The Patz McMillan Team

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Blog by Patz McMillan

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Condominiums achieve unprecedented favour among Canadian homebuyers

November 14th, 2007
Double-digit sales gains reported in most major markets in 2007  After more than three decades of slow but steady growth, the condominium concept has finally clicked with Canadian homeowners.  The lifestyle has proven to be a solid investment in housing markets across the country, chalking up some of the most impressive gains in residential real estate in 2007, according to the RE/MAX Condominium Report.

Their universal appeal is substantiated, with every market reporting increased momentum in condominium sales volume over 2006 levels.  In fact, 80 per cent of markets surveyed reported double-digit gains in sales year-over-year,

A mortgage pre-approval is a great way to protect yourself against changing interest rates while shopping for a home.

July 10th, 2007
With the present volatile interest rate environment we're seeing, it's a good idea to get yourself positioned with a rate guarantee for up to 120 days while you shop for a home.

Mortgage pre-approvals and rate guarantees are free of charge and will protect you in the event of increasing interest rates. 

During the rate guarantee period, we watch the rates for you on a daily basis. If the rates increase, you will be protected at the rate we get you pre-approved at for the 120 days. However, if the rates go down during this period, we will automatically contact the lender on your behalf and request they

seious questions about mortgage fraud

June 28th, 2007
What is Mortgage Fraud? Mortgage fraud, also known as real estate fraud, is a growing threat to homeowner security in many parts of the country. There are two main types of mortgage fraud. The most common is the practice of falsifying information to illegally secure mortgage funding. In some cases, an applicant will borrow money to buy a property at a highly inflated price from an accomplice who recently purchased it for much less. The two will then abscond with the difference between the two sale prices, leaving the lender with a property worth much less than declared. The other type of mortgage fraud specifically involves the practice of

Best Foot Forward

April 18th, 2007
Spring is a fun time of year, especially for those who like to get out and look at different houses and condos that are for sale.  These visits may begin quite casually, but can quickly get exciting if you come across a dream property.  That’s why it always advisable to start a real estate search by determining the present market value of your current home.  Then, when that golden opportunity presents itself, you will be fully prepared to act.  Give us a call soon, so we can help you determine the true value of your current home.  Then you will be positioned to put your best foot forward, whenever opportunity knocks.

Media Coverage on the Need for Title Insurance May be Somewhat Overstated

March 20th, 2007
The media "Coverage on the Need for Title Insurance Ovestated" story on using Title Insurance to prevent title fraud may have needlessly frightened people into believing that they should all run out today and buy title insurance policies on their home to protect them against fraudulent activities against the title of their home." - Deborah Upton, Manager and Owner, RE/MAX Crest Realty (Westside)   You can feel well protected from title fraud in British Columbia, as evidenced by this information bulletin from BC Land Title and Survey.

Click Here to Download PDF Article 

 

Spring Ahead!

March 14th, 2007
The calendar pages are quickly flying by, and as each day passes we are reminded that we must start making plans for the rest of the year. Maybe you’ve been thinking about a home renovation or a major vacation. Whatever you want to do in the coming months, now is the right time to get a head start. If I can be of any assistance in moving your plans forward, please don’t hesitate to call.

Future Focus

February 15th, 2007
Future Focus

When you’re involved in real estate, the focus is always on the future. So, the months often seem to creep up without warning, and the season can really fly by.

At this time of year, it may feel like changes are far away, and time is moving slowly. But if you are thinking ahead, and would like a professional perspective on a real estate in 2007, please give me a call.

After all, spring is just around the corner.

How Clean is Your Air?

February 5th, 2007
How Clean is Your Air? We spend most of our quality time at home, so it’s important to manage the quality of the air we breath. There are a wide range of options designed to create and protect a healthy air environment. To determine which is best suited to your needs, you must understand your tolerance for the various types of allergens or irritants in the air. Although it’s difficult to determine how serious one should be in guarding against them, it’s helpful to at least understand the common sources of airborne pollutants and the various treatment options.

Air Problems can com from almost anywhere Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is the result of

Happy New Year!

January 15th, 2007
Best Wishes to You!

The New Year is always a good time to be optimistic about the future. Knowing that so many of my clients allowed me to help them over the past year or referred me to their friends or relatives, helps me feel optimistic about the coming year. It’s great to know I have such terrific clients! Thank you!

Looking forward, I’d like to with you and your family excellent health, plenty of happiness and continuous prosperity throughout 2007….Happy New Year!

Top Ten New Year's Resolutions

January 5th, 2007
New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. Did your New Year resolutions make this top ten list?

1) Spend More Time with Family & FriendsRecent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, Quicken, and others shows that more than 50% of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year.

2) Fit in FitnessThe evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known