Jo-Anne Smith- Oakville, Burlington and Mississauga Region Real Estate, Ont

Canada, big, beautiful and looking good with a great future for investors, both personal and business.
Of the G8 countries, Canada boasts not only some of the most attractive, desirable real estate, it can also still be purchased at a VERY reasonable dollar and in many areas, well within the reach of the small investor.

Cast across this vast country are a myriad of the world's last vestiges of clear, clean, freshwater lakes and rivers. Vacation and recreational homes can be found in every province with water-frontage selling for an average price of $380,000.00 in 2006. That figure has steadily risen in the past year.

With a strong, healthy economy and an abundance of in-demand commodities, forecasts into the next 2-3 years show Canada's real estate prices continuing to rise.
Waterfront cottages and vacation homes are showing the strongest and steadiest rise in price as buyers and investors from around the globe flock to Canadian shores in search of their own little piece of paradise.

With thousands of pristine, blue lakes dotting the landscape, Ontario is prime Canadian cottage country and waterfront properties are disappearing at break-neck speed.
Tightening of municipal reins on the severing of waterfront lots, has pumped up the demand for waterfront to a feverish pitch as buyers anxiously watch for a waterfront lot to build their dream cottage/vacation home on.

Added to the fever is the fact that we are becoming more and more a planet of citizens who work from home.

As people shift their offices from the downtown core to their primary place of residence, they are moving out of the city in droves and buying a waterfront home or a cottage that they can live in from spring til fall when they head south before winter hits.

Others are purchasing recreational homes and turning them into year-round residences complete with high-speed internet service via satellite.

The majority of my family members balance their time between their lakefront properties and their homes in the centre of a city or town and this has been a traditional lifestyle for a very large number of Canadians.

With prices rising as they are, and waterfront becoming scarcer, more investors than ever before, from around the globe, are seeking recreational property in Ontario.

In addition, it's a dream of many Ontario families to own a recreational property for summer use and many are now realizing that dream as they take on second jobs, or move into smaller primary residences in order to purchase their 'home-away-from-home'.
The eastern townships of Ontario still have many opportunities for recreational property ownership at a reasonable cost, well within the reach of the average family/investor in Ontario.

If you are an investor or someone who is considering purchasing your own waterfront utopia, the Royal Lepage Recrational Property Report for 2007 is an excellent place to start as you consider the locations that fall within your desires and means.

As a lifelong resident of Ontario, I have a great deal of knowledge when it comes to Ontario cottage country and welcome any inquiries you may have as you begin your search.



There are many legalities and issues to be aware of when purchasing a waterfront property and choosing a REALTOR® who is experienced and knowledgeable in the purchase and sale of waterfront homes and land, is paramount.

Staying abreast of the properties that become available as we head into spring, will grant you a better chance of making a wise investment choice when it comes to buying waterfront in Ontario. If you would like to kept aware of the waterfront properties that meet your desires and means as they become available, feel free to contact me.


I will arrange to have all new listings emailed, faxed or mailed to you as they appear on the market. This just may be the year that you find your own shangri la away from the hustle and bustle of the city or make a very wise investment choice that will bring great dividends in years to come.

©2008JoSmith

It was winter and the back yard appeared to be many small rolling hills of picturesque, sparkling white beauty.
Little did we know, when we decided to purchase our first home so many years ago, that those small hills were actually piles of trash that the current owner had not been bothered to take to the local dump during the course of her ownership of the property. As they say, hindsight is golden.

There are many things to consider when you've begun to seriously consider the purchase of your first home, and preparing through research and asking questions ahead of time, will not only save you an abundance of time and money down the road, it can also make the difference between calling your first home 'home sweet home' or your first initiation into a property ownership nightmare.

Preparing now will make the whole process smooth and enjoyable and you'll have something to celebrate in the years to come as you settle into your own private sanctuary.

You've been browsing the internet for homes for sale in your area and reading the local real estate newspapers and have found some properties that you can picture yourself living in.
Can you afford to own one of these properties?

Your first step towards Ontario home ownership should be to meet with a real estate sales representative who will be able to give you a list of recommendations for mortgage pre-approvals and advise you as to the current mortgage rates you can expect to pay should you purchase at this time.

Real Estate Sales Representatives are in regular contact with mortgage brokers and bankers and know who is offering the best rates and the best buying incentives. Often a REALTOR will be able to locate a better rate for you than your own bank is willing to give you.

When considering which real estate sales representative to call, go with someone who you feel comfortable with.
You may have met them at an open house or gotten to know something about them through reading their online articles or viewing their website or perhaps a family member or friend has recommended someone to you.

It's very important to feel that you can trust your real estate sales representative to take care of your needs and to be fully present for you during the entire transaction. Asking to see letters of testimonial from previous clients is an excellent way to guage the level of service you can expect to receive.

The right Sales Representative will guide you through every step of the transaction and be there to answer all of the questions you might have or concerns that may arise.

They'll provide you with pamphlets on mortgages and home-buying, maps of the areas you're interested in, recommendations on trustworthy and dependable professionals who you'll need along the way (such as lawyers, home inspectors, mortgage professionals, etc), listings of suitable homes and will be there with you as you preview every home that meets your requirements.

They'll point out potential problems with particular properties, advise you as to the desirability of the areas you wish to search in, and prepare and guide you through all of the legalities of your agreement of purchase and sale when you've found the house that's right for you.

They'll make sure you're protected on the contract and will advise you as to which clauses should be included in the purchase contract and will be there every step along the way to make sure each condition is satisfied as required.

Choosing a REALTOR® is the most important decision you'll make in the homebuying process next to the actual choosing of the home itself, and choosing carefully will make all the difference between a smooth and enjoyable home search or one littered with pitfalls along the way.

If you're considering buying your first home in the Belleville, Quinte or Prince Edward County regions of Ontario, I'd be more than pleased to meet with you and discuss your desires and questions as you begin on the exciting road to home ownership.

Other Articles in This Series:
Land Transfer Tax Rebate-Rebates For the First Time Homebuyer in Ontario, Canada

My love affair with books and knowledge has been life-long, and no other place offers more fare to satisfy this unquenchable thirst than the Belleville Public Library, which I first discovered 12 years ago.

At the time, I was living across the Bay Bridge in Prince Edward County so was not an actual citizen of Belleville.
I thought, however, that working for a company in Belleville would qualify someone for membership.

Unfortunately this was not the case, and in order to have a Belleville Library card, it was necessary for me to pay a fee. The small amount that was required in order to have a library card was more than worth it since the library offers an unlimited wealth of information and entertainment.

Eventually I moved into the City of Belleville and was able to have a library card free of charge, as long as I was able to produce identification showing my name and my address in Belleville.

The library card of today is a high tech little item with a barcode that is swiped everytime you take books out.
It also has your account number which gives you access to your account online.
Once you've logged in to your account, you are able to renew your books (this is a very handy feature that I use very often to renew books which are nearing the due date), and reserve books that are currently not available.

Accessing the Belleville Public Library online site also gives you the opportunity to search the system for books that you are interested in reading, or for books of a particular subject or author that appeals to you. You can keep a list of these books on your personal online library account as well.

If a particular book is not available at the Belleville Public Library, it may be available in the Quinte West Public Library and since these two libraries act as one for the purposes of membership (if you belong to either of the libraries, you are able to take out books in the other library also, free of charge), the book will show up as being available at one of the two libraries.
If it is in the Quinte West Library, you can request a librarian to order the book for you and within days it will be delivered to the Belleville Library for you to pick up.

Similarly, Belleville Public Library is a member of the Ontario Interlibrary Loan and will search all libraries in Ontario who participate (which is the majority of municipal libraries and many academic libraries as well) in the program, for the book.

It is a very rare occurrence for them not be able to locate a book for you. I've used this service quite often and every single book I've ever inquired about was able to be found at some library in Ontario and delivered to me at the Belleville Public Library, free of charge, within a week or two. You can search the Ontario Interlibrary Loan Service on our own, as well.

This is a tremendous resource for anyone who is doing research or who prefers to borrow books rather than having to buy them.
Generally what I do is browse new books or subjects on Amazon.com or Chapters.ca and find the books that interest me, then I prepare my list and bring it into the resource desk at the library.

The staff is very pleasant and helpful and will do their absolute best to serve you and attain the books you desire. When your books arrive at the library, someone will call your residence to let you know that your book is in.

You can also take out CDs and DVDs at the library, free of charge.
They have an extensive collection of movies, ducumentaries, music, talking books, motivational as well as instructional DVDs and CDs. You can search to see what is available in the CD and DVD collection by visiting the Belleville Library online search page.

The Belleville Public Library also houses the John M. Parrott Art Gallery on the third floor. There are beautiful displays and shows which change regularly and many of the Quinte area's (and beyond) finest artists have been showcased there.

My Stepmother, Joyce Empey-Smith, has had many of her beautiful watercolour paintings chosen for juried shows at the library and this exposure brings greater notoriety to the more creative and talented citizens of our beautiful area.

In addition to the Art Gallery Displays, the Belleville Library holds regular events such as the Brown Bag Lunch, various Children's Events, the Culture Jam and the Book Club meetings, which anyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
It's a wonderful way to make new friends and get to know new acquaintances with similar interests to your own in Belleville.

For a relaxing few of hours of research or reading, visit the library today. There are computers for you to use without charge, and free wireless internet service for those of you who wish to bring in your own laptop and work.

There is also an extensive journal, newspaper and magazine area near a cosy fireplace with big comfy chairs just waiting for you.

The Friends of the Belleville Public Library run a used book store just inside the library doors and you can find many of your favourite books at excellent prices there. The proceeds of sales go towards the support of the library.

After you've finished your research, taken out your books, and read the latest articles in the magazines/newspapers that most interest in you, stop by at the cosy Cafe, which is also located in the library, for a scrumptious deli sandwich or delectable dessert and a cup of your favourite coffee.
The perfect way to finish up your visit to one of Belleville's most inviting and interesting places to go.

©2008JoSmith

*First Time Home Buyer's Seminar in Oakville on November 18th, 7-9 FREE Admission - For More Information or to Register Click Here

Residents of Ontario, Canada, who have never owned a home before, can now heave a small sigh of relief if they're thinking of embarking on the path that leads to home ownership.
The McGuinty government has just introduced a tax relief measure for first time home-buyers who are buying their fist home anywhere in Ontario, Canada.

Effective December 13, 2007, if you have signed an agreement of purchase and sale to buy your first house in Ontario, you may be eligible to apply for the land transfer tax rebate.

You may apply for the rebate as long as your offer to purchase your first house was accepted and signed by the seller after December 13th, 2007.

In order to qualify for the Ontario Land Transfer Tax rebate, you must be 18 years of age and have never owned a home or had an interest in the ownership of a home, anywhere in the world previously, and your spouse may never have owned a home previously either, while you were his/her spouse.

A variety of property types are eligible and the main stipulation is that the property must become your principle residence within 9 months of taking ownership.
Please read here for a complete list of the types of houses/properties that qualify for the land transfer tax rebate in Ontario.

The refund application must be filed within 18 months of the conveyance taking place. For details on how to apply for the land transfer tax rebate, read the following article that has been issued by the government of Ontario.

Please note that as of May 14, 2008, this legislation has become law and first-time home-buyers may now apply for this refund at the time of registration.

This is a significant step towards helping first time buyers purchase a home in Ontario, as the land transfer tax can amount to a fairly sizable amount.
The maximum rebate which can be claimed is $2000.

Here is a simple calculator for determining what your land transfer tax will be on your home purchase and therefore the amount you can expect to have rebated.

Land Transfer Tax Calculator for Ontario

If you have any questions with regards to purchasing your first home, or with respect to the land transfer tax rebate, please do not hesitate to contact me. Buying your first home is one of the most exciting times in your life, and if I can make the transition to home ownership easier for you, I'm more than pleased to offer my assistance.

If you are considering buying in the Burlington, Oakville or Mississauga area, and do not currently have a real estate sales representative who you are working with, I would be happy to provide you with my first time home-buyer's package and set you up to receive all suitable listings as they become available (this would cover all mls listings that fall within your guidelines).

It's the perfect time to purchase your first home. Interest rates are low, house prices are still reasonable and with the new land transfer tax rebate, you'll now have additional funds to spend on the other expenses that are incurred with home ownership !

©2008JoSmith

Other Articles in This Series:
Buying Your First Home in Ontario~Step One, Choosing a Real Estate Sales Representative.