Friday, December 28, 2012

5 Things you need to know before selling your Home

You are planning on selling probably your single biggest asset and perhaps moving up or moving into something manageable, either way, you want to get the most for your house. 

1. First of all you need to know what is your house worth. 
2. Declutter - I am sure you have lots that you have accumulated over the years that you can get rid off. Perhaps a garage sale
3. A REALTOR - Do yourself a favour and choose a REALTOR who does it, perhaps full time, for a living. Guaranteed REALTORs sell more houses than you ever will and the commission is worth it. For every $1000 that a REALTOR will get extra for your house, you get to keep $950 and the REALTOR only takes $50. Even that is split in to two (for the listing and the selling REALTOR). 
4. Depersonalize your home - It is simple to do. It should look like a hotel room.
5. Motivation - Do you really need to sell or want to sell? If yes, then do everything accordingly including pricing it at the optimum price.

Jagdeep Singh, B. Arch.
Real Estate Broker
Direct Tel: 647-287-4644
Direct Fax: 866-450-9199

Formally educated as an Architect, Jagdeep Singh is Toronto REALTOR™ consulting on both resale real estate and new developments. Powerful Local Focus on Real Estate with a Global Perspective™
This post is for information purposes only. Though effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the reader is advised to verify the information independently. This post may contain contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. The reader is not allowed to reproduce it in any medium without the author’s prior written permission. Jagdeep Singh is a broker with Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd., brokerage (416) 798-7133 which is independently owned and operated. This message is not intended to solicit parties currently under contract.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

5 Tips to Hiring a Contractor

1. Check credentials and complaints.
2. Be thorough with references.
3. Beware of low bidders.
4. Get everything in writing.
5. Don't pay too soon.


Jagdeep Singh, B. Arch.
Real Estate Broker
Direct Tel: 647-287-4644
Direct Fax: 866-450-9199

Formally educated as an Architect, Jagdeep Singh is Toronto REALTOR™ consulting on both resale real estate and new developments. Powerful Local Focus on Real Estate with a Global Perspective™
This post is for information purposes only. Though effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the reader is advised to verify the information independently. This post may contain contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. The reader is not allowed to reproduce it in any medium without the author’s prior written permission. Jagdeep Singh is a broker with Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd., brokerage (416) 798-7133 which is independently owned and operated. This message is not intended to solicit parties currently under contract.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Positive Thinking

Aren't we all guilty of misusing and abusing the single most important asset we will ever have? Our mind can be defined as “the human consciousness that originates in the brain and is manifested especially in thought, perception, emotion, will, memory and imagination.”

If you need a simpler and more practical definition, it is “the faculty of thinking, reasoning, and applying knowledge.” Why, then, is it the most abused and misused asset man possesses?

One of the most enlightening and inspiring books I have ever read is “As a man thinketh” by James Allen. In this book he compares the mind to a garden. He says: “A man’s mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild; but whether cultivated or neglected, it must and will bring forth. If no useful seeds are put into it, then an abundance of useless weed-seeds will fall therein, and will continue to produce their kind.”

Whatever is planted in that garden is what will be reaped. Just as you cannot plant corn and reap oranges, so you cannot plant destructive thoughts and reap a happy and successful life. If you plant positive thoughts you will reap positive results. Plant negative thoughts and you will reap negative results. Neglect to plant anything at all and the weeds will inevitably take over.

Positive thinking - it's all in Your Control

There is a reason why a lot of people don’t believe in positive thinking. It is simply that they do not want to face the fact that their lives are totally in their own hands. Believing in positive thinking would mean that they cannot blame their lack of education, their parents, teacher or spouse for their failures.

It is much easier to think there is some force out there called “destiny” that is just against you and takes pleasure in seeing you suffer. We would be so much better off if we didn't have anyone else to blame. 

Choose your response

I am not saying that bad things don’t happen in life. Sometimes they do happen. However, your response to what happens to you, whether good or bad, is your choice. Here is my favourite equation: E X R = O where E is Event, R is Reaction and O is Outcome. Event is something we can't always control. We can however control the R, which is our reaction. And by applying the appropriate R factor, we become in control of the outcome. It really is that simple. 

Positive thinking: Feed your Mind Right

Your mind will work just as hard to make you fail as it will to make you succeed. It does not discriminate between good seed and bad seed. That should be great news. The amount of effort it takes to fail is the same amount of effort it takes to succeed as far as the mind is concerned. It is your responsibility to provide it with the right seeds of thought.

How do you change your negative thoughts into positive thoughts? It has taken years, if not decades for some of us to develop the negative thought patterns that we may have. So it would be absolutely impractical to expect to change these thought patterns overnight. Like the gardener who takes tender care of his garden, slowly weeding out the unwanted plants and giving care and nurturing to the desired plants, we must get rid of the negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones.

We cannot simply decide that you will stop thinking negatively. The mind cannot be a vacuum. Something has to be there. So we have to start thinking positive. It should be a process of replacement of the negative with the positive.

The Power of Association

By far the best way to change your mind set is to associate with other great minds. The saying “show me your friends and I will show you your future” is right on the spot! The company you keep says a lot about who you are and how you think. If you do not have company worth keeping, do not lose heart. This is, after all, the information age. Through books, music, movies and the internet you can have access to the greatest minds that ever lived. Reading in particular has great potential to break the chains on your mind and expand it to greater dimensions.

Take every opportunity you have to read inspiring, uplifting and motivational books that will slowly but surely help you to create a beautiful garden in your mind and weed out the suffocating thoughts that so easily control our lives.

Guard your mind jealously. Stay away from any form of negativity. This includes “good” friends that are a danger to your thinking. You don’t have to read everything in the paper about murder, death and suffering! Don’t join the pity party about how “the economy is tough and you are just barely managing.” Stay positive in all circumstances.

Enjoy the holidays, eat healthy, exercise and stay positive. 


Jagdeep Singh, B. Arch.
Real Estate Broker
Direct Tel: 647-287-4644
Direct Fax: 866-450-9199

Formally educated as an Architect, Jagdeep Singh is Toronto REALTOR™ consulting on both resale real estate and new developments. Powerful Local Focus on Real Estate with a Global Perspective™
This post is for information purposes only. Though effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the reader is advised to verify the information independently. This post may contain contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. The reader is not allowed to reproduce it in any medium without the author’s prior written permission. Jagdeep Singh is a broker with Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd., brokerage (416) 798-7133 which is independently owned and operated. This message is not intended to solicit parties currently under contract.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Quick Tips on Managing Credit

Here are some tips on managing your credit. This is important because, whether you are selling, buying or even renting, credit is an important part of your life. 

  • Check your credit files at least every one to two years to ensure the information is correct. Send a written request to one or both of the two major credit bureaus in Canada: Equifax Canada Inc. or TransUnion Canada Inc.
  • If you question an item on the file, the credit bureau will investigate on your behalf.
  • If an error is found, the credit bureau must correct it. The consumer should present official receipts to the bureau when updating balances.
  • The credit bureau will send copies of the updated file to credit grantors upon request.
  • The credit bureau itself does not refuse loan applications. Financial institutions (i.e. banks and other credit grantors) follow their own systems for deciding whether or not to grant credit.
  • If credit is refused, the consumer is directed to a credit bureau to review the information that contributed to the decision.
Jagdeep Singh, B. Arch.
Real Estate Broker
Direct Tel: 647-287-4644
Direct Fax: 866-450-9199

Formally educated as an Architect, Jagdeep Singh is Toronto REALTOR™ consulting on both resale real estate and new developments. Powerful Local Focus on Real Estate with a Global Perspective™
This post is for information purposes only. Though effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the reader is advised to verify the information independently. This post may contain contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. The reader is not allowed to reproduce it in any medium without the author’s prior written permission. Jagdeep Singh is a broker with Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd., brokerage (416) 798-7133 which is independently owned and operated. This message is not intended to solicit parties currently under contract.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

7 Steps to Buying Real Estate

Whether it is your first or your fifth time, buying real estate is a big decision. Not only because it may be the single largest financial transaction that you will ever do, but also because how the outcomes of that decision will impact the rest of your life and that of your loved ones. Your REALTOR can help you navigate the complexities of selling or buying a property. A REALTOR can anticipate, understand and help you make informed financial decisions. 


Here are the 7 steps to buying real estate. Understand that a REALTOR can help you with all of these. We are trained to do this and most of us do this full time. This is what we do. 


Assess Financial Readiness

Assess your current financial situation including your present household budget and your annual income to determine how much you can qualify for a mortgage.

Consider Mortgage Options

Do not be afraid to negotiate interest rates and mortgage terms with different lenders. As your REALTOR, we can help you do that too. Lenders are offering you a product and talking to more than one lender helps you make an informed decision. Only talking though. Please do yourself a favour and don't go applying everywhere. 


Mortgage Default Insurance

When you buy a home with less than a 20% down payment, the mortgage needs to be insured against default. This type of insurance protects the mortgage lender in case you are not able to make your mortgage payments. It does not protect you.


Research Government Programs

The federal government has assistance programs to help homebuyers. Research government program requirements to see if you are eligible. Government programs can change over time. For the most up-to-date information, refer to Service Canada’s website: www.servicecanada.gc.ca.


Finding the Right Property

Finding your perfect property does not have to be a long process. Based on your needs and goals, your REALTOR® will help identify the right type of property for you. Please make sure that you are brutally honest about what you want. It's like going to a doctor's office. Incorrect description of symptoms (in this case your current situation and goals) will result in misdiagnosis (buying the wrong property under wrong terms) and harm you. Check out www.howrealtorshelp.ca to see how your REALTOR® can make the home buying process easier for you!


Making an Offer

Once you finally find what you need, don't wait or second guess yourself. Just do it.


Closing and Related Costs

Closing costs are the legal, administrative and disbursement fees associated with buying a home. Understanding these fees will help you budget more accurately. Remember these are additional costs over and above the price of the home.


In closing, a properly planned out process with the right professionals will net you more in the long run. Don't lose sight of the big picture and try to do it by yourself. Mostly, it doesn't work out. It's like going to Las Vegas. Once in a while someone will hit the jackpot but the majority will always lose. That is why Las Vegas is still here. You don't have to go at it alone. Get professional help. Get a REALTOR.


Jagdeep Singh, B. Arch.

Real Estate Broker

Direct Tel: 647-287-4644

Direct Fax: 866-450-9199

www.JagdeepSingh.ca

 

Formally educated as an Architect, Jagdeep Singh is Toronto REALTOR™ consulting on both resale real estate and new developments. Powerful Local Focus on Real Estate with a Global Perspective™

This post is for information purposes only. Though effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the reader is advised to verify the information independently. This post may contain contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. The reader is not allowed to reproduce it in any medium without the author’s prior written permission. Jagdeep Singh is a broker with Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd., brokerage (416) 798-7133 which is independently owned and operated. This message is not intended to solicit parties currently under contract.


14903858-businesswoman-reading

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

6 Problems to Fix in Your Home

Problems that you may want to consider fixing in your home.

  1. Air leakage throughout the house.
  2. Effective ventilation to maintain property indoor air quality.
  3. Reduce overheating in summers.
  4. When was the last time you maintained your exterior walls.
  5. Your water tank is probably rented. Get it replaced to lower your heating cost.
  6. Replace problem windows. 


Jagdeep Singh, B. Arch.

Real Estate Broker

Direct Tel: 647-287-4644

Direct Fax: 866-450-9199

www.JagdeepSingh.ca

 

Formally educated as an Architect, Jagdeep Singh is Toronto REALTOR™ consulting on both resale real estate and new developments. Powerful Local Focus on Real Estate with a Global Perspective™

This post is for information purposes only. Though effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the reader is advised to verify the information independently. This post may contain contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. The reader is not allowed to reproduce it in any medium without the author’s prior written permission. Jagdeep Singh is a broker with Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd., brokerage (416) 798-7133 which is independently owned and operated. This message is not intended to solicit parties currently under contract.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Toronto's Christmas Tree

Tree

 

Toronto's magnificent official Christmas tree is sponsored by Great Gulf, a Toronto home and condo builder.  This glittering evergreen is the focal point of the annual lighting display at Nathan Phillips Square, featuring lights and ornaments in various shades of white and silver and carefully wrapped with a light ribbon of holiday red.


Here are some interesting facts about the tree:

  1. The tree arrives on a flatbed truck and is lifted into place with cranes.
  2. It takes a crew of six people three to four hours to put the tree into place.
  3. The tree needs three days to settle before it can be decorated.
  4. A crew of four people will take two weeks to decorate and light the tree.
  5. Countless pieces of large machinery, including a cherry picker, are used to assist the decorating crew in placing each ornament onto the tree.
  6. Unlike an indoor tree, Toronto's Christmas tree does not need watering.
  7. Usually the official tree is 15 to 18 metres tall (50 to 60 feet). During the revitalization of Nathan Phillips Square the tree will be slightly smaller.
  8. The tree remains on display throughout the holiday season and is then recycled.


Jagdeep Singh, B. Arch.

Real Estate Broker

Direct Tel: 647-287-4644

Direct Fax: 866-450-9199

www.JagdeepSingh.ca

 

Formally educated as an Architect, Jagdeep Singh is Toronto REALTOR™ consulting on both resale real estate and new developments. Powerful Local Focus on Real Estate with a Global Perspective™

This post is for information purposes only and is adapted from the City to Toronto website. Though effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the reader is advised to verify the information independently. This post may contain contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. The reader is not allowed to reproduce it in any medium without the author’s prior written permission. Jagdeep Singh is a broker with Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd., brokerage (416) 798-7133 which is independently owned and operated. This message is not intended to solicit parties currently under contract.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

10 tips for effective business writing

We’re bombarded with words, all day, every day—

e-mails, brochures, reports, letters, ads, speeches, articles, PowerPoint presentations and much, much more.


You can’t afford to let your business communications get lost in the crowd—not if you want to inspire your customers to buy, encourage your employees to work harder, or simply invite associates to a business luncheon.


Here are a few ways to make your messages stand out from the pack.


1. Know your audience

It’s an old saying in the advertising business: a message aimed at everyone often appeals to no one.


To communicate effectively, you have to know your readers. Are they familiar with your subject? Are they likely to resist your message? Are they old or young, urban or rural, highly educated or not?


Knowing your readers makes it easier for you to answer everyone’s most pressing question: “What’s in it for me?”


Tip: Picture the typical reader in your mind. Is she an 18-year-old university student in a small New Brunswick town or a 60-year-old executive in Vancouver?


2. Know your message

Before typing a word, decide what you’re trying to achieve. Do you simply want to share information? Do you need to explain a difficult concept? Or do you want to inspire your readers to act? Most importantly, what is your key message?


Tip: Try to boil your message down to an ad-style slogan—for instance, “This product can save your business thousands of dollars a year.”


3. Think like a reporter

When you’re closely involved with a topic, it’s easy to overlook the obvious. For example, it’s astonishing how many websites for hotels and restaurants don’t include one vital piece of information: the address. Make sure your document includes the answers to the Five W’s and an H: who, what, where, when, why and how.


Tip: Show your document to someone outside your department or company and ask whether anything is missing.


4. Banish buzzwords and clichés

Too much business writing these days is stuffed with clichés and over-used buzzwords. What business isn’t “service-oriented”? And if a company isn’t “solutions-focused,” what is it focused on? Creating problems?


Clichés are expressions that come out of nowhere and suddenly seem to be everywhere, to the point that they become almost meaningless. How many times have you read about low-hanging fruit, win-win solutions or pushing the envelope? Do they inspire you—or make you yawn? Thought so.


Tip:  When you detect a cliché, try to come up with a fresher metaphor for the same idea. Instead of “thinking outside the box,” how about “breaking away from the herd”? But don’t work too hard to be clever. Often, simply saying what you mean—“thinking in innovative ways”—is best.


5. Junk the jargon

Every field has its acronyms and technical terms. They’re useful shorthand when every reader knows the lingo. But if you’re writing for people outside your field—which will often include your customers—get rid of the inside slang or you may create confusion.


Tip: If you absolutely can’t avoid using jargon, at least explain it. On a webpage, for instance, you can insert a hyperlink to the definition.


6. Keep it tight

Short sentences, short paragraphs and short documents have a better chance of capturing readers’ attention. That’s particularly true of 

e-mails and other electronic documents because we read more slowly on screen than on paper. Cut the flab to keep your readers.  Here are a few tips.


Delete redundant adjectives. All friends are personal; all innovations are new; all disasters are serious.

Don’t disguise your verbs as verb/noun pairs. Don’t “make a decision” or “carry out an improvement.” Just “decide” or “improve.”

Cut windy phrases. Why say “We are in the process of upgrading our IT systems” when you can simply say “We are upgrading our IT systems”?

Tip: Pretend the document you’re working on is a telegram and every word costs you $10. Edit accordingly.


7. Make it plain and simple

People often skim documents for key information before deciding to read the whole thing. Make it easy for them.


Write a clear subject line for your e-mail (“Read this now” doesn’t cut it) or a clear headline for your article.

Put deadlines and other vital points in bold.

Break up messages with descriptive subheads.

Put lists—like this one—in bullet format.

Make sure the most important information is at the top.

And avoid using $20 words when 20-cent ones will do. Instead of “facilitating ameliorations to our customer service environment,” simply “improve customer service.”


Tip: Try to write the way you speak.


8. Leave the symbols and abbreviations on your phone

When you’re texting your kids, go ahead and use “&” “etc.” “e.g.” and other shorthand. But if you’re writing to impress clients, employees or investors, use full words. It’s simply more professional.


Tip: If you frequently use certain symbols, put a sticky note on your computer monitor reminding yourself to “search and replace” them.


9. Get active

What’s the difference between these two sentences?


Rebates will be provided on all new purchases.

XYZ Corp. will provide rebates on all new purchases.

In the first case, we don’t know who is providing the rebate. In the second, the company is the subject of the sentence.


In grammatical terms, the first sentence is in the passive voice and the second is in the active voice.


OK. But why should you care?


Putting sentences in active voice is a quick way to brighten your writing. Sentences in active voice are often shorter and usually clearer than those in passive voice, and inspire more trust in readers. Everyone wants to know who is doing what.


Tip: Ask yourself, “Who is acting in this sentence?” If that person or organization isn’t in the sentence, add it as the subject of the verb.


10. Proofread

Spell checkers are useful tools, but they’re far from perfect. They’ll rarely alert you when you’ve used an actual word in the wrong context—just ask anyone who has ever invited customers to contact the “sales manger.” Proofread your documents before printing them or hitting “send.”


Tip: Read documents aloud to catch missing words. And if you see one mistake, read the rest of the paragraph particularly closely—typos tend to cluster.



Jagdeep Singh, B. Arch.

Real Estate Broker

Direct Tel: 647-287-4644

Direct Fax: 866-450-9199

www.JagdeepSingh.ca

 

Formally educated as an Architect, Jagdeep Singh is Toronto REALTOR™ consulting on both resale real estate and new developments. Powerful Local Focus on Real Estate with a Global Perspective™

This post is for information purposes only. Though effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the reader is advised to verify the information independently. This post may contain contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. The reader is not allowed to reproduce it in any medium without the author’s prior written permission. Jagdeep Singh is a broker with Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd., brokerage (416) 798-7133 which is independently owned and operated. This message is not intended to solicit parties currently under contract.

3 Benefits to buying a business

Usually there are 2 options: either you work in a job or own a business. For the latter, you can start your own or plan to buy a business. There can be advantages to start your own, however consider the following 3 advantages of getting into a franchise model. 
  1. Benefit from the work that has already been done on building a brand, developing customer relationships, developing business processes and acquiring assets.
  2. Can start bringing in profits more quickly.
  3. Can be easier to get financing because the business model is proven.
In any case, it always helps to discuss with a professional REALTOR the pros and cons of your specific situation and how best to leverage all the options to your advantage. 


Jagdeep Singh, B. Arch.

Real Estate Broker

Direct Tel: 647-287-4644

Direct Fax: 866-450-9199

www.JagdeepSingh.ca

 

Formally educated as an Architect, Jagdeep Singh is Toronto REALTOR™ consulting on both resale real estate and new developments. Powerful Local Focus on Real Estate with a Global Perspective™

This post is for information purposes only. Though effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the reader is advised to verify the information independently. This post may contain contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. The reader is not allowed to reproduce it in any medium without the author’s prior written permission. Jagdeep Singh is a broker with Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd., brokerage (416) 798-7133 which is independently owned and operated. This message is not intended to solicit parties currently under contract.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

20 Safety Questions You Must Ask Yourself

Home-safety35pc

Check for the basics throughout your home. Here is a list to get you started.

  1. Do you have emergency numbers next to the phone?
  2. Is there a stepladder handy?
  3. Are electrical outlets exposed?
  4. Are extension cords frayed? 
  5. Do you check electrical outlets to be sure they’re not overloaded?
  6. Do you know where the circuit breaker or fuse box is?
  7. Do you know how to turn off the electricity and gas in an emergency?
  8. Do you have fresh batteries in the smoke detector and the carbon monoxide detector?
  9. Is your fire extinguisher ready to use? Do you even have one?
  10. Are your floors non-skid?
  11. Are your floor coverings and rugs secure?
  12. Do you have protective screens in front of fireplaces?
  13. Are candles kept away from walls and curtains?
  14. Do interior doors have safety release locks so they can open from either side?
  15. If there are small children in your home, are windows and screens secure?
  16. Is lead-free paint used on all surfaces?
  17. Are furnaces and flues regularly inspected and cleaned?
  18. Does everyone know two ways to exit your home?
  19. With lesser daylight, are the surroundings of your home properly lit?
  20. Is your heating equipment or furnace maintenance up to date?


Jagdeep Singh, B. Arch.

Real Estate Broker

Direct Tel: 647-287-4644

Direct Fax: 866-450-9199

www.JagdeepSingh.ca

 

Formally educated as an Architect, Jagdeep Singh is Toronto REALTOR™ consulting on both resale real estate and new developments. Powerful Local Focus on Real Estate with a Global Perspective™

This post is for information purposes only. Though effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the reader is advised to verify the information independently. This post may contain contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. The reader is not allowed to reproduce it in any medium without the author’s prior written permission. Jagdeep Singh is a broker with Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd., brokerage (416) 798-7133 which is independently owned and operated. This message is not intended to solicit parties currently under contract.

20 Safety Questions You Must Ask Yourself

Home-safety35pc

Check for the basics throughout your home. Here is a list to get you started.

  1. Do you have emergency numbers next to the phone?
  2. Is there a stepladder handy?
  3. Are electrical outlets exposed?
  4. Are extension cords frayed? 
  5. Do you check electrical outlets to be sure they’re not overloaded?
  6. Do you know where the circuit breaker or fuse box is?
  7. Do you know how to turn off the electricity and gas in an emergency?
  8. Do you have fresh batteries in the smoke detector and the carbon monoxide detector?
  9. Is your fire extinguisher ready to use? Do you even have one?
  10. Are your floors non-skid?
  11. Are your floor coverings and rugs secure?
  12. Do you have protective screens in front of fireplaces?
  13. Are candles kept away from walls and curtains?
  14. Do interior doors have safety release locks so they can open from either side?
  15. If there are small children in your home, are windows and screens secure?
  16. Is lead-free paint used on all surfaces?
  17. Are furnaces and flues regularly inspected and cleaned?
  18. Does everyone know two ways to exit your home?
  19. With lesser daylight, are the surroundings of your home properly lit?
  20. Is your heating equipment or furnace maintenance up to date?


Jagdeep Singh, B. Arch.

Real Estate Broker

Direct Tel: 647-287-4644

Direct Fax: 866-450-9199

www.JagdeepSingh.ca

 

Formally educated as an Architect, Jagdeep Singh is Toronto REALTOR™ consulting on both resale real estate and new developments. Powerful Local Focus on Real Estate with a Global Perspective™

This post is for information purposes only. Though effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the reader is advised to verify the information independently. This post may contain contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. The reader is not allowed to reproduce it in any medium without the author’s prior written permission. Jagdeep Singh is a broker with Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd., brokerage (416) 798-7133 which is independently owned and operated. This message is not intended to solicit parties currently under contract.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

10 least expensive Canadian cities to buy a home

Are you feeling that you have been priced out of a home in Greater Toronto Area. If so, here is a list of 10 least expensive cities that you can probably buy in. 


10. Winnipeg

9. Sherbrooke

8. Gatineau

7. Sudbury

6. London & St. Thomas, ON

5. Saguenay

4. Thunder Bay

3. Windsor – Essex

2. Saint John

1. Trois Rivières


Jagdeep Singh, B. Arch.

Real Estate Broker

Direct Tel: 647-287-4644

Direct Fax: 866-450-9199

www.JagdeepSingh.ca

 

Formally educated as an Architect, Jagdeep Singh is Toronto REALTOR™ consulting on both resale real estate and new developments. Powerful Local Focus on Real Estate with a Global Perspective™

This post is for information purposes only. Though effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the reader is advised to verify the information independently. This post may contain contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. The reader is not allowed to reproduce it in any medium without the author’s prior written permission. Jagdeep Singh is a broker with Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd., brokerage (416) 798-7133 which is independently owned and operated. This message is not intended to solicit parties currently under contract.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Six Questions to Ask when buying a Condo?

What is the Standard Unit as per Condo documents? 
Condo documents usually provide for a description of a standard condo unit. If the unit you are contemplating to buy is not the standard unit, i.e. it has been improved or walls have been removed, then you want to make sure that you understand what is and isn't covered as part of the insurance. It is not unsual for owners to convert 3 bedroom units to 2 bedroom units to allow themselves more room. So understanding this becomes important.

Get the scoop on the Reserve Fund 
First, reserve funds requirements vary from province to province, so be sure to check what the provincial stipulations regarding the review of reserve funds are. In Ontario, it is mandated a condo has to undertake a Reserve Fund Study “periodically”, but this can be anywhere between 3-5 years. Make sure the reserve is proportionate to the age of the building – the general rule of thumb is to invest in condos that have a reserve fund comprised of 10% of their operating budget.

Who is the developer? 

It should go without saying, but do due diligence on who’s building your condo. Hot markets bring several developers to the area to start setting up shop, but have they a reliable portfolio?  What is condition of their existing inventory? Which contractors do they work with? The CMHC advises reviewing paperwork such as a disclosure statement, technical audit, and documents regarding bylaws and zones, etc.

Research the company’s financial and legal history

Take a look into the financial and legal history of the developer. Many major markets will have independent bodies that collect research on these kinds of statistics. TARION is a good source. Whether there are lawsuits between condo owner and developer, manufacturer, architect – it pays to get the facts to see what is being contended, and if it could wind up being a deal breaker.

Who manages the condo association?
The days of self-governing condo associations are fading as developments grow in size and scale. Many condo associations are opting for the help of a registered firm or individual to take care of issues such as budgeting, physical building maintenance and handling homeowner complaints. Knowing who takes care of these issues will help you gage how long it will take for them to be resolved.

What Does Master Insurance Cover? 
A portion of monthly condo fees are put towards insurance for common areas, whilst individual homeowners can insure their own units and renters can opt for tenant insurance. Make sure to note which areas specially count as “common areas” and are therefore covered, and more importantly, which are not. Master Insurance policies can either be “Bare Walls-In”, which covers the physical property but not necessarily things like countertops and fixtures, or “All-In”, which covers installations as well as construction.


Jagdeep Singh, B. Arch.

Real Estate Broker

Direct Tel: 647-287-4644

Direct Fax: 866-450-9199

www.JagdeepSingh.ca

 

Formally educated as an Architect, Jagdeep Singh is Toronto REALTOR™ consulting on both resale real estate and new developments. Powerful Local Focus on Real Estate with a Global Perspective™

This post is for information purposes only. Though effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the reader is advised to verify the information independently. This post may contain contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. The reader is not allowed to reproduce it in any medium without the author’s prior written permission. Jagdeep Singh is a broker with Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd., brokerage (416) 798-7133 which is independently owned and operated. This message is not intended to solicit parties currently under contract.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Why You Should Test Your Home for Radon Gas?

It’s easy to understand why people would be unaware of the potentialhealth hazard of radon gas in their home – after all, it is an odourless,tasteless and colourless gas. According to Health Canada, radon is a cancer-causing gas releasedfrom the ground that can enter your home anywhere there’s an opening where the house contacts the soil (e.g., cracks in foundation walls, gapsaround service pipes, support posts, floor drains, etc.). Some amount of radon is found in almost every home, but concentration levels will vary from one house to another, even if they are next to eachother. It’s when the gas accumulates to higher levels in indoor air that exposure poses an increased risk of developing lung cancer.


Health Canada says that a lifelong smoker with long-term exposure to ahigh level of radon has a 1-in-3 chance of developing lung cancer, while non-smokers at the same high radon level have a 1-in-20 chance. While Health Canada expects only a small percentage of homes will have radon levels above the guidelines, the only way to know the radon level in your home is to have it tested.


Testing

There are two options for testing a house for radon:

  • Hiring a radonmeasurement professional or 
  • Purchasing a do-it-yourself radon test kit from a home improvement store. The cost of the test kit ranges from $25to $75. 

Just as a home inspection is a wise investment before purchasing ahouse, so too is testing for radon. Like routine maintenance, if a high radon level is detected, fixing the problem will go a long way to protecting the value of yourhome.


Resolution

If a test shows that your radon level is above the Canadian guideline, Health Canada recommends the following steps to reduce it:

  • Increase mechanical ventilation to allow a more frequent exchangeof air.
  • Seal cracks and openings in foundation walls and floors, andaround pipes and drains.
  • Ventilate the basement sub-flooring by installing a small pump to draw the radon from below the concrete slab to the outside before it can enter your home.

For more information on radon and testing your home, visit theHealth Canada website (www.healthcanada.gc.ca/radon) or call1-800-662-6232.


Jagdeep Singh, B. Arch.

Real Estate Broker

Direct Tel: 647-287-4644

Direct Fax: 866-450-9199

www.JagdeepSingh.ca

 

Formally educated as an Architect, Jagdeep Singh is Toronto REALTOR™ consulting on both resale real estate and new developments. Powerful Local Focus on Real Estate with a Global Perspective™

This post is for information purposes only and was adapted, with permission, from Fall 2012 edition of RECOnnect. Though effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the reader is advised to verify the information independently. This post may contain contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. The reader is not allowed to reproduce it in any medium without the author’s prior written permission. Jagdeep Singh is a broker with Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd., brokerage (416) 798-7133 which is independently owned and operated. This message is not intended to solicit parties currently under contract.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Things Have Changed Since Our Last Time

Dear TTC

I was inside you today. Really deep inside. I made my entry from Finch Station on the Yonge-Union line, and boy you have changed!

Now, I apologize that it has been few years since our last time together. You must have been working out and taking care good care of yourself. Because you definitely looked prettier and in better shape than before. Toronto must be proud. The red (or cherry, or maroon - depending on who you ask) looked nice on you. After all, it is a colour of passion. You know, I also discovered that you are more caring than before. You kept me informed of where we were at any given moment, both visually and vocally, speaking to me in your soft, sweet voice. BTW thanks for warning me to "stay clear" of your dangerous areas. I really appreciated it. Since our relationship is not mutually exclusive, I understand that you had to leave me at some point. So no hard feelings. Embellished just the right way, my second first impression of you left me wanting to spend more time with you. Hopefully I'll see you soon.

Photo

Jagdeep Singh, B.Arch.
Real Estate Broker
Tel: 647-287-4644

Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd., Brkrg.
Tel: 416-798-7133,1339

Monday, September 17, 2012

Real Estate Investing for Low Income

Ever wanted to invest in real estate and thought you could not? It is generally perceived that real estate is only for the wealthy. I usually encounter concerns from people who want to invest in real estate but don't think they can. The concerns are typically around not having enough disposable income or not having the downpayment saved up. While mortgage rules in Canada have been tightened several times, there are still numerous ways to take advantage of low cost investment opportunities that yield in high net returns. 

 

Recently, the top investment minds in the industry and major financial insitutions have collaborated to bring opportunities to the general public. These are areas that did not exist before and are still fairly uncommon. These strategies are so effective, they are near perfectin helping create wealth via real estate.

 

The Best Part: You don't need a lot of money. My clients in the Greater Toronto Area have tremendously benefitted from these options already. Individuals with the following profiles can benefit. 

  1. Currently renting and don't own any real estate.
  2. Own primary residence and want to purchase an investment property.
  3. Own real estate and want to create wealth via real estate i.e.  as a business.
  4. Living at home and waiting to accumulate downpayment.

Individuals have used investing in real estate to actually create downpayments for their primary residences. 

 

See if you qualify by requesting a confidential consultation. Hurry, missing out on this would be like throwing thousands of dollars down the drain. Find out more by sending an email to jagdeepsingh@trebnet.com

 

Don't hand over cash that rightfully could be yours.

 

Jagdeep Singh, B. Arch.

Real Estate Broker

Direct Tel: 647-287-4644

Direct Fax: 866-450-9199

www.JagdeepSingh.ca

 

Formally educated as an Architect, Jagdeep Singh is Toronto REALTOR™ consulting on both resale real estate and new developments. Powerful Local Focus on Real Estate with a Global Perspective™

This post is for information purposes only. Though effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the reader is advised to verify the information independently. This post may contain contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. The reader is not allowed to reproduce it in any medium without the author’s prior written permission. Jagdeep Singh is a broker with Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd., brokerage (416) 798-7133 which is independently owned and operated. This message is not intended to solicit parties currently under contract.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Help! What colour should I paint my house exterior?


Before you start to colour the exterior of your home, what part of Toronto or Greater Toronto Area you live in should be considered. From a resale perspective you should base it on the target buyer market for your home or thedemographics in your neighbourhood. If you changing colours for your own pleasure or just revitalizing the exterior with a fresh coat of the same colours, then that is a different story. Here are some ideas.

Consider the style of your home: What sort of architectural style is your home? Is it very contemporary or Victorian? Certain house styles have corresponding colouring styles and to the very least should have certain architectural features stand out based on colour scheme. Some research into the architectural style will give you some painting ideas.

Consider your neighbours: Before you even begin looking at the endless array of being swatches at your local paint or home improvement store, look around the neighbourhood to see if there is a common palette. That is not to say you should paint your house the exact same colour as your neighbour. In fact, do not do that! Nothing looks more cookie cutter than row after row of houses painted the same colour. Though if you street is painted in neutral colours, stick with the general taste of the street and don’t paint your house purple. If you are surrounded by art-deco style, you can probably give a daring palette a shot.


Go bold: Rather be bold than boring. You should not feel obligated to look a certain way. If there are no architectural controls and you are not in a historic property or historic neighbourhood, then you are pretty much free to do what you want. Incorporating eye catching colours, something unusual, murals, accents or hues to your front door, optical illusions, fun with window & door trims, the ideas are endless.

Tip: If you are good with photoshop, why not try it on the computer before you colour the real thing. Take some pictures of your home and apply the colour scheme on the computer before hand. It will be much cheaper experimenting and you can do up some options and get opinions from family and friends. 

Want to find out what is popular these days? Email your address tojagdeepsingh@trebnet.com for colouring ideas.  Happy painting!

Jagdeep Singh, B. Arch.

Real Estate Broker

Direct Tel: 647-287-4644

Direct Fax: 866-450-9199

www.JagdeepSingh.ca

 

Formally educated as an Architect, Jagdeep Singh is Toronto REALTOR™ consulting on both resale real estate and new developments. Powerful Local Focus on Real Estate with a Global Perspective™

This post is for information purposes only. Though effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the reader is advised to verify the information independently. This post may contain contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. The reader is not allowed to reproduce it in any medium without the author’s prior written permission. Jagdeep Singh is a broker with Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd., brokerage (416) 798-7133 which is independently owned and operated. This message is not intended to solicit parties currently under contract.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

No Bubble Trouble for Toronto Condos

Royal Bank of Canada published a report, much to the relief of Toronto Condo owners, that the current real estate market does not imply a bubble. I have always been of the opinion that newspapers and media outlets are in the business of selling their goods, so it should be expected that anything that is news worthy gets sensationalized to the extreme in order to improve readership and revenue. Record level sales of new condominium apartments raised concerns all the way to the top level policy makers in Canada with Finance Minister stepping in an implementing 4th change to the mortgage lending policy.

RBC very correctly states that all the condo sales and construction activity is less worrisome when considered within the broader housing context in GTA. In my opinion, everyone talks about the increase in condo construction and sales but no one talks about the decrease in single home category i.e. detached, semi-detached homes. The 'Toronto area new home sales - all categories' graph clearly shows that 2011 numbers were roughly around the 2003, 2004 and 2005 mark, much lower than the 2002 sales. Yet, no one was talking about a bubble back then (or may be they were, I just can't remember).

Image007

Single detached home construction has been on a downward trend in the past 10 years. The Ontario government's Growth Plan for the Golden Horseshoe, a.k.a. Places to Grow, aims at curbing urban sprawl by imposing intensification targets on municipalities. In a city like Toronto, the only place to go is up.

Population growth in the area, according to CMHC, is approximately 100,000 per year. New homes being completed each year may touch 25,000 units. So there you have it, the new construction in comparison with the population growth. All these newcomers have to live somewhere. That is why few newly built condos are sitting empty. As per RBC, unoccupied units represented 0.2% of the stock of multiple units in Toronto. The graph 'Newly completed and unoccupied units - multiples' shows that this percentage was at 1.2% in 1974; that is 600% higher than today's numbers. Was there a bubble back then?

Image008

CMHC reported last fall that only 10-15% of new condos are lsited for sale within 12 months of registration. That doesn't sound like a lot of "flippers". So, concerns about condo investors may be overblown. Further proof of this available through the rental vacancy rates, which came down even further last year to 1.1% despite an 18% increase in condo rental units. The other market that is flourishing is furnished short term rentals. I am in the process of partnering my clients and creating a pool of furnished condos for rental terms of 6 months or less. The experience came when I was searching for a short term rental for my client who had sold his house and was waiting for the new one to be completed. Everywhere I called, I was asked to sign up on the waiting list as nothing was available, especially in the downtown core. While there is always a risk, investors are right in expecting a strong rental demand in the years ahead. This is well supported by growth in the prime rental age group of 25 to 35 years in the Greater Toronto Area.

The Architectural Side: This is another point that is often overlooked. The typical construction time frame for a condo project is 3 to 4 years. So whatever construction you see being done today, not all of it is going to be ready all at once. It will be 1/3rd or 1/4th of the overall multi-unit construction projects that will become ready for occupancy in any given year. So you see, it is all spread out, typically over a 4 year period at any given point.

In addition, all the other factors still apply, such as population growth, immigration demographic, mortgage rates, job market trends and percentage of investors. For more information on how these, see my previous blog here. In conclusion, the heading of this post pretty much sums it up: No Bubble Trouble.

The following graph shows the amount of land that has been placed under the Greenbelt.

Image009

Jagdeep Singh, B. Arch.

Real Estate Broker

Direct Tel: 647-287-4644

Direct Fax: 866-450-9199

www.JagdeepSingh.ca

Formally educated as an Architect, Jagdeep Singh is Toronto REALTOR™ consulting on both resale real estate and new developments. Powerful Local Focus on Real Estate with a Global Perspective™

This post is for information purposes only. Though effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the reader is advised to verify the information independently. This post may contain contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. The reader is not allowed to reproduce it in any medium without the author’s prior written permission. Jagdeep Singh is a broker with Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd., brokerage (416) 798-7133 which is independently owned and operated. This message is not intended to solicit parties currently under contract.