With average property values of less than half the national average, as well as 100 miles of waterfront property, Windsor and Essex County is becoming a leading retirement destination. The Windsor Essex County Real Estate Board has formed the Retire Here Web Site to promote the advantages of relocating and retiring in Windsor and Essex County. REASONS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER RELOCATING TO WINDSOR ONTARIO FOR YOUR RETIREMENT YEARS. •1.       COST OF...

Source Globe and Mail The country’s biggest banks were caught off guard on Wednesday night as the Department of Finance prepared to clamp down on mortgages by reducing the maximum amortization for a government-insured mortgage to 25 years from 30. Ottawa will also limit the amount of equity that can be borrowed against a home to 80 per cent of the property’s value, down from 85 per cent. The moves are designed to cool the housing market and...

Expansion of the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) To provide first-time homebuyers with greater access to their RRSP savings to purchase or build a home, the Government of Canada has increased the Home Buyers’ Plan withdrawal limit to $25,000 from $20,000 per person for withdrawals made after January 27, 2009. To obtain more information on the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit and the Home Buyers’ Plan, call 1-800-O-Canada or visit the Canada...

http://www.mpac.ca/pages_english/pdf/request_for_reconsideration.pdf If you don’t agree withyour Assessment Please review your Notice carefully to make sure the information is correct. If a factual error has been made, we will correct it. 1. Ask MPAC to Review your Assessment through a Request for Reconsideration (RfR) If you feel your assessed value as of the legislated valuation date or property classification is not correct, we will review...

One of the first steps when buying a home is getting pre-qualified for a mortgage.  It is important to understand how much of a mortgage you can afford before you begin searching for a home. I work with a selected group of mortgage professionals who are specially qualified to assist you in this area. If you would like to receive the latest rates, and meet with a mortgage professional, please contact me. The following links are also helpful, if...

Fire Safety and Prevention in Windsor Essex Fire Prevention Tips Do not plug too many appliances into an electrical outlet. Make sure that combustibles are not too close to heaters, stoves and fireplaces. Never smoke in bed, or leave a burning cigarette in an ashtray. Do not use damaged or frayed electrical cords or extension cords. Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children. Teach your children about the dangers of playing with...

Pricing Your Home in Windsor Essex “A well priced home is essential.” In many cases homes sell for a price which falls far short of the original asking price.   Listing a home at an unrealistically high level, is usually not a good idea if you are serious about a sale.  Many people only look at new listings and assume something must be wrong with a home if it has been listed for a long period of time. On average homes sell within...

Saving Energy in a Windsor Essex Home A large portion of that energy is wasted in the majority of Homes. If you use efficient measures, you can reduce your energy bills by 10% to 50% and, at the same time, help reduce air pollution. An energy efficiency plan for the whole house is key Keep in mind that  heating systems include not just a furnace, but the heat delivery system. A top of the line furnace in ineffective without a proper...