In looking at this week's numbers, it is quite a change in the number of properties that have been taken off the market - 28 listings expired or were cancelled in the past week, representing 8.2% of the available listings. There were a total of 7 properties sold, plus another 7 that went under a lease contract.

The busiest segments of the market this week were the price ranges of $275,000 to $300,000,  and $325,000 to $350,000, with 2 sales each. There were no sales over $375,000.

In terms of market supply, which is the most important factor to consider, we have approximately a one year supply of houses on the market right now. That means that if conditions stay the same and no new properties come onto the market, it will take a year to sell the available inventory.

It's called a Buyer's Market for a reason.

We have to apologize for the delay in posting the final 2008 Statistics - our MLS provider is experiencing a few challenges with the statistical module of the software and has been delayed in providing this information.

Look for a month-to-month update to also be available once the statistical module is working. In the meantime, we will continue compiling our weekly TMO by manually entering the data, listing by listing, into a spreadsheet and calculating for your benefit.

Do You Have Equity in Your Home?

If you have some equity in your home, or you have ready access to $25,000, you need to take that money and put it to work for you. You need to build your financial wealth.

In the Millionaire Real Estate Investor Workshop we delve right into the true meaning of the term ;financial wealth' and what it can do for you and why you need to build it. We also introduce you to the models and systems used by 120 millionaire real estate investors, so that you can learn from their mistakes, gain their habits, and take a quicker, straighter path to financial wealth.

I was doing some research for a new investor client today, and came up with some incredible opportunities available in Milton right now. Let me give you the details: 

The numbers in the table are based on commonly-available mortgage rates as of the date of writing. The one expense not included is the insurance coverage, because that can vary depending on the coverage you get and your relationship with your insurance company. 

As noted, these properties are currently available today, and will give you a positive cash-flow on a consistent monthly basis.

A further note is that we may be able to get you into the properties on a no-mortgage, $5,000 down basis. This method would be great for someone with minor blemishes on their credit, or someone just beginning to save their downpayment to buy.

Whether you would be interested in either scenario, give me a call at 905-208-7002 to schedule a meeting to discuss how we can get you into these opportunities, either as your first step to becoming a Millionaire Real Estate Investor or as a new home owner.

Top Ten 2009 Gardening Trends






(ARA) – Americans craving authenticity and fretting over a bleak economy have reinvigorated the trend to grow-it-yourself (GIY). From blueberries to houseplants, GIY is the new mantra as folks turn "back to the future" to simplify their lives while gardening for the greener good.

"It’s a resurgence of gardening for the greater good -- for the earth and our wallets," says Susan McCoy, trend spotter and president of the Garden Media Group (GMG). "The most exciting movement seems to be that gardening is popular again, particularly among younger homeowners," she adds.

GMG’s gardening trends for 2009 reveal a resurgence in perennials, growing native plants, creating "blended" gardens using vegetables and herbs in flower beds, cultivating with best practices, planting to attract wildlife and going local.

"The urgent commitment to environmental sustainability and the basic desire to make our homes our havens is reflected in all gardening trends for 2009," predicts McCoy.

What’s in: Eco-boosting
What’s out: Conspicuous consumption
One simple way to be an eco-booster is to create natural habitats for wildlife with native plants that attract birds, bees and butterflies. Look for eco-friendly plants like the line of native plants from American Beauties (www.ABNativeplants.com) or the Knock Out family of roses (www.TheKnockoutRose.com), which are drought- and disease-resistant, and require little care or chemicals. Go organic with peat-free soil from The Organic Mechanics Soil Company (www.OrganicMechanicSoil.com) that supports sustainable practices and feeds plants from the soil up.

What’s in: Grow-it-Yourself (GIY)
What’s out: Having someone do it all for you
Tranquil moments may be few but the recent rise in gardening reconnects us with nature, family and friends as we share our bounty. With the increase in demand for year-round fresh fruits and vegetables, local farmers markets are seeing an upsurge in business, community gardens have waiting lists, and plant swaps are on the rise.

What’s in: Blended gardens
What’s out: Segregated gardens
Plant mint and fragrant thyme varietals in between cracks of stone pathways and grow strawberries for a delightful edible groundcover around trees. Fruit-bearing shrubs and trees provide color, privacy and fruitful bounty mingling among veggies and perennials. Garden centers are reporting an increase in demand for fruit-bearing shrubs like blueberries and raspberries as ornamentals. Briggs Nursery (www.BriggsNursery.com) is introducing the first-ever pink blueberry, "Pink Lemonade."

What’s in: Locavore
What’s out: Big carbon footprint
Buying local is all the rage. Gardeners are aware of their role as naturalists and conservationists, and are looking for native plants that thrive in their own backyards. “Native plant cultivars are selected to perform better in specific areas under local conditions,” says Steve Castorani, from American Beauties Native Plants. “When you select a plant that is native to the local area, it will thrive with little to no water, fertilizer or effort.”

What’s in: Water
What’s out: Water
For the first time, water is in and out. Whether bringing in fountains, endless waterfalls, or fish ponds, the soothing sounds of water can turn any backyard into a private oasis. Costa Farms (www.CostaFarms.com) offers plants that drink responsibly like succulents, cactus, yucca and ferns, which are easy, conserve water, and add sizzle to your landscape. The Knock Out family of roses, from bright red to sunny yellow, is drought-resistant.

"Water features such as fountains are showing up not only in the garden but on tabletops, and sometimes more than one in the garden," says Jon Carloftis, a renowned garden designer. He likes the classic and contemporary options from Campania International (www.CampaniaInternational.com) to bring the sight and sound of water into gardens without a lot of fuss or maintenance.

What’s in: Outside inside
What’s out: Outside only  
From bean sprouts on kitchen countertops to green walls laden with herbs and micro-greens, plants are decorating spaces as "art- in-motion." Tropical plants like bromeliads and orchids create instant beauty and give a boost of oxygen and clean the air.

"It’s easy to expand your home’s boundaries and add indoor charm to your patio, deck and garden using great indoor plants like ferns and palms. And ornamentals continue to be fashionistas beautifying containers, landscapes, mixed or mass planted," McCoy adds.

What’s in: Info lust
What’s out: Lack of knowledge
Lack of time and knowledge have been primary reasons people hesitate to garden. Not anymore. Novices and experienced gardeners hungry for inspiration, information, and instruction are packing master garden classes for instruction and gardening "how-to" tips. Gardeners are gobbling up information from friends, classes and workshops, local garden media, magazines, and the Internet and sharing their success stories with bloggers and friends

What’s in: Quick and simple
What’s out: Over-the-top and complicated
As time-starved consumers try to juggle busy schedules most seek quick and simple solutions to meet their gardening needs. Containers are no longer a trend but a garden staple in large and small spaces.

Select natural materials like cast stone and terra cotta containers and accessories that are perfect eco-friendly accents. "Big and bold is ‘in’ and square is the new round," says Peter Cilio, creative director for Campania International.

What’s in: Global colors
What’s out: Safe colors
The 2009 color forecasters predict a funky mix of colors that reflect a jambalaya of world cultures. Today’s main color influencers are our global connectivity, cultural unity, and environmental responsibility.

"Colors are bold, crazy, exaggerated, and in-your-face, almost like pop-art, and reflect a playful spirit in the face of world events," says Donna Dorian, former style editor of Garden Design Magazine.

Be uber-trendy with anything red this spring from the Carefree Spirit shrub rose and true red rhododendron "Trocadero" to tropical red Sun Parasol Crimson mandevilla.

What’s in: Worldly
What’s out: Cookie-cutter
Americans have embraced the world bazaar of vibrant colors, textures, sights and sounds. Asian, African, Indian, and Mid-Eastern influences are showing up in patterns, textures and colors.

"As we travel more, we tend to bring more of our memories home -- creating escapist retreats," says John Kinsella, brand director for terrain (www.terrainathome.com).  

For a complete look at the GMG 2009 Garden Trends, visit www.GardenMediaGroup.com or subscribe to www.GardenPlot.Blogspot.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent