More Great Deals for our Gold Card Holders!

Hey There!


WOW... More amazing businesses have been added to our Gold Card program! Check out their deals below!

Our contest to win a Home and Lifestyle package worth over $4,000 has been a great success! On December 12, 2012, The Jamie Dann Team will be drawing for a WINNER! Stay tuned for our next contest in the new year!

Before I get to the new offers, I want to highlight one of our GREAT supporters!

The Window and Door Gallery located 74 Saunders Rd, Barrie, provides a full range of services from design, installation, financing, project management, and continued client service and support. Their core family values of integrity and quality workmanship have made them consumer favourites in the Ontario window and door market for over 10 years. Servicing Canadian homeowners since 1999, their family based business provides a wide range of options to fulfill all of your window and door needs. Their friendly staff has the knowledge, skills and ability to analyze and provide you with any and all of your window and door solutions. To check out their website and see what they have to offer, click here. So, don't delay and receive 20% off the retail cost of window products and 10% off the retail cost of doors when you show your JDT Gold Card.

Check out our NEW business partners and their offerings...

Crazy B**** BBQ Sauce receive pulled pork (ready to eat) with all orders over $50 or receive a complimentary GREEN bag with every $20 gift pack

Mortgage Alliance Customized Mortgage Strategies receive an Ecobee Smart S1 Model thermostat. See www.ecobee.com for product details. Retail value $285.

A New You Optical receive 3 for 1 eyeglasses.

Big Bone BBQ and Wicked Wings receive 15% off of your total guest check.

Permadry Waterproofing and Foundation Repair receive $50.00 off crack repairs.

Nerds On Site receive 15% off first time customers, then 10% off for repeat customers.

(For all of these offers, some restrictions may apply)

As you can see, this program is expanding like CRAZY, so make sure you visit www.JDTGoldCard.com before you buy ANYTHING!

If you know of anyone who would like cards for themselves, please don't hesitate to let us know!

Until next time,

The Jamie Dann Team.

Have you seen these deals yet??

Hey There!

WOW... More amazing businesses have been added to our Gold Card program. Check out their deals below.

PLUS, click here to register your card TODAY to be entered to win a $4000+ Home and Lifestyle package. If you don't already have a card and would like one, click here.

Before I get to the new offers, I want to highlight one of our GREAT supporters!

Manhattan's Restaurant at 147 Dunlop St., East, in Barrie, has given us the generous offer of 30% off food! This restaurant is in the heart of downtown Barrie, and has a wonderful atmosphere, including a spectacular view of Kempenfelt Bay. Manhattan's offers a wide variety of food, and a great selection of beer, wine, and spirits. This dining establishment is open 7 days per week from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. To check out their website and see their menu, click here. So, don't delay and have a wonderful meal at Manhattan's and receive 30% off when you show your JDT Gold Card.

Chiropractic Services with Dr. Bernadette Artymko - Initial consultation, spinal exam, x-rays (if necessary), and full report of findings for only $35.00 (regular price $102)

Money Bootcamp Seminars - Register 1 teen (13 - 19 yr old) at regular price for Money Bootcamp 4 Teens and get 50% off the second teen.

Longhorn Catering and Personal Chef Services - 10% off weekly meal planning service or 10% off total invoice for a special event

Kitchen Savers - Receive a set of custom roll-outs with any re-face or new kitchen

Mary Kay Cosmetics and Skincare - Receive a make-over and Satin Hand Cream

And here are some changes in previous offers!

Arbonne - Any ladies parfume $54.00, and any men's cologne $39.00

Bellas Dessert Boutique - Receive 1 doz shortbread cookies with every Christmas cake order

(For all of these offers, some restrictions may apply)

As you can see, this program is expanding like CRAZY, so make sure you visit www.JDTGoldCard.com before you buy ANYTHING!

If you know of anyone who would like cards for themselves, please don't hesitate to let us know!

Until next time,

The Jamie Dann Team.

Have YOU Entered Yet??

Hey there!

Have you heard the buzz about the $4,000 Home and Lifestyle Giveaway we are doing???

Here's the lowdown:

Get your JDT Gold Card by November 30th and go into the draw to win a Home and Lifestyle Package valued at over $4000. (See the details below)

Simply visit www.JDTGoldCardSignup.com or call 705 252 5242 and enter your details to receive your card and automatically be entered into the draw.

If you already have a card, register by November 30th, and you will also be entered to WIN. To register, all you have to do is call 705 252 5242 or email admin@jamiedann.com

Already registered? Not to worry, you have been entered for this amazing prize!

Why should you get a card?

Well that's easy to answer - with over 40 local businesses and deals up to 30% off, there is SURE to be something for everyone.

And the best part?

It doesn't cost you ANYTHING - that's right, no charge.

So call or visit our site right now and let's get you getting some cool deals, and maybe even winning the awesome prize pack below!



When you get your card, we would love to know how the program is working for you. If you know of other GREAT businesses that you would like to see as participating members, please let us know that too!

Lastly, please introduce us to those you know who are thinking of making a move, either near or far! We love to be of help to people early on in their plans.

Please don't hesitate to contact us should you have any questions!

Until next time!

The Jamie Dann Team

Are The New Mortgage Rules a Good or Bad Thing for First-Time Home Buyers?

Some of you may know that in July of this year major changes to the rules regarding Canadian mortgages were put into effect by the Canadian government. These new policies included a decrease in the maximum amortization period from 30 years to 25 years for mortgages insured by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, that lenders could allow home equity loans for up to 80% of a property’s value (reduced from 85% previously) and that homes worth more than 1 million dollars were no longer eligible for government insured (CMHC) mortgages (for example, anyone wanting to buy a home worth more than $1 million must now have a down payment of at least $200,000).


For first-time buyers the biggest change was the shortening of the maximum amortization period from 30 to 25 years. Now, is that necessarily a bad thing? Perhaps not as this will force borrowers to pay back their debt sooner, thereby ultimately reducing the amount of interest they'll pay over the life of the loan, saving them thousands of dollars in interest costs over the life of the mortgage. However, the flip side of the coin is that the borrower’s mortgage payments will be larger as more debt gets paid back with each payment.

Some experts say that the new rules may help prevent first-time buyers from stretching themselves too thin, will allow them to build equity in their home faster and become mortgage-free sooner.

There is a great article in The Star which addresses the pros and cons of the new mortgage rules in Canada for first-time home buyers, to read the article click here.

Hope all of you first-time buyers find this article interesting and informative. If you have any questions about how the new rules may affect your new home purchase, please don’t hesitate to give us a call – we are here to help!

Until next time,

The Jamie Dann Team.

Introducing the Jamie Dann Team GOLD CARD!!

Hi All:

As an innovative team in the Barrie Real Estate market, The Jamie Dann Team has developed a VIP program for the Barrie area community. Go to our website at www.JDTGoldCard.com and look at all the generous businesses who have provided us with GOLDEN offers. Our hope is that with this card you will save tons!

To get your own card, please phone us at 705-252-5242 or email us at admin@jamiedann.com.

When you get your card, we would love to know how the program is working for you. If you know of other GREAT business that you would like to see as a participating member, please let us know that too!

Lastly, please introduce us to those you know who are thinking of making a move, either near or far! We love to be of help to people early on in their plans.

Please don't hesitate to contact us should you have any questions!

Until next time!

The Jamie Dann Team

Good Mortgage Advice: Planning Ahead

Do you ever think about things you can do now to help protect yourself against the inability to pay your mortgage in case of financial issues in the future? The CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) has posted an article on their website entitled “Mortgage Planning Tips” giving some great information about how you can be proactive now to possibly prevent damaging financial hardship in the future.

It is always wise not to borrow the maximum amount you have been approved for when it comes to a mortgage. Borrowing the maximum amount you can afford now may not allow you to comfortably cope with unexpected changes in your income or unforeseen expenses in the future.

It is a great idea to sit down with your financial lender to calculate how your monthly mortgage payment would change if the interest rates were to increase (even 1 - 2%) - Could you still comfortably pay your monthly mortgage if this increase should occur? – a very good question to ask yourself BEFORE “signing on the dotted line”.

There are ways to pay off your mortgage sooner in order to have more financial freedom in the future – this could include making weekly or biweekly payments, saving to make a lump sum payment toward the principle and/or increasing your payment a little bit every month. Talk with your financial lender about the options they offer to pay off your mortgage faster.

If you reach a point that you are unable to make your monthly mortgage payments, speak with you lender – they may be able to help you as they may offer ways to help you deal with temporary financial obstacles – Remember, the worst thing you can do is sit back and not do anything and just hope the problem will go away!

For more information regarding these Mortgage Planning Tips please click here to read the complete article from the CMHC.

Until next time,

The Jamie Dann Team

Enter to WIN!!

Hi All:

Here is a GREAT CHANCE TO WIN! We are very excited to announce that we are about to launch a BRAND NEW customer loyalty program.... but we need your help :) You see the only thing we are missing with this new program is a NAME.... so what we would love you to do is to help us name our new Loyalty Program.

Let me tell you a bit about it so hopefully something brilliant jumps into your mind. What we have created is a way for our friends, family and their friends to shop locally and get some great value, discounts, and/or add- ons, an amazing deal, from hand selected businesses that we believe can provide you with outstanding service.

To encourage you to help us, we will put everyone who comments/gets creative into a draw to win 100 FREE Air Miles! I can't wait to see what people come up with!

CLICK HERE to enter!

Until next time!

The Jamie Dann Team

Using RRSP's To Fund Down Payments...

Hi All:

The Canadian real estate market is in the midst of a busy year. For first time buyers, the biggest challenge is often how to come up with the down payment. While it's possible to buy a home with as little as 5% down, the ideal recommendation is to put at least 20% of the purchase price toward the down payment. How can you come up with these funds?

When helping client's solidify a savings plan, financial planners often advise, "Pay yourself first." When it comes to buying a home, first time home buyers may want to consider the suggestion, "Borrow from yourself first." This can be achieved through the application of your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) toward the down payment of a property.

Canadians who have never owned a home, or who haven't owned their primary residence for at least the past five years, may qualify to withdraw up to $25,000 (tax free) from their RRSP to put towards a home through the government's Home Buyer's Plan. Home buyers withdrawing funds from their RRSP under this plan do not have to pay income tax on the amount withdrawn as long as the funds start being repaid into an RRSP two years after withdrawing the funds, are repaid at a minimum of 1/15 per year, and are completely repaid within 15 years.

If you would like a copy of the Home Buyer's plan, please email us at admin@jamiedann.com

Lastly, our inventory is low and houses are selling fast. If you, or anyone you care about is thinking of making a move, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss how to make that happen.

Until next time!

The Jamie Dann Team

Tips for Planning a Home Renovation

Hi All!

Well, spring is now upon us and for many people thoughts go to planning home renovations. If you are planning a home renovation, there are important things the Ministry of Consumer Services wants you to keep in mind to help you make smart choices and protect yourself.

Find a good contractor: Ask friends, family or neighbours who have had work done on their homes recently. Avoid contractors who offer a cash deal – without a receipt you have no proof of payment. Don’t be pressured into signing a contract “on the spot” in order to get a “special deal”, take your time and make a well informed decision. Set aside time to interview each contractor in order to determine their qualifications and their experience. Always ask for references and take the time to contact them!

Get an accurate estimate: Arrange to get estimates from at least three contractors who should meet with you personally in order to have a clear understanding of the work you require so they can give you an accurate estimate. Make sure you get everything you agree to in writing, including the total cost of the renovation which should take into account what is included in the price quoted and what is not (materials, parts, labour, permits, etc). It is also important to know the terms of the warranty for all work that is going to be done. In terms of financing, keep deposits to 10 percent – NEVER pay for the job before all of the work is completed – ALWAYS keep a holdback (around 10 percent) until the work has been completed to your satisfaction.

Sign a contract: Always read the fine print (the terms and conditions) before you sign a contract with your contractor and NEVER sign a blank contract. Make sure all of the work to be done is addressed in the contract. ALWAYS get a written contract before the work begins and make sure it includes the name, phone number and address of the contractor, and the full name of the person who provided the estimate.

The Ministry of Consumer Services’ website provides lots of great information and tips regarding home renovation and repair, to view please click here.

Until next time,

The Jamie Dann Team

Preparing your Home for the Move…

Hi All!

A GREAT partner with The Jamie Dann Team is stager / organizer Margaret Harlos of Living Organized. Given that at this time of year, many people are getting ready for their next move, here is a great article that Margaret prepared for us. To learn more about her services, please Click Here . In the meantime, please enjoy her post.

Preparing your Home for the Move…

Each room should be featured and decorated for the original purpose that it was designed.

What not to do.

I have a 3 bedroom house. One bedroom is a TV room, one my home office and of course the master. Not a great way to show a 3 bedroom home when selling, BUT, a great way to maximize the space for you in a redesign once we move you into your new home.

Make sure items are placed in appropriate spaces. One homeowner had a crock pot, electric fry pan and other small kitchen appliances stored on the shelves in the laundry room. This screams that the kitchen cabinetry and storage space is insufficient. Too many things... pack what you don’t need now. Doing this now, simplifies the move later.

If your home has a garage it will be listed with a garage. Purge it. Using it for storage also states the home is not large enough, doesn’t have enough closets or storage space.
Don’t give potential buyers any reasons to walk away from your home. Maximize your space.

De-personalize your home. Remove all the kid’s photos, awards and wedding pictures. I know you are thinking I’m really mean - Here’s the scoop – looking at your family legacy doesn’t make potential buyers feel that they can live in your home when it’s all about you. Remember, we can re-create all those memories when we move you into your new home. Let’s just make them fall in love with your home and pay top dollar.

You likely have more than enough neutral pictures around the house that you could move a few. If you do not need to paint replace personal pictures and decor with items that can appeal to almost anyone. This allows them to visualize how they can incorporate their personal items into the home. This also works with furniture. Less is more. Keep only the furnishings necessary to show how each space works and can function for a potential buyer.

Moving or planning a move – Living Organized provides a no obligation comprehensive price quote. 705-431-7774

Until next time!

The Jamie Dann Team

http://www.thejamiedannteam.com/

http://www.thejamiedannteam.ca/

Wondering if now is a good time to Buy??

Hi All,

Recently I came across a very interesting article in "Moneyville" put out by the Toronto Star, talking about all the reasons why now is a great time to buy.

To summarize, it is a great time to purchase a home in Canada because:

1) Mortgage rates are at historic lows. As we know, when interest rates are low, they have no where to go but up. So, make sure you lock in your rate and get pre-approved so that you are guaranteed to get a lower rate when rates rise.

2) Canada has great appeal due to its stability both economically and politically.

3) There is a great draw of Immigrants to Canada, many of whom have sold homes in their country of origin and have money to spend.

4) It appears that Canadian's are really good at paying their mortgages as compared to those home owners in the States.

5) Similarly, when there are financial challenges in paying one's mortgage, it seems that Canadian banks are more apt to work with home owners vs. immediately foreclosing on the home

6) Canada has a healthy income to price ratio of 3.5 when you look at the Median Canadian income as compared to the Median cost of homes

7) Because the interest rates are so low, it is a great time to consolidate your debt. This will make the amount to service the debt much more manageable.

8) Given the US is having an election this year, it is likely that the economy will remain steady if not improve. None of the Presidential hopefuls want the economy to fail.

If you would like to speak with a GREAT mortgage specialist who can help you get pre-approved, consolidate your debt, or just give you a road map, please contact us, as we work with some awesome professionals.

To read the full article click here.

Until next time!

The Jamie Dann Team

http://www.thejamiedannteam.com/
http://www.thejamiedannteam.ca/