Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Happy Canada Day



Here we are, the first long weekend of summer. Get ready for a great weekend of celebrations and fun. There is so much going on this weekend. Where do you live? Just check out what's happening in your own community. Each and every neighbourhood surrounding Toronto is celebrating. Fireworks are going to be exploding in the skies! It will be easy to find a park to watch some explosions. Bring a blanket, some popcorn, and the kiddies and enjoy this. Or, just hold someone's hand and watch the skies light up.

Now, go out and enjoy a day off! HAPPY CANADA DAY!!! And have a great start to the summer. Remember, swim, bbq, camp, go to the beach, party with family and friends, or just put your feet up. But it goes without saying, BE SAFE.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
905 828 3434
Fine Homes In 905
Directly at 416 427 1875
Email: betty@bettybart.com
Web Site: bettybart.com


PSST: IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING A HOME AND NEEDS MY HELP...FEEL FREE TO PASS ALONG MY NAME AND NUMBER TO THEM! ALL REFERRALS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED

not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under brokerage contract

Monday, June 28, 2010

Canada - A Great Place To Retire


Canada Day is our annual opportunity to proudly celebrate Canada’s history and heritage and our achievements as a nation. On that happy holiday, many of us will likely pause for a moment to consider why living in Canada and being a Canadian is so great. Each of us will have our own reasons and, of course, there will be many we all share.

One shared reason you may consider - Canada is a great place to retire! Maybe that’s because a comfortable retirement is something we take for granted but when you look at the many benefits available to Canadian retirees – benefits not available to retirees in many other countries – it’s clear we have much to celebrate:

- All wage earning and self-employed Canadians are eligible to receive either Canada Pension Plan or the Québec Pension Plan (CPP/QPP) retirement benefits, which are indexed for inflation. There are also CPP/QPP survivor and dependents’ benefits as well as a lump sum death benefit. A couple can choose to share CPP/QPP benefits for tax purposes.
- Canadians can take advantage of the tax-deferred, compound growth benefits of Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and Registered Retirement Income
Funds (RRIFs). Any Canadian resident who receives periodic payments from a registered pension plan can potentially reduce their taxes by splitting pension income with a spouse/common-law partner. Those over age 65 who receive RRIF income are also eligible for the federal and provincial Pension Income Credit and can allocate up to 50% of their RRIF income to a spouse for tax purposes.
- Those who have lived in Canada for at least 40 years after age 18 will receive the full monthly Old Age Security (OAS) benefit, which is indexed for inflation. Canadian residents who have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18 will receive a prorated OAS monthly payment.
- Seniors with a lower income may be eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), a tax-free monthly payment, which is indexed for inflation.
- Canadians can invest in Tax-free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) that generate tax-free investment income that does not affect income-tested federal benefits.
- Every tax-eligible Canadian gets the Basic Personal Tax Credit and those over age 65 also receive an Age Credit. Other tax credits that can benefit retirees include the Medical Expense Credit, the Dependent Credit, the Disability Credit, and the Caregivers Credit. There are also generous tax credits for those making charitable donations.
- And, of course, Canadian retirees have access to a wide range of health care services at little or no direct cost.

Yes, Canada is a great place to retire! But to make your retirement all it can be, you need a plan that includes retirement income from other sources such as your company or personal pension plan and your own investments. Your professional advisor can help make sure your first day of retirement is as much a cause for celebration as the first day of July.

Than you for this article, information, and reminder or our retirement:

John Scholl CLU,CGA, B. Mathematics, Consultant - Investors Group Financial Services Inc.
& Investors Group Insurances Services Inc.
Wealth Management & Financial Planning
Phone: (905) 450-2891 X529
Toll Free: 1 (866) 799-2223 x529
Cell (416) 731-3660
Fax: (905) 450-9747

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
905 828 3434
Fine Homes in 905
416 427 1875

Mississauga Home for Sale


Welcome to an elegant condominium for sale at 1915 Broad Hollow Gate in Mississauga. This is executive living at its finest in this exclusive wooded community in Mississauga . This gem is tucked away for quiet and privacy. It has a popular open concept design with 9 foot and 18 foot ceilings. Picture windows line the rear of this home with majestic wooded views. The kitchen has an upgraded Bellini Kitchen with granite counter top wrapped to backsplash with under valance lighting and wall to wall furniture finish twin pantry with a granite topped desk. Parking for 6 vehicles.

For more pictures of this home click here

This home also offers a built in dishwasher, all blinds and window coverings, garberator, all electric light fixtures, central air conditioning, pot lighting throughout, hardwood flooring, 7.5 Inch baseboards, large deck with a privacy wall overlooking the woods, garage door opener and remotes

If not this home, perhaps I can show you something else?

Feel free to give me a call and let's discuss your real estate needs. Your decision is the decision I will respect.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
905 828 3434
Cell: 416-427-1875
Email: betty@bettybart.com
Web Site: http://www.bettybart.com
Fine Homes in Nine Oh Five

PSST: IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING A HOME AND NEEDS MY HELP...FEEL FREE TO PASS ALONG MY NAME AND NUMBER TO THEM! ALL REFERRALS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED

not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under brokerage contract

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Congrats To All University and College Grads


Well, folks!  It's that time of year once again.  As I drive around I see High School grads walking around smiling.  Their future is right in front of them and the doors are starting to open up.  I often wonder where are they going? 
In my community, there are several that I have seen grow up and are now getting ready to head out for their post-secondary education.  Others have decided to take some time off and decide what they want to study, or even, what they want to do for the next few years of their lives. 

These young adults worked so hard for four years for this special moment.  We, as parents, must now let them fly.  We've instilled about as much knowledge about the world that we could.  Now, it's up to them.  If we could, we would like to have you closer to home so that if there is something we would help with, we don't have far to go.  If you decide to go further, open your wings and fly.  Know that you are loved and thought of every minute of every day.


These young people are the future. They are the ones that are willing to take chances. They are the ones that will be heads of companies and leaders of the world. As I look at them, I wonder - when did they grow up.

I remember my daughter finishing elementary school. Then four years of secondary just flew by. It was like yesterday when I dropped her off for first year university. The dorm room was 'cozy'. She had the basic necessities. She needed no more. She would tell me about the Friday nite movie nights - she was the only one in her quad with a small tv. Someone would bring the popcorn. Someone would bring the 'refreshments'. What a great group of co-ed roomies she had.  This is something I am now passing on to those who are getting ready to leave their nest.

So, CONGRATULATIONS, to all who have passed through the hallowed halls of their post-secondary institutions. May I wish all of you the strength to face what is yet to come! Know that you have the support of your families to continue your journey. You can depend on the friendships that you have developed in these few short years.

Betty Bart
Fine Homes in Nine Oh Five
Directly at 416 427 1875

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Become A VIP Buyer With Betty, Mississauga


When you're talking to other buyers, or people who are now owners of properties, have you ever thought, "Why don't I get the same treatment?" Ever thought how nice it would be to be able to talk to your realtor and have them LISTEN to what you are saying? Wouldn't it be nice to have an agent call you back quickly?

It sure would be nice to have your agent sift through the mounds of listings to match your dream home parameters.

All valid questions and statements.

Instead of having a realtor drag you from house to house, wasting your precious time showing you homes that don't interest you and are possibly beyond your budget, let me assist you by first of all signing you up to our exclusive buyer profile system that allows you to pick which homes you want to view before other buyers even know about them. This is done under no obligation to you. I preview many homes for you throughout Mississauga and Oakville. I have buyers that are diligently looking for homes in those areas. I will arrange a private visit of the home quickly and efficiently, and at your convenience.

You can get up to date Betty's Pic of The Week in the elegant neighbourhood of Lorne Park in Mississagua and also in prestigioius Oakville.

You can receive an update printout of all new listings that match your home criteria emailed to you free of charge and without obligation.

As a VIP Buyer, you get daily updates of all new home listings that match your criteria, you get first pick of homes that interest you, and you can beat other buyers to an offer which sometimes allows you to escape the multiple offer situations and therefore, we are able to negotiate the vest possible price for you.

Because your time is valuable, don't waste it looking at homes that don't interest you.

I will explain all the paperwork that you will have to sign during our visits. You will have a choice of becoming my VIP Buyer Client or my customer. This choice is yours. No pressure tactics. Your decision is the decision that I WILL respect.

Take a look at some of the testimonials. They all seem to say the same thing -- no pressure, knowledge, patience....

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
905 828 3434
FINE HOMES IN NINE OH FIVE
Directly at 416 427 1875
betty@bettybart.com
www.bettybart.com

PSST: IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING A HOME AND NEEDS MY HELP...FEEL FREE TO PASS ALONG MY NAME AND NUMBER TO THEM! ALL REFERRALS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED

Monday, June 14, 2010

HST and Real Estate


As 1st of July approaches, not only do we celebrate a holiday, but also the dreaded HST comes into our lives. It's not just Ontario, but also in British Columbia. Changes will happen, but let's face it folks, it's another tax and will be paid by all of us. There's a lot of confusion about this tax, but fortunately, we do have tax accountants that will help us through this. Thank you to Stephen H. Shub Professional Corporation, Barrister, Solicitor, Notary who has provided with a list of of a few points of interest to the Real Estate profession. At the end of this note, there are telephone numbers that you can call for further information.

1) HST and Mortgage Brokerage Fees (to arrange a mortgage, if one uses a Mortgage Broker) HST will not apply since mortgage brokerage services are
exempt as part of the financial services industry.

2) HST on Real Estate Commissions:
Generally, HST will be payable on commissions for any real estate sale closed after July 1, 2010. However, the general transitional rule (for sale contracts entered into before July 1, 2010), is if at least 90% of the services were performed prior to July 1, 2010, only 5% GST is payable (no PST). If an offer to purchase real estate was accepted prior to July 1, 2010, then the realtor services
were performed prior to July 1, 2010, and only 5% GST should be payable even though the realtor’s commission is not due for payment until the sale has closed after July
1, 2010. Warning to sellers: If, prior to July 1, 2010, a seller is about to accept an offer to purchase (which will close after July 1, 2010), the seller should clarify in writing with the realtor that only GST will be payable on commissions due on a sale closing after July 1, 2010.

3) HST and Rents Paid by Tenants:
For residential tenancies, HST will not apply to such rents. For commercial tenancies (industrial, office or retail), HST will be charged on rents paid after July 1, 2010 (but most commercial tenants qualify to recover such HST payments
through input tax credits).

4) HST and Condominium Monthly Maintenance Fees:
For residential condominiums, HST will not apply on monthly common expenses, but HST is payable for commercial (retail), office, (industrial) condo common
expenses paid on or after July 1, 2010 (most commercial condo owners qualify to recover such HST payments through input tax credits).

5) HST on HOME RENOVATIONS
For any part of services (labour and materials) provided after July 1, 2010 (no matter when a contract for renovations of a residence was signed), the part performed or provided after July 1, 2010, will be subject to HST.

6) HST and RESALE COTTAGE / VACATION PROPERTY PURCHASES
HST will not be payable on the price if the property sold by the seller and bought by the buyer is personal use property. However, if the seller had been renting out the property more than 50% of the time during the seller’s ownership, the price will likely be subject to HST. If the property being sold was part of a rental pool, HST will apply. Consult your tax accountant.

7) HST and RESALE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY PURCHASES
There will be no HST on the price of resale residential purchases. Note: Resale residential purchases will therefore become a much more attractive investment (rather than buying from a builder) particularly when one considers that builder prices will result in 13% HST (whether built into the price or being structured in
addition to the price by some builders in Ontario).

Builder prices also must include higher increased current costs of labour, materials and land costs as well as substantial municipal levies and educational levies
plus sizable closing adjustments (often being hidden by builders in the fine print of many pages in a builder’s agreement), all of which are not payable by a buyer /
investor who purchases resale residential property. (Think about it!)

8) HST on a PURCHASE OF A SUBSTANTIALLY RENOVATED HOME
If a residence being purchased has been “substantially renovated”, it will be treated in the same manner as buying new construction from a builder and HST will
generally apply to the price paid. See Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Bulletin B-092 which states that a substantial renovation”, in effect, refers to a renovation
where at least 90% of the interior of a building (excluding the foundation, external walls, internal supporting walls, roof, floors and staircases) has been removed or replaced.

9) HST and PURCHASE of RESALE APARTMENT BUILDINGS (Multi-Unit Residential)
No HST will be payable on the price of a resale apartment building (multi-unit residential). If part of such a building is commercial, the purchase price must be reasonably apportioned between the part of the building that is residential resale (HST exempt) and the other part of the building that has a commercial component, which part will be subject to HST.

10) HST on PURCHASE OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES (new or resale commercial properties
closing after July 1, 2010 no matter when an offer was signed)
HST will apply to the purchase price; however, typically, buyers who obtain a GST registration prior to closing (must be registered for GST in the same manner as
ownership will be taken) will not need to pay the HST on closing provided:

(a) a GST registration is obtained prior to the closing date and

(b) the buyer signs an appropriate undertaking in the lawyer’s office to become self-assessed.

Note: Watch out for the purchase of office condominiums, industrial condominiums, and retail condominiums, the price for which will be subject to HST (being subject to only GST on the price for closings prior to July 1, 2010).

11) HST and the PURCHASE OF VACANT LAND
(a) Farmland:
HST will typically apply to the price of such land if farm land is sold alone; however, if the land is sold as part of a farming business, it can be treated differently. Consult your tax accountant.

(b) Building Lot:
HST will typically apply to the price when the seller is involved in a commercial real estate activity; however, some lot sale prices might be exempt from HST if the
seller is not engaged in a real estate commercial activity.

(c) Personal Use Of Vacant Land
No HST is payable if an individual sells personal use vacant land (which would have been exempt from GST).

12) HST on PURCHASES OF NEWLY CONSTRUCTED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY
(a) Builder’s Agreement Prior to June 19, 2009: No HST is payable if an offer to purchase from a builder was accepted prior to June 19, 2009 (only GST will
apply; however, most builders include GST inside the sale price). Note: Buying by way of an assignment (where the builder sale agreement was signed prior to June 19, 2009) becomes attractive!

(b) Builder’s Agreement Accepted after June 18, 2009: If an offer to purchase from a builder was accepted after June 18, 2009 and either occupancy closing (for a new
condo purchase) or final closing occurs prior to July 1, 2010, HST is not payable; HST is payable if both occupancy (in a new condo purchase) and final closing
occur after July 1, 2010.

(c) If Builder’s Agreement Silent about HST: If an offer to purchase from a builder was accepted after June 18, 2009 and failed to make reference to HST, the sale price includes Ontario’s 8% PST component of the HST if it is payable (which means that the builder must pay the PST and cannot charge it to the buyer).

(d) GST Rebate (calculated on the 5% GST part of the 13% HST): Typically, most builders include the GST component of HST (being 5%) in the sale price based on the government GST rebate being assigned from the buyer to the builder (such GST rebate being 36% of the GST payable on the first $350,000.00 which is reduced to NIL as the price increases from $350,000.00 to $450,000.00, there being no GST rebate after $450,000.00).

Note: In order for the GST rebate to be assigned to the builder by the buyer, the buyer must qualify by the buyer or an immediate family member living in the unit. If not qualifying (such as an investor who will be renting out the unit), the rebate cannot be assigned to the builder and the builder will charge the cost of such unassignable rebate to the buyer on closing in addition to the purchase price,
which results in the buyer being forced to make a separate application to the federal government to recover such rebate. To qualify for recovery of such rebate, the investor must own the unit for at least one year and reasonably expect to rent the unit to the initial tenant for one year. An investor need not wait the year to apply for and obtain the rebate but if the government later discovers that
ownership was less than one year, the government might seek to recover the rebate paid to the investor.

(e) PST Rebate (calculated on the 8% PST Component of the 13% HST): Warning: All builder agreements should be reviewed by a lawyer either before a buyer signs an offer or during any available cooling off period since some builder agreements require buyers to pay the 8% PST (or the Net PST) component of the HST in addition to the purchase price.

Regarding a PST rebate, only 75% of the 8% PST component of the HST is refundable to a buyer on the part of the purchase price that is up to $400,000.00 (being newly constructed from a builder since there is no HST on resale residential property). There is no government rebate on the 8% PST for the part of any price that exceeds $400,000.00! This means that 75% of 8% (being 6%) is refundable by the government
and 25% of 8% (being 2%) is not on the first $400,000.00 of price.

Example: If the price from a builder is $500,000.00, the gross 8% PST component of the HST would be $40,000.00, but since the government offers a rebate of 75% of the 8% PST on the first $400,000.00, this will effectively (for a qualifying buyer whose immediate family member will be living in the unit) reduce the PST
to 2% on the first $400,000.00 to $8,000.00. Since there is no PST rebate for that part of the price over $400,000.00, 8% is charged on the next $100,000.00
being a further $8,000.00 which means (for a qualified buyer who can assign the rebate to the builder) that the total net PST payable is $16,000.00. If the net PST is not included in the price of $500,000.00, the price plus net PST payable becomes $516,000.00. The gross 8% PST on $500,000.00 is $40.000.00 but (due to the
rebate of $24,000.00 on the first $400,000.00) the net PST payable is $16,000.00.

Note: If the builder’s agreement requires the Net PST to be paid by the buyer, the buyer pays $16,000.00 on top of the price. If the builder’s agreement states that the Net PST is included in the price (as GST is typically with most builders), the price remains $500,000.00. Watch out!

Caution: An investor-buyer who will rent out the unit will not qualify for assignment of PST rebate to the builder and, therefore, on closing, must pay the purchase price of $500,000.00 plus the gross PST of $40,000.00 (being a total of $540,000.00) and then, after closing apply to the government for the rebate of $24,000.00 to be received if the investor qualifies (must be owning for one year and rent to a tenant who is reasonably expected to live in the unit for one year, although the rebate application can be made as soon as the purchase from the builder is closed).

(f) Qualifying for a Rebate (GST or PST) when Buying from a Builder:
In order to qualify for GST or PST rebates, the property purchased from a builder must be intended to be a primary place of residence, which means that if a person
has more than one residence in the world, (in order to qualify for the rebate) the unit must be the main place of residence and not a secondary residence. Also, the residence purchased must be used as a primary place of residence (as stated above) by the buyer or a relation of the buyer. Relation of the buyer includes an
individual who is related by blood, marriage, adoption or common law (including a former spouse or a former common law partner). Blood relation is limited to parents, siblings, children, grandchildren but does not include cousins, uncles or aunts.

(g) Additional Transitional PST rebate for NON-CONDOMINIUM Builder Purchase (where
part of construction was done as of July 1, 2010):
If HST is payable on a newly constructed home (not a condominium) and if construction of the residence was at least 10% complete as of July 1, 2010, a transitional PST rebate of up to 2% of the sale price can be claimed
on the PST component of the HST as follows:

% Completed As Of July 1, 2010 Portion Of 2% Of Price To Be Refunded
10% - 24%25%
25% - 49%50%
50% - 74%75%
75% - 89%90%
90% - 100%100%

Example: If buying a freehold townhouse, a semi-detached or a detached from a builder for $500,000.00 where construction was 95% complete on July 1, 2010 and
closing occurs on July 15, 2010, PST rebate for qualified buyer will be:

(i) 75% of 8% on the first $400,000.00 = $24,000.00

(ii) 100% of 2% on $500,000.00 = $10,000.00
Total rebates $34,000.00

Instead of paying a gross PST of 8% on $500,000.00 being $40,000.00, the rebates of $34,000.00 would reduce the net PST payable to $6,000.00. The question is whether such Net PST is included or not included in the purchase price from the builder according to the terms of the builder’s agreement!

Note: The PST transitional rebate of up to 2% of the purchase price can only be obtained if:

(i) HST is payable on the price where the builder’s agreement was accepted after June 18, 2009 and closes after July 1, 2010;

(ii) the purchase is for new residential construction which is not a condominium;

(iii) construction is at least 10% complete as of July 1, 2010;

(iv) a certificate is obtained on closing from the builder stating the percentage of completion of construction as of July 1, 2010. Note: the builder is not required to provide this to a buyer unless the terms of the purchase agreement with the builder requires such a certificate to be provided;

and

(v) an application for a transitional PST rebate is filed withthe government by July 1, 2014.

(h) CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR HST TRANSITIONAL RULES
Ontario has proposed transitional rules that assist businesses in the transition to a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). For more information on the transitional rules for the HST, please call Canada Revenue Agency (CRA):

For Personal property and services - 1 (800) 959-5525
For Real property - 1 (800) 959-8287
To speak with an information officer about the introduction
of the HST in Ontario, please call 1 (800) 337-7222 or
1 (800) 263-7776.

Regards,


Stephen H. Shub Professional Corporation
Barrister, Solicitor, Notary
5799 Yonge Street, Suite 803
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
M2M 3V3

Tel: (416) 222-1882 (live telephone receptionist to 11 p.m.
7 days per week)
Fax: (416) 222-4277
E-mail: stephenshub@home-legal-cost.com
Cell: (416) 520-6120 (to 11p.m.7 days per week)
http://www.home-legal-cost.com

Let's keep this line of communication open. Feel free to contact me for further information or if you need to discuss with either a lawyer or tax accountant. I have team members that can help.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
905 838 3434
DIRECTLY AT 416 427 1875
FINE HOMES IN NINE OH FIVE