Did you know...         The city of Brampton, the Flower City, has recently won the 2008 "International Communities in Bloom" title.  Every year, cities from around the world compete for this coveted title.    International judges traveled around the city judging it in eight criteria which included: floral displays; turf and groundcover; environmental awareness; community involvement; tidiness; landscaped areas; natural and cultural heritage conservation; and tree and urban forest management. Congratulations to Brampton and all its residents! Call me today if you're looking to make a move to the Flower City! Sincerely, Sara KareerSales RepresentativeCentury 21 Millennium Inc., Brokerage(tel) 905-450-8300(toll-free) 1-888-450-8301(web) www.SaraKareer.com   11/04/2008

The impact of redesign on a client is worth noting.  My October graduates made a dramatic difference to a living / dining room for a client and this is what she said: When I came home on Friday, opened the front door and saw the transformation of our living room/dining room, I said WOW!!!!  And then I just stood there taking it all in.  Not only did it look great, it exuded calmness and my husband said "Now I can breathe!" I was amazed at how well our furniture worked with the pieces I brought back from Sweden after my mother's passing. I am now eager to entertain again! The rooms certainly did excude a sense of calm, compared to the evening a few weeks prior when I first met with my client.  The rooms were crowded and felt oppressive.  I wondered to myself what we would be able to acco... 11/03/2008

Your Complete 100% Home Satisfaction Guarantee   Attention Home Buyers!! Beginning November 1, 2008:  Buy it & Love It, or I'll Sell It ---- My Guarantee to YOU!   When you buy a home or condo with me, I offer you a complete one-year 100% Home Satisfaction Guarantee --- Buy It & Love It, or I'll Sell It.  This is your ideal no-worry Home purchase.  If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your home I will sell it for free when you buy another home with me.  The only stipulation is that I cannot waive the cooperating Broker portion if another Broker sells your home. What have you got to lose?  Call me today and take advantage of the Buy It & Love It, or I'll Sell It Guarantee. Sincerely,Sara KareerSales RepresentativeCentury 21 Millennium Inc., Brokerage(tel) 905-450-8300(... 11/01/2008

It's time to get warm and cosy. It's time to settle in and prepare your home for the approaching winter season. The nights are definitely cooler and darkness comes far too soon. But these tips are sure to help you enjoy the season. - add a heavier drapery panel over your sheers - use fabrics like cashmere, ultra-suede, velvets, velours and wool blends - add jewel toned pillows for elegance - add faux fur throws for a touch of luxury - layer your lighting too; group small lamps and lanterns together to warm a dark corner - include natural elements from the outdoors 10/29/2008

This weekend, my son and I had a blast putting together the packages for Ghosting It Forward...we initially started with 6 packages for our neighbours...but as we were putting them together, my son asked if we could also send some packages to his friends who live in our neighbourhood.  So today I went out and bought some more items (Halloween Bags, Chocolate Bars, 3d Stickers, Note Pads, etc). We will put the remaining packages together today and will "hit the neighbourhood" this evening!Can't wait!  Sincerely,Sara KareerSales RepresentativeCentury 21 Millennium Inc., Brokerage(tel) 905-450-8300(toll-free) 1-888-450-8301(web) www.SaraKareer.com   10/27/2008

October 17, 2008 -- Activity in the Greater Toronto Area resale housing market moderated considerably during the first half of October with 2,700 homes changing hands, Toronto Real Estate Board President Maureen O'Neill announced today. Sales volumes in the GTA decreased 18 per cent compared to the first half of October 2007, when 3,297 transactions were recorded and are down 10 per cent compared to the same period in 2006 when 3,007 sales took place. In the City of Toronto 1,140 sales took place in the first half of this month. This represents a 21per cent decline from the 1,446 sales that took place in the same period a year ago and a 13 per cent decrease from the 1,312 transactions recorded in the first half of October 2006. In the 905 Region there were 1,560 sales in the first two w... 10/25/2008

  "Ghosting" is a fun Halloween tradition of doing something nice for your family, friends, neighbours, co-workers, etc.  In the spirit of "paying it forward", everyone needs more positive interaction in their life. In our current world filled with constant negative news, Ghosting It Forward is about spreading positive thoughts & energy and brightening someone's day.   And the best part is - it multiplies!    Here's how it works...you send a "Ghosting package" to three people - whether it is an anonymous note of thanks to your neighbour, an email to a friend, a bunch of flowers, a bar of chocolate, an inspirational book or movie, a bag of goodies, or just a simple smiley face, the possibilities are endless - and each will in turn send packages to three more people.  Quickly, this become... 10/22/2008

            Today is Election Day...please go out and vote.  For a list of the Riding and Candidates, in your area, please click http://www.thestar.com/federalelection/article/495390For a list of where each major party stands in every issue from Healthcare, Economy, Poverty, Crime, War in Afghanistan, Foreign Affairs, please click http://www.thestar.com/federalelection/issuesGo out and make your vote count.  Sincerely,Sara KareerSales RepresentativeCentury 21 Millennium Inc., Brokerage(tel) 905-450-8300(toll-free) 1-888-450-8301(web) www.SaraKareer.com   10/14/2008

  This is a very special long weekend.  This is the weekend we give thanks.  Be thankful for your health, your family, and your friends. Be thankful for what you had, what you have, and remember to help those that are less fortunate.  Kindness has its own rewards.   Have a happy and safe long weekend! Happy Thanksgiving! Sincerely,Sara KareerSales RepresentativeCentury 21 Millennium Inc., Brokerage(tel) 905-450-8300(toll-free) 1-888-450-8301(web) www.SaraKareer.com 10/10/2008

Monday, October 6th is the last advance voting day.  Otherwise, your last chance to vote is election day, Tuesday, October 14th. By now, you should have received a voter information card (if you're on the voter registration list or gave the Canada Revenue Agency permission to share your residence information with Elections Canada).  You don't have to bring this card with you to vote, but it is adviseable -- the poll no. printed on the card helps those working at the polling station to direct you to the proper table. If you haven't received a voter information card, or the one you received is addressed to someone else or contains errors, call the local (Brampton) Elections Canada office at 1-866-236-8618. Don't forget your ID.  (If you don't have an acceptable piece of primary ID, e.g., ... 10/04/2008

Would you like to see or have a copy of your home's floor plans? Well, the City of Brampton should have a copy of your home's building plans on file. Just head over to the Building Division of Planning, Design and Development, now located at Flower City Community Campus (a "block" south of Queen St), address: 8850 McLaughlin Rd., Unit 1. Once inside the building, head downstairs to Document Services.  Don't forget to bring picture ID (e.g., Ontario driver's licence).  The clerk will verify your identity against their tax roll information for the property.  For a recent transfer in title, you may have to bring a copy of your Purchase Agreement to show that you are the new homeowner. The clerk will then retrieve the microfiche for you to view.  If you live in a subdivision, there's a refe... 10/04/2008

Lesson 2: A priest offered a Nun a lift. ................... ............................................. ................................. ........................ ............... She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg. The nun said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?' The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?' The priest apologized 'Sorry sister but the flesh is weak.' Arriving at the convent, the nun sighed heavily and went on her way. On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, 'Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glo... 09/18/2008

5 minute - Management Course Lesson 1: A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is Finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbour. Before she says a word, Bob says, 'I'll give you $800 to drop that towel.' After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob, after a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 and leaves. The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, 'Who was that?' 'It was Bob the next door neighbour,' she replies. 'Great,' the husband says, 'did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?' Moral of the story: If you share critical information p... 09/18/2008

September 17, 2008 -- The Greater Toronto Area's autumn resale housing market began with moderate activity, Toronto Real Estate Board President Maureen O'Neill announced today. With 2,726 sales during the first half of this month, activity has declined 16 per cent from the 3,236 recorded during same time period a year ago. Compared to the 2,913 transactions recorded during the first half of September 2006, activity has declined six per cent. In the City of Toronto, 998 sales were recorded, which represents a 23 per cent decline from the 1,297 transactions recorded in the first half of September 2007 and an 11 per cent decline from the 1,118 homes that changed hands in 2006. However, activity increased 16 per cent in the first half of September 2007 from the same period in 2006. In the 9... 09/18/2008

Conversation Day is coming to Brampton!Formerly known as Environment Day, this special one day event will be held at Fletcher’s Meadow Secondary School, located at 10750 Chinguacousy Rd., in Brampton, on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008, between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.  Only residents arriving in vehicles will be allowed entry (i.e., no walk-in traffic).Residents may drop off the following items free of charge: household hazardous waste items (e.g., batteries, household cleaners, solvents, paint, motor oil, pesticides) electronics (except TVs) confidential fine paper for shredding, and reusable goods for Goodwill (e.g., clothing, furniture, books, and small appliances). The following items are not accepted at the event.  Instead, you can take these to a local Community Recycling Centre (CRC): wast... 09/13/2008

VIP Event: Tuesday, September 9, 2008 Time: 1:00pm to 4:00pm (includes Buffet) Contact me for your exclusive VIP Preview of Cachet Estate Homes' newest luxury collection in Mississauga Road's prestigious Estates of Credit Ridge.  These are without question, the most exquisite homes surrounded by pristine parks and ponds, in the most exceptional community. This will be your first opportunity to view these magnificent homes starting at $480,000 to over $1.2 Million. The various models range up to 5,700 square feet and provide luxurious living space  -- including beautiful finished lower levels, walk-outs, gourmet kitchens and elegant master retreats with spa-inspired ensuites. This is a 30-day Offer and is not open to the general Public - call me today for details and your exclusive viewi... 09/06/2008

City of Brampton -- Facts Here are some interesting facts about the great City of Brampton. Did you know ... Brampton is known as the "Flower City". Brampton is also known as the "Best Blooming Community in Canada"...no small accomplishment! Brampton is the 3rd largest city in the Greater Toronto Area. Brampton is the first city in the GTA and one of 10 in North America to be designated an International Safe Community by the World Health Organization in 2007. Brampton has over 8,000 businesses. Brampton has a "Triple A" credit rating by Standard & Poor, which relfects its debt-free position, exceptional liquidity levels and excellent economy. Brampton has approximately 6,000 acres of Parkland. Brampton has a diverse population that represents over 60 diverse cultures and speaking over 1... 09/03/2008

Back to School & Back to Work   For many, the month of September is a time for new beginnings and fresh ideas, getting organized and settling in.   But the weather is still nice so continue to enjoy your outdoor spaces while you reflect upon memories made during the summer holidays. Did YOU have a good summer?  A lot of photos, shells found on the beach and a couple of cute souveniers?  How best to remember the fun and reflect on time well spent?  Narrow floating shelves in a hallway, shadow boxes, and multi-matte frames are a great way to capture it all in one place so it doesn't look like forgotten clutter.  You can even change your display seasonally - the look is versatile and it will certainly showcase your personality. 08/23/2008

When dealing with a small space, such as a student dorm, first apartment or tiny condo you must effectively utilize your vertical living space. Shelving and storage will be your new best friends.  Also be sure to look for pieces that are small scale, streamlined and multi-functional. This can be a fun undertaking for someone moving out on their own for the first time - especially if mom and dad are footing the bill.  We all know that Ikea works well for this scenario.But if you have already acquired a lifetime of furnishings and possessions, downsizing is a daunting task at the best of times.  Add to that the stresses or traumas that face us in the latter stages of life and it's difficult to know where or how to begin.  Always keep your favorite things - a skilled redesigner can easily ... 08/12/2008

Greetings,  One question that comes up more often than not these days is, "With the U.S. mortgage melt-down, shouldn't we as Canadian's be scared that this will happen to us?" Well I have to say it's a fair question; typically when the U.S. sneezes, Canada catches pneumonia right? Well perhaps Canada has taken its fair share of immunity building supplements because we only caught the sniffles this time. Why? One main difference is because the two mortgage markets are (and were) miles apart from each other. Firstly, let's look at what "type" of mortgages we are talking about...  Sure, we've all heard of the big banks like TD, Scotia, or RBC - these are the prime lenders out on the market vying for your business. But there is a completely different mortgage market out there called the sub... 06/24/2008