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News and Updates on the
Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate Market
Region of Waterloo Affordable Home Ownership Program
2208-01-30. Written by Jake Benjamins
I thought I would let you know about the Region of Waterloo Affordable Home Ownership Program. This program provides low to moderate income households with down payment assistance up to 5%, to a maximum of $10,000, on the price of a resale home with a maximum purchase price of $208,000. The Region of Waterloo has received $1.161 million to help deliver the program on behalf of the federal and provincial governments. Beginning in March 2008 this funding will be used to help an estimated 133 eligible households realize their dream of homeownership.
The application deadline is February 22, 2008. Please let me know if you or anyone you know could benefit from this plan. I have the information on how to apply.
Glencairn Real Estate
2008-11-14. Written by Jake Benjamins
Who says properties aren't selling? We've sold 3 properties in the Glencairn area in the last 3 months.
Now more than ever it becomes critical that you choose an agent who can help you navigate these volatile economic times. We started selling real estate in the 1980 recession and have been through numerous market corrections since.
Market Update
2008-10-14. Written by Jake Benjamins
Despite pessimism in the global market, here on the home front we are still receiving good news about the housing market. In fact the K-W Real Estate Board reported a 14% increase in sales in September over last year.
Know of someone thinking of moving? Talking to a seasoned broker may help to allay unnecessary fears. Call us today.
Changes to the Affordable Home Ownership Program
2008-08-16. Written by Jake Benjamins
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing recently informed the Region of Waterloo of key modifications to the Affordable Home Ownership Program in response to changes in market conditions since the launch of the program.
Effective immediately:
the maximum household income level has been increased from $61,400 to $68,000, and
the maximum purchase price of a new or resale home has been increased from $208,000 to $226,000.
In order to participate in the September 15 lottery draw, applicants must submit their application to the Region of Waterloo by September 5.
For more information on the program, an updated Fact Sheet and Application form, please visit our web page at www.region.waterloo.on.ca/aho.
Information Provided By:
Jeffrey Schumacher, MCIP, RPP
Supervisor, Housing Supply Initiatives
Planning, Housing and Community Services
Regional Municipality of Waterloo
Phone: (519) 575-4821 Fax: (519) 575-4449
Email: sjeffrey@region.waterloo.on.ca
April 08 Update
2008-04-01. Written by Jake Benjamins
Despite fears of a national economic downturn, the K-W Real Estate Board reported strong sales during the first quarter of 2008 – just 1.5% short of last year’s record sales!
And, thanks to your referrals, Benjamins Realty had its best quarter ever.
Christmas 2007
2007-12-23. Written by Jake Benjamins
Dear Customers, Friends and Neighbours,
Christmas is a time to reflect on those things in life that are most precious to us: family, home, health and happiness. I hope you have a chance to reconnect with the ones you love and the One who loves you.
Again this year as an expression of our thanks to you for your business, we will donate the gift of a goat to a family in a developing country through World Vision.
The gift of a goat is a precious treasure for a family. A good dairy goat can yield up to 250 litres of protein-rich milk that gives nutrition to hungry children-and income to their parents. These robust animals survive well in harsh climates, eat grass and leaves, and produce plenty of manure for fertilizing a family's vegetable garden. Best of all, they can produce two or three kids a year -- so they can multiply over and over again.
We offer our sincere gratitude to you for the confidence you have shown us during the year. The continuing goal of Benjamins Realty is to maintain and strengthen relations with you our valued customers.
We wish you a blessed Christmas and every success for 2008. We look forward to serving you in the New Year.
Sincerely,
Jake Benjamins
P.S. Just in time for Christmas, the Ontario government announced this week that first time buyers of resale homes, as well as newly constructed homes, are now eligible for a refund of up to $2000 of the Land Transfer Tax paid on real estate purchases . If you are a first time buyer let me help you make this refund a reality for you…
Ontario Refunds Land Transfer Tax Program
2007-12-13. Written by Jake Benjamins
First-time buyers of resale homes to benefit from new tax measure
The McGuinty government is giving all first-time homebuyers a break on land transfer tax by proposing to expand the Land Transfer Tax Refund Program to include purchases of resale homes, Finance Minister Dwight Duncan announced today.
"Expanding this Land Transfer Tax refund is an important part of our government's commitment to helping Ontarians buying their first home," Duncan said.
Effective midnight tonight, first-time buyers of resale homes, as well as newly constructed homes, would be eligible for a refund from the provincial government of up to $2,000 of the Land Transfer Tax paid.
The expanded Land Transfer Tax Refund Program for First-time Homebuyers is part of a package of new tax initiatives announced in the 2007 Fall Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review that would provide $1.4 billion in provincial tax relief for business and people over three years. The government is making strategic investments in people, communities and infrastructure to strengthen Ontario's economic advantage and help manufacturers and other sectors challenged by current economic conditions.
For more information please visit: http://www.gov.on.ca
October 07 Update
2007-10-01. Written by Jake Benjamins
The market is still doing well in K-W despite what’s happening south of the border. The average sale price of homes is also up over 7.5% from last year, with a single detached home now averaging $284,283.
