Tuesday, September 18, 2012

ONE FATED EMAIL - 2 YEARS LATER: Jas's Thoughts From Toronto Tuesday's Real Estate Newsletter

ONE FATED EMAIL - 2 YEARS LATER:  Jas's Toronto Weekly Tuesday Newsletter - Issue 9

Do you believe in Fate,  Karma,  Destiny?   I DO and here is why!

You see I've witnessed too many "coincidences" in my life that can be contributed to chance occurrences. 

The most dramatic event that changed my life was my father, a highly spiritual godly man, foretelling my future when I was in third year university (22 years old).  Back then people would be always asking for his "advise". 

I remember asking him to read my palm and tell me about my life.  I was fearful of my future and hoping for decent employment so I thought I'd be smart by asking him a monetary question.  You see I was heading into a career in teaching and if he answered yes to my question that would have meant I'd received full time employment. 

So I asked him "will I make $30K after university?".
His answer caught me by surprise.  He said, "a lot more than that." 
So, one who had never enjoyed riches in my young life, I said $40K.  He repeated "a lot more than that."  So bullish,  I said $50K.  Again he repeated  "a lot more than that."

At this point, I'm thinking in my head, what the heck is he talking about!  As a teacher I wouldn't make that for 10 years.  How can I expect that in a few years of graduating.  So I mockingly said $100K and he said the same thing "a lot more than that." At this point I thought my dad had lost it or was playing with me.  So I frustratingly said to him "what do you know!"  Teachers can't ever make that!"  But then he said there was one condition.

It would happen after I was 28 years old and the real savings after 30.

Now, here was a son of an immigrant father, where none of his siblings had gone to university before him and worked average factory jobs.  I would’ve probably followed their footsteps if it weren't by fate, York University offered me a Entrance Scholarship because of my marks in the sciences. Now 3 years in I’m thinking of becoming a science teacher and my father foretells me something unimaginable.  I could he be so rich when I'd be happy with $30K job?  At his point, I forgot everything he said and continued my education- but how could I escape my destiny?

A few years later, I did not become a teacher.  Because of destiny- I found myself living and working in a Analytical Laboratory in British Columbia.  Then two years in, alone and restless I fatefully met my wife to be on the Internet. Soon fate struck again- my sister who was out of mind and sight for years e-mailed me that she was in the printing business and if I could take a look at her website and give my feedback.

I married in the summer of 1998 and my wife and I moved back to Toronto to be closer to family. As I was about to search for Laboratory positions, my mom tells me to "swallow my pride and go work with my sister in her printing business."  I did.  

A few months later, I asked my sister if I can start a printing company at the side- internet based and wouldn’t compete with her Toronto base and run all the printing orders through her. She gave me her blessings. So while I worked full time for her, I setup "shop" in October 1998 with a cell phone in hand and website. 

Now the million dollar question was how would I get customers when Dot.com companies were going bust all around me!   Again destiny (God) showed me the path and I received my first order in December 2008 and by February 2009 was making a thousand dollars plus on the side a week.  

As the busness grew and I revised my hours with my sister to work Saturdays to take additional week day off to service my clients.  Then It just hit me!  I relived what my dad foretold me years ago.  Here it was.  I was now 28. Just as dad forecasted six years ago.

For the naysayers how could this be chance?  Who could have predicted an internet based printing business for a lowly chemist!  It was then my faith in fate / karma / destiny / God, whatever you may want to call it, crystalized. 

Since then I've had many fateful moments in both personal and business careers.  Now as the title mentions.  Just 2 years ago I received an email for information on a condo project by a lovely lady living in Italy.  I had emailed her back and let her know what was available then.  Just last week she emailed me and was in town. I emailed her back answering her questions and offered to meet her at my office on Monday at 2pm to discuss the projects.  In this business, we get many enquires from people and very few are genuine.  So when I did not receive a confirmation from her that she can come, I wasn't expecting her.

But she did.  I was working at home, luckily dressed up, and reached the office in 15 minutes.

 

We met for the very first time.  2 years later.  We discussed her needs.  I told her about the projects that would fit her criteria.  As fate had it, that afternoon we went out and saw a couple of sales office and she picked a condo that fit her exact needs.  In addition we negotiated caps on levies and received bonuses and cash savings.  It just happened we went to this project and this was exactly what she needed.

 

That is why I hold firm in my belief that there is a higher power working through us all.  I can’t say I was the creator of this experience?  How could I have foretold the bonus discounts she received? 

 

Likewise I could have never predicted people calling me from Montreal to invest, from Edmonton to sell.  Nor did I imagine that people of all colors and religions would choose me, a turbaned Sikh, to help them buy, sell and invest.  That is why I am thankful and grateful for the trust people give me. 

 

What do you believe?  Have you experienced circumstances beyond coincidences?  Is anything a coincidence?

 

You know from my life's experiences that I strongly believe in sewing seeds of honesty and integrity.  In the cosmos I'm just a drop of water, yet somehow, the power in all, the life giving energy force, rewards righteous actions and will dream a "bigger dream for us than we could have ever imagined."

 

Without a doubt in my mind, I'm thankful to God for everything I have.  I'm grateful for my parents wisdom, my wife's love, my clients trust and feel blessed and honored that I can share my thoughts and experiences with you all.

 

Have a blessed life.

Jas Jagpal

Jas Jagpal, Broker at RE/MAX Dynasty Realty Inc.  He has formed 2 teams.  One specializing in Investing, primarily in condos and the second helping clients sell their houses in the GTA.  No matter what your needs are, contact him if you are looking to buy, sell or invest in the Greater Toronto Area.  

 

 

Choose Results, Honesty & integrity.  Choose Team Jas Jagpal.  
Jas Jagpal, Broker  647.272.6629   jasjagpal@gmail.com  Office: 905.471.0002 
Jess Jagpal, Sales Representative  jessjagpal@gmail.com  416.312.9742

Posted via email from Markham Houses : Markham Condos For Sale- Investment, Pre-Construction, Resale

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

September 2012, Toronto Real Estate Market Update

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Toronto, September 11, 2012.

The August 2012 sales statistics are out and once again we have declining sales compared to 2011.  This time the numbers are down 12.5% from 7,330 sales in August 2011 to 6,418 sales in August 2012.

What is contributing to this sales decline?  Working in the field it appears "affordability" is becoming an issue.  Average prices are 6.5% higher in 2012 from 2011.   Up 16% in detached homes in the Toronto 416 area.

We also have the new "mortgage rules" which are showing their impact.  Reducing the Amortization from 30 years to 25 years in essense reduced the buying power for many first-time home buyers.

Finally the Toronto Land Transfer Tax is pushing off people from selling and buying another home.  When you calculate Land Transfer Tax on a $500K average price home in Toronto you are paying $6,475 of Provincial Land Transfer Tax now add the Toronto portion and you are almost doubling the cost to a whopping $12,200 in taxes.  So if you had to sell and buy again, you are looking at $14K - $15K of total closing costs on the buying end... notwithstanding fees and costs associated with selling.  This is causing some people to rethink selling.  That is why I'd say new listings are down as well in August.  Inversely this will help to keep prices up as market conditions stay tight.  So if anyone was hoping for prices to fall.  Not anytime soon. 

For your information: The MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI)* composite index, which allows for an apples-to-apples comparison of benchmark home prices from one year to the next, was up by 6.3 per cent year-over-year.

5 Home Buying Tips + Videos:
1.  Work with a mortgage lender and find out what you are pre-approved for.
2.  Work a monthly budget and figure out what you are comfortable spending on housing on a monthly basis.
3.  Choose an area that you want to move in.
4.  Work with a trusted Realtor, let them know your budget plan and have them determine exactly what can be purchased in your choice of location and buyer criteria.
5.  View properties and put an offer in.

Remember ASK a lot of questions.  There are no dumb questions.  Buying is a nervous time and holding back from your trusted Realtor will only dampen your buying experience.  It is better to get your questions answered than being stressed.  Oh by the way,  I would be more than happy to help you or your family and friends buy or sell a house or condo.

Videos on "Are You Fit To Buy?"

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Jas Jagpal, Broker at RE/MAX Dynasty Realty Inc.  He has formed 2 teams.  One specializing in Investing, primarily in condos and the second helping clients sell their houses in the GTA.  No matter what your needs are, contact him if you are looking to buy, sell or invest in the Greater Toronto Area.  

Choose Results, Honesty & integrity.  Choose Team Jas Jagpal.  

Jas Jagpal, Broker  647.272.6629   jasjagpal@gmail.com  Office: 905.471.0002
Jess Jagpal, Sales Representative  jessjagpal@gmail.com  416.312.9742

Posted via email from Markham Houses : Markham Condos For Sale- Investment, Pre-Construction, Resale

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Toronto Real Estate Market Update - Condo Rentals / Tips on Buying

Toronto Real Estate Market Facts Sept, 4 2012

Now that our kids have gone back to school and everyone is getting back to "normal life",  I expect real estate transactions to pick up.  In August, I did notice the condo rental market tightening up a more people turn to rentals than buying in this uncertain financial markets.  It is a boon for investors who are renting as they are getting premium rents for their units.

 

Are you thinking of buying a house or condo?  Even those who have bought before, as many of my clients have done, often forget the process and have many questions.  It's important to be able to call, text or email your Realtor and get answers right away.  I encourage you to ask, ask and ask  as this is your right as a client.

 

Here is a Tip on Mortgages & Buying a home  

 

1.  Before you are looking to buy and apply for a mortgage, I'd recommend pulling your credit report and score. www.Equifax.ca  Go through it carefully and make sure everything is correct.  The banks will use this report to determine the amount they will lend you and your rate.  It is better to fix any errors then being told afterward you can't get a mortgage.  Save yourself the shock, pain and embarrassment.

 

2.  After getting a mortgage approval on an offer for a home, DO NOT, buy a big-ticket item on your credit cards.  Banks pull your credit report again before lending you the money near closing.  With more debts racked up, the banks will lend you less.  Now you are stuck paying the difference and people have lost their homes and deposits because of this.  Top agents will make sure they tell you this.

 

3.  Set aside 2-3% for closing costs.  Especially when you are not a first-time Buyer.  Top agents will do a closing costs analysis.  Ask if your Realtor doesn't.    

 

4.  Opt for accelerated bi-weekly mortgage than a monthly one to pay down your mortgage faster. 

 

Remember, if you have any real estate buying, selling, investing questions or have a friend, family member who does, just call me and give me the opportunity to help out.

Jas Jagpal, Broker at RE/MAX Dynasty Realty Inc.  He has formed 2 teams.  One specializing in Investing, primarily in condos and the second helping clients sell their houses in the GTA.  No matter what your needs are, contact him if you are looking to buy, sell or invest in the Greater Toronto Area.  

Choose Results, Honesty & integrity.  Choose Team Jas Jagpal.  

Jas Jagpal, Broker  647.272.6629   jasjagpal@gmail.com  Office: 905.471.0002
Jess Jagpal, Sales Representative  jessjagpal@gmail.com  416.312.9742

Posted via email from Markham Houses : Markham Condos For Sale- Investment, Pre-Construction, Resale