John Cocomile's (johncocomile) Blog

I met with a wonderful young couple yesterday...they are first time homebuyers, and have purchased a brand new home, closing end of March. After going over their mortgage options, addressing closing costs, and ensuring they understand what will happen between now and their first mortgage payment....

I had a debate with a realtor friend the other day.... If you are a first time homebuyer and buying a home in TORONTO, there's a substantial land transfer tax rebate available (up to $5,750, depending on the purchase price). The question is....how is this rebate obtained? Do "first timers" have t...

As an independent mortgage broker, my job is to know the ins and outs of all the different mortgage products in the marketplace. BMO's aggressive pricing for its 5 year fixed (expires next week) caused many lenders to sharpen their pencils....for fear of losing market share. A few thoughts... 1. ...

As a mortgage broker, I'm always working with realtors and lawyers. We often have the opportunity to refer clients, to suggest a home inspector or a contractor, or to introduce a client to a lawyer or realtor. Today a very special friend of mine (and realtor) met with my clients, who are looking ...

When buying a home or condo in Toronto, we all know about the "double" land transfer tax imposed by ex Mayor David Miller. And we all know about Rob Ford's promise to get rid of it. Until it goes away (yeah right), understand that there are exemptions that you might be able to fit into. A have a ...

I met with a real estate lawyer today, David Feld of www.feldkallia.com. Wow, this guy was impressive!   Fabulous offices just east of downtown Toronto. He meets with every client personally. He told me that, even for a mundane refinance, every employee works on each file. "So when I meet with my...

Maybe we are tired of hearing about it.....it's all you see and hear these days. But let's face it....interest rates are crazy crazy low. 10 year fixed rate terms below 4%. This is absolutely unheard of....and will add fuell to the real estate market. Pundits suggest the market has softened. I pr...

Eight times each year, the Governor of the Bank of Canada makes an interest rate announcement. This coming Tuesday (Jan 17), Mark Carney will make his first announcement of 2012. Pundits anticipate no change, but the recent favourable data out of the US is good news for the Canadian economy. Furt...

Why does one blog? Maybe one likes to write. Maybe one has nothing better to do. But I think its fair to say, certainly for those that subscribe to Active Rain, we blog in order to get traction...to get followers, to get leads, and to do more business. As such, should my blogs reveal my personali...

HI Julie...wow, you are a wonderful writer!   Clutter will kill a deal - going to see a house will personal effects, and old shoes and purses bursting out of closets causes me to quickly head for the front door. Getting stuff moved into storage not only makes space look bigger, better and cleaner...