HARMONIZED SALES TAX TAKES EFFECT JULY 2010

Today home buyers and sellers pay a 5% Goods & Services Tax (GST). Come July 1st 2010 the Ontario Liberal Party is implementing the new HST (Harmonized Sales Tax).

This new tax will include the 8% Provincail Sales Tax (PST) applied to a number of real estate services. The 13% tax will be included to legal fees, commissions, appraisals, and home inspections. These services are currently exempt. This will add about $1500 in new taxes to the average residential real estate transaction in Ontario.

Ontario residents already have higher property taxes, & land transfer taxes. This new tax will make it more difficult for home ownership. Home owners will now have to pay 8% more on their electricity, gas,  heating fuel, renovations & labour. Even the cost of snow removal and landscaping.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Get Canada and Ontario Grants for HOME RENOVATIONS

Get up to $10,000
Canada Grants + Ontario Rebates

*Furnace          *Windows
*Hot Water      *Insulation
*Heat Pump    *Air Condition
*Geothermal   *Solar
*HRV                 *Boiler
*Attic                *Roof
*Basement      *Walls
*Crawlspace    *Doors
*Air Sealing      *Toilets
          and more!

1. Furnacew- high effeciency gas or oil, up to $1,580
2. Central Air Conditioners- replacement $500
3. Hot Water heaters-tankless/instaneous ags, condensing type $750
4. Boiler- high efficiency gas or oil $1,500
5. HRV- Heat recovery ventilator $750
6. Solar- hot water system $2,500
7. Heat pumps- air source heat pump which doubles as air conditioner $1,000
8. Geothermal- ground or water source heat pumps which are energy-efficient heating and cooling systems up to $8,750
9. Attic or roof- insulation up to $1,500
10. Exterior Wall- insulation up to $3,750
11. Basement- insulation up to $2500
12. Crawl Space- insulation up to $2000
13. Air Sealing- for your home up to $860
14. Window & doors- $80 for each replacement unit
15. Toilets-$130 for each replacement unit

To qualify you need an energy assesment before you upgrade.
For details call 1-877-732-9888

Renovation's & Improvemants

This time of year many sellers are considering making improvements or renovations to their home that can help influence their homes market value when it comes time to sell. The following list is a guide for sellers to help them get the most value out of every renovating dollar spent.

Landscaping: First impressions start at the curb so make it inviting for that prospective buyer. Simple floral containers, manicured lawns, shrubs and even a new coat of tar on your paved driveway can give you a 7% better return on your renovating dollar.

Kitchens: The kitchen is were we all gather for dinner, refreshments and conversation. Upgrades that include cabinets made from maple, stained or natural over the traditional oak are becoming popular in todays kitchen appearance. Laminates and marble are great choices for counter tops, but granite continues to be the most popular surface of all. New sinks, taps and knobs in brushed nickel add  richness to the finished look. Kitchen upgrades can add 44% higher return on investment over the average return on other renovations you may be considering.

Paint:A fresh coat of paint is one of the cheapest improvements done in your home and can give you a 29% return on investment. Neutral tones of bisque, fawn and gray with accent colours of orange, aqua, sage and blue are popular trends.

Bathrooms: By creating a spa like environment, with a soaker tub or new steam shower stall and new cabinets, sink and taps, can generate a 56% better return on investment.

Floors:
 Buyers are favoring hardwood, laminate and ceramic in floor finishes. They are easier to clean, eliminate odors and give your home a "richer" feeling.
 Gone are the days of wall to wall carpeting. Out dated carpeting should be ripped out and replaced. Use area rugs instead to accent your floors.
This type of upgrade can generate a 22% better return on average.

Before you do any type of renovation, have me come over and take a look at where you can best spend your hard earned money. Not always does a home owner have to to it all nor can they afford it all. Now is the time to start evaluating what should be done and what NEEDS to be done.

Copyright 2008-2009 HireAgent99.com | Shelley Simpson For Agents | Privacy | Site Map Shelley Simpson,  Sales Representative & Staging Professional REALTOR® Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty Brokerage 253 Dundas St. East, Trenton Office 613-394-4837 or Toll free 1-800-263-2177  Contact Shelley Online   Point2 website customization | nancy golliday