steps to Christina beach and Canatara Park. Watch this tour http://www.screencast.com/t/fpuKPCjXTO0C

2026 Olive

2011-11-09T09:01:00.002-05:00

2026 Olive Tour

1001Plymouth-Sarnia.mp4

2011-10-05T17:29:00.000-04:00

Handyman properties.mp4

2011-10-05T16:45:00.000-04:00

723 St Clair.mp4

2011-09-30T16:17:00.000-04:00

Open House Sunday 1-3 723 St. Clair Parkway

2011-09-16T16:55:00.001-04:00

Family Resturant & Pizza Business

2011-08-19T18:15:00.002-04:00

http://www.BusinessSellCanada.com/12819001.htm

Great Opportunity to be your own boss. Financing Available Call Mark Reynolds Sales Rep. Exit Realty Twin Bridges at 519-336-3948 or Direct 519-466-2416.

Across The Board: WELCOME

2011-06-21T16:01:00.000-04:00

Across The Board: WELCOME: "Welcome to the Sarnia-Lambton Real Estate Board's Blogger Page...Across the Board!"

FlyerMaker Pro Flyer

2011-05-17T21:36:00.000-04:00

FlyerMaker Pro Flyer: "Share this Flyer with your friends."

Just Listed 356 Ellis, Corunna

2011-05-17T19:44:00.003-04:00

Located in Corunna this sought after bedroom community is located 15 minutes from Sarnia along the St. Clair River. Parks boat launch, shopping, and only 20 minutes to the US Ferry in Sombra. This fabulous split level elevation has a gracious front foyer featuring a $3000 crystal Chandelier. The Main level features open concept living with vaulted ceiling, Brazilian flooring, Cherry maple cabinets with granite counter tops built in stainless steel dishwasher, microwave hood fan, and garburator. The lower level offer a large family room with gas fireplace. There are 2 more bedrooms and a large 3 piece bath with a four foot acrylic shower. Upgraded carpeting and ceramic floors in kitchen and both baths. This home features custom fit blinds throughout The rear yard is fenced with wood & wrought iron inserts. Flagstone path to patio, with beautiful landscaping. Built in 2008, by Danbury Homes this plan is the 'Preakness plan with the Banff Elevation ' Visit online at www.356Ellis.info

New Price on Beckwith $79,900

2011-05-11T18:02:00.000-04:00

This cute bungalow in Corunna is completely updated 253 Beckwith

This Weekends Open Houses

2011-05-11T18:00:00.000-04:00

Check out this weekends open houses at www.SarniaOpenHouses.ca

Ranch by the Lake

2011-05-09T08:31:00.002-04:00

I have a new listing coming in today it 70 steps to Lake Huron. 160' wide lot. This 2 bedroom bungalow has a 1.5 car attached garage and a very large two car detached garage. Inside feature Master bedroom with vaulted ceiling and en-suite bath. Living room has wood burning floor to ceiling fireplace wood floors and vaulted ceilings. Kitchen has maple cabinets concrete counter tops nice appliances wood floors and a convenient in closet laundry center. The dinning room is large enough to accommodate any size dining table. The second bedroom and bath are at the far end of the home. Both baths have concrete counter tops. The yard is private with a large deck and hot tub. The price will be $299,900. I will have pictures posted today.

359 Russell Price Change

2011-05-09T08:22:00.002-04:00

359 Russell has a new price reduced to $79,900. This cute 3 bedroom bungalow is located across from the park.
You can view this home at www.359Russell.info

2011-05-09T08:04:00.001-04:00

Free website - Powered By Wix.com

Sarnia Open Houses

2011-05-08T09:21:00.000-04:00

Check out Weekly Sarnia Open Houses

718 Charlesworth

2010-11-19T00:50:00.002-05:00

This 1200 sq foot bungalow is stucco exterior with modern earth tones on the interior. Bamboo flooring, Hickory cabinets concrete counter tops, Solid Mahogany front door, all interior doors are raised panel pine doors, Concrete counter tops in both main bath and en-suite.

Take a tour

Huroncrest Estates

2010-11-07T10:28:00.008-05:00

Large Building Lots in this Lakefront Community know as Huroncrest Estates located 20 minutes east of Sarnia off Lakeshore Road.
These lots are within 3-10 minute drive to 6 golf courses, and 2 minutes to boat launch.
lots are 90-140' wide and about 200' deep with full services including storm and sanitary sewers.
Only 4 lots left starting at $55,900-$58,900. Build your dream home today or wait and build later.
Call Mark Reynolds at 519-466-2416 or stop out any Sunday 2-4 PM to our newly finished model home at 3984 Cullen Drive in Huroncrest Estates. Check out the Huroncrest Page

3984 Cullen Drive

2010-11-07T10:04:00.009-05:00

FREE CALIFORNIA SHUTTERS

This newly finished 2 bedroom model home has everything and more.
Backing unto pond and nature trail that leads you down to the deeded beach
access. Large open Great room/kitchen/dinning area over looking pond with
covered rear porch. This home features a very large walk-in pantry and walk-in closet
in the master suite. The basement has been beamed for a very open concept and can be finished
as much or as little as you like. This 90 x 200' lot gives you space for what ever you want. Located
3 minutes from Sawmill Creek Golf & spa and only 20 minutes to Sarnia. this subdivision
known as Huroncrest Estates is within 3-10 minutes drive t 6 golf courses and 2 minutes to Highland Glen
Boat launch. Your not just buying a home your buying a lifestyle. Lets Take A Look

894 Everest

2010-11-07T09:55:00.007-05:00

This 3 bedroom Semi will be listed at $119,900 .
Features Newer Furnace and Air
Covered Rear Deck off kitchen
Fenced Yard
Finished Rec-room & Laundry
Shed
Oak Kitchen
All New Painting Throughout
All new Flooring Throughout
2 baths
For more information contact Mark at 519-466-2416
Take a tour

960 King Street, Sarnia

2010-11-07T09:44:00.005-05:00

Spotless solid brick home, oak kitchen, ceramic floors & backsplash, hardwood throughout, remodeled kitchen & bath, new 35 year Timberline shingles `07, furnace new `07, all new windows, unspoiled open basement, across from park, shed in back yard.
$147,900
Lets Take A Look

221 Bright

2010-11-07T09:41:00.002-05:00

All new siding & windows. Gas fireplace stove in living room. Closed-in front porch. 100 amp service, 1.5 detached garage. Seller will consider leases or rent to own to qualified buyers. See Listing agent for details. Built-in cabinets in dining rm. Water heater owned.
Let's Take a Tour
$89,900

154 College

2010-11-07T09:16:00.006-05:00

Updated wiring, plumbing & hi-efficiency Furnace new in 2000. Oak kitchen. New shingles & underlay `05, except front. Main bath remodeled. 2 driveways. 10` ceilings in bedrooms with high baseboards. Gas fireplace in living room. Very affordable low taxes & low utilities. Heating $540, elec $496 water heater owned. http://154College.info
5% down ($3950)-monthly payments would be $390.00 a month
Don't have all your down payment, we can help contact me at mreynolds@cogeco.net or 519-466-2416

359 Russell

2010-11-07T09:08:00.014-05:00

This charming bungalow is located across from Tecumseh Park and only 5 blocks from the new P.E. McGibbon School. This home has plenty of character with 10 ` ceiling and high baseboards as well as raised panel doors. The modern kitchen has new flooring and plenty of cabinet space. The dining room is larger than many new home today, with new flooring and side door to side porch. This would be a great spot to build a deck. The living room is large enough for all your friend and family with rustic wood flooring.
http://www.359Russell.info
Lot Size 60/44+16x174/132
Taxes 1240 2010
Living Room 11.2 x 25
Dining Room 11.3 x 14.7
Kitchen 12.10 x 9.7
Bedrooms 3(11.7 x 8.10)(8.3x9.3)(8.9x11.8)
Bath 4 piece
Heating Hot water Rad
$83,900
With 5% down ($4150.) The monthly payments would be $405.00
Don't have all your down payment, we can help contact me at 519-466-2416

First Time Home Buyer Video

2010-01-11T18:50:00.003-05:00

Incentives For Homeownership

2010-01-11T17:29:00.001-05:00

Incentives For Homeownership

Home Buying Step-By-Step

2010-01-11T17:09:00.001-05:00

Home Buying Step-By-Step

Determining Your Household Budget

2010-01-11T16:49:00.004-05:00

Determining Your Household Budget

Hiring A Home Inspector

2010-01-11T16:49:00.002-05:00

Hiring A Home Inspector

Are You Financially Ready For A Mortgage

2010-01-11T16:30:00.006-05:00

Are You Financially Ready For A Mortgage

The Verifiable Truth: Cullen, Miller & Vigliotti are partners in a Canadian residential real estate venture

2009-11-10T07:55:00.000-05:00

The Verifiable Truth: Cullen, Miller & Vigliotti are partners in a Canadian residential real estate venture
Huroncrest Estates A Lakefront Comunity Being Marketed By Mark Reynolds

HST News Flash

2009-06-30T13:01:00.001-04:00

* Comes into effect July 1, 2010*
Interesting Article below.

This is worth knowing, as it could effect closing costs for some clients, as they will look to us, for advice.
http://www.thestar.com/article/656164 <http://www.thestar.com/article/656164> I have attached the link, as it is well worth sharing .

Lobbying nets 'major' changes to HST on new home purchases

Full HST will be charged only on the amount of price over $400,000, not entire purchase price
Jun 27, 2009 04:30 AM

Tracy Hanes
Toronto Star

Changes to how the harmonized sales tax will be charged on new homes priced over $400,000 will help protect affordability, according to two major Ontario homebuilders' groups.

Last week, the provincial government agreed to move to a progressive tax structure when the HST comes into effect July 1, 2010, significantly reducing the tax homebuyers will have to pay on new houses above that threshold.

Under the original plan, homes priced below $400,000 would have qualified for a 75 per cent rebate of the provincial portion of the new tax (which combines provincial sales tax and the goods and services tax), ensuring that there would have been been no more taxes charged on new houses than there are currently (about 2 per cent).

However, the rebate would have been scaled after $400,000 and would not have applied at all to homes priced at $500,000 or more, which would have added $30,000 in new taxes to half-million dollar houses.

But after vigorous lobbying from the Building Industry and Land Development Association and the Ontario Home Builders' Association, the province has agreed to charge the HST only on the amount of the purchase price over $400,000 and not the entire purchase price.

"This is a much-needed win for builders and homebuyers," said BILD president and CEO Stephen Dupuis. "This is a major amendment."

"It was the right move for the government to make," said Ontario Home Builders' Association president Frank Giannone. "And the lower middle class, who we were worried about, will be protected."

Builders said the problem with the $400,000 threshold is that the market would get skewed around that number and it was also too low a threshold for the Greater Toronto Area, where nearly half of all new homes and condos cost more than that.

Under the original plan, there would have been $30,000 more in provincial taxes added to a $500,000 house; that now will decline to $6,000 (net of input tax credits). Tax payable escalated from $8,000 on a $400,000 home up to $40,000 on a $500,000 home, excluding input tax credits.

"The $6,000 figure is much more reasonable," said Giannone.

He pointed out that a home is often a person's biggest investment and through home ownership, they build a nest egg, which will help fund their retirement, thus lessening the burden on government.

"The provincial government's decision to move to a progressive tax structure . . . is enlightened and responsive," said Dupuis. "The progressive tax structure dramatically reduces the quantum of the tax increase."

Dupuis said while BILD does not oppose harmonization – "it's a good economic and tax policy, which provides business tax relief and eliminates tax on tax pyramiding" and should ultimately offer some cost breaks to builders on things such as building materials – BILD has maintained from the first that housing is different from other consumer products.

The homebuilders' groups still have some issues they will continue to press for reform. One is the HST and renovations, as the new tax is likely to create a flourishing underground economy for handymen operating on a cash basis.

BILD and the OHBA are also asking the federal government to follow the province's lead and move to a progressive GST tax structure in Ontario, as the old system, which has been in place for 10 years, is outdated and does not encourage affordability. The GST will add $25,000 in taxes to a $500,000 home.

For Sale By Owner vs Real Estate Agent

2009-02-16T16:32:00.001-05:00

Should you go it alone or get professional help?

Selling a home is more work than you might think, which is why four out of five homes sold annually in Canada are sold through a Real Estate Agent, but there are valid reasons for trying what's known as "For Sale By Owner," or FSBO ("fizzbo"). This page lets you read more about your choices before you decide:

FSBO Could Be For You If:

• The real estate market is favoring sellers at the time you put your house on the market

• You're not in a big hurry to sell

• You want to save the typical MLS Fee of 6% commission that a real estate agent would earn by being involved

• You have a good real estate attorney who can protect you through all the legal facets of selling your home

• You already have a potential buyer who's financially capable of buying your home

• You can detach yourself emotionally from your home

• You have the time and motivation to learn more about the process, answer phone calls and show your house.

FSBO Could Be A Bad Idea If:

• You're in a hurry to sell

• You have a hard time handling tension, complications and rejection

• You don't have the right information to price your home: Overpricing unnecessarily delays a sale, while under pricing forfeits any gains you may have made by avoiding an agent's commission

• You're uncomfortable negotiating

• You unknowingly stumble into legal mine fields because you don't have a real estate attorney on your side.

• The seller sells to save on the commission and the buyer buys FSBO because he feels he can get a better deal because the Seller doesn’t have to pay a commission. Therefore two people can’t save on the same commission and the Seller quite often sells for less than the MLS Realtor would have gotten them

Before we look at the benefits of using a real estate agent, let's take a minute to define the players:

A real estate "agent" is tested and licensed by the state; a "broker" has taken an additional test, and is authorized to operate a private real estate firm; a "REALTOR®" is a licensed professional and a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. Finally, a "listing agent" refers to the real estate agent a seller hires to place a home on the market. For the sake of simplicity, we'll use the term "agent" as a general reference to any of the above.

Benefits Of Using An Agent.

• Agents know the market and can help you determine the right price for your home

• Agents have a vested interest (commission) in selling your home for the highest amount possible

• They have far greater resources than you for locating buyers and steering them to your home, such as the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and "comp books," which list recent sale prices of homes similar to yours in your neighborhood—the key determiner of your home's worth

• Agents can advertise your home in classified ads and real estate magazines

• They make sure in advance that prospective buyers are financially able to buy your home

• Agents aren't emotionally invested in your home, so they can keep cool, level heads during the negotiating process

• They save you valuable time, working many hours behind the scenes for every hour they're in your presence.

• A seasoned Agent has built up a large data base of clients this could be in the thousands and would benefit the Seller as The Realtor already has a list of leads he can go to.

The home reno tax credit: what you can do

2009-02-06T13:57:00.001-05:00

This was going to be a year of hunkering down and putting off fixing up the old homestead, what with economic turmoil gripping not just the country but the entire world.

But since the federal government revealed the Home Renovation Tax Credit in its budget on Jan. 27, 2009, you're starting to think that maybe you might be able to manage a couple of small jobs. After all, if you keep the renovation budget to $10,000, you'll get $1,350 back — a saving of 13.5 per cent.

The tax credit kicks in on expenditures over $1,000, and you won't get any tax relief for what you spend over $10,000. So your tax savings on a $20,000 job will still be $1,350 — or a saving of 6.75 per cent.

The variety of expenditures that qualify for the tax credit is wide. Among them:

Renovating your kitchen, bathroom or basement.
Painting your house.
Installing new carpeting or flooring.
Replacing your heating/air conditioning system.
Upgrading the insulation in your home.Resurfacing your driveway or replacing your lawn with new sod.
Just about any job that improves your home or cottage — or any combination of jobs that improves either or both — qualifies for the credit. Buying furniture, a big-screen TV, cleaning your carpets, buying tools or performing regular maintenance on your home won't get you the tax credit, however.

The Home Renovation Tax Credit can be coupled with other government programs that put money back into your pocket when you renovate your home. For instance, making your home more energy-efficient can qualify you for grants of up to $5,000 under the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program. You will still be able to claim the Home Renovation Tax Credit. The same applies for eligible expenditures that are claimed under the Medical Expense Tax Credit.

While doing the work yourself will give you the most bang for your buck, jobs that you pay a contractor to do also qualify. Expenses such as labour, building permits, equipment rentals, professional services and incidentals are also eligible.

Municipalities regulate building permits, so you should check with your local officials before you begin your job. If your renovation involves structural changes to your home or electrical work, you will most likely need a permit.

One of the major goals of the program, which is expected to cost the government $3 billion, is to stimulate local economies. Most of the material you buy to fix up your home is likely made in Canada and sold at your local hardware store (although it's as likely to be a U.S.-owned big-box store as a Canadian-owned big-box outlet).

Hiring a contractor? Here are some tips

The program will also create work for contractors. It pays to do your homework before you hire a contractor.

Make sure the contractor is licensed: it is your right to ask a prospective contractor to produce their license. If the contractor is reluctant to show it, you should be reluctant to hire him/her.

Get references: any good contractor will gladly supply you with a list of references — and pictures showing examples of work that they have done. That list should include up-to-date contact information including names, addresses, phone numbers, and details about the jobs done.

Get several quotes: they should be in writing and should spell out exactly the work you want done and how long it should take. The lowest quote may not necessarily be the best. If somebody comes in with a price far below the others, it could be due to cutting corners.

Make sure the contractor is insured: ask to see their certificate of insurance. Your contractor should have workers compensation and third-party liability insurance for all the people on the job and damage they may cause ($2 million is standard). If they don't, you could be on the hook if there's an accident.

One tax credit per family

Unlike the Home Buyers' Plan, where each spouse can withdraw up to $25,000 from their RRSP to put toward a down payment on a first house, the Home Renovation Tax Credit is limited to one credit per family.

While you can make claims for work done at more than one residence you own, the maximum any family can get back is $1,350. But a family can share the credit.

You'll be able to claim the credit on your return for the 2009 tax year. All material has to be purchased and work has to be finished no later than Feb. 1, 2010.

Thank you for your business!

Linda Belan
Mortgage Specialist
BMO Bank of Montreal
Phone: 519-344-2443
Cell: 519-384-9237
Fax: 519-344-4488

Email: linda.belan@bmo.com