Deb Dorsey, Broker
1858 Queen Street East M4L 1H1 Toronto, ON, Canada

I think it is about time I changed this photo since it really doesn't resemble me anymore; so stay tuned for that one. A few things to share. PLEASE drain your hose bibs to avoid freezing and horrible leaks. It is easy and necessary. Stand back and see if any light appears around your exterior doors. Yes? How about some new weather stripping.... Before the need for ice melters is upon us and the shops run out, grab a few bags and be prepared. If you are inclined to decorate the outdoors with lights for the season, do it now before the temperatures really drop. And it is OK to wait before you turn them on if you think it is too early. And remember that the Spring market in real estate starts in January. The earlier you list, the less competition you have to face so use the holidays to spruce your home if you are looking to move.

**CASTING CLOSED** Seeking Real Families for a Non-Union University Campaign auditioning in Toronto on Monday! Looking for a real family of three. A mom and da...d, ages 30-40, who have a son between the ages of 5-7. We are looking for authentic families with imperfections that make them real. They are hardworking, likeable and charming. *Pays approximately $1,500 per person if selected. No previous acting experience required, non speaking role. This is a non-union shoot. Please send your name(s), age(s), phone number(s), and some recent photos (no hats or sunglasses) to: [email protected] Please write ‘PROJECT UNIVERSITY’ in the subject line of your email, along with your name and role. (E.G. PROJECT UNIVERSITY - The Peters Family) Submissions are due ASAP or before: October 12th at 9am. You must be available for these key date (in Toronto): Audition - October 15, 2018. Callbacks - October 17 or 18, 2018 Wardrobe fitting - October 23rd, 2018 Shoot - October 24, 25, 26 or 27, 2018

These men were washing their hands in the bathroom of a nightclub when what they saw in the mirror moved them to tears! Credit: We Save Lives See more informative videos like this: https://bit.ly/2Nfnmlw

A very good article in The Globe today... The Liberal government has announced sweeping changes aimed at ensuring Canadians aren’t taking on bigger mortgages than they can afford in an era of historically low interest rates. The changes are also meant to address concerns related to foreign buyers who buy and flip Canadian homes....Continue reading

New rules take effect January 1, 2018: Check with your Mortgage Specialist on how this can affect your mortgage loan if you've applied before January 1, 2018. Home buyers with a down payment of 20% or more will now be subject to stricter qualifying criteria (also known as a "stress test") that would determine whether a homebuyer would be able to afford their principal and interest payments should interest rates increase. This stress test would use either the 5-year benchmark rate published by the Bank of Canada or the customer's mortgage interest rate plus 2%, whichever is the higher. New rules don’t apply if you’re renewing your mortgage. The new rules only apply to new mortgage loan agreements.

The Spring market has gone beyond 'heated up' to a full scale - on fire! If a home is ready to go, the right time to list is right now. Very often I'm known to say the market changes week by week and street by street. With a desperate need for decent inventory, we are seeing listings go for far above asking even when asking reflects accurate market value. Market Value vs Market Price - get the right answers with a quick call to the Realtor of your trust.

The times, they are a changing. No time like now to understand your game. http://www.cbc.ca/ne/business/osfi-mortgage-rules-1.4358048

If you are considering a purchase in 2016, please educate yourself around new regulations for borrowing. http://www.cbc.ca//morneau-home-ownership-finance-1.3360610

Lovely new listing at 260 Blantyre Avenue. A little bit of French Country meets a pied a terre in Paris. And a heated salt-water pool makes this Honey a real charmer. Waiting for the right pocket book who knows where to land - but, wait, it may be too late.

Protect yourself when going into business with a partner... http://www.theglobeandmail.com//partnersh/article33856377/

YOU ARE INVITED...4 Wrenson Road Hits the Market at $699K. This Designer's Urban Treat Offers Stunning Open Concept Principal Rooms With A Gourmet Kitchen to Knock Your Socks Off. A Master Retreat Overlooking a Lush Ravine Makes You Feel Like You are In a Treehouse. Come By for Open Houses Friday 11:30-1:00 Lunch Served and Sat/Sun 1:00-5:00 to Find Out All The Extras Here.

It's that time of year again. That time which makes you think, with the great unexpected weather outside, that you are on cloud nine. Well get off that cloud, for just a few minutes, and go shut off your hose bib because if we get a frost, you might have a nightmare flood on your hands. We aren't watering our gardens, so give your windows and walks one more clean - then head downstairs and 'SHUT OFF YOUR HOSE BIBS.' An alternative is to install a frost-free option. Check... this out. http://www.thisoldhouse.com//ho/overview/0,,480863,00.html

Here's a little sweetness to make up for a Mean Mother Nature this season... New To The Market - Open Your Front Door Onto Williamson Gardens Ravine. Here is A ...Stunningly Bright, AND, Spacious Stacked Town - Treat It Either As a Two-Bedroom+Den/Office/Media Space OR Three-Bedroom Home. Whichever Configuration You Choose - Two Full Four-Piece Bathrooms, Plus A Large Main Level Powder Room. So Much Great Storage - You Will Want To Go Shoe Shopping! Private & Guest Parking. Life Is Great At 1 Bastedo Avenue, Unit 15. This Dream Can Come True For You - Listed @ $459,000 - Offers Anytime, So Grab Your Cheque Book And Realtor! Hopefully more photos http://youtu.be/8RTyx74NhlM

Please be cautious

Attention Home Buyers - Act NOW because there is a major change coming down the pipe which could impact first-time home buyers who may have existing student loans to repay... Over the last 5 years we have seen some significant changes to the way that lenders qualify borrowers applying for mortgages. Each change since 2008 has made the process of qualifying for a mortgage a bit more difficult. As of January 1, 2015 existing unsecured debt payments will be calculated using 3% r...epayment on the balance regardless of the contractual amount. Those debts and their corresponding 3% payments ultimately determine how much of a mortgage you qualify for. The more outstanding debt you have the less of a mortgage you qualify for. Previously, lenders accepted the contractual payments for unsecured debt despite it being lower than 3% of a balance. Let's use an example of a $25,000 line of credit that has been used. At an interest rate of 6% the bank would only require a minimum 'interest only' monthly payment of approximately $125. Lenders previously qualified a mortgage based on the low minimum payments issued by the creditor. New mortgage rules will require the more conservative use of 3% of the balance rather than interest only when qualifying you for a mortgage. The lenders underwriting practices now require a payment of $750/month (3% of the $25,000 debt you have) be used. This has a significant impact on qualifying ratios. As an example, if someone makes $65,000 a year and wants to buy a home, and let's say that the person only has one debt. That debt is a $25,000 line of credit that they used to help get them through university and the 'interest only' payment on that line of credit is just $125/month. Prior to the upcoming policy change, the client would qualify for a mortgage of approximately $325,000. If we use the new policy of using 3% of the balance on the line of credit and add the payment of $750/month into their liabilities that means that they would go from qualifying for a mortgage of approx. $325,000 to $200,000. That is a pretty big difference of over $125,000 in mortgage amount. Bottom line...lower your bottom line by repaying your debt. Good luck and always call on me with questions or concerns for your home-owning future.

An interesting read to understand where your finances are going.

Glad to be an accredited 'Senior's Real Estate Specialist' which allows me to recognize and address the needs of a maturing population. It makes sense to work with a Broker who can identify solutions. I'm delighted to deliver high standards in today's market. http://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/realtors-provide-special-servic

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend for open house fiesta. March 15th and March 16th 2:00 to 4:00 PM

85 Crossovers Street

Now here is some of the best value I have ever experienced. Listed at $639,000, this four bedroom home also has a huge loft running the full size of the home. Deep backyard and front pad parking for this stunning solid brick century home. If I could lift it and move it to Leaside - we would be talking $1,000,000. I love this neighbourhood and so will you. Don't wait - call for an appointment. http://www.realtor.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx

Don't go away. I have another wonderful luxury condo at The Berczy for your consideration. You know all the wonderful aspects of the neighbourhood - culture, professional hub, dining, shopping, Toronto Island, The Sony Centre, The ACC, Rogers's Centre are just the tip of this beautiful iceberg we call DownTown... Take advantage of buying your dream at 55 Front Street, Ste. 301 where lifestyle meets refinement and refinement meets luxury.... http://www.realtor.ca/propertyDetails.aspx

Attention Urban Enthusiasts. If you love St. Lawrence Market, Theatres, The Hockey Hall of Fame, Exciting Dining Options, Strolls Through Home Design Destinations and Wonderful Architectural Discoveries - look no further. If you love to hit Sugar Beach, wander to The Distillery District, head to Harbourfront or shop your heart out - stay tuned. Long awaited, The Berczy, has arrived. Located at 55 Front East across from the beloved FlatIron Building. Walk out of this epido...me of refinement to a world of excitement. Or stay home in this luxury boutique condo to enjoy splendid amenities apart from a beautiful two-bedroom two bathroom plus den suite that delivers top-of-the-line living. The Berczy does not allow public open houses to protect the comfort of the residents so book your private tour today. http://www.realtor.ca/propertyDetails.aspx

You are always the first to know...a new listing at 33 Lombard. Take a peak. http://getdave.ca/33LombardStreetSuite905 Better yet, if you are in the market for a pied-à-terre, call moi!

I am so tickled. Just read that Larry Dale who some have not-so-nice-things to say about him - well he has pulled a 180. He was the guy behind discount real estate - sell it yourself. He has shut down and now opting to head up the other greed factor - Rogers Media is going real estate brokerage and he is running it. Why? To sell leads from Zoocasa. I love when professionals go running and trip all over themselves. Take some time and read this - I'm tickled!!!! http://www.remonline.com/

Thanks to my pal Christine for sharing and reminding me that experience in life is the way to go and that it isn't what you want but what you need. Watch this video. http://www.dailymail.co.uk//Graham-Hill-Tech-millionaire-s

Well hello and kiss my Saturday afternoon. You know you want a good time - who doesn't. Well if you can't find one but need a chuckle, I'd love to tickle your funny bone while at my open house today. Consider yourself invited (and By Your Way - I'm there tomorro too - who knew??.... http://www.realtor.ca/propertyDetails.aspx

Please take a moment to read the whole post for your safety. FSCO or Financial Services Commission of Ontario regulates industries such as mortgage brokerages and insurance providers. New regulations came out last year (quietly) which seriously impact new and renewing policies for homes containing ANY Knob & Tube. Please take a moment to read the whole post for your safety.... If your home is over 30 years old, your insurance company may require you to upgrade the plumbing, electrical and/or heating systems in your home prior to providing you with or renewing your homeowners insurance policy. The problem with knob and tube wiring - Knob and tube wiring, also commonly found in homes over 50 years of age, consists of parallel hot (black) and neutral (white) wires, separated by knobs (or insulators) and ceramic tubes. Knob and tube wiring is considered a higher risk than contemporary wiring installations mainly because There is no ground wire (in contrast to contemporary wiring). Given their age, the wires are highly susceptible to wearing and exposure, presenting a serious safety hazard. The unintentional contact of the hot and neutral wires may potentially cause an electrical fire. As a result, you may be required to replace all exposed knob and tube wiring with approved permanent wiring material before an insurance company will provide you with homeowners insurance coverage. For additional understanding of this wiring - read on and please share these details with your family friends and colleagues. http://www.nachi.org/knob-and-tube.htm

Want to have some fun and understand where you are headed? I absolutely love calculators for mortgages, savings - you name it...anything that helps me figure out my future stability (or lack of). Check this out to see for yourself. Just discovered that a $75,000 investment at 5% over 25 years of monthly compounding yields a savings result of... drumroll please - $261,097. Time to roll those pennies.... Enjoy your day and your future!

Please click on see more to read the whole post - I do it for you! Praise me or curse me...just do what I say. The question: Should I pay a lump sum on my mortgage or contribute to my RRSPs. This is a no-brainer. If you have room, contribute as much as possible to your RRSP in order to get a refund on your Income Tax. Take that refund and make that lump-sum payment. You will end up with savings for retirement and can make a dent in your mortgage. Once a year just double ...up a single payment instead of dribbling away the dough, every bit counts towards your freedom. Being mortgage free buys you a lot of 'screw you's' when you find yourself in a job that is unbearable. Let me know if you recognize this little guy pictured here.

Please click on Read More to get the whole skinny - it is worth your valuable time. With our beloved Valentines Day just in front of us, I wince at approaching the subject of a relationship dissolving. HOWEVER, it happens. There was some good insight in REM (a real estate publication) which suggests 50 'thing's to take into consideration if the ax falls on the cupid. Read it just to be reminded of issues to manage daily with your portfolio... 50 things to do if your separa...Continue reading

January is typically a slow real estate month only because folks are still on vacation at the beginning, it's brutally cold out and too many are just sick and inactive. But I'm seeing the glass half full. Here are the sales stats for just three areas which are not too shabby... E01 Active Sales 105... Solds 36 Average Price Semi-Detached $618,533 Average Price Detached $648,454 E02 Active Sales 62 Solds 25 Average Price Semi-Detached $735,000 Average Price Detached $793,454 E03 Active Sales 98 Solds 51 Average Price Semi-Detached $563,155 Average Price Detached $571,452 I'm always happy to provide statistical details on your neighbourhood and specifically, your street so please don't hesitate to call on my services.

Despite what the media would lead us to believe...the real estate market in Toronto is quite healthy. The strong areas are performing and our key issue is not enough inventory. If you know anyone considering a sale or purchase, they would be well advised to make it happen sooner than later. Interest rates remain at record lows for those who qualify for the best rates. Rates aren't bad for those who have bruises on their credit either. Best bet - get a pre-qualified rate hold and give shopping for a new home some serious thought.