Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

From our family to yours Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  Thank you to everyone who made 2010 such a succesful year.  We look forward to another one in 2011.

O' Christmas Tree

If you've checked out my blog before you know that I like to report on unique things to do in the Peterborough area. Well, I have a new one to tell you all about! This past Sunday my dear friend Jessica and her husband Allan came to visit me and pick out and cut down their first Christmas tree as a married couple. We got in the jeep and were off to the Mackenzie Tree Farm located at 1962 Settlers Line a few minutes outside of Peterborough.

Once we arrived we were greeted by a nice man who directed us towards the hay ride. After a few minutes the hay wagon/tractor arrived and we were off to get a closer look at the trees.

We were given a saw and told about where to find different types of trees. There were pine, spruce and Scotch Pine Christmas trees at the farm and they all had a wonderful scent. It didn't take long until we found the perfect tree!

To my surprise Allan was able to cut the tree down in a matter of two minutes. I was shocked; I thought we were going to be there a while. We packed it onto the sled and headed back to where the hay wagon dropped us off.

There we each enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate WITH marshmallows and sat by an open fire to warm up while they manually wrapped it up for us.

Our Christmas afternoon was wonderful and the tree only cost $40. This farm is family run and turns out the mother Joyce is my parents neighbour! The family were very kind and this farm is truly a labour of love as each tree takes 10-15 years to grow, needs to be tended to and it is not a farm that makes a large profit considering the work involved. Don Mackenzie, the man who started the farm passed away in May 2005 and his family has kept up the farm in his honour. Don started selling the Christmas trees as a hobby after he retired from teaching. For each tree sold $3 goes towards Teachers for Kids. If you're looking for a great way to spend this upcoming weekend make sure to visit the Mackenzie Christmas Tree farm, it's only open two weekends a year, and it is a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit!

For more info check out this article http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=818122

-Ashley Ross

Sales representative

The key to selling your home? Flexibility!

A few things to keep in mind when you decide you want to sell your home, besides the obvious, tidy up, declutter and try to make it odour free, is to be FLEXIBLE!  When an offer comes in, don't take it for granted, yes there could be more, but there might not be for six months from now, or they could come with conditions or a lower price.  Try to work with what you've got and that's where our problem solving skills often come into play.  Problem solving skills you ask? 

Sometimes closing dates can be an issue. There are always alternatives (we've even had clients move in with us...no joke), sometimes the price can be an issue, that's where we negotiate on your behalf, or maybe the home inspection shows issues.  Our team has dealt with problem solving in real estate for many years, but we can only come up with a workable solution if both parties are flexible.  Give a little, and get your  house sold and be stress free!  Negotiations will work when there is flexibilty on both sides.

When looking at an offer it is sometimes difficult to think of the other party involved as they are only names on a paper.  The best attitude to have is a flexible one.  Both parties involved want to make a deal, so take a few minutes and let us make the offer work for everyone!  You might have to move a week earlier than you wanted, or maybe you had to pay the asking price, but was $2,000 off really worth loosing your dream house or loosing the offer and keeping you stuck somewhere you don't want to be six months from now?  Try to look at the big picture and ask yourself, if they get to keep the curtains, will that really matter a year from now? 

Buying and selling real estate is a juggling act, and our goal is to put our clients first, help them solve real estate problems and move on to their next chapter and next home. 

-Jane Ross
sales representative

Oh the weather outside is frightful...

The leaves have fallen, the snow is starting to make its debut so what does that mean for your home?  Time to winterize it!  Here are some tips on what you should do to keep your house in tip top shape.

1.  Inspect your furnace - call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnance and clean ducts.  Stock up on filters and remove all flammable materials away from the area surrounding your furnace. 

2. Get the fireplace ready - screen the top of the chimney to keep out birds and rodents.  If you haven't had it cleaned in a while, you might want to call a chimeny sweep.  Stock up on wood and inspect the fireplace damper for proper opening and closing. 

3) Check the exterior, doors and windows - Inspect exterior for crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes; seal them.  Use weatherstripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home and caulk windows.  Replace cracked glass in windows and, if you end up replacing the entire window, prime and paint exposed wood.

4) Inspect roof, gutters and downspouts - If you're expecting a really cold winter you might want to consider putting extra insulation in the attic which helps from warm air creeping out.  Check flashing to make sure water doesn't get in and repair worn roof shingles.

5) Check foundation - seal up entries to keep small animals out. 

6) Prevent plumbing freezing - drain your garden hose and if you leave your home for a trip make sure the heat is at 55 degrees.

Do these things and come spring you'll be happy with how healthy your home is!

-Ashley Ross
sales representative

What People Are Saying

To our delight we opened a lovely survey about our team's services.  Gayle Gallagher writes, "I purchased a great condo, found for me by the Ross's and they will be selling our family home when the time comes later this year.  We have been delighted with the Ross's professionalism as they've guided us each and every step of the way." 

Thank you for the kind words Gayle, we enjoyed helping you with your purchase and look forward to helping you sell! 

-Jane Ross
Sales Representative

Accredited Senior Agent Designation

Jane & John Ross have each received the Real Estate Academy designation ASA, which stands for Accredited Senior Agent as part of our continuing education program in order to specifically add knowledge for our mature buyers and sellers.  For mature buyers and sellers, there are special needs inclusive of needing knowledge of taxation and estate regulations.  This professional training and education allows us to represent buyers and sellers who need someone who understands their special needs.  We understand the complexity of decisions at this stage in life and the outcome of making, or not making, decisions in a timely fashion.  We work patiently with individuals and the family, if desired, to always put their needs first.  Our focus is towards mature buyers and sellers.  We anticipate their needs and are prepared to suggest sources of advice.  We are dedicated to negotiating the best deal for our clients.  One of the advantgages that we provide is a Home Inspection by Paul Galvin.  We provide this Home Inspection at our cost to provide an accurate understanding of the purchase or sale.  
-Jane & John Ross
sales representatives

How HST will impact Real Estate

Is here a change to the amount of tax payable under the HST?

New Homes up to $400,000    
GST- taxable before July 1, 2010  5%
RST taxable before July 1,2010     No RST
Is there a change to the amount of tax payable under HST?     No change

News Homes over $400,000
GST- taxable before July 1, 2010     5%
RST taxable before July 1,2010        No RST
Is there a change to the amount of tax payable under HST?          Yes

Resale Homes
GST- taxable before July 1, 2010     No GST
RST taxable before July 1,2010        No RST
Is there a change to the amount of tax payable under HST?       No HST

Real Estate Commissions
GST- taxable before July 1, 2010     5%
RST taxable before July 1,2010        No RST
Is there a change to the amount of tax payable under HST?      Yes (changes to 13%)

The new housing rebate will be 75 per cent of the Ontario component of the HST, up to a maximum of $24,000. The rebate will ensure that buyers of homes priced up to $400,000 will, on average, pay no more tax than under the RST system. However, applicable RST on building supplies is embedded in the price of the home.

New homes purchased as primary residences, valued at $400,000 or more will be eligible for the maximum new housing rebate of $24,000.


Still Have Questions?

To learn more about the benefits of HST visit www.ontario.ca/taxchange. You can also call 1 800 337-7222, teletypewriter (TTY) 1 800 263-7776.

For more information, you can also contact the Canada Revenue Agency. Visit the CRA website at

www.cra.gc.ca/harmonization or call 1 800 959-5525.
 
Thanks to Scotiabank for supplying me with great information! 
 
Jane Ross
-sales representative

Happy 75th Birthday to the Zoo!

This year is a very important year for the Riverview Park & Zoo, it marks their 75th birthday!

 Shocking...I know!

The Peterborough Zoo has grown throughout the years and continues to improve the variety of animals and activites for families to enjoy.  Recently the new and improved splash pad has the children laughing and playing all of the hot summer days away.  Nearby there is also a play area with benches and tables for shade and snack time.  The Riverview Park & Zoo is free for the public to enjoy, but if you do have an extra dollar or two drop it in one of the donation bins and help the Riverview Park & Zoo see it's 100th birthday! Check it out online here!

-Jane Ross
sales representative

Proud Sponsors of the Little Lake Musicfest

Earlier this year our team decided we wanted to give back to the Peterborough community and decided we wanted to support the Little Lake Musicfest, formerly the Festival of Lights. This will be the events 24th season and we are so excited to be a part of such an exciting and unique event. They are a not for profit organization that brings quality entertainment to Del Crary park every Wednesday and Saturday in the summertime free to the public. Here is a look at their new logo!

Part of our sponsorship includes tickets in the reserved seating section at the front of the stage, so if you see a concert you would like to attend, give us a call at (705) 742-4234 and we would be more than happy to share our tickets with you.  Click here is a comlete listing of this summer's entertainment line up!
Jane Ross
-sales representative

MIA

Greetings,
I have been very busy these past two weeks as I am preparing for my property management exam this Saturday. Last week I was in class everyday learning all about property management. I found it interesting for the most part and learned a thing or two that will help me in my real estate transactions.
I just wanted to let you all know I am currently working on a video that will be finished in a few weeks once the weather cooperates with me :) If you have any questions in the mean time ask away or email me at aross@bowesandcocks.com
Have a wonderful day
Ashley Ross
-sales representative