Realty Corner - Home Hunting

Supply is not equal to demand in this real estate market...

I showed 4 homes in Mississauga (ON) last week with 2 selling for above asking and 1 at 100% of list price...

Most financial experts seem to agree that mortgage rates will eventually start to move up but the real estate sales continue to soar...Buyers seem to be much more confident in the economic recovery and are investing heavily in solid assests, such as real estate.

Happy home hunting to all...

Meanwhile, catch me on the web @ Raj Bajwa

Realty Corner - Reno Time Part II

Whew..almost completed the new home reno project...

New paint...new laminate flooring...new baseboards...new lighting...new kitchen..new 50" Plasma TV + Sony PS3 (that is my reward)...

It has been a great learning experience doing all the work myself with great help from my brother...and a contribution here and there from friends..

Watching all those Holmes on Homes surely paid off...

Ready to move and enjoy the new home this weekend...

Meanwhile, catch me on the web @ Raj Bajwa

Realty Corner - Reno Time Part I

December is off to a great start...

First, purchased my first home..a cozy little townhouse in Maple, ON...needs paint, new flooring, and a 50" tv...

Secondly, closing for a great semi-detached for a Buyer in Mississauga, ON...no work required...Buyer will enjoy the home...

Great time to Sell...and buy

Catch me on the web @ Raj Bajwa

Green Realty - Toronto Hydro

It is great to see Toronto Hydro leading by example by working on LEED certification for one of its facilities.

Read the entire article on National Post

Catch me on the web @ Raj Bajwa

Realty Corner - Commercial Closing

Today was my first commercial retail closing in Vaughan, ON...
All paperwork went smoothly...
Looking forward to assisting my client setup the hair salon...Congrats Frances

Catch me on the web @ Raj Bajwa

Promo - Sell Your Home....and save

Attention Home Sellers...Attention Please
- Commission savings are back....and better than ever
- Sell your home for as low as 2% total commission
- Save even more when you sell AND buy

Services:
- FREE Home Evaluation
- FREE Pre-listing Inspection
- FREE Home Staging Consultation
- FREE Home Cleaning
- FREE Home Comfort Plan
- FREE Air Miles Rewards
- EXTENSIVE market exposure through

• MLS
• Colour Flyers/Postcards
• Magazine/Newspaper/Internet Adverts
• Century21.ca
• Sprinkled with plenty of good old legwork + hard work
  

Call me for the nitty gritty details....Catch me on the web @ Raj Bajwa

Realty Corner - Multiple Offers are BACK

Thinking of selling your home?...Here is what is happening:
- Buyers are searching frantically to buy homes
- Mortgage rates remain low and affordability at an all time high
- Very low inventory of homes on the market
...all of above are generating multiple offers on a lot of properties with homes selling well above the asking price.

Since mid-August, I have no put in 10 offers, with 8 going as multiples...winning a grand total of 2...Last night brought on another multiple offer situation with my client and I ending up with the winning bid...

Thinking of selling your home?...Call me today...

Catch me on the web @ Raj Bajwa

Tweet Tweet

Never though of linking my blog to my Twitter account.

The light bulb has clicked so add me as:

Agent Raj or AgentRaj

Tweet to you soon....

Also, catch me on the web @ Raj Bajwa

Realty Corner - Bring your offer...and yours....and yours....and yours...

Wow...that sums up my clients and my experience in the last 2 months...

I have put in total of 9 offers since mid August...7 of them have been multiple offers with at least 3 other bidders....Homes have sold for up to 50k above the listing price in Mississauga and Vaughan...The real estate market is sizzling hot and shows no signs of letting done anytime soon...

A lot of listing agents are accepting offers only after the property has been on the market for a few days....that is creating a frenzy amongst Buyers who have been patiently waiting since last year to buy and would like to take advantage of still historical low mortgage rates...

It is a GREAT time to buy...and an even better time to SELL...

To list and sell your home, catch me on the web @ Raj Bajwa

Late post apology

I apologize to all for being absent from my blog for almost 2 months....

The 2 months have been busy as never before but that still does not excuse me from not updating the blog....

I hope and promise to update this blog as often as I can....

Meanwhile, catch me on the web @ Raj Bajwa

Market Watch - July 2009

Record sales reported in GTA...
...The real estate market seems to be picking up steam...
The Buyers are recognizing that:

• there is a great selection of affordable homes available
• mortgage rates are still low, even with the increases in last couple of months
• longer amotization is increasing affordability
• markets are reporting encouraging news globally

Read the details at MARKET WATCH...

Catch me on the web @ Raj Bajwa

Investor Corner - Metro Place Condos

Metro Place Condo will transform the Allen / Sheppard block...
Here are some of the highlights of this upcoming vibrant 4 tower condo community:

• Adjacent to 572 acre Downsview Park
• Minutes to Yorkdale Mall
• TTC bus service at door steps
• Opposite Downsview TTC Subway
• 5 mins to Highway 401
• Club Liberty (5200 Sqft) fitness and relaxation facility
• Indoor pool, whirlpool, weight room, steam/sauna, guest suite
• Knowledgeable and courteous sales service (Thanks Nikki)
  

How about saving $23k - $24K in buying a suite?...Here are the steps

1. On the spot $20,000 discount on the 2bed+2bath UNION model (limited time) in M2 (Building Two)
   
2. Additional $3000-$4000 in savings @ closing
   

Go Ahead...its YOUR call

Catch me on the web @ Raj Bajwa

Promo - First Time Door Knocking

Nice sunny warm day + lot of people home = good door knocking day...

Door Hangers flyers went out a week ago...Time to follow up with door knocking...

No listings on Day 1 but had interesting conversations with a few home owners regarding their properties, their area, real estate market, and future trends....

And no, I did not try the "last resort" technique....

Catch me on web @ Raj Bajwa

Promo - Door Hangers

The door hangers are finally being distributed...
Must start the door2door right after the second delivery in few days...

Find me on the web @ Raj Bajwa

Mortgage Corner - Rates Moving Up

Looking to buy a home in next 3-4 months? Looking to get long term fixed mortgage?
Then I hope you have your mortgage pre-approved because rates for longer term fixed mortgages are going up....

The rate increase is related to the increase in the bank's borrowing costs....

Read the detailed story in the The Star...

For all real estate matters, contact RAJ...

ALERT: Open House Thefts

The homeowner places his trust in the Realtor to hold an open house...The Realtor in turn trusts the visitors to see the home and provide feedback...But can you really trust the visitors that are strangers to both the home owner and the Realtor?

A mother of two kids has been charged with stealing during open houses, held by Realtors, using her children as a distraction. Stories like this are not uncommon.

Homeowners must always lock away valuables during home showings and open houses. The Realtors always try their best to keep the visitors in check but it can be impossible if there are a large number of visitors at once.

Read the entire article in the Toronto Star.

Realty Corner - Please Start The Bidding...

Real estate markets are showing signs of life again...Multiple offers are showing up here and there...Buyers are calling and looking for "great deals"...Buyers seem ready to take advantage of:

1. affordable prices
2. great selection of homes and
   
3. historically low mortgage rates...

Take THAT recession...Here is a great story in the Toronto Star...

Contact Raj to start your "Dream Home" search...

Promo - Door Hangers

Finally the brochures are getting printed tomorrow....and distribution starts by this weekend...
Here is the final design:

Promo - Door Hangers

Time to put the marketing into high gear...
I am working on a door hanger brochure aimed at Sellers...
I will post it here once the design is finalized...
Hope to start distribution by next week...

In the meanwhile, find me on web @ Raj Bajwa

Mortgage Corner - Rate Cuts

Bank of Canada lowered its lending rate to 0.25% followed by most major banks slashing their prime rates to 2.25%.

The rate cut benefits many products such as line of credit and variable rate mortgages but it also limits the future rate flexibility of the Bank of Canada.

Read all about it here:
Toronto Star
The Globe and Mail
The National Post
Bank of Canada

For all your real estate needs and queries, contact Raj

Realty Corner - First Time Buyers

Holding off buying that first home?
Tired of renting a crowded apartment or basement?

First Time Buyers should definitely take advantage of:

• Great selection of affordable homes
• Historically low mortgage rates
• Flexible amortization periods (25 to 35 years)
• Monthly payments possibly lower than renting
• Building affordable equity

Here is a Toronto Star article aimed at First Time Buyers

Call RAJ to start your home search

Realty Corner - Myth Debunked

How often do you hear that:
- 10% of the real estate agents do 90% of the deals...or
- 20% of the real estate agents do 80% of the deals...

I have always wondered where these stats come from. Everyone I ask has never seen such a case study based on research but all have heard it from other "experienced agents"....

Finally, we have Leon d’Ancona's Debunking the 10/90 myth article on REM using actual research to argue the 10/90 myth...

Enjoy...

Power of Sale - Brampton (SOLD April 08/09)

GRRRRREAT Power of Sale opportunity....

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3
Kitchen: 1
Air Cond: Yes
Fireplace: Yes
- Gorgeous DETACHED home in great area
- Close to schools, shopping plazas, major highways

Call Raj for a personal viewing...

Update: April 08/09
- 16 offers registered on this house
- Property sold for $16,000 above list price...

Realty Corner - Surge in U.S. Housing

In U.S., new homes and apartments construction rose by 22.2% in February

Absolutely great news...Cheers all around

Read the full articles @
The Toronto Star
The Globe and Mail

Toronto - Vibrant as ever

I went downtown Toronto last night...and again this morning

Toronto offers a unique blend of amazing restaurants/sightseeing destinations/shopping/bars/lounges/the "coastline" along Lake Ontario.

The construction boom has given downtown Toronto an amazing selection of beautiful condominium buildings, each with a unique architecture.

This morning, I showed suites in the "Montage" (25 Telegram Mews) and 231 Royal York Blvd. Both are exceptionally well maintained condominium buildings with great suite layouts and panoramic views of Toronto and Lake Ontario...Offer is on the way.

I say Get Out...to Toronto downtown and enjoy all that Toronto has to offer.

Realty Corner - Buyers

GREAT start to the weekend...

Three presentations in 2 days...all successful...so far
- Client A needs to lease a Condo downtown Toronto...showings tomorrow
- Client B and C need homes in Brampton...showings through next week

The fantastic selection of affordable homes combined with low, low mortgage rates is very attractive to prospective Buyers

Time to get the DREAM home..now

Mortgage Corner - Rate Cuts

Major banks have announced lowered rates on various mortgage products. It is a great time to:

• Get Pre-approved if looking for a new home
• Get Approved if you just found your dream home
• Renew if your mortgage is up for renewal
  
• Lock in if you want to convert to a fixed rate mortgage
• Finance your investment property
  

For all your real estate needs and queries, please contact Raj Bajwa

For all your mortgage needs and queries, please consult your mortgage specialist or contact:
Wilson D'Souza
Mortgage Specialist, BMO
905.670.2413 | wilson.dsouza@bmo.com

Promo - Family/Friends

Great day today
Like most of other marketers, I sometimes forget that family and friends can be a great source of business leads.

Family/Friends always seem to know someone how wants to buy or sell a house or a business...and they are always willing to put in a good word for you. This certainly beats all other types of marketing efforts.

Now where did I put the phone book with everyone's phone numbers...

Market Watch - March 2009

Buyers rejoice...Sellers join the party

GTA Average Home Prices Down...GTA Median Home Prices Down...Mortgage Interests At Historical Low..

In keeping with rest of the country, Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate sales are also down compared to 2008. Even with the downturn, there is some good news for Buyers...and possibly Sellers. Here are some key points to note:

1. Average Home Price in GTA
Feb 2008: $382, 048
Feb2009: $361, 305
- Change of almost $21, 000 in one year resulting in GTA homes becoming much more affordable with lower prices than 2008

2. Median Home Price in GTA
Feb 2008: $324, 000
Feb 2009: $312, 900
- Change of over $11, 000 in one year resulting in more houses being available in lower price range than 2008

3. Mortgage Rates
Spring 2008: 5 year fixed @ 5.80% (approx)
Feb 2009: 5 year fixed @ 4.00% (approx)
- Change of almost 1.80% in one year results in lower monthly payments increasing home affordability. e.g. $250, 000 mortgage:
@ 5.80% would have monthly payment of approx $1570
@ 4.00% would have monthly payment of approx $1315
@ 4.00% would have monthly payment of approx $1102 with 35 year amortization
- That represents savings of approx $255 to $470 per month

Sellers can also take advantage of market conditions if upgrading their home. Sellers' current home might not fetch the 2008 prices but their next home will also be that much more affordable to buy and finance. For the same reasons, Sellers' current home has also become that much more affordable for the potential Buyer.

Great selection of affordable homes, record low mortgage rates, optional longer amortization periods, and various programs (Genworth, CHMC) can make YOUR dream home come true...sooner.

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board, Market Focus Feb 09

Mortgage Corner - Wilson D'Souza

Wilson D'Souza
Mortgage Specialist, BMO
905.670.2413 | wilson.dsouza@bmo.com

- I met Wilson today at Century21 Green Realty office. Wilson has teamed up with Genworth Financial Canada to provide a wealth of financing programs and options to home buyers. Some of the services offered are:

• Pre-approval
  
• Mortgages
• Re-financing
• Educating on government programs for First Time Home Buyers
• "New To Canada" product for First Time Home Buyers who have been in Canada for less than 3 years
• Home Buyer Privileges Program with Genworth
• Home Owners Assistance Program with Genworth
  

Please contact Wilson for more details and qualification criteria for above listed programs and many other programs available to YOU..The Home Buyer.

- I look forward to working with Wilson in helping my clients finance and protect their dream home.

Seminar - Real Estate Fraud

Speaker: Peter Themos from Genworth Financial Canada
Location: Century 21 Green Realty office in Mississauga

Peter has been in the financial industry for over 10 years. Peter's vast experience and knowledge helped make the seminar informative and interactive while supported with real life fraud examples.

Seminar Highlights:
1. Cost of Canadian Mortgage Fraud

• 1999 - $73 Million
• 2000 - $75 Million
• 2001 - $300 Million
• 2008 - $1.5 Billion

2. Common types of frauds

• Straw borrowers
• Flipping the property
• Oklahoma scheme
• Churning
• Covenant take over
• Equity skimming
  

3. Consequences

• Personal property seized
• Legal bills and fines
• Jail time
• Lose professional license
• Loss of REPUTATION
  

We, as real estate salesperson and brokers, must be forever vigilant in detecting and reporting any suspicious activity during a transaction to help prevent fraud.

GREAT seminar Peter...I hope Peter returns with more educational seminars related to real estate industry.

Promo - Video

Promo - Flyers

Marketing flyers are all ready to go...as soon a it warms up a bit
...The design should bring a few chuckles...and hopefully many clients

Power of Sale - Brampton

Busy Busy Busy day today...
Synergy advert (Page 14) came out over the weekend...
11 calls for a Power of Sale listings in Brampton which Sold Conditional 2 days ago...
Whoever said houses aren't selling!!!

Cold busy day

-26 degree today with windchill...and I have two showings in the evening

Self Marketing

I have established myself in the real estate business so far solely by word of mouth marketing and referrals. As I look beyond those two means to generate even more business, few marketing ideas come to mind:

- Flyers (too cold to deliver now... -15 Celcius tonight)
- Door2door (Again, too cold for now)
- Family and Friends (always reminding them of handsome referral fees)
- Website (under construction for launch in April 2009)
- Blogging (Just started)
- Social Media (already on Facebook, MySpace, Linkedin...please add me as rajsbajwa@gmail.com)

I will focus on Social Media and Blogging until the weather gets a bit better.

Any other auggestions?

First entry

Hello World