Blog by Richard & Olga Balov

PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX AND THE FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS’ PROGRAM

June 21st, 2010

PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX AND THE FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS' PROGRAM

Property Transfer Tax
You pay property transfer tax each time you register a property at the Land Title office.

The First Time Home Buyers' Program
If you are purchasing your first home, you may qualify for an exemption from property transfer tax
if certain requirements are met.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
Purchaser: You qualify ...

Buyer’s Assistance Program

June 5th, 2010

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COMMON HOME-BUYING MISTAKES

May 10th, 2010
COMMON HOME-BUYING MISTAKES

Even with all the information available about buying homes, people making some of the same mistakes, over and over again. As you are looking to make either your first or next home purchase, check out a list of mistakes you can avoid to save money and hassles.

Looking at houses without first getting loan approval. In today's marketplace, touring houses you would ...

BUY OR RENT?

May 3rd, 2010
BUY OR RENT?

Let's compare two families with 25,000 to invest. They are identical in that the two parents both work, have one child and $60,000 annual income. Here's the result of the two case studies:

Case Study #1: PURCHASE A HOME $250,000

Down Payment

$25,000

Length of Loan Term ...

How to find the perfect neighborhood

March 6th, 2010
What factors should you look for in finding a high-appreciating neighborhood?

1. Pride of ownership
2. A low crime rate
3. A history of high-appreciation
4. Great schools in the area
5. The economic stability in the area
6. The availability of long term employment
7. The homogeneity of the neighborhood
8. Proximity to: work, schools, churches, shopping, major roads/highways, etc.
9. Wide cu ...

Questions You Must Answer Before You Go House Hunting

March 6th, 2010

1. What features in your current home or a friend/family member's home would you like in your next home?
2. What style really grabs you?
3. Do you prefer single story, two-story, or multi-level living?
4. Do you want a yard?
5. Are you looking for a maintenance-free lifestyle? If yes, do you have a preference for single family, townhouse or condominium living?
6. How many bedrooms?
7. How ma ...