If you're thinking of buying a home...

I understand that buying a home involves many difficult decisions, and I'm here for you from the start. Your home is probably the biggest purchase your family will ever make, and it involves many decisions that go beyond simply choosing the one you like.
What is true market value of the home you like?
Negoiating with sellers can be stressful, I'm here to help you get the best deal.

Let me represent your interests in the search for your new home in the Muskoka region. While seeing many homes on the web is one thing, actually buying your home is another matter entirely.

HST

Recent surveyas show most Ontarians mistakenly beleieve the Harmonized Sales Tax ( HST ) applies to the full purchase price of their home or cottage purchase.
In fact HST is only levied on the transaction fees ( lawyer, appraisals, utilities ) associated with the purchase of a resale home or cottage.
With current avg. sale prices of $330,000 this is leaving potential buyers believing HST could add an additional $30,000 to the purchase price wen in fact there is no applicable tax.
If you were ever thinking of buying now is the time, interest rates are still low and there is a wide selection of available properties.

Preparing for Winter

Now is the time to prepare your house for the upcoming winter season. Hee are some suggestions.
. Have the furnace or heating system servicedby a qualified technician.
. Turn on the gs furnace pilot llight
. Cover the outsiide of an air conditioning unit
. Check and clean or replace the furnace filter
. Vacuum electeic baseboard heates
. Replace window screens with storm windows.
. Ensure doors, windows and skylights close tightly.
. Clean leaves from troughs and roof.
. Chick chimney for any obstuctions.
. Winterize lansscaping.
. Drain and store outdoor hoses.

Mainhood Lake Muskoka

This two acre parcel located between Bracebridge and Huntsville offers over 200' of Muskoka paradise. Located on a smaller lake this property offers a great vista, and backs onto crown land.

This property is offeres for sale at $129,900, a great investment in for now or future use.

Ontario Land Transfer Tax Explained

Every property purchase in Ontario is subject to a Land Transfer Tax at the time the sale is completed.

Breakdown on the Tax is as follows:

0.5% - on the first $55,000

1.0% - on portion between $55,000 and $250,000

1.5% - on balance over $250,000

2.0% - on anything over $400,000

First time home buyers who qualify can receive a credit up to $2,000

Your Cabin In Muskoka

Looking for a place you can call your own and getaway from the city. This small but efficint cabin located in the heart of Muskoka is your answer. With 3 bedrooms and living room/kitchen may be your answer. It is 5 minute walk from a shared private beach on Three Mile Lake.

Listed at $69,900 this is a bargain.

Planning a New Building

When deciding to build a new house , cottage or just do a major renovation such as an addition there are several key factors to consider.

1. Allow yourself sufficient time to get the job done. The preplanning of the job is as important as the job itself, and can take from weeks to months to get everything in order.

2. The final design of the project is important in that it must suit your present and future needs and as well be attractive.

3. Carefully plan out what the job is going to entail and what it is going to cost. Changes made while construction is in process can add up to costly over runs.

4. Prepare a budget of what you want to spend from the begining and work with it. Compare what alternative designs and materials that may increase or save you money.

5. Decide what you want and actually need in the finished project.

Kahshe Lake Starter Cottage

Just listed agreat location on Kahshe Lkae. this 600 sq ft cottage has 330' of S/W frontage on 1.4 acres. Just 90 minutes from the GTA this water access property puts you on one of the areas most sought after lakes. Priced at $259,000

see www.muskokapropertylistings.com for more details and pictures

Economical Bracebridge Home

Well located three bedroom semi in Bracebridge is central to all ammenities. Home is fully finished and sits on a large yeard over looking a quiet ravine. This is the ideal home for retirees or 1st time home buyers. Listed @ $169,900

For more pictures check my website at http://www.muskokapropertylistings.com/

Spring Real Estate Market

Now that winter is letting go of its grip, thoughts are turning to the traditional spring real estate market.
In the coming weeks, this is the most active time for new listings and decisions on whether to buy or sell are made. Whether you are considering selling your home, buying your first home or even a cottage now is the time to have someone actively providing you with up to date info on pricing and what is available on the market.
Having a buyer's agent working for you, lets you be fully assured you will be getting all up to date properties that meet your criteria, sent to you as soon as they come out.
Let me show you what I can do for you.

For a list of my currrent listings check my website at www.muskokapropertylistings.com

Just Like New

Enjoy one floor living in this like ndew tastefully decorated Bracebridge bungalow. Featuring two baths with ensuite, this home is just steps away from Sportsplex, highschool and theatre. Listed 2 $296,500

For more pictures and info visit http://www.muskokapropertylistings.com/

Location...Location...Location

Just what you have been looking foer. a one bedroom plus den condo ( 920 sq. ft. ) located just three blocks from downtown Bracebridge shops and restaurants. Forgot the snow shoveling and lawn maintenance and enjoy this immaculate unit . This building overlooks Bracebridge Bay and falls.

Million Dollar View

Muskoka Lake building lot at the top end of Lake Muskoka located on a quiet, year round private road. Just 5 minutes from Port Carling by car or boat. This well treed lot provides excellent privacy and highly sought after island dotted views. All development fees are paid, driveway is in and and is ready for immediate construction. Added feature architectural plans to construct a 2600' sq. foot cottage / home are included. Listed at $445,000

Muskoa River Condo

This two bedroom end unit condo has a riverfront view of the Muskoka river in a quiet treed setting in Bracebridge. Featuring modern kitchen and two bedrooms, complete with finished rec room with additional bedroom. This complex has low condo fees and is well managed. Priced at $187,000 this is an affordable property for the new home owner or retiree.

Call Tom direct at 705-645-0624 @ Sharon Elliott Real Estate

Affordable Housing

Mortgage rates are currently at an all time low. Posted rates are now at lwvels that havn't been seen in decades. It is expected however as the economy beging to improve rates will gradually begin to rise.
For first time buyers there are incentives being offered by the government. There is a $750 tax credit being offered by the Federal government as well you can withdraw up to $25,000 from an RRSP under the Home Buyers Plan.
With spring not to far in the distant future now is the time to start planning for home ownership.