Creditview Activity Hub

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Creditview Activity Hub Now Open!

Brampton has just opened a new, fully accessible play area at Credit-view Road and Sandalwood Parkway. The entire facility is compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarian’s with Disability Act, making this a first for the City. While it looks like an ordinary playground, it has been carefully designed to be accessible and inclusive for people of all ages and abilities. Play elements include basketball, 4-square and hopscotch, swings, slides, sand tables, and a spray pad- all fully accessible for users.

The layout of the play area includes separate areas for younger and older children, and quiet zones for children who are sensitive to noise. Credit-view Park is more than 100 acres in size and features a variety of sports fields, a field house with change rooms and washrooms, walking trails and outdoor fitness stations. All of the amenities have been designed to minimize impacts on the environment.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Discover Brampton Events 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5044″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1527793485311{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]So Many Ways to Enjoy Your City! – Discover Brampton Events 2018

Summer in Brampton is shaping up to be super exciting with many great festivals, markets and activities to get you outdoors and enjoying our great community.  

Cele-Brampton is kicking it off on Saturday, June 9 from 11 am – 9 pm in Downtown Brampton. This annual celebration showcases our open, friendly and diverse community. Saturday, June 16 is the return of the Downtown Brampton Farmers’ Market. Opening at 7 am on Main Street, you will have until 1 pm every Saturday to meet with farmers and artists and buy farm-fresh produce and artisan products.

Then, head over for the launch of Saturday Night Movies in Garden Square. Bring your chair and enjoy the show, 7 – 9 pm.  Thursday, June 21, marks the return of the Mount Pleasant Village Market, a charming neighbourhood market, in the heart of the village. The market runs Thursdays, from 4 – 8 pm, until Thanksgiving weekend.  Finally, don’t forget to mark your calendar for Canada Day celebrations in Chinguacousy Park.  This is just the start of a great season of fun.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Downtown Brampton Transformation

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Exciting transformation is coming to downtown Brampton!
Brampton City Council today unanimously approved moving forward with the recommended project plans for the Downtown Reimagined Initiative. This project, which includes critical infrastructure and significant streetscaping in the city’s core, is being implemented by the Region of Peel in partnership with the City of Brampton.
The project includes:
  • Replacement and relining the existing aging sanitary sewers
  • Installation of new watermains and sanitary and storm sewers and other utilities to accommodate future growth.
  • Construction of new streetscaping
Downtown Brampton is set to undergo an exciting transformation. As part of creating a vibrant urban centre, Downtown Reimagined will help create an aesthetically beautiful streetscape around the historic Four Corners.

To ensure timely and effective completion, vehicular traffic will be restricted in the area during construction that is expected to take 2.5 to 3 years. The Region of Peel will commence work on critical infrastructure in fall 2018. The target date for completion of the entire project is 2021.

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Home Ownership Goals

[vc_row][vc_column][mk_image src=”https://www.jessejohar.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/first-time-home-buyer.jpeg” image_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1514409582512{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]HOME OWNERSHIP GOALS

ARE LIFESTYLE CHOICES STANDING BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR HOME OWNERSHIP GOALS?

A shift in the way you approach spending and saving prior to buying your home means that you can continue to enjoy your favourite activities even after you signed the dotted line

With so much talk around Greater Toronto Area red-hot real estate market, it can be difficult for first-time buyers to avoid the ‘I’ll never be able to afford a home’ mindset. I believe homeownership is achievable, and have resources to help you on your journey.

Saving for a home buyer doesn’t have to automatically mean giving up everything you love, rather it should begin with identifying intentional spending and reviewing what is actually adding value to your life. It can be hard, particularly for millennials to give up certain comforts like vacations, nights out with friends, that preferred brand of premium coffee or a weekly manicure, but rather than cutting them out entirely, sort your ‘must-haves’ from your ‘can-live-with-outs’ and plan a reasonable budget around those expenses.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_image src=”https://www.jessejohar.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/household-budget.jpeg” image_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1514406979148{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]UNPACK SPENDING HABITS

Make a spreadsheet of your typical spending habits over the last 3 months to give yourself an accurate picture of where your money is going.

In a similar way you would approach a lifestyle change to reach your health and fitness goals, saving for a home buyer requires a lifestyle shift that doesn’t leave room for frivolous spending. It’s best practice to start this lifestyle shift early on.

Many new homeowners think that as long as they can get approved for a mortgage and get their foot in the door, they’ll deal with finances later. This is a birthplace for house poor phenomenon and should be avoided. A shift in the way you approach spending and saving prior to buying your home means that you can continue to enjoy your favourite activities even after you signed the dotted line.  A realistic picture of how large of a monthly mortgage payment you can take on.

SORT YOUR EXPENSES

Sort expenses into two categories, Necessary and Other.

Necessary expenses are items such as shelter, transportation, living expenses and any debts that you are paying off. The rest goes into Other folder. Before you begin sorting through your non-essential expenses, look through your Necessary costs and see if you can reduce. A few simple shifts can make a huge impact on your monthly Necessary costs.

The finally begin shifting through those Other expenses. A few common categories that you would probably find are over spending in are eating out, entertainment, memberships, shopping, entertainment, travelling, bank charges or ATM fees. If this is the first time you are  examining your finances, I recommend to do a deep dive into it. Divide your expenses by eating out into buying coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner and alcohol.  This will help you see where you’re spending the most. Some of  these expenses may be ones that will make or break your home buying dreams.

UNPLANNED SPENDING

An impulse purchase of a TV on sale, a new outfit, and an impromptu dinner night can dismantle the plan you so carefully laid out for yourself. Mindless or Unplanned spending is kryptonite to all but the best planned budgets. With your new budget in mind, learn to say no to things you can’t afford. Those plans with friends can be made for the following month and work it into your budget. Refrain from walking into retail stores when you have maxed out your shopping budget and calculate the totals in your head or on the phone before you get to the cash register to avoid those unpleasant surprises.

SET YOUR BUDGET

You can see the big picture of where your spending areas are. Now begin developing your ideal spending in each category and now you decide what you have to eliminate. While doing this it is important to avoid the mindset of sacrificing or depriving yourself. You may not be able to do or have everything you had before. It is because of a shift in your values and a path towards a larger goal. With that being said, there are many things you can continue to do with proper planning and saving. Some items on your list, like a fitness class is non-negotiable.  Then you make cuts in other areas to cover that cost.  It is also important to note those areas where a change in your habits is needed.  Maybe bring a lunch from home or limit your dinners out to twice a month. Perhaps you were spending a lot on Uber or take too many small trips or vacations in that year you previously thought weren’t affecting your budget. This time may help you realize to increase your income and put you in a better position to meet your homeownership goals.

This will take some time, a few weeks or even months to make necessary updates to be at your ideal monthly spending & saving plan. This is the best adjustment period when you don’t have a mortgage looming over your head. Once you achieve and have arrived at your ideal spending & savings balance, you will have a better understanding of what it looks like a realistic monthly mortgage.

LOVE YOUR MONEY

Being financially wise doesn’t mean giving up your lattes or the things you love.  It means spending your money in alignment with what you value most. Staying financially wise is to have a weekly date with your money. Sit down, put on some music, make a tea or pour a glass of wine and review your finances with gratitude and appreciation, not judgment and shame. Make note of where you went wrong this week, and set goals and reminders for the week ahead. Don’t skip your money date. Not only does it ensure you know what’s going on with your hard-earned cash but it also fosters a positive association with your finances, rather than the crippling fear you may have experienced before.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_image src=”https://www.jessejohar.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/home-buyers-jesse-johar-coldwell-banker-real-estate.jpeg” image_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1514407294842{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]ADDITIONAL TIPS TO GET YOU TO YOUR GOAL:

  • Every time you swipe your card set up an automatic transfer of $5 into your savings account. This will make you be more mindful of your spending, knowing it will costs you $5 a pop. At the end of the year you will have a nice chunk of change to added to your down payment.
  • It is an extra hurdle if you’re still paying off debt while saving for a home, that requires a bit more attention. Consolidate your debts to the lowest interest rate possible and a payment schedule into your budget. Try to pay the higher interest debt first if you cannot consolidate. Monitor your payments and do not fall into a habit of dumping lump sums into your debt whenever you can.
  • Meet with your financial advisor at the bank to talk about the fees that you may be paying. Discuss with them how to reduce these costs and to maximize your money.  You can switch your accounts that best suit your spending habits and take advantage of any cash back credit cards, rebate rewards, higher interests savings or higher withdrawal limits without charges,
  • There are budget tracking softwares online like Mint that will take the guesswork out of your spending in individual categories. Online banking accounts can be linked to your preferred application and setting budgets for your month in different areas.  Then it will be tracked for you with each purchase you make, reminding you when you’re reaching your budget limit.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video title=”Gain the most in today’s real estate market – Jesse Johar Coldwell Banker Real Estate ” link=”https://vimeo.com/131612042″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_image_slideshow images=”4668,4667,4666,4665″ image_width=”1200″ image_height=”521″ effect=”slide”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Brampton Chinguacousy Park Christmas

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4574″ img_size=”800×534″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1512059985968{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Brampton Chinguacousy Park Christmas – Brampton’s destination park transforms into a winter wonderland in the month of December with fun activities for the whole family. Celebrate Christmas in the Park on December 9, 10, 16 and 17. Kids and their parents can enjoy a nativity pageant, cookie decorating, crafts and games. Write a letter to Santa, then meet the man himself, visit his reindeer and snap a photo! Registration is required.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

TREB Housing Market Charts November 2017

TREB Housing Market Charts November 2017
Source: (TREB)Toronto Real Estate Board
This chart plots monthly MLS® sales for the current year and the previous three years. The recurring seasonal trend can be examined along with comparisons to previous years for each month.

Peel Housing Market Report Nov 2017

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Regional Housing Market Tables
Peel Region/Dufferin County
November 2017

1- Sales, dollar volume, average sale prices and median sale prices are based on firm transactions entered into the TorontoMLS system between the first and last day of the
month/period being reported.
2- New listings entered into the TorontoMLS system between the first and last day of the month/period being reported.
3- Active listings at the end of the last day of the month/period being reported.
4- Ratio of the average selling price to the average listing price for firm transactions entered into the TorontoMLS system between the first and last day of the month/period
being reported.
5- Average number of days on the market for firm transactions entered into the TorontoMLS system between the first and last day of the month/period being reported.
6- Past monthly and year-to-date figures are revised on a monthly basis.

Buying Home With Realtor®

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Looking to buy a home? Here are five essential tips for making the process as smooth as possible.

Get your finances in order.

First start by getting a full picture of your credit.  Obtain an updated copy of your credit report. Ensure the facts are correct, and correct any problems or issues you find. Next, find a suitable lender / bank and get pre-approved for your mortgage. This will put you in the best position possible when you are ready to make an offer on the right house.

Find a house you can afford.

The same goes with engagement rings, there’s a general rule of thumb when it comes to buying a home, two and a half times your annual salary. There are some good tools and calculators online that will help you better understand on how your income, debt, and expenses can affect what you can afford. Don’t forget, that there are lots of considerations beyond the listed price, including property taxes, energy costs & miscellaneous expenses.

Hire a Professional Realtor®

While the Internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings and resources, many aspects during the home buying process require a level of expertise that you simply can’t pick up from surfing the web. That’s why you’re better off using a professional Real Estate Agent, than going at it alone. If possible, recruit an exclusive Buyer Agent, who will have your best interests at heart and will assist you with right strategies during the home buying process.

Do your homework.

Before you make an offer, do some research to determine the state of the market. Is it more favourable buyers or for sellers?  Next, look at sales trends of similar homes in the neighbourhood of your choice.  Look at prices for the last few (3 months) months. Come up with an asking price that is competitive, but also realistic. Otherwise, you may end up upsetting the seller / sellers.

Think long term.

Certainly, you shouldn’t buy unless you’re sure you’ll be staying there for at least a few years. Beyond that, you should buy in a neighbourhood with good schools. Whether you have children or not, this will have an impact on your new home’s resale value down the line.  When it comes to the house itself, you should hire your own professional home inspector, who can point out potential problems that could require costly repairs in the future.

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