Does It Make Cents To Pull The Penny?

By Eric Pfeiffer

The Canadian government announced on Thursday that it plans to pull the penny from circulation at the end of 2012, saying the copper-coated currency is more expensive for the Royal Canadian Mint to produce than its actual currency value.

"Pennies take up too much space on our dressers at home. They take up far too much time for small businesses trying to grow and create jobs," said Finance Minister Jim Flaherty. He also said it costs 1.5 cents to produce each penny.

"We will, therefore, stop making them," he said.

Nonetheless, the news has been causing quite a stir across Twitter today.

The U.S. faces a similar dilemma, where it costs nearly two cents to produce a single penny. U.S. pennies are in fact composed primarily of zinc, and have a thin copper coating. The Wall Street Journal wrote that the Obama Administration has proposed using less expensive materials in the production of pennies and nickels, but public misinformation on the perceived value of coins would likely stir up controversy.

It could also be disastrous news for at least one Portland, Oregon, nightclub.

During the 2008 presidential campaign, Obama discussed phasing out the penny, saying, "We have been trying to eliminate the penny for quite some time—it always comes back. I need to find out who is lobbying to keep the penny." However, Obama said that fellow presidential Illinois native Abraham Lincoln shouldn't be phased out from our currency. "Oh, you think it's Illinois? You're blaming us?" he joked. "I will seriously consider eliminating the penny as long as we find another place for Lincoln to land." Lincoln, of course, already graces the front of the $5 bill.

The Canadian penny will still be accepted indefinitely as a form of currency, but the government says it will eventually require cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest five-cent increment. Customers are already forbidden from using more than 25 pennies in a single purchase.

"The penny has simply outlived its purpose," said Senator Irving Gerstein. "It is a piece of currency, quite frankly, that lacks currency."

The Associated Press notes that some countries have already eliminated pennies or their monetary equivalent from circulation, including Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Israel, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, France, Spain, South Africa, Switzerland and Brazil.

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Headline Sells Papers But Story Lacks Substance

The headline in the March 26th edition of The Financial Post reads "Listing Prices Mean Nothing". With the current state of our Real Estate Market and bidding wars all around, the headline seems intriguing. Surely the article must be informative and include accurate facts. Or has it just been inserted to boost sales as newspapers struggle for survival?

The writer of this column goes on to state "the concept of an asking price is becoming virtually meaningless" and "realtors are so out of touch that they can't price homes properly".

It's ironic that this columnist is accusing Real Estate Professionals as the ones being out of touch. The only valid point made in this article is that the market is moving fast. It is inferred that Realtors are to blame for the increased demand for homes and that they are deliberately under pricing homes to create this multiple offer phenomenon. The fact that a home may sell for 20% above the list price is not an indication that the realtor was off base with the listing price. The Toronto Real Estate Board average for selling price vs asking price in the first three months of 2012 is 100% of asking. Simple math would confirm that if some homes are selling above list, there are that many selling under asking price.

What the writer strategically avoids in his effort to sway the general public's perception of a Realtor's credibility, is that price is a direct reflection of supply and demand and that no individual can dictate market price. Sale prices are mainly determined by economics. When inventory is running low, there will obviously be an increase in demand and thus an increase in price. Vice versa, when there is a surplus of inventory, demand decreases and so do prices.

In a balanced market where supply and demand are equal, homes will sell for market value. In markets where supply is greater than demand (buyers' market) sale price will be less than market value.

As Realtors, our role is to educate our clients on market value for properties. As buyer or seller representatives, we have access to the same information and can derive accurate market values for properties. Like any other product or service, superior features will obviously increase perceived value. The writer makes it seem as though a Realtor should be able to estimate selling price to the dollar, thereby eliminating any negotiation between buyer and seller.

The value of a home is different to every buyer. If location is imperative to one buyer, the perceived value of a home may be $20,000 more than to the buyer who sees the property as an investment. A pool sized backyard may mean more to someone than a double car garage would. Value cannot be preset, it is subjective. A properly priced home will draw more attention than a home that is overpriced. As a sellers' representative, my objective is to maximize my clients' return on their investment. The writer seems to be bitter about Realtors' acting in their sellers' best interest. Whether this is because he has constantly losing out in bidding wars or if he can't seem to get a proper return on his sales is not made clear. Proper representation will make sure a buyer's best interest is protected and they won't over-pay for a home, even in a sellers' market.

The market is always good. It is either good for sellers, or good for buyers. It is never good for both parties at the same time. There will be times where bidding wars are the norm, and times when a buyer calls the shots. Regardless of which type of market we are in, the price being paid for a home is always determined by the buyer. The right to back away during a multiple offer situation is always there and using a professional to educate you throughout the process is your best option.

The story ends with the writer taking a shot at Realtors by stating "..asking price itself should not be a gauge for what a home is worth. Real Estate agents have taken care of that.".

It is sad that a respected paper such as the Financial Post has to fill vacant front page space by inserting comments from uninformed sources. The Headline - Listing Prices Mean Nothing - had so much promise, yet the story fails to deliver accurate information.

The point that this article does drive home is that catchy headlines in the newspaper should not be a gauge for accurate information. Uninformed journalists have taken care of that.

Asif Khan, ABR
Re/Max Hall of Fame
Re/Max Chairman's Club
Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc., Brokerage
905-888-6222

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Shania's Sunflower of Hope

Here's an event that is near and dear to my heart, and I urge everyone to help me support this.  As most of you know, I spend my weekend mornings coaching girls' hockey.  Last year I had the opportunity to coach a special young girl named Shannon.  Shannon was focused, determined and passionate about the sport, working extra hard between games to improve her skating and her shot.  She became our team's most improved player, and I'll never forget the smile on her face after her first goal.  I learned at the end of the year, that Shannon had faced a personal tragedy just a few years ago.  Often we take life for granted.  We see our children playing, competing and maturing, we forget that some children don't have that luxury.  This tragedy puts life into perspective.   

 

Shannon's older sister, Shania was a normal and healthy 8 year old girl, who had a real love for life. She loved swimming, playing hockey and gymnastics. Shania wanted to be a Teacher when she grew up and loved School and her friends. In June 2006, Shania was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma stage 4 - a rare and deadly form of cancer. She had a tumor removed from the inside of her skull which was putting pressure on the main artery to her brain. She underwent 7 cycles of Chemotherapy in total and had one of her adrenal glands removed. The adrenal gland being the spot where the cancer metastasized from. The cancer had also spread to her bone marrow in her spine, on her pelvis and legs. Shania underwent a bone marrow transplant just before Christmas 2006 and was in remission for 4 months, until mid April, when she relapsed with this terrible disease. Her bone marrow had not recovered enough to continue with further chemo treatments the cancer spread quickly in Shania and went into her lungs.

Shania fought this cancer with a grace and determination that was inspiring. She had started her fund-raising one misty day in August of 2006 with her friend Bronwyn. They made up some beaded necklaces, bracelets and key chains. They put their price lists in plastic zip-lock bags, set up a table and went at selling them. All the neighbours bought some. One neighbour went to work and got 64 orders. Shania decided to call her fund-raising endeavours "Shania's Sunflower of Hope", sunflowers being Shania's favourite flower. Shania started the fund-raising because she wanted to help children with Neuroblastoma.

This courageous little girl who loved sunflowers had a vibrant personality and lively spirit.  She decided to organize a Spring Fun Fair. With the help of her family, friends and school, they created Shania’s Sunflower of Hope Fun Fair at the Markham Fairgrounds. The Fun Fair is an opportunity for a fun-filled, family-friendly day that will raise money for neuroblastoma research without taking a heavy toll on families’ wallets. At the fun fair you can experience a wide assortment of games, sports challenges, bounce on a wide variety of inflatables, facepainting, crazy balloon hats, great food and wide variety of local entertainment. On July 19, 2007, shortly after her first Fun Fair, Shania passed away.  I cannot imagine the pain Shayne, Karen and Shannon have continued to live through.  They've gathered strength by continuing Shania's dream - to hold the fair annually and raise money to fight the deadly disease.  2012 marks the fair's sixth anniversary. To date, Shania’s fundraising activities have generated over  $250,000. All net proceeds generated through Shania's Sunflower of Hope are donated to neuroblastoma research at Sick Kids Hospital.

 

This year, Shania’s Sunflower Of Hope will take place on April 28, 2012 at the Markham Fair Grounds. I have committed to supporting this event this year, and in the future, and am asking for your support in making Shania’s dream come true. Tickets to the fair are only $9 per person or $35 per family of six.  There are games, prizes, and entertainment.  Please let me know how you would like to help Shania's Sunflower of Hope and The James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research at the Hospital for Sick Children accomplish its purpose and find a cure for neuroblastoma.  We would love to see you there on April 28th, however if you can't make it out a monetary donation or item for the silent auction would be greatly appreciated.  Let's help Shania's dream become reality! 

Thank you in advance for your generous support of an event that really should bring out every family.  Please help spread the word and let's make this event bigger and better than previous years!

Asif

 

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Stay Variable or Go Fixed?

When discussing the strength of Toronto's housing market I am constantly being reminded/warned that an increase in rates will cause a significant shift in the market and cause it to "crash". The naysayers would have a point if home buyers were purchasing properties they may not qualify for normally, and be relying on the low variable rates to carry it. However, with this same argument in mind, the banks have been using projected rates to qualify buyers over the past couple of years. Buyers have had to qualify on what the rate may be in 3-5 years, thereby reducing the risk to the banks. Now add the new, and much lower, fixed rates into the mix. Locking into your mortgage for five years, with a 25-year amortization, would surely counter the rate increase argument, as well as provide stability to consumer finances.

With bond rates increasing over the last couple of months, and with the USA and global economies on the rebound, signs are pointing to rate increases in the next little while. As inflation rises and demand for commodities increases, the likelihood of the Bank Of Canada increasing rates increases. Now before you rush out and lock-in your variable rates, remember that traditional rate increases are 1/4 point, maybe a maximum of a 1/2 point. If you have a variable rate such as prime - 0.75 or prime - 0.9, stay with it for now. If you're rate is hovering around prime, take advantage of the fixed rates available today.

Another point I always make to our clients is that you should never shop for a mortgage on rate alone. Sure the 2.99% 5 year fixed is a great rate, however take the time to understand all the pros and cons about that mortgage. In the end, a 3.25% mortgage which allows you some flexibility in making extra payments throughout the year or even a lump sum on the anniversary date may prove to be the better deal.

Locking into a fixed rate will surely reduce the likelihood of a rate increase putting homeowners at risk. Keep in mind that even if you stay with your variable rate and it increases from 2.25% to 3.25%, your payment on a $200,000 mortgage will go from approximately $875 to $975. It is not a significant increase to monthly payments, however it is a slight increase.

From a Real Estate perspective, a crash due to slight rate increases is highly unlikely. As mentioned above, the banks have been taking a conservative approach to approvals over the past few years. The only contributing factor that could significantly reduce the strength of the housing market would be a sudden increase in supply. Our limited inventory level and continuous demand are the driving force behind the market.

Team Khan provides our clients with a network of mortgage professionals that will guide them in making an educated decision when it comes to mortgages. For your peace of mind, I have arranged Mortgage Evaluation Seminars over the next month. Mortgage professionals from the major banks will be able to answer any of your questions and review your mortgage details with you. Give me a call at 905-888-6222 to reserve your spot as seating is limited.

Regards,

Asif

Asif Khan, ABR
Re/Max Hall of Fame
Re/Max Chairman's Club
Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc., Brokerage
905-888-6222

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Homebuying activity strong out of the gate, as a more competitive market takes shape for spring 2012, says RE/MAX

Major Canadian real estate markets continued to show exceptional resiliency throughout the first quarter of the year, with strong demand and diminished supply setting the stage for a heated spring 2012, according to a report released by RE/MAX.

The RE/MAX Market Trends Report, highlighting sales, price, trends and developments in 15 markets across the country, found that 12 of 15 Canadian centres (80 per cent) were reporting year-to-date (January-February) sales activity ahead of last year’s levels, with more than half reporting double-digit increases. Low interest rates, coupled with strong consumer confidence levels and a mild winter, played a significant role in the upswing, ushering in an early start to the spring market. Average price climbed in 14 of 15 markets (93 per cent) examined, yet appreciation was more tempered, with only three markets posting gains in excess of 10 per cent. Tighter inventory levels at entry-level price points have sparked bidding wars—particularly in Winnipeg and the Greater Toronto Area—with similar conditions starting to emerge in Saskatoon, Regina, London-St. Thomas, Hamilton-Burlington, Ottawa, St. John’s, and Halifax-Dartmouth.

Given the current economic climate, the strength of the country’s housing market clearly reflects the value Canadians place on homeownership. One driving factor has been the overall performance of the market over the past decade. Existing homeowners have realized substantial equity gains, especially in recent years, and many are taking advantage of the combination of historically low interest rates and equity to upgrade. Perhaps more importantly, housing has outperformed just about every other asset class – and a principle residence is capital gains exempt – a fact that’s not gone unnoticed.

In terms of sales appreciation, the best performing markets heading into the traditionally busy spring season were Halifax-Dartmouth (35 per cent), Saskatoon (21 per cent), Saint John (20 per cent), Regina (16 per cent), St. John’s (12.5 per cent), Greater Toronto Area (12 per cent), London-St. Thomas (11 per cent), and Edmonton (11 per cent). Only Vancouver, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Winnipeg have experienced softening in housing activity so far this year. Sales are down 16 per cent in the Greater Vancouver, 4.5 per cent in Kitchener-Waterloo, and almost on par in Winnipeg.

Housing values are escalating at a steady pace in most major markets. Yet, gains are, as predicted, much more moderate than in years past. We expect this will remain the trend moving forward—in line with the Canadian economy, as GDP growth also moves ahead at a more subdued pace. Conditions will vary locally, with some markets exceeding expectations, largely due to the fact that the significant influx of inventory expected never materialized or, in the case of Saskatchewan and Newfoundland, the local economy has shown extraordinary strength. On the whole, this is a very stable and healthy housing market in line with traditional norms, with few exceptions.

Year-to-date average price in most major centres is also on the upswing. Winnipeg, Greater Toronto and St. John’s each posted a percentage increase of 10 per cent in the first two months of 2012. Values in Kitchener-Waterloo followed at nine per cent, while Regina and Saskatoon escalated six per cent.

Purchasing intentions have largely been driven by confidence in a buyer’s own employment and financial picture, followed by major lifecycle events. While global uncertainties caused some to pause in recent years, purchasers will only sit on the fence so long before the need to make a move becomes a stronger impetus. That reality is starting to fuel momentum, along with the domino effect of an enthusiastic entry-level segment. First-time buyers are driving demand in both the smaller and major markets, in turn sparking strong sales activity among move-up purchasers at the higher price points. As a result, the upper-end of the market has also held up well. There’s no question that the spring 2012 market will see all segments working in tandem.

Highlights:
Halifax-Dartmouth’s residential real estate market is firing on all cylinders thanks to the $25 billion shipbuilding contract awarded in the last quarter of 2011. Renewed confidence has bolstered homebuying activity, with sales up 35 per cent over one year ago.
Markets in Saskatchewan are also red-hot, with Saskatoon (21 per cent) and Regina (16 per cent) supported by strong economic fundamentals and increasing population levels in the province.
Tight market conditions have seriously hampered sales activity in Winnipeg, but purchasers remain undaunted. In February, 44 per cent of single-family homes sales sold above list price, while 31 per cent of condominium sales sold for more than ask.
In Greater Toronto, multiple offers are commonplace in blue-chip neighbourhoods, with an estimated 50 per cent of detached homes priced in the $600,000 to $900,000 price range selling for more than list price.
The First-Time Buyer’s Tax Credit and remediation of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) issue in British Columbia is expected to breathe new life into housing markets this spring.

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Winning The Bidding War

Whether you're buying or selling, you know you're going to hear the following: Offer Dates, Bidding Wars, Multiple Offers, and Sold Over Asking. Bidding Wars seem to have become the norm in Toronto's heated Real Estate market. Homes are selling for an average of 100% of asking price, and there is very little room for negotiations. With limited inventory, buyers have shifted their focus from getting a "deal" to making sure you get the home you love. As per the mid month stats released by the Toronto Real Estate Board this week, the strong competition between home buyers in many parts of the GTA has resulted in homes that are priced correctly selling for their asking price or higher in shorter periods of time. On the condo front however, there are deals to be had. The increasing inventory has developers offering incentives that were unheard of in previous years for properties that have been available for some time now. This has also affected selling price in that some of these condos are selling for less now than they did pre-construction. The keys to purchasing your home for the right price or if you want to enter the market with a super deal on a condo is to be prepared and informed. It doesn't always take the highest price to win a bidding war. There are key contributing factors to an offer that can position yours head and shoulders above the rest. The three "pre"s can help you win the war - Prepare, Pre-inspect, Pre-qualify. Today's changing Real Estate landscape requires creative ideas to get your offer to purchase accepted. From a sellers' perspective, to obtain the best deal available you need to apply the same three "pre"s and use creative techniques to build interest and demand. Going into the process informed makes a world of difference. To discuss your home buying or selling needs and create a custom strategy that will position you to win, give us a call at 905-888-6222 and let's get it started!

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Canadian Home Ownership Becoming More Affordable

Housing affordability improved in Canada during the last three months of 2011, Royal Bank of Canada said in a quarterly report Wednesday.

RBC said the financial burden of owning a home declined for the second straight quarter in last year’s fourth quarter, thanks to “softer” home prices and higher incomes.

That countered the deterioration of home affordability seen in the first half of last year, largely because of a rapid run-up in prices in the Vancouver area.

“As a result, the cost of owning a home at market price represented slightly less of a pinch on household budgets in the fourth quarter,” RBC chief economist Craig Wright said in a statement. “Continued low interest rates in 2012 will help keep housing costs at bay in the near term.”

The average proportion of pre-tax household income needed to own a standard two-storey home was down 0.8 of a percentage point to 48.1% nationally in the fourth quarter, RBC said. For detached bungalows, it was down 0.6 point to 42.2%, and for condominiums down half a percentage point to 28.5%.

Via: Derek Abma, National Post

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

The Competition Bureau's Attack On Your Privacy

When visiting the Competition Bureau of Canada's website and viewing their Privacy Notice, it reads "The Government of Canada and the Competition Bureau are committed to providing visitors with Websites that respect their privacy."

Their Privacy Statement contains the following wording:
"Personal information you provide is protected under the provisions of the Privacy Act.".

Does anyone else find it ironic, that with the above statements being part of their Privacy Policies, the Competition Bureau is now asking Realtor Boards to break privacy laws by disclosing confidential information the Brokerages have vowed to protect?

The Bureau feels that the disclosure of this personal information is in the public's best interest. In order to judge how the public feels about the Competition Bureau's threats to dismantle privacy safeguards, the Toronto Real Estate Board hired Angus Reid for a Vision Critical Poll. Results from this poll follow:

1. 75% of Ontarians want their personal information such as name and final sale price to be kept confidential and not released to the general public
2. 70% of homeowners do not want their personal contact information released to the public
3. 67% of Ontarians oppose any measure to make personal contact information such as name and address available to others who are not subject to professional code of conduct.

The public entrusts Realtors with their personal and private information and it is up to Realtors to protect their clients' personal information. As TREB President Richard Silver states "this is why TREB and Realtor Members are fighting for the privacy of our consumers.".

The mandate of the Competition Bureau does not, or at least should not, supersede Privacy Laws, especially since the violation of such laws could prove detrimental to the general public. Should public safety be jeopardized in lieu of information accessibility at any time? Furthermore, what does this have to do with "competition" anyway? Is there a good reason for your neighbours to know your mortgage details or sensitive property access information? In today's "Do Not Call List" era, should your name and contact information be available for all to see just because you've listed your home for sale? Should your pending sale price be disclosed to the public thereby eliminating any leverage you would have to attain the best price possible should your "conditional sale" fall through?

As a Realtor, I take my role to protect my clients' best interests seriously. I am at a loss to explain the Competition Bureau's high-handed and unethical behaviour. When is it okay for the safety of the general public to be hijacked by the government and how is this deemed to be appropriate by calling it a "competition" issue? In today's society, we have enough identity theft, mortgage fraud, and targeted domestic violence without more personal information floating around cyberspace. At some point protection of the consumer has to remain a priority.

I'm confident that my fellow Realtors feel the same way and will share this with their clients to help bring awareness to this matter. How can you help protect the consumer? Visit www.ProtectYourPrivacy.ca

I welcome your thoughts and comments.

Asif

Asif Khan, ABR
Re/Max Hall of Fame
Re/Max Chairman's Club
Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc., Brokerage
905-888-6222

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

GTA Schools Ranked Highest

TORONTO, ON - The Fraser Institute has released its annual ranking of Ontario elementary schools, and it appears school boards here in the GTA are making the grade.

GTA schools tended to be performing above the provincial average in the latest ranking, according to Michael Thomas of the Fraser Institute.

"The provincial average is a 6 out of 10, and we're seeing that almost all of the boards in the Greater Toronto Area, except for the Durham Public District School Board are actually above that 6 out of 10 rating," Thomas said.

Within the GTA, an impressive 15 schools are rated 10 out of 10.

"To put that in perspective, across the province there are 19 schools in total getting that 10 out of 10, so 15 of them are right here in the GTA," Michael Thomas said.

Some of those schools include St. Justin Martyr in Unionville and Seneca Hill here in Toronto.

The Conservative think tank says their report card allows parents to review the academic performance of their child's school over the past five years and compare it to other schools in the province.

Toronto is home to three of the fastest improving elementary schools, with Stella Maris Catholic School, St. Angela Catholic School and Perth Avenue Junior Public School.

Asif Khan, ABR
Re/Max Hall of Fame
Re/Max Chairman's Club
Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc., Brokerage
905-888-6222

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

10 Reasons Why Blackberry Is Better

By: LYNN GREINER, Globe and Mail

Research In Motion Ltd. has been the target of a lot of sniping in recent months. Hating it seems to have become a bit of a sport – the company apparently can’t do anything right.

Sorry to be a party pooper, but while the other platforms (which, yes, I have used) have many strengths, BlackBerry still has a lot going for it.

Here are 10 reasons why a BlackBerry can be the smartest choice when you’re picking a smartphone.

1. There’s something to be said for history. Independent technology analyst Carmi Levy points out that, since the original BlackBerry was designed to run on much slower networks with lower capacity, the devices made extremely efficient use of bandwidth, and today’s BlackBerry shares that heritage. “While overloaded wireless networks often crumble under the combined weight of Siri-using iPhone users, BlackBerry users manage to get their message through,” he says. “And stay under their monthly data caps.”

2. Efficient network usage pays off in unexpected ways. Less data sent and received means lower power usage, and that means longer battery life. It’s not unusual for my BlackBerry to go several days between charges. “The BlackBerry may not sport the latest, most full-featured apps when compared to the iPhone and Android,” notes Mr. Levy, “but none of that matters toward the end of the day when those other superphones are long dead and the only device with enough juice to send that mission-critical attachment has a RIM logo on it.”

3. Nothing can beat a good QWERTY keyboard. Say what you will about soft keyboards (the Windows Phone 7 version is quite nice, but for heavy messagers, QWERTY is best. And most BlackBerrys have good QWERTY keyboards. “If high-volume messaging-on-the-go is your thing,” says Mr. Levy, “you have pretty much only one choice.”

4. BlackBerry is the gold standard in mobile security. Transmissions are encrypted, end to end. It may not seem important at first blush, but with the increasing number of apps making financial transactions, be they banking or shopping or mobile payment, it’s critical to make sure those transmissions are secured.

5. Everything works together. “Its tight integration of hardware, operating system, software and services is a boon to consumers and businesses looking for a one-stop-shop solution,” says Mr. Levy. “You’re not just buying a device in the distant hope that it’ll work with the rest of your messaging solution. For many businesses, RIM is the only vendor they need to call.”

6. You can filter e-mail sent to the device. If you subscribe to a high-volume mailing list, for example, with any smartphone but the BlackBerry every single message from that list will wend its way to your device. That isn’t cheap. With a BlackBerry, you can prevent those messages from crossing the airwaves.

7. You can download headers only. This is a method some desktop e-mail programs have used for years over slow connections. You can configure your BlackBerry to download only message headers, and wait until asked to pull down the rest of a message. This gives you faster retrieval and uses less bandwidth.

8. Want to save even more money? BlackBerry compresses the data it does transmit. And this combined with header download and filtering can cut bandwidth usage (and roaming costs) tremendously. In a head-to-head comparison, BlackBerry roaming costs were one-tenth of those for a standard smartphone. That is not to be sneezed at.

9. A BlackBerry multitasks. It will happily run more than one app at a time. And it allows you to sync your data with a PC or Mac if you want to.

10. Its capacity expands. Unlike some other smartphones, it supports external storage such as a micro SD card, expanding its capacity by as much as 32 GB.

All this adds up to a solid, effective device. It may not be the shiniest, but it’s solid, reliable and efficient, and it saves money on bandwidth. In other words, it’s very Canadian.

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan