Homes Around London

A Whole New Way to do Real Estate

2011-04-27T15:20:00.000-04:00

Gary, Sharron and Barb - the members of "Team McMillan" are really excited by some news we would like to pass on to our friends, clients and customers.

On April 5 of this year, we opened our brand new company Assist-2-Sell Homes Around London Realty. We are still in the same location, serving the London and area real estate market in much the same way as before, with one very notable difference! And that difference is that we are now in a position to offer the public the chance to save several thousands of dollars when offering their property for sale.

The process began almost a year ago as we analysed and discussed the changes we felt were coming to the real estate industry, and more in particular, to the subject of commissions. We investigated, talked to a number of brokers and other business professionals, considered several options and finally decided to join the Assist-2-Sell network which is the largest full service discount real estate company in North America. This move allows us the opportunity to be more flexible when it comes to the fees we charge.

Many Canadians will not be familiar with the name, but we aim to change that. New to this area of Canada, Assist-2-Sell offers the best of both worlds to the consumer, while at the same time continuing to give our clients full real estate services, but at a reduced price.

All this does not mean that Buyers are overlooked though! Home buyers are still welcome and we offer them the same dedicated service as usual.

We would be happy to answer any questions you might have, whether or not the sale of your home is in the future. In the meantime, we would also welcome the opportunity to pass on our new program to your friends and realtives. Give us a call at the same old number 519-268-8304. We'd love to hear from you!

Living in the London Area

2011-04-12T18:23:00.007-04:00

Whether you choose the City of London and one of it’s many fine neighborhoods, or the Villages of Dorchester, Belmont, Thorndale and Thamesford, you’ve come to the right place. London will offer you everything from shopping to fine dining, hockey to opera and endless parks and recreational venues.

Want to be close to the action, but a little removed? Come explore our lovely villages, such as Dorchester or Belmont. You’ll love what each of these special communities offer today’s homeowner. Be as busy or as relaxed as you like, knowing you are just minutes from the City. For more information on living the London area neighbourhoods, please visit:

City of London

Best Places to Live

Thank you,
Team Assist-2-Sell

LUCKY LONDON!

2011-04-12T18:23:00.003-04:00

According to just-released data from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), the London area continues to boast great value for home buyers. On average, based on figures from December of 2010, the price of a re-sale home in this area is about $228,000, much less than some of our neighbors. Kitchener-Waterloo posted an average sale price of $320,957, Hamilton at $341,983 and in our furthest neighbor– Toronto is well above us at $443,863.

So if you are a buyer anywhere in the London area, be assured that we have nowhere to go but up and that housing continues to be a very good deal here. And for all your buying needs, or even just your questions, Team Assist-2-Sell is just a call away.

Some Home Up-grades Just Don’t Pay!!

2011-04-12T18:22:00.007-04:00

Planning to make a move in the New Year? Market conditions are changing and it’s likely to be highly competitive out there. If part of your plan is to complete some up-grades on your home, be careful about which ones you choose and just as important, how much you spend. Overdoing improvements in what’s turning out to be a buyer’s market won’t likely reap the rewards you are hoping for.

So you ask, which ones pay and which ones don’t? Most commonly, kitchens and bathrooms net the most return on your investment, followed by energy saving improvements, including windows and doors. That being said, maybe the changes you are planning won’t be worth the money spent. Instead, the following might be better advice.

1. Know Your Own Market Area: If you want to go for a full home make over, you better make sure that your finished product will not put your home in the “over-improved” (translation: over-priced) category. Exceeding what homes might generally sell for in your neighbourhood is sure to guarantee you a long time on the market or offers considerably below asking. And if you do sell, you are very likely to lose your investment. So consider wisely!! Talk to your agent about what you plan to do and seek his/her advice before beginning any renovations.

2. Thinking about adding a back-yard pool? You might want to think again. In many cases, you’re unlikey to re-coup your investment. Why? Because in-ground pools cost thousands of dollars to install and many people don’t like them because of safety concerns for young children and maintenance costs. You take the chance of waiting for a buyer wanting to buy a home with a pool, rather than installing one themselves and even then they are unlikely to pay you back.

3. Re-consider making extra space in your home by eliminating the garage and making it a family room. If it makes you the only one on the block without a garage, it will hurt your chances of a sale. A place to park the car or having storage far outweighs the family room.

4. Now is not the time to experiment with colours and decor! While beige might be boring, beige sells because the next owner has the freedom, at low cost, to make his own improvements. And while you are at it, put those personal extras in a box and take them with you to your next home. Simple and un-cluttered is better and you will reap the rewards.

Mortgage Financing Up-date

2011-04-12T18:22:00.004-04:00

A recent announcement by the Federal Government concerning recent changes to home financing have caused a little bit of confusion. Two parts of the rule changes announced concern the “re-financing” of your existing home and these take effect on March 18, 2011.

It is important to note that home purchases can still be made for as little as 5% down, so nothing has changed there. Now you can breathe a little easier as a home buyer!

The other good news today is that the Bank of Canada has NOT changed it’s lending rates, which is very good news to consumers these days. As ever, we are here to help. Feel free to contact us at any time.

New Mortgage Rules for Canadian Home Buyers

2011-04-12T18:21:00.002-04:00

Government today announced three home loan financing changes designed to address concerns about increasing levels of household debt. To read the Government’s announcement, please click on here.

First, the government will reduce the maximum mortgage amortization period from 35 to 30 years.

Second, the maximum amount of the value of a home that can be re-financed will drop from 90 per cent to 85 per cent.

And finally, government insurance will no longer be available to financial institutions wishing to insure home equity lines of credit.

Together, these three measures are designed to ensure homebuyers invest responsibly in home ownership and don’t risk their financial security by buying too much home for their income or the country’s economic circumstance.

It is important to note, the government did not increase the minimum downpayment, which was under consideration. And the reduction of five years to the amortization period is understood, given there was a possibility of a larger reduction.

The Canadian Real Estate Asoociation (CREA) recognizes the government is trying to take reasonable and responsible action with respect to household debt, but urges the government to refrain from additional measures until it can fully evaluate and assess the impact of today’s announcement.

For more information about buying a home in today’s market, please contact us at any time. We’re here to help!