Want to know when the housing market will take off? Ask Google

An article in the Globe and Mail, published April 29th, shows what Google searches reveal about Canada’s housing market.

It looks like the number of times that Canadians search for the term “mortgages” in Google is a decent indicator of what home sales will do. And if that’s true, the spring might yet show a spike in the number of homes changing hands, followed by a levelling off.

We used Google trends to track how many Canadians had searched the term “mortgages” between March 2012 and March 2014. We then overlaid that with the number of existing homes that were changing hands in each month over that time frame. And voilà.

Google’s chief economist, Hal Varian, has said that, in hindsight, Google search terms shed light on the evolution of the U.S. subprime mortgage crisis. Searches in the United States for terms such as “property management,” “home insurance,” and “real estate agencies” were correlated to the number of new homes that were selling as foreclosures started to rise and median house prices dropped.

So, if the “mortgage” search is a good barometer for Canada, what does it predict? Searches for the term peaked on Thursday March 27, when they temporarily spiked, and levelled off shortly thereafter. That peak day, probably not coincidentally, was when Bank of Montreal announced that it was bringing back its 2.99 per cent five-year fixed mortgage rate (which prior to that had been 3.49 per cent).

Click here to read the full article.

If you need help in finding a house in Durham Region or are already a homeowner and wish to move to a new house in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Brooklin, Oshawa, Courtice or Bowmanville, please contact me or/and visit my website. I can answer all of your questions, help you find the right neighbourhood and the perfect house at a great price. 

Randy Miller

Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400
randy@randymiller.ca
www.randymiller.ca

How important is the closing date?

Choosing the right closing date is important.

Spring means more people signing real estate deals. Besides the price to be offered, you also need to think carefully when choosing your closing date, so that your deal will close smoothly. 

Here are 7 things to remember when choosing the closing date:

1. Do not choose a Friday at the end of a month. This is typically the busiest day in most real estate law offices, especially in the summer. This results in many deals not being able to close until late in the day, close to 5 or 6 pm. Worse, if the deal has to be extended, you don't get keys until the following Monday, or maybe Tuesday if it is over a long weekend.

2. Close your deal on a Wednesday, if possible. If there are delays, it is much easier to manage a one day extension than an extension over a weekend.

3. Sellers, you need to plan to be out of your home by 3 pm on the closing day. Under most real estate contracts, sellers must turn over possession as soon as the deal is registered electronically. In normal practice, when the closing is not at the end of a month on a Friday, the deal will likely be registered by 2 - 3 pm. Vacant possession must be given to the buyer at that time. There was a case where a seller had to compensate a buyer for increased moving costs when they were late getting out of the home.

4. If you are buying and selling a home in the same time period, close your purchase 2 days early and get bridge financing to assist you. You will close your deal without pressure and have a few days to move in while you wait until your sale closes. This will also make it much easier to negotiate an extension, if you have to, as you will not be dependent on the money from your sale to close your purchase.

5. Sellers, remember that you must turn the house over in broom swept condition, which means no garbage. Buyers, make sure you schedule you schedule your final visit 2 days before closing to make sure that the seller is properly cleaning up.

6. Buyers should not plan to move in until late in the day or the day after closing, as you do not want to have to pay extra to your movers if the closing does not happen until late in the day or the deal has to be extended.

7. Even if you are not moving in on the day of closing, buyers must make sure to get in and check the condition of the home on the day of closing, to make sure that nothing has been broken or damaged since the date that you signed your contract to buy. The seller typically only warrants that everything will be working on the closing date, not afterwards, so find out right away if you need to make a claim about anything after closing.

By doing your homework before choosing a closing date, you should be able to avoid pitfalls later.

Purchasing or selling real estate is a complex process and every element of the transaction is best handled by an experienced professional. Don’t take chances, go with proven results and experience. As the top producing agent in my brokerage and with 24 years of full-time local service in Whitby, Brooklin, Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa, Courtice and Bowmanville, I can make your purchase or selling worry-free.

Randy Miller
Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400
randy@randymiller.ca
www.randymiller.ca

Mold? Get rid of it

Health Canada recommends that all mold, regardless of the species, be cleaned and that the underlying water or humidity problem be dealt with quickly to prevent potential health issues.

You should first look for obvious signs of mold growth like:

• Stains or discolorations on floors, walls, window panes, fabrics, carpets and other indoor surfaces
• a musty, "earthy" odour

How to Fix Small Mold Problems?

• Clean the moldy surface with water and dish detergent. There's no need to use bleach.
  
• Fix the underlying cause, whether due to water damage or excessive humidity.
  
• You can generally clean small and moderate areas of mold by yourself, but you should consider getting professional help with extensive (larger than 3 m²) mold growth.
  
• When removing mold, you should wear proper protective equipment, including rubber gloves, eye protection and a dust mask. You may also want to isolate the area by taping plastic sheeting to walls and ceiling to prevent the spread of dust and mold particles. Sensitive individuals should not be in the same or adjacent rooms during the work and may choose to leave the house until the mold is removed.
  
• You might consider hiring a professional if there is a large amount of mold or if the mold keeps coming back after you clean it. A large amount of mold is often also the result of a larger problem, such as a leak in the foundation or a major flood, which may require professional help to fix.

How Do I Prevent Mold Growth?

• Repair basement, roof and pipe leaks as soon as you notice them.
  
• Open windows, get fans blowing in an affected area and use a portable dehumidifier. Ventilation is the key in reducing mold.
  
• However, damp outdoor air will not help dry the inside, and can spread the moisture to other parts of your home.
  
• Make sure that clothes dryer hoses are properly connected and vented to the outside.
  
• Ensure your tubs and sinks are properly sealed to prevent water from getting into the walls.
  
• After a flood, or any type of water damage, be sure to completely dry the flooded area within 48 hours.
  
• Measure your indoor humidity level and keep the humidity at around 50% in the summer, and 30% in the winter. If necessary, you can use a dehumidifier to reduce the relative humidity.
  
• Discard clutter and excess stored materials. Mold can grow on fabrics, paper, wood and practically anything that collects dust and holds moisture.
  
• Keep your house or apartment clean by vacuuming regularly.
  
• Don't over-water your plants, and watch for signs of mold in plant pots.

Also read: 

Mold: Buying or Selling a House that may need Mold Removal

Randy Miller
Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400
randy@randymiller.ca
www.randymiller.ca

Mold: Buying or Selling a House that may need Mold Removal

Your house doesn't have to be flooded to have mold. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC), more than 270 species of mold have been identified in Canadian homes.

Areas that are always or often damp, such as bathrooms, laundry/utility rooms, and basements, are common locations for mold growth in homes. Regularly check areas that have been or are likely to get wet. If you hire a mold inspector to locate a water or mold problem, make sure the professional has experience identifying and locating mold and water problems.

Some molds cause disease or food spoilage, others play an important role in biodegradation or in the production of various foods, beverages, antibiotics and enzymes. If allowed to grow inside your house, mold can be a problem.

The concentration of mold spores in indoor air will vary widely over time. There are different types of mold species and each has its own level of potency, or impact on human health. Different people have different levels of sensitivity to the various types of mold.

Not all mold is obvious. Mold does not need light to grow. So it can also grow inside walls or above ceiling tiles, so it is important to check for the presence of mold anywhere damp or moist, and especially where water damage has occurred.

Mold requires high humidity levels to grow. Some molds require condensation to start growing. To avoid most mold problems, keep at least basements dry. If mold is present, clean the affected area as soon as possible, and identify the source of moisture that allowed the mold to grow in that location.

If you suspect a mold problem that you cannot solve on your own, Health Canada and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) recommend that you contact a trained Indoor Air Quality Investigator for advice on building-related aspects of air quality. These investigators can do a visual inspection to identify areas of concern and make recommendations for improving the situation.

Do not hide mold issues 

If you are a homeowner selling your home, the last thing you want is a call from the customer that bought your home that they have mold and their beautiful baby girl now has respiratory issues brought from the mold that you didn’t think was an issue. When you lived in the home it wasn’t a big issue because frankly it was in the corner behind a sofa, and you just painted over the mold, hoping that would be the last of the situation.

Now as you are talking to the new owner of the home, you find out that the mold issue not only reappeared , but has grown inside. You might say to yourself how can they prove that the mold was there before they bought the house? Maybe they created the water moisture intrusion themselves?

Believe it or not through engineering controls and visual inspection, it can be proven that the water issue and then the mold issue were there way before the new homeowner purchased the home.

Home Selling and Mold

Nearly all home buyers hire a professional home inspector to take a close look at their new house before closing. You can speed things along by analyzing the condition of your home and making necessary repairs now, before the house is under contract. Watch out for the following:

Mold & Mildew

Mildew stains and odors scare buyers, especially now that toxic black mold is such a hot topic, and chances are you won't even get an acceptable offer if mold and mildew are present. Even if the mold in your house is the normal variety kill it and fix the source of the problem.

Damp Basements and Crawlspaces

Mildew odors signal that a basement is too moist. Buyers and home inspectors will look closely at the walls and floors for patches of mildew and signs of dampness.

• Cover exposed earth in basements and crawl spaces with plastic to help keep moisture levels down.
• Most foundation "leaks" are a result of poor drainage that funnels water towards the foundation.
• Make sure gutters are clean so that rainwater flows toward downspouts instead of spilling over gutter sides along the foundation.
• Point drainage downspouts away from the house.
• Check water flow through buried drainage lines by flooding them with water from a hose. If water comes back towards you the line is plugged and should be cleared.

If foundation problems do exist, and you cannot make repairs, you might need to lower the price of the house upfront, with the understanding that the price reflects the problem. Another option is to give the buyers an allowance to make repairs after closing.

Roofs and Chimneys

Deteriorated shingles or other roof coverings are one of the first things home buyers and home inspectors notice. If the elements underneath the shingles are moist or rotted, you can bet repairs will be requested.

• Make sure flashing around the base of the chimney is watertight, and that mortar and        bricks are in good condition.
• Inspect the fireplace to make sure it is functioning properly.
• Plumbing Problems
• Fix leaks long before the home inspection takes place. The inspector will check water pressure by turning on multiple faucets and flushing toilets at the same time. The inspector will also run the dishwasher.

The home inspector might check the septic system too.

Do everything you can to get the house in good condition before you attempt to sell it, but don't be discouraged if the inspection report contains a few negative statements. Home inspectors make note of everything they see.

Remember that the home inspection report is not a wish-list for buyers. Read your contract carefully--it dictates which systems should be in good working order at closing. If the roof is older, but doesn't leak, it's in good working condition. The same is true for older appliances.

Home Buying and Mold

I am often asked about home selling and mold and how to make sure you aren’t buying a house with mold that might cause health problems in yourself or family members down the road. We definitely recommend checking a home for mold before buying it. You should also be aware of laws that offer you some protection against buying a home with mold.

If the seller is not aware of a mold problem, and could not be reasonably expected to know, then he doesn’t have to disclose it. Basically, that means that if there is mold growing all over a wall, he has to tell you about it but he does not have to look inside the walls to see if there is mold there. If he knows about mold, though, he must tell you about it. If the seller doesn’t tell you about a mold problem, he may be liable for any mold-related costs you end up incurring.

If you want to put an offer on a home but are concerned about the possibility of mold, you can put a contingency clause in the offer saying the offer is contingent upon the home testing negative for the presence of mold.

How Do You Know if You Are Buying a House with Mold?

When you walk through a house, look for signs of mold or water damage. Check under sinks, behind toilets, in basements and attics and crawl spaces. Look for standing water, water stains on walls or ceilings, visible mold or a musty odor.

If you have your home inspected, ask the inspector to tell you about any signs of mold or water damage he or she notices. Better yet, hire an inspector that is also certified in mold testing.

Also ask the seller. In addition to asking if there has ever been a mold problem in the home, ask about things that are likely to lead to a mold problem, like if the home has ever flooded or if any pipes have ever burst.

To know for sure whether or not there is mold in a home, you need to have the home tested for mold. If you suspect a mold problem, or if the seller tells you there used to be a mold problem but it’s gone now, I recommend having the home tested before you buy it. 

Whether you are thinking of selling or buying a house in Whitby or Brooklin, or other areas within Durham Region, let me be your personal guide on your journey to home ownership. I'd be happy to personally answer questions you may have. Remember, I will be here to assist you every step of the way!

Randy Miller
Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400
randy@randymiller.ca
www.randymiller.ca

The Town of Whitby celebrates Earth Week

What can you do with Earth Week? Make a difference! Try making a small change that will benefit the environment. Turn down your water heater or only water your lawn in the early morning or install energy efficient light bulbs or recycle. 

Try to keep at it and it might become a lifelong habit.

The Town of Whitby is celebrating Earth Week too. 

Check out its Earth Week activities!

Randy Miller

Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400
randy@randymiller.ca
www.randymiller.ca

RE/MAX Spring Market Report 2014

Re/Max finds Canada’s real-estate market poised for robust spring and summer

Despite record-setting low temperatures and snow storms, housing market activity in Canada during the first quarter of 2014 showed year-over-year resilience in most regions, with some exceptions in Atlantic Canada, Manitoba and Ontario. In urban centres, house prices continued to post gains, in large part due to a lack of inventory; price increases were also seen in regions with strong local economies driven by the resource sector and major infrastructure development.

SPRING MARKET TRENDS 2014

• Read full report
• Read GTA Trends

To learn more about local real estate market conditions in Whitby, Brooklin, Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa, Courtice and Bowmanville, please contact me and/or visit my website.

Randy Miller
Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400 
randy@randymiller.ca
www.randymiller.ca

Durham household income higher than provincial average

(Click to enlarge)

The average household income in Durham Region is higher than the provincial average. According to Statistics Canada, the average income in 2005 was $ 86,391. That is about $ 8,400 more than the provincial average.


While good, the average in Durham was less than all other GTA municipalities, except Toronto. In fact, over the last three censuses (1996, 2001, 2006), Durham has beaten the Ontario and Toronto averages, but trailed the other GTA municipalities.


Pickering has had the highest income in the last three surveys. Uxbridge is catching up, pulling to within $ 54 of the Pickering average. In the 2006 census, Pickering households had an average income of $ 97,967, while Uxbridge came in at $ 97,813, Whitby had an average income of $ 95,874. 

In all censuses, Brock Township trails its seven municipal brethren, in some cases by tens of thousands of dollars. The second-lowest average income in Durham (in all three censuses) was Oshawa, which in the most recent survey topped its northern neighbour by almost $ 4,000.

If you are interested in buying or selling a house in Durham Region, Ontario, contact me today. With 22 years of full-time local experience, I can provide insights and skills that will make the buying and selling process rewarding and worry-free. 

Randy Miller

Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400
randy@randymiller.ca
www.randymiller.ca

How's the Market? (March 2014)

Greater Toronto Area Realtors® reported 8,081 sales during March 2014, up by 7.2% compared to the same period last year. The average selling price during March for a resale home in the GTA was $557,684, an increase of almost 8% compared to the average reported for March 2013. The average price for the first quarter of 2014 was up by 8.5% cent year-over-year.
 

 

“With borrowing costs remaining low, strong home ownership demand will continue to butt up against a constrained supply of listings. Strong price growth will be the result for the remainder of 2014. If the pace of price growth experienced in the first quarter is sustained, TREB may revise its outlook for the average selling price,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.
 

 

Within Durham Region, 947 residential home sales reported during March, a 48% increase from the 639 sales recorded during February. The average sale price during the March was $380,267, up 9.6% compared to the average price of $347,055 reported in March 2013. Resale homes in Durham are being quickly during the spring market. During March, Whitby houses sold in just 17 days, proof that Whitby and Brooklin are desirable communities. There is definitely growing number of buyers coming from Toronto, who appreciate all of the amenities and value that Whitby, Ajax and Pickering provides for families.

For more insight into the houses within Durham Region, the Whitby real estate market, or the Brooklin real estate market, contact me. If you are an existing homeowner and are thinking about a, move, I can tell you what your house or condo is worth in today’s marketplace.

Randy Miller
Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400
randy@randymiller.ca
www.randymiller.ca 

How to prevent a fire in your home - Tips from Whitby fire and emergency services

Whitby fire and emergency services is advising residents to keep fire safety a priority at all times.

The top five causes of preventable residential fires in Whitby are cooking (26 per cent), smoking (19 per cent), appliances and electronics (nine per cent), electrical (eight per cent) and heating (seven per cent).

“Prevention and preparation is imperative to ensuring the safety of all family members,” said Nicholas Webb, acting deputy chief for Whitby fire and emergency services.

“We encourage all town of Whitby residents to review home fire safety tips and to plan and practise home escape plans with all people in their household.”

To prevent cooking fires, residents are urged to never leave cooking unattended, keep combustibles such as dish cloths and cooking utensils away from stove tops, and keep a proper fitting lid near the stove when cooking. In the event of a fire, slide the lid over the pot and turn off the stove.

To prevent smoking fires -- the No. 1 cause of fire fatalities in Ontario -- smokers are advised to smoke outside, never smoke in bed, and use large, deep dish ashtrays that can’t be knocked over.

To prevent appliance and electronic fires, be sure all your appliances are CSA or ULC tested and are serviced professionally. Also, never leave energized appliances or electronics unattended on combustible materials such as bedding or upholstered furniture and check cords for damage such as fraying or nicks.

To prevent electrical fires, extension cords should be used only as a temporary connection and not linked together. Residents are also urged to avoid overloading a circuit with multiple plugs and running cords under rugs or carpets.

To prevent heating equipment fires, have chimneys and heating systems cleaned and/or inspected by a qualified service technician, install a carbon monoxide detector to alert you to the presence of deadly carbon monoxide gas, keep space heaters at least one metre from anything that can burn, and allow ashes to cool before emptying them into a metal container.

Residents are also being reminded that the Ontario Fire Code requires all single family, semi-detached and town homes to have a working smoke alarm on every storey of the residence and outside all sleeping areas.

For fire safety questions or tips, contact Whitby fire and emergency services at 905-668-3312.

View: Whitby's Fire Statistics

If you are interested in buying a house in Whitby or somewhere within Durham Region, contact me. I can help you find your dream home!

Randy Miller
Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400
randy@randymiller.ca
www.randymiller.ca

Whitby ranked 10th best medium-sized city in Canada

Whitby continues to outshine other municipalities in Durham Region in MoneySense magazine’s annual ranking of Canada’s Best Places to Live.

The town placed 10th in the best medium-sized city category with populations between 100,000 and 400,000, and 27th overall.

“We are so proud to rank in the top 10,” said Mayor Pat Perkins. “Whether you prefer an urban, rural or lakeside setting, Whitby is an exceptional place to live, raise a family and do business.”

Canada’s Best Places to Live compiles data from 201 cities and towns and ranks each community on its liveability. Thirty-four factors were considered in this year’s analysis, including commuting, weather, demographics, wealth, housing, crime, taxation, amenities, health care and culture.

In the overall ranking, Whitby scored the highest among four other Durham municipalities. Clarington came in second (58th), followed by Pickering (67th), Ajax (128th), and Oshawa (130th).

See Canada’s Best Places to Live 2014: Best Medium-Sized Cities

If you are thinking about a move to Whitby or Brooklin, please contact me. I can show you why Whitby is such a great place to live. The Village of Brooklin, located in northern Whitby is also well regarded and very family friendly. 

Randy Miller

Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400
randy@randymiller.ca
www.randymiller.ca