As a real estate salesperson and the owner of a Saint John property management company, I see many people who buy rental properties and don't think they need a property manager (in most cases they own a small building or a single family home they rent out). Little do they know it's not only about collecting your rent cheque every month. Here are some things to consider when asking yourself "Do I need a property manager"? Residential Tenancies Act First and for most is the laws governing rental units. Here in New Brunswick Canada it's called the Residential Tenancies act. It outlines the rights a tenant has, as well as the rights of the landlord. If you aren't familiar with them, you need to get familiar or find a manager that is - otherwise you could end up in some trouble with the law.... 09/16/2008

The last couple of weeks I've been doing some research into LED lighting. We see it used in vehicles and flashlights all the time, but why not household lighting? LED's last for ages,  are resistant to vibration and movement (they don't break!) and they save loads of energy compared to the regular energy saving bulbs. Yes the new energy saving bulbs (compact fluorescent) that fit the traditional edison size fixtures are saving on our power bills, but not near as much as a led light bulb will (some LED light bulbs will output the same light as a 60W bulb while only using 4.5W) - not to mention the compact fluorescent bulb uses gases that are harmful to the environment. You can purchase LED light fixtures for your home or business (they aren't easy to find though). I have recently seen so... 09/16/2008

Canadian Mortgage Rates for September 12th, 2008                                    6 Mth       1 Yr        2 Yrs     3 Yrs     5 Yrs      7 Yrs     10 Yrs Bank of Montreal       6.21       6.65         6.70       6.70        6.85       7.30      7.65Centum Mortgage     4.25       4.70         5.25       5.35        5.34       5.80      5.90CIBC                           6.74       6.65         6.70       6.70        6.85       7.30      7.65    National Bank            6.30      6.30         6.30        6.35        6.85       7.25      7.45Royal Bank                 6.35      6.35         6.35        6.35        6.85       7.30      7.95Scotia Bank                6.35      6.35         6.55        6.69        6.85       7.30      7.95TD Canada Trust        6.20     6.65         6.70   ... 09/13/2008

I am a huge fan of saving money and the environment. I've come up with a few simple steps you can take to save energy around the home. Decide what you're taking from the fridge before you open it, try not to leave the door open any longer than you have to. Defrost meat and other items in your fridge, not on the counter. The frozen item will absorb the warmth in the fridge and keep the fridge from working harder to keep things cool. Let food cool before you place it in the fridge or freezer. The fridge has to work hard to take away the heat, and will use more energy. Use cold water when possible (when cleaning purhcase a green cleaner that can be used with cold or luke warm water). Use caulking around windows to stop drafts. You can also use heavy blinds to create a warm layer of air bet... 09/10/2008

Here's are the Canadian Mortgage Rates, effective Sept. 5th, 2008 from the major banks & mortgage companies in Canada.                           6 mth       1 year       2 years      3 years      5 years       7 years      10 years   CENTRUM          4.25%     4.70%        5.25%       5.35%         5.44%         5.80%        5.90% CIBC                  6.74%     6.65%        6.70%       6.70%         6.85%        7.30%        7.65% Bk of Montreal   6.21%     6.65%       6.70%       6.70%         6.85%         7.30%       7.65% Royal Bank        6.35%     6.35%        6.35%       6.35%         6.85%         7.30%       7.45% Scotia Bank       6.35%     6.35%        6.55%       6.69%         6.85%         7.30%       7.95% Nat’l Bank         6.30%      6.30%       6.30%       6.35%       ... 09/08/2008

The fast moving market of Saint John, New Brunswick has slowed down a bit for the last few weeks of August. Most people are trying to squeeze in as much as they can these last few weeks of summer, including back to school shopping. The Saint John market is clearly still in a sellers market, with the low listing inventory we have right now. This has significantly lowered the average time on market, and many homes are selling as soon as they come on the market. Due to such low inventory, it's important that buyers move quickly once they decide to make a move. It's important that they sign up to recieve listings in their email so they can get a one up on their competition. It's also extremely important that as a buyer, you have an agent that answers their phone when you call and is ready t... 08/21/2008

With a recent Telegraph Journal (local Saint John newspaper) article for Tuesday, August 5, 2008 and in the Business section; the article indicated that currenting the New Brunswick tourist marketing campaign was "GENERIC, LACKING and UNSUCCESSFUL." This area is becoming the Atlantic Canada's "ENERGY HUB" and growing rapidly. With 102,000 members in the world of ActiveRain and growing in numbers daily, I wanted the rest of the world to be aware of the Saint John, New Brunswick area. Well, after realizing that CANADA had 28 regional markets and none for Saint John or New Brunswick, I finally created the first GROUP.  I thought a symbol would be more effective than a photo, due to my creativity.  I began by using WordArt to create the letters, the lightening bolt was a Microsoft image, wh... 08/08/2008

Ask a few questions when you look at the Building Envelope of your current property or considering on buying another property.   1)  Is the attic insulation?    Yes or No         If there is attic insulation?  What type?  (ex: 12R, 15R, 18R, 24R, 30R, etc) 2)  Is the attic hatch sealed?   Yes or No         Is the attic hatch insulated?  Yes or No 3)   How old are the windows?         What type of windows?  (ex: Double pane, Single pane, gas sealed, etc.) 4)   How old are the doors?         What kind of doors do you see?  (ex: Wood, Steel, Glass Insert? 5)   How do you feel when you are in the property?        Do you feel drafts?            Where do you feel those drafts?        Do you see any air or water leaks entering or leaving the property?   By mentally thinking of these items, you... 08/07/2008

In the Saint John, New Brunswick area, we had the 3rd largest percentage change (+25.9%) in 2 storey housing and the 4th largest percentage change (+20.1%) in bungalows for ALL of Canada. First time buyers helped boost activity for the Saint John area  A preference for homes prices between $150,000 - $250,000.  Workers returning from the oil fields in Alberta also entered the high-end real estate market here in Saint John leading to strong activity levels in the housing during the 2nd quarter of 2008. This is an untapped area that has much potential in the near future!  Friendly people & beautiful natural resources. Eh Canada!       ;>)   Saint John's coastline on the Bay of Fundy (Atlantic)   Cities  Detached Bungalows Standard Two Storey Standard Condominium Market  Q2 2008 Average Q2... 08/03/2008

Elton John is here for 2 nights, in two cities, in New Brunswick.  On September 28, 2008, Elton John will play at the Moncton Coliseum, in Moncton, NB, beginning at 8:00 p.m.             Then two days later: On September 30, 2008, Elton John will play at the Harbour Station, in Saint John, NB, beginning at 7:00 p.m.           TICKETS: Costs between $95.50 - $149.50 + service charges           CONTACT: Moncton:  Tel # (506) 857-4100 or                                         Online: www.monctoncoliseum.com  or  www.geg.ca                         Saint John: Tel # (506) 657-1234 or 1-800-267-2800                                         Online:  www.harbourstation.com ***  There is a maximum limit of 4 tickets that you can buy.   Look out Baby Boomers, their offsprings, their offsprings of... 07/16/2008

Every Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 (June 19-Aug 28 2008), the town of Quispamsis hosts Markey Medley at the Arts and Cultural park (located next to Town Hall). Market medley is a free for all event to view and purchase works by local artisans, crafters, bakers, as well as try some great food cooked on site. All this while enjoying the sounds of local musicians. If the sun is out, be sure to drop by to see works of art by my fiance Tracy Ann Gavin along with all the other great work! I’m usually out there as well, so stop by and say hello! For more information visit www.quispamsis.ca and click on "Calendar of Events". -Luther Harrity   07/15/2008

Wow!  It's a miracle!  Saint John's City Council has finally agreed to construct a $600,000 World Class skateboard park.  Discusssions originated around 1996, but there wasn't a location picked and many delays.  In stepped the Fundy Skateboard Association, which was formed to motivate the city into making a decision & keeping it in the forefront within the public's eyes & ears. New Line Skateparks Inc. have created the design which will be located underneath one end of the Harbour Bridge and will remove a parking area to the Harbour Station.  It will be facing the Atlantic Ocean or what we call "The Bay of Fundy" view. The construction will begin at the end of this summer and hopefully will be finished before the beginning of next summer. Look out WORLD OF EXTREME SPORTS here comes Sain... 07/11/2008

    This the first of many green mortgage comparisons created to educate the public. For further details contact the bank stated Today I went to my bank to open a business account and while I was getting ready to leave, I asked the bank representative if they had any Green Mortgages.  She replied "YES!!!" So, I got all the information possible... TD Canada Trust has these details: 1)  LIMITED OFFER (APPLIED FOR BETWEEN APRIL 25th-JULY 31st, 2008:  They will rebate up to 1.5% of the amount of the mortgage or the fixed rate portion of the HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit), when you make ENERGY STAR qualified appliance  purchases. 2)  STANDARD (after July 31st, 2008) You will receive 1% off the posted interest rate on a 5 year fixed rate portion of a HELOC. 3)  STANDARD (after July 31st, ... 06/04/2008

If building your first kitchen or retrofitting your older kitchen, then consider building a GREEN KITCHEN.  Start with picking the best EnergyStar or EnergyGuide appliances before you even consider the rest of the kitchen.  That will start the process to saving $$$ every month. NEXT, when you build the kitchen, forget the cherry, oak or any wood cabinets and granite countertops.   Instead, looking for Recycled glass countertops, recycled marble floors, sunflower panels instead of drywalls and recycled cabinets. A report by Industry Canada, indicates that it will only cost 2% more to build a Greener kitchen and it will save $$$ for the long-term on a monthly and annual bases.  WHAT A WAY TO LET YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS REALIZE THAT YOU CARE ABOUT THEM AND THE FUTURE PLANET'S NEEDS!!!      ... 05/31/2008

In today's market more than 88% of buyers start their home search online. Most of them start searching online before they even speak to an agent. The Saint John real estate market moves very quickly and many buyers depend on the internet to get the upper hand on new listings. That's why it is so important to have your home marketed online with MAXIMUM web exposure. When you market your property online you have the ability to show the value in your home with large pictures, slide shows, and detailed information. When hiring an agent, you will want to make sure they have their own website where they will display the detailed information and the large pictures. You will also want to make sure they have a way to capture information from potential buyers. Along with marketing your home on th... 05/23/2008

  Okay, Americans, Canadians are paying on the average for regular gas $4.70/gallon.  Yes, Americans at the moment have it easier to us, and ironically, we have an oil refinery in neighboring City of Saint John, New Brunswick, that sends processed gasoline back to the U.S.  Here's a site that's dated for today May 20th 2008, I'm floored at how much Europeans pay for gas, relative to Americans & Canadians.   Some Europeans countries are paying up to $10 - $11/gallon.   We have it relatively easily right now.  Compared to the next list on this site, we (Americans & Canadians) are paying too much.   Venezuela is paying $0.12, YES, 12 cents/gallon. You might find this article infuriating or happy, it's all relative on how you analyze it.. HERE'S THE SITE:  "http://finance.yahoo.com/family-... 05/20/2008

What a wonderful, exciting encouraging and motivating proposal for the Saint John students and their parents, now realizing that a state-of-art Medical School will be housed in the Saint John area.  Having a Medical School in the area, will give local students resources for finishing their  education locally, without moving out to get the professional training.  This will give residents future doctors, nurses and other medical professionals.  Since most employers look to see what services the community have before they move into them.  What a ingenious way to entice future employers to locate their corporations in the Saint John, New Brunswick area.  This is working on the infrastructure of the community for future years to come.  People will be encouraged to move back, if not, move to ... 05/14/2008

If car salesmen, are getting a better rap for educating the public on energy efficient cars and how they work and how to obtain them, then as professional REALTORS®, it’s our moral obligation to educate our public on the benefits of conserving energy.  Unfortunately, the poorest of our public, would probably have the least energy efficient homes and not be aware of the energy programs to retrofit their home with very little money, especially if they are given a very low interest loan.    We would get much more creditability if we help our own countries poor and middle class, before and after the transaction of buying or selling a home.       05/06/2008

Welcome to Saint John, New Brunswick, CANADA!!!  Where people are very friendly and transitioning from blue collar work to high skilled labor & technically advanced market.  The area around Saint John is beginning to flourish, especially the Kennebasis Valley, Milledgeville and the River Valley area of Grand Bay-Westfield.  WHY?  The unlimited resources of minerals and the wonderful scenic hills of continous granite lined streets and waterways.  This is an untapped market, getting ready to boom.  My vision of the future, is continual job and economic growth, cultural diversification, with a "green" environment.  With an increasily "green" environmental future, with the harbour cleanup initiative, this will become one of the greatest harbours on the eastern seaboard.  With the building ... 05/04/2008

View and advertise real estate, homes, condos, apartments, land, and commercial property for sale rent and lease at http://www.prop2go.comMention or use promo code ActiveRain and get 1 free listing.Saint John's place to find real estate. 04/22/2008