Congratulations To All University and College Graduates

Well, folks! One of my 'children' has gone and done it! She graduated University of Guelph. Got her Honours Degree in Science -- Earth Sciences to be exact. Loaded my small family in the car early this morning to get to the ceremony on time and headed out.

We had great seats. The Piper led the faculty in, followed by the graduates of that particular day/time slot. The first thing noticed was, "where are all the guys"? Not many in this time slot. Parents all around us and it was a shame that we were only allowed 3 guests. Some families brought more, of course.

The Chancellor of UofG is Pamela Wallen. What a wonderful speaker. She spoke from the heart. Her words tore at my heart-strings. The grads were infatuated with her words. Her welcome was short, too short.

As the grads started to line up to get their papers and congratulations, we parents jumped up for the photo ops. There were so many smiles. These young adults worked so hard for four years for this special moment. I remember my hand shaking at times when I was signing checks or transferring money for those "ask-cidentals". And today, I found out that it was all worth it.

These young people are the future. They are the ones that are willing to take chances. They are the ones that will be heads of companies and leaders of the world. As I look at them, I wonder - when did they grow up.

I remember my daughter finishing elementary school. Then four years of secondary just flew by. It was like yesterday when I dropped her off for first year university. The dorm room was 'cozy'. She had the basic necessities. She needed no more. She would tell me about the Friday nite movie nights - she was the only one in her quad with a small tv. Someone would bring the popcorn. Someone would bring the 'refreshments'. What a great group of co-ed roomies she had. And today, she walked down the aisle in her black robe and gold hood.

So, CONGRATULATIONS, to all who have passed through the hallowed halls of their post-secondary institutions. May I wish all of you the strength to face what is yet to come! Know that you have the support of your families to continue your journey. You can depend on the friendships that you have developed in these few short years.

Betty Bart
Fine Homes in Nine Oh Five
Directly at 416 427 1875

Tax Rules For The Self-Employed

There are many of us that have decided to leave the 9 - 5 jobs, start a business and become our own bosses. There are deadlins and rules that we must follow and thanks to John Scholl, some of those questions are answered here in this article.

Self-employed? You are different when it comes to tax deadlines and rules. As a self-employed person, there are key differences in when and how you should pay your taxes – and knowing those differences can bring some significant tax savings. Here is what you need to know.

Tax deadlines

Most Canadians must file their personal tax return by April 30 -- yours is due on June 15.
- Tax owing on the personal tax return must be paid by the April 30 deadline. If the return is not filed by June 15, interest and penalties will apply.
- Generally, if you qualify as ‘self-employed’ for tax purposes, you are required to pay taxes in instalments based on your reported income in the previous taxation year. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will send you a notice with the amounts you have to pay. Instalment payments for 2010 are due March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15. If you don’t pay by the due dates, you may face instalment interest and penalties. You can pay by selecting one of three methods:
1. The schedule set out in the instalment payment notice you will receive from the
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
2. Last year’s tax payable.
3. The estimated tax payable for the current year.

Tax tips

You may qualify for these deductions:
- Home office – if you use your home office as your principal place of business, you may be able to claim a portion of your housing costs including rent (if you are a tenant),mortgage interest, property taxes, utilities and home insurance.
- Capital assets – the furniture and equipment acquired for your business can be written off gradually by claiming the capital cost allowance (CCA) each year.
- Business expenses – claim reasonable expenses related to earning your income.
- Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax – if you charge these taxes to your clients/customers and remit them to the Canada Revenue Agency, you’re entitled to
GST/HST refund on business purchases.
- Health and/or Dental Insurance Premiums – these may be deductible for you and your family and deducting them as a business expense usually delivers a better tax benefit
than claiming them as a medical expense. The reimbursement of medical and dental expenses would still be received tax-free!

New: Employment Insurance (EI) benefits

- Beginning in January 2011, self-employed Canadians have the option to access EI benefits in four categories – maternity, parental, sickness and compassionate care
benefits. Twelve months of EI premiums must be made in order to qualify for any benefits but for the first year, if contributions start by April 2010, payments can start January 2011. Remember once in the program, premiums are required for life. The choice to participate in the EI program depends on your personal circumstances.

There are many other tax savings strategies available to self-employed persons. Your professional advisor can help you identify the ones that will work best for you – and make sure you save on interest and penalties by hitting all your tax deadlines.

John Scholl CLU,CGA, B. Mathematics,
Consultant - Investors Group Financial Services Inc.
& Investors Group Insurances Services Inc.
200 - 24 Queen Street East,
Brampton, Ontario L6V 1A3
Wealth Management & Financial Planning
Phone: (905) 450-2891 X529
Toll Free: 1 (866) 799-2223 x529
Cell (416) 731-3660
Fax: (905) 450-9747

I strive to continually improve my wealth management practice to be worthy of the referrals received. I build my business one introduction at a time, and would consider it a great compliment to be introduced to one of your business associates, friends or family.

Thank you, John, for providing this information to customers who may be interested in the purchase of a home and need some professional advice about their investment and finances.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
Homes In The Nine Oh Five

Market Watch, Oakville Real Estate

More and more news about the housing market. Here is the most up-to-date Market Watch information. What's going on? Well, homes are selling, there's not enough inventory, buyers are looking for deals, and the list goes on. Multiple offers are still happening but not at the same pace.

I am still having trouble finding new listings. With the numbers that the Market Watch is showing, I often wonder why my buyers are waiting. Yes, interest have risen (they always do this time of year) but if you are well prepared and have spoken to your mortgage advisor, then you should be ready. You don't have to jump at the first home that you see, but there is a home out there for every single buyer.

Here's a bit of information from the Market Watch:

“The GTA resale market is functioning properly. Sales were high as buyers continued to take advantage of affordable home ownership opportunities. Listings grew as home owners reacted to strong sales and price growth,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Tom Lebour. “More balanced market conditions will result in sustainable rates of annual price growth in the second half of 2010.”

The average price for April transactions was $437,600 – up 13 per cent compared to the average of $385,641 recorded in April 2009.

“Home sales continue to be driven by many different segments of the market, with sales growth for all major home types in both the City of Toronto and surrounding 905 regions,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis. “Home sales will remain strong in the second half of 2010, but will slip from the current record pace as borrowing costs rise.”

I have been very fortunate to have received a New Land Transfer Tax Calculator. It helps with some of the closing costs, also. Thank you to Stan Gelman, QC, Juris Doctor. A hands on lawyer that is available for your questions.

If you would like to discuss the new Market Watch, or just chat and open a line of communication, call me, Betty Bartusevicius, at 416 427 1875. Also,take advantage of my user friendly website offering more than just a lot of properties for sale. I provide a wealth of informative articles and information useful to all levels in real estate - from the first-time home buyer/seller to the seasoned sellers/purchasers.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
Re/Max Reatly Specialists Inc., Brokerage
905 828 3434
Fine Homes In Nine Oh Five

New Land Transfer Tax Calculator in Oakville and Mississauga

With all the buyers and sellers that I meet on a daily basis, I often have the same questions, "What are the closing costs?" Sellers want to know what their financial responsibilities are, as do buyers. I try to inform all that I meet to the best of my ability. Well now, with assistance, I have on my web site a calculator that will give you the most important costs. With a click of a button, you can select the best answer that suits your situation, and sit back and relax. This calculator does the work for you.

Click here for your access. Visit www.bettybart.com under the Resource Title. It's page 1.

Thank you to Stanley Gelman, Q.C. for this information. Discuss with Stanley Gelman about rebates, and any other real estate legal questions that you might have. The fees quoted are for a normal residential purchase transaction up to $550,000. Additional Fees May Apply Purchase Mortgage $300 Title Insurance $250 - $350 (Relates to Purchase Price) Disbursements Searches Courier etc +/- $300.00 Rebates may vary; previous ownership and marital status. For additional information, please contact Stan Gelman at (905) 270-5110 or email Stanley Gelman, Q.C. (sgelman.sglaw@rogers.com) Closing costs calculator provided by Stanley Gelman www.wiselawyer.ca

As you start reading the documents that will be presented, I will inform you that I am a real estate agent, and that I will always suggest that you consult a lawyer if you have any legal questions. I would suggest contacting a specialists regarding mortgages, inspections, etc.

I hope that this is helpful. Remember, I try to provide you with as much helpful information to guide you through the real estate process. No pressure tactics, just honesty and professionalism.

Do you have any questions about the elegant neighbourhood of Lorne Park, Mississauga Real Estate, or prestigious Oakville Real Estate? Give me a call directly at 416 427 1875 or email me at betty@bettybart.com.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
905 828 3434
416 427 1875
Fine Homes in Nine Oh Five

Closing Cost Calculator

With all the buyers and sellers that I meet on a daily basis, I often have the same questions, "What are the closing costs?" Sellers want to know what their financial responsibilities are, as do buyers. I try to inform all that I meet to the best of my ability. Well now, with assistance, I have on my web site a calculator that will give you the most important costs. With a click of a button, you can select the best answer that suits your situation, and sit back and relax. This calculator does the work for you.

Click here for your access. Visit www.bettybart.com under the Resource Title. It's page 1.

Thank you to Stanley Gelman, Q.C. for this information. Discuss with Stanley Gelman about rebates, and any other real estate legal questions that you might have. The fees quoted are for a normal residential purchase transaction up to $550,000. Additional Fees May Apply Purchase Mortgage $300 Title Insurance $250 - $350 (Relates to Purchase Price) Disbursements Searches Courier etc +/- $300.00 Rebates may vary; previous ownership and marital status. For additional information, please contact Stan Gelman at (905) 270-5110 or email Stanley Gelman, Q.C. (sgelman.sglaw@rogers.com) Closing costs calculator provided by Stanley Gelman www.wiselawyer.ca

As you start reading the documents that will be presented, I will inform you that I am a real estate agent, and that I will always suggest that you consult a lawyer if you have any legal questions. I would suggest contacting a specialists regarding mortgages, inspections, etc.

I hope that this is helpful. Remember, I try to provide you with as much helpful information to guide you through the real estate process. No pressure tactics, just honesty and professionalism.

Do you have any questions about the elegant neighbourhood of Lorne Park, Mississauga Real Estate, or prestigious Oakville Real Estate? Give me a call directly at 416 427 1875 or email me at betty@bettybart.com.

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative
Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
905 828 3434
416 427 1875
Fine Homes in Nine Oh Five

Hey 905 'ers Check me out!

Betty Bart Hits another Home Run for Waterfront property in Oakville. How are you being found?







Work with effective knowledgeable realtors when buying or selling homes in the Halton and Peel Regions. Welcome to Living in Oakville.

Come Explore Oakville

Bronte Road Sweetheart South West Oakville

Almost 3,000 square foot two story from the back, looks like a bungalow or loft from the front.

Photo Stream is available on Flickr with additional interior photos.

Have a look at the photo's for yourself.

Hardwood flooring superior trim, African slate that is a pleasure to walk on in the kitchen and breakfast area, open concept Family Room and Living Area will bring your family together around a glass faced gas fireplace. Easy access to the a private patio and rear yard through 2 separate walk out double doors.

Video of the Property is streamed on youtube for you here;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1nBtuSOaJ8

You may actually want some property details, taxes and room sizes;
Bronte Road Home For Sale

The stairs are adorned with wrought iron pickets and hardwood newell posts and hand rails, gleaming hardwood floors are on all levels. The master bath provides a luxurious shower and separate tub. Two bedrooms have a jack and jill washroom to share PLUS a 3rd full 4-piece bath on the second floor.

A finished basement boasts a TV style studio with a slate wall surrounding the big screen TV, hardwood floors, a gas fireplace, wet bar, space for dancing and a mechanical room divided with frosted glass.

The dreaded Miller Tax does NOT apply as this property is in Oakville.

asking $1,130,000

Financing on a Variable is available at prime minus 90 if your score is 680.

If you would like to view this fine property Call me at 416 427 1875

If you would like your property marketed in this same fashion please email me at betty@bettybart.com

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative

Re/Max Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage

OFFICE: 9050.828.3434

CELL; 416.427.1875

EMAIL: betty@bettybart.com

WEB SITE: http://www.bettybart.com/

PSST: If you know of family, friends, or colleagues who are thinking of making a move in real estate and are in need of professional services by a full-time real estate agent, feel free to pass along my contact information. Referrals are greatly appreciated.

not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under brokerage contract