Steve HudsonSales Representative

RE/MAXFirst Realty Ltd., Brokerage1154 Kingston RoadPickering, ON Liv 1B4

Office:Direct:Fax:Email:Web:

905-831-3300905-420-6222905-831-8147steve@stevehudson.cawww.stevehudson.ca

Greetings! You're receiving thisnewsletter with hopes that you findit informative and entertaining.

If you're thinking of making a move,or are just curious as to real estatetrends in your area, please feel freeto call at any time. It's always goodto hear from you!

All the best,

steoe. Hudson.

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Each office is independently owned and operated.

On Track to a Stabilized Housing MarketAs people return from summer vacation and look ahead to the fallhousing market, they'll be greeted with positive news: A recentCanada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) report confirmedthat housing starts are forecast to stabilize in 2011and 2012.

"Modest economic growth, inconjunction with relatively lowmortgage rates, will continue tosupport demand for new homes in2011 and 2012. Nonetheless, weare expecting new and existinghousing markets to fall in line If you're thinking of putting yourwith demographic fundamentals, home on the market, you'll wanta cha ges to monaace.rules.. t=ofind out specifics about the

--I------------------+-+----"'-'''--''"-'M.LL realestateclima e In your area,take hold," said Bob Dugan, ChiefEconomist for CMHC. and what you can do to ensure

the highest sales price for yourExisting home sales are expected property. Similarly, if you're lookingto be in the range of 429,500 to to buy, you'll need information on480,000 units in 2011, while the what's coming up for sale in yourCMHC expects MLS'"sales to move area of interest.up in 2012, to somewhere in therange of 410,000 to 511,900 units.

The average MLS®price is expectedto experience an overall increase

this year, although as the existinghome market balances out nextyear in 2012, growth in the averageMLS'" price in 2012 is expected tobe more modest than in 2011.

The first step to a successfulproperty transaction sta rts with aphone call. Please call to talk aboutyour unique real estate needs, today!

THE GREAT OUTDOORSWith its brilliant hues, intricate patterns and variedtextures, nature is an ideal source from which to drawinspiration. We have such a profound connection to oursurroundings that it makes perfect sense to bring someof the outdoors in. Do you love spending time at thebeach? Think marine blues and greens, nautical stripes,and driftwood sculptures. Feel more at home roughing itin the wild? Think hard woods, stone and earth tones.

A PAGE FROM HISTORYDifferent historical periods are indelibly associated withcertain aesthetic looks. So, if there's a particular periodthat fascinates you, why not revive it at home? Take theArt Deco style of the early 20th century, for example.You can recreate it with a color palette of black, white,cream, beige and pastel accents. Black lacquer cabinets,mirrored accents, chrome hardware, wood furniture, andglass tabletops help complete the look.

MODEL PERFECTModel homes are an excellent source of ideas becausethey're decorated by professionals - professionals whoare up on the latest trends, who know how to makespaces seem bigger than they are, and how to highlighta home's best features, for example. Why not bring yourcamera along and take pictures for later reference?

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN?Do you have a hobby that might lend itself to adecor theme? For book lovers, there are book-themed

wallpaper borders, fabrics, and even furniture. Are youa wine enthusiast? Think rich burgundy curtains, wine-themed artwork, and vine-like patterns on fabric or inmetalwork. The great thing about taking your inspirationfrom something so personal is it makes for a decor that'struly reflective of who you are.

IN THE MEDIANever have there been so many N shows devoted tohome decor - there are even entire networks dedicatedto the topic. But. while these shows are entertaining,they're less practical than looking to magazines andcatalogues for ideas, as you can rip pages out and takethem with you as reference while shopping. And, withcatalogues, you'll know exactly where to buy what youlike; similarly, magazines often indicate where featureditems can be bought.

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Volume 7, Issue 8 3

Going LocalYou may have heard the adage that "every

market is different." But do you know why?

Here's a look at just a few of the many factors

that make every real estate market unique.

• Demographics. Which kinds of properties are - andwill be - in demand in any particular market? Thatde ends, in art, on its demogra hic characteristicssuch as age, income, family size, growth rate, andmigration patterns. For example, if retirees are flockingto a particular area, demand for condos there mightincrease. And as demand increases, so will prices.

• Inventory. Th is is relative to the supply side of theequation; that is, how many properties are availablefor purchase? The answer differs between markets, dueto factors like housing starts, for example. Whether aparticular community is experiencing a buyer's marketor a seller's market largely depends on inventory levels.

• The job market. Back to the demand side of theequation, is the local job base growing or shrinking?In markets experiencing job growth, demand forhousing tends to be higher and, in turn, property valuesincrease. Conversely, if a major local employer closesits doors, for example, the demand for and value ofproperties may decline.

Real estate sales representatives are experts on theirlocal markets - they know who a particular market'sbuyers are, and what those buyers want; they knowhow much local inventory is available; and they'reknowledgeable about the economic factors thatinfluence property values. Whether you're a buyer ora seller, this information is critical to your pricing andnegotiating strategy.

The more risky of two scenarios is that you're closingQ n Jhe.purchase.of.zour new.h cme.some.time.hefnrc.; __ 1

closing on the sale of your old one, and you'll besaddled with two mortgages. If you can't finance themboth on your own or with help from family, talk to alending consultant before you put your current homeon the market - you may be able to borrow againstthe equity in your old home in order to finance thepurchase of your new one.

Mind the GapIdeally, you'd always be able to coordinate your

closings so that you sell one home and buy the

next on the same day. But things don't always

go so smoothly. So what do you do when your

closings don't line up?

The less risky possibility is that you're closing on yourcurrent home before your new one, in which caseyou'll be homeless for a time. One option is a rent-backprovision, which allows you to rent your recently soldhome from its new owners; this strategy will limit yourpool of buyers to those who don't require immediateoccupancy, however. In any case, you'll need to findtemporary accommodations, not just for you but foryour belongings and any pets you may have as well.

However you choose to bridge the gap between yourtwo closings, plan ahead and don't forget to account forthe added expenses (e.g., borrowing money; arrangingshort-term accommodations) as you organize andbudget for your move.

r'\ MIX" ",J Paper fromFse responsible sources

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The information and opinions contained in this newsletter are obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but their accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The publishers assume no responsibility for errors and omissions or for any damages resulting from the use of the publishedinformation. This newsletter is provided with the understanding that it does not render legal, accounting, or other professional advice. Not intended to solicit properties or businesses listed for sale and agency agreements in place with other real estate brokers. Whole orpartial reproduction of this newsletter is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. c Market Connections lnc.e 2011, Phone: (800) 387-6058.

If you're considering doing any major outdoor renovationsthis summer, remember: some projects are better bets thanothers in terms of recouping expenses when you sell yourhouse. While the following home features look great, theymight not provide you with the return on investment youmay expect.

• Pools. A pool can either clinch a sale, or lower yourhome's value. Why? The upkeep and expense could bea turnoff to some potential buyers, while buyers withchildren may view a pool as a liability, an accidentwaiting to happen. As a condition of purchase, somebuyers even request pools be filled in.

• Sophisticated landscaping. Like pools,overly elaboratelandscaping requires upkeep that can be time consumingand expensive.You may have a green thumb, but buyerswhodon't may be so intimidated by the idea of the work involvedthat they won't even want to seethe inside of your house.

• Garage additions. To build a garage requires a foundation,walls, a roof, which is a relatively high expense, much ofwhich won't likely be recouped - many buyers expectgarages and typically aren't willing to pay extra for them.On an.existinq.qaraqehowever; new doors --perhaps withglass inserts - offer a high rate of return.

• A sunroom. A bright benefit to some; a waste of space -space that needs to be heated and cooled - to others.

The point here is not to discourage you from doing any ofthese projects, rather, it's to get you thinking about yourmotivation for doing them. If your motivation is increasedenjoyment of your house, great! If it's solely to boost yourhome's value, you might want to think twice.

Terminology TipAmortization Schedule - Set up as

a table detailing each periodic payment

on a loan, an amortization schedule isI'==~=""!

a handy tool that shows you when yourmortgage will be paid off. Initially, themajority of each payment is allocated

to interest; toward the end of thetable, the majority is allocated to the

principal, gradually decreasing the loanbalance until there's nothing left to pay.

Compliments of Steve Hudson RElMAX First Realty Ltd., Brokerage

whether you- are buyinj or seLLiltj tV houce; I aJ1.V here. toassist:you- and your family witIr: all your real- estaie: needs.Piease-fed fr~ to call nee.wiJJv aI1f 1UMtioJU. I Look

foylAJttYd to spea/dltj wiJJvyoU/.

Steve HudsonSales Representative

Office:905-831-3300

Fax:905-831-8147

steoe- HucUOfVEmail:

steve@stevehudson.ca

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