Foreclosures in the US Real Estate Market?

Foreclosures in the US real estate market ? What is next and why ? Interesting article for you to read.

Shaw Festival 2012 - Looks like a terrific season !

Do not miss catching a performance at the Shaw Festival this summer. We are so fortunate to have such a world class theatre in the Niagara Region. Ragtime opens May 26, a must see production. See one play or see them all - check them out at http://www.shawfest.com/

Electro-magnetic radiation in your home?

Did you know that some of the worst electro-magnetic radiation is in our homes? In our kitchens and bedrooms? Were you aware that cordless phones emit much more radiation than cell phones? Have a look at this article to learn more about what is happening in our homes.

Wonder what your property is worth?

You can get a complete profile of your property free of charge by visiting www.mpac.ca.

Go to AboutMyProperty and enter your user ID number and your password. These can be found on the bottom right hand corner of your Property Assessment Notice issued by MPAC. If you don;t have these details, call MPAC at 1-866-296-6722.

The report will provide a detailed breakdown of your assessed value and a complete property profile. Check it out!

Own a little piece of Canada’s Prettiest Town

Based in Niagara-on-the-Lake, miNiagara will be launching in Spring 2012 and coinciding with Niagara-on-the-Lake’s bicentennial celebrations of the War of 1812.

Creators of a highly collectible range of hand-crafted and finished architectural miniatures, each of which will faithfully re-create the historical details found throughout the town.

Be among the first to own your little piece of “Canada’s Prettiest Town.”

Call (905) 468-6464 or visit www.miniagara.ca

There’s still Hope for unwanted furniture

If you have furniture or household items that you no longer need the Hope Furniture Bank is your answer. Just pay the $25 curb side collection fee and volunteers will pick up your items. They will be distributed to families in need

Beds with frames, dressers, kitchen tables, sofas tables and chairs are all helpful, to name a few.

A charitable tax receipt will be issued for the furniture’s value. If you wish to donate call the Hope Furniture Bank at (905) 356-4673.

Great jewellery and one-of-a-kind gifts

One store you won’t want to miss !!! Not Just Art at One St. Paul St. features an outstanding collection of fabulous canadain fashion jewellery, contemporary home decor items and unique gifts for everyone on your list. You will find the service exceptional, the complimentary gift wrapping a huge bonus and remember Not Just Art offers bridal registery and great corporate gifts as well. Celebrating 17 years in business, this is a boutique not to be missed ! The shop is located at One St. Paul St. in downtown St. Catharines. You can reach them at 905-687-8603. 

Compare property taxes in 3 Niagara municipalities

Q: Which municipality has the lowest property taxes in 2011: Niagara-on-the-Lake, St. Catharines or Niagara Falls?

A: Niagara-on-the-Lake

Taxes for a $300,000 residential property in these communities are as follows:

St. Catharines: $4,510
Niagara Falls: $4,220
Niagara-on-the-Lake: $3,500

Spoil your taste buds at the Pie Plate Bakery

If you’re passing through Virgil stop into The Pie Plate Bakery and Café, where the ingredients are local and everything is made from scratch.

Enjoy a gourmet sandwich or thin crust pizza. Treat yourself to a delicious pie or pastry featuring Niagara’s seasonal fruit. The restaurant has its own eclectic charm to boot.

Enjoy - your taste buds will thank you!

Fabulous Fit - The name says it all…

Clothes not fitting right? Have you gone through your wardrobe and found you need skirts, pants and alterations to some of your favourite clothes?

I recommend you visit Inna at Fabulous Fit - she can make just about anything fit! Easy parking, friendly service. Call Inna at 905-650-1734 or visit her website at www.fabulousfitbyinna.com.

Niagara’s ReStore is a win-win for renovators

Did you know that the ReStore is a donation centre and a retail store open to the public?

If you’re doing a kitchen renovation, the salvage crew will remove your old kitchen with care leaving a clean space ready for your contractors to install a new kitchen.

This means you won’t have to pay a contractor to remove and dispose of your old kitchen. You’ll also get a tax receipt for your donation when your kitchen is sold., and piece of mind knowing you’re helping reduce waste in our landfills.

Interested? Contact the Niagara ReStore at 905-685-7365 (x202) or visit them online at www.habitatniagara.ca/ReStore/

Niagara market will stay balanced, CMHC says

According to CMHC, the Niagara Region is currently in a balanced market and it’s expected to remain that way in 2012. A balanced market is defined as a market with stable prices, 40% to 55%
sales-to-new listing ratio and 30 to 60 days on the market.

Forecasts indicate an average price increase for 2011 of 1.5 % . An of approximately 1% is expected for 2012.

The largest migration to the Niagara Region from 2005 to 2009 is from Ontario residents. Most of these Niagara newcomers are pre-retirees with children and retirees making up the largest portion.

The result? Sales of homes of $400,000 or more were up nearly 20% from January to September 2011.